Tag: india

Report : 2013 may Unleash the Budget Quad Core in India

With several Indian companies running in haste to deliver smartphones, tablets and now phablets into the market. Most have left out essential ingredients to delivering a smart – experience. Some have shoddy screens others have dwindling hardware and most have little RAM.

[pullquote_right]Have companies like Micromax and Karbonn truly understood the Indian market?[/pullquote_right]Looks like that is about to change, really soon. Have companies like Micromax and Karbonn truly understood the Indian market? Where Micromax broke the barrier with their A100 and A110 Canvas phones along side their Super Amoled based A90 and A90s . Karbonn had several A Series phones to offer to this mashup of Smartphone goodness.

Agreed that these phone truly penetrated the market and gave the user the New Android experience and “somewhat of an upgrade” when it came to hardware capability. However, these devices truly lacked panache, and if the 2012 line of Nexus devices has shown us anything, that price will not equal quality in all cases.

[pullquote_left] Heavily invested in the overall quality and user experience[/pullquote_left]In our recent meeting with one of the Indian Manufacturers, we learnt that the Indian Companies have heavily invested in the overall quality and user experience that users will get from their 2013 lineup of smartphones. With Micromax working on quad core variants of their Canvas and Pixel series, Karbonn has heavily invested in quad core Phablets.

These devices promise, Quad Core Mediatek Processors, bumped up graphics and minimum 1 GB of RAM, Micromax Plans to make 8GB standard the In-Built storage with expandability via a 64GB capable slot. Where as Karbonn is talking about storage size options in their quad core Phablets. Some designers are also hinting at close ties with NVidia, so don’t be surprised if you soon see budget NVidia Tegra 3 based smartphones and Tablets running Google’s flagship OS and running against their own Nexus Series.

However this circle does not stop there, the gap between flagship technologies and cheaper alternatives is soon deteriorating, and we dont see that date far when A flagship Smartphone will see an identical low budget replacement less than weeks from its launch.

December 28, 2012
Upset With Mercedes,Gujarat Businessman Drags His E-Class By Donkeys Through City Streets

Frustrated with his repeated failures at getting the car properly serviced, a Vadodara based Mercedes Benz owner paraded his E-Class luxury saloon dragged by six donkeys through city roads, in order to catch attention of the German auto major’s Indian division.

Image Courtesy : Sandesh

Kumud Patel decided to take matter in his own hands when his year and a half year old Mercedes Benz E350 worth Rs 60 lakhs, was not fixed by authorized dealer over repeated attempts.

He bought the E350 back in July 2011 along with Mercedes Benz Road Side Assistance Program. According to Kumud, problems with his new E Class started in Sep 2011. Ever since he has been trying to fix his car, but every time he got his car fixed, a new fault appeared. His car is still not fixed and has problems in two of the wheels.

It happens only in India!

[Via Rush Lane]

December 2, 2012
Aakash Tablet To Be Showcased At United Nations

India is all set to showcase the Aakash tablet, branded as the “lowest costing tablet PC” in the world, at the United Nations (U.N.) headquarters on Nov. 28.

The presentation, which will put forward the various details of the tablet, will be attended by Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary General. Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., said in a news conference that Aakash is “the most competitively priced tablet computer by an Indian-origin entrepreneur.”

Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of Canada-based Datawind, would make a presentation to the UN audience on Aakash, which was launched in October last year by the Indian government to make available computing devices to students at subsidised rates.

The Indian mission intends to distribute a limited number of Aakash tablets to some member states.

Aakash was launched in October last year, it received a record number of pre-bookings ( approximately 3.5 million) soon after the launch. The Aakash tablet will reportedly provide Wi-Fi connectivity to users along with a battery backup time of three hours.

November 4, 2012
Breaking : iPhone 5 Price for India confirmed Rs. 45,500 for 16GB, Rs 52,500 for 32 GB
The iPhone 5 has not officially been announced, but we have been tracking its progress from the day it was announced in the US. The iPhone 5 is arriving at stores on the 28th of Oct and may go on sale as early as the same day. Some stores, including iStore (Reliance-Apple tie up) is saying that they will be allowed to sell the phones only on the 2nd of November. Most third party retailers known to iGyaan are sticking with the Oct 28th delivery dates.

The iPhone 5 price has been finalized at the earlier speculated Rs.45,500 for 16 GB with only one year warranty as always and not the Rs. 47,999 price mark (supposedly including the 2 year warranty). Apple is expecting big sales with the iPhone 5 in India, and claims that they will sell atleast double of what they sold last year with the iPhone 4S.

