iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus Launched

Apple wrap off the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus - described by CEO Tim Cook as the "most advanced phones ever" - at a major event in San Francisco on Wednesday. Pre-orders for the new iPhone models begin from this Saturday and they have a launch date (start shipping) in twelve countries on 25 September.

The price for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus remain constant as compared to their predecessors: $649 for the 16GB iPhone 6s, $749 for the 16GB iPhone 6s plus and 64GB iPhone 6s, $849 for 64GB iPhone 6s plus and 128GB iPhone 6s, and $949 for the 128GB iPhone 6s Plus (all US prices).

The new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus come in four variants: Silver, Space Grey, a new Rose Gold Aluminium finish  and Gold, made from a custom alloy designed by Apple. The countries where the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will be launched are: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Singapore, the US and the UK.

The phones supports new 3D touch, which is a pressure sensitive screen that lets you perform different actions dependent on the amount of pressure you put. For example, you can tap normally to go view it as usual, while light press to preview content. Or you can 3D Touch the Facebook icon on your home screen and post an update without having to open an app.

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus contains new 12-megapixel rear camera that also supports 4K video recording. Apple claims improved quicker autofocus, enhanced lowlight performance and colour accuracy. Front camera has been jumped up to 5-megapixels. Apple is introducing technology where the display will light up to act as flash for the front camera.

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus supports new 'live photos' that let you capture audio with your 'photos', including frames just before and after the moment you capture. They will come with support for 23 LTE bands and faster LTE as well as Wi-Fi.

They also sports a new Touch ID fingerprint scanner that's twice as fast. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus are powered by a new A9 SoC, with M9 motion co-processor integrated into the chip, enabling always on 'Hey Siri' - you can now invoke Apple's virtual assistant without pressing any buttons.

In terms of accessories, the new iPhone models will ship with new docks, silicone and leather covers. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will come with iOS 9, which will become available to existing iOS devices on September 16.

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 4.70-inch

Processor: A9

Resolution: 750X1334 pixels

OS: ioS 9

Storage: 16GB

Rear Camera: 12-megapixel

Front Camera: 5-megapixel

Lava Pixel V2 Launched

Lava on Monday unveiled the Pixel V2, a refreshed variant of the Pixel V1 launched in July this year under Google's Android One initiative. The new handset, which is not associated with the initiative, is priced at an MRP of Rs. 10,750, which is lower than its predecessor (Rs. 11,350) and is already available to buy offline. The company committed to make the smartphone feasible to buy online starting September 15.

Based on specifications, the Lava Pixel V2 is a quite good update over the Pixel V1, specially in the camera department. The handset's main features is the 13-megapxiel rear camera with 1.4-micron pixel size, 5p Largan Lens, f/2.0 aperture and Blue Glass Filter with dual-LED flash. Also, it comes with a wide-angle 8-megapixel front-facing camera with 1.4-micron pixel size, 4p lens, f/2.4 aperture with LED flash. Some of the camera modes included are night mode, wide angle selfie, Pic Focus, Intelligent Mode, Face Beauty and gif maker. It can also record videos with up to 1080p resolution.

The dual 4G SIM (Micro-SIM) supporting Lava Pixel V2 runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with the Star OS 2.0 skin, and features a 5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) resolution IPS display layered by Asahi Dragontail Glass. Lava Pixel V2 powered by a 64-bit quad-core Media MTK6735 SoC (four Cortex A53 cores at 1.3GHz), coupled with 2GB DDR3 RAM and Mali T720 GPU. As for the storage, the Pixel V2 includes 16GB internal storage, which can be further expanded through a microSD card up to 32GB. Besides a set of standard connectivity options, the smartphone also supports Cat. 4 4G LTE connectivity, with support for Indian LTE bands.

The Pixel V2 is backed by a 2500mAh Li-Po battery and weighs 128 grams. While the Pixel V2 is currently available in Royal Black and Icy White colour variants, the company would bring the smartphone in Prism Blue colour variant as well in October this year.

