Category: Brands and Companies

All Brands and Company Names

What We Can Expect From iOS 9

With the much awaited Apple Developers Conference that is ready to kickstart tonight (10:30 pm IST) the world awaits the unravelling of new features and software updates. While we wait for the formal announcements, here is a list of 7 updates that we might get to see in iOS 9.

Are you ready?

1. Proactive to Stay True to its Name

Siri and the Spotlight search are set to undergo changes that will make them ‘Proactive,’ which is currently what the update is tentatively named. It is touted to become an extremely efficient personal secretary. According MacWorld, the update will be able to “offer a range of additional information and features based on user habits and intelligent contextual prediction.”

This means that Proactive’s interface will firstly, be able to open from the left of the home screen and will also come in the form of a pull down which is how Spotlight opens right now. Furthermore, it will access information that is most suited to your needs based on the kind of apps you use on a daily basis or depending on what time you use them. For example, if you wake up in the morning and access Facebook or Instagram or if you browse through it, before you go to bed, Proactive will have a small bubble that will appear on your home screen, that will allow you to access a particular app/ contact etc in just one tap. It not only serves as a good reminder, but also keeps a track of your everyday needs.

2. iCloud

[pullquote_right] iCloud Drive syncing should lead to faster syncing between the apps as well as stronger security (thanks to the system’s end-to-end data encryption) [/pullquote_right]

Apple will be syncing all IMAP-based apps from iCloud instead of the IMAP back end. While it hasn’t been clear as to which apps will be synced, one can assume it will include Notes, Reminders and Calendar. Macworld says, “iCloud Drive syncing should lead to faster syncing between the apps as well as stronger security (thanks to the system’s end-to-end data encryption).”

Apple also plans to make iCloud easily accessible by introducing a new iCloud Drive app for users. This app would let you directly get to your stored files and folders and will be a huge convenience. While Mac owners can access the App through its finder, iPhone and iPad users currently don’t have the easier way out, yet.

3. ‘Rootless’ to get Ruthless

Redmond Pie reports that this system “is aimed at preventing even administrator-level users from gaining access to certain file systems on an iPhone, iPad or Mac

This might be terrible news for jail breakers but doesn’t make a difference to normal users. The security system called ‘Rootless’ is set to become extremely strict and will not allow the device to be easily broken into. Therefore, if you were planning on buying an Apple device from anywhere outside India and unlocking it in our country, think twice. It’s going to be very tough to do so.

image courtesy: 9to5mac.com

Rootless is expected to be announced at the WWDC 2015 but, it will be a while before it shows up as an update.

4. ‘Swift’ Language Programming to be Updated

Although this news is more for app developers, we might eventually benefit from this update too. Swift that was introduced in iOS 8 is speculated to embed code libraries into the iOS itself rather than into Swift based apps. While, this might mean a larger iOS file to install, it will also avoid the duplicating of data and therefore create more space on your device.

5. HomeKit

We expect to see the Homekit app which is likely to be called ‘Home’, and will operate on iOS 9. Thus, we will be able to control all our home appliances without looking at them and will be able to turn off our electricity while sitting at work. This is going to turn out to be an extremely useful component to have on your Apple device and we can’t wait for it to be formerly executed.

6. Public Transport Direction in Maps

After the criticism that Apple maps faced, the Redmond giant has done a lot to try and improve their Maps as well as give tough competition to its daunting rival; Google Maps. Even after that though, directions and durations through public transport have been unavailable. Now, with iOS 9, we are likely to see the inclusion of Public Transport in Apple Maps. This service will witness a lag in countries other than the USA.

7. Contact Availability

In the past there has been backlash about the ‘Delivered’ and ‘Read’ option, thanks to iMessage. If that wasn’t enough, we now might get to see a particular contact’s phone status (that is, Switched Off, Airplane Mode) as well as the availability of our friends and families, who also own iPhones. Don’t worry too much, this is said to be optional for both parties.

Along with the updates mentioned above, we also expect to see the iOS 9 to have more speed and stability, a problem which some users previously struggled with with the previous iteration. While we continue to speculate, watch this space for more information and updates on the WWDC 2015.

June 8, 2015
6 Announcements Apple Could Make at the Developers’ Conference Tonight

Since the beginning, Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has been an epicentre of new-fangled and breakthrough technological advancements. The California-based tech giant discloses its latest software and hardware at the grand conference, and this year will be no different. Apple is expected to introduce a revamped operating software for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, along with some revised and brand new tools like Proactive, Beats Music, and so on.

The WWDC 2015 will kick off on June 8 and will continue for five days. Here is a list of announcements Apple could make at the annual developers conference:

1. iOS 9 Bringing Support to Older Phones

Definitely, an upgraded mobile operating system will be introduced in the upcoming event, but it won’t be a major overhaul as the previous versions, iOS 7 or iOS 8. It is learnt that iOS 9 would be a much more stable version, compatible with even older devices like iPhone 4s and iPad Mini. Instead of being loaded with all the bells and whistles, the new version will iron out current bugs and lags.

Apple Maps would be a major fix with iOS 9. The renovated tool will be a complete guide to travel by subways, trains and bus routes.

2. OS X 10.11 Would be Security-Centric

A refreshed version of OS X is anticipated to unveil on Monday. The newest upgrade OS X 10.11 will have a page from the design language of the Apple Watch that will supplement new a typeface to Mac’s operating system. It will reportedly have a Control Centre Panel popping up from the left side of the screen, probably like the Start Menu on Windows.

OS X 10.11 will be focused majorly on quality, small-sized apps, and a new security system called ‘Rootless’. It is said to be a kernel-level feature to prevent malware and secure sensitive files, blocking access to even administration-level users. The security measure is considered to be a major blow to the jailbreak community.

Rootless security and an Apple Watch typeface will be included on iOS 9 as well.

3. New Digital Voice Assistant ‘Proactive’

Apple is aiming to take on Google Now with an improved version of Siri – codenamed ‘Proactive’. Unlike Google Now, users don’t even need to ask Proactive and it will keep you informed with required information throughout the day. Proactive will work integrating with apps like Siri, Spotlight, Maps, Calendar and more.

4. Revamped Music Streaming Service

Apple is expected to enter the music streaming ring with the much-awaited Beats Music service. Last year, Apple perplexed the tech industry with the buy out of Beats for $3 billion, but soon the picture began to take shape. It won’t be like other free music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora that offer unlimited tracks without any charge, and is estimated to charge $9.99/month for individuals and $14.99/month for the family plan.

5. Apple Pay to Enter More Countries

Apple Pay was a huge success in the US. The mobile payment system will reportedly make way to the new markets like India, China, Europe, Africa and many more. Besides this, a new reward programme is said to debut for the payment service.

