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Zync Z-999 plus tablet launched at INR 11,999

Noida-based computer maker Zync Global today launched its 3G-enabled tablet PC priced at Rs 11,990, which the company says will help it achieve a sales target half a million devices in the current fiscal. It comes with Android 4.0 and 3G.

The Z-999 plus comes with an inbuilt Wi-Fi for file transfer along with a 2 mega pixel back camera and VGA front camera for video chat. The tablet is also equipped with a HD video playback support, HDMI support, 8GB iNand memory expandable to 32GB, keyboard support function and has an inbuilt 3G sim card slot. The high resolution LED screen is perfect for watching movies, multi-player games and downloading and sharing data.

It is powered by a 1.5GZ single core ARM Cortex A8 processor and 512 MB RAM. Its size and light weight of 340 gm and excellent battery life of 4200 mAh makes it an ideal device in the low cost tablet market. It only measures 8mm- which is slimmest in its category.

July 5, 2012
A watch made from the Statue of Liberty!

A watch for the Patriots! The newest “DNA” watch collection from Romain Jerome will be the Liberty DNA timepieces. These watches will each incorporate some metal from the actual Statue of Liberty, and feature a unique design meant to honor the statue while not simply featuring imagery from it on the case and dial.

The bronze bezel of this 125-piece limited-edition watch is adorned with 12 spikes reminiscent of the statue’s crown. The verdigris dial echoes the color of oxidised copper, the facetted hands are bronze colored and the strap made from vintage brown alligator leather. The medallion on the case-back of the watch depicts the flame of liberty lighting up the stars and stripes of the American flag. The watch will acquire a patina as it ages over time, thereby adopting the color of the original.

Romain Jerome actually has a long history of incorporating exotic materials into its expensive watches. Including volcanic ash, metal from the Titanic, and even dinosaur bones.

Nice way to spend your money on the 4th of July eh?

July 5, 2012
Apple planning smaller iPad to rival Nexus 7?

Hot on the heels of Google’s Nexus 7 tablet, rumours have resurfaced of an iPad Mini. According to Bloomberg, citing “two people with knowledge of the plans”, the smaller tablet will have a screen size of between 7 and 8 inches – less than the 9.7-inch iPad currently out now.

The tablet could be announced in October and won’t have a Retina Display on-board, one of the sources purportedly said.

A cheaper iPad tablet could pose a formidable challenge to Google’s $199 Nexus 7 and Amazon’s Kindle Fire slates. Microsoft has also introduced a new Surface tablet range, complete with a keyboard cover and Windows 8.

Since the iPad went on sale in April 2010, Apple has dominated the tablet market, which is predicted by Display-Search to reach $66.4 billion this year. Apple has 61% of the market share.

July 5, 2012
Apple loses patent war with HTC

Taiwan’s HTC on Wednesday won a London court ruling against US tech giant Apple over a series of patent infringement claims linked to technology used in its mobile devices.

London’s High Court said in a ruling carried on its website that HTC’s devices did not infringe four Apple technology patents.

Along with the slide-to-unlock mechanism, HTC challenged Apple’s patents on the iPhone’s “multi-touch” system. Both are prize features in the American company’s portfolio, according to intellectual property experts. The other patents in the case related to the way the iPhone manages photographs, and the use of different character sets in text messaging.

A HTC spokesman welcomed the London court’s ruling, which said parts of the slide-to-unlock patented were too “obvious” or foreshadowed by earlier patents.

July 5, 2012
This lamp resembles a firefly in a jar!

Here is a lamp that resembles a firefly in a jar! It features an exposed bulb inside a lampshade of grey-tinted blown glass.

“The reclaimed oak version is made of wood originating from 8 inch x 8 inch hand hewn beams of red and white oak, sourced from the upper mid-west of the USA” says Outofstock, the manufacturer of the lamp. The beams come from the structural building framework of large barn and industrial buildings constructed of old growth American oak trees.

Inspired by nautical beacons and marine buoys, these diminutive table lamps call to mind the juxtaposition of boat and sea, with the rough wooden bases and ocean-water colored glass tops.

