Kingston MobileLite G2 Multi-Card Reader Review

If you’re in the market for a memory card reader OR an SD card, then look no further! The Kingston MobileLite G2 Reader was rightfully rated the Best Travel Gadget of 2009 by Time Magazine as it’s one of the easiest, smartest, and most efficient card readers on the market. This little well-designed device is a multi-card reader compatible with all of the common memory cards. The MobileLite is extremely affordable, and even includes an SD card up to 32GB in capacity.
The MobileLite design is what really won us over. It’s a bit narrower than a pack of tictacs and very light. There’s no annoying USB cap and the USB plug doesn’t jut out of the reader. There’s a collapsible cover that slides in to expose the USB plug. On the opposite side there’s another collapsible cover that covers and protects the memory card inserted. This allows you to safely store memory cards in this ultra-portable reader for safe keeping. There’s a blue LED light which displays reading and writing activity.
Most memory card readers are fat and the Kingston MobileLite G2 is no exception. This can be frustrating when trying to fit it in your computer or laptop near other ports being used. The Kingston MobileLite solves this problem by including a short USB male to female extension to plug the G2 in to. There’s also a removable keychain attached to the reader.
When you plug the MobileLite G2 card reader to your computer with a memory card inserted, it will show up like a regular drive. You can drag and drop files as you choose. There’s nothing complicated about it, and there’s no software or drivers required. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The SD memory card included with the MobileLite G2 is SDHC Class 4. For SD cards, just having a class makes them a suitable speed for any digital camera. Classes run from Class 2, 4, 6 to 10. This rating relates to their minimum writing speed. Class 4 means it should write at least 4MB/s, which is plenty fast for all digital cameras, most DSLRs, and some video cameras. The included Kingston SD card was able to transfer 100MB of images (~25 to 75 pics depending on quality) to my computer in just 6 seconds, which was extremely fast. When transferring that 100MB of images back to the card it took 70 seconds. As expected, the read speeds are a lot faster than the write speeds.
We have a few different memory card readers laying around the office, but the Kingston MobileLite G2 has become our go-to. The design isn’t just good looking, but it’s extremely functional and we love that we can storing an unused memory card in it for safe-keeping. The USB extension has proved extremely worthy as our MacBook’s USB ports are right next to each other. Amazon sells a stand-alone MobileLite G2 for $8.74, but for an extra couple dollars you can get it with an included 4GB SD Card. $10.99 for an awesome card reader and a 4GB SDHC Class 4 card–can’t beat that! The reader/card combos are available in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and even 32GB varieties for extremely affordable prices. The 16GB combo costs just $23.74 and the 32GB combo costs $41.74, all from Amazon. Kingston Technology is pretty much the king of memory, so you can’t go wrong. There’s a two-year warranty on the MobileLite G2 and a lifetime Warranty on the SD card.
The Good: Affordable, Smart Design, One Piece (No Caps), Multi-Card Reader, Two-Year Warranty on G2, Lifetime Warranty on SD card, USB Extension included
The Bad: None Yet!

Apple Starting to Plan the Canada Release of the iTV

For a product that hasn’t been unveiled yet, the iTV is generating an awful lot of news. The latest bit of information comes from up north, where Apple is said to be in talks with Rogers Communication Inc. and BCE Inc., two of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies. Apple, which is seeking out partners with extensive broadband and wireless capabilities for its upcoming smart TV, assumed to be called the iTV, declined to comment on the rumors, but it makes sense for the planning to start now. The buzz around the iTV is arguably as great or greater than any other Apple product launch, as many believe the iTV will essentially be a large-scale iPad with Siri, which will allow for control of the television minus a remote.
Telus Corp would be the odd man out in Canada, but word is that they are at work on technology that would bring gesture and voice control to their Optik TV, which would work with Microsoft and the XBOX 360 as a content provider. In the United States, Apple is rumored to be in talks with Verizon and AT&T (big shock) to distribute the iTV. As it was before, nothing concrete is known about the iTV – Apple is still keeping it heavily under wraps. Stay tuned for more information on what promises to be one of the biggest product launches of the year – assuming it actually does come out this year. But, with Apple, who knows?

