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Micromax Canvas 4 Pre-Orders Begin
The next big thing from Micromax, the Micromax Canvas 4, is now up for pre-order on their official website.

To pre-order the Micromax Canvas 4, you will have to pay an initial amount of Rs. 5,000. When the device is officially released, on July 8, customers will have 7 days to pay the rest of the amount (If the consumer fails to pay the remaining amount by 15 July, the order gets automatically cancelled), which is rumoured to be around the Rs. 15,500 price mark.

The official specifications and other details of the phone, including the price, will be revealed on July 8th. Micromax has also said that consumers will also have the option of cancelling their orders, but only between 8 – 15 July.

The Micromax Canvas 4 will start shipping on July 10, and Micromax is promising to deliver your unit within 7 business days thereafter. You can check out the rest of the terms of pre-booking on Micromax’s website.

While there is no real news on the Micromax Canvas 4 we expect the following specs :
- 5 inch Full HD 1920 x 1080p Display
- The Mediatek 6589 chipset (Quad core)
- 8 – 16 GB inbuilt storage
- 2 GB RAM
- 13 MP camera
- 2-5 MP front camera
- Dual Sim capability
- Android 4.2.2
Micromax has also teased a new feature of the Canvas 4 and people suspect that users can blow to unlock the screen and need not have to come in contact with the smartphone.
June 28, 2013
Apple Patents New Multifunction Port Which Combines USB and SD Card

Apple is known for slimming down its hardware and removing anything it feels can be avoided. The company was one of the first to begin the push away from optical media. Now, in line with its design ideology of slimming down on buttons and ports and replacing them with a flat, sleek exterior, Apple has filed a patent to combine the standard USB slot with the standard SD card slot into a single new hybrid port.

The patent, which was originally filed in December 2011 and published earlier today, refers to a “combined input port” that would let Apple put SD card slots onto even its smallest 11-inch MacBook Air, which currently comes equipped with just USB and Thunderbolt ports. The new technology could also lead the way to thinner versions of the larger 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. It could also provide a way to add additional ports to the side of a MacBook, since there won’t be a need to separate the card reader from a USB port.

“A first set of contacts is positioned on the substrate at a first depth into the receiving aperture” Apple’s application explains, “and a second set of contacts is positioned on a first surface of the outer wall at a second depth into the receiving aperture.” In the image below, of the port in cross-section, a USB plug is inserted and makes contact with the first set of contacts.

It’s unclear if the patent, which was filed almost two years ago, will be implemented in the next generation of Apple laptops. Patents don’t always lead to a final products, so Apple could have ditched this idea long ago.

[Via]

June 28, 2013
Google Begins New Program To Loan Out Street View Trekkers

Google has announced that they are opening up their Street View Trekker program to third-party non-profits. Google is looking to expand Street View imagery off the beat path. To do this, they need to take their Trekker backpacks by foot into areas not accessible by cars or other imaging devices.

The Street View Trekker is a compact version of the same tech used in Google’s Street View cars. The pièce de résistance is a 15-lens camera, mounted atop a spire-like appendage, that can capture 46MP images.

“With 360-degree interactive imagery of the islands, people all over the world can see and explore the beautiful islands before they go, including some remote and hard-to-reach places they may never have discovered on their own,” Google Street View program manager Deanna Yick wrote in a blog post.

Until recently, only Google and select third parties got the opportunity to strap on a Street View Trekker, but now interested organizations can fill out a form to line up for a chance at borrowing one. If you snap top-notch stuff, Google may add your work to its Street View collection, which includes the Galapagos and the Grand Canyon.

As SlashGear reports, the loan scheme is open to tourism boards, non-profits, government agencies, universities, and research groups, with Google asking for details on proposed visits, expectations around what sort of photography might be captured, and why it’s thought that it could benefit Street View. There’s also the thorny matter of whether special permissions are required. “Even for public parks we often need to get written permission, legal releases and/or filming permits from the organization that manages the site” Google points out.

In typical Google style, the company has a YouTube video for the new initiative:

[youtube id=”SuiEmxDklKw” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

June 28, 2013
Google Street View Maps Gunkanjima, The Freaky Abandoned Island That Inspired Skyfall

If you’ve seen 007 : Skyfall then we’re sure you must have noticed the eerie island where Raoul Silva operated from. Well, now you can take a virtual tour of that island, called Gunkanjima (Japanese for Battleship Island, due to it’s resemblance) thanks to Google.

