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Micromax Ninja A91 Available Online For INR 8,499

Micromax’s new Android phone, the Micromax Ninja A91, has appeared on online retailer Saholic at a price of 8,499 with a shipping delivery within 3 business days.

This is the first launch by homegrown smartphone maker Micromax after its Canvas HD sales hit a roadblock since its launch.

However, the Canvas HD is back in stock and is now being shipped hassle free after the latest flagship from the company stopped selling due to lack of availability.

The Micromax Ninja A91 comes with 4.5-inch TFT LCD display with 480×854 pixel resolution. The device and is powered by a MediaTek MT6577 1GHz dual-core processor alongside 512MB RAM and 4GB internal storage expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. The phone comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera.

Connectivity options on the Micromax Ninja A91 include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G and Micro-USB. Micromax Ninja A91 is a dual-SIM dual-GSM standby phone that comes with a 1,800mAH battery and runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Meanwhile, Micromax has not released the date of the official launch of the Ninja A91

All is not good for Micromax however, as it has also been in the news recently as it was sued by global telecom giant Ericsson for Rs. 100 crore over patent infringement. The company is reportedly in talks with Ericsson over the issue and hopes to negotiate a FRAND license for the patents at the earliest.

April 6, 2013
HTC First Runs Stock Android Jelly Bean

The new Facebook Home-optimised HTC First runs a stock version of Android Jelly Bean, which can be accessed simply by turning off the social network’s new, custom UI, reports on Friday revealed.

As Phandroid found out during its hands-on time with the device, it looks like the HTC First runs a stock Android version underneath the Home user interface, which makes it the first HTC handset after the G2 to come with stock Android on board, even though it’s not comparable to the kind of stock Android you get with Nexus devices:

So, what does this mean exactly? Well, I should start out by saying that when I say “stock Android,” I’m not talking about pure AOSP with direct updates from Google. Only Nexus (and for a short time, Sony) devices get those kinda privileges. What I mean by “stock” is a version of Android that simply isn’t skinned and comes with stock Android apps like messaging, camera, gallery, stock notification bar, etc., but may or may not have some of the underlying software tweaked.

HTC later confirmed to The Verge that this was indeed the case and stock Android is the beneath-the-surface version of the OS.

Why is this somewhat of a surprise? Well HTC phones are usually dripping in its own skin for Android, the love-it-or-hate-it Sense UI.

For a pure Android experience, you can always purchase the latest Nexus model (or ask a relative to get it for you from abroad!), but did the HTC First also get sort of interesting now that you hear you can run Android on it without any UIs in the way?

[Phandroid]

April 6, 2013
Nokia Lumia 920 Edges Out Samsung Galaxy S4 In Video Stabilization Tests

The new hotness may be the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4, but despite a massive 5-inch screen and 13 megapixel camera sensor, the device lacks one important feature: optical image stabilization. This disparity to Nokia’s flagship Lumia 920 was tested by the folks at WP7Forum.ru and as you would expect, the proprietors know their home court advantage.

Both devices were fastened to a remote-control car and towed around on an office floor, but only one, the Lumia, stays calm and collected throughout the process. The Galaxy S4 looks like its experiencing tiny tremors throughout the entire ride, exposing the limitations of non-stabilized mobile camera sensors for video capture.

Nokia had incorporated–one of the first for its kind–an optical image stabilization mechanism in the Lumia 920 that would allow for stabilized video recordings and great low light photography performance without the need for a flash.

While by no means a definitive test, it certainly shows just how far ahead the Lumia 920 is from the rest of the market when it comes to optical image stabilization. The ultimate test will be to compare it to the HTC One, which also offers OIS on its Ultrapixel sensor.

The video is in Russian, but if you don’t speak the language you’re not missing much (other than the reason the remote control car had to be towed manually, its batteries were out).

