Project S - A 299$ Ideal Smartphone with High-End Specifications and Features

Sony's flagship phones have best Uni-body Design with water and dust resistance but the performance is not the best in the industry while Samsung phones have better features and performance but lacks good design. Still these phones are over priced. The best phones of any manufacturers may be the top-selling or they may have the best specifications in the industry but they are not IDEAL.

An Ideal phone is one which has top notch specifications, best in class Design, innovative features, maximum durability and is nominally priced.  

Project S is now a trending topic among tech enthusiasts because it is on the verge of manufacturing an Ideal Smartphone.

Display

The Phone features a 5.8" WQHD Display with the resolution of 2560x1440. The screen is protected with scratch resistant tempered glass.

Design

The has an ergonomic design which allow fingers easily grip. The Aluminum unibody Project S phones have double side scratch resistant glass like Sony Xperia Z. The phon e is just 7.6mm thick. Unlike SXZ the speakers and microphone are hidden to maintain the unibody design. The phone is dust and water resistant. Black and white colors are available.

Processor and Memory

This phone is a powerhouse, unlike Samsung phones it has True Octa-core processor optimized with ARM Big LITTLE Tech. The phones have 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage which can be expandable up to 64GB using an SD card.

Camera

The phones boasts a 16MP camera with LED shutter which can record up to 2160p @30fps and it also has features like OIS, HDR, etc. The front 2MP camera is more than enough for video calls and its can also record 1080p videos @30fps.

Other Features

The phone has a built-in motion sensor which helps to control the phone without touching it using predefined gestures. The phones also have an IR blaster which can be used as a universal remote.

The phones also have features like WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, DLNA and Miracast. The phones are also wireless charging compatible.

We can see this Ideal Smartphone in the market only if the Project S gets enough funds. The fund raising is hosted by indiegogo. The phone will be priced at $299 unlocked.  

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - Android Game Review

Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas is one of the most popular games of all the time. The Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition had listed GTA SA as the most successful game in the PlayStation 2, with 17.33 million copies sold for that console alone, from a total of 21.5 million in all formats. The open world action-adventure legend video game developed by Rockstar is now available for Android and iOS.

Plot

GTA: SA is an open world game where you play as an ex-gang banger named Carl. Five years ago, Carl Johnson escaped from the pressures of life in Los Santos, San Andreas, a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Where filmstars and millionaires do their best to avoid the dealers and gangbangers.

Now, it’s the early 90’s. Carl’s got to go home. His mother has been murdered, his family has fallen apart and his childhood friends are all heading towards disaster.

On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of corrupt cops frame him for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas, to save his family and to take control of the streets.

Gameplay

This Open World game is mission based but If a player is not ready to go for a mission he can simply cruise around and kill some people.

On foot, the player's character is capable of walking, eating, running, sprinting and swimming as well as using weapons and hand to hand combat.

Players can drive a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, buses,  boats, helicopters, trains, tanks, motorcycles and bikes. Players can also play side mission by stealing taxis, Ambulances or Fire Trucks.

Rockstar has emphasized the personalization of the main protagonist by adding many role-playing game elements. Clothing, accessories, haircuts, jewelry, and tattoos are now available for purchase by the player, and have more of an effect on non-player characters' reactions than the clothing in Vice City. CJ's level of respect among his fellow recruits and street friends varies according to his appearance and actions, as do his relationships with his girlfriends.

Players must also ensure CJ eats to stay healthy and also exercises properly. The balance of food and physical activity has an effect on his appearance and physical attributes.

Graphics

GTA: SA is one of the games with richest graphics available now for mobile platforms. Though the graphics of the game look similar to original GTA: SA, it has some upgrades and enhancements from the original game which includes newly remastered graphics, consisting of dynamic and detailed shadows, a greater draw distance, an enriched color palette, plus enhanced character and car models.

Many people have complained about the game lag and crash even in some high end phones. Rockstar will definitely fix them soon. The game performance can also be improved by changing the graphic options like resolutions, shadows and reflections.

