Apple events are usually unexpected, and at the WWDC 2013 Apple has launched the new Macbook Air. Based on the new Intel Haswell chipsets, Apple is promising full day of battery life.
With the 11 inch you get 9 hours of Battery Backup, and with the 13 inch you get 12 hours of working time on the new Macbook Air.
With prices for the next Macbook Air starting at us $ 999 for the 128 GB and US $ 1199 for the 256 GB
More developing…..
LG might be enjoying the success of the Nexus 4 in India, and in order to retain that streak the company is planning to launch the new LG Optimus G Pro in India on the 20th of June.
The 5.5 inch smartphone from LG will fall into the Galaxy Note 2 category of phone sans the stylus.The LG Optimus G Pro has a True Full HD IPS Plus LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
For the hardware geeks, the Optimus G Pro has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, which features a 1.7GHz Quad-Core CPU and Adreno 320 GPU. A massive 3140 mAh battery and 2GB of RAM.
The LG Optimus G Pro has a 32 GB storage along with 64 GB expandability via microSD card. A 13 MP rear camera and a 2.1 MP front camera enable full HD video recording and LG was also the first to show off dual camera features with the LG Optimus G Pro, right before Samsung launched the S4 into the market.
While the exact dates are unknown, several of our resources within LG have hinted at a June 20 launch, and now an independent report from Indiatimes confirms the date.
LG has somehow managed to always remain the underdog in the Indian market, thanks to delays in their products. But it looks like the company has great plans ahead and should be able to gain a large market share in India. The Price of the Optimus G Pro is expected to be in the Rs. 35,000 price bracket, but exact pricing is unknown. It is crucial for LG to launch the LG Optimus G Pro at a price that would totally capture and take the market away from Samsung, else the Note 2 and Galaxy S4 will remain the key phones.
[toggle title=”Press Release”]LG OPTIMUS G PRO ARRIVES IN ASIA
Fully Packed with Advanced UX and Features, LG’s Biggest Smartphone
Offers Asian Consumers Differentiated Smartphone Experience
SEOUL, May 30, 2013 – LG Electronics (LG) is demonstrating its commitment to the premium smartphone market in Asia with the introduction of its flagship smartphone, Optimus G Pro, in the rest of the region. Originally introduced in its home market of Korea earlier this year, the 5.5-inch display Android device is being rolled-out in the rest of the region starting on May 30. The smartphone will debut in Hong Kong in June followed by other Asian markets including Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Philippine, Vietnam and Malaysia throughout the month.
“LG’s Optimus G Pro sets a new benchmark in the over 5-inch display smartphone category which is catching on with consumers everywhere who aren’t interested in owning both a phone and a tablet,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Asian customers are leading many of today’s technology trends and we’re confident Optimus G Pro will find a large following in this region.”
The Optimus G Pro is equipped with the swift Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, which features a 1.7GHz Quad-Core CPU and Adreno 320 GPU. Combined with other industry-leading features such as a long-lasting 3,140mAh battery and 2GB RAM, LG’s Optimus G Pro is one of the most advanced smartphones currently on the market today. With its expansive 5.5-inch 1080p Full HD IPS display delivering a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels at 400ppi, the Optimus G Pro provides razor sharp images and wide viewing angles as well as a comfortable in-hand experience and great “pocketability.”
Backed by powerful hardware features, the Optimus G Pro also comes packed with differentiated UX features, such as:
• Dual Camera and Dual Recording: The Dual Camera and Dual Recording functions allow users to capture pictures or videos with both the front and rear cameras simultaneously for a unique picture-in-picture experience;
• VR Panorama: The VR Panorama allows shots of entire horizontal and vertical environments for a full 360°view;
• Pause and Resume Recording: The Pause and Resume Recording feature allows for the recording of short snippets of video which can then be viewed as one continuous file.
• Smart Video: Smart Video recognizes the position of the viewer’s eyes and automatically plays or stops the video without any manual input from the user.[/toggle]
Yesterday Samsung announced a “Mini” version of the Samsung Galaxy S4, while it may be mini in comparison to the original Galaxy S4, the Galaxy S4 Mini is still a pretty big phone. Defining the large handsets making Korean company’s dream for the future. The specs include a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.2.2, GPS, GLONASS, WiFi, 8GB internal memory (expandable up to 64), and 1.5GB of RAM.
