What's Hot in Mobile Phone Industry?
- Thread Starter nitin_k
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Thread Starter
#122
Not all smartphone cameras are created equal - a very good article on cameras offerrd in mobiles
NEW DELHI: A good camera in a smartphone is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, draw for most of the consumers. Smartphones companies have realized this and have started talking about the cameras in their phones to woo buyers.
But in the race to produce the perfect smartphone camera, different companies are taking a different approach. This means for consumers it is not possible to compare cameras in various phones on the basis of their specifications. The pixels that Lumia 1020 captures are different from those captured by Galaxy S4. Similarly, the pixels that iPhone 5S captures are different from those captured by HTC One.
Common factors
Other than working on different image sensor technologies, smartphone makers are also improving the design of lens in their cameras. Nokia, for example, started trend of optical image stabilization with Lumia 920 camera. Now the optical image stabilization can also be found in HTC One, Lumia 925, Lumia 1020 and LG G2. In theory, optical image stabilization should result in sharper images and videos. Similarly, companies are introducing lenses with wider openings. For example, the HTC One and Xperia Z1 lenses have an aperture of F2.0. The iPhone 5S camera has an aperture of F2.2. Theoretically lower aperture means better images in low-light conditions.
What is best for you
As we noted earlier, all approaches are theoretically good. But what matters is how well they have been implemented. For now, there is no clear winner, though PureView technology with oversampling offers best results, mostly due to the way Nokia has implemented it. But that said, camera in iPhone 5S, Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z1 are also very good and not too behind the camera in Lumia 1020 when it comes to producing quality pictures and videos.
read full here -
Not all smartphone cameras are created equal - Times Of India
NEW DELHI: A good camera in a smartphone is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, draw for most of the consumers. Smartphones companies have realized this and have started talking about the cameras in their phones to woo buyers.
But in the race to produce the perfect smartphone camera, different companies are taking a different approach. This means for consumers it is not possible to compare cameras in various phones on the basis of their specifications. The pixels that Lumia 1020 captures are different from those captured by Galaxy S4. Similarly, the pixels that iPhone 5S captures are different from those captured by HTC One.
Common factors
Other than working on different image sensor technologies, smartphone makers are also improving the design of lens in their cameras. Nokia, for example, started trend of optical image stabilization with Lumia 920 camera. Now the optical image stabilization can also be found in HTC One, Lumia 925, Lumia 1020 and LG G2. In theory, optical image stabilization should result in sharper images and videos. Similarly, companies are introducing lenses with wider openings. For example, the HTC One and Xperia Z1 lenses have an aperture of F2.0. The iPhone 5S camera has an aperture of F2.2. Theoretically lower aperture means better images in low-light conditions.
What is best for you
As we noted earlier, all approaches are theoretically good. But what matters is how well they have been implemented. For now, there is no clear winner, though PureView technology with oversampling offers best results, mostly due to the way Nokia has implemented it. But that said, camera in iPhone 5S, Galaxy S4 and Xperia Z1 are also very good and not too behind the camera in Lumia 1020 when it comes to producing quality pictures and videos.
read full here -
Not all smartphone cameras are created equal - Times Of India
Nokia Lumia 1020 a clear winner
Lumia 1020 beats the iPhone 5s and Galaxy S4 by a mile in our blind camera comparison
Lumia 1020 beats the iPhone 5s and Galaxy S4 by a mile in our blind camera comparison
Thread Starter
#124
HTC One remains Number One in Techradar's Buyer Guide ahead of the Xperia Z1, LG G2 and iPhone 5s
Techradar: 20 best mobile phones in the world today (October 2nd)
HTC One
Don't fear HTC fans - your darling is still number one. As our only five star phone, its combination of impressive UI and stunning aluminium build means it was always safe in the number one
It's nothing to do with the quality of the S4 or the LG G2 – outstanding phones in anyone's book – but more the fact HTC has managed to bring out a smartphone that's worthy of any user's consideration.
