Micromax at an even in New Delhi has just launched a series of new devices and has announced many more in the upcoming lineup. To start off the company has announced to major smartphones, the Canvas(A100) and the PIXEL(A90) .
The Micromax A100
Android ICS
4.9 inch Screen 480×854
Dual Sim (GSM)
5 MP Camera
0.3 Front Camera
4 GB Inbuilt + 32 GB Expandable
Bluetooth 3
2000mAh Batter
Price Rs 9990/-
The Micromax A90
4.3-inch Super-AMOLED 800×480 pixels
Android ICS
Dual SIM
8 megapixel CMOS rear camera with LED
0.3 megapixel front camera
Rs 12,990
Internal memory of 4GB, expandable up to 32GB
1600 mAh battery
Micromax also officially launched the Funbook Pro , which we exclusive unboxed and went hands on with Here :
Alongside the Funbook Pro, Micromax also announced Funbook Alpha and 3G, Alpha is going to be a better built and faster version of the original 7 inch Funbook, But will come at a cheaper price tag.
The 3G will add a 3G data sim+phone call ability to the Funbook, possibly in the new Alpha design.
Micromax also Launched ferrari co-branded 3G data cards. Expect a full iGyaan treatment of all the products soon.
Google has let out a sly update to their Google+ apps on Android and iOS. The biggest addition is now allowing, Android phones to join Hangouts on Air, a feature we might use as soon as Today.
For iOS the app, it now allows you to open links in Chrome instead of Safari, making the dreams of a default chrome browser more real than ever.
What’s in this Android version:
– Teens can now create and join Hangouts from mobile – Join Hangouts on Air from mobile – Floating timestamp in photos view – Shortcuts for post creation – Ability to report abuse in Events
What’s in this iOS version :
? Web links in posts now open in Chrome (if installed) ? Teens can now join and create Hangouts ? Instant Upload bug fixes to improve performance
Ok, so before I begin with this article, let me clarify that I haven’t been paid by Apple to write this, I don’t hate Android phones, and I most certainly am not a “fanboy”. Also, I am not Bharat Nagpal (I know most of you came here expecting Bharat to finally reveal why he uses an iPhone).
The question is simple yet one of the most debatable one this side of the century, “Why do you use an iPhone?”
Some background details first
[pullquote_right]working at iGyaan has its perks![/pullquote_right]I currently use a 16GB iPhone 4s, my first iPhone, which I’ve been using since January, 2012. Before this I had a Nokia 5230 “Express Music”, a Samsung Corby, a Samsung Metro, a Motorola flip phone (don’t remember its name now) and a Nokia 1100 (which I had to crush with a brick and then drown in a bucket full of water to make sure it was dead). Oh, and a couple of Android devices here and there (working at iGyaan has its perks!).
Now the Crux
So, it took me only 1 day to realize that I had a phone in my hand that is perfect for me. Why so? Easy, because it’s is simple and uncomplicated! I work around technology on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean I want my products and services to be unnecessarily complex. In fact, I tend to go the opposite way – I spend a lot of time working with wireless devices, dealing with random issues, playing with settings, and the likes. In my time off, I’ll always migrate to the solution that’s the easiest.
I want a device that works the same way every single time. When I open an app, I expect it to take the same amount of time to open each and every time, when it doesn’t, it aggravates me. [pullquote_left]Having a sluggish phone with a 1.5 GHz dual-core is like having a Pulsar that moves like a Rajdhoot.[/pullquote_left] The iPhone is consistent, fast and ridiculously smooth! While you’ll never have a device that’s 100 percent fail-free, I’ve yet to find another device that performs as fluidly as the iPhone 4S.
One of the primary reasons I love the iPhone is the large selection of high quality apps. Even though more apps come to Android every day, I still prefer to buy (cough!) most of my apps and games on the iPhone.
Not only do most of these apps look better, but i don’t have the same buyer’s (cough again!) remorse as I do with many Android apps I purchase. When given the choice between the same app on Android and on iPhone, I choose the iPhone app. I can’t recall looking at an Android app and complimenting its looks in comparison to its iOS and Windows Phone counterparts.
