Those lucky few who bought the first lot of Galaxy Nexus/s are complaining of issues left right and center. First there was an issue of unfinished units being shipped to customers , which was readily fixed and the units replaced. Now people are complaining of erratic volume control issues. Every time a user receives an email or any sort of iteration from a 900MHz frequency the volume control goes haywire.Check the video for a proper demo.
Blog
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Pakistan blocks words in SMSs and here is the full list
Pakistan Telecom Authority blocks certain words from being used in communication. Its Illegal!
There is a huge list of words that you can’t use when you SMS your friends in Pakistan. The reason behind it is that you can become rapists or murderers or something worse according to the authorities.
The list of the words include stuff like fondle, do me, G-unit and Pocket Pool ( sad population loss for 50 Cent)
Check out the full list of words that are banned below.
[VIA]
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Jabra Launches Halo 2 Bluetooth Headset (PR)
Jabra has launched the revision to their bluetooth headband the Halo. Dubbed the Halo 2 (thats original!) The bluetooth headset revises and ups to Bluetooth 3.0. Stay tuned for us to go hands on with a ton of accessories.
Key specifications of the Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth stereo headset:
Bluetooth 3.0 wireless technology
A2DP for wireless music streaming
AM3D Virtual Surround Sound 2.0 and Power Bass
AVRCP for remote controls (skip track, pause, etc.)
Noise Blackout™ technology with dual microphones
Foldable headband
Talk time – 8 hours
Standby time – 13 days
Micro USB charger
Dimensions – 45mm (D) x 165-190mm (H) x 136mm (W)
Weight – 2.8 ouncesPrice is set at Rs. 6499/-
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Jabra launches HALO2, the stylish Bluetooth headband
Enables users to hear music on-the-go in wired or wireless mode without missing a callIncrease/decrease volume, answer/end calls, skip tracks and play/pause music without touching or taking out the phone or music player from the pocket or bag
New Delhi, November 17, 2011: Though, mobile phones are multitasking as portable music players, 89% of the respondents in a study* commissioned by Jabra recently stated that they regularly use a music device other than their phones, indicating a growing need for a headset that’s perfect match for phones as well as music players. Jabra, a GN Netcom brand and a one of the leading Bluetooth headset vendors worldwide, today announced the launch of HALO2, a stylish Bluetooth headband that allows users to enjoy their music on-the-go and yet never miss a call. Building on the high acceptance of Jabra HALO amidst users, the HALO2 version features advanced Multiuse technology, enabling connection with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. It offers a winning combination of wireless and wired technology as it can be connected to non-Bluetooth music players as well via 3.5mm universal audio jack cable bundled along.
According to Ms. Ann Goh, Regional Sales Manager, GN Netcom, responsible for mobile products business in South East Asia, “Jabra HALO2 includes new features like AM3D Virtual Surround Sound (mimics multiple-speaker-sound that seems to come from various directions) with Power Bass, best-in-class digital signal processing (DSP) and proprietary Noise Blackout technology with dual microphones for crisp and clear music and call experience. What’s more, it has touch sensor on side that lets users adjust volume with the swipe of a finger besides a one-touch button to answer / end calls, skip tracks and play / pause songs. All of this can be done without touching or taking out the phone or the music player from the pocket or the bag.”
For comfort, the ear-pieces are cushioned with velvet and when it comes to the glamour quotient, the new metallic color-style makes Jabra HALO2 a really fashionable wear. It has a discreet extension at both the ends to suit different head sizes. Not to forget the intelligent power management or the intuitive on-off capability that saves on battery charge. Jabra HALO2 can be folded at both the ends and switches off when done so, and the moment the user unfolds it back into its regular shape, it switches itself on. Its battery lasts for 8 hours and has a standby time of 13 days. On one side, it displays the battery as well as Bluetooth connectivity status clearly such that users get to know when to charge the headband or when the pairing is weak.
Additionally, users will be able to upgrade their HALO2 with updates from Jabra as and when they become available via the in-built micro USB port. Apple-certified version of the product is also available for iPod, iPhone and iPad users.
Key specifications of the Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth stereo headset:
Bluetooth 3.0 wireless technology
A2DP for wireless music streaming
AM3D Virtual Surround Sound 2.0 and Power Bass
AVRCP for remote controls (skip track, pause, etc.)
