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India has the Poorest Internet in Asia Pacific

In December 2015 the global average internet speed increased to 5.6 Mbps, an increase of 23 % year on year. India however, looks at the picture differently.

Akamai released a State of the Internet Report which states:

From a global perspective, the average connection speed increased 8.6 percent quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and 23 percent year-over-year (YoY) to 5.6 Mbps, while the global average peak connection speed increased 1 percent QoQ, and increased 21 percent YoY to 32.5 Mbps,

South Korea tops the rank in APAC, with an average of 26.7 Mbps, India on the other hand has an average of 2.8 Mbps. South Korea (95.3 Mbps) and Macao (83.1 Mbps) show 10% and 13% growth year on year respectively.

The report also pointed out that 43 countries/regions saw IPv4 address counts grow 10 percent or more in the quarter ended December 2015 while 13 saw counts decline 10 percent or more compared with the July-September quarter of 2015. You can read the full report in the source link below.

Source

March 26, 2016
OLO 3D Printer costs US$ 99, Uses Your Smartphone

With the 3D printing revolution taking the world by storm, a 3D printer has usually been a complicated piece of hardware costing thousands of dollars. But, with this new Kickstarted campaign, OLO 3D printer, which has gained almost a million dollars in funding is possibly the best example of a portable 3D printer.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/olo3d/olo-the-first-ever-smartphone-3d-printer?ref=video

Using the light from your smartphone as a curing agent for its many resins, the OLO works with nearly any brand, and they promise this translates to the bigger displays as well, such as those found on the iPhone 6S Plus or Galaxy S7 Edge. It’s also compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. Consisting of a mere seven components and one engine, your smartphone is going to do most of the work for the OLO once you download an app that allows for files to be uploaded, managed online, and then sent for printing. The easy interface is also what makes this ‘first social printer’ on the market as users can share everything, and even send 3D prints as gifts.

Check out the campaign here.

March 26, 2016
OnePlus 3 Leaks Suggest April 7 Launch, Same 5.5 inch Display

UPDATE : The Company has confirmed that it will not be launching the device on 7th April :

The April 7 event is focused on the China market. We will not be launching our next device then.

OnePlus made a big name with the OnePlus One. However, last year’s OnePlus Two launch was very cold, and although the company had their moments, the OnePlus Two was barely as a big a success as the OnePlus One. The company later released the OnePlus X, a cheaper yet power packed phones.

However, this Chinese smartphone company may have new tricks up its sleeve with the OnePlus 3. Leaks of the device from an Antutu benchmark test have revealed the specifications. The leak shows that the next-gen OnePlus handset will have a 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The OnePlus three will boast a Snapdragon 820 CPU, an Adreno 530 GPU, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of base storage, a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, and a customized fork of Oxygen OS based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

OnePlus has an event planned on the 7th of April in Beijing, where they are expected to unveil the handset. If this is the case, OnePlus fans the world over will rejoice to the early arrival of their beloved handset. However, many will comment on the 1080p display.

Source

March 26, 2016
HTC 10 Teaser Shows of Return of BoomSound

Teasers of the new HTC 10 are not slowing down at all. With a brand new tweet, HTC has teased the new audio layout of their upcoming HTC 10 (aka One M10). HTC has already confirmed that the HTC 10 event will be held at three locations on April 12, New York, London, and Taipei. It is also rumored that the phone will first become available on April 16th in Taiwan.

The HTC 10 is expected to boast brand new optics and an all metal body with a major chamfered back. The teaser for the HTC 10 doesn’t give much away except “Here comes the new boom. You’ll hear it.#powerof10”

We have already heard rumors of the HTC BoomSound tech being upgraded and re-introduced, the HTC 10 could be a perfect device for that.

Besides the previously confirmed powerful Snapdragon 820 CPU, the HTC 10 is expected to feature a Quad HD Super LCD 5 display of around 5.1 inches, 4 GB of RAM, 16 to 64 GB of internal memory, and a 3000 mAh battery.

Here comes the new boom. You’ll hear it. #powerof10 pic.twitter.com/Ln3XxWZ9BO

— HTC (@htc) March 23, 2016

March 25, 2016

iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or iPhone 5s Which One Should you Choose

With Apple’s announcements on their March 21st event iPhone SE, Apple launched the iPhone SE. A smartphone which has the innards of an iPhone 6s, the screen size of an iPhone 5s and is missing out on 3D Touch. Also, no one appreciates the nomenclature “SE”.

