Top News This Week : Microsoft Buys Nokia; Galaxy Note, Gear Announced; Android 4.4 Named Kit Kat And More!

We understand that it is a busy week and it's really hard to keep track of everything that goes on in the tech world. So here’s a handy recap of the top news stories this week.

Microsoft buys Nokia's devices and services unit for $7.2 billion :
In what is the biggest story of the year so far, Microsoft has purchased substantially all of Nokia’s devices and services business, and license and use of the company’s patents and mapping services. The deal is expected to close in the Q1 of 2014 and is subject to approval by Nokia’s shareholders, regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will pay 3.79 billion euros to purchase the Finnish company’s devices and services business, and 1.65 billion euros to license Nokia’s patents, for a total transaction price of 5.44 billion euro (approx $7.2 billion) in cash. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 officially announced :
The much-awaited Galaxy Note 3 is finally official.The design of the phablet has been tweaked a bit, with the smartphone coming with a leather back panel. The Galaxy Note 3 also seems to sport stiched accents. The Galaxy Note 3 comes with a 5.7-inch full HD Super AMOLED display with a pixel resolution of 1920 x 1080, giving it a pixel density of 386ppi. Samsung has come up with two variants of the phone, each coming with a different processor under the hood. The first variant comes with an improved version of the company’s Exynos 5 Octa chip clocked at 1.9GHz, which packs an ARM Cortex-A15 chip with a more power-friendly Cortex-A7. The second version comes with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 800 SoC, with four cores clocked at 2.3GHz. The latter is aimed at LTE markets.

Stephen Elop to head Microsoft's Devices team :
According to a company-wide email sent by Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer, Stephen Elop will be heading an expanded Devices team, which includes the company's current Devices and Studios teams. Currently handling the Xbox side of things is Julie Larson-Green, but she will be working directly under Elop once the Nokia acquisition by Microsoft is complete. According to Ballmer's email, "Julie Larson-Green will continue to run the Devices and Studios team, and will be focused on the big launches this fall including Xbox One and our Surface enhancements. Julie will be joining Stephen’s team once the acquisition closes, and will work with him to shape the new organization."

LG G2 slated for a late September launch in India :
According to our sources from LG, the G2 is likely to pave its way into the Indian market by the end of September or early October, right in time for the Diwali shopping season. It will be competing with the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One. The smartphone is sleek at 8.9mm and runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2. It features a large 5.2-inch full HD display and employs Graphic (GRAM) technology that reduces the display’s energy use by up to 26 percent on a still frame. Under the hood, it is powered by a 2.26GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC featuring four Krait CPUs along with 2GB of RAM. The G2 also gets a 3000mAh battery. The smartphone had also grabbed eyeballs for its design that doesn’t feature any buttons on the edges as the volume and power buttons are placed at the back. The LG G2 smartphone will be available in black and white.

Qualcomm announces the Toq smartwatch featuring Mirasol display and wireless charging :
At its annual Uplinq Developer Conference, Qualcomm announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Connected Experiences will release a Qualcomm branded smartwatch towards the end of the year. The Qualcomm smartwatch dubbed Toq was showcased at the event by Paul Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of Qualcomm. The Toq is expected to be a second display for your Android smartphone which will connect via Bluetooth (compatible with Android 4.0.3 and above). Support for iOS expected in the future.  

Samsung unveils Galaxy Gear smartwatch; only compatible with Galaxy smartphones :
Samsung has finally shown its first steps into the wearable computer space. The company unveiled the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, which, sadly enough, will only work with Samsung’s current crop of high-end smartphones. At launch, it will only work with the Galaxy Note 3, but the Galaxy S4, S3 and Note 2 will be getting software updates for Galaxy Gear support.The Galaxy Gear is capable of showing users notifications that could otherwise only be seen on the phone. These notifications include incoming messages, calls, texts, emails and alerts. It shows a preview of these notifications and lets users accept or dismiss them right from the Gear. It also has the Smart Relay feature, which opens the content of the notification on the smartphone as soon as it is pulled out of the pocket. The Gear is primarily used by either using the swipe-based interface or Samsung’s S Voice feature. 

Indian engineer receives $12,500 in bounty for exposing image-deleting Facebook bug :
21-year old Indian Electronics and Communications Engineer, Arul Kumar received $12,500 bounty after reporting a Facebook bug that allowed one to delete an image on a page without any interaction from the user. Researcher Arul Kumar posted a blog about how easy it was to exploit the Facebook Support Dashboard and delete any image from any page, including verified ones. Kumar detailed the bug, deemed critical, and sent across a video to Facebook’s security team.

