Smartphone News and Reviews, Latest Cellphones, Accessories, New Launches, Specifications, Details with Image and Video from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Moto, HTC, Xiaomi, Oneplus, Meizu, Sony, Lava, Micromax Yu Mobile and More.
Google’s Andy Rubin and Intel CEO Paul Otellini announced the synergy between the companies while holding a Medfield-powered smartphone running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). Intel is working concurrently with Google in order to optimize future processors for use with Android.
Intel is also purportedly optimizing its structure and will be able to run Android on Atom chipsets.
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”no” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Intel and Google to Optimize Android Platform for Intel® Architecture
Santa Clara and Mountain View, Calif., Sept. 13, 2011 – Intel Corporation and Google Inc. today announced that they will work to enable and optimize future versions of Android™ for Intel’s family of low power Atom™ processors. This means that future versions of the Android platform will support Intel technology in addition to other architectures.
The joint effort is designed to speed time-to-market of Intel technology-based smartphones running the Android platform. Intel will take advantage of the open-source accessibility of the Android platform to provide its customers with technology products that inspire continued innovation and also help enable powerful personal computing experiences that fully leverage Intel technology across a range of devices. This work will enable mobile device OEMs and wireless operators to draw upon the performance and low power capabilities of Intel® architecture and tap into the scale of the x86 developer ecosystem to further drive the adoption of the Android platform.
“By optimizing the Android platform for Intel architecture, we bring a powerful new capability to market that will accelerate more industry adoption and choice, and bring exciting new products to market that harness the combined potential of Intel technology and the Android platform,” said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini.”Together we are accelerating Intel architecture and bringing new levels of innovation to a maturing Android platform.”
“Combining Android with Intel’s low power smartphone roadmap opens up more opportunity for innovation and choice,” said Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google. “This collaboration will drive the Android ecosystem forward.”
Today’s announcement builds upon the two companies’ recent joint initiatives to enable Intel architecture on Google products, which include Chrome OS and Google TV along with the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) and Native Development Kit (NDK).[/toggle]
The first image of the HTC Runnymede has surfaced on the inter-webs. The image clearly shows that the device will also house beats audio.
Specs include
4.7-inch Display
9.9mm thick phone
768MB of RAM
1.5GHZ Qualcomm chip
8 megapixel camera with f2.2 lens and double LED flash
UK prices are £499 or £530 for the 16 or 32GB versions.
Included Beats by Dre Headphones.
Details of the new HTC Bliss have also leaked, the Bliss is aimed at the female buyer and will have an attractive appeal a 3.7-inch Super LCD display and a 5 megapixel camera. The device will come with a bluetooth powered notification Charm Indicator, a light-up of sorts that fits to a handbag or bracelet and blinks when you receive a call.
How convenient is that ? Especially for us girls when we really don’t hear our phones buried in the junk of our handbags.
Its the classic case of “we want you to buy new devices” Wave 2.0 is said to be considerably heavier than the existing version. As in the case of iOS 4 for iPhone 3G , You basically get half the features of higher end phones, a lot of lag and crashing and a chunk load of disappointment all around. Lets hope that this is not the case with BADA 2.0 as SAMSUNGBADA twitter account has updated saying that all existing bada devices get Bada 2.0, but not all get all the features.
Looks like its gonna be one big battle b/w users, Samsung and App devs (most of whom are already dreading different formats from Bada OS)
Dirty Devils – do we all know that Google and Facebook essentially hate each other since the invent of Google Plus? But, new information has come into play : Google’s recent expensive endeavor is making a device dedicated to serve the rival company Facebook. The EX225, likely a feature phone that’s based on BREW OS is being touted as a QWERTY device with a dedicated Facebook button, something quite similar to our friend the ChaCha (sans touch screen and Android)
For the technically sound the device includes a 2.4-inch TFT-LCD display, a 3 megapixel camera and five row QWERTY keyboard and will be available in 2 variants dual-sim and single-sim. One this is for sure you can expect this device to do well in India, and you can expect a full feature on this iGyaan style.
Samsung Galaxy S II, came to India, it saw and it conquered the mobile stratosphere, and now its ready to leave. The S II fury is dying out in our short-love country, and people are looking for better. Some waiting for the Xiaomi and Micromax A85 to save their money. Others are going towards holding their “Gandhis” for the Galaxy Note.
America on the other hand is prepping the launch of the super thin smartphone, as At&t puts it up for pre-order with no ETA. So are we really that Backward, are we? (Okay at least when it comes to new Mobile phones – Okay except for the iPhone! – Okay the iPhone officially )
Yes, you heard right – Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich build is going to debut on a new handset titled the Google Nexus Prime, in an attempt to return the Nexus to the glory it had hoped for originally.
