Best Daydream-Ready smartphones.

Ijaz
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Best Daydream-Ready smartphones.

Interested in Daydream technology ? And looking forward for a smartphone with Daydream support. Then you are in the right place. First of all let us have a small familiarization of the Daydream platform.

Daydream VR Platform

Daydream is an Operating System (Android 7.0 and above) embedded VR platform developed by Google to take the virtual reality to a next level. The VR technology was announced at Google I/O developer conference in May 2016. Google claims, the Daydream to provide high-quality VR experience.

Daydream platform is different from the traditional VR platform such as Google Cardboard, which performs only in certain supported applications level. The devices that are compatible with Daydream are known as Daydream-ready devices. These devices are Daydream-ready, only because they satisfy minimum requirement for the Daydream compatibility.

Minimum requirements to be a Daydream-ready smartphone
  • OS: Android 7.0 or later
  • Mobile Platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 and higher (Currently Snapdragon chipsets are only Daydream eligible. Even Exynos(8890) variant having similar performance of SD820 is ineligible.)
  • Display: 5.0+ OLED, low persistence display
  • NFC, Necessary high-fidelity sensors

Hope, I had given more than enough description of the Daydream to go further. Actually, I want to give more emphasis on Daydream-ready Devices and provide you the list of some Best Daydream-ready smartphones available. So, here goes our Best Daydream-ready devices.

1. Google Pixel

Price: Rs. 49,900

The first Daydream-ready smartphone. Launched in October 2016. Pixel phones is Developed by Google and manufactured by HTC. They are known for its highest DxOMark rated camera sensors.

Housing powerful and advanced hardware’s within Google’s brand image. The Pixel would prove to be a good Daydream-ready phone for some of you.

Google Pixel Features

Screen Size 5.00-inch
Resolution 1080×1920 pixels
Storage 32GB
Processor 1.6GHz quad-core

Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
RAM 4GB
Primary Camera 12.3-MP
Secondary Camera 8-MP
OS Android 7.1 Nougat
Battery 2770mAh, Li-ion

 

Buy from Amazon India.

2. ZTE Axon 7

Price: Rs. 29,999

ZTE launched its Daydream-ready, Axon 7 in June last year. Axon 7 is the first non-Pixel Daydream-ready smartphone. The phone ships with Android 6.0 out of the box. Users have to update their device to Android 7.1.1 over-the-air (OTA) in-order to access the Daydream.

The large 5.5 inch QuadHD display that device features, definitely enhance the Daydream visuals.

               Axon 7 Specifications
OS Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.1.1 (Nougat)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820
CPU Quad-core (2×2.15 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo)
GPU Adreno 530

 

For Detailed specs click here.

3. Asus ZenFone AR

Price: Rs. 49,999

ZenPhone AR is the second smartphone launched, based on Google’s Project Tango initiative after Lenovo Phab Pro 2. And the world’s first device to cater both DaydreamVR and TangoAR (Augmented Reality: Probably the next big thing in Mobile Technology) compatibility. So, it’s a double dhamaka for the users from Taiwanese MNC, Asus.

ZenFone AR, with the power of VR and AR, surely take us to the virtual world of excitements and new experiences.

ZenFone AR specification.

Display 5.70-inchSuper AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Resolution 1440×2560 pixels
Storage 128GB
Processor quad-core
RAM 8GB
Primary Camera 23 MP, f/2.0, OIS (4-axis), 3x zoom, phase detection autofocus, depth & motion tracking sensors
Secondary Camera 8 MP, f/2.0, 1080p
OS Android 7.0
Battery Non-removable Li-Ion 3300 mAh battery

 

Zenphone AR is Flipkart exclusive in India.

Buy: Flipkart.

4. Galaxy S8/S8+

S8+: Rs. 64,900

S8: Rs. 57,900

Marvelously designed smartphone of this year. Galaxy S8 with its, Out of the box Infinity display and the Daydream combinedly gives your eyes a feast to perceive. A newcomer in the Daydream-ready devices list.

Although, not initially a Daydream-ready device. Beginning from the first week of this month, Samsung has started rolling out Daydream update for all of its Galaxy S8/S8+.

The Galaxy S8/S8+ is available online as Flipkart exclusive in India.

Buy S8 and S8+ from here.

Conclusion

We have provided some of the best Daydream-ready smartphones and their brief description. Currently, Google has provided Daydream support to only some handful of devices. Other Daydream supported devices that are not present in the above list are:

The list will probably expand. Since, Google recently announced its plan of bringing Daydream to at least 11 devices before the dawn of 2018.

