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    Showing posts with label MOBILE. Show all posts

    Fairfax consortium bids $4.7 billion to take BlackBerry private

    The $9 a share tentative offer, from a consortium led by property and casualty insurer Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd(FFH.TO), will set a floor for any counteroffers that might emerge for Blackberry, which has been on the block since August.

    As an investor, Fairfax Chief Executive Prem Watsa is often described as the Canadian Warren Buffett because he also takes the long view.

    Blackberry shares peaked above $148 in June 2008 when the company's devices were still the top choice for bankers, politicians and lawyers.

    The stock, halted pending the announcement on Monday, closed below the offer price on Nasdaq, at $8.82, indicating the market's lack of faith that other bids would emerge.

    "I would think a competing buyout offer is quite unlikely," said Elvis Picardo, strategist at Global Securities in Vancouver. "The miniscule premium, and the muted market reaction, is another indication that the market views the odds of a competing bid as slim."

    BlackBerry, based in Waterloo, Ontario, once dominated the market for secure on-your-hip email. But it introduced consumer-friendly touchscreen smartphones only after it lost the lead to Apple Inc's(AAPL.O) iPhone and devices using Google Inc's(GOOG.O) Android operating system.

    BlackBerry has until November 4 to seek superior offers, which the Fairfax group has the right to match. The group is seeking financing from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and BMO Capital Markets to complete the deal and has until that November 4 deadline to conduct its due diligence.

    A BlackBerry statement did not name members of the consortium, although many in the financial community see Canada's deep-pocketed and influential pension funds as likely participants.

    "We need to be careful given disclosure constraints, but we can say that we are focused on a strong Canadian solution," said Fairfax spokesman Paul Rivett.

    The pension funds, with assets around the world, traditionally take a long-term view in their investment decisions. Officials at the biggest funds either did not reply to requests for comment, said they had no information or declined to comment.

    "We never discuss whether or not we plan to enter into any investment," said Deborah Allan, spokeswoman for Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

    CANADIAN BUFFETT

    Watsa stepped down from the BlackBerry board of directors in August, citing a potential conflict of interest, as the company said it was exploring a sale.

    Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper quoted Watsa as saying that a significant amount of the equity in the deal will come from within the country. The consortium included neither strategic players, nor other technology firms, he said.

    iPhone plastic shell leaks in China

    It’s time to get green, it would seem, as a brightly colored back shell of what’s said to be a next-generation iPhone leaks in China. This leak is consistent with several tips and suggestions over the past week involving the so-called “budget” iPhone, including the color similarity to current iPhone bumpers. This device would, if it proves to be real, be one of several color options for the iPhone later this year.

    This piece of hardware comes from micro-blogger 7mob, a fellow known for connections to China-based factory workers. In this case, the leakster claims he’s got a “friend’s friend” in with Foxconn, one of the largest manufacturing lines Apple has used in recent years.

    This device appears with a single LED flash hole to the right of a lens hole (both of them circular), with a microphone hole between the two. A black Apple logo rests in the standard location in the center and top half of the device, while the normal “iPhone” brand name rests in the same location on the lower half.

    It’s also been suggested that this green color is one of six options for the machine, with yellow, blue, pink, white – and it would appear that black is missing in action at the moment. Perhaps to differentiate between this low-cost model and the higher-end line with the iPhone 5, but no confirmations exist as such.

    SOURCE  ICTech

    Apple iOS 7 Features List of new iPhone Operating System

    Apple iOS 7 is the new 7th generation operating system to be used with iPhone 5S, iPod Touch 6G, iPad 5, iPad Mini 2 and/or iPhone 6.

    An iOS 7 update for iPhone 5 and iPod 5 touch is also expected by Apple, a major player in the software market along-with Microsoft and Google, with huge fan base for its iOS based products. Apple is also popular for its Mac OS X based MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro personal computers.

    June 10-14, Apple software and hardware will be under the spotlight internationally, due to Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2013) in San Francisco.

    Apple is set for iOS7 release, the launch of next version of Apple mobile operating system. Its is too early to say that iOS7 is do or die thing for Apple, but the truth is Apple really needs to bring something real solid to get out of the declining situation.

    In this era of robust mobile devices, operating system plays huge role for success of the device. Several unique feature provided by operating system can attract crowd to purchase the device along with design and hardware residing the devices.

    Thanks to late CEO Steve Jobs, despite of falling market share, Apple still enjoys a reputation of excellent quality and usability in its products and services.

