ANDROID 6.0 MARSHMALLOW-THE BEST YOUR PHONE CAN HAVE

The technology is developing at a rapid pace and it becomes a challenging task to keep up with it. The latest smartphone you bought only a few months ago falls short of the new updates found in a new phone. So though buying a new device every few months may not be plausible and economical, getting the latest software update on your smartphone is not difficult.

The Android 6.0 Marshmallow is Google’s latest software update for the smartphones. As of now Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Samsung’s Galaxy Note5 have received the upgrade while the others wait in much anticipation. The new Android version is believed to address a lot of issues present in the earlier Lollipop and thereby bring greater performance and stability to your mobile phone.

THE MAJOR AREAS OF OS THAT WILL SEE KEY CHANGES–

1. DESIGN AND VISUAL CHANGES–

 

Short cuts– With the marshmallow version,   the cog widget shape will now sport an icon specific to the particular setting making it easily recognizable as opposed to the same icons present earlier.

 

Lock screen– The lock screen has expandable notifications and app shortcuts but will feature the Google’s voice search as one of the default shortcuts at the bottom corner.

 

Home screen– The home screen will too display the voice command tab with the colorful Google logo. The rest remains as in Lollipop.

 

App drawer– The app drawer now appears as a, single vertical scrolling list contrary to the multiple horizontal cards in the last version. The frequently used apps can be found on the top and a search bar allows you to find the app of your choice quickly.

 

Notification and Quick settings– The notification/ quick settings area has 2 parts. A single swipe downwards will bring you the notification panel and a second one will bring you to the Quick Settings options.

 

2. MARSHMALLOW-GOOGLE INTEGRATION–

 

Google Now on Tap–  This will allow Google to read the content on the other screens on the device and display the relevant information on the current  page ,saving you a lot of browsing time.

 

Voice API– With Marshmallow, a new Voice API finds it way in to the Android phones and allows third party apps to access Google’s voice command feature which was not possible earlier.

 

Android Pay– The fingerprint sensor on the home button now allows you to also make payments using the Android Pay system. It is easy to set up but requires a NFC equipped terminal and smartphone for functioning.

 

3. ANDROID MARSHMALLOW PERFORMANCE–

 

Doze– This is a smart battery management feature that realizes when your phone is not in use and puts it to sleep thereby conserving the battery. It saves about 15% of the charge in one overnight.

 

App Standby– The apps which are seldomly used, are put into a state of dormancy and stop receiving updates from the networks. This lowers their effect on the battery and RAM.

 

Type C and Reverse charging– Marshmallow supports the new USB Type C which is a reversible cable. It facilitates faster data transferring and charging.

 

Micro SD support-You can expect a complete micro SD support with Marshmallow but the micro SD will be formatted to a specific device and used as an additional internal storage by the device.

 

RAM manager-The RAM receives a specific settings menu called Memory which gives the users an idea about the RAM usage by different apps at various times of the day.

 

4. SECURITY–

 

Fingerprint API– The fingerprint verification allows you to make secure payments with the help of Android Pay by one time registration of the fingerprint on the device.

 

Automatic  Back-up– Marshmallow creates an automated back-up of all the apps and data on your device and saves you the hassle while restoring them again on a smartphone.

 

App permissions– This feature gives the user greater control by allowing them to choose which apps can access their microphone ,camera and other important details.

 

Network Security Reset– A nice by the Marshmallow that promptly removes all passwords and settings related to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and network that may put your device’s security at risk.

 

Monthly Security patches– Google provides the smartphone’s Android security patch level in the ‘About phone’ section that gives monthly security updates  about your device.

Encryption– With Marshmallow, Android   Encryption gets a new definition, however phones lacking a lock screen and low processing power will not be able to experience this update.

 

5. MARSHMALLOW USABILITY

 

Text Selection– The text selection receives an improvement in the form of a floating menu that allows you 3 options of select all, copy or share. Also selecting whole words is easier with the new ‘chunking’ method.

 

Delete screenshots option– The earlier android version allowed you only the option of sharing after you took a screenshot and you had to delete it by visiting the gallery. Marshmallow gives you an option of deleting them in the notification preview.

 

App Link–  The Lollipop update required you to repeatedly tell the system to open certain links with particular apps, this issue  has been overcome with the latest android update.

