Category: Android

Samsung Launches the Galaxy 750 / 730 in India ( Tab 10.1 / 8.9 )

Samsung has today launched the new Galaxy Tabs for the Indian Market. The Galaxy 750 and 730 are renamed Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Tab 8.9 . Indians can get the Tab 730 at INR 33,990 and Galaxy Tab 750 at INR 36,200 for 16GB 3G+WiFi version.

Samsung has also tied up with Vodafone to offer 3G data.

2GB/month for six months at Rs 3,000 for GALAXY Tab 750/730 owners.

The company also said that the Tablets will be available at the end of the Month, But we already Know that the Tablets are coming August 18th.

August 10, 2011

Huawei Ideos X5 Unboxing and Review

The Huawei Ideos X5 turned out to be a shocker, with the surprisingly bright and vivid display the device is a good option in the price range, lets see why.

Build Quality

The X5 has a brilliant shape, almost a square chunk rounded on the top and on the bottom. the device has excellent rubberized plastics throughout the back and the side making it extremely robust and comfortable to hold in the hand.

Specifications

Availability	Announced on	December 2010
	Release date	April 2011
Battery	Capacity	1500 mAh
	Standby Time	300 hours
	Talk Time	6 hours
	Type	Lithium Polymer
CPU	Speed	800MHz
	Type	Qualcomm MSM 7230
Camera	Main	5mp (2592×1944)
	Video	720p
Casing	Colors	Black
	Colors	White
Connectivity & Data	Bluetooth	v2.1 A2DP
	EDGE	Class 10, 236.8 kbps
	GPRS	Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 – 48 kbps
	GPS
	HSCSD	HSDPA, 14.4 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps
	USB	microUSB v2.0
	Wireless	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Display	Colors	16.8 million
	Resolution	480×800 pixels
	Size	3.8 inches
	Type	TFT capacitive touchscreen
General	2G Network	GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900
	3G Network	HSDPA 900, 2100
	Alias	U8800
	Form Factor	Slate
	Price Range
Memory	Call record	Unlimited
	Card Slot	microSD, up to 32GB
	Internal	2 OR 4 GB
	Phonebook	Unlimited entries
Operating System	Type	Android
	Version	2.2
Other Features	Misc Features	Accelerometer, Compass
	Web Browser	HTML
Size and Weight	Width	62.0 mm (2.42 inches)
	Height	120.0 mm (4.68 inches)
	Depth	11.6 mm (0.45 inches)
	Weight	130 grams (4.6 ounces)

Multimedia & Camera

The display on the device is simply stunning, a 3.8 inch screen with a good 480x800px display makes it a very vibrant and eye catching device. Videos play beautifully on the device and almost all types of formats are supported by the device. Audio is loud and clear from the earpiece and speaker phone with deep bass and subtle highs. The phone covers all grounds when it comes to multimedia.

The Camera on the device is a beautiful 5mp camera which does HD video at 720p. The video fared great in comparison with other devices. The pictures from the device are crisp and clear, the camera focuses quick and get get good exposure shots , when ample lighting is available. You simply cannot ask for a better functioning camera from the device. However, we did notice that 3rd party apps improved camera output.

Root and Custom Rom

The easiest device to root, the Ideos X5 was easily rooted and upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread using Cyanogen Mod 7. The device becomes snappier and much more appealing to the user. Heck you can even get the old CRT TV turn off animation when you lock the device. The benchmark scores improve by about 300 points and the overall stability of the device increases.

Phone, Messaging and Battery

The device features a brilliant antenna, we got good network strength even in places where there is usually low network, we faced no dropped calls and overall performance of the device is great. The screen is also great for messaging and features SWYPE keyboard as a standard, therefore making it an excellent keyboard.

The battery life of the device was also more than expected. The device gave us 5-6 hours of talk time on 2g and about 48 hours of standby. 3-4 hours of talk time on 3G networks.

