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Editor-in-Chief: Aroon Purie Editor: Chaitanya Kalbag
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GADGETS AND GIZMOS
www.gadgetsngizmos.in
contents
6
WINDOWS 8 TRANSFORMERS
Windows 8 ushers in a new breed of devices that twist and turn to become tablets from Ultrabooks. We get hand-on with the first wave.
Associate Editor: Nandagopal Rajan Assistant Editor: Nidhi Singal Art Director: Vanita Arora Chief Visualiser: Santosh Kushwaha Photographer: Rajwant Rawat Production: Surinder Hastu (Chief of
Production), Harish Aggarwal, Vijay Sharma, Naveen Gupta

Chief Executive Officer: Ashish Bagga Photo: RAJWANT RAWAT Group Business Head: Manoj Sharma Associate Publisher(IMPACT): Anil Fernandes
IMPACT TEAM SENIOR GENERAL MANAGERS (IMPACT):
Kaustav Chatterjee (East), V. Somasundaram (Chennai), Jitendra Lad (West), Head (North)Dipayan Chowdhary
Product Head: Jaykumar Mistry
18
The best of CES 2013
MOBILES
22 iPhone 4: Still a star

Three years after it hit stores, the iPhone 4 is still selling, though at a cheaper price. So what is making this 2010 vintage phone relevant even now?
SALES AND OPERATIONS CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER: D.V.S. Rama Rao SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER (NATIONAL): Vinod Das GENERAL MANAGER (SOUTH): Deepak Bhatt GENERAL MANAGER (WEST): Rajesh Menon REGIONAL MANAGER (EAST): V.A. Chotalia GENERAL MANAGER (OPERATIONS): Rakesh Sharma
Tech trends and gadgets that caught our attention at the worlds largest tech fair in Las Vegas this January
Volume 4, Number 9, for the month February 2013-March 2013
30
Copyright Living Media India Ltd. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited. Printed and published by Ashish Bagga on behalf of Living Media India Ltd. Printed at Thomson Press India Ltd., 18-35 Milestone, Delhi Mathura Road, Faridabad-121007, (Haryana), Published at K-9, Connaught Circus, New Delhi-110001. India Today does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited publication material.
Digital sense
ALSO
Launchpad..................................................................3 Reviews.....................................................................32 Listings......................................................................38 Appendage................................................................40
Cover by VANITA ARORA & SANTOSH KHUSHWAHA
IBM predicts that in five years computers will have all senses like humans. We study how devices are acquiring sight, smell and touch.
GG
@ helpGG
I brought a Lenovo Y500 laptop from the US last month. Since the laptop came with Windows 8 and only one partition of 930GB, I used Easeus Partition Manager to make smaller partitions. But the process corrupted the OS and the partition converted into gpt partition type. I have re-installed Windows 7, but the Wi-Fi and touchpad driver are not working now. There is no serial key of Windows 8 in the bottom sticker by which i can insert key for Windows 8 disc borrowed from my friend, it only says Windows 8 with purple colour. What are my options? Rajshekhar Sirimala, on email We contacted Lenovo and got to know that the model service is not supported in India. Since the customer did not exercise the option to create a recovery CD in the beginning before changing the partition information or installing Linux., this is now outside the purview of Lenovos services in India. However, as a very exceptional case, Lenovo has promised to attempt and get an out-of-the-way help from their US counterparts.
Letters
GG
CONVERGENCE IS HERE
I liked the cover story on converged devices, but thought you should have written a bit more on the most converged device in our midst the smartphone. Also, a section on the devices that have gone out of vogue in the past few years because of other gadgets sporting the same features would have been interesting.
S S NEGI, SOLAN
I installed Windows 8 and tried to connect to the Internet. But it doesnt connect though my USB Dongle. Is this a problem with my PC or Windows 8? Is there any solution for this? My Micromax MMX352G data card is not being detected by Windows 8. Does Windows 8 do not supports Wireless Internet connection or it is the problem with my PC? It was working very well in Windows 7. Is there anything you or I can do about this? Harsh Khurana, on email Windows 8 has no problem with wireless connections. In fact, the OS has been designed for a 24/7 connectivity. Yours seems to be a PC problem acquired in the upgrade. One of the solutions could be to download the Wi-Fi drivers for your laptop again. Also, it would be good to check if your winsock or the TCP/IP stack has been corrupted in the upgrade process. To reset them, type the following two commands into an elevated command prompt one at a time hitting enter after each one then reboot the system. netsh winsock reset catalog (reset winsock entries) netsh int ip reset reset.log hit (reset TCP/IP stack) For further assistance, you can contact Microsoft customer care on 1800-1021100.
GG
COMPACT MIRRORLESS
Please do a detailed story on compact mirrorless cameras. This new range is very intriguing. I, like many others, would like to know what are the pros and cons of these new cameras. What are all the models available and which are the best buys. Also, will this become a popular segment in the neat future?
K SUBRAMUNIAN, COIMBATORE
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2
IT Gadgets & Gizmos February 2013
lettersGG@intoday.com
All comments and suggestions printed on this page may be edited for length and clarity.
First Take
PRODUCTS FEATURED HERE HAVE NOT BEEN REVIEWED BY G&G. THE WRITE-UPS ARE BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY COMPANIES.
A MONTHLY WINDOW TO THE MOST RECENT LAUNCHES
LENOVO YOGA
Lenovos IdeaPad Yoga is now available in India in 13-inch and 11-inch versions. With the ability to flip and fold from an Ultrabook into a tablet in a singular motion, the Yoga also features Lenovos Enhanced Experience 8.0 that promises new usage scenarios with apps. It also offers faster boot up and cloud services. The Yoga 13 is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors and weighs a mere 1.54 kg thanks to a slim 0.6-inch frame. The device promises eight hours of battery life. The Yoga 11 is lighter at 1.25 kg and offer two more hours of battery life. But it will be a Windows RT version and will hence run on the ARM-based Nvidia Tegra 3 processor.
IdeaPad Yoga 13 : ` 84,290; Yoga 11 : ` 61,790
SONY DSC RX1 & A99

Sony India has launched the very compact DSC-RX1 with a 35mm full-frame sensor and wide aperture F2 fixed-focal lens in India. Much smaller and lighter than any full-frame DSLR, the Cyber-shot RX1 offers superb imaging quality thanks to its fixed lens. The camera comes with full manual control options and is easy to operate. Sony has also launched its a99, the Worlds first Translucent Mirror camera with a 24.3MP full-frame 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor paired with an advanced BIONZ image processing engine.
RX1 & a99: `1,79,990
First Take
WONDERBOOK, BOOK OF SPELLS

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc has launched Wonderbook, Book of Spells which is being hailed as the next step in augmented reality gaming. It is also the first product to result from Sonys partnership with Pottermore, J.K. Rowlings unique and free-to-use website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books. Wonderbook comes to life as you read, allowing you to cast spells with your PlayStation Move Motion Controller which becomes your own magic wand.
` 2,499
KNOCK N LOCK
The new Knock N Lock from Godrej Locking Solutions and Systems is completely invisible and does not involve either a keyhole or even a card slot. This locking unit is based on patented Knock Code technology and works with a KnocKey that transmits a sequence of mechanical pulses to open the lock. It is impossible to imitate this key. The product is designed to work in extreme weather and environmental conditions.
Price on request
NOKIA LUMIA 920

Nokia has finally launched its flagship Windows 8 phone, the Lumia 920, in India. The phone has unique features like a stunning 8.7 MP camera that uses the companys Pureview Camera technology along with optical image stabilisation. Nokia claims the camera is the best in class as far as low-light photography is concerned. Then, the Lumia 920 introduces wireless charging which lets users power-up the phone by just keeping it on a charging surface. The 920 uses a 1.5 GHz Dual Core Snapdragon S4 processor and has a 4.5 PureMotion HD+ WXGA (1280x768) IPS LCD and a 2000 mAh battery.
` 38,199
First Take
ENVENT NIGHTINGALE
Envents Nightingale is a cordless mp3 player for people on the go. Flexible enough to suit any head size comfortably, it can support up to 8 GB of music. There is also a built-in FM radio. The battery lasts between three and seven hours depending on the volume of the music. Envent Nightingale ET-HPS006 comes with a six-month warranty.
`1,699
ZEBRONICS MONSTER TOWER SPEAKER

The new Monster Tower speakers from Zebronics come with full wooden enclosures and a high-gloss piano black front panel. The three variants ZEB-T9500RUCF, ZEB-T8500RUCF and ZEB-T7500RUCF incorporate dual 8-inch drivers for low range, 4-inch drivers for mid range and 1-inch cloth dome tweeters for higher frequency room filling sound. The drivers inherent stiffness, low mass and self-damping properties allow them to deliver clean, accurate sound, said a release. Side volume controls, woofers, front ports with LED display all come in chrome finish.
` 6,799 +
STELLAR VIRTUOSO MI-495

S Mobility Limited has launched a dual-Sim Android Ice-Cream Sandwich smartphone called Stellar Virtuoso Mi-495. The company claims it is the slimmest smartphone by any Indian brand with a 9.44mm body packed with a 1.0 GHz dual core processor and 4.5-inch qHD screen. This Android 4.0 smartphone offers an 8.0 mega-pixel auto focus camera with flash and a front-facing 1.3 MP camera. This innovative smartphone also offers video-calling facility and an expandable memory upto 32 GB. The 1700 mAh battery supports six hours talk-time .
`10,499
GGChoice
THE BEST GADGET OF THE MONTH
GAMING TAKE
THIS DRONE IS AMONG THE FIRST AUGMENTED REALITY GAMING DEVICES AVAILABLE IN INDIA here are some gadgets that are all about fun, nothing more. The Parrot A R Drone 2 quadricopter is one such device; a toy for the entire family. We couldnt think of any specific uses for this little chopper, launched in India by flippertech.com, except maybe if you have a flock of sheep to mind in a large ranch somewhere. But for gamers, this drone opens a new world of opportunities.
TEXT BY NANDAGOPAL RAJAN
WHAT IS IT?
The A R Drone 2 is a lightweight radio controlled quadricopter since it has four rotors instead of one with two inbuilt cameras for better control and, of course, more fun. The actual drone is a shipshaped device with four legs and their separate propeller. The device weighs about 380 grams with the regular hull and about 50 grams more with indoor hull that protects the blades from walls. While other RC devices come with controllers, this Drone 2 is controlled using apps available for iOS and Android devices. Once you download the AR Freeflight app, you use your phone or tablet to link to the wi-fi network generated by the drone. One dampener here is the fact that the device has no on/off button, and switches on as you plug in the battery. The real showstopper with this drone is the 720p camera in front and another on the bottom. There are also a bunch of sensors under the hull to control the height of the device.
HOW DO YOU FLY?

