Tag: andro

iGyaan Holiday Guide : Best Smartphones for 20000 Rupees
Continuing on with our Tradition of Holiday Guides today we bring the best phones under the 20,000 Rupees mark (15,000 – 20,000), Of course you can check out our under 15,000 guide and Under 10,000 Guide if they better suits your purpose.

(In order of preference)

Android Phones

Samsung Galaxy R (Rs. 20,000) : Have 20k to spend? This is our pick for smartphone under the 20 thousand mark. The dual core smartphone is available at online retailers for prices well below 19k including deals, searching will get you a good deal. The phone performs great and a review done for the second time, by us, will fill you in on required info.

LG Optimus 2X (Rs 18,599) : Although the phone fared poorly in our review, The device has been rooted, modded and been patched to fix all software glitches of the stock ROM, This is a alternative dual core smartphone for the modder and cellphone tweaker. This phone will keep you busy for hours. If you plan to mess around with software on your device this is your poison. Although this may not help you Our Review is here

Motorola Defy Plus (Rs 17,000) : The best rugged phone in this class, with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 512MB ram a 3.7 inch WXGA screen and endless hours of outdoor fun. This is your device if you love the outdoors but want in on the latest smartphone action. The Defy Plus will most probably get the ICS update since it has all supporting hardware ( Considering that Motorola is almost a Google entity now) . Our complete review with the higher priced Xperia Active is here.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V ( Rs 17,499) : Five words : “Timescape plus Mobile Bravia Engine” define what Android on a smartphone should look like. There is nothing that looks and performs as good as the TimeScape UI (Considering only Android OS)on Sony Ericsson Phones ( according to us) The phone is powered with a 1GHZ scorpion processor and features a 3.7 inch Screen with MBE. It has 512 MB Ram and Android 2.3 with a confirmed upgrade for Ice Cream Sandwich. Our Review is Here

There are of-course others that didn’t make the list, Our Reviews can be seen for those:
Blackberry

Curve 9360 (Rs. 19,000) : The curve that runs OS 7, a fix for those who are not yet ready to shift to a full touch Blackberry, and those who are not ready to switch to Android or the likes of iOS. The device is the slimmest Blackberry yet at only 11mm. 800 MHz processor 512MB Ram and 512MB Rom. Check out our Video.

Curve 9380 ( Rs 20,000): The first full touch curve, it brings BB OS 7 and a range of nice changes to the blackberry users, 800 MHz cpu , 512 MB Ram and 512 MB Rom is carried on from its younger cousin above. The device also features a nice 3.2” HVGA+ touch screen with a 480 X 360 pixel resolution at 188ppi. Check out our full review.

iOS

iPhone 3Gs ( Rs 20,000) : Two years old but still selling strong, the iPhone 3Gs supports iOS 5, iCloud, iMessage, Airplay and everything except FaceTime. If you hurry you can cash in on the new iOS 5.0.1 Jailbreak and even get Siri working on it. What else could you ask from a two year old phone. in terms of specs, it runs at 600MHz, has 16GB internal storage and 256MB Ram. The AppStore is the largest app market although most new apps may not perform great on the 3Gs. But hey you still get asked the question : “You have an iPhone”? Read our Editorial Here

Symbian

Nokia E6 (Rs. 17,000) : The business power seller from Nokia, If you don’t use a Blackberry, you use a Nokia E Series phone. A Qwerty marvel from Nokia, the device features 2.46-inch Touchscreen making it the first Touch Type – Nokia E Series. The device is loaded with Symbian Anna and comes with a 680 MHz processor, 8 MP camera and a very long battery life, bundled with a excellent build quality. Check out our Unboxing and Review Video

Nokia 701 (Rs. 17,800) : Although stocks are limited on this recently released phone, it seems like a promising option for the Symbian lover, Running the new ~~Symbian Belle~~ Nokia Belle, the device features a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 640 x 360 px. Inbuilt NFC, 1 GHz processor and 8MP Camera with 720p (30fps) Video. Our Review will be out shortly.