    Apple iOS 7 Features List of new iPhone Operating System

    The banners outside the event venue of Apple WWDC 2013, with a big number seven on one banner, represent the new iOS7.

    iOS7 Features List of new iPhone Operating System
    Apple has been carefully analyzing the competitive smartphone landscape in order to maintain parity with its Android and Windows Phone competitors in terms of iOS7 features and functions. Here under is the Apple iOS7 features list that is expected from the next version of iOS:

        iOS 7 Design
        Probably impressed from Microsoft Windows 8 Metro UI, Apple's Jonathan Ive has worked out a Plain and Simple iOS7 design.

        In late May it seemed that iOS 7 had found its way out into flat redesign. It seems that everything starts with a new Lock screen, where the glossy image and clock have been replaced by a stark black screen with supposed improved gesture controls.

        Even the security code pad has been altered, and instead of the familiar overlay, a new interface with round, black keys with white text has emerged. Apple iOS7 design might surprise users, by replace the vibrant look and feel with a more minimalist, monochromatic approach.

        Apple iOS7 new Design

        Customizable Theme, Lock screen and notification Bar
        A software's real power lies in the customization. Sometimes there are too many restrictions for iOS users being unable to customize few settings. To overcome this restriction people are tempted to do Jailbreak, which voids warranty from Apple.

        Apple should provide little freedom to their users in this version of iOS by enabling them to customize their Theme, Lock Screen as well as Notification Bar.

        Live Widgets
        Live Widgets and Icons is a feature that is long needed in iOS and the feature is expected in iOS7. Google Android has long offered home screen widgets, which display all kinds of information. Microsoft has also made its Windows Phone live tiles a key selling point for its smartphone operating system.

        Apple can potentially create a completely new channel in its App Store with inexpensive home screen widgets (priced between free and 99 cents). These programs would provide overview information about things like weather, sports scores or news headlines.

        These live widgets could function like the stock ticker in Apple's notification shade, but would reside on iOS 7 device's home screen.

        Apple iOS7 Live Widgets Icons

    Samsung Launches The Galaxy Mega 5.8 In India For Rs.25,100

     Enjoy the Smart in 3D Experience Explore Smart TV with Magic Motion

    Along with the Galaxy Mega 6.3, Samsung has also launched the much-awaited Galaxy Mega 5.8 in India. This handset packs a disappointing 5.8 inch qHD display, 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, 8 megapixel camera and more. Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 is one of the world’s top performing Dual-SIM smartphones. This handset comes pre-loaded with Samsung WatchON which transforms the device into an IR remote controller for a great TV experience.

        Mr. Vineet Taneja , Country Head , Samsung Mobile and Digital Imaging Business, said,
        “Consumers in India as in other parts of the world are preferring the larger screen displays in their Smartphones owing to the time they spend doing more with their devices – staying connected with their work and friends/family, web browsing, extensive multimedia viewing and more. To meet the varying lifestyles of our consumers, we are very pleased to offer the Galaxy Mega which further enriches the product portfolio of our award-winning Galaxy series.”


    Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 features a 5.8 inch qHD TFT display, sporting a resolution of 960 × 540 pixels, 1.4 GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) OS, TouchWiz 5.0 user interface, 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and LED flash, full HD (1080p) video recording and playback, 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera for video calls, 8 GB internal memory, microSD card slot, 64 GB expandable memory and much more.

    Other features include a 3.5 mm headset jack, Stereo FM Radio with RDS, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, 3G Connectivity, Samsung Media Hub, Samsung Social Hub, Samsung Kies Air, Google Play Store, S Translator, Samsung ChatOn, DLNA, HDMI out, Bluetooth 4.0 with EDR, 1.5 GB RAM, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 and a 2600 mAh battery. This handset measures 162.6 x 82.4 x 9.0 mm and weighs 182g.

    Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 comes with a price-tag of Rs.25,100 (approx. $450) in India. Vodafone and Reliance subscribers will get 2 GB of data per month for 3 months with the purchase of this device. This handset will go on sale from next week in India.
    (SOURCE)

    Apple loses right to iPhone name in...

     When it comes to buying an iPhone in Brazil, consumers have one extra option that the rest of us do not.

    There's the "iPhone" made by the California tech giant Apple. Then there's the "iphone" made by the Brazilian firm Gradiente Eletronica and, perhaps in a slap to Apple, runs on rival Android's operating system.

    And it's going to stay that way pending any future appeal or settlement.

    On Thursday, Brazil's Institute of Industry Property (INPI), the country's main patent regulator, ruled that Apple holds no exclusive right to use the iPhone moniker to market its mobile phones. If Apple continues to use the iPhone name, Gradiente can sue.

    INIP added that Gradiente Eletronica holds exclusive rights to the trademark though 2018 after having registered for the iPhone name in 2000. Apple only unveiled its iPhone name in 2007.