The supreme aluminium chassis, the Full HD screen and the simplified version of Sense 5.0 sitting on top of Android Jelly Bean means it's a pleasure to use and recommend this handset.
The new innovations are also pleasingly more than just marketing gimmicks; Zoe functionality allows the creation of delightful video highlight reels, and the Ultrapixel camera means you've got a much wider range of shots available thanks to being stunning in low light.
Techradar: 20 best mobile phones in the world today (October 2nd)
HTC One
Don't fear HTC fans - your darling is still number one. As our only five star phone, its combination of impressive UI and stunning aluminium build means it was always safe in the number one
It's nothing to do with the quality of the S4 or the LG G2 – outstanding phones in anyone's book – but more the fact HTC has managed to bring out a smartphone that's worthy of any user's consideration.
The supreme aluminium chassis, the Full HD screen and the simplified version of Sense 5.0 sitting on top of Android Jelly Bean means it's a pleasure to use and recommend this handset.
The new innovations are also pleasingly more than just marketing gimmicks; Zoe functionality allows the creation of delightful video highlight reels, and the Ultrapixel camera means you've got a much wider range of shots available thanks to being stunning in low light.
Thread Starter
#125
Samsung launches smartphone with curved display screen
Samsung Electronics, the world's best-selling smartphone maker, has launched a handset with a curved display screen.
Called the Galaxy Round, the smartphone will feature a 5.7in (14.5cm) display.
The launch comes just days after rival LG said it would begin production of curved-screen phones next year.
Digital display technology has been progressing towards curved screens. Both Samsung and LG already offer curved organic light-emitting diode (OLED) television sets.
Samsung said the curved screen display would help consumers use some of the features on the phone, including those that enable users to check information such as date, time and missed calls when home screen is off, with more ease.
These phones may not be a game-changer today, but they are definitely an indication of things to come”Manoj Menon, Frost & Sullivan.
At the same time, users can also change music tracks on their phone, even while its display is off.
The Galaxy Round will initially be launched only in South Korea. The firm gave no indication of its plans for a global launch.
'Internet of Things'
The global smartphone market has been growing rapidly.
According to research firm CCS Insight, worldwide smartphone sales will hit nearly one billion in 2013 - accounting for more than half the total of 1.7 billion mobile phones sold.
As as result, smartphone manufacturers have been keen to offer new products to win consumers.
With display technology moving towards flexible and bendy screens, it is one area that companies have been looking at.
Some analysts said that while the initial offering of curved-screen phones may not see huge sales, the segment of flexible displays was one to keep an eye on.
"These phones may not be a game-changer today, but they are definitely an indication of things to come," Manoj Menon, managing director of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, told the BBC.
"Flexible displays have a huge role to play as the market place for 'internet of things' grows."
This refers to the idea that many things in homes or offices - not just typical computers - will soon be connected to the internet.
The sector is tipped by many to be a major industry in the near future.
Mr Menon said that as flexible screens became more advanced and cost-effective to make, it was likely to speed up growth in the sector.
BBC News - Samsung launches smartphone with curved display screen
Samsung Electronics, the world's best-selling smartphone maker, has launched a handset with a curved display screen.
Called the Galaxy Round, the smartphone will feature a 5.7in (14.5cm) display.
The launch comes just days after rival LG said it would begin production of curved-screen phones next year.
Digital display technology has been progressing towards curved screens. Both Samsung and LG already offer curved organic light-emitting diode (OLED) television sets.
Samsung said the curved screen display would help consumers use some of the features on the phone, including those that enable users to check information such as date, time and missed calls when home screen is off, with more ease.
These phones may not be a game-changer today, but they are definitely an indication of things to come”Manoj Menon, Frost & Sullivan.
At the same time, users can also change music tracks on their phone, even while its display is off.
The Galaxy Round will initially be launched only in South Korea. The firm gave no indication of its plans for a global launch.
'Internet of Things'
The global smartphone market has been growing rapidly.
According to research firm CCS Insight, worldwide smartphone sales will hit nearly one billion in 2013 - accounting for more than half the total of 1.7 billion mobile phones sold.