The piloting of the drone is done entirely from your smartphone or tablet. We suggest the former, as that is more handy. The app is real easy to use and you always get a pilots-eye view from the front camera. Push the take-off button and use the four-way toggle button to control the height and steering. However, things get a bit tricky as you move the drone to and fro by pressing down the left button and tilting the phone or tablet in the direction you want. This takes some learning and we think you should take the device outdoors only after you have mastered the art of flying this thing. For this, there are some great instruction videos that can be accessed through the app. Even when you have mastered how to fly the drone, we dont think it makes great sense to fly this in between buildings and trees, there are so many obstacles that can bring the drone down. We also found it tougher to control the drone when it is windy. There is also a limited 165-foot range and even beyond the first 10 metres or so you have to depend completely on the camera for controls.
6
ES FLIGHT
PARROT A R DRONE 2.0
PRICE: ` 31,990
SPECS: 1 GHZ 32-BIT

ARM CORETEX A8, LINUX 2.6.32, 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 3AXIS GYROSCOPE, 4 BRUSHLESS INRUNNER MOTOR (14.5 WATT AND T 28.500 RPM), 8 MIPS AVR CPU PER MOTOR CONTROLLER, 1000 MAH LIPO RECHARGEABLE BATTERY, T 720P 30 FPS FRONT CAMERA, 60FPS QVGA VERTICAL CAMERA VIDEO STREAMING, RECORDING ON USB
THE DRONE APPS

1 AR FREEFLIGHT This apps lets you control the drone. Plus, it stores all the video shot with the drones two cameras within the app. There are also instructions on how to fly and settings for the drone. 2 AR RESCUE Though available only for iOS at the moment, this first-person view game fuses augmented reality with images being beamed by the cameras and a target on the ground. 3 AR RACE This app lets you create an obstacle course of your own using objects in the home. Just dont break any vases in the process.
HOW MUCH FUN IS IT?

The fun quotient here is directly proportional to your confidence with the drone and ability to fly it. Once the fear of flying has been conquered oh yes, you will be scared at first every time the quadrocopter takes off vertically you will experience an adrenaline rush matched only by real flying. Actually, this is the closes most of us will ever get to a command position in a cockpit. Once you have got the hang of it you can use the many apps available for multiplayer games and even to make an aerial video of your kitchen garden.
IT IS MUCH MORE THAN A DRONE, IT IS AUGMENTED REALITY AT ITS BEST.

WHY WE FELL FOR IT
COVER STORY
THE
WINDOWS 8 USHERS IN CONVERTIBLES AND HYBRIDS BUT ARE THEY REALLY WORTH THE MONEY?
BY NANDAGOPAL RAJAN
e now have a new breed of devices to choose from, the Windows 8 convertibles and hybrids. With Microsofts new operating system being optimised for touch, these devices try and bring the touchscreen closer to the user. So there are hybrids, which are essentially tablets that have extra keyboards, or convertibles that can transform themselves from Ultrabooks to tablets.
8
Gadgets & Gizmos, February 2013
COVER STORY
With pricing being what it is, most of these devices will continue to be niche products for some months to come. The hybrids are cheaper, but they are also Intel Atom-based devices which might not be able to perform many high-end tasks. However, these are more portable and handy, making them the ideal device for those who will need a tablet that can do a bit more. The Ultrabook convertibles, on the other hand, will be able to do most tasks that you assign to it. But they are costly and a bit too heavy and large to use as proper tablets. They should be preferred by people who essentially need an Ultrabook, but would like to have the ease-of-use of a tablet when required. However, in the New Year you will see a lot of conversation revolving around the convertible and hybrids, which will be the showcase devices for Windows 8. At least for now, this form factor is also unique to this OS as you dont have hybrids and convertibles in OS X or Android, except for maybe the Asus Transformer series. But this is just the beginning, even as you see touch becoming an essential feature in computers in coming months you will also see these convertibles and hybrids evolving in design, and, hopefully, becoming cheaper. They are being projected as the ideal solution for individuals who are now dependant on two or more devices for their daily fix. So, the suggestion is to choose a convertible or hybrid over carting around both a laptop and tablet. No doubt, there will be takers for this concept. We can see a lot of design innovation taking place in the segment there are said to be around a hundred new designs in various stages of production. There are also attempts to bring the prices down by making touchscreens cheaper. Intel, meanwhile, is promising all-day power with its new fourth generation Core processors. They are also expected to make the hybrids more enterprisefriendly with added power and laptop-like security features. The advent of the convertibles dont mean the traditional tablet or laptop is dead on the Windows platform. In fact, the traditional devices will continue to be made and sold. They will co-exist with the new premium segment for some time. The older devices will need to bring in touch into their devices though. Thankfully, touchscreens have already become affordable with devices like the Asus Vivobook F202E. For the budget conscious, you will see trackpads and mouse becoming touch enabled so that Windows 8 commands can be executed even if you dont have a touchscreen. This will be crucial, for using Windows 8 without any form of touch to exploit the full potential of the OS could be quite frustrating.
10
The fifty-fifty
Sony claims its Vaio Duo 11 is the easiest Ultrabook convertible to use with a single motion to do the actual conversion. So we though this was the first thing we should test with the Duo 11. Yes, it is quite easy to pull the display up to reveal the keyboard in one simple motion. But, no, you cannot do it with one hand. The Duo 11 is a screen-first kind of design and you can use it as a tablet if you are comfortable with the weight. But then all Ultrabook convertibles make heavy tablets. At the top of the display is a small groove, pulling on which makes the screen stand up, revealing a neat little keyboard below. But it is not a full-size keyboard and there is a no place to rest your wrists while typing. So you will have to adjust a bit while using it. However, you will get used to it in a few hours and this is a good keyboard to use, if you will need to use it. This design also shows that trackpads are becoming redundant in a touchscreen world. In fact, even the trackpoint, which has been nestled between the keys, is unnecessary with an 11.6-inch touchscreen just in front of you. There are also three keys below that work like the keys on a mouse. The touchscreen is very responsive and the pictures are really crisp, that is because this is a 1080p
REVIEWS
FullHD especi cause below lock on the sm Like eratio troubl starts from U those w Duo 1 for peo well. B sort of ume b Sony vice an as wel fact th hind, a device need p will us an ult
D display. The sound quality is also very good, ally when you are using the tablet. That is bethe speakers are facing down and are placed the keyboard. Similarly, keep the orientation n when using the device as a Ultrabook, for mallest movement flips the screen over. all Ultrabooks, the Duo 11 too runs 3rd genn Intel Core i5 processor and wont have any e munching through even heavy tasks. It also up in a jiffy, but we have come to expect that Ultrabooks. While other convertibles are for who will use the Ultrabook part more, the 1 is good in both modes and can be suggested ople who will have a substantial tablet use as Being a Vaio, there is an Assist button, but it is f hidden under the front edge near the volbuttons. y is pitching this as an enterprise-ready dend so there are two USB drives, a card reader, l as HDMI and VGA ports. We also loved the at the Ethernet port and power jacks are beand this will add to its usability as a desktop e. Overall, this a good buy for people who power in their convertible, which they se equally as a tablet and rabook.
Sony Vaio Duo 11

` 89,990
Windows 8, 11.6-inch FullHD touchscreen, Intel Core i53317U, 6GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Intel HD graphics 4000, 12.60 (W) .71 (H) 7.84" (D), 1.3kg
Specs:
Photo: RAJWANT RAWAT
11
COVER STORY
Push to rotate
It is a Windows 8 convertible, but there is little doubt that the Dell XPS 12 is an Ultrabook in real life. But yes, this slim, sleek laptop can transforms into a tablet, though a bulky one for regular use. As with other XPS devices, this one too is strongly built with a stylish aluminum and carbon finish. It is hard to miss the machined aluminum frame that runs around both sides of the device. Around the 12.5-inch FullHD WLED screen, it acts as a hinge for the display to rotate around. Do a 360-degree turn of the display and close the Ultrabook to find yourself staring at a tablet. It would be a bit difficult to hold and use this tablet like you would an iPad or Android device, but you can definitely use it to work on a surface device or to collaborate on work over a coffee table. Still, the XPS 12 has a touchscreen that is really sprightly and responsive. Plus, being a FullHD screen it is much easier to flip through the Windows mosaic. And the Corning Gorilla Glass makes everything look real solid. We guess most people would continue using the device as an Ultrabook, one with Windows 8 and touch. At that, there are few equals for this device. With a third generation Intel Core 15 processor inside, this device is up to most productivity tasks. It passed our regular processing tests with flying colours. We were a bit disappointed that our review unit had a 128GB SSD. There is another version with 256GB and a Core i7 processor. The keyboard is impressive and has a good curved feel about it along with comfortable travel. The trackpad is good too, though you wont have to use it much with the touchscreen. Dont be surprised if you see touch devices like this drop the track in a year or so. The sound is really impressive thanks to the two strip-like speakers on the sides. A major design change we noticed was the toggle power switch on the left edge, just above the volume controls. There are two USB 3.0 port on the left, plus a mini-display port. We think they should have put an HDMI there too. Buy the XPS 12 if you need an Ultrabook that is versatile enough to be up to the demands of this era of convergence. We suspect it is among the first few of many powerful Ultrabooks that will bring you touch in innovative ways. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but then it is doesnt sacrifice power at the altar of design.
REVIEWS
Samsung Ativ Smart PC

