5 Things you should know about the HTC One M8

HTC’s recently launched the new One aka M8, which could possibly be the sole reason that the company struck a profit this quarter. Despite its instant availability and fanfare around the launch, here are a few things that you really must know about the HTC One M8. (Especially if you didn’t already know them)

1. BUILD QUALITY :

Carving a phone structure out of a single block of metal is now really old news, and especially after Apple’s iPhone 4 and iPad, this process was repeated time and again. The HTC One M8 takes the candy bar form factor to the next level. The M8 has been punched out of a single sheet of metal alloy, that not only covers the back of the phone, but also curves around to the front. Anyone who has worked with metal would know what a difficult process this is, even with todays available technology. 

2. HARDWARE

Last year, when HTC launched the HTC One, they decided to stick it with an underpowered chipset, the Snapdragon 600, even though a better and more powerful snapdragon 800 was available. This time around however, HTC has thrown in the best of the lot, the Snapdragon 801 which puts it right up there with the competition. 

3. CAMERA

Even though it feels under-rated the M8 has possibly the most advanced camera on a Smartphone today. Sure you have the Lumia 1020 and the Xperia Z series phones with their high MP camera shots. The HTC One M8 takes the focus selection to another level al together. It’s excellent in low light and even though their software is relatively amateur the use of the hardware in the future may do wonders. The fact that the company has opened the dual camera API to developers means that the hardware may be put to excellent use in third party apps.

4. NEW SENSE

Although Sense 6.0 looks like a minor change on Sense 5.0 its a whole new world in there, the UI functionality has been improved, nifty shortcuts and good looking icons make a world of a difference. Quick launches from the lock screen make it really usable and exciting. Overall HTC has managed to give an exciting new look to something which used looked really bland to us, make it fast, responsive and more functional. 

5. AWESOME FIRST PARTY ACCESSORIES

HTC did it with the HTC One Max when they launched the extended battery case, they basically proved to us that they can make excellent accessories for their own devices. They have done it again with the HTC One M8 and the Dot View case. This case itself deserves an award for how simple and noble the idea behind it is. it gives protection and functionality to the phone. thanks to the touch sensitive design it gives you the ability to use the phone with the cover still on. Simply Genius!

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LG Launches Fireweb a Firefox OS Smartphone in Brazil

LG is not only limited with Android devices, be it Nexus or any other device as LG has launched a Firefox operating system based smartphone. The Mozilla based smartphone is named Fireweb.

Fireweb sports a 4 inch HVGA display –large screen as said in the video below– with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels. The device is powered by a 1 GHz 3G Qualcomm processor and 2 GB of memory, not clear as per the press release. The device is equipped with a 5 MP camera, the camera also features auto-focus and keeps the tittle of being the first Firefox OS phone to have auto-focus and LED flash. Vivo Brazil is selling the Fireweb at a price of 449 BRL ($207 US). 

Jay Sullivan, COO of Mozilla, states, “We built Firefox OS as part of Mozilla’s mission to put the power of the Web in people’s hands and offer the best Web experience possible. We’re happy to see Firefox OS gain momentum with partners launching new devices in new markets and developers around the world being inspired to innovate. Our partnership with Telefónica Vivo demonstrates the rich, new experiences offered on Firefox OS by combining the best global and local content with LG’s elegant new device experience.”

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Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition launched in India at a Price of 49990 INR

Samsung has launched the latest Galaxy Note tablet in India, the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition is priced at 49990 INR. The tablet is now available throughout India in all the stores. 

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition sports a 10.1 inch WQXGA display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 is powered by a 1.9 GHz quad-core and 1.3 Ghz quad-core Exynos 5 Octa processor. The device is packed with a 3GB of RAM which was seen on the Note 3, the tablet has a 32 GB inbuilt storage which is expandable via Micro SD. The Galaxy Note 10.1 features a 8 MP primary camera with BSI sensor and autofocus along with LED flash, the secondary camera on the device is a 2 MP BSI sensor. The device runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and is packed with a giant 8220 mAh battery.

The new GALAXY Note 10.1 delivers the best viewing and multitasking experiences. It is a demonstration of Samsung Mobile’s focus on constant product innovation to stay aligned with shifting consumer interests,” said Mr. Vineet Taneja, Country Head, Mobile & IT, Samsung India. “The GALAXY Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) unites functionality, usage experience and mobility to make the everyday lives of consumers easier and more enjoyable.”