Energizer iSurge Travel Charging Station Review

The Energizer iSurge Travel Charging Station isn’t just the ultimate travelling accessory, but it’s the ultimate nightstand and kitchen accessory. This clever charging station plugs into any regular wall outlet and features a charging dock for iPhones and iPods as well as three AC outlets, a side USB port, and even a nightlight on the underside.
Energizer’s iSurge Charging Station is such a simple concept, and yet so very smart. Is it an iPhone/iPod charging dock that plugs straight into the wall? Or is it just an all out charging hub with nightlight? Whatever it is, it’s great for traveling and having around the house. Plug outlets can be sparse, especially at hotels, and these days even the tech-adverse have multiple items that require power.
The three AC Outlets (all three-prong) are surge protected. On the side is a USB port which powers devices at 1 amp. Next to the USB port is a switch for the built in underglow nightlight. The nightlight glows white across a clear strip; it just happens to look blue in our pictures. The three-prong plug on the back of iSurge swivels 180 degrees. The swiveling is pretty stiff, which keeps the iSurge in place in any orientation. The fine print in the directions says not to plug the iSurge into another surge protector.
The dock on the top of iSurge features Apple’s 30 pin charging connector, which is compatible with all iPhones and iPods. Though the box says the compatibility applies for iPod Touch (3rd and 4th Gen), iPod Nano (6th Gen), iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, and 4S, the iSurge had no problem charging our 2nd Gen iPod Nano. The compatibility may be based on which charging plates are included with the dock. There are three plastic charging plates that just provide a better fit for the Apple device. With the charging plate removed, iSurge can dock and charge iPhones and iPods with thin cases. There were only two design issues we had with iSurge. First, the plug sticks out the back of the device and is not retractible, this could be more travel-efficient. The other gripe is that the dock makes iPhones and iPods stand slightly forward, whereas it’s way easier to view and use if the device were tilted slightly backward. Other than that the iSurge worked wonders, especially in the kitchen.
The Energizer iSurge Charging Station is a simple device that’s easy to use. Around here, there’s no shortage of devices that need charging, so it has really come in handy. Unfortunately most plug outlets are usually near the floor. The better places for iSurge around the household is kitchens, nightstands, bathrooms, and offices. It costs $49.99 from Amazon and could very well pay itself off over time.
The Good: Handy, Smart Design, Included USB Port, NightLight, Accommodates iDevices with Thin Cases
The Bad: Not Supposed to Plug into Other Surge Protectors, iPhone Leans Forward When Docked, No Way to Hide Plug on Back for Portability Purposes

Microsoft Stops Taking Nokia Lumia 900 Pre-orders At Stores

We recently heard that Microsoft was taking pre-orders of the new Nokia Lumia 900 in their Microsoft Stores in the US, customers were able to pre-order the device by paying a $25 deposit.
The Nokia Lumia 900 will be available from AT&T in March, and now Microsoft has stopped taking pre-orders of the device in their stores after just one week, and they haven’t explained why the have stopped taking orders.

“Customers who are interested in purchasing a Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 900 should stay tuned to the Microsoft Store Facebook Page for store offers in the coming months,”
AT &T will start selling the Nokia Lumia 900 on the 18th of March, although it doesn’t look like the have put the device up for pre-order as yet, as soon as we get some more information on when it will be available to order we will let you guys know.

Netflix Android Update Rolls Out, Adding Facebook Sharing

Netflix has rolled out a new update today for its Android applications, which brings with it a number of bug fixes, together with other features. One new feature rolled out in the update now adds Facebook sharing to the Netflix Android applications. Enabling users within Latin America, Canada, the UK and Ireland to benefit from a little sharing.

Other new features include improved audio/video syncing for tablets and phones, as well as new software volume controls for tablet users. One of the major issues that has been rectified with the new update was the issue that some users where experiencing with split pictures. The update now resolves this split picture and flickering issues on select tablets.
You can download the new Netflix Android application to instantly watch TV shows & movies streaming from Netflix, directly from the Android Market now for free. It supports Android 2.2, 2.3, 3.x, and 4.x in the USA, Canada, and Latin America.