As as result, smartphone manufacturers have been keen to offer new products to win consumers.
With display technology moving towards flexible and bendy screens, it is one area that companies have been looking at.
Some analysts said that while the initial offering of curved-screen phones may not see huge sales, the segment of flexible displays was one to keep an eye on.
"These phones may not be a game-changer today, but they are definitely an indication of things to come," Manoj Menon, managing director of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, told the BBC.
"Flexible displays have a huge role to play as the market place for 'internet of things' grows."
This refers to the idea that many things in homes or offices - not just typical computers - will soon be connected to the internet.
The sector is tipped by many to be a major industry in the near future.
Mr Menon said that as flexible screens became more advanced and cost-effective to make, it was likely to speed up growth in the sector.
BBC News - Samsung launches smartphone with curved display screen
Lenovo looking to acquire HTC, talks have been going on since August
Lenovo might be negotiating a huge acquisition, that of HTC. Struggling Taiwanese phone maker HTC has posted its first quarterly loss as it loses grip on the market, and frankly there couldn’t be a better time for such a deal. Keep in mind that this is only a rumor, based on alleged meetings between top level Lenovo and HTC executives that have taken place in Taiwan in August. There is no final decision yet, and it could take a few months until the deal passes (if it does) in the first half of 2014.
Lenovo is allegedly discussing taking over the HTC brand, much like it did with IBM’s ThinkPad laptops when it acquired the unit. This means that we’ll still have HTC smartphones, just this time - manufactured under Lenovo’s caring wings. Other terms of the detail have not been disclosed.
The deal sounds like a very right fit. Lenovo is one of the largest phone makers in China, but does not reach Western markets in the way HTC does, nor does it have the carrier connections. Lenovo is now also the largest PC and notebook seller globally, having surpassed HP, so the business for the Chinese company is growing fast.
Lenovo might be negotiating a huge acquisition, that of HTC. Struggling Taiwanese phone maker HTC has posted its first quarterly loss as it loses grip on the market, and frankly there couldn’t be a better time for such a deal. Keep in mind that this is only a rumor, based on alleged meetings between top level Lenovo and HTC executives that have taken place in Taiwan in August. There is no final decision yet, and it could take a few months until the deal passes (if it does) in the first half of 2014.
Lenovo is allegedly discussing taking over the HTC brand, much like it did with IBM’s ThinkPad laptops when it acquired the unit. This means that we’ll still have HTC smartphones, just this time - manufactured under Lenovo’s caring wings. Other terms of the detail have not been disclosed.
The deal sounds like a very right fit. Lenovo is one of the largest phone makers in China, but does not reach Western markets in the way HTC does, nor does it have the carrier connections. Lenovo is now also the largest PC and notebook seller globally, having surpassed HP, so the business for the Chinese company is growing fast.
Thread Starter
#127
iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S to go on sale in India on Nov 1
NEW DELHI: Apple will start selling iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C from November 1 in India. The launch is part of the company next phase of iPhone launches worldwide. On October 25, the two models of iPhone will become available in 25 countries.
However, India is part of the list of another 12 countries that will get the devices on November 1.
For now Apple has not revealed India-specific prices of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. But in the US the devices cost $649 and $549, respectively, in their 16GB variant.
While iPhone 5S is a flagship phone with an all-aluminum body and features like TouchID, iPhone 5C uses plastic body and is similar to the existing iPhone 5 in terms of its core hardware.
The India price of iPhone 5C is expected to be around Rs 40,000 while the price of iPhone 5S could be slightly above Rs 50,000.
On Wednesday Apple said that every customer who buys an iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C at an Apple retail store will be offered free personal setup service, helping them customize their iPhone by setting up email, showing them new apps from the app store and more, so they'll be up and running with their new iPhone before they leave the store.
