Tag: igyaan

Sony Launches DSC RX100 in India, first Cyber-shot™ with 1.0-type 20.2 MP Sensor , F1.8 lens, Rs 34999 (Hands On) (PR)
Sony today in India launched their new premium point and shoot camera the DSC RX100, it is being touted as the first Cyber-shot™ with 1.0-type 20.2 effective megapixel sensor and bright F1.8 lens.

Specifications include:
- 1.0-type (13.2 x 8.8mm) 20.2 megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor
- F1.8 Carl Zeiss 3.6x optical zoom lens
- Control Ring for creative photo shooting
- All aluminium body
- 1080p Full HD Video at 50i
Initial hands on with the camera reveals excellent low light performance with detailed background and foreground defocus. The camera features a 1.0 type sensor which is four times larger than a traditional point and shoot sensor hence increasing the overall light captured in each pixel. The F1.8 lens adds to the low noise performance allowing a wider field of light to pass through.

The front adjustment ring is buttery smooth and features multiple selections in different modes. The camera also does full HD video and has progressive modes. The camera also has in body six axis Images stabilisation which works really well at first test.

The camera is available today for a price of Rs. 34,999. which may seem a little pricier, but for the high end features this camera gives in a pocketable and premium form factor. Price may not be a factor for the people Sony is targeting with this particular model.

Hands on Video below, and expect a full Review iGyaan Style.

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New Delhi, 23^rdAugust, 2012: Sleekly crafted in aluminium for strength, lightness and luxurious looks, DSC-RX100 inherits many advanced imaging features from Sony’s ? range of A-mount and E-mount camera families. It’s an accomplished partner for travel, portraits or street photography, with impressive picture quality, comfortable control options that make DSC-RX100 ideal as a step-up from point-and-shoot cameras. It’s also ideal as a pocket-sized second camera for enthusiasts who want to capture pristine stills and Full HD video while they’re on the move.

DSC-RX100 is the world’s first¹ 1.0-type Exmor CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20.2 effective megapixels. Specially developed by Sony, the sensor has an area that’s around four times larger than the 1/2.3-type imager in regular point-and-shoot cameras. Capturing far more light than small-sensor cameras, it’s the key to beautiful, detail packed images and Full HD movie clips with very low noise.

The larger sensor is partnered with an ultra-bright Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 3.6x optical zoom range. In contrast with standard point-and-shoot cameras, the wide F1.8 maximum aperture lets in more light to complement the resolving power of the large 1.0-type Exmor CMOS sensor.

In common with high-performance DSLR optics, the lens features seven- bladed circular aperture. This makes it easy to produce pro-style defocused effects, with subjects in sharp focus against a smoothly-blurred background. The lens also features an Advanced Aspherical (AA) glass element that contributes to the camera’s extremely compact dimensions without sacrificing optical performance or resolution.

Complementing the 1.0-type sensor and lens, the optimised BIONZ image processor maximises shooting responses while assuring exceptionally clean, natural images. Speedy burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second (full-resolution) lets you grab split-second photo opportunities, while high-speed autofocus locks onto your target in as little as 0.13 seconds[2].

Even if you’re shooting outdoors, it’s easy to see subtle details and tones on the bright, high contrast 7.5cm (3″) Xtra Fine LCD. With an extremely high 1229k dot resolution, the screen debuts new WhiteMagic™[3] technology that uses white pixels in addition to RGB to boost screen brightness. It’s easy to fine-tune your image with a wide range of manual adjustments, whether you’re shooting stills or Full HD video.

Experienced photography enthusiasts will appreciate the unique Control Ring that surrounds the lens body. Allowing smooth, fingertip adjustment of exposure, zoom, Picture Effect and other functions, it makes versatile DSLR-style creative control over your image easily accessible.

Frequently-used functions can be assigned to a handy Fn (function) button for instant access. Memory Recall stores up to three groups of settings for instant recall – a big time-saver when you don’t want to keep adjusting parameters for favourite scenes.

Just like a DSLR camera, there’s a choice of auto and manual focus modes for even greater control over your image. If you’re focusing manually, MF Assist magnifies your image to simplify fine adjustments. There’s also a convenient Peaking function that highlights sharply-focused areas of the image on screen.