Daily Usage
Typing is a breeze with the auto-correct (though i have suffered some more than embarrassing moments due to it). The phone literally learns as you use it. Overtime Siri picked up on my “Indian Accent”and autocorrect started suggesting Hinglish words. I use dictation on the iPhone 4S to write entire articles with enough accuracy that only minimal editing needed. In fact, I am writing this article through the WordPress app on my phone! The new Voice Actions in Android 4.0 include many of the same features and work just as well as Siri and Dictation on the iPhone, but it is less polished. There is no use of relationships and Voice Actions doesn’t prompt for the message, requiring taps on-screen instead.
Through iCloud, I have all my emails, contacts, data backed up effortlessly and accessible from anywhere. I don’t have to worry about subscription renewal or periodic updates. All I had to do was create an iCloud account and I was good to go!
Camera and portability
The camera is definitely the best I’ve seen on a mobile phone (do not mention the PureView!). It has eliminated the need to carry a separate camera while on a vacation. I am more than satisfied with it!
One of the biggest feature of a phone for me is the screen, and the iPhone delivers in that aspect! The Retina display is a treat to use! Bright, vivid colours, great viewing angles, outdoor visibility and no pixilation at all! Texts are as crisp as they can be and even though the screen may not be the biggest, it definitely is the best for my needs.
Jailbreak
[pullquote_right]For all the things that Apple didn’t include in the iOS, there’s JailBreak![/pullquote_right] You can do anything, literally, once you’ve jailbroken your phone! Be it applying a custom theme (I am using the Windows 8 theme currently), add toggles to the homescreen and download unlimited apps for free!
Out of all of the smartphones I’ve used, battery life continues to shine on the iPhone 4S in comparison to Android and Windows Phone equivalents. It has taken a hit for sure with iOS 5 and the 4S’ dual-core processor, but it still outperforms other smartphones I’ve used. It charges ridiculously fast!
Conclusion (The Only Answer)
So basically, the iPhone has a smooth and fluid OS (I cannot emphasize this enough!), adequately powerful hardware, and tons of great features! Not to mention it looks great and I don’t have to deal with “minor bug fixes” now and then! So why should I switch to some other phone just because it has ridiculously speedy quad-core processor and an awfully powerful GPU when at the end of the day I have a phone which does what I need perfectly!
Is it the best phone ever? Nope. Would I go around recommending it to everyone? Nope. I can go off on a tirade of things I don’t like about it. Email management has been especially bugging me. There’s a ton of features on the Android that I wish I had access to on my iPhone, and there’s no doubt that Android will continue to develop over time, but right now, I just want a phone that pretty much manages itself, so I can enjoy it, without having to worry about if I need to update permissions on my phone. But for today, it’s the device that allows me to check off the most number of features on my list, so it stays!
Google Maps now features public transit schedules for more than 500 cities and one million transit stops worldwide. it is also applicable on their new Android app, the updated Google Maps app now, allows users to choose which specific mode of transportation (train, bus, tram or subway) they want to see on their maps.
Also, whenever you search for a city or postal code, for example, you will now see the borders of that region. My Places feature now also makes it easier to access your saved offline maps and custom maps, and if you have Location History enabled, you can now use the app to “browse the places you’ve been on a daily basis with an updated Location History dashboard.”
Google is also supposedly working on an iOS dedicated maps app, which is a possibility, especially because Apple will use their own maps in iOS 6.
Korean-mobile maker Samsung has sold ten million handsets of its latest smartphone Galaxy S3 in less than two months, according to a report.
Galaxy SIII broke the 10 million barrier in less than half the time it took its predecessor, the Galaxy SII, which is the bestselling Android handset so far.
The mega smartphone sports an impressive range of top-spec features, including a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD screen, 8-Megapixel camera, and a quad-core processor.
Last month Samsung had predicted that its heroic handset would hit the 10 million sales mark and they proved themselves right with their guess, as now Google has announced that the handset has indeed got itself into the 8 figure world.
Big sales in a short period have been helped by Samsung’s excellent rollout strategy which saw 140 countries all receiving the handset within the past two months, which in comparison to Apple’s comparatively slow rollout is a great benefit to the sales of the smartphone.
Two weeks left for the Galaxy Note 2 Unpacked event, and after a rumoured picture of the “Phablet” came up yesterday, another one, this time a Bezel, has come up today!
In addition to showing us what a small bezel on the Galaxy Note 2 looks like, the image above also seems to confirm the fact that the new phablet’s display will be 0.2-inch longer than its predecessor, just as currently rumored. The use of a smaller bezel is surely a reason for Samsung’s rumored decision to go with a 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2 instead of the regular 5.3-inch panel used by its predecessor.
