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Brilliant ‘Sound of Honda’ Commercial Celebrates Ayrton Senna [w/Video]

In 2015, we will witness the return of Honda to Formula One in collaboration with McLaren, but when you mention those two together, one man’s legacy is never far behind: Ayrton Senna. The late brazilian legend scored three world championships with McLaren, running Honda engines before his death at Imola in 1994.

In 1989, McLaren’s MP4/5 Formula One car, driven by Senna and powered by a Honda 3.5-litre V10 engine set the world’s fastest lap at the qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. The 1989 race at Suzuka turned out to be one of the most momentous of his career for good and bad reasons; he won, then was stripped of, the driver’s championship. That was the same year, in which Honda introduced telemetry systems to Formula One. Honda Japan has now released a stunning commercial called Sound of Honda in tribute to the racing great.

In the following video, Honda has used sound and telemetry data from Senna’s ‘89 MP4/5 and lined the Suzuka circuit with speakers and lights and used Senna’s telemetry data from 1989, to bring him back to life, if only for a minute or so. Enlarge the video, turn up the speakers, and once you’ve seen it, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below.

[youtube id=”oeO2q8FzcnM” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Source: Honda JPPR via YouTube]

July 29, 2013
Alleged Packaging For Budget ‘iPhone 5c’ Leaked

Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone in the coming weeks. Images and videos of what’s being rumoured to be a budget iPhone – or the iPhone ‘Lite’ – have surfaced online. This new iPhone will reportedly come with a plastic build, 4-inch display and multiple colour options.

Additional proof of this new Apple device has popped up, courtesy of WeiPhone, and potentially shows its final retail packaging. A picture reveals a bin full of boxes indicating this budget device will go under the brand name of “iPhone 5C. ” Some speculation is that the C stands for ‘colour’.

This, or course, is still a rumour until Apple officially announces the device. The new low-cost device could possibly be released in August or September. The WeiPhone forums are a fairly frequent source of Apple rumors, although the site itself does not frequently report on them, making it difficult to determine a steady track record as posting in the site’s forums come from a variety of different posters.

The iPhone 5, which is almost a year old, was the most popular iPhone sold in Apple’s quarter ending June 30, but the 4 (first available June 24, 2010) and 4S (first available October 14, 2011) models sold well in emerging markets, indicating demand for a more updated budget smartphone to go along with the new, rumoured iPhone 5S in the fall lineup.

[Via]

July 28, 2013
Motorola Moto X To Feature Magic Glass

Moto X, the upcoming new Android-based smartphone from mobile phone maker Motorola, is expected to become official on August 1 with some appealing design features packed inside, some of the latest reports via Android and Me founder Taylor Wimberly on the matter suggest.

The Moto X will come equipped with Moto Magic Glass, a single layer of Gorilla Glass which is molded to a special polymer to make for a continuous surface that wraps around the entire front and edges of the phone. In addition, the Moto X will feature zero gap construction, allowing for a smooth and seamless feel along the backside.

The Android expert also claims that the handset will come equipped with Dual LTE MIMO Smart Antennas to give users the best LTE speeds and reception possible. The Moto X will allegedly contain five antennas total, with two dedicated exclusively to 4G LTE connectivity (not that this matters much to us Indians…).

According to TechnoBuffalo, Google was working with Motorola on a Moto xWatch that would launch alongside the Moto X. The two Moto X devices “definitely integrate in some interesting ways for device authentication,” Wimberly explained.

As usual, it all sounds great, but we’ll have to wait and see how much is accurate when the official word comes next week.

[Via]

July 27, 2013
Instagram Posts Pictures Of Smoothies And Fruit To Their Accounts

An Instagram hack that posts pictures of fruit to users’ timelines has returned after a sabbatical.

The security issue is called the ‘Smoothie Hack”, some clever smooth-ie criminal has decided to post pictures of this drink, but once you click on them this is where the breach happens. The pictures come with some text trying to explain that they are drinking a new diet and that others should try it by clicking on a URL link within their Instagram bio, he wants you to try it with him.

The hack seems to be harmless enough as far as these types of things go. Still, if you have been affected you should change that passcode (assuming you still have access to your account) and also change any other account passcodes that may have been the same as what you had been using on Instagram.

As The Next Web reports, the links being inserted into bios are made to look like BBC links, but the domain being used was actually registered just yesterday (although the registrant details may well be fake) – suggesting that it may have been registered specifically for use in this hack.

