Xiaomi Redmi Note Successor Pricing and Specifications Tipped

Xiaomi launched its flagship smartphone, the Mi 4, in July. It is likely to be made available outside China starting next month.

However, a Chinese report published over the weekend tips that the company might soon be ready with a new high-end Redmi Note smartphone. The report has listed specifications and price of a new Redmi Note series smartphone, which has not been named as of now.

Reportedly the Redmi Note successor will be unveiled in four storage variants - 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB priced at $165, $215 and $245 respectively, while the price of 128GB is not available.

According to the Chinese report via PhoneArena, the Redmi Note successor will be powered by MediaTek's octa-core MT6595 processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. It further notes that the chipset works on the Big.LITTLE architecture with 4 Cortex-A17 cores (up to 2.2GHz clock speed) and 4 Cortex-A7 cores (up to 1.7GHz clock speed).

Another report by Gadgetz Arena claimed that the chipset in the alleged Redmi Note successor has scored an impressive 47,233 on the AnTuTu Benchmark tests.

Other purported specifications of the rumoured Redmi Note smartphone include a 5.5-inch display (unspecified resolution); a 20.7-megapixel rear camera; an 8-megapixel front camera; a 3500mAh battery; 4G LTE, and NFC support.

While the company, often referred to as the Apple of China, might be gearing up to launch the rumoured high-end new Redmi Note smartphone globally. Mi India is yet to announce the Redmi Note availability for the Indian market.

A report tipped that Mi India might launch the Redmi Note by end of September; however, we are yet to hear an official announcement from the company.

Samsung reportedly will end sales of its Chromebooks in Europe

A new report quotes a Samsung spokesperson as saying the company plans to stop selling its laptops, including its Chromebooks, in the European markets.

PC Advisor quotes a Samsung spokesperson as saying:

We quickly adapt to market needs and demands. In Europe, we will be discontinuing sales of laptops including Chromebooks for now. This is specific to the region – and is not necessarily reflective of conditions in other markets. We will continue to thoroughly evaluate market conditions and will make further adjustments to maintain our competitiveness in emerging PC categories.

We recently reviewed the Samsung Chromebook 2 and our final verdict was that the notebook had some underwhelming hardware for a rather high price. What do you think of Samsung exiting the notebook business in Europe?

HP Chromebox review

By Andrew Martonik | Sep 23 2014 | 12:05 pm  | 24 Comments

It's not going to be your main machine, but the HP Chromebox could be a simple and inexpensive choice for the right person

Chromebooks may be the talk of the town when it comes to Google's Chrome OS, but the tiny desktop-class machines called Chromeboxes have carved out their own niche as well. While they're primarily focused on education and business applications as video Hangouts machines, Chromeboxes are a great go-to choice for a cheap computer just like their laptop-style counterparts.

Several different manufacturers are in on the Chromebox game, but the most affordable model right now is the HP Chromebox starting at just $159. It's not as easy to pick up and get to computing right away as a Chromebook is considering you'll need to add your own screen and in some cases peripherals, but for a few specific use cases a Chromebox may be just the right tool for the job. Read along for our full impressions and review of the HP Chromebox.

Hardware, ports and connections

IT'S AN INCREDIBLY SMALL DESKTOP MACHINE.

The HP Chromebox is a pretty unassuming device, made to be compact and easily placed where you aren't going to see it. At 4.88 x 4.96 x 1.54 inches it's incredibly small for a desktop machine, easily stowed in a drawer with just a couple cables leading to it if you so desire. It's a square with rounded edges and few design flourishes, but it isn't ugly by any stretch (though it might be if you choose the turquoise color option). Even the power brick is small — about the size of a standard laptop one.

It also isn't particularly heavy and is built quite solidly. There's just a single vent on the back for cooling, which will kick out some hot air from time to time if you put your hand against it, and is all but silent in operation. There's just one button on the this little box — the power button on the front.

I quite like the look of the HP Chromebox, and the size is really something you can admire when you realize it contains an entire computer worth of components inside. It's notably smaller than even a Mac Mini, inching more towards the size of small set top boxes instead. I'm sure more than a few people will consider putting the HP Chromebox behind a TV for media purposes because of this.

PLENTY OF PORTS FOR ANYTHING YOU NEED TO DO, INCLUDING RUNNING DUAL MONITORS.

Considering its size, the HP Chromebox isn't light on ports. There are four USB 3.0 ports (two front, two back), both HDMI and DisplayPort out for video (including dual monitor support), analog audio out, an SDcard slot, Ethernet port and a security lock slot. There's also 802.11b/g/n Wifi and Bluetooth 4.0 inside for connecting to networks and peripherals. That's more than enough connectivity for a low-end desktop machine, and it's all stuffed into such a small package that you wouldn't expect much more.

