Google Play Books on the DROID RAZR HD by Motorola featuring Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean

A good book can make the long commute home on the train or a cross-country plane flight go by so much quicker. The DROID RAZR HD by Motorola offers an amazing reading experience with a 4.7” HD display featuring a higher resoultion that makes every page easier on the eyes. Looking at images from content on Google Play Books means you get richer colors and more true-to-life visuals.

With Android™ 4.1, Google Play Books offers multiple new features to enhance your reading experience:

• Embedded audio tracks and videos can now be easily streamed directly within the book you’re reading.
• You can now add bookmarks to remember important information for later or pick up where you left off reading.
• Play Books now offers fixed layout books, optimized for tablet-reading of books with beautifully designed graphics and layouts, like children’s books and comic books.
• For visually impaired users, automatic text-to-speech settings have been enabled.

So whether you’re reading a guidebook for building your new piece of furniture or cozying up to a thrilling mystery during a rainy day, DROID RAZR HD and Google Play Books have you covered. Let us know what your favorite book is in the comments below.

Samsung Galaxy S III mini spotted in 3 new colours

We’ve known for quite sometime now that the Samsung Galaxy S III mini will come new colour options, apart from the existing White by the end of December last year or beginning 2013.

Samsung dedicated blog  SamMobile has now received some pictures of the compact Galaxy S III smartphone from a source showcasing the new colours.

These are Titan Gray, Garnet Red and Onyx Black, precisely what was expected earlier. It is needless to say that the Red and Black colour options look identical to the bigger Galaxy S III 4G LTE recently launched in Sapphire Black and Garnet Red colours in Korea.

The company has already introduced two additional colour options for the international version of the Galaxy S III as well, Amber Brown and Titanium Grey.

Samsung is indeed extending colour options across its high-end devices. More recently, the Galaxy Note II was also spotted in a Black variant. SamMobile had earlier mentioned that the Note II will also get new colours namely Amber Brown, Topaz Blue and  Ruby Wine in addition to the current Marble White and Titanium Gray.

Whether or not all markets will get to see the new colours still remains unknown.

Apart from adding new colours, Samsung is now shipping the Galaxy S III mini with the latest version of Android Jelly Bean, v4.1.2 in Vietnam and Indonesia. Other Asian regions should soon be getting the good news as well. When launched, the Galaxy S III mini devices came out with Android 4.1.1.

To recap, the Galaxy S III mini was launched in October last year and is a miniature version of the company’s current flagship smartphone the Samsung Galaxy S III. It features a 4-inch screen and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The smartphone inherits Galaxy S III’s features like S Voice, Smart Stay, Direct Call and S Beam.

The compact S III version is powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor and features a 5-megapixel camera. It has a 1500 mAh battery and 8/16GB internal storage options.

Polaroid launches iM1836, first Android-powered mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

Polaroid Tuesday unveiled the world’s first Android-powered mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a 18-megapixel censor at CES 2013 in Las Vegas. The iM1836 camera will be manufactured by Sakar International, an authorised Polaroid licensee.

The Android 4.1 Jelly Bean-running camera comes standard with a 10-30mm optical zoom lens, and is capable of recording full-HD video. It features 3.5-inch display will hit store shelves in the first quarter of 2013 for a price of $399.

“Throughout our 75 year history, Polaroid has been synonymous with innovation, creativity, and ease of use,” commented Scott W. Hardy, President and CEO of Polaroid. “We are continuing that proud tradition at CES this year with the launch of the iM1836. This compact, connected camera is the ideal pocket-sized device to capture and share all of your most precious moments.”

The iM1836 aims to combine the image quality of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras like the Nikon V1, J1, Nikon J2, Canon EOS M, Fujifilm X-Pro 1, Samsung NX300 and the convenience of Android-based cameras like Nikon Coolpix S800c and Samsung Galaxy Camera. Before this, Sony had come the closest to combining the two worlds, with the Wi-Fi enabled mirrorless NEX-5R, minus the Android.

Polaroid also announced the launch of two iM1836 cousins. First, the non-Android, Wi-Fi only iM1232W for $349 and the non-Android, non-Wi-Fi iM1030 for $299. It also unveiled the iS2433 with a 16-megapixel sensor and 24x optical zoom for $199.

Sony introduces Xperia Z with 5-inch full-HD display, 13-megapixel camera, Android 4.1

Sony kicked off its CES activities by lifting the wraps of its latest flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z, and Xperia ZL.

If you’ve been keeping tracking of the  rumours, there are no surprises in the specs. The Sony Xperia Z comes with a 5-inch full-HD (1080×1920) display alongside and is powered a by 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor. Other highlights include a 13-megapixel rear camera and 2GB RAM. The Xperia Z is IP55 and IP57 certified, which means it is dust and water resistant.

“With Xperia Z, we are bringing over half a century of innovation in TV, imaging, music, film and gaming to create a super-phone experience that truly stands out,” said Kuni Suzuki, President and CEO, at Sony Mobile Communications.

Xperia Z includes a technology called Battery STAMINA Mode that Sony claims can improve the standby time of the phone by four times or more by automatically shutting down battery-draining apps whenever the screen is off and starting them up again when the screen is back on.

