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All you need to know about Apple’s WWDC 2013

Three major developments in the recently concluded Apple WWDC at San Francisco will change the way we use our iDevices.
by Manik Kakra

Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) is a well-known developer conference, especially in the mobile space. Every year, Apple invites (a limited number, paid) developers to attend the event live in their building and get to meet the new Mac OS X and iOS versions, along with new hardware and other announcements, at times.

The first day of this year’s WWDC, which is always the most exciting one where they announce all the major bullet points, saw Apple showcasing some major additions and changes to its operating systems. Here are the biggest news stories that came out:

iOS-7-on-iPhone-4S-WWDC-2013The new iOS iteration – iOS7: As soon as Jony Ive was given the chief role of iOS, it was rumoured that the next version of iOS is going to be very different and the biggest change to come to the iOS. Indeed, it is. The new iOS is refreshingly different, and looks almost nothing like iOS6. Apple has gone away with a lot of traditional iOS palettes here. Apple has taken a lot of ‘inspiration’ from other OSes here.

First, there’s better multitasking where the OS itself identifies which are the apps that the users uses the most and which require to be available instantly from the multitasking view. Interestingly, the multitasking view (app switching page) looks a lot like WP’s, which was taken from webOS.

Secondly, iOS also has Control Center for all your device controls (like WiFi switch, brightness, and more), has now got translucency overlaying (what’s underneath it) for better context. You can swipe up from the bottom of your phone’s screen to bring up Control Center. Swipe down from the top of the screen to bring up Notification Center, which is also available from the lock screen, shows more details now, with its three tabs – Today, All and Missed.

iOS 7 also brings AirDrop to iPhone. With Airdrop, users can share files with other iOS users over WiFi network or Bluetooth. One critical feature added with iOS 7 is the Activation lock. Any time, if you lose your iDevice, you can remotely wipe off your data completely from the phone, using your Apple ID. Besides the icons with a new UI, this update brings several improvements like iTunes Radio (which works like Spotify and Pandora), new Weather app, flash light, Newsstand (can be added into a folder), new Safari browser, and more.

The iOS 7 Beta build is already seeding out to developers. Users with an iPhone 4 and higher, iPad 2 and higher, iPod Touch 5G and iPad Mini will get this upgrade, but those who don’t have the latest generation devices will only get some of the new features along with the new UI.

New OS X – Mavericks: The Mac OS X version names will now be city-based, and this starts with Mavericks, which is a California-based term. The new operating systems brings a lot OS X Mavericksof change – tabs have been introduced, through which you can tab multiple Finder Tabs for less clutter on your desktop. Mavericks also adds iBooks to OS X, as well as Tags, which are aimed for better organising of your files on PC as well as cloud. Apart from big bug fixes and performance improvements, the new OS also has iCloud keychain for password management, credit card information, etc.; new Calendar app; and interactive Notifications.

Developers are already getting Developer Preview of the new OS, and users will get this uprade coming fall.

macbook-air-11-inch-002New Mac Pro and MacBook Air: The only major hardware news to come out was of the new Mac Pro and MacBook Air. The new Mac Pro comes with the brand new Haswell ULT chip, and boasts a stylish, cylindrical chassis. It is smaller than the previous Mac Pro, and will start shipping later this year. It comes with dual GPUs, new thunderbolt ports, can handle three desktop monitors, and is capable of playing two 4K videos at once. The new MacBook Air, Apple claims, gives a 12-hour battery life without any performance hiccups. While not many Apple users have them, Apple also introduced AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule with 802.11ac support.

(Pictures courtesy www.onlinegadgetstore.com, www.foxnews.com, www.technobuffalo.com, www.technobuffalo.com)

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Coming soon: A digital explosion

The Internet is truly set to explode, with number of connections in India expected to surpass 380 million by 2017.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Our country is truly a haven for Internet service providers. Not only do we have a staggering number of existing connections, we are set to have about 35 per cent more in four years.

As per a report compiled by YES Bank in association with ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) titled Driving Growth in New Media, “Growing at a compounded annual growth rate of about 35 per cent, the total number of Internet connections in India is expected to surpass 380 million by year 2017, from the current level of 168 million.”

The report attributes this phenomenon to “the mobile revolution [that] is being spearheaded by increasing sales of mobile devices and smartphones, as well as the rapid adoption of Android and 3G services.  Soon to be launched technologies such as 4G will allow mobile phone users to surf the Internet, video conference, download music, video and other content at a rate several times faster than 3G services.  It will offer services such as high-definition mobile TV and video conferencing, super-fast access to high definition (HD) video streaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and much more – all of which should further fuel the growth of mobile adoption and media consumption.”