There’s a generous choice of artistic options to expand shooting possibilities for enthusiasts and novice photographers alike. It’s easy to fine-tune the look of your image with a choice of six Creative Styles to suit the scene or your personal preference. Picture Effect offers an inspiring choice of ‘in camera’ effects that can be previewed on the LCD screen, including Toy Camera, Partial Colour, Pop Colour, HDR Painting, Miniature, Illustration, Watercolour and other (Note: real-time preview not available with all Picture Effect settings).

Shared with the latest ? range of A-mount and E-mount cameras, Auto Portrait Framing makes it simple to capture personality-packed photos of family and friends. Cyber-shot™ does all the hard work, automatically detecting faces and cropping the scene to create tighter, pro-style compositions without sacrificing pixel count.

The newly launched DSC-RX100 is priced at Rs. 34,990 and is available at selected Sony Center and selected key camera stores across India.

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India is one of the most recognized consumer electronics brand in the country, with a reputation for new-age technology, digital concepts and excellent after sales service. In India, Sony has its footprint across all major towns and cities in the country through a distribution network comprising of over 10,400 dealers and distributors, 270 exclusive Sony outlets and 23 direct branch locations. Sony India also has a strong service presence across the country with 255 service outlets. Manned by customer friendly and informed sales persons, Sony’s exclusive stores ‘Sony Center’ are fast becoming the most visible face of the company in India. A distinctive feature of Sony’s service is its highly motivated and well-trained staff that provides the kind of attentive and sensitive service that is rare today.

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August 23, 2012
iGyaan Exclusive : Galaxy Note 2 To Feature New S Pen Interface

According to our reliable insider resources from the industry, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which is to be launched at IFA later this month, will feature a new interface for the S Pen. Along with that, the ‘phablet’ will also have almost 20 new features overall.

According to the latest rumors, the device would most likely come with a 5.5″ Super AMOLED Screen with 16/32GB internal memory and 1.5GB of RAM. On the back would be a 13MP Camera with 1080p recording at 30fps. It is said to be powered by a Quad-Core Exynos 5250 processor and be HSPA+, LTE compatible. It is likely to be shipped with Android Jelly Bean outside the box

We Will be covering the event Live from Berlin! Stay tuned!

August 19, 2012
Edit : Why I Use An iPhone

Ok, so before I begin with this article, let me clarify that I haven’t been paid by Apple to write this, I don’t hate Android phones, and I most certainly am not a “fanboy”. Also, I am not Bharat Nagpal (I know most of you came here expecting Bharat to finally reveal why he uses an iPhone).

The question is simple yet one of the most debatable one this side of the century, “Why do you use an iPhone?”

Some background details first

[pullquote_right]working at iGyaan has its perks![/pullquote_right]I currently use a 16GB iPhone 4s, my first iPhone, which I’ve been using since January, 2012. Before this I had a Nokia 5230 “Express Music”, a Samsung Corby, a Samsung Metro, a Motorola flip phone (don’t remember its name now) and a Nokia 1100 (which I had to crush with a brick and then drown in a bucket full of water to make sure it was dead). Oh, and a couple of Android devices here and there (working at iGyaan has its perks!).

Now the Crux

So, it took me only 1 day to realize that I had a phone in my hand that is perfect for me. Why so? Easy, because it’s is simple and uncomplicated! I work around technology on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean I want my products and services to be unnecessarily complex. In fact, I tend to go the opposite way – I spend a lot of time working with wireless devices, dealing with random issues, playing with settings, and the likes. In my time off, I’ll always migrate to the solution that’s the easiest.

I want a device that works the same way every single time. When I open an app, I expect it to take the same amount of time to open each and every time, when it doesn’t, it aggravates me. [pullquote_left]Having a sluggish phone with a 1.5 GHz dual-core is like having a Pulsar that moves like a Rajdhoot.[/pullquote_left] The iPhone is consistent, fast and ridiculously smooth! While you’ll never have a device that’s 100 percent fail-free, I’ve yet to find another device that performs as fluidly as the iPhone 4S.

One of the primary reasons I love the iPhone is the large selection of high quality apps. Even though more apps come to Android every day, I still prefer to buy (cough!) most of my apps and games on the iPhone.

Not only do most of these apps look better, but i don’t have the same buyer’s (cough again!) remorse as I do with many Android apps I purchase. When given the choice between the same app on Android and on iPhone, I choose the iPhone app. I can’t recall looking at an Android app and complimenting its looks in comparison to its iOS and Windows Phone counterparts.