Conclusion

There are not many devices that require such short reviews to become recommended devices, Ideos X5 is one of them. We highly recommend this device, sheer good quality materials and excellent specs, brilliant screen, the ability of root, and Cyanogen mod 7, what else could one want?. This device is sheer brilliance , but it just comes down to the poor service and support for Huawei in India. Making this device a highly questionable one for those looking for long term investments.

Price :INR 12,500/- ( USD 300)

[xrr rating=4.25/5 label=”We Rate it: ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

Unboxing and Review Video

Video Sample

August 10, 2011

iG Exclusive : Huawei Vision Shown off on Video, will Launch in India in October

Huawei impressive 9.9mm unibody construction device, The Vision, has appeared in a demo video made by the company. iGyaan also has exclusive information that the device is launching in India in October with a price bracket of INR 15k . The device features a Qualcomm 1 GHz MSM 8255-1 Snapdragon chipset and a 3.7″ high res capacitive display.

The device also features a 5 MP camera at the back with 720p video capabilities, a front facing camera for Skype et video calls and a 1400mah battery pack. Other features include 512MB of RAM, 2GB of ROM, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP support, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, a microSD slot that can take cards up to 32GB, a microUSB 2.0 port, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a 3D UI.

August 9, 2011

LG Optimus Black Review

The LG Optimus Black was announced a while back, March 2011 to be precise, but the device appeared on our shores much later in July. People awaited the LG Optimus Black with much anticipation as it offered brilliance on a budget.

Does it really stand up to its name? Does it deliver brilliance? Lets Find Out!

Build Quality

The Optimus Black is possibly the most well built phone in LG’s stable, only after the 2X. With a slim profile and tapered glossy black accents, the device also has a tough front glass and a brilliant camera. The device is built to last and will not fail to deliver in that respect. The plastic is of superior quality and the device does not rattle or squeak from anywhere.

Name	Type
Operating System	Android OS v2.2
Dimensions	122mm x 64mm x 9.2 mm
Weight	109g
Display Screen	4 inch WVGA IPS LCD
Processor	1 GHz Cortex A8 Processor
RAM	512 MB
Storage	2GB Internal + 32GB Optional
Camera	5 MP Rear : 2 MP Front (AF)
Video	720P VIDEO @30 fps
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, 3G, GPRS, EDGE, A-GPS, Bluetooth v3.1 with EDR
Battery	1500 mAh Li-Ion

The Price of the Device is about : Rs. 19,800 in the Market

Camera & Multimedia

The device features a brilliant 5mp Autofocus camera on the back that does HD video at 720p (watch sample below). The picture quality from the 5mp snapper is absolutely stunning, the camera focuses with precision and the LED does a wonderful job of eliminating darkness. The camera is also snappy at taking pictures and responds quickly.

Video quality is pretty great and almost close to what the iPhone 4 has to offer in good light, but kind of waivers in low light.

The front facing camera is simply superb quality and works just fine with Skype and other video softwares.

Audio from videos is low, but in game audio and music sounds are loud. The preference file some where needs to be tweaked to output proper audio. the speaker is fairly loud when the audio is proper. But, not as great as we would have like it to be.

The display is absolutely brilliant with a 700NIT brightness. The brightest display on a mobile device ever, makes the quality of the display that much better, whether indoors or outdoors. The only drawback of a very bright display is low battery life.

Phone & Messaging

The earpiece and microphone are great to pick up sound, but one unfortunate error in the design of the Optimus black prevents you from using the phone as a PHONE. every time you hold the phone in your hand, the network drops. So much so that we went able to get through a decent phone call to test audio quality. At first we thought the device was defective and got a replacement test unit, but alas!, still no proper network. So how good is a phone thats not a phone? its pathetic, is what it is, purely pathetic.

The touchscreen is a 4 point multitouch which allows for a simply great messaging experience, not to forget the iPhone style keyboard. The network issue prevails here as well, as you grip the phone to type, the device looses network.

