Category: Brands and Companies

All Brands and Company Names

Windows 10 is a Free Upgrade for Existing Windows 7 and 8.1 Users

Microsoft has basically followed in Apple’s path, and made Windows 10 a free update for their existing consumers. There are limitations and this will only be applicable for the first year, which does not seem to be much of an excuse for complaining.

To explain it further Microsoft states :

This is more than a one-time upgrade: once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no additional charge. With Windows 10, the experience will evolve and get even better over time. We’ll deliver new features when they’re ready, not waiting for the next major release. We think of Windows as a Service – in fact, one could reasonably think of Windows in the next couple of years as one of the largest Internet services on the planet.

Enterprise customers are not left behind and continue to get the same service and support as previous paid “enterprise” versions.

More Here..

January 22, 2015
Microsoft Windows 10 Official Makes Apps Universal

Microsoft has taken the curtain off the next version of the largest used OS aka Windows and just like rumors suggested they skipped the 9. The next version of Windows aka Windows 10.

Microsoft has followed in the lines of Apple and mostly Mobile methods by making an upgrade to Windows 10 free for all Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 users. Calling Windows mostly a service and not a product.

The biggest news that fits into the picture is the seamless integration with Apps across hardware segments, Microsoft has been gunning for this and with Windows 10 it may have become more of a reality.

Now coders will have to make one app which will work across platforms including mobile, tablet and PC.

The new version of Windows will also come with voice assistant “Cortana”. The center of the Cortana experience is housed in the “Notebook”, which should be familiar with those on Windows Phone. Opening this Notebook will show you just what she knows about you.

You can do voice search as well as voice to text typing, which will be a much appreciated add-on.

With previous version of Windows leaving everyone complaining, Microsoft execs are pretty much sure that they have rebuilt their OS from the ground up, and unlike Windows 8 it is not a hasty decision or rollout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teoZk3QEc40

Along with Windows 10 Joe Belfiore demonstrated new versions of Powerpoint and Outlook for a better productivity experience.

January 22, 2015
Sony Brings Out High Performance Headphones and an Audio Amplifier in India

Audio has always been Sony’s strong suit. They are, of course, the creators of the legendary Walkmans that changed the way we listened to music. When the mobile phone era came about, then Sony brought that experience in their line of multimedia phones which sold like hot cakes. Lately the company hasn’t had a good time on the business side of things, but it hasn’t stopped them from bringing new products to the market. Now the company has brought two new products to India that it claims will deliver the best possible audio output.

MDR Z7

First of the new launches is the MDR-Z7 headphones. Sony has installed newly developed 70 mm drivers in these headphones. Sony claims that MDR-Z7 has special silver-coated OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) cable that reduces signal transmission loss. It is said to be capable of critical high frequencies that are “faithfully reproduced right up to 100 kHz”. Sony claims it can recreate studio quality sound.

The second device from the company is the PHA-3 high-resolution sound amplifier. This device takes in audio input from any source and enhances its quality. The PHA-3 can be connected to your smartphone, Walkman, or PC with a USB cable, and digital signals are directly sent to the portable headphone amp. It has a dedicated power source that supplies power lavishly without consuming the smartphone’s battery.

PHA-3

When put together, Sony claims that the two products, establish a unique balanced connection circuit in which the left and right channel signals are transmitted separately to MDR-Z7. This results in minimal cross talk and crystal clear sound.

These are professional grade products and are priced accordingly. The MDR-Z7 headphones are priced at Rs. 41,990 while the PHA-3 audio amplifier has a price tag of Rs. 74,990.

January 21, 2015
Revenge of the Fallen : Nokia Expected to Make a Comeback in 2015

Nokia has been missing in the manufacturing game lately because it has been in Microsoft’s shackles for some time. Nokia’s Devices and Services business were sold to Microsoft which was deemed as Noika’s end. But that wasn’t the case.

Nokia N1

Nokia surprised us with the announcement of its tablet last year, the Nokia N1. As per the Microsoft contract, the Finnish company is not allowed to manufacture smart devices until 2016. However, the company found a loop hole in the contract and hired Foxconn to manufacture. The Nokia N1 tablet was launched in China which has been successful till now with two batches of the devices already sold out.