` 53,990
Windows 8, 11.6-inch touch display, Intel Atom Z2760, 2GB RAM, 64GB flash, Intel graphics, Wi-Fi, SD card, 8MP camera, 744g (1.45 kg with clamshell)
Specs:
Photos: RAJWANT RAWAT
12
Dell XPS 12
` 90,490
Windows 8, 12.5-inch LED FullHD touch display, Intel Core i5-3317U, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Intel HD graphics 4000, 12.48" (W) .79" (H) 8.43" (D), 1.54 kg
Specs:
A tablet at heart
13
With Windows 8 hybrids you will always be wondering if this is a tablet that can become a laptop or a laptop which can become a tablet. With the Samsung Ativ Smart PC, there is no scope for any ambiguity. This is a tablet at heart, and a very good one at that. The 11.6-inch tablet is the core of the device, with a majority of the ports the power button and the volume controls. But that does not mean you can get rid of the keyboard and use this only as a tablet. For, the power port is here and you need this to charge the device. The keyboard is good, though we felt that the trackpad was a bit stubborn. Yoked to its keyboard, the Smart PC looks and feels a lot like a netbook. And like a netbook it also have an Atom processor, which thankfully does not affect its
processing powers as a tablet. If you start looking at the device like a laptop then things could get a bit tricky. For instance, we tried to test the device with the 12MB hi-resolution picture that we use for similar test on laptops. This one took almost a minute to open the file. Zooming in and out was also sluggish, so was rotation. But then there is a Pro version of the Smart PC which come with and Inter Core i5 inside. If you need more power, buy that. But then we think you should look at this device primarily as a tablet. One that also comes with another input option. Touch, without doubt, is the primary input method here. Just the way it was intended to be. The touchscreen is very responsive comes with Samsungs popular S-pen. So you can use the S-Note and other
Samsung apps with the stylus. You can also use it with the handwriting recognition that is part of the Windows 8 keyboard. This is the best execution of handwriting recognition on any computing device and with the stylus things only get better, more accurate. In fact, if you are comfortable with the 11.6-inch form factor of the tablet just tear away the keyboard and use the stylus to write like you would on paper and then convert it to text. The only dampener for us with the device was the docking mechanism. It takes a while to actually understand if you have been successful there are faint beeps for connect and disconnect. Also the flap that holds the tablet in place is a bit of an eye sore. Still, this is among the most affordable Windows 8 hybrids.
COVER STORY
Fusing together
Yes, the Hp Envy X2 is a hybrid. But one look at the all-aluminium body of this notebook, and it is hard to tell that this is a device that can become just a tablet if the need arises. There is, however, little doubt that the X2 will be taking on the Samsung Ativ Smart PC in the Indian market, because these are the two most accessible hybrids at the moment. The X2 has a very solid brushed aluminium body, which also makes it feel a bit heavy, especially when you are comparing it with the more plasticky Ativ Smart PC. But the clamshell design is more seamless, with even the power and volume buttons being integrated into the top face of the device. That is because when you tear off the keyboard the 11.6-inch IPS panel becomes a thin, handy, though slightly large tablet. Without the keyboard, it weighs just 700 gm. On the tablet side you have just a micro-SD card slot and a 3.5mm earphone jack, which mean you have to yoke it back to the keyboard in case you need to charge it, or open a file from a USB drive. We think a USB port on the tablet side could have been added, maybe at the cost of making it a bit thicker. However, we have to agree that the fusing the speakers between the screen and its metal frame looks and sounds like a good idea. When Hp decides to display the Beats Audio branding as big as it does, you know how confident they are about the sound quality. This is one of the best sounding Windows 8 devices out there. The touchscreen is top notch and you will have no reason to complain. Compared to the Smart PC, the X2 has a much better docking system. You dont have to apply any effort to pull the tablet off, nor do you have to struggle to ensure that the screen is docked in place. The large dock too gels into the design superbly. The keyboard is really good, and the trackpad offers just the right amount of resistance. The 8MP rear camera with LED flash is good if you are okay with the 4:3 resolution. There are two USB ports flanking the keyboard, as well as an HDMI port and a power port. The X2 like its Samsung rival runs an Intel Atom 1.8 GHz, Z2760 processor and has a similar level of performance. This means you will be able to do all basic computing functions as well as gaming and entertainment with ease. But anything that needs more power will find the X2 lacking. So this is undoubtedly a device for those who need a tablet that can do a bit more. Hp has been thoughtful enough to add some apps of its own, and we liked the Pagelift which lets you scan documents with the camera. The X2 seems the better of the two hybrids that we tried, essentially because it has a better design and build quality. There is hardly anything to separate it from the other Atom devices as far as performance is concerned.
REVIEWS
Z g c
Photos: RAJWANT RAWAT
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Acer Aspire S7
Rs 88,499
Windows 8, 11.6-inch FullHD touch panel, Intel Core i53317U, 4GB RAM, 256GB, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 11.17 (W) x 7.7 (D) x 0.48 (H), 1.04kg
Specs:
Sticking to tradition
This is what Ultrabooks are meant to be. The Acer Aspire S7 is right up there with the likes of the Samsung series 9 and the Toshiba Protg z580, the very pinnacle of size-zero design. It sits on the desktop like an aluminium covered cutting board, a thin one to be precise. Though it has a brushed aluminium finish on top, the bottom is white plastic which is a bit of a spoiler for the excellent design. But still some great thought has gone into the design, with fans being tucked into the rear of the hinge and speakers two strips on both sides of the rear front. Though the display side is ultrathin, it does not feel flimsy like in some other ultrabooks. Facing it is a full-size backlit keyboard which has just the right amount of travel to keep you interested. The backlighting is interesting too, with characters gleaming in a greenish tint. The trackpad is a bit too smooth though and some of the Windows 8 gestures needed some hardwork to execute. But then you will hardly ever touch the trackpad as there is an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all you navigation purposes. It is also a 1080p FullHD display so you will really enjoy some of the better designed Windows 8 apps along with your collection of movies. Sound is another plus point with this Ultrabook and that is because Acer has roped in Dolby to professionally tune the speakers. The fact that the Dolby Home Theatre powered speakers are facing downwards has not really affected the sound quality. However, the camera is not very impressive. This Ultrabook runs on a 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processor and so even power users wont have any trouble with this device. Also, this is among the coolest Ultrabooks we have seen, maybe that is why it has a plasticky base. The S7 easily munched through most of the tests that we usually subject Ultrabooks to. The S7 has two USB 3.0 ports, a miniHDMI at the back and a Micro-SD card reader. Like many of the new Ultrabooks and convertibles the S7 too have a smallish power adapter which will easily go into any bag. Acer has also loaded some of its Windows 8 apps as well as ported some cloud-based programmes that it uses in Iconia series to the device. For, anyone looking to buy a traditional Ultrabook or laptop in 2013, the Aspire S7 is one of the best available options. It is slim, handy and very powerful.
15
Hp Envy X2
` 59,990
Windows 8, 11.6-inch IPS touch display, Intel Atom Z2760, 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Intel graphics, Wi-Fi, NFC, SD card, 8MP camera, 1.4kg
Specs:
COVER STORY
The office tablet
The next big thing for the tablets will be their large scale entry into the enterprise space. Already, there are many companies using the iPad and other tablets on a daily basis. Now, with the advent of Widows 8, more companies are expected to adopt tablets. Dell has this in mind while launching its Dell Latitude 10, an Intel Atom-based tablet with a host of enterprise-ready features. The 10.1-inch tablet has one of the best build qualities you will see in a tablet. For instance, there is a reinforced magnesium alloy frame and a body that has a rubberised feel that gives it a rugged quality. It, however, feels a bit heavy at around 650 grams, but is still very handy. One of the best features of the tablet is the fact that it has a swappable battery, which can be easily unlocked and pulled out from the back. This would be a welcome feature for Dells target audience. The Latitude 10 has a 720p front and 8MP rear camera, a card reader, USB port and HDMI. The 8MP resolution on the rear camera is not default and is available only with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The IPS panel has a 1366x768p resolution that is good enough for reading webpages and watching video. The sound, on the other hand, was a disappointment and just not loud enough. You will need a good pair of earphones in case you want to sit back and enjoy a movie with this tablet. The device has an Intel Atom Z2760 processor, which is good enough for basic functions along with enterprise mail, video conferencing, SAP and so on. But heavy number crunching, like large Excel sheets will be tough. While there was no trouble playing FullHd files, there was a noticeable lag for the same to open. This lag was there even with high-resolution pictures. Gentle reminders that the tablet has an Atom processor. Plus, the device lets administrators implement most IT policies and security features. With the four-cell Lithium ion battery, the Latitude 10 promises about 14 hours of battery life. You can get more if you invest on a dock, which is will also ley you use this device like a proper computer. Another great feature of the Latitude is the fact that this device has use any regular accessory, like a USB mouse, keyboard or speakers. And, it is among the affordable Windows 8 tablets in the market. In fact, the one we tested was the standard version. Dell is working on a cheaper model with fewer features and a top-end model with fingerprint and smartcard readers built-in.
REVIEWS
Dell Latitude 10
` 35,990
Windows 8, 10.1-inch IPS touch display, Intel Atom Z2760, 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Intel graphics, Wi-Fi, USB, SD card, 8MP camera, 658g
Specs:
Photo: RAJWANT RAWAT
16
WHAT IF YOU HAVE
TOUCH?
DONT
One of the better things about Windows 8 is its seamless integration of touch across multiple screens and devices. While there are keyboard and mouse equivalents for most touch features, it wont take long for you to feel woefully inadequate while using Windows8 on a non-touch device. But there are accessories that let you take full advantage of the touch features.
HI-TECH E-TOUCH PEN, (` 3,990)

