How to speed up your Android smartphone..!!!

Though the hardware of smartphones is steadily becoming more capable it can't be utilised to its fullest potential without the software to tap it. This is personal technology's modern hurdle - the optimisation of both hardware and software to ensure a fast and seamless user experience.

The effects of this optimisation are most tangible for smartphone users, who in today's fast-paced world become impatient and frustrated if their smartphone starts slowing down, hanging, or otherwise impeding their productivity.

The slowdown of Android smartphones can be caused by several reasons, and usually starts becoming noticeable after several months of using them. Here are a few tips for users that feel their Android smartphones have slowed since they purchased the devices.

1.    Install a third-party app launcher

Most Android smartphone manufacturers customise the OS on their devices, with specially-designed skins, launchers or UIs that sport widgets, layouts and other custom features in addition to the vanilla OS offering. While some users do find these customisations and added features useful, they can potentially slowdown the smartphone.

A simple workaround is to install a good third-party launcher (simpler than rooting or installing a custom ROM on the smartphone), which should remove most of the custom features, whilst also providing personalisation options. Some of the best launchers available in the Google Play store are 'Nova Launcher', 'GO Launcher EX', and 'Apex Launcher'.

2.    Remove extra apps, wallpapers, widgets

If users have a significant number of apps installed, it could slow down their smartphones. Users need to ask themselves if all the apps they have installed are being used, and then uninstall unused ones. Some apps cannot be uninstalled (especially bloatware apps from smartphone manufacturers), so users will have to settle for disabling them.

Live wallpapers, and an excess of widgets on home screens, can also slow down smartphones, and if users are experiencing performance issues they should consider using static wallpapers instead, and removing any non-vital widgets.

3.    Disable non-vital background processes, check synching apps

Some apps start up with the phone, while others are constantly synching with online services. Both of these can dramatically slowdown users' smartphones. To check which apps are running in the background, users should visit the Apps section in Settings, and swipe to the 'Running' tab. If there are apps running in the background that are not being utilised, users should try uninstalling the apps, or disabling them, in case the apps can't be removed.

Another thing to be checked is if there are apps that are synching in the background, and if the benefits of synching are being utilised by the user. If not, users can turn off synchronisation, saving both data and system resources. To do this, visit Settings>Data usage (could be a separate section called 'Usage' under 'Wireless & networks' menu, depending on your Android version), and scroll down to see which apps are using data.

Users can then either visit individual app settings to turn off synchronisation, or visit the 'Data usage' section's context menu, which has the 'Auto-sync data' option (not present in all Android versions), which can be turned off.

To do the same for any Google app or services, users will need visit Settings>Accounts>Google>UserProfile. Here they can turn off sync settings for individual Google apps and services.

A must-install for Android smartphone users is Advanced Task Killer, which allows users to kill any apps that are taking too much memory (RAM) or slowing down the device for other reasons, such as instability.

4.    Clear app cache

Much-used apps will build up a cache that can slowdown an Android smartphone, and users can delete each used apps' cache regularly to speed up their devices. Unfortunately, this will have to be a rather regular process, as apps will start rebuilding their cache from the moment they are launched. To individually delete each app's cache, users will need to visit Settings>Apps, select the relevant app, and then click on the 'Clear cache' button.

To bulk-delete multiple apps' cache, or to set up scheduled cache-clearing, users can download a third-party application called 'App Cache Cleaner' from the Play Store, which can delete cache for multiple apps, and allow users to set up intervals for regular cache cleaning. Users can also delete cache data for all apps via a native Android option, found at Settings>Storage>Cached data.

5.    Disable animations

Animations are usually graphical transitions between menus, app drawers, and other interface locations. They use system resources to be generated, and occur quite regularly when navigating through a smartphone. They serve no purpose apart from beautifying the smartphone experience, and if users find their devices are slowing down, it is a good idea to turn off animations with no adverse impact on day-to-day use.

Turning off animations unfortunately is not very easy, with the option usually hidden behind the 'Developers options' section. To access 'Developers options', users need to visit Settings>System>About Phone where they can find the 'Build number' of their phone. Once they tap the 'Build number' seven times, users will then see 'Developer options' in the system menu. Here, they turn off all types of animation.  Users should be careful not to turn on or off any other option in this section.

6.    Clean out built-in storage

If the built-in storage of a smartphone is nearly full, the device will slow down quite dramatically. Between 10 and 20 percent of the total built-in storage should be available or free to avoid slowdowns. While a simple solution could be to simply delete all unused apps and clear cache data to save space, ideally users should be looking at a longer lasting solution. Most smartphones come with the option to expand built-in storage via microSD card.