[WP7Forum]

April 6, 2013
Autogyaan: BMW X4 Concept Unveiled Before Shanghai Motor Show

The BMW X6 was a very polarising design when it first came out in 2008, and its newly unveiled younger brother seems to be headed the same way. The X4 concept has been unveiled and a production model of the ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV) as its called by BMW, will go on sale in 2014. BMW also says that the concept isn’t just the preview of a new model, but a glimpse at the future of the entire X range.
Like the X6, the X4’s styling is a hybrid of an SUV and a fastback coupe, a design most of us now know as the crossover. Flaunting strong character lines down its sides, a big radiator grille and two-tone 21-inch alloy wheels, the X4 takes on an aggressive and powerful stance, like the larger X6. Dimensionally most similar to the 3-Series Wagon, the X4’s headlight’s and taillights remind us a lot of the upcoming 4-Series coupe as well as the 3-Series Gran Turismo. Underneath the sculpted body, the X4 is based on the smaller X3 and will most likely offer the same engine options as the X3. It will be built alongside the other X models at BMW’s factory in Spartanburg, USA.
The X4 seems to be a well-shaken cocktail of many old and new BMWs. We prefer the X4’s adventurous yet balanced design to that of the X6, but the fastback SUV is still a niche segment and isn’t widely accepted by petrolheads all round the world. Expect this car to make a lot of news when it makes its world debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

April 6, 2013
Panasonic Lumix GF6 Photos And Specs Leaked

Panasonic Lumix GF6 images and specifications have been leaked early this week, before its official launch, revealing what you can expect from the new Lumix GF6 when it officially launches later this month.

The leaked Panasonic Lumix GF6 information revealed that the camera would be priced at £449 or around $680 and comes with the new 14-42mm lens kit.

It seems that someone with a twitchy finger over at TechRadar accidentally published a hands-on review of the camera a bit too early (likely breaking NDA agreements they signed with Panasonic). Earlier today, an article titled “Hands on: Panasonic GF6 review” appeared on the site.

Engadget reports that the camera has passed through Taiwan’s National Communications Commission (their equivalent of the FCC), which has been inspecting the built-in WiFi feature of the camera. Wireless communication may be one of the big features in GF6.

Other features of the new Lumix GF6 include a new retouch function which as been designed to enables users to editing photos directly on the Lumix GF6 camera, with the ability to remove distracting elements from view.

The Panasonic Lumix GF6 also comes with 19 different creative effects that can be applied and area available on the Creative Panorama shooting mode.

The leak has given us the first glimpse at the Lumix GF6’s full spec list, which include the same 16-megapixel sensor as the GX1, a new Venus engine to assist with imaging performance, and an electrostatic touchscreen.

[TechRadar, Engadget]

April 5, 2013
BlackBerry 10 ‘R-Series’ QWERTY images leak out, the Next Curve?

The Blackberry Z10 and Q10 may not have stirred the market, the R10 may exactly be the piece of hardware people may be looking for, this sub 400 $ Blackberry will cost under Rs. 20,000 in India and will feature Blackberry 10 as the main operating system. The R10 will come with 8GB storage, less RAM, the QWERTY keyboard you see and side mounted SIM and SD card slots.

The phone is expected to release in Q3 – Q4 2013, the image shows blurred out edges, as usual dev devices have serial numbers on the bezel.

[VIA]

April 5, 2013
Autogyaan: Audi R8 V10 Plus Launched

German luxury car maker Audi has launched the R8 V10 Plus model in India at a price of Rs. 2.05 Crore (ex-showroom). It’s powered by the same 5.2-litre V10 Lamborghini engine as the Audi R8 V10, but manages to churn out 542 BHP and 540Nm of torque. Featuring a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox, the R8 V10 Plus goes from 0-100 kmph in 3.5 seconds and onto a claimed top speed of 317 kmph.

These performance figures are helped to no end by extensive use of carbon fibre, helping the supercar achieve a very impressive power to weight ratio of 345 BHP per ton. The new front splitter, mirror housings, lateral air inlets, side blades, rear diffusor and engine compartment lining are all done with carbon fiber.

