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Saturday 31 August 2013

How To Change or Clear Defaults for Android Applications

Have you ever wanted to uninstall or remove the DEFAULT applications from your Android mobile phone? Then we will guide you in the same so that you can remove the unwanted and un necessary default applications. There are many such applications which are actually not worth of having them on our mobile phone. For people who don’t prefer to open the eBook reader, it is actually not worth keeping this app in their device and if anytime you wish to read the eBook then you can easily install the same eBook reader again from Android Market place. Many of us flash our mobile phones with third party operating system which is nothing but called as a ROM. But do you know that you can create your own custom ROM very easily. So, let’s take advantage of Open source of Google Android platform which will help you to uninstall or remove the applications which are present in the device by default.

Before we proceed you need to make sure that you have resources like Windows XP SP3 or even Home edition will do, Java Run Time Environment JRE Pack, WinRAR or WinZip and an obvious Android phone with you. There is no need to back up your data as in this procedure there is no fear of losing any data. Also, this is not something wherein you will be required to root or any other thing like that, so the procedure can be followed easily.

Procedure to uninstall or remove the default applications in Android:
First of all you need to download any of your favorite custom ROM in your computer.
Next up after downloading the custom ROM, you will need to download the Auto sign in your computer.
After downloading, you need to copy the ROM.zip file in the Auto Sign folder and rename the entire folder as update.zip.
Now, after doing this you need to open the ROM.zip by double clicking on the ROM.zip, Please note that you need not unzip the folder, just you need to open it.


Now, you can see that in the above snapshot, a new pop up will be opening up where there will be two directories under the Android folder as mentioned below:

/data/app

/system/app

Now, after opening the folder, you can see that there will be lot of applications. For every application you will see that there are two files, one with extension of .apk and other with an extension .odex. If you want to delete say browser then you need to delete both apk and odex both of this corresponding file. You can use WinRAR for deleting these files.


As soon as the applications are removed, now you need to sign into your ROM by double clicking on it and need to run Sign.bat. Please make sure that the update.zip folder is in the same folder of Sign.bat.

After the apps been removed, sign your ROM with Double click to run the Sign.bat (*Make sure the update.zip is under the same folder as Sign.bat)


So, as soon as you complete this process a file called update_signed.zip gets created after which you can flash your mobile phone with the customized ROM. Please ensure that the files deleted by you are the files which are not required by you. As if you are deleting an application and then to get that back you again need to flash with the original firmware of the device which will be again time consuming,in some cases you can find the equivalent applications in the Android Market place. If you encounter with any problems then do lets us know about this. Also, this technique was successfully tested in Samsung Galaxy S smart phone and is not tested in any other phones. [ use Password : androidadvices.com ]

Alcatel one Touch Scribe Pro Android Phone with 6″ Screen & Quad Core Processor – Specs & Features

Alcatel seems to be on a roll as its all set to release numerous smartphones once again after it has launched few bunch of smartphones in the CES 2013 which was held in Las Vegas in January this year. While the rumors are on that this latest smartphone which is dubbed as Alcatel one Touch Scribe Pro will be launched as early as in IFA 2013, its very difficult to speculate the same. So, let’s check out in detail on what are the specs and features of Alcatel one Touch Scribe Pro.


Specs and Features of Alcatel one Touch Scribe Pro:

Alcatel one Touch Scribe Pro Android smartphone comes with the Jellybean 4.2 Android OS along with the 6-inches of HD Screen and a 1.5GHz quad core processor. With 13.1 MP of rear facing camera, this device also comes with the 2MP of front facing camera. In terms of storage, this device comes with the 16GB of internal memory along with the expandable memory card slot of up to 32GB. This smartphone also comes with the S Pen like stylus and also comes with the Dolby Digital Plus Audio.

Along with the other functionalities, this device also comes with the Bluetooth & WiFi. We have also summed up the list of specs below;
6 inched IPS Display,
1.5 GHz Quad Core Processor,
13.1 MP Rear Camera,
2MP Front Facing Camera,
16GB internal memory,
32GB external SD card slot,
Bluetooth, WiFi Capability,
Jellybean 4.2 Android OS

Pricing and Availability:

Alcatel one Touch Scribe Pro is all set to launch in Hong Kong later this September for around $300 which seems to be a pretty good price tag. We still have no clue about the International availability of this Android phone. Do let us know in the comments section if you have any queries regarding this smartphone.

Manual Update Galaxy S I9000 with Jellybean 4.2.2 Android Firmware – Easy Guide

Remics JB AIO 4.2.2 Android Firmware for Galaxy S I9000 is finally out and can be applied. So, for all those who are waiting for the most stable and best Android custom ROM firmware, the wait is finally over. So, before we move on to the detailed instructions which will help you update, you will need to follow the list of pre requisites which are summed up below. Unfortunately, Samsung won’t be coming up with any official firmware update for I9000 as its already an End Of Life as per Samsung.
The best part of this is that it comes with the much needed stability without compromising on the features which are obviously higher than what you get in the Stock firmware.

Quick Pre Requisites:
Not with the KIES, but create a backup of all the data with the help of below mentioned steps only. Also, don’t make use of the ROM Manager to back up the data as it may brick the device.
SMS – Use “SMS Backup & Restore app”,
Contacts – Sync with the Gmail application,
Call Log - Call Log and Restore
Images, Songs, Videos, Files – Copy to internal / External SD Card,
APN and MMS Settings – Note down from the path “Applications > Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names”
Enable the USB Debugging Mode in your computer from the path “Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging”. Also, the minimum battery life should be a minimum of 40% or else there is a risk of device getting turned Off in the middle of firmware update.
Since this is the custom ROM firmware, you will need to makes sure that your phone is rooted. To check on whether your phone is rooted or not, you will have to download the “Root Checker” app from the Google PLAY Store. Just in case if your device is not rooted, with the help of below mentioned instructions you can root the same;

Procedure to Update Galaxy S GT I9000 with XXJW4 Firmware

Procedure to Root Galaxy S GT I9000 on XXJW4 Firmware

Assuming that you are done with all the above mentioned steps, lets head over to the next page where we have mentioned the detailed guide which will help you update the device.

How Technology can Save Human Life In Real World

Valerie, a student from Singapore arriving into Mumbai way past midnight needed to get from the international airport to her apartment. Not wanting to disturb anyone she decided to brave the forty-five minute cab-ride alone.
As a precaution she discreetly clicked a picture of the registration number and put it up on Pinterest. In conversation, she asked the driver his name and emailed it to her friend to use in case of an emergency.


