Category: Tech

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Here is Everything We Know About Apple iPhone 6S Till Now

With just around a month to go for the next iPhone launch, we have rounded up some specs and features that we may see with the next Apple device.

Force Touch and New Casing Material

Earlier this year, Apple’s next-generation iPhone was announced to come with the ‘Force Touch’ feature, which made a debut appearance with the Apple Watch and the new 13-inch MacBook. The inclusion was widely expected, and a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has confirmed its existence stating that the implementation of Force Touch on iPhone 6s might even add to the thickness of the device.

Force Touch is a brainy touch feature that senses the level of force applied on the screen. It uses tiny electrodes around the flexible Retina display to distinguish between a light tap and a deep press, which trigger instant access to a range of contextually particular controls. This feature adds the chance of embedding more gestures onto the device.

Kuo argued that Force Touch will lead to the forthcoming iDevice (tentatively titled iPhone 6s) being wider, taller, and thicker. It is speculated to increase the dimensions of the phone by 0.15 millimetres crosswise as well as in length and 0.2mm in thickness.

As per Kuo, Apple will employ Series 7000 Aluminium, introduced with Apple Watch, on the next-generation iPhones. The custom metal is 60 percent stronger than the regular aluminium and has just one-third the density of stainless steel.

Apple to Use Better Battery Tech

We hear that a battery breakthrough will fuel the next iPhone, making it last long between two subsequent charges. The innovative battery was patented by Apple in 2012 but came into practice in 2015 with MacBook.

The next-gen battery goes beyond the barrier of the conventional rectangular slab type and can take any shape. This battery consists of thin electrode sheets stacked on one another. These electrodes are cells of different sizes and are installed in the particular contours of the enclosure. This way, developers would be able to utilize the reserved battery space to embed an LTE chip.

This arrangement gives 35 percent more battery cell capacity, using every single millimeter of space available in the enclosure. The technology is currently powering the super-slender 13-inch MacBook that has been engineered to give 9 hours of standby on web browsing and up to 10 hours on iTunes Movie Playback. By combining the same battery technology, the Apple iPhone 6s is expected to provide better battery cycles.

Revamped Interiors

Aa batch of leaked images has hit the Web, purported to be of the iPhone 6s’ metal casing or chassis, thanks to 9to5Mac.

As we can see in the pictures, the iPhone 6S is almost indistinguishable to both the predecessors in the terms of height and width. Unfortunately, the dual camera rumour will turn out to be untrue if these images are authentic. Differences in the internal mounting board also suggest of changes in chipset and quite a few more components. Few rumours suggested that there would be an antenna on the phone, but the metal casing proves this rumour to be false. The rest of the components, like the lightning port, audio jack and speaker holes are in the same place as the iPhone 6.

From the above details, it is highly unlikely that Apple will be going for a notable design change for the upcoming iPhone. Since the launch of iPhone 6, the company’s flagship has gone through a major makeover.

Sports 5MP FaceTime Camera

According to the leaks, the iPhone 6S will sport a 5 MP FaceTime camera, which is an upgrade from the 1.2 MP camera employed by the current version. If the leak is accurate, then we will be witnessing a surge in demand for high-res selfies. Moreover, the rear camera will be upgraded to 12 MP from 8 MP, with 4K video recording capability. The phone will also be able to capture slow-motion videos at 1080p resolution, up from 720p in the current versions.

4K video-recording is currently offered in many high-end smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S6 and OnePlus One. However, what differentiates Apple from its rivals is the software it employs in iPhone to convert the raw data into a polished product. That is why budget filmmakers use iPhone to make short films (and features) even when there are alternatives available in the market.

Samsung to Provide Chipset and Displays for Apple’s Upcoming Products

It looks like the world’s biggest rivals in the tech world may soon be announcing significant collaborations. According to the grapevine, Samsung will be producing Apple’s core chip for the next iPhone as well as displays of other Apple products. This sudden alliance was formed when Apple Chief Executive agreed to tone down the battle of patent suits against Samsung, thereby leading to this association.

Samsung will be budgeting $14 billion dollars for setting up new plants and equipment for assembling Apple’s newest device parts. Samsung had used the latest SoC for their flagship Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. The chip uses 14nm technology whose standards are matched by Exynos 7420, Samsung’s home-made processor. The 14Nm chip is more powerful than the 16Nm chips that are standardly used in the company’s handsets.

