Category: Tech

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

Google Rolls Out Android 5.1; Here are the New Features and Improvements

It was learnt a few days back that Google is working on an improved version of Android Lollipop with bug fixes and new features. The internet search giant has officially released an update to Lollipop – the Android 5.1. The new software is currently rolling out to compatible devices.

The confirmation came from the official blog post of Android that talks about improved stability and performance. However, the company forgot to mention the inevitable bug fixes, which the users were desperately looking forward to in the upgrade.

New Features of Android 5.1

The new Android 5.1 looks promising and packs a bunch of new features. The top of the list is the multiple SIM slot. This tool helps users share the phone with family and colleagues. The upgrade can manage multiple SIMs on a device at a time.

Device Protection falls second in the list and is an essential feature for the security of your precious smartphone. The tool locks your device and it remains locked until signed in with the user’s Gmail account. Not only that, the phone will not function even if the factory settings are reset.

HD Voice calling is another feature Google is rolling out with Android 5.1 Lollipop. Compatible devices like Nexus 6 and other Android devices associated with T-Mobile or Verizon can avail this facility.

The Quick Settings menu has been redesigned to connect and control Bluetooth devices and join Wi-Fi connection directly from the menu.

Wondering when you’ll get the update? Google Nexus 6 and HTC Nexus 9 will be the first ones to see the update, others should follow shortly. Keep checking back, we’ll keep you updated about the same.

March 10, 2015
Apple Introduces the Thinnest Keyboard With the New Macbook

Apple yesterday re-introduced the product line of Macbook, but this time, it comes with a complete makeover. It is thinner than any other product in the laptop market. Apple says one of the major changes in the new Apple Macbook is the addition of a new keyboard that helps to slim the device down further.

Apple has done away with the traditional “scissors” and inducted a new “butterfly” mechanism. This new design allows for a shorter keystroke that the company claims helps in more precise typing and fewer errors. The company also claims that the design of the keyboard is 40% thinner than the regular keyboards and is four times more stable in comparison.

To make it easier to work in low light conditions, the keyboard also features a LED light under each key. This allows for more light and better visibility of the keys in comparison to other keyboards.

Check out how the new keyboard comes together in the video below.

March 10, 2015
Exclusive Leak : LG is Reworking the G4 Design to Take on Samsung Galaxy S6

The Mobile World Congress 2015 became the spectator of the recently unveiled flagships from Samsung. The two phones launched by Samsung tried to address the concerns raised by the critics and they were well received by the industry. But the other major Korean manufacturer, LG, is yet to reveal its cards. Rumors have been whirling about LG’s next flagship, the G4. This new device is expected to trump over the G3 with a revamped design and upgraded specs. However, with Samsung’s new Galaxy S6 making records within a week of its launch, there’s mounting pressure on LG to pack the G4 with invincible specs and features. We have received exclusive information that LG is taking “inspiration” from Samsung’s flagship for its new handset to bring out a worth challenger in the market.

As per exclusive information, LG is planning to transform the G4 on the lines of the Galaxy S6.

According to a reliable source close to iGyaan, the Korean producer is ditching plastic and metal body plans in favour of an all metal design with strengthed glass protection. The new LG G4 will come in a bold metallic casing, which will guard the phone against accidental drops. Besides the layout, the battery capacity and camera of the upcoming LG flagship will also be overhauled so as to give a tough competition to the Galaxy S6. For the camera, LG G4 will tie in the already existing laser autofocus with improved optics for better shooting capabilities.

The LG G4 is expected to launch in the second quarter this year, and our sources have confirmed that the roll out of the device will begin much later after its unveiling. LG has time to remodel its top segment device by estimating the responses for HTC One M9 and Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. But it should make a quick and smart move so that it can bring a worthy competitor in the market to challenge the flagships from Samsung and HTC.

March 10, 2015
Apple Watch Battery Life to Last Up to 18 Hours

Apple fans over the world were eagerly waiting for this. At the Spring Forward event, Apple, at last, has told us everything there is to know about its new wearable.

The smartwatch is a personalised device and comes with different watch faces. Users can customise the device with widgets for the faces like stopwatch, calendar, date, etc. The Watch supports iOS 8.2 and comes with many pre-installed apps like Uber, Shazam, WeChat, Twitter, Apple Pay and health apps.

