Get extra ipad storage with Kingston Wi-Drive

Access your files over Wi-Fi on the pocket-friendly Wi-Drive that allows streaming multimedia, PDFs and more files.

Kingston has come up with a new device that can be used by the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch owners as an additional portable storage space, and has been dubbed as Wi-Drive.

The new Kingston Wi-Drive is available in 16GB and 32GB storage options and will allow users to access data wirelessly using iPhone (3G and higher), iPod touch (3rd Gen and higher) and iPad.

Indians will have to wait till June end to buy this additional storage for their iOS devices. At present, Wi-Drive is available outside India for $130 (Rs 5850 approximately) and $175 (Rs 7875 approximately).

Apple unveils cloud storage service

Apple's much awaited cloud based storage service for devices gets official and gives users 5GB of online space except songs, apps and photo stream too.

Apple, the makers of iPhone, has unveiled the much awaited cloud based storage and syncing service for its devices. With this, Apple comes in direct competition with other cloud service providers that have recently joined this league such as the Google and Amazon and not to forget the countless other third party service providers as well.

Contrary to earlier expectations that it will provide 2GB of storage space to its users over the cloud as being offered by the Amazon, Apple has offered 5GB of storage space to each user. Of course this storage space will be shared across all Apple devices, such as iPhones and iMacs, owned by a single user.

Apple iOS 5 features showdown

Several features have been allegedly "inspired" from existing ones on other platforms and third-party applications available on App Store. 

At the Worldwide Developers Conference 2011, Apple executives gave a sneak peek into the upcoming iOS 5 update that is scheduled to arrive later this year. The iOS 5 update boasts 200 new features and 1,500 new application programming interfaces (APIs) to support the iPad 2, iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 3rd and 4th generations. Several new features were demonstrated on stage and many found those features similar to ones offered by other mobile operating systems.

Free cross-platform messengers for smartphones

Sending text messages, sharing multimedia and staying connected with friends who use a different operating system from your own is easily done with the apps we've picked.

Research In Motion's BlackBerry smartphones have become quite popular in India in recent months. While the dispute between RIM and the Government of India persists, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) has become a popular application that keeps the majority of BlackBerry owners busy, texting their contacts, friends and relatives.

The primary reason for BBM's popularity is that it is integrated with the BlackBerry operating system and is a light-weight app that is economical in its consumption of resources. Users can send and receive text, photos, audio and video, and can receive real-time delivery confirmations. BBM's chief purpose is that it enables people to converse with their contacts live at minimal cost.

Apple working on SIM-free iPhone 4S

Apple is working on an improved version of iPhone 4, which has an identical form factor. The device will be branded iPhone 4S, similar to iPhone 3GS.

Apple may come out with an updated version of the iPhone 4 in June this year, which could have a SIM-less design and 8 megapixel camera.

Japanese Mac focused blog MacOtakara, cited one of its sources as saying that Apple is working on the improved version of iPhone 4, which has the same form factor, and that it will be branded iPhone 4S, just like iPhone 3GS.

Windows Phone 7 Marketplace coming soon

Users can browse the full app catalogue on the marketplace, look at the app screenshots, and read app reviews as well. They can also share their favourite apps through Facebook, Twitter and through emails.

Windows Phone 7 has got yet another boost from Microsoft which will soon be coming up with the web based version of its app store for the platform.

The web based Windows Phone 7 Marketplace is likely to be released along with the Mango update of the smartphone operating system from Microsoft. The WP7 application store is likely to be built along the lines of Apple's iTunes store and the Android Marketplace. The marketplace will allow the users to browse app screenshots, complete catalogue of the apps and app reviews.

Google Wallet is first off the mark — Now What?

At this time, it is just a pilot run in which two cities and some retailers are participating, but if it succeeds, the potential is huge.

Like every other new idea, Google Wallet also has attracted its fair share of detractors who don't think the service will succeed. This is obvious as in case of any new service as most people don't know how it works, and how it may go on to succeed.

Many companies were thinking of using mobiles for making payments, but with Google Wallet, Google turned out to be the first company to make a major move on it. 