Controls

Rockstar has done a good job by providing various options to redefine the controls. But the Touch adapted controls are not that simple to play but one can master them soon. To completely enjoy, I recommended to use some controllers to play the game.

Verdict

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the most entertaining game available for mobile platforms. Apart from some graphic issues with the game, it scores well in all areas. The game costs 7$. It has 70 hours of gameplay and there are no In-App purchases, thus it's worth buying. Rockstar also offers cloud save support for playing across all your mobile devices for Rockstar Social Club Members.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will change the face of the gaming industry and now we can expect true console like games for our phones from Gameloft, EA, etc.

Timely - An Alarm With Best UI and Features for Android

Alarm is one of the basic applications of any mobile phone. There are hundreds of similar Alarm apps on the Play store But Timely is not one among them. Timely is the best-looking alarm clock you can get on Android.

Timely offers a crisp, typography-focused design and fun, gesture-based interface. Like Rise, you can set your alarm time by dragging your finger up and down the display to the appropriate time slot.

Timely offers a host of themes and sounds that you can unlock with in-app purchases if you desire, and it features Smart Rise, which will trigger a slowly fading melody 30 minutes before your set alarm time in an effort to catch you in a light sleep cycle. You can snooze your alarm via the giant on-screen button, by pressing the volume keys, or by flipping your device over, and you can control the length of time in between snoozes. Timely even has the ability to shrink the snooze duration between consecutive snoozes if you are really unable to get out of bed. For the stubborn types, Timely can be set to use a math problem or pattern challenge to wake you up before it shuts up.

In addition to an alarm, Timely also has a built-in timer and stopwatch; support for Android's Daydream screensaver mode; a DashClock extension; integration with Google Now; and the ability to sync your saved alarms across multiple devices.

Google has acquired Timely and now all the functionalities are free.

Download Link
Timely - Play Store (Free)

Type 1000+ symbols using Type Droid

Type Droid is an Android app developed by Shantanu Deshmukh. Type Droid allow you to type more than 1000 symbols and copy them. You can send these text to anyone via text message, whatsapp, Facebook, etc and the receiver doesn't need to have Type Droid installed to see these symbols.

One of the best symbols Type Droid has are the inverse alphabets which you won't see anywhere else.


┴HIS lS ɐu ǝxɐWԀlǝ

The symbols available are:

 

 

Type Droid is available on Google Play for Free, download it from here.

Top 6 Benchmark Score Cheating Android devices

Samsung and HTC are making their Android devices' processors run faster than normal when used with certain benchmark applications like Antutu, 3D Mark, etc.

Now one benchmarking company, Futuremark, has delisted a number of smartphones from HTC and Samsung, the reason behind this is that the devices in question are suspected to have cheated on the benchmarks.

The Delisted 6 Benchmark Score Cheating Android devices are:

As yet their is no official statement from Samsung on HTC after their devices have been removed from Futuremark, it will be interesting to see if they respond.

Top 5 must have Accessories for Google Nexus 5

The fifth smartphone in the Google Nexus series, Nexus 5 is a low cost power house which decreased the sales of the many premium phones just like its predecessor Nexus 4.

The Nexus 5 features a Snapdragon 800 system-on-chip (SoC),  8MP camera with OIS and a 4.95-inch 1080p display. The Nexus 5 is also the first device to feature version 4.4 of Android.

If you own a Nexus 5, you must have these accessories, they will safeguard your phone and also makes your life effortless.
 

1. Nexus Wireless Charger

No more messing with wires, cords and plugs - your Nexus 5 just snaps into place on the magnetic face and begins charging. The Nexus Wireless Charger adheres securely to any surface - like your desk, counter top or nightstand - so the convenience of grab-and-go charging is always within easy reach. Nexus Wireless charger is compatible with Nexus 5 , Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 Tablet.

2. LG QuickCover 

 The LG QuickCover for Nexus 5 features a custom-fit unibody case and matte finish front cover for stylish protection from dings and scratches. Get access to your basic UI without swipe unlock by simply opening the front cover. For quick convenience without the bulk, the LG QuickCover works seamlessly with Nexus Wireless Chargers so you can charge with ease.

