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Motorola Reveals Pricing of 2nd Gen Moto E in an Official Video

The Moto E was the first device in the Indian market that followed the high-specs-low-pricing business approach. It was the cause of a lot of hullabaloos in the affordable segment of the market that was ruled by Indian smartphone brands. The second generation of this popular device is about to see the light of the day and Motorola has unveiled the pricing of the new handset.

Motorola has already announced that the Moto E(2nd Gen) will offer 8 GB internal storage. There will also be an option to buy a 16 GB device. The company will be offering the device is 3G and 4G LTE variants.

The 3G variant will be priced at Rs. 6999. It will be powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 along with 1 GB RAM. The LTE variant, on the other hand, will get a 64 Bit, 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410 processor. Both the new devices will run on Android Lollipop.

On the camera fronts, Motorola atoned for its sin of not adding a front camera in the first Moto E during the selfie age. This device includes a VGA camera, and the main camera too gets autofocus capabilities.

The price of the LTE variant hasn’t been specified yet, but it is expected to be somewhere near the Rs.8000 mark. Moto E now has several new challengers in the game that it began. Xiaomi Redmi 1S, the most prominent of all, has gathered massive recognition, and the Chinese company will also be launching the second generation of the device this year. With the amount of options available in the affordable segment, it will be interesting to see how the market reacts to this slightly updated version of the Moto E.

February 27, 2015
Galaxy S6’s Camera Might Just Be What Samsung Needs to Jump Back in the Game

We saw amazing camera performances with the Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy Note 4, both came with 16 megapixel cameras. The one major feature the Galaxy S5’s camera lacked was Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), a significant step that seriously impressed users of the iPhone 6 Plus and Galaxy Note 4. Even without OIS, Galaxy S5’s 16-megapixel camera is one of the best smartphone cameras around. Now it seems the Korean manufacturer has outdone itself yet again when it comes to camera capabilities.

According to sources close to iGyaan, Samsung has apparently spruced up its camera unit with a 21 megapixel count for its forthcoming flagship, and gets the same sensor as the Sony Xperia Z3. In addition, it gets a 5MP front facing shooter and is likely to get OIS with excellent low light capabilities.

Samsung’s first teaser suggested that the forthcoming flagship’s camera experience would be an integral element of the Galaxy S6’s overall appeal. Meanwhile, Samsung’s senior VP in a blog post recently stressed upon the fact how they have been constantly working on improving the cameras used in the Galaxy Series.

I am #TheNextGalaxy. Be inspired by my vision at #Unpacked. https://t.co/Qu3e4L2DEg

— SamsungMobile (@SamsungMobile) February 13, 2015

In addition, Jang also stressed on the importance of the selfie cam, and duly noted that it forms an essential part of the whole eco-system today.

We’ll keep you updated on Samsung’s forthcoming flagship, till then, stay tuned for more.

February 27, 2015
To Strengthen Connectivity Everywhere, Qualcomm To Set Up LTE-U Devices

Qualcomm, the American chip maker, has expressed the desire of setting up new technology that would offer mobile phone users better connectivity in places like subways and shopping malls. The company said on Thursday that it will soon start to sell components which will feature LTE technology which can be adapted for a smaller scale.

LTE, short for Long-Term Evolution and commonly marketed as 4G LTE, is a wireless communication standard for high speed data for mobile phones or other wireless devices. The newer LTE Unlicensed, which will be introduced at the MWC 2015, adapts the technology to be used over short distances by sharing radio spectrum, like WiFi.

Qualcomm said that adopting the LTE-U will provide much faster performance for phone users and save money that the operators would have had to pay on setting up cell phone towers. Thousands of LTE-U connectivity devices could be set up in different locations like building or places which has poor network connectivity.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Matt Grob” author_title=”Qualcomm Chief Technology Officer “]

The performance is better. It’s not a large cost adder and it also provides a lot of advantages flexibility to the operators

[/quote]

Qualcomm claims that the problem of LTE-U signals disrupting WiFi signals has been overcome, which had drawn criticism of this technology in the past. This technology will be one of the first steps towards a departure from cell tower based connectivity. With the demand for all round access to internet increasing with each passing day, new innovations need to be brought into let people stay connected 24/7.