Daily Usage

Typing is a breeze with the auto-correct (though i have suffered some more than embarrassing moments due to it). The phone literally learns as you use it. Overtime Siri picked up on my “Indian Accent”and autocorrect started suggesting Hinglish words. I use dictation on the iPhone 4S to write entire articles with enough accuracy that only minimal editing needed. In fact, I am writing this article through the WordPress app on my phone! The new Voice Actions in Android 4.0 include many of the same features and work just as well as Siri and Dictation on the iPhone, but it is less polished. There is no use of relationships and Voice Actions doesn’t prompt for the message, requiring taps on-screen instead.

Through iCloud, I have all my emails, contacts, data backed up effortlessly and accessible from anywhere. I don’t have to worry about subscription renewal or periodic updates. All I had to do was create an iCloud account and I was good to go!

Camera and portability

The camera is definitely the best I’ve seen on a mobile phone (do not mention the PureView!). It has eliminated the need to carry a separate camera while on a vacation. I am more than satisfied with it!

One of the biggest feature of a phone for me is the screen, and the iPhone delivers in that aspect! The Retina display is a treat to use! Bright, vivid colours, great viewing angles, outdoor visibility and no pixilation at all! Texts are as crisp as they can be and even though the screen may not be the biggest, it definitely is the best for my needs.

Jailbreak

[pullquote_right]For all the things that Apple didn’t include in the iOS, there’s JailBreak![/pullquote_right] You can do anything, literally, once you’ve jailbroken your phone! Be it applying a custom theme (I am using the Windows 8 theme currently), add toggles to the homescreen and download unlimited apps for free!

Out of all of the smartphones I’ve used, battery life continues to shine on the iPhone 4S in comparison to Android and Windows Phone equivalents. It has taken a hit for sure with iOS 5 and the 4S’ dual-core processor, but it still outperforms other smartphones I’ve used. It charges ridiculously fast!

Conclusion (The Only Answer)

So basically, the iPhone has a smooth and fluid OS (I cannot emphasize this enough!), adequately powerful hardware, and tons of great features! Not to mention it looks great and I don’t have to deal with “minor bug fixes” now and then! So why should I switch to some other phone just because it has ridiculously speedy quad-core processor and an awfully powerful GPU when at the end of the day I have a phone which does what I need perfectly!

Is it the best phone ever? Nope. Would I go around recommending it to everyone? Nope. I can go off on a tirade of things I don’t like about it. Email management has been especially bugging me. There’s a ton of features on the Android that I wish I had access to on my iPhone, and there’s no doubt that Android will continue to develop over time, but right now, I just want a phone that pretty much manages itself, so I can enjoy it, without having to worry about if I need to update permissions on my phone. But for today, it’s the device that allows me to check off the most number of features on my list, so it stays!

August 16, 2012
WTF Episode 8 – 3 Leaks, 4 Launches

Check out the latest episode of our very own Weekly Tech Focus. Bharat talks about the rumored HTC Windows Phones, Xperia Tablet Leak, Asha 305, 311 Launch, Mercedes R350, Sony Xperia Ion Launch and answers your Questions!

August 13, 2012
iGyaan Birthday Giveaway Contest Winners!
SO after hours and days of analysing entries, we have come to a verdict.

Although there were a lot of disappointing images that were just blatantly taken from the internet and pasted in the contest and some images that were totally unrelated to the contest, we had some good ones too.

So Here are the Lucky Winners:

First Prize Blackberry Playbook Winner

Mr. Pavan Kumar

[quote]Hi Bharat i am a huge fan of your reviews & this is a little concept that i had designed for this contest. i hope u guys can easily understand what is there in the picture. i want you people to expand your reviews to all the technologies. plzzz help us..[/quote]

This image shows creativity, the need of iGyaan and effort. So Congratulations Mr. Kumar for winning the first Prize.

Winner Number 2 Micromax A85

Ms. Palak Singhal

Winner No 3 : Jabra BT 2020

Mr.A-man Nangla

Of Course it had to be a MEME

iGyaan T-Shirt Winners :

Himanshu Shastri :

Abhishek Goyal :

Raveena Shastri

Sahil Kapoor

Kamal Bisht

So a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners. and a BIG THANKS to all those who played. If you didnt win, no worries, smile and congratulate the winners in the comments below because we have a surprise at the end of this post.

Winners :

We will be sending out emails to co-ordinate delivery of your winnings to you guys. Please be patient.

Everyone Else

For everyone who is disappointed, we announce our next set of Giveaways, start commenting below and tell us how good you are at rhyming.

