Tag: phone

US Court lifts Galaxy Nexus smartphone ban, tablet still blocked

A US appeals court gave Samsung a temporary reprieve Friday on the sale of its Galaxy Nexus 7 smartphones while leaving intact a court ban on US sales of its tablet computers in a patent battle with Apple.

In two rulings in the bitter patent dispute, the US Court of Appeals in the capital Washington gave one to Apple and one to Samsung, but only temporarily.

But the “stay” was just temporary until the panel receives arguments from Apple, which argues the phone infringes on patents in its iPhone.

In a separate decision, the appellate judges refused to lift Koh’s injunction on the 10-inch Galaxy Tab computer, which Apple claimed was copied from the iPad.

The court panel in Washington ordered Apple to respond by July 12, while denying a Samsung request to stay, or halt the injunction.

Both Galaxy devices are powered by Android operating software that Google makes available for free to gadget makers. Nexus is the Mountain View, California-based technology company’s own branded line.

July 12, 2012
Micromax launches Superfone A80 Infinity for INR 8490

Micromax has launched another Android smartphone in the Indian market, Superfone A80 Infinity. This handset is targeted at the heavy users as it comes with a 2500mAh Li-ion battery that provides a standby time of up to 288 hours and a talk time of 7 long hours from a single charge.

Micromax A80 Infinity is a dual-SIM smartphone with features like 3.8-inch display and Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread). There is a 5.0 megapixel rear camera with flash and 0.3 megapixel front camera. Other features include 800 MHz processor, Wi-Fi, 3G and expandable memory of up to 32 GB.

Priced at Rs. 8,490, it also comes pre-loaded with voice recognition tool AISHA, which stands for Artificial Intelligence Speech Handset Assistant. It is a Siri like voice assistant that helps users to update social networking sites, figure out phone status, know horoscopes, make language translations, inquire weather conditions etc.

Check out the press release below :

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Micromax now solves the battery woes of Smartphone users

Introducing the new Superfone – A80 Infinity

?     A80 Infinity provides talk time of 7 hours and Standby Time up to 12 days!

New Delhi, July 10^th, 2012: Micromax Informatics Limited (“Micromax”), the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics) today announced the launch of A80 Infinity recreating the magic of long lasting battery.

Micromax had created a new category of phones with powerful battery backup when it launched its first phone X1i with marathon battery which standby time lasted over a month in the year 2008. With A80, Micromax again recreates that magic in its Superfone portfolio introducing A80 Infinity.

Today’s youth demand an all-in one device which integrates their communication needs. With the Smartphone evolution, mobile phones are no longer a device that is just used for calling or texting or data usage but has diverse usage. The mobile phone has evolved into a multi-functional device that is used for getting directions, social networking, finding places, checking mails and much more and so long battery life holds a great importance to provide anytime anywhere connectivity and service.

Micromax A80 is specifically designed for those Smartphone users who often complain of running out of battery juice due to heavy usage.

A80 Infinity features a 9.525cm full touch screen and runs on Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread). Users can enjoy undisrupted calling experience with the device which is equipped with a 2500mAh Li-ion battery thus providing a standby time of 288 hours and a talk time of 7 long hours from a single charge. This dual SIM phone is powered with an 800 MHz processor.

The phone sports a 5.0MP camera with Flash users could also share these pictures through Bluetooth connectivity or instantly upload them on social networking apps or through Wi-Fi connectivity. A80 comes with multiple camera settings such as night vision setting, multi shot option, camera censor and multiple video recording formats. The phone also sports a 0.3MP front facing camera which can be efficiently used for a video calling as the device allows 3G connectivity too. Users can store images, videos, mp3 in the phone’s memory which could also expanded up to 32GB.

Micromax A80 comes with voice recognition tool AISHA which helps users to update social networking sites, figure out phone status, operate functions of the device, find locations, know horoscopes, make language translations, view recipes, inquire date and time, weather conditions, and pose knowledge questions and a number of jobs to count on. Get live news feed through apps such as TOI. A80 provides the users with access to a plethora of apps such as Mibuddy, Mstore, What’s app and other apps from Google Play store.

