Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Micromax Canvas Series to get updated to 4.4 KitKat : Rumour

As per the latest tweet from MMXNewscaster, Micromax may release Android 4.4 KitKat update for many of its high end devices (Canvas Series). It is not yet known as to when the KitKat update will be rolled out on specific devices. Treat this as a Rumor, unless there is an official confirmation from Micromax.




Just a few days back WickedLeak announced the Android 4.4 update for Wammy Passion Z+ model. And we expect many more manufacturers to roll out the KitKat update. There was news about Micromax rolling out Jelly Bean 4.3 for its Canvas series but it did not happen cause of some OS issue, makes sense to move to 4.4 KitKat now.

As per the list (MMXNewscaster via Twitter) Micromax Canvas A250, Canvas A240, Canvas A210, Canvas A200, Canvas A117, Canvas A116, Canvas A116i, Canvas A114, Canvas A111, Canvas A110Q, and Micromax Canvas A110 are entitled for the Android 4.4.x update.



micromax canvas series may get upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat

If any of you are using any of these handsets you could probably get lucky enough to get the handset updated with the latest software. This is still a rumor we are not yet sure if and when Micromax will make this official. For most of the handsets users might need to visit the service center to get the update done (make sure you call the service center and confirm if they have the update). Some handsets will be able to get the update done via OTA (Over the Air).



Karbonn Titanium S4 with HD AMOLED display spoted online for Rs. 15,990

Karbonn is all set to introduce its latest Titanium S4 mid-range smartphone in India, as the smartphone is now listed at an e-commerce website at Rs. 15,990 with 'Notify Me' option for consumers. There is no word on the availability of the Karbonn Titanium S4 on the online retailer.



The Karbonn Titanium S4 is a dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) device which runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It comes with a 4.7-inch (720x1280 pixels) HD AMOLED display. The Karbonn Titanium S4 is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor (unspecified chipset) along with 1GB of RAM.

The Karbonn Titanium S4 features 4GB inbuilt storage, which is further expandable up to 32GB via microSD. It sports a 13-megapixel rear autofocus camera with LED flash, while there is a secondary 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

On the connectivity front, the Karbonn Titanium S4 includes 3G, Wi-Fi, Micro-USB, and Bluetooth. The smartphone packs an 1800mAh battery and measures 135x59x7.9mm.

The Karbonn Titanium S4 is listed on Flipkart. The smartphone was first spotted by Fonearena.

Earlier this month, Karbonn unveiled the Titanium X priced at Rs. 18,490. The Karbonn Titanium X runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out-of-the-box. Notably, the smartphone is a single SIM device with support for a micro-SIM.

The Titanium X features a 5-inch full-HD (1080x1920) IPS display, and is powered by a quad-core 1.5GHz processor coupled with 1GB of RAM. The smartphone sports a 13-megapixel rear autofocus camera with dual-LED flash, and also houses a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It includes 16GB of inbuilt storage, which is further expandable up to 32GB via microSD card.

On the connectivity front, the smartphone includes NFC support, which will make the Titanium X the first 'affordable' smartphone from an Indian brand to sport this feature.


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Nokia Asha 502 Video Review

The Nokia Asha 502 an upgraded 501 is no doubt a better option. This dual SIM handset sports a 3 inch screen and sails on Nokia Asha platform 1.1. It is priced at under Rs. 5,900 just a little more than the Nokia Asha 501.



The box contains the 502 handset, travel charger, earphone (bright red), battery of 1010 mAh capacity and User Guide / Warranty booklet. A free 4GB class 4 micro SD card is also included (you will find it inside the micro SD card slot).

The Nokia Asha 502 comes with a completely new design, looks much better than its predecessor the Asha 501. On a closer look you will find that there is an additional layer for transparent plastic that covers up the phone. It does give an elegant, classy and unique look. Build quality and finishing is very good.

