Tag: hands on

Blackberry Z30 Leaked In New Hands-On Video

BlackBerry is looking for a buyer for the company, but until then, the company will still needs to make big moves to find buyers for its phones.

A full hands-on video of the as-yet unreleased Blackberry Z30 has appeared on Vietnamese website Cellphone S. The 5-inch screen-toting BlackBerry 10 powered handset looks similar to the likes of the already-on-sale BlackBerry Z10 and Q5. The video footage showcases the BlackBerry Z30 and its AMOLED 1,290 x 720p resolution display with a 295ppi image density.

There are plenty of screens to view as the Vietnamese tester scrolls through the operating system, but you could get the same by looking at one of the current models. The interesting stuff lies in the fact that, if true, the Z30 will very much be a statement phone. Its 5-inch AMOLED display may be rumoured to have only a 720p resolution, but it’s certainly big enough.

Although there’s no official launch date for the BlackBerry Z30 from the Canadian smartphone manufacturer, the fact that the smartphone already has an AT&T logo on the rear from the US network provider could suggest that the 5-inch smartphone will be unveiled imminently.

Other reported specs for the BlackBerry Z30, aka the BlackBerry A10, include an 8-megapixel camera on the back. On the inside, the phone is expected to rock a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. It’s certainly nothing too surprising and isn’t anything groundbreaking, but we’d say BlackBerry loyalists will get a kick out of the new phone.

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August 12, 2013
Sony Launches the XPERIA Z Ultra in India Rs. 46990, 6.4 inch Full HD, Waterproof and Dust Resistant (Hands On)

Sony today launched the new Xperia Z Ultra in India, the phone is a bigger (really) sized variant of the Xperia Z and in theory really builds on the design and the features of the Xperia Z. The Xperia Z Ultra features a 6.4 inch Full HD 1920 x 1080p display with 344 ppi pixel density which is powered by the Triluminous and X-reality engines of the Mobile Bravia embed. The Xperia Z Ultra also features a MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset which is more than capable of powering the device, with Quad-core 2.2 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 the phone is really a mammoth creation in both size and hardware power. The Xperia Z Ultra just like the Z before it, is IP58 certified – dust and water proof which means the the Xperia Z Ultra is Water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes.

For Cameras you have an 8 MP rear snapper and a 2 MP front camera both sans a LED Flash and capable of 1080p video at 30fps. The Xperia Z Ultra comes with a 3050 mAh battery which is embedded into the device and is non removable, the profile of the handset is truly fantastic where it is only 6.5mm thick and weighs only 212g considering the size. Sony have also rounded off the sides so that it does not bite your hands when you attempt to grip this passport sized handset. The phone will be available in Black, White and Purple and boasts lots of freebies from the get go, including Asphalt 7 which is pre installed, Sony Live Content from Indian Idol Etc. and free 3months subscription to Big Flix.

The Xperia Z Ultra has 16 GB inbuilt storage and 2 GB of RAm and you can expand the storage with upto a 64 GB microSD card, class 10 recommended.

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July 30, 2013
HTC Butterfly S Hands on

HTC yesterday at a showcase event held in Thailand showed off the new HTC Butterfly S. A revamp of the HTC Butterfly, the new Butterfly S builds along the same design strategy but adding features from HTC’s popular HTC ONE.

Curved to fit in the hand the new Butterfly S has been splashed with a metallic finish making it resemble a “car paint job”. The color options for the handset are also not limited to two like last year, this year they include a white, a metal grey and a glossy red.

The HTC Butterfly S is packed with a lot of exciting elements including a 3200 mAh battery, a Qualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600 chipset with a Quad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300 CPU and the Adreno 320 GPU. The front has a beautiful IPS LCD 3 display of a 5 inch size and a full HD 1920 x1080p resolution and a layer of Gorilla Glass 3. The design and the materials used in the construction of the HTC Butterfly S show to a great extent what the thought process of the company is when they are building a handset. The HTC Butterfly S is not only functional but looks really good.

The new HTC Sense 5.0 on top of Android 4.2.2 improves on the Blinkfeed experience as well as the Camera features, including enhanced ZOE file management amang many other improvements.

The HTC Butterfly S caters to a niche, an audience which liked the original Butterfly but wants more. Hopefully it reaches India in all three colors with a price tag in the OH-So-Affordable under 40k price bracket, here is hoping anyway! Check out the images below and stay tuned for Video.

HTC Butterfly S

HTC Butterfly S

July 11, 2013
LG Optimus G Pro E988 / E985 Launched In India for Rs. 39900 (Hands-On)

LG might be enjoying the success of the Nexus 4 in India, and in order to retain that streak the company has launched the new LG Optimus G Pro E988 in India. The 5.5 inch smartphone from LG falls 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.