The Apple Watch works in tune with the iPhone. Any notification that appears on the handset can pop on the Watch as well. Apple Pay is an important component of the smartwatch that lets users pay through the watch on their wrist. There is a built-in speaker and microphone on the Watch that lets you receive calls on the go.

However, one of the biggest concerns with a wearable is its battery life. With the number gadgets in our lives, we don’t need another gadget that needs to be constantly fuelled. Earlier reports had worried us, however it seems like the company managed to deliver a decent battery life. The company claims, on a day of normal usage, the Apple Watch will last you a decent 18 hours.

The Apple Watch will come in three variants – Sport, Regular and Gold Edition. The Sport Edition comes in Silver or Space Gray colour and ranges from $349 for the 38mm Sport to $399 for the 42mm.

The Regular Apple Watch edition is a traditional stainless piece and comes for $549 – $1,049 for the 38mm and $599 – $1,099 for the 42mm. The 18-carat gold edition is the most expensive and starts at $10,000. All the three watches will be available from April 24^th onwards.

March 10, 2015
Apple Watch Edition is Officially the Most Expensive Smart Watch

Apple has lifted curtains on the new Apple Watch and different elements variations including the aluminum version Apple Watch Sport which starts at US$ 349 for the 38mm and US$ 399 for the 42MM versions. The Apple Watch made from a custom version of stainless steel forged using special alloying techniques starting for a price of US$ 549 for 38mm and US$ 599 for the 42mm version, the strap you select will affect the pricing of course.

The Apple Watch Edition, aka the pure solid gold edition, available in a block of 18 carat yellow, or rose gold will go on sale starting at a whopping price of US $ 10,000 for the 38mm version, and the price will only increase as per the edition you decide to buy.

The Apple Watch edition is set to target the high-end watch market, mainly from the name brand watches, the likes of Omega and Tag Heuer will see a shift in buying from the users.

The biggest reason, watch enthusiasts would stay away from smart watches would be the general availability of smart watches vs the exclusivity and high end precision with which the traditional watches were made.

With Apple creating a similar market for the Watch Edition, making it available in select quantities and in select stores across the world. Apple is basically pinging the high end watch lovers.

The question however remains; Would a high end watch enthusiast drop his/her precision hand made watch that potentially would never need a charge for a watch that would require to be charged daily?

Will the Apple Watch Edition end up being a high price novelty? Especially considering that we might see a new version in about 365 days of launch.

March 10, 2015
24th April Onwards Apple Watch Will be Available in Nine Countries

While we have known most details about the Apple Watch since Apple’s last major event, the company officially announced the smartwatch today. It is one of the newest entrants in Apple’s ecosystem. Tim Cook, Apple CEO, had earlier announced that we would be able to buy the device sometime in April, we have now been given an exact date for the same.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Tim Cook” author_title=”Apple’s CEO”]

Apple Watch begins a new chapter in the way we relate to technology and we think our customers are going to love it,

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It will be available on 24th April to customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US. While 10th April onwards, in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US, Apple Watch will be available for preview, try-on by appointment at Apple’s retail stores, and available for pre-order through the Apple Online Store. Customers who purchase online or in-store from Apple will be offered Personal Setup to customise and pair Apple Watch with their iPhone.

Want to know more about the Apple Watch? Click here.

March 10, 2015
Huawei’s Forthcoming Flagship Officially Teased, Likely to Feature a Massive Battery

Chinese manufacturer Huawei is all set to announce its next flaghsip the Ascend P8. The company has officially released a teaser image of the upcoming flagship, which primarily focuses on the smartphone’s battery.

The teaser image was posted on Huawei’s Weibo account, with the battery icon appearing within the numeric ‘8’ itself. However, we’ve seen super sleek flagships from Huawei in the past, hence the P8 featuring a colossal battery unit is highly unlikely.

Though going by the teaser, we can expect the P8 to get something big in terms of battery and power saving features. It could be that Huawei has managed to fit in a huge battery unit in a relatively slim device.