Superfone A80 Infinity is available at Rs. 8490/- This model will be available across all leading retail outlets across India.

For more information, please visit www.micromaxsuperfone.com

About Micromax:

Micromax is the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics). The Indian brand is reaching out to the global frontier with innovative products that challenge the status quo that Innovation comes with a price. Micromax has sales presence across India and global presence in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri-Lanka, Maldives, UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Afghanistan and Brazil.

* Micromax holds the 3^rd position amongst the handset manufacturers in India as pre revenue with a market share of 6.9% for the FY 2011. (Source: V&D report)

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July 11, 2012
Sony Mobile receives four red dot awards for product design

Sony Mobile Communications today announced it has received four 2012 red dot awards in the Product Design category, as well as one honourable mention. The jury of international experts evaluated entries against key criteria including the degree of innovation, ergonomics, durability and ecological soundness. The awards presentation ceremony took place in Essen, Germany on July 2.

[quote]

“Design is at the heart of Sony Mobile’s product development philosophy and these awards are testament to the design quality of our Xperia smartphones and Smart Accessories, demonstrating our commitment to offering consumers a rich smartphone experience without sacrificing on functionality or design,” saidJeanna Kimbré, Director of Creative Product Design for Sony Mobile Communications.

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Xperia active, Xperia ion, Smart Wireless Headset pro and SmartDock for Xperia ion received red dot awards in the Product Design category, while Xperia ray picked up an honourable mention

July 7, 2012
Amazon may be planning a Smartphone

If popular media company “Bloomberg” is to be believed Amazon is planning a smartphone to be launched this year. Amazon is apparently already in pursuit of wireless patents and a production agreement with major OEM Foxconn for manufacturing the said Smartphone.

No further details on the matter are available, although Amazon is very capable of delivering a smartphone to the market, with their ecosystem already in place, the App Store, the Cloud services, the Music streaming and Kindle. The only thing you can be sure of is, that if Amazon does make a Smartphone there is almost a 100% chance that it will be an Android ICS 4.0 or Jelly Bean 4.1 device and it is likely to be skinned by Amazon to match the Kindle Fire UI.

[Bloomberg]

July 6, 2012
Samsung Galaxy Beam up for pre-order at INR 29,900

The Galaxy Beam has a 15 lumens projector.

Samsung is all set to introduce its new projector smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Beam, in India. The phone is available online for pre-order on the Samsung India e-store. Available for Rs 29,900, the entire amount has to be payed upfront.

The Samsung Galaxy Beam’s 15 lumens projector allows users to display and share multimedia content anywhere on a large luminous projector screen – walls, ceilings or improvised flat surfaces. It is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, has an internal memory of 8GB, which is expandable up to 32GB using a microSD card. The Samsung Galaxy Beam has 768MB RAM. and a 4.0-inch (480×800) TFT display along with a 5 megapixel autofocus rear camera with flash and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.

July 2, 2012
HTC One XXL Specs leaked in Screenshot?

There’s been some talk that HTC is readying a 5.3-inch Galaxy Note challenger of their own by the name of the One XXL . Other than its size, we really haven’t heard much else.

But a new leak is showing us that the HTC One XXL might be a next generation One series smartphone featuring 720p HD display and a fast quad-core mobile processor, it could be a beefed up version of the HTC One X. The details were leaked in the screenshot and shows off all the specs that make an Android fan’s heart flutter. We got a 4.7-inch display, quad-core Qualcomm S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 8MP camera and 1.8MP front facing camera.

If this IS true, then watch out Samsung!

June 23, 2012
Blackberry 10 devices won’t have physical keyboards

The first BlackBerry device running Research In Motion’s new operating software will not have a physical keyboard, only a touchscreen one.

