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The Curious Case of QuickCircle: LG G3 Case unveiled

Protection is a must. No we are not talking about condoms, we are talking about phone covers. The variety in the market is immense. Not just from the companies itself, but third party cases have flooded the markets all across the world.

In a peculiar move, LG has released its cover design before releasing the phone. The prominence being given to this particular cover is well deserved. It looks really functional and is not just a marketing gimmick. The video that has been released shows a customized lock screen which is accessible from the circular opening in the cover. They call it the QuickCircle.

Samsung had previously introduced the S view covers for their S4’s. They also brought the S view on the Note 3. But till now they were only meant for reading notifications or to pick a call. Also they were rectangles, not nearly as sexy as LG’s circle.

LG has taken it a step further by adding more interactive options. The cover design lets you access the customized lock screen where you can check the time, place calls, send text messages, take photos, listen to music or get an update of your health directly from the circular window. The QuickCircle will come in five colors: Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Aqua Mint and Indian Pink(the last one sounds a bit naughty).

Apart from all this, the case also has the ability for wireless charging through its built-in Qi compatibility. LG also made a lot of developers happy when it said it will release an SDK next month. That will ensure that even more customized functionality can be added to the QuickCircle.

The company also claims that the QuickCircle provides the best “grip-ability” for the massive 5.5 inch QHD screen of the LG G3. The phone itself is claimed to have Android 4.4 out of the box, a 32 GB internal memory and a 3000 MaH battery. More details will come out soon.

There is a lot of potential here that LG is uncovering. Lock screen accessibility will also help to decrease battery usage. Plus it is perfect for travel as it gives quick access to music and camera – the two most useful functions to use during excursions.

LG should be commended for this development and the QuickCircle deserves the special mention it has got from the company. Hopefully, other companies will join the game faster and convert the dumb flip cover into useful accessories.

May 22, 2014
Details About The HTC One M8 Prime Leaked

Specification of a future HTC smartphone, referred as the M8 Prime have been leaked recently. If the information is accurate, it’s shaping up to be a real powerhouse. Over the past few weeks there has been a buzz about the upcoming phone, today got the first look at the rumored device. Top smartphone leaker @evleaks, has been on a roll about leaking details on the HTC One M8 Prime. On Tuesday he posted a full 3D render of the actual device, which apparently HTC had created for the press kits of the device.

Touted to release this summer, this new phone looks a lot like the HTC One M8 – the only difference is that its camera protrudes slightly on the back of the device, which isn’t present on HTC’s earlier phones. The reason for this might be because the One M8 Prime will have a camera which fairs better than One M8’s underwhelming camera. Though, it clearly seems to have come at the cost of having a smooth rear shell.

Based on multiple rumors, most of which were revealed by @evleaks, it should have a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad HD display, and the latest 2.5 GHx quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor with 3GB of RAM. Also, a casing of liquid-metal or a new composite of aluminum and liquid silicon blend into one. This will make it lightweight and durable, yet handle thermals better, amongst other things.

It might also be water-resistant and have the new Cat 6 radio technology to deliver some of the fastest 4G LTE and WiFi speeds on a mobile device.

The HTC One M8 Prime is said to feature one of the best displays available, the fastest quad-core processor, tons of RAM and storage, and what could be one of the best cameras on any Android smartphone. It sounds too good to be true, but thankfully, this leakster has an excellent track record of being right.

May 21, 2014
Microsoft Introduces Surface Pro 3!

The new Surface Pro 3, launched today in the USA, is Microsoft’s third attempt at “the tablet that can replace your laptop.” Earlier, Microsoft had introduced its first two Surface tablets, the Surface RT and Surface Pro, in a surprise media event in June 2012. The tablets were initially received well, with curious online commenter’s praising the design, the built-in metal kickstand, and its split-screen feature. However, by the time the Surface went on sale months later, the enthusiasm had waned, and Microsoft failed to capture much foothold in the tablet market. Currently, that market is dominated by Apple’s iPad and various devices running Google’s Android operating system, including Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

The brand new Surface Pro 3 runs a full version of Windows 8, which only means that owners can run desktop Windows apps such as the Microsoft Office suite, as well as apps made solely for tablets. Buyers can also purchase an attachable keyboard and mouse to transform the Surface into a more traditional laptop.

