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Novitec tunes the Aventador to produce 969 hp [w/Video]

German aftermarket tuner Novitec has completed its tuning program for the Lamborghini Aventador, under the name Torado. The already imposingly aggressive Aventador is given a lot more grunt both outside and under the hood.

A new body kit complete with carbon fiber vents, spoilers and scores of protrusions lining the body from front to back has been mounted on.

Novitec says it’s good for daily use, with four different stages of power tune and a fifth completely outrageous injection called “Bi-Kompressor.” The power bumps start at 722 horsepower and 519 pound-feet and go up to 969 hp and 672 lb-ft with the bi-kompressor. The exhaust systems included in those packages are also good for shaving around 20 kilos from the car’s weight.

Watch the video below to see the Novitec Torado Lamborghini Aventador in a wind tunnel.

[vimeo clip_id=”69088523″ width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Source: Novitec via Vimeo]

July 7, 2013
BIC now open for Arrive & Drive
The Buddh International Circuit (BIC) has started an ‘Arrive & Drive’ program in association with Volkswagen Motorsport India. As a part of the program, one can drive the older-spec Volkswagen Polo R Cup TDI race car, which was phased out last year.

Every Saturday from 9am – 6pm, customers can walk into the circuit and hire the 1.6-litre, 130bhp race car for anything from a three-lap taxi drive to a whole hour of self drive around the 5.14-km circuit.

The BIC launched track days late last April, where enthusiasts were permitted tho thrash their own cars around the track, but hesitant drivers can now enjoy the thrill of a car meant to be raced around a track.

Package prices
- Race Car experience taxi ride (with a professional) 3 laps: Rs 4,500
- Five laps self-drive: Rs 5,000
- 30 minutes self-drive: Rs 10,000
- One hour self-drive: Rs 15,000
VW Polo R Cup specifications
- 1.6 ltr TDI engine, modified to 130 HP
- 6 speed + 1 reverse manual transmission
- Sachs racing suspension
- Internal roll cage
- OMP racing seat with 6 point racing harness
More details may be found on the circuit website here.
July 6, 2013
This is the last BMW M3 Coupe, ever

Its a sad day for Bimmer fans, as the last BMW M3 Coupe has rolled down the production line. This bright orange two-door, fixed-roof M3 is the last there will be. But we don’t just mean the last M3 Coupe of this generation – this is the last M3 Coupe ever, since the next-generation car will be launched under the M4 tag.

This is courtesy of BMW’s new naming nomenclature, where coupes and convertibles use even numbers. The new 3 Series Coupe will be called the 4 Series 2014 onwards. The M3 badge will still be in existence, but only on the 4-door sedan model.

BMW first launched the M3 Coupe in 1986, and since then, more than 40,000 examples have been built. Sedan and convertible versions were added later in the car’s life, and BMW says that the current 2013 model year convertible will remain in production until September of this year. The M3 Coupe was widely known as one of the greatest sport coupes ever built.

[Image source: BMW]

July 6, 2013
Motorola Droid Maxx Images Leaked

EVLeaks, the source of almost all major leaks of the tech world, has just released an image of the rumoured Motorola Droid Maxx.

EVLeaks has also posted a tweet with the names of several upcoming Motorola smartphones and their corresponding model numbers. According to the leak, the XT1030 is the Droid Mini and the XT1080 is the recently-leaked Droid Ultra. The tweet also claims that a Motorola Droid Maxx is coming with the model number XT1080M.

The render shows a device with the same angled corners as previous Motorola Droid Razr devices and a kevlar coating that wraps around to the front of the phone. Interestingly, this DROID MAXX also appears to have ditched the on-screen keys found on its DROID RAZR MAXX HD predecessor in favor of a set of capacitive buttons. We can also see a front-facing camera near the top of the phone as well as a power/lock button and volume rocker on its side. We expect the device to have a massive battery, similar to the one seen on the Motorola RAZR MAXX.

Along with the trio of Droid devices, @evleaks says that the Moto X will come to market carrying the model number XT1060. No specs are available yet.