Bharti Airtel in talks to acquire Loop Mobile :
Mumbai-based Loop Mobile, whose owners want to quit the telecom sector, is in talks with Bharti Airtel for an acquisition. Bharti Airtel is the leading bidder in the race. The final deal will depend upon the clarity on guidelines set by the government for mergers and acquisitions. It would also depend upon the renewal fee as Loop’s license is set top expire in September next year.

Sony Xperia Z1 with 20.7-megapixel camera and Snapdragon 800 is official :
Sony unveiled its imaging-centric smartphone, the Xperia Z1. Once again built around the same OmniBalance design principles first seen in the Xperia Z, the Z1 has an aluminium frame to lend it a bit more sturdiness. Like most of the recent Sony launches, this one will be water and dustproof. The Z1 has a 5-inch full HD Triluminos LCD with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display also gets Sony's OptiContrast and X-Reality Engine technologies. Internally, the smartphone comes with Qualcomm’s latest quad-core Snapdragon 800 SoC clocked at 2.2GHz and 2GB of RAM. The phone also comes with 16GB of internal flash memory which can be expanded up to 64GB via a microSD slot. The highlight of the Xperia Z1 is the 20.7 megapixel primary camera which comes with the company's G Lens. The camera will sport a 27mm wide angle, a f2.0 aperture as well as a 1/2.3-type CMOS image sensor Exmor RS for mobile as well as BIONZ mobile image processing engine. 

Apple sends out invites for September 10 iPhone event :
Apple has sent out invites for a September 10 event, where the company will most likely unveil the new iPhone. The event will take place at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST) at the Apple Campus in Cupertino. It is touted to be one of the most exciting Apple events, so far. The event will witness the the successor to its iPhone 5, possibly called the iPhone 5S, and also a cheaper iPhone 5C.

Forget Key Lime Pie, Android 4.4 to be called KitKat :
Google has announced that the next version of Android will be called Kit Kat. Android version 4.4 was being called Key Lime Pie internall, but Google decided to talk to Nestle over a possible branding opportunity. According to Google, Key Lime Pie was ditched because it didn't have a wide appeal around the world. Google told BBC that there is no money attached to naming it KitKat. "This is not a money-changing-hands kind of deal," John Lagerling, Director of Android Global Partnerships said. 

4.7-inch Micromax Canvas Ego A113 up for pre-order at Rs 12,999 :
Micromax has now added a new mid-range smartphone to its existing line-up, titled the Canvas Ego A113. The new smartphone is now up for pre-order for Rs 12,999. From the specifications seen, the smartphone sports a 4.7-inch display. The Ego A113 comes with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor under the hood along with 1GB of RAM. Additionally, there is 4GB of internal memory, expandable up to 32GB via a microSD card. 

Google may have accidentally revealed the Nexus 5 :
In a video announcing the arrival of Android 4.4 Kit Kat, Google accidentally revealed a next-gen Nexus device, purported to be made by LG.

Intex launches the quad-core Aqua i7 for Rs 21,900 :
Intex has launched its latest smartphone flagship, the Intex Aqua i7, for Rs 21,900. The dual-SIM smartphone comes with a form thickness of 7.88mm and packs a 5-inch full HD display with a pixel resolution of 1920x1080. The display has One Glass Solution (OGS) as well as Corning Gorilla Glass for protection. The Aqua i7 will come with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor as well as 2GB of RAM. Keeping up with most of the competition, the Aqua i7 will come with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean running the show. Additionally, the smartphone will support 32GB of internal memory. In terms of photography, the smartphone comes with a 13-megapixel primary camera as well as a 5-megapixel front shooter. 

Amazon announces an updated Kindle Paperwhite :
Amazon has listed an update to its much-loved Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. The newest iteration of Kindle Paperwhite will sport the same physical features as the one released last year with no visible changes to its looks. It will sport a higher contrast e-ink display, a 25 percent faster processor and an improved page turning and book opening experience. Most importantly, Amazon has redesigned the built-in light in the Paperwhite for a better reading experience, negating any strain on the eyes.

Posted by Unknown Monday, September 09, 2013

Web News : HTC Unveils The 4.3-Inch Desire L

HTC has revealed a new cellphone in Taiwan. Surprisingly, however, the cellphone doesn't follow the current identifying pattern that the organization has implemented. Instead of the "One" marketing, the device goes oldschool HTC with the name Wish L.

The device sports low-end specifications and seems to be targeted towards the price range market. It comes prepared with a 4.3-inch SLCD 2 display with a WVGA quality of 800 x 480 p. It's powered by a 1GHz processer. For picture, it's prepared with a 5 mega-pixel back photographic camera, but it does not have a front-facing photographic camera. It also has the Surpasses Sound motorists that HTC includes in its cell phones.

