Category: Tech

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

Upcoming HTC E9 Specs Leaked, Sports 3GB RAM and Bigger Camera

HTC recently unveiled their flagship or the year 2015 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The device was an upgrade over the previous generation devices and addressed the criticisms against the earlier device. HTC is now reportedly about to launch the One E9, which will be a successor to the E8 launched last year.

According to various rumors, the HTC One E9 will be a major upgrade over the last year’s version and will be competing in the market as a phablet. The device is expected to be launched in the mid to high range segments.

The reported image of the new HTC One E9.

The E9 is touted to sport a 5.5 inch Quad HD display which would make it the first HTC device to feature the ultra high definition display. Even HTC’s latest flagship, the One M9 sported a Full HD display.

The biggest change is HTC’s bet on MediaTek 64-bit 8-core processor for the new device instead of the usual Qualcomm Snapdragon line of chipsets. The E8 flaunted a Snapdragon 801 chipset. The handset is also expected to feature 3 GB RAM, 32 GB of storage with expandable storage and will be juiced up by a 2800 mAh battery.

On the camera front, the E9 is said to sport the 20 MP shooter we saw on the new M9. According to the leaked image, the device now features a massive camera on the back. For the front camera, it is said that the standard model of the device will house a 13 MP shooter on the front while a premium version of the E9 will sport a 4 MP ultrapixel camera.

Now these reports are still based on rumours so we cannot confirm the authenticity of these reports. The E9 does look like a considerable upgrade over the One E8, but we have to wait for official confirmations to be sure. Overall, like e8 was a stripped down version of the M8, the E9 seems like the slightly pocket-friendly version of the One M9.

March 11, 2015
Timex Run x50+ is a Training Tool That Works With Both Android and iOS

Major smartphone brands like Sony, Samsung, Motorola, and recently Apple, have jumped into the smartwatch division and have left behind the traditional watchmakers. The iconic timepiece brand Timex is putting all efforts to restore its image and has added a device to its connected devices portfolio.

The new Timex IRONMAN Run x50+ is a tech-driven smartwatch made especially for athletes. It is basically for folks who undergo aggressive training and want the features of a smartband in a smartwatch.

The International Marketing Manager of Timex Sports & Outdoors, Bart van Schijndel, said –

For nearly three decades, Timex has provided athletes with technology solutions to enhance their training experiences. The brand is excited to launch the new Run x50+ watch – an evolved training tool for runners of all levels.

The Run x50+ sits comfortably at the wrist and connects to your phone, whether Android or iOS. It lets you stream and control the workout information through the fitness apps in the smartphone. For now, the feature is limited to iOS only, but it will soon arrive for Android handsets as well. One can get notifications like incoming calls, text alert, Facebook notifications, emails, and more on the sunlight-readable display.

Other pivotal features include volume control, pause, play option that can be controlled through the Run x50+ on a smartphone. The free Timex Connected app lets you set watch features. You can set appointment reminders, phone finder and watch finder as per your convenience. The latest addition to the Iron Man series can survive water splashes and go deep in water up to 5 metres.

Timex hasn’t provided any information on the price and availability of the watch, but we expect it’ll arrive in India soon.

March 11, 2015
New Olympus Stylus SH-2 Comes With Impressive Night Modes

For all those photographers who actually want to get a better view of the nighttime skies, Olympus has a new compact edition camera for you. It has almost been a year since Olympus launched the first version of its stylish compact camera Stylus SH-1. This time they took it to the next level with the launch of Stylus SH-2.

The basic difference that sets this apart from its predecessor is that it has supporting features for shooting RAW images and time-lapse movies. It also happens to have several shooting modes to improve the low light photos and videos. It also has a live composition feature that sets it apart from the nightscape modes.

The stylus SH-2 has a 1/ 2.3 inch 16 megapixel BSI CMOS Sensor with a 24x (f3.0-6.9 25-600mm) Optical Zoom lens which can open as wide as 24 mm and also has a 460K dot-resolution touchscreen. It has a 5-Axis system borrowed from the OM-D E-M1 and the 5-Axis IS should provide steadier and sharper images than many compacts. Particularly in low light conditions and especially when you are using telephoto lens. It can also prove to be rather handy while shooting videos.

