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Amazon’s Kindle Fire Cost Apple US$ 1 Billion in iPad Sales this December

The Amazon tablet called Kindle Fire is eating into the profits that Apple would have made from iPad sales this holiday season in the United States. The average sales of the Apple iPad dipped from the expected 16 million to 12-13 million during the highly profitable holiday season. This is courtesy the entry level users shifting over to the Amazon Kindle Fire, especially because of all the features it holds and the basic difference in price of the Apple iPad and the Fire.

The Kindle Fire is also based on Android which has already been rooted, therefore that attracts the modders and themers.

January 4, 2012

Asus being targeted for locked bootloader in Transformer Prime Tablet

Companies have often been targeted for locked boot-loaders of Android devices. HTC is one such case who then decided to unlock boot loaders in exchange for end of warranties. The modding community of Android which is quite large is now lashing out at ASUS for locking the bootloader of the Wifi Only Transformer Prime tablet. In most such cases companies will give in to demands of the consumer, but we are not sure if ASUS is going to go in that direction.

Read the full flames at xda-developers.

January 3, 2012

Microsoft approved ChevronWP7 unlocker offline

The ChevronWP7 tool that could unlock the functionality of your device for a mere US$ 9 is being discontinued.WPCentral reports that ChevronWP7 made an agreement with Microsoft not to sell more than 10,000 unlock tokens.

Microsoft isn’t involved in our discussion yet. And they can’t provide us with more unlocks because we haven’t asked yet. If we do request more, we’re sure Microsoft will respond positively – as they have in the past.”

-Rafael Rivera ChevronWP7 spokesperson

The developers of the tool claim that they are not going to renegotiate this number. If you are still interested in unleashing the beast in your Windows Phone you must buy Microsoft’s own AppHub which costs eleven times a price of US$ 99.

[WPCentral]

January 3, 2012

LG Announces 55 inch OLED TV with 4mm border for consumer consumption (PR)

LG is all set to announce their new line of TV’s at the CES 2012, part of which is cooing to be the worlds largest consumer OLED TV. With a panel that measures 55 inches diagonally, LG’s new HDTV features an infinite contrast ratio, 4-Color Pixels, Color Refiner and a nearly borderless design with a bezel that is only 4-millimeters wide.

Working closely with LG Display, we have a product which not only delivers on all the advantages of OLED over LCD but at a significantly lower cost than what could be achieved using existing OLED manufacturing technologies,OLED is clearly the future of home TV entertainment and LG is very focused on making this exciting technology as easy as possible for consumers to embrace.”

– LG-E CEO Havis Kwon

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WORLD’S LARGEST OLED TV FROM LG OFFERS MORE REALISTIC COLORS, BRIGHTER PICTURE, FASTER SPEED

LG Unveils Much Anticipated 55-inch OLED TV for First Time at CES 2012

SEOUL, Jan. 2, 2012 – LG Electronics (LG) will present the future of TV technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas with the unveiling of the world’s largest OLED TV with a display size of 55 inches. By incorporating the company’s 4-Color Pixels and Color Refiner features with LG Display’s advanced OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels, LG OLED TV generates the most natural colors of any TV set at a much lower price point than could have been achieved using the standard manufacturing process.

“Working closely with LG Display, we have a product which not only delivers on all the advantages of OLED over LCD but at a significantly lower cost than what could be achieved using existing OLED manufacturing technologies,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “OLED is clearly the future of home TV entertainment and LG is very focused on making this exciting technology as easy as possible for consumers to embrace.”

What sets LG’s TV picture apart from other OLED TVs is 4-Color Pixels and Color Refiner which work together to generate natural and accurate colors that are sharp and consistent. The 4-Color Pixels feature allows for more accurate color depiction by using a set of four colors (red, green blue and white) in comparison to the RGB setup used by other OLED TV manufacturers. Color Refiner ensures consistency in colors from a wider viewing angle via an LG algorithm which improves and refines hues and tones. This is in contrast to other OLED TVs which often exhibit drastic changes in hues from different viewing angles and abnormal color gamut.

Boasting an infinite contrast ratio, LG’s OLED TV exhibits vivid colors and the smallest details regardless of the overall luminance of the on-screen image. In turn, colors and details throughout an entire image are preserved with utmost clarity and sharpness, even when displaying scenes with dark lighting. Such color capabilities are technically impossible with LED and LCD display panels. And at 1,000 times faster than LED/LCD displays, LG’s OLED TV shows crystal clear motion without any blurring or bleeding.