Motorola Droid 4 In Action

The Motorola Droid 4 goes on sale in the US later today, and Motorola has released a bunch of videos showing the new Droid 4 in action, one of which you can see below.
The Motorola Droid 4 is available for $199 when you sign up to a new two year agreement from Verizon Wireless, and it features a slide out QWERTY keyboard and Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread.

Other specifications on the Motorola Droid 4 include a 4 inch qHD multi-touch touchscreen display with a resolution of $540 x 960 pixels, processing is provided by a dual core 1.2GHz processor, plus 1GB of RAM.
It also features an 8 megapixel camera, 16GB of built in storage and a microSD card slot which can take up to 32GB cards. It also comes with 4G LTE, WiFi and it can be used as a mobile hotspot for up to eight different devices.
There are lots more videos of the Motorola Droid 4 in action, including ones showing many of the devices features over at Motorola’s YouTube channel.

Opena iPhone 4S Case Review

At the sound of “Bottle Opener Case” I cringed for my iPhone; I figured it was just a quirky gimmick begging to destroy my iPhone. I was wrong. The Opena Case is a solid iPhone 4/4S case with nice protection, sturdy construction, and superior bottle opening skills. It even looks awesome.
The Opena Case (Australian for “Opener Case”) is the only iPhone case on the market with a slide-out bottle opener. The case itself is just one piece. The plastic enclosure is very tough and durable. With some pressure, iPhone snaps right in. All corners are covered with iPhone’s top and bottom ports completely exposed. There is a cutout for the volume buttons and the lock button. The lock button, headphone jack, and charging port are all very accessible while the lock button and toggle switch are recessed and trickier to access.
From the inside of the case you can see the slide-out bottle opener mechanism. There is a slot running down the back of the case where you use your finger to slide the opener out the bottom of the case. The finger hole beautifully lines up with the Apple logo, when recessed. When the opener is slid down the apple logo is again exposed. It’s a really neat design that highlights your Apple (as if people don’t know it’s an iPhone)
The bottle opener snaps securely into place when it’s recessed or extended out. When it’s extended, you can use your phone/case as leverage for opening those tight-lipped bottles. It works perfectly. When recessed, the bottle opener would never slide out on it’s own. The sliding mechanism is very sturdy and tough, as is the actual opener. This is apparent from just holding the case in-hand. It’s got a nice heft to it. It’s not an unreasonable amount of weight and it’s comfortable to hold. The raised contours in the back of the case gives it an ergonomic feel. Our only gripe with design is that the smooth plastic can be a bit slippery.

Roku Lands In The UK

Roku has announced that its range of media players are now available in the UK, with two different versions available the Roku 2 XS and the Roku LT, with prices starting at £49.99 for the Roku LT and £99.99 for the Roku 2 XS.
Both of the two streaming devices come with up to forty different channels of streaming content, and Roku has just signed a deal with the BBC to bring their BBC iPlayer to Roku devices here in the UK.

“Roku recognizes the importance of region-specific programmes so today we are excited to announce the addition of BBC iPlayer to our platform,” said Clive Hudson, vice president and general manager for Europe at Roku. “This is among the first of many significant content partnerships for Roku in Europe and we look forward to making additional announcements in the coming weeks.”
We can probably expect Roku to add some of the other popular streaming services in the UK like the iTV player, and Channel 4′s 4OD service.

Speck FitFolio and WanderFolio Kindle Fire Case Reviews

Speck has two great new book-style cases out for the Kindle Fire, the FitFolio and the WanderFolio. The FitFolio for Kindle Fire is available in a choice of three colors, including a bright red, cyan, or black. The case operates the way so many iPad cases do in the way that it’s a book-style folio with a cover can that be folded back. This way the FitFolio can be used to prop up the Kindle Fire for a low angle for typing, as well as a stand for watch movies.

The FitFolio case itself is very form fitting and securely holds the Kindle Fire in place via a custom-fit polycarbonate cradle. But besides for the polycarbonate cradle, the rest of the FitFolio is made of a vegan leatherette material. Fortunately, despite not being made of real leather, the vegan leather material looks well made. The case is also lined with a with super-soft padded micro-suede, to help keep your Kindle Fire’s display both safe and clean. A two way bungee cord is used to keep the FitFolio case closed.