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 16/32 GB storage options 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.

“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 MRP of the Optimus G Pro is set at Rs. 42500, but the phone goes on sale in the country for a price of Rs. 39900. At this price the phone competes head to head with the likes of the Galaxy S4, the HTC One and the Galaxy Note 2, the three predominant Smartphones in this price range. The LG Optimus G Pro brings the Note 2 screen size and the S4 comparable performance in a single package. The LG Optimus G Pro also has a IR blaster and quick remote app to control your electronics.

Watch our old hands on of the LG Optimus Pro E985 below and stay tuned for an Unboxing and Hands on of the LG Optimus Pro E988.

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July 4, 2013
Sony Xperia ZR Unboxing

The Sony Xperia ZR is a small brother of the Xperia Z with a major differences in design and hardware. The one thing that remains common is the water resistance and dust proof nature of the phone.

Inside the box of the Xperia ZR you will get the standard set of accessories, including a wall charger, the USB to micro USB cable and in ear headset along with documentation.

Xperia ZR Initial Impressions

The Xperia ZR is water resistant to the point where you can go swimming with it, but the build is slightly different than the Xperia Z. The back panel is made up of a rubber coating vs a glass back on the Xperia Z. The Xperia ZR has a 4.55 inch 1280 x 720p display which makes it 323 ppi .

The back of the Xperia ZR has a 13 MP camera, but it appears that the company held back with the front camera which is a VGA camera. The phone is also slightly thicker at 10.5 mm and also shorter thanks to the size of the display, which makes the overall device more compact and slightly more portable.

Sony has really gained popularity with its Xperia series thanks to the right mix of Hardware design and build quality and the Xperia ZR is not behind in this trend. Based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8064 1.5 GHz Quad core Krait chipset the phone also has the might Adreno 320 GPU. The whole mix is powered by a 2300 mAh battery and has 8 GB of storage along with 2GB of RAM.

You do have storage expandability in the Xperia ZR but only to 32GB vs the 64GB offered by many. Sony has also shipped this handset with Android 4.1.2 while many companies are now offering Android 4.2.2 out of the box.

Check out our images and video and stay tuned for the followup, iGyaan style.

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June 30, 2013
Lava Iris 504Q Unboxing And Hands-On

The Lava Iris 504Q is a smartphone targeted at the likes of Micromax and Karbonn with their Canvas and Titanium series. Powered by a Mediatek Processor (6589) the company is trying to differentiate the product from the mass of multiple devices in the market with features like gesture control and software enhancements.

The handset is manufactured well and almost resembles the HTC Butterfly from a distance, thanks to the resemblance to the earpiece grill. The back of the Lava iris 504Q is a soft touch plastic, that almost feels rubberized for added grip.

The new Lava Iris 504q has a slim 8.4mm thickness that makes it the slimmest handset in its category. It brings HD experience to a 5 inch IPS screen with OGS display technology and a resolution of 1280×720 pixels. Powered by a Quad Core 1.2GHz processor and running on the latest Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), the Iris 504q comes with an intelligent flip cover.

This device sports an 8MP camera with rear auto-focus and BSI sensor. Lava Iris 504q also packs in 1GB RAM and an internal memory of 4 GB, which is expandable up to 32 GB.

For a price of Rs.13499/- in the market Lava has added yet another competitor in the Quad Core dual sim market.

You can watch our unboxing and hands-on below. We’ll be back with the gaming and full-review soon!

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June 29, 2013
Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 Unboxing and Hands on
Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and 6.3 at an event in New Delhi, the phones building on the success of the Galaxy note and the Grand build on the success of Phone – Tablet hybrids in the market or better known as “phablets”. Priced at Rs. 25,999/ the Galaxy Mega 5.8 essentially is a bigger Galaxy Grand, but there is something slightly different about the phone.

Galaxy Mega 5.8 Box Contents

The Samsung Galaxy Mega comes with the standard list of Box contents;
Galaxy Mega 5.8 Initial Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 is a large device, but clearly is not as large as its big brother the Mega 6.3, next to the Galaxy S4 the Mega 5.8 simply dwarfs the current flagship from the Korean Manufacturer. The display is a 540 x 960 px capacitive touchscreen, and despite a lowly 190 ppi the screen is really sharp and great to look at. The screen is also extremely bright, fairly visible outdoors and has good viewing angles.

