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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Unboxing and Hands-On
Samsung’s latest flagship the Galaxy Note 3 goes on Sale starting today across major cities in India. Priced at Rs. 49,900 the Indian edition of the Galaxy Note 3 comes with an Exynos 5 chipset (1.9GHz Quad core + 1.3 GHz Quad core) along with 32 GB of storage and 3 GB of RAM. The new Galaxy Note 3 adds a whole new set of features and software enhancements to their existing lineup of Galaxy devices. To start off the Galaxy Note 3 comes with Android 4.3 out of the box, a completely new layer of Touchwiz and a whole new set of actions for the S PEN.

In The Galaxy Note 3 BOX.
Initial Hands on Impressions

[pullquote_left]A new Feel of Galaxy[/pullquote_left]

The Galaxy Note 3 feels much better than the Note 2 did – out of the box, however this is mainly because of the aesthetic appeal added by the new design and back panel. The back cover not only looks good, it adds a comfortable holding place providing grip and a warm to touch feel to the usually cold plastic back of Galaxy devices. The Interface is fast and responsive , in fact its almost lag free. Setup for the device is easy and overall without problems, you get 50 GB of free dropbox storage for two years and a few other accounts that you can setup up in the initial process.

Samsung’s included earphones have been slightly improved adding flat cables, and volume controls along with a new USB 3 cable that should help sync up and charge the device faster. The included tips for the SPEN are great too, they let you change to a new smooth tip when the old one dies out, but in our experience the pen has been usually long lasting.

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Check out our images below.
September 25, 2013
Samsung to Introduce Smartphone With Curved Display in October

Samsung Electronics just launched the Galaxy Note 3 a while ago, the smartphone itself is not yet available in all the markets but the company is all set to introduce another smartphone with curved display in the month of October.

The company said that the new device will be introduced in October, however, some of the sources say that the device might be introduced by the end of this year. Samsung introduced the world to the curved display technology in the CES 2013:

[youtube id=”N3E7fUynrZU” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

The device showcased above is code named as as YOUM, the prototype’s screen is stretched to the outer edges of the device and was able to display notifications on the edge of the device.

We plan to introduce a smartphone with a curved display in South Korea in October,” says Samsung’s mobile business head of strategic marketing D.J. Lee

The curved displays are flexible and shatter proof, unlike the ones that are used in the current generation smartphones, we will have to see if Samsung will be able to bring these devices with a good pricing in the Indian markets. However, after the pricing of the Galaxy Note 3 it seems a bit impossible for Samsung to launch curved display phones that might also include the new ISOCELL camera sensors at an affordable price range.

September 25, 2013
Fake iMessage App For Android Surfaces, Raises Security Concerns

There’s something fishy about this iMessage app for Android, and it’s not the fact that it’s using an outdate iOS 6 skin. While that should be a first warning sign, the reality is that the app, which recently appeared in the Google Play Store, is the work of a third-party developer. It by no means provides official cross-platform access to Apple’s popular messaging service.

9to5Mac reports that scrutiny of the .apk file – the form the program takes outside the Play Store ecosystem – suggests that there is a serious potential risk to personal data. The app works by using the developer’s own server as a proxy to spoof messages into appearing to come from an iPad Mini, thus bypassing the strict “Apple Only” nature of the iMessage protocol. However, in doing so, it means that the developer has access to all of your message data.

People that have tried the app reported varying results – some report that they can only message other Android users, while others have only some Apple contacts.

In addition to these security flaws, the iMessage app requires you to sign in with a working Apple ID. As you probably already know if you have one, your Apple ID stores payment information and personal data, and serves as your gateway into a number of Apple services.

The iMessage for Android app is available as a free download in the Google Play Store and is by a developer called Daniel Zweigart.

September 24, 2013
HTC Facing One Mini Casing Shortage

The HTC One mini was announced earlier this year, but it seems that HTC might be running into some issues with regards to the production of the casings for the handset, which some believe has led to poor third quarter sales for the company.

According to Reuters, HTC is facing a One Mini casing shortage – reportedly linked to “design difficulties. HTC experienced a similar issue with the full-sized HTC One earlier this year. Back in March, the company couldn’t procure enough camera sensors and metal frames for the device, which ended up launching later than expected. That delay meant HTC couldn’t get a sales jump on the then-upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4.