In the meantime we offer this as advice — don’t click the links and move forward with a password reset as soon as possible.

[Via]

July 27, 2013
Samsung Is Now Producing The “World’s Fastest” eMMC 5.0 Flash Memory

Samsung is now mass-producing what it said is the world’s fastest mobile memory, an embedded MultiMedia Card (eMMC) that comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB densities for next-generation smartphones and tablet.

Aiming for the title of the fastest embedded memory, the chips are said to be capable of peaking at 400MB/s, enabling quick application booting and reduced loading times. The latter two storage choices will be able to operate at 250MB/s sequential read speeds and write sequentially at 90MB/s. According to the company, these modules are over 10 times faster than class 10 external memory cards.

By comparison, Samsung’s current eMMC Pro chips (based on the 4.5 specification) offer up to 2,000 IOPS random write and 3,500 random read IOPS, and 150MB/sec sequential read and 50MB/sec write rates.

“With timely mass production of our ultra-fast eMMC PRO lineup offering a more than 10x performance increase over external memory cards, Samsung will accelerate the spread of high-end mobile devices as the market for devices with larger screens and more multimedia functionality expands even further,” Samsung’s vice president of memory marketing, KyongMoo Mang, said in a statement.

The company asserts that the 32GB and 64GB can also obtain random read and write speeds of 7000 IOPS. The Samsung eMMC 5.0 modules have been developed by leveraging the 64Gb 10nm class NAND flash technology. Additionally, the conglomerate has integrated its own NAND controller and firmware into the modules.

Samsung’s 16GB, 32GB and 64GB eMMC 5.0 devices come in 11.5mm x 13mm packages, making them suitable for mobile devices where space on the printed circuit board is extremely limited. Again, just like the 3GB of RAM, we would expect the Galaxy Note III to be the first device that uses this faster and more capable storage chip.

[Via]

July 27, 2013
MediaTek Reveals The World’s First True Octa-Core Mobile SoC

Samsung and Qualcomm are often associated in making the markets leading processors that are found in numerous mobile devices, while MediaTek are often responsible for providing chips for more affordable hardware. Now though MediaTek beats Samsung with the first true Octa-Core MT6592 processor.

The supplier of cheap quad-core chipsets to Chinese Smartphone manufacturers has announced the world’s first true Octa-core processor, where all 8 cores work together in tandem, and will reportedly feature performance that matches or surpasses that of the most powerful mobile SoC (based on ARM) currently, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC. The True Octa Core SOC will run at speeds of 1.6GHz to 2GHz.

MediaTek said the product is a “true octo-core solution,” whereas other existing octo-core processors can only switch between using four cores at a time.

For example, Samsung’s previous octo-core chip, the Exynos 5410, is essentially two quad-core chips packed together and was used in some versions of its Galaxy S4 smartphone. One set of quad-core chips is designed for high-performance tasks such as gaming or video playback, while the other is made to handle less intensive processes like emailing or texting. But only four of the cores can be active at one time.

Do you think we will see many high end mobile devices using the MediaTek MT6592?

[Via]

July 27, 2013
Mini Vision Concept Hints at Next-Gen Mini’s Styling

Even though Mini’s upcoming third-generation trademark three-door hatchback has already been spied upon sans all camouflage, the BMW-owned marque feels the need to release a concept previewing the next-gen design. This is it, and it’s called the Mini Vision Concept. It looks mostly similar to the next-gen Mini hatchback, except for a few typical concept-like styling touches, which never end up making it to the production vehicle anyway.

The Mini Vision seems to combine styling elements of both its predecessors. It’s more rounded than the 2002 hatchback which rebooted the Mini brand, but more muscular than the bloated 2007 model. Modern accents like full LED headlights inspired by the Rocketman concept find their way on to the Mini Vision. Mini’s traditional floating roof keeps its place on the Mini Vision, while the concept shows side grilles which seem to be borrowed from the Countryman and Paceman.

The interior will almost definitely not make it to the production version. Integrated Union Jack straps in the door panels make for a very cool interior, but surely not production-practical. Mini revealed the Vision Concept at an event called the Mini Design@Home. We expect to see it on the auto show circuit this year before Mini unveils the third-gen F56 Mini Cooper Hardtop.

