Apple iPhone 5 to be launched in India on November 2

Ingram Micro announced today that it will offer the Apple iPhone 5 at leading trade stores and retail outlets across India beginning on Friday, November 2. The iPhone 5 was launched in the US on September 21.

It was recently reported that in order to expand its user base in India, Apple will start selling the iPhone 5 through specialised distribution companies. Apple has tied up with Ingram Micro Inc, which is a large US-based distributor of technologies, as well as Redington India Ltd, a local distributor with 12,000 smaller partners across the country.

iPhone 5 coming soon

There is no word yet on the official prices of the iPhone 5 in India, but the prices are expected to be the same as the iPhone 4S when it first launched. However, the prices are speculated to be Rs 45,500 for the 16GB version, Rs 52,500 for the 32GB version, and Rs 59,500 for the 64GB model.

According to a recent report, “Apple has used both these distributors in the past for products like the iPad, but did not do so for the iPhone as it was concerned that paying third-party distributors would eat into its profit margins on a key product. Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook said earlier this year that the company saw higher potential in countries other than India, largely because of the high cost of distributing products here. “We have a business there, that business is growing, but the sort of the multilayer distribution there really adds to the cost of getting products to market,” Mr. Cook told analysts in July.”

Here is a quick look at the highlighted features of the iPhone 5:

• 4-inch, 326ppi Retina display at 1136 x 640 pixels,
• GPRS, EDGE, EV-DO, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSDPA, LTE and Wi-Fi
• GPS
• Bluetooth
• 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD recording, 720p front-facing camera
• 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions

Made entirely out of aluminium and glass, the iPhone 5 weighs 112 grams, and is 20 percent lighter than the iPhone 4S, and is the thinnest iPhone yet at 7.6mm. Apple has chosen to debut iOS 6 with the iPhone 5. The new OS includes Apple's own Maps app, an updated version of Siri and lots more. Overall, the new iPhone has been upgraded in almost all respects.

Siri has also been updated and new features include support for more languages, easy access to sports scores, restaurant recommendations and movie listings; Siri and Facebook-enabled apps like Photos, Safari and Maps; and Shared Photo Streams via iCloud.

Safari has also received a major update – the ability to go full screen on the device by touching the arrows on the corners. Another major feature of the new Safari app is the ability to sync tabs between the desktop and iOS versions of Safari. This new feature is called iCloud Tabs. The new Mail app has also received some updates, including the ability to mark people as VIPs and the ability to flag certain mails for follow-ups.

Image of Samsung Galaxy Premier leaked online

Image of Samsung Galaxy Premier leaked online

Afew days ago, it was reported that Samsung was preparing to release a handset that could be slotted in between the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy S III mini in terms of price and specifications. This smartphone has been dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Premier. Right on cue,a tipster on Twitter, has revealed a photo of a purported Samsung Galaxy Premier. According to an earlier report, information of the upcoming Galaxy Premier had been leaked through a GLBenchmark test. Among the things revealed were that the device runs on Android v4.1.1 (Jelly Bean) on a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. The maximum frequency on the CPU is listed as 1.5GHz, though the number of cores hasn’t been mentioned. The phone is rumoured to have a dual-core processor. The graphics on the device will be handled by a PowerVR SGX 544, which is much like the SGX543 that power the graphics on Apple’s latest chipset. The benchmarks also point to a TI OMAP 4470 chipset, which was recently used in the Kindle Fire HD tablet. Similar in design to the Galaxy S III Mini According to the specifications leaked earlier this month, the device will have an 8MP rear camera with an LED flash, and a 2MP shooter for making video calls.   The device will come with either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded using a microSD card. The handset will run on Android v4.1, and will feature other attributes such as 4.4Mbps HSDPA, 5.76Mbps HSUPA, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, DLNA, and GPS.   The handset is expected to make its first appearance in Germany before the end of 2012, and will launch in other European countries shortly thereafter. The expected price of this handset is Euro 480, which roughly translates to Rs 32,912. Samsung has recently announced the Galaxy S III mini. The size of the display has been much talked about. The display size of four inches is not small, but in comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S III, this handset could be much easier to handle. This handset is based on the Galaxy S III, and this feature translates to the design of this latest model as well. As far as the technical specifications of the handset go, the Galaxy S III mini is powered by a dual-core 1GHz NovaThor U8420 processor, and comes equipped with 1GB RAM. If there was any doubt about what operating system would be used in this handset since it is not exactly a high-end model, then Samsung has not held back on this front, and has stated that the phone will ship with Google’s latest Android operating system v4.1. Here is a quick look at the highlighted features of the Samsung Galaxy S III mini: 4-inch Super AMOLED display with a WVGA resolution of 480 x 800 pixels 3G, EDGE/GPRS, Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot, DLNA support, NFC GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, LE, EDR 5MP camera with AF, LED flash, BSI sensor and 720p HD video recording VGA front facing camera for video chat 16GB, 32GB internal memory, expandable up to 32GB via microSD card

