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Hands On with the Micromax Canvas Sliver 5

Micromax’s new entrant into the smartphone rat race, is not really new. The Micromax Canvas Sliver 5 is the Indian manufacturer’s slim device to take on the other slim phones. The upside, the Canvas Sliver 5 is 5.1mm end to end with no bumps or depressions. The frame is made from Aircraft grade aluminium and the front as well as the back is glass.

Specs wise, a few disappointments can be made out easy. For the price of Rs. 17,999, Micromax has included a Snapdragon 410 chipset, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB non-expandable storage and an 8 MP camera.

The front has a paltry 720p display along with Gorilla Glass 3, the battery is a mere 2000mAh. There is not a lot on offer here apart from the slim profile and the lightweight design.

The software is mostly stock Android 5.0.2 with some installed software, most of it is easily uninstalled. A flagship was expected from Micromax today, but the Rs. 17,999 price is might be the reason Canvas Sliver 5 remains on shelves. At a time where the world’s smartphone makers are battling to offer maximum at minimum rates, the Canvas Sliver 5 seems to fall short with average specifications. Besides, users have the choice to spend Rs. 2,000 extra and buy the OnePlus One (64GB) at Rs. 19,998. For that small amount, you would get a better camera, processor and a massive (multimedia-friendly) display.

Specifications	Micromax Canvas Sliver 5
Display	4.8-inch HD AMOLED, 720p
Processor	64-bit quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
RAM	2GB DDR3
Storage	16GB, non-expandable
Rear Camera	8MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	2000mAh
Operating System	Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
Price	Rs. 17,999

June 18, 2015

Micromax Launches its Super Slim and Light Flagship, Priced at Rs. 17,999

Micromax’s Jailbreak event kicked off in New Delhi and the firm brought before us the world’s slimmest smartphone. Adding to its Canvas line-up, Micromax introduced its flagship device, the Canvas Sliver 5, holding a thickness of 5.1mm end-to-end. The handset joins the list of the world’s till-date “slimmest phone” title holders – Oppo R5 (6.9mm), Elife 5.1 (5.15mm), and Vivo X5 Max (4.75mm).

Not only is it slim, it’s lighter than any phone released till date. Micromax claims that the Canvas Sliver 5 weighs a mere 97 grams. It accommodates Aircraft grade aluminum that helps maintain its feather-like weight. Along with that, touch sensitivity is integrated onto the screen, helping it acquire the thinness.

Micromax Canvas Knight 2 19 — CEO Vineet Taneja on Stage at the launch.

That was all about its exterior specifications. The phone is powered by a 64-bit quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor with 2GB DDR3 RAM. Canvas Sliver 5 is 4G/LTE enabled, which means overall, it might be a smooth and fast device. The display size stands at 4.8-inch with 720p resolution. The device, running on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, comes with 16GB internal storage space with no expandability option.

Going by the camera specifications, the new Canvas flagship will hold an 8MP Sony IMX219 sensor on the back with Blue Glass Filter, Professional Mode and Night mode. The Blue Glass Filter offers better pictures by restricting infrared. Micromax has provided a 5MP front camera. A Dirac HD Sound system takes care of the audio quality. A battery of 2000mAh is fitted to the device, which according to Micromax is sufficient for the smartphone. The phone will be available in two colour options – white and black.

Besides this, the homegrown company announced additional offers. With Airtel connection, users will get double the data pack. Also, one of the major highlight of this smartphone, all buyers will get a guaranteed 7-day after-sale service, in case of any issue with the phone. Micromax has priced it at Rs. 17,999.

Check the spec sheet below:

Specifications	Micromax Canvas Sliver 5
Display	4.8-inch, 720p
Processor	64-bit quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
RAM	2GB DDR3
Storage	16GB, non-expandable
Rear Camera	8MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	2000mAh
Operating System	Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
Price	Rs. 17,999

June 18, 2015

Watch the Launch of Micromax’s New Products Live on iGyaan

The next flagship by Micromax is scheduled to launch today in the national capital of India. Media invites have been sent by the homegrown firm for the event starting at 12 PM. Although the event will carry out in an enclosed dark room, Micromax has added support for everyone to witness the jailbreak of its device, live. It is expected to disclose more than one product at the launch.

Micromax has designed a special page for the unveiling of its upcoming flagship. A countdown appears on top of the page, beneath which is a video with shows a prisoner trying to escape from the jail.

