Images of Samsung Galaxy S II Plus and Galaxy Grand Duos leaked

Leaked images of two upcoming Galaxy smartphones from Samsung have surfaced online. Along with the images their specifications have also been leaked - both the devices will run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The Samsung Galaxy S II Plus (I9105) is a variant of the Korean manufacturers previous generation flagship. It has a 4.3-inch WVGA display, 8 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front facing camera and all the essential connectivity features. Other hardware updates on the Galaxy S II Plus are still unknown.

The other leaker device is the Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos (GT-I9082) and this device sports a 4.5-inch display with a 480x800 pixels resolution. It is also equipped with an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front facing camera. As the latter part of then name suggests, this device will feature dual-SIM capability.

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IRCTC website faces various problems: Minister

Railway Minister P.K. Bansal admitted Friday that various kinds of complaints related to the railway's IRCTC website had been received. Bansal told the Rajya Sabha that there had been instances of the IRCTC website being inaccessible during morning hours and failure of some internet ticket booking transactions even after deducting money.

"During the opening hours of booking, due to a sudden surge in online traffic, the IRCTC e-ticketing website transactions sometimes experience slowdown," he said. In 2011-12, some 20-25 complaints were received every day against the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp (IRCTC) "during peak (booking) period". There had also been instances when money was deducted from credit cards multiple times while booking a single ticket, he said, responding to a question from BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy. A sudden surge in online traffic during Tatkal booking also led the website to slow down, the minister said. -IANS

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Facebook lets you share your best moments from 2012

Facebook recently released its new yearly review which it calls, Facebook’s Year in Review. It helps one to look back at all the moments, people and things from 2012 that created the most buzz on the social network.

Additionally the social network has also analyzed all the top trends from the trends for the year, accounting for top events, most popular public figures, most played song on Facebook, the favorite memes and much more. The entire list of these trends from 2012 can be viewed at facebookstories.com/2012.

To check out your own Year in Review which is curated by using your timeline you can visit facebook.com/yearinreview and see the 20 biggest moments from 2012 which you shared on Facebook. These include all your popular posts, images life events, etc

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LG: Nexus 4 shortages due to huge demand

Nexus 4 by LG, and backed up by Google, is arguably the most sought after Android device in recent times, mainly due to its rather inviting selling price. Ever since its debut however, the Nexus 4 has only been making short appearances on Google’s Play store, only to run out of stock rather quickly. CNET contacted LG’s UK office and learned that the shortage of supply on Google Play store is because of “very high” demand, which Google perhaps did not anticipate.

LG’s Andy Coughlin mentioned that its partners decide the quantities that they want to order, and LG has no restrictions of any kind. Also, Nexus 4’s low selling price for the phone on Play store, in comparison to what mobile carriers are asking is solely Google’s decision, and not a result of a special deal between thw two companies.  It would appear that the shortage of Nexus 4 on Play store is not a supply issue, and Google only has to increase their orders with LG.

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Lava release new 4-inch dual-SIM Android for just over 6K

Lava has a new model of dual-SIM smartphone that is currently retailing to Snapdeal and Flipkart. The phone is called IRIS N400, and it runs-off a 1GHz processor, 512MB RAM, and a 4-inch screen with WVGA resolution. It runs Android 4.0, has 5MP/0.3MP dual-camera setup, 1500mAh batteries, and virtually unmentionable 127MB of onboard storage. This Lava phone is currently retailing online for about Rs.6,399.

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Google Maps now available for iOS via App Store

Earlier today we heard that Google might launch its new Google Maps app for iOS, the app is now officially available via the Apple App Store.

This new Google Maps app for iOS finally brings in all the prime features like voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, transit routes for trains, subways, and bus while it also provides walking directions. Unlike the older version of the app this one has been made entirely by Google and it is reported to be far superior to the previous version.

It is quite similar to the Android version of Google Maps, but Google has also optimized it for the 4-inch Retina Display on the iPhone 5. All devices Apple mobile devices running iOS 5.1 and upwards are supported by the app.

This surely is a better than Apple own failed maps solution and all iOS 6 users will be glad to have this much desired navigation app on their devices. Along with releasing the app, Google has also released a SDK for developers to include their Google Maps in iOS app rather than using Apple’s own solution.