English: GPS navigation solution running on a smartphone (iphone) mounted to a road bike. GPS is gaining wide usage with the integration of GPS sensors in many mobile phones. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Across the border, a woman named Petra enabled the SOS – Stay Safe! application on her Android device so she could easily send a notification to her parents in case she needed to. All she had to do was shake the phone and her GPS coordinates would automatically be detected and sent to her emergency contacts.

Another application Bipper available for iOS devices, requires the user to press a huge red button on the screen to make a loud noise and call for help. Studies show that raising an alarm to alert passers-by typically discourages the assailant and in many cases deters the crime. This kind of application is especially useful for empowering senior citizens and preventing petty crimes.

There are at least a handful of mobile applications that help enhance personal safety. Some are effective, others not completely. But the question remains, does access to mobile phones and innovative applications make the world a safer place? Like any technology, it will really only become useful if it can be used easily and is readily available the moment you need it.

What happens if it is difficult to launch the application and press a specific button in the middle of a crisis? SOS – Stay Safe! works around this one nicely and allows the user to merely shake the device or a purse or bag that has the device in it. This application merely expects intuitive vigorous shaking as is typical when in panic.

While some users feel safer with devices that make loud noises, others feel that discreet calls for help might be more useful. In truth, it depends on the situation. If you can run away while sounding an alert, it is unlikely that the attacker will come after you. However, if you are in a moving car then being able to send discreet GPS notifications is a huge advantage. SOS Stay Safe automatically sends location and battery level indicators at pre-defined intervals.

While it is important to keep the application simple and easy to use, activists hope that over time situational intelligence can be built into these applications. What happens if your contact is notified but can’t get to you on time for example?

The developers of SOS Stay Safe are considering a new feature that allows notifications to be sent to other registered users that are detected within a few kilometers radius of your location. This will let a larger circle of help get there faster, in case your own emergency contacts are not close by.

One thing is certain, even as technology evolves and new mobile applications are built, it helps to minimize risk factors and be alert to preventive measure such as detecting body language, staying in groups and being alert to covert movements of strangers.

The ultimate aim of technology in saving lives is enable people to ‘detect and evade’ rather than ‘alert and be rescued’ from a nasty situation. SOS – Stay Safe! is a brilliant app that serves this purpose and is a must have software for your smartphone. And it can’t hurt to brush up on your martial arts skills on the side.

Thursday 29 August 2013

How to Post GIF Images on Facebook by Common Users

Basically, Giphy (a search engine for GIFs) created a code that makes GIFs actually loop on Facebook. It works simply like uploading a link to a video. Either copy paste the URL from where it says "share GIF" on Giphy, or embed straight to Facebook. It will look just like a video upload to your Facebook wall or Newsfeed, in that, you'll see a play button on the embed. When you press play, presto! You have a GIF. The only stipulation is the URL must come from Giphy of course.
GIFs on Facebook which is not allowed till date?
Wait. GIFs on Facebook?!
We did it. GIFs on Facebook! Giphy’s got all the GIFs and now you can share them with your friends on Facebook. You can embed them right onto your timeline from our site.

Not sure how to feel? That’s why we created the GIF Reaction Page. So go ahead and try it out!

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Google Nexus 7 Vs iPad mini Vs Galaxy Tab 2

Google’s launch of the Nexus 7 tablet in India and its aggressive pricing at Rs 15, 999 for the 16 GB version has heated up the tablet market. The Nexus 7 will vie for tablet pie where rivals Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and Apple’s ipad mini have registered a strong market presence along with a host of cheaper variants by desi companies. 

Zee Research Group takes the opportunity to look at how the three devices stack up in competition with each other. 

Exhibit 1: While the jury is still out there, our analysis suggests that the Nexus 7 may trump its rival in superior screen resolution and processor. Its freely available Android platform (considering it is backed by Google itself) further enhances its advantages vis-a-vis Apple’s iPad mini. But the Nexus 7 fails in providing superior picture and video experience vis-a-vis iPad mini and Samsung Tab 2 3100. While no tablet can provide complete satisfaction in this fast ever-changing world of technology, it is ultimately up to the user what it wants.

FeaturesGoogle Nexus 7Apple iPad miniSamsung Galaxy Tab 2 (P3100)FBP Verdict
Processor1.3 GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, which includes a 12-core Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Dual-core A5 processor clocked at 1 GHZ
P3100 utilises OMAP 4430 dual core processor running at 1 GHz, which is aided by a PowerVR SGX540 graphics processor.The Nexus 7 processor looks far ahead of its competitors and may provide an altogether different level of gaming experience.
Screen size & resolution
1280×800 HD display which comes to 216 pixels per inch (ppi)
1024×768 pixels making it around 163 ppi for a 7.9 inch screen.
1,024×600 pixel resolution which gives 170 ppiAt 216 pixels per inch, the Nexus 7 leaves rivals way behind when it comes to screen quality.  
Weight340 grams308 grams345 gramsApple’s iPad mini clearly is the lightest tablet among the three. Besides, the build quality and aesthetics of Apple products command respect and admiration across the world.
MemoryThe Google Nexus 7 has 16 GB internal storage of which only 13-14 GB will be available to users.The iPad mini starts at Rs 21,900 for a 16 GB WiFi only version.The Samsung tablet comes with 16 GB internal storage along with a micro SD card slot for storage expandable up to 32 GB.The Samsung has natural advantage as it offers 16 GB internal storage along with micro SD card slots for expanding memory space. While iPad mini scores over the Nexus for providing cellular connectivity and enhanced internal storage on certain versions, it loses the plot with increasing price vis-a-vis Samsung.
CameraThe Nexus 7 has a 1.2-megapixel front camera. No rear camera.
The iPad mini comes with a 5 megapixel rear camera and a 1.2 megapixel front FaceTime Camera.
The P3100 comes with a 3 megapixel camera in the rear and a VGA (0.3 megapixel) camera in the front.
If a camera is a must have in your 7-inch tablet, then the Nexus 7 turns out to be a big disappointment. On the other hand, iPad mini scores with high-quality camera on both front and rear, which is a big plus in a 7-inch tablet.
Operating SystemThe Google Nexus 7 comes with the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean version.The iPad mini ships with Apple’s iOS 6.Samsung has just started pushing Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update
If you are a Google/Android junkie, the Nexus 7 tablet will end up being your choice. Unlike other altered versions of the OS this one is pure Google.
BatteryThe Nexus 7 has a 4325 mAh battery which is expected to offer 8-9 hours of power on active usage.
The iPad mini offers up to 10 hours battery life on just Wi-Fi and up to 9 hours on cellular data.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (P3100)’s 4000 mAh battery can last more than a day with normal usage.No clear winner, but it is yet to be ascertained whether Nexus 7 can live up to its claim during active game usage.



