Lenovo K80 With 4GB of RAM, 4000mAh Battery Launched

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Soon after launching the Lenovo A5000 in Russia, the Chinese company has now unveiled yet another smartphone, the K80. Unveiled in China, the Lenovo K80 has been priced at CNY 1,799 (approximately Rs. 18,400) and will be available in the firm's home country starting April 30.
The highlight of the Lenovo K80 smartphone is it features a massive 4GB of RAM and the same variant includes 64GB of built-in storage. The company is likely to place its new handset up against the Asus ZenFone 2's 4GB variant in various markets. Unfortunately, the company hasn't revealed global launch plans for the Lenovo K80.

A standard version of the Lenovo K80 featuring 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage has also been launched at CNY 1499 (approximately Rs. 15,300).
Much like Asus ZenFone 2 series, the Lenovo K80 is also powered by an Intel chipset. It comes with a 64-bit Intel Atom processor (cores, chipset unspecified) clocked at 1.2GHz. It features a 5.5-inch full-HD display. Another notable feature of the Lenovo K80 is its large 4000mAh battery.

The smartphone sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with OIS (optical image stabilisation). There is no word on the front camera on the handset. The Android 5.0 Lollipop-based Lenovo K80 sports an 8.5mm thin body and will be available in black, silver, and red colour options. The launch was first reported by Chinese website CNMO.

On Thursday, Lenovo's new A-series smartphone, the A5000, was launched in Russia while was also listed on Lenovo's official UAE site without price details. An established retailer the same day claimed the Lenovo A5000 smartphone had been launched in India at Rs. 10,250. Lenovo India is however yet to make an official announcement or list the device on its site.

Endless Kickstarter Project Wants To Make an Affordable Computer

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Kickstarters look at the world of crowdfunding. We search through sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo to find interesting projects for you to back.
Some of the most interesting new products we've seen - ranging from fun oddities to what could conceivably be the next big thing - have come from these sites instead of big companies. Not every project we highlight has to be the next Oculus Rift virtual reality headset or Pebble smartwatch - some of the projects we pick are just fun and weird.
And of course, there is always the chance that a project will not work out even if it gets funded. But if you're willing to take a risk and can afford to write off a little money, then there's a lot to look at and maybe fund. One project we thought was interesting was the Endless computer.

The idea behind Endless is that the mobile revolution happening in India and the rest of the developing world is not because people prefer using mobiles as their only computing experience, but because this is the only affordable system available. The idea behind Endless is to use mobile hardware to create a cheap computer that can be plugged into a TV, and be more useful than a mobile phone thanks to a custom operating system.
With Endless, the target is not the poorest people in developing countries but rather those people who live in tier-2 or tier-3 cities, for whom this would be a cheaper alternative than a full computer, though still more expensive than some Android set-top-boxes. The difference is that the Endless computer would come pre-loaded with most software that people need, and could be used completely offline if required.

The design of the Endless box is unique - to us, it looks something like one of the ghosts from Pac-Man, all bright colours and cheerful curves. The team has also put together a Linux-based operating system that is easy to use and suited for desktop users. The OS is open source and while the applications on the computer are proprietary for now, the team plans to open up the OS for third-party apps as well.
The goal was to create something that is affordable, easy to use, and suitable for both entertainment and education. Since Internet connections in many parts of the developing world are not dependable, the team also pre-installs the computers with over 100 applications that can be used offline. There are apps ranging from spreadsheets to accounting tools for small businesses, Libre Office which would be useful for students as well,
At the same time, there are also online apps for services like Khan Academy, Wikipedia, and educational games. Overall, the project sounds quite interesting, and if you like the idea but don't think this is something for you then you can even select a reward where Habitat for Humanity gives the computer you paid for to a school in a developing nation.

The project is accepting funding until May 15. It's already crossed its $100,000 (nearly Rs. 63 lakh) goal. If you pledge $169 (over Rs. 10,000) you will get the Endless 32GB model. For $189 (over Rs. 11,000) you will get the 32GB model with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a built in speaker. For $229 (over Rs. 14,000) you get a model with 500GB storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a built in speaker. You can also donate an endless for the same amount. These computers will be shipped by June (for the 32GB models) and July (for the 500GB model) 2015, anywhere in the world

Facebook launches Hello for Android, a new caller ID-type app

Image: Reuters

Facebook has launched a new caller ID-type app for Android users that uses data from Facebook to tell you who is calling and will help you block unwanted calls. The app called Hello matches phone numbers of incoming and outgoing calls to Facebook profiles to show you who you are talking to.
It also blocks calls from commonly blocked numbers and searches for businesses to call, CNET.com reported.
The feature will only work if the caller has shared his number with Facebook and if you would normally be able to see that information. For example, if you share your number publicly, people with Hello downloaded will know it is you calling even if they do not have you as a contact.
Currently, Facebook is rolling out Hello for public testing in the US, Brazil and Nigeria. The app is available as a free download in the Google Play store.
This is how it works. Once downloaded, you sign in with Facebook, and give it permissions to sync your contacts with Facebook and interact with calls.
When a user gets a call, the app – built by Facebook’s Messenger team – shows information about who’s calling, even if that number is not saved in that user’s phone.
However, it will only show information that people have already shared with the user (or publicly) on Facebook.
Hello lets you “block” specific numbers which means they get sent directly to voice mail. One can use it to search for people and businesses on Facebook and call them with just one tap. The app also promotes the use of free calling over Wi-Fi, something that has long been a part of Messenger.
With permission, Hello will add profile pictures and other information to the contacts in your address book.
It can also serve as an enhanced version of your phone book, with extra information about friends and others shown inline as you scroll through contacts. Hello works and looks quite similar to caller ID app TrueCaller.

