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iPhone 5c and 5S priced in India : 16 GB Starting Rs. 41900 and Rs 53500

The iPhone 5c and 5s are slated to hit India end Oct 2013 and go on sale starting Nov 1st. Airtel and Reliance seem to be the two major companies marketing this set of phones aggressively. The pricing information for the 2013 edition of iPhones has come out and does not look to be in the region that buyers from India will appreciate.

The iPhone 5c is set to go on sale for a price of Rs. 41900 for the 16 GB variant irrespective of color, while the iPhone 5s is expected to go on sale for a price of Rs. 53,500 for the 16 GB variant again irrespective of color. Some rumors earlier had pointed out that the price of the gold color may be hiked, but such is not the case.

If we compare the price to the US, a contract-free and unlocked 16GB version of the iPhone 5C is available for USD 549 (about Rs 34,700) in the US, while an unlocked and contract-free iPhone 5S can be bought for USD 649 (about Rs 41,000). Apple is charging a hefty premium, this is considering the stricter Custom duty laws and the ever fluctuating price of the dollar.

On a different note, the phones are already available in the grey market sometimes cheaper than the slated launch price. So are you waiting for the official “high priced” iPhone 5c / 5s or are you taking the jump with the import units. Either way you still get warranty because the import units are still under warranty at Official Apple Stores across the globe, India has a franchise model so the imported units are not covered under warranty.

October 15, 2013
Apple iPhone 5S Outselling iPhone 5C By Double

When Apple introduced the iPhone 5c, the large consensus seemed to be that the newer, low-priced and colorful iPhone might outsell the more expensive iPhone 5s thanks to price alone. That isn’t the case, however, according to new research recently published by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners. The firm found that consumers are still flocking to the more powerful, and more expensive, iPhone 5s by a large margin.

64 per cent of all iPhone sales in September were people snapping up the high-end Apple iPhone 5S, according to figures from CIRP.

That’s compared to just 27 per cent for the Apple iPhone 5C, with the cheaper Apple iPhone 4S making up the remaining 9 per cent of all iPhone purchases last month.

CIRP also found that the iPhone 5C is still selling better than the Apple iPhone 4S did last year when it was demoted following the launch of the iPhone 5. While the device accounts for 27% of iPhone sales in late September, the Apple iPhone 4s only made up 23% of sales in October 2012.

Despite the iPhone 5S outselling the iPhone 5C, which is as predicted, the iPhone 5C as shown by the data is still an incredibly sought after device, of which Apple will undoubtedly sell millions of.

The figures are particularly noteworthy considering it’s still hard to find specific iPhone 5s models. The gold version, for example, is still on super limited and short supply. In New York City, the white and black 16GB options are still easiest to find, even though the 32GB iPhone 5c is in stock at nearly every retailer.

[Via]

October 14, 2013
Sony Alpha A7 And A7r Cameras Leak

The upcoming Sony Alpha A7 and Alpha A7r cameras have leaked out ahead of official release.

The image on top shows the 24 megapixel Sony Alpha A7 with the 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The image below shows the 36 megapixel A7r with the 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss lens.

The Sony Alpha A7 is equipped with a 24 megapixel sensor and comes supplied with a 28-70 mm lens and is expected to cost around $1698 for just the camera body without any lens and around $1,998 a camera lens kit and camera body.

The Sony Alpha A7r will come equipped with a 36 megapixel sensor and a 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss lens as seen in the image below and is expected to be priced at $2,198 for the body only. Both the Sony A7 and A7r cameras are equipped with 2.4 million dot resolution OLED electronic viewfinder technology and include SD card storage and are powered by NEX batteries.

The LCD screens on the rear of the cameras tilt and both feature integrated Wi-Fi and NFC technology. The cameras also have a new LAEA Full Frame A to E-mount adapter and an optional vertical grip. The cameras are tipped to work with current NEX APS-C lenses and crop mode or in full frame mode if shooters are okay with heavy vignetting and dark corners.

Expect an official announcement on Wednesday.

[Via,Via]

October 14, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Update Leaks, You Can Get It Now

A Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update is seemingly on the cards with the software leaking ahead of an expected mass rollout in the coming weeks.

