Category: Tech

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

Sony Pictures Employees Receive Threatening E-mails from Alleged Hackers

It seems like troubled times for folks working at Sony Pictures is not going to come to an end anytime soon. The company that faced a massive hack which rendered most of its computers useless also faced release of its movies online. The attack was handled by a hacker group which calls itself Guardians of Peace or #GOP. It is now being reported that the employees of Sony Pictures are now getting threatening e-mails.

Sony has lost a lot of ground in this attack. Not only has there been the loss of business days, but also they are not yet sure of the scale of the theft due to the hack. Four of Sony’s upcoming movies were released online along with the recently released and exceptional Brad Pitt movie, Fury. The hackers also released several documents relating to the company’s financial records, employee details and data relating to several movies.

Sony has hired security firm FireEye Inc and its Mandiant forensics unit to investigate the hacking. FBI spokesman Joshua Campbell has said that the department is aware of the threatening e-mails received by the employees at Sony. It is not yet clear though that if the e-mails were actually sent by the hackers or if it is a work of some prankster who scored the e-mails of the employees through the leaked documents. In either case, this is now a serious issue as this is criminal intimidation. The case has fast escalating from thievery and blackmail to terrorising the production company and the people who work for it.

This leak can lead to pernicious effects on people who work for the company. If the hackers have access to personal information, identification and financial details of people who’ve worked for Sony, they can attempt identity theft and cause harm to individuals. This attack can be easily be called a terrorist attack and maybe we could start seeing more of these in the coming future. The need of the hour is to train a massive workforce dedicated to cyber security just like a standing army. Our economies and identities have shifted from physical to the digital world, so it’s absolutely important to have soldiers online to protect our interests.

December 6, 2014
Microsoft Likely to Push Back Windows 10 Release to Late Next Summer

Well, everyone has been waiting eagerly for the Microsoft’s new OS Windows 10 but unfortunately we might not see it anytime soon. The new version, which is a significant upgrade from Windows 8, is now expected to launch next year in spring. That means, we will have to wait until late summer of next year to get our hands on it.

Mary Jo Foley, an influential ZDNet reporter, has revealed that Microsoft might delay the launch of the new OS to next year’s late summer or early fall. The report also added that the new Technical Preview of Windows 10 will be coming early summer.

Microsoft is also expected to roll out Windows 10 Mobile SKU, which is compatible with Windows Phones, ARM tablets and Intel tablets, late January, along with the consumer preview of Windows 10 which will integrate Cortana into desktop OS. The mobile version of Windows is believed to integrate itself into the desktop OS.

Foley also confirmed that Microsoft will be holding its Build 2015 Conference late april, where it is expected to launch the enterprise version of the Windows 10, which will be constantly updated and tweaked until it gets ready for the public roll out.

Foley further stated that we could expect the touch version of Office 365 to launch with the Windows 10. Microsoft has made a great deal of iterations with the new OS. The company has emphasised on the return of the Start Menu, and the Continuum mode which detects whether the keyboard and mouse are hooked to the desktop or not and provides you suitable UI.

December 6, 2014
8 Recent Google Updates You Might Have Missed

Google is on an update spree. Lately, the company has been rolling out new updates across its Android apps and services frequently, however, it is hard to keep track of all the updates. So, we are rounding up recent Google updates that you might have missed.

1. Google Lollipop 5.0.1

After the roll out of Android Lollipop, Google has begun the process of getting Lollipop 5.0.1 out the door. The company quietly updated its Factory Images page to reveal a 5.0.1 built for the Nexus 9, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. Installing images from this page does require the flashing of devices in order to update them, and does not carry user data across in the process, unless backed up and restored by the user.

2. Gmail

With the new update, Gmail inbox allows users to edit Microsoft Office documents sent as email attachments. The new feature adds a Google Drive edit icon to Gmail attachments that says ‘Edit with Google Docs’. By clicking on this, the Office files get automatically converted into Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

3. reCAPTCHA

Google has announced that it is dropping Captcha, its anti-bot system that asks users to identify a deconstructed word or two in order to avoid spamming. The company has admitted that 98 percent of bots can now correctly answer a Captcha and so they are switching to a simple ‘tick the box if you’re not a robot’ system, with all the clever stuff behind the scenes rooting out impostors instead.

