Gionee GPad G5 5.5-inch hexa core phablet unveiled for Rs 14999

The Gionee GPad G5 phablet may have a hexa core processor, but it’s a downgrade in a manner of speaking when compared to its predecessor and this shows in the price of Rs 14999 attached to it. The GPad G4 is currently pegged at Rs 16999 officially even though it was launched for Rs 18999.

The only advantage the Gionee GPad G5 possesses at present is the fact that the Mi 3 has stepped away from the limelight temporarily. Otherwise, it’d be racking up a lot of criticism considering its price is Rs 1000 heavier than the Xiaomi phone’s tag.

And it’s not like the GPad G5 has anything spectacular to show in comparison. Apart from having a hexa core processor, its specs sheet isn’t too impressive. There’s 1GB of RAM onboard and 8GB of ROM, though it does come with expandability of up to 32GB unlike the Mi 3 and GPad G4.

The new GPad takes some design cues from the Mi 3 although it would have done better to borrow more tips on the internal components. The phone is sharp on all four corners and has an easy way about it on the back with its slightly curvy build which should offer a good grip.

This forthcoming Gionee phablet embeds dual SIM slots and 3G connectivity, but no 4G LTE. Its 5.5-inch IPS display which is protected with Dragontrail Glass would have been more interesting if it did full HD instead of sticking to 1280 x 720p resolution .

At least there’s Android KitKat inside and a decent capacity 2400mAh battery that will let you squeeze about 12 hours of 3G talk time out of it. You also get two SIM card slots and an 8MP camera with flash on the back. You’ll have to make do with a 2MP lens for video calls.

Gionee GPad G5 key specs at a glance:

- 5.5-inch 1280 x 720p IPS Dragontrail Glass screen
- Android v4.4 KitKat OS
- 8MP main camera w/ LED flash, 2MP front lens
- 1.5GHz hexa core Cortex A7 processor
- 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage
- 32GB memory expandability
- 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
- Dual SIM card slots
- 2400mAh battery, 12 hours 3G talk time
- 157.3 x 77.6 x 7.9 millimeters
- Black and white color options

The Gionee GPad 5 is not up for sale yet, but it will be made available soon enough through the company’s very own store as well as via other retailers.

Xolo Play 8X-1100 featuring 1.7GHz octa core SoC revealed in India at Rs. 14999

The all new Xolo Play 8X-1100 octa core Android gaming smartphone has been rolled out for a tempting price of Rs 14999 so soon after the company launched its Q700s Plus and Q1000s Plus handsets. The Xolo Play 8X-1100 is just one among a few other devices released by the brand with mobile gaming enthusiasts in mind.

We’ve also seen similar offerings like the octa core Xolo Play 8X-1200 and the hexa core Play 6X-1000 previously. As for the Play 8X-1100, it has yet to show up officially on the company’s website. It sports a 1080 x 1920p full HD display measuring 5 inches and ships with Android KitKat.

As you’re going to need powerful components to properly enjoy gaming on the Play 8X-1200, Xolo has stuffed it with an octa core processor accompanied by a 700MHz Mali 450 GPU and 2GB of RAM. There’s 16GB of ROM for hoarding all your entertainment as well as a microSD card slot for adding up to 32GB of extra space.

The Xolo Play 8X-1100 smartphone isn’t only built to please gamers, in case you’re asking. The company has also equipped the handset with a 13MP main camera enhanced by a Sony Exmor RS sensor and an LED flash unit. The webcam appears to be an impressive addition too, with its BSI sensor and 88-degree wide viewing angle.

Yet another highlighted feature of the 3G-capable Play 8X-1100 is its Hotknot file sharing that’s apparently speedier than regular Bluetooth. The system lets users transfer data files between compatible devices by simply touching their screens to each other.