Okay, it’s not a hard challenge for Google given that who gets Android first is largely its choice, but given that it’s made by Samsung, an Apple rival whose competition for the Tablet Throne has been somewhat intensified given the recent injunction on Galaxy Tab sales in Germany, this could be a power play to help increase Android’s market share even further.
Android has a major advantage over iOS, in that it’s not limited to a small range of handsets. In fact, most modern smartphones are running a version of Android, and this allows Google to reach even further into the Apple userbase to tempt people away from a platform that may offer more apps, but is very expensive and devoid of Flash capability.
If you’re not keen on owning a Nexus Prime, however, then fear not – there’ll soon be a range of phones boasting the ability to use Ice Cream Sandwich, and Google are working with the community to ensure that everyone gets their hands on it regardless of phone model, age, or carrier.
All that remains is to review the Nexus Prime itself – although given Google’s recent acquisition of Motorola Mobility, it’s likely that the tech we’ll be seeing will be impressive, to say the least.
Update: we have confirmed new that this device is now called the Micromax A85 , the specs remain final.
Whats up butterflies of the inter-webs, we have exclusive news for you folks. Micromax is working on a dual core smartphone for the Indian Market. Currently dubbed “PowerPhone” expect a “Poseidon”, “Titan” or “Hercules” type of name on launch.
The new device will be based around a phone made in the depths of Chinese Manufactories. Micromax will add its design hues but more or less the specs will remain the same.
Rumored Specs will include:
A Tegra 2 Processor with Geforce8
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
1 GHZ dual core – 2 x Arm Cortex A9 processors
512 MB RAM- 8 Gb onboard storage
3.8 inch screen with 480×800 pixel resolution
Capacitive Touch Screen with 4 Multitouch points
5 Megapixel camera with tap focus and intelligent illumination
Rumors point to a possible drop of the onboard storage to make the device affordable. There is also a front facing camera and a 1650mah battery.
Whatever may be the case the device is set to launch later this year with a price tag of less than Rs. 18,000/-
Hold on while we try to get an official word on this, so to happen Rumor!
Update: we have confirmed new that this device is now called the Micromax A85 , the specs remain final.
Remember we dropped first information on this device back in June!
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro Sk17i is just a little marvel, with little being the key word. The device is a recent attempt by Sony to Prove in certain countries that they too can make great phones at decent prices.
We took in the Xperia Mini Pro with a lifted eyebrow, wondering why in the world would one carry a mini fat phone. But as days passed, the device suddenly changed our opinion and Ranked amongst the best devices in out list.
Build Quality
The Xperia Mini Pro is built in a wonderful shell with a great slider mechanism. The black back cover is soft rubber touch and feels great in the hand, the slider is smooth as butter yet snaps into place like the phones in the original Matrix movie. The front display has an anti scratch coating and the buttons are clickety and tactile offering great feedback and impressive control.
Talk Time: Up to 5 Hours 40 Min (2G) Up to 5 Hours 25 Min (3G)
Multimedia and Camera
The Camera on the Xperia Mini Pro Sk17i is good for a 5MP camera, it does not have a rear illuminated CMOS sensor, but it does feature a quick focus shutter and nice depth of color. Pictures can be composed with great detail. The camera also focuses pretty good on close objects in macro mode.
Sample Images
The video capture is what one can call “so-so” we were not to impressed with the video quality , the video was grainy in bright sunlight and not to mention the infamous red halo in the middle of the video capture. See our Sample Below.
The display is possibly the best display you can buy for the price. We are so impressed with the Mobile Bravia Engine Reality Display, that we feel the price of the device should be enough for the display by itself. Stunning image showcase and HD video playback on the screen, although the pixel density is fairly lower compared to other devices, you can hardly notice the lack of pixels. The gaming and video playback is smooth and vivid, not forgetting the 1GHZ Snapdragon procession that plays a major role.
Audio playback is satisfactory and up to the mark, we didn’t expect more than what SE delivered and got just that. Earphones however are excellent and deliver great sounding music.
Phone and Messaging
The device has had mixed reviews when it came to phone quality. Lets not get confused here, the device is an excellent phone, Network is strong, zero to none when it comes to dropped calls, and great connectivity throughout. The problem lies in the earpiece – Although the unit we received has no problems what so ever, A lot of users have emailed us telling us about the Xperia Mini Pro’s Static noise in the earpiece.
In a case like that Sony Ericsson is obligated to fix your problem and a service centre is obligated to provide you with the right resolution. Or even a Refund/ Replacement if the case arises. So ensure you fight your case and hang on to the warranty booklet and present it to your service provider stating the policy.
In either case, such problems are not easily resolved in out Brilliant democracy, so we tend to consider this ear piece problem ( which we haven’t faced incidentally) a downside.
