Having a smartphone with endless battery is something most of us dream about. Karbonn has launched the new Aura 9 smartphone with a 4,000mAh battery in India, today. This phone is priced at Rs. 6,390 and offers up to 10 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby time.
The Karbonn Aura 9 comes with a 5-inch HD (1280×720 pixels) IPS-LCD display and a 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM space. It has an internal storage of 8GB that is expandable up to 32GB via a microSD card slot.
On the camera front, it comes with an 8MP rear camera with LED flash and a 5MP front camera. Other connectivity options include dual-SIM card slots, 3G support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. The device is run on the Android 4.4 KitKat OS and also supports the Smart Gesture Control feature that allows for quick navigation, even when the phone is locked. Apart from the powerful battery, another ineteresting feature is that the Karbonn Aura 9 will come with a support for 21 regional languages.
Here are the specifications:
Features
Karbonn Aura 9
Display
5-inch HD, IPS-LCD display
Resolution
1280×720 pixels
Processor
1.2GHz quad-core
OS
Android 4.4 KitKat
RAM
1GB
Storage
8GB internal storage with microSD card expandable up to 32GB.
Rear Camera
8MP with LED flash
Front Camera
5MP
Connectivity
dual-SIM card slots, 3G support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0
We have covered Samsung’s newly released handsets – the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge+. Both devices created a frenzy before its release, however some users might have been disappointed when they found out that neither of the products came with a dual-SIM nor an expandable storage. Worry no more because according to reports, both these handsets will soon be available with a dual-SIM mode. But, there are no reports of the devices to include an expandable microSD slot yet. All other specifications will be the same.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Dual SIM is reportedly available for purchase on eBay, from a seller in Singapore. The seller also claims to have all four colour options in his stock and has priced the device at $999.99 (approx. Rs.65,469). The device will be shipped to the purchaser via FedEx, say reports.
There have been no official reports as to which markets will be getting the dual-SIM models however, going by the previous sales production techniques of Samsung, we can probably expect the dual-SIM versions to become available almost everywhere, soon.
Reports suggest that Asus will now launch a new smartwatch and a new smartphone at a press conference on the 2nd of September at IFA-Berlin 2015.
Asus has posted a video on their official Facebook page that shows new products, like a new monitor, a new smartphone and a new smartwatch. Reports suggest that the smartphone could be the ‘Z00TDA’ handset which is said to come with a 5.5-inch FHD display of 410ppi pixel density, an octa-core chipset paired with 2GB of RAM, and 16GB internal storage with support for a microSD card. This new device is also rumoured to be powered by the Android Lollipop and will come with 4G LTE connectivity and 13-megapixel and 5-megapixel camera sensors.
Apart from Asus, Samsung is also planning to launch its smartwatch Gear S2 while Sony gets ready to launch its next flagship smartphones – the Xperia Z5 and the Xperia Z5 Ultra. Other companies such as Huawei, Microsoft and Acer are also expected to launch products at this event. So watch this space for more details on the IFA-Berlin 2015 and more.
Here’s a very new and modern looking (by modern we mean quirky and awkward obviously) phone for you, playfully termed as the “FrankenBlackBerry”. BlackBerry has partnered with Android and come up with this device, so, it is basically a BlackBerry Android Phone! Didn’t see that coming did you?
A rendering of this device was leaked by Evan Blass on Twitter. The picture shows us a device that runs on Android with a 16:9 display as compared to BlackBerry’s traditional square screen. No, this phone does not look like a remote control. Never.
Further reports tell us that it’s even a slider, you know, so that the tall phone fits in your pocket, because – 2005. We all know how stylish a slider is, Gossip Girl taught us that, however, unfortunately the slide phone could be less durable, heavy, thick etc which would make typing slightly uncomfortable.
But then again, no pain no gain. If Samsung and LG can come up with Android supporting flip phones then why not? However, there have been no official announcements or reports about this device, though it could be a device that could work due to nostalgia – just like Terminator Genisys.
We told you that Google’s Project Ara had been delayed and now we know why. It turns out that the futuristic phone failed its drop test and caused the the Project Ara team to rework the phone’s current model, completely.
They themselves tweeted explaining why the delay was caused saying that the phone wasn’t fairing well, when dropped. This can pose to be a huge problem when phones today are made durable, at least for typical falls. Google will now have to see how to fix the Project Ara jigsaw, without it falling apart.