We have a giveaway starting next week and you need to rhyme to win.

Next Giveaways,
- Samsung Galaxy Duos Phones
- Micromax Funboox
- Micromax Funbook Pro
Dont forget to leave a comment below if you want this contest.
August 10, 2012
Samsung Mobile Unpacked 2012 IFA Event is on August 29 – We will be There Live!

Ready for some Galaxy Note 2 goodness? IFA 2012 is around the corner and Samsung has an unpacked event set for the 29th of Aug and we will be there LIVE. Benchmarks of the N7100 (the supposed Note 2 )have already been leaked and surely more details are set to emerge before the actual announcements. Rumored Quad-core Exynos with 1.6GHz and Mali 400 GPU along side list of Smart functions and a stylus upgrade.

August 3, 2012
Weekly Tech Focus on iGyaanTV.com

Check out this weeks alternative Outdoor take on the Weekly Tech Focus and tell us how you liked it.

1: Mountain Lion

2: X CAP

3: Galaxy Note 2

4: BMW

July 31, 2012
Exclusive : Is This Micromax’s next flagship Android Smartphone : The Superfone A100 ?

Looks like we sprung a leak! It appears that Micromax is working on a new Android device that seems to resemble the HTC One X in construction, its evident inspecting the design renders we got our hands on. The above image is of Micromax’s next supposed flagship device the Superfone A100.

A close inspection of the design shows a slightly larger size and a centrally placed large camera lens (could this be the first 8 mp camera phone from Micromax?). The phone also appears to have dual sim slots and a micro SD card slot. Initial impressions put the phone as a slim power phone, but we really can’t judge based on factory drawings.

Hopefully the product comes out soon, touting a 5 inch screen, a large camera,a big battery and Jelly Bean for a low price say 14k-ish ( Hey one can hope right!). In reality, no real information for the phone is available, and all Micromax officials, including those known to us, refused to acknowledge the existence of such a product. Acting pricey eh Micromax?

We will keep you updated on more news as and when we can make it available.

(Thanks Anonymous Tipster)

July 24, 2012
Sony SmartWatch Unboxing and Hands On with Video
Sony’s SmartWatch is not only meant to work with Xperia Phones, but all Android devices. The watch is a revision to the popular accessory by Sony Ericsson called LiveView. This version adds a lot of new features to the mix, allowing a lot more functionality and interaction.

The Sony SmartWatch features an easy-to-use, ultra-responsive touch display. The new interface allows you to download compatible applications from Google Play and utilize the maximum potential of the SmartWatch.

In the box you not only get a wrist strap but also an adapter to attach your own 20mm strap. allowing you to mix and match not only materials but colors as well. It measures 36 mm x 36 mm and has a thickness of 8 mm the watch weighs 15.5 gand 26 g is the weight of the watchband. The front of the watch has a Multi-touch color OLED display, with no detailed specs available. The whole interface is built on Bluetooth™ core version: 3.0 allowing fast sync and updates over the air.

Complete Box Contents Include
- SmartWatch main unit with clip
- Black watchband
- Watchband adapter
- USB charger
- User guide + warranty leaflet
Images

Video Unboxing and Hands On
July 24, 2012
Its Official Canon Announces Eos M Mirrorless Camera, 18 MP APS-C, EF lenses, US $800 (PR)

There you go guys, we spoke about in in our WTF and it has been announced, the Canon Eos M mirror less camera. Similar to the 650d the Canon Eos M has a 18 MP APS-C sensor and DIGIC 5 processor, 3-inch 1.04MP smudge-resistant touchscreen and the 650D’s new hybrid autofocus system, which pairs both contrast and phase-difference AF for speedier, more accurate performance.

Interesting features add o the table making this camera quite interesting, using in a adapter, mounting EF lenses is easy. ISO ranging from 100 to 25,600 (extended) in still mode and 12,800 (extended) when shooting video — captured in 1920 x 1080 format at 24, 25 or 30 progressive frames per second. There’s also a continuous shooting mode at 4.3 frames per second with fixed focus and exposure.

There’s also no electronic viewfinder, a full-size hot shoe is included with full support for Canon’s lineup of Speedlite flashes, including the new $150 90EX strobe and ST-E3-RT Transmitter, and the GP-E2 GPS Receiver.

It has full manual shooting, even in video mode what makes it really interesting. Canon is offering an EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens for $300, or you can add the $200 EF-EOS M mount adapter to enable use with existing lenses. Although you can expect cheaper third party adapters soon.

