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Updated Xbox One Will Have a Facebook Inspired Live Feed

In terms of numbers, Microsoft may sell less consoles than Sony, but it seems that Microsoft’s Xbox One is gaining better features faster that the arch-rival Sony. It has been said that players can expect, as part of the August Xbox One update, some noteworthy additions to the the console.

Microsoft’s Larry Hryb outlined some major features in a new blog post this weekend. The August update will expand the activity feed on Xbox Live and turn it into a Facebook-like inteface. Players will be able to write text messages on their feed or share gameplay clips. They can also interact with others’ updates with ‘likes ‘and ‘comments’.

Friends’ activities can be found quickly on the revised Home Page. An enlarged ‘Friends’ area gives you an update on their online or offline status, including their most-played games. A leaderboard tracks who’s been picking up the most Achievements. Also, the Friends list is going to show you how long it’s been since your buddies were online.

Update 1408 is expected to launch next month and is said to include the long-awaited 3D Blu-ray playback. It will also give you the ability to remotely download games and apps purchased through Xbox.com and SmartGlass, but only when your console is set to automatically turn on.

A low battery notification will tell you when your controller’s almost out of battery. Notifications can be disabled during videos for an uninterrupted viewing experiences. The Blu-Ray player app will be upgraded to support 3D Blu-rays.

Microsoft will also add support for mobile purchases in August. If you’re away from home and decide to buy a game from SmartGlass or Xbox.com, your console will automatically power on, download it, and install, so it’s ready whenever you next pick up a controller. Sony has offered similar functionality for the PS4.

No specific date is given for the update’s release. Only that early access users will be seeing them first, starting next week.

July 21, 2014
Top 5 Useful Apps Made For Android Wear Smartwatches

Android Wear is the darling of wearable technology these days. We can’t wait to put smartwatches around our wrists and find out all their capabilities. Android Wear smartwatches do a good job of delivering notifications and other alerts to your wrist, but the fun really starts when you start downloading apps that add additional functionality.

Although the selection of Android Wear apps is small for now, there are already some pretty useful options in the Google Play store.

We are listing 5 of the these amazing app that you will love to use on your Android smartwatch.

1. IFTTT

IFTTT, acronym for If This Then That, connects events into a simple statement that triggers an action. It performs a set action if an event happens, like firing off a text message to your phone if you receive an email or automatically uploading photos to Dropbox that you post to Instagram. On the wrist IFTTT gives users a big button that triggers some user configurable action. IFTTT is probably the most powerful app available yet on the smartwatch.

2. Binary Watch Face

The Binary Watch Face is a very clean and good looking binary clock for the smartwatch. One thing that does come up with regards to these custom watch faces is that whenever a notification pops up, they end up covering a part of the watch face design, which is something to look out for, especially if there is task with a persistent notification. The companion app installs on your smartphone with the Watch Face allowing you to configure the colors to your liking.

3. Evernote

With this you can dictate voice notes to your watch. The Android Wear extension of Evernote allows users to pull up recent notes on their smartwatch which is more useful than it sounds if you’re travelling and have to book references and other things on your wrist. Dictating new notes without having to pull out a smartphone does make life a lot simpler.

4. Bunting

Bunting is a simple Twitter client for Android Wear with a clean and sleek interface, that allows you to tweet messages directly from your Android Wear smartwatch. The set up is very easy. All you have to do is log into Bunting using your Twitter account, and once that’s done, you can start tweeting by dictating your message directly to the watch. If you tweet on a regular basis and own an Android Wear device, Bunting is a quick and easy way for microbloging on the go.

5. Flopsy Droid

Well you must be wondering how pathetic it would be to play games on your Android wear with its small screen. But Flopsy Droid will amaze you. Created by the makers of Blunting, the game is a clone of Flappy Bird with similar gameplay. The bird is gone and has been replaced with the green Bugdroid we all know and love. But the big difference is the fact that this game is now playable from your smart-watch. If you’re looking to while away some time, Flopsy Bird is great way to do so.

