Samsung Galaxy S6 – “SIX APPEAL”

Samsung is hosting their next big event in Barcelona on the 1st of March 2015. This is surely going to be the reveal of their next flagship device or as they call it “The Next Big Thing” – Samsung Galaxy S6. A sneak peak into the device’s look has been revealed by Samsung on their twitter channel and is here for your viewing:

“SIX APPEAL” hinting (as big as these hints can get) towards the sixth iteration of the Galaxy S series. Clearly Samsung is riding high on its curved screen similar to the one on their Samsung Galaxy Note ‘Edge’. But industry sources have claimed this to be a dual edged screen. Which means no bezel on either side of the devices but a minuscule one on either edges which will not be visible to the not so observant eye.

Whatever it is, it surely is kicking up a storm amongst the Samsung loyal and others to a certain extent. I heard a couple of passengers who travelled alongside me in the train today – “did you hear about the next galaxy device, apparently it going to redefine smartphone screen technology forever”. Well we are just about a week away from knowing if this is going to be true or mere hype.

Typically Samsung has been known to push the limits of innovation (what they define as innovation is very subjective, however). According to the Samsung, innovation would be adding all possible features onto a form factor that otherwise has not been done before. Stay tuned for more information on the Next Flagship from the big S from the big K.

Till Then Keep Obsessing over Gadgets.

Regards,

TeCH_SiD…

OnePlus breathes new “OxygenOS” (Details & Poll)

It’s been sometime since we’ve seen any software updates from the latest darling of the android world – OnePlus. February it was announced that we would see some updates on the new ROM being built post the rough experience OnePlus has had with Micromax. Micromax (an Indian leader in handset manufacturing and sales) claimed to hold an exclusive deal with Cyanogen to sell its Micromax devices in India.

It was already revealed that the new ROM for the device would be called “OxygenOS” and that it would be bloatware-free or in other words as close to stock Android (5.0 Lollipop) as possible. Well they did deliver on that promise but not to everyones expectations. They revealed the team responsible in building the new ROM and they also revealed the new logo for the ROM

Besides this they also gave some information on the team members.

More on that can be found here: OnePlus Blog

Overall I think it is a good way to keep customers engaged by having your star team interact with them, but it would have been better had they done it on the date of the release. There’s a cute little note on why the release might take a little longer.

“Because this is our first major software release, we have to ensure that everything is solid and stable before making it available for download. We wouldn’t ask you to settle for anything less, and we appreciate your patience.”

However it is also widely known from their recent twitter account that the ROM build is currently already in testing phase and release is not too long away. So lets wait and watch when and how this release of “OxygenOS” pans out and how it turns out to be compared to the highly acclaimed CyanogenMod M11 ROM currently running on the OnePlus One.

Are you looking forward to the new ROM “OxygenOS” – Tell us by taking this quick poll below:

TeCH Update – 05th Feb 2015

Greetings Readers,

I thought of summarizing and presenting to you some of the most significant news that have been doing the rounds in the tech world yesterday. So here they are:

1. Xiaomi Does Not Intend To Enter The U.S. Market Anytime Soon:

Chinese hardware manufacturer and new poster child of the mobile masses – Xiaomi is conducting an SFO based event this 12th of February. However Hugo Barra, (one of the key figures at Google previously who then joined Xiaomi as VP-International) insists that they are not entering the US market anytime soon. This could very well be a check on the interest levels of the company’s products amongst American audiences, carriers.

For the sake of the ‘value-for-money’ seeking Americans I hope Xiaomi devices hit your shores soon.

Source: Technobuffalo

2. “Paper” Given Free To Promote “Pencil” Sales:

The popular drawing/sketching/painting app called “Paper” by 53 (Company name – FiftyThree or 53) yesterday announced that the so far paid ‘in-app purchase’ will be available free of charge from today.

Quick, download it from here: Paper App

They have done so to improve the sales of the hardware device by the name “Pencil”, shown above. The “Pencil” by 53 is a slick new device that when paired with the iPad can be used to draw practically anything.

