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BARCELONA: Samsung has gone for a total reboot of its smartphone line with yesterday's unveiling of Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones. ... -
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging client, is working on a voice-calling feature which it plans to release to the public soon. WhatsA... -
AUCKLAND: Veteran slow-bowler Daniel Vettori was hailed on Sunday as the "unsung hero" of New Zealand's knife-edge one-wicket... -
NEW DELHI: Mobile phone bills might see a marginal increase of up to 1.5% owing to the hike in service tax rate to 14% from 12.36% as propo...
Meet Google's future-proof Project Ara phones
However, Miami, US-based company Yezz wants to change this. It is among the few companies that Google is working with to produce 'future-proof' smartphones as part of its Project Ara initiative.
The first Project Ara modular smartphone will be unveiled later this year in Peurto Rico, and Yezz says that the pilot launch would serve as a test bed for the demand for such smartphones. Though the company did not have any Modular smartphones to show at MWC, it did display a few modules at its booth.
WhatsApp Call feature releases to more users -- here's how you can get it
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging client, is working on a voice-calling feature which it plans to release to the public soon. WhatsApp has been rolling out the functionality to select users as part of a beta test program, something the company had confirmed last month. We are now able to report and confirm that WhatsApp is once again rolling out the voice calling feature to many users, and the invite can be disseminated if a user with the feature working on their Android device makes a phone call from within the app to other Android users. We tried to make it work on an iPhone, but couldn't; and we're yet to try it on a Windows Phone handset.
Last year, WhatsApp announced that it was working on a voice-calling feature and would release it to users by the second half of 2014. While that obviously never happened, the company last month began to flip the switches for many users as part of a beta testing program. Last month, it had confirmed that it was beta testing the feature and would release to all as soon as it is satisfied with the initial results.
We have talked in length about why this feature matters to users. According to the latest estimations, more texts are being sent through WhatsApp than via traditional SMS. Statistically too, in emerging markets such as India, a voice calling feature over the web could significantly reduce users’ phone bills.
For a quick analogy, I compared a regular phone call’s tariff with a voice call over the web last month. “Skype, for example, uses 6 to 20 kbps or around 150KB per minute for a voice call. The amount a user would have to pay for this much data is a lot less than a voice call tariff. In India, for instance, that much data usage with standard internet data plans of say $2-4 per GB will provide users with over 6,820 minutes, something which would otherwise cost a user Rs 6,820 (more than $100) over a typical voice call.”, I had inferred.
Users are required to have either v2.11.528, or v2.11.531, or v2.22.555 (which you can download from our reliable friends at APKMirror) of WhatsApp installed on their Android smartphone or tablet. After which, they are eligible to snag the feature provided someone with the feature working on their handset makes a phone call to them. We’ve personally invited a number of users and can vouch for this invitation system’s validity. That said, we are not sure how long WhatsApp will keep the invitation system open.
First impressions of Samsung's Galaxy S6, S6 Edge
BARCELONA: Samsung has gone for a total reboot of its smartphone line with yesterday's unveiling of Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones. The smartphones are similar in design to the models launched since September last year, but you would be hard pressed to believe that they are part of the same family that spawned Galaxy S5 and S3.
We spent some time with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge at the showcase event to see whether the two new smartphones are worth the hype and if these can be the iPhone challengers that Samsung desperately needs them to be... Here's what we think:
Display
Samsung has upped the pixel density on Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge to the highest among all smartphones by slapping 2K (1440x2560p) resolution on their 5.1-inch displays. We believe that this exercise is not of much value since the pixel density on Full HD screens (1080x1920p) is high enough, and a 2K panel doesn't add much to the experience.
In terms of quality, both SuperAMOLED displays offer excellent sharpness, viewing angles and contrast. We can't give a judgement on sunlight legibility until we get a review unit that we can around under direct sunlight. Samsung has been able to balance the colours a little more over last year's Galaxy S5, so the greenish tinge of AMOLED screens is a lot less noticeable now, though we still won't say that it is completely gone.
The Edge screen on Galaxy S6 Edge is on both sides this time, up from just one side as is the case with Galaxy Note Edge. though this is an engineering feat, it still does not add as much of value as you would think since the Edge screen features can be used on only one side at a time.
Moreover, the Galaxy S6 Edge's curved panel is not independent of the main display, as it is in Galaxy Note Edge. therefore, you lose out on the feature that gives you one-touch access to apps and widgets by just swiping on the home screen. You can only check out missed notifications using the Edge screen on Galaxy S6 Edge, but not a lot more.