Windows Phone

Samsung Omnia W (Rs 18,990) : Launched upwards of 25k , Samsung has fiercely dropped the price of the Omnia taking into record the Nokia Lumia Marketing campaign. The device has a nice 3.7 Inches WVGA Super AMOLED display, 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor, and 5MP AF Camera With LED Flash including a VGA front camera. Comes with Windows Phone Mango 7.5 and Samsung Apps. Our Review is Coming Soon

Nokia Lumia 710 (Rs 19,999) : Finally available the Nokia Lumia Series brings the first versions of Nokia Phones running WP7.5 to India. Powered by a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Scorpion Processor the Lumia 710 is the smaller sibling of the highly advertised Lumia 800. This device has 3.7-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display screen with 480 x 800 pixel and a 5MP camera + LED flash. It also has a 512 MB RAM and has Adreno 205 GPU. iGyaan Review Out Shortly.

Other phones that were not designed for Windows 7.5, but still support it fully include the following,( and you can possibly find a good deal on them):

HTC HD 7 : 19,500

HTC Mozart : Rs 19,000

Dell Venue Pro : Rs 20,000

Stay tuned for more Holiday Guides.
December 28, 2011
iGyaan Holiday Guide : Best Phones for 15,000

So many questions, so little time. Its the time for holiday cheer and we are literally getting bombarded with hundreds of emails asking us what phones to buy. So here is our guide for the best options in the Rs. 15000 price.

(In order of preference)

Android Phones

1. Micromax A85 SuperFone : (Rs. 15290) The price drop has already been announced, and at this price it is the best spec’d phone. A dual core Nvidia Tegra 2, 3.8 inch touchscreen, 5 MP camera and gesture control make this the best bet at the price. But sadly it ships with Android 2.2.

2. Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro Sk17i: (Rs 15,000) One of the most recommended devices by iGyaan in 2011 our extensive review will tell you why this device is an excellent purchase.

3. Motorola Defy (Rs 14,000) : The original defy is still an awesome phone, with Android a brilliant rugged construction that resists water and dust. The design is also shock proof. Check out our Review.

4. HTC ChaCha (Rs. 14500): A brilliant form factor with excellent build, the only touch and type phone with this design from HTC. Also the first phone with a dedicated FB button on the Android platform, a Social king. Our Review Covers it.

5. Samsung Galaxy Ace (Rs 13000): One of the most loved phones of 2011 the ace has a nice display along with impressive looks, a good processor and Touchwiz on top of Android 2.3. The device is well supported in the developer community and will get ICS courtesy Root and Custom CM9 rom. Check out our Review

6. HTC Wildfire S (Rs 12,500): Not our last option but an alternative to the Galaxy Ace, the build is far superior also is the quality of materials used. The device features HTC Sense on top of Android 2.3 and is arguably the best built phone of this bracket. The camera in some aspects is better than the Ace and pulls out great images. The processor is only a 600MHz compared to the 800MHz on the Ace. We reviewed it Here

Blackberry

Blackberry Curve 3G 9300 (Rs. 14,450): The only berry in this range, you also get the CDMA version of the curve 8520 (called: 8530) which is not worth mentioning. What is to say this is an old outdated berry running on the older OS6 but features a great and responsive OS. It is a great upgrade for some one on a Blackberry high . We however say, spend more and get the Curve 9380 : we covered here.

Nokia Symbian

Nokia 700 (Rs 15299) : Younger version of the 701, this device is available in the market in select locations, features new Symbian Belle and a 3.2 inch Capacitive Amoled Clear Black display. A 5 Mp camera and 720p video capabilities make it a good competitor. Another add-on is the tough gorilla glass front. The price seems a bit high for this old-school Operating System. The phone also has a 2Gb internal storage and is a grab option for those who refuse to abandon the legendary OS in its dying days.

