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Sapphire Glass Troubles Apple, iWatch Release Date Delayed

Rumors of the release of Apple’s iWatch have been flying high for a long time. Seems like we’d have to wait a little while longer before we have the device wrapped around our wrists. The latest speculation suggests that the device could be delayed from September to October, while some even believe that it might be slated for a November release.

Apple has supposedly been working on their version of a smartwatch since 2011. Well, it has taken them way too long, hopefully they’re working on something substantial and path-breaking, which would be worth the wait.

Meanwhile, Apple refuses to confirm the development or the existence of the smartwatch. Re/Code, independent tech news reporters, which are considered reliable sources, said the rumored wrist item would be introduced in October. “People familiar with Apple’s plans tell Re/code that the company hopes to schedule a special event that month to show off the device,” their website quoted. It is also purported that the iWatch will likely to be integrated with the new Healthkit app that is to be introduced with iOS 8. It is said to display all the essential health-related information recorded by the watch.

Apple’s iwatch concept

In June, Reuters revealed the Cupertino-based company’s plan on making multiple screen sizes and designs for market release this fall, which was supported by a leaked patent from USPTO indicating a multitude of smartwatch devices. The patent mentioned of a device called “iTime” that deals with convertible and removable parts from a central unit. Apple has also allegedly sought an “iWatch” patent in Japan recently.

According to KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also, has been a reliable source for predicting Apple product plans in the past, said that the iWatch is believed to debut later than expected, due to complications related to both the new hardware and software. “We have pushed back our estimated time of iWatch mass production from late-September to mid/late-November. We also lower our forecast of iWatch 2014 shipments by 40% to 3 million units,” said Kuo.

The reason, Kuo pointed out, is the ongoing issue of sapphire glass covered lens production. This suggested further that Apple could only be shipping half of the targeted units with sapphire-covered features while the other half with the old Gorilla Glass close, at the end of the year.

It is also reported that Apple is taking the luxury route, targeting the “geek to chic” market by wooing Swiss watchmakers ‘Swatch’ to partner with them. “Fashion is the name of the game; most expensive model is likely to be priced at several thousand US dollars. Referring to the rules of the fashion market, we predict the iWatch casing and band will come in various materials. The most expensive model of the iWatch line will carry a price tag of several thousand US dollars,” Kuo added.

August 11, 2014
Samsung to Launch Stand-Alone Smartwatch ‘Gear Solo’ This September

We think the idea of stand-alone smartwatches is not yet feasible in the present market scenario, but Samsung thinks otherwise. Reports indicate that Samsung is moving ahead with plans for a smartwatch with its own SIM card and hence, doesn’t need a paired phone. It seems likely that we’ll hear about it as soon as next month.

Korean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo reports that Samsung intends to unveil the Gear Solo watch at the big IFA conference in September. As speculated, the Gear Solo will not require a smartphone for communication functionality, and will be able to place calls, send texts and emails, and perform other tasks with its own SIM card, cellular radio, and service plan.

Samsung Gear 2 Neo

The inclusion of SIM support in a smartwatch would enable users to make phone calls from the device, but it is yet to be revealed how Samsung has tackled the issue of heavy battery drain. Samsung has launched three Tizen-powered versions of its Gear smartwatch to date, and one Android Wear model in the form of the Galaxy Gear Live.

Samsung released the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo at this year’s MWC, less than six months after their predecessor. The logic of releasing a smartwatch alongside a smartphone makes sense, but in this case the Gear Solo won’t depend on tethering itself to any other device, hence will get a different sort of treatment in the market.

However, Samsung used last year’s IFA to launch the original Galaxy Gear, so it seems a good time as any to unleash a new smartwatch frenzy. Timex Group also announced a smartwatch with its own cellular connection, letting it transmit data without needing to be connected to a smartphone. The company calls it the Ironman One GPS+, and while it may have features commonly found in a smartwatch, it is made mostly for athletes like its predecessors.

August 11, 2014
YouTube Gives 1440p Option For 2K Displays

You bought that expensive phone with an eye popping 2K display but cannot find content that does justice to that phenomenal screen. Well everyone’s favorite video streaming address has now come up with a solution. YouTube is giving a scale up option for smartphones with superior displays.

Although Oppo’s Find 7 and Lenovo’s Vibe Z2 had brought their phones with 2K displays, the market started to heat up following the launch of the LG G3. The phones spectacular display and flagship performance was unanimously appreciated.

The issue with screens with such high definition is that there isn’t enough content for these screens. Of course there is some phenomenal HD content that will keep you mesmerized but they don’t unleash the screens full potential.