This feature, however, is still available if the screen is locked; just rub the Edge screen when the phone is asleep and the curved display will light up. Samsung is also letting you set colour codes for your contacts, so that the Edge screen will light up when they call and your phone is facing downwards.
A huge improvement? We think not. The features, though not available on other phones, are still limited and can't even compare to those on Galaxy Note Edge.
Design
The design is a huge improvement over Galaxy S5, using metal and glass and dumping plastic altogether.
The Galaxy S6 Edge is of course thinner at the sides than the Galaxy S6, but both of them look the same apart from that. The metal body is similar to the one we have seen in Galaxy Alpha and Note 4, but has a tougher feel to it due to the polish and thus does not look as premium.
The glass panel on the back is a fingerprint magnet, and surrounds the camera lens. The camera lens, which is also surrounded by metal on all sides, protrudes a little.
Software
Samsung made a point to showcase the software improvements it has introduced with the two new smartphones. TouchWiz is based on Android 5.0 now and, thus, is full of animations that you can't miss, courtesy Material Design. And you will also notice the much smaller number of preinstalled Samsung apps in the smartphone instantly.
The simpler, more intuitive UI, as Samsung calls it, is not as much in your face as you would expect it to be after years of using the cluttered TouchWiz. However, its subtle quality is also hard to discern without using it for a few hours at least.
The hardware
Inside, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge pack the 2.1GHz octa-core processor and 3GB RAM, which make for a powerful and extremely responsive smartphone when combined with the Android 5.0-based TouchWiz. We noticed no lag, which TouchWiz is criticised for widelh, at all during the time we spent with the smartphones.
For the first time, the back panel is not removable and you can't place a microSD card for storage expansion. Instead, you get 32, 64 and 128GB options; Samsung says that the new flash memories it has used make the process up to 80% faster.
Camera
The 16MP rear camera of Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge is great for lowlight photography, Samsung claims, as the sensor is now able to capture up to 60% more light now. However, we were unable to test this as the demo area was way too well lit.
The camera's indoor photography skills are top notch, capturing all the details and delivering great colours and contrast. We will need to spend more time to decide how much of an improvement it is over the cameras of rivals.
However, we can safely say that the selfie camera has got a huge boost since last year. The 5MP front camera captures just as much light as does the rear camera. This means much clearer, brighter selfies for you. On the software side, you get features like beauty mode and wide-angle selfie for better self-portraits.
What we think
Samsung has pressed all the right buttons with its new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The phone has enough consumer-centric features to make it a decent rival to the new, fast-selling iPhones.
The best thing about Samsung's new smartphones is that they are more of a revolution than an evolution, unlike HTC One M9. Plus, Galaxy S6 Edge has the dual curved screens as its distinguishing feature, which is likely to entice many buyers.
We spent some time with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge at the showcase event to see whether the two new smartphones are worth the hype and if these can be the iPhone challengers that Samsung desperately needs them to be... Here's what we think:
Display
Samsung has upped the pixel density on Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge to the highest among all smartphones by slapping 2K (1440x2560p) resolution on their 5.1-inch displays. We believe that this exercise is not of much value since the pixel density on Full HD screens (1080x1920p) is high enough, and a 2K panel doesn't add much to the experience.
In terms of quality, both SuperAMOLED displays offer excellent sharpness, viewing angles and contrast. We can't give a judgement on sunlight legibility until we get a review unit that we can around under direct sunlight. Samsung has been able to balance the colours a little more over last year's Galaxy S5, so the greenish tinge of AMOLED screens is a lot less noticeable now, though we still won't say that it is completely gone.
The Edge screen on Galaxy S6 Edge is on both sides this time, up from just one side as is the case with Galaxy Note Edge. though this is an engineering feat, it still does not add as much of value as you would think since the Edge screen features can be used on only one side at a time.
Moreover, the Galaxy S6 Edge's curved panel is not independent of the main display, as it is in Galaxy Note Edge. therefore, you lose out on the feature that gives you one-touch access to apps and widgets by just swiping on the home screen. You can only check out missed notifications using the Edge screen on Galaxy S6 Edge, but not a lot more.
This feature, however, is still available if the screen is locked; just rub the Edge screen when the phone is asleep and the curved display will light up. Samsung is also letting you set colour codes for your contacts, so that the Edge screen will light up when they call and your phone is facing downwards.