The Galaxy Mega features a dual core 1.4 GHz chipset which is the same chipset seen on the Galaxy Grand, which was pretty good at handling gaming on the smaller variant, but may not deliver on a larger screen with a higher resolution. The phone also has 8 GB storage and 1.5GB of RAM, along with expandability upto 64 GB via microSD.

The phone is also capable of handling two sim cards at the same time with Samsung’s new dual sim smart active mode with active forwarding to your numbers.

The Galaxy Mega 5.8 has dual cameras, an 8MP main shooter and a secondary 1.9 MP camera, both of which capture video at 1080p. The phone also comes with Android 4.2.2 out of the box slapped on with a generous dose of Touchwiz, with many of the UI elements inspired from the S4.

The Galaxy Mega 5.8 appears to be big but is easily handleable and is not that bigger than the Galaxy Note 2. The phone will fit into regular denim pockets, but may cause issues if you are one of those skinny fit lovers.

The UI seems fast and responsive and the handset seems to be holding up well, stay tuned for a barrage of videos iGyaan Style.

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June 23, 2013
Suunto Launches AMBIT2 with GPS and Navigation and Quick MultiSport Mode (Hands On) (PR)

Suunto has been a name synonymous with pro athletes and adventurers of all types. The company’s foray into the Indian market targets more enthusiasts and youth. The new Ambit2 is the successor of the popular Ambit, and adds a new Multi Sports mode.

The new apps on the Suunto Ambit 2 have been designed for a large variety of use, including swimming, cycling, running and multisport training.

The watch features interesting features including route navigation, barometric information, altimeter with FusedAltiTM, 3D compass and other outdoor specific features. In addition the Ambit2 has all the training features of the Ambit2 S.

The Ambit 2 is made inside a glass fiber reinforced casing with a battery life of up to 50 hours in GPS mode, the Ambit2 is a watch designed for serious adventurers, explorers and multisport athletes. The HR edition we put our hands on features a heart monitor belt which syncs up with the watch to track your heart rate through your workout/swim or trek.

The watch is really easy to handle and works great while on the hand, switching form one mode to another is fast and conveniently handled by one hand. The watch can be worn on either hand due to the design and the button layout.

The watch has a massive 50 mm bezel, which to us felt really nice, but a lot of athletes may not want such a huge dial. The backlight is nicely spread and is not overbearing, and should provide ample lighting during the night.

The strap is also designed keeping the active folks in mind, a stretch rubber strap with large breathable perforated holes.

While we take this watch for a spin, check out the video (uploading ) and images and stay tuned for a full review.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Suunto recently unveils the second generation of Ambit outdoor GPS watches, the new line-up of Ambit2 S and the Ambit2. This creates a collection of Suunto GPS watches for every occassion — whether a multisport training session or a serious adventure.

Comments President of Suunto, Mikko Moilanen: “The Ambit got a tremendously positive response from consumers last year. To meet the needs of perfomance sports oriented users even better we felt that a lighter, slimmer GPS with sports-specific features but less focus on outdoor functionality was needed to complement the Ambit family. In addition, the rapidly advancing technology made it meaningful to update the Ambit family with new members already now.”

Ambit2 S – The GPS watch for athletes
The new Ambit2 S is a light and sleek GPS watch for multisport athletes that packs all the features needed for cycling, running, swimming and multisport training. The GPS provides accurate pace, route navigation and tracking, while the heart rate monitor lets you train within your ideal zone.
• Cycling: The new Suunto Ambit2 S will support power meters (ANT+) and offers various power measurement values and numerous options for in-depth analysis.
• Swimming: The Ambit2 S also offers comprehensive swimming functionality, including pace and distance, automatic intervals, stroke rate and swimming time related to different pool lengths. The Ambit2 S will also learn to recognize your swimming style, which makes performance analysis easier.
• Running: Runners benefit from highly accurate pace and distance thanks to FusedSpeed™, the Ambit’s accelerometer integrated GPS, as well as interval timer and autolaps for training.
• Multisport Training: Users can switch between sports, making the Suunto Ambit2 S ideal for recording your multisport training or race.
•
Ambit2 – The GPS for explorers and athletes
Suunto also launches the Ambit2, which builds on the success of the award-winning Suunto Ambit. It includes Suunto’s hallmark outdoor functions such as route navigation, barometric information, altimeter with FusedAltiTM, 3D compass and other outdoor specific features. In addition the Ambit2 has all the training features of the Ambit2 S.
Packed in a glass fiber reinforced casing with a battery life of up to 50 hours in GPS mode, the Ambit2 is the ultimate watch for serious adventurers, explorers and multisport athletes. The Sapphire edition of the Ambit2, features a brushed steel bezel and sapphire crystal glass, adding some serious style to the Ambit2’s extreme functionality.