Xolo Play 8X-1100 handset: Quick look at the specs

- 5-inch 1080 x 1920p touchscreen
- Android v4.4 KitKat OS
- 1.7GHz octa core processor
- 700MHz Mali 450 GPU
- 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal space
- 32GB memory expandability
- 13MP main camera w/ flash
- 5MP front lens
- Dual SIM card slots
- 2100mAh battery

The Xolo Play 8X-1100 is currently being sold through retail outlets across the country in white, though we have no doubt that it will hit online stores soon enough.

Videocon rolls out VStyle Smart phone for Rs 2950 and 4 other handsets

Videocon has gone full throttle and launched fournew feature phones called the V-Style Mega, V-Style Curve, V-Style Flip and V-Style Mini in India. Apart from these, the company has also let loose the V-Style Smart device running on Android, a competitor to the Intex and Spice Mozilla Firefox OS phones.

The Videocon V-Style Smart works on the very outdated Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread OS and costs Rs 2950. It has a 3.5-inch 320 x 480p HVGA resolution screen and a 1GHz processor. There’s a measly 128MB of RAM under the hood and 256MB of ROM along with 16GB microSD card support.

The dual SIM and dual standby handset is powered by a 1300mAh battery, has a basic 1.3MPback camera and a 118mm x 61.2mm x 9.6mm body. It can connect to GPRS, EDGE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In terms of looks, you couldn’t ask for any design more generic than the one sported by the V-Style Smart.

The V-Style Mini carries a price of Rs 1299 and a QVGA resolution 2-inch screen phone. It also offers the standard specs you’d expect of it such as a VGA camera, 16GB memory expandability, Bluetooth support, GPRS connectivity, FM radio and a decent capacity 1000mAh battery.

The Videocon V-Style Flip and V-Style Curve are each pegged at Rs 1749. The former has 16GBmicroSD card support, while the latter allows for double the expansion. On other counts, both feature phones are remarkably alike. The first mentioned handset also arrives with a flip cover.

Each has a 2.4-inch QVGA panel, 900mAh rechargeable cell, a 1.3MP snapper, GPRS compatibility and FM radio. The Rs 1999 Videocon V-Style Mega boasts of a 3-inch IPS display, a 1.3MP camera, 32GB microSD card support, FM radio, GPRS, Bluetooth and a 1000mAh battery.

Uber slim Sony Xperia T3 outed at Rs 27990 in India

The Sony Xperia T3 has been launched in India with its price set at Rs 27990 pleasingly soon after the smartphone made its first appearance in June, ensuring fans over here aren’t left feeling like they got access to the device late. Equipped with the Android 4.4 KitKat OS, it kicks in mid-range specs and comes wrapped in a stainless steel frame.

The Xperia T3 features a 5.3-inch 720p HD displayand a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset bearing a 1.4GHz quad core processor. It’s a very slim device, with a thickness of just 7mm. An 8MP Sony Exmor RS camera forms part of its offerings as well, apart from a 1.1MP front-facing snapper.

Sony has granted this smartphone 8GB worth of internal memory which you can expand further by means of its microSD card slot that can accommodate up to 32GB. A 2500mAh battery has made its way into the Xperia T3 smartphone, providing it with 13 hours of talk time and 688 hours of standby time.

Here’s a quick glance at the full list of Sony Xperia T3 specs:

- Display: 5.3-inch, 720p HD
- OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
- Processor: 1.4GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
- Memory: 1GB RAM, 8GB storage (expandable up to 32GB)
- Camera: 8MP rear, 1.1MP
- Battery: 2500mAh
- Dimensions: 150.7mm x 77mm x 7mm
- Weight: 148gms
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Miracast, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA, NFC, USB, GPS

Dubbed as the slimmest 5.3-inch smartphone right now, the Sony Xperia T3 will soon be seen arriving on store shelves in India. If you’re interested in purchasing it, be sure to set aside a sum of Rs 27990 before you charge forward.

Wickedleak Wammy Note 3 looks like Galaxy S5, retails for Rs 12990 only

The newly announced water-resistant device, the Wickedleak Wammy Note 3 is blatantly copying the Galaxy S5 right down to the way its promotional pictures and press shots have been taken. This handset which looks exactly like the Samsung flagship can be bought in India from September 1 onwards at a price of just Rs 12990.

