Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Marshmallow, the official name of Android M

  
Android M is now officially Android 6.0 Marshmallow. If any of you managed to guess the right name, feel free to give yourself a pat on the back.

Google made it official via a blog post on the Official Android Developers Blog as well as by placing its mascot holding a marshmallow in front of the Android headquarters at Mountain View, California. In addition to this, the tweet from Dave Burke, VP of Engineering (Android), Google, also confirms the same

Android M was first unveiled by Google at the Google I/O event earlier this year, and is expected to make its way to devices by the end of the year. Although Android M is quite similar to Android Lollipop in terms of appearance, the focus is more on things under the hood by working on things like RAM optimization, battery optimization, advanced privacy settings, etc.

The other interesting features that will come with Android Marshmallow are native support for fingerprint scanning, app permissions manager, USB Type-C connector support, Google Now on tap, etc. The app permissions manager is a really good feature as it will give you the choice to allow/disallow any specific permission(s) from the list of all the permissions asked by app. You can make and change your choices any time even after installing the app.

Besides announcing the name, Google also announced the release of the official Android 6.0 SDK and final M Preview. It means that, developers can use Android’s latest API, API level 23, in their Android apps and publish them on the Play Store. The final M preview is available for Nexus 5, 6, 9, and the Nexus Player. If you want to try it out, then you can do so by waiting for an OTA update or by downloading the device system images.



Google announces standalone website for Hangouts

  
Jordanna Chord, a software engineer at Google, has announced on her Google+ page that Google has given Hangouts its own personal domain name on the internet. She added, "From our new site you'll be able to take advantage of the best of Hangouts in the browser, along with an inspiring image to get you through the day." 


Earlier, there were three ways to access Hangouts, though Gmail, Google+, or though brower plugins. While methods are still available, the aim of the new website is to makes things much more straight forward. Users simply need to sign-in to their Google account and visit the Hangouts website. It will welcome you and will show three quick options to initiate video call, audio call, or chat.


From the sidebar on the left, users can easily switch among contacts, conversations, and phone calls. The rest of the options can be accessed by clicking on the 'three dot' icon present just below the phone calls option. It will give you access to settings and links to the Hangouts app download page. The Hangouts website also shows new images in the background that keep changing over time. 


Recently, Google also released an update for Hangouts app on Android and they have already made Hangouts the sole messaging app after shutting down GTalk earlier this year.  Other than this, Google has also announced Marshmallow as the official name of Android M along with the release of Android API level 23 and final M preview for users to try out.



Lenovo and Moto will 'Make in India' too

  
Lenovo announced today that it will make smartphones for its own brand and for Motorola Mobility in India, out of its manufacturing plant in Sriperumbudur, Chennai. Moto E units are already rolling out of the Chennai plant, while Lenovo has stated that its K3 Note will follow soon. The plant presently has a 6 million units manufacturing capacity, with Lenovo projecting a target of 14 million units manufacturing capacity for the next fiscal year.

The plant will house separate manufacturing lines for Motorola and Lenovo devices, and will have 1,500 employees for manufacturing, testing and assembly lines. The companies have stated “huge success” in India as the reason to decide on manufacturing in the country. Previously, Lenovo had PC manufacturing plants in the country, and hopes to see similar success with its cellphones too. 

Chen Xudong, President MBG group and Chairman of Motorola Mobility Operating Board, stated via the official press release, “Lenovo is not new to manufacturing in India. We recognised the potential of India and invested in PC manufacturing several years ago. 

We are excited to expand our presence, and tap into India’s competent talent pool that will enable us to develop cutting-edge products for our customers across the world.” Alongside manufacturing, supply chain operation and back-end services integration are also under way. Amar Babu, Chairman of Lenovo India and COO of Lenovo Asia-Pacific, stated that manufacturing locally in India will not result in online-only cellphones like the Lenovo K3 Note to be brought to offline retail stores. Distribution strategies are presently being discussed, but as of now, the cellphones will be sold and distributed using the existing system only.

Wednesday, 29 July 2015

Motorola launches 3rd gen Moto G: SD410, water resistance

  
Motorola has announced the 3rd generation of its mid-range smartphone, Moto G. Moto G 3rd generation features 3 feet of water resistance for a continued duration of 30 minutes, along with a quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor, 13-megapixel Sony IMX214 CMOS sensor with multi-layer IR filter (same as the Nexus 6), 5-megapixel front camera, and runs Android v5.1.1.


