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Everything You Need to Know About Google I/O 2015 Launches

Google kicked off its annual developers’ conference, the 2015 I/O yesterday in San Francisco, California. As anticipated, the search engine giant threw light on the much-awaited version of Android OS, disclosing functions of Android M in fine detail. Along with some anticipated features like app permissions, Photo app, Android Pay; there are many more additions to the Google ecosystem.

Here are all the important announcements by the company:

1. App Permissions

Google has tweaked Android M to terminate the traditional way of gaining app permissions. Unlike the current practice, users can permit apps to use a particular function and can also revoke its use. Google has defined eight parameters to give apps permission. These include camera, location, contacts, calendar and few more. With Android M, users can now easily understand the different parameters an app is accessing.

2. Resolved Battery Issue

With Android Lollipop, Battery drain was one of the major issues that ticked off Android users to a large extent. The tech giant has introduced a new feature that helps the phone battery run for an extended period of time. Dubbed as Doze, the feature uses motion detection to check if the smartphone is left unattended for a while. The screen then automatically goes to sleep, reducing the background activity; hence giving the phone a longer battery life.

3. Chrome Custom Tabs to Switch Between Apps

Android M comes with an interesting feature called Chrome Custom Tabs that appear like an in-app Chrome browser. It loads pages faster, filling vital information like email and password. Another important function is that it allows developers to add custom features on top of the apps. For example, Twitter can provide a tweet on any app, which will direct the user to the Twitter app loading it automatically. It allows for quick movements between two applications.

4. New Google Photos App

Google Photo app is a refurbished app with an ability to back up photos and videos, and that too free of cost. However, there is a restriction on their size, but you can upload as many as you wish. These images can be segregated on the basis of location, people, time interval and more. Besides the new app, some interface tools were also introduced for the purpose of sharing and making collages and turning them into movies. As per the company, the app is now available on Android, iOS and web.

5. Maps and Chrome Go Offline

This new feature by Google will help internet users access its products in every corner of the world. A dedicated search results page is built for faster loading by showing fewer images. Users will be able to save web pages offline just like YouTube videos. Along with that, Google Maps has been given a push offline where users can access a bunch of features with no internet connectivity like reviews and information, and give turn-by-turn directions offline. The feature will work in areas with poor internet connectivity.

6. Revamped Android Wear

Android Wear has been updated with a slew of new apps and features. There will be a convenient option to call Uber cabs now. Just like the always-on screen, apps will also remain on always showing information in black and white mode, taking care of the battery. Navigating through Google Maps to get constant direction status and many more features that requires the screen to be on, will be a lot easier. A new app launcher is inculcated as well, along with a feature to convert drawings to emojis.

7. Smart Home

Another expected update was the Smart Home launched along with an operating system Project Brillo and a communication system Weave. Brillo is a trimmed down version of Android, while the latter is Google’s IoT that allows devices to communicate with each other. Both the softwares work together to make your homes truly smart homes. Once both Brillo and Weave are installed on the smart devices, Weave can command devices like refrigerators, ovens, lift bulbs, door locks, etc. The system has build-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.

8. HBO Now on Android

Far from our anticipation, Google announced the arrival of the streaming-only service HBO Now on Android and Chromecast. There is no definite time of its launch on the platform, but speculations are rife about it coming in June this year. Surprisingly, there are no fresh Chromecast or Android TV this time.

9. Redesigned Google Cardboard

Seeing the current trends of bigger phones, the tech major decided to reconstruct its affordable VR headset, Google Cardboard. The new version of Google Cardboard can hold phones with six inch displays. A cardboard button will appear on the new version instead of the original magnet clicker that is said to work with any phone. Google has launched a dedicated Cardboard app, along with a virtual reality education tool Expeditions for educational purpose. The bigger VR headset can be acquired through Google’s partners.

10. Google VR Camera Rig

The company seems to have given a deeper thought to the recently explored virtual reality domain. VR headsets have been available for quite a while, but the content for them was missing. Google in partnership with GoPro has built a VR camera rig, Jump, that is a 16-camera array designed to shoot 3D VR content. The VR camera rig will shoot content and the assembler of Google will weave them together figuring out the depth of different images. It can build content for the VR headsets as well as video-sharing websites like YouTube.

