Airtel makes incoming calls free on National roaming for Rs 5/day

Airtel today announced free incoming call for its pre-paid customers on national roaming for Rs 5 per day.

Existing or new Airtel pre-paid customers can activate this service by sending a SMS 'roam' to 121.

This development has come after around two weeks of Telecomm Regulatory Authority of India ruling out the plan of providing free roaming services to mobile phone users in India.

According to the ruling sent out by TRAI, the ceilings for roaming tariffs set in 2007 have been reduced from Rs 1.40 and Rs 2.40 to Rs 1 and 1.50 for local and national calls while roaming respectively. For incoming calls while roaming, ceiling has been reduced form Rs 1.00 to Rs 0.75 per minute. The outgoing SMS which earlier was being charged between Rs 3.50 and Rs 1.50 have now been priced flat at Rs 1.50 for STD SMS and Rs 1 for local SMS.

Interestingly, Aircel back in January this year had announced a new pack called 'One Nation, One Rate'. The plan offered one rate for voice, SMS and data in home circle and on roaming on Aircel network.

The 'One nation, one rate' plan offered 1 paisa per second for both STD and local calls in home circle as well as on roaming on Aircel network. Incoming calls while on roaming on Aircel network were made free.

SMS rate is Rs 1 per SMS for both STD and local. The Aircel plan has also same data rates for both home and roaming circles. In Delhi, the pack is priced at Rs 39, but its price will vary in other circles.

How to enable app verification on Android

Another reason for the immense popularity of Android operating system is the inclusion of various native services that are all part of the Google gamut. With security being a top concern among users, Google devices now have Google services installed that can verify applications that are not even downloaded from Google Play. This way users can verify applications and be assured that they are not installing malware on their devices.

So here is how you can enable Google services to verify applications upon installation on your Android smartphone.

*Please note that this only works with Android version 4.0 and later versions.

Step 1

On your Android device locate the Applications home key and press it. The applications home key is located in the lower middle portion of the screen.

Top 5 running games on Android

Games are available in plenty on Android today, but after a point everything turns out either too difficult or too boring. But running games are perfect for playing all day long and by any member of the family, even toddlers.

Here are the most popular running games on Android that offer great fun and entertainment all the way long.

Temple Run 2

If anything can be popular across operating systems it is Temple Run. The second installment of Temple Run offers even more action.

The game revolves around an explorer named Guy Dangerous, who has stolen an ancient idol from an old temple and now he must run from the demonic monkeys to save his life. The player needs to tackle obstacles by jumping, sliding and running as fast as he can.

Temple Run involves four basic gestures made on the touchscreen - left swipe, right swipe, top swipe and bottom swipe. Also, the player can tilt the phone or tablet to make Guy run on the correct side.

The game does not have any finishing line and the character needs to run as long as he can. The coins collected on the way provide power-ups and other unlocks. The player can choose other characters by collecting coins while being chased by demonic monkeys.

The game as it progresses becomes more and more difficult and players must evolve with it to be able to take on advanced or longer distances.

Nokia Amber update for WP8 Lumias coming in August

The Nokia Lumia 925 launched with a new and improved software and Nokia promised to make it available to its older WP8 phones in the summer with the so-called Amber update. Now we've got a more concrete time frame thanks to the Nokia Spain's Twitter account.

The Amber update for Nokia Lumia range with WP8 arrive in August giving the same user experience as #Lumia925

Translated with Google Translate

The Amber update will bring the new Smart Camera lens for Lumia, which does post processing tricks like Action shot, Motion focus and object removal. Check out demos of those effects here.

There’s more - Amber will enable the FM radio receiver that has been lying dormant in Windows Phone 8 powered Lumia phones (except the 620) and the "double tap to wake" lockscreen with a clock (presumably only for AMOLED packing phones). Check out our preview of the Lumia 925 for more details on these features.

By the way, Twitter accounts aren't 100% reliable when it comes to such information, so we're still waiting for official confirmation.

Source (in Spanish) | Via (in Italian)

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Purported images of low-cost iPhone back cover emerge

Alleged photos of a back cover for an upcoming low-cost iPhone have made the rounds on the web. The images reveal a bright-green back shell, which falls in line with previous rumors about a cheaper iPhone, bound to offered in multiple colors.

There are no surprises on the alleged low-cost iPhone's back. The camera unit is accompanied by a single LED flash. A dedicated microphone appears to be tucked in between them. Naturally, an Apple logo and an iPhone sign complete the picture.

The source of the images is a micro-blogger, who's known for his connections with factory workers in China. The back cover on display has been allegedly photographed in a Foxconn facility.