[Images source: Mini]

July 27, 2013
Prince of Persia: The Shadow And The Flame Arrive For iOS And Android

Ubisoft today released the legendary Prince of Persia franchise back to mobile devices with Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame. Available to download now, Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame is compatible with iPad, iPhone and iPod touch as well as on Android devices.

The mobile adaptation takes place 11 days after the conclusion of the original Prince of Persia, and the remake will include both gesture-based and virtual joystick controls over 14 levels. Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame will also ship with GameCenter leaderboards on iOS, “brand-new visuals” created for its mobile rebirth and a new combat system that arms players with a new combo system and pits them against multiple enemies.

The original Prince of Persia game released in 1993 and then re-released as a 3D version in 2007, but the entire franchise has nearly a dozen versions of the action-adventure game with a focus on different incarnations of the eponymous prince.

Ubisoft announced the remake in April. The Prince’s latest adventure is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play for $2.99.

July 26, 2013
Intex Cloud X3 Launched In India, Priced At Rs. 3,790

Intex today launched the Intex Cloud X3 smartphone with a MediaTek MT6572 chip housing a Cortex A7 1GHz dual-core processor at a price tag of Rs 3,790.

Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, GM-Mobility Division, Intex Technologies Ltd at the launch event said, “The feature phone market in India has matured and there is a subsequent growth in the smartphone category. Building on this burgeoning market, Intex offers its latest smartphone Cloud X3 that is especially designed to meet the need of entry level users who would like to migrate to a more sophisticated mobile experience”.

The Intex Cloud X3 has a 3.5-inch display with MiraVision technology, with an undisclosed resolution and 256MB of RAM. It has 115MB of built-in storage that is expandable up to 32GB via microSD card slot. The phone has a 2MP rear camera with video recording and a VGA front facing camera for video calling. The dual-SIM Android 4.2 Jelly Bean phone comes with a 1450 mAh battery.

On the connectivity front, the Intex Cloud X3 offers dual-SIM functionality with GSM+GSM support, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. It comes with inbuilt gravity sensors and motion sensors. Other features included are a video/ audio recorder and integrated FM radio.

It is available in white and black colours.

July 26, 2013
Android 4.3 Allows You To Tinker With App Permissions

Google Android 4.3 may be a minor update to Google’s mobile operating system, but it has some nice features including performance tweaks, Bluetooth improvements, support for limiting a user’s access to some apps or content on multi-user devices, and much more.

It also has a hidden feature. It’s called “App Ops” and it lets you selectively disable some permissions for your apps. Is some misbehaving app constantly pinging your location and draining your battery in a few hours? You can fix that now.

Once there, the user will see that all of their apps and permissions are broken down into four easily distinguishable categories: Personal, Location, Messaging, and Device. Simply choose an app, tape the on/off button, and voilà! The user’s app is still completely functional without annoyingly draining your device.

Another notable feature in Android 4.3 is improved Photo Spheres. Evan Rapoport, a Google Maps Product Manager, recently revealed on Google+ that the latest version of Jelly Bean offers better alignment and stitching while taking photos with Photo Sphere. The app also offers improved exposure compensation that’ll lead to fewer gray areas and inconsistent coloring in photos.

Other highlights of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean include multi-user restricted profiles which limits access to specified content, a sound for aspect of sale systems and kiosks, for example. Security is in play here as it works for parental controls too. Bluetooth Low-Energy support will easily pair Android 4.3 with a fitness sensor for the workout-aholics out there.

[Via]

July 26, 2013
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Prototype Leaked, Reveal Specs And Design

Samsung is on deck to announce the 3rd generation of the Galaxy Note this September at IFA. Previous leaks indicated that the Note III will sport a 5.99-inch display, but today a picture and spec sheet has found its way online, courtesy of techkiddy.

The photos, which supposedly depict a prototype of the Galaxy Note 3, portray a form factor with sharp square edges as opposed to the soft rounded corners we’re accustomed to.

According to Technology Blogs Simplified, the specs of the Galaxy Note 3 are a little different to previous rumors that we reported back in December last year; the phone will feature a “pants busting” 5.7″ Super AMOLED Full HD display, Octa-Core or Snapdragon 800 processor, 13 megapixel camera, Android 4.3, S Pen functions and Samsung’s own TouchWiz nature UX interface.

