Technoluverz

Facebook Messenger 5.0 For Windows Phone Brings Instant Photo Sharing and More

Facebook has started rolling out an update for its Facebook Messenger app, which brings the app version 4.0 to version 5.0 for Windows Phone users.The Facebook Messenger (version 5.0) app can be downloaded for free from the Windows Phone Store, where it is currently listed in India.

The new Facebook Messenger update for Windows Phone brings two new features - Groups, which allows users to create group of friends; and the instant photo sharing feature, which offers the option to send a clicked image with just one tap in the app. Notably, the new Groups feature from Facebook Messenger can also be pinned to the device's Start screen for quick access.

The new Facebook Messenger 5.0 app for Windows Phone also brings performance improvements that now allows the app to do more caching of images (like stickers) for better data consumption in the background. The Facebook Messenger v5.0 also adds a new photo gallery which is built into the Messenger and gives access to images on the Windows Phone without leaving the app.
The Android and iOS users got the same version 5.0 update for Facebook Messenger in early May and late April respectively.

The update was announced on Windows Phone's official blog, saying, "An update to Messenger for Windows Phone is rolling out today [Thursday] bringing performance improvements and new features. Taking and sharing a photo is much quicker: you can take and send a photo with just one tap. You don't have to leave the app to take a photo with a separate camera app."

For those unaware, the Facebook Messenger app for Windows Phone 8 arrived in March. The app for Windows Phone 8 importantly did not support a few features available for other platforms, such as voice messaging, and chat heads.
In April, Facebook announced that the monthly audience of Messenger was par with Instagram's announced 200 million active users.

Tata Photon Max Wi-Fi Gets Upgraded Download Speed of up to 9.8Mbps

Tata Docomo, on Thursday announced an upgrade to the mobile Internet speed of its Photon Max Wi-Fi data cards in three cities - Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai - now offering up to 9.8Mbps download. The company also confirmed that it will be extending the upgraded data speed to eight other metro cities.

Tata Docomo, the telecom brand of Tata Teleservices Limited (TTL) noted that it upgraded its network with the Rev. B Phase II technology providing data speeds of up to 9.8Mbps on the Photon Max Wi-Fi data cards, up from the 6.2Mbps presently available for the customers.
The company also announced that the existing customers will automatically be able to access the upgraded higher data speeds with their owned Photon Max Wi-Fi devices.
Notably, the Photon Max Wi-Fi data card allows a user to create personal Wi-Fi zones and can connect up to five devices simultaneously. It was launched in November last year.

The company also revealed that customers using the Photon Max Wi-Fi data card while roaming will incur no charges on the use. Both postpaid and prepaid customers are likely to receive benefit from this rollout irrespective of their billing plans, noted the company.

Commenting on the announcement, Gurinder Singh Sandhu, Head Marketing, Mobility Tata Teleservices, said "With the demand for high speed data connectivity rapidly rising, this network augmentation will further enable our customers to enjoy high speed data connectivity and enjoy seamless rich multimedia. With this development, Tata Docomo will become one of the leading players to offer Rev. B Phase II network in India. Photon Max Wi-Fi is already redefining the way customers access Internet data across multiple devices at home and offices and this will further enhance their data experience."

Moto E, Moto G and Moto X Start Receiving Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update

Motorola, soon after Google released the Android 4.4.3 KitKat factory images for Nexus devices, on Tuesday announced the same update for its Moto E, Moto G and Moto X.In a blog post, Steve Horowitz, SVP, Software Engineering, Motorola said, "We are excited to announce some icing on top of the, well, KitKat. Starting today [Tuesday], we are rolling out Android 4.4.3, KitKat, which was just released by Google."
The company notes that the latest Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Motorola handsets will start rolling out this week, with the first recipients listed by Motorola. Moto X T-Mobile users will receive the update first, while Moto G users in the US, who bought the smartphone online (also includes Moto G 4G LTE), and the Moto G users in Brazil, will receive the first updates for the handset.
For the Moto E, US users who bought the handset online will receive the update first. The company also notes that the Moto E will be receiving the next major Android update (as yet unspecified) as well, and added, "Consider this the cherry on top.

The company has announced that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Moto E, Moto G and Moto X can be expected to be rolled-out globally in the coming weeks.
According to Motorola, the new Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Moto E, Moto G and Moto X brings an improved dialler with updated interface; stability, framework and security fixes, as well as enhancements to the power profile capabilities.
Motorola has also listed the changelog for the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for all three Moto smartphones. The Moto E will be receiving an updated phone dialler with a new graphical layout and colours to get better consistency and usability.

