News Google I/O Update : Google I/O 2017 Is Coming: What To Expect From The Future Of Android And Chrome

Google's annual I/O developer conference kicks off Wednesday, May 17 in California, and continues through the end of the week. We'll be on the ground at the show covering all the breaking news, but before then we're taking a closer look at what we can expect from this year's conference. more

Big products like Android and Chrome will likely get a bulk of the attention, and there will surely be at least a parting note about newer endeavours like virtual reality. So what are we most likely to see at the event? Here's a solid bet.

New details about Android O

It wouldn't be a proper Google I/O conference without an update on one of the company's most popular products, Android. The operating system is due for version 8.0 this year, and Google has already given us a peek of it with the developer preview that launched in March. We know the update will improve battery life on older devices; add picture-in-picture to Android TV products; and let users snooze notifications for 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour. We're hoping to learn even more about the update at the show.

Then there's the name. For now, the operating system has been unofficially dubbed Android O, following the company's alphabetical naming scheme. But Google has a history of paring the releases with a tasty dessert to make the name a little catchier. So what will the actual name be? Android Oreo? Mmm, Oreos...

A Google Home and Wi-Fi Router in One

Google debuted its artificially intelligent speaker at Google I/O last year, and rumours indicate that we could be seeing an updated version this year. As we said in our official review, Google Home was better at understanding voice requests than the Amazon Echo, but fell short of our expectations because it couldn't do enough.

We suspect that Google will be adding considerably more skills to the speaker this year, including the ability to make phone calls, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report. Another rumour we've seen floating around is that Google could debut a new version of the smart speaker that doubles as a mesh Wi-Fi router, according to a CNBC report. The device is rumoured to work exactly like Google Wifi from last year's conference, only this time it would double as a smart speaker.

Chrome gets a major update

A couple of years ago, Chrome was just a tiny blip in the Google universe. Now, it's one of the company's most popular products, and that is in some part due to the increasing popularity of Google Chromebooks.

This year's conference will most likely feature some news about Chrome OS and its ability to run an increasing number of Android apps, at least based on speculation. The expectation for a couple of years now has been that Google will combine Android and Chrome into one operating system unofficially referred to as "Andromeda". One of the key pieces to this is getting more Android apps to work on Chrome.

Nothing about the Pixel 2

Google launched the very first Pixel phone back in October, so it's unlikely that we'll see a new version at Google I/O this year. Google senior vice president of hardware Rick Osterloh has even said in an interview with Android Pit that there will be a second version of the search giant's phone later this year.

The phone "will stay premium" according to Osterloh's interview with Android Pit, and that lines up with other rumours about the device. The most exciting news is Google's recent investment in LG Display, which many believe is an indication the Pixel 2 will have a curved OLED screen. With all of this said, we probably won't learn anything else at the conference.

Google Assistant gets much smarter

Google launched a competitor to Apple's Siri last year called Assistant which we thought was a little too dull to be a truly useful digital assistant at the time. That should change quickly because in April, Google launched a developer preview of Google Assistant SDK, which lets developers build new skills for the platform.

Updates on virtual reality

Google launched its new Daydream VR headset one year ago at Google I/O, so it's unlikely that we'll see any new hardware. Still, it's clear that Google is deeply interested in virtual reality. Since Google Cardboard debuted at the 2014 conference, it's become somewhat customary for Google to update us on where it thinks the future of virtual reality is going.

The company will also likely talk about less exciting products like Hangouts, which recently became an enterprise product. There could also be updates for more consumer-focused Duo and Allo messaging apps, especially since Google just announced it can make custom emojis based on your selfies.

Then there are projects we most certainly won't hear anything exciting about. For example, Android Wear 2 launched at last year's event and is still working its way onto older devices, so we don't expect to hear much news on that front. Also the Chromecast Ultra launched in October, so it's unlikely we'll get any new streaming devices.

We'll be on the ground at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Google's hometown of Mountain View, California on May 17 (May 18 in Australia).

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, May 16, 2017

News Google Tech Update : Google Launches Allo In The Play Store; Here Is How To Get Started

Image Credit: Google Play Store

Google has finally launched the much anticipated messaging app by the company, Google Allo. It was previously reported that that messaging app would launch today. Allo is the part of communication platform made in conjunction with Google Duo. Duo was released some time back by the company, and it focused on video whereas Google Allo is focused on text communication along with sending media such as photos, audio messages, stickers and locations.

Google Allo main screen

You can start using Allo by going to Google Play Store and installing it on your Android device. The interface is pretty bare bones but quite functional for a messaging app. When you launch the app for the first time, the app asks you to verify your mobile number similar to how things work on Google Duo. The SMS verification servers seem to be in place for Allo verification. After the verification, the app asks you to set a profile picture and name.

Google Assistant

The app interface is reminiscent to how Google Hangout looks like (but without all the features in Hangouts). Nothing has changed since the leaked screenshots for Google Allo in alpha stage. On launching, you get the first (and only) surprise that Google Allo holds, that is “Google Assistant”, the bot by Google while will replace Google Now in the upcoming update, Android Nougat 7.1. It is a vital part of the experience provided by Google Assistant and a step away from how popular messaging apps work. Google Assistant is what Cortana from Microsoft and Siri from Apple are, but inside a chat window currently. The bot is labelled as ‘Preview Edition’ but in the limited tests that we ran, Assistant left us impressed coming from Google Now as the previous native offering in Android.