Messaging on the other hand is awesome on the new butter slide QWERTY magic that pops out from the side of this mini genius. The keyboard is fast and fun to use, very very tactical and offers great feedback along with the clickety sound. Alternatively you have the new Gingerbread Keyboard with pull handles and the works. In both cases the keyboard is marvelous and does its job whether you are messaging or emailing, or simply browsing the Web.
Internet and Hotspots
The device has a silky smooth experience when it comes to surfing the inter-webs. The browser with its subtle yet responsive Kinetic scrolls, Accelerometer, and full flash capabilities rocks the cell phone stratosphere. Video streaming and flash games run well on this device and turns out to be an overall performer.
The device also features a portable WiFi Hotspot feature, which enables users to share the devices 3G connection with unto 5 connected devices.
Battery
Be prepared to charge your device several times if you are an Internet Hoe. The device sucks the juices from the power source when on 3G lasting only a couple of hours at the most. Talktime ranges from 3- 5.5 hours depending on how you use the device otherwise dusting that period , stand by time on the other hand runs into days. 3-4 days to be precise.
If you are using Wifi constantly the device lasts 8 hours, but on 3G the device can only do 3- 3.5 hours. Turn on the Portable hotspot and see your battery die out in a couple of hours tops.
TimeScape
The new Timescape UI gives this device a lot of flare and panache, adding interactivity and a clean interface to the otherwise splashy Android UI. With lots of customization features and layouts the Xperia Mini Pro SK17i can really become custom for each user. The addition of custom apps and features from Sony is welcome too.
Conclusion
The device is a great mix for a user, Great multimedia and hardware specs, excellent display and Mobile Bravia Engine, not to mention the slide out keyboard. The device features Android 2.3.4 with Timescape, a 1GHZ processor and 512 MB of Ram. There is really not much more one can ask for. Sure there are the few problems, the red tint in camera ( which we don’t mind) the earpiece problem ( which we don’t have, but know that a lot of these device have) and poor battery on 3g data use ( well, Android is known for that )
We really can’t think of any QWERTY Touch slider that does better, Oh and did i forget to mention the device also has the Nexus S TV animation, during display power off, as standard.
HTC is already set to announce two windows phone devices, The company is also passing around invitations to a launch event in New York. Possibility of the HTC Vigor and other devices looms the atmosphere. September 20th is the set date, and the first Beats Audio equipped mobile handset is expected at the event. Stay tuned for more updates!
In the wonderful world of manufacturer patent-wars, a new twist has developed today. HTC has sued Apple using newly obtained firepower: nine patents picked up from Google last week. Theses patents have travelled from Palm – to Motorola – Google (who has bought Motorola) , Google transferred these patents to HTC last week, to power the HTC vs Apple suit.
HTC CFO had earlier said that HTC was trying to figure out and resolve problems with Apple. Looks like the sit down with Apple’s nasty lawyers didn’t work out for the Taiwanese Giant.
Vodafone has announced the new Vodafone Blue handset at just Rs 4950/-
The phone has a designated F button that lets the user upload pictures, visit profiles and update status in a single click . It basically allows you to do the Facebook magic. The device updates as counters, notifications, and displays Facebook posts regularly in the background.
Additionally, Vodafone Blue will be launched in India, with unlimited access to Facebook for a year from the date of its purchase.
The mobile internet plays a central role in the daily lives of millions of Vodafone customers, many of whom are avid Facebook users. Vodafone Blue is the answer to our youth’s mobile social networking needs. The phone has been designed to let everyone experience the fun of connecting with friends on the go, at a pocket friendly price. With our unique, fully integrated Facebook customization, the Vodafone Blueoffers a compelling, out-of-the-box experience.”
Facebook wants to make every phone social and Vodafone has taken the integration of Facebook to the next level with the Vodafone Blue. We are really happy that Vodafone has brought the phone to India and enabling people to experience Facebook free of charge from the mobile device for a year”
-Henri Moissinac, Head of Mobile Business, Facebook
The device basically is a Qwerty phone with a touch navigation, 2.4″ landscape display and QWERTY keypad with features like a 3.5 mm headset jack, FM Radio, multiple simultaneous Facebook Chat sessions, 2 megapixel camera.
Vodafone Essar, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, in its endeavour to provide differentiated experience to its customers today launched a revolutionary phone –Vodafone Blue. Specifically designed to put the Facebook experience into the heart of the handset,VodafoneBlue will allow users to easily share and connect with their friends anytime, anywhere. The phone isdesigned specifically to bring an ‘outstanding and affordable integrated mobile Facebook experience’ to pay-as-you-go customers.
The VodafoneBlue, developed in collaboration with Facebook, brings the qualities of a classic Smartphone together with popular social networking functions – from status updates to sharing a photo – into the hands of millions of people in an attractive, intuitive mobile phone, competitively priced at MRP. Rs 4950/- (inclusive of all taxes) only.