What’s interesting is that its water resistance attributes are optional. So you need to add another Rs 1500 to your purchase if you wish to grab those. The device ships with a 5.2-inch full HD display and runs on a 1.7GHz octa core MediaTek processor.

2GB worth of RAM is also in the offing, apart from a Mali 450 GPU for fast graphics processing. This dual SIM phone features the Android 4.4 KitKat OS, and offers a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front one. The Wammy Note 3 comes equipped with 8GB of storage which can of course be expanded further up to 32GB via its microSD card slot. Its S Window feature which works with a flip cover allows you to perform many important functions without having to open the protective case.

Here’s a deep look at all the key specs of the Wickedleak Wammy Note 3:

- Display: 5.2-inch 1080p IPS LCD
- OS: Android 4.4 KitKat
- Processor: 1.7GHz octa core
- Memory: 2GB RAM, 8GB storage (32GB expandable)
- Camera: 5MP front, 13MP rear
- Battery: 3800mAh

Like we said, the Wickedleak Wammy Note 3 costs Rs 12990, but if you wish to grab it with its water resisting properties onboard, the asking amount will go up to Rs 14490.

Google to add Celkon and Intex to its India Android One partner list

Google’s Android One project could be getting new partners in India as Celkon Mobiles and Intex are said to be in talks with the search giant. So far, Karbonn, Spice and Micromax are scheduled to launch handsets under the program in the coming months and we could see the roster increase as other OEMs are looking to join the bandwagon.

Google announced the Android One initiative during its I/O conference last month with an aim to offer highly affordable smartphones in emerging markets. The search giant is basically aiming at $99 devices and it has partnered with MediaTek to develop reference designs which will be used for these handsets.

ET notes that Celkon Mobiles is a done deal as the fourth partner in the program. However, Intex is yet to secure its position as the fifth member and it’ll disclose the final outcome in the next 15 to 20 days. The former has confirmed that its first smartphones in the series will be out sometime during Diwali which will take place in the month of October.

There are no details about the handset, but we expect it to be similar to the Micromax one which was showcased at the I/O conference. In the Android One project, Google will basically provide OEMs with hardware and software support to reduce the overall production cost of devices. These handsets will offer a pure Android experience like Nexus phones and software updates will be issued directly from the search giant.

The Android One project will materialize in India and will be made available in other locations around the globe in the near future. With Intex and Celkon onboard, the total number of OEMs will increase to 5.

Nexus 5 Android 4.4.4_r2 KitKat firmware update rolling out in India

Google is reportedly rolling out a new update for the Nexus 5 smartphone dubbed Android 4.4.4_r2 KitKat which is said fix certain network issues. The new firmware isn’t a global release since it’s being seeded to devices only on Telsta in Australia, New Zealand’s 2Degrees, and in India.

What’s interesting is that the Android 4.4.4_r2 update for the Nexus 5 is just a mere 2MB in size. A post on XDA Developers notes that the only changes it introduces are radio-related to make the device work better in the said locations.

The new firmware update is being seeded over the air and can be downloaded manually as well, but with a huge 442MB size. The current firmware carries the build number KTU84P, while the new one is KTU84Q. You’ll be able to know if you’re already on the latest release by checking the ‘About phone’ tab in the Settings menu.

If you’re in India or have a Nexus 5 running on Telsta in Australia or 2Degrees in New Zealand, we highly recommend getting the update. Users from other countries, however, can still acquire the firmware through Google, but it wouldn’t be wise to flash it to your device, especially since there’s nothing new to benefit from.

Apart from the new KitKat build, Google has also started rolling out an update for its Glass wearable. The new release brings in various new features including an overhaul of the interface which now flaunts a cleaner appearance. Apart from this, connectivity has been improved along with network handling.

