Sony Xperia M4 Aqua First Look Video
Sony launched the Xperia M4 Aqua. Here is the first look of the phone. Stay tuned as we brings you the review of the device very soon.
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4 get launched in India
After long we saw Sony holding a press conference to launch a phone. Today they launched not one but two phones in the Indian market. The first one to come from their factory is the Sony Xperia M4 Aqua. This phone is the mid-segment smartphone, which is water and dust proof. One can dunk the phone in water and nothing will happen to it.
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua was showcased first at MWC 2015 and got some rave comments from reviewers all over the world. This phone has a 5-inch IPS display, which supports HD graphics. Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is powered by a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa-core 1.5 GHz CPU that comes with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB Memory. Memory can be upgraded with the help of a microSD card. The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua also has 13 MP rear camera as well as 5 MP front shooter. Sony claims that this phone is exceptional when it comes to low light and dark room photography.
The next phone in line is the Sony Xperia C4. This is the upgrade the C3 and Sony emphasised on the fact that the C4 is built for selfie lovers. The Xperia C4 has a 5.5-inch touchscreen that has 5 MP front clicker with LED flash on top. Now this is the first of its kind that we have seen on a mainstream phone.
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 Sony Xperia M4 is available for Rs 23,990 as MOP and the price of Xperia C4 is still being set.
Celkon Campus Q405 available exclusively on Snapdeal for Rs 3,199
Not many of you might have heard of a Celkon smartphone, but it does exist. Based in Hyderabad, this company has launched couple of devices in the Indian market so far, and Campus Q405 is the most recent one. Celkon Campus Q405 is a 3G-enabled, dual SIM smartphone currently retailing on Snapdeal and is priced at a modest Rs 3,199. The phone would be available exclusively on the e-commerce website.
It is an Android device running on the Android 4.4.2 version. It is not a powerful machine as far as its specs are concerned, but for the price it is offering an okay-ish configuration. You get 4-inch HVGA display, 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, dual cameras, expandable memory up to 32 GB, and 1500mAh batter. For connectivity it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For the basic user who wants jump onto the smartphone bandwagon, this phone could be the right stepping stone
Soon Kejriwal will give free Internet to Delhi!
Free Wi-Fi was one of the promises that the Aam Aadmi Party made when it contested the Delhi Lok Sabha elections for the second time. But, no concrete steps were being taken to give Delhiites what they were promised; and no, we are not talking about other amenities but just the Internet. Now, it seems Mr Arvind Kejriwal has decided to gift Delhiites free Wi-Fi access by February next year.
Really? Next year? That’s a long wait right, but better late than never. So, hopefully we will all be accessing free Wi-Fi at prominent public places in and Delhi. But, before you start jumping with joy, we would like to tell that this facility would be given to residents on the basis of limited data usage.
The government might float an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the project by the end of this month, and ask companies to submit their Request for Proposal (RfP) in June.
So, while the infrastructure gets up and running, what Delhi government would let you access for free using Wi-Fi includes: browsing, social media websites (Facebook/Twitter), email, WhatsApp and other basic services. However, you might have to pay for watching videos, video chat and downloading content.
“We will work on ensuring a minimum speed of 512Kbps to each user to make it a better experience. We will be very strict on user experience and uninterrupted service,” Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of IT, Adarsh Shastri told PTI.
The government is considering fixing the data usage to 50MB per day but a call is yet to be taken in that regard.
The best and top Cloud Storage Services one can buy instantly
Cloud storage along with its wide range of software applications has paved its way to new digital era. Both businesses and personal users are enraptured with the idea of having access to their digital baggage at any point of time from any location. Indian Cloud Computing market is at the threshold of escalation and is anticipated to increase its market share manifold, leading to Cloud Wars.
The many players in the market can make decision making to the right cloud a tedious task. The factors that need to be evaluated depend upon the need of the user, integration with various operating systems and mobile apps, security, speed, storage space, pricing of additional cloud, apps available etc. Below are alphabetical listed, ten popular cloud vendors with their strengths and weaknesses.
Apple iCloud Drive
- Free Storage – 5GB
- Price – 20GB for 99 cents per month, 200GB for $3.99 per month and $19.99 per month for 1TB
- File Size Limit – 15GB
- Operating Systems – Mac, Windows, Web, iOS
- Strengths – Well integrated with Apple office apps, easy to install on Windows computers, has a good Web interface, account included with an iOS or OS X devise.