[Via]

July 6, 2013
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Confirmed For September 4, Will Have 5.7″ Display

Samsung is expected to introduce the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 at IFA 2013 in Germany on September 6th or 7th. According to The Korea Herald, Samsung has decided to go with a 5.7-inch display as opposed to the previously-rumoured 5.9-inch screen size, likely for a more modest chassis change over the Galaxy Note II.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is also expected to run a Snapdragon 800 SoC and 3GB of RAM, along with a full 1080p screen resolution and 13MP camera, both of which debuted on the popular Galaxy S4 flagship earlier this year.

As for RAM supplier for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Samsung, LG and SK Hynix have been mentioned. Samsung is already manufacturing 4GB LPDDR3 RAM based on a 20nm process, SK Hynix also demoed such RAM chips.

The Note series has differentiated itself from the rest of the Galaxy family with the inclusion of a pressure-sensitive S Pen, which, in addition to the larger screen size, can be used for taking notes and annotating documents. Despite initial industry reservations, the Galaxy Note has proven to be a hit with consumers: estimates put sales of the Galaxy Note II at above 5 million units.

Early September is also around the time Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5S, so back to school expectations will be high this year.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will not be Samsung’s largest smartphone, though. That title is held by the 6.3-inch Galaxy Mega, another category introduced earlier this year.

[Via]

July 6, 2013
Instagram For iOS Gets Landscape Mode

Instagram can take photos and video and add filters that make them look dated, but nothing was more dated than the fact it didn’t support landscape mode.

Instagram for iPhone has been updated with a couple minor improvements that could have a major impact on the way users enjoy the app.

Until now, Instagrammers have been limited to taking photos in portrait mode; while it was possible to turn the phone on its size (the photos themselves are square either way) the interface did not adjust accordingly. In version 4.0.2, iPhone users can now turn the device onto its side and shoot as if using a regular camera app. Taking a photo in landscape lets you hold on to the other side of the phone for support, potentially forging better photos in the process.

The other improvement made to the app, other than the requisite “bug fixes and performance improvements,” is the addition of Cinema Mode when using the front-facing camera. Cinema was a feature incorporated into Instagram videos on the iPhone, improving shakes and other aberrations in rendering.

Instagram hasn’t stated that these improvements will come to Android — Cinema isn’t even available using the rear camera on Android — but we hope it is sooner than later.

July 6, 2013
Take A Virtual Tour Of ‘Diagon Alley’ Thanks To Google Street View

Google has given its map users access to many wonderful, bizarre and otherwise impossible to access places, but now it is opening up fictional worlds to exploration by adding Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series to Street View.

The Street View application has just added 360 degree views of Diagon Alley, the fictional cobblestone wizarding marketplace from the Harry Potter books and films, where all manner of magical paraphernalia can be acquired.

For the films, Diagon Alley was built bricks-and-mortar in precise detail on a soundstage at Warner Brothers’ London studios. On Street View, users can swoop in from above the studios’ expansive grounds and into the dark confines of the pre-Victorian marketplace, where they can pass by Potter fan icons like Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Ollivanders Wand Shop and Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary.

In reality, Diagon Alley Ollivanders Wand Shop, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes joke shop and the entrance to Gringotts Wizarding Bank are all part of the entrance to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London.

The Diagon Alley set took more than three months to build and the 20,000 products on the shops’ shelves were created over six months.

View Larger Map

After Deathly Hallows wrapped filming in 2010, part of Leavesden Studios (where all eight Potter movies were shot) was converted into a tour attraction along with permanent sound stages for future films to use.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter opened in 2011 and has served as the country’s sole Potter attraction.

Google recently announced that it had added 1,001 new destinations to Street View, including historical landmarks and sports stadiums.

July 6, 2013
Report : Google Paid AdBlocks To Whitelist Its Ads

If you use AdBlocks and still find some ads creeping into your webpages, don’t be surprised. Major advertisers, including Google, can pay to have some of their ads “whitelisted” — in essence, given a free pass through AdBlock Plus.

Adblock Plus’ own FAQ addresses the “feature”:

Do companies pay you for being added to the (Acceptable / Non-intrusive Ads) list?