Exhibit 2: What bloggers have to say about the three tabs? While die-hard Apple fans will never give up on iPad mini, Google is rising steadily and overcoming odds (that’s what at least bloggers seem to suggest).

Techulator – Apple has priced its iPad Mini way too higher, especially when we consider the price of Google Nexus 7, which is only $ 200. iPad is certainly not the best budget friendly tablet at all. The only edge that Apple has over Google is its Apple App store, which has more and innovative apps than the Google Play Store. Still it is hard to say which one is better. It is more of a personal preference than a final decision. Google Nexus 7 is strong on the budget considerations whereas Apple iPad Mini is better when app store is considered.

Tekdig – After comparing the tech specs, price and features of both the tablets I think that Google Nexus 7 is better than iPad mini even Nexus 7 is affordable compared to iPad mini. So go with Nexus 7.

MacWorld – Which tablet will best enable me to read, watch, write, play, and organize myself as much as I want and need to? The answer to that question, again, is closer than it would’ve been two years ago. Apple’s App Store offers 800,000 apps; Google Play has 700,000. (Though that may undersell the disparity: Apple boasts 300,000 iPad apps; Google won`t say how many tablet-optimized apps are available in Android.) In truth, you can find most of the best apps that I use on both platforms. That difference is narrowing all the time.But for me, the iPad mini ultimately wins on this issue—and thus wins my purchase. Ironically, Google’s legendary “openness” makes it easier for me to chose a “closed” system that Apple provides.

Androidos.in – Despite the apparent lack of 3G variant right now, Nexus 7 is a great tablet for those of you who want to remain on the latest Android version and get some impressive internals at a decent price. The lack of internal storage might be an issue for some consumers, but apart from that, we don’t see any problems with Nexus 7. It is also being sold at about INR 6K less than the Apple iPad Mini 16GB Wi-Fi only version, which apart from the bigger content/app ecosystem (lack of Music, Movies from Indian Google Play being the reason) and presence of rear camera, does not really offer any other positives. Samsung, which has just stated updating the 3G Galaxy Tab 2 310 to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, does offer some competition in terms of pricing, but that is because of the comparably lower specifications of the device.

Gadgetgestures – Although Apple is a major brand in the world of technology, Google clearly defies the odds with its recent venture, the Nexus 7. Reasonably priced in comparison with iPad mini, Nexus 7 also holds an advantage when it comes to performance. Its high resolution display makes it an ideal option for people who wish to have a smaller tablet delivering high quality at a rational cost.

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Nokia Lumia 925 Hot Review and Instant Specification

Nokia introduced new Lumia 925, Windows Smart Phone in India. Nokia Lumia 925 is a high performance smart phone with extraordinary features and applications. It is designed for superlative image feeling.
It has most advanced Carl Zeiss optic Lens and latest Image Software. The camera pictures are very sharp and capturing stunning images. So this smart phone is really a big treat for photography lovers.
The weight of Lumia 925 is 139 grams. The outer body is made up of Aluminum frame with Polycarbonate pins.

Nokia Lumia 925 Specification

Operating System – Windows phone 8

Display – 4.5 Inch WXGA (1280*768), Super Sensitive Touch.

Display Features – Pure Motion HD +, Nokia Glance Screen, Sunlight readability enhancements

Display Technology – ClearBlack, AMOLED

Processor – 1.5 GHz Dual Core, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4

RAM – 1 GB

Internal Memory – 16 GB, SkyDrive cloud storage 7 GB

SIM – Micro SIM, No Dual SIM

Main Camera – 8.7 MP Pure Views, Dual LED Flash, Carl Zeiss Tessar Lens

Secondary Camera – HD 1.2 MP Wide Angle, Video Call, Video Recording

Battery – 2000 mAh, 18 days standby, Music Playback time – 55 hours, Video and Video playback – 6.6 hours..

Sensors – Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Magnetometer

Connectivity – GPS and Navigation, 8 WiFi enabled devices, Bluetooth, Micro USB, 3G and Windows Apps.
Nokia Lumia 925 Review

Nokia designed with amazing display clarity with Sunlight readability enhancements for this Smartphone. Excellent HD camera is available to take photos and videos. It is optimized to take stunning photos for everyone. So you can share your photos with friends and families.

It is fully featured for windows phone buyers. Its RAM is not enough for this featured phone. Recently Smartphones come with optional dual SIM. Nowadays business people need more than one SIM. So it is a little drawback for this mobile. Good battery backup for entertainment and browsing.

It built with sensors like proximity, Ambient light etc. This mobile also designed with recent popular technologies like GPS, 3G, and Bluetooth. It snaps with wireless charging cover to charge up without plugging in. Compared to its features and applications Nokia fix a reasonable price for this Smartphone. Overall it is best Smartphone to buy.

Reliance and Bharti Airtel Introduce 4G Mobile Broadband in India

There is a high competition between telecommunication companies for the service of 4G mobile broadband in India. This competition gains the consumers for getting this service in fair price. Nearly three years before Reliance Telecommunication got the license of 4G. But till now the 4G mobile broadband service is not introduced by Reliance telecommunications. Before the end of this year Reliance industries decided to introduce 4G mobile broadband service in Delhi and Mumbai.


4G mobile Broadband service is new to India; this service is available in developed countries. This service is very useful to download and upload the data very fast. Seeing Cinema, playing video games, taking ticket and bank service are very easy through this service.
To use 4G mobile broadband service, all kinds of cell phones are not possible to accept this service. Cell phone inbuilt with this technology is important to accept this service.
Reliance industries discuss with Samsung to get the cell phone inbuilt with 4G mobile broadband technology and decided to give this type of cell phone in lower price.
Airtel 4G Mobile Broadband in India
Airtel already introduce 4G mobile Broadband service in some big cities in India. Airtel decided to issue 4G services with the same rate of 3G and attract the other company customers those whose are using 3G services.
Airtel gives 4G mobile broadband in India at the following rates Rs 450,650,750respectively. The above prices rates are suitable for the following cities Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chandigarh. For Airtel data card users 999 per month users extra pays 100 Rs for 1 GB to get 1000 movies and 100 games for this amount.
This post is really helpful to you do not forget to share and comment. 4G mobile broadband in India is really useful for download and upload? Which company would you like to prefer for 4G mobile broadband service? What do you think about the price of Samsung 4G inbuilt cell phones?

Sony Xperia M Available in India for Rs 10,000 ($200)

Sony gets listed a new mid range smart phone Xperia M and now it is available in Indian market. Sony Xperia M comes with Android Jelly 4.1 OS. Tamil reading facility is a new available for this android version. Sony fixed a reasonable price according to its features and specification for this smartphone. That attracts the consumers to buy this smart phone. Its design is unique and compact.
Sony Xperia M camera is equipped with smart functionality to capture stunning pictures and videos. It also inbuilt with media applications like Walkman, Album and movies. Accelerometer and Proximity are some featured sensors added in this smart phone.