Data & Battery

The Optimus Black is almost Satan’s child when it comes to how hot it gets on a data connection, its almost impossible to handle. The device gets blazing hot and starts to loose battery at an alarming rate, flat dead in 25-40 minutes. With data off, you get about 4 hours of talk time along with about two days of standby.

Not having been able to test internet performance we can’t comment on the battery life beyond that.

Conclusion

Its a pity that LG let us down yet again, we really liked the device when we got it at first. The device has good specs, excellent build, brilliant cameras and a very – very bright display. A great touch screen and decent hardware, but the device basically fails at being a phone. The death grip network loss issue is beyond excuse and cannot be mended with any kind of fix. ( except a full silicon cover or gloves on the users hands) the phone also performed poorly in the benchmarks.

We had a lot of expectations from this device and feel totally let down. LG really needs to step up their game, they have possibly good hardware, but something somewhere went wrong with the Optimus Black.

[xrr rating=2.5/5 label=”We Rate The Optimus Black : ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

Unboxing Video

Review Video

Video Sample

August 7, 2011

HTC Puccini 10 inch Android Tablet Screenshots leaked

HTC’s upcoming tablet the Puccini had earlier been leaked from the outside, now its time for screenshots to leak out. HTC is taking advantage of the 1280×800 resolution by tacking a number pad onto the keyboard; tabbed browsing also benefits from the increased real estate versus seven-inch models.

PocketNow estimates that the device will ship by the end of this year during the holiday season.

[Pocketnow]

August 6, 2011
Have an Android Phone, this Trojan will record your Phone Calls!

Are you somebody important, do you work in a big corporation, or even for the government? Do you have an Android Phone? You might consider changing devices after reading this article. A new trojan app / bot that installs itself on any Android device via piggybacking over unknown source apps has found its way into the Android architecture. Ca Technologies found that this easily built app lookalike trojan records your conversations and installs like any other app.

There is no solid information weather this trojan has been released into the world, or if devices are already prey to such a menace. It goes to say some developer could easily capture your calls and upload them to a remote server. The brilliant part about it is that while installing you might get a warning stating that the app will record your calls, but who reads the terms page anyway?

Next time you are installing an App on your Android device , especially via an unknown source, or patched apps, make sure you go through the permissions page with vigilance.

[CA Technologies]

August 3, 2011
Epic Sunday Treat : Micromax Andro A70 Unboxing and Hands On
Here it is, we got over a thousand requests for the Andro A70 Unboxing and Review, while the review process is on, check out the unboxing and hands on below.

Key Features Include
- Android 2.2 (Froyo)
- Camera Primary 5.0 MP Secondary – VGA
- 600MHz Processor
- 8.128cm Multi Touch Capacitive Screen
- M! – apps – application store by Micromax
- WCDMA 2100 MHz
- HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
- Mi-Fi Pocket Wireless Internet
- GPS
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
- Battery 1450mAh
- Proximity Sensor
- Gravity Sensor
Price : Rs. 7599/-
July 31, 2011
Dell Streak Pro 10 Launched in China for the World
The Dell Streak never really gained popularity in India, but its successors might catch on if the timing is right. The new Dell Streak Pro 10 / 10 Pro has been launched globally with a unveiling in China yesterday. The device has interesting specs and a really good price, it is also backed by Dell’s reliable service in India.
- 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 T20 chip
- 1GB DDR2 RAM
- 1,280 x 800 LCD
- Corning’s Gorilla Glass
- 5 megapixel camera
- 2 megapixel camera ( front)
- SDHC expansion slot
- 24.1WH battery
- Honeycomb 3.1
Price of the 16GB WiFi tablet plus 2GB of cloud storage for just ¥2,999 ($465) (Rs.22,000). Stay tuned while we try and contact Dell for official word on release in India.
July 30, 2011
New Gmail Android App v2.3.4 integrates Labels, custom tones and priority inbox among others

The new Gmail app v 2.3.5 available now via the marketplace update adds a lot of new features to the on system app. the most important feature is the ability to sync only priority inbox with your device allowing you to save up on battery life. The other new feature that we like is label specific tones allowing you to customize the way you receive email.

