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BlackBerry Z3 launched in India for Rs. 15990

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BlackBerry has launched the BlackBerry Z3, the company's latest budget smartphone in the Z series, as we reported last week. It was announced earlier this year at the MWC and is one of the first BlackBerry smartphones made by Foxconn. It packs a 5-inch qHD screen, powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and 1.5GB RAM. It runs on the latest BlackBerry 10 OS, comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 1.1-megapixel front-facing camera. It has 1.5GB RAM, 8GB of internal storage with microSD expansion slot and packs a 2500 mAh battery that promises up to 15.5 hours talk time and up to 16.2 days standby. At the launch, Sunil Lalvani, Managing Director BlackBerry India said, The new BlackBerry Z3 offers consumer engaging user experience with all the features of BlackBerry 10 combined in one powerful smartphone. The BlackBerry Z3 is also the first smartphone to be introduced from our strategic partnership with Foxconn and it further strengthens our commitment to enhance our devices portfolio. BlackBerry Z3 is the ultimate smartphone that gives users more ways to connect, share and communicate, providing the best tool for secure, reliable communications and collaboration with friends, family and co-workers. BlackBerry Z3 specifications 5-inch ...

Nokia X, X+ and XL will not be getting the 2.0 X platform update

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Microsoft's mobile division signaled the continuation of its Android range of devices with the announcement of Nokia X2 yesterday. The latest Android device from the company not only sports new hardware on the inside, but also runs on the 2.0 version of the X Platform, a forked variant of Android that debuted with the original. It's basically a heavily skinned OS based on AOSP, without Google Play services, and now it looks more like Windows Phone than ever. This is thanks to the 2.0 update's visual improvements including a new quick settings menu, an app list and a multitasking switcher that has taken advantage of the new hardware home button freeing up functions for the back button. This new hardware level change has rendered the older range Nokia X, X+ and XL devices incapable of this upgrade, says Nokia in its latest blog. Because of the necessary hardware upgrades, the Nokia X software platform 2.0 won’t be available on Nokia X, Nokia X+ or Nokia XL. However, more updates will be coming to further improve the experience of those devices in the coming months. We think the addition of the new home button could be the only reason behind this, but the ...

Samsung’s Tizen based ZeQ smartphone leaked in new photo

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Samsung announced its first Tizen based smartphone Z earlier this month. Today, photos of  Samsung ZeQ have surfaced via FCC who had approved the smartphone in December last year. The photo of the device that was first spotted by SamMobile shows NTT Docomo variant that was set for launch in Japan.   Samsung ZeQ had earlier surfaced online via press leaks in January this year but the phone did not get released due to delays and unfavourable market condition. According to the photos resembles to most of Samsung's smartphones. The device has  a 4.8-inch display, an LED flash on the rear camera, a Snapdragon 800 processor and a 2600 mAh battery. There are no updates on whether NTT DoCoMo will be resuming its plan to roll out the Samsung ZeQ Tizen phone.   The pictures clearly show the Docomo symbol on the front, and Samsung ZeQ on the back. Finally, the phone will come both in single and dual-SIM variants. Yesterday Samsung announced Galaxy S5 Sport for Sprint. Via:Sam Mobile

Opera Software scoops up mobile video ad firm AdColony for $350 million

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With an aim to boost its mobile video ad offering, Opera Software has acquired mobile video advertiser AdColony. The deal was closed at $350 million of which $75 million in cash and potential earn-out payments of up to $275 million. "AdColony is a natural fit for Opera and our mobile advertising subsidiary, Opera Mediaworks. This acquisition will augment our services with a robust specialization around mobile video – the fastest growing segment within the mobile advertising industry,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software in a company statement. As a result of the acquisition, AdColony will operate as a subsidiary of Opera Mediaworks and continue to serve its existing customers, which include both mobile app publishers and major ad agencies. Also,Will Kassoy will continuing on as AdColony’s CEO. Our keen focus on the consumer experience in mobile apps combined with the massive growth of mobile video consumption worldwide, has catapulted our growth and made us a go-to partner for app developers and advertisers.  We are excited to now be part of Opera Mediaworks’ renowned global organization and look forward to unlocking tremendous synergies together.” said Will Kassoy, CEO, AdColony. AdColony delivers innovative video ads instantly in HD across the most popular iOS and Android smartphone and tablet apps globally. Prior to ...

