Category: Android

Stock Google Keyboard Now Available On Google Play
Do you use Swype or SwiftKey on your Android? Google wants you to switch away and use their stock Android keyboard.

Google today released its Google Keyboard app for phones and tablets running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above. You can download it now directly from Google Play, although it’s only available in English-speaking locales (Google says more countries will be added soon).

This is the same keyboard that was introduced with Jelly Bean (Android 4.2), that includes Gesture typing, a way to swipe from letter-to-letter to spell out words. It should also actively predict words on-screen as you gesture between letters, making this one of the smartest keyboards you’ll use.

Downloading and launching the Google Keyboard app will walk you through turning on the keyboard and setting it as your default, after which your Android phone will have the same typing experience available on Nexus devices. Switching back to the keyboard that came with your phone (or any other alternative keyboards you may have downloaded) can be done from the device’s Settings page.

Google Keyboard’s features:
- Gesture Typing with dynamic floating preview.
- Voice Typing.
- Next-word suggestions and current-word completions.
- Dictionaries for 26 languages.
- Advanced keyboard layouts.
- Works across your Android devices (tablets and phones).
So if you’re unhappy with what companies like Samsung and HTC have cooked up, you can always use the stock Google keyboard now.

[Ars Technica]
June 6, 2013
Sony Unveils Xperia M and M Dual
Enjoying the success of dual sim phones, Sony has shown off the new Xperia M and Xperia M Dual. Both the Xperia M and the Xperia M dual carry a 4.0-inch TFT display of FWVGA resolution. The M and M dual run on a 1GHz dual-core processor along with Adreno 305 graphics, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage of which 2.8GB is user-accessible. A 32 GB microSD can expand the end-user storage.

Both phones have a 5-megapixel rear camera with auto-focus and a 0.3-megapixel front snapper along with a 1,750mAh battery and Wi-Fi, 3G with HSPA, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC. Sony has built in NFC connectivity and dedicated sharing apps, and the company is pegging Xperia M and Xperia M dual to be phones with “magical one-touch functions”. The Xperia M runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) while the dual will come with Android 4.2.2 out of the box and both flavors will run Sony’s own Timescape skin.

The Sony Xperia M will be available in four colour options – Black, White, Purple and Lime. While the dual will be available in Black, White and Purple colours. While no pricing information has been shared for the two phones, it is expected that the phones will go on sale in Q3 2013.

Sony Xperia M and Xperia M dual key specifications
- 4-inch display with FWVGA resolution
- 1 GHz dual-core processor
- 1GB RAM
- 4GB internal storage, expandable by up to 32GB via microSD
- 5-megapixel rear camera with auto-focus
- VGA front-facing camera
- Dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) only for Xperia M dual
- Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, aGPS, NFC
- 1,750mAh
- Android 4.1 for Xperia M, Android 4.2 for Xperia M dual
[youtube id=”x5x3aOwfYCs” width=”100%” height=”300px”]
June 5, 2013
Vine Now Available For Android

Vine for Android is now available for devices running Android 4.0 and above.

While the wait has been arduous for thousands of Android users accustomed to simulteanous app releases, but Twitter has finally released Vine for Android to the world. The six-second video social network has been the talk of the media and journalism circuit since its iPhone release in January, and an Android version was promised shortly thereafter.

The initial Android app is bare-bones: you can view the masterpieces from your stream of followers, upload your own six-second Vines, explore popular posts and Editors’ Choice clips, and share content to Twitter and Facebook. Unlike the iPhone version, however, you can’t tag users in posts, nor can you use hashtags. You also can’t engage the front-facing camera, something that was added to a previous iPhone release. There are also no push notifications in the first version, which will be disappointing to some users.

Vine for Android includes a Zoom feature, something that does not exist on the iOS version.

Mainly, though, Vine for Android is slow. Whereas the iPhone version renders video while you’re filming, the Android equivalent takes a long time to render after the filming. It takes over 30 seconds to render a six-second video.

In a blogpost on 3 June, Twitter said Android users can expect, “frequent updates with new features […] as well as bug fixes and performance improvements” in the coming weeks. This will include front-facing camera support, push notifications, the ability to mention people and use hashtags, and the ability to search.

[Mobile Syrup]

June 3, 2013
Rumor : LG could make the Nexus 5 After All

LG was the OEM of choice for building the Google Nexus phone last year, and the Nexus 4 has been quite a hit in the industry. Several tipsters and online rumors have pointed to different hardware being manufactured by different companies. The latest news comes from a Korean site called Daum, that claims that the Nexus 5 is already in testing and may be announced sooner than expected. The site also claims that LG is the choice as a manufacturer due to huge success with the Nexus 4 and an overall positive report from the market watch.