Gunkanjima is one among 505 uninhabited islands in Nagasaki Prefecture about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Nagasaki itself. The island was populated from 1887 to 1974 as a coal mining facility.

The island is called Battleship Island because of it’s resemblance to a military warship.

It is known for its coal mines and their operation during the industrialization of Japan. Mitsubishi bought the island in 1890 and began the project, the aim of which was retrieving coal from undersea mines. They built Japan’s first large concrete building (9 stories high), a block of apartments in 1916 to accommodate their burgeoning ranks of workers.

Concrete was specifically used to protect against typhoondestruction. In 1959, the 6.3-hectare (16-acre) island’s population reached its peak of 5,259, with a population density of 835 people perhectare (83,500 people/km², 216,264 people per square mile) for the whole island, or 1,391 per hectare (139,100 people/km²) for the residential district.

As petroleum replaced coal in Japan in the 1960s, coal mines began shutting down all over the country, and Hashima’s mines were no exception. Mitsubishi officially announced the closing of the mine in 1974, and today it is empty and bare, which is why it is called Ghost Island. Travel to Hashima was re-opened on April 22, 2009 after 35 years of closure.

Despite being off-limits to travellers, the island has become an irresistible magnet for urban explorers who go to extraordinary lengths to investigate and photograph the island’s abandoned buildings.

Google is giving users 360° panoramas of Battleship Island, and some of the imagery collected with the Google Trekker goes beyond the cordoned-off areas for tourists and into paths that are off-limits. It still remains illegal to venture inside the city’s walls, meaning urban explorers must go to great lengths to covertly trespass the island.

The crew of Skyfall couldn’t film on the island itself due to its dangerous state of disrepair, so production designer Dennis Gassner visited the island instead and recreated a section at Pinewood Studio in the UK, with other parts rendered digitally.

You can watch the video below.

[youtube id=”c5kmKO_gGsc” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

June 28, 2013
Webber to leave F1 after 2013 season for Porsche’s sportscar team

Red Bull driver Mark Webber has announced that he will leave Formula 1 at the end of the season. The 36-year-old Australian is joining Porsche’s new sportscar programme and will compete in the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans race for the German manufacturer.

Webber was first linked to Porsche earlier this season. He drove in sportscars with Mercedes in 1998-99, participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans both years, before returning to single-seaters in Formula 3000 and joining F1 with Minardi in 2002. After spells at Jaguar and Williams, he joined Red Bull in 2008. He won a race for the first time with Red Bull and became a genuine title contender with the team, but was unable to match team-mate Vettel’s success. He had a turbulent relationship with the German, exemplified by Vettel’s famous disregard of team orders at this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix. Webber had the option of staying with Red Bull for another season, and as also offered a seat from another big team, but, with a big change in regulations next year that will dramatically alter the demands of F1, he has decided to seek a fresh challenge. He has also been critical of the Pirelli tyres that F1 teams have been forced to use since 2011, claiming their rapidly degrading nature prevents drivers pushing to the limit throughout a race.

It’s an honour for me to join Porsche at its return to the top category in Le Mans and in the sports car World Endurance Championship and be part of the team. Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding technology and performance at the highest level. I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in Formula 1. Porsche will undoubtedly set itself very high goals. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sportscars in the world.
– Mark Webber

Neel Jani, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard are the other drivers who have already signed for Porsche’s LMP1 programme. This will be Porsche’s first assault on outright Le Mans 24 Hours honours since its 1998 triumph.

I’m very pleased to have secured Mark Webber for our LMP1 project as one of the best and most successful Formula 1 pilots of our time. Mark is without doubt one of the world’s best race drivers, he has experience at the Le Mans 24 hour race and on top of that he’s been a Porsche enthusiast for many years.
– Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche’s board member for research and development

The Australian’s decision leaves the second Red Bull seat alongside world champion Sebastian Vettel available for 2014, with Kimi Raikkonen already strongly linked to the drive. Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne are also options, with many fans hoping for Force India’s Paul di Resta getting a shot as well.

In 12 years in Formula 1, Webber won 9 grands prix, achieved 36 podium finishes, 11 pole positions, 15 fastest laps and twice finished third in the World Championship. His best season was 2010, when he led the championship for much of the year before faltering in the final three races, falling behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.