Project Ara’s creators now say they’re “testing a signature experience” to attach its modules. It’s not easy to put together a phone that allows you to interchange its core components and we hope that the team can demonstrate its revised design as soon as they’re done with finding the missing link.
WhatsApp has recently opened up access to its web service for Apple iPhone users. This service allows you to send and receive messages on your computers and phones.
This function is still being rolled out, and hence may not be available to all users immediately, but those of you who have the latest version of the WhatsApp app should be able to find a “web” menu option under the “settings”.
“Our web client is simply an extension of your phone: the web browser mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device – this means all of your messages still live on your phone.” – WhatsApp Blogspot
However, the feature works through the internet, so, the phone has to be connected to the internet, otherwise the conversation will drop out and all the users’ texts will remain on the phone. The web can sync data with the phone app that allows messages to be received and sent, within the browser. In order to sync your iPhone with the web client, you will first have to scan a QR code from WhatsApp’s website using your phone.
The WhatsApp web client had been launched in January 2015 and has since been available to Google, Windows, Blackberry and Nokia operating systems. However, this is the first time it has been available for Apple’s smartphone device.
Parallels is a software that is now putting a fully virtualized Windows 10 on a Mac OS X Yosemite system. This gives you the ability to run a licensed version of the OS on a Mac while also being able to access all the apps that would normally run only in Windows.
The twist that the Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac brings is that it introduces Microsoft’s digital assistant, Cortana to the OS X desktop. As reported, it also goes on to blend the Windows 10 elements into the OS X; for example – Cortana can appear on the OS X dock when you say “Hey Cortana”. One can also use the Cortana to launch Mac apps apart from its usual functions.
The Windows notification center has also been added to the Mac desktop just like how it is on the Windows 10 desktop. But, the Parallels Desktop also brings Mac features to the virtualized Windows system, such as – Quick Look, and Force Touch-supporting touchpad (if your macBook already has it).
According to further reports, one can also transfer files between both operating systems easily. For example, if one prints a windows file, you will also have full access to the Mac print dialog box.
The Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac is said to be available and will support all the new licensed Windows 10 installations and migrations from existing machines. Standalone Parallels Desktop 11 for the Mac is priced at $79.99 (aprrox Rs.5220) while the price for an upgrade for those using the 9 or 11 version is $49.99 (approx Rs.3262). The Pro edition is priced at $49.99 a year.
Last year, it seemed a little shocking when Apple users found their iPhones being susceptible to bending. And in order to wash that reputation away, rumours and reports suggest that this time, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will be made from 7000 series aluminium, in order to make it more hardy.
Apple is yet to confirm this, but reports suggest that the alloy used for this year’s iPhones, will be composed of zinc (5%) and iron (might be as high as 8%). Although those are approximate and unconfirmed percentages, the Apple News site said that they discovered that ‘unspecified amounts of iron can be introduced into the shell during the milling process.’
Unbox Therapy, which is the YouTube channel that famously bent the iPhone 6 Plus on camera, last year, did a similar test on the iPhone 6s metal case, this year. He concluded that the shell did have zinc and iron in it and that one would need at least three times the force to bend this years iPhone. Do you feel reassured?
Atop the metal, a 10-micron thick anodized aluminum oxide layer is also present to protect the phone against corrosion and also to introduce dyes for various colour options.
Till Apple confirms these reports, watch Unbox Therapy’s newest iPhone 6s bend test video below:
The last phone that HTC released was its One M9, and we were expecting it to be called, One M10. But, if reports are to be believed, HTC might change the name of their upcoming smartphone range to O2.
This new handset is said to feature a 6 inch OHD display powered by a Snapdragon 820 chipset with 4GB RAM space. It is said to come in two storage variants – 64GB and 128GB with a 3,500mAh battery. The O2 could be environmentally sealed for water and dust protection.
Rumours also suggest that there might be another O2 model scheduled to release next year. This rumoured device could feature a 5 inch display and the unannounced Snapdragon 82x chipset.
However, these facts have not been confirmed as yet. So watch this space for more updates.
In addition to the much awaited Redmi Note 2 that was only launched in China, Xiaomi also released its OS which is the new version of the company’s Android-based operating system. The MIUI 7 OS was announced in China and the international launch took place today, in India.
