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HP Shows off new Split x2 Windows Hybrid and Android based SlateBook x2
HP is in the big for Android this time around, as they show off two new clamshell units, one of which is a Tegra 4 based Android Tablet. HP has had a lot of success with its Envy X2 detachable hybrid and plans to expand the x2 series to make room for two follow-on products: the Split x2 (a Windows 8 hybrid) and the SlateBook x2 (an Android tablet).

The specs on the Split x2 include:
The SlateBook x2 Specs include
[toggle title=”Press Release”]HP Expands x2 Detachable PC Portfolio to Enable Ultimate Flexibility
New two-in-one detachable PCs with Android or Windows 8 offer mobility, productivity

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 15, 2013 – HP today announced the HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2, two detachable PCs that offer the full functionality of a notebook with a removable screen that also is a sleek tablet. Powered by the Android and Microsoft® Windows® 8 operating systems (OS), respectively, these versatile two-in-one devices combine power and portability, giving customers the flexibility to create, consume and share content in more places.

HP’s unmatched portfolio of next-generation PCs is designed to enable users to connect
with their information on devices that easily adapt to their needs. By releasing the
magnetic hinge, users can move elegantly between the two form factors-tablet and
notebook PC-all in one device.

– The HP SlateBook x2 is the first Android detachable device with the NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, providing users more realistic gaming, fast web browsing and smooth high-definition (HD) video playback.
– The HP Split x2, powered by the Windows 8 OS, features a 13.3-inch diagonal display and powerful processor and is ideal for work or play.

“Customers want to access and share content anywhere, anytime, on any internet connected device-and they expect those connections to be seamless,” said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer PCs, HP. “The HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2 are next-generation devices and the latest examples of our continued commitment to evolving the computing experience by providing the flexibility necessary for customers to be productive at home, at the office or on the go.”

The HP SlateBook x2 and Split x2 join the award-winning HP ENVY x2 as part of HP’s detachable PC portfolio. The HP SlateBook x2 also joins the HP Slate7 as part of HP’s push to offer access to the Google experience, and to provide access through multiple operating systems.

HP SlateBook x2
The HP SlateBook x2 enables users to shift effortlessly from entertainment to work by combining tablet portability with notebook productivity in a sleek, lightweight device that uses the popular Android operating system. With an advanced magnetic hinge design and dual battery system-one battery in the base and one in the tablet-users can easily switch from notebook to tablet and back, even while on the go.

Ensuring users don’t trade functionality for portability, the HP SlateBook x2 features Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and delivers the Google experience with services like Google Now, Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive and Google+ Hangouts for multiperson video chat as well as access to apps and digital content through Google Play.

The SlateBook x2 features an NVIDIA Tegra 4 mobile processor, enabling users to access the TegraZone app and experience Tegra 4-optimized games. The 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display delivers crisp lines, sharp images and precision color while reducing glare. The SlateBook x2 also includes 64 MB of storage and DTS Sound+ Solution for accessing and enjoying photos, music and videos.

HP’s exclusive native printing capability allows users to print directly from most applications.

HP Split x2
The HP Split x2 is a versatile, two-in-one detachable PC that combines power and portability with the Windows 8 operating system and powerful 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor family. Consumers can now enjoy a high-performance ultraportable notebook suited for virtually any intensive task, and that doubles as a 13-inch tablet to give unparalleled entertainment capability for playing games, videos and more.

Whether being used as a high-performance notebook or a tablet, the vibrant 13.3-inch
diagonal HD touchscreen display makes it easier to view and share content, play games
with friends and family, or enjoy high-quality music with HP Connected Music and Beats Audio, which provides the best-sounding, richest audio experience on a PC.

An optional hard disk in the base expands storage capacity while dual batteries allow
users to stay ultramobile.

The HP Split x2 offers an eye-catching design with a soft-touch coating that provides a
comfortable hold and shows fewer fingerprints. The HP Split x2 also offers exclusive HP
innovations such as a 2-megapixel HP TrueVision Full HD webcam and the HP ClickPad
for precise multifinger and gesture navigation.

