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Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 : Benchmarks and Hardware

Following up the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5, we tested the smaller variant: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4. One thing that we appreciate a lot is that the Tab S 8.4 is a true little brother of the Tab S 10.5. Both slates have identical specifications, from processor to display resolution and even the internal RAM and storage. What differs is the size of the screen and the battery capacity which are both reduced.

Same as its bigger brother, the 8.4 Tab S variant has a phenomenal display. Running through the Quadrant Benchmark, the device scored 18,362 which little low from its big brother’s score that is 23,553. Anyhow, 8.4 Tab S scores much better that many of the devices in the same price bracket.

Next up is Antutu benchmark, the device scored 29,559 in this test, again lagging behind the 10.5 variant which scored 34,270. Along with that we also ran the device through NinaMark 2 Test scoring 59.1 fps which is quite similar to the 10.5 Tab S which scored a 59.8 fps. Same as the bigger variant, 8.4 variant is also 10 finger multi-touch.

Check out our full benchmark video of Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 above.

July 26, 2014
Images of the Upcoming Moto X+1 Leaked

The coming up flagship device of Motorola seems be to their worst kept secret. Earlier the phones specifications and some photos were revealed and now once again, Android Police has leaked photos of what they claim is a pre-production model of the Moto X+1.

However, the device in the picture has one distinct factor and that is the aluminum frame around the device. It is said that the silver-colored segmented ring around the phone’s sides is made of aluminum, like the HTC One family, though the metal build doesn’t extend to the front or back.

This device seems to have bigger screen than its predecessor (5.1-inch screen) with no capacitive buttons, which roughly matches various reports, along with a loudspeaker beneath the screen. The back has a Motorola logo set into the wood, in what appears to be plastic, which differs from the wood backs on the Moto X. The two white dots on either side of the circular camera module are said to be dual LED flashes. Like the Moto X, there is no MicroSD card slot.

The wooden finish rear confirms the earlier report that the flagship device will offer more than 25 customization options, including wood and leather finishes. Furthermore, earlier rumors suggest the Moto X+1 will sport bumped up specs in every respect starting with a new 5.2-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution screen. The phone could also have a faster Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 24GB of storage. A higher spec 64GB model has also been rumored to come with a microSD card slot not found on the regular model. Camera-wise the Moto X+1 said is to feature a 12MP rear sensor coupled with a 5MP front snapper.

In general, the hardware seems to be a reasonable upgrade from the Moto X, although the leaks so far have failed to mention whether or not the device will include a natural language processor. This is the chip that enables the Moto X’s touchless voice controls, which allow you to access Google Now without even touching the phone while the screen is turned off. It was billed as one of the major features to launch with the Moto X, but it’s unclear if we’ll see the same type of functionality in the Moto X+1. Motorola is rumored to unveil the Moto X+1 in August as it did with the Moto X in 2013.

July 26, 2014
10 Reasons That Will Help You Decide Whether Or Not To Buy Xiaomi Mi3

Xiaomi has entered the market in India with a bang, everyone is talking about the ‘Apple of China’ that gives you amazing features at just 15k. But before buying any gadget, you need to make sure you know it well. Well, there is a certain taboo in India about things with the “Made in China” tag. Although Xiaomi is a Chinese company, we have to admit, they’re offering an amazing device.

Anyhow, here are our list of pros and cons, that’ll should help you decide:

1. Price

When Xiaomi was rumored to launch Mi3 in India, it was expected to be priced at Rs.14,999 and which was already pretty impressive, enough to give tough competition to the big players in the market. Surprisingly, Xiaomi reduced the price of the Mi3 further by Rs. 1000 at the Official press event held in Delhi and finally the 16Gb version Xiaomi Mi3 was priced at Rs.13,999. With all the hardware this smartphone has in it, the price of Rs 13,999 is a steal.

2. Hardware and Performance

The first thing that you will notice about the Xiaomi Mi3 is its impressive hardware specifications. The Xiaomi Mi3 is powered by a 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 quad core processor which is coupled with an ample 2GB of Ram and a Adreno 330 GPU . As for the display, the smartphone has a 5 inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080p (441 ppi pixel density). No other Android device in its price range offers a Snapdragon 800 processor and this is a major reason why the device stands out in the crowd.

