Micromax Andro A60 previewed in India

Yesterday, we reported about Micromax to unveil its first Android phone - Andro. Now concrete details about Micromax Andro smartphone running Google Android 2.1 Eclair update come from Micromax Delhi Bloggers Meet. Micromax Andro A60 is a full touch-screen smartphone that will feature 2.8-inch touch screen. Sporting a 600MHz CPU this Android smartphone will be available in India starting next month for a price of less than Rs. 8000. We ll try to get the exact figure but it s certainly will be less that that figure. 

Coming from India s third largest mobile phone vendor, Micromax Andro takes a leap into Android phones under Rs. 10,000 bracket. Andro has 2.8-inch touchscreen supporting 320x240 pixel resolution which might not please the mobile fanatics but average joe might be happy with it. With dual-band GSM support this smartphone will be 3G ready and promises up to 7.2Mbps speeds via HSUPA and up to 5.76 speeds via HSDPA. Micromax has added even Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity but there was no mention of Bluetooth.  

Micromax s Android debut Andro comes with GPS which is quite interesting for an Android handset priced for less than 8K.With measly 150MB internal memory one can add up to 32GB memory card. The phone offers 3.2 megapixel camera with Auto-focus. You can also record video but don t expect amazing quality. Andro A60 will also sport Accelerator and gravity sensor for users to enjoy the light weight Android-platform based games

Most worrisome part of Andro A60 is the 1280 mAh Lithium-Ion battery that promises just 4 hours of talk time. Now I am not sure if this is going to be a Dual-SIM phone. But it may get some attraction from users to check out the new operating system - Android. Only after getting our hands on to Andro A60 we can say whether it would be a worth competitor to Samsung Galaxy 5 GT-i5503. Like it or not, Android is slowly seeping into entry-level handsets for letting users get used with Android as new mobiel operating system.

Nokia X7-00 Images, Details leaked

 okia has always been offering handsets with almost similar form factor with notable changes in designs.  For instance, N8 and E7 are similar yet different than each other on many grounds. A mysterious Nokia handset - X7-00 was spotted testing EA's Need for Speed Mobile at a Czech forum board - Modryzub.net (registration required). Yet another angular design-bearing handset X7-00 draws design looks from Nokia N8 and E7 collectively. However, the four speakers at four corners of the front panel makes it stand out and seem to be entertainment-centric handset.

Following the images of X7-00 handset, the video of the same running the Need for Speed game also cropped up. Slash Gear noted that the polished metal body bearing X7-00 carried 4-inch display with 360x640 pixel resolution. The camera on its hind had 8-megapixel image sensor with dual-LED Flash. Expect some eye dazzling quality there. 

The Nokia X7-00 is said to have 245MB RAM and 450MB On-board memory. There'll be a 3.5mm audio port on the top edge, micro-USB port, fixed battery and the four speakers are claimed to be pretty loud. Check out the video of X7-00 running Need for Speed grabbed by MobileBulgaria.  

Micromax's First Android Phone Coming Soon

Micromax is one of the handset makers in India who has shown some sky rocketing popularity amongst entry-level handsets. Now, the company is reportedly going to introduce Google Android running handset dubbed Micromax Andro by the end of this month. At a special bloggers event scheduled in Delhi on November 27, Micromax will show off its first Android phone.

Micromax Andro is rumored have a 2.8-inch resistive full touch screen and a 3.2 megapixel camera along with the Android 2.1 Eclair running on it. Apart from that the phone will house 600MHz microprocessor and purportedly sport the interactive input feature - SWYPE. Andro is expected to be priced between Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 9,000 segment.

Around that price band, we have Samsung Galaxy 5 GT-i5503 with Android 2.1 running on it. Micromax has been quite bullish regarding its low-cost and feature rich handsets so far. Back in April, the company bagged the third position as India's largest mobile phone vendor. Micromax Andro is expected to keep the ball rolling for them.

Apple Planning to use Retina Display in iPad 2

Earlier, we reported that Apple has been rumored of working on the second generation iPad which will be shown in February next year. Now, a Taiwanese news website DigiTimes has noted that Apple will be adding five new features in the iPad 2 according to a source who tipped the information to Economic Daily News, a Chinese-language news paper. These features include Retina display, front facing camera for FaceTime, USB Port, and smaller form factor. 