HP complements its new PCs with a suite of exclusive solutions and services that provide
an array of simple and easy-to-access support tools and resources to help customers take full advantage of all the features that HP has to offer. Customers can add to the standard product limited warranty with HP Care Pack services to protect new HP products, and enhance the overall experience with accidental damage protection that helps consumers breathe easier when accidental drops, spills, and surges occur.

For the HP SlateBook x2, customers can purchase the HP Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection, which helps them avoid out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs and provides door-to-door service to the consumers’ homes so they are back up and running in no time. For the HP Split x2, customers can buy the HP Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection bundled with Lojack, which allows customers to take immediate action to prevent data access if the PC is stolen.

Pricing and availability
The HP SlateBook x2 and HP Split x2 are expected to be available in the United States in August with starting prices of $479.99 and $799.99, respectively.

Additional information about the HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2 is available at www.hp.com/x2 and The Next Bench.[/toggle]
May 15, 2013
Revamped Google Maps Show up on Signup Page, Ahead of Google I/O

Just before the Google I/O event the sign-up page for “the new Google Maps” briefly went live showing off atleast one of the things Google has planned for the mega yearly event. Droid-Life managed to grab some screenshots, indicating that the company is working on a smarter Google Maps, which will show the cartography based on the information you are looking for. Users will use a “smarter search box” to highlight just the “things that matter most”.

Ground Transportation, Flights and even Google Earth has been integrated directly into the main Google Maps, making for a more seamless approach towards the mapping use.

May 15, 2013
Blackberry Q5 Launched, Budget BB10 device for Emerging Markets
At the BlackBerry Live event in Orlando, Thorsten Heins kicked off the company’s major annual event with a brief mention of the latest BB10 device, the Q5.

The phone will launch in the summer around the world, Heins said during its BlackBerry Live conference here today.

The BlackBerry Q5 looks similar to the Q10, and features a physical full keyboard and a 3.1-inch touchscreen display. It will come with the features found in BlackBerry 10.1, which comes with the Q10 now and will be available to the Z10 starting today.

The below highlights come from Blackberry’s Blog Post

Highlights and features of the BlackBerry Q5
[toggle title=”Press Release”]BlackBerry Introduces a Youthful and Fun BlackBerry 10 QWERTY smartphone, the BlackBerry Q5, for Selected Markets

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – May 14, 2013) – BlackBerry(R) (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) today introduced the BlackBerry(R) Q5, a new youthful and fun BlackBerry(R) 10 smartphone for selected markets. The BlackBerry Q5 smartphone features a QWERTY keyboard with discrete keys in a stunning youthful design that is confident, fun, and bold. Every feature, every part of the BlackBerry Q5 has been built to provide a fast, effortless experience that flows and moves with you to help you explore, create, and share while on the go.

“BlackBerry is excited to bring a new BlackBerry QWERTY smartphone, the BlackBerry Q5, to our customers in selected markets around world,” said Thorsten Heins, President and CEO of BlackBerry. “The BlackBerry Q5 gives you the best of everything with its cutting-edge BlackBerry 10 functionality and a physical QWERTY keyboard. It is for youthful fans that are passionate, confident and bold, and it makes it easy for them to have fun, create, share and stay connected.”

As part of the BlackBerry 10 experience, the BlackBerry Q5 smartphone offers a powerful and unique mobile computing experience that continuously adapts to your needs. Features and apps work seamlessly together, allowing your every move to flow into the next. Highlights of the BlackBerry Q5 smartphone include:

The evolution of the classic BlackBerry Keyboard

The BlackBerry Q5 features a classic BlackBerry Keyboard with discrete keys that has been re-engineered and elegantly designed to help you type fast, accurately and with the least amount of effort. Plus with Instant Action shortcuts you can type to perform tasks faster. The BlackBerry Q5 smartphone gives you the best of both worlds – a classic QWERTY keyboard for optimized communications and a 3.1″ touchscreen for all the rest.