Whitelisting is free for all small websites and blogs. However, managing this list requires significant effort on our side and this task cannot be completely taken over by volunteers as it happens with common filter lists. That’s why we are being paid by some larger properties that serve nonintrusive advertisements that want to participate in the Acceptable Ads initiative.

Adblock Plus’ goal is to eliminate annoying video ads, according to its parent company Eyeo. It defends the whitelisting practice, according to Salon, pointing out that “whitelisting is free for all small websites and blogs.”

Horizont said in a report that it’s unclear how much Google has paid Eyeo, the company behind Adblock Plus, to whitelist its ads, and that it doesn’t know which other companies are doing the same

“However, managing this list requires significant effort on our side and this task cannot be completely taken over by volunteers as it happens with common filter lists.”

“That’s why we are being paid by some larger properties that serve nonintrusive advertisements that want to participate in the Acceptable Ads initiative.”

Which large companies pay to skirt the ad-blocking software remains a mystery, as does the parent company’s criteria for determining small websites and large websites that have to pay.

[Via]

July 6, 2013
Canon EOS 70D Launched With Dual-Pixel CMOS AF, Auto-Focus During Video Recording (PR)

Canon has launched a new mid-range DSLR called the Canon EOS 70D. The highlight feature of this new camera is the 20.2 megapixel, APS-C CMOS sensor with dual-pixel CMOS AF technology, which is the first of its kind.

DSLRs can shoot amazing quality video. But their autofocus is primarily designed for shooting stills and can result in stuttering movie footage, which is why most filmmakers don’t use it. However, Canon thinks this could change with the launch of the EOS 70D. The new AF system in the Wi-Fi-toting 20.2-megapixel DSLR is said to offer much faster focusing during Live View, to the point that it can shoot almost camcorder-rivaling video.

Capable of capturing up to 7fps via its 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor and 19-point AF System, the Canon EOS 70D can take up to 65 JPEG or 16 RAW image in any single burst.

With an ISO range of 100 – 12800, the Canon EOS 70D is suitable for low-light and night time photography.

It has a 3-inch Vari-angle Clear View LCD Intelligent Viewfinder that offers a 1,040k resolution and 0.95x magnification.

Also packing Wi-Fi connectivity, the Canon EOS 70D has Movie Servo AF mode to keep subjects in shot when making Full 1920 x 1080p HD videos.

EOS 70D Summary of Specifications

Dimensions: Approx. 139.0 x 104.3 x 78.5mm

Weight: Approx. 675g (body only)

Image sensor: 20.2 mega-pixel APS-C sensor

Imaging processor: DIGIC 5+

ISO speed: 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)

Continuous shooting speed: 7 fps

Maximum video quality: Full HD (24fps)

AF System: 19-point all cross type, Dual Pixel CMOS AF system

LCD: vari-angle 3.0-inch wide Clear View II LCD monitor

Wi-Fi: Supported

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Canon introduces the 70D, featuring revolutionary DAF technology to power live view shooting & video recording
Canon EOS 70D redefines phase-difference AF technology with the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that boasts high-speed and precise auto-focusing and subject-tracking during Live View shooting and movie recording

Gurgaon, 04 July, 2013: Canon, a world leader in digital imaging space, has announced the launch of EOS 70D, the successor of EOS 60D and also an everyday DSLR designed to perfectly complement users who lead an active lifestyle. With the EOS 70D, Canon challenges users to capture images not only via the traditional viewfinder method but also via Live View and Remote shooting. These are made possible due to the development of new technologies, notably the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. This camera caters to amateur photographers who are seeking a powerful new camera as an upgrade from earlier DSLRs models, as wellas a step-up from entry level DSLRand compact digital cameras.

The EOS 70D features Canon’s latest DIGIC 5+ image processor and a 20.2 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor. The duoworks together to capture detailed and natural-looking photos at high clarity. With an ISO range of 100 to 12800, the EOS 70Dis able to handleeven the trickiest lighting condition with optimal performance.