July 5, 2012
MTS announces 30p/min call rates

MTS India on Wednesday announced a new scheme under which subscribers can make local, STD, roaming and ISD calls (to USA and Canada with a cap of 100 minutes per month) at a flat rate of 30 paise per minute. SMS’s will also cost 30 paise, while data usage is priced at 30 paise/MB.

The company, which has over 16 million users, has announced this scheme for both new and existing subscribers through a recharge coupon priced between Rs 50 to Rs 100.

When on roaming, MTS subscribers will be able to make and receive calls at 30 paisa per minute to anywhere in the country. MTS also announced free access to Facebook for a month through MTS Planet on entry level phones provided by the operator.

July 5, 2012
Nexus 7 infringes our patents : Nokia

Google’s Nexus 7 is fast, slick, and cheap, but Nokia claims it also infringes some of its patents in the process.

Nokia has announced that the tablet infringes a number of its patents connected with the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard. In fact, most mobile device manufacturers license the patents from Nokia; currently, neither Google nor Asus is on the list of licensees.

A Nokia spokesperson told The Inquirer that “companies who are not yet licensed under our standard essential patents should simply approach us and sign up for a license.” Hence, Google and Asus can almost certainly approach them to get their paperwork in order—if they think they need to.

Asus replied by saying “at the moment, Asus will not be providing any response/comment related.”

July 5, 2012
Google Indoor Maps come to UK

Google Indoor maps was launched in the US last year mapping all the insides of malls, hotels, etc. But now Google has started to expand the reach of indoor maps, extending to more than 40 indoor venues in the UK including a mix of museums, stations, malls and airports in the main mostly in London. With building owners being able to upload their own maps, however, this should / could expand quickly. Hit the Google Lat-Lon blog for more info.

[Google Lat-Lon]

July 4, 2012
Samsung launches f/1.4-equipped EX2F (PR)
Samsung has just launched a new point-and-shoot camera to rival the competition. The small size camera pack a lot of professional features.

The Specs include
- 12.4 MP sensor
- f/1.4-2.7 lens
- full-size hot shoe
- dual image stabilization
- ISO setting of 12,800 (extended)
- 24-79mm 3.3x lens
- 3-inch swivel VGA-resolution AMOLED display
- full manual shooting mode
- RAW option
- 1080/30p HD video capture
- WiFi options, including Remote Viewfinder and Auto Backup.
According to Samsung , The EX2F’s F1.4 24mm wide-angle lens is approximately four times as bright as a F2.8 camera lens. The camera has been launched for a price of US $ 549/- (IN Rs. 30,000)

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Samsung combines super-bright photography with easy sharing in the new SMART CAMERA EX2F

The new model boasts the world’s brightest compact camera lens with F1.4 aperture

SEOUL, Korea – July 12, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has announced the launch of the EX2F, the latest model in its growing range of Wi-Fi-enabled SMART CAMERAs. Following the success of the EX1 with F1.8 lens, the new model is engineered to deliver super-bright photography thanks to its F1.4 lens, the brightest in any compact camera. The high image and video quality of the EX2F also comes with the advantage of being able to store and share images remotely using Wi-Fi functionality. Encompassing Full Manual Control in a strong but lightweight body, the EX2F is ideal for DSLR-owners looking for more portable equipment to capture images spontaneously and subtly, and for photographers looking for a step-up in quality from their point-and-shoot whilst retaining ease-of-use and portability.

The EX2F combines a number of features to deliver incredible picture quality in all conditions. With the segment-leading advanced F1.4 24mm Lens, the wide range of aperture steps delivers clear images and video even in very low light conditions. These are easily controlled using the professional front wheel key and Dual Dials, which enable switching between parameters and modes quickly for greater manual control. The low-light capabilities of the EX2F are also added to by the 1/1.7″ 12 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which delivers clear, blur-free images – even when shooting objects in low-light situations.

Fusing quality with creativity, 1080/30p Full HD Movie Recording with stereo sound allows users to capture video in high enough quality to enjoy on a Full HD TV. The EX2F also allows still 12 Megapixel photos and video to be captured simultaneously using the Dual Capture feature, so that any scene can be shot as both photo and video.