And LG’s OLED TV is as aesthetically pleasing as it is technologically sophisticated. LG’s Slim and Narrow Bezel design gives the TV a sleek, minimal look and at only 4 mm thin and a mere 7.5 kg, LG’s OLED TV practically blends into the wall

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January 3, 2012

The best Case for the iPhone 4 / 4s in India because it adds dual sim phone

Although not yet available to buy, this iPhone 4 / 4s case is going to be a best seller once it hits the Indian market. The cover is a bulky plastic shell that may not appeal at first, but turn it round back and you will find a full fledged dual sim mobile phone. Wow!

That converts your micro sim based iPhone into practically a triple sim phone. The company’s specs are a bit funny especially if you use Google Translate ( originally in chinese). The first line was easily deciphered : “it does not need to break prison” = no need for jailbreak!

Either way the cover is a bit pricy at 70$ or about Rs. 3500/- but its considering that the cover does have a dual sim phone at the back.

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]

iPPEEL skin function

It doesn’t need to break prision, use directly

skin fuselage support double card, plus the iphone can double to support three card to three

The operating system MTK system and bring the keyboard and screen, no electricity in the iphone can working independence

Charge function:support the charge

The tail into the plugin skin state ai design, do not take up the original iphone line interface, use process can use any peripherals

Bluetooth:support for bluetooth & headset

Signal strength skin for the mobile platform design, signal strength and production quality is guaranteed

The phone and short message software, ai design 1000 calls the skin, 1000 short message, independent, not kept in separate on iphone, a software from the iphone convert to ai skin contact

At the same time when two mobile phone calls and come, ai can hang up skin another phone, or the ai and isolated, iphone skin affection to each other

Every phone around 20 standby, text messages around 20 can use 2.5 days, the original machine with two batteries

GPRS Internet independent GPRS Internet functions

Prices are reasonable!!

[/box]

[iPPeel]

January 3, 2012

A look back at 2011! Biggest News Events !

So much has happened in the year of 2011. We take a look back at some of the major launches and events that moved news in 2011, of course we do it month wise:

Apple Has more Cash than US Govt : Is Apple Richer than the US Govt.?

BMW Concept cars released : BMW showcases the new i3 and i8 Concepts, we drool! (PR)

August

BB Bold 9900 Goes on Sale : iG Exclusive : BlackBerry Bold 9900 Touch goes on Sale in India, limited pre Launch Stock

Samsung XCover Launched : Samsung Launches the Rugged Galaxy XCover, Water and Mud Resistant (PR)

Galaxy Tab : Samsung Launches the Galaxy 750 / 730 in India ( Tab 10.1 / 8.9 )

Google Decides Motorola Takeover : Breaking: Google will Acquire Motorola Mobility : SuperPower the Android Devices

HTC buys Beats by Dre : HTC puts profits to use, Buys into Beats by DRE, Strategic partnership (PR)

Motorola Launches Defy + : Motorola Launches the Defy + , The next level of water-resistance (PR)

Xiaomi Phone : Xiaomi Phone with MIUI Launched, 1.5 GHz Dual core beast at a mere US$ 310

Cyanogen with Samsung : Steve Kondik (Cyanogen) Joins Samsung Mobile as Software Engineer | Expect Fireworks

HP ends Palm and WebOS : Tech Fail : HP to abandon WebOS only 8 Months after US $ 1.2 Billion Palm takeover (PR)

Steve Jobs Resigns : Breaking : Steve Jobs resigns Apple as CEO

September

Galaxy Note Launched : Samsung launches the 5.3 inch Galaxy Note (PR)

Apple VS Samsung Heats up : German court permanently bans Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Apple vs Samsung, Indian courts approached

HTC Launches First phone with Beats by Dre : HTC Sensation XE is Official with 1.5 GHz and Beats Audio, Comes in September

HTC Launches Explorer : iGyaan Exclusive : HTC Launches the New HTC Explorer (PR) Updated

Amazon Launches new Kindle : Amazon Launches the Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G , Upgrades the Kindle (PR)

Amazon Launches Kindle Tablet: Amazon Kindle Fire 7inch Tablet Announced with Android for $199

October

Apple Launches the iPhone 4S : Breaking : Apple intros new iPhone 4s with A5 Chipset Retina display same design as the iPhone 4 (PR)

Apple Launches Siri : Breaking Apple Launches Voice Assistant called Siri with life like Q & A

Steve Jobs Passes : Steve Jobs, Co-Founder of Apple Passes Away at 56

India’s Budget Tablet : India’s Sakshat Tablet is now the UBISLATE / AAKASH for 2999 Rs. or 1799 Rs. on subsidy.