Create the perfect shot with BlackBerry Time Shift mode and Story Maker

Create the picture perfect shot with BlackBerry(R) Time Shift mode, then create and share your story, weaving together your photos, videos and music into a movie with BlackBerry(R) Story Maker.

Share and be seen with BBM Video with Screen Share

Instantly switch your BBM(TM) (BlackBerry(R) Messenger) chat to a BBM Video conversation and catch up face-to-face. You can even share your screen, whether it’s a photo, a page in the browser, an idea, or a view from your camera.(i)

Stay close to what’s important to you with BlackBerry Hub

With BlackBerry(R) Hub, all of your messages and social conversations are only one swipe away. There’s no need to stop what you’re doing. Simply peek into the BlackBerry Hub from anywhere with a swipe to effortlessly flow in and out of your messages and conversations.

BlackBerry World delivers a rich, thriving app and content ecosystem

Discovering and sharing great apps and content is easier than ever with recommendations based on similar purchases, and access to more than 100,000 apps on the BlackBerry(R) World(TM) storefront.

Pricing and Availability

The new BlackBerry Q5 smartphone will be available in selected markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia (including the Asia Pacific region), and Latin America, with expected availability beginning in July.[/toggle]
May 15, 2013
BBM app will come to Android and iOS this Summer

In a shift of strategies Blackberry has announced that they will be launching the BBM app on Android and iOS for free this summer. Available to users running iOS 6 and Android 4.0 ICS or higher, the free BBM app will bring the magic of BBm messaging to every handset.

On the outset, however, only the messaging and group features will be accessible for outside users, but by the end of the year, the company plans to bring about the coveted BBM voice, BBM channels, screen sharing and video capabilities.

Rumors of Blackberry (Previously Research In Motion) following this path have been around for years, and with an official statement form the company chief it looks like it is done.

Blackberry has also announced Channels. BBM Channels is a new way for BBM users to connect with the businesses, brands, celebrities and groups they are passionate about.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]BBM for iOS and Android to Launch This Summer

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – May 14, 2013) – BlackBerry(R) (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) today announced plans to make its ground-breaking mobile social network, BlackBerry(R) Messenger (BBM(TM)), available to iOS(R) and Android(TM) users this summer, with support planned for iOS6, and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher, all subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play. BBM sets the standard for mobile instant messaging with a fast, reliable, engaging experience that includes delivered and read statuses, and personalized profiles and avatars. Upon release, BBM customers would be able to broaden their connections to include friends, family and colleagues on other mobile platforms.

In the planned initial release, iOS and Android users would be able to experience the immediacy of BBM chats, including multi-person chats, as well as the ability to share photos and voice notes, and engage in BBM Groups, which allows BBM customers to create groups of up to 30 people.

“For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem, at BlackBerry.

BBM is loved by customers for its “D” and “R” statuses, which show up in chats to let people know with certainty that their message has been delivered and read. It provides customers with a high level of control and privacy over who they add to their contact list and how they engage with them, as invites are two-way opt-in. iOS and Android users would be able to add their contacts through PIN, email, SMS or QR code scan, regardless of platform. Android users would also be able to connect using a compatible NFC-capable device.

BBM has more than 60 million monthly active customers, with more than 51 million people using BBM an average of 90 minutes per day. BBM customers collectively send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day, nearly twice as many messages per user per day as compared to other mobile messaging apps. Almost half of BBM messages are read within 20 seconds of being received; indicating how truly engaged BBM customers are.

Today, BlackBerry also announced BBM Channels, a new social engagement platform within BBM that will allow customers to connect with the businesses, brands, celebrities and groups they are passionate about. BlackBerry plans to add support for BBM Channels as well as voice and video chatting for iOS and Android later this year, subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play.