Like the SH-1, the SH-2 shoots full HD videos at 1080/60p along with the perfect capture of the stereo sound, has Wi-Fi (though no NFC) to pair with smartphones and retains the 3-inch touchscreen. For enthusiasts, Olympus also includes a full manual shooting mode in case one actually wants to go beyond the automatic options and with a single click on the camera’s record button in Nightscape mode one will get the optimum results required for dark scenes.

The only let down features is the absence of NFC and the aperture range which is not at all ideal for low-light shooting with the zoom lens.

Design wise the SH-2 is nearly identical to the previous version, with the exception of different looking chenille covering on the body which is made up of aluminum alloy with a sheet of leather stitched in the front and weighing only at 10 ounces, this particular camera can prove to be an ideal one for travelling. SH-2 is supposed to hit the markets in April at a price tag of 400$ (Approximately Rs. 25,000 in INR value).

March 11, 2015
Google to Finally Add That One Important Missing Feature on Android Wear Smartwatches

Google has decided to fill the gap that makes its Android Wear software fall second in the wearables segment. According to a report by The Verge, the search giant is planning to bring Wi-Fi support to Android Wear software running on smartwatches. If the report is to be believed, then the extended support may come with the next software update.

The next update will diminish the fine line between the Apple Watch and Android Wear-powered wearables. Users can turn on Wi-Fi, and the Android Wear-powered smartwatches will get notifications and run Google Now even if the Bluetooth connection is not available. The new update will bring two additional tweaks – gesture control and improved UI.

The former tool allows users to swipe notifications and Google Now cards on the screen of the device without using the other hand. Despite, one can flick their wrist to do the same. The redesigned user interface was much needed in the Android-powered wearables. With the help of the tweaked UI, one can have easier access to applications and contacts. It will also get easier to switch between apps.

There are certain devices that come with built-in wireless, but because of this missing feature, the use of Android Wear-based wearables is limited. The new update will give a new dimension to a broad range of smartwatches like the Moto 360, the Asus ZenWatch, and the Samsung Gear Live.

This makes the upgrade of the Android Wear software much more crucial as users may consider switching to Apple Watch. Meanwhile, there is no information on when the company planning to release an update.

March 11, 2015
Thanks to Apple Watch, Swiss Watchmakers Headed Towards Troubled Times : Swatch Inventor

Apple’s has finally brought its long awaited Watch to the market, and there have been mixed responses to the new offering. Now the co-inventor of the Swatch watches says that the new device from Apple can cause serious troubles for Switzerland’s famed watch industry.

Swatch co-inventor Elmar Mock has said that the Apple Watch might put a lot of pressure on traditional watchmakers in Switzerland, and he anticipates an ice age for the industry soon. He said that anything in the range of $500-1000 should be a cause of concern for the industry.

Wristwatches are one of the many prominent offerings from Switzerland along with cheese, chocolate and, of course, the banking system for stashing huge funds. The watch making industry employs tens of thousands of workers and the smartwatch craze might affect their livelihood.

Mr. Mock said that the Swiss watch industry hasn’t been innovating enough to keep up with the new challenges from the tech industry. He cited the quartz crisis of 1970’s and 80’s when cheap watch offerings from Japan took over large market shares from Swiss watchmakers. He said that the Swiss industry has the technology to deliver competent product in the age of smartwatches, and they should take proactive efforts to tackle the assault from the tech industry. Elmar Mock warned that if corrective actions weren’t taken, the watch industry might face severe troubles in two to three years.

Smartwatches as a segment has a long way to go, and the most glaring deficiency of these devices is the battery life that mostly tends to last a day or two. It adds on as an extra device that regularly demands its moment on the charging plug while a regular watch runs for months or even years on a single battery. This is one of the major causes that discourages folks from buying these new devices. So the watchmakers should anticipate a comfortable run till the time the tech companies figure out the battery side of things.

March 11, 2015
Why Apple MacBook’s Force Touch is the Trackpad of the Future

Steve Jobs had a vision, years ago, that the mouse needed only one button, and it seems his vision is finally realised with the newest addition to its ecosystem, the Apple MacBook. One of the most nerdy aspects about the newly unveiled device is the fact that it comes with a Force Touch trackpad. Force Touch was first introduced months ago with the Apple Watch.

So, what exactly is ‘Force Touch’ technology?

Simply put, it is the mechanism which senses pressure. It is an entirely novel innovation that merges the previously released Multi-Touch with force sensors. That means besides sensing the multiple points of contact on your screen, the new feature can also gauge the amount of pressure put on each contact; detecting the subtle difference between the quantity of pressure imposed. This makes the technology infused devices smarter than any other smartphones and smartwatches in the world.