6. Brand New Live TV Service

It’s confirmed that Apple is not ready to introduce a new version of Apple TV in the developers’ conference. But the segment won’t be untouched. The company plans to unveil ‘live TV’ services that would have almost 25 channels, according to Wall Street Journal. Apple is in negotiations with broadcasters to provide streaming rights for the local broadcast stations across different markets. The service will cost $15/month.

Stay tuned tonight at 10.30PM IST, iGyaan will be covering the event live.

June 8, 2015
Best Wireless Galaxy S6 Accessories Available Right Now

Rather than being just an incremental upgrade in terms of specs and features, Samsung’s latest flagship Galaxy S6 is quite the looker. The tweaked design helps it stand out from the pack of former mundane iterations making it all the more enthralling. There are many cool accessories available in the market that adds substantial value to the handset.

Here’s a list of wireless accessories that helps you make the most of your handset:

QiStone+ Wireless Power Bank

No matter how powerful the battery equipped to the device may be, smartphones are always power hungry. But there is a solution that is effortless, powerful, and lightweight. QiStone+ is a compact, wireless power bank entailing Qi+ technology to top up the device with Qi Receivers. It stores 4000mAh of power, which means your Galaxy S6 can be charged more than once on one full charge.

The 135g power bank turns to Sleep Mode after 30 seconds of inactivity and wakes up through a capacitive touch sensitive switch. There is an option to charge two devices at a time, one phone can be placed on the QiStone+ and another can be connected to the USB socket via cable.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”http://www.fonesalesman.com/products/qistone-plus”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

WoodPuck Bamboo Edition Wireless Charger

The nature-inspired WoodPuck Bamboo edition is another stylish accessory that heavy users would definitely need. Weighing a mere 80g, the charger is extremely handy and sports a distinctive look and feel of natural bamboo. Just like the QiStone+, this wireless charger can fuel up Qi-compatible devices. Provided at one end is a micro-USB socket that connects to the power plug to charge the device.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”http://www.fonesalesman.com/products/woodpuck-bamboo-edition”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Duracell Powermat

Designed to keep two gadgets attached to the power point, Duracell Powermat charges phones without messy long wires. The sleek charging hub lets you drop and charge your favourite devices. The 24-hour power system also charges on the go through Duracell Powermat Wireless Charging Hot Spot. It is available in two colours – white and black.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”http://www.duracellpowermat.com/home/batteries/duracell-powermat/powermat-for-2-devices/041333014227.html?cgid=duracellpowermat-powermats-device1#start=1″]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Samsung Wireless Charger

Next is Samsung’s own wireless charger that will cost you Rs. 2,999. The Samsung logo atop the round reflective glass surface looks amazing, and its light weight and considerably small size puts it on traveller’s essentials list. The changing pad allows you to drop the phone on it and refuels the device without any hassle of wires. The wireless charger is available on Samsung India’s online store.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”https://www.samsungindiaestore.com/products/accessories/Wireless_Charger_EP-PG920IBEG”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad

Albeit its plastic look, the Belkin wireless pad serves the purpose. The company claims that the charger can bring your phone’s battery from zero to 100 percent just as quickly as a conventional, 5-watt wired adapter. It has a simple design, with the curved charging base providing a safe cushion.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”https://www.samsungindiaestore.com/products/accessories/Wireless_Charger_EP-PG920IBEG&tag=igyaan-21“]Buy Now[/tw-button]

June 6, 2015
Apple HomeKit Explained | Everything You Need to Know

The smartphone evolution is on the verge of touching zenith by bringing all chief developments in a compact device. The tech industry is now swiftly gearing into diverse segments that would soon become a norm in the coming future. Apple has been struggling to catch up and is making attempts to fill up the gap. The March 9 event by Apple answered many questions about the HomeKit, but it soon faded in the backdrop with the launch of the Apple Watch and the new MacBook. Nonetheless, it gave a fair idea of Apple’s plan to let users build their personal Internet of Things (IoT) using HomeKit-compatible connected devices.

What is HomeKit?

Before we begin with how HomeKit works and how it can ease your life, let’s take a look back at what is HomeKit. HomeKit is a specialised language understood by appliances; a framework that works in combination with apps for communicating with and controlling connected accessories in a home. Users can set up actions to control home automation accessories like lights, gate, garage door, music, TV, etc and group them together.

HomeKit devices are stored in a database on the iOS device, which is synchronized to other iOS devices over iCloud. An admin is allowed to add more users to adjust the characteristics of accessories. The integration of voice assistant Siri makes it all the more fun and actions can be triggered by Siri at a single call. The arrangement works with devices like iPhone, iPad and iPod that runs iOS 8 and above.

How Does it Work?

Since connected devices in your home communicate with each other, each one of them needs to have a definite name. Assign a name to all the HomeKit-enabled devices and functions like ‘Living Room’, ‘Curtains’, ‘House’, ‘TV’, ‘Switch on’, ‘Brew’, so that Siri could interpret your command. Remember to use names and not general terms in your command.

Once you are done with storing names, the appliances can be controlled individually. Apple has also provided a grouping feature that can put together two or more appliances to manage at a time. This way you don’t have to give a command to every single object and one command will apply on all. For example, if there are many lights in your house and you want to switch off all, give Siri a pre-determined command and all the lights will turn off.

Official Home App to Debut on WWDC 2015

For now, there is no official app by Apple and users need to download a suitable application from the App Store. But there have been reports of Apple strengthening the connected home initiative through its own app dubbed ‘Home’. The tool would list all the HomeKit-enabled items and will be a remote point to manage everything.

HomeKit-Compatible Devices

As HomeKit is a conversational language of electronics, it could work with devices produced by any manufacturer, considering that it’s HomeKit-enabled. Apple has tied up with many consumer electronics brands to produce conversable appliances. Some of them include Haier, Philips, Belkin, Honeywell and a few more. There are several devices available in the market right now, but almost all of them are for sale in the US. The accessories are yet to hit the Indian market. It is speculated that Apple would release more of HomeKit-enabled devices in the forthcoming annual WWDC.

HomeKit is secure and doesn’t allow electricity abuse. It includes end-to-end encryption between iOS devices and smart devices, making them secure.

The Future of HomeKit

The HomeKit concept was introduced last year and even after a year, it has a crawling progress rate. Google too announced its latest smart home platform, Brillo, at the recent annual developer’s conference, but it’s a year behind Apple. The Cupertino-based firm has already thrown its hat in the respective ground. There has been a slow roll of HomeKit-compatible products in the market, but this year’s WWDC is expected to accelerate the process.

