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.