The device also features S Pen, and delevers features seen on Note 3 like the Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write and S Finder. The newly launched Galaxy Note 10.1 also comes pre-loaded with Samsung KNOX for enhanced security. Connectivity options on the tablet include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct and AllShareCast, as well as 3G/ LTE as indicated earlier.

The device is available in two color options jet black and classic white, the company has given the device the same leather look at the back as on the Note 3.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 vs Galaxy Note 2

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was launched in India for a price of Rs. 49900 (roughly translated to “more than most can afford”) and is expected to go on sale on the 25th of September. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features a new design over its predecessor boasting a soft-touch, leather like back, along with many hardware changes that put it right in line with many flagships out there. But, at the price at which it has launched, should you go in for the Galaxy Note 3? or should you get the Galaxy Note 2? Here is where we break it down for you.

Aesthetics

The Note 3 is actually slimmer and thinner than the Galaxy Note 2 despite getting a larger 5.7-inch full HD 1920 x 1080p display. The Note 3 also appears to be squarish from the front and has a slightly raised bezel, as opposed to the roundish bezel on the Galaxy Note 2. 

The new leather look back panel on the Note 3 definitely adds a lot more premium appeal to the previous plastic and poorly constructed look. Which however, does not change the fact that the phone is still completely plastic, now its just plastic hidden behind faux leather-appearing plastic. 

Hardware Comparison

Apart from the obvious differences in the specs, the major changes on the new Note 3 worth noting are, the aforementioned Full HD display, a new Exynos 5 chipset vs Exynos 4 on the Note 2 which offers an effective 1.9 GHz on Quad cores (with full octa-core functionality by December.). You also get 3 new temperature, humidity and gesture sensors, along with an additional gigabyte of RAM.

A 16GB bump in storage capacity makes the basic variant (and the only one available in India) a 32GB variant. A slightly larger 3200 mAh battery and 13 MP camera finish off the changes on hardware. Check out a comparative below. 

Specifications	Galaxy Note 3	Galaxy Note 2
Display	5.7 inch full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels (386 ppi)	5.5 inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (267 ppi)
Processor	1.9 Ghz Octa-Core(Exynos)	1.6 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A9
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Primary camera	13 MP with smart stabilization and high CRI LED flash	8 MP with image stabilization and LED flash
Video	Full HD @60fps	Full HD @30fps
Secondary camera	2 MP, Full HD	1.9 MP
RAM	3 GB	2 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB	16 GB
Connectivity	Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Infrared booster and USB 3.0	Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and USB 2.0
OS	Android 4.3 Jelly Bean	Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
Colors	Black, White and Blush Pink	Titanium Gray, Marble White, Amber Brown, Ruby Wine, Pink, Blue
Battery	3200 mAh	3100 mAh
Dimensions	151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm	151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm
Weight	168 grams	183 grams
Price	49,990	30,000

Software

Despite most attempts by the company, most of the new features of the Galaxy Note 3 will be available on the Galaxy Note 2. Including the new Action command feature which can be executed from the S Pen. 

With not a lot of difference for the end user, one would consider going for the Note 2 as it would mostly achieve all the features that one would require from a smart phone with pen functionality.

The Galaxy Note 3 is the latest flagship from the company while the Galaxy Note 2 did really well in the past and offers most of the features for the Note 3 at a considerably low price. If you really need to get the  most for your money’s worth, the Galaxy Note 2 is still an impressive piece of hardware with a lot going on under the hood, it is still capable of handling every app in the Google Play store, and whatever you can throw at it. If the latest is what you must get, then consider spending a lot more for the newest Note 3.

The Galaxy Note 3 is the latest flagship from the company while the Galaxy Note 2 did really well in the past and offers most of the features for the Note 3 at a considerably low price. If you really need to get the most for your money’s worth, the Galaxy Note 2 is still an impressive piece of hardware with a lot going on under the hood, it is still capable of handling every app in the Google Play store, and whatever you can throw at it. If the latest is what you must get, then consider spending a lot more for the newest Note 3.

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Nikon Launches New DSLR, D5300 With Built in Connectivity Options(WiFi)

Nikon is introducing its first DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, the D5300 is the update to the previously available D5200 and will take its place as Nikon’s top most camera for the beginner DSLR users.

The D5300 features some important updates from what we saw on the D5200 like a larger 3.2-inch rotatable display, a new image-processing engine and no low-pass filter on the camera’s DX-format sensor, which should result in sharper images, claims Nikon. Having said that, this camera replaces the D5200, adding a new 24.2-megapixel sensor without an optical low-pass filter, an EXPEED 4 processor for 1080/60p video and 5 fps stills and increased battery life, allows photography lovers to take 700 shots in a single charge, compared to 500 with the previous D5200.