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Put Your Creativity Into Motion With The New EOS M Digital Camera

The Newest Camera in Canon’s Lineup Delivers Exceptional EOS Full HD Video Quality with Continuous Autofocus and an Expansive Selection of Lenses

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 23, 2012 – Combining the perfect blend of advanced video features and excellent still image quality in a convenient size, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the EOS M Digital Camera. Canon has made significant advancements in the realm of professional-quality HD video capture, from advanced CMOS sensor technology to smooth, quiet continuous autofocus. Inspired by EOS technology, the EOS M leverages these core technologies and distills them down to provide outstanding video capture capabilities while retaining high-quality still image capture. When shooting still images, the EOS M camera’s 18-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor provides a shallow depth of field, incredible low-light image quality and a wide dynamic range to capture rich gradation and detail.

This new addition to the EOS family offers a great solution to videographers and photographers of all levels, with two new lenses designed specifically for Canon’s new camera format – the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens and the optional EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens– and the ability to use the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses through the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS M.

“The EOS M includes a unique feature set making it an ideal movie-making tool while offering incredible still image quality on its APS-C-sized CMOS sensor. The camera’s size, image quality, advanced video capabilities and the versatility of Canon’s full lineup of lenses make the EOS M another great option to help our customers record and capture their creative vision,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Product Specifications and Features:
• EOS Full HD Movie mode with Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects also includes:
• Manual exposure control
• Multiple resolution frame rates
• Built-in stereo microphone
• Manual audio level adjustment
• Video Snapshot mode with touch-screen editing
• 18.0-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• ISO 100–6400 (expandable to 12800 in H mode) for video recording, ISO 100 – 12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) for still image shooting from bright to dim light and high performance Powerful DIGIC 5 Image Processor for exceptional image quality video and photos
• Hybrid CMOS AF delivers fast autofocus speed for video and photos
• Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II (approximately 1,040,000 dots) with smudge-resistant coating features multi-touch operation allowing photographers to use familiar gestures such as “pinch-to-zoom” and “swiping” to scroll between pictures and Touch AF for an easy and intuitive video capture experience
• Scene Intelligent Auto mode delivers expertly optimized photos and scene detection for amazing results even when shooting at night
• Advanced imaging features like Handheld Night Scene mode, HDR Backlight Control mode, and seven Creative Filters provide added versatility
• Multi-shot Noise Reduction helps preserve precious detail in photos at high ISO speeds
• Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards
• Compatible with all Canon Speedlite accessories including the new Speedlite 600EX and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT
• Compatible with Canon’s GPS Receiver GP-E2

An Advanced Video Capture Device

The EOS M utilizes Canon’s Hybrid CMOS AF system to deliver fast autofocus speed for both video and photos. The Hybrid CMOS AF system truly shines when shooting video with EOS Full HD Movie mode including Movie Servo AF for continuous autofocus and tracking of moving subjects. The Hybrid CMOS AF system is located on the CMOS sensor itself and combines phase-difference AF and contrast AF to achieve operational stability, speed and precision. The Movie Servo AF function on the EOS M is enabled by default which keeps images on the rear screen in constant focus, even before the shutter is pressed. This continual focus makes for sharp video capture in a snap or to help reduce shutter lag due to focusing when still images want to be shot. The camera employs three AF methods for video and photos, Face Detection & Tracking AF, Multi-Point AF for automatics selection and Single-Point AF, where users select one of 31 AF points. Through the camera’s touch-panel operation, subject recognition and tracking is engaged at the touch of a finger, allowing users to track subjects accurately and focus on intended subjects with ease. In addition to subject tracking, the touch-panel LCD allows for simple, intuitive operation, menu navigation and touch features making it easy to shoot video and photos.

Thanks to Canon’s new Stepping Motor (STM) technology, when using either of the newly announced M-series lenses – the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens or the optional EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens – the AF system remains silent, helping ensure users only capture the sound of the scene being recorded. The EOS M also features manual audio level control to 64 levels, a built-in stereo microphone, which includes a wind filter and an attenuator function to reduce audio distortion in extra loud situations. The EOS M records MPEG-4 AVC H.264 video as an .MOV file in a range of NTSC and PAL professional frame rates, including 1080p Full HD video at 30p (29.97), 24p (23.976) and 25p, 720p HD video at 60p (59.94) or 50p and Standard Definition video at 30p (29.97) or 25p.

