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Nokia’s MixRadio To Become a Standalone App

After brutally shutting down brand Nokia yesterday, Microsoft has started the process of restructuring the technology that came with the acquisition. The first in line will be Nokia’s MixRadio.

Guardian reports, this Nokia music service will now become a standalone app. It will still come pre-installed in the Microsoft Windows based mobile phones. The service will provided curated music to the users taste.

The MixRadio had multiple name changes over the years, from Nokia Music Store to OVI Music Store to Nokia MixRadio and now the app will be just known as MixRadio.

The app worked without any advertisement and will continue to do so. The users though have an purchasing option of Rs.50 for 7 days, Rs.99 for 30 days, Rs.250 for 90 days to download unlimited music.

MixRadio’s chief Jyrki Rosenberg claimed this new app a spin-off of the Nokia MixRadio. The app can now be release on platforms like Android and iOS too as it’s now a standalone app. Rosenberg is also in talks with multiple investors to back his app.

The reasons cited for letting MixRadio go is said to Microsoft’s new strategy of depending on external sources for content instead of running their own. The company recently shut down its production studios; Xbox Entertainment Studios too.

We can surely expect more of bits and pieces of Nokia features either going on their own or going into oblivion soon as Microsoft is restrategizing their entire business model which began with the massive job cuts announced recently.

July 19, 2014
Vertu Contemplates a Luxury Smart Watch

British Luxury Smartphone after making a shift to Android are now contemplating going into the smart watch business. Vertu was established by Nokia as a wholly own subsidiary. The company is known for their ostentatious designs which separate them from all other phone companies. The company uses premium materials in designing their phones for their exclusive clientele.

As the market has slowed down for luxury products, the company now is intending to make a entry into premium wearables. Though it’s still in an exploration phase right now, but it can be a real game changer in the watch business. In a market which is dominated by Rolex and Swiss watch makers, a premium Smart watch will be appreciated by the opulent clientele of Vertu.

The Premium watch decision was inspired by the current Smartwatch boom

Until recently, Vertu was one of the few companies which still used Series 40 Symbian OS as their mobile OS. The company released their Android series under the name Vertu Ti and Constellation, thereby finally keeping up with times.

The part about Vertu that separates it from rest is that it offers an experience that matches to its customer’s opulent taste. The phones are handmade and they use materials like calf leather, alligator skin, lizard skin, ceramic, sapphire glass screens. They also use premium metals like titanium and Gold. As these customers have to deal with privacy concern, a basic Symbian set up helps them to access basic phone functionality while looking good doing it.

With their premium pricing which starts from $6000 and can go higher than $168,000 while just being a basic feature phone. If exclusivity is what the users are looking for, Vertu sits at the top-echelons of feature providers. With this affluent buy, the customer gets access to Vertu’s Concierge service. The service offers offers 24-hour worldwide assistance, recommendations and priority bookings, all with a personal touch. They facilitate users every request, from finding the perfect gift to accessing exclusive events, they do it all.

The company now also plans to make an entry into its “affordable” segment, which will still be far away from the reaches of regular consumers. By accepting Android into its phones, Vertu has brought back the aspirational aspect back but it will still be limited to people with unfathomably deep pockets.

July 19, 2014
A New Round of Rumors Emerge About The iPhone 6

With the release drawing close, rumours about the iPhone 6 are on its peak these day. Recently, a report revealed iPhone 6 battery details, suggesting that Apple’s 2014 models may offer better battery performance than the last iPhone.

Image of the battery leaked by French publication Nowhereelse

The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 was expected to have a battery capacity of 1,800 mAh to 1,900 mAh, while the so-called 5.5-inch ‘iPhone Air’ was said to have a 2,500 mAh battery. Now, French publication Nowhereelse has disclosed an image of the purported 4.7-inch iPhone 6’s battery, which may confirm that the battery has a capacity in line with previous reports.

The image revealed by the publication shows a battery assembled in China by Huizhou Desay Battery, which has 1,810 mAh capacity. What’s interesting about the battery maker is that Desay was mentioned in a recent report as one of Apple’s iPhone 6 battery suppliers. The report mentioned the company that is able to meet the iPhone’s battery size requirements for this component.

The iPhone 6 which is said to be launched later this year is expected to be 7mm thin. It was also reported that Apple has placed orders to battery suppliers for 2mm-thick batteries, which are one-third thinner than the batteries found in the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Another report illustrates that Apple suppliers encountered challenges mass-producing slimmed-down components for the iPhone 6, including batteries, which could affect their gross margins.