The BlackBerry 10 software will be offered on devices with physical keyboards in the future, but RIM spokeswomen Rebecca Freiburger declined to say when. RIM is expected to start selling BlackBerry 10 touch-screen devices this year.

RIM’s hopes hang on the BlackBerry 10 system, which is meant to offer the multimedia, Internet browsing and apps experience customers now demand. The Canadian company is preparing to launch the new software later this year, just as North Americans are abandoning BlackBerrys for iPhones and Android devices.

If those keyboard-loving customers haven’t already jumped ship, I doubt a couple of months is going to make a huge difference. It’s better for RIM to focus one piece of hardware–one that represents where the industry is headed–than launch Blackberry 10 with a lackluster keyboard model just to appease a fraction of its shrinking customer base.

June 22, 2012
Windows Phone Marketplace reaches 100,000 apps

Along with the release of the latest version of their Windows Phone OS, the WP8, Microsoft has also taken the opportunity to announce that their Windows Phone Marketplace now has more than 100,000 apps.

Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore stated that the Windows Phone Marketplace officially hit 100,000 apps and games, a milestone that they have reached faster than Android, and a testament to the thousands of talented developers around the world who have supported Microsoft since its launch. He also goes on to thank the developers and states that Microsoft appreciates their creativity, effort and value they bring to the Windows Phone users.

Microsoft is now announcing a new batch of marquee titles, with the official Audible app for audiobooks arrives in Marketplace today. Official apps from Chase and PayPal are in the works. Gameloft has Windows Phone versions of Asphalt 7: Heat and N.O.V.A. 3 Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance on the way.

June 21, 2012
Current line of Windows devices won’t get Windows Phone 8 but 7.8

Existing Windows Phone devices will not be updated to Windows Phone 8

After the launch of Windows Phone 8, Microsoft confirmed that not a single smartphone out right now, not even the Lumia 900, will be able to upgrade to Windows Phone 8. The hardware requirements for WP8 preclude its running on any current WP device. After all, how can single-core devices with WVGA screens take advantage of multi-core and additional resolution support? That part makes sense, but if you’re a recent customer, you might be frustrated.

To keep its existing user happy, Microsoft has launched the Windows Phone 7.8, few software benefits will be included in WP8, and a hearty helping of these killer features (such as the new Start screen) will be available to legacy devices in the form of Windows Phone 7.8. There’ll be support for three tile sizes, with the smallest being fingertip size (a quarter of the standard square). The update will be delivered directly to users, sidestepping carriers, and can be done over WiFi.

June 21, 2012
Microsoft launches Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.8

Windows Phone 8 was revealed at the Windows Phone Summit today

Just days after announcing its first tablet computer, the Surface, Microsoft Corp. revealed Windows Phone 8, a dramatic update to its phone software, one that won’t be available to current Windows Phones.

If you’re currently holding a Windows Phone device, don’t worry you’d get the Windows Phone 7.8.

The hardware requirements for WP8 preclude its running on any current WP device – not even the Lumia 900! The software will bring Windows phones closer to PCs and tablets running the company’s upcoming Windows 8, which is also scheduled to launch later this year. To ensure current Windows Phone users stay happy: a few software benefits will be included in WP8, and a hearty helping of these killer features (such as the new Start screen) will be available to legacy devices in the form of Windows Phone 7.8. There’ll be support for three tile sizes, with the smallest being fingertip size (a quarter of the standard square). The update will be delivered directly to users, sidestepping carriers, and can be done over WiFi.

WP8 would share the same kernel as that of Windows 8 and Windows RT

Windows Phone 8 requires multi-core processors (up to 64), displays up to WXGA (1280 x 768) and external storage on SD. This better, faster hardware will enable new, faster games and other demanding apps which, for the first time, can be written in native code. (C/C++) All this will run on a kernel shared with Windows 8 and Windows RT. In other words Microsoft has managed to get one platform running on desktops, laptops, tablets and phones, the idea being that apps can be more easily ported from one to the next, promising “games we’ve never seen before” running on your phones, with popular titles like Gameloft’s Nova 3 and Zynga’s Draw Something also coming to Windows Phone.