- Weaknesses – Expensive especially for increased storage, lacks ease of use, centralizing files gets difficult even with Apple apps.
- Free Storage – 10GB
- Price – $5 per month per user for 100GB of storage space, $60 per annum.
- File Size Limit – 250MB with free account, 2GB with starter account.
- Operating Systems– Windows, Mac, Linux (partial), Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Web, Windows phone.
- Strengths– Compatible with other services, quick responsive apps, efficient file syncing easy to use, well designed for collaboration, online tools for creating or commenting on documents, allows integration with a wide range of apps and services
- Weakness – not a complete solution for an online office suite.
- Free Storage – None
- Price – $8.77 per month per user for 5GB, $105.24 per annum.
- File Size Limit – 2GB
- Operating Systems – Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, Android, iOS.
- Strengths – Security (safe messaging and secure file sharing), certified for HIPAA and other standards, easy to use, microEncryption technology, highly scalable, from individual to any size of business., Administrator console for user management.
- Weaknesses – Entire folder needs to be shared and not just the file, File transfer protected only by SSL, possible to accidentally remove administrative power from all users.
- Free Storage – If storage is supplied by the user it is free (whether attached to your computer or on the internet).
- Price – Unlimited storage for $59.99 per year, $149.99 per year family plan has unlimited storage.
- File Size limit – None
- Operating Systems – Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, Android, iOS, Windows phone.
- Strengths – Backup to your remote computers, fast, easy to use, and very flexible, well designed interface, unlimited storage plan, fast file processing and uploading, strong security options
- Weakness – Limited Web and mobile interface, no file sharing, no file explorer integration.
- Free Storage– 2GB
- Price – Dropbox Pro: $9.99 per month or $ 99 perb annum for 1TB of space. Business: $ 15 per month per user, with a minimum of 5 users.
- File Size Limit – 10GB, unlimited with Desktop clients.
- Operating systems– Windows,- Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, Symbian, BlackBerry, OS, MeeGo Harmattan, Windows iPhone and web browsers.
- Strengths – Compatibility with other services, dependable serve r(no downtime), Seamless file synchronization, wide array of apps for various operating systems, easy to install, file sharing, allows access to deleted files, tight OS integration.
- Weaknesses – Collaboration of files and their location.
- Free Storage – 15GB
- Price – $1.99 per month for 100GB, 1TB for $9.99 per month and $119.88 per annum.
- File Size Limit – 5TB
- Operating systems – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Web, Chrome.
- Strengths – Extremely efficient collaborative office suite, includes file syncing and offline access to documents, built in OCR technology searches PDF’s, images,etc.
- Weaknesses – No de-duping tools for photos, privacy can be a concern, since it’s a Google product.
- Free Storage -2GB
- Price – $15.99 per user per month gives unlimited storage (professional account), unlimited for $191.88 per annum.
- File Size Limit – 250MB with free account, 10GB with professional account.
- Operating Systems –
- Strengths – E- signature and provides confirmation of file delivery, includes simple file syncing, wide range of security features for file sharing.
- Weaknesses – Integration with other services and storage repositories, need at least two apps and the web or a mobile app to use completely.
- Free Storage – 5GB
- Price – 1TB storage for $59.50 per year
- File Size Limit – None
- Operating Systems – Windows, Mac, web, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Linux/Unix
- Strengths – Continuous backup, disc image backup, easy to set up, can use unlimited devices in one account, folder syncing, file archiving, file explorer integration, hard drive for mailing in data.
- Weaknesses – Slightly slow in performance.
- Free Storage – 15GB
- Price – 1TB for $83.88 per year.
- File Size Limit – 10GB
- Operating Systems – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Web, Windows Phone, Windows Tablet, Xbox..
- Strengths – Collaboration, Microsoft office 365 included with 1TB purchase., clear interface, web interface to all files and media, can get any file from a PC, excellent photo presentation and slideshows and tagging, low cost. Flexible, clients for Mac, iOS, Android and Windows.
- Weaknesses – Search in iOS and Android apps is not possible, No audio streaming or playing.