Sticker Store, Template replies

While diving into the chat experience, Allo does the basics of sending text, photos shot from the front or back camera, pictures from gallery, stickers and location. You can send 20 photos at a time in Allo from the ten photos limited on WhatsApp. Another small change is that in the notifications area, the app shows smart response as a quick reply to contacts who message you. Machine learning is working full time to suggest bubble shape cards in the chat as appropriate message responses to the conversations. Finally, you can search inside your conversations, as against the searchless realm that Google Hangouts are.

 Incognito Chats

There is nothing new when you dive in the Profile section or the General settings menu, and there are just small things like controlling the notifications, sounds, vibration and to download the media when you receive it. There is no status updates or message that you can set for people in your contact list to read. 

Google Allo turns into Snapchat

 

The reason we mentioned that the chatting experience is different from how it is in the conventional messaging is apps is that you can summon Google Assistant in your private conversations to ask questions, play games or device on dinner options or the movie options. This brings a whole different side to the concept of user privacy and the only remedy seen is the use of incognito chat with other users.

Group conversations

Incognito mode features auto-destruct messages just like Snapchat which expire after a fixed amount of time depending on the settings. Infact, you can turn Google Allo into an almost functioning Snapchat clone except Stories or ability to check who saw your stories.

The summon behaviour is consistent across individual as well as group chats where you can call in Google Assistant to ask questions and suggestions on places nearby. However, you can’t tag Google Assistant in incognito chats. Apart from this nothing much stands out in the latest messaging app by Google, Google Allo.

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, September 21, 2016

News Update On Navigation : Navigation App Waze Gets A Huge Redesign – Now Less Cluttered, But Still Needs Improvement

The Google-owned navigation app Waze has a number of standout features – its ability to alert you to traffic conditions and speed traps, and re-route you around traffic jams, for example – but its user interface was not one of its better qualities. Today, the company is attempting to change that with the rollout of an entirely made-over version of its iOS application that introduces a cleaner, less-cluttered interface designed to simplify accessing Waze’s key features, and speed up the time it takes to report traffic problems.

While traditional mapping applications, like those from Apple and Google, are still the most popular among smartphone users, Waze has a strong following among drivers and commuters thanks to its ability to alert you to traffic conditions. Beyond just telling you that traffic is slow, Waze can tell you why – maybe there’s an accident ahead, or a stalled vehicle. Users also like it for its ability to alert you when cops have been spotted nearby – something that makes Waze something of an alternative to radar detectors.

Plus, its ability to route you around bad traffic in real-time as conditions change is especially helpful, as is its ability to let you add a stop while planning your route.

Today, Waze has over 50 million active users who log into Waze monthly, the company says.

But despite having a collection of useful features, the app’s interface itself has needed work for some time. Instead of a modern, clean aesthetic, Waze previously relied on a couple of menus – one with a cartoon-ish car icon to access the main menu, and the other map pin-shaped icon with an exclamation point in the middle for reporting incidents. And the map itself was messy and cluttered, making it hard to read.

With the new version of the app, Waze offers a de-cluttered map, and it makes the alerting feature more prominent – it’s an orange icon with a rounder pin. Meanwhile, the car icon with access to the menu and other settings has been relocated to the bottom-left. When you’re in a hurry – as drivers are behind the wheel (they’re not supposed to be using the app in-route, but of course they do) – this makes it easier and faster to participate in the Waze community because it’s more obvious which button to press to add a report.

In addition, the updated app now features quick access to a contacts section (as indicated by the mail envelope icon), where you can share directions with your contacts, send your location, and your ETA with a tap.


A bottom menu also slides up when tapped to offer you easy access to things like alternate routes, the “add a stop” feature, as well as a shortcut to sending your ETA to a friend or family member.

Nearly everything you do in Waze now takes fewer taps, which is another one of the bigger improvements over the prior version. And the menus themselves have been redesigned, too, to be quicker to use. For instance, the reporting menu now uses big, brightly-colored, round buttons for things like reporting accidents, road hazards, police, and more.

Waze 4.0 also lets you sync your Calendar to the app so you can receive alerts reminding you when to leave, based on traffic conditions. The company says it has made other improvements, too, like better battery life.
Waze Still Needs Work

Unfortunately, the new app still relies on its bubbly, cartoon-ish icons. This is a personal preference, of course, but I think it’s time to move away from this sort of juvenile look. It’s frankly just sort of silly to see cars with bows on their head, or pacifiers in their mouth, or wearing little crowns in an app aimed at adults old enough to drive a car.

The new design is certainly an improvement, but Waze still hasn’t delivered a truly sleek look-and-feel. Even now, there’s too much to look at on the screen.