The Moto G, on the other hand, will be receiving a new pause video recording feature on the viewfinder; an updated phone dialler, much like the Moto E, and access to Motorola Alert, which is an app that sends periodic alerts with the user's location to selected contacts.
Lastly, the Moto X receives camera enhancements such as improved image quality with consistent exposure and flash colouring, as well as better photos in low light conditions using front camera.

The update for Moto X also brings ability to pause video recording with a pause/resume button on the viewfinder, much like the Moto G update. The Moto X also receives the updated phone dialler and can now download the Motorola Alert app.
In addition, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition also started receiving Android 4.4.3 KitKat update. The new update for Galaxy S4 GPE brings usual fixes for bugs and improvements to security, and stability.

Apple Reveals iOS 8 Device Compatibility, Drops Support for iPhone 4

Apple at its WWDC Keynote on Monday also announced the list of mobile devices that will be compatible with the new version of its mobile and tablet operating system, iOS 8. The new operating system for Apple mobile devices is now available for developers, while the public release is scheduled fir this fall.

According to the company, the new iOS 8 will be compatible with Apple iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad 2, iPad with Retina Display, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina display and iPod touch (5th generation). An image of the list from Apple's WWDC presentation slide has been posted by 9to5mac. Unfortunately, the dated Apple iPhone 4 is not compatible with the iOS 8.

Apple is touting iOS 8 as the biggest release since the launch of the App Store and the new OS comes with many major overhauls including support for Indian language keyboards.

Some of the new features in iOS 8 include the Healthkit, which can gather all the information from various health and fitness apps and devices; default messages app gets a major update (now allows adding and removing contacts in group messaging, leave a conversation, and set up a do-not-disturb mode); Safari extensions are now open, something that has been lacking for a while; interactive notifications and widgets; Bing now powers the search function in Spotlight, on both OS X and iOS 8, and a new private search option for Safari, DuckDuckGo.

Other major additions to iOS 8 include Continuity feature that makes Mac and iOS devices 'perfect companions'; increased support for third-party software, and new family sharing, where users can set up to six devices to share photos, reminders, calendar, and also books, shows and music.

Apple has also announced several new features for Siri, including an always-on, voice activated mode that activates by saying, "Hey Siri".

The Cupertino-based company also announced the latest iteration of OS X dubbed Yosemite which the company says has been redesigned and refined with a "fresh, modern look, powerful new apps and amazing new continuity features."

Philips Xenium W6610: First Impressions

Philips, after a period of relative quiet, has marked its return to the Indian smartphone market withthree new phones, the S308, W3500, and W6610, priced at Rs. 8,290, Rs. 16,195 and Rs. 20,650 respectively. The company also launched a new feature phone, the E130, at Rs. 1,960.

We spent some time with the Philips Xenium W6610 at the New Delhi launch event, and here are our first impressions. Please note that we will reserve our final verdict on the phone for the detailed review, when the Xenium W6610 arrives in our labs for testing.

At first glance, the Navy-coloured Xenium W6610 that we played with looked like a bulkier version of regular candybar 5-inch Android smartphones currently available in the market. We can confidently say that Philips hasn't worked much on the design aspect of the smartphone.

However, much of the credit for the 'fattish' design of the Xenium W6610 can be given to the massive 5300mAh battery. The smartphone is quite heavy when compared to some of the competitors in its segment with a weight of 200 grams. With dimensions of 145.4x74.1x11.4mm, the phone feels solid to hold in one hand.

We must confess that using the Xenium W6610 with one hand is not easy and we feel that the smartphone is mainly for those with larger palms. However, the Xenium W6610 does give a sturdier feel in the hands than some Samsung Galaxy and Micromax phones.

The Xenium W6610 has a 5-inch display that is not very impressive. The 540x960 pixels resolution display is pretty standard for a mid-range phone. The resolution and pixel density of the Xenium W6610 is far lower than some of its cheaper competitors like the Micromax Canvas Turbo which boasts full-HD display, and the Motorola's Moto G with its HD display.

In terms of photographic ability, the handset fares well in well-lit conditions; however images clicked in low-light has average picture quality and were a bit washed out and grainy at edges.

The Philips Xenium W6610 runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out-of-the-box, with no word from the company on upgrades. At a time when we are seeing a flurry of smartphone launches in the sub-Rs. 10,000 category with the latest Android 4.4 KitKat, we are not sure how the dated Android version selection by Philips for the Xenium W6610 will be received by customers.

