Apple will soon be launching the new 12-inch Macbook Air. According to a rumour, these new laptops are expected to be powered by Intel’s Broadwell chipsets.
The rumor was reported by Letemsvetemapplem.eu. It says that Apple might choose from three options; a 2.2GHz Core i5-5250U, a 1.8GHz Core i5 chip or a 2GHz Core i7. These are the ultra-low voltage processors and might feature on the new Macbook Air
Apple is expected to give an official word on the release on February 24th. The company is also expected to hold a media event around that time to showcase its new products.
Macbook Air line of laptops is adored for their lightweight and high power functionalities. Apple last updated the device in April 2014, so it was almost time for a CPU upgrade. Intel on the other hand began offering the new chips for device manufacturers in the month of January. There have also been rumours of Apple bringing out a 12-inch Macbook Air Retina display in this quarter so that it might be one of the surprise unveilings from the company. February 24 is also a special day for Apple as it’s the 60th birth anniversary of its founder Steve Jobs.
The Taiwanese multinational company ASUS today launched a budget device in the sub-Rs. 6,000 category. The new handset titled ASUS Zenfone C (ZC451CG) is dual SIM and comes at a price of Rs. 5,999. The phone is available on Flipkart today onwards and on ASUS exclusive stores starting 18th February.
Coming to the specifications of the phone, the Zenfone C sports a 4.5-inch FWVGA (480×854) display. The phone is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2520 processor together with Hyper-Threading Technology. The Zenfone C runs on Android 4.4 KitKat with company’s Zen UI on top.
The internal storage capacity of the device is 8 GB, which can be extended up to 64 GB via MicroSD card. The new Zenfone C features a primary shooter of 5 MP with autofocus and flash, along with a 0.3MP snapper at the front for video calling. Connectivity options comprise of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Micro-USB. With 2100mAh battery, the phone can withstand 260 hours on standby.
In this price bracket, the handset faces a tough battle with devices like Iris Win 1, Redmi 1S and the Moto E.
Just a few years back, BlackBerry was all the rage. In the pre-iPhone era, every celebrity flaunted their BlackBerry. The devices from the company were seen as a status symbol. At their peak, the devices held 43% of the American market. But soon Steve Jobs unveiled his baby, the iPhone, and Google got into the field with its Android ecosystem; they cornered BlackBerry out of the game. At present, the company holds only 0.5% of the market.
The smartphone market is just the brim of what BlackBerry does. The company has developed a plethora of products that are used worldwide by corporations and governments. We follow BlackBerry through its inception, its rise in the communications equipment world to its decline in the smartphone industry.
BlackBerry was founded by Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin in 1984
The Beginnings:
BlackBerry began its operations under the name Research In Motion Limited. It was founded in 1984 by Mike Lazaridis, who was an engineering student at the University of Waterloo, and Douglas Fregin, who was an engineering student at the University of Windsor. This collaboration led to some game-changing devices and immense pop culture significance in the early moments of the smartphone age.
RIM 900
The first device from BlackBerry’s stable was the RIM-900, which was introduced in 1996 and was also known as the Inter@ctive Pager. This pager allowed users to receive and send messages over the internet via a wireless data network known as Mobitex, which was developed by Ericcson. It was followed by the RIM 950, introduced in 1998. It was a phenomenal success, to say the least. The messages could get forwarded to the device on the move. It was a giant deal back then; the only hitch though was that to receive email on the go, you had to leave your desktop switched on. The devices were appreciated by the top jocks of enterprises. People loved receiving messages on their belts as the device was kept in a holster. One CTO even called it digital heroin.
The company used some innovative techniques to market their products. During a launch in the Caribbean, they handed out scannable temporary barcode tattoos. These tattoos stored the user’s personal identification numbers (PINs). So instead of asking for each other’s numbers, people asked if they could scan their PINs.
Establishing the Smartphone brand:
By 2002, the company was bringing in devices with a “built-in mobile phone”. These devices ran on Java and transmitted data over normal 2G networks. These devices were targeted towards businesses, and they would enter the consumer markets much later.
One of the major devices from BlackBerry’s first-generation offerings was the BlackBerry Quark 6230. Launched in 2003, this device had a 34 key Qwerty keyboard. It had 160×100 pixel display and had a 16 MB RAM. This device found a spot in the prestigious Time magazine’s All-TIME top 100 Gadgets list in 2010.
The BlackBerry Quark 6210
In 2006, BlackBerry’s official foray into the consumer market began with the BlackBerry Pearl family of devices. This bar shaped device was the first to get multimedia features. It included a media player and a camera. The 2 MP camera also had a self-portrait mirror at the back which let users take their own images, this was the first step towards the creation of the selfie generation.
