Jio Broadband Pan-India rollout to happen soon

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Today, 21st July 2017 registered a major landmark in Indian telecom sector. The billionaire Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Jio Industries limited, which was continuously deploying Tsunami of free calls and data. Now again, at its Annual General Meeting ( Jio AGM 2017 ) created a new bang, with the revolutionary announcement of India’s first 4G feature phone.

Actually, I am not here to talk about the Jio feature phone, which has now become the ‘talk of the town‘. Instead, about the ‘Jio Fiber which probably lost its shine before the announcement of cheap feature phone.

Mukesh Ambani do mentioned about Jio Fiber at the AGM, but shrinked it into couple of sentences. After all, Jio Fiber was already officially announced.

The Jio Broadband service commonly known as Jio Fiber, transmitting mouth watering 1Gbps speed has already started its trial run. Some source pointing out Jio fiber Preview offer currently running in Mumbai, Vadodara, Surat and some other regions. Still no exact date for the Pan India roll-out of the service revealed. Seems, preview offer will gradually expand to other cities soon.

Jio Fiber Preview offer entitles the registered users for unlimited 4G data of theoretical speed upto 1Gbps for a period of 3 month.

  • Experience ultra high speed internet service at your home.
  • Speed post 100 GB data will be 1 Mbps
  • refundable security deposit of 4500/-

Jio Broadband latest updates:

The testing of Jio broadband service is almost completed in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Surat and Vadodara. We can expect Jio broadband to launch in most of the metro cities by the end of July 2017. Please subscribe to the email notification to receive information when Jio broadband is available in your area. 

Source: Jio care

RJIL, pouring away all of its offers and services non-stop. We, Indians are truly living A Digital Life.

Guide: What is Android Emulator?

The world’s most popular Operating System, undoubtedly is the Android. Now, owned and developed by Google Inc. and is powering billions of devices all over the world. Ability of this open source OS to undergo high degree of customisation. And, to run software/apps of great utility are its speciality.

what is android simulator

Have you ever wondered how an Android app is able to run on devices with totally different architecture or hardware? Whether the developer of an app would test the app in all available different devices, which is practically impossible?

Straightforward, let us introduce you with the Android Emulator. Basically, it is the one-step solution for above quoted problems. Android Emulator – In simple words it can be said as the platform or as a virtual machine for APK development. A true virtual companion for the app developers.

Let us have a brief familiarization of the Android Emulator.

What is Android Emulator?

Android SDK is the Android development kit for PC’s, and it includes Android Emulator which can create virtual mobile device or emulate a device in the computer. The virtual device can take the place of real mobile devices, so any app testing can be done on this virtual device.

AVD ( Android Virtual Devices )

The virtual device created by the Emulator is known as AVD. Creating an AVD is the main function of an Emulator.

Emulator window to create AVD. Virtual device of any hardware spec can be emulated.

Emulator can be configured to emulate prototype of devices with any desired hardware specs all virtually inside a PC, there lies the beauty of the Android Emulator.

You could see an AVD emulated on a computer in the below image. Just imagine, how wonderfully it created an exact copy of the physical device.

Can Change The Orientation of AVD

In the above figure, AVD is in portrait mode.What if the developer has to test the app performance in landscape mode of devices. Emulator can do that also, change the orientation of AVD. Using a simple command AVD can be shifted to lanscape mode from the portrait.

Horizontal view of AVD

Since, a perfect physical device clone is available, the developer can test the app in the virtual device under various conditions.

So far, we have seen the use and utility of the Android Emulator. Now, let us look the steps in setting up Android Emulator in the PC.

Steps to Install Android Emulator in PC’s Running Windows OS

  • Download the Android SDK. Download the Android SDK.exe, and unzip it somewhere. …
  • Optional Add to System Path. ..
  • Install Android Platforms. …
  • Create a Virtual Device. ..
  • Run the emulator.

To Conclude

Now, Google has incorporated all of its development kit under a software known as Android Studio. The Android SDK along with the Emulator is a content in the Android Studio. The software is a very hand tool for hardcore Android developers. But, for a normal user getting hold of Android Studio and installing it will be a cumbersome process.

However, basic Android users, who are keen to install the Android emulator on PC need not to involve in Installation of bulky advanced Android studio. They can simply get the Android Emulator by downloading readymade third party Emulators that are available which can be easily installed to run Android in PC. These third party apps are commonly known as App Players. BlueStacks, Nox are some of the most popular App Player available for windows.

