Google Brings Touchscreen Experience to Chrome

The latest developer ‘Canary' version of Google's desktop internet browser can support swipes, pinches and other hands-on operations.

Touch screens are already the standard for mobile devices -- even BlackBerry's latest flagship keypad phone the Q10 also offers a high-definition touch screen in support of its QWERTY keyboard. Likewise, without the leaps and bounds made in multi-touch and finger-tracking technology, the tablet would still be something a doctor prescribes to treat illnesses and not something that schools are starting to prescribe as a means of boosting children's educational attainment.

Indeed, so big are touch screens that according to Lux Research, the market for haptics -- the technology that provides a tactile response to a touch command -- will experience a 16-fold increase over the next 12 years as touch and gestures become the norm for everything from smartwatches to control pads on running machines. "An emerging wave of haptics offers the potential for a more intuitive and information-rich touch experience than today's simple whole-device vibration," said Anthony Vicari, 

Lux Research Associate, of the company's research, published on Tuesday.

Samsung Launches Smartwatches in September

Samsung Electronics plans to introduce a wristwatch in September that can make phone calls, play video games and send e-mails , potentially beating its archrival, Apple, to market with a piece of technology that moves mobile communications beyond the smartphone.

The watch, called Samsung Galaxy Gear, would be shown off "around the time" of an electronics industry trade fair in Berlin that begins September 6, a person briefed on the matter said. Samsung has scheduled a media event for September 4 at which it is also expected to introduce the Note III, a new version of its "phablet," a cross between a phone and a tablet. Apple reportedly plans to show off its first wrist-worn device, expected to be called the iWatch, at a Sept. 10 event in Berlin.

BMW Launched Secure Assistance for Indian Owners

BMW India announced the launch of ‘BMW Secure Assistance’ – the best in class premium road side assistance across India.

With a specially-equipped fleet of 17 BMW X3 Customer Service Vehicles (CSV) across the country, BMW India is setting new benchmarks in the aftersales customer service.

The BMW Secure Assistance will allow BMW dealerships to provide professional roadside assistance to customers and enable them to continue their journey.

Skype Introduces 3D Video Calling Feature

Instant messaging and video-calling service Skype is reportedly working on the prospects of 3D video calling and the current limitations with the 3D technologies stopped the company from launching the feature.

Microsoft's corporate vice-president for Skype, Mark Gillett said that the lab experimentation has been done to analyse the capability of 3D screens and 3D capture.

Gillett said that there has been a lot of progress in screens and people have started to buy televisions and computer monitors capable of delivering 3D image, but there is a lack of 3D capture devices and the company has been working on just that, BBC reports.

According to the report, the vice-president said that Skype is working with the technology where multiple cameras need to be attached to the computer, precisely calibrate them and point them at the right angle and are now aiming at using that technology to make it work in practical with supporting devices.

Gillet agreed with Hollywood director James Cameron who said that all forms of entertainment will eventually be 3D but warned that 3D video chats will take longer to catch on than other uses.

He further added that the penetration of 3D technology would be more on televisions and computers before eventually reaching the smartphone market, the report added.

Volkswagen will Launch Polo Cross in October 2013

The Polo Cross is to Volkswagen what the Fabia Scout was to Skoda. It is basically a beefed up version of the Polo hatchback with visual treatment that makes the car look bigger. The Polo Cross will be launched in India in the next few weeks as Volkswagen runs in damage control model against the onslaught of entry-level utility vehicles.

The Polo Cross is bulked up with extra cladding on the side, taller wheels, roof rails and larger restyled bumpers and both ends. This model might also carry the spare wheel on the tailgate to add to the butch image. The interiors will remain similar to that of the standard Polo, with the top-spec offering climatronic AC, 2-DIN music system and steering mounted audio controls.

Honda Motors Launched Activa i

Honda Motors has launched a new version of their widely accepted scooter model Activa in Indian market. Activa i is surely a distinctly feminine looking scooter which keeps many differences from the original Activa even from the first look. Honda is responsible for creating a new wave in the Indian scooter market with their popular model Activa and they have succeeded in it by incorporating the quality and performance which the people likes to have in such a vehicle. However, compared to 10 years ago, the competition is much tougher. Every manufacturer has one or more scooters on offer. So, we were expecting Honda to create something dramatic to ensure their lead in the market stays, and what they have launched recently is this, the Activa i.