The display is a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD display which will horribly disappoint onlookers, all juiced up by a 1,900mAh battery. But this news is old!, Our tipster within Samsung has confirmed that the plans for the launch of this phone have already been penned down and the Hardware will arrive as soon as early July and will also be kept in the under Rs. 25,000 price bracket.
The Galaxy S4 Mini from Samsung India, will be offered up in two variants a dual sim version and a single sim version, with a possibility of LTE enabled Single Sim variant. However, our source made it clear that he was unaware if both dual sim and single sim variants will be launched together.
The Galaxy S4 Mini will be offered up in the same two colors as the big brother White Frost and Black Mist. More details when available.
[toggle title=”Press Release”]SAMSUNG INTRODUCES THE GALAXY S4 MINI
A powerful, compact smartphone designed to fit busy lifestyles
London, UK – May 30, 2013 – Samsung Electronics today announced the Galaxy S4 Mini, a powerful, compact version of its bestselling smartphone, the Galaxy S4. The Galaxy S4 Mini delivers the superior performance, intuitive ease-of-use and sleek design of the Galaxy S4 in a portable chic and compact design.
Simon Stanford, Vice President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland said: “Demand for the Galaxy S4 has been phenomenal since it launched in April and we hope to build on this success with the Galaxy S4 Mini. This new handset is the ideal smartphone companion for anyone who wants a compact device packed with innovation.”
With a 4.3″ qHD Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy S4 Mini offers stunning images and content. At just 107g, the lightweight and compact design enables you to carry and use the device easily with one hand. The Galaxy S4 Mini also boasts powerful performance, equipped with a 1.7GHz dual core processor and supports many of the same intuitive features as the Galaxy S4, designed to enhance different aspects of life.
Capturing Memories
The Galaxy S4 Mini allows you to capture important moments in life with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera as well as a 1.9-megapixel HD front-facing camera. Special features include Sound&Shot, which stores sounds and images together, Panorama Shot which allows you to take a full view of what you are seeing, and Story Album, which automatically arranges photos in a smart format – photos taken by Galaxy S4 Mini are automatically gathered and saved according to your timeline, geo-tagging information or specific event, to create a photo album. You can also receive travel assistance and information services through the S Travel preloaded app which can even recommend a new trip and provide destination guides.
Sharing and Connecting
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini means you can share content with others around you easily. Simultaneously listen to the same music and play the same games as your friends with Group Play, and chat with multiple friends with animations, video and voice recording added to messages using ChatON.
Environment Features
The Galaxy S4 Mini features S Translator, for instant translation using text or voice on applications including email, text message and ChatON. You can also control your environment through WatchON’s IR remote which transforms the device into a remote to control your home entertainment systems including TV, set-top box and DVD player. Content available includes live TV, cable TV and VOD based on the information provided EPG (Electronic Program Guide). In addition, Samsung Link* will help you share content across multiple Samsung digital devices. *Available in select countries. Previously called AllShare Play.
Wellbeing Features
The Galaxy S4 Mini keeps you up to date with health and wellbeing information. Downloadable from Samsung Apps, S Health enables you to monitor your calorie balance. It can calculate each step taken daily, monitor sleeping patterns, calculate weight and share real time heart rate information**. Adapt Display provides an optimal viewing experience, customised for each type of application, and Adapt Sound offers an optimal level and type of sound, personalised for each user. ** Functionality such as monitoring weight, heart rate and sleeping patterns is possible through the use of fitness accessories which are sold separately.
Availability
The Galaxy S4 Mini will be available in two colours – White Frost and Black Mist. There will be a 4G LTE version, 3G version, and 3G Dual Sim version. Details on which variants will be ranged in the UK and the UK shipping date will be announced in due course.[/toggle]
The Leica Mini M was teased by the company recently, with a launch date set at June 11th, But an image of the camera has been found. Mirrorless Rumors has found an image on the french iPad app for the camera and a lot of information has come forth.
The Mini M from Leica will sport a 16.1 MP APS/C sensor with a fixed 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 lens, rather than the interchangeable mount expected earlier. A body made entirely of Aluminum and support for an optional (expensive!) electronic viewfinder.
The new mini M will also support HD video capture with in body Image Stabilization and custom/ manual controls. The Leica Mini M will also ship with a licensed copy of Adobe Lightroom with the box.