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Twitter launches new photo filters for its Android and iOS apps

The social network for photographs has been a huge hit since its launch. While Twitter was vying to acquire it in the past however the much prominent Facebook beat Twitter at acquiring Instagram which would have been a perfect blend with Twitter’s photo Tweets feature.

To cope up with this Twitter just recently launched its own photo editing and filtering app for its iOS and Android apps. It operates very similar to Instagram and allows users to do basic editing like cropping and auto-enhancement. Users can then choose a bunch of filters to be applied over these images before you Tweet them.

Every filter has its live preview and Twitter has partnered with Aviary for the filters and effects available with this update.

This new update will be a strong competitor to Instagram as it blends quite well with what Twitter already has to offer. Also, Instagram recently withdrew support for Twitter and it is hence likely to become one of the key features of the micro-blogging/social networking platform.

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Sony release portable charging pack

Sony has released a couple of battery-packs that can charge two devices simultaneously through USB ports. The CP-F1L has 3,500mAh batteries with 1.5 ampere output; whereas the CP-F2L has twice the capacity at 7,000mAh. The pack itself can be charged by directly plugging into a power socket, or through USB. While being recharged using an AC adaptor, these packs can also charge other devices simultaneously. Both models have Li-ion polymer batteries that are rated to be recharged 500 times. The USB Portable Power Supply CP-F1L and CP-F2L is priced at Rs. 3,000 and Rs.5,500, respectively.

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Epson release two 3D projectors

Epson has released two 3D projectors called EH-TW6100 and EH-TW8100 that are both capable of 1080p projection. These projectors have 480Hz refresh rate, which Epson claims is double that of any other 3D projectors. The one feature that sets TW-8100 apart from the TW-6100, is that it has lens shifting capability that optically corrects offset if the screen is not in line with the projector. The Epson TW-8100 costs Rs. 170,099, and the TW-6100 costs Rs. 130,099.

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Panasonic release Android tablet and Windows 8 Ultrabook

Panasonic has made a couple of addition in its ruggedized series of mobile computing devices that boast of protection from intruders and physical stress. The Toughpad FZ-A1 is an Android 4.0 tablet with a 10.1-inch matte screen with anti-reflection screen, Intel dual-core processor, and designed to resist drops, dust, and water. Panasonic has begun shipping the Toughpad FZ-A1 with a price-tag of Rs. 75,000.

In February, Panasonic will begin shipping the CF-AX2 Ultrabook that will run Windows 8, with a flip-over design to switch between tablet and laptop modes. Panasonic has divulged much about the guts of machines, other than highlighting that it will support hot-swapping of batteries. However, judging by existing models in its class, the CF-AX2 is likely to have an Intel processor, and a 12-inch screen. When it ships, the CF-AX2 will cost Rs. 130,000.

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LG Optimus G2 will feature a 5.5-inch 1080p display

The 5-inch club in smartphone is booming and it might be due to the success of the Galaxy Note series from Samsung. HTC recently launched its very first 5-inch Android smartphone which is known as the HTC Butterfly internationally.

Many reports suggest that 2013 flagship smartphones from other manufacturers will have quite similar specs to the HTC Butterfly and primarily all flagship devices in 2013 will feature a 1080p full HD display.

Korean website, Asian Economics reported about LG’s 2013 flagship smartphone which might be called the LG Optimus G2 and it seems that this smartphone will feature a 5.5-inch 1080p full HD display. It also reports that this device will have a 400 ppi pixel density which slightly less than the 441 ppi pixel density on the HTC Butterfly.

Other specifications of this device are not yet known and it device is expected to arrive in the markets sometime in the first half of 2013, which probably means that we might get a closer look at the smartphone during Mobile World Congress later in February 2013.

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HTC M7 could be the company’s 2013 flagship, will sport a 5-inch HD display

It has not been long since the launch of HTC’s 5-inch Droid DNA which just recently got its international version called HTC Butterfly. Now rumors have started emerging around the company’s 2013 flagship smartphone, which is codenamed HTC M7.

This device is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2013 and its details at the moment are quite sketchy. Sources state that HTC is currently working with casing and semiconductor suppliers to acquire components for this device to produce as many as 5 million units of the HTC M7 in time for Q1 2013.

It is obvious that it will be an Android based smartphone and apart from this the reports suggest that will it will feature a 5-inch 1080p HD display, a unibody aluminum design, a 13 megapixel camera and it will be powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064).