If approved by Apple and Google, the BBM app will be available as a free download in the Apple(R) App Store(SM) and Google Play store. Additional details about system requirements and availability will be announced closer to the launch.[/toggle]

May 15, 2013
Panasonic to Launch Quad Core P51 in India on May 16th

Panasonic is finally ready to take on the Android Ecosystem all over again, and they will launch their first device right here in India on May 16th. The Panasonic P5i is expected to run on a Quad Core Chipset clocked at 1.2 GHz, and will have a 5 inch HD display, an 8 MP main camera and a 2.1 MP front facing camera.

Funnily enough we had spotted Panasonic’s name during the launch of the Mediatek 6589 chipset, and the rumored specs of the Panasonic P5i manage to match those seen on the Canvas HD. Maybe Panasonic is getting ready to launch a budget phone in India?, or maybe its all hokum. Either way we will know when we make our way to the launch of the Smartphone on 16th May and get you all the details here on iGyaan.

So Stay Tuned!

May 14, 2013
Oppo to launch Find 5 in India Starting Rs. 27,445

Oppo is prepping to launch its flagship phone the Find 5 in India for a price of Rs. 27,445 for the 16GB variant and Rs. 31,259 for the 32 GB variant. The company made famous by the Apple lawsuit in china is now foraying into international markets with their Android powered smartphones.

The Find 5 has a 5 inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with 16M colors and 441PPI IPS pixel density with features technology that combines touch sensors like on the HTC One and LG Optimus G making the display float on top. Its screen is also protected by Gorilla 2 Glass and has the super slim 3.25mm bezel which makes it appear slimmer in profile.

The Find 5 features a 13-megapixel rear camera sensor which rivals that on the Xperia Z, Optimus G and Galaxy S4. The Sensor has Stacked CMOS technology with with HDR, it features an f/2.2 aperture, 4-layer coating and blue glass filters. The Burst mode enables100 photos at 5 frames per second .

The front facing camera has 1.9-megapixel resolution and will capture HD Video.

For hardware the Oppo Find 5 series has a Qualcomm APQ8064 Quad-Core processor clocked at 1.5GHz with the Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB RAM.

The Oppo Find 5 comes out of the box with Android 4.1.2 and their own custom UI, the handset will soon be updated to Android 4.2. Color options include a Black and a White version, and should go on sale in India in the coming weeks. Expect full reviews, with comparisons on iGyaan soon after.

May 14, 2013
Hipstamatic Oggl app comes to WP8 to fill the void of Instagram

The lack of Instagram on Windows Phone 8 is seriously taking its toll on the users and by the looks of it Hupstamatic is here to provide some relief. The app Oggl was shown off at Nokia’s London event with a WP8 UI, and presently it is unknown if this is a Lumia exclusive App or will be available throughout the Windows Phone 8 lineup of smartphones.

The app features several filters as seen on Hipstamatic iPhone app, including the famous food filter, and users can buy packs to upgrade these filters. Sharing is available on Oggl and the app will connect to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

May 14, 2013
Nokia’s new Smart Camera app adds filters, will come to every Lumia device with Amber update

Nokia has just launched the Nokia Lumia 925, the phone features a new Smart Camera app that adds to the imaging capabilities of the Lumia series.

The Smart Camera app has improved low-light performance and noise reduction, and will burst capture at 5-megapixels, with the full 8.7-megapixels available in single-shooting mode.

Nokia will be pushing out “Amber,” an update that’ll bring Smart Cam, amongst other apps, to the company’s wider range of Windows Phone 8 devices especially the recent high end Lumia Devices.

See some of the apps features below.

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May 14, 2013
Nokia Launches Aluminum body Lumia 925 in London, € 469, Available June

Nokia has launched the new Lumia 925 in London at a press conference today. While all Lumia phones till date have been plastic the new Lumia 925 has a completely Aluminum Frame. While most of the specs remain same and the phone has the same dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 1GB RAM and 8.7-megapixel OIS camera of the 920, the Lumia 925 is almost 50 grams (1.8 ounces) lighter than last year’s Lumia 920.

