Category: Tech

Latest Technology News, Alternative, Bio-Tech, Medical, R&D and Innovations

Lenovo Launches the Affordable A5000 With 4000mAh Battery in India; Price Revealed

The newest A-series smartphone to launch in Russia few days back, the A5000, was speculated to arrive in India soon. Today, the handset has finally made it to the Indian soil. The A5000 is introduced at a price of Rs. 9,999 and is currently listed on the company’s online TheDoStore. Lenovo is taking pre-orders for the A5000, which will ship by April 30, as mentioned on the website. The phone will be available in two colour options – white and black.

The A5000 flaunts a 5-inch HD IPS display (1280×720 pixels). Inside is a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek processor with 1GB RAM that provides processing speed to the device. The 8GB internal storage capacity of the device can be expanded up to 32GB via MicroSD card. The smartphone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat.

Optics includes an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, while the front is a 2MP camera to click selfies. Connectivity options include GPRS/EDGE, Wi-Fi 802, GPS, Micro-USB, and Bluetooth 4.0. The dual-SIM device gets its juice from the massive 4000mAh battery.

At the price of Rs. 9,999, the new Lenovo handset will compete with Honor 4X, Redmi 2 and the new Moto E LTE.

Check the specs sheet of Lenovo A5000 below:

Specification	Lenovo A5000
Display	5-inch HD IPS (1280x720p) display
Processor	1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek processor
RAM	1GB
Storage	8GB
Expandable Upto	32GB
Main Camera	8MP
Front Camera	2MP
Battery	4000mAh
Operating System	Android 4.4 KitKat
Price	Rs. 9,999

April 27, 2015

Motorola Quietly Cuts the Price of Moto X (Gen 2) in India

Once again, Motorola has slashed the price of the Moto X (Gen 2) in India. The 16GB smartphone will now be available at Rs. 26,999, which was previously priced at Rs. 29,999. Along with that, the 32GB version has also received a similar price drop of Rs. 3,000. The higher storage variant is currently available on Flipkart for Rs. 29,999.

Motorola earlier announced a price cut of Moto X (Gen 2) 16GB while launching the 32GB version of the handset. The device was released at a launch price of Rs. 31,999.

Recalling the specifications of second-gen Moto X, the handset boasts a 5.2-inch (1080x1920pl) AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Inside is a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor bundled with 2GB of RAM. Running on Android 4.4 KitKat, the phone can be upgraded to Lollipop.

Back of the phone sports a 13MP camera with autofocus, dual-LED flash, and the front has a 2MP shooter. The device gets fuelled up by a 2300mAh battery. The 16GB and 32GB variants come with identical specs and differ only in memory storage, which can’t be expanded.

Click here to buy now:

April 27, 2015
Facebook and Google Have Been Instrumental In Locating Nepal Earthquake Survivors

A destructive earthquake shocked Nepal for two days and left nearly 2,200 people dead, and many more were left injured or missing. It was one of the most dangerous earthquakes whose epicenter originated 17km south of Kodari, Nepal and measured 7.9 on the Richter scale. At this hour of crisis, many technological powerhouses have made it easier for rescue workers and family members to reach out to missing people.

Google’s Person Finder is a free tool that doubles up as a registry or a message board for survivors. This app was developed first during the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and its aggregated data include registries run by CNN, the Miami Herald and the New York Times. This tool can be used by family or friends to locate missing people or loved ones.

Facebook’s Safety Check is a tool that allows people to inform their family members or friends about their safety status. This feature works by accessing the user’s profile information and check-in updates and tracks people near the area of impact.

https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10102050030813611

This feature was first initiated by Facebook on 16th October 2014.

For the current disaster in Nepal, Facebook has mapped every person in Nepal and nearby Indian states within the reach.

