Nikon’s new camera runs Android, also as a media player

Nikon is giving Android-powered cameras a second go, only this time they have added a slightly more modern version of Android and a 3.5mm jack to create an all-in-one experience.

For the average user, the difference between a connected camera and a standalone camera is that one will actually get used on a regular basis while the other collects dust until the next wedding you are invited to. While standalone cameras are almost always more powerful when it comes to taking pictures, a smartphone or a connected camera offers you the combination of apps and instant upload capabilities.

Google increases Android security with continuous malware filtering

Google has announced a change in its Android security system that will ensure that apps on your smartphone are safe from malicious software. "Verify Apps" by Google earlier used to scan apps for malicious code at the time of installation. "From now on, the program will expand and will continuously check the device even after installation to make sure that apps are “behaving in a safe manner," Google announced in a blog post.

 

The continuous app scanning will mean that if an app changes permissions on a later day, (like the ability to access your calendar, read your messages, etc.), Google’s Android Verify Apps program will keep a check on them and make sure they are not affected by malware. The new continuous checks use the same app-scanning technology that Google already uses for Android and also in its Chrome browser. Google adds that the regular “Verify apps” feature in Android has been used more than 4 billion times till now.

Dell XPS 11 11.6-inch convertible laptop

Convertibles can be a tricky form-factor. Too many of them end up simply feeling like swiveling laptops or tablets with keyboards attached, but Dell’s XPS 11 hits a sweet spot that gives you the best of both worlds. With today’s coupon bringing the price down to an all time low, this is a hot deal on some unique hardware.



The XPS 11 has a standout 11.6-inch 400-nit 2560×1440 touch display, which uses edge-to-edge ultratough Gorilla Glass NBT. This blows away virtually any other laptop in terms of pixel density, and gives you a superb visual and touch-friendly experience that will rival tablets like the iPad Air. Coupled with a patent-pending hinged design that rotates up to 360 degrees, getting the right angle for whatever you need to use it for will be a snap too.

Nokia X gets first source-built custom Android ROM

The Nokia X family of devices based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) was announced at the sidelines of the MWC 2014. The Nokia X family can run Android apps, and until now users could also root the Nokia X to run Google's Android apps (including the Play Store) and other Google services like the Google Now.

 

Now according to a report, the Nokia X has received its first source-built AOSP Jellybean 4.1.2 build based on Code Aurora). Senior XDA developer dhacker29, is said to be the person behind this custom Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean ROM for the Nokia X.

SkinneePix app makes you look 15 pounds lighter in selfies

The new selfie-editing app, SkinneePix is designed specifically to make you look skinnier in your selfies. The app promises to make it look like you've shed 5, 10 or 15 pounds with just the click of a button.

 

SkinneePix app only works for single shots and not group shots. Users can click photos from both the front- or rear-facing cameras on the smartphone or import images from their camera roll. The app uses facial-detection software and shaves pounds from the face and not the whole body. A little bar pops up under the photo which gives you four options to loose weight in your selfies: 0, 5, 10 and 15 pounds.

Adobe Lightroom mobile app released for iPad, coming to iPhone soon

 Adobe, creator of the world's best photo editing suite Photoshop, has released a mobile app of its Lightroom software which has only been available to desktop users till now. The app is currently available on iTunes for iPad only and will soon be released for iPhone also. The new app will automatically syncs with Lightroom 5 on the desktop as well.

In order to fully utilize all the features of the app, you will need to have a Creative Cloud subscription (which is primarily the catch here).

Razer launches new Blade gaming laptops featuring Nvidia Maxwell GPUs

Gaming laptops manufacturer, Razer Inc has announced two new high-end notebooks, the new Razer Blade and Razer Blade Pro. Both notebooks feature power-packed specs.




The all new Razer Blade sports a 14-inch touchscreen display with a staggering resolution of 3200x1800 pixels. It runs on a 4th gen Intel Core i7 4702HQ CPU, 8 8GB of RAM and the brand new Nvidia GeForce GTX 870M GPU. It also features an SSD which starts from 128GB all the way to 512GB. The Razer Blade is only 0.7 inches thin and Razer claims that it is the "World's Thinnest Gaming Laptop." It also claims the title of "World's Highest Resolution 14-inch Laptop Display" as well.