[Image Source: Porsche via Facebook]

June 27, 2013
Google Updates Maps And Google Earth, Removes Clouds, Adds 800,000 MP Worth Imaging

Google’s attempt to compress the entire world’s streets, websites, businesses, and countries into one comprehensive database got another boost today with the announcement of an updated version of Google Maps’ Earth view.

Google have updated their popular Google Maps and Google Earth with 800,000 megapixels of new imagery.

Google Earth for Android or iOS now features a new user-interface and Street View imagery, enabling explorers to virtually browse the Earth from street-level straight from their handsets.

“We’re unveiling new satellite imagery for all Google mapping products today. This stunning new imagery of the earth from space virtually eliminates clouds, includes refreshed imagery for regions of the world where high-resolution imagery is not yet available, and offers a more comprehensive and accurate view of the texture of our planet’s landscape,” wrote Matt Hancher, Tech Lead for Google Earth Engine in a blog post.

The updated app brings a new streamlined interface, where a tap on the Earth logo in the top-left corner serves up informative layers like Panoramio Photos and Wikipedia. Google Earth also features improved directions, allowing users to “visualise step-by-step transit, walking and biking directions in full 3D”, according to a post on the Google Lat Long blog.

The new imagery offers a nearly cloud-free snapshot of the entire planet, providing unobstructed views of Earth’s topography, as well as more detailed looks at previously low-resolution areas of the map.

Thanks to hundreds of terabytes of data swiped from the USGS’s and NASA’s Landsat 7 satellite, zooming out to a global view now fills your screen with 800,000 megapixels of pristine, cloudless Earth. Plus, multiple regions have been bestowed with refreshened imagery including Russia, Indonesia and central Africa.

Google said the new Landsat 8 satellite, which launched earlier this year, would capture even more up-to-date imagery in the months and years ahead. Users can access the new satellite imagery by going to Google Maps and turning on satellite view or by launching Google Earth.

June 27, 2013
PlayStation 3 Firmware 4.46 Now Available, Fixes Bricking Issue
If you were one of the few unfortunates affected by firmware 4.45?s perfidy (you’ll know, because your console won’t load the XMB) don’t despair; a fix is here.

Firmware 4.46 is now available for download and can be applied on PlayStation 3 units that were soft-bricked by the earlier update using a special technique.

If you’re trapped on the “ribbon” screen, you’re going to need a USB stick with at least 168MB free space, and to download the new 4.46 firmware using a PC.

Over on the official PlayStation support website, Sony explains how to enter the PlayStation 3 Safe Mode to initialize the updating process without XMB access. We’ve republished the instructions below:

Step 1: Manually Download System Software
1. You will need a USB Mass Storage device such as a USB flash drive with at least 168 MB of free space. If your PlayStation 3 is either CECHA00/CECHB00 series model, you can also use Memory Stick™, SD Memory Card, and CompactFlash®.
2. Create a folder named “PS3” on the storage media or USB device.
3. Within the PlayStation 3 folder, create a folder named “UPDATE”.
4. Using your computer, click the following hyperlink to begin downloading system software 4.46
5. Download the update data from the webpage and save it in the “UPDATE” folder.
  - Location: Save in the “PS3” folder > “UPDATE” folder
  - File name: Save as file name “PS3UPDAT.PUP”
Note: If the data is not saved in the correct way, the PS3 will not recognize the update data. The folder name must be in all uppercase letters.

Step 2: Activate Safe Mode
1. With the PlayStation 3 off (power light should be red), touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep indicating that the PS3 is powering on.
2. Continue to hold the power button, and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear a 2nd beep.
3. Continue to hold the power button and after 5 more seconds you’ll hear a 3rd beep, and system will power off (Power light goes red).
4. Release power button.
5. Touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep, again for PS3 power on.
6. Continue to hold and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear the 2nd beep for video reset.
7. Continue to hold and after 5 seconds you will hear a quick double beep. At that point release power button.
8. If you succeeded in activating Safe Mode, you will see a message on screen saying, “Connect the controller using a USB cable and then press the PS button”.
9. Connect a controller to the PlayStation 3 with a USB cable.
If you were not able to get into Safe Mode, your system may need service. Please contact us for further assistance.