Google Glass updated with 2GB RAM and other software updates

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Google has ramped up its hardware offering on Google Glass. The company has doubled the RAM in Glass and now the devices will ship with 2GB RAM which was earlier only 1GB.  The upgraded hardware will ensure that Glass can handle more applications simultaneously. Increase in RAM should lead to improved faster and reliable performance with Google’s wearable. All future Glass models will ship with this upgrade, although it appears that current Glass Explorers will not get a free upgrade to the new model containing 2GB RAM. Google also said that is has improved battery life by over 20%, made voice search 10% faster to Glass. Google Glass is also getting a number of software updates that will enhance its usage. For starters, Glass will boast of  a viewfinder, that pops up when you say, “Ok, Glass, show the viewfinder.” A viewfinder will appear to help you better frame your shots, at which point you can take a picture by either using a voice command, pressing the camera button, or simply winking.  Finally, Google is adding new Google Now cards to Glass that will remind you where you parked your car and let you know when packages are being shipped to you. The update to Google Glass comes only ...

Google Glass gets 12 new apps including Shazam, Runtastic, Zombies and more

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Along with doubling the RAM on the Glass, Google has also added a number of popular apps. The Glassware family is a total of 12 apps that are a mixture of music, fitness and media apps. Google Glass is getting apps like music discovery app Shazam, personal fitness trainer Runtastic, popular game Zombies Run and 94Fifty Basketball. Moving on there are apps like The Guardian for latest news update, StarChart for astronomy, foreign language tool Duolingo, football news app Goal.com, Livestream app that lets you broadcast live shows. There is also musiXmatch”, an app that identifies music and displays lyrics across Glass Here is the official list of all the 12 apps Allthecooks GuidiGo Runtastic Shazam musiXmatch The Guardian Duolingo Zombies, Run! Starchart Goal.com Livestream   

Google to unveil next Android version at the I/O conference today

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Rumors, leaks and specifications about what will Google announce at its upcoming I/O conference have been floating the internet for a long time now. It is expected that Google will make many announcements ranging from smartwatch to a new version of Android at this conference tomorrow. Android chief Sundar Pichai has said in an interview with Bloomberg that he plans to preview the new version of Android at the opening day of the I/O conference. "I want the world to understand what we are doing sooner", said Pichai in the interview. He remarked that manufactures have complained the latest versions of Android have always been revealed too late for device makers to implement. Yesterday screenshots of Android L were spotted online that might suggest a next Android version that starts from letter 'L'. However, we are not sure what the 'L' stands for, although there has been a buzz that new Android might be called as Lolipop. In addition, Google is expected to discuss Android Wear, Android Silver and touch on some new topics at the conference. Via:Bloomberg Business week

BlackBerry Z3 Photo Gallery

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BlackBerry launched the Z3, the company's latest smartphone in the Z3 series in India few hours back at a price tag of Rs. 15,990. We got to check out the device at the launch event. Check out the photo gallery of the smartphone below. The BlackBerry Z3 has a 5-inch (960 × 540 pixels) qHD touch screen display, larger than the BlackBerry Z10. It is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8230) processor with Adreno 305 GPU. It has a Blackberry logo on the front. It has a 1.1-megapixel front-facing camera with HD video recording and also has a LED notification light. It runs on the latest BlackBerry OS 10.2.1 that brings BlackBerry Priority Hub, Instant Previews, Reply Now, new BlackBerry with support for Hinglish and Hindi apart from English and more new features. The Z3 has textured back for better grip. It weighs 164 grams. It has a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and is capable of recording videos at 1080p. Even though the phone has plastic build, the quality is pretty good. It has a micro SIM slot and a microSD card slot on the right side, protected by a flap. It has 1.5GB of RAM and comes with all the connectivity ...