Apple is also pegging big on iPhone and iPod sales this year, and has also enabled localization of apps in the App Store to show prices in Rupees instead of US dollars. The nano sims that will work with the new iPhone 5 are already at network providers and Vodafone has confirmed that they are ready with sim cards in major metropolitan cities for the iPhone 5 influx.

iPhone 5 Price in India
- 16 GB : Rs 45,500
- 32 GB : Rs 52,500
- 64 GB : Rs 59,500
The above prices are also close to the Rs 8000 incremental prices suggested by iGyaan during Laucnh of the iPhone 5.

You can also book your phone like we did from the below number :

Gizmolution +91 9560061018

(We are not in any way affiliated to the above retailer, and the number is for information only)
October 26, 2012
Nokia Launches new Nokia Lumia 510 for the Budget Windows Lover
Nokia has brought what others have failed to deliver, a Windows Phone at a budget price. The Lumia 510 has been launched at a press event in New Delhi, the 510 has a 4 inch capacitive screen with a 480 x 800 pixel density. On the spec sheet of the Lumia 510 you will find a 5-megapixel camera at the back (no front-facer), an 800MHz Qualcomm processor, 256MB RAM and 4GB of non-expandable storage.

Nokia is targeting markets like India and China for this phone expecting it to penetrate the lower strata of Smartphone users shifting up from an Asha Phone to a smart phone. The price of the Lumia 510 is expected to be US $199, so expect it to hit the Indian market in the coming weeks for under Rs 9999.

Sales are planned to begin in November, starting with India and China, and followed closely by other Asia-Pacific countries and South America.

Windows Phone is different to other smartphone platforms thanks to Live Tiles, making it easy to see incoming messages and updates; People Hub, which brings together contacts and updates from across social networks into one location, and access to Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer 9 on the mobile.

The Camera Extras app provides exclusive digital lens functionality to go with the five megapixel camera and built-in autofocus. Nokia Maps, Nokia Drive and Nokia Transport also offer comprehensive smartphone location and navigation experience available.

Complete Specs
- 4 inch LCD
- 480 x 800 px resolution
- 5 MP camera
- Windows 7.5
- 800 MHz Processor
- 256 MB RAM
- 4GB Fixed Storage
- 7GB cloud with SkyDrive
- Interchangeable Back Panels
- Price : US $ 199 or Under Rs. 9999 in India
October 23, 2012
Karbonn Announces New Android Devices

Indian handset maker Karbonn has announced the launch of two new tablets, and three dual-sim smartphones in its portfolio. Part of Karbonn Smart series, these tablets will join company’s Jelly Bean tablet Smart Tab 1 and have been priced at Rs. 5,990 and Rs. 7,990 respectively, while the smartphones are Karbonn Smart A11, A7+ and A1+.

Karbonn Smart Tab 3 (Blade), is loaded with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) running on a 1.2GHz processor, and features a 7.1-inch capacitive touchscreen. Powered by a 2,600mAh battery, the tablet features 3D gravity sensor, Wi-Fi and 3G support through USB dongle. The Karbonn Smart Tab 3 comes with 1.3MP front camera and various pre-installed applications like Karbonn Smart Browser and Karbonn Smart games.

Karbonn Smart Tab 9 (Marvel), is loaded with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and features a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen. The new tablet is powered by a 1.2GHz processor and runs on a 4,000mAh marathon battery. It features 3D gravity sensor, Wi-Fi and 3G support via USB dongle, comes with a 1.3MP front camera and pre-embedded apps like Karbonn Smart Browser and Karbonn Smart games.

The A 11 is a dual-sim Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) smartphone that boasts of a 4-inch display, 1GHz processor, 1,500mAh battery, and support for up to 32GB microSD card. The new smartphone, costing Rs 9,990, also features a 5MP rear snapper with LED flash, along with a 1.3MP front camera.

Karbonn A7+ and A1+ are the two other dual-sim smartphones launched by the company in India, priced at Rs 8,990 and 4,990, respectively. Both phones have 1GHz processors, 3.5-inch touchscreens, video calling front cameras, 3G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microSD card support up to 32GB. The Karbonn A7+ has a 5MP primary camera wih dual LED flash and a 1,420mAh, while the Karbonn A1+ comes with a 3MP camera without flash and 1,500mAh battery.