The new hinge on Surface Pro 3 helps it adjust to an angle between 22 and 150 degrees, making it handy and super adjustable. And while it may be tempting to compare the Surface Pro 3 to the iPad, it was clear from today’s onstage remarks by Microsoft officials that they’d like to view its competitor as the MacBook Pro and other laptops. The company hopes that Surface Pro 3 will be viewed as an all-in-one device, serving the function of both a laptop as well as a tablet,without compromising on any features. The Surface Pro 3 sports a 2,160-by-1,440 display, which according to Panos Panay, Head of Microsoft’s Surface division, provides the “highest contrast ratios in the industry.”

Along with the Surface Pro 3, the company introduced several add-ons which are built keeping in mind the needs of its users.

The new Type Cover keyboard add-on, priced at $130, has a much-improved trackpad. The new design has a 68 percent larger area than the Type Cover 2, and 78 percent less friction. It’s better for lap use as well; you can lock it in the cover so that it doesn’t wobble when you perch the device on your lap. During the demonstration, Microsoft’s representatives admitted that the old version of the trackpad was “unforgivably bad”. The upgraded Type Cover’s trackpad is better responsive and larger than its predecessor.

The second major add-on available is the accompanying stylus. It is built to look and feel like a proper pen with a comfortable heft, bringing its own realm of functionality. For example, a single click of the top button turns on the pen and turns on the tablet for immediate use.

The company has also unveiled a docking station for those who want to use the new Surface as a makeshift desktop. Besides adding a bevy of extra connections (three USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, Ethernet and audio) to the tablet, the dock also lets you output video at 4K through its Mini DisplayPort. Both the station and the new Type Cover should be available when the Pro 3 launches in North America on June 20th, and there are promises of extra peripherals in the future.

Another key-feature is the new touch-based version of Adobe Photoshop CC. Adobe worked closely with Microsoft to tailor Photoshop for the Surface Pro 3. It’s all set to use the power of the screen, pen and touch. The earlier Photoshop tablet versions were restricted to the use of the pen, this version boasts a touch-optimized interface which means you can now use your fingers to zoom, pan, and edit. Michael Gough, VP of design experience for Adobe at the launch said, “when you take the power of Photoshop and put it on this powerful device, it’s a creatives dream come true.”

The U.S. release is slotted for June 20 with a worldwide release in late August. Starting price at $799, the tablet will be available in three configurations: with an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 processor. The i3 version will be on sale in June, with Core i5 and i7 arriving in August.

May 21, 2014
Right Time to Buy : Samsung Galaxy S5 Price drops to an all time low of Rs. 40600

The Samsung Galaxy S5 was launched for a price of Rs. 52500 last month in India. The Phone however saw a major price drop and was selling at a price ranging from 47500-50000 in less than a week. The Galaxy S5 price has hit an all time low of Rs. 40600 available from online vendors and some retail stores. It is said that Samsung has seen a major drop in sales of their flagship when compared to last years launch and people seem to be inclined more towards Nexus devices, or flagships like the HTC One M8 or the new Xperia Z2.

Samsung also launched a Gold variant of the Galaxy S5 to lure the Indian buyers who were very excited to buy the golden iPhone 5s launched last year. The Galaxy S5 in India has two Quad Core processors (one chipset), one clocked at 1.9 GHz and the other at 1.3 GHz. Samsung claims that unlike its predecessor, the Galaxy S5 has both the quad cores running simultaneously thereby giving you the experience of a true octa processor. The lighter applications are handled by the 1.3 GHz Quad core whereas the more power intensive apps (HD games, HD video playback) are taken care of by the 1.9 GHz Quad Core processor. 2 GB RAM is what supports the processors in the Galaxy S5. The Phone is also the first to be weather sealed and offers water and dust resistance.

Most have not appreciated the minor design changes in the handset and the back panel has been critiqued heavily of being anywhere from ugly to resembling a Band-aid. Performance wise Samsung has shown major improvements in the handset and it is possibly the best phone from the company today even though it has only 2 GB RAM. If you were eyeing the Galaxy S5 the time to buy may be right now. Read our full Review of the Galaxy S5 here.

May 21, 2014
Top 6 Pocket Cameras : Pick One Which is Right For You
No, we refuse to acknowledge the statement that smartphones are point-and-shoot replacements. No matter how good your camera phone may be, it still doesn’t have the technology to beat the image quality of the following cameras. Unlike DSLR’s, where you have to manage several lenses – these are handy, cheaper and super convenient if you’re constantly on the go.

