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Apple Will Not Be Allowed to Sell Refurbished iPhones in India

Apple has been denied the request to import and sell refurbished iPhones to the world’s second largest mobile population, a telecommunications ministry official told Bloomberg on Tuesday.

With India inc. heavily pushing “Make In India”, the rejection could simply be rebellion by competition brands who do not want Apple to gain foothold by selling cheaper refurbished phones. Companies started a public campaign against the effort, arguing that such a move would trigger a flood of used electronics while defeating the government’s Make-in-India program to encourage local manufacturing.

India is one the largest smartphone markets in the world, However, Apple has only been able to capture 2% stake in this ever growing region. This is reportedly due to the high prices and less availability of Apple products. Refurbished iPhone sales would have allowed Apple to pentrate a lower segment of the market which would have drastically improved sales and market share for Apple.

Apple is also seeking permission to open its own stores, and drive sales up for the iphone by offering specail Apple financing and deals, as they would in other markets.

VIA

May 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 7 May Not have a Home Button

The iPhone 7 to be launched this year is expected to bring about a significant design change for the Cupertino-based technology giant. With Apple revising the design of the iPhone with each new number, the iPhone 7 is expected to improve its looks drastically in comparison to the iPhone 6s.

Adding to the rumors of the new all glass design is the recent announcement by LG. The company announced that they have developed a new display technology which will allow manufacturers of smartphones to place a fingerprint scanner right on the display glass.

It is not new information that LG is one of the biggest display providers to Apple, and with the next iPhone due in September 2016, LG’s announcement comes right on time. The new display by LG allows the user to scan their finger anywhere on the glass of the screen, making the need for a button or a panel to scan the fingerprint redundant. LG said its new module has a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 0.002 percent. Because the module is sealed under a layer of glass, it remains protected from splashes and scratches.

Back in June 2015 reports pointed to Apple working on an integrated fingerprint scanner display :

Apple is internally developing touch and display driver integration (TDDI) single-chip solutions for its iPhones, according to sources in Taiwan’s IC design industry.

The TDDI single-chip solutions will also come with integrated fingerprint sensors, said the sources. The integrated design would fit into future iPhone designs – models with ultra-thin and ultra-narrow displays, and with a whole plane design eliminating the Home button.

In fact, Apple also has a patent for the same.

Other reports point to a flush home button made of liquid metal, which would be recessed when pressed but would return to original shape after recovery.

LG’s solution, which is 0.3mm thick, is inserted on the lower backside of a smartphone’s cover glass. LG has also designed its own adhesive to allow this module to be stuck to the glass of the smartphone.

With 3D touch, the need for the home button may also be directly replaced by making the screen 3D touch capable. With LG’s new fingerprint technology, and Apple’s 3D Touch released with the iPhone 6s combined with rumors of a seamless glass design, it is highly likely that Apple may drop the home button on the iPhone 7.

Via

May 4, 2016

HTC Desire 830 Launched With Helio X10

HTC has launched the Desire 830 smartphone in Taiwan with the Helio X10 Chipset. The Desire 830 is a revision to the popular Desire 820 and has been launched for a price of TWD 9,990 (Rs. 20,000)

The Desire 830 sports a 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080p display along with BoomSound Speakers. Users will get 3 GB or RAM and 32 GB of Storage expandable further via microSD card. A 13 MP main camera and a 4 ultrapixel front camera complete the optics, both have f/2.0 lenses.

Running the latest Sense UI on Android 6.0 Marshmallow the Desire 830 will pack 2800 mAh of battery and will work with LTE along with EVDO Networks meaning you will be able to use both GSM and CDMA sim cards on this dual sim handset.