However, now that Apple is offering so many iPhones for you to choose from, the choice has become difficult. Which one should you choose, and how do you decide?

For starters, if you want a 4-inch phone, and it has to be an iPhone, then you only have the iPhone 5s and iPhone SE up for grabs.

The iPhone 5s is available for as low as Rs. 20,000 in India for the 16 GB and Rs. 24,000 for the 32 GB variant. It still runs on the latest OS and offers most of the same features as the new gen phones minus a few new ones. You are missing out on extensive processing, 4K video capture and 3D touch in comparison to iPhone 6s. You also miss out on some software features like an always on “Hey Siri” among few others.
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iPhone SE changes things by adding the latest processor hence you get all your speed and graphics. You also get 4k video capture. You are still missing out on 3D touch and 120 fps slo-mo capture on Full HD. The iPhone SE adds always-on “hey-Siri” and some of the other features found in Apple flagships. The iPhone SE, in India However, will cost upwards of Rs. 39000 for the 16 GB variant at launch and more for the 64 GB variant, our guess Rs. 45000, which makes it extremely pricey. You are looking at a 12 MP main camera and a 1.2 MP front camera.

If screen size is not a problem, the larger iPhone 6s comes with a 4.7-inch screen size. You can get the 16 GB one for as low as Rs. 40000 which is just Rs. 1000 more than the iPhone SE at launch. With only that much of a difference, the iPhone 6s offers up the whole suite, including 3D touch, 4k video, slow-mo (120 fps) at 1080p. Along with the Apple’s A9 chip and M9 motion co-processor. You will also get a new design phone vs. a new phone that looks over three years old.
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While a small screen is something that a lot of people appreciate, the iPhone SE becomes the natural choice. However, on a price crunch, the iPhone 5s is still an impressive phone and has sold on deal sales for as low as Rs. 15000 for the 16 GB variant. But if, screen size is not an issue the iPhone 6s is their flagship phone (not considering the plus option) and will cost only Rs. 1000 more than the iPhone SE at launch and comes in the same colors, offers more features and looks better.

[poll id=”43″]

Specifications	iPhone 6s	iPhone SE	iPhone 5s
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD display with 3D Touch, LED-backlit widescreen	4-inch Retina display LED-backlit	4-inch Retina display LED-backlit
Resolution	1334×750-pixel resolution at 326 ppi	640 x 1136 pixels resolution at 326 ppi	640 x 1136 pixels resolution at 326 ppi
Motion Processor	Embedded M9 motion coprocessor	Embedded M9 motion coprocessor	Embedded M7 Motion Co processor
Chipset	A9 chip with 64-bit architecture	A9 chip with 64-bit architecture	A7 Chip
RAM	2GB	N/A	1 GB
CPU	Dual-core 1.84GHz	Dual-core 1.84GHz	Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cyclone
GPU	PowerVR GT7600	PowerVR GT7600	PowerVR G6430
OS	iOS 9	iOS 9	iOS 9
Internal Storage	16GB/64GB/128GB	16GB / 64 GB	16 GB / 32 GB
Exapandibility	N/A	N/A
Rear camera	12-megapixel iSight camera with 1.22µ pixels, ƒ/2.2 aperture	12-megapixel iSight camera with 1.22µ pixels, ƒ/2.2 aperture, Optical image stabilization	8 MP, f/2.2, 29mm, autofocus, dual-LED
Rear Camera Video	4K video recording (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps	Optical image stabilization for video, 4K video recording (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
Front Camera	5-megapixel photos, ƒ/2.2 aperture, Retina Flash	1.2-megapixel photos, ƒ/2.4 aperture, Retina Flash	1.2-megapixel photos, ƒ/2.2 aperture
Front Camera Video	720p HD video recording	720p HD video recording	720p HD video recording
Weight	143 grams	113 grams	112 grams
Special Features	Fingerprint sensor, 3D touch, live photo	Fingerprint sensor, live photo	Fingerprint sensor
Connectivity	LTE	LTE	LTE
Variants	Silver, Gold, Space Gray, Rose Gold	Silver, Gold, Space Gray, Rose Gold	Silver, Gold, Space Gray
Price	<br />	Rs. 39000 and Rs. 45000 16GB/64GB respectively unlocked	<br />

March 22, 2016

Apple 21st March Event Round-Up, iPhone SE, iPad Pro 9.7 and More

Apple at their Town Hall event at Cupertino had what is possibly their last event at the old campus. As Tim Cook left the stage, he announced that Apple crew will be shifting into the new campus by end 2016-early 2017. While Apple made many announcements, here are a few that should matter.