The cellphone seems to be available in three colors – black, white and light red. Looking at the images, it seems to be operating either Feeling 4 or Feeling 4+. It is unidentified whether the cellphone will get the Feeling 5 upgrade. 

While the cellphone has been declared on the HTC Taiwan website, there seems to be no word from the organization regarding a possible worldwide edition of the smartphone.

HTC had revealed another cellphone in its price range promotions returning in Jan. Known as the Wish U, it seems to feature a look that informs one of the traditional Wish devices that were once HTC's flagships.

The cellphone functions a 4-inch display with a quality of 800 x 480 p. On the interior, it operates on a 1 GHz processer and has 512MB of RAM. It also has 4GB of internal storage, which is extended up to 32GB via microSD. For digital cameras, the cellphone functions a 5mp photographic camera with WVGA quality videos. Other functions consist of Surpasses Sound and a 1650 mAh battery. It also functions all of the connection gadgets, such as Wi-Fi, 3G and Wireless 4.0.

Back in Nov, HTC had revealed its dual-SIM smartphone – the Wish SV – at an event in Singapore. The outlined functions of the smartphone consist of a dual-core processer, an 8 mega-pixel photographic camera, a 4.3-inch display and Surpasses Sound.

HTC statements that a 1GHz dual-core processer helps with web surfing around, watching video clips, operating applications and installing accessories. This smartphone comes with 768MB of RAM and functions a 4.3-inch super LCD 2 display that HTC statements will make images, video clips, e-mails and demonstrations look a lot more stunning. This dual-SIM smartphone comes packed with efficiency tools such as Office Package, Microsof company Exchange push mail and schedule support.

As far as the software goes, the HTC Wish SV comes packed with Android operating system v4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with the HTC Feeling UI. This device can be improved to Android operating system v4.1 (Jelly Bean) once HTC produces it for the device.

Posted by Unknown Monday, April 22, 2013

Web News : XOLO Announces Intel Atom Z240-Powered X1000

After days of teasing, XOLO has finally made official its next smartphone powered by an Intel CPU. The X1000 was unveiled in Goa and has hit online stores for Rs 19,999.

Contrary to our suspicions, the X1000 does not have the newly-announced Clover Trail+ series of CPUs. Instead XOLO has decided to go with Intel Atom Z240 CPU, clocked at 2GHz and which comes with Intel’s Hyper Threading technology for faster performance. The phone has a PowerVR SGX540 GPU with a clock speed of 400MHz and there’s 1GB of RAM as well. We can’t wait to put this processor through its paces.

Software-wise, the X1000 will ship with Android 4.0.4, which is a bitter disappointment as 4.1 Jelly Bean would have greatly improved the performance of the phone and would have given users the goodness of Google Now. However, we should see a fairly stock UI experience with minor customisations. In any case, the Intel processor should ideally smooth out any creases in the user experience. 

The phone is designed using a unibody construction technique and the back of the device features a special Black Silver colour with what XOLO calls a "luxuriant finish". The 4.7-inch display and a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution translate to a pixel density of around 312 ppi. The display type is TFT LCD, most likely manufactured by Japan Display Inc. There's a 2.5D effect created by the edge-to-edge curved glass. Internal storage is 8GB with space for expansion up to 32GB through microSD cards.

There’s an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p video recording. The camera comes with different modes such as Sports, Portrait, Night mode and Fireworks, which automatically adjust settings to present users with the best camera settings. Burst mode support has also been included. The camera comes with touch focus enabled and there’s an LED flash to help in low-light situations. On the front, there’s a 1.3-megapixel camera, which should be enough for self-shots and video calls. There is support for HSPA+ networks, so download speed is capped off at 21Mbps and upload speed is limited to 5.7Mbps.

Interestingly, the X1000 is packed with sensors to improve the user experience. There’s an Ambient Light Sensor, a Magnetometer, an Accelerometer, a Proximity Sensor and a Gyroscope – an impressive collection indeed.

Here are the key specs of the XOLO X1000 once again:

• 4.7-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 1280 x 720.
• HSPA+, GPRS/EDGE.
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR.
• GPS with A-GPS support.
• 8-megapixel primary camera with LED flash and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
• 8GB of internal storage with microSD card slot (up to 32GB).

Worryingly, there’s only a 1900 mAh battery included with the phone, which is good enough for most processors but could come up short when teamed with the power-hungry Intel Z240 processor.

