Galaxy Mega launched in India

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 launched in India

Anupam Saxena, May 28, 2013

Samsung has launched its Galaxy Mega large screen smartphones in the Indian market. The Galaxy Mega 5.8 will be available across the country within a week from today for a price of Rs. 25,100 while the Galaxy Mega 6.3 will be available in mid-June for a MRP of Rs. 31,490. 

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 is a dual-SIM device that has a 5.8-inch screen with qHD(540x960 pixels) resolution. It is powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core processor alongside 1.5GB RAM and features an 8-megapixel rear camera, as well as a 2-megapixel front facing camera. The phone comes with 8GB expandable storage and has a 2,600mAh battery. It runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box. 

The Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 sports a 6.3-inch 720x1280 display and features the same camera as that of Galaxy Mega 5.8. It is powered by a dual-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz. The Galaxy Mega has 1.5GB of RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and A-GPS. The phone comes with a 3,200 mAh battery and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The phone comes with 16GB internal storage capacity and has a microSD card for expanding the storage up to 64GB. 

The GALAXY Mega smartphones will offer split screen capability for a variety of applications including email, messages, 'MyFiles,' 'S Memo,' 'S Planner', amongst others. The devices will also feature the much touted 'Air View' feature, that lets users preview information in emails, photos in Gallery, and speed dial contacts without opening them. 

The phones are being launched with special offers from RCOM and Vodafone. RCOM customers buying the phone will get 2GB data per month free for 3 months and unlimited access to Big Movies library, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. Vodafone customers will get 2GB data download(2G+3G) per month for two months.

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 key specifications 

• 6.3-inch HD display of 720x1280 resolution
• 1.7GHz dual-core processor
• 1.5GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage, can be expanded by up to 64B
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• 2-megapixel front camera
• 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v 4.0, GPS
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 3200 mAh battery

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 key specifications 

• 5.8-inch display with resolution of 540x960 pixels
• 1.4GHz dual-core processor
• 1.5GB RAM 8GB internal storage, can be expanded by up to 64B
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• 2-megapixel front camera 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v 4.0, GPS
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 2600 mAh battery

Galaxy S III Android 4.2.2

Samsung Galaxy S III Android 4.2.2 firmware leaked, reveals some Galaxy S4 software features

Anupam Saxena, May 21, 2013

It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S III will soon receive a number of Galaxy S4 software features if a new leak is to be believed.

Samsung focused website SamMobile reports that the company is working on a new firmware I9300XXUFME3 - Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean for the Galaxy S III which will include a number of new software enhancements including a new Galaxy S4-like lockscreen with support for multiple widgets, an additional 'Light' unlock effect and an improved ripple effect compared to the current version, the ability to change clock size and set a personal message. It will also include the Adapt Display screen mode that optimises display settings depending on ambient light conditions automatically and offers more natural colours.The site informs that Samsung is likely to release the update in June.

The update will also bring the Daydream lock screen mode, a driving mode, actionable notifications, a new notification tray with additional toggles and a Galaxy S4-like tabbed interface for the phone settings menu. The update will also bring a new version of S-Voice, Samsung's voice assistant and add voice controls for operating the phone using voice commands. It will also include full-screen Samsung apps and a new smart switch widget.

It's still not known if the update will also bring the camera features of the Galaxy S4 which include the Cinemagram like Animated photo mode, an Eraser mode to delete moving objects from five consecutive photos, Drama shot that takes multiple photos of a moving object and merges them all to denote action, and Best face that allows selecting the best face shot in group photos. 

The site is also offering the test firmware for download but as with other pre-release software, especially those from unofficial sources, flashing it on your phone is at your own risk. 

In March, screenshots of a Settings screen that displayed toggles for Smart Stay, Smart Rotation, Smart Pause and Smart Scroll were also leaked and it was revealed that these were part of the leaked firmware for the Galaxy S III which will update the phone to Android 4.2.1 and bring some of Galaxy S4 features to the Galaxy S III. However, going by the screenshot accompanying the new report, the settings only include Smart Stay and Smart Rotation.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active pictures leak

Anupam Saxena, May 21, 2013

Purported images of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, the ruggedised version of Samsung's flagship phone Galaxy S4 have appeared online.

Mobile phone focused site GSMArena claims to have received pictures and some information about the phone from a tipster. The site mentions that the phone was recently showcased in Croatia. The Galaxy S4 Active is pegged to be a dust and water resistant version of the Galaxy S4. Hence, the phone is enclosed in what appears to be a red and black metal shell with four bolts at the back. However, the front is all black glass just like the Galaxy S4, though instead of one there are three hardware buttons.

