Tag Archive for Android

Tablet PC

DataWind Surpasses Micromax and Apple: Leads Tablet Market with 15.3% Share

by Rohit Khurana • June 5, 2013

DataWind, the maker of Aakash tablet has occupied the lead position in the supply of tablet computers in India. According to the Quarterly Tablet Market report for Q1 2013 by Cyber Media Research, DataWind has grabbed 15.3% market share, thereby surpassing Micromax with 12.3% and Apple with 11.7% market shares.

It has to be noted that the supply of 100,000 Aakash 2 tablets to IIT Bombay on May 1, 2013 is not included in the report and it comprises only of commercial sales volume.

Following this report, DataWind CEO, Suneet Singh Tuli said, “The enormous demand for our products helps validate our focus on affordability and connectivity. Unlike many in this industry that are focused on providing media tablets to the elite, our focus is to enable Indians with their first computer at an affordable price.”

He also added that, “Our flagship product, the UbiSlate 7C+, is also the world’s lowest cost phablet for only Rs.4,999 inclusive of all duties and taxes in the Indian market. In addition to WiFi connectivity, the device takes a regular SIM card, allowing the user to make calls or access the internet on its quad-band Edge modem – and with DataWind’s special web acceleration technology it allows a fast and rich internet experience, anytime and anywhere.”

DataWind has not only been recognized in the global market as the maker of low-cost tablets, but also has been awarded for its patented breakthrough web delivery platform, which will deliver a fast, rich and affordable web experience on its devices.

Additionally, Dr. HamadounToure, Secretary General, International Telecommunications Union (ITU) entrusted DataWind with the most Innovative Access Device Award at the NTA ICT World Communication Awards.

So long DataWind was selling its devices mainly through the call-centre, UbiSlate.com and via other e-commerce retailers, but, now, it has been announced that the company is planning to set up retail stores this summer to enable easier purchase.

News

Karbonn Mobiles Partners With Vodafone For Free Data Plans

by Hans Gogia • June 4, 2013

One of the India’s leading smartphone manufacturer, Karbonn Mobiles had launched its latest flagship device Titanium S5 earlier this year which has been playing well in the markets. On 3rd June 2013 Karbonn made an announcement about their partnership with Vodafone to provide free high speed internet access to its customers.

As per the deal all vodafone customers existing or new buying a Karbonn Titanium S5 can avail the benefit of 1GB free 3G/EDGE data per month for the first 3 months from activation of this scheme whereas all new vodafone customers buying Karbonn Smart A12 can avail free 500MB 3G/EDGE data for first 2 months from activation.

Sony Unleashes Xperia M, M dual with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and Premium Sony Features

by Rohit Khurana • June 4, 2013

Sony has announced the launch of mid-range Android smartphone – Xperia M and its dual SIM variant – Xperia M dual. Running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS, the Xperia M comes with exciting features and specifications and has a thin form factor while comparing it to its rivals.

At the launch, Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications said, “Consumers looking for their first steps into the world of Xperia smartphones, would be well-advised to look at Xperia M or Xperia M dual. Both models benefit from Sony’s proven innovation and engineering expertise, and are perfect for those who want the premium technology and experiences often only associated with high-end models.”

Xperia M Specifications

Measuring only 9.3mm and 115 grams in thickness and weight, the Xperia M houses a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 800×480 pixels. Further, boasting a 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the Xperia M runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and packs a 5-megapixel rear shooter and a VGA front camera. Also, the Xperia M comes with 4GB internal memory, up to 32GB expandable storage and 1GB RAM and packs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 3G and a 1,750 mAh battery.

Xperia M Availability

The Xperia M and Xperia M dual would be available in Black, White and Purple and a Yellow color variation would also be available for the single SIM model. These phones would go on sale globally in Q3 2013.

Omni Balance Design

The iconic Omni Balance design, which debuted with Xperia Z smartphone enables the handset to be incredibly slim and lightweight.

Software Features

Of course, the Xperia M not only comes with improved hardware, but also packs some interesting and amazing software features.