Sony Xperia M Full Specification

Operating System – Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Os

Display – 4 inch (480*800 Pixels) Capacitive Touch Screen Display

Processor – 1 GHz Dual Core Qual Comm Snap dragon MSM8227 Processor

RAM – 1 GB

Dual Sim – Available only for Sony Xperia M Dual

Camera – Main Camera 5 MP, LED flash, HD 720P recording. Front Camera – 0.3 MP

Internal Memory – 4 GB

External Memory – microSD upto 32 GB

Battery – 1750 mAH battery with battery stamina mode. 10 hours standby

Connectivity – 3G HSDPA and 21 Mbps. Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, Java, Micro USB.

Overall Sony Xperia M is a perfect smartphone to buy. This device is available on leading online retailers such as Flipkart, Amazon India and Infibeam.
This post is really helpful to you do not forget to share and comment. What about your talk about this smartphone? Sony Xperia M is really a good smartphone for buy?

Mobile and Computer Letter with Symbol Tricks for common users

The standard computer keyboard has plenty of options for special symbols, including mathematical symbols, phonetic characters and foreign language letters. However, accessing your computer's vast symbol library isn't as obvious as typing basic alphabetic characters. To make symbols with your keyboard, you need to use the "Character Map" or enter "Alt Codes."
English: IBM Model M keyboard, Part no. 1391401
English: IBM Model M keyboard, Part no. 1391401 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



English: IBM Model M keyboard, Part no. 1391401 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Instructions

1. Click "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools."
2. Click "Character Map." A new window opens, showing the full range of symbols supported on your PC.
3. Click the symbol you want to insert. Click "Select," "Copy." You can paste this symbol into any program by holding "Ctrl + V."
4. Take note of the "Alt Code" in the right corner if you regularly use this symbol. Each unique symbol has an "Alt Code." When you press and hold the "Alt" key, type the code into your computer's numeric keypad. The symbol appears on screen.
The fonts included with your computer include far more symbols and letters than your keyboard can accommodate. If you have ever needed to use symbols such as those for foreign currencies, arrows or dingbats, you may have searched for websites containing those symbols and copied them into your documents. However, Windows offers methods you can use to access all the characters included with the system fonts. With a bit of creativity, you can even use those characters in some interesting new ways.

Character Map

The Windows Character Map application displays all the letters and symbols included with a font on a grid. Launch the Character Map from the "System Tools" Start menu folder and select a font from the drop-down menu at the top of the window. The grid in the main area of the window displays all that font's letters and symbols. Copy a symbol to the clipboard by double-clicking on it. Click the window in which you want to paste the symbol and then press "Ctrl-V" to paste it.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Many common symbols have keyboard shortcuts with which they are associated. You can execute a keyboard shortcut by holding the "Alt" key while typing a code on the numerical keypad and then releasing the "Alt" key to create the symbol. For example, the code "0128" creates the Euro currency symbol and "0169" creates the copyright symbol. Some laptop keyboards do not have numerical keypads. If your computer only has number keys on the top row, look for keys with blue numerals near the middle of the keyboard. You can generally activate these keys by holding the "Fn" key.

Emoticons

It is difficult to convey sarcasm or let a person know that you are joking when your communication is text based. Emoticons -- strings of symbols that represent smiley faces and other items -- convey emotion online. The most common emoticon is the smiley face, created with a colon and parenthesis :). Other common emoticons include the winking smiley ;) , the rose @>-->--- and the kiss :-*.

ASCII Art

You can use the symbols on your keyboard to create art in a text editor using symbols such as "|," "/" and "\" to draw lines. Some people have adapted this technique to create images that appear almost photo-realistic at a distance. You can also use online tools to convert your images to ASCII art and share the results via email or on Web forums.

Tips & Warnings

"Alt Codes" are convenient for repeated symbol use, but they work only on computers with a numeric keypad. If you do not have numeric keypad, the "Character Map" is your best option.

Monday 26 August 2013

New Leaked Photos Show the iPhone 5S in Graphite with Accessories

A gallery of leaked images of Apple's iPhone 5S posted on Sonny Dickson show the rumored next-generation iPhone in an entirely new color: grey or graphite with a black trim. New Leaked Photos Show the iPhone 5S in Graphite with Accessories .


So far, the rumors pointed to three possible colors for the iPhone 5S — which may or may not be the rumored device's real name — black, white (or silver) and gold (or champagne).

Another recent rumor claimed that Apple's next smartphone will be 31% faster than the iPhone 5, thanks to Apple's new A7 chip.

Image: Sonny Dickson

Image: Sonny Dickson


1. Etch a Sketch iPhone Case
This case is made at the original Etch-a-Sketch factory. It's an interesting study into how companies evolve their products to suit the market, and also a fun case for your phone.

Cost: $24.99


2. iPlunger Phone Stand
Sucker this little fella on to the back of your iPhone and it'll keep it upright -- no plumbing required.

Cost: $10


3. Arkhippo Case

Described as "huge" and "easy to handle," the Arkhippo case adds some colorful heft to your iPhone with some well-padded protection, and a handy way to stand it up.

Cost: $24


4. Tape Cassette Decals

If you yearn for the days of the Walkman, this sticky tape cassette decal for your iPhone offers some handheld nostalgia.

Cost: $6.99


5. Appstand

Complete with six different colored inserts, this clever stand frames your iPhone on your desk or bedside table. It's perfect for slideshows, alarm clock apps, watching media and more. Appstanding!

Cost: $24.99


6. Spiderpodium
The Spiderpodium is one way to keep arachnophobes away from your precious iProduct. The grippy octopod has -- you guessed it -- eight flexible legs as well as a hole in its body for feeding cables through.

Cost: $24


7. On Angel's Wings iPhone Holder
Your iPhone can earn its wings with this whimsical stand that works in both portrait and landscape mode thanks to its removable sucker cup.

Cost: $12

8. Little Black Book for iPhone

Considering that the cellphone is the "little black book" of today, this case is certainly appropriate. With a sturdy wooden frame, this unusual case is crafted using traditional bookbinding techniques. It allows access to all ports and even boasts a suitably placed hole for the camera.

Cost: $64


9. The Mobile Phone Massif

Do you hark back to the glory days of the 80s "brick" phones with fond memories? No, neither do we really, but we do find this case somewhat amusing.

