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Update: The Mobile World Congress

The MWC 2014 concluded very recently. Here’s a lowdown on the major happenings in this year’s event held in Barcelona, Spain.
by Manik Kakra

The world’s largest mobile phone show – the Mobile World Congress 2014 – concluded recently in Barcelona, Spain. It is estimated that over 75,000 people attended the do. Here’s a look at the new devices unveiled during the event.

Nokia-X-DualNokia: Nokia’s Android devices were expected to be unveiled at MWC, and that’s exactly what the company did. Nokia’s X series consists of three Android 4.1.2 smartphones – Nokia X, X+, and XL. All these smartphones have Nokia’s own WP-like UI on top, and Nokia likes to call the whole UX as Fastlane. The company says users will be able to run about 75 per cent of Android apps, which can be downloaded from the Nokia Store. The Nokia X runs on 1.5 GHz dual-core chipset (with Adreno 203 GPU), and 512 MB of RAM. Boasting a 4-inch 800×480 screen, 3 MP fixed focus camera, and is powered by 1,500 mAh battery. The Nokia X+ comes with a higher optimics 5 MP camera; 2 MP front-facing camera, the same 4-inch screen, but 768 MB RAM. The Nokia XL has got a bigger 5-inch screen 480×800 screen, 5 MP camera, powered by 2,000 mAh battery. The Nokia X is expected to go on sale in India in a week for under Rs. 9,000.

Samsung: Samsung unveiled their much-awaited Galaxy S5. The S5, as expected, comes loaded with lots of features and latest hardware in place. Under the hood, there is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 SoC (2.4 GHz quad-core processor, Adreno 330 GPU), along with 2 GB of RAM. Samsung has equipped the phone with 2,800 mAh removable battery. On the back, there is a 16 MP (AF) camera that can shoot 4K videos. Running on Android 4.4.2 with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI on top, the S5 also comes with something called Heart Rate Monitor to measure your pulse rate, which could be done (sort of) with an app, too. Other features include Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, microUSB 3.0 and LTE. The phone is said to be launching in as many as 150 countries by mid-April 2014.

Samsung also announced their new Galaxy Gear 2 and Fit. The former being Samsung’s second take at smartwatches within a year, and the later two being more of a fitness band that can be connected with your smartphone or tablet. As of now, both are expected to only work with Galaxy devices, and there’s no launch date or pricing known.

Sony: Sony wasn’t going to be the one to stay behind in the MWC show, and unveiled its new Xperia Z2 smartphone. This phone boasts a 5.2-inch full HD screen, and, like its Xperia Z2predecessor, is IP58 certified water-proof and dust-resistant. The Z2 is equipped with a 20.7 MP camera that can also shoot 4K videos. Powered by the Snapdragon 801 SoC and 3 GB of RAM, Sony has fitted 3,200 mAh battery. The phone will come in black, white, and purple colour options.

Sony also showcased its new mid-range handset – M2. The M2 has a smaller 4.8-inch 960×540 screen, and has got a 8 MP rear camera. Underneath it packs a 1.2 Hz dual-core processor, along with 1 GB of RAM, and packs in 2,300 mAh battery.

At last, Sony also came out with the successor to its Xperia Z tablet – Xperia Z2 tablet (in pic on right). Having the same IP58 certified rating and chipset as the Xperia Z2, the Z2 tablet is a 10-inch full HD tablet with an 8 MP rear camera. Being as thin as 6.44 mm, the tablet doesn’t fall short of needed features – WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headset jack. This one packs 6,000 mAh battery, and there’re no official dates or pricing.

HTC: HTC’s corner at MWC wasn’t very exciting except its last year’s release, One, won the Mobile Of The Year Award, and it showcased two Android smartphones – Desire 816 and desire 610 (in main image above). The desire 816 is a high mid-range Android 4.4.2 device that comes with a 13 MP snapper; and 5 MP front one. It has a 5.5-inch 720pscreen, and is powered by a 1.6 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 SoC. You get the similar BoomSound front-facing speakers, as well as the new Sense 6.0 UI. On the other hand, the Desire 610, running on Android 4.3, has a humbler 4.7-inch 960 x 540 display, and 8 MP rear camera and 1.3 MP front-facing camera.

LG: LG was awarded the Most Innovative Company Of The Last Year Award, and they announced two new phones based on their existing smartphones. The new G2 Pro has got the same back-placed volume and camera buttons. The phone has a 5.9-inch full HD display, and a 13 MP camera that can shoot 4K videos and has also got OIS in place. Powered by the Snapdragon 800 chipset, the G2 Pro has 3 GB of RAM under the hood. It comes in black and white colours. The G2 Mini is a tinier version of the G2, but with also specifications do not feel really great. The phone sports a 4.7-inch 960×540 screen, and is powered by either Snapdragon 400 or tegra 4i chipset – two variants. This Android 4.4 phone packs in decent 2,440 mAh battery.