SPECIFICATIONS

OS: Android 5.1

Display: 5.00-inch

Processor: 1.3 GHz

Rear Camera: 13-megapixel

Front Camera: 8-megapixel

Resolution: 720X1280 pixels

RAM: 2GB

Storage: 16GB

Battery capacity: 2500mAh

Let The Game Starts With Moto X Play

Motorola, among its latest fleet of smartphones, launched its budget Moto G (Gen 3) in India while introducing the Moto X Style and Moto X Play at global events in July. The Lenovo-owned company is now teasing the launch of a new smartphone in India, and it is supposed to be the cheaper Moto X Play handset.

On Sunday, Motorola India tweeted "No more getting dumped by your phone. Your perfect partner is coming with 30 hours of battery backup. #XOMotoX," along with an image. The image displayed the upper-back panel of the smartphone along with its iconic design and the Motorola logo embedded at the centre.

The teaser comes almost two weeks after Motorola Moto X Play was spotted under the Zauba listings. The listing displayed the smartphone, codenamed Motorola XT1562, was shipped to India for "testing purposes". Also seen was that 40 units of the device's White-coloured 32GB version and 40 units of the Black-coloured 32GB versions were shipped, each valued at Rs. 22,228. However the price is likely to change when the product finally hits the market, as declared. The smartphone when launched in the UK, was priced at GBP 249 (approximately Rs. 25,400).

 The Android 5.1.1 Lollipop-based Moto X Play includes a 5.5-inch display of full-HD (1080p) screen resolution and is powered by 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz coupled with 2GB of RAM. The smartphone also comes in 16GB storage variant, which support external storage expansion via microSD card (up to 128GB). On the camera front, the X Play contains a 21-megapixel sensor with dual-LED flash and a 5-megapixel snapper. Other features of the 4G LTE-enabled Moto X Play include a 3630mAh battery.

Specifications:

1. Display:  5.50-inch
2. Processor:  1.7GHz
3. Front Camera:   5-megapixel
4. Resolution:  1080 X 1920
5. Ram:   2GB
6. OS:   Android 5.1.1
7. Storage:  16GB
8. Rear Camera:   21-megapixel
9. Battery Capacity:  3630mAh

ZTE Axon Elite Launched at IFA 2015

 Amidst  Samsung, Sony, Alcatel and other announcements at IFA 2015, ZTE announced the global version of its new Axon smartphone, the ZTE Axon Elite. The handset will reach France, Spain, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom on September 24. Turkey, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines would get the smartphone later. ZTE has priced that Axon Elite at EUR 419.99 (approximately Rs. 31,100).

The dual-SIM ZTE Axon Elite will hit the markets with similar specifications like seen in the original ZTE Axon (aka Axon Pro), which was launched in July in the US this year at $449.98 unlocked (approximately Rs. 28,500). The differences between the two variants comes in their screen resolution i.e. ZTE Axon has QHD (1440x2560 pixels) resolution display while the Axon Elite comes with lower full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) resolution display. However, the Axon Elite includes biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint, eye scanning and voice sensors, which are not there in the ZTE Axon.

The Android 5.1.1 Lollipop-based ZTE Axon Elite specifications includes a 5.5-inch display, and is powered by a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (quad-core 1.5GHz + quad-core 2GHz) processor coupled with Adreno 430 GPU and 3GB of RAM.

The main features of the metal-clad ZTE Axon Elite includes a dual-lens (13-megapixel + 2-megapixel) rear camera with dual-LED flash and BSI CMOS sensor. The dual-lens camera lets users refocus an object after the image has been captured. The rear camera is capable of recording videos in 4K resolution. The smartphone consist of an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. It also bears 32GB of internal storage and misses out on microSD card expansion. The connectivity features included in ZTE Axon Elite are 4G LTE, GPS/ A-GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB. The smartphone is backed by a 3000mAh non-removable battery.

Samsung Releases Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, SleepSense Device at IFA 2015

Samsung announce a range of Internet of Things products at the ongoing IFA 2015 in Berlin. The South Korean tech giant wrap off its SleepSense health-centric device, and its first Ultra HD HD Blu-ray player. The also launched an Internet-connected Samsung WW8500 AddWash washing machine.