3. Camera

The Xiaomi Mi3 has rear facing 13 MP camera with f/2.2 aperture and Dual led flash. Again, the best camera in its price range. Thanks to the F/2.2 aperture, the smartphone is able to capture impressive low light photography and adding to that the Dual led flash is a also a useful feature.

4. Android 4.4

Well, as we all know the retail units of Xiaomi Mi3 in India come loaded with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and this makes the Xiaomi Mi3 an amazing deal.

5. Non Removable Battery

The Xiaomi Mi3 has a non detachable/removable battery. In case the battery dies out, you won’t able to replace the battery yourself. You’d be required to make a tedious visit to the service centre.

6. Memory

With all the things that we would want to store on our smartphones, the option of expandable storage always comes in handy. However, the Xiaomi Mi3 has no option for expandable storage which is a major let down for a phone with such impressive specifications.

7. Tendency to Heat Up

While all phones tend to heat up while performing resource intensive tasks, but since the Mi3 has got an aluminum body, you get to feel more heat.

8. Warranty

A total of 36 service centers were announced by Xiaomi at the press event held in Delhi. Among these 32 service centers, two service centers located in Delhi and Bangalore will be exclusively operated by Xioami itself and will have a maximum turnaround time of 2 Hours.

9. Slippery build

The Xiaomi Mi3 body is made of brushed aluminum and this makes it extremely slippery. If you are planning to buy this smartphone, you should also consider investing in a good case and mind your clumsy habits.

10. Flipkart Angle

While the company has made a smart choice of cutting its retail costs by partnering with Flipkart. It is also one of the reasons we’re vary of the Mi3. The anonymity of suppliers is an issue. When there is a problem discovered in the delivered device, there is that possibility of Flipkart refusing to claim responsibility or help out.

So there you have it – the 10 pros and cons of the device. If these weren’t adequate, wait a while. We’ll be reviewing the phone soon.

July 26, 2014
Google Voice’s Website Gets Hangouts Integration

If you use Google Voice to manage your phone calls and text message, then you must be waiting to see if Google will eventually merge Google Voice with Hangouts for Android and iOS. Well, Google went ahead and did it for PCs, integrating Hangouts into the Google Voice website.

In a Wednesday post, Google Voice developer Alex Wiesen announced the addition of Hangouts as an option when making calls from the Web. The feature can be accessed selecting Hangouts from a drop-down menu labeled “Phone to call with.” The website will then launch a separate Hangouts window, allowing the conversation to take place as normal. Hangouts is seen as Google’s’ solution to its fractured messaging systems, and even offers the ability to place phone calls.

But while the new platform has been heralded as “the future of Google Voice,” little has been done to merge the two services. Nonetheless, the decision to integrate Hangouts in Google Voice shows the company is still actively developing the latter.

To use the new option, visit the Google Voice website and enter the number you’d like to call. Then, in the drop-down menu under Phone to call with, you’ll see an option for Hangouts. This will open a separate Hangouts window and you can carry on your voice conversation via Hangouts as you normally would.

In May 2013, Google began work on allowing outbound Google Voice calls within the new Hangouts experience; it arrived two months later. Earlier this month, the Google Operating System blog spotted a feature that migrates Google Voice numbers to Hangouts—a sign that the Web giant may be moving forward with the plan to integrate the two features, then shutter the separate Voice tool.

July 25, 2014
Google X’s New Study, Baseline : The Portrait of a Perfect Human Body

Google’s semi-secret workshop is one of the most innovation oriented institutions in the world. The research facility takes on some of the most fundamental questions on transportation, communication and others. Then, it takes an alternative bottom-up effort to understand them. The facility worked on concepts like Teleportation, Space elevators, and it is also the birthplace of projects like Google Glass, Driverless car and the upcoming Project Loon. Now with Project Baseline, Google plans to understand how a perfectly healthy human should look like and what factors restricts humans from achieving it.

The plan is as audacious as President Obama’s Brain Initiative.

The study will collect anonymous genetic and molecular data beginning with 175 people. They will eventually accumulate data of thousand more individuals. The study is lead by Dr. Andrew Conrad, who is a molecular biologist. He is credited for the development of cheap, high-volume tests for HIV in blood-plasma donations. Dr. Conrad has set up a team of about 70-to-100 experts from fields including physiology, biochemistry, optics, imaging and molecular biology for the study.

The study is a reimagination of the workings of the human body and how diseases can be prevented. This will be a prevention-oriented study which will try to find ways to inhibit naturally occurring diseases like stomach and heart ailments.