The Nokia 501 had curvy edges whereas the 502 edges are less curvy. It seems as if Nokia has placed a less curvy transparent shell over the 501. The 502 however is slimmer than the 501 (12.1mm) model.

502 handset weight with battery is 101 grams, thickness is 11.24mm, breadth is 59.75mm and length is 99.71mm. The single navigation button has been replaced with a touch button as compared to 501 that comes with a physical button. Power / Volume rockers are placed on the right side and 3.5m audio port plus micro USB port on the top.

The touchscreen display is 3 inches supporting resolution of 320×240 pixels. Touch is smooth and responsive, supports orientation and double-tap to wake up. There are two sensors accelerometer and proximity. Screen supports 2 point multi touch.

There are dual SIM slots with dual standby mode, you need micro SIMs. Other features are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This handset supports 2G (GPRS/EDGE); 3G is not supported. 502 runs on Nokia Asha software platform 1.1 with 64MB memory.

Performance is good. There is 64MB memory and micro SD card support of up to 32GB. It is a basic budget phone so don’t expect too much out of it. The handset does support social sites; Facebook and Twitter apps come pre-installed.

Nokia Asha 502 supports Whatsapp that also comes pre-installed. The Nokia Asha 501 initially did not support whatsapp but the support has now been added. There are few basic games that also come pre-installed.

There is only one camera placed on the rear side. It is 5MP fixed focus with LED flash support. The camera quality no doubt is better than as seen on the 501 model. Check the sample images at the end of this article. The video recording quality (320×240 pixels) is no good.

The sound is loud and clear. 1080p and 720p video playback is not supported. It is a bit difficult opening up the back cover as compared with 501. The Asha 502 screen is not scratch resistant; mild scratches are clearly visible. OTA (Over the Air) software updates are supported. There is built in FM Radio.

The 1010 mAh BL-5A battery according to Nokia gives talk-time of up to 13 hours. You can play music MP3’s for up to 40 hours.

Look wise the Nokia Asha 502 looks much better than its predecessor. The price difference between these two handsets is approx Rs. 1000. Asha 502 comes with 5MP FF camera that does a reasonable job when it comes to still photography.

If you are planning to get a basic phone 502 (available in 6 different colors ) is definitely a better option as compared to the Nokia 501.

Key Features of Nokia ASHA 502
  • Expandable Storage Capacity of 32 GB
  • 5 MP Primary Camera
  • FM Radio
  • Wi-Fi Enabled
  • Dual Standby SIM (GSM + GSM)
  • 3-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen









Source

Samsung launched the Galaxy Grand 2 in India

Samsung has officially launched the new Galaxy Grand 2 for the Indian Market. The Galaxy Grand 2 is the successor to the Galaxy Grand which is already available in the Indian market. However, the phone will be available in the Indian market by January 2014.



The new Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 sports a 5.25 inch HD TFT with 16:9 ratio and a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixel. The device is powered by a Quad Core 1.2 GHz processor and runs on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Galaxy Grand 2 is equipped with a 1.5 GB RAM and 8 GB of internal memory expandable up-to 64 GB.



Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 has Dual SIM compatibility and is packed with a 2600 mAh battery. The dimensions of the device are 146.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm, and it weighs 163 grams. With the launch today, Samsung did not give any clear idea on the pricing. However, Samsung has made it clear that the price will not be below 20000. A price tag of 24,900 Rupees seems overpriced, but we will have to wait and see what price does Samsung brings on the table. If you are not happy with the price kept by Samsung do let us know in the comment section below and check out our comparison between all three Grand variants here.



Source


Monday, December 23, 2013

HTC announces Desire 400 with dual-SIM support

HTC has quietly listed the Desire 400 dual SIM smartphone on a couple of its regional websites. The thing is the different sites have different versions of the specs of the smartphone.



According to the Russian site the Desire 400 dual-SIM sports a 4.3" display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. HTC's newest addition is powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz along with 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone also features an 8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, 1.6 megapixel front facing shooter and 4 GB of in-built memory with the ability to expand it via microSD slot.