July 21, 2014
LG G3 Unboxing and Hands On

The LG G3 is finally here and we think it’s priced perfect for market that we are in. We haven’t been this excited for a product in a while and the G3 just makes the cut. The phone is a beautiful amalgamation of specs and design, hardware and looks, brains and brawn, basically however you put it, LG may have the perfect smartphone here.

Let us put everything in perspective, the G3 is packed with a beautiful 5.5 inch 2560 x 1440 px display, giving this bad boy a whopping 534 pixels per inch density on the IPS panel. You also get Gorilla Glass 3 and a highly optimised and fast Snapdragon 801 Qualcomm MSM8975AC chipset with Quad Cores and 2.5 Ghz on the clock.

The beauty of it all is that for a price difference of just a few thousand rupees/ less than 50$ , you can get a higher speced version with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage vs the usual 16GB storage and 2 GB RAM version.

The box is golden in colour and is representative of the LG G series of phones. Like many smartphones before this you will see the usual set of things in the box, a cable a charger, handsfree and documentation. LG has ignored the need of things like NFC tags and such, because frankly there is no need.

Camera and Laser Autofocus

Price wise the lower spec’d variant will be available for Rs. 46999 vs the 3GB + 32 GB variant which has been launched for Rs. 49999. Did we mention that the device is LTE enabled. Watch the Unboxing below.

July 21, 2014
New Launch : The LG G3 Comes to India For Rs. 47,990

LG has officially launched the baddest smartphone till date in India, the LG G3, officially for a smart price of Rs. 47,990 for the 16 GB variant and Rs. 52,990 for the 32 GB variant. The LG G3 is also the first commercially available phone from a big manufacturer to feature a 2K display and what a display it is!

The LG G3 is the third iteration in their flagship line and we have to say, unlike their Korean counter brand, they seem to be innovating on the right side of the brain which is usually the left. The G3 has a 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor and comes in 16 and 32GB internal storage variants with 2GB and 3GB RAM, respectively. Both models support up to 128GB microSD cards.

LG has also made the battery removable along with the back panel which comes of easy to house one micro sim card and one micro SD card. The phone is LTE enabled from the get go so you should be mostly happy with the bands supported.

LG has positioned Amitabh Bachchan as the promotion celeb for this particular product and you will see a lot more of him in the coming days is what LG tells us.

LG has also mastered the focus capabilities of this phone says the company thanks to the new Laser autofocus : which also uses phase detection to get quick and precise focus on your subject so that the 13 MP OIS equipped camera can take a picture for you.

Watch the full Unboxing here, and stay tuned for the Review galore coming right up.

July 21, 2014

Hands On With the HTC Desire 616

HTC recently launched a new phone into the Indian market, and despite the fact that many phones exist with similar specs, the price and HTC reassuring name give the new Desire 616 a definite edge.

The HTC desire 616 has a 5 inch display with 1280 x 720 p display an Octa Core MT6592 chipset that has been down-clocked to 1.4 GHz to ensure proper and efficient battery drain along with stability in the OS. Also, even though a lot of people pointed out in our hands on video that the Desire 616 does not have Sense UI, in reality HTC has added Sense 5.5 to the Desire 616, which is on top of Android Jellybean, with a hope of a KitKat upgrade soon.

The optics are fitted with a decent 8 MP camera with 1080p video capture + a 2 MP camera with 720p video capabilities. The main storage is 4GB which can be moved, in-fact is automatically moved to external storage the minute you add a card, seamless downloads for all. 1GB of RAM will suffice and the device promises a great overall functionality.