The race of turning homes to ‘smart homes’ is a tad long and it would take next several years to replace the already fitted appliances with smart gadgets. Besides that, Apple has merely sprung its plan of home automation into action and it needs to institute an entire set up of automated products. Surely, it would be slow and extended, but it’s a preview of how the future would be like. The day is not far when homes would be interacting like your smartphone.

June 5, 2015
Best Smartphones to Look Forward to in 2015

The smartphone train keeps on moving forward as time passes by. With almost half of this year gone by, we’ve seen many new devices like Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge and HTC One M9. But the year is far from ending, and many companies have given out hints of their new unnamed devices. Let us check them out below:

Samsung Galaxy S7

Samsung raised the standards of the Samsung smartphones in March when they launched the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Now, fans of the devices have already started to speculate about the next Galaxy phone that is touted to be released by the end of 2015. If these rumours are to be believed, Samsung will feature a massive 30MP primary camera and a 10MP front camera with the device. The device is also rumoured to have a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 8K resolution. The device may also include an 8GB RAM, according to the rumours. The processor might be a 64-bit Exynos processor. Following the Galaxy S6 line, we might see Samsung to releasing a Galaxy S7 Edge too. Some other features include Retina Scanning, Advanced Touch ID and Fast Charge technology.

Huawei Honor 7

After Huawei launched the Honor 6 a year ago; the Honor series has been due for quite some time. A new teaser by Huawei indicates a launch of a new product on 8^th June, which we think is most likely the Honor 7. The teaser showed a nicely drawn banner with the date and a quote that read ’Imagination is Everything’. According to TENAA, there will be two variants of the 5-inch full HD Honor 7 and will be powered by an in-house Kirin 935 chipset. One of the variants will have 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, and the other will have 4GB of RAM and 64GB of memory. Not many details were revealed about the device for now.

OnePlus Two

OnePlus One was one of the most successful Chinese electronic startup stories of 2014. This handset captured an enormous chunk of the mid-segment smartphone market. OnePlus announced a new device on June, which is expected to be the next OnePlus handset. As per the details leaked by the company CEO Liu Zuohu, OnePlus Two will run on Snapdragon 810 chipset along with 4GB RAM. A 5.5-inch 2K display will enhance the viewing experience of the user. There is a high possibility of OnePlus Two running on Cyanogen OS, as the differences between Cyanogen and the Chinese smartphone firm have been sorted out. In the major disclosure yesterday, OnePlus’ Zuohu spilled the beans on the release time of OnePlus Two. The much-awaited device will make a debut in the third quarter of this year. India will be one of the first countries to see the launch of the next probable flagship killer.

Mi5 and Mi5 Plus

Reports from Gizmochina claim two more devices will be joining Xiaomi’s line-up later in June 2015. These devices are larger copies of the Mi 4, expected to be named Mi 5 and Mi 5 Plus. The claimed specs of the devices were leaked on the Chinese social media site, Weibo. The Mi 5 is touted to have a 5.2-inch display with a resolution of 1440×2560 pixels. It is believed to be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset with either 3GB or 4GB RAM and will be juiced by a 3,000mAh battery. Its camera specification includes a 16MP primary camera.The device will also be infused with fingerprint technology. Its larger cousin, named as Mi 5 Plus, will feature a 6-inch screen with 4GB RAM, 32GB internal memory and a 16MP primary camera. No details were revealed about its processor, display, etc. Xiaomi has yet to announce the date of release, but reports mention that the two handsets will be out in June.

LG G5

Rumours say that LG is now working on the successor of the G4, and will be bringing iris recognition system into play. Reports from Korean publications state that LG has teamed up with local biometrics specialist Irience to implement this feature in its next smartphone. Reports also indicate that the phone will be released in the last quarter of 2015. For now, this is the only information we have found out.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

After a year of the release of Samsung Galaxy Note 4, rumours of its successor have started to flow in. Considering their launch pattern, the Galaxy Note 4 successor may launch sometime in September this year. The Note 5 will come with a model number SM-N920F. It is likely to feature 5.4-inch or 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. Let us remind you that the Note 4 was the first smartphone with which the curved edge display was included. Other rumours speak of a 5.9-inch screen with 4K resolution. The company has been preparing to venture into the 4K technology and the forthcoming Galaxy Note 5 may be the first to embed it. Other buzz suggests of a 16MP rear camera, 8MP secondary shooter, 4GB RAM and 16GB internal storage.

Apple iPhone 6S

Hardly a few months after releasing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, rumours of the new iPhone models are already trickling in. According to Macrumors, Apple will be releasing two iPhones under the ‘S’ naming category, namely the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. Apple will be concentrating more on internal performances rather than external looks. At most, Apple may add Pink colour iPhones to its lineup. According to rumours, the new devices will have a faster A9 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel camera, an additional microphone to enhance voice quality, and a new internal mechanical design to address some bending issues users experienced with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Mini and Galaxy S6 Plus

It seems like Samsung is on the move to expand its range of Galaxy line-ups. The Korean company is reportedly working on a smaller version and a larger version of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, namely, Galaxy S6 Mini and Galaxy S6 Plus respectively. Both the rumours emerged this week.

According to GSMArena, the smaller version, Galaxy S6 Mini, or ‘SM-G9198’, the device will be an iPhone 6 competitor. It will have a 4.6-inch HD display and run on Snapdragon 808 chip with 2GB of RAM. It will be equipped with a 15MP primary camera and a 4.7MP front camera.

Meanwhile, Italy’s HDBlog revealed that the company is working on a bigger version, possibly a phablet, on the Galaxy S6 line. For now, the device has been codenamed as ‘Project Zero 2’. Interestingly, the S6 and S6 Edge were codenamed ‘Project Zero’. According to the rumours, the device will just be like the Galaxy S6, only bigger and with a more powerful battery.

Xolo Black

On Wednesday, Xolo announced that they are working on a new handset named Xolo Black. This device will come with a dual camera set up that will be able to capture images and their dimensions in an instant, thus creating 3D images. The phone will come along with HIVE 1.5 or above, along with Android Lollipop, and its price is expected to come in the sub-Rs 15,000 segment. Not many details were revealed about the phone and it is said to launch in the month of June.

Microsoft Lumia 940XL

Microsoft had launched the Lumia 930 almost a year ago, and now, the company is back with its newest smartphone, the Microsoft Lumia 940XL. According to NokiaPowerUser, the device is a larger version of the Lumia 940. The device is expected to have a bigger 5.7-inch display with a slim design and a metal frame. The processor will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a 5MP front-facing camera, a 20MP main PureView camera for photos and videos, and will feature native pen support as well.Further, it will also support USB C-Type and an Iris Scanner too. The specs sound very exciting, but the company has not officially confirmed the existence of such a device.