Cost: $20


10. RetroFit TV iPhone Holder

This cardboard holder will turn your iPhone, or iPod touch, into a teeny vintage goggle box, perfect for watching old movies.
Cost: $7.95

Data source: Mashable 

Google begins integrating Waze’s incident reporting into Maps for iOS and Android

Google has taken the first steps to unify its Maps platform with Waze, its most recent large startup acquisition. The Israeli-based company was acquired by Google earlier this year for around $1 billion, as its growing community of user-sourced incident and accident reporting was seen as a competitor in the lucrative online mapping market. check - Google begins integrating Waze’s incident reporting into Maps for iOS and Android.



Maps for iOS and Android have been updated with the first of Waze’s features, perhaps the most important one, incident reporting. This allows users in select countries (Canada is not currently on that list) to receive on-the-fly suggestions for updated directions based on accidents, construction, road closures and other traffic snarls.

The country list includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, UK and the US. No word on when Canada will be added.

Waze for iOS and Android have been updated with Google Search, which bring Google ads into the fray. This is an obvious step for Google to monetize yet another search box, but more importantly it should give Waze users a bit more context when looking up landmarks.
Real-Time Updates
Waze allows users to quickly and easily inform others about an accident or some sort of incident affecting traffic. With Google Maps being one of the most popular GPS applications for smartphones, users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Switzerland, U.K. and the U.S. will all be able to access real time crowd-sourced updates. More countries are expected to be added within the next month.
Although the two services are integrated in some ways now, people are still reporting accidents via the Waze application. It appears as though the companies decided to combine some of their features but also keep their independent stand-alone apps as well.
Right now there are 1 million accidents reported by Waze users each month, which has undoubtedly saved many people from becoming trapped in traffic jams. Google's decision to add in the real-time traffic updates first makes a lot of sense.
The only significant downside to the Waze integration in Google Maps is that some of the social features are missing. Normally, Waze users who report an accident get their usernames plastered everywhere, but on Google Maps, the accident shows up but does not include the usernames of those who reported the accident.
The Perfect Combination
Between the social features present in Waze and the extensive street view and business look-up features in Google Maps, the two services could create a perfect mapping application. At this point, between the real time accident reports and the already impressive Google Maps application, other GPS navigation apps and devices are becoming less necessary each month.
The acquisition is actually so perfect that the FTC has decided to get involved. Google revealed that the Federal Trade Commission was opening a file on the acquisition to see if it removes too much competition from the GPS app market.
Other companies are now trying to improve their own map applications in order to avoid being destroyed by the combined Google Maps and Waze. Apple has purchased HopStop to improve its default Maps app after deciding to ditch Google Maps last year in iOS 6.

Now that Google controls a large portion of the mapping industry, it is introducing new banner ads to monetize the service on iOS.

Can Nokia Afford To Abandon Indian Market or Just Bigger Debate for Publicity

Last week Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) rocked the Indian market by stating “India has become least favorable market”. The Finnish handset maker conveyed the message to Indian government in June though; the impact is largely being visible across the industries, operating in India, now. According to the latest report of Indian Express, Nokia has blamed deprived political situation that is resulting in delayed decisions and illegitimate tax demand; consequently, company has threatened to shift its manufacturing operations to China.

The apparent restlessness invoked after the non-refund of value-added tax (V.A.T.) by the Tamil Nadu government. Under the M.o.U. signed between Tamil Nadu Government and Nokia, the government was to refund the 4% of VAT collected on handsets sold in domestics market from its planets in Chennai.


The lost battle against income tax demand of Rs 2,080 crore (nearly US$378 million) fueled the fire and the Finnish mobile handsets maker accused Indian government for violating bilateral tax treaties between the two countries. “We have demanded the government to act quickly to correct the wrong perception. And, talks have been productive since then”, claims Nokia.


“The political risk of operating in India has therefore become suddenly substantially higher and may inevitably influence future decisions to develop one’s operations in India.” said Nokia.

But, what if talks fail? Is the troubled mobile maker in situation to lock horns with the government of second-largest mobile market in the world? Also, Can India face the heat on global forum after the tax dispute with companies as Cadbury Plc, Royal Dutch Shell, Vodafone Plc, LG Electronics Inc, and now, Nokia too?
Nokia: A Sick Mobile Beast

Since last few years Nokia has been busy in recording losses quarter over quarter. In Q2, 2013 the company inherited the loss of $150 million by recording $7.5 billion in revenues. The sales of Lumia went up in second quarter though; the numbers are still negligible compare to the global share of Smartphones. The much-debated marriage with Microsoft is yet to produce favorable conditions for Nokia. Feature phone market is still dominated by Nokia though; Smartphone has recently taken over feature phone sales – first time ever in the history. In second quarter, the overall worldwide mobile phone sales of Nokia tanked to 60.9 million compare to 83.4 million units a year ago. The mobile phone market share of Nokia synced to 14% from 19.9% in a year ago quarter.

In India – the second largest mobile country in terms of number of subscribers and handsets – scenario is no different for Nokia. In FY’13 Nokia slipped to second place by being the only mobile phone company in India with negative growth. Nokia’s revenues from Indian operations reduced to INR 9,780 crore ( nearly US$1.77 billion) in FY’13 from INR 11,925 crore ( nearly US$2.16 billion) in FY’12 – ended March 31, 2012.
Nokia In India: Beggars Can’t Be Choosers

India – world’s second largest mobile market in terms of number of subscribers and handsets – has become almost inevitable to ignore for any mobile or telecom player. The saturating markets of Smartphones in developed countries have forced mobile companies to define and deploy “India focused” strategies; even the world’s best technology brand Apple couldn’t resist the local needs and tailored its iPhone prices to make it fit for Indian ‘price conscious’ users.

Samsung Smartphone market is blossoming at the cost of Nokia in India. The market of feature phone is still dominated by Nokia though; the transformation of feature phone users into entry-level Smartphone is yet another challenge for Nokia. Local mobile vendors, as Micromax and Karbonn, are making Nokia to run for its money in heavily crowded and intensively competitive market. Nokia is trying to relax market pressure by latest ‘smart feature phones’ dubbed as “ASHA Series”. However, these low-price smart ‘feature phones’, running on S40 platform, are facing challenge from constant falling price of entry-level Android smartphones. And the problem is doomed to grow as more local players are trying to grab a pie of Indian mobile market – definitely not at much of the cost of Samsung.