Check out their awesome video: Pencil by 53

Source: Macrumors

3. Worlds Most Expensive “Typo” – By Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest (the popular TV Celeb of American Idol fame) had launched an external case for the iPhone with a physical keyboard. This case bears a stark resemblance to the keyboard that a lot of Blackberry devices have (refer image below). The courts had ordered ‘Typo’ to stop sales for the same reasons, yet the order was not honored by the company. This has now resulted in a fine of $860,000 that Typo must pay Blackberry. What needs to be mentioned however is that Blackberry had demanded a compensation of $2.6 million (in penalties) + legal charges, so its isn’t as bad as it seems. 

Fun Fact: $860,000 is just about 1/75th Ryan’s annual salary and about 1/350th his net worth according to CelebrityNetworth.com.

Source: Macrumors

4. Swatch Is About To Enter The Smartwatch Game Soon:

The swiss watch giant apparently has made it clear that they are entering the smart watch industry. Their first smartwatch is expected to be launched in the next two to three months. This puts it head-on against Apple’s AppleWatch release dates expected to hit shores around April 2015.

Game on Apple!

Source: Macrumors

5. Fresh Breath Of “OxygenOS” For OnePlus One Soon:

OnePlus, the Chinese manufacturer that has created a lot of buzz with their first device the OnePlus ‘One’ has announced their new ROM’s name – “OxygenOS”. This device although has been announced for more thanhalf a year has not seen widespread adoption, thanks in part to the extremely lean supply of devices. The new ROM OxygenOS is expected to be as close to stock android Lollipop (Android 5.0.X) as possible with as least bloatware as possible. This has a lot to live up to considering the freedom of customization CyanogenMod has given and users have gotten used to.

Source: OnePlus Facebook

Special Mention: Next post is going to be on Mr. Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft)

Thank you for your time…

Regards,

@TeCH_SiD

Tech Design – Apple vs the new ONE on the block!

Greetings friends,

I have taken a very radical approach to thinking about product design today. I have decided to set my Apple biases aside (have done for close to a week or so now) and write an objective piece on how OnePlus has taken product design to a whole new level riding on the shoulders of many others. Let’s dive right into it, shall we?

Product Packaging:

Apple is known for its immaculate attention to detail for their products, including their packaging. Regardless of which product you choose amongst their line-up, they are the gold standard when it comes to packaging tech and quality. What Apple takes pride in with their packaging is the fact that it is minimal and avoids wastage in material and hence saves space while shipping. This plays a significant role in saving the planet by shipping more phones in fewer flights.

Well Bravo! But it is time to move on as other companies have started reducing their carbon footprints as well.

The OnePlus One comes in a slick new book-like case that is not only awesome to unbox but truly functional too. Argument could be that they haven’t put everything in one box. The charger block comes in a separate box.

The packaging is not only brilliant but so is the thought behind each and every item inside the box. The charging/USB cable for instance is flat and does not entangle like the ones you get with other devices. It even comes with a recoil band that helps keep it from wearing over time. The SIM tray removal pin comes inside a rubber cover of it’s own that can be clubbed on a keychain. Although why we’d log that around all the time puzzles me. However nice touch. They also have included a NanoSIM to MicroSIM adaptor for switchers from the iOS devices. “Smart or Cocky? You decide!”
Reference images – below.

Now for the more important bit which Apple seems to have ignored right from the beginning – ‘device comfort’ in the hand.  I bet you’ve not thought of this before. Over the years, the iPhone has come a long way in product design and it has almost set the standards with their product and packaging design. However, they now seem to have taken a break in developing breakthrough designs. The iPhone looks and feels incredibly sexy in your hand and even better in photos. But does it really serve the purpose of being a good phone while using it? Of course it is a very subjective topic but do you fell comfortable holding it WITHOUT A CASE? If your answer is Yes then you are a minority with sweaty palms.

To me it is far from a comfortable design to hold. Jonathan Ive is brilliant, no doubt but he’s designing great looking phones. Someone needs to remind him that the phones are going to be held and used, not only clicked pictures of. Right from the first iPhone the devices have had extremely smooth surfaces and have inevitably been slippery.
Now cut to the OnePlus One. This device has two variants – 16Gb white and 64Gb sandstone. The sandstone model feels like soft sandpaper and apparently the white model had the feel of baby skin. Besides these OnePlus also has a few other backs that can be bought to customize the look and feel of the device.