Viber cancelled the Viber Out bill system so that users can make calls for free to any mobile or landline number during the stretch of the disaster. Similar steps were taken by BSNL, MTNL, IDEA, Airtel and Vodafone. BSNL, Vodafone, MTNL and Idea have lowered down the call rates to Re 1 for the next three days while Airtel offered free Airtel India to Nepal calls for the next three days.

The earthquake jolted Nepal yesterday whose tremors were felt in Delhi and places of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The quake flattened down many houses and buildings, including the famous Dharhara tower.

April 27, 2015
Ratan Tata Buys Stake in Xiaomi

Recently we heard the Chinese smartphone maker, Xiaomi, claiming that it wants to be an Indian company. Today, according to an official post by Xiaomi, Ratan Tata has acquired stake in the brand, making him the first Indian investor.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Xiaomi” link=”https://www.facebook.com/MiIndiaOfficial/photos/a.1504141266467106.1073741828.1495988390615727/1614587922089106″]

We are happy to announce that Mr. Ratan Tata, chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, has made an investment in Xiaomi. This is the first investment by any Indian in Xiaomi.

Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi, is happy to say: “Mr. Tata is one of the most well-respected business leaders in the world. An investment by him is an affirmation of the strategy we have undertaken in India so far. This is just the start of an exciting journey, and we are looking forward to bringing more products into India.”

[/quote]

Xiaomi has already made it to number 4 in the Indian smartphone market, and with Tata’s investment the company might get major push in the Indian retail market especially Tata Croma retail stores, which will now carry Xiaomi phones.

Xiaomi recently launched a new cheaper version of the Mi 4 dubbed the “Mi 4i” which is expected to do well in the Indian market.

April 27, 2015
Nokia Denies Comeback to Smartphone Business, Says “Reports are False”

The former leader of consumer smartphone manufacturer Nokia recently made headlines for considering making a comeback in the mobile manufacturing business. The firm heard the recent buzz over Internet and came out to publically announce that the information was false. The report of Nokia planning to return to the mobile business was surfaced by the reliable technology portal Re/Code, which stated that the news was disclosed by a Nokia Networks executive.

The exact statement by the Finnish reads –

Nokia notes recent news reports claiming the company communicated an intention to manufacture consumer handsets out of a R&D facility in China. These reports are false, and include comments incorrectly attributed to a Nokia Networks executive.

Nokia reiterates it currently has no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets.

Re/Code claimed that Microsoft-acquired Nokia is planning to bounce back to the smartphone business sometime next year. It also stated that several ambitious projects are in the making, and one among them is a virtual reality device. The company recently launched its first Nokia-branded Android tablet, along with an Android app called Z Launcher.

Nokia was acquired at a whopping price of $7.2 billion last year by hardware and software leader Microsoft. It was learnt that Nokia can’t use its brand name on smartphones till Q4 2016. Since Nokia was launching one or the other products lately, the news didn’t seem unfitting.

A while back, the company disclosed its move of acquiring Alcatel-Lucent for $16.5 billion. The new firm formed is called the Nokia Corporation. The acquisition will give a boost to its patent licensing business and networks division, which makes for 90 percent of the total revenue. The company is in talks with potential buyers to sell its maps business “HERE“.

April 27, 2015
Here’s Why It is Difficult for Developers to Create Games for Apple Watch

When Apple Watch went up for sale globally on Friday, nobody thought that games could find a place on Apple Watch. The Cupertino-based firm focused on health and fitness apps incorporated on its Watch, and never talked about any game-related app in its March 9 conference.

However, it sparks a question of whether developers would be able to shrink down games to the size of a 2-inch screen of the device. The gaming market for the smartphones is vast, and with the size of games decreasing year after year, it now seems possible. The preview page of Apple shows only two games.

It was learnt that developers don’t have access to full features of the wearable and development tools. But if any company succeeds to squeeze down a game to the size of the watch, it will have a firm grip on the smartwatch game sector. Apple has made a record-breaking $15 billion in 2014 through games in its App Store, and with estimates of 40 million Apple Watch to sell by year-end, there is a vast market for the developers ahead.

