Wednesday, August 31, 2011

LG Optimus Black 'White Edition' available in India now

LG Optimus Black's White edition has now reached India. You can now purchase it online from Flipkart for Rs. 19,599, or from your nearest retail store.
White Edition has the same feature-set as the normal black edition- it has a 4-inch NOVA display, a 5 MP camera with LED flash, a 2 MP front camera, Android 2.2, and a 1GHz processor. It weighs only 109 grams and is just 9.2 mm thick.

LG Optimus Black 'White Edition'
Specifications:-
  • 4" WVGA capacitive touchscreen (800x480)
  • 1GHz Cortex-A8 processor, PowerVR SGX530 GPU
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 2 GB storage
  • Memory Expendable upto 32 GB
  • Quad-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA (7.2 Mbps)
  • WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, DLNA, WiFi direct
  • 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash
  • 2 MP Secondary Camera
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo)
  • 1500 mAh battery

Spice MI-410 official Gingerbread update available now

Spice has officially released Android 2.3 update for MI-410. An unofficial update was already available for the smartphone. The update is 56.7MB in size, and is available in compressed format from Spice website.
Spice MI-410
You will be able to download the update here, and to install it:-


  • Extract the RAR file using WinRar.
  • Copy the file extracted file to your memory card's root
  • Insert the SD card in your smartphone.
  • Press and hold volume up + down + power buttons until you see the image of the Android logo to enter bootloader mode.
  • Press 'Home' key to show the update utility. Use the volume buttons to select the option "Download nb0 from SD card".
  • Press 'back arrow" to confirm.
  • The upgrade will start. You can see the progress of the update while you wait.
The official update instructions from Spice are available here

Vodafone to launch Android powered Smart in India

Telecom operator Vodafone is getting ready to launch its second self branded Android device in the Indian market next month. The device is a smartphone called Smart and will be available for about Rs. 6,000-7,000.  Also known as Vodafone 858, it is already available in Europe.

Vodafone Smart
Specifications:-

  • 3G HSDPA (3.6 Mbps), Quad-band GSM
  • 2.8" QVGA touchscreen display (320x240)
  • 130 MB storage
  • 2 MP camera
  • Memory expendable up to 32GB
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo) 
  • Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
  • 528 MHz ARM 11 processor, Adreno 200 GPU
  • WiFi b/g

MapMyIndia release CarPad - Android Navigation Tablet

MapMyIndia has launched CarPad - the 7″ android powered navigation tablet for your car. The company calls it as India's first 3G connected tablet for car and navigation. The tablet doubles as an entertainment device and also provides access to the whole Android app store so that you can purchase, download and install your favorite apps.

The device will be available for Rs. 22,990 from 15 September here.


MapMyIndia CarPad

Specifications:-
  • 7" WVGA capacitive touchscreen (800x480)
  • 800 MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with Adreno 200 GPU
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo)
  • 3G HSDPA, Quad-Band GSM
  • Bluetooth 2.1
  • WiFi b/g
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • DC-in charger
  • Mini-USB , 3.5mm Earphone jack
  • FM Radio
  • GPS, G-Sensor, E-Compass, Light Sensor
  • 2 MP camera
  • 3400 mAh battery 
  • Live turn-by-turn voice navigation, 3D landmarks
  • Bundled Car Kit with head-rest and windshield  mounts
  • 8GB SD card free

Mercury launches 7" mTab in India for Rs. 9,499

Mercury, a player in computer peripherals, has launched its first tablet in India for just Rs. 9,499. The tablet, named mTab, is based on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and features a 1.2 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB inbuilt storage expandable up to 32 GB.
There is a 1.3 megapixel front camera for video conferencing and creating videos. The company claims that the mTab can play videos continuously for four hours and supports all photo and music formats. It measures 19.3cm X 11.7cm X 1.4cm, has a 7 inch WVGA TFT LCD capacitive touch display. The tablet weighs 400 grams.
Mercury mTab comes with a 4000 mAh battery which is better than most other tablets in this segment. It also comes with an HDMI output for connecting it to a HD TV.