The world’s brightest compact camera lens
The EX2F’s F1.4 24mm wide-angle lens is approximately four times as bright as a F2.8 camera lens. A further development is that the lens unit now consists of eleven elements in nine groups, with four aspherical lenses and two high refractive lenses. Combined, these provide a 20% increase in the amount of light on the sensor, a 20% increase in image quality and a 10% increase in zoom ratio.

The lens on the EX2F also incorporates a Neutral Density (ND) filter, giving the user greater control over exposure time in different conditions and making photos appear more neutral in situations of over-exposure. It also allows for shooting at a very shallow depth of field, so users can isolate their subjects from backgrounds to create stunning portraits. To make bright images clearer, the EX2F also includes Dual IS (OIS and DIS) to minimize the effect of shaking – particularly useful in low-light situations.

Complete control
Housed in a sleek yet durable high-intensity magnesium body, more commonly found on DSLR models, the EX2F combines high-end image quality with convenience and speed. For those accustomed to the level of creative control on DSLRs, the EX2F allows for shooting in RAW mode for professional standard pictures.

The EX2F also encompasses Full Manual Control as well as Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. The Dual Dial and front wheel keys also allow users to quickly and easily adjust exposure for effortless pro-style control. This is all combined into a body that is compact and light, making it possible to carry the camera anywhere for spontaneous shots without the complication and intrusiveness of a weighty DSLR.

Bright and intuitive display
The 3.0″ Swivel AMOLED display is perfect for lining up great shots and viewing them under any light conditions – and does so whilst consuming little battery power. The screen responds swiftly and displays images in high contrast, while the swivel display allows picture-taking from low and high angles – even self-portraits. The screen also incorporates Samsung’s Smart Panel user interface, which integrates all parameters into one display for easy control over the end result.

Shooting and sharing from anywhere
The EX2F is the latest in Samsung’s SMART CAMERA range of Wi-Fi-enabled cameras, which take the combination of high-quality imaging paired with connectivity to a new level. Wi-Fi connectivity enables the secure storage of images through Auto Backup to a PC or saving to the Cloud. In addition, sharing to social networking sites such as Facebook or Picasa is easy – or pictures can be sent via email.
The EX2F’s Mobile Link opens doors for connectivity with smartphones, without even having to resize images or video. Users can also access the Remote Viewfinder to use their smartphone’s screen to frame shots from a variety of angles. Through the SMART LINK button, all these functions can be accessed with one touch for simplified sharing and storage.

“We created the EX2F to show that taking great pictures doesn’t have to involve carrying a heavy and bulky DSLR wherever you go. Because the best shots often arise when you least expect them, the EX2F delivers manual control and stunningly bright image quality in a body that is small and light enough to carry around every day. It’s the perfect compact on-the-road companion for the DLSR user who expects the best image quality with full creative control.” said Mr. Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “The inclusion of Samsung’s pioneering Wi-Fi technology also means that you can share those images straight from the camera, giving you the freedom to shoot and share wherever the journey takes you.”

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July 4, 2012
Google’s Nexus 7 Gets the iFixit Treatment – Teardown
Google’s Nexus 7 Tab joins the iFixit list of tear downs, with the tablet being torn apart by the experts. Several discoveries were made during the teardown, including the fact that the display is permanently attached to the gorilla glass front. The 7-inch, 1280×800 HD display is manufactured by Hydis and designated model HV070WX2.

for parts
- Kingston KE44B-26BN/8GB 8GB flash
- Realtek ALC5642
- ELAN eKTF36248WS
- ELAN eKTH10368WS
- Texas Instruments 22C96ST SN75LVDS83B (www.ti.com/product/sn75lvds83b)
- TI20 MI60
- Hynix HTC2G83CFR DDR3 RAM
Motherboard Parts:
- NVIDIA T30L Tegra 3 processor
- Hynix HTC2G83CFR DDR3 RAM
- Max 77612A inverting switching regulator
- AzureWave AW-NH665 wireless module
- Broadcom BCM4751 integrated monolithic GPS receiver
- NXP 65N04
- Invensense MPU-6050 gyro and accelerometer
We Are soon going Hands on with the Nexus 7 , Stay Tuned

[iFixit]
July 4, 2012
Ice Cream Sandwich is on 1 of 10 Android Phones

While Android fragmentation continues with Jelly Bean being announced just 6 months away from the ICS update. Android owners have started to shift to ICs with most companies now offering ICS updates for the devices.