Comments Suunto ambassador and climber Ueli Steck: “In the mountains you need a watch you can rely on. I’ve been using Suunto products for many years and the Ambit2 is the ideal product out there for anyone serious about their mountain sports.”

Both Ambit2 S and Ambit2 will be globally available from May 2013.

App Zone and Movescount.com are also upgraded
Suunto is also upgrading the Suunto App Zone, the community forum where users can find and create free Apps for the Ambit GPS watches. Since it launched in November 2012, the App Zone has proved popular with users, who have created over 5,000 Apps so far. The upgrade gives Ambit owners the chance to create and share more advanced Apps. Suunto’s online sports community Movescount.comwhich hosts the App Zone, will also be updated to provide new tools for in-depth analysis, enhanced navigation and improved opportunities for sharing.

About Suunto

Suunto was founded in 1936 by Tuomas Vohlonen, a Finnish orienteer and inventor of the liquid-filled field compass. Since then Suunto has been at the forefront of design and innovation for dive computers, instruments and sports watches used by adventure seekers all over the globe. From the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, Suunto physically and mentally equips outdoor adventurers to conquer new territory. Suunto’s headquarters and manufacturing plant is in Vantaa, Finland. Employing more than 400 people worldwide, Suunto products are sold in over 100 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation along with its sister brands Salomon, Arc’teryx, Atomic, Wilson, Precor, and Mavic
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June 20, 2013
Apple Macbook Air Mid 2013 goes on Sale in India Starting Rs. 67900 (PR)

Apple has officially announced the launch of the Macbook Air in India aswell, starting off the new Macbook Air at a price of INR 67,900 inc VAT.

The 11-inch MacBook Air comes with a 1.3 GHz processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.6 GHz, 4GB of memory and is available with 128GB of flash storage starting at INR 67,900 inc VAT (INR 64,666.67 ex VAT), and 256GB of flash storage starting at INR 81,900 inc VAT (INR 78,000 ex VAT). The 13-inch MacBook Air comes with a 1.3 GHz processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.6 GHz, 4GB of memory and is available with 128GB of flash storage starting at INR 74,900 inc VAT (INR 71,333.33 ex VAT), and 256GB of flash storage starting at INR 88,900 inc VAT (INR 84,666.67 ex VAT). Configure-to-order options include a 1.7 GHz Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, up to 8GB of memory and up to 512GB flash storage.

The new generation of Macbook Air from Apple feature Intel’s new Haswell chipsets, designed to be very powerful yet energy efficient. According to Apple, the 13-inch MacBook Air will last up to 12 hours of battery life and up to 10 hours of iTunes movie playback. The 11-inch MacBook Air delivers up to 9 hours of battery life and up to 8 hours of iTunes movie playback.

The new Macbook Air features 802.11ac Wi-Fi for wireless performance that is up to three times faster when connected to an 802.11ac base station. Just to make a point Apple also launched the new AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations that feature three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology with a maximum data rate of 1.3Gbps, almost three times faster than 802.11n.

The new AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations are available today through Apple Authorised Resellers. AirPort Extreme is available for a suggested retail price of INR 14,200 inc VAT (INR 12,511.01 ex VAT). AirPort Time Capsule comes in two models: 2TB of storage for INR 19,900 inc VAT (INR 18,952.38 ex VAT) and 3TB of storage for INR 25,900 inc VAT (INR 24,666.67 ex VAT).

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Apple Brings All Day Battery Life to MacBook Air

SAN FRANCISCO—June 10, 2013—Apple today updated MacBook Air with all day battery life, fourth generation Intel Core processors with faster graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and flash storage that is up to 45 percent faster than the previous generation. The ultimate everyday notebook is now an even better value, with 11-inch models featuring double the storage and 13-inch models starting at a new lower price of INR 74,900. Apple today also introduced completely redesigned AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations featuring 802.11ac Wi-Fi for up to three times faster performance.

“MacBook Air is the industry leader for thin and light notebooks, and now with longer battery life, we’ve set the bar even higher,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With faster flash, more powerful graphics and up to 12 hours of battery life, the new MacBook Air packs even more performance into the portable and durable design our customers love.”