Other specifications of the Xperia Z include 16GB internal storage (expandable by 32GB via microSD card), 2230mAh battery and NFC.

Sony Xperia Z will launch globally in Q1 2013 with Android 4.1 on-board with a Android 4.2 to be made available “shortly after launch”. In certain markets Sony also plans to launch a design variant of the Xperia Z – the Sony Xperia ZL – with a “smaller form factor”.

“With great specifications, Sony’s media applications, One-touch functions and outstanding battery life, Xperia Z is well positioned for leadership in the smartphone market,” Suzuki continued. “By putting smartphones at the heart of our strategy, Sony is enabling people to create, enjoy and share content and experiences like never before.”

Sony Xperia Z specifications

• 5-inch full-HD display
• 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 13-megapixel rear camera
• 16GB internal storage (expandable by 32GB)
• Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Wi-Fi
• Android 4.1

CES 2013 promises new generation of "smart" gadgets

At the world’s largest technology conference that kicks off on Monday, the most intriguing innovations showcased may be gadgets and technology that turn everyday items into connected, smarter machines.

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas promises a new generation of “smart” gadgets, some controlled by voice and gestures, and technology advancements in cars, some of which already let you dictate emails or check real-time gas prices.

Pundits have long predicted that home appliances like refrigerators and stoves will be networked, creating an “Internet of things.” With advancements in chips and the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets, it’s now happening.

“We’ve been talking about this convergence of consumer electronics and computers and content for 20 years. It will actually be somewhat of a reality here, in that your phone, your tablet, your PC, your TV, your car, have a capability to all be connected,” said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy.

Despite the absence of tech heavyweights Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp, CES still draws thousands of exhibitors, from giants like Intel Corp and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd to startups hungry for funding.

Wireless chip maker Qualcomm Inc’s CEO, Paul Jacobs, opens the festivities with a keynote speech on Monday, taking a spot traditionally reserved for Microsoft, which decided last year to sever ties with the show.

Jacobs said in a recent interview on PBS that he will show how wireless technology will be pushed way beyond smartphones into homes, cars and healthcare.

Smarter smartphones
With venues spanning over 32 football fields across Las Vegas more than 1.9 million sq. ft. (176,516 sq. metres) CES is an annual rite for those keen to glimpse the newest gadgets before they hit store shelves. The show, which started in 1967 in New York, was the launch pad for the VCR, camcorder, DVD and HDTV.

While retailers prowl for products to fill their shelves, Wall Street investors look for products that are the next hit.

Intel and Qualcomm are expected to highlight improvements in “perceptual computing,” which involves using cameras, GPS, sensors and microphones to make devices detect and respond to user activity.

“The idea is that if your devices are so smart, they should be able to know you better and anticipate and react to your requirements,” said IDC analyst John Jackson.

This year, snazzier TVs will again dominate show space, with “ultra high-definition” screens that have resolutions some four times sharper than that of current displays. The best smartphones will likely be reserved for launch at Mobile World Congress in February.

There will also be a record number of auto makers showing the latest in-vehicle navigation, entertainment and safety systems, from Toyota’s Audi to Ford, General Motors and Hyundai. The Consumer Electronics Association has forecast the market for factory-installed tech features in cars growing 11 percent this year to $8.7 billion.

BMW, for one, already provides speech recognition that is processed instantly through datacenters, converted into text and emailed without drivers taking their hands off the wheel. The luxury carmaker also offers data about weather, fuel prices and other items.

“Automotive has been this backwater of technology for a long time. Suddenly, we’re seeing a lot of real innovation in automotive technology,” Scott McGregor, CEO of chipmaker Broadcom, told Reuters ahead of the show.

Smartphones that act as secure and versatile keys

Researchers have developed a new software that makes the technology of opening car and home doors using smartphone apps more secure and versatile.

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT in Darmstadt, Germany, will be demonstrating their ShareKey software, a solution to popularise the method.

“In essence, ShareKey offers two new functions: users can issue digital keys remotely and assign these keys certain user permissions. For instance, I can grant the building superintendent access to my apartment for a short period so that he can open the door for the gas meter to be read while

I’m at work,” said Alexandra Dmitrienko from the SIT.

“The solution is built around modern security technologies and can be easily integrated into existing access control systems,” Dmitrienko said in a statement.

ShareKey sends electronic keys directly to the user’s mobile phone, in the form of a QR code attached to an e-mail or MMS.

“Recently, users of parcel stations have fallen victim to phishing attacks. Equally, hackers continue to target their efforts on smartphones. In light of this, the big challenge was to protect the electronic keys without compromising the intuitive operation of such devices,” said Dmitrienko.

ShareKey works using the Near Field Communication (NFC) transmission standard, which allows data to be exchanged wirelessly over short ranges of up to a few centimeters.

“To open a door, all you need to do is hold your mobile phone close to the lock,” said Dmitrienko.

NFC interface and door locks only operate within a narrow bandwidth and have limited computing power.

Scientists at the SIT have equipped ShareKey with particularly resource-efficient communication protocols.

