Samsung Running an Anti-iPhone 5 Ad in Newspapers on Sunday

CNet and Businessinsider report that Samsung has prepared an anti-iPhone 5 ad which will be published in newspapers on Sunday. The ad lists Apple’s iPhone 5 directly against the Samsung Galaxy S III. Samsung’s ad is titled “It doesn’t take a genius.”, which takes a diss against Apple Retail’s genius bars.

Airtel launches Smartdrive mobile app with real time traffic information and Voice-based Navigation

Airtel is on a spree of launching mobile apps. They launched the my airtel app to pay bills and manage services. Now, they have launched Smartdrive app that offers real-time traffic information and voice based turn by turn navigation upon subscription. Other than these the app also lets you search Maps for POI (Points of Interests) like restaurants, theaters, shopping malls etc.

Motorola Atrix 2 Android 4.0 update starts rolling out in India

Motorola has started rolling out Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) for the Motorola Atrix 2 owners in India. It was launched in India back in March, and we reviewed it in July. Razr and Razr Maxx were the first Motorola phones to receive the ICS update back in July.

The Android 4.0 update for the Atrix 2 brings improved web browsing, new People app with integrated contacts, unified calendar and Face Unlock. New Lock screen lets you make a call, send a text or open the camera easily.

This update is about 257 MB and is available OTA (Over the Air), so better charge your phone fully and use WiFi if possible. You can check for the update manually from the Settings, About phone, System updates. Have you updated your phone yet?

iOS 6 UDID replacement, Apple Clarification

At the Apple event on Wednesday we not only saw the unveiling of the iPhone 5 but we also heard much more about iOS 6, the updated operating system that will see a public release in a few days time. iOS 6 will bring many changes and big improvements and we’ve also been bringing you lots of news regarding new features. Now we have heard of another change as Apple is replacing its UDID (Unique Device Identifier) system in iO6 and we have some further clarification from Apple on that.

Earlier on in the year Apple took some flak for the UDID system when it was discovered that some developers were not handling information responsibly. This criticism intensified when over a million Apple devices had their ID’s published by hackers. Following that, Apple announced that the current UDID system would be changed and that its replacement would now ban the use of data. Hence the new iOS 6 introduces Advertising Identifier.

BlackBerry Facebook v3.2 update now includes!

Today we have some information for users of BlackBerry devices as the Facebook for BlackBerry app has been updated. We’ll give you some idea of what the BlackBerry Facebook v 3.2 update includes and we can tell you that the upgrade is available to download now from the BlackBerry App World. Users of the update will see some neat improvements so read on for more.

First off we’ll start with the updated icons, which will be one of the first things you’ll notice. This has been personalized to include your most recent Facebook profile image rather than the generic profile icon. Another new feature is enhanced birthday alerts. You won’t ever have an excuse to miss an important birthday again as birthdays of your Facebook friends can now be integrated with the BlackBerry calendar on your device. This means that you’ll receive birthday reminders and will be able to send a birthday message directly from your home screen without even having to enter the Facebook app.

Another improvement pointed out by the BlackBerry blog is with Facebook Event support. In the Facebook app version 3.2 in-app support will enable you to view event information and post a message to the event’s wall, look at the profiles of the invited guests and also receive event notifications to your device. If you want to upgrade to Facebook for BlackBerry v 3.2 then head to this BlackBerry App World link to download it.

It’s a free app with a file size of 3304KB and is compatible with BlackBerry 5.0 or higher. Send your comments to let us know what you think about the updated Facebook for BlackBerry. What for you is the best improvement? Would you recommend the update to other readers?

iPhone EarBuds now EarPods surprisingly sexy design

For years now Apple has arguably ruled the roost when it comes to MP3 players and music on the go with its range of iPods. The popular devices come with the company’s own headphones that Apple call earbuds, but these have long been criticized for their poor fitting and audio quality. The company during its earlier event today showcased its new EarPods that had a surprisingly sexy design.

According to an article on Engadget the new headphones look a lot like someleaked images that were seen earlier this month, and come with a lot of promises from the company.

iPhone 5 Pre-Orders Started Via App Store

The moment for which all of us are waitibg has arrived and you can pre-order iphone 5 now by visiting the Apple app store app via your idevice or visiting the Apple app store website.

Here is the link for iphone 5 pre orders.

Apple App Store

Alternatively you can search for Apple Store app, run the app and search for iphone5 and start pre order.

Unlocked iPhone 5 Prices Announced By Apple

iphone5 pre-orders are going to start today mid night and the iphone 5 delivery will start from 21 September. Previously the iphone5 prices were announced for the normal models with standard pricing as usual i.e same prices as for the previous models.

