In the market that is full of affordable and smart Android tablets these days, it is easy for you to get confused. A lot of brands such as Zync, Micromax, HCL, Devante etc have launched their under 5K tablets that are loaded with features and stylishly designed. If you are interested in owning a tablet, here is a review of one of the popular under-5K tablets Zync Tablet Z909 Plus.
One such tablet is Zync Tablet Z909 Plus, the perfect blend of performance and user friendly features. Other than its price being the major attraction, Zync Tablet Z909 Plus is full of a variety of exciting features that impress the user. The tablet promises an immerse user experience, thanks to its quick and easy-to-use user interface. Having a versatile set of features, this tablet is for everyone – from students to business professionals. You can freely browse internet, visit social media websites, get hooked to multimedia, access emails etc with flawless the internet connectivity. Even on the move, Zync tablet ensures lag-free working and fast internet browsing speed.
Built and design
Tablets are known for their light weight and slim body and Zync Z909 Plus is no exception. Weighed at 380 grams, the tablet is easy to carry and is designed smartly to provide long hours of functionality. The body of tablet has a glossy finish that makes it look quite plush. You can hold the tablet comfortably while working due to its smooth-rounded corners and slim & slender design. The fun of having a small 7-inch tablet is that you can easily fit it in small bags and take it along with you.
Performance
Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System, the 1 GHz processor of Zync Z909 Plus offers high-speed processing. The 7-inch resistive touchscreen display responds well. You may need a little time to get the hang of using the touch feature as sometimes you may need to put pressure on the button to get it going. The resolution of 800×480 pixels is perfect to see the multimedia files in best clarity and ensures easy viewing and readability. Your gaming experience will be accentuated by clear display, enabling fast movements of fingers.
The 256 MB DDR3 memory makes the system of Zync Z909 Plus makes it execute various processes simultaneously. This means that you need not make comprise on your regular habit of multitasking on your computer. You can store whatever you need often easily in your 4 GB internal memory space. The memory can be expanded up to 32 GB to cater to all your future needs. The battery life of Zync Z909 Plus’s 3000 mAh Lithium Ion battery is quite satisfactory and lasts decently.
Connectivity
Connecting with the outer world is fast and easy on Zync Z909 Plus with dual connectivity options – Wifi and 3G dongle. Using the 3G dongle and the preinstalled HTML browser you can connect with internet on the go. Using the Wi-Fi connectivity system, you can not only access the internet but also download scores of Android applications faster.
Multimedia
Use your little Zync Z909 Plus to do practically anything you want. Listen to music, watch videos, chat with friends, do video conferencing with clients, play games and download Android applications. The world of entertainment really gets bigger on a tablet. Though Zync Z909 Plus does not have a very high-shot camera, its front camera is capable of doing clear video chatting. You can also click usual pictures, capturing the cherished memories.
Verdict
However, there are a few things that you may not like in Zync Z909 Plus, such as inability to play HD videos, absence of HDMI port, average display (nothing in comparison to the other high-end tablets available in the market). But ultimately you have to give it to Zync Z909 Plus, as it is the price that matters. Considering the price of Zync Z909 Plus tablet, the performance and features of the tablet are certainly worth your money.
Micromax is known for its low-end, pocket friendly hardware. However, the company strikes a balance by providing low price with good quality. The recently launched Android dual SIM smartphone, Micromax A90, is great on performance and is available for Rs. 12990 in the market. A premium smartphone from Micromax, the phone runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and is powered by a 1GHz processor with 512MB RAM. It features a 4.3″ Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen. Let’s find out what it has to offer:
Features:
4.3inch Super AMOLED display
Dual SIM
Android 4.0 ICS
1GHz processor and 512MB RAM
8MP CMOS primary camera and 0.3MP secondary camera
1600mAh battery
3G, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi, GPS, Micro USB
Hardware:
There were rumours that this phone would be powered by 1GHz dual core processor. However Micromax A90 runs on 1GHz single core processor. Micromax A90 sports 4.3inch Super AMOLED display (480×954 resolution). I think it is indeed one of the great displays I have ever come across, in this price segment. The 512MB RAM could have been replaced with a 1GB one because this is responsible for the occasional lags. Its connectivity features are decent. Internal storage of 4MB is enough to keep most of your Apps and games running on the main memory. If it isn’t sufficient, you can upgrade it via Micro SD card to up to 32GB. This Android smartphone comes with 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi and GPS.
Software:
Software wise there isn’t much to say. The A90 is running stock Android 4.0 ie Ice Cream Sandwich with the only customisations being a few custom icons. But the most intriguing software is the inbuilt voice assistant–Aisha–is there to help you according to your commands. Though AISHA is not at par with the Siri from iPhone, it is considered as a real competitor. AISHA helps in making calls, sending text messages, know date/time and do much more.