In addition to the creativity afforded by over 70 compatible lenses, the EOS M also includes Picture Style settings – including custom Picture Styles – when shooting video, allowing users to adjust color settings the same as when shooting still images. The camera also includes Canon’s Video Snapshot mode for an easy way to record and create a fun highlight reel that can be easily shared. Video Snapshot mode combines a series of short video clips into a single file, all in-camera. Through the camera’s touch-screen controls users can delete, cut or re-order the clips in-camera for quick and easy editing.

Optical Diversity: New M-Series Lenses and Accessories

Along with the EOS M, Canon is also introducing two new M-series lenses – with new EOS M mounts –that include STM technology allowing for smooth and silent focusing when paired with Hybrid CMOS AF.

The EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens is ideal for shooting video and still images. The fixed focal length lens has a great capacity for gathering light with an incredible aperture of f/2 and when combined with the camera’s APS-C image sensor, provide beautiful bright images and background blur for both video and stills. For more focal range versatility, Canon is also introducing the new EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, which provides videographers and photographers with a variable zoom range for general use with video recording or photographing. Both lenses are designed specifically for use with the EOS M digital camera.

In addition to the two lenses, any of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses can be used with the EOS M with the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS M. The EOS M camera’s strong magnesium and stainless steel frame provide the durability and rigidity to support the full line of EF and EF-S Lenses in a lightweight convenient design. Using the adapter allows the camera to be fully integrated into the EOS ecosystem of lenses, adding creative options and versatility to this powerful camera.

Ideal for use with the EOS M, Canon is also announcing a new compact and lightweight flash unit, the Speedlite 90EX, designed for the photographer on the go. The Speedlite 90EX is capable of coverage for 24mm wide angle lenses (35mm equivalent) with maximum guide numbers of 30 feet (9 meters) at ISO 100. The flash unit can be controlled wirelessly for creative multiple flash shoots and uses the standard Canon EOS hot shoe mount for compatibility with all EOS DSLR cameras and PowerShot digital cameras that include a hot shoe.

Availability

The EOS M Digital Camera bundled with the new EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens will be available in October for an estimated retail price of $799.99. Also a white version of the EOS M Digital Camera bundled with the new EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens will be exclusively available through the Canon Online store, shop.usa.canon.com.

The new EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, Mount Adapter EF-EOS M and Speedlite 90EX will all be available in October at an estimated retail price of $299.99, $199.99 and $149.99 respectively.

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July 23, 2012
Edit : Is Nokia another RIM in the Making

Long gone are the times when this legend ruled the streets, Nokia had the major chunk of the market share for 14 years in a row. With over 27% of the total market size cap, Nokia dictated terms of the trade and decided future technology along the lines of mobile telephony.

More than seven years before Apple rolled out the iPhone, the Nokia design team showed to the top executives a phone with a color touch screen set above a single button. The device was shown locating a restaurant, playing a racing game and ordering lipstick. In the late 1990s, Nokia secretly developed another alluring product: a tablet computer with a wireless connection and touch screen—all features today of the hot-selling Apple iPad. According to Frank Nuovo, the former Chief Designer at Nokia Corp.

The consumers never saw those devices simply because of the internal company politics, that made getting approvals practically impossible.

Nokia’s long battle of being the leader in the mobile phone segment was ended when rival Samsung took the lead and never looked back. In 2007, the year the iPhone was announced, Nokia had its highest market share of 40%. Nokia had always claimed that the iPhone would not do well, as it did not have 3G networks, was not drop tested and didn’t have basic things like bluetooth file transfer and message forwarding. But the consumers loved the iPhone, the phone that ushered in the era of the smartphone, leading to the development of what is now called Android OS and Windows Phone, and the inevitable downfall of all those who were left behind (Read RIM and Nokia)

[pullquote_left]Cash reserves are at an all time low US $5.1 billion[/pullquote_left]Nokia is still fighting hard, even though cash reserves are at an all time low US $5.1 billion in vs the $6.3 billion in Q1 2012. Nokia’s strategies and internal company politics have often been blamed for such a major downfall. To battle the current mobile giants, Nokia had developed many products Meego was one of them. Nokia spent over US$ 40 billion in research over the past 10 years, on projects including Meego OS.

The company thought they had it right going the Apple way, the Hardware was propriety and so was this super smooth OS. But there was always rivalry within the company as the Symbian and the Meego teams competed with each other for support and the attention of the top executives as each group was accountable for delivering the most competitive phone.