The WanderFolio for Kindle Fire is very similar to the FitFolio in form-factor and materials. However, it has a special ace up its sleeve because it features 2 card-sized pockets and 2 larger pockets for stashing money, credit cards, etc, essentially transforming the case into a wallet too. This way you can grab your Kindle Fire and just go. The WanderFolio is unfortunately only available In black.
[Gallery not found]
Both the WanderFolio for Kindle Fire and FitFolio for KindleFire are well made cases and smartly designed. They manage to provide ample protection for your Kindle Fire and should protect the device from the daily grind, and that includes bumps, scruffs, and minor drops. Our biggest issue with these cases is that they are a bit on the bulky size, and add a bit of heft to the Kindle Fire. Also, the polycarbonate material used for the cradle makes the case look a bit cheap. That said, these are both solid cases that are super practical and while managing to look pretty sophisticated. It doesn’t hurt either that they are reasonably priced.
The WanderFolio retails for $39.95 while the FitFolio retails for $34.95.
 The Good: Practical designs provide multiple angles for the Kindle Fire, cool color choices for FitFolio, both cases provide plenty of protection and are well made, reasonable pricing
The Bad: Not made of real leather,  cases are a bit on the bulky and heavy side

La Sardina Belle Starr is the Six Shooter of Lomography Cameras

I’ll skip the obvious anti-mainstream hipster jokes, and get to the point – this camera is for the old at heart who love the beautiful imperfections that arise from using low-tech gear. Lomography cameras are basically analog cameras that produce pictures rife with blurring, odd coloring, and light leaks. The result is an Instagram photo minus the Instagram.
This particular camera looks like it’s been pulled straight out of a certain 1990s Will Smith movie, with a brassy, steampunk feel to it. The giant flash bulb brings back images of the paparazzi of yesteryear, which will definitely be reflected in the technical quality of the pictures generated. But, to each their own, and if this style of photography is your thing (and there are certainly some mesmerizing lomography photos out there), you might as well do it in style.
The La Sardina Belle Starr is on sale from the lomography site for about $250. There are bundles including film for the camera, as well.

Android 4.0 Headed To Samsung Galaxy S II And Galaxy Note 1st March

Samsung announced recently that they will be releasing Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the Samsung Galaxy S II and the Samsung Galaxy Note before the end of quarter one, which would mean the end of March at the latest.
Now it would appear that we may have a possible date on when both of these devices will get the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update, the 1st of March.

The news comes from industry insider Eldar Murtzain how has said that the Android 4.0 update will land on this date and will be available as an OTA update and also through Samsung’s Kies software.
Android 4 aka ics for sgs2 will be officially available from march 1(depends from country/operator). Update over the air or using kies
We haven’t had any confirmation from Samsung as yet that this will be the official release date of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S II as soon as we get some more details we will let you guys know.

Google Bar Update Rolls Out After User Feedback

Google has today announced a new update to its Google bar, its rolled out after listening to feedback from users. Originally Google launched the new Google bar design back in November last year. With the goal of creating a beautifully simple and intuitive experience across Google.

Now Google has listened to feedback and tweaked their Google bar design, to provide an even better experience say Google. One of the biggest changes to the Google bar is the redesign of the drop-down Google menu. Which has been replaced with a consistent and expanded set of links running across the top of the page.
Google explains that they will be rolling out this new version of the Google bar over the next few weeks. In the meantime, Google invites you to read about the new design in their Help Center, and send them your feedback.

Transparent Screen App For Android Makes It Easier To Walk And Type

If like me you seem to always have your head down whilst using your smartphone, even when walking around. This new transparent screen application designed for Android devices might help you stay a little safer as you walk and type on your device.

The new transparent screen application for Android is now available to download for free from the Android Market and first reviews of the new application seem good. Although a few users have brought up the point that the transparency of the screen whilst in use can’t be adjusted. The application developer explains:
“You want to use your phone while you’re walking? Make your screen transparent! This app gives you the opportunity to use your phone as usual, while being able to see the image of your camera transparently on the entire screen.”
You can now download the new Transparent Screen app from the Android Market for free.

Philips DS6100 iOS Speaker Dock Unveiled

Phillips has this week launched a new iPhone/iPod speaker dock in the form of the Philips DS6100. Which has been designed with desktop machines in mind and in particular the Apple iMac, as it sits neatly along the length just underneath the screen.