Google is known to have the same company build the Nexus device year after year, as they did with Samsung’s Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus, LG could be chosen for the Nexus 5 seeing as how well they executed the previous edition of the Google Phone.

While no real specs, images or design ideas for the upcoming product are available, it is claimed that the Hardware has already done several rounds of the Google Campus. With no real information to back this one, take it with a pinch of salt guys.

May 31, 2013
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is heading to India Early July forRs 24,990

Yesterday Samsung announced a “Mini” version of the Samsung Galaxy S4, while it may be mini in comparison to the original Galaxy S4, the Galaxy S4 Mini is still a pretty big phone. Defining the large handsets making Korean company’s dream for the future. The specs include a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.2.2, GPS, GLONASS, WiFi, 8GB internal memory (expandable up to 64), and 1.5GB of RAM.

The display is a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD display which will horribly disappoint onlookers, all juiced up by a 1,900mAh battery. But this news is old!, Our tipster within Samsung has confirmed that the plans for the launch of this phone have already been penned down and the Hardware will arrive as soon as early July and will also be kept in the under Rs. 25,000 price bracket.

The Galaxy S4 Mini from Samsung India, will be offered up in two variants a dual sim version and a single sim version, with a possibility of LTE enabled Single Sim variant. However, our source made it clear that he was unaware if both dual sim and single sim variants will be launched together.

The Galaxy S4 Mini will be offered up in the same two colors as the big brother White Frost and Black Mist. More details when available.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]SAMSUNG INTRODUCES THE GALAXY S4 MINI
A powerful, compact smartphone designed to fit busy lifestyles

London, UK – May 30, 2013 – Samsung Electronics today announced the Galaxy S4 Mini, a powerful, compact version of its bestselling smartphone, the Galaxy S4. The Galaxy S4 Mini delivers the superior performance, intuitive ease-of-use and sleek design of the Galaxy S4 in a portable chic and compact design.

Simon Stanford, Vice President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland said: “Demand for the Galaxy S4 has been phenomenal since it launched in April and we hope to build on this success with the Galaxy S4 Mini. This new handset is the ideal smartphone companion for anyone who wants a compact device packed with innovation.”

With a 4.3″ qHD Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy S4 Mini offers stunning images and content. At just 107g, the lightweight and compact design enables you to carry and use the device easily with one hand. The Galaxy S4 Mini also boasts powerful performance, equipped with a 1.7GHz dual core processor and supports many of the same intuitive features as the Galaxy S4, designed to enhance different aspects of life.

Capturing Memories
The Galaxy S4 Mini allows you to capture important moments in life with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera as well as a 1.9-megapixel HD front-facing camera. Special features include Sound&Shot, which stores sounds and images together, Panorama Shot which allows you to take a full view of what you are seeing, and Story Album, which automatically arranges photos in a smart format – photos taken by Galaxy S4 Mini are automatically gathered and saved according to your timeline, geo-tagging information or specific event, to create a photo album. You can also receive travel assistance and information services through the S Travel preloaded app which can even recommend a new trip and provide destination guides.

Sharing and Connecting
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini means you can share content with others around you easily. Simultaneously listen to the same music and play the same games as your friends with Group Play, and chat with multiple friends with animations, video and voice recording added to messages using ChatON.

Environment Features
The Galaxy S4 Mini features S Translator, for instant translation using text or voice on applications including email, text message and ChatON. You can also control your environment through WatchON’s IR remote which transforms the device into a remote to control your home entertainment systems including TV, set-top box and DVD player. Content available includes live TV, cable TV and VOD based on the information provided EPG (Electronic Program Guide). In addition, Samsung Link* will help you share content across multiple Samsung digital devices. *Available in select countries. Previously called AllShare Play.

Wellbeing Features
The Galaxy S4 Mini keeps you up to date with health and wellbeing information. Downloadable from Samsung Apps, S Health enables you to monitor your calorie balance. It can calculate each step taken daily, monitor sleeping patterns, calculate weight and share real time heart rate information**. Adapt Display provides an optimal viewing experience, customised for each type of application, and Adapt Sound offers an optimal level and type of sound, personalised for each user. ** Functionality such as monitoring weight, heart rate and sleeping patterns is possible through the use of fitness accessories which are sold separately.