Step 3: Manually Update PS3 Software
1. Connect the storage media to PS3 system.
2. Select [6 – System Update] and Press X.
  - Please note: Data and settings may be deleted if you choose any of the first (5) options. Please make sure to only choose option [6 – System Update].
3. Press Start and Select at the same time.
4. The PS3 system will restart and recognizes the update file in the storage media.
5. Press right on the d-pad to scroll through the update description and user agreement.
6. Press X to confirm the update.
7. The system will now install the new system software and restart automatically upon completion.
[Via]
June 27, 2013
Microsoft Launches Windows 8.1 Preview

Microsoft has launched its long-awaited “Blue” update for Windows 8, now dubbed Windows 8.1, in Preview form today for early adopters. Major improvements include improvements to the Start Screen, the addition of a permanent Search button in the Charms menu, new versions of Internet Explorer, Xbox Music and Windows Store.

“Refinement” is the word of the day here, with many changes being seen as necessary to fix the majority of user complaints from Windows 8. The new version is rolling out to x86- and ARM-based users in the form of Windows 8 and Windows RT, and users of the Surface RT especially will find some of these changes useful.

Microsoft now allows variations in the way two apps can coexist side-by-side — it’s no longer limited to 80/20 — and apps, such as Mail, can open others, such as IE or Gallery, to work in tandem, without user input. The virtual keyboard has also been overhauled, allowing users to swipe horizontally on the spacebar to choose between words in autocorrect.

Ahead of the official unveiling, there had been rumors that Windows 8. 1 would also allow users to customize how the OS would handle corner navigation, but so far, it only looks as if the only options are to turn this feature off.

Another marquee feature of Windows 8.1 is the new search tool. As Microsoft previously revealed, the built-in search tool can now look for way more than files and settings. Instead, it’s now a universal search tool that looks for results on the web (using Bing), your hard drive, SkyDrive, inside your documents and in apps that support this feature.

Bing Search, which has been more tightly integrated into the OS, is a show-stopper here, with big, dynamic search results that users will actually want to use. Whether it will encourage people to use Bing on a regular basis remains to be seen, but it certainly rivals Google’s Knowledge Graph from an aesthetic perspective.

For Windows 8.1, SkyDrive is the cloud. This new version deeply integrates SkyDrive, so you don’t need a separate app for syncing your files with SkyDrive anymore. Many of your PC’s settings are also now stored on SkyDrive, so when you log in to a new PC, everything should quickly feel at home.

Xbox Music is now organized around your music collection in Windows 8.1. Before, it was organized around helping you discover new music.

Microsoft also announced that, among others, Facebook and Flipboard would be creating apps for the Windows Store. Both apps will be designed custom for the Windows “Modern UI” experience, so users can expect more than mere iPad or Android ports.

Existing users of the Surface Pro, Surface RT or any other Windows 8-based device can download the Windows 8.1 Preview for free.

June 27, 2013
“Mechanical Issue” Forces Nvidia Shield Delay

The Tegra 4-touting Nvidia Shield clamshell portable gaming device was supposed to debut tomorrow in North America.

But due to an unforeseen mechanical issue, the company has been forced to delay the launch until sometime next month, though specific dates were not provided.

During our final QA process, we discovered a mechanical issue that relates to a 3rd party component. We want every SHIELD to be perfect, so we have elected to shift the launch date to July. We’ll update you as soon as we have an exact date.

The issue apparently surfaced during final quality assurance checks, and are being blamed on a third-party component, the name of which was not given. The magnitude of the issue could range from recalibration and tweaking of already-made devices (many of which were likely in transit to North America already) or replacing thousands of faulty components, one by one.

The Nvidia Shield is being met with quiet optimism, as the Android gaming ecosystem has steadily improved since the launch of the TegraZone portal in 2011. Tegra 4 also promises performance up to 10x better than Tegra 3, and some three times faster than the previous-gen Tegra 3.

Nvidia has apologized to those affected, but for anyone who pre-ordered, the one day notice probably stings.

When it arrives, the Nvidia Shield will fill a unique space within the gaming industry, as it’s a portable Android handheld that’s also designed to function as a console, streaming client for PC gaming and a set-top box.

June 27, 2013
Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2.2 Update Starts Rolling Out

Following the Sony Xperia Z Ultra unveiling yesterday, latest reports have suggested the Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2.2 update has started rolling out.

According to Xperia Blog, users from all around the world are reporting receiving firmware version 10.3.A.0.423.

Among those who have received the Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2.2 update are owners of LTE-enabled models sold in Spain and Ukraine (C6603); carrier customized versions in Austria, Czech Republic and the Netherlands; as well as unlocked HSPA+ model sold in Taiwan (C6602).

That’s obviously just a part of the list with others, including Indian customers, getting the new software in the next few days or weeks.

