GOOGLE NEXUS 6 PREVIEW

GOOGLE NEXUS 6 PREVIEW

The Motorola-made Nexus 6 seems a whale in today’s surreal world where huge is the new normal. Everybody has huge phones and once you hold this phone in your hands, the rest appear too small. No wonder it has been code-named ‘Shamu’.

A Quad HD screen, a powerful Snapdragon 805 processor, a 13 megapixel camera and a battery bog enough to power it all – with all these basic specs, this piece just looks like an over-sized Moto X. The only visual difference is the nexus logo stamped at the back and the slightly lower positions of the power and volume buttons accounting for the larger size.

 

The latest version of Android that’s Android 5.0 Lollipop with battery optimizations’ and security enhancements give this phone a thumbs up. Not just that, the camera is surrounded by an attractive ring flash that would produce an evenly-lit and awesome image.

Wondering if the huge screen packed with all those pixels could drain out the battery? Well, Thankfully the Nexus 6 comes with a large 3220mAh battery with an efficient processor, AMOLED screen and battery optimization. It is expected that the phone lives throughout the day with moderate to heavy usage experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The super-speedy multitasking and notifications option is cool. The face unlock too, seems to work well. Other attractive features include Turbocharging that charges your battery in 15mins and another that uses NFC pairing and then Bluetooth to transfer all the contents of your old Android into your new one.

It looks like this gigantic phone is all set to have a roaring success.

GOOGLE NEXUS 6 PREVIEW

Samsung Galaxy Alpha Preview

Samsung Galaxy Alpha Preview:

 

Alright, we all know the Samsung Galaxy Alpha looks a lot like the iPhone 4, especially at the rims and edges. But this is also the first time that Samsung is incorporating metal into its manufacturing. But its tryst with metal ends at the borders; the back of the Galaxy Alpha reminds you that you’re operating a Samsung product. It’s a laudable first attempt, with the sleek, elegant body which is very comfortable to navigate and handle even in a single hand. At 6.7mm, it may not be the thinnest phone out there, but the very slim build and the 4.7” display are very impressive. The ergonomics are brilliant in this one, with the intelligent use of both metal and plastic that facilitate easier handling, and even the perk of the little-finger slot is pretty neat.

 

The display is a 4.7” screen which might look a bit low when compared to its peer, both within Samsung and outside of it. But it feels perfect, providing a very good experience with reading, games, pictures and videos without compromising on usability. But the touchy point here is the display of just 720p, which looks a little unfair for the high price tag. It might seem a bit drab in relation to other players, but, for this screen size, this display feels very satisfactory and gives us sharp, vivid images and texts.

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In case you’re looking for a major software overhaul to match the ergonomic enhancement, you’re going to be let down big time. The Alpha still runs on TouchWiz UI with Android 4.4.4 KitKat. It’s adequate, but not excellent. But Samsung has upgraded its software layout, making this the most spontaneous UI yet.

The Galaxy Alpha also includes innovative and popular features such as Ultra-Power Saving Mode, S Health, Finger Print Scanner, Private Mode and connectivity with the latest Samsung Gear Fit, Gear Live and Gear 2 wearables.  It will be available in Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver, and Scuba Blue, with available colors to be determined by market.

The 1860mAh battery is pretty frail, especially in comparison to the other modern power-tanks out there. However, with careful usage and the Ultra power-saving mode, you’re sure to look at a nice level of charge in the box.The verdict: if you’re a moderate user with a craving for great ergonomics, go for it.

Samsung Galaxy Alpha Preview

Nikon D810 Preview

Nikon D810 Preview:

 

The D810 is a digital SLR camera that boasts incredibly superior definition and image quality made possible with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, adoption of the latest EXPEED 4 image-processing engine, an effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels, and a standard range of sensitivities from ISO 64 to ISO 12800. Not only does it offer extremely accurate AF, but vibrations generated inside the camera have been reduced to maximize the resolution of its 36.3-million pixels for sharp and clear images. The camera also supports recording of smooth, extremely sharp 60p full-HD (1920 x 1080) movies. What’s more, high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps with the FX-format image area and up to 7 fps* with the DX-format image area is possible for excellent response to a wide variety of scenes.

The D810 delivers a truly cinematic experience with a wide range of professional-oriented features a Full HD 1920 x 1080 video capture at a variety of frame rates, including 60/30/24p.

It’s been more than two years since Nikon launched its successful D800 and D800E which whipped up a storm in the entire photography sector with the revolutionary high resolution 36.3MP full-frame sensor. Now, Nikon has unveiled the new D810 which not just combines its predecessors but also comes loaded with enhancements in aesthetics and functionality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The image quality of the D800, D800E and D810 are not all that different, but the D810 is incorporated with a base ISO of 64. It’s a major overhaul from the ISO of 100, because it means a solid change in the hardware and not just a software update. It also translates into more dynamic range, which takes the D810 a notch higher than its predecessors. Here’s a kicker: the D810 allows you to manually reduce the ISO down to a staggering 32 when you need it, which thrusts it into the top place in modern DSLRs that offer you the chance to modify the ISO to below 50.