If rumours are to be considered, the expected iPhone 6s will be available in stores from 25th September this year, according to MobileNews. In an entertaining chain of events, Vodafone began sending out “Save the Date” e-mails to its staff and unwittingly leaked the release date of Apple’s next flagship.

Surprisingly, there was no name mentioned about the next iPhone; it was just being referred to as the ‘new iPhone’. According to the source, pre-orders will start on 18th September, and it will go live physically on 25th September.

Even before this was leaked, we were somewhat confident that the iPhone 6s would be released in September. We guess Apple decided to stick to its long-standing tradition, as the last three flagships were released in September, in their respective years.

July 6, 2015
LG Hints at a New Google Nexus Handset, Speculated To be Released In August

A few days ago, we did a post on how Google’s Nexus 6 is back on Flipkart and has undergone a massive price cut for its 32GB and 64GB variants. Yes, the earlier Flipkart pricing for the 32 GB and 64 GB variants of the Nexus 6 were at Rs. 44,000 and Rs. 49,000 respectively. Now, both of them received a cut of Rs 10,000, thus lowering down the price of the 32GB variant to Rs 34,999 and 64GB to Rs 39,999. Now, new reports have emerged that after months of speculation about with whom will Google team up with for its next Nexus device, it seems that LG could be the one to build the next, temporarily named, Nexus 5 2015.

According to Android Pit, rather than basing the Nexus 5 2015 on the LG G4, LG will be creating the new handset from the scratch. The device would sport a 5.2-inch screen display, six-core Snapdragon 808 processor by Qualcomm, and 2,700 mAh battery pack, according to the rumours. It may also come in 64 GB and 128 GB variants and have a 16-megapixel rear camera and a five-megapixel wide-angle camera in front.

It is likely that Google teamed up with LG to make the next Nexus device because Nexus 5 made by LG was quite popular in comparison to the Nexus 6 made by Motorola. However, for now, neither Google nor LG has confirmed the news. Also, Google’s next mobile OS, Android M is set for an August release date. Hence, details regarding how many Nexus devices are going to be released and who would be building them will be out really soon.

The company’s flagship tablet Nexus 9 will continue to run for another cycle which implies that there will be no new addition to the tablet series, as of now.

July 6, 2015
Tech Highlights of the Week: Huawei Honor 7, Digital India Week And Much More

This week was loaded with new product releases and announcements from around the world. We have compiled a list of news that made the rounds.

Here are the top 10 highlights of the week:

Huawei Honor 7 Comes With a 20MP Camera, Priced At Rs 20,500

Huawei has unveiled their next Honor Smartphone, the Huawei Honor 7. The device comes in three variants that differ in connectivity and storage only. The three options are: A basic 16 GB model with LTE radio, another one with dual SIM dual standby LTE abilities, and the last is a flagship of the trio with 64GB of internal memory. It is priced at $322 (Rs 20,500). Click here to read more.

John Abraham Becomes HTC’s Brand Evangelist

HTC has been following the brand evangelist story for a couple of years. With Robert Downey Jr. taking the reins of the title globally, the new look and brand direction for HTC was formed. This was also a first step in their “Here’s to Change” campaign. On Tuesday, HTC unveiled its new jersey in partnership with Northeast United Football Club, a football team owned by John Abraham. The partnership goes into its second year as HTC remains the title sponsor for the team. Read about it here.

Dubai Plans On Constructing The First 3D Printed Building

Dubai, a city where something fresh is always being added to the skyline, may have found a way to make construction move even faster. On Tuesday, the Gulf commercial hub announced plans to construct the world’s first office building using 3D printer technology, adding another marvel to its collection of magnificent buildings. Read more about the epic idea here.

Narendra Modi Flags Digital India Campaign with Digital India Week

‘Make in India’ is an initiative that was started back in September 2014 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The principal objective of this initiative is to build manufacturing firms within India to generate more job opportunities and improve the skills of the people of India across different sectors like automobile, aviation, biotechnology, defence manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, ports, railways, textile and much more.

Narendra Modi has been named as the chairman of the Digital India Week, where he also unveiled the official logo of the campaign that seeks to transform India into a digital powerhouse. Read more about it here.