Design and Features

In terms of performance we can say that the new version is bit slower than the original Activa even though it is slightly lighter. Honda bill the scooter as unisex but we disagree. The Activa i is a distinctly feminine looking product thanks to its slim styling and prim design. However, we don't think it is an especially good looking scooter specifically from the front. The proviso with styling is always that your aesthetic sensibilities may not align with ours, of course. What is exactly as expected is the build quality and the finish levels which are as good as we have come to expect from Honda. This doesn't mean it's amazing though. There is scope for improvement but if you use the Activa as a reference, the Activa i is nearly as good in the finish and build departments.

Zebronics Launched New Bluetooth Rechargeable Keyboard for Smartphones and Computers

Top Notch Infotronix, which owns Zebronics, India’s leading supplier of products and accessories for Computers, Consumer Electronics and Communication expanded its range of wireless Bluetooth keyboards, with the introduction of Tabmate, an ultra-slim and small keyboard ideal for use with sleek handheld devices like tablets and smartphones. Designed for ultra-portability, the amazing 206mm X 82mm and only 7mm thick Tabmate can effectively slip into a back-pocket or purse, for example a 80-page note book.  In the meantime, it wears a strong development with a stainless steel back shell and hard silicone keys. A perfect assistant for your tablet and smartphone when traveling on a train or in-flight, or simply enjoying a session in the recreation center.  When you have to take a look at a report or compose messages basically pull out this smaller console, join it to your device remotely and begin sorting easily. The capacity keys give one-touch access to a mixed bag of ios, Android, and Windows tablet characteristics, for example play, stop, volume-up, volume-down, and home. Typing on the keyboard is silent, making it the ideal friend for utilization in a library, classroom, on an aircraft or in a office.

Micromax Launched Canvas Fun A76 with Android 4.2

 Micromax has extended its smartphone product line up by introducing Canvas Fun A76 which is an android handset with 4.2 Jelly Bean. Canvas Fun A76 is listed in the online shopping portal Snapdeal with a price tag of Rs. 8,499. But Micromax has not yet officially announced the launching.

The Micromax Canvas Fun A76 is a dual SIM handset (GSM+GSM) and sports with a 5 inch FWVGA display which has a screen resolution of 480X854 pixels. The device is working on a 1.2 GHz dual core processor and has an internal memory of 512MB RAM. It is packed with a 5MP rear camera and an LED flash. For enabling video calls it is equipped with a front facing camera of 0.3 MP. It includes internal storage of 4GB which can be extended upto 32GB with external memory cards.

The Micromax Canvas Fun A76 operates on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and includes the connectivity features such as 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, EDGE, GPRS and GPS. The phone is powering by a 2000mAh battery.

Huawei is on the Way to Develop 5G Technology

As most of the people across the globe yet to introduced to fourth generation (4G) mobile technology, Chinese communication giant Huawei Technologies is on the way to develop fifth generation (5G) and the reports says which is likely to be on air by 2020.

Huawei officials reveals that currently they are running the project on high priority and 200 researchers working on the project but the company did not answered to the queries related to the features of the proposed technology or the budget they have employed for the mission.

Huawei Technologies official Wen Tong told that by 2020, there will be billions of connections and 5G can provide massive connectivity. The technology will enable people to have a fibre network like user experience on a wireless connection.

It can provide speed of 10 GBps, which is 100 times faster than the mobile technology used these days, Tong added.

South Korean giant Samsung has also announced that it has successfully tested 5G technology and it will be ready for commercial roll-out by 2020.

Now to cater the on growing customer demands and to cope up with the technology evolutions, mobile service providers across the world are upgrading their exchanges to high-speed long term evolution (LTE) or 4G networks where Huawei leads the segment by providing more than 85 such networks. It also a trial run to test the speed on its 4G technology on high speed MagLev train in Shanghai. Huawei has deployed an LTE network to support wireless connectivity on the train, which runs between the centre of the Shanghai district to the International Airport. The total length of the track is 31 km and the train achieves a speed of up to 431 km per hour.

Samsung, Apple Sales Under Shadow of Local companies in India and China

The rising demand for affordable smartphones in the major emerging markets of India and China has helped local mobile manufacturers surpass shipments by the established global brands like Samsung and Apple in April-June quarter this year, research firm IDC says.