Availability
The Galaxy S4 Mini will be available in two colours – White Frost and Black Mist. There will be a 4G LTE version, 3G version, and 3G Dual Sim version. Details on which variants will be ranged in the UK and the UK shipping date will be announced in due course.[/toggle]

May 31, 2013
HTC One with Stock Android Announced, Available June 26th $599

Google’s Sundar Pichai while at D11 has made it clear that there indeed will be an HTC One running stock android 4.2.2 which will be launched and made available on June 26th via the Google Play store. For the US market this phone will come unlocked to GSM networks and will cost US $ 599 (approximately Rs. 34,000) vs the Samsung Galaxy S4 which is priced at US $ 649.

For global connectivity the Stock Android HTC One will offer quadband LTE (700/850/AWS/1900), triband HSPA+ (850/1900/2100) and the usual quadband GSM / EDGE. The Hardware will still be integrated with Beats audio and will retain the “two button on either side of the HTC logo” layout. The app list black bar will also be there along with the button press schemes. For the main buttons short press of Home for Home, long press for Google Now and double tap for Recent Apps.

[VIA]

May 31, 2013
HTC T6 to come with a 5.9 inch display and 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800

Earlier reports of a larger HTC One have just been strengthened, thanks to a leaked spec sheet under distribution at HTC. The larger phone will not only have a larger display but a newer more impressive Quad Core 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 chipset (MSM8974).

Along with the new things will be features borrowed from the HTC One, including BoomSound, Blinkfeed, 16 GB Storage, 2 GB RAM and the oh-so-popular UltraPixel camera with OIS. Moreover the HTC T6 is rumored to have a dedicated pen / stylus input as well as a biometric fingerprint scanner around the back. MicroSD card expandability is also on the table but goes against all HTC norms.

The list also shows that the hardware will come with Android Key Lime Pie, however with the next revision being 4.3 (Jelly Bean ), either that information is inaccurate, or this HTC T6 is a far far away from being launched.

[VIA]

May 31, 2013
Google Calendar for Android updated with more color options and tweaks

If you use Google Calendar a lot on your Android phones, you will love the new changes that Google has made to the app. Starting with a new color tool, which lets you highlight specific appointments and change the color of your entire calendar.

So now all your meetings can be set in blue and all the Home chores in Red ! This feature will let you identify and group up your tasks making the calendar a lot more efficient to do tool. The newly designed date and time function lets you pick out time and dates in the analogue style and as Google says “well before the vacation”.

Time zones are now set automatically by entering the name of the city and the app is available for Android ICS 4.1 and above. Check it out in the link below.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]

One of the most requested features we’ve seen so far for Google Calendar on Android is the ability to customize event and calendar colors directly from your device. Today’s update allows you to do just that. Now you can highlight those super-urgent meetings and important birthdays, or just switch up the color of your calendar whenever your heart desires.

Adding events is now easier and more fun with our redesigned date and time pickers, which let you schedule your special dinner date or the start of your well-deserved vacation in a snap.

For all of you world travelers, our redesigned timezone picker makes it simpler to find the region that you’re looking for, whether you’re in San Francisco, Tokyo or Zurich.

Finally, it’s easier to schedule repeating events. You can now set events to repeat every Tuesday and Thursday, every month, or every 7 weeks, it’s completely up to you.

The latest version of Google Calendar is built for devices running Android 4.0.3 and above (Android 4.1 or higher for custom event colors). Get it on Google Play, rolling out over the course of the day, and let us know what you think.

[/toggle]

[Download]

[Source]

May 30, 2013

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 launched in India Rs. 25,100 and Rs. 31,490 : (Hands On) (PR)

Samsung has just launched the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and the Galaxy Mega 6.3 in India at a fairly reasonable price difference between the handsets. The Galaxy Mega 5.8 goes on sale for Rs. 25,100 while the Galaxy Mega 6.3 will be launched for Rs. 31,490.

Galaxy Mega Initial Impressions

The first thing you will say once you handle these phones is “these phones are gigantic”, for reference in front of the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 the Galaxy S4 looks considerably puny. The Galaxy Mega phones still remain slim and easily handle-able, thanks to the software tweaks using the phone with one hands is easy. Samsung’s “One Handed Use” a feature that puts keyboards and calling buttons on the primary hand side of the phone, just like it did on the Galaxy Note 2, extends its capabilities on the Galaxy Mega phones.

Loaded with Android 4.2.2 the Galaxy Mega phones resemble the Galaxy S4 with respect to UI looks and feel, and despite the major spec difference the handsets are quite snappy and responsive. The display on the Galaxy Mega 5.8 is a 5 point multi-touch, which is quite disappointing for a handset of this value and screen real estate.

Both, the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and the Galaxy Mega 6.3 come with dual core processors, the one on the Galaxy Mega 6.3 is manufactured by Qualcomm, whereas the Galaxy Mega 5.8 carries the same chipset found in the Galaxy Grand, made by Broadcom.