February 27, 2015
Facebook Gets Socially Responsible, Allows Users to Define Their Gender

Gender rights and equality issues is one of the major conversational topics today. There has been more interest than ever to give equal representations to all members of society. Facebook has been one of the most prominent tech companies that has tried to engage on this issue. The company last year unveiled a huge list of new sexual identities for users to choose from but now the company has gone further. It now allows users to specify it for themselves.

The new feature lets user define their gender and select how they choose to be referred to on Facebook.

Facebook had unveiled another feature where users could select from options like cisgender, transgender or intersex. But some users found the move not inclusive enough. So now the social media superpower has gone ahead to let the users themselves choose how they want to be addressed by the service. Users can select how they define their gender and can select from options like her/him/them, as to how they want to be referred to as on Facebook. It will also let users select who they want to share their gender information with through privacy settings.

Suicide prevention features from Facebook.

Facebook’s use of its platform for socially responsible causes doesn’t end here, the company also unveiled a new suicide prevention feature. This is an applaudable move because we are getting limited to social networking for human interaction, and this will help troubled individuals to get support from concerned friends. The feature lets users report to Facebook if they see troubling content that would define suicidal thoughts in an individual. Facebook’s professionals will go through the reports and decide on providing help to the individual. Facebook has worked with various agencies who specialize in suicide prevention to come up with this new feature.

Apple’s new all inclusive emoji’s.

Another Silicon Valley powerhouse, Apple announced new emoji’s in order to address diversity issues. The makers of iPhone have unveiled new emoji line up that will represent people of all races. This feature is added in the iOS 8.3 beta and will probably arrive later this year.

It’s encouraging to see the tech industry standing up for the values of equality. Social media and messaging apps are the most important communication tools and it’s good to see them have more utility than just telling us what our random high school acquaintance had for lunch.

February 27, 2015
Google Spends a Whopping $25 Million to Seize .app Web Domain

Google, today, added one more domain to its list of top-level domains (TLDs). The internet search giant paid a hefty sum of $25 million to procure a whole web domain.

As per Business Insider, Google made the highest bid of $25 million for .app, a top-level domain. Following this, ICANN, an organisation that holds a control over world’s domain names, declared Google as the winner of the domain. Google applied for .docs, .android, .free, .fyi, .foo, and .app; only managing to acquire the last one. The company presently owns four more web domains namely .soy, .minna, .foo and .how.

This isn’t a first, there have been several companies throwing millions on web domains. In fall 2014, Amazon spent nearly $5 million to purchase ‘.buy’, and $2.2 million for ‘.spot’. For now, users can register for ‘.how,’ ‘.soy,’ and ‘.minna’ domains under Google’s own domain registry service licensed by ICANN, which is still in beta version.

The company hasn’t revealed what it expects from this purchase, but it is likely that it may use the domain to promote apps in its mobile division.

February 27, 2015
Winning! FCC Sides with Net Neutrality and Free Internet

The fate of the internet was hanging by a thin thread. Telecom corporations were leading a massive, expensive attack on the free and fair internet by deleting an essential clause called Net Neutrality. The news came into prominence leading to a tremendous backlash from the public who overwhelmingly told the government to keep the internet open and free. Last night the Federal Communication Commission sided with the demands of the people and has voted for net neutrality.

The net neutrality principle states that the internet is one singular entity, and it cannot be broken down into its various services. It orders the internet providers to allow access to all Internet content at the same speed. The telecom companies were after this principle so they could establish fast lanes for the highest payers and slow lanes for everyone else.