The project will collect hundreds of different samples using a wide variety of new diagnostic tools instead of focusing on specific diseases. Then Google will use its massive computing power to find particular biological patterns, or “biomarkers,” buried in the information. The researchers hope to use these biomarkers to see if they can be helpful in detecting diseases at an earlier stage. Google wants data on parameters like contributors’ entire genomes, their parents’ genetic history. Apart from that, information on how they metabolize food, nutrients and drugs, how fast their hearts beat under stress and how chemical reactions change the behavior of their genes will also be assessed.

Google has massive computing infrastructure for processing the massive information that will be generated by this project. According to the research team, Baseline, like previous Google X projects will be a look into the unknown. This project can also run in correlation with President Obama’s BRAIN initiative which is one of the most intensive looks into the functioning of the human neurons.

Like other Google X moonshot projects, this project is not time bound. Google’s look into teleportation was seen as scientifically unachievable, whereas a look into a healthy human body will be practical and help some of the fundamental problems with healthcare. Google has also promised that it will not share the data with corporate interests, and this will be anonymous study.

Baseline will try to identify Biomarkers which can be used to identify and prevent diseases earlier

There is of course series oversight as the study tries to peer into the human body at a molecular level. When the study kick starts, it will be monitored by institutional review boards comprising of medical professionals from Duke and Stanford University. The board will also keep a vigilant eye on how the information is being utilized.

This project basically is a massive pattern recognition exercise. It aims to understand in the most fundamental sense as to what makes us human and what makes us tick. Studies like this and the BRAIN initiative will certainly help us gaze into our self and figure out what separates and unites us. Health research should be a priority research and done by the government thereby democratizing the data. As they also involve massive costs; the BRAIN initiative will cost $300 Million a year for ten years; these projects should have public investment to prevent misuse of data for commercial purposes.

Google also deserves credit for envisioning this audacious study, for taking on the research in an open, transparent manner, unlike the healthcare industry which persists on closed patented knowledge. Google has always pushed for free knowledge and its most prominent success in this field has been the Android operating system. Also, they need to be appreciated for taking on resource intensive projects without compromising with their quarterly results. Google has shown that it is not hard for a giant corporation to not be evil.

July 25, 2014
Rumor : Apple To Launch an iWallet With The iPhone 6

We have been waiting to get our hands on the Apple’s new iPhone 6 with its new design. But while we wait, there are many other rumours flying high. Most recently, the rumors are that along with the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 6, Apple will also launch a Google Wallet rival.

According to these rumors, Apple is in talks with major credit card company Visa to collaborate and create an iWallet technology that could revolutionize the way consumers pay for goods. As noted by the publication, a direct partnership with Visa — or any similar company — would be a huge step in bypassing the payment processing chain, saving both merchants and customers money.

Apple is aiming to proceed with its payment system without handing over any control to wireless carriers, which may allow it to avoid difficulties that its competitors have faced. It has been expected for some time now that Apple would step into the mobile wallet sector and use the millions of shoppers who already store their card information with its iTunes Store and App Store. The iPhone maker has had to be cautious after seeing Google Inc. and others fail to rally users to make payments using their phones.

With partnership talks ongoing, Apple is also working out the technology behind a mobile payment system. The reports illustrate that the company at one point planned to integrate Near Field Communication (NFC) modules in its iPhone lineup, though other rumors claim the system will rely on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

In either case, sensitive customer information is likely to be stored in the iPhone’s secure enclave or alternatively in the cloud.

July 25, 2014
Google Plays The Acquisition Game With $1 Billion Twitch Take Over Plan

It seems the year 2014 would be known as ‘The year of takeovers’. In just the last few months we have seen some major billion dollar acquisitions by tech giants. Without a doubt the golden throne of big dollar takeovers is ruled by Mark Zuckerberg with his takeover of Oculus, Whatsapp and Liverail. Microsoft finished the $7.2 billion acquition of Nokia this year. Google is now planning its own billion dollar deal. The Search giants are now interested in taking over gaming video streaming network Twitch under the Youtube brand name.

It was reported in Variety and the Wall Street Journal that Google was in talks with Twitch for acquiring the company. It is now being reported that the companies have reached an agreement and will announce it soon. Though as of now both parties have refused to comment on the issue.