Providing you with a handy docking station for your iPhone and extra speakers for media and audio enjoyment. Philips DS6100 is constructed from aluminium and sports a pair of neodymium speakers with 20 watts of total power. Phillips explains:
“Bring quality sound with a stylish, modern twist to your desktop with Philips Computer Docking Speaker for iPod® or iPhone®. Finished in sleek, high-quality aluminum for a sophisticated look, the docking speaker delivers pure, balanced sound that fills your study or work area, and works with any desktop iMac or PC. The convenient, versatile iPod/iPhone docking feature charges your device, and allows easy synchronization to your iTunes library. Plus, AUX-in connects to the headphone jack of other electronic devices.”

The new Philips DS6100 will be arriving in stores during May and will retail at around $180.

Apple Finalizing Apps For iPad 3 Launch

We are expecting Apple to launch the new iPad 3 some time in the first week or March, and the device is rumored to come with a high resolution display with a 2048 x 1536 resolution.
According to a recent report by the next web, Apple is in the process of selecting applications that will be used in the iPad 3 launch event to show off the tablets new display and its graphics capabilities.

Apple normally selects a number of applications from different developers and has the applications demoed by the developers, and according to the report this process has become more frequent over the last few weeks.
We suspect that with the launch of the iPad 3 we will see a number of applications new and old which have been optimized for the new high resolution display.

WordPress Android App Updated With Kindle Fire And Nook Support

WordPress has rolled out a new update for its Android application this week. Bringing with it support for both Amazon’s Kindle Fire Android tablet and B&N’s Nook tablet. WordPress for Android is now available for the Nook Colour/Tablet and Kindle Fire. The 7″ screen on these tablets make an excellent home for the all-new Dashboard UI which has now been added in WordPress for Android 2.0.

WordPress say they have paid special attention to the post editor on theses Android devices, enhancing the layout to make it super simple to edit your post content in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Also WordPress have now added everything you would want in a WordPress app, including support for editing post content, adding media, viewing your stats, comment notifications, and more. You can now download the specific applications from the links below. If you have a Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom, or another Android tablet you’ll find the WordPress app in the Android Market. Enjoy!

Microsoft Store locations no longer taking Lumia 900 pre-orders

Microsoft is so pleased with its new Nokia partnership that it began taking pre-orders for the Nokia Lumia 900 at its retail locations last week, even though there hasn’t been a release date announced for the phone. However, the pre-order process has come to an end, and it’s unclear if this is because of high demand or if the company decided to pull out of the process for some other reason. Like, perhaps, because it wanted to actually have a release date to give to customers.


Theverge.com, which reported on the halt of Lumia 900 pre-orders, said users will see information on the official Microsoft Store Facebook page regarding updates on the phone. The Lumia 900 follows on the heels of the successful Lumia 710, though this time it will be slightly more powerful, slightly more expensive, and available at AT&T instead of T-Mobile.
Nokia has managed to garner a fair amount of attention since it launched the Lumia 710 in the US last month. It was a confirmation that the company made the right decision in ditching Symbian, and because Windows Phone is much less competitive of a market than Android, it has earned enough of a splash to make a difference. The question is whether or not the momentum will continue to grow at the same rate.

H&M becomes Google+’s most followed brand page

Forget Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Nike, Disney, or even Google. The one company that people have flocked to more than anyone else in the search giant’s increasingly massive social network is discount clothes retailer H&M. Sure, that Super Bowl ad featuring David Beckham in his underwear must have built a lot of brand excitement among at least part of the online population, but what is the real driving factor behind H&M catapulting ahead of so many other iconic companies?


Granted, Google+ is still a nascent platform. To demonstrate, even though H&M is the most popular brand page on the network, its number of fans (or “circlers”) is just 456,365. Compare that to, say, Coca-Cola, which may fall behind on Google+ (326,096 circlers) but has nearly 39,000,000 fans on Facebook. Nevertheless, it’s a testament to H&M’s marketing that it has managed to surpass so many other well-established names.
The clothing chain has apparently linked to its Google+ page more than any other brand on the network, with one exception. The only one with more Google+ spamming is Ferrari, but that company only has 8,027 circlers, proving that just massively posting links to your social networking page isn’t enough to generate interest. H&M is doing something right. At least for now. Its hip and modern appeal is perfect for the generation that’s most likely to sing up for Google+. If and when Google ever makes its online network as ubiquitous as Facebook, we could see a power shift.