It is uncertain as to when will this device arrive in the market or even when it will be showcased to the public. If the rumored launch dates are to be believed then the HTC M7 is highly likely to make an appearance at CES 2013.

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Microsoft innovation centers to impact 500,000 Indian students

Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd. has launched the first of a planned 100 Microsoft Innovation Centers (MICs) that will impact the technology expertise of some 500,000 students. The Indian centres, which will be at full strength in two years, "will impact over 500,000 students, certifying 100,000 students on Microsoft technologies", a Microsoft statement said. "The program will also drive innovation and help build a product-based software economy by supporting product development, and over 500 start-ups.

"The MICs will act as innovation hubs at select colleges and technology institutes, providing incubation and expert hands-on support on Microsoft technology innovation, research, and software solutions, aiming to create a pool of student technology experts across India," the statement said. Each MIC will function as a hub for five other neighboring colleges and will operate in a hub-spoke model driving employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the academic ecosystem around it.

Fourteen MICs have initially been launched by signing MoUs with leading academic institutions across four states. They will be located in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Khammam, Bapatla, Guntur, Tirupati, Raipur, Bhopal, Trichy, Vellore, Coimbatore, Madurai and Salem. This is part of a worldwide programme that currently has 75 MICs.

Commenting on the launch of MICs in India, Joseph Landes, General Manager, DPE, Microsoft India, said they "are designed to offer a unique environment conducive for student entrepreneurship. As knowledge and innovation become primary catalysts for economic growth in India, the Microsoft Innovation Centers can play a vital role in generating powerful new ideas through training, education and knowledge transfer."

The MIC program, the statement said, "will act as the key driver of Microsoft's vision for developing new talent in India at the student level. Budding developers will be encouraged to innovate across key priority technology focus areas that are driving growth and change for the economy, namely: Mobility (Windows Phone), Cloud (Windows Azure), Kinect, Accessibility, Healthcare and a wider ambit for solving problems with an India focus". Expressing his vision for MICs at his institution, G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT University, Vellore, said: "Innovation is an intrinsic part of the philosophy we live here at VIT University, which was established with the aim of providing quality higher education on par with international standards".

"Our students have been actively involved in the Imagine Cup - another great program from Microsoft that fosters innovation among students to address key global challenges," Viswanathan added. The MIC announcement comes days after the India launch of Microsoft's new global philanthropy initiative - YouthSpark-aimed at addressing the opportunity divide faced by the young people of the world. "In particular, MICs will play a crucial role in deepening the relationship between academia and industry, enhancing at a very basic level, employability and education, reducing the digital divide, support for innovation and driving sustainable socio-economic impact," the statement said. -IANS Photo: Reuters

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HTC Butterfly announced, sports a 5-inch 1080p display with 441 ppi

HTC recently announced its international variant of the Droid DNA (for US) and HTC Butterfly J (for Japan). This device will be called the HTC Butterfly while in the past it was rumored to go by the name HTC Deluxe DLX.

The HTC Butterfly is the Taiwanese manufacturer’s first phablet device which sports a 5-inch 1080p display with 441 ppi pixel density which is the highest pixel density on any smartphone in the world. It seems that the device will be available in quite a few interesting colors.

The HTC Butterfly is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor which is clocked at 1.5GHz, it also includes 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. Additional to this one can expand the size via a microSD card.

Apart from this the smartphone features an 8 megapixel rear camera with a 28mm lens, f2.0 aperture and a backside illuminated sensor for better image quality in low-light conditions. There is a secondary front facing 2.1 megapixel camera which can record in 1080p resolution.

The company has not yet revealed which version of Android will the device be running, but it is safe to assume that it will come with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean as its Japanese and American cousins run the same version. No word about the pricing and availability of this device.

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Apple iPad Mini and iPad 4 launched in India

Apple finally launched its iPad Mini and its new fourth generation iPad in the Indian market. Both these devices will be available across all Apple Authorized Retailers throughout the country.

The iPad Mini is Apple’s smaller tablet which sports a 7.9-inch display and it is powered by an 1GHz Apple A5 dual-core processor. It also includes a 5 megapixel rear camera, a secondary front facing 1.2 megapixel camera and it runs Apple iOS 6. In terms of the pricing the Wi-Fi only variants are priced at Rs. 21,900 for 16GB, Rs. 27,900 for 32GB and Rs. 64GB for Rs. 33,900. The Wi-Fi+Cellular is priced at Rs. 29,900 for 16GB, Rs. 35,900 is for 32GB and Rs. 41,900 for the 64GB.