The current generation of MacBook’s use a ‘Diving Board’ design. The top part of the trackpad remains stable, any part of the lower end can be used to click or right click. The new Force Touch trackpad, gets four new sensors – allowing you to click using any part of the designated surface.

Through the sensors on the trackpad of the gadgets, it can judge a light tap and a deep press, bringing a broad range of contextual controls right to your fingertips. The actions can be categorised in three forms: Force click, Accelerator and Pressure-sensing drawing.

The Force click gives users access to different websites without switching to the other pages. It can bring up the Wikipedia by clicking a word, preview a file in the Finder, and create a new Calendar by applying a little push on the trackpad. You will be in control of adding new shortcuts to apps, such as bringing up the a map of the location just by force clicking the address.

The next is accelerator that accelerators the speed of a QuickTime movie. Press harder to fast-forward the shot quickly and if you wish to proceed gradually, steadily apply force on the trackpad. One can also zoom in Maps through the same tactic.

The next forte of Force Touch trackpad is pressure-sensing drawing. Draw a signature on the device just like a pen on paper. Put more pressure for a bold stroke and press lightly to get a thin line. This drawing can be used as an attachment for emails.

Apple has slipped the technology in Macbooks and the Apple Watch for now, but it has been learnt that the next iPhone is likely to come with the same feature.

March 11, 2015
Xiaomi Officially Confirms, Redmi 2 is Arriving in India on March 12

Every time you think the Xiaomi mania has cooled down, the Chinese smartphone powerhouse drops a new product in the market that restarts the waiting line. Xiaomi is expected to launch the successor to its budget superhero, Redmi 1S in India. The company has sent out the invitation to the launch event of a new device scheduled on March 12, 2015.

The device is named Redmi 2 and was launched at CES this year. The device has a 4.7 inch 720p HD display like its predecessor and is now protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 2. The device runs on MIUI 6 which is based on Android 4.4 Kitkat.

Redmi 2 is powered by a 1.2 GHz, Snapdragon 410 processor. In some markets it is available in two variants, one with 8 GB memory and 1 GB RAM whereas the other variant flaunts 16 GB internal memory and 2 GB RAM. It is not sure of yet if Xiaomi will be bringing both the variants in the Indian market, but the options do sound great.

On the camera front, the device still sports an 8 MP camera on the back while the front camera is updated to 2 MP. The battery also gets bigger at 2200 mAh.

It is an exciting device and considering the success of the Redmi 1S, you can expect the handset to find a lot of takers. The pricing of the device would be essential in taking on the competition as the market has many contenders in the budget segment such as the Lenovo A6000 and the Moto E (Gen 2).

We’ll get you hands-on and full review of Xiaomi’s latest offering for India soon, keep checking back with iGyaan for more.

March 11, 2015
Report : Next iPhone to Come in a Pink Colour Variant and Feature Force Touch

The Apple event on Monday saw the introduction of new Force Touch technology on the MacBook. The revolutionary tool is incorporated on the Apple Watch and the new 12-inch MacBook, that looks insanely sleek and light. The tech giant has plans to expand the responsive touch technology to the iPhone lineup and according to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, users may see the new Force Touch in the next iPhone.

Force Touch uses tiny electrodes around the flexible Retina display to distinguish between a light tap and a deep press, and trigger instant access to a range of contextually specific controls. This new addition brings the possibility to spawn fresh applications to the device.

The news of Force Touch inclusion on the next-gen smartphone is not much a surprise as the company has followed the same approach for multi-touch display debuted in 2007. Post the launch of multi-touch technology on iPhone, MacBook joined the league to enclose the same mechanism.

The international publishing daily also mentioned the new colour option Apple may be offering with the next-gen iPhone. The report stated that users may choose a pink iPhone this time, but it is presently in testing mode.

Tentatively titled ‘iPhone 6s’ is anticipated to house the same features found in the other ‘s’ iterations. It will sport an upgraded 2GB RAM and will be shipped with an Apple SIM. With revamped features and improved tools, the next smartphone can establish as a milestone for Apple just like iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

March 11, 2015
On its Journey Around the World, World’s First Solar Powered Plane Lands in India Today

Solar energy is finally getting the attention it should have gotten about 30 years back. As environmental predictions grow dire, innovations in the field of sustainable transport mediums have been gaining steam. We have seen cars running on electricity, hydrogen and solar power. We have also seen efforts by researchers to develop airplanes powered by renewable fuels. One such audacious effort called the Solar Impulse 2 is undertaken by Swiss aeronaut Bertrand Piccard, and businessman André Borschberg. The solar-powered plane will be landing in Ahmedabad tonight at around 10 PM.