Official sponsors for the North London football club Arsenal, the Huawei P8 will be unveiled in London on April 15th, while rumour mill suggests that the phone will get a 5.2-inch Full-HD display, an octa-core Kirin 930 processor bundled with 3GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel camera with a dual LED flash and OIS.

March 9, 2015
Apple’s Music Streaming Service Expected to Arrive in June

Sources close to Apple suggest that the Cupertino based giant is prepping the launch of its own version of Beats Music streaming service. Apple is currently planning to unveil the service, most likely in its beta form at its Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) in June.

The service will be based on the technology acquired by Beats Music, though with a slightly different user interface for Apple apps. Moreover, the service will no longer get the Beats brand name and will be integrated with OSX, Apple TV, and iOS, while pricing is expected to be around $7.99 per month, slightly cheaper than Beats Music, Spotify, and Rdio.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”9to5 Mac”]

Apple currently plans to launch the new music service as part of an iOS 8.4 upgrade for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch following WWDC, but a final decision has not yet been made. It’s possible that the service will be bundled into iOS 9 this fall, which is expected to have a significant focus on bug fixes and stability improvements.

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Meanwhile, the service will be available on Android as well, making it Apple’s first in-house Android app. Apple is aiming at expanding its user base with its new music streaming service. As of now, Spotify has 60 million clients and 15 million paid endorsers. While Beats Music streaming launched in January last year far behind the likes of Spotify in terms of the number of subscribers, but it is likely that some of that ground could be made up with lower rates.

March 9, 2015
Pricing of Huawei’s Premium Smartwatch Revealed

The Chinese electronics producer Huawei, at the Mobile World Congress, announced its first Android-powered smartwatch last week. It was a wearable with timeless design and with all the major elements required to make a high-end watch. The Huawei Watch has finally got a price tag and as per Amazon.de, the wearable can be grabbed at €999 ($1,080 = more than Rs. 67,500).

The company was careful at the Mobile World Congress revealing only the basic information about the Watch, and not the price and availability. But through the Amazon listing, it is evident that all the three variants of the Huawei Watch (black, silver, and gold) will cost €999 with prime shipping.

Meanwhile, the e-commerce website doesn’t state any details about its release date. Moreover, it is little dubious of the three variants having the same price range, as gold and silver edition were expected to be priced a little higher than the black version.

Recalling the features,the Huawei Watch is undoubtedly an excellent choice and incorporates a sapphire crystal display that is absent is many smartwatches. A 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, along with 512MB is equipped with the device. The onboard storage capacity holds at 4GB, and additional features include a heart rate sensor, call notifications and many other essential features.

March 9, 2015
Micromax Teases Lollipop for Yu Yureka, Devices to Receive Update Shortly

The Yu Yureka smartphone will soon be getting the Android Lollipop 5.0 update, as the company has posted a Lollipop teaser on its Facebook page. This could only indicate that the devices will be receiving the update in the next few days. The handset was launched with Android 4.4 KitKat based CynagoenOS 11, and with the new firmware update it will get CyanogenOS 12.

Meanwhile, the company has assured that the Yu Yureka will be the first handset to get Lollipop based Cyanogen update. The new update should bring with it a plethora of new features and customisation options. Owners of Yu Yureka can expect usual software updates from Google, but we’re sure it’s the updated CyanogenMod features that everyone would be looking forward to.

Yu Yureka’s Lollipop teaser on its official Facebook page

The image uses a dot-to-dot game to tease the update, with the numbers ending at ’26’. Does this indicate that the update starts rolling out on March 26? We have a feeling that we’ll know sooner than later.

The device already boasts an impressive set of specs at a very attractive price point, and the latest software update should attract more customers to an already great performing device.

Do check out our review of the Yu Yureka below:

March 9, 2015
Moto Turbo Goes Up for Pre-Order on Flipkart; Pricing Revealed

Less than a week back, Motorola India Head confirmed that Moto Turbo will soon be arriving in India and today, the company has officially put the device up for pre-order. The Schaumburg-based telecommunication company released the handset at the online retail website Flipkart for Rs. 41,999, and is taking pre-orders starting today.