So, you can use them, or either you want for app development we suggest you to have Android Studio inbuilt Emulator or download GenyMotion plugin.

Apple releases update for iOS, watchOS and tvOS

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Apple is well known for providing guaranteed and frequent update support for its Operating Systems. No matter, whether it packs just a bug fix or bringing new features, the update hits monthly. Most probably every 20th of a month. As usual, today also Apple rolled out update for its OSs.

Minor updates have been hitting the iOS, the macOS Sierra, and the tvOS. The update brings plethora of security patches, improved stability, and bug fixes. Although, devoid of additional features, Apple recommends the users to update as soon as the update hit their devices.

For your info, the iOS will jump to version 10.3.3 from 10.3.2. In the case of macOS Sierra, 10.12.6 is going to be the version after the update. Also the tvOS is upgraded to version 10.2.2.

What’s new with the iOS 10.3.3

The iOS 10.3.3 update just weighs around 138MB. Apple hasn’t provided detailed changelog of the update. But, the release note quotes: “iOS 10.3.3 includes bug fixes and improves the security of your iPhone or iPad.” However, based on the betas released so far it should include:

  • New wallpapers for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
  • Improved Wi-Fi Calling feature on iCloud devices.

Since, much anticipated iOS 11 is on the verge of release. Some reports points out a possible update for iOS 10.3.3 in coming days, which marks final update for the iOS10 series.

Nokia 8 spotted on official site ahead of its release on July 31

HMD Global’s official Chinese website has posted an image of one rumored device which is said to be Nokia 8. The listing on the official website looks similar to the previous leaks. The listed image shows the smartphone in a blue chassis, with top and bottom bezels and a physical home button that will have embedded fingerprint scanner on it.

Nokia 8’s official unveiling will happen in Q3 of this year, as reported by Nokia Power User. However, latest rumours claim that HMD Global will be holding an official launch event on 31 July for the launch of Nokia 8.

On the specification front, the forthcoming Nokia 8 is said to launch with 5.3 in QHD OLED display and Snapdragon 835 processor. The device will have an Adreno 540 GPU 6GB and 8GB RAM variants with 64GB and 128GB of storage options.

Nokia 9 is said to boast a dual 13MP rear camera setup with the Carl Zeiss optics. The smartphone will have a built-in iris scanner and will also come with IP68 certification, which means it will water resistance device. There will also be a 3,800mAh battery to fuel the device with Quick Charge support. The Nokia 8 is said to run Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box. For the price, the Nokia 9 is tipped to have a price tag of £640 in the UK.

HTC puts its Messaging app to the Play Store

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Earlier, we have seen some of the Smartphone makers loading their In-house apps to the Play Store. Samsung, One Plus to name some started providing support to their apps via Play Store, some time before. Now, HTC had made available its official messaging app HTC Messages in the Play Store.

htc messaging app

The HTC Messages app is developed by HTC corporation. It is the in-built/default messaging app seen in HTC devices running Android. 

 

The app, which does the usual job of send/receive SMS or MMS, has got other features not present in the stock android messaging app.

Features Of HTC Messages App

Google Play Store enlists following features of the app.

  • Send and receive SMS and MMS text messages
  • Send group message(s)
  • Search by keyword(s)
  • Back up and restore SMS text messages
  • The user can set block list for spam messages
  • Support thread view in conversational style
  • Secure box to keep privacy
  • Block contact(s)
  • Sorting by date and name

Eventhough, the app is now available in the Play Store. It is unclear whether only HTC devices are supported or not. I tried to install the app in my Galaxy J5 phone through Play Store. Unfortunately, Play Store assigned my device as unsupported. Dont know what is the case with devices other than HTC. However, if you liked the HTC Messages you can download it from the Play Store.

 

Google started seeding Play Protect to more Android phones

Introduced at Google I/O on May, 2017, now it is rolling out to the Play Store. Google Play Protect was developed to provide extra layer of security for Android OS and its related services. Since then, we could see the security suite only in Nexus, Pixel and other some handful of devices. However, it seems now Google initiated mass-rollout of the Play Protect, such that all most all Android devices with Google Play Services 11 or higher are now getting it.