Windows Phone 7 comes to India : Microsoft Launches Windows Phones In India, About a Year Later with 3 New Devices

iGyaan and iPhone 4s : iPhone 4S Unboxing and Hands on

Samsung & Google launch the Nexus : Samsung Galaxy Nexus is Official : 4.65 HD Amoled Display, First ICS

Samsung Galaxy S Plus in India : Samsung Galaxy S Plus Launched in India

Nokia Lumia : Nokia Finally Announces the Lumia 800 ‘first real Windows Phone’ (PR)

November

Galaxy note Launched in India : Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 Launched in India at Rs. 34,990

Panasonic Tough Tablets : Panasonic dares your tablet, releases the Water, Fire, Dirt and Drop proof ToughPad A1 & B1

Transformer Prime : ASUS launches the new Transformer Prime with Tegra 3 and 12 Hour Battery (PR)

Range Rover Evoque in India : AutoGyaan: Range Rover Evoque Finally Arrives in India at whacky prices

iPhone 4S comes to India : Claims shutter down, India to get iPhone 4S Nov 25

Micromax A85 Launched : Micromax Launches the A85 SuperFone in India (PR)

HTC Sensation XL in India : HTC Launches the Sensation XL with Beats Audio in India (PR)

December

Pick: iG Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Gadgets Rs. 10,000

Pick : iG Holiday Gift Guide : Mobile Phones under 10,000

Micromax Launches A75 : Micromax Launches the A75 Superfone Lite with Dual Sim (PR)

HP OpenSources WebOS : HP is ready to make WebOS open source, we want to reverse engineer

Aakash Tablet on Sale : India’s Aakash Tablet now available, Ubislate 7 up for Pre Order

Nexus S Gets ICS : Google Begins Updating the Nexus S to Ice Cream Sandwich

Nokia ends Symbian : Nokia bids adieu to the Symbian name, embraces Nokia Belle

Samsung embraces Dual sim in Android : Samsung Launches Dual Sim Galaxy Y Duos and Galaxy Y Pro Duos (PR)

iGyaan Holiday Guide : Best Phones for 15,000

iGyaan Holiday Guide : Best Smartphones for 20000 Rupees

iGyaan Holiday Guide : Extreme Phones 21,000 and UP

January 1, 2012

Happy 2012 !

The new year is upon us, and the iGyaan Family is bigger than ever.

We are happy and thankful for all the love we get from You!

We resolute to be the best in what we do, to deliver what we can in the best possible fashion.

We are Indian and proud to the core. As we become multiples we grow stronger by unison.

A Happy New Year 2012!

May Technology shine upon all of us stronger than ever.

Prosperity, Peace and Satisfaction to everyone.

January 1, 2012

iGyaan Holiday Guide : Extreme Phones 21,000 and UP

The end of the year is upon us, and what better way than to look at the amazing phones of 2011, the top list, or the commercial giants. Here is a list of Smartphones which we think make sense in the Bracket from 21-40 thousand. Of course we only list our favorites.

Missed the Other Guides ? Check them Out:

Best Phones in Rs. 20,000/-

Best Phones in Rs. 15,000/-

Best Phones in Rs. 10,000/-

Android

Possibly the largest category in this guide we have literally more than 15 phones that can fit in this price range, so we take out what we think is the best of the lot.

Samsung Galaxy Note (Rs. 32000) : Phone? Tablet? Relax its a Galaxy Note! The best Android device money can buy today in India. The Note features a massive 5.3 inch screen with an awesome Super Amoled Display ( beautiful), it also has a S-Pen which is a capacitive pen with more features than a stylus ever had before : Detailed here. The Note also has a fast 1.4GHz processor, 16 GB storage, Android 2.3 with confirmed ICS. 8MP camera + front camera with Video calls. Check out our Unboxing and Hands On : Review is out Shortly!

Motorola Razr XT910 ( Rs. 33990) : The slimmest phone in the Android Series, Motorola has revived the Razr brand, with just a 7.1mm thickness for a smartphone. The device is powered with a 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor, the RAZR also packs in 1 GB of RAM and a PowerVR SGX540 GPU. A 4.3 inch super AMOLED advanced display make for the best viewing with a qHD resolution. 8MP camera allows great pictures and Full HD video recording 1080p. Our Review Out Shortly!

