Reliance Jio procuring smartphones from ZTE for Lyf handset brand: Credit Suisse

Chinese handset maker ZTE is currently making VoLTE-ready 4G smartphones for Reliance Jio’s Lyf handset brand, a report by Credit Suisse revealed. The report also said that all the ZTE devices made for Jio’s Lyf brand are powered by Qualcomm chipsets. Currently, only Qualcomm chipsets support VoLTE functionality.

Reliance Jio Infocomm is the only pan-Indian 4G operator, and it has recently started beta-testing 4G network by issuing connections to employees and their families. There are total four smartphones aptly named- LYF Water 1, LYF Water 2, LYF Water 3 and LYF Earth 1 are released by Lyf brand. Currently, these handsets are rolled out to its employees and would soon be available to the customers.

Jio plans to sell these handsets via their Reliance Retail stores as well as online. The partnership talks are going on with leading eCommerce websites like Flipkart and Snapdeal, according to media reports. Jio, according to Credit Suisse, has recommended a list of about 20 smartphone models across vendors that support its VoLTE service.

The other vendors currently supporting Reliance Jio’s services include Samsung, LG, Lenovo and ZTE. The cheapest recommended phone currently is the Intex Aqua 4G, which is priced under $130. While this range and price points of handset models is underwhelming for a market like India, the firm believes more handsets across vendors and price points will be supported in coming weeks.

ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 is an affordable Android 5.0-based tablet with Dual-SIM 3G connectivity priced at Rs 7,999

ASUS has launched a lot of entry-level Android-based tablets in India in the past couple of years, including the ZenPad 7.0 and the ZenPad 8.0 during the ZenFestival event. Now, the Taiwanese computer peripheral and smartphone brand has launched an affordable dual-SIM Android-based tablet in India. The ASUS ZenPad C 7.0, which has a price tag of Rs 7,999 and Rs 8,999 (depending on the variant), runs Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system, and comes with dual-SIM 3G connectivity.

Two different variants of this tablet – Asus ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170CG) and Asus ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170MG) – are available on Flipkart and Snapdeal respectively. The variant that’s available on Flipkart (priced at Rs. 8,999) has an Intel Atom x3 processor, while the one that’s available through Snapdeal (priced at Rs. 7,999) has a MediaTek processor. The ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170CG) comes in Aurora Metallic, Glamour Red, and Obsidian Black colours, while the ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170MG) is available in Obsidian Black and Pearl White colours.

Asus ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170CG) specifications

• Android 5.0 (Lollipop) with ASUS Zen UI
• 7-inch IPS LCD display, 1024×600 pixels, AGC DragonTrail Glass protection, and front-facing loudspeaker with DTS HD sound
• 5-megapixel primary camera and VGA secondary (front-facing) camera
• Intel Atom x3-C3230 processor (1.2GHz  quad-core 64-bit CPU and ARM Mali-450MP4 GPU)
• 1GB LP-DDR3 RAM, 8GB internal storage, and microSD card slot
• Dual-SIM, 3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0, GPS, microUSB v2.0 port, and 3.5mm headphone jack
• 3,450 mAh battery; 189 x 108 x 8.4 mm; 265g

This tablet features a 7.0-inch display with a resolution of 1,024 x 600 pixels, and is covered using DragonTrail protective glass. It features a front-facing loudspeaker with DTS HD sound profile. There’s a 5-megapixel camera on the rear and a VGA camera on the front of the device. There’s 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage space, a microSD card slot, and a 3,450 mAh battery. In terms of connectivity, it comes with a dual-SIM card slot, and can connect to 3G cellular networks. It would have been great if ASUS equipped this tablet with 4G LTE connectivity.

Asus ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170MG) specifications

• Android 5.0 (Lollipop) with ASUS Zen UI
• 7-inch IPS LCD display, 1024×600 pixels, AGC DragonTrail Glass protection, and Front Speaker with DTS HD Sound
• 5-megapixel primary camera and VGA secondary (front-facing) camera
• MediaTek MT8382 processor (1.3GHz quad-core CPU and ARM Mali-400MP2 GPU)
• 1GB LP-DDR3 RAM, 8GB internal storage, and microSD card slot
• Dual-SIM, 3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0, GPS, microUSB v2.0 port, and 3.5mm headphone jack
• 3,450 mAh battery; 189 x 108 x 8.4 mm; 265g

Going by the specifications, the variant of the ZenPad C 7.0, which comes with an Intel SoC, has a beefier ARM Mali-450MP4 GPU. Even though it is priced Rs 1,000 higher, I would advise people interested in this product to buy the variant that’s available through Flipkart as it will provide a better gaming experience due to its GPU. Since Xiaomi’s Mi Pad lacks any kind of cellular connectivity, consumers would be interested in this tablet’s dual-SIM connectivity. What do you think about this tablet?