Electronic keys are reliably protected on the smartphone from malware and unauthorised access. This is achieved by leveraging advanced technologies which keep sensitive data on the smartphone separate from other data and apps.

Communication between the mobile phone and a central server is protected by established security protocols.

“And even if this communication is hacked into, it’s impossible for unauthorised people to gain access to the digital key,” he said.

Taiwan city to appeal in Google app refund case

The Taipei city government said Friday it will appeal a court ruling which revoked a fine it imposed on the US Internet giant Google in a dispute over its mobile phone apps.

The city government in 2011 fined Google Tw$1 million ($34,000) for refusing to grant customers a seven-day trial period on its mobile phone apps, in accordance with Taiwan‘s consumer protection law.

The decision was upheld when Google appealed to the economics ministry last year but the Taipei High Administrative Court last week decided to revoke it, saying the city government should not interfere in a dispute between a firm and consumers.

“We do not wish to see Google exit the Taiwan market but we urge Google to respect and protect consumers’ rights. We will appeal the court ruling,” said an official at the government’s consumer protection division.

The capital city’s government in 2011 said that Google and Apple had violated the law and ordered them to amend their trading rules. Apple later complied with the law while Google refused, it said.

Under the terms of service for Google’s Android Market, consumers are entitled to a refund only within 15 minutes of purchasing a product online.

Google has suspended the sale of its paid apps in Taiwan since the dispute.

Byond unveils 7-inch Mi-Book Mi7 Android 4.0 tablet for Rs. 11,499

Pune-based Byond tech has launched a seventh tablet in the Mi-Book series dubbed as the Mi-Book Mi7 priced at Rs. 11,499. The tablet will be available with online retailers like Flipkart and other distributors across the country.

The Mi-Book Mi7 sports a 7-inch capacitive touch screen with a 1024×600 pixel resolution and runs on Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). It features a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera as well. It supports 1080p video recording.

The tablet is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor with 512MB RAM. It has 4GB of internal storage with external expansion options of upto 32GB.

The device comes with various pre-installed applications like Facebook, Angry Birds, Temple Run, Adobe Reader and more. Connectivity options on the tablet include Wi-Fi (with hotspot) and Bluetooth apart from 2G and 3G calling support. The tablet comes with a 3,200mAh battery.

In October last year, Byond had launched 3D-based Android tablets with 7-inch, 9-inch and 10-inch screens priced between Rs. 4,300 and Rs. 11,000. These tablets pertain to the Mi-Book series, which include the Mi1, Mi2, Mi3, Mi5, Mi7 and Mi9.

Just a week ago, the company entered the phablet category with its 6-inch Phablet PIII. The dual-SIM device comes with Android 4.0, an 8-megapixel rear and a VGA front camera, 1GHz dual-core processor and a 2,500mAh battery . It is priced at Rs.14,999 and is now available across India.

Mi-Book Mi7 key specifications

• 7-inch (1024×600) capacitive touch screen
• 2-megapixel rear camera
• VGA front camera
• 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB of internal storage expandable upto 32GB
• 2G/3G calling support
• Android 4.0.4

Sony Xperia Z pricing details leak

In the latest set of leaks with regard to the Sony Xperia Z (aka Sony Yuga C660X), Unwired View reports that the pricing details of the device have cropped up in an ad on a Thailand forum. The details reveal a Thai pricing of 19,990 Baht, which translates to about $660 or 500 euros or Rs.36,000 rupees.

The tech blog notes that while the current pricing is specific to Thailand, prices in other regions will vary depending on Sony’s global pricing strategy.

This is not the first time we’ve seen an expected pricing for the device. We reported earlier that the Xperia Z is scheduled to go on sale in china on January 15 for around 4,298 CNY ($690 or €520).

The rumours surrounding the Xperia Z’s existence, however, have been around for quite a while now. The first round began with a set of  benchmark leaks, where Sony was rumoured to be working on a 5-inch device codenamed Odin or Yuga. Then came the device’s specs while it was still named the Sony Yuga C660X. This was followed by the smartphone’s name change to Sony Xperia Z and the fact that it will debut at CES this year.

Next set was a series of image leaks for the device in the form of press renders until it was finally spotted on Sony’s official website confirming the device’s existence for real.

Apart from this, the Sony C650X Odin was also seen alongside the Xperia Z and though it was earlier rumoured to be named as the Xperia X, the device is now expected to debut as the Xperia ZL, a slightly thicker, heavier, but smaller version of the Xperia Z.

To recap, the Xperia Z apparently sports a 5-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) display at 440ppi with Sony’s Mobile Bravia Engine and runs on Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, which is expandable by another 128GB.

Other features include a 12-megapixel rear camera (as opposed to the 16-megapixel mentioned earlier), Micro-USB as well as USB host mode, 802.11 a/b/g/n in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz modes, Bluetooth 4.0, LTE and NFC.

There are also rumours of another mid-range Android smartphone from Sony, the C5303 codenamed HuaShan. Mentioned a few days ago by the Xperia blog, the device apparently will be part of a C530X series, alongside the C5302 and C5306. Many countries, including China, could witness the launch of the device. Looks like we will have to wait it out until CES 2013.