The new MacBook Air features power-efficient fourth generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors that give the 13-inch MacBook Air up to 12 hours of battery life and up to 10 hours of iTunes movie playback. The 11-inch MacBook Air delivers up to 9 hours of battery life and up to 8 hours of iTunes movie playback.* MacBook Air now supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi for wireless performance that is up to three times faster when connected to an 802.11ac base station. New Intel HD Graphics 5000 gives MacBook Air up to 40 percent faster performance for gaming and graphics intensive apps, and new flash storage provides speeds up to 45 percent faster than the previous generation and nine times faster than traditional hard drives.**

The incredibly thin and light design features dual microphones, a FaceTime HD camera, a high-speed Thunderbolt port and two USB 3.0 ports. MacBook Air also supports dual displays and video mirroring while simultaneously supporting full native resolution on the built-in display.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to energy efficiency and the environment, the new MacBook Air meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves an EPEAT Gold rating.*** Each unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminium and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Apple notebooks contain no brominated flame retardants, are PVC-free and are constructed of highly recyclable materials.

MacBook Air ships with OS X Mountain Lion, bringing Messages, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, AirPlay Mirroring, Dictation, Game Center and the enhanced security of Gatekeeper to your Mac. With iCloud built into the foundation of OS X, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to keep your content up to date across your Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Apple also introduced redesigned AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations that feature three-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology with a maximum data rate of 1.3Gbps, almost three times faster than 802.11n. The new AirPort base stations include high-powered radios and a six-element beam-forming antenna array to maximise range and performance. With setup built right into OS X and iOS, users can create a high-speed Wi-Fi network in just a few clicks, and the intuitive AirPort Utility makes it easy to view and manage a network graphically. Featuring 2TB or 3TB hard drives, AirPort Time Capsule works in conjunction with Time Machine in OS X and is the simplest way to wirelessly backup multiple Macs. Measuring just 3.85-inches by 3.85-inches and 6.6-inches tall, these new base stations can be placed almost anywhere in the home.

Pricing & Availability
MacBook Air is available today through Apple Authorised Resellers. The 11-inch MacBook Air comes with a 1.3 GHz processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.6 GHz, 4GB of memory and is available with 128GB of flash storage starting at INR 67,900 inc VAT (INR 64,666.67 ex VAT), and 256GB of flash storage starting at INR 81,900 inc VAT (INR 78,000 ex VAT). The 13-inch MacBook Air comes with a 1.3 GHz processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.6 GHz, 4GB of memory and is available with 128GB of flash storage starting at INR 74,900 inc VAT (INR 71,333.33 ex VAT), and 256GB of flash storage starting at INR 88,900 inc VAT (INR 84,666.67 ex VAT). Configure-to-order options include a 1.7 GHz Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, up to 8GB of memory and up to 512GB flash storage. Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/macbook-air.

The new AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations are available today through Apple Authorised Resellers. AirPort Extreme is available for a suggested retail price of INR 14,200 inc VAT (INR 12,511.01 ex VAT). AirPort Time Capsule comes in two models: 2TB of storage for INR 19,900 inc VAT (INR 18,952.38 ex VAT) and 3TB of storage for INR 25,900 inc VAT (INR 24,666.67 ex VAT). Additional technical specifications are available online at www.apple.com/airport-extreme and www.apple.com/airport-time-capsule.

*The Wireless Web protocol testing was conducted by Apple in June 2013 using preproduction MacBook Air configurations. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. For more information visit www.apple.com/macbook-air.

**Testing conducted by Apple in June 2013 using preproduction MacBook Air configurations. For more information visit www.apple.com/macbook-air.

***Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.2 energy database as of June 2013. EPEAT is an independent organisation that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognised as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.[/toggle]

June 11, 2013
Hands-On With The Blackberry Q10 At India Launch

Blackberry today launched the first Blackberry 10 powered QWERTY device, the Blackberry Q10 (read here).

BlackBerry believes there is a niche for QWERTY-based smartphones in today’s mobile space with around 80 per cent of users wanting large-form touch-only devices like the iPhone 5, Galaxy S4, and HTC One – that explains the decision to launch the Z10 first. We wen’t hands-on with the device.

Blackberry Q10 Initial Impressions

The BlackBerry Q10 is the first phone to land running the BlackBerry 10.1 operating system update. As a result, the Q10 is a joy to use, mostly.

Jumping through menus and reverting back to the home screen is prompt and fuss free. Opening apps, however takes that fraction of a second longer than desired.

After looking at the Blackberry Q10 in images on the internet for quite some time, we had the impression that it would be a small device. Instead, the Blackberry Q10 feels great in the hand, with beveled edges all around the plastic back. There is a black steel edge around the entire device and a glass front above the keyboard.

The back comes with a gray tweed-over-black pattern, which Blackberry claims is unique to each Black Blackberry Q10. The white Blackberry Q10 has a glossier look and feel to it and it does not have the poly carbonate weave at the back.

Overall, it looks and feels elegant, refined and professional.