Although Android 4.4 KitKat is believed to be heading to the realms of reality later this month aboard the heavily rumoured Google Nexus 5, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is yet to be bestowed with the latest iteration of Jelly Bean. This looks set to change though with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update having leaked once again.

S4 users can install the leaked software update by following the instructions over on Sammobile but be warned that you do so at your own risk and you could well end up wiping all your data and bricking your handset.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean should offer blocking of apps for parental use, accessiblity tweaks for notifications sent via Bluetooth, easier text input, faster user-switching, dial pad autocomplete, background Wi-Fi location and support for Africaans, Amharic, Hindi, Swahili and Zulu.

The folks at SamMobile have already done a video preview of the Android 4.3 ROM running on the Galaxy S4 smartphone. Check it out below.

[youtube id=”8Z8kwAeJDqE” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

Anyone wants to give this particular update version a go? The download and install instructions can be found here.

October 14, 2013
Windows Phone 8 GDR3 Update Is Now Official
Micxrosoft has announced the third update to the Windows Phone 8 OS – this is known as GDR3 or General Distribution Release 3.

The company stated on their blog that the update includes several key features such as a “bigger Start screen” that now houses six Live Tiles and “paves the way for future Windows Phone devices with 5- and 6-inch” with 1080p displays. In addition, GDR3 supports Qualcomm’s 8974 quad-core processor and comes with Driving Mode, screen reader (help the blind and visually impaired use their device), plus better storage management, new rotation lock, and improved internet sharing feature for making a hotspot with Windows 8.1 devices.

You’ll also find that another much-requested feature has made it: broader custom ringtone support. At long last, you’ll be able to put your own sounds to use on text messages, instant messages, emails, voicemails and reminders.

The company outlined three key objectives of the update:
1. Enable incredible new Windows Phone devices.
2. Enhance the platform with new capabilities for current users and partners.
3. Improve overall quality.”
Microsoft says that the GDR3 update will begin rolling out to device owners within the coming weeks and that this will continue for several months. That’s pretty vague considering there are many device users eager to get a look at what’s on offer, but Microsoft says in its press release that availability will vary depending on several factors including device model and carrier.
October 14, 2013
Facebook Acquires Onavo To Speed Up Its Mobile Application

Facebook announced on Monday it has acquired Onavo, an Israel based startup focused on intelligence around mobile application data. For more than three years, Onavo has plied its trade reducing internet costs for smartphone users.

Under Facebook’s guidance, Onavo will work with members of the Internet.org coalition to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of web access. Expect Facebook’s apps to get a speed boost in the future, helping it deliver its growing influx of ads. Users if Onavo app may not worry as the company will continue to operate under its own brand.

Our service helps people save money through more efficient use of data, and also helps developers, large and small, design better experiences for people,” Onavo co-founders Guy Rosen and Roi Tiger wrote in a company blog post early Monday morning. “We’re excited to join their team, and hope to play a critical role in reaching one of Internet.org’s most significant goals – using data more efficiently, so that more people around the world can connect and share.”

[via]

October 14, 2013
HTC One Max Power Case, Gives 30 Percent Extra Battery Life

Along with the HTC One Max itself, HTC has also launched a bunch of accessories including the new flip cover like Power case for the giant HTC One Max.

The power case uses paper type batteries that are installed inside the front flip of the cover itself and does not add much bulk to the device. It is fairly easy to use accessory as the device uses a three pin system and gets charged by the phones battery, which terminates the need to put in a wire and charge it separately. The Power Case from HTC adds approximately 1200 mAh of extra battery to the already available 3300 mAh battery of the HTC One Max, which to some extent fulfills a need of carrying a portable charger.

Alongside the battery benefits, the flip cover also gives a premium look the One Max itself and makes it a good experience to watch movies and surf web in the landscape mode.

htc cover

One Max Battery Case

One Max power case

October 14, 2013
HTC Fetch Launched, Will Help to Find Your Lost Phone
If you are tired of losing your phone or leaving it behind, the HTC Fetch might be the best accessory for you HTC phone. The Fetch is a phone finder, or a key finder depending on what you are looking for. The Keychain accessory pairs up with your HTC device via Bluetooth 4.0 and can be used to locate your phone if you have a habit of leaving it on other peoples desks. Just a click after the device is activated can make the phone ring loudly, the fetch also has a inbuilt speaker hence you will get a warning tone if you leave the phone behind, or you lose the fetch.