Speaking at the launch of the R8 V10 Plus, Michael Perschke, managing director, Audi India, said,

With its sporty and powerful identity, spontaneous responsiveness and extraordinarily high revving, this new member of the R8 family, the V10 plus is the ideal high performance coupé which truly embodies progressiveness and superior performance. With this second addition to the R8 family in 2013, after the launch of new Audi R8 V10 in January, Audi now offers a whole range of R8 options in India. I’m confident that this high performance super sportscar will allow us to further build upon our leadership position in the super sportscar segment in India and maintain the iconic position of the R8 in India.

April 5, 2013
HTC First announced, phone with Facebook Home

The HTC First will continue on the partnership that HTC and Facebook have shared in the past, enabling users to experience a little more Facebook on their android screen, as the device comes preloaded with Facebook Home. Launching on April 12th on an exclusive carrier deal with At&t in the US the HTC First is expected tot be available globally shortly after.

AT&T had been collaborating with Facebook on its Home experience, and invited HTC to assemble the phone, said Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobility said at a Facebook’s press conference on Thursday.

On Thursday Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced Facebook Home, a family of apps that would sit as a integrated layer on the Android operating system.

Zuckerberg said Home was not an operating system or a “forked” version of Android akin to Amazon’s Kindle, but a separate software layer that could act as a home screen for smartphones.

The mid-range HTC First will be available in black, white, red and pale blue, and sports a 4.3-inch display that matches with earlier reports. Facebook Home obviously serves to obscure the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean build that’s actually running the show, while one of Qualcomm’s dual-core Snapdragon 400 chipsets (and not the MSM8960 that was previously reported) provides the horsepower from inside that smooth, curved chassis. The HTC First has a 720p display and LTE

[youtube id=”HKyO0hJEp-g” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Facebook’s Newest Mobile Experience Available Exclusively on the Nation’s Fastest 4G LTE Network

DALLAS, BELLEVUE and MENLO PARK, April 4, 2013 – AT&T*, HTC and Facebook have teamed up to develop and launch the HTC First™, the first and only smartphone built to feature Facebook Home, which puts your friends at the heart of your phone. Facebook Home is the first mobile experience designed to give you your friends’ latest updates right on your home screen and messages that reach you no matter what you’re doing.

HTC First will be available for pre-order today for $99.99 with a two-year commitment and available exclusively in AT&T stores and online starting April 12. To pre-order, visit www.att.com/facebookhome.

The HTC First runs on AT&T 4G LTE, the nation’s fastest 4G LTE network.** In addition, independent mobile research firm RootMetrics® has published a special report on 4G LTE in the U.S. which notes that AT&T wireless customers in our 4G LTE markets that were tested by RootMetrics have access to the fastest mobile speeds on their smartphones. AT&T also has the nation’s largest 4G network, covering 288 million people.

“The HTC First will offer the best Facebook Home experience on mobile, right out of the box. That’s why we’re committed to this phone and making it exclusive in our stores,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility. “Because AT&T offers the fastest 4G LTE** in the nation, it’s the best network for Facebook Home. And the best device for Facebook Home is the HTC First.”

“HTC has a track record of providing beautiful hardware design, and of being first-to-market with smartphone innovations,” said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC Corporation. “The HTC First continues that track record, providing AT&T customers with a unique home experience that puts a user’s friends and family at the center of their mobile experience.”

“Home is a completely new experience for your phone,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s Founder and CEO. “With Home available right out of the box, you’re getting the best quality experience for connecting with your friends.”

Facebook Home brings your News Feed to the surface, immediately giving you the content you care about right on your home screen when you turn on your phone without having to open an app or access a mobile website. Just sign into your Facebook account and begin using Home – no need for download or configuration. Facebook Home connects you directly with your friends, whether it’s their real-time updates and newest photo uploads being streamed on your cover feed or the ability to chat with friends without jumping in and out of apps.