The pictures also show the System Info screen of the popular benchmarking app, AnTuTu Benchmark that reveals a 1.9GHz quad-core processor, Adreno 320 Graphics chip, HD resolution screen(1080x1920 pixels) and a pixel density of 480ppi. The report also suggests that the phone will sport an 8-megapixel camera instead of the Galaxy S4's 13-megapixel shooter, will have a 5-inch screen and be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chipset.

Earlier this month, another report indicated that the Galaxy S4 Active (the report had mentioned the name as Activ), is expected to release in the week starting July 15 in Metallic Orange colour. While the colour is not exactly Orange, the release of the phone looks imminent. However, there's no official confirmation from the company, yet.
The existence of the phone was first reported in April when Young Soo Kim, who is the President of Samsung Mobility's Gulf division, shared the information.

Xperia UL launched

Sony Xperia UL launched with full-HD screen and quad-core processor

Anupam Saxena, May 20, 2013

Sony has launched a new smartphone, Xperia UL, in the Japanese market with carrier KDDI.

Just like the recently launched Xperia A and Xperia ZR, this phone is also water and dust resistant and can withstand 1.5 metres of still water for 30 minutes. The phone is inline with Sony's new design philosophy that we've seen in phones such as the Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia A and Xperia ZR and has the same signature aluminium power button that resembles a watch crown. It also features a thin strip towards the bottom which is essentially an LED light that lights up in different colours just like the Xperia SP.

Coming to the hardware specifications, the Xperia UL sports a 5-inch Reality display with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels packing in 443 pixels per inch incorporating Sony's mobile Bravia engine 2 for better looking images and videos. It's powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 APQ8064 quad-core processor and has 2GB of RAM. It runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The smartphone features a 13.1-megapixel rear camera with Exmor RS for mobile and a VGA front facing camera. It offers 16GB of internal storage expandable up to 64GB via memory card (microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC ). The phone features NFC, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, Infrared and 4G LTE connectivity options. It has a 2300mAh battery. The phone will be available in White, Pink and Black colours and will be available starting May 25 in Japan. There's no word on the phone's international availability as of now.

The phone had leaked in pictures a few days back on a Chinese website, while rumours of its existence had emerged in March.

Last week, the Sony Xperia A was officially announced by Japanese carrier NTT Docomo as part of its Summer 2013 collection. The water and dust resistant phone has a 720p display and is also powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor. Other specifications are similar to the Xperia UL.

Sony Xperia UL key specifications

• 5-inch full-HD reality display with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels
• 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage expandable up to 64GB via memory card
• 13-megapixel Exmor RS autofocus camera with LED flash
• VGA front camera
• 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, LTE, NFC, Infrared
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• 2300mAh battery

BBM coming to iOS, Android

BlackBerry unveils lower-cost Q5 QWERTY smartphone, says BBM coming to iOS, Android

Reuters, May 15, 2013

BlackBerry announced plans on Tuesday to offer its popular instant messaging system on rival devices and introduced a new mid-tier smartphone targeted at countries where its faded brand remains strong.

Tapping into its still robust popularity outside North America, BlackBerry said the new Q5 smartphone would be available starting in July in selected markets in Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The Q5 includes the tiny qwerty keyboard that still sets BlackBerry apart from most rivals.

It gave no prices, but as BlackBerry opens the latest chapter of its turnaround attempt, it will clearly target a younger, more price-sensitive crowd with the device, which will be available in colors including pink, red and white.

"BlackBerry is clearly aiming to replicate the success of the BlackBerry Curve in emerging markets," Ovum analyst Adam Leach said, referring to the company's Curve smartphone, which has been popular in India and other developing countries.

But other manufacturers are also seeking a foothold in those markets with low-cost devices, Leach noted.

BlackBerry, under its old name Research In Motion, virtually invented the concept of on-your-hip email with a series of blocky devices with tiny thumb-operated keyboards.

But in recent years it has bled market share to Apple Inc's iPhone and Samsung Electronics Co's popular line of Galaxy devices powered by Google's Android operating system, forcing it into big job cuts and a huge rethink of its products and priorities.

"You know it hasn't been that easy and you also know there is still a lot of work to do, but man, we have reached solid ground with this company," Heins told delegates at the BlackBerry Live conference in Orlando, Florida.

To those who ask if the company can survive the drastic changes he brought in, Heins said: "We are not only still here, we are firing on all cylinders as a company."