The device flaunted GPS-enabled maps and had 64 MB internal memory that was expandable up to 16 GB MicroSDHC cards. The Pearl also replaced the scroll wheel for a tiny trackball that made it easier to access the phone’s function like a trackpad on a computer. A follow-up device was the Pearl Flip, which was BlackBerry’s first flip phone.
BlackBerry Pearl
Come 2007 and BlackBerry launched the Curve, a prominent family of devices from the company. The family garnered excellent reviews but also received flak for the absence of 3G, Wi-Fi along with the lack of video recording.
The BlackBerry Bold was one of the most popular form factor’s for the company.
In 2008, the company was at its peak with the launch of the BlackBerry Bold. This device introduced a whole new design feature which made them easier to use and type. It played around in the more premium segment of the market. This successful form factor would be later updated by BlackBerry in 2014 with a new device called BlackBerry Classic.
BlackBerry Torch
In 2010, Blackberry attempted a change in their form factor with the BlackBerry Torch. It carried the physical QWERTY keyboard but also came with a sliding multi-touch display. The Torch 9800 was the first device in the line-up and it ran on BlackBerry OS 6. The device was criticized for offering lower specs in comparison to its competitors like the iPhone 4 and the Droid X.
In 2012, Research in Motion officially changed its name to BlackBerry.
BlackBerry Messenger:
BlackBerry Messenger or BBM is a popular messaging app on the platform
The BlackBerry Messenger or BBM was one of the most appreciated apps from the company. This default messenger on BlackBerry device was so popular that it was later released for Android and Windows devices. Initially BBM was exclusive to BlackBerry and users required BlackBerry PINs to interact with each other. With BlackBerry 10, users could use video calling. It is estimated that there are over 91 Million BBM users worldwide.
In 2014 BlackBerry decided to give an adrenaline boost to its messaging app and added a plethora of functionalities to it. It added a retraction function so that users could remove chats that they regret sending. It added HD picture transfer to send high quality images through the service. The update also introduced a Snapchat-like time limited messaging service.
The Present:
After holding a considerable amount of influence over the smartphone market, BlackBerry’s market share has consistently depreciated. It now sits at a small corner reminiscing its glory days. This year after failed attempts at making touchscreen based devices, the company finally decided to go back to its roots. It decided to bring back the Qwerty keyboard-based form factor.
Passport received mix reviews but was appreciated for its unique features.
The company launched a unique device called the BlackBerry Passport. The device has a 1400X1400 pixel square display. It features a keypad that doubles as a trackpad. The device got a lukewarm response by the critics and received flak for being too wide to be held by one hand. The device though did good business in the festive season and held the top spot in Amazon’s Black Friday Sales.
BlackBerry returned to its original form factor with the Classic Q20.
BlackBerry also launched a second device by the end of 2014 called the BlackBerry Classic. This was a kind of a follow-up to the BlackBerry Bold series and has the same form factor. The device sports a Square 3.5-inch 720p LCD display, and comes loaded with the latest specs in a retro design. This might be the device for hardcore BlackBerry enthusiasts to cherish the good old days.
Legacy:
BlackBerry’s HQ in Waterloo, Ontario
At a point, BlackBerry was growing in popularity. Its success had turned Waterloo into a sort of Canadian Silicon Valley. At present, there are over 1000 companies operating there with a combined annual revenue of $30 Billion.
During the damaging Sony Hack by alleged North Korean hackers, BlackBerry phones came really handy. Because of their unmatched security standards, senior executives used the old BlackBerry phones that were stored in a basement. BlackBerry devices are used by top government and corporate honchos to keep their messages secure.
BlackBerry is still in the business, but its market share has been steadily declining for a while. It will be interesting to see how the step of returning back to the basic design format works out for BlackBerry. The company has some great technologies under its belt to share with the world, provided it withstands the challenges of the brutal smartphone business.
Apple’s new massive headquarters have been in news ever since the first design plans were unveiled. The spaceship like circular building looks spectacular and futuristic, apt for a company known for its superior designs. The new building would also be friendly to the environment as the company is investing $850 Million to power the building through solar energy.
Apple would be establishing a solar farm in an area spanning 2900 acres. It will be built by American photovoltaic manufacturer, First Solar. The building is expected to be fully constructed by next year.
A 25 year contract has been signed between the two companies. This is the biggest commercial power deal for the solar industry. Going completely solar is a great step on the part of Apple as data centers and corporate offices draw massive amount of power which in turn leads to pollution. Apple’s initiative might encourage other companies to rely on green power for their operations.