Twitch is a cool service which lets users share their game video streams. It’s a great way for the nerds and super-nerds to hangout, share stats and their gameplay. You can easily see how this service can be in line with YouTube’s streaming medium. Maybe its an effort by Google to give gamers some kind of contact with the mainstream world.

July 25, 2014
Airtel Rolls Out 4G Services In Nagpur

Even though the customers are still not satisfied with the 3G services in our country, Airtel and Aircel are rolling out 4G services with wild speed. Airtel today announced that it will now provide their 4G services in Nagpur. Nagpur will the second city in Maharashtra and 14th city in India to get Airtel 4G services.

Announcing the launch, Ashok Ganapathy, Hub CEO –Maharashtra, Goa & Gujrat, Bharti Airtel (India) said, “We are proud to announce the launch of Airtel 4G services in Nagpur enabling customers to access the most advanced wireless broadband experience available across the globe. As a brand, we are committed to enriching the lives of our customers and invite all the data savvy customers in the city to enjoy this world class data experience which we are offering at unbeatable prices.”

The company says that 4G services user can use this service anytime on either dongles or on Wi-Fi with the home broadband solution of CPEs (Customer Premise Equipment/ routers). Customers can leverage advanced 4G technology capabilities like high definition video streaming with zero buffering, download 10 movies in less than 30 minutes, upload full holiday albums in less than 5 minutes by uploading 2 high quality photos per second and also connect multiple devices without any experience constraint.

Airtel provide 4G dongles at the price of Rs. 1500 and CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) at the cost of Rs. 2500 with array of postpaid and prepaid options. A special plan for heavy Data users is also announced 40 GB of 4g data at the price of Rs. 2000. Company is spreading the word with special demos and kiosks around the city.

July 25, 2014
Images of the Upcoming Sony Xperia Z3 Leaked Online
As per the company traditions, Sony is expected to launch Z3 at the IFA in Berlin this September. The new handset in the Xperia Z series is supposed to be a mere upgrade of its predecessor. Sony is known for releasing one high-end flagship phone every half-yearly instead of annually like most smartphone companies.

One benefit of releasing a new phone every six months is that Sony can stay ahead of the technological curve. Two new images have leaked showing the alleged Sony Xperia Z3. While the images don’t reveal much about the phone’s innards, they show the exterior, and it looks the same, if referred to earlier leaks.

The similarities run through the design and show the rounded edges – unlike the Xperia Z2, which has flatter, sharper edges. Other than a slightly larger screen, a faster processor, and what seems like a less powerful front camera, the Xperia Z3 hardly differs from the Xperia Z2.

The Sony Xperia Z3 is expected to retain the Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB of RAM of the Xperia Z2, as well as its 20.7MP camera and probably the 1080p 5.2″ display. The water resistance is also a sure thing and perhaps only the design will be different.

If in fact these are the Xperia Z3’s real specs, they’re very similar to the hardware offered by Sony’s current flagship phone, however it wouldn’t be the first time that a company released a follow up device with minimal improvements.

Rumored Specs
- 5.15-inch 1080p
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core 2.4Ghz
- Adreno 330
- 3GB RAM
- Storage: 16GB
- 20.7-megapixel rear camera; 2.1-megapixel front camera
- Android 4.4.4 KitKat
July 25, 2014
OS X Yosemite Public Beta Released, Here’s How You Can Get it

Apple first showcased their latest version of Mac OS, labeled OS X Yosemite, earlier this year at WWDC. It featured a completely redesigned user interface and better OS X to iOS integration. A lot of users have been waiting patiently to get their hands on it ever since. While developers have had access to the all new versions of Mac OS X ever since the announcement, Apple are finally allowing the general public to get a taste of Yosemite starting Thursday, 24th July.

To know about its various new features and their functionalities, follow this link to read more.

So here’s how it works. All users who signed up with their Apple ID on the beta program website (its still not too late to do so) will get an email with a link and an activation code which will allow them to download the latest build.

Users should keep in mind that this beta build, while fairly stable, might (and will) still contain bugs and errors. Apple clearly states that the software is still in development, which means some applications and services might not function properly. Also, some of those awesome new features require an iOS 8 device, which is not part of the program. The beta version has a built-in Feedback Assistant application, if users want to report any bugs or provide any feedback on the build as they’re using it.