Motorola Moto X (third-gen)

Motorola may launch the third generation of its flagship Moto X smartphones in the coming few months. According to STJS Gadgets, the third-generation Moto X is leaked by a Motorola insider, who claims to have a hold of details about the next Moto X. The upcoming smartphone on the Moto X series will sport a 5.2-inch QHD AMOLED display, used on the Droid Turbo. Under the hood will be a Snapdragon 808 chipset bundled with a massive 4GB RAM. The device will come pre-installed with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.The front camera will be 5MP while the back will house a 16MP snapper with Clear Pixel Technology. The battery powering the device will also be mammoth at 3280mAh. The device will come in two storage variants – 32GB and 64GB.

Keep on checking iGyaan for more updates regarding these future devices!

June 4, 2015

Review : HTC One M9+

Since the launch of the One M9, the whole world has been conflicted on whether HTC did enough of an upgrade from the One M8 to the One M9. The HTC One M9+ made things more confusing for the buyers and eventually led to unhappiness all round. While the original HTC M9 was launched in the European and American markets, there was more demand in the Asian region and vice-versa with the M9+, which was launched in the Asian market, and had more takers in Europe.

HTC One M9 (Original ) Unboxing:

Apart from the name, there are quite a few differences between the One M9 and the One M9+. For starters you have a completely different chipset. While the global M9 is packing Qualcomm Snapdragon the M9+ packs a MediaTek MT6795T. The M9+ does have DUO cameras at the back, just like the M8. However a mix of 20MP+2MP vs the Ultrapixel combo on the M8 or the single 20MP on the M9 makes for better photographic options.

Another difference is the way HTC M9+ handles storage, allowing upto a 2 TB microSD to be inserted into the handset and used as storage.

Build Quality

HTC keeps up to tradition with the new HTC M9+ and it’s quite identical in design with the HTC One M9. A brushed two-tone finish with the same all Aluminium back as seen earlier on the M9. The gold trim is easy on the eyes, and even though not everyone has shown a lot of appreciation towards it, the material trip is unique. The front has new-gen Gorilla Glass 4 and a centrally located fingerprint scanner, which may be confused for a main button.

Although, when the phone is unlocked an activated finger would allow you to jump back to the home screen. So it is touch button that looks like a real button with a fingerprint scanner embedded in it.

Hardware

Hardware wise the HTC One M9+ truly brings it to the table; great cameras, excellent display, ample storage and a large battery. However the Mediatek chipset was a real surprise to consumers and to us alike. This new chipset is actually much better than we anticipated, and puts the M9+ right back up in the flagship league.

Specs	HTC One M9+	HTC One M9
Display Size	5.2-inch	5 inch
Display Resolution	WQHD (1440x2560p)	1920 x 1080p
Chipset	MediaTek MT6795T	Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
CPU	2.2GHz Octa-Core	4 x 2 GHz + 4 x 1.5 GHz 64 bit
GPU	PowerVR G6200	Adreno 430
RAM	3GB	3 GB
Storage	32GB, expandable up to 2 TB	32 GB , expandable upto 128 GB
Rear Camera	20MP + 2MP Duo Camera	20 MP Sapphire Lens f2.2
Front Camera	4MP HTC UltraPixel	4MP HTC UltraPixel
Battery	2840mAh	2840mAh
Operating System	Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with HTC Sense 7	Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with HTC Sense 7
Price	Rs. 49,500 Click for Latest Price	N/A

Performance

The questions around the One M9+ are bang on. Is the Mediatek chipset a mistake? Should HTC have stuck with Qualcomm? Is the performance getting affected?

However the answers are even simpler. HTC found the new Mediatek MT6795T to be refined and powerful enough to power their flagship. We find it difficult to disagree. The processor does not tire, it’s efficient and highly performance driven and allows the user to truly take advantage of the handset.

Also, unlike the dual setup of the Qualcomm Snapdragon, the Mediatek chipset comes with an 8 Core CPU.

The HTC One M9+ scores positive results on benchmarks, with a happy 48000+ on AnTutTu 64 bit. The performance report pitches it against all market flagships and gaming performance is better than 85% of the other devices at hand.

Gaming is not a problem on the HTC One M9+, the chipset is quick at CPU calculations and load times are highly improved. GPU renders 2D and 3D graphics with easy and most games perform well at high graphics.

Display and Multimedia

It’s a pity that the original HTC One M9 didn’t get a high resolution display. A 2k display makes sense on a handset with over 5 inches to spare, and HTC has managed to get it all well within the sweet spot. As with most HTC displays in the past, this too gets a SLCD panel with Gorilla Glass 4 and great brightness indoors or outdoors.

Boomsound is much better on the M9+ when compared to the audio quality of the HTC One M8, larger speaker cavities improve the native sound and an enhanced audio chip improved audio from the headphones. The Boomsound speakers are possibly the industry’s best and they have seen significant improvement on the M9+.

Camera

HTC has also majorly overhauled their camera strategy. From saying “Megapixels don’t matter” to stuffing a 20 MP sensor in their latest flagship, HTC has truly gone with what the market wants. A wide f2.2 enables good low light shots, however, the Samsung Galaxy S6 takes the cake on low light with their f1.7 aperture lenses.

The images from the HTC One M9+ are sharp and the colours are well balanced. The contrast is good and the light compensation in low light is excellent. Native image stabilization is hugely missed on this handset.

The Camera app is a lot more simplified and easy to use. While certain things that came naturally on the HTC One M8 are now slightly difficult to operate, like the Dual-Camera capabilities. The addition sensor on the dual setup measures the field of view and allows the user to capture images with defined and adjustable depth. It’s mostly gimmicky, however in a perfect light and area setup, it works flawlessly. An idea example would be a landscape shot with a subject in the foreground. These type of shots will work best and will also allow customisations using HTC’s inbuilt features.

ZOE, now independent of the camera app on HTC devices, is more of a cross platform photo sharing app. Important filters and features make it fun to use and allow the user to experiment a lot more with the camera on the HTC One M9+.

The front camera is an Ultrapixel camera from HTC, the same sensor we saw on the back of the M7 and the M8 last year. This drastically improves the front facing camera’s quality as well as low light capabilities.

OS and Blinkfeed

One of the best things HTC has done on the M9 and the M9+ is reduce their control of the Android OS space. The new HTC Sense 7 is a lightweight skin vs what it used to be in the past. Less customisations by HTC also mean that Android Lollipop and Android M (in the future) get to display their full glory.

If you do miss customizations, like HTC’s flip clock, they are now included in the widgets section and are just a simple long tap away. You also, still get themes which you can further customize, by changing colours, images and layouts.

Blinkfeed has also upped its game, with a faster re-hash of feeds and a better layout. The higher resolution display of the M9+ helps in highlighting the content.