Meanwhile, according to the Ukrainian HTC website listing, the device comes with a 5 megapixel rear camera, VGA front camera and a dual-core CPU. The dimensions also differ slightly.

Both sites agree that the HTC Desire 400 dual SIM comes with the usual set connectivity options and packs home-backed customizations such as Sense UI and BlinkFeed. There is a 1,800mAh battery providing the juice for the smartphone, which according to the company lasts for about 12 hours on 3G talk time.
Unfortunately, there is no word on the pricing of the Desire 400 dual-SIM, but we know that the smartphone will go on sale in three different colors.



Source

Lava launches Iris 402+ 3G smartphone for Rs 6,499

Lava has launched the Iris 402+ 3G smartphone, which is the successor of the 3G 402 launched earlier. The phone is available in metallic grey, metallic brown and ivory white colors and is priced for Rs 6,499.


The Lava 3G 402+ smartphone is a dual-SIM (3G+GSM) phone which comes with a 4-inch WVGA (480×800 p) display like its predecessor. Lava says that the phone is powered by a 3G 402-like dual-core processor clocking at 1.2GHz, though this one works faster and gets a memory upgrade to 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal memory, from 256MB of RAM and 512MB of internal memory on the previous model. The rest of the features like a 3-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS/AGPS remain the same like earlier.

On the software front, the 3G 402+ runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, which brings aboard a few, minor changes and bug fixes in the 4.2 Jelly Bean version running on the previous model. It also comes with some gesture based features like Shake to Connect and others.

At this price point, the 3G 402+ will compete against the likes of Panasonic T31 smartphone which comes at higher price point at Rs 7,990, or Videocon A24, which has similar features but comes with lower RAM and ROM, or the Spice 3G Stellar Glamour Mi 436, which has similar features and is available for Rs 5,999.



Source


Monday, December 16, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S DUOS 2 S7582 Video Review

Samsung Galaxy S Duos 2 GT-S7582 that comes powered by 1.2GHz dual core processor, supports dual SIM and runs on Android 4.2 OS. This handset is priced at Rs. 10,999. The Galaxy S Duos 2 is available on Samsung India eStore.




The handset weighs just 118 grams with a 10.57mm thickness. The TFT screen is 4 inches supporting 16M colors over 800×480 pixels resolution (WVGA). The Duos 2 is upgraded version of Samsung Galaxy S Duos.

This dual SIM handset includes a 5MP CMOS camera on the rear with LED flash and VGA camera on the front. Rear camera can record videos in 1280x720p resolution at 30fps. Duos 2 runs on Android 4.2. There is 4GB internal storage and about 768MB RAM. Key features are 3G(HSPA+ 21Mbps), 2G, Wi-Fi (b/g/n) 2.4GHz with Wi-Fi direct, GPS with A-GPS/ GLONASS support and Bluetooth.

There are magnetic, accelerometer and proximity sensors. The 1500 mAh battery that the phone houses gives a talk-time of up to 8 hours on a single charge.




Key Features of Samsung Galaxy S DUOS 2 S7582
  • 5 MP Primary Camera
  • 1.2 GHz Dual Core Application Processor
  • Expandable Storage Capacity of 64 GB
  • Wi-Fi Enabled
  • 4-inch TFT Capactive Touchscreen
  • 0.3 MP Secondary Camera
  • Android v4.2 (Jelly Bean) OS
  • Dual SIM (GSM + GSM)












Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini I9192 Video Review

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini I9192, a powerful, compact version of its bestselling smartphone, the Galaxy S4. The Galaxy S4 Mini delivers the superior performance, intuitive ease-of-use and sleek design of the Galaxy S4 in a portable chic and compact design. With a 4.3″ qHD Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy S4 Mini offers stunning images and content. At just 107g, the lightweight and compact design enables you to carry and use the device easily with one hand. The Galaxy S4 Mini also boasts powerful performance, equipped with a 1.7GHz dual core processor and supports many of the same intuitive features as the Galaxy S4, designed to enhance different aspects of life.