Jeswill Hi-Tech Solutions has been making digital pens for a few years. So when Windows 8 was launched, they adapted this technology to bring touch to non-touch devices running the new operating system. Their kit includes a battery-powered digital pen with a brush instead of a nib, a USBbased receiver and a magnetic strip to fix it to the desktop or laptop screen. However, the success of the device depends on the one-time calibration that is necessary to get the touch to work. It took us a few attempts to get it right. But after this was done we could use the pen to do all things you would on a touchscreen. Additionally, you can use the pen to exploit the wonderful handwriting recognition of Windows 8 and apps like Fresh Paint.
LOGITECH K400R (` 2,995)
You can also use this keyboard, which comes with a multi-touch trackpad to bring touch features to your laptop. But it would be sort of silly carrying a full keyboard with a laptop. So we suggest this for people who own Windows 8 desktops and All-inOnes. For them, replacing a regular keyboard, and mouse, with this one device will make sense. The K400R comes with a full keyboard with extra buttons for music player, home page and lock PC. There is also a on/off buttons for the PC. But, the real goodness of the device is in the trackpad lets you use all Windows 8 touch features as well as swipe to navigate. Below the trackpad are left/right keys that let you select something on the screen.
LOGITECH T620 (` 4,295)
17
A regular mouse will let you touch the corner and summon the charms menu on Windows 8. But the T620 brings all the touch moves you do on a screen to your fingertips. Once you plug in the USB dongle of the mouse, a pop-up asks you to download software for the mouse. After the software is installed, think of the mouse surface as the screen. Swipe from the left edge and you get the apps menu, swap from the right and the charms menu pops up. You can also scroll horizontally and vertically by swiping on the mouse. There are also gestures to open the smart menu as well as to swap back. If you are looking at a touchmouse for Windows 8, this seems to be the best bet now.
ACCESSORIES
LivingTech
BY NIDHI SINGAL IN LAS VEGAS
TELEVISION, HOME ENTERTAINMENT, AUDIO, ETC
CES 2013
THE BEST GADGETS AND TECHNOLOGY SPOTTED AT THE LARGEST TECH FAIR ON EARTH
18
ES, the undisputed big daddy of tech fairs anywhere in the world, lived up to the high expectations of the very demanding geek crowd this year too. While there was an entire range of innovations, it seems like televisions from major brands such as Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, Sony and LG stole the show. At CES 2013, it was evident that more players were jumping into the 4K race and even coming up with new OLED television models. The real innovation in this space was the first set of curved OLED screens displayed by Samsung and LG. A look at the curved OLED televisions and other stunners from the show.
CURVED OLED TV
Amidst all the noise about 4k, OLED and 4k OLED, Samsung announced the curved OLED TV at the CES 2013. Simultaneously, LG announced its curved OLED 3D TV. The curved displays provide true equidistant viewing to the corners as well.
SHOWSTOPP
Five Senses
NVIDIA PROJECT SHIELD
Nvidia Project Shield is a console-type personal gaming device with a 5-inch touchscreen and controller type buttons, triggers, dual joysticks and a single directional pad. The device runs on Nvidias new Tegra 4 processor and will have the Android Jelly Bean operating system. Users will be able to stream PC games directly to the device and even download games and apps from Play Store.
HUAWEI ASCEND MATE
The push for a bigger smartphone display has reached a new level with a 6.1-inch capacitive touch screen. The Huawei Ascend Mate has a 1280x720 resolution and is 9.9mm thick. It runs Android Jelly Bean and is powered by 1.5GHz quad core processor and has 2GB RAM. Other features include 8megapixel rear-facing camera with HDR and a 1-megapixel HD frontfacing camera for video calls and 4050mAH battery.
SHARP 8K TV
At CES, Sharp came up with the worlds first 8K TV. The 85-inch prototype has a super high vision with 16x more resolution and has 7860x4320 pixels. Other features include 300 cd/m2 luminance, 10 bits for each RBG and UV2A LCD panel. The challenge for the 8K TV would be commercial availability of content.
BENQ W1080ST
BenQs Full HD short-throw video projector comes with a native resolution of 1080p and has 10,000:1 high contrast ratio. It is powered by 2000 ANSI lumens lamp. While the projector has 3D direct play and a 100-inch projection from just 1.5 metres away. The projector will also have 2HDMI ports, a built-in 10W speaker and will support multiple forms of 3D including Blu-Ray, 3D broadcasting, video games and NVIDIA 3D TV PC connectivity.
PERS
19
Digital Life
SAMSUNG T9000 REFRIGERATOR
SAMSUNG F8000 TV
Samsungs latest F8000 will have a quad-core processor for enhancing the Smart TV experience. According to Samsung, the F8000 LED TV will be 3x faster than Samsungs 2012 TV models. The TV will also have the best streaming video quality by supporting the HDVC video codec.
With an eye on smart houses, Samsung unveiled a 32-cubicfoot four-door refrigerator equipped with a touchscreen LCD. The screen can run Samsung's proprietary Evernote app and other apps, allowing users to share photos, videos, and recipes with family and friends. Interestingly, it has the ability to change different compartments as needed. So for instance, more space can be made for freezing by changing the temperature of other compartments.
POLAROID ANDROID CAMERA
Android cameras arent news anymore, but an Android camera with interchangeable lens definitely is. Polaroids iM1836 has an 18megapixel sensor and runs on Android Jelly Bean operating system. The camera will come with 10-30mm optical zoom lens and is capable of recording full HD videos. The camera even has a 3.5-inch display.
PANASONIC 20-INCH 4K TABLET
Panasonic has not restricted its 4k technology to televisions. The company unveiled a new 20-inch 4k Windows 8 tablet. Designed for professional use, this tablet will be a part of the companys toughbook range. The tablet will have a 3840x2560 pixel resolution, Intel Core i5 3427U vPro 1.80 GHz; NVIDIA GeForce Graphics; HD 720p embedded camera and approximately two hours of internal battery usage.
The only big announcement in smartphones was the Sony Xperia Z. With a full HD 5-inch retina display with mobile Bravia engine 2, the Xperia Z will be powered by powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon Pro quadcore processor. It will also have a 13MP camera with the worlds first image sensor with HDR for videos. It captures stunning images in the dark as well.
SONY XPERIA Z
20
SAMSUNG YOUM
Samsung has finally announced a new series of flexible displays for mobile devices. The company, which showcased its prototype Youm, believes flexible displays can bring out better colours and contrast with a super thin form factor. At the Samsung keynote, the company executive showed a phone that has one of these displays bent around the side of the phone, so that one can see the updates on the sides.
TOSHIBA COMPUTER GRAPHIC WATCH
SONY 4K OLED TV
Sony wowed everyone by announcing the worlds first 4K OLED TV. The company displayed a 56-inch prototype with 3840x2160p resolution. The company has been able to produce this display using oxide semiconductor TFTs. The new OLED components structure also incorporates Sonys own Super Top Emission technology, which has been successfully incorporated in other products already introduced into the market.
The prototype Computer Graphic Watch from Toshiba has changeable dial images. It has high performance ARM SoC supporting realistic graphic display. The smart functionality includes connectivity with Android smartphones or the iPhone. Once connected, the watch can be used for alerting for incoming calls, emails and calendar scheduling. According to Toshiba, the watch can be used to navigate with the smartphone GPS or display news or weather update as well. There was also an ECG enabled sensor on the watch that recognises the owners unique pulse pattern. Interestingly, if the watch fails to recognise the pulse, the smart functions gets disabled.
QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 800
iPOTTY
iPotty was a real showstopper at CES 2013. With kids fascinated by gadgets such as laptops, iPad and smartphones, this accessory gives them a something to play with while taking a dunk. The potty seat with hold the iPad so that the kid can continue to play.
Following up on the success of its Snapdragon S4 chipset, Qualcomm has announced the next generation 800 promising impressive speeds of 2.3 gigahertz. The new chipset is already being designed into dozens of new phone models. Even Nvidia announced Tegra 4, claimed to be worlds fastest mobile processor sporting 72 cores.
AUDI 4G
Audi Connect services now bring 4GLTE wireless connectivity powered by Gobi multi-mode 3G/LTE chipset from Qualcomm to the A3 family car. Audi Connect will offer in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, Internet radio, Web services and an augmented navigation system that presents street-level visual imagery streamed to the vehicle.
FORD DEVELOPER PROGRAMME
With the aim of accessing everything one has on the smartphone while behind the wheels, Ford has started a new open source SDK and developer program. The Ford Sync Partner Network will include voice activated control of the smartphone apps and utilising the sync communications and connectivity system.
PANASONIC BONE CONDUCTION HEADPHONE

Panasonic unveiled the all-new bone conduction headphones that dont need speakers or even your ear to transmit sound. These headphones use cheekbones to deliver audio straight to the head. The headphone connects to a TV via Bluetooth and is worn like normal headphones.
21
Mobiles
HANDSETS, SOFTWARE, ACCESSORIES
iPHON STAYS REL

full-page newspaper advertisement for a new flagship smartphone is not news. But a full-page advertisement for a phone that came out two years ago might not make sense to even ad gurus. But that is the clout of the iPhone 4, which at a cheaper `26,500 is still one of the best phones in the market. So how does the iPhone 4 stay relevant even in 2013?
HOW THE
LAUNCHED IN 2010, THIS PHONE FROM APPLE CO
A
DISPLAY IOS 6
BY NIDHI SINGAL
Apple increased the iPhone 5s display to 4-inch from the 3.5 inch (measured diagonally) though retaining its width at 2.31 inches. This means, Apple has just increased the height of the iPhone 5 by a 0.37inches. Hence, the 3.5inch Retina Display of the iPhone 4 isnt small in comparison to the latest version. Unlike some of the biggish phones today, that need to be operated with both hands, the iPhone 4 can be comfortably held and used with a single hand, using the thumb to type. Introduced in 2010, the Retina display with 960x640 pixel resolution and 330 ppi pixel density is still amongst the best around. The biggest benefit of using an Apple product is the democratised software support one enjoys. As and when Apple updates the OS, every user, irrespective of their location, is entitled to update the phones software. When launched, the Apple iPhone 4 ran the iOS 4. Buy one today and you will get it with iOS 6.
PROCESSOR
In 2010, a 1GHz processor was considered powerful enough to handle all operations. Now, the iPhone 4s 1GHz single-core A4 processor might seem outdated in comparison to the quad-cores
THE CLASS OF 2010
The pace at which the leading handse smartphones has reduced the shelf life a maximum of 18 months. But the Ap alone. Before the launch of 808 PureV one of the best camera phones in the i 2010, the Nokia N8 has a 12-megapix
22
Windows Phone 8
NE 4 LEVANT
and dual-cores. But the fact is that we still dont have much apps that need multiple cores to run or can utilise this extra processing power. So the iPhone 4 is still good enough and performs without any lag.
ONTINUES TO BE A GOOD BUY
CAMERA
What good are megapixels if you cant get a good image? Most flagship smartphones today have 8MP cameras and even midsegment phones sport 5MPs like the iPhone 4. But it still shines above the rest thanks to the backside-illuminated sensor that is more sensitive to light. It also features a powerful built-in LED flash. Apple had also pioneered HDR settings on a smartphone with this model. Actually, this feature has only recently started making its entry into other phones. Combining three images captured at different exposure, this feature can deliver images better than regular ones. Along with still images, one can easily record and edit HD videos on the iPhone 4.
APPS
Apples App Store is undoubtedly the best application stores today. Everyone criticises Apple for its strict policy regarding apps, but this ensures that there are no bugs or malware in any of its apps. A vast majority of apps on the store are still compatible with the iPhone 4. In case an app is not compatible with the device, the store prompts you about the same.
BATTERY
The biggest challenge one faces with smartphones today is the poor battery backup. With so much loaded on these devices, even the high-end ones fail to last a day with average usage. But surprisingly, the Apple iPhone 4 has no trouble giving you a dayand-a-half.
t manufacturers launch e of the existing ones to ple iPhone 4 is not View, the Nokia N8 was industry. Launched in xel autofocus camera
with xenon flash that captures really stunning images. The 3.5inch capacitive touch display of the N8 is very responsive. The Symbian operating system might not impress everyone, but it good enough to ensure that 680MHz processor is not stressed out. The Nokia N8 is retailing for `18,990 and still makes for a good camera phone.
23
Mobiles
Reviews
REVIEWS AND RATINGS OF PHONE PRODUCTS
A big plus FOR THIS ONE

A follow-up device for a flagship smartphone during the middle of the product cycle is a new trend finding vogue with some companies. HTC and Sony did it in the past by launching the Sensation XE and Xperia SL as the refreshed versions of the original Sensation and the Xperia S, respectively. HTC has done it again by refreshing the specs of its flagship smartphone, the One X, by launching the One X+. But has HTC managed to succeed and threaten its competitor is the question. The HTC One X+ is the mirror image of the One X. We have a 4.7-inch display on the front that is accompanied by three touch sensitive keys back, home and multitasking. The only difference here is the red tinge on the three keys that make them more visible. Similarly, the micro SIM slot is at the top near to the camera key. The red tinge on the touch sensitive keys has been added to camera lens as well. The white polycarbonate unibody has got a nice, soft finish that makes the One X+ looks classy. The phone also has the HTC Sense UI on board. Honestly, it is really difficult to spot the difference between the One X and the One X+ in the first go. Justifying the existence of this follow up device, the HTC One X+ has a 1.7Ghz quad-core processor over the 1.5GHz quad-core processor in the HTC One X. The enhanced processor has a positive effect on the overall performance of the phone. The One X was fast, but the One X + feels even better. It even manages to beat the Samsung Galaxy SIII in the daily usage as well as benchmark tests. Another reason for
users to pick up the One X+ is the 64GB internal storage. In addition to the onboard storage, users get access to 25GB space on Dropbox. The One X+ runs on the latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It also replaces 1800 mAh battery with a larger 2100 mAh that manages to last more than a day on an average use. The One X+ has an 8MP auto-focus still camera that manages to capture crisp and clear images. It was fun using the phones camera as it managed to capture a shot in less than a second and was ready for the next shot without any lag. We could even hold the camera key continuously for 15 seconds that managed to get over 50 consecutive images. We could control exposure, colour saturation and sharpness. Scene selection on the camera included HDR, panorama and group portrait options. The One X+ can also be used for capturing FullHD 1080p videos.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

One of the best Android smartphones available in the market today. But expensive.
GG
HTC One X+
Price: ` 40,500
Android Jelly Bean, 4.7-inch capacitive display, 64GB onboard, no microSD card slot; 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, A-GPS, NFC, 8MP auto focus camera, 134.36 x 69.9 x 8.9mm, 2100 mAh battery
Specs:
24
Reviews
ANOTHER BUDGET PHONE