Shares in BlackBerry were about 4 percent lower early on Tuesday afternoon as analysts wondered what the Q5's price tag would be. They also questioned if the move to open up BBM, as the BlackBerry Messaging service is popularly known, was too little, too late.

Former co-CEO Jim Balsillie had sought to offer BBM on iPhones and other rivals in a broad strategy shift before he was overruled. He cut all ties to the company early last year.

Heins said BlackBerry Messaging will be offered free of charge to consumers using rival phones.

"This is such a great experience, it is just too good to keep it only to ourselves. It's time to bring BBM to a greater audience," he said, noting that BBM is used for 10 billion messages a day.

BlackBerry long relied on BBM to keep customers tied to its own devices, so the shift recognizes a new reality where many customers have already fled.

"The guy on the iPhone is gone already, he's lost," said Colin Gillis, a technology analyst at BGC Partners in New York. "The point is the guy on the BlackBerry can at least now talk to his friends."

Once a unique tool to send messages without running up SMS charges, BBM now competes with mobile instant messaging products from Facebook, Apple and others, and less directly with the micro-blogging service Twitter.

Heins said he is confident that BlackBerry can offer the service more broadly without losing its own customers.

BlackBerry has gambled its future on new devices using its new BlackBerry 10 operating system ), and Heins said the two new BB10 smartphones that BlackBerry has already started selling have given it its most successful launch year.

The touchscreen Z10 ) device is now available in many countries, including the United States, and Heins said the keyboard Q10 ) phone will be launched in the United States next month.

BlackBerry's volatile shares were down 3.7 percent at $15.29 in New York early on Tuesday afternoon.

Sony Xperia A

Sony Xperia A waterproof smartphone with quad-core processor announced

Anupam Saxena, May 15, 2013

The Sony Xperia A smartphone has been officially announced by Japanese carrier NTT Docomo as part of its Summer 2013 collection.

The phone is similar to the Xperia ZR which was announced a few days back and is water and dust resistant with an IP55/ IP58 rating. It runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The phone has a 4.6-inches HD reality display sporting a resolution of 720x1280 pixels. Powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor, the Xperia A has 2GB of RAM and internal storage of 32GB expandable up to 64GB via microSD card. The Xperia ZR on the other hand offers internal storage of 8GB.

The Xperia A sports a 13-megapixel fast-capture camera with Exmor RS with auto-focus and a VGA front facing camera. It has a dedicated hardware button for the camera, and allows using it even when the screen is locked. The phone also sports an Infrared blaster and comes with NFC functionality. It has a 2300 mAh battery.

The phone will be available starting May 17 in Black, White, Pink and Mint colour variants in Japan.

The phone was first leaked after its pictures were published by the FCC. This was followed by anotherleak in which posters and brochures of the phone appeared online.

We're not sure if the phone would be available outside Japan as the Xperia ZR has more or less the same hardware, and will be launched globally Q2 2013 onwards.

Sony Xperia A key specifications

• 4.6-inch HD reality display with a resolution of 720x1280 pixels
• 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 32GB internal storage expandable up to 32GB via microSD
• 13-megapixel Exmor RS autofocus camera with LED flash
• VGA front camera
• 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, LTE, NFC
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Canvas Doodle

Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle with stylus now available online for Rs. 12,999

Anupam Saxena, May 14, 2013

After making an appearance in some leaked pictures last month, the Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle smartphone is now available for purchase on ecommerce website, Snapdeal at a price of Rs. 12,999.

The Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm MSM8225Q processor and has 512MB of RAM. It has 4GB internal storage out of which 1.2GB is user-accessible. The memory can be expanded up to 32GB via microSD card. 

The dual-SIM dual-GSM (2G+3G) smartphone sports a 5.3-inch capacitive touch screen with a resolution of 540x960 pixels. The company is also bundling a stylus, as apparent from the Doodle moniker, but it's not clear if it will come with special apps for jotting down notes or for doodling. However, the online listing does mention that it will come preloaded with the Evernote app. The phone runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

The Canvas Doodle smartphone will sport an 8-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front facing camera. The camera will offer features like multi-zoom, wide screen video and night mode recording. The phone comes with a 2100mAh battery.

Just two weeks back, Micromax had announced the launch of its first 3D phone, the Micromax A115 Canvas 3D, which offers a glasses-free option to view 3D content.

