Motorola Finds a Keylink

Many of us have a habit of leaving our mobile or keys here and there. And then, we do not find it when we need it. Or even worse! When we are late for work, they would just refuse to appear. If it is the mobile that decides to hide, we can still track it by calling ourselves. However, what if the key gets lost completely?

To solve this problem, Motorola has showcased their unique Keylink, which can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. You can attach this small device to your keychain. Download the Motorola Connect app for your Android or iPhone. Press the button on the Keylink to ring your phone. If it rings properly it means your smartphone and the Keylink is now paired.

Now you can use the keylink to locate your smartphone. Just press the button on the Keylink and your device will start ringing even if it is on silent mode and help you locate it. Similarly, if your keys get lost, you can use the Motorola Connect to make the Keylink ring.

The small Keylink device is powered by a small coin sized cell. The battery is expected to last up to a year. You can easily replace it in case it is drained.

The great news is that the Keylink is already available for purchase. If you are in US, you can just walk in to the T-Mobile Store or visit Motorola.com to purchase it for $24.99.

Personally, I do not know how useful it is to use the Keylink. However, I am sure it has laid a foundation of a new thought of finding objects using technology using new-age technology. The day is not far when we will be finding our misplaced objects by just entering its name in the search bar of the app. Only time will tell the story!

P.S. - Not necessarily you have to attach the Keylink to your keychain. You can also attach it to the anything that you lose often e.g. a flashdrive, a TV remote, etc. 

Mind Your Head When You Are Texting

The new age smartphones help us carry our daily routine efficiently with its various functions such as GPS, games, alarm, reminders, e-mails, etc. However, as these devices are turning to be boon to the mankind, it has its own side effects. The study by Chief of Spine Surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, Dr. Kenneth Hansraj reveals that we tend to bend our head down as we are busy on our phones either texting, gaming or working.

The adult’s head weighs around 10-12 pounds (approx 4-6 kg) when in the upright position. However, as we gradually get involved in texting activity on the phone, due to gravitational pull, we tend to bend our head more and more towards the phone. This is where the problem lies.

Dr Hansraj’s research found out that by this way even if we bend out head at 60 degrees, the posture is putting the weight of up to 60 pound (around 27 kg). This is as good as a seven year old kid sitting on the neck.  

He further mentioned in the study that "The weight seen by the spine dramatically increases when flexing the head forward at varying degrees. Loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine leads to incrementally increased stresses about the cervical spine."

It further leads to a bad posture and further problems such as back pain and other neurological issues. Moreover, these stresses may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration and possibly surgeries.

Hence, while you are engaged deep in conversation or playing games on your phone, mind your head. 

REACHit: Lenovo’s New App

In order to find or access the particular file at any point and time, I use several services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, etc. And ‘the same old story’ with me is, I do not find the required file or photo just when I need it. I log in & out of all these services. But alas! Few days later the same file emerges magically when I am searching for some other file. Huh! It is completely mind boggling to manage all this data. And frustrating too!

 

But now, seems like Lenovo has heard my prayers. The company has launched an app that will manage all these accounts. Lenovo REACHit has been designed to access, organize, search and share files from any of these data storing services.

Search it!

REACHit connects a user’s PC, Android or iOS device and multiple cloud storage accounts from Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox and Box. Hence, it is easier to store, search and share. Using a simple search bar, users can search for a particular document across the devices and storage locations. If you wish to use it on your Windows, it integrates into Windows File Explorer for searching storage locations within the Windows operating system.

Move it!

That’s not it. You can also move files between devices and storage locations through REACHit. So that you can access and edit files while even on the go.

“We are extremely excited about launching REACHit but this is only the beginning. We have lots of cool ideas and features that we’ll be using to enhance REACHit’s functionality. But even more important than those we are looking to drive a model where our customers ‘vote’ on what we should do next and provide us with feedback to direct our future development,” said Vice President, Ecosystem and Cloud Services, Lenovo, Mark Cohen.

Availability

The REACHit is now available for free download on Google Play store and Apple Store. Lenovo’s devices will come pre-loaded with this app from early next year.

I have already downloaded this app. Until I review it, you do share your experiences with it. 

Asus Launches ROG Gladius – the Gaming Mouse

Whether you are playing on the console or on the PC, one of the necessary things to enjoy the game is the controller. Therefore, the keyboard and mouse play an important role in the whole PC game. The mouse has to give you the comfort, precision and match your speed. To offer you exactly what is needed, ASUS Republic of Gamers announced the ROG Gladius optical wired gaming mouse today.