LIAM

Apple started the event by talking about their responsibility towards the environment. Then came LIAM an intelligent machine/robot that has been two years in development in Apple labs. LIAM is designed to sense and disassemble iPhones and other proprietary Apple Devices, and break them out into components that can then be recycled easily. This Robot/ machine will help Apple reduce their carbon footprint and help get back precious materials like gold, silver and platinum into the recycle chain so they can get back on newer devices and not get discarded in landfills.

Apple Watch

While no major upgrades of the Apple Watch itself, Apple is offering new colors for their Sports band and new leather band colors. Apple has also dropped the price of the Apple Watch to US $ 299 as the starting price.

Apple TV

Apple is updating the TVOS today and offering new features for their connected box on the largest screen in your house. The new update brings to you folder support and support for dictation, which will allow you to perform searches or even enter usernames and passwords using Siri.

Siri can also be used to look up for apps in the App store and movies on Netflix. (#win)

iPhone SE

The biggest announcement of the day was the launch of the iPhone SE. Apple’s update to the iPhone 5s. Apple claims they sold 30 Million 4 inch devices in 2015 alone and hence they are not yet ready to let go of their small screen size loving audience. Packed with specs almost identical to the iPhone 6s the iPhone SE is offered up at US $ 399 for the 16 GB version in the US and will launch in India for Rs 30,000 for the 16 GB variant.

Apple’s A9 chip powers the iPhone SE, which is the same chip that powers the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. That means the new 4-inch iPhone will be two times faster than the iPhone 5s with three times better graphics performance. You will also get a 12 MP camera and Live photos, but the iPhone SE does not support 3D touch.

iPad Pro 9.7

The next big announcement was the iPad Pro 9.7. The new iPad weighs less than 1 pound and has the same specs as the iPad Pro 12.9 inch. You will also get Apple Pencil support and four speaker output. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro starts at US $599 for the Wi-Fi model with 32GB of storage and is available up to size variant of 256GB of storage.

The iPad Pro 9.7 has the same A9x chipset and 12 MP camera with 4K video capture.

iOS 9.3

Apple also announced that they will push out the new update for iOS aka iOS 9.3 which offers up night shift, improved 3D touch along with security for Notes and major bug fixes and battery improvements.

Apple CareKit

Apple’s update to ResearchKit, now called CareKit has a whole slew of new features to allow users to monitor their health and share it with loved ones and care professionals like doctors. This opens up new opportunities in the health care system and allows people to manage everything related to their health or treatment online on iCloud and on the go.

Care Card helps people track their individual care plans and action items, such as taking medication or completing physical therapy exercises. Activities can automatically be tracked and entered using sensors in Apple Watch or iPhone

Symptom and Measurement Tracker lets users quickly record their symptoms and how they’re feeling, like monitoring temperature for possible infections or measuring pain or fatigue. Progress updates could include simple surveys, photos that capture the progression of a wound or activities calculated by using the iPhone’s accelerometer and gyroscope, like quantifying range of motion

Insight Dashboard maps symptoms against the action items in the Care Card to quickly show how treatments are working; and

Connect makes it easy for people to share information and communicate with doctors, care teams or family members about their health and any change in condition.

March 22, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 9.7 Price in India and Launch Dates Confirmed
Apple has launched the new iPad Pro 9.7 inch variant, and details of its price and launch in India are out. Apple will launch the iPad Pro 9.7 in India starting MRP INR 49900 for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and MRP INR 61900 for the 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Both iPad Pro sizes are available in offerings of 32GB, 128GB and a new 256GB capacity.
- The 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes in silver, space grey, gold and a new rose gold metallic finish, and starts at MRP INR 49900 for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and MRP INR 61900 for the 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Both iPad Pro sizes are available in offerings of 32GB, 128GB and a new 256GB capacity, the highest of any iOS device. For more information, please visit www.apple.com/in/ipad.
- The 9.7-inch iPad Pro will be available to order beginning Thursday, March 24, from Apple.com, through select carriers and Apple Authorised Resellers on Thursday, March 31, in Australia, Canada, China (Wi-Fi models only), France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, US Virgin Islands and the US.
- The 9.7-inch iPad Pro will be available in early April in Albania, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Macau (Wi-Fi models only), Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand (Wi-Fi models only), Turkey and UAE.
Price for the Apple Pencil is MRP INR 8600 and Smart Keyboard in charcoal grey : MRP INR 13900. The Polyurethane iPad Pro Smart Cover and Silicone Cases for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro will available for MRP INR 3700 and MRP INR 5200.

The Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader will be available for MRP INR 2500, Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter for MRP INR 2900, Apple 29W USB-C Power Adapter for MRP INR 4100, Lightning to USB-C Cable (1 m.) for MRP INR 2300 and Lightning to USB-C Cable (2 m.) for MRP INR 2900.
March 22, 2016
Apple iPhone SE India Price and Launch Dates Confirmed
Apple iPhone SE, aka the smaller 4 inch iPhone will sell in India Starting Rs. ~~30,000~~ 39000 for the 16 GB variant according to Apple India.
- iPhone SE will be available in space grey, silver, gold and rose gold metallic finishes in 16GB and 64GB models starting at MRP INR ~~30,000~~ 39000 from Apple Authorised Resellers and select carriers.
- Customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, US Virgin Islands and the US will be able to order iPhone SE beginning Thursday, March 24, with availability beginning Thursday, March 31.
- iPhone SE will be available in early April in Albania, Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Guernsey, Jersey, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and UAE.
Apple confirms that the iPhone SE will come to India early April 2016. April 8th is when the iPhone SE will launch in India and will be sold by distribution partner Reddington and will be available at 3000 retail outlets across the country. Apple will also sell leather cases in black and midnight blue for MRP INR 2900 and the Apple Lightning Docks in colour-matched metallic finishes for MRP INR 3700.

NOTE: This article earlier mentioned the price of the iPhone SE 16 GB as Rs. 30000 as mentioned by Apple, which the company later changed to Rs. 39000. The article reflects that change.
March 22, 2016
Apple Pushing iOS 9.3 Today with “Night Shift”

Apple has finally launched iOS 9.3, which the company has been testing for a while. The Update should pop up on your iPhones Sometime in the next few hours and will enable a slew of new features, including “Night Shift” which allows the display to sdjust automatically post sunset to reduce the blue tint on the display. This is done in order to help you sleep better.

Another cool feature is the fact that Notes can now be password protected and unlocked using Touch ID. So you can now store your sensitive information on your Notes.

Improvements are also present for 3D Touch shortcuts for Weather, Settings, Compass, Health, Stocks, and Store.

Apple is also improving the News app in iOS 9.3 and Health now has Apple Watch integration, alongside improvements to tracking third-party apps.

The new iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro will come with iOS 9.3 preinstalled. Owners of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, and 6S Plus should get a System Update alert to install the new OS on today.

March 22, 2016
Apple Launches 9.7 inch iPad Pro with Upto 256 GB Storage

Apple has taken its wraps off the new iPad Pro, which is a smaller 9.7-inch version of the 12.9 inch iPad Pro. Priced starting US $ 599 for the 32 GB, the new iPad comes with the same features of the larger iPad Pro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_pMx7IjYKE

With a 9.7 inch retina display the newer and smaller iPad Pro is still capable of working with the ever in demand Apple Pencil. You will also get the Apple A9x Processor and 4k video capable 12 MP main camera and a 5MP front camera.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro features TrueTone technology, which measures the color temperature of ambient light and adjusts the screen accordingly. Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple, says it offers the lowest reflectivity of any tablet.

March 21, 2016
Apple Launches 4 inch Apple iPhone SE

Apple has finally taken the wraps of their new iPhone called the iPhone SE. While the looks are the same as the iPhone 5s. The iPhone SE is essentially the iPhone 6 in a smaller sized package, packing an Apple A9 processor and an M9 Motion Co-Processer.

Apple has also included 4k video recording capable 12 MP camera and Always On “Hey Siri”.

The iPhone SE will be available for US $ 399 for the 16 GB and US $ 499 for the 64 GB when it launches in April in major countries. Taking care of requirement for those who want a smaller iPhone and those who do not want to spend a lot of money.

In India iPhone SE will be available in space grey, silver, gold and rose gold metallic finishes in 16GB and 64GB models starting at MRP INR 30,000 from Apple Authorised Resellers and select carriers.
— Customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, US Virgin Islands and the US will be able to order iPhone SE beginning Thursday, March 24, with availability beginning Thursday, March 31.