Solar Impulse 2 is on a trip around the planet with multiple stopovers on the way. It started its journey from Oman on the 9th of March and will take 16 hours to reach the Indian city of Ahmedabad. The distance of 1,465 kilometers between Muscat and Ahmedabad will be covered without using a drop of fuel.

The flight path of Solar Impulse 2’s circumnavigation mission.

Solar Impulse 2 has a wingspan of 72 meters that makes it wider than the 60 meter wingspan of the Boeing 747. The wings are covered with 17000 solar cells that recharge the battery of the plane. The plane weighs around 2,300 kilograms and flies at an average speed of 25 knots or 45 Kmph with a maximum speed varying between 90 to 140 Kmph.

On its circumnavigation trip across the planet, Solar Impulse 2 will travel a distance of 35,000 kilometers. During this trip, it will make 12 stops. During these stops, the innovators will organize various awareness programs like conferences, visits of schoolchildren and information exchanges. After Ahmedabad, the plane will make a stop at Varanasi. The two innovators will take turns to pilot the single seater plane in its mission around the planet.

The success of this trip will be a major boost for renewable energy technology. Solar power is a major source of energy that has unlimited potential for providing free and clean electricity. Let’s hope the success of this mission leads to a radical increase in the research of solar powered planes that may someday lead to entire passenger jets powered by the sun.

March 10, 2015
Telecom Minister : India to Play an Important Role in the Future of the Internet

The internet is in a process of updating itself. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the non-profit organization that is responsible for overseeing the growth of the internet. Its primary mission is to make sure that every domain has a unique identifier or URL, and that each domain has a unique IP address. The organisation was under the influence of the US government but considering the importance of the internet, it is now shifting to model where it will be answerable to multiple stakeholders and not just the US government. The CEO of ICANN recently said that India’s role is central in the conversation about the future of the internet.

ICANN CEO Fadi Chehade made the comments during an event in New Delhi where he said:

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Fadi Chehade” author_title=”CEO, ICANN”]

I know everyone speaks about Digital India, but the digital world without Digital India simply loses its digital way. India is not simply getting into the digital world; India is already an incumbent, a driver in the Digital world in every sense of the word.

[/quote]

The US government decided to let go of the stewardship of ICANN last year in the month of March. ICANN’s contract with the US government expires in September of this year. The organization is looking at multiple transitional plans for the future. It has welcomed governments, civil societies, and other internet organizations to discuss the future of the internet architecture.

The Minister of Communication, Mr. Ravi Shanker Prasad was also at the event. He said that the future architecture of the web isn’t a prerogative of a few and should be open to all. He also added that the Internet must be equitable, effective, open-for-all, and no one should be able to claim an early arrival benefit.

At present, the official policy of the government of India on the future of the internet is yet not clear. The various ministries of the government have varied views the matter that has lead to a delay in talks. Industry experts and activists have stressed that it’s high time India makes its stand clear at global platforms. Mr. Chehade said that India has to engage now to have a greater say in the future. The government should take his suggestion and work towards making India an important decision maker in the future working of the global internet.

March 10, 2015
All the Important Announcements From Apple’s Mega Event in One Place

The ‘Spring Forward’ event held by Apple last evening was the exhibition of the finest innovations by the tech giant. The company disclosed some presumed devices along with other unpredictable technologies. The highlight of the show remained the Apple Watch, the most expensive smartwatch, and light weight 12-inch MacBook.

Here’s a compiled list of announcements made by the Cupertino-based company yesterday:

1. ResearchKit

ResearchKit is an open source software framework designed for medical and health research, helping doctors and scientists gather data more frequently and more accurately from participants using iPhone apps. It is made specifically for medical researchers.

ResearchKit and HealthKit work hand in hand. Simply put, the ResearchKit turns iPhones and HealthKit into power diagnostic tools. An mPower app is built that uses ResearchKit to detect the most core and fatal diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and breast cancer.