The new mouse is bundled with various features for gamers such as a two-level in-game DPI switch and an exclusive easy-swap switch socket design for customizable click resistance. The main feature of the mouse is 6400 dots per inch (DPI) optical sensor that tracks up to 200 inches per second and 50g acceleration.

Furthermore, the Gladius features an ergonomically-designed chassis to fir into all types of grips such as fingertips, claw or palm. Tactile rubber side panels ensure that your grip on the mouse is secured even in the heat of the game. What is more attractive is its special sweat-resistant coating, which will allow you to play comfortably for long hours. Also, the mouse is equipped with six programmable buttons.

Also, don’t you worry about the excessive use of the mouse. Gladius comes with high-quality Omron mouse switches that are good for at least 20 million clicks. To add into it, the mouse also has a built-in flash memory to save your gaming profile.

Want to grab it? Hold on till the next month. The ROG Gladius will be available in India from next month. It carries the price tag of Rs. 4,500 and comes with 2 years warranty. 

Nokia Launches N1 Tablet with Android Lollipop

Today, Nokia has surprised one and all with the launch of their N1 tablet. There are couple of things worth noticing in this device. For the first time, the company has teamed up with Google to bring Android to their device. Also, it is one of the first devices, apart from the newly launched Nexus devices, to have the Android Lollipop 5.0.

Another novel feature about this device has to be the Z Launcher. This app helps to manage apps and stay organized. With scribbling of a letter or two, this launcher helps to find the app that the user is looking for. That’s not it. The app is smart enough to suggest apps depending on the time and location.

The other features of the phone include 2.4Ghz Intel Atom quad-core processor and 7.9” display. It is 6.9 mm thin and will be available in two colors – Lava Grey and Natural Aluminium.

Talking about the product, Head of Products, Nokia Technologies, Sebastian Nyström said, "We are pleased to bring the Nokia brand back into consumers' hands with the N1 Android tablet, and to help make sophisticated technologies simple."

The phone is expected to be available in the market by Q1 of 2015. We just can’t wait to see the combo of Nokia and Android. Let’s see how it turns out.

Software That Lets You Hear Wi-Fi Signal

With the increasing use of smartphones, our dependability on wi-fi is also increasing. We use internet for every small purpose right from finding our way in the new city to saying hi to the friend to banking. The availability of wi-fi is must. But how do we realize that the wi-fi signal is available by looking at the phone?

A London-based scientist, Frank Swain has an answer to this question. He has developed software named Phantom Terrains that will help us identify the presence of any wi-fi signal through sound. Right now, this software works with the iPhone and a specially created hearing aid.

The system uses iPhone’s wi-fi sensor to receive the data. The newly developed software decodes the data and transmits it through the customized hearing aid.

Give Your Nexus 5 the Sweetness of Lollipop

In the previous post we talked about the release of Android 5.0 a.ka. Lollipop for the Nexus 5. Unable to contain our anticipation we finally manually updated our Nexus 5 with the Android 5.0 image from the official Android website. Flashing it on our own was fun. We did meet a few hiccups while installing the new update but in the end everything went well. The efforts paid-off and we now have a brand new like Nexus 5, delightfully sporting the Lollipop.

We followed the updating process to the T and it surely helped a lot. Firstly, we uninstalled the old USB driver of Google from our computer and installed the latest USB driver from the here.

How to upgrade the Nexus 5 with the latest Lollipop 5.0 ?

We also made sure we had latest ADB and Fastboot installed on our computer.If you do not have it installed you can head over to this link and install the Minimal ADB and Fastboot tool.

Backing-up data is also one of the prerequisites of installing the update via adb sideload. We used SMS Backup and Restore to backup our SMSes.

You can turn on sync and upload your Photos to your Google+ album or any other such cloud space that you use. Take a backup of your Whats app media as well.

Don’t forget to sync your other personal date like contacts, calendar, reminders etc.

After making sure that all data is backed up you can proceed with the installing process.

Download the Lollipop OTA Update zip file from here. Copy it in your PC and rename it to something you could remember, like updatelollipop.zip

You might also need to install the Universal Windows ADB Driver to automatically add the driver when you go into the recovery mode.

Also, make sure you have turned on the USB debugging option in the Developers Options in Settings. Those who have not turned on Developer Options on your Nexus 5, go to About Phone – click 7 times on the build number and the Developer Option will be unlocked in the About Phone.