In a 3-2 vote, FCC classified Internet as a public utility under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. Internet will now be treated just like water, electricity, landlines, or any other essential service. The Title II classification also gives FCC greater authority to regulate the internet. These new rules apply to wireless as well as wireline internet providers.

It is official: Net Neutrality is the law of the land.

— Tim Wu (@superwuster) February 26, 2015

Tim Wu, who coined the term net neutrality, welcomed the decision.

BREAKING: @FCC has voted to uphold #NetNeutrality: pic.twitter.com/2WBnGSJEwv

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 26, 2015

Today’s #NetNeutrality ruling marks a huge victory for free speech. Thank you to everyone that stood up to keep the Internet open & free -Al

— Al Franken (@alfranken) February 26, 2015

US Senators Al Franken and Bernie Sanders, who were the major supporters of the net neutrality principle called it an “enormous victory” for the people. The decision only affects the United States, but it sets a benchmark for other countries to follow. It also shows how emotional a subject the internet has become; it is an essential cog in the everyday life of people. It’s not just an endless vortex of cute babies, puppies, and cat videos but is a platform for establishing the information age economy for everyone.

Here in India, Airtel was on the receiving end of the backlash when it attempted to break the internet to charge more for the services. The pubic response led Airtel to roll back its decision. This teaches you an important lesson that if you don’t want to be ruled by corporate greed, you have to protest their unruly decision.

February 27, 2015
It’s Official, Apple to Launch its Watch on 9th March

The when and where questions about the Apple Watch have finally come to an end. Last night Apple announced that its much-anticipated smartwatch Apple Watch will launch in an event on March 9 titled as ‘Spring Forward’. The Cupertino-based firm has started sending out media invites for the show to be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

Well, we have a basic idea of how the Apple Watch functions, but there will be much more that the company would have kept undercover for the big day. As already stated, the Watch will cost $350 in the US for the aluminum Sport model and will start shipping in April. The prices of the Watch for other countries are expected to be announced on 9^th March. The other two superior variants of the Apple Watch are bound to be priced significantly higher. One of the two is a mid-level stainless-steel Watch and the other is a 18-karat-gold edition.

The Watch by Apple is fixed for the event, but the firm may throw other big surprises along with it. Rumours have been whirling about the 12-inch MacBook Air that is sleek, stylish and in line with other previous generation MacBooks. It is speculated to feature a Retina display with a refurbished design. Another notable rumour is that Apple is working on a larger 12.9-inch iPad Plus. Many more devices like Apple TV box and more may follow the Apple Watch.

It’s just a matter of a few days before Apple raises the curtains to reveal its newest offering for the year 2015.

February 27, 2015
Features Samsung Galaxy S6 Needs to Take on the iPhone 6 Plus

Samsung is just a few days away from launching its magnum opus, the Galaxy S6. This will be a make or break device for Samsung. Consumers, as well as industry experts, have been losing their patience with Samsung’s products. Samsung’s claims of having designed the Galaxy S6 from scratch has intrigued the market and now everyone wants to see what the electronics giant means by a complete revamp. We look at some of the features that the Galaxy S6 needs to take on its prime adversary, the iPhone 6 Plus.

Display

Apple’s big boy, the iPhone 6 Plus sports a 5.5 inch Full HD display with a pixel density of 401ppi. Samsung’s previous flagship, the Galaxy S5 too flaunted a Full HD display with a pixel density of 432 ppi. This time around Samsung is expected to go for an increased screen size as well as to introduce a Quad HD (2K) which will be advantageous over the iPhone 6 Plus. Samsung is known for good displays especially on the higher end devices with Super AMOLED panels. So Samsung will have an easy win here. Some reports have also mentioned the possibility of a 4K display, which we hope the company doesn’t abide by as it would be a tremendous waste of resources. A 4K display would consume a lot of battery and processing power and the average users won’t be able to tell the difference anyway.