Superior and FastAuto-Focusing Performance during Live View Shooting
The EOS 70D features the newly-developed Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and working in tandem with an initiative vari-angle3.0-inch wide Clear View LCD IItouchscreen monitor, Canon sets to revolutionize how users shoot using their DSLR. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system boasts swift and precise auto focusing with greatly reduced focusing time, while the vari-angle LCD panel, with its touchscreen capability, allows users to explore and shoot different compositions and perspectives, adjust basic settings via the touch panel’s Quick Control menu andeven perform familiar Multi-touch gestures to zoom in and out of shots, view images and even capturing the shot. The Clear View II LCD has an anti-reflection coating to provide visibility even in bright sunlight.
While Hybrid CMOS AF II delivers enhanced focusing speed during Live View photo shooting and movie recording by using certain dedicated pixels for phase-difference AF to measure the subject distance and fine-tuning the focus with contrast AF, Canon’s latest innovation- the Dual Pixel CMOS AF,is one step up from the Hybrid CMOS AF II. This is due to changes made to the CMOS sensor’s design, as two separate photodiodes are integrated into each pixel. This allows every individual pixel to perform both imaging and phase-difference AF. The signals from each photodiode are detected and the signal difference can be used to accurately and quickly calculate the amount of focus shifting required for optimal focus. Withthe Dual Pixel CMOS AF, One-Shot AF is almost instantaneous, and it is able to rapidly and smoothly track moving subjects during still photography in Live View and video recording. The accuracy allows the EOS 70D to attain optimal focus even on the first focus shift. Dual Pixel CMOS AFhas a detection area that covers approximately 80% of the image display.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF’s speedy intelligence extends beyond just the initial focus, as it is able to maintain focus with Continuous AF. Continuous AF frequently readjusts the focus, so that the subject is at or near perfect focus at any given time. It can also recognize and track faces, even as they move across the frame. Touching a face on the LCD monitor will select it as the priority subject. With such accurate and rapid focusing, users can expect to snap perfectly focused images at any given time, without missing the magic moment due to focusing delays.

Shooting via the viewfinder
Some users prefer the traditional method of shooting via the viewfinder in order to capture fast-moving subjects. The DIGIC 5+ image processor’s rapid processing speed takesan approximate 7.0 frames per second (fps) at full resolution. At this speed, users will be able to capture that one perfect moment of a quick action. The EOS 70D sustains this rate of continuous shooting for up to 40 images in a single burst*.
The EOS 70D also features a high-precision 19-point all cross-type AF sensor which is able to accurately track subjects even if they move unpredictably. The AF points are placed throughout a wide area for greater compositional freedom, and are effective whether the camera is held normally or vertically. Focusing is made more precise when the EOS 70D is used with f/2.8 or faster lenses, as it has f/2.8 dual cross-type AF sensor in the center. AI servo AF II keeps moving subjects in focus, as it tracks not only their distance but their up/down and lateral movements too.

Remote control shooting
Control the EOS 70D remotely via the EOS Remote app on the smartphone, whereby the smartphone’s screen becomes an extension of the camera’s Live View screen. Users can not only trigger the camera to take a shot, but also select different settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO and adjust focus all via their smartphones. With remote shooting, users are empowered to capture images from unique angles and even vantage points that are previously inaccessible. Furthermore, remote shooting eliminates image blur caused by camera shake, thus producing beautiful photographs that are crisp and sharp.
In this digital era where sharing images and videos on the internet has become a norm,EOS 70D’s built-in Wi-Fi capability connects the camera directly to the internet via a wireless network, and upload images and videos via the Canon Image Gateway** onto social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. This same Wi-Fi capability also allows it to print photos from a PictBridge-enabled (DPS over IP) wireless printer or playback its images on a network-enabled TV (DLNA devices).

Get Creative
For users seeking a camera that enhances their creative flair, the EOS 70D offers exciting features such as Multiple Exposure and Creative Filters. With Multiple Exposure,the EOS 70Dcombines two to nine images into one picture, using either the additive or average mode to achieve the desired look. The popular Creative Filters mode features filters such as Toy Camera, Grainy Black and White, Miniature, Soft Focus, Art Bold, Fish-eye and Water Painting.