Having the latest OS X Mavericks is a prerequisite for the installation of this build. We also recommend that you first back up your Mac using Time Machine before installing this build. Also, if you have a secondary Mac, you should install the beta onto that, rather than risking your primary machine.

Now, if at any stage, users feel that they do not want to be part of the program, Apple will also give instructions to revert back to OS X Mavericks. So, if you just can’t wait till Apple officially releases the latest Mac OS X this fall, hit this link.

By Pranav Arora

July 25, 2014
Get Exploring with the New Google Maps Feature

Remember the time when there was a profession dedicated to guides? oh yes they still exist and Google has plans to make that job obsolete. With the new ‘Explore’ feature, exploring new places will get a lot easier. The feature will be available on Google Maps app on both Android and iOS platform.

The Explore feature will be available on Android as well as iOS

All the user needs to do with this update is to tap the new Explore button at the bottom right corner of the map to get a quick look at what’s nearby (where available). The feature will provide you information on different places and activities that adapt to each area and moment throughout the day. This also allows you to browse other neighborhoods and cities on the map so you can plan your day’s outing or daydream about your next vacation.

The feature also gives you an option of finding what is nearby the place where you’ll be in the next five minute walk or a 20 minute drive. The convenience of finding a spot that suits your taste has never been this easy. As the results change according to the time of the day and weather, you can be assured that you will find exactly what you are looking for. The feature performs optimally when the location reporting and web history have been turned on.

The Awesome functionality of this app will make it stand out.

The feature also lets you assess the reviews and relevant information about the spot you have chosen to hang at. This can be done by tapping on the ‘My location’ on an Android devices. You can also save these places for future references. Like other data analysis based system, the app will personalize itself with regular use.

On the look from, the upgrade features Google’s latest material design. The interface is simple, clean and easy to understand.

So if you have an itch to always be outdoor and exploring, Google Maps and the Explore feature was what the doctor would prescribe for you. So go ahead, get Exploring !

July 24, 2014
Apple Reportedly Working on a 12-Inch Macbook and a 4K iMac

Apple is surely going to have a good this year. With the mega buzz around the new operating system, the OSX Yosemite and the iOS, Apple is confident of its hands being full with cash by the end of this year. Now the company is planning to bring out a 12-inch Macbook and a new iMac with 4K display or a standalone 4K monitor.

The 4K display would be immense step forward for the company and for the graphical and entertainment industry. An entire industry thrives on Apple systems and by having an iMac with 4K display will really speed up the content production for that medium. This will also help in bringing in these advanced displays to the lower mediums like the Macbook Pros.

The new Macbook is described to have a thickness between the Macbook Air and the Macbook Pros. This laptop computer will come with an intel processor instead of the Apple A8 processor. Though this started off as a rumor last year but its validity is getting established with each new report.

This report coming from Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac, is definitely going to make a lot of people happy. The software prowess of the Mac’s is the best in business and when united with superior displays, it’s going to be magical. Let’s hope these come out as soon as possible. They will surely obliterate the competition.

July 24, 2014
Blackberry Slashes the Price on its QWERTY Smartphones

The Canadian handset maker, Blackberry’s numbers have been tumbling since the last few year. The company is going through rough patch these days, which can be further sensed with the recent drop of the prices of their QWERTY devices – 9320, 9720 and Q5 – by as much as Rs 6,000.

Blackberry Q5

The BlackBerry 9320 is essentially a 3G variant of the 9220, and was launched for Rs 15,499. With this price cut, the BlackBerry 9320 becomes the cheapest 3G-enabled QWERTY device in BlackBerry’s portfolio.

Sameer Bhatia, Director, Distribution, BlackBerry, India, said, “The classic BlackBerry Keyboard, re-engineered for the fast efficient navigation and one-handed use, has huge fan base who swear by the distinct typing experience that BlackBerry offers. These compelling price-points will enable QWERTY fans to experience the latest technology and ease of use in one device.

Blackberry 9320

The BlackBerry 9720 was launched last year for Rs 15,990 and after the price slash will retail at Rs 11,990. The Q5, on the other hand, was launched for Rs 24,990 last year. It got a 20 percent price cut at the beginning of the year, which brought the price down to Rs 19,990, and with the latest cut, the price tag is down to Rs 13,990.

These compelling price-points will enable QWERTY fans to experience the latest technology and ease of use in one device. BlackBerry’s special offer comes shortly after the company launched its Z3 smartphone for Rs. 15,990. The company has previously used price drop model to push sales of its devices.