Now switch off your Nexus 5 and enter the Fastboot mode by pressing the Volume Down Key + Power Button simultaneously. Once you are in the Fastboot mode you need to navigate to the Recovery Mode by using the Volume keys. Press the Power Button to select and enter the Recovery Mode.

After that you need to press the Power Button and then press and hold the Volume Up button.

Once you enter the Recovery Mode, use the Volume Buttons to highlight the Apply Update From ADB. Press Power Button to select.

Now connect your Nexus 5 to the PC. Open the folder which contains the updatelollipop.zip file. While pressing the shift button, right click the mouse and click on ‘Open CMD window here’.

To make sure, your PC is recognising your Nexus 5 in the recovery mode, go to Device Manager and look for ADB Android Device or Nexus 5.

In the CMD window type ‘adb sideload updatelollipop.zip’ without the inverted commas. Hit enter to start the process.

If you have installed the right USB drivers and ADB properly installed, you will see the zip file being send to the Nexus 5.

Hurray!

Allow it to do the rest and within 10 minutes or so, you too will be rocking the latest Android Lollipop on your Nexus 5. And you are done!

Visit again to know more about thr Lollipop and its features

Disclaimer: The above process worked for our Nexus 5 device having the build no. KTU84Q. Please make sure you update the Nexus 5 having the same build no. Users are requested to do the above stated manual installation at their own risks. Technigully and its contributors are not responsible for any damage occurred to your device while installing the update. 

Nexus 5 Users Get Their Own Lollipop

The news of delayed release of Android 5.0 aka Lollipop update on Nexus 5 had disappointed the users thoroughly. It was also rumored that Moto X and Moto G would get the update sooner than Nexus 5 users, which only added more distress to the waiting Nexus owners.

However, there is no reason to be sad or disappointed now. Apparently there was some bug in the device that caused the delay. The said bug was believed to drain the battery erratically. As officially stated by Google, this bug was the reason behind the postponing of the big update from November 3^rd to the next week. But it seems that the issue has now been sorted out and the Nexus 5 will finally receive its much-awaited update.

Yes, we have official great news from Google that Android 5.0 a.k.a the Lollipop has started rolling out on Nexus 5 from today. Therefore, if not today, may be in a couple of days, you would get your share of “Lollipop”.

Now for those who can’t hide their enthusiasm head over to the Settings on your phone – About Phone – System Update – Check Now to see if your update is ready and waiting for you.

Why such excitement?

Are you still wondering why this update is so much in the news? The Lollipop is one of the major operating system updates that Google has released.

The biggest refashioned feature is the Material Design which allows app developers for integrating the new design pattern easily into their apps.

Along with its fresh look, Android Lollipop commits improved flexibility and connectivity. One of its main features is that it connects all your devices which run on android. Even if you switch between your phone your tab or a wearable. You can continue playing songs, photos, apps and even recent searches exactly where you left it.

Additionally, the design of the Lollipop adapts to the device. For example, the operating system shows your inbox along with the message you are reading. So that you can also see the new e-mail that arrives while you are reading the earlier one. Just like Microsoft Outlook.

On the performance part, the Android 5.0 Lollipop brings in a much smoother and powerful computing experience. It will now run ART Runtime which has permanently replaced the DALVIK Runtime.

Moreover, Lollipop also lets you customize settings as per your choice. You can now choose whose message is eligible to disturb you while at work and respond to it from the lock screen itself.

For further details of its new features, kindly head over to Google’s official page for Android Developers.

And yes, don’t forget to share the good news with us when the update hits your Nexus 5. 

Microsoft Launches Lumia 535 with the Power of Five

Until recently, Microsoft has been active in supporting the Lumia series of smartphones with its operating system. However, now, the company has launched the first phone, the Lumia 535 with Microsoft’s name branded on the device.

Although, the phone doesn’t have great specs like the current hi-tech smartphones like the iPhone 6 or Nexus 6 or anything slimmer than Oppo R5 but it surely has some unique features.

Work on the move.

First and foremost the strong point of this phone is allows you to take work on the move. Thanks to Microsoft’s clever move to seamlessly tie all devices running Windows 8.1 with Microsoft Office.

Camera:

The phone features 5” touch screen and latest operating system Windows 8.1. Its 5 MP front camera is perfect for taking selfies and having conversations over Skype. The Lumia selfie app will make it sharing-ready with its various editing features.