Videocon has introduced a couple of Android smartphones of which the A30 comes across as an interesting budget smartphone. Heres what we liked and disliked about this smartphone. As is the trend these days, the Videocon A 30 does not look like any other popular smartphone. Actually, it is not much to look at. With the black plastic running around the display, it has Made in China screaming out at you. The power key and a 3.5mm jack have been placed at the top while the volume controls and charging port dominate the left panel of the phone. The 4-inch capacitive display is responsive, but a bit too slow. Below are four touch sensitive keys home, option, back and search which is in contrast to the usual three. These keys illuminate when the phone is in use. The back is made up of white plastic that feels soft to hold. The 5.0 MP camera sits on the top while the Videocon branding and speaker are towards the bottom of the back panel. Overall, the A30 looks like a budget smartphone. Unlocking the smartphone greeted us with a lock icon with two antennae at the top. Touching the lock icon throws four icons on its sides camera on the top, phone on the left, message on the right and unlock at the bottom. Sliding the lock icon towards the icon will directly launch the app or unlock the smartphone. On the top of the homescreen is the Google Search bar and the bottom is dominated by the row of five icons phone, phonebook, app tray, message and web browser that stays static throughout the homescreen panels.
Running on Android IceCream Sandwich, the main menu is divided into two apps and widgets. A Play Store icon appears on the top right offering an instant access to the store. Based on Qualcomms Reference Design platform, the A30 is powered by a dual-core processor clocked at 1GHz and paired with 512MB RAM. The device fetched our emails instantly and it offered a smooth browsing experience. But unfortunately, there is a slight lag in launching some of the apps. For added convenience, Videocon has loaded Documents To Go on this device. Using this app, we were able to open the documents on the phone itself. But for editing, one will have to purchase the full version of the app. There are plenty of other free apps loaded on this device. The A30 has a 5MP auto-focus camera with flash. But dont expect it to capture superb pictures as there camera is just about average. We noticed some noise even when the images were captured in good light. Then the flash failed to live up to our expectations. With a built-in FM and music player onboard, there isnt much that we can complaint about in the sound department. However, the biggest challenge of using this dualSIM device is its battery life as when both the SIM cards were inserted in the phone, it failed to last a day on a full charge.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

There are some shortcomings, but then the A30 is a budget phone.
GG
Videocon A30
Price: ` 7,699
Android IceCream Sandwich; 4.0 inch capacitive display; 1GHz dual-core processor; 4GB onboard memory, expandable up to 32GB; Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, A-GPS; 5MP auto focus camera; 124.3 x 63.8 x 10.8mm; 1500 mAh battery
Specs:
BY NIDHI SINGAL
25
Mobiles
APPSOLUTELY
YOUR MONTHLY UPDATE ON MOBILE PHONE APPS My Contact Backup
iOS, Android Many consider that backing up phones contact is difficult and restoring them is even more cumbersome. While many apps let you sync the contacts over WiFi network with the PC, My Conact Backup does it over email. Available free of cost for iOS and Android, this app doesnt require the user to create an account and sign up. We were instantly able to backup contacts and then email. Whenever one wishes to restore contacts, they can simply click on the .vcf attachment and import the contacts to any iOS device including iPad and iPhone.
Google Maps
iOS All iOS 6 users have a reason to smile as the Google Maps are now available for download at the Apple App Store. With the launch of iOS 6, Apple ditched Google Maps in favour of its own navigation software, which was anything but a hit. The free Google Maps app be linked to the Google Account for accessing search history. Unlike Apples navigation software, Google Maps was able to search the locations we were looking for and even routes between the two locations. We were able to choose between walk, drive and bus modes. The recently launched live traffic update is also available for Google Maps on iOS. A musthave app.
Photo Editor by Aviary

iOS, Android Aviary has been a popular editing software on Windows for years now. So, it only natural that their phone app also gets downloaded by the thousands. Plus, unlike other photo editing apps, this one does not limit the features it offers users. In fact, you can do pretty much everything you would on a desktop software. But then everything is much more easier because of the touch interface. We particularly liked the stickers add-on that lets you add moustaches and other such fun elements to your picture. A must have for mobile photography freaks.
Flyte eBooks
Android With more and more Indian buying smartphones with larger screens, the ebook market seems to be headed for some serious growth. After the success of its Flyte Music Store, Flipkart has launched an e-book store with up to 1,00,000 titles that can be accessed downloaded directly on to your phone. The interface is easy to use and intuitive and lets you add bookmarks to the page you stopped reading at. The app lets you sync your purchases on up to six different Android devices. Prices of books start at `30.
26
Adblock Plus
Android The biggest problem in using the free applications are the advertisements that keeps on popping up on them. But this can be tackled using Adblock Plus, a free app for Android phones. Once installed, this app runs in the background and monitors the existing apps for any in-app advertisement and then blocks them. The app lets users choose from various filter lists from within the app to improve the ad detection rate, in case the default list does not work for them. We faced some issues with the ad-supported apps after installing the Adblock Plus and had to enable ads. The only drawback of this app at the moment is that it works only over Wi-Fi network and not the cellular network.
Reviews
TOP1 0 SMARTPHONES
1. HTC ONE S
(` 25,000)
Top Affordable Phones
Specs: 4.3-inch display; Android v4.0; 1.7Ghz

dual-core processor; 16GB onboard. Plus: Super fast performance Minus: NA
1. NOKIA X2-01
Price: ` 3,500
2. SAMSUNG CHAT 355

Price: ` 5,080
3. ZEN M111
Price: ` 3,999
2. HTC ONE X
(` 32,200)
Specs: 4.7-inch display; Android v4.0; 1.5Ghz quad-core processor; 32GB onboard. Plus: Super fast performance Minus: Battery
3. SAMSUNG GALAXY S III
(` 34,500)
Specs: 2.4-inch display; QWERTY keypad; VGA camera; 1020mAh battery Pros: Good performance Cons: Poor camera
Specs: 2.4-inch display, 2MP camera, QWERTY keypad; 1000 mAh battery Pros: Great looks, Wi-Fi Cons: High price
Specs: 2.4-inch display, triple SIM GSM; 1.3 MP camera; 1500 mAh battery Pros: Triple SIM GSM, good display Cons: Average camera
Top Dual-SIM/ CDMA Phones
Specs: 4.8-inch display; Android v4.0; 1.4GHz quad-core processor; 16GB onboard; 64 GB expandable memory. Plus: Performance Minus:S Voice
4. SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE
1. SAMSUNG GALAXY ACE DUOS

Price: ` 14,180
2. SAMSUNG GALAXY Y PRO DUOS

Price: ` 9,500
3. LG 6160
Price: ` 2,649
Specs: 5.3-inch display; Android v2.3; 1.4GHz dual-core processor; 16GB onboard; 32GB expandable memory. Plus: Performance Minus: Almost none.
(` 26,000)
Specs: 3.5-inch display;

Android v2.3; GSM + CDMA dual SIM; 32GB expandable Pros: Active CDMA + GSM Cons: Price

touch + QWERTY; 160 MB onboard; 32GB expandable Pros: Android Dual SIm Cons: Poor touch
5. APPLE i PHONE 4 (` 26,500)
Specs: FM player; Torch light; 5 MB memory, expandable to 4 GB; No camera Pros: Basic CDMA Cons: No camera
Specs: 3.5-inch display; iOS; 16GB onboard memory; 1GHz processor. Pros: Apple App Store Minus: iTunes Sync
6. BLACKBERRY 9900 (` 32,500)
Top Music Phones
Specs: 2.8-inch display; BB 7.0; 1.2GHz processor; 8GB internal; 32GB expandable. Plus: Best BlackBerry smartphone Minus:Battery
7. HTC ONE V (` 18,000)
1.NOKIA 603
Price: ` 12,600
2. SAMSUNG WAVE 3
Price: ` 15,900
3. SONY ERICSSON WALKMAN LIVE

Price: ` 13,500
Specs: 3.7-inch display; Android v4.0; 1GHz processor; 4GB internal memory, expandable Plus: Value for Money; Minus: NA
8. NOKIA LUMIA 710
(` 14,500)

Symbian Belle; 1GHz processor; microSIM slot Pros: Will get Dolby Headphones; Cons: Symbian
Specs: 4-inch display; Bada

OS; 1.4GHz processor; 32GB expandable Pros: Nice Sound Cons: Bada OS
Specs: 3.2-inch display; Android 2.3; 1GHz processor; 32GB expandable Pros: Good Sound Cons: No keyboard
Specs: 3.7-inch display; Windows 7.5; 1.4GHz

processor; 8GB internal memory. Plus: Good hardware Minus: No Bluetooth transfer.
Top Camera Phones
9. SONY ERICSSON XPERIA ARC S
(` 24,990)
Specs: 4.2 inch display; Android v2.3;
1.4GHz processor; 1GB internal memory; 32GB expandable; 8MP camera Plus: ICS update Minus: Is Old
1. NOKIA 808 PUREVIEW

Price: ` 33,000
2. APPLE IPHONE 4S
Price: ` 39,500
3. NOKIA N8
Price: ` 19,000
10. BLACKBERRY 9220
(` 10,990 )
Specs: 2.44-inch display; BB 7.1; 512 MB internal; 32GB expandable; 1450 mAh battery. Plus: Affordable BlackBerry; Minus: No 3G
Specs: 4-inch display; Symbian Belle; 1.3GHz processor; 16 GB onboard; 41 MP camera sensor. Pros: Camera Cons: Old OS
Specs: 3.5-inch display; iOS; 8MP camera with HDR; 1GHz dual core processor; 16GB. Pros: Superb Camera Cons: Price
Specs: 3.5-inch display; 12 MP camera; 680MHz processor; 16GB onboard, expandable. Pros: Camera; Cons: Symbian
BY NIDHI SINGAL
27
KnowTech
INFORMATION, TIPS AND TRICKS, TOP 10 LISTING
LED BRILLIANCE
LED TVs ARE SLOWLY BUT SURELY PUSHING ITS PREDECESSOR, THE LCD, INTO THE OBLIVION. BUT HOW DO THEY MANAGE TO BE SLIMMER, BRIGHTER AND BETTER?
TEXT AND GRAPHICS BY SANTOSH KUSHWAHA
L
1
ight emitting diodes, or LEDs, are replacing the cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) used in conventional LCD displays. LEDs are tiny light bulbs that fit easily into an electrical circuit and are capable of creating light. They have no filaments and hence dont generate much heat. An LED TV is actually an LCD panel that has been illuminated by these light-emitting diodes. LEDs consist of small semiconductors, which glow during exposure to electric current. This current flows between LED anodes, which are
positively charged electrodes, and LED cathodes, which are negatively charged electrodes. As the electrons stream across the semiconductor, they create electromagnetic radiation. Some forms of this electromagnetic radiation can take the form of visible light.The light that is created an LED can be of any colour and can even be ultraviolet or infrared. This colour depends on the material used to make the semiconductor and the current run through it. Tiny LEDs are already replacing the tubes that light up LCD HDTVs to make dramatically thinner televisions.
Colour filter Display picture
How can a diode produce light?