HTC has hit the right mark with its recent influx of devices in the Indian Market. With the phones like Desire 816 and 516 becoming hot category favourites, the 616 will be an exciting product for India. Stay tuned for the review and watch our hands on below. (please ignore the error in the initial title)

Read the Full Official Specs Below

Size	142 x 71.9 x 9.15 mm
Weight	150 g
Display	5 inch, HD 720p
CPU Speed	1.4 GHz octa-core CPUs
Platform Android	Android™ HTC BlinkFeed 5.5™
SIM Card Type	Dual SIM (Regular SIM + micro SIM)
Network	2G/ 2.5G – GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 (SIM1 & SIM2) 3G – UMTS/ HSPA: 900/2100 MHz with HSPA+ up to 21Mbps
Memory	Total storage: 4 GB, available capacity varies RAM: 1 GB Expansion microSD™ up to 32GB
GPS	Internal GPS antenna
Sensors	Accelerometer Proximity sensor Ambient light sensor
Connectivity	3.5 mm stereo audio jack Bluetooth® 4.0 Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Camera	8 MP camera with auto focus 1080p Full HD video recording Front Camera: 2MP Front Camera: 720p video recording
Price	Rs – 16999 at launch
Battery	Capacity: 2000 mAh Removable rechargeable Li-polymer battery Talk Time: Up to 14 hours for 3G Standby time: Up to 700 hours for 3G
AC Adapter	Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz DC output: 5 V and 1 A

July 21, 2014

Top 5 Tech Blunders You Should Avoid

You have money? Spend it! But make sure ensure you invest wisely. We have complied a list of 5 tech blunders you should never make:

5. Buying Pirated Windows

One of the most common tech blunder that most people make is to Install the pirated version of Windows. But you have to ask yourself whether it’s worth losing and rebooting your system a year down the line, or paying a few extra thousand for the original windows now?

4. Leaving the house with less than 62% battery life

Smartphones today either run on Android or iOS which are known for their User Interface. One thing, however, these phones are not reputed for is their battery life. Make sure you leave home with a fully charged phone or suffer the wrath of the missed calls.

3. Buying a device with an old software

There are two kinds of old software buyers. One who don’t care about the latest version and the other who expect an upgrade to launch for their device. The latter are easy to spot since they are always seen complaining about their device.

2. Investing in a 3D Tv

Investing in a 3D TV is one of the biggest mistakes one could make. With only few movies and games available and scarcity of time; 3d TV’s are not the best bet yet.

1. Buying Samsung Galaxy S5 at full price

It was initially launched at a whooping Rs 53,500 after which the prices dropped drastically. For people who value their wealth and want their money’s worth, this is not the device for you.

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July 20, 2014
Indian Government Lost 41k Crore Due to Lack of EVDO Spectrum Auction

Government of India had recently allowed CDMA service providers the option to use EVDO technology to provide high speed internet access. But now a CAG report states that as this facility was provided without an auction, it cost the government treasury a sum of Rs 41,000 Crore.

The CAG seeking a reply from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) stated in a note, ‘‘The non-auctioning of the spectrum in 800 Mhz (CDMA spectrum) for EVDO services resulted in non-realisation of upfront one time charge of Rs 4,187.65 crore.”

The Department of Telecommunication(DoT) though stated that the CAG’s claims of losses are “presumptive and hypothetical”. They replied that the CDMA providers were well within their license limits when they provided the EVDO based internet access. DoT holds the view that EVDO is to CDMA as EDGE is to GSM services and hence don’t require a new auction.

This is still a developing story in which multiple stakeholders will clear their stance on the matters. The trade association representing telecom companies, Telecom Service Providers India (AUSPI) Association of Unified Telecom Service, has cleared that in their opinion EVDO is an alternative form of CDMA and so companies are in their limits to use the technology.

In the recent times the Compotroller and Auditor General (CAG) has been proactively watching India’s accounts and have uncovered some glaring scams in the process. Lets just hope in times of severe corruption scandals, a new scandal doesn’t come and act as a dampner to our inflation-prone economy.

July 19, 2014
Smartphones May Soon Have Anti-Glare Waterproof Screens

In a paper, published in the Applied Materials & Interfaces, Professor Valerio Pruneri from the Institute for Photonic Sciences in Barcelona, along with Corning Incorporated have introduced an invention which is going to make your life a lot easier. The glass can is an anti-glare, waterproof screen which can be incorporated as cellphone display.