Facebook Home is built around your friends and puts them at the center of your phone:

· Cover feed: A constant, fresh stream of photos and updates from your newsfeed, cover feed is always present when you wake up your phone. It lets you stay up-to-date on your friends’ latest activities in real-time, all the time. You can swipe through to see more photos and updates, double tap to “like” a post and comment right from cover feed. To learn more about cover feed, check out this video.· Notifications: Notifications from apps and friends appear right on your home screen. It’s easier to see when you have a missed call, calendar reminder or new message. Open a notification with a double tap or clear them away to see your Cover Feed. To learn more about notifications, check out this video.

· Chat Heads: The mobile messenger lets you jump in and out of conversations while you do other things, like watch a video and browse the web. Reply right from chat heads, or move them around if you’re not ready to respond. Plus you can send and receive texts and Facebook messages from the same spot. To learn more about chat heads, check out this video.

· App Launcher: See your favorite apps and post right to Facebook from the same spot. You choose what’s on your app launcher-press and hold an app then drag it anywhere.

· Instagram: HTC First is the only phone that comes with Instagram pre-loaded.

HTC First will be available in four colors: black, white, red and pale blue. The hardware is thin, modern and seamless, with soft edges to draw your attention to the updates from friends and family on the 4.3-inch glass display. Inside, the smartphone runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) with the new Facebook Home experience and incorporates a Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 400 processor with dual-core CPU and 3G/4G world and multimode LTE so you can enjoy the richest content on AT&T’s blazing fast 4G LTE network.

For more information, or to pre-order HTC First, please visit www.att.com/facebookhome.[/toggle]

April 4, 2013
Blackberry Mobile Site Lets Android And iOS Users Experience BB 10 Via Browser

The biggest roadblock to adoption of the Blackberry 10 is simply getting the device and the experience into peoples’ hands. The average smartphone user rarely walks into a mobile store searching for new operating systems to use, so instead of of BlackBerry waiting impatiently for its chance to shine, it’s decided to come to the people.

The company launched an HTML5-powered smartphone portal for iOS and Android users this week which attempts to emulate the BlackBerry 10 experience. By swiping, tapping and experiencing, users can ascertain a taste of the real thing, it’s nowhere near as smooth as the Z10 itself.

Even if you’re a dedicated iOS or Android fan, you still might have some curiosity about BlackBerry 10. And by using your mobile browser to head to the BlackBerry 10 Demo page, you can get to experience exactly what it feels like to use the virtual QWERTY on the BlackBerry Z10, check your messages and social networks with BlackBerry Hub, select the best head shot with BlackBerry Time Shift and check out BBM with Screen Share.

It introduces users to the swipe-and-peek navigation of the new operating system, hoping its innovation will shine through in person rather than on billboards or commercials.

It’s a brilliant idea, one that more mobile makers should take on. Online demos are a great way to let potential users test-drive a platform or major update without making a major commitment.

[Engadget]

April 4, 2013
Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid plug-in Launched with 416 HorsePower

The new Panamera S E-Hybrid model Plug-in will let you get to work and back without the need for any fuel or stopping, provided you can avoid the Auto-rickshaws. The new S E-Hybrid comes with a V6 bi-turbo gas engine with a 95 horsepower electric model for 416 total system horsepower. Essentially the 2013 Panemera S rigged with a 9.4 kWh battery allowing you to charge and use only the electric motor at 80MPH or (128 KP/hr) for 20 miles /32km or use the full combination allowing 0-60MPH in about 5.5 seconds with a fuel burning top speed of 165MPH or about 265 KM/ph

[toggle title=”Press Release”]New Plug-in Hybrid and Extended Wheelbase Variants Added to Revised Panamera Range

Atlanta. Porsche is introducing its first plug-in hybrid and two new extended wheelbase variants with the second generation of the Panamera. The new Panamera S E-Hybrid produces 416 total system horsepower and is joined by Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive models in the revised Panamera lineup.

Further, S models are now powered by an entirely new 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers. The broadest model range in its class has been further expanded, now consisting of nine models for the U.S. market. New and further-developed technologies offer improved performance while also enhancing fuel efficiency and comfort. The new Panamera is characterized by tighter lines, more pronounced contours and newly shaped body elements. The refreshed Panamera celebrates its world debut at Auto China in Shanghai, which opens on April 21, where further details on the new models will be revealed.

