Category: Gadget

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Sony Mistakenly Confirms Xperia Z4 Tablet With 2K Display Ahead of MWC

The approaching Mobile World Conference (MWC) will witness many new smartphones, tablets and other high-end gadgets, and major companies can’t seem to contain their excitement about the event. Samsung and LG have unwrapped some of their devices ahead of the event, and the latest firm join in is Sony.

Recently, Sony gave a glimpse of its next tablet titled Xperia Z4. As per Xperia blog, a brief description along with an image was accidently posted on the Xperia Lounge app of the company. The statement proudly informs of Sony Xperia Z4’s “2K display” and the “latest ultra fast processor”. It also reads that the tablet has “industry leading battery performance.”

The design of the tablet looks sleek and from the picture, it is evident that volume rockers are placed on the right side. There is one circular key below it which looks like a power button. As the information was accidently slipped, details of the device are still under wraps. But one thing is clear that the phone will make an appearance on 3^rd of March in Barcelona.

February 25, 2015
Google Confirms New Chromebook Pixel is on its Way

A fresh round of rumours surfaced that speak of an updated version of Google’s Chromebook Pixel. The Chromebook Pixel is the most premium offering from Google’s Chromebook family. This would be the first update by the company since the original released two years back.

The confirmation of the news that Chromebook Pixel 2 is currently in works was confirmed by Google executives on a YouTube video, which was later made private. The video showed Renee Niemi, who is responsible for running Google’s Android and Chrome programs for work and education. She confirmed at the TeamWork 2015 partner event about the same.

OMG Chrome translated the conversation of Niemi who said –

We do have a new Pixel coming out and it will be coming out soon. We will be selling it… but I just have to set your expectations: this is a development platform…This is really a proof of concept. We don’t make very many of these—we really don’t. And our developers and our Googlers consume 85 percent of what we produce. But yes, we do have a new Pixel coming out.

Chromebooks have gained popularity since last year, and many big companies are investing highly in Google’s project running on Chrome OS. It’s a high-performance gadget and is extremely beneficial for educational and business purposes. Samsung, Acer and Dell have their chromebooks, and they come at a much lower price than that of Google.

There is no news about the display size, the apps it will be equipped with and or any other details regarding the Chromebook Pixel 2. Considering it’s an upgrade, we can expect it to be priced slightly higher that the original Chromebook Pixel, which costs $1,299.

February 24, 2015
Apple’s Upcoming 12-inch MacBook Air May Feature Touch ID Fingerprint Scanner

The highly anticipated next generation MacBook Air is said to boast a 12-inch display along with Intel Broadwell chipsets, but its other specs are still behind the veil. A Taiwanese website Apple.club.tw has made an announcement that the Cupertino-based giant will embed the future MacBooks and desktops with Touch ID fingerprint scanner. This includes the rumoured 12-inch MacBook Air as well.

According to the source, Apple will infuse the Touch ID in the trackpad of the purposed 12-inch laptop and next-gen MacBook Pro. As for desktops, the fingerprint scanner is likely to be implanted in the Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

The website also stated that the next sleek and thin MacBook Air may come in three colour variants – silver, space grey, and gold. The colours may remind you of the last released iPhones and iPads.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that these are just rumours, and the company hasn’t come forward with any statement confirming these reports. If the speculations turn out to be true, then it may give a push to the company’s payment system, Apple Pay. The users will be allowed to make safe online purchases using Apple Pay. The mobile payment, as for now, is limited to the two top-end handsets, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. In future, it will be compatible with iPhone 5 series when paired with Apple Watch.

The reported 12-inch MacBook is said to be thinner than its predecessor and will come with a Retina display. It is expected to launch this year by the end of the second quarter.

February 18, 2015
Apple Might Step in the VR Headset Space With an iPhone Centric Device

Virtual reality is the newest trend in the market that every firm wants to foster. Samsung and Facebook are already making headlines with their offerings in virtual reality space. Now, Apple is attempting to jump into the battleground to make a space way for itself in this budding market.

Today, the Cupertino based tech giant has been granted a patent titled ‘Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display.’ The patent describes a Samsung’s Gear VR-like portable electronic device, which will be powered by the high definition screen of the iPhones. The patent was first filed back in September 2008 and the company is now awarded the same after five years.