While Gingerbread still remains at the top with 64 % of the Android base. GFroyo follows by 17.3 %, and Google’s recently announced Jelly Bean update was not included in this stat.

[Android Developer]

July 4, 2012
Tekfusion Twinwoofers In Ear Earphones Initial Hands on Review

We recently got our hands on the Tekfusion Twinwoofers in-ear headphones and got down to an initial hands-on review.

Technical Features :

Frequency Response : 19-21 KHz
Impedance : 16 Ohms
Pressure Level : 113 dB
Net Weight : 30g (1.06Oz)
Color : Black Chrome
Cable Length : 1.1m
Cable Type : Symmetric
1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

The package consists of the Twinwoofers In-Ear Hedphones , 5 pair of Eartips – 3 pair regular S/M/L, and 2 pair Tripple flange – M/L, Clip & Cable Slider , a Carry Pouch and a User Manual.

The first thing you’ll notice is they are light-weight but pretty tough. They are made from metal, and have partial gloss and partial matte finish – which gives them a very premium look . The twin-woofer logo adorns the back of the drum and overall the headphone is very well crafted. The earphones come with a 3.5 mm gold plated jack.

The initial impression of the headphones was that they perform really well at low volume but a slight clipping can be noticed at high-volume bass. We will take a look into this once we come out with our full in-depth review but for now, for a price tag of INR 1000-1200 these are definitely one of the best earphones in the market.

Check out our hands-on review here :-

July 4, 2012
Is Microsoft Testing a New Keyboard for Windows Phone 8

According to several reports and a bunch of leaked images, Microsoft may be testing a special arched keyboard for use with Windows phone 8 devices. A keyboard that makes typing with one hand/thumb easier on touchscreen phones.

This special arched keyboard surfaced due to a leaked Microsoft Research presentation and appears to be a one-handed soft keyboard for Windows Phone 8 that Microsoft has been testing for a while now.

There are no keyboard replacements on the Windows Phone interface as of now, so a keyboard of said nature might be welcomed well.

July 3, 2012
Tata Docomo slashes wireless internet service tariffs by 60% in Bangalore

Tata Docomo, the telecom brand of Tata Teleservices, slashed its tariff plans for Tata Photon Plus postpaid and prepaid customers by up to 60 percent. Tata Photon Plus postpaid users can now avail 6GB of data for Rs. 950, and 11GB data for Rs. 1,200 (both valid for 30 days month).

The other two postpaid tariff plans are Rs. 250 for 1GB (which earlier was priced at Rs. 650) and Rs. 450 for 2GB (which earlier cost Rs. 750). Prepaid users can now get unlimited 2GB usage for Rs. 700.

The operator has also revised its 3G data tariff prices. For 1GB of 3G data, users need to shell out Rs. 255. For 1.5 GB and 2 GB, the operator is charging Rs. 350 and Rs. 450 respectively.

Check out the press release below :

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Tata DOCOMO, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices, has announced irresistible offers for its Tata Photon Plus Postpay and Prepay customers across India. The company is showering its customers with delightful offers of high internet speeds at affordable prices thereby reducing its tariff plans upto 60%

Tata DOCOMO Photon Plus postpay customers can choose from unlimited 6GB usage for only Rs. 950 rental or unlimited 11 GB for only Rs.1200/-. These 2 unlimited plans also offer cash back of Rs 100 per month for 12 months from date of purchase.

Tata DOCOMO entry level packs now cost Rs 250 that offers 1GB of data download as compared to Rs 650 earlier. Likewise Rs 450 pack which earlier cost 750 will offer 2GB

For the first time, Tata DOCOMO introduces Reload packs for Photon Plus Postpay customers with 1GB@Rs 200 & 2GB@Rs 350. What this essentially means, that customers can now continue to enjoy uninterrupted high speed internet post consumption of their data limit.

Tata DOCOMO Photon offers unlimited Internet surfing plans, usage based plans and much more. Prepay customers can now get unlimited 2GB usage on recharge of Rs. 700. There are various prepay plans that customers can choose based on usage and wallet.

