HTC has just launched the new HTC One Max globally. The phone that has been in numerous leaks and rumors ofor weeks now has finally been made official and here is what its all about. The HTC One Max as anticipated is a big daddy of the HTC One and features a new bigger 5.9 inch Full HD Display with IPS /= LCD panel and Gorilla Glass 3.
On the core of the HTC One Max is a 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 chipset and Adreno 320 GPU, you get 2 GB RAM and 16/32 GB storage along with microSD expandability upto 64 GB. The back of the HTC One Max has a new set of features, including a new Ultrapixel camera which retains the 4 Megapixel 1/3″ sensor but adds a lager 2 micron pixel size. The front facing camera is a 2.1 MP wide angle shooter, and both cameras capture burst shots with zero shutter lag and 1080p full hd video.
The HTC One Max comes with Android 4.3 and HTC Sense 5.5 which adds a flurry of new features to the HTC One Max’s interface, including a newly revamped BlinkFeed which allows subscription to custom topics and websites. And great new video highlights and Gif maker add-ons in the camera interface among many other UI elements. The back of the HTC One Max is removable , but only to access the MicroSD and MicroSIM slots, the black square at the back of the HTC One Max is a fingerprint scanner that can record upto a maximum of 3 fingers to be used to either unlock the device securely or launch applications. HTC might enable more finger recognition if the consumer feedback may so agree. HTC has also retained the HTC BoomSound speakers adding more sound, thanks to the lager available space on the HTC One Max, we can certify that the sound is definitely much better than on the One.
HTC has also launched a new 30% battery case that adds another 30% battery life to the HTC One Max’s already huge 3300mAh battery, a new BoomBass Speaker that makes the HTC One Max a 2.1 enabled device, the new Mini + Bluetooth Accessory and a new device finder called HTC Fetch. Stay tuned for details on those.
Just as we predicted the Sensation Arrived Tuesday and we took full liberty to unbox the Sensation and do the full thing on video for you guys. (more…)
HTC and T-Mobile will be launching the HTC Sensation 4G powerhouse by 15 June in the United States. The Sensation 4G for $199 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) on a 2-year contract. It will be available country-wide in the US from June 15th.
The HTC Sensation 4G features –
4.3” qHD screen
1.2GHz dual-core CPU
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
MHL
8MP camera with 1080p
“4G” (HSPA+)
We got you exclusive new of HTC launch in India last month and it still holds true check it out here. We are trying to get in touch with HTC for a confirmed view of weather or not the launch dates are still the same.
According to this High Level Manager (who refused to be named) :
“The HTC market in India has grown tremendously after the launch of the new range of Android Handsets including the Desire HD, Desire S and Incredible S. We are seeing a continuous uptrend in market sales and earnings from the smartphone segment. The company sees the demand and has decided to make the handset available as early as June 22nd.”
Google has just officially announced that they are working on the next build of Android that works together on all devices. In their own words “One OS that runs everywhere.” This OS will adapt to its device identifying the smartphone from a tablet and customizing itself to fit the bill properly. The launch of ICS is scheduled for Q4 2011.
Woah! We just hit the information jackpot here folks! You better hold your smartphone purchases for the next month if you are looking to get a powerhouse of an Android Device. A very reliable source at HTC India (Delhi Office) claims that the HTC sensation after its UK launch in first week of June, will hit the Indian Shores soon after.
According to this High Level Manager (who refused to be named) :
“The HTC market in India has grown tremendously after the launch of the new range of Android Handsets including the Desire HD, Desire S and Incredible S. We are seeing a continuous uptrend in market sales and earnings from the smartphone segment. The company sees the demand and has decided to make the handset available as early as June 22nd.”
In a later Q&A session we also were able to find out that there are 2 new Windows 7 Phones coming later this year along with a 3D HTC Android Device.
The pricing of the HTC Sensation will be upwards of Rs. 32k During Launch and then later fall below the Rs. 28K segment.
The HTC Sensation is the First Device from HTC to sport a 1.2GHZ Dual core processor and HTC Sense 3.0 along with the new SLCD High res display.
Like all our Previous Exclusive Launch announcements including the ones below. (For all those who don’t know our track record!)