- Free Storage – None
- Price – 100GB for $9.99 per month or $74.99 per year, 500GB for $39.99 per month or $249.99 for the first year and discounted to $124.99 in the next year.
- File Size Limit – None
- Operating Systems – Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Simbian.
- Strengths – Simplicity, ease of use, more intuitive than other file syncing services, able to access 5 previous versions of a file, good apps.
- Weaknesses – No free account and pricing not very competitive to other players.
Top 5 Point and Shoot Cameras with Wi-Fi to accompany you on the holiday
There are tons of cameras out there in the market for beginners. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Some can zoom as high as 30 times (30X), while some have a larger than life LCD screen to preview pictures on. The choice in cameras is pretty hard and one really does get confused on which one to pick. Now Wi-Fi has also been added to the cameras that enables the users to Geo tag the images, upload images et al. Here is our pick of top point and shoot cameras for beginners that also have the Wi-Fi functionality and will be a great vacation companion.
Canon Powershot S200 (Rs 19,995)
We just love this camera. It has everything that one wants to start with. The design is pretty cool as you get new dial control system around the lens on the Canon Powershot 200. This camera has a 10.1 MP sensor that can capture images at 3,648 x 2,736 pixels resolution. The lens can optically zoom 5 times (5X) and this camera also features a 3-inch LCD. The batteries within this camera can take up to 200 shots or can record 50 minutes of HD video.
Sony DSC-WX300 (Rs 17,990)
We still remember the first thin digital camera that we ever held. It was from the Sony T series called the T1. This was in the late 1990’s. Times have changed and new things have been thrown in the digital camera arena. However, what Sony has maintained to retain is the thin form factor. The Sony DSC-WX300 is an exceptional camera well-suited for beginners and amateurs. This digi-cam has an 18.2 MP CMOS image sensor and can zoom by up to 20X optically. This is good for outdoor shoots and wildlife photography as you can capture far away objects with ease. Of course we recommend the use of a tripod if you are clicking a picture above 8-10X zoom. It has lot shooting modes that will suit your daily and holiday requirements.
Nikon Coolpix S9700 (Rs 16,950)
This camera underwent a price drop recently and is now available for few thousand Rupees less. Nikon has managed to keep this camera very slim. Within the 1.4-inches thickness this camera is able to hide a 16 MP sensor powered lens, which can zoom 30 times optically. This is massive for a camera this small. With Wi-Fi users can control the camera with smart devices wirelessly. Battery life is quite good, as after a full charge S9700 is able to click 300 images or shoot over 1 hour of HD videos. Panorama mode is available too, if users want to capture the whole picture.
Nikon Coolpix AW130 (Rs 17,950)
We all know when we go outdoors, the chances of damaging the camera gets doubled. Here is a point and shoot camera that is dust proof, drop proof and water proof. You can take excellent images under water with this sleek camera from Nikon. Available in a wide variety of colours, including our favourite orange, the Nikon Coolpix AW130 has a 16 MP sensor with a lens that can zoom 5X optically. Users get a 3-inch screen at the back to preview images on. For storage the camera does come with an 8 GB SD card in the box. On board NFC and Wi-Fi is also available to make sharing and capturing an easy process. This one is a great camera for outdoors.
Samsung WB50F (Rs 15,900)
Samsung has been in the cameras market from quite some time now. A brilliant camera from their stables is the WB50F. This camera looks brilliant in white colour and has the latest machinery inside. WB50F has a 16 MP sensor inside supported by a decent 12X optical zoom lens. A 3-inch LCD comes at the back accompanied with quick access buttons. This camera is not super compact, however Samsung has managed to cramp all the good stuff in a small size. Wi-Fi and NFC are part of the package, to quickly take care of the sharing and uploading needs.
Canon Powershot S200 (Rs 19,995)
We just love this camera. It has everything that one wants to start with. The design is pretty cool as you get new dial control system around the lens on the Canon Powershot 200. This camera has a 10.1 MP sensor that can capture images at 3,648 x 2,736 pixels resolution. The lens can optically zoom 5 times (5X) and this camera also features a 3-inch LCD. The batteries within this camera can take up to 200 shots or can record 50 minutes of HD video.
Sony DSC-WX300 (Rs 17,990)
We still remember the first thin digital camera that we ever held. It was from the Sony T series called the T1. This was in the late 1990’s. Times have changed and new things have been thrown in the digital camera arena. However, what Sony has maintained to retain is the thin form factor. The Sony DSC-WX300 is an exceptional camera well-suited for beginners and amateurs. This digi-cam has an 18.2 MP CMOS image sensor and can zoom by up to 20X optically. This is good for outdoor shoots and wildlife photography as you can capture far away objects with ease. Of course we recommend the use of a tripod if you are clicking a picture above 8-10X zoom. It has lot shooting modes that will suit your daily and holiday requirements.
Nikon Coolpix S9700 (Rs 16,950)
This camera underwent a price drop recently and is now available for few thousand Rupees less. Nikon has managed to keep this camera very slim. Within the 1.4-inches thickness this camera is able to hide a 16 MP sensor powered lens, which can zoom 30 times optically. This is massive for a camera this small. With Wi-Fi users can control the camera with smart devices wirelessly. Battery life is quite good, as after a full charge S9700 is able to click 300 images or shoot over 1 hour of HD videos. Panorama mode is available too, if users want to capture the whole picture.
Nikon Coolpix AW130 (Rs 17,950)
We all know when we go outdoors, the chances of damaging the camera gets doubled. Here is a point and shoot camera that is dust proof, drop proof and water proof. You can take excellent images under water with this sleek camera from Nikon. Available in a wide variety of colours, including our favourite orange, the Nikon Coolpix AW130 has a 16 MP sensor with a lens that can zoom 5X optically. Users get a 3-inch screen at the back to preview images on. For storage the camera does come with an 8 GB SD card in the box. On board NFC and Wi-Fi is also available to make sharing and capturing an easy process. This one is a great camera for outdoors.
Samsung WB50F (Rs 15,900)
Samsung has been in the cameras market from quite some time now. A brilliant camera from their stables is the WB50F. This camera looks brilliant in white colour and has the latest machinery inside. WB50F has a 16 MP sensor inside supported by a decent 12X optical zoom lens. A 3-inch LCD comes at the back accompanied with quick access buttons. This camera is not super compact, however Samsung has managed to cramp all the good stuff in a small size. Wi-Fi and NFC are part of the package, to quickly take care of the sharing and uploading needs. Panasonic launches two Toughpads and one Toughbook in India
Panasonic has been in the tough mobility space since a long time now. To further cement its market lead in India the company has added 3 new devices that are definitely priced very steep, but do give you the edge when it comes to safety.
The first two devices showcased are the Toughpads E1 and X1. Both have very similar designs and would not break a sweat if they are dropped from as high as 10 feet. These are made to withstand almost any type of pressure and one can submerge them in 5 feet of water. However, do not keep them there for more than 30 minutes; otherwise the water will start seeping in.
The major difference between the two 5-inch touch screen driven Toughpads or rather rugged phablets is that the Toughpad E1 is powered by a 2.3 GHz quad-core CPU and runs Windows 8.1 mobile operating system. While the Toughpad X1 runs Android 4.2 OS and has a 1.7 GHz CPU. Rest of the specs are same, both have an 8 MP rear camera with LED flash, 32 GB on board memory with the option to load 64 gigs with a micro-SD card and 2 GB RAM. Both also have a whooping 6,200 mAH battery, which is hot swappable.
Next in line is the semi rugged Panansonic Toughbook CF-54. Yes, it does weigh 2 Kg’s, but the safety and support this laptop gives is like no other. The Toughbook runs Windows 8.1 OS with the option to downgrade to Microsoft Windows 7 Professional. This is a good thing for an organisation who is still running Windows 7 OS on most of its machines. If the organisation that buys this notebook still has most systems running on Windows 7 then they can downgrade the Toughbook to the same level.