    Apple may have gotten a bruising but an appeal is in the works. And in a twist on timing that Apple hopes may help it win branding rights, Gradiente Eletronica only launched its first "iphone", the iphone Neo One, in December 2012 -- five years after Apple debuted its inaugural iPhone. Gradiente explained it held back on releasing its own iphone until recently as it concluded corporate restructuring from 2008.

    Apple's trademark trouble in Latin America's most populous country is just the latest in a series of global snafus that have spanned China, Japan and the United States.

    Just days after Apple announced its first iPhone in January 2007, Cisco Systems sued the company in U.S. federal court saying it had owned trademark rights since 2000. Apple and Cisco agreed to a settlement the following month that allowed both companies use of the iPhone name.

    In 2009, Apple paid Proview Taiwan a sum of $55,000 for use of the "iPad" name in mainland China. But in a complicated dispute, Proview claimed Apple set up a shell company to fool it into selling the trademark. In addition, Proview Taiwan did not actually own the rights to the iPad trademark in mainland China -- a subsidiary, Proview Shenzhen, did. Apple only secured the name in 2012 after paying out the actual trademark owner $60 million.

    Samsung Emerges as a Potent Rival to Apple’s Cool

     Apple, for the first time in years, is hearing footsteps.

    The maker of iPhones, iPads and iPods has never faced a challenger able to make a truly popular and profitable smartphone or tablet — not Dell, not Hewlett-Packard, not Nokia, not BlackBerry — until Samsung Electronics.

    The South Korean manufacturer’s Galaxy S III smartphone is the first device to run neck and neck with Apple’s iPhone in sales. Armed with other Galaxy phones and tablets, Samsung has emerged as a potent challenger to Apple, the top consumer electronics maker. The two companies are the only ones turning profits in the highly competitive mobile phone industry, with Apple taking 72 percent of the earnings and Samsung the rest.

    Yet these two rivals, who have battled in the marketplace and in the courts worldwide, could not be more different. Samsung Electronics, a major part of South Korea’s expansive Samsung Group, makes computer chips and flat-panel displays as well as a wide range of consumer products including refrigerators, washers and dryers, cameras, vacuum cleaners, PCs, printers and TVs.

    Where Apple stakes its success on creating new markets and dominating them, as it did with the iPhone and iPad, Samsung invests heavily in studying existing markets and innovating inside them.

    “We get most of our ideas from the market,” said Kim Hyun-suk, an executive vice president at Samsung, in a conversation about the future of mobile devices and television. “The market is a driver, so we don’t intend to drive the market in a certain direction,” he said.

    That’s in stark contrast to the philosophy of Apple’s founder Steven P. Jobs, who rejected the notion of relying on market research. He memorably said that consumers don’t know what they want.

    Nearly everything at Samsung, from the way it does research to its manufacturing, is unlike Apple. It taunts Apple in its cheeky advertisements while Apple stays above the fray.

    New iPhone 4G Facing Top Seven Problem

    Apple’s iPhone 4 may have gotten rave reviews from critics, but how has the cell phone fared in the wild, inside the hands of Apple users? The new Iphone 4 has just arrived in U.S. and already some people said that the new Iphone 4 has few problems.A few hours of marketing and there are already those who detected a significant Achilles heel in the new iPhone 4. It is not a trivial matter, it is a reception problem that can occur easily use policy. Fortunately, the remedy exists, but is little more than … a piece. I think that the new Iphone 4 is a good phone.

    A reception problem, noted above. That appends to small difettucci already detected by iFixit and there is immediately observing the display apparatus, which at any moment — without changing position, and orientation — can switch between full-field condition to show a weak signal . I think that this is not a serios problem for Iphone 4.

    New iPhone 4G

    A software problem? A vulnerability to certain interference? The user can ask questions in this case are many, but the beauty is that the answer — and its solution

    The only actors in this revival have an iPhone and the hand of a person who does nothing but handle the smartphone Apple absolutely ordinary: it can happen to anyone taking a mobile phone by the edges. But the sides of the iPhone are not simple parts made in brushed steel for aesthetics, but need to receive, because they are exactly the antennas of the device. There are solutions for Iphone 4 problems ?

    Hold the iPhone as shown in the video, means establishing a bridge between the two antennas, with the result makes it less powerful. On Engadget and Gizmodo some readers point out that the problem is particularly evident holding the device by touching the left side and bottom, a position common among left-handed users, or for anyone still keep the phone matched the left ear. The humidity accentuates the problem — the annoying hassle — you just have sweaty hands (though not seppiose) for worse. Apple hopes to have succes with the new Iphone 4 but with these problems I don’t think that it will have succes.