A few days back it was reported that the company is also working on the Canvas HD Pro smartphone which is expected to sport a 5.5-inch full-HD display. The Canvas HD pro is rumoured to come with a Cortex A7 quad-core processor along with 2GB of RAM. It is expected to offer 8GB of internal storage expandable up to 64GB via a microSD card. It's also expected to feature a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 3.2-megapixel front-facing camera. 

Micromax A111 Canvas Doodle technical specifications

• 5.3-inch display with 540x960 pixels resolution
• 1.2GHZ Qualcomm MSM8225Q quad-core processor
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB internal storage, 1.2GB user accessible, expandable by up to 32GB via microSD card
• 8-megapixel rear camera, VGA front camera
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G
• Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 2,100mAH battery

Nokia Lumia 925

Nokia Lumia 925 with a metallic touch introduced in London

 May 14, 2013

Nokia has announced the launch of Lumia 925, a new interpretation of its flagship Lumia 920. The Nokia Lumia 925 introduces a metal design alongside an improved PureView camera.

The Lumia 925 comes in a polycarbonate body that is associated with the Lumia range, but includes a metal frame on the outside, that adds to the phone's aesthetic appeal and also doubles up as an antenna. Lumia 925 weighs 139 grams, compared to the heavyweight 920, which is one of the bulkiest devices around at 185 grams.

The other big improvement being touted in the Lumia 925 is the camera, which Nokia claims is better than the one in Lumia 920 , which won a lot of rave reviews, especially for its low-light performance. The Lumia 925 also introduces the new Nokia Smart Camera mode that offers an easy way to capture ten images at once and edit the pictures with options like Best Shot, Action Shot, and Motion Focus.

Nokia Smart Camera will be coming as an update to all Lumia Windows Phone 8 smartphones.

As far as the specs on the Nokia Lumia 925 go, it comes with a 4.5-inch AMOLED ClearBlack display with 768x1280 resolution and Gorilla 2 Glass. It is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor alongside 1GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It has a 8.7-megapixel PureView rear camera and 1.2-megapixel wide-angle front camera.

Nokia Lumia 925 features a 2,000 mAh battery and runs Windows Phone 8.

"We keep innovating," said Jo Harlow, executive vice president of Nokia Smart Devices. "We're advancing experiences on the Nokia Lumia portfolio whether that means great new benefits for an existing Lumia owner, or bringing new showcase devices like the Nokia Lumia 925."

Nokia Lumia 925 doesn't ship with bundled wireless charging but a cover can be clipped onto the back of the phone to take advantage of Nokia's wireless charging accessories and ecosystem.

The Nokia Lumia 925 is being introduced in Europe with Vodafone, along with other operator and retail partners. In addition to Europe, the Nokia Lumia 925 will be introduced into the US by T-Mobile and into China by China Mobile and China Unicom. Sales are expected to start in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and China in June, followed by the US and a number of other markets.

The Nokia Lumia 925 will be priced around 469 EUR before taxes and subsidies.

Nokia Lumia 925 key specifications

• 4.5-inch AMOLED ClearBlack display with 768x1280 resolution
• 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB of internal storage
• 8.7-megapixel PureView rear camera
• 1.2-megapixel wide-angle front camera
• Windows Phone 8
• 2,000 mAh battery

Galaxy Note III

Samsung Galaxy Note III to ship with 6.0-inch, non-flexible AMOLED display: Report

Anupam Saxena, May 14, 2013

Samsung might use a 6.0-inch display for the Galaxy Note III, its forthcoming phablet which is expected to launch in a few months, a new report indicates. Also, contrary to some rumours the display is not likely to be a flexible AMOLED panel.

According to a report by OLED-Display.net, a new document by Korea Investment & Securities cites company data to inform that Samsung is working on a new flagship phone that features a 6.0-inch display for a phone that is expected to release in the second quarter of 2013, most likely by end of July. A new line at the company's display production unit is involved with the production of the said display. The report is somewhat in inline with earlier rumours and a leaked picture of the phone that hinted at a 5.99-inch full-HD Super AMOLED display with diamond pixel structure, much like in the Samsung Galaxy S4 

The report also adds that while Samsung's Display unit plans to produce flexible AMOLED panels, the line's capacity is not enough to make displays for a flagship device like the Galaxy Note III.

Previously, it was reported that the Samsung Galaxy Note III will be the first device to deploy a plastic OLED display. The report had claimed that this new display will be thinner than the one on Galaxy Note II and come with an RGB stripe. Furthermore, the display is also expected to weigh a lot lesser than the displays of current crop of Galaxy Note phablets.