The gallery above shows us the difference in material design. The iPhone as always stellar in material design yet not the best fit for a human hand, read Slippery. Especially humans with smaller hands. The OnePlus One is not the most comfortable for smaller hands either but thanks to the slightly sharp edges and the soft sandpaper material (on the 64Gb Sandstone model) it feels extremely reassuring when taken out from a trouser pocket. Whereas the iPhones are dangerously slippery when picked out from one’s pocket. The Apple device accessories industry is thriving thanks to this fact.

However these are my personal opinions and do not stand true for ever user.

Conclusion:

Although a lot can be said about the design language Apple undertakes with its products and the quality of build being far superior to anyone (maybe HTC comes close with its One recently). It is a case of what feels premium does not necessarily be the best for the customer. My vote is for the OnePlus One for the sheer brilliance in choice of material for the back of the device which is what brings out the perception of quality in the consumers mind and also is a highly functional design element. Despite not using premium material like aluminium all around the device they have pulled off design magic with it.

However I would strongly suggest you try out both devices (yeah good luck finding a OnePlus One!) and then come to a conclusion yourself.

Note: I am and for the foreseeable future will remain an Apple Fanboy.

iPhone 6/6+ on Vodafone – Bundled Plans 2.0

Dear Readers,
Thank you for your time. I appreciate your interest in my blog post and more importantly in technology. I’d like to bring to your notice the first (actually second if you consider Reliance with their iPhone 5S deals last year) real push by a telco giant (second largest in India – Vodafone) for postpaid cellular plans with a bundled mobile device. This particular one is significant as it has the most sought after mobile devices in the world – iPhone 6 and 6+.

Vodafone – iPhone 6 plans

This is significant at many levels.

• Firstly it is the biggest push by an international telco in tie up with an international handset manufacturer in India where bundled plans are far from common.

Secondly it is a huge push driving the significance of mobile data as a huge business for telcos and hence the bundling.

Telcos like Idea Cellular are pushing for mobile internet at a grass-root level and now at semi-urban levels too by starting their own internet learning initiative with the IIN (Idea Internet Network).

Effective Cost To Consumer (CTC):

The iPhone 6 retails at Rs.53,500 via Infibeam. Via this plan the final amount you’d be paying considering you are going for the basic iPhone 6 (16GB) model, regardless of the color option would be – Rs.3,599 * 24 = Rs.86,376. Subtract the cost of the device from it and you’d be paying an effective monthly overhead of Rs.1369.

But please remember, this is not what it looks like – a daylight robbery by Vodafone. What they have included is the plan for your monthly usage. The most basic pack is the Vodafone ‘iPhone 6k plan’ which gives the user 6000 local & STD minutes, 6GB of 3G data and 1500 SMS. Without much research into the actual price (and don’t hold me for this) for this plan I’m pegging it at around Rs.1500 per month. They are giving it at Rs.1369 effectively.

Does it make sense to go for this plan?

Well to be honest, this plan is not for everyone. If you have a postpaid plan and are paying a good Rs.1500 and above on a monthly basis and are not too picky about your usage amounts, then this is perfect for you. For heavy users, there’s another plan which is the ‘iPhone 10k plan’ For an additional 500 bucks, you get an additional 4000 minutes, 4GB more data and 1000 SMS. Pretty good value for money if you consider you’re getting a kickass iPhone 6 along with it.

What’s the Downside?

Like they say:

If it seems too good to be true, it most probably is!

Well luckily this isn’t the case with this plan with Vodafone. It isn’t a jaw dropping plan with cheap pricing and kickass features bundled with the best device on the planet. So don’t worry about being conned into something. Having said that, DO REMEMBER You are getting into a contract for TWO years (24 months or 720 days) with Vodafone.