Xiaomi Launches Redmi Note Prime at Rs 8,499, Features an Upgraded SoC, Dual SIM 4G Support and Doubled up Storage

Xiaomi had us guessing last week when it teased a Prime Phone, while we guessed a Prime update for its existing line up, it seems Xiaomi had something else in its mind. Xiaomi has pulled the wraps from Redmi Note Prime, a second made in India phone that will be Priced at Rs 8,499 and will be made available exclusively on Amazon.in.

The first phone being the Redmi 2 prime, the Note Prime will be manufactured in the Sri City plant in Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with Foxconn Technology. As the nomenclature explains the Redmi Note Prime is an updated variant of the Redmi Note 4G which sold in India without an updated variant for more than a year.

The Redmi Note Prime will be powered by the Snapdragon 410 as opposed to the Snapdragon 400 in its predecessor and it will be coupled with a 2GB of RAM. The internal memory has however been bumped up from 8GB to 16GB which obviously comes with an expandable microSD card slot. Note Prime comes equipped with a 5.5-inch HD display (Still no FHD), which seems to be borrowed from its predecessor.

On the imaging front the changes are almost non existent, as it features the similar 13-Megapixel primary and 5-Megapixel secondary combo, though it is yet to ascertain if sensors have been upgraded. Xiaomi has not made any changes to the cosmetics of the phone and it looks pretty much like the Redmi Note 4G.

Another much welcomes change is the fact that unlike Redmi Note 4G the Note Prime does come with a dual SIM 4G slot. The device will be backed up by a 3100mAH battery pack and is expected to run Android Lollipop wrapped in MIUI 7. Xiaomi will be flagging off an even called“Very Mi Christmas” wherein it will launch the Redmi Note Prime along with some deals and lucky draws, the typical festival stuff! The Redmi Note Prime Sales registration will start on December 15 at 10am on Amazon.in and as a launch day offer Mi Protect will be made available at a discounted price of Rs 199.

7 Ways to Block a Phone Number!

There are times when you might feel the need to block a phone number and avoid those unwanted calls, be it the pesky telemarketers or an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend who just doesn’t accept that it’s all OVER! The reasons to block a phone number are numerous, but the solutions to do so are numbered and few. Depending upon your cell phone model and your carrier, there might be a solution.

How to Block Phone Number and Avoid Unwanted Calls

There are different ways to handle unwanted calls and block a phone number. All methods won’t work for all, so you would need to carefully choose an option which will work for you.

“Do not call” Registry

This option is best suited if you are trying to block a telemarketer. If you are in US, you can register with the National Do not call registry or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you wish to block to keep the telemarketers at bay. It is illegal for telemarketers to call you after you have been added to this list. If you are in India, there is a similar National Do not call registry where you can register your phone number.

Carrier Help

Taking the help of your carrier is the most appropriate option to block any phone number.

• AT&T : If you are a customer of AT&T wireless, you can make use of a premium service called “Parental Controls” which will allow you to limit who can call you or text you by blocking or allowing certain numbers. It costs just $4.99 per month.
• Verizon : Go to VerizonWireless and log into your account. And then go to “My Services” and choose the SPAm control. Here you can add up to 5 phone numbers that you do not want to contact you or even text you.
• Sprint & T-Mobile : Currently, Sprint and T-Mobile doesn’t provide an easy way to block unwanted callers, though there is a work-around for Sprint users. You can block all numbers which are not in your phone contacts. For this, go to Settings –> Security –> Others [password will be last 4 digits of your phone number] –> Call settings. Here you will find that option.

Handset Specific Options

Off late, the handset manufacturers have started providing features to help you block phone numbers. Look out for in-built or downloadable option to limit incoming calls.

• Nokia : The Nokia symbian phone users can download apps like Blacklist which can block specific phone numbers from making a call.
• Samsung : If you have a Samsung phone, you have the ability to send an incoming call directly to voicemail, without it even ringing on your device. Look for the “block list” feature on your device
• Sony-Ericsson : SE mobile phones have built-in blocking functions, simply go to Settings > Calls > Manage Calls > Accept Calls > Only from list, press ‘Edit’ to choose the numbers.
• T-mobile G1 : Similar to Samsung phones, G1 also uses a feature available in the contact list to block specific numbers.
• Blackberry : If you have a Blackberry, you can use a program called Efficient Call Blockerfrom BerryWAV. This program will block numbers that you specify and let you make the other party hear messages like your number is disconnected or no longer in service. Another such app is CallsBlocker.


