Samsung Galaxy S2 ICS update now available

Samsung has finally rolled out ICS 4.0 update for Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100. The long wait is over. Samsung has penetrated the mobile phone market and have taken its competitors with a storm. 

This eases the long disappointment of Samsung mobile users who were waiting for a long time for ICS update. The update is already present in various countries. Samsung S3 will launched in a short while, its pre-booking has started. This update will bring cheer to existing users who wants to have the taste of ICS.


The ICS update for the device is now available either OTA (Over-the-Air) or via the Samsung Kies software suite, for both versions of the phone, the GT-i9100 (featuring a dual-core 1.2 Ghz Exynos processor) as well as the GT-i9100G (featuring a dual-core 1.2 Ghz TI OMAP 4430 processor).

The 220MB update is rather large, so if you are doing the OTA update, it is recommended to do so over a WiFi connection, to avoid heavy data usage charges. As expected, other than the performance enhancement, the ICS update brings along with it a host of other features including:

• Updated TouchWiz UI
• Face Unlock
• Re-sizable widgets
• New People app
• Mobile network data usage function

So update the phone and enjoy the rich interface that ICS provides.

ICS (4.0.4) update for Xperia Arc & Xperia Neo to rollout in coming week

Sony Mobiles has finally started rolling out the official ICS(Android 4.0.4) update for its 2011 Xperia models i.e Xperia Arc, Xperia Neo, Xperia Mini, Xperia Mini pro, Xperia pro, Xperia Active and Sony Ericsson live with Walkman.

The roll is phased depending on the geographies across the globe. The new ICS update comes with many new features. The best part is, it is official and can be downloaded from the Sony website.

Good to know before you Update:

• ICS is more feature enriched, this means it might slow down the phone performance.
• Take the backup of phone data as all existing files will be deleted
• Flash feature is disabled. So that need to be downloaded from Google Play.
• Some third party applications might not work, kindly check from Google Play before downloading them.

Watch the video, what new ICS will bring to your phone.

Finally there will be an official update for Xperia 2011 phones. This will be an update version to 4.0.3 which users received during the first phase.

Source: Sony Official Blog

What is Android: Introduction, History & Future

Android is Linux based mobile operating system for mobile devices, such as mobiles and smart phones. It is developed by Open Handset Alliance, led by Google and other companies.

The coming of Android changed the way mobile phone market operated. It was developed as an open source where developers and companies can use the common platform and develop applications known as ‘Apps’. These Apps can be integrated with Android OS and can be installed on wide variety of handsets, offered by companies like Sony, Samsung, HTC, LG, Google Nexus, Huawei and many more. It gave a direct competition to Apple’s Smart phone domination.

Users can download these applications from Google Play, the online store on Android Platform. The app developer can earn revenue by ads or making their apps chargeable.

Even small companies like MicroMax, Karbonn Mobiles in India benefitted from the coming of Android OS. They now offer a smart phone as low as Rs 4000 ($ 50)

Android is built on the open Linux Kernel. Furthermore, it utilizes a custom virtual machine that was designed to optimize memory and hardware resources in a mobile environment. Android is open source; it can be liberally extended to incorporate new cutting edge technologies as they emerge. The platform will continue to evolve as the developer community works together to build innovative mobile applications.

History

Android Inc. was founded in US in 2003. In August 2005 Google acquired Android making it a wholly owned subsidiary of Google.

On November 5, 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of several companies which include Broadcom Corporation, Google, HTC, Intel, LG, Marvell Technology Group, Motorola, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Texas Instruments unveiled itself. The goal of the Open Handset Alliance is to develop open standards for mobile devices. On the same day, the Open Handset Alliance also unveiled their first product, Android, a mobile device platform built on the Linux kernel version 2.6.

On December 9, 2008, 14 new members joined, including ARM Holdings, Atheros Communications, Asustek Computer Inc, Garmin Ltd, Huawei Technologies, PacketVideo, Softbank, Sony, Toshiba Corp, and Vodafone Group Plc.

There had been several versions of Android the current one is Android 4.0, i.e also known as Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS)

Future of Android

Google has recently acquired Motorola Mobility for $12.5 Billion, this means that Google wants to enter the Smart Phone market in a serious way. This can also slow down the pace of Android, as till now Google had no incentive to hold the safe licenses of Android. But now Google would want its phones to have exclusive features that can differentiate it from its competitors.

But one thing is sure, coming of Android reduced the dominance of Nokia, Blackberry to negligible; As they could not at that time predict the potential of open source and touch 

phones.

This pie chart shows US 2011 figure. 