Glare has been a major issue in appreciating smartphone content when outdoors. Especially in a country like India which has some intense sunlight, outdoor use is troublesome. This revolutionary new display is stated to obliterate that issue.

Glare has been one of the major issues with mobile screens for long

The technology is quite easy to comprehend. The glass is scratched at the Nano molecular level. This helps to deflect the light away from the user’s eyes. These tiny scratches are so efficient that they do not effect the transparency of the screen. The research team has also made 100nm teeth onto the surface of the screen to deflect water, thereby making it hydrophobic. The textured surface looks like a lotus.

In their paper the team has mentioned that they would need to put the display through some more experimentation to make sure it can be used as a touch screen interface. But here is the best part, they have mentioned that large scale manufacturing of these screens will be inexpensive. This display is totally an “about time” kind of invention. This technology will be a boon for the future of smartphones. With screens capable of playing 2K content on mobile phones, a glareless screen is just what the doctor prescribed.

With this glasses the need for expensive anti glare screen filters also comes to an end.

July 19, 2014
Nokia’s MixRadio To Become a Standalone App

After brutally shutting down brand Nokia yesterday, Microsoft has started the process of restructuring the technology that came with the acquisition. The first in line will be Nokia’s MixRadio.

Guardian reports, this Nokia music service will now become a standalone app. It will still come pre-installed in the Microsoft Windows based mobile phones. The service will provided curated music to the users taste.

The MixRadio had multiple name changes over the years, from Nokia Music Store to OVI Music Store to Nokia MixRadio and now the app will be just known as MixRadio.

The app worked without any advertisement and will continue to do so. The users though have an purchasing option of Rs.50 for 7 days, Rs.99 for 30 days, Rs.250 for 90 days to download unlimited music.

MixRadio’s chief Jyrki Rosenberg claimed this new app a spin-off of the Nokia MixRadio. The app can now be release on platforms like Android and iOS too as it’s now a standalone app. Rosenberg is also in talks with multiple investors to back his app.

The reasons cited for letting MixRadio go is said to Microsoft’s new strategy of depending on external sources for content instead of running their own. The company recently shut down its production studios; Xbox Entertainment Studios too.

We can surely expect more of bits and pieces of Nokia features either going on their own or going into oblivion soon as Microsoft is restrategizing their entire business model which began with the massive job cuts announced recently.

July 19, 2014
Vertu Contemplates a Luxury Smart Watch

British Luxury Smartphone after making a shift to Android are now contemplating going into the smart watch business. Vertu was established by Nokia as a wholly own subsidiary. The company is known for their ostentatious designs which separate them from all other phone companies. The company uses premium materials in designing their phones for their exclusive clientele.

As the market has slowed down for luxury products, the company now is intending to make a entry into premium wearables. Though it’s still in an exploration phase right now, but it can be a real game changer in the watch business. In a market which is dominated by Rolex and Swiss watch makers, a premium Smart watch will be appreciated by the opulent clientele of Vertu.

The Premium watch decision was inspired by the current Smartwatch boom

Until recently, Vertu was one of the few companies which still used Series 40 Symbian OS as their mobile OS. The company released their Android series under the name Vertu Ti and Constellation, thereby finally keeping up with times.

The part about Vertu that separates it from rest is that it offers an experience that matches to its customer’s opulent taste. The phones are handmade and they use materials like calf leather, alligator skin, lizard skin, ceramic, sapphire glass screens. They also use premium metals like titanium and Gold. As these customers have to deal with privacy concern, a basic Symbian set up helps them to access basic phone functionality while looking good doing it.