Nokia 500 (Rs 11,000): Then there is the 500, its the only other Nokia phone in this bracket apart from the discontinued C6-01. This features a 1GHz processor along with a 3.2-inch TFT nHD Capacitive Touchscreen. The phone features Symbian Anna and has great 5MP camera, which is fixed focus. Again price is a bit of a pinch especially because the device is unable to offer the freedom that say an Android device would offer, But on the upside it does have a 1GHz processor.

Windows Phone

Samsung Focus (Rs 14000) : The device was never announced in India, but New and unlocked US versions can be bought on Ebay. The device features a nice 4.0 Inch Super Amoled Display with a native 480 x 800 px resolution. Already updated to Mango this device offers all the new features of Windows Phone 7.5 at a bargain, everything of course except a front facing camera. The Focus also has 8GB of memory and 512MB Ram and 512MB Rom

December 27, 2011
Google removes 22 apps from Android Market due to fraudulent charging

Google has reportedly removed 22 malicious applications from the Android Market after security vendors tipped off the company about apps attempting to trick users into accepting fraudulent charges via SMS. The devices get infected by a trojan that charges your phone bill with premium rate SMS charges.

[quote]Trojan horse for Android devices that sends SMS messages to premium-rate phone numbers,[/quote] Said Symantec

[quote]The initial application activity presents the user with a single option to continue, which is presumed to be an agreement to premium charges that are buried within layers of less than clear links. The Premium Short Codes used could affect users in Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Estonia as well as Great Britain, Italy, India, Israel, France, and Germany.[/quote]

The applications were dressed as copies of the popular apps like Angry birds and Cut the rope, but were actually malicious. Google has not named the apps and has not remotely deleted the apps from users phones. So if your phone bill has been racing high and you think your SMS bills are higher than usual, factory reset your phone and carefully select your apps.

December 14, 2011
Micromax Launches the A75 Superfone Lite with Dual Sim (PR)

Micromax has launched the next version of the Andro A70, dubbed it as the lite version of the A85 , called it the Superfone Lite A75. The device features Android 2.3 , a 3.75 inch Capacitive touch screen, 650MHz Processor, Dual sim and dual camera, with a 3.25MP camera at back and a .3mp front facing snapper. It supports upto 32GB microSD and a 1300 may battery.

The price of the phone is kept at a decent Rs.8999/- at launch.

Stay Tuned for a full unboxing, followed by a full review IG style.

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Micromax launches A75 SUPERFONE Lite Dual SIM Android 2.3

– An affordable SUPERFONE for the youth

– Dual SIM (GSM + GSM) Android powered so you could enjoy the benefit of both voice and data plans.

New Delhi, December 12^th, 2011: Micromax Informatics Limited (“Micromax”), the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics), launches their latest Android SUPERFONE- Micromax SUPERFONE Lite A75.

This is the second device under the SUPERFONE category focusing on the smart and tech savvy youth of the country. This phone has best in class features, keeping in mind the requirements of its consumers. The A75 runs on Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread giving users the freedom to download over 2 lakh applications from Android Market.

This dual SIM Android powered device from Micromax has a 650 MHz processor for fast web browsing, checking mails, blogs, sharing photographs, and updating your status on social networking sites. The phone also comes with features like a 3.75 inch capacitive touchscreen, dual camera, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc.

The A75 comes preloaded with apps like Google Voice Search which enables you to perform various actions by speaking to the phone, live sending text messages, taking down notes, play music, access websites, and find directions to places etc. The phone also has a series of apps like SAAVN for users to listen to their favorite music using this online music store, Times of India online newspaper, NETQIN ANTIVIRUS, to protect devices from certain virus threats using this antivirus etc.

The phone offers a practically unlimited phonebook and SMS memory and comes with a 3.5 mm universal jack for the best music experience.

A75 is available at Rs. 8999/- This model will be available across all leading outlets.