 

Direct Share-Android has tried to improve its multitasking face with the new Direct Share feature. With this new addition you can now choose to share any file or image not only via different apps but also with various contacts that will be displayed as options.

 

Chrome Custom Tab– This is a Chrome based mini-browser that allows users to view web content within different apps. You can also assign specific color and make the Chrome custom tab like a part of a particular app.

 

 

The Android 6.0 Marshmallow is an improvement over previous Lollipop version and aims at fixing the bugs and errors associated with it. With the OS upgrade and new features, it is sure to make your Android experience bigger and better in terms of performance  and functionality. We can’t wait to get this version running on our phones ,can you??

Is Lenovo Ready to Take on the Note 5 with the Phab Plus?

Most people squirm at the thought of a phablet. Even getting used to a 5 inch smartphone takes a while for several individuals, which is why when we see someone with a 7 inch monster to their ear, coolly carrying on a conversation, we can’t help but wonder what’s happening to the world. However, to cater to particularl this kind of public, many brands are hogging the limelight by releasing devices that are bigger than what you’d expect. Among the latest electronic gadgets is a sector called phablets, which is basically a euphemism of ungodly huge smartphones. These are smartphones that have screens beyond 6 inches. Many brands have successfully launched phablets, with the elite Note series of Samsung gaining considerable fame.

 

After the Note 5 was recently announced, an unlikely player jumped into the arena with a fantastic phablet. Lenovo’s new Phab Plus was initially announced in March in Barcelona, although it didn’t really manage to create a stir back then. However, now, the phablet is garnering quite a bit of attention, as its specs were revealed to be quite high end. People don’t expect a brand like Lenovo to really take a sector like phablet by storm, yet its two new releases, the Lenovo Phab and Phab Plus, aim to shake up the latest electronic gadgets market indeed.

The new phablets come with 7 inch displays and sport some fantastic features. The Phab phablet has a quad core Snapdragon 410 chipset, with 1 GB RAM, Android 5.0 Lollipop, 13 MP auto focus with 5 MP front camera. The Phab Plus on the other hand comes with a 6.8 inch screen, quad core Snapdragon 615 chipset, 2 GB RAM, Android 5.0 Lollipop OS and 13 MP main camera and 5 MP front camera. Competitively priced, this time Lenovo has set its sights on the phablet market, which is still relatively nascent. Although Sony tried its hand in this market, unfortunately, the elite Xperia Z Plus series failed to make enough of an impact, as it was priced at as high a price as the Note phablets. Thus, for people seriously looking for a less expensive option in the 7 inch screen space, Lenovo has come to your rescue with its Phab series.

On the downside, as is often Lenovo’s policy, this device will be available in select countries only, most of which are in Asia and South America. This means once again, the general North American public will be denied the chance to own this fantastic phablet. Although the specs may not necessarily blow off your socks, for the price its available at, it manages to make perfect sense, especially if you’re one of those people who doesn’t want to own a separate smartphone and tablet. However, for the North American public that still wishes to own this device either way, there’s always eBay.

Can Oxygen OS 2.0.2 Help Boost OnePlus 2 Sales?

The fall is a very competitive season, as several big names tend to release their flagship handsets around this time. However, few names tend to dominate the handheld news scene and one such name is OnePlus. After the phenomenal success of the OnePlus One last year, which was dubbed as the ‘flagship killer’, the Chinese smartphone maker is back, this time with the OnePlus 2, a worthy successor of its super hit debut handset. After releasing details of the specifications and release date, another detail that excited people was that the OnePlus 2 was all set to come with the latest Oxygen OS.

However, this excitement soon died out when several fans took to forums to complain about possible bugs and lags in the new software. OnePlus took note of these complains and now, just a week after its first OTA update, has released the Oxygen OS 2.0.2. The incremental rollout of the second update is set to begin immediately, with OnePlus promising to focus on future problems and rollout updates to address the same.

The new update aims to address several vital issues. Improvements have been made in the fingerprint recognition feature, stability has been added to the front camera and a bug that tended to abruptly mute volume has also been fixed. OnePlus has also assured fans that a major update, in the form of the Oxygen 2.1 update, is coming in mid-September, so they needn’t be too worried if all their issues haven’t been addressed in this update. Also, OnePlus says that the new update is incremental in nature, which means it won’t hit all the new handsets together and some users may have to be patient and wait for it to come.