Stay tuned, for we will be covering IFA 2012 Live from Berlin.
Several Rumors are pointing to a official version of the Jelly Bean rom for the Samsung Galaxy SIII (International/our Version) on the 29th of August. The current flagship phone has also been Samsung’s best seller, and will get the Jelly Bean update alongside the announcement of the Galaxy Note 2 which is scheduled to happen at IFA.
Usually Samsung update ROMs tend to leak out a month in advance, but its possible the company is keeping it tightly under wraps this time.
Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop promised to unveil a new smartphone using Microsoft’s latest Windows 8 software soon, raising the prospect it will be launched in early September before rival Apple promotes its new iPhone.
The Finnish company, which is fighting for survival after losing out to rivals in the lucrative smartphone business, is due to hold a trade show in Helsinki on September 5-6, just before an Apple event on September 12 where the U.S. competitor could announce a redesigned iPhone.
Nokia, the world’s second-largest cellphone maker, has not commented on what it will announce at the Nokia World event, but business magazines have said it will unveil the new Windows 8 smartphones.
Elop, in Oslo for a meeting with Telenor Chief Executive Jon Fredrik Baksaas, did not deny a September launch but would only say Windows 8 smartphones would be released “relatively near term.”
Micromax’s A100 smartphone has popped up on an online shopping website (Homeshop18.com), though it’s listed as out of stock. The device was first reported on our website (read here).
According to the listing, the smartphone will be priced at Rs 9,999 and has a 5-inch display with 480×854 resolution. This dual SIM device runs on Android 4.0.4(ICS) and offers 3G connectivity.
Micromax A100 comes with a 2000 mAh battery, a 5MP camera, and 4 GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 32 GB.
Can it be? An image of what could be the Galaxy Note 2 is going viral on the internet. The device in White looks identical to the Galaxy SIII from the front and features a Corning Gorilla Glass.
The device would most likely come with a 5.5″ Super AMOLED Screen with 16/32GB internal memory and 1.5GB of RAM. On the back would be a 13MP Camera with 1080p recording at 30fps. It is said to be powered by a Quad-Core Exynos 5250 processor and be HSPA+, LTE compatible. It is likely to be shipped with Android Jelly Bean outside the box.
We don’t know the authenticity of the image, it could just turn out to be a photoshopped render. The official launch of the Galaxy Note 2 is most likely to be on the 29th of August and we will be covering it Live form Berlin!
Google Inc has won the right to appeal the granting of class status to thousands of authors suing the search engine company over its ambitious plan to create the world’s largest digital books library.
In a brief order, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York granted Google permission to challenge a May 31 decision by U.S. Circuit Judge Denny Chin letting authors sue as a group rather than individually.
Billions of dollars are at stake in the seven-year-old lawsuit. Google has already scanned more than 20 million books, and the Authors Guild, a group representing authors, has said Google should pay $750 for each book copied.
It is unclear when the 2nd Circuit will hear the appeal. Decertifying the class could make it harder for authors to win a large award against Google, either at trial or in a settlement.
Chin had said it would be unjust to force Authors Guild members to sue individually, likely resulting in disparate results and much higher legal costs, “given the sweeping and undiscriminating nature of Google’s unauthorized copying.”
But Google countered in a court filing that many class members, perhaps even a majority, benefited economically, and that case-by-case determinations were needed to show whether it was making “fair use” of the plaintiffs’ works.
Citing a 2011 U.S. Supreme Court decision favoring Wal-Mart Stores Inc that made it harder to pursue class-action cases, Google said that even if “droves” of authors raised common issues, there was no “common answer” to address them.
“Plaintiffs seek to shut down a significant part of Google Books and to recover potentially billions of dollars,” Google said. “With so much at stake, Google should not be forced to litigate without the full benefit of its principal defense.”
Michael Boni, a lawyer for the Authors Guild, was not immediately available for comment. That group has argued that there is enough in common among the claims to let the class-action to go ahead and defeat the fair use defense.
Google began creating the library after the Mountain View, California-based company agreed in 2004 with several major research libraries to digitize current and out-of-print works.
Libraries whose works have been scanned include Harvard University, Oxford University, Stanford University, the University of California, the University of Michigan and the New York Public Library.
In March 2011, Chin rejected a $125 million settlement of the case, saying it gave Google a “de facto monopoly” to copy books en masse without permission.