Officially What’s in this version:

1. Save bandwidth and battery by only syncing priority mail
2. Use label notifications to mash up filters, labels, and ringtones
3. Remember ‘Show Pictures’ for senders
4. Turn off sticky message actions in landscape or all orientations
5. Better TalkBack support for accessibility
6. Performance improvements

[Android Market]

July 29, 2011

Olive Fluid VW1 Unboxing and Hands on + Video

So you wanted to see the Olive Fluid and we show you the Olive Fluid, A fairly budget Android handset with decent features and good looks. Check out the specs followed by images and video.

Stay Tuned for a Full Review

Tech Specs

Display and User Interface	Size	3.5″
	Resolution	320X480 pixels
	Type	TFT Capacitive Touch Screen
Design	Dimensions	1095214.8 mm
Design	Weight	117g
Processor and Chipset	Processor	STE6715, 468MHz Processor
Network	Operating System	Android OS, v2.1 (Eclair)
	Operating frequency	GSM 900/1800/1900
	Operating frequency	3G HSDPA 7.2 Mbps (900 / 2100)
Battery	Capacity	1300 mAH
	Talk time (maximum)	Up to 240 mins
	Standby time (maximum)	Up to 192 Hrs
Data and Connectivity	3G/GPS	Yes
	GPRS	Yes
	USB	Yes, v2.0 micro USB
	Wi-fi/ Bluetooth	Yes
Memory	Flash Memory	256 MB
Memory	Expandable Memory	Micro SD up to 32GB
Communications	Messaging	SMS, MMS
Communications	Email	POP/IMAP/Exchange
Social Networking	Social Networking	Yes
Camera	Resolution	3 Mega Pixels
Camera	Video Player and Recording	Yes
Music and audio	Music player	Yes
Music and audio	Stereo FM radio	Yes
Others	Gaming	Yes

Price: Rs. 7,650.00

Images

Video

July 25, 2011

ASUS Launches Eee Pad Transformer Tablet in India
Asus has Launched the Eee Pad Transformer tablet in India, with the optional dock.

The 16Gb WiFi only version was launched for Rs. 32,899/- and the optional dock will run you back Rs. 7500/-.
- 10.1-inch IPS display (1280×800 pixels)
- 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 SoC processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8 hours of battery life
- 5MP rear autofocus camera
- 720p HD video recording
- mini HDMI, microSD/SD, and microUSB
The laptop dock has a full sized keyboard, a touchpad, 2 USB ports, and a battery pack, giving it up to 14 hours of usability.

Honestly if you ask us the device seems a bit expensive for the price, especially since the company will launch an upgraded Transformer 2 Tablet later this year in India.
July 22, 2011
Google Maps on Android Now Add 3D Buildings in Several Cities None from India

Google announced on Tuesday that it has added support for 3D buildings in 13 additional cities on Google Maps, including London, Paris, Barcelona, Stockholm, Singapore, Lisbon, Boulder, and 11 cities in South Africa.

To activate 3D buildings in one of the aforementioned locations, simply zoom in close to the city and the application will then show a 3D renders of the city landscape. If you already upgraded your Google Maps to the latest version a software update will not be required to view the new Google Maps in 3D

[GOOGLE]

July 21, 2011
HTC Launches the ChaCha with Tata Docomo In India (PR)
Just as we suspected, HTC has launched the new HTC ChaCha in India, this time in partnership with Tata Docomo

The Main features of this tie up launch include

· Tata DOCOMO3G customers get an exclusive free data of 3GB & 3 Hours of Mobile TV valid for 3 months

· Tata DOCOMO 2G customers get free data of 3GB & 300 Tata-to-Tata calling minutes valid for 3 months

Here are some of the specs of the HTC ChaCha:
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- 800Mhz Processor
- 512MB RAM
- Front Facing Camera (WiFi Video Calls)
- 5 Megapixel Camera
- HSDPA 7.2mb/s
- Bluetooth 3.0
- 802.11 B/G/N WiFi
- GPS
The Price is expected to be : Rs. 20,000/-

We will have a full unboxing and review Shortly, Till Then read the press release below.

