Meizu launches m2 note smartphone with octa-core SoC, 4G support
The Chinese smartphone manufacturer Meizu has announced the successor of last year launched m1 note smartphone. The new m2 note smartphone bring a major change in both the designed and specifications department.
The Meizu m2 note features a 5.5-inch display with 1920×1080 pixels resolution protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The dual SIM smartphone offers 4G support and runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop with Flyme OS on top. Powering the device is a 1.3GHz 64-bit Octa-Core MediaTek MT6753 processor with eight Cortex-A53 64-bit CPUs paired with 2GB of RAM.
The company has introduced two variants of the m2 note in terms of the storage capacity. There is a 16GB and a 32GB variant which can expanded up to 128GB using microSD card. The smartphone comes equipped with a 13.0-megapixel camera with LED flash at the rear end and a 5.0-megapixel front facing camera to facilitate video calling.
On the connectivity front, the Meizu m2 note offers 4G, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. The device houses a 3,100 mAh battery and is available in Grey, Blue, Pink and White colour options. The company has priced the 16GB version for $ 129 (Approx. Rs 8,220) and the 32GB version $ 161 (Approx. Rs 10,284). However, the company has not yet revealed any details about the global roll out of the device.
BlackBerry rolls out update for its BBM app for Android
BlackBerry has rolled out a Material Design update for BMM for Android platform. The update will introduce a more colourful and attractive UI and some new features in order to improve the chatting experience of the users.
BlackBerry has also added the feature of Private Chats, which will enable the users to chat privately. Moreover, the private chat will automatically get deleted after sometime. The app has also received a new replace button, which will let you to edit the sent message.
After the update, the users will be able to share the status updates directly from the news feed. BlackBerry said that the BBM for Android is still in the beta version and can be downloaded for the Google Play store.
Last month, BlackBerry updated the BBM app for Windows Phone and added BBM Channels which enables the users to connect in real-time and discover the content with each other.
Panasonic launches Eluga S mini selfie smartphone for Rs 8,990
Panasonic has launched a mini version of its popular Selfie smartphone the Eluga S. Named as the Eluga S mini the smartphone features a 4.7-inch HD display with 720×1280 pixels resolution. The dual SIM device runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system topped with company’s FIT HOME UI.
The smartphone is powered by a 1.4GHz octa-core processor paired with 1GB of RAM. The internal storage of the device accounts to 8GB which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card. The Eluga S mini flaunts an 8.0-megapixel snapper with LED flash at the end and a 5.0-megapixel front facing camera for clicking selfies. The front camera also offers the eye-definition BLINK PLAY, which allows the users to click flawless selfies or groupies.
The connectivity options of the device include 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and its houses a 1,980 mAh battery.
Talking about the Panasonic Eluga S mini, Manish Sharma, Managing Director, Panasonic India said, “With the launch of the new smartphone, we are here to offer a new dimension to the Eluga S category; wherein the model has been targeted at the younger generation – the always-on-the-go college youth. Keeping in mind the affordability aspect, this device is perfect for consumers looking for innovation, design, superior build quality and advanced features.”
The company has priced the Panasonic Eluga S mini for Rs 8,990. The company launched the the Eluga S last year in November at a price of Rs 11,190.
Micromax launches Canvas Doodle 4 with 6-inch qHD display at Rs 9,499 in India
We knew it was coming but we weren’t expecting it here to be in the Indian market so early. We are talking about Micromax’s Canvas Doodle 4, the fourth variant to the Canvas Doodle line-up. The company has launched the smartphone soon after it sent out a teaser message to media.
So, what new does the Micromax previous Canvas Doodle 4 bring to the table? Not much, which would help it overcome the competition that already exists in the under 10k price range.
Canvas Doodle 4 is a dual-SIM phone running on Android 5.0 Lollipop OS. With its 6-inch qHD display, it falls into the phablet category and has enough power under its hood. You’d get a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek (MTK6582M) processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage and an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. For connectivity, it has Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi.
