The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge seems to be a small step towards the future

Flexible phones, curved smartphones... we have been talking about these futuristic designs for quite some time now. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge seems to be a small step towards the future.

Mastering the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 further, the Note Edge has a single piece of glass beautifully bending and covering the right edge of the phone. As a result, the power key has been moved to the top and the display size has been increased from 5.5 inch to 5.6 inch. The S-Pen and the charging port continue to be at the bottom panel. The main display of the phone has 1440x2560 pixel area while the strip on the side has an additional 160 pixels. While there is a one single continuous glass panel, it has been divided into two screens using the software.

Samsung has tweaked its UI for the Note Edge and the one that it runs on is referred as the 'Revolving UI'. On the home screen, there is a call button on the bottom left and the app tray on the bottom right. The four dedicated shortcut apps have been done away with and a row of seven apps has been added to the display on the edge. This can be accessed by swiping the personalised message that appears on the strip. There are multiple panels with widgets and icons that can be added and accessed on the strip display. These panels can be added by visiting the Edge tab under the phone's setting. Even the personalised message can be edited from the same location.

There is a separate notification bar on the strip display giving access to some rarely used apps - flashlight, measuring scale, stopwatch, timer and microphone. These can be launched and closed from the strip itself.

Asus EeeBook x205T

With the influx of smartphones and tablets over the past couple of years, netbooks died a slow death and laptops began losing their charm. Since then, the manufacturers have hit a wall in creating a product that failed to pack a punch. The only options they had was either to glamorize these machines, which made them expensive and niche, or to strip down that nothing was left as a performance tablet. Asus has done a great job with its EeeBook X205TA as it has got the best of both the worlds.

The X205TA is a beauty to look at and to hold. My review unit in dark blue colour had Asus branding etched at the centre of the soft panel. The machine has a 11.6-inch glare panel with 1366x768 pixel resolution and weighs only 980 grams. The keyboard is fullsized (minus the number pad) and with a trackpad. Side hinges are neat with the card reader, 3.5mm jack, a micro HDMI port and charging port on the left and two USB 2.0 slots on the right.

Considering the price tag of Rs 14,999, this one is a loaded machine. It runs on Windows 8.1 and has an Intel Atom Z3735F processor clocked at 1.33Ghz.

It has 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage. While the onboard storage is a bit too less, Asus does offer 500GB cloud storage on this device. To make it slim and light, Asus has done away with the CD Drive. While the Windows 8.1 operating system is designed for laptops with a touch interface, this one doesn't have the latter.

Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro, world's thinnest tablet, launched at Rs 1,14,990

Chinese tech firm Lenovo has launched what is touted to be the world's thinnest tablet as of current stats, the Yoga 3 Pro in India. First showcased at the CES 2015, the Yoga 3 Pro tablet is now available in India at a price tag of Rs 1,14,990.

According to Lenovo , the Yoga 3 Pro tablet is slimmer than a pencil (6.4 mm) and is being largely marketed for its flexibility and ease of use. It features a 13.3-inch QHD+ touchscreen display with a 3200x1800 pixels resolution.

The tablet is fueled by a 44Whr Li-Polymer battery rated to last up to 7.2 hours on single charge. The device has a 360 degree hinge that allows it to be used in different modes: laptop, stand, tent and tablet.

The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro tablet will be officially available via Lenovo SMart Connected Devices stores, thedotstore.com and Croma outlets across India.

OnePlus One 16 GB launched at Rs 18,999

After selling OnePlus One 64 GB variant in India, the company has now launched its 16 GB variant too.

The 16-GB OnePlus One is priced at Rs 18,999 and will be sold exclusively via Amazon.in. This new OnePlus One 16 GB is a 4G ready smartphone and will be available in Silk White version.

The phone will continue to feature a 5.5-inch full HD display. It will be powered by a 2.5-Ghz Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor and have 3 GB of RAM. It sports a 13-MP rear camera, 5 MP front facing camera and a 3100-mAh battery.

The OnePlus One 64-GB variant was launched in India in December last year. This was a superb smartphone, both in terms of looks as well as the hardware.

Samsung HU8500 (Rs 2,41,500)

This 55inch flat panel from Samsung is feature loaded. It has also added its UHD Picture Engine, where one can enjoy various kinds of content with near UHD-level picture quality, even if it's not from a UHD source. There is also an advanced Clear Motion Rate (CMR) technology, for fast moving scenes that look clear on the TV. It even supports motion control and can even use a range of simple finger gestures. There is an easy touchpad, motion control and Sports Mode too. It has got 4 HDMI ports and 3USB. 

Lenovo Vibe X2 Pro

The Chinese brand is always in the news for its laptops and tablets. This year the company has also announced some interesting smartphones - Vibe X2 Pro and Lenovo P90. The Vibe X2 Pro is the successor to the recently launched Vibe X2. It will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 quad-core processor clocked at 1.5Ghz. It will have 2GB of RAM, 32GB onboard storage and 13MP rear camera. The P90 will be the company's first device to run on a combination of a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3560 processor (2MB Cache, 4-Cores, 4-Threads, 1.8GHz Burst Frequency) with Intel's 5-mode XMM 7262 modem.

Acer Z410

Acer Z410: An affordable smartphone that caught our eye was the Liquid Z410 smartphone. This device will be available in Europe, Middle East, and Africa in February-end for €129. It will have a 4.5-inch display with Android 4.4.2 and will support 4G LTE (Cat. 4) connectivity.

Micromax lists Android-enabled Bolt D321 online

Domestic smartphone firm Micromax has come out with a new smartphone in its Bolt series, the Bolt D321. The device has been listed on the official website of the company. The details of availability and pricing of the smartphone are not available.

The device will come with certain pre-loaded apps such as Ask Me, Clean Master, Hello TV, Hike, M!Games, MAD, Opera Mini, Quikr, Saavn, Snapdeal Truecaller etc.

The device will be available in black and white colours.

Here is a look at the specifications of the smartphone

1. Android 4.4.2 KitKat out-of-the-box

2. 5 inch FWVGA display

3. 1.3GHz dual-core MediaTek processor

4. 512MB RAM

5. 4GB inbuilt storage, expandable upto 32GB via microSD card

6. 5MP ficed focus rear camera with LED flash, 0.3MP front camera

7. 1800mAh battery

Internet-ready Nokia 215 launched in India at Rs 2,149

Microsoft has launched the internet ready Nokia 215 at Rs 2149 in India.
The phone which supports 2G network has a 2.4-inch display and 0.3 MP main camera.

The phone which weighs 78.4 gram is 116 mm in height, 50 mm in width and 12.9 mm thick.
The phone has 8 MB RAM and maximum memory card size of 32 GB. It sports a 1100 mAh replaceable battery and interface features such as  glance screen and vibrating alerts.
It has Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, Bing Search, MSN Weather and the Opera Mini Browser. The Nokia 215 also supports Bluetooth audio.

Apple asks Asian suppliers to assemble upto 6 million units of Watch

Apple, the US-based technology major, has asked its Asian suppliers to make 5-6 million units of its three Apple Watch models for the first-quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Taiwan-based Quanta Computer is the main assembler of theApple Watch, which is expected to be launched in April 2015.

The entry-level Apple Watch Sport model accounts for half of the production order, while the mid-tiered model of thesmartwatch will count for one-third, a source told the WSJ.

Apple Watch Edition, the high-end model with 18-karat gold casing, is expected to have relatively small orders in the first quarter but Apple plans to produce more than 1 million units per month in the second quarter, the Journal reported, citing the source.

Apple could not immediately be reached for comment.

Samsung unveils Galaxy A7 in India, priced at Rs 30,499

Samsung unveiled its high-end Galaxy A7 smartphone in India. Priced at Rs 30,499, the device is presently available in a white variant but the South Korean tech major promises that the other colour variants of gold and black would hit the stands soon.

With a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display and a full-HD 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution, the Samsung Galaxy A7 is powered by a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor attached with a 2GB RAM.

The device has a 13MP auto-focus rear camera with LED flash along with a 5MP front facing camera with features including Wide Selfie, Rear-cam Selfie and Beauty Face.

With an internal storage of 16GB, which can further be expanded up to 64GB via microSD card, the Samsung Galaxy A7 runs on Android 4.4.

Samsung launches Galaxy J1 4G, priced at Rs 9,900 in India

Samsung Electronics has launched the Galaxy J1 4G - to be priced at Rs 9,900 in India - as the Korean electronics giant looks to protect its turf in one of the world's fastest growing smartphone markets.

Facing growing competition from Micromax and Xiaomi, the company also launched two other 4G-enabled smartphones - Galaxy Grand Prime 4G and the Galaxy Core Prime 4G.

Samsung also unveiled its slimmest Galaxy handset - the Galaxy A7, priced at Rs 30,499. The device is available in India starting Monday while the other three smartphones will hit the domestic market in the second week of March.

The Galaxy J1 sports a 4.3-inch display. It has a 5MP rear camera and 2 MP front-facing camera. The camera has innovative selfie features which give more options and flexibility to capture favourite moments.

Sony unveils budget smartphone Xperia E4

Sony unveiled its budget smartphone Xperia E4 on Wednesday. The Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) phone sports a five-megapixel camera and a 2MP front-facing camera.

Its dimensions are 137 x 75 x 10.5 mm and it weighs 144 gms.

The phone has 1.3 GHz Quad Core processor and sports a five inch display.

It has a 2300 mAh battery. The phone promises a talk time of up to 12 hours 43 min and standby time of up to 696 hours.

The phone has 1 GB RAM and up to 8 GB flash memory. It also has up to 32 GB microSD (card slot).

The phone has Sony 3D Surround Sound technology and clear audio. 

Oppo launches Mirror 3 smartphone at Rs 16,990

Chinese smartphone maker Oppo has launched a new mid-range device in the Indian market. The Oppo Mirror 3 smartphone has been launched in India at a price tag of Rs 16,990.

In terms of specifications, the Oppo Mirror 3 features a 4.7-inch 720p IPS display with a 312ppi pixel density. It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 CPU (MSM8916) along with Adreno306 GPU and 1GB of RAM. It comes with 8GB of internal storage expandable up to128GB via micro-SD card.

The dual-SIM device runs Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box with the company's proprietary ColorOS 2.0.1 UI on top. It sports an 8MP rear camera with Sony IMX179 sensor and a 5MP front-facing snapper. The device is backed by a 2000mAh battery.  

"The Mirror 3 comes with phenomenal camera quality. No matter day or night, the image quality taken from a Mirror 3 smartphone is greatly enhanced as a result of increased CMOS sensitivity, higher resolution, and effective filtering for infrared light." Tom Lu, CEO, Oppo mobiles India said.

Asus Zenfone C launched at Rs 5,999

Taiwanese tech firm Asus has introduced an all new entry-level handset in the Indian market: the Zenfone C. The Asus Zenfone C-ZC451CG has been launched in India at a price tag of Rs 5,999.

The device is now available online via Flipkart. The companyhas also announced the Zenfone C will be up for grabs via Asus Exclusive Stores starting February 18, 2015.   

The Asus Zenfone C is an entry-level handset. It fearures a 4.5-inch FWVGA TN Panel display with a 480x854 pixels resolution. It is powered by a 1.2GHz Intel CloverTrail processor with quad-thread Hyper-Threading Technology alongside 1GB of RAM. It comes with 8GB of internal storage, expandable up to 64GB via micro-SD card.

The dual-SIM device runs Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box with the company's Zen UI on top. It sports a 5MP rear auto-focus PixelMaster camera. According to Asus, the PixelMaster technology can capture up to 400 per cent brighter photos in low-light conditions, even without needing a flash. There is also a 0.3MP front facing camera onboard the device.

Moto E now available at reduced price of Rs 5,999 on Flipkart

Motorola Mobility has given a fresh vigor to the affordable price segment in India by slashing the price of its much popular Moto E smartphone. The Motorola Moto E which was earlier priced at Rs.6,999 is now up for grabs via online retailer Flipkart at a reduced price of Rs.5,999.

A Rs.1,000 reduction in the budget segment is a very significant one at that, and is expected to heat up the market yet again, courtesy Motorola. The Moto E, a very popular device in this segment in India is a hot favorite for buyers and the price reduction is undoubtedly going to make it even better.

Notably, the Moto E was the first device from Motorola when the company made a re-entry in India. Launched in May last year, the device has achieved considerable fan following from buyers as well as critics for its well to-do features at such an aggressive pricing. The most important feature that we've grown to love about the device is perhaps its amazing battery life.

Interestingly, the price cut also hints at something even more important. It indicates that Motorola may be looking to introduce the second generation of the Moto E very soon. A price cut may be directed towards increasing sales and selling out as many units as possible before the next iteration hits retail shelves.

Micromax launches two new phones, priced starting Rs 699

Micromax has unveiled two new low-cost devices - Joy X-1800 and Joy X-1850 - with prices starting at Rs 699, as it targets consumers looking for affordable devices as back-ups to their smartphones.

"The durability and long battery life of the devices make them ideal for consumers seeking a back-up device," Micromax said in a statement.

Joy X-1800 has a 1.76-inch screen, 750 mAh battery, 0.08MP camera, expandable memory up to 4GB and Radio FM and is priced at Rs 699.

Joy X-1850 with the same features but with a larger 1,800 mAh battery will be available for Rs 749.

Micromax sells 15,000 Yureka units in 4 seconds

Micromax yet again sold a truckload of Yu Yureka phones on Amazon.In in its third flash sale on Thursday. The companysaid that on Thursday it sold 15,000 units of Yu Yureka in 4 seconds.

The next sale will be on the next Thursday. To participate in it people who want to buy the phone will have to register for the sale. Even if you had registered earlier, you would have to register for the new sale again. The registration process would open in evening today.

Micromax said that it was working hard to improve supply on the Yureka. It is possible that more than 15,000 will go on sale next Thursday so for now there is no definite number.

Samsung launches Tizen-powered televisions

South Korean electronics giant Samsung Electronics Co has started domestic sales of high-end televisions powered by its Tizen operating system and plans to add washing machines, fridges and other appliances to the range of products that use the software.

The company said sales of Tizen-powered ultra-HD TVs began on Thursday in South Korea.

The new TVs come in four sizes - from 55 inches diagonally to 88 inches. The smallest model costs 5.49 million won.

Despite efforts to develop Tizen as an alternative operating system, Samsung's smartphones and tablets rely on Google's Android operating system.

The company is focusing on pushing its OS into living rooms and eventually into kitchens and other corners of the home.

Kim Hyun-seok, head of Samsung's TV business, said all of Samsung's Internet-connected TVs will be powered by Tizen this year as well as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and robotic vacuum cleaners.

WhatsApp testing new voice-calling feature?

Instant messaging app WhatsApp has sparked off speculations that its voice-calling feature may soon be rolled out to all users as some users of the app claim they already have the option available to them.

The new feature is likely to help WhatsApp join the league of other messaging apps that already have the calling feature.

According to a report by Tech Crunch, a WhatsApp user has shared screenshots and video of the voice-calling feature in action, which he said was activated when someone who already had the feature called him.

The user posted screenshots and video to Reddit as proof, following which others also started posting screenshots, showing a new tab for Calls right next to the tabs for Chats and Contacts.

The user, based in India, points to the possibility that WhatsApp users in the country may be the early testers for the new feature.

Microsoft cuts XBox 360 price by 19 per cent to Rs 12,990

Microsoft has slashed prices of its popular gaming console 'XBox' by 19% to Rs 12,990 as the tech firm looks to expand its footprint in India's gaming market.

The 4GB version of the standalone XBox 360 was earlier being sold for Rs 15,990. Similarly, Microsoft has also reduced the price of 4GB Xbox 360 with Kinect to Rs 21,990 (from Rs 26,990) and 250GB Xbox 360 with Kinect to Rs 29,990 (from Rs 31,990), Microsoft said in a statement.

Since its launch, Xbox has been instrumental in providing a gaming experience like never before to fans across the world, it added. The company will also bundle two games-Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Call of Duty: Ghosts-and Xbox Live Gold membership for a month for buyers of Xbox 360 500GB (priced at Rs 19,990).

Microsoft launches new Outlook app for iOS, Android to take on Gmail

Microsoft has upped its ante against Google's Gmail and other email apps by launching a new Outlook app for iOS and Android devices.

The app will support Office 365, Exchange, Outlook.com, Yahoo Mail, Gmail, iCloud and other key email services. The app will also help users manage calendar and fetch attachments within the same app.

Users will be able to attach files from Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or the user's mailbox right from the app.

"Our mission is to bring the best mobile email experience across platforms, in a way that is as familiar and functional as Outlook itself," Javier Soltero, Outlook general manager and former CEO of Acompli, said in a statement.

According to a report in New York Daily News, the new app is a replacement for San Francisco-based email startup Acompli that was acquired by Microsoft for $200 million in December last year.

Microsoft has also announced that it is removing the "preview" tag from its Office for Android apps.

Samsung lists Galaxy J1 phone with palm selfie function

Samsung has listed its first J series smartphone on its website.

The Samsung Galaxy J1 has a 4.3-inch display and a 5 MP rear camera. The dual sim smartphone has glonass technology for GPS. The smartphone is powered by 1.2 GHz dual core processor.

The phone comes with ultra power saving mode which shuts unnecessary functions and reduces battery consumption.

The phone sports a palm selfie function which can detect the movement of hand so one can easily snap a photo with a simple hand gesture.

However, the website does not lists the price of the smartphone.