The company sold out everything they had, twice in China; the third batch is set to arrive soon. The company is taking baby steps to get grip of their market, with China as their main market. Till now, we have seen only one device from the revived company but it is said that Nokia is working on other smart devices as well.

Nokia C1 had been major news in past with handful of leaks suggesting it to be real. Recently, another Nokia-branded product has been leaked via images. Even though there are no specifications and other hardware details leaked, the leak suggested this laptop will launch along side Nokia C1, sometime this year.

The leaked image shows the alleged Nokia Laptop along with Nokia C1 smartphone and N1 tablet. The Nokia N1 also saw some similar leaks before it was officially launched.

Watch our exclusive video on Nokia below.

January 21, 2015
Dropbox to Soon Drop Support for Macs Running OS X 10.5 or Older Versions

Upgrade your iMac’s to OS X 10.6 or above, or Dropbox will not work on your system. This statement has come from Dropbox itself who has notified users of older versions through an email that their services will be discontinued on the systems running OS X 10.5 and below. The support for the older version will be taken back starting 18th May.

The service provider says that if users, after the decided date, still run their Macs on Leopard or earlier OS X versions, user will be signed out of the Mac app automatically. Although, the Dropbox service will continue to work. The person would not be able to sign in again till he/she gets a newer version of the OS X.

The company assured the users that even if they don’t update, their photos, videos and other files are safe with them. The same can be accessed through the official Dropbox website.

One of the users using older OS X version stated the issue on the Dropbox Forum page –

We noticed that you’re running the Dropbox desktop application (client) on an older operating system (OS X Tiger 10.4 or OS X Leopard 10.5). We’re writing to let you know that as of May 18th, Dropbox will no longer support these older versions of OS X.

Meanwhile, the app developers have given enough time to get the systems upgraded as the changes will come into effect on 18^thMay.

January 21, 2015
Tizen-Powered Samsung Z1 Gets a Poor Response from the Indian Market

Samsung’s latest offering, the Tizen-powered Z1, was meant to be a ray of sunlight for the South Korean-based firm. The company expected to gain a foothold in the market by reaching maximum number of customers, subsequently boosting its declining market value. But things didn’t go as planned.

After its release on 14^th January, Samsung Z1 gained many responses, but almost all negative. The phone reviewers, as well as consumers, criticised its camera resolution and the dearth of applications for the device.

Samsung Z1 packs an ordinary set of specs, but what makes it stand out from the other available choices is the Samsung’s own operating system,Tizen, that has been developed to compete with Google’s Android.

For now, Tizen has a long way to go before it can battle with the already established contenders. The lack of apps turns out to be the biggest disappointment of the Tizen-powered smartphone.

Customers responded that it’s not the cheap smartphones they look for, but its the specifications that make the device. The South Korean electronics producer put its point forward saying that the Z1’s exclusive benefits are its simple interface, long battery life and faster page-loading speeds, which are all thanks to Tizen.

If Samsung puts an effort to expand its Tizen-based smartphone line-up beyond televisions and watches, they will get in touch with that segment of the Indian market which is still not accessible to smartphones. Meanwhile, the company hasn’t stated its plan to launch the Z1 in other countries. It says that its only focus, as of now, is India.

January 21, 2015
Google to Shut Down the Google Maps Engine

Google Maps Engine is a tool that lets developers create their own maps on top of Google provided maps. The service now faces a shutdown as the engine is supposedly slowing down. Google Maps will remain functional, but the service to create customized maps will be pulled off.

ZDNet reports that the search giant will end the service in the coming year after which users won’t be able to sign into the service. A rival map maker CartoDB is said to be replacing the service.

Google has confirmed the shutdown and said that they will support the clients who use the Maps for Work product by Google through their contract period. Maps for Work gave enterprises and businesses the power to visualize their business on the map and attract more customers using the various features. There aren’t any reasons cited for the shutdown.