Design

A design makeover has been in order for a long while now. Samsung has answered the heavy criticisms for plastic based devices by introducing the metal frame design with the Galaxy Alpha series. The company is now expected to go full metal with the new S6, which is a welcoming news. The teaser of the device unveiled by T-mobile also shows a curved edge screen like the Note Edge, but it feels gimmicky and doesn’t have too much use as of now.

Battery

With an increased screen size and the rumored Quad HD display, the Galaxy S6 is bound to get a bigger battery. But what it does need to offer is a prolonged battery life that lasts for at least a week without using features like ultra power saving modes. This, of course, sounds like a heavy demand, but for once we’d rather the company invest in the state of the battery. The iPhone 6 Plus has a great battery backup that can last up to two days, and we hope Samsung has something good in store for us in this arena.

Camera

iPhone 6 Plus undoubtedly has the best camera in the business. Features like Time-lapse, slow-motion shots have made the device a one stop production tool. Samsung has to bring something at least comparable in this aspect. With the Note 4, the company brought wider selfies to its list of camera features, but this fell short of what Apple had to offer. An AnTuTu leak has hinted 20-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel selfie snapper for the Galaxy S6, which is decent spec listing. But we are more interested in finding how Samsung makes use of the hardware to provide improved shooting features with the camera.

Software

Galaxy S5 used as illustration

This is one area where Samsung needs to show real promise with the S6. It’s time Samsung shelved the boring TouchWiz UI for good. Samsung has updated the UI a bit over the past few years, but the market now expects a complete makeover. The UI update also needs to add advanced customizability features too so that users shouldn’t have to look for third party launchers or custom ROMs. Samsung has been cutting down on its bloatware too so it’s time it left just the bare essentials so that the user have control over what they choose to install on their device.

To Conclude

Samsung needs to give it all its got to the Galaxy S6. It needs to once and for all prove to the audience that it is still capable of delivering unique innovation to the market. Samsung being one of the pioneers of the smartphone business, has a responsibility to take the market further. If the device is appreciated by the market, Samsung needs to bring the design and feature down its ecosystem and update the new line of devices accordingly. Apple has done a good job with its flagship, now the world is looking at you Samsung, show us what you got!

February 26, 2015
WhatsApp Web Now Comes to Firefox and Opera Browsers

The social networking service WhatsApp gave users a reason to switch to desktop when they introduced WhatsApp Web. Unfortunately, it was limited to Google Chrome to date, but now WhatsApp has extended its reach to Firefox and Opera too.

Today, the company confirmed the same on Twitter –

WhatsApp Web: https://t.co/BPQLxqKDSj – Firefox and Opera browsers are now supported! pic.twitter.com/D4aQiy5IC6

— WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) February 25, 2015

To launch the same on your desktop, go to WhatsApp Web on your device and scan the QR code on web.whatsapp.com. For now, the desktop version is compatible with devices running on Android, Windows and BlackBerry. The iOS handsets are yet to join the league.

February 26, 2015
Scarecrow at the Helm Of Gotham in New Arkham Knight Trailer

Batman: Arkham Knight is the finale in the Batman Trilogy, marking the return of RockSteady Studios. Today, the game has been given a brand new trailer titled ‘Gotham is Mine’. The trailer primarily focuses on Gotham’s nefarious thugs and their plans for the city. It sets a rather dark and gritty tone for the game, with Scarecrow being the Dark Knight’s nemesis this time, voice acted by veteran actor Kevin Conroy.

The new trailer does a fairly good job setting up the premise for the game, showing some snippets of gameplay in the process. Gotham City, as expected, is in a turmoil, overrun with nefarious thugs while Batman’s worst foes are running the show, and are conspiring over Batman’s utter destruction. Scarecrow just isn’t satisfied with killing Batman, he wants to annihilate him in every way possible.

