All posts by Udit Malhotra

Udit Malhotra is fond of Technology, Music, Event Management and Social Media. He has studied in-depth about Mobile & Desktop Platforms and Software Applications thereof. A keen Learner, he draws inspiration from his work experience from a few small businesses and leading global organizations including DELL where he has worked directly at the front-end with Consumers of Technology Products. He enjoys sharing his knowledge by helping other Users. You can also find him on Google+ ! +Udit Malhotra

Android, Android Mobiles, Sony

Sony rolls out Android ICS 4.0 upgrades for Xperia 2011 Smartphones

April 14, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

Sony Mobile announced its initial round of upgrades to Android ICS 4.0 for Xperia 2011 smartphones starting April 13^th 2012. Xperia users in Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland and Norway would be the first ones to receive the upgrade. The Xperia arc S, Xperia neo V and Xperia ray get an uplift to Android Ice Cream Sandwich, followed by other Xperia devices. The upgrade would be not delivered over-the-air and would need Sony’s PC Companion or Bridge for Mac software to start the process on either Windows or Mac OS’s. The update package will be pushed over the next four to six weeks, with its gradual release across global markets. Information on worldwide upgrade schedule is yet to be out and would be shared as and when the update rolls out.

Following the aforesaid phones, the Xperia arc, Xperia PLAY, Xperia neo, Xperia mini, Xperia mini pro, Xperia pro, Xperia active and Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman would get the updated to Android ICS 4.0 by end of May or early June.

Helpful Links :

via Sony Mobile Blog

Android Apps, Google+

Google+ for Android adds rich web snippets and hashtags for streams

April 13, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

Google+ for Android update adds support for rich web snippets and #hashtags. A big ask that users had for the earlier version of Google+ was to make the sharing experience for webpages as good as that of G+ for desktop with all the detailed info. The new version addresses this request and the feature actually works great. The update also brings in support for #hashtags, allowing in stream search capability for the most trending stuff. We won’t forget those minor bug fixes and performance improvements that roll out with each release to make the app better. Haven’t tried the app till date? The download link is right below!

Also Read : Google+ redesign adds simpler UI, bigger photos, easy hangouts and more

Screenshots

Download Google+ for Android Update from the Google Play Store

Scan the QR Code or click the image to begin download

via +Anish Acharya

Google+

Google+ redesign adds simpler UI, bigger photos, easy hangouts and more

April 12, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

Google has introduced an all-new design for Google+ that involves a revamp for the navigation menu, photos and videos, activity feed and Google+ Hangouts. The rollover to the new UI showcases the excellent growth potential that Google+ has as a social network, which is getting even bigger with more users joining the pool of 170 million folks and counting.

The navigation bar moves from the top to the left, making the menu more useable with bigger icons and the option to reorganize, reorder or hide tabs that are not required. Design is one thing that decides the likeability and attraction of a user towards not only a social network, but also for any so called product.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxbs5uqEjc0[/youtube]

Key additions to the navigation menu include:

Reorganize or reorder apps and tabs in any way
Hover apps to view quick actions that you can perform
Hide apps by dragging them in or out of the “more” icon

The Google+ redesign is centered towards people making the network more personal allowing one to use stuff with simplicity and their own set of preferences. Now experience bigger photos and videos for your activity feed without the need to enlarge it. Under the feed you would also see a new box to your right called the “Activity Drawer” that shows what’s trending on G+, something like the “Trending” column for Twitter users.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Atj57r15U[/youtube]

For people who to love Hangout on a video chat get more options to experiment and have fun, a dedicated page for Google+ Hangouts in the navigation pane shows the Hangouts you can simply join in or watch an ongoing one. So for all you peeps who like to explore the world this one’s for you guys. The conversation scenario is now more creative not only from the means of a chat, but rather with options to collaborate, share, or play with the recent release of new third party apps for Google+ Hangouts. A pipeline feature that we await to arrive soon is “cards”, providing users with the ability to keep an eye on upcoming discussions and join them to cast their views. Seeing the ongoing change we’ve got lots of hopes from Google to make G+ grow at very fast pace.

Google+ profiles would get the upgrade to all new features in a few days. If your profile has already been upgraded, do checkout all the awesome stuff and do share your opinion on how did you find the new layout. To find an overview for the design rollover do check out this link.

via Google Official Blog

Android Mobiles, Sony

Sony Mobile launches the Xperia S Smartphone in India at Rs.32,549

April 10, 2012 Udit Malhotra Leave a comment

Sony Mobile has officially launched the Xperia S Android Smartphone in India. The Xperia S was showcased along the Xperia P and Xperia U at MWC 2012, which belongs to Sony’s next generation flagship, the NXT Series. The Xperia S flaunts beautiful style and design while boasting great hardware specifications for stable performance. It comes with a 4.3-inch Reality Display (1280×720 pixels) with Mobile BRAVIA Engine, 1.5 GHz Dual-Core CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB in-built storage, 1.3MP front camera (supports HD Video recording at 720p), 12MP rear camera with LED Flash (supports Full HD Video recording at 1080p), 1750 mAh battery and Android Gingerbread 2.3(supports upgrade to Android ICS 4.0 by Q2 this year).

Get ready to experience next generation media sharing by NFC (with Xperia SmartTags), DLNA, HDMI, BRAVIA Sync (allows your phone to controlled via a TV), along with basic connectivity features like 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and A-GPS. The handset is available in Black and White color and can be purchased either at a local retail outlet or can be ordered online with leading E-commerce platforms like Flipkart etc.

Also Read : Samsung Galaxy Note ‘Berry Pink’ launched in South Korea

Following the release for Xperia S today, the Xperia P, Xperia U and Xperia Sola would arrive India by the second quarter of this year. Just to make you remember the handset is priced at Rs.32,549. Do remember to check all online portals to find a bargain before you make the final purchase.

Checkout these links for price comparison, freebies and promotions :

Flipkart – Get a Car Charger and 2 Xperia NFC SmartTags free when you order. (Rs. 32,549)
Letsbuy – Norton Mobile Security for Android absolutely free. (Rs.31,990)
IndiaPlaza – Get a Char Charger, 2 Xperia NFC SmartTags, Leather Case, and an HDMI cable free with your order. (Rs.30,999)