Nokia design meetings are not anything like you would imagine. In a normal world a few design heads and key executives would sit in a conference hall and discuss design strategies for the company. But with Nokia it was a different ball game together, hundreds of engineers and designers were called in from all over the world to meet in one large auditorium where everyone was shouting to be heard. Your involvement ensured your position at the company, therefore the end resultant was anything short of a legislative assembly on the decision of a Legal Bill in the Delhi Parliament house.

In 2010 Stephen Elop joined Nokia as CEO and brought about a massive shift in strategy. The company was at the time spending €5 billion a year on R&D—30% of the mobile phone industry’s total. Elop came in and completely eradicated the future of both Symbian and Meego paving the way for a Windows Phone alliance which would see the light of the Lumia Devices.

[pullquote_right]Lumia phones were a generation behind[/pullquote_right]Nokia managed to screw that up, because, the first series of Lumia phones were a generation behind. While companies like HTC and Samsung pushed out their second generation Windows Phone devices, equipped with Mango and ready to handle tasks like VOIP, video conferencing and tethering, Nokia Lumia phones focused on build quality and apps (Nokia’s view since the starting era). Nokia left out key elements that makes the consumer of today lean in to buy smartphones.

Every announcement made by Microsoft for the Windows Phone OS update has left Nokia in the dust of the past. Windows Phone 8 will now not work on any Lumia phone already available , and those yet to be announced in India (Lumia 900). While Elop and Nokia are trying to escape the matter by assuring that the Hardware requirements for Windows Phone 8 cannot be met in existing devices, the consumers who did give Nokia another fighting chance may never look at the brand again.

Symbian based Nokia Asha series and PureView phones belong to totally different sectors. The Asha Series being targeted at the budget line while the PureView at a high end niche market. While these devices show promise for the company, their sales cannot be accounted for positive sustainability of the once leader of mobile telephony.

Only if Nokia would drop all side businesses and truly focus on system which was perfect to the core would they be able to capture the market again. Nokia might actually rise again, but this time not thanks to Symbian or any other OS but Windows Phone. If they design hardware keeping in mind the consumer and use the software that is at their disposal, then the company may once again win the heart of the consumer. Until that happens, for the future of this Mobile SmartPhone manufacturer, your guess is as good as mine.

Sources : WSJ, Economic Times, Nokia Archives and EU Commission

July 21, 2012
Weekly Tech Focus Ep 4. was a Blast! Did You Miss it?

We had a lot of fun this time at WTF.

See who is trying to be Bharat!

Want a chance to be in the next WTF ?

News
iPhone 5 http://bit.ly/NH4u8o
TRAI Standard Benchmarks : http://bit.ly/PScp6SYahoo Accounts Hacked : http://bit.ly/NMTzdt / http://bit.ly/NH4tl8
HTC Vertex Leaked : http://bit.ly/SluOGO
Honda Civic : http://bit.ly/Nhxa7A
Micromax A90 Superfone Leak : http://bit.ly/ShBp4R

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July 18, 2012
New iPhone to have thinnest screen ever made – with sensors built into the glass

Apple Inc.’s next iPhone, currently being manufactured by Asian component makers, will use a new technology that makes the smartphone’s screen thinner, people familiar with the matter said, as the U.S. technology giant strives to improve technological features amid intensifying competition from Samsung Electronics Co. and other rivals.

Apple’s next iPhone, currently being manufactured by the company’s Asian component makers, will boast a thinner screen of the likes used by its rival Samsung. Above, the Apple store in Hong Kong.

Japanese liquid-crystal-display makers Sharp Corp. and Japan Display Inc.—a new company that combined three Japanese electronics makers’ display units—as well as South Korea’s LG Display Co. are currently mass producing panels for the next iPhone using so-called in-cell technology, the people said.

The technology integrates touch sensors into the LCD, making it unnecessary to have a separate touch-screen layer. The absence of the layer, usually about half-a-millimeter thick, not only makes the whole screen thinner, but improves the quality of displayed images, said DisplaySearch analyst Hiroshi Hayase.

The current iPhone 4S is 9.3 millimeters thick, according to Apple’s official website.

For Apple, the new technology would also simplify the supply chain and help cut costs as it would no longer need to buy touch panels and LCD panels from separate suppliers.

It was previously reported that the new iPhone will likely come with a screen larger than the current iPhone’s 3.5-inch display. A thinner screen could help offset an increase in weight due to the larger size.