CartoDB hopes to be the replacement of this Google Maps engine and is expected to run on the Google Cloud Platform. It can also be engaged with Google sign-in accounts.

These are some of the moments when big corporations have to do the unfavorable thing. The company had given immense tools in the hands of the people in the form of the Maps Engine. The sting of shutdown will be felt by businesses as well as by Google.

January 21, 2015
Xiaomi Ventures into Gaming Hardware; Launches Super-Cheap Bluetooth Gamepad

Xiaomi, few days back, teased a gaming hardware with the launch date expected to be 20th January. Now it has been revealed that this mysterious device was none other than a bluetooth game controller, which carries an amazingly low price tag (surprise, surprise) of 99 Yuan.

The Xiaomi game controller sports a D-pad, analogue sticks, Y, X, A, and B buttons, as well as two shoulder buttons on either side. It also has a back button, menu button, and a home button with Mi branding. It is powered by 2xAA batteries.

It looks awfully similar to the XBox One controller and according to the company, has a very ergonomic and comfortable feel while holding. The shell is made of tough materials manufactured by Samsung. Xiaomi claims that the remote controller is made using the same quality manufacturing process as the Sony PS4 remote.

Another interesting thing about the controller is that it is scratch and sunlight resistant. The company hopes that you can play your games for hours without getting tired.

The controller comes with some serious features for heavy gamers; 360-degree field of precision positioning, which has an accuracy of 0.172 degrees, shaking, center-specific anti-tampering measures of 0.5 degrees and high precision arrow keys which have a 360 degrees movement technology, ensuring a uniform gap around the keys. It connects with Android devices using Bluetooth 3.0 and comes with a power management system which turns the device into standby mode after 5 minutes of remaining idle.

The official website states that the first 300 buyers of the Bluetooth game controller would only have to shell out just CNY 1 (roughly Rs. 9) for the device. As mentioned above, the controller is priced very competitively at 99 Yuan which rounds up to about Rs. 1000 in India currency.

January 21, 2015
ASUS Brings Out the Fonepad 8 in India for Rs. 13,999

Today Asus launched one more product for the Indian market – the Fonepad 8 (FE380CG). The new Fonepad supports 3G functionality and comes at a price of Rs. 13,999. The 8-inch device, initially launched at Computex 2014, is a modified version of Fonepad 8 tablet. It runs on Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box and features dual-SIM support.

The device flaunts an 8-inch 1280x800p display and is powered by 64-bit Intel Atom Z3530 1.33GHz quad-core processor, paired with 2 GB of RAM. The tablet runs on the company’s Asus ZenUI; comes with 16 GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded up to 64 GB via MicroSD card.

On the camera front, the Fonepad 8 (FE380CG) has a 5MP rear camera along with a 2MP secondary camera. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, MicroUSB, Bluetooth v4.0, GPS, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The device houses a 4000mAh battery that the company claims can last up to 21 hours of talk time.

For now, the Fonepad 8 will be available exclusively on Flipkart. The device will come in two colour variants – Black and Gold.

January 20, 2015
Samsung Wants to Partner With BlackBerry, Not Acquire it

Few days back, rumours about Samsung’s plans to acquire BlackBerry made the rounds. It was said that the South Korean company had offered close to $7.5 billion for the buyout. However, when the companies were approached for comment, both Samsung and BlackBerry denied the story. To reaffirm the same, the Co-Chief Executive of Samsung Electronics, J. K. Shin, made a statement that the company wants to work on an extended partnership but doesn’t aim to acquire BlackBerry at all.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”J.K. Shin”]

We want to work with BlackBerry and develop this partnership, not acquire the company.

[/quote]

Shin further added that they wish to extend the existing agreement, however, they are carefully keeping the details under wraps.

Late last year, Samsung closed a deal with BlackBerry which gave access to both the companies to sell mobile security technologies of the other company. Samsung also signed similar agreements with other companies such as Trix Systems Inc., Good Technology Inc., MobileIron Inc. and AirWatch.