The study further reveals that wireless connections will comprise nearly 90 per cent of all connections added over 2012-17.  “There are over 1 billion users worldwide on sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+.  As per the data, the number of social media users in urban India reached 62 million by December 2012, and it is estimated to reach 66 million by June 2013,” the study says.

These audiences largely consist of the youth segment and it is no surprise then, that digital advertising is capturing a larger share of ad spends.  Given the cost effectiveness of this medium in reaching the target segment and the increased measurability offered – companies are allocating increasing amounts of their ad budgets for the digital medium, points out the study.

The recent explosion of social media platforms has been their gradual adoption by content creators. Social Media is fast being recognised as a powerful brand management tool for targeted engagements with the consumer and is an essential marketing tool which provides valuable feedback mechanisms.

With its low cost and increasing adoption by the youth, content creators can engage and develop relationships with the younger audience while marketing content more effectively. These innovative content delivery mechanisms enable content to generate incremental digital revenue streams.

Additionally, a lot of popular film songs and scenes are now released first over the Internet medium as a teaser campaign. “Content creators are leveraging upon the interest garnered from pre-release social media campaigns to not only generate word-of-mouth publicity but also to use the traction and hype generated as a bargaining tool for better realisations from music, satellite, distribution and other ancillary revenues streams,” adds the study.

(Picture courtesy crackingtipsntricks.blogspot.com) 

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The best phones under Rs 30,000

A follow-up on our ‘Under Rs 15,000’ story lists the best smartphones available for a little bit of extra cash.
by Manik Kakra

If you look around the gadget world these days, you’ll see that a lot of smartphones are being launched left, right and centre, with hefty price tags attached. Sure, these are the most current launches, but phones which have been launched last year surely provide value for money if they are running on the latest OS with sufficiently good hardware. So, here’s a list of smartphones to get for a good on-the-go experience.

Nokia Lumia 720Nokia Lumia 720; available for around Rs. 18,000
If you are looking for your first Windows Phone device without spending a lot, this is the device you should be eyeing (in pic on left). With its solid build quality, an impressive 6.7 MP rear camera, and a decent 4.3-inch screen, this phone packs just what you need from a Nokia WP under Rs. 20,000.

LG Nexus 4; available for around Rs. 25,900
This Nexus phone was launched just a while back in India, and is definitely a good phone for those looking for a plain Android experience – with no bells and whistles on top. The device is suitable for those who want latest Android updates, and are not ready to compromise on build, quality and looks.

Samsung Galaxy SIII; available for around Rs. 26,000
This smartphone has been one of the best-selling smartphones ever. Not a surprise, considering that the phone packs in so much, and has got a lot going for it under Rs. 27,000. It has a great 8 MP camera, a bright 4.8-inch 720p screen, and is soon going to get updated to Android 4.2.

HTC One X; available for around Rs. 30,000 HTC One X
This is one of the underrated phones from last year (in pic on right). It has got the best screen from any phone that came out last year, and that is saying a lot. With its top-notch build quality, decent camera, and good looks, this one surely deserves to be in your list while choosing an Android phone.

Apple iPhone 4S (16 GB); available for around Rs. 33,000 (an exception here)
Yes, I know this phone goes above our Rs. 30,000 mark, but it has been included for a few imperative reasons. First, the phone runs one the latest iOS versions. Secondly, its camera can still give the latest smartphones a tough run. And, if you don’t know already, its crystal clear screen and design will surely get heads turning; so many users won’t mind stretching their budget a little to get this Apple device in their pocket.

Also read: The best phones under Rs 15,000

 

Have you recently purchased any of the above smartphones? Write to Manik in the comments section below and tell him about your experience with the new phone.

(Pictures courtesy www.nokia.com, blog.laptopmag.com, www.droid-life.com)

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The best phones under Rs 15,000

Want a new phone on a budget? Here’s a list of phones that fulfill all needs without pinching your pocket.
by Manik Kakra

Phones have become one of those integral gizmos of our daily life. We need them when we are alone, when at work, when partying – just about everywhere, at all times. We all want a good phone that can fulfill our needs, and here are out top picks of phones that don’t worry your wallet but give you the bang for the bucks.

Nokia Asha 501; to go on sale next month, expected price Rs. 6,300 

This S40 phone is a very smart feature phone. It is made for people who don’t want full functionality of smartphones, but who still want to stay connected. Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp (coming soon), or just to make or receive calls, this phone has got all bases coveed. What’s more, MTNL and Airtel users get free access to Facebook from their phone, thanks to Nokia’s partnership with Facebook.