The new Moto Turbo sports a 5.2-inch Quad HD display with 565 ppi pixel density. Powered by quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, the device holds Adreno 420 GPU and 3GB of RAM. A water-repellent coating is incorporated on the screen that protects the device. The battery support of Moto Turbo is 3,900mAh and it also comes with Motorola’s Turbo Charger feature that powers the device for up to seven hours of usage in just 15 minutes of charging.

The optics of the phone are also top-notch. A 21MP autofocus snapper with dual-LED flash sits at the back along with other features like slow motion video, burst mode, auto HDR, Panorama, and few more. Though the front camera is a conventional 2MP. The device runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and the connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE with LTE Cat 4 and Micro-USB.

Flipkart is trying to lure the potential buyers with few deals like 100% cashback for 25 lucky customers and extra 10% off on Moto Turbo with American Express Cards. The handset is estimated to release in the third week of March.

Click here to pre-order now.

March 9, 2015
Samsung Has Already Received Record Pre-Orders for Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

The two newest flagship smartphones by Samsung, the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge, seems to be the much needed ray of sunlight for the South Korean electronics manufacturer. The company is still to announce its launch date, but the phones have already established a record even before its release. According to The Korea Times, Samsung has received record orders of 20 million for the Galaxy S6 and the curvy Galaxy S6 Edge.

The international publishing daily put forth the detailed pre-order numbers of the two devices saying 15 million of S6 have been booked through mobile carriers and the edgy S6 Edge are demanded as much as 5 million.

The company hasn’t commented anything on the issue, but if the figures are true then the company may soon regain the top position in the smartphone market. The 20 million pre-orders is a good start for the company and it seems like the demand will keep increasing post the launch. However, the handsets have not reached the end consumers until now. Once it rolls out for the buyers, it will then become clear if the demand has matched the supply.

In case you missed the hands-on video of the S6 and S6 Edge, check out the clip below:

March 9, 2015
Here’s What You Can Expect From Apple’s ‘Spring Forward’ Event

Apple will be holding an event today, the 9th of March where it will finally launch its long teased Apple Watch. This is a whole new product segment for Apple, and the industry is waiting to get their hands on the device to see for themselves if it matches the hype.

There might be some hidden surprises at the event, but here’s what you can expect to see:

The Battery Fiasco

The battery has been a cause of concern for the potential consumers. It has been claimed in multiple reports that the Apple Watch might have a dismal battery backup. Some reports even went on to say that the device might just have a battery life for 5 hours of active usage while others said it might run for two-three days on low power mode. Replying to the concerns, Apple Chief, Tim Cook recently said that the Apple Watch will run for a full day, and its charging will be faster than the iPhone. We will finally get to know more details on the battery performance and will also learn how Apple plans on increasing the battery efficiency of the device.

Apps Maketh The Watch

Apple Watch is first of all a smart device, and the smartness of the device depends on the apps it has to offer. During its launch, Apple showed some amazing clock faces including the amazing Astronomy and Disney based watch faces. It also has some unique gesture supports that will make it easy to use and to interact with others.
At present, the apps on the device will work in conjunction with the iPhone apps. The company plans to bring native Watch apps in the future. Apple has already said that the Watch will support Apple Pay, which means the device has NFC so we might also see some NFC-based apps too. Tim Cook has already said that Watch might replace the car keys in the near future.

What’s The Price, Eh?

During the unveiling of the Apple Watch, its price was stated to be $349, which is expected to be the price of the basic variant of the device, the Watch Sport. The price of Apple’s other Watch offering is yet unknown. Apple has also brought the Edition collection of the watch which are made of premium materials such as Rose Gold surface and Sapphire Crystal display. These smartwatches will also come with a multitude of strap and accessory options. Though, for Apple customers, pricing is not a major issue, but this time around they’ll probably be cautious before buying an all new device. Some reports have indicated a price of above $1000 as the average price for the device, which sounds a bit exorbitant. With that hefty a price tag Apple has to make a good case for its product to attract users to its Watch corner.

Hmm… What Else?