Here are a list of pocket size cameras that you’d wish you’d bought earlier:

1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10

Key features
- 20MP 1″-type BSI CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm)
- 24-200mm equivalent stabilized F2.8 lens
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- Manual zoom and aperture rings
- Tilting 1.23 million dot rear LCD
- 1.44M dot OLED viewfinder
- ISO 125 – 12800 (expandable down to ISO 80)
- Built-in 3EV Neutral Density filter
- Approx 10 fps continuous shooting in ‘Speed Priority mode’
- 1080/60p video with full-sensor sampling, uncompressed HDMI output
- Wi-Fi with NFC
To many photographers, amateurs and professionals alike, digital SLRs represent quality. The fact that you can remove the lens and swap it for another is inconsequential to those who never buy a second optic. It’s that segment of the market that Sony’s targeting with its Cyber-shot RX10. We love the Sony RX10. But your $1,300 goes a very long way here, and if you need to capture sharp images and full-HD video clips in pretty much any lighting condition, with a vast focal range, you’d be hard pressed to find a more suitable shooter. This is the best fixed-lens camera we’ve ever used, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the RX10 Mark II, whenever that comes about, is the only comparable model worth considering.

[button link=”http://www.flipkart.com/sony-dsc-rx10-point-shoot-camera/p/itmdvx7gbgwkg62r?pid=CAMDVX66GZXTG8RQ&srno=t_2&query=rx+10&affid=bhnagpalgm” size=”large” text_size=”beta” newtab=”on”]Price : Rs79989[/button]

2.Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III

Key Features:
- 20.1 megapixel 1″-type Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor
- 24-70mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
- Pop-up SVGA OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots
- 3-inch tilting WhiteMagic LCD with 1.23M dots
- 1080/60p video with full sensor readout and 50Mbps XAVC S support
- Clean HDMI output
- Zebra pattern and focus peaking
- Customizable front lens ring
- 3-stop neutral density filter
- Wi-Fi with NFC and downloadable apps
- 320 shots per charge (CIPA standard)
The pocket-sized shooter processes video in XAVC S format, which, according to Sony, lets you record 1080p videos at a much faster data rate and with very little compression — in other words, this will make your movies look a lot better and crisper. To go with that, Sony also added a built-in, retractable OLED electronic viewfinder (which wasn’t present on either of the older editions), WiFi/NFC for wireless sharing and the ability to capture 4K still images, making the newest RX100 an even more powerful little camera.

3.Leica T (Typ 701)

Key features:
- 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-12500
- 3.7″ 1.3M dot 16:9 touchscreen LCD
- Twin top-plate control dials
- Approx 5 fps continuous shooting
- 1920 x 1080 Full HD movie recording at 30 fps; built-in stereo microphones
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy image sharing, and remote control by smartphone or tablet
- Optional 2.36M dot electronic viewfinder with built-in GPS unit
- Built-in 16GB memory
- Brand new Leica T mount
- 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 and 23mm f/2 lenses
- 11-23mm f/3.5-4.5 and 55-135mm f/3.5-4.5 coming later in the year (at photokina 2014)
- Available in anodized black or natural aluminum finish
This is a Leica for the modern age! It’s also quite a bit smaller than the company’s rangefinder cameras (134 x 69 x 33mm), especially in terms of height, not to mention a whole lot lighter (339g without battery, 384g with). That’s actually a little surprising, because the Leica T’s attractive, Audi Design-styled body is milled from a solid block of aluminum. A first for any camera, claims its maker.

4.Canon G16

Key features
- 12.1 Megapixel 1/1.7″ CMOS Sensor
- Canon 5x Optical Zoom Lens (28-140mm)
- Optical Zoom Viewfinder and 3.0″ LCD
- Full HD 1080/60p Video
- DIGIC 6 Image Processing Engine
- Enhanced Wi-Fi Capabilities
- Continuous Shooting at 9.3 fps
- Intelligent IS Image Stabilization
- ISO 12800 and Canon HS SYSTEM
The Canon PowerShot G16 belongs to a long line of chunky compacts aimed at enthusiasts. Announced in August 2013 it’s the replacement for the PowerShot G15. The G series has earned a reputation as a serious compact with image quality, performance and handling that won’t disappoint those who’d probably rather be using a DSLR, if it weren’t for the added bulk. The Canon PowerShot G16 is a reassuring camera that does a good job. Its only real stand-out feature is improved responsiveness brought by the Digic 6 image processor. It is an ideal companion for users looking for a classic safe bet and who aren’t tempted by originality or eye-catching innovations. This camera is certainly built to stand the test of time, but the G series also needs to move with the times, otherwise it risks being left behind.