Earlier when the company slashed prices of its devices like Z30 and Z10 under special offers, the response they got was phenomenal, often resulting in stocks running out.

July 23, 2014
NVIDIA’s New Shield Tablet Takes Portable Gaming to the Next Level

Back in 2013, we saw the launch of first end-to-end consumer product: NVIDIA Shield. Now, Nvidia has unveiled the next generation of its Shield gaming hardware.

Later this month, the company will be offering a new Shield Wireless Controller and the Tegra K1-powered Shield Tablet, changing up the formula from the original Shield clamshell portable that was announced at the beginning of last year.

The new NVIDIA Sheild will replace original Shield’s 5-inch screen in favor of a bigger 8-inch, 1080p display. The Shield Tablet is equipped with an 8-inch 1,920 x 1,200 display, a 2.2Ghz quad-core A15 CPU, 2GB RAM and Nvidia’s impressive Tegra K1 mobile processor.

On the software side, it will be shipped largely with a stock of the Android 4.4.3, with just a few gaming tweaks. Twitch is integrated into the device system, allowing players to stream almost any app, game, or part of the Android interface.

The front-facing camera can be used for picture-in-picture, with audio coming from the integrated microphone or an external headset. When plugged into a TV, the tablet automatically switches into “Console Mode,” which brings up a controller-optimised 1080p interface for launching and purchasing apps and games.

It is equipped with a pair of front-facing stereo speakers sporting a solid and sleek design. At 9.2mm thick and weighing 390 grams, it’s also small and light enough to easily toss into a bag or purse when on the go.

Some apps that come out of the box include 1080p Netflix streaming, Hulu Plus, Shadowplay for capturing gameplay footage and Gamestream for streaming PC games directly to the tablet. 11 Tegra-K1 optimised games will be available at launch, including The Talos Principle, Half Life 2 and War Thunder, complete with cross-platform online play.

The new Shield Controller is similar to the game pad found with the current Shield portable, but features a smoother attractive design. Its layout features a pair of analog sticks at the bottom, a directional pad on the top left, four face buttons to the right and a set of dual-shoulder buttons that are perpendicularly-aligned, not unlike those on the Xbox 360 controller. In the center of the controller are buttons that are used to navigate around Android and Nvidia’s software, as well as launch voice-activated commands.

Nvidia’s new Shield Tablet will be available for an affordable $299 USD with 16GB of built-in storage and Wi-Fi connectivity. Doubling the storage and adding LTE will cost $399—the tablet is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States. The Shield Controller will be sold for $59, and a cover for the tablet that can also be used as a kick stand is priced at $39.

July 23, 2014
Microsoft’s Nokia Lumia 530 Officially Arrives

After taking in the Nokia brand and completely trashing away the Android based Nokia X series, Microsoft Mobility has come back with their Lumia series. The new phone known as the Lumia 530 will come in single and double Sim variants.

The Nokia Lumia 530 will come with a 4-inch FWVGA (480x854p) display. It gets its processing power from a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 200 quad-core processor with a 512 MB RAM. Though the phone comes with a 4 GB internal storage but is expandable upto 128 GB which is definitely welcome. The device is juiced up through a 1430 mAh battery which seems good enough for a 4-inch screen.

The camera on the phone is a 5MP fixed focus shooter without an LED Flash. The phone also lacks a front facing camera so that might be a dissuading factor for prospective buyers. Connectivity wise, the Lumia 530 offers Bluetooth 4.0, FM Radio, Wi-Fi, 3G and A-GPS.

Lumia 530 comes with Multi color Flip cover options

The phone comes preloaded with Microsoft Office apps and provides 15GB of free cloud storage space via OneDrive. Storage wise the phone is a warehouse but might lose in the feature race. The phone comes with multiple back panel color options like Orange, Green, Black and White. The company also provides multicolored Flip covers which is known as Flip shells.

Lumia 530 will be released globally and selective roll-outs will begin in August 2014. The expected price of the device is around 6,900 which is pretty steep when compared to what the competition offers at that price.

Considering this was the first independednt release from Microsoft they should have offered a lot more instead of a generic release. This phone doesn’t even match its predecessor, the Nokia Lumia 525 in terms of specs. A Moto G or E like release would have really set brand Microsoft in the Phone business. This phone seems inadequate except in terms of storage.

July 23, 2014