If users' smartphones feature microSD card storage expandability, they should move all media to it, such as pictures, music and videos. Apps can also be moved from internal storage to SD card, by visiting the app's settings via Settings>App and navigate to individual apps. Some older versions of Android don't support this feature, and users will have to download an 'Apps to SD card' app from the Google Play store.

7.    Update firmware

While certain updates can have adverse effects, the general rule of thumb is that a firmware update for a smartphone will bring improvements of various types, usually including performance optimisations. Users experiencing reduced performance on their smartphones should check if the manufacturer has released a firmware update for them.

To do this, users should visit Settings>System>About>Software Updates and check if an update is available over-the-air. If not present here, users can also check by connecting their smartphones to the PC suite software provided by the manufacturer, and check for updates there.

While most updates do not require users to back up their smartphones before the update, we recommend users do so just in case something does go wrong - it's better to be safe than sorry.

8.    Root phone, install custom ROM

While we don't recommend this method to anybody but a power user, the problem of a slowing Android smartphone is often solved by this method, with the user installing a custom ROM that is lighter and less-resource intensive than the manufacturer-customised UI and firmware. The method is similar to installing a third-party app launcher (Tip 1), however, has a much wider effect, essentially replacing all the software on the phone.

There are several guides and resources available online that can help users root their devices, and install custom ROMs from a database of independently developed firmware. XDA Developers Forum is one of the best resources for this, and users are recommended to read in detail the instructions and discussions about the specific custom ROM for their particular smartphone before going ahead. You can also visit CyanogenMod's website, which provides several easy installation tools and walkthroughs for its ROMs.

Please note, rooting smartphones or installing custom ROMs on them is usually (there are some tools also available) a rather complicated task, and a risky one that can see users lose all their data, or end up with a bricked device. Rooting or flashing smartphones also usually voids manufacturer warranty.

9.    SSD TRIM

Smartphones utilise solid state drives for their storage needs, and an inherent flaw with such a storage device is that when data is deleted from flash memory cells, the cells need to be completely wiped before they can used for a write process again. This requires the OS to issue a TRIM command to the drive to specific which cells are unused and should be wiped.

Google reportedly fixed this problem in Android 4.3 and higher, but if you are running an older version of Android, a solution does exist that will allow users to issue TRIM commands to the SSD. Users will need to root their smartphones, and install LagFix from the Play Store. Once again, rooting smartphones is a risky process and we recommend caution.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4, Galaxy Tab S 10.5 With AMOLED Displays Launched...!!!

New tablet computers from Samsung will feature screens that are richer in color than standard LCDs.

These screens, known as AMOLED for active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes, are already found in smartphones made by Samsung and a few other manufacturers. But until now, tablets haven't used them because larger AMOLED screens are more difficult to produce.

Samsung Electronics Co. is trying to change that with its upcoming line of Android tablets, called the Galaxy Tab S. On Thursday, Samsung announced two such models, with screens of 8.4 inches (Galaxy Tab S 8.4) and 10.5 inches (Galaxy Tab S 10.5), as measured diagonally.

The tablets will start selling in the U.S. in July at $400 (roughly Rs. 23,772) for the smaller model and $500 (roughly Rs. 29,720) for the larger one - the same as comparable iPads. Models with 4G LTE cellular (Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE, Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE) access are expected later in the year.

Samsung is the world's second-largest maker of tablets, behind Apple and its trend-setting iPads. In recent years, Samsung has been gaining market share - at Apple's expense - by offering a wide range of sizes and quality.

Earlier this year, it unveiled a "Pro" brand aimed at professionals. The "Tab" brand has been used on Samsung's budget tablets and don't come with a stylus, as Samsung's "Note" tablets do. With the new screens, Samsung is elevating the Tab line to become its flagship tablet.

Besides producing richer colors, AMOLED allows tablets to be thinner and use less power because screens typically don't require backlighting. But IHS analyst Sweta Dash said the performance gap between AMOLED screens and regular LCDs has narrowed, while AMOLED screens can cost 10 to 30 percent more to make.

Samsung does have the advantage of making its own screens, and the South Korean company can afford to reduce profit margins on tablets if that boosts volume and reduces costs on the screen-production business. What it learns from making tablet screens might even help it one day make affordable AMOLED television sets.

Samsung did release an AMOLED tablet in 2012, but it was expensive and didn't sell well. The new ones will be priced more competitively.

The tablets are a quarter of an inch (6.6 millimeters) thick, which is thinner than iPads. The smaller version is also lighter than the iPad Mini, while the larger one is about the same as the iPad Air.