Noise Blackout™ technology with dual microphones
Foldable headband
Talk time – 8 hours
Standby time – 13 days
Micro USB charger
Dimensions – 45mm (D) x 165-190mm (H) x 136mm (W)
Weight – 2.8 ounces* Source: May 2011, GN External Stereo Web Survey
Price: Rs 6499
Warranty: One year local warranty
Availability: Redington (National Distributor)
Contact details: Phone – 044 39181300, Email – [email protected]About GN Netcom: Through its Jabra brand, GN Netcom is a world leader in innovative headset solutions. With around 850 employees and sales offices around the world, GN Netcom develops and markets a broad range of wireless headsets and in-car speakerphones for mobile users and both wireless and corded headsets for contact center and office-based users. GN Netcom’s business activities also include its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. GN Netcom is a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S.
For more information, please visit www.jabra.com
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Micromax Launches the A85 SuperFone in India (PR)
Like Wow, Micromax finally launches the A85 Superfone in India. Boys and girls, months after the device was leaked on iGyaan Micromax has finally made the A85 Superfone official. The device is the first Micromax device with a dual core Nvidia Tegra 2 Processor. The UI is custom made with gestures and final touches from Micromax.
Key Specs of the A85 Superfone Include
- 1 GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 Processor with Geforce8
- Android 2.2 + Upgradeable
- 512 MB RAM- 8 Gb onboard storage
- 3.8 inch screen with 480×800 pixel resolution
- Capacitive Touch Screen with 4 Multitouch points
- 5 Megapixel camera with tap focus and intelligent illumination
- 1080p full hd video
The company has set the MRP of the device at Rs. 19,990/-
Check out the Leaked Videos by Bharat
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Micromax unveils A85 SUPERFONE with Gesture Control
– Powered with 1GHz dual core NVIDIA Tegra 2 Processor
– A85 offers multitasking functionality, exceptional web experience and console-quality gaming on the move
New Delhi, November 21st, 2011 Micromax Informatics Limited (“Micromax”), the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics), creates a new benchmark in enriching user experience in the smartphone category by unveiling A85 ‘SUPERFONE’
Powered with a 1.0 GHz Dual Core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor and Android 2.2 Froyo (upgradable to Ginger Bread) the users can work on various applications at the same time, like browse the Internet, check mail, blog, share photographs, and update their status on social networking sites at a lighting fast speed.
The uniqueness of the device is Gesture Control : A85 Superfone features the amazing capability to understand and respond to hand gestures, allowing to command over answering/ rejecting, scrolling Contacts, Gallery, Music player, Calendar and E Mail.
For the gaming enthusiasts, A85 offers console quality gaming. Also, the users get to download more than 2 lakh applications available with the Google Android platform.
The worldwide smartphone market is forecasted to grow 55% year over year in 2011 as a growing number of users turn in their feature phones for more advanced devices. Also, with the growing Android share worldwide, India becomes an important destination in propelling the mobile penetration through Android-powered smart phones.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rahul Sharma, Executive Director, Micromax Informatics Ltd. said “The Indian consumers have a great appetite for newer technology adoption and this inspired us come up with a product which is leap ahead of the current generation of smartphones. We think that the new SUPERFONE category of phones will help the existing feature phone users to the latest technology innovation (Gesture Control) from Micromax.
Mr. Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, NVIDIA, Asia-South said, “We are excited to partner with Micromax for their latest smartphone especially crafted for Indian users. Be it playing high-quality games or listening to music, today’s consumers require much more in their mobile handsets. Micromax A85 powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor will provide users with an enriched mobile experience with premium graphics, smooth audio-video playback, astounding gameplay, all this while consuming low battery power!”
The A85 comes with a 3.8” capacitive touchscreen, powered by NVIDIA Cortex A9 and 1.0 GHz Dual Core processor which can be used in parallel giving more power and speed to the device. The phone runs on Android 2.2 Froyo upgradable to Ginger bread and is packed with features like gesture control, Wi-Fi enabled, dual camera (5.0 MP back camera and 0.3 MP front camera) with auto focus.