Some game developers have already started to take an initiative. New York-based studio Robot 5 says it has already designed three games that can be played on the 2-inch screen, along with seven more that will complete before the end of June.

Runeblade

Right now, the Apple Watch acts as a screen interface when tethered to the iPhone. Developers are still trying to figure out a way to develop native apps for the Watch. For making games on the wearable, it will need an entirely different mindset, however. Peter Chen, Founder and CEO of Robot 5 Studios says –

The biggest challenge is the complexity of the animations. iPhone games can have animations that are infinitely complex, with full control of each pixel and also of objects movements across the screen. Apple Watch games don’t have this kind of control over pixels and objects, so we have to mimic this kind of behavior.

It is likely that Apple will work on this issue on its launch or after, added Peter Chen. The 18-hour battery life of the wearable is also a problem for the developers.

It is quite evident that creating games for Apple Watch is not impossible. Just like for the iPhone and iPad, creating a set of games for the wearable needs a different approach.

Robot 5 Studios released a teaser of a new game. Check out how it looks like on Apple Watch in the video below:

https://youtu.be/tcwFyJysTG8

April 25, 2015
Rumour Roundup : All That We Know About LG’s Next Flagship Smartphone

The upcoming phone by the Korean electronics manufacturer LG is the current hot topic. The smartphone is expected to compete with Apple’s iPhone 6 and Samsung’s Galaxy S6. While the company officially unveils the LG G4 on 28^th of this month, let’s walk you through the speculations about the next LG flagship.

The new G4 by LG is said to feature a 5.5-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) display. This was officially stated by the display manufacturing unit of the company. The phone will come with a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor along with 2GB and 3GB RAM options. The 2GB variant will have 16GB storage space, while the 3GB RAM model will come with 32GB onboard storage capacity, both expandable up to 128GB. The phone will have Android 4.4.4 KitKat installed with the company’s UX 4.0 UI.

A video released by LG narrates that UX 4.0 sports a lot of features like Quick Shot, Smart Board and Smart Notice 2.0 along with Smart Calendar app and Super Fast Gallery.

The camera specifications include a 13MP rear shooter with Optical Image Stabilization and Laser Auto Focus Dual Flash. The front will boast a 2.1MP snapper. The company recently teased the camera specification of the device which confirms that the G4 will feature a camera of aperture f/1.8. A sufficient 3000mAh battery will fuel the device.

LG G4 will come in nine different back panels, out of which three are standard, and six are crafted back panels made of real leather. The colour options include yellow, brown, silver and more.

Over a week back, LG accidently opened the LG G4 website that uncovered the above-mentioned details. Though, we can’t consider them as final until LG officially brings out the device. Let’s wait and watch if this device finds a niche in the over-flooded smartphone marketplace, where many affordable phones are ready to take on the high-end flagships.

April 25, 2015
Government Body NIXI Stands for Net Neutrality, Says its Against Selective App Bundling

Yesterday the deadline to cast a vote for saving the internet ended. Though we have to wait for the final take of the government on the issue, Neutral Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has given its answer. The body under IT ministry said that it fully backs Net Neutrality and any move to bundle apps would go against the concept of Internet.

NIXI made a remark –

National Internet Exchange of India as the neutral exchange in the country, strongly supports Neutrality of the Internet which is the only way forward to make the Internet open, free and innovative.

Any move by Telcos to bundle application or content selectively will hamper the very basic concept of Internet.

The government-run organisation also expressed concern over the impact of discriminatory Internet on budding businesses. NIXI commented, “Under these circumstances any dilution of the neutrality of the Internet, is expected to affect the freedom of expression, development of innovative ideas and newer applications and entrepreneurship of youngsters and start-ups.” A couple of days back, a number of tech start-ups wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister of India asking for a free internet. They mentioned how the emerging companies would suffer and would never be able to become the next Google and Amazon.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is yet to give a response to over 1 million emails supporting SaveTheInternet.in campaign, but the organisation is not bound by any time frame. In such circumstances, the telecom operators are open to implementing any plan. The volunteer group behind ‘Save the Internet’ program is requesting the government to impose a temporary restriction on telcos to roll out any plan until the final verdict.