Now YouTube will provide a higher 1440p output for such screens, thereby giving you a one source option for high quality content. This will of course apply to content that can be presented at that resolution.

This is a great opportunity for other handset makers to bring in the displays and use them in their marketing strategy. It is speculated that Samsung might enter the 2K space with the upcoming Note 4. At a time when companies are actively trying to make smartphones capable of competing with computers, a superior display can be a good selling point.

August 11, 2014
#LetsTalkShop with Amit Boni from Motorola India

When Motorola departed India in haste, shutting down operations and basically calling it quits, a large chunk of Moto believers were left disheartened. Motorola was always perceived as a quality brand, the real inventor of the mobile phone and an innovation driver.

With Motorola’s global operations in trouble the company took a breather to rework strategies and work towards exciting products says Amit Boni, who now heads Motorola Mobility India’s reenergized operations.

In a very candid and exciting conversation with the man we learnt that the company has inherited a lot of traits from ex-parent Google and the business strategies going forward seem to be well in order.

Motorola really researched the Indian market before returning with its new lineup, and found the Flipkart model to be a success runner and in a price conscious market like India, a steady pricing system.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Amit Boni” author_title=”GM, Motorola Mobility India”]

We wanted to ensure our customers pay one price for our phones throughout India.

[/quote]

Amit says Motorola is keen to begin the relationship when the buyer purchases a Motorola product and will ensure that service is never an issue for the customer. The company has a strong foothold in India for service and Motorola is keen on expanding the service base.

Xiaomi is not a threat, says Amit, we are happy with competition and going forward are ready to provide a better consumer experience. This sort of competition helps us stay grounded he claims, allowing the company to know where they stand.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Amit Boni” author_title=”GM, Motorola Mobility India”]

Xiaomi’s entry in India using Flipkart is a validation of Motorola’s excellent strategy

[/quote]

Motorola wants to bring products to India as fast as they can, and they are really excited for the Moto 360. The Moto 360 will suffice in a market that has seen some disappointing products, says Amit.

While he stayed mum on future products, he smiled through our questions and demand for some exciting news.

Watch the full video below for the juicy bits and a whole list of other questions.

August 10, 2014
How Do They Do It : Chinese Phone Pricing Explained

Many of you have inquired as to how the Chinese smartphone manufacturers are capable of bringing high speced devices that are priced so low. Here we attempt to explain how the likes of Xiaomi and others go about their business of creating havoc in the mobile markets everywhere.

Both Motorola and Xiaomi have kept prices low by using the e-tailing route

It is estimated that companies like Xiaomi are selling their phones at a loss of Rs. 1000 so that they can create a market buzz around their products. Xiaomi is bringing in just about a 1,00,000 units of their phones to India and have been selling them out in periodic flash sales. By bringing in a limited number of device the company start a stampede and this causes other competitors to reduce their prices, something we saw Motorola do when they slashed Moto G’s price by Rs. 2000. By using this strategy, Xiaomi, with its limited marketing budget has made its name shine out in the market.

However there is a downside to this marketing technique. The flash sales are now confusing and sometimes irritating the potential consumers who want the phone but cannot buy them. It has started to create a negative perception amongst such consumers. They are now seeking alternatives to the phone.

Now here is where the internet marketing convenience adds in. Basically, by just using an online sales channel, a strategy devised by companies like Motorola, the companies get to save massive amounts in distribution, marketing, dealership and other costs. And hence these high speced products reach the consumers in what can be called shockingly low prices, well its shocking for big brands at least.

It is also speculated that another Chinese smartphone manufacturer, One Plus, intends to try its luck in the Indian market. Their phone, the One Plus One is a high speced powerhouse which comes at mid segment prices. They too have limited stocks and might take the Xiaomi approach. But if these companies plan to stay in the Indian market for the long run, they need to come with stocks in accordance with the demand in the market. Or else they will just act as an inspiration to companies with already big reach to bring similar products and in turn, take away these companies potential customers.

August 9, 2014

Samsung Slyly Adds New Black Colour to the Tab S

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S was introduced in two colour variants, white and bronze. Recently they’ve added a new black option. It’ll be nice to have a variety to choose from, especially for those who prefer the sleekness of black. You can order the device from the Samsung e-store.

The Tab S 10.5 and Tabs 8.4 both run on the Exynos 5 Octa chipset, have 3 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB storage capacities. Watch our Hands On with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S here.

See the full details below.