By any chance if you loose both, a map location feature lets you know where your HTC Fetch and phone were last together.

Specifications of HTC Fetch:
- Audible alert for notification
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Up to 3 Fetch to be connected to your phone
- Working range 15m
- Signal strength indicator
- 6 month battery lifetime (replaceable battery) CR 2032
- Multi-funtion button
- dimensions – 29.35 x 29.35 x 9.3mm
The device is compatible with HTC One mini, HTC Butterfly s and the HTC One Max
October 14, 2013
HTC Mini+ Launched
Alongside the HTC One Max HTC also launched a one of a kind accessory, The HTC Mini+ is in other words a phone for a phone, the device helps you to connect with your HTC smartphone and use it without even picking it up. The HTC Mini+ connects with the One max and other HTC phones and does tasks like, making calls, sending messages, it acts like a remote for your smartphone, and a remote for the television as well while receiving notifications from your main phone.

The Mini+ is like a Bluetooth headset in the shape of a phone. The device lets you take and place calls using your smartphone’s connection after pairing through NFC or Bluetooth. The device has a built in 320 mAh battery in which the company claims upto 9 hours of talktime and and 95 hours of Standby time for the HTC Mini+, the device also charges fairly quickly , fully charging in under 20 minutes.

This device is compatible with:
- HTC One Max (check out our hands on here)
- HTC One
- HTC One mini
- HTC Butterfly
- HTC Butterfly s
- HTC Desire 200
- HTC Desire 300
- HTC Desire 500
- HTC Desire 601
The HTC Mini+ has a 1.5 inch OLED screen with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, the tiny device measures 118.7 x 39.8 x 7.15 mm.
Stay tuned for a video.
October 14, 2013
iGyaan Exclusive : Hands on with the HTC One Max

HTC has just launched the new HTC One Max globally. The phone that has been in numerous leaks and rumors ofor weeks now has finally been made official and here is what its all about. The HTC One Max as anticipated is a big daddy of the HTC One and features a new bigger 5.9 inch Full HD Display with IPS /= LCD panel and Gorilla Glass 3.

On the core of the HTC One Max is a 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 chipset and Adreno 320 GPU, you get 2 GB RAM and 16/32 GB storage along with microSD expandability upto 64 GB. The back of the HTC One Max has a new set of features, including a new Ultrapixel camera which retains the 4 Megapixel 1/3″ sensor but adds a lager 2 micron pixel size. The front facing camera is a 2.1 MP wide angle shooter, and both cameras capture burst shots with zero shutter lag and 1080p full hd video.

The HTC One Max comes with Android 4.3 and HTC Sense 5.5 which adds a flurry of new features to the HTC One Max’s interface, including a newly revamped BlinkFeed which allows subscription to custom topics and websites. And great new video highlights and Gif maker add-ons in the camera interface among many other UI elements. The back of the HTC One Max is removable , but only to access the MicroSD and MicroSIM slots, the black square at the back of the HTC One Max is a fingerprint scanner that can record upto a maximum of 3 fingers to be used to either unlock the device securely or launch applications. HTC might enable more finger recognition if the consumer feedback may so agree. HTC has also retained the HTC BoomSound speakers adding more sound, thanks to the lager available space on the HTC One Max, we can certify that the sound is definitely much better than on the One.

HTC has also launched a new 30% battery case that adds another 30% battery life to the HTC One Max’s already huge 3300mAh battery, a new BoomBass Speaker that makes the HTC One Max a 2.1 enabled device, the new Mini + Bluetooth Accessory and a new device finder called HTC Fetch. Stay tuned for details on those.

One Max Battery Case

October 14, 2013
Josh Fortune Square Android Smartphone At a Price Of 2999 INR

Josh Mobile has launched the Fortune Square smartphone the cheapest Android Phone for the company at a price of 2999 INR,

Commenting on the launch, Deepak Gupta, Director, Josh Mobiles said, “Fortune Square has been designed keeping in minds the needs of smartphone lovers who need all in their gadget. Fortune Square promises to suit the requirement of every entertainment lover.”