Even with the 8.8mm profile, there’s an identical 2,000mAh battery but the Wiless charging has been removed to accomodate the profile of the new Lumia 925. For those who are disheartened, an accessory cover can be had which will re-enable said wireless features. The colors include red, yellow, black and white. The Lumia 925 model also sports an 4.5-inch AMOLED screen with the resolution of the Lumia 920 (1280 x 768px) it will enjoy superior black levels thanks to the Amoled tech in the display.

The display also has Gorilla Glass 2, with ClearBlack tech and a high-brightness mode for improved outdoor visibility and hopefully the same hyper touch tech that lets you use the Lumia 920 with gloves on.

The Camera is the same 8.7-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor, but Nokia has added another lens to make it a 6 Carl Zeiss Lens camera, this 6th lens element improves sharpness of images.

Lumia 925 Camera Samples

The Lumia 925 will launch in parts of Europe and China this June, priced at 469 euros (roughly $609 or INR 33500), India should see similar pricing and availability this summer.

[toggle title=”Read Press Release”]Nokia introduces Nokia Lumia 925

New interpretation of world’s most innovative smartphone captures the best low light images
London, UK – Nokia today introduced the Nokia Lumia 925, a new interpretation of its award-winning flagship, the Nokia Lumia 920. The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces a metal design and showcases the latest PureView camera innovation, new features and third party applications coming to the Nokia Lumia range.

The Nokia Lumia 925 includes the most advanced lens technology and next generation imaging software to capture clearer, sharper pictures and video, including the best low light images. The Nokia Lumia 925 also introduces the new Nokia Smart Camera mode, coming as an update to all Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones. Nokia Smart Camera offers an easy way to capture ten images at once and edit the pictures with options like Best Shot, Action Shot, and Motion Focus for creating the perfect high quality image.

Nokia also announced Hipstamatic will arrive on Nokia Lumia smartphones, allowing people to share their high quality pictures with like-minded enthusiasts on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Instagram.

“We keep innovating,” said Jo Harlow, executive vice president of Nokia Smart Devices. “We’re advancing experiences on Nokia Lumia portfolio whether that means great new benefits for an existing Lumia owner, or bringing new showcase devices like the Nokia Lumia 925.”
The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces metal for the first time to the Nokia Lumia range, bringing appeal and unique benefits like increased robustness.

The polycarbonate back comes in white, grey or black. A wireless charging cover can be clipped onto the back of the phone to take advantage of Nokia’s extensive wireless charging accessories and ecosystem. Covers, sold separately, come in white, black, yellow, and red.
Leading Nokia services, such as the HERE suite of integrated location and navigation services and Nokia Music for unlimited streaming of free music playlists, add to the great proposition offered by Nokia’s latest smartphone.

Sales are expected to start in UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and China in June, followed by the US and a number of other markets. The Nokia Lumia 925 will be priced around 469 EUR before taxes and subsidies. Country-specific pricing and availability will be announced locally.[/toggle]

May 14, 2013
Facebook for iOS gets updated with Photo Viewer Button; Save, share or make profile!

The Facebook App on iOS just got an Update on their version 6.1.1 . The new update brings about a Photo Viewer button that lets you save or share an image you are viewing from your handheld, and also set is as you profile image, making handling of images a lot better on iOS devices.

A few other improvements include , enhanced “places editing” while checking in on the iPhone on Facebook and faster load times for Events which are compressed on server side and delivered to the handsets.

Facebook has seen a growth in Mobile Platform usage for its apps by almost 200% in the last year and the company expects these numbers to grow tremendously in the coming two quarters.

May 14, 2013
Google Unifies Cloud storage b/w GMail, Drive and Google + also For Enterprise

Google has unified its cloud services starting yesterday offering a total of 15GB of storage to people using multiple Google services. With the same ID now you get 15GB of total storage across the three services, giving a boost to those who use drive more vs email or vice-versa.

Businesses using Google Apps will see their storage increase from 25 Gb to 30 GB across the services.

This move from Google comes as no surprise, as the company aligns with their storage model and frees up a lot of space from those people who were not using services on either side of Drive.