Nokia Lumia 520, approx Rs. 9,500
This phone is the cheapest Windows Phone 8 device available in the market. It is a great-looking device that comes with a decent 4-inch screen, 5 Mp camera, 512 MB RAM, and WP8 OS that works just fine on it. People looking for their first smartphone without spending a lot should definitely consider this Nokia offering.

Sony Xperia E (approx Rs 9,900)
The Xperia E boasts a 3.5-inch screen, and comes with Android 4.1. It is a very nice-looking phone which comes with a 3.2 MP camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, DLNA, and microUSB. It comes in a number of colour options, too – pink, blue, and black.

Micromax Canvas HD, approx Rs. 14,500
Micromax has been getting a lot of attention in the phone industry, of late. The company has been busy launching one Android phone after another. The Canvas HD (in pic on left) seems to be the best out of their lot. This phone sports a 5-inch HD screen, an 8 MP rear camera, and the phone runs on Android 4.1.2. This phone seems like a value for money option, and has got received very well in the market so far.

LG Optimus L5 II, approx Rs. 10,000
The Optimus L5II is an Android 4.1 phone that sports a 4-inch screen, and features a 5 MP camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, and microUSB. It is a good option for people looking for an Android device that doesn’t feel too old for its Android version and is within their not-so-high budget at the same time.

Did Manik miss out any smart, budget phones in this piece? Write to him in the comments section below.

(Pictures courtesy chatinbook.info, www.fonearena.com)

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Apps and games for your Android phone

Presenting a new list of apps that will make using your Smartphone a more incredible experience than it already is.
by Manik Kakra

So you just bought that shiny, new Android smartphone after reading about it and getting feedback from your friends? Great.  But do you know what would make your device better? Apps and games, that’s what.

Apps will help you get the maximum out of your smartphone and make it convenient to use. Let’s get started with our list of apps to install after booting up your Android smartphone for the first time (Note: Google’s apps like Gmail, GMaps, etc. are pre-loaded, so we are not going to mention those apps here.)

Llama

This is an automated-tasker app, and works really well. You can set events and triggers in this app to have a particular app or function started all by itself – for example, switching off your phone’s WiFi as soon as you leave your office. There are tons of settings, and yes, it takes quite a while before you actually get it running on your tips.

The alternative? Tasker

Tweedle

Are you active on Twitter? Well, this free app is the one you should try. It has smooth scrolling, many features, and a nice UI. This Twitter client has it all covered.

The alternative? Falcon Pro

JuiceDefender

This app is quite handy if you are using your phone for one thing or another. JuiceDefender allows you to tweak the settings on your phone to help you get more juice out of your phone without re-charging.

PowerAmp

It is a music player, which looks good, plays multiple formats, has got EQ settings – yes, all of them are covered. You can try its free version, and its paid version  for Rs 120 is worth your money for a good, one-stop music player on your phone.

The alternative? N7 Music Player

Pixlr-O-matic 

Click too many pictures from your phone’s camera and want to edit and upload them straight from your phone? This app’s got your back. Frames, effects, cropping, resize – you name it, and it has it. This is a simple editing app that is a must-have for you photo junkies out there.

The alternative? Pixlr Express

Nova Launcher 

Bored of your phone’s UI and design? Try this fully customisable launcher. You can make folders, add icons, bring widgets on your home screen, change icons, and have as many home screens you need. Apart from nice 3D-ish effects, this is a smooth launcher which is definitely worth giving a try.

The alternative? ADW Launcher

Any.Do 

Any.Do is a to-do list app that works the way its name says. It allows you to list tasks that you have to yet completed on a day, and you can mark them as and when done.

The alternative? Astrid Task and Evernote

Dropbox

This cloud storage app, a cross platform service, is a must-have for Android users, too.

The alternative? Box

Pocket

This is a read-it-later service where you can add URLs for reading them later, either in the app’s own format, or going to the original webpage through the app. It is a cross-platform app available for Web as well.

The alternative? Readability

Flipboard News 

Flipboard allows you to make a virtual magazine of your own. Choose content as per your liking, and add the sources from Web you prefer. It is a very nice app that works without any hassles, and gives you a lot of content to without wasting your time.

The alternative? Pulse

And some games:

Death Racing 2 

Subway Surfers 

Super Hexagon     

Ruzzle

Hill Climb Racing 

Did you like Manik’s recommendations? Write to us in the comments section below with any apps or games that Manik may have missed.

(Pictures courtesy www.101hacker.com, galaxypocketpirates.blogspot.com, switched-on-tech.pricerunner.co.uk, mplayer.pastemagazine.com) 

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Review: BlackBerry Z10

Our tech reviewer tests the new and interesting BlackBerry Z10, and explains some of the fuss behind Blackberry’s newest offering.
by Manik Kakra

BlackBerry has been in a lot of trouble for the last two years or so. Their loyal customers have shifted to iOS and Android, and their financial statement doesn’t look impressive, either.
In an effort to overhaul its whole mobile business, BlackBerry has come up with its new operating system, built again from the ground up, BlackBerry Z10. BlackBerry Z10 is the veritable messiah to take this OS into the market. We take a look at this device and the new OS, and how it differs from the existing players in the market.