HTC’s EVO 3D is the successor to the EVO 4G for Sprint. What this meansis that a 3D variant of the HTC DESIRE HD is in the works, possibly with similar specs
Companies spent hundreds of thousands of Crores in acquiring the 3G spectrum from a govt. of corrupt officials. Its been more than a couple of years since our country has been abuzz with talk about 3G networks and 3G data speeds.
While in first world countries like the United States, where total revenue from sale of handheld phones is 1/10 of the total revenue in India, Americans are talking about 5th gen networks and the rollout of Nation-wide LTE services, essentially standing on 4.5 G Networks.
Private players slowly yet steadily roll out 3G Services for consumers in India. Docomo and Reliance were among the first few GSM players to launch their 3G services, followed by Airtel and now Vodafone.
Vodafone was slow in the rollout of their 3G services, they claimed that they were “prep-ing the infrastructure”. To think once the service did roll out the users would get seamless 3G services, WRONG!
If you were upset with your network before rollout of 3G, get ready to pull your Hair! The immediate difference between 3G and 2G data connections, is that the minute you switch on 3G, your network will dwindle from 5 bars straight down to 1 bar. The phone will stop ringing, as the person on the other side gets a response ” this number is not reachable”. While you try all apparent Steve Jobs style poses, you will get absolutely no network coverage.
If by some grace of your beloved deity, you do get a strong signal, you will be appalled with the poor quality of 3G data connections, download speed is shaky and always from 240-800kbps, about half of minimum promised speeds.
Here is how Vodafone Fared in 5 tests carried out in different locations in Delhi.
In all cases phone call quality was poor, a lot of call drops, and the phone was mostly unreachable. We had to turn off 3G in several cases to make phone calls. Turning the phone from 3G mode to 2G boosts the network straight to 5Bars, after which one faces no call drops nor is the phone unreachable. Download speeds on Edge are a constant 144kbps in all 5 areas of the city.
For comparison purposes we also took a device which was 3G powered with State owned MTNL 3G JADOO services. And here is how MTNL fared in all the areas
So in comparison MTNL fared quite good and was able to deliver quite close to promised speeds, we also continued to get phone calls and did not face any call drops.
But there is another interesting aspect to MTNL, they currently have a 4500 Rs scheme where you get unlimited data for 6 months at 3G speeds. Which basically kills all hopes for Vodafone or any other private player. There is a claimed 200GB/month limit, but even if you cross it you are not charged.
Conclusion
We have been waiting for 3G in India for too long, almost long enough to not care. If you can, then for 3G stay away from private players, especially in Delhi. Prices are exorbitant and service is poor. Network failure after network failure, not to forget 1/3 of the promised speeds. Companies will need to tighten up their quality if they want their consumers to stick else MNP will be quite handy for those who really want decent 3G quick.
So this is new information, wait, perhaps its old. But, anyway a representative from Vodafone India Corp Comm, told us that Vodafone will try launching its services by 10 th March or latest by 30th March. Are they trying to bring in the next fiscal year with 3G?
So pricing still remains a mystery, as far as we know, you should get ready to hear ridiculous pricing for all their Data plans
Pay as you Go
10p for 10kb roughly translated makes it 10,000 Rs / GB
Or possibly prepaid monthly packs (prices not confirmed)
600 Rs – 399 MB
400 Rs – 199 MB
1200 Rs – 1 GB
Similar pricing with postpaid is expected.
But, with Packs like these Vodafone shouldn’t bother. These packs are not up-to expectation and will let down a lot of hopeful consumers like us!
After months of leaks, rumors and blatant denials from Sony Ericsson, the most anticipated device from there stable is finally here the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.
The best part its playstation certified.Tech Specs include
Latest version of the Android platform (Gingerbread version 2.3)
60fps play-back
Snapdragon 1Ghz processor
Enhanced graphical processor unit the Adreno 205
Dedicated gaming controls for real console quality game play
Four-way directional keys
ABCD keys with PlayStation iconography
Left/right shoulder keys
Two analog touch inputs for joystick action
4-inch brilliant multi-touch display
5.0 megapixel camera
Look at the official Images along with three intro vids from Sony Ericsson.
Official Press Release
ATLANTA, Feb. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – Are Americans ready to play? Sony Ericsson and Verizon Wireless think so. Sony Ericsson today announced that its new Xperia™ PLAY, the world’s first PlayStation Certified smartphone, will be available on the Verizon Wireless Network in the Spring 2011.