Because Waze already shows things other mapping apps don’t have – like the other cars and graphics like ads for business as little road signs  – it needs to be even more careful about what other buttons should appear. Now it features an orange reporting button, a MPH indicator, the time, ETA, and distance, and a big button for finding your current geo-location. This latter item is positioned to the left and sort of up near the middle of the screen, though Apple and Google Maps put this feature closer to the bottom of the screen.

Plus, when you tap on the screen, tons of other buttons appear, including the compass, sound toggle, zooming feature, and when at a particular zoom level, your location finder. Combined with all the car icons and icons of signs, alert icons, and more, Waze still struggles with offering a truly clean-looking map.

Off the top of my head, I can still spot a number of things I’d change. For starters, Waze needs to ditch the MPH button entirely – drivers look at this on their car’s dashboard anyway. The geo-location feature needs to be much smaller and closer to the bottom of the screen.The bottom of the screen doesn’t need a greeting (e.g. “Good Afternoon”) when no route is in progress. And there’s no need to flag how many new messages you have and add a red dot to indicate you have unread mail – this could all be handled with a push notification and red icon badge on your iOS homescreen.

That said, Waze certainly looks better than before, if not great.
The updated app, Waze 4.0, is live on the iTunes Store now with an Android release soon to follow.

Posted by Unknown Friday, October 23, 2015

News Update Hands On : Getting To Know The Nexus 5 And Nexus 6

Google's new Nexus phones are here -- and they make quite the first impression.

It's that time, Android fans -- yes, oh, yes: Time to get to know Google's newest Nexus devices.

This year, we've got not one but two saucy seductresses competing for our affection: the smaller and more modest LG-made Nexus 5X and the larger and more premium Huawei-made Nexus 6P. The devices have a fair amount in common, to be sure, but they also have their own unique flourishes and personalities.

Nexus phones are not the kind of devices you take lightly, so I'll be taking my time and spending several days with both of these beauts before reaching any conclusions. (Like most reviewers, I received the two devices together Friday morning.) For now, here are the first things I've noticed as I've been getting to know the Nexii o' 2015:

The size:

It may seem obvious, but size is a huge factor (so to speak) with both the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P -- and it's going to be an enormously important variable for anyone deliberating between these devices.

In fact, size was the very first thing that crossed my mind when I pulled the Nexus 5X out of its box. In what's becoming an increasingly rare phenomenon with smartphones these days, the phone is actually really comfortable to hold -- no asterisks, rationalizations, or "not that bad, considering..."-style statements required. It's just a sensible size that fits naturally in your hand. It's also surprisingly light.

The Nexus 6P -- well, it falls into that "not that bad, considering..." category. It's not as comfy or ergonomic as the 5X, but as far as plus-sized smartphones go, it's -- you know, really not that bad. I'm able to get used to it pretty quickly. For perspective, the 6P is relatively close in size to Samsung's Galaxy Note 5, only about a quarter of an inch taller, a hair wider, and a quarter of an ounce heavier.

As for how the two fare in different types of real-world use -- glamorous situations like trying to use them single-handedly while carrying a flailing baby or seeing how they feel in your pocket while flailing your own limbs at the gym -- that's precisely the kind of thing I'll be thinking about as I carry each one around over the coming days.

The materials:

No two ways about it: The Nexus 6P is one nice phone. It has an aluminum (or aluminium, if you prefer) body and strong textured buttons on its side. Whereas size was the first thing that struck me upon handling the 5X, quality is what jumped out at me as soon as I grabbed the 6P out of its packaging. This thing looks and feels premium through and through.

The Nexus 5X certainly doesn't seem cheap at first impression -- far from it -- but it does come across as noticeably more mundane in construction. Its plastic back looks nice and has a pleasant warm feel in the hand, but "premium" probably isn't the word you'd use to describe it. The same goes for details like the side buttons, which are somewhat recessed and noticeably less firm-feeling than the ones on the 6P.

Remember, though: The 5X starts at $379 off-contract. The 6P starts at $499. These phones are in different classes by design.

The software :

More than anything, Nexus devices are designed to showcase the software -- and there's a reason: A pure Google Android setup really is a treat to use, more so than ever with the shiny new Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS that ships on both the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. You're getting Google's unadulterated vision of how Android should look and work -- and that truly makes you appreciate just how great the OS has become when you don't have manufacturers and carriers meddling around and (more often than not) mucking things up.

And while Nexus phones are typically less loaded with features than other Android devices, Google has started to implement its own versions of some of the more useful enhancements -- like a quick way to get to the camera (double-tapping the power button) and a Moto Display-reminiscent system for seeing notifications at a glance (much more on that soon).

That's just the start :

Man, there's a lot to discuss with these new Nexus devices. From how their under-the-hood differences affect day-to-day use to how their very different displays stack up in various conditions -- not to mention the all-important question of how well they both fare with photography, especially given Google's grand promises in that department -- we've got plenty to consider.

The big question, of course, is how all the qualities come together and what each phone is like to use in regular life. More than anything, that's what I'll be working to answer as I live with these bad boys over the coming days.

Both devices make fantastic first impressions. Now the true test begins. Lots more thoughts and impressions -- and my full real-world review -- are on the way.