Find out who he is and watch the show live below.

https://youtu.be/_f_GvcCVg5Y

June 18, 2015
Exclusive : Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Arrives in India by the 3rd Week of September

Samsung’s upcoming high-end Galaxy Note 5 has been in the news quite a lot lately. We’ve been privy to hear several talks about the flagship’s features as well its launch date. Its arrival was earlier speculated to be as early as July, but our recent report rubbished that rumour. Same as every year, you can expect the new Samsung Note to arrive later in the year. The phablet would be launching on or after 4th September, right at the IFA Trade Show, which is held in Berlin every year.

For all the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 fans, there is another good news. Sources close to iGyaan have confirmed that the device will be launching in India in the 3rd week of September. The source also disclosed the pricing of the new device saying that it will cost Rs 64,999 for the 32GB variant. For now, it is anticipated the device will arriving in 64GB and 128GB variants as well. The same pattern Samsung followed with the Galaxy S6 series. Samsung will also bring out an ‘Edge’ variant, which will cost Rs. 9,000 above the regular edged one.

We might have the pricing and availability confirmed, however the features of the upcoming phone are still a hazy picture. As far as the spec rumours go, it is said that the Note 5 will be featuring a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. An improved version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to administer the computing operations. A report also suggests that the Note 4 successor might sport a USB Type-C port. It is said to be powered by a mammoth battery of 4100mAh, which is necessary for a phablet with these specifications.

June 18, 2015
OnePlus One 64GB Available for Rs. 19,998 on Amazon India

Amazon India is offering the 2014 flagship killer at a discounted rate. The OnePlus One is available on the e-commerce website at Rs. 2,000 off, making its cost Rs. 19,998 for the 64GB model. You can also accessorize your One with products like earphones and protective cases, which need to be bought additionally.

This change can be considered as a tactic to clear stocks and make room for its next flagship, the OnePlus 2, which is expected to debut in the third quarter of this year. A while back, the Chinese company had already dropped the price of the OnePlus One in the US and other markets, while Indians were awaiting the sale.

Talking about the upcoming OnePlus 2, the device is expected to boast a 5.5-inch 2K display to offer an improved viewing experience of the user. It is highly possible that the OnePlus 2 will run on Cyanogen OS, as the differences between Cyanogen and the Chinese smartphone firm have been settled, and the cases have been withdrawn by mutual approval. It is confirmed to come with Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1 processor that will include the capability of streaming 4K Ultra HD video, impressive image processing and more. The OnePlus 2 is speculated to be priced approximately 1,999 Yuan (Rs. 20,644).

If you don’t wish to wait for the OnePlus 2, we’d recommend you go for the OnePlus One today.

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June 18, 2015
10 Hidden iOS 9 Features That are Sure to Make iPhones Way Smarter

Apple iOS 9, announced at WWDC, was seen to be a major overhaul. The company showed off the software’s multitasking feature, low power mode and Siri’s Proactive mode. However, Apple didn’t disclose many fresh apps and exciting features, which make its OS all the more seamless, bridging the gap between the two major operating systems – Android and iOS. Apple has borrowed many features from Android, along with incorporating many firsts.

A few of you may not agree with us if you go by the announcements made at the launch, but there’s lots more. We have listed some of the hidden features that prove iOS 9 is a cut above the previous iterations.

1. Universal App Search

We are sure you’re going to love this. The newest iOS 9 accommodates a Search bar on top of Settings, allowing you to search any app within the menu. The Settings option is better than ever, enabling you to pick any specific app from the mess just by typing its initials or the full name. For example, if you type ‘Battery’, the Battery feature will appear in front, hiding all in the background. You can tap on it, and its settings will come up, allowing you to make a choice.

2. Tweaked Shift Key

This one was on Android since long, but Apple has incorporated it now with iOS 9. Pressing the shift key allows you to switch between upper case and lower case, rather than only the shift key changing colour and characters not swapping to lower case. We soon won’t need to remember which colour was for caps.

3. Your Keyboard Now Acts as a Trackpad

Even Android disciples will shift their loyalty to Apple after hearing this; well, some might. Earlier limited to iPad, this feature has now landed on the iPhone as well. Drop two fingers onto the keyboard of your iPhone to make a selection, edit and shift text from one place to another. The keypad becomes your trackpad, increasing the productivity of your phone. The feature first debuted on iPad.

