Panasonic brings two new 4K video cameras (WX970 and VX870) to India
The video camera market has been in a bit of a slump since a little while, as most users end up using the handy smartphone to capture any and every type of videos. However, a smartphone can never give you the same kind of experience and picture quality a standalone video camera can.
Panasonic has recently launched two new 4K ready video cameras that can knock your socks off (and maybe in the process burn a hole in your pocket). Called the WX970 and VX870, the new camcorders are capable of capturing videos in Ultra-HD.
So the major difference between the two is that the WX970 has an additional 180 degree rotating camera on the side of the screen that can capture picture in picture and also take selfies. This feature is missing in the the VX870. The rest of the features are pretty much even.
Both can zoom 20 times optically and have a camera action ring on the side. 18.9 MP sensor is available on both of them to capture videos and pictures in ultra high-def. Features like wind zoom shield MIC, Wi-Fi and NFC are also available on these video cameras. The rechargeable battery gives backup of 60 minutes approximately.
The price of the flagship model Panasonic WX970 is 84,990. The VX870 can be picked up for Rs 74,990.
Toreto introduces Sound Around, a Bluetooth speaker system with FM
After Sony and House of Marley, it is the turn of Tereto to bring its set of Bluetooth speakers to India. The look of the Toreto Sound Around Bluetooth speaker is pretty much similar to an old FM radio. It brings out that nostalgic feeling in us.
These clever little speakers can store up to 20 FM channels and can pair up with any smartphone that has Bluetooth in it. Sound Around can play music from any cell phone from as far as 30 feet. A LED display is also available on this BT stereo system for ease of use.
An 1,800 mAh battery come within the box that keeps Toreto Sound Around alive for 4 hours. Then one has to simply plug and recharge its juices, while the music still plays on.
Commenting on the new launch of Bluetooth speaker, Director, Toreto, Mr. Vikas Swarnakar says, “We are proud to add Sound Around to our range of Bluetooth speakers. The combination in design and premium sound quality makes it look quite distinguished”.
The Toreto Sound around is available for Rs 6,499 and come with a 1 year warranty.
Features at a glance:
- Compact and Lightweight: Sound Around is a portable Bluetooth speaker with LED display. It pairs to your Smartphone or tablets with ease, enabling you to listen to all your audio with unmatched sound and quality.
- Wireless Connectivity: can play music 30 feet away from your smartphone, or other Bluetooth devices. One can also use the 3.5mm stereo cable to listen to devices that aren’t Bluetooth enabled.
- FM Radio: it also features FM with telescopic antenna. It can scan and store 20 FM channels.
- Superior Sound Quality: thanks to superior engineering, including an active Sub-woofer and enhanced bass-reflex system, Sound Around delivers exceptional sound and optimal clarity.
- Battery: can play up to 4 hours, there’s an 1800-mAh Li-ion battery within the system.
Reliance inks deal with Huawei to bundle services with 4G smartphones
It is quite interesting to see the whole Reliance JIO and its 4G services scenario unfurl slowly. They do seem like the preferred choice (at least on papers) when it comes to 4G services. Reports have surfaced that Reliance JIO has signed a deal with the Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Huawei to bundle their services with Huawei’s 4G phones.
Reliance already has plans to launch its 4G services in over 5,000 Indian cities and towns along with over 200,000 villages, making them the largest supplier of 4G services and network in the country. They will cover more than 90% of the country with their new network.
The exact amount of the deal is still unknown as industry insiders are still silent on it. However, sources do say the deal is one of the biggest as far as 4G is concerned.
Reliance JIO seems to be pretty much set in the way they want to bring the services to India. We do reckon they will get some more phone vendors on board before they officially launch their 4G network in the coming months.
Image: Freeimages.com
Windows 10 for phones will come after Windows 10 for PC is rolled out. Out for preview right now.
Good news Windows lovers, Microsoft has finally announced a new build for Windows 10 for phones. So, what this means is that you would get to play around with a lot of new features of Windows 10 provided you are a part of the company’s preview programme. The update is available on Lumia 930/Lumia Icon, Lumia 640 and 640XL. And if you don’t own a Lumia, then don’t get disheartened if you are a proud owner of HTC One M8 as the Windows update will be available for this device as well.
All said and done, what else a little birdie told us is that Microsoft would roll out Windows 10 for PCs first and then for phones.
Among all the feature that you can expect in the updated Windows, here is a glimpse at the primary ones:
1. Windows Store Beta, which will be similar to Store Beta on the Windows 10 for PCs and has a new visual design.
2. Universal Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote Preview and Xbox app, the Music Preview app and the Video Preview app.
3. A new camera app having the following features: HDR, video stabilization for video and face-based autofocus.
For more information on Windows 10, stay tuned with us!
Reliance to role out 4G services soon?
We Indians haven’t started exploiting 3G yet, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping Indian telecom operators from bringing 4G to India soon. Few months ago, the 4G bandwidth auction had happened and now telecom operators are getting back to the basics—that is getting the infrastructure up and running for the technology. According to news sources, Reliance Industries Ltd’s telecom arm Reliance Jio Infocomm is already talking to some of the Chinese mobile device makers for bundling their products with its 4G services.
