Category: Tech

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

Samsung Reportedly Working on Cheaper Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Note Alternatives

Even with all the competition, Samsung still holds the top position as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, but the passing year didn’t go so well for the company. Samsung is quite aware of the ground reality and it seems like the maker is working on restoring its lost authority in the smartphone market. According to an exclusive by SamMobile, Samsung is working on a line of four tablets, that might be the successors of Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 and the Galaxy Tab 4 10.1.

According to the report, the company might release four or more tablets. These offerings will be a part of the Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Note line-up. The Galaxy Tab AS (SM-T350/351) will be small and a successor of Galaxy Tab 4 7.0, while the larger Galaxy Tab AL (SM-T550/T551) will be a sibling of Galaxy Tab 4 10.1.

The other two speculated tablets, SM-P350/351 (Wi-Fi/Cellular) and SM-P550/551 (Wi-Fi/Cellular), may be the successors of Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note Pro series. The SM-P350/351 will flaunt a display of 7-inch or 8-inch and, on the other hand, the SM-P550/551 might sport a screen of 10 or 12 inches. The tablets will have the latest version of Google’s OS, Android 5.0 Lollipop, onboard.

The source states that the tablets are in its early stages and consumers can expect to get their hands on them by the second or fourth quarter of this year. No other details have been provided regarding their hardware, software or any other specifications. For now, we believe that Samsung will leave no stone unturned in appealing its mass audience and will bring out the devices in metallic finish, just as the Galaxy Note 4. With sales figures showing a negative graph, the company is expected to pack the devices with something really extravagant.

January 14, 2015
Google Translator Gets Smarter With Real-Time Language Detection

Google has majorly updated its Google Translate mobile app. The update brings promises to expedite the translation process while on the move.

As rumored, the new version includes automatic language detection in conversation mode, so having a conversation between two people who don’t speak the same language is actually possible. Once you’ve selected the two languages being spoken, Google Translate can now tell which one is being spoken at any moment. With no need to manually toggle them, conversations can be more natural.

Another big update is the integration of the World Lens tool in the app. Google acquired the Word Lens technology last year when it bought Quest Visual, a start-up founded by former video game developer Otavio Good. Word Lens uses video mode in smartphone cameras to scan scenes, identify writing and then display it as if it were written in English.

While the Google Translate app already lets you convert words into 36 languages using your phone’s camera, this process will become more or less instant. So you can basically hover your device in front of menus, road signs, and more, and see the translated text overlaid on the screen immediately without any internet connection.

The updated apps aren’t live yet, but the refresh will be rolling out starting today, according to Google’s blog post.

Thanks to technological advancements, the barrier of language is rapidly disappearing with such tools. It may not solve all problems, but at least travel and tourism will get easier for many.

January 14, 2015
Mozilla Brings Out Firefox v35 with a Cool New Conversation Tool

Mozilla has launched the new version of its internet browser called Firefox Version 35 Final which will be followed by Firefox for Android 35.0 in the coming days. The latest version comes with various new features including new room-based conversion tool for Firefox Hello, improved geolocation tools and an integrated download manager for Android.

The new room-based chat model allows users to organise different conversations and contacts in groups, making it easy to keep track of old chats and start new ones with your contacts. The new version has also simplified the chat process by removing certain steps.

Now, when you start a conversation, a window opens showing a self-view until the person you have invited clicks on the link and joins you. When they do, you’ll be notified with an audio alert and the Hello icon will turn blue. According to Mozilla, Firefox Hello is the world’s first global communications system built directly into a browser.

Second important iteration in the Firefox v35 is the Firefox Marketplace for the desktop, however, it is currently in Beta. The marketplace is already available on Firefox OS and Firefox for Android, now the company is testing apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux with the help of selected users.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEPq4xFGzG0

Next up is the soon-to-release Android-build version with the promise of improved opt-in geolocation service with the help of your Wi-Fi and cellular signal. Along with this, Bing Search will provide secure search via HTTP and will be integrated with the Android download manager as well.

All of the aforementioned features will be available in Firefox toolbar and in the Customize mode. The v35 is already available for Windows, Mac and Linux as free, open-source download fon Firefox.com while the Firefox Version 35 for Android will be available shortly.