Panamera S E-Hybrid sets new standards in performance, efficiency, and convenience in everyday use. The new Panamera S E-Hybrid improves upon the concept offered by the previous Panamera S Hybrid with a more powerful electric motor, a higher-performance battery that supplies more energy and is able be recharged from home or public vehicle charging stations. The electric drive produces 95 hp, more than double the power of the previous model’s electric motor (47 hp). Electricity is stored in a newly developed lithium-ion battery, which at 9.4 kWh has increased capacity over the previous battery (1.7 kWh). Via the integrated on-board charging componentry and the standard Porsche Universal Charger (AC), the battery can reach full charge within approximately two and a half hours when connected to a 240V power source.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid expands upon the driving performance of the previous generation, while fuel consumption is reduced when compared to the previous Panamera S Hybrid. Final U.S. EPA fuel economy ratings will be available closer to launch. Simultaneously, its electric-only driving performance is substantially improved, enhancing acceleration, range, and top speed. Electric-only driving is possible without any fuel consumption or local emissions, which is especially advantageous in city driving. The electric driving range of the Panamera S E-Hybrid is estimated to be greater than 20 miles based upon current NEDC testing. Driving range may vary in real world operation, due to the effects of environmental conditions, terrain, air conditioning and heating use, driving style and other factors. The Panamera S E-Hybrid can reach up to 84 mph in all-electric operation.

The Panamera S E-hybrid is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, an improvement of a half second when compared to the Panamera S Hybrid. An electric boost function helps in instances where maximum acceleration is desired, when the electric motor works in tandem with the combustion engine during acceleration. Electric boost is also available when a kick-down switch in the throttle pedal is activated by the driver during acceleration.

The car’s top track speed is 167 mph. The parallel full hybrid system developed by Porsche also offers “coasting” at higher speeds, a mode wherein the internal combustion engine is turned off and the electric motors use vehicle momentum to generate electricity that is stored in the lithium-ion battery.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid also includes an entirely new range of convenience functions which can be activated and operated by Porsche Car Connect, a mobile app available for Android and iOS-powered devices. These functions include a charge status indicator and the ability to control the vehicle’s new auxiliary climate control option, which enables vehicle preheating or cooling via the Porsche Car Connect app. These functions can also be programmed from inside the vehicle. A mobile device may also be used for remote access to vehicle information, such as remaining driving range or vehicle location. Other functions not specific to the hybrid drive will also be available as options for other Panamera models via the Porsche Car Connect mobile app.

Long wheelbase, spacious rear seating area: Executive models feature extra comfort The two full-sized rear bucket seats offered in the Panamera have proven so successful that Porsche is expanding this generous rear passenger compartment room with two new Panamera Executive models. The new Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive models feature a wheelbase extended by 5.9 inches, enabling even more rear seating comfort and come with an extensive range of standard features. For example, all Executive models are equipped with Adaptive air-suspension featuring Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which combines superior performance and enhanced ride comfort.

More performance and efficiency in a smaller powerplant: the new twin-turbo V6 engine Increasing both performance and efficiency has long been a core Porsche philosophy. In the new Panamera, this approach takes form in a 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers. The twin-turbo V6 replaces the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine in the previous-generation Panamera S and Panamera 4S. The new bi-turbo engine is also used in the Executive version of the Panamera 4S. The engine’s figures themselves are indicators of progress: increases of 20 hp and 15 lb-ft torque when compared to the outgoing V8 engine. Carefully-managed turbocharging ensures that the maximum 384 lb-ft torque is available across most of the twin-turbo V6’s operating range.

With the exception of the Panamera S E-Hybrid, all Panamera models are equipped with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); the Panamera S E-Hybrid uses the eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic. The PDK transmission works in tandem with other vehicle systems to enhance fuel savings in the new generation Panamera. For example, the optimized engine Auto Start Stop feature now turns the engine off earlier while coasting to a stop. With the exception of the Panamera GTS, models with PDK also offer a coasting function in which the clutches open in overrun allowing the engine to idle and the vehicle to coast freely. This function can significantly improve fuel economy, especially when traveling on the highway.