There were images which were previously leaked showing a batch of purported iPhone 6 batteries, although their capacities were not revealed in those leaks. This appears to be the first purported iPhone 6 battery picture that actually lists the capacity of the battery, an important hardware detail, especially considering this year’s models will have significantly bigger displays.

According to Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will enter mass production starting next week, while the 5.5-inch model will go into mass production almost a month later, during the second week of August. Which means the rumored September release of the device may come true. The publication has also reported that Foxconn will hire 100,000 workers to meet Apple’s iPhone demands this year, which is in line with the unconfirmed reports which said that Apple placed a heavy order. Pegatron, the other iPhone 6 maker, has also hired more than 10,000 additional workers to manufacture the new iPhone, as Apple is rumored to sell up to 70 million iPhone 6 units this year.

July 19, 2014
Google To Unleash Android One in India This October

Google’s plans that were announced this year at Google I/O are finally unfolding and creating a stir. Recently, Google came up with new Chromecast 1.7 update which now allows users to display their Android homescreens on a Chromecast-connected TV and lets you use any application on your television. And now, Google is set to launch the first Android One smartphone in October this year in India.

They’ve planned a strategic launch around the Diwali season, and it has also been said that the company is planning a 100 Crore investment on marketing and advertising.

Google is aiming big with these Android One devices, estimating a reach up to 5 billion people in emerging markets. They said that the handsets will be updated directly by Google. The all rounder technology giant will also provide hardware and software reference points, while manufacturers will be able to put in their own apps in the devices.

Back in June at the I/O 2014, Google announced Micromax will be the first one to release an Android One device which will be priced at $100. The reports are also saying that the much talked about Micromax Android One device will be available exclusively on Flipkart.

Google added that the device will have a 4.5 inch display screen, expandable memory, dual sim capabilities and integrated FM Radio. The Android One devices will come with Play Auto Installs, that tells users which apps are recommended for his smartphone.

The Economic Times reported that Google has also roped in Indian low-cost smartphone maker Celkon Mobiles and Intex Technologies is also in talks with Google for a similar partnership.

July 19, 2014
Chrome OS To Get A Major Facelift with Project Athena

Google is really proud of its material design. The top team flaunted their new design at the Google I/O this year. The material design will bring a level of consistency throughout all the mediums that run on Google platform; Android, Chrome and Google account applications like Gmail. Google will now bring its material designs in their laptop based Chrome OS.

Google’s leaker François Beaufort who recently joined Google as a Chromium OS Evangelist has shared the first draft look of the new OS design in action. The design uses levels and shadows to add a kind of dimensional perspective which looks rather interesting. In the first look one can get a kind of Windows Aero window swipe feel.

Google is calling this Project Athena for Chromium OS and it looks like a good step forward. By bringing in a recognizable user experience through all its mediums, Google will be able to attract as well as retain a lot many users. The material design will arrive on phones with the Android L update and this will be widely used. Unlike the KitKat update which took a while to reach the devices, companies like HTC, Motorola, LG and others are promising to bring the update as soon as possible. Google is surely ready to take on Apple full on.

July 19, 2014
Samsung Launches 4G-Equipped Galaxy S5 in India
At the very least, we can give credit to Samsung for understanding the need of the hour. With Airtel and Aircel racing to provide India with 4G cover, Samsung has decided to launch a 4G variant of its Flagship Device at the price of Rs 53,500.

While most of its features remain the same as the 3G S5, some of the key features of the new 4G variant include:
- Qualcomm 8974 Pro 2.5 Ghz processor
- Supports Eight 4G LTE bands support
- Advanced Camera (HDR mode, Selective Focus)
- IP67 protection (Dust and Water Resistant)
- Ultra Power Saving Mode (24 hours standby time with 10% battery)
- Download Booster
- Wi-Fi MIMO
For this device, Samsung and Airtel have tied up and are making a special data offer to Samsung S5 customers. All existing and new Airtel 4G subscribers will get 5GB 4G data/month free for 2 months. The device will be available in India from 20th July in Copper Gold, Charcoal Black and Shimmery White colour options.

One of the impressive features of this phone is the Download Booster. It allows users to access 4G and Wi-Fi simultaneously, resulting in super high connectivity.

All this sounds pretty fancy, but we’d advise recommend you not to make a hasty purchase, since the brand is notorious for reducing its prices.
July 18, 2014
Digital Afterlife : What Happens to Your Online Accounts After You Die?

You probably know what happens to your house, assets or family heirloom on your death. Of course, because it’s all there in your will. But have you ever wondered what happens to your your e-mail accounts once you’ve reached the Pearly Gates?