The CF-54 can be dropped from as high as 76 CM and nothing will happen to it. The hard drive is specially packed so that jerks and vibration do not affect the working of this machine. This Toughbook has a 2.3 GHz Intel i5 CPU that can be turbo boosted to 2.9 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 500 GB hard drive. The notebook is dust and water resistant as most ports are well tucked behind lids and clips. Wi-Fi, BT and couple of USB 3.0 ports are also available. Panasonic claims the battery of this bad boy lasts for around 11 hours on a single charge.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Toru Hasegawa, Divisional Managing Director, Solutions Division, Panasonic India, said, “With the industry moving towards unification of enterprise and carrier networks, we are offering all-inclusive solutions to different market segments. The new products build on the legacy of nearly two decades of rugged devices from Panasonic to accomplish the mission of professionals in the most demanding work environments. With this launch, we are looking at increasing our presence in the Rugged IT devices segment from an existing 60% to almost 65%.”
The Toughpad X1 can be picked up for Rs 1,19,000 and the Toughpad E1 can be bought for Rs 1,09,000. The Toughbook CF-54 is available for Rs 1,39,000.
The CF-54 can be dropped from as high as 76 CM and nothing will happen to it. The hard drive is specially packed so that jerks and vibration do not affect the working of this machine. This Toughbook has a 2.3 GHz Intel i5 CPU that can be turbo boosted to 2.9 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 500 GB hard drive. The notebook is dust and water resistant as most ports are well tucked behind lids and clips. Wi-Fi, BT and couple of USB 3.0 ports are also available. Panasonic claims the battery of this bad boy lasts for around 11 hours on a single charge.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Toru Hasegawa, Divisional Managing Director, Solutions Division, Panasonic India, said, “With the industry moving towards unification of enterprise and carrier networks, we are offering all-inclusive solutions to different market segments. The new products build on the legacy of nearly two decades of rugged devices from Panasonic to accomplish the mission of professionals in the most demanding work environments. With this launch, we are looking at increasing our presence in the Rugged IT devices segment from an existing 60% to almost 65%.”
The Toughpad X1 can be picked up for Rs 1,19,000 and the Toughpad E1 can be bought for Rs 1,09,000. The Toughbook CF-54 is available for Rs 1,39,000.
Forget about Net Neutrality – What India really needs is deeper data penetration
In the past few weeks a lot has been spoken and written about Net Neutrality and everyone is defending “Internet Freedom” in India. The critical question yet unanswered is, are we approaching the subject with a clear understanding?
Net Neutrality as explained widely is the Internet’s guiding principle: It preserves our right to communicate freely online. This is the definition of an Open Internet. Net Neutrality is the principle that data on the internet is moved blindly and impartially without regard to content, destination or source.
It is difficult to argue against the definition above as it would mean that subscribers can be charged separately for using various applications even if they have paid for the Internet Data pack and also enable ISP to regulate the speed of the sites and create fast pay lanes. It surely does not sound wise and therefore it is safe to accept that Net Neutrality should be adopted.
Now let us extend the logic of the activists’ argument and assess the issue. Isn’t preferential treatment given to customers a part of well-accepted business practices, which have been used by businesses big and small from time immemorial? Then why are we propagating net neutrality to be unethical.
My whole argument against net neutrality and the debate around the subject is based on the premise that we first need to make internet available to the huge block of population in India and then address the issue of price discrimination.
While I fully subscribe to the fact the that this so called info “highway” is crucial for not only small time business owners, start-ups and entrepreneurs who rely upon it to launch and monetize their offerings, create a market and distribute their wares, soft or hard. The highway is also equally important for the large businesses that could have a separate business need (read speed, type of connectivity, quality of service etc.) for the customers and services that demand a separate handling because of nuances of the business.
While the concept of free and open internet may sound right- In practice, it is important to understand that the impact of some sites/apps that demand great bandwidth can have an adverse effect on the overall user experience. For example, it makes sense to allow ISP/ telecom companies to charge extra for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services, which clog up a lot of bandwidth. These services end up slowing down access to the basic services that less economically-privileged citizens need more. This isn’t simply a matter of profitability; the question is how to maximize the efficiency of limited bandwidth. Therefore ISP should take a more active role in managing bandwidth for the sake of optimal experiences for users’ and services. This is also where a democratic regulation comes in with all interests being protected.
Hence the real need is of a Service level agreement (SLA) based regulation that governs and dictates various levels of quality of internet connectivity and mostly importantly service providers adhere to it. With regulations in place, I think it is fair to have a legitimate differential pricing regime for either the quality or the consumption of service.
Author: Rajesh Razdan, Founder & CEO, mCarbon
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.