More details should emerge on or before the launch and we will keep you posted. The expected price of the Mini M is €2,450 or about Rs. 1,75,000 (before customs and tax).
[VIA]
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Samsung is all set to launch the Galaxy Mega in India tomorrow for an expected price of Rs. 27,999/- and 29,999/- as an MRP of the product’s two variants. The Handset which has gained quite some hype in India is expected to beat sales of the Galaxy Grand, and also be the next hot category for the company.
The Galaxy Mega comes in two variants one with a 5.8 inch screen and one with a 6.3 inch screen, although both may not be launched tomorrow there is a high possibility that they will be shown off.
Specifications on these devices consist of Dual core processors, and an unusual 1.5 GB of RAM for the handsets. The 5.8 inch version has a QHD display 190 ppi density, whereas the 6.3 inch will come with a 1280 x720 p display with a 233 ppi density.
The Galaxy Mega 6.3 sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor clocked at 1.7 GHz whereas the Galaxy Mega 5.8 comes with a Broadcom chipset similar to the one found in the Grand. Other inclusions have the 8 megapixel cameras with 1080p video on both phones and a front facing 1.9 MP camera. Both Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 come with 8 GB of inbuilt storage and 64 GB expandability via microSD.
The Galaxy Mega 6.3 sports a 3500 mAh battery whereas the Galaxy Mega 5.8 will come with a 2600mAh battery. While these specs are from the global variants of the handsets the Indian variants of the handsets could have slightly different specifications.
One of the most desired smart phones, the HTC ONE has officially gone on sale in India. The HTC One is available for a Price of Rs. 42900 with no schemes or discounts offered as of now.
iGyaan reviewed the HTC One a couple of days back, and you can see the Review Here. The HTC One is 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.
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Google has unified the messaging service and termed it Hangouts. With standalone apps for iOS, Gmail, Chrome and Android. The conversation is kept in focus and not the platform you use, focusing the interface on conversations that carry from device to device, notifications and shared photo pools that weren’t in Google Talk.
The new service of Hangouts replaces Google Talk, Google+ Messenger, and the original Google+ Hangout video chat service and as per Google Hangouts will eventually replace all of Google’s communication properties. The new Hangouts is basically a messaging app, like Whatsapp or Facebook Chat.
Hangouts will store all conversations in the cloud, and allow users to message friends at any time, even if they’re not connected. Users can visit past conversations and access shared photos and video call history; thanks to Google’s cloud, Hangouts will sync everywhere, giving people access to conversations on any device.
Just like the old Hangouts the new Hangout will allow video call with up to 10 friends, and new features include “just hanging out” with an amazing “watermark” allowing users to show when someone else is typing just like in WhatsApp messenger or iMessage, but whats new is the ability so see how far the recipients have read into the conversation.
Every photo that you or a friend posts in Hangouts will be automatically saved in a private shared album on Google+, and users can view the photos they’ve shared over time. Hence the new integration of Google+ with this new Hangout service is essential.
Google also plans to integrate other communication features like Google Voice and their international VOIP services within Hangouts, but no real timeline has been clarified for the same.
The apps for iOS, Android and other services are live and can be downloaded.
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The Google I/O conference is ongoing, and Google has just taken wraps off, of a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition, that runs stock Android. The report had come many hours before the events initial address.
The device is fully unlocked and comes with LTE support for AT&T and T-Mobile, along with 16GB of storage. The Galaxy S4 Google Edition is aimed at the US market and it is assumed that it will come with the Qualcomm chipset that supports US LTE bands, and not the Exynos 5 chipset we are used to.
The Galaxy S4 Google Edition will receive OTA updates for the latest version of Android almost hours after announcements (in the future). The price of the Phone is set at US $ 649 and it will be available via Google’s online Play store, again only in the US.
Micromax has just launched its brand new offering called the Micromax A88 Canvas Music, the phone apart from being a Android powered phone will come bundled with JBL headsets.
Specifications include a single dual core 1 GHz processor, 4.5 inch display, 1800 mAh battery and a 5 MP camera with LED flash, the Micromax A88 Canvas music will also have a 0.3 MP front facing camera.
We went hands on with the Micromax A88 Canvas Music, and the device seems well made, and the interface seems fairly smooth. Considering all the specs are average, the biggest value proposition are the JBL headphones. With comfy foam ear cups the headphones give good amounts of bass and sound wonderfully accurate.