With their premium pricing which starts from $6000 and can go higher than $168,000 while just being a basic feature phone. If exclusivity is what the users are looking for, Vertu sits at the top-echelons of feature providers. With this affluent buy, the customer gets access to Vertu’s Concierge service. The service offers offers 24-hour worldwide assistance, recommendations and priority bookings, all with a personal touch. They facilitate users every request, from finding the perfect gift to accessing exclusive events, they do it all.

The company now also plans to make an entry into its “affordable” segment, which will still be far away from the reaches of regular consumers. By accepting Android into its phones, Vertu has brought back the aspirational aspect back but it will still be limited to people with unfathomably deep pockets.

July 19, 2014
A New Round of Rumors Emerge About The iPhone 6

With the release drawing close, rumours about the iPhone 6 are on its peak these day. Recently, a report revealed iPhone 6 battery details, suggesting that Apple’s 2014 models may offer better battery performance than the last iPhone.

Image of the battery leaked by French publication Nowhereelse

The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 was expected to have a battery capacity of 1,800 mAh to 1,900 mAh, while the so-called 5.5-inch ‘iPhone Air’ was said to have a 2,500 mAh battery. Now, French publication Nowhereelse has disclosed an image of the purported 4.7-inch iPhone 6’s battery, which may confirm that the battery has a capacity in line with previous reports.

The image revealed by the publication shows a battery assembled in China by Huizhou Desay Battery, which has 1,810 mAh capacity. What’s interesting about the battery maker is that Desay was mentioned in a recent report as one of Apple’s iPhone 6 battery suppliers. The report mentioned the company that is able to meet the iPhone’s battery size requirements for this component.

The iPhone 6 which is said to be launched later this year is expected to be 7mm thin. It was also reported that Apple has placed orders to battery suppliers for 2mm-thick batteries, which are one-third thinner than the batteries found in the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Another report illustrates that Apple suppliers encountered challenges mass-producing slimmed-down components for the iPhone 6, including batteries, which could affect their gross margins.

There were images which were previously leaked showing a batch of purported iPhone 6 batteries, although their capacities were not revealed in those leaks. This appears to be the first purported iPhone 6 battery picture that actually lists the capacity of the battery, an important hardware detail, especially considering this year’s models will have significantly bigger displays.

According to Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will enter mass production starting next week, while the 5.5-inch model will go into mass production almost a month later, during the second week of August. Which means the rumored September release of the device may come true. The publication has also reported that Foxconn will hire 100,000 workers to meet Apple’s iPhone demands this year, which is in line with the unconfirmed reports which said that Apple placed a heavy order. Pegatron, the other iPhone 6 maker, has also hired more than 10,000 additional workers to manufacture the new iPhone, as Apple is rumored to sell up to 70 million iPhone 6 units this year.

July 19, 2014
Google To Unleash Android One in India This October

Google’s plans that were announced this year at Google I/O are finally unfolding and creating a stir. Recently, Google came up with new Chromecast 1.7 update which now allows users to display their Android homescreens on a Chromecast-connected TV and lets you use any application on your television. And now, Google is set to launch the first Android One smartphone in October this year in India.

They’ve planned a strategic launch around the Diwali season, and it has also been said that the company is planning a 100 Crore investment on marketing and advertising.

Google is aiming big with these Android One devices, estimating a reach up to 5 billion people in emerging markets. They said that the handsets will be updated directly by Google. The all rounder technology giant will also provide hardware and software reference points, while manufacturers will be able to put in their own apps in the devices.

Back in June at the I/O 2014, Google announced Micromax will be the first one to release an Android One device which will be priced at $100. The reports are also saying that the much talked about Micromax Android One device will be available exclusively on Flipkart.

Google added that the device will have a 4.5 inch display screen, expandable memory, dual sim capabilities and integrated FM Radio. The Android One devices will come with Play Auto Installs, that tells users which apps are recommended for his smartphone.

The Economic Times reported that Google has also roped in Indian low-cost smartphone maker Celkon Mobiles and Intex Technologies is also in talks with Google for a similar partnership.