Users can pair with Nikon’s Wireless Mobile Utility app for both Android and iOS, which allows to shoot from a smartphone or tablet and transfer images as well. However, the camera’s weight has also been reduced to 530 grams. The D5300 is expected to hit stores later this month in black, red and grey for $1,400 with an 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens or $800 body-only. 

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Lenovo Launches A10 an Android Powered Convertible Laptop

Lenovo is no new to laptops, but the Lenovo A10 is the first Android powered laptop for the company. The device is a 10.1 inch notebook with a rotatable touchscreen display.

The Lenovo A10 can be used as a laptop or tablet, it features a 10.1 inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The device runs on Android 4.2 and is powered by a 1.6 GHz quad-core Rockchip RK3188 Cortex-A9 processor. Lenovo A10 is packed with a 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage which is further expandable via micro SD, the company claims that it offers 9 hours of battery life with continuous video playback. The device sports a VGA webcam, two USB 2.0 ports and a HDMI port. 

With the recent explosive growth in Android-based, smart connected devices, customers are relying more on Android apps for both work and play. Why should they be required to switch and duplicate to use their laptop? Lenovo’s A10 brings ultra-portability and dual-mode benefits to Android users at a reasonable price,” said Bai Peng, vice president and general manager, notebook business unit, Lenovo Business Group. “Thin and light, with multiple modes and user-inspired innovations for an outstanding user experience … the A10 is uniquely Lenovo.”

The press release says that the availability and pricing varies by region, however as per our sources the device might not be available in parts of US but will be sold in Europe and Asia regions. The pricing is said to start from 249 USD.

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Sony HMZ-T3W Wearable Display Now Available For Pre-Order, Priced At $1,000

Sony Electronics today introduced its next generation Personal 3D Viewer, the HMZ-T3W is a wearable high definition visual display featuring twin OLED screens.

The device is available for pre-order in the U.S. for $999.99, the Sony HMZ-T3W will allow the consumers to enjoy the display with wireless freedom. This wireless version on Sony’s website can stream content up to 7 meters away from the source, the device also plugs into smartphones and tablets via MHL or micro-HDMI.

The company says the 7.1 channel virtual sound adds an extra dimension of realism to movies and games on the HMZ-T3W. The consumers will have an option of using the supplied/stock 16 mm driver in-ear phones or pair the HMZ-T3W with their own favorite headphones. Sony claims, whichever option chosen, the Virtual Surround Technology creates an 360 degree soundstage with dialogue, music and effects.

The units will start shipping next month, no information of price and availability for the Indian market is available yet. 

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Samsung's Curved Display Phone is Official, 'Galaxy Round' To Launch Tomorrow : Video

Samsung’s curved display phone has ended up all the rumors and is now official, after being shown up in leaked rumors earlier, the company has announced that it will launch the Galaxy Round  tomorrow.

The highlight of the Galaxy Round is the curved 1080p 5.7 inch OLED screen, while Samsung is also aiming towards a bunch software tweaks for the smartphone. Other specifications include a 7.9 mm thickness and the device weighs 154 grams.

The device looks no closer to the prototype displayed earlier this year, you can check out the video below to know what the phone looks like and what are the special software tweaks Samsung has for its new Galaxy Round, one of them is the roll effect shown in the video. The new phone will be powered by a 2800 mAh battery, launching tomorrow in Korea the device is priced around $1,000. Stay tuned for more information on the Galaxy Round.

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Optima Launches Smart OPS 80 and OPS 80Q Android Phablets

Sunstrike Telecom has unveiled two new phablets for the Indian market under its very own Optima Smart series, the OPS 80 and OPS 80Q. The Smart OPS-80Q is priced at 11899 INR and Smart OPS 80 for  6999 INR. 

The Optima Smart OPS 80 features a 5.3 inch WVGA display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, and runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The device is powered by a 1 GHz Cortex A9 chipset and a 512 MB of RAM. The camera on the device is a 8 MP rear along with a 1.3 MP front facing camera. The OPS 80 sports a 4 GB of inbuilt storage with an option to expand upto 32 GB via Micro SD.

Commenting on the launch, Capt. Chanpreet Singh, Managing Director, Sunstrike Telecom Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are proud to announce our entry in the premium smartphone market in India and we are sure that our innovation based products will charm their way into the hearts of young Indians. Our innovation based devices have wonderful features that are most sought after today and are certain to please the Indian consumer.”