The previous editions of Micromax Phones have included generic Headphones, but this time around with the inclusion of the JBL headphones and Android Ecosystem, Micromax might have hit the nail on the right board.
The Micromax A88 Canvas Music goes on sale today with an MRP of Rs. 8499/-. Stay tuned for more details and read the Press release below.
[toggle title=”Press Release”]New Delhi, May 15th, 2013: Strengthening its Canvas series, Micromax, India’s leading handset manufacturer, today launched Canvas Music A88. The new device marks Micromax’s association with the leading headphones brand JBL offering users a free JBL Tempo headset with the Canvas Music A88. The phone was showcased at the Micromax MTV Video Music Awards in Mumbai last month.
Micromax A88 Canvas Music coupled with JBL Tempo headset promises superior sound entertainment on the go. Packed with an 1800 mAh battery, the phone ensures a strong battery life supporting a talk time of 5 hours. With a 4.5” full touch screen display; the phone sports a 5.0 MP rear camera with Flash and a 0.3MP front camera with an expandable storage capacity of up to 32GB.
Speaking about the new launch, Mr. Ajay Sharma Country Head Smartphone Division, Micromax said “At Micromax, we are continuously channelizing our energies to innovate finest devices that are relevant to our customers. Micromax A88 Canvas Music coupled with JBL headset and unlimited songs download via MLive! Application serves as a perfect offering to the youth echoing our vision of providing a fulfilling entertainment experience to all the music and multimedia lovers. Through our latest device, we aim to further build the Canvas success story to unprecedented heights.”
The latest offering by Micromax is a perfect amalgamation of functionality, style & entertainment. The device is not only well designed but is ideal for anyone who appreciates the high-quality & clear sound.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shubhodip Pal, CMO, Micromax said, “One of the key focus areas for Micromax is to build a strong connect with the consumers by bringing alive brand experiences through our innovative product line up. The launch of Micromax A88 Canvas Music reflects the same. We have created an entire music ecosystem by powering the Smartphone with a JBL headset and also giving the end consumers an access to download unlimited music via MLive! Thus, resonating the Indian youth pulse and passion, mirroring their preference for music.”
With a MOP of Rs.8499/-, the Micromax A88 Canvas Music will be available across all leading retail outlets in India from 16th May, 2013. You could purchase the device from www.micromaxinfo.com[/toggle]
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
[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]
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.
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]
Apple is constantly trying to end all relationships with Smartphone manufacturer Samsung, including the supply for most of the parts for iPhones. According to reports Apple is trying to move production of Apple chipsets to TSMC for the next generation of iPhones.
This will be a huge loss of revenue for the production division for Samsung, leaving out key investment into their chip making business, making innovation of next generation chipsets extremely expensive for the Korean company.
Another confirmation to this report is the fact that TSMC has significantly increased the production capacity of its plants hinting at an expected increase in orders.
Samsung will however continue to make chipsets for this years iPhone devices will be announced later this year.
The Twitter for Mac app has received a much needed update, that not only brings support for retina display, but also few other fixes.
Along with these updates, Twitter for Mac offers keyboard shortcuts, support for multiple accounts and timelines, and other features. Download now from the link below.
Micromax has launched an Android dongle running Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich with a 1GHz processor and 4GB of internal memory.
Developing….
Major chipset manufacturer Mediatek recently released a press release, and has unknowingly confirmed that Micromax is working on dual core versions of the Superfone Pixel A90 and two other units.
[quote]Micromax will introduce the dual core version of its Superphone A90 along with two other models based on MediaTek dual core platform MT6577, expected to launch later this month. [/quote]
The new MT6577 features a dual 1GHz Cortex™-A9 application processor from ARM, a PowerVR™ Series5 SGX GPU (graphics processing unit) from Imagination Technologies, 3G/HSPA modem, and runs the latest Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” (ICS) operating system. The platform also integrates a dual-core application processor architecture.
MT6577 can support an 8MP camera, up-to 1080p Full-HD video playback and the ability to support high-resolution displays up to 720p (1280×720) resolution. The platform also supports dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth4.0, GPS and FM, by pre-integrating 4-in-1 connectivity combo.
