BlackBerry Bringing 3 Android Phones Neon, Argon & Mercury This Season

We do not remember the last time BlackBerry launched a phone that killed the competition. The company kept repeating the same mistakes every year, which led to a huge decline post-BBM era.

BlackBerry launched its first Android device, after almost being forced to so as to stay in the competition, called the Priv which failed to make any impact in the smartphone industry. It was known for being overpriced for the features it offered, even though the design was quite unique and reminiscent of the older BlackBerrys.

The Canadian manufacturer was now resorted to launching three Android-based smartphones, hopefully by July itself. According to reports, the three smartphones are set to be placed in the three key segments in the market right now, to take on Samsung, LG and the major Chinese manufacturers.

The smartphones will be announced at the MobileBeat 2016 Conference to be held at San Francisco from 12th-13th July. It is one of the conferences where there are talks by leaders and influential people, technology keynotes, case studies and announcements.

Expected features of the smartphones

BlackBerry will be launching the three smartphones in the US and we hope they will be subsequently available in India. The phones have been codenamed very uniquely – Neon, Argon, and Mercury. The phones are expected to be made available to the users in subsequent quarters.

Neon

It is expected to be the first out of the three to be available to the users. The phone will sport a 5.2-inch full-HD display, powered by a Snapdragon 617 chipset, housing 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. A decently sized 2610 mAh battery will be present in the phone.

The phone will not come with a physical keyboard, will support QuickCharge 2.0 and sport 13MP camera with flash at the back and an 8MP camera at the front. The smartphone will most probably be available on sale in a week or two from official unveiling.

16GB of internal storage should be now done away with, so if BlackBerry is offering such low storage for its base model, it better be cheap.

Argon

The larger of the two keyboard-less smartphones, Argon will come with a 5.5-inch QHD touchscreen powered by Qualcomm 820 chipset, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory. The phone will house a larger 3,000 mAh battery with QuickCharge 3.0 for quick charging.

Argon also has a 21MP shooter at the back along with an 8MP shooter on the front. The phone reminds us of the Priv and it is also more like an upgrade to the Priv, sans the physical keyboard. It will be available in the last quarter of 2016.

Mercury

This phone will be the last installment from BlackBerry for the time being. The form factor is expected to be different, with a large touch screen and a physical keyboard below it. However, unlike Priv, the phone will not have a slider and instead have a bar form factor, like the Passport.

Mercury sports a 4.5-inch full HD display in a square-ish design like the Passport, and houses a Snapdragon 625 chipset, coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The plus point of the smartphone is the large battery at 3400 mAh supporting QuickCharge.

The phone also has an 18MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera for selfies. Mercury seems to be a revival of its flagship Passport phone, with a new operating system. The phone will be available to consumers from Q1 2017.

Can these three phones turn-around BlackBerry’s fate?

BlackBerry recently reported a $670 million net loss, and while the company isn’t doing as bad as it did in 2014, it still isn’t in a good shape.

Lenovo Vibe C2 Announced in Russia, Features 5-inch HD Display and 4G LTE

     Lenovo has introduced yet another budget 4G smartphone for the Russian market. The Vibe C2 comes months after Lenovo introduced the Vibe C. The Lenovo Vibe C2 comes with a 5-inch HD display and is powered by a 1GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6735P SoC coupled with a 1GB of RAM. At 8.5mm thickness the phone is definitely on the chunkier side.

On the storage front, the device offers 8GB/16GB of internal memory which is further expandable up to 32GB. The camera setup consists of an 8-Megapixel primary Sony 219 sensor and a secondary camera is a 5-Megapixel unit. Lenovo Vibe C2 is backed up by a 2,750mAh battery and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

The Lenovo Vibe C2 comes with the usual host of connectivity features including 4G LTE, WiFi 802.11, Bluetooth 4.0LE, and GPS. Furthermore, the Vibe C2 would be offered in Black and White colour while the pricing details are yet to be revealed. If rumours are to be believed, then the Moto E3 might come with a similar set of specifications.

The Russian market is currently being dominated by the Chinese brands and in fact, Lenovo is one of the most popular Chinese smartphone brands and commands a market share of 10%. Lenovo is trailed by Asus and ZTE at the market share of 4% and 5% respectively. A staggering 1.2 million Chinese brand mobile phones were sold in the first two months of 2016 thus marking a 50% YoY. It is very likely that some of the countries might see a Lenovo branded variant of the Moto E3 this year.