A top official of a Chinese mobile devices firm told PTI that they have signed a non-disclosure agreement with RJio, but didn’t divulge any further details.
When PTI contacted, an RJio spokesperson, they were being told: “Reliance Jio is actively working with all major handset device manufacturers to ensure and certify their phones for use on Jio network and shall ensure adequate availability of phones in entire
price range.”
Reliance Jio also has a programme in place to work with all major manufactures to ensure that future releases of phones are pre-certified and are fully compatible with Reliance Jio 4G, the spokesperson added.
RJio has announced its plan to launch 4G service across all states, around 5,000 towns and cities, accounting for over 90% of urban India and over 215,000 villages this year.
The PTI report further adds, “As per the rules, August 31 is deadline for all companies which won BWA spectrum in 2010, including RJio, to roll out the services in at least 90% of the service areas, failing which the Department of Telecom will have the right to withdraw the
radio waves.”
Inputs source: http://www.ptinews.com/
Google Fit the Android OS app undergoes surgery comes out very beautiful
Many smartphone users have fitness apps downloaded on their phones and pretty much use them religiously. Google did realise this fact a little while back and released its own fitness app called Google Fit. The application was specifically made for Android driven phones and seemed very interesting. However, couple of things were missing from the application like the calorie meter.
Google has updated the app now and new additions make Google Fit app even better. Besides calorie counter Google has added estimated distance travelled by the user in this version of the app too.
Google’s official blog did say ‘’To help you keep track of how far you’ve come, Google Fit now estimates distance and calories burned. Simply update your profile to include gender, height and weight and we’ll let you know how far you’ve gone and estimated calories you’ve burned off throughout the day and during your workouts.’’
The new app seems quite user friendly and people who use Android wear smartwatch can also use the new version on it. A new widget also comes with the new app that can be pinned up on the smartphone home screen for ease of use. Overall, the update does bring some much needed stats to the table making the Google Fit app, making it one of our top 5 must haves for fitness freaks.
Microsoft Lumia 540 First Look
Here is the first look of the new Microsoft Lumia 540 smartphone that is available in a wide variety of colours. Lumia 540 can be picked up for Rs 10,199. Not bad for a phone this size, however the Snapdragon 200 chipset is a bit of a setback. Check out the rest of the features in the video. Also, stay tuned as we bring you the review very soon.
Asus launches the hot new Zenbook UX305 for Rs 49,999
Asus is going a bit aggressive with the PC and laptop platforms. A good sign as the market is again looking a bit open for these devices. Asus has launched a hot new laptop called the Zenbook UX305 in India. This notebook has a 13.3-inch QHD+ display and is just 12.3 mm thick, making it one of the thinnest laptops available today in the market.
Zenbook UX305 has stunning exteriors and is available in white and black colours. When it comes to the firepower within the laptop, this stunner has the works. To start with, Asus has given the Zenbook UX305 512 GB SSD hard drive. This will surely keep the boot up time and app load times low. Next is the CPU, which is powered by Intel. This laptop has Intel Core M-5Y10 processor that comes along with 8 GB RAM.
Despite the slim bezel Asus has managed to give this notebook three USB 3.0 ports and a mini display port. Zenbook UX305 runs Microsoft Windows 8.1 and manages to capture the finger gestures like pinch zoom etc using the large track pad on the system.
“Today’s introduction of our latest ASUS ZENBOOK is our step ahead to make the incredible available for the Indian masses. Being the pioneers of bringing ultrabooks in the country, we comprehend the market for Ultrabooks here and have timely introduced various variants to cater to the demand. Zenbook UX305 is one of our elite ranges of products and will further enhance our Ultrabook Series and quality offerings for our existing and prospective customers,” Mr. Peter Chang, Region Head – South Asia & Country Manager – System Business Group – ASUS India
This lappy also supports 3,200 x 1,800 pixels resolution that has 700:1 contrast ratio. As far as battery life is concerned this Zenbook can stay alive for 10 hours. Pretty decent for a laptop this size, if you ask us. Zenbook US305 weighs 1.2 Kg’s and can be picked up from Flipkart or exclusive Asus stores for Rs 49,999.
House of Marley launches second generation Get Up Stand Up Bluetooth speakers
Seems like, it is suddenly raining Bluetooth speaker systems in India. Another company to launch a set of Bluetooth speakers is House Of Marley. They have partnered with Amazon India to sell these fabulous looking wooden speakers for a price of Rs 39,990.
These are the second generation of Get Up Stand Up Bluetooth speakers, which feature 60W RMS audio output (30W x 2). The machinery consists of two 4.5-inch speakers and two 1-inch tweeters along with a powerful amplifier. Apart from Bluetooth, users can connect auxiliary devices to the system with the help of the 3.5 mm auxiliary port on it.
Aman Gupta, Director, Imagine Marketing said on the recent launch of Get Up Stand Up Premium Bluetooth Audio System at Amazon in India, “The House Of Marley Get Up Stand Up Bluetooth speaker has a modern, slick and stylish design and fits with almost any home’s interior design. The system’s custom design birch wood bent and the Marley Signature audio output are its differentiators. The room-filling sound submerges those listening to an all-encompassing range of treble, bass and mid-tones.”