• Buy the HP Chromebox on Amazon ($159)

On the inside you'll find a very basic set of internals that could be found in any Chromebook from early in 2014. An Intel Haswell Celeron processor at 1.4GHz, backed up by 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Not your standard set of desktop internals, but enough for Chrome OS. I'll get further into the performance of this machine below, but it's important to point out that you're not getting anything revolutionary inside the HP Chromebox — it's just a modern Chromebook in a different form factor.

Keyboard and mouse

If you're not interested in buying a separate keyboard and mouse (or repurposing one you currently have) to go with your new Chromebox, HP also sells a bundled version of its Chromebox that comes with a Bluetooth mouse and Keyboard. The MSRP of the bundle is just $20 more than the stand-alone computer, which should set your expectations for the quality of these peripherals, and only comes in the white case color.

AN EXTRA $20 GETS YOU A CHROME OS KEYBOARD AND FUNCTIONAL MOUSE.

Although the HP Chromebox itself has Bluetooth, the keyboard and mouse actually connect via a small Bluetooth dongle that's included in the box. It's a bit odd at first to "waste" a USB port on a dongle when the machine has Bluetooth inside, but the nice thing is that the dongle and peripherals are pre-paired giving you a "plug and play" experience. If it wasn't pre-paired, you'd have to first use a wired keyboard and mouse to boot up and then pair them — not the best experience.

Karbonn Sparkle V Review

Simple, stable and affordable

78

Digit rating

93

User rating

I HAVE IT0

I HAD IT0

I WANT IT2

`6,399

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PROS

• Stable and smooth performance
• Good looking design
• Will be one of the first handsets to get new updates

CONS

• Low internal memory, needs SD card
• No strong USP

Our Verdict

The Karbonn Sparkle V is definitely a good buy if you want a sturdy smartphone at a small budget. If you like to keep your smartphone updated then your best bet is an Android One handset. However there are many other smartphones in the range which offer similar specs and better performance capabilities, thus for now there isn't anything unique or any strong differentiating factor when it comes to Android One. A slightly lower price could've made a huge difference and made the smartphone much more desirable.

WHERE TO BUY

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Android One is finally out and the first three smartphones look similar and offer the same set of specifications. This will not only allow Android to penetrate deeper into tier-2 and tier-3 markets, it will boost the sales of Indian smartphone OEMs. We take a look at the smartphone offering from Karbonn which is the Sparkle V, priced at Rs. 6,399

SPECIFICATIONS

-Display: 4.5 inch IPS display with 854x480 resolution (218ppi)
-Battery: 1700mAh
-Storage: 4GB, expandable via microSD card
-Camera: 5MP rear with LED flash, 2MP front
-SoC: Mediatek MT6582
-CPU: 1.3GHz quad-core
-GPU: Mali-400
-RAM: 1GB
-Operating system: Android 4.4.4
-Connectivity: 3G, W-Fi, Bluetooth, Dual-SIM

BUILD AND DESIGN

Since Google is directly supporting OEMs by providing the latest software updates, their main concern now is to focus on the hardware and also the final finishing of the device. The Karbonn Sparkle V looks pretty good and takes a lot of inspiration from the Nexus 5, thus having a flat profile. The smartphone is all plastic with the back having a rubberized matte finish. The front has a 4.5-inch IPS panel display with a resolution of 854x480 pixels which offers vibrant colours and a respectable amount of brightness. The touchscreen response is excellent and we didn’t face any issues. The bezels are however wide and the handset could've been much better if Karbonn had trimmed them down a bit.

Above the display we can see the front facing 2MP camera, a bunch of sensors, a notification LED, and the earpiece which again reminds us of the Nexus 5 with a round perforated design. The microUSB is at the bottom, the 3.5mm audio jack on the top, and the power/lock key along with the volume rocker keys are on the right. The back has the 5MP camera with an LED flash and the whole module is raised from the main body. The back also has the Karbonn and Android One branding along with the loudspeaker. The back panel comes off to reveal the battery, two microSIM card slots and a microSD card slot. 

The Sparkle V does very well in the design department considering it costs only Rs.6,399. It certainly doesn’t feel inexpensive in the hand, rather it is one of the most well made devices from Karbonn in the sub-7k segment. It isn’t one of the slimmest smartphones, but it definitely fits well in the hand and doesn’t feel bulky. We have checked out the other two Android One smartphones (Micromax and Spice) as well and technically they look very similar and are fitted with exactly the same hardware. 

UI AND PERFORMANCE

For the ones who have been asking about Android One, let us tell you that it isn't a new version of Android. It is basically a project where Google has tied up with device makers to provide them the latest software updates for low budget smartphones. Google has also confirmed that as soon as the next version (Android L) is released, all the Nexus devices and Android One devices will be the first ones to get the new update. 

The Karbonn Sparkle V runs on the latest version currently available on most of the Android devices which is version 4.4.4. The UI is stock and exactly like one would see on a Nexus device. The only addition to it was some custom wallpapers from Karbonn. You get all the Google based apps as well as the updated version of Newstand which comes with new Indian based content. Karbonn has gone ahead and has also included apps like Snapdeal, Moneycontrol, OLX, etc. The UI feels very smooth and it seems that Google has done a god job in providing a bug-free experience on the handset. It is actually more fluid than other Karbonn smartphones that we have tried in the past. 

