Xiaomi to debut global version of MIUI 7 On August 19 in India

Earlier this month, Xiaomi announced that it will introduce the MIUI 7 at an event in Beijing, China on August 13. Now the company has announced 'MIUI 7 Launch Premier' in New Delhi on August 19. Xiaomi will demo the MIUI 7 Global ROM in the event.

"Some users might be confused about the MIUI 7 launch schedules. For your information, MIUI 7 China ROM will be introduced in China on August 13, and MIUI 7 global ROM with tailored features for global fans will be unveiled on August 19 in India," said the official forum post.

The MIUI 7 is likely to be based in Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and will bring several new features. The details are scarce.

Interested fans who would like to attend the event can register at MIUI forums. Head to the link below to register.

Source: MIUI forums

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for August 13

Samsung usually unveils its Galaxy Note smartphones in the first week of September at the IFA, but this the South Korean Giant has decided to introduce it earlier to take on Apple's 2015 iPhones.

Samsung has sent out press invites for its next Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled on August 13 in New York. The invite shows large curved edges suggesting at larger Galaxy S6 Plus, most likely the Galaxy S6 edge+. Also expected is the launch of Galaxy Note 5 in the event. The Galaxy Unpacked 2015 will take place at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, New York on August 13. It starts at 11am ET (8:30pm IST) and will be live-streamed on Youtube.

According to a report from Korea Herald, Samsung will launch two handset on August 13, the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge Plus. The Galaxy S6 edge Plus will be rolled out globally while the Galaxy Note 5 will release in select markets including Korea and the U.S, where the sales have been strong. The report further states that Samsung has finalized talks with global mobile carriers to release the Galaxy S6 edge Plus, but the launch of Galaxy Note 5 is not yet decided.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is rumored to be powered by Exynos 7422 SoC and have 4GB RAM. It features a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED QHD display, 32GB internal storage, 16-megapixel rear camera, 4100mAh battery and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. There is also support for USB Type-C port. Samsung is dropping the microSD card slot in favor of UFS 2.0 internal storage. UFS 2.0  technology is two times faster than eMMC 4.0 memory technology that is used in smartphone these days. Galaxy Note 5 will also feature an S-Pen with fingernail-ejection mechanism.

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge Plus will also have a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, with dual curved edges and powered by hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor. Other features include 32GB internal storage, microSD card slot, Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, 16-megapixel main camera with OIS, 4K video recording, 5-megapixel front shooter and a 3000mAh battery. It will support USB Type-C port.

That's all the details out in the wild out there. As August 13 nears we will be treated to more details of Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge Plus.

OnePlus 2 to be unveiled on July 27 in world's first VR product launch

OnePlus will unveil its second flagship, OnePlus 2 at a virtual reality event on July 27. This is the world’s first product launch in VR. The event will kick off at 7pm PT, for India 7:30am IST and will be live streamed around the world. For this occasion OnePlus is even designing its own cardboard VR headsets. A VR launch means anyone can be virtually present for the unveiling of the OnePlus 2.

OnePlus said “A VR launch lets you stand right next to our team and our fans as we unveil our new flagship. You’ll be able to look around as you check out the phone in a new way and maybe even find a few hidden Easter eggs”

OnePlus also said that the OnePlus Cardboard has is perfectly tailored to the fit the One smartphone is easy to assemble. These will be offered free of cost via OnePlus website, but you will have to pay for shipping. Pei said with the release of cardboard OnePlus is not making any money "We didn't cut any corners on production, and we're definitely losing money on this. But, we want to share them with everyone," You can register at oneplus.net/cardboard to get notified as soon as OnePlus Cardboard is available.

The OnePlus Cardboard looks similar to Google's Cardboard initiative and offers the same visual experience despite being 20 percent smaller that Google's Cardboard. It is designed for the OnePlus One and is compatible with devices up to 6-inch in size.

OnePlus, ahead of the launch of the OnePlus 2, has been revealing details about it in bits and pieces.  OnePlus has already revealed that the OnePlus 2 will be powered by an improved Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1 processor and will come with USB Type-C connector. The next news regarding OnePlus 2 will be revealed on June 29.

Apple Watch gets new watch faces, native apps and more with watchOS 2 update

Apple at WWDC 2015, previewed watchOS 2, the first major software update for Apple Watch. watchOS 2 brings new smart applications, watch faces, support for transit in maps, Digital Touch and more.

WatchOS 2 will let users to make watch faces out of their favorite photos. You can also view your favorite pictures from the photo album with every rise of your wrist. There is a Time-Lapse watch face, that shows animations from major cities, depending on local time. You get to choose for a selection of time-lapse videos shot over 24 hours in locations including New York City, London or Shanghai. The new Time Travel feature lets you scroll with the Digital Crown to check upcoming or past events, temperature for the week, upcoming flight information and more.