The Galaxy Mega phones have 8 MP cameras and front facing 1.9 MP cameras, with the possibility of 1080p video capture at 30fps. The Galaxy Mega 6.3 however will also get the Smart Camera features from the Galaxy S4 along with UI features like Multi Window and Air View.

Check out our Hands on Images below and stay tuned for the Video.

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 Images

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 Images

Samsung Galaxy Mega Hands on Video

[youtube id=”VuyRU-HwzUs” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

Samsung GALAXY Mega 6.3 inches Product Specifications

Display	6.3-inch HD Super Clear LCD
Processor	1.7GHz Dual Core processor
OS	Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Camera	Main (Rear): 8 megapixel rear-facing camera Sub (Front): 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera
Camera Feature	Auto ,Beauty Face, Best Photo, Best Face , Continuous Shot , Best face , Sound & Shot , Rich Tone (High Dynamic Range),Panorama , Sports , Night
Video	MPEG4 , H.263,H.264, VC-1, VP8 Recording/playback :1080@30fps
Audio	MP3, OGA , AAC , AAC+ , Eaac+ ,WMA, AMR-NB /WB FLAC , PCM , MID , IMY
Services & Additional Features	Group Play: Share Music, Share Picture, Share Document, Play Games
	Story Album, S Translator
	Air View, Multi Window, Pop Up Play
	Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
	Samsung WatchON
	Samsung Link, S Travel , S Voice 2.0
Connectivity	Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi Direct BT 4.0(BLE), USB 2.0 H/S GPS?GLONASS, NFC, MHL
Sensor	Accelerometer, light, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Gyroscope
Memory	16GB Internal Memory (microSD up to 64GB) ? 1.5GB RAM
Dimension	167.6 x 88 x 8.0 mm , 199g
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 3,200 mAh

Samsung GALAXY Mega 5.8 inches Product Specifications

Network	HSPA?21/5.76
Display	5.8-inch QHD TFT
Processor	1.4GHz Dual Core Processor
OS	Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Camera	Main (Rear): 8 megapixel rear-facing camera Sub (Front): 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera
Camera Feature	Auto , Beauty Face, Best face , Continuous Shot , Best Photo, Sound &Shot , Panorama , Sports
Video	MPEG4, H.263 , H.264 , VC-1, DivX , Xvid , VP8 Recording/Playback: 1080@30fps
Audio	MP3, OGG,AAC , AAC+, eAAC+ ,WMA , AMR-NB/WB , FLAC , PCM , MID , IMY
Services & Additional Features	Group Play: Share Picture, Share Document and Play Games
	Story Album, S Translator
	Multi Window
	Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
	Samsung Link, S Travel , S Voice 2.0
Google Mobile Services	Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play Store, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads, Voice Search
Connectivity	Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, WiFi Direct BT 4.0(BLE), USB 2.0 H/S GPS?GLONASS
Sensor	Accelerometer, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Light, Gyroscope
Memory	8GB Internal Memory (microSD up to 64GB) ? 1.5GB RAM
Dimension	162.6 x 82.4 x 9.0 mm, 182g
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 2,600 mAh

[toggle title=”Press Release”]‘Stay smart, Live Large’ with Samsung GALAXY Mega
New GALAXY Mega models offer the latest smartphone features with an extensive viewing experience.
Delhi, May 28, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of Samsung GALAXY Mega, a device that combines the portability and convenience of a smartphone with the power, multitasking capabilities and extensive viewing experience of a tablet. Two models of Samsung Galaxy Mega , with 5.8 inches and 6.3 inches screen sizes , are being launched .The newest addition to the GALAXY family , the Mega series balances an optimal viewing experience on a large screen, yet is ultra-thin and portable enough to put into a pocket or hold in one hand. The GALAXY Mega offers a mix of popular smartphone and tablet features such as an effortless user experience, a split screen, multitasking between video and other apps and more.
“Consumers in India as in other parts of the world are preferring the larger screen displays in their Smartphones owing to the time they spend doing more with their devices – staying connected with their work and friends/family , web browsing , extensive multimedia viewing and more,” states Mr. Vineet Taneja , Country Head , Samsung Mobile and Digital Imaging Business .“To meet the varying lifestyles of our consumers, we are very pleased to offer the GALAXY Mega which further enriches the product portfolio of our award-winning GALAXY series.”
Best of Both Worlds
The GALAXY Mega is an ideal choice for customers who want to get the most out of their device: device that brings great quality at an even greater value. The GALAXY Mega enables an exceptional widescreen view for various applications including web browsing, video, and SNS.
The GALAXY Mega is also light and thin for incredible portability and easy, convenient mobile phone use. Customers can stay connected with a variety of new phone features including:
Group Play: Enables easy content sharing of games, documents and pictures
Samsung Link: Easily streams photos, videos, notes, or music to your television, tablet or computer

S Translator: Say or text what you need translated into the GALAXY Mega, and it will provide instant translation, using text or voice translation on applications including email, and ChatON.