Mercury mTab
Specifications:-
  • 7" WVGA capacitive touchscreen (800x480)
  • 1.2 GHz Cortex A8 processor 
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 4 GB inbuilt storage
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • 1.3 megapixel front camera
  • 4000 mAh battery pack
  • WiFi b/g
  • Support for external 3G dongles.
  • HDMI out

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Motorola Fire XT316 launched in India

The recently announced Motorola Fire is now available in India at a price of Rs. 8,999 in the country. Although Motorola has yet to official launch the smartphone, online retailers like Flipkart & Letsbuy have already started selling it. Motorola Fire features Android 2.3, a 600 MHz processor and a 2.8" display with portrait keyboard.

Motorola Fire XT316
Specifications:-

  • 3G HSDPA (7.2 Mbps), Quad-band GSM
  • 2.8" QVGA touchscreen display (320x240)
  • 256 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM
  • Full QWERTY keyboard
  • 3MP camera
  • Memory expendable up to 32GB
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) 
  • Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
  • 600 MHz ARM 11 processor, Adreno 200 GPU
  • WiFi b/g/n
  • 1420 mAh battery

LG Optimus One gets Gingerbread update in India

LG has finally started rolling out the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) update for Optimus One in India. The roll-out seems to have started in other Asian countries as well. You can use the LG Software update tool to download the update.

LG Optimus One
This update will be offering the following improvements:-
  • Improved system performance
  • Improved battery life
  • Support for more Android apps
  • Better user experience

BlackBerry releases differential updates

Research In Motion has just announced a software upgrade for the BlackBerry Playbook. The software version 1.0.7.2942 - brings a new feature to the tablet- differential updates.

The differential updates allow users to update only those parts of the OS that require updating. This results in smaller download file sizes and therefore faster updating. It will also reduce download costs.

WiFi connectivity to WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) networks has also been updated to provide improved security. The update ensures faster pairing between a BlackBerry smartphone and the PlayBook tablet via the BlackBerry Bridge app.

To make full use of the BlackBerry PlayBook update, RIM has rolled out an update of the BlackBerry Bridge app as well. Users are advised to install it on the smartphone as well for maximum compatibility. The update can be located in App World or can also be searched through this link.

BlackBerry PlayBook tablet users must already have BlackBerry tablet OS v1.0.7.2670 installed to experience differential updates. If you still have to update your device you can follow this link to do so.
Existing users can upgrade the OS of their BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to v1.0.7.2942 over the air or they can locate the update using this link. Users buying the BlackBerry PlayBook following the update will be prompted to automatically install the update on their device.

Samsung announces release of BADA 2.0

Samsung Bada 2.0
Samsung Mobiles has announced the software development kit (SDK) for the Bada 2.0 OS that will help developers make new applications for it.
Bada 2.0 brings together a wide variety of new capabilities which were missing from the earlier version including multi-tasking, WiFi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC) and voice recognition. It enables smartphone users to experience advanced services such as mobile payment, transport pass-card recharge and file sharing without Internet networking.
In addition, Bada 2.0 supports HTML5 and improved Flash functions. Also as a key feature for developer partners Samsung has included the In-app Ads. Using the Ads, developers for Bada 2.0 can easily insert advertisements, creating new revenue opportunities for the developers to keep making or developing applications for the platform.

LG launches Optimus 3D in India

LG has officially launched Optimus 3D in the Indian market today for Rs. 37,000. This is the first glasses free 3D smartphone to land in India, but we expect HTC to follow suit with its Evo 3D. Optimus 3D features 1GHz Dual core processor, Android 2.2, 8GB internal storage, 4.3 inch display, dual 5MP camera for 3D recording, which can be shared via DLNA on compatible devices.
It will be available in the Indian market starting next month.

LG Optimus 3D
Specifications:-

  • 4.3" WVGA 3D capacitive touchscreen (800x480)
  • Dual-core 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor, PowerVR SGX540 GPU
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 8 GB storage
  • Memory Expendable upto 32 GB
  • Quad-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA (14.4 Mbps)
  • WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, DLNA
  • Dual 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash
  • Secondary Camera
  • 1080p 2D and 720p 3D video recording
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo)
  • 1500 mAh battery

Monday, August 22, 2011

LACS introduces 10 cheap Android tablets in India

A Bangalore based company Lakshmi Access Communications Systems (LACS) has launched 10 Android tablets in India today. These tablets come in 7, 8 and 10 inch screen sizes.