• iPhone : Not a straight-forward option available for iPhones if you are not using iOS 7. Check the Update below if you are on iOS 7. In case you have a jailbroken iPhone, there are couple of neat apps which will help you – MCleaner & iBlacklist.

Update: If you are on iOS 7, you can block anyone with a click on your iPhone. This will block the person from calling, texting and FaceTiming you. To do that, go into your contacts, select someone, and scroll down to hit “Block.”

Activate Silent mode for specific contacts

There are times when a pesky friend or a relative continuously call you and you’re not comfortable telling them to cut it out. Easy way to handle such situations is to activate silent mode only for such contacts. The trick is to have a silent ringtone assigned to such contacts. So, each time they call you, you don’t really get to hear it, and they should eventually get tired of calling you.

Download this blank mp3 ringtone (or this one). If you are using Android or Symbian smartphones, transfer the file onto your SD card and set this as the ringtone for that pesky contact. Additionally you can create a new profile and assign the silent ringtone as the default one for everyone in that profile. iOS users can use this guide to upload ringtone to iPhone.

YouMail

If your phone is compatible with free services like YouMail, you can block unwanted voicemail messages. The callers you block get the designated greeting you choose and are never given the option of leaving a voicemail message! They have dedicated apps for Blackberry, Android and iPhone which are all available for free.

TrapCall

TrapCall is a premium service with numerous features like blocking unwanted callers, number unmasking, recording calls etc. TrapCall currently supports AT&T, T-mobile, Verizon and Sprint.

Call Customer Care!

Calling customer care for help in blocking a specific phone number is one of the most suggested solutions. Alas! it doesn’t work most of the times. But some carriers do let you block a phone number but only after verifying the facts and asking few security questions.

Change your number

I know this is a ridiculous solution, but in case none of the above tricks work, this is the only available option.

Motorola teases the launch of Moto G Turbo Edition in India

Motorola launched the Moto G (3rd Gen) in India earlier this year, and it is priced at Rs. 11,990 and Rs. 12,990 for the 8GB and 16GB respectively. Now, the company is teasing the launch of the Moto G Turbo Edition in India.

The company has tweeted hints about the device earlier today, and it may seem that it’s about the Moto Turbo (2nd Gen), but it’s not. The Motorola Moto G Turbo Edition is an improved variant of the Moto G (3rd Gen), and it comes with a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor, IP67 water resistance, and Quick Charge compatibility.

However, other specifications including the screen, the camera, and the battery are all similar to the Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen).

The Moto G Turbo Edition features a 5-inch IPS LCD display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, a 13-megapixel camera with dual-tone dual-LED flash and 1080p video recording, a 5-megapixel primary camera, a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 615 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, a microSD card slot, 4G LTE, 1IP67 water-resistance certification, and a 2,470 mAh battery.

Samsung agrees to pay $548 million to Apple for patent infringement

It all began back in 2011. Apple sued Samsung for infringing the company’s patents for things like “multi-touch gestures” and “tap to zoom” capabilities. The next year, a court ruled in Apple’s favor. Apple requested $2.5 billion in damages, but the judge decided that Samsung should pay $1,049,343,540. After an arduous legal battle that has seen many chapters, Samsung has finally agreed to pay a little over half that.

The final figure of $548 million was reached back in May after some protracted courtroom haggling between Samsung and Apple. Now the two companies have released a joint court statement in which Samsung has agreed to pay this amount so long as Apple can provide them with an invoice by the end of the day.

However, the term “final figure” might be a little misleading. Samsung has made it clear that they are reserving the right to reclaim the payment by reimbursement in part or in full depending on the results of any future court rulings. Apple has responded to these claims by asserting that Samsung has no such right in a legal rendition of “no takesies-backsies.”

So it looks like this is something of a false-close on this case. Sure, Samsung is agreeing to pay, but they’re everything but giving up on this. The company is expected to pursue a US Supreme Court review of the patent infringement case, and many are contesting whether or not the patents sought by Apple should have ever been awarded in the first place. If the US Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, we might be looking at a retrial.