However, Apple doesn't operate any retail store here and it is not clear if this service will be offered by its authorized distributors in India.
iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S to go on sale in India on Nov 1 - The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Apple will start selling iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C from November 1 in India. The launch is part of the company next phase of iPhone launches worldwide. On October 25, the two models of iPhone will become available in 25 countries.
However, India is part of the list of another 12 countries that will get the devices on November 1.
For now Apple has not revealed India-specific prices of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. But in the US the devices cost $649 and $549, respectively, in their 16GB variant.
While iPhone 5S is a flagship phone with an all-aluminum body and features like TouchID, iPhone 5C uses plastic body and is similar to the existing iPhone 5 in terms of its core hardware.
The India price of iPhone 5C is expected to be around Rs 40,000 while the price of iPhone 5S could be slightly above Rs 50,000.
On Wednesday Apple said that every customer who buys an iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C at an Apple retail store will be offered free personal setup service, helping them customize their iPhone by setting up email, showing them new apps from the app store and more, so they'll be up and running with their new iPhone before they leave the store.
However, Apple doesn't operate any retail store here and it is not clear if this service will be offered by its authorized distributors in India.
iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S to go on sale in India on Nov 1 - The Times of India
Thread Starter
#128
Binatone launches tablet PC for kids priced at Rs 9,999
NEW DELHI: Electronics company Binatone has launched its first android-based tablet PC, App Star, designed for kids above 4 years, priced at Rs 9,999.
"This 'APP STAR' is packed full of software suitable for children of 4 years and above. It has preloaded fun games, educational apps, art studios, e-books, audio-books, music player and camera with video recorder," Binatone Country Head S P Singh said in a statement.
The company has already launched this tablet for kids in UK and other European markets. It has a 7-inch capacitative touch screen and comes with a special cover that protects it from physical damage when dropped from table height.
The tablet has Wi-Fi connectivity option and a battery back of up of 4 hours.
The tablet can be operated in two modes - 'APP STAR' mode for kids and 'parent' mode which is the normal Android screen mode. The two can easily be switched through the parental control.
"The App Star has secured password protected parental control built-in to the software to ensure time control and firewalled Internet browsing for kids," Singh said.
The company also plans to create full ecosystem for kids' tablets with Fun Karaoke, Speaker dock, Racing Car, Helicopter and accessory pack during the X-mas time, the statement said.
Binatone launches tablet PC for kids priced at Rs 9,999 - The Economic Times
NEW DELHI: Electronics company Binatone has launched its first android-based tablet PC, App Star, designed for kids above 4 years, priced at Rs 9,999.
"This 'APP STAR' is packed full of software suitable for children of 4 years and above. It has preloaded fun games, educational apps, art studios, e-books, audio-books, music player and camera with video recorder," Binatone Country Head S P Singh said in a statement.
The company has already launched this tablet for kids in UK and other European markets. It has a 7-inch capacitative touch screen and comes with a special cover that protects it from physical damage when dropped from table height.
The tablet has Wi-Fi connectivity option and a battery back of up of 4 hours.
The tablet can be operated in two modes - 'APP STAR' mode for kids and 'parent' mode which is the normal Android screen mode. The two can easily be switched through the parental control.
"The App Star has secured password protected parental control built-in to the software to ensure time control and firewalled Internet browsing for kids," Singh said.
The company also plans to create full ecosystem for kids' tablets with Fun Karaoke, Speaker dock, Racing Car, Helicopter and accessory pack during the X-mas time, the statement said.
Binatone launches tablet PC for kids priced at Rs 9,999 - The Economic Times
Thread Starter
#129
The Flipkart cashback offer: Best smartphone deals and the fineprint
The festive offers now beginning to show up on the popular shopping websites, and we take a look at some offers that Flipkart has. If you happen to have a Standard Chartered card, the deals can be even sweeter for you. But with some fineprint.