April 25, 2015
Xiaomi Wants to Become an Indian Company, Says Company CEO Lei Jun

Xiaomi has exhibited many a times how important India is as a marketplace for the Chinese electronics manufacturer. It has set up an R&D centre in Bangalore (India), launched a warehouse and is showing interest to invest in Indian start-ups. The China’s Apple is now planning to begin local manufacturing in India and is reportedly in talks to set up a plant, as per Economic Times.

The Founder and CEO of Xiaomi Lei Jun said in a statement –

The most important market for us in 2015 is India. We want to become an Indian company. So, we want to build an R&D team, manufacture phones, set up data centre in India and invest in ecosystem companies in India.

He further disclosed the company has a team working on local manufacturing project. It is in conversation with its partners along with the government of two nations. Xiaomi wishes to make it happen as early as possible, but all this would take up to two years. The unit yet to establish in India will initially assemble the devices.

The electronics start-up which emerged in 2010 has become a customer favourite all over world. The devices offered by the firm come with considerable specifications and a reasonable price tag. It now stands neck and neck with notable electronics players like Apple, Samsung, HTC and more who are in the smartphone game since long.

Recently, the world’s third-largest smartphone producer conveyed that its goal is to become an Internet giant, not a handset dealer. It expects to reap nearly $1 billion from mobile services this year. Xiaomi aims to make Internet services e.g. smartphone games and payment app a pivotal part of its business and hopes to turn smartphone buyers into paying customers with its services.

India is on top of the company’s list to expand outside China, and the company launched Mi 4i in New Delhi. It is the cheaper version of Xiaomi Mi 4 costing Rs. 12,999 and includes an India-specific feature called Visual IVR. Xiaomi is presently the world’s most valuable technology start-up.

April 25, 2015
Steam Workshop Now Allows Mod Developers to Make Money Off Their Work

Steam Workshop, an Internet-based multiplayer and social networking platform, is one of the best platforms where developers can share their add-ons, mods (modifications), maps and items to the games for free. Today, Valve Corporation, creators of Steam, announced that people who create different mods, maps or in-game items can sell and earn of their work through the Steam Workshop.

Steam writes on its official blog:

The Steam Workshop has always been a great place for sharing mods, maps, and all kinds of items that you’ve created. Now it’s also a great place for selling those creations.

With a new, streamlined process for listing and selling your creations, the Steam Workshop now supports buying mods directly from the Workshop, being immediately usable in the game.

The new paid marketplace is updated with the hit game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which currently has over 25,000 available mods. An American video game publisher Bethesda Software said many of their fans have been creating mods for more than ten years, and Steam is offering them a chance to earn by doing what they love best.

While the new paid model sounds great for modders and developers, the other side of the coin is that many Steam users who are used to free mods have started to cry foul against the change. Several users have called the move as ‘immoral’ and blamed the creators to be greedy.

In January, Valve announced that new analytical and measurement tools will be introduced to further optimise the sale of user-created content. This tool may help creators get a better idea of which of their mods are more popular.

April 25, 2015
Acer Unveils Range of Products Including Chromebook, Hybrid Laptops And More

Acer launched a variety of new products today at the Next@Acer event that took place in New York. The list comprises of plenty of devices including a new Chromebook, three tablets, several new laptops and a new all-in-one PC.

The new Chromebook 15 CB3-531 has a 15.6-inch screen, and its price starts at $199 (Rs. 12,644). Inside the Chromebook is a dual-core Intel Celeron N2830 processor with 2GB of RAM. With a microSD card, its memory can expand from 16GB inbuilt to 128GB. The company claims that its battery can last up to 11.5 hours. Connectivity options include HDMI, USB 2.0 port, and USB 3.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi.