May 29, 2015
Why Windows is Giving Up its Best Card to Android and iOS

Catching up with the ground-breaking innovations of Google and Apple, Microsoft updated its latest Windows OS with the delayed but functional voice assistant Cortana. Windows’ personal virtual companion was rightly named after the fictional character of Halo game series as it had similar personality traits like intelligence and wittiness. But recently, Microsoft made an announcement that dilutes the exclusive rights of Windows Phone users. The Redmond-based tech behemoth launched an app called ‘Phone Companion’ that will make Cortana and many other apps privileged to Windows Phone users across platforms. It means users will soon be able to download Cortana and Music apps on their Android and iOS smartphones.

As soon as a user plugs in the iOS or Android device to a Windows 10 running machine with Phone Companion pre-installed, a slew of apps become available to the user for installation. The list includes Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Skype, OneNote, Outlook, Cortana and Music. Phone Companion will help set up your phone to work seamlessly with Windows 10. Although, the Cortana functionality would be limited on iOS and Android platforms, the most basic feature of questioning Cortana would be there for all operating systems. Along with that, users will receive flight notifications, alerts including geographical ones, pre-set reminders and much more. The apps will be available in late June on Android and later this year, on iOS.

Cortana was one exceptional feature that caught hold of everybody’s attention. Even with the presence of Apple’s Siri and Google’s virtual assistant Google Now, tech critics were compelled to accolade Cortana for its humorous responses, exceptional performance and being an all time companion. With Cortana invading the two major operating systems, it is likely to corner Siri and Google Now to a certain extent. The content on the devices will be more synchronized with the aforementioned set of apps. Photos, files and songs saved on your handset, will automatically transfer to your PC for easy accessibility.

Here’s the video demonstrating how the Phone Companion app will work:

https://youtu.be/lXREpLEwgOY

According to Microsoft, the company “set up with the goal to make Windows 10 for everyone” and this led to the release of the Phone Companion app. But does this move really favour Microsoft? The firm is dropping its unconventional invention in the wide ecosystem of Android and iOS, which it could have cashed in on. The exclusivity of Cortana on a Windows Phone could have given a push to the company in the smartphone segment, which Microsoft is in dire need of. The recent move can further plunge the demand of Windows Phones in the market as users now have the option to activate voice assistance on their handsets.

If you examine Microsoft’s current trend with respect to its apps and softwares, you’ll see that Microsoft is making its distinctive tools, omnipresent. It started with Microsoft Office, earlier exclusively available to Windows Phone users, and Skype and many other apps soon added to the universal apps listing. It’s a plus for Windows’ antagonists, Android and iOS, but it is uncertain if this move turns out to be profitable for Microsoft. The tech firm could have easily tapped on Cortana and Continuum features to convert them into increased market shares. Seems like Microsoft is opting for a different approach to make a higher podium for itself in the flooded smartphone market. But if the strategy fails to work, Microsoft’s smartphone division may soon face a similar situation to Nokia.

May 28, 2015
This Might be the Best Time to Get Moto-ed

A few days back, under the cover of Flipkart’s Electronics Sale, Motorola was offering its devices at a considerably lower price tag. The marketing strategy rushed customers to buy devices from Flipkart, since the sale only lasted for two days. Now, the good news is, most of Motorola’s phones have retained the tempting offers even after the sale is over. It gets us wondering, if should we ready ourselves for the 2015 lineup. Is Motorola clearing up stocks to make room for this year’s iterations?

Here’s a quick look at the ongoing offers – the high-end Moto X (Gen 2) is currently available for Rs. 21,999, a massive drop from its original launch price of Rs. 31,999. According to our review, the right mix of design build quality and top notch hardware makes the Moto X (Gen 2) an aggressive competitor in the major smartphone market. In most countries, the phone is available at a cheap price and with a contract, but in countries like India, it has to be bought outright.