Of course all of this is still unconfirmed, and should be taken with a fistful of salt, as the images don’t show any comparison to previous iterations, or even if we’re looking at what will be the Galaxy Note 3 at all.

What do you think? Can Samsung still sell more phones by using plastic? Keep in mind that Google will start selling a new phone in August with better materials, plus HTC is already selling its two Android-based smartphones with better build quality than Samsung — the HTC One and the new HTC One Mini.

[Via, Via]

July 26, 2013
Aston Martin, AMG Announce Technical Partnership

Reports from a little over 2 months ago spoke of talks between Daimler and Aston Martin, about “supply and technical-cooperation agreements.” Now, Aston Martin has announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent which looks “towards a technical partnership” with Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The two companies aim to have definitive agreements done by year’s end.

The proposed deal will allow Aston Martin access to AMG’s resources for the development of bespoke V8 powertrains for the next generation of the British marque’s models. AMG, which is owned by Daimler, will also assist Aston Martin with electronic architectures. In return for the technical assistance, Daimler will get a non-voting stake of up to five percent of Aston Martin and will join existing shareholders including Investment DAR and Investindustrial.

Aston Martin sources cutting-edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next-generation sports cars is, clearly, good news. Working with Mercedes-AMG in this way while, of course, remaining independent and preserving the unique character and style of Aston Martin that has been the mainstay of the company throughout its 100-year history, points to a very bright future for the company as it starts its second century in business.

– Ian Minards, Director, Product Development, Aston Martin

Even though part of the deal ensures a supply agreement between AMG, Daimler and Aston Martin, the British automaker will continue to manufacture all of its sports cars at its Gaydon facility.

We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and electric/electronic components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG’s technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides.

– Ola Källenius, CEO, AMG

July 26, 2013
Mercedes Benz launches E63 AMG

German automotive giant Mercedes Benz has launched the high performance E63 AMG variant of its E-Class luxury sedans in India.

The E63 AMG is basically an E-Class underneath, however a few modifications make it unlike any other E-Class on the market. Tuned by Mercedes’ high performance division, AMG, the sedan packs some serious power. It is powered by AMG’s 5.5-litre twin-turbo engine, which churns out a massive 557 bhp and 73.4 kgm of torque. Those numbers lie somewhere in Lamborghini Gallardo territory. To handle all this power, the E63 AMG also comes with larger brake discs as standard.

The E63 AMG’s exterior is modified as is typical of all other AMG’s. Featuring a new body kit with an aggressively styled front bumper, splitter, AMG sports exhaust with quad-pipes, AMG wheels and AMG badging, the car improves on the elegant base model’s looks.

Directly in competition with Audi’s S6, BMW’s M5 and Jaguar’s XF-R, the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG seems to be quite a promising performance sedan, and we can’t wait to see it on Indian roads. It retails for Rs. 1.29 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).

July 26, 2013
BenQ Launches W750 Projector With Support For Up To 300″ Screen Size (PR)

BenQ has today announced the launch of another entry level 3D projector to its kitty, the BenQ W750, which is all set to provide the comfort of 3D cinematic experience to home segment.

Featuring the latest DLP technology, the BenQ W750 delivers 3D projection with a single video feed unlike traditional 3D projector system, which requires two perfectly aligned projectors with two separate video feeds.

With built in 10W audio power, the projector comes with single connectivity HDMI interface directly to a Blu-ray player, Satellite or latest 3D games from PS3, to deliver digital HD signal and sound via just one cable. It comes with a newly designed pair of 3D glasses as well.

It offers a native resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels at 16:9 aspect ratio, dual HDMI inputs, 13,000:1 contrast ratio, 2,500 ANSI lumens brightness and a claimed 6,500 hour lamp life.

The extra long lamp life of 6500 hours significantly lessens the overall total cost of ownership of the projector by reducing the frequency of lamp replacement.

The BenQ W750 is available at a price (MRP) of Rs. 60,000 across India.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]BenQ extends 3D cinematic experience to your home; launches W750 projector supporting up to 300” screen size

Single Video-feed projector supporting 3D functionality through HDMI1.4a, equipped with DLP® technology, 13000:1 contrast ratio, connectivity, 10W audio power, Smart Eco technology for extra lamp life of 6500 hours

New Delhi, INDIA, July 23, 2013 – BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations, is a market leader in Indian Projector market with more than 20% market share .The company is proud to be globally No. 1 Projector brand in DLP technology which is the preferred choice world over.