There’s also a new wallet functionality thanks to the NFC support, but reliant on an augmented SIM, not hardware on the phone itself. Nokia maps is now built into the OS, including offline map support.

The OS will be available later this year along with Windows 8 and the new Surface tablets.

June 21, 2012
Samsung Galaxy S3 Heats up and Explodes

A Samsung Galaxy S3 owner faced quite an experience with his brand new Galaxy S3, while he was charging the device in the car dock. The phone started heating up, then burst out into white flames, Sparks and then a bang sound came from the charging device. While he himself is left un-injured there were molten plastic pieces of the phone that remained in the car. The phone has been sent to a repair center via phone retailer Carphone Warehouse for the full investigation into the matter.

[quote]
So I driving along today with my Galaxy S3 in my car mount when suddenly a white flame, sparks and a bang came out of the phone. I pulled in to look at my phone, the phone burned from the inside out. Burned through the plastic and melted my case to my phone. The phone kept working but without any signal. I brought it to the carphone warehouse and they told me that they couldnt replace it for me that they had to send it off to be checked out first. No even replacement phone, left with nothing. The phone was destroyed and it slightly burned a piece of plastic on the inside of my car. And they are refusing to give me a replacement they had to send it off. Probably nothing I can do, but Im really annoyed. That could have burned the side of my face or through my pocket and my leg, or set fire to my bed. Its very dangerous.[/quote]

[Boards]

June 21, 2012
LG launches Optimus 3D MAX and Optimus L7

The Optimus 3D MAX

LG today added 2 new smartphones to its Optimus series- the Optimus 3D MAX and Optimus L7.

LG Optimus 3D MAX has a 4.3-inch screen with WVGA resolution & NOVA Display. Specs include a Tri-dual 1.2Ghz OMAP4430 processor (Dual Core, Dual Channel & Dual Memory), 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot, two 5 megapixel cameras, and a 1,520mAh battery. The phone runs on Android 2.3, Gingerbread and is 9.6mm thin.

[quote]According to Mr. Soon Kwon, President South West Asia Region & MD LG India, LG Optimus 3D MAX is a natural and powerful evolution of LG Optimus 3D. Building on the phenomenal success of the original Optimus 3D, we are proud to unveil this ultimate Smartphone. In 2012, we will take LG’s leadership in Speed, Screen and Content to a whole new level. With the Optimus 3D MAX, we want to set new standards of quality viewing and powerful performance on mobiles packed in a slim and modern design.[/quote]

The Optimus 3D MAX offers glass-less 3D experience

LG has also customized some of the software on the phone to take complete advantage of the glasses-less 3D capability. The 3D Converter takes 2D content of any available media (Videos, Pictures, Games) and converts them to 3D for your viewing pleasure. A 3D video editor is also included, allowing you to edit your video footage in 3D in realtime, and a 3D Hot Key allows you to quickly switch between 2D and 3D views.

The L7 follows LG's 'L' Design

Optimus L7 runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and belongs to a range of devices with LG’s Unique Design Philosophy – ‘ L-Style’. It has a 4.3-inch display that supports WVGA (480×800) pixel resolution and comes with a 5-megapixel camera with LED Flash at the back and a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera. With mere 8.7 mm slim body, the LG Optimus L7 houses a single-core 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile processor. It comes loaded with 1 GB RAM and offers 4 GB onboard storage. This smartphone also features Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi and GPS sensors. The LG Optimus L7 also comes loaded with LG Mobile TV- an inbuilt application where users can view 50+ live TV Channels, Online Widget Support, on demand service and Free TV Viewing for 2 months from the date of activation. It would also be the first device to feature LG’s Optimus UI 3.0.

The LG Optimus 3D Max is priced at MOP of Rs.30, 500 /- and the LG Optimus L 7 is priced at MOP of Rs.19, 900 /-.