The Galaxy S4 Mini allows you to capture important moments in life with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera as well as a 1.9-megapixel HD front-facing camera. Special features include Sound&Shot, which stores sounds and images together, Panorama Shot which allows you to take a full view of what you are seeing, and Story Album, which automatically arranges photos in a smart format – photos taken by Galaxy S4 Mini are automatically gathered and saved according to your timeline, geo-tagging information or specific event, to create a photo album. You can also receive travel assistance and information services through the S Travel preloaded app which can even recommend a new trip and provide destination guides.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini means you can share content with others around you easily. Simultaneously listen to the same music and play the same games as your friends with Group Play, and chat with multiple friends with animations, video and voice recording added to messages using ChatON.

The Galaxy S4 Mini features S Translator, for instant translation using text or voice on applications including email, text message and ChatON. You can also control your environment through WatchON’s IR remote which transforms the device into a remote to control your home entertainment systems including TV, set-top box and DVD player. Content available includes live TV, cable TV and VOD based on the information provided EPG (Electronic Program Guide). In addition, Samsung Link* will help you share content across multiple Samsung digital devices. *Available in select countries. Previously called AllShare Play.

The Galaxy S4 Mini keeps you up to date with health and wellbeing information. Downloadable from Samsung Apps, S Health enables you to monitor your calorie balance. It can calculate each step taken daily, monitor sleeping patterns, calculate weight and share real time heart rate information**. Adapt Display provides an optimal viewing experience, customised for each type of application, and Adapt Sound offers an optimal level and type of sound, personalised for each user. ** Functionality such as monitoring weight, heart rate and sleeping patterns is possible through the use of fitness accessories which are sold separately.



Key Features Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini

  • Full HD Recording
  • 8 MP CMOS Primary Camera
  • 1.9 MP CMOS Secondary Camera
  • 1.7 GHz Dual Core Application Processor
  • Wi-Fi Enabled
  • 4.27-inch Super AMOLED Capacitive Touchscreen
  • Expandable Storage Capacity of 64 GB
  • Android v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) OS


















Thursday, December 12, 2013

XOLO Q2000 Video Review

The XOLO Q2000 made headlines a few weeks back, it comes powered by the MT6589 processor clocked at 1.2GHz. The key attraction is a bigger body of 5.5 inch screen with HD resolution. The Q2000 is priced at Rs. 13,999.



Inside the box you will find the handset, screen guard, data cable, OTG cable, a free flip cover, 2600 mAh battery, earphone, warranty booklet and user guide. On the box it’s clearly mentioned that OTG is supported.

The phone is bulky – weight is 186 grams, thickness is 9.65mm, breadth is 77.80mm and length is over 154mm. Look wise it is pretty impressive. Though it might feel a little bigger in the palm, cause of the design and 5.5 inch screen, the Q2000 is an attention seeker. Build quality and finishing is very good. The rear back cover is very thin and seems delicate.

The greyish – black glossy side along with the rear black color blends well. Rear side is with matte finish (feels like rubber).Volume rockers are placed on the left, power button on the right, mic at the bottom and 3.5mm audio jack and micro USB port on the top. On the rear the camera portion is a bit outward.

XOLO Q2000 comes with a 5.5 inch IPS screen with 1280×720 pixels resolution. It supports 4 point multi touch, touch is smooth and responsive plus viewing angles are also good. There are accelerometer, proximity and light sensors.




This dual SIM handset comes with 8GB onboard storage and 1GB RAM. There is micro SD card slot that supports external 32GB cards. You can install apps on external storage.

0.98GB is assigned for apps, 5.44GB as internal storage and 598MB is the free RAM available after the first boot. OTG is supported. This handset runs on Android 4.2 OS.