January 14, 2015
New Screenshots Reveal How an iPhone App will Control the Apple Watch

Everyone is waiting to get their hands on Apple’s new smart watch. Although it is one of the late entrants in the smartwatch segment, it is one of the most awaited devices around. Months ago, at the mega-event held in Cupertino, the company claimed that the Apple Watch will be highly customizable. However, the details about how that would be achieved were few, until now.

Yesterday, it was reported that the latest iOS 8.2 beta will come with an Apple Watch application for the iPhone through which the smartwatch can be customized. The app, which is referred to as the ‘Companion app’ , manages settings for Apple Watch applications, as well as settings for iPhone-Apple Watch interactivity.

The publication also revealed some screenshots of the ‘Companion app’ which gives us little insight of the new functions expected. According to screenshots, users will be able to manage and organize applications on the Apple Watch Home Screen via a virtual view on the iPhone Companion application.

Most of the functionality of the Apple Watch will be decided via the companion app, including alert and notification preferences, as well as some of the visuals you see on the wearable. The layout for the cluster of application icons on the Apple Watch’s home screen can be managed from the companion app, using a virtual preview.

According to the images, Apple Watch will rely heavily on voice commands for texting, browsing and other functions.

There’s also the option to have the Apple Watch unlock any time a user unlocks his or her iPhone, so long as the watch is attached to their body.

Apple Watch was announced back in September 2014 along with Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Pay. The company has said that it will ship in “early 2015,” however, it is widely expected that the Watch might ship in by March.

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

January 14, 2015

Samsung Launches its First Tizen-Based Smartphone in India

Samsung has finally launched its much awaited Tizen-based Z1 smartphone in an event held in New Delhi. As expected, the new Tizen OS powered smartphone is a budget smartphone. It sports a 4-inch WVGA (480x800p) PLS display and is powered by a 1.2GHz A7 dual-core processor and comes with 768MB RAM. The Z1 has 4GB of internal storage expandable up to 64GB via a microSD card.

On the imaging side, Z1 flaunts a 3.1MP rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front camera. It is powered by a 1500mAh battery. It will support 3G, Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi and A-GPS connectivity option. Additional features include accelerometer, ultra power saving mode, private mode and ability to access browser pages offline.

Samsung, ultimately, aims to make Tizen the ‘OS of Everything’, making it the direct rival to Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS mobile platforms. At CES 2015, announced that all the 2015 TVs will be powered by Tizen OS.

However, the delays and the consumer skepticism for anything other than Android and iOS have meant that the devices running on Tizen haven’t been able to emerge from its initial stage.

With the launch of Tizen-OS powered Z1, the company has shifted its strategy, setting aside its high-end ambitions and aiming at emerging markets like India with cheap devices powered by the OS. Samsung Z1 is priced at Rs. 5,700 and will go on sale today, on both online and offline stores.

Specs	Samsung Z1
Processor	1.2GHz A7 dual-core
RAM	768MB RAM
Display	4-inch WVGA (480x800p) PLS
Operating System	Tizen 2.3
Camera	3.1MP rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front camera
Battery	1500mAh
Storage	4GB, expandable up to 64GB
Price	Rs. 5,700

January 14, 2015

Adobe, Intel, Google, and Apple Reach Settlement in Employee Poaching Lawsuit

Silicon Valley’s biggest names got together to a reach a settlement in an employee poaching lawsuit. The case was filed against Apple, Google, Intel and Adobe in 2011 by tech sector workers. It stated that these tech giants limited job mobility for workers and thus limited salary growth too. Now these companies have come together for an agreement to settle the case.

Last year, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California, rejected the settlement amount of $324.5 million, calling it too low. The settlement was rejected after one of the complainant objected to the amount. That complainant has agreed to the new undisclosed settlement amount which was offered by the tech giants. Judge Lucy Koh has said that to match the earlier settlement, the amount must be at least $380 million to address the loss of potential wages to the employees.

The case is mostly based on the emails between Apple Co-founder Steve Jobs and ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt along with heads of other rival companies. The emails detailed their plans to resist from poaching each others’ top engineers. This would lead to limited opportunity for the engineers to grow in the market.