According to images registered with the patents, the iPhone will be placed within the headset frame, and its screen will act as the primary display for viewing the virtual reality content. The pictures also depict a remote that could be used to control the content on screen.

Electronic headset concept is not new as Samsung and Google have gone far ahead in VR headset game. Samsung Gear VR is a commendable product which is compatible with Galaxy Note 4 and the new Galaxy A7 for now. The company is also exploring the virtual reality space with Project Beyond, which is a 360-degree camera for recording VR content.

Meanwhile, besides a VR headset, the patents speak of one more feature called picture-in-picture (PIP). This tool will aid users in keeping an eye on the real world when the headset is on. A total of 41 patents have been granted to Apple on Tuesday, which came to light today. These patents are related to optics, design and accessories. So, users can expect a pinch of new innovation with Apple’s VR headset.

February 18, 2015
Samsung’s New Galaxy Tab Active is Designed to Boost Business Productivity

At its 2015 Forum in Thailand, the South Korean electronics giant, Samsung, is carefully and slowly taking the veil off its latest innovations. After introducing the Galaxy J1 for Rs. 9,900, the company has now showcased a tablet primarily manufactured for business-oriented customers. The Galaxy Tab Active is designed to boost business productivity.

The Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business, Samsung India Electronics, Mr. Anuj Jain commented about the gadget saying –

Samsung’s latest innovation, Galaxy Tab Active is the first tablet built for enterprise use. The device has been created basis the valuable feedback from top companies across industry verticals and Samsung’s own market insights. Galaxy Tab Active features business enhancing functionality and powerful technological capabilities allowing professionals to work without limitations in and out of the office.

The Galaxy Tab Active is 9.75mm thick and sports a sufficient 8-inch LCD screen. It is infused with 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 1.5 GB RAM, which is powerful enough to carry out routine tasks. The tablet is supported by Samsung KNOX for comprehensive mobile security. The security feature keeps the data safe without the need for a third-party platform and gives the freedom to customize the device with personal apps.

The tablet features a 3.1 MP rear snapper with Auto Focus and LED Flash, and a tough 4,450mAh battery, which can go for 10 hours on a single charge. Connectivity options include Micro USB 2.0, NFC and AllShare Cast. The company has added a built-in C-Pen, a stylus for easy access and note-talking.

There is no detail about the price and availability of the tablet. Keep checking our website for more updates.

February 16, 2015
JBL Go Portable Speakers Now Available in India for Rs. 1,999

JBL GO wireless portable Bluetooth speakers are now available for the Indian market, exclusively on Snapdeal. The speaker will be available for an attractive price of Rs 1,999.

The JBL GO is a square, box-like device, integrated with buttons for power, Bluetooth, volume and call answering along with a mic. It is also installed with an echo and noise-cancellation technology which works when it is connected to a phone. This ensures there would be no sound distortion while talking on the phone.

It is backed by a 600mAh battery that ensures up to 5 hours of audio playback.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Tony Navin” author_title=”Senior Vice President, Electronics and Home, Snapdeal.com”]

The portable Bluetooth speaker market is booming in India and JBL has taken the lead in gaining significant mindshare in this space. Snapdeal has become the preferred destination for bluetooth speakers with the widest range of products at best prices. Being the largest marketplace with instant access to over 40 million users across the country, it gives brands an opportunity to launch products with instant reach to all our users. JBL Go on Snapdeal will be accessible to consumers across 5000 towns and cities. The product in itself will be a trendsetter in the market and we are excited about this launch.

[/quote]

Click here to buy the speakers now.

February 10, 2015
Check Out Dolfi, World’s Smallest Washing Machine that Fits in Your Palm

Machine wash is comfortable; however, it isn’t always gentle. But there is a device that will wash all your clothes with the utmost tenderness and wouldn’t leave even a pinch of dirt on your clothes. Dolfi, a tiny device that is a washing machine.

Dolfi is the next-gen cleaning mechanism and uses ultrasonic technology to wash clothes. The technique is not new and is long being used in the industry and medical practices for thorough cleaning. In the automobile industry, ultrasonic technology is used to separate oil and grease from motor parts.