Watch the Moto X (2nd Gen) Review here:

The Moto 360, Motorola’s coveted smartwatch, is now available in the market for a mere Rs. 12,999. This isn’t news, the smartwatch globally faced a price cut, shortly after the Apple Watch went on sale. Motorola’s first wearable went on sale in India back in October last year, priced at Rs. 17,999. It is one of the few Android Wear devices with a round display.

Moto G (Gen 2) is available for Rs. 10,999, which was originally priced at Rs. 12,999. The only two products by the company which are being sold at the prices they were launched at, are the premium Moto Turbo (Rs.41,999) and the budget Moto E(Gen 2.)

Only Moto Turbo’s price remains unchanged.

The reduction of pricing on Motorola devices isn’t anything new, the company has been steadily cutting them down since the past year. This also leads to the question; should you invest in the current models, or wait and save till the new ones arrive? Recently, both Moto G (Gen 3) and Moto X (Gen 3) were leaked, indicating their imminent release. We’ve even heard that the next iteration of the Android Wear-based Moto 360 is on the cards.

Over the past few years, Motorola has established its place well in the Indian smartphone market. Other than the Chinese contenders, OnePlus and Xiaomi, Motorola is the company known for delivering noteworthy products at affordable pricing. Though the company only retails online via Flipkart, they have recently made efforts to reach potential customers, offline. The company opened up its first experience store in Bangalore where consumers can test and try their products, before making their purchase online. They’ve also attempted to strengthen their after-sales services.

Like we said, if you’re thinking about investing in a Motorola product – now would be the right time!

May 28, 2015
Specifications of Mysterious OnePlus Device Revealed

OnePlus Two, the successor of last year’s flagship killer, is anticipated to boast an unprecedented set of specs while maintaining the impressive price scheme. It has already created a buzz with the revelation of it’s price ahead of the launch, i.e. 2499 Yuan or Rs. 25,700, and a fingerprint scanner that is expected to be much better than Apple’s Touch ID. Now, fresh specifications of an unknown OnePlus device have surfaced on Geekbench Test results, that may be the rumoured OnePlus One variant, or the future flagship OnePlus Two.

The benchmarking report speaks of a new device, OnePlus One, with model number A2001. This is different from the model number of the original OnePlus One, which was A0001 running on quad-core Snapdragon 801. The test results confirm that the next smartphone is armed with an octa-core processor, with each core clocked at 1.55 GHz. The device would run on the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Another notable detail of the spotted OnePlus handset includes 3GB RAM, which is a little disappointing for OnePlus fans who were expecting an upgrade. Here are the complete benchmark results.

Earlier this year, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau announced another smartphone release alongside OnePlus Two. There is a possibility that these benchmarks are of the other OnePlus device, which is rumoured to be called OnePlus Lite.

The Chinese smartphone firm hasn’t announced its forthcoming device yet, but there are reports of the OnePlus smartphone coming in the next few weeks. It is still unclear if it would be another flagship or a low-end alternative of OnePlus One, but the coming weeks will unfold many unanswered questions by the company.

May 21, 2015
5 Nifty Tricks Every Mac Owner Should Know

Do you think you’re taking full advantage of using one of the best computer systems in the world? Apple has hidden a few interesting hacks on your Apple MacBook, which are worth taking note of.

Here’s a list of 5 fun things you could do with your MacBook:

1. Have Your Emails Read to You, in an English Accent

Not only is it super simple to get your Mac to read out text for you, you can even pick and choose the voice/accent you like. To have text read out to you, highlight the text, right click and pick the ‘Speech’ option, followed by ‘Start Speaking’. To change the voice, visit ‘Diction and Speech’ in System Preferences. Since we’re partial towards English accents, we like ‘Daniel’ from United Kingdom read out our articles to us.

2. No, you don’t need to print a document to sign it.

In this age of technology, did you really think you had to print a document, sign it, and then scan it again? No. Those days are long gone. You can have signatures saved up on your Mac for quickly sending out a document.

To save your signature, launch the Adobe Reader, pick ‘Tools’ from the top bar and then ‘Annote’. Which will then give you the option to manage your signatures. Now ‘Create Your Signature’ by signing a white piece of paper and holding it up for the camera which has been launched.