BenQ has today announced the launch of another entry level 3D projector to its kitty, W750, which is all set to provide the comfort of 3D cinematic experience to home segment. Featuring the latest DLP® technology, the BenQ W750 delivers 3D projection with a single video feed unlike traditional 3D projector system, which require two perfectly aligned projectors with two separate video feeds

For home users seeking hassle-free, big-screen enjoyment, BenQ W750 is a perfect choice with enhanced 3D projection on screen through HDMI 1.4a. With built in 10W audio power, the projector comes with single connectivity HDMI interface directly to Blu-ray player, Satellite or latest 3D games from PS3, to deliver ultra-smooth digital HD signal and sound via just one cable. It comes with a newly designed pair of 3D glasses which is comfortable to wear and stylish in looks with an astonishingly realistic quality.

W750 features World-leading SmartEco Technology, which can adjust the lamp power to maximize lamp power saving up to 70% and lower the maintenance costs. The extra long lamp life of 6500 hours significantly lessens the overall total cost of ownership of the projector by reducing the frequency of lamp replacement. With ultra-high contrast ratio of 13000:1, 16.9 aspect ratio, 1280×720 native resolution and 2500 ANSI Lumens, it project sharp images for high brightness projectors using a palette of 1.07 billion colors. BenQ W750 can play back images with a diagonal size of upto 300 inches,

BenQ W750 offers s simple plug-n-play installation experience. All one has to do for enjoying the immersive 3D experience is a simple preparation of 3D glasses and blu-ray 3D content. An efficient Quick-release button makes projector placement even more flexible.

The BenQ W750 is available at a price (MRP) of Rs. 60,000 across India. For more information, please visit www.BenQ.co.in.

We are here on Facebook and twitter to share all the new announcements with you.

About BenQ Corporation
BenQ Corporation, a leading provider of networked digital lifestyle devices, is a multi-faceted company with strengths in product design, visual technology and mobile technology. BenQ offers unrivalled breadth and depth of products and integrated technologies across platforms through the brand promise of “Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to Life,” including digital projector, LCD monitors, laptop PCs, Netbooks, All-in-One PCs, LCD TVs, digital cameras, storage devices, eBook reader, mobile phones, storage media and human interface devices such as mice and keyboards.

About BenQ Group

The BenQ Group is currently comprised of 16 companies that operate independently while sharing resources and leveraging synergies among them. The BenQ Group companies include BenQ Corporation, AU Optronics Corporation (world’s top 3 manufacturers of large-size TFT-LCD panels), Qisda Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corporation, Daxon Technology Inc., Daxin Materials Corp., Forhouse Corp., Light House Tech, SiPix Imaging, Lextar Electronics Corp. BenQ Guru Software Co., BenQ Hospital, Darwin Precisions, Ltd, Raydium Semiconductor Corporation, Cando Corporation and Wellypower Co., Ltd.
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July 26, 2013
New Apple Patent Indicates A Location-Aware Battery System For The iPhone

Future iPhone devices may come with intelligent batteries that draw down power based on a user’s location and charging habits, a new patent application suggests.

From the application :

A method for modifying one or more characteristics of a mobile electronic device in order to save or reduce power consumption of the device. The method includes determining by, a processor of the mobile electronic device, an estimated use of the mobile electronic device during an upcoming time period; using the estimated use, determining, by the processor, whether an internal power source of the mobile electronic device has sufficient power to continue operation of the mobile electronic device in a first state during the upcoming time period; based on the estimated use and the internal power source, if the internal power source does not have sufficient power, adjusting the one or more characteristics to reduce a power consumption of the mobile electronic device during the upcoming time period.

Apple proposes a system that can compare the estimated time period a user will spend on their device with battery reserves, determining whether the device has sufficient power to last for said period. If the battery does not have sufficient power, the system will adjust “one or more characteristics” to conserve energy.

Image Courtesy : Apple Insider

As devices like the iPhone get thinner and come packed with more features, improving or maintaining the same battery life will be one of the biggest challenges for Apple. It will also have to come out with innovative software based solutions to improve battery life.

We’re already seen Apple use software based solutions such as intelligent scheduling, opportunistic updates, coalesce updates, push notification triggers etc. to bring us smarter multitasking in iOS 7 without having a major impact on your iPhone’s battery life.

[Via]

July 25, 2013