Dolfi uses multi-frequency transducer that creates modulated wideband progressive sound waves. These sound waves travel through water and even from minuscule high-pressure bubbles. These bubbles implode into millions of micro-jet liquid streams. These liquid streams are so tiny and powerful that they wash away all the dirt from the fabric.

Because it is small like a soap bar, Dolfi is portable. Just soak your dirty clothes in water with detergent and put Dolfi in that water. With this, you are done. Dolfi will silently work on your clothes, pushing dirt out of them. The equipment has been developed and tested by a Swiss company.

The technology, presently on Indiegogo, has gained huge popularity and has raised $212,468 till date. Check out the video below to know more about Dolfi:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oWKr6_ttx0

January 31, 2015
Facebook’s Oculus Forms a Dedicated In-House Studio for Virtual Reality Movies

The independent cinema fair of 2015, Sundance Film Festival, showcased some top-notch films. The one that left the world awestruck was the first virtual-reality film by Facebook-acquired Oculus. Facebook premiered its first short piece titled ‘Lost’. It is the first of five short animated flicks the company will be making this year.

Oculus has built in-house studio called Story Studio, where the company will be creating virtual reality films and research on the story telling.

By developing content for virtual reality, Oculus aims to attract more filmmakers to invest in the new technology. To start with, the company has tapped the highest talents from both the film industry and video gaming world. Veteran of Pixar Animation Studios and Lucasfilm Ltd., who were responsible for films like Toy Story and Monsters Inc., will be attached to the upcoming five-film project.

The premiered movie Lost is helmed by former Pixar artist Saschka Unseld, who is now the creative director of Story Studios. The film takes the viewers to the middle of the forest where a mechanical creature bounds into the scene. The Chief Executive of Oculus Brendan Iribe described the flick as ‘a real-time version of a Pixar experience that you’re inside of.’

Iribe further added to his statement –

This is really tuning into what a lot of people who are extending 360-degree film into VR cannot do yet. It’s getting into the heart and soul and magic of VR.

Virtual Reality films are the real-time cinema where you can not only see, but also feel your presence in the space. However, the concept of experiencing 360-degree panoramic view using a gadget that fixes at the head has not reached the masses as of yet. In spite, Samsung and Google have developed products like Galaxy Gear VR headset and Google’s Cardboard VR device, the journey of it to be available mainstream will take some time.

January 27, 2015
ASUS Introduces 19.5-inch All-in-One PC with Hand Gesture Control

ASUS India has added one more laptop to its range of next-gen computers. The new addition called All-in-one PC ET2040INK is priced at Rs. 25,999 and will be available online through Amazon and ASUS exclusive stores.

It sports a widescreen 19.5-inch HD LED display which is an excellent size to enjoy movies. Running on Windows 8.1, the device houses an Intel Pentium J2900 2.41GHz quad-core CPU along with 2 GB of RAM, which should give users a fine computing speed. Along with that, it has a 500GB hard drive and comes bundled with 100 GB of cloud storage capacity on ASUS WebStorage and smart backup power to prevent data loss.

The highlight of the computer, other than its 19.5-inch HD widescreen, is the innovative Hand-Gesture Recognition Software (HGRS) that allows you to navigate within the interface through hand movements. The technology uses the in-built webcam of 1M to interpret hand movements. The company claims that the software makes hands-free entertainment possible. Users can play songs, adjust player settings, zoom or rotate photos through hand gestures.

The ASUS laptop is quite a good option for those who wish to replace their old PCs with something which is not too heavy on the pocket.

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January 27, 2015
List of the Best Republic Day Tech Deals on Amazon
Festive season offers are a great time to make purchases. Amazon has organised a special clearance parade on the occasion of Republic day where you will get electronic devices at discounted rates. You can get from memory carda to phones to tablets and lots more.