Specifications	HTC Desire 830
Display	5.5-inch full HD display with 1920x1080p resolution Pixel density: 401 ppi (pixels per inch)
OS	Android Marshmallow-based Sense UI
Chipset	MediaTek Helio X10 (MT6753T)
CPU	1.5GHz octa-core CPU
GPU	ARM Mali-T720
RAM	3GB
Storage	32GB
Expandable	Yes, microSD
Main Camera	13MP camera with LED Flash OIS, BSI sensor f/2.0 aperture, 28mm lens full HD video
Secondary Camera	Front: 4µp (UltraPixel) camera with f/2.0 aperture, 26.8mm wide-angle lens
Battery	2800mAh
Add-ons	BoomSound stereo speaker with Dolby audio technology
Dimensions	157.5 x 78.9 x 7.79 mm
Colours	White/orange and white/blue combination
Price	NTD9,990 (around $309/€269/Rs. 20,590)

May 4, 2016

OnePlus 3 To Support Dash Charge and Cost Rs. 20,400

The OnePlus 3 launch is just around the corner and the phone is highly anticipated. While many have put a lot of faith and trust in OnePlus and expect a fantastic phone, many are waiting for the company to reveal the handset before commenting.

OnePlus has filed a patent for a technology called “Dash Charge” while little is known about the tech, many assume that the name suggests a fast charging technology. Something that was missing in the OnePlus 2 and was considered unacceptable by many.

Other reports are mentioning two models of the OnePlus 3 one with 4GB of RAM + 32GB of storage and one with 6GB of RAM + 64GB of storage. A price of CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 20,400) is quoted for the base model of the OnePlus pointing towards a roughly Rs. 24000-25000 launch price in markets like India. It was earlier reported that OnePlus 3 will be launched in three variants. Other specs leaked also point towards a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset with the Adreno 530 GPU.

VIA / 2

May 3, 2016
Samsung J5 (6) and J7 (6) 2016 Launched, Coming to India Soon

Samsung has launched the J5 and J7 in the home country of South Korea and in China. This time however, the handsets feature a metal frame and improved design and specifications.

The Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016) features a 5.2-inch 720p Super AMOLED display and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. A 1.2 Ghz quad-core processor powers the device, along with 16 GB of internal storage, and microSD expansion slot. It also has a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front facing camera. The Galaxy J5 will come with a 3,100 mAh removable battery.

The Samsung Galaxy J7 has a 5.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display an runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It’s powered by 1.6 Ghz quad-core chip and 2 GB of RAM. I 16 GB of internal storage, microSD expansion slot for up to 128 GB support.13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front facing camera It packs in a larger 3,300 mAh removable battery.

Samsung is working to launch these handsets in India soon, and will boast many of the data saving and graphics features, that were a huge hit last year. Both the J5 and J7 have cameras with f1.9 aperture which will truly improve low light camera performance for these phones.

The Phones have been launched for KRW 290,000 (around $255 / Rs 14000) and KRW 363,000 (around $320 / Rs 20000) however they are expected to be priced lower in India.

Source 1 / 2

May 2, 2016
Schematics Reveal iPhone 7 will Have Smart Connector

Think of the Smart Connector on the iPad Pro and it has mostly been used by case makers to power up the cases which come with keyboards. Until recently when Logitech released a dock which allows you to charge the iPad Pro using the Smart Connector.

iPhone 7 plus version drawings have been shared by Japanese site Mac Otakara, and they show a purported “pro” variant with a 5.5-inch display which will also have the smart connector just like the iPad Pro. The handset is set to measure in at 158.22mm x 77.94mm x 7.3mm. Along with a large cutout in the schematic that shows a possible dual-camera setup.

The addition of the smart connector would mean that you will still be able to charge up your iPhone 7 while listening to music via headphones connected to the lightning connector. (See: Apple Set to change history)

On the flip side, it could be used to charge headphones, as Apple is apparently working on new Beats Headphones to be released alongside the new iPhone 7.

People also suggest that the iPhone smart connector could be connected to other peripherals, including external microphones, lenses and camera cases to make for a nice portable camera kit.