Among the individual plaintiffs in the case is former New York Yankees baseball pitcher Jim Bouton, the author of “Ball Four.” Groups of photographers and graphic artists are also suing Google over its digitization of the works.
Chin began handling the case as a trial judge and kept jurisdiction after he was elevated to the 2nd Circuit. Tuesday’s order was issued by a two-judge panel of the appeals court.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is a larger version of the Galaxy Note smartphone launched in Nov 2011. The Note 10.1 smart tablet was announced at the Mobile World Congress 2012 and has some exciting features that should intrigue a lot of potential customers.
The device runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system. It is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM, and It also comes packed with a 7,000mAh Li-ion battery. But that is not what makes the Note 10.1 special. The tablet features a 6.5mm S Pen, similar to the one on the original Galaxy Note, which is optimised for the creation of personalised and expressive content. The S Pen is embedded directly in the device and, when removed, automatically launches specially-optimised applications, including S Note and S Planner
New level of multitasking can be achieved on the Note 10.1 thanks to a new multiscreen feature, users can effortlessly utilise two different applications side-by-side. Galaxy Note 10.1 also incorporates Learning Hub for accessing educational curricula and Adobe’s premium creative application Photoshop Touch.
Optics are there : The device also includes a 5-megapixel main camera and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. both capable of HD video. The Galaxy Note 10.1 comes in three connectivity options: WiFi-only and WiFi-and-3G HSPA-Plus connectivity, which are both available at launch, and WiFi-and-LTE which will be available later this year.
The Tablet is supposedly going to be announced in India a day or two. Expect a full iGyaan Treatment soon after.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release of the Note 10.1″ width=”Width of toggle box”]
SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 10.1 AVAILABLE GLOBALLY IN AUGUST
Samsung inspires a culture of active content creation, productivity and learning
London UK, August 6 2012 – Samsung today announced the launch of the Galaxy Note 10.1, an extension of the Galaxy Note category. The Galaxy Note 10.1 offers the functionality and precision of a pen and paper on a 10.1-inch large display, which will enable people to amplify their creativity, productivity, and learning ability.
Providing an intuitive experience and armed with a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM for enhanced performance, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is designed to simplify the process of capturing ideas, accessing information and multi-tasking, making each easier and faster and allowing people to express their ideas in an efficient way.
Simon Stanford, Vice President, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: “Following the success of the very first Galaxy Note which we launched at the end of last year, we’re delighted that our UK customers will now be able to experience the evolution of this device for themselves. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is a product we are very excited about and will offer our customers a new way to use and experience a tablet device. As well as being able to consume content such as videos, photos, document and the Internet, the Galaxy Note 10.1 also gives them the power to produce, create and customise that same content – something they won’t get from any other product on the market.”
The Galaxy Note 10.1 incorporates key intuitive features and capabilities such as side-by-side multitasking. This is thanks to its ‘Multiscreen’ on a 10.1-inch large screen; unique S Pen with a variety of S Note templates and productive tools (Shape Match and Formula Match); Learning Hub* for accessing educational curricula and Adobe’s premium creative application Photoshop® Touch.
True Multi-Tasking with Multiscreen feature
With the Galaxy Note 10.1’s Multiscreen feature, it’s possible to use two different applications side-by-side simultaneously. So Web pages and videos can be viewed, or applications launched using one half of the screen, at the same time as the other half is used for writing or sketching ideas with the S Pen. What’s more, customers can capture and crop images, and paste them onto the other screen to make personal notes. The Multiscreen feature allows people to be more productive and efficient whilst also enjoying multimedia content. Galaxy Note 10.1 brings a new culture of creation through the owner’s own notes, and enables an entirely new experience to improve productivity and enjoyment.
S Pen & S Note for Personalised and Organised Note-taking
Featuring its advanced 6.5mm S Pen, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is optimised for the creation of personalised and expressive content in the most natural and intuitive way. The S Pen’s feel and functionality are specifically designed for an optimal experience on the 10.1-inch screen. The S Pen is embedded directly in the device and, when removed, automatically launches specially optimised applications, including S Note, S Planner, Crayon physics, Adobe® Photoshop® Touch, and Polaris Office.
Alternatively, people can easily set their preferred application to be launched instantly. For example, S Note can be launched instantly when the S Pen is taken out from the device. Owners can also tap the screen twice while pressing the S Pen button for quick S Note access via the S Note-dedicated widget, which can be easily moved anywhere on the display, never hindering or obstructing creativity or productivity.