Here’s a collection of top 5 deals you can go for this Republic day:

1. Nokia Lumia 625 (White)
- 4.7-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen
- 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual core processor, 512MB RAM
- Windows 8 (Windows 8.1)
- 8 GB internal memory, 64 GB expandable
- 2000mAH battery (23 hours talk-time on 2G)
- 1-year manufacturer warranty for the device and 6 months manufacturer warranty for in-box accessories
- 5 MP primary camera with LED flash, full HD video recording and 0.3 MP front facing camera
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2. Lenovo Yoga 8 Tablet
- 8-inch IPS capacitive touchscreen
- 1.2GHz Mediatek 8389 quad-core processor, 1 GB RAM
- Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
- 6000mAH battery
- 16 GB internal memory, 64 GB expandable
- 5MP primary camera with auto focus and 1.6MP front facing camera
- 1-year manufacturer warranty for the device and 6 months manufacturer warranty for in-box accessories
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3. iPhone 5c (White, 8 GB)
- 4-inch multi-touch Retina display
- iOS 7 OS with 8 GB internal memory
- 8 MP primary camera with LED flash, auto focus, 1.2 MP front-facing camera for HD video recording
- Rechargeable battery with 10 hours of talk time on 3G network
- 1-year manufacturer warranty for the device and six months manufacturer warranty for in-box accessories
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4. Nikon Coolpix L830
- 3.0-inch and 921,000 dot TILT LCD display
- Comes with 16.0 MP CMOS sensor
- Comes with f/3 – f/5.9 aperture
- 34x zoom-NIKKOR glass ED lens and 1080p full HD video with stereo sound
- 4 GB memory card and camera case
- 2 years Nikon India warranty
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5. Sony MDR XB-450 Extra Bass Foldable Headphones
- 30 mm driver unit for powerful sound
- Portable with folding design
- Pressure-relieving ear pads for extensive comfort
- Tangle-free flat cord
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January 25, 2015
Microsoft Holo Lens will bring Holographs to Life on PC

Microsoft is banking big on its new piece of technology which will bring holographic imagery to the end consumer.

Holo Lens is a mere headset which when connected with any PC running Windows 10 will merge and blur the lines between the digital and the physical. The kit will come complete with a set of APIs that enable developers to create holographic experiences in the real world.

With Windows 10, holograms are Windows universal apps and Windows universal apps can work as holograms, making it possible to place three-dimensional holograms in the world around you to communicate, create and explore in a manner that is far more personal and human.

The Holo Lens is wireless and will project the holograms in high definition and allow for a surround sound audio experience. Built directly into the hardware is a dedicated Holographic Processing Unit “HPU” ensuring a smooth transition between the software to the virtual world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aThCr0PsyuA

January 22, 2015
ASUS Brings Out the Fonepad 8 in India for Rs. 13,999

Today Asus launched one more product for the Indian market – the Fonepad 8 (FE380CG). The new Fonepad supports 3G functionality and comes at a price of Rs. 13,999. The 8-inch device, initially launched at Computex 2014, is a modified version of Fonepad 8 tablet. It runs on Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box and features dual-SIM support.

The device flaunts an 8-inch 1280x800p display and is powered by 64-bit Intel Atom Z3530 1.33GHz quad-core processor, paired with 2 GB of RAM. The tablet runs on the company’s Asus ZenUI; comes with 16 GB of inbuilt storage that can be expanded up to 64 GB via MicroSD card.

On the camera front, the Fonepad 8 (FE380CG) has a 5MP rear camera along with a 2MP secondary camera. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, MicroUSB, Bluetooth v4.0, GPS, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The device houses a 4000mAh battery that the company claims can last up to 21 hours of talk time.

For now, the Fonepad 8 will be available exclusively on Flipkart. The device will come in two colour variants – Black and Gold.

January 20, 2015
Facebook in Hiring Mode to Boost its Virtual Reality Business

When Facebook acquired Oculus Rift for a price of $2 Billion, we had a feeling it has something big planned for it. Virtual Reality(VR) is a budding market that is growing at a slow and steady pace. Facebook sees huge potential for these devices and is now on a hiring spree to get Oculus Rift up and running in the consumer space.

Oculus can be credit for bringing Virtual Reality back from the dead. Using the increased processing might of this generation chipset has helped these device give an authentic VR experience. The graphics quality has gotten better and there are now multiple headset options in the market that promise an immersive experience. While devices like Gear VR from Samsung are already in the market, Oculus Rift’s consumer version is still in the development stage.