Posted by Unknown Friday, March 15, 2013

Intel Core i7 3970X Extreme - Intel's Ultimate Processor Tech Unleashed

Control the competition with the new Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor from Intel. Thanks to its innovative microarchitecture and a monster combination of smart features, including Intel Hyper-Threading Technological innovation and Intel Turbocompresseur Boost 2.0 Technological innovation, the Intel Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor is Intel's most tunable, sensitive and absolutely harmful PC processor ever.

It's the greatest tool for extreme gamers and power users who demand unique multi-core PC performance.

Clocked 200MHz higher than the confident Intel Primary i7 3960X Excessive Processor processor, the new Intel Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor features six Hyper-Threaded processor cores.

That means assistance for 12 software discussions and incredible similar handling performance. With an revealed CPU multiplier, you can also take the Intel Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor to the next level with easy overclocking.

What's more, 15MB of storage cache storage gives the Intel Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor more than double the on-die storage of other CPUs. And you get all this for the same price as the Intel Primary i7 3960X Excessive Processor processor.

The Intel Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor runs on the Intel X79 chipset and LGA2011 CPU plug. Together, they provide the best foundation for PC performance and side-line assistance. Firstly, quad-channel storage provides up irresistible CPU storage information.

Then there's PCI Express 3.0 with up to 40 programs for the greatest in design and add-in card performance. That's enough to back up two powerful design cards in multi-GPU making mode and deliver unbelievable frame rates, even in the most challenging games.

And why not top it all off with Intel's Sequence Strong Condition Generate 520 Series? Faster, more sensitive and more reliable than any conventional hard drive, the Intel Strong Condition Generate 520 Series' smooth storage performance makes a perfect partner for the Intel Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor.

Experience excitement on a processor with the new Intel Primary i7 3970X Excessive Processor processor. Unlocked, irresistible and running on the most innovative PC foundation, it's Intel's greatest processor technology revealed.

Posted by Unknown Friday, November 16, 2012

Intel's Q3, Q4: Hostage To The Windows 8 Upgrade Cycle

Summary: Intel is facing a bevy of third quarter wild cards and the fourth quarter rides on Windows 8. Expectations are low. 

Intel's third quarter is expected to be weak due to bloated PC inventories, lackluster ultrabook sales and buyers' love for tablets and smartphones. Meanwhile, the fourth quarter for Intel will be a wild card based on the Windows 8 launch Oct. 26.

Simply put, objectives for Intel's financial performance are pretty low.

Intel is expected to report third quarter earnings of 56 cents a share on revenue of $14.18 billion. Wall Street estimates were cut following the company's revenue warning.

Since that caution the following has unfolded:

• HP cut its perspective and the PC maker accounts for approximately 17 % of income, down from 19 % this year and 21 % in 2010.
• Windows Windows 8 update pattern is a total crapshoot. There is extensive divergence on how the latest Windows update pattern will open up.
• Signs from Asia's supply chain indicate that PC creates grabbed in Sept compared to summer recession.

Here's a look at the third quarter wild-cards and unknowns for the fourth quarter.

Did a Sept PC develop pattern help out Intel? Bore holes Fargo specialist Bob Wong said that Apple filled out its product collection and that lead to contract devices producers building PCs. "We are optimistic that the develop strength of the month of Sept will proceed through Oct up to the release of Windows 8," said Wong.

Will Windows 8 be a hit? Windows 8 is releasing in just a few days and the hardware picture is complicated with various form factors. Piper Jaffray specialist Auguste Gus Rich mentioned that any benefit surprise from Windows 8 will be a advantage to Apple.

Has the economy derailed hosting server spending? By most matters, hosting server need has been poor despite new Apple snacks. The information middle has been Intel's rock amongst risky consumer investing. Deutsche Bank specialist Ross Seymore said that Apple is picking up information middle discuss in hosts, storage and social networking processor chips.

Will ultrabooks sell? Ultrabook income have been frustrating, but Windows 8 and Intel's snacks may boost need. One wrinkle worth noting: In all my assessments of Windows 8 it's clear that you need a touch allowed laptop screen. That fact may result in more income.

Can Apple move tablets? Apple released its Clover Pathway tablet snacks, but it's uncertain whether Windows 8 pills will offer well.

Emerging market PC need. Apple may have trouble with PC need in developed marketplaces, but growing areas such as Asia-Pacific could pick up the slack. These growing marketplaces are often covered with so-called white box PCs, which aren't grabbed by Gartner and IDC information.

Average costs are another key issue. Apple may have to cut costs to pare down stock levels.

Intel could cut investment investing for 2013. Apple said its investment expenses will be below $12.1 billion dollars and $12.9 billion dollars. Why? Apple will recycling devices. Should this trend proceed, Intel's returns will look better in 2013.

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, October 16, 2012