The OS and the UI elements are highly optimized, this helps improve productivity and reduce battery consumption.

Phone Network & Battery

The HTC One M9+ supports LTE networks as well as all bands in India. It has a fantastic antenna and excellent voice quality, something that has become synonymous with HTC in the past. No dropped calls and hit network in places with poor reception, are great things to have.The reduced search for strong network also improves battery life on the handset.

Both the speaker and microphone are loud and responsive, allowing parties on both sides to communicate effectively.

The 2840 mAh battery is more than sufficient in getting through the day and then some. The chipset along with the optimizations on the software front make the battery-drain end up on the lower side of the spectrum. The battery life could have been better and things like fast charge are missing from the mix, we honestly don’t mind.

Type	WiFi	Cellular
Talk Time	N/A	6 Hours
Standby	150 Hours	48 Hours
Music	12 Hours	10 Hours
Internet	5 Hours	5 Hours
Video and Gaming	4-5 Hours	4 Hours

Conclusion

With the One M9+, HTC has put all its cards on the table. Their experiment with a relatively newer chipset manufacturer may have paid off well. Consumers in Europe are craving the One M9+ while being served the One M9, and there is good reason for that. The M9+ turns out to be a much better handset than many already in the market, it also is a much better handset than the company’s own M9. Excellent build quality, great design and aesthetics, premium materials, great hardware and excellent cameras make the HTC One M9+ a better device. The camera improvements will satisfy those that missed it last year, and the OS improvements will really push the envelope on making the One M9+ ownership worthy.

The One M9 was a huge disappointment, failing to play catch up with what was happening in the industry. However, with the new M9+, HTC not only caught up, they set precedent.

<br />

June 4, 2015

Meet HTC One ME, World’s First Phone with Helio X10 Chipset

Taiwanese manufacturer, HTC, introduced a new offering that will outdo premium flagships by other smartphone labels in several aspects. The firm brought out the One ME in China, becoming the first smartphone to embrace Mediatek’s new Helio X10 chipset. The handset features a somewhat similar set of specs as the previously launched One M9+. HTC hasn’t spoken about its availability and pricing details.

HTC One ME sports a 5.2-inch Quad HD (1440x2560p) display with 565ppi pixel density. The processor of the phone is its USP. It holds a 64-bit octa-core Helio X10 processor clocked at 2.2GHz, along with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage capacity. Users can expand the memory up to 2TB via MicroSDXC. The device runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop with HTC’s Sense UI on top.

The dual-SIM One ME with fingerprint scanner touts a 20MP rear camera with LED Flash. A 4MP UltraPixel secondary camera sits up front together with BoomSound speakers. The phone gets its juice from the 2,840mAh battery. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, LTE and Micro-USB.

MediaTek is estimated to outshine Qualcomm and Samsung with the launch of Helio range of chipsets. The company has upped the level with the Helio X10 that has a 64-bit architecture and eight Cortex-A53 cores clocking at 2.2GHz. The Helio X10 refreshes a display at the rate of up to 120Hz and records slow-mo videos at up to 480fps. From Apple’s roaring offerings, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, it can be estimated that the ME can record videos at the rate of 240 frames per second.

Here’s a brief of its specs:

Specifications	HTC One ME
Display	5.2-inch Quad HD (1440x2560p), 565ppi
Processor	64-bit 2.2GHz octa-core Helio X10
RAM	3GB
Storage	32GB, expandable up to 2TB via MicroSDXC
Rear Camera	20MP
Front Camera	4MP UltraPixel
Operating System	Android 5.0 Lollipop
Battery	2,840mAh

June 4, 2015

If Rumours are to be Believed, Then This is the Next Apple iPhone

Apple’s future iPhone series has already become a trending topic for all the Apple fanatics around the world, that too, only eight months after the iPhone 6 launch. There are already many speculations and rumours surfacing about the future iPhone such as the design, specifications and features.

No matter how secretive a company is about its next version, they have to issue a list of patents to USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office), which in turn provide hints of the features of the next flagship. Here are some key patents that were filed by Apple, let us check them out:

Apple iPhone Sidewall Display

Apple was granted a patent for ‘Electronic devices with sidewall display’ on May 2014. This patent very well suggests that the next iPhone may have its display screen extended to the edges as well. The patent suggests that the side screen will work as the primary screen extension with touch sensitive portions.

This screen can eliminate the use of traditional physical keys that are used for volume and locking the device. Apple suggests the side display could be used for slide-unlock functionality, music player control, called ID, etc.

Waterproof Design

A patent signed in March 2015 by Apple may allow you to take a bath and use your iPhone without the risk of electrocuting its circuits and without compromising the stylish looks of the device. Apple is working on a new protective coating that can prevent the iPhone from getting damaged from water or any liquid entering beyond the chassis of it.

Flexible iPhone

This patent may very well take the new iPhone over the edge. In January 2015, Apple signed a patent that the company may very well consider the idea of a flexible device. It was written in the patent that by making the iPhone flexible, certain applications could be opened by bending it in a particular way.

Home Button Joystick

Apple signed yet another patent on January 2015, which sounds good for iPhone gamers. This patent describes the Home button of the iPhone with a spring beneath it. The new Home button will be able to be used as a multifunctional button and comes in two modes. One is the standard functionality mode and the other will transform it into a joystick.

Password

In the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, we have the finger print scan lock system. But in December 2014, Apple signed a patent that would make your face the password. Yes, in the process of digging deeper into a personal computing device, Apple’s new device in the future, can soon be unlocked using facial recognition.

Camera Patents

Interchangeable Camera Lens:

Apple filed two patents back in January 2014 that could make it possible to change an iPhone’s camera lens, a possibility. One patent read that the device, possibly the next iPhone may have a removable case that would allow camera attachments. The second patent offers an alternative method of attaching new lenses to the iPhone using magnets.

Super Resolution Photos:

Apple signed a patent in May 2014 that would improve picture qualities taken by iPhone at different heights. The patent describes a series of slightly tilted photographs at different angles and stitches them together to create Super-Resolution photographs.

June 2, 2015
Yu Yuphoria Extreme Drop Test (Video)

Yu Televentures recently launched its latest budget offering the Yuphoria, at a mere Rs. 6,999. According to our review, the YU Yuphoria may be a budget handset, but its build quality and design feels like a lot more. The phone has a fantastic construction for its price, an all-metal frame, made from stamped parts, which have been laser welded into place. The edges give the phone a lot of rigidity and strength, which in turn gives a reassuring feeling to the holder. The back has a soft touch rubberized back panel, which is not prone to fingerprints.

That was our initial feedback of the device. Now we decided to really test the sturdiness of the phone. What better way to do that than to have the phone take a drop test?