Camera and Battery:
I absolutely swear by the 8MP CMOS camera which is accompanied by LED flash. Picture quality is amazing and you can click great pictures in the night mode also. Video recording is standard like any other smartphone. The phone is also powered with a 0.3MP front facing camera which can be used for video calling with 3rd party applications like Skype. The battery backup is average. A 1600 mAh battery is provided which seems insufficient in view of the huge screen and 1GHz processor. Apart from the stats, the battery will last a day like any other android mobile in the market
Thumbs up:
Dual SIM
Super AMOLED screen
1 GHz Processor
AISHA Voice Assistant
Speakers
Great looks
Thumbs down:
On-screen buttons
No dedicated camera key
512 RAM is responsible for the occasional lags
Verdict:
The device sports rich looks which seem like a 20k worth mobile. The glossy finish on the front is brilliant with no keys visible what so ever. When held, the mobile is so rich and elegant that you will fall for it. USPs like the Super AMOLED display, 1GHz processor, 8MP camera and AISHA voice assistant are tempting enough to buy the phone at the first look. And the price only makes it much more attractive. But the 512MB RAM and lack of physical keys for menu, return and options set back the mobile’s performance a bit. However there are no alternatives at this price with such features. It’s the best device in this segment at this price. With other brands, you will have to compromise either on the processor or the OS or something else.
Rating:
For whatever it has to offer, and whatever it doesn’t have to offer, I’ll give Micromax Superfone Pixel A90, a 4 on 5 rating.
What is a hand without a stylish watch? Today, a trendy watch is not just an accessory but a necessity. You need a different kind of watch for every occasion- sporty, casual, dressy, formal etc. Having a collection of watches does not lead to raised eyebrows anymore. College kids have all types of sporty, funky and trendy watches, whereas the urban working professional would have smart, non-fussy and sleek watches.
Selecting the watch that fits the bill is also quite a task. You may be wearing an expensive and branded watch, but if it looks too big on your wrist or perhaps very sleek for your strong-heavy hand, then your money should have better stayed in the bank. It’s wise to invest in a high-end expensive watch, once you have done your research and know what make of watches look good on you. There are numerous watch brands in the market within different categories and target different set of consumers. There are various options within all categories, suiting all pockets.
However it is a common thought to buy non-branded watches that are available for peanuts. Yes! But that doesn’t work for long and doesn’t add to your fashion sense. Instead branded watches might be a bit costlier but would work in the same sturdy manner for years together. Above that, the designs and the styles of these watches are exceptionally unique and in vogue. Wearing such an accessory on your wrist would speak of your class and sense of style. These watches are available with warranty. It is the commitment of the name itself. Now, even the best of the watch brands have become much lighter for your pockets.
There is one particular brand that I am fond of- Fastrack. Fastrack targets the Gen X and its watches are flashy, trendy and cosmopolitan that lures the teens and the young professionals alike. It’s collection of watches includes Sporty, Army, Bikers among others. The funky and cool watches define new fashion for youngsters, who idolise rock stars and are high on the cool quotient. Fastrack watches are stylish and understated at the same time. For those who like to keep it simple and yet trendy, Fastrack watches would be your best bet. The party wear Fastrack collection comes with funky straps, asymmetrical case with padded straps, asymmetrical dial opening offset by metallization on the mineral glass, which comes with gold & steel plated strap and copper & steel plated strap.
So where do you go watch shopping? These days nobody goes anywhere. They order their favourite watches from the comfort of their homes. With growing e-commerce you can get the best for the least. At an online shop without having to wear and feel the watch, you can rest assured that it is of the best quality. With the amazing range of watches offered- much beyond the ones in conventional shops and great deals offering insane discounts, it is much easier and wiser to buy from online portals than actually visit exclusive showrooms of different brands.
Keeping its habit of producing feature-rich but affordable mobile phones, Indian telecom company Micromax has made an addition in its line of Android-based smartphones. Under its popular ‘Superfone ‘series, Micromax launched A84 Superfone Elite in the Indian market in August this year. Let us explore its best features to understand how it fairs in the market.
Build and Design
Micromax A84 looks like a real smart smartphone. It has 4-inch (480 x 800 Pixels) wide capacitive WVGA touch screen display with 16M color IPS. The processor is 1 GHz and the processor is Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The completely bright screen is a delight as it makes reading easy even in bright daylight. The specialty of the IPS panel is that it displays natural colors, as much as 16 million. The smartphone has great looks but its body is made of plastic, which may be a disappointment for a few.
Performance
Micromax runs on Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) version. Its multi–touch display gives good response, especially while browsing the internet and playing games. You can use several fingers at a single point of time. You expect good level of multitasking from a smartphone and this phone meets all the expectations. The processor not only facilitates multi-tasking but also makes the user experience good quality graphics. It makes your experience enjoyable by running games and Android applications effortlessly.
Features and Camera
Memories never get lost with Micromax A84 as you can store them well on the little Micro SD card. The memory can be expanded up to 32GB. Every smartphones best part is its camera and this one too comes with a 5–mega pixel camera at the back. The front camera is 0.3-mega pixel and is good enough only for video calling and chatting. Micromax A84 scores an extra point for having a built-in LED flash. Most of the budget smartphones don’t have LED flash accompanying the camera. Get ready for the virtual voice assistant ‘Aisha’, launched by Micromax first time in India, on the lines of Samsung’s S- voice and Apple’s Siri. Though it is not that great, but still manages to impress its users.
Connectivity and Battery
Sky is the limit for entertainment with Android applications. Download anything from the free and paid applications that interests you from the PlayStore. Micromax A84 provides good options of connectivity — through 3G link, Bluetooth 2.1, USB 2.0, GPS and Wi-Fi. The battery of a smartphone is infamous for its quick draining abilities but Micromax A84 does fairly well in this regard. It comes equipped with long-lasting 1630 mAh battery and maintains its elite status well.
Verdict
The main selling point of Micromax A84 is that it falls into the range of affordable Android phones. Priced at Rs 9,999 (original price), Micromax A84 offers a range of great features and applications that makes it a decent purchase.
Key features
- Operating System Android 2.3.5
- 1 Ghz Processor
- Dual SIM GSM+GSM
- Display Size 4 Inches Touch Screen
- Expandable Memory 32 Gb
- 5 MP Rear Camera
- 0.3 Front Camera
- Wi-fi 802.11
- Bluetooth
- G Sensor
It will be unfair to see the new Samsung Omnia M as just the reminiscent of Omnia 7 launched in 2010. Released in 2012 Omnia M promises to be a lot better than what Samsung has offered so far. This powerful Windows phone has great features to keep both your professional and personal sides happy. Here is a quick lowdown of what Samsung Omnia M has to offer you.
Specifications
- 4-inch (800 x 480 pixels) Super AMOLED capacitive touch screen display
- 10.5mm thick and weighs 119g
- Windows Phone 7.5 Mango
- 1 GHz Processor
- 5 MP Auto focus camera with LED Flash and a VGA video calling camera
- 3.5mm audio Jack, FM Radio with RDS
- 3G HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v 2.1, aGPS / Bing Map, and USB 2.0
- 384MB RAM, 4GB/8GB Internal Memory
- 1500 mAh Li-on battery
Design
Even before its release reports about Samsung Omnia M started doing round over the internet. People had high expectations from the device. There is a significant and evident change to the design in comparison to the predecessor. Omnia M is a little bit slimmer being just 10.5 mm thick. However, there is no much change in the outer look and feel having a similar rectangular build. The phones dimensions are 121.6 x 64.1 x 10.5 mm and its weight is just 119 gm. The phone gives a decent battery backup with 1,500 mAh Li-Ion battery.
Performance and features
Powered with Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) Omnia M comes with a 4-inch (800 x 480 pixels) Super Amoled screen, 1GHz processor and 5 megapixel Auto focus camera with LED Flash and a VGA video calling camera. It has the super-cool look of Microsoft’s tile-infused operating system that never tires your eyes. The phone comes with 4 GB internal memory and 384 mb RAM.
The screen of Samsung Omnia M is 11.4% more than what the average Smartphones in the market have. Moreover, the Samsung Omnia M’s makes the user experience wonderful with its amazing features such as ambient light sensor, multi-touch and proximity sensor.
Have loads of fun with great multimedia applications especially Samsung AllShare that lets you watch movies, play games or any other media direct from your Omnia M to a television. You can stay connected with your friends throughout the day with Samsung ChatON communication service. Another special in the phone is Windows Phone People Hub providing built-in social networking services to you such as Facebook, Windows Live, Twitter etc. Samsung Omnia M’s 5-megapixels digital camera equipped with Image Stabilization, Autofocus and LED Flash gives satisfactory results in still images and video recording.
Verdict
Samsung Omnia M is a promising Windows phone in the market. Though it is an entry-level device it provides interesting features which make you believe that having Omnia M you have got power in your hands.