Announcing the offers, Mr. A P Sriram, COO, Tata DOCOMO Karnataka Circle said, “These exciting plans for our Tata DOCOMO Photon Plus post-pay and pre-pay customers are the latest addition in our ever-expanding portfolio of differentiated and affordable offerings. We continue to deliver on our promise to provide value for money plans that suit the various needs of our customers. Such offers are an extension of our maxim of providing a refreshing experience to our customers.”

Notes to Editor

About Tata Teleservices Limited

Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the unified brand name Tata DOCOMO and operates its wireless networks on GSM, CDMA and 3G technology platforms. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 450,000 towns and villages across the country. After its collaboration with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO in November 2008, Tata Teleservices launched 2G GSM services under the Tata DOCOMO brand name in all the 18 telecom Circles where it received spectrum from the Government of India, in June 2009. Since then, the Company has established a strong brand connect for Tata DOCOMO in India and has been at the forefront of redefining the telecom experience in India, launching innovative products and services that have impacted Indian consumer lifestyles. TTL is the clear market leader in the enterprise space as well, and has market leadership in many product lines, such as mobile broadband with the Photon family of wireless access devices. TTL’s bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and wireline services.

For details, visit www.tatateleservices.com and www.tatadocomo.com.

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July 3, 2012
Tata DOCOMO rewards GSM Customers for loyalty in MP and Chattisgarh

Tata DOCOMO, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices Ltd, today launched an offer to reward its loyal prepay GSM customers across Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle. Under this offer, customers on basis of their age on Tata DOCOMO network will be given additional talk-time on every recharge they make.

Customers who have spent upto 90 days on Tata DOCOMO network, will be given 100% talk-time on any recharge above Rs 101. Similarly, customers between 91 days to 180 days, will get same benefit on any recharge above Rs 51. Customers with age on network (AON) between 181 days – 365 days will get 103% talk-time, and those above 366 days will get 105% talk-time on making recharge above Rs 51.

[quote]Mr. Shailendra Singh, Hub Head, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle, Tata Teleservices Ltd said “MP&CG circle is a key market for Tata DOCOMO. We are honored with the response we have got so far from our customers in the circle. Launch of this offer is gesture of gratitude to our subscribers who have shown trust in Tata DOCOMO brand.”[/quote]

Tata DOCOMO GSM Customers can dial *121*12# to know about their age on Tata DOCOMO network

Check out the Press Release below :

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Tata DOCOMO, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices Ltd, today launched yet another path-breaking offer to reward its loyal prepay GSM customers across Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle. Under this offer, customers on basis of their age on Tata DOCOMO network will be given additional talk-time on every recharge they make.

Customers who have spent upto 90 days on Tata DOCOMO network, will be given 100% talk-time on any recharge above Rs 101. Similarly, customers between 91 days to 180 days, will get same benefit on any recharge above Rs 51. Customers with age on network (AON) between 181 days – 365 days will get 103% talk-time, and those above 366 days will get 105% talk-time on making recharge above Rs 51.

Mr. Shailendra Singh, Hub Head, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle, Tata Teleservices Ltd said “MP&CG circle is a key market for Tata DOCOMO. We are honored with the response we have got so far from our customers in the circle. Launch of this offer is gesture of gratitude to our subscribers who have shown trust in Tata DOCOMO brand.”

Tata DOCOMO GSM Customers can dial *121*12# to know about their age on Tata DOCOMO network.

Notes to Editor

About Tata Teleservices Limited

Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the unified brand name Tata DOCOMO and operates its wireless networks on GSM, CDMA and 3G technology platforms. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 450,000 towns and villages across the country. After its collaboration with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO in November 2008, Tata Teleservices launched 2G GSM services under the Tata DOCOMO brand name in all the 18 telecom Circles where it received spectrum from the Government of India, in June 2009. Since then, the Company has established a strong brand connect for Tata DOCOMO in India and has been at the forefront of redefining the telecom experience in India, launching innovative products and services that have impacted Indian consumer lifestyles. TTL is the clear market leader in the enterprise space as well, and has market leadership in many product lines, such as mobile broadband with the Photon family of wireless access devices. TTL’s bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and wireline services.

For details, visit www .tatateleservices .com and www .tatadocomo .com

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July 3, 2012