When current flows across a diode, negative electrons move one way and positive holes move the other ways.
The holes exist at a lower energy level than the free electrons, so when a free electron falls it loses energy.
This energy is emitted in the form of a light photon. The size of the electrons fall determines the energy level of the photon, which determines its Colour. A bigger fall produces a photon with a higher energy level and therefore a higher light frequency.
Full-Array vs Edge-Lit
Not all LED TVs utilise LEDs in the same way. Now, there are two primary forms of LED lighting technology that LED TVs can utilise: full-array LED backlighting and edge-lit LED backlighting. Also known as local-dimming technology, full-array technology employs arrays or banks of LEDs that cover the entire back surfaces of LED TV screens. In contrast, edge-lit technology employs LEDs only around the edges of LED TV screens. Unlike an edge-lit LED TV, an LED TV with full-array technology can selectively dim specific groups of LEDs, allowing for superior contrast ratio and superior overall picture quality.
TYPES OF LEDs
The SMD type LED The DIP type LED Both types of LED are extremely reliable and cost effective, the SMD type is the better of the two as it radiates less heat (wasted energy) and does have a longer expected life span.
5
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
REASONS TO PURCHASE A LED TV
LED TVs Vs PLASMA TVs

Plasma LED
Lower Power Consumption Better Colour Accuracy Darks and Contrast Size and Depth Longer Life
Colour Accuracy Cost Size Viewing Angle Brightness Longevity Contrast Levels
Great Good Same Great Good Good Fair
Great High Same Fair Great Good Great
28 IT Gadgets & Gizmos

February, 2013
LED Televisions Reflective cup Epoxy case Anoded wire Emitted light Positive terminal p-type Gan Hole
Photon
LED facts
Directional light: LED lights are used by companies and individuals that want to have light directed at a specific location. They are more reliable than traditional lighting options for this purpose. Life: The life of an LED light bulb can be as long as 50,000 hours. This time frame is based on ideal conditions with the LED light bulb not being exposed to extreme heat or cold, or moisture. Air circulation: Poor air circulation can reduce in the life of an LED light. The bulb itself produces a small amount of heat, but it is enough to result in lessthan optimal conditions for LED bulbs. Applications: LED lights have found a permanent home in Exit signs, traffic lights, store displays, and anywhere where coloured light is needed. LEDs are energy efficient.
+ Anode
TFT and electrodes Liquid Crystal
Cathode
Lead frame Active region Negative terminal n-type Gan Electron
LED backlight
The Future of LED
Gla
lter ss fi
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isin olar
g fil
ms
LED TV
CRT, LCD, LED, and now OLED. Display technology has made leaps and bounds in the past decade, providing us with better and cheaper televisions. OLED seems to be the hottest term being tossed around in the TV industry. The organic materials used to create these semiconductors are flexible, allowing scientists to create bendable lights and displays. Can you imagine rolling your TV up like a poster and carrying it with you anywhere?
LCD VERSUS LED

LCD stands for liquid crystal display n LED stands for light emitting diodes LCDs use fluorescent lights LEDs use light emitting diodes. LED TVs run with greater energy efficiency and can provide a clearer, better picture than the general LCD TVs. t LED TVs provide a better picture. The fluorescent lights in an LCD TV are always behind the screen. In the LED TV, the light emitting diodes can be placed behind the screen or around its edges. s
THE STORY SO FAR

1907: Electroluminescence as a phenomenon was discovered by the British experimenter H. J. Round of Marconi Labs. 1962: The first practical visible-spectrum (red) LED was developed by Nick Holonyak. Holonyak is seen as the "father of the light-emitting diode. 1972: M. George Craford is a former graduate student of Holonyak, invented the first yellow LED 1968: Hewlett Packard (HP) introduced LEDs. 1970: Commercially successful LED devices at less than five cents each were produced by Fairchild Optoelectronics. 1977: All LED TV screen is credited to J.P. Mitchell.
IT Gadgets & Gizmos February, 2013
29
LivingTech
TELEVISION, HOME ENTERTAINMENT, AUDIO, ETC
ecently, IBM released a list of innovations that have the potential to change the way people work, live and interact during the next five years. The list, based on market and societal trends as well as emerging technologies from IBM's R&D labs, says touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell will be the next big things in computing. We have already witnessed the benefits of cognitive systems for advancing numerous aspects of the human experience - from agriculture and healthcare to utility management and weather forecasting. We envision a day when computers make sense of the world around them just like human brain relies on interacting with the world using multiple senses, said Ramesh Gopinath, Director - India Research Lab and Chief Technology Officer, IBM India/South Asia. We take a look at what IBM and others are doing to bring the senses to your computer or phone. Interestingly, almost all of these technologies are at advanced stages of testing. So while IBM says they will be available for consumers by 2017, dont be surprised if some of these technologies takes a shortcut to come to a device that will be up for sale in a couple of years. Here is how the senses are finding their way into our digital lives:
WE ARE REALLY CLOSE TO THE DAY W WILL HAVE ONE OR ALL OF THE SENS
DIGI SEN
G BY N ANDAG
SIGHT
By the end of this decade computers will not only be able to look at and recognise the contents of images and visual data, they will also start making sense of the pixels like a human views and interprets a photograph. So future computers will know that a red light means stop, and will be able to interpret signage on a road. A precursor to this can be seen in the form of the Google Goggles app that recognises products from photographs and gives you info on the same. But IBM says that in five years, these capabilities will be put to work in healthcare by making sense out of massive volumes of medical information. For instance computers will be able to differentiate healthy from diseased tissue. Another, use could be to use cameras as body scanners to tell which outfit TOUCH will be a perfect fit for a person. The apparel industry is already experimentScientists have for decades been ing with this technology with an trying to bring touch and feel to mechanical eye on how this could bring devices. Now, this dream is becoming more of a reality. in more online buyers. So we could have mobile devices that will allow you to touch and feel products thus redefining retail business across the world. IBM says its scientists are developing applications for the retail, healthcare and other sectors using haptic, infrared and pressure sensitive technologies to simulate touch, such as the texture and weave of a fabric imagine a shopper touching the screen to feel the texture of a fabric that she wants to buy. This technology will use the vibration capabilities of the phone, assigning a unique set of vibration patterns that recreate their texture to each article.
30
Five Senses
ITAL NSES
SMELL
In the next five years, tiny sensors embedded in your computer or cell phone will detect if youre coming down with a cold or other illness. By analysing odours, biomarkers and thousands of molecules in someones breath, doctors will have help diagnosing and monitoring the onset of ailments such as liver and kidney disorders, asthma, diabetes and epilepsy by detecting which odours are normal and which are not. IBM scientists are already sensing environmental conditions and gases to preserve works of art. Companies like DigiScents and TriSenx are developing devices that will be able to recreate smells when connected to a computer. Imagine yourself holding your nose as you watch a video of a fish market. For instance, DigiScents has indexed thousands of smells based on their chemical structure and their place on the scent spectrum, before coding and digitising them into a small file that can be embedded in web content. Meanwhile, IBM technology will smell surfaces for disinfectants to determine whether rooms have been sanitised. Using novel wireless mesh networks, data on various chemicals will be gathered and measured by sensors, and continuously learn and adapt to new smells over time.
WHEN COMPUTERS AND PHONES SES HUMANS ARE SO PROUD OF
GOPAL RAJAN
IBM researchers are developing a computing system that experiences flavour. It works by breaking down ingredients to their molecular level and blend the chemistry of food compounds with the psychology behind what flavours and smells humans prefer. By comparing this with millions of recipes, the system will be able to create new flavour combinations that pair. The computer will be able to use algorithms to determine the precise chemical structure of food and why people like certain tastes. At the University of Tsukuba in Japan, researchers are working on a food simulator that that can mimic the taste and mouthfeel of food. Most of these computers use algorithms to determine the precise chemical structure of food and why people like certain tastes. These algorithms will examine how chemicals interact with each other, the molecSOUND ular complexity of flavour compounds and When computers start heartheir bonding structure, and use that ing, a distributed system of clever sensors information, together with modwill detect elements of sound such as sound presels of perception to predict sure, vibrations and sound waves at different frequencies and taste appeal. interpret to predict when trees will fall in a forest or when a landslide is imminent. It can also gauge the mood of a speaker, or analyse whether he is lying. The systems will pinpoint aspects of a conversation and analyse pitch, tone and hesitancy to help us have more productive dialogues that could improve customer call centre interactions, or allow us to seamlessly interact with different cultures. Scientists are now studying underwater noise levels to understand impact of wave energy conversion machines on sea life.
TASTE
31
Illustration by: SANTOSH KHUSHWAHA
TestBench
REVIEWS AND RATINGS OF PRODUCTS
LG ND8520 MUSIC DOCK HARMAN/KARDON CL HEADPHONE NORTON 360 MULTI-DEVICE MICROMAX 42-INCH LED TV
VIDEO GOES PERSONA

Just when you though the next best thing with video will be an even larger screen, companies have started testing the waters for a whole new segment the personal video player. While music went personal with the Walkman over three decades ago, video is taking this turn quite late in life. Within a month two companies have launched personal video players in India, both capable of playing FullHD video with 3D. A look at the two devices.
THE 3D STAR
The Sony HMZ-T2 has a very sci-fi look to it, as if it is something out of an Isaac Asimov novel. Well, it is cutting edge, no doubt. In fact, this has to be the best rendering of 3D for a consumers at the moment. But this one is just a personal video viewer, though a very good one at that.
HOW IS WORKS
The design is a bit like a thick sun visor, but worn in front of the eye. You need to adjust the strap on the back and the pad in front to get a perfect fit. Unless the device is in perfect position, you cannot see anything on the small LCD screen inside. But once you start seeing the image, you have adjustments under each eye to get the image in perfect position. The device also has a power button, volume controls and menu buttons with arrows to select. There is a catch though. You need a Blu-ray player or some other HDMI source along with a pass through box to see anything on the HMZ-T2. This in many ways relegated the device to something you will have to keep near your TV, or at least wherever the Blu-ray player is. So portability is not a feature here.
SONY HMZ-T2
Price: ` 69,990
GG
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?

The HMZ-T2 is an excellent video viewer and really scores a 10/10 with its 3D. However, that fact that it needs life support from a Blu-ray player or gaming console reduces its practicality a bit. In the end you will need a dedicated space to enjoy this device.
32
Reviews
TRULY PORTABLE
Not much larger than large-size sun glasses, this device gloats over its compactness. In fact, its controller and playback device is not much larger than a smartphone and, not surprisingly, runs an Android operating system. The eyepiece has nose cushions and L-shaped angles that can be used to adjust the position for people using spectacles. The latter can also take the load of your nose by shifting the device weight to the spectacle frame. There are drop down earphones on both sides, a stop button on the main wire and volume controls on the box. Content can be downloaded to the 1GB internal storage or to a MicroSD card for which there is a slot on the device. HOW IT WORKS
The eye piece is transparent, and you can see through it when the device has not been powered on. But when Moverio is working, two small LCD panels light up inside. Viewed together they give an image, that is similar to the large screen you have in a movie theatre. You also get a perception of distance, as if you were sitting a dozen rows away from the screen. But since the rest of the eye piece continues to be transparent, you can view what is happening around you as well. This is good to the extent that you are not completely cut off from the surroundings, but on the flip side it is a bit hard to concentrate on the image if the ambient light is too strong.
AL
HOW GOOD IS IT
It takes about a minute for your eye to adjust to the image in the eye piece, but after that it is unbridled viewing pleasure. At times you feel as if there is a vague line where the two images are meeting, but it does not affect the quality of the overall image. However, the same is more prominent if you are trying to browse the Web through WiFI. Yes, thanks to the Android 2.2 OS, this device can do pretty much everything your smartphone does and that includes browsing. This is not that easy as you have to use the touchpad and arrow keys on the controller to type on the virtual keyboard. But it works and we streamed some HD video from YouTube. The other great thing about the device is the Dolby Mobile surround sound that adds to the overall immersive experience. There is 3D too even a 2D to 3D convert button, but we felt it lacked a bit of throw though the depth was good. The battery is good for at least four hours after a regular recharge.
HOW GOOD IS IT
Picture quality is certainly the USP here. The 3D, for instance, is much superior than anything you will get to see in a theatre or in your expensive 3D television. This is truly immersive 3D. The sound is real good, but to experience that you will need to plug in a better earphone than the one that comes in the box. Another good thing about the device is that you can control the playback from the eyepiece and dont need to turn to the Blu-player remote for everything. The menu also gives you device settings, and make sure that you use this to switch on 3D display which is not default. We guess it will work superbly as a gaming device connected to a PS3 or Xbox. To connect to the Internet or to play files from a USB you will have to rely on the player completely.
EPSON MOVERIO BT-100

Price: ` 42,900
GG
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?

If you are movie junky and an early adapter for technology this is a great device to have. It gives you the kind of movie viewing experience no large screen or home theatre system can replicate. Plus, as we were fearing, it is not a pain on the nose.
BY NANDAGOPAL RAJAN
33
Test Bench
CLASSY SOUNDS
It is an accepted fact that music often touches the soul. But unless you are witnessing a live performance, the equipment used to recreate the music plays a crucial role in whether your listening experience can be raised to a spiritual level. The Sennheiser Momentum is one device that seems to have channel open to the heavens. With a stainless steel headband and supple leather ear cups, design is standout all the way. It is also very practical and soon after wearing the device you realise that it is almost feather weight. This means you are just listening to your music and not conscious about the headset. Its ear cups, which can be adjusted separately if needed, are very soft on the ear and cooler than most closed circumaural models. On the single wire is a stainless steel controller, that is sturdy and easy to use, as well as an adjustable 3.5mm jack. The Momentum also comes with a 6.3 mm adapter jack and a leather carrying case. If the design is great, then the music is better. We tried the headphones with a PC, smartphone and tablet and
everywhere the output was pretty much what we would expect from a top of the range device. With flac files we could make out every pick on the guitar, every slip on the violin, as we were there where the artistes were playing. Soft highs, robust middles, accentuated lows, the Momentum reproduces music as it was intended to be heard. We could not complain about anything as far as audio quality is concerned. We wouldnt, however, suggest this device for people who intent to use it only with an Android device. You need to change the cables for some Android devices and the on-cord controls for the handsfree seem to work only on Apple and Blackberry products. While the mic is good enough to catch your voice in noisy surroundings, it also creates some noise of its own when rubbing on clothing. The headphone is compact enough to be used with mobile devices, but we suggest you keep this precious device at home. After all, great things in life dont come cheap.
LG ND8520
GG
Price: ` 20,990
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM
GG
Price: ` 24,990
Circumaural, dynamic closed transducer, 110dB, 18 Ohm impedance
Specs:
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

Great sound, at a price
34
ITGadgets & Gizmos February 2013
Reviews
LGs latest, the ND8520 music dock, seems like it has been designed in Scandinavia and not South Korea. It is undoubtedly one of the most radical designs we have seen on any product in recent times. It looks like a Rubiks Cube, with the all the cubes a bit out of alignment. At first look it is hard to imagine this as a speaker sock. In fact, this device is much more. Yes, it can dock the iPhone, iPod and iPad on top. But it can also link to Apple devices through AirPlay, as well as Bluetooth.
CUBIC MUSIC
There is also a USB port if you are a pen drive music hoarder. And for the old fashioned there is always the FM tuner and the portable in. We doubt if there is any other dock that gives users so many features. Setting AirPlay is a pit tough though and possible only with the help of the manual. For everything else there is the cube in the middle of the top row, what LG calls the Smart Square. This is actually a touch based screen that lets you navigate and control the speaker dock. This is very
easy once you figure out tiny icons that appear in red. You have to use this screen to select the input source. There is also a remote. The sound quality is good. Maybe we should highlight that it very loud. You cannot play anything in full volume without the risk of shattering glass in the house. It is that loud. And we mean it in a good sense. Though the device itself is the size of a small fruit carton, the actual 20W speakers are just two small cubes in middle. The subwoofer is below facing the
floor. Together they work to create good quality sound, which we thought was slightly partial to bass by default. But there is an equaliser with four presets, which can be accessed only with the remote. If you are thinking of going wireless with your music this is one dock you should seriously look at just because of the options it offers. You can also hook it up to your DVD player or old music system.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

Lot of features, affordable
PERFECT FIT
HARMAN/KARDON CL
Price: ` 9,990
GG
On-ear style, 40mm driver, 16Hz 20kHz, 1.4m cable, Apple three-button (MFI); Pricey, but well worth the money.
Specs:
There are very few headphones that are drastically different in design from the rest of the pack. The harman/kardon CL is among the ones with rare squarish ear cups and a full aluminum headband. But the design while being modern is very practical too. The leather band under the metal is elastic and holds the entire thing in place actually, everything sort of strives for the perfect fit. Since the metal band is also tight on your ears, it is able to keep out most external noises. The ear cups can also fold flat, which is good for people who carry their music wherever they go. There is an extra pair of metal headbands in case this one doesnt fit you. We feared the tight on-ear cups will have you sweating and fuming near the ears in a few minutes, but the soft retention foam used in the cups increases your comfort level substantially. Within minutes you feel as if the headphone
is no longer there, and this we think is the measure of a good device. Then, the CL does not have wires hanging down from both sides, there is just a single cord and that is much more convenient than a Y-type design. The sound quality is really good and robust, and we think that is due to the large 40mm drivers. The bass is really good, better than most other units in this range. The voice clarity also comes out well. The audio range on the device is good enough to satisfy most users. There are some goodies for those who would yoke this to Apple products as there is a remote with microphone. And, because of the mic, the remote on the cord is position almost at the level of your mouth, which is an awkward position if you want to adjust the volume. This gives you great volume precision.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

Great music, portable TEXT BY NANDAGOPAL RAJAN
IT Gadgets & Gizmos January 2013
35
Test Bench
CLEAR PICTURE
There is some awkwardness when you see Micromax written on a screen that is larger than seven inches. Yes, there is a Micromax that is larger than a tablet. Yes, Micromax now has a television. We were excited to test how this popular Indian phonemakers entry into televisions would pan out. And we were not all that disappointed. At least, there is nothing bad about the unit that we test. In fact it is good enough to be recommended to anyone who wants a large screen LED and is not really bothered about getting a big brand home. The unit on the whole is quite thin and neatly designed. It is easy to set up and took us about 20 minutes to unbox and install. As the white Micromax homescreen comes alive, you realise that the 1080p Full HD LED screen is very clear it is actually a zero dots LED panel. The viewing angles are very good, though we though the bezel could have been thinner. You can play around with the picture with a handful of preset modes. The zoom is also good and gives you multiple options, which can be handy when the broadcast stars to pixellate. The sound is very loud and is again aided by a set of presets. The TV also has a good built-in media player, which can be accessed through the DMP button on the remote. For video, it gives much more controls than the average nonsmart television models. It can also open picture as well as some types of text files. The TV also accommodates a lot of sources, including three HDMI, two USB and a VGA input. But all this is pretty standard in most television sets these days. While there are no surprises with this LED TV, it is among the cheapest available in the market for this size. Buy this if you want a good picture and the regular movie player functions. You can get the brains for the television separately.
MICROMAX LED42K316
Price: ` 47,990
GG
42-inch 1080p zero bright dots panel, 3000000:1contrast ratio, 5-band SRS sound, 10x2w speakers, 3 HDMI, 2 USB, VGA, component, 80w consumption.
Specs:
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

Good value for money, but nothing spectacular
ONE FOR THE POCKET
Almost the entire entry-level digital camera segment has been wiped off by the improving quality of cameras in even the cheapest of phones. No one is now buying a compact camera that is priced under ` 5,000 because it has just an 8MP sensor and very few features. BenQ is now offering a 14MP camera for under ` 9,000 and it comes loaded with features. But remember, for the affordability there are some sacrifices that you will have to make. The BenQ LR100 is one of the most compact cameras available at the moment and
36
ITGadgets & Gizmos February 2013
will easily slip into your jeans pocket. It is actually as portable as a phone and weighs just 100 grams. The LCD is 2.7 inches and 230k pixels. This is the sort of camera you would get a teenager as a birthday present. For it has every feature they would want. There are dozens of modes to play around with the picture, even before you start clicking. The zoom is just 5x, and considering the quality of the optics on the camera this is about the best it could do. While you can really play around with shooting options and preset modes, the ul-
timate picture is not all that impressive. In fact, the image quality reminded us a lot of the Canon A400 which was among the first digital cameras to find mass base in India. The pictures are good if you plan to share it on social networking sites, but lack a bit of subtlety. Thanks to the 14MP you will be able to get decent sized prints from this camera. But low-light isnt one of its strong points. But the HD video with watercolour mode will keep a lot of users happy. Such settings are usually seen for stills, rarely for video.
Reviews
PROTECTION EVERYWHERE
We are all increasingly becoming multi-device personalities. As we wait for that super device that will fold all our smartphones, tablets and computers into one, we keep on adding new devices into our digital lives. The proliferation of these devices is also increasing our exposure to the multiple security threats out there. The scary part is that while we are very careful about protecting our computers, we do not seem to be that serious when it comes to our smartphones, tablets and other connected devices which are also equally vulnerable. Norton 360 Multi-device is a unique solution for this unique problem of our times. This Norton product comes in the form of a single license to protect up to five different devices. And these devices could be on platforms as diverse as Windows, Mac OSx and Android. We tested the device on a Windows 7 desktop, a Windows 8 laptop and an Android connected device. Norton 360 protects your device against all kinds of threats, without actually slowing it up as we have noticed with many other such solutions. It was no surprise that the programme was able to detect and sanitise all EICAR test files we tried to download. It also kept warning us of suspicious websites that we tried to open. But you expect a premier Norton programme to do this and much more. Well, it does. If you are a Windows user, the programme will keep you PC tuned up removing unnecessary files and also let you snoop into the online activities of your kids. There is also a 25GB online backup. On an Adroid phone or tablet it lets you lock and wipe your device in case it is stolen or lost. It also blocks spam messages, which will be a big relief to most of us. It can also protect your iOS device. But what the Norton 360 Multi-device really gives you is a dashboard to control the security of all your devices running the software. The management tab in the software shows you all the devices running the same license and their current status. We could see all our three devices, though we could not do much more than since there was no threat there. It lets you install Norton programs remotely into these devices. There is also a web console which you can log and see the status of your devices.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

Must-have for people with multiple connected devices
NORTON 360 MULTI-DEVICE

Price: ` 4,189 for five devices
GG
GG
BENQ LR100
Price: ` 8,990
Panasonic 14 MP 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor, f = 4.6 ~ 23 mm, F= 3.2 (W) ~ 6.4 (T), ISO 6400 at 3MP, 1080p 30fps, SD card
Specs:
BAG IT OR JUNK IT?

