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September 28, 2013

Valve Corporation Steam OS

Valve announces Linux-based SteamOS; brings PC gaming to the living room

Valve has announced SteamOS, bringing PC gaming into the living room. SteamOS is an evolution of the Steam Big Picture Inteface , which made browsing the library / store, connecting with friends, and playing games easier for large screen users, and is the latest attempt to compete with Microsoft and Sony in what is traditionally the home console space.
SteamOS is described by Valve as a "free forever", standalone Linux-based operating system that's meant for the "TV and the living room." Valve on its SteamOS page says that in its efforts to bring Steam to the living room, it reached the conclusion that the "environment best-suited to delivering value to customers is an operating system built around Steam itself."
The gaming OS will be available as a freely licensable operating system for manufacturers as well, also inviting hardware similar to Steam Box set-top-box concept. Though the Steam Box is rumoured to be launched this week (September 25), Valve may not end up bringing the product itself to consumers, rather, it is expected to rely on partners' adoption of the SteamOS platform, via a hardware reference design.
Valve mentions that developers are already embracing the SteamOS platform, with "hundreds of games already running natively" on it, and lots of AAA titles due by 2014. Specially optimized for gaming, SteamOS apparently provides significant graphics processing improvements compared to other OSes, and the company is working on audio performance and reducing input latency.
For those (thousands of) games that aren't designed for SteamOS, and work on Windows or Mac, Valve has introduced the "In-home Streaming" feature, which will be available soon for both Steam client and SteamOS. This will allow gamers to stream games from their computers to their SteamOS machine, which is connected to their TVs.
The Bellevue, Washington-based company has also unveiled three other new features for the Steam client and SteamOS, which will be made available soon. Valve has not detailed this feature much however, saying "you can share the games you love with the people you love." It explains that family members can take turns playing one another's games, while each individual's achievements and game progress are saved to the 'cross-platform' Steam cloud. The "Family Options" feature will include the option to selectively display and share individual Steam libraries in the above setup.
To directly compete with the PlayStation and Xbox home console ecosystems, Valve is also working on bringing movies, music and TV content to both Steam client and SteamOS. This will of course be more relevant in countries like the US, where such digital content partnerships are more common. Valve says: "We're working with many of the media services you know and love. Soon we will begin bringing them online, allowing you to access your favourite music and video with Steam and SteamOS."
With its Linux-roots, SteamOS should be installable on an x86 system with the requisite minimum hardware (currently unspecified). We don't see many usable aspects of this feature though, unless you intend to use your laptop as a Steam Box-like device on the move, connecting it to any TV anywhere when you want to play your SteamOS games. For Windows / Mac games, you'll have to once again switch to the desktop client for the respective OS.
Of course, this setup would also allow the laptop to stream gaming and other content from your desktop to your TV, most useful if the desktop and TV are in different rooms, and you happen to have a laptop lying around.
On the other hand, if your desktop computer is close enough to connect to your TV directly, you might as well run Windows / Mac / Linux on it, and utilise the Steam client's Big Picture interface for large screen ease-of-use. Are the gaming-optimized performance gains of SteamOS sufficient cause to think beyond the x86 Windows + Big Picture setups? We'll have to wait and see on that front, for the first triple AAA titles to be made available for the new platform.
The Steam game distribution service debuted in 2003, and is today available in 185 countries and 25 languages. Valve calls Steam a "truly global platform", which along with SteamOS, will bring "entertainment to an audience without borders." The company asks users to stay tuned for more information


Six Smart T.Vs

smart TVs for the perfect entertainment experience

Gone are the days when your television set was referred to as the idiot box. We are in the era of Smart TVs. Though in India this trend is still at a new born stage, the market is evolving at a rapid pace.
Little wonder that most consumer electronics brands are now offering a range of Smart TV in various sizes and price points to meet the needs of the consumers. Consumers too are acknowledging the changing trend and are increasingly looking at television sets that are connected to the Internet and offer nifty apps that keep them entertained. We have complied a list of some of the best smart TVs (in no order) that are available in the market to help you choose the best fit for your living room

1) Samsung Series 8 SMART 3D Full HD LED TV ES8000
The Samsung ES8000 packs in features such as voice control, motion control and face recognition. The television also comes in with an attractive design and weighs 12 kgs (without the stand). The bezel of this smart TV is just 17mm thick.
One can watch full-HD (1920X1080 pixels) content via this television and it supports 960Hz Clear Motion Rate. Samsung has pre-loaded many apps such as Samsung App, Skype, Smart Hub, Social TV, AllShare Play, Camera App etc. for users to make most of this television. For connectivity, the Smart TV comes with 3 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports, 1 headphone jack and built-in Wi-Fi.
Price: Rs. 1,51,000 for 46-inch model; Rs. 2,68,000 for 55-inch model