Mourning kith and kin may want to access these accounts for sentimental reasons, inspite of your your personal messages and online dating profiles.

The Uniform Law Commission (Washington), appointed by the state on 16th July, 2014 endorsed a program whereby the loved ones could access but not control the deceased’s digital accounts. This however is yet to be adopted by the legislature; once is it however, a persons online life would also become an integral part of his will.

“This is something most people don’t think of until they are faced with it. They have no idea what is about to be lost,” said Karen Williams of Beaverton, Oregon, who sued Facebook for access to her 22-year-old son Loren’s account after he died in a 2005 motorcycle accident.

Presently most tech-providers have their own solutions. Facebook, for example, “memorializes” the accounts, allowing the close ones to view the profile whenever they desire; however for others, presently, once a will becomes public, anti-hacking laws becomes applicable on them. The courts aren’t convinced that a company supplying the technology should decide what happens to the deceased’s online accounts.

Uniform Law Commission to the rescue! According to the proposal the executor of the deceased would get access to, however not control the digital files, unless prohibited in his will. This would imply that the widow may access her late husbands e-mail accounts, however would not have permission to view any videos or send any e-mails.

This is a great initiative as every family/representative should have the right to access the departed’s digital data. Had this still been a generation of “Letters in the Shoebox”, that would have automatically fallen to the family of the deceased. Then why not the online profiles, for its sentimental value, if nothing else?

Three cheers to this step by the ULC!

July 18, 2014
Take a Virtual 3D Trip of London Through Google Maps

You’ve always known that there is a traveller inside you. But the biggest hindrance you had was the lack of enough paper currency in your wallet. You have read all about the elegance of London in the works of Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Jane Austen and the stinging satires by D. H. Lawrence. You can’t wait to leave for this beautiful historic city and reminisce about the times when the city inspired those literary giants. Or you are a football maniac and want to pay homage to the temples of football may whatever your choice of club be.

Well, Google is here with its Maps update to give you a feel of what’s it like to roam those streets, so that when your wallet is finally ready you can wander around town like you belong there.

After bringing the 3D virtual tours of Reading, Leeds, Birmingham and Stoke on Trent, London is the next stop on the tour. The tour which is similar to the one that is available on Apple’s maps gives you a Superman eye view of the British capital. You can pan, zoom, rotate your way through all the sights you’ve always wished to see and feel good doing it.

This update is also helpful for Londoners who want to create a mental map of London like Benedict Cumberbatch’s version of Sherlock. The 3D tour is not just restricted to the tourist spots but gives you access to the entire city. So go ahead and take the Google Maps tour you’ve been waiting for so long. London is now just a few clicks away.

July 18, 2014
Facebook Mentions: An Exclusive App for Celebrities

Celebrities get to live a good life. Once in public view, they get loads of cool stuff or in words of Ricky Gervais, “Once you get rich, people start giving you stuff for free.” Now Facebook is coming out with an exclusive app called “Facebook Mentions” that is accessible only to public figures.

Users can follow others and keep a track of trending topics easily

Twitter has become a medium for prominent personalities to connect with their admirers. From Movie Stars, Musicians, Politicians to even Scientists and Astronauts have used the website to connect to their followers. With this exclusive app, Facebook will try to make itself more attractive to the celebrity clientele.

To get access to this app one needs to have a verified page on Facebook. Currently, the app runs only on iOS 7 or higher versions (well that’s going a bit too exclusive.) The app lets users host Q&A with their followers, discover and join conversations relating to them. It also makes the users follow others and shows them what is trending on Facebook so they can share their thoughts on the matter.

Facebook Mentions makes it easier for these personalities to share multimedia content with their followers. It is speculated that the Beats-Apple deal celebration video will be posted through this application.

This app makes life a lot easier for social media managers of celebrities to keep in touch with the perception of their bosses in the public. Ever since social media came into existence, celebrities have had a direct communication channels with their fans and followers. Facebook Mentions hopes to be the exclusive medium for this interaction.

July 18, 2014
No Signal? Pocket-Sized Device ‘goTenna’ Will Help You Stay Connected

Stuck in the desert or the mountains or even at home with no signal on your smartphone? Here’s the best way to communicate. GoTenna, a Brooklyn-based startup is offering a solution for off-the-grid travelers who need low-cost connectivity for their smartphone – and it doesn’t even rely on satellites.

GoTenna is a pocket-size communication tool that lets smartphones talk to one another without cell service.