Productivity and Multimedia for the Multi-Tasker
GALAXY Mega users will accomplish more with the rich, interactive experience and increased usability of the widescreen mode. Split screen capability for a variety of applications including email, messages, ‘MyFiles,’ ‘S Memo,’ and more, makes for increased efficiency. With the popular ‘Air View’ feature available in the Galaxy Mega (6.3 inches), customers can preview information in emails, photos in Gallery, and speed dial contacts.
The GALAXY Mega is equipped with an enhanced 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera, along with a variety of camera modes including ‘Sound & Shot’ (captures 9 seconds of sound and voice together as the picture is taken to capture moments), ‘Sports’ and more. The device also packs various newly-introduced features for endless entertainment, including: ‘S Travel’: Provides trip information, local guides and resources and more and ‘Story Album’: Allows customers to create albums of daily events, keep special moments in one place using a timeline, geo-tag information and publish digital albums in hard copy.
Both GALAXY Mega 6.3 inches and 5.8 inches run on the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean experience, and feature Dual Core Processor, spacious internal storage along with up to 64GB of expandable memory to store favorite apps, music, videos, photos and more. The devices’ advanced software also facilitates more efficient processor use for improved battery life, meaning users can enjoy longer talk time and multimedia use.
Product Pricing: The Samsung GALAXY Mega 5.8 inches will be available in the market within a week , while the GALAXY Mega 6.3 inches will be introduced in the market in mid June 2013. While the GALAXY Mega with 5.8 inches qHD TFT Display screen is priced at Rs 25,100/- , the GALAXY Mega with 6.3 inches HD Super Clear LCD Screen is priced at Rs. 31,490/-.
The GALAXY Mega is being launched with special offers from RCom and Vodafone . RCom customers buying Samsung GALAXY Mega will get 2GB data per month free for 3 months as well as unlimited access to Big Movies Library , unlimited WhatsApp , Twitter , Facebook during this period . Vodafone customers too will get access to 2GB data download per month free for two months (3G + 2G).
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.
Note to Editors:
Samsung GALAXY Mega 6.3 inches Product Specifications
Display
6.3-inch HD Super Clear LCD
Processor
1.7GHz Dual Core processor
OS
Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Camera
Main (Rear): 8 megapixel rear-facing camera
Sub (Front): 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera
Camera Feature
Auto ,Beauty Face, Best Photo, Best Face , Continuous Shot , Best face , Sound & Shot , Rich Tone (High Dynamic Range),Panorama , Sports , Night
Video
MPEG4 , H.263,H.264, VC-1, VP8
Recording/playback :1080@30fps
Audio
MP3, OGA , AAC , AAC+ , Eaac+ ,WMA, AMR-NB /WB
FLAC , PCM , MID , IMY
Services
&
Additional
Features
Group Play: Share Music, Share Picture, Share Document, Play Games
Story Album, S Translator
Air View, Multi Window, Pop Up Play
Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
Samsung WatchON
Samsung Link, S Travel , S Voice 2.0
Connectivity
Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi Direct
BT 4.0(BLE), USB 2.0 H/S
GPS?GLONASS, NFC, MHL
Sensor
Accelerometer, light, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Gyroscope
Memory
16GB Internal Memory (microSD up to 64GB) ? 1.5GB RAM
Dimension
167.6 x 88 x 8.0 mm , 199g
Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 3,200 mAh

Samsung GALAXY Mega 5.8 inches Product Specifications
Network
HSPA?21/5.76
Display
5.8-inch QHD TFT
Processor
1.4GHz Dual Core Processor
OS
Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Camera
Main (Rear): 8 megapixel rear-facing camera
Sub (Front): 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera
Camera Feature
Auto , Beauty Face, Best face , Continuous Shot , Best Photo, Sound &Shot , Panorama , Sports
Video
MPEG4, H.263 , H.264 , VC-1, DivX , Xvid , VP8
Recording/Playback: 1080@30fps
Audio
MP3, OGG,AAC , AAC+, eAAC+ ,WMA , AMR-NB/WB , FLAC , PCM , MID , IMY
Services
&
Additional
Features
Group Play: Share Picture, Share Document and Play Games
Story Album, S Translator
Multi Window
Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
Samsung Link, S Travel , S Voice 2.0
Google Mobile
Services
Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude,
Google Play Store, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk,
Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads, Voice Search
Connectivity
Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, WiFi Direct
BT 4.0(BLE), USB 2.0 H/S
GPS?GLONASS
Sensor
Accelerometer, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Light, Gyroscope
Memory
8GB Internal Memory (microSD up to 64GB) ? 1.5GB RAM
Dimension
162.6 x 82.4 x 9.0 mm, 182g
Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 2,600 mAh