3. Bumper Case

With a hard outer shell and soft rubber lining the premium bumper case absorbs shocks while protecting your phone. For quick convenience, the Nexus 5 Bumper Case works seamlessly with Nexus Wireless Chargers so you can charge and go.

4. Rhino Shield Screen Protector

Rhino Shield is a new class of screen protector for Nexus 5, that provide extraordinary impact protection, scratch resistance, anti shatter and anti shock properties.

5. Premium Leather case wallet with sleep sensors and integrated stand

Phone Cases is made from a Premium Leather material for superior protection that is designed to be Slim, whilst being the first ever Nexus 5 case to come with Smart Auto Sleep / Wake Sensors, for instant on-off functionality just by opening and closing the lid!

A fantastic Wallet Organiser Case to protect your Phone that providies integrated Credit Card & Money slots for Banknotes, Business Cards. + 2x dedicated holders for Spare SIM Cards. Provides access to all ports and buttons. It also features a fully integrated built-in stand for instant viewing, without the hassle of needing to carry a separate stand with you.

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Neurocam - The Next Level Google Glass

Neurowear, a gadget project organization in Japan focused on Creating "Communication for the near Future" which basically uses brain waves, heartbeats and other biological signals to understand Human thoughts and emotions.

Neurocam, the Brain Child of Neurocam is a wearable camera system, that detects users' emotions. It Automatically Records Moments of interest based on an Analysis of the users Brainwaves. The prototype of Neurocam was demoed at Human Sensing 2013 conference in Yokohama, Japan.

Neurocam is a headband equipped to hold an iPhone next to the side of the head behind the eyes of a wearer. The phone is fitted with a special prism so the camera can record footage from the wearer’s point of view. Neurocam uses EEG sensors. Electroencephalography (EEG) sensors record brain's spontaneous electrical activity over a short period of about 20–40 minutes using multiple electrodes placed on the scalp.

Neurocam gauges wearers interest on a scale of zero to 100, and interest is detected if brainwave readout tops 60 and then it'll start recording a video and transforms the footage into five-second GIFs.

Interest-based advertising enables advertisers to reach users based on their inferred interests and demographics (e.g. 'sports enthusiasts'). Neurocam can determine what goods in stores interest people and can also show what places people are interested. Thus Neurocam is a viable tool to improve Interest based Advertising, so the advertising titan Dentsu is now backing the Neurocam via a joint venture called Dentsu ScienceJam.

As Neurocam can also show what places people are interested, it can also be used for urban development.



 Google also has the similar idea of implementing the Interest Based Ads on Google Glass but currently it does not have any advanced technologies like Neurocam. If Google and Neurocam ties up, Neurocam can be The Next Level Google Glass.

Google Wallet Guide

Google Wallet is a mobile payment system developed by Google that allows its users to store debit cards, credit cards, loyalty cards, and gift cards among other things, as well as redeem sales promotions on their mobile phone using an application. In short, Google Wallet ditches the plastic cards in your wallet.

What can Google Wallet do?

The services offered by Google Wallet are:

• Payments in stores
• Storage of credit and debit cards, loyalty programs, offers, etc.
• Money Transfers to persons with E-Mail addresses
• Carrying out loyalty programs without any plastic cards
• 24/7 fraud monitoring, and Google Wallet Purchase Protection

Why Google Wallet ?

Google Wallet is the best way to make payments and transfer money because it's fast, safe and secure. Google Wallet supports all major credit and debit cards and also it's available for both Android and iPhone.

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can also log onto your Google Wallet account online and disable the app so that no one can use your phone to make purchases.

How to get Google Wallet?

Just Download this Application for Android or iOS and Create an account.

How do Google Wallet Works?

The Payments can be made using Tap and Pay functionality. This requires an additional feature in your phone called Near Field Communication (NFC) and the store must have a  PayPass enabled terminal at checkout.