4. News & Weather app

Google has released an updated version of its News & Weather app on Google Play, which brings brand new dark themes and other changes. The company will roll out the update globally soon. In addition to the dark themes, which can be activated from overflow menu, the updated News & Weather app includes search option, new UI tweaks and bug fixes.

5. Device Assist

Google has rolled a new troubleshooting app called Device Assist that offers specific tips and access to support Nexus, Google Play edition, and Android One running on Lollipop. Device Assist will alert you about any settings that could give you trouble, such as battery drain from cranking up the brightness too high. The app also includes a list of common tasks and how to perform them, such as taking screenshots and customising notifications. There is also an option of contacting to the Google Play support via call. Apart from requesting a call, you can also submit your smartphone statistics for more elaborate troubleshooting.

6. Chrome Beta

Chrome Beta for Android has been updated by the company with minor design changes. The address bar has been redesigned for Lollipop users with Merge Tabs and Apps option enabled to go all the way across the display. Google has also added several new flags to the app, allowing users to enable a new bookmark manager and password generator.

7. Google +

Google+ has also received an update, debuting the app version 4.8. This update makes a few minor design enhancements too, like Chrome Beta. The ‘new post’ page has been slightly reworked with the publish button moving from bottom to the top and swapping places with the menu button.

8. Google Play Games (version 2.2)

This update adds a new interface for picking an account to use. The interface also now appears for all users, even those that have added only one account, with a new prompt to easily add another email. Finally, the game detail page has been enhanced with new ‘View in Play Store’ and ‘Share’ options.

December 6, 2014
Here’s the First Look at Cortana Running on Windows 10

Well, it has been a month since the technical preview of Windows 10 is out; although, it doesn’t run Cortana as for now. Cortana is Microsoft’s obvious response to Apple’s Siri, and with Apple looking to integrate Siri into OS X, Microsoft desperately needs to do it right. Right now, Cortana doesn’t have much of a personality in Windows 10, but we expect that it will be there by the time the company rolls it out to the public.

Anyway, it is pretty much clear and evident that Cortana be will coming to desktops once Windows 10 is available commercially. We are still waiting to see Cortana in action on desktops.

In a recent video post, WinBeta got access to Cortana on Windows 10. The early version of the Microsoft’s virtual assistant isn’t pretty, however, we can expect Microsoft to tweak it before the roll out of public version.

This early version, which the popular publication got hold off, got most of the basic stuff in place, such as calling Skype contacts, reading out your calendar and setting reminders just like on Windows Phone. The hard truth is, there are not many Windows Phone users out there and so, this might be the golden chance for the company to push out Cortana to a larger user base.

Google Now has been available on Chrome and other platforms for some time now. These companies’ devotion towards virtual assistants shows how important they have become. The mere fact that all the big names have come up with their virtual assistants and are looking out to integrate them into desktops defines the future of personal computing.

December 6, 2014
Micromax to Launch Moto E Competitor Canvas Xpress Exclusively on Flipkart

Micromax has had a good year. It has seen a comfortable rise in its market share as Samsung has steadily dropped down. In Q2 of this year, the company outsold Samsung according to market research consulting firm, CounterPoint Research. It has also partnered with CyanogenMod and will be bringing the custom ROM based device under the brand name ‘Yu’ in the Indian market soon. While everybody waits for the Yu phones to come out, Micromax has gone ahead and pulled a Motorola. The company will be launching its phone in the same price segment as the Moto E and that too exclusively on Flipkart.

The company will be launching the new Canvas Xpress.. The device has a 4.5 inch FWVGA(854×480) display, which is bigger than Moto E, but falls behind the Moto E’s qHD (960×540) resolution. The device runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

MIcromax Canvas Xpress

It is powered by 1.3 GHz quad core processor along with 1GB RAM. The storage on the device is expandable up to 32 GB. The main camera on the device is a 5 MP shooter, while on the front is a 0.3 MP camera. The device gets its juice from a 1950 mAh battery.