As always House of Marley has brought a fresh and unique design to the table. Price might be on the higher side, but we are sure the audiophiles would not mind spending the extra buck for this beauty.
Tete-a-tete with Tom Lu, CEO of OPPO Mobiles India [Gadget Bridge Exclusive]
![Tete-a-tete with Tom Lu, CEO of OPPO Mobiles India [Gadget Bridge Exclusive]](https://www.gadgetbridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Tom-Lu-Oppo-mobiles.jpg "Tete-a-tete with Tom Lu, CEO of OPPO Mobiles India [Gadget Bridge Exclusive]")
OPPO mobiles has tried to capture a chunk of mobile phone market in India and have somewhat succeeded in doing so. After a year of launch in India, We caught up with Tom Lu, CEO of OPPO mobiles India and threw some doozies at him. This is what he had to tell us about the company’s performance and future of the mobile brand in India.
How has the journey of OPPO Mobiles been so far in India? How are the people of India warming up to the brand?
We have received an overwhelming response in India. There has been positive feedback from customers about the product quality in terms of the design & innovation and on the after sales service. OPPO entered India in January 2014 and this year we are celebrating the first year anniversary of our successful journey in India. Till date, we have launched 14 smartphones in the Indian market, out of which the total number of 4G phones is four (Find 7, Find 7a, R5, and N3). Our flagship models such as the N3, R5, Find 7 & N1 along with innovative technologies like VOOCave received rave reviews from the experts as well as the consumers across India.
Customers are the very source for OPPO’s passion in the industry and we have got an amazing response from our customers. OPPO has co-developed products with customers based on their feedback in both hardware and software user experience. In this price sensitive market there is a certain section of consumers who are extremely technology savvy and are looking for innovative and power-packed devices.
The way consumers choose and buy smartphones is continuously evolving and that means you need to have a diverse portfolio of products and price points to appeal to a wide range of consumers here.
eing a Chinese manufacturer, how are you taking up the ‘’Make in India’’ Policy by the Indian government?
We are really excited for “Make In India” initiative by the Indian Government. This initiative will boost demand; encourage development, which will be benefiting the investors as well. We would wait to see the clear map of the Government policy and how the market is developing. We would be happy to be part of the ‘‘Make In India’’ project.
What new innovations can we see from OPPO mobiles in India?
As we always says that OPPO is very much concerned about Innovation and Technology. Our R&D team is diligently working to come up with the best and the latest and products that delight our customers. India is a very interesting market with significant growth still to be found in the sector. It is no doubt a price sensitive market but there is a certain section of consumers who are extremely technology savvy and looking for innovative and power-packed devices. The way consumers choose and buy smartphones is continuously evolving and you need to have a diverse portfolio of products and price points to appeal to a wide range of consumers there.
The current trend indicates that increasingly Smartphones are doubling up as cameras. OPPO N3 is the first Smartphone with a motorized camera which can get 64 MP Ultra-HD photography with 16 megapixel camera OPPO PI 2.0+, which was launched in Singapore in last October, is developed by OPPO to provide innovative philosophy experience and is available on both N3 and R5. PI is short for Pure Image and it includes more than 15 features, such as 8 Beauty Modes, GIF and Double Exposure. Mirror 3, the latest phone which has been launched in March is also equipped with Pure Image with the price of Rs.16990.
The other major feature that influences a buying decision is battery life and strength. With users spending hours and hours on their smartphones, battery life is one area that is seeing and is likely to see more innovation. OPPO is at the forefront of rapid smart phone charging with its VOOC Flash Charge technology. Designed specifically for the needs of the customer of today who is increasingly using the Smartphone for a number of functions like work, emails, entertainment, social media etc. The OPPO VOOC Flash Charge is capable of charging the phone’s battery from zero to 75% in only 30 minutes. Coupled with useful accessories such as VOOC car charger and VOOC power bank, makes the Smartphone ready and charged at all times of the day.
Anything else OPPO might be foraying into besides mobiles?
Right now our focus is on Smartphones. We plan to introduce new smartphones in different categories. We are focusing on getting innovative products in the Indian market. We will surely be introducing new products in the coming years.
Last Words and the road ahead for OPPO mobiles in India?
We see India as one of the most important markets for us as we go global. We are committed to India for the long run, and are keen to ensure that we are seen and acting as an integral part of the community here.
India is a strategic market for us primarily because there is clearly a huge potential to grow in the Indian Smartphone market. We are speeding up our sales and service network and expect a fair growth and a bigger share of the market in the times to come. On the brand aspect, we expect our brand will become a well-known name for its innovation, quality and service over the next five years.
The company also has plans to expand more service centres in the next one year. Right now we are retailing in over 20 major cities and regions, mainly through multi-brand stores, and we have started to partner with nation-wide retail chains like Flipkart and Amazon.in for online sales. We are also planning to build our showrooms and exclusive stores in a short time. Last but not the least, our company philosophy and culture are two essential facilitators for our market success.