Moving on to the keyboard, one thing to note is that the once curved keyboard has now been straightened out and the metallic frets separating the rows of characters are now slightly raised for improved tactile feedback – in other words you should be able to feel where your thumbs are on the board more easily. The break in the keys is a nice clean look however and the overall size of the keyboard is similar to previous devices. Impressive.

The Blackberry Q10 has a 3.1-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen, albeit with a square 720 x 720 resolution rather than a widescreen aspect like a typical touchscreen phone. It’s a necessary trade-off to fit in the keyboard, but it does mean any video you watch is squashed and hard to view. The screen looks neat though, and the bright and bold Super AMOLED display does a good job of making everything pop.

The Q10 uses a removable 2,100 mAh pack that’s plenty large enough given the relatively compact screen. It is reported that BlackBerry has even taken advantage included some darker color schemes for BlackBerry 10 apps, to take advantage of the fact that AMOLED uses less power for dimmer parts of the display.

Also, we were really impressed with the Blackberry Q10’s browser. Pages load quickly over cellular or Wi-Fi means, and well laid out options and quick access to shortcuts make the Q10 browser is efficient and business like. The QWERTY keyboard makes inputting URL’s a breeze, with no pop-up digital display crowding out on-screen content. It also has an option to load flash content.

An impressive feature for business customers is that they can take advantage of BlackBerry’s new Balance feature, which made its debut with the Z10. With Balance, a user can blend both work and personal email streams into a single email stream. (Phones with BES advanced policies set require users to go to separate work and personal email inboxes.) Other apps are divided into separate work and personal containers.

To make Balance or these advanced policies work, users must be connected to a BES server, which in most cases means an enterprise buys the server to locate behind the firewall.

In conclusion, we’d like to say that for existing users, the Q10 is an obvious upgrade: it’s the best QWERTY smartphone available in the market today, but that may have more to do with the fact that very few manufacturers are interested in revisiting that segment. It is fast, snappy, and has that old-school Blackberry feel to it. However, we feel that the Blackberry Q10 is overpriced by at least Rs. 10,000, and the company will have to reconsider it over time.

Full review coming soon!

June 6, 2013
LG Officially Launches the Nexus 4 in India – Rs. 25,999 /- (PR) (Hands On)
The Google Branded Nexus 4 was launched in the US, last year and was expected to reach India early December 2012. LG gave word today that it has officially launched the Google Nexus 4 Smartphone in India for a Price of Rs. 25,999 /-., talk about delayed Indian Standard Time. The Nexus 4 has been launched and is available through online as well as offline vendors.

Most of us are already familiar with the Specs and Features of the Nexus 4, and the fact that the latest version of Android is instantly seeded to owners. The roundup for the Nexus 4 includes, a Qualcomm SnapdragonTM S4 Pro CPU 1.5 GHz Krait, with Android 4.2 .2. The Display is a 4.7 inch 1280 x 768 px IPS LCD display with Gorilla® Glass 2. Read full Specs and PR below.

In either case the Nexus 4 seems like a better proposition than another Android 4.2 Smartphone launched today.

Nexus 4 Specification:
Display
Touch
Camera
Battery
Audio/Video
Data Connectivity
Memory
Processor
Advance Features
[toggle title=”Press Release”]New Delhi, 16th May, 2013:– Designed collaboratively by LG and Google, Nexus 4, the newest smartphone in the Nexus line-up from Google, was announced today for availability in India. With a sophisticated hardware design from LG, your favourite Google Apps, and the latest version of Android™, Nexus 4 puts the best of Google in the palm of your hand.

“LG Electronics is pleased to partner Google on the release of the Nexus 4 in India,” shared Mr. Soon Kwon, Managing Director, LG Electronics India. “We added the best of our talent to our strength, and the result is a feature- packed smartphone that packs superb hardware under a slim hood. With LG Nexus 4, consumers would be delighted by the perfectly balanced combination of style, function and power. The smartphone encourages consumers to explore a world of possibilities and also helps them balance between business and entertainment”

Built for speed
Nexus 4 comes with a cutting edge Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 Pro processor, so you’ve got speed and power to spare. Zip around the web, experience rich 3D graphics and gameplay, and effortlessly switch between multiple apps without ever missing a beat. With 2GB of RAM and the fastest version of Android ever, Nexus 4 is the snappiest Nexus smartphone yet.