HTC Sensation XE ( Rs. 32000) and XL ( Rs. 37000) : While we really recommend HTC phones simply because of brilliant build qualities, we feel that they are overpriced and thus they share the third spot in the Android Lineup. The XE packs Beats audio and iBeats , 1.4 GHz processor a great 4.3inch qHD screen and Sense UI on top of Android 2.3.4. Our Review covers it in-depth. The XL is just a bigger version of XE with a much bigger price tag. The specs are strange, a 480x800px resolution, a 1.5GHz processor and Android 2.3. Its a way to express that you love HTC phones and thats it. Need we say our review is out shortly!

HTC Evo 3D (Rs. 35000) : Want to jump on the 3D bandwagon? this is the device to choose. The LG Optimus 3D is a cheaper alternative, but we feel that the HTC is a better device. Specs include 1.2 GHz dual core processor, an Adreno 220 GPU based on a MSM 8660 chipset and 1 GB of RAM. An auto-stereo-scopic Display makes 3D viewing without 3D glasses possible. The 4.3inch display has a qHD resolution and the device has HTC Sense on Android 2.3 – to be upgraded to ICS and newer Sense in 2012. Our unboxing and Video Review cover the Evo 3D extensively.

Samsung Galaxy S2 (Rs. 28,000) : The best selling Android Premium smartphone in 2011, the Samsung Galaxy S2 is truly an amazing device. An upgrade to the Galaxy S, the S2 brought a lot of firsts for Samsung. An 8 MP camera with stunning pictures and full HD video, a beautiful Super AMOLED Plus display which hosts Android 2.3 with Touchwiz – flick and tap. A large in-built memory of 16 GB and is expandable up to 32 GB, good battery life and a gorilla display. This device truly answered all questions that buyers had in 2011. Check out our Full Review.

Sony Ericsson Arc S ( Rs. 28000) : No its not the best phone for the money thats why it falls under the S2, The SE ARC S is the only SONY entrant in our list, because of the beautiful Timescape UI and the stunning Bravia Engine on the display. Powered by a ~~poor old~~ 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor and Adreno 205 GPU, no this does not make this device incapable. The UI is stable and the performance is excellent from the device.

Samsung Galaxy S Plus ( Rs. 21000) : The Lowest range handset in our list, powered by the same processor as the ARC S , 1.4GHz Scorpion, The S Plus is exactly what the name says, a plus to the Galaxy S. 8GB memory and 512MB RAM, a Super Amoled Display. The funny thing is you get better specs on a cheaper device the Galaxy R ( Rs. 18800) .

The Galaxy Nexus didn’t make our list because its not officially available in India, Yes it should be at the top of the list, considering ICS is already on board and a 720 x 1280 px, 4.65 inch Super Amoled Capacitive touchscreen, a Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9, 16GB internal storage – Optional 32GB . The phone also has a 5MP camera with full HD video and a front camera for native 3G video calls. A lot more specs than we can list here. The phone enters India end January 2012, you can get it from ebay ranging 35-45k. Best of luck!

Apple

iPhone 4S (Rs. 44900) : The Apple of everyone’s eye, the Apple iPhone 4S is the flagship phone from Apple this year. With millions sold within weeks its also one of the most sold handset in 2011 (considering iPhone 4). The new iPhone 4S brings the A5 chipset with dual core capabilities, best in class 8MP camera with full HD video and Image stabilization ( 5 Lens system). The highest resolution Retina Display. But the most popular thing of 2011 is Siri, the voice activated Assistant that follows your every command. Check out our Unboxing : Review Shortly

iPhone 4 ( Rs. 32,000) : Yes two Apple devices made our list, the iPhone 4 is the taster for those unwilling to shell out big buck for the bigger brother. Still you get iOS5, iCloud and Siri after jailbreak of course. The iPhone 4 has a 5 MP rear illuminated camera, the same Retina display, Front facing camera for FaceTime calls and Millions of Apps from the iOS AppStore. The iPhone 4 is a perfect device for those with the budget and the urge to jump over to iOS while Apple unveils the next-gen iPhone sometime in 2012 for big buck. Of course we reviewed it back in the day.