4. Swipe to Select Multiple Photos

Ok. Selecting multiple photos on iPhone’s preceding OS iterations was a pain. The company has altered the tedious approach, and the new operating system comes with multiple photo selection support, allowing you to use your finger as a cursor. Widen the cursor to increase the selection area and mass-pictures will be selected as per requirement. No need to tap one-by-one to delete bulk pictures now. Just swipe to choose and dump them in the bin or on cloud.

Along with this, the Photo app features a ‘scrubber’ beneath, enabling you to flip quickly through the images secured in the camera roll.

5. “Back to Search/App” Shortcut

Apple has taken modification real serious this time. Emphasizing on cultivating the already built, iOS 9 includes a ‘Back to Search’ or ‘Back to App’ option that directs you straight to Spotlight without the need of pressing a back button repeatedly. Swipe down on the Home screen, search for content on Spotlight and once you’re done, press ‘Back to Search’ on the top left to reach the main screen.

6. Customizable Side Switch

iOS 9 gives you the option to use side switch for locking rotation of the display or to mute the phone. This option has been available on iPad. Unfortunately, you can choose between the two only.

7. 6-Digit Passcode Option

In an attempt to increase the security of the iPhone, a user with iOS 9 installed on their handsets now has the option to extend the password to 6 digits, which was 4 digits in the previous versions. Above is a screenshot establishing the same.

8. Mute Phone

No matter how cool and secure a iPhone is, its inability to go mute has drawn embarrassment to the user at times. iOS 9 resolves the issue by introducing vibration disable button that lets you shut all vibrations on your iPhone in a single go. Under Settings menu, there is an Accessibility option, which when turned off disables all vibrations including earthquake, tsunami and other emergency alerts.

9. Save To and Add from iCloud

Emails are an indispensable part of any smartphone and so is Cloud when it comes to low memory storage. Until now, iPhone users have been using third-party apps to attach files to emails, but now attachments can be added from iCloud Drive in the Mail app. Also, files can be saved on iCloud by long pressing the attachment. A new window with Save Attachment icon will then open, clicking which the file will go to iCloud Drive.

10. Customizable Assistive Touch

Assistive touch is the binding element that draws users back to the main screen from where ever a person is. But since long, we have been viewing the same four options on the main screen of the top level menu in Assistive touch. Now, you don’t need to compromise any longer as iOS 9 is giving you the freedom to customize the Assistive Touch menu. Add 2 or more buttons to the menu list and quickly navigate through the app.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”” target=”_self”]Image Source[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.iphonehacks.com/2015/06/ios-9-hidden-features.html”]iPhone Hacks[/tw-button]

June 18, 2015
Confirmed: OnePlus 2 will Run Second Gen Snapdragon 810

In a post on OnePlus forums, Pete Lau (CEO, OnePlus) has confirmed that the OnePlus 2 will come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1 processor. OnePlus stresses that key reasons that this particular chipset was selected include the capability of streaming 4K Ultra HD video, impressive image processing and more.

OnePlus also claims that they have taken all the necessary steps to make sure that the chipset, which otherwise is known to heat up considerably, will not mimic this behaviour on the OnePlus 2. They have done this by adding both thermal gel and graphite paste on top of the CPUs as well as in key areas inside the phone to dissipate heat.

According to the Chinese manufacturer, they have optimised OxygenOS to run in sync with the Snapdragon 810 v2.1. The newly designed OS will take advantage of the chipsets advanced architecture using the large cores for performance intensive tasks like gaming, while using the smaller cores for basic usage like texting.

Pete Lau claims in his post that the company has spent a long time in building the handset and is very excited about the OnePlus 2. In India, however, launch details are sketchy at best. With no signs of OnePlus One price drop in India, One can only expect the launch of the OnePlus 2 to be delayed.

Read Up Here : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_blank” link=”https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/oneplus-2-cpu-qualcomm-snapdragon-810-v2-1.316786/”]OnePlus Forum[/tw-button]

June 18, 2015
Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 32GB to Cost Rs. 64,999 at Launch in India

Samsung’s upcoming phablet flagship, Galaxy Note 5, is the current hot topic. The device is expected to be a cut above the last version, overcoming the lags and tapping on constructive points of the Note series. Amid rumours and reports, we brought to you the arrival date of the Note 5, i.e. September 4, and now we have learnt that the 32GB Galaxy Note 5 variant will launch at Rs. 64,999 in India.