Revised exterior with a new option: LED headlights Exterior design changes of the new Panamera are extensive. The tighter and more prominent lines up front are especially apparent in the larger air intakes and the transition to the headlights. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the new generation Panamera is a new trunk lid; its laterally stretched glass emphasizes the vehicle’s width and makes for a more aggressive stance. Rear body proportions were also changed. A larger automatically deploying spoiler and a tighter transition to the rear lights complement the treatment at the front of the vehicle noted above.

The new Panamera continues the tradition of multiple options that enable owners to customize the look and function of their vehicles. Full-LED headlights, which lend the new generation a striking appearance, are now an option.

In addition, an expanded lineup of assistance systems is available for safety and convenience. The revised adaptive cruise control system is now offered with Porsche Active Safe (PAS). This system visually and audibly alerts the driver in the event of a sudden decrease in following distance and briefly tugs on the brakes. It can also intervene in the braking process and apply increased braking pressure in an emergency braking situation, if required. Another new feature, camera-based lane departure warning, offers greater convenience and safety in city and highway travel.

The new generation of Panamera models will be available starting late in 2013. Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive variants will be available in 2014. Pricing details are as follows:

Panamera $78,100

Panamera 4 $82,800

Panamera S $93,200

Panamera 4S $98,300

Panamera S E-Hybrid $99,000

Panamera GTS $113,400

Panamera 4S Executive $125,600

Panamera Turbo $141,300

Panamera Turbo Executive $161,100

*Base pricing does not include options, taxes, dealer charges, and a destination fee of $975.[/toggle]

April 4, 2013
Reuters : Google Nexus 7 Successor Coming This July

Internet giant Google is reportedly gearing up for the launch of a successor for last year’s Nexus 7 tablet PC, and might release it on shelves as soon as July, a new report from Reuters on the matter suggests.

We have already reported on a possible new 7-inch Nexus tablet coming from Google and ASUS, with no official confirmation on the matter available as of now, but it seems that we might indeed be nearing a formal unveiling of the device.

The latest version will have a higher screen resolution, a thinner bezel design and adopt Qualcomm’s chip in place of Nvidia Corp’s Tegra 3, which was used in the first Nexus 7s released last year, the sources said, declining to be identified because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

In a blow to Nvidia, Google weighed both U.S. chipmakers’ processors but finally decided on Qualcomm’s for power reasons, one of the sources added.

Qualcomm and Nvidia are competing aggressively in the tablet market as they seek to expand from their traditional strongholds of cellphones and PCs respectively.

Google will maintain an aggressive pricing strategy, however the two sources are split on exactly how that will be achieved: the new Nexus could come in at $199, with the older model seeing a discount, or $149, obviating the elder Nexus 7 entirely.

The tablet would likely be equipped with Google’s next Android version, Key Lime Pie, so there’s plenty to look forward to.

[Reuters]

April 3, 2013
iOS 7 To See Major UI Overhaul, Running Behind Schedule

There have been some whispers floating around the web tonight that hint that Apple may be having trouble preparing for an iOS 7 launch down the road. Multiple rumors put the debut of iOS 7 some time this summer at Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference with a launch a couple months later, but Apple could be struggling to meet that deadline.

In a Branch chat, which at the time of this writing is still going on, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber says, according to what he’s heard, iOS 7 is running behind schedule and that it will bring a significant user interface (UI) refresh.

What I’ve heard: iOS 7 is running behind, and engineers have been pulled from OS X 10.9 to work on it. (Let me know if you’ve heard this song before.)

Gruber went on to say that he’s heard that iOS 7 is a “significant system-wide UI overhaul” and the iOS engineers who are allowed to carry around devices with iOS 7 on them even have special privacy filters on their devices which reduces viewing angles. This is to prevent others from accidentally getting a glimpse of the new iOS design.