 

But the best enhancement is probably the EXPEED 4 processor which is 30% faster. It enables lightning fast focus lock and seamless capture of moving objects, which in turn implies faster frame rate for stills and videos. The difference is stark and very much welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’re going to be floored about the total upheaval of the mirror design and shutter mechanisms, which greatly reduces the camera noise and shutter vibration. In what can be termed as an unprecedented technicality, Nikon has introduced another feature called Electronic Front Curtain Shutter, which wholly eliminates any hints of shutter vibrations.

 

With this D810, Nikon even allows you to change the color balance of the LCD screen to any hue of your choice. This takes care of the previous complaints of a greenish tinge. Also, the heightened LCD resolution results in sharper, more vibrant pictures. The ergonomics are also significantly improved, resulting in added handling ease and comfort in the long run.

 

Nikon D810 Preview

Apple iPhone 6 Preview

Apple iPhone 6 Preview:

 

Just like every year, the launch of another iPhone had held the attention of techies and mobile enthusiasts. But this time it had a bit more edge, for Apple had released an iPhone which was ‘big.’

The ergonomics are taken to another level with this classy block of metal and glass. It’s no doubt the slimmest iPhone, and also defies its real weight-126g- by feeling exceptionally light. The way the 8MP camera captures moments is just sterling, with vibrant colours and detailed images, owing to the wider aperture and lightning-fast focus lock. You can now manually set the exposure.

iPhone 6 is Apple’s biggest advancement in iPhone history, featuring a stunning 4.7-inch Retina HD display, and packed with innovative technologies in an all-new dramatically thin and seamless design.

The winner feature, however, is the display. At 1334 x 750 pixels, the resolution is pretty great, if not on par with the insane QuadHD resolutions of today’s Android phones. The 4.7” screen also provides great viewing angles and good legibility even in sunlight. It’s versatile for all kinds of activities- photography, gaming, work, and reading.

 

Driven by the dual-core 64-bit A8 processor, iPhone 6 pulls off a stellar performance on a sustained level. In spite of the stingy 1GB RAM, the phone does not lag. The battery is also very long-lasting, leaving some juice in the tank even after a turbo run on the phone. The call quality is also great, with not even a single dropped call in sight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The M8 motion coprocessor can continuously measure your motion data, even when the device is asleep, saving battery life for fitness apps that use the sensors all day.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus introduce Apple Pay, an easy way to securely pay for physical goods and services in stores or apps with just the touch of a finger.

The FaceTime HD camera now captures over 80 per cent more light with a new sensor, larger f/2.2 aperture and advanced new features including burst mode and HDR video.

iOS, the latest Apple platform, is what runs the iPhone 6. With improved performance and bug fixes, it has also added support for inter-app communication. The keyboard is also slightly different in the landscape mode with several more options. Continuity and Reachability are added features, where the former enables communication between iPhone and other Apple products like iPad and Macbook. Even Siri works more efficiently with a higher recognition of Indian accents and with the new “Hey Siri” command a higher level of touchless control is attained.

iPhone 6 comes in gold, silver or space grey, and will be available in the UK for a suggested retail price of £539 (£449.17 ex VAT) for the 16GB model, £619 (£515.83 ex VAT) for the 64GB model and, for the first time, a new 128GB model for £699 (£582.50 ex VAT).

Bottom line: if you can afford it, get it. The iPhone 6 is one of the best your money can buy.

Apple iPhone 6 Preview

Apple Watch first view

Apple Watch first view:

 

Apple’s first wearable gear is finally here. It can’t exactly be bifurcated into a man or a lady’s watch; it’s unisex. This was probably aimed at the people who want to be trendsetters, since the smartwatch market is yet to make a mark on its own. The Apple watch comes in six different styles with two sizes for each style. The design leans slightly towards the bulkier/ chunkier side but it still feels unique and that’s the whole point at the moment.

Apple has trumped the other players in the smartwatch market by coming with a one-of-a-kind interface. First things first- the app home screen doesn’t look like the iPhone layout even a little bit. It is more of a spherical design, which is going to need some acquaintance before you can work effortlessly on it because the tapping is very specific. The digital crown is basically a wheel having a very smooth response (no clicks) that enables you to zoom in and out of apps, giving it a very neat twist from the usual lines. In case you need to go back to the home screen, an inward tapping on the crown would do, but that’s not your only option because you have the touch screen as well. Once you get the hang of hitting at the right places, you’re good to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is another button below the crown that takes on the dual role of taking you to your contacts list and also stimulating the payment options on the watch. You can make / receive calls, scan messages to try creating a simple response, draw and share pictures (yep), or a pre-determined vibration code with a contact.

It also taps the health domain by letting you send a heart rate image to a contact by touching the screen using two fingers. So it borrows a page from both fitness and fashion, opening up new market segments. But a small let down can be the need to flick it upwards to turn it on. The charger is a unique component that attaches itself to the back of the watch with magnets. Let’s see if this one penetrates the market.