Oppo N1 and R1 get a price cut to Rs. 32,990 and Rs. 24,990 respectively

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Oppo N1, the previous flagship device from the company and Oppo R1, the premium mid range handset, have both got themselves a price cut in the Indian retail market. Previously sold for Rs. 39,990, the Oppo N1 will now be sold for Rs. 32,990 whereas the Oppo R1, which started selling for Rs. 26,990 will now be sold for Rs. 24,990. Replacing the flagship N1 is the new Find 7 which was announced a while back in India, and it will instead sell for Rs. 37,990. This price cut comes after the portfolio refresh that happened recently, with the announcement of the new top end devices Find 7 and the Find 7a. We had unboxed the Oppo R1 a while ago, and our initial impressions are that the price to performance ratio is skewed towards the former than the latter. On the other hand, the Oppo N1 now looks like a great option for people seeking a 6" device with no compromise in build quality or performance. While leaving way for the more potent Find 7, the N1 does occupy the position of a phablet in the company's portfolio. This is an excerpt from our N1 review, in case you are planning ...

Facebook Slingshot now available globally

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Facebook officially launched its self destructing messaging app Slingshot last week. The app which enables users to send and receive photos and 15 second videos that disappear after they are viewed was only available in the US. Today, the app has gone global is available for download worldwide for Android(Jelly Bean and KitKat) and iPhone (iOS 7). Touted as a Snapchat rival, Facebook Slingshot is a bit different. Unlike Snapchat, whose messages disappear after being viewed, users of Slingshot will have to reply with a message before they can see the intended original message. Since we launched last week, we’ve heard from lots of people around the world who are excited to give Slingshot a try. Starting today, we’re expanding our initial launch and making Slingshot available internationally! announced Slingshot in a company blog post. One of the unique features of Slingshot is that is allows users to add captions on photos and videos before sharing them. You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store via:The Next Web  

Cyanogen expands leadership team, gets three VPs on board

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Cyanogen has expanded its leadership team by hiring three new members. The company is hiring three executives from major companies to transform its open source Android project. The company has hired Dave Herman from Microsoft as VP of Product who previously held roles at Amazon, Hulu, as well as Microsoft. Cyanogen has also appointed Tyler Carper as the new VP of Engineering and he has worked at Microsoft on the Xbox and most recently worked at HTC. Finally, the company also has hired former MediaTek and Broadcom executive Vik Natarajan as VP of global partnerships and distribution. Cyanogen expanded into the corporate world as Cyanogen Inc,  it has since released two handsets with CyanogenMod pre-loaded by partnering first with Oppo and then later with OnePlus for the creation of the OnePlus One’s CyanogenMod 11S ROM. The company is adding new features and differentiating themselves the competition, and continues to look for new hardware partners that like what they are building. Cyanogen recently rebranded their logo and announced focus on three core values – Customization, Security and Open Source Via:Re Code

Android One unveiled: Reference hardware and stock Android for cheap Smartphones

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Google's Android and Chrome chief took to the stage to unveil "Android One", a new program for developing markets, using which OEMs can produce really simple low cost Android smartphones. Sundar Pichai detailed this effort to convert the masses of feature phone users to smartphones in developing markets, at the Google I/O developer event today. The program will include a set of hardware reference platforms, with stock Android being the default experience that will reach the consumers. This is certainly a bold move by Google to tackle OEM skinning and is actually taking over from the process that is currently been going on in the Mediatek space. Software wise, Sundar Pichai also promised these things that possibly tackle major requests from OEMs running their business in the sub-continent - Play Auto installs - Pre-installation of apps on the phone. You might have noticed several apps like Hike, WeChat etc on your phone, which is part of the OEM bundling, but now Google is providing an option in Android One. Full Automatic Updates - Updates will be handled by Google, and these devices will get the latest update just like the Nexus devices. A major pain point for local OEMs here that want to ...