Specifications	Galaxy Tab S 10.5-inch	Galaxy Tab S 8.4-inch
Battery capacity:	7,900(mAh)	4900(mAh)
DISPLAY	10.5-inch Super AMOLED display Resolution:2560 x 1600 pixels	8.4-inch Super AMOLED display Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
CAMERA	Rear camera: 8-megapixel Flash: LED Front camera: 2-megapixel	Rear camera: 8-megapixel Flash: LED Front camera: 2-megapixel
RAM	3GB	3GB
Processor	Octa-Core Exynos 5 (A15 1.9 GHz & A7 1.3 GHz)	Octa-Core Exynos 5 (A15 1.9 GHz & A7 1.3 GHz)
Internal Storage	16GB/32GB expanded up to 128GB	16GB/32GB expanded up to 128GB
Software	Android 4.4 Kitkat	Android 4.4 Kitkat

Thanks Ayush.

August 9, 2014

Microsoft’s Xbox One Now Available for Pre-Order on Amazon India

Microsoft’s Xbox One will be available in India on 23rd Sept 2014 starting at Rs. 39,990 it is now available for pre-order. The Xbox One with Kinect is priced at Rs. 45,990. They will be sold exclusively through Amazon India. Amazon is also running a couple of promotional offers for the first 1000 customers who book the console.

The special offers are worth Rs. 10,000 and it includes : Rs. 3,000 off on an additional controller, 2 free Blu-rays worth Rs. 2,500, a discount of Rs. 2,000 on speakers, and Rs. 1,000 off on backpacks. The Xbox One standalone variant comes with a free game, Fifa 2015 whereas the Kinect variant of the console comes with a free Dance Central Spotlight DLC and Fifa 2015.

The bundle includes the Xbox One console with a 500GB hard drive, Xbox One Wireless Controller, and a free 14-day trial of Xbox Live Gold for new members.

The Xbox One with Kinect will have a number of special experiences such as gesture controls, biometric sign-in, controller paring, Skype video calls, direct personalization, instant scanning of QR codes.

Both the Microsoft Xbox One uses an incorporated CPU-GPU design by AMD, including an 8-core low power x86-64 AMD “Jaguar” CPU. The Xbox One’s CPU cores runs at 1.75GHz.

Xbox One is also packed with features like the Game DVR/Upload which lets you capture and record your greatest game moments and through ‘Upload Studio’ you can easily edit and share clips with your friends and community. It also offers many apps such as Skype which is specially designed for Xbox One, Internet Explorer, OneDrive, Twitch, Machinima and IGN which are integrated flawlessly with your games and TV experience.

Pre-Order Now

 

August 9, 2014
Image of HTC One M8 Running Windows 8.1 Leaked

It was reported a few days ago that HTC is intending to bring Windows Phone OS back to its stable with a One M8 windows variant. The company which was at the forefront of smartphone technology during its beginning days had begun its operations with the Windows Mobile OS. HTC had quit the Windows game for a while and had concentrated on bringing awesome Android devices to its consumers.

WPCentral managed to screen grab a blunder by the Dutch Telecom company, Telfort. In one of its advertising visuals, the company accidently posted what looked like a HTC One M8 running Windows Phone OS. Telfort took down the image as soon as it realized its folly.

The phone as shown in the promotional image also shows a Cortana tile which further confirms the phone running the Windows Phone 8.1. Apparently according to WPCentral the phone might be just around the corner and might release on August 19 at a press event in New York City. That will be a pleasant surprise for all Windows and HTC enthusiasts. The Windows sibling of the phone might be called One W8.

HTC might also use some of the lessons it learned with its Android smartphones to give a better Windows Phone experience than it did in the past, when it released HTC 8S, 8X and 8XT.

HTC has made some of the most beautiful phones in the Android ecosystem and so it will be real fun to see its take on a revamped Windows release.

August 9, 2014
Microsoft’s Next Lumia 720 Offering Might be a Selfie Friendly Phone

Microsoft is seriously getting into the mobile game, which it really needs to compete against its arch rival Apple. The company will try to appeal to the youth demographic by introducing a Selfie centered phone.

Wpcentral reports that a successor of the Nokia Lumia 720 is being planned by the company. The phone currently codenamed Superman would probably be called the Nokia Lumia 730. The Phone comes with a 4.7 inch screen which is bigger than its predecessors 4.3 inch screen.

The Images of Lumia 720 Successor were featured by Wpcentral

To power up the selfies, Microsoft will pack the phone with a 5-megapixel camera into the phone. Though additional information about the specs of the phone are not yet leaked but it’s said to be running on a new firmware called Debian Red. It is said to be a Lumia specific firmware and will coincide with Windows phone 8.1 update 1 and Update 2 releases. This will be Microsoft’s way of separating its phones from other Windows manufacturers. The details of this firmware aren’t certain as of yet.