It offers features like HotKnot with which you can transfer data by just tapping the compatible phones together. It also offers Smart Wake using which users can open their favorite apps through customized gestures and access apps directly from the locked screen.

The device will be available exclusively on Flipkart from 8th December. It is priced at Rs. 6,999. The pricing irks a bit as Micromax’s own Android One powered devices come cheaper. They also have the benefit of being related with Google, so they might get one thing that Micromax has always lagged behind in i.e updates.

It is weird that Micromax has launched a device so close to the launch of the Yu brand of devices. Maybe it’s a way to assert the existence of the original Canvas line of devices before the launch of the Yu brand. It may be a good thing for Micromax not to have a plethora of devices with different names. Instead, it’s time it went into making its own devices and bringing new versions of it every year, especially if it wants to set its place permanently in the mobile markets podium. The features on the device sound good, but the specs could have been better. Come on Micromax, we are waiting for a flauntable Indian brand, impress us already.

December 5, 2014
Apple Finally Gives India the Attention it Deserves, Plans to Set Up More Than 500 Stores

India is fast becoming the go-to market for technology-based companies to try out their luck. A growing middle class with its increased purchasing power is growing more comfortable with experimenting with offerings of various companies. Almost every global company sees India as a potential market for their product. Every company is trying to impress the Indian consumer with better features and improved updates. Apple too understands the importance of this market and hence is pushing for an aggressive growth in the number of stores across the country.

The Cupertino-based technology superpower is planning to set up over 500 stores across the length and breadth of India. The company seems to have finally recognized the importance of our country to increase their hold on the international market. The company is already a major player in next door China and actively competes against the big brands there.

Meanwhile, India has mostly been Android dominated. A mass variety of offerings based on everyone’s preferences and budgets are available in the Android ecosystem. iPhones and other Apple offerings are seen as aspirational, as well as often berated for their high price values. But there is still a large Apple fan base which is almost as fanatical in support of the products from the company.

The stores will be set up in smaller towns and cities such as Amritsar, Pathankot, Moga, Coimbatore, Trichy, Nagpur and Nasik as the company sees a big number of potential consumers there. These stores are going to be small though, about 300-600 sq ft as opposed to the ones in bigger cities with a size of 2,000 sq ft. Apple will also be increasing its investments in direct advertising in the country.

Apple has been in India since 2011 but has till now operated with two distributors, Redington and Ingram. It is not sure as of yet how the business plan will incorporate the distributors as of yet. It is anticipated though that the company might adopt a franchise model to bring its products to the consumers. Reliance is also one of the reseller for Apple and had a 5 year contract with the company. But Apple might drop this partnership as they feel the service offered by Reliance is not up to their standards.

It sure is a great thing that Apple is putting its focus on the Indian soil. The setting up of 500 stores also means that any release by Apple will immediately come to India. This will surely increase competition amongst other brands to counter the giant. In the end, the winner will be the Indian consumer, who is already getting giddy with all the amazing options to choose from.

December 5, 2014
iBerry Unveils Auxus One Smartphone and Voice Calling-Enabled RIST Smartwatch

iBerry India, in association with eBay has launched the newest iBerry Auxus One smartphone along with the latest Auxus RIST smartwatch.

The Auxus One smartphone feaures a rotating camera unit as we have seen on Gionee’s Elfie E7 Mini. The camera unit on the phone features a 15.5 MP camera equipped with Sony’s BSI sensor with a 207 degree revolving camera. Other specs on the phone include a 5.7 inch screen with Gorilla Glass protection. It is powered by a 1.7GHz Hybrid Octa- Core MT6592 processor coupled with 2GB RAM. It runs on the latest Android 4.4 OS with support for GPS and NFC.

The smartphone has dual-SIM capabilities and a 3200mAh battery. On the memory front it offers 32GB of internal storage expandable upto 128 GB via a Class 10 microSD card.