October 12, 2012
Mercedes-Benz Launches C-Class Sport and E-Class Sport

Mercedes-Benz India today launched a Sport Edition of its flagship sedans the C-Class and the E-Class. The Sport Edition of the C-Class 220 CDI and the E-Class 220 CDI Sport Edition was launched by Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India.

The C-Class and the E-Class flagships sedans have been Mercedes-Benz India’s highest selling luxury cars in India. The C-Class sedan known for its performance and driving dynamics has sold close to 16,000 units in the Indian market since its introduction. The E-Class sedan that sets benchmark in luxury segment has sold more than 21,000 units till date. The average age of customer in India today is getting more younger & the Sport Edition of the C-Class and E-Class is a tribute to these young, aggressive and trendy emerging new age consumers. The Sport Edition of the C-Class and the E-Class stands distinctively different from any other car in its segment in India, since the dynamic interplay of lines and colors and trims reflect the aggressive driving dynamics of these vehicles.

The Sports editions of the C-Class and the E-Class are priced at Rs 29.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs 39.9 lakh respectively. Both the sedans are powered by the 220CDI four-cylinder diesel engine developing 170bhp and 400Nm of torque; mated to 7G TRONIC automatic transmission.

The C220 CDI Sports edition gets loads of additional features inside, along with the AMG body kit. The interiors get Artico upholstery with Black piano lacquer trim, electric seats, THERMATIC automatic climate control, an Audio 20 with single CD player with USB, Aux in and Bluetooth connectivity. The C 220 CDI also features a Mirror Package.

The AMG styling kit of C220 CDI includes front and rear bumper aprons and side skirts, 17-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, black painted roof with a SPORT badge, halogen lamp and is available in Polar White colour.

The basic body kit remains the same on the E220 CDi as well, but the alloy-wheels are bigger – five-spoke 18-inch rims. The E-Class Sport also gets LED Day time lights and Direct Control Suspension; it is also available in the Polar White colour.

The features on the E220 are similar to that of the C220; however it gets burr walnut wood trim. Both cars have host of safety features including PRE – SAFE, NECK Pro, Attention Assist, tire pressure loss warning system, 6 Airbags, Antilock Braking System, Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Programme with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR).

October 5, 2012
Sony Xperia SL available online at INR 30,999

Sony has launched the much awaited successor of the Xperia S, the Xperia SL. It is available online at a price of Rs 30,999.

The Xperia SL is a slight refresh of the S, it has an additional duo of color choices (silver and pink), a faster dual-core 1.7 GHz Snapdragon S3 CPU and Android Ice Cream Sandwich (up from a 1.5Ghz processor and Gingerbread).

Apart from the above changes you have the same HD 720p display, 12.1 MP camera and 1080p video with anti shake.

The smartphone also comes with PSP certification that lets you to play PlayStation games on the phone with virtual keys.

September 20, 2012
India’s GSM subscriber base drops by 7.1 million in August says COAI

According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), India’s GSM subscriber base is now at 671.95 million, after major players like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea Cellular, lost roughly 5.1 million subscribers in the month of August, 2012. It is estimated that the total GSM subscriber base in India declined by 7.1 million in the same period.

Bharti Airtel, which currently holds a 27.82 percent market share, lost 1.90 million subscribers in August, bringing its total subscriber base to 186.9 million. Idea Cellular lost 1.64 million subscribers in the same period, placing its subscriber base at 115.97 million. Vodafone on the other hand, lost 1.55 million subscribers in the same period, giving it a total subscriber base of 153.35 million.

The other GSM operator to lose subscribers in the month of August was Uninor, which lost a significant 2.38 million subscribers. This brings its total subscriber base to 42.11 million. Airceland Loop Mobile were the only two GSM operators to have added subscribers in the same period, with Aircel adding 793,717 subscribers, and Loop Mobile adding 79,842 subscribers.

The COAI report does not include detailed data for BSNL and MTNL, but stated that the former held a subscriber base of 94.67 million subscribers in August, while MTNL held a 5.12 million subscriber base.

September 17, 2012
Amzer Announces Shatter Proof Screen Protector

Amzer today introduced the next level of device protection with the arrival of AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector. It’s extreme grade protection makes the device shatter and shock proof. ShatterProof has a unique shock dissipative function which uses the physics concept of dissipation.