[toggle title_open=”Collapse” title_closed=”Expand Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]PRESS RELEASE

HTC AND TATA DOCOMO JOIN HANDS TO LAUNCH HTC CHACHA IN
INDIA

•
•
•

One-touch Facebook Access – Designed to provide a seamless, social experience
Touch or Type – 2.6-inch touch screen coupled with a full QWERTY keypad
Tata DOCOMO3G customers get an exclusive free data of 3GB & 3 Hours of Mobile TV valid for 3
months
Tata DOCOMO 2G customers get free data of 3GB & 300 Tata-to-Tata calling minutes valid for 3
months

•

New Delhi, India – July 20, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design,
and Tata DOCOMO, the GSM arm of Tata Teleservices Limited, today announced the launch of the
HTC ChaCha in India. The HTC ChaCha features a dedicated Facebook button that allows you to share
just about anything at a single touch. The one-touch access to Facebook service has been integrated
throughout the HTC Sense experience. The sleek, affordable yet feature-packed smartphone combines a
2.6-inch touch screen with a full QWERTY keypad.

Under the bundle offer, Tata DOCOMO 3G prepaid customers can avail 3GB free data valid for a period
of 90 days whereas 1GB free data is offered free each month to postpaid customers across all 3G circles
valid for 90 days. All 3G customers will also get 3 hour of free Mobile TV that includes data access
charges valid for 90 days.

While Tata DOCOMO 2G prepaid customers can avail 3GB free data and 300 Tata to Tata local calling
valid for a period of 90 days whereas 1GB free data and 100 minutes Tata to Tata calling is offered free
each month for 3 months to postpaid customers across all 2G circles.

“At HTC, we have always strived to take mobility experience to newer levels and add multi dimensions
to our devices. Featuring a dedicated Facebook button and one-touch Facebook access, the HTC ChaCha
aims to make it simpler and convenient for its users to share and connect through their favourite social
networking site,” said Faisal Siddiqui, Country Manager, HTC India. “We are extremely pleased to
launch the HTC ChaCha in India with Tata DOCOMO, and are positive that this social smartphone will
garner a favorable response from Indian mobile phone users,” he added.

Introducing new smart device for Tata DOCOCMO customers, Mr Sunil Tandon, Head – Mobility
Services & Devices Management, Tata Teleservices Limited, said “Devices are an important element of
the entire 3G ecosystem to drive penetration and increase the adoption of 3G services. Tata DOCOMO

PRESS RELEASE

partners with various smart phone handset makers and is taking a conscious leap in co-promotion that
is not only affordable but in-built with rich features and capabilities. In the recent past we launched HTC
Desire & HTC Mozart for Tata DOCOMO customers across our circles of operation and going forward will
continue to work together to bring innovative valued based products and services on GSM platform.”

Stay connected with the smartphone for the Facebook generation – HTC ChaCha
The HTC ChaCha smartphone is designed to provide a seamless, social experience by enabling you
to stay in touch with your friends anytime, anywhere. The unique tilt design shapes the display and
physical QWERTY keyboard so it is easy to view and comfortable to type. The uniquely-styled spacious
keyboard on the HTC ChaCha has been designed to make typing a breeze. Capture special moments
in crisp details, using the 5-megapixel color camera with auto focus and LED flash. The phone is also
equipped with a VGA front-facing camera. The ChaCha smartphone brings the Internet to your fingertips
with a 2.6-inch, 480 x 320 resolution landscape touch screen.