The world’s largest maker of handsets respects its relationship with other companies and clarified that it is not eyeing the patent portfolio of BlackBerry, which carries the highest value in the technology world.

January 20, 2015
Second Batch of Yu Yureka to Go on Sale, Number of Units Undisclosed

The recently popular smartphone from the homegrown manufacturer, Yu, is again going up for sale exclusively on Amazon India. The second round of registrations has commenced, and the phone will be up for grabs on 22^nd January for a price tag of Rs. 8,999.

Micromax is imitating Xiaomi’s successful marketing scheme to entice more customers. However, last time, things didn’t go so well as Amazon India was unable to cope with the heavy rush. The first round of flash sale saw around 3 lakh registrations, but only 10,000 units were available for sale. The inadequate availability of the phone resulted in an outrage from interested buyers who were left disappointed. However, the company announced that the phone received a superb response, and the stock cleared in just 3 seconds.

Another glitch that added to the fury of the customers is that Amazon India showed the final price of Yu Yureka as Rs. 12,499 instead of the actual price (Rs. 8,999). However, the e-commerce website later apologised for the technical hitch.

As of now, there is no clue about the number of units that will go up for sale as both Micromax and Amazon are tight-lipped on the topic.

Coming to the specifications of the Yu Yureka, the smartphone sports a 5.5-inch 1280x720p display. The screen has a protection of Gorilla Glass 3. The device is powered by Snapdragon 615 CPU along with Adreno 405 GPU. The device features 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage capacity, out of which 12 GB is free. The phone gets its juice from a 2500mAh battery. On the camera front, the handset has a 13MP snapper along with a 5MP shooter on the front. The most significant feature of the device is the attractive Cyanogen OS 11.

For those who haven’t seen our review, can check out the video below:

January 20, 2015
Microsoft Patents New Tech Which Senses When You Don’t Want to Be Disturbed

A smartphone’s loud ring is highly distracting when you’re in the middle of something important. In spite of the available do-not-disturb mode, there’s no feature that is intelligent enough to sense your presence at different places and function accordingly. However, Microsoft has found a solution for this – the inconspicuous mode – which transforms your smartphone smart enough to turn down your device when necessary.

As per the latest patent granted to Microsoft this week, the ‘inconspicuous mode’ on the smartphone detects when the user is in a meeting, theatre or is going to bed. Once detected, it automatically turns on and adjusts the brightness and volume level of the device. The mode also reduces the number of notifications on the lock screen so the user does not get distracted from the ongoing happening.

This intelligent feature works using the internet. The application checks when the mode is required and detects using GPS, sound, NFC, Wi-Fi and other data. It also syncs with your Calendar and picks up information that can be of use. For e.g. meeting schedules, movie plans, bedtime, wake up time, etc. If the application finds a meeting schedule, it automatically enters the inconspicuous mode to avoid outside interruptions. The feature is extremely handy and can be turned off when required. Also, it exits the mode on its own as soon as the event that triggered it, finishes.

If this feature lands on the Windows Phone platform, it will be the next big thing for the brand. Meanwhile, there are bigger announcements by Microsoft coming up soon.

January 20, 2015
What to Expect from Microsoft’s 21st January Windows Event

Microsoft is holding a special Windows 10 event in Redmond on January 21st. The software giant has already rolled out invites to members of the press, asking them to be a part of the unveiling of “the next chapter.” The new OS is expected to bring new advancements in the consumer-end of the software. The 21st will give us the first glimpse into how Microsoft plans to compete in the consumer field of tablets and phones.

Let’s look at what we can expect for Microsoft’s January 21st event:

Windows Phone 10

It is no secret that Windows Phones so far has been a failure, with Android and iOS giving it a tough competition. According to IDC, Windows Phone holds petty 3% of market share which is the result of drastic dip in 2014. With Windows Phone 10, Microsoft is betting to change this scenario. The company is expected to take wraps off the first version of Windows Phone 10 on January 21. According to the reports, the next mobile OS will be a combination of the Windows Phone and Windows RT operating systems. Microsoft is aiming to take advantage of its universal applications model to align its tablet and phone software to run the same apps across tablets and phones.