The Josh Fortune Square features a 3.5 inch display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. The device is powered by a 1 GHz processor and runs Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, the device has a 2 MP rear camera. The Josh Fortune Square has a 256 MB of RAM and 90 MB of inbuilt storage which can be expanded up to 32 GB. The device has a Dual SIM support and is packed with a 1450 mAh battery and the device have various connectivity options like WiFi and Bluetooth.

October 14, 2013
Binatone Launches New 7 Inch Tablet For Kids

Binatone has launched a new tablet, App Star is a 7 inch tablet made for kids above the age of 4 years. The Binatone App Star is priced at 9999 INR.

Binatone App Star was launched in UK and other European countries earlier, the tablet has a 7 inch screen and is protected with a special case which will protect the tablet if fallen from table height. The tablet can be operated in two modes – ‘APP STAR’ mode for kids and ‘Parent’ mode which is the default Android screen mode. The two can easily be switched through the parental control.

This ‘APP STAR’ is packed full of software suitable for children of 4 years and above. It has preloaded fun games, educational apps, art studios, e-books, audio-books, music player and camera with video recorder,” Binatone Country Head S P Singh said in a statement. The App Star has secured password protected parental control built-in to the software to ensure time control and firewalled Internet browsing for kids.”

October 14, 2013
LG G Flex a Curved Smartphone Revealed in Press Render

After the Samsung Galaxy Round, now its time for LG to bring up its curved Smartphone. LG has been into rumors to bring up a curved display phone, the latest press renders shows the alleged smartphone from LG known as G Flex.

Samsung has just announced its first curved display phone in Korea, the device has a 5.7 inch Full HD Flexible screen and is priced at around 1000 USD. However, the pricing and specification of the LG G Flex are not out yet, but it is believed that the device will be launched sometime next month. The LG G Flex is a curved phone just like the Galaxy Round, both of them are curved at a fixed position.

The launch of this phone might get delayed because LG has its new Nexus just around the corner. According to rumors, the 6 inch LG G Flex will hit the market after the launch of Nexus 5 which is believed to be by the end of this month.

October 14, 2013
Leaked Video: This is How Nexus 5 Looks Like, Epic Sunday Treat!

Leaked information, specifications and other details are spinning in the rumor mills for the Nexus 5 from a couple of days now. Just a day before we saw an image for the Nexus 5, which shows the Nexus 5 revolution and now what has leaked out is a video showing almost everything for the Nexus 5.

The seven minute video shows the device from all angles as well as running various applications but without any sound. The phone showed in the video is very much similar to what we all have seen in the leaked images, the android version on the device is showed as Key Lime Pie which seems a little strange at the first glance but the description of the video clearly says that this video was recorded when the software of the phone was in the earlier stage.

However, the rumored specifications of the Nexus 5 are a 4.95 inch full HD IPS LCD display, supposedly the device will be powered by a 2.3 GHz Quad-Core processor with a Snapdragon 800 chipset along with a 2 GB of RAM, 8 MP camera, a 1.3 MP front facing camera. The device is believed to be run on Android 4.4 KitKat.

This is a leaked video, so people anxiously waiting for the device can calm down as the official news should not be away!

October 13, 2013
Google Play To Feature “Designed for Tablets” Apps Section From November 21st

In an obvious move that should have coincided with the release of the Nexus 10 last year, Google plans to make ‘Designed for tablets’ the default view for tablet users browsing the Play Store.

Starting on November 21st, users will find their app selection limited to just those apps that have been optimized for large-screen usage. Non-tablet apps will still be downloadable, but will have the caption “Designed for phones” appended to its Play Store release.

Android tablet users can of course still switch views so they can see all apps or games. Yet Google is clearly confident enough now that there are enough tablet apps out there to make bring the section to the forefront.

Google claims that over 70 million Android tablets have been activated, though it’s unclear how many of them are still being used or capable of running modern apps and games. Many Android tablets have substandard hardware and older versions of Android that render them incapable of performing optimally with tablet-optimized apps.

At the same time, companies are weary of spending time and resources creating tablet-optimized apps. Though the number has exploded — 70 million activations sounds like a great number — substantive data continually shows Android behind iOS in terms of actual usage. Building great tablet apps should bridge that gap somewhat, but Google needs to ensure that the experience is consistent throughout its ecosystem, on any number of screen sizes and resolutions.

October 12, 2013