Who knows what Apple has up its sleeve and if the final iPhone 7 will have the smart connector in the first place. Previously MacFan has been accurate about Apple’s devices, sharing design details of the iPhone 6/6 Plus and 12.9-inch iPad Pro ahead of launch.

Source

April 29, 2016
ThinCharge : Thinnest iPhone 6s Case Review

We quickly review the thinnest iPhone 6s Case aka the ThinCharge .

Product Dimensions: 11mm x 5.6 in x 3.2 in – Weight: 70 grams
Compatibility: Apple iPhone 6/6s
Package Dimensions: 205mm x 105mm x 16mm – Weight: 5 ounces
Battery capacity: 2600mAh – Type: Lithium-polymer

April 29, 2016
HTC will Make Two Nexus Devices This Year, M1 and S1

Leaks are suggesting that HTC will be launching two Nexus devices in 2016, codenamed M1 and S1. This information comes after previous news of HTC signing a multi-year contract with Alphabet inc.

HTC is building a pair of Android N devices for Google internally dubbed M1 and S1 #nexus
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) April 27, 2016

The devices are also known as ‘Marlin’ and ‘Sailfish’ according to Android Police. A Geekbench score of a device named “marlin” have been leaked with 4GB RAM and still named Nexus 6p, however, running Android N.

Google is rumoured to include universal support for pressure-sensitive display technology, and hence, the HTC Nexus devices will use 3D Touch type technology and will come with 5.2 and 5.5 inch displays. Running the final version of Android N out of the box. The handsets are expected to be made completely out of metal and have impressive camera capabilities.

April 28, 2016
Apple Wants to Remove iPhone Distribution Chain in India

Apple is all set to launch official Apple stores and the online Apple store in India. With the company steadily moving forward towards that goal, they intend to remove the current distribution layer in the market.

Sources close to iGyaan from within Apple have clarified that service and sale of all iPhones may fall back under Apple’s own command as the general approach towards service has been poor in India when compared to global standards of service.

Traditional distribution model which was adopted by importers of iPhone in India, Ingram and Reddington, end up decreasing the sale prices of the iPhone considerable within one year, which is not the case with Apple’s global sales model. Apple wants to ensure that the price protection for the customer who buys the phone at launch is equal for the customer who buys the phone six months from launch.

The Recent launch of the iPhone SE is the biggest example of Price problems faced by the company. The iPhone SE was launched at Rs. 39000 while the iPhone 6s was available at the time for around Rs. 40000 down about Rs. 16000 from initial launch price. Apple then steadily moved to regulate the price of the iPhone in India, even though denying it, to ensure the sale of their new mid-tier iPhone SE.

Apple sees India as a large opportunity for sales, only after the US and China, and expects to be able to provide equivalent pricing as the US markets and also ensure that price does not fall by taking reins of the sales and service model in India. In a scenario like that the iPhone SE, which costs $ 399 in the US would cost Rs. 26500 in India and not Rs. 39000.

April 28, 2016
Moto G 2016 aka Moto G4 and G4 Plus Launching 17th May

Motorola’s Next generation G, aka Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus are launching on the 17th of May based on this new invite from Motorola.

The now Lenovo-owned company has had its Moto G4 and G4 plus leak out with specifications that should make it an interesting device, provided it is launched in the same price bracket as every Moto G prior to this.

Leaks had earlier pegged the launch of the Moto G on 9th June but it appears that date will be kept for the Moto X 2016 which leaked out yesterday.

The leaks have already suggested that Moto G4 will sport a front facing square fingerprint sensor. The Moto G4 is expected to have a 5.5-inch display, 13MP camera and 16GB of internal storage. The Moto G Plus is also expected to get a 5.5-inch display, a 16MP camera and 16GB of internal storage with prices set at approximately Rs 21,000 for the G Plus variant, which may become much less at the time of launch.