This Newly Developed 3D Fingerprint Scanning Technology Can Redefine Mobile Security

The world that we live in is surrounded by constant cyber threats and crimes, especially in the case of smartphones. You never know when your handset might get picked out from your pocket and be misused in many ways. Tech companies are aware of this fact, hence they are coming out with new innovations to prevent that from happening. We have retina scanning devices, highly secured passcodes, location tracking and more such measures. However, this new security technique will take smartphone security to another level. Read more about the epic 3D Fingerprint scanner here.

India to Become The Second Largest Smartphone Market By 2017

India, the world’s 7th largest country and with the second largest population in the world, may soon have one more tag to its name. According to a study conducted by Strategy Analytics, an international research firm, India is on the road to becoming the second largest smartphone market in the world by 2017. Click here to know more.

Xiaomi Is On A Roll; Sells 34.7 Million Smartphones In H1 2015

Xiaomi, from January to June 2015, has sold 34.7 million smartphones, thus proving to the world that it is more than just a company that is manufacturing generic slabs of hardware to the world. This number beat last years’ number by 33%, thus proving to its competitors that Xiaomi is here to stay, and for a long time. Read more here.

Apple Music Is Available For Rs 120 For A Single User In India

A few days back, Apple released the much-awaited iOS 8.4, and along with It, the much talked about Apple Music. The service arrived in India along with the iOS update, along with 100 more countries. Unexpectedly, the service is available in India for very low rates, especially when you compare it to what Apple is charging in the US. The streaming service has been priced at Rs.120 per month for a single user. You can also opt for a family with maximum six member plan at a discounted subscription of Rs.190 per month. In comparison, US subscribers will have to pay $9.99 (Rs.637) per month or $14.99 (Rs 918) per month for a family account. To know more, click here.

OnePlus Two May Sport a New Metal Body, Teases OnePlus CEO Liu Zuohu

In three weeks, OnePlus will launch its latest flagship phone, OnePlus Two. By now, we’ve seen many rumors and confirmed specifications for OnePlus Two. Today, on a post on Weibo, the popular Chinese microblogging website, OnePlus CEO Liu Zuohu has asked his followers to define “full metal”. While this could mean anything, the timing of this post seems to indicate a metal body for OnePlus Two. Click here to know more.

The Next iPhone May Finally Drop 16GB Base Model In Favor of 32GB

Given the fact that Apple does not include a microSD slot for expanding memory, a 16GB iPhone can get really cranked up with just a handful of games, apps and music. Apple also has issues regarding the iOS updates, which require an immense amount of free space to install. The company is even going to drastic measures to ensure that its entry-level devices can upgrade to newer versions of iOS by removing apps before installation to reclaim disk space, and then reinstalling them after the iOS update has ended. Rumor is, Apple is planning on dropping the 16GB model with the next iPhone. Read more about it here.

July 5, 2015
Five Amazing KickStarter Projects That Need To Be Crowd Funded Right Now

Crowdfunding has transformed the way people do business. Now, inventors do not have to hunt down big time investors or established companies to create life to their ideas. Now they can turn to the wisdom (and wallets) of the general populace to get started. Namely, sites like KickStarter, where the crowd are the inventor’s financial help.

Kickstarter allows ideas to be funded via crowd-funding. Members ‘pledge’ amounts of money in return for a creative award from the inventor.

Let us see some of the KickStarter projects that definitely need crowd-funding:

The Light Phone

It’s difficult to assume anything that comes close to how swiftly humans have completely fallen for their mobile devices. If you have a separate smartphone just for work, why not have another just for life?

You can now leave your distracting device at home and take your credit cardsized cell phone out for work. The Light Phone uses the simple callforwarding function of the phone to connect calls from your smartphone.

It’s what a phone was always meant to be – it receive and makes calls. You have no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, texting or apps. There won’t be any voicemails or missed call display as a reason for you to keep checking your Light Phone. And yes, it can also make a great first phone for a child too. No selfies or texting! Sounds great!

Kickstart the Light Phone here

Phree

Yes, we all have stylus in some of our phones, but there’s just something about writing on a smartphone screen that feels very out of this world. And, of course, there is always the reliable paper and pen option too, but, a soft copy is most reliable and easy when it comes to conveying messages these days.

Presenting Phree, the world’s first unrestricted, high resolution, writevirtually-anywhere mobile input device. Be it on the wall, or the elbow of your sofa or your hand, Phree connects to all your media devices via Bluetooth and is compatible with software and apps, such as Office, OneNote, Acrobat, Viber and more. Just jot down notes and numbers immediately, or doodle on the spot. The whole world is your paper!