Facebook acquired Oculus last year for a sum of $2 Billion

Facebook has listed 54 jobs on its website that seem to directly focus on it VR division. The jobs listed include managers to oversee logistics, procurement and global supply chain planning. Analysts believe this hints that the company is ready to bring the consumer version in the market.

If you want to test out the Oculus Rift, the company offers a Developers Kit that supports over 188 game titles. Other players in the VR market include Sony with its Project Morpheus, Google with the low-cost headset called the Cardboard project and Avegant Glyph. There are also some start-up projects working on their VR headsets too, like ANTVR.

We hope the wait for the consumer version of the Oculus Rift is coming to an end. It may be only a while before VR would be the way to game because of its immersive advantage.

January 19, 2015
The World’s Tiniest Keyboard Only Has Eight Keys

Slowly and steadily, with the evolution in technology, gadgets are becoming more compact by the day. WayTools has developed a keyboard called TextBlade, which is made keeping in mind the travelling group. The TextBlade works exactly like a normal keyboard but is ultra-portable and has only eight keys.

The TextBlade is one-third the size of an iPhone and is super slim. It weighs only 1.5 ounces and can be carried like a pen drive in your pocket. The rectangle-shaped keyboard opens up to form three magnetic stripes. These magnetic stripes attach automatically to create a stripped-down keyboard, once drawn closer. The device is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and gets connected through Bluetooth. The company has patented its technology and calls it ‘MultiTouch Key technology.’

The eight keys embrace all the alphabets, numbers and other special characters of a regular keyboard, in a way that most of keys hold more than one identity. All the keys are given appropriate space and the format is kept the same to eliminate the inconvenience. The device houses a rechargeable battery that can last for a month on a full charge. The gadget is priced at $99, which is a little below Rs. 6,000.

The company says that the keyboard provides spacing as of the desktop keyboard and is aimed at giving a seamless transition to touch users from full-size keyboards to a travel keyboard.

Meanwhile, you can watch the video below to get a better idea of how it works.

January 15, 2015
Here’s Everything Xiaomi Launched Today (Other Than the Mi Note)

Chinese smartphone powerhouse, Xiaomi has kicked off the year with the launch of its new flagship, the Xiaomi Mi Note. Going much further than its predecessors, this device directly takes an aim at the big name flagships and as usual comes with an extremely competitive price tag, although still higher than the usual Xiaomi pricing. The device packs some exceptional specs and the Pro version goes on to challenge the smartphones on the top of the food chain.

At the stage, Xiaomi founder and CEO, Lei Jun stated “We want to be the biggest phone company in the world,” and they delivered their products accordingly. It has expanded its portfolio to challenge the dominance of big brands with this launch event. So let’s take a look at all the other products that Xiaomi has unleashed today from its stage that got overshadowed by the awesomeness of the new Mi Note and Mi Note Pro.

Mi Smart Home App

Xiaomi began with explaining its plans to enter into the smart home market where the smartphone will be command center. The company offers a Smart Home App which connects all the appliance with one app.

Xiaomi has invested RMB 1.26 Billion($203 Million) in home appliances company Midea last December, to take its smart home objective forward.

Mi Headphones

Apple bought Beats and Xiaomi, as always following footsteps, launched its own headphones. They have dual 50 mm drivers and exchangeable ear cups.

In true Xiaomi fashion, these headphones are priced at 500 Yuan or about Rs. 5000. The Mi Headphones look attractive but we can only be sure about their quality when we put them to test.

Mi Box Mini

The next launch was the Mi Box Mini which is a tinsy tiny set top box from Xiaomi. This device is powered by a quad-core 1.3GHz processor along with 1GB RAM. It has 4GB internal flash memory and supports 1080p resolution along with Dolby and DTS audio and dual band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

So overall Xiaomi did what it is known for and it sure was a good show. Now that the products are out, get ready for a long line of speculations about their date of arrival on the Indian shores. Xiaomi does consider India an important market, but it may consider releasing these devices in India only after it gets out of the legal hassles it is facing in the country.

January 15, 2015