The current software update, with the news of the impending update already out, comes as a big relief to many apprehensive fans. While the wait list for the invite for the OnePlus 2 is already unbelievably long, people expect a flagship handset to have the very best software, with no glitches in basic functioning of highlighted features such as a strong front camera and fingerprint recognition.

The OnePlus 2 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated handsets of the year. When people thought the OnePlus One couldn’t be bettered, the Chinese company did the undoable and proved everyone wrong. However, one area where OnePlus has always got flak is when it comes to the OS. The original Cyanogen OS was not only reviewed as being cluttered according to handheld news sources but then it became redundant after a point, when its updates stopped. Although Oxygen update came along, it came after several complains and many delays, leaving fans unsatisfied. Thus, in the software department, OnePlus needs to do some damage control, so as to ensure that it wins over fans and doesn’t lose out on prospective buyers due to the reputation of its software.

What makes Lava Pixel V1 a good buy?

The Android One project in India was introduced last September by Google to make easy to use and affordable smartphones available to people who are not that tech inclined or updated with the latest mobile phone news. Since then, Android One smartphones have been launched in various other markets experiencing transition towards smartphones. Though the first set of Android One handsets came with a minimalist design, the second generation of it introduced recently in India by home grown brand Lava Mobiles, is appealing enough both in terms of looks and features if you compare mobile phones specifications.

Dubbed as Lava Pixel V1, the device rocks a 5.5 inch display, which is a big thing for a mid-range category phone, keeping in mind the present desire of smartphone users to enjoy large displays to watch videos and play games. Design wise, the phone is a winner as well with its metallic finish on its white plastic chassis. In fact, in terms of looks it is quite reminiscent of the Vivo V1 with the same kind of sleek and smooth matte metal combo. It is a big device but the rounded edges and corners enable for a good grip.

Pixel V1 runs a very bloat free vanilla version of Android’s latest 5.1 Lollipop with an interface similar to the Nexus devices. This means it does not have unnecessary tweaks and redundant customizations or those flashy looking icons added by smartphone manufacturers which tend to make the device pretty tardy in the long run. And with Lollipop on board, the device runs smooth and seamless. So, this is a huge plus point for users who stick to basic usage like calling, messaging, sending mails or maybe a bit of playing YouTube videos.

As a matter of fact, the internal specs of the device would allow you to do only that much lag free. To power up functions, the CPU has four cores with a clock speed of 1.3GHz with a surprising 2GB of RAM. And the memory is good enough at 32GB along with an additional 32GB which can be added with MicroSD storage card, which means plenty of space to install apps and media files, however, the speed of the device may have to be compromised there in.

The 13 megapixel camera with F2.0 Aperture ensures decent shots though it takes time to adjust the focus. And the 8 Megapixel front camera is a satisfying leap over the 2 Megapixel snapper offered by the first generation Android One smartphone.

To sum up, Lava Pixel V1, priced at Rs. 11,349 (around $177) is definitely a smart looking Android One device which has taken a commendable leap from its earlier generation with rather unimpressive specs. Not to forget the other contenders in the same price range namely Lenovo K3 Note, Yu Yureka and the more recent Moto G 3^rd Gen, all of which can give tough competition to the Pixel V1. And also there are other phones in the market at a much lower price. However, Lava Pixel V1 scors points on the vanilla software, even more with Google’s promise to update with latest builds till two years from the date of purchase.

Samsung Launches Latest Smartphone in China

Samsung, after receiving appreciation from the global market for launching its two premium devices -Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, this South Korean company has now introduced a new android smartphone – Samsung Galaxy J5. Samsung has not only launched J5 alone, it has also introduced the Chinese smartphone market with J5’s greater version Samsung Galaxy J7, at the same day.

 

Similarities:

Samsung Galaxy J5 and J7 share a lot of similar specifications and features. After Sony’s Xperia C4 and C4 dual smartphones, Samsung has attempted to strengthen its smartphone platform based on imagery development in both the latest devices. Both the smartphones are sharing 13 megapixel primary camera with 5 megapixel front camera and proper flash light support. Samsung has tried to add a new level in mobile photography with self-timer mode, auto focus and Beauty. It also assures more brightness and clarity in the captured images.