Kickstart Phree here

CHIP

CHIP is the tiniest and the cheapest computer ever made. We are talking $9, and the size of two AA batteries here.

For all the tech geeks, it sports a 1GHz processor, 512MB ram and 4GB storage. It has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can connect to the Internet and can also attach a keyboard and a mouse wirelessly. It runs Linux, and works with any screen too!

It comes pre-installed with applications such as LibreOffice to edit spreadsheets, create word documents, or craft presentations. Or Scratch for easy-to-learn programming and coding lessons. Hook up Bluetooth-enabled controllers for games, or a MIDI keyboard for jamming music. CHIP is a little guy ready for bigger things the moment you power it on.

Kickstart CHIP here

Trago

When you hear the words ‘water’ and ‘phones’ together, “get it away from my electronics!” is usually the first sentence that springs to mind. But Trago wants to bring in water and technology together in the world’s first intelligent water bottle.

We all know the value of water to our health, but most of us do not keep track of how much water we should be drinking. It is important because optimal hydration levels are different for everyone, Trago follows your precise needs through simple inputs in an app, through your smartphone. Ultrasonic technology situated in its cap measures your water consumption and encourages you to complete your daily water requirement, via periodical reminders.

Kickstart Trago here

SensorWake

There is nothing more excruciating and painful than the sharp screech of the alarm clock in the morning. Most people start their day repeatedly hitting the snooze button and still wake up drowsy.

But what if you have the option of waking up to the heavenly aroma of coffee? SensorWake, the world’s first olfactory alarm clock, spreads a perfect amount of scent that can wake you up faster than you can say, “Not a morning person.” Plus, it is a scientifically proven theorem.

Kickstart SensorWake here

July 4, 2015
Here’s What We Know About Windows 10 So Far

Windows is by far one of the most widely used OS in the world. It’s also known that Windows XP has been the most popular version of Windows, to the length that it took two years for Windows 8.1 to surpass XP. With Windows 10, Microsoft has taken a multi-platform approach, meaning that your Xbox, phones and other Microsoft products will run on the same OS.

Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to make Windows 10 available worldwide. From free upgrade to new features, the company has been building up the hype for its new OS day by day. Still, existing Windows users are still confused about certain things like, whether they are eligible for free upgrade or when can they get Windows 10.

Here’s what we know about Windows 10 so far. We hope that we are able clear your doubts.

Am I eligible for free upgrade?

The most frequent question riding on Windows users’ minds, to which Microsoft has changed its answer from time to time. First, it was reported that anyone who uses a copy of Windows 7 or 8.1, genuine or not, will get a free upgrade. The company changed its statement saying that the users using pirated version will not get free upgrade.

If you use a genuine copy of Windows 7 or 8.1, you will get a free upgrade. You can simply click on the Windows logo on the right side of the taskbar and reserve your free upgrade.

If you use a pirated version of Windows 7 or 8.1, you will not get a free copy of Windows 10. There is a way to get a free copy though. If you decide to install a preview version of Windows 10 as part of the ‘Windows Insider’ program, you will get a free upgrade as long as you keep receiving the pre-release updates. If you install the preview version, upgrade to the final version on July 29th and then opt-out of pre-release updates, you will not receive the free copy.

When will I receive my free copy of Windows 10?

If you are a regular Windows 7 or 8.1 user, and have registered for your free copy of Windows 10, you will not receive it on July 29. On that day, Microsoft will roll out the new OS to the Windows Insiders. Since the majority of the world has registered for the free upgrade, it is obvious that not all of them will receive it on the same day. That is why Microsoft will start notifying reserved systems in parts, which means you will get your free copy of Windows 10 after you have been notified post July 29.

How do I register for my free Windows 10 upgrade?

You will see a Windows logo on the right side of your taskbar. Click on the logo will open up a window. Click ‘Reserve your free upgrade’ and enter your Microsoft Account ID. Select the menu and choose ‘View Confirmation’. If this window appears, it means you will be notified about your free upgrade:

How much space is needed for Windows 10 upgrade?

According to Microsoft, the Windows 10 upgrade requires only 3GB of space. How much time it takes to download 3GB will depend on your Internet connection.