Meanwhile, Auxus RIST, the company’s first smartwatch is waterproof and sports a dual core processor. It also has a micro SIM card slot for voice calling and 3G connectivity. In addition, the smartwatch also features a 3 MP camera. Other features of the smartwatch include 32GB expandable memory, support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS. The smartwatch is powered by a Li-ion rechargeable removable battery which the company claims can last for one full day. It also includes other nifty features like a Heart Rate Monitor and Calories Check.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vidmay Naini, Business Head – Technology Category, PaisaPay & PowerShip, eBay India, said, “It is our continuous endeavor to the inventory and offer unique deals to our customers. Auxus products have been well received by gadget enthusiasts logging into ebay.in from over 5000 cities, towns and villages across the country. We are confident that the smartphone and smartwatch will also be a grand success on ebay.in.”

The Auxus ONE smartphone is priced at Rs. 15,990 while the RIST smartwatch is priced at Rs. 9,999 and will be available starting December 8 exclusively on ebay.in.

December 5, 2014

Xolo Launches the Omega 5.0, We Unbox it!

Xolo has launched two new handsets, Omega 5.0 and Omega 5.5. The Omega 5.0 will be available in all leading online and offline stores starting from 10th December followed by Omega 5.5 on 20th December at the price of Rs. 8,999 and Rs. 9,999, respectively.

Apart from the launch, the company also announced that all HIVE users including Omega will get the Lollipop update. The details of which will be shared in the coming weeks. Xolo also announced a bunch of launch day offers with the smartphones. Omega 5.0 buyers will get 500MB of free data and unlimited music content on Vodafone Music for a period of two months. Omega 5.5 buyers, on the other hand, will get 1GB of free data and unlimited music content on Vodafone Music for a period of two months.

The Omega 5.0 is a dual-SIM smartphone that runs on Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box. Other specifications include a 5-inch HD (720×1280 pixels) IPS display; a 1.4GHz octa-core processor (MediaTek 6592m); 1GB of RAM with 8 GB internal memory expandable up to 32 GB via SDcard.

On the imaging side, it sports an 8-megapixel Auto-Focus camera with Exmor R sensor and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. And the handset juices up with a 2100mAh battery.

The Omega 5.5, on the other hand, flaunts a 5.5-inch HD (1280×720 pixels) IPS display, and it too is powered by an Octa-Core processor paired with 1GB of RAM. It includes a 13-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, 8GB internal storage, and a 2,600mAh battery.

The smartphones are wrapped with the company’s own Hive UI which the company launched in August this year. Hive UI is similar to what Chinese companies Oppo and Xiaomi have done with ColorOS and MIUI respectively The connectivity option includes 3G; GPRS/ EDGE; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; GPS/ A-GPS; Micro-USB; Bluetooth 4.0.

Here’s a spec comparison between the Xolo Omega 5.0 and Xiaomi Redmi Note:

Specs	Xolo Omega 5.0	Xiaomi Redmi Note
Display	720 x 1280 pixels, 5 inches	720 x 1280 pixels, 5.5 inches
Processor	MediaTek 6592m, octa-core 1.4GHz	Mediatek MT6592, Octa-core 1.4/1.7 GHz Cortex-A7
RAM	1 GB	1/2 GB RAM
Storage	8 GB, expandable up to 32 GB	8 GB, expandable up to 32 GB
Camera	8 MP rear, 2 MP Front	13 MP rear, 5 MP Front
Battery	2100mAh	3200mAh
Operating System	Android 4.4 (KitKat)	Android 4.2 (JellyBean)

December 5, 2014

Giveaway : 50 India-Specific OnePlus One Invites

The ‘Flagship Killer’ finally arrived in India on 2nd December. Now everyone seems to be asking for invites to this mammoth spec’d phone. Luckily for them, we are giving away 50 India invites to purchase the OnePlus One Smartphone.

Simply enter the sweepstakes below and you stand a chance to win. Follow the Instructions carefully and read the terms and conditions on the form as well as here. This Giveaway is open only for the residents of India.

Update: The winners have been announced! Fifteen winners are listed below the rest 35 can be found in the contest box further below . Congratulations! We’ll be getting in touch with you shortly.