Chromebook 15 CB3-531

The laptops unveiled today include two Aspire Switch 10 hybrids, whose 10.1-inch IPS screens can be detached. The Aspire Switch 10E (SW3-013) and the Aspire Switch 10 (SW5-015) are powered by Intel Atom quad-core processors. The Aspire Switch 10E (SW3-013) features a 1280×800 pixel HD resolution and the latter features a 1920×1080 pixel HD resolution. Both the hybrids include a 2MP camera, though the SW5-015 only features a front camera. The Switch 10 SW3-013 starts at $279 (Rs. 17,727).

Aspire Switch 10 (SW5-015)

Another laptop introduced is the Acer Aspire R 11 (R3-131T) with an 11.6-inch screen size. It features a 1366×768 pixel HD touch-screen display. The company also introduced the Aspire V 15 (V3-574) laptop, which will ship in August starting at $599 (Rs. 38,060). It runs on Windows 8.1, carries a 15-inch 1366×768 pixel resolution display and an option of HD and full-HD non-touch displays. Acer also revealed new models in the Aspire E series laptops, as well as the Aspire ES series. It will ship in July with price starting at $249 (Rs. 15,821)

Acer Aspire R 11 (R3-131T)

Lastly, Acer launched an all-in-one PC, the Acer Z3-710, which runs on Windows 8.1 OS. You can choose between Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Intel Pentium and Intel Celeron processors, along with a 16GB DDR3L RAM. It is completed with a Nvidia GeForce 840M, 2TB HDD and a 23.8-inch full-HD 1920×1080 pixel IPS display.

Acer also announced new Android tablets – Iconia One 8 and Iconia Tab 10. Both the tablets run on Android 5.0 Lollipop. Acer Iconia One 8 (B1-820) has an 8-inch display and runs on a 1.83GHz Intel Atom quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM. The Iconia Tab 10 (A3-30) has a larger 10.1-inch full-HD (1920×1200 pixels) IPS Zero Air Gap display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4.

Iconia Tab 10 (A3-30)

Along with these devices, Acer also introduced a different genre of devices like a LED projector with Intelligent Ambient Light Sensor, and curved monitor with Nvidia G-Sync Technology. Both are claimed to be the first of their kind.

With the launch of so many devices, it would be interesting to see the market response to the Acer products.

April 24, 2015
Motorola Introduces Steel Variant of Moto 360 in India

Months after releasing the leather version of Moto 360, Motorola has now announced the steel version of the smartwatch in India. The wearable with steel bands is available exclusively on Flipkart and comes in silver and black colour options. The new variants are priced at Rs. 19,999, which is Rs. 2,000 above the regular version.The smartwatch is the most appreciated wearables of all and holds some amazing features and specifications. The device has a 1.65-inch display and comes with Gorilla Glass protection. The water-proof Moto 360 runs on Google’s Android Wear OS and offers voice control. It is powered by a TI OMAP 3 processor along with 512MB of RAM and 4GB internal memory space. The 320mAh battery of the device can keep it running for up to 12 hours, as claimed by the company. The Moto 360 comes with Bluetooth 4.0 and sensors like pedometer and heart-rate monitor.

The company came up with a Gold edition as well, but for now, there is no word on its price and availability in the country. Meanwhile, we surfaced the news that the US-based firm is working on the successor of Moto 360. The smartwatch is in testing mode and can be announced any time soon.

Keep checking back for more updates.

April 24, 2015
Now Google Lets You Send Directions From Desktop to Your Android Phone

The Maps app by Google is a must-have tool while commuting from one place to another. Users need to type in the address or speak it to Google to get directions to the location, but what if you can avoid all that hassle. The search engine biggie has launched a new feature that allows sending directions from Chrome browser to your handheld device. Now users can search commute routes before leaving for the destination.