No 3G video calling on iPhone 4

Users in India can make video calls using WiFi, but not over 3G as the application that enables the service has been locked by Apple.

The Apple iPhone 4, which is being regarded as the most unique device, is not capable of making video calls over a 3G mobile network despite being a 4th generation smartphone.

Users in India can make video calls using WiFi networks, but not over 3G as the application which enables the service is locked by Apple.

The Apple spokesperson in India said, "FaceTime, the application that allows video calling on the Apple iPhone 4, is a closed user application that allows people having iPhone or compatible Apple hardware like the iPad 2 and forth generation iPod touch running FaceTime application to have video calling."

Happy to have iPhone 4: Paoli Dam

Paoli Dam, Bengali actress who was recently in the news for flaunting a skimpy bikini and hot, revealing costumes, was quite excited about getting the latest Apple device — the iPhone 4 — on Friday from Airtel.

Paoli Dam, a Bengali actress who was recently in the news for flaunting herself in a skimpy bikini and hot, revealing costumes, was quite excited about getting the latest Apple device — the iPhone 4 — on Friday. The device was presented to her during the launch of the product in West Bengal by P D Sharma, chief executive officer of mobile services in Kolkata, West Bengal and Odisha at Bharti Airtel.

iPhone 4G or Samsung Galaxy S

With two of the most anticipated handsets launching soon, here are a few points you could consider before buying them.

With the Apple iPhone 4 hitting stores in India, followed by Samsung's announcement to launch its coveted Galaxy S2 smartphone in the country, mobile enthusiasts here will soon have a tricky but pleasant choice to make: Whether to buy the most advanced iPhone or to go for a Samsung Galaxy S2 instead.

Galaxy S2 has seen record sales in some countries; while Apple's iPhone has proven its worth in others. We understand that considering the price of these handsets, it will be tough to decide which one to buy, and an informed recommendation will go a long way.

Airtel, Aircel to launch iPhone 4 today

Airtel and Aircel are in a race it seems, both announced that they will launch iPhone 4 almost simultaneously, both have the same launch date, and now they have announced a very similar plan.

Airtel and Aircel will launch the famed Apple iPhone 4 today in India, which has been priced at Rs 34,500 and Rs 40,900 for the 16GB and 32GB versions respectively. 

Aircel, which made the announcement of the launch a little earlier than Airtel, will be offering 100 per cent value back to its iPhone users though two plans. Aircel postpaid customers can avail up to 100 per cent of the value of the iPhone 4 as talktime and data spread over a time period of 24 months. 

iPhone4 free with Aircel connection!

Now get iPhone 4 with an Aircel connection and get free calling and data worth the price of the iPhone 4 over a period of 24 months.

Aircel, a 3G service provider in the country, has announced that it will launch the Apple iPhone 4 in India on May 27. The iPhone 4 has been a price tag of Rs 34,500 for 16 GB model, and Rs 40,900 for 32GB model.

Aircel postpaid customers can avail up to 100 per cent of the value of the iPhone4 as talktime and data spread over a time period of 24 months. 

TouchPad will be better than the No 1 tablet: HP

HP has tasted immense success in the personal computer market and wants to emulate the same in the mobile devices market as well.

Hewlett-Packard's TouchPad will be better than the number one tablet computer, the company's European head Eric Cador has said. 

While speaking at press conference in Cannes, Cador said that there are ample opportunities for HP to get the top spot and that the company would call its position "number one plus". 

HP has tasted immense success in the personal computer market and wants to emulate the same in the mobile devices market as well. 

Smartphones getting more powerful

Phones are now evolving into multi core devices that can be connected to large monitors and then work like media players or computers.

The most common of these processors are Qualcomm's Snapdragon, Texas Instrument's OMAP 4 and Samsung's Hummingbird. The main advantages that smartphone users can expect from multi-core chips include faster web page loading, better performance, a better gaming experience, smooth user interface and better multitasking. Increasingly, smartphones can be used to watch television, and can play and capture full high definition, or 1080p resolution video. 