5.FUJIFILM XF1

Key features
- 12MP 2/3″ EXR-CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-3200, ISO 4000-6400 at 6MP resolution, ISO 12800 at 3MP
- 25-100mm equivalent, F1.8-4.9 lens with optical image stabilization (4 stops benefit claimed)
- Manual zoom ring and lens retraction mechanism
- Full manual control, RAW format recording
- 3″ 460k dot LCD
- Full HD movie recording with built-in stereo microphones
- Film simulation modes for different colour and monochrome ‘looks’
- In-camera RAW conversion with all in-camera processing parameters adjustable
- ‘Advanced Filters’ image-processing controls, previewed live on-screen
Fuji’s XF1 is the latest high-end compact camera to compete with the likes of Sony’s RX100 and brings with it a 12-megapixel sensor, f/1.8 lens, manual controls. It is a beautiful retro design that can’t fail to impress everyone that sees it. The camera’s image quality is markedly better than virtually all other compacts. The camera’s “average low-light performance” as a downside. While it may not beat the RX100 , the XF1 is still a camera for photographers who like something a little bit more unusual than the standard run of the mill point and shoots.

6.Nikon Coolpix A

Key features
- 16.2MP ‘DX’ format CMOS sensor
- 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) F2.8 lens
- ISO 100-6400 (with 12,800 and 25,600 equivalent extension settings)
- 3.0″ 920k dot LCD
- 14-bit uncompressed NEF Raw shooting capability
- Up to 4fps continuous shooting
- 1080p movies at 24, 25 or 30fps
- i-TTL compatible hot shoe
The Nikon COOLPIX A Digital Camera is a point-and-shoot equipped with a 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor for clear, detailed images, even in low light. The lack of an optical low-pass filter enables maximized resolution for exceptionally sharp details. The NIKKOR prime lens features a focal length of 18.5mm for wide-angle shooting, as well as a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. Frame shots using the large 3.0-inch LCD monitor, which has a resolution of 921k pixels. Record Full HD 1080p video with stereo sound, and connect the supplied EG-CP16 cable for playback on your TV. Capture RAW still images for a higher level of creative control. Manual options like focus ring adjustment allow you to wield precision control over your compositions. Most of the operation system and the GUI are consistent with Nikon DSLRs. Exposure bracketing is available in both manual and auto modes.
May 19, 2014
Peace at Last : Apple-Google War is Done for Good

Seems like every techie journalists staple source of conflict beat is about to get over. On Friday, Google and Apple decided to call it quits on the incessant exercise of suing and counter suing each other. They have asked the courts to dismiss the remaining patent lawsuits and have decided to settle the matters outside the courts.

The conflict between the two Silicon Valley giants started in 2010. Steve Jobs’ disdain for Google became evident when he commented on the fact that Google had ripped off the iPhone. In a strong statement, he swore he was going to spend his last dying breath trying to destroy Android since he believed it to be stolen. Words which didn’t suit his stature.

The company has now made a sensible decision of discontinuing needless pursuit. After all Android is at the top of the charts with 52.5% of the smartphone operating system market. The Android and the iOS have evolved into completely different systems now.

This gives no indication that the companies are going for a license sharing agreement. They will though use the money they were spending on expensive lawyers on real innovation in the market. A fact that satisfies everyone. The battle will now be on real free market capitalism principles. This advancement also doesn’t put an end to the Apple-Samsung wars which was widely viewed as the Apple’s proxy war on the Android system. Apple had won a compensation of $930 million against Samsung in 2012.

Motorola Mobility was also waging a patent war with Apple. Google bought Motorola Mobility to access Motorola’s patent library thereby protecting other Android Vendors. With the acquisition Apple and Google directly came face to face. Google later sold the Smartphone businesses of Motorola to Lenovo while keeping a majority of the patents.

There is also a happy ending to the story. Like in clichéd endings of movies about warring factions, the two super giants also agreed to work together in the field of patent reforms. This can be good for the overall market too. In an era where knowledge is increasingly getting privatized, an initiative by familiar names would help boost the conversation on the concept of patents in our economies.

May 17, 2014
Motorola Moto E Review : It’s Time to Switch
Its not often you see a phone sell out hours from launch, especially in India. The Motorola Moto E saw sales skyrocket the minute the handset went on sale, and there is a good reason behind it. The Moto E is built on the philosophy of the Moto X and the Moto G, two phone essentially responsible for bringing Motorola back into the same game they had originally started back in the day. But is the Moto E good enough to live up to the hype? and is it the only thing Motorola needed to defy all logic and become prominent again? Lets find out!

Overview

Motorola is trying to change the need of the hour, by re organizing spends and delivering Android in the purest form. The Moto E is a perfect example of what a user needs from a budget device. It lives up to almost any needs in this spend, however there is no kitchen sink.