But that’s not all; compare to world’s top 10 countries with highest population, India has the biggest untapped market for mobile handset companies. As of April 30, 2013, 867 million handsets are available in India against 1.22 billion populations, resulting in the biggest opportunity for mobile makers. And, while most of these ‘untapped’ users are going to be ‘first timer’, Nokia has got an edge over other mobile makers being as respectable brand to own.
Nokia Exit Threat: More Desperation Than Planning

Many industry analysts believe that recent threat by Nokia to exit India is a result of getting unplanned additional liability on already stressed financial condition. Nokia’s revenue is already down by 20% in FY’13 and poor economic conditions in India are showing further signs of losses. On top of that government’s failure to keep investors’ confidence intact is only jeopardizing the business conditions in India. As the possibilities of getting VAT refund is only fading out with each passing day, Nokia might find the conditions in favor to defuse the pressure created by Indian government that has slapped a tax notice to pay whooping $378 million.

What’s your take on the ‘situation’ developed by Nokia ? Are you buying it ? Do let us know in comment section.

Comparative Analysis of Upcoming 15 Smart Watches with smart mobile devies

When I was in my last year of teens, a cool watch meant Rolex, Casio, TAG Heuer or some other kind of costly wrist gadget in that league and a cell phone was a distant dream. Unlike today, cell phones were ‘nice to have’ luxury piece of ‘wearable’ used for texting and calling in emergency and tablet still meant a medicine. Technology has taken a great leap in last one decade and has changed people’s life-style multifold. Today one can ‘arguably’ imagine any technology fantasy and people are out there to make it a reality.


Had you ever thought of living in a time when the whole purpose of wrist watch will not be limited to ‘display hour of the day’ and would make ‘time more smarter’? But, its a moment of truth and you would be surprised to know that there are more than a dozen of companies working on this concept and soon we will be talking with our wrist – just like some sci-fi movie or our very own British spy “James Bond”. Today I am going to walk you down through the “Smart Watch Street”. Let us first see the companies and their respective smart watch.


Apparently every other company is taking a plunge into the unmeasured market and trying to create a new market altogether. As people are becoming more mobile friendly (read dependent) Smartwatch would defiantly complement and make users to experience the optimum performance of these gadgets. I have tried to consolidate a detail specification of each Smart watch currently under production or announced.

The list is definitely exhaustive. Every company wants to hack a pie of the big cake. The specs ranges from low to high. But with so many options, what a user shall buy? The question remains unanswered.
The idle Smartwatch
So, what should be an ideal Smart Watch to be admired the most? The idle smartwatch should sport 1.5inch screen, Dual core processor, Camera, Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC, sync with mobile phone, a good battery life, and yes, cost not exceeding $300, apps, sync with social media, mail check, calls log, music, USB connectivity, GPS support, Internet browsing. Am I asking too much ?

I foresee the battery backup as the biggest challenge with Smartwatch; Smartphones with a king size battery don’t last for more than 12 hours with average usage, how a nano size battery in watch is going to do the trick? With normal use of 4-5 hrs daily, the battery must last for at least a week. Now this may create some limitations for the manufacturers. ‘Strict power constraints will prohibit cellular technology, limit the number of sensors and necessitate communication with smart phones over Bluetooth Low Energy,’ according to Canalys Analyst Daniel Matte.

Market Trend

With every other company jumping into the sea it can be said that the market is going to be massive, as it seems so.
Chris Jones, Canalys’ vice president and Principal Analyst, claims that: “Smart watches will be the most important new product category in consumer electronics since the iPad defined the market for tablets. Software platforms tied to smart watches will also be a tremendous opportunity for developers to write apps in categories such as health and wellness or sports and fitness.”

Now this is going to be interesting; If the apps made for smartwatches are specialized and, as said, can help in measuring health or fitness related data, we could create a totally new market for this. Image how life will become easy for all of us with a watch on the wrist can measure your pulse, can show minor symptoms of health problems, measuring calories burned, or distance walked/run and other multiple health/fitness benefits. We are talking about a smart-technology-mini-doctor.

Smartwatches are going to come with a new display technology people have never seen before. With the battery problem already outlined above, all the major manufacturers are coming up with displays that will be lighter on battery – the only way to make your device powerful yet advanced. Qualcomm’s rumored smart watch, for example, supposedly uses Mirasol, a kind of reflective, full-color display that requires no power unless it’s being updated. The Agent Smartwatch uses “Black and White memory LCD”.

According to Canalys over 5 million watches to be shipped in 2014 and the numbers are bound to grow in consecutive years, thanks to apps to be designed specifically for Smart watches. Well, this purports a sizable market to bet upon. It definitely answers “why so many companies are trying to join the bandwagon”. But still the problem oif cost and battery back up remain intact. Does a smartwatch costing anything above $400 worth a buy? Does the battery backup will be good enough for an average use? We need to see how the manufacturers are going overcome these challenges, or are they going to overshadow it with high specs? A lot to debate and discuss !

What do you think of new technology advancement that could change the whole paradigm of wearable gadgets ? Do you think gadgets as Google Glasses and Smart Watches could really become a part of daily life for normal people. Please use the below comment section to present your views and thought processes.

Apple iPhone 5C – Could This Be The Game Changer For Apple’s Fortunes

In the wake of the cut-throat competition faced by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) – decidedly one of the world’s most favorite brands – at the hands of its competitors (read Samsung and HTC), the California based consumer electronics giant is preparing to go all guns blazing against the competition and is leaving no stone un-turned in the process. Everyone knew that Apple’s new OS (iOS 7) for its iPhone series was expected to be made available this fall; then a little over a month ago Apple acquired two online mapping services – Locationary and HopStop to improve and enhance its location and GPS services and now rumor has it that Apple is readying a low-cost version of its ultra popular iPhone 5 which will be called the iPhone 5C. This low cost version of the iPhone will make it more accessible to a wider consumer base thereby ensuring higher sales volume for the company. These moves by Apple only point out to the fact that it is now vying for top spot in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.

Personally I feel that the timing for Apple to launch a low cost iPhone couldn’t have been any better, since Samsung seems to have lost the plot thanks to its plethora of Galaxy smartphones, phablets and tablets, Nokia is still trying to get its act together with its Windows phone programme, HTC has been registering in much lower profits than expected for last few quarters and BlackBerry – a name once reckoned with smartphones is now facing its worst crisis ever.

Although there hasn’t been any official statement issued by Apple about the iPhone 5C, speculation is rife with the notion that Apple will showcase this low-cost iPhone alongside the much-anticipated iPhone 5S at a media event sometime during the first week of September (around the 10th) and when launched, they (iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S) will go on sale as early as the 20th of September. As usual the company has remained tight-lipped on this issue and isn’t delving into the details under any circumstances. It seems like mum’s the word when it comes to Apple’s upcoming products.

While information on the low cost iPhone is scarce, there have been cases of teasers (photos and videos) of it doing the rounds in cyberspace. Very recently a Romanian retailer sent in a couple of high resolution pictures to a Romanian publication claiming that those were pictures of the iPhone 5C. There was another instance of a Greek website publishing articles based on information from Russian sources about the iPhone 5C’s imminent launch.