To manually check for the Android 4.4.4_r2 KitKat update on your Nexus 5, head over to the ‘Software update’ tab under ‘About phone’ in the Settings menu.

HTC One M8 receives Android KitKat 4.4.3 update in India, 4G LTE support added too

If you live in India and are an HTC One M8 user, then get ready for the Android 4.4.3 KitKat OS update which has started rolling out to your smartphone with software changes and support for 4G LTEservices. This new firmware version appears to be sized at around 660MB and can be grabbed in an OTA fashion.

The One M8 was launched with the 4.4.2 version of Google’s OS onboard, but its successor was outed recently with no huge changes but some system and security improvements. HTC has decided to infuse this update with a number of its own additions.

Prime among them is support for 4G LTE networks in India which was promised beforehand by the Taiwanese company. Moreover, performance optimizations and updates to proprietary apps also form part of this download.

The HTC One M8 smartphone was released in the country back in April this year. It ships with a 5-inch 1080p full HD display and runs on a quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor. This smartphone is highlighted by its Duo Camera setup which allows users to adjust focus on their images even after they’ve been clicked.

Here’s a quick look at the specs of the HTC One M8:

- 5-inch full HD 1080p display
- Android 4.4 KitKat OS
- 2600mAh battery
- 2.3GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
- 2GB RAM, 16GB storage options (expandable)
- Duo Camera including Ultrapixel camera and depth sensing secondary camera, 5MP front
- 146.36mm x 70.6mm x 9.35mm
- 160 grams

HTC Butterfly 2 coming to India and South Asian nations soon

The HTC Butterfly 2 smartphone has been announced to reach availability in India soon as well as in other South Asian nations. While pricing for this device is unknown at the moment, we do know that it will hit the country sometime this September.

Prior to this, the phone had been unveiled as the J Butterfly in Japan where it is sold exclusively bycarrier KDDI. Its South Asian invasion will commence on September 2 when it will be launched in Taiwan and after that, outings in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will follow.

This Android 4.4 KitKat smartphone features a 5-inch display onboard, showcasing its visuals in 1080p full HD resolution. It runs on a 2.5GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor that’s granted assistance in its operations by 2GB worth of RAM.

The water-resistant HTC Butterfly 2 smartphone kicks in the company’s famed Duo Camerasetup as well. However, instead of the Ultrapixel snapper that’s present on the One M8, this device grabs a 13MP camera which combines its prowess with a 2MP depth sensor that completes the Duo Camera pairing.

A neat look at the specs of the HTC Butterfly 2:

- OS: Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 6 UI
- Display: 5-inch, 1080p full HD
- Processor: 2.5GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
- Memory: 2GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage (expandable up to 128GB)
- Camera: Duo Camera on rear (13MP and 2MP), 5MP front
- Weight: 151gms
- Dimensions: 145.4mm × 70.2mm × 9.99mm

We know now that the HTC Butterfly 2 will be seen making its way into India sometime next month. We’ll have more on it when additional details are out.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo gets a bite of Android 4.4 KitKat in India

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo is finally receiving Android 4.4.2 KitKat in India, bringing the device to the same OS version as its larger siblings. The new firmware is being delivered over the air and we’re pretty sure that it’ll be available through the Kies PC software as well.

The news of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo getting Android 4.4.2 KitKat broke on XDA Developers. While the South Korean conglomerate hasn’t officially disclosed its availability or provided a changelog, a few XDA members have posted screenshots of the update.

You’ll basically have to download around 495.61MB to get your smartphone updated to KitKat. Apart from the usual fixes and enhancements the OS tags along, there are changes from Samsung’s side as well, which are mostly cosmetic. Users will be treated to an enhanced UI and a new launcher settings menu. The overall stability of the interface has also been improved.

Coming to the lock screen, you’ll now be able to launch the default camera app through the dedicated shortcut on the bottom right corner. Also, Album art will be displayed here during music playback. The Note 3 Neo was recently given a price cut in India, making it available for Rs 29570 through Samsung’s eStore or Rs 27249 via online retailer Flipkart.