If you’re thinking that HTC has to ship millions of One Mini units, and that’s why it can’t produce enough of them, it’s not: some analysts estimate that only around 200,000 units are being shipped monthly.

The third quarter of the year ends next week, with the report expected in October, so we’ll see just how bad of a time HTC is actually having.

[Via]

September 24, 2013
Apple Updates iMacs With Haswell Chips, Faster GPU

Apple today announced a refresh to its iMac lineup, which adds Intel’s new Haswell processors, next-gen Wi-Fi, and more.

The base 21.5-inch model will most likely sport the quad-core Core i5-4570R (2.7GHz base clock, turbo up to 3.2GHz with Iris Pro graphics), and the top of the line 27-inch SKU bringing what is likely the Core i7-4771 (3.5GHz base clock, turbo up to 3.9GHz).

The faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi (also known as Gigabit Wi-Fi) paves the way for up to three times faster wireless data transfers compared to the previous generation. Apple of course recently updated its AirPort wireless appliances with 802.11ac compatibility.

Due to the new PCIe-based flash storage (also found in the mid-2013 MacBook Air), Apple says the iMac’s optional Fusion Drive (a HDD + SDD combo) is now up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation.

iMac comes standard with 8 gigabytes of memory and a 1-terabyte hard drive, and customers can choose to configure their iMac with up to 32 gigabytes of memory and up to a 3-terabyte hard drive. iMac also comes with two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports for connecting to external storage and other high performance peripherals.

On the graphics side, the top spec gets a decent upgrade, with the Nvidia GTX 780M offering higher clock speeds and more RAM over its predecessor, the GTX 680MX. On the low end, we see Intel’s own Iris Pro integrated graphics take the place of Nvidia’s GT 640M, a good indicator that Intel’s graphics efforts are making inroads on lower specced machines.

The new iMacs ship with Mac OS X Mountain Lion. Indian pricing and availability will be announced soon!

September 24, 2013
Samsung Launches ISOCELL, Image Sensor Technology for Premium Mobile Devices

Samsung shows the camera technology in the next generation of Galaxy smartphones. The devices will likely feature ISOCELL, the company’s new imaging sensor. Samsung claims that the new sensor adds advanced pixel technology that polices the absorption of electrons for improved color fidelity, even when lighting isn’t ideal. The new sensor will be available only in new premium smartphones and tablets.

The quality of an image sensor is determined by the amount of light that is accurately captured by the individual pixels within the sensor array. Samsung says this is been a challenging task for them, with the market pressure to increase camera resolution and image quality, without growing the camera size, the pixels have had to shrink, while improving their performance at the same time.

To meet this challenge, previous sensor technology developments focused on improving the light absorption of each pixel, and have progressed pixel technology from FSI (Front Side Illumination) to BSI (Back Side Illumination) which places photodiode at the top to maximize photoelectric efficiency. While being very effective at the time, this BSI technology also faced limitations in improving image quality as pixel sizes continued to decrease.

While, the ISOCELL technology forms a physical barrier between neighboring pixels, isolating the pixel. The company claims, this isolation enables more photons to be collected from the micro-lens and absorbed into the correct pixel’s photodiode minimizing undesired electrical crosstalk between pixels and allowing expanded full well capacity.

This new sensor is specifically for phones with 8 MP or higher, which could mean a drop down from the 13 MP camera seen in the Galaxy S4 and Note 3. A full camera unit with the new ISOCELL would also take up less space inside devices compared to previous imaging sensors, with a reduced height which can result to even thinner smartphones.

[via]

September 24, 2013
BlackBerry Enters Agreement for $4.7 billion Sale of Company to Consortium led

While people continue struggling to get BBM on Android and iOS, BlackBerry has just announced that it has signed a letter of intent agreement for a sale of the company valued at $4.7 billion to consortium led by Fairfax Financial. The deal is expected to be completed by November 4th and would see BlackBerry go private.