April 28, 2016
YU 5330 Spotted on Geekbench Browser

Micromax Subsidiary YU Televentures may be working up their next smartphone, and according to the latest leak thanks to benchmarks site Geekbench, the handset will sport 4 GB of RAM and a MediaTek MT6755M also known as the Helio P10 chipset.

The handset still seems to be running Android 5.1 and the benchmark scores can be seen below, or on the source link.

VIA

Source

April 28, 2016
Moto 360 Sport Launched in India

Motorola has launched the Moto 360 sport in India through online website Flipkart. The smartwatch which retails for US $ 299 in the US has been launched for roughly the same price in India Rs. 19999.

The 45 mm smartwatch comes with a sweat and dustproof silicone strap and in only the black color for the Indian market. Its enhanced features are targeted at the fitness enthusiast community, however, it can be used as a regular Moto360 and will work Android and iOS devices.

The iP67 rating keeps the Moto 360 Sport waterproof and can be immersed in water for up to 30 minutes.

The pricing is appreciated as it does not jump much higher than the global pricing, however only the black color has been launched which is a bit of a letdown. We were really digging the Orange and White colors.

April 27, 2016
OnePlus 3 Specs Leaking all over the Internet

OnePlus’s next flagship’s the OnePlus 3 is becoming everyday news. With its launch a few months away, it seems that a lot is already known for the US $ 354 Smartphone. (including the price)

The OnePlus 3, Codename Rain A3000, according to leaks will sport the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset with the Adreno 530 GPU, as well as Memory options in the following format : 3GB + 32GB, 6GB + 64GB, and 4GB + 128GB. Strange as it seems the 3GB + 32GB will cost US$ 354 whereas the 6GB + 64GB variant will cost US$ 384, well worth the additional if you ask us.

Leaks are also mentioning a quick charge feature, which details a 5-minute charge capable of giving 2 hours of phone calls. Android 6 with OnePlus’ new OS Hydrogen is expected to come pre loaded.

OnePlus’s is unsure of when it wants to announce the phone, so it’s either May 18th or May 28th for the launch and sales should begin soon after.

The handset, however, will still come with a 5.2-inch 1920x1080p display. Some benchmarks are also showing 5 inch and 5.5 inch displays, which could be model or variant dependent or simply different phones.

VIA

April 27, 2016
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Plus & Note 6 will have 5.8 inch Edge Display, Launch in July

Rumors are pegging the release of the Note 6 and the Galaxy S7 Edge Plus earlier than its usual IFA launch for July 2016. The segment defining Note series that still comes with a stylus may launch at the time Samsung launched the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus along with a successor of the same.

One of the smartphones pegged for July will feature a large 5.8 inch Edge display, much like the S7 edge and will come with Android N on board. Soon after which most Samsung flagships will start to get their own builds/ upgrades of Android N. The Other will feature the same size, however with a flat display.

There is also talk of a 4000 mAh battery, which may not be such a problems thanks to the large size. The processors seem to be the same as well, according to the tip, with no major changes under the hood. However, the Note 6 for the US market will get Snapdragon 823.

Both the devices will feature the same cameras already found in the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, along with features like a fingerprint sensor and an iris scanner. While the latter does not seem very likely.

Source

April 25, 2016
Motorola Moto G4 and G4 Plus will Launch 9th June

More Moto news, according to GizmoChina, the Lenovo-owned Moto will launch the revisions to the G3 this June in two variants as the Moto G4 and G4 plus.

The leaks have already suggested that Moto G4 will sport a front facing square fingerprint sensor. The Moto G4 is expected to have a 5.5-inch display, 13MP camera and 16GB of internal storage. The Moto G Plus is also expected to get a 5.5-inch display, a 16MP camera and 16GB of internal storage with prices set at approximately Rs 21,000.

The Rear leaked image suggests a Laser focus style two dots above the camera which may indicate that Motorola is stressing on the camera which has been a big sell point in the past few years. We also expect it to retain the water resistance of the Moto G3 which was a big feature last year.

April 23, 2016