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Apple working on iOS Maps

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Apple wants to ‘radically’ improve its location-based services, job postings on the iPhone maker’s website suggest.

“Come work for the team that revolutionised the mobile technology industry as it continues [to] define what computing looks like in a post-PC era,” read an announcement for two positions of ‘iOS Maps Application Developer’ on Apple’s website.

“The Maps team is looking for an exceptional developer to join us in our mission to radically improve how people interact with maps and location-based services,” it added.

The current maps application from uses Google Map tiles. It is speculated that MobileMe (subscription based online services from Apple) are probably being overhauled, and the job listings could be related to that.

Some time ago, Apple acquired Placebase, a Google Maps competitor. At that time it was speculated that Apple would soon cut off its ties with Google Maps, but that didn’t happen.
iOS Maps continued to use Google Maps tiles, though these were slightly inferior to the maps available on new devices. iOS Maps didn’t provide offline maps or turn-by-turn directions. It seems all this is set to change now.

Placebase has the speciality of adding private and public data to maps, which may give a distinct advantage to iOS Maps.

On the other hand, Microsoft has access to Navteq, a map service of Nokia. This is thanks to its alliance with the Finnish handset maker.

Springpad adds new widgets

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Springpad, a popular application, has been updated with new widgets and methods that let users to sort more information with minimal effort.

With this free application, users can save ideas and information which Springpad automatically organises and enriches with useful links. You can also set reminders, and get alerts on news, offers and deals.

To make the whole process more user friendly, Springpad has simplified the home screen widgets so the users can easily go to those sections they need to use.

Sections, which are most used, can be given some ‘Hot Buttons’ so users can visit those sections more quickly in future. Users can now also import web clips, to do lists, and even Twitter apps from Twitter.

The market is flooded by to-do list services and apps, but the list shrinks quickly on overall efficiency and usefulness.

‘Things’ is one such app, which is famous among the users for its usefulness, but it drills a hole in your pocket as it costs $49.99. The iPhone and iPad editions of the same cost slightly more. The users feel put off by the price even before they have begun using it.

On the other extreme is Springpad, which is a free organiser app and can be used on both Android and devices.

The best part about Springpad is that users don’t need to pay anything to use this app. The main benefit with Springpad is that whatever data is entered in mobile app is synced online right away.

Asus EEE Slate launched in the UK

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The 12.1 inch Asus EEE Slate, which runs on Windows 7, is all set to arrive in the United Kingdom. Amazon UK (Amazon.co.uk) is accepting pre-orders and will start distributing the slate from April 10.

The tablet seems to be slightly delayed as it was earlier reported that it would arrive in the first quarter itself.

Asus EEE Slate is one powerful tablet which comes with great specs such as an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 DDR RAM, and numerous connectivity options.

Microsoft, whose Windows 7 operating system is used in the slate, emphasises that almost any program that can run on a normal desktop or laptop computer can run on this device.

New Kindle web app for better translation

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With e-book readers on the rise, Kindle has now added a translation support to it.

Kindle is well known for being a popular and efficient e-reader for the book enthusiasts. However, translation used to be a big problem for the Kindle users as the standard Google translation found to be unsuitable for the e-book reader.

For better translation from one language to other, Kindle has adopted a new web app, the Kindlefish.

There are three output buttons which can be set to three different languages as the user wants.

Users just need to type the phrase or sentence they want to translate in a box given. As soon as the ‘Entre’ button is hit, it produces the translated text.

The device shows translated text in bigger fonts, which facilitates easier communication.

For example, if the users are sitting in a French restaurant, they just have to show the device with translated name of the dish and the waiter will understand easily.

The Kindle will, however, work slightly slower, so the users need to be ready for the translation to take some time.

Currently, the only input language being supported by Kindlefish is English, which is likely to change in future.

RCom woos film buffs with Star Talk service

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In yet another innovative plan to woo customers, Reliance Communications has launched a service with which users can talk to their favourite celebrity.

“For any film buff, being able to actually speak to a super star would be like a dream come true. We are delighted to offer Star Talk service on IVR,” said Mahesh Prasad, president, wireless business at Reliance Communications, announcing the launch of the service.

For using Star Talk Reliance mobile subscribers need to activate the Star Talk live pack which would cost Rs 30 per celebrity for a month.