However, the rear camera is a bit of disappointment as it has just a 5 MP camera. In an era where smartphones’ have crossed into the 8 MP threshold, a 5 MP rear camera looks a little out of fashion. We haven’t yet arrived on why Microsoft is being so soft on the camera front. But the good thing is, it surely has a better front shooting camera.

Apps:

The phone is pre-loaded with Instagram, which will enable you to share your photos with your friends and loved ones. Additionally, the Lumia 535 allows you to take your work on the move with the help of Microsoft Office. You can edit documents on your phone through this app.  The phone will also offer you some entertainment through popular games like Subway Surfers. Moreover, you can download apps of your requirement and choice via the Windows Store.

Storage & processor:

The Lumia 535 is powered by 1.2 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB RAM. It has an 8 GB onboard memory with the capacity to extend it up to 128 GB. To top it up, Microsoft is offering a 15 GB free OneDrive storage with this smartphone. Now, this free cloud space will surely attract smartphone users looking for storing data online.

Ending note:

The phone would be available in interesting colors such as grey, orange and green for approximately €110. It also gives the option to choose from a single SIM version and a dual one. You can also pick up matching accessories such as portable speakers, Cloud Bang, etc. with this smartphone.  

Firefox fx10: Made for Developers

On the eve of its 10^th anniversary, Mozilla has rolled out a new version of their browser. The new fx10 is specifically designed for developers. This Developers Edition gives you access to tools and platform features almost 12 weeks before they reach the general Firefox users.

This version equips you with various tools, which help you to develop faster and efficiently. To know more about it, watch the video.

Impressive? You can download the same from here. 

Going Down the Memory Lane with Nokia

After its acquisition by Microsoft, Nokia phones have become a history. However, in the past decade, this phone maker, has seen its glorious times and have made some outstanding devices. With that, the company has also manufactured and showcased few devices, which completely boggled our mind. Here are the phones which were technologically advanced at the time they were launched but simultaneously amazed us with its weird features, shape, size, etc.

Nokia 7600

Nokia 7600

Nokia 7600 was primarily launched as a fashion statement. Due to the weird shape and inconvenience caused due to it made the users turn away from it. The buttons were also located on the either side of the screen. As a result, operations weren’t very friendly.

Nokia N-Gage

Nokia N-Gage:

Nokia N-Gage was mainly launched for gamers who preferred to take gaming anywhere they went. In the era when keys of the phone were neatly arranged below the screen, this phone featured keys on both the sides of the screen. The highlight of the phone was placing of the speaker and mic. The phone had to be held side-ways to speak. Well, it looked a little inconvenient but it seemed the users enjoyed it!

Nokia 7700

Nokia 7700:

You may not know this device. It was announced in 2003 but it never came in the market. Its release was cancelled in 2004. Like N-Gage, this phone too featured side-talking. Additionally, it was bulky too. With so many weird features, may be, the company was unsure of its success.

Nokia N59

Nokia N 95:

The N 95 belonged to the N-series, which were once popular for being technologically advanced. Weird feature about this phone was its sliding nature. When, most of the sliding phone slid in one direction, this device slid both ways uncovering different set of keys.

Nokia 888

Besides these phones, which were commercially launched, Nokia had also presented concept phones such as Nokia Morph and Nokia 888. It might be that these sci-fi resembling gadgets weren’t practical enough or on the hand the market wasn’t ready for such a futuristic phone. Who knows? All things said, Nokia surely did influence the future of mobile designing.

Got any old Nokia phone? Do share your thoughts and memories. 

LG G Watch R: Watch it. Wear It.

It seems like technology will soon dominate the fashion industry. On the backdrop of the recent fashion war of wearables, LG has released their android LG G Watch R Wearable against Motorola’s newly updated Moto360. It has a full circular screen and comes in black color.

The unique feature of this watch is the perfect combination of a traditional watch and android. Below are the specifications of the watch.

LG G Watch R is available in Google Play for $299. 

Moto 360: A Fashion Statement

Getting more trendy, Motorola has released a new look for the Moto 360 watch. Now the wearable comes with interchangeable metal bands, which are crafted from aircraft-grade stainless steel.
These light and dark colored Moto 360 bands are available on the company’s website for $299. Moreover, the company also gives an option to customize the look. You can choose from the available watch face designs or create one of your own. Right from the background to the hands, everything can be customized.
Moreover, the company plans to offer Moto 360 with new slim bands. This option is especially suitable for smaller wrists. Also, it will add different look to your personality. Slim bands will be available by next month in light metal color for $299 and champagne gold finish for $329.
There are also many more customization options available to suit your look. 