Want to know how it fared? Watch the video below:

June 2, 2015
Microsoft Reveals the Much-Anticipated Windows 10 Pricing
It’s official. After much speculation and anticipation, the prices of the new and improved Windows 10 has been revealed, as of yesterday. While we all knew that the Windows upgrade was going to be free, the pricing for people who did not have the OS or the licensed version of it, was unclear.

[pullquote_left] The upgrade from a Windows 10 Home pack to a Pro Pack will just cost $99 [/pullquote_left]

However, Microsoft, through Neowin, finally announced the prices and the date of release. The cost of Windows 10 Home will be $109 while Windows Pro will cost $199. Incidentally, there was been no hike in price since the Windows 8.1 version came out, which is a pleasant surprise. The upgrade from a Windows 10 Home pack to a Pro Pack will just cost $99. The system will be ready for upgrade on the 29th of July.

While there was a lot of speculation over the weekend with Newegg reporting a price leak, it has been confirmed that the prices put up by the website, initially, were incorrect.

Now that we know the price and date, It is important to know a few more things about the Windows 10 upgrade:
- The upgrade is available for free, for a year, after which all Windows 7 and 8.1 users, will have to purchase the upgrade. So do avail of this offer, soon.
- You can either download the OS on your Windows 7 and 8.1 versions or buy the new PC.
- All updates and fixes will come at no additional cost once you’ve downloaded it.
- They have a ‘reservation link option’ which means you can preload the software and it will install, as soon as it’s ready.
- All non-genuine Windows users will not get a free upgrade and people using Windows OEM (Other Equipment Manufacturers) will be offered attractive discounts, as per the company’s statement.
With the revelation of prices, the Redmond-based beast hopes to secure its fortunes in what can be the largest sales of PCs and upgrades that will be witnessed. As per Neowin, the company expects users to avail of the free upgrade that is available for one year and hence is targeting 1 billion installs of Windows 10, in the next 2-3 years. While the task seems daunting at the moment, it’s definitely not an impossible feat.
June 2, 2015
Microsoft Officially Announces Windows 10 Release Date

Microsoft had earlier announced that the consumer version of its newest OS, Windows 10, will arrive this summer. Keeping up its promise, the software major today announced the release date of its latest Windows iteration. The much-awaited operating system will be available to download on computers and tablets running Windows 7 and 8.1 from July 29th onwards. Windows-running smartphones are expected to receive an update later this year.

Terry Myerson of Microsoft stated in the official blog post –

On July 29, you can get Windows 10 for PCs and tablets by taking advantage of the free upgrade offer, or on a new Windows 10 PC from your favourite retailer. If you purchase a new Windows 8.1 device between now and then, the Windows 10 upgrade will be available to you and many retail stores will upgrade your new device for you.

Recently, the hardware and software giant commented on a blog post stating that Genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers will be upgraded to Windows 10 for free and will continue receiving ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for the supported lifetime of that device. On the other hand, customers using pirated softwares have been recommended to purchase a licensed copy.

Microsoft is also sending a notification to genuine Windows users, clicking which, a slide show appears giving a slight glimpse of Windows 10. The new version brings back the Start Menu (that was missing in Windows 8), Continuum, a virtual assistant Cortana, the revamped browser Microsoft Edge that is fast and organised, and many other features. The software will launch in 190 countries.

[pullquote_right] Microsoft recently confirmed that there will be no Windows 11 [/pullquote_right]

Microsoft recently confirmed, that the firm is quitting the revision of Windows operating system and confirmed there will be no Windows 11. The company wanted perfection in the latest Windows as it aims to standardize Windows 10. Microsoft intends to make Windows a service. That means, instead of releasing versions of Windows every couple of years, they will be sending out regular updates to Windows just like Apple’s OS X.

Click here for more information about Windows 10.

June 1, 2015
Here’s How Android Pay Can Pose a Threat to Apple Pay

Along with unveiling the brand new version of Android OS, Android M, at the annual developers conference I/0 2015, Google cleared its vision to help customers buy regular products with utmost ease. The tech powerhouse showed the Android community its recent development on mobile payments that made Android lovers applaud Google. The ace up its sleeves was Android Pay, through which Google was aiming at Apple’s contactless payment service, Apple Pay. However Android Pay came late into the mobile payment battle, it has certain distinctive features that would strengthen its position in this domain. Let’s check out how it works and how it can contribute to making our lives easier.

How to Use it?

Android Pay relieves users from the hassle of carrying cards and the payment is done at merchants’ contactless terminals. Simply unlock the device and as soon as you place it near the machine’s NFC reader, a card interface will pop up automatically. Fingerprint scanning isn’t a must. Pick from the virtual cards to complete your payment. With this, you are done. Payment confirmation and transaction details will be received on your smartphone. There is no need to call up Android Pay and put in a separate PIN or password to authenticate payments. Android Pay deals with all by integrating with the security of the operating system. The feature is much easier to use with Android M as devices equipped with the latest Android OS version supports fingerprint reading just like Apple Pay.

Along with that, Google has thought of another strategy to allure Android users. As the users checkout, the loyalty programs and special offers automatically apply. This way, loyalty programs and offers get received along with payments, which is essential for the contactless payment system.

Here’s the video demonstrating the use of Android Pay:

https://youtu.be/OueObu2aA_M

The technology governing Android Pay is analogous to the one regulating Apple Pay. It makes use of the similar NFC (Near Field Communications) technology, which is regular on most Android smartphones these days. Together with that, current software is all that is needed for Android Pay to run on any Android handset. Google has partnered with top payment processors, mobile carriers, payment networks, banks and retailers to deliver your choice and flexibility. The bank apps also pay a pivotal role of integrating with Google’s platform to add your credit and debit cards directly to Android Pay.

Talking about the security parameters equipped in Android Pay, the tokenization method spotted on Apple Pay dominates Google’s payment system as well. A virtual account number is created for the user so that retailers never come to know your actual card details.

Why it is likely to beat Apple Pay?

Google’s payment system will give a major boost to mobile payment. Users can pay in stores, food courts, buy apps, and at every possible place where Android Pay or an NFC logo is visible. According to the company, the feature arriving this summer will work in 7,00,000 stores in the US and with a 1,000 Android apps.

Though Apple Pay is efficient, its usage is limited to those using iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Watch and iPad. On the contrary, Android Pay is expected to work with all smartphones with Android 4.4 KitKat and above. Considering the vast user base of Android, Android Pay is likely to take over Apple Pay in the near future. Android users account for more than 80 per cent of the smartphone users. Even if a small per cent of total Android user base utilizes Android Pay, it will easily surpass Apple Pay users.