    The phenomenon thus requires the user a degree of caution, if you do not want to have reception problems that could translate unable to make or receive calls, the difficulty to surf the Internet or continue a telephone conversation initiated by taking the iPhone 4 to right way.
    Customers are reporting iPhone 4 Problems that range from a spotty screen to reception problems.
    Here some  iPhone 4 Problems :
    1. Camera Malfunctions
    2. Supply Crunch
    3. Yellow Discoloration On The Screen
    4. Case Scratches Easily
    5. Poor Reception
    6. Delays
    7. Search Limitations

    New Apple maps app under fire from users

    In June Apple announced it would stop using Google Maps in favour of its own system, created using data from navigation specialist TomTom.

    Apple is yet to comment on the complaints about the software, which comes already installed on the new iPhone.

    TomTom said it provided only data and was not responsible for how it worked.

    The software is packaged with iOS6, the latest version of Apple's operating system, which runs on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

    Previously, the system had an app running mapping software from Google.

    But users are now forced to use Apple's new maps once they upgrade or buy the latest iPhone - which goes on sale on Friday.

    There is not currently a Google Maps app available in Apple's App Store, although Google's system is still accessible via the phone's web browser.
    Museum in river

    Among the user complaints regarding Apple's maps sent to the BBC were:
    Screenshots of satellite coverage in Dingwall Users have complained about the quality of satellite images in the new software (bottom)

        Some towns appear to be missing, such as Stratford-upon-Avon and Solihull.
        Others, like Uckfield in East Sussex, are in the wrong location.
        Satellite images of various locations, particularly in Scotland, are obscured by cloud.
        A search for Manchester United Football Club directs users to Sale United Football Club, a community team for ages five and above.
        Users also reported missing local places, such as schools, or strange locations. Another screenshot showed a furniture museum that was apparently located in a river.

    The Twitter account which posted the screenshot, @fake_iOS6maps, has since been suspended.

    TomTom, which also licenses data to a range of other mobile manufacturers, defended its involvement.

    A spokesman told the BBC that its maps provided only a "foundation" to the service.

    "The user experience is determined by adding additional features to the map application such as visual imagery," a spokesman said.

    HTC Announces Its Flagship WP8 Handset – HTC 8X



    HTC has just announced its flagship Windows Phone handset, the Windows Phone 8X. The ‘X’ in the name makes it clear that this handset is the Taiwanese maker’s hero WP8 handset. Externally, the WP8X is made up of poly-carbonate plastic and will be available in bright colors like Nokia’s Lumia series. Frankly, the 8X looks too similar to Nokia’s Lumia handsets, and Nokia might just sue HTC for this.

        “Pairing HTC’s beautiful new Windows Phone 8X and 8S with our brand is a big milestone for both companies,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “Together we are offering customers a clear choice and a truly unique experience. I’m thrilled to take our longstanding partnership to the next level.”

    Internally, the WP8X packs in the same internals as any other high-end WP8 handset. This includes a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait processor clocked at 1.5GHz, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory, quad-band GSM support, LTE support, a 4.3-inch 720p (1280×720) S-LCD2 display, NFC and an inbuilt 1800mAh battery. The 8MP snapper at the back of the handset sports the same ImageSense technology as found on the One X, along with an f/2.0 lens, aided by a single LED flash. The front 2.1MP camera has an ultra-wide 88 degree lens. The 8X will also be the first Windows Phone from HTC to sport the Beats Audio logo. HTC also states that the handset has “an enhanced amp” for improved audio quality. Quite a far cry from the poor audio quality of their Android handsets.

    Like the One series, HTC has taken great efforts to make the 8X. Each of the 245 speaker grilles at the back of the phone is individually drilled showing how dedicated the company is.

    Like Nokia, HTC did not announce a specific shipping date except a vague November on over 150 carriers worldwide at an unknown price.

    Samsung Galaxy Note II Up For Pre-Order In India


    Last month, Samsung finally unveiled the much-awaited Samsung Galaxy Note II at the IFA 2012 in Berlin. It is the successor of the company’s first phone/tablet (phablet) hybrid device, the Galaxy Note. This handset comes with a large 5.5 inch display and a powerful 1.6 GHz quad-core processor. Unlike the Galaxy S III, this device runs on the latest Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) Operating System out of the box.

    Samsung has already announced the availability of this device in the US. Now, it seems that the folks living in India will soon get their hands on the Galaxy Note II. Samsung India eStore is currently taking the pre-orders of this device. If you are planning to buy one, then check out the complete specs after the break.