The new fourth generation iPad features a Retina Display and it is powered by a 1.4GHz Apple A6X dual-core processor which is twice as faster as the one on iPad 3. It also features a 5 megapixel rear camera, a 1.2 megapixel front facing camera and it has a 9.7-inch display. The Wi-Fi only variants for the iPad will start from Rs. 31,900 for 16GB, Rs. 37,900 for 32GB and Rs. 43,900 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi+Cellular variants of the iPad 4 will start from Rs. 39,900 for 16GB, Rs. 45,000 for 32GB and Rs. 51,900 for 64GB.

Both these tablets will feature the new Lightning connector and in addition to this the iPad Mini will use a nano-SIM while the iPad 4 will use a micro-SIM.

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Valve developing gaming console

Valve’s Gabe Newell spoke to Kotaku during this year’s Video Game Awards about his plans for the coming years. The recently released Steam's Big Picture mode has received better than expected results, according to Newell, which is being developed as a precursor to Valve’s ambitions to get into the living room.

The company is developing technologies around a gaming console that would be much like Xbox and PlayStation, in purpose and system. The next big milestone on the development path will be a stable release of Steam Linux that is capable of running Steam's Big Picture. Valve is simultaneously working on a new game engine that is destined for the console, and subsequently lead to a new game from the studio.

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AMD cuts chip production

AMD has entered a new agreement with chip supplier GlobalFoundries that cuts the quarterly order from $500m to $115m. AMD will owe GlobalFoundries $320m in termination fees, which is scheduled to be paid in parts until the end of 2013. The company is also in the process of standardizing 28-nanometer technology from GlobalFoundries, which will let it cut research and development costs.

For the year 2013, AMD estimates that it will be making purchases worth $1.15b from GlobalFoundries. Meanwhile, AMD is also preparing for 2014 launch of ARM based Opteron chips for server-grade machines.

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RIM may launch QWERTY BlackBerry 10 before June: Report

The full-keyboard version of the BlackBerry 10 smartphone is expected to come shortly after the touch-screen version, a report has said. A report from Forbes, citing research firm Detwiler Fenton, said the Blackberry 10 devices wouldn't hit until March, and that the QWERTY version wouldn't come until June.

According to a person familiar with the company's launch plans, the bit about a June launch is inaccurate, CNET reports. The report said that Research In Motion (RIM) is likely to unveil its devices on January 30, with a launch coming roughly four to six weeks after, so the first BlackBerry 10 phone may actually hit in March. The full touch-screen device is expected to launch first, while the qwerty version will come "shortly after," the company has said.

The report pointed out that the timing suggests RIM will report weaker results in the fourth and first quarters, with the BlackBerry 10 devices not having an impact until the end of the first quarter. -ANI

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Fujitsu Stylistic Q702: Wintel hybrid for businesses

Fujitsu has taken the plunge into Windows 8 business with an Intel based tablet that snaps into a docking station to form-up like a laptop. Fujitsu Stylistic Q702 has an 11.6-inch IPS-grade display, choice between an Intel Core i3 or Core i7 processor, 4GB RAM, and up to 256GB of storage on SSD. The tablet has dual-camera configuration; USB 2.0 and 3.0, HDMI, and SD/SDHC ports; and optional 3G or 4G support. 

 

The docking station, in addition to keypad and track pad, adds 4-cell battery-pack, Ethernet port, and VGA-out. Fujitsu's selection of security suite for this hybrid includes fingerprint sensor, Computrace, hardware password protection, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Intel anti-theft technology, and optional Intel vPro. Before taxes, the Fujitsu Stylistic Q702 will set you back by Rs.69,000.

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Samsung Galaxy Music Duos up for 9K

A model from Samsung's Galaxy line of music players had made its way into India for a price that is just under Rs.9,000. Samsung's online store has the phone listed for Rs.9,199, but shows as being out of stock; whereas online retailer Snapdeal has the phone ready to ship for Rs.8,999.

The GT-S6012 Galaxy Music Duo is a dual-SIM phone with a 3-inch screen, 3MP camera, 512MB RAM, and 1300mAh battery. It runs Android ICS, and communicates over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM.

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