WebOS 2 also provides easier and creative way to communicate. You can respond quickly to a mail using dictation, Smart Replies and emoji. You can create multiple friend screen, each can hold up to 12 friends. With Digital Touch, you can
draw and send sketches with multiple colors on the same canvas

Other features include: 

• Nightstand Mode that transforms Apple Watch into a bedside alarm clock, with the Digital Crown and side button serving as snooze and off buttons for the alarm
• the ability to use merchant rewards and store-issued credit and debit cards with Apple Pay, which can be added to Wallet;
• support for Transit in Maps, so you can view detailed transportation maps and schedules, including walking directions to the nearest stations with entrances and exits precisely mapped;
• workouts from third-party fitness apps contributing to your all-day Move and Exercise goals;
• using Siri to start specific workouts, launch Glances and reply to email; and
• Activation Lock, which lets users secure their Apple Watch with their Apple ID, preventing another user from wiping or activating the device if it is lost or stolen.

In addition, Apple is giving developers tools to build faster and powerful apps for the Apple Watch. The WatchKit for WatchOS 2 will allow developers to take advantage of hardware features of Apple Watch including Digital Crown, Taptic Engine, heart rate sensor, accelerometer and microphone.

WatchOS 2 for Apple Watch will be released this fall which is around September. The WatchKit for webOS 2 is now available for members of iOS Developer Program at developer.apple.com/watchkit. 

Source : Apple Press

iOS 9 brings Multi-Tasking for iPad, intelligent search with Siri and more

Apple at WWDC developer conference, previewed iOS 9, its upcoming OS for iPhone, iPad and iPad touch. The new update brings intelligent search with Siri, new multi-tasking features specifically for iPad and improved in-built apps, without compromising user's privacy.

In iOS 9, Apple's voice assistant Siri features an all-new design. It becomes more intelligent and proactive with improved features. There is a new search screen, where Siri will show you suggested contacts, nearby places, apps and news depending on contextual information like appointments, time and location. Siri is now able to read your calendar to notify you when you need to leave for appointments, taking traffic conditions into account. It can ID incoming calls that aren't saved by looking into your email or address book. An interesting new feature is the ability to do simple math and unit conversions directly from the search bar. The search bar itself delivers more relevant results from categories including sports scores, schedules and videos.

The iPad gets a new multi-tasking and split-screen feature with iOS 9 update. The new Slide over feature lets you simultaneously open a second app without leaving the first app, and then slide it away when you are done. The Split view feature gives you the ability to have two apps open side by side at the same time. This feature is available in iPad Air 2. Picture-in-Picture lets you continue video of FaceTime call in the corner of the screen while using other apps full screen behind it. Apple's QuickType keyboard gets an all-new Shortcut bar, Multi-Touch gestures and editing tools.

Improved built-in apps include Maps, redesigned Note app and News app. Maps adds support for metropolitan transit systems and schedules while the subway station entrances and exits are precisely mapped. When you are travelling, with the new Nearby feature, you can quickly see what's around by searching for food, drinks, shopping and more.

The redesigned Notes app includes the ability to draw a quick sketch, using your finger. You can also create checklist, snap a photo directly in a note, save item directly from the apps to your notes and sync across your devices with iCloud.

The News app combines magazine, newspaper and blog content and presents it with layouts that match the branding and style of the original sources. It can learn your interest and suggest preferred contents. There will be embedded videos, galleries, infographics and live content. It will be available in the U.S, U.K and Australia.

Apple Pay adds support for Discover, rewards programs from participating store-issued credit and debit cards. You can manage your cards in the new Wallet app (previously called Passbook). Apple Pay will be launching in the UK next month.

System improvements on the iOS 9 include battery optimization, that provides users with and additional hour of battery life. There is also a new low-power mode to extend battery life. Enhanced security features in iOS 9 keeps your Apple devices and Apple ID secure. You will now have a six-digit pass-code and when you use Touch ID, there is a two-factor authentication making it harder for others to gain unauthorized access to your Apple ID.

Apple is also reducing the space requaired for iOS 9 software update. You will need 1.8GB of free space to install iOS 9, compared to the 4.6GB that was required for iOS 8. iOS 9 will runs on iPhone 4s and up and the iPad 2 and up devices.

The iOS 9 update will be available as a free upgrade later this year for iPhone 4s and later, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and later. The iOS 9 beta software and SDK is now available for members of iOS Developer Program at developer.apple.com. The Public beta of iOS 9 will be made available in July at beta.apple.com. 

Source : Apple Press

Apple Music streaming service announced

Apple at its WWDC event unveiled its much-anticipated music streaming service called Apple Music. The service combines music downloads, internet radio and streaming music service, all in one place. It will compete against other digital music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora

Much like the other music streaming services, Apple Music also learns the type of songs you listen and recommend new tracks automatically. Apple says that "Curation" is the soul of every playlist created on Apple Music. To ensure this Apple has hired talented music experts, dedicated to creating perfect playlist for user's preference. There is a "For You" section that provides personalized fresh mix of albums, new releases and playlists.

In addition, Apple Music lets you play songs using Siri voice-assistant as wee;. Siri can be asked to “Play me the best songs from 1994,” “Play the best FKA twigs song,” or “What was the number one song in February 2011?”. Apple's music streaming service features Beats 1 and Apple Music Connect.