A source close to iGyaan disclosed the pricing of the new device saying it will cost Rs. 64,999 for 32GB inbuilt storage. It is anticipated to come in higher variants as well – such as 64GB and 128GB – which Samsung seems to have made a norm for high-end devices with the recent Galaxy S6 release. This means Rs. 64,999 is the minimum amount one has to shell out for owning a Note 5 (at launch). The higher versions can go Rs. 10,000 max. in addition to the base price. Samsung will also bring out an ‘Edge’ variant, which will cost Rs. 9,000 above the regular edged one.

Although there are still two months for the Note 5 to launch, we already know quite a bit about what’s coming ahead. We hear that the Note 5 will be featuring a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display. The Edge variant will feature curves on both the sides of the display. An improved version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to administer the computing operations.

A latest report also suggests that the Note 4 successor might sport a USB Type-C, which we recently saw incorporated on the Apple MacBook. The Note 5 might even be powered by a mammoth battery of 4,100mAh, which is necessary for a phablet with these specifications. The features might sound exciting, however there is a good reason we recommend you shouldn’t pick up the device at launch.

Keep checking this space for more updates.

June 17, 2015
Panasonic’s Smartphone-Camera Hybrid Hits the US Market, Priced at $1000

Panasonic hasn’t refreshed its premium smartphone range from quite a while, but the Japanese firm is now retrieving the lost position, catching up with high-end offerings by other brands. The consumer electronics giant gained some spotlight with the launch of Lumix DCM-CM1 in the US, introduced last year in September. The CM1 is a smartphone/mirrorless camera encompassing some of the best features of camera and smartphone. The device is priced at a whopping $1,000 (approximately Rs. 64,300), more than the high-end phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 128GB and iPhone 6.

Considering the build and overall look of the crossbreed, the Lumix DMC-CM1 is considerably thick at 21.1 mm with a flat touch capacitive screen on the front and a 20 MP, a 1-inch sensor embedded on its back. It is said to be the largest sensor to sit on a smartphone with 28mm f/2.8 Leica lens. The lens makes sure you get the best images out of a 20MP camera. The upper side of the device has buttons to activate both camera and the phone. In addition to that, the gizmo supports features of a DSLR, like manual controls for focus, aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance.

Coming onto its front, the Lumix DMC-CM1 features a 4.7-inch full HD LCD display with 1080p resolution. Powering the handset is a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2GB RAM. Don’t bother about the 16GB internal storage capacity as it can be expanded up to 128GB. It runs on Android 4.4 KitKat, but can be upgraded to Lollipop. Unfortunately, there is no camera on the front. With a battery of 2600mAh, the phone offers connectivity options like LTE Cat 4 and NFC.

The company hasn’t given any details of it arriving in other countries, but we are expecting its global rollout soon.

June 17, 2015
No Moto Maker for India, But You Could Win a Moto X Instead

A few days back, Motorola posted teaser tweets which several Indian media networks decided were hinting at Moto Maker’s arrival in India.

You’re about to experience a sea of choices. Find out how on June 15. What will you choose to do? pic.twitter.com/9FJe4afRdf

— Motorola India (@MotorolaIndia) June 13, 2015

For those of you who don’t know, Moto Maker is a customization programme, that gives you the option to choose from a variety of back panels and device colours to give it your own personal touch. You can also engrave your initials or a message on the back side of your phone or a customized splash screen.

Instead, Motorola has launched a contest to celebrate the company’s batwing logo turning 60. Motorola has come up with a new promotional campaign, tagged as #MyMotoLogo. The contest is easy to understand. Six people who come up with the most creative Moto Logo will be declared winners and will be entitled to take home a Moto X with them, with their customized logo inscribed on it.

To participate in the #MyMotoLogo contest, contestants can recreate Moto batwing logo in the form of a doodle, installation, arrangement, rangoli, graffiti, illustration or graphic design and upload the logo. The entries can be submitted entries via any of the three social networking platforms -Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with #MyMotoLogo tag to Motorola India. (Users can also send the logo to the official dedicated website.) The contest will end on 25th June. You can click here for more information.

We don’t know if Motorola’s customisation program will be available in India anytime soon. Till then, we suggest you get your creative juices flowing for the #MyMotoLogo contest!

June 17, 2015
Top 16 Gaming Trailers Microsoft Showed Off at E3 2015

Before Sony stepped on stage, Microsoft unveiled many new plans and ideas for its gaming universe. Along with new Xbox Controller and the incredible Holographic version of Minecraft, they also showed previews of 16 stunning games that will release soon.