Microsoft is late to the smartphones party and apart from HTC, no major handset manufacturer has shown the intention to manufacture the Windows Phone OS based products. With a selfie-centric phone, Microsoft may be able to impress some Windows phone enthusiasts, but to have a bigger market it really has to give the consumers something different.

August 8, 2014
Microsoft Offers Chinese Employees Free Nokia 630 to Quit Jobs

You may have heard of a lot many schemes employees are offered when the exit door is shown after an acquisition. There are severance packages, voluntary retirement schemes and other options provided to soon-to-be-ex-employees. But then comes Microsoft doing something that can be seen as borderline evil.

Being taken over by one of the biggest tech giants must have made the employees of Nokia’s former factory in China optimistic about their future. But all hopes were lost when Microsoft announced massive job cuts last month. A majority of the 18000 jobs to be cut by Microsoft will be from Nokia’s stable.

Microsoft said that it will notify those employees in the coming 6 months. The process seems to have started at the Chinese factory where the employees are being offered a Nokia 630 as a consolation for leaving the job.

This is a measly goodbye gift from Microsoft. The phones are being offered on a first come first serve basis for 300 employees. The employees weren’t even explicitly told about their job losses and are unsure about the severance plans by the company. Hopefully after the story coming in international light, Microsoft might give a better deal to these employees.

August 8, 2014
Apple May Bring Siri-like Personal Assistant to the Mac

In a development similar to the movie ‘Her’, Apple is planning to bring a voice based personal assistant to their desktop systems that run on Mac OSX platform. The company had filed a patent application back in February which was released yesterday.

The patent doesn’t exclusively mention Siri, but instead uses the term Apple’s “digital assistant”. The new personal assistant or what some may call desktop Siri, will be able to deliver Siri’s functions with added features. It can be conjured up using predetermined gestures on the touchpad or through an icon on screen.

Apple’s patent application also states that the digital assistant will be capable of performing tasks of operating systems like moving files, type and send emails, access internet and look for files, photos or play videos on YouTube. The biggest issue though will be people not just screaming at their phones, but their computers too.

The Yosemite beta has no Siri like feature as of yet so it most probably will be up and running in the next outing of the OSX. It will be a welcome surprise though if Apple includes the assistant in this release itself. But Apple thrives to perfecting its offerings to its best capabilities before bringing it out for its users, so this feature may still be a distant dream.

In the end, this seems like the natural order of things. Maybe the future where we bid farewell to keyboards and mouse is around the corner.

August 8, 2014
Apple and Samsung Agree to Dismiss their Patent Battle

Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. are starting to wind down their global patent dispute. Smartphone giants announced in a joint statement that they will drop all patent lawsuits outside the U.S. However, the two companies still haven’t settled their patent disputes within the U.S.

The two companies have sued each other in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Netherlands, the UK, France, and Italy, and all these cases are being dropped, without being settled and without any cross-licensing agreements being negotiated. The companies disclosed the change in legal strategy in a joint e-mail. Apple and Samsung said they would push ahead with the most high-profile cases taking place in the U.S.

Apple first sued Samsung in the U.S. for copying features of the iPhone in 2011. Samsung then sued Apple for patent infringement in South Korea, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and the U.K. Apple filed countersuits in five of those countries.

“Apple and Samsung have agreed to drop all litigation between the two companies outside the United States,” the companies said in a joint statement. “This agreement does not involve any licensing arrangements, and the companies are continuing to pursue the existing cases in U.S. courts.”

Earlier, Apple and Samsung agreed in June to drop their appeals of a patent-infringement case at the U.S. International Trade Commission that resulted in an import ban on some older Samsung phones. In the U.S., Apple had two victories against Samsung: $930 million in 2012 and $120 million in May of this year. The case is still unresolved though.

August 8, 2014
Google May Bring Multi-User Support to Android Smartphones

Google may bring multiple user support to Android smartphones. The feature was mentioned by a Google project member in an official developer forum. In a discussion thread regarding multiuser functionality in Android handsets, the Google employee posted the following reply to forum members: “The development team has implemented this feature and it will be available as a part of the next public build.”

Although the statement isn’t exactly specific, but “the next public build” refers to Android L, unless Google is planning to introduce the feature in another minor KitKat update, which seems unlikely. Already available on Android tablets, the multi-user feature will surely make owners of Android smartphones a tad less wary of leaving their devices to others, especially children. It would also be useful to small businesses who want to create separate accounts for their office and home without investing in enterprise-managed mobile devices.