The Facebook button on HTC ChaCha is context-aware, with options to share content or updates
through Facebook with a single press of the button. You can update your status, upload a photo, share
a Website, post what song you are listening to, ‘check in’ to a location and more through the dedicated
Facebook button. For example, you can take a photograph of friends on your phone and upload it
instantly to Facebook by simply pressing the button. Or let your friends know what song you’re listening
to by pressing the button while listening to music on the phone. The track is automatically identified and
shared on Facebook.

The HTC ChaCha makes it simple to stay in touch with your friends using Facebook Chat on your phone
and you can even chat with multiple friends on Facebook. Your Facebook messages and conversations
appear as text messages, making it simpler for you to read and browse through them.

The new HTC ChaCha is powered by the latest Android operating system, and features HTC Sense to
integrate Facebook throughout the HTC Sense experience. The latest updates from your Facebook
account are displayed right on your home screen. The dialer screen on the phone tells you whether your
Facebook friend’s birthday is approaching. You can also use your phone’s existing contacts to help you
connect with them on Facebook or personalize your handset further.

Pricing & Availability
The new HTC ChaCha will be available at a Market Operating Price of Rs. 15, 990 at all authorized HTC
resellers across the country.
* Prices may vary according to the local applicable taxes

PRESS RELEASE

About HTC
HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile industry. By putting people
at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones and tablets that better serve
the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker
2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

About Tata Teleservices Limited
Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India
presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions
to its customers under the brands Tata Indicom, Tata DOCOMO, Tata Photon, Tata Walky and Virgin
Mobile India, and operates its wireless networks on both the CDMA and GSM technology platforms.
Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than
450,000 towns and villages across the country, serving over 92 million subscribers. After its collaboration
with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO in November 2008, Tata Teleservices has so far launched 2G GSM services
under the TATA DOCOMO brand name in all the 18 telecom Circles where it received spectrum from
the Government of India. Tata Teleservices Limited also has become the first Indian private operator
to launch 3G services in India under the brand name Tata DOCOMO, with its recent launch in all the
nine telecom Circles where it won the 3G license. In association with its partner NTT DOCOMO, the
Company finds itself suitably positioned to leverage this first-lover advantage. The company has also
launched a new brand on the GSM platform—T24—in partnership with Indian retail giant Future Group.
TTSL’s bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth
telephony and wireline services.

For details, visit www.tatateleservices.com, www.tataindicom.com and www.tatadocomo.com[/toggle]
July 20, 2011
Qualcomm launches Vellamo browser benchmark for Android devices

The mastermind behind a flurry of chipsets for Mobile phones, also responsible for graphic benchmarks like Neocore. Qualcomm has just launched the Vellamo Benchmark for Android devices. This benchmark if for mobile browser lagging tests. Vellamo is essentially a suite of 11 tests designed to gauge browser performance on Android phones and tablets.

To operate it requires any Android Device over OS 2.0

July 15, 2011
Infinite Loop – The Accesory With Infinite Uses

Tim Gushue, an engineer and designer, has created an accessory that he calls the Infinite Loop. It is basically an extensible, multipurpose stand for tablets and smart-phones, which can be bent into any shape and holds onto a device via suction cups. He plans to develop a series of accessories for the Infinite Loop including clip on speakers, a USB module and a camera screw thread adaptor.

The device is composed of co-molded metal and plastic and comes in two flavours. There is the two foot long ‘mini-loop’ and the standard four foot long ‘Infinite Loop’. The flexibility and adjustability of the Infinite Loop makes it compatible with virtually all tablets on the market today including the iPad, Playbook, and Galaxy Tab as well as most e-book readers like the Kindle and the Nook. The Mini Loop is compatible with all of Apple’s ‘touch’ products including the iPod and the iPhone as well as virtually any smart-phone that you can stick a suction cup to.

The device as a whole has been designed for a vast number of uses and its flexible nature means that it can be bent into a variety of shapes. The design is also modular, so multiple Infinite Loops can be joined together to create a larger stand/holder. When not in use, the Loop can be rolled up into a compact circle.

July 14, 2011