The A85 has a TFT screen with a resolution of 480 X 800 pixels and is fitted with Gorilla glass for better durability and damage resistance. Micromax A85 comes with preloaded mobile applications like M! ROAMER, M! TRIM, M!APPS, SAAVN, NETQIN ANTIVIRUS, NETQIN MOBILE GUARD, TOI, BSE/NSE, ACCU WEATHER, TXTR EBOOK READER, FACEBOOK, WHATS APP, NIMBUZZ, OPERA, ZOOMIN(POSTCARD), QUIKR, IPLT20, YOUTUBE, TEENPATTI, RIPTIDE and office solution POLARIS OFFICE 3.0 which let end users easily read and edit various format documents on the go.
It comes with a 5.0 MP camera with 7.2x zoom auto focus, to give you a good picture quality. It is also capable of HD Video Recording 720p – 1080p and comes with a multi format video player giving you an ultimate cinematic experience of your favorite videos and movies.
A85 is available at an attractive price of MOP 19900/-
This model will be available across all leading outlets in India. For more information, please visit www.micromaxsuperfone.com
About Micromax:
Micromax is the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics). The Indian brand is reaching out to the global frontier with innovative products that challenge the status quo that Innovation comes with a price. Micromax has sales presence across India and global presence in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri-Lanka, Maldives, UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Afghanistan and Brazil.
* Micromax holds the 3rd position amongst the handset manufacturers in India as pre revenue with a market share of 6.9% for the FY 2011. (Source: V&D report)
About NVIDIA
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) awakened the world to computer graphics when it invented the GPU in 1999. Today, its processors power a broad range of products from smart phones to supercomputers. NVIDIA’s mobile processors are used in cell phones, tablets and auto infotainment systems. PC gamers rely on GPUs to enjoy spectacularly immersive worlds. Professionals use them to create visual effects in movies and design everything from golf clubs to jumbo jets. And researchers utilize GPUs to advance the frontiers of science with high-performance computing.The company holds more than 2,100 patents worldwide, including ones covering ideas essential to modern computing. For more information, see www.nvidia.in
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Motorla Defy + vs Sony Ericsson Xperia Active Review
Two phones, multiple battle grounds and various areas of testing. The Motorola Defy Plus in one corner and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active in the other, the two phones that appear superior in their fields. The true definition of a rugged phone is one that can withstand tortures of daily activities and more.
Build Quality & Design
Both the Xperia Active and the Defy + are made to withstand certain levels of torture, with rugged accents in both their constructions, both devices fared well in waterproof testing. The Motorola Defy + is more of a mans phone, with the industrial looks and design, the strength to withstand drops and scratches. The device is a step above the Active which is not designed to withstand drops as the backpanel scratches and withers easily . Both devices have a gorilla glass front, the Active however has a tuff display which comes preloaded with a impact sheet and a scratch protector. The Defy + has a true full feature gorilla display which does not even need a screen protector to prevent scratches or impacts.
We prefer the looks of the Defy + as a rugged phone, and the fact that it has a much larger display makes it a little bit more attractive. The Active has its own charm and can been seen as a pretty and small device, a possible option for the outgoing ladies.
Hardware and Specs
DEVICE
Sony Ericsson Xperia Active
Motorola Defy +
Availability Announced on June 2011 August 2011 Available September 2011 October 2011 Battery Capacity 1200mAh 1700 mAh Standby Time 350 hours 384 hours Talk Time 6 hours 7 hours Type Lithium Ion Lithium Polymer CPU Speed 1GHz 1GHz Type Qualcomm MSM8255 TI OMAP 3620 Camera Main 5mp (2592×1944) 5mp (2592×1944) Video 720p 720p Connectivity & Data Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR v2.1 A2DP EDR EDGE Class 32, 236.8 kbits Class 12 GPRS Class 32, 88 kbps Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 – 48 kbps GPS yes HSCSD HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps HSDPA 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 2 Mbps USB 2.0 microUSB 2.0 microUSB Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; DLNA Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; DLNA Display Colors 16.8 million 16.8 million Resolution 320×480 pixels 480×854 pixels Size 3 inches 3.7 inches Type LCD capacitive touchscreen TFT capacitive touchscreen General 2G Network GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 3G Network HSDPA 900, 2100 OR HSDPA 850, 1900, 2100 HSDPA 900, 2100 OR HSDPA 850, 2100 OR HSDPA 850, 1900 Alias ST17i, ST17a Defy+ Form Factor CandyBar CandyBar Price Range Memory Call record Unlimited Card Slot microSD, up to 32 GB, 2 GB included microSD, up to 32 GB, 2 GB included Internal 320MB, 1GB ROM 2 GB Phonebook Unlimited entries Ram 512MB 512MB Operating System Type Android Android Version 2.3 2.3 Other Features Misc Features Wet finger tracking, ANT+, Water and dust resistant Size and Weight Width 55.0 mm (2.15 inches) 59.0 mm (2.30 inches) Height 92.0 mm (3.59 inches) 107.0 mm (4.17 inches) Depth 16.5 mm (0.64 inches) 13.4 mm (0.52 inches) Weight 110 grams (3.9 ounces) 118 grams (4.1 ounces) 
Multimedia and Camera
Both devices have a 5 MP camera with LED flash, both have 720p video quality with fairly decent and frame loss capture. The cameras are autofocus and the camera on the Xperia Active performs well, especially outdoors. Both devices come with their own variants on the camera app and the one on the Xperia outshines the one on the Defy. The defy + also lacks a front facing camera for video calls over Voip.
