Asus's much anticipated PadFone Tablet was launched by the Taiwanese company during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. It is now available in the US market for $860 or Rs 49,000 approximately. The release of PadFone was delayed due to the shortage in processor supply from Qualcomm. It is a hybrid device that includes Smartphone when placed inside the PadFone Station transforms into a 10.1 inch tablet with 5 times the battery capacity.

Device Specifications of Asus PadFone

• 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 dual-core chip with Adreno 225 GPU 
• 4.3 inch display
• Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system
• 540 x 960 pixel resolution
• Bluetooth 4.0
• 8 megapixel camera with autofocus
• HSPA+">HSPA+ 42 Mbps data connectivity speeds

Optional keyboard dock is offered by the PadFone Station that makes into an ultraportable computing device. PadFone Stylus headset which is a Bluetooth stylus pen that transforms into a headset for picking up calls easily is also added into this PadFone. The Asus PadFone is available in three variants with 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB storage capacity variants. This Asus PadFone comes with the dual mode functionality of a tablet as well as a high speed Smartphone too.

Source : Themobileindian

Today during its annual conference, Apple is expected to launch its mapping service. Even the latest version of iOS, the iOS 6 will be announced during the conference. Between 2009 and 2011, Apple acquired three mapping companies in quick succession: Placebase in 2009; 3-D mapping outfit Poly9 in 2010; and in 2011, C3 Technologies, a second 3-D mapping company. Apple has always wowed with its products like iPad, iPhone or the Siri on iPhone 4S, and its forthcoming mapping service is likely to 'blow your head off'. 

3D technology

Apple acquired C3 Technologies in 2011 that used something it calls 'missile-targeting technology' to develop its gorgeous 3-D models of major cities. Maps mentioned in this are extremely accurate and are in 3D. Even the Google has announced its own 3D maps and offline map service just two days back.

Siri

Siri best voice assistance service by Apple is likely to be integrated with the new mapping service so that you can talk to the map, ask it for direction or even ask it where you can find ATM nearby etc.

Traffic information

Apple has been functioning on crowd sourced (user sourced) traffic information to offer real time traffic updates. This crowd sourced information will further make it better as far as accuracy of information is concerned.

Challenges

Apple had acquired the best of mapping technology, but still the Apple has to work a lot to go ahead of Google. To acquire the database in countries like Asia, Africa, South America etc Apple will need to put a lot of work.

Other advantages

Google has been there for long and at least knows the search business better than anyone else. Another area where Apple needs to work hard is advertising or making money.

Source : Themobileindian

Airtel's plans to launch 4G services in Delhi and Mumbai are in problem.  Competition commission has asked Qualcomm to file fresh application for merging its four broadband subsidiaries (a subsidiary each for 4 circles that it acquired spectrum for) into Qualcomm Asia Pacific. Recently Airtel has bought 49 per cent stake in the BWA venture of Qualcomm. This is the reason due to which commission wants Qualcomm to submit fresh application again. The auctions held in 2010 helped the Qualcomm to secure 4G spectrums of Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala. Qualcomm's BWA venture has been facing difficulties ever since it applied for it, first with the FIBP (foreign investment promotion board) clearance, then with DoT with regards to ISP license (Internet service provider), then it was denied the spectrum and now this new clearance obstacle from Competition commission. Airtel being already present as telecom operator it would be important for the commission to look into how it affects competition in the sector. It has been reported by the Commission that combination of Airtel and Qualcomm is likely to give rise to adverse competitions and the directed the parties in question to apply with fresh details. During the time of application Qualcomm had 74 per cent equity share capital of each of the four subsidiaries. Tulip Telecom and Global Holding Corporation own balance 26 per cent equity. In the next 2 years US based chip maker will continue to hold 51 per cent till it exits India. When it will acquire 100 per cent stake in the venture in 2014 Bharti will take Qualcomm's Rs 4,000-crore debt on its books.

Source : Themobileindian

HTC, Global Smartphone giant is soon going to unveil its One S Android Smartphone in India on 15th of June. HTC was expected to make the device available in the market in last week but due to some issues the launch and availability was pushed further. Infibeam online store has started taking the pre booking orders for the device. The price of the device is expected to be around Rs 33,000. This device has been already launched in Taiwan with an over clocked single core Snapdragon based Smartphone running at 1.7 GHz. But in Indian market it will be available with 1.5 GHz dual core variant only.

Device Specifications of HTC One S:

• Android 4.0 operating system
• Dual core Snapdragon S4 Krait processor with an Adreno 225 graphics processing unit
• 4.3 inch display with Gorilla glass
• 7.8 mm metal body 
• 119.5 grams of total weight
• 8 megapixel autofocus rear camera 
• LED flash 
• VGA front camera
• 16 GB of internal storage 
• 1 GB of RAM memory
• Bluetooth
• WiFi
• DLNA functionality
• 3G cellular connectivity

Source : Themobileindian

The SmartWatch works like a wrist watch but allows users to control their Android smartphones remotely. Sony will launch its SmartWatch, a mobile accessory that displays information like incoming call, massages and can also be used to control music, will be launched by this month. The device, which comes in a wrist watch form factor, will be priced at Rs 6,299, according to Sony India's Facebook page. The Sony SmartWatch has a 1.3 inch OLED display that is used by the watch to notify users about the updates and events with the use of vibration and screen alert. You can get alerts about key events like an incoming call, text, messages and social feeds. Along with that the SmartWatch also allows users to read texts and emails as well as receive Facebook and Twitter updates all while the smartphone lies in the pocket. The Sony SmartWatch connects Android smartphones using Bluetooth giving users the ability to control key functions of the device without removing their smartphones from pocket or bag. With just a tap, touch, and swipe, SmartWatch turns from a watch displaying the time to a remote information center for and Android smartphone. The Sony Smartwatch has had its share of troubles with recent updates that rendered it useless. However, according to Sony that problem has been solved.

Source : Themobileindian