2. New 12-inch MacBook

The Apple event got gargantuan with the introduction of the new sleek and stylish MacBook. The 12-inch gadget comes with Retina display and weighs a mere 2 pounds. The laptop is thinner than MacBook Air at 13.1mm. Even if it’s slimmer and lighter, the build and internal quality of the machine is uncompromised. There is a full-sized keyboard redesigned to fit the smaller size.

Other than that, the new notebook features Force Touch trackpad that senses pressure, telling the difference between a light tap and a deep press. Also, it sports next-gen USB-C port, a third of the size of standard USB cable. It supports fast charging, quick data transfer and is all in a single connector.

The all-new MacBook comes in two variants. Both of them will be available from April 10. The one will bit lower specifications comes at Rs. 99,990 and is embedded with 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.4 GHz, bundled with 8GB of memory, 256GB of flash storage and Intel HD Graphics 5300. The higher version holding 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.6GHz, 8GB of memory, 512GB of flash storage, and Intel HD Graphics 5300 is priced at Rs. 119,900.

3. Next-Gen Reversible USB-C

The new MacBook comes with one single port. Which means that if you want to charge your laptop and transfer documents at the same time, you need to invest in an external attachment. USB-C was undoubtedly biggest announcements of the night. The next-gen USB Type C is slim and sturdy, and is one-third the size of a traditional USB port. Apple’s new MacBook is the first one to incorporate the smallest ever USB.

The revolutionary technology solves the purpose of having too many USB ports. The new connectivity standard gives you five ports in one – power, USB data transfer, DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA capabilities. The reversible Type-C connector is roughly the same size as the existing Micro-USB connector at the bottom of your smartphone, but it’s reversible. Also, it facilitates faster charging and quick data transfer. While some may consider it tedious, Apple has taken a major step towards removing the excessive wires/cords in our lives.

4. MacBook Pro and Air Upgraded with faster processors

The tech biggie has updated the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the fifth generation Intel Core processors, Intel Iris Graphics 6100, two times faster flash, and longer battery life. The upgraded 13-inch MacBook Pro features fifth generation Intel Core processors up to 3.1 GHz, Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.4 GHz, along with faster flash and better battery, as stated above. The new version ranges from Rs. 94,900 to 129,900.

On the other hand, the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air are upgraded with the fifth generation Intel Core processors, Intel HD Graphics 6000, Thunderbolt 2, and up to two times faster flash. The updated 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air now feature fifth generation Intel Core processors up to 2.2 GHz, Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz, bundled with Thunderbolt 2. The 11-inch notebook comes at two price points depending on configuration, Rs. 65,900 and 79,900. However, the 13-inch MacBook is priced a little higher at Rs. 72,900 and 86,900.

5. Force Touch trackpad

Force Touch trackpad has brought a new dimension to the Mac interactivity. It is highly responsive and feels your touch more than ever. The new trackpad features built-in force sensors that monitor the amount of pressure released in each click. One can customize the feel of the trackpad by changing the amount of pressure.

Force Touch trackpad enables a new gesture called Force Click. A click followed by a deeper press for tasks like pulling up the definition of a word, quickly seeing a map or glancing at a preview of a file.iOS 8.2

6. iOS 8.2

Along with gadgets, Apple event saw the launch of a new software upgrade – iOS 8.2. The new operating system is out for its compatible Apple products like iPhone 5 and later, Apple Watch and more.

The upgraded version is more stable and comes with bug fixes. Mail, Music, and Maps have got a significant boost along with iTunes. Moreover, one can download third-party health apps to keep themselves fit.

7. Apple Watch

The main highlight of the show, Apple Watch, as beautiful as ever, is now officially the most expensive smartwatch ever. It’s a personalised device and comes with different watch faces. The Watch supports iOS 8.2 and comes with many pre-installed apps like Uber, Shazam, WeChat, Twitter, Apple Pay and health apps.

The built-in speaker and microphone on the Watch that lets you receive calls on the go. Apple Pay is embedded in the device that allows you to pay money through the Watch on wrist. The battery life of the wearable is decent at 18 hours. The Apple Watch comes in three variants – Sport, Regular and Gold Edition. It starts from $549 and goes as high as $1700. HBO Now Coming to Apple TV

8. HBO Now Coming to Apple TV

The company launched the new exclusive device Apple TV and announced the subscription service of HBO for the users. The service is restricted to Apple TV users as of now, but soon the company will extend it to iPhone and iPad. Subscribed viewers can watch the channel through web browsers and can access the entire library of original shows and feature films catalogue of HBO.