The multimedia experience is somewhat of a dilemma, on one hand you have a larger display and a very loud speaker of the Defy+ and on the other hand you have a small display with a very vivid mobile Bravia engine and a good sounding speaker on the Xperia Active. The Defy+ also has a large resolution making the image and text quality on the device much better.
Both devices performed well in video streaming and playback and were able to sustain a good overall experience, Playing back almost all sorts of media files.
Phone and Networks
The Motorola Defy + and the Xperia Active both have solid phone capabilities, except we noticed that the Defy+ proved to be the strong one in this challenge, the network and call quality for the Defy +was excellent and there were no dropped calls whatsoever. The Defy + also showed off excellent WiFi strength compared to the weak WiFi on the Xperia Active.
The Xperia Active faced some dropped calls and intermittent connectivity issues, not enough to worry us. The WiFi was weak and the company claims that its due to the dual layer shielding on the Active.
Battery Life on the Devices :
Defy + Xperia Active Phone calls 2G 6 Hours 4.5 Hours Phone calls 3G 4.5 Hours 3 – 3.5 Hours Internet Surf over Wifi 9.5 Hours 7 Hours
Internet Surf over data 4 Hours 3.55 Hours Video Playback upto 7 Hours upto 5 Hours 
UI and Accessories
The Motorola Defy Plus comes with a custom UI on top of Android 2.3, called the MOTOBLUR it socializes your friends, pics, emails, messages, and Facebook, and Twitter happenings. MOTOBLUR syncs them all, with continuous updates and back ups. For Sony Ericsson its called TimeScape, a similar experience plus the good looks of the UI. The overview feature shows off a nice jiggly animation to look at all home screens. The device powers off with the old CRT-TV animation for Gingerbread. Where as, the icons and widgets on the MOTOBLUR are old looking and jagged, remind us of the days of the CRT TV.
The included accessories in the Xperia Active at first seem like a positive, but later out turn out to be meh!. The included extra cover is possibly the only great bit of accessory in the Active, the LiveView watch /clip is an added notification panel with a touchscreen that lets you control music and look at notifications. But guess what its not water resistant or dust proof, so much for outdoor activities. It does come with a host of straps and clips , but since the LiveView does not hold charge or connect properly to the device, you will ignore it more than use it. The Active also comes with a pre installed Screen Protector.
Conclusion
Well both phones have their plus points and downsides, We feel unless you really have a need for a rugged phone, getting some other device would be a better idea simply because of the specs that you would get. If you do need a rugged phone you need to decide between a larger screen or a smoother UI, a industrial vs a playful design. Included add-ons and goodies may or may not mean anything to you, they didn’t to us, especially because they weren’t useful.
We found the Defy Plus a better device, with better looks, battery backup, larger display and overall appeal as a rugged device- it screams Tough Book – Tough Phone!
We rate both devices equally at 4.0
Unboxing Videos
Review Video
Image Gallery
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Galaxy Nexus beats the iPhone 4S in Benchmarks
Anandtech has been busy this weekend comparing the Samsung Galaxy Nexus against the iPhone 4S. The results are in the and Android powerhouse beats the iPhone 4S in some areas.