Windows 10

Windows 10, in particular, is a crucial tipping point for the company. It’s first and foremost an opportunity for the company to follow through on its promise to make good with consumers, many of whom were turned off by the company’s last version, Windows 8. The most important change in the next installment will be the unification of the OS’s touch and traditional software. Another significant change is the return of Start Menu which was eliminated in Windows 8.

In a recent tweet, Microsoft teased Windows 10’s ability to handle multiple desktops on a single device – saying that more is coming 1.21.15. Multiple desktops allows users to open a number of “virtual desktops” and spread their work out amongst them all – imagine them as virtual monitors you can flip between.

‘Spartan’ Internet Browser

Microsoft’s new Windows 10 internet browser, codenamed Spartan, is expected to debut with Windows 10 as a separate app along with Internet Explorer. Various leaks and rumors suggest that Spartan will be one of the major elements of Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 10 operating system and will come with some ground-breaking features which are currently missing in competing browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.

According to the reports, Spartan will include digital inking support which allows Windows 10 users to annotate a web page with a stylus and send the notes and annotations to a friend or colleague. It is also said that Spartan web browser will be heavily linked to Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant.

PC Gaming

A post on Xbox Wire noted that Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft’s Xbox unit, will be shedding light on Windows 10’s consumer experience, by including the role of gaming in consumer products. According to the post, the company’s goal is “to help PC gaming flourish”, part of which will involve extending the Xbox experience across Windows 10 gaming PCs and other devices.

The company previously announced that Windows 10 will ship with DirectX 12, which promises to help developers deliver better performance from hardware, in addition to bringing benefits to integrated graphics solutions such as Intel’s HD Graphics series.

January 20, 2015
Xiaomi Fans Get Ready, the Mi4 is Coming to India

The long wait for Xiaomi’s Indian fans is coming to an end. For those who were anxiously waiting for the Mi3 to make a return for a Flipkart flash sale, this might be a bit disappointing. But for those who were eyeing the Mi4, it’s time of a happy dance.

In an exclusive interview with Indian Express, Xiaomi’s India Head Manu Jain, said that the company would be bringing the Mi4 to India on the 28th of January.

The Xiaomi Mi4 flaunts a 5-inch Full HD IPS LCD display. Its processing might comes from a 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor and possesses 3 GB of RAM. The device is available in 16 and 64 GB variants. It is powered by a 3080 mAh battery.

The Mi4 sports a 13 MP main camera and an 8 MP front camera and the device runs on Android 4.4.3 KitKat operating system.

The price of the device is expected to be around Rs 20,000. So if you were waiting for the Mi3 and had saved for it, you have about nine days to gather the rest of the money before the stampede begins.

January 19, 2015
Xiaomi Invests in Gaming and Software Giant Kingsoft

After gaining huge success in India and overseas through its impressive smartphone line-up, the Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi has plans to expand further. Seems like the company is now eyeing the games and software market.

Xiaomi recently acquired 3% of Kingsoft’s share and the deal was finalised at approximately $68 million. The partially acquired company is a Chinese games and software giant, which started by developing PC games and is now a renowned name in security, entertainment and enterprise products. With this buyout, Xiaomi seems to be laying the ground for dedicated a gaming experience and improved services for its loyal customers.

Until now, Xiaomi was inking deals in hardware only – a whopping $203.7 million investment in home appliance maker Midea Group and a strategic funding in wearable start-up Misfit. The Chinese top smartphone manufacturer bought the shares of Kingsoft from the Chinese investment holding Tencent and the deal is likely to finish by January end.

Last week, Xiaomi amazed everyone with the launch of the 5.7-inch Mi Note. The company still has something in its bag and will unveil it on 20th January; it left its fans longing with an image that speaks of a mysterious new gaming hardware.

Recently, the news cropped up that the smartphone giant has plans to invest in Indian tech start-ups, as well as overseas media content. With Xiaomi investing in almost every business segment, there will be soon a day when this Chinese producer will beat the current top-listers and will dominate the tech industry.

January 19, 2015