The Samsung Galaxy Note III is expected to be powered by an Exynos 5 Octa-core processor, Mali 450 GPU with 8 cores and 3 GB of RAM. It's also rumoured to feature a 13-megapixel rear camera.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy Mega, Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Activ and Galaxy S4 Zoom rumoured launch dates revealed

Anupam Saxena, May 09, 2013

Samsung is expected to launch a number of smartphones under the umbrella of its Galaxy S4 smartphone, and even before the company officially announces them a new report reveals the release timeline of these phones.

Samsung focused blog SamMobile has got hold of an official list from insiders that has launch date targets of the unannounced phones from Samsung including the rumoured Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Activ (the rugged version of the Galaxy S4) and the Galaxy S4 Zoom (the camera focused variant), in addition to the officially announced Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 for Europe.

According to the website, the White coloured variant of the Galaxy Mega 5.8 will release in week 20 of this year i.e. between May 13 and 19, while the Black variant will launch between June 17 to 23. The Galaxy Mega 6.3's Black variant is expected to launch in the week starting May 6, while its White version is expected to launch the week starting May 20.

The report pegs the launch of the Galaxy S4 mini in the week starting July 15 in both White and Black colours. This is in-line with an earlier report that suggested that the Galaxy S4 mini will release in July.

The Galaxy S4 Activ, which is reportedly a ruggedised phone based on the Galaxy S4 platform, is also expected to release in the same week in Metallic Orange colour.

Interestingly, the Galaxy S4 Zoom, a smartphone that has been rumoured to feature a 16-megapixel camera has a target launch date between June 3 and June 9 for the Black variant and June 17 to 23 for the White one. The phone's existence was revealed just a day back.

Canvas HD Pro

Micromax Canvas HD Pro specifications leak online

Surbhi Chawla, May 08, 2013

Micromax is all set to add another device in its Canvas portfolio in the form of Canvas HD Pro.

As per a news report by Gadgetronica.com, Canvas HD Pro will be unveiled on June 30, 2013. This smartphone is expected to sport a 5.5-inch full-HD display. Canvas HD pro will allegedly come with a Cortex A7 quad-core processor along with 2GB of RAM. It is expected to offer 8GB of internal storage and can be expanded by up to 64GB via a microSD card.

This smartphone will also pack in a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 3.2-megapixel front-facing camera. Micromax Canvas HD Pro will come with a 3,000mAh battery and run on Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean).

If the specifications of Micromax Canvas HD Pro are indeed true then it will become the new flagship smartphone from the company. There is no word on what Micromax Canvas HD Pro will cost.

Micromax had recently launched its first 3D phone, Micromax A115 Canvas 3D that offers a glasses-free option to view 3D content for Rs. 9,999.

Micromax A115 Canvas is the fourth member of the Canvas series and it comes with a 5.0-inch display with 480x800 resolution. The smartphone is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor alongside 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which is expandable by another 32GB via microSD card. The smartphone runs on Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean).

Packed with a 2,000 mAh battery, the phone is rated at a talk time of up to 4.5 hours. The phone sports a 5-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and a VGA front camera for video chatting.

Connectivity options on Micromax A115 Canvas 3D include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G and USB. The phone comes with 'Micromax 3D Space' pre-installed that offers access to 3D videos, and pre-loaded 3D games.

Google Shopping in India

Google testing Google Shopping in India

Anupam Saxena, May 08, 2013

Google has started displaying shopping results with search listings in India for select users. 

What this essentially means is that when you search for a product, Google displays product listings from online retailers on the right side of the results page complete with product images, pricing and direct links under "Shop for 'Product name' on Google."

When we entered the search term 'Samsung Galaxy S4', Google displayed shopping listings from Flipkart, HomeShop18 and Yebhi. It's not just limited to mobile phones and tablets and we got shopping results for a wide range of products including apparel, LED TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, among others. Online apparel store, Myntra is another partner as we also spotted results from the site.

On clicking the information icon accompanying the listing Google elaborates the reason why it displayed these products as: "Based on your search query, we think you are trying to find a product. Clicking in this box will show you results from providers who can fulfill your request. Google may be compensated by some of these providers." 

It's worth pointing out that we got the Shopping listings results when we used Google search in Safari on a Mac, while we did not get them while using another browser.

At the time of writing this post, Google offers Google Shopping in United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, and Czech Republic. Perhaps Google is testing the feature with random users and would make an official announcement in the coming days. 

In June 2012, Google announced that it would rename its Product Search feature for users in the US to Google Shopping. It also said that it was changing the way these search results worked.
 
The transition to the new model was completed in October.