Battery Stamina Mode

Xperia M has Battery Stamina Mode, which will offer enhanced standby time by up to four folds. This can be achieved by closing the apps that are running behind draining the power soon as the screen is off and again starting them when the screen is unlocked.

Walkman, Movies and Album

Sony has preloaded media applications such as Walkman, Album and Movies in the Xperia M. These features offer consistent entertainment experience across a wide range of Sony devices.

Tablet PC

HCL ME Connect 2G 2.0 Tablet with Voice Calling Launched at Rs 8,499: Specs, Features and More

by Rohit Khurana • June 4, 2013

A couple of months back, India based venture HCL launched a slew of tablets like ME U2, ME V1 and ME Y3. Now, the company appears to have expanded its portfolio with the launch of another voice calling tablet called ME Connect 2G 2.0. Priced at Rs 8,499, the tablet comes with impressive specifications and features.

In terms of technical specs, the ME Connect 2G 2.0 houses a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 800×480 pixels and is fitted with a 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 processor and Mali-400 GPU. Also, the tablet includes a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera and packs 4GB of internal storage expandable to up to 32GB. Further, the ME Connect 2G 2.0 is loaded with a 3,800 mAh battery.

Detailing on the connectivity aspects, the HCL tablet is packed with features like in-built 2G for voice calling, 3G via dongle, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS.

On the software side, the HCL ME Connect 2G 2.0 is preloaded with freebies worth Rs 2,000 and is preloaded with applications including BigFlix, Hungama, Readwhere, Paytm, Facebook, Twitter and apps from range of categories such as Games, Business, Communication, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Education, Health and more. Also, the tablet supports regional languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and more.

HCL ME Connect 2G 2.0 Specifications

7-inch capacitive touchscreen display with 800×480 pixels
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS
1GHz cortex A9 CPU
2-megapixel rear camera, VGA front camera
2G, 3G (via USB dongle), WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth
1GB RAM, 4GB internal memory, 32GB expandable memory with microSD
3,800 mAh battery

The HCL ME Connect 2G 2.0 tablet is priced at Rs. 8,499. It is available across all major stores and online portals and will be supported by an integrated after sales service application – HCL Touch, a 24X7 one touch service facility.

With a price point of Rs 8,499 and with voice calling functionalities, HCL ME Connect 2G 2.0 will be facing some stiff competition against the likes of Salora Fontab, Lava ETAB Connect and the Micromax Funbook Talk P360 among others.

Smartphone

MTS Duet: Dual SIM Smartphone Outed at Rs 4,779 to Outshine Samsung Galaxy Star

by Rohit Khurana • June 4, 2013

While tech titans like Apple prefer to launch high-end smartphones for consumers, native handset vendors focus on ultra low cost Android handsets with dual SIM support. One such vendor – MTS, who is a telco known for its connected devices has announced the launch of MTS Duet, which is priced at Rs 4,779.

Talking of specs, the MTS Duet packs a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 320×480 pixels and runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. Further, the MTS Duet comes powered with a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 processor and packs a 3-megapixel rear camera. Also, the smartphone has 512MB RAM, expandable storage up to 32GB and a 1,200 mAh battery.

MTS Duet Specifications

3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display with 320×480 pixels
1GHz Snapdragon S1 processor
512MB RAM
Expandable storage up to 32GB via microSD card
3-megapixel rear camera
1200 mAh battery
Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS

MTS Duet Price & Availability

MTS Duet is priced at Rs 4,779 and will be available in metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai.

MTS Duet Freebies

As an introductory offer, MTS is offering the customers with unlimited local calls and data usage for 2 months with a recharge of Rs 599. Also, it has been announced by Leonid Musatov, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, MTS India that there will be more such dual SIM smartphone launches this year with bundled data packages powered by MBlaze Data Network.

Competition with Samsung Galaxy Star

Analyzing the specifications, it can be said that the MTS Duet can be a competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Star, which has been recently launched in India at Rs 5,240. The Galaxy Star packs a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels, 1GHz processor and 512MB RAM. Running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, the smartphone comes with a 2-megapixel rear camera, 4GB internal storage and micro SD card up to 32GB. Further, Galaxy Star boasts connectivity aspects such as 2G, Bluetooth, micro USB and Wi-Fi and is loaded with a 1,200 mAh battery.