Optional Battery Grip
For heavy duty users, Canon has developed the optional BG-E14 battery grip for high-volume shooting and easier vertical grip. The BG-E14, when outfitted with two battery packs, allows the EOS 70D to take twice as many shots as when using the camera alone.

EOS 70D Summary of Specifications
Dimensions: Approx. 139.0 x 104.3 x 78.5mm
Weight: Approx. 675g (body only)
Image sensor: 20.2 mega-pixel APS-C sensor
Imaging processor: DIGIC 5+
ISO speed: 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
Continuous shooting speed: 7 fps
Maximum video quality: Full HD (24fps)
AF System: 19-point all cross type, Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
LCD: vari-angle 3.0-inch wide Clear View II LCD monitor
Wi-Fi: Supported**

About Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon’s extensive range of products includes copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With over 200,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon’s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011 (ended December 31, 2011) totaled $45.6 billion (at an exchange rate of 78=US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: www.canon.com

Canon in India
Canon India achieved a revenue of Rs. 1850 crore in 2012 which is 21% growth over last year. Canon focuses on multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Government & Commercial. Canon’s product portfolio extends over a vast variety such as copier MFDs, fax-machines, printers, scanners, All-in-ones, digital cameras, DSLR, Cinematic imaging products, camcorders, cable ID printers and card printers.
Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Canon Singapore Pvt. Ltd., a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in 1997, Canon India markets over 140 comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging. The company today has offices in 10 cities, warehouses in 13 cities across India and employs over 1100 people. Canon has approximately 400 primary channel partners, 14 National Retail Chain partners, and over 6000 secondary retail points. Canon has over 100 own retail stores called the Canon Image Square across 51 cities in the country. Canon’s service reach extends to over 2800 towns with over 200 service engineers, 7 Canon owned service centers and 37 Canon Care Centers. Visit the Canon India website at: www.canon.co.in[/toggle]

July 6, 2013
Panasonic P51 Full Review

Build Quality and Design

At its launch event, Panasonic talked a lot about the emphasis and effort that went into the design process of the phone. The idea was to keep it simple and functional. They went for a clean black front with rounded edges and a glossy back. There is a 5-inch screen (with a scratch-resistant Asahi Dragontrail glass) towards the front with the earpiece grill, front-facing camera and a bunch of sensors at the top. There are no touch capactive buttons on the device.

At the top of the phone, you have the 3.5mm jack besides the plastic power button. Towards the right you have your volume rocker and right below it, the spring loaded micro SD card slot. The left side of the phone houses the two micro SIM card slots and a micro-USB port beneath it.

The glossy back (the black Panasonic P51 has a soft rubber finish back) is not removable and houses the 8MP camera and the LED flash.

Overall, the build quality of the Panasonic P51 is quite impressive and the device feels really solid in your hands.

Specifications and Hardware

The Panasonic P51 is powered by a Quad Core 1.2 Ghz Mediatek MT6589 CPU. The quad core chip is of the Cortex A7 architecture, and is coupled with a PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU for graphics. The Panasonic P51 also has 4 GB of internal storage and 1 GB of RAM.

It has a 5 inch 1280 x720p HD IPS LCD display. For imaging the Panasonic P51 also has an 8 MP main camera and a 1.3 MP front facing camera capable of HD video.

This 3G enabled phone from Panasonic also has Dual Sim Capabilities and has a massive 2500 mAh battery, and despite that remains 8.5 mm slim and 135 gms in weight.

Display and Multimedia

The display on the Panasonic P51 has a pixel density of 294 ppi, which makes it as good as any in this segment. The colour reproduction though seems a tad unnatural and the display has a slightly bluish tint to it. Since it is an IPS display, outdoor visibility and viewing angles are really impressive. Brightness is adequate too. Overall, the display is definitely one of the best in this segment. For scratch resistance, Panasonic has used Asahi Dragontrail glass, which is claimed to be better than the popular Gorilla Glass.

Due to the high quality display, the video playback on the device is again a pleasant experience. Couple this with a decent speaker and you have a really capable media consumption device.

The built in browser of the Panasonic P51 isn’t quite up to the mark. While text clarity was good due to the sharpness of the display, zooming and kinetic scrolling seemed a bit off.