Android, being an open source platform, has always been hacker’s dream. But, Google worked diligently in order to keep its OS miles away from vulnerability and exposures. Providing, fast and effective patches within the time limit, has made Android more secure that we see today. Obviously, no security is eternal or foolproof for a long time.

The Judy malware attack that made fingers point towards safety of the Play Store apps, obliged Google to enhance the security. As a result, the Google Play Protect came into the light.

Let us have a brief description of the Play Protect.

Google Play Protect ( Anti-Malware Security Suite by Google )

To an extent, Play Protect is an Integrated security package consisting of previous major security modules present in the Android OS. Main objective is to safeguard the apps in the Play Store against malwares. Works similar to existing Verify App service, with enhanced scanning capability.

JioPhone launched with 4G VoLTE for “Effectively Rs. 0”: Check all the details here

Reliance Jio has just now unveiled the much awaited 4G VoLTE enabled JioPhone.  During the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mukesh Ambani launched JioPhone and termed it as “India ka Smartphone.” However, surprisingly the JioPhone will come with an “effective price of Rs. 0.” To grab the JioPhone, you have to deposit Rs. 1500 while purchasing the phone. After the period of 3 months the same amount will be refunded by Reliance Jio. That is how it is priced at “effectively Rs. 0.”

For the availability, the JioPhone will be available for beta testing starting 15th August. While pre booking of the cheapest 4G VoLTE phone will start from 24th August. However, the final shipping of the JioPhone will start from September this year on the first come, first serve basis.

JioPhone will come with alphanumeric keypad and four-way navigation system. The cheapest 4G VoLTE phone will come with 2.4-inch QVGA display, FM radio, torch light, a headphone jack and also SD card slot. The JioPhone will also boast all the Jio Apps. JioPhone also has built-in PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat broadcast application.

The JioPhone users can get the Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan offer at just Rs 153 per month. Under which they will get free voice and SMS and unlimited data for the period of a month.

Well, it is a huge announcement for feature phone users in India.

Top Android Smartphones under Rs. 15000 in 2017

We are in the middle of the year and already many smartphones have been launched. This year many Android smartphones launched with some tremendous features like Dash Charging, IP168 Rating, Dual-Camera and much more. Further, there are new specs like Snapdragon 835 Processor, 6 and 8 GB of RAM and bigger on board storage like 256 GB. However, if these kinds of top range smartphones cost more than your budget then this article is for you!

We have rounded up the best Android smartphones that are under Rs. 15000. Motive of writing this is to list up best devices which means they will fit in your pocket easily. In the mid-range series, there are a lot of Android smartphones launched by different tech giants, most of which are 4G compatible. Almost every smartphone manufacturer this year launched the mid-range smartphone including, Xiaomi, Motorola, Lenovo, Samsung, Huawei, LeEco, Coolpad etc.

So let’s have a quick look at the best Android smartphone of 2017 under 15000.

Lenovo Z2 Plus

The Lenovo smartphones have seen a big price cut this year, and since Z2 Plus from Lenovo got the price cut to Rs. 14,990/- it is not a bad deal. The Lenovo Z2 Plus houses a powerful Snapdragon 820 processor and 3 GB RAM. The device has a unibody glass and metal design prone to fingerprint magnet. The device is having 13MP back camera and, 8MP front camera. This smartphone is fuelled by a 3500 mAh battery.The 32GB ROM variant of this smartphone is available at Rs. 14,999. At this price, the Z2 Plus offers good battery life, decent performance and below average low light performance.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4:

First of all this smartphone has 4100 mAh of battery in the under Rs. 15000 bar. The Redmi Note 4 is no doubt one of the best smartphones in 2017 till now. It comes in 2GB, 3GB, and 4GB RAM variants. Top model of the device with 4GB RAM and 64 GB ROM costs Rs. 12,990. It has a 13MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera. Redmi Note 4 boasts 5.5-inch, 1080p display. THe device has Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC and 4GB RAM with 64GB onboard storage, which is also expandable.

Coolpad Cool 1

If you are looking phone for the best camera under Rs. 15000 then this Android smartphone is one of the best that you can buy right now. Cool 1 has a dual camera set up to it. The dual camera lets users shoot really good portraits in Bokeh mode. The Coolpad Cool 1 has the 5.5-inch and 1080p display. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 SoC and 4GB RAM with 32 GB of expandable storage. The device boasts a dual 13MP camera, and on the front side, it has an 8MP camera. The device also flaunts 4000 mAh battery. Price- Rs. 10,999.