Blackberry

Bold 9900 ( Rs. 31000) : The Bold 9900 is the flagship Bold from RIM. The same keyboard layout from the original bold 9000, with a new capacitive touchscreen, a super slim profile and BB OS 7 . The only disappointment is the poor fixed focus 5MP camera. The 9900 is a businessman’s powerhouse, especially if you are a previous BB user. The device has excellent mail capabilities and of course has BBM. The new OS 7 also supports a lot more new age apps and games. The phone features a 1.2 GHz processor , 768 MB of RAM, 2.8-inch capacitive LCD and 8GB storage. Our Video Here

Torch 3 / 9860 ( Rs. 28000) : Our Second BB recommendation, the beautiful screen and the full touch display make the device feel really nice in the hands. Liquid graphics on a 3.7-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen. 4GB internal storage and 768MB ram. BB OS 7 and new age emailing and messaging, excellent media capabilities and an excellent form factor. A great Blackberry for those looking for a BB – iPhone Hybrid (minus iOS) . Our Video Here

Windows Phone

HTC Radar (Rs. 23000) : Our first recommendation simply because of Price vs Features. The Radar has a beautiful build quality with WP7.5 Mango running on top of a 1 GHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor. The 3.8-inch Super LCD screen has a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and look great. The device has a 5MP camera and a 0.3 MP front camera no 3G video calls though. Check out our full review. If you don’t really rely on Build quality, a better and cheaper alternative is the Omnia W for 18,990

NOKIA Lumia 800 ( Rs 28900) : The Amazing Everyday, no not yet ! Yes this is Nokia’s Answer to Android, but is it the right answer? The device runs WP7.5 Mango with proprietary Nokia Apps ( not really since we ported them to HTC) but the device has a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor, 512 MB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage. Lumia 800 has a 8MP camera with full HD recording, but wait! where is the second camera? Our Review and Comparison with Omnia W comes out shortly.

December 31, 2011

Splurge : Ed Hardy Earphones and Headphones

Ed Hardy earphones and Headphones are the only way to get the right sounding INK. The new “Stereo” range includes Skull and Bones for the over-ears ($66) or Rs. 3500/-, while your in-ears get some Tiger power ($29) Rs. 1750/-. The in-ears also feature a microphone for on Smartphone calls. They are available now from an Ed-Hardy Store near you!

Features for the Headphones include:

SPEAKER – 40mm
FREQUENCY RANGE – 20 to 20,000Hz
IMPEDANCE – 32 ohms
MAGNET TYPE – NdFeB
MAX INPUT POWER – 30mW
CABLE TYPE – TPE
CABLE LENGTH – 1.2 m
PLUG TYPE – 3.5 mm GOLD PLATED

While for the in-ear type:

SPEAKER DIAMETER – 8mm
FREQUENCY RANGE – 20Hz-18kHz
IMPEDANCE – 32
CABLE – 1.3 m
PLUG – 3.5 mm

[Ed Hardy]

December 31, 2011

Amazon sells over 4 Million Kindles this Season

The numbers are in, Amazon has sold over 4 Million Amazon Kindles this Holiday season including global shipments and including shipments to countries ilk India and China. The company also noted that its #1 and #4 best-selling eBooks released this year were published by independent authors through its Kindle Direct Publishing platform.

We are grateful to our customers worldwide for making this the best holiday ever for Kindle, And in a huge milestone for independent publishing, we’d also like to congratulate Darcie Chan, the author of ‘The Mill River Recluse,’ and Chris Culver, the author of ‘The Abbey,’ for writing two of the best-selling Kindle books of the year.”

-Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos

The Kindle Fire was the most popular device followed by the Kindle Touch and the Kindle, The company report states that E-Book gifting also went up 175% from Last Year. Read the extensively exhausting Press Release below for the full numbers

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2011 IS THE BEST HOLIDAY EVER FOR KINDLE

Amazon customers purchased millions of Kindle Fires and millions of Kindle e-readers

#1 and #4 best-selling Kindle books released in 2011 published independently by authors using Kindle Direct Publishing

Businesses selling on Amazon have record-breaking holiday sales

SEATTLE, Dec. 29, 2011 – (NASDAQ: AMZN) – Amazon.com, Inc. today announced that 2011 was the best holiday ever for the Kindle family as customers purchased millions of Kindle Fires and millions of Kindle e-readers. Authors also continue to benefit from the success of Kindle — the #1 and #4 best-selling Kindle books released in 2011 were both published independently by their authors using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

“We are grateful to our customers worldwide for making this the best holiday ever for Kindle,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. “And in a huge milestone for independent publishing, we’d also like to congratulate Darcie Chan, the author of ‘The Mill River Recluse,’ and Chris Culver, the author of ‘The Abbey,’ for writing two of the best-selling Kindle books of the year.”