The Sony Xperia Z Android 4.2.2 update brings little in terms of UI changes, bar the ability to use special lock screen widgets. A changelog for the 4.2.2 release states that in addition to the updated software, Sony has pushed newer versions of its media apps, thrown in a remote phone location app, a new Functionalities widget, and support for MicroSD cards up to 64GB.

If you want to check to see if the update is ready for your phone, you can force check for an update via Android’s settings. Alternatively you can use the PC companion app included with the Xperia Z to do the same thing.

Let us know below if you’ve been able to get the update on your device!

June 26, 2013
Leaked : Motorola X Phone Image, And Ad Campaign

After last night’s cryptic leak about a possible ad campaign for Motorola, the internet is back today with some more info. Once again posted on B.A. Bäkken’s Behance page, these pictures present a different story. A story of Motorola’s return; emphasized with the phrase “hello again”.

The company is understood to be undergoing some sort of rebranding, re-emerging with its new Motorola X Phone on August 1.

“The Motorola that returns will not be the company you once knew. But we have some work to do”, reads one of the images. “So until we’re ready, we’re going away. No new ads or tweets. No site updates. Just silence until we begin the next chapter. Until we meet again, goodbye Moto.”

The most recent specs leak that we have seen came from an often-reliable source though, and these included a 1.7GHz MSM8960 Pro dual-core processor, 720p HD display, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal memory, a 10-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front-facing shooter. Along with these specs we also heard that the Moto X phone would run the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system, but we must remind you that all of this is not yet confirmed. If accurate though, then the specs are decent enough, but we feel that many potential customers are hoping for a lot more.

PhoneArena also posted an image of the Motorola X Phone, which you can see above.

Google and Motorola have also indicated that the Moto X phone will use the phone’s sensors in interesting new ways. We’ve heard Motorola talk about how the Moto X phone will be able to know when you’re driving and it will dynamically adjust the interface based on that information.

[Via, Via]

June 26, 2013
Intel Launches 4th Generation Intel Core processors in India (PR)

Intel today introduced the 4^th Generation Intel Core™ processor family in India. Based on Intel’s leading 22nm microarchitecture, the 4th generation Intel Core processors deliver up to 50 percent increase in battery life in active workloads over the previous generation^1.This is the largest generation-over-generation gain in the company’s history, equating to 9 hours of battery life in active workloadsfor some Ultrabooks based on the new processors.

The 4th generation Intel Core processors will also serve as the foundation for a new era of 2-in-1 computing. A 2-in-1 device works as a PC when you need it and a tablet when you want it.

“Today we deliver on the vision set forth 2 years ago to reinvent personal computing with the introduction of our 4^th Generation Intel Core processors,” said Leighton Phillips, Director, Product Management & Pricing, Intel Asia-Pacific. “Today’s announcement accelerates a new category of 2-in-1 computing devices delivering the best of a notebook and a tablet in amazing new form factors.”

Delivering Intel’s largest generation-over-generation gain in battery life enablement in company history, the 4th gen Intel Core processors deliver up to a 50 percent improvement in battery life over the previous generation in active workloads such as watching movies or surfing the Internet, and two to three times improvement in standby battery life. For some systems coming to market this year, over 9 hours of active use battery life or 10 to 13 days of standby with fresh data on a single charge is expected.

Intel exceeded its expectations on power reduction at the CPU level to as low as 6 watts and also worked across the system for power optimization.

The 4th generation Intel Core processors also bring the great performance currently available in mainstream computing with the additional benefit of superior graphics support. People will be able to experience every day computing approximately two times faster; systems can wake up approximately eight times faster and users will have the ability to edit and share HD video about 20 times faster; than a similar 4-year-old computer.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Intel launches 4th Generation Intel® Core™ processors in India
Reinvents computing experience by accelerating a new category of 2-in-1 devices

HIGHLIGHTS
? First system-on-a-chip for PCs, enabling new form factors and 2-in-1 designs.
? 4th gen Intel Core processors enable 50 percent improvement in battery life, biggest gain in company history
? 4th gen Intel Core with Intel® Iris™ graphics delivers up to double the graphics performance over the previous generation
New Delhi, June 26, 2013 — Intel today introduced the 4th Generation Intel Core™ processor family in India. Based on Intel’s leading 22nm microarchitecture, the 4th generation Intel Core processors deliver up to 50 percent increase in battery life in active workloads over the previous generation1. This is the largest generation-over-generation gain in the company’s history, equating to 9 hours of battery life in active workloads for some Ultrabooks based on the new processors. The 4th generation Intel Core processors will also serve as the foundation for a new era of 2-in-1 computing. A 2-in-1 device works as a PC when you need it and a tablet when you want it.