The complainants (plaintiffs) will be filing a detailed explanation of the new deal “imminently”. The Judge will then have the option of accepting or rejecting the settlement. Guess the lesson from this case is to be good at your job, but not that good that your employer will try to keep you in forever.

January 14, 2015
Apple Patents Action Camera Designs, Plans to Take on GoPro

Apple has pioneered a lot of technological advancements that we giddily enjoy today. Think multiple font faces, personal computers and of course, their sweet smartphone. Having made its entry into the wearables segment last year with the Apple Watch, the Cupertino based giant has now patented a design for an action camera.

Apple will take a direct hit at GoPro with this one. In its patent document, the company calls out GoPro’s HD Hero2 cameras for creating “excessive wind resistance’” while mounted, and being “susceptible to damage” from vibrations.

The design of the camera and accompanying wearable.

The new camera design is based on the patents that Apple acquired from Kodak in 2013. This camera can be controlled by a smartwatch. The designs indicate a system of multiple camera sensors that assist the device in covering multiple angles and also multiple directions. The device also describes multiple mounting options like the GoPro; it can be used as a handheld camera and can also be mounted on cars, jibs, bikes, etc. So it checks all the requirements to be an action camera and also comes with a wearable remote.

GoPro’s stock saw significant damage after the news of Apple’s patents. According to CNN Money, the stocks of GoPro fell by 10% on Tuesday. But it shouldn’t be a major cause of concern for GoPro, which is still the king of action cameras. Apple, just like any other major corporation, has a history of acquiring patents which rarely make it to the consumer’s hands. But it did manage to generate hype. GoPros phenomenal success has brought in a barrage of new action cameras like HTC Re, Poloroid Cube Mini, Sony HDR-AS20 HD POV Action Cam and others.

We don’t completely discount the chances of an Apple action camera. As the smartphone market and the wearables segment gets more saturated, companies might look at other areas of interest. Apple can also make use of its Apple watch as a controller, thus increasing its functionality.

January 14, 2015
Google Brings Out a Fast and Easy Flight Search Tool in India

Google has entered the Indian airline booking industry with its Google Flight Search which it launched yesterday. Internet giant’s new flight search tool allows users to search for flights, their prices, timings, etc directly within the search engine.

The new feature from the search giant, reduces the need for users to check out different online travel aggregators. These aggregators provide flight information and take a cut on the tickets they sell. Google’s presence in this space could reduce traffic to their portals.

Head over to www.google.co.in/flights to check it out now

Along with this, the company has partnered with Goibibo to display results from its own portal along with options thrown in by Google search from airline websites, when a user keys in requirements such as destination and travel date.

The service has been available to other markets since its launch in the US in 2011. In India, Google has been testing the waters for some time now. Previously online travel agents had threatened to lodge a complaint with the Competition Commission of India against the tool.

Despite Google’s strength in web searches, the success of flights and hotel search products is dependent not only integration with key airlines and intermediaries in the country but, most importantly, displaying competitive fares and supporting multiple customization.

Google Launches a Super Easy Tool to Help Search for Flights in India

January 14, 2015
Project Ara MDK 0.2 Details Module Marketplace, An Online Store for Ara Hardware

Fast approaching Google’s second Ara Developers’ Conference seems to have kicked off with great excitement. The Phonebloks community has announced the release of the second Module Developers Kit. This kit takes the modular smartphone closer to reality.

The second instalment of Project Ara developer kit is not just exciting for developers but even has something for users to anticipate. The biggest addition with the MDK 0.2 is a section on the Module Marketplace, which is said to be a lot like a Google Play Store for Ara hardware modules. Unlike the Play Store, however, it seems that this marketplace is going to be strictly curated.

Developers will be able to submit details about their hardware through the Ara Developer Console, while users of Ara phones will be able to use an Ara Configurator app to choose the hardware they’d like. At the most basic level, this can let you customize your phone by choosing modules you’ll need most.

There is also something in store for end-users, of course. Phonebloks has mentioned that an Ara Manager app will be made available in the near future. This app will let users control the functions of different modules and monitor their state and information.