In the SunSpider Javascript Benchmark the iPhone scored a 2250 whereas the Galaxy nexus got a 1875 ( the lower the number the better in this test). Essentially that menas that Java performance is better on the G-Nexus. In the Rightware BrowserMark test the iPhone 4S scored a 87,841 whereas the Nexus S Scored a 98,272 ( the more the better in this test). This means that the overall web index scores and rendering of webpages should be much faster on the G-Nexus compared to the the iPhone 4s. The major improvements on the web experience are said to be blamed on the enhancements of software found in Ice Cream Sandwich. 
The Graphics benchmarks revealed that the iDevices including the iPhone and the iPad performed better. In the OpenGL test the iPad and the iPhone 4S got 148.2 and 123.1 respectively, whereas the G-Nexus got a disappointing 45.2. Head on to the source link for full benchmarks and test results.
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Nook E Reader/Tablet gets the root treatment, boot loader still locked
The Kindle fire is already been rooted and in an easy process at that. The smart folks at XDA-Developers have found a way to root the Barnes and Noble tablet. The root is permanent and will stay even if you reboot the device. The boot loader still remains locked but the process allows you to side load apps and possibly custom rome and kernels to boost performance.
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Minecraft Turns 1 : Finally out of Beta
Minecraft is the largest played online game since forever. But, it has been running in Alpha and Beta builds from the beginning, up until now anyway. Minecraft designer and founder announced on Minecon 2011 that the game is finally out of beta and is available to download already. The first complete build is aptly termed Minecraft 1.0.
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Motorola Stockholders approve Google Motorola Deal (PR)
In an interesting turn of events Motorola Stockholders have changed their judgement over the Google Motorola Deal.
We are pleased and gratified by the strong support we have received from our stockholders, with more than 99 percent of the voting shares voting in support of the transaction, We look forward to working with Google to realize the significant value this combination will bring to our stockholders and all the new opportunities it will provide our dedicated employees, customers, and partners.
-Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha
Google intends to use the tens of thousands of patents it will control as a result of the merger as a new line of defense in a series of patent battles between its various Android partners and aggressively litigious companies like Apple and Microsoft.
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Motorola Mobility Stockholders Approve Merger with Google
Nov. 17, 2011
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Nov. 17, 2011 – Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) (“Motorola Mobility”) today announced that at the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders held today, stockholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the proposed merger with Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) (“Google”).
Approximately 99 percent of the shares voting at today’s Special Meeting of Stockholders voted in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement, which represented approximately 74 percent of Motorola Mobility’s total outstanding shares of common stock as of the October 11, 2011 record date for the Special Meeting.
Sanjay Jha, chairman and CEO of Motorola Mobility, said, “We are pleased and gratified by the strong support we have received from our stockholders, with more than 99 percent of the voting shares voting in support of the transaction. We look forward to working with Google to realize the significant value this combination will bring to our stockholders and all the new opportunities it will provide our dedicated employees, customers, and partners.”
As previously announced on August 15, 2011, Motorola Mobility and Google entered into a definitive agreement for Google to acquire Motorola Mobility for $40.00 per share in cash, or a total of approximately $12.5 billion. The Company previously disclosed that it expected the merger to close by the end of 2011 or early 2012. While the Company continues to work to complete the transaction as expeditiously as possible, given the schedule of regulatory filings, it currently believes that the close is expected to occur in early 2012. It is important to note however, that the merger is subject to various closing conditions, and it is possible that the failure to timely meet such conditions or other factors outside of the Company’s control could delay or prevent the Company from completing the merger altogether.
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Apple iPhone 4s Pre Orders begin in India : 16gb for INR 44,500
Airtel and Aircel have begun Pre orders for the iPhone 4S. The device which both companies claim is going to be the most selling iPhone ever is the fastest iPhone to be launched in India.
The device is also expected to hit Retail store Factory Unlocked starting December.
Hit the Link Below to check it out
[Airtel]
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DIY: Have a Crashed Ferrari, Make a Crashed Ferrari Coffee Table
Ever wondered what a Ferrari coffee table would look like? We have the right answers, and the wrong ones too. Folks over at Molinelli Designs found an ingenious way to turn a Rich mans sadness into happiness, depending on what you claim happiness is.
So taking their cue we tell you how to make this wonderful coffee table
Step 1
Be rich Enough to Afford a Ferrari.
Step 2
Be dumb enough to crash your expensive Ferrari.
Step 3 Make a coffee table with a shallow centre.
Step 4
Stuff it with your crashed Ferrari.
Step 5
Paint and cover with Glass
Enjoy!