? Availability and launching time of the services may differ by region.
? Android, Google, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads and Voice Search are trademarks of Google Inc.
? All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.[/toggle]

May 28, 2013

White Nexus 4 16GB Goes on Sale in India

The Google Nexus 4 has been surrounded by rumors of a white version going on sale for months now. The White Nexus 4 was spotted at I/O several times and while Google made no official announcement, the White Nexus 4 was expected to be launched at Google’s June 10th event.

While the world awaits this elusive announcement, the White Nexus 4 has gone on Sale in India, and some lucky owners have already bought the white version from stores in New Delhi. The price remains same as the Black version and the capacity also remains the same at 16 GB.

It is highly unusual for a unannounced Google product to go on sale in India, let alone be launched. Maybe LG is trying to recover for the delayed launch of the original Nexus 4 by launching the white version before it gets launched anywhere else in the world. Or maybe some retailers couldn’t wait to make a sale, either way LG will be getting a lot of tweets today.

We will get you more details as and when we can and we will also try to go hands on with the product. You can watch our hands on with the black version below and the full review on the Nexus 4 also goes out today.

If the White Nexus 4 is actually available to buy here in India, we can only expect LG to furnish an official announcement soon enough.

Stay Tuned!

[youtube id=”zQypYqoF_lI” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

May 28, 2013
Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle Review

Micromax attempts yet another handset in the Indian Market with the new A111 Canvas Doodle, trying to grab the attention of budget seekers. The Quad Core smartphone is Micromax’s take on making a budget Note series smartphone. But, does the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle fulfill that promise? lets find out.

Build Quality, Hardware and Design

The Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle isn’t exceptionally well built, but has just the right mix of elements that make it a fairly durable phone. The plastics and the back panel are solid and do not have any rattle in them what so ever. The included flip cover is a poorly made cover and will not last the users a long time, the fact that the white colored faux-leather material is not coated also makes it a dirt and grime magnet. However, it does do its job of protecting the front screen of the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle, which thankfully takes a different design approach from the previous Canvas series smartphones.

The insides are laced with a thick layer of Qualcomm grease, in other words a Qualcomm MSM8225Q Snapdragon chipset runs the Canvas Doodle. The RAM is kept at a lowly 512 MB, and storage a mere 4 GB. The good thing however, is that the phone when provided with a class 10 microSD card, converts that into the main storage. This truly expands the capability of the device and makes Micromax’s Canvas series highly desirable (at least the new units). The front of the phone has a large 5.3 inch 480 x 854 px display which will not win any points in the resolution department, but is surely a large display.

Cameras on the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle include an 8 MP main shooter and a 2 MP secondary shooter. Both of which are fairly good in their respective capabilities. You will also get video calls over 3G from the front facing camera.

The Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle take a design leap in a new direction, making the phone a lot more squarish and flatter vs the wobbly and curved design of the previous generation of Micromax Canvas phones. The bold new logo on the back, although appreciated by some, is almost like an eyesore on a fairly well finished smart phone, which constantly reminds you that you own a “punch” flavored smart phone.

[youtube id=”JBo949WJJ3U” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

The Doodle of Jelly Beans

(OS and Usage)

“Doodle”! Honestly, a year ago if a phone with this name would have appeared in the market, it would have been ridiculed to death. But the market is different today, and we have heard of anything from “dream” to “titanium” to “grand” and even “iris” so nobody really cares if their smart phone is called Doodle. Now, coming to the point, the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle was named such due to the inclusion of the stylus and the overall appeal of the smartphone as a pen input device. Unfortunately, the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle comes no where near that, the included stylus is the most horrible stylus you can get for a phone, it is too small to hold, does not extend, and worst of all; does not work properly on the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle.

Fortunately for Micromax, they do get redeeming points because, the freebies aside, the phone is quite a capable handset. With dual sim and the storage extended the phone manages to run smoothly and will not crash in daily chores. The internet experience is pleasing and the overall usage of the phone will not be a let down.

If you are seriously considering this device for the included stylus and drawing capabilities, investing in a tablet and a Rs. 1000 stylus will get you more than the Jelly Bean Doodle. The Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle is quite capable in other aspects and due to a firly common resolution will support most of the apps from the Google Play store, including high end games, which we tested in the gaming video. See below.

