Samsung Ativ Q, a hybrid tablet with dual OS.

One of Samsung's new device is the Ativ Q, a hybrid tablet and laptop running both Windows 8 and Android.
Yes, you heard it right, it's dual OS device. The convertible PC can flip, fold and transform into different modes. Samsung calls them 'tablet', 'typing', 'stand' and 'floating'. The first two are self-explanatory while the others mean you can have the screen flipped right over to face the other way or at various different angles between this and being docked with the keyboard.
There's not enough room for a trackpad but a touchscreen pretty much negates the need for this anyway.

The Ativ Q is reasonably thin at 13.6mm but is a lot heavier than a typical tablet at 1.29kg – usual for a hybrid, though.
Specs are pretty impressive with an Intel fourth-generation Haswell Core i5 processor and a dazzling 13.3in screen with a huge 3200x1800 resolution – that’s a pixel density of 275ppi.
Furthermore, the Ativ Q comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus with 1024 levels of sensitivity and SideSync software which means you can use a smartphone or tablet as a second screen or have it mirrored on the larger display.
The Ativ Q really comes into its own because of its dual-OS setup – Windows 8 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean come pre-loaded. You can switch quickly and easily between the two with appropriate buttons and even share files such as the photo gallery.

This is a real benefit as you can use Windows 8 in laptop mode to get all your work done which requires full-blown software then switch to Android and use all the apps and games you love on your phone. With Windows 8 Snap View you can even use Windows 8 side-by-side with Android.
Ativ Q will be released 'later this year' according to Samsung.

Ativ Q Specs:

• Size:13.3”
• Resolution:3200x1800, 275ppi
• OS:Windows8, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
• Processor:Intel Core i5
• Graphics:Intel HD Graphics 4400
• Memory:4GB DDR3L
• Hard Disk Drive:128GB SSD
• Camera:720p HD
• Battery Life:Up to 9 hours
• Dimensions:327.0x217.8x13.9mm
• Weight:1.29kg
• Colour:Ash Black
• USB Ports:1xUSB3.0, 1xUSB2.0, micro HDMI,RJ45 (dongle), HP/Mic combo, micro SD

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Samsung launches 7-inch and 8-inch Galaxy Tab 3 tablets in India.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 – Tab 3 211 and Tab 3 311 – have been introduced in India.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 211 tablet is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and is packed by a 4000 mAh battery. This Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)-running tablet comes with 8GB of internal storage that can be expanded by up to 32GB more memory. The tablet sports a 1.3MP rear and front camera. 

In addition to these, this Samsung tablet comes pre-loaded with services like My Education, My Offers, My Games, My Music and My Movies. The My Education feature gives consumers access to 2,000 e-books, 1,000 learning videos, educational content for school children and preparatory material for entrance exams to professional  courses. My Offers makes best local offers from 350+ brands and 25,000+ merchants in India available at the click of the button. 25 edutainment Games and 20 HD games are available for the users to download on the Tab 3 Series. 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 311 sports an 8-inch WXGA display (189 ppi) and comes with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. It is 7.4 mm thin and runs Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean OS). The Galaxy Tab 3 311 is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor with 1.5GB RAM. 

The Galaxy Tab 3 8-inch will be available in two variants – Galaxy Tab 3 311 has 3G (Voice and Data) capabilities, while the Galaxy Tab 3 310 is a Wi-Fi version only.

The tablet sports a 5MP rear camera and a 1.9MP front camera. In addition to that, the tablet comes with 16GB internal memory that can be expanded by up to 64GB with a microSD card. The device is packed by a 4450 mAh battery.

The Multi Window feature on the tablet allows users to work on two apps simultaneously by splitting the screen into two (like watching a movie and chatting at the same time). Another feature, Pop up Video, allows a small video window to be played over any part of the tab’s menu, while the Smart Stay feature follows the user’s eyes to keep the screen on as long as it is being watched.

The S Translator feature on the tablet offers translation through voice recognition and via text on applications including email, text message and ChatON. This translation is possible both from speech-to-text and text-to-speech, ensuring that you can communicate with ease while travelling internationally. Also, with the preloaded TripAdvisor app, users can get information and make reservation of the places classified in various categories such as places, hotels, food, forum, et al. In addition to these, the tablet comes with intuitive features such as Story Album and Group Play that allow users more ways to instantly share and enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3's prices:

Tab 3 211 (7-inch) - ₹ 17,745

Tab 3 311 (8-inch) - ₹ 25,725

Tab 3 310 (8-inch Wi-Fi only) - ₹ 21,945

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Display and Configuration:

Samsung Galaxy S4 mini features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels along with a pixel density of 256 ppi. The device is  powered with a 1.7GHz Dual-Core processor and 1.5GB RAM.  It runs on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system.

Camera and storage:

The device packs an 8MP Autofocus camera with dual LED Flash and every authentic Galaxy camera feature along with a front camera of 1.9MP for video calling. Samsung Galaxy S4 mini comes in 8GB storage variant which can be expanded upto 64 GB via MicroSD card.  

Battery and connectivity:

The new device in Galaxy family poses a 2100mAh battery for uninterrupted entertainment. It also poses 2G, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v4.0, NFC, infrared and microUSB 2.0 etc.

Samsung Galaxy S4 mini specs:

• 4.3-inch super AMOLED Display
• Android 4.2.2 OS
• 1.7GHz Dual-Core Processor with 1.5GB RAM
• 8MP rear camera and 1.9MP front camera
• 8GB inbuilt storage expandable up to 64GB
• 3G, Wifi, GPS
• 2100mAh battery

Expected price is ₹ 24,900.

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Android 4.3 leaked for Galaxy S4 and Google Play Edition.