2) Sony BRAVIA 3D Full HD LED KDL-46HX850 TV
The Sony Bravia KDL-46HX850 TV comes with monolithic design, like other television of the HX series. The television comes with Sony's X-Reality picture engine, which as per company's claims helps in giving clearer picture. This is also a full-HD television and comes with built-in Wi-Fi.
This television comes with OptiContrast and Corning's Gorilla Glass Panel. Apps such as YouTube, Skype, Star Player, Facebook, and Twitter come pre-installed on this Sony Bravia Television.
Price: Rs. 1,23,900 for 46-inch model; Rs. 209,900 for 55-inch mode


3) LG 3D Full HD LED TV 47LW6500

Another interesting option to look at it is the LG 3D Full HD LED TV 47LW6500. This is also a 3D television that can display content in full-HD. This television set deploys Triple XD Engine, which as per LG gives crisper picture quality. This television from the stable of LG comes with 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports and supports Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity.
Price: Rs. 1,14,999 for 47-inches

4) Panasonic SMART VIERA 3D Full HD LED TV TH L47ET50D

Panasonic SMART VIERA 3D Full HD LED TV TH L47ET50D is made of crystal frame. It comes with IPS LED LCD Panel and comes with what Panasonic dubs as the active shutter progressive 3D.
Just like the other television under the Panasonic's SMART VIERA range, this television set too comes with Viera Connect, through which users can access popular apps.
Price: Rs. 1,16,900 for 46-inches

5) Toshiba 46VL20 LED Full HD 3D Television
This television from Toshiba, offers dynamic ratio of 100000:1. The television comes with 4 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports. Toshiba 46VL20 has an interesting design that consists of a narrow silver coloured bezel. This is a competitively priced LED 3D TV; however Toshiba does not have a very strong brand value in India.

Price: Rs. 72,499 (46-inches)

6) Philips 46PFL8577 LED Full HD 3D DDB Television

Philips was once amongst the leading players in home entertainment arena, but not any longer. However, the company is trying to gain back market share. This company too is offering an interesting smart TV in the Indian market in the form of Philips 46PFL8577 LED 3D DDB television. This television set comes with 8000000:1 Dynamic Ratio. It also comes with 480Hz Perfect Motion Rate (PMR) that as per the company helps in delivering motion sharpness. The TV comes with 2 HDMI ports and 1 USB port and at 27.5 kg (sans the stand) this is one of the bulkiest options in the category.
Price: Rs. 1,06,000 for 46-inches

September 27, 2013

10 Social Networking Apps

Popular apps to bring down your phone bill

With Internet-enabled phones, it has become easier to stay in touch with people at all times. With plenty of apps that offer text, audio or video-based options to stay connected, it can be difficult to pick ones that stand out from the crowd
Here is a list of some popular free calling applications in no particular order


1) Skype
Skype is the pioneer in this space and continues to be used by a large number of people. The app lets you do text, voice and video chats. It also enables users to do group calls and call landlines and mobile phones at a cost.
2) WeChat
WeChat is available across varied mobile platforms. The app offers features like Live Chat, Group chat, Video calling and push-to-talk. This app also comes with a 'Shake' feature to help you find new friends. To use this feature, all you have to do is shake your phone and the app will help you connect with other people, who are shaking their mobile at that time.

3) Google Hangouts
Google offers a free video chat service Google+ Hangouts. It lets you make free video calls that can be one-on-one or and group chats (maximum ten people at a time). This app is available for all Android smartphones running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher. In case of iOS, the devices should be running on iOS 6 or later

4) Tango
Tango is another nifty application that lets you make free calls. This app also comes with a "Push-to-Talk" feature, which helps in turning your smartphone into a walkie-talkie

5) Viber
With the help of Viber, users can make free calls, send free texts and share location and setting. For using Viber, you don't need to create a separate username, as your mobile number doubles up as your ID. After you have installed the Viber app, it syncs your mobile contact list, automatically detecting which contacts area already using Viber, similar to WhatsApp.

6) Nimbuzz
Nimbuzz lets you send free messages and call other Nimbuzz users. This app has started offering 'NimbuzzOut' service, which is a low cost Pay-As-You-Go option to make calls to other mobiles and landlines numbers across the World
7) Fring
Fring is also a free application that enables you to make free calls. The group calling feature helps you to talk simultaneously with up to 4 participants. Just like Skype, Fring can also be used to make calls to regular phones around the world at an additional cost
8) WhatsApp
WhatsApp is perhaps the most well know application in the list, outside of Skype, and has become the proffered alternate to SMS for millions across the globe.
9) Hike

Hike is a desi app that offers a feature-set very similar to WhatsApp, though it offers additional features like sending SMS to non-Hike users, walkie-talkie mode and more
10) Line
Line is another popular app that offers features similar to those in the list, including voice chat, stickers, and more
 Facebook Messenger
If you spend all day on Facebook, you don't need to look beyond Facebook Messenger


September 26, 2013

Microsoft Surface 2

Microsoft Surface 2 and Surface 2 Pro: First impact

The gaint software company Microsoft unveiled updates to its Surface tablet computers on Monday at an event in New York,
It almost seems unfair to categorize the new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 as tablets. Although they have touch-screen keyboards like regular tablets, they work best when attached to an optional cover with a keyboard on the inside.
The better one  the Type Cover 2. In addition to coming in four fun colors - pink, purple, blue and black - that cover has backlighting, silent keys and a typing feel similar to that of a laptop keyboard. At $130, it is just $10 more than a Touch Cover 2, which doesn't have movable keys like real keyboards.