The uber-cool VodafoneBlue has a designated F button that lets the user upload pictures, visit profiles; update status at a single click. The phone takes Facebook integration to a different stage by providing all kinds of updates as counters, notifications, and displays Facebook posts regularly in the background. Additionally, Vodafone Blue will be launched in India, with unlimited access to Facebook for a year from the date of its purchase.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kumar Ramanathan, Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Essar said, “The mobile internet plays a central role in the daily lives of millions of Vodafone customers, many of whom are avid Facebook users. Vodafone Blue is the answer to our youth’s mobile social networking needs. The phone has been designed to let everyone experience the fun of connecting with friends on the go, at a pocket friendly price. With our unique, fully integrated Facebook customization, the Vodafone Blueoffers a compelling, out-of-the-box experience.”
Commenting on the launch of the phone, Henri Moissinac, Head of Mobile Business, Facebook said, “Facebook wants to make every phone social and Vodafone has taken the integration of Facebook to the next level with the VodafoneBlue. We are really happy that Vodafone has brought the phone to India and enabling people to experience Facebook free of charge from the mobile device for a year”.
Vodafone Blue: Powering the new era of mobile social networking in India
Every aspect of the Vodafone Blue design reflects people’s desire to stay up-to-date and communicate with their friends anytime, anywhere.
Ready to go, straight out of the box: Facebook is built into the handset’s core – it’s running the moment the customer turns on the mobile phone.
Truly integrated messaging: Facebook messages appear in the handset’s inbox alongside texts and email.
Simple photo-sharing: photos taken using the Vodafone Blue’s 2 megapixel camera can be shared with friends with a single click.
Easy to stay in contact: friends’ Facebook profiles are automatically synchronised in the Vodafone Blue’s address book.
Multiple Chat: Chat with all your friends as Vodafone Blue enables multiple Facebook Chat sessions simultaneously.
Always available: The phone updates regularly in the background, flagging new items on the home screen.
One-click control: the customizable Facebook ‘F’ button can be assigned to one of a number of tasks, including instantly posting a status update with photos from the gallery or with links from the browser.
Attractive form-factor: touch navigation, 2.4″ landscape display and QWERTY keypad are ideal for typing chat, email and status updates. Comes with Opera Mini 5 Web browser for fast internet browsing
Music on the Go : Fully integrated FM Radio and music player with 3.5mm jack
For additional details and other terms and conditions, please refer www.vodafone.in
Notes to Editors
The Vodafone Blue is a Vodafone concept, developed in collaboration with Facebook and manufactured exclusively for Vodafone
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
Notes to Editor
About Vodafone Essar
Vodafone Essar is a member of the Vodafone Group and commenced operations in 1994 when its predecessor Hutchison Telecom acquired the cellular license for Mumbai. The company now has operations across the country with over 143 million customers. Vodafone Essar has been awarded the “Best Mobile Service Provider 2011” at the Aegis Graham Bell Awards 2011. Also, in a survey conducted by India’s leading business weekly, Vodafone Essar was awarded ‘Most Respected Company’ in the Telecom Sector for 2010 and the ‘Most Trusted Service Brand’ in India for 2010, by a leading financial daily. Vodafone India, in line with its group philosophy has released the Corporate Sustainability Report for India – Footprints 2010-11. To view the online version of the report, please visit www.vodafone.in
Vodafone is one of the world’s largest mobile communications companies by revenue with over 370 million customers in its controlled and jointly controlled markets as at June 30, 2011. Vodafone currently has equity interests in over 30 countries across five continents and more than 40 partner networks worldwide. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com
Now that the iPhone 5 is set to launch soon , Apple’s manufacturing partners have reportedly begun assembling the iPhone 5 according to a new report from Macotakara.
Foxconn, who handle 85% of iPhone 5 production, and Pegatron, which has picked up a contract for the remaining 15%, have begin manufacturing parts for the expected jesus phone. Citing information from an anonymous source, the report also notes that finished devices are not yet being packaged, as the release build of iOS 5 has not yet been finalized.
Apple is yet to announce the device of the year, but Deutsche Telekom has started to allow subscribers to reserve an iPhone 5 , even though they have no information on pricing or specifications. Apple is expected to launch a fifth-generation iPhone and an updated fourth-generation model end September or early next month.
Samsung CEO during the IFA trade show in Berlin on Friday said Samsung would “never” make the purchase.
It’s not right that acquiring an operating system is becoming a fashion”
Samsung already owns a proprietary OS – BADA , and also manufactures mobile phones on various other platforms including Android, Widows Phone 7, Brew etc. Although CEO Choi Gee Sung has said that the company will not buy WebOS, sources claim that Samsung is in talks about licensing WebOS from HP for their upcoming smartphones.