Canon PowerShot D20 ruggedized point-and-shoot camera

Remember the Canon PowerShot D10? The company's first ruggedized underwater cam was a solid snapper, but its bulky submarine-like design made it impractical for most surface-based shoots. The PowerShot D20 offers a drastic improvement over its predecessor in the appearance department, more closely resembling a compact point-and-shoot than a subaqueous vessel. We can't speak to the cam's image quality just yet, but assuming its on-par with the D10, we'd say the latest D model is worth some serious consideration as an upgrade, even for a reduction in footprint alone. The D20 includes a 12.1-megapixel HS (high-sensitivity) CMOS sensor, a bright 3-inch LCD and a 5x 28mm optically stabilized zoom lens. It's waterproof to depths of 10 meters (33 feet), can survive drops from a height of 1.5 meters (5 feet) and can operate in temperatures ranging from 14 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. There's also a top sensitivity of ISO 3200, and a built-in GPS.

We spent a few minutes with the D20 at Canon's booth at CP+ 2012 in Yokohama, Japan, and were quite impressed with the improved design. Naturally, it's a solid-feeling point-and-shoot, with protected components and airtight port covers. Company reps didn't bat an eye when we unintentionally tested the camera's durability with a mild drop. There's a standard-issue PowerShot interface, with a fairly straightforward menu structure, and the camera felt plenty snappy, focusing and firing off an image almost instantaneously. It's noticeably larger than the company's more compact land-limited models, but there's no reason you wouldn't feel just as comfortable using this to shoot your child's first birthday party as you would their first scuba lesson. The $349 PowerShot D20 won't be hitting stores until May, but you can jump past the break for a quick look in the meantime.

Smarter ways to charge your phone

For those constantly on the move and perennially worried about their phone running out of charge, here is some good news. Francois Rybarczyk of Yanko Design has come-up with a concept of an in-built power adapter, which can be flipped-out and directly plugged into the power outlet to charge the phone.

The Autonome way

Named ‘Autonome’, the module also acts as an additional battery, which can be detached from the phone to be charged and then plugged back when needed. If turned into reality it will be a boon for those who habitually forget to carry their charger when travelling. In fact concepts like these are the need of the hour looking at increased use of smartphones that guzzle power owing to the numerous applications run on it right from e-mail to GPS.

While a phone with an in-built power adapter is still a concept, it’s a step in the right direction. After Nokia’s more or less failed attempt at a solar-powered phone, this concept of in-built power adapter holds some promise. Nokia conceded that while charging the phone using a solar panel on the back cover was possible more ground needs to be covered. They discovered that it can at best generate enough energy to keep the phone on standby mode with a restricted amount of talktime. What hampers the process amongst others is the restricted area of the solar panel, owing to the size of the phone and also the angle it needs to be placed.      

On the other hand, Nagpur-based, final year engineering student, Mandar Tulankar has devised means to charge phone via shoes. As outrageous as it may sound, it’s based on the principle of simple conversion of mechanical energy in to electric energy. So, as you walk you can simultaneously charge your phone as well. Mandar says that half an hour walk is enough to fully charge your phone. Having won several accolades, he is all set to launch the shoes with the embedded circuit in the market and hopes to receive a positive response. Watch this space to know more about Mandar’s innovation.

SICT Mobiles launch the iV 168 feature phone for Rs.1,999

SICT Mobiles has introduced a new dual SIM handset, iV 168. This dual band offering supports both 900 and 1800 GSM bands and comes with a dual language big keypad (English & Hindi). The new offering also comes with a 2.4-inch (6.1 cm) QVGA (320×240 pixels) screen for videos, dual speakers for better sound and 1.3MP camera. The feature is available for a street price of Rs.1999.

A new phone every week!