The MDK 0.2 is based on the Spiral 2 prototype that will be revealed at the upcoming developers’ conference. The second Project Ara modular smartphone MDK has been created in collaboration with numerous companies such as NK Labs, LeafLabs, New Deal Design, Metamorph Software, X5 Systems, Toshiba, Mixel, Quanta, Opersys, Linux Solutions, Linaro, BayLibre, NewOldBits, Oxford Systems, Foxconn and IDT Systems.

January 13, 2015
XOLO One Confirmed to Receive Lollipop Update 16th January Onwards

Even though it has been a while since Google officially brought out the Android 5.0 Lollipop Update, barely 50% devices have received the update. Many smartphone manufacturers are still struggling to update their devices. Now XOLO has has made an announcement that its budget device XOLO One will be getting the Lollipop update. According to the company, the update will officially roll out on the 16^th of this month.

XOLO One flaunts a 4.5-inch LCD display and is powered by a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz. In terms of memory, the device features 2 GB of RAM along with 8 GB of internal storage capacity that can be expanded up to 32 GB via MicroSD card. It has a 5 MP rear camera and houses a 1700mAh battery.

XOLO One is priced for Rs. 6,599 in India. Motorola too announced of its devices getting the Lollipop update today. All the handsets released in 2013 and 2014 are said to get the upgrade really soon.

January 13, 2015
LG G Flex 2 is Cheaper Than its Predecessor

The Consumer Electronic Show (CES) saw some really interesting innovations this year. One such innovation was the LG G Flex 2, which is an enhanced version of the original LG G Flex released last year. The device made a cameo at the event; only its specifications were released, while the price was kept under wraps. Now, the South Korean smartphone manufacturer has come up with a price tag, which is a bit lower than the launch price of its predecessor.

The device is listed on Amazon, where it is priced for €599. This translates to somewhere around Rs. 44,000. The original LG G Flex was a little pricey and came at an introductory cost of €850. For now, the phone is available for purchase in Germany only and the shipping date of the same is not yet specified.

The major tweak in the device is its fast restoring capacity. The phone retrieves its original position in just 10 seconds whereas the G Flex took around three minutes to heal. Briefing its specs, then LG G Flex 2 boasts a 5.5-inch full HD Curved POLED display, with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It is powered by a Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor with 64-bit capability, becoming the first device to pack the latest and powerful processing system. The G Flex 2 sports 2 GB of RAM and runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Coming onto the camera front, the G Flex 2 has a 13MP rear shooter along with OIS+ and laser auto focus capacity and a 2.1MP front snapper for your selfie needs. Furthermore, the phone features both 16 GB and 32 GB of internal storage and has a microSD card support.

As of now, there is no official announcement about its launch in India, but it is speculated to release soon.

January 13, 2015
All 2013 and 2014 Motorola Devices to Get Lollipop Update Soon

There is finally some good news on the horizon for Motorola users. After a considerably long delay, Motorola has announced that it will be bringing out Android Lollipop updates for all its handsets released in 2013 and 2014.

In a post on Google Plus, Motorola Engineer Luciano Carvalho has said that the company is currently working hard to bring the update to its consumers. He has not specified the exact date and has just said that the updates will arrive “real soon”.

It is also mentioned in the post that the company has released an Android 5.0.3 update as a limited soak test. The reason cited for the delay is the bug ridden launch of the Android Lollipop. The post says that the team at Motorola are constantly finding bugs and fixing them, and they will reveal the update once it’s completely bug free.

Motorola is one of the best companies out there in terms of timely updates. The devices launched by the company are really popular and get proactive support from the company. So if you are a Motorola user, the wait for your Lollipop will soon come to an end.

January 13, 2015
Micromax Brings Out the Canvas Hue with 3000 mAh Battery for Rs. 10,999

India-based company Micromax is the top choice of many smartphone users. The latest offering by its subsidiary, Yu, recently released a device that houses an exceptional set of specs at a super low price. Now, Micromax has added one more handset to its portfolio, the Canvas Hue. The company claims that the device can last up to 30 days on a single charge, which seems a bit far-fetched if you ask us.

As far as the specifications are concerned, Micromax Canvas Hue has a 5-inch HD AMOLED display of 1280×720 pixels resolution. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection prevents the display from breakage and makes it scratch-resistant. The device is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor paired with 1GB of RAM. The handset runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat as of now, but it is expected to get the Android 5.0 Lollipop update soon.

