Fly Mobile has announced the launch of its latest phone, the Fly Circle, in India. This device is a full QWERTY keyboard laden device with dual SIM abilities.
The phone, also known as the B430DS, is being targeted as a device that supports multiple instant messaging networks and is social networking friendly as well. Another thing that this device would definitely be famous for is its looks which resemble a BlackBerry! In fact, at first glance you would easily mistake the B430DS for a much more expensive Blackberry. Much more expensive because the Fly Circle, at Rs. 3,849 only, falls under the ultra cheap bracket of cell phones. The phone comes with Nimbuzz and Snaptu applications pre-installed and is being targeted at the tech-savvy youth in the 18-30 years of age bracket. It will be launched in the metros and mini-metro cities initially along with all SEC A and B class towns
Now for the features. What you get for your hard-earned 3,849 bucks is listed below:
- 2.2 inch QVGA Display with 262k colors (Their website states the resolution is 176 x 220 pixels)
- 10 MB Internal Memory
- 1000 contact phonebook
- microSD card support upto 8GB
- 1.3 megapixel camera
- Opera Mini Browser
- SMS Blacklisting
- FM Radio with scheduled record and play
- Bluetooth
- GPRS/WAP/MMS Support
- Video Recording
- 9 hours of talk time
- 1100Mah Battery
- 104 grams
That, for less than 4,000 rupees, does sound like a sweet deal. We'll have to wait and watch how well this one performs to pass a verdict. But this definitely has to be the cheapest QWERTY keyboard laden phone in the Indian market today.
Kingmax has launched its 32GB Class 10 SDHC memory card that's waterproof and boasts of fast write speeds and a large capacity. The 32GB super high capacity allows storage of up to 160 minutes of high-definition movies, even up to 2,500 pictures in RAW3 format.
These memory cards have a writing speed of over 20MB/sec on a total capacity of 32GB. Recently, Transcend hadannounced new Class 10 SDHC memory cards that boasts of 16MB/sec write and 20MB/sec read speeds.
Features:
- KINGMAX patent PIP technology inside
- Waterproof and Dustproof
- Supports Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM)
- Built-in Error Correcting Code (ECC) to detect and correct transfer errors
- Green Product: compliance with RoHS, Halogen Free and PFOS / PFOA
- Certificates: CE, FCC, BSMI
Specifications:
- Capacity: 8GB /16GB/32GB
- Dimension: 32x24x2.1 mm (L*W*H)
- Voltage: 2.7V~3.6V
- Complies with SD 2.0 standard
- Up to 22MB/sec read/write speed
- Endurance: 5,000 times
- Data Retention: 10 years
- Weight: 2g
The KINGMAX 32GB class 10 SDHC cards will be shipping in February.
We tried getting the pricing details of the product but the company did not disclose it. We will update the details here as soon as we get them.
Hell will freeze, once again. Apple and Microsoft are rumored to be in talks to make Bing as default search engine for Safari on iPhone, as reported by BusinessWeek. In 2003, Apple shocked the technologists and Mac fans by introducingiTunes for Windows. Then, followed Safari for Windows. But now, the Bing is rumored to be made as default search engine due to the increasing rivalry between Apple and Google.
Last August, Eric Schmidt bid adieu to Apple board over 'potential conflicts of interests'. Then occurred the conflict itself. Apple, along with AT&T and Google, got into a legal battle which was followed by FCC's investigations. Since then, the relationship between both companies has gone cold.
After the recent launch of Nexus One, Google has clearly stood against Apple iPhone. So now, talks between Apple and Microsoft to make Bing as default search engine for iPhone have been taking place. Looks like, Bing would be made default search engine and Google would be offered as option that could be used via settings.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has also been co-operative by releasing the Office suite and Exchange server support for Mac. Apple and Google come together for incorporating Google Maps and YouTube on iPhone.
At this moment, this deal information sounds too good to be true and of course, everybody knows that Google is the Internet search king. But don't we know that Apple App Store already offers Bing app for iPhone.
Motorola had recently announced the launch of its MOTOROI, a Android based handset, in Korea.
However, just days later, Motorola has had a sudden change of plan and has announced that the MOTOROI would be launched internationally as well. This, even after the device being targeted at the Korean market.