The phone is designed in the typical candybar form factor and looks pretty presentable as well. It’s simple, basic and even has a dedicated FM key. “Our endeavor has been to offer best of the technologies and products to our customers across the country. The all new iV168 with 1500mAh battery is a state of the art offering that helps the user to talk for more than 10hours. In addition, its look and feel, style, color combination and shape suits the needs of our urban customers as well,” commented Anil Kaushik, Co-founder and CEO of IVK Mobile.

The phone plays all major audio formats like MP3, WAV, MIDI, AMR and comes with dual 22 x 35mm and 15 x 24 mm speaker for loud sound.  It also has an in-built audio and video recorder. Video functionality can play all the popular formats like AVI, MP4 and 3GP with 20 fps (Frames per seconds). It can support up to 16GB of external memory via microSD card. The camera can also be used as a webcam for chatting online on a PC. You also get dual-charging support.

Another interesting feature is that unlike other handsets, with this the user can play FM both with and without the headset. In addition, the user also can protect his call history, messages, phonebook and memory card by putting passwords to each of the applications. This Bluetooth-enabled device supports A2DP, so that the users can listen to music on a  Bluetooth headset as well. The phone should be available across the country in your local mobile stores.

Improved specs on Aakash 2 to make it costlier

Now, this one's a spoiler of a news for sure. If you've been among those who relied on the Aakash 2 tablet to get better, while still retaining its low-cost tag, then you are going to be in for some disappointment. Hindustan Times now reports that while the Aakash 2 is all set to get a better, refreshed spec sheet, its price, too will undergo a revision. In line with the reports so far, the Aakash 2 will boast of features like a processor speed roughly four times better than its predecessor, a better battery life, and some military-style specifications, too, like water-proofing, being able to withstand a sudden, steep fall, among other things. However, getting military styled specifications for the Aakash tablet, the government is told; won't come cheap. Reportedly, both the public and private sector companies knee deep in shaping the Aakash 2 project have told the government that the price of the Aakash 2 tablet will be $100, if it wants to make it shock and water-proof. 

Better, but not as cheap! 

IIT-Rajasthan had proposed some military-styled specifications for the Datawind-manufactured, Aakash tablet; a proposal which the company rejected on grounds that it was too much for a humble tablet like this, to take. Among the IIT's other proposed specifications, are -  a 1.2GHz microprocessor as against 366MHz in Aakash and 700MB RAM, with a battery life long enough to power the device for 8 hours. A government official, according to this report had stated that given the list of specifications, manufacturing the tablet with even a price point of $100 would be impossible. 

Reportedly, Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) and Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) have shown their readiness to participate in the manufacturing of the tablet, but again, they too aren't willing to go for anything less that $100 per unit. According to the report, an official explained their predicament stating, "Because of higher price for a U.S dollar component will cost much more. Insulation costs are also very high."

This clearly contradicts the claims of the HRD Minister, Kapil Sibal, who had stated that even the improved Aakash tablet will continue to sell at the same price as its predecessor. Now, obviously, that is not happening and the ministry will have some explaining to do.

Intex launches new 3D dual SIM touch phone, the Avatar

Intex Technologies has announced the launch of their new mobile phone, the Avatar, which is a 3D touch phone. This mobile phone offers users the choice of converting 2D images and video content into 3D with the touch of a button and also the other way round.

A pair of 3D glasses have been provided, free of cost with this phone for consumers to unravel a new world of stronger visual experience and better imagery. The phone allows consumers to store and watch videos at the rate of 30 frames per second. One can also view 10 pre-loaded films available in the 4 gigs multimedia card, which comes for free with the phone. Avatar is priced at Rs. 3,690 and the phone is targeted at entertainment enthusiasts who are price conscious as well. It is a dual SIM phone with a 2.8-inch screen, all packaged in a handy candybar form factor.

The phone has an array of interesting features. In-built games like Crazy Birds, Fruit Ninja, Pentachess, Call of Atlantis, Yumsters and an enhanced experience of accessing social networking sites, such as Google, Yahoo and Facebook are already pre- installed.