In their FAQs section there are a few caveats listed –

1. “Once activated, the plan cannot be changed for the next 24 months.”
2. EMI transactions (12 & 24 month tenure) are available on following banks/ issuers: American Express | Axis Bank | Citibank | HDFC Bank | ICICI Bank | IndusInd Bank | Kotak Credit Card | RBL Bank | Standard Chartered Bank.

Overall:

Unless you are a die hard phan of Vodafone and Apple (one who has the logo of the fruit company tattooed on one bicep and that of the telco on the other, or plan to get those done soon) don’t go crazy about these. Go for it in a calm and collected manner and think before you sign up for this. You could probably get the device independent of this EMI scheme with a good deal at your bank itself.

“Tread with Caution!”

Project “ARA”

Ever wondered if you Samsung, Apple, Sony would come to you and ask you “Ms./Mr. ________, what size screen would you like on your next smartphone? Would you like a 10mp camera or 16mp? Do you want the battery to last two days or a days back up is good enough so we can add more juice to your phone?”.
Well I know this seems like fantasy, but it soon could be real with what Google is attempting to make a success and that is “Project ARA”.

A modular block that is an Endoskeleton for other components to be affixed onto it as per their convenience. The user can pick and choose what components to fit onto the block and they could create the best possible phone for their use and it would be one of a kind…

With the possibility of building millions of combinations on the block, the limitless possibilities could mean that 6+ billion people could have a unique phone each if required.
Project ARA is the beginning of something  phenomenal in the drive for customizable smartphones… May this be the much needed revolution in the smart devices space.

About time we had some disruptive technology come along and change things for good.

Some expert opinions are here:
Joshua Topolsky

Dial “OnePlus One”

Dear Readers,

It has been a while since I wrote a post on gadgets. I thought it is about time I got back to writing regularly. This is my first attempt at getting back on track.

So let us talk about the so called “Flagship Killer”, shall we? This is a device that has been touted as the best Android device ever by many tech gurus and has also earned the respect of people from the “i” world. If I may say so myself, with the numerous number of reviews that I have read on android blogs (yup, I do read them too) and video reviews on youtube almost all of which have received thousands of views, the device does deserve a solid chance at being a top contender amongst the best devices of 2014. Here is a snapshot of the devices’ specifications that would make you wonder that this should be close to $500 in price at the least:

Specifications
Display: 5.5 inch full-HD 1920x1080p with Corning Glass 3
OS: CyanogenMod 11S – Android Lollipop ROM coming soon
CPU: 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 64GB (54GB usable)
Cameras: 13 MP (rear), 5 MP (front)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G/4G/2G, GPS, Bluetooth, microUSB
Battery: 3,100mAh
Dimensions: 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 162 grams
Price: Rs 21,999 (64 GB) – $350 approx

Marketing Hack:

Enough about the specifications. The biggest reason I’ve been keenly following both the company and the product is because they seem to have got their product and marketing philosophies right. They have not adopted crazy traditional marketing tactics to promote the product. What they have done brilliantly is to use a marketing hack of sorts by getting a product so good in specs into the hands of those few who appreciate it and would RAVE about it, especially because they’d be most probably be the only ones amongst their friends circle who own one. Plus they have either intentionally or by chance had the supply at a level where they are perpetually fighting to keep up to the demand. Creating a sense of hyped demand for the demand. Their exclusive deal to sell through Amazon was a good move too. Albeit the invite only system could be an irritant, it seems to be doing the trick for then in terms of spreading the word. People seeking these invites are relentless and often times ready to pay fit then too.
The device itself does not look or feel cheap in the hand and so they’d be proud to flaunt it, much like how iPhone users do.

Kudos to OnePlus for having made the so called Flagship Killer. Others have promised but seldom delivered and that included Google themselves with their Nexus line if devices. Only time will tell if OnePlus will be able to turn this story into one of immaculate success in the long run. I surely hope this is not a one-shot wonder and that the Chinese Manufacturer has got the fuel in the tank to take on the big guns at a game they are far too familiar playing.

I’m already looking forward to the OnePlus Two and other devices this company is likely to release soon. Good luck OnePlus…

A detailed review of the device shall ensue soon…

Thanks for reading
“TeCH_SiD”