Talking about the camera specification, the device has an 8MP primary camera along with a 2MP shooter at front. Canvas Hue houses a powerful 3,000mAh battery and has a support for super power saving mode, which extends the battery life of the phone. The handset features a storage capacity of 8 GB, which can be further expanded via MicroSD card.

The Chief Executive Officer of Micromax Vineet Taneja said in a statement:

With an AMOLED HD screen, users are guaranteed of a life-like viewing experience through more vivid colours and a crystal clear display. The Canvas Hue is a perfect blend of premium design, seamless efficiency and superior technology that supports the needs of the ever evolving consumers.

Priced at Rs. 10,999, Canvas Hue will go on sale on 16^th January. The device is relatively cheap and can compete with big contenders in the market like Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G, Gionee Marathon M3 and Yu Yureka, which pack somewhat similar set of specs.

January 13, 2015
US Military’s Social Media Accounts Hacked By ISIS Sympathizers

Last year saw some mega hacks attacking some of the most prominent names in the world. First there was the iCloud hack which led to a leak of personal images of Hollywood actresses. Then came the supposed attack from North Korea on Sony Pictures, which did some considerable damage to the production house. But today something even unprecedented happened; social media pages belonging to US Military establishment have gotten hacked by alleged ISIS sympathizers.

The Twitter and YouTube accounts of US Central Command (Centcom) were hijacked by the hackers who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State. They started posting propaganda videos and threatening messages on the websites. The hackers also uploaded some military documents which Centcom claims aren’t confidential and are available on the internet.

The hackers took over the twitter page and left threatening messages for the US Army.

US Centcom is dedicated to the combat missions undertaken in Iraq, Afghanistan and the rest of the middle east. This is definitely an embarrassing situation for the most powerful military in the world.

Following the information about the hijack, the hacked pages were taken offline but not before the perceptional damage was done. Centcom spokesperson has said that the US military network hasn’t been compromised by the hack, and they see this attack as a case of “cybervandalism.” They also added that none of the documents released by the attackers came from the Centcom’s servers or any other social media website.

After Hijacking the YouTube page the attackers posted propganda videos.

The case is being overseen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI). The White House also released a statement that said that they are considering the attack seriously and “examining and investigating the extent of the incident.” Several Miltary experts have said that this is an attack on the social media pages and not on the US Military network and hence isn’t a major breach.

The twitter page was taken down for a while and now its back online.

These major releases show that if something is on the internet, it can be stolen with ease. So in these times, just consider any information you have saved on the internet is up for grabs and live in peace with that thought.

January 13, 2015
Xiaomi Teases its New Flagship Ahead of the 15th January Launch

Coming from nowhere to take over the world’s tech market, Chinese handset maker, Xiaomi is all set to reveal it’s new flagship device on 15th January. Creating a hype, in which the company can now be considered an expert, Xiaomi took to its Facebook page to tease a new flagship device that is set to unveil this week.

A short video teaser plays a little “fill-in-the-blank” game with the viewer hinting at the device’s design. It consists of sentences with missing adjectives which should be filled by the viewers.

Post by Mi.

The company has sent out invites for the launch event set for 15th of January. According to the official MIUI thread, the launch will take place at 2.00 PM Beijing time. The page doesn’t specifically state what new device they’re launching, but the general agreement is that this hype is for the Mi5.

This upcoming premium launch by Xiaomi is expected to sport a 5.7-inch QHD display. It will get its processing might from the 64-bit Snapdragon 810 SoC which will be supported by an Adreno 430 graphics engine and 3 GB of RAM. It will offer 16 GB internal memory and feature a fingerprint sensor. It is also expected to flaunt a 20.7 MP camera with Sony Exmor RS sensor.

There are also speculations that Xiaomi might unveil the new Redmi Note 2 along with the new flagship. An online listing of Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 on an online portal Oppomart is the cause of these rumours. The online listing has revealed the complete specifications and pricing of the Redmi Note 2. This may imply that either the Redmi Note 2 will be launched along with the Mi5 or the company will launch the Redmi Note 2 instead of the Mi5.

January 13, 2015