According to IDC data in the Asia/Pacific excluding Japan region, homegrown vendors shipped 46 million units, while Samsung and Apple combined shipped 35 million units in second quarter this year.

Other global brands like HTC, BlackBerry, Nokia, Sony, LG and Motorala shipped a combined 10 million units, whereas, the internal vendors from China like Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo shipped a total of 27 million units in April-June 2013.

HTC Introduced Desire 600 Smartphone for Rs. 26,860

HTC has announced the launch of the HTC Desire 600 smartphone in India. Priced at Rs 26,860, it is a dual SIM phone Android Jelly Bean phone. The phone features a 4.5 inch qHD display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels, and is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor and 1GB RAM.

The phone has an 8 megapixel rear camera, which is capable of recording 720p HD videos, and a 1.6 megapixel front camera. The phone has dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amplifiers.

Micromax Canvas Doodle 2 A 240 with 5.7 inch HD Display Ready to Launch

By getting a great customer appreciation on Canvas HD and Canvas 4, Micromax has now got a lot of confidence to extend their smartphone lineup. As a successor of Canvas A Doodle A111, Micromax is almost set to launch Canvas Doodle 2. The device is already listed in Flipkart with a “coming soon” tag but it does not gives any comment on the pricing or availability.

Reports says that Canvas Doodle 2 A240 will be an enhanced version of original Doodle A111, moreover it will be better termed as a phablet as it stands nearing to a tablet.

Maruti Launched Wagon R Stringray for Rs. 4.1 Lakhs

Maruti has launched an upmarket looking WagonR, called the Stingray (no relevance to Corvette Stingray or any other legendary car with that name plate) in India at Rs 4.09 lakh, ex-Delhi.

The Stingray will be available in three variants [Lxi, Vxi and Vxi (O)]. Differentiating the Stingray from the regular Wagon R are a tightly packed chrome grille, projector head lamps and the wide air dam. There are funky alloys on offer as well.

Stingray, which is powered by a 998 cc petrol engine, is available in three variants, with price ranging between Rs 4,10,000 to Rs 4,67,000.

"With Stingray, we carry forward our focus to make our best sellers even more attractive," said MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa.

Maruti Suzuki Tries to Reap the Boom in SUV Market with XA Alpha

The XA Alpha concept Sports Utility Vehicle was introduced by India’s leading car maker Maruti Suzuki during the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo held in January. With this vehicle, the company will step into the realm of SUVs for the first time and aim to capture this booming market with the final development version of the model. When launched, it will come with petrol as well as diesel engine options at a cost of less than Rs.10 lacs in the local market. The ‘X’ in the name of the car represents the crossover, ‘A’ means that it is an entry level model and ‘Alpha’ marks trendiness.

This concept car represents the manufacturer’s endeavour to enter new verticals and has been appreciated by enthusiasts. It will be positioned as a compact SUV in India at the time of its launch, which is expected to be around middle or end of the year 2013. The concept version showcased at the Auto Expo took 10 months to develop, with 5 Maruti engineers working in collaboration with Suzuki engineers to create the company’s first SUV from the scratch. At present, no concrete details are available about Maruti Suzuki XA Alpha

Spice Launched Stellar Glamour Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Dual SIM Handset

Spice has launched Spice Stellar Glamour budget smartphone for Rs. 5,999.

The Spice Stellar Glamour features a 4-inch WVGA display with 480x800 pixels resolution. The device is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor paired with 512MB RAM. The Spice Stellar Glamour offers dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) connectivity with both the SIMs supporting 3G connectivity. It sports a 5-megapixel rear camera accompanied by an LED flash and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. The handset runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It also includes 4GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 32GB via microSD card. The device is backed by a 1400mAh battery. Connectivity features include GPRS, EDGE, 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Spice Stellar Glamour comes preloaded with NQ Antivirus that comes with a 6 months subscription.

App to Hear Your Lover's Heartbeat Through Mobile Phone

Researchers have developed a new app that lets long-distance lovers listen to each other's heartbeats regardless of the distance between them. Pillow Talk, a combination of a wristband and app from UK design company Little Riot, connects partners separated by miles by transmitting their heartbeats in real time.