In a statement, Fairfax Chairman and CEO Prem Watsa said:

we believe this transaction will open an exciting new private chapter for BlackBerry, its customers, carriers and employees,” adding, “we can deliver immediate value to shareholders, while we continue the execution of a long-term strategy in a private company with a focus on delivering superior and secure enterprise solutions to BlackBerry customers around the world.”

Barbara Stymiest, Chair of BlackBerry’s Board of Directors, said: “The Special Committee is seeking the best available outcome for the Company’s constituents, including for shareholders. Importantly, the go-shop process provides an opportunity to determine if there are alternatives superior to the present proposal from the Fairfax consortium.”

The letter of intent holds a transaction in which BlackBerry shareholders would receive U.S. $9 in cash for each share of BlackBerry share they hold.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]BlackBerry Enters into Letter of Intent with Consortium led by Fairfax Financial

– BlackBerry shareholders would receive U.S. $9 per share in cash – Transaction valued at approximately U.S. $4.7 billion – Consortium permitted 6 weeks to conduct due diligence – BlackBerry entitled to go-shop during due diligence period, subject to payment of a termination fee in the event alternative offer accepted

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, Sep 23, 2013 (Marketwired via COMTEX) — BlackBerry Limited BBRY -5.67% CA:BB -6.61% today announced it has signed a letter of intent agreement (“LOI”) under which a consortium to be led by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) has offered to acquire the company subject to due diligence.

The letter of intent contemplates a transaction in which BlackBerry shareholders would receive U.S. $9 in cash for each share of BlackBerry share they hold, in a transaction valued at approximately U.S. $4.7 billion. The consortium would acquire for cash all of the outstanding shares of BlackBerry not held by Fairfax. Fairfax, which owns approximately 10 percent of BlackBerry’s common shares, intends to contribute the shares of BlackBerry it currently holds into the transaction.

The BlackBerry Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of a special committee of the board of directors (the “Special Committee”), approved the terms of the LOI under which the consortium, which is seeking financing from BofA Merrill Lynch and BMO Capital Markets, would acquire BlackBerry and take the company private subject to a number of conditions, including due diligence, negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) and customary regulatory approvals.

The Special Committee, chaired by Director Tim Dattels, was formed in August 2013 to review strategic alternatives for the company. J.P. Morgan and Perella Weinberg are acting as financial advisors and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Torys LLP are acting as legal advisors.

Diligence is expected to be complete by November 4, 2013 (“Diligence Period”). The parties’ intention is to negotiate and execute a definitive transaction agreement by such date. During such period, BlackBerry is permitted to actively solicit, receive, evaluate and potentially enter into negotiations with parties that offer alternative proposals (“Alternative Transactions”).

If (A) during the Diligence Period (i) BlackBerry enters into any letter of intent or definitive agreement providing for an Alternative Transaction, (ii) BlackBerry ceases to negotiate with the consortium in good faith with a view to entering into the Definitive Agreement by the end of the Diligence Period, or (iii) an Alternative Transaction is publicly proposed or publicly announced and is consummated within 6 months following the end of the Diligence Period, or (B) during the 3 month period following the end of the Diligence Period, BlackBerry enters into any agreement providing for an Alternative Transaction with a person with whom discussions were held before or during the Diligence Period, then BlackBerry shall pay Fairfax a fee of U.S. $0.30 per BlackBerry share, provided, however, that no such fee shall be payable if the consortium shall have reduced the price offered below U.S. $9.00 per share without the approval of the board of directors of BlackBerry. In the event that a definitive agreement is signed with Fairfax the termination fee will increase to U.S. $ 0.50 per share.

Barbara Stymiest, Chair of BlackBerry’s Board of Directors, said: “The Special Committee is seeking the best available outcome for the Company’s constituents, including for shareholders. Importantly, the go-shop process provides an opportunity to determine if there are alternatives superior to the present proposal from the Fairfax consortium.”

Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax, said: “We believe this transaction will open an exciting new private chapter for BlackBerry, its customers, carriers and employees. We can deliver immediate value to shareholders, while we continue the execution of a long-term strategy in a private company with a focus on delivering superior and secure enterprise solutions to BlackBerry customers around the world.”