Posted by Unknown Monday, October 19, 2015

News Update On BlackBerry Handset : BlackBerry's New Android Slider Gets An Unofficial Close-Up In Nnew Leaked Images

The Blackberry 'Venice' has been teased for quite some time with a lucky few Mobile World Congress attendees getting a first glimpse of the device in early 2015. While we have previously seen a few images and renders of the device, the newly leaked images are probably the clearest and most detailed to date.

BlackBerry has experimented with this type of design before. The upcoming slider looks modern, polished and is reminiscent of Dell's long-forgotten Windows Phone 7 handset, the 'Venue Pro'. If BlackBerry's previous devices are any indication, the 'Venice' should be a solid piece of hardware.

The 'Venice' will be a flagship device for BlackBerry, with specs rumored to include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB RAM, Quad-HD display, 18MP camera and 5MP front-facing camera. The device will be a monumental release for BlackBerry, mainly due to it not running the company's own Blackberry OS. Instead, the device will be running Google's Android OS.

Currently, there is no official word from BlackBerry regarding the 'Venice'. The device is expected to be released sometime before the end of the year, with some reports indicating that it may arrive in November.

Posted by Unknown Sunday, August 30, 2015

News Handset Launch Update : Oppo R5s With 4.85mm Thickness, 3GB RAM Launched

Chinese manufacturer Oppo has just unveiled its latest mid-size device, the R5s, an update of last year’s R5. That being said the R5s does inherit same niggles from its predecessor, which includes the need to carry a USB to 3.5mm Audio jack adapter. The Oppo R5s is an upgrade to the previously launched R5 and the new variant comes with a couple of new features and hardware improvements.

The Oppo R5s hasn’t received an official announcement, but it is now listed on the company’s official European website.

The 6-inch Oppo R7 Plus is a capable device, with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage (expandable via microSD memory cards), a 13-megapixel camera and a fingerprint reader. The phone’s design allowed the camera to be turned from the back to the front, and to various angles as well.

Coming to the detailed specifications, the display screen is 5.2 inch full HD (1080X1920 pixels) with a pixel density of 423 ppi. The camera department is handled by a 13-Megapixel primary Sony IMX214 sensor and a 5-Megapixel secondary sensor with a 83-degree wide angled lens.

The smartphone also supports 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and Global Positioning System and could be priced in the range of Rs 20,000-25,000.

It runs on Android 4.4 Kitkat which is layered with the company’s proprietary ColorOS 2.0.1.

The R7 Plus also features Oppo’s VOOC fast-charging technology, which – according to the specs – gets you two hours of conversation after five minutes of charging. The Oppo R5s measures 148.9×74.5×4.85mm and weighs 155 gram.

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, August 26, 2015

News Handset Launch Update : Next-Gen Android One Phone Launches In India For $176

The Lava Pixel V1 offers a solid value for the price, combining mid-range hardware with the latest Android software updates from Google.

Google's Android One hardware partners are beginning stage two of the low-cost phone strategy: Say hello to the Lava Pixel V1.

The Android One handset launched online in India on Monday for ₹11,350, which works out to $176.71. And for under two-hundred dollars the Pixel V1 in some ways rivals smartphones that arrived just two years ago for much more money.

Running Android 5.1 Lollipop, the dual-SIM 3G Pixel V1 is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core chip made by MediaTek and is paired with 2 GB of memory. There's 32 GB of on-board storage and the capacity can be expanded by another 32 GB with a microSD card.

Lava says even though the Pixel V1 has 5.5-inch display, the phone feels like a model with a 5-inch screen because it's not very wide. Don't expect a full HD screen though: At this price, you're looking at 1280 x 720 resolution.

There's also some compromise on the camera sensors. Lava advertises the phone as having a 13 megapixel rear camera and an 8 megapixel front camera but those numbers are boosted by software enhancements; the actual sensors are 8 and 5 megapixel models. The rear sensor does have an f/2.0 aperture and 1.4 micron pixels, however, which should allow for solid low-light photos.

Aside from the hardware and appealing off-contract price, the software has a key benefit. Since the phone is certified for the Android One program, software updates are directly controlled by Google, similar to the company's Nexus line of phones. That means there's no or little waiting to get the latest version of Android installed.

Having launched last September, Google's Android One program hasn't yet made a major impact on the smartphone market.

The strategy, however, is sound: Work with hardware partners in upcoming and emerging markets to offer high-value handsets that aren't saddled with carrier control. It's too soon to say if the approach is going to be a success but Google and its partners are on the right track.

Other Android partners can surely offer less expensive phones that have more capabilities, but none of them can provide the software update benefits of Android One.

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, August 11, 2015

News SmartPhones Security Update : Your Fingerprint Could Be Stolen Remotely If Your Android Phone Has A Scanner

At the Black Hat conference on Wednesday, researchers revealed that fingerprint sensors on Android phones are vulnerable to hackers.

Wiping your fingerprints won't do you any good in this day and age. During the Black Hat conference on Wednesday, security researchers presented findings that reveal hackers can remotely obtain fingerprints from Android devices that use biometric sensors.