These ten tablets come in three different product series- Pepper, Tamarind, and Paprika. Each series has tablet models in three sizes- 7", 8" and 10.1" and they will be priced in the Rs. 6,250 to Rs. 35,000 bracket.

Tamarind Series Specifications:-

LACS Magnum Tamarind
  • Capacitive WVGA Ultra Slim touch screen (800x480)
  • WIFI enabled
  • HDMI, USB support
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • 3G compatible dongle
  • 3.5 mm audio
  • Front camera
  • Built in 8 GB memory
  • Anti Glare screen
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo) 
 It will have 3 models:-Tamarind M733, Tamarind M833, Tamarind M188.
Only the top model, M188 is different in that it also features 1080P HDMI output, GPS and comes with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Pepper Series Specifications:-
LACS Magnum Pepper
  • Resistive WVGA touch screen (800x480)
  • WIFI, Wired LAN
  • USB support
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • 3G compatible dongle
  • 3.5 mm audio
  • Front camera
  • Built in 2 GB memory
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo)
It will also have three models:- Pepper M74V, Pepper M84V, Pepper 108i
Pepper M74V is the base model and will be priced at Rs 6,250 and comes with a 800 Mhz Via processor. Again the top model has additional features, namely a better resolution screen(WSVGA or 1024x600), HDMI, 4 GB memory and GPS.


Paprika Series Specifications:-

It will have 4 models:- Paprika 78S, Paprika M88A, Paprika M19, Paprika M1.
LACS Magnum Paprika 78S
 
    Paprika 78S:-
  • Capacitive 7" Ultra Slim touch screen
  • WIFI enabled
  • HDMI, USB support
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • 3G compatible dongle
  • 3.5 mm audio
  • Front camera
  • Built in 4 GB memory
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo) 
 

  Paprika M88A:-
LACS Magnum Paprika M88A
  • Capacitive 8" Ultra Slim touch screen
  • WIFI enabled
  • HDMI, USB, LAN support
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • 3G compatible dongle
  • 3.5 mm audio
  • Dual camera
  • Built in 8 GB memory
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo) 
  • Anti Glare screen






Paprika M19 :-
LACS Magnum Paprika M19
  • Capacitive 10.2" Multi touch Ultra Slim screen
  • WIFI enabled
  • HDMI, USB, LAN support
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • 3G compatible dongle
  • 3.5 mm audio
  • Dual camera 
  • 1080P HDMI output
  • Built in 8 GB memory
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) 
  • Anti Glare screen



   



Paprika M10 :-
LACS Magnum Paprika M10
  • Capacitive 10" Multi touch Ultra Slim screen
  • WIFI enabled
  • HDMI, USB, LAN support
  • Memory expendable upto 32 GB
  • 3G compatible dongle
  • 3.5 mm audio
  • Dual camera 
  • 1080P HDMI output
  • Built in 16 GB memory
  • Dual Boot - Windows 7/Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) 
  • Anti Glare screen 

LACS is also going to setup its own 1000 branded showrooms named 'easyEz' across the country to sell these tablets. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab getting Android Gingerbread update in India

Samsung Galaxy Tab
 
The original Samsung Galaxy Tab is getting Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) update in India. The update is available through Samsung Kies and the base-band version of the new update is P1000DDJP4. Make sure to update your Kies before trying to update your tablet.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Now Available On Pre-order

The recently launched Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini is now available at online shopping portals such as Letsbuy.com  for Rs 13,499 with a one year warranty. It is a an Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) smartphone with a slide-out QWERTY keypad.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini
Specifications:-
  • 3" HVGA Reality display capacitive touchscreen ( 320x480)
  • 1GHz Qualcomm QSD8255 Snapdragon processor, Adreno 205 GPU
  • 512 MB RAM
  • Memory Expendable upto 32 GB
  • Quad-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA
  • WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, DLNA
  • 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • 1200 mAh battery

Beetel launches cheapest tablet Magiq in India

Beetel has officially launched its first Android tablet in India. It has been named Magiq and will be available starting next week for Rs. 9,999.
Beetel is a subsidiary of Airtel, and the company has also bundled data plans with the tablet. Buyers will get free 2GB of 3G data on both prepaid and postpaid connections for 2 months. Company has also announced that Magiq is upgradable to Android 2.3 in the future.
 The only major problem with the tablet is that it features a resistive touchscreen.