The announcement was made public by the company itself through its Google+ page. The process is as simple as searching on Google. Just type in send directions in the Chrome omnibox and add the final point. Tap on the ‘Send directions to my phone’ option and it will send the directions to your device. The Google Maps will load automatically with the specified location and will navigate to your destination.

It looks like the feature is not accessible in India as of now, but is expected to arrive soon. The hardware and software company launched ‘Find my Phone’ feature a week back that helps locate your missing Android device. It also revised its search algorithm to boost mobile-friendly websites and slipped a list of relevant apps within search results for you to download. All the moves are in favour of its users.

April 24, 2015
Samsung Teases Round Display of its Next Gear Smartwatch

The next Gear smartwatch is the most-awaited product to come out of the Samsung factory. Till date, quite a few details were known about the next wearable device, but now we have significant information about its form factor. The Korean electronics giant today gave a slight glimpse of its next Gear smartwatch that confirms of it boasting a circular display. The revelation was made in a press release that speaks of developers getting an early access to the Software Development Kit (SDK) for the company’s next-generation smartwatch.

A round smartwatch is the first for Samsung, who has previously released rectangular and curved screen watches. It would look like Moto 360 that has gained critical acclaim.

An image (provided above) was affixed to the official statement that let slip a brief sight of its watch face. Below are five more round watch faces that appear to be freshly designed. The company seems to have partnered with CNN, Baidu, Yelp, Apposter, and FidMe and is looking for more businesses for a tie-up.

The Suwon-based electronics firm announced that it is building up an ecosystem for the seventh generation Gear smartwatch. It sent an open invitation to members of the global developer community saying that they can get early access to SDK of next Gear device. CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics, JK Shin commented –

Samsung has actively adapted its approach to wearable device development as the leader of the rapidly developing category. Through meaningful and progressive innovation, Samsung welcomes to developers and industry leaders to join this open collaboration effort to enrich and create unique user experiences for a new smart mobile life.

The company was expected to unveil the smartwatch at Mobile World Congress 2015 alongside Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, but instead, Samsung showcased virtual-reality headsets. It is expected that the next Gear device will run on Tizen OS with Exynos 7420 powering it. The smartwatch may launch in two variants. The company hasn’t come up with an official announcement till now, and we expect to hear it soon.

April 24, 2015
BSNL Announces Free Unlimited Night Calling Across India

In an attempt to revive its landline service, Indian telecommunications company BSNL announced an unlimited scheme for its landline users. Under this scheme, users of BSNL fixed line service will be able to make free calls to any landline or mobile operator across the globe during night hours, i.e. between 9pm to 7am. The plan will kick off from 1st May.

BSNL said in a statement –

BSNL has introduced unlimited free calling during night hours from its landline phones to all landline phones and mobile phones of all service provider’s network on all India basis from 1st May. This unlimited free night calling shall be available from 9 pm to 7 am.

This scheme covers all major plans of rural and urban areas like landline general plans, landline special plans and all major Combo (landline with broadband) plans. The company said that it will review the responses of its customers after six months; however, they haven’t provided an end date for the scheme.

The Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL, Anupam Shrivastava remarked about the same, “We hope to resurrect our fixed-line business, and we hope that it will attract customers back to fixed-line. There will be some impact on revenues, but with only 10% calls made at night, it may go up to 15% with the offer. However, if we can add more customers, then, it is worth the attempt.”

Since the entry of more versatile mobile operators like Airtel, Vodafone, Tata Docomo and few more, BSNL has been losing its market slowly. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is hopeful that the new scheme will yield positive results. In the past five years, fixed landline subscriptions have fallen from 27.83 million in 2010 to 16.93 million in 2015. The latest TRAI data also shows that BSNL was the biggest loser of fixed landlines customers in February, while Airtel emerges as the top gainer. Still, BSNL’s share in the market was 62.26 percent in February.

Recently, BSNL announced that it will be setting up Wi-Fi hotspots with 3G, 4G networks across the country within the next 3 to 4 years. Read more about it here.

April 24, 2015