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Samsung Galaxy Note coming to India in Nov

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Samsung will launch its Galaxy Note in India in the first week of November, a spokesperson of the company told The Mobile Indian. Notably, Samsung UK has just issued a press note stating that the Samsung Galaxy Note will be available in the UK market for purchase post November 17 this year.

Samsung had unveiled the Galaxy Note during the IFA 2011 event in Berlin, Germany. Since then the device has created a lot of buzz especially for its huge 5.3 inch display that offers functionality of both smartphone and tablet.

The Galaxy Note is the first device to sport a 5.3 inch Super Amoled display. The display sports a native resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and supports multi-touch and also comes with the advanced stylus the S Pen. The Galaxy Note runs the 2.3 Gingerbread along with Samsung TouchWiz user interface.

For powering this massive device Samsung has chosen a dual-core 1.4 GHz Exynos microprocessor with Mali-400MP graphics chip. The Galaxy Note also features a 1 RAM along with 16 GB memory onboard as storage memory. Its 8 camera comes with LED flash capable of recording 1080p Full HD videos at 30 fps. There is a front facing 2 megapixel camera as well that can provide self-portrait shots and video calling.

The price of the device, however, still remains a mystery but it is expected to be priced above Rs 30,000.

India’s cheapest tablet Aakash launched for Rs 2250

The much talked about low cost tablet, developed by IIT Rajasthan and DataWind under the Human Resource ministry of India, has been launched with a price tag of Rs 2,250. The retail version will be launched in November with price of Rs 2,999.

The tablet surprisingly has very decent specifications, and is based on 2.2 Froyo operating system. While it has a very small processor of 366 MHz unit (from Conexant) but to improve performance there is a video Co-Processor and graphic accelerator and 256 RAM. The retail version to be launched in November will have faster 600 MHz processor from ST Micro electronics.

The touchscreen is a 7 inch unit and uses resistive touch technology, which is not as good as the capacitive screens but is okay considering the price.

Connectivity options include built in WiFi support and ability to connect a data card for and GPRS connectivity. There are two full USB ports, and Aakash has a 2 in built memory and comes along with a 2 GB MicroSD. The tablet supports external memory up to 32 GB. USB port can also be used to attach external camera.

The used in the tablet is UBI Surfer, which has been developed by DataWing and is claimed to be 10 times faster than any other mobile browser. The tablet will also come with Nimbuzz (a chat application) pre-installed. The tablet weighs 350 grams and comes with stereophonic headset.

Initially, the government will distribute 1 lakh Aakash tablets among schools across the country. The retail version which will be priced slightly higher at Rs 2,999 will be available from November.

The tablet will come along with a leather case which will not just protect the tablet but will also act as a keyboard case, so that tablet can be used as a netbook as well.

DataWing also plans to launch an Android smartphone, details for which are not yet available. But, if the price of this tablet is any indication, this smartphone will have similar hardware but a price of around Rs 2,000.

Difference between iPhone 4S and iPhone 4

Apple has finally come out with its latest device – the iPhone 4S. The device, in contrary to the earlier reports, does not have an astonishingly thin body not the revolutionary chip. Of course, the users get better camera, a new processor and better than ever download speeds. The new features are definitely good, but nothing compared to what the users are expecting in the device.
When the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 are compared head to head, the iPhone 4S goes ahead with its Siri voice-activated personal assistant, A5 processor, CMDA+GSM chip, 1080p video capability, faster download speeds, improved graphics, improved camera and an intelligent switching antenna. The iPhone 4S also has a new operating system – 5, as well, but that will be available for older iPhones as well.

In terms of design, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S look identical as both have Glass Sandwich design. The letter S in the name iPhone 4S probably stands for improved ‘speed’. The storage has also gone too high, up to 64 GB. The iPhone 4 storage went up to 32 only. The image quality is expected to be better even in low light conditions, the video would also be better.

The iPhone 4S comes with an 8 camera compared to the 5 megapixel of iPhone 4. In terms of pixels, the front facing camera goes from 720 pixels to 1080 pixels though it still remains a 0.3 one. The iPhone 4S also has hybrid GSM/ CDMA cellular connectivity whereas the iPhone 4 had quad-band GSM/ CDMA cellular connectivity.