Rich on features, the MOTOROI boasts of a 3.7-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen that is multitouch ready. Unlike its brother, the Droid, there is no physical keyboard on the MOTOROI-so you'd have to be dependent on the on-screen QWERTY keyboard. That said, it trumps the Droid on the camera front. This one features an 8 megapixel, autofocus camera and is one of the few phones that can record and playback 720p-HD Videos. It has an HDMI port as well to connect directly to HDTVs. Other features include a 3.5mm headset jack, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, 32GB microSDsupport.
The ROI will be Android 2.0 laden and will be "available in Q1 in selected markets", according to Motorola. The pricing details are yet to be released.
After streaming U2 gig Live on YouTube last October, Google has now gone a step ahead and will offer live streaming of Indian Premier League Cricket season 3. Despite the ongoing splat with Chinese Government, Google hasn't let that affect its other plans regarding other countries. Google will now stream IPL matches on YouTube and there will be an 'On-Demand' option too.
IPL matches scheduled between March 12 to April 25 will be streamed through unique 'YouTube View' on YouTube at this exclusive link - http://www.youtube.com/ipl. This is expected to be a two-year Internet broadcasting contract. Google is expected to make money from advertising and sponsorship deals as per the people familiar with the matter.
Alternatively, users will also be offered On-Demand streaming if they choose not to watch it live or not able to catch up with live action. Along with live streaming, social media interactivity options like chat room and contests would also be mashed up.
So now, users can watch IPL matches on PC, Mobile and even YouTube enabled TVs (select models only). However, one thing everyone must consider is the bandwidth requirement. Whether you watch it on low speed connection on PC or GPRS over the phone, the connection might be an issue. Even during the U2 gig, several users complained about continuous buffering and cracked Live streaming. Not to forget, that was first of it's kind streaming for YouTube.
Cricket is religion for billions across the globe and hence, YouTube servers ought to be ready to handle the traffic. Also, YouTube access has been barred in majority of business organizations and educational institutions. That might be a concern for cricket fans but the positive side of this online broadcast deal is that the fans from all corners of the world can watch matches where no TV broadcast coverage is offered.
Just after Windows 7 was launched on October 22, Apple had announced to support it in Boot Camp. Now, the white fruit themed toy maker has released Boot Camp Software Update 3.1 version that supports Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate versions of 32-bit (380.73MB) and 64-bit (274.58). Isn't it funny that 32-bit version has bigger file-size than 64-bit?
Apple's Boot Camp application enables users to run Windows OS on Intel-based Macs. New Boot Camp Software Update 3.1 won't support Windows 7 on certain Macs released in 2006. Note that this Boot Camp software requires either Windows XP or Apart from bringing Windows 7 support, this update also patches certain issues related to Apple Trackpad and turns off the when unused red digital audio port LED for MacBook Pros. Also this update brings support for the new Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse. For further support, Apple offers system-specific drivers for supporting Windows 7.
The late 2009 release iMac 21.5-inch or 27-inch model owners can download iMac Late 2009 Windows 7 Drivers. Besides that, Mac Pro and iMac users also need to download Graphics Firmware Update 1.0 for the compatibility. In case your 27-inch iMac shows black screen during installation, head to this Apple Support page for fix.
Those looking forward to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 on their Macs can download the Boot Camp Utility for Windows 7 Upgrade.
Now, the multiple OS/platform users would be delighted to work on Windows 7 on their Mac machines. Initially, the Windows 7 support via Boot Camp on Macs was promised by the end of 2009 but, better late than never.
With the Mobile World Congress fast approaching, the rumor mills have started to work overtime with some of them sounding outright preposterous and contradictory to earlier reports. This particular rumor we are about to talk of is one such thing.
Most people here might be aware of Microsoft's Zune Phone (also known as the "Pink" phone). While most of us thought it was what it was - just a rumor and forgot about it, here comes yet another wave of rumor that seems to indicate that a Zune Phone might actually be on the cards - and that too in the next few months. If that wasn't enough, it would run Windows Mobile 7, the rumor states!
Now, the problem with this is, if Windows Mobile 7 arrives so soon, whatever happens to Windows Mobile 6.6 that is rumored to be arriving during the MWC? In fact, according to Katherine Egbert, a technology analyst at Jefferies, the Zune Phone might see an announcement at the MWC or at CTIA 2010 (in March). The features set of the Zune Phone includes a "music subscription/purchasing service" and a 5MP camera with HD video recording. If we are to go by yesterdays reports, there are apparently two versions of Windows Mobile 7 - the Business Edition and the Media Edition. If that report is correct, then we have to assume that this phone will run the Media Edition of Windows Mobile 7.