Will I lose my personal data after I upgrade to Windows 10?

Microsoft says that your files and applications will be safe. However, we recommend you to create a backup of your personal files. As far as softwares are concerned, applications like anti-virus will be uninstalled during the update while keeping its settings. If you have a current subscription, Windows will reinstall using the preserved settings.

Now that your basic doubts have been cleared, we hope that you and us will enjoy Windows 10 when it comes on 29 July.

July 4, 2015

Google Nexus 6 Receives A Huge Price Cut On Flipkart

Here is good news for Nexus 6 lovers! Google’s Nexus 6 is back on Flipkart and has received a massive price cut for its 32GB and 64GB variants. The earlier Flipkart pricing for the 32 GB and 64 GB variants of the Nexus 6 were at Rs. 44,000 and Rs. 49,000 respectively. Now, both of them received a cut of Rs 10,000, thus lowering down the price of the 32GB variant to Rs 34,999 and 64GB to Rs 39,999.

But that is just not it. If you buy on Flipkart, you can also get an additional exchange offer that will shave off an added Rs. 5,000 on the price depending on which phone you swap with.

The Nexus 6 boasts a 5.96-inch QHD (2560×1440p) AMOLED display. It is powered by 2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor coupled with 3 GB of RAM. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box. The screen of the device is shielded by Corning Glass 3, which means users need not have to worry about scratches.

On the camera front, it sports a 13MP rear and 2MP front snapper. The device gets its juice from a 3,220mAh battery, which the company claims to last for six hours on a 15-minute charge as it comes along with Motorola’s Turbo Charger. Nexus 6 offers wireless charging. It comes in two colour options in the country – midnight blue and cloud white.

This cut makes the Nexus 6 price much more pleasing. After all, the Nexus line gained a reputation for offering high-end hardware at low prices, until the more expensive Nexus 6 came along.

Check out the unboxing video of the Nexus 6 below:

Specs	Google Nexus 6
Operating System	Android 5.0 Lollipop
Screen Size	5.96 inches Super AMOLED 1440 x 2560 pixels
RAM	3 GB
Battery	3220 mAh
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 805
CPU	Quad-core 2.7 GHz
GPU	Adreno 420
Front camera	2 MP
Rear Camera	13 MP

July 4, 2015

The Next iPhone May Finally Drop 16GB Base Model In Favor of 32GB

Given the fact that Apple does not include a microSD slot for expanding memory, a 16GB iPhone can get really cranked up with just a handful of games, apps and music. Apple also has issues regarding the iOS updates, which require an immense amount of free space to install. The company is even going to drastic measures to ensure that its entry-level devices can upgrade to newer versions of iOS by removing apps before installation to reclaim disk space, and then reinstalling them after the iOS update has ended.

But, with the upcoming iPhone 6S, 16GB models may soon become obsolete. We think that the next iPhone will not have a 16GB variant, but instead will go for the 32GB as a start. Interestingly, Apple removed the 32GB storage option after the 5S. Bumping the entry-level offering to 32GB would give customers a better experience.

It is highly unlikely that Apple will be going for a significant design change for the new upcoming iPhone. Since with the iPhone 6, the company’s flagship went through a major makeover. We also read that the next iPhones will include Force Touch and a new casing to make the iPhone 6S wider, taller and stronger.

The new model will run on iOS 9 and have an upgraded processor, as Apple announced at the WWDC this year. We saw in May that Samsung might provide chipsets and displays for Apple’s upcoming products. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Analyst at KGI Securities, says that Apple’s next iPhone 6s models will be powered by a next-gen A9 processor. There are no official confirmations from both the tech powerhouses, but if correct, we may soon see something very different from this alliance. Some sources state that the upcoming handset is expected to arrive with a 2GB RAM.

From the battery perspective, Apple will use a next-gen battery that goes beyond the barrier of the conventional rectangular slab type and can take any shape. This battery consists of thin electrode sheets stacked on one another. This way, developers would be able to utilize the reserved cell space to embed an LTE chip.

There is still have more than a month before we see the new iPhone. Until then, we’ll make sure to keep you updated with its (leaked) details.

July 4, 2015
Nikon Comes Out With Three Heavy Duty Lenses

Today, Nikon Inc. announced fast 16-80mm f/2.8-4 DX zoom, faster-focusing, lighter 500mm, 600mm f/4 lenses– a fantastic set of versatile lenses that are well suited for advanced and enthusiast photographers.

Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

The new 16-80mm f/2.8-4E is a DX lens that offers the comparable focal range of 24-120mm in 35mm terms, so it is a flexible walk-around lens that can be used by enthusiast photographers.

It’s the first Nikon DX lens that comes with Nano Crystal Coating for lessening ghosting and flaring. It is also the first DX lens to include an Electromagnetic Diaphragm, which electronically adjusts the lens aperture for constant exposures during a high-speed shoot.

Its specs include a least focusing distance of 1.2 feet, 4-stop vibration reduction, fluorine coating on the front and rear elements, 17 elements in 13 groups, a 7-blade aperture, and Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for fast and accurate autofocusing.

The Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4 will be available starting in July 2015 with a price tag of $1,070 (Rs 70,000 approx).

Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and 600mm f/4E FL ED VR

Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR

The new 500mm f/4 and 600mm f/4 lenses are two FX telephoto prime lenses intended to provide high optical and focusing abilities, at the same time, weighing very less.

Nikon says the lenses are designed for sports, action, wildlife, and press photographers.

By the fourth quarter or final period, users will indeed enjoy the weight reduction of these lenses that allow for extended shooting, even into overtime.

Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR

Both lenses highlight Nikon’s latest autofocus tracking technologies for instantly and accurately locking onto fast-moving subjects. Both lenses pack Nikon’s Electromagnetic Diaphragm for snapping consistent exposures during rapid-fire bursts.

Weight wise, the new lenses are significantly lighter than their predecessors. The 500mm lost nearly 0.91kg, weighing 3kg instead of 3.86kg, and the 600mm shed almost 1.36kg, weighing 3.75kg instead of 5.22kg. This weight loss is because of the new fluorite elements that Nikon has begun included in its lenses.

Other features and specs include a magnesium alloy construction, Nano Crystal Coating, 4-stop VR image stabilization, automatic tripod detection, a SPORT VR mode for a more stable viewfinder image, weather sealing, fluorine coating,

Although Nikon India is yet to offer word on the pricing of the lenses, it is estimated that the lenses would cost around $10,299 (Rs 6.54 lacs) and $12,999 (Rs 7.81 lacs) for the 500mm and 600mm models respectively. Hence, it is clear that this is only meant for professional photographers. The company will start selling the lenses in the country starting this month, so you won’t have to wait if you’re interested in getting them.

July 3, 2015
Google Teases Google Glass in an FCC Filing

It’s been a long time since we heard anything about Google Glass. Yes, we are talking about that spectacle containing a tiny computer, whose production was stopped by Google earlier this year. It could have been the end of it, but Google never stopped developing the project. Today, a report has came out that says Google Glass could resurface again.

According to Droid Life, an FCC (Federal Communication Commission) filing by Google indicates that the company is working on a new version of Google Glass. Filed under the FCC ID A4R-GG1, the term ‘GG’ indicates Google Glass. Unlike most devices, which are labelled in FCC as mobile or a wearable, this one has been labelled as “BLUETOOTH & DTS/UNII a/b/g/n/ac” with model name “GG1”.

According to the website, the device has Bluetooth LE and rechargeable, non-removable batteries that can’t be accessed…. the product comes with an AC charger and USB cable that when connected to a PC, can provide a “path for charging and data transfer.”

For all we know, the device could be a smartphone or a tablet, but the fact that it hasn’t been labelled as a phone or wearable and Google used the initials GG, this could be the next version of Google Glass. Of course, it’s all speculation until and unless Google announces it.

With Oculus Rift expected to make a huge entry by 2016 and Microsoft HoloLens getting attention for its innovative holographic interface, Google has the perfect opportunity to make strides in the augmented reality wearable segment.

July 3, 2015
Gello, Cyanogen’s Browser Will Allow Lots Of Customization Options

There is no shortage of mobile Internet browsing apps. Now, here comes one more browsing app called Gello, right now, only for Android. Gello is a Chromium-based browser that is developed by Cyanogen. But what is so special about this browser? In a market already full to the edge with third party browsers, Gello’s single selling point will be tons of customization options.

If you have been using the Chrome browser on your Android device, what you see in the video may look familiar. Apparently, CyanogenMod is using Chromium and adding its features and services.