The new tablets will sport displays of 2,560 pixels by 1,600 pixels, matching what's found in the Pro series. By comparison, Apple's iPad Air is at 2,048 pixels by 1,536 pixels. Apple markets its displays as "Retina" and doesn't believe more pixels will necessarily be discernible to the eye. Apple is expected to refresh its iPad lineup this fall

 

Until now, iPad rivals have succeeded largely by undercutting Apple on price, and better hardware hasn't been enough, said Rhoda Alexander, director of tablet and monitor research at IHS. AMOLED screens could change that, she said, because colors will pop out when compared side by side at a Walmart or a Best Buy.

The new tablets will also let people make calls when a Samsung phone is nearby and to unlock the device with a fingerprint. The tablets can support up to eight user profiles, so members of a household can get separate home screens simply by swiping their finger on the sensor.

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WWDC 2014 Preview: iOS 8, OS X v10.10, and the Much-Awaited New Product Line....!!!!?

It's almost time for Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, and that means CEO Tim Cook will be getting up on stage to talk about the company's progress and potentially reveal details of new products and software. Apple's policy of keeping future products secret has become legendary, and it's no overstatement to say that people around the world are already salivating in anticipation of what might be announced.

Thanks to dozens of leaks and even a few teasers from Apple itself - Senior Vice President Eddy Cue has boasted that the products coming later this year are the best he's seen in 25 years - we have a fairly good idea of what to expect at WWDC 2014. Here's a quick recap of everything we know so far:

Hardware:

One of the most tantalising rumours suggests that we'll see new iMac and MacBook models. The iMac is said to be more affordable than existing models, which would help Apple strengthen its position in emerging markets and attract orders from educational institutions where it has traditionally had a strong footprint. Current iMac models are more expensive than the ones they replaced and are also less repairable and upgradeable, thanks to a super slim chassis and increasing integration of core components.

The new MacBook, which could be the basis for a new or revamped product line, is said to be a 12-inch model. It might replace the current MacBook Air lineup, but would come with the same kind of Retina Display that defines the current MacBook Pro models.

A far more ambitious claim that somewhat dovetails with the iMac and MacBook rumour is that Apple will reveal a new lineup of low-cost, low-powered devices based on the same ARM architecture that powers its iPhones and iPads. While the specifics of actual products might not be discussed yet, Apple could announce its intentions in order for developers to have time to port applications to the new architecture, and would have to share details about an ARM-ported version of OS X.

Even more recent leaks suggest that Apple has something entirely different in mind - a home automation platform. After Google's recent acquisition of Nest, Apple might be trying to make sure its competitor isn't able to entrench people in an ecosystem spanning every part of their lives.

Apple has also been allegedly working on wearable devices for several years, and with Samsung, Google and other companies jumping into the battle with all guns blazing, now would be the time to act. We might see a smartwatch iPhone accessory, or perhaps some kind of fitness tracker. Other accessories such as new earphones could also be on the cards.

The Apple TV is long overdue for an update, but if it's addressed at all, it will be a minor refresh. A more radical overhaul will come later, with fresh software and content made possible thanks to the recent acquisition of Beats and its team. Apple will certainly acknowledge the team, especially Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine on stage, and could discuss what it's planning for the hugely popular Beats line of headphones.

Apple might provide hints about its next iPhone and iPad releases, but only to the extent that developers need to know in order to get apps ready for the expected launch of those devices in the August-October time frame.

Software:

It's pretty certain that OS X v10.10 will be previewed, but it also might be that Apple dedicates a significant portion of WWDC to its desktop OS, which has been overshadowed by iOS in recent years. iOS got a radical makeover last year, with an all-new look and a number of major features. That aesthetic is widely expected to be carried over to OS X this year. All remaining leather, felt and canvas textures will be excised in favour of sharp lines, stark colours and frosted translucent overlays. OS X v10.10 could also feature improved interoperation with iCloud and iOS.

There have also been plenty of leaks regarding iOS 8, although it now seems as though not all planned features will be available at the time of launch. There have been strong indications that Apple will update its Maps app with better imagery and more helpful directions, split the iTunes Radio feature off into its own app, allow Siri to recognise songs, and introduce mobile equivalents of the OS X Preview and TextEdit apps. Perhaps the most significant update could be Healthbook, a new app designed to tie in to potential new health tracking hardware, and track information such as heart rate, sleep patterns, food intake, physical activity, hydration, and much more. iPad users might be able to use two apps side by side if another rumour of split-screen functionality and improved inter-app communication proves to be accurate.