A huge improvement? We think not. The features, though not available on other phones, are still limited and can't even compare to those on Galaxy Note Edge.
Design
The design is a huge improvement over Galaxy S5, using metal and glass and dumping plastic altogether.
The Galaxy S6 Edge is of course thinner at the sides than the Galaxy S6, but both of them look the same apart from that. The metal body is similar to the one we have seen in Galaxy Alpha and Note 4, but has a tougher feel to it due to the polish and thus does not look as premium.
The glass panel on the back is a fingerprint magnet, and surrounds the camera lens. The camera lens, which is also surrounded by metal on all sides, protrudes a little.
Software
Samsung made a point to showcase the software improvements it has introduced with the two new smartphones. TouchWiz is based on Android 5.0 now and, thus, is full of animations that you can't miss, courtesy Material Design. And you will also notice the much smaller number of preinstalled Samsung apps in the smartphone instantly.
The simpler, more intuitive UI, as Samsung calls it, is not as much in your face as you would expect it to be after years of using the cluttered TouchWiz. However, its subtle quality is also hard to discern without using it for a few hours at least.
The hardware
Inside, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge pack the 2.1GHz octa-core processor and 3GB RAM, which make for a powerful and extremely responsive smartphone when combined with the Android 5.0-based TouchWiz. We noticed no lag, which TouchWiz is criticised for widelh, at all during the time we spent with the smartphones.
For the first time, the back panel is not removable and you can't place a microSD card for storage expansion. Instead, you get 32, 64 and 128GB options; Samsung says that the new flash memories it has used make the process up to 80% faster.
Camera
The 16MP rear camera of Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge is great for lowlight photography, Samsung claims, as the sensor is now able to capture up to 60% more light now. However, we were unable to test this as the demo area was way too well lit.
The camera's indoor photography skills are top notch, capturing all the details and delivering great colours and contrast. We will need to spend more time to decide how much of an improvement it is over the cameras of rivals.
However, we can safely say that the selfie camera has got a huge boost since last year. The 5MP front camera captures just as much light as does the rear camera. This means much clearer, brighter selfies for you. On the software side, you get features like beauty mode and wide-angle selfie for better self-portraits.
What we think
Samsung has pressed all the right buttons with its new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The phone has enough consumer-centric features to make it a decent rival to the new, fast-selling iPhones.
The best thing about Samsung's new smartphones is that they are more of a revolution than an evolution, unlike HTC One M9. Plus, Galaxy S6 Edge has the dual curved screens as its distinguishing feature, which is likely to entice many buyers.
Budget 2015: Mobile phone bills to go up
NEW DELHI: Mobile phone bills might see a marginal increase of up to 1.5% owing to the hike in service tax rate to 14% from 12.36% as proposed in the Union Budget.
"Currently the telecom industry is under a lot of stress and operators aren't even passing the cost of spectrum to the users but since they can't go on endlessly absorbing all costs, this might translate into a slightly higher bill," Prashant Singhal, global telecoms leader at EY said.
Last time around, telecom operators had absorbed the hike in the service tax rate. The tariff rates announced are usually inclusive of the service tax.
Speaking from the point of view of telcos, Neeraj Katariya, managing consultant at PwC, said that the revenue accruing to the telecom operators' might will take a hit of 2% due to the increase in service tax rate.
"They may have to revise their tariffs structures for pre-paid customers, as their ability to offer full talk time on some vouchers will go down by about 2%," Katariya explained.
He added that operators might not touch post-paid tariffs, but customers using pre-paid plans could also end up paying higher bills due to increase in service tax.
Currently, the average revenue per user accruing monthly to the industry is about Rs 119, according to the data released by the sectoral regulator.
The telecom industry is all geared up for the sale of 2G and 3G airwaves which the government will auction next week, beginning March 4. Given the dynamics of the industry and the criticality of the airwaves being put up for auction, the government is expected to net upwards of over 1 lakh crore.
"Currently the telecom industry is under a lot of stress and operators aren't even passing the cost of spectrum to the users but since they can't go on endlessly absorbing all costs, this might translate into a slightly higher bill," Prashant Singhal, global telecoms leader at EY said.
Last time around, telecom operators had absorbed the hike in the service tax rate. The tariff rates announced are usually inclusive of the service tax.