Skype 6.0 released for Mac, Windows desktop

Skype released its latest version, Skype 6.0, yesterday for Mac and Windows desktop users. 

In an official blog post, Skype has shared the changelog featuring in its latest version.

The update has brought to the table Microsoft and Facebook Account Integration. Users can now sign into Skype using either their Microsoft or Facebook accounts. In Skype 6.0, users can send instant messages to their Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com contacts via Skype. Users with Microsoft accounts can merge the MS account with Skype. All they have to do is sign in to Skype with their Microsoft accounts.

Skype announces that it has in the pipeline a feature with which users can make audio and video calls to Windows Live Messenger customers on Skype desktop clients. The feature will be rolled out in the weeks to come. 

 

Skype 6.0 for Windows desktop users has been updated with new localised versions of Skype in Thai, Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, Catalan, and Slovak languages. With this, the total number of languages that Skype supports has gone up to 38. Skype 6.0 has undergone a facelift on Windows desktop. The Skype user interface (UI) now bears a simpler and less cluttered look. Instant messaging and SMS areas have been refreshed as well. The online user counter at the bottom of the Skype Contacts list has been done away with for Windows desktop in a bid to unclutter the UI, offering more space for the user’s contacts in the list. Also, now if users want to change their profile pictures, they will be shown all their previous profile photos to choose from. 

The latest version Skype for Windows desktop users comes with additional 'opt-in' telemetry reports for users who choose this option: "Tools>> Options>>Advanced>>Tick Help improve Skype..." The reports may contain the user’s Skype ID and or Microsoft Account ID, but Skype clarifies that it will not use the information to identify or contact the user.

For Mac desktop users, the latest version of Skype brings open chats across multiple windows, while also introducing support for Retina Display. 

Earlier this month, users had started facing problems with ransomware on Skype through a seemingly harmless looking message: "lol is this your new profile pic?" The message was followed by a link that downloads malware into user's computers. According to Trend Micro, these reports have not stopped, and are now spreading fast.

The link, which includes the user name of the recipient, goes to a file hosted at a legitimate file locker service. The file downloaded is a variant of the Dorkbot malware family, which is detected as WORM_DORKBOT.DN. This malware allows an attacker to take complete control of the user’s system. Its capabilities include password theft form various websites, including pornographic sites, social media, file lockers, and financial services; and launching distributed denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks. The behaviour that a user may see can vary significantly. It also has the capability to download other malware depending on the link provided by the C and C servers, including ransomware and click fraud malware.

The Playground is Open Join Us - GOOGLE

The event marks Google's biggest Nexus showing, with three devices scheduled for debut at the same time. The Nexus program has long been Google's way of showcasing the latest version of its Android operating system. It has also come with a measure of buzz for the manufacturing partner. 

After the Nexus One, which was built by HTC, Google mainly partnered with Samsung, including the Galaxy Nexus. But this year, Google worked with Asus to produce the low-cost Nexus 7, which sold at $199. 

Alongside the low-end Nexus 7, Google will now offer a high-end Nexus 10 tablet built by Samsung, which was initially reported by CNET. The device is expected to boast a higher resolution than the third-generation iPad. 

The tablet will be more in line with the pricing of its other products, including the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and Galaxy Note 10.1. 



LG, meanwhile, will get its chance to shine with the Nexus 4, which is an altered version of the Optimus G. The smartphone will have a quad-core SnapDragon processor from Qualcomm, 2 megabytes of RAM, a 1,280x768 display, 16GB of internal storage, and an 8-megapixel camera. Unlike the Optimus G, the Nexus 4 won't be an LTE device, according to a person familiar with the announcement. 

LG will get its shot to build a little buzz for its products, something it has struggled to do, particularly in the U.S. market. 