Multimedia, Camera and Gaming

[pullquote_left]The oodles of the Doodle! [/pullquote_left]We have understood, mostly from our readers, that the maximum number of sales happening in these so called “budget phablets” are happening with the youth or the younger crowd. The usage of the phone survives around social media, networking, Multimedia consumption and creation along with leisure activities that include some gaming. The Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle seems to be a good balance in all, while not being premier in either.

Due to the nature of the Android Eco System, the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle is capable of all forms of social media and networking. You have apps for Facebook, Pinterest, Flipboard (subscribe to iGyaan on Flipboard ) and Instagram, just to name a few. You have all forms of other apps that let you interact between networks and socialize over multiple platforms. The internet experience is good too, the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle has WiFi and 3G access allowing you to connect to high speed internet (if present) and access all forms of networks. The internet browser is fairly smooth and capable, while many a replacement are available in the Android Google Play store, to improve the online experience.

The Camera on the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle is an 8 MP autofocus camera capable of capturing good pictures provided light is ample, a little into the darkness and the distortion in the images is clear. See some samples below. The front camera is also quite handy for clicking self portraits for that new Facebook profile picture or even group party shots. Since the Camera app is not custom designed, it will be better if you opt in for a premium app from the Play store.

Sample Images

Gaming on the Canvas Doodle was surprisingly good, it played all forms of games from tennis to NOVA 3 and handled them quite capably. Most high end games will run with reduced graphics, but will play smoothly enough to be able to enjoy the gameplay.

[youtube id=”aZPl-BX6e1g” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

Gaming Video

[youtube id=”QxraVTRuTeY” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

Phone, Networks and Battery

The networks and phone call capability on the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle is excellent, with little or no network issues, and great connectivity throughout, you will have no complaints with the phone. The dual sim is still standby, so if you are connected on one, the other remains off or out of reach. We also have issue with only one slot being 3G, its high time that companies start adapting the Samsung approach and making phones that let you switch 3G internally vs a sim slot capable of 3G and another for 2G.

The battery is good for one day with average usage, but if you are a heavy user expect to charge it twice.

[tabgroup]

[tab title=”Battery Life with 3G ON” icon=”icon-headphones”]Talk time : 5 Hours
Standby : 48 Hours
Gaming : 3.5 Hours
Online : 6 hours
Music 8 hours[/tab]

[tab title=”Battery Life with 3G OFF” icon=”icon-headphones”]Talk time : 6 Hours
Standby : 54 Hours
Gaming : 3.5 Hours
Online : 6 hours (wi-fi)
Music 8.5 hours[/tab]

[/tabgroup]

Conclusion

The Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle offers you up with a capability of being a Note-worth competitor, while failing miserably at that, it by itself is quite a satisfying product. A well balanced phone with a new design and decent hardware on the inside. It balances between all the tasks you could expect from a phone while leaving out performance from any. If you are opting in for a well balanced device, the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle will not disappoint, But, of you are looking for a single important feature, be it pure gaming, Online capabilities or even a great camera, The Micromax Canvas Doodle is not the phone you want to get.

Video Review

(Pending)

[button_2 color=”#71889c” size=”button-med” icon=”icon-shopping-cart” float=”left” text=”Buy Now” link=”http://gizmolution.com/Details.aspx?ID=726″ id=”doodle”]

May 26, 2013
Leaked Image Shows Nexus 4 Running Android 4.3, New Camera Camera UI

Leading up to Google’s I/O event, there were a lot of rumors indicating that we would see the unveiling of Android version 4.3 rather than 5.0. However, during the keynote, Google ended up not addressing a new version of Android at all. Instead, they chose to focus on updating individual apps and APIs separate from the operating system.

Today we get a first-hand look at the software in action, with a number of images appearing to show Android 4.3 running on a Nexus 4. The image was taken at the Thailand Mobile Expo and posted on the XDA Developers forum.

We clearly see Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as the OS, with a build date being May 14th, so it’s a pretty new updated version. Then the build number is listed as JWR45B.

The other pictures show the camera in action – with a slightly modified interface – and a screen of just the Jelly Bean Easter Egg that can be found in the About section too.

The camera interface seems to include a new see-through action area, complete with a new activation ring and fresh icons for HDR, contrast, and rotation.

The images don’t seem to show any significant changes, so the possibility remains that Google didn’t show their latest version of Android perhaps because there isn’t much to show in the first place. They could be saving the bigger changes for a major 5.0 update rather than another incremental version update.

Is what we heard about a June launch, alongside the white Nexus 4 accurate?