Environment activists Greenpeace appreciated Apple’s initiative and said:
[quote text_size=”small” author=”Greenpeace”]
Apple still has work to do to reduce its environmental footprint, but other Fortune 500 CEOs, other Fortune 500 companies would be well served to make a study of Tim Cook, whose actions show that he intends to take Apple full-speed ahead toward renewable energy with the urgency that our climate crisis demands.
[/quote]
Apple has a market valuation of more than $700 Billion and its appreciable that the company is investing in future oriented fields. It would also be great if the company brings out some mind blowing gadgetry that it has been known for.
Not long ago Samsung launched the Tizen-based Z1 in India, which failed to impress the Indian customers. Now, the South Korean manufacturer is giving another shot to influence the budget segment and is set to launch Galaxy J1 in India. The device will debut tomorrow, i.e. 11th February, and will cost Rs. 7,199.
Getting to the specifications of the handset, the Galaxy J1 sports a 4.3-inch WVGA (800×480) display. It packs a 1.2GHz dual-core Cortex A7 CPU and a Mali-400 GPU paired with 512 MB RAM. The handset features 4 GB of internal space which is expandable. The Galaxy J1 will run on Android 4.4 KitKat.
The phone encompasses a 5MP primary camera and 2MP secondary shooter at the top. The device gets its juice from the 1,580mAh battery and the connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The dual-SIM phone will come bundled some exciting offers, as informed by Amazon India.
The phone is not exceptional, and at this price point, Xiaomi and Asus are offering much better specifications. Samsung has to throw some free deal to lure more audience and stay in the competition.
Today, Nikon India launched a camera that astrophotographers would like to get their hands on. The imaging technology beast showcased a high-definition D-SLR D810A, which has been designed to shoot stars.
The D810A, a variant of D810 DSLR, is a 36.3 MP camera with a special optical filter. It is sensitive to emissions of the Hydrogen-alpha wavelength and increases its transmission four times. This allows astrophotography enthusiasts to capture detailed shots of nebulae, constellations and other celestial bodies. The unique long exposure on Manual mode allows capturing pictures in the low-light conditions, offering a shutter speed of up to 900 seconds.
Other features that can enthral photographers are longer exposures in low-light conditions (with minimal noise), and a live view preview function.
Nikon India Vice President Sajjan Kumar briefed about the Nikon D810A –
The Nikon D810A has been designed keeping in mind the obstacles that astrophotographers face; it is a result of an amalgamation of advanced imaging technology and suite of outstanding features. Nikon D810A is a 36.3 megapixels camera crafted with unique ability to capture subjects with H-alpha wavelengths, ensuring rich vibrant capture for images of the cosmos that are true to the eye.
The Nikon D810A will be available from late May and will cost a hefty $3,799.95. However, there have been cameras like this around, but this is the first full-frame DSLR exclusively designed for photographers. So, astrophotography hobbyists can consider it as an option to go for.
However, there have been cameras like this around, but this is the first full-frame DSLR exclusively designed for photographers. So, astrophotography hobbyists can consider it as an option to go for.
Google Glass is one spectacular device which failed to find an audience. The Glass had received unprecedented hype and was almost touted to replace all our other devices. But the technology felt victim to the “Bluedouche” legacy as people with the glasses were seen as intrusive. Maybe the Glass was too nerdy and ahead of its time to find a mass appeal. But Google seems to have found a new arena where its futuristic eyewear can find utility and that arena is the airport.
Virgin Atlantic, one the major names in aviation had begun using the device mainly for its gate attendants. Now Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport is providing the Google Glass to its staff and security professionals. Airport staff can coordinate with ease and share the information using the device.
Google Glass is being used to research the behavior of passengers to offer them more convenience in the future.
The airport is also put an initiative on trial to assist the passengers by providing them the Google Glass. The camera records what the passengers are looking at and records their voices too. The data is recorded for research purposes. The research will try to find out ways to make the travel more comfortable by providing the right information to them.
Airports have previously absorbed technology that didn’t find enough takers in the market. One shining example is the Segway, which was supposed to replace all other forms of travel, but was rejected by the market. It became a great tool for security personals who get to move around quickly in the massive airport terminals. Google Glass seems to be getting its second life in the airport too and being a good piece of technology it might just find a way back to the consumers. Google is also working on “Glass for Work” initiative with which its exploring utilities to promote the device in the enterprise environment. The Glass is clearly not dead yet.