June 20, 2012
Facebook want your mobile number! – to improve security

Skeptics believe this is just another tactic used by Facebook to gain private details

In wake of the recent leaking of passwords of LinkedIn and eHarmony accounts, social networking giants Facebook started promoting security tips at the top of each user’s home page, with a link to information about scams, passwords and how to stay safe on the social network.

Users are urged to give Facebook their mobile phone numbers, which the company says it will use to text them a new password in the event of a data breach. Facebook said the desktop security message, already seen by millions of users in the U.S., will be on all accounts in the next few days. Skeptics are far from pleased with the move, suggesting that the Menlo Park web giant is taking advantage of the recent leaks to prise yet more personal data out of their users under a benevolent guise. Admittedly, it’s unlikely to be something that appeals to the Internet’s more paranoid surfers, assuming they even use Facebook to begin with.

June 17, 2012
New Idea 3G dual-sim phone launched at Rs 5994

The device will come with data plan benefits

After selling over 1 lakh units of its previous models of 3G phones, from the “What an idea sirji” campaign, Aditya Birla group led Idea launched a new dual-sim (GSM+GSM) 3G device, the ID-918 made by Alcatel in China priced at Rs 5,994.

It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and features include FM Radio, 150 MB internal memory, expandable memory up to 32GB with microSD (2GB card included), 512 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM and a 1300 mAh battery.

Along with the handset, Idea is also offering benefits worth Rs 2,340 apart from a 2 GB data per month for three months after 48-72 hours of recharge.

June 16, 2012
Blackberry Releases new Curve 9320, BBM button and OS 7.1
RIM has launched another update to their series of Blackeberry Curve phones, this time its the Curve 9320.

Specifications
- BB OS 7.1 onboard
- 3.2-megapixel camera
- 2.44-inch 320 x 240 non-touch LCD
- 1450mAh battery
- FM radio
- 103 gram
- microSD expandability
- 512MB of eMMC
- Dedicated BBM key
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RIM introduces the BlackBerry Curve 9320 – A Stylish, New Smartphone for the Socially-Connected

Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced a stylish new smartphone for socially-connected customers. The new BlackBerry® Curve™ 9320 smartphone features all the core BlackBerry messaging and social-centric features that keep people connected, and it offers global 3G connectivity backed by long battery life to allow users to make the most of their day.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9320 is designed to make it incredibly easy for users to stay socially-connected,” said Carlo Chiarello, EVP, Smartphone Business at Research In Motion. “The new BlackBerry Curve 9320 will be especially popular with customers upgrading to a smartphone for the first time and existing Curve customers looking for a step up in speed and functionality.”

The BlackBerry Curve 9320 has everything a customer needs to stay in touch with the people and things that matter most to them. It features a dedicated BBM™ key, bringing the power of RIM’s popular mobile social network up in an instant, as well as the best keyboard in its class for quick and easy typing. It includes a built-in FM radio, allowing users to tune into their favorite local stations, and listening to the FM radio does not require a data plan or use data services. Designed to allow both 3G connectivity and long battery life, customers can get up to 7 hours of talk time or up to 30 hours of FM radio listening or music playback with headphones.

Customers can easily interact with their social network in real time, using preloaded apps for Facebook® and Twitter®. The new Social Feeds 2.0 app is also preloaded, allowing users to post updates to multiple social networks simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps all in one consolidated view. The integrated camera includes a flash and supports video recording, and pictures can be tagged with their location thanks to the smartphone’s built-in GPS.

The BlackBerry Curve 9320 comes with the new BlackBerry® 7.1 OS, which supports features such as Mobile Hotspot and Wi-Fi® calling where available.* Parental Controls is a brand new, on-device feature that provides parents and guardians with simple options to help protect children by restricting access to specific functions, features and applications.

Pricing and availability of the BlackBerry Curve 9320 will be announced in conjunction with RIM’s distribution partners. For more information please visit: http://worldwide.blackberry.com/blackberrycurve/9220-9320

* Please check with your carrier for availability

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May 9, 2012