As of now, there is a strong doubt if the Zune Phone will ever materialize. It might well be vaporware, but in the world of cellphone rumors, nothing is predictable! All this while, there might be someone at Microsoft who might be smirking at these reports.
MapmyIndia has launched TrailBlazer, India's first GPS navigation system for motorbikes. Aimed at motorbiking enthusiasts and groups, TrailBlazer is loaded with maps of 620 cities and is touted to be the most accurate guide for any biking trip anywhere in India. Having been designed for bikes, it is waterproof and packs in an FM transmitter as well that can in turn broadcast turn-by-turn voice directions to FM radios within a particular range. This is aimed at bikers who travel in groups on long distance trips. Through this device, one user can alert all others in the group using a single navigation device. All the others in the group would require is an FM receiver.
The navigation system also comes pre-loaded with many popular travel destinations and highway routes. It is also capable of doubling up as an entertainment device thanks to its multimedia abilities using which users can play music or watch videos (definitely not when you're riding!).
Features:
- 3.5-inch wide touch-screen
- Waterproof
- FM transmitter for voice guidance
- FM receiver for helmets for listening to voice guidance
- Music and video playback
- Loaded with maps of:
- 620 cities with complete details of streets, localities, sub-localities and points of interest
- 5,76,000 towns and villages connected by national and state highways
- 2 million unique destinations across 52 tourist and business categories such as petrol pumps, ATMs, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, national parks, etc.
- Weight: 200 gms
- Memory: 2GB
The gadget is priced at Rs. 18,990 and is available online at www.mapmyIndia.com.
Konami has finally made Silent Hill: Shattered Memories available for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. This latest installment of the horror game series is basically re-imagining the original Silent Hill game. Last year in April, Konami had launched this game for Wii, PS2 and PSP. Also, Silent Hill: The Escape game for iPhone platform isalready available at the App Store for $5.
Climax developed Silent Hill: Shattered Memories has re-imagining story of the original Silent Hill game. Players still play as protagonist Harry Mason, an amnesiac father on a hunt for lost daughter Cheryl. The game starts with Harry at therapist's office for psychiatric test. Again, you won't be getting any weapon to fight against the horrifying monsters. All Harry has is a flash light and mobile phone to receive text messages, access maps or click photos.
PlayStation 2 and PSP versions of the game include an all-new user interface featuring a cell phone. This interface acts as a story telling device, map and camera - basically, an all-new psych profiling system that plays upon the player's innermost fears. A streaming engine eliminates load times and offers intuitive exploration controls along with the all-new soundtrack by the series-composer Akira Yamaoka.
Rated M (for Mature) by ESRB, Shattered Memories game is available for PS2 and PSP at $30 (Rs. 1,440 approx.).
Almost a week after we all went gaga over Google's Nexus One, folks over at Inbrics, a little known firm has come up with their own version of an Android phone that you might want to not miss.
With many terming it the coolest Android phone ever, Inbrics seems to have quickly run into some early and well deserved appreciation for their efforts. So, what we have here for you is the Inbrics M1 which is features almost everything you would love to have on that ideal Android smartphone of your dreams.
We will start with the 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED Touchscreen that is quite comparable to that of the Nexus One's 3.7 incher with the same technology. Where this one trumps the Nexus One quite comprehensively is with its internal memory. All 16GB of it - without the need for a memory card. Of course, there is a microSD slot somewhere just in case you end up filling the 16GB you have at your disposal. This one is quite slim as well at just over half an inch thi(n)ck. Thats not bad for a phone with a full fledged slide out keyboard. The UI too is quite slick and devoid of any usual "issues" you see with demo devices. The phone as of now runs Android 1.5. By the time it reaches you and me, it will come loaded with Android 2.0.
Areas of concern include the 3.2 megapixel camera which might not be that great in terms of megapixels. But hey, if it takes nice images, this should be sufficient. Then there is the "slower" processor that it has. The same Samsung 800Mhz one you find on the Samsung Moment. THere is no word as to when this would eventually be released, but it better be soon!