Google introduced Android L at this year’s Google I/O. Google has already made the developer preview available. As of now the update is available only for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7.

According to reports Moto X and G will be first in line getting Android L updates. Android L is expected to be launched later this year, although no clear date has been mentioned yet. Motorola vice president of product management Punit Soni recently responded to a Google+ query on the smartphone receiving the L update. “Moto X is still going to get Android L (5.0) right?,” asked a user, to which Punit Soni simply responded, “Yup”.

August 7, 2014
Google Buys Emu Messaging Service to Boost its Messaging Might

Google has bought an intelligent, personal assistant based messaging app called EMU. The app is created by an ex-Google and an ex-Apple employee who worked on Siri. The basic premise of the app is close to what Google Now offers. It goes through your conversations and picks up leads to provide the users with recommendations related to their interest.

Emu began as an Android app, and its superior assistance feature must have prompted Google to loosen its purse strings. The app is capable of scheduling appointments to the calendar, set reminders and setting restaurant reservations with convenience like never before.

This is how the website looked soon after the acquisition announcement.

Messaging is where a lot of big companies have been investing. With Facebook buying Whatsapp, it was evident that messaging apps have grown in prominence and have overtaken the good old SMS. Now there is a race to perfect a messaging app. Apple, at WWDC this year has already presented a unique messaging feature which intertwines all its ecosystem’s messaging features. Apple’s messaging features were appreciated even though they seemed “inspired” by the features of various apps like Whatsapp, Snapchat, etc.

It is said that Google’s acquired Emu to strengthen its Hangout app, thereby giving an alternative to what Apple has to offer. Emu founders have announced that the app will cease to exist as an independent app and will be shut down by August 25. It will be interesting to see if Google plays the messaging game. Will it repeat its email success with Gmail or we’ll end up with another Google Plus fiasco?

Emu is impressive the way it was introduced and Google might have learnt its lessons by now and may be ready to go head-to-head with Apple.

Check out what the app can do in this video. Caution: They have a catchy background score that will be stuck in your head all day long.

August 7, 2014
Rumor Roundup : All That We Know About the Moto 360

The most hotly anticipated wearable of the year, the Moto 360 smartwatch, couldn’t come soon enough. Announced way back in March, the device hasn’t exactly been Moto’s secret project with multiple demos and hands-on videos at this Google I/O this year.

But do we really know every detail about the smart watch? Here’s a rumor roundup to sum up everything we know other than the official information on Motorola’s website.

Use of Premium Materials

As Motorola and Google have made sure to point out several times now, the Moto 360, unlike its Android Wear siblings, the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live, will be crafted of premium materials, namely glass and metal. Yes, no cheap plastics here.

But is this really true? A Chinese website, G for Games, recently made claims that the Moto 360 would actually be made of plastics that mimic metal. Now, before you start frowning, we should point out that a lot of tech reviewers are claiming these rumours to be fake. But we can’t be certain until the watch officially releases.

Standard Dimensions

Ever since the announcement, Motorola has made a big deal out of how the Moto 360 will look and feel just like a regular watch. It will have a regular 44mm round dial and a leather strap that can be switched with any other strap.

However, another rumor recently surfaced that Motorola will have to increase the thickness to 13.5mm to incorporate wireless charging into the watch. This will make it considerably thicker than either of it’s siblings, the G Watch and the Gear Live, who stand at 9.95mm and 8.9mm thick, respective

Wireless Charging

In the past couple of months, this has been one of the most consistent rumors. If the Moto 360 manages to support any Qi Wireless Charger, this will be a major accomplishment for the smart watch as it will eliminate the need for proprietary charging docks.

Water Resistant

It has been confirmed by Motorola that the watch will be water resistant. However, no comment has been made on whether it will be IP67 rated or not.

Leaked Images from Mistergadget.net

Optical Heart Rate Sensor

Recent leaked pictures by Italian website Mister Gadget show the Moto 360 flaunting an optical heart rate sensor on its back. We are yet to find out how it will be implemented.

Release Date

Finally, the Moto 360 is believed to be be launching by the end of this summer. This is exciting news, as summer is just coming to an end, and we should expect the watch to be launched at an event in the near future. A very recent rumor is floating that the watch will be released this September. We wish this stands true.

The Moto 360 has definitely managed to become one of the most hotly anticipated gadgets of the year. While we all wait with baited breath for the launch event, if you haven’t already, check out this video by Motorola:

By Pranav Arora

August 7, 2014