Well whatever these sources may be, they all state and re-iterate the same facts about the iPhone 5C with regard to its tech specs. Since Apple will want to keep the costs low, the iPhone 5C won’t have the metallic body that we’re used to seeing on other iPhones. Instead, it will have a plastic (polycarbonate) body shell. It won’t be as generously equipped as its stable-mates either. The screen size would probably be around the 3.5 inch mark and graphics won’t be what iPhone users are usually accustomed to, the old A5 processor would be in use, storage capacity would be scaled down to 4 GB and there would be a 5 Megapixel primary camera. It would most likely come bundled with iOS 7 but some of Apple’s other innovative features like Siri would be given a miss. The iPhone 5C will be available in multiple color options like black, white, green, yellow, red, etc. All this stated, don’t expect the iPhone 5C to be a pushover. Call it under-specced or whatever, this was the only way Apple could provide a low-cost iPhone.


Apple has generally been seen as a premium player in the smartphone market but now by releasing a more affordable version of its best-selling phone, the company is preparing to tread in unfamiliar territory. This is going to be a major step for Apple and a lot of things will be hanging in the balance. It is undoubtedly going to be a bold step for Apple to lock horns with other well established and well experienced players in this segment. It is highly likely that the iPhone 5C will replace the ageing iPhone 4S and might be priced similarly as well (or even below). This seems to be a boon for the budget conscious buyer and also for those aspiring to own an Apple product. The multiple colour options and lower price tag can also prove to be a USP to attract the younger generation (youth and college goers) of buyers.


As far as product availability is concerned, the iPhone will be made available in the US and Canada right after launch whereas emerging markets like India and China will probably get their date with this phone during the third wave (after the Europe phase) of launches. But the high demand for smartphones in these markets might also force Apple to quicken the launch for these regions. Foreseeing the high demand, Apple has already asked its assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry to ramp up productions and begin shipping in both the high-end and low-cost versions of the iPhone. Interestingly, this is the first time in the history of the company that it is preparing to launch two products of similar nature.


Meanwhile, Samsung – the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer has also announced two new products that will be launched in the first week of September as well. They are the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear – a smartwatch that can be paired with any Galaxy smartphone. The final quarter of 2013 is definitely going to witness a slew of launches with regard to smartphones and consumer electronics.

Ever since Steve Jobs’ demise, Apple has come under a lot of criticism from all quarters about its products not being innovative enough and lacking that certain edge that they were known for. The iPhone 5 had also left customers wanting for more as it wasn’t a giant leap over the iPhone 4S. In other words, Apple has really struggled in the recent past with its shares dipping and sales falling but now the company is pinning all its hopes and putting a lot at stake for the iPhone 5C. Rumor also has it that after the launch of the new iPhones in September, Apple also plans to introduce the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 in the months to come (October or November).

As we wait for September 10th to arrive when Apple is supposed to make the news official, we too can only hope that the low-cost iPhone can be instrumental in turning around Apple’s fortunes and the Cupertino, CA based company is able to capitalize on its new-found strategy of penetrating the market by means of low-cost products.