July 19, 2014
Chrome OS To Get A Major Facelift with Project Athena

Google is really proud of its material design. The top team flaunted their new design at the Google I/O this year. The material design will bring a level of consistency throughout all the mediums that run on Google platform; Android, Chrome and Google account applications like Gmail. Google will now bring its material designs in their laptop based Chrome OS.

Google’s leaker François Beaufort who recently joined Google as a Chromium OS Evangelist has shared the first draft look of the new OS design in action. The design uses levels and shadows to add a kind of dimensional perspective which looks rather interesting. In the first look one can get a kind of Windows Aero window swipe feel.

Google is calling this Project Athena for Chromium OS and it looks like a good step forward. By bringing in a recognizable user experience through all its mediums, Google will be able to attract as well as retain a lot many users. The material design will arrive on phones with the Android L update and this will be widely used. Unlike the KitKat update which took a while to reach the devices, companies like HTC, Motorola, LG and others are promising to bring the update as soon as possible. Google is surely ready to take on Apple full on.

July 19, 2014
Samsung Launches 4G-Equipped Galaxy S5 in India
At the very least, we can give credit to Samsung for understanding the need of the hour. With Airtel and Aircel racing to provide India with 4G cover, Samsung has decided to launch a 4G variant of its Flagship Device at the price of Rs 53,500.

While most of its features remain the same as the 3G S5, some of the key features of the new 4G variant include:
- Qualcomm 8974 Pro 2.5 Ghz processor
- Supports Eight 4G LTE bands support
- Advanced Camera (HDR mode, Selective Focus)
- IP67 protection (Dust and Water Resistant)
- Ultra Power Saving Mode (24 hours standby time with 10% battery)
- Download Booster
- Wi-Fi MIMO
For this device, Samsung and Airtel have tied up and are making a special data offer to Samsung S5 customers. All existing and new Airtel 4G subscribers will get 5GB 4G data/month free for 2 months. The device will be available in India from 20th July in Copper Gold, Charcoal Black and Shimmery White colour options.

One of the impressive features of this phone is the Download Booster. It allows users to access 4G and Wi-Fi simultaneously, resulting in super high connectivity.

All this sounds pretty fancy, but we’d advise recommend you not to make a hasty purchase, since the brand is notorious for reducing its prices.
July 18, 2014
Digital Afterlife : What Happens to Your Online Accounts After You Die?

You probably know what happens to your house, assets or family heirloom on your death. Of course, because it’s all there in your will. But have you ever wondered what happens to your your e-mail accounts once you’ve reached the Pearly Gates?

Mourning kith and kin may want to access these accounts for sentimental reasons, inspite of your your personal messages and online dating profiles.

The Uniform Law Commission (Washington), appointed by the state on 16th July, 2014 endorsed a program whereby the loved ones could access but not control the deceased’s digital accounts. This however is yet to be adopted by the legislature; once is it however, a persons online life would also become an integral part of his will.

“This is something most people don’t think of until they are faced with it. They have no idea what is about to be lost,” said Karen Williams of Beaverton, Oregon, who sued Facebook for access to her 22-year-old son Loren’s account after he died in a 2005 motorcycle accident.

Presently most tech-providers have their own solutions. Facebook, for example, “memorializes” the accounts, allowing the close ones to view the profile whenever they desire; however for others, presently, once a will becomes public, anti-hacking laws becomes applicable on them. The courts aren’t convinced that a company supplying the technology should decide what happens to the deceased’s online accounts.

Uniform Law Commission to the rescue! According to the proposal the executor of the deceased would get access to, however not control the digital files, unless prohibited in his will. This would imply that the widow may access her late husbands e-mail accounts, however would not have permission to view any videos or send any e-mails.

This is a great initiative as every family/representative should have the right to access the departed’s digital data. Had this still been a generation of “Letters in the Shoebox”, that would have automatically fallen to the family of the deceased. Then why not the online profiles, for its sentimental value, if nothing else?

Three cheers to this step by the ULC!

July 18, 2014