Simmtronics XPAD Freedom voice-calling tablet launched at Rs. 13, 999

XPAD Freedom for the Indian market at Rs. 13,999. The tablet is also listed on Flipkart with a 'coming soon' tag. Simmtronics is also offering a free tablet cover worth Rs. 1,999 with every XPAD Freedom tablet.
It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor along with 1GB of RAM. The tablet includes 8GB of inbuilt storage, which further expandable up to 32GB with the help of microSD card. It sports dual cameras - a 5-megapixel rear camera, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. The Simmtronics XPAD Freedom tablet runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. It packs a 5,000mAh battery which the company claims can deliver up to 5 hours of Web browsing time and up to 6 hours of video browsing time. Connectivity options on the tablet include Wi-Fi, Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI and 3G. The tablet comes preloaded with apps like Documents To Go, Skype, BIGFLIX, YouTube among others.

Simmtronics XPAD Freedom key specifications

• 7.8-inch IPS display with 1024x768 pixels resolution
• 1.2GHz quad-core processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 8GB inbuilt storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD card
• 5-megapixel rear camera
• 2-megapixel front-facing camera
• Dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) with voice-calling
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• 5,000mAh battery

Canonical has released the latest version of its Linux-based operating system, Ubuntu 13.10. Besides the desktop OS, the company has also released Ubuntu for phones, though it gives a disclaimer that the release is meant for developers and industry partners and warns that it can potentially brick the user's device, leaving it unusable. 

The OS can be installed on the Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4 smartphones and Canonical has given a detailed instruction set for installation, on its website. 

It's worth pointing out that the build of the OS only includes core apps (a browser, calendar, clock, weather, and calculator), allows phones to connect to GSM networks, supports phone calls and SMS, Wi-Fi data connectivity, and rear and front cameras. Also, the OS build offers limited functionality. For instance, the camera app does't support video capture.

Nonetheless, the release is a significant landmark for Canonical and signals that Ubuntu based smartphones are now a step closer to reality as device makers and developers can evaluate and test their devices and apps on the final build of the OS.
Canonical had first released images and open source code for the Developer Preview of the Ubuntu Smartphone OS for touchscreen devices in February, after announcing the launch of the OS in January.

Earlier, the company had announced a crowd-funding campaign to build the first batch of Ubuntu Edge phones. However, it failed to raise a target funding of $32 million to manufacture a limited batch of 40,000 devices, missing it by $20 million.

The Ubuntu Edge phone was said to support dual-boot with Ubuntu phone OS and Android, and would have featured the capability to transform into a PC when docked with a monitor with full Ubuntu desktop with shared access to all the phone's files.

Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Canonical, had said that carriers and handset makers "were definitely interested in building handsets which will run the mobile Linux - but that they will not be the top-end "superphones" which the Edge project hoped to produce."

Nokia smartwatch prototype with multiple displays spotted in patent filing

Following Samsung and Sony's lead, Nokia is working on a smartwatch, according to a report.

Engadget reports Nokia's alleged smartwatch prototype, codenamed 'Facet' has been spotted at US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) site. As per the patent filing, the Finnish major's smartwatch prototype appears more like a bracelet that houses multi-displays. The report suggests that each display is dedicated to a different function. Further, the site details that for using each display on the alleged smartwatch, one would require the particular display to kept facing up, towards the eyes.

The site further claims that Kent Lyons, a member of Nokia Research Centre, who had released a paper on the Facet multi-segment wrist worn system last year, has now revealed that versions of the alleged smartwatch are being tested out. As of now, not many details about the alleged Nokia 'Facet' smartwatch have surfaced. While it seems Nokia's plans have not yet been finalised, if all goes well, the Finnish major may come up with its first wearable tech device soon.

Samsung has already unveiled its first wearable tech device, the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, which presently only works with the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition, and now, the Galaxy S4, according to latest report.

The Korean manufacturer had announced after the launch of the Galaxy Gear smartwatch that the wearable tech device will soon also be compatible with other Galaxy smartphones, like the Galaxy S4, Galaxy SIII and Galaxy Note II. Sony recently also launched its SmartWatch 2, the successor to its SmartWatch.

A recent report suggested that smartwatch success could be a lucrative battle in smartphone race, but as of yet, only a handful of companies have been able to push their smartwatches into the market.

Lenovo Miix2 tablet with 8-inch display, Windows 8.1 launched

The Lenov has launched the successor to the Miix tablet, the Miix2, at $299. The Lenovo Miix 2 will hit stores later this month; however, the Chinese major has not revealed the countries where the tablet will be available.

The Lenovo Miix2 measures 215.4x131.6x8.1mm and weighs about 350 grams. It comes with an 8-inch IPS display with 1280x800 pixels resolution and boasts of a 16:10 aspect ratio. The tablet sports a 5-megapixel rear camera and also houses a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Lenovo Miix2 runs Windows 8.1, Microsoft's latest operating system for desktops, notebooks and PC tablets. Windows 8.1 brings new additions like enhanced searching and sharing features; improved Web-surfing with the new Internet Explorer 11; improved touch optimization and features the popular 'Start' button.

Internally, the tablet is powered an Intel Bay Trail-T quad-core processor, based on Intel's Atom architecture and comes integrated with Intel HD Graphics (Gen7) with Clear Video HD technology. It also includes up to 128GB of eMMC onboard storage which is further expandable up to 32GB with microSD slot.

Commenting on the launch, Bai Peng, vice president and general manager, notebook business unit, Lenovo Business Group said, "Many users want the convenience of a smaller screen tablet, but do not want to lose the performance and convenience of a powerful, quad core Windows 8.1 device. With the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch, users can take advantage of a small, light form factor without sacrificing performance. The Lenovo Miix2 8-inch is a great example of how thoughtful design can deliver the best of both worlds."