On the box the chipset mentioned is MT6589W, however it is MT6589 – the same that we have seen on Lava Iris 504q, Zen Ultrafone 701 and the Micromax A116. Q2000 is powered by 1.2GHz quad core MT6589 chipset with PowerVR SGX 544MP GPU.

There is 13MP rear auto focus camera with LED flash and front camera of 3MP resolution. The still image quality is good. On the box it is mentioned that the handset can record and play full HD videos, unfortunately when I tested, it could record only in VGA (640x480p) resolution. I tried all of the video quality options but it always recorded in VGA resolution. It seems like an issue with the camera app as the hardware is capable of recording FHD videos. Probably XOLO will come out with an update to fix this issue.

Key Features of XOLO Q2000
  • Expandable Storage Capacity of 32 GB
  • 1.2 GHz Quad Core Processor
  • Wi-Fi Enabled
  • Android v4.2 (Jelly Bean) OS
  • 13 MP Primary Camera
  • 2 MP Secondary Camera
  • Dual SIM (GSM + GSM)
  • 5.5-inch HD IPS Display
  • Full HD Recording







Source


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Google Nexus 5 Video Review

Nexus 5 The smart new phone from Google.Nexus 5 helps you capture the everyday and the epic in fresh new ways. It's the slimmest and fastest Nexus phone ever made, powered by Android™ 4.4, KitKat

Rounding off Android perfection and providing the experience that was truly intended by Google when they created the operating system, the Nexus 5 is a beautiful device that packs high-powered hardware with flawless software – a never-fail combination.

The first ever smartphone that comes with the KitKat operating system, the Nexus 5 provides a smart and simple Android 4.4 for you to work with. Personalization being the keyword, the phone allows you to customize extensively to ensure that your Nexus is uniquely yours.

Go hands-free with Voice Actions that simplifies sending texts, finding photos, using maps and everything else that you can think of doing on a daily basis. A beautiful, full screen experience that is simple and immersive, KitKat allows you to multitask without compromising on accuracy or speed. The phone also collates numbers that you call frequently and searches for matches when you get a call from an unknown number. Talk about intuitive.

The device from Google comes with an 8 megapixel camera that comes armed with HDR+ technology to ensure that every picture that you click is perfect. The much-loved Photo Sphere also makes it appearance to ensure that you have a 360 degree view of that view from the window that you can relive anytime you want. The phone also sports a 1.3 megapixel secondary camera.

The Nexus 5 is also capable of taking backup of your photos automatically to ensure that you never lose a precious memory while not clogging up phone space. If you are feeling loath to enhance those vacation pictures for family viewing, just run Auto Awesome to create animations, collages and panorama shots from the existing photos in your library. There is also the option of having them turned into memorable videos with music and the works.

To say powerful would be an understatement for the 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Processor with support from 2 GB RAM ensures that you burn through apps without any lag or delay whatsoever. The smartphone comes with the necessary hardware to ensure that you take full advantage of the experience that Google strives to provide – tapping on an app and drumming your fingers on the table impatiently waiting for it to load is passé with the Nexus 5.

With full High Definition and 445 ppi of pixel density, the Nexus 5’s 4.95 inch LCD screen shows you the world as it is. Everything looks great on the IPS screen, from any angle, be it pictures of your vacation or even just the font of the menus – sharper, clearer and denser.

With NFC, LTE and Wi-Fi support, being social and in touch is a cinch with the Nexus 5. 16 GB of internal storage at your disposal for anything and everything that you can think of storing within your phone is aided and abetted by access to effective Cloud storage as well. The unit also comes with wireless charging of the 2300 mAh battery that is built-in for convenience.

  



Key Features of GOOGLE NEXUS 5
  • Android v4.4 (KitKat) OS
  • 4.95-inch Full HD IPS Touchscreen
  • 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Processor
  • 8 MP Primary Camera
  • NFC Support and Built-in Wireless Charging
  • Wi-Fi Enabled and 2 GB RAM
  • 16 GB Internal Storage