Now we know you're slowly getting mad at us for writing too much about Apple who doesn't bother launching the iPad in India. However, there is no harm in staying abreast with developments that might help instead of staying aloof. Rumor mills and spin doctors are already speculating the theories that Apple will show off in a smaller 7-inch iPad 2 sometime early next year. Also, this new iPad would be slimmer than the current generation one as per Apple's patent application. So we can expect a form-factor of anything between 7-inch to 9-inch. 

In the iPad 2, Apple would be using Retina Display technology with thinner glass panels. The IPS-panel technology based Retina glass is a bit costly but they improve the color and image quality. Hence, expect that part to add up to the total price of the iPad. 

Industry based component makers also stated that Apple would be adding a USB port to make the iPad 2 more connection friendly. This kind of contradicts Apple CEO Steve Jobs' response to an Apple product fan - We don't see USB 3 taking off at this time. No support from Intel, for example. So instead, we can expect USB 2.0 in iPad 2. Sounds like some cryptic chronology - USB 2.0 in iPad 2 and may be USB 3.0 in iPad 3. That's Apple for you.

For the gaming frenzy folks, Apple will add 3-axis gyroscopic sensors to enhance the possible gaming experience. Finally, Apple will add a camera in the front panel to enable FaceTime which is already available to iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 devices. Once again, I'd like to point out that these are just preliminary buzzes you'll hear till the actual product is shown off.

Lenovo IdeaCenter B300 Launched

Lenovo has launched its new All-in-one PC for the Indian market called the IdeaCenter B300. This mainstream PC will be available at all retail outlets and multi brand digital lifestyle retail chains for Rs. 29,990 onwards with a 1-year on-site warranty. 


The specifications will vary depending on how much you're willing to pay. For the CPU, you have a choice of a Core2 Duo 7600/5400s/Core i range. Memory options start from 2GB DDR3 onwards whereas for storage, you again get multiple choices up to 1TB. The B300 with a 20-inch screen features a 1600x900 resolution where as the 21.5-inch screen will sport a full HD resolution with LED backlighting and multi-touch on select models only. 

On the graphics front, we have a choice between the onboard GMA 4500MHD or a ATI Radeon HD5450 with 512MB dedicated memory. Other featurs include two 3W speakers, 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth, DVD burner, card reader, built-in webcam and a keyboard and mouse. The B300 will come shipped with Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the amount of RAM. 

Epson Releases Four Multimedia Projectors

Epson has introduced four new multimedia projectors, featuring LCD technology. The EB-S9, EB-X9, EB-X10 and EB-W10 feature 3LCD technology that employs three discrete LCD panels assigned to the red, green and blue channels to produce an image.

In addition to the regular connectivity options, the Epson's LCD range also features USB direct connectivity, which simplifies cabling by allowing display using USB cable, which is found across all modern computers. This makes it extremely convenient for presentations, where you don't have to carry different kinds of video cables for compatibility. This feature also allows the projectors to display JPEG images right off the USB drive connected to it.

These projectors ship with a lamp starting at 2,500 ANSI lumens, and employ what Epson calls the E-TORL technology that promises to extend lamp life to 5,000 hours at the cost of image luminosity in the eco mode. Epson EB-S9 has a resolution of 800x600p (SVGA) with a lens that's capable of subtending image across a minimum of 0.87m to 10.5m (diagonal). This projector costs Rs. 34,000.

The EB-X9, EB-X10 (both 1024x768p) and EB-W10 (1280x800p) can display an image spanning 0.9m to 9.0m large. The EB-X9 and EB-S9 have a brightness of 2,500 ANSI lumens, while EB-X10 and EB-W10 are rated at 2,600 lumens, in addition to an HDMi port. The EB-X9 costs Rs. 40,400, EB-X10 costs Rs. 43,200 and EB-W10 costs Rs. 57,000.

First Windows Phone 7 Jailbreak Tool Released

Whilst many are still enjoying the Thanksgiving turkey, select geeks/hackers are working on ways to help you save 50 cents. Earlier this month, Microsoft's next-gen mobile operating system Windows Phone 7 based smartphone had started hitting the U.S. markets. Just before it went en masse, three guys - Rafael Rivera, Chris Walsh and Long Zhengreleased WP7 unlocker tool - ChevronWP7. With this tool, any WP7 phone can be unlocked and applications can be side-loaded without the need of a developer account. 

Now, you might be thinking why on earth you would unlock/jailbreak the WP7? To be honest, the first defense would be that jailbreaking for fair use is now legal in U.S. Earlier in July, Library of Congress passed a ruling that unlocking and jailbreaking the mobile phone is legal. Here's a snipped that connects to this 'unlocking' tool.