Beats 1 is a 24-hour music broadcasting radio station which will broadcast live to over 100 countries. It will be led by influential DJs Zane Lowe in Los Angeles, Ebro Darden in New York and Julie Adenuga in London. Beats 1 will offer programs like exclusive interviews, guest hosts and what's going on in the world of music. The radio station range in genres from indie rock to classical and folk to funk. Users will be able to listen to the station and skip unlimited number of songs with premium membership.

Apple Music connect allows Artists and fans to connect with one another directly. Artists can share lyrics, backstage photos, videos or release their latest singles with fans directly via the app. Users can follow their favorite artists and comment on anything they post.

Apple Music will be available starting June 30 for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC. It will be released for Apple TV and Android devices later this year. Users can get a three-month free subscription for Apple Music. Premium subscription fee for Apple Music will cost $9.99 per month. There is also a family plan for the Apple Music, where six members of family can use the service for $14.99 per month.

Source : Apple Press

Apple announces WWDC 2015 event on June 8

Apple announced that it will hold it's 26th annual Worldwide Developers Coneference 2015 (WWDC) from June 8 till June 12  at Moscone Center West in San Francisco, California. The invite reads "Epicenter Of Change".

Registrations is open to members of the iOS Developer Program, iOS Developer Enterprise Program or Mac Developer Program. Developers can apply for tickets at $1599 via WWDC website through Friday, April 17 at 10am PDT. Tickets will be issued to through a random selection process and developers will be informed by Monday, April 20 at 5pm PDT.

For developers who are unable to attend Apple will be streaming select WWDC sessions live via the WWDC website and WWDC app.

Apple is expected to preview the company's lastest operating system - iOS 9 for mobile and tablet and OS X 11 for desktops. There are also rumors that Apple could unveil new versions of its their Apple TV set-top box a new music service.

Source : Apple Press

Asus to launch 5.5-Inch display variants of ZenFone 2 in India on April 23

Asus ZenFone 2 will be launched in India on April 23. On Wednesday, Asus sent out invites for the launch event of Zenfone 2 which will happen in New Delhi, India on April 23.

The Asus ZenFone 2 was initially unveiled at CES 2015 in January and the company claims it to be the world's first smartphone to pack 4GB RAM. Since its launch, Asus has announced several variants of the ZenFone 2. 

ZenFone 2 comes in five variants which differs in terms of screen, RAM and processor. Out of these, three variants with 5.5-inch screen will be launched in India - ZenFone 2 ZE551ML that comes in either 4GB RAM or 2GB RAM and Asus ZenFone ZE550ML.

It's worth noting the 5-inch screen variant ZenFone 2 ZE500CL will not be launched in India. This was confirmed by Asus at a media preview event.

In addition, the company will also launch a 10000mAh power bank and two other mobile accessories at the event.

Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML specifications

• 5.5-inch ( 1920 x 1080 pixels) display with Corning gorilla glass 3 protection
• 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 / 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor with PowerVR G6430 GPU
• 2GB / 4GB RAM
• 16GB/32GB/64GB internal memory, microSD card slot (up to 64GB card supported)
• Android 5.0 Lollipop with Zen UI on top
• 13-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, f/2.0 aperture, Real Tone flash
• 5-megapixel front-facing camera, f/2.0 aperture
• 4G LTE / 3G HSPA+, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
• 3000mAh battery

Note that the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML comes in two RAM options 2GB and 4GB. The 2GB RAM model features 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor and comes with 16GB internal storage. The 4GB RAM model is powered by 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor and comes in either 32GB or 64GB internal storage. 

Asus Zenfone 2 ZE550ML specifications

• 5.5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) display with Corning gorilla glass 3 protection
• 1.8GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 with PowerVR G6430 GPU
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB internal memory, microSD card slot (up to 64GB card supported)
• Android 5.0 Lollipop with Zen UI on top
• 13-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, f/2.0 aperture, Real Tone flash
• 5-megapixel front-facing camera, f/2.0 aperture
• 4G LTE / 3G HSPA+, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
• 3000mAh battery

Samsung announces date of its CES 2015 Keynote

South Korean tech giant Samsung has announced that their CES 2015 Keynote will kick off at 6.30 PM on Monday the 5th of January in Las Vegas. Boo-Keun Yoon, Samsung Electronics' president and CEO, consumer electronics, will be giving a CES 2015 keynote on Monday 5th January. We can expect to see new devices from Samsung at the event.

Samsung will once again be attempting to make more noise than anyone at CES. We expect to see a number of appliances from Samsung at the event including 4K and curved TVs. Other gadgets include a new Galaxy Pro tablet or even a new laptop or other household electronics. Don't expect the Samsung Galaxy S6 to be launched at the event as the device is rumored to debut at MWC 2015.

We do not know what topics will be discussed by Samsung at CES 2015. It is certain that, the company will talk about its future plans for the next 12 months.

Source : Samsung