Huawei announces Enjoy 5S smartphone with 4G LTE and Fingerprint sensor

Reported by Zara Ali  Mobiles & Tablets  Last Updated: December 5, 2015 at 11:45 am0

Huawei has announced a successor to its Enjoy 5 smartphone in China, named as the Enjoy 5S. The device features a 7.6mm slim metal clad unibody design adorned with a Fingerprint sensor. It has been launched at a price of 1199 Yuan (Approx. US$ 187 / Rs. 12,500). Huawei has not revealed any information regarding the device’s global availability yet.

The device features a 5-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, and is powered by a 1.5 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6753T 64-bit chipset clubbed with 2GB of RAM. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with Emotion UI 3.1 Lite on top, and has 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via microSD card. There is a 13-megapixel primary camera with LED flash, along with a 5-megapixel selfie camera. In the connectivity department, it supports Hybrid dual-SIM, 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and is backed by a 2,200mAh battery. It measures 143.5 x 71 x 7.6mm, weighs 135 grams, and will be available in Silver and Golden color options.

Huawei Enjoy 5S specifications

• 5-inch HD IPS display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels
• 1.5 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6753T SoC clubbed with 2GB of RAM
• 16GB internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via microSD card
• Android 5.1 Lollipop with Emotion UI 3.1 Lite on top
• 13MP primary camera with LED Flash, and 5MP front-facing camera
• Hybrid dual-SIM, 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
• 2,200mAh battery

Panasonic Eluga Mark puts the focus on security, now available in India for 11,990

Panasonic India has announced its latest smartphone, the Eluga Mark, positioning it as a security-oriented handset for young professionals and the enterprise segment. A fingerprint sensor at the back allows for an added layer of security, and Android for Work support ensures that the device is compatible on secure corporate networks.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Pankaj Rana, Business Head – Mobility Division, Panasonic India, said:

"With the growing use of smartphones for a wider range of high-risk activities such as access to cloud data and private information, mobile security is a top priority for users. This control-sensitive device, which achieves complex tasks with the press of a finger or a swipe of the thumb, is personalized for the user and protects the smartphone investment."

Powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC, the Eluga Mark features a 5.5-inch 720p display, 2GB of RAM and 16GB internal memory, which is expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. The 4G LTE smartphone sports a 13MP rear camera optimized by an LED flash, 5MP front-facing camera and a 2,500mAh battery along with Android 5.1 Lollipop. The Eluga Mark comes with the FitHome user interface by Panasonic, which enables single thumb-flick access to applications on the home screen. The fingerprint sensor can also store up to eight fingerprints at a time.

Panasonic has mentioned that it launched 16 devices thus far in the country in 2015, and that it intends to launch a few more before the end of the year. The vendor has stated interest in the "Make in India" initiative for 2016, along with targeting international markets and regions with 4G-enabled devices.

The Panasonic Eluga Mark will be available in Royal Gold or Metallic Grey color variants for ₹11,990 ($180).

TECNO PHANTOM 5

General Information
2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network	HSDPA 900 / 2100
4G Network	FDD-TLE 800 / 850 / 2100 / 1800 / 2600
SIM	Dual mini SIM
Status	Announced September 2015
	Body
Dimensions	151 x 75.8 x 6.8 mm
Keyboard	Touchscreen
Colors	White, Black
Cover	Metal
	Display
Type	IPS capacitive touchscreen with 16,000,000 colors
Size	5.5 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels, 401 pixels per inch (PPI)
	Memory And OS
Card slot	No
Internal	32GB
OS	Android 5.1 Lollipop
Processors	1.5GHz octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU, MediaTek MT6753 chipset, Mali-T760 MP4 GPU
RAM	3GB
	Audio
Alert types	Vibration, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker	Yes
Audio port	3.5mm jack
	Connectivity
2G	GPRS – up to 85.6 kbps; EDGE – up to 236.8 kbps
3G	Up to 42 mbps downlink; Up to 5.76 mbps uplink
4G	Yes
WIFI	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, WIFI hotspot, Wi-Fi direct
Bluetooth	Version 4.0
GPS	A-GPS
NFC	No
USB	MicroUSB v2.0
	Camera
Primary	13MP, up to 4128 x 3096-pixel pictures, HDR, face and smile detection camera with LED flash
Video	1080p@30fps
Secondary	8MP, up to 3264 x 2448-pixel pictures
	Battery
Capacity	3000mAh Li-Ion battery
Stand-by
Talk time
Music play
	Other Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass, Fingerprint
Messaging	SMS, MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM
Browser	HTML5
Java	No
	– SNS integration – MP4/MPEG4/H.263/H.264 player – MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3/FLAC player – Document viewer – FM radio – Image viewer – Voice memo/dial/command – Predictive text input – Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk