Nokia announces 3 Android smartphones

Nokia has introduced three Android smartphones under the Nokia X series at the ongoing Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona, Spain. The smartphones Nokia X, X+ and XL run on the Nokia X software platform that is based on Android. The Nokia X, X+, and XL are priced at € 89 (Rs 7,500 approx), € 99 (Rs 8,500), and € 109 (Rs 9,300), respectively.

Nokia X Android smartphones

Nokia X smartphones

Nokia X is the entry-level model that comes with 4-inch IPS LCD display, 512 MB RAM and 4GB memory expandable up to 32 GB. It has a 3MP fixed focus camera. Nokia X gives 13.3 hours of talk time on 2G and 10.5 hours talk time on 3G network. Standby time is up to 28.5 days.

Nokia X+ also has 4-inch IPS LCD display but it packs 768 MB RAM and has 4GB memory expandable up to 32 GB. There is 3MP fixed focus camera. It gives 13.3 hours of talk time on 2G and 10.5 hours talk time on 3G network. Standby time is up to 28.5 days.

Nokia XL sports 5-inch IPS LCD display, 768 MB RAM, 4GB memory expandable up to 32 GB. It features a 5MP autofocus camera with flash and 2MP front camera. It gives 16 hours of talk time on 2G and 13 hours talk time on 3G network. Standby time is up to 41 days.

The Nokia X software is a forked variant of Android and it has added elements from Nokia's Asha and Windows phone software to offer a different user experience. The drawback here is that you can install Android apps through Nokia store but not through Google Play store.

These phones are dual-SIM devices and are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor. They come with pre-installed apps such as BBM, Plants vs Zombies 2, Viber, Vine and Twitter. Nokia’s Here Maps and offline maps come pre-installed. There is also a 7GB of free cloud storage from Microsoft OneDrive.

Nokia X+ and Nokia XL would be available in early Q2 2014. However, Nokia did not give the time frame for India launch.

Google I/O preview: Five things you need to know about Android TV

By Nimish Sawant /  23 Jun 2014 , 10:34

Google I/O is just around the corner and we should expect some interesting announcements on 25-26 June. While Google has got most things sorted on the mobile front and there will be evolutionary announcements on the Android OS front, there is one area where Google has not tasted as much success as it would love to – the TV platform. Thanks to reports from The Verge and recently GigaOm, we are most likely going to see the announcement of Android TV at this edition of Google I/O.

In the 2010 Google I/O, we had seen the announcement of Google TV, which attempted to combine the best of web and TV. Companies such as LG and Sony had announced TVs with Google TV integration as well. This was supposed to be bundled with major TV brands, but for reasons best known to Google it did not taste roaring success, considering Eric Schmidt, the then CEO had proclaimed that most TV sets would have Google TV on board by 2012.


Google came out with two hardware products – the Nexus Q and the Chromecast – last year. Of these, the Nexus Q which was a streaming device which required a second screen device as a remote control and could only play content off Google Play, Movies and TV shows from the Google Play Store, was discontinued by Google. On the other hand, Chromecast has been a relatively successful device from Google when it comes to streaming content to a TV. However the number of apps which support the Chromecast is still rather limited.

Long story short, Google has not yet cracked the TV platform. Will Google I/O 2014 see that changing? Only time will tell. But let us see what we know so far.

Platform, not hardware
Android TV is a platform on which a lot of video content providers will build apps. This platform can be used by TV makers and set-top boxes to bring streaming services to the TV. Unlike Google TV which had a similar philosophy, Android TV will concentrate on online media services and Android based games.

Simple interfaces

Android TV will have a horizontal set of scrolling cards which represents different kinds of content – TV shows, movies, apps and games. There is a universal search bar at the top where you can either type in your search term or speak out your search term as it does voice searching as well. This definitely seems inspired by Amazon’s Fire TV which supports voice input for searching video content. According to Gigaom, the internal codename Pano basically lets the apps place individual content cards right on the homepage (instead of just the app logo) which reduces navigational steps towards approaching content.

Universal search across apps
Google TV was about every video service providing app having its own content, and you would have to enter the app to search the content within it. With Android TV, Google is planning to have a universal search for content across apps. So if you are searching for a TV show, it needn’t necessarily be from within a particular app (although there will be a provision to do that). Also according to the documents obtained by Verge, Google is getting developers to develop apps which have consistent interfaces. Big names such as Hulu, Netflix, Vevo and so on are already seen in the screenshot.

Likely TV partners

LG was one of the first TVs tp incorporate Google TV. With Android TV that will not be the case thanks to its commitment to developing webOS based Smart TVs

Google had partnered with LG and Samsung, when it had announced the Google TV back in 2010. With Android TV, LG will most likely not be a partner, as it is developing its own webOS Smart TV and ultraHD TVs. This leaves companies that do not have their own platforms such as Sony and Chinese makers such as Haier and so on.

Wooing casual gamers
Another big segment that Android TV is looking at is attracting the casual gamers. With Google supporting games on Android TV, it gives casual gamers a chance to play their favourite mobile games on the big screen TV. Amazon’s Fire TV and Roku 3 offer gaming functionality with Amazon even having a separate gaming controller. Android TV could certainly provide some competition in this area.

With the Android TV platform, Google is looking at creating a universal smart TV platform, something that the likes of Roku, Amazon’s Fire TV and Apple TV have tried to do with their set top boxes. Maybe Google has some more plans in the offing regarding Android TV. We shall find out more details at this year’s Google I/O.

Is the new Ford Fiesta 2014 worthy enough to buy?

SummaryFord Fiesta has been one of the most talked about car since its display at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo.

Ford has launched the updated model of Fiesta sedan silently at a compelling price tag of Rs 7.69 lakh. It has been one of the most talked about cars since its display at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. It now comes with a number of upgrades inside-out. Maintaining Ford's driving dynamics, now it is the fuel efficiency that comes at par with the top car in the segment, Honda City. With alluring aspects, the 'Blue Oval' company is now looking forward to target big sales numbers. Can it do that? Let’s find out.

Ford has studied the market very well this time. The captivating price tag compromises on some aspects as there are no major or tempting upgrades for the 2014 model, yet a few alterations might make buyers change their minds in its favor. Starting from the outside, the car represents company’s second installment of Kinetic design philosophy – 'Kinetic 2.0'. The front fascia does get an improvement in the form of new marquee trapezoidal grille with chrome accents that reminds of Aston Martin cars. There is a new set of swept back headlamps while the hood is sculpted to pose a muscular look.
The side outlining is reminiscent to the old one, while it gets new pair of shoes in the form of twin 5-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels and some modification to the wing mirrors. Rear has been tweaked with revamped tail lights showing LED effect and refreshed bumper with chrome inserts. Fiesta is now available in six graceful colors options including two new colors to choose from. Overall, the exteriors have been revitalized to some extent.
Previously also, the interiors of Fiesta were great looking but it now gets updated with subtle changes. The new black piano finishing makes dashboard and the door handles more opulent. The major modification comes in the form of updated Ford’s SYNC infotainment system debuted in the outgoing version along with 'Applink Connectivity' and 'Emergency Assistance'.
The ‘SYNC’ system synchronizes with your smartphone for music streaming, make calls and operates several other functions, all through voice control panel. The stereo system supports USB, CD and Aux-In playback while music can be enhanced through 6-speakers. The Emergency Assistance system provides instant help by automatically calling to emergency service number 108 via your smartphone in case of any mishap. It provides exact location of the incident.
Other than these, the new Fiesta also comes with automatic air conditioning system,

Karbonn launches Titanium S99 with Android KitKat at Rs 5,990

Karbonn Titanium S99 sports a 4-inch IPS capacitive touch display.

NEW DELHI: Following the likes of Micromax and Lava, Indian handset brand Karbonn has launched its entry-level Android KitKat smartphone, Titanium S99, to take on Motorola's Moto E. The phone is priced at Rs 5,990.

Karbonn Titanium S99 sports a 4-inch IPS capacitive touch display. It is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and 512MB RAM. Internal storage is 4GB but the phone offers a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 32GB.

The phone features a 5MP rear camera with LED flash, and a VGA front camera. It comes with a 1400mAh battery.

In terms of connectivity options, Titanium S99 offers 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS and supports dual-sim functionality.

The phone will be available in Black and White colours, and comes with an additional protective silicon case.

"The advantages of using Android 4.4 KitKat are numerous. It takes system performance to a whole new level by offering better memory management. It provides all-in-one solution to user's communication needs by providing upgraded Hangouts App supported with improved SMS & MMS integration. Hot 'Ok Google' feature predicts information based on user's location, favourite sites and TV programs. In addition, Android KitKat includes a variety of new features like Smarter Caller ID, faster multitasking, low-power location monitoring, redesigned downloads app and easy home screen switching to name a few. The combination of these extraordinary features make KitKat a solid addition to the Android family", said Shashin Devsare, executive director of Karbonn.

In Delhi, it’s E-rickshaws vs Auto-rickshaws

Though there is no data on e-rickshaws, Transport department says there are nearly one lakh e-rickshaws in the capital. (Source: IE photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s announcement of a special scheme for e-rickshaws last Tuesday has given a boost to these battery-operated vehicles, which have already replaced cycle-rickshaws in most areas and are slowly inching out auto-rickshaws.
With Gadkari coming out in support of e-rickshaw drivers, these three-wheelers have been ensured a free run with a proper policy yet to be worked out by the municipal corporations.
The new scheme — Deen Dayal e-rickshaw scheme — will allow e-rickshaws to operate without any testing to ensure basic quality standards. Also, Traffic Police can no longer fine them.

From China to Chandni Chowk
“No case can be registered against e-rickshaws and no challan can be issued as these battery-operated vehicles do not fall under the category of motor vehicles,’’ a traffic police officer said.
But all this has done little to dampen the popularity of these vehicles, which are proliferating by the day outside Metro stations, malls and colonies.
“Unlike a cycle rickshaw, a family of four can travel comfortably in an e-rickshaw. I no longer have to take my car to go to the market,’’ Radhika Singh, a resident of East Delhi, said.
AAP, BJP & Cong scramble to take up e-rickshaw cause
Auto unions  have sought a meeting with Gadkari to ask him to limit these battery-operated vehicles to colonies.
“They will create a traffic nuisance otherwise. Also, how have the poor benefitted from the relief given to e-rickshaws owners and drivers? It is the cycle rickshaws drivers who need relief. Government should give e-rickshaws to them and take steps to prevent the formation of a cartel,’’ Rajinder Soni of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh said.
Fare and cost of vehicle
The traffic hazards caused by e-rickshaws have been a cause for concern for a while now. A study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) — done on the request of the Delhi government — had recommended that these battery-operated vehicles be kept off the main roads. A difficult ask, considering that this is the only mode of shared transport in the city which doesn’t hurt the pocket.
“We charge Rs 10 each passenger for distances between 2 km and 5 km. There are no fixed charges. Each association has its own fare.
For instance, if someone needs to go from Tilak Nagar to Punjabi Bagh, we would charge them Rs 100,’’ Gurmeet Singh of Khalsa Battery-Operated E-rickshaw Union, said.
Compare these charges to auto-rickshaw fares, which were last hiked in May 2013. A commuter has to shell out a minimum fare of Rs 25 for the first 2 km and Rs 8 for each additional kilometre.
Fares apart, the cost of auto-rickshaw is double that of an e-rickshaw. While an

MoFirst plans smartphones in all regional languages by March 2015

Indian technology start-up MoFirst has plans to launch regional-language based smartphones, whose patent technology allow users to change languages with just a swipe, across India by March 2015.

"Language is one of biggest barriers thats prevents people from using mobile phone functions exhaustively. We have launched and tested response to smartphones that supports Gujarati language. By March 2015, we will launch phones for all regional languages," MoFirst Solutions Co-founder and CEO Rakesh Deshmukh told PTI.

The company, founded in December 2008, has developed smartphones under brand name Firstouch in which it has installed its patent technology of translation and transliteration from English to regional language and vice-versa.


"Our swipe technology helps customer to communicate in regional as well as in English even if they don't know one of these languages. A message typed in regional language can be translated to English by swiping finger left to right and transliterated by swiping finger right to left," Deshmukh said.

He said that customers have the option to keep all menu of the phones in regional language and even application store.

The company has plans to launch Firstouch phones in Hindi and Marathi language in July, Tamil, Telegu and Bengali by September, Kannada and Malayalam by November and rest of the regional languages by March 2015.

"We will launch 10 models of Firstouch Regional Smartphones in price bracket Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 12,500 in next one year. By the end of March 2015, we want to present all over India," Deshmukh said.

NaMo anti-virus software to protect PCs for free

IT firm Innovazion has named its new anti-virus software 'NaMo', the popular short name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

NEW DELHI: Homegrown IT firm Innovazion has named its new anti-virus software NaMo, the popular short name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The software will provide free protection to PC users against malware and virus attacks.

While the current version offers basic protection, the company plans to launch advanced versions of the software as well as those for Apple's Mac computers. The current software will also get regular updates.

"India is the third largest country globally in terms of Internet users. However, statistics show that only 13% are using valid license of anti-virus software and 30% tend to re-install trial versions of same or other anti-virus software," Innovazion CEO Abhishek Gagneja told PTI.

However, the remaining 57% systems either have no protection or are using unknown applications for protection of their devices and this is the segment that NaMo AV is targetting, he added.

Gagneja, however, clarified that the company has no association with any political party or its leaders.

"By building this software, we wanted to... congratulate the current government. We also want to pass a message to the government that the nation has high expectations from them," he said.

The anti-virus has features like real-time detection of infections, intelligent scanning, custom detection and is light on hard drive.



Started in 2007, Innovazion has a presence in seven countries including India, the US, the UK, Germany, Canada, Romania, China and Singapore with over 500 employees. Its primary services are application development, business consulting, IT infrastructure management and marketing research.

Asked about the revenue model, Gagneja said the company would continue to offer the security software for free.

"We have other businesses that are doing well. Last year, the group's revenue was $16 million, which we expect will grow 100 per cent this year. NaMo AV will continue to be a free product," he said.