Google I/O 2014: Android has 1 billion 30-day active users

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Google's senior Vice President for Android and Chrome, Sundar Pichai announced at the ongoing I/O developer that there are more than 1 billion 30-day active users.  This is up from 538 million active monthly users during the same period last year. Pichai further touted that Android users are sending out 20 billion text messages per day. He said that users are checking their phones 100 billion times per day. Giving insights about the ongoing selfie phenomenon he revealed that people are taking 93 million of them each day. Moving on, he further stated that Android tablets are continuing to increase its market share in the world and they account for 62% of the market share which is up from 46% since last year. Finally, Pichai said that Google's video platform YouTube has increased viewership from 28 percent last year to 42 per cent this year.   

Google unleashes Android L developer preview

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After series of leaks and speculations, Google finally announced Android 'L' at the ongoing I/O developer conference. As of now the officials are calling it simply L and it is a developer preview and not a final product.  The preview reveals that Google is putting more focus on new design elements including sleek color effects and animations. Android L boasts of a revamped UI, with refreshed and colourful status bar, dialer that has a  ripple touch effect when you touch each tab and much more. Google is also updating the Roboto font so that it works better across different device sizes. Most important or the heart of the Android L is the brand new "Material Design" which is a cross platform design language that was introduced by Google's VP Design, Matias Duarte. The Android L is characterized by this Material Design which adds a virtual texture to it thereby making it more intuitive. The entire interface is based on what Google calls a "unifying theory of a rationalized space and a system of motion. Android L will also boast of enhanced notifications and they are available at one go on the lock screen.  They can be swiped to dismiss them or tapped to open the relevant ...

Micromax, Karbonn and Spice are the first Android One program members

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Google just unveiled its new program called "Android One" at their I/O developer event today, in San Francisco. This program, which involved creating attractive low cost Android smartphones using reference hardware and stock software, already has three members. The three OEMs who are the first companies to sign up for Android One are Karbonn, Micromax and Spice, all Indian smartphone manufacturers well versed in making budget smartphones running Android. The phone we see in the above image is from Micromax, with a 4.5" screen, Dual SIM functionality, FM radio and SD card support. It has "Android One" written on its back, featured more prominently than the Micromax logo, which indicates how much of an important role it plays. With a retail price of under 100$, which is roughly less than 6,000 INR, this phone is built on reference hardware and stock Android, but also caters to OEM requests like App bundling and consistent update cycles. This will lead to unified experiences on budget Android devices, which is something you can't get right now. Also, reference hardware will make these smartphones cheaper to make for OEMs, which is just another win for consumers. So, are you excited for consistently updated budget Android smartphones ...

Google debuts Android Auto for in-car connectivity

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In addition to Android L and Android Wear, Google also unveiled its in-car connectivity OS. Dubbed as Android Auto, the voice enabled platform is especially designed for cars. The platform which was anticipated to be announced at the I/O developer conference will enable users navigate, communicate and listen to music in their cars.  Google says Android Auto is contextually aware and bringing you the information you want when you need it. This essentially means that users can access their Android phones from their car's dashboard by using touch screen or voice commands thereby ensuring safe driving. It works similar to Google Now and display's information based on your moves and needs. So if you going to the office, Android Auto will offer the route home, including an estimated travel time, and your favorite music playlist. It is fully compatible with the dials, knobs, and buttons on your dashboard and steering wheel. The driver can also speak and reply to incoming text and email messages using Google's voice input and text-to-speech systems. Major car companies  including Google, Audi, Honda, GM, Hyundai, and chipmaker Nvidia have been collaborating to bring Android safely to the car in 2014 under the Open Automotive Alliance. The first cars compatible with the system ...