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)

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December 12, 2011
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 21^st, 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 3^rd 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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November 21, 2011
iG Exclusive : Micromax A85 SuperPhone Hands On (Video)

This is one of those moments that makes you feel proud. We got an exclusive hands on with the new upcoming Micromax A85 Super Phone, and we are happy to say the device is quite impressive. The overall specs mentioned in our earlier rumors match with the actual final device. The screen on the Micromax A85 is a Gorilla Glass coated, 3.8 inch 480×800 pixel display which has vivid color composition. The device also has a muti-touch surface and importantly is based on the Nvidia Tegra 2 Processor with 1GHz dual core chipset and a dedicated GPU (Geforce8). The overall interface of the device is quite smooth and Micromax for once has done some unique customizations to the Android Build.

Android on this device is still however 2.2 (froyo) but the company insider promises that the Android 2.3 build is already-ready and undergoing testing. We are keeping our fingers crossed with that. The interface has a unique mix of apps and widgets with an option of multiple launchers from the initial rom. The device also features Gesture control which can be seen in a limited number of inbuilt applications such as Email, messaging, contacts, etc. The gesture controls can be used to navigate through the picture gallery and play/pause and forward/rewind in the music /video players. The gestures main use will come into the phone app with which you can answer or silence incoming calls, and with the wave of your hand you can put the phone into Speakerphone mode while in a call.

The device scored well in our initial hands on, as we also got a chance to add some benchmark apps and run them to get mighty impressive scores, which you will be able to see in the upcoming video shortly. The device is Micromax’s first attempt in the Rs. 15,000+ handset market and it seems like Micromax choose the right device. The initial impressions with the speaker and the video playback were impressive. The “Intelligent Illumination” camera was also fast to focus and click pictures even in dim lighting. The price of the phone is expected around the 18-19K mark ,but we are hoping for a drop soon after launch.

Check out our flurry of first hands on images below, and stay tuned for the complete video after the break.

Hands On Videos

November 4, 2011
Micromax A85 Superfone Press shots leaked
Remember we posted the first images of the A85 back in June with an update of confirmed specs earlier this month. Now some official press shots of the device have come into play confirming the shape and specs of the device. The device will be finally called the A85 Superfone as indicated by the images.

The images also confirm the 5MP autofocus camera on the back of the device along, unfortunately there is no flash led. Back seems to be rubberized metal constructionn but we really cant comment on the device before we get a hands on.

Our Source had earlier given the following confirmed specs:
- A Tegra 2 Processor with Geforce8
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- 1 GHZ dual core – 2 x Arm Cortex A9 processors
- 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
It appears that intelligent illumination will be within the camera and not using a flash led. Pricing speculation remains between 15500-18500 we still have no confirmed reports.

We are trying to get a hands on with the device, you can expect it soon.
September 26, 2011
iG Exclusive : Micromax Working on a Dual Core Android PowerPhone : Leaked | Update : its the A85
Originally Published on: Jul 14, 2011 @ 14:00

Update: we have confirmed new that this device is now called the Micromax A85 , the specs remain final.

Whats up butterflies of the inter-webs, we have exclusive news for you folks. Micromax is working on a dual core smartphone for the Indian Market. Currently dubbed “PowerPhone” expect a “Poseidon”, “Titan” or “Hercules” type of name on launch.

The new device will be based around a phone made in the depths of Chinese Manufactories. Micromax will add its design hues but more or less the specs will remain the same.

Rumored Specs will include:
- A Tegra 2 Processor with Geforce8
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- 1 GHZ dual core – 2 x Arm Cortex A9 processors
- 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
Rumors point to a possible drop of the onboard storage to make the device affordable. There is also a front facing camera and a 1650mah battery.

Whatever may be the case the device is set to launch later this year with a price tag of less than Rs. 18,000/-

Hold on while we try to get an official word on this, so to happen Rumor!

Update: we have confirmed new that this device is now called the Micromax A85 , the specs remain final.

Remember we dropped first information on this device back in June!
September 10, 2011