Build Quality and Hardware

The Moto E is exceptionally well built, in fact if you put the Moto E and the Moto G side by side, there is hardly any noticeable difference in the build quality of both devices. The Moto E has a brilliant mix of quality materials and reinforced design along with a gorilla glass 3 front that will ensure that no one is disappointed with the phone. The Moto E also boasts water resistance and has an unknown IP coating that we will be soon putting to test. However the company claims that the handset is splash proof, just like the G and the X.

The Moto E also comes with customization options like replaceable back panels and special rubberized grip panels that will add color and strength to the already solid phone.

Hardware wise we are not empty either, the Moto E runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 chipset on dual cores with 1 GB RAM and 4 GB storage, an Adreno 302 GPU completes the mix ( it is read as 305 in benchmark apps) . You have a 5 MP camera at the back, that does not live upto anything, and then there is the 1980 mAh battery which is simply wow. The display is a 4.3 inch 960 x 540px capacitive panel with great color reproduction and brightness.

1980 mAh battery which is simply wow.

The Moto E is a dual sim phone, which will create mobile hotspots using your 3G connection and can tether upto 5 devices for the use of 3G data. Battery life does not drain and the hotspot feature is very stable. The phone also has a nice white notification light on the right of the earpiece, that breathes once you get a new notification and goes away the minute you pull down the notification panel (you can disable this from the settings panel)

UI and Android

There is less to say here, it runs a sort of pure, yet tweaked version of Android 4.4.2 Kitkat out of the box. You do get two bloatware apps which can be uninstalled (oh thank god!) and some useful Moto apps like Moto Assist, Migrate and Alert. You might find yourself using these more than once. The great thing about Motorola’s intention behind a pure Android experience, unlike other manufacturers, is that the company plans to deliver updates almost as soon as Android gets updated in Mountain View (Google HQ). The Moto E also has a FM radio which will be appreciated by many, the FM reception is solid and the earpiece is needed as an antenna.

[pullquote] lives up beyond expectations and still remains very responsive[/pullquote]

The OS is buttery smooth and honestly you can’t ask for more from the handset, it lives up beyond expectations and still remains very responsive. This phone will be the benchmark for all phones going forward in this price bracket.

Battery

The Phone will beat all odds and defy all logic when it comes to battery performance. The Moto E can even run some heavy games, albeit one at a time, but games like Asphalt 8 runs on this US $ 120 phone and it is actually playable.

Battery life is also excellent from this dual sim handset, once you get over the initial phase of playing with the phone, most users should expect a good 1.5 days of use on this phone, with talk times running into 6+ hours in most cases with both sims installed.

Basically Motorola has a beautifully built rom of Android, that does not leak RAM and drain power, cellular antennas are strong so network searching is minimal and hence battery is saved there as well.

Phone and Networks

The dual SIM capability is just like the Moto G, and there is no surprise there. Calls are smartly forwarded to the next number once a SIM is busy. The network strength, as mentioned in the previous segment is surprisingly powerful and we are happy with the overall quality of networks and the call drops or the lack thereof.

Microphone and earpiece speaker are great and both sides will be pleasantly happy with the loud volumes.

Display, Camera and Multimedia

For all the coverage you have already seen, you should be aware by now that, the Moto E has the best possible display in this price bracket. Stop looking at specs and look at the actual quality of the display. It is crisp and bright, even outdoors, its got great viewing angles, its got gorilla glass 3 and smudge proof coating (which is brilliant by the way) and it is insanely responsive for an under 10k or even under 8k phone (INR).

The Camera is there, because its there. Honestly don’t plan on becoming a lifestyle fashion photographer with this phone (unless you already own a fancy camera). The fixed focus camera is there because they wanted people to have a camera, and it solves purely that purpose. That being said whatever pictures are clicked in good lighting and end up in focus, have good color reproduction and almost no noise. See samples: (coming up)

The LED flash is missing which is quite a shame. More than the need of a flash for the camera, consumers in this price bracket would have appreciated the LED flash as a torch. We really love our phone torches Motorola, our streets are not very well lit!

Multimedia wise, Motorola did a few good things; the speaker is now in the front, and not easily blocked by the hands, so it doesn’t muffle with ease. The audio is loud and clear, with a balanced output and an impressive sound from the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Lose the included handsfree for some real headphones to truly enjoy that audio bit. Display, like mentioned, is good so watching video or playing games is really enjoyable on this powerful budget device.