With a market inundated with smartphones and technological advancements made every day, consumers are spoilt for choice with newer and faster smartphone innovations. There is one that is definitely better than the other. If you are using a particular model, then the sequel to the same has already been announced. And we consumers are not complaining. Better features, competitive prices, wide range–we have our hands full.
Talking about sequels, I can’t miss talking about Samsung Galaxy Note 2–presuming it will be called by that name. Samsung Electronics is set to announce its next super sized device and take the wraps off the sequel to its popular Galaxy Note smartphone at an event in Berlin on August 29. The new Galaxy Note is speculated to feature an unbreakable, 5.5 inch display; a faster processor and a better camera.
Specifications:
Display type: Super AMOLED capacitive touch screen, 16M colors Size: 5.5 inches Multi touch: Yes Sound alert types: Vibration, MP3, WAV ringtones Loudspeaker: Yes Memory card slot: microSD, up to 32 GB Internal memory: 16/32 GB storage, 1.5 GB RAM Data GPRS: Yes Speed: HSPA+, LTE WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot Bluetooth: Yes, v4.0 with A2DP, EDR NFC: Yes USB: Yes, microUSB v2.0 Camera: Primary 13 MP, autofocus, LED flash Features: Geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization Video: Yes, 1080p@30fps OS: Android OS, v4.1 (Jelly Bean) CPU: Quad-core Messaging: SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM, RSS Browser: HTML5, Adobe Flash Radio: Stereo FM radio with RDS GPS: Yes, with A-GPS support and GLONASS Java: Yes, via Java MIDP emulator Other features: Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic, TV-out, SNS integration, Organizer, Image/video editor, Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF), Google Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa integration, Voice memo/dial/commands, Predictive text input (Swype)Wallet friendly or not?
From all the whispers and murmurs, it is rumoured that Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will definitely be costly, living to its reputation of not being a budget device. The original Galaxy Note was introduced at USD 930, and the Samsung Galaxy S3 is also available at the same price. The pricing for Galaxy Note 2 will definitely be competitive, but Samsung is expected to stick at the higher end of the scale and make you pay for its worth.
What we know about Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Rumours suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 display will be bigger than its predecessor. A larger 5.5-inch, Super AMOLED capacitive touch screen will make this smartphone better than most of the phones in its league. It will be bigger than smartphones and smaller than tabs, which can be used with a stylus.
It is likely to be powered by the same quad-core processor which comes with Galaxy S3–the Exynos 4 Quad. The rumoured unbreakable pane display is a great feature for a device that promises so much of screen space.
With such brilliant features, quantum-leap in technology and the brand name of Samsung; the Galaxy Note 2 is definitely going to be the most sought after smartphone. I can hardly wait for the launch date. Don’t forget to set the alarm.
Although the concept of a mirrorless camera is not new, Canon has entered this domain for the first time with the mirrorless EOS camera. The Canon EOS M camera will make its debut in the Indian market with the all new EF–M 22mm f/2 STM and EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lenses. The device is equipped with an 18MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor. It happily marries the image quality of a DSLR with the convenience of a point and shoot. The camera serves to bridge the gap between pocketable compacts and full-size DSLRs with a simple user interface designed to educate, not intimidate.
The EOS M delivers an ISO Range of 100 to 12800 which can be expanded up to 25600. Also well-integrated into the design of the camera is a large, vivid 3.0” Clear View II LCD monitor with a 1040K-dot 3:2 resolution. This display features touch screen functionality with a smudge-resistant coating, to maintain a bright and clear display even in sunny outdoor settings. The camera will be available in black, metallic silver, white and red shades. The price and launch date for India is yet to be announced by the company.
Specifications:
New EF-M lens mount (optimized for APS-C sensor size)
18MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor
Continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking
14-bit DIGIC 5 processor
ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded
4.3 fps continuous shooting, 3 fps with autofocus tracking
1080p30 video recording, stereo sound (with 25p or 24p options)
External microphone socket and adjustable sound recording level
1040K dot 3:2 touch-sensitive ClearView II LCD (capacitive type, multi-touch support)
Standard EOS hot-shoe for external flash (no built-in flash)
Creative Filters image-processing controls, previewed live on-screen
Lens Mount:
Canon has introduced an entirely new lens mount for the mirrorless design, the EF-M. While the EF-M is the proprietary line of lenses for Canon’s mirrorless cameras, there will be an optional lens adapter that will provide expanded compatibility with the entire line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
It’s a fully-electronic bayonet mount, with 9 contacts between the lens and camera. Unusually, the white dot for aligning the lens is at the 11 o’clock position on the mount. The EF-M mount is 58mm in diameter, with a flange distance of 18mm from the bayonet to the sensor. It’s matched specifically to the APS-C sensor size.