Blackberry Bold 9790, OS 7 Update (OS 7.1.0.247)

Research in Motion(RIM) has started working on a new update (OS 7.1.0.247) for BlackBerry 9790 Bold. The update is in its final testing phase, but it seems there is an unofficial update available online.

The updated software version is OS 7.1.0.247. 

Things to Remember:

• Its a leaked version. No one knows how it got leaked. 
• Since it is an unofficial release so people need to be careful while updating the phone. 
• This information is just for sharing purpose, no one will be held responsible if the update doesn't work.
• The process of update is tedious and long. 

Procedure

- Download the package from net.

- Your desktop should have BlackBerry desktop manager to do the update. You must at least have desktop manager V4.5 to do the update.

- Once you do the update the BlackBerry device will revert back to original custom settings. You will be prompted to enter your username and password after the update to use some of the third party applications. 

- Once you have all the details close all other applications and run .exe file. Choose the appropriate language and go through the different windows that come after it.

- Now plug in your BlackBerry device via USB chord. The phone will now ask you whether you want to install the available updates. 

- Click update there and you will be provided with a list of applications that will be affected. 

- After going through them finish the update and disconnect your BlackBerry mobile.

After following all the steps, your phone will have the update before your friends.

Remember this is an unofficial update. This release will have certain bugs, that can hamper the working of some applications. This might be a beta release.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Review

Samsung Galaxy series of smart phones has a new variant in the market Galaxy S3(I9300). Samsung started from being the biggest supplier for Apple is now competing with it in global mobile arena.

Specifications

Designed to take the fight to the new crop of quad core superphones, the Galaxy S3 features a quad core processor, the latest Android 4.0, 4.8-inch HD Super Amoled screen, 8-megapixel rear camera with 1080 p video recording and 1.9 megapixel front camera. The previous flagship, Galaxy SII, has a 4.3-inch screen. The SIII, with 4.8-inch screen, is not much larger or heavier because of the narrower bezel and innovative weight reduction technologies. It is an unbelievable 8.6 mm thick and weighs just 133 grams. The more rounded shape and premium finish (in pebble blue or marble white) is inspired by nature.

S3 comes in three variants 16GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, also there is an option for external memory card (SD Card). So if a person adds 32GB memory with his 64GB phone then, he will get 96GB of phone memory.

What's New

There are several smartphone firsts in the Galaxy SIII. For instance:

Smart Stay - which keeps the phone screen on as long as you are looking at it

Direct Call - raise the phone to your ear and it instantly starts calling the contact you were looking at or messaging; 

Pop up Play-  which can keep HD video playing on the screen while you do other tasks 

Built-in Wireless Charging System -  This is the first time that such a feature is incorporated. The Galaxy S3 can be charged by just placing it on the charger instead of connecting a cable. With an optional accessory called the wireless charging kit.

Camera - The camera also sees notable improvements. While the resolution stays the same 8 megapixels as some previous models, the S3 has a back illuminated sensor (for better low light images), zero shutter lag, burst mode (3.3 frames per second up to 20 frames) and a best shot feature which takes eight photographs in quick succession and automatically chooses the best one. Both the front and rear cameras are capable of recording HD video.

Also S3 is coming with Siri like feature known as Smart Voice, hope that will be improved version of Siri for Asia Pacific customers.  

S3 is expected to come with a steep price of Rs 38000+ (Approx $700)  tag in India. Expected month of launch is June 2012

Also Available: Reviews of Xperia S and BlackBerry Bold 9790

Sony Xperia Arc LT15i: Official Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update

Sony has just released the much-awaited Ice Cream Sandwich ROM for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc LT15i . Don’t worry though, because other Xperia 2011 models aren’t getting left out.

The Xperia Arc’s Ice Cream Sandwich update isn’t being released simultaneously around the globe, but rather, the rollout is done by region. But still if you to flash the new update of Experia Arc to your friends  there is a way out.


The procedure is tricky, requires lot of manual steps. But in the end one can experience the feel of Ice Cream Sandwich before the official release.  

Few things that should be kept in mind:

• This update is originally for LT18i, but can be installed on LT15i
• After installation the phone will be recognized as LT18i.
• There might be some bugs pertaining to Experia Arc S (LT18i). But may be in subsequent releases they will be taken care of.
• Check the system requirement properly. Also whether your OS is 32 bit / 64 bit.
• This information is just for sharing purpose. The author has no responsibility if the installation doesn't work.

System Requirements

• Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc LT15i
• A Windows PC
• Enable USB Debugging on your phone. You can do this by heading to Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging. Make sure that there is a check mark beside that option.
• Back-up of your personal files and important data. As after the installation all personal data will be deleted.