Apple Watch is most personal device ever form Apple featuring revolutionary new technologies and a pioneering user interface with a beautiful design that honors the rich tradition of precision watchmaking. Apple Watch will enable you to communicate in new ways right from your wrist by sending and receiving messages, answering calls to your iPhone, and with Digital Touch, sending something as personal as your own heartbeat. Apple Watch also introduces comprehensive health and fitness apps that can help people lead healthier lives. Apple Watch is available in three distinct collections—Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apple Watch introduces a revolutionary design and iOS-based user interface created specifically for a smaller device. Apple Watch features the Digital Crown, an innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly, without obstructing the display.

Apple Watch comes in three distinct collections—Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition—available in two different sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm. The beautifully designed and durable enclosures are crafted from custom alloys of polished or space black stainless steel, space gray or silver anodised aluminium and 18-karat rose or yellow gold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at $349 (US). Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8.

Apple Watch first view

ACER ASPIRE SWITCH 12

ACER ASPIRE SWITCH 12 with 5 modes:

The Acer Aspire Switch 12 is a two in one device designed with multiple modes of usage in one notebook. It has a detachable keyboard lock and has a new magnetic latch and hinge which lets the tablet be attached in one of the two orientations. These orientations lead to four different use modes. They are the traditional Notebook mode, Tablet mode, Tent mode, Display mode and Desktop mode

The back of the tablet is classic and is covered in aluminum that has a grey silvery finish with crisscrossing brushstroke that looks quite impressive. The 10.1 inch screen is covered in Gorilla glass 3 and it has a five-point touch. There is a 1920 x 1080 resolution image capture webcam located just above the screen. It runs on Intels latest Core-M platform, featuring an Intel Core M-5Y10a as a processor.Although it works well for Skype chats and Google Hangouts, it is not well suited to handle bright light. Also it doesn’t have a rear facing camera. It weighs 1.5 pounds, making it easily portable.

If you combine a vibrant 12.5-inch display with the docking keyboard, then it weighs 2.8 pounds and is 0.9 inches thick when closed. Users can also enjoy its 10-point touch controls on a larger screen and use an optional Acer Active Pen1 for a more intuitive writing and drawing experience. Although the keyboard is a bit cramped, the comfortable keys, wide click pad and the integrated left and right buttons all give the user a smooth typing experience.

Almost all of the ports and the connections are located on the tablet itself. There is a micro SD slot, micro HDMI-out port and a micro USB 3.0 port on the right edge. Headset jack and volume and power buttons adorn the left hand side. It sports dual band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD storage. A battery run down test was performed and it lasted for about 7 hours 39 minutes, which is quite decent.

This is a safe purchase for someone who wants a portable Windows tablet without compromising on the productive capability of the design.The Acer Aspire Switch 12 is expected to land in the UK this December starting at £529.

 

ACER ASPIRE SWITCH 12

SAMSUNG GEAR LIVE

SAMSUNG GEAR LIVE:

The Samsung Galaxy Gear is one of the first Android wear Smartwatches. Samsung is known for its various technological advances and outcomes and hence not surprisingly, this is its fourth attempt at a Smartwatch, only after Galaxy Gear, Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo. It focuses on hardware while Google focuses on software. If you are looking for a sleek, decent Android wear, then this is definitely the way to go.

 

This model is inspired by the Samsung Gear 2. The smooth, black, plastic watch straps can be swapped and it is water and dust resistant (IP67 certified). There is a single home button on the right edge that is used to turn the device on or off. There is no camera or an infrared blaster. It weighs 59 grams and is 8.9mm thick. It is light and slimmer than LG’s Android Wear Smartwatch.

It is technologically as well as physically comfortable to wear this watch. The watch’s interior is curved slightly so that it sits intrinsically on the wrist. This is one of the best Android wear out there. The display is vibrant, bright and clear with majestic colours and sharpness. Whether it is tablets or Smart watch screens, Samsung deserves applause when it comes to display.

This device has an accelerometer, digital compass, gyroscope and a heart rate sensor incorporated in it. The green flash lighting of the sensor against your skin provides the reading of the heart rate. There are no apps to support videos in Android wear. As for images, the resolution is not completely optimised and there is a bit of a problem with sharpness and clarity. The main setbacks are its low battery life and its compatibility with only newer Android devices. It is also harder to read in sunlight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gear Live Product Specifications

Category	Specifications
Display	1.63” Super AMOLED (320 x 320)
OS	Android Wear
Processor	1.2 GHz Processor
Google Services	Google Now, Google Voice, Google Maps & Navigation, Gmail, Hangouts
Additional Features	Notification (SMS, E-mail, etc.)
	Heart Rate Monitor
	IP67 Dust and Water Resistant
	Changeable Strap, Color Options: Black and Wine Red
Connectivity	Bluetooth® v4.0 LE
Sensor	Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Heart Rate
Memory	RAM: 512MB Storage: 4GB Internal Memory
Dimension /Weight	37.9 x 56.4 x 8.9 mm, 59g
Battery	Standard Battery, Li-ion 300mAh

* The availability of services and features listed above may vary by region.

**All functionality, features, services, applications, specifications, and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

 

SAMSUNG GEAR LIVE