Simply stated, the iPhone 4S owners will find it easier to roam between countries which are predominantly GSM network country and those places where CDMA networks are prevalent. The faster A5 dual core processor will make it powerful device, with a claimed battery life of 8 hours. Last, but not the least is the Siri personal assistant which may prove to be quite an attraction for the users. The screen size in both the phones is 3.5 inches with 640×960 retina display.

About the RAM, a website has claimed it would be 1 GB for iPhone 4S but we didn’t find supporting evidence on the Apple website. The iPhone 4 has a of 512 only.

UTV Bindass launches app to help you impress a woman

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UTV Bindass has launched a mobile application for its reality show – Superstud – School Of Flirt. This show, which recently concluded its first season with Ashmit Patel as the host, aims to decode the complex mind of a woman. Thus, the show has been designed to be the perfect visual handbook of how to or how not to “impress” a girl!

The mobile application called the ‘Superstud Blackbook’ is designed to act as a perfect wingman for the guys and help them get through the various stages of the ‘Dating Process’ by providing them with all the information required to walk into a girl’s heart!

The tells guys to plan the four important stages of impressing women which are divided as Ice breakers, Night out, Gear up, Chat Box.

Ice breakers: Don’t know what to say? The app gives you the right thing to say for every occasion. Whether it’s a pickup line, a compliment or even an excuse! The Superstud Blackbook will ensure you are never left dumb founded in front of your lady love

Night out: Want to plan an exciting night out but don’t know the coolest places. This app helps you plan the perfect date depending on your city, locality and preference, all you need to do is specify your requirement and the Superstud Blackbook will throw up a list of suggestions to match

Gear up: Need some flowers/chocolates urgently to please your girl…but don’t know where to buy them? The app gives you access to a complete list of utilities, so you never really land-up empty handed on your date.

Chat box: Don’t even have a date? Want to know where hot women frequent? Superstud Blackbook users will give you a list of cool hangouts frequented by gorgeous women, so you can meet them and put all the above features of the app to good use!

Commenting on the unique mobile app, Keith Alphonso, business head, UTV Bindass said, “More and more youth today consume content on their mobiles and we being a youth channel its imperative that we tap this preference. Youngsters like accessing information on their finger tips and the Superstud Blackbook app does just that, it gives them access to all the information that a guy would require anytime and anywhere to impress his woman.”

The Superstud Blackbook app has been created by OML (Only Much Louder).

The application is available as a free download for all and iPhone devices. To download the app, search for UTV Bindass Superstud on your Android Market or your iPhone application store.

Android URL: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.foolsmart.superstud or bit.ly/ojOwYi

Formula One WAP Portal launched

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Novosol, a mobile content provider, has announced its new Formula One Portal(https://mosportz.com). The website can be accessed on any phone and will be launched with the first Airtel Grand Prix of India, to be held at the Buddha International circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on 30th October this year.

Besides real time coverage on the Indian Grand Prix, Mosportz will provide viewers with pictures and videos and expert advice on the race.

Minhaz Lokhandwala, marketing director, Novosol said, “Grand Prix is one of the most exciting and thrilling motor sport across the world and we are very pleased to bring this unique mobile WAP portal to the service providers and end customers in India.”

The website will offer lap-by-lap timings of the race, and along with the live coverage, it will also provide lap and pit lane information, leaders and in-race news. The website has a live picture gallery of race images and graphics. It also offers exciting back room drama, interesting snippets, trivia and gossip.

To begin with Novosol is offering the service free to all consumers.

Currently, Novosol has integrated its services with Reliance Communications and is in the process of integrating with two other operators.

Novosol will also be covering popular sports such as Tennis, Golf, Hockey under the MoSportz banner. Cricket is already covered at http:mocricket.com.

How to sync data between devices using Dropbox

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Despite the advancement of technology, transferring files is still not a hassle free affair especially if you have to transfer files from one smartphone to another. To transfer files from your smartphone to another smartphone, you have to connect both devices to a computer and sync files using software.