Virtual Reality headsets are the new tech every firm is betting on. But as it tuns out, none of them are available at a budget price – except one. At a mere $20, Google VR is super economical but it’s made out of cardboard. Quality would be no issue with the new VR headset by LG. The South Korean company has made a plastic version of the Google Cardboard that would be low in price. Called VR for G3, the headset will give virtual reality experience using the phone’s internal hardware.
Based on Google Cardboard VR, the VR for G3 is a mere shell with lenses. The LG VR headset has three pieces which come assembled. A ring magnet like in the Cardboard VR headset sits on the left to select menu. A cutout on the back of the device reaches the volume rockers. Also, there are small cutouts for flash, laser autofocus, and speaker. The two slots are seen at the either ends, which can be used for a head strap.
Just strap your phone in the headset and it will send you right in the virtual world. As its plastic, it will cost low, but it is speculated that it may be available for free. Meanwhile, there is no word about its availability and price, and users have to wait till the next announcement.
Samsung released a Gear VR headset last year, but it costs $199. Not only this, one need to buy a Galaxy Note 4 as it is compatible with the Note 4 only.
The VR for G3 is definitely a good step to encourage the virtual reality concept to come into the mainstream.
Indian smartphone brand Lava recently brought out their new offering in the sub-Rs.10,000 market in the form of the Iris X1 Grand. This is a successor to the Lava Iris X1 that the company launched in the May of 2014. We unbox the device for you.
The device looks like an elder sibling to the Iris X1. It sports a 5-inch display with a resolution of 480×854 pixels. The power button is located on the right while the volume rockers are placed on the left. The flip cover provided with the device has markings on it which lets you manipulate the volume without opening the case.
The Lava Iris X1 Grand
In the Box you get:
Lava Iris X1 Grand Handset
In-ear Earphones
Charger and USB cable
Flip cover
Screen Protectors
Information booklet
The Iris X1 Comes along with a free Flip case and screen protector.
The device runs Android KitKat 4.4.2, out of the box, but it promises a guaranteed upgrade to Android Lollipop 5.0 which makes the deal attractive for the price. There aren’t a lot of bloatware on the device and the interface felt snappy and responsive.
Lava offers a free flip case with a round opening in the front which looks “inspired” from LG G3. The case is magnetic, so the screen shuts off when the case is on. You get quick access to the phone log, messages, music, settings and camera from the round screen so it would come handy when you are on the move.
The Lava Iris is priced at Rs. 6,500 which along with all the freebies such as flip case and the screen protectors makes it a bargain. Overall, the Lava Iris X1 Grand felt great in its first impressions, and we’ll take the device to task in our in-depth video, so stay tuned for that.
Yesterday we heard that Motorola slashed the price of the Moto E by Rs.1000, reducing the price of the handset to a mere Rs. 5,999. Today, we can tell you why.
Motorola devices are doing well in the smartphone market. Moto G, Moto X and Moto E have made a good name for themselves in the industry. These devices offer specs of a high-end phones at relatively low prices; the fool-proof winning formula. Now, sources close to iGyaan have said that Motorola is working on releasing the successor of the Moto E handset.
Seeing the positive response to the E range, the US-based telecommunication firm is likely to release Moto E (Gen 2) soon. There is no word about the specifications of the rumored phone, but it is likely to flaunt a 4.5-inch qHD display (540x960p resolution). The second gen phone might be powered by 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor coupled with 1 GB of RAM. Talking about the camera of the device, the Moto E (Gen 2) may sport a 5MP main camera with LED flash and LTE connectivity, along with 2 MP front snapper.
Moto E was appreciated in its first generation because of its feature and price. But soon the market saw the arrival of the Redmi 1S which offered even more features for a price of Rs.5,999. Like its bigger siblings the Moto G and X, the E needs to offer a little more in terms of features or at least style to beat the competition this time around.
Xiaomi recently launched its last flagship, the Mi4 in India. As with all the other Xiaomi launches, it was embraced warmly by the fans of the company. One major complaint with the device was the lack of expandable storage on the device and the lack of a 64 GB variant in the market. Heeding to the complaint Xiaomi will be launching a 64 GB variant of the Mi 4 on the 24th of February.
On their Facebook page, the company has announced that the 64 GB variant of Xiaomi Mi 4 will be available for a price of Rs.23,999.
The Mi 4 features 5-inch Full HD Display. It is powered by a 2.5 Snapdragon 801 processor along with 3 RAM. The handset sports a 13 MP camera on the back and an 8 MP selfie snapper on the front. It gets its juice from 3080 mAh battery and runs on the latest MIUI 6. With this device, Xiaomi will be directly competing against the OnePlus One in India.