Conclusion

It takes a lot from a company to not make us so excited about a product, in fact India and many other nations in general appreciate the intent of the company. The Moto was sold out within hours of launch of sales in India, on the online shopping website Flipkart. This phone leaves little to complain about, it is well built, has great specs and features bundled with a unique and stock Android experience that will leave many happy. This is the best “first phone” for those wanting to jump the feature phone/Blackberry ship to a uber – budget Android device. It is also customizable with panels on the exterior and has a Gorilla Glass 3 and splash proof front making it a pseudo rugged, long lasting handset.

There are, however, major flaws in the current positioning of the phone. The handset is supposed to be an average mans everyday phone. It is supposed to be a emplacement for a feature phone and it’s supposed to be a phone for the masses and on a low end budget. This category of user is currently not happy or capable of shopping online. So by the time the phone gets sold from Flipkart and reaches the masses, the price escalates to Rs. 10000 and more, thanks to black market dealing and short supplies on this impressive product.

Motorola has made a fantastic phone, a phone that is truly a reason to switch from an old gen phone to Android on a budget. Why should you have to spend tens of thousands, when all you want is a phone that works well and gives you some basic functionality. Well the Moto E is here and it has changed the perception of the budget phone in our eyes. If you want to take our word for it, then the Time to Switch is Now!

(Note : the scoring below is entirely based on the Price vs ratio of each)

[tw-column width=”one-half”]
GOOD THINGS
- Well Built
- Responsive
- Stock Android
- Great Display
- Great Audio
- Solid Phone and Network
- Excellent Battery
[/tw-column]
[tw-column width=”one-half” position=”last”]
BAD THINGS
- Camera is Torrid
- Low Availability, Sold on Flipkart Only
- No LED Flash
[/tw-column]

Buy Now
May 17, 2014
Google’s next version of Glass in Works

A few days back Google opened up the Glass program for everyone in the US with a valid credit card. While there were also reports of the Google Glass actually costing US $ 150 to build (which were later scrapped), it appears that the next version of Glass is already doing rounds of the RnD department.

Crystal Optech supplies Liquid Crystal on Silicon displays for the current version of Google Glass, Kong Wenjun of the company said that they were shipping newer displays for the next version of Glass.

Google has also involved a middle company in the purchase process which would help the Mountain View based search giant keep all of this under wraps. The latest version and the one we have is referred to as Google Glass Explorer Edition 2, which came out in October of 2013 and ships with a Mono Earbud.

While there are no specs or details or even a name available for the next version of Google Glass, it is also expected that Google will announce it at the upcoming I/O conference and this version may also be a public edition costing in the US $ 500 price bracket.

Google Glassware Gallery ( application store) also added new apps for Foursquare, TripIt and OpenTable making it a boon for the everyday traveller and connoisseur.

May 15, 2014
Nexus 6 and Nexus 8 Show up in Chromium Code

Google’s next edition of Nexus devices have been spotted in the new Chromium code, hinting confirmation of the Nexus 6 and the 8.9 inch tablet Nexus 8. While it’s not much to go on, references to the two devices have recently appeared in Chromium’s source code, as dug up by Florian Kiersch on Google+.

The reported changelog of Android 4.4.3 KitKat published on the Android Open Source Project (ASOP) has referred to HTC-made Flounder, and another product codename Molly. Where flounder is suggested to be the Nexus 8 which this time around could be an HTC built device. Molly on the other hand could be Android TV, both of which are expected to be launched at Google I/O Conference on the 25 and 26 June in San Francisco

Earlier, reports had claimed that the next-generation Nexus smartphone would come from LG, based on their new flagship device G3.The G3 could be a mix of the LG G Flex and the G2, So it may sport a 5.2-inch full HD curved LCD display. Everyone has their money down on the handset being powered by a 64-bit version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800-series chipset with 3GB RAM and running on Android 4.5 Lollypop.

The Nexus 8 on the other hand, if made by HTC, could mark the long awaited return of the taiwanese manufacturer in the tablet market. The push that a Nexus device could bring to HTC’s tablet line, may be as good as a push LG got.

It is also rumored that the Nexus 6 will be the last Nexus from Google, ending the Nexus saga from the Android maker. It is also assumed that Google will be developing a new name for its series of devices going forward, naming them with a different moniker.

May 15, 2014
PlayStation 4 Bookings open up, Shipping in a Week

A couple of days back we reported that the PS4 aka the Playstation 4 will be arriving to India on 14th May, and lo and behold major online retailers have started taking orders for the magical black box.