    Samsung Galaxy Note II features a 5.5 inch Super AMOLED HD display, sporting a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels, 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) OS, TouchWiz UI, 8 megapixel rear camera with auto-focus and LED flash, full HD (1080p) video recording and playback, 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera for video calls, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 4G Connectivity and so on.

    Other features include a 3.5 mm headset jack, FM Radio with RDS, GPS with A-GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, S-Pen, S Note, S Planner, Samsung Hub, DLNA, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal memory, MicroSD card slot, 64 GB expandable memory, Google Play Store, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC (Near Field Communication) and a 3100mAh battery.

    Samsung has not yet announced the price of this device in India. However, you can pre-order this device just by paying Rs.5000. The remaining amount has to be paid as soon as the device is available in stock. Samsung Galaxy Note II is currently available for pre-order in both Marble White and Titanium Gray colors. You will also get a free desktop dock worth Rs.2399. To pre-order this device, head over to this page at Samsung India eStore.

    The iPhone 5 Scores Well, With a Quibble

    If you were taking a college course called iPhone 101, your professor might identify three factors that have made Apple’s smartphone a mega-success.

    First, design. A single company, known for its obsession over details, produces both the hardware and the software. The result is a single, coherently designed whole.

    Second, superior components. As the world’s largest tech company, Apple can call the shots with its part suppliers. It can often incorporate new technologies — scratch-resistant Gorilla glass, say, or the supersharp Retina screen — before its rivals can.

    Third, compatibility. The iPhone’s ubiquity has led to a universe of accessories that fit it. Walk into a hotel room, and there’s probably an iPhone connector built into the alarm clock.

    If you had to write a term paper for this course, you might open with this argument: that in creating the new iPhone 5 ($200 with contract), Apple strengthened its first two advantages — but handed its rivals the third one on a silver platter.

    Let’s start with design. The new phone, in all black or white, is beautiful. Especially the black one, whose gleaming, black-on-black, glass-and-aluminum body carries the design cues of a Stealth bomber. The rumors ran rampant that the iPhone 5 would have a larger screen. Would it be huge, like many Android phones? Those giant screens are thudding slabs in your pocket, but they’re fantastic for maps, books, Web sites, photos and movies.

    As it turns out, the new iPhone’s updated footprint (handprint?) is nothing like the Imax size of its rivals. It’s the same 2.3 inches wide, but its screen has grown taller by half an inch — 176 very tiny pixels.

    It’s a nice but not life-changing change. You gain an extra row of icons on the Home screen, more messages in e-mail lists, wider keyboard keys in landscape mode and a more expansive view of all the other built-in apps. (Non-Apple apps can be written to exploit the bigger screen. Until then, they sit in the center of the larger screen, flanked by unnoticeable slim black bars.)

    At 0.3 inch, the phone is thinner than before, startlingly so — the thinnest in the world, Apple says. It’s also lighter, just under four ounces; it disappears completely in your pocket. This iPhone is so light, tall and flat, it’s well on its way to becoming a bookmark.

    Second advantage: components. There’s no breakthrough feature this time, no Retina screen or Siri. (Thought recognition will have to wait for the iPhone 13.)

    Even so, nearly every feature has been upgraded, with a focus on what counts: screen, sound, camera, speed.

    The iPhone 5 is now a 4G LTE phone, meaning that in certain lucky cities, you get wicked-fast Internet connections. (Verizon has by far the most LTE cities, with AT&T a distant second and Sprint at the rear. Here’s a cool coverage comparison map: j.mp/V5wEwN.)

    The phone itself runs faster, too. Its new processor runs twice as fast, says Apple. Few people complained about the old phone’s speed, but this one certainly zips.

    The screen now has better color reproduction. The front-facing camera captures high-definition video now (720p). The battery offers the same talk time as before (eight hours), but adds two more hours of Web browsing (eight hours), even on LTE networks. In practical terms, you encounter fewer days when the battery dies by dinnertime — a frequent occurrence with 4G phones.

    The camera is among the best ever put into a phone. Its lowlight shots blow away the same efforts from an iPhone 4S. Its shot-to-shot times have been improved by 40 percent. And you can take stills even while recording video (1080p hi-def, of course).

    LG Optimus 4X HD Launched In India For Rs.34,990

    Along with the Optimus L3, L5 and L7, LG has also launched the powerful Optimus 4X HD smartphone in India. It is the company’s first smartphone which packs a 1.5 GHz quad-core plus 1 processor. When maximum power is needed, Tegra 3 automatically activates all four cores, but when less power is required, it defaults to the fifth battery-saver core. This handset runs of the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) Operating System with LG’s Optimus UI 3.0 on top of it.