Back in 2007, Apple delayed the release of OS X Leopard to concentrate work on iPhone. Gruber claims that since iOS 7 development is “running behind,” it has promted OS X 10.9 engineers to be pulled from their work to lend a hand in getting the mobile OS ready in time for launch.

Rene Ritchie of iMore adds, “Ive’s work is apparently making many people really happy, but will also apparently make rich-texture-loving designers sad.”

As for what could be on the iPhone 5S, both Siegler and Panzarino say they’ve heard a lot about biometrics on the new device. The feature would apparently be used for payments and identification. Panzarino notes it wouldn’t be surprising to see AuthenTec’s biometric technology in Apple devices so soon after Apple purchased the company last July because of the urgency of the deal.

[MacRumours]

April 3, 2013
‘HTC First’ Render Leaked, Points To Facebook Home

Days before a scheduled Facebook event, a render of a new Facebook-centric phone has appeared. The HTC first, previously known by other names, seems to have been repurposed for the device.

Trustworthy Twitter account @evleaks posted a render of the ‘HTC First’, a plain-looking smartphone with a few signs of Facebook integration. While there are no obvious marks to indicate the social network’s branding, the phone’s colour scheme and rounded home button point to possible integration with Facebook Home, the name of the launcher expected to be bundled with the HTC-made device.

The device shares few design traits with HTC’s recent handsets with its rounded corners and left-side volume rocker, but this render is unlikely to resemble the finished product. Then again, ‘HTC First’ sounds like a fishy name to begin with, so we’ll take the leak with a grain or two of salt.

The HTC first is known by another name from previous rumors, HTC Myst, and it’s reportedly going to be a 4.3-inch device that will feature a 720p display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4G LTE, 5-megapixel camera, 1.6-megapixel front-facing camera, Bluetooth 4.0, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and Sense UI 4.5 on top which will include the new Facebook Home.

What do you think? Could the HTC First be the Facebook phone everyone has been waiting for?

[EVLeaks]

April 3, 2013
Android Jelly Bean Now On 25% Devices As Google Counts Active Users

Every month Google releases stats that give a glimpse into the distribution of the various versions of Android. Like clockwork, the percentages of the older versions (Donut, Eclair or Froyo) tend to trail off, while newer versions such as Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean amass greater authority.

Last month’s data

Starting with the release of the new charts, Google has changed the way it collects information for the monthly Dashboard release. Back in the day when Froyo and Eclair were the current builds, Google took information from Android phones each time they checked in to Google servers. Now, the data comes from phones as they visit the Google Play Store. This should result in more accurate information.

Jelly Bean has reached 25 per cent marketshare, but is still not in the lead with the most active users. Android 3.2 Gingerbread, released in 2010, leads with more than 40 percent of users, followed by Ice Cream Sandwich with 29 per cent of users.

Before the change in the way Google counts, Jelly Bean sat at roughly 15 percent marketshare, which makes for a considerable jump. Android has long been blamed for taking longer to seed its latest update to new devices than Apple’s iOS. The new numbers, while aimed at developers, definitely paint a better picture to the public.

At any rate, developers now have a better understanding of who to target their apps to.

April 3, 2013
LG celebrates 500k Optimus G Pro Sales in Korea, Coming to India in May

LG has not even begun selling the Optimus G Pro in global markets and has already managed to sell 500,000 units of their new flagship wonder. The Flagship from LG Apparently received 10,000 orders at launch, reaching half a million sold just 40 days after its launch. LG is also updating the software in April to allow for Eye Recognition Technology, that will be exactly like the one available from competition (read : S4)

With its front-facing camera, the handset will pause a video if the user looks away, and start playing it when their gaze falls back on the display. In addition, the upgrade will pack what’s said to be a world’s first Dual Camera feature, which creates picture-in-picture shots by using the hardware’s two cameras. The Optimus G Pro will also receive the ability to change the home button’s LED to correlate with contacts, pause and resume video recording, color emoticons and refreshed QRemote functionality.

The Optimus G Pro is set to launch in India in Early weeks of May for a undecided price, our guess is just shy of the 40k price mark.

April 3, 2013