This might sound like a tedious procedure, but it’s way better than relying on your printer/scanner in the future. Not just that, you can save multiple signatures at the same time.

3. Too Lazy to Open the Calculator? No Problem.

You can use the search bar of your computer to work out a quick calculation. It isn’t too hard to locate a calculator on your desktop, but this trick saves that extra second.

4. Selective Screenshot

We’re all aware that by using Command + 3, you can screenshot the entire screen, but have to tested out Command + 4? You can pick and choose exactly the area of the screen you’d like to grab, without getting the unnecessary background of your desktop.

5. Quickly hide your browser

For times when you’re sneakily keeping up with the Kardashians, this is a nifty trick everyone should know. Command + H, and your browser is instantly hidden. We suggest you keep an official looking document in the background, just to add authenticity.

May 21, 2015
New Panasonic Toughpad, Toughbook Devices are Built to Handle Anything

Panasonic’s new range of products may hold more interest for adventure seekers and mountaineers. The company today has launched two Toughpads and a semi-rugged Toughbook, an expansion of Panasonic’s Toughpad line. The company states that a growing number of organizations see value in a device that boosts employee productivity by expanding the concept of the workspace, allowing tablets or laptop users to do more while on the go between meeting rooms, job sites or office locations.

The two Toughpads, FZ-E1 and FZ-X1, are resistant from a drop of 10 feet on concrete with MIL-STD-810G specifications and is IP65/IP68 dust and water proof. Both devices sport a 5-inch 720p display with a 1.3MP front camera. Memory specification includes 32GB of internal memory which can be expanded via microSD card. The Windows 8.1-based Toughpad FZ-E1 is priced at Rs 1,19,000 while the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean version, Toughpad FZ-X1 costs Rs 1,09,000.

Panasonic FZ-X1

Panasonic FZ-E1

As for the semi-rugged Toughbook CF-54, it runs on the new 5th gen Intel Core i5-5300U vPro processor. It has a hot-swappable battery option, and its single battery can last up to 11 hours. The new semi-rugged Toughbook CF-54 is the thinnest and lightest semi-rugged PC in its category, according to Panasonic. It is priced at Rs 1,39,000.

Panasonic Toughbook CF-54

The notebook also has a broad range of customization options. Panasonic hopes to increase its presence in the Rugged IT devices segment from 60% to 65% with these latest entrants in this department.

May 20, 2015
Apple iPhone 6s Leak Confirms Major Camera Overhaul

Apple hasn’t said anything about the next iPhone 6 iteration, but rumours about Apple’s upcoming flagship are spreading like wild fire. Until now, speculations surfaced about the much-awaited iPhone 6s, but today, 9to5mac has confirmed the improved version under works. The online publication reporting Apple’s developments showed off some pictures of the rumoured iPhone 6s alongside other features that gives us a fair idea of what the device will look like.

The leaked pictures show iPhone 6s in a rose gold colour with a dual-lens camera at its back. It packs the most radical camera in the history of iPhone. Huawei Honor 6 Plus was the first smartphone to boast a parallel dual lens.

Next to the dual lens is a True Tone flash, which would supplement light in low-light conditions. The rose gold variant is in line with the previous rumours, which suggest that the upcoming iPhone will come in colour options to match the Apple Watch Edition. That means, we will soon come across silver and space grey variants as well.

As reported earlier by an analyst from KGI Securities, the forthcoming iPhone 6s will sport a bumped up camera of 12MP. Powered by a next-gen A9 processor, 2GB RAM will equip the device with newfangled features like Force Touch. Some of the changes the ‘iPhone 6s’ is said to include is a new design using an improved casing material and a newly resurrected inner design. One more microphone is said to be added near the new handset’s speakers in an attempt to improve sound quality.

It is highly likely that Apple will release two variants of the iPhone 6s. More leaks will emerge until Apple comes out with an official announcement.

May 20, 2015
Microsoft Launches Office Preview Apps for Android Phones

Android phones were the only devices that were left for Office apps. Following the roll out of Office preview apps for iPhone, Windows Phone and Android tablets, Microsoft has today launched Word, Excel and Powerpoint apps for Android devices. This release will only see the beta, or preview version available. Microsoft said in its statement:

The Office for Android phone apps are modern, optimised for touch and designed to work on the go.