Source | Via

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Alleged press images of Sony Xperia i1 Honami leak out

After posing for live shots yesterday, the Sony Xperia Honami made yet another appearance. This time around, the yet to be revealed top-shelf smartphone showed up in alleged press images, reportedly taken from a Xperia i1 Honami system dump.

The press images show both what appears to be the international version of the smartphone, as well as one which is bound for NTT Docomo in Japan. The press renders of the former appear to be in line with the recently leaked live images of the device. Sadly, no images of the device's back are available at the moment.

There is no official launch date for the Sony Xperia Honami. Considering the intensifying leaks of the device however, we doubt it will be a long wait. Until then, use the usual pinch of salt when checking out the images.

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Nokia sets up Trade-up program for your used phone in the US

Nokia, in partnership with Clover Wireless, has launched a trade in program for the US. The initiative allows you to give your old smartphone and receive a VISA prepaid card that you can use for purchasing a brand new Nokia Lumia smartphone.

Currently eligible for the discount are the Nokia Lumia 920, Lumia 925 and Lumia 928. You can submit any smartphone to see how much of a financial benefit it'd translate to when purchasing one of the aforementioned Windows Phone 8 smartphones.

The value of a submitted smartphone is determined by Clover Wireless, who has more than 20 years of experience in the resale market and it says it's analyzing the market constantly. The maximum balance you can receive in the VISA prepaid card is $300.

For example, based on its condition, an iPhone 4S is worth up to $250, $210 for a Samsung Galaxy S3 or $250 for an HTC One. After you've determined the cost of your phone using Nokia's specialized webpage (source link below) you send it in the mail with a proof of purchase of your new Nokia Lumia attached. And that's it.What do you think of Nokia's latest attempt at luring in customers in the US? Would you participate in such program if Nokia made it available in your country as well?

Source | Via

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BlackBerry posts a loss despite increased shipments, revenues

BlackBerry reported the financial results for the quarter that ends June 1 and there's some good news and some bad news. The company saw an uptick the two previous quarters, but this quarter ended with an operating loss of $84 million.

On the positive side, revenue was up to $3.1 billion, 15% higher than the previous quarter and 9% more than the year ago quarter. Shipments were up too – BlackBerry shipped 6.8 million devices, up from 6 million in the previous quarter.

The report doesn’t tell how many BlackBerry Z10s were shipped, the previous quarter it was 1 million). The Z10 was the sole shipping BlackBerry 10 product, but this quarter it was joined by the more affordable, QWERTY-equipped Q10. The lower-end Q5 launched at the beginning of the next quarter in the shifted fiscal year of the Canadian company. As for BlackBerry's sole tablet, the PlayBook, it shipped 100,000 units.

BlackBerry reports increased revenue from North America (30%), APAC (35%) and EMEA (9%), but Latin American revenue dropped by 6% (BB is blaming Venezuela's foreign currency restrictions).

At the end of the quarter BlackBerry's cash, equivalents, short and long-term investments totaled $3.1 billion, up from $2.9 billion at the end of the quarter before that.

BlackBerry expects to continue losing money over the next quarter too, but the company will continue its cost cutting efforts and focus on the BlackBerry 10 OS, Enterprise Service 10 and BlackBerry Messenger.

Update: Uh-oh. Investors didn't take kindly to BlackBerry's financial report and the company's stock took a massive beating - it's down over 26% at the time of this writing.

Source (PDF)

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You can install Android 4.3 on your Galaxy S4 right now

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition was unleashed just two days ago, but some lucky guy have somehow managed to get his hands on an Android 4.3 Jelly Bean-running test unit of the device. The Android build however doesn't have all of the features that will premiere within the official Android 4.3 though.

The Google's edition of Samsung's flagship is based on the I9505 model powered by the Snapdragon 600 chipset and normally runs on a stock Android 4.2 Jelly Bean ROM.

However if you already got one or even if you own a regular I9505 Galaxy S4 and wonder what is to have the new Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, now you can experience it. You can now install the leaked Google Play Edition's test Android 4.3 ROM on your device. We already tried it and found it to be fully functional, with only a minor glitch here and there.

There are a few things you need to know before you continue. You need to root your smartphone and install a custom recovery and then flash the leaked ROM through it. Even the locked bootloader of our Samsung I9505 Galaxy S4 unit didn't turn to be an issue.

More importantly, this ROM can't be installed via Odin and will void your warranty after the installation.

If you accept those terms and all the risks they bring, then hit our source link below for the download links and instructions. We'll be posting a brief hands-on with the Android 4.3-tasting Galaxy S4 shortly on our blog, so stay tuned.

Source

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Android 4.3 spotted on Galaxy S4, screenshots inside

Leaked screenshots show Android 4.3, dubbed Jelly Bean, running on a Snapdragon-powered (I9505) Samsung Galaxy S4. The firmware was allegedly intended for the Google Edition Galaxy S4 (I9505G) and sports the build number JWR66N.S005.130625.