Indian IT graduate launches AWAAZ, a free VoIP Android app

A new VOIP (Voice over IP telephony) app has been released for Android. The app called AWAAZ Android app allows users to call each other using their mobile phones for free as all calls get routed over the Internet automatically. The app has been developed by Anuj Jain, who is an IT graduate from Delhi University.

The app runs more like a plug-in than an app, as the user doesn't need to run the application after installing it for the first time. The user can make calls using the regular phone dialer and the app automatically takes over the call if both phones have it installed and are connected to the Internet. Users can also see which contacts are currently online on the app. Like WhatsApp, a user's phone number becomes their identity, and apart from that the app doesn't ask for any more details. If your contacts start using the app, your calls are automatically routed over the internet with no input from you or your contact.

Dell introduces Latitude Extreme 12 and 14 rugged laptops

Dell has been a pioneer in making laptops and today the company has introduced a new line of rugged laptops targeting the military and industry sectors. The new line is called Latitude Extreme and includes a 12-inch and 14-inch laptops which are made with impact-resistant ultra-polymers and sturdy magnesium alloy.

The Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme is a convertible notebook which is priced at $3,649 and the Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme begins at $3,499. Both of the laptops can withstand dust, moisture, drops, vibration and extreme temperatures. The laptops will also feature innovations like direct view outdoor-readable display to enhance productivity in harsh sunlight that reduces glare and reflections with less reliance on the backlight (resulting in longer battery life) and also a sealed and customizable “RGB” back-lit keyboard.

Apple iWatch may be launched in August: Reports

According to reports, Apple has received samples of flexible PCBs from leading Flexible PCB suppliers for its next generation iWatch. The reports also suggest that Apple may launch the iWatch in the third quarter this year.



Apple has reportedly received PCBs from Flexium Interconnect, Carrer Technology and Zhen Ding Technology Holding. Reports suggest that the tech giant will examine the parts before approving them for the iWatch. Zhen Ding is Apple's largest supplier of printed circuit boards, and plans to spend over $100 million to add production capacity. The PCB manufacturer expects orders not only for the iWatch, but also for the iPhone 6 and iPhone phablet.

Nokia's Asha phones get camera improvements and 7GB OneDrive storage

Nokia is rolling out a major update for its new Asha phones, including the Nokia Asha 230, Asha 500, Asha 501, Asha 502 and Asha 503. The new update is meant for both single and dual-SIM variants. The update brings the MixRadio service, improved camera settings, and support for Microsoft OneDrive among others. Nokia has started rolling out the update and users will be informed about it via a push notification on their Asha smartphones.

The update also brings Mix Radio music streaming service, which allows users to create mixes and download them. The service is limited to specific countries and is currently not available on the Nokia Asha 230.

Microsoft unveils Windows in the Car, competes with Apple's CarPlay

Microsoft is working on a Windows-based car integration system, which is said to be very similar to Apple’s CarPlay. At its recently held Build conference, the company showed off the CarPlay-like concept, which is currently dubbed as Windows in the Car.



The system works as a mirror for Windows UI, giving users access to apps such as Xbox Radio, Maps and Spotify on dash screens. It also has physical car settings such as defrost. Microsoft has tied up with Mirrorlink for its Windows in the Car. It’s notable Mirrorlink already works with several car makers such as Toyota, Volkswagen and Honda. Mirrorlink has similar tie ups for Nokia Sumbian phones and Sony Xperia Z. Windows in the Car encourages developers to come up with car-specific apps, which we may see in the next version of Windows.

Qualcomm offers Snapdragon 805-powered tablet for developers

Qualcomm had announced its Snapdragon 805 chip way back in November 2013. In addition to being a major upgrade over the current gen processors, the new 805 chip will offer support for UltraHD 4K video playback on phones, tablets, as well as smart TVs. Now finally, a Snapdragon-805-based Mobile Development Platform Tablet is set to be exclusively available for developers. Intrinsyc, the company which is selling the tablets already will ship orders by the end of April.