Users will be able to create, open, save files from their Android devices and access them through services like OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox and Google Drive. Collaboration within a group project will become easier as Office for Android allows users to track changes, comment and markup documents. These apps are optimised for touch and smaller screens, with the Menu button at the bottom of the screen instead of the top for user-friendly thumb use.

To download the apps, users will have to join the Office for Android community on Google+. Once users have joined, they will receive links for downloading each app separately, for Word, Excel and Powerpoint. But be warned, users will not be able to access these links unless they are approved. Microsoft also recommends a device with at least 1GB of RAM and Android 4.4 or later versions.

May 20, 2015
This App Replicates Apple’s Continuity Features for Samsung Devices

Apple has an edge over other smartphone brands for its unique Continuity feature that lets iPhone partner with other iOS devices. Samsung is not falling behind to give its users the distinctive tool and has launched a Continuity clone for Samsung devices. Titled Flow, the application integrates all Samsung devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops, allowing applications to seamlessly transit your activities across devices. The application in Beta version is available for download on Play Store.

Just like Continuity, the tool allows transfer of any activity from one device to another. Flow uses Android’s built-in Share feature, which makes it easy for developers to lend support to third-party apps. Since users have to tap on the share button, the feature should work with most apps, according to the company.

According to the promotional video released by Samsung, Flow can send a link from say a mobile to a tablet, so that you can pick up on the tablet where you left. One can also move a call to any of the Samsung devices without any interruption. This includes video chat as well. Flow doesn’t offer transferring activities only, but also allows you to set reminders of a particular activity to resume it later. Just select the right device and tap Remind later for later viewing. You can resume editing of share images, Office files, and can share directions, movies and more.

Users have to set the Flow app on all of their Samsung gizmos once, and then they can continue transporting the activities. It can be activated by using the share button within the app, and some apps also come with a dedicated Flow button. The app compatibility is limited to a handful of devices running on Android 4.4 and above. These include Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy Tab S.

The app is no doubt remarkable, and such efforts will give a push to Samsung’s market. A fraction of people who consider Apple the best for its unconventional features like Continuity, will definitely take a second to switch.

Here’s the video narrating its features:

May 20, 2015
Apple Quietly Updates the MacBook Pro and Introduces a Cheaper 5K iMac

Just a month ahead of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple has unveiled two newest additions to its Mac family, the new 15-inch MacBook Pro and the huge 27-inch iMac in India.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro features Force Touch trackpad that promises of a new level of interactivity to the Mac. Simply put, Force Touch is a mechanism that senses pressure. It is an entirely novel innovation that merges the previously released Multi-Touch with force sensors.

This Mac also has new PCIe-based flash storage that provides up to 2.5 times better performance than its predecessor. It has an Intel Iris Pro graphics and offers additional hours of battery life, with up to 9 hours of wireless web browsing and 9 hours of movie playback. Other than this, standard options include a 2.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of flash, with, of course, Intel Iris Pro graphics.

The new iMac boasts of Retina 5K Display, which has 67% more pixels than a 4K Display. It features a 3.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost Speeds up to 3.7 GHz and AMD Radeon R9 M290 graphics. It includes 8GB of memory and 1TB of storage, along with four USB 3.0 ports and two Thunderbolt 2 ports that are capable of delivering up to 20Gbps each.

Every Mac will come along with OS X Yosemite. The updated 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is accessible from today on selected Apple Authorised Stores and is priced at Rs 1,59,900. Configure-to-order options include faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.0 GHz and Flash storage up to 1TB.

The 27-inch iMac is also available on selected Apple Stores and is available for Rs 1,59,900. Configure-to-order options include faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 4.0 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.4 GHz and Flash storage up to 1TB.

May 19, 2015
OnePlus DR-1 | Unboxing, Hands-On and Giveaway Announcement

The OnePlus DR-1 arrived on 1st April, this year. Hence, it was no surprise that most considered it an April Fool’s prank and had trouble taking it seriously. Well, we checked out the quadcopter and we have to admit that it is no joke.