Moto G 3rd generation will have two models. The cheaper one, at Rs. 11,999, will have 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, while the more expensive one at Rs. 13,999 will have 2GB of RAM and 16GB internal storage. Both the variants will be fit with an expandable memory slot. To promote sales,Motorola India’s General Manager Amit Boni has stated that existing Moto G users can exchange their old phones for the 3rd generation Moto G and avail a hefty discount. Additionally, new buyers will get a host of offers and discounts until August 2, including Myntra and Flipkart gift vouchers, 100 percent cashbacks, 100 Moto 360 smartwatches at Re. 1 and bundled deals with service provider Airtel that include free data and Wynk subscription.
Motorola was expected to launch the 3rd generation smartphone today, after sending invites about a week ago. The 3rd generation Moto X, which has also been rumoured and leaked quite often lately, was also touted for a launch, but it was not unveiled today. The 3rd generation Moto G, with a 5” HD display, will primarily rival the Rs. 12,999-priced Asus Zenfone 2 (2GB RAM, 16GB storage), Xiaomi Mi 4i 16GB, and the lower-priced Lenovo K3 Note and Yu Yureka Plus. Moto G will be sold exclusively via Flipkart, and will be available online from tonight, 12am onwards.
Here's what Motorola has enlisted in the Press Release about what's new in the 3rd generation Moto G:

Advanced water resistance
Water is your phone’s worst enemy. IPX7-rated protection keeps your Moto G (3rd Gen) safe from splashes and accidental drops in water. Designed to withstand immersion in up to 3 feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes, provided the back cover is properly sealed. Not designed to work while submerged underwater. Do not use while swimming, or subject it to pressurised streams of water.

 Stronger battery
Go all day without plugging in thanks to a long-lasting 2470 mAh battery. Think about everything you want to do, not how much time you have to do it*
Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 410 processor with quad-core CPU and 4G LTE
We have upgraded Moto G (3rd Gen) to the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 410 processor with a 1.4 GHz quad-core CPU. The Moto G (3rd Gen)  will have 4G LTE network speed capability which means users have faster internet, streaming, gaming and instant connectivity.

 Android™ OS, Lollipop
The Moto G is powered by Android™ 5.1, Lollipop, the latest released version of the world’s most popular mobile OS and delivers a pure Android experience. That means we don’t hide the operating system under custom skins that get in the way and take up valuable resources. It also means your Moto G (3rd Gen) is a beautiful, intuitive, and fast performing device. The phone doesn't slow down or eat up your storage space as the device brings a pure Android experience. 

 Camera
13 MP rear camera: The best camera ever available on a Moto G (3rd Gen) yet. Featuring a 13 MP imaging sensor, f2.0 lens, and Hybrid Multilayer IR cut filter, you can truly capture the best looking images in any lighting condition. And when ambient lighting isn't enough, the new Dual Dynamic Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) flash automatically adjusts to ensure you get natural looking skin tones and consistent vibrant colours.

 5 MP front camera: You’ll look great whether you’re taking a selfie or chatting on a video call. The front camera offers a wide 72 degree field of view, and features Motorola’s “Best Shot” feature which captures multiple shots before and after you touch the screen, recognising issues like blurred subjects or blinking eyes and recommends the best picture to keep, so you always get the best shot. In darker conditions, the phone’s display will even flash to add a little extra light to your shot.
Quick Capture
Instantly launch the camera by twisting your wrist twice. Twist twice again and switch to the front camera.

 Chop twice for flashlight
Flick your wrist twice quickly to launch the flashlight and repeat to turn it off. No need to unlock your phone or take off your gloves to get the light that you need.

 Moto Display
Moto Display gives you a simple, discrete preview of notifications and updates, so you don’t have to wake your phone to see what’s going on.

 Updated design
The back of the Moto G (3rd Gen) now features an updated design with a new metallic accent around the camera and a new texture for additional grip, plus the same great curved design for easy one-handed use.

 5-inch HD display
Bring videos, pictures, and everything else to life on this brilliant, scratch-resistant HD display that spans edge to edge. With 294 pixels per inch, it’s incredibly sharp, so text and images always appear crisp and clear. And it’s protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, an extra-evolved glass that’s designed to be tough and take scratches and scrapes. 

Free upgrade across 190 nations - Windows 10 launched

  
The much-spoken-about OS. Windows 10, is finally here, presently rolling out as a free upgrade for users across 190 nations. Windows 10, the much-hyped successor to Windows 8, is here, and is presently being given out to existing Windows users across 190 nations. Launch events are being held in 13 cities, including New Delhi. The new operating system has undergone eight months of development, right from adding new features to innumerable patches and fixes. Microsoft’s Windows Insider program, that gave rolling updates to Windows testers, has already given an extensive preview into what can be expected out of Windows 10, and here is officially what’s new.