The service is coming next month and will cost $14.99 per month. For those who sign up for the Apple device in April will get it free for one month.

March 10, 2015
New iOS 8.2 Comes With a Pre-installed Apple Watch App That Cannot be Removed

Apple announced the new software upgrade in the Apple event yesterday and declared that the new software will be available for iPhones 5 and above. The upgraded version is revamped but if you have it installed on your iPhone, the first thing that might catch your attention is the non-removable Apple Watch app.

The application sits on the screen and if you click the Apple Watch icon, it will take you to the company’s website. According to Business Insider, it is an empty screen for now, but soon the tool will showcase the Apple Watch applications. Looks like, Apple is trying to advertise its first smartwatch to every user through iPhones.

Not only the promotional Apple Watch app comes with the iOS 8.2, there’s a number of apps you can’t remove once the latest operating system controls your device. The apps encompasses Passbook, Tips, Stocks, Weather, Calendar, Clock, FaceTime, Contacts, iBooks, Compass, Maps, Health, Newsstand, Photos, Camera, Notes, Messages, Voice Memos, the iTunes Store, and the App Store.

Besides few downsides, the new software has some advantages as well. The upgraded version is more stable and comes with bug fixes. Mail, Music, and Maps have got a major boost along with iTunes. Moreover, one can download third-party health apps to keep themselves fit.

In case you missed any announcement about the Apple Watch event, do check it here.

March 10, 2015
New MacBook is the First Apple Device to be Powered By Intel Core M Chipsets

Apple’s new product lineup unveiled at the recent ‘Spring Forward’ event. As expected, the event was mostly dedicated to Apple’s new product family, the Apple Watch. Apart from the Watch, Apple also brought out the new powerful yet slimmer MacBook, which is powered by Intel’s fifth-generation Core M processor.

Intel Core M processor was previously called Broadwell-Y. It is a dual-core chip based on 14 Nm architecture. It has 1.3 billion transistors on its tiny surface. The Core M chipset was launched to reinvent the notebook and looks like Apple has taken a lead in that game with the new MacBook.

Core M is claimed to be one of the most energy efficient processors in the market. It requires 5 watts of power to perform its tasks. On the MacBook, it comes along with Intel HD Graphics 5300. The processor also helped to create a fanless device that would that you won’t be troubled by the never-ending buzz of the notebook’s fan ever again. The logic board is seated on top of an anisotropic graphite sheet, which helps disperse any heat that is generated out to the sides, thus removing the need for the fan.

Core M processor helped in creating miniaturized logic board and offer rest of the space to the battery.

This new processor also helped Apple to miniaturize the hardware components of the MacBook so that the maximum amount of space can be freed up for battery storage. The MacBook comes in two variants in India; one with a 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.4 GHz while the other is offered with 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.6GHz.

With this launch, Apple has put in its contender in the Intel Core M powered device market. Brands like Lenovo, Dell, HP, Asus and others have already introduced their Core M offerings. Samsung had already gone ahead and launched their fanless notebook called Ativ Book 9 in the market. Now with the Apple MacBook coming into the arena, this space will see some intense competition.

March 10, 2015
Top 7 Coolest Features of the New Apple MacBook

Apple launched their first Macbook seven years back in 2008, showcasing an unimaginable super slim laptop to the world. Now the legacy lives on with Apple announcing its newest Macbook, which surprisingly will be called just the ‘Macbook’. Apple has yet again pushed the boundaries of laptop innovation which are simply commendable, though might have negated certain aspects.

One can’t deny that the new Macbook reinforces Apple’s philosophy yet again that computers are an extension of the person itself. Here are the coolest features of the new Macbook:

Edge to Edge Retina Display

The latest Macbook gets a 12-inch Retina display with a very small bezel, with a resolution of 2304×1440, and an aspect ratio of 16:10. The display quality is certainly quite a notch up compared to the new Macbook’s predecessors, with the screen built into something that is as thin as a file folder. Apple has again manged to pull of something unimaginable bearing in mind the technical limitations with making something so skinny.

Thinnest and Lightest, Ever

Talking about thin, the new Macbook redefines the concept of slim, it’s as thin as 13.1mm, compared to 17.3mm of the MacBook Air. It’s 24 percent thinner than the Air, the company mentioned at the event. The new Macbook weighs mere 2 pounds (lightest ever), which is amazingly only half a pound over the original iPad.