Watch the Unboxing and Hands-On with the OnePlus DR-1 here:

Along with the unboxing and hands on, we also announced that we’re giving away a OnePlus DR-1 to one lucky winner. To play, all you need to do is share the following video on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook and tell us why you want it. Use the hashtag #iGDR1 and make sure your posts are public! Read the terms and conditions of the giveaway here.

Update: We’d like to congratulate the winner, Vishal Kalia. Hope you have as much fun flying the drone as we did!

May 19, 2015

LG Brings Out Cheaper Alternatives of the G4

Soon after LG announced the global roll out of LG G4 yesterday, the Korea-based firm came up with yet another announcement that may entice LG followers. The consumer electronics manufacturer made official two new smartphones, G4 Stylus and G4c, expanding the G4 line-up with low-budget devices. Both the handsets borrow some of the features and looks of the newest LG flagship.

Talking about the G4 Stylus first, the device features a bigger 5.7-inch HD IPS display with 258ppi pixel density. As the name suggests, the handset is accompanied by a versatile Rubberdium Stylus, allowing for easy note taking and drawing on the generously-sized screen. The device comes in two variants, LTE and 3G, both embedding different chipsets. The LTE version comes with a 1.2GHz Quad-Core chipset, while a 1.4GHz Octa-Core chipset is stuffed in the other. It has 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM and holds support for a MicroSD card. Google’s latest Android 5.0 Lollipop runs on the device.

Coming to the optics, the rear camera of LTE is 13MP and that of 3G variant is 8MP. The front shooter of both the models are same at 5MP. A 3,000mAh removable battery is fitted at its back. Other features include Laser Auto Focus, Gesture Shot, Glance View, and Knock Code. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, A-GPS, Glonass and USB 2.0. It will be available in two colour choices – Metallic Silver and Floral White.

The second device, LG G4c, is a smaller sibling of the G4. The display size of this model is a 5.0-inch HD IPS with 294ppi pixel density. It is an LTE only model, equipped with a 1.2GHz Quad-Core chipset. Memory specifications include 1GB RAM and 8GM ROM, along with MicroSD card support. Just like the G4 Stylus, it also runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop.

The camera specs of the model stands identical to the 3G model of LG G4 Stylus. The rear camera is 8MP, and the secondary snapper is 5MP. The 2,540mAh battery is sufficient to keep the device running for a full day. Additional features comprise of Gesture Shot, Glance View, and Knock Code. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, A-GPS, Glonass and USB 2.0. Customers can choose from Metallic Gray, Ceramic White, and Shiny Gold colour options.

The company hasn’t spoke about the price and availability of both the handsets as yet. Prices and participating carriers will be announced locally at the time of availability. Both the handsets are scheduled to launch in key strategic markets in weeks to come.

Here’s the spec sheet of the two handsets:

Specifications	LG G4 Stylus	LG G4c
Display	5.7-inch HD IPS, 258ppi	5.0-inch HD IPS, 294ppi
Chipset	1.2GHz Quad-Core (LTE), 1.4GHz Octa-Core (3G)	1.2GHz Quad-Core
RAM	1GB	1GB
Storage	8GB, expandable	8GB, expandable
Rear Camera	13MP (LTE), 8MP (3G)	8MP
Front Camera	5MP	5MP
Battery	3,000mAh	2,540mAh
Operating System	Android 5.0 Lollipop	Android 5.0 Lollipop

May 19, 2015

Apple’s Latest Acquisition May Finally Help it Compete Against Google Maps

Apple has been facing stiff competition on its Maps services from Google Maps. But, according to MacRumors, one company has been added to Apple’s roster to help it improve its Mapping service exponentially. The Silicon Valley technology company has confirmed the purchase of Coherent Navigation, a Bay Area global positioning company that will help Apple to further boost its location technology and services.

Google maps has always been ahead of the game

Coherent Navigation was formed back in 2008 and focused on creating commercial navigation services that were based on partnerships with companies like Boeing and Iridium, a satellite network operator. This company has worked on highly precise navigation technologies, which are accurate to up to 3-5 metres. Coherent Navigation had also worked on autonomous navigation and robotics previously. The company is known for its High Integrity GPS system, which combined signals from mid-earth orbit GPS satellites with low-earth satellites to offer improved precision and accuracy.