CyanogenMod’s Joey Rizzoli teased the new browser on Tuesday in a Google+ post and said, “Coming to a screen near you through +CyanogenMod! Will unveil more soon!!” He also shared a 14-second YouTube video showing some highlights of the upcoming browser including an extremely customised interface, save for offline browsing feature, night mode, new privacy and safety settings, and new download settings.

https://plus.google.com/+JoeyRizzoli/posts/F8RTxMP1dqH

The Gello browser would be directed at those who fancy AOSP instead of Google’s Android. But, it is also possible that it could be installed directly on traditional Android devices.

If you have entry-level handsets, then Gello might not be for you. According to CM team member Joey Rizzoli, Gello will not be available on “low-end devices or devices with small system partitions”. Rizolli also cited that the team plans to bring more characteristics to Gello. Let us wait and watch!

At the moment, We do not know the release dates of Gello. But, when the browser finally gets released, it will come with an open-source licence, which will allow everyone with enough creativity or programming skills to contribute to the project.

Check out the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCmpb4zEFBU

July 3, 2015
Xolo Will Release ‘Black’ on July 10 Exclusively Through Flipkart

Since its launch in 2012, XOLO has tried but never been able to achieve the level of popularity like its rivals Motorola and Xiaomi have. XOLO hopes to change that through its upcoming phone “Black”, which will be exclusively sold on Flipkart.

According to BGR, the Xolo Black will be released on July 10 through Flipkart. Xolo is adopting the online business model considering how it has expanded fanbase for companies like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Yu and even Motorola, which was struggling until it launched Moto X, in India.

According to reports, the Xolo Black is priced under Rs. 15,000. The phone sports dual-rear cameras, a glass rear panel at the back, supports 4G LTE, and runs on the new Hive 1.5 UI based on Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Unlike its competitors, Xolo will not sell the phone in a flash sale. The Xolo Black will be sold in an open-sale and will follow the online-only business model. Xolo plans to launch a new handset every quarter under the Brand series. The phones will be priced between Rs 10,000 – Rs 20,000 and all of them would be 4G enabled.

Here’s the video used by Xolo to tease the Black:

Source : [tw-button size=”small” background=”” color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.bgr.in/news/xolo-black-with-dual-camera-setup-to-launch-on-july-10-on-flipkart/”]BGR[/tw-button]

July 3, 2015
OnePlus Cardboard VR Headset Will Be Available On Amazon For Rs 99 Only
Last week, OnePlus announced the OnePlus Two’s launch date, after almost a year of rumours and speculations. The company said the OnePlus Two will be revealed officially on 27th July, which was earlier speculated to be 17th April.

The company also decided to launch the handset in a not-so-common way. The live streaming of the event will take place in Virtual Reality, starting at 7 pm PDT on 27th July. For this occasion, OnePlus has engineered its own ‘cardboard’ VR headgears that allow you to slip in your mobile handset inside the little box.

This is not just a product; it’s an initiative. We aren’t making any money by offering OnePlus Cardboard. In fact, we are losing money with each one. There will come a day in which we will be able to travel the world and immerse ourselves in amazing things without ever leaving the comfort of our homes. OnePlus Cardboard exists to drive this idea forward.

To get the OnePlus Cardboard, the description said users could sign up and participate in a contest that closes today.
1. Sign Up & Participate
OnePlus is giving away a plethora of headsets to our fans for free, along with shipping. To win a headset, users simply have to sign up on OnePlus Cardboard Giveaway, and the winners will be decided at random. The contest closes on July 3. Winners will be announced on OnePlus’s social media pages as well. The contest winners will be contacted by the company, post the draw.
1. Buy it on Amazon India
The OnePlus Cardboards will go on sale from the third week of July at a price of Rs. 99 (shipping terms will be as per standard Amazon India policy). The exact sale date on the platform will be announced on OnePlus’s social media channels soon.

Most of the spec details will be unveiled at the launch event. Till then, as per the revelation by the company CEO Liu Zuohu, OnePlus Two will run on Snapdragon 810 chipset along with 4GB RAM. A 5.5-inch 2K display will improve the viewing experience of the user. The OnePlus Two will also have a USB C-Type, the first in a flagship device by a major manufacturer.

The company has already announced that the price of the OnePlus 2 will be above $322 (Approx. Rs .20,485). With the launch next month, there is an enormous possibility that users will, again, be required to have an invite to purchase the phone. But this time, the company says it is prepared to meet the demands.