The developer tablet comes with an (obviously) impressive set of specifications - 10-inch 2560 x 1440 display, 3GB of RAM, Android 4.4 KitKat, 64GB storage, microSD card slot, and a 13MP main camera that is capable of recording 4K video. On the front, the tablet has a couple of dedicated cameras to capture 3D in-air gesture input, backed by an IR light source. There’s a front camera as well.

Micromax to offer Windows Phone 8.1-based smartphones soon

One of the most important announcements made at Microsoft's Build Conference 2014 was the tie up of Microsoft with the Indian smartphone maker Micromax. According to reports, Micromax will soon be offering affordable Windows Phone 8.1 platform-based smartphones in India.



Reports suggest that Micromax and Microsoft were in talks over Windows Phone since the middle of last year. The two companies reportedly reached an agreement earlier this year as Microsoft decided to make Windows Phone free for Micromax. According to recent reports, Microsoft is offering Windows Phone free for some Indian smartphone companies including Micromax, Xolo (Lava) and Karbonn.

Amazon Dash gadget makes food shopping easier

Amazon has unveiled Dash, a wand-like device that lets you scan items from the comfort of your home and receive them the very next day.

Amazon Dash lets users add items to shopping lists in their accounts on AmazonFresh, the company's same-day delivery service.

The Wi-Fi wand has a built-in microphone and barcode scanner, allowing users to either scan products at home or to say items into the mic.

Dash then connects to your home Wi-Fi network to check the products’ availability on AmazonFresh and Amazon.

Samsung’s next Windows Phone handset (ATIV SE)

Next week, Microsoft is expected to unveil Windows Phone 8.1. Usually with big OS refreshes you get a few hardware launches, as well. That’s no different this time around as we’re expecting the Lumia 630 (aka ‘Moneypenny’), Lumia 930 (aka ‘Martini’, a non-Verizon version of the Icon) and eventually ‘Goldfinger’, which we hear is going to be a somewhat radical departure in terms of user interaction.

One of those 8.1 launch devices is reportedly the Samsung ATIV SE, another refresh from Samsung destined for Verizon. Not much is known about this device except that it may have a five inch, 1080P display and that it’s being built for Windows Phone 8.1. A render has been leaked by Evleaks that suggests a strong similarity between it and other ATIV devices in terms of aesthetics.

It’s not clear yet though if it will launch with 8.1 or get the update sometime soon after.

Now, getting word from a trusted source that the ATIV SE will hit shelves on April 18 with an off-contract price of $599. On-contract will most likely be $199, but we have not been able to verify that as of yet.

Apple iPhone 6 will coming in September

Apple will launch the next iPhone in either August or September, according to various sources.

While the Apple iPhone 6 launch date remains elusive, there are signs that its supply chain is gearing up to begin production of the smartphone.

According to Digitimes, Simplo Technology and Desay Battery Technology have received orders to supply parts for the iPhone 6.

The Last of Us Coming To PlayStation 4 in June 2014

The Last of Us will be launched for the PlayStation 4 console this June, according to a Spanish retailer.
 There have been speculations all over about the coming of the PS4 edition of The Last of U in summers. And now, a Spanish retailer XtraLife is allowing customers to pre-order a PlayStation 4 version of The Last of Us "Complete Edition", which again confirms the existence of the forthcoming title.


Amusingly, the listing appeared only a few days after PlayStation Turkey Boss said that The Last of Us will soon to be announce for the PlayStation 4 as both physical as well as digital release.

"There is no information about a new The Last of Us game but I can share this knowledge; as of this summer, The Last of Us will be on the PS4. Both on PSN and physically," Sulun said, according to IGN translation. "The PS4 version will also include the DLC so you will be able to play Left Behind as well."

Office For iPad Hits 12 million Downloads in a Week: Microsoft

One week after the release of Microsoft's Office for iPad, more than 12 million people across the globe have downloaded the productivity tool, according to the numbers generated by Microsoft 

Microsoft shared the number via a tweet that said," More than 12 million downloads of Word, Excel, PPT & OneNote for #iPad from the @AppStore <3 #OfficeforiPad."

Last week, Microsoft officially launched the office suit apps for the most popular tablet device on earth, the iPad. The productivity suit includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint which made the iPad more productive in nature.