But would these specs alone help the Canvas Doodle 4 take on the likes of Xiaomi, Asus and Lenovo phones available in the same price range? Please stay tuned for an in-depth review of the device very soon!
Asus Zenfone 2 has serious potential to be the market leader (Review)
After a long while we have held a phone that has so much potential to be a market leader in its segment. Asus Zenfone 2 is a phone that has the qualities to give any smartphone, around the 20K mid segment category, a run for its money.
Design
The Asus Zenfone 2 is a bulky yet well-built phone. Looks-wise the phone is not bad at all. Available in an array of colours we got to play around with the grey one. The plastic body has a brushed metallic finish, which just feels nice to hold. You get a large 5.5-inch touchscreen display that will display full HD 1080 graphics.
At the rear users get a nice volume rocker under the camera. This is somewhat similar to the one we got on the LG phones. The body is slightly curved from the back so that one can grip the phone in a better manner. The rear 13 MP camera comes with Dual LED flash. Users will also get the feather touch buttons under the screen for going to the homescreen and back to the previous place or menu.
Performance
The Asus Zenfone 2 excels when it comes to under the hood performance. Asus gave this baby everything except the bathroom tub. To start with, this phone runs an Intel Atom 2.3 GHz Quad-Core processor with 4 GB RAM. Yes, you read that correctly the Asus Zenphone 2 has 4 gigs off RAM. This not only makes the phone boot up quickly, but also makes all the apps and games run smoothly.
The phone also has 64 GB on board memory that can be expanded by a MicroSD card. The phones battery cannot be removed, but Asus does give you a large 3,000 mAh battery. This lasted for about 20 hours of use with 3G on and scattered Wi-Fi use.
The cameras on this phone are not bad. The 13 MP rear camera did give us good pictures in well lit areas. However, we had to make use of the flash once the lights died down. The camera performance goes down considerably when clicking in low light. The same goes for the front shooter. You get brilliant selfie shots in daylight, but not so much at night.
The display of the phone is outstanding. We enjoyed every bit of the gaming and movie experience. The sound of the loudspeaker is right up the alley. We would have appreciated a tad more bass.
Verdict
The Asus Zenfone 2 is built for performance and does not clinch a muscle even when the most demanding games and applications are thrown at it. The mobile comes with the latest Android Lolipop OS and some neat apps right out of the box. Asus Zenfone 2 smartphone supports dual SIM cards, which is another plus in its report card. Overall, for a price of 22,990 we quite liked the phone as it showed great results and potential.
Pros
Excellent performance
Brilliant screen
Cons
Battery not removable
Cameras could have been better
Lava’s Flair P1 is the new affordable 3G in the town; priced at Rs 3,399
The home-grown smartphone companies seem to be doing decent business in the Indian market. Why else would they be launching one phone after another and that too at a price which leading smartphone brands can never match. Lava is one such brand and they have now come up with an affordable 3G smartphone, which is named Lava Flair P1.
Priced at Rs 3,399, the Flair P1 is an Android phone running on 4.4 KitKat. Its other specs are just basic; you get a 4-inch WVGA screen, 1 GHz processor, 2 GB internal memory expandable up to 32 GB, a 2MP rear camera along with a VGA front-shooter. What we really find strange is the inclusion of just 256MB RAM; how on earth would the phone perform on 3G with this low-powered innards, we wonder. No, we are not writing it off yet as we haven’t checked its performance but…
In terms of connectivity, Flair P1 offers 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB 2.0, and draws power from a 1,400mAh battery. On the connectivity front, Flair P1 comes with (apart from 3G connectivity) 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.1, and USB 2.0.
FiiO launches X3 second gen music player in India for Rs 14,599
We still remember the time when the world saw Steve Jobs showcasing the first iPod. The music player industry has come a long way since then. The latest to enter the Indian music market is FiiO X3 second generation music player.
This player has got a new design and upgraded circuit system that will give better resonance to its listeners. FiiO X3 music player supports popular playback formats such as WAV, FLAC, APE, WMA, ALAC, and AIFF. It weighs 135 grams and has 2,600 mAh battery, which can be charged using the micro USB port. For storage users can insert up to 128 GB MicroSD card in this music player. FiiO X3 second gen also has a 2-inch colour screen on it.