More Kindle holiday facts:

· Throughout December, customers purchased well over 1 million Kindle devices per week.

· The new Kindle family held the top three spots on the Amazon.com best seller charts – #1: Kindle Fire, #2: Kindle Touch, #3: Kindle.

· Kindle Fire is the #1 best-selling, most gifted, and most wished for product across the millions of items available on Amazon.com since its introduction 13 weeks ago.

· Kindle is also the best-selling product on Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.es and Amazon.it this holiday season.

· Gifting of Kindle books was up 175 percent between this Black Friday and Christmas Day compared to the same period in 2010.

· Christmas Day was the biggest day ever for Kindle book downloads.

· Kindle Fire is the best-selling product on Amazon.com’s mobile website and across all of Amazon.com’s mobile applications.

Additional Kindle Direct Publishing successes include:

· December’s #1 best-selling Kindle Direct Publishing book “Wife by Wednesday” was also the #5 overall best-selling Kindle book in December and has appeared on both the USA Today and Wall Street Journal best seller lists. Author Catherine Bybee was formerly an emergency room registered nurse, and has now left her job to focus on writing full-time.

In 2011, KDP and CreateSpace author CJ Lyons reached #2 on the Amazon best seller list, #2 on the New York Times best seller list, and #4 on the USA Today best seller list. As a former pediatric ER doctor, CJ has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels, and she quit her job in medicine after 17 years to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time novelist. Her latest work includes “Face to Face” and “Hot Water.”

Businesses Selling on Amazon

2011 was also a record-breaking holiday season for businesses that sell on Amazon. Third-party sellers experienced record holiday growth: the number of sellers who exceeded $5,000 in sales during the holiday season increased 44 percent year-over-year. For the year, businesses on Amazon sold hundreds of millions of units worth billions of dollars worldwide.

Scharf Industries, an office supplies and electronics provider, increased its sales on Amazon by over 500 percent this holiday season compared with last holiday season.

“We greatly value the cooperation that we have developed with Amazon,” said Andrew D. Scharf, CMO of Scharf Industries. “They have provided us with the tools necessary to grow our business in a rapid and efficient manner.”

Ken Reiss, the owner of Reiss Innovations, LLC, started with one Amazon Webstore, selling five to 10 mouse pads for the year. Six years later he has a successful eCommerce business, selling through multiple Amazon Webstores. Just this year alone, Reiss saw a 21 percent increase in sales compared with the holiday season last year. He has also increased the number of product listings by 50 percent over 2010 and recently extended his business to Canada.

According to Reiss, one of the most beneficial aspects of his relationship with Amazon is that “It allows me to scale in efficiency. I can devote my time to building vendor relations and growing my inventory, rather than worrying about logistical aspects, such as shipping products.” Reiss currently stores 90 percent of his inventory in Amazon’s warehouses, up from 75 percent last year.

Other seller successes include:

· Amazon’s third-party sellers sold enough cameras for every fan at the next 10 Super Bowls to snap their own shots of the winning touchdown.

· Amazon’s third-party sellers sold enough toys in 2011 to give a toy to every resident of Chicago. In fact, they sold as many Lalaloopsy Dolls as there are lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City.

· Debra Keyes, CEO of The Internet Department Store, which sells costumes for both adults and children, began utilizing Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) – the Amazon service that stores, packs and ships orders for third-party sellers – as soon as it launched. By January 2011, she had 1,300 products listed in FBA. That number has now grown to 7,800 products by November 2011. During that same time period, the company’s sales increased by 34 percent.

Holiday Fun Facts

Shipping:

The last One-Day Prime order that was delivered in time for Christmas was placed on Dec. 22 at 11:59 p.m. PST and shipped to Ballwin, Mo. The item was “The Cook’s Herb Garden,” a book by Jeff Cox and Marie-Pierre Moine.

The last Local Express Delivery order that was delivered in time for Christmas went to Seattle, Wash. It was a Sony Rechargeable Battery Pack that was ordered at 2:35 p.m. PST on Christmas Eve and delivered at 6:15 p.m. PST that same evening.

Earlier this year, an Amazon customer called with an urgent request for large volume of a single book, which they needed at the airport the next day before they boarded a flight. The books were special gifts and no other retailer had them available in such short notice. Even though the cutoff time had passed for all traditional delivery methods, Amazon was able to arrange a delivery to the customer’s hotel just prior to their departure for the airport.