The company says that its Ultra HD Blu-ray player offers 64 times higher colour expression and four times the resolution of of standard Blu-ray devices. The device also includes upscaling to provide UHD resolution for "any disc" the company noted. The new Blu-ray player also supports HDR (high dynamic range) video.

The Samsung SleepSense is a personal healthcare device made to help people to improve the quality of their sleep. The device works by simply analysing your sleep patterns - including quality and duration and also brings a personalised sleep reports through its mobile app.

Here's how it works: 

You have to kept the device under your mattress, download an app on your device, and connect the two. From that point onwards, the SleepSense starts tracking your sleep cycle using its contactless sensor, which as the company claims, is up to 97 percent accurate. In addition to sleep, it also analyses respiratory and heart rates. The device gives reports in the morning, and gives you a information that is how your sleep pattern differs from others.

Once it has obtain information about you, it also gives you expert instructions and tips on how to boost your sleep experience. Another fascinating feature of the device is its ability to pair up with other Samsung smart appliances. This could help you by automatically switch off the Samsung smart TV when you doze off.

At its IFA 2015 event, Samsung's SmartThings firm also announced a new lineup of products for the US and UK, including an upgraded SmartThings Hub, a redesigned mobile app and new sensors. Alex Hawkinson, CEO and founder of SmartThings, said, "This marks our first product launch as part of the Samsung family, and together we're continuing our commitment to deliver the easiest smart home solutions with a truly open 'Internet of Things' platform that maximizes collaboration and innovation across the industry."

The new SmartThings Hub trades for $99 with sensors ranging between $30 and $55 each, and has been enhanced with a new processor that delivers video monitoring and promises improved battery life, lasting up to 10 hours in case of power outage. With the new video monitoring feature, Samsung is also releasing out the Smart Home Monitor solution. The redesigned SmartThings app on the other hand, for Android and iOS, features a more spontaneous navigation UI.

The Samsung WW8500 AddWash is company's new front-loader washing machine. The WW8500 AddWash lets you add more clothes and detergent or fabric softener at any point during the wash cycle. "The AddWash feature will make your laundry stress-free," said BK Yoon, President and CEO at Samsung Electronics, adding, "With its unique features, it is a perfect time-saving and convenient solution for busy families."

The AddWash also offers features called as a 'child lock' to avoid kids from accidentally opening the machine's door. The AddWash syncs with both Android and iOS smartphones, and let you monitor the progress of the laundry program.

Lenovo Vibe S1, Vibe P1, and Vibe P1m Smartphones Launched

Lenovo at the ongoing IFA 2015 in Berlin has already revealed new ThinkPad, IdeaPad, IdeaCentre, and Yoga Tab 3 devices. The Chinese company also unwraps its new Vibe smartphones - the Vibe P1, Vibe P1m, and Vibe S1. Additionally, Lenovo also revealed its new Phab-series smartphones - the Phab and recently unveiled Phab Plus.

The Lenovo Vibe S1 will hit the market in November at a starting price of $299 (approximately Rs. 19,800) excluding tax or shipping charges. The Lenovo P1 will go on sale in early October at $279 (approximately Rs. 18,500) and Lenovo Vibe P1m will be available from mid-September at $159 (approximately Rs. 10,500). The company has declared that the new Vibe-series handset will be launching only in countries where Lenovo smartphones are sold. However Vibe S1 will not be available in North America.

The Lenovo Phab and Phab Plus smartphones will be available in select countries starting September at $179 (approximately Rs. 12,000) and at $299 (approximately Rs. 19,800) respectively.

The Android 5.0 Lollipop-based Lenovo Vibe S1 features a 5-inch full-HD (1080x1920) display. The major feature of the smartphone are its dual front cameras. It contains 8-megapixel and 2-megapixel front-facing cameras. The company explains, "The 8-megapixel primary front camera takes the sharpest photos and a 2-megapixel secondary front camera analyses depth of field information."