[MAKE]
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Qualcomm: Snapdragon-powered Windows 8 PCs coming in 2012
Qualcomm has confirmed that it will launch Snapdragon chips to support the Windows 8 architecture. CEO Paul Jacobs confirmed that his company is working with Microsoft in an effort to deploy Windows 8-powered computers that run on Qualcomm’s ARM-based Snapdragon processors.
We’re going to see some interesting stuff going on,Windows 8 on ARM is a big opportunity
-CEO Paul Jacobs, Qualcomm
The task is not going to be easy since all apps and the whole windows architecture is designed to run on x86 processors. The applications will need to be rewritten to work on ARM processors.
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Nokia Lumia 900 Revealed in Leaked Promo
Not tastefully satisfied with the recently launched Nokia 710 and Nokia 800, Then Nokia still has a few other number up its sleep. Poof and here is the Nokia Lumia 900, code-named Ace, is expected to feature a 4.3-inch ClearBlack AMOLED display, a 1.4GHz processor and an 8-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics.
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AutoGyaan : 2012 CRV shown of at LA motor show (PR)
The 2012 CRV is a no brainer, the anticipated SUV has been a little bit of disappointing in India for the past couple of years. With a a slightly revamped exterior that looks like the prime finish on a Mahindra XUV 500 (especially in the Rear).
Honda’s 2.4-liver i-VTEC four-cylinder powers this not-so badboy, with 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is still the old one from the existing one, poor old dying gearbox. The company did not make major changes to the design or the technology behind the vehicle.
New Age features in the 2012 CR-V will include standard Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a multi-angle rearview camera and a full-color information display. The CR-V will also receive SMS text messaging capability, which reads incoming text messages over the audio system.
The new CRV is expected to Hit India sometime in Q2 2012, Pricing seems to be upwards of 25 Lac.
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]All-New, Completely Redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V Debuts at LA Auto Show
Popular SUV introduces innovative features for music and SMS texting, new Real Time AWD system debuts, and FWD model achieves 31 mpg highway EPA rating
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 – The all-new, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2012 CR-V introduces an upscale styling direction, greater fuel efficiency, and added features and functionality. The CR-V will go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 15th.
With the previous-generation CR-V recognized as a “Top Recommended Vehicle” and having the “Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000” by Edmunds.com, and named top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates, the all-new 2012 model introduces the latest evolution of Honda’s successful CR-V formula. Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an ideal balance for size and capability in the entry SUV segment. The all-new five-passenger CR-V offers improved car-like interior comfort, a smoother and quieter ride, and even more innovative features than the previous model.
Powerful and Efficient 4-Cylinder Engine
Leading the changes are a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD) (an increase of +1/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V). Eco Assist, a new feature on the CR-V for 2012, indicates to the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via “green” visual cues surrounding the speedometer, and a selectable ECON Mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style.New Standard Features
New for 2012 standard features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features on all models include a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature), a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another first is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface , compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle’s audio controls and i-MID.Model Range
The CR-V lineup starts with the CR-V LX model, now with more standard equipment for 2012. The CR-V LX is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, i-MID, remote entry, a 160-watt, a 4-speaker audio system, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX adds an upgraded six-speaker audio system, power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. The CR-V EX-L builds on the rich features of the CR-V EX and adds a leather-trimmed interior, 10-way power driver’s seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM® Radio and much more. Available features for the CR-V EX-L include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System (not available with Navigation). Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ is an available feature on each model.Design
The 2012 CR-V body adopts a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance compared to the previous generation. The CR V’s spacious interior layout is more accommodating with a roomy new center console (now standard) and an overall lower cargo floor height for easy loading and unloading. The new Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the release levers located near the tailgate, or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side.Safety
Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment VSA, an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash.Warranty
The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.[/toggle] -
Google Launches Google Music , only in the US now
Yet another music service launched, yet another disappointing story for India. The company is partnering with Universal, EMI, Sony Music and no less than 23 independent labels on the service that covers about 13 million songs in total, 8 million of which are available today.
Google Music will have a number of exclusive offerings from the labels, including concerts from the likes of The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Pearl Jam and The Dave Matthews Band, and the exclusive debut of Busta Rhymes’ latest album. The DIY-like software allows virtually anyone to sell and price their music,, brilliant for upcoming Artists.
Here is hoping this one arrives in India as promised.