It's also high time the iWork and iLife apps received some attention - Apple changed Pages, Numbers and Keynote significantly in an attempt to simplify them and allow documents to be created and edited on Macs and iOS devices, but alienated many users in the process. Many features were dropped, but Apple has promised to reintroduce many of them.

Developers would also love to hear about improvements to iCloud, hopefully including better file sharing, version control and collaborative editing. iCloud would also have to be a major part of the rumoured home automation platform, so that's another potential topic of discussion.

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Alleged iPhone 6 dummy model tips 4.7-inch display and thinner bezels..!!

Just a day after an video of the next Apple iPhone's alleged cover case popped-up, we now have three images said to be showcasing a phone dummy for case designers.

The images, sourced by nowwhereelse, a French website, showcase an alleged black-coloured dummy of the iPhone 6 handset. The model seems slimmer than the current iPhone 5s smartphone, along with a larger screen of almost 4.7-inch size.

The alleged dummy model of the iPhone 6 goes in line with the previous mock-up designs we have seen for the handset. Noticeably, the volume buttons are now elongated instead of circular, along with thinner side bezels than the existing iPhone 5s. Unfortunately, no other information can be derived from the images.

Additionally, a video posted on Tuesday showed a purported iPhone 6 case compared to the current generation Apple iPod touch.

Notably, the video shows the alleged iPhone 6 4.7-inch model's case with similarities to the iPod touch in thickness and volume control button placement. For those unaware, the current generation iPod touch sports a 6.1mm thickness and the video purportedly shows how the alleged iPhone 6 case 'exactly' fits the iPod touch.

A recent report even claimed that the 'super thin' 5.5-inch iPhone 6 was reportedly delayed due to supply constraints. The report claimed that the iPhone 6 would pack battery cells that are 2mm in thickness, instead of the normal thick battery components.

Reports have for a while been indicating that Apple might finally enter the screen size battle with the launch of the iPhone 6, and its rumoured two display size variants - 5.5-inch and 4.7-inch.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo price dropped to Rs. 33,990..!!

Samsung has officially slashed the price of its Galaxy Note 3 Neo to Rs. 33,990, down from the previous price tag of Rs. 38,990.

Notably, the Galaxy Note 3 Neo was launched in India alongside the Galaxy Grand Neo in February. However, the smartphone was released for the Indian markets only in March.

Like other members of the Galaxy Note phablet series, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo comes with an S Pen stylus. The Galaxy Note 3 Neo is powered by a hexa-core processor (dual-core 1.7GHz Cortex A15 + quad-core 1.3GHz Cortex A7). It runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out-of-the-box.

Also known as the 'budget' variant of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the Galaxy Note 3 No comes with a 5.5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) Super AMOLED display; 2GB of RAM; 16GB inbuilt storage, which is further expandable up to 64GB via microSD card, and a 3100mAh battery. The phablet from Samsung sports an 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and BSI sensor, while there is a 2-megapixel front-facing camera also featuring BSI sensor. Connectivity options on the device include Wi-Fi, GPS, GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth, Infrared and 3G.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo comes with numerous preloaded apps: Samsung ChatON, Samsung WatchON, Samsung Link, Screen Mirroring, S Voice, S Health, Group Play, Smart Scroll, Smart Pause, Air View, Story Album and S Translator among others. The S Pen comes with Air Command and Easy Clip feature, and also supports Multi Window and S Note.

The Galaxy Note 3 Neo also features access to Club Samsung content store, where users can enjoy music, movies, mobile TV, concerts in nine Indian languages.

Earlier on Monday, Samsung Galaxy S5's official India price was confirmed as Rs. 51,500. The company confirmed to NDTV Gadgets that the phone will be priced at Rs. 51,500 and said this is the "best buy" price

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Lenovo launches four tablets in new A-series..!!!

Lenovo has introduced a new range of Android-powered tablets in the market - its new A-series. Four new tablets have been introduced, specifically, Lenovo A7-30, A7-50, A8 and A10. Lenovo will be launching the A-series tablets in Q2 2014, and has provided UK pricing for three of the four tablets.

While all A-series four tablets run on an unspecified quad-core processor, the Lenovo A7-30, A8 and A10 tablets come with Dolby enhanced dual-front speakers. Unfortunately, detailed specifications have not yet been provided by Lenovo.

The Lenovo A7-30 (See Above) is a 7-inch tablet that is said to be focused on delivering good quality audio via its inbuilt Dolby-enhanced dual-front speakers. It also supports voice-calling. Its sibling, the Lenovo A7-50, is said to be aimed at offering a good viewing and reading experience as it features a 7-inch wide-view HD display.