Of course, 12 million is a huge number, but let's not forget that MS office for iPad won't come cheap.

As usual, the office apps are free to download, which allow users to view documents without any additional charge; however, users' have a pay around $70 (Rs. 4200) to edit/create documents on the go.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Becomes First Smartphone To Support Fingerprint Recognition for Payments

While we all know that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is set to officially launch with a dedicated fingerprint scanner, we are yet to see some real-life demonstration related to the same. However, it seems like that wait is about to end.

According to a new report via MIT's Technology Review journal, the Galaxy S5 is the first smartphone to support the ability to use the Fingerprint Recognition feature for making PayPal payments.

What this means is that with the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S5, owners of the smartphone will be able to make massive use of the device's in-built fingerprint sensor to make payments from anywhere in the world, assisted on the sides via the fingerprint recognition feature.

New Skype for Windows Phone 8.1 Devices Is Integrated With Cortana

At the Microsoft Build 2014 conference in San Francisco yesterday, the Redmond-based software giant Microsoft officially unveiled its latest and most awaited Windows Phone 8.1 update. From the same floor, the company also announced this year's Windows Phone devices from Nokia viz. The Lumia 930, Lumia 630 and Lumia 635. Moreover, Microsoft also made an announcements regarding its partnership with Indian smartphone vendor Micromax.

 

But for Skype users, and lovers of the video call via VoIP, the announcement pertaining to the new iteration of Skype might be of great interest. To be precise, Microsoft's latest Windows Phone 8.1 update which brings Cortana, a virtual assistant feature will enhance the Skype experience in an interesting way. Moreover, in exact words of the company, "Skype for Windows Phone 8.1 will now allow users to seamlessly transition from a voice call to a Skype video call." 

Also via a blog post, the company noted, "For the first time on mobile, you can easily upgrade your regular phone calls to Skype video calls. You can preview the feature in the current Store app, with more to come in the next few months."

Internet Explorer 11 debuts on Windows Phone 8.1, gets updated for desktop

Microsoft's keynote address at the Build 2014 conference saw some major announcements from the company, such as Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 8.1 Update, three new Nokia Lumia smartphones,and also, the new Internet Explorer 11.

The Redmond giant also announced that the Internet Explorer 11 browser has been updated for Windows 8.1 Update and Windows 7 users. The company also debuted Internet Explorer for Windows Phone 8.1.

Notably, this is the first time when the Internet Explorer 11 is arriving on Windows Phone-based smartphones since Microsoft first previewed the web browser in July 2013.

The highlight of the Internet Explorer 11 updated version is that it brings unified features on its mobile and desktops, while improving the user experience on different screen sizes and input methods, whether touch or mouse and keyboard.

Samsung ChatON updated with message recall feature and more

ChatON, the instant messaging service from Samsung, has received an update (to version 3.5) which brings new features such as recalling sent messages and large file sharing up to 1GB.

One of the biggest additions to ChatON v3.5 is ability to recall messages, which can recall a sent message even after the receiver has read it. To recall a message, the sender can tap and hold the message bubble and select the 'Recall' option.

Notably, the latest ChatON update has taken a page out of the popular 'sexting' app, Snapchat's book. The Snapchat app is different from most messaging apps, where users can set a time limit for how long recipients can view their 'snaps', after which they will be hidden from the recipient's device and deleted from Snapchat's servers.

Further, the ChatON v3.5 now supports large file transfers up to 1GB, which allows users to share large data through the app and also increases the capacity of group chats, increasing the maximum limit from 200 to 1,001 persons to send a single message.

Lenovo launches four tablets in new A-series

Lenovo has introduced a new range of Android-powered tablets in the market - its new A-series. Four new tablets have been introduced, specifically, Lenovo A7-30, A7-50, A8 and A10. Lenovo will be launching the A-series tablets in Q2 2014, and has provided UK pricing for three of the four tablets.

While all A-series four tablets run on an unspecified quad-core processor, the Lenovo A7-30, A8 and A10 tablets come with Dolby enhanced dual-front speakers. Unfortunately, detailed specifications have not yet been provided by Lenovo.