The second factor that will add to Android Pay’s success is its compatibility with older phones. The feature will allow even the 2013 models to work with Android Pay such as Galaxy S4, HTC One M7, and more. As there will be more users, more retailers would like to install the NFC payment system at their stores. This way, Google will penetrate deep into the mobile payment segment than Apple, in spite of the fact that Apple came in early in October last year.

Meanwhile, there is no detail about it coming to countries outside the US, but we are anticipating it to arrive in India later this year.

June 1, 2015
Google May have Forgotten to Announce One Big Android M Feature
Despite all the announcements made at Google I/O for the new Android M OS , Google left out a set of updates that may be slightly more crucial to some people. With the developer preview of Android M now available to those with Nexus devices, some of the new features we saw are interesting.

However, one big thing that will affect every Android phone buyer in India is the new handling of microSD storage. With Android M, all new handsets will have the ability to turn microSD card storage into system memory. This is a very big deal, especially because it will make buying a larger capacity smartphone redundant. Companies often charge premiums for higher capacity variants of the same hardware, differentiating them only on the inbuilt storage.

Google Now Launcher

Sources tell us that Samsung intentionally left out microSD card storage from the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge to earn premiums on higher capacities. They also did this because they were aware of this feature being launched in the next update of Google’s Android operating system. If Samsung had given the ability to install a microSD on the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, after the launch of Android M and Samsung’s update, it would have meant either lower earnings on the higher storage variants or a halt in sale all together as people would get the cheapest and then install a microSD.

Here are the other hidden features of Android M:
1. Uninstall apps using the Google Now Launcher. Long tap any app and drag up and right.
2. Head over to Settings > Device > Apps > Advanced > Memory to visit the RAM Manager. This feature lets you seethe performance of each App on your device per the RAM available on the handset. This nifty feature also allows you to kill Apps that consume too much memory.
3. Support for MIDI devices: a feature that budding musicians have had on the iOS devices for a while now comes to Android and will allow you to attach Keyboards and DJ decks that support MIDI connections.
4. USB OTG is also standard, and all devices with Android M will support USB OTG. This mixed with the new microSD management will essentially end the high price variant devices.
5. Multi-window support can also be enabled by going through a slightly back end process.
6. Hotspot 2.0 allows you to create Wireless Hotspots on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
7. Swiping from the bottom left to right on the Lock Screen will now launch Google Now Voice search vs the dialer in Android Lollipop.
8. The new Doze feature is highly customisable and can be turned on or off on a per app basis. Allowing you to save battery on the usage of apps you do not need in the background.
May 30, 2015
Power Struggle: Xiaomi and OnePlus Play Tug of War

These days if there is another gadget which is more sought after than a smartphone, it’s a powerbank. Since smartphone manufacturers have failed miserably at providing batteries that last more than a day, the powerbank industry is currently booming.

OnePlus and Xiaomi, two manufactures that entered the Indian market last year, recently launched their own battery packs in the country. If you haven’t noticed, the young Chinese companies have kept an eye on each other. Their current flagships, the Mi4 and the One, both come with similar specifications and a similar price tag. So much so that the OnePlus One and Xiaomi Mi4 have even faced price cuts at the same time.

Now it seems like OnePlus and Xiaomi are playing the same game with their powerbanks.

OnePlus, after teasing their portable charger endlessly, finally brought it to India earlier this month. The charger provides 10,000mAh of power, can easily slip in your pocket and apparently charges the OnePlus One 3 times on a single charge. OnePlus introduced the power bank at an affordable price tag of Rs. 1,399. Less than a month later, Xiaomi retaliated.

Yesterday, Xiaomi announced they’re bringing in the massive 16,000mAh external battery, priced same as OnePlus’ power bank, down to the last Rupee.

Other than the amount of power they provide and their design, the two power banks are almost identical in features. Both feature two USB 2.0 ports and one Micro-USB port; both can charge two devices at the same time. Since it’s an additional device you need to carry around, it is worth mentioning that the OnePlus power bank weighs 225g and the Xiaomi power bank weighs, 350g.

We have an inkling that the OnePlus powerbank may face a price cut within the next few weeks. Only time will tell how the company decides to play its cards – it’s time for their move.

<br />

May 30, 2015

YU Yuphoria Review : Segment Changer

There are no surprises that the first lot of the Yuphoria sold out within seconds. The inception of YU as a brand is relatively recent. However, Micromax, its parent company, has been around for a while. Yu was started as an online exclusive spinoff resulting in deeper competition for the likes of Xiaomi and others who mastered this domain. The success of the Yureka has proved that Indian brands are ready to change their old decaying methods

The Yuphoria is YU’s new handset. However, the company is not pegging it as a sequel, more like a different segment hero. The Yuphoria is their budget end of the spectrum, but YU as a company have ensured that people don’t think of this handset as a budget handset.

Overview

The Yuphoria is priced at a low Rs 6999/- however it packs in a big bang for its buck. Good construction is what YU and Rahul Sharma played off well while launching this device. Packed with more than you can expect from a budget handset. However, the market is now saturated, with the likes of Honor, Xiaomi, and Lenovo. So what makes the Yuphoria different and why is it getting attention? For Starters, in its entirety the Yuphoria handset will be assembled in India. It was made clear at the launch that the initial lot would come from China, however, post the first few thousands, the Yuphoria will be assembled in their local plant in India.

Hardware

The Yuphoria promises a lot and packs a decent set too. No, it is not game changing in performance, but its got a good lineup.

For a price of Rs. 6999/- one begins as thinking of this handset from YU as a no-brainer.

Specification	YU Yuphoria
Display	5-inch IPS HD
Resolution	1280×720 pixel (294ppi)
Additional	Protected by Gorilla Glass 3
Processor	1.2GHz Quad Core, ARM Cortex- A53
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 \| 64bit
GPU	Adreno A306 3D Graphics Core \| 400 MHz
RAM	2GB
Internal Memory	16GB
Expandable Up to	64 GB
Sim Cards	2 x LTE Enabled Sim Card Slots
Primary Camera	8MP
Secondary Camera	5MP
Connectivity Options	4G LTE
Battery	2,230mAh
Operating System	Cyanogen 12.0 (Android 5.0 based)
Price	Rs. 6,999

Build and Design

[pullquote_left] The included screen protector is a great freebie [/pullquote_left]

The YU Yuphoria may be a budget handset, but it feels like a lot more. The phone has fantastic construction for its price, an all metal frame, made from stamped parts, which have been laser welded into place. The edges give the phone a lot of rigidity and strength, which in turn gives a reassuring feeling to the holder. The back has a soft touch rubberized back panel, which is not prone to fingerprints. The fat lens cap, however, is like an oil slick ; slippery and constantly smudgy.