Beetel Magiq
Specifications:-
  • 7" WVGA resistive touchscreen (480x800)
  • 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
  • Up to 16 GB external storage with 8 GB internal storage
  • WiFi b/g/n, dual-band
  • Android 2.2 (Froyo)
  • Tri-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA ( 7.2 Mbps)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
  • Full Google Suite with Android Market support
  • 2 MP autofocus Camera
  • 2 MP secondary Camera
  • 2200 mAH battery 
  • Built-in kickstand
  • Optical Trackpad

Monday, August 15, 2011

Google grabs Motorola Mobility for $12.5B

Google has tried its hand at making first party smartphones in the past with mixed results. The problem was in part that Google was more a software company than a hardware firm meaning that it had to farm the design and making of the phones out to other firms. The days of Google not having the smartphone design prowess it needs and wants are over with Google announcing that it has agreed to purchase Motorola Mobility.

Motorola is one of the biggest names in the Android realm when it comes to handsets. Google is buying Motorola Mobility for $40 per share which works out to $12.5 billion. That is a premium of 63% over the closing price of the stock on Friday. The deal already has the approval of the boards from both companies. Motorola Mobility will be run as a separate business.

Google notes that the purchase of Motorola Mobility will not change its commitment to run Android as an open platform. The deal has to get regulatory approval in the US, EU, and in other countries. The deal also needs the approval of Motorola Mobility stockholders. Google hopes to finish the deal by the end of 2011 or early in 2012.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

BlackBerry Bold 9900 Touch goes on Sale in India

The latest BlackBerry smartphone touting the new Blackberry OS 7, was launched in India this week. The smartphone is one of Blackberry's thinnest, and features pretty high specifications. RIM plans to sell the device with an 18 month warranty at under Rs 32,500. The phone has got pretty decent reviews, and RIM expects the launch to stop its downward slide in comparison to Android and iOS smartphones.


BlackBerry Bold 9900 Touch
Specifications:-

  • 2.8″ VGA capacitive touchscreen (640x480)
  • 1.2 GHz processor
  • 768 MB RAM
  • 8 GB storage expendable upto 32 GB
  • Quad-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA (14.4 Mbps)
  • WiFi b/g/n, dual-band, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
  • 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash
  • BlackBerry OS 7
  • 1230 mAh battery
  • QWERTY keypad with optical track-pad
  • NFC support

Huawei to launch a budget Gingerbread smartphone this month

Huawei is going to launch its Android Gingerbread smartphone, the Ideos X3 in the Indian market this month. The Company has posted the news on its official Facebook page in reply to the various X3 launch related questions from a lot of potential customers. Judging by the specifications, the phone is likely to be priced around Rs. 8,000, making it the cheapest Gingerbread phone available in India.

Specifications:-
Huawei Ideos X3
  • 3.2″ HVGA capacitive touchscreen (320x480)
  • Qualcomm MSM7227 600 MHz processor
  • 256 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM
  • Memory Expendable upto 32 GB
  • Quad-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA
  • WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
  • 3.2 MP autofocus camera
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • 1200 mAh battery
  • Secondary VGA Camera

HTC slashes Salsa price to Rs. 16,000

HTC Salsa
HTC has slashed the price of its Facebook centered Android smartphone Salsa to Rs. 16,000. The smartphone was launched this June in the country for a price of Rs. 20,500, which was quite high for the features it offered. This price cut sets the price more along the features and was inevitable in the long-run.
Details on the smartphone can be found here.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

RCom launches Android Gingerbread powered 3G Tablet

Reliance Communication today announced the launch of the first carrier branded Android tablet in India. Dubbed as Reliance 3G Tab, this Android tablet comes with Android 2.3, a 7"  display and dual cameras. It is available starting today at Reliance World and Reliance Mobile stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, while 13 telecom circles with Reliance 3G services will get it in the next few days.

The Telecom operator has priced the tablet at just Rs. 12,999, which is quite cheap, and a series of bundled data plans have also been announced.