The wristband picks up the wearer's heartbeat and transmits it via Bluetooth to the iOS or Android app. "You are connected directly to your partner via the app; you will receive his/her heartbeat, and they will receive yours. "By plugging in your headphones or the pillow speaker you can lie in bed and hear the realtime heartbeat of your loved one. The result is an intimate interaction between two lovers, regardless of the distance between them," the company said on its website.

Pillow Talk began life in a slightly different form as a university product of founder Joanna Montgomery in 2010. The project has since received more than 750,000 views on Youtube and worldwide attention, the company said.

Microsoft's New e-mail Service Outlook.com Becomes Trendy

Microsoft made a big move today by pulling the plug on Hotmail and replacing it with a fresher, cleaner, simpler email service called Outlook.com. Within just a few hours of its birth, Outlook.com witnessed 1 million sign-ups. So In this article we are trying to flash light to the trendy features of Microsoft Outlook.com email service which makes it popular even within the initial days of its debut.  

Signing up for the service is pretty basic and you're good to go after a few steps. A note of advice here, captcha is case sensitive while verifying your account. Once in, you're greeted by a simple blue and white themed Inbox. The colour is set by default and you can always head to the settings menu to change it. Overall, the design incorporates Metro style Windows 8 touches.

You can now link social accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Flickr. Apart from that, you can also access a horizontal menu for your Mail, Contacts, Calendar and SkyDrive by clicking on the Outlook icon.

Nokia Lumia 625 with 4.7 Inch Display is Available in Flipkart

The Nokia Lumia 625 is now available for pre-orders in India for Rs. 19,499 through online retailer Flipkart.

The retailer notes that the estimated release date for the Nokia Lumia 625 is the fifth week of August.

Nokia announced the launch of the Lumia 625 sporting a 4.7-inch LCD screen, its biggest on a smartphone yet, last month. The specifications of the Nokia Lumia 625 include a 1.2GHz dual-core processor alongside 512MB RAM and 8GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 64GB via microSD card. It comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing shooter. The 4.7-inch screen sports a 480x800 pixel resolution. The device runs Windows Phone 8.

Google Nexus 4 A Features Overview

Design:  For an Android experience at its purest, look no further than Google’s latest flagship device, the sleek, undulated Nexus 4 from LG. At first sight, the handset’s slender form doesn’t fail to impress. Sleek straight lines make up the device’s dull chrome finished bezel that encloses the Gorilla Glass encased screen. Measuring 68.7x133.9x9.1 mm, the phone is an easy fit for your hands, and at 139 gm, a lightweight one too. Lift the phone to your ear to answer a call and dazzle all those in the vicinity with the sparkly, pixilated back panel. Elegant and sophisticated with an impossible to miss sparkle, the phone is the epitome of sleek, minimalist design.

Processor and Operating System: Running on Android 4.2, Jelly Bean operating system; Google Nexus 4 is smooth in performance and is powered with 1.5GHz quad-core CPU ensuring a hitch free experience along with 2GB RAM.

Screen: Google Nexus 4 comes with a 4.7-inch screen size with a resolution of 1280*768 pixels and a pixel density of 320ppi which makes the text and graphics look sharp. More than the visually impressive offering, the Nexus 4 screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 2 coating ensures that the device is protected against knocks and drops.

New Tata Nano 2013 Comes with All New Features

Tata Nano is Available within the Price Range  Rs. 1.60 Lakh - 2.29 Lakh

And here comes the new Tata Nano , which has received an array of new features and styling updates along with the introduction of a CNG version. The features that the updated version of the car has received are remote keyless entry, twin glove boxes and a four-speaker AmphiStream music system with Bluetooth USB and Aux-in connectivity. Offered in three new exterior colours, updated It has also received the fresh and stylish Nano Personalization Kits, enabling owners to customize their Nano with one of four unique identities: Jet, Alpha, Remix, and Peach. A 4-year/60,000km warranty is also being offered with the new Nano, and the vehicle is now available at all Tata dealerships across the nation.

Force Motors Launched One EX Variant for Rs. 8.99 Lakh

It has been over two years, the Force One has appealed to a sizeable portion of the premium SUV market in India, owing to its abundance of seating for as many as seven passengers in comfort and other creature comforts like a steering mounted audio, cruise and Bluetooth connectivity controls will come standard with electrically foldable mirrors as well.