The S Note is a unique tool that enables notes and sketches to be combined with other digital content in ready-to-use templates. The Shape Match and Formula Match features help correct and digitise geometric shapes and solve numeric formulas hand-written with the S Pen. The S Note is also integrated with knowledge search engines so that content can be searched for and information obtained, and then easily drag and dropped onto S Notes without having to switch between screens. Exclusively pre-loaded on Galaxy Note 10.1, the Adobe® Photoshop® Touch application means owners can professionally edit photos with the ease and precision of the S Pen.
Active Learning Experience
The Galaxy Note 10.1 is an ideal learning tool that allows students to take notes directly on an eTextbook whilst in lectures, or research the Web at the same time as writing an essay. Samsung’s Learning Hub service is optimised for Galaxy Note 10.1 allowing owners to access extensive multimedia educational content whatever their age. This content includes eTextbooks, video lectures, interactive coaching and much more, and can be shared with multiple Samsung devices. Furthermore, Learning Hub comes with a learning management system providing schedule management and performance and achievement management tools so students of any age can learn at their own pace.
Superior Hardware Performance
Galaxy Note 10.1 is designed with advanced hardware technology, including a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of internal RAM. Seamless multi-tasking, high-standard graphics, and blazing-fast performance without any lag are essential features of the device. The Galaxy Note 10.1 also includes a 5- megapixel main camera and a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera.
Several other features have been added to the Galaxy Note 10.1, including Smart Stay, which tracks the owner’s eye to ensure that the screen is always on while being looked at; and Pop Up Play, which allows a video to be watched anywhere on the screen while simultaneously running other tasks. With AllShare® Play, content can be shared with a large group in real-time by connecting the Galaxy Note 10.1 to Samsung HD TVs, mobile tablets, laptops, and other consumer electronic devices on the same network. With AllShare Group Cast, people can also share and collaborate on documents, presentations, or images without loading the files separately.
The Galaxy Note 10.1 comes in three connectivity options: WiFi-only and WiFi-and-3G HSPA-Plus connectivity, which are both available at launch, and WiFi-and-LTE which will be available later this year.
Google recently allowed hangouts on Air allowing events to be broadcast live, suiting music concerts and public events alike. Now, in an attempt to make these live hangout concerts sound more like it were done on-stage, Google started rolling out a new feature, called Studio Mode.
Studio Mode optimizes individual audio for music, rather than for conversation. To demonstrate it better, Google has posted a video (below) with Suite 709 and urges users to listen to it to know the difference that Studio Mode brings to the table. To know the difference better, Google tells you to listen to it with your favourite pair of headphones
Google has decided to open up Google+ Hangouts on the Air with Studio mode to everyone in the world. Initially, Hangouts on the Air was only open to a limited number of broadcasters. The feature allows you to go live to a global audience with a series of mouse clicks.
Samsung Electronics today announced its plans to strengthen its Home Appliance business by announcing the launch of its new Direct Cool refrigerator and Semi automatic washing machine range in the country.
The company today launched new direct cool refrigerators and semi-automatic washing machines with a price range of Rs 11,300 and Rs 18,900 for refrigerators and Rs 10,950 and Rs 11,950 for washing machines.
[quote]“We are targeting a growth of 25 per cent in both refrigerator and washing machines segments in 2012,” company’s Vice President (Home Appliances) Mahesh Krishnan told reporters here.[/quote]
With a growth of 20 per cent, the Korean electronics major sold 1.7 million refrigerators and seven lakh washing machines last year, he said.
Motorola Mobility will cut approximately 4,000 jobs as well as close about one-third of its production facilities and streamline its mobile lineup, the firm confirmed Monday.
The reductions represent about 20 percent of Motorola Mobility’s 20,000 employees, and 7 percent of Google’s overall work force. Two-third of the job cuts will take place outside of the U.S., Google said.
The job eliminations come three months after Google bought the once-dominant U.S. cellphone maker for $12.5 billion, chiefly with a view to using its large patent portfolio to bolster its legal defenses.
Motorola will also close or consolidate about one-third of its 90 facilities and “simplify” its lineup of mobile products in order to focus on “more innovative and profitable devices” rather than feature phones. Severance payments will cost Google about $275 million, which will largely be recognized in the current quarter. The company also expects to book an unspecified amount in restructuring charges, mostly in the quarter.