Galaxy Star also comes with Galaxy Star comes with a special plan from Vodafone, which offers 250MB free 2G data per month for 2 months and is valid up to July 31, 2013.

Hence, the Galaxy Star and MTS Duet could be great competitors that can woo the Indian price conscious consumer base.

Smartphone

iBall Cobalt Andi4 7G Launched with Quad-Core CPU at Rs 19,995: Top 5 Challengers Listed

by Rohit Khurana • June 3, 2013

With the success of quad-core phablets, especially the budget offerings in India, the manufacturers are in a rage to launch such devices. Now, iBall has come up with one such phablet with beefed up specs like a quad-core processor and other impressive aspects.

The latest one is none other than Cobalt Andi4 7G with a price tag of Rs 19,995. The new member in iBall’s Andi range of smartphones comes equipped with an HD display, is powered by a quad-core processor, and offers a 5-megapixel front camera which is a rarity even in phones falling in the high end segments.

The iBall Cobalt Andi4 7G comes with a 4.7-inch IPS HD display with 1280×720 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 312 PPI. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with a quad-core 1.2GHz Cortex A7 processor with 1GB RAM and 16 GB internal memory, which is expandable up to 32GB using a microSD. On connectivity front the dual-SIM phone supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi hotspot, and unlike many low tier brands it also supports OTA updates.

There is a USB connector support to connect keyboard and mouse through this USB Slot. Apart from this, there is a 12-megapixel auto-focus rear camera with a dual LED flash along with a 5-megapixel auto-focus front camera. Other features in the phone include a 2,200mAh battery, G-Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Light and Magnetic Sensors.

Specifications

4.7 inch IPS capacitive screen with 1280×720 pixels resolution.

1.2GHz Quad core MT6589 + PowerVR SGX 544MP.

1GB RAM, 16GB storage and micro SD card support.

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS.

12-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front camera

3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dual MIC for noise cancellation, OTG function, micro USB, GPS

2,200 mAh battery

Price

iBall might have priced the Cobalt Andi4 7G at Rs 19,995, which might sound costly, but the smartphone is available on eBay at Rs 17,499.

Competition

The Cobalt Andi4 7G will be competing against other similar smartphones that also boast similar specs like quad-core processor and HD display. Have a look at the competitors of the iBall phablet below.

Zen Ultrafone 701 HD

Zen Ultrafone 701 HD is the first quad-core based handset with a 5-inch capacitive touchscreen with a screen resolution of 1280×720 pixels. The 8-megapixel autofocus rear camera with BSI sensor along with a LED flash and the stunning 3.2-megapixel front facing camera adds yet another plus point to the device. Ultrafone 701 HD comes with 1GB RAM and internal storage capacity of 4GB that can be extended via external storage up to 32GB. This phablet runs on a 1.2GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6589 processor and has 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS alongside a 2,000mAh battery.

At Rs 11,999, the Zen offering is relatively lesser than the iBall Cobalt Andi4 7G, but the latter comes with increased internal storage and better front camera.

Xolo Q1000

Lava International announced the launch of Xolo Q1000 boasting a 5-inch HD IPS capacitive touchscreen display with DragonTrail Glass and a resolution of 1280×720 pixels. The Xolo Q1000 comes with 1.2GHz quad-core processor and runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The phablet houses an 8-megapixel rear camera with BSI sensor, 1.2-megapixel front camera for video calling, 1GB RAM and 4GB internal memory, which can be expanded to 32GB. Further, packed with connectivity features like 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, the Xolo Q1000 is loaded with a 2,100 mAh battery.

With a price tag of Rs 14,999, the Xolo Q1000 is also cheaper than the iBall smartphone, which is equipped with improved camera. However, the Xolo Q1000 comes with a scratch resistant protection on the display.