Anirban Bluish Dey
Daisy Gupta
Tushar Kanojia
Omkar Aradwad
Akshay Prabhu
Aryan Pathak
Amey Kulkarni
Sahil Shukla
Prateek Singhal
muthu krishna
Siddhartha Nagpal
Paawan Chawla
Rupesh Tayde
Abhas Darnale
Divyakant Thaledi

Also, don’t forget to check out our exclusive interview with OnePlus India. We try and get all the important questions answered.

Watch it here:

December 5, 2014
Bluetooth 4.2 Core Arrives With an Agenda to Focus on the ‘Internet of Things’

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has officially announced version 4.2 of the Bluetooth core specification. The most significant update since last year’s 4.1 version, this one promises greater speed and privacy.

According to SIG, the new update will increase the transfer rate between two devices connected over Bluetooth by 2.5 times. The recent development in the area of Bluetooth Smart Data packets lets it hold ten times as much data as before, hence the increased speed.

Also, Bluetooth 4.2 will improve the features of Bluetooth Low Energy which allows low-power IP connectivity over Bluetooth, with a new profile which supports low power wireless personal area network. As a result, Bluetooth devices will be able to directly access the internet through a router or an edge device, rather than have to be bound to a smartphone or any other devices with IP connectivity first.

The SIG said the latest standard will compliment the market and let developers make devices that can easily connect with each other, making Bluetooth 4.2 “the foundation for the Internet of Things”. The update also brings some privacy features. Currently, Bluetooth Beacons can be utilized as a way to track people. However, for privacy conscious people, the new 4.2 will allow the MAC address of Bluetooth devices to be masked unless connecting to a trusted device.

Well, unlike 4.1 standard which was a software upgrade to 4.0 Bluetooth, 4.2 will require hardware improvements. Some features like privacy controls can still be added to older devices via software, but other capabilities including speed and IPv6 features will require hardware upgrades.

December 5, 2014
Verizon Phases Out 3G; Is it Already Time We Add it Amongst Obsolete Technology?

Just a couple of years back, 3G was all the rage in India. With massive investment in advertising, we were made to believe 3G would deliver lightning fast speed and make our life a lot easier. But even after a considerably long time, 3G is still catching up in this country. The connectivity is still pathetic and rarely do we get the speeds which are advertised. But while 3G is still in the process of finding itself, 4G LTE has come to the country and is fast setting up shop at various places in India. Meanwhile in the US, communication giant Verizon seems ready to phase out its 3G network as the 4G LTE services are fast picking up speeds.

Wireless tracker Milan Milanovic is reports that Verizon is now providing LTE services off its 1900 MHz band which is usually reserved for 3G data. The company says that it is just a test, and they are not making any active transition. Testing is the right way forward as better technology slowly supersedes the previous generation by offering better services. And just like Cassettes, CD’s, 1G and 2G before it, 3G will also be shown the door someday. But not for now. Even with the high costs and low connectivity, 3G services are still showing growth.

In the grand scheme of the mobile world, there have been four generations of service that provided connectivity between the portable devices. First there was the analog cellphones which came under 1G(the G stands for generation) followed by digital phones that came under 2G. Then came 3G, which was dubbed the mobile broadband. If provided right, 3G services are capable of speeds up to 400Kbps to almost ten times that speed. Finally, we come to 4G which is also known as LTE(Long Term Evolution). Though LTE is one of the components of 4G technology along with HSPA+ 21/42, WiMAX but LTE is the most prominent of all, and it is considered true 4G because of its high mobile speeds.

There has been a barrage of LTE capable devices around the world including India. All major network providers are fast setting up the network. LTE capable devices are also arriving at sub Rs. 10,000 price range, which not only makes them future ready but also future proof. In many nations, 4G networks are fast becoming the norm. By about 2016, the first LTE only phones will start arriving into the market. So 3G still has a considerably long time before its bags are packed and shelved.

4G, like its predecessor, is fast arriving to replace the previous generation technology. As we move towards a purely data based communication system, where apps are fast replacing voice calling and SMS, we can expect a demise of 3G by the end of the decade. Instead, it might get replaced by 4G and public Wi-Fi’s with high speeds and all round coverage. By shifting to voice-over-LTE, networks can offer all mobile features in one service. Seems like there are only happy times ahead for the mobile world.

December 5, 2014
Disney Unveils its First Learning Project for Kids Called Imagicademy

Disney gave a preview of its digital learning project called ‘Imagicademy’, which will launch on 11th December. At a press event in New York, the company outlined its mobile learning app for kids, along with an app where parents can keep a follow-up log, and also see recommended physical activities that go along with the in-app lessons. In addition, Disney is also planning to launch printed materials along with smart-toys.

“As you can see, it’s so much more than a set of digital apps — it’s about a brand. It’s a comprehensive suite of connected experiences, all of which have been created with quality, attention to detail, and, yes, magic”, said Andrew Sugarman, executive vice president of Disney Publishing Worldwide.

The company also has plans for a suite of 30 similarly branded apps covering creative arts, maths, science, language arts and social skills. The first app to launch will be Mickey’s Magical Math World on iPad, along with complementing app for parents.

These apps have been built in consultation with a number of education experts. Professor at University of Denver, Doug Clements was on stage and shared his insights on the importance of early math learning, and how much kids grasp if they’re offered a playful approach.

For now, the target age group for these initial apps is three to five. In time, there will be apps for 6-8 year age group, and might feature other Disney characters and brands like Star Wars and Marvel.

Have a look at the demo video of Mickey’s Magical Math World in the video below:

December 5, 2014
5 Reasons Why AirDroid 3 Might Be The Best Thing to Happen to Android

AirDroid is a tool that allows Android users to perform actions like transferring files, pasting links and text from their web browsers. The third version of the app is finally out of the beta stage and available on Play Store, along with the much-requested desktop clients with Mac and Windows support.

The new app has an updated UI and a myriad of new features, but the biggest change is the addition of standalone clients for Windows and OS X, besides the app’s famous desktop browser management. It basically brings the Apple’s Continuity feature to Android.

Here are 5 reasons why AirDroid 3 might be the best thing to happen to Android:

1. AirMirror

AirMirror allows users to wirelessly display all of the happenings on their smartphone, directly to their desktop. You can use the mouse to navigate through the app, or make calls, reply to SMS or WhatsApp etc. It is worth mentioning that the AirMirror feature is only supported by rooted devices running Android 4.0 Jelly Bean and higher (or if the Android device is AirDroid-certified). They have not yet provided support to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

2. Superfast file sharing

Though AirDroid has evolved to do a lot more than transfer files, but that has been its USP. You can transfer movies within less than a minute between your Android and PC, using Wi-Fi. Once you get hold of this, it is going to be the default file sharing app for you. It is easy, quick and hassle free.

3. Managing your contact lists and SMS

AirDroid is one of the most sophisticated desktop clients we have ever used. This app is quite handy when you need to send a ton of messages while working on a project, you can directly reply to your messages from your desktop. You can send, delete texts and even search through your inbox, simply by typing the keyword in the search bar. You can also manage your contact lists, create groups, add new contacts, disconnect calls and dial numbers directly from your PC.

4. Security

You can also use AirDroid directly to clear data from a remote location. Although, the same functionality can be sourced directly from Android device manager, but to have that functionality incorporated in a frequently used app, makes it more convenient. The intruder feature will take a selfie shot if you fail to enter the correct lock code.

5. Web Version

Well, even though AirDroid App has improved tremendously with the version 3, web version remains the best part of the service. The desktop client directly links to the Web version, with which you can then access both front and back cameras via your PC and display real time footage. The feature is easy to use and you won’t even waste your battery as the camera app and display won’t be engaged.

December 5, 2014
Moto E (Gen 2) May Arrive Soon with Snapdragon 400 and LTE

Motorola has garnered much appreciation and made many happy with their first gen Moto E, Moto X and Moto G. Now, after launching the second gen Moto G and Moto X, it seems like the company is working on the second generation Moto E.

According to the news report by GSMArena, the Moto E (Gen 2) will be debuting soon enough. Just like the Moto G (Gen 2,) it is expected to come with some hardware improvements compared to its predecessor. The report added that the new Moto E may come with the same innards as the first gen Moto G i.e. a Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.2GHz coupled with 1GB of RAM.

According to the leak, Moto E will feature a 4.5-inch touchscreen with 540×960 resolution, a 5 MP rear camera sans LED flash, and even LTE connectivity. The exact chipset isn’t detailed, however, as mentioned above, it will be the same as Moto G (Gen 1).

The new Moto E will run Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, and we can expect its pricing to compete with budget phones under Rs. 10,000. The highlight of the speculated Moto E second generation model is the addition of 4G LTE connectivity. Indian mobile service providers are slowly adopting the LTE connectivity which is much faster and more reliable than 3G connections. Based on this improvement, manufacturers have also started providing the connectivity option in their budget smartphone variants.

Last month, a new Motorola smartphone was spotted on the Geekbench benchmark website with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon (MSM8916) 410 chipset clocked at 1.19GHz and 1GB of RAM. Fueling the speculations of a possible successor to the Moto E is the fact that Motorola back in September launched refreshed versions of the Moto G and Moto X, and is unlikely to release another variant of the Moto G anytime soon.

December 4, 2014
5 Features That Make the Newest Communication App ‘Wire’ Cooler Than WhatsApp

Cross-platform mobile messaging apps are doing tremendously well these days. The industry has quietly grown into a billion-dollar empire; many applications have released while some are still developing. Newest entrant in this arena is Wire. Skype co-founders and few other tech veterans have joined hands and recently launched this new mobile messaging app. The developers are late to the messaging game but seem pretty confident about matching up with the other communication giants.

The app is a modern messaging system that merges various functions for which we seem to need a whole lot of different tools. It is said to have elements of Skype, WhatsApp and Slack (the newest workplace communication service.) The founders claim it is more than just a normal messaging app and will solve all the nagging problems persistent in other communication tools. This is what the Co-Founder and CEO of Wire, Janus Friis, has to say. Frris draws light on the latest release saying that what attracted them to Wire was that it was something truly new and not just marginal improvement. He added that it is now the time to create the best possible communication tool.

[quote text_size=”small”]

This is not just an app. Skype was launched more than a decade ago. A lot has changed since then – we are all used to free calls and texting, and we have taken to carrying our computers in our pockets.

[/quote]

Listed below are 5 features you can expect from the latest release:

1. All-in-One App

As mentioned earlier, Wire is a blend of features for which users need to install separate tools. Once you install Wire on your device, it lets you know people in your contact list to whom you can start chatting with. This service allows users to call another person, engage in group messaging, share videos, music, pictures and more.

2. Seamless Continuity Between Smartphone and Desktop

The coolest bit we found about Wire (desperately needed in WhatsApp) is that it’s synced with your desktop. Yes, you can continue to engage in conversation with your selected groups and people on your tablet, PC, as well as mobile, right where you left it. The app is thoughtfully designed and looks utterly beautiful.

3. Crisp Sound

The company claims that the sound quality of the new app is amazing. They’ve developed a technology that lets users feel like they are communicating face-to-face. Wire swiftly moves from pictures and videos to HD voice to give you an experience that you wouldn’t have practiced in other apps.

4. Efficient Group Management

Through this new tool, users can easily make groups around their common interests and get notifications whenever a new photo, video or a message is added to the group. Unlike other social networking sites, it allows you to dismiss unwanted members out of the group by which you will be saved from getting unwanted notifications.

5. Embedded Players for SoundCloud and YouTube File Sharing

With Wire, users can transfer files without any hassle. The tool comes with in-built players that allows you to post YouTube and SoundCloud files. The shared videos and sound files get beautifully inline within the text and do not look out of sync.

Security has become a major concern for users nowadays and that is the reason many social networking sites have been told to clear their policies. Wire uses end-to-end encryption for all its calls, messages and media. The ‘more-than-messaging’ app is available on iOS, Android and OS X devices for now but it will soon arrive for browsers. The app has been designed keeping in mind the idea of using it on the go, so it is more battery friendly. These days, users are more dependent on social apps like WhatsApp, Hike, Skype and more. We’ll have to wait and see if this all-in-one app settles in well with the Indian market.

December 4, 2014