      Sanjay Maheshwary Business Head, Mobile Communications, LG India, said:

        “With the smartphone segment consolidating even further, it’s now apparent that both great software and great hardware should go hand in hand. LG’s 4X HD is our proof that we not only understand our consumers’ needs but also cater to them. The 4X HD also features LG’s new User Experience (UX), which allows users the ability to instantly jot memos or noted from any screen. LG’s 4X HD is a complete package which packs powerful features to back it sleek frame”


    LG Optimus 4X HD features a 4.7 inch True HD-IPS display, sporting a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS, Optimus UI 3.0, 1.5 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core plus 1 processor, 8 megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash, full HD (1080p) video recording and playback, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and more.

    Other features include a 3.5 mm headset jack, Stereo FM Radio with RDS, 16 GB internal memory, MicroSD card slot, 32 GB expandable memory, 1 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, 3G Connectivity, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, microUSB 2.0, GPS with A-GPS, Google Play Store, up to 730 hrs of stand-by time, up to 9 hrs of talk-time and a 2150 mAh battery.

    LG Optimus 4X HD comes with a price-tag of Rs.34,990 (approx. $630) in India. This handset will compete with other powerful Android smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X in the Indian market.

    Samsung Galaxy Beam Launched In India For Rs.33,900

    Smartphone major Samsung Electronics has launched Samsung GALAXY Beam projector smartphone in India at Rs. 33,900.

     The smartphone is based on the Android 2.3 OS platform, and equipped with an ultra-bright 15 lumens projector that gives high-definition projection up to 50" wide at a distance of 2 meter.

    The 5 mega pixel camera enables users to capture and share pictures and videos with loved ones instantly, enriching the sharing experience.

    The smartphone will enable its users to share their and other digital media content by beaming it directly onto walls, ceilings or improvised flat surfaces.

     The GALAXY Beam is powered by 1.0GHz dual-core processor and features a 5 mega pixel camera. It comes with 8GB of internal memory, which is expandable to 32 GB. The samrtphone is packed with 2 powerful 2000 mAh battery that ensures greater display power and content freedom. 

    Earlier this year, Samsung unveiled a unique smartphone with built-in pico projector at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012 in Barcelona. Yes, we are talking about the Samsung Galaxy Beam smartphone. This handset allows the users to display and share multimedia content on a large projector screen as well as on a clear wall (surface). The built-in nHD projector on this handset is capable of beaming a wide range of multimedia content up to 50 inch wide.

    Apart from the unique feature mentioned above, this handset packs a 4 inch display along with a 1 GHz dual-core processor. Samsung Galaxy Beam currently runs on the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS. This handset might get the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update in the near future. However, you should not expect this device to get the latest Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) update ever. Samsung Galaxy Beam was already available for pre-order in India. Now, the company went ahead and officially launched the amazing Galaxy Beam in India.

    Samsung Galaxy Beam features a 4 inch touchscreen display, sporting a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, 1 GHz Cortex-A9 dual-core processor, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System (upgradable to Android 4.0 OS), Samsung Touchwiz 4 UI, built-in nHD projector, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with auto-focus and LED flash, HD (720p) video recording and playback, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and much more.

    Sprint Announces Android 4.0 ICS Update For HTC EVO 3D And EVO Design 4G

    Last year, Sprint launched the HTC’s first 3D smartphone, the HTC EVO 3D. This handset allows you to record 2D videos in full HD (1080p) and 3D videos in HD (720p), thanks to its 5 megapixel dual cameras. HTC EVO 3D was shipped with the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System. HTC has already started rolling out the much-awaited Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update for the international variant. However, the HTC EVO 3D owners on Sprint were left behind.

    Sprint finally announced the Android 4.0 update for the HTC EVO 3D smartphone. This update will bring the usual ICS goodies along with numerous enhancements and new features. Sprint has also confirmed the Android 4.0 update for the HTC EVO Design 4G smartphone. If you own one of these devices, then check out the complete changelog below.