Users will be informed in advance of the opportunity to talk to that celebrity. However, the calling opportunity will be strictly on a first come first serve basis with each user being given equal opportunity and time to talk to the celebrity.

Also, the user can find out more about the celebrity by dialing 53031. He will be charged Rs 10 for 20 minutes of calling. This service is available to both prepaid and postpaid users.

Reliance Communications is the first telco to provide such a service. According to an RCom spokesperson, this week Emraan Hashmi will be available for interaction on Star Talk.

Fly Mobile unveils musical Qwerty phone

Fly Mobile has launched a dual GSM phone packed with a lot of features.
To start with, the mobile measures 115.5 x 59.5 x 12.6 mm. B436 has a 5.6 cm, 262,000 colour QVGA, TFT display.

Fly B436 is for those who are very fond of music. Its speaker with amplifier produces good sound output. Dedicated music keys, a 3.5 mm jack, and 20 frames per second video play back ability add to B436’s charm.

Bluetooth allows you to listen to your music using wireless headsets. There is also an FM radio recording facility.

The best thing about the handset is that it has dual cameras, which enables video chats. On the front it has camera, while on the rear there is a 1.3 mega camera.

Keeping with trends, Fly B436 comes preloaded with Facebook, Yahoo, MSN, Snaptu, and Nimbuzz.

The phone supports a of up to 8 GB.

According to Fly, B436 delivers up to 10 hours of with its 1200 battery.
It has also GPRS, and MMS capabilities.

HCL forays into tablet space

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Though not officially launched, HCL’s three new tablet computers are now available for sale on its online store with starting from as low as Rs 2,500.

All the three tablets are slated to launch this month. However, there was no official announcement on this till now. HCL is expected to do an official announcement on the same this week.

The cheapest of the three, the HCL ME AE7-A1 carries a price tag of Rs 14,990. This tablet computer features a seven inch resistive touch screen, a low power consuming 800 Arm cortex processor, 2.2 Froyo, WiFi, Bluetooth, 2400 mAh battery pack, 256 MB RAM with 2GB inbuilt memory, and a 32 expandable slot.

This tablet also features dongle direct connector option which allow users to connect EVDO dongle directly to this device for internet connectivity.

HCL ME AM7-A1 is the mid range tablet computer that costs only Rs 22,990. It has a seven inch capacitive touch screen, a performance friendly A8 processor, 512MB of RAM with 8GB built in memory and 32 GB expandable card slot, Android 2.2 froyo, and a 4200 mAh battery pack for a longer battery backup.

It also features full video playback and has a WCDMA slot too for internet connectivity on the go.

ME AP10-A1 is the last and the most expensive tablet PC from HCL’s range. With a price tag of Rs 32,990, this tablet computer features a 10 inch screen, 1GHz dual core processor, 3D accelerometer, 1GB RAM with 16 GB inbuilt memory, 3650 mAh battery pack and Android 2.2.

It also features full HD video playback and has a 3G WCDMA SIM slot too for internet connectivity on the go.

With the launch of new tablet computers, HCL is aiming to add some competition to the tablet computer market which was so far being dominated by brands like Samsung and Apple only.

Multimedia cellphones under Rs 5,000

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If you go to buy a mobile phone for within Rs 5,000 you will be bombarded with options as almost all manufacturers have their own variants targeted at different groups.

Besides, non branded Chinese phones are also available for as little as a few hundred Rupees.

People usually look for a range of features on their multimedia phones, such as music, photography, video recording, and internet.

So if you want a phone which performs the above mentioned functions within a budget of Rs 5,000, then here are few options you could consider.

Nokia 5130 Xpress Music (Rs 4,800)

It is one of the most economical music series phones in Nokia’s stable.

The Xpress Music tag implies the superiority of its audio capabilities. An average 2 mega camera, a brilliant 2 inch display, and a very comfortable multi tap keypad are some of its basic features.

It has capabilities and 16 of expandable memory for storing all that music, as well as a 1050 battery pack which can power this device for up to six hours of talk time.

Samsung Champ C330 (Rs 4,000)

Samsung Champ always makes it to the top of the lists of multimedia handsets, especially among young people.