The slick wireless mouse designed for the tablets is helpful, too, as is the docking station created to go with the Pro version of Surface.

The result is something that looks more like a laptop than an iPad or Android tablet. And that's what Microsoft wants, calling its tablets the most productive on the market. The Surface 2 model even comes with a version of Microsoft Office, including the Outlook email and calendar program for the first time.

The Surface 2 starts at $449 and runs a lightweight version of Windows called RT, meaning it works only with apps designed specifically for it. The Surface Pro 2 starts at $899 and runs a full version of Windows, so it works with programs designed for traditional desktops and laptops. Both come with 200 gigabytes of online storage through Microsoft's SkyDrive for two years.

With the Surface, Microsoft is trying to create a seamless transition between home, work and the field. Microsoft doesn't want this device to just replace your tablet and laptop, but your office PC as well. It's a great idea, and I'll be interested to see if it can actually work in practicality.
Like a laptop, both the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2 balanced well and didn't slide around on my lap when attached to keyboards.  Felt very comfortable typing and had a clear view of the screen.

For the new versions, Microsoft improved the built-in kickstand used to hold the tablet up like a laptop screen. It is sturdier and works in two positions, one for sitting on your lap and another for placing on a table. The kickstand on older Surfaces had just one position, for the table



Sony Xperia M Dual

Sony Xperia M Dual with Android 4.1 pre-order for Rs. 14,490


When it announced the Xperia M and Xperia M dual smartphones, Sony had promised a Quality circle 3 rollout for the entry-level devices. It looks like the company is keeping its word and the phones have finally made it to the Indian market.
The dual-SIM version of Sony's entry level smartphone, Xperia M, which was announced in June along with its single-SIM counterpart, is now available for pre-order through online retailer Flipcart for Rs. 14,490. It's worth mentioning that Sony has not officially announced the availability of the phone in India.
The website mentions the estimated release date of the Xperia M Dual as the first week of October. The phone is available in Black, White and Purple colour variants.

Tech Specs:

  • The Sony Xperia M Dual is powered by 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8227 processor with 1GB of RAM. 
  • It features 4-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 480x854 pixels and boasts a scratch-resistant display.
  • It runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with Sony's Timescape UI on top. 
  • The phone offers dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) support.
  • The phone offers 4GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 32GB with the help of microSD card. The Xperia M Dual sports  a5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front camera. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, aGPS and NFC. It also includes a 1,750mAh battery that can deliver 10 hours of talk time and 498 hours of standby time on 2G networks, according to Sony. 

Nokia Lumia 1020

Nokia Lumia 1020 with 41M.P camera listed on company's Indian website

Nokia seems to be all ready up to launch its new device, the Nokia Lumia 1020 which features a 41-megapixel camera in India, soon.The new Lumia 1020 has been listed on Nokia's official site with a 'coming soon' tag and this makes us hopeful that it will hit the Indian stores shortly. The depleted handset maker launched the Lumia 1020 last week in New York.
However, the company did not offer any information related to the launch or pricing of the device for markets such as India.The latest model from Nokia comes equipped with a 4.5-inch display which is almost the same size as the one on the Lumia 920 and Lumia 925. The display boasts of a pixel density of 332 PPI. The Nokia Lumia 1020 is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor with 2GB of RAM and runs Windows Phone 8.
It features a 41-megapixel PureView camera sensor which offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), backside-illuminated image sensor, 6 lens optics along with a Xenon Flash. Nokia has also added some camera software including the Nokia Pro Camera app and Smart Camera Mode. It also offers a 1.2-megapixel front facing camera. 
The phone comes with 32GB internal storage which is non-expandable. The new Lumia 1020 comes in three colour variants- Yellow, White and Black, as per the official site.Nokia's Lumia range of smartphones, specially the high-end ones, have not been a major hit in the Indian market and the company is struggling to get back its share in the smartphone segment with its new Lumia phones.
The Lumia 1020 is not the first PureView phone from Nokia. The company had launched the 808 PureView  phone last year,that featured a 41-megapixel snapper and created a lot of buzz. Next in the list was Lumia 920 with PureView technology that focused on low-light imaging.

September 25, 2013

Samsung Galaxy s4 Gold

Samsung walkon Apple's footprints, disclosed Galaxy S4 Gold Edition

It seems that the Apple iPhone 5s and the HTC One are not the only smartphones getting the gold treatment. An image revealing Samsung's popular smartphone, Galaxy S4 in Gold Brown and Gold Pink have been teased by Samsung Gulf on Fbk.Additionally, the Samsung Arabia has teaseared out the Galaxy S4 Gold Edition on itsTwitter Handle. The tweet reads, "Introducing the new #GalaxyS4 Gold Edition - for a style that's uniquely yours!"At this point of time, there is no word about the Galaxy S4 Gold Edition's price or availability details but it appears that the device would only hit selective markets that would include Gulf countries.

