Category: Android

A Truck Full Of 22,500 LG G2 Phones Gets Stolen in Indiana

According to a report, a truck which was containing 22,500 units of the LG’s flagship device, LG G2 was stolen on the way to its destination in Louisville.

A report from CNET confirms that the LG G2 phones in the truck were for an US carrier Sprint and was supposed to launch early next month. The phones were stolen at 6:30 PM on Thursday in Indiana, and LG representative confirmed the report, the driver left the truck for a bathroom break and when he was back the truck was missing.

The Indiana police was informed along with the FBI. The phones might not make there way all the way to India, but be aware if you find a cheap LG G2 somewhere!

October 26, 2013
Huawei Ascend P6 a 4.7 inch HD display Phone Launched at 29999 INR

Huawei has launched its new smartphone, the Ascend P6 in India and is priced at 29999 INR. This flagship from the company is expected to be available soon in the Indian market and can be seen on few online retailers as well.

The Company claims the device to be the slimmest phone in world, as the device has a width of 6.2 mm and weighs just 120 grams. The Huawei Ascend P6 features a 4.7 inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The dvice is powered by company’s own manufactured chipset which has a quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz and the device runs in Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The device has a 2 GB of RAM and a 8 GB of inbuilt storage which is expandable upto 32 GB. The Huawei Ascend P6 sports a 8 MP primary camera F2.0 aperture and 4cm macro view with a BSI sensor which can do full HD video, secondary camera on the device is 5 MP.

The device is packed with a 2000 mAh battery and will be available in three color options: Pink, Black and White. The device seems to gave some decent specifications but the price tag seems a bit high.

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October 26, 2013
Now You Can Edit and Work on Multiple Posts With Vine

Vine introduced some new additions, Sessions and Time Travel. Vine claims with these new features, you can maintain multiple posts in progress over time and edit your posts before you share them.

Sessions: Tap the new icon in the bottom right corner of your camera to save a new session or open an existing one. Save any post and come back to it later, it can work on up to ten posts at a time.

Time Travel: Tap the green bar from the camera while you’re shooting, or tap ‘Edit’ when you’re previewing a post. With this users can remove, reorganize or replace any shot within a post before its even shared.

Vine was built for one purpose to make it easy for people to capture life in motion and share it with the world. That is the reason we built the Vine camera, and it’s why we continue to improve upon and build new tools for your creations, nurturing the balance between power and simplicity that you’ve come to expect from us.

You can update your application from Play Store and App Store.

October 25, 2013
Micromax Launches Canvas Turbo 5 Inch Full HD Screen at 19990 INR

Micromax has unveiled its first smartphone with full-HD display, the Canvas Turbo is priced at 19990 INR. The device will be available in the markets by this weekend.

The Micromax Canvas Turbo sports a a 5 inch full-HD dsiplay with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. The Hugh Jackman promoted device runs on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean and is powered by a 1.5 GHz quad-core MediaTek 6589T processor. Canvas turbo has a 2 GB of RAM coupled with a 16 GB of inbuilt storage.

Commenting on the launch, Rahul Sharma, Co-founder, Micromax said, “At Micromax, our focus has always been to keep innovating to democratize technology for masses by offering seamless experience through a combination of great hardware and enhanced software capabilities. Canvas Turbo further builds on our promise to constantly empower our users with superior technology. This is complemented by a refreshed ecosystem of applications enabling users to multitask offering great value to them.”

The device features a 13 MP rear autofocus camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera. Canvas Turbo is packed with a 2000 mAh battery. Few inbuilt applications on the phone are BBM, hike, Spuul, Kingsoft Office, M!Security, M!Unlock, M!Live and Game-hub. The device supports one Micro SIM and other standard SIM size: Dual SIM.

The fully aluminium made device will be available starting 26 October and will be sold in two colors blue and white.

October 24, 2013
Samsung Has Sold Over 40 Million Galaxy S4 Units

Samsung has sold more than 40 Million Galaxy S4 in 6 months of its launch. Earlier, Samsung sold 38 million of its Note devices, now with the S4 company has reached a new milestone.