At the moment, FireEye scientists Tao Wei and Yulong Zhang say the threat is specific to Android smartphones that use a fingerprint sensor, which limits the number of vulnerable devices. Though companies like Samsung, Huawei, and HTC currently produce Android devices with those sensors, Apple still has a significant hold on the market. Its Touch ID sensor has proven to be more secure because it encrypts data gleaned from the scanner.

"Even if the attacker can directly read the sensor, without obtaining the crypto key, [the attacker] still cannot get the fingerprint image," Zhang told ZDNet.

Android users, however, are not so lucky: The researchers detected four methods of attack, the most disconcerting of which could remotely hack the sensor and steal any fingerprint that it encounters. Called the "fingerprint sensor spying attack," it would allow a hacker to continuously use fingerprint data however they please. Wei and Zhang tested the hack on the HTC One Max and Samsung's Galaxy S5 phones.

By 2019, industry watchers predict that more than half of smartphones will have fingerprint sensors—which means phone makers must improve their device security.

Our fingerprints might not be as safe as we think they are.

New research, set to be announced at the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, by FireEye researchers Tao Wei and Yulong Zhang outlined new ways to attack Android devices to extract user fingerprints.

The threat is for now confined mostly to Android devices that have fingerprint sensors, such as Samsung, Huawei, and HTC devices, which by volume remains low compared to iPhone shipments. But down the line by 2019, where it's believed that at least half of all smartphone shipments will have a fingerprint sensor, the threat deepens.

Of the four attacks outlined by the researchers, one in particular -- dubbed the "fingerprint sensor spying attack" -- can "remotely harvest fingerprints in a large scale," Zhang told ZDNet by email.

The attack, which was confirmed on the HTC One Max and Samsung's Galaxy S5, allows a hacker to stealthily acquire a fingerprint image from an affected device because device makers don't fully lock down the sensor.

Making matters worse, the sensor on some devices is only guarded by the "system" privilege instead of root, making it easier to target. (In other words: rooting or jailbreaking your phone can leave you at a greater risk.) Once the attack is in place, the fingerprint sensor can continue to quietly collect fingerprint data on anyone who uses the sensor.

"In this attack, victims' fingerprint data directly fall into attacker's hand. For the rest of the victim's life, the attacker can keep using the fingerprint data to do other malicious things," Zhang said. And that's a big problem. Fingerprints might be commonplace in mobile payments and unlocking devices, but they have been used more in the past five years also for identity, immigration, and for criminal records.

Affected vendors have since provided patches after being alerted by the researchers.

The researchers did not comment on which vendor is more secure than others. But, Zhang noted that Apple's iPhone, which pioneered the modern fingerprint sensor, is "quite secure," as it encrypts fingerprint data from the scanner.

"Even if the attacker can directly read the sensor, without obtaining the crypto key, [the attacker] still cannot get the fingerprint image," he said.

The problem isn't just limited to mobile devices. The researchers warned that many of the attacks they note in their talk also apply to high-end laptops with fingerprint sensors.

The researchers advised users to use devices that were regularly updated, and only install apps from reliable sources.

Posted by Unknown Friday, August 07, 2015

News Update Smart Phones War : OnePlus 2 vs Asus Zenfone 2: Which is a better buy

OnePlus 2 64GB model is all set to enter the Indian market on August 11 and is likely to be on the wish list of anyone looking for a flagship smartphone at mid-range price.

This segment already has one contender, Asus ZenFone 2, which is the world’s first smartphone with 4GB RAM. But now so does OnePlus 2. Similarly, while ZenFone 2 supports fast-charging, OnePlus 2 boasts of fingerprint sensor.

So, the fight is pretty tough between the two smartphones.

Here we take a look at all the key aspects to help you choose between OnePlus 2 and Asus ZenFone 2 and make the final decision…

One of the unique aspects of Zenfone 2’s design is the placement of the Volume keys, which are placed on the back in hopes that it will be equally convenient for both left- as well as right-handed users to access them; however, we find the standard design – where the keys are placed on the edges – to be more convenient.

Moreover, the Power button is placed at the top, and it becomes rather difficult to reach the Power button each time you want to turn the screen on or off as Zenfone 2 is a pretty big smartphone.

On the other hand, we like the OnePlus 2 design more as the device is more pocketable and easier to wield due to its smaller size. Moreover, the positioning of hardware keys is pretty convenient even for people with small hands. The metal frame on the sides gives it a more premium feel compared to Zenfone 2 as well.

When it comes to materials of construction, once again OnePlus 2’s sandstone back looks better than Zenfone 2’s plastic back panel with brushed metal finish (available in 6 colours). Moreover, you can buy four custom back covers for the new OnePlus smartphone for added personalization: Rosewood, Kevlar, Bamboo and Black Apricot.

However, Asus is launching a new version of ZenFone 2 in a few weeks that will have a diamond pattern back panel for design-conscious buyers. This new version will have the same features as the standard ZenFone 2 and cost Rs 1,000 more at Rs 23,999.

Both OnePlus 2 and Zenfone 2 have 5.5-inch IPS screens with Full HD (1080x1920p) resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. While Asus has not revealed the brightness levels, One Plus says that its new smartphone sports one of the brightest display panels in the industry at 600nits.