Google search app for iOS improved

Google has upgraded its recently launched search application for iOS devices, making it faster and easier to operate.

Google has announced an update to its recently launched search application for iOS devices. The new update promises to fix issues related to search speed and accuracy while adding a brand new interface, which will make the search process a lot easier.

The company had introduced voice-based search in the previous version of this application along with the 'Just Talk' feature, which enabled iOS users to perform voice search by directly speaking into the microphone without having to press any buttons for the operation.

The 'Just Talk' feature, which used to get turned on automatically, resulted in large numbers of false searches while the user was performing another search.

Apple proposes a new SIM size

With the plans to make even smaller and sleeker devices Apple proposes SIM smaller than that of a micro SIM.

As if the micro SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) was not small enough, Apple has now proposed to make another deduction to the size of the card. With the present Micro SIM being used by most newer Apple devices like the iPhone 4 and the iPad, Apple wants to shorten down things further and proposes it to be the new standard when comes to global telecom industry. 

The proposed SIM size, which is smaller than the Micro SIM, might result in the manufacturing of slimmer devices.

The decision on standardisation of SIM cards is pending with the European Telecoms Standards Body (ETSI), which has confirmed Apple's request.

RIM recalls 1,000 PlayBooks

It was reported there were 935 PlayBook tablets with the flaw in their operating system. Some users reported they couldn't complete the user agreement screen also, which meant they couldn't operate the device also.

About 1000 PlayBook tablets have been recalled by Research In Motion (RIM) due to a flaw in the operating system. The flaws had the potential to pose problems to users during the initial set up, reported the technology blog Engadget.

The affected devices had not even reached customers as they were still with the distributors. 

The news may affect RIM negatively and comes close on the heels of less than expected sales of BlackBerry handsets. The company believes the new products will lead to a turnaround in its sales. 

iPod to create its own screen saver based on the surrounding

Apple has filed a patent, which talks about iPod getting the ability to create screen savers to match the surroundings using an array of sensors including camera, thermometer, microphone, and accelerometer.

The iPod Nano, which is a personal media player and a fashion statement for many, might soon see its fashion quotient go up. 

According to a latest patent filed by Apple, iPod Nano will be more wearable, it could use a variety of sensors and inputs, including a camera, microphone, accelerometer and even a thermometer to obtain information about its surroundings and then create visual element matching it and display it on screen.

So, for example, your screen saver will match the jacket you are wearing, or on a cloudy day, the screen will display rain drops and so on so forth.

There is also a mention of Games as a menu option.

Five must have apps for summer vacation

These applications meant for travelers are more than just emergency tools. They will definitely help maximise your fun while you are on the move during vacations.

Traveling can be classified under two main categories: One is boring business travel, and the other is traveling for fun.

With summer vacations coming up, a lot of families and individuals will be planning their trips. Especially for these people we have a bunch of very useful and must have applications.

These applications work across all smartphone platforms including Apple, BlackBerry, Android and Symbian.

World Mate

One thing that starts way in advance of the journey is the making of a travel itinerary. Where to go; which route to follow; whether to go by car or bus or plane; where to stay — all this needs to be decided in advance. But if the itinerary is not managed well, all the effort might be in vain.

Samsung to unveil new 10.1 inch display

Samsung announces a display with much better resolution than currently on offer on other tablets. The new display uses PenTile technology which draws 40 per cent less power than other similar displays.

Samsung will unveil a new 10.1 inch display with 2560x1600 resolutions next week in the SID Display Week 2011 International Symposium in Los Angeles, said the company in a press release. 

This resolution is much better than anything else what is on offer on other tablets currently. Samsung says it uses PenTile technology (geometrical layout of subpixels used in electronic device displays and is a Samsung Trademark) in the display which will allow the display to operate at 40 per cent less power than other similar devices.

Samsung has, however, said that the display technology may undergo an upgrade. There are no indications when the new display will make its way to the Samsung Galaxy line up. But if it does, it will bring Samsung a significant advantage over its competitors.