“This Spring, expect to see a lot of people with their heads down and thumbs up,” said Peter Farmer, Head of Marketing for North America, Sony Ericsson. “Xperia™ PLAY combined with the power of the Verizon Wireless network gives you everything you need in a smartphone and the one thing you want – the ultimate gaming experience.”
Xperia™ PLAY is powered by the latest version of the Android platform (Gingerbread version 2.3) – and is PlayStation certified, which ensures an optimized gaming experience featuring content from the PlayStation Suite. Xperia™ PLAY will provide a best-in-class gaming experience right out of the box with many of the most popular games pre-loaded, including Asphalt Adrenaline 6, Bruce Lee, Star Battalion, The Sims 3, and Tetris. More than 50 additional titles from top franchises at leading game publishers will be available for purchase at launch.
“Working with Sony Ericsson to bring the world’s first PlayStation Certified smartphone to the nation’s most reliable network builds on our commitment to deliver the best mobile gaming and entertainment experience to our customers,” said Jeff Dietel, vice president-marketing for Verizon Wireless.
According to the Entertainment Software Association’s 2010 consumer survey, in the United States:
67 percent of households play computer or video games
42 percent of heads of households report they play games on wireless devices, up from 20 percent in 2002
The average game player age is 34 and 40 percent of game players are women
Facebook users can enter the First2Play contest and could be one of the first 10 people to get the Xperia™ PLAY by visiting www.facebook.com/SEUSA.
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY Key Features:
PlayStation Certified gaming experience
Latest version of the Android platform (Gingerbread version 2.3)
60fps play-back enabled through the Snapdragon 1Ghz processor, optimized with enhanced graphical processor unit the Adreno 205
Dedicated gaming controls for real console quality game play, including four-way directional keys, recognizable ABCD keys with PlayStation iconography, left/right shoulder keys and two analog touch inputs for joystick action
4-inch brilliant multi-touch display
5.0 megapixel camera
Nokia and Microsoft have finally Announced Nokia – Windows Phone 7 devices. But in this “Strategic Alliance” a lot more is going down, namely linkages in Bing, Xbox Live and Office products.
Check out the Full PR Below
Nokia and Microsoft Announce Plans for a Broad Strategic Partnership to Build a New Global Mobile Ecosystem
Companies plan to combine assets and develop innovative mobile products on an unprecedented scale.
LONDON – Feb. 11, 2011 – Nokia and Microsoft today announced plans to form a broad strategic partnership that would use their complementary strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem.
Nokia and Microsoft intend to jointly create market-leading mobile products and services designed to offer consumers, operators and developers unrivalled choice and opportunity. As each company would focus on its core competencies, the partnership would create the opportunity for rapid time to market execution. Additionally, Nokia and Microsoft plan to work together to integrate key assets and create completely new service offerings, while extending established products and services to new markets.
Under the proposed partnership:
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Nokia would adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, innovating on top of the platform in areas such as imaging, where Nokia is a market leader.
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Nokia would help drive the future of Windows Phone. Nokia would contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support, and help bring Windows Phone to a larger range of price points, market segments and geographies.
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Nokia and Microsoft would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and a shared development roadmap to align on the future evolution of mobile products.
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Bing would power Nokia’s search services across Nokia devices and services, giving customers access to Bing’s next generation search capabilities. Microsoft adCenter would provide search advertising services on Nokia’s line of devices and services.
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Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft’s mapping services. For example, Maps would be integrated with Microsoft’s Bing search engine and adCenter advertising platform to form a unique local search and advertising experience
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Nokia’s extensive operator billing agreements would make it easier for consumers to purchase Nokia Windows Phone services in countries where credit-card use is low.
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Microsoft development tools would be used to create applications to run on Nokia Windows Phones, allowing developers to easily leverage the ecosystem’s global reach.
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Nokia’s content and application store would be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace for a more compelling consumer experience.
“Today, developers, operators and consumers want compelling mobile products, which include not only the device, but the software, services, applications and customer support that make a great experience,” Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO, said at a joint news conference in London. “Nokia and Microsoft will combine our strengths to deliver an ecosystem with unrivalled global reach and scale. It’s now a three-horse race.”
“I am excited about this partnership with Nokia,” said Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “Ecosystems thrive when fueled by speed, innovation and scale.The partnership announced today provides incredible scale, vast expertise in hardware and software innovation and a proven ability to execute.”
Please visit www.nokia.com/press for press materials.