Its pricing of Rs 10.65 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the 2WD SX variant announced at the time of launch back in 2011 has perhaps limited its reach to potential customers with a shoestring budget. To tap a larger customer base, Force has just introduced an entry-level EX variant to its Force One model offering at a price of Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Best 10 Smartphones in India Under Rs. 15,000

Samsung Galaxy Core Duos I8262

Best Price: Starting from Rs.12,900

Mid Segment Feature loaded Smartphone

Main Features: Dual sim | 4.3 inch TFT LCD Capacitive Touchscreen | 1.2GHz Dual core, 1GB RAM | Android OS, v4.1.2 (JellyBean)  | 5MP rear camera, VGA front camera | 8 GB internal memory, expandable up to 64 GB | 3G, Bluetooth, GPRS, Wi-Fi, EDGE, micro USB | 1800 mAh battery

Display and configuration

Samsung Galaxy Core Duos I8262.sports a 4.3 inch, 16M colors TFT LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with a pixel configuration of 480 x 800 pixels and density of 217 PPi.

The device has been powered by a 1.2GHz Dual core processor and 1GB RAM. In terms of OS, Galaxy Core Duos I8262 comes with Android OS, v4.1.2 Jelly Bean OS.

Camera and Storage

Samsung Galaxy Core Duos features a 5MP rear autofocus camera with LED flash. Basic features like face detection and smile detection are provided in the camera section.For Video calling, the company has equipped it with a VGA camera. This device has an 8GB internal memory which can be expanded upto 64GB via an external micro SD card.

Ford Turns Up in Indian Market with Figo

The Ford Figo is a compact hatchback that was rolled out in the Indian market in March 2010. It shares key elements of its kinetic design with its elder siblings like Ford Mondeo and Ford Focus. The Figo was developed as an India bound car, taking into consideration the needs and preferences of the Indian buyers. The hatchback is available in both diesel and petrol versions, carrying 1.2L petrol and 1.4L diesel engines, respectively.

The Figo is a smart city car that comes laden with a range of unique new generation features including lane change indicators, speed sensing volume control, rapid deceleration warning, smart programmable remote key, six-speed intermittent wiper, distance to empty, intelligent central locking and many more.

The Ford Figo has been shelved in the price bracket of Rs 3,54,900 - Rs 5,33,400 (Delhi ex-showroom), where it is fighting for space with the likes of Maruti Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Chevrolet Beat, Nissan Micra and Fiat Punto.

10 Apps to Cut Down Your Mobile Bills

With Internet-enabled phones, it has become easier to stay in touch with people at all times. With plenty of apps that offer text, audio or video-based options to stay connected, it can be difficult to pick ones that stand out from the crowd.

Here is a list of some popular free calling applications in no particular order

Call Rates in India Likely to Increase 50 Percent - Telecom Operators

Calling for a reduction in the base price for the next spectrum auction, telecom companies have said higher costs may lead to rates for calls, text messages and other services rising by up to 50 percent. "The value of spectrum should not be too high, which will inevitably result in significant increase in consumer tariffs, unsold spectrum and consequently, no revenues for the exchequer," Bharti Airtel said. The telecom regulator had recommended an about 11-fold increase in the base price for spectrum from the amount paid by operators in 2008.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Loop Mobile, whose licences expire in 2014 and may see their spectrum auctioned under a refarming proposal, have told the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India that the move will lead to a significant increase in mobile tariffs. Mobile call rates have seen an increase of up to 100 percent over the past two years. At present, mobile call rates range between 90 paise and Rs. 1.20 per minute.

Celkon Launched Signature One A107+ Android Smartphone for Rs. 7,299

Celkon Mobiles, an indigenous handset maker, has announced a new smartphone for the Indian market, the Signature One A107+. The Celkon Signature One A107+ sports a 5-inch display with 480x800 pixels resolution. The device runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It is powered by 1GHz dual-core processor and comes with 512MB RAM. There is an 8-megapixel rear camera at the back with LED flash and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. The dual-SIM smartphone (GSM+GSM) dual standby smartphone comes with 4GB of internal storage capacity expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. Connectivity options on the phone include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm audio jack, EDGE, GPRS and GPS. The phone comes with a 2100mAh battery.

The phone will come with a free flip cover and is priced at Rs. 7,299.