This bigger number also makes the Google Service a lot more appealing than the lower free storage from say Dropbox.

What’s more Google’ has added significantly cheaper upgrade plans to Drive, starting $4.99/month for 100GB which would get shared across the services, removing the previous 25 GB Gmail upgrade limit.

These changes to Google Drive storage will roll out over the next couple of weeks.

[VIA]

May 14, 2013
Nokia Lumia 925 Leaked in low-res Press Shot

Just hours before their official launch in London, Nokia’s Lumia 925 aka Catwalk has been leaked. Following along with the leaks of the past the design is fully metallic and appears to be much slimmer than the previous generation Lumia devices. The overall design of the back shell also appears to be a bit different compared to the existing Lumias, with the front to back taper towards the edges, The edges also appear to be more squarish compared to the usual rounding seen on Nokia phones.

Nokia will full Launch the phone in a couple of hours, so stay tuned for the specs.

Update : An image of the back panel has leaked too.

[via]

May 14, 2013
Exclusive : Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle Leaked, 5.3 inch Quad Core at Rs 16,999

We just checked our inbox and a tipster just sent us a few pictures of the upcoming Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle. This is Micromax’s revision to the A110 Canvas2 and will feature interesting specs to boot. A 5.2 inch multitouch capacitive screen, along with a Quadcore Mediatek 1.2 GHz processor.

The Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle will also have 4 GB of inbuilt storage and 512 MB of RAM (seems like a misprint) according to images. The Main camera is an 8 MP autofocus camera and the secondary camera is a 2.1 MP snapper, Both should be capable of HD Video.

The main display is a 5.3 inch Hypersensitive display which is expected to be at least 1280 x 720p in terms of resolution.

If the images are carefully examined this looks like Micromax’s take on the Galaxy S4 with the UI quite identical to that seen on Samsung’s new flagship. The MRP. of the product has been set at Rs. 16,999 but should be available for under Rs. 15,000 when it is launched.

At just under 10mm the phone is fairly slim and according to rumors should feature a hypersensitive display capable of stylus input, hence the name “Doodle”. As per the packaging Evernote and Skitch are also preloaded on the smartphone for out of the box functionality

Previously leaked images have shown the Dual Sim slots, keeping in tradition of the Canvas series, the Canvas Doodle will also have dual sim capabilities, with possibly dual Active Sim cards.

Micromax has enjoyed a huge amount of success with their Canvas Series and this device by the looks of it will add to that success. Stay tuned for more updates!

[Thanks Rohit]

May 13, 2013
Sony reveals prototype 13.3 E Ink Display tablet with stylus, Aims at Future Students

Sony has just shown off a new prototype the E-paper Slate, which combines as the name suggests an E-Ink display and a Stylus to bring about digital classrooms. Packed with a 13.3-inch screen (1,200 x 1,600px) with an electromagnetic induction touchscreen for accessing menus and scrolling using a Stylus.

The device currently only supports a few file formats including PDF and is sized up at only 6.8mm thick with a light weight of 385 gms.

The Slate is also equipped with onboard storage of 4GB and an expansion slot that can enable increase in capacity for the student. If the need arises. The Battery life is also supposed to be marvelous with over 3 weeks of usage, incase of wireless networks being off. The Software updates will be pushed OTA thanks to Wifi connectivity along with the ability to pass along notes wirelessly.

The prototype is functional to the extent that the company will begin summer 2013 tests, for late 2013 availability for the the E-Paper Slate, In Japan atleast.

May 13, 2013
HTC One Review

HTC has been flirting with Android phones from the beginning of the Ecosystem, But they only recently picked up pace thanks to the HTC One Series. The new HTC One, also referred to as the M7 is a beginning of a whole new design philosophy for the company. Does the HTC One feature all that is required to be the king of the robotic Jungle? Lets Find out.