Both the devices to appear with inbuilt Android Lollipop 5.1 and will get the support of 1.5GB RAM, 16GB inbuilt memory support and up to 128 GB external memory support. So, it is easier for the users to download, store and capture more moments of life without hesitation. 2G, 3G, 4G LTE network support is another advantage for both the devices. Both are supported with numerous powerful applications, such as –GALAXY Gifts, Play Games, Google Apps, Play Newsstand, and Play Movie including Dropbox, Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. These two devices get the support of Proximity and Accelerometer sensors. Galaxy J5 and J7 include powerful battery support and also assure up to 342 hours of battery backup, as well. According to the handheld news, buyers may choose these two devices in black, white and golden color texture.

Differences:

Samsung Galaxy J5 and J7 includes many differences along with notable similarities, which signify the individualistic value of them. According to the latest smartphone specification, both the Android Lollipop smartphones from Samsung is supported by a powerful processor. Galaxy J5 is featuring Quad-core 1.2 GHz processor, where the J7 smartphone gets the support of Octa-core 1.4 GHz processor. The smaller Galaxy device is featuring Adreno 306 GPU, but the other one doesn’t include any GPU, which means that, this one aspect plays an important role to make Galaxy J5 much more advanced device than its larger version, especially equipped with the power of gaming.

Apart from it a 2,600mAh and 3,000mAh battery is loaded in Galaxy J5 and J7 and both of them provide same battery backup. Now a question may arise that why one would buy Galaxy J7 paying extra money where, the smaller version is more equipped. In that case, Samsung Galaxy J7 has one advantage and that is, J7 has a 5.5 inch screen, which makes it more than the conventional devices. In other hand, Galaxy J5 has a 5inch display, like the rest of the cheap smartphones are offering effortlessly.

What makes Canvas Knight 2 better than the previous one?

Though Micromax, the popular Indian smartphone manufacturer started getting mass attention with its economical android smartphones, but the launch of Canvas devices gave it a new platform in the smartphone market.

Micromax introduced Micromax Canvas Knight last year, August, where it has featured 4.7 inch screen with good memory, camera and powerful processor support in a budget friendly price. This newly launched Knight Smartphone has attracted the smartphone buyers and has received a great many complement from some of the notable names of Indian tech media, at the same time.

Now, in June, 2015, Micromax has launched the next generation of the Knight. Micromax Canvas Knight 2 is the newest addition in its Canvas list and has appeared in a greater mobile case with the newest version of Android. If you want to know that which one is better amongst these two then you have to compare mobile phones specifications.

 

Micromax Canvas Knight: Micromax Canvas Knight is the first Knight Smartphone from this Gurgaon based smartphone hub. This device is featuring a 4.7 inch HD IPS display with 1280×720 megapixel display resolution. This device has appeared with the Android 4.4.2 KitKat and gets support of MT6592M 1.4GHz Octa core CPU. Along with these supports, Canvas Knight also features 1GB RAM with 8GB inbuilt memory and let you expand the memory space up to 32GB. With a 2000mAh battery Canvas Knight assures up to 180 hours of power support, at the same time.

Micromax Canvas Knight 2: As it is the next generation of its predecessor, hence, it is quite evident that, the version is more developed and efficient, not only by specification but also in work. This Android Lollipop device is featuring the most demanding 5 inch display of present time with HD screen and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, a specialist display protector in the market, which keep devices scratch, dust and drop resistant. Micromax Canvas Knight 2 is powered with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, 64 Bit octa-core CPU with Adreno 405, which make this device faster and smoother and also a powerful GPU makes it an efficient gaming smartphone.

Apart from it, 2GB RAM has been offered with Knight 2, that the device can save more short term data, that you can check out more things in a better and faster way. Along with 16GB in-built memory support, this smartphone users will get the access to install external memory card, up to 32GB. Knight 2 is offering 2260mAh battery with up to 335 hours of battery backup, which is undoubtedly more powerful than the previous one.

What makes the new one better?

In every aspect Canvas Knight 2 is an advanced smartphone than Canvas Knight and it is quite clear from the above mobile phone comparison. Not only because a powerful CPU and battery support, the pre-loaded latest and most developed Operating System, improved memory support, strong display glass and more over a better sleek look with elegant color combination. So, the buyers have to decide now, that they will buy a mobile with lesser specs to save a little amount or, would like to get a far better device in a bit of extra price.