Buy it as a first camera, not as an upgrade NANDAGOPAL RAJAN
37
G&G Top Ten LISTINGS

THE BEST GADGETS IN THE MARKET AS RANKED BY G&G
PANEL SOUND (WATTS) PRICE PROS CONS
SIZE
RESOLUTION
1. LG 55LM8600
Price: ` 2,67,000
TELEVISIONS 40+
Ultra clear panel X-Reality Pro 30 ` 3,59,900 3D Price 20 ` 91,100 Smart TV None 18 ` 1,38,900 Superb blacks, apps 3D 20 ` 2,67,000 Cutting-edge smart features 3D
2 Samsung 55ES8000
55-inch
1920 x 1080 pixels
Specs:
3 Panasonic Viera P50GT50
50-inch
1920 x 1080 pixels
55 inch Full HD LED, Triple XD Engine, wide viewing angle, 20w speakers, Wi-Fi, WiDi, MHL, DLNA, LAN, 100-240Vac power consumption.
4 Samsung UA46D6000SR
46-inch
1920 x 1080 pixels
5 Sony Bravia HX925 LED
65-inch
1365x768 pixels
SIZE
RESOLUTION
PANEL
SOUND (WATTS)
PRICE
PROS
CONS
TELEVISIONS <40
X-Reality Picture Engine 20 SRVe Engine Edge LED WXGA Panel 20 ` 17,499 Price
PROS
2 Sony Bravia KDL-32EX520 20 20 ` 34,890 Picture ` 29,999 Price
32-inch
1920 x 1080 pixels
` 44,899 Picture and contrast
None None Not smart Not LED
3 Onida LEO32NMSF100L
32-inch
1920x1080 pixels
1. SAMSUNG UA22D5000NRLXL
Price: ` 18,910
4 LG 32LV3500
32-inch
1920x1080 pixels
5 Toshiba 32HV10ZE
32-inch
1366 x 768 pixels
22 inch LED TV; Full HD support; 2 HDMI ports, Dolby Digital Plus; 6W sound; SRS TheaterSound HD; 45 W power consumption
CONS
Specs:
DISPLAY
PROCESSOR
CONNECTIVITY
PRICE
TABLETS
3G, Wi-Fi 3G, Wi-Fi 3G,Wi-Fi Wi-Fi, Bluetooth ` 29,990 ` 28,599 `26,449 Light weight Display, looks Stylish Design `32,900 Second Best Tablet NA Price Battery NA
2 Apple iPad 2
9.7-inch
1GHz dual-core
3 Samsung Galaxy Tab 620
7-inch
1.2 GHz dual-core
Price: ` 50,900
1. APPLE NEW iPAD
4 Huawei Media Pad
7-inch
1.2 GHz dual-core
Specs:
PRICE PROS CONS
5 Sony Tablet S
9.4 inch
1 GHz dual-core
9.7-inch display; A5X chip; IOS 5.1; WiFi, 4G, 64GB; 5MP camera
PROCESSOR
GRAPHICS CARD
RAM
HDD
DISPLAY
LAPTOPS
4 GB 8GB 8GB 4GB 320GB 64GB x 4SSD 1TB 256GB flash 14-inch 13.1-inch 15.6-inch 13.3-inch
2 Sony Vaio CW16FG
Intel Centrino C2D 2.53 GHz
nVidia GT230M
` 57,000 ` 1,59,900 ` 64,990 ` 89,990
High-end specs Super-fast Great overall device Ultra Slim
None Price Weight None
1. DELL XPS 15 L501X

Price: ` 75,933
3 Sony Vaio Z117
Intel i7 processor, 2.66Hz
nVidia GT330M
4 Lenovo Z580
Intel Core i7-3612 QM
Nvidia GeForce GT630M
Specs:
5 MacBook Air
Intel Core i7 1.7GHz dual core
Intel HD 3000
15.6-inch LED display; Intel Core i7 Q740 1.73 GHz (8 cores); 4 GB RAM; 500 GB HDD; NVIDIA 2 GB GT 435 M graphics card; JBL speakers
PROCESSOR
GRAPHICS CARD
RAM
HDD
DISPLAY
PRICE
PROS
CONS
1. ACER ASPIRE S 7
Price: ` 88,499
ULTRABOOKS & CONVERTIBLES

128GB SSD 128 GB SSD 500GB 532 GB 11.6 -inch ` 49,990 Size, price Screen resolution 14-inch ` 79,038 Design, performance Weight 12.5 -inch ` 90,490 Build quality Price 11.6-inch ` 89,990 Convertible design Price
2 Sony Vaio Duo 11
Intel Core i5-3317U
Intel HD Graphics 4000 6GB
Specs:
3 Dell XPS 12
Intel Core i5-3317U
Intel HD Graphics 4000 4 GB
4 Dell XPS 14
Intel Core i5-3317U
Windows 8, 11.6-inch FullHD touch panel, Intel Core i5-3317U, 4GB RAM, 256GB, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 11.17 (W) x 7.7 (D) x 0.48 (H), 1.04kg
5 Sony Vaio T
Intel Core i5-3317U
PROCESSOR
GRAPHICS CARD
RAM
HDD
PRICE
PROS
CONS
DESKTOPS
4GB 2048MB 4GB 2GB 640GB (7200rpm) ` 69,500 Gesture gaming capability RAM 1TB (7200rpm) ` 1,15,180 RAM, HDD Price 320GB (7200rpm) ` 46,490 Good graphics Low RAM 1TB ` 89,900 Brilliant resolution, performance Price
2 Apple iMac 27 inch
Intel C2D 3.06GHz
ATi Radeon HD4670
1. LENOVO IDEA CENTRE B520

Price: ` 71,990
3 HP Elite M 9400
Intel C2D, 2.66 GHz
nVidia 9300GE
4 Apple I Mac Desktop
Intel C2D, 3.06 GHz
nVidia GT 130
Specs:
5 Lenovo Idea Centre A600
Intel C2D, 2.00 GHz
ATI Radeon HD3650
Intel Core i7 3.4GHz processor; 6GB DDR3; 1TB HDD; nVIDIA G-Force GT 55M 2 GB graphics, Blu-ray, HDMI, Wi-FI multi-touch, 3D support
MEGA PIXELS
ISO SPEED
LCD SIZE
PICTURE RESOLUTION((MAX) WEIGHT
PRICE
PROS
CONS
DIGITAL SLRs
3-inch 3 inch 3-inch 3-inch 6000 x 4000 pixels 653g ` 99,000 5184 x 2912 pixels 575g ` 55,995 5184 x 3456 pixels 860g ` 1,28,350 Speed, HD video Versatile, easy to use 6,016 x 4,000 pixels 505g ` 37,950
1. NIKON D800E
Light weight, MP quality-Price Slow video
2 Nikon D3200
24.2 MP
12,800
Price: ` 1,74,950
3 Nikon 7D
18MP
6400
4 Canon EOS 650D
18 MP
6400
36.3 MP; 3.2-inch LCD; 6400 ISO; 1080p video; 1,000 gm
Specs:
5 Sony A77
24.3MP
16000
Pro quality, easy of use -
MEGA PIXELS
OPTICAL ZOOM
LCD SIZE
PICTURE RESOLUTION(MAX)
WEIGHT
PRICE
PROS
CONS
1. SONY DSC-RX100
Price: ` 34,990
` 77,990 ` 24,245 ` 12,925 Low light, build Zoom, quality Zoom, quality Price Weight None
DIGITAL POINT & SHOOT AND PROSUMER

3-inch 2.7-inch 3-inch 3-inch 4000x3000 pixels 4000x3000 pixels 198g 4320x324 pixels 600g 4608 x 3456 pixels 425g
2 Olumpus OM-D EM-5
16MP
Specs:
` 26,999 HD video Price
3 Canon PowerShot SX30IS
14MP
35x
4 Samsung WB600
12MP
15x
5 Canon Powershot S100
12.1 MP
20x
CMOS 20.2 MP, F1.8 - F4.9 28 100 mm lens, 1/2000 to 30 sec shutter speed, ISO 25600, Full HD 1080p (60fps), SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo, RAW files
TOTAL RMS
SPEAKERS
PLAYER
TAPE DECK
WEIGHT
PRICE
MUSIC SYSTEMS & DOCKS

AirPlay, dock AirPlay, dock 1 disc tray 1 disc tray 2.1kg 6 kg 6.5 kg 35.7 kg (with box) ` 22,388 ` 20,990 ` 2,00,000 ` 25,999
2 Bose SoundLink Air
40 W
3 LG ND8520
80 W
Price: ` 24,990
1. JBL ONBEAT XTREME
4 Meredian F80
80 W
Specs:
5 Phillips FWD 876 / 98
600 W
120 W ; 4 speakers; iPad dock; app-basedbluetooth, 4 kg
Appendage
OUR MONTHLY PICK OF APPS FOR TABLETS
MyScript Calculator Free (iOS, Android)
By Visio Objects
G&G LIKES
Ski Safari `55 (iOS, Android)

By Defiant Development This is among the most addictive games we have played in a long time. Ski Safari makes you come back because every game is different and there is something new every time. This game does not try and get the better of you from the first second, there is always a second chance. The objective is to stay ahead of the avalanche and collect as many points as you can in the process. There are in-app purchases, but they are not necessary to continue playing.
We have seen all types of calculators. But this one is way different. So different that you can scribble any equation or problem on this app and it will do the calculations for you. Yes, it does get a bit confused if your 3 looks a bit like 5 and if you but a / instead of the divide symbol. But ask it to do a very complex equation with a couple of square roots and it wont have any problem giving you the solution in a jiffy. Recommended for adults and school going kids alike.
Adrenaline Browser Free (iOS)

By Valkyrie Computer Systems, Inc. There are many good browsers for iOS, each with a USP of its own. This one is among the cleanest with a bottom address bar that gives all the real estate to the webpage. Users can also tag their favourite URLs on the homepage for one-touch access, and this is a rare feature for tablet browsers at the moment. Plus, you can add apps that will keep a tab on your expenses or shopping lists.
Strum Free (iOS)

By Smule
How about making a music video of your own? Well, Strum lets you do this with minimum effort. All you have to do us shoot a 15-second video with your iPad, give it a filter with background music and voila it is ready to be posted online. The only drag here is that you have to limit the video to 15 seconds and that it has to be a single shot. But that is also a challenge that can bring out your creativity.
NANDAGOPAL RAJAN
Figure `55 (iOS)

By Propellerhead Software AB There are many DJ apps available across platforms, but very few let you create music from scratch. This app lets you start with basic beats and keep adding more tweaks and mixes. It will help if you know a bit of music though, for we had no clue what we were doing. However, everything sounded great. You can record your works and also share it online.

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