Instructions

Installing Flash tool and drivers

1. As the official Flashtool site is currently not allowing a download of the necessary file, you can download it from our mirror here. The zip package includes two files: 1) Flashtool 0.6.9.1 and 2) an update zip file.
2. Update it to version 0.7.0.0, as follows:
1. Install the ‘flashtool-0.6.9.1-windows’ application.
2. Once complete, unzip the ‘update’ file. Move and replace all contents of the zip file to C:\Flashtool
3. Once you have done this, launch Flashtool. The log window should show that you are using ‘Flashtool Version 0.7.0.0 built on 2012-04-14 11:34:01′. To make sure of this you can always go into Help > About to see what version you are using.

After installing the flash tool follow these steps:

1. Head to the Flashtool folder at C:\Flashtool and open the drivers folder. Double-click the Flashtool-drivers.exe file to start installing the essential drivers for your phone.
2. In the driver section of Flashtool, click Nextonce. When prompted for a component selection, choose the following options:
   • Arc-Play-Neo-Acro ADB Drivers
   • Flashmode Drivers
3. Select Next to start installing the necessary drivers. Once the installation process has started, you’ll be bombarded with lots of pop-ups saying that the drivers are not compatible on your PC. Select Install this Driver Anyway on each of the pop-up screen.

Installing the ICS firmware

1. Download the Generic Nordic ICS Xperia arc S firmware from here (377MB). This is firmware version 4.1.A.0.562 which will update your phone to Android 4.0.3. Thanks to XDA Developers.
   A note of warning: Some browsers like Opera will rename the extension of this FTF file as a zip file when trying to download it. Make sure that the downloaded file has a .ftf extension rather than .zip
2. Place the downloaded FTF file inside the c:\Flashtool\firmwares folder.
3. Double-click the FlashTool.exe file found inside the Flashtool folder to start the flashing program.
4. As soon as the Flashtool program opens, click the Flash button from among the first seven buttons found on top of the screen.
5. Select Flashmode on the screen that pops-out, then select OK.
6. You will then see LT15i from among the list of devices in a new window that shows up.  Select the LT15i entry on the list. Check the box beside the label “No Final Verification Check.” Then, hit the OK button.
7. Connect your Xperia Arc to your PC via the USB cable. Plug your USB cable to your PC first. Press and hold the Back key on your phone and connect the other end of the USB cable to your phone.
8. Once your phone is connected, the Flashtool application will automatically start the flashing process.
9. Important! Once the flashing process is done, you may sometimes get an error message saying “Error Flashing”, instead of the “Flashing Complete” message. Ignore this error as it may be a bug in the application. Your firmware should already be flashed on your phone.
10. Disconnect your phone from your PC.
11. Switch on your phone. On your first boot, your phone may restart once at the Sony Logo, then it will normally boot into Ice Cream Sandwich.

Following these steps one can upgrade your Sony Ericsson Experia Arc. 


Note : This update is basically for Xperia Arc S (LT18i), but the same package can be installed on LT15i, but after installing the update ur phone will show as LT18i. (Source: Xperia Blog) 

Google unveils Google Glass, an augmented Reality Glasses

Google has revealed its long-rumored plans to create augmented reality (AR) eyeglasses.

It’s like watching a sci-fi movie, where a person a just watch an object and can get details about that object. Augmented reality is a live, direct or indirect view of a physical environment that's augmented by computer-generated input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

Work on the AR glasses is preceding as Project Glass, which is part of the Google X Lab, a facility run by Google said to be somewhere in California's Bay Area where about 100 leading-edge projects are reportedly being undertaken.

The scientists behind Project Glass are Babak Parviz, Steve Lee and Sebastian Thrun. They asked for viewer feedback on a video they posted on YouTube.

How do they work:

The video is shot from the point of view of someone wearing a pair of AR glasses. The wearer can apparently take a phone call while wearing the glasses, listening and speaking with the caller, whose avatar or photo pops up on one lens of the glasses. The wearer can also transmit what he or she sees during the conversation. For example, looking out of the window triggers data about the weather that's shown on the lens.

Looking at objects while walking pulls up information on the lens. For example, when the wearer passes a subway station, a notice that service had been suspended is called up a Google Map showing a walking route.

A Siri-like voice application puts up information in response to questions. For example, when the user walked into a bookstore and asked where the music section was, a map indicating that section came up on the lens.

The user can also instruct the glasses to take a photo.

Project Glass seems to incorporate features from Google Maps, Android's voice response system, Google's geo location service and other features.

Innovating objects like these gives companies an advantage over its peers as nowadays people have taste and power to buy any ground breaking innovative products.