According to MacRumors, some key employees have started working for Apple, including CEO Paul Lego in January and co-founders William Bencze and Brett Ledvina in April. Their Linkedin profile also confirmed that they are working at Apple. The company’s website is currently offline but was updated to Apple servers on 30^th April.

For now, neither Apple nor Coherent Navigation has provided any information about how this partnership will be moved forward or what technology would be used. It is likely that Apple may show off the new navigation system at the WWDC next month. Watch out, Google Maps!

May 18, 2015
Samsung’s Smartglass is What Google was Aiming to Build

Samsung enjoys a niche in almost every segment, be it gadgets, home appliances and kitchen appliances. The tech powerhouse is gearing to introduce a new product line in the wearable technology domain that will pit it against the world’s most reputed company in the search arena. The South Korean consumer electronics manufacturer has issued a patent application which discloses that Samsung has developed a smart glass, which is far ahead of Google Glass. The patent application is published by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).

This has given certification to leaked reports which reiterated that Samsung is looking forward to bringing its own smart glass. According to the patent application of Samsung, the future smart glasses will integrate with almost all devices like gaming consoles, cameras, smartphones, tablets, in-vehicle infotainment systems, medical machines and many others.

Tentatively named Gear Glass, the Glass will come with many exciting features like mirroring live TV or movies running on the connected device. The patent filing suggests another feature that would bring messages and emails right on the smart glass screen, just like Google Glass. Samsung’s upcoming product will be able to capture pictures and record video footage, and will incorporate voice assistant like Siri on iOS and Google Now on Android.

Another impressive highlight would be the support of subtitles while watching movies in foreign languages. Samsung illustrates how the smart glass would work both as a gadget and an accessory, when required. The smart glass will undergo colour change to camouflage as a regular sunglass in sunlight.

The features sound extraordinary. If Samsung succeeds to bring such a product for public use, it would definitely give an edge to Samsung over Google, who scraped its project in January this year. Furthermore, Samsung can get a larger share of the market with the new offering. One needs to take into account that Samsung’s Smart glass is not going to be a reality anytime soon. The patents for the smart glass are still to be granted and it can be delayed for a good 4-5 years. Lets watch how Samsung decides to go about it.

We will update you with more information on Gear Glass. Keep checking here.

May 18, 2015
Samsung Might Launch the Galaxy Note 5 this July

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 release last September was a major overhaul of the previous iteration. It was showered with critical acclaims for its fine screen quality, excellent construction and versatile S pen stylus. However, the sheen was short-lived for Samsung and was soon seized by the latest iPhone 6 series. The Korean smartphone maker is planning to wind up the honeymoon period of the premium smartphone, with the early launch of its Galaxy Note 5. As per Whowired, the next flagship model by Samsung will be unveiled at the end of July, much before the expected time in September.

Galaxy Note 5’s early launch seems to be a strategic plan to eclipse the market of iPhone, who’s sales exceed 50 million per quarter. However, the source claims that it is due to the early development of the handset. Samsung enjoyed a monopoly in the phablet arena with the large screen of its Note series, but the Cupertino-based firm quashed the Note dominance with the iPhone 6 Plus. Samsung is now geared to reacquire the market share with the superior and even bigger Galaxy Note 5.

If we go by speculations, the next Samsung phablet will sport a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED 784ppi display. The battery capacity is speculated to be robust at 4100mAh. The device might come in two variants with 64GB and 128GB internal storage space, which can be extended as much as 256GB. A powerful Exynos chipset is reported to power the device, besides Qualcomm Snapdragon. The latest Android operating system will be preloaded in the device. Know more about the device here.

With Galaxy Note 5, Samsung will break the traditional practice of introducing the Note flagship before the IFA opening. The Korean firm hasn’t stated anything about the same, and things about the gadget will be clear with an official announcement soon. Stay tuned for more updates on Samsung Galaxy Note 5.

May 18, 2015