Smartphones to Look Out For in 2015

2015 may just be halfway through but there is still a ton to look out for when it comes to smartphones. This has been the year of innovation, as several brands came out with new and different handsets which sported unique features. However, there are still several new things to look for when it comes to mobile phone specifications. Comparison of handsets released lately with those that came out last year will make you realise the huge gap between handsets and their features.

One of the main handsets that has managed to make waves in the upcoming cell phones market is the LG G4. LG’s G3 was the most ambitious phone from last year, and it came with a new and impressive look. Accordingly, the G4 sports a fancy leather casing, with Snapdragon 808 processor, 5.5 inch HD screen and 32 GB of internal storage, which is expandable. LG is also making waves with its LG G Flex 2.

Just when you thought that HTC couldn’t get any better, the smartphone maker managed to outdo itself with the HTC M9. Last year’s M8 was a big hit, as it managed to really win the market with its excellent mobile phone specifications. Comparison of the M8 and M9 will make you realise that the M9 comes with a 20 MP main camera, Snapdragon 810 chipset and an octa-core processor. The M9 is also releasing as a phablet, with the M9+, which is a 5.5 inch phablet. This is sure to give the likes of Note 4 competition.

Sony too is releasing the Z3+ and the Z4, which aim to be worthy successors of last year’s highly successful flagship Z3 series. And how can one forget Microsoft when talking about new launches. Microsoft is heel bent on ending the name of Nokia but it is still keeping the Lumia series alive. The new offerings from Microsoft include the Lumia 940 and the Lumia 940 XL. These phones too will come with large and bright screens and Windows OS, as has always been the norm with Microsoft and Lumia.

The S6 and the S6 Edge has already managed to make a name for itself with its innovative design and the fact that Samsung managed to finally get everything right, which all went wrong in the S5. The S5 tanked big time and proved to be the biggest embarrassment possible for Samsung. Thus, it’s a good thing that Samsung has really upped its game, as 2015 is sure to give it tons of competition.

This was all about upcoming cell phones & handheld news. There are also several brand names that are swirling in the rumour mills, with claims that many smaller names are also looking to take on the likes of bigwigs. Only time will tell whether this year will see any upsets for the big names.

Android M: The Next Generation of Lollipop

In June, 2014 Google, the Mountain View based inventor and search giant launched Android Lollipop, the most talked Operating System till date, during Google I/O in Moscone Centre, San Francisco. In 2012 I/O meet, Google launched Android Jelly Bean and this year, in their what’s New in Android segment the company is going to launch their newest and upcoming Android M.

The word M may refer to Marshmallow, Milky Bar or, Muffin. The name is not yet announced and expectedly, the day won’t be tomorrow as in previous year, Google initially used the name Android L and later on named it Lollipop. So, here we may have to wait a bit to get final confirmation on the name of the latest Android. But, apart from the name, a slight preview can be forwarded on what Android M is going to bring in this smart tech world.

• Android for work: In the month of February, Google has launched a perfect program – Android for all kind of work purposes and named it Android for Work. To make it work on reality Google associated with several big brands for partnering in various aspects to fulfill the project. Google is still working to roll out android apps for business and expectedly with this update, we will be able to see some progress in the Android for Work project.
• Voice Command: Expectedly with the latest update new changes will be found in Voice command. Just think, what is next of ‘OK Google’.
• More Gesture: The Chop Chop gesture which has arrived with Android 5.1 and has become popular very soon, can be followed by many more apart from on screen finger movement. On hand device movement make things easier, no doubt, as chopping open flash light in Moto X.
• More Apps: Sometimes I think the mobile world is running for apps and lough by myself. But, in a serious note, sources claim that, this tech hunter is going update android with special ability to access more apps without downloading them. That means, more free space and smooth surfing.
• More Battery Life: Smartphone dependency is growing in daily life. Google, which has experimented to make life simple will expectedly improve battery back in the most popular and largely used operating system.
• Security: If the assumption of all work development goes right, then Google have to strengthen smartphone security for better and safe on mobile work. It has already launched touch sensor to unlock the mobile and expectedly will apply similar features to open individual app or icons to protect mobile data.

Apart from the mentioned functional improvements, few small changes can be added. But, expecting a huge difference through this update may not act out in reality. These assumptions have been made on the basis of Android’s few latest changes. It is quite clear that, the new changes are merely a glimpse of entire story. Assumingly the rest is going to arrive with Android M.

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