It is super thin urethane film at only 0.2 mm thick and is certified by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) having passed D1004 Tear Strength, D2240 Hardness and D4329 UV Light Discoloration Tests. The protector is scratch resistant, stress resistant, drop resistant and a has special self healing capability with dissipative functioning embodied – it is virtually indestructible.

[quote]“With ShatterProof protection, Amzer has proven itself yet again – as the leader of the accessory market, a leader which believes in innovation – we have created a revolutionary product to provide foolproof protection without adding any bulk to the beautiful devices, all this at a very nominal price! When we say Amzer accessories are inspired by real life, we mean it – we proved it.” emphatically says Amzer CEO – Pinakin Dinesh.[/quote]

Check out the Press Release Below :

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Amzer announces the next level of device protection – AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector

HOUSTON—September 13, 2012—Amzer today introduced the next level of device protection with the arrival of AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector. The AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is a revolutionary product innovated to provide the best protection to the next-generation of wireless devices. AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector’s extreme grade protection making the device shatter and shock proof. ShatterProof has a unique shock dissipative function – unlike any other product in it’s category – ShatterProof uses the physics concept of dissipation, dissipation embodies the concept of a dynamical system where important mechanical modes, such as waves or oscillations, lose energy over time. ShatterProof does exactly the same to protect devices from drops and shocks, drops and stress which wireless devices usually don’t survive – which is why the name ShatterProof.

AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is super thin urethane film at only 0.2 mm thick, ShatterProof is certified by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) having passed D1004 Tear Strength, D2240 Hardness and D4329 UV Light Discoloration Tests. The protector is scratch resistant, stress resistant, drop resistant and a has special self healing capability with dissipative functioning embodied – it is virtually indestructible. “With ShatterProof protection, Amzer has proven itself yet again – as the leader of the accessory market, a leader which believes in innovation – we have created a revolutionary product to provide foolproof protection without adding any bulk to the beautiful devices, all this at a very nominal price! When we say Amzer accessories are inspired by real life, we mean it – we proved it.” emphatically says Amzer CEO – Pinakin Dinesh.

AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is currently available for the Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 4S/4, Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Galaxy Note, Apple iPod Touch 5th generation, Apple iPod nano 7th generation – other popular devices shall be added to the ShatterProof lineup. AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is available on Amzer Stores as well as leading Amzer re-sellers like Amazon, Walmart and Newegg. Suggested retail price (MSRP) for AMZER ShatterProof Screen Protector is US$ 29.95. The entire range of ShatterProof screen protectors can be seen at amzer.com/ShatterProof

[/toggle_box]

September 14, 2012
NIIT partners Microsoft to offer new programs in Cloud and emerging technologies

Technology trainer NIIT inked a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corporation to develop cloud-ready professionals, to take on assignments in the global IT industry. Under this alliance NIIT will offer new programs in cloud and emerging technologies in association with Microsoft.

This initiative will allow students to look at the next generation opportunities in the field of cloud computing, cloud services, and apps development. Further, the benefit of Microsoft Certification integrated with NIIT programs will be made available to students both in the retail and academic space, by NIIT.

[ET]

September 13, 2012
Domino’s India Website Hacked, Data Leaked

A Turkish hacker’s group called ‘Turkish Ajan Hacker Group’ has hacked the Indian website of leading pizza company Domino’s. The company’s India operations is handled by its franchise Jubilant FoodWorks. The news was first reported by Cyberwarnews.

Post hacking the site, the Group leaked details of around 37,000 accounts on Pastebin.com. These included names, contact details (phone numbers, email id’s, city details) as well as passwords. According to Business Standard, the hackers used the SQL injection method and remote file inclusion for getting the data.

However, the website is still operational and is still allowing users to place orders.

September 11, 2012
Pocket Sized Wireless Router To Use 4G!

In an attempt to make 4G (which is four to 10 times faster than 3G) entry affordable for customers, some Indian 4G operators are going to offer pocket-sized Wi-Fi routers which would enable the existing EDGE or 3G-enabled smartphones, which are available at one-fourth the price of a 4G device, to use high-speed internet. The only requirement: These phones have to be Wi-Fi-enabled. Vendors say the Wi-Fi routers are expected to be sold at around Rs 2,500 and when fully charged, the router can work for the entire day.

As many as five people or an individual with multiple devices (for instance, a mobile phone and a tablet) can get connected at the back-end through the router to a 4G network. In simple terms, it means that an Apple enthusiast can save money by just buying a Wi-Fi-enabled iPad rather than a 3G or 4G enabled model which is much more expensive.