Google showcases Android Wear, announces Samsung Gear Live smartwatch

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Along with announcing the the developer preview for Android L, Google showed off its much awaited Android Wear OS for wearables at the I/O conference. Announced in March earlier this year, Android Wear was demonstrated by David Singleton, director of engineering for Google. He said that the wearable platform supports both round and square screens. Also, the Android Wear will be available in "wide variety of fashionable designs. Android Wear is designed to work closely with Android smartphones, while responding to voice commands from users and showing "glanceable notifications" from apps. With an aim to ensure seamless  transitions between smartphone and smartwatch, Google has incorporated many design elements from Android L into Android Wear. Singleton said that people check their Android phones an average of 125 times a day, hence watches make it much easier to quickly access notifications and saves time. It pulls notification from your phone and you can tap each one to view more information. The watch can display phone calls being recieved on the user’s Android phone, then give the wearer an option to skip the call, or to send and SMS saying “I’ll call you back.” Android Wear also supports voice commands and ask for almost anything using "Ok Google". Users can use music controls on the ...

LG G Watch goes on sale on Google Play Store in US for $229, ships July 3rd

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Google announced that it was going to start selling the LG G Watch in the US starting from today during the Google I/O 2014 keynote where the company announced its big ambitions for Android Wear.The devices are currently up for order on the Google Play store in the US. The LG G Watch is not something which is totally new and was announced few weeks back when Google announced the Android Wear platform.The G Watch features a 1.65 inch 280x280 pixel display and is 9.95 mm thick.It has a 400 mAh battery is powered by a 1.2 GHz processor on the inside. It has 4GB of storage and 512 MB of RAM. It connects to your Android phone using Bluetooth 4 LE and is water and dust resistant.The main idea behind Android Wear is bringing notifications which you generally see on your Android phone over to your wrist. Since the device has a touchscreen, you can swipe through the various cards and is very similar to how Google Now works on your phone. The G Watch will be available in 2 colors - Black Titan and White Gold and are aimed at men and women probably. The watch will start shipping ...

Samsung Gear Live goes up or Pre-Order on Play Store in US, ships July 9th

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The Samsung Android Wear device which was leaked before Google I/O was officially announced today during the keynote as the Samsung Gear Live which is the company's first Android wear device. Unlike other Samsung smartwatches which work only with select Samsung Android phones, this watch will work on any Android phone running Android 4.3 and up which is interesting.It is also water and dust resistant. The main highlights of this device are the SuperAMOLED display and the heart rate monitor. The Gear Live has a 1.63 inch display with a 320320 pixel display resolution. It weighs 59 grams and is 8.9mm thick. It has a 300mAh battery and a 1.2GHz processor along with a 4GB of storage and 512MB of RAM. The Gear Live is currently on pre-order on the Google Play store in the US for $199 which is the same price as the Galaxy Fit and it will start shipping on July 8th.Strangely it is available only in a single color - Black at this time.The Gear Live is slightly less expensive than the LG G Watch is priced at $229. We should be getting our hands on this device soon so stay tuned to FoneArena for the coverage. Play Store Link

Samsung Gear Live coming soon to India, gets priced at Rs.15900

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Looks like the Samsung Gear live which went on Pre-order in the US is coming soon to India too. The Play store listing in India indicates that the Android wear device is coming soon to Indian shores and the store even has a price listed for the Gear Live at Rs.15900. It is interesting that the the Samsung Gear Live is priced more than the LG G Watch in India whereas it is actually priced lesser than the same in the US market.  It is worth mentioning Samsung already has some smartwatches in the market such as the Galaxy Gear which runs on Android and the newer Gear 2 , Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit which actually run on Tizen. The Gear Live marks the adoption of Android again by Samsung for a smartwatch product.  What is more interesting is that the new Gear Live works across Android phones and not restricted to just Samsung devices which actually gives the device a better chance in the market I did play around for a bit with the Gear Live at Google I/O 2014 at San Francisco earlier today and it is indeed an interesting device. But Samsung has some tough competition ...
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