This device connects to your phone via Bluetooth and turns it into a low-frequency radio with a range of several miles (up to 50 miles). Using an iOS or Android app, that’ll let you text or share GPS locations (no voice calls) over an unlimited, free ad hoc network with other goTenna users.

GoTenna is 5.8 inches in length and weighs 2 ounces. This pocket size device is easily portable and allows easy communication in the times of need

The team behind it says that everything is encoded, and the app will automatically retry until your message goes through. goTenna, however, doesn’t give your smartphone LTE-style data, so no Twitter scrolling or Facebook browsing.

The device is a little too big for your pocket, but it clips easily to a belt or a backpack. The company’s planning on selling a limited number for $150 per pair on their site to raise $50,000 in funding, after that, it’ll sell for $300.

July 18, 2014
Android Wear to Release API For Watch Faces

Smart watches are a buzzing product ecosystem right now. It’s a great new device and almost all major tech companies are trying their hands with this gizmo. Google’s Android Wear OS based devices are particular generating a lot of interest.

With Google providing development opportunities for apps for the Wear devices, there has been a boom in the apps for such smart watches. Android customizability has been its strength from the beginning. Now they are providing API to 3rd party developers to create new watch faces. With the options for square and circle shapes, the options can be endless.

Multiple watch face options will give versatile looks to the watches

Wayne Piekarski, Senior Developer Advocate at Google, announced through a Google+ post that the new API make it easy for developers to make all round watch faces. Think of the convenience of having multiple clock faces in one watch, you can literally have a new watch to flaunt every day.

Earlier, the process of making watch faces was a bit slow as a developer needed to integrate several tweaks for the watch faces but this API will simplify that process. He stated “Customization has helped Android thrive, and the same will be true for Android Wear.”

July 18, 2014
Finnish Smartphone Company Jolla Enters India With Snapdeal

Today began with a sad news. The last remnants of Nokia will be shredded in the coming months with Microsoft pulling the plug on Nokia X. This Finnish giant had ruled the mobile market during its formative years, and now it is a chapter for the history books. But if you thought that it was the end of Finland’s involvement in the Indian mobile market then you have to think twice. Another Finnish company, Jolla is all set to make an entry into India.

Jolla Phones run on Sailfish OS which wont take long to get used to.

Jolla markets phones running on the Sailfish OS. Jolla (Ok, it’s actually pronounced as Yolla), has signed an exclusive partnership with Snapdeal.com to market their products in India.

The Sailfish OS has evolved from Nokia backed OS, Meego. Guess some legacy of Nokia will still be around apart from, of course, the Nokia 3310 which is known to survive stellar supernovas. The Sailfish OS is unique in the sense of its gesture heavy interface. Multiple functions on the phone can be targeted through interactive gestures. The learning curve is minimal if you have some smartphone experience. The best part, Sailfish is compatible with Android applications which will definitely make it desirable for many enthusiasts.

The sharp design features looks good on the phones.

Jolla’s co-founder and CEO Sami Pienimäki said that there had been a lot of interest in India concerning Jolla phones, and that’s why they landed here. It is a good alternative for people looking for a different user experience in comparison to devices flooded in the market.

Meanwhile the co-founder and CEO of Snapdeal, Kunal Bahl commented on the deal saying “The market in India offers few choices in terms of mobile operating systems. Jolla with its innovative Sailfish OS introduces an entirely new user experience to consumers. Jolla offers a unique smartphone experience both in terms of hardware and software. We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship.”

There are multiple back panel options too.

India’s mobile market is currently bustling with some youthful energy with multiple companies trying to impress Indians with their products. In the past few months some major international manufacturers like Asus, Xiaomi and some smaller ones like Obi have entered India.

With Jolla also coming into the fray, Indian consumers will have a good number of option to choose. In times of heavy price rises, a healthy competition in the mobile segment can be in favor of the consumers. The phones will be available for purchase within a month.

July 18, 2014
Microsoft Kills Nokia’s Android Smartphone Project

In a recent mail to his employees, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella announced that Microsoft would be reducing the size of its overall workforce by up to 18,000 jobs in the next year. In the same mail, he also said that Microsoft plans to shift ‘select’ Nokia X product designs to become Lumia products running Windows Phone.

So why the change? In Nadella’s words, “This builds on our success in the affordable smartphone space and aligns with our focus on Windows Universal Apps.”

You might recall, Nokia’s X phones promised to blend two operating systems, Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Google’s Android, into one that maintained the core functionality of Android while providing services and designs from Windows Phone. It was said to be lowly priced to target consumers in developing countries like India. The idea was that once Nokia X users became ready for higer-end phones, Nokia’s own Lumia lineup would be their first choice since they were already accustomed to Nokia services.