Sony stores and online retails have started taking bookings for the PS4 which has been in shortage since its launch early this year. The Playstation 4 suffered from the Blue light of death problem which had caused the company to rework their console and hence the lack of supplies.

It is said that this new batch of consoles headed for release will be void of that problem and will work without any overheating or chipset issues. Sony is also lining up the console to be available in time for major game releases, so that console sales can see a boost.

There are reports that Sony is also planning to drop the price of the PS4 to around Rs. 34,999 by August, so for those not in a rush a savings of 5000 may be up for grabs later this year.

You can click the button below to book your Playstation 4 , before it runs out of stock again.

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May 15, 2014
Moto E Dual Sim : Unboxing and Hands On
This is the Moto E box, its a simple box and a modern style of minimal packaging. Following along the lines of the Moto G, the box and the in box accessories are good quality, barring the earphones. Inside the box you will get the following:
- The Moto E
- Handsfree Kit
- English + Hindi Documentation
- USB Wall Charger
The Moto E is surprisingly well built and costs really less for that price, it runs Android 4.4.2 Kitkat out of the Box and has a decent set of specifications.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 Chipset
- Dual Core CPU
- 1 GB of RAM
- 4 GB of Storage
- 4.3 inch 960 x 540px Display
- Gorilla Glass 3
- Smudge proof coating
- 1980 mAh Battery
- 5 MP Camera
The new Motorola Moto E is sold via online ECommerce website Flipkart and they are the only place you will be able to buy this handset. Flipkart is also responsible for support and warranties on this new handset. The Moto E may single handedly be the reason to switch from a feature phone to a smartphone. Check out our Unboxing above and Hands on below. You can also Buy the Moto E starting today using the link below.

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May 14, 2014
5 Reasons to buy the Moto E

Motorola broke the Indian mobile market yesterday when they launched a dual sim smartphone that runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat out the box for a competition mind numbing price of Rs 6999. But a lot of people are still struggling with why and if they should but the newly launched Moto E.

While reasons can be many, iGyaan Breaks it down to the top 5.

Reason Number 1 : It’s Cheap

The most logical explanation is the fact that the Moto E is super cheap. Everyone was hoping for a price under the Rs. 10000 mark, but we got something that is way lower. For Rs. 6999, roughly US $ 120 and Euro 89 you get an impressive device that is carrier unlocked and has excellent build quality and display.

Reason Number 2 : Specs and Front Speakers

The Moto E has the best specifications in this price bracket, A dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 chipset, 1 GB of RAM, 4 GB Storage and 32 GB expandability, a 4.3 inch display with qhd resolution and a 5 MP camera at back, it has all the makings of a powerful budget device including a 1980 mAh battery. The Moto E also has front facing speakers a first after the HTC Boomsound and Xperia Z2, a first for any budget phone. It makes sense doesn’t it?

Reason Number 3: Build

Possible the best built phone you can get for this price (smartphone at least), the Moto E has super rugged shells and Gorilla Glass 3 in the front, it also has a IP coating that makes it splash proof and sort of water resistant. The front also has a smudge free coating on the gorilla glass, and the back panels just like the Moto X and G are soft to touch, very durable and scratch and fingerprint resistant.

Reason Number 4 : Dual Sim

Sure you get lots of dual sim devices in this price, well in India and other such markets, the Moto E is the best in this price to offer the said feature. Comparing it to similar phones from companies like the Galaxy Trend, the Moto E just stands out on top in various occasions.

Reason Number 5 : Kitkat and More

The Moto E runs Android 4.4.2 out of the box and Motorola is promising updates, heck they are guaranteeing updates to the next version of Android, the next supported version at least.

Bonus reason : Did we mention its cheap?

The Moto E is horrendously cheap, not to touch, not to look at but in price. You should get one even if you don’t need it. Its a great carry along phone and will work wonders as a spare device. Will work as a backup phone incase your battery runs out, and for the outdoorsy people, its just a phone that will withstand the elements incase you are worried about damaging your fancy flagship. The Moto E also offers a replaceable “shell” back so change the colours and match your style. If you are using a feature phone, this might be the easiest phone to switch to, and you should switch if you are on a feature phone. (Some Blackberry phones included)

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May 14, 2014
Hands On : Newly launched Moto E for Rs. 6999

The budget smartphone market is ready to be disrupted, Motorola in collaboration with Flipkart in India has launched the new Moto E, a smaller brother to the Moto G smartphone from the company. The Moto E has been priced at Rs. 6999 and it may as be responsible for bringing a real smartphone to the masses.