Build Quality and Design

[pullquote_left]Ecstatic Expression on your Face![/pullquote_left]From the moment you handle the HTC One for the first time, you get this ecstatic expression on your face, you are wow’d by the design and simply amazed by the display. A shiver passes through your hands as you feel the Unibody design fit inside you hand almost perfectly as if it was designed for it.

The HTC One is cast from a single shell unibody Aluminum block, that curves at the back but is flat in the front. The two network bands that run across the back add network strength and aesthetic value to the complete mixture. Also embedded in the back is a subtle HTC logo.

The build, although very tough and robust, feels very damage friendly. The front has Gorilla Glass 2 , but does not have a lay on the table design, in other words if you lay the phone on the screen, the glass will touch the surface that you lay the phone on. The phone seems so metallic in-fact, that every time you hold it, you worry about it getting dented, if you nick it against a door or a table edge. The fear quickly goes away as you start to use the phone and realize how tough, and scratch resistant the back of the phone is.

The Design strategy infuses the technology they learnt in making the HTC Windows Phone 8 and a mix of their research and experience with metals in the past with their Desire series. The HTC One is a perfect balance, of build quality, design, aesthetic and that wonderful Awe factor it causes in you everytime you pick it up.

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Hardware

[pullquote_left]right fuse of external and internal[/pullquote_left]HTC has packed the HTC One with just the right amount of specs. Even when a product can never be ahead of technology, the HTC One is a right fuse of external and internal technology. Powered by a 2300 mAh non – replaceable battery, the HTC One carries a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Chipset with a wonderfully snappy QuadCore 1.7 GHz CPU. The Graphics are provided by a Adreno 320 GP which remains superior in terms of Mobile Graphics rendering. This intense capability is supported by 2GB of RAM and 32 or 64 GB of storage.

The Back features an Ultrapixel Camera which has a larger pixel size, making it sufficient at just 4 MP, and the front features a 2.1 MP snapper, both capture full HD video. The main camera is also assisted by an LED flash.

The Gorgeous front features a 4.7 inch 1920 x 1080p IPS LCD 3 display with an intense 469 ppi making is one of the highest pixel density phones in the market.

UltraPixel Camera on the HTC ONE

Ultrapixel is a word that does not exist in the dictionary, or at least that was the case before the HTC One. The camera comprises of a larger sensor and a larger size of the pixels that combine together to form the sensor. The camera combined with the software on the inside of the HTC One the is able to capture extremely high detail in an image. The large sensor and pixel size also opens up the sensor to low light subjects, allowing for better image quality in dim lighting conditions.

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The images come out extremely sharp to about a 8×12 inch size, post which you will see degradation of the images.

We found that the Video Captured by the HTC One is wonderfully vivid and captured without any stutter, rolling shutter was at a minimum and almost no aliasing was seen in the video. The Autofocus keeps jumping in and out during video especially if you are close to your subject, this can be painfully bothersome while recording or even while playing back. This is however fixed by turning off Continuos AF during video capture at the cost of loss of focus.

The HTC Zoe feature within the camera is a wonderful add on, not only does it create beautiful timelines and videos demonstrating your photo groups it also allows you to modify pictures, remove photo bombers, and a lot more. This truly enables a social sharer to stay on top of his game adding just a right amount of usefulness.

We did a comparison of the cameras of the top smartphones, and HTC One performed excellently well in low light and landscape capture.

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BlinkFeed and HTC Sense

Here is where we begin to applaud HTC again, whether the BlinkFeed UI is useful or not, HTC with their new ONE has attempted to totally change the norm. While most companies just upgrade the UI, HTC revamps it time and again. They changed it with Sense 4.0 and now they changed it again with the new BlinkFeed on Sense 5.0.

[pullquote_right]practicality and ingenuity[/pullquote_right]A lot of previous owners will complain at the removal of features of the past HTC Sense UI. But, the new experience is a great mix of practicality and ingenuity. Blinkfeed on the HTC One is nothing more than an aggregator, it collects your favorite news streams, your Social Networks and even your connections to display them in a beautiful, seamless, Flipboard-esque interface which will also remind you of the Windows Phone UI.