Watch the video below where co-founder Carl Pei demonstrates how he is charging his MacBook with the phone’s USB Type-C charging cable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JPM8mSl9kc
July 3, 2015
HDFC Will Now Provide Banking Services Through Apple Watch

HDFC has introduced WatchBanking, an app that allows you to carry out transactions from your Apple Watch. It’s another matter that the watch hasn’t been very popular in India, unlike its cousins iPhone and iPad. Still, it’s refreshing to see HDFC take the “better-now-than-later” approach, considering that Indian banks are known for being slow when it comes to adapting new technology.

HDFC claims that the app has been designed by keeping the functionality of Apple Watch in mind. For now, the app allows you to carry out ten types of transactions such as Bill Payments and Recharges. It allows you to see your account information and locate nearest ATMs, just like the regular HDFC app for iOS.

The bank scores extra points as customers won’t have to download a separate app for Apple Watch. They can activate WatchBanking from an upgraded version of HDFC Bank’s MobileBanking App itself. The bank assures no security flaws since the watch will act as a projection device. The data will flow from the mobile phone to the bank’s servers. Additionally, there is a watch banking PIN that the user himself will set during the one-time setup process, using his unique id and password.

HDFC says that it aims to provide banking services through all wearable devices across all platforms, including iOS and Android.

With WatchBanking, HDFC follows CitiBank, which recently launched its own banking app for Apple Watch. The trend will continue to follow if the market for smart wearable grows.

July 2, 2015
Apple Music Is Available For Rs 120 For A Single User In India

A few days back, Apple released the much-awaited iOS 8.4, and along with It, the much talked about Apple Music. The service arrived in India along with the iOS update, along with 100 more countries. Unexpectedly, the service is available in India for very low rates, especially when you compare it to what Apple is charging in the US. The streaming service has been priced at Rs.120 per month for a single user. You can also opt for a family with maximum six member plan at a discounted subscription of Rs.190 per month. In comparison, US subscribers will have to pay $9.99 (Rs.637) per month or $14.99 (Rs 918) per month for a family account.

Apple Music is slowly rolling out to some regions, and as promised, it is free to use for the first three months. Just enter your credit card details to sign up or if you already have your card on file in the AppStore, you’re good to go with the free trial.

The music service is built into a redesigned variant of the Music app on iOS based on Beats Music. Apple has also revamped its iTunes Radio and expanded the service to new countries. It has added a social media angle to it, making it an interactive feature for music lovers. Only artists will have their profiles, enabling them to post media including music samples and share content from other artists. The regular users can like or comment only using their iTunes accounts.

Apple is all set to revamp and replace its long forgotten ‘iTunes Ping’ with ‘Apple Music’. ‘iTunes Ping’ was a music social network service launched in September 2010 but had to be shut down two years later.

July 2, 2015
Airtel, Vodafone Launch Nationwide MNP from July 3

From Friday, you will be able to retain the same number anywhere in India, without changing your network operator. Today, mobile operators Bharti Airtel and Vodafone said that they would roll out nationwide mobile number portability (MNP) from July 3.

Telecom operators were supposed to roll out nationwide MNP in May. However, due to the technical challenges faced by telecom operators, the deadline of May 3 was extended by two months by Department of Telecom (DoT). According to COAI, the telecom industry body, telecom operators needed 8 weeks to make some technical changes to their networks due to changes in national numbering plan (NNP), resulting in delay.

Ajai Puri, Director, Market Operations, Bharti Airtel, said

With our complete readiness to launch National Mobile Number Portability, we aim to empower customers enabling them to retain this identity as they move across anywhere in the country. To facilitate a seamless transition we will also allow our customers to enjoy free incoming on roaming while their number portability request is being processed.

Now that Airtel and Vodafone have implemented full MNP, subscribers will be able to switch to the same or different network in a different state while retaining the same mobile number. Airtel promises that the porting request will take effect in 24 hours, which is fast when compared to the 8 days it usually takes.

To make the MNP process even more smooth, Airtel customers will enjoy free incoming on roaming while their request is processed and can transfer their prepaid balance & carry forward postpaid unbilled/billed amount. The process for national MNP will be the same as intra-city MNP.

Read about Vodafone’s latest tariff plans here.

July 2, 2015