The FiiO X3 has two crystal oscillators, one each for the 44.1kHz and 48kHz frequency multiples. The no-compromise design on this music player ensures least crackling and uppermost accuracy for playback of melody at all sample rates. The FiiO X3 second gen is available on most offline and online stores for Rs 14,599.
The FiiO X3 has two crystal oscillators, one each for the 44.1kHz and 48kHz frequency multiples. The no-compromise design on this music player ensures least crackling and uppermost accuracy for playback of melody at all sample rates. The FiiO X3 second gen is available on most offline and online stores for Rs 14,599. SnapDeal sent an interesting infographic that shows Micromax and InFocus are ruling the mobile market
SnapDeal celebrated the Indian Mobile Day on 25 May, where they sold hundreds of mobiles to Indian customers through their app and website. They sent out an infographic that shows Micromax and InFocus mobiles were the most popular brands in North and South India respectively (during the sale). 70% of the mobiles purchased ran Android OS and selfie phones were exceptionally popular.
Other Key Findings:
- 75% of sales were for budget phones priced below INR 10,000
- 34% of sales accounted by tier III cities
- 40% of sales occurred on APP platform
- Sold 10X more than the average day’s sales
- 80% customers bought selfie phones
- 40% share of sales in Punjab were accounted for by iPhones
- 55% sales in Bihar were driven through APP
- 45% of sales in Delhi were for premium phones
- 40% of Tier III sales were driven through APP same as Tier I
- Most popular brand in the North MICROMAX
- Most popular brand in the South INFOCUS
Sony Xperia C4 first look and hands on Video
Here is the first look video of Sony Xperia C4.
Inside, the Sony Xperia C4 has a MediaTek 1.7 GHz Octa-core CPU combined with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB on-board memory. Like the M4 this phone also has an additional slot to upgrade storage. However, the Sony Xperia C4 is not water proof. The phone is powered by a 2,600 mAh battery, which is supposed to give the users over 12 hours of talk time. A 13 MP auto focus camera comes as part of the package. The price is still not out.
HP launches two new laptops in India
Finally, we see HP back at the front of the table. They launched two new laptops in India. The first one is called HP Omen, which is built specifically for gamers. The main USP of this laptop, besides being built for extreme performance, is that it has Bang and Olufsen speaker system within.
Made for the ultimate gaming experience HP Omen comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 4GB gaming graphics and an Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor, along with a 1920 x 1080 full high definition display. The HP Omen features a customizable back-lit keyboard with six programmable function keys and weighs just 2.12kgs. The HP Omen is also 19.9mm thick.
“By introducing new range of notebooks with Bang and Olufsen, HP is looking to blend high end technology seamlessly into the lifestyle of the new age consumer enabling the consumers enjoy rich and immersive audio experience,” said Ketan Patel, director personal systems, Printing and Personal Systems, HP India. “We are thrilled to work with Bang & Olufsen to create exceptional sound experiences for customers through HP Notebooks.”
The next notebook is for the music lovers. Called the HP Pavillion 15 with B&O play, this notebook comes with a Full HD display, fifth generation Intel Core CPU’s and gradient dual tone finish.
“Bang & Olufsen and B&O PLAY have had an unprecedented legacy of delivering great music and audio experiences to its patrons via various forms of media. We are extremely thrilled to partner with a global IT brand like HP to deliver seamless audio experience through their latest Pavilion notebooks. Having integrating Bang & Olufsen systems with luxury automotive brands such as Aston Martin, BMW, Audi & Mercedes AMG; this new collaboration is the hallmark and extension of Bang & Olufsen’s philosophy of engaging with consumer’s lifestyle at a new levels.” said Gaganmeet Singh, MD, Bang & Olufsen India.
The HP Omen does demand the users to shell out a lot. One can get it for Rs 1,59,990. However, the HP Pavillion 15 with B&O play is available for a modest Rs 44,490.