Spice Stellar Pinnacle Pro Mi-535

Spice Mobiles launched the Stellar Pinnacle Pro Mi-535 with a 5.3-inch IPS capacitive touchscreen with 960×540 pixel resolution. The Stellar Pinnacle Pro Mi-535 comes with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and houses a 1.2GHz quad-core processor. Also, boasting an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash and an amazing 5-megapixel front camera for video calling, the Spice phablet comes with 1GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, which can be expanded to up to 32GB via micro SD card. Further, the phablet has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS and a 2,550mAh battery.

Priced at Rs 14,990, the Spice offering also comes with similar specifications as the iBall Cobalt Andi4 7G with a slightly better display resolution.

Celkon A119Q Signature HD

Celkon has also entered the quad-core phablet segment with the launch of A119Q Signature HD, which comes with a 5-inch IPS touchscreen with 1280×720 pixel resolution. Running on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean and housing a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, the A119Q Signature HD comes with 1GB RAM, 4GB internal storage and a microSD card slot to expand memory up to 32GB. Also, the Celkon phablet has a 12-megapixel auto-focus snapper at the rear and a 3-megapixel front camera which can be used for video calling. It provides connectivity through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G and features a 2,100mAh battery.

With Rs 12,499 price tag, the Celkon phablet may be priced lower, but the iBall offering has increased internal storage and better camera performance.

Micromax A110Q Canvas 2 Plus

Micromax has launched the successor of Canvas 2 A110 – A110Q Canvas 2 Plus. The phablet boasts a 5-inch HD IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 480×854 pixels. A110Q Canvas 2 Plus comes with 1.2GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6589M processor and runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The phablet houses an 8-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front camera for video calling, 1GB RAM and 4GB internal memory, which can be expanded to 32GB. Further, packed with connectivity features like 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, the A110Q Canvas 2 Plus is loaded with a 2,000 mAh battery.

At a price of Rs 12,100, the A110Q Canvas 2 Plus comes with improved specifications and is priced lesser, but the iBall Cobalt Andi4 7G boasts better battery and improved camera features.

Smartphone

HTC One, One X+ Prices Slashed in India, Available at Rs 26,500 and Rs 29,900

by Rohit Khurana • June 3, 2013

HTC One has been announced in India and it is definitely an expensive smartphone for many as it is priced at Rs 42,900 hinting that the consumers will have to shell out more to buy the new shiny Ultrapixel phone.

However, if, all of your excitement for HTC One has droned looking at the heavy price and you feel like the Taiwanese giant has crushed you dreams for a superphone upgrade, well here is some good news for you. The company has also announced a price cut on two of its existing handsets in the Indian market – HTC One X and One X+.

Till now One X and One X+ smartphones were selling in India at a price of Rs 32,000 and Rs 38,550. However, according to the latest information, the flagship One series smartphones are available at attractive discount on various e-commerce sites.

The 16GB variant of One X, has received a price drop of around Rs 6,000 and is now available at Rs 26,500 on Flipkart, on the other hand, 64GB variant of One X+ sold has received a massive slash of Rs 9,000 and is now available at Rs 29,900 on the Flipkart.

On the exterior, the One X+ looks quite similar to the One X with a change in the color scheme and Beats insignia. However, it has many internal changes as it is a revamped version of the handset. Being an upgraded version, One X+ has four major improvements including faster processor, increased internal storage capacity, bigger battery and 4G support.

Specwise, One X+ packs a 4.7 inch Super LCD 2 capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, quad core 1.7GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 AP37 processor, 8MP rear camera, 1.6MP front camera, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, 64GB internal storage, 1GB RAM, 25GB free Dropbox storage for two years, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 2,100 mAh Li-Po battery delivering 6 hours of talk time.

On the other hand, HTC One – the Apple of the HTC fans’ eye has received the Jelly Bean upgrade and further sports a 4.7 inch Super LCD 2 capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, quad core 1.5GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera for video calling, 16GB/32GB internal storage, 1GB RAM, Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth, NFC and a 1,800 mAh Li-ion battery offering up to 8 hours backup.