Unlocked iPhone 5 Prices

Apple has announced the unlocked iphone5 prices as mentioned below:

• Unlocked iPhone 5 16GB – $649
• Unlocked iPhone 5 32GB – $749
• Unlocked iPhone 5 64GB – $849

Above prices are for the annual contract from AT&T, Sprint, Tmobile and verizon.Theverge reported that currently unlocked iphone5 will not be available in US but will be available after some time and once available these prices will be applicable for unlocked iphone5 only.

YouTube For iPhone/iOS Released – Download Now

Good news YouTube app for iPhone / iOS has been released today which you can simply download from the Apple app store. Now you can watch the world’s largest video collection and keep up with your favorite YouTube channels with the official YouTube app for iOS. You juast need to sign in to access your subscriptions, playlists, uploads and more.

Download YouTube For iOS

Other Features of YouTUbe For iOS :

• Enjoy YouTube’s vast video catalog, including official music videos
• Find videos and channels more easily with voice search and query auto complete
• Subscribe to channels and instantly access your subscriptions with the channel guide UI
• Read comments, browse related videos, enable subtitles and more – all while watching
• Easy video sharing to Google+, E-mail, Facebook and Twitter

 YouTube For iPhone

Samsung Galaxy S Duos and Galaxy Y Duos Lite launched in India for Rs. 17900 and Rs. 6990

Samsung has launched the Galaxy S Duos and the Galaxy Y Duos Lite, Dual SIM phones in India. TheGalaxy S Duos was announced last month and the Galaxy Y Duos Lite would launch in some European countries as Galaxy Pocket Duos. The Galaxy S Duos comes with a 4.0-inch WVGA (480×800) capacitive touch screen display, 1 GHz processor. It runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The Galaxy Y Duos Lite comes with similar features as the Galaxy Pocket, other than the Dual SIM (GSM + GSM) support. It has a 2.8-inch (240 x 320 pixels) capacitive touch screen display and runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). It is powered by a 832MHz processor and has a 2MP fixed focus camera at the back.

Both these phones have Dual SIM ‘Always On’ feature similar to the Galaxy Ace Duos, that automatically forwards calls from the phone number on SIM 2, even if a user is on a call with SIM 1’s number.

Aircel launches Pocket Buddies pack with SMS and Unlimited data starting at Rs. 22

Aircel has launched a new pack called Pocket Buddies – Srf n Txt, that offers unlimited surfing and texting at a low price. This is aimed at youth and offers 100 MB of 3G Data (speeds up to 3.6 Mbps) and 600 free local and National SMS at just Rs. 22. There are also other packs at different denominations such as Rs. 88 with 15 days validity and Rs. 128 and Rs. 198 with 30 days validity.

Aircel Pocket Buddies packs

Price (Rs.)	22	88	128	198
2G Data	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
3G Data	100 MB	250 MB	500 MB	1 GB
SMS Local / National	600	3000	6000	6000
Validity (Days)	3	15	30	30

After the 3G limit speed would be reduced to 128 kbps and remain unlimited. The free SMS is not available for customers who already have SMS packs activated.

Micromax A25 Smarty launched for Rs. 3999

Micromax has launched A25 Smarty, their new Dual SIM Android Smartphone. It has a 2.8-inch (240 x 320 pixels) capacitive touch screen display and is powered by 1GHz processor. It runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and comes with a 1.3 MP Fixed Focus camera at the back. It also comes with Hookup Instant messaging app.

Micromax A25 Smarty specifications

• 2.8-inch (240 x 320 pixels) 256k color capacitive touch screen display
• Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread)
• 1 GHz Processor
• Dual SIM (GSM + GSM) with Dual Standby
• 1.3 MP Fixed Focus camera
• 13 mm thick and weighs 102 grams
• 256MB RAM, 512 MB internal memory (120MB user memory), 32GB expandable memory with micro SD
• 2G, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS, Micro USB
• 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio
• 1280 mAh battery with up to 4 hours Talk time and up to 180 hours Standby

The Micromax A25 Smarty is priced at Rs. 3,999. It would be available from online retailer Saholic tomorrow and would be available across all leading retail outlets across India.

[Update: The Micromax A25 Smarty is now available from online retailer Saholic for just Rs. 3,899]

Sony Xperia U Android ICS update rollout confirmed

There has been much confusion and frustration over the last few months with regards to hardware receiving the Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Certain manufacturers have promised to update devices to the new software only to back track and change their minds, but the Sony Xperia U Android ICS update rollout has been confirmed.

