Xiaomi Mi3

Xiaomi, often known as the ‘Apple of the East’ has gained a lot of fan following with its flagship phone Mi3.

DESIGN

Xiaomi Mi3 looks and feels premium, and the matte finish plastic on the back panel could almost be mistaken for metal. The phone's built from an aluminum-magnesium alloy frame that gives it a kind of sturdiness that should translate to durability. At 8.1mm, the Mi3 is not slim by any measure, and the long frame has sharp corners. The phone is pretty comfortable to use and hold in one hand.

HARDWARE

The Xiaomi Mi3 sports a 5 inch Full HD IPS LCD display which offers crisp text and pictures with pretty good viewing angles. The color rendering of the 1080 p display with 441ppi density is impressive and quite vivid. However, the screen is very reflective, and has sub-par legibility outdoors in sunlight. Powered by a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB RAM, the phone packs quite a punch and the performance is snappy. The 16GB internal storage with the absence of a memory card slot would disappoint most.

SOFTWARE

Xiaomi smartphones are powered by MIUI, a heavily customized Android fork based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project). The MIUI version in Mi3 runs on the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat but mimics iOS a lot. MIUI allows uninstalling pre-loaded apps, and is a welcome feature. Few security features included in MIUI are pretty good and take care of the usual Android annoyances. There's a built-in virus scan and an innovative permission manager for apps through which you can allow or deny an app access to a certain feature or functionality.

Verdict

The Mi3 is nicely built phone with great pricing. It is one of the best gadget of 2K14.

PS

Xiaomi is pronounced by Zio-mi by some, Ziaoo-my by some, but actually it is pronounced as SHAO-ME. xD 

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Technology Buzz of July

Facebook Messenger

Facebook forces users to download its only messenger app. Facebook has given users one week time to download its standalone messenger app. They are about to remove chat from their main app and shift everything to its messenger.

Apple MacBook Pro Retina 

According to rumors, Apple to release its updated Retina MacBook Pro today (07/29/14). According to an image leaked it features 16 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard Drive. Official pricing and release date are not clearly available.

ASUS ZenFone

ASUS releases its incredible ZenFone 4,5 and 6. Get to know about it here --> ASUS - ZenFone.

Karbonn A50s

Karbonn A50s, £26 phone can cause worry to Apple and Samsung. Officially it is only on sale in India but Britons can buy it online and get it shipped to the UK for a small charge, and because of its cheapness it attracts no duty charges. You get 512 MB RAM and SDcard support up to 32 GB.

Imoji app

A new app let you turn your selfies and other images into text-able emojis. An app called Imoji allow users to turn a pic into emoji. One can edit its background also. Users can also choose to make a sticker private or allow others to use it by making it public.


Sources : Google News

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ASUS intros Transformer Book T300 CHI

Asus announces a super-thin hybrid laptop, Transformer Book T300 CHI, with the whopping display of 2560x1480, on 02 July 2016

TRANSFORMER BOOK T300 CHI SPECS

Processor - Next Gen Intel® Core™ Processor

OS System - Windows 8.1/Windows 8.1 Pro

Memory - LP DDR3 1600MHz 2GB/4GB

Storage - iSSD

Display - 12.5" WQHD(2560 x 1480)

Graphic - Intel® HD Graphics

Camera - HD Camera

Battery - Li-Polymer

Price - Yet to be announced

PROS

• Good Display
• Thin

CONS

• Only one micro-USB port
• No micro-SD card slot

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Microsoft announced new Surface Pro 3

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is a Surface Series Windows 8.1 tablet. It was announced on 20 May, 2014 in a event in New York. It is the successor to the Microsoft Surface Pro 2.

Surface Pro 3 Tablet Specs:

Display : multi-touch 12-inch clear full HD 2160x1440 resolution

Processor : i3, i5 or i7 Intel Core 4th generation/ TPM Chip

Storage : 64GB or 128GB (4GB RAM); 256GB or 512GB (8GB RAM)

Software : Windows 8.1

Cameras : 5.0 mp rear ; 5.0 mp front

Connectivity : Wi-Fi 802.11ac/802.11 a/b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.0

Battery : 9 hours

microSD card reader; Full-size USB 3.0; Mini DisplayPort; Headset jack;

Cover port

Size: 11.5 x7.93x0.36 inches (292.1x201.4x 9.1 mm)

Weight: 1.76 pounds or 800 gm

Ambient light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer

Features multiple kickstands

PROS

• Bigger Display Screen
• Long Battery Life
• Table Cover

CONS

• Expensive
• Microsoft App World
• Uncomfortable Stylus

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Top Apps of 2013

Apps make the world of the mobile smart devices go around. It is basically one of the reasons why we just can’t get enough of our smartphone or tablet – without apps, we might as well go back to the Jurassic age of boring feature phones where the only novelty you can find is the game “Snake”. Undoubtedly, at this day and age, with so many developers releasing countless apps, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. So we’ve checked out some of the best apps of 2013 that you may have missed and would still want to check out.