We also get to see Poison Ivy, The Penguin, the Riddler, Harley Quinn and Firefly, though for the most part, the trailer was all about Scarecrow. The game has been rated M, implying we may have some really intense moments in the game.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Sefton Hill ” author_title=”Game Director”]

I’m not blind to the fact that [the M rating] does mean some fans will miss out… I don’t want to be oblivious to that fact. It would have been wrong to water down the game and deliver a story we didn’t believe in to keep the game ‘mass market’ or enable it for more people. We feel that’s the wrong way to go about it. We said we love the story and we don’t want to jeopardize that.

[/quote]

Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham Asylum got a lot of gamers into Batman lore, and it’s been one hell of a ride from there. This one looks quite promising as well. Rounding up the Rocksteady Batman: Arkham trilogy. Arkham Knight launches worldwide on June 2 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Do check out the new trailer below:

In addition, some keen eyed viewers noticed some cryptic codes popping up in the trailer. A Reddit user has apparently cracked the code, which reveals three different set of character bios for Ivy, Scarecrow and Harley Quinn. These codes can be punched in the game’s official website for access to bios. We tried it out though nothing happened. Do let us know if the codes worked for you guys.

-qeL e2uLEE2 zul2e for Harley
-pPL2a3Mn Ppi3mAMpyL2 for Ivy
-c Rcn3n3 N2Jn3tjHn2 for Scarecrow

February 26, 2015
LG to Skip on Android Wear For its Next Luxury Smartwatch Urbane LTE

LG might not be bringing the successor of the G3 at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) this year but it promises to bring something unique. The company will be unveiling a luxury smartwatch called the Watch Urbane at MWC 2015. It is also being reported that the Korean company will be bringing an LTE version of the Urbane that will run on LG’s propriety operating system.

LG has said that it won’t be using Android Wear OS as it has used in its previous device. The company had also showcased a WebOS powered smartwatch during CES 2015 which was brought in collaboration with Audi.

The Watch Urbane is an impressive looking device. LG had recently released the product video for the smartwatch, and it definitely looks like a luxury device. It is powered by a 700 mAh battery. It features NFC along with a barrage of sensors like gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, atmospheric pressure, heartbeat, and GPS.

The LTE variant of the Watch Urbane will be a standalone device that will connect to networks all by itself. It will also work with Android devices. Users can make use of the VoLTE to make calls directly from the device. It also features a walkie-talkie mode through which you can connect to multiple people at once.

Smartwatches and wearables have been touted as the next big consumer electronics offerings, but the response in the market hasn’t matched up to the hype. One of the major obstacles in gaining mass appeal is the battery life of these devices. Consumers would have no issues buying a new device, but they have to offer something unique instead of just being glorified remotes for smartphones. LG will be launching the Watch Urbane in a few days so it’s only then that we’ll know for sure if its features match up to its excellent design.

February 26, 2015
Xiaomi Drops the Flash Sale Model, 16GB Mi 4 Now Available Without Registration

Yesterday, Xiaomi made a declaration that Mi4 devices with 16GB inbuilt memory space will go on sale in India through the e-commerce website Flipkart. The sale will be registration-free and a person interest doesn’t need to make a prior booking to buy the device. On the other hand, the 64GB variant will still be available via flash sale only and registrations for the same commenced on Tuesday.

The Chinese producer made an official statement on Facebook and Twitter saying –

Registration has started! You can register now to buy your Mi 4 64GB at 2pm IST, March 3rd. Tell everyone!! Also, Mi 4 16GB will be available on Flipkart from Feb 26th – No registration required!

Throwing some light on its specification, the Mi4 features a 5-inch full-HD display and a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor. Running on Android 4.4 KitKat, the handset has company’s MIUI 6 on top. A 13MP rear shooter and a massive 8MP snapper comes paired with the device.

The gizmo is laudable at a price of Rs. 19,999 for 16GB. It got an excellent response in the first and the second flash sales. For those who are going for the 64GB model, it is priced a bit higher at Rs. 23,999.