Next to Moto G

The Moto E goes on sale at Midnight tonight (13th May 2014), for Rs. 6999 with same day delivery in some cities. Specs wise the Moto E is quite impressive too the front has a 4.3 inch display that has a resolution of 540 x 960 qHD resolution and a pixel density of 256 ppi. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and also is splash proof. A 1980 mAh battery is inbuilt and is non removable, the Moto E comes with Android KitKat 4.4 out of the box and promises “Guaranteed updates” to the next version of Android.

Powering it is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 A7 processor that is clocked at 1.2 GHz and is supported by 1 GB of RAM. On the back is a 5 MP camera that captures FVWGA video and the Moto E can playback 720p video.

The build quality is actually comparable to the Moto X and Moto G so the three devices are quite identical only to be disturbed by difference in specs. The back panel is exceptionally well built and the buttons seem very tactile to use. The device mostly feels much more premium in the hand and performs better than one can expect.

The Moto E makes a lot of sense for a market like India, and where major manufacturers have been reluctant to bring their devices in this price bracket Motorola has been brave enough to deliver a device with a promise of instant updates along with features and customizability that most fail to offer.

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May 13, 2014
Apple’s Acquisition of Beats for $ 3.2 Billion Has a Reason

Since last morning tech columns and channels are abuzz with a takeover news. People are particularly elated with the fact that “Facebook” and “takeover” are not being said in the same sentence. Apple’s intention though is under serious questioning and there seems to be very few answers.

Beats headphones have quickly become the most visible brand across multiple medias. Especially the recent music videos have really gotten heavy on the “b” logo. But what does it mean for the company when one of the most creative corporations decides to spend $3.2 Billion on an audio equipment manufacturer who is currently valued at just $1 Billion.

Though the talks are still on and the deal could still be trashed, we try to comb through the noise to look at the facts as they stand now.

Apple has rarely invested in buyouts and takeovers. It mostly concentrates on getting technology from startups which helps it in its technological endeavors. It’s most recent purchase was of chipset manufacturer P A Semi, back in 2008 for their advanced chipset technology.

Beats on the other hand was a co-venture of Dr. Dre and legendary producer Jimmy Lovine back in 2008. The company recently took a $500 Million private equity firm Carlyle Group which took Beats’ present valuation at about $1 billion. This deal makes Dr.Dre the first billionaire rapper who could someday brag about his Spaceship in his rhymes. Which he totally deserves for giving humanity the gift called “Slim Shady”.

There is also a shadow loser in the game and it is HTC. The company even with its well appreciated products has recently been struggling keeping its market share. HTC owned half of Beats but sold all of its shares by September of last year.

The move also seems like Apple is putting its effort into creating some major hardware for the music industry, where the company has been prominent for a while with its iconic iPods. With the support from Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine, Apple may try to up its influence.

Steve Jobs had long emphasized that Apple’s greatest strengths lay in its software and in its ability to integrate hardware and software.

Beats had also released its music streaming service this January but it’s nothing the makers of iPod and iTunes can’t develop on their own. Also as the service is fairly new and area locked so it doesn’t have a massive consumer base like Whatsapp had when it was bought by Facebook.

It has also been contemplated that Apple would want to make profit in the non iPhone smartphone market. A healthy music equipment market seems like the right way forward.

So as of now between all the speculations the real intent of Apple behind such massive investment seems to be known only by Tim Cook’s men as of now. We just have to wait and see if this big step by Apple would bring next major leap in music industry or it will be a dud like the PowerMac Cube.

Late last night we got an “almost confirmation” by the Doctor himself, but we will still wait for the official announcement to confirm anything. You can absolutely feel the excitement in the air: It all starts with the words “Shit, the Forbes list just changed”.

May 10, 2014
New iPhone 6 Leaks Show Rounded Sides and Flatter All Metal Back

We saw leaked images of Apple’s next jesus phone appear a couple of days back, but they failed to show us the front and the back of the device. This time around Inner Exile a China based case manufacturer shows off how the phone will look from the front as well as the back. The power button has a new location and it resides next to the sim card tray on the right of the new iPhone 6, or so claim the images.

Apple will kick of WWDC 2014 in June and will possibly announce the new version of iOS aka iOS 8, with the expected launch of the iPhone 6 somewhere at the end of August.

Several Chinese companies have made mock dummies of the iPhone 6 based on the leaked schematics. Heck you can buy a dummy of your own and make your own rumors. But if anything is to be confirmed, till we do see an actual iPhone running the new iOS that looks like this, we will have to take each story with a pinch of salt and lime. Honestly these images look far from what Apple could possibly have in stock for us.

May 9, 2014