Bag A Chat- A Unique App For WhatsApp Users To Manage Chat Professionally

With many people practically living their whole lives on WhatsApp and Hike messenger nowadays, this Pune based App was a need of the hour. Introducing Bag A Chat– a unique app crafted especially for WhatsApp and Hike users that will help them manage their chats professionally.

The patent pending app helps one to safely and smartly save and organise their WhatsApp/Hike Messages. The chats and media are saved on the cloud, meaning they can be easily accessed from anywhere in the world.

Started in November last year, the app is a unique concept that doesn’t have any other competitor in the market right now. Apart from the saving feature, the app comes loaded with loads of other features like setting message reminder, label messages for logical grouping and an easy & quick search option. The app also provides its users with cool analytics that includes interesting Graphs based on Conversations.

For people concerned about the security angle, be rest assured, the app is completely secure app because no data transfer takes over the net as the app provides its users with 100% offline access.

Bag A Chat can serve as a big asset to businesses as they can opt for business integration through API. The app’s business feature can look after customer support, project tracking and manage customer care verticle.

Founded by Anand Desai, a Senior Project Manager at Sungard for 11 years, the unique app making company hasn’t received any funding as of yet. According to Desai, the company’s immediate plan is to make more and more people aware about the app and drive in new customers.

Unfortunately, the App is currently only available for Android users. But, iOS don’t get disheartened, the iOS app is under construction and can be expected to hit the markets very soon.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be Announced on August 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be Announced on August 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been pictured in more than one leaks and the likely specifications have also been detailed out. However, this time around Samsung sent out invites to the media and the event called Galaxy Note Unpacked 2016 will take place in Rio De Janeiro and also in London. The rumour mills have been pointing out that this iteration of Galaxy Note 7 will come with a dual edged display much like the Galaxy S7 Edge.

While it is intriguing so as to why Samsung skipped the number 6 in the Note series and instead is about to announce Note 7. However, one of the deduction says that it you take into consideration the Galaxy Note Edge released in 2014 the next Note should be aptly numbered Note 7. This is what Samsung itself has to say about the nomenclature, “The Galaxy Note7 will minimize confusion about the latest mobile technology from Samsung, and provide full alignment with Galaxy S smartphone.”

Furthermore, the rumours have also pointed at a possibility of an Iris scanner for authenticating purposes and this is a feature that is not so hard to imagine since Samsung is already using it in its Tablet.

A quick recap at the specifications, Note 7 is expected to come with a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 823 (or an equivalent Exynos powerhouse), 6GB of RAM. 64GB/128GB/256GB storage options, dual edged display, 12-Megapixel primary camera setup, and a 5-Megapixel secondary sensor. Of course, all of these specifications are rumoured and need to be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt.

The Galaxy Note 7 Unpacked event will take place at 11:00 a.m EDT in New York along with simultaneous events at London and Rio De Janeiro. The event will be live streamed at Samsung official site.

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5 Casual But Addictive Games for Android You Must Try

    You don’t always wanna play hardcore games like Asphalt 8 or Modern Combat on your Android and I have two reasons to support my argument. First of all, these games require an internet connection all the time and you can’t always guarantee that and secondly, you can’t play them while having coffee or on your commute back to home from work. Games like these need your undivided attention.

     At times, you need some casual games that you can play without any missions to complete, but then they should be addictive and worth your time. So here are some casual-yet-addictive games that you can play on your Android to make the most out of your free time.

1. Floors

First in the list is Floors by Ketchapp Games and this one is an endless arcade platformer, but, with a twist. You have to dodge spikes while running on various floors and collect rubies in the process that will unlock other characters. The game is challenging as you will be given a random floor from a set of 4 sections with different types of spikes that you need to dodge.

The reason it’s so addictive is because there is no load time and you kind of challenge yourself when you see that you have died for a silly reason. Those being your poor reflexes, concentration, etc and that you should have done better in the next chance. Hence, the story continues!

2. Chameleon Run

The next game you can try is Chameleon Run and as the name suggests, this game has to do with changing colors and running through obstacles. The objective of the game is to run, dodge obstacle and change color so as to land with the matching color of the platform. The game has pixel perfect physics and the camera angle is also amazing that gives you a pseudo-3D like environment. If you have loved color switcher, this game will entice you even more.

The game is $1.99 on the Play Store and as easy as it may sound, it’s very difficult to match your reflexes with what the game requires. This is what makes it so addictive. You challenge yourself that you can do better than this and then end up playing for hours.