Customer Purchases (Amazon.com only; holiday timeframe-specific):

· Amazon customers purchased enough copies of Walter Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs” book to create a stack taller than Mt. Everest.

· The cumulative weight of the Bowflex 552 Adjustable Dumbbells purchased by Amazon customers would outweigh more than 70 adult elephants.

· If you unfolded and stacked each pair of jeans purchased by Amazon customers this holiday, the height would be 2,500 times taller than the Statue of Liberty.

· Amazon customers purchased enough sweaters to outfit each of Santa’s reindeer during Christmas Eve deliveries for the next 14,000 years.

· Amazon customers purchased enough copies of Just Dance 3 to give 15 copies to each person who participated in setting the world record for simultaneous dancing.

· Amazon customers purchased enough HeatMax HotHands Handwarmers to give a pair to each resident of Iceland.

· Amazon customers purchased enough Rory’s Story Cubes to give a cube to each person watching the New Year’s Eve ball drop live at Times Square.

Holiday Best Sellers (Amazon.com only; based on units ordered):

Electronics: Kindle Fire; Kindle Touch; and Kindle

Toys: Rory’s Story Cubes; Qwirkle Board Game; and Perplexus Maze Game

· Video Games: Just Dance 3; Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3; and Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Sports & Outdoors: Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation DVD Set; Emergency Fire Starter; and Flexible Flyer Snowball Maker

Home & Kitchen: Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler; Fred M-Cups Measuring Matroyshkas; and Pure Komachi 2 Series Hollow-Ground Santoku Knife

Books: “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson; “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever” by Jeff Kinney; and “11/22/63” by Stephen King

Kindle Books: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins; “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins; and “The Litigators” by John Grisham

CD: “Christmas” by Michael Bublé; “21” by Adele; and “Duets II” by Tony Bennett

Amazon MP3: “100 Classic Christmas Songs” by Various Artists; “Mylo Xyloto” by Coldplay; and “A Very She & Him Christmas” by She & Him

DVD: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”; “Bridesmaids”; and “The Help”

Amazon Instant Video: “Super 8”; “The Help”; and “Crazy, Stupid, Love”

Watches: Timex 1440 Sports Digital Resin Strap Watch; LEGO Kids’ Star Wars Darth Vader Mini-Figure Alarm Clock; and XOXO Rhinestone Accent Gold-Tone Bracelet Watch

Jewelry: 10k White Gold Round Diamond Stud Earrings; Sterling Silver Amethyst Butterfly Pendant; and White Peacock and Pink Freshwater Cultured Pearl Button 3 Pair Stud Earrings Set

Clothing: Levi’s 501 Jean; Levi’s 505 Straight Fit Jean; and Levi’s 550 Relaxed Fit Jean

Shoes: UGG Australia Classic Tall Boots; Crocs Classic Clog; and BEARPAW Emma Short Boot

Beauty: Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum Spray; Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System; and NARS Orgasm Blush

Health & Personal Care: Philips Norelco SensoTouch Electric Shaver; Philips Norelco Shaving System; and Philips Sonicare Essence Power Toothbrush

Tools & Home Improvement: Streamlight Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight; Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener; and Black & Decker All-In-One SureGrip Laser Level

Automotive: Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger; Wagan 12-Volt Heated Seat Cushion; and Mystic Industries Reindeer Vehicle Costume

Baby: Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes; Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether; and Cloud B Twilight Turtle Constellation Night Light

· AmazonWireless: Motorola DROID RAZR 4G Android Phone (Verizon Wireless); Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G Android Phone (Sprint); and Samsung Galaxy S II 4G Android Phone (AT&T)

Amazon Appstore for Android: Angry Birds (Ad-Free); TETRIS; and Pandora Internet Radio

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December 30, 2011

Google Plus Reportedly home to over 62 Million Users

Google Plus (+) The social networking site has over 62 million users and is adding 625,000 new users each day according to unofficial Google+ statistician Paul Allen. This could be courtesy all the brand awareness Google is creating worldwide, with Television ads targeting key Google audience. At the current rate of new users, Allen predicts that Google+ will reach 100 million users on February 25th, 200 million users on August 3rd, and 293 million users by december 2012.

The reports are based on the number of Google+ signups and not actual usage reports, and until we get some information from Google themselves we won’t know.