In addition to the consortium and its lenders being satisfied with all aspects of the due diligence to be carried out by them during the Diligence Period and the negotiation and execution of a binding definitive agreement approved by the board of BlackBerry, completion of the transaction will be subject to other customary conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that due diligence will be satisfactory, that financing will be obtained, that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the transaction will be consummated.

BDT & Company, LLC, BofA Merrill Lynch and BMO Capital Markets are acting as financial advisors, and Shearman & Sterling LLP and McCarthy Tetrault LLP are acting as legal advisors to Fairfax in connection with the transaction.

About BlackBerry

A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry(R) revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market BBRY -5.67% and the Toronto Stock Exchange CA:BB -6.61% . For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as “plan”, “target”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “should”, “intend”, “believe”, and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by BlackBerry Limited in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that BlackBerry believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause BlackBerry’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of BlackBerry’s Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry’s forward-looking statements. BlackBerry has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.[/toggle]

September 24, 2013
OLED Patent Dispute Comes to an End as ‘Samsung and LG’ Choose to Focus on Cooperation

Samsung Display and LG Display ended the year long dispute in a patent battle over LCD- and OLED-related technology.

Samsung and LG the world’s top two display panel manufacturers filed lawsuit over a number of patents for next-generation display technologies for TVs and other devices. The two firms had accused each other of stealing liquid-crystal display (LCD) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology and key engineers.

But now it seems both the companies wants to focus more on the market than on the lawsuits, individual statements from the company say:

It was agreed that we two should focus more on cementing our leadership in the global market by cooperation, instead of engaging in all-consuming patent disputes,” Samsung Display said in a statement late Monday.

While the statement from LG said:

What’s most important for both of us is upgrading our competitiveness globally,” LG said.

September 24, 2013
FIFA 14 Now Available for Free on Android and iOS

FIFA 14 comes up with over 16,000 athletes playing for 600 teams within 34 stadiums spread across 33 leagues.

The game will be available on app store and Google play store free of cost, with EA hoping to bring in revenue by way of in-app purchases, which includes Ultimate Team points or even for the unlocking of additional game modes. The game not only includes currency that lets you spend cash to save time, but there are three modes (Manager, Tournament, and Kick Off) that are only available after a paid upgrade.

While the company claims that this game has high quality graphics, the file size of this game in play store is 1.35 GB and in the app store the file size is 1.17 GB. FIFA 14 is playable in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Dutch, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.

September 24, 2013
BlackBerry : BBM App Won’t Relaunch This Week

BlackBerry has provided an update to the millions of eager BlackBerry Messenger users who are waiting for the app to arrive on both iPhone and Android.

The app was successfully launched on iPhone in several countries on time on Saturday, but the Android version was met with difficulty and never arrived. Many Android users resorted to install leaked and “unreleased, older version” from various file sharing sites that apparently “resulted in volumes of data traffic orders of magnitude higher than normal for each active user and impacted the system in abnormal ways.” BlackBerry then paused the launch on both platforms. The app had been installed over 1.1 million times.

Andrew Bocking, head of BBM at BlackBerry, took to the company blog and informed the masses that “the team is now focused on adjusting the system to completely block this unreleased version of the Android app when we go live with the official BBM for Android app. We are also making sure that the system is reinforced to handle this kind of scenario in the future.”

As for a release of BBM for iPhone and Android? Well, nothing concrete from BlackBerry. Bocking noted that getting BBM to operate as it should is not a “simple task” and “will take some time and I do not anticipate launching this week.”

[Via]

September 24, 2013
Microsoft Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 Launched

Microsoft today unveiled the Surface Pro 2, with several design and internal increments . Microsoft claims, the new tablet has 50 percent more color accuracy, better graphics performance, an improved speaker setup and better speed. The Surface Pro 2 is said to be 20 percent faster than the original.

The device has a 10.6 inch 1080p display and the battery life has got a 75 percent boost. The device supports the Haswell processor inside and runs much quieter than the previous edition. Connectivity options include, three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, mini Display Port, Ethernet, audio in/out and the main charging port.

