Facebook rolls out new messenger app, targets non-Facebook users

Social networking giant Facebook has rolled out its new messenger app, allowing mobile phone users without Facebook account to sign up the service with a phone number.
With no Facebook account and email address required, app with the new feature will be first available to users of phones running on Google's Android platform in India, Indonesia, Australia, Venezuela and South Africa, reported Xinhua citing the company.
The sign up option using phone number will be rolled out globally and its version for users of Apple's iPhone as well as other smartphone platforms are also under way, said Facebook.
Facebook Messenger is an instant messaging service and software application which provides text and video communication.
Its mobile version was released last year for major smartphone platforms, but users need to sign up with a Facebook account.
The latest move is expected to help Facebook reach a larger audience, attracting smartphone users with no Facebook account to gradually use more Facebook services.

Intex unveils iBuddy Connect Android 4.0 tablet with voice calling for Rs. 7,990

The latest addition to budget tablets from Intex comes in the form of iBuddy Connect. The 7-inch tablet runs on Android 4.0 carries a price tag of Rs. 7,990 and is the first from the company to support voice calling.

The iBuddy Connect has features similar to the 7-inch iBuddy tablet from Intex launched in July this year. The iBuddy Connect is an exception since it features a SIM card slot for voice calling.

Coming to the specs of the device, it has a 7-inch capacitive touch screen display supporting 800x480 pixel resolution and is powered by a 1GHz processor with 512MB RAM. The device comes with Ice Cream Sandwich, a 2-megapixel rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera.

The device has 4GB of on-board storage with expansion options upto 32GB. Pre-installed apps on the iBuddy Connect include Nimbuzz, Skype, Facebook and more.

Connectivity options on the tablet include 3G dongle support via USB, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, HDMI. The tablet comes with a 3000mAh battery.

The iBuddy Connect is available in colour options of White and Chocolate and as part of its introductory offer, the company is also bundling a leather cover with an attached keyboard.



A tablet for every budget

Intex iBuddy Connect specifications

• 7-inch (800x480 pixels) capacitive touch screen display
• 1GHz processor
• 512MB DDRIII RAM
• 4GB internal storage, expandable up to 32GB
• 2-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera
• GSM SIM support, 3G dongle support via USB, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, HDMI
• 3000 mAh lithium Ion battery
• Android 4.0.4 

Craig Mundie to retire from Microsoft

Microsoft announced on Monday that company veteran Craig Mundie has stepped down from his post as chief of research and will retire in the year 2014.
Mundie, who was one of two executives who assumed responsibilities left behind by Bill Gates when the Microsoft co-founder retired in 2008, will now serve as an advisor to chief executive Steve Ballmer.
"In this role, he works on key strategic projects within the company, as well as with government and business leaders around the world on technology policy, regulation and standards," Microsoft said on its website.
Mundie began his career in 1970 and joined Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft in 1992, according to his biography on the corporate website.
When Gates retired, Mundie was entrusted to oversee Microsoft research and "long-term technology strategy," according to his online bio.

LG announces new Google TV models set to debut at CES 2013

LG is ushering in the new year by announcing a new line of TVs that will be powered by Google TV 3.0. Expected to debut at CES 2013, LG's new models GA7900 and GA6400  will come in varying screen sizes ranging from 42-inches to 60-inches. Currently, LG offers a 47-inch and a 55-inch Google TV model. They are expected to be available in the first half of 2013 in the US.

The televisions will boast features like voice-recognition and Prime Time quick guide and also enable users to search and watch over 100,000 available movies and TV episodes simultaneously.

Furthermore, they will come integrated with OnLive cloud gaming service that does not require a separate console box (OnLive) and is likely to offer more than 300 high-end gaming titles.

Users are required to use the service with a controller that is directly connected to the TV set. A new remote control dubbed as Magic Remote Qwerty comes with a built-in microphone, gesture input controls and a QWERTY keyboard as well.

The new redesigned Smart Home interface stacks folders into varied types of "cards" for apps and other content. The new My Interest Card can even display useful information including real-time weather and customisable news.

The new units sport a sleek and modern look, courtesy the Korean manufacturer's CINEMA SCREEN design, which was until now seen only in the Cinema 3D Smart TV. As a result, the television has a minimised bezel giving the TV a streamlined appearance while creating the impression of a borderless display.

"LG is committed to providing diverse home entertainment options that offer the most satisfying user experience and the latest LG Smart TVs with Google TV do just that," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. He further added, "They deliver a stellar user experience by merging the latest Google TV platform with LG's proven Smart TV technology. The result is a comprehensive system that is groundbreaking in its simplicity."

6.1-inch Huawei Ascend Mate showed off before the official CES launch

Huawei seems to getting into action for launching big-screen smartphones. The company is said to be working on a 6.1-inch Ascend Mate. This device is expected to be unveiled at the forthcoming CES 2013.
However, it was showcased at a Huawei store in Guangzhou, China by the company's Chairman, Richard Yu Huawei.
Huawei Ascend Mate sports a 6.1-inch full-HD display at 361PPI pixel density and is powered by a 1.8GHz K3V3 quad-core processor. It is 9.6mm thick and has a 4000mAh battery. So far, there is no news about which version of Android this smartphone will be running.
According to Chinese website Sina Weibo, Ascend Mate will be priced under CNY 3,000, which translates to approximately $480.
Another Huawei device that might see the light of the day at CES is the 5-inch Ascend D2.
As of now, Samsung Galaxy Note II has the title of the smartphone with the biggest screen size. It sports a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD display and is powered by a 1.6GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. It has a 3100mAh battery and has 16GB internal storage expandable up to 64 GB via microSD card.

The device features a 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.9-megapixel front camera. Samsung Galaxy Note II comes with the S-Pen stylus for taking notes on the device. It was launched in India in September for Rs. 37,990.

Image Courtesy: Engadget

Apple working on thinner, lighter 5th generation iPad: Report

If inside sources of a Japanese blog Macotakara are to be believed, then Apple is reportedly planning to introduce the next generation iPad in the upcoming months.

The blog, which has been known for its accurate predictions in the past with Apple products, states that this version of the company's 9.7-inch tablet will be thinner and lighter drawing on elements from the recently introduced 7-inch iPad mini (Review I Pictures). The expected dimensions for the device are 4mm x 17mm x 2mm. According to the blog, the 5th generation iPad is likely scheduled for a March 2013 release.

Furthermore, the blog's sources indicate that Apple is also amidst a production trial of the 2nd generation iPad mini. The 7.9-inch tablet is expected to feature a 2048x1536 pixel Retina display translating into a 326ppi pixel density and will likely carry on board the A6X chip as seen in the fourth generation iPad.

It's evident that Apple has picked up pace on the tablet front, proof of which we first witnessed this year with the launch of the 4th generation iPad in October, a move which came just six months after launching a new model, doubling the speed of the processor.

The new fourth generation iPad features a 9.7-inch Retina display, new Apple-designed A6X chip, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless performance with same 10 hours of battery life.

Coming to the iPad mini, it was introduced at a special event in San Jose, California on October 23rd (Pictures). The iPad mini features a 7.9-inch 1024x768  display, FaceTime HD and iSight cameras, ultrafast wireless performance and 10 hours of battery life.

The company sold three million iPads in just three days since the launch of its new iPad mini and fourth generation iPad. The number is double the previous first weekend milestone of 1.5 million Wi-Fi only models sold for the third generation iPad in March. So whether or not the next generation iPad and iPad mini create a similar effect is something that we'll keep an eye for.

Lava hopes to file 100 mobile app patents in three years

Indian mobile devices company Lava International hopes to file 100 patents for mobile applications in the field of education, entertainment and productivity over next 2 to 3 years.

"We have realised that just by selling handsets it is not possible to maintain growth momentum. Innovation in product is key to survival. Our wishlist is to make a century of patents in the next 2 to 3 years," Lava International Co-founder and Director SN Rai told PTI.
The company has plans to grow its revenue from around Rs. 1,000 crore at present to Rs. 1,400 crore in the next financial year, he added.
Elaborating on company's plan for patents, Rai said, Lava has earmarked around Rs. 50 crore investments during the ongoing financial year and it will focus on patenting algorithms and application concepts.
Algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for calculations used for data processing and automated reasoning among others.
"We have already filed two patents for algorithms but have not been granted yet. Lava recently launched music fusion application which can play music and video in any format. We want to have an IPR (Intellectual Property Right) for the algorithm of this application," Rai said. Rai said, the company is doubling up capacity at its research and development centres in India and China.
Without disclosing actual numbers, he said, "This will be both in terms of headcount, facility and application development."
Lava has also formed a consortium with publisher Tata McGraw Hill and tablet PC based digital learning firm iProf for developing educational content.
"This consortium will invest around Rs. 25 crore in the next 2 to 3 years for digitalisation of Indian content like fairy tales, mythological stories etc," he said.
The company also has plans to enter into enterprise segment by integrating softwares that are used for businesses and talks are at an initial stage, Rai added.
"In our solution, we will start mainly by focusing on secure communication like e-mail security. Simultaneously, we will start working on productivity software like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and others," Rai said.
The company recently expanded its devices portfolio from mobile phones to tablets and claims selling around 25 thousand tablets per month.
"This is just to test the market. We are working on massive plans to revamp our tablet portfolio. At present, we are in the planning stage," he said.

Lava hopes to file 100 mobile app patents in three years

Indian mobile devices company Lava International hopes to file 100 patents for mobile applications in the field of education, entertainment and productivity over next 2 to 3 years.
"We have realised that just by selling handsets it is not possible to maintain growth momentum. Innovation in product is key to survival. Our wishlist is to make a century of patents in the next 2 to 3 years," Lava International Co-founder and Director SN Rai told PTI.
The company has plans to grow its revenue from around Rs. 1,000 crore at present to Rs. 1,400 crore in the next financial year, he added.
Elaborating on company's plan for patents, Rai said, Lava has earmarked around Rs. 50 crore investments during the ongoing financial year and it will focus on patenting algorithms and application concepts.
Algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for calculations used for data processing and automated reasoning among others.
"We have already filed two patents for algorithms but have not been granted yet. Lava recently launched music fusion application which can play music and video in any format. We want to have an IPR (Intellectual Property Right) for the algorithm of this application," Rai said. Rai said, the company is doubling up capacity at its research and development centres in India and China.
Without disclosing actual numbers, he said, "This will be both in terms of headcount, facility and application development."
Lava has also formed a consortium with publisher Tata McGraw Hill and tablet PC based digital learning firm iProf for developing educational content.
"This consortium will invest around Rs. 25 crore in the next 2 to 3 years for digitalisation of Indian content like fairy tales, mythological stories etc," he said.
The company also has plans to enter into enterprise segment by integrating softwares that are used for businesses and talks are at an initial stage, Rai added.
"In our solution, we will start mainly by focusing on secure communication like e-mail security. Simultaneously, we will start working on productivity software like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and others," Rai said.
The company recently expanded its devices portfolio from mobile phones to tablets and claims selling around 25 thousand tablets per month.
"This is just to test the market. We are working on massive plans to revamp our tablet portfolio. At present, we are in the planning stage," he said.

Lava hopes to file 100 mobile app patents in three years

Indian mobile devices company Lava International hopes to file 100 patents for mobile applications in the field of education, entertainment and productivity over next 2 to 3 years.
"We have realised that just by selling handsets it is not possible to maintain growth momentum. Innovation in product is key to survival. Our wishlist is to make a century of patents in the next 2 to 3 years," Lava International Co-founder and Director SN Rai told PTI.
The company has plans to grow its revenue from around Rs. 1,000 crore at present to Rs. 1,400 crore in the next financial year, he added.
Elaborating on company's plan for patents, Rai said, Lava has earmarked around Rs. 50 crore investments during the ongoing financial year and it will focus on patenting algorithms and application concepts.
Algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for calculations used for data processing and automated reasoning among others.
"We have already filed two patents for algorithms but have not been granted yet. Lava recently launched music fusion application which can play music and video in any format. We want to have an IPR (Intellectual Property Right) for the algorithm of this application," Rai said. Rai said, the company is doubling up capacity at its research and development centres in India and China.
Without disclosing actual numbers, he said, "This will be both in terms of headcount, facility and application development."
Lava has also formed a consortium with publisher Tata McGraw Hill and tablet PC based digital learning firm iProf for developing educational content.
"This consortium will invest around Rs. 25 crore in the next 2 to 3 years for digitalisation of Indian content like fairy tales, mythological stories etc," he said.
The company also has plans to enter into enterprise segment by integrating softwares that are used for businesses and talks are at an initial stage, Rai added.
"In our solution, we will start mainly by focusing on secure communication like e-mail security. Simultaneously, we will start working on productivity software like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and others," Rai said.
The company recently expanded its devices portfolio from mobile phones to tablets and claims selling around 25 thousand tablets per month.
"This is just to test the market. We are working on massive plans to revamp our tablet portfolio. At present, we are in the planning stage," he said.

Lava hopes to file 100 mobile app patents in three years

Indian mobile devices company Lava International hopes to file 100 patents for mobile applications in the field of education, entertainment and productivity over next 2 to 3 years.
"We have realised that just by selling handsets it is not possible to maintain growth momentum. Innovation in product is key to survival. Our wishlist is to make a century of patents in the next 2 to 3 years," Lava International Co-founder and Director SN Rai told PTI.
The company has plans to grow its revenue from around Rs. 1,000 crore at present to Rs. 1,400 crore in the next financial year, he added.
Elaborating on company's plan for patents, Rai said, Lava has earmarked around Rs. 50 crore investments during the ongoing financial year and it will focus on patenting algorithms and application concepts.
Algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for calculations used for data processing and automated reasoning among others.
"We have already filed two patents for algorithms but have not been granted yet. Lava recently launched music fusion application which can play music and video in any format. We want to have an IPR (Intellectual Property Right) for the algorithm of this application," Rai said. Rai said, the company is doubling up capacity at its research and development centres in India and China.
Without disclosing actual numbers, he said, "This will be both in terms of headcount, facility and application development."
Lava has also formed a consortium with publisher Tata McGraw Hill and tablet PC based digital learning firm iProf for developing educational content.
"This consortium will invest around Rs. 25 crore in the next 2 to 3 years for digitalisation of Indian content like fairy tales, mythological stories etc," he said.
The company also has plans to enter into enterprise segment by integrating softwares that are used for businesses and talks are at an initial stage, Rai added.
"In our solution, we will start mainly by focusing on secure communication like e-mail security. Simultaneously, we will start working on productivity software like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and others," Rai said.
The company recently expanded its devices portfolio from mobile phones to tablets and claims selling around 25 thousand tablets per month.
"This is just to test the market. We are working on massive plans to revamp our tablet portfolio. At present, we are in the planning stage," he said.