App Drawer

Weather Widget

Phone Dialer

BlinkFeed

Keyboard

LockScreen

The information is clean and laid out quickly and beautifully, almost making you go back to it again and again. The other features of HTC Sense are also found in the UI, the Music App, Car Mode, Flashlight App, big chunky widgets and the oh so famous Weather / Flip clock widget are all there.

The HTC TV app is not currently available in India, and currently cannot be manually configured. The Power button does have an IR blaster inbuilt so it does function as a remote, but the functionality will be added at a later time. You should possibly be able download 3rd party apps to enable this feature soon.

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Display and Multimedia

The HTC One has a gorgeous 1920 x 1080p display, and honestly it looks absolutely stunning, even outdoors. The LCD3 technology with an IPS panel and extremely high pixel density set it apart for the mix. The Screen floats right on top with the touch panel, thanks to the fused display technology borrowed from LG, touching the HTC One feels like touching the elements of the display.

[pullquote_right]eliminates muffling[/pullquote_right]Watching Videos, playing games and other forms of media is fantastic thanks to HTC BoomSound, a wonderful thought of putting the Stereo Speakers in a forward facing manner, makes the audio extremely accurate and clear. It also eliminates muffling due to accidental finger touches and is easily heard especially while playing games.

The HTC One also contains a FM radio which does require a headset to be connected for reception. Audio from the included earphones is absolutely great and in the history of in box earphones, these have to be one of the better ones if not the best. Beats audio is available throughout the array of hardware that you can connect to the Smartphone.

Performance and Battery

The HTC One came out on top in terms of performance tests. The hardware is quite capable of handling all the tasks that you can throw at it with wonderful accuracy and flair. The chipset can handle, multitasking, heavy gaming and performance tasks with ease and still have power to calculate under formulas.

Benchmarks for the early developer build beat all scores of the market at the time. For reference the latest build of the HTC One scores a fantastic 12030 on Quadrant, without tweaks of any kind.

The phone does heat up a lot with extended use, which is normal for any smartphone, but the extended use of metals is what makes it uncomfortable to hold or even pocket.

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Battery on the HTC One is wonderfully managed by the interface, when not in use (aka; standby) the phone barely drains at all unlike other Android devices, the Blinkfeed can be configured to refresh manually to even improve battery life a tad bit more. Often times we found battery life to be good enough to go on into day two.

[tabgroup]

[tab title=”Battery Life with 3G ON” icon=”icon-headphones”]Talk time : 5 Hours
Standby : 48 Hours
Gaming : 3.5 Hours
Online : 6 hours
Music 8 hours[/tab]

[tab title=”Battery Life with 3G OFF” icon=”icon-headphones”]Talk time : 6 Hours
Standby : 54 Hours
Gaming : 3.5 Hours
Online : 6 hours (wifi)
Music 8.5 hours[/tab]

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Phone and Networks

HTC has always been able to handle networks and phone capabilities in their devices, same is the case for the HTC One. The networks remained strong throughout and audio whether incoming or outgoing was crisp as ever. In our days of testing the phone, we had but only a few dropped calls, which can easily be blamed on the lack of network coverage.

HTC has kept it usual features for phone capabilities, loud ringer in the pocket, flip to mute etc are all included making handling of phone calls an easy recipe.

Conclusion

The HTC One is not a perfect smartphone, no smartphone is. But the HTC One, comes as close as it can to delivering a perfect balance between many elements that make up todays smartphone. It is a flagship so it is priced high, but with that price it brings about a sense of achievement, a sense of ownership and pride. A mixed bag of feelings and emotions emerge when you hold and use the HTC One for the first time. Most people cannot stop themselves from passing a smile when they first handle this behemoth of a device. A great phone, a wonderful crisp display enabling a joyful multimedia device and a performance warehouse of the tech junkie. Sure it lacks a lot of software patches and gimmicks, but in entirety of usage it lacks almost nothing.

Full Review Video

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Images

May 13, 2013