The new Intel Core processors provide incredibly responsive, secure and powerful performance for users to create and consume content wherever their mobile lifestyles take them. The new Ultrabooks as well as 2-in-1 devices, powered by the 4th gen Core processors are perfect for the new age Indian constantly on the move. The highest-performing processor family, 4thgen Intel Core processors are capable of delivering up to 15 percent better performance than the previous generation while consuming lower amounts of power.

“Today we deliver on the vision set forth 2 years ago to reinvent personal computing with the introduction of our 4th Generation Intel Core processors,” said Leighton Phillips, Director, Product Management & Pricing, Intel Asia-Pacific. “Today’s announcement accelerates a new category of 2-in-1 computing devices delivering the best of a notebook and a tablet in amazing new form factors.”

Speaking at the launch, Debjani Ghosh, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing Group, Intel South Asia said: “The 4th Generation Intel Core processors offer the most significant gain in battery life ever achieved by Intel, up to double the graphics and significant CPU performance improvements that will deliver an exciting user experience. Improvement have been made keeping in mind the user’s needs and requirements of a power efficient, high performance device.”

Also present to support the launch of the new processor family were Mr. S. Rajendran, CMO, Acer India Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Shishir Singh, Director EUC Marketing, Dell India; Mr. Vinay Awasthi Sr. Director, PC Category, HP India and Mr. Shailendra Katyal- Director, Consumer business, Lenovo India.

Speaking about the ecosystem support, Ms. Ghosh said, “It is heartening to see the ecosystem support the launch of the 4thgen Intel Core processors is receiving. To get great performance in the most innovative form factors we have a number of OEMs who are working to bring 4th gen Intel Core Processor based products to the market.”

Low Power + Stunning Performance + Graphics
With a surge in ‘on the move lifestyle’ in the country there is a strong need for devices with great battery life. Delivering Intel’s largest generation-over-generation gain in battery life enablement in company history, the 4th gen Intel Core processors deliver up to a 50 percent improvement in battery life over the previous generation in active workloads such as watching movies or surfing the Internet, and two to three times improvement in standby battery life. For some systems coming to market this year, over 9 hours of active use battery life or 10 to 13 days of standby with fresh data on a single charge is expected.

To achieve this breakthrough, Intel exceeded its expectations on power reduction at the CPU level to as low as 6 watts and also worked across the system for power optimization. These improvements range from System-on-a-Chip (SoC) and platform level technologies to Intel’s leading-edge 22nm process technology.

The 4th generation Intel Core processors also bring the great performance currently available in mainstream computing with the additional benefit of superior graphics support. People will be able to experience every day computing approximately two times faster; systems can wake up approximately eight times faster and users will have the ability to edit and share HD video about 20 times faster; than a similar 4-year-old computer.

Intel expanded its range of Intel graphics in the highly integrated SoC to deliver even more stunning visuals in thinner and lighter devices. Intel® Iris™ graphics, available on select SKUs of the 4th Gen Intel® Core™ processor family, delivers up to double the 3-D performance over today’s fastest mobile Intel HD Graphics solutions.

New Computing Experiences, More Peace of Mind with new Intel Core processor -powered Ultrabooks
The 4th gen Intel Core processor, completely redesigned from the ground up specifically for the Ultrabook represents a huge shift in the computing landscape because it enables a number of new computing interactions to enhance the user experience. It raises the bar for Ultrabooks and realizes the vision Intel outlined 2 years ago to combine best-in-class performance, impressive responsiveness and battery life and built-in security2 in thin and elegant mobile designs. All new Ultrabooks will be touch-enabled and have Intel Wireless Display3 capability built in to bring natural touch and motion interactivity and speed mode for low-latency gaming on the big screen. Ultrabooks are also equipped with built in security capabilities including Intel Identity Protection Technology4 (Intel IPT) and Intel Anti-Theft Technology5 (Intel AT) for more secure computing.

Making India future-ready with perceptual computing
With the introduction of “perceptual computing” Intel technology allows people to interact with their computing devices by using gestures, expressions, and language that humans use with each other., “We need to make technology less intimidating and allow people to interact with devices in a more natural way. We see a future in this space with perceptual computing and are committed towards its integration across various applications that help in fields like education and healthcare” said Debjani Ghosh.