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We recommend: The best camera phones in the market today

Our tech writer lists the five best camera phones you can buy in India, and what makes them so great.
by Manik Kakra

Cameras on phones have come a long way. From using them once in a while upon finding something interesting, to using them pretty much every hour to click a thing, ourselves (selfies, yeah), or anything we find amusing or worth sharing. The technology used on cameras on our phones has evolved by leaps and bounds – camera phones today have better and bigger sensors, improved performance under low-light conditions, they are faster, come with accessories, and more.

Here’s my list of the best camera phones available in the market today:

Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Samsung’s Note series has done a great job of proving that many people do want bigger screens on their phones, and has been consistent about improving cameras used on these devices. The Note 3 has a 13 MP (AF) camera that can shoot 1080p videos at 60 FPS. Its camera can take some seriously detailed images, and videos look very nice (and heavy sized). You’re pretty much sure with a Note 3 that its camera performance is going to be good most of the times, and plenty of editing options are in place in case you require any.

Sony Xperia Z1: Sony’s past efforts with cameras on its flagship handsets haven’t been very impressive, but with the Xperia Z1, especcialy after its latest update, the company has a really good camera performer. Its 20.7 MP camera can take some detailed and sharp images, and the camera app provides loads of shooting and editing options for later. The camera is quite smooth, takes less noisy images after the last update, and provides good video recording quality, too.

Nokia Lumia 1020: Bet you saw this one coming as soon as you read the headline. The Nokia Lumia 1020, with its huge 41 MP sensor, is pretty much the king of camera phones today. Whatever you want from a camera phone – daylight shots, low-light shows, change focus of an image after clicking it, settings not found on any other company’s phone camera (focus, ISO, etc. Xenon + LED flash, RAW [DNG support]), this Lumia is a one-fit-for-all photography enthusiasts.

LG G2: The G2 has probably the fastest camera of all these. Its camera takes an image the fastest, but without compromising on quality. The 13 MP shooter on its back can take some rich, sharp images, and can also shoot high quality full HD videos with decent audio in place. And thanks to its OIS feature, you need not worry much about getting blurry images due to your hands shaking while taking a photo.

Nokia PureView 808: This is, in my opinion, the best camera performer of the lot. It’s hard to find this Symbian phone today, but it definitely deserves to be named here. The 41 MP, with loads of settings in its camera app, fantastic image quality, great video quality, is really Nokia’s answer if anybody asks about their imaging technology in place. Last officially available for under Rs. 20,000, you could buy one as the last legacy Symbian device that’s equipped with a stunning camera.

Other than these, there are a few that need to be mentioned: Samsung’s Galaxy S IV’s camera is pretty much the same as the Note 3’s. HTC’s One, with its 4 MP ‘Ultrapixel’ can also not be ignored because of its impressive low-light performance and making the OIS feature more common in smartphone cameras today. Also, Apple’s iPhone 5s can take some seriously good photos, videos, is fast in snapping photos and has some decent editing options.

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LG launches G Flex, its first curved smartphone

The new smartphone will retail at Rs 69,999 in India, and also comes with a ‘self healing’coating at the back.
by Manik Kakra

After launching the phone in several international markets, LG today launched the G Flex in India. Its USP, as the name suggests, is its 6-inch 720p OLED screen that is curved at the centre, thus making a curvature when you hold it in your hand. The device also bends a bit if you apply pressure using your hand against the curved design.

Under the hood, similar to the popular LG G2, it has the Snapdragon 800 SoC (with Adreno 330 GPU), along with 2 GB of RAM. The G Flex follows the same ‘Power/Lock and Volume buttons on the back’ approach, and has the same 13 MP rear camera; and a 2 MP front-facing camera.

Another unique thing about LG’s G Flex is that its back carries what LG calls as ‘self-healing’ coating, which means any scratches and marks on its surface are ‘healed’ automatically. Running Android 4.3 with the Optimus UI on top, this LG phone boasts of a 3,500 battery.

While it is yet to be seen what all real life advantages this curved screen brings you, the launch price seems steep. Priced at Rs 69,999, the G Flex comes with a flip case and will be available for sale within a week.