However, in our usage we found both smartphones to have similar brightness levels, likely due to the rather warm colours. Nevertheless, the OnePlus 2 display is a little brighter in comparison and delivers better sunlight legibility, as the image shows.

When it comes to viewing angles and colour saturation, both smartphones are almost at the same level.

Posted by Unknown Sunday, August 02, 2015

News OnePlus 2 Handset Update : Chinese Regulator Leaks OnePlus 2 Photos

Secret-keeping is not the technology industry's strong suit, and ahead of the July 27 launch of the OnePlus 2, images of the phone have appeared on a Chinese certification database.

As first reported by Engadget, four photos were published by TENAA, which, like the FCC, registers and certifies devices.

Based on these images, it looks like the OnePlus 2 has a physical home button—which perhaps supports a built-in fingerprint sensor—rather than the light-up icons on the OnePlus One.

A new front-facing camera, meanwhile, now resides on the opposite side of the phone's earpiece speaker. Little else seems to have changed on the facade.

Likewise, a non-descript back panel looks similar to the current model, with an ever-so-slightly lowered camera and LED housing—which features what 9to5Google identified as the new autofocus feature.

Perhaps most intriguing are the side views, which suggest the addition of a mute switch (think Apple's iPhone), or maybe a dedicated camera shutter button (think Nokia Lumia 1020), as 9to5Google speculated. The normal volume rocker and SIM-card slot are also present.

Details about the OnePlus 2 have been trickling out from the manufacturer, which recently confirmed a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor and a USB-C port. But the company was waiting to release full details at a VR-inspired July 27 launch event.

Starting at 10 p.m. ET on Monday, folks around the world can stream the OnePlus 2 launch in virtual reality. Of course, you'll need a VR headset, like Google Cardboard or the sold-out OnePlus Cardboard, to watch the presentation in true form.

The Chinese smartphone maker has not yet announced exact pricing details, but earlier this month, it put to bed rumors that the next-gen handset will cost up to $200 more than its predecessor. 

Gallery : 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, July 22, 2015

News HTC Handset Update : HTC One ME Express Review - Another Flagship, But More Affordable

HTC One ME is actually the closest you can get to the original HTC One M9 which was never launched in India. 

HTC’s strategy now seems to be to carpet bomb the mid and high-end smartphone segment with as many models as possible. Of course, this means even the company might find it a bit difficult to keep tag on what it is selling. But the Taiwanese company has for sometime believed it is a good strategy to have flagships for different price points. So in the upper end of the shelf the company has the HTC One M9+ and HTC One E9+. Now, the company has launched the HTC One ME somewhere between these two devices.

HTC One ME
Rs 40,500

The HTC One ME is actually the closest you can get to the original HTC One M9 which was never launched in India. The HTC One M9+ was different in many ways, but the ME is seems more like the M9 with a plastic body and a fingerprint reader. It is also a stylish device, especially the all-black unit that I had for review.

Specs: 5.2-inch (1440x2560p, ~565 ppi) display | Mediatek MT6795 Octa-core 2.2 GHz processor | 3GB RAM 32 GB internal storage expandable up to 128GB | 20MP rear camera with dual tone flash + 4MP front camera | 2840 mAh battery | HTC Sense UI 7.0 with Android Lollipop 

Watch video: (App users click here)

Watch video: (App users click here)

What is good?
People will want to buy this phone just for the style quotient and I am convinced that is one reason why customers, at least some of them, don’t really mind paying a premium for HTC phones. The One ME has a matte finish rear panel that is good to hold and an extra large lens on it that makes people take note.

The QHD screen makes everything look good, especially the photos shot on this phone. I am not a big fan of watching long videos on the phone, but this 5.2-inch display paired with the dual speaker and Dolby Surround sound make it ideal for those who like this small screen experience. Making phones sound really good is something HTC has really mastered over the years.

The 20MP camera is really good and really fast. It can capture really subtle shots and that is expected, given that HTC has been good with its cameras of late. But I was more impressed by the quality of the selfie shots. However, by default the phone beautifies these front camera shots a bit and you will need to switch that off to look more natural.

The overall performance is really good and there is no lag or stutter. The phone does heat up a bit but not as much as the other flagships these days. The battery life is good enough to last a working day. I managed 12 hours on 4G which is an achievement.

What is not that good?
I like the HTC Sense UI as it is simple and intuitive. But the contacts app needs a bit of this intelligence to trickle in. I could not copy numbers from contact cards for instance. This is something I end up doing multiple times a day; not having a simple copy option was frustrating. Plus, I thought the app had to be much more intuitive when it came to search.

As I said before, the phone does heat up a bit though it does not breath fire like a Snapdragon processor. But when the heating starts, the phone loses battery life fast.

Should you buy?

At Rs 40,500, this phone gives you everything you need from a flagship — style, processing power and great camera. So if you are looking for a top-end phone that ticks all the boxes then this is a good buy. If you don’t want to spend this much, then I still think the HTC One E9+ is the best value for money phone in this range from HTC.