Along with a number of other manufacturers Sony may be getting ready to announce a whole new range of smartphones, but as Android Central are reporting the company has not forgotten about some of its older line up of smartphones.

Apple Announces Media Event for September 12th

Today, The Loop reports that Apple has sent out media invites to the press for an event next Wednesday, September 12th. Apple is expected to reveal the next-generation iPhone at this event.

The tagline on the invitations read “It’s almost here,” with a large number 12. Also, below the date of the event, there is a shadow that displays a number “5″. This would suggest that Apple will call the next-generation iPhone “iPhone 5″.

The event will be held next Wednesday at 10 AM Pacific/ 1 PM Eastern at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts in San Francisco, California.

Google Maps for Android gets Voice guided turn-by-turn Navigation and Live Traffic in India

Google has started rolling out 2 new features, Voice guided turn-by-turn Navigation and Live Traffic updates for the Google Maps for Android in India. The Voice guided turn-by-turn Navigation would be helpful while driving or walking. You can click the navigate button after you request for a destination. You can also turn the voice navigation off or select alternative routes. This feature was introduced back in 2009.

Sony Xperia tipo dual now available for pre-order in India for Rs. 10299

After the Sony Xperia tipo, the tipo dual, dual SIM variant of the tipo is now available for pre-order from online retailer Flipkart. Other than the dual SIM (GSM + GSM) support, it shares similar features as the tipo including a 3.2-inch (480 x 320 pixels) 262k color TFT display, 800 MHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS.

It has 3.2 megapixel auto focus camera with VGA video recording, 3.5 mm audio jack, FM Radio with RDS, 512MB RAM, 2.9 GB internal memory (up to 2.5 GB user-accessible memory), expandable memory up to 32 GB with microSD.  The connectivity features include, 3G (HSDA 7.2Mbps HSUPA 5.76Mbps), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and aGPS. It comes with 1500 mAh battery.

The Sony Xperia tipo dual is now available for pre-order from Flipkart for Rs. 10299. It is expected to ship in the 2nd week of September.

Is this the nano SIM card for the iPhone 5 ?

We told you last year that a nano SIM card which is smaller than the already tiny microSIM card is in the works. Then there were rumours floating around that the next iPhone or the iPhone 5 would be using the nano SIM card slot.What followed was Apple, Nokia , RIM and Motorola defending for their own proposals at the industry standards body known as European Telecommunication Standards Institute ETSI . Interestingly , Apple’s proposal won and rest of the companies were disappointed about the outcome.

Samsung Galaxy Note II unveiled: Comes with Android Jellybean, 5.5″ HD Super AMOLED display

Samsung just announced the Samsung Galaxy Note II, the follow-up to its popular phablet. The Note II comes with an even larger 5.5 inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 720. Battery capacity has been upped to 3,100 mAh and it is of the fast charging variety. Powered by a quad core Exynos processor clocked at 1.6Ghz, the Note II runs on Android 4.1 Jellybean.

The design looks heavily inspired by the Galaxy SIII using rounded edges and an extremely glossy finish. There’s an 8MP camera sensor on the back of the device capable of recording 1080p video.  The S Pen itself has undergone some work. With a rubber nib, users can now add quick commands to gestures. “Air View” allows users to preview galleries and folders just by floating the stylus above the display. The Samsung Galaxy Note II will ship in Titanium Grey, Marble White towards the end of the year.

Water resistant Sony Xperia V launched, Comes with onboard LTE

As part of its next generation Xperia lineup, Sony just announced the Sony Xperia V. The USP of the device is that it has the highest level of water resistance available in a smartphone. The phone is equipped with LTE. The phone runs on a dual core processor clocked at 1.5Ghz.

Samsung ATIV S : First Windows Phone 8 device announced with 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display

Samsung has announced ATIV S, the first device to run Windows Phone 8 OS. It has a 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass protection and is powered by 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. It comes with an 8 Megapixel rear camera with LED Flash and 1.9 Megapixel front-facing camera. It can record and play Full HD videos at 1080p. It is 8.7 mm thick and weighs 135 grams. It has brushed aluminum body and a physical Windows button at the bottom instead of capacitive one.

Samsung ATIV S Specifications

• 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED display
• 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
• Windows Phone 8 OS
• 8MP camera with LED Flash, 1.9 Megapixel front-facing camera
• 8.7 mm thick and weighs 135g
• 1GB RAM, 16/32GB User memory, expandable memory with microSD
• 3G (HSPA+42Mbps), WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 & 5 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Channel Bonding, NFC, Bluetooth 3.0, aGPS
• 2300mAh battery

No details about the pricing and availability yet.