Whereas, the OPS 80Q features a 5 inch qHD display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. The phablet measures measures 142 x72.2 x 9.9mm, runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and is powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor. OPS 80Q has a 8 MP rear camera with flash and a 2 MP front facing camera. The device includes 4 GB of inbuilt storage which can be expanded up to 32 GB via microSD card and this phablet comes up with a 1800 mAh battery.

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Samsung Launches Dual SIM Version of Galaxy Note 3

Samsung’s latest flagship device Galaxy Note 3 is already available in the Indian markets for the consumers, as we all know Samsung launched an Exynos version in the Indian market whereas in other markets the company launched Snapdragon 800 versions of the very same device.

Samsung has now come up with a Dual SIM variant of its flagship, but its only said to be available in China as this is what happened with Note 2 last year. The company’s Chinese website shows up the device with a Dual SIM variant. The model number is referred as N9002. The device comes up with Dual Micro SIM card slots along with a Micro SD card slot. 

This N9002 is powered by a 2.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset. Rest all features are pretty much the same except the 4K recording, it comes up with a 5.7-inch resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels pixels Full HD Super AMOLED display. The device  and runs on Android 4.3, 13MP rear camera with LED and 4K video recording along with a 2 MP front-facing camera. Like the Indian version this device also packs 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal memory with a  microSD slot up which supports upto 64 GB.

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BLU Products Launches a 5.5 Inch, Quad-Core MediaTek Smartphone For $179

With the ever growing technology, its not always possible to go with the high end devices available in the market. The companies like Lava, Microamax, Karbonn etc have made it easy for consumers to get products with desirable hardware in reasonable prices.

BLU Products, a company found in 2009, has launched a new phone, Studio 5.5 is one of the most affordable larged screen phone that you might have seen in a while. The device has a 5.5 inches of screen with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels and runs on Android 4.2, the BLU Studio 5.5 is priced at $179 which comes out to be approx. 11000 Indian Rupee. In this price tag the company has included a 1.2 GHz Quad-Core processor with MediaTek chipset, a 5 MP of camera with flash and LED flash(full HD video). Sports a 1 GB of RAM along with a 32 GB of expandable storage.

We love making big phones, and making them affordable to the mass market,” said Samuel Ohev-Zion, CEO, BLU Products. “We believe in the trend for larger screens, it lets you see and do everything on your smartphone as a heightened experience, and at the same time it’s becoming a fashion statement. We are doing it in style with plenty of colors for our loyal fans to choose from, in addition to our dedication and focus on performance.”

The device is contract free and comes up with dual SIM slots, this device is said to be available at ‘Amazon.com’ soon.

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Sony Launches Ultra-Portable and Power Packed GTK-N1BT

Sony has launched the multi-functional 1BOX audio, the GTK-N1BT, company’s new portable speaker in India for a price of 16990 INR. The device has 100W output with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity options for smart devices to stream music without cables.

You can connect a USB stick to the USB port to stream the music in, the device also has FM Radio, Audio In and has Multi-colour LED patterns.

The key features of Sony GTK-N1BT include:

• USB (Play & iPhone/iPod over USB)/FM/Audio IN(stereo mini)/Bluetooth/NFC

• Smartphone charging via USB (It may not charge depending on the device.)

• Multi-Color LED Speaker

• Transportable with Handle

• 16cm subwoofer x1 and 6.5cm full range unit x2

• Control with Android smartphone by SONY original “App Remote” application

• Music EQ(R AND B/ROCK/POP/HIP HOP/FLAT)

• Child lock/Apt-X/AAC(BT & USB)

The Sony GTK-N1BT is now available throughout India.

 

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Intex Launches Aqua HD a 4.7 Inch Smartphone at 15,900 INR

Intex has expanded its Aqua range by launching the Aqua HD in the Indian market, the device is available in the market for 15,900 INR, this price is the MRP so you can expect it to be cheaper in the markets.

The Intex Aqua HD has a 4.7 inch HD TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. The device is powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core MediaTek processor along with a 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of in built storage, which can be expandable up to 32 GB via micro SD card. Aqua HD runds on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, and comes with dual SIM support which is GSM + GSM.

Aqua HD sports a 13 MP main camera with a LED flash, the camera is capable of 1080p videos and the device  also sports a 5 MP front facing camera. The phone is powered by a 1800 mAh battery, and comes up with a couple of sensors like an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, light sensor and gyroscope. The device also has some standard features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 3G.

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