The Intex Avatar

Commenting on the launch, Sanjay Kumar, GM, Mobile Business, Intex Technologies (India) Ltd. said, “At Intex, we believe in addressing consumer needs by constantly innovating and developing feature-rich mobile handsets. India has evolved in adoption of 3D technology. Keeping consumer needs in mind we have introduced this novel feature. Intex is poised to provide unique offerings to all the technology enthusiasts with products such as ‘INTEX AVATAR’ that provide an enriched experience to long standing customers in India and abroad.”

The handset supports both English and Hindi languages. Consumers will also get INTEX Zone – which provides additional features and various functions like Answering Machine, Mobile Tracker, Auto Call Record, Google, MSN, Yahoo!, Facebook and Games.

The Intex Avatar is priced at Rs.3,690 and is available across more than 15,000 distributors and reseller outlets, at 70 Intex squares (exclusive retail stores) and several hypermarkets across the country.

HTC to upgrade Sensation line-up to ICS by end of March

Why should only Samsung have all the fun, when it comes to bringing Google’s latest operating software, Ice Cream Sandwich to smartphones? At least, this is what HTC seems to think so. As per an announcement on their official Facebook page, HTC will be rolling out Android 4.0 to their smartphone line-up. The post from HTC reads, “HTC has been working hard to get its Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades ready, and we’re excited to announce that our first round of ICS upgrades will roll out by the end of March for the HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE, followed soon thereafter by the HTC Sensation XL. In addition, we can confirm Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades will be coming later this year to the HTC EVO 3D, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire S and HTC Desire HD. Stay tuned for more updates on Ice Cream Sandwich releases in the coming weeks.”

HTC to serve Sensation handsets by end of March with Ice Cream Sandwich

Back in October, it was reported that HTC were evaluating the Android update with their existing handsets and they stated that their goal for Android updates is to give every customer an improved user experience, which means balancing each phone's unique hardware, HTC Sense experience and the Android kernel. It appears that HTC are nearing completion with their latest announcement and for HTC users, this should certainly come as some good news.

Back in November, the brand revealed that their higher range of handsets would receive the Ice Cream Sandwich update in early 2012. At the time they stated that the HTC Vivid, HTC Sensation, HTC Sensation XL and HTC Sensation XE, HTC Rezound, HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO Design 4G and HTC Amaze 4G were all to receive the update in the early part of the year.

But as per the Facebook post, it appears that only the Sensation, Sensation XE and Sensation XL will be getting Android 4.0 in early 2012. The rest of the handsets will receive the update later on this year. Let us know your reactions on HTC dishing out Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to their Sensation line-up of handsets by early this year.

Motorola introduces new flip phone, the GLEAM+

Motorola Mobility has introduced the Motorola GLEAM+, which is an update to the earlier version, launched in 2011. This new model is a slimmer, sleeker version of 2011’s flip phone for the style conscious. Priced at a suggested price of 99 Euro (w/o contract incl. VAT) (approx Rs.6,500), the new phone will be available in March. It will be sold in two colours - silver and white. 

The new GLEAM+

The Motorola GLEAM+ consists of an LED matrix display that provides expressive notifications and alerts. Motorola GLEAM+ features both camera and video capabilities, so you can snap, shoot and share your pictures with friends and family, either in-person, via picture messaging or social networks. It’s got added storage for phonebook contacts and text messages, as well as a faster and more powerful browser than the earlier version. There’s music, too – with FM radio, an easy-to-navigate mp3 player and SD card support.

“The Motorola GLEAM+ is as a stylish and easy to use as ever for the consumer who enjoys the simple things in life, without compromising on design and functionality,” said Claudia Laepke, marketing director, Motorola Mobility Germany GmbH. “We designed this handset with a clear focus on delivering a great experience in a simple, sleek and stylish design.”

Here are the specifications of the Motorola GLEAM+:

• 2.8-inch WQVGA screen with a 400 x 240 pixel resolution
• 144 LED matrix structure
• 50MB internal memory
• USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• 2MP fixed focus camera 
• Memory expandable up to 16GB via microSD card slot
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• 750 mAh battery
• 105g weight

We’re not too sure, if this phone will ever make its way to India, but we’re also not too sure, if that happening will disappoint us. Seeing the specifications, this one looks like a pretty simple phone with minimalistic features. It may have that style factor, for some people, but we’re not too sure if it matches up, in terms of functionality. For the same price, we’ve got a few budget phones in the market already.