The smartphone handles games very well and surprisingly we saw a smooth performance when we played Asphalt 8 and Injustice: Gods Among Us on the smartphone. We thought that the MediaTek SoC wouldn't be able to provide enough power but apparently it has been optimized well. Yes, there are heating issues but nothing out of proportion.

One major concern is the internal memory which is just 4GB out of which you only get 2.27GB. The camera app doesnt let you shoot pictures until you have microSD card, so if you are planning to buy this device, make sure you expand the memory. Another issue was the loudspeaker, we thought that it is a bit low on volume and at times we even missed some calls because we couldn't hear the ringtone. 

The Sparkle V feels quite capable of handling multitasking and we managed to open about 10-12 apps at the same time without having any issues. However, the handset heats up when you run a number of apps, especially graphics intensive. 

Here are the benchmark results:

CAMERA

There is a 5MP camera at the back with an LED flash which is capable of shooting 1080p videos. Thankfully auto-focus is available which means you wont be left with blurry pictures. The camera isn't extraordinary but gets the job done. Pictures taken indoors are soft and a bit grainy. Outdoors the pictures come out quite good although the camera struggles at times with correct exposure so it's better to manually adjust it. 

The same exposure issue can be seen while making videos, also the audio quality on videos is not up to the mark. 

Here are some pictures taken with the camera, click on images to enlarge:

 
 

Compared to other smartphones in this category, the Sparkle V has a pretty decent camera. The only thing that bugged us was the fact that the camera app will not let you shoot pictures until you have a memory card.

CONLUSION

Android One seems like a good way to provide the Nexus experience at an affordable price. If you are looking for a feature rich smartphone, then the Sparkle V will not impress you. Yes there are smartphones with much better hardware and performance capability, but this handset is very stable and with full support from Google, it isn’t a bad option at all. 

One can also go for the Moto E, the Asus Zenfone 4 or the Xiaomi Redmi 1S which fall in the same price bracket.

- See more at: http://www.digit.in/mobile-phones/karbonn-sparkle-v-review-23974.html#sthash.reoA5WzA.dpuf

http://androidliveforu.blogspot.in/2014/09/blog-post.html

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LG G3 Quick Circle case Review

The WCD-100 wireless charger

Introduction

It's not that we hadn't seen cases with windows cut-outs before, it's just that LG brainstormed some clever twists to sell theirs. Not only does the circular window show the time and date in terrific Moto 360-like watch-faces, it also shows notification icons and gives users access to basic functions, such as calls, music controls, and camera without them having to open the cover. The addition of wireless charging - of which owners of Korean and USALG G3 models are deprived - is the icing on the cake. 

Alas, this cake is an expensive treat. The official Quick Circle case by LG sells for $45 to $60, and enjoying wireless charging the way LG intended with its official WCD-100 charger could cost you about as much. Considering a healthy selection of affordable third-party cases (sans-wireless charging) is available next to the official one, is the heavy price LG asks for justified?

Design

Nice looks, solid grip, and relative slimness.

The Quick Circle case is alluring with its nice looks, solid grip, and relative slimness. Made entirely of plastic, the front cover features a fabric texture, while the back panel is all plastic and harkens to the LG G Pro 2's design. From both sides, the case feels pleasantly rough on the fingers and there's no slipperiness whatsoever. The case has nothing to do with how the LG G3 itself looks and feels, but it's a good fit for the smartphone.

The case looks terrific when exposed to light, emitting an impressive metallic glow. Ergonomics wise, the case adds little bulk to the phone's sides, allowing the LG G3 to retain most of the effect of its slimmed bezels. The display cover folds completely to the back, letting users lay the phone on the table or use it right handed without any annoyances.

As you might or might not know already, the Quick Circle case acts as a replacement back panel paired with a display cover. In a way, this ensures complete safety for the phone's original back panel, as it's going to stay safe at home while the case handles all eventual calamities. 

Korean G3 owners, beware! The case that LG sent us didn't have the cut-out for the antenna to the top left, which made it impossible to use with Korean models. If you plan on purchasing one, contact the seller and make sure the cut-out is there first!

That aside, replacing the back panel is as simple as removing the original one and installing the case. Right off the bat, the LG G3 recognizes it's in the Quick Circle case, and when you double tap the screen, the watch-face and shortcuts will show up. Using the wireless charger is an instant as well - just put the phone on the cradle.

Although the case lacks a magnet to keep it closed, the display cover doesn't stick out and firmly covers the screen. The build quality is good, but the case isn't exactly rugged. It will protect the G3 from left and right, while its top and bottom remain partially exposed. For the price, we would have preferred full top and bottom coverage. Additionally, the case completely covers the G3's front camera, making selfies impossible to take without opening the cover.