Instant Microsoft Windows 8 Pro for Free

Instant Microsoft Windows 8 Pro for Free: 
Uptake of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system has reportedly been a hit for microsoft; tho making it free will help things along ?
The Media Center upgrade promotion now running until January includes a security that will allow for Windows users to upgrade to the full version of Windows 8 for free.
This loophole may allow software to get their hands on Windows 8. Microsoft ditched the volume key approach with its latest operating system. Users can no longer install multiple versions of Windows using the same code. Windows 8 requires a different code for each Windows 8 install.
A Media Center upgrade, however, might help them out. In May, Microsoft said it would ditch DVD playback support for Windows Media Player in Windows 8. Those who wanted it, though, could purchase Windows Media Center to get DVD functionality, Microsoft said at the time. As part of a Windows 8 promotion, Microsoft is currently letting users receive that Windows 8 Media Center Pack product key for free viaMicrosoft.com.
Microsoft, however, is also offering a 180-day free trial of Windows 8 for enterprise users via its Key Management Service (KMS). When you request the Windows 8 Media Center product key, Microsoft will send it and install a non-trial version of Windows 8 - even if you're still using the trial version of Windows 8 and haven't paid for the upgrade.
"Due to the fact that the WMC upgrade process does no checks for the validity of the activation, any activated copy of windows are upgraded to a valid version of Windows 8 via the WMC upgrade.
Microsoft Surface Pro:
Microsoft has released US pricing details for the Pro version of its Surface tablet, which will make its debut in January.
The Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in two options: 64GB for $899 or 128GB for $999. Both versions will come with a Surface pen with Palm Block technology and support Microsoft's Touch Cover or Type Cover, which come in at $119.99 and $129.99 respectively.
Palm Block only recognises the touch of the included pen, so handwriting will not be interrupted if you accidentally put your palm on the Surface's screen.
The Surface Pro runs the full version of Windows 8, whereas its Surface RT counterpart - priced between $399 - $559 - runs on the more economical ARM processor, and is not compatible with the majority of existing software made for Windows 7 and XP.
On the outside, Surface with Windows 8 Pro uses the same familiar elegant design principles as Surface with Windows RT including the Dark Titanium VaporMg casing, dual 2x2 MIMO antennas designed specifically for Surface and of course the kickstand.
However, the Surface Pro will run an Intel Core i5 processor, which Microsoft said will provide a graphics boost for the 1,920 x 1,080 display. There is also a full-sized USB 3.0 port, while the Mini DisplayPort can push an external display to 2,560-by-1,440 resolution. Surface with Windows 8 Pro will run your current Windows 7 desktop applications – it's a full PC AND a tablet.
Microsoft follow-ups:
The sticker gunk is barely off all those fresh new copies of Windows 8 being shipped and downloaded all over the world but Microsoft is reportedly already deep in the development cycle for its new operating system's successor.
That's not totally surprising—after all, the software giant didn't get to where it is by sitting around twiddling its thumbs. More intriguing is the word trickling out of Redmond that Microsoft is implementing a whole new approach to rolling out new Windows updates on a much more frequent basis, possibly even with free versions available.
Building on an August ZDNet reportpointing towards a new edition of Windows with a revised pricing structure being readied for mid-2013, The Verge on Wednesday cited unnamed Microsoft sourcesas saying that a standardised Windows product development approach code named Blue was being implemented across Windows and Windows Phone in an effort to provide more regular updates to consumers.
The first Windows Blue release will be priced at a low cost or even free to ensure users upgrade, according to the tech site, which said the upgrade will include UI changes from Windows 8, as well as other alterations to the entire platform. Microsoft wants to make Windows Blue the next OS that everyone installs," hence the super-low or even free pricing, but is also building in defences against piracy. The price may be minimal to upgrade to Windows 8's successor, but users will need a genuine copy of Windows to upgrade to Windows Blue and built-in apps and the Windows Store will cease functioning if a copy is upgraded that is pirated, according to The Verge.
All of this would supposedly happen on an extremely accelerated schedule by Microsoft's platform development standards, all in an effort to better compete with rivals Apple and Google. When Windows Blue comes out next year, the Windows SDK will be updated to support the new release and Microsoft will stop accepting apps that are built specifically for Windows 8, pushing developers to create apps for Blue, the site quoted its sources as saying.
One potential bit of confusion for consumers thrown into all of this - it wouldn't be Microsoft if there wasn't some of that - is that the company will supposedly retain the Windows 8 name for its flagship operating system even as it rolls out more frequent and comprehensive updates on the new Windows Blue schedule.
Windows 8 sales figures:
Microsoft announced this week that it has sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses since the OS launched on 26 October, but new stats from NPD claim that the updated operating system has not helped boost laptop or tablet sales just yet.
Since the launch of Windows 8, sales of Windows devices in the US have dropped 21 per cent compared to the same time period last year, NPD said. Notebook sales dropped 24 per cent, but desktop sales fared a bit better with a smaller 9 per cent decline.
After just four weeks on the market, it's still early to place blame on Windows 8 for the ongoing weakness in the PC market, Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD, said in a statement. We still have the whole holiday selling season ahead of us, but clearly Windows 8 did not prove to be the impetus for a sales turnaround some had hoped for.
About 58 per cent of the Windows-based devices purchased in the last month were Windows 8 gadgets, NPD said. When Windows 7 launched in 2009, about 83 per cent of gadgets purchased in the same time period were for the new OS. NPD described sales of Windows 8 tablets as almost non-existent, making up less than 1 per cent of all Windows 8 devices to date. But NPD said that its stats do not include sales of the Microsoft Surface.
The bad Back-to-School period left a lot of inventory in the channel, which had a real impact on the initial sell-through rates for Windows 8, said Baker.
The touch-based Windows 8 laptops offer some reason for optimism, Baker said. These products accounted for 6 per cent of Windows 8 notebook sales at an average price of $867 helping to re-establish a premium segment to the Windows consumer notebook market.
Asus and Acer about consumer demand for Windows 8:
Microsoft said this week that licenses for its new Windows 8 operating system are selling like hotcakes, but some Asian computer manufacturers are telling a different story, according to The Wall Street Journal. Demand for Windows 8 is not that good right now, David Chang, chief financial officer for Asus, told the WSJ. The newspaper also reported that Acer executives were uncertain how Windows 8 would be received by consumers.
Those doubts expressed by Asian OEMs come on the heels of Microsoft's own report that it has sold tens of millions of Windows 8 licenses since the next-gen operating system was released last month.
The journey is just beginning, but I am pleased to announce today that we have sold 40 million Windows 8 licenses so far, Microsoft CFO Tami Reller said at the Credit Suisse 2012 Annual Technology Conference earlier this week.
In afollow-up blog post, Microsoft said that its new PC platform is outpacing Windows 7 in terms of upgrades. We built Windows 8 to work great on existing Windows 7 PCs. And we also set out to make upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 super easy."
The emphasis on upgrading to Windows 8 from Windows 7 may go some way toward explaining the seeming inconsistency between Microsoft's numbers and the reports trickling out from PC companies like Asus and Acer. If the early stages of the Windows 8 rollout are seeing more upgrades on existing Windows machines than sales of new PCs, both narratives could be accurate.
On the other hand, Microsoft has been known to trumpet record-breaking initial sales of preceding versions of its operating system like XP, Vista, and Windows 7, only to have those numbers come under scrutiny later. For example, when Redmond released Windows Vista several years ago, the software giant said it had sold 20 million licenses during the first month of availability. But watchdog site Microsoft Watch quibbled with Microsoft's numbers, claiming the company used a Vista-versus-XP comparison to bolster its Vista gangbusters sales claim and that Vista is actually off to a slower start than Windows XP, using real world comparisons.
Microsoft released Windows 7 in October 2009, and claimed to have sold 90 million licenses by March 2010. CFO Peter Klein then said at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference that Windows 7 was "the fastest selling operating system in history.
Again, critics were sceptical. NPD reported that Microsoft moved more stand-alone Windows 7 software units in its first week than it did with Vista, but that Windows 7-based PC sales were not as high as they'd been with the previous OS.

Sunday 25 August 2013

How to Backup Android contacts without Any App

Backing up Android contacts is essential if you want to avoid the possibility of losing your important numbers. Android makes it easy for its users to create backup of contacts through various methods and apps as well.
First of all, before updating your android device it is vital for you to create a backup of your contacts so that the probability of losing your contacts becomes zero. Although, in most cases it is not necessary but if luck is not on your side then you might end up losing all your information like messages and contacts. Android users have something to cheer about though as Google has allowed its Android users to link their accounts with Gmail. This enables the contacts syncing with your gmail account. Thus it is understood that if your phone is linked to your gmail account than your contacts are safe. In order to check this, one is required to visit his/her gmail account. Then, click on the Google logo on the top left side and select contacts from the drop down box that appears. If you see your contacts, then your contacts are backed up by Google. However, if the list does not appear then there is something wrong and you are to take additional steps to ensure that your contacts are backed up.

One can backup his/her contacts by opening settings from the apps menu and then open back-up and reset. All you need to ensure is that the backup my data option is ticked. If it is, then your phone will backup the contacts for you. If it is not checked, then check it immediately. Backing up contacts ensures that if your phone is lost or any other situation that may result in getting a new phone, then relax, your contacts are safe and sound.

There are also certain apps available for Android users that enables them to backup their contacts. One such app is called Super Backup. It is easily the quickest app for backing up for Android users. This app enables users to backup their contacts and messages so that you never lose your data again. By default, the backed up data is stored in internal memory. However, if you are going to factory reset your phone then it is strongly recommended that you select memory card as your default backup folder. Some of the features of Super Backup include: Creating a backup of apps on your memory card and also restore it; backup and restore messages, contacts and call logs; backup sms conversations; delete backup data and many more features.
Here is yet another way to backup Android contacts.

1. First of all, open up your contact list.

2. Touch the menu button, and a from the menu that appears select the import/export tab. 


3. Then, you will see a list of options for import and export: 


4. Thereafter, select a suitable option according to your needs and you will backup your contacts:


The last step involves importing the contacts to your phone.