The Lenovo A7-50  also includes a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a rear camera with an unspecified sensor size. 3G connectivity is also included in the tablet. The Lenovo A7-40 variant was also revealed, similar to the A7-50 but featuring Ebony colour, 8GB of built-in storage and a front-facing camera only.

The Lenovo A8 tablet (See Above), as per the firm, is a 'Home Entertainment' device on the go. The A8 tablet features an 8-inch wide-view HD display. Lenovo A10 (See Below) device features a 10.1-inch wide-view HD display and is said to be made "for movie lovers."

While Lenovo has not provided pricing for the Lenovo A7-30, it has priced the A7-50 at GBP 99.99 (roughly Rs. 9,929), A8-50 at GBP 139.99 (roughly Rs. 13,902), and A10 at GBP 169.99 (roughly Rs. 16,881).

Lenovo last week recalled the battery packs for a number of its ThinkPad laptops sold in the United States and Canada. The specific Thinkpad battery packs pose a fire hazard, caused by overheating and could lead to computer damage.

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Microsoft developing 'floating' and 'no-touch' displays..!!!

US technology giant Microsoft is working on a next-generation technology that will enable 'no-touch' phones, tablets and televisions that can be operated from afar, without the need to swipe them.

According to Microsoft, the technology will allow users to control a screen with their fingers even from the other side of the room and put their hands through a screen to 'touch' objects.

Microsoft said it is has begun to create machines that move far beyond touchscreens. Rico Malvar, Microsoft's chief scientist, said work has begun on new screens that can be manipulated without needing to approach a gadget.

The company is building an electronic bracelet that can detect movements in a person's fingers, allowing them to imitate the actions of poking and flicking the screen to operate a device.

The bracelet would allow people to operate a television despite having their back turned or control a mobile phone with their hands in their pockets, 'The Times' reported.

Microsoft has also unveiled new interactive displays. Among them is a floating display, which gives the illusion of a globe spinning or a dragon flying, just inches above a flat monitor. Cameras and motion sensors then allow people to interact with these floating objects.

Another prototype allows someone sitting in front of a large screen to see a series of cubes. They can then "touch" these objects. This device operates by surrounding the screen with cameras that can detect the user and their movements, matching them to on-screen items.

Tim Large, a researcher from Microsoft's Applied Sciences Group, said that final versions of these displays will be ready in two to five years

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Simmtronics XPAD Mini tablet with Android 4.2 launched for Rs. 9,999...!!

Simmtronics has launched a new tablet, XPAD Mini for Rs. 9,999.

The Simmtronics XPAD Mini features a 7.85-inch IPS display and runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. The device sports a 5-megapixel rear camera with 2-megapixel front-facing camera. It packs in 8GB internal storage which is expandable up to 32GB. It is powered by a 1GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM. The tablet supports 3G via USB dongle and is backed up by a 4000mAh battery. It comes with dimensions 200x134x8mm.

Commenting on the launch, Indrajit Sabharwal, Managing Director, Simmtronics said, "The newly launched intricately designed XPAD Mini, with a 3G support is a smarter adaptation of other designed technical models containing Business Suite. This customiSed tab is designed for corporates and is enriched with a quad-core processor. I am sure, this device will enrich user's experience with its great technology and features."

The company has expanded its XPAD tablet portfolio that already has XPAD-XQ1, XPAD X-722, XPAD X720, XPAD 801, XPAD X1010 and XPAD 802 tablets in its portfolio.

Prior to this, the company launched XPAD X-1010 tablet in the country. The XPAD X-1010 sports a 10.1-inch TFT LCD multi-touch capacitive display with a 1024x600 pixel resolution. The tablet runs on Android 4.0 and features a VGA front camera. There is no rear camera on the tablet. The tablet is powered by a Cortex A8 1.2GHz processor with 1GB DDR3 RAM. It has 8GB of internal storage and supports up to 32GB of expandable storage. The tablet offers multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HDMI. The XPAD-X1010 has a 5,600 mAh Lithium polymer battery with claimed 150 hours of back up and six hours of Internet browsing time. The tablet measures 10.5x165x263 mm and weighs 610 grams. It is priced at Rs. 8,499.

Simmtronics XPAD Mini key specifications

• 7.85-inch IPS display
• 1GHz quad-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB of internal storage expandable up to 32GB
• 5-megapixel rear camera
• 2-megapixel front facing-camera
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HDMI
• 4000mAh battery
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Measurement: 200x134x8mm

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Apple fixing bug that allows fake charging stations to 'hack' iPhones and iPads..!!