We will get to see a lot more features and information on the MIUI 7, this time so before we take a look, let us show you a video that shows the performance of the MIUI 7:
This UI was announced on August 16th 2010, and now has 48 official ROMs by various MIUI developers, and 480 community ROMs.That seems to be substantial growth in the last 5 years as the MUI has over 150 million users today spread across a 156 countries. Naturally then, it has a lot of expectations riding on its back.
Firstly, it has a feature called ‘System UIs’, which is basically a bunch of theme sets that allow you to customise your phone according to your own taste. It has 4 choices; Rose, Pink Blush, Ocean Breeze and High Life.
A second cool feature would be ‘Showtime.’ This allows you to attach animated videos to certain contacts that you’ll be able to view when they call you. Cool, right? The most amazing part is that we don’t need to keep waiting for it either. Contrary to how launches usually work, this time we will get to see this particular feature in India first, and then it will roll out in other areas. Let’s feel special for a moment.
Thirdly, it has a feature called ‘Auto DND’ that can be used in combination with your Mi Band fitness tracker, if you own one, of course. What it does is, if a Mi Band detects you’re sleeping, it will automatically put the device in a Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, and silence your device. Once you wake up, the DND will be disabled. It’s like your personal butler, in a way.
source: Gsmarena
The ‘XXL Text’ is something that most elderly people ought to use. It’s a feature that allows you to apply huge fonts on your smartphone, whilst promising that your Xiaomi UI won’t become dysfunctional. Another feature called The ‘MIUI Data Saver’ is actually powered by Opera Max’s compression tech. This will release worldwide, in a month and will offer you data saving across all apps. Why is this a good thing? Because Opera’s cloud compresses data, and hence can save you a lump sum of cash when it comes to mobile data (up to 50% less data consumption).
The MIUI 7 even has a feature called The ‘Baby Album’ that uses face recognition to identify adorable babies and group their photos with you. And lastly, The ‘Daily Lockscreen’ feature chooses a picture to put on your lockscreen, on a daily basis. Once again, we have the privilege of seeing these features first in India, before they roll out elsewhere.
Thus those are a list of features you should be looking out for, starting 24th August which is when the MIUI 7 update will be available. You’ll get the taste of the new OS on the Redmi 1S, Redmi 2, Mi 3, 4, 4i and Redmi Note 3G/4G.
Xiaomi has announced, as part of its MIUI 7 global launch event in New delhi, that the Mi 4i Limited edition will go on sale on the 25th of August 2015. This new device will come in three variants – pink, blue and yellow. However, the price of this limited edition device has not been announced.
Currently, the Mi 4, launched in June, is available in two variants – white and dark grey and also comes with a 16GB and 32GB storage capacity. They are priced at Rs.12,999 and Rs.14,999 respectively.
The new Mi 4i Limited editions is said to come with a 5 inch full HD (1920×1080 pixels) IPS OGS display and comes with a second-generation 1.7GHz Snapdragon 615 octa-core 64-bit processor and 2GB of RAM.
On the camera front, it has a 13-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel selfie camera all supported by a 3,120mAh battery with quick charge support. Other connectivity features include dual-SIM card slots, LTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS. On the software front, this device will run on the MIUI 7.
Sony has revealed a number of limited edition Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom pain devices, today. All these devices come with game-themed cases, engravings, sounds and wallpapers. Some of these devices are – The Xperia J1 Compact phone, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z4 Tablet and the Phantom Pain versions of Walkman A16 and audiophile-oriented Walkman ZX2.
These devices will reportedly arrive in Japan on the 2nd of September 2015 along with the MGS5. The price of these devices is however unclear, although one can expect around $225 for the Walkman A16 and around $1,125 for the ZX2. No other information regarding its release elsewhere is available, as of now.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is the company’s first big S series phone, as an add-on to the Galaxy S line of devices. Last year the company thought it better to launch an edgier Note in the form of a Note Edge. However, this year Samsung found it more favourable to make a bigger S6 edge.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ also marks a new chapter, one where the line between a smartphone and a phablet is basically blurring out. Samsung has slowly killed the category it created with the Note in 2010. Large screen phones are now mainstream and Samsung is basically reinforcing that with the S6 edge+.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ is designed to one up the iPhone 6 Plus in terms of specifications and hardware. The Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge both had huge success in the global markets and Samsung expects no less from the Galaxy S6 edge+.