December 30, 2011

Fast Five is the Most Pirated Movie of 2011

The list of the most pirated movies on BitTorrent reveals that Fast Five is the most pirated movie of 2011, with over 9 million illegal dollars. Costing the makers of the Movie Millions of dollars in revenue. The list goes on with movies like The Hangover II, Thor, Sourcecode, and I Am Number Four.

[Torrent Freak]

December 30, 2011

Samsung Ships 1 Million Galaxy Notes Worldwide (PR)

In an announcement made today, Samsung has clarified that the company has managed to ship 1 million units of the Galaxy Note in under two months. These numbers are just from countries in Europe and Asia. While Samsung expects these numbers to rise rapidly once the Note is launched in North America, possibly the largest market for such a device.

“1 million global shipping of Galaxy Note means it has well positioned itself as a market creator,Samsung will continuously strengthen its leadership in the global smartphone market as well as create new markets with innovative devices.”

-Samsung official

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Samsung Electronics Ships over 1 Million Units of Galaxy Note Globally

Samsung’s flagship smart device Galaxy Note has reached 1 million global shipping.

Samsung Electronics said on the 29th that it has shipped more than 1 million units of Galaxy Note globally. The worldwide sales of Galaxy Note are also on the rise in Europe and Asia including France, Germany, Hongkong and Taiwan. The rapid global sales of Galaxy Note are notable since it is creating a new market for something between smartphone and tablet pc. The speed of the global sales is expected to accelerate further next year when it will be available in the US.

Recently, Financial Times reviewed highly of Galaxy Note, commenting it as”a happy medium for consumers who want to carry just one device, rather than both a smartphone and a tablet and whatever other portable gadget they pick up on their way out”.

A Samsung official also said “1 million global shipping of Galaxy Note means it has well positioned itself as a market creator,” also adding “Samsung will continuously strengthen its leadership in the global smartphone market as well as create new markets with innovative devices.”

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December 30, 2011

Samsung Omnia W i8350 – Unboxing and Hands on

Samsung Omnia W is the first official Windows Phone from Samsung in India. The smartphone has been aggressively priced seeing the massive launch from Nokia for their Lumia Series. The Samsung Omnia however beats the odds of the Nokia Lumia series trumping them in a certain aspects. The Omnia W weighs just 115 gms making it a fairly light phone. The 3.7 inch Super AMOLED screen is exceptionally vivid and has rich deep black levels. The form factor and over all size of the device is very comfortable in the hand.

The Omnia W features a 5 MP camera with autofocus and LED flash, 720p video recording and a front facing VGA camera for video calling. The Omnia W also has a 1.4 GHz Scorpion processor and Adreno 205 GPU. It has 8 GB storage, 512 MB RAM, along with GPS, AGPS for location and high speed HSPA connectivity. The omnia comes with Windows Phone 7.5 mango and is currently available in black color for Rs. 19,900/-. Check out our Video unboxing below and stay tuned for a Full Review out Shortly.

iG Tech Labs.

December 29, 2011

Synology DS411Slim NAS Hands On : Your own Personal Cloud

Network Attached Storage, is a term that reminds us of big bulky devices that store large 3.5 inch Hard Drives. These units are usually obnoxious and loud and provide limited access to the storage. That all has changed as Synology introduces the DS411 Slim. This slim palm size ( or actually palm width) NAS uses 4 Sata 2.5 inch hard drives inside a beautiful piano black shell. Not only is this small and good to look at it is very quiet with noise levels at just 21.1 dB(A).

The DS411 Slim gives you the ability to create your own private cloud, with a host of features including iOS and Android Apps to access your data make this a real worthwhile investment. The DS411slim allows you to create your personal data store and share files b/w Windows, Mac, and Linux. Internet file access is simplified by the encrypted FTP server, the web-based File Browser and File Station. HTTPS, firewall, and IP auto-block support ensure file sharing over the Internet is protected at a high security level.

For those with a download fetish the DS411 Slim has an inbuilt Download Center which allows 24×7 BitTorrent, FTP, HTTP, eMule, and NZB download center without a PC. The DS411 is the ultimate media store using the inbuilt DLNA/UPnP Compliant Media Sever that allows you to stream multimedia files with an UPnP Digital Media Adapter (DMA) to a stereo system or a TV-set. Sony PS3 and Microsoft Xbox360 are also supported.

The Ds411 Slim can also be used as an iTunes Server and an Audio Stream unit that supports Internet radio stations, and iPod playback along with playback of audio files stored on the unit using optional speakers. Check out the tech specs below