3. Side Swipe

Side Swipe is a minimalistic game that you can play almost anywhere you can take out some free time. The goal of the game is very simple, when you see a shape, swipe the screen according to the color before it hits the ground. So an Orange ball needs to be swiped left before it hits the ground and the blue need to be swiped to the right.

Sounds way to simple right? Well, I too thought so but my opinion changed soon. The game will start simple but after a while your reflexes will be put to test and it will become difficult with the high speed and multiple objects coming your way. Still way better than swiping all those photos on Tinder, I guess!

4. Skyward

Skyward is one is an endless game where you need to place the two spots (red and blue) on the path in order to progress. If you miss the chance to place them in time or if you place them in air, it’s the end of the story. Well, that’s the very basic description I can give about the game and frankly you should play the game yourself to know it.

 The game has ads and you can buy the ad-free version for just $1.99. However these ads are not obtrusive and it’s easy to make peace with them even while playing for hours.

5. Current Stream

Lastly, we have Current Stream and unlike all the others which are reflex based, this one is a puzzle based game. The idea of the game is simple, you need to solve puzzles by rotating tiles, supplying energy to all light bulbs. The good things about the game are its beautiful visuals, relaxing, high-quality ambient music, and more than 200 challenging levels.

The game will look very simple but with so many permutations and combinations, it can be difficult to find the path of light and that’s what makes this game so addictive.

Conclusion

So these were 5 addictive casual games to play on Android. I am sure these are not the only addictive games out there and the list is way too long. These games are only a matter of personal choice and you can also contribute to the list by leaving a comment. So do try out these games and share which one is your favorite out for the five.

3 of the Very Best All-in-One Toolbox Apps for Android

     The things that we can do with smartphones these days are amazing. There seems to be an app out there for everything as you have probably heard quite often. Well, if you are a DIY lover/handyman then you are not left out either. There are several measurement functions that can be carried out with smartphones and smart devices in general.

Whether it be a spirit level, a ruler or a compass, you can find an app that will allow you this functionality on your smart device, and more specifically, on Android. But what if you could combine all of these functions or more into a single app? Well there are apps that do that too! Let’s check out some of the best of them out there

1. Smart Tools

Smart Tools is a comprehensive toolbox app for the DIYer/handyman out there. There are plenty of tools available that can assist you in completing your project.

There is truly a very large number of tools available through this app. Where appropriate, the various tools allow the user to calibrate them to ensure correct functioning.
The available apps are:

·         Ruler

·         Level

·         Speed (a speedometer)

·         Light

·         Sound (decibel meter)

·         Location

·         Distance

·         Speed gun

·         Compass

·         Magnifier

·         Mirror (uses front facing camera)

·         Protractor

·         Stopwatch

·         Metal detector

·         Vibrometer (measures intensity of vibrations)

·         Lux (light meter)

·         Color (allows users to determine the color of an object)

·         Converter (convert between various units)

·         Microphone

·         Metronome

·         Tuner

·         Scanner

·         NFC reader

·         Cardiograph (heart rate monitor)

·         Dog whistle

·         Random (random number/password generator)

·         Time zones

·         Thermometer

·         Drag (drag racing tool which allows for speed, distance and time to be tracked)

·         Battery

·         Night vision

·         Calculator

·         Counter

·         Polygraph

·         Accelerometer

·         Shortcuts (allows you to create shortcuts for any of the tools on your home screen)

This is quite the comprehensive app which provides features even beyond what the typical handyman would require such as the metronome feature.

2. Tool Box

Tool Box offers a variety of apps for users to use. It’s not as comprehensive as Smart Tools, but it isn’t far behind.

It offers a

·         Compass

·         Leveler

·         Measure

·         Protractor

·         Vibrometer

·         Magnetic Field detector

·         Altimeter

·         Tracker

·         H.R Monitor (heart rate monitor)

·         Decibel Meter

·         Flash (flashlight)

·         Converter

·         Magnifier

·         Calculator

·         Abacus (for counting)

·         Counter (clicker format)

·         Score Board

·         Roulette (allows for random numbers/options to be picked)

·         Code Reader (QR code reader)

·         Mirror

·         Tuner

·         Stopwatch

·         Timer

·         Metronome

Toolbox also offers calibration and setup options where possible in order to ensure that measurements given are as accurate as possible.

3. Army Knife for Android

Army Knife is more compact than the other two offerings but it is effective if you are just looking for core DIY/handyman tools.