HTC One ME is actually the closest you can get to the original HTC One M9 which was never launched in India - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-reviews/htc-one-me-express-review-another-flagship-but-more-affordable/#sthash.wbmNgOBv.dpuf

HTC One ME is actually the closest you can get to the original HTC One M9 which was never launched in India - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-reviews/htc-one-me-express-review-another-flagship-but-more-affordable/#sthash.wbmNgOBv.dpuf

HTC One ME is actually the closest you can get to the original HTC One M9 which was never launched in India - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-reviews/htc-one-me-express-review-another-flagship-but-more-affordable/#sthash.wbmNgOBv.dpuf

HTC One ME is actually the closest you can get to the original HTC One M9 which was never launched in India - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-reviews/htc-one-me-express-review-another-flagship-but-more-affordable/#sthash.wbmNgOBv.dpuf

HTC One ME is actually the closest you can get to the original HTC One M9 which was never launched in India - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-reviews/htc-one-me-express-review-another-flagship-but-more-affordable/#sthash.wbmNgOBv.dpuf

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, July 21, 2015

News Android L Update : Lollipop Android 5.1.1 Hit Several Sony Xperia Devices Z2 And Z3

Lollipop Sony confirms that Android 5.1.1 Xperia phones will reach the end of July.  Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is assured for devices Xperia Z2 and Z3 Xperia seriesSony Xperia, but still we need to find out the final date launch. As we have heard before, the new firmware for Android 5.1.1 Lollipop was recently certified in the PTCRB, so we can assume that a main update will come for these two phones, the Xperia Z2 and Z3 Sony Xperia , throughout this week. Sony wanted to confirm our suspicions and stated that both devices Xperia receive Android 5.1.1 Lollipop late July.

This information comes from the hand of XperiaBlog , which claim that Sony Japan has also revealed some changes included in the update to Android 4.4.4 Android 5.1.1 KitKat Lollipop. However, if you are owners of Xperia Android 5.0. 2 Lollipop , those changes will not be implemented in this update to Android 5.1.1 since they were already present on your device.

Two confirmed changes :

So far, only two developments have confirmed the previously rumored and will form part of the upgrade. It is a wider range of options for the Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth in the menu of notifications and new icons that appear in the menu settings.

Obviously, these are not the only changes that will appear with the update; we also expect bug fixes, new animations and latest technology enhancements to be included in our devices for increased performance.

Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of smartphones, devices that bring Android to the most popular and you’re doing get Android 5.1.1 Lollipop almost all terminals. It is not the only company: HTC, Motorola and Samsung have done the same with their latest models; but manufacturers still need to follow these steps.

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, July 21, 2015

News Android L Update : Android L 5.1.1 Update For Sony Xperia Z2, Z3 Devices Arriving Soon

Owners of devices from Xperia's Z2 and Z3 lines of handsets can expect to receive the latest version of the Android Lollipop soon.

According to various sources, the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for the Xperia Z2 and Z3 series has just been certified, the Xperia Blog reported.

The certification for the update was granted by PTCRB, an organization that authorizes telecommunication bands used by devices in North America.

However, this does not automatically mean that the update will be seeded to devices right away. Sony will still have to conduct various tests on the update before it is rolled out to the public.

The devices that will receive the update include the Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3 Dual, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. As for their series model numbers, these are the Xperia Z2 D6502, Xperia D6503, Xperia Z2 Tablet SGP521.

For the Z3 series, these include the Xperia Z3 D6653, Z3 Dual D6633, Z3 Compact D5803 and D5B33 and the Z3 Tablet Compact SGP621 and SGP641.

Android Geeks noted that the update can only be installed for devices running on stock software. Those with modified firmware will not be able to get the latest Android Lollipop update.

As for its features, the update comes with various improvements and enhancements designed to improve the overall performance of the devices. Through the update, bug and glitches that causes apps to crash and freeze will be eliminated. It will also fix the issue that causes the devices to restart randomly, according to Android Standard.

In addition, the update will also improve the battery life of devices as well as prevent overheating.

However, it is not yet confirmed if the latest OS upgrade will be able to fix the memory leak issue. According to reports, this problem involves increased RAM usage even though users are not running apps on their devices.

The additional features of the update, on the other hand, include improved notifications setting, multi-user support and better security system.

Although Sony has not yet announced when the update will be exactly rolled out for the Z2 and Z3 series, users can expect to receive it within the next few weeks.

Once the update goes live, users will receive notifications regarding its availability. However, the roll out will most probably conducted in stages to ensure that the update is free of bugs and other potential problems. This means not everyone will be able to get it at the same time once it is officially released.

Posted by Unknown Saturday, July 18, 2015

News Handset Security Update : My Xperia Theft Protection Bricking Phones With Unlocked Bootloaders

Sony's My Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP) feature, which is present in recently launched handsets such as Sony Xperia Z3+, Xperia C4, Xperia Z4 Tablet and Xperia M4 Aqua, is bricking bootloader-unlocked smartphones as per user reports.

For those unaware, the MXTP security feature, when enabled, prevents a user from wiping the stolen Xperia device and installing a custom ROM without access to the owner's Google sign-in details. The main work done by MXTP here is to prevent the bootloader on the device from unlocking.