It sure is an achievement for the company but Samsung might have assumed this already, as the first month sales for the device itself was 10 Million units. JK Shin, did not reveal the brake down of the sales, but the S4 golden was probably not the show stealer here as it was only available in a limited market. Whereas, the company further updated the product through a firmware tweak which allowed the device to connect with the wearable Galaxy Gear.

October 24, 2013
Zombie Chickens: Plants vs Zombies 2 Now Available On Android Devices World Wide

After some test runs in Australia and New Zealand, EA and PopCap have released the much awaited game Plants vs Zombies 2 for Android users worldwide. The game was available on iOS device some time back and now Android users can take an advantage of it as well!

Game Features
• Meet powerful new plants that will defend your lawn through time
• Go toe-to-missing-toe with dozens of new zombies
• Supercharge your floral friends with healthy doses of Plant Food
• Fire up amazing Finger Powers to pinch, flick and zap zombies
• Defeat brain-teasing challenges that will test your zombie-zapping skills
• Take on zombies from all worlds in the Piñata Party mini-game and win prizes
• Gather keys to play valuable side missions
• Collect coins to purchase potent power-ups
• Earn stars to take you to new worlds
• Connect to Game Services to unlock achievements and compete against friends on the leaderboards
• Look out! Zombie chickens!
Language Support: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese

Requirements:
• Requires Android 2.3 (Gingerbread); ARMv7 1.0 Ghz or higher; 1 GB of RAM
• Features may vary by mobile device

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October 24, 2013
Micromax Canvas Magnus Listed Online For 14999 INR

While watching the teasers and joining of Hugh Jackman with Micromax as an ambassador for the teased Micromax Turbo, everyone believed next launch by the company would be the Canvas Turbo. However, Micromax has secretly been working on another smartphone named Canvas Magnus which is now available online at a price of 14999 INR.

The Micromax Canvas Magnus features a 5 inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The device runs on Android 4.2 Jelly bean and is powered by a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor. The Micromax Canvas Magnus besides being pronounced as a rhyme also features a 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage which is expandable via Micro SD. The device features a 12 MP primary camera accompanied with a LED flash, a 2 MP secondary camera. The device is packed with 2000 mAh battery, connectivity options on the device include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/ AGPS, and 3G. The device also support Dual SIM.

No word on availability as the company has not officially revealed the device yet, they might be buzy with the upcoming Canvas Turbo.

October 23, 2013
Samsung Acquires 7.4 Percent of Gorilla Glass Maker Corning

Corning has taken full control of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co. Ltd., which is a joint venture 43 percent owned by Samsung itself. In return, the Korean company will get $1.9 billion worth of shares in Corning, which if converted, would give it a 7.4 percent stake.

Both organisations have also agreed to a deal that will see Samsung Display supplied by Corning till 2023. The company’s Gorilla Glass is used in most of the high-end smartphones and tablets, which includes products made by Samsung, Apple and even HTC. This deal might create some unwanted heat from other companies who also uses Gorilla Glass.

October 23, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note 2 to Get Android 4.3 and Galaxy Gear Support Soon

After the much awaited Android update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, Samsung has now confirmed that both these phones will now get the Galaxy Gear support along with the Android update which will be out soon depending on what country you are in.

Recently the Android update was out for the Galaxy S4 and now it will be applied to the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. The Galaxy Gear support will not be limited only to Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 or Note 2 as the Gear support will also be available for Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy Mega 5.8, Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Galaxy S4 Zoom. All these devices would be able to access the benefits of the Galaxy Gear with time. However, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy note 2 will get the earliest access to the Galaxy Gear.

Extending Galaxy Gear compatibility to more Galaxy devices reflects our deep commitment to continuing to deliver enriched mobile experiences to our consumers,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile division, Samsung Electronics. “Through a significant effort to enhance and enrich the Galaxy experience, Samsung continues to empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear.”

Press Release

Samsung Extends Galaxy Gear Compatibility to Galaxy S III, S4, Note II, and More

October 23, 2013

Samsung provides more users with enhanced flexibility and freedom via extended Galaxy Gear compatibility

Seoul, Korea – Oct 23, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced that more Samsung devices will be compatible with Galaxy Gear, a perfect companion device that makes mobile communication easier and more enjoyable.