1. Candy Crush Saga 

It was the highest grossing app on both Android and iOS in 2013. It is a typical fancy and fun twists “match-three” mobile game very much similar to the legendary Tetris and Bejewelled. Truly a game of strategy that require throughtful moves, Candy Crush Saga is extremely popular on Facebook.



2. Snapchat 

A popular “self-destructing” photo-sharing app that features smart filters, front facing flash and other exciting services. You just need to snap a photo or a video then simply add a caption then send it to a friend. Each snaps lives for 24 hours until it disappears.



3. Temple Run 2

It is the much-awaited sequel from Imangi Studios and of one of the most successful independent games apps on smartphones. With over 170 million downloads, Temple Run 2, actually ascended to the top of App stores and Play stores across various platforms.



4. 4 Pics 1 Word

It is a simple yet highly addictive Android game, which became a number one hit with over 100,000,000 word enthusiasts worldwide. The game gives you endless fun with exciting and tricky puzzles to work on. Simply guess the word and unlock the levels as you go along.



5. You Tube

This App was one of the original integrations created by HotSuite. It underwent major alteration earlier this year and now comprises a lot of exciting features. Aside from uploading, viewing, and sharing videos to social networks, you can also have multiple YouTube account support and in-dash video editing. You can also personalize recommendations with the YouTube Analytics app to keep track of your video success.



6. Instagram

 It is the most-installed mobile photo sharing app. Instagram or more commonly known as “IG” recently incorporated its 15-seconds video-sharing service, one of its main features. What makes IG different is that users can apply digital filters on their pictures and upload them on various Social Networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Flickr. It has become popular by its hashtags “Throwback Thursday” and “Flashback Friday.”



7. Facebook

 the most downloadable social networking app on both the App Store and Play Store. Aside from its label as the most downloadable app, it is also the most visited social networking site with more than 900 million users. Today, this is the easiest way to connect and share moments with family and friends online. By merely signing up, you can easily find and connect to family and friends from either here or abroad.



8. Google Maps

One of the most installed apps of the year 2013 simply because it made navigation faster and easier. It comes with comprehensive and accurate maps of over 200 countries. It now has a voice-guided GPS navigation for driving, biking, and walking.



9. Duolingo

You’d be hardpressed to find anyone saying anything bad about Duolingo – it’s this year’s Internet golden child, and rightly so. It’s one of the best tools I’ve ever seen for learning/brushing up on a language… and it’s completely free. As part of your training, you translate bits of real world text from sites like CNN and BuzzFeed (which is how Duolingo makes any money.)





10. Despicable Me : Minion Rush

Who doesn’t love minions? If you do, chances are you already have this app. It is highly addicting because you’ll be given a chance to play as Dr. Gru’s Minion. It is hilariously entertaining with fast-paced challenges. All you need to do is collect bananas, be mischievous and defeat villains to earn the title “Minion of the Year”.

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First tablet by Nokia, Lumia 2520

Nokia has entered into the tablet segment with its first Windows RT tablet, the Lumia 2520. The company also introduced two new Windows Phone devices (Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1320), apart from three new Asha phones (Asha 500, Asha 502, and Asha 503).

The company claims that the Lumia 2520 tablet is an extension to the Lumia family, focusing on bringing more mobility to the tablet form factor, with an ergonomic and lightweight design featuring thin edges for easy grip, and 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet will be available in Red and White colours with glossy finish as well as Black and Cyan colours with matte finish. The company notes that the tablet will start shipping in Q4 2013 and will come at an estimated price of $499 (before taxes) . Further, the tablet is expected to be initially rolled out in markets such as Finland, UK and US with other countries to follow. The company also suggests that the Lumia 2520 will work with Nokia Power Keyboard which will come at a recommended price of $149.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet runs Windows RT 8.1. The tablet comes with 10.1-inch full-HD IPS LCD display and boasts enhanced outdoor readability and Corning Gorilla Glass 2. On the camera front, the tablet sports a 6.7-megapixel rear camera with Carl Zeiss optics and an f/1.9 aperture, same as found on the Nokia Lumia 720. There is also a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It is powered by 2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor along with 2GB of RAM. The tablet also comes with 32GB inbuilt storage which can be further expandable up to an additional 32GB with microSD card. It also packs a 8000mAh battery.

The Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet comes with a number of preloaded apps that the company notes are exclusive to the Lumia family such as the Dragons Adventure, an interactive game developed by Nokia in partnership with DreamWorks Animation; Nokia Storyteller, a Nokia developed app that organizes images into stories on an interactive HERE map by date and place and Nokia Video Director, an app that offers the ability to edit recorded videos as well as content from Nokia Lumia smartphones and even comes preloaded with Microsoft Office and Outlook. It also includes an exclusive version of Nokia Music with Mix Radio.