Technological progress at LCD makers such as Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display is crucial for Apple, given that Samsung has been pushing its organic light-emitting displays as one of the unique features of its Galaxy phones. Samsung’s flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III, comes with a 4.8-inch OLED screen and is thinner than the current iPhone.

The vast majority of OLED screens used in mobile devices today are supplied by Samsung. OLED screens, which don’t require backlighting, tend to be thinner than conventional LCD panels.

While Apple and Samsung together dominate the lucrative market for high-end smartphones, the companies are under constant pressure to meet high expectations for more-powerful, capable devices that are easier to carry.

A thinner screen in the next iPhone could make the whole device slimmer, or make extra room available for other components such as batteries. But in-cell touch screens are harder to manufacture than conventional LCD screens.

The people familiar with the situation said that LCD makers are finding the manufacturing process challenging and time-consuming as they scramble to achieve high yield rates.

Analysts have said that the new iPhone is expected sometime in the fall.

In May, people familiar with the matter said that the new iPhone will likely come with a screen larger than the current iPhone’s 3.5-inch display. A thinner screen could help offset an increase in weight due to the larger size.

The LCD industry has been working on the in-cell touch technology for several years. For LCD panel makers like Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display, Apple’s iPhone provides the environment where they can demonstrate their latest technological progress to show that LCD screens can continue to evolve and stay competitive against OLED displays. In the meantime, Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display have also been developing OLED displays.

At the same time, the adoption of in-cell technology is bad news for makers of conventional touch panels used in many smartphone screens now. Taiwan’s Wintek Corp. and TPK Holding Co., which supplied the touch-panel layer of the iPhone 4S screen, didn’t get orders for the next iPhone, people familiar with the situation said.

Source : Wall Street Journal

July 18, 2012
Update : Extended! iGyaan Birthday Giveaway Party! Free Blackberry Playbook and More
Update : The Contest is now extended till 31st July. So make sure you participate.

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Contest Terms

Welcome to the iGyaan Birthday Bash Month !

We are Giving Away Goodies !

Grand Prize : Blackberry Playbook 16GB

Second Prize : Micromax Andro A85 Superfone

Third Prize : Jabra Bt 2020 Bluetooth Headset

Runners Up : iGyaan Tshirts and Pen Drives.

Requirements:

1. Like us on Facebook :

2. Subscribe to both our Youtube Channels :

3.Follow us on Twitter : twitter.com/iGyaan :

Important : The above steps are necessary, else you will be disqualified !

NEXT:

Click and upload a Photograph/Picture/Image of a Situation or a Scenario where iGyaan can Help! or a Situation where you have used iGyaan’s Help!

The image can be from any camera or camera phones, can be natural or staged, amateur or Professional or just for fun.

The Most Creative and Innovative Images will be selected by Bharat and our Panel.

We Clicked an Image to Inspire You!

To get your Images noticed, ask you friends, family and fellow colleagues to Vote for your photograph/image. Remember top rank does not mean automatic winnings, it just means you get more “Brownie Points” when Bharat and the Panel Review your Photographs.

So The More Votes you get the more your Chances of Being Noticed.

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Important :
1. All Photographs should be Original and self Captured and not copied.
2. iGyaan Reserves the Right To Disqualify anyone.
3. Winner will be Notified via Email at the End of the Contest.
CONTEST CLOSES JULY 31st 2012

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July 18, 2012
6x Zoom Lens for iPhone 4/4s Review

We recently got our hands on a rather interesting accessory for the iPhone 4/4s, the 6x Zoom lens. It is available online at ChinaBuye at a price of $14, shipping included.

The package includes the zoom lens, a plastic case and a cleaning cloth.

When you hold the lens in your hand, the first thing you will notice is that it is light weight but well built. There are no loose parts but the plastic cover provided with the lens has a tendency to gather dust and scratch your phone.

Mounting the lens on the case is a bit difficult but once it’s on it stays put. The focus ring towards the front lens helps you adjust the focus while shooting a video or taking a photo. The focus range is 3m-infinity with a field of 9 degrees.

While testing it outside, we noticed that getting a steady image from the lens is a very tough task and it would be better to use it by mounting your device on a tripod stand. However, the lens does provide a very considerable zoom and is ideal for shooting far-placed objects. The only drawback we found was the shakiness of the lens.

Overall, given its cost, the zoom lens is a good purchase.

Check out the video review below :-

July 10, 2012