NFC is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 10 cm or less. NFC always involves an initiator and a target; the initiator actively generates a Radio Frequency field that can power a passive target. This enables NFC targets to take very simple form factors such as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not require batteries.

MasterCard PayPass is an Europay, MasterCard and Visa compatible, "contactless" payment feature that provides cardholders with a simpler way to pay by tapping a payment card or other payment device, such as a phone or key fob, on a point-of-sale terminal reader rather than swiping or inserting a card.

The Application in the mobile phone acts as an initiator for NFC and PayPass terminal acts as a target. When you want to make a payment using Google wallet you just have to tap the phone on the PayPass terminal. The Payment will be made using the funds in the Google Wallet account.

The Money can be sent to any person with an email address just like sending an email. This service doesn't require NFC.

Who can use Google Wallet?

Currently, Google Wallet is available only in US.  US resident who is 18 years old, has an email address and owns a phone bought in the US can use the Google Wallet Service to send money or make transactions.

Which devices support Google Wallet?

The Google Wallet app is available to US users on devices that meet the following system requirements:

• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher.
• iOS 6 or higher.

 These devices can only send money but cannot make payments using Tap and pay functionality.

Tap and pay functionality is available in the US, and requires one of the following NFC-enabled Android devices running 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher, with a Secure Element chip, on select carrier networks:

Phones

• HTC One on Sprint
• HTC One SV on Boost Mobile
• HTC EVO 4G LTE on Sprint
• LG Viper 4G LTE on Sprint
• LG Viper 4G LTE on Zact Mobile
• LG Optimus Elite on Sprint
• LG Optimus Elite on Virgin Mobile
• LG Optimus Elite on Zact Mobile
• LG Nexus 4
• Motorola Moto X on Sprint
• Motorola Moto X on US Cellular
• Samsung Galaxy Note II on Sprint
• Samsung Galaxy Note II on US Cellular
• Samsung Galaxy SIII on Sprint
• Samsung Galaxy SIII on MetroPCS
• Samsung Galaxy SIII on US Cellular
• Samsung Galaxy SIII on Virgin Mobile
• Samsung Galaxy SIII on Boost Mobile
• Samsung Galaxy S4 on Sprint
• Samsung Galaxy S4 on US Cellular
• Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition
• Samsung Nexus S 4G on Sprint
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Sprint
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE on Sprint
• Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE on Virgin Mobile
• Samsung Galaxy Axiom on US Cellular

Tablets

• ASUS Nexus 7 (2012)
• ASUS Nexus 7 3G (2012)
• Samsung Nexus 10

At this time, tap and pay functionality is not supported for devices purchased internationally. The eligible device list above only applies to devices purchased from the listed carriers next to them. For example, an unlocked Samsung Galaxy SIII purchased internationally will not work with Google Wallet tap and pay.

How to get Google Wallet on Unsupported devices and countries ?

There are tutorials available on the internet using which you can use Google wallet on Unsupported devices but none of the tutorials are 100% guaranteed. If you really want this on your unsupported devices you can try THIS or THIS tutorial on your risk.

Who are the Google Wallet competitors ?

• MasterCard PayPass Wallet
• Square Wallet
• V.me by Visa
• LevelUp
• ISIS
• Lemon Wallet

This was the quick Guide for Google Wallet. Like RK World on Facebook to get more tech updates.

Motorola Project Ara (Phonebloks) - WIN or FAIL ?

Phonebloks is a modular smartphone concept by Dutch designer Dave Hakkens. The modular design is intended to minimize electronic waste by allowing broken or outdated modules to be replaced. Phonebloks modules would each contain one of the major components of a smartphone such as the camera, battery, screen, and processor. Conceptually, blocks would connect to a main board and be secured in place with two screws.

Phonebloks was proclaimed as the "Most Innovative Smartphone concept which would definitely fail" by many of the techies around the globe. But now the scenario has changed, the probability of getting modular phones has increased since Motorola announced that they are working on a modular phone similar to Phonebloks.

Motorