Category: Tech

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

OnePlus Confirms India Operations : Opens Post for General Manager
Earlier today iGyaan had issued the news that OnePlus is eagerly and actively pursuing India operations and will be here as early as next month. Today OnePlus has confirmed that they are actively seeking for a General Manager for India operations. This will show that the company is dedicated to shake the Indian market with their handset, and they want to do it fast.

If you are keen on working for the company, you might wanna give this one a quick look.

Read the full requirements and responsibilities below.

General Manager – India, Operations

We’ve seen tremendous interest from India in the OnePlus One, but to enter the market we’ll need the help of a local visionary. You will be the sun, the light that leads OnePlus into the Indian market; the center of orbit for all projects, operations, and service; the ambassador that spreads the OnePlus brand across India like a wildfire.

Personality counts as much as experience here. We’re looking for a leader that knows the market, sees issues before they arise, and coordinates resourceful and seamless solutions. The right candidate will successfully incorporate their local knowledge, global experience, and natural talent into building OnePlus operations and brand awareness in India. This position requires authority, leadership, and resolve when things get rough. We need you to weather the storm with us. Are you confident in your abilities and naturally inclined to make things work better around you?

Responsibilities
- Be the face of OnePlus India, lead and engage our Indian community, represent and grow our brand.
- Listen to Indian customers; ensure the highest standards of service and product support are met.
- Act as our company ambassador, the voice of OnePlus, the main contact point for the customer.
- Establish and sustain relationships with media in India, assist with planning and organizing events.
- Find unique local avenues through which to spread awareness about the OnePlus brand and products.
- Create monthly and quarterly reports outlining operations, finance, and marketing activities.
- Build a local team of function specific experts to grow OnePlus India operations.
- Align local activities and collaborate with departments at our home office (marketing, logistics, etc.) to coordinate smooth daily operations in India. Report directly to OnePlus HQ in Shenzhen.
Requirements
- Fluency in English, Hindi, Tamil. Intimate understanding of India’s unique geographies and cultures.
- Degree from a top school, PMP certification preferred.
- 6+ years of general management experience working for a tier-1 company.
- Deep understanding of operations, finance, marketing, and logistics.
- Expertise/Experience in: ecommerce, logistics, customer service, marketing, mobile products.
- Proven leader with vision, resourcefulness, intellect, and humility.
- Tech enthusiast, intimately familiar with mobile trends, industry and competitive dynamics.
- Strong analytical ability; data-driven approach to understanding and solving problems.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, independent thinker, can manage effectively under stress.
Think you can cut it ? Apply Here!
August 20, 2014
OnePlus Pushes Android 4.4.4 OTA Update to Global Variants
Just a few hours after our unboxing went live, OnePlus has started pushing Android 4.4.4 to its Global variant One phones. While most issues are okay, the mic fix is the most awaited update and resolves the low audio from the microphone problem.

Full list of updates:
- Upgraded to Android 4.4.4
- Updated to new versions of Google apps
- Added Clear Image
- Added new (colder) calibration for the screen
- Proximity sensor prevents activation of off-screen gestures while in your pocket
- Capacitive touch keys supported in the recovery mode
- Increased capacitive button illumination
- Improved overall stability
- Fixed issues with vibration being disabled during Quiet Hours
- Fixed lockscreen not updating the track information during music playback
- Fixed microphone volume for all formats in the Voice Recorder app
- Fixed “OK, Google” not triggering voice search in Google Now
- Fixed Viber calls not working
- Fixed battery percent not updating in custom lock screens
- Fixed PicasaSync
- Fixed Camera “O” gesture activating lockscreen instead of triggering camera
- Fixed wallpapers not applying in full screen, taking the wrong size when cropping, etc.
This update also adds the clear image feature, which is taken from the OPPO line of devices. The process basically stitches multiple images up to make one single large image.

If you have the OnePlus One, you might want to stick your WiFi on and get on updating. If you don’t, you can watch our unboxing and play in our OnePlus One invite giveaway, at the end of the week.
August 20, 2014
Smart Cap : A DIY Google Glass Replica Made For Only Rs.4500

We love to get ‘inspired.’ Our Bollywood movies are predominantly ‘inspired’ by previous works by other filmmakers who in-turn get their inspiration from others. But sometimes these inspirations lead to some cool new inventions like a Google Glass replica that costs a meager Rs. 4500 in comparison to the hefty price tag of Google’s Augmented glasses.

Though the Smart Cap looks rudimentary, it is quite functional

Now Cochin-based Arvind Sanjeev has invented the “Smart Cap” which is basically a nerdier version of the sleek Google Glass. Now we, of course, need to cut him some slack as he didn’t have huge monetary resources backing those researchers at Google X.

Arvind’s design though rudimentary is pretty functional. The raw materials that went into making the smart cap are easily available. The Smart cap uses a USB Webcam, an LCD panel, aspheric lens, headphones, a Raspberry Pi Board, a sun board sheet and glue which is a DIY guy’s favorite tool.

Now since creating an operating system would have been a long task, Arvind went with open Android as the OS for Smart cap. The front of the cap has the camera, the Raspberry Pi board, and 2.5 inch LCD display mounted on it. To make the LCD display legible at such close distance, he used an aspheric lens.

The Smart cap works by taking commands using the microphone on the headset. The device can help you with navigation, Google search, YouTube, webcam recording and first person viewing of other cameras, etc.

Smart Cap can be used to access maps, send emails, take photos and more.

What is really appreciable is that he put the entire project in DIY and posted it for anyone to create their own smart cap. He has been doing this for a while and has uploaded several DIY tutorials. He also owns a start-up called A.R.S devices which make devices for automation, connected devices and safety purposes. He has in line for a hardware patent which will let you control your car using a smartphone app. Now that’s an app we’d all love to have.

Even though the Smart Cap is inspired by Google Glass, Arvind’s audacity and patience in creating this device is commendable. The value of DIY has always been to bring replicated expensive technology and attaining similar levels of functionality using cheaper alternatives. The Smart cap stands up to the value, and though it looks rudimentary, it is pretty dope, almost like a prop from a sci-fi movie about robots. So if you have the talent of DIY, then go ahead, get in the game and teach the world how to make some awesome stuff inexpensively.

August 20, 2014
Samsung NX mini Unboxing

There is always some skepticism when a name of a camera is prefixed with ‘mini’. We have seen in the past that many manufacturers failed to deliver a great camera in a small package. The Samsung NX mini is targeted towards young amateur photographers who focus on style and selfies above all.

Well, this camera is not yet launched in India, but it is going to be coming soon with an exclusive partnership with Amazon.in priced at less than Rs. 30,000. NX mini is undoubtedly the slimmest interchangeable-lens camera available in the market. It does have a flip-up touchscreen and a cool selfie mode that lets you click a selfie by just blinking. You also get Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for free inside the box; which is a great software for aspiring photographers.

The biggest selling point here is its super-slim, lightweight body that you can slip into a handbag, or even a pocket. Without the lens attached, the NX mini is no larger than many compact point-and-shoots, but when you stick on the 9-27mm (24.3mm, 35mm equivalent) f/3.5 kit lens, it becomes little thick to carry around. There’s a 1-inch, 20.5-megapixel CMOS sensor that is identical in size to what you’ll get with very high-end compacts. However, quite smaller than the APS-C sensor manufacturers included with mirrorless cameras like the Alpha 6000 or the NX30.

The camera comes with a 16 GB micro-SD card and 2330mAh battery, which means that the camera will last for good 300 shots approximately. The camera is NFC-enabled and can be easily connected with NFC-enabled smartphones. The 20.5 MP BSI sensor, the company claims, is made by them. We’re uncertain about the authenticity of that statement, since these kind of sensors are made by Sony only. The lens included in the box is a 9mm (24.3mm, 35mm equivalent) f/3.5 kit lens and is fairly good for this price range.

On the top of the camera, you have a microphone pinhole, and hot-shoe sort of mount for Samsung external flash that comes with the package, Wi-Fi button, power on/off button and the shutter button. All of these buttons are seem to be made of metal and brushed aluminium, which makes it a high-quality premium looking device.

The camera supports a set of lenses that are called NX-mini lens and are completely different from regular NX lenses. You can use other lenses from Samsung if you have $150 adapter, which is a third party adapter. However, we heard that Samsung is also working on an in-house adapter.

Once you turn on the camera, you have to further twist the lens to unlock it. The shutter release is nearly full-size, and once you launch the menu, you can adjust many settings simply by tapping the 3-inch, 480 x 320 touchscreen, which also flips up 180 degrees for self-portraits, or at any angle in between for shots below eye-level, or overhead if you flip the camera upside-down.

As for the UI, there’s nothing out of the ordinary here. You can control just about everything using the touchscreen, though you can also use the four-way controller on the side to navigate. The menu interface includes all the general options and isnothing new. You get Auto share, ISO setting, image quality, etc. You also get a picture wizard which changes the setting according to the scene.

Its Wi-Fi mode lets you access a variety of wireless sharing options. MobileLink can be used to send photos from the camera to a smartphone or tablet, or Remote Viewfinder, which miraculously lets you access all of the NX mini’s shooting modes, including manual, from another device.

The Samsung NX mini gives access to Samsung Home Monitor, which requires its smartphone app and lets you use the camera to keep an eye on a child, for example, assuming your camera and phone are connected to the same WiFi network.

The camera fairly fast to focus and click the picture. The capacitative touchscreen allows you zoom in and out extremely easily. Apart from the fact that you don’t have a full manual control during video shooting mode, and its inability to use different lenses, the camera itself is very powerful. The look and the feel is also quite amazing.

The price is expected to be around Rs. 27,000 for 9-27mm lens package and Rs. 24,000 for 9mm lens package when launched exclusively on Amazon.in. This is not an official price but if the pricing remains the same, this device will a perfect starter camera for amateurs or a secondary camera for people who use DSLRs on the daily basis.

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August 20, 2014
LG Might Bring Out the G Watch 2 at IFA Berlin

The tech evolution is happening at break neck speed. Just a few months after introducing the G Watch and bringing it out for the consumers, LG might already be ready to bring out the G Watch 2 at the upcoming IFA fair in Berlin.

It is probably the first time that the second generation has been ready to roll out so quickly after the debut product. This is also more than a rumor as it was an LG official who told KoreaTimes about the release.

The Second Generation G Watch is expected to have an OLED display.

The new LG G Watch 2 is expected to have an OLED panel which has nearly become synonymous with LG. Firstly, the OLED panel would definitely help in creating a better display and secondly will help for innovations in fields of battery usage and graphics.

The watch is also expected to be powered by a Qualcomm chipset. It was earlier reported that LG would utilize Odin chipset that it has been developing internally. However, new reports say that they are not ready for the market just yet.

If LG gets this right, it may prove to be a major competition in the burgeoning Smartwatch business. The company will face some intense competition from the Moto 360 and Apple iWatch, both of which are expected to arrive in the market soon. Being the only company with two generations of Android Wear devices, LG has a good chance to carve its luck in the Smartwatch market.

August 20, 2014
OnePlus One Unboxing : Redefining The Market
China is stirring up a storm, but it’s right here in India. Company after company is parading the smartphone market scene and everybody wants a piece of the pie. Earlier this year, Gionee set a precedent in bringing great build quality and a higher spec set into India by launching phones like the Gionee Elife E7. Later Xiaomi broke the market pricing scheme by launching the Xiaomi Mi3 in India. But is everyone really happy?

The lack of availability in both cases made it really difficult to own these products, while the E7 was fantastic for its time, it arrived almost 3 months too late and with the Xiaomi and its #FailSale strategy, people are essentially looking for a better outcome.

That answer may as well be here, sooner than you imagined. OnePlus is looking to launch their marvelous One in India as early as next month, and the company may bring a simple strategy to the market. The OnePlus One has been sold on an invite system from the get go. In doing so, the company continued to receive the orders, yet restricted orders enough to ramp up production.

The same system applies for India, however, the company has already reached up to required production standards with its current orders and invites are being fulfilled as and when you get them, so when it finally arrives in India, all you’ll need is a friend with an invite to share with you.

Inside the packaging, which is exceptionally high quality, all you get are three things; the OnePlus One unit, the charger and cable and a sim removal tool.

The inbox accessories tell you a great deal of what the end product quality is going to be, and you will be might impressed. not only is it high quality, a great amount of detail has gone into designing each item inside the box and customising the feel of the product.

The phone itself is pretty impressive, for a price of US$ 299 (16Gb) or US $ 349 for the 64 GB seen here (roughly INR 21500) which basically compares with the current flagships of the world.

Specs wise you will get :
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
- Adreno 330 GPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 16/64 GB storage
- 5.5 Inch 1920 x 1080p Display
- 13 Mp primary camera with 4K video
- 5 MP front camera 1080p video
- 3100 mAh – Non Removable battery
- Gorilla Glass 3
The software and user interface is familiar and responsive, you will get Android 4.4.2 out of the box with a promised update to 4.4.4 and Cyanogen Mod 11s to get you happy. CyanogenMod will also ensure that you are getting the maximum output from your hardware and customization options are almost endless. Thanks to CyanogenMod you can also expect quick roll-outs of the latest relevant updates on Android, especially the upcoming Android L.

Watch our unboxing Video Below and stay tuned for a flurry of comparisons after the break. Also leave your review requests in the comments for us.
August 20, 2014
Top 5 Websites to Sell Your Old Gadgets Online

Re-commerce i.e. trading old gadgets for a price is not a common practice in India. But with more and more people wanting to buy the latest in technology, dispensing old gadgets safely has become important. And its all the more better if you can make some money while doing it. Even though prices offered depend on the time, market demand and the condition of the gadget, putting your old gizmos on sale is a good idea. There are numerous websites which offer the service of trading old gadgets.

We are listing 5 of these website where you can sell you old gadgets in return of cash.

1.YouRenew

The company offers consumers a profitable and environment-friendly way to dispose of their used smartphones, MP3 players, laptops, digital cameras, tablets and other electronic goods. The site is user friendly and three easy steps let you recycle your old gizmo. You need to type in the name of the device and if it is listed on YouRenew.com, then answer a few questions about the device and you’ll know how much the site would pay you.

2. Karma Recycling

Karma Recycling is one of the leading e-waste management services in India. The website is also quite user-friendly; you have go through 4 steps to sell your mobile. Choose your mobile, its condition and they will offer you a price. You can choose your payment through check , yatra.com or yebi.com gift card.

3. Atteroboy

Atteroboy works similar to Karma Recycling. Website works in a same way, choose you mobile, its condition and they will offer you a price. Though we noticed that they might pay you less than Karma recycling.

4. Cellforcash

The first thing to remember when you decide to sell old mobile phones online is if you send handsets in beat up condition – that do not work or without accessories – then don’t expect a high payoff. Cellforcash.com clearly highlights in its ‘Terms and Condition’ section that it is looking for quality used-items and the better conditioned the phone, the better chances of getting a nice payout.

5. Buymytronics

Buymytronics.com, earlier known as www.BuyMyBrokeniPod.com, lets customers sell used iPods, iPhones and consumer electronics like laptops, game consoles and digital cameras. The process of selling the item is the same as other websites — select the category of the gadget, select it from the list and specify its working condition. The site would then quote a price, and if you think it’s a good bargain, then you need to ship it to the address provided to you by email.

August 20, 2014
The Windows Phone Everyone Wanted : HTC One M8 for Windows Out

Talk about an unfortunate day for companies who wanted to keep their products a surprise till the release date. After Samsung had a major boo boo with the AnTuTu specs leaks, its HTC’s time to face some leak music. The worst part of the HTC leak is that it was done not through some leakster sitting in his bedroom but by telecom giant Verizon.

The HTC One M8 for Windows was officially supposed to release at a function later today in New York but its just too hard for some folks to wait that long. It seems like one of the posters for the One M8 which was supposed to be put up after the release, went up at one Verizon store, where the internet got hold of it.

The Poster that spoilt everything

The poster has a huge photo of the One M8 exteriors along with the Windows 8.1 tiles view on the UI. It uses the tagline “built to inspire envy” has one important line that blows up the entire surprise that HTC had in store for its fans. The bottom half of the poster says available in Android and Windows.

What was really a good move on the part of HTC is not bring the phone under the name HTC One W8 as was previously speculated. Keeping the name common keeps the focus on the features of the phone instead of the user interface used to access those features.

On the specifications front, there aren’t going to be a lot many changes in the two variants. The HTC One M8 for Windows Phone version will hold the dual camera setup with a 4-UltraPixel rear camera with a depth-sensing camera, apart from a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It’s processing might is expected to come from a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor coupled with 2GB of RAM. It is expected to retain the 2600mAh battery along with its a 5-inch full-HD display.

It seems like with this release HTC wants to compete on both the two prominent, non iOS operating systems. It is also beneficial for Windows to have the support of a recognized, premium product running their OS, thereby making their OS more visible. For the consumers, it gives a real alternative for folks who want a Windows device from a prominent brand. This release seems like a win-win for all.

August 19, 2014
Note 4 Specs Leaked Just Weeks Before Release

Misery strikes at the worst possible time. Samsung executives responsible for Note 4 release are going to have a terrible day. All the prominent specs for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 4 have been leaked online and boy, are they impressive!

The leak happened on benchmarks app AnTuTu. First of all, the biggest expectation from Samsung was the introduction of a 2K screen on the Note 4 and Samsung didn’t disappoint. The phablet will sport a massive 5.7 inch, 1440 x 2560 QHD Super AMOLED display.

The device is expected to run Android KitKat 4.4.4 right out of the box. The leaked Antutu device has an Exynos 5433 octa core processor which comes with an updated Mali GPU. If Samsung follows its usual plan of action, one can expect a Snapdragon 805 variant to come in select markets.

The Device is also expected to take a departure from the faux leather back panel.

The camera on the device is a 16 MP shooter with optical image stabilization. It also has features like dual shot and simultaneous HD video and image recording. The front camera on the device is 2 MP selfie camera capable of shooting 1080p at 30 FPS.

Considering the massive price point of the Note 4, the company can easily provide a 32 GB and 64 GB variants and the icing on the cake will be expandable storage upto 128 GB, as per the specifications from GSMArena, this seems to be true.

The Note 4, officially will be unveiled September 3rd at an event scheduled to take place simultaneously in Berlin, Beijing, and New York.

August 19, 2014
Happn: An App That Makes Love at First Sight Easy

If you are a romantic then you can imagine a scenario where you come across that perfect mate like in the movies. Things in real life though don’t work that way, most of the time its awkward smiles or just a struggle to avoid eye contact. To make life simpler to folks who are looking for a person with similar tastes but just don’t have the time to swipe through countless profiles, here comes Happn.

But how in a world of online dating dominated by Tinder, what can this app do that the rest can’t? Well, instead of using many parameters to judge the suitability, Happn simply uses a phone’s GPS to bring you extremely localized lists of potential companions. The catch, of course is that both sides need to have the app on their ends.

Distance is the prominent parameter used by Happn. The app scans an area of 250 meters to find an ideal mate for you. This is also a great way of just meeting new friends too.

Privacy and safety issues maybe a concern in people’s mind that might dissuade them from trying the app. The creators make it clear that none of the personal information is stored or saved. It basically tries to create a database of folks you randomly meet in the course of the day that you can scroll through at the end of the day to find the ones who interest you. Once you have found the right person, you can send them messages through the app.

Apps like Tinder gives you a huge list of folks to swipe through. A Facebook profile is not an ideal judgment of a person. Happn clears all that mess and lets you meet people who are or have been in your vicinity and make it easy to find them.

The app is rapidly broadening its user base and has a good number of users in the creators home country of France. The app is available for iOS as well as Android. So if you are lonely and ready to mingle, your perfect wingman, your smartphone, now has an extra trick up its sleeve. So what are you waiting for, go out and make things Happn.

August 19, 2014
Apple May Drop Standard USB in Favor of a New Reversible Connector

It is said that when Apple will launch its new iPhone i.e. iPhone 6 in September, it will also introduce its new Lightning data-power cable—that is, if newly leaked images circulating online are to be believed.

Several leaked photos in recent days have suggested Apple may be looking to move to a reversible USB connector for its next-generation Lightning cables, making it easier for users to plug the cables into their computers, chargers, and other equipment with standard USB ports.

MacRumors reported a leaked picture from iOS leaker, Sonny Dickson, showing the Lightning cable with a reversible USB connector. While the USB connector on the current Lightning cable is attached to the bottom of its metal housing, the connector of the supposedly newer cable is attached to the center.

Reversible USB port on the new Lightning cables! pic.twitter.com/bhVKjK3xKl

— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) August 17, 2014

“It is also therefore possible that the new Lightning cable could utilize USB 3.0 technology, as current Lightning cables support only USB 2.0. However, no other evidence suggests that the cable could be of the USB 3.0 variety.” the report from MacRumor noted.

However, Apple is not the only one with this technology. A California company by the name of UltraTek already holds a patent for the reversible connector and is selling cables through major online retailers. MacRumors suggested the possibility of the new cables being shipped along with the new iPhone 6 and subsequent iOS devices. Aside from the possible USB 3.0 support, the new Lightning cable could also support high-definition audio playback on “Made for iPhone” accessories.

Apple is rumored to be introducing a brand new proprietary version of the traditional USB connector

That being said, this move may harm the company as all those new Macs would be incompatible with current USB Type A cords — and presumably incompatible with any other newer standards that could be released in the near future, including the expected USB Type C plug. Apple would also charge third-party accessory makers licensing fees to use its patented USB reversible connector.

Also, the new connector would also help Apple effectively ‘own’ both ends of the charging cord, so if an iPhone/iPad user wanted to employ a micro USB cable from another manufacturer, or a future USB Type C cord, they’d have to purchase two adaptors — one for each end of the cord. The word is that Apple has already issued Lightning Cable MFi specifications for headphones last June, letting accessory makers build products that connect to the Lightning port instead of a 3.5-mm jack.

August 19, 2014
Sharp Launches Bezel-Less Smartphones

Sharp is not a company which people usually associate with Smartphones. But, Japanese electronics giant recently introduced a pair of amazing smartphones that barely have bezels.

Sharp has managed to stock a 5.5-inch screen into a body that stops right at the edge of that display. Not only that, the innards of the phone are also impressive. The 5.5-inch Sharp’s Aquos Crystal X is at 1080p resolution and there’s a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 801 ticking away inside its 10mm thick chassis.

The less powerful and slightly smaller Aquos Crystal packs a 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 and a 5-inch 720p display. The phone comes with a Harmon Kardon sound effects engine that delivers “Clari-Fi” to restore quality lost in music compression. There’s also “LiveStage” streaming and native compatibility with the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Bluetooth speaker.

Sharp is said to enter the US smartphone market with these two phones soon. It has been reported that a invite from US Network Sprint that invites guests to “Take the edge off” has been spotted. It’s also decorated with crystals, suggesting the Sharp Aquos Crystal will be launched on 19th August in the US. The Japanese launch of the Sharp Aquos Crystal and Crystal X has already taken place via Sprint’s parent company SoftBank.

Sprint hasn’t officially confirmed it’ll offer the Crystal, the reports strongly suggest that it will happen. Sprint is holding a press conference in New York tonight, and its invitation is rife with crystalline symbolism and a tagline that associated with the Aquos’ bezel-less screen.

However, there is no word on pricing or availability in India right now but we’re hoping it arrives here soon. That or it inspires other phone manufacturers to create an interesting bezel-free design like this.

August 19, 2014
Top 5 Apps to Help Boost Your Creativity

Using smartphones and tablets is a big help for every creative person. A quick note of an idea that popped out of no where or to save blueprints that are worth checking out, apps these days not only help you save ideas but also allow you to share them with your friends. Even better, they inspire you to bring your creative insight out in the light.

We are listing top 5 apps to help you inspire and manage your creative endeavours.

1. Evernote

The first recommendation for a creatively inclined person is a cross-device easy-to-use app which stores your notes, photos and to-do lists. Evernote is an easy-to-use, free app that helps you remember everything across all of the devices you use. It lets you stay organized, save your ideas and improve your productivity. Evernote lets you take notes, snap photos, create to-do lists, scan business cards, record voice reminders. Best part? It makes everything searchable, whether you are at home, at work, or on the go.

2. TED

If you are not familiar with TedTalks then, we don’t know which planet you are from. TedTalks believe in power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. The official app as simply as it can be named is called TED. It even sports a button called “Inspire.” Press it and get an earful from the geniuses, mavens, and rule-breakers who are changing the world.

3. Paper Essential

This amazing drawing app has won numerous awards like Apple’s App of the Year award, a Verge interaction-design award, and a Fast Company Crunchy for best design. Furthermore, it’s not all about drawing, you can start with just jotting down ideas, sketching, and outlining. If you want to see all the awesomeness it has to offer, there are loads of tutorials online that are very much worth checking out.

4. Creative Whack Pack

The Whack Pack is a great tool for establishing innovative thinking as a daily habit or for pulling fresh ideas out of one’s subconscious. The app features the 64 cards offered in the physical deck – divided into 4 suits: Explorer, Artist, Judge and Warrior. Each card features a whimsical drawing by Von Oech and a snappy yet detailed explanation of the concept behind the card. For the app, Von Oech has also added 20 cards that illuminate the wisdom of the Greek sage Heraclitus, whom Von Oech refers to as “the world’s first creativity teacher.”

5. Clear

Clear is a nice-looking list-keeping app that is really simple, quick and easy to use, no matter if you are creating notes or to-do lists. Clear’s playful and clutter-free interface makes it easier than ever to stay organized. It’s as easy to use as pen and paper: pull down to add a new item and swipe right to complete a task – it’s that simple.

August 19, 2014
Sony A5100: A Tiny Mirrorless Camera with Super-Fast Autofocus

Adding to its line of mirrorless cameras, Sony is back again with the new A5100. Six months after introducing the A6000, Sony replaces the NEX-5T and dropping the NEX line, unifying all its mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras with Sony Alpha A5100.

It’s also a very minor upgrade over the existing A5000. It has a similar body design, but adds more advanced image sensors. The Sony A5000 is a small size camera with the smallest APS-C interchangeable-lens camera out there. However, before this upgrade, it didn’t have the hybrid autofocus system. The camera is extremely small-sized (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 inch) to be packed with so many feature.

The camera does not have an electronic viewfinder, but it does have a NEX-5T-like touchscreen. The ability to tap and focus is quite convenient. It pairs 179 phase-detection AF points with 25 contrast-detection AF points. Sony says it can lock on in as little as 0.07 seconds. Continuous shooting mode supports up to 6fps.

The Sony A5100’s 921k-dot display flips forward 180 degrees for self-portraits. There’s also built-in WiFi, XAVC S video capture and a top sensitivity of ISO 25,600.

If you are a video shooter, then Sony A5100 also stores cool innards for you. There is an option of recording in XAVC S, which allows users to capture footage in 1080p at a bit rate of 50Mbps. Sony says the camera can optionally make two versions of clips: one in AVCHD for easier sharing, and the other in XAVC S with a greater focus on quality. Although, they haven’t provided a mic jack which is disappointing.

But overall, the Sony A5100 seems like a great value. It’ll start shipping in early September, but you can pre-order now. It is available in two color options – white and black.

August 18, 2014
Moto 360 Specs and Price Leaked
We have been hoping to get our hands on the Moto 360 smartwatch next month. It is said to launch on 4th September. But it seems that we don’t have to wait long to get a preview of what Motorola has in store for us.

Best Buy has gone ahead and (accidentally?) spilled the beans by releasing the device’s features and price. The big-box retailer has posted a product listing for the timepiece that appears to reveal many (though not all) of the specifications. We have seen the device and many leaks that gives us a fairly good image about what the device will look like. Up until now, the only one thing that had been alluding everyone was the price.

According to specs published on Sunday on the electronics retailer’s website, the Moto 360 will cost $250 and feature a 1.5-inch backlit LCD touch screen with a 320×290 resolution and 205 pixels per inch. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 will protect the Android-powered smartwatch’s screen.

The voice-activated smartwatch will sport an optical heart rate monitor, pedometer, and Bluetooth 4.0. It will be compatible with most devices running Android 4.3 or later versions of Google’s mobile operating system, according to Best Buy’s page.

The Moto 360’s availability is listed as “coming soon,” which we can only presume to means after Motorola officially debuts it. Google has hinted that the smartwatch will arrive at some point this summer, and Motorola will likely debut the watch at a press event on 4th September.

Specs mentioned in the product page:
- 1.5-inch backlit LCD touch screen
- 512MB of RAM
- Waterproof up to 3.3-feet for 30 minutes
- Texas Instrument processor
- Built pedometer and HR monitor
- Compatible with Android 4.3 or later
However, Product pages have been wrong in the past. The final specifications for the Moto 360 might differ slightly from what Best Buy has listed, as might the device’s final price. As such, it won’t be shocking if there are at least a few surprises left when the Moto 360 makes its official debut next month.
August 18, 2014