Sony Hits Back Well with Xperia Z Ultra

Smartphones are increasingly getting bigger, closing the gap with tablets. In fact, at a point where the smartphone screen crosses the 6-inch, it's difficult to call them smartphones. While not everyone likes to call them 'phablets', they clearly lie in hybrid territory, offering smartphone features in a near tablet form factor.

Sony has also recently forayed into this segment, with its new device, the Xperia Z Ultra, which boasts of a 6.4-inch display. It's certainly not the first device to sport a large screen; we've seen the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 and the Huawei Ascend Mate featuring 6-inch+ displays, but we'd have to say that it's the sleekest out of all of them, at this point in time. The Xperia Z Ultra is super slim with a thickness of just 6.5mm.

We got a chance to play with the Xperia Z Ultra, and feel that it is one the sleekest devices, available. Although it weighs 212 grams, the overall weight to dimensions ratio is optimum and the phone doesn't feel very bulky. Having said that,  it doesn't easily fit the front pockets of your jeans, and you'd need to put it in a bag or hold it all the time. The Xperia Z Ultra follows the same design language that we've seen in the Xperia Z and looks more rectangular as the edges are just subtly rounded.

Nokia Plans to Launch Lumia 825 with 5.2 inch Display

Nokia seems to be getting aggressive with its Lumia line-up as the company has unveiled three smartphones in a short span of time. Not content with launching the Lumia 925, Lumia 1020 and Lumia 625, the company is apparently working on the Lumia 825 featuring 5.2-inch display.

A report in the Chinese Media first picked up by Unwired View notes that Nokia is working on its first phablet, the Lumia 825 which will be based on Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update. According to the report, Microsoft is expected to release the GDR3 update for Windows Phone 8 soon which will enable support for quad-core processors and full-HD displays on the Windows Phone platform. The rumoured Nokia Lumia 825 is believed to be a successor to the Lumia 820 which was launched alongside the former flagship, the Lumia 920. The site claims that the alleged Lumia 825 will be a mid-range device as it will still boast a 720p HD screen and not a full-HD display.

The site further suggests that the Lumia 825 will likely be powered by quad-core processor and the chipset may be Qualcomm's Snapdragon 400 possibly clocked at 1.2GHz. Nokia is expected to release the Lumia 825 in October, the report claims. Nokia has no doubt taken the whole Windows Phone ecosystem on its shoulders and thanks to its growing Lumia line-up, Windows Phone smartphones seem to be finally gathering some momentum. The launch of quad-core phones is the next step, something that Android and other platforms have been sporting for a while now.

Nokia has currently eight smartphones powered by Windows Phone 8 that include the Lumia 1020, Lumia 625, Lumia 925, Lumia 920, Lumia 820, Lumia720, Lumia 620 and the Lumia 520.

Honda Amaze Goes on Sale at Rs. 4.99 Lac

Honda's first diesel for the Indian market comes in the form of the Amaze sedan. Based on the Brio hatchback, the Amaze has been designed to meet the small car norms of being under 4m in length. This lets the car enjoy small car tax benefits and hence can be priced in the same range as the Maruti Dzire, its direct rival. Due for launch in April/May 2013, the Amaze will compete in the entry level sedan market and will come with both a 1.2-litre petrol and an all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine. Looks wise, the Amaze is more or less a Brio with an added boot. However, the wheelbase has been increased for more cabin space and the boot looks neatly integrated into the body. The end result is a pleasing looking sedan with the rear tail lamps hinting at design cues taken from the City sedan. The front looks same as the Brio with the only changes being the grille and the bumper. Side profile of the car is also sporty with two strong shoulder lines running from each end (front and rear), finishing in parallel in the front door.

Sony Launches Xperia M Android Phone for Rs. 12,990

Sony is gradually getting aggressive with Xperia smartphone line-up for the Indian market. The company is not only targeting the high-end customers with its Xperia Z Ultra which was launched last month, but also eyeing for budget Android segment with its latest, Xperia M. The handset has not been officially launched in the company yet but is available through online retailer, Saholic for Rs. 12,990. The listing was tweeted by the retailer who also claims that the handset will be available from August 23.

The Sony Xperia M is powered by 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8227 processor with 1GB of RAM. It features 4-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 480x854 pixels and boasts a scratch-resistant display. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with Sony's Timescape UI on top.