Galaxy Gear will be available for use with Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II through the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update. The update came first to Galaxy S4 devices in Germany in October. Samsung will also extend Galaxy Gear compatibility to other GALAXY devices – including Galaxy S4 mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and S4 zoom – through a separate software update beginning at the end of October. Software update schedules for each device will vary by country and carrier.

“Extending Galaxy Gear compatibility to more Galaxy devices reflects our deep commitment to continuing to deliver enriched mobile experiences to our consumers,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile division, Samsung Electronics. “Through a significant effort to enhance and enrich the Galaxy experience, Samsung continues to empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear.”

Samsung Galaxy Gear
Galaxy Gear will enable Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II users to make and answer calls and view incoming messages and notifications with just a glance. For a closer look at more important messages, users can simply pick up their master device and the Smart Relay feature instantly reveals the full content. Users can also find major social apps on Samsung Apps to maintain connections to their social networks via Galaxy Gear.

With a 1.9 Megapixel camera, users can snap a visual memo by simply tapping Galaxy Gear’s screen. Photos are then easily and automatically saved in the master device’s gallery. Users can enjoy a built-in Pedometer app and use Galaxy Gear to control the music played on their master devices. Of course the device also functions like a watch, with the option to change the face with 10 different clock options and even more options available via Samsung Apps.

October 23, 2013
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition launched in India at a Price of 49990 INR

Samsung has launched the latest Galaxy Note tablet in India, the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition is priced at 49990 INR. The tablet is now available throughout India in all the stores.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition sports a 10.1 inch WQXGA display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 is powered by a 1.9 GHz quad-core and 1.3 Ghz quad-core Exynos 5 Octa processor. The device is packed with a 3GB of RAM which was seen on the Note 3, the tablet has a 32 GB inbuilt storage which is expandable via Micro SD. The Galaxy Note 10.1 features a 8 MP primary camera with BSI sensor and autofocus along with LED flash, the secondary camera on the device is a 2 MP BSI sensor. The device runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and is packed with a giant 8220 mAh battery.

The new GALAXY Note 10.1 delivers the best viewing and multitasking experiences. It is a demonstration of Samsung Mobile’s focus on constant product innovation to stay aligned with shifting consumer interests,” said Mr. Vineet Taneja, Country Head, Mobile & IT, Samsung India. “The GALAXY Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) unites functionality, usage experience and mobility to make the everyday lives of consumers easier and more enjoyable.”

The device also features S Pen, and delevers features seen on Note 3 like the Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write and S Finder. The newly launched Galaxy Note 10.1 also comes pre-loaded with Samsung KNOX for enhanced security. Connectivity options on the tablet include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct and AllShareCast, as well as 3G/ LTE as indicated earlier.

The device is available in two color options jet black and classic white, the company has given the device the same leather look at the back as on the Note 3.

October 23, 2013

What to Buy : Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Galaxy Note 2

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was launched in India for a price of Rs. 49900 (roughly translated to “more than most can afford”) and is now available throughout India. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a new design over its predecessor boasting a soft-touch, leather like back, along with many hardware changes that put it right in line with many flagships out there. But, at the price at which it has launched, should you go in for the Galaxy Note 3? or should you get the Galaxy Note 2? Here is where we break it down for you.

Aesthetics

The Note 3 is actually slimmer and thinner than the Galaxy Note 2 despite getting a larger 5.7-inch full HD 1920 x 1080p display. The Note 3 also appears to be squarish from the front and has a slightly raised bezel, as opposed to the roundish bezel on the Galaxy Note 2.

The new leather look back panel on the Note 3 definitely adds a lot more premium appeal to the previous plastic and poorly constructed look. Which however, does not change the fact that the phone is still completely plastic, now its just plastic hidden behind faux leather-appearing plastic.

Hardware Comparison

Apart from the obvious differences in the specs, the major changes on the new Note 3 worth noting are, the aforementioned Full HD display, a new Exynos 5 chipset vs Exynos 4 on the Note 2 which offers an effective 1.9 GHz on Quad cores (with full octa-core functionality by December.). You also get 3 new temperature, humidity and gesture sensors, along with an additional gigabyte of RAM.