While zipping between home screens on the Xenium W6610, we encountered no lags. We expect that the quad-core processor backed W6610 can could handle multitasking with ease.

The biggest feature of the handset is its 5300mAh battery and is no doubt the highlight as well. However, unfortunately we weren't able to spend enough with the Xenium W6610 to check the battery performance.

You can expect more detailed observations and our final verdict when we review the Xenium W6610.

Philips Xenium W6610

KEY SPECS

Display

5.00-inch

Processor

1.3GHz

Front Camera

2-megapixel

Resolution

540x960 pixels

RAM

1GB

OS

Android 4.2

Storage

4GB

Rear Camera

8-megapixel

Battery capacity

5300mAh

Samsung Galaxy Tab4 Range India Prices Revealed

Samsung is set to launch its range of Galaxy Tab4 range of tablets in India this week, NDTV Gadgets has learnt from its sources. The Samsung Galaxy Tab4 8.0 3G aka SM-T331 will be priced at Rs. 27,710 (MRP) while the Samsung Galaxy Tab4 10.1 3G aka SM-T531 will have a MRP of Rs. 34,640, the source added.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab4 range was launched in April and includes three tablets, namely: Galaxy Tab4 7.0, Galaxy Tab4 8.0 and Galaxy Tab4 10.1. Unfortunately, there is no word on the Galaxy Tab4 7.0 (SM-T230) price for the Indian market.

Notably, the Samsung Galaxy Tab4 tablet series share many common specifications. They all run Android 4.4 KitKat and are all powered by 1.2GHz quad-core processors (unspecified chipset), alongside 1.5GB of RAM. Further, the three Galaxy Tab4 tablets sport 3-megapixel fixed focus rear cameras and also house 1.3-megapixel front-facing cameras.

All three tablets also sport the same WXGA (1280x800 pixels) display resolution, though on different screen sizes. The Galaxy Tab4 8.0, as the name suggests, features an 8-inch display, and the Galaxy Tab4 10.1 sports a 10.1-inch display.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab4 8.0 and Galaxy Tab4 10.1 will be available in Wi-Fi and 3G variants. However, there is no word on voice calling support via the SIM in the Galaxy Tab4 tablet series.

The Galaxy Tab4 8.0 and Galaxy Tab4 10.1 tablets will be available in 16GB inbuilt storage variants, expandable up to 64GB via microSD card. The Samsung Galaxy Tab4 10.1 packs a 6800mAh battery, while the Galaxy Tab4 8.0 includes a 4450mAh battery.

Sony Xperia T3 With 5.3-Inch HD Display and Android 4.4 KitKat Launched

Sony has launched a new mid-range smartphone, the Xperia T3. The Japanese handset maker has announced that the Xperia T3 will be available globally by the end of July, but did not reveal the price.

The company is touting the handset's design and claims that the Sony Xperia T3 is "wrapped in a stainless steel frame." Another highlight feature of the Xperia T3 is that it supports 4G networks; however, it is yet to be seen whether Sony launches the handset with support for 4G LTE networks in India.

The Xperia T3 runs the most recent Android 4.4 KitKat OS out-of-the-box. The handset has been launched in a single SIM variant; although we might see a dual-SIM variant of the Xperia T3 when it releases in India.

The new Android smartphone from Sony features a 5.3-inch HD Triluminos display powered by a BRAVIA Engine 2. The display offers a pixel density of 277ppi. A quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor powers the device, clocked at 1.4GHz, with 1GB of RAM.

It sports an 8-megapixel autofocus rear camera with LED flash and a Sony Exmor RS sensor. The Xperia T3's rear camera comes with features such as scene detection, HDR, face recognition, red-eye reduction, sweep Panorama and geo tagging. It also houses a 1.1-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Xperia T3 comes with 8GB of inbuilt storage, and can be expanded up to 32GB via microSD card. It supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS/ A-GPS, GPRS/ EDGE, DLNA, NFC, Micro-USB and 3G connectivity options. It is backed by a 2500mAh battery, which is rated to deliver up to 13 hours of talk time and 688 hours of standby time. It will be available in three colour options including Black, Purple and White.

Commenting on the Xperia T3 launch, Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications said, "Xperia T3 has been crafted with attention to detail for those who know how to appreciate distinctive design in their everyday life. The T3 is packed with the latest beautiful technology from Sony - including leading digital imaging expertise and a vivid HD display - all within a stylish, stainless steel frame. The combination of this beautiful technology and the premium design ensures the T3 immediately stands apart from the competition."