Honor 6X

The Honor 6X is one of the best Android smartphones under 15000 available currently. With its dual camera setup just like Coolpad Cool 1, this phone can take some really good images in normal lighting conditions. This phone also delivers some really clever photography with ‘Bokeh’ effect like iPhone 7 Plus. The performance of this smartphone is a little weaker, however, compared to its competitors but it still better than a majority of budget phones out there. It flaunts 5.5-inch, 1080p display. The smartphone has HiSilicon Kirin 655 SoC and 4GB of RAM with 32GB ROM. The device has 12MP + 2MP dual rear camera and 8MP front facing snapper. The device also has 3340 mAh battery. Price- Rs. 11, 999.

Moto G5:

The Moto G5 is a successor of the last years Moto G4 smartphone. This smartphone is one of the decent devices at a price of Rs. 11,999 with a fingerprint scanner and a better build quality. Moto G5 features 5-inch Full HD display, Octa-Core Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937) processor, 2GB /3GB RAM and 16GB internal memory, which is further expandable. The device has 13MP rear and 5MP front facing camera setup with 2800mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy On8:

Samsung is also in the race of mid-range smartphone this year. Galaxy On8 has seen some improvements in terms of design, display, and front facing LED flash which is the most noticeable feature here. The device boasts 5.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, is coming equipped with an Octa-Core Exynos 7580 processor and runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with Samsung’s own UI on top. The smartphone has a 13-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with LED flash. Price – Rs. 12,090.

 

Google App now features improved Machine Learning ability

Google is not in a mood to leave Machine Learning in its development. The tech giant is harnessing all the possible ways of Machine Learning to improve its service and products. Evidently, now it is the Google App which is rejuvenated by the power of Machine Learning.

The latest update to Google App improves the Machine Learning capability, enhancing the personalisation option. 

Interestingly, the Google feed is now way better with showing contents of user interest, kudos to the Machine learning. Now, it will halt the annoying random feeds that pop-ups infront of you, whenever you open the Google App. With content of your interest displayed, it’s going to be a nice experience with the Google feed.

What’s new with the latest Google App

  • Improved Machine Learning, anticipating the user interest and provide outputs according to it.
  • Enhanced feed experience, leads to discover, explore and stay connected with ease.
  • Option to follow your favourite topic.

Available for both iOS and Android users. It is to be noted that, the latest update is currently available in U.S and will be soon hitting other countries in coming days. So, others have to wait until it hits your region. Those who can’t wait, they can download latest Google App from third party websites.

Motorola to develop AI cameras with Public safety in focus

AI is now everywhere, whether we talk about apps, printers or anything else. Whatever, may be the technology, Artificial Intelligence is seen integrated to it. ‘Technological Giants‘ such as Google, Microsoft to name some had already invested in the AI development. Now, the worlds first Mobile Phone MakerMotorola is stepping up in the AI field.

Motorola in collaboration with Neurala – An Artificial Intelligence development company is preparing for empolying AI in cameras. With Motorola handling software department and Neurala providing AI hardware needed, an AI powered surveillance camera is the target.

Currently, Motorola’s cameras are used by Law enforcements as Body-Cams for Police officers. So, Motorola thinks of exploiting AI potential of Neurala and provide intelligence to its camera. Public safety being the main agenda behind this move, reports Defence One.

Advantages Of AI powered Camera.

A smart camera with facial recognition can be very handy in real-time learning for a person of interest search.

  • To Find a Lost Child: AI cams can easily identify/highlight a lost child from the crowded area, which in other case normal camera can’t do.
  • Spot Weapons Or Suspicious Objects: Any suspiciousness in a public place will be caught by the AI. Which in effect can help take necessary precautions early.

Motorola has shown a prototype of AI camera and its action in a video posted in Youtube. Although, cameras powered with AI’s are used mainly for surveillance purpose. It could be a pioneering innovation if AI comes to our Smartphone cameras. In near future it may happen, though.

Watch the video teasing the potential of AI camera below. (May feel like a sci-fi hollywood movie in action. It’s not a fiction, not a concept, its all unleashing the potential of AI.)