Capture and share your world
Nexus 4 comes with a high performance 8MP camera and takes stunning Photo Sphere images, letting you capture every detail of the world around you. Up, down and all around you, it’s like no camera you’ve ever seen; with Nexus 4, you can snap pictures in every direction that come together into incredible, immersive Photo Spheres that put you right inside the scene. Plus, photos upload themselves with Instant Upload so you’ll never lose a shot.
All of this comes to life with stunning clarity and crisp, natural color on the vibrant 1280by768 4.7inch True HD IPS Plus display supported by Zerogap Touch technology. Gently curved glass edges allow your finger to slide smoothly on and off the 320ppi screen, while cutting edge display technology means you feel like you’re touching every pixel, protected by scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2.

Information at your fingertips
Nexus 4 comes with the latest Google apps, putting the best of Google in the palm of your hand. The latest version of Google Now is built in, which keeps you even more organized – get reminders about upcoming flights, restaurant reservations, hotel confirmations and even nearby photo opportunities – when and where you need them. Get to the places you care about quickly and easily with Google Maps™ for Android. With turn by turn GPS navigation, live traffic info, and integrated driving, walking and public transit directions, getting from A to B has never been easier. 3D Maps and rich satellite imagery give you a more realistic sense of what’s around you while features like Street View and Indoor Maps make sure you always know what’s in front of you.

With this and a host of other new features, LG Nexus 4 is bound to transform and elevate a consumer’s smartphone experience. LG’s Nexus 4 is priced at Rs 25, 999 and will be available at selected LG exclusive brand shops, Multi brand outlets and speciality stores ( modern trade ) across India.

Specification:
CPU Qualcomm SnapdragonTM S4 Pro CPU 1.5 GHz Krait
Network Unlocked GSM/UMTS/HSPA+
GSM/EDGE/GPRS (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
3G (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz)
HSPA+ 42
Dimension 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm
Operating System Android 4.2 .2
Weight 139g

Display
Type LCD/True HD IPS+
Size 4.7” diagonal
Resolution WXGA (1280 x 768) pixel resolution (320ppi)
Etc Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2

Touch
Type/Handwriting Zerogap/Yes

Camera
Main Camera 8MP
Flash LED 1EA
Front Camera 1.3MP HD

Battery
Capacity/Type 2,100mAh/Lipolymer
(Embedded)
Talk Time 11.9 hours (Tx power 10dm)
Standby Time 564.5 hours (DRX 8)

Audio/Video
Audio Codec MP3/AAC/AA+/eAAC+/AMR NB/ WAV/WMA/MIDI
Video Codec MPEG4/H.263/H.264
Audio Jack 3.5mm
2nd Microphone Yes

Data Connectivity
Bluetooth/USB/WiFI
3.0/2.0HS/802.11 a/b/g/n (Dual Band)
GPS/HDMI/NFC Yes with GLONASS Support / Yes (Slimport)/ Yes (Android Beam)

Memory
Internal RAM/ROM 2GB/16GB

Processor
Quad Core 1.5GHz

Advance Features
Wireless Charging Yes
Wireless Display Yes

About LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd.
LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics, South Korea was established in January 1997 in India. It is one of the most formidable brands in consumer electronics, home appliances, IT hardware and mobile communications space. In India for a decade, LG has earned a premium brand positioning and is the acknowledged trendsetter for the industry.
LGEIL’s manufacturing unit at Greater Noida is one of the most eco-friendly units among all LG manufacturing plants in the world. The second Greenfield facility is located at Ranjangaon; Pune has the capacity to manufacture GSM Phones, Colour Televisions, Air Conditioners, LCD TVs, Washing Machines, Refrigerators, Monitors and Optical Disc Drives.

About Google Inc.
Google is a global technology leader focused on improving the ways people connect with information. Google’s innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world.[/toggle]
May 16, 2013
HP Shows off new Split x2 Windows Hybrid and Android based SlateBook x2
HP is in the big for Android this time around, as they show off two new clamshell units, one of which is a Tegra 4 based Android Tablet. HP has had a lot of success with its Envy X2 detachable hybrid and plans to expand the x2 series to make room for two follow-on products: the Split x2 (a Windows 8 hybrid) and the SlateBook x2 (an Android tablet).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional information about the HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2 is available at www.hp.com/x2 and The Next Bench.[/toggle]
May 15, 2013
Exclusive : Samsung Galaxy S4 India version Hands On

Samsung is all set to launch the Galaxy S4 in India on the 26th of April 2013. It is believed that the flagship smartphone for the Korean company will come for Rs. 42,900/- and the device will be launched in two colors namely the Black Mist and the Frost White.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 in India will be available initially in a bundled offer which will include a flip case and some accessories. The Smartphone has received many a critical acclaim globally thanks to its many features and software enhancements.