Our assumption is that atleast one of the “other two phones” mentioned is an upgraded dual core version of the Superfone Canvas A100. While we are trying to get an official word from Micromax, you can read the full PR below.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]
MediaTek Set to Break Price Barrier for Mid-Entry Smartphones with MT6577 Powered Handsets from Micromax & Spice
The Dual Core, Android 4.0, 3G Smartphone Platform helps handset manufacturers in providing consumer the superior application and browsing experience at affordable price
New Delhi, 10 September 2012 – MediaTek Inc., a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, today announced that the first handsets powered by its dual-core MT6577 smartphone platform are ready to hit the Indian market. Micromax and Spice have selected the MT6577 to power their upcoming handsets. Spice plans to launch Mi 500, and Micromax will introduce the dual core version of its Superphone A90 along with two other models based on MediaTek dual core platform MT6577, expected to launch later this month.
The MT6577 features a dual 1GHz Cortex™-A9 application processor from ARM, a PowerVR™ Series5 SGX GPU (graphics processing unit) from Imagination Technologies, MediaTek’s proven 3G/HSPA modem, and runs the latest Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” (ICS) operating system. The platform integrates a dual-core application processor architecture widely deployed in the majority of today’s premium smartphones.
The MT6577 platform will help commence a new era in entry level smartphones by providing features which were so far available only in very expensive and high-end mobile phones, thereby further democratizing smartphones. The MT6577 can support rich multimedia experiences with an 8MP camera, up-to 1080p Full-HD video playback and the ability to support high-resolution displays up to 720p (1280×720) resolution. The platform also supports dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth4.0, GPS and FM, by pre-integrating MediaTek’s leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo.
Developed specifically for the fastest growing sub-$200 smartphone segment, the MT6577 platform will help bring unprecedented levels of user experience by boosting the application and browser performance of these handsets by upto 40%, compared to single-core platforms.
Dual-core processors account for more than 20% of the smartphone chip shipments in 2011 and should see growth over the next two years, becoming more prevalent in entry-level smartphones by 2013, according to market research firm Strategy Analytics.
“MediaTek believes that the budget-friendly smartphones powered by the MT6577 will surge the next growth of entry level smartphones industry in India. This platform promises lucrative prospects to developers and their customers by providing features such as improved user interactivity, mobile connectivity and rich multi-media experience at affordable prices,” said Grant Kuo, Managing Director, MediaTek India.
Finbarr Moynihan, General Manager – Business Development, MediaTek said, “The Indian market witnessed a dramatic increase of 87% in smartphone sales last year, with 150 models launched by more than 30 vendors. Some of the MT6577 capabilities such as the increased application and browser performance and advanced multimedia features will bridge the performance gap between entry level and high-end smartphones, thereby changing the market dynamics of the Indian smartphone industry.”
Quoting the findings of the information company, IHS, he said, “Smartphone shipments in 2013 are forecast to account for 54% of the total cell phone market, it will be the first time when smartphones will make up more than half of all shipments. Price-efficient platforms from MediaTek, like the MT6577, have resulted in growing sales of mid and entry smartphones over the past few years. We hope to continue driving sales of mid and entry smartphones in the coming year while democratizing their availability to Indian consumers.”
Elaborating on how MediaTek’s MT6577 is helping them provide unparalleled experience to their users, Mr Dilip Modi, Co-Founder, Si2i Mobility, said “MediaTek has invariably been at the forefront of introducing superior quality and easily adaptable products at incredibly affordable prices. Thanks to low-cost superior technology that is now available, we see a growing base of Indians switching from basic feature phones to advanced and rich multimedia smart phones. We believe that our upcoming mobile handset(s) powered by MediaTek’s MT6577 will help us bring the market to an inflection point in terms of mid and entry smart phone prices, and set in motion a new era of telecom revolution for the knowledge economy.”
Says Mr Deepak Mehrotra, CEO, Micromax, “We at Micromax understand and respect the value driven choice of our customers. We believe that the new MediaTek platform will allow us to take pocket-friendly innovation to a whole new level by providing exceptional communication and multimedia experiences to customers from all across India.”
MediaTek’s other HSPA smartphone platforms – the MT6573 and MT6575 – have been extremely well-received by customers and consumers worldwide, and are currently shipping with major international brands such as Lenovo and TCL/Alcatel among other top tier OEMs.
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