Search results are now influenced by how much retailers and advertisers paid to Google under its Google Shopping program. In the past, product search results were based mainly on relevance and the program was free. Google offers an API to participating companies through which they can manage listings.

BlackBerry R10

BlackBerry R10 pictures and specifications leak online

Surbhi Chawla, May 07, 2013

BlackBerry seems to be gearing up to add more devices in its BlackBerry 10 portfolio. Earlier we heard rumours regarding affordable BlackBerry 10 smartphones being in the works, and there's more buzz around the same.

A few purported pictures of this affordable BlackBerry 10 smartphone have been posted online courtesy Chinese website, DGtle. The past rumours suggest that this smartphone will be dubbed BlackBerry R10 and will be an affordable Curve smartphone.

MobileSyrup via DGtle is reporting that the BlackBerry R10 will come with a 3.1-inch display with a 720X720 pixel resolution. The smartphone is expected to pack in 2GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and a 5-megapixel rear camera.

In the past, we have spotted the BlackBerry R10 in White and even Red colours but this is the first time that images of a Black R10 have surfaced online. From the pictures it seems that the BlackBerry R10 has borrowed its looks from the iPhone 3G/ 3GS. The smartphone seems to have a curved, glossy rear panel with the camera lens situated on the top left.

BlackBerry R10 will allegedly be the first BlackBerry smartphone to come with a non-removable battery. It is likely to have a 1800 mAh battery. The BlackBerry R10 will run on BlackBerry 10.1 OS.

The past speculations have hinted a Q3 release for this smartphone and also pegged that BlackBerry R10 is likely to be priced between $300 to $400 without any contract.

BlackBerry is already offering its flagship Z10 smartphone in the market. This smartphone was launched in January 2013 and has been followed by a touch-QWERTY smartphone Q10.

BlackBerry Q10  comes with the brand new BlackBerry 10 operating system. It sports a 3.1-inch super AMOLED touchscreen.

There is an 8-megapixel camera on-board. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G and NFC. BlackBerry Q10 also packs in 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and a 2100mAh battery. The Canadian smartphone maker has already started selling Q10 in some parts of the world like Canada and UK but it is not available in India yet.

Galaxy S4's new ad

Samsung Galaxy S4's new ad labels iPhone as old

Surbhi Chawla, May 06, 2013

The Samsung launch party seems incomplete without Apple bashing ads and it came as a bit of a surprise that Samsung had not launched any such combative television commercials for Samsung Galaxy S4. Until now.

The Korean smartphone maker has launched a new television commercial that talks about the new features in the Galaxy S4 and mocks Apple iPhone 5. The ad even goes on to state some smartphones (read Galaxy S4) are smarter than others (iPhone 5).

The ad begins with a graduation party taking place and people seem to be enjoying food and jumping into the pool - kids being kids. In the party, the students are shown using the Samsung Galaxy S4, while their parents and teachers (the older lot) are shown using the iPhone.

The television unfolds to demonstrate the Air Gesture feature as the person eating a juicy piece of ribs is able to answer the call by merely waving at the device. Also the pictures clicked at the graduation party are shared between devices using the S Bean functionality of the Samsung Galaxy S4. It further goes on to how the Samsung Galaxy S4 can control an HDTV and recommend TV shows to you.

Samsung has also released a 30 second video that continues with the graduation theme to showcase the eraser shot feature of Samsung Galaxy S4. In this short television commercial, Samsung does not make fun of Apple's iPhone.

Mocking competitive products in a television commercial is not a new concept in the smartphone space. A few days ago, Microsoft has rolled out a new television commercial for Nokia Lumia 920. In this ad, Microsoft seems to be mocking the rivalry between Apple and Samsung to drive home the "Switch to Lumia" message.

However, the current Samsung Galaxy S4 is not as quirky and quick-paced as the Microsoft one.

iPhone 5S

iPhone 5S rumoured to be announced on June 20

Anupam Saxena, May 01, 2013

The next generation iPhone could be announced as soon as June 20 if a new report is to be believed.

French publication NoWhereElse.fr (via UberGizmo) claims to have got access to a document from Japanese mobile carrier, KDDI, which mentions that Apple's next iPhone, iPhone 5S, will be announced on June 20 and will go on sale by July.

The document also suggests that the phone will run iOS 7 (of course), the next iteration of Apple's mobile operating system and feature an upgraded 13-megapixel camera lens.
 
We'd advise you to take this information with a heap of salt as it's difficult to authenticate the reliability of the document.