Apple Inc's next software update for its iPhones and iPads will fix a security flaw that allows hackers to engage in spying and cyber crimes when the victim connects the device to a fake charging station, the company said on Wednesday.

Apple's devices are vulnerable to attacks until the company releases its iOS 7 software update, which is slated for this fall.

Three computer scientists, who alerted Apple to the problem earlier this year, demonstrated the security vulnerability at the Black Hat hacking convention in Las Vegas on Wednesday where some 7,000 security professionals are learning about the latest threats posed by computer hacking.

Apple said the issue had been fixed in the latest beta of iOS 7, which has already been released to software developers.

"We would like to thank the researchers for their valuable input," Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said.

The work was done by Billy Lau, a research scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and graduate students Yeongjin Jang and Chengyu Song.

In a demonstration at the hacking conference, they plugged an iPhone into a custom-built charger they equipped with a tiny Linux computer that was programmed to attack iOS devices. They said it cost about $45 to buy and a week to design.

It infected the phone with a computer virus designed to dial the phone of one of the researchers, which it did.

They said that real-world cyber criminals might build viruses that would give them remote control of the devices. That would enable them to take screen shots for stealing banking passwords and credit card numbers. They could also access emails, texts and contact information or track the location of the phone's owner, Lau said.

"It can become a spying tool," said Lau.

Lau said they were publicizing the issue in the spirit of "white hat" hacking, which is finding security bugs so that manufacturers can fix them before criminals exploit them.

"Security doesn't work if you bury problems," he told Reuters on the sidelines of the press conference.

Lau said that devices running Google Inc's Android operating system are not vulnerable to the same types of attack because they warn users if they plug devices into a computer, even one posing as a charging station.

After Apple's iOS 7 software update, a message will pop up to alert the user that they are connecting to a computer, not an ordinary charger, he said.

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Sony C660X Yuga rumoured specs: 3GB RAM, 128GB storage, 16-megapixel camera, 5-inch full-HD display

Sony's next flagship smartphone has created plenty of excitement in the back alleys of the smartphone world where rumours and fiction mix freely. Here's a quick roundup of what's been mentioned so far.Phone Arena reports via Chinese Forum IT168 that the Sony C660X Yuga will feature a quad-core processor from Samsung, 3GB RAM and an incredible 128GB of built-in storage - that's twice the storage of top-end models of smartphones like the iPhone!

Also included in the Sony C660X Yuga would be a 5-inch full-HD display, which means, based on what we've heard, the next generation flagship of four big Android manufacturers - HTC, Sony, Samsung and LG - are now on track to feature full-HD display (HTC's is already here).

Keeping with the Sony tradition of making phones with good cameras, the C660X Yuga is likely to feature a 16-megapixel camera. Powering this monster package will be a large 3000mAh battery. The phone is also expected to be water/ dust resistant, as was the case with some smartphones that Sony shipped in the second half of 2012.

The folks over at Xperia Blog state that the Sony C660X Yuga will feature a glass-back, similar to what we saw in the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Earlier, we saw the folks over at Android Schweiz leak what they claim are the pictures of this Sony smartphone.

Sony is expected to unveil the next generation of Xperia smartphones at CES 2013 being held in Las Vegas from January 8 to 11, 2013. The Sony C660X Yuga is likely to make an appearance at the event.

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Amazon launches Kindle store in China, could pave way for Kindle

Amazon.com Inc has launched a Kindle store for China, the company said on Thursday, selling Chinese electronic books for the mobile Kindle application, in a move that could soon see the device launched in China.

The launch of the store could pave the way for a roll-out of Amazon's Kindle device that has already received authorisation from China's radio regulator. Amazon's spokesman, Billy Huang, declined to comment on when the Kindle device would be sold in China.

China's e-reader market is dominated by Hanwang Technology e-readers and Shanda Cloudary's Bambook, but many Chinese people buy Kindles from overseas.

"It seems like there is pent-up demand for Amazon's Kindle," said Mark Natkin, managing director of Beijing-based technology firm Marbridge Consulting.

"Amazon is a well-regarded brand both in terms of quality of its products and in terms of its service," Natkin said.

Amazon's Kindle store will compete with E-commerce China Dangdang Inc and 360buy, both of which have platforms to sell e-books.

In June, four Kindle models, including the Kindle Touch and Kindle Fire and as well as one Kindle keyboard, received approval from the State Radio Regulation of China, the regulatory body for radio and wireless products.