The handset also contains several built-in photo editing tools such as Blur, which allows refocusing anywhere on the selfie (up to 3 focal plains), and Cut Out, allows users to cut out people from a selfie and then superimpose them on another image. There Lenovo Vibe S1 also contains a 13-megapixel rear camera. It sports a 7.8mm thin profile and weighs 132 grams. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a 64-bit quad-core MediaTek processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. The smartphone has 32GB of internal storage and supports expandable storage via microSD (up to 128GB). Running Android 5.0 Lollipop, the smartphone supports 4G LTE connectivity, features a 2500mAh battery, and will be available in Midnight Blue colours and Pearl White.

Lenovo's new Android 5.1 Lollipop-based Vibe P1 and P1m smartphones feature massive batteries. The Vibe P1 sports a huge 5000mAh battery while the P1m contains a 4000mAh battery, the main feature of both the handsets. For specifications, it features a 5.5-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) IPS display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection; Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz; Adreno 405 GPU; 16GB storage; 3GB of RAM; expandable storage support via microSD card; NFC; USB OTG; 13-megapixel rear camera; 5-megapixel front camera; dual-SIM with dual 4G LTE support, as well as 24-watt charging capability that's claimed to the smartphone a bit faster. The Vibe P1 will be available in Platinum, Gold and Graphite Grey colours.

The Lenovo Vibe P1m is a 'lite' version of the Vibe P1, and features a 5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) display. It is powered by a 64-bit quad-core MediaTek MT6735 processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. The smartphone supports expandable storage. It will be available in available in Pearl White and Onyx Black.

Sony Xperia Z5 Series launched

As expected, Sony on Wednesday uncover its 2015 lineup of flagship smartphones at the sidelines of IFA in Berlin. Sony has launched World’s first smartphone with a k UHD display – Sony Xperia Z5 Premium. Apart from this high end smartphone, the company has also released the Sony Xperia Z5 and the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact.

The two smartphones suppport near identical specifications, with the difference only in the size of the screen. The Xperia Z5 comes with a 5.2-inch display, the Xperia Z5 Compact comes with a display of a 4.6-inch. Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 SoC, featuring a 64-bit octa-core processor and also 4G LTE capabilities.

Perhaps the highlight of these new smartphones from Sony is the improved camera. The Sony Xperia Z5 and Sony Xperia Z5 Compact camera consist of a brand new 1/2.3 Exmor RS for mobile 23-megapixel sensor and F/2.0 G lens. Sony claims to have designed the camera inside its new smartphones using the same technology that's seen in its Alpha range of interchangeable lens cameras.

The rear camera also boasts of the "fastest autofocus in a smartphone" - at 0.037 seconds - and comes with enhancement in Steady Shot, Sony's image stabilisation techniques that make sure the video isn't 'jerky' even if the phone moves while shooting, as well as improved low-light performance.

The other big addition to the smartphones is a fingerprint scanner, which is embedded on the power button on the right hand side. It will also support the FIDO standard; authentication via fingerprint for online payment services - with Sony sharing news on first partners at a later date.

The Sony Xperia Z5 comes with a frosted glass back and metal frame and will be available in Gold, Graphite Black, Green, and White colour options. The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact will be available in other two variants Yellow and Coral, in addition to White and Graphite Black. Both phones comes with waterproof protection.

Sony Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact will hit the markets in October 2015, and Xperia Z5 Premium will be launche in November 2015. The Sony Xperia Z5 and Sony Xperia Z5 Premium will be available in both two variants - single SIM and dual SIM, with India expected to get the dual SIM models of the phones. Pricing of all three smartphones is currently unknown.

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

Display: 4.60-inch

Processor:  octa-core

Front Camera:  8-megapixel

Resolution:  720x1280 pixels

RAM: 2GB

OS: Android 5.1

Storage: 32GB

Rear Camera: 23-megapixel

Battery capacity: 2700mAh

Sony Xperia Z5 Dual

Display: 5.20-inch

Processor: octa-core

Front Camera:  5-megapixel

Resolution: 1080x1920 pixels

RAM: 3GB

OS: Android 5.1.1

Storage: 32GB

Rear Camera: 23-megapixel

Battery capacity: 2900mAh