Galaxy S4 Front

Galaxy S4 White Rear 13 MP Camera

Galaxy S4 Bottom

Galaxy S4 Right Side

Galaxy S4 Top

In the hand the Samsung Galaxy S4 seems a lot more robust than its predecessor, however the feel is still plasticky. The device does end up looking a lot more elegant thanks to the brushed aluminum “look” bezel and the nicely pattered back panel which is better visible in the black mist color. Although the Galaxy S4 sports a larger 5 inch display, it does not look a lot bigger than the S3, in fact the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a lot more rounded and fits well in the hand as well as in the pocket.

Galaxy S4 Camera UI

Galaxy S4 Screen Visibility

Galaxy S4 Front 2 MP camera

Galaxy S4 Hardware Button

Galaxy S4 Rear Camera

Galaxy S4 Black Bezel Front

The interface on the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a lot more refined than on other Android phones, including other Samsung Phones. The devices we saw were prototypes, however they ran wonderfully well, with no lag, gestures were great too as you will see in the video.

[pullquote_left] The phone does magic![/pullquote_left]The TouchWiz/Nature UI is now easily recognizable and does not have a lot of differentiation from previous editions, the built in features from the past like multi window, pop up play along with some new UI elements like, finger hover and retina sensors make using the device magical. From a consumer point of view the phone does magic, which in a sense of the word sets it apart from devices that don’t do “magic”.

With just a limited time spent with the two Galaxy S4’s I can safely say that the white color is much better and looks a lot more nicer than the Black, however the black is a lot more elegant and with that a finger print magnet.

With the launch just around the corner, the Samsung Galaxy S4 may just as well be the biggest hype this quarter from Samsung and with the details of the Note 3 leaking out, we can safely assume that its not the last hype for 2013.

[youtube id=”H_sVFAQOuq4″ width=”100%” height=”300px”]

April 24, 2013
White Blackberry Q10 spotted

While Blackberry was busy renaming their parent company and launching the new OS along with black variants of the Z10 and Q10 a white version of the BOLD series replacement the Blackberry Q10 has been spotted at the event.

The Blackberry Q10 is packed with a 720 x 720 Super AMOLED 3.1-inch display, the Blackberry Q10’s screen is slightly larger than its touch-hybrid predecessor, the Bold 9930, and has a pixel density of 328ppi. Other specs include the 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and 2GB of RAM, 10.3mm-thick body and a 139g weight.

January 31, 2013
Hands on : Samsung Galaxy Grand

Samsung saw the “Indian” version of the PHABLET and decided that it needed to penetrate the market which was dominated by lower class devices. The new Samsung Galaxy Grand aims to do that, with slight bit of problem the initial market price of Rs 21,500.

At first the Galaxy Grand looks like a fuse between the S3 and the Note 2, however it has features of neither (except the looks). The Samsung Galaxy Grand is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, it has 1 Gb of RAM and 8GB internal storage which honestly is the only current redeeming feature. The Grand also belongs to the DUOS series since it a dual sim phone.

The front of the device has a 5 inch 480×800 px display which surprisingly is very clear and vivid with good outdoor visibility. The phone also has multi window which we demonstrated in our hands on video (coming up.)

8 MP Camera

On the back, the Samsung Galaxy Grand features an 8 megapixel primary camera with LED flash, which if Samsung is to be believed has “enhanced optics”. At first it just seems like a bunch of gimmicks, only a final review will tell. The camera however zero shutter-lag and a backside illumination sensor.

The build quality of the phone is also standard Samsung style, so plastics all round, keeping manufacturing costs low for the device. Samsung Galaxy Grand comes with Jelly Bean and Touch Wiz designed for Jelly Bean. So Samsung though it fair enough to stuff the phone with features like “direct call” and “popup video” from the Galaxy S3 and Note 2.

Usual Button Layout

Flip Case

[pullquote_left]”too little too late”[/pullquote_left] Although the Galaxy Grand is a noble attempt from Samsung, is the device “too little too late” especially considering the “Indian” counterparts one up-ed Samsung just a day ago. While true usage capabilities will only come with the final review, as far as The Galaxy Grand is concerned, it should be a decent if not “GRAND” add-on to the lineup of devices from Samsung. However considering sheer market value and brand value, a stable user experience and a good user support coverage, the device will be a great eye candy and will attract a lot of buyers, especially those who will prefer a “brand” over specs.

The final device will drop the matte bezel and will adopt a shiny glossy bezel, similar to the one on the Note 2. The added flip cover and the striking resemblance to the mammoth flagship will enable the user to pass the Galaxy grand as a Note 2 to the unknown eye. That is essentially what will make this device really popular for the Indian psyche.

Hands on Video:

January 22, 2013