Lenses:
The EOS M will come with two new lenses for the EF-M mount: EF–M 22mm f/2 STM and EF–M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lenses. Both feature Canon’s ‘STM’ stepper motor for autofocus, which allows near-silent refocusing during video recording.
The 22mm f/2 STM lens is equivalent to that of a 35.2mm lens in full-frame format and offers a moderately wide angle of view. This lens’ bright maximum f/2 aperture aids in low light and action shooting as well as providing greater room for selective focus.
The 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is a standard length zoom lens equivalent to a 28.8-88mm lens in 35mm format, giving you an apt range of focal lengths for many different situations.
Movie Mode:
Movies can be recorded in Full HD 1920×1080 resolution at 30, 25 or 24 fps with stereo sound, using the highly-compatible MOV format and H.264 compression, with a time limit of 29 min 59 sec per clip. The EOS M offers a choice of either fully automatic exposure in video mode, or as much manual control as the user wishes to take. The 3-10x electronic zoom first seen on the EOS 600D, but mysteriously missing from the EOS 650D, is also available – with minimal loss of quality at the 3x setting.
The most significant technology the EOS M supports in relation to video recording is the Movie Servo AF system, providing continuous focusing and full-time subject tracking while recording. This focusing mode is further benefited by the use of an STM lens with an integrated stepping motor. Aside from quick and precise focusing, the stepping motor is also incredibly quiet while acquiring focus, which is something especially necessary for recording the highest quality video.
After bringing Micromax Funbook first in the Indian market especially for its customers, Snapdeal is once again proud to exclusively launch Micromax Funbook Pro. Though there is still a while since the tablet enters the market, you can now pre-book Micromax Funbook Pro on Snapdeal just for Rs. 9,999. This advanced 10.1-inch Android edutainment device is ready to join you wherever you go!
Buoyed with the success of Micromax Funbook tablet, India’s leading telecommunications company Micromax mobiles have launched the upgraded version of the tablet – Funbook Pro. In the Indian market, Funbook Pro is competing with other budget tablets such as BSNL Penta, Devante, iBerry Auxus AX02 and Zync Z990. Considering the kind of response Funbook has gathered and the trust the brand has built amongst the customers, Funbook Pro is backed with high hopes of its performing well in the Indian market.
When compared to the first tablet from Micromax, Funbook Pro has a lot more to offer to its customers. The tablet runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. The tablet has quite wide display screen, having a 10.1-inch display with a 25.6 cm touchscreen and 1024 x 600 pixel resolution.
The tablet, powered by a Cortex A8 1.2 GHz processor and hosting 1GB RAM, claims to do ‘twice the work in half the time’. The processor makes every task smooth and easy. It has 8GB internal storage with memory expansion up to 32GB via microSD card.
If you are a photography enthusiast, the tablet is not for you. It just offers a VGA camera in the front, which is good just for video calling. Micromax has offered Funbook Pro in two stunning colours – silver and black. The tablet promises long hours of working functioning with 5,600 mAh battery.
Micromax Funbook Pro offers excellent connectivity supporting 3G via USB, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, and USB 2.0. Other than that, you can easily connect through the Tata Photon+ data card which comes you’re your purchase of the tablet. The 3G dongle enables 3G access on Micromax Funbook Pro. The activation and delivery of Tata Docomo Photon+ postpaid connection is also simple paying the processing and handling fee of Rs. 500.
Living up to the standards of being a useful edutainment device just like the original Funbook tablet, Micromax Funbook Pro also comes loaded with study material, sample papers, interactive classes, social media and various other fun applications, such as Text Editor, YouTube and more.
With a bigger display screen, faster processor, better Android OS and more apps, Micromax Funbook Pro is all set to rule the Indian tablet market. When are you booking for your tablet?
The beginning of the year 2012 is marked with the launch of affordable tablets. Since the year began, we have been witnessing one launch or the other of smart yet affordable tablets. It seems that there is a competition of a kind between the companies to tap the demand of tablets by offering the ones that come light on the wallet. After Micromax, Aakash, Samsung Tab2, HCL, iBall, Devante, Zync and more, it was BSNL-Pantel’s turn to come up with one more charming tablet.
I love chocolates. I love the exotic blend of vanilla and chocolate. And, I love to keep my skin hydrated in all seasons. Chocolate moisturiser is like a dream fulfilled for me as I not only get the lovely fragrance of chocolate over me, I also get rid of dry and chapped skin. Yes, I am blabbing about my new found love Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Glow. This is the moisturiser that I bought in winters and come summers I am consistently using it as a day lotion.