Just by looking at the screenshots we can't identify anything truly new, except for the camera UI, which is already present on the HTC One and Galaxy S4 Google Editions, and the fact that the release seems to retain the Jelly Bean name, instead of going for Key Lime Pie.

Android 4.3 on Galaxy S4 I9505

According to another report from WSJ, Google is feverishly working on finishing up Android 4.3 and releasing it and is planning on dropping Android Key Lime Pie (perhaps version 5.0) on the scene this fall. According to sources the next Android iteration (KLP, not JB) will be "better tailored to the lower-cost smartphones".

Reportedly Google is even developing low-cost devices on its own, without OEM branding.

And while we're talking rumors WSJ learned from unknown sources that Google is developing a smartwatch device and gaming console, both revolving around the Android platform. Seeing how much traction the OUYA console gained and that smart wristwatches are all over the news lately, we would hardly be surprised if Google wants to join the bandwagon. There's also talk of an upcoming second generation Nexus Q home entertainment device.

However there are a lot of ifs and buts, and uncertainties in the information so you should take it with a pinch of salt.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Via

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New Sony Xperia Honami photos show a xenon flash

The Sony Xperia Honami is back in more spy shots – these show it from all sides and give us a much better look at the design. It looks like the device isn’t final though, the volume rocker is missing for one.

The back is quite interesting – it's built from some patterned matte plastic rather than glass, though that can change for the final version.

Anyway, the more interesting bit about this leak (and the smartphone itself for that matter) is the camera. The rumor is that the Honami features a big 1/1.6" sensor of 20MP resolution. Below it is a single-LED flash and on the right we see what might be a xenon flash. From yesterday's shot we assumed that it was a loudspeaker grill (it's about where it is on the Xperia ZL), but these more detailed shots show a big loudspeaker grill at the bottom (this is a slight departure from the current OmniBalance design).

Alleged 20MP camera and xenon flash • dedicated camera key * loudspeaker grill

The photos also show a dedicated camera key, which suits the camera phone personality of the Xperia Honami. There are also microSD and microSIM card slots on the sides, covered by flaps. Also, yesterday's leak showed the phone in White, so we have at least the two basic colors covered.

A 5" 1080p screen, according to rumors • microSIM and microSD card slots

Other than its impressive camera, the Android 4.2-powered Honami is rumored to have a 5" 1080p screen and a Snapdragon 800 chipset.

Yesterday we questioned if this is really the Honami with only a single-LED flash, but the xenon flash and camera key make it more convincing. There's still another issue though – a 1/1.6" sensor is quite big for a phone this thin, so we're keeping our pinch of salt.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Source

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Lenovo K900 available now for Rs 28,999

Lenovo K900, which was unveiled earlier this year in India for Rs 32,999, is now available for purchase for just Rs 28,999 - a discount of Rs 4,000. To avail the same users can log on to the Lenovo online e-store and purchase the K900, during checkout they can make use of the coupon code "K900ISHERE" to get the discount.

The Lenovo K900 houses a dual-core 2 GHz Intel Atom Clover Trai l+ chip and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. Lenovo has used a 5.5-inch display that supports 1080p pixel resolution and offers pixel density of 400 pixels per inch. It is just 6.9 mm thick.

Sporting a slim design, Lenovo K900 has a 13 megapixel camera (Sony Exmor Image Sensor) at the back with dual LED flash. This smartphone is powered by dual-core Intel Atom Clover Trail+ mobile processor clocked at 2 GHz. Lenovo has packed 2 GB RAM to power the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update with custom Lenovo UI on top of it.

For storage, K900 offers 16 GB on-board space out of with some would be reserved for system updates. There is a wide angle 2 megapixel front camera as well and it comes with a 2500 mAh non removable battery. For connectivity, it has WiFi , Bluetooth , micro USB 2.0 as well.

Videocon A55HD with 5 inch HD display for Rs 13,499

Videocon has launched its first smartphone with HD display. The Videocon A55HD has a 5 inch 1280 x 720 pixel display, and is based on OGS (One Glass Solution) which promises a wider viewing angle and visibility in bright sunlight.

The phone has a 1.2 GHz quad core processor, 1 GB RAM and 4 GB inbuilt memory. It seems Videocon has used the latest Mediatek MT6589T chipset in the phone, which supports up to 42 Mbps speeds on 3G .

Videocon A55HD has an 8 megapixel autofocus camera at the back and a 3.2 megapixel unit in front. The phone runs on a 2000 mAh battery. Apart from that the phone supports regular connectivity options like 3G (speeds of up to 42 Mbps). WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS /A-GPS is also supported for navigation.