Amazon's former China chief told Reuters this year that the company was in talks with Chinese publishers on content deals and hoped to launch the Kindle within two years.

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Price of Aakash tablet to come down to $35 soon: Sibal

Telecom and IT Minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said the price of Aakash tablet will soon come down to $35 (about Rs. 1,900 approximately) from $49 at present.

"Aakash is a tablet which at the moment costs $49. It will come down to $35 very soon. It has all the amenities of any modern tablet," Sibal said at Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) New Delhi organised by Telecom Equipment and Service Export Promotion Council.

The Minister added that next version of the tablet will also have Skype, an application used for making voice calls using Internet connection and does not necessarily require a SIM.

"It performs the same function as a $150 tablet," Sibal said, adding that Aakash is kind of product that two- third population of world needs as they don't have enough resources to buy tablet costing $150.
Explaining on the way price of Aakash tablet drops, the Minister said "The capacitative (touch) screen is imported at a cost of $22 or around $20. The manufacturing cost is $2. If you were to set up that manufacturing unit in India, the cost will come down automatically from $49 to $29."

He said that government is in process to get Cabinet approval for manufacturing of 50 lakh units of Aakash tablet in India and then float a global tender for its production in the country.

He said the production of Aakash tablet in large volumes will further drive down the cost.
In the last tender, each unit of Aakash tablet costed government Rs. 2,263 and it announced 50 percent subsidy on the tablet for students which finally costs Rs. 1,130.

The Minister said if Indian industry is able to provide a quality solution for citizen of the country then such solution or product will work anywhere in the world.
"In fact it will be game changer for the world consumer in Europe, consumer in Japan, consumer in the United States of America would be looking for those solution because he will be getting the same solution at a much lower cost and a very high quality solution," Sibal said.

The Minister said government is giving enormous emphasis to research and development (R&D) for manufacturing of electronics product in the country that are of high quality and reasonably priced.
"We are going to create an R&D fund in which the government will contribute. We are setting up fab so that (electronic) chip manufacturing can be done India," he said.

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Apple's iPad mini now in India, starts at Rs 21,900

Washington: Tech giant Apple's much awaited smaller version of the iPad has finally been released in India with a price tag of 21,900 rupees for the basic version.

The 7-inch 'iPad Mini' is 23 percent slim, and weighs 53 percent lesser than the iPad tablet.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the tablet computer has a 10-hour battery life for long usage.

Pad mini basic verion comes with a 16-gigabit storage capacity, and allows users to access the internet via Wi-Fi networks.

While the advanced version with 64-gigabit capacity, Retina display and internet access through both Wi-Fi and cellular networks has been priced at 41,900 rupees, the paper said.

According to the Journal, Apple will also start selling its latest fourth-generation iPad in India from Friday.

The firm has priced the base 16-GB Wi-Fi version for 31, 900 rupees per piece and the most-advanced version at 51, 900 rupees per unit. 

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Why Wall Street no longer wants a bite out of Apple

This holiday season is shaping up to be a record-breaking period for Apple as shoppers snap up iPhones and iPads. So, why is the world's most valuable company losing its luster with investors?

Apple began selling the iPhone 5 on Sept. 21, the same day the company's stock hit an all-time peak of $705.07 per share. Since then, the stock has plunged nearly 25 percent, trimming the company's market value by more than $150 billion. On Friday, the stock fell almost 3 percent and closed at $533.25.

The sell-off has had broad impact. It has reached beyond Apple's own stockholders because the company is the largest component in the Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq composite index two benchmarks that are tracked by widely held mutual funds and exchange traded funds, or ETFs.
Apple comprises 4 percent of the S&P 500 and nearly 12 percent of the Nasdaq, according to FactSet. The Nasdaq has shed 6 percent since Apple's stock price peaked while the S&P 500 has declined 3 percent, the same as the Dow Jones industrial average, which doesn't include Apple in its basket of 30 stocks.