Quick view of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo specs:

- 5.5-inch 720p Super AMOLED display
- 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 64GB expandable
- Exynos 5 Hexa processor
- 2MP front camera, 8MP rear snapper
- 3100mAh battery

If you haven’t received the Android 4.4.2 KitKat upgrade as yet on your Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo, you could manually search for it via the Software Update option in the About phone menuunder settings.

Gionee GPad G5 5.5-inch hexa core phablet laucned for Rs 14999

The Gionee GPad G5 phablet may have a hexa core processor, but it’s a downgrade in a manner of speaking when compared to its predecessor and this shows in the price of Rs 14999 attached to it. The GPad G4 is currently pegged at Rs 16999 officially even though it was launched for Rs 18999.

The only advantage the Gionee GPad G5 possesses at present is the fact that the Mi 3 has stepped away from the limelight temporarily. Otherwise, it’d be racking up a lot of criticism considering its price is Rs 1000 heavier than the Xiaomi phone’s tag.

And it’s not like the GPad G5 has anything spectacular to show in comparison. Apart from having a hexa core processor, its specs sheet isn’t too impressive. There’s 1GB of RAM onboard and 8GB of ROM, though it does come with expandability of up to 32GB unlike the Mi 3 and GPad G4.

The new GPad takes some design cues from the Mi 3 although it would have done better to borrow more tips on the internal components. The phone is sharp on all four corners and has an easy way about it on the back with its slightly curvy build which should offer a good grip.

This forthcoming Gionee device embeds dual SIM slots and 3G connectivity, but no 4G LTE. Its 5.5-inch IPS display which is protected with Dragontrail Glass would have been more interesting if it did full HD instead of sticking to 1280 x 720p resolution .

At least there’s Android KitKat inside and a decent capacity 2400mAh battery that will let you squeeze about 12 hours of 3G talk time out of it. You also get two SIM card slots and an 8MP camera with flash on the back. You’ll have to make do with a 2MP lens for video calls.

Gionee GPad G5 key specs at a glance:

- 5.5-inch 1280 x 720p IPS Dragontrail Glass screen
- Android v4.4 KitKat OS
- 8MP main camera w/ LED flash, 2MP front lens
- 1.5GHz hexa core Cortex A7 processor
- 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage
- 32GB memory expandability
- 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
- Dual SIM card slots
- 2400mAh battery, 12 hours 3G talk time
- 157.3 x 77.6 x 7.9 millimeters
- Black and white color options

The Gionee GPad 5 is not up for sale yet, but it will be made available soon enough through the company’s very own store as well as via other retailers.

Samsung Galaxy Star 2 handset gets listed on official website for Rs 4580

The Samsung Galaxy Star 2 smartphone which was officially launched in India earlier this month has been listed on the company’s eStore with a price of Rs 4580. No release date has been provided for the phone as yet, but its arrival online suggests that its availability might not be far off.

The Samsung Galaxy Star 2 was unveiled along with the Star Advance and Ace NXT smartphones. The latter two devices have already been put up for grabs at Rs 7299 and Rs 6925, respectively. The handset in question was originally tagged at Rs 5100 and the reduced price is most likely due to the intense competition in the sub-Rs 10000 range.

The handset is as basic as it gets for Android and it comes with version 4.4 KitKat out of the box, accompanied by the TouchWiz Essence UX. The phone looks no different than the other two aforementioned handsets, but is smaller as the display size is just 3.5 inches with HVGA resolution.

A 1GHz processor does the heavy lifting with 512MB of RAM and there’s 4GB of internal storage. You also get a microSD card slot that support up to 32GB. For connectivity, the phone features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and dual SIM slots with 2G compatibility.

Here’s a roundup of the Samsung Galaxy Star 2 specifications:

- Android 4.4 KitKat
- 3.5-inch 320 x 480 pixel display
- 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, 32GB expandable
- 1GHz single core processor
- Dual SIM support
- 2MP rear camera
- 1300mAh battery