What it looks like: The BlackBerry Z10 sports a 4.2-inch (1280×768) screen, and has a rubberised back. The phone feels like a premium piece as soon as you hold it, and fits in your hand very nicely. There are no cheap materials or colours on its body.

On the right, there are volume rockers and a voice control button in between (see pic on left); the left side has an HDMI port and microUSB port. The front is dominated by that screen. On top of the screen, there’s a 2 MP front-facing camera, LED light and speaker + sensor. On the bottom of the screen, you get a bold BlackBerry branding and primary mic. On the back, there is an 8 MP camera with an LED flash, and BB logo in the middle. On the phone’s top, there is a 3.5 mm headset jack, Power/ Lock key, and secondary mic. The bottom side has just a loudspeaker.

There are no physical buttons on the front, making it a full-touch device like the Nokia N9.

Screen test: The phone’s screen is quite bright and colours look very vibrant on it. There is not much chance you would see any pixels, and usually videos look impressive on it. The buttons on the side are also of high quality – you get a good feedback on pressing them. BlackBerry has done well in the construction of the phone as there are no rough edges. The call quality and network reception on the device we tested were top notch.

Camera quality: The 8 MP camera isn’t something extraordinary. It performs well in daylight conditions but the images aren’t the best from among the high-end smartphones out there. Although the lowlight images were really bad, most of the images in natural light should satisfy an average smartphone user. The focus works quite well, too. You can either tap on the screen to take a picture, or press the volume up button.

The camera UI is quite interesting. BlackBerry has overhauled it and made it quite convenient for the user to change settings within camera like TimeShift (burst mode), and frames.
Hear this: The audio quality on the phone through loudspeakers was disappointing. You get distorted sound even when playing on 70 per cent volume, and the loudspeakers, at the bottom, may get muffled while using the phone. Having said that, the in-ear sound was noticeably better. It was loud, clear, and the basic earphones, though no match for dedicated audio earphones, seem good.

Battery life: Battery life on the phone was average. I was able to get 16 hours on a single charge with regular usage.

Software brouhaha: Let’s now talk about the software – BlackBerry Z10. The software is nothing what we have seen from the company earlier. The BB10 OS is based on full-touch interface. The outlay is quite interesting. As soon as you switch on the phone, you get to see the Menu (or App tray). By swiping left from the first menu screen, you go to Hub, and swiping right takes you to other Menu screens.

Hub, as the name suggests, is one-stop umbrella for all your messages – Email, Twitter mentions, BBM, and SMS. You get all of them neatly placed in the Hub. Whenever there’s a new message, the LED notification light starts blinking, just like in the older BB devices. When you go into an app from the Menu, you have to swipe up from the bottom of the screen (ahem, webOS) to come out of the screen, and you will get to see multitasking view, showing you all the opened apps. All these preview panes have a small close ‘X’ button in order to close as well as remove the app from the multitasking page.

At the end of it all: The phone performs really well, and the UI is very fluid and quite intuitive to use. With its 1.5 GHz dual-core S4 Pro processor, and 2 GB of RAM, the phone almost never lagged and performed smoothly. The app switching works brilliantly and there were no app crashes.

Talking of apps, the BB AppWorld is seriously a downside to the OS. Though there are nearly 1 lakh apps available, there are too less good quality, important apps. BlackBerry has tried to give several native apps – Twitter, Facebook, FourSquare, Dropbox – but most seem half-baked. Take Twitter for instance; there’s no way to change font size, you cannot remain on your timeline position, and so on.

Email, which has been a strong point for BlackBerry, remains a solid point. The Email experience is one of the best you could get. That, along with the keyboard, are the best things about this OS. The keyboard is quite different from what we have seen on touchscreens, but once you start using it, you realise how nicely it works and how the prediction gets better. The Web browser is also very nice, and loads pages without showing too many weak links.
The OS doesn’t bring something new to the table for users which iOS or Android don’t already have. Yes, the gesture-based UI is good, but it could mean a new user has to learn how to use his new BlackBerry phone.

It is clear that BlackBerry has made a serious effort in the past one year. The BB Z10 is a really nice phone, but it may well be a little too less for users who are already used to iOS, Android, or Windows Phones. Having said that, if BlackBerry keeps providing updates and brings the Q10 to the market quickly, it could mean better time for BlackBerry in the Indian market.

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