Specifications:-
Reliance 3G Tab
  • 7" WVGA capacitive touchscreen (480x800)
  • 800 MHz processor
  • Up to 32 GB external storage with 4GB card free
  • WiFi b/g/n, dual-band
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
  • Full Google Suite with Android Market support
  • 2 MP autofocus Camera
  • VGA secondary Camera
  • 3400 mAH battery


Bundled Data Plans:-

Samsung launches Galaxy tab 10.1 and 8.9 in India with new names

As we had mentioned last week, Samsung India today launched its new tablets Galaxy 10.1 and 8.9 as Galaxy 750 and 730 respectively. Both of these have similar specs with the difference only lying in their screen size. The Company has priced Galaxy Tab 730 at Rs. 33,990 and Galaxy Tab 750 at Rs. 36,200 for the 16GB 3G+WiFi version.

Galaxy Tab 730 and 750


Samsung has also tied up with Vodafone to offer 3G data usage up to 2GB/month for six months at Rs 3,000 for Galaxy Tab 750/730 owners. Company has announced that Galaxy Tab 750 will be available by the end of this month, while Tab 730 will come around mid-September.

Detailed specifications for the tablets can be found here.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 India Launch on 10th August

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
It has been officially announced that Samsung India will launch Galaxy Tab 10.1 in India on August 10. The tablet will be launched for an Estimated MRP of Rs. 35,000
The tablet features dual core processor and Android 3.0 (Honeycomb).

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Specifications

MSI launches new Android tablets in India

MSI has launched two new Android tablets in India today including the world’s lightest tablet ‘Enjoy 7’. The other tablet to debut in Indian market is Enjoy 10 and both of them are available for purchase starting today from MSI India website and retail stores.

Both these tablets are powered by Gingerbread,and are priced quite attractively, with the Enjoy 10 for just Rs. 14,999, while the smaller Enjoy 7 will go for Rs.R 13,999.

MSI Enjoy Series Features:-
MSI Enjoy 10
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1
  • 7″ 800 x 480 (16:9), 10” 1024 x 768 (4:3) multi-touch display
  • Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread)
  • Adobe Flash 10.1 support
  • Dual 2 MP camera
  • 512 MB DDR3 RAM
  • 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor
  • Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, E-Compass, Vibration, GPS (Optional)
  • 4 GB internal storage space
  • Mini-USB, mini-HDMI, 3.5 mm 2 in 1 headphone + microphone jack
  • Memory Expendable upto 32 GB
  • Rechargeable Lithium Battery 3.7V/4000mAh
  • Android Market Support
  • Weight: 795g for Enjoy 10 and 395g for Enjoy 7

Huawei's new smartphone Vision coming to India in December

Huawei, a network equipment and handset maker, will launch its cloud computing-based Android smartphone this December in India. The smartphone, called Vision, will have a 3D user interface and carousel animation display.

Huawei Vision will run on Android Gingerbread 2.3 and will be supported by a 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM 8255 processor.

The device will come installed with popular games — Angry Birds, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, Order and Chaos Online, and Guerrilla Bob HD.

Huawei Vision will be available from around 35 multibrand outlets across the country for an undisclosed price.

Specifications:-
Huawei Vision
  • 3.7″ WVGA 3D capacitive touchscreen ( 800x480)
  • 1GHz Qualcomm QSD8255 Snapdragon processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • Memory Expendable upto 32 GB
  • Quad-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA
  • WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
  • 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • 1200 mAh battery
  • Secondary VGA Camera
  • Custom 3D UI
  • Cloud computing feature

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro Now Available On Retail

The recently launched Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro is now available at online shopping portals such as Letsbuy.com and Flipkart.com for Rs 15,399 with a one year warranty. It is a an Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) smartphone with a slide-out QWERTY keypad.

Specifications:-
Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro
  • 3" HVGA Reality display capacitive touchscreen ( 320x480)
  • 1GHz Qualcomm QSD8255 Snapdragon processor, Adreno 205 GPU
  • 512 MB RAM
  • Memory Expendable upto 32 GB
  • Quad-Band GSM, 3G HSDPA
  • WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, DLNA
  • 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • 1200 mAh battery
  • Full QWERTY keyboard 
  • Secondary VGA camera