The tools available are:

·         Flashlight

·         Unit Converter

·         Timer

·         Stopwatch

·         Compass

·         Bubble Level

·         Calculator

·         Magnifying Glass

·         Ruler

This app also ensures that calibration options are available where necessary. This is a quite important feature and can not be stressed enough.

Conclusion

These apps make use of your Android device’s hardware and sensors in creative and useful ways to the benefit of the end user. Army Knife is quite compact and allows for users to take the measurements they need for a project easily and quickly.

Tool Box and Smart Tools are more comprehensive and go beyond typical handy man tools. However, Smart Tools is filled with invasive ads. Although it provides more tools this does not make it better than Tool Box which provides several different tools without the invasive ads of Smart Tools.

10 Best Mobile Apps For Women Safety In India

The safety of women has always been a critical issue in our country. And with the rise in the number of incidents that took place last year, this has become an, even more, serious issue which needs to be rectified as soon as possible. The situation has become so deplorable that India ranks amongst the top ten countries in the world that are considered unsafe or dangerous for women. You can find safety tips online for women who are looking to travel in India, a country where women are worshipped as Goddesses.

We need to effectuate a change in the situation so that our own women do not feel unsafe. The situation has become so alarming that women today are always on the lookout, always on the defensive. We need to use all tools that are available at our disposal to make it a safe and secure environment for our women. These entrepreneurs feel the same way and have come up with apps that might help make a woman feel more at ease.

1.   Go Suraksheit, Hughes Systique India Private Limited

This is an application that gets you help in case of an emergency. It has 4 features that let your friends and family know that you are in danger. As soon as you press the help button, these four things will occur:

·         An SMS is sent to 10 contacts in your phone that you can program beforehand itself. The message contains you exact location on a map with a link to the same.

·         It updates your Facebook status with the same information.

·         It sends a call to a pre-provisioned emergency number.

·         A loud alarm starts playing on your phone to attract the attention of anyone in the vicinity.

2.   Safetipin

Safetipin is one of the good options when it comes to safety apps for women. The app is designed keeping in mind the concept of personal safety. It incorporates all the essential features such as GPS tracking, emergency contact numbers, directions to safe locations etc.

The app also pins the safe areas along with their safety scores to go at the time of any problem. It also enables the users to pin unsafe areas and help others. Safetipin is available in Hindi, Bahasa and Spanish, besides English.

3.   FightBack, Tech Mahindra

This application was developed by CanvasM Technologies. It is a subsidiary of Tech Mahindra. Apart from the function of sending messages to contacts in a situation of imminent danger, it also warns the user about places on the Google map that might be unsafe, based on the past SOS alert data.

4.   Ridesafe

This one great app with a unique concept that can help women feel safer when they are travelling alone. It is very easy to use, just like the google maps. All you need to do it put in your destination and it also gives you the option of sharing your ride with any of your contacts so that they can track your position. Also, this app has a distinctive feature that detects route deviation. This is caught by their system and they inform your contacts and also contact the authorities and alert them of the situation. This is a must have app for all the women out there.

5.   TellTail

A creation of DIMTS (Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Ltd.), the application allows the user to be tracked through the GPS on their phone or the vehicle. The user can send instant alerts to a chosen group of contacts as well. The app lets your location be known even if there is no GPS on your cell phone as location can be monitored using the vehicle’s GPS.

6.   PanicGuard –

This is one app that does the full emergency workup. It is active the entire duration of the emergency and sends out audio-visual alerts to the provided contacts and the police as well. You just need to turn on the app and shake your phone and the alerts will start going.

7.   SafeTrac

SafeTrac is a mobile app that sends a message and an email with the precise location of the user in danger to his/her pre-defined contacts. Moreover, it has another feature which provides alert or admonition to users if they are entering an unsafe area based on the reviews from other users.

8.   One Touch SOS –

It’s function is similar to the other apps as it sends a message to the user’s contacts if the user presses the button on his/her phone indicating they are in danger and need help. The difference here is that you can select only three contacts to which messages can be sent.

9.   Nirbhaya: Be Fearless

This app works on the same basic principle as the other apps with some additional features. It was developed by Pune-based SmartCloud Infotech. It sends messages with location updates to predefined SMS contact groups, Facebook wall and secured web portal. The user can either shake the phone or use a simple click to send alert messages to their predefined contacts.

10.       SafeBridge –

This is another personal safety app. It sends a message with the users’ GPS location to a list of trusted contacts in case of an emergency. It also has an I am a safe button, that the users can use to tell their contacts if the danger has been averted. This app does not require the presence of internet to function at all.