There is 4GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 32GB with the help of microSD card. The Xperia M sports 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front camera. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, aGPS and NFC. It also includes a 1,750mAh battery that can deliver 10 hours of talk time and 504 hours of standby time, according to Sony. As per the listing, the Sony Xperia M will be available in four colour options - Black, White, Purple and Lime.

Windows 8.1 will be Released on October 17

Consumers waiting for Microsoft's revamped version of its latest Windows operating system will be able to get the software beginning Oct. 17.

The release date for Windows 8.1 is nearly a year after the debut of Windows 8, a dramatic overhaul of the operating system that has been powering most personal computers for decades.

Microsoft Corp. unveiled its plans for Windows 8.1 three months ago, but hadn't set a release date until Wednesday. At test version of Windows 8.1 that may still include some bugs has been available since late June.

Windows 8 represented Microsoft's attempt to create an operating system that works well on tablet computers, as well as on laptop and desktop machines.

But the overhaul confused and frustrated many people, resulting in disappointing sales of devices running on Windows 8. One research firm, International Data Corp., has even blamed Windows 8 for deepening the slump in PC sales as more people rely on smartphones and tablets to connect to the Internet.

Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Wash., also absorbed a $900 million charge to its most recent quarterly earnings to account for its expected losses from a company-produced tablet, called Surface, which relies on a slimmed-down version of Windows 8.

Windows 8.1 is Microsoft's attempt to make the operating system easier and more appealing to use. It will be available as a free update to owners of Windows 8 machines.

The first laptops and PCs featuring Windows 8.1 already installed are scheduled to go on sale Oct. 18.

Maxx Launched New Tab with Dual SIM Voice Calling for Rs. 8,000

Maxx Mobile has launched Tab722 tablet for the Indian market at Rs. 8,000.

The Maxx Mobile Tab722 features a 7-inch WVGA display with a resolution of 480x800 pixels. It is powered by a 1GHz MediaTek MT6575 processor with 512MB RAM. The tablet comes with dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) with voice calling support as well. There is 4GB of internal storage but there is no mention about tablet's expandable storage. It also packs in 3-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera. It runs on Android 4.0.4 Ice cream Sandwich. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, Micro-USB and 3G. It is backed by a 3000mAh battery.

Commenting on the launch, Ajjay Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Maxx Mobile said, "With the rapid adoption of mobile phones, today Indian consumers have become more technologically aware. This has created a market with highly varied needs & preferences. Maxx Mobile understands the 'value for money' attitude of Indian consumers and aims to provide every user a mobile phone with maximum features at the most affordable prices."

Samsung Launches W789 Android Flip Phone with Dual Screens

Samsung SCH-W789 Hennessy Android flip phone's images surfaced online on Tuesday, and today we get to hear that Samsung's long-time rumoured flip phone has been officially announced.

The Samsung W789 features two 3.3-inch HVGA displays with 320x480 pixel resolution and boasts dual-screen setup. It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The device supports dual SIM (CDMA+GSM) with dual-standby. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Micro-USB and GPS. It also packs a 5-megapixel rear camera with flash.

The Samsung W789 is backed up by a 1500mAh battery and comes with expandable storage capabilities. However, there is no mention about internal storage and the RAM of the device yet. It also features Samsung Apps and company's proprietary ChatON app. All the specifications of the launched clamshell phone are in-line with the leaked specifications that we reported earlier. The South Korean major is promoting its latest W789 phone as a blend of old-school flip phones and touch phones.

Amazon Adds Computer and Computer Accessories to Its Store

In a bid to consolidate its presence in the Indian market, Amazon.in has now added Computers and Computer Accessories categories to its online store.

Following this announcement, there are now seven categories of products on Amazon.in including Books, Movies and TV shows, the Kindle family of ebook readers, ebooks and Kindle Fire tablets, Mobiles and Accessories, Cameras and Photography, and Portable Media Players.

Amazon.in was launched in India in June selling books, movies and TV shows, with the Kindle Paperwhite ebook reader and Kindle Fire HD range of tablets following soon after. The company lateradded mobiles, cameras and portable media players.

According to Amazon, consumers will be able to shop across 7,000 plus products in its inventory from over 180 computer and computer accessories brands, with the product range covering laptops, printers, routers, external hard drives, pen drives, keyboards, mouse and other accessories from brands such as HP, Dell, Sony ,Lenovo, Acer, Sony, Samsung, Logitech, Microsoft and Belkin among others.