[youtube id=”J7AIr8i9eJg” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

Gaming on the Panasonic P51 was not up to our expectations. Quite a lot of games stopped in between and loading time seemed quite long. You can watch our gaming review video below.

[youtube id=”IT2PDjmHkeo” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

Camera

The rear camera on the Panasonic P51 takes quite decent outdoor images. Colour reproduction and exposure are good and the only problem we had was with the over-sharpness of the images. Indoor images were not quite up to the mark. Even with the flash turned on, images turned out quite dark and under-exposed.

The same was the case with the video recording on the device, with outdoor videos coming out quite nice. The Panasonic P51 picked up ambient noise quite nicely too. To avoid shakes while recording it has incorporated software based image stabilisation.

Box Contents

Panasonic provides you with a magnetic flip cover along with the Panasonic P51, which clicks onto the back of the device. The device also comes along with a stylus, but unfortunately it does not have a port to stow the stylus away.

Conclusion

Priced at about Rs. 22,000, the Panasonic P51 seems overpriced given the fact that a lot of manufacturers offer more or less the same features in their smartphones for a lot less money. What works for the Panasonic P51 is its nice display and an impressive camera. Other than that, there is no real feature in this device that would make it feel like a device worthy of a recommendation in its segment.

[youtube id=”nfl4nxEAIE4″ width=”100%” height=”300px”]

July 5, 2013
Nismo Micra may be in Nissan India’s plans

The Micra has performed averagely in the Indian markets since its launch in 2010 and Nissan is well aware of it. The hatchback’s facelifted version was launched in India, immediately after its international unveiling, and with more universally attractive styling too. Reports from Autocar India suggest that Nissan is now pondering over the introduction of a hot version of the Micra, tuned by its performance division, Nismo (Nissan Motorsport).

The new Nismo Micra was revealed internationally soon after the base version and features lots of tempting updates. The Nismo Micra (or March, as it’s called in Japan) offers new bumpers, side skirts and wheels and lots of typical Nismo red accents. The international version gets a different exhaust, stiffer suspension and bigger brakes as well, but these features may not make it to India due to cost-cutting, assuming the car makes it to India at all. The Nismo Micra also has sporty and comfortable interiors.

The international model’s 114bhp, 16kgm, 1.5-litre petrol engine should however make it on to the Indian version. Nissan is working hard to make the deal go through, and introduce the Nismo Micra in the increasingly competitive Indian market, however the move has not been finalised yet. If it does go through, we can expect the car to cost upwards of Rs. 8 Lakh.

[Autocar India]

July 5, 2013
HTC Posts $41.6m Profit In Q2 2013

Taiwan smartphone maker HTC said on Friday that despite launching the flagship One smartphone — HTC’s Q2 2013 profit is down a whopping 83 percent on Q2 2012.

The result comes as the firm struggles to turn things around with its high-end HTC One smartphone and heavier marketing strategy.

Unaudited net profit in the second quarter came in at Tw$1.25 billion ($41.67-million), compared with Tw$7.4 billion a year ago but up sharply from the Tw$85 million in January-March, the company said.

Revenue fell 22 percent to Tw$70.7 billion year-on-year but surged 65 percent from quarter to quarter and was line with its own forecast of Tw$70.0 billion.

The company showed its first sign of comeback in May, when it recorded revenue of NT$29 billion ($970 million) and, though sales for June dropped 24 percent to NT$22 billion ($732 million), the company is at least continuing to be profitable.

That, unsurprisingly, is being largely credited to Samsung’s Galaxy S4, which reached the market after the HTC One but with a considerably larger marketing budget.

HTC is yet to comment on the numbers, nor indeed how the company sees its performance changing over the next quarter. Fast incoming is the HTC One Mini, if the rumor-mill is to be believed, which will supposedly bring features like the UltraPixel camera and unibody casing design to a cheaper price point, courtesy of a smaller display.

[Via]

July 5, 2013
Samsung WB110 Bridge Camera Announced

The prosumer / bridge camera market has been eerily quiet since the advent of the interchangeable lens camera, but those still looking for a simple, all-in-one shooter have found a new one in the Samsung WB110.