Check out the trailers here:

Halo 5

Recore

Fallout 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzV1GlDDlv8

Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2

Forza Motorsport 6

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

Dark Souls III

Gigantic

Tacoma

Ashen

Beyond Eyes

Cuphead

Ion

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Sea of Thieves

Fable Legends

Gears of War 4

Along with Sony’s list of releases, it seems to be a wonderful year ahead for gamers!

June 17, 2015
Super Mario Maker: You Can Now Create and Share Your Own Mario Levels

Super Mario Bros. bags a special place for those born in the 90s. The game will be turning 30 this year, and to celebrate the character’s birthday in style, Nintendo has decided to bring out a whole new type of gameplay for its fans, the Super Mario Maker.

It will give you options to create new levels in four visual styles, SNES Super Mario Bros, Super Mario World, Super Mario Bros 3 and New Super Mario Bros U. You have the option of changing everything, from the background to the block materials and the look and type of enemies. Using all the features like enemies, power-ups, coins, blocks and springboards, you can make a level completely your own. These levels can then be shared with others online. Players will be able to use the game’s trademark mushrooms to convert into other Nintendo figures. Alternative costumes can be unlocked in-game or using Nintendo’s toys-to-life Amibo action figures.

Nintendo showed the extended preview of the tool during the ongoing E3 2015 and explained how the ‘game’ would allow you to create your own levels on the traditional Super Mario 8-bit graphics or in the modern 3D style. The Maker will be available for Wii U users from 11^th September onwards.

Check out the trailer below:

June 17, 2015
‘Gears of War: Ultimate Edition’, ‘Killer Instinct’ are Coming to PC

The ongoing E3 gaming show is not just about high-profile games launching for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Game developers are making more and more titles cross-platform, announcing their arrival on older consoles such as Play Station 3, Xbox 360, and also PC. Microsoft made a surprise announcement in its press conference stating that Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, along with Killer Instinct will now run on PC. Both the titles came into existence in the same E3 show in 2013.

Little tidbits of information were made public at the event. The Coalition’s Rod Fergusson mentioned that the PC version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition will have unlimited refresh rates along with 4K displays support, contrasting console’s 1080p limit. The two will come with support for a mouse, keyboard, and wireless controller, along with Xbox Live and game DVR support. Regardless of the platform, all players will be able to play the game online. There is no information of when these titles will show up.

Microsoft’s mind change from being Xbox One exclusive to making them accessible to every gaming enthusiast will boost demand of its games. This in turn will help Microsoft in the long run, manifesting its decision into multiplying profits.

June 17, 2015
The 10 Coolest Gaming Trailers Sony Showed at E3 2015

At the ongoing E3 2015 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), after a good 2-hour showcase of ‘The Last Guardian’, Sony went ahead to show off the trailers of new gaming franchise that will be coming out in the following months.

Here’s a list of the exciting trailers:

The Last Guardian

Horizon Zero Dawn

Hitman

Final Fantasy VII

Dreams

Firewatch

Destiny: The Taken King

Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Star Wars Battlefront

Mad Max – Eye of the Storm

Tom Clancy’s The Division

Dark Souls III

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Can’t wait to get our hands on these! Other than this, Sony has also announced limited edition retro controllers and headphones.

Keep checking iGyaan for incoming news and updates from the E3 2015.

June 17, 2015
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Expected to Launch on 4th September

In the past several days, the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 has managed to gather a lot of attention. We’ve heard several rumours about Samsung’s upcoming flagship’s features, as well as its launch date. Some reports even suggested that we might see the Note 5 as early as July. We finally have a clarity on its launch date.

If the pattern is to be monitored, Samsung has always used the IFA trade show, held in Berlin, as a platform to launch the Galaxy Note series. The first Galaxy Note was released at IFA Berlin 2011, and the Galaxy Note 2 was released in 2012 at the IFA Berlin. Similarly, all the rest of the devices in this range have all been released at their corresponding IFA events. Hence, it’s a logical conclusion to make that Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is getting prepped for the same event, which begins on 4th September this year.

Although the event is two months away, we already have a hazy picture of what’s ahead. As far as the spec rumours go, it is said that the Note 5 will be featuring a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. An improved version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to administer the computing operations. A latest report also suggests that the Note 4 successor might sport a USB Type-C port. It is said to have a mammoth battery of 4100mAh, which is necessary for a phablet with these specifications. The features might sound exciting, however there is a good reason we recommend you don’t wait to pick up the device at launch.

With its improved features and better specs, the Galaxy Note 5 will definitely be an upgrade from its predecessor. But, we will have to wait and watch how the new high-end phablet appeals to the masses.

June 17, 2015