Listed Price 10% Cashback eligible amount Price after Cashback
HTC One (dual-SIM) 44999 4500 40499
Sony Xperia Z1 41500 4150 37390
Apple iPhone 5 42749 4275 38474
LG G2 40490 4049 36441
LG Optimus G Pro 32999 3300 29699
Nokia Lumia 920 22999 2300 20699
Nokia Lumia 720 16500 1650 14850
The Flipkart cashback offer: Best smartphone deals and the fineprint - Mobile Phone | ThinkDigit Features
The festive offers now beginning to show up on the popular shopping websites, and we take a look at some offers that Flipkart has. If you happen to have a Standard Chartered card, the deals can be even sweeter for you. But with some fineprint.
Listed Price 10% Cashback eligible amount Price after Cashback
HTC One (dual-SIM) 44999 4500 40499
Sony Xperia Z1 41500 4150 37390
Apple iPhone 5 42749 4275 38474
LG G2 40490 4049 36441
LG Optimus G Pro 32999 3300 29699
Nokia Lumia 920 22999 2300 20699
Nokia Lumia 720 16500 1650 14850
The Flipkart cashback offer: Best smartphone deals and the fineprint - Mobile Phone | ThinkDigit Features
Thread Starter
#130
It's like HTC is taunting us with the One Max.
The One Max is the company's latest product and a super-sized addition to HTC's aluminum-clad smartphone family.
Beyond the 5.9-inch display and fingerprint sensor, the biggest difference in the One Max is the removable back. Somehow, the company was able to keep the all-metal body but allow users to pry off the back, allowing for the addition of a micro-SD card for expanded memory.
When removing the back cover, there's a rectangular area in the back that actually looks like a battery -- even though it isn't. An HTC representative told CNET that the unique architecture of the device -- in which the battery is right behind the display and then the processor and other components are right behind the battery -- make it impossible for the battery to be replaceable. The One Max rocks a large 3,300 mAh battery, which HTC said should be hefty enough to get through a workday.
HTC opted to stick with the same design architecture of the HTC One, preserving the aesthetic appeal of its original flagship phone, the representative said. He added that the option for expandable memory via a micro-SD card slot was a higher priority than a removable battery.
Perhaps HTC will get it right with the next flagship phone. Rivals such as Samsung and LG must certainly be looking at the One Max's removable metal cover as a design cue as for future high-end phones.
HTC One Max joins the phablet fray | CNET TV | Video Product Reviews, CNET Podcasts, Tech Shows, Live CNET Video
The One Max is the company's latest product and a super-sized addition to HTC's aluminum-clad smartphone family.
Beyond the 5.9-inch display and fingerprint sensor, the biggest difference in the One Max is the removable back. Somehow, the company was able to keep the all-metal body but allow users to pry off the back, allowing for the addition of a micro-SD card for expanded memory.
When removing the back cover, there's a rectangular area in the back that actually looks like a battery -- even though it isn't. An HTC representative told CNET that the unique architecture of the device -- in which the battery is right behind the display and then the processor and other components are right behind the battery -- make it impossible for the battery to be replaceable. The One Max rocks a large 3,300 mAh battery, which HTC said should be hefty enough to get through a workday.
HTC opted to stick with the same design architecture of the HTC One, preserving the aesthetic appeal of its original flagship phone, the representative said. He added that the option for expandable memory via a micro-SD card slot was a higher priority than a removable battery.
Perhaps HTC will get it right with the next flagship phone. Rivals such as Samsung and LG must certainly be looking at the One Max's removable metal cover as a design cue as for future high-end phones.
HTC One Max joins the phablet fray | CNET TV | Video Product Reviews, CNET Podcasts, Tech Shows, Live CNET Video
Thread Starter
#131
Micromax ropes in Hugh 'Wolverine' Jackman as brand ambassador
Handset maker Micromax not only looked beyond Bollywood but India too, choosing Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador.
Jackman is known for his films 'Les Miserables', 'The Wolverine' and 'Prisoners'.
His association with the Indian handset maker will start with its new smartphone, Canvas Turbo, which will be launched in India soon.
"I am extremely thrilled and honoured to be part of the Micromax family. I am a huge lover of India as it is one of the most exciting countries in the world and we also share our love for cricket," Jackman said in a statement.