A 16GB bump in storage capacity makes the basic variant (and the only one available in India) a 32GB variant. A slightly larger 3200 mAh battery and 13 MP camera finish off the changes on hardware. Check out a comparative below.

Specifications	Galaxy Note 3	Galaxy Note 2
Display	5.7 inch full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels (386 ppi)	5.5 inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (267 ppi)
Processor	1.9 Ghz Octa-Core(Exynos)	1.6 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A9
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Primary camera	13 MP with smart stabilization and high CRI LED flash	8 MP with image stabilization and LED flash
Video	Full HD @60fps	Full HD @30fps
Secondary camera	2 MP, Full HD	1.9 MP
RAM	3 GB	2 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB	16 GB
Connectivity	Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Infrared booster and USB 3.0	Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and USB 2.0
OS	Android 4.3 Jelly Bean	Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
Colors	Black, White and Blush Pink	Titanium Gray, Marble White, Amber Brown, Ruby Wine, Pink, Blue
Battery	3200 mAh	3100 mAh
Dimensions	151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm	151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm
Weight	168 grams	183 grams
Price	49,990	30,000

Software

Despite most attempts by the company, most of the new features of the Galaxy Note 3 will be available on the Galaxy Note 2. Including the new Action command feature which can be executed from the S Pen.

With not a lot of difference for the end user, one would consider going for the Note 2 as it would mostly achieve all the features that one would require from a smart phone with pen functionality.

The Galaxy Note 3 is the latest flagship from the company while the Galaxy Note 2 did really well in the past and offers most of the features for the Note 3 at a considerably low price. If you really need to get the most for your money’s worth, the Galaxy Note 2 is still an impressive piece of hardware with a lot going on under the hood, it is still capable of handling every app in the Google Play store, and whatever you can throw at it. If the latest is what you must get, then consider spending a lot more for the newest Note 3.

October 21, 2013

Microsoft Releases Official Remote Desktop Apps For iOS and Android

Coinciding with the release of Windows 8.1, Microsoft has unveiled Remote Desktop apps for iOS and Android.

RDM has long been a way for users to remotely access Windows desktops, whether from another computer or a mobile device. While this is Microsoft’s first foray into official iOS and Android apps for the service, other solutions from large companies like Citrix and Splashtop have adequately filled the gap for years.

What Microsoft’s remote desktop version has going for it is its price — free — and its official support of Windows 8.1, which is rolling out now. The app also supports Network Layer Authentication (NLA) which, according to Microsoft, “completes user authentication before you establish a remote desktop connection and the logon screen appears. This is a more secure authentication method that can help protect the remote computer from malicious users and malicious software.”

The app is a bit rough around the edges, according to initial reviews, lacking pinch-to-zoom and multiple desktop size support. In other words, you’ll be doing a lot of scrolling if your computer’s native resolution is much higher than your phone’s or tablet’s. Of course, you’ll have to install the host software on that PC in the first place, so the solution isn’t quite plug-and-play.

October 19, 2013
Nexus 5 Retail Box Leaks Out, Showing White Color Device

We have seen Nexus 5 leaks every now and then, rumors from how the device would look like to Google accidentally showing the listing of the device on the play store.

Now what has leaked out is the packaging of the device, the alleged box is said to be the retail packaging for the upcoming nexus 5. The leaked images were seen on Korean site Underkg.com. In the pictures of the Nexus 5 boxes, which you can see above, it appears that the white version of Google’s next flagship Android phone will keep its regular black front, but bring a white rear to the Nexus series.

As mentioned above these are rumors, can be fake. However, we have seen white nexus device before so it will not be something new if the upcoming nexus 5 will also be available in white color as seen in the leaked images. Expected release date is 28 of October, official news still away.

October 19, 2013
Lenovo Launches A10 an Android Powered Convertible Laptop

Lenovo is no new to laptops, but the Lenovo A10 is the first Android powered laptop for the company. The device is a 10.1 inch notebook with a rotatable touchscreen display.

The Lenovo A10 can be used as a laptop or tablet, it features a 10.1 inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The device runs on Android 4.2 and is powered by a 1.6 GHz quad-core Rockchip RK3188 Cortex-A9 processor. Lenovo A10 is packed with a 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage which is further expandable via micro SD, the company claims that it offers 9 hours of battery life with continuous video playback. The device sports a VGA webcam, two USB 2.0 ports and a HDMI port.