It is a small and cute looking phone with a 2.4 inch touchscreen display and a body built around it. The touchscreen, although resistive, is very good at identifying even the slightest touch. A 1.3 mega pixel camera and an 8 GB expandable memory are some of its key features.

But the biggest benefit of this device is the long battery life. It has a standard 1000 mAh battery pack that provides eight hours of talktime, and some users even say it lasts for around 12 hours.

LG Cookie Lite T300 (Rs 3,600)

It is the first and perhaps the only competitor to Samsung Champ.

LG Cookie Lite too is a small mobile phone, with a 2.4 inch resistive touchscreen display, which is vibrant and large to save your eyes from hurting. The user interface is quite attractive and carries the legacy of the older Cookie devices forward.

This phone, however, has a smaller 900 mAh battery pack, but surprisingly LG claims it to last for almost eight hours. It also has a 1.3 mega pixel camera at the back, but a smaller, 4 GB, expandable memory.

Micromax X600 Gravity II (Rs 3,700)

We still haven’t forgotten old Gravity, an iconic dual phone (CDMA+GSM) with an interesting and intriguing user interface.

The new X600 is similar, but only the old version supports dual GSM SIM operation. In every thing else the two phones are identical, with a ‘Turn to Talk’ interface that allows the user to switch SIMs just by turning the phone upside down.

A 1.3 mega pixel camera and memory expandable to 4 GB are the phone’s standard features. It has the biggest display in this list, at 3.2 inches with a responsive resistive touchscreen, and a 1000 mAh battery pack that delivers talktime of up to five hours.

Sony Ericsson Spiro W100 (Rs 5,000)

How can one not expect a Sony Ericsson handset where there is talk of multimedia mobile phones?

Well, Spiro W100 just barely makes it to the list with a price tag of exactly Rs 5,000. Being a slider, the Spiro has a relatively small 2.2 inch display, but it is a rather brilliant one.

The Spiro carries Sony Ericsson’s legacy of great sounding music from both earplugs and loudspeaker; a 2 mega pixel camera and memory that is expandable to 16 GB are its standard features &#151 don’t worry, though, it supports cards too. The standard battery pack delivers 1000 mAh, which is good for up to four hours of talk time, or for up to 20 hours of music playback.

RIM’s PlayBook to have Android apps

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With the tablet war intensifying, Research In Motion has now decided to allow PlayBook users to run applications on their devices.

PlayBook users cannot directly access Android Market, but can reach it through BlackBerry World.

RIM will also launch two new app player programs, one each for Android, and its own apps.
“The BlackBerry PlayBook is an amazing tablet. The power that we have embedded creates one of the most compelling app experiences available in a mobile computing device today,” said Mike Lazaridis, president and co chief executive officer at Research In Motion.

“The upcoming addition of BlackBerry Java and Android apps for the BlackBerry PlayBook on BlackBerry App World will provide our users with an even greater choice of apps and will also showcase the versatility of the platform,” he added.

From the first impression, this new method of getting apps from the app market doesn’t look intuitive in contrast to the ease with which one can source apps from iPad or Android stores.

Also, it’s still not known whether Android developers will agree to port apps following the guidelines prescribed by Research In Motion or not, especially as they have to submit the apps separately.

No Honeycomb smartphone for the time being

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If you are expecting an 3.0 Honeycomb based smartphone then perhaps you have to wait a bit longer as Google, the maker of the operating system, has decide against making it open like other Android versions.

“Honeycomb is not yet ready to be altered by outside programmers and customised for other devices, such as phones,” Andy Rubin, vice president, Engineering, Google, was quoted as saying by Businessweek.

The Honeycomb version of Android is especially designed for tablets and it already runs on Motorola Xoom. Google has often cited the openness of Android as its main advantage over platform.

Rubin, however, maintained that Android will remain an open source, but “the company does not want users to have a bad experience if Honeycomb is customised for smartphones” as Google is not sure if the Android version 3.0 is ready to be used for smartphones.

Developers and companies are attracted to open source software platforms because they can alter it according to their requirements.

For example, the KHTML (the Konquerer version of HTML) source was taken by Apple which then produced browser. Similarly, the Webkit engine from Apple was then taken by Google and Nokia which then created unanticipated products out of it.

Notably, the only Honeycomb tablet available in the market, the Motorola Xoom, has not created as much interest in the market as was expected.