Click here to buy now:

February 26, 2015
Samsung Electronics to Freeze Salaries of its Employees

It doesn’t matter how aggressively Samsung retorts to challenge reports by analysis firms reporting it losing its stronghold in the market; reality cannot be concealed for long. Unfortunately, the company is currently in hot waters and is suffering a financial setback.

As per a developing report by Reuters, Samsung Electronics will freeze the salaries of their employees this year, as per a statement by the spokeswoman of Samsung. It is the first time the South Korean organisation has taken such a step since 2009. The company representative didn’t throw light on what made the company take such a drastic step.

Samsung is undergoing a rough patch as its profits declined substantially in 2014. It was the first time in three years that its earnings took a downward turn. Well, we have high hopes from the upcoming Galaxy S6 to be launched at the Mobile World Conference. If that turns out to be a hit, it might help Samsung regain its position as one of the top smartphone manufacturers in the world.

February 26, 2015
BlackBerry and Google Collaborate to Bolster Android Device Security

Canadian manufacturer BlackBerry has joined hands with Google to bring its security based expertise to the Android platform, a move that follows BlackBerry’s recent partnership with Samsung. The move will allow Google’s suite of mobile productivity tools to run on BlackBerry’s device management system.

Back in November, BlackBerry announced its partnership with Samsung and other top tech companies to expand its security based services beyond its own platform. The collaboration with Google is aimed at managing devices that come with Android for Work – an initiative from Google to securely classify and separate business from personal data and apps.

[quote text_size=”small” author=” Kevin Stadtler” author_title=”President of Stadtler Capital Management Llc. “”]

The partnership shows BlackBerry’s reputation for security is still strong. One shortcoming of the Android platform is security. They’re partnering with BlackBerry in order to directly address that.

[/quote]

The Canadian manufacturer has years of expertise in dealing with devices for corporations and entreprises. This move could strategically position the Android platform as a more prominent solution in the business sector.

Meanwhile, Google also announced partnerships on Android for Work with top companies including SAP SE, Samsung and SOTI Inc.

February 26, 2015
With ‘Android for Work’, Google Wants to Make Android Devices Office-Friendly

Google’s Android OS is the only operating system that has touched almost every part of the globe. It has topped over all the other major softwares such as BlackBerry OS, Windows, and iOS. The search giant now intends to strengthen its stand in the enterprise environment by introducing a initiative called “Android for Work”.

Today, Google introduced “Android for Work” that focuses on making Android devices more office-friendly. Through this, users can manage their content and can keep their professional data separate in silos, without merging it up with personal content.

Android OS lags in the business segment. However, smartphones and tablets running on Android sell like hot cakes, but they are underutilized in the workplace. Google’s mobile ecosystem was missing out on apps and features that users can bank upon for the security of their business content. The company might be able to bridge that gap with the introduction of new business centric features.

‘Android for Work’, works on four primary components. The gadgets running on Android Lollipop will be able to make the most of this service. IT team of a company can create profiles of the individual and can install apps to isolate their work data from the personal content. Next in the list is the Android for Work app which is built for devices running on Android 4.0 and above. The app delivers secure mail, calendar, contacts, documents, browsing and access to deployed work apps.

The third component, Google Play for Work, allows IT professionals to install and manage recommended apps on the handsets of the users running Android for Work. The company has created a suite of business apps for email, contacts and calendar, which offers both Exchange and Notes and provides document editing capabilities.

The internet search giant has partnered with well-known names like Box Citrix, VMware, HTC, LG and Sony, who are helping them in bringing out a more secure, manageable and innovative Android platform. BlackBerry has extended support through providing a cross-platform EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) solution to manage devices.

Google has an extensive user base, which can be used to reach out to more audience through their software. The company announced the project eight months back and has launched it now after testing it thoroughly. Google is trying to make Android devices simple and essential for people to use at work and there will definitely be more updates coming to this initiative as enterprises are a profitable market for any tech company.

February 26, 2015