Driving Local Adoption of Technology
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Ghosh further said, “For decades we’ve been working not only on creating compelling computing experiences in the country but we’ve also focused on building awareness of the importance of personal computing and increased domestic technology adoption in India. This launch further strengthens our resolve to bring a slew of exciting computing experiences to life for Indian consumers.”
Last year Intel in India launched the National Digital Literacy Mission where it partnered with other industry players and the government to drive digital literacy in India. In addition, Intel has recently undertaken a nationwide campaign to spread awareness on the importance of personal computing device in every household.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.
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Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimized for performance only on Intel microprocessors. Performance tests, such as SYSmark and MobileMark, are measured using specific computer systems, components, software, operations and functions. Any change to any of those factors may cause the results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in fully evaluating your contemplated purchases, including the performance of that product when combined with other products. For more information go to http://www.intel.com/performance

Intel, Intel Atom, Intel Core, Intel Xeon, Centrino, vPro, Ultrabook, Iris and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

1 Measured on OEM system using battery life during local offline video playback of a 1080p MP4 in landscape mode. Measured on OEM System using MobileMark* 2012. For more information, see www.bapco.com.

2 No computer system can provide absolute security under all conditions. Built-in security features available on select Intel® processors may require additional software, hardware, services and/or an Internet connection. Results may vary depending upon configuration. Consult your system manufacturer for more details. For more information, see http://security-center.intel.com/.

3 Requires an Intel® Wireless Display enabled system, compatible adapter and TV. 1080p and Blu-Ray* or other protected content playback only available on select Intel® Core™ processor-based systems with built-in visuals enabled, a compatible adapter and media player, and supporting Intel® WiDi software and graphics driver installed. Consult your PC manufacturer. For more information, see www.intel.com/go/widi.

4 No computer system can provide absolute security. Requires an Intel® Identity Protection Technology-enabled system, including an enabled Intel® processor, enabled chipset, firmware, software, and Intel integrated graphics (in some cases) and participating website/service. Intel assumes no liability for lost or stolen data and/or systems or any resulting damages. For more information, visit http://ipt.intel.com/. Consult your system manufacturer and/or software vendor for more information.

5 No computer system can provide absolute security. Requires an enabled Intel® processor, enabled chipset, firmware, software and may require a subscription with a capable service provider (may not be available in all countries). Intel assumes no liability for lost or stolen data and/or systems or any other damages resulting thereof. Consult your Service Provider for availability and functionality. For more information, visit http://www.intel.com/go/anti-theft . Consult your system manufacturer and/or software vendor for more information.
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June 26, 2013
Ford EcoSport Launched, Starts At Rs. 5.59 Lakh

The much awaited Ford EcoSport compact SUV has been launched in India at an astonishing base price of Rs. 5.59 Lakh. The EcoSport will be offered in no less than 10 variants spread across 4 trims, 3 engine options and 7 colours.

The EcoSport is the first Ford vehicle in India to offer the famous turbocharged 3 cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Despite being the smallest in the range, the 2-time Engine of the Year award winning EcoBoost churns out the maximum power output of around 122bhp and 170Nm torque. It also returns a claimed fuel efficiency of around 18 kmpl. The other two engines – 1.5L petrol and 1.5L diesel are the same as those which fulfill the power needs of the Fiesta sedan. The petrol unit puts out 110 bhp and 140 Nm of torque whereas the diesel mill produces 90 bhp and 204 Nm of torque.

The sub-4 metre compact SUV is also the first car in India to offer Ford’s voice-enabled in-car connectivity system, SYNC. This means you can operate your Bluetooth-enabled phone and USB devices, dial calls, read out text messages and browse and select music tracks via voice commands. In terms of safety equipment, the EcoSport will come with Ford’s Emergency Assistance system. This system enables the car to deliver a voice message directly to emergency operators in the event of an accident in which the airbags have been deployed or fuel pump shut-off is triggered.

The EcoSport is available in four trims – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional.

The Ambiente version comes with a quite a bit of equipment despite being the base version. Tilt and telescopic steering, a music player with Aux-in and Bluetooth, electric wing mirrors, remote locking, a multi-function display, front power windows and 15-inch wheels make up most of the Ambiente trim.