Apart from the major Apple Watch launch, the Cupertino-based tech giant is also expected to bring out some new upgraded devices in its other product line-up. 9to5mac had reported in January that Apple might be ready to bring a 12 inch-notebook that would probably have a body similar to the current 11-inch MacBook Air. This new device is only expected to hold two ports, a headphone jack and the new C-Type reversible USB port. This new laptop will also do away with the internal fans and the touchpad, so this seems to be one of the usual experiments of Apple for the market whose success can influence future product designs. The lack of ports might disappoint potential buyers, but Apple might just end up introducing a new accessory to address consumer plight.

Apple might also introduce iOS 8.2 with Apple Watch support. This new update will have the new companion app for the Watch and will let you use the device in conjunction with your iOS devices. The new emoji’s, which got the fans excited will only arrive after a few months when Apple brings out the iOS 8.3.

To Conclude

Overall, it’s a show about the new Apple Watch and it is targeted at the customers who have been eagerly waiting to own the companion device for their iPhones. While we know about most of the features of the Watch, Apple will be making its final case before bringing the device out for the customers to try. The smartwatch segment of the market is slowly coming to maturity and with Apple’s addition to the list, all major brands have placed their contenders in the market. We have to wait till next quarter to know how Apple’s latest product segment is received by the public.

Come back to iGyaan to know more about the details of the Apple event on Monday.

March 9, 2015
After Conquering Music, Shazam to Start Recognising Physical Objects

Shazam, the music app that allows you identify music, is extending its scope by including visual identification. Shazam set up in 1999 and gained its wildly popular reputation because of its ability to identify any string of music at a click of a button. Now, the app can sell songs the user has identified, thanks to fortified deals with all major music streaming services like Spotify and Deezer. It is also one of the top 25 most downloaded app for years.

At the Mobile World Congress 2015, Chief Executive of Shazam, Rich Riley told Reuters,

Shazam is already a verb. We want to expand the universe of what you can Shazam. The famous blue button that our users love will remain on the home screen but will be able to do much more.

This new feature looks like an advanced version of Google Goggles. This update will soon let users identify or learn more about anything they point out at. For example, you could point your phone at a cereal box to get in-depth nutritional information, or at a DVD case to buy the soundtrack from your device.

Shazam has raised $30 million for recruiting new members to its team and sign partnerships with publishers and content companies. Riley also said that the funds would give Shazam some flexibility to choose whether the next money-raising exercise are on the public markets or the private markets.

March 7, 2015
Women’s Day Special : 5 Interesting Gadgets to Gift Your High-Tech Mom

It’s the day to shower the women in your life with love. However, it is always a task to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Don’t worry, iGyaan is here. We’ve already covered brothers and sisters, now we are listing 5 gadgets to gift your mom to make her feel special.

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5. Dropcam Pro

Over the years, having acquired a ton of valuable belongings, we’re sure she doesn’t want people messing with her prized possessions. That is where Dropcam Pro comes into focus. This Wi-Fi video monitoring camera doesn’t need to be attached to a PC, it streams its high-quality security footage through your home router.

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4. Gunnar Computer glasses

These computer glasses are designed for those looking for more coverage in a bold classic look. It featuring adjustable nose pads and spring hinges, and can fit most head shapes comfortably. Available in amber and crystalline lenses, as well as a wide range of prescriptions, they will be the perfect gift for your mom, saving her eyes from that extra stress given by digital screens.

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3. Snugg MacBook leather Cover

This one would make for a handy gift. The chic MacBook leather cover comes with high quality soft Nubuck interior with Magnetic flap to secure her Macbook. It also includes card slot to store Business cards, Bank cards, USB sticks and huge pockets for charging cables and a smartphone.

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2. Withing WS-50 Smartbody analyser

One of the best ways to help your mother stick to a diet is by setting up the Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer in the livingroom. This WiFi scale replaces that old rusty junk sitting on your bathroom floor with a clean, polished and most importantly, ultra-precise weight and body fat measurer. The health-focused Withings has an iOS and Android app to go along with its updated scale, and it picks up your heart rate and keeps tabs on indoor air quality.

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1. Apple iPhone 6

If you’ve got the money to spend, what better than the new iPhone 6? Apple’s new flagship comes with a treated Aluminum chaise. It’s bigger and thinner than the earlier version. Currently several major e-commerce sites in India have slashed the price down of the smartphone considerably; the timing couldn’t be better.

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March 7, 2015