Although it appears Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie) remains well beyond the immediate horizon, Jelly Bean's upcoming point release (4.3) is managing to find its way onto Samsung Galaxy S4 handsets. While not available through official channels, a Galaxy S4-compatible test build of 4.3 has hit the scene; purportedly, it's fully-functional and install-able with no necessary modifications.

When it comes to compatibility, the ROM upgrade appears to work on Samsung's standard-issue Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) and its unadulterated Google Play Edition (GT-I9505G). It's good to see a fully-operational test build materialize so soon, since the lag-time between Google and a carrier release is often times more than a few months.

According to some who've already tinkered with it, Android 4.3 seems to be essentially a maintenance release with mostly "under the hood" improvements. Some of the changes include the addition of Bluetooth tethering for S4 owners, low-energy Bluetooth support and a feature which allows location services to scan for Wi-Fi hot spots even while Wi-Fi is disabled. Tinkerers will also be pleased to find a new camera app, more developer options and a number of other small tweaks.

Here is the installation process:

Backup your stuff! Installing 4.3 requires a clean install.

Copy the Android 4.3 ROM to your internal memory card

Hold Power + Volume Up + Home buttons to enter recovery mode

Perform a factory reset

Flash your device with the ROM

Reboot

Presumably, flashing your S4 to 4.3 is a warranty-voider, so upgrading is only recommended only for adventurers and preferably those already skilled in flashing Android device ROM's.

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Samsung 85" Ultra HD TV (4K) @ ₹ 27 Lakh In India.

Samsung's 85" beast, the 85S9 Ultra HD TV has been launched in India with a brain-blasting price tag of Rs. 27 lakh only. The display fanatics may recall that the 85S9 Ultra HDTV was announced by Samsung at the Consumer Electronics Show and then demonstrated it at Samsung Forum event in Hyderabad. The TV offers eye-popping 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160); which is four times the resolution of any full HD (1080p) TV.

The TV is the first 4K Ultra HDTV in India and comes with a unique chassis to support the TV. The design is quite unique from Samsung's rivals and integrates massive 120 Watt speaker system (20 W x 2, Woofer 20 W x 2, Center 40 W) inside the frame. The TV is capable of scaling up full HD (1080p) videos to Ultra HD resolutions. The TV also supports conversion of 2D content into 3D for your viewing pleasures. It also comes with Samsung's One Connect solutions to eliminate the web of wires that connect to the TV set.

The S85S9 features Smart Evolution kit that allows the user to swap the motherboard with an upgraded version so that the TV remains up-to date on the hardware and firmware fronts. It will also be incredibly useful in offering users with the latest technological advances to offer new features.

On the features side, the TV is already well ahead of its competition. Apart from regular features like built-in camera for video conferencing, face recognition, motion control, voice control etc. the TV offers ConnectShare, Smart Phone As Remote, DLNA AllShare etc. The TV has 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports, build-in Wireless LAN, Component & Composite Input ports, 1 IR out, Digital Optical Out and one Audio Mini-Jack out.

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Top 5 ‘Value for Money’ Phones.

While looking for "Value for Money" phones, for children and teenagers, it’s important to think about what’s affordable, but also high quality.

Phones with low monthly contracts, or efficient pay as you go deals, can sometimes be difficult to justify if they lack basic smartphone features and other settings. However, there are a growing number of affordable phones at the mid and entry level of the market, which ranges from the Motorola RAZR i to the Nokia Asha 201.

RAZR i

This Motorola phone is recommended if you want a high quality handset that’s a few price brackets lower than a Samsung or Apple smartphone – the RAZR i comes with a 2 GHz processor, an 8 MP camera, and the latest version of Android, as well as an impressive battery life of 2,000 mAH. The phone also has an edge to edge screen that takes up almost the whole face of the handset, and can be found for deals of £21 a month with T Mobile, £19 a month with Virgin Mobile, or just £17 a month with Three.

HTC Windows Phone 8S

Designed to be used by smartphone fans that want an effective but not overly expensive phone, the Windows Phone 8S is perhaps best for younger teenagers that are waiting for an upgrade. You can pay less than £200 for the HTC hand set, which comes with 512 MB of storage, a Super LCD screen, apps, and basic contacts and text messaging features. You won’t have a phone that can compete with the top end of the market, but for affordable usage, the 8S is a good investment.

Samsung Galaxy Fame

An entry level take on the bestselling Samsung brand, the Galaxy Fame is available as a handset for less than £170, enabling SIM only deals; smaller than the average Samsung, the Fame has a 3.5 inch screen, a 1 GHz processor, and a 5 MP camera, as well as a screen resolution of 320 x 480 pixels. Users get basic apps and smartphone features, making the Fame an excellent bridge to more expensive phones at an older age – deals include £17 monthly contracts from O2, and £10 budget offers from Orange.

Huawei Ascend G300

This budget Android phone retails as a handset for less than £100, and like the Samsung Galaxy Fame, gives you a stripped down smartphone experience; a 1 GHz processor is used for a phone with a 4 inch screen, basic apps and a camera, and options for low cost monthly tariffs. Contracts for the phone are, however, primarily tied to Vodafone, with a sub-£100 price tag allowing you to set up an inexpensive, pay as you go deal with the network.

Nokia Asha 201

Ideal for younger phone users, the Asha 201 includes basic apps and a calling and messaging interface – you can find the handset for less than £50 on pay as you go, which will get you a 2.4 inch screen, no 3G, but a few apps – the Asha 201 is consequently a good idea if you want to get a phone for an older child that won’t rack up high charges, but that can still be used. Orange offer monthly contracts from about £10.50, while T Mobile’s deal involves the same tariff with 50 minutes of free calls, 250 free texts, and 250 MB of data over GPRS.

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