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Moto G launches in India, starting at Rs 12,499

Motorola is back in India, with a new smartphone – Moto G, a dual SIM phone available in two models.
by Manik Kakra

Motorola has returned to India, and has launched its Moto G smartphone in the country. This Android 4.3 device comes with a 4.5-inch 720p screen, with Gorilla Glass on top. It is powered by Qualcomm’s 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 chipset (with Adreno 305 GPU), along with 1 GB of RAM.

Moto GMotorola has launched the phone in dual-SIM avatar (GSM + GSM), and says it will roll out an Android 4.4 upgrade for the phone within two weeks. Also, the company has set up, thanks to some tie ups, about a hundred service centres in the country.

Under the hood, there is a 2,070 mAh battery cell. Other features include 3G connectivity, A-GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and FM Radio.  On the back, there is a 5 MP camera (with an LED flash) that can shoot 720p videos at 30 FPS; while the front side has got a 1.3 MP camera.

The phone has been priced at Rs 12,499 for the 8 GB model, and Rs 13,999 for the 16 GB model, but will only be available online starting tomorrow. Flipkart has a few deals for early buyers, which include Rs 500 off on books, to 70 per cent off on various coloured back shells for the Moto G.

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Saving time and lives of harried Mumbaikars

Traffline app upgrades to allow two wonderful new features – one helps report accidents, the other gets help in time.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

A lot of Mumbaikars are already using the Traffline app – and why wouldn’t they? In a city increasingly facing traffic snarls and spending more than half of its travel time on the road, the app comes in handy when wishing to know which routes to avoid and which ones to take to reach their destination faster.

The app has now added two new features – and both will help Mumbaikars in crucial ways.

traffline logoSpeaking to The Metrognome, Brijraj Vaghani, Director of Birds Eye Systems that runs Traffline, says “We introduced two new upgrades to the app recently. These will introduce a ‘humanitarian touch’ to the app. One deals with road accident alerts and the other helps people in distress.”

As far as the ‘accident alert’ feature goes, it works like this: if a user witnesses an accident or is in the vicinity of an accident, he or she can immediately tag their location. “This information immediately forwarded to the concerned local police station and shared with fellow Traffline users who might be on the same route. Thus, others will be alerted on taking an alternative route, while it will become possible for rescue units to reach the spot faster,” Brijraj explains.

The other feature has been designed keeping in mind women’s safety in Mumbai. “While there are many apps that help women in distress alert their near and dear ones about their location, we go a step further. We have added a feature which will give the recipient an estimated travel time to the location, taking into account possible traffic delays. We also give a choice of alternate routes and estimated travel times to reach the location as fast as possible,” he says.

Additionally, Traffline is offering traffic information through SMS and email, such that users gets live traffic updates every day for a certain route. Users can also get a unique number ot call and learn about surrounding traffic condition. There is also a feature that indicates available parking space in the area where you wish to park your vehicle. The app is available on iOS and Android. 

If you’ve used the app, tell us what you think of it in the comments section below.

(Pictures courtesy www.socialsamosa.com)

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Oppo arrives In India; launches the N1 at Rs 39,999

Chinese phone manufacturer Oppo, after making waves globally with its great hardware, is now an official phone seller in India.
by Manik Kakra

Oppo, the popular Chinese phone manufacturer, is now officially a phone seller in India. The company previously launched its phone in China and a few other countries, while shipping orders (made through its website) worldwide. Known for being the first handset manufacturer to officially support the popular custom ROM CyanogenMod, it has made some waves when it comes to hardware.

N1Oppo has launched its N1 smartphone in the Indian market. This Anrdroid 4.2 phone with Oppo’s own ColorOS sports a 5.9-inch full HD screen, which is coated with Gorilla Glass 3 on top. The N1 is powered by Qualcomm’s 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 SoC (Adreno 320 GPU), along with 2 GB of RAM. One of the USPs of this device is its 13 MP camera (with LED flash) which has a swivelling base, allowing the sensor to rotate 206 degrees, meaning it can also be used as the front-facing camera. For the camera purpose, including HD videos at 30 FPS), there’s also a dedicated Fujitsu chip under the hood.

Connectivity-wise, there is Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB (supports USB on-the-go), WiFi, GPS, and NFC. Another unique feature of this smartphone is its O Click accessory. You can use this gizmo to keep a check on your phone’s location. Apart from allowing you to control the phone’s camera remotely if it is not within 17 feet distance from O Click, the device will make an alarm sound. The N1 also has a O panel on its rear that can be used with your finger for scrolling on the device’s screen.

Available in 16 GB and 32 GB storage options, Oppo’s N1 comes in white, and has been priced at Rs 39,999 for the 16 GB model.

We have seen quite a few new Chinese entrants into the Indian phone market, and it will be interesting to see how Oppo is received initially in the Indian market.

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