Microsoft has presented its new operating system, Windows 10, and it has impressed a lot of its critics. The latest Windows offering will act as Microsoft’s initiative to create an ecosystem for its devices. It will work on all the Microsoft devices – from desktops to tablets to smartphones. Microsoft just announced that even the lower end smartphones running on Windows 8.1 will also be getting the Windows 10 upgrade.
In a tweet, Joe Belfiore, the Corporate Vice President of Operating Systems Group for Microsoft has said that they are making a version of Windows 10 for devices running on 512 MB RAM. The tweet specifically mentions the Lumia 520. But he also added that the features would vary in these devices. It would probably be a stripped down version of the operating system made to run on devices with lower specs.
Hey all: we ARE working on Win10 for 512MB, including 520. Our ambition is to make #Win10 available for these devices but features may vary
Microsoft has been struggling with its smartphone business. Its smartphone operating system runs in just about 3% of the devices sold. It has some good features, but the mass appeal of Android and iOS from Apple has not given it a chance to grow. Joe also announced that the insider build announced at the Windows event would be coming out sometime in February.
Also, we’re on track for Insider build coming “in Feb” as Terry said at our 1/21 event. We need to complete internal testing 1st, hang in!
If you’ve been mulling over the idea of switching up your device to a better model, this might be the good news you needed to brighten up your Monday. To celebrate Motorola’s one-year tie-up with Flipkart, the two have joined hands to bring out offers. You can now exchange your old smartphone for a brand new Motorola handset at a discounted rate.
Motorola is offering discounted rates up to Rs. 4,000 on Moto G (2nd Gen) phones and Rs. 6,000 on the Moto X (2nd Gen). In short, the discount brings down the price of the Moto X and the Moto G to Rs. 25,999 and Rs. 8,999, respectively. Another exciting offer is that Motorola is giving out free Moto Deck Speakers, if you decide to go for the Moto X (2nd Gen). As always, the discount rate depends on the phone model you are exchanging.
Other than the Motorola range, the Google Nexus 6 phones are also available discount of up to Rs. 10,000 on exchange, another offer with Rs. 10,000 off if bought along with a Moto 360 Smart Watch – the two offers cannot be combined. These exchange offers are valid only till 15th February, so make sure to spread the word.
Though there are no exchange offers available on the Moto E handsets, price of the phone has been been slashed by Rs. 1000 and is now priced at a mere Rs. 5,999 on Flipkart.
Want to get a user feedback on the devices? Click here for our full reviews.
All OnePlus One fans, hold your breath. The flagship killer is going on open sale tomorrow on Amazon India. The handset will be available without an invite on 10th February and the sale will kick off at 10am IST.
The company confirmed the same via Twitter saying –
The open sale is to celebrate the 10 brilliantly successful weeks of OnePlus in India. The same can be confirmed through the Amazon India website that reads – No invite needed. Shop the One. There is no announcement about the number of units going up for sale, however, the company has hinted limited stock with the statement ’till stock lasts’.
Amazon India egged the willing customers to hurry with the statement, “The sale would be for limited quantity which is expected to run out quickly given the high demand for the phone.” The flagship One will be available for Rs. 21,999 for the 64 GB model.
OnePlus embarked on similar sales in other countries, but Indians haven’t had the opportunity to buy it without an invite. It’s the first time the One smartphones are going on open sale in our country.
We have all seen those lame fingerprint sensor apps available on various app stores. They have been able to prank a lot of folks into downloading them. But Apple seems to have cracked the code to bring display-based Touch ID into reality.
In a patent titled “Fingerprint Sensor in an Electronic Device,” the company explains the technology. According to the abstract, a fingerprint sensor may capture fingerprint at a single pre-defined fixed location on a display, or they can opt for a full panel fingerprint sensor to capture multiple fingerprints.
The Fingerprint sensor can be placed at one spot on the display or it can scan multiple fingers at once.
Users may be able to unlock their device by placing a thumb at a predetermined spot on their iOS displays. On bigger displays like the iPad, there can be multiple fingerprint detection where you may scan with all five fingers.
To keep the sensors sensitive enough, Apple plans to implement the sensor as an integrated circuit connected to a bottom surface of a cover sheet. They can also place it near the bottom surface of the cover sheet, or connected to a top surface of a display.
This initiative will let Apple take off the round home button and make the device even slimmer. The technology still seems to be in the beginning stage and may not show up immediately on the next device by Apple. There will surely be some privacy concerns with this technology though as a thief could gain access to a person’s information by just acquiring their fingerprints. Apple would have to work seriously on the security features before it can bring the technology in the mainstream.