Office for iPhone, iPad and Android Tablet Preview

Starting today, Microsoft has released two new versions – Office for iPhone and Preview of Office apps for Android tablets. Simultaneously, the company has also updated Office app for iPad. iPhone customers and iPad holders having  iOS 7.0 or later can download the app and update respectively from today.However, Android tablet owners need to wait to have the first look of the Office. Although, they can sign up for app today onwards. Availability of the app for android is expected in early 2015.

Here are some early screenshots of the app for the Android brought to you by Microsoft.

PowerPoint for Android tablet preview

Inking feature in the PowerPoint for Android tablet preview

Check spelling in the Word for Android tablet preview

Add tables and charts in the Excel for Android tablet preview

Whats App: Blue is the Color for Read Messages

Whats App has introduced a real SMS killer feature – read receipt. Now, when the recipient reads the message the two tick marks would change the color to blue.

The first tick mark signifies that that the message has been sent successfully while the second indicates that it has been delivered. As of today, the messenger did not have any indicative feature that would confirm the reading of the message.

Whether it is a privacy killer or not, the popularity of the messenger might just take a business that the telecom companies get from text messages. 

Nexus 6 is “Coming Soon” to India

Finally there is some good news for Indian Nexus fans. The latest version of the phone, Google Nexus 6 manufactured by Motorola, is expected to be available in the country soon. Flipkart.com has enlisted the device in its catalogue stating “coming soon”. There is no word on the price tag yet.

Click here to know more about the phone’s features.

Keep an eye out for its availability!

The First Apple-1 goes to Auction

The very first personal computer developed by Apple known as Ricketts Apple-1 will be auctioned at New York next month. It was developed in Steve Job’s garage in 1976 and is named after its first owner Charles Ricketts. Christie’s, the company that has put the computer on auction, is expecting it to be auctioned at $400,000 – 600,000.

Along with the computer, The Ron Wayne Apple Archive will also be auctioned at the event. Ron Wayne co-founded Apple Computer with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. He left the partnership in couple of weeks and remained as a consultant. He has played a significant role in drafting fundamental documents and the company’s logo.

Archives consist of the original working proofs of the Apple-1 Operation Manual, with his original company logo. It also includes few other documents such as design renderings, bluelines, sketches and diagrams for a proposed Apple II personal computer cabinet.

The auction is scheduled on December 11, 2014. 

Mozilla Teases with a New Browser - fx10

Good news for developers! Mozilla is all set to launch fx10, a new web browser specifically built for developers. The company claims that the upcoming browser is developed “by the developers for the developers” so that they can debug more and create a whole new web experience.

To enable developers to develop quickly and efficiently, the browser will be equipped with tools such as WebIDE and the Firefox Tools Adapter. So that they needn’t start from the scratch. It also allows the use of tools and templates from other sources.

More details will be released on November 10, when the company plans to launch the new fx10. Until then, let’s wait and watch. 

Get your Gmail App Lollipopped

 

Google is all set to launch its much-awaited Android Lollipop. We can be sure of it, as it is gradually coating its apps with Lollipop sweetness. First in line is our beloved Gmail app.

Google will soon start rolling out Gmail 5.0 update on Google Play. The new update brings a pleasant change to its design and functionality. On the design front, all the persistent gray has been replaced with a welcoming red. You can see it in the header and status bar. Also, buttons have got a curve, all the squarish blocks are now circular and pretty. For instance, the + sign for composing a new mail has been replaced with a trendy red circular button at the bottom of the app. You will also notice that the mails also have a circular button with images instead of the old square frames.

The navigation drawer has been redesigned too. You can now view your tabs and switch between multiple accounts more smoothly.

Apart from the beautifying touches, Gmail will now allow users to manage all their accounts from multiple email clients.

If you can’t wait for an update, head straight to earlygapps to grab its Apk file, which you can install manually.

Oppo R5: It’s slim. It’s trendy.

Oppo has released R5, a smart phone with ultra-thin design that is as slim as 4.85mm. Unbelievably, it does not compromise on any feature. This is phone is equipped with 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa-Core (MSM8939) processor for fast performance. Additionally, it features 2GB RAM and 16 GB storage space.   It also has a 13MP camera that allows capturing picture perfect moments while its 5MP front camera compliments it very well.

With its advanced features and trendy look, it looks all geared to impress.