March 21, 2016
Apple Takes Steps to Reduce their Carbon Footprint

Apple at their 21st March event showed off their promise to the environment. Aiming for a 100% renewable power capability Apple reached 93% of its goal. Where 93% of all Apple facilities are run on renewable energy. Whereas, 100 % of their data centres are run on renewable sources of energy.

Apple has also worked on a new Robot which lets the company take apart each and every component of any Apple device like an iPhone into components and send individual items back to the manufacturing line.

Apple also said that almost 99% of all packaging used in their products comes from recycled paper or sustainable sources of paper.

According to the Cupertino-based company their devices are built in a way so that they don’t reach the junkyard easily and are reused often. Apple will also offer free recycling for your old phones.

March 21, 2016
India’s Cochin Airport Has 100% Free Electricity Via a Massive Solar Project

Cochin Airport in India became the world’s first airport to become completely self-reliant as far as electricity is concerned.

The project, worth $10 Million, began in 2013 and was completed in 2015, it comprises of 46,150 solar panels laid on 45 acres of land near the airport’s cargo complex. Cochin airport’s solar power plant produces 50,000 to 60,000 units of electricity per day to for consumption by all facilities at the International airport.

When we had realized that the power bill is on the higher side, we contemplated possibilities. Then the idea of tapping the green power came in. We consume around 48,000 unit (KWh) a day. So if we can produce the same, that too by strictly adhering to the green and sustainable development model of infrastructure development that we always follow, that would transcend a message to the world. Now this has become the world’s first airport fully operates on solar power ” -Said Mr.V.J.Kurian IAS, Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Ltd.

This plant will produce 18 million units of clean power an annual power equivalent for 10,000 homes for one year. Over the next 25 years, this green energy project will avoid carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants by more than 3 lakh metric tons, which is equivalent to planting 3 million trees or not driving 750 miles.

Initially Kolkata-based M/s Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd. was responsible for the 400 polycrystalline modules of an output of 250Wp and five Refu-sol 20kW capacity string inverters were used in this plant as a trial. After completion, the airport has so far saved more than 550 Metric Tonnes of CO2 emission.

This solar project in itself is an incredible feat, and the fact that the whole airport is self-sustainable for at least the next 25 years makes it even more impressive

Source

March 19, 2016
Uber Just Bought Over 100,000 Self Driving Mercedes Benz S-Class

Easy go taxi app “Uber” has reportedly purchased 100,000 Mercedes Benz S Class vehicles. Till now Uber owned no cars of its own. Germany’s Manager Magazin, claims that both Uber and Mercedes are both investing heavily in making autonomous cars a reality.

This deal which sets the delivery in the future is for Mercedez Benz and Uber technology which will allow the cars to be Autonomous. It is estimated that the deliveries for the said vehicles will begin early 2020, according to Stuttgart. The premium S-Class has been able to park, maintain safe distances from other cars in tight, stop-and-go traffic without the aid of a driver, these features are said to be enhaced over the next few years to allow more capabilites.

A deal which is in the upper region of 10 Billion Euros, is set to compete against the various other companies aiming to make autonomous cars including the likes of Tesla.

Source

March 19, 2016
iPhone 7 and 7 Pro Renders Show Us a Glimpse of the Next iPhones

We are just a few days away from Apple’s mega event and renders are popping up all over the place. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 pro may not be launched this time around and may be kept for the September launch. However, it has not stopped designer Martin Hajek, who is known for pretty accurate renders for showing off what the next iPhones may look like.

iPhone SE

The iPhone SE is supposedly an answer from Apple to its fans asking for a smaller iPhone after they abandoned the compact screen size. Designed on the iPhone 5s the size of the iPhone SE is expected to be very similar to the 5s, however, much more rounded like the iPhone 6.

iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 will be the notorious handset marking the end of an era of the headphone jack, or so says the world. The new iPhone 7 will have a major overhaul for the optics and some magical battery improvement.

The iPhone 7 Pro

It is much rumored that Apple will drop the “plus” nomenclature in favor of the more iPad Pro packaging for the larger iPhone 7, calling it the iPhone 7 Pro. Supposedly, just like the iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Pro will also drop the headphone jack in favor of DAC enabled lightning headphones. However, rumors and the below renders point to dual cameras, possibly for better resolution or stereoscopic video.

While the above is just a guesstimate, it seems more accurate than ever. Also, the dropping of flat antenna bands is also in line with the design change scheduled with the iPhone 7 series.

March 19, 2016