However, according to some Xperia users (via Xperia Blog), enabling the MXTP on the device that already has an unlocked bootloader, leads to the bricking of the smartphone. This is said to happen due to MXTP's efforts to prevent the bootloader-unlocking on an Xperia handset that already has an unlocked bootloader.

Sony is aware of the issue and instead of a solution, has recently changed some wording on its Unlocked Bootloader website under the 'Risks' section. The firm says that, "After unlocking your device, you should not enable My Xperia (found in the settings menu under security on some devices running Android 5.0) as this might cause the device to malfunction." The site adds, "In addition, if you have enabled My Xperia, this function must be turned off before you can unlock your device."

Notably, Sony for now does not allow consumers to unlock the bootloader on new devices including Sony Xperia Z3+, Xperia C4, Xperia Z4 Tablet and Xperia M4 Aqua. The delay is said to be the same MXTP issue, which the firm might be working on behind-the-scenes. For now, there are no custom ROMs available for the devices.

Posted by Unknown Friday, July 10, 2015

News Update On SmartPhone Ever : $500 For OnePlus 2? Not So Fast

We know the OnePlus 2 will come with come with fancy features like a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor and a USB-C port, but does that mean it's also getting a bump in price from its predecessor, the One?

Maybe. The Chinese smartphone maker has not yet announced exact pricing details for the upcoming handset, but on Monday put to bed rumors that the OnePlus 2 will cost up to $200 more than the One.

    We've seen price estimates for the #OnePlus2 upwards of $500. "Honestly, it's never been about the price." pic.twitter.com/gFoAuVTlGX
    — OnePlus (@oneplus) July 6, 2015

That's still more than the One, which originally hit the market for $299, and recently got a permanent price cut to $249.

The OnePlus 2 makes its official debut on July 27 (in virtual reality), so hopefully we'll hear some more concrete pricing information then.

Details are slowly trickling out about the upcoming handset, and OnePlus recently confirmed that the next-gen device will sport a USB-C port. Depending on when it arrives, the 2 could be the first smartphone to sport a USB-C port, which Apple and Google are already using for laptops.

It will also use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 processor, which has been linked to overheating problems in other handsets, but OnePlus promises that won't be a problem for the 2.

"We assure you that we have taken all the necessary precautions and beyond to prevent this from occurring in the 2," the company said last month. "We worked very closely with Qualcomm's engineers to integrate an improved version of the chipset (v2.1) in the OnePlus 2, and fine-tuned both hardware and software."

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, July 07, 2015

News Handset Release Update : Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG Vs Posh Equal Lite : Comparison Of Features And Specification.

Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG is the smartphone from Asus with 5.0 inches screen and the resolution of the screen is 540 x 960 pixels pixels. Phone was announced in 2014, November. Screen of the phone comes with Oleophobic coating protection.

Posh Equal Lite is the smartphone from Posh with 7.0 inches screen and the resolution of the screen is 600 x 1024 pixels pixels. Phone was announced in 2014, September.

Here we are taking about comparison of the features and specification of the devices Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG and Posh Equal Lite. Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG device comes with Non-removable Li-Po 2500 mAh battery. This phone is powered with Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor which gives maximum performance. While Posh Equal Lite device comes with Non-removable Li-Po 2100 mAh battery. This device is powered with Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor which gives maximum performance.

Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG phone comes with 1 GB RAM and it provide support for microSD, up to 64 GB.

Posh Equal Lite phone comes with 8 GB, 512 MB RAM and it provide support for microSD, up to 32 GB.

The primary camera of Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG is 8 MP and the specification of the primary camera is Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama.

Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG phone comes with a front camera and its specification is: VGA.

The primary camera of Posh Equal Lite is 5 MP and the specification of the primary camera is Panorama, HDR.

Posh Equal Lite phone comes with a front camera and its specification is: 1.3 MP.

Main Features comparison of the devices Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG and Posh Equal Lite.

Touch
Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG provide the support for multi-touch and the screen comes with 540 x 960 pixels (Approximately 220 ppi pixel density) resolution.

Posh Equal Lite provide the support for multi-touch and the screen comes with 600 x 1024 pixels (Approximately 170 ppi pixel density) resolution.

Battery
Battery of the Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG is Non-removable Li-Po 2500 mAh.
Battery of the Posh Equal Lite is Non-removable Li-Po 2100 mAh.

Display
Display size of the Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG is 5.0 inches and display resolution is 540 x 960 pixels pixels.
Display size of the Posh Equal Lite is 7.0 inches and display resolution is 600 x 1024 pixels pixels.

OS
The mobile device Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG runs on Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat). Whereas Posh Equal Lite runs on Android OS, v4.4 (KitKat).

Processor
Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG is powered with Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor. Whereas Posh Equal Lite comes with Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor.

Storage

Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG device comes with the 1 GB RAM storage supported model(s).

Posh Equal Lite device comes with the 8 GB storage supported model(s).

Camera

Asus Zenfone 5 Lite A502CG comes with Primary camera is of 8 MP and the second camera is of VGA.

Primary camera is of 5 MP and the second camera is of 1.3 MP in the device Posh Equal Lite.

Specification : 

 

Posted by Unknown Sunday, July 05, 2015