While earlier rumours had suggested that we could see a summer announcement for the iPhone, new reports point towards a late release. Just a few days back, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo came out with a new research report that said that the Phone 5S, low-cost iPhone and iPad mini 2 will begin shipping later than what was previously expected. Ming-Chi Kuo had not shared any specific time frame for the new iPhone's launch. 

Recently, iMore's Rene Ritchie also said that the next iPhone, iPhone 5S, is likely to release in August. But John Gruber of Daring Fireball had mentioned that iOS 7 was running behind. 

Prior to that Morgan Stanley's Katy Huberty had released a report, in which she predicted that Apple will launch the new iPhone in September 2013 after previewing the iOS 7 in June at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

The only thing that goes in favour of the report is that the alleged announcement date is pretty close to the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). Apple is widely expected to showcase iOS 7 at WWDC, which will be held between June 10 and 14 at its usual venue, Moscone West in San Francisco, California. 

It's worth noting that Apple had shipped its last two phones, the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5, in fall. Apple CEO Tim Cook also stressed the fall period of this year during a Q&A after this quarter's earnings call,saying,  "I'm just saying we've got some really great stuff coming in the fall and across all of 2014."

no one will use tablets

BlackBerry CEO says no one will use tablets five years from now

Anupam Saxena, May 01, 2013

BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins is in the news again. After firing salvos at Apple and Samsung, he has come out in the open against the business case for tablets.

During an interview at the Milken Institute conference in Los Angeles, Heins said that he does't think there'll be a reason to have a tablet in five years and that tablets were not a good business model. The interview was reported by Bloomberg. 

 "In five years I don't think there'll be a reason to have a tablet anymore," said Heins. "Maybe a big screen in your workspace, but not a tablet as such. Tablets themselves are not a good business model."

It's not the first time that Heins has questioned the tablet business. However, the new comment indicates that the company is not looking at tablets, at all.

In a previous interview Heins had talked about the company's stand on introducing a new tablet and had said that the business case for re-entering the tablets market was not compelling at least in the near term. 

Heins had also admitted that with the PlayBook, which did not turn out to be a success, the company took the plunge a little too early as it was excited to show off its new operating system and majorly missed out on the app ecosystem. 

"I wouldn't want to do it the same way again, if I do something around tablets, I want it to be really substantial and meaningful, and quite frankly it would need to be profitable as well," he had said.

"I think the profit pool is very very thin. Kudos to Apple, I think they really managed to own that space, so it doesn't make sense for me to just take this head on. I need to figure out, for my enterprise customers, for my consumers, for my BB10 audience, what can I do that provides them a mobile computing experience in the form factor of a tablet, which goes beyond just the puristic tablet experience." 

So it looks like we're not going to see new tablets based on BlackBerry 10, if you consider the CEO's voice to be the determinant of the company's future strategy. Users are still waiting for a BlackBerry 10 update for the PlayBook, which the company had promised earlier.

Canvas 3D

Micromax A115 Canvas 3D with 5.0-inch display launched for Rs. 9,999

NDTV Correspondent, April 30, 2013

Micromax has announced the launch of its first 3D phone, Micromax A115 Canvas 3D, the fourth member of its Canvas series. The latest offering from Micromax offers a glasses-free option to view 3D content. This is in line with our earlier report about phone's impending launch.

Micromax A115 Canvas comes with a 5.0-inch display with 480x800 resolution and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor alongside 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, that is expandable by another 32GB via microSD card. The smartphone runs on Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean).

Packed with a 2,000 mAh battery, the phone is rated at a talk time of up to 4.5 hours. The phone sports a 5-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and a VGA front camera for video chatting. The phone also comes with software that, as per company's claims, can convert the regular pictures into the 3D picture format, though we would like to see this in action before we can comment on the same.

Connectivity options on Micromax A115 Canvas 3D include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G and USB. The phone comes with 'Micromax 3D Space' pre-installed that offers access to 3D videos, and pre-loaded 3D games.

Micromax A115 Canvas 3D will be available across all leading retail outlets in India as well as Micromax's official website from the first week of May, 2013 carrying a price tag of Rs. 9,999.

Micromax had recently announced that its flagship Canvas series of smartphones had sold over a million units since launch. The Canvas series consists of Micromax A72 Canvas Viva, Micromax A110 Canvas 2 , Micromax A116 Canvas HD and, now, Micromax A115 Canvas 3D.