Apple's abrupt descent is fueling a debate among market-watchers. Is the stock now a bargain, as some would argue? Or, is the recent markdown in Apple's value justified because the company has entered a phase of less innovation and slower revenue growth?
Disagreements over the issue are contributing to unusual volatility in the stock. On Wednesday, Apple's stock fell 6.4 percent, the biggest one-day drop in more than four years. Just two-and-half weeks ago, the stock surged 7.2 percent for its biggest one-day gain in three years.
There's no consensus regarding the cause, but one thing is clear: There have been more investors eager to sell Apple's stock than buy it in recent months, despite all the evidence indicating Apple's products have never been more popular.
Here are three theories that seek to explain the recent downturn in Apple's stock

Theory: The competition conundrum HypothesisApple's grip on the growing mobile computing market is loosening amid a wave of cheaper alternatives to the iPhone and iPad.
The iPhone's early lead in the smartphone market already has been surrendered to the more than 500 million devices running on the free Android software made by Google Inc. By comparison, as of the end of September, Apple had shipped 271 million iPhones since its 2007 debut.
Nokia phones running on the recently released Windows 8 system from Microsoft Corp. pose a new threat, especially in China, where Nokia has struck a deal with that country's largest wireless carrier. Meanwhile, struggling Research In Motion Ltd. is pinning its comeback hopes on a revamped operating system for the once-iconic BlackBerry to rekindle demand for that device.
Now, there are signs the competition is putting pressure on Apple in the booming tablet computer industry that it launched in 2010 with the release of the iPad.
In a report that likely contributed to Wednesday's steep drop in Apple's stock, research firm IDC predicted the iPad's share of the worldwide tablet market this year will decline to 54 percent from 56 percent in 2011. IDC said the iPad will dip below 50 percent by 2016.
Meanwhile, the market share of tablets powered by Android, including Google's Nexus line and Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle Fire, has climbed from 40 percent last year to 43 percent his year, according to IDC.

Windows 8, which is designed to run on tablets, also is expected to chip at Apple's lead and latch on to 10 percent of the market by 2016, IDC said.
The popularity of smaller tablets with seven-inch diagonal screens and retail prices below $200 has already forced Apple to make changes. The company responded by introducing the iPad Mini, which features a nearly eight-inch screen. The iPad Mini sells for $329, which helps Apple protect its profit margins and preserve its reputation for selling top-of-the-line products that merit prices a notch above the competition. Nevertheless, the iPad mini is undoubtedly diverting some sales from full-sized iPads, which sell at prices ranging from $399 to $829. That is one of the reasons BGC Financial analyst Colin Gillis expects the iPad's average selling price to fall by about $50 in the current quarter, which ends this month. That would be a 9 percent decline from the iPad's average price of $535 during the July through September period.

Even if it's no longer the market leader, the iPhone remains hotter than ever. Based on figures released by wireless carrier AT&T earlier this week, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek predicts Apple will sell 53 million iPhones this quarter, primarily the newest model. That would be a more than 40 percent increase from Apple's previous one-quarter record of 37 million iPhones set in the period covering last year's holiday shopping season.

Theory: The creativity contraction HypothesisApple is running out of fresh ideas.
Since Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died 14 months ago after a long battle with cancer, the company has mostly been fine-tuning products that were created under his visionary leadership. The former CEO's hand-picked successor, Tim Cook, is well-respected, but some investors are starting to wonder if Apple can conjure up another revolutionary product to catapult the company on another multiyear stretch of breakneck sales growth. Can Apple innovate like a hard-charging startup while maintaining its giant company stature?
Smartphones and tablets "are starting to become more like commodities," Gillis said. "And how much upside is left if you are stuck in a commodities business? The question is: What is going to get Apple going again?"Most analysts believe Apple's next breakthrough will be a television that shares the same operating system as the iPhone and iPad. An Apple TV would give the company a prized perch on the biggest screen in most households and open up an array of new business opportunities.
Jobs hinted that Apple had figured out how to produce a mesmerizing new TV during interviews he gave with his biographer, Walter Isaacson, before he died. That led many analysts to predict an "iTV" would come this year, only to be disappointed. Cook indicated Apple is still trying to develop the device during an interview that aired on NBC's "Rock Center" Thursday night.
"When I go into my living room and turn on the TV, I feel like I have gone backwards in time by 20 to 30 years," Cook said. "It's an area of intense interest. I can't say more than that."

Theory: The fiscal cliff factor Hypothesis
Many long-time Apple shareholders are selling stock to lock in gains at a lower tax rate.
Under laws set to expire Dec. 31, profits on stocks owned for at least a year are taxed at a 15 percent rate - much less than the rate earned income is taxed at.
The recent drop notwithstanding, Apple's stock has still enjoyed an incredible run. It has more than quadrupled from about $120 per share since the iPhone's release in June 2007. Even investors who bought Apple's stock a year ago are still sitting on a gain of nearly 40 percent.
Gillis, though, points out that savvy investors probably wouldn't be selling their Apple stock just to save some money on taxes if they truly believed the stock is destined to soar higher and make them even richer a year from now.
"Sometimes, stocks just take a breather," he said. "And when you get to be as big as Apple, any shift in sentiment can have a material impact on the share price."

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