Next up the ladder is the Trend trim, which comes with rear power windows, steering-mounted audio controls and driver-seat height adjust over everything that the Ambiente has to offer. Both these trims will be available only with manual transmissions coupled to 1.5-litre petrol or diesel engines.

Further up is the aptly named Titanium trim. The famous 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available only with the Titanium trim which also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cooled glovebox, roof rails, front fog lamps, reverse parking sensor, and dual airbags. An option pack for the Titanium is also available, which offers push-button start, leather seats, keyless entry, and side and curtain airbags. The EcoBoost engine is mated to a manual gearbox but an automatic-gearbox-equipped Titanium version is available with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. There is no diesel version available for the top-spec EcoSport.

The Ford EcoSport will not only compete with the likes of the Renault Duster as was expected, but with its aggressive pricing, it may have a drastic impact on other hatchbacks in the similar price range. Ford seems to have a winner on its hands with the EcoSport.

Ford EcoSport prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

1.5-litre Petrol Manual

Ambiente: Rs 5.59 lakh

Trend: Rs 6.49 lakh

Titanium: Rs 7.51 lakh

1.5-litre Diesel Manual

Ambiente: Rs 6.69 lakh

Trend: Rs 7.61 lakh

Titanium: Rs 8.62 lakh

Titanium (O): Rs 8.99 lakh

1.0-litre EcoBoost Petrol Manual

Titanium: Rs 7.89 lakh

Titanium (O): Rs 8.29 lakh

1.5-litre Petrol Auto (DCT)

Titanium: Rs 8.44 lakh

June 26, 2013
Leaked : Images Of Upcoming LG G2, Show Rear Mounted Volume Controls

After showing off glimpses of itself in a few different leaks earlier this year, the LG G2 may finally have been revealed tonight in a set of leaked images that appear to be from a promotional video. Posted by @evleaks, who claims to have received them from a tipster, the shots show the front of a thin device that appears to have an LG logo at the bottom of its face, just like the phone in the first G2 leak.

This new flagship smartphone is expected to be unveiled on July 7th in New York and come with a 2.3GH quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 13MP camera running Android OS 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. In addition, the LG G2 will have an “edge to edge” 5.5-inch full HD display.

The screenshots show the volume buttons have moved from the side of the device to the back, right under the camera. Could be an interesting shift in design, definitely useful for those who talk a great deal, but might be a but frustrating for who liste to music.

While it’s tough to say whether or not the device in these leaked images is that successor, it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that LG is prepping some marketing materials for its next flagship smartphone with a debut that’s just a little over a month out.

Previous rumours indicated that LG would shed the ‘Optimus’ naming scheme and these pictures, if true, bring its truth. Vanished is Optimus and the device is called the “LG G2.”

[EVLeaks]

June 26, 2013
LG LA6910 55 inch 3D Smart TV Review

At a time when manufacturers like Sony are concentrating on pushing forward their 4K televisions, LG recently released their new lineup of smart televisions, and among them was the LG LA6910 55-inch 3D TV.

The LG LA6910 has a 55″, 1920 x 1080 pixels display which is an advanced IPS LED LCD Panel. It has 9 aspect ratio modes including 16:9, Just scan, Original, Full Wide, 4:3, 14:9, Cinema Zoom 1, Zoom.

At the back it has a 2.1 speaker system (2way 3speaker) with Virtual Surround Sound Plus and Dolby Digital Decoder. The LG LA6910 has a bunch of engines to process images like Triple XD Engine, Dynamic Color Enhancer, Contrast Optimizer, Picture Wizard II, (3D MPEG) Noise Reduction.

In terms of design the LG LA6910 has a diminutive bezel with a brushed aluminum finish. A relatively thick brushed steel section of the bezel runs across the bottom lip that’s accentuated with a backlit LG logo at the centre. The stand has a unique chrome finish design with wheels at the bottom to make adjustments. Build quality is as you’d expect from a TV of this price range, solid.

Backlight bleed is virtually non-existent, and this is a mark of the emphasis that LG has paid in terms of the design and build-quality of the TV.

Since it is a smart TV you get access to various applications such as Skype and YouTube. You also have local apps such as NDTV which exist to cater to India-specific needs.

The LG LA6910 has the basic analogue video and audio inputs, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity options, in addition to 3 HDMIs.

The LG LA6910 is available in the market for about Rs 2,00,000/-.

You can watch our video review below :

[youtube id=”2GbYD26BC3M” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

June 25, 2013