However, with Dropbox users can share or sync almost any type of file between devices at just a click of a button or by creating an automated action. The Dropbox application is available on iOS, BlackBerry and platforms. That is why it is a perfect tool for syncing data across devices, and that too without much hassle.

So here is how sync data between different devices using Dropbox. For this we chose an Android and a BlackBerry device.

Before beginning with the sync process you need to make sure you are registered with Dropbox at dropbox.com.

Step 1

To setup sync, the Dropbox application should be installed on both devices. On your Android device open Android Market to begin installation.

Step 2

You can either locate the application under utility apps or you can search for it. Once you’ve found it, install the Dropbox application on your device.

Step 3

After installing the app, open the applications menu on your device and locate the installed application.

Step 4

Locate and start the Dropbox application.

Step 5

The application will prompt you to enter login details. Once the login is successful it will proceed to the home screen where you will find the default folders that are already added to the Dropbox account.

Step 6

You can also modify or create folders from within the application by accessing the setup menu, which can be accessed by pressing the menu key while the application is open. Add the desired files and folders and let the application sync data with the cloud space.

Step 7

Install the application on the other device. Since we chose a BlackBerry device the application is available for download from BlackBerry World, both through the handset and the web. Install the application and input the same login details used to login to the Android device.

Step 8

The BlackBerry device will take a few minutes to build a cache of the files uploaded on the cloud from the Android device after which it will show the exact files added to the Android device.

Step 9

The sync is now set. It works both ways, which means that any file added to the Dropbox folder, whether through the Android or through the BlackBerry device, will be automatically synced. You can add an or a Windows powered device to this sync by repeating steps 7 and 8.

You can also check the different devices linked to your account from the online control panel accessible at dropbox.com.

Game Review: Plants Vs zombies

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We all know what are plants and what they do but have you ever thought that plants could get you rid of the zombies! Well that is exactly what they do in the game Plants Vs Zombies.

As the name signifies, it’s the battle between the plants and the zombies but as by nature plants are not self-reliant, they need your help in terms of strategizing and planning what to do and what not to. So, pull up your sleeves and take out that shovel as some digging and seeding is coming your way.

The game has a very intuitive and an exciting game play that is bound to keep the player glued to his/her smartphone for hours together. While testing this game out, we almost spent more than three hours playing this game continuously!

The game although seem like easy but as the levels grow in numbers, the game becomes tough and it keeps on growing. But not to worry as there are multiple plants and various varieties of plants ranging from pea shooters to zombie eater and fire breathers, all there to help you out and revenge the zombies.

After stage 5, you will be presented with the shovel also which gives you the power to remove a plant and sow another one in its place for a faster more painful death to the zombies. And as all these plants need the power of sun to kill zombies, you will need sun’s power in abundance while the number of zombies grows with the levels.

Overall, it is a very nice game with great graphics and even better concept that promises hours of fun and game play. But beware, the worst part about this game is that it is highly addictive and you will end up spending most of your time playing this game rather than doing anything else. Although the developers could have done something’s more with the music that tends to annoy the players after a few stages of zombie breaking action.

This game requires an iOS 3.0+ device and above. You can download the Plants Vs zombies application on your Apple device manually or can also visit the iTunes store to do the same. Alternatively follow this link. This game is available for iOS, Android and even PC you can also check out the developer website for more details.

App Review: Comics

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Comics have always been the favourites across age categories. With the advent of smartphones, comics have also took a turn to satiate the thirst of digital consumers. Digital comics which provides visually rich pictures also suits the readers who want a more interactive and interesting reading experience.

The Comics app is one such application that offers several graphically rich comics in digital format for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Developed by ComiXology, the app comes with built-in store that enables the users to purchase the digital version of popular comics.

ComiXology’s Comics app offers Digital Comics version from the top publishers &#151 DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, and Vertigo along with several other popular publishers.

The interface of the app is quite uniform like that of an App store where one can see more of comic book covers here instead of App icons. Five basic options at the bottom of the App screen &#151 Featured, Popular, Browse, Purchases and Downloads are self explanatory.