The new bridge camera follows on from last years WB100 snapper and in doing so boosts the sensor from 16 to 20-megapixels and brings a wide-angled 22.3mm lens into play.

The Samsung WB110 keeps the gigantic 26x optical zoom, which still sits behind some of the super-zooms on the market, but should be ample for most occasions.

The LCD measures in at 3-inches with an hVGA resolution and auto live-level adjustment so it can be viewed ideally in various lighting situations. Video outputs are AV and HDMI 1.4, and ISO (in addition to auto mode) ranges from 100 to 3200. The camera is shipped with the i-Launcher software, which only mentions PC support.

Images are saved in JPEG format, with the highest resolution being 5152 x 3864, while the minimum resolution for images is 1024 x 768. Videos can be recorded in up to 720p in MPEG4, AVC/H.264 with AAC audio at 30fps. Other recording options include 640 x 480 and 320 x 240. It’ll be available in red and black too.

Smart Auto, in still image modes, analyzes key elements in photographers’ compositions, automatically adjusting photo and movie settings to help users capture the best shot possible. Live Panorama lets you photograph seemingly endlessly panoramic shots and preview them live on the screen by holding the shutter-button and sweeping across the scene.

Samsung hasn’t revealed when it expected the Samsung WB110 to go on sale and hasn’t announced an MRP either.

July 5, 2013
Dell On Possible Smartwatch : ‘We’re exploring ideas in that space’

Not many people are interested in full-on pre-configured desktop PCs anymore and so Dell is forced to look at other form factors in order to remain afloat.

Dell is considering a move into the “wearable computing” space. Sam Burd, Dell’s global vice-president of personal computing, told the Guardian that “we’re exploring ideas in that space”.

“There are challenges in cost, and how to make it a really good experience,” Burd said. “But the piece that’s interesting is that computers are getting smaller. Having a watch on your wrist – that’s pretty interesting, pretty appealing.”

The comments suggest that Dell is considering a smartwatch, rather than an entirely new hardware paradigm such as Google Glass.

Dell has tried to take a bite of the mobile market before, but has struggled to make a success of it. TheDell Streak, the company’s 5-inch mini-tablet, showed significant promise but failed to convince the market that Android on a larger screen made sense; ironically, shortly after Android phones began rapidly increasing in screen-size, so that now the Streak’s display actually looks mid-sized.

With falling revenue matching only the slumped demand for traditional computers, the company announced a leveraged buyout of the company in February of this year by founder Michael Dell.

The buyout was set at $24.4bn but recently company directors have asked for more money, indicating that the board no longer feels confident that the deal will find shareholder approval when it comes to the vote on July 18.

[Via]

July 5, 2013
Sony’s ‘My Xperia’ Security Service To Roll Out Globally

Sony has announced that its ‘My Xperia’ service will roll out globally after a successful pilot project in the Nordic regions. The service, which uses a user’s Google login to link phone and web browser, allows users to remotely locate or wipe a device, or sound an alarm to find a lost device when close at hand.

‘My Xperia’ will be available for select 2012 and 2013 devices such as the Xperia S, Xperia ion, Xperia T, and Xperia ZL, and the app will roll out via an over-the-air update, not through the Play Store.

The full feature set is as follows:

– Sound an alert to get someone’s attention –it’ll also override silent mode and wake the display
– Map location via myxperia.sonymobile.com
– Lock the phone to keep info private, and ping a message with contact details
– Erase both internal and external SD card info / data if required

Obviously it’d be nice if Xperia owners didn’t ever need to use a tool like this, but because smartphones are small and expensive, they can easily be lost or fall prey to a thief. That’s where a tool like my Xperia would come in, helping a person to locate their lost phone or wipe all of the personal data stored on it if necessary. It sounds like a pretty useful little app, and it’d probably be wise for owners of eligible Xperia hardware to install the my Xperia app onto their handsets just to be safe. If you’ve got a recent Xperia phone laying around, be sure to keep an eye out for the arrival of the my Xperia app in the coming weeks.

The service will be available on Sony’s website in the coming weeks.

[Via]

July 5, 2013