Android bot seen peeing on Apple logo in Google Maps; Google apologises, removes it

A controversial image of what appeared to be the Android bot peeing on Apple’s logo in Google Maps was spotted recently. Though, the image has now been removed by Google, this awkward figure was pointed out by Team Android which stated that the image, at the time of posting, was located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Google Maps. The image did not appear on the satellite view of the area of course, so the only manipulation made was to the map view of the region. The image also appeared to users on mobile devices as well.

Also, this wasn’t the only unsettling image which was floating around in Google Maps. The report also identified at what seems to be a big Skype logo around Lahore, Pakistan as well.

Image: Google Maps

But seems like the company isn’t guarding the changes carefully as another message was found nearby too. Google has identified all these problems and removed the abrupt images.

Image: Google Maps

 

It is unclear for how long these images were present in Google’s Maps. At that moment, nothing was said on this by Google. However, later, in an emailed statement to WashingtonPost, a Google spokesperson Mara Harris apologised saying “sorry for this inappropriate user-created content; we’re working to remove it quickly” and that “the vast majority of users who edit our maps provide great contributions.”
A Twitter user had pointed out that it appears the change was added via Google’s Map Maker tool and somehow slipped past the approval process. The report explained that Google Maps relies on a feature called Map Maker, which allows users around the world update it in an attempt to help the company use local knowledge to keep up with ever-changing infrastructure. These changes are theoretically reviewed by other users and a moderation team,as well.
Google also added that, “we also learn from these issues, and we’re constantly improving how we detect, prevent and handle bad listings.”

Truecaller launches Truedialer app that displays identities in outgoing calls

#truedialer app

Phone directory application Truecaller launched a new app, Truedialer, which will offer users details of a person before the outgoing call is connected.
The app is available for download on Google Play store.

Truedialer gives instant access to relevant information about contacts that users are trying to dial, it said in a statement.
If users are dialing a number for an individual or business outside of their phonebook, they will be able to see the name and a profile photo of whom they are about to dial before they place the call. 

The integration of the Truecaller technology works in conjunction with Truedialer, it said.
However, the company currently has no plans of integrating the apps to offer a unified experience to users.

Truecaller globally has 85 million users. This is a free mobile application which shows name of the person calling to the user even if the number is not saved in the phone.
The Stockholm-based firm has over 200,000 new users joining daily and almost half of this are from India. About 40 million of its userbase is from India.
With Truedialer, users can automatically search for information about a number they are dialing.

“Until now, phone dial pads have not truly improved since the feature phone days. With the same infrastructure that powers Truecaller, our ambition with Truedialer is to replace the phone?s phonebook app,” Truecaller co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Nami Zarringhalam said. 

Earlier this month, Truecaller had received a funding of USD 60 million (over Rs. 368 crore) from a group of investors, including Atomico and Sequoia Capital.
It had said the firm will use the Series C round of financing to fuel product development, hire new talent and expand the company’s global footprint, including in its largest market India.
In February, it had received USD 18.8 million in funding, led by Sequoia Capital, bringing the total investment in the company to more than USD 80 million.

Google Hangouts allows free one-minute international calls in 25 countries

#Google Hangouts

Google has announced that the first minute of voice calls through Hangouts will be free in 25 countries.
Earlier reports had suggested Google may shut down Google Voice and integrate it into Hangouts. 
Google’s Hangouts app for desktops and mobile will allowed users to instant message, make free domestic voice calls, video chat and calls to phone numbers (including free calls to US and Canada) using an internet connection.

However, you shall need to have some calling credit in your Google account to get your first minute free, as you’ll be charged for the duration of your call beyond that first minute.
Google also says that this free quick call offering will be available for the rest of the year.
Android users can try the Hangouts Dailer app on their device.
The 25 countries where the new Hangouts feature is accessible include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and the U.S.

Google Hangouts is available for download for Android, iOS and your desktop.

WhatsApp won’t get Voice-Calling feature till early 2015: report

#WhatsApp

Leaked image shows VoIP for WhatsApp

The much expected voice-calling service for WhatsApp has been delayed and will arrive in the first quarter of 2015. Earlier reports had suggested that the update would be released in the second quarter of  2014. WhatsApp’s CEO Jan Koum had made the announcement at the 2014 Mobile World Congress. He was quoted as saying, “We are going to introduce voice in WhatsApp in the second quarter of this year”. According to Koum’s announcement, it was revealed that the service would first come to Android and iOS, followed by Windows and BlackBerry.

Now it appears that there has been a delay in plans. Speaking at the Code/Mobile event by Re/Code, Jan said that the company is facing some technical hurdles. One of the reasons why voice calling has not yet been activated is because the company is finding ways to implement voice calling services in areas where Internet connectivity is poor and 3G services and Wi-Fi access is restricted and thus where people are still on 2G services.

According to the CEO, this feature will not clash with Facebook Messenger which already has  voice calling over WiFi. He said that although the two are similar in nature, WhatsApp is a strictly mobile only service and will not compete with Messenger offering, which is accessible via Desktops as well. Facebook had acquired WhatsApp earlier this year.

Koum adds, “Before [the acquisition] we experimented with monetisation, we tried to charge in some countries,” Koum told Re/code’s Liz Gannes at the Code/Mobile conference on Tuesday. “We didn’t have the long-term financial support of Facebook.”

The company tried to make profits by charging users in a few countries before the acquisition, but they generated only $10 million in revenue in 2013. That revenue came from user subscriptions, not social ads which drive the bulk of Facebook’s revenue. Koum says, WhatsApp has “no plans” to bring advertising into its app.

Voice calling on WhatsApp can also give competition to popular apps such as Viber, LINE and Skype. Hopefully, we shall see the launch of voice calling for WhatsApp by the first quarter of 2015.