The upgraded version of the Nexus 7 will include a 32GB option. A second version will include a 3G cellular connection, according to The Next Web.

Zync Z909+ The largest Number of Tablets Sold Ever in India. Sold Tablets : 9,15,76,63,5++ as seen on NDTV Gadget Guru

Zync Tablet Z909 Plus

By Zync
 

1 Year Warranty (Freebies Worth Total Rs.1347)

• Front Camera
• 7Inch (17.78cm) Inches Resistive Touch Screen Display
• Standard battery Li-Po 3000 mAh
• Music Player
• Android 2.3
• W-Fi Enabled
• 1GHz Processor
• Video Player
• Expandable Memory 32GB
• Free BigFlix movie rental subscription for one month (Gift coupon inside the box) worth Rs. 249
• Free 2-level Screen Protector worth Rs. 399
• Free Tablet Carry Lycra Pouch worth Rs. 399
• Free Earphone worth Rs. 300

SPECIFICATIONS Touch Screen Size 7Inch(17.8cm) Touch Screen Resolution 800X480 Precessor Speed 1GHz Opertaing System Android 2.3 RAM 256MB ROM(Flash) 4GB G Sensor Yes Support Flash Player 32 GUI No OSD Language English/French/German SIM CARD NO WiFi Yes 3G(inside/outside) Outside Office Software Word/Excel/PDF etc. Messanger MSN/SKYPE etc Games Yes Camera Front Audio/Video Recording Yes Video MPEG1/2/4 Audio MP3/WMA Battery 3000mAH USB(Micro/Macro) Both MRP 5990 Accessories Included in the box Lycra Pouch, Screen Guard, Earphone, Charger, User Manual, USB Cable

Product Description

A delightful combination of functionality and superior efficiency, the Zync Tablet Z909 Plus is packed with a variety of exciting features for an immersive user experience. This tablet offers a variety of business features like document viewer, Gmail and email support while the internet connectivity ensures a fast browsing speed for lag-free working even when on the move. Design Light in weight and designed to offer lasting functionality, the Zync tablet is lavished with a sleek, glossy finish. The smooth rounded corners and the slim, slender design of this tablet offer a secure grip for easy handling. The ultra compact design of this tablet easily fits in small bags and the ergonomic design ensures lasting, trouble-free functioning. Performance The 1 GHz processor of this tablet offers high speed processing and superior efficiency courtesy the fast clock speed of this processor. The 7 inch resistive touchscreen display with a wide resolution of 800x480 pixels is perfect for watching all your multimedia files in superior clarity and ensures easy legibility. The multi touch feature instantly responds to even the slightest movements for lag-free functioning. The 256 MB DDR3 memory powers a variety of processes and offers easy transition between different processes. The 4 GB internal memory offers optimum storage space and can further be expanded to up to 32 GB to fulfil your future computing needs. Connectivity An external 3G dongle support and the preinstalled HTML browser offer super fast internet access wherever you go. The USB 2.0 port is compatible with a wide range of computer operating systems for secure and speedy file sharing when connected to your PC or laptop. Using the Wi-Fi connectivity protocol you can instantly access different web sites even when on the move without the hassles of long connecting cables. Operating System Allowing easy homescreen customisation is the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System that ensures instant access to the frequently used widgets and applications for easy processing. The flash support of this OS allows easy access to the flash content on different web pages to keep you entertained all day long. Power Management A single charge of the 3000 mAh Lithium Ion battery keeps your gadget optimally functioning by offering a long battery backup time. Other features The front camera of this tablet allows for clear video chatting and also instantly captures all your cherished memories. The inbuilt video player with the multi format support offers lag-free playback of a multitude of video files. The music player is also compliant with different types of audio files while the stereo sparkers deliver a sharp and rich audio quality for a superlative music experience.

iPad mini to come with cellular and Wi-Fi options

The Apple iPad mini was reported to available in only a Wi-Fi option, in order to keep the price of the forthcoming tablet to a minimum. A recent report indicates that the 7.85-inch tablet will now come with both Wi-Fi as well as cellular capabilities.

It appears that the Cupertino-based brand is not holding back any punches with this smaller iPad, and launching it in various storage capacities such as 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and the top-of-the-line model at 64GB of internal storage.