The Surface 2, on the other hand, has 1080p Clear Type display, the same one that we saw on the new Surface Pro 2. Inside the Surface 2, the tablet now has a Tegra 4 chip. Microsoft also says it’s doubled the BUS speed for the WiFi and the memory, and the CPU speed has increased “dramatically” as well. Additionally, there’s now a USB 3.0 port on board, a step up from the USB 2.0 connection used on the original. All told, says Microsoft, the new model should run three to four times as fast as its predecessor, and the battery life should be 25 percent longer.

These devices will be available with various accessories like the Microsoft’s new Power Cover to give the tablet 2.5x its standalone battery life or the Type Cover 2, which is now 1 mm thinner and backlit priced at $119.99.

Wireless adapters for typing covers for $59.99.

Various Type color 2 also launched at the price of $129.99:

Another accessory for the music lovers or music makers to be specific is the Surface Music Kit:

Last but not the least Microsoft also launched a new Arc Touch Mouse-Surface Edition, which works on BlueTrack Technology and precision control:

The Surface 2 is priced at $449 and the Surface Pro 2 is priced at $899, both these devices are are up for pre-orders starting tomorrow.

September 23, 2013
Apple Sells 9 Million iPhone’s in First Three Days

Apple sold 9 Million iPhone’s in first three days, the company said that sales of the iPhone 5S and 5C had beaten previous launches of new phones. Apple did not revealed separate sales figures for the 5s and 5c. The 5s model, whose price starts at $649, the device offers a touch ID that can scan a user’s fingerprint to unlock the phone. The less expensive 5c, which starts at $549 comes in an variety of colors.

Demand for the iPhone 5s has exceeded the initial supplies and online orders are scheduled to be shipped in the coming weeks, the company said in a statement.

Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive said: “The demand for the new iPhones has been incredible, and while we’ve sold out of our initial supply of iPhone 5S, stores continue to receive new iPhone shipments regularly.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough new iPhones for everyone.” he added

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 5 a year ago, it sold more than 5 million in the first three days after its launch. Apple also said in a regulatory filing it expects total revenue for the fourth fiscal quarter to be near the high end of the previously estimated range of $34 billion to $37 billion.

September 23, 2013
LG G2 listed Online at a Price Of 40,499 INR

The LG G2 is said to be launched in India on 30th of September, ahead of its launch in India the device has made an appearance on an online store, LG G2 is priced at 40,499 INR on saholic.com.

The device has a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with an amazingly thin bezel graces the front of the LG G2. Its resolution of 1080 by 1920 pixels ensures that everything on it will look nice and sharp, especially knowing that a standard RGB sub-pixel arrangement has been implemented.

Running on Android 4.2 OS, the LG G2 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 processor coupled with 2GB RAM. It will come in two colours – black and white. This device will be launched on 30th September and you can expect an iGyaan style review.

September 23, 2013
LG Vu 3 Unveiled with 5.2 Inch HD Display & Snapdragon 800 Processor

LG has announced the Vu 3, the company’s latest smartphone, the device comes up with a 5.2-inch (1280 x 960 pixels) HD + IPS display at 4:3 aspect ratio. LG says the phone has 0.2 inches larger display than on its predecessor.

The Vu 3 is powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and runs on Android 4.2.2. The device sports a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash. The device would include stylus support along with QuickView cases and a couple of LG software titles like guest mode and KnockON.

Most of the features on the device, are similar to the LG G2, the companies latest flagship phone. LG Vu 3 will be available in Korea starting September 27, however, no words on price and availability for India.

[via]

September 23, 2013
Cops in NY promotes iOS 7’s Security Features

The New York Police Department seems to be a big fan of iOS 7, the department has officers out on the street encouraging the iPhone owners to update to iOS 7, which has new security features that they believe might cut down on thefts.

Devices running iOS 7 can be remotely secured when lost and with the touch id it can be further secured(if one ignores the exceptions). The NYPD hopes that these features will discourage thefts, specially for Apple devices.

The changes in iOS 7 have received praise from both New York’s attorney general and the San Francisco district attorney. In a joint statement earlier this week, the two say :

iOS 7 is an important first step towards ending the global epidemic of smartphone theft.”

Thefts might not stop overnight, but they believe that the Activation Lock (the remote securing feature) is an important effort that might reduce phone thefts in the near future.

[via]

September 23, 2013