Lenovo Miix2 key specifications

• 8-inch IPS display with 1280x800 pixels resolution
• Intel Bay Trail-T quad-core processor with Intel HD Graphics (Gen7)
• 128GB onboard storage, expandable up to 32GB with microSD slot
• 5-megapixel rear camera
• 2-megapixel front-facing camera
• 215.4x131.6x8.1mm
• 350 grams

Sony Xperia C with 5-inch display, dual-SIM launched at Rs. 21,490

Sony has launched its latest phablet, the Xperia C, in the Indian market at a price point of Rs. 21,490.

Earlier this month, the device was listed at some online retailers for Rs. 20,490. The Sony Xperia Cwas officially unveiled earlier this year, at the Mobile Asia Expo.

The company has informed that the Xperia C comes with accidental damage cover for 6 months from the date of purchase. Further, Sony has tied-up with Airtel to offer 1GB free data access, for the first two months following the purchase of the smartphone.

The new Sony Xperia C boasts Sony's OmniBalance design, first seen in its flagship phone, Xperia Z. It is the first smartphone from the Japanese handset giant in the Indian market to be powered by a MediaTek MTK6589 quad-core processor; clocked at 1.2GHz.

The Xperia C features a 5-inch TFT LCD qHD (540x960 pixel) display and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It includes 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded up to 32GB via microSD card. The Sony Xperia C is a dual-SIM smartphone (GSM+GSM) with dual standby.

The Xperia C sports an 8-megapixel rear camera with Exmor R sensor. The camera comes with features like face detection and Sweep Panorama, and is also capable of shooting videos in full-HD (1080p) mode. The phone also sports a 0.3-megapixel front camera.

Connectivity options include 3G, Wi-Fi, DLNA, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS. The smartphone will be available in White, Black and Purple colour options.

The Sony Xperia C also includes motion-gaming, FM radio with RDS, Walkman app and 'screen mirroring'. The device is backed by a 2330mAh battery, which the company claims can deliver up to 10 hours of talktime and up to 588 hours of standby time.

Sony Xperia C key specifications

• 5-inch display with qHD (540x960 pixel) display
• 1.2 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB internal storage, expandable by up to 32GB
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED Flash, Exmor R sensor
• 0.3-megapixel front camera
• Dual-SIM (3G + 2G) with dual standby
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)

HTC Desire 709d, Desire 7060 and Desire 7088 launched

htc has launched three new Desire smartphones, the Desire 709d, Desire 7060 and Desire 7088 for the Chinese market. As of now, the Taiwanese handset maker has not revealed the pricing and availability details of these smartphones but all the devices have been listed on HTC China's official site. It is also not clear whether the new Desire smartphones will be released in other markets or not.
Interestingly, all three smartphones - the HTC Desire 709d, Desire 7060 and Desire 7088 - are dual-SIM (GSM+GSM), and come with identical specifications, but differ in overall design.

Internally the HTC Desire 709d, Desire 7060 and Desire 7088 come with a quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor with Adreno 203 graphics, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera, 8GB of inbuilt storage that's expandable up to 64GB via microSD card, and a 2100mAh battery. The smartphones feature 5-inch qHD (540x960) displays and measure 145.5x72x10.3mm.

The HTC Desire 709d, Desire 7060 and Desire 7088 run Android Jelly Bean with Sense 5 UI featuring BlinkFeed. All three newly launched Desire smartphones sport BoomSound front speakers, HTC Zoe and Video highlights, first seen on flagship smartphone, the HTC One.

The HTC Desire 709d, Desire 7060 and Desire 7088 will expand company's Desire smartphone range that already includes Desire 200, Desire 300, Desire 500, Desire 600 and Desire 600c.

Recently, HTC launched its long-rumoured HTC One Max phablet. It comes with 5.9-inch full-HD LCD display and runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of the box with HTC's Sense 5.5 UI on top. The new phablet measures 164.5x82.5x10.29mm and weighs 217 grams. The HTC One Max follows the same design as that of company's flagship smartphone, the HTC One. The all new phablet from HTC features the fingerprint scanner at the back which lets users log-in with a swipe of fingertip.

Logitech Z600 Bluetooth speakers with multi-pairing launched at Rs. 12,995

Logitech has launched Z600 Bluetooth speakers in India at a price point of Rs. 12,995. The pair of wireless stereo speakers come in two colour variants and can be paired with up to three devices at a time, enabling users to play audio from their computer, smartphone or tablet, without hassle.  According to Logitech, users can easily switch between multiple paired devices by pressing pause on one and play on the other device.
 
Each Z600 speaker features three drivers to offer enhanced acoustics, and can be connected with any Bluetooth A2DP-enabled device, or any device with USB audio-out, or with other devices that feature a 3.5mm audio output port. The speakers come with a USB transceiver to connect with devices that have a USB port but no Bluetooth support.
 
The controls on the Logitech Z600 Bluetooth Speakers are also placed in an interesting manner. The entire top panel of the right speaker is a touch disc for increasing or decreasing the volume by simply gliding one's finger around the edge. The power key, Bluetooth pairing button and 3.5 mm input port are hidden at the back of the speakers. The operating range of the speakers is 33 feet or 10 metres.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Subrotah Biswas, Country Director of Logitech India and South West Asia, said, "We have always been trendsetters in introducing superior consumer experience with various product ranges.  With Z600 launch, we aim to provide an object of art using shapes, materials, and colors that meld with the modern living space and complement the look of ultrathin laptops. And with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, first time for Logitech multimedia speakers, Z600 are ideal for today's wireless, multi-device lifestyle."