Sony Wireless Speakers

Sony GTK-N1BT wireless speaker with NFC in India 

 INR 16,990


Sony hit with a new wireless speaker in the Indian market, the GTK-N1BT, priced at Rs. 16,990.The company showcased the GTK-N1BT wireless speaker at IFA-2013, Berlin earlier this month.

TECH SPECS


  • The GTK-N1BT comes with built-in NFC and BT 4.0. 
  • The new wireless speakers can deliver up to 100W music and comes with 60W subwoofer bass speaker. 
  • It also includes front-facing speakers with 20W+20W. 
  • The wireless speakers include USB port with support for plug and play with pen drive. 
  • It also features multi-colour LED lights.
  • The Sony GTK-N1BT wireless speaker supports FM radio and is compatible with devices like Walkman, iPod and iPhone (USB only). 
  • Some popular formats that the speaker supports are MP3, WAV, WMA and AAC. 
  • It comes with dimensions 554x213x280mm and weighs about 8.75 kg.



September 24, 2013

Lenovo Yoga2 & ThinkPad Yoga Laptops

Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro and ThinkPad Yoga convertible laptops unleashed


Hot on the heels of the announcement Lenovo has also launched the Yoga Pro 2 and ThinkPad Yoga at the IFA 2013.Yoga 2 Pro continues with the legacy of the original Yoga that created quite a roar with its full 360 degrees flip back screen. The Yoga 2 Pro laptop comes with the four modes of operation - laptop, tablet, stand, and tent, just like the original Yoga.

Tech Specs Yoga 2 Pro


  • The Yoga 2 Pro features a 13.3-inch QHD+ display with 3200x1800 pixels resolution. 
  • Its 350-nit display features a 178 degree wide angle view. 
  • It is 15.5 mm thin and weighs about 1.39 kilogram. The laptop is backed with fourth-generation Intel Core i7 U series processors and is based on Windows 8.1.
  • Yoga 2 Pro comes with 512 GB SSD (Solid State Drive) with 8GB of RAM and features Intel WiDi for streaming content wirelessly to a TV. 
  • The laptop can deliver up to nine hours of battery life. It comes with backlit keyboard and will be available in its signature Grey or Clementine Orange colour.
  •  The Yoga 2 Pro sports stereo speakers with Dolby Home Theatre and Dual Array Digital Mic.


On the other hand, the ThinkPad Yoga comes in two display models:

  • Corning Gorilla Glass HD IPS display or a full-HD IPS display both featuring a 12.5-inch screen. It runs on Windows 8.1. 
  • The laptop is powered by Intel fourth-generation Core i7 processor with up to 1TB of storage.


The company has announced that Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro will come with a price tag of $1,099.99 and will be available beginning in October while the ThinkPad Yoga will come at $949 and will hit stores in November.

Samsung Galaxy tab 3 series

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 series: First teaser


Samsung is back in the tablet market with its next generation Galaxy Tab range, Galaxy Tab 3. Samsung unleashed the Galaxy Tab 3 series with three tablets the Galaxy Tab 3 211 7.0-inch tablet(3G+Wi-FI), the Galaxy Tab 3 310 8.0-inch tablet (Wi-Fi only) and the Galaxy Tab 3 311 8.0-inch(3G+Wi-FI).
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 series marks a comeback for the company in the tablet segment, after it unveiled the Note 510 in the Indian market, a few months back.
The Galaxy Tab 3 tablets still employ the use of plastic, but sport smooth, rounded corners and well-placed hardware keys that don't feel cheap at all. One thing that we noted here is that all products under the Galaxy range have started to look similar in design and the only difference is the form-factor and the sheer size of the display.
 
     OverView

  • All the tablets in the Galaxy Tab 3 range share the same design. 
  • They all run Android Jelly Bean, and each tablet features a physical home button accompanied by two capacitive Menu and Back keys on either side.
  • The same layout is featured on Samsung's high-end and even low-end devices, and it looks like the Korean giant is adopting it as its universal design concept. 
  • The Galaxy Tab 3 211 with a 7.0-inch display can easily be used with one hand thanks to the slim design and less weight.


Though, all the tablets in the Galaxy Tab 3 range have similar specifications except a few changes here and there, a major difference in the 8.0-inch Tab 3 variant is that it runs the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean while the smallest member of the family, the 7.0-inch Tab 3, still sticks to Android 4.1. This was a bit of a surprise to us. In our limited time, we found that the Galaxy Tab 3 range of tablets were smooth operators while opening apps, switching between apps and also while navigating the user-interface.

On the software front, we found the Galaxy Tab 3 series to be well stocked when it comes to preloaded apps and features including Smart Stay which puts the tablet to sleep mode if not used, using the front camera as it detects the eyes of the users, Multi Window that allows users to work on two apps by splitting the screen in two, Reading mode that optimizes the display for paper like readability and Group Play that lets users share files with other Samsung devices using the same Wi-Fi network. All the apps have already been seen on previous Samsung devices such as the Galaxy S4.

       
      Tech Specs Tab 3 311 

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 311 comes equipped with a 1.5GHz dual core processor with 1.5GB of RAM. It runs the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. 
  • The device features an 8.0-inch WXGA display with a pixel density of 189 PPI and boasts a screen resolution of 1280x800. 
  • The Galaxy Tab 3 311 sports a 5.0-megapixel rear camera and a 1.9-megapixel front camera. 
  • It comes with 15GB internal storage which can be expanded up to 64GB with microSD card. It also packs a 4,450mAh battery.
  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0-inch is available in two variants -The Galaxy Tab 3 311 which has 3G (voice and data) support while the Galaxy Tab 3 310 comes in a Wi-Fi version only.

         Tech Specs Tab 3 211 

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 211 is the smallest of the Tab 3 series and comes with 7.0-inch WSVGA display with 168 PPI. 
  • It is powered by a 1.2GHz dual core processor with 1GB of RAM. It also packs an 8GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 32GB. Backing the device is a 4,000mAh battery. 
  • On camera front, the Galaxy Tab 3 211 comes loaded with 3.0-megapixel rear camera and a 1.3-megapixel front camera. The tablet runs on the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Google Youtube Mobile

Good News to Mobile Users:YouTube to allow mobile users to download videos for easy offline viewing


YouTube owned by Google, is planning to release a new feature that will allow users of its mobile apps to watch videos offline.

According to a new post on the Creators blog, YouTube announced that the feature would be launched later this year, in November.

The post said," We're always exploring ways to bring more viewers to your content. As part of this effort, later this year we'll launch a new feature on YouTube's mobile apps that will help you reach fans even when they're not connected to the Internet."

The intent behind rolling out this feature is to give users the ability to continue to watch videos offline in case their Internet connection gets disrupted. So, don't expect YouTube to allow you to download and store videos on your device due to copyright and licensing issues. It's more likely that it would just cache videos for some time. YouTube had already started caching viedos on its android app, downloading videos as users start watching them.

"This upcoming feature will allow people to add videos to their device to watch for a short period when an Internet connection is unavailable. So your fans' ability to enjoy your videos no longer has to be interrupted by something as commonplace as a morning commute." the blog added.

However, YouTube's T &C do not allow downloading of videos and it had even restricted apps that offered the functionality. In fact there was a dispute with Microsoft when the Redmond giant enabling videos downloding from you tube that it created. Microsoft had to remove that feature and withdraw the app, replacing it with another alternate. 

Sony Smart Watch 2

Sony SW 2 launched in India for Rs. 14,990



Sony has the launched SmartWatch 2, the successor to its SmartWatch, at a price of Rs. 14,990 in the Indian market. The wearable device would be available in October.

The SmartWatch 2 was initially announced in June and Sony had promised that it would be available 'worldwide' in September.

things you can do with the SmartWatch 2 

  • Take a photo remotely from your SmartWatch, using a smart camera app.
  • Control your presentations remotely using Presentation Pal.
  • Taking a run or on the bike? Select a mapping app on SmartWatch to check your route with a quick glance at your wrist.
  • Read previously downloaded e-mails when not connected to your phone.
  • Use lifestyle apps like Runtastic to map and instantly track your fitness activities on the go.
  • Quickly adjust the tracks and volume on your music player.

tech specs

  • Works as an NFC watch with all smartphones using Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and later
  • Battery time - Low usage 7 days, Normal usage, 3-4 days (Watch always on)
  • Bluetooth 3.0
  • Android release: 4.0 and later
  • Charging with micro USB
  • Transflective LCD 1.6", pixels: 220x176
  • Languages: English master, Chinese (Trad), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Portuguese, Czech, Russian, Polish, Spanish & Swedish.
  • Apps/plugins ready-to-go: App recommender, Facebook, Twitter, SMS, MMS, Missed call notification, Calendar notification, Email, Google+, New events - aggregator, Missed call, RSS, Gmail, Viewfinder (remote camera shutter), Phonebook, Music player, Find phone, Call log, Weather, Time, date.

Google Android Kitkat 4.4

Crunchy n Crispy :Android 4.4 KitKat to release in October: Nestle 


It seems that Android's latest version will see the user's hands in October, as Nestle has revealed the first news about the launch of Android 4.4 KitKat on FB.
While replying to a user who asked "When Android 4.4 KitKat will be available", Nestle German Kit Kat FB handle replied "Android 4.4 KitKat is available from October".
While this might not be an official confirmation about Android 4.4 KitKat's release, at least the German Nestle FB handle was kind enough to confirm that it is coming next month.

Earlier this month, the search engine giant which has been known for nicknaming its Android mobile operating systems for smartphones and tablets after desserts, had for the first time declared candy brand name for the version 4.4. However, Google made no mention of when the Android 4.4 update would rollout.
The search giant has been in news ever since it announced the next iteration of its mobile operating system, with the Google Nexus4 successor, which is expected to be the platform lead device for Android 4.4 jelly, making multiple appearances on the Internet via FCC filing and image leaks.

In the official promo video of the KitKat announcement by google, a person was seen holding up a phone which came with a Nexus logo at the back, very identical to the Nexus 7 (2013). The back of the mysterious phone had a matte finish and included a large camera lens which has not been seen on any Nexus device, yet.

Recently, the awaited Nexus 4 successor was again spotted in new image and a video. The purported pre-production unit of the next Nexus smartphone revealed the front and rear panels. It is rumoured that the next Nexus smartphone would run Android 4.4 KitKat OS and both are expected to be launched at the same event.

September 23, 2013

Sony PS4

All New Play Station 4:Tech Specs



                                   
  • The PlayStation 4 will use a processor developed by AMD in cooperation with Sony. 
  • It will combine a  CPU and  GPU, as well as other components such as a memory controller and video decoder. 
  • The CPU consists of eight x86-64 cores. The system is capable of running at a maximum clock speed of 2.75 GHz. 
  • The console will contain 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, 16 times the amount of RAM found in the PS3.
  • It also includes secondary custom chips that handle tasks associated with downloading, uploading, and social gameplay. These tasks can be handled seamlessly in the background during gameplay or while the system is in sleep-mode. 
  • The console also contains an audio module, which can support in-game chat as well as "a very large number" of audio streams for use in-game.
  • The PS4's read-only optical drive is capable of reading Blu-ray discs at speeds of up to three times that of the PS3's. 
  • The console will feature a hardware on-the-fly decompression module boosting optical disc reading speed and buffer unread data when a game is not actively accessing the optical drive, forming part of Sony's PlayGO strategy. 
  • Like the PS3, the Blu-ray Disc drive should be capable of reading 16-layer 400 GB discs. 
  • Although the console will support photos and videos at 4K res, the system is not expected to be able to render games beyond 1080p.
  • The console will include a 500 gigabyte hard drive for additional storage, which can be upgraded by the user.
  • The PlayStation 4 will feature WiFi wireless connectivity (and wired Ethernet), BT, and two USB 3.0 ports. 
  • An auxiliary port will also be included for connection to thePlay Station Camera, a Motion Detection digital camera device first introduced on the PS3.
  • A mono headset, which can be plugged into the DualShock 4, will come bundled with the system.Audio/video output options include HDMI TV and optical S/PDIF audio. 
  • The PlayStation 4 does not have an analog audio/video output.



Samsung Oled Screens

Samsung Youm Display:Flexible OLED Screens

In late 2010, Samsung Electronics announced the development of a prototype 4.5" flexible AMOLED display. The prototype device was then showcased at Consumer Electronics Show 2011. During the 2011 Quality circle 3 quarterly earnings call, Samung’s vice president of investor relations, Robert Yi, confirmed the company’s intentions of applying the technology in handsets and added “we are looking to introduce [the flexible displays] sometime in 2012, hopefully the earlier part." In January 2012 Samsung acquired Liquavista, a company with expertise in manufacturing flexible displays, and announced plans to begin mass production by Q2 2012.During Samsung's CES 2013 keynote presentation, two prototype mobile devices that incorporated the flexible AMOLED display technology were shown to the public.
Specifications:
  • 4.5-inch diagonal display size
  • 800 × 480 WVGA and 1280 x 720 WXGA resolution
  • AMOLED display technology
  • "unbreakable"
  • oled technology

Sony 3D Viewer

Sony Personal 3D viewer HMZ-T2 for Rs 69,990:Review

  1. 45° Full cinematic widescreen picture with 24p True Cinema mode
  2. Enjoy virtual 5.1 surround sound with crisp, clear 360º audio , Harmonic Equalizer audio enhancement and a choice of listening modes
  3. TruBlack display and dedicated, hi response OLED screens for a clear and smooth 3D viewing
  4. Optimum comfort with adaptable headband and forehead supports and adjustable screen lenses
  5. Equipped with Auto Colour Temperature adjustment for lowering image tone intensity and comfortable longer play
           ADVANTAGE
           light weight
           prortable
           loaded with features
           DISADVANTGE
            costly to in indian market
            only one person can use at a tym 
            need lots of connections

lenovo Gaming IdeaPad Series

Lenovo disclosed new range of gaming laptops, AIOs in India


Lenovo has launched a new range of gaming PCs that include the all-in-one IdeaCentre Horizon 27, IdeaPad Y510p and the IdeaPad Z510 for the Indian market. All the three newly launched devices are based on Windows 8 and equip high-performance graphics and audio for a daunting gaming experience.

Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon 27 is an all-in-one PC that supports multi-touch and doubles up as a table PC. 
  • It features a 27-inch display and runs Intel Core i7 (3rd gen - Ivy Bridge).
  • It is powered by Nvidia GeForce GT 620M 1GB/2GB graphics with DirectX 11. 
  • It also features stereo speakers with Dolby Home Theatre V4 and weighs around 8.6 kilograms. 
  • The Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon 27 will be available in India from next week, at a price of Rs. 1,36,500 (expected).


The second gaming PC dislosed is the Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p which has a 15.6-inch full-HD LED Glare display.
  •  It runs Intel Core i7 processor (4th gen) and is powered by dual NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2GB graphics with Ultrabay technology.
  •  It comes with 8GB RAM and includes 1TB of Hard disk drive. 
  • it include backlit accutype keyboard with touchpad, USB 3.0 Port, HDMI output, 720p HD Webcam and Dual Digital Array Microphones. 
  • The device also features JBL speakers with Dolby Home Theater v4. The Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p will be available in India from next week in Dusk Black colour, at a price of Rs. 69,990 (approx).

September 22, 2013

Samsung Galaxy Note Series 3

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9000
Rs. 49900
Inclusive of taxes (approx)

Key Features

  • 13 MP Primary Camera with Auto Focus and BSI Sensor
  • 2 MP Secondary Camera with Smart Stabilization and BSI Sensor
  • NFC Support
  • Full HD (1080p) Recording and Playback Support
  • 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) Display
  • Samsung Smart Scroll and Samsung Smart Pause
  • Octa Core Processor (1.9 GHz Quad + 1.3 GHz Quad) and 3 GB RAM
  • Air Gesture and Air View
  • Android v4.3 (Jelly Bean) OS
  • S Pen Optimized Features: Air Command; Action Memo; Scrapbook; S Finder; Pen Window; Multi Window; Direct Pen Input
  • Dual Camera: Dual Shot / Dual Recording / Dual Video Call
Screen - As Beautiful As Life
 5.7 inch full HD Super AMOLED screen 
Smarter is Better
Dynamic and modern-looking, the Galaxy Note 3 pulls together content from news, social media and everything else into one easy-on-the-eye My Magazine view.
Taking multitasking to a whole new level, the Multi-Window mode allows you to not just copy and paste from one window to another but also do things like chat with two different people at the same time, play a video while scrolling through the news and even browse the net while checking Facebook on the side. Similarly the Pen Window ensures that you can keep the calculator open in a small window while you are working out a budget for the month.
Intuitive to the extent of being almost magical, the device surprises you with its efficiency. Wave your hand over the device and get things done in a jiffy - the Samsung Note 3 comes with Air Gesture and Air View support that ensure that actions are made simpler and more effective, especially when you have to check for specific apps among dozens and operate hands free. Also, when you read, the sensors detect eye movement, scrolling accordingly and pausing when you look away with the Smart Scroll and Smart Pause.
Simplicity with extreme convenience takes precedence in the Note 3 that lets you play with a palette that brings five useful S Pen features to you in a platter. The Action Memo that recognizes handwriting and converts it into actionable links, alarms and such is one feature you could get used to. It also comes with Scrapbook to organize pieces automatically, the S Finder for quick access, a Pen Window to draw in and Screen Write to make quick annotations - the palette makes simple things fun.
Camera - Capturing Life Effectively
The Note 3 from Samsung armed with a fabulous 13 MP primary camera with a high CRI LED flash that sports a BSI sensor to ensure that your clicks come out great even in low light conditions. With Image Stabilization, one of the first of its kind on such devices, the pictures you take on the Note 3 are ones that will be crisp and sharp, discounting shaky hands or less than perfect conditions.
The secondary camera does as much justice to your selfies and video chats with 2 MP at your disposal that comes with smart stabilization. With dual camera support, you can use both the cameras simultaneously when you take a picture, record or video call a loved one.  What’s more, the Note 3 captures precious moments in full HD video and plays it back for you to relive life the way it is meant to be.
Punchy Performance
A powerful Octa core processor packed with all the strength of 1.9 Ghz Big-Core Quad and 1.3 Ghz Small-Core Quad processors under 3 GB of RAM help you switch from an intensive gaming session to taking down a simple memo easily with excellent battery and power management.
Running on the Android v4.3 (Jelly Bean) operating system, the Note 3 reinstates belief in smooth, effective use of technology with all the elements of brilliant, beautiful yet functional design. Great graphics, useful restrictive profiles, easier text input and an appealing fluidness are but a few features that stand out. With NFC support, you can use the device to share media with the least hassle, wirelessly.