Redesigned Keyboard

The new Macbook gets an entirely redesigned 12-inch keyboard. A welcome change compared to the Macbook Air which is less than the full size. The keys have been revamped to a new butterfly mechanism that Apple claims offers more stability with improved keystroke force distribution.

Death of the Right Click

Steve Jobs had a vision years ago that the mouse needed only one button, and it seems his vision is finally realised as Apple has added the Force Touch trackpad. One of the most nerdy aspects about the newly unveiled device is the fact that it comes with a Force Touch trackpad. Force Touch was introduced with the Apple Watch, it is the mechanism which senses pressure. The Force Touch trackpad has force sensors that detect how much pressure you apply on its surface. So basically, it can tell the difference between a light tap and a deep press.

Death of the USB Ports

The new Macbook has a single USB-C which does everything from charging, to transferring data, sending videos etc. There’s only one port which means you cannot simultaneously charge your laptop or your phone. This is probably a byproduct of their quest to make the thinnest Macbook possible (and make our lives tange-free.)

Apple has yet again gone against industry standards. In 1998, Apple surprised everyone as its iMac G3 did not include a floppy drive.

Improved Battery Performance

Apple claims to have added a new, custom-shaped battery that maximizes every millimeter of space, helping the MacBook achieve an all-day battery life. It gets a slightly beefier battery unit than the 11-inch Macbook Air and can deliver 9 hours when on Wi-Fi, and 10 hours watching iTunes video.

What Lies Beneath

Barring all the phenomenal exterior changes, significant changes have been made under the hood. For starters, the new Macbook gets Intel’s Core M processor, which consumes less power and produces less heat. The exact model of the chipset is yet unknown but its likely a tweaked 1.1 Ghz Intel Core M, which offers slightly less processing power than your standard Core i5 or i7, though offer better and efficient power management.

Pricing

Okay this might be a “cool” feature, but for most of us pricing would play a major factor. The words ‘Apple’ and ‘budget’ don’t blend in so well, and this holds true for the new Macbook. It comes in two variants, 256GB (1.2GHz Intel Core M) priced at $1299, which is notably higher than the 11-inch Macbook Air. And the second configuration for $1599 features the 12-inch Retina display, 1.2GHz Intel Core M, Intel HD Graphics 5300, 8GB memory.

The new Macbook certainly has features that would give Mac buyers more than one reason to upgrade. The new Retina display, better power management, ultra portability and with significant price cuts, the new Macbook should attract new potential buyers.

March 10, 2015
The Innards of the New Apple Macbook Are Made Mostly of Batteries

Apple finally brought the Apple Watch to the market. The smartwatch line up comes with varied shapes, features and customization options. They are a bit on the pricier side but with their premium look and Apple logo, they may not find it difficult to find customers. But along with the much-awaited smartwatch, Apple also launched the revamped Macbook with a thickness of just 13.1 mm. Even with the slim design, most of the insides of the new notebook is made up only of batteries while a tiny portion is taken by the other hardware bits.

Apple Redesigned their batteries for the new device to maximize battery availability.

The new Macbook’s have been put through immense redesigning process. The battery design, as well as the insides of the device, have been designed to offer maximum battery storage space.

There have been immense efforts and breakthroughs in the miniaturization of the internal components but the battery technology still has a long way to go. So Apple decided to offer maximum space to the battery in the device. The company says that the new Macbook has 35% more battery capacity in comparison with the current mainstream technology. Apple has made every attempt to make most of the available space and has packed in as much space as possible with the newly designed battery.

The miniaturized logic-board is covered all around with batteries.

The new MacBook packs in a high definition 2304×1440 display that will demand a great deal of energy. Even with such high-def display, Apple claims that the ultra slim notebook offers a full day of battery life. It is also said to offer 9 hours of battery life when browsing the web continuously and 10 hours worth of iTunes film playback with a single charge.

Apple has been known for its tryst with the slim. It was one of the first companies to introduce the ultra-thin laptops with the MacBook Air, and now it has taken things further with the new MacBook lineup. Even with the barrage of smart device offered in the market, a notebook is still an essential device for work and entertainment purposes. Apple’s efforts in making the notebooks more portable, yet more powerful will surely be appreciated by the consumers in the market.

March 10, 2015