The design is very Lumia-like and resembles good-old Nokia Lumia handsets with the metal frame shape and fat lens in the back centre. There is a very slight, almost negligible, lip on the front glass of the handset that may attribute to some protection for the front glass. However the included screen protector is a great freebie, especially for a device that may not see case manufacturers running after it.

Performance and OS (Cyanogen)

The Yuphoria is not a benchmark king, but then again it costs Rs 6999. We ran several benchmark tests, and the results were average. We weren’t surprised by the performance because the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 is fairly limited in capability. However the way cyanogen is built, and the use of Android 5.0.2 on the inside will make day to day operations a breeze. Expect no lag in the usage of the device, while switching from and to backgrounded apps, making calls, browsing the internet.

The 64-bit architecture comes into play here, and while you won’t get the best “extreme” performance scenarios, the handset can handle high-end games at lower graphics.

No special points for guessing that Cyanogen 12 works well on the Yuphoria. The Lollipop version of Android with Cyanogen’s custom tweaks have made sense for this budget device, eliminating daily bothersome lags. Post many days of use, the operating system on the device remains smooth.

Many things are easier thanks to Cyanogen. You get tap to wake and sleep, but you don’t get screen-off gestures that let you turn on the flashlight or jump into the camera.

Benchmark results were off the usual expectations, and low. If you are expecting a performance workhorse, this truly is not your price segment, nor is the Yuphoria your device. This device runs smoothly through the day and will keep up with almost all sorts of usage as long as you are not going to work it too hard. It tends to heat up, however, the plastic back panel doesn’t let you bear the brunt of it. The metal frame appears to have been insulated to prevent it from getting hot.

Multimedia and Camera

YU’s promotions prior to the launch of the Yuphoria included a music demo which showed off the loudness of the speakers. No, do not expect that at all. However, the AAC Technologies manufactured speakers are loud and clear and placing the Yuphoria flat on the table causes them to muffle out.

The camera is an interesting mix while the Yuphoria has a smaller MP size it has a wider aperture lens. You also get a big 1.4-micron pixel size that drastically improves low light performance. However, when the images are viewed on a larger screen, noise is apparent.

The front facing camera is equipped with a 5 MP sensor that allows for higher resolution imagery however images are still noisy. Contrast is pretty good, and colour saturation is more accurate than many in this segment, but still off.

Cyanogen’s camera app is the same as what you saw in the previous version and adds just a few changes. Functionality remains simple, and you can swipe down to add effects/filters and jump to the settings to enable face detection etc. The camera is fast and snappy especially for a shooter in this class. YU paid special focus to the camera at the time of launch, however, it may not be a magical clicking machine that they promised, but it does overtake many in the region.

Phone and Networks

What good is a smartphone that makes no calls? The Yuphoria does not have that problem. The phone has been designed to accept 4G Sim Cards, which might be an excellent option. However, considering the rollout speeds of India’s 4G capabilities, you might be many models down by the time you get to use it.

The LTE band support makes the phone great for travel, again something that may only be useful depending on how much you travel. The connectivity is good, and dropped calls appear to be a non-issue with the Yuphoria.

Battery

Unlike the Yureka, the Yuphoria has great battery life and there are no signs of the heating issues mentioned before.

Talk time standards were good when tested with 3G network, giving an average of 6 hours of talk time in a day of use.

The battery also charges quickly, giving you a full charge in about 1.5 hours. However, it’s not the fastest we have seen. The supplied “fast charge” charger would be the best way to charge this handset.

Battery Test	2G	3G	WiFi	NO Connection
Phone Calls	8 Hr	6 Hr	N/A	NA
Gaming	N/A	N/A	7 hours	8.5 hours
Music Playback	10 Hr	10 Hr	9 Hr	13 Hr
Internet Only	10 Hr	6 Hr	4.5 Hr	N/A

Conclusion

In a market that is a mess, with all kinds of phones from all kinds of companies, there seems to be some hope. The YU Yuphoria illustrates that you don’t need to pack loads of money to get a good smartphone experience. That’s what the Yuphoria is; A Good Smartphone Experience. But, it also just stops there, leaving a large void for improvements. As technology becomes more and more affordable, you might see what you call today “high end” trickle down to this price bracket sooner than you expect.

[pullquote_left] The Yuphoria will not impress the true geeks, the power hungry or even the benchmark crazy [/pullquote_left]

The Yuphoria makes for a good first smartphone, a good built premium feel smartphone, a good gift, a great new Android phone if you are replacing something in this price bracket, or even a second phone to already have a special device. The Yuphoria will not impress the true geeks, the power hungry or even the benchmark crazy. The Camera is good, the battery is good and phone call capabilities are excellent. Cyanogen makes for the best experience of “Raw Android,” and the Yuphoria gives it at a mighty impressive price tag.

Just like any other domain, you do have alternatives from Lenovo and Xiaomi. But none of them run Cyanogen, and none of them are made of metal.

May 29, 2015

Category: Brands and Companies

1. Proactive to Stay True to its Name

2. iCloud

3. ‘Rootless’ to get Ruthless

4. ‘Swift’ Language Programming to be Updated

5. HomeKit

6. Public Transport Direction in Maps

7. Contact Availability

1. iOS 9 Bringing Support to Older Phones

2. OS X 10.11 Would be Security-Centric

3. New Digital Voice Assistant ‘Proactive’

4. Revamped Music Streaming Service

5. Apple Pay to Enter More Countries

6. Brand New Live TV Service

QiStone+ Wireless Power Bank

WoodPuck Bamboo Edition Wireless Charger

Duracell Powermat

Samsung Wireless Charger

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad

What is HomeKit?

How Does it Work?

Official Home App to Debut on WWDC 2015

HomeKit-Compatible Devices

The Future of HomeKit

Samsung Galaxy S7

Huawei Honor 7

OnePlus Two

Mi5 and Mi5 Plus

LG G5

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Apple iPhone 6S

Samsung Galaxy S6 Mini and Galaxy S6 Plus

Xolo Black

Microsoft Lumia 940XL

Motorola Moto X (third-gen)

HTC One M9 (Original ) Unboxing:

Build Quality

Hardware

Specs

HTC One M9+

HTC One M9

Performance

Display and Multimedia

Camera

OS and Blinkfeed

Phone Network & Battery

Type

WiFi

Cellular

Conclusion

Specifications

HTC One ME

Apple iPhone Sidewall Display

Waterproof Design

Flexible iPhone

Home Button Joystick

Password

Camera Patents

How to Use it?

Why it is likely to beat Apple Pay?

Here are the other hidden features of Android M:

Overview

Hardware

Specification

YU Yuphoria

Build and Design

Performance and OS (Cyanogen)

Multimedia and Camera

Phone and Networks

Battery

Battery Test

2G

3G

WiFi

NO Connection

Conclusion