The phone will compete with the likes of Micromax Canvas HD A116 and Xolo Q1000, and given that it has been priced at Rs 13,499 and has better display technology compared to most of the competition it has a fair chance of getting some desired attention from buyers.

Top 5 common security mistakes people make on mobile devices

In the age of internet and connected devices we lead a virtual life parallel to our natural lives, and similar to our natural lives we have to save ourselves from various security related treats that lurk in the virtual world as well. While we can blame the numerous services and connected devices that we use for their security holes; much of the problem is caused by mistakes that many of us make.

But same as everything else, these mistakes can also be rectified quite easily if we pay a little more attention to detail. So here we have the top 5 common security related mistakes that users make while using smart devices and the internet, and these issues all have quick remedies as well.

Nokia Zoom trademark filing spotted

Nokia is expected to launch a Lumia series smartphone with 41 megapixel PureView imaging technology and is likely to be branded as Nokia EOS. This smartphone with Windows Phone 8 running on it is scheduled to launch on July 11, next month. Meanwhile, Nokia has passed on the press release with the text - Zoom. Reinvented; which indicates to new breed of smartphones with enhanced camera technology.

Nokia has also filed for a trademark on the term Nokia Zoom. MyNokiaBlog spotted the trademark listing and it is quite evidential that it is intended not only just for the upcoming device but for more to come in future.

The upcoming device is rumored to be branded as Nokia Zoom or Lumia 1020. There is no clarity on whether Nokia will offer just one device with 41 megapixel image sensor. We hope that more such devices flaunting PureView imaging technology are released in future.

Nokia PureView imaging technology brought the lossless zoom to the mobile platform and now the company aims to do something similar with the Nokia EOS device.

Top 5 most common security mistakes people make on mobile devices

In the age of internet and connected devices we lead a virtual life parallel to our natural lives, and similar to our natural lives we have to save ourselves from various security related treats that lurk in the virtual world as well. While we can blame the numerous services and connected devices that we use for their security holes; much of the problem is caused by mistakes that many of us make.

But same as everything else, these mistakes can also be rectified quite easily if we pay a little more attention to detail. So here we have the top 5 common security related mistakes that users make while using smart devices and the internet, and these issues all have quick remedies as well.

Nokia Asha 501 preview: First look

GSMArena team, 27 June 2013.

Introduction

With a refreshed design and software, the candy-colored Nokia Asha 501 turns a new page for the Finnish feature-phone lineup. Low-end Android smartphones continue to be the main target but, for the first time the Ashas, which Nokia has always insisted on calling smart, are walking the walk.

No more of the cheap gloss of the older generations, the hardware call keys are gone too - the styling is simple but finally looks relevant and up-to-date. Touchscreen is in charge and the single Back key under the display is a major feature of the new look and feel - even if it plays a very small part in the actual navigation.

Nokia Asha 501

The Nokia Asha 501 is premiering the Asha platform 1.0 - the redesigned interface is heavily swipe-driven - a trend that goes back to the previous Asha generation, but with the right bit of polish and fluency.

Nokia Asha 501 at a glance:

• General: GSM 900 / 1800 MHz; GPRS up to 85.6 Kbps, EDGE up to 236.8 Kbps


• Dual SIM support: Optional, GSM 900 / 1800 MHz, dual SIM standby, EasySwap


• Form factor: Touchscreen bar phone


• Dimensions: 99.2 x 58 x 12.1 mm, 98.2 g


• Display: 3" 256K-color QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) TFT capacitive touchscreen, 133 ppi, scratch-resistant glass


• OS: Nokia Asha software platform 1.0


• Memory: 128 MB of inbuilt storage, microSD card slot, 4GB card in the bundle


• Still Camera: 3.15 megapixel fixed-focus camera


• Video Camera: QVGA (240 x 320) video recording at 15fps


• Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth 3.0 with EDR, microUSB port, 3.5mm audio jack


• Battery: 1,200mAh


• Misc: Built-in accelerometer, proximity sensor, FM radio, exchangeable covers

The version of the Nokia Asha 501 we have for this quick hands-on is the one with dual-SIM support. There's no side-mounted SIM compartment this time around, but there's still a hot-swappable SIM and a dedicated SIM manager that can remember the settings for up to five cards.

Long battery life, Wi-Fi, a reasonably stocked app store and exchangeable covers make this a compelling package, and a very affordable one at that. It's a nice little phone that looks fresh both on the outside and inside.

The Nokia Asha 501 at HQ

As the Nokia Asha 501 is getting ready to hit the shelves in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America, we're about to look at that Lumia-inspired shell and the MeeGo-like interface, and see what makes it tick. Join us after the break.

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