Currently, the number of 4G devices is limited across the world and they are available at around Rs 20,000 and above — virtually unaffordable to most customers. But smartphone prices have dropped to as low as Rs 5,000 and as most of them are Wi-Fi-enabled, customers can continue to use them for making voice calls as well as surfing data on 4G.

[quote]“We already have pocket-sized routers and surely offer them to Indian operators,” says an executive of China’s Huawei Technologies, which manufactures the Wi-Fi routers:[/quote]

According to data available with the Indian Cellular Association (ICA), there are over 50 to 60 million Wi-Fi-enabled phones in the country, which constitute over 10 per cent of the total phone ownership base. With over three million smartphones being sold every month, this number will only grow. However, according to telecom operators, the number of phone owners using Wi-Fi as a service would not be more than five per cent — it is this market that 4G operators would tap.

Attempts have been made to use the Wi-Fi router model in 3G, too. Tata Teleservices, for instance, offers a pocket sized device for Rs 5,000 which would create a hub and can be used for five devices. However, operators and telecom technology providers say a similar model in 3G has been constrained by the limited amount of spectrum available — GSM operators have only 5 MHz while CDMA players are asking for more spectrum.

In comparison, 4G players have over 20 MHz of spectrum. Experts say they also have to create a robust backbone to support the strategy which would include building a large fibre optic backbone — an area where Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd is now investing in.

[Business Standard]

September 10, 2012
Governments enforces stringent mobile radiation standards

The government has imposed stringent mobile radiation standards which will come into effect from today.

With new guidelines coming into force, radiation emission from telecom towers will come down to 1/10th of the present level, a development that will address public health concerns. Also, the handsets to be rolled out from domestic manufacturing units or to be imported will have reduced absorption capacity, as per the new guidelines.

[quote]”Now with more stringent rules, we want to make sure that there is no violation. We told them to make required changes in all areas to meet new emission norms immediately,” Kapil Sibal said.[/quote]

Mobile phone companies would have to provide self-certification of compliance with the new norms and register with the telecom enforcement resource & monitoring (Term) cells. Term cells would conduct random audits and in case of complaints. The telecom department can impose a fine of 5 lakh per tower per telco if the rules are flouted.

September 3, 2012
SMS Curb May Lead to 7-8% Revenue Loss To Mobile Companies

Restriction on SMSes to five per day is not only causing problems for millions of mobile phone users but may also lead to loss of 7-8 percent revenue of telecom operators for the month.

The government had banned bulk SMSes and MMSes for 15 days across the country from 18 August to check spread of
rumours which has led to exodus of people from northeastern states from cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.

There were reports of widespread circulation of SMSes and MMSes containing misleading information about Assam violence, threats to people from northeast states living in other parts of the country and doctored videos.

While pre-paid mobile users, who account for over 90 percent of the 930 million mobile subscriber base, are unable to send more than five messages per day, postpaid users do not seem to be facing any problem.

People across the country wanting to wish their friends and relatives for Eid are feeling the pinch of the government order restricting the text messages.

“A ban of 15 days means they could lose around seven to eight percent of revenue this month from this service alone,” Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General Rajan S Mathews said.

Operators on an average get 15-18 per cent revenue from data services of which SMS is a part, he said.

Mathews, however, added that “all the members will definitely make every effort to abide by the rules, as national security and human lives are at stake.”

Youngsters are the largest users of SMS and many of them are upset by the restriction. “I wanted to SMS my Eid greetings to friends as it is not possible to call everyone. However, after five messages, I am unable to send anymore messages. As a subscriber, I feel cheated,” Pragya Gupta, a student at Delhi University said.

The order, which limits the number of SMS’ a subscriber can send for the next 15 days, was given after bulk messages were circulated that provoked exodus of northeast people from various cities like Bangalore and Pune. “SMS has become a way of life. As a media professional, I need to stay in touch with industry peers and it is generally over messages. However, with this ban, we are finding it difficult and it is impacting our work,” Rakesh Kumar Jha, a PR professional said.

He, however, added that “the situation is very sensitive and I can understand the government’s decision to ban bulk sms in order to prevent any untoward incident”.

Subscribers trying to send their sixth SMS received messages like “As per the government’s order, your limit is 5 SMS a day”.

The order however does not cover transactional messages related to banking, financial institutes and railways.

[FirstPost]

August 20, 2012