Nokia Lumia 2520 key specifications


10.1-inch full-HD IPS LCD display and with enhanced outdoor readability
2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
2GB of RAM
32GB inbuilt storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD card
Windows RT 8.1
6.7-megapixel rear camera with ZEISS optics
2-megapixel front-facing camera
8000mAh battery


Also Read : Nokia Lumia 1520 Leak

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Technolicious 2013 (Part II)

Here comes the PART (II)

IPAD MINI RETINA

iPad Mini with retina display 

This one is given. The real thrust of iPad sales are now from the Mini. Expect the same body and shell, slightly souped-up specs, more internal storage and a retina screen. On the smaller sized display, that will be a future to make those on the fence jump right in.

MOTOROLA X

This phone is touted as the world's most powerful Android phone, ever

Google bought them out and world expected a tectonic shift in smartphones. Instead, Google down scaled Motorola, withdrew from many countries and continued with the most boring phones. Enter the Motorola X, touted as the world's most powerful Android phone, ever! Stock Android, no gimmickry and smoking hardware. Can the X take on the S4?

APPLE WATCH

iFan Boys will offer their wrists up for adorning in droves

After the Pebble watch and half a dozen contenders, Apple will try to own the most premium real estate in the world - your wrist. The Apple Watch will play nicely with your iPhone and give you all info off it, plus add some functionality. Should sell well as the iFan Boys will offer their wrists up for adorning in droves.

NOKIA  41-MEGAPIXEL LUMIA

Pureview will be an incredible flagship for Nokia

This one is in the bag too. With steady sales of Lumia phones, the 520 is selling in serious numbers and the Windows interface finally gaining traction, the 41-Megapixel Pureview will be incredible flagship for the Nokia. The better be a good-looking phone. The previous Pureview didn't get purists excited.

IPHONE 5S/6

I want a new OS, fingerprint scanner, a bright full-HD screen and more

I really hope they call it the 6 as somehow this whole S thing is kind of a downer and makes the product seem like a stop-gap filler. Completely revamped, all-new OS, totally different look and feel, a fingerprint scanner, wireless charging and a bigger full-HD screen. That's the wishlist. Now how much gets delivered in Tim's Cook prerogative.

THE NEXT SAMSUNG NOTE

They will still fit in a bigger screen in a thinner frame

For the many, the Galaxy Mega phones seem to have cut the leg off any future Note phones. Not true. The next Note will up the ante with a full-HD screen and will take the stylus-aware usage of the phone to a new level, plus throw in some some typical Samsung-ish jiggery-pokery where they will be able to fit in a bigger screen in  a thinner, smaller frame. Between the S4 and the next Note, Samsung will laugh all the way to the bank.

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Technolicious 2013 (Part I)

Last December, most tech journalists rounded off 2012 with the prediction that 2013 would blow the socks off anything that 2012 had to offer. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is put and selling millions, the HTC One has made serious waves, BB has the Z10 and the Q10, Microsoft has announced the Xbox One, Google Glass has intrigued the world, the Basis Band is out to rave reviews and the world of personal trackers is on fire! Do we have much left for 2013? Actually we've just scratched the tip of the iceberg. Here's how the rest of 2013 will look like.

SCANADU SCOUT

Place it on your forehead to get an immediate analysis of your body

The Star Trek tricorder comes alive to the bridge the link between techno and health. Place it on your forehead and it gives you immediate analysis of your body; all the stuff a doctor does. It measures your temperature, blood oxygenation, stress level, gives you a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG) and BP reading, and gives you a full blown urine analysis (with an add-on kit). This disc-like device could predict you're coming down with something before it happens.

COOL LEAF TOUCHSCREEN KEYBOARD

A step forward, but typing on it is still awkward

Almost everyone seems to think that this seductive looking device is the next big thing. What's not to like? It's flat, shiny, touchscreen keyboard , very light with beautiful backlighting modes. The only problem: typing sucks like it does on all touchscreen devices. With no tactile feedback, this is like drumming your fingers against the your table - never a good sensation.

LOOXIE LX2 WEARABLE VIDEO CAM

It's a camera for your ears and you wear it like a Bluetooth headset

It's camera for your ears and you wear it like a Bluetooth headset. It streams EarCamlevel video right to your phone (iOS or Android), has internal memory and can also upload directly to the web. It's a hybrid of Google Glass, Sports Action-capturing cams, and a plain weird accessory. 

Blackberry Q5

This is a nice looking device, thin, hip and easy on the pocket

The BB 10 phone for the rest of us. After breaking the hearts of all BlackBerry users who don't have Rs. 40,000 of spare change to plonk down for the Z10 or the Q10, the Q5 may well be the tipping point. By the time this economy BB phone is out, BBM will be on all other platforms and the true test of the BB strategy will come into play. Overall this is a nice-looking device. thin, colorful and very hip. Has to be sub-15k to make a difference.

IPAD MINI RETINA

One of the most awaited device specially for me.

This one is a given. The real thrust of iPad sales are from Mini. Expect the same body and shell, slightly souped-up specs, more internal storage and a retina screen. On the smaller sized display, that will be a feature to make those on the fence jump right in.

Stay tuned for the II part. ;)

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