 

HomePod firmware Points out possibility of new 4K AppleTV

Ijaz
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HomePod firmware Points out possibility of new 4K AppleTV

Apple’s yet to be launched Smart Speaker. The HomePod is currently in fame as a reliable leakster from the Apple’s house itself. Ranging from the specs of upcoming iPhone 8 to the probability of Apple building a new LTE-connected AppleWatch and much more. Coming back to Homepod, a new hidden revelation is unearthed from certain code present in the firmware recently. And the latest hints, pointing out the existence of 4K Apple TV under development, again thanks to the ‘reliable leakster’ HomePod.

 

Guilhermo Rambo a prominent iOS developer is the one who found codes present in the HomePod firmware. Which possibly is the proof of AppleTV to support 4K soon. The fact that, Apple TV along with 4K, also brings HDR 10 and Dolby vision technology is really an icing on the cake.

HomePod code hints 4K AppleTV coupled with HDR10 and Dolby vision.

Apple TV is not so far a successful product from the Cupertino giant Apple, compared to its iPhones and Apple Watches. But, upgrading the Apple TV with UHD, HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Apple is heading for a dynamic approach in the TV sector.

Recently, Samsung announced an upgraded form of HDR10, the HDR10+. In effect, making HDR10 a little outdated factor. Ultimately, how well AppleTV with the updated features will cope-up the competitive market is yet to be seen.

 

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 leaks in new Images

Ijaz
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Samsung Galaxy Note 8 leaks in new Images

August 23 – for the Samsung fans and other tech enthusiasts it’s a quite familiar and vital day. Of Course, it’s the day in which much anticipated and ‘heavily leaked‘ Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Note 8 will be unboxed. Unfortunately, it seems the event will just stay as an official ceremony by Samsung side. Since, unveiling and unboxing of the device has already done by the leaks, against Samsung’s wish and knowledge.

As usual, the infamous leakster Evan Blass was behind this. Always, spoiling the party of Samsung has been his pleasure.

It has been only six days past the rendered images by Evan Blass. Today, much more leaked images appeared over the web, to be precise, initially on the My everyday tech. The latest images are similar to those by Evan’s. Interestingly, Samsung responded to the leak and succeeded in patching the hole by shaking hand with the My Everyday Tech.

The preventive response from the Samsung is a clear indication of credibility of the leaked images.

Unfortunately, Samsung couldn’t stop the forest-fire like expansion of any data over the web. To much fun, the images were already leaked from the leak outlet My Everyday Tech to other leak outlets, before Samsung could think anything. The Next Web has humorously described the scenario as follows: “Samsung is trying to put out a different sort of fire this year”. Linking to the last year’s ill-fated and predecessor of Galaxy Note 8, the Galaxy Note 7.

Here, below you could find all the leaked images, that Samsung tried to prevent, but in effect gone futile.

Samsung would debut its fingerprint embedded Display with Note 9

Ijaz
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Samsung would debut its fingerprint embedded Display with Note 9

Those who are eagerly awaiting for the Samsung’s Fingerprint Embedded Display, this news may disappoint you. Samsung might be taking its own time to crack the fingerprint embedded display technology and successfully implement in its flagship devices. The wait may extend till the announcement of Next year’s Galaxy Note 9, predicts KGI securities

Galaxy Note 9 concept

The prediction of KGI securities points out the possibility of Samsung ditching the technology in upcoming Galaxy Note 8 and as well as Galaxy S9 chronologically before the Note 9 unveils.

Seems, Uneven brightness in the display where fingerprint is embedded still haunts Samsung.

Recently, a report suggests of Samsung testing fingerprint display in its upcoming Note 8 and terribly failed due to the uneven brightness issue.

Meanwhile, Apple – the greatest contender of Samsung, is also undergoing the same situation. Failed to acquire enough knowledge in the technology. Obliged Apple to go for an advanced face recognition authentication method in yet to be launched iPhone8. Which was presumably expected to come with an embedded fingerprint display.

Is the fingerprint display too hot to handle ?

Not exactly, but at the same time requires much knowledge in the field. Certain OEM’s such as Qualcomm and Vivo are already reported of successfully developing fingerprint beneath display technology.

Similarly, we would expect Samsung to come up with the technology much before than the KGI’s prediction. As we are well aware of the potential of both the giants Samsung and Apple, also a born rival.

Best Android Apps for comic reading in 2017

Harsh Soni
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Best Android Apps for comic reading in 2017

Comic books have been around for a long time. The current generation is not well aware of, how exciting and fun it is to read the comic book. However, if you are a technology lover and want to mix up your fun and taste the comics then there are several comic reader apps available for Android smartphones. Comic book reader apps support all the standard comic book file formats as well as a number of suitable features, all of which try to make your reading experience as enjoyable as possible.

Just like books, comics have also gone digital, resulting in a proliferation of apps that allow users to read their favorite digital comics and organize their electronic collections. For this, you can check out below, the list of Best android apps for comic reading.

Comics by ComiXology

This is one of the most popular digital comic platforms. It features content from major comic publishers such as Marvel, DC, and Image. The content can be purchased and read on the ComiXology website. The mobile app, Comics by ComiXology, serves as an outstanding mobile comic reader, allowing users to download and read their ComiXology purchases. In this app, there is a particular Guided View mode, which is great for reading on a small screen. It is available free of cost on both Android and iOS platform.  But it should be noted that, it can’t import an existing comics collections.

Comics Plus

This is another digital comic’s platform where users can purchase and download digital comics. Comic Plus app comes with some neat extras that set it apart from other platforms. It lets users buy and read digital comics from a variety of publishers. However, the plus point in this app is that you can import your own DRM-free comics into your personal collection, allowing you to view ePub, PDF, CBR and CBZ files with ease. If you want to read something on rent then you can also rent a graphic novel for 24, 48 or 120 hours.

Dark Horse Comics

Dark Horse Comics’ mobile app is available for Android and iOS platform. This app functions as comics marketplace, download manager, and comics reader. All things rolled up into a single package, which is Dark Horse Comics. This app does feature a panel zoom reading mode and support for the right to left reading modes.

Madefire

Madefire is available on iOS, Android and Windows platform. This app focuses on “motion comics”, which combine visual effects, animated transitions, sound effects, and dynamic panels to deliver a more media rich digital comics experience. If you are a true comic lover then this app is for you. Madefire has comics by publishers like DC, IDW, Top Cow and Dark Horse. You will get both free and paid content to browse in this app.

Chunky

The chunky app supports CBR, CBZ and PDF comics. This app lets you use multiple view modes (single page, two page and the right to left) and let you read how you like. Faded comic scans can also be seen in good quality in this app with the help of auto-contrast/tint fix to adjust for faded comic scans. The plus point in this app is that there is a parental lock, which allows you to flag and hides titles behind password protection.

Astonishing Comic Reader

It is another neat Android comic reader for DRM-free comic files in CBR, CBZ, and PDF formats. This app has configurable controls that let you navigate pages with taps to the screen edge, hardware controls, or virtual buttons. Astonishing Comic Reader provides support for a variety of cloud storage providers such as Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive and also in-app screenshot tool for sharing your favorite pages.

Well, that’s it, we hope you would love to read more in coming time. Stay connected with us!

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ gets Google Daydream VR support

Harsh Soni
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Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ gets Google Daydream VR support

Google has announced during its I/O conference that Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will see the support for its Daydream VR platform. Google and Samsung joined hands to keep the promise. And now, Samsung Google Daydream VR support is finally rolling out to Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ were launched without the support of Virtual Reality which made Samsung patrons disappointed. T-Mobile has said last month that the Google Daydream VR support is being provided to the flagship Samsung devices with its latest update. But later it was found that flagships were not able to run the service successfully and prompted with saying “Incompatible phone.”

However, this thing is changed as now Google officially announced Daydream VR support for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+. In the official post, Google VR said that “The Daydream-ready update is rolling out now to Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+. Explore new worlds with #Daydream.”

Let us know in comments if you own a Galaxy S8 or S8+ and will give try to Daydream VR. If already you have used, then let us know about your experience.

Spotify crosses 60 Million subscribers

Harsh Soni
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Spotify crosses 60 Million subscribers

Spotify is one of the most popular paid music streaming service providers. The streaming giant has now made another major milestone by crossing a record 60 million subscribers. In the latest July metrics, it is revealed that the Spotify has active 140 million users as of June. With this achievement, Spotify remains to be the king of music streaming by outpacing competitors like Apple Music.

The news is coming just before when the Swedish company is heading to an IPO at the New York Stock Exchange at the end of 2017. Spotify is available in 60 markets and has 30 million plus songs library.

In the month of March, the live music streaming service provider has seen with 50 million subscribers. And now it has crossed 60 Million subscribers, which means within 6 months it has chased 10 Million new subscribers. Mathematically, it has seen a rise of 25 percent in less than six months. Isn’t it amazing?

Google Image Search won’t be just an Image Finder

Ijaz
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Google Image Search won’t be just an Image Finder

We are pretty familiar with the Image tab in the search result of Google, along with other option such as Videos, Maps etc. Google has now come up with a new algorithm for its Image Search option. Surprisingly, the search-engine giant has added extra capability to its Image search function.

Following the path of Pinterest which had already updated its app with a modified visual search. Today onwards, Google’s image suggestion will consists of photos, videos, gifs, recipes etc, related to your search data all mixed up in the Image tab. Don’t worry, Google has also provided a small banner under the image thumbnail to distinguish the type of file data (gif, video, recipe) hidden under the thumbnail. So in short, image result will be categorized such as gif, videos etc based on the data Google contains.

The upgradation provided by Google in its Image search is Somewhat similar to the modification done by Pinterest in its visual search feature.

Google described its new feature in its webblog by quoting “Badges on Image Search help users find what they really want”. By this, it’s clear that Google want the users to find all the possible results for what they search, without much complications or further inputs.

Any Demerits ?

Although, the feature seems to be pretty good and welcoming. It may create a nuisance for some users, who prefers only photos as the output. And also, since it’s a new feature people will take some time to adapt. But, probably will like it.

If you are confused, and have some doubts regarding the feature. Ask directly to the Master Google in its Webmaster Help Forum.

 

Samsung retains its elite position in Indian smartphone market

Ijaz
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Samsung retains its elite position in Indian smartphone market

Ever since, the fall of renowned Nokia from Indian smartphone market. Nearly 4 to 5 years ago, it was Samsung, which displaced Nokia from its top position as a leading smartphone maker in India. Now, it’s 2017. The period in which Chinese brand possessed a great threat for the South-Korean giant, Samsung.

Despite, the strong competition, Samsung has somehow overcome it and succeeded in retaining its position as No.1 smartphone maker in India. Kudos to popular budget offerings J-series from Samsung.

The Counterpoint Research company, published a latest market analysis report. In which shows, Samsung leading with a Smartphone market share of 24.1%. And  with a Feature phone market share of 26.6% in the 2nd quarter of 2017.

Overall, when we look at the Handset (Smartphones+Feature phones) shipment market share, there also Samsung triumps with a share of 25.4%.

Although, in the paper Samsung is at the top. The Chinese firms such as Xiaomi which occupies second position. Is not that so far behind from the Samsung in terms of market share. Vivo, Oppo and Lenovo occupies 3rd, 4th and 5th position respectively in the smartphone market share list.

Top smartphone in India. Is it a Samsung device?

Exactly, No. The Counterpoint crowns sensational Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 as the Top smartphone with a whooping 7.2% market share. Have a look at the list of  Top smartphones in India during Q2 of 2017.

Smartphone market is subjected to a constant change, especially in a most evolving market like India. Today’s leader won’t be tommorrow’s. The same is applicable to Samsung also, which is holding its position till now. But, without adapting to the changing market and adopting good strategies. It’s extremely difficult to maintain the position.

Hopes, Samsung through its experience as a Global leader. Will implement drastic stratagies to hold of its top position in upcoming years.

Source.

Huawei’s AI: Announcement expected soon

Ijaz
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Huawei’s AI: Announcement expected soon

We have already reported about, Huawei, shipping 73 million smartphones to mark its success in the Chinese market. The China based firm is again in the news for its AI-related development to be announced at IFA 2017, Berlin on September 1.

After all, latest innovations and technologies are revolving around AI nowadays (Google, Microsoft, Apple etc incorporating AI in their products and services). Huawei is probably heading to reveal a different capability of Artificial Intelligence. Not developed by any other tech giants so far.

The official Twitter page of Huawei Mobile teases its AI development. And the banner posted which quotes: “AI: it’s more than just an assistant” clearly depicts the AI prowess which Huawei cracked is not similar to AI powered Device Assistant or Messaging apps that already exists.

Recently, CEO of Huawei revealed its plan of unveiling AI chip and may be this has some connection with the teaser.

In this era, the collaborative intelligent experience of the end + cloud + chip is very important.

                                -CEO of Consumer Business, Yu Chengdong, Huawei.

Huawei Mate 10 at IFA

At IFA 2017, along with the AI based announcement. Huawei is also expected to launch its much speculated and rumoured flagship smartphone Mate 10. Sporting nearly bezel less display and high-end processor.

So, to all the tech enthusiasts and smartphone lovers, Huawei has got some feast at this IFA 2017, along with lots of other innovations which will be exhibited at IFA.

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