                                         htc evo 3d
    Changelog:

        A refined, evolved user interface that is simple, beautiful and useful
        Face Unlock: use state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to unlock your phone with a smile
        Redesigned camera app which introduces scenes like Panorama and effects such as Vignette, Depth of Field, Vintage and Posterize
        Web browser now lets you sync Google Chrome bookmarks, request full desktop versions of sites and see your open tabs in a new layout
        People: browse friends, family and coworkers, see their photos in high-resolution and check their latest status updates from Google+
        Improved keyboard with incredibly accurate typing, an inline spell checker and improved copy and paste support
        Redesigned Gmail app that lets you swipe between conversations to catch up quickly and search for emails even without a data connection
        Google+ integration that lets you hangout and video chat with up to 10 friends using your front-facing camera

    Samsung Galaxy Beam Up For Pre-Order In India For Rs.29,900

    Back in 2010, Samsung announced the world’s first smartphone with built-in pico projector. Yes, we are talking about the Samsung Galaxy Beam I8520. After the company’s earlier efforts at releasing a phone with a projector has failed miserably, Samsung went ahead and unveiled a new projector phone with the same name, but a different model number. The Samsung Galaxy Beam I8530 was announced and showcased at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012 in Barcelona.
    The built-in nHD projector on this handset is capable of beaming a wide range of multimedia content up to 50 inch wide. The Samsung Galaxy Beam runs on the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS. It might also get the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update in the coming months. However, you should not expect this device to get the recently announced Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) update. Samsung India’s online store is currently taking pre-orders of this unique smartphone. Planning to buy one? Don’t forget to check out the complete specs below.

    Samsung Galaxy Beam features a 4 inch touchscreen display, sporting a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, 1 GHz Cortex-A9 dual-core processor, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System, Samsung Touchwiz 4 UI, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with auto-focus and LED flash, HD (720p) video recording and playback, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera for video calls, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 3G Connectivity and much more.
    Other features include a 3.5 mm headset jack, music player with SoundAlive, FM Radio with RDS, built-in nHD projector, Swype, Document Viewer, A-GPS, Google Play Store, 768 MB RAM, 8 GB internal memory, Micro SD card slot, 32 GB expandable memory, Samsung ChatON, Samsung Social Hub, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 3.0, up to 760 hrs of stand-by time, up to 9 hrs 40 mins of talk-time and a 2000 mAh battery.
    Samsung Galaxy Beam is currently up for pre-order in India for Rs.29,900 (apprx. $525). This handset is expected to go on sale in early-July. To pre-order the Galaxy Beam, head over to this page at Samsung India eStore.

    Apple, Samsung account for 90%of smart phone profits

    Korean mobile maker Samsung and US-based tech giant Apple have captured over half the global market for smart phones and over 90% of its profits, according to a research firm.

    According to ABI Research, global smart phone shipments grew 41% year-over-year to 144.6 million in the first quarter of 2012.

    The report said that Samsung and Apple accounted for 55% of smartphone shipments and over 90 percent of the market's profits, News24 reports.

    The report revealed that Samsung and Apple delivered 43 million and 35 million units in the quarter respectively.

    Nokia was third with 11.9 million and BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) just behind with 11.1 million.

    Of the top ten smartphone makers, only Samsung and Sony saw sequential growth from the fourth quarter, which is traditionally strong, the report said.

    Max Payne Mobile Now Available For Android Devices; Time For Some Stylish Slow-Mo Action-Shooting!

    After quite a few delays, Rockstar has finally released the popular Action-Shooter Max Payne to Google Play. Max Payne needs no introduction since chances are you must have you must have already played the game on your PC in your teens.

    Rockstar has also made sure to optimize the game for Nvidia’s Tegra 3 SoC with additional antistropic texture filtering and enhanced lighting experience. Keeping in mind that the game controls might become too complex for touchscreen gaming, Rockstar has also added support for external gamepads to make the life of you gamers easy. The developers of the game have also added Cheat code support in the game along with full integration with Rockstar’s Social Club.

    As of now, Max Payne Mobile is available only for certain Android handsets including the Motorola Droid RAZR/MAXX, Photon, Droid Bionic, HTC Rezound, One X, One S, EVO 3D, Sensation, Droid Incredible 2, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II, Galaxy R, Xperia Play, and the Xperia S. The game has also been optimized for the Xperia Play’s gamepad.

    Rockstar has priced the game at a reasonable $2.99 as well. Before you head over to download the game, make sure that your phone has at least 1.33GB of free space.
    Google Play Link

    T-Mobile Galaxy S II Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update Rolling Out Now

    T-Mobile has started rolling out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for its Galaxy S II variant in the United States. The carrier had promised a few weeks ago that it will start rolling out the update beginning from 14th July, and has managed to keep it words.
    The Ice Cream Sandwich update for the T-Mobile Galaxy S II brings with it many new features and enhancements, bug fixes and none of the visual goodness introduced by Google in stock Android 4.0. Below is the full change-log of the update -:
    • Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
    • CMAS Improvement
    • Wi-Fi Calling Enhancements
    • Voicemail Enhancements
    Other features introduced by this update include Face Unlock, slightly refreshed UI elements, better performance and stability, a new browser with support for bookmark sync and more.
    T-Mobile Galaxy S II owners can update their handset only by using Samsung KIES software, as the update is not being rolled out via OTA. Users also need to make sure that they are running on Android 2.3.6 (TKID/KL1/LDE) update with at least 50% of battery life before proceeding to update their phone to Ice Cream Sandwich.