During the implementation, in order to keep Microsoft at the heart of the phone, Nokia X replaced many key Android services with Microsoft’s own. For example, Google Maps was replaced by Nokia’s Here Maps. This actually prevented a lot of Android applications to run on Nokia X devices. Developers had to rewrite many applications to get them working on the X. Further, the home screen on the X looked nothing like Android. Rather, it resembled the tile layout of Windows Phone.

Nadella would like Microsoft to have a single, clear direction to progress, and the cancellation of the X lineup is a perfect example of that change in mentality. He and his company is shifting all his focus to Windows Phone.

It is important to note that by killing the X lineup, Microsoft isn’t shifting its focus from developing countries. It realizes that emerging markets like India are a perfect target for its cheaper models. The only change is that now, these cheaper models will come with pure Windows Phone preinstalled.

Another news for Nokia X owners is that Nokia will not be killing its support immediately. They have been put it into what Microsoft calls ‘maintenance mode’, which continues support, but ends any further development.

By Pranav Arora

July 18, 2014
Obi Mobiles Launches its Flagship Octopus S520 at Rs.11,990
Obi Mobiles, a venture of Ex-Apple CEO, John Scully, has launched the Octopus S520 smartphone at Rs.11,990. The phone initially will be available for purchase only on Snapdeal.com.

The phone is featuring an all aluminium back panel with a 5 inch HD(720×1280) IPS display. Powered by a 1.7GHz MediaTek octa-core processor, the phone comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage which is expandable via a microSD card slot.

The company’s flagship phone runs Android 4.4 KitKat, the latest version of the operating system. The dual-sim (3G+3G) phone supports an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. It has an 1800mAh battery. In terms of connectivity, the phone supports Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and USB 2.0.

Ajay Sharma, CEO(India), Obi Mobiles in a press release said, “S520 is a beautifully designed product. It is engineered to highest quality specifications to reliably deliver a superior performance. This flagship device is an affirmation of our stated commitment to extend the best in class smartphone experience.”

The Octupus S520, Obi’s first ever flagship smartphone, is exclusively available for sale at India’s largest online marketplace Snapdeal.co

Key Features
- 5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) HD display
- Android 4.4 (KitKat)
- 1.7 GHz Octa-Core MediaTek MT6592 processor
- 8MP rear camera with LED Flash and 1080p video recording
- 2MP front-facing camera
- Dual SIM (Standard + Micro)
- 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio
- 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, expandable up to 32 GB
- 3G, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth, and GPS
- 1800 mAh battery
- 8.4 mm thick
- Price Rs 11,990
The phone package contains a flip cover, a screen protector along with a USB Charger and in-ear bud type ear phones as a standard offering. According to Obi, the phone will be supported by a country wide network of over 95 service centres for after sale support.

With the launch, Obi Mobiles joins a number of smartphone players part of the crowded Indian market. However, the phone is one of the cheapest octa-core processor powered phones available in the country. This may be a great investment made by John Scully since affordable smartphones are doing well in the Indian market today!

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July 18, 2014
Microsoft Puts the Final Nail in Nokia’s Coffin With Biggest-Ever Job Cut

Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella announced the biggest job cut in the history of the company. The company will lay off 18,000 of its employees. The majority of these cuts, around 12,500 will be Nokia employees. The cuts will be on all fronts, from professionals to factory workers, everyone can expect pink slips.

In a letter to his employees, Satya Nadella stated that the first 13,000 folks losing their jobs will be notified in the coming six months. He also said that while the cuts are being made, there will be some employment opportunities in other areas too.

He promised that the process of job cuts will be thoughtful and transparent. Microsoft will offer severance packages to all and will also provide job assistance. The reason cited for these cuts is simplification of work and the integration of Nokia Devices and Services into the company’s model.

The Nokia X product line up will be converted to Lumia series

The most important aspect of this news is that the Android-based Nokia X product line up will be integrated into the Lumia products and will run on Windows OS. This has to be the single most brutal take down of brand in the history of corporate acquisitions.

Microsoft had earlier announced that they will do away with the Nokia brand name as they believe that the brand name is outdated. We have previously brought you extensively researched story about the rise and fall of Nokia and with this development, you can expect the death of Nokia. From here on, Nokia may be just mentioned in nostalgic past references about its glory days. A titan that the mobile industry, as well as we, grew up with has finally perished.

July 18, 2014