[XDA, Droid-Life, VR-Zone]

May 24, 2013
Redesigned Gmail For Android Leaked In Screenshot At Google I/O

During a Google I/O session called “Structure in Android App Design,” an image of new design for Gmail leaked.

This was a single slide in a 40-minute presentation that included all sorts of mock-ups for a variety of apps. In fact, shortly after this slide appeared, the presenter showed three different examples of what navigation could look like in the native Android gallery app, only one of which is actually the real deal. So this could be the new Gmail that we were supposed to have seen at I/O, or it could be a mock-up that was used as an example.

As PocketNow reports, the talk about Structure in Android App Design touched on Google’s design for a navigation drawer, and the visual demo used shows that drawer present in a new look for Gmail. Compared to the current view, there’s some smarter grouping going on here, and the list of labels better fills the screen, sharing more info in the process.

You also might notice that the navigation buttons usually down at the bottom have relocated up top, freeing up some screen space. There are also hints here at some more cosmetic changes, like larger star icons – there are probably quite a bit more little tweaks like this present in the new Gmail, that a single screenshot just can’t reveal.

When exactly Google is planning to roll out the redesign for its Gmail app is yet unknown, but hopefully it’ll be soon now that it’s officially been leaked.

[Android Police, PocketNow]

May 24, 2013
Oppo will not officially launch the Find 5 in India!

We recently published a story stating that the Oppo Find 5 will be launched in India soon through a Distributor. The distributor earlier thought to be an official partner of Oppo, is actually planning to illicitly sell Oppo Find 5 smartphone in India.

Oppo reached out to us via email and stated clearly that the Find 5 is not officially being launched and the stated company that claims to be selling the Find 5 in India, is not an official Oppo partner.

Unfortunately, Android Guruz is not an authorized vendor of Oppo phones. While we look forward to an eventual launch of Oppo phones in India, we have no official plans to do so just yet nor do we have any authorized Oppo vendors based there.

Buying through an unauthorized source may or may not cause complications, in some cases these independent sources are not bad. However, if the distributor is not geared up to provide service or support, consumers may face harsher realities when Oppo refuses any warranty claims.

the final word being, the Oppo Find 5 may be available in the Indian market soon, but it will not come from Oppo or their Official parters.

Read the full email below.

May 17, 2013
Panasonic P51 Launched in India with 5 inch HD screen, Quad Core CPU, Magnetic Cover and Stylus

Panasonic at a press conference here in New Delhi, India, Has launched a new Android 4.2 Jelly Bean based smartphone. Dubbed the Panasonic P51, the device is powered by a Quad Core 1.2 Ghz CPU of an unspecified make. The Panasonic P51 also has 4 GB of internal storage and 1 GB of RAM.

The Exterior of the Panasonic P51 is designed mainly of plastic and the front consists of a 5 inch 1280 x720p HD IPS LCD display. For imaging the Panasonic P51 also has an 5 MP main camera and a 1.3 MP front facing camera capable of HD video.

This 3G enabled phone from Panasonic also has Dual Sim Capabilities and included in the box is a magnetic flip cover, that just like Apple’s iPad smart cover will turn on or off the display when flipped open or close respectively. The Panasonic P51 also has a massive 2500 mAh battery, and despite that remains 8.5 mm slim and 135 gms in weight.

This is Panasonic’s first foray into the “Budget Quad Core, Dual Sim” handsets and by the looks of the Phone is powered by the Mediatek 6589 Chipset as all the specifications align with the device.

UPDATE : The phone has been launched at a price of Rs. 26,900. A total of 10,000 more than expected. It has also been confirmed that the chipset on the inside is a Mediatek 6589 same as the one seen on the Canvas HD.

Panasonic P51 Hands On

The Panasonic P51 is only 8.5 mm thick, its got nice curves and a raised bezel sort of design which makes it appear, as if, the display is floating above the body. The ID is unique but it is certainly not premium looking, as Panasonic claims it to be.

The over all design of the phone seems ordinary, the front has a ASAHI made Dragon Trail glass, which Panasonic claims is better than Gorilla Glass. Panasonic also claims they have put in some camera features like smile shot and auto enhance, that seem to be just software implementations. Honestly the quality and the outlook does not seem justified for the price.

The fact that Panasonic claims that performance is top notch when compared to competition, is worry-some especially because one manages to buy two of the other units be it Micromax, Karbonn or any other for the price of this one unit.

At first is it factually clear that someone somewhere screwed up. The Price seems to have been royally messed up even if Panasonic has really managed to offer up the experience they say they have, on the flip-side LG has launched the Nexus 4 in India, which comes at a price cheaper than the Panasonic P51.

May 16, 2013