With the recent explosive growth in Android-based, smart connected devices, customers are relying more on Android apps for both work and play. Why should they be required to switch and duplicate to use their laptop? Lenovo’s A10 brings ultra-portability and dual-mode benefits to Android users at a reasonable price,” said Bai Peng, vice president and general manager, notebook business unit, Lenovo Business Group. “Thin and light, with multiple modes and user-inspired innovations for an outstanding user experience … the A10 is uniquely Lenovo.”

The press release says that the availability and pricing varies by region, however as per our sources the device might not be available in parts of US but will be sold in Europe and Asia regions. The pricing is said to start from 249 USD.

[toggle title=”Press Release “]Lenovo A10 Debuts as First Lenovo Laptop Powered by Android

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC– October 18, 2013: Multimode computing leader Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced the Lenovo A10, an affordable, ultra-portable, dual-mode laptop and the company’s first to run on Android 4.2 OS. Weighing less than 1kg and measuring just 17.3mm at its thickest point, the Lenovo A10 is an ideal companion for users on the go, providing easy access to a wide range of apps on a unique, dual-mode platform, which enhances the user experience for entertainment and Web browsing as well as productivity.

“In laptop mode,” users can take advantage of the A10’s unique, Lenovo-customized user interface, which provides an app launcher, task bar and status bar for quick, intuitive access to the app library and desktop, as well as convenient multitasking and app switching. File manager software, also included with the Lenovo customized OS, makes it easy to locate and manage a library of documents, videos and music. In laptop mode, the device offers a full-size ergonomic, AccuType keyboard for safe, comfortable use.

With the A10’s 10.1-inch HD (1366 x 768) resolution screen flipped around 300 degrees in “stand mode,” the Lenovo A10 shines as a device optimized for touch-enabled apps and entertainment. The stable hinge and “fold-back” design keeps the device steady and prevents shaking and bouncing while using the 10-point multi-touch screen. Stereo speakers and an integrated 0.3M webcam help users stay connected with family and friends while enjoying an immersive “sight and sound” experience with multimedia apps, games and video.

The Lenovo A10 is powered by an RK3188, quad-core Cortex-A9 processor, running at a maximum frequency of 1.6GHz, the highest frequency for all quad-core ARM-based CPUs currently available. The Cortex-A9 processor delivers solid performance for gaming and entertainment purposes, as well as enhances users’ ability to multitask and be productive. In addition, the A10’s battery supports up to nine hours of continuous video playback, ensuring that it is ready to perform, both on the road and at the desk.

“With the recent explosive growth in Android-based, smart connected devices, customers are relying more on Android apps for both work and play. Why should they be required to switch and duplicate to use their laptop? Lenovo’s A10 brings ultra-portability and dual-mode benefits to Android users at a reasonable price,” said Bai Peng, vice president and general manager, notebook business unit, Lenovo Business Group. “Thin and light, with multiple modes and user-inspired innovations for an outstanding user experience … the A10 is uniquely Lenovo.”

Pricing and availability varies per region. [/toggle]

October 19, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S4 Gets Android 4.3 and Gets Support For Galaxy Gear

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 just got a change with the Android 4.3 update recently and now the device adds compatibility with the Galaxy Gear.

Samsung has also bundled its own Wallet app, reading mode, updates to the imaging software, as well as a new keyboard and browser. You will only get the update if you have an unlocked model of the Galaxy S4. The latest updates adds various new features and changes like: Galaxy Gear Support, Samsung KNOX Implementation, Samsung Wallet comes pre-loaded, Improved RAM management, Improved Display colour reproduction, Improved TouchWiz, New Samsung Keyboard, New Samsung Browser, New Reading Mode and New Camera firmware

The report also claimed the devices getting the Android 4.3 update were the 2013 flagship, the Galaxy S4 in October while the 2012 flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy S III was expected to get the new Android update by October end or even November. The report further revealed that the Galaxy Note 2 will also get the update to the new and last update for Jelly Bean, but that would only be by the end of November, or early December.

October 18, 2013

Category: Android

Press Release

Aesthetics

Hardware Comparison

Software