The Micromax family believes Jackman "truly embodies the aspirational, reinventing and fearless persona of the brand".
On his part, Jackman says he's convinced about the features offered by the brand's new Canvas range.
"Phones are genuinely time-saving devices that can help you live a better life while juggling around with different situations," he said. "The new Canvas phone from Micromax is a leap in innovation with great sense of fun and amazing features that helps me balance my work with all the different roles that I play in my everyday life," added the 45-year-old.
Micromax ropes in Hugh 'Wolverine' Jackman as brand ambassador - Business Today
More about Canvas Turbo
Earlier this month we heard about the Canvas Turbo, which is likely to be the next flagship offering from Micromax. Now the Indian smartphone vendor has all but confirmed the existence of the device, when it gave a small glimpse at the device while unveiling Hollywood star Hugh Jackman as its new brand ambassador.
Micromax released a short 11 second video where it showed the words Canvas Turbo followed by a fleeting glimpse of the new device, before Hugh Jackman arrived on screen to say the company’s mantra, “It’s nothing like anything.” The actor well-known for his portrayal of Wolverine in various films will endorse the Canvas series of smartphones, starting with the Canvas Turbo.
From what we know so far, the Canvas Turbo is likely to be the first Micromax device to flaunt a 1080p display. It is said to feature a “phablet-sized” display, 1.2GHz quad-core MT6589 processor and will run on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, which will include all the software bells and whistles previously seen on the Canvas 4. It is expected to be the most expensive device from the Micromax and will be placed just above the Canvas 4 and the Canvas Doodle 2.
Micromax teases the Canvas Turbo while unveiling Hugh Jackman as its new brand ambassador | News & Video Reviews of Gadgets at BGR India
Handset maker Micromax not only looked beyond Bollywood but India too, choosing Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador.
Jackman is known for his films 'Les Miserables', 'The Wolverine' and 'Prisoners'.
His association with the Indian handset maker will start with its new smartphone, Canvas Turbo, which will be launched in India soon.
"I am extremely thrilled and honoured to be part of the Micromax family. I am a huge lover of India as it is one of the most exciting countries in the world and we also share our love for cricket," Jackman said in a statement.
The Micromax family believes Jackman "truly embodies the aspirational, reinventing and fearless persona of the brand".
On his part, Jackman says he's convinced about the features offered by the brand's new Canvas range.
"Phones are genuinely time-saving devices that can help you live a better life while juggling around with different situations," he said. "The new Canvas phone from Micromax is a leap in innovation with great sense of fun and amazing features that helps me balance my work with all the different roles that I play in my everyday life," added the 45-year-old.
Micromax ropes in Hugh 'Wolverine' Jackman as brand ambassador - Business Today
More about Canvas Turbo
Earlier this month we heard about the Canvas Turbo, which is likely to be the next flagship offering from Micromax. Now the Indian smartphone vendor has all but confirmed the existence of the device, when it gave a small glimpse at the device while unveiling Hollywood star Hugh Jackman as its new brand ambassador.
Micromax released a short 11 second video where it showed the words Canvas Turbo followed by a fleeting glimpse of the new device, before Hugh Jackman arrived on screen to say the company’s mantra, “It’s nothing like anything.” The actor well-known for his portrayal of Wolverine in various films will endorse the Canvas series of smartphones, starting with the Canvas Turbo.
From what we know so far, the Canvas Turbo is likely to be the first Micromax device to flaunt a 1080p display. It is said to feature a “phablet-sized” display, 1.2GHz quad-core MT6589 processor and will run on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, which will include all the software bells and whistles previously seen on the Canvas 4. It is expected to be the most expensive device from the Micromax and will be placed just above the Canvas 4 and the Canvas Doodle 2.
Micromax teases the Canvas Turbo while unveiling Hugh Jackman as its new brand ambassador | News & Video Reviews of Gadgets at BGR India
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I guess I would buy 10gm Gold and in remaining 20K buy a micromax phone.