Apple Macbook Pro

MacBook Pro with Retina display: First look


When I was 13, I was sent to the optician for the first time, and came home with glasses. Suddenly, the world was sharp all around me. I was surprised by the crisp lines of the tree branches against the sky. It was news to me that I was near-sighted, because I had been used to seeing the world in a blur.
Apple Inc. sells a similar epiphany, starting this week, in the shape of a notebook computer. One of its new MacBook Pro models has a "Retina" display, a screen that packs four times as many pixels as a standard display.
Why is this a big deal? It's not easy to describe in print, but a look at the screen tells the whole story. It's like putting on glasses and realizing you're nearsighted. Much like the screen on the latest iPad, the new display makes all other screens look dull and fuzzy.
Even the icons on the Mac screen look so much more detailed. On the calendar icon, you can make out the dots for the individual dates. On the Address book, you suddenly see that the "at" sign on the cover is embossed.
High-resolution photos look really, really sharp. Low-resolution photos, like those on Facebook, are revealed as mushy and indistinct.
With a resolution of 2,880 by 1,800 pixels, the Retina screen can show every pixel in a five-megapixel shot, all at once. It has more pixels than a high-definition TV set - 2.5 times as many.
As you might expect, this epiphany doesn't come cheap. The MacBook Pro with Retina display starts at $2,199.
That's nearly three times more than the average consumer spends on a laptop, but it isn't a bad price for the video editors, photographers and graphic designers who are the intended buyers.
In fact, the new MacBook looks like a steal compared to a regular, non-high-resolution MacBook with a screen of the same size, at 15.4 inches diagonally. When a regular MacBook is upgraded with the 8 gigabytes of RAM and 256-gigabyte flash-based "hard drive" that come standard on the Retina model, it costs $2,399. So you're basically saving $200 by getting the better screen.
There are a few other differences between the Retina MacBook and the regular one. It's thinner, lighter and lacks a DVD drive. It even lacks an Ethernet port for Internet connections. This was a problem as soon as I unpacked the unit, because getting on the office Wi-Fi can be troublesome. Apple sells a $29 Ethernet adapter that plugs into one of the two high-speed, multi-purpose "Thunderbolt" ports. It would have been a nice gesture for them to include one in the box.
If the stripped-down features of the MacBook Pro remind you of something, it's probably the MacBook Air, that ultra-slim laptop Apple first released in 2008. Many who saw it then recognized it as the future of laptops, and the new MacBook Pro is the proof of that prophecy - in many ways, it's a super-sized MacBook Air.
The MacBook Pro is just 0.7 inches thick. That's the same as the Air at its thickest point, but unlike the Air, the Pro doesn't taper into a wedge shape. It's the same thickness all the way through, making it feel a lot more substantial than the Air.
The screen is partly to blame for this. That's because the sharper screen is also darker. To get it looking as bright as other laptops, Apple has to pump more light through it. More light takes more power. To get the Pro to last for about seven hours of work (a claim I did not have time to test), Apple had to increase the size of the battery. It takes up nearly half of the internal space of the laptop.
I suspect the Retina screen is coming first to a relatively big MacBook because its chassis provided Apple with the space to expand the battery. In a MacBook Air, there's no space for a bigger battery, so a Retina screen would have meant shorter battery life. That would have been a tough sell.
I hope Apple or another manufacturer figures out a way around the battery issue, because I want to see this type of display in every device. Of course, desktop displays aren't limited by power consumption in the same way, so we can hope to see super-resolution monitors soon. It's time for our computers to give us glasses.

Samsung Smart Watch

Samsung Galaxy Gear


Samsung's Galaxy Gear, a new device worn like a wristwatch, is certain to gain much curiosity when it starts being thrown in public. The intensely black rectangular screen and orange strap on the wrist of a Samsung executive immediately caught my eye as he entered a meeting room to give a preview of the gadget.

Samsung will start shipping the $299 Gear smartwatch in September.

I had a chance to play with a pre-production unit for about 10 minutes and briefly with the version that Samsung announced Wednesday in on the eve of the IFA consumer electronics show.
Like similar products already being sold, the Gear is not an independent device. For useful functionality, the Gear needs to be linked with a specific Samsung smartphone or tablet computer. The pairing is done wirelessly over a Bluetooth connection built in to both sides.


  • The Gear's display is a touch screen measuring 1.63 inches diagonally. 
  • Its strap has an embedded camera. 
  • The Gear supports apps such as Facebook and lets the wearer answer incoming calls or check email without picking up the smartphone that's paired with it. 
  • The Gear is not the smartwatch with a flexible display, as disclosed in recent Samsung patent filings.
With smartphones and tablets now ubiquitous, the technology industry is trying to create a new category of products to wow consumers. Many analysts believe the next big step for consumer electronics is advanced computing technology in everyday objects such as wristwatches and glasses.
Sony introduced its latest SmartWatch in June and unveiled an update Wednesday. Qualcomm announced a smartwatch on Wednesday as well. Google is working on Google Glass - a device designed to work like a smartphone and be worn like a pair of glasses. Apple is seeking an iWatch trademark and is widely believed to be developing a watch that uses the same iOS software as its iPhone and iPad devices.
Meanwhile, the response to projects such as Pebble, a smartwatch that received more than $10 million in investment pledges through funding website Kickstarter, also attests to the public interest in this trend.