The elder and bigger sibling is identical to the Galaxy S6 Edge, so identical that you won’t be able to tell them apart unless you put them together. There is a massive screen size different however a minor change in actual dimensions. The S6 edge+ just like the S6 Edge is flanked on both sides with edge displays.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ does become slightly more difficult to handle, and hence Samsung has added one handed operation and screen size reduction, similar to Apple’s double tap to pull down screen on the iPhone 6 Plus. This feature was also seen on the recent Galaxy A8 from Samsung.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ is actually slimmer at just 6.9mm vs the 7 mm of the Galaxy S6 and the feel in the hand is very premium. Samsung has really done a good job with the design of the S6 Edge and hence they, didn’t change anything, but make the phone bigger with the S6 edge+.
Everything from the display resolution to chipset and cameras are identical to the Galaxy S6 Edge, however thanks to the new large display of the S6 edge+ the pixel density drops to 515 ppi vs the mammoth 577 ppi on the S6 Edge. The Edge Plus variant also sports a larger 3,000 mAh battery to combat the drain from the larger QHD Super AMOLED display. An additional 1 GB of LPDD4 RAM, takes it upto 4 GB on the edge+ however the phone is missing the 128GB storage option as only the 32 and 64 GB variants will go on sale.
The software department on the edge+ too remains same as the S6 and the S6 Edge, with a cleaner and simplified UI and new apps window to the edge display Samsung is trying to leverage the screen real-estate. You will also still get a Flipboard news feed to the left of the home screen and gestures like flipping a ringing phone to mute the call. Double clicking the home button will quickly launch the camera.
You still get the fingerprint scanner and ability to remember internet passwords and Samsung Account details using your fingerprint as a security mechanism.
Some would argue that the Galaxy S6 Edge was the right size handset and that it fit well in almost all departments. Whether you were an executive or college student, the S6 and the edge variant seemed to be the right size for your hands.
With the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ the company is trying to reach to those who liked the iPhone 6 Plus and those who loved the Note category but found it to be a niche. With the S6 edge+ Samsung is trying to make the page size phone more mainstream, and by the looks of it, it seems to be headed in the right direction.
Stay tuned for our Full Review of the Galaxy S6 edge+
The S6 Edge+ and the Galaxy Note 5 were launched just about a week back and today we bring you more good news. The S6 Edge+ has now been launched in India as well. The smartphone is priced at Rs 57,900, and will go on sale from August 28 onwards. From what we hear, only the gold and silver colour variants with 32GB storage will be made available in India.
The Galaxy S6 Edge+ is noted to have a bigger display but yet is smaller and more compact when compared to devices like the iPhone 6 Plus.
The Galaxy S6 Edge+ has a 5.7” Quad HD Super AMOLED 2560 x 1440 (518ppi) dual edge screen and is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The device runs on the Android OS, v5.1.1 (Lollipop) with an Octa core (2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad), 64 bit, 14nm processor.
The device comes in two variants – 32GB and 64 GB both with a 4 GB RAM (only the 32GB variant is available in India). The primary camera has a 16 MP, 2988 x 5312 pixels, optical image stabilization, autofocus, LED flash while the front camera has a 5 MP, dual video call, Auto HDR one.
Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi , dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, a bluetooth v4.2, GPS and a nano-SIM.The S6 edge+ come with a non-removable Li-Ion 3,000mAh, fast charging both, wireless charging compatible with WPC and PMA .
For a comparison of the S6 Edge and S6 Edge+, click here.
Google has created a new Wi-Fi router called OnHub that promises to “end your Wi-Fi headaches for good.”
This router has been designed in partnership with TP-LINK and features:
“a unique antenna design and smart software” that “keeps working in the background, automatically adjusting OnHub to avoid interference and keep your network at peak performance.”
It also has the ability to scan available airwaves and find the best congestion while allowing you to prioritize some devices in a way that you can pick certain apps over others that are running in the background.
Reports also suggest, that OnHub can be managed via a smartphone app and can also tell you how much bandwidth your devices are using, allows you to run a network check and in case there is a problem with your network, it offers you suggestions to help.
One can order the OnHub router on Amazon, however it will be available at select retail stores in the coming weeks.