Micromax A115 Canvas 3D technical specifications

• 5.0-inch display with 480x800 resolution
• 1GHZ dual-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB internal storage, expandable by another 32GB
• 5-megapixel rear camera, VGA front camera
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G and USB
• Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 2,000mAH battery

Google Now comes to iPhone

Google Now comes to iPhone, iPad as an update to Google Search app

Reuters, April 29, 2013

Google Inc is bringing its Google Now technology to the iPhone, where it will compete head-on with Apple Inc's Siri to serve as the primary service that smartphone users rely on to get everything from weather updates to traffic forecasts.

Google Now, which made its debut last year on mobile devices powered by Google's Android operating system, will be available as a feature in the new version of the Google Search app for iPhones and iPads starting on Monday.

Personal assistant technology such as Apple's Siri, Google Now and products created by various start-up companies aspire to play what could become a critical role on smartphones by helping users with daily chores such as looking up information on the Web, handling calendar appointments and managing travel plans.

Some analysts believe Apple's Siri, which comes pre-loaded on iPhones and iPads, represents a growing threat to Google, the world's No. 1 search engine. The information that Siri provides on common topics such as sports scores and nearby restaurants reduces the need to visit Google's search engine, the analysts say.

Johanna Wright, Google's vice president of Search and Assist for Mobile, described Google Now as the next phase in the evolution of search, in which answers are served up without a user needing to type in a query.

The technology taps into Google's various online services, from Web search to personal Gmail email and Google Calendar entries, to deliver relevant information throughout the day in pop-up windows that Google refers to as "cards." By accessing an email with a flight itinerary, for example, Google Now can automatically remind a traveler about an upcoming trip and suggest the best time to leave for the airport based on current traffic conditions.

Unlike the Android version of Google Now, in which users can swipe the phone's homescreen to quickly access the pop-up cards, the version for Apple's iOS will only display these cards when a user has opened the Google Search app.

The smartphone has emerged as a key battleground between Google and Apple as consumers increasingly access the Web with mobile devices instead of personal computers.

In September, Apple replaced the Google Maps app that once came pre-loaded on iPhones with a new maps app that Apple created in-house. The Apple maps service contained embarrassing errors, drawing fierce criticism from consumers and reviewers and forcing Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook to offer a public apology.

Galaxy Tab 3

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab 3 with Android 4.1, voice calling

April 29, 2013

Samsung has announced the launch of Galaxy Tab 3 7-inch tablet with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The tablet will be available in two variants, Wi-Fi only and a 3G variant with voice calling.

Under the hood, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor alongside 1GB of RAM. The 7-inch screen has a rather disappointing 1024x600 resolution at a paltry 169ppi. The tablet will be available in 8GB/ 16GB storage options, expandable by another 64GB via microSD card. Connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB and A-GPS/ GLONASS.

Galaxy Tab 3 is the successor to the Galaxy Tab 2 that recently received a price cut in India and is now available for Rs. 12,750 and Rs. 16,250 for Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi plus 3G variants respectively.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Wi-Fi version will be available globally beginning May and 3G version will follow in June. The product availability varies by market and will be rolled out gradually. There's no word on pricing yet, though it is expected to be priced similar to the Galaxy Tab 2.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 technical specifications

Network	WiFi - 3G : HSPA+21 / 5.76 Quad 850/900/1900/2100 - 2G : EDGE/GPRS Quad 850/900/1800/1900
Processor	1.2 GHz Dual Core processor
Display	7 inch WSVGA(1024 x 600, 169 PPI) TFT
OS	Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
Camera	Main(Rear): 3-megapixel camera Sub (Front): 1.3-megapixel camera
Video	Codec: MPEG4, H.264, H.263, WMV Playback: 1080p Full HD @30fps
Audio	Codec: MP3, OGG, AC3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, WAV, FLAC
Services and Additional Features	Samsung Apps
	Samsung Hub - Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub/ Learning Hub
	Samsung Kies, Samsung Kies Air (Downloadable via Samsung Apps)
	Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
	Google Mobile Services: Google Search, Gmail, Google Play Store, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Maps (Turn-by-turn Navigation), Google Now
Connectivity	WiFi a/b/g/n (2.4/5GHz), WiFi Channel Bonding, WiFi Direct Bluetooth 3.0 USB 2.0
GPS	A-GPS + GLONASS
Sensor	WiFi: Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Light 3G: Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Light, Proximity
Memory	8/16GB Internal Storage + 1GB (RAM) microSD slot (up to 64GB)
Dimension	111.1 x 188.0 x 9.9mm 302g(Wi-Fi), 306g (3G)
Battery	Standard battery, Li-ion 4,000 mAh