Speaking from the point of view of telcos, Neeraj Katariya, managing consultant at PwC, said that the revenue accruing to the telecom operators' might will take a hit of 2% due to the increase in service tax rate.
"They may have to revise their tariffs structures for pre-paid customers, as their ability to offer full talk time on some vouchers will go down by about 2%," Katariya explained.
He added that operators might not touch post-paid tariffs, but customers using pre-paid plans could also end up paying higher bills due to increase in service tax.
Currently, the average revenue per user accruing monthly to the industry is about Rs 119, according to the data released by the sectoral regulator.
The telecom industry is all geared up for the sale of 2G and 3G airwaves which the government will auction next week, beginning March 4. Given the dynamics of the industry and the criticality of the airwaves being put up for auction, the government is expected to net upwards of over 1 lakh crore.
Petrol prices hiked by Rs 3.18 per litre, diesel by Rs 3.09
NEW DELHI: Petrol price was on Saturday hiked by Rs 3.18 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.09, the second increase in rates this month on rising international oil rates.
The increase is effective from Saturday midnight. A litre of petrol in Delhi will cost Rs 60.49 from Sunday as against Rs 57.31 currently while diesel will cost Rs 49.71 per litre as against Rs 46.62 at present, oil companies announced here on Saturday.
Prior to the increases this month, petrol price had been cut on ten occasions since August 2014 and diesel six times since October 2014.
Cumulatively, petrol price had been cut by Rs 17.11 per litre in ten reductions since August and diesel by Rs 12.96 a litre since its deregulation in October.
This trend was reversed when rates were raised on February 16.
"Prices of petrol and diesel were last revised upwards with effect from February 16 by Rs 0.82 per litre and Rs 0.61 a litre respectively (including state levies at Delhi)... Since the above price revision, there has been further steep increase in international prices of both petrol and diesel," Indian Oil Corp (IOC) said in a statement.
Also, the slight depreciation in rupee-dollar exchange rate together with firming international rates warrant increase in retail selling price of petrol and diesel, it said.
Fuel prices would have been lower but for four consecutive excise duty hikes since November totalling Rs 7.75 a litre on petrol and Rs 7.50 on diesel.
"The movement of prices in international oil market and INR-USD exchange rate shall continue to be closely monitored and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes," the IOC statement said.
The increase is effective from Saturday midnight. A litre of petrol in Delhi will cost Rs 60.49 from Sunday as against Rs 57.31 currently while diesel will cost Rs 49.71 per litre as against Rs 46.62 at present, oil companies announced here on Saturday.
Prior to the increases this month, petrol price had been cut on ten occasions since August 2014 and diesel six times since October 2014.
Cumulatively, petrol price had been cut by Rs 17.11 per litre in ten reductions since August and diesel by Rs 12.96 a litre since its deregulation in October.
This trend was reversed when rates were raised on February 16.
"Prices of petrol and diesel were last revised upwards with effect from February 16 by Rs 0.82 per litre and Rs 0.61 a litre respectively (including state levies at Delhi)... Since the above price revision, there has been further steep increase in international prices of both petrol and diesel," Indian Oil Corp (IOC) said in a statement.
Also, the slight depreciation in rupee-dollar exchange rate together with firming international rates warrant increase in retail selling price of petrol and diesel, it said.
Fuel prices would have been lower but for four consecutive excise duty hikes since November totalling Rs 7.75 a litre on petrol and Rs 7.50 on diesel.
"The movement of prices in international oil market and INR-USD exchange rate shall continue to be closely monitored and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes," the IOC statement said.
Budget 2015: Modi calls Budget ‘progressive and pragmatic’
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Budget "progressive and pragmatic" that will strengthen India's economic capabilities and help fulfil the dreams of the common man. He assured foreign investors about a predictable and fair tax system.
"... Budget with a clear vision. It is a Budget that is progressive, positive, practical, pragmatic & prudent," Modi tweeted soon after the Budget speech. "We are moving with the mantra of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas'," he said.
He appreciated Arun Jaitley for an "inspiring" Budget which will "encourage us to do new things". He said the FM had done well in the balancing act between the aspirations of states and national priorities.
"... Budget with a clear vision. It is a Budget that is progressive, positive, practical, pragmatic & prudent," Modi tweeted soon after the Budget speech. "We are moving with the mantra of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas'," he said.
He appreciated Arun Jaitley for an "inspiring" Budget which will "encourage us to do new things". He said the FM had done well in the balancing act between the aspirations of states and national priorities.