Out of these five, Browse option allows you to search for your favorite comic series via search for which you may have to manually enter the name. Alternatively, you can browse the store by Series, Publisher, Genre, Creator, Story Arcs and special Free Comics section.

Most interesting part of this app is the comic reading experience that has been devised using the Guided View technology. For the first time, the app will offer you a quick tutorial on how to go about reading the comics in the app.

The app takes user from one panel to another via animated transition instead of loading full scanned copy of the comics. For several other image readers, when you have scanned copy of a comic then you will have to zoom and swipe your finger across the screen several times to get a fairly visible view of a page. That’s what is guided view.

With Comics App, the comic page goes through an animated transition and the time of the same can be set in order to suit one’s need &#151 from Immediate to 1 second. Navigating through panels is simple right to left for next panel and left to right for going to previous panel.

At any point you can simply tap to get the options and tap on the pages option to jump between pages instead of swiping randomly between panels.

The core reason for choosing this app is the Guided View interface that takes comics reading to a totally different level. Users are guided through the panels in a manner that carries the continuity of the story from one panel to another. Also if there is a bigger panel, the app focuses on the speech bubbles in the panel and frames the graphics accordingly.

The Comics app is meant for every one &#151 from comic book lovers to the first time comic readers. It’s a totally different and amazing experience reading the comics on the large screen of iPad. The best part of it is that the books purchased via the app are also viewable in the web interface at the comics.comixology.com.

Currently the ComiXology store offers over 13,000 comics books in its library along with the new releases. With number new series coming in, this is one good app must have for any comics and graphics art lover. The most recent version of Comics App for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad requires 4 or higher.

App Review: Talking Tom Cat

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The copycat is back in the business yet again, in a new setting and new adventure. The which is created by Outfit7, stars a talking cat which responds to touch, slaps, teasing and of course, repeats everything users say into their phone when the app is on. Talking Tom, the cat is already popular among the users, though is more popular among the kids who can never have enough of his antics.

When the cat is patted on the belly or the head, it purrs, and it reacts when poked. Even those users who don’t like violence or don’t want bad influence on their kids have the option to switch it (the violence) off. Ben, the neighbour of Tom, can also be controlled by the users with a few buttons. Anything that happens on the screen can be recorded and shared with the friends through Facebook and YouTube as well.

The quality of animation is good though it could have been sharper. The app runs on smoothly without any delay or lag. The best part of the app is that it comes for free but the users have to bear the advertisements on the top of the screen. There is the facility of in-app purchases as well.

The app is funny and entertaining for the adult users but only for a short time. Things get boring for them after that, though kids can enjoy the repetitions of the cat for far longer. Before users run their app for the first time, they will need to download additional data on their phones to get good quality graphics.

First look: Samsung Galaxy Y

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Samsung has always managed to strike the right cord when it comes to the youth and that’s what it has done with the newly announced Galaxy Y which costs Rs 7,800.

Galaxy Y, with much better specifications and lower price, is bound to give a tough time to several smartphones including the recently launched HTC Explorer.

In terms of look and feel the device doesn’t seem cheap or show signs of cost cutting. It has the same sturdy build that we have been seeing in most Samsung smartphones over the past couple of years.

The device is small and fits snugly in the palm of the hand. The back panel of the Galaxy Y features a textured finish that adds both looks and grip.

Since it is targeted at the youth there will be more colour options in the form of interchangeable covers, a Samsung India spokesperson told The Mobile Indian. The covers will come as Galaxy Y accessories.


In comparison to its closest rival &#151 HTC Explorer, the Galaxy Y falls short by 0.2 inches in terms of display size but scores with better display performance. The device is light after having a 1200 battery, which is enough to power this device for up to two days’ use.

Galaxy Y gets 2.3 Gingerbread as its operating system and combined with Samsung’s Touch Wiz user interface it delivers a nice user experience. It is powered by a fast 832 application which is by far the maximum that has been offered at this price.

There have been no major deductions about the hardware except that the phone has a small 2 main camera, but it would be asking for too much if we criticise the Galaxy Y for this.