Microsoft is touting Windows 10 to be the “most secure” Windows ever, with new features as the Edge browser, Cortana, Photos, Xbox app and a number of new features. Windows 10 has also been said to be the ’final’ version of Windows, and Microsoft will be providing rolling updates to keep the operating system up-to-date with future standards. Additionally, Windows 10 is not being looked at as a standalone PC operating system, but as a universal platform for multiple devices of varying form factor, echoing CEO Satya Nadella’s objective of providing a universal platform for all devices. Windows 10 also features Continuum, which will allow future Windows 10 Mobile devices to convert into the PC form factor when connected to a larger display and a keyboard bundle.
Windows 10 is more personal and productive, with voice, pen and gesture inputs for natural interaction with PCs. It’s designed to work with Office and Skype and allows you to switch between apps and stay organized with Snap and Task View. Windows 10 offers many innovative experiences and devices, including the following:
  • Cortana, the personal digital assistant, makes it easy to find the right information at the right time.
  • New Microsoft Edge browser lets people quickly browse, read, and mark up and share the Web.
  • The integrated Xbox app delivers the Xbox experience to Windows 10, bringing together friends, games and accomplishments across Xbox One and Windows 10 devices.
  • Continuum optimizes apps and experiences beautifully across touch and desktop modes.
  • Built-in apps including Photos; Maps; Microsoft’s new music app, Groove; and Movies & TV offer entertainment and productivity options. With OneDrive, files can be easily shared and kept up-to-date across all devices.
  • A Microsoft Phone Companion app enables iPhones, Android or Windows phones to work seamlessly with Windows 10 devices.
  • The all new Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 tablets are available today in the Windows Store4. Built for work on-the-go, the Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps offer a consistent, touch-first experience for small tablets. And for all your digital note taking needs, the full featured OneNote app comes pre-installed with Windows 10. The upcoming release of the Office desktop apps (Office 2016) will offer our richest feature set for professional content creation. Designed for the precision of a keyboard and mouse, these apps will be optimized for large screen PCs, laptops, and 2-in-1 devices like the Surface Pro.

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Full number portability to be available by July: Ravi Shankar Prasad

  
IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has announced full Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will be available from July this year. The minister further announced state-run telecom operator BSNL will start offering free roaming services to its users in the country starting June 15. The telecom operator will also be making Wi-Fi hotspots operational in major tourist spots in the coming two years.Pan-India mobile number portability has been one of the important points of the National Telecom Policy 2012. However, roll-out of the service had seen several delays.

The earlier deadline to roll out full MNP was May 3, but a recent report said the government had extended the deadline as telecom operators hadn't completed testing necessary software. The latest set of announcements come shortly after the government allowed customers dial STD mobile numbers without adding 0 or +91 – move that was considered a major step towards implementation of the full MNP in India. Operators such as Vodafone and MTS have already rolled out the feature.
"The dropping of 0 and +91 was in order to facilitate timely implementation of nationwide MNP. Without this, it would have taken nine months or so to implement MNP. Now, a small number of customers may have to pay STD charges if not aware of it. However, as the price differential between local and STD charges are not great, customers may find this a small price to pay to enjoy national MNP,” Rajan S Mathews, director general of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) had said. "Otherwise if some companies do not have the technology in place, subscribers of other companies would not be able to reach them."As far as BSNL goes, the operator has been making efforts to sustain the competition. Recently, the operator launched a carry forward scheme that allowed its subscribers to use unused data after the new recharge.
For the landline segment, the operator had announced unlimited free calling scheme from its fixed line phones to any operator including mobiles from May 1 in order to boost its landline business. BSNL has also announced slashing 3G tariffs by 50 percent as part of its 8th phase of network expansion.

Windows 10 to release on July 29, confirms Microsoft

  
Microsoft has announced the release of its Windows 10 OS from July 29th. The software maker has started prompting users with Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 to reserve their free upgrade to Windows 10 OS.Many users have started getting the “Get Windows 10″ prompt on their devices. Redditt user p4block reported the message for his Windows 8 computer and after that other users have also confirmed receiving the message for their Windows 7 and Windows 8 devices as well. Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7.

Microsoft has preloaded Windows 10 OS with Voice assistance Cortana Integration, a new browser- Microsoft Edge and Windows Defender anti malware protection. Apart from this Windows 10 also brings new photos, music, maps, mail, calendar and more apps to users.

Microsoft states in a press release," From the return of the Start Menu to the variety of innovative features, Microsoft created a more personal, fun and productive Windows experience".
Microsoft explains the “How this free upgrade works”:
1. Users have to reserve their FREE upgrade to Windows 10 now. It will download once available, and users can cancel their reservation at any time.
2. Users will get a notification after Windows 10 is downloaded to their device. They can choose to install the upgrade right away or choose a time according to their convenience.
3. After the install, Windows 10 can use it right away.

The asterisk at the bottom explains that the free upgrade is a full version of Windows 10 and requires 3GB for the download. The prompt also stated that the free upgrade will be available for a limited time period for a year and after that users will have to pay for the Windows 10 OS update. Earlier today Window 10 pricing and release date were accidently leaked by online retailer Newegg.com. The listing reveals that the Windows 10 OEM copies will be released on August 31. The Professional version will be priced at $149 and the Home edition will cost $109. In 2012 Newegg.com had also started taking pre-orders of Windows 8 before its official launch. Microsoft is planning to launch the OS for all devices ranging from low cost smartphones to desktops. In a report the company had stated that it plans to make the Windows 10 OS available for a billion devices in the next two to three years.


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