Computer programs that enable wireless telephone handsets to execute software applications, where circumvention is accomplished for the sole purpose of enabling interoperability of such applications, when they have been lawfully obtained, with computer programs on the telephone handset.
Rafael Rivera, Chris Walsh and istartedsomething blog author Long Zheng together devised the ChevronWP7 tool to unlock WP7 device without a Marketplace developer account. Once you've unlocked you can side-load 'experimental' applications that weren't or can't be available through Windows Marketplace - Microsoft's App Store. 

ChevronWP7 is a simple executable file which can be used once a WP7 handset is connected to a PC via USB cable. Just in case you can't get it running, a number of fixes are suggested in the blog post. This tool works with Windows XP SP2 and higher versions. This tool can't perform SIM unlocks and is more of a jailbreak tool.

Now this WP7 unlocking tool has raised all the concerns and rumors about Apps Piracy. In response to those rumors, all three guys mentioned in their stand against piracy that they don't condone piracy. Technical aspects are clarified:

All Marketplace application XAP packages are sufficiently protected so that you cannot sideload to run them on any unlocked device (official or with our tool). We have no intentions or knowledge to break that protection. (You can still run legitimately purchased and downloaded applications after unlocking)

It's like the door of innumerable possibilities has been opened and Microsoft should foresee all possible outcomes in the future. Either Microsoft can patch those holes or let users take the other path where experimental packages can be installed. Clearly, we see another Cydia-like entire Package Manager in the making. 

Make Use of Mobile Number Portability From Jan.

The final date for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) across India has finally been fixed even as it was launched in Haryana yesterday. Now mobile users in Kolkata will be able to switch service providers while retaining their numbers from January 20, 2011 when MNP will be implemented across India, The Telegraph reports. 

Telecom minister Kapil Sibal told reporters while launching MNP in Haryana, "Mobile number portability will be rolled out across India on January 20, 2011." A senior executive for a top operator added, "There could be some introductory tariff plans for customers changing service providers. High-speed value-added services such as video calls can also be used to lure new customers. Operators could also waive porting charges as an incentive."

MNP is applicable within the circle, and you cannot use it if you want to shift to another city outside the circle. For porting, a subscriber has to send an SMS - PORT Mobile Number - from the number he wishes to be ported, to 1900. The subscriber will be sent a unique porting code through SMS by his current service provider and this has to be quoted in the application form. Porting process is supposed to be completed within seven working days. Even as DoT has recommended a porting fee of Rs. 19, some operators such as Idea Cellular may consider waiving off the porting charges.

'Extreme Online Congestion' Hits GT5 Single Player

Having trouble with the single player component in your copy of Gran Turismo 5? Well, you're not alone. Gaming blog Kotaku reports that GT5 owners across the globe are facing inexplicable slowdown and menu freezing in the single player as well as the multiplayer part of the game. The culprit? According to Polyphony Digital, the "extreme online traffic congestion" is the root of the GT5 woes.

Before any of you hit the reply button asking how that would affect the single player mode, it is because the game accesses online content even during the load screens and game start up. The solution is to yank off your Internet connectivity to force the game into the offline mode. Sony has taken contingency measures by removing user access to logs and preventing changes to profile and friend lists, till they resolve the issue.

A major franchise like GT5 imploding under the weight of its online users within the first week is bad enough, but letting that affect the single player mode is damning design flaw of the highest order. This makes one wonder what the six long years of development were spent on.

Tech-com Crams TV Tuner in USB Stick

Tech-com's SSD-TV-817 USB Stick is quite confusing. The name makes it sound like a high performance solid state drive, while the looks fool you into mistaking it as a mere USB stick. It's neither, but a fully fledged TV tuner. A USB interface endows it with plug and play convenience and freedom from external power requirements. It is also bundled with a remote controller. This makes it quite convenient to carry it around and plug into any laptop or desktop and enjoy TV right away.

SSD-TV-817 supports TV input in PAL (European), NTSC (American) and SECAM (French) platforms, so you can travel anywhere in the world without any compatibility issues. The TV Tuner incorporates the video capture function to so you can record TV programming directly onto your hard drive and even automate the process with the scheduling function. It supports screenshots and FM Radio reception as well. Video capture is further bolstered with the so called 'time-shifting' recording function that enables rewind and fast forward on live TV shows.

Tech-com's SSD-TV-817 ships with a remote control, which includes batteries for a change, 1-4 multi cable and other regular documentation and software. It's out now for Rs. 1,175, which isn't much for something that offers video capture and TataSky+ like features.