    Samsung Galaxy S III – First Impressions of the ‘Nature-Inspired’ Superphone

    The Samsung Galaxy S III is perhaps the most exciting smartphone the industry has ever seen. The phone, which was initially slammed badly by critics for not being up to their expectations has been smashing every single sales record since the day its pre-order page went live.
    India is one of the few lucky countries where this sleek piece of technology was first launched and without wasting much time, I quickly went to a Samsung store and returned with this superphone. It has been only two days since then, but I’m already in love with it. I often find myself holding the phone in my hands and adoring its beauty. No matter what other people say, the Galaxy S III is undoubtedly the best phone I’ve ever handled.


    The Super AMOLED HD screen of the Galaxy S III is the foremost thing that comes into notice. It’s huge, black as an onyx and stunning in all its beauty. The Galaxy S3’s 1280×720 (SAMOLED HD) screen is one of the most impressive screens I’ve ever seen, which produces eye popping colors that are bright, vibrant and rich in colors, especially when set to Dynamic screen mode which gives a stunning picture.


    Obviously, it does not produce images as sharp as the Super-LCD 2 display of the HTC One X due the pentile structure of pixels in SAMOLED HD screen, but the difference is imperceptible in daily use and not at all a ‘bummer’. On a comparison note, the Galaxy S III easily beats One X when it comes to creating more vivid colors and blacker ‘blacks’.
    display
    The display is remarkably visible under direct sunlight, thanks to its screen technology that has the highest contrast ratio in any smartphone.
    The Galaxy S II is also the first phone to boast a coating of Gorilla Glass 2 and surprisingly, the screen is (really) a lot smoother than the Galaxy S II’s screen. It’s now also resistant to fingerprint smudges, something which was very frustrating about my Galaxy S II.
    Samsung-Galaxy-S3
    Moving on to the aesthetics, contrary to what many ‘expert’ people have commented about the phone’s design, the Galaxy S III is a very beautiful phone. In fact, it even puts my Galaxy S II to shame when held together.
    The phone feels very solid and better than what I was expecting before handling it. The Hyper-Glaze coating on the phone feels great in hands. As my personal opinion, the smooth and glossy back-cover feels even better than the mesh textured back cover of Galaxy S II. However, it does invite a lot of fingerprints.
    On the sides, the Galaxy S III flaunts a wrapping of a silver band. This combination of silver band and glossy Hyper-Glaze coating gives an amazing fake perception of premium brushed aluminum on a glass build of the phone. Even if it’s not real, it does look and feel really good.
    Another interesting thing to note about this phone is that, unlike the recent trend in smartphones, the Galaxy S III is a tad heavier (by a few grams) and thicker than the Galaxy S II. Despite that, its uniform thickness makes this difference unnoticeable and is still very light to hold.
    An LED is also present this time, which was missing from the first two Galaxy S phones. I had to previously rely on third party apps like noLED and BLN to keep track of missed events, but thankfully they are no longer needed now.
    The arrangement of physical buttons remain the same as any other Samsung phone, one Home button being at the bottom center and two capacitive buttons beside it. This time, the size of the home button has been narrowed down, which does look good, but is a bit harder to press, which is my biggest gripe with this phone. However, the volume and power buttons are actually softer and easier to press than the stiff buttons in Galaxy S II.

    Samsung Galaxy Note Ice Cream Sandwich Update Available In India

    Earlier this month, Samsung had started rolling out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy Note in certain regions of the world. Beginning from today, Samsung has started the phased roll-out of the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy Note in India.
    The Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy Note brings with it lots of new goodies like Face Unlock, Bluetooth tethering, along with some UI enhancements. The update will also install some premium suite of apps optimized to take advantage of the S-Pen stylus of the handset. Galaxy Note owners in India can download and install the update on their handset-tablet hybrid by using Samsung’s KIES software.
    It is quite surprising to see that Samsung India has already released the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy Note, while the update for the Galaxy S2 is still not available. The Ice Cream Sandwich update for the S2 was rolled out way back in March. In fact, the retail boxes of Galaxy S2 in India now ship with Ice Cream Sandwich right out of the box as well. The official Samsung India twitter account tweeted that S II owners should “stay tuned for updates.”
    SOURCE

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