Listing as seen on Mobile Geeks

As per a related report published by Engadget, “According to a proven source of Mobile Geeks, German electronics retailer Media Markt has the iPad mini in 16 flavors in its inventory system. The company's internal documentation shows the rumored tablet at 8, 16, 32 and 64GB configurations, with each offering a choice of black or white, as well as a choice of 3G or just WiFi. The retailer is listing sticker prices, too: for the WiFi-only flavor, €249 buys an 8GB model, €349 snags 16GB, €449 for 32GB and €549 scores 64GB of storage. Looking for a slab with cellular connectivity? Stack an extra €100 on each of those prices.”

Considering that the regular sized 16GB iPad is priced at $399 in the US, the iPad mini may be expect to cost approximately $250, which would roughly translate to around Rs 13,171. 

However, one should not be too hopeful of getting the tablet for this price tag. It is likely that it could be priced significantly higher, as was the case of the new iPods. The portable media player cost much more than models being sold in the US.

That being said, Apple has been losing its market share in the tablet segment to the likes of Amazon with its Kindle Fire, and Google with its Nexus 7 tablet. For Apple to stay in the run, and cater to a customer base that would want a smaller tablet, Apple would have to launch a 7-inch tablet to cement its throne as the leading tablet manufacturer. The Google Nexus 7 tablet is faring exceedingly well in the market and rumours suggest that a 3G version of the tablet may also be in the works. Apple would need to step into this segment to battle the increasing competition from other manufacturers.

Speculating on the competition at hand, while the prices of the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire are similar, both of which are Wi-Fi only, the Nexus 7 seems to be the device of choice as it comes with beefier hardware along with access to Android v4.1 (Jelly Bean) as well as future Android releases. However, Apple has its own iOS operating system. When it does announce the iPad mini, it will most likely launch it with iOS 6 straight out of the box.

Google rolling out update for Play store

Google is rolling out an update for its official one-stop-shop for Android apps, Google Play. The latest update to the store allows you to remove apps from the All Apps list, which records all your app downloads to date, in addition to remembering your location in lists, and new icons for notifications and installed apps. The latest version number is 3.9.16. Android Police was the first to report on the matter.

In addition, the updated Play Store remembers where you are when looking at a list, including the All Apps list as well as the My Apps list. This feature will remember your location in a list, so that whenever you click on an option in a list and go back, you’re returned right to the place where you were earlier.

What’s more, you can now multi-select apps in the All Apps list. Selecting multiple apps is done by long-pressing an app, and tapping the More apps option. You can delete apps from the lists in one go.

Google has also chosen to change the notification icon for new app updates. Notifications by Play Store are now expandable, and show more information about app updates. The icon for individual apps after they are installed no longer shows a generic icon; you now get the icon for the app in the notification after you install it.

Google recently held a massive discount sale in celebration after its Play Store recorded 25 billion app downloads. The search giant was offering top rated games and apps at discounted rates of just 25 Cents (Rs 13). The company was also promoting special collections like 25 movies you must own, 25 banned books, 25 albums that changed the world and the store's 25 top selling magazines, at special prices.

New Google Play update brings minor improvements.

However, Goole hasn’t been particularly kind to India. It was recently revealed that India’s listing in the official list of countries where developers could register as certified Google Checkout Merchants was short lived. Pluggd.in’s Ashish Sinha writes, “So for India based Android app developers, things are back to what it was earlier – i.e. you cannot sell paid apps in the Play store (some workaround here). We have asked Google to update us on the final status (or was it some drunken employee updating the support page?). For sure, Google needs to revisit this strategy. If not, Microsoft is going to snatch away these Android app developers with a better integrated strategy (it’s already happening).”

Earlier, Indian developers needed to go to a country where Google Checkout merchants are allowed, such as the US, and register a local bank account in the name of a US resident in order to sell apps on the Google Play Store. With reports about India featuring on that list, it did seem as if troubles were over. Now, however, things stand the way they were.  

Smartphone apps are serious business, though developers of Android apps were left in limbo. In India, developers were only allowed to publish free apps, and this had limited the potential for innovative apps because of lack of incentive. 

Reports quoted P R Rajendran, Director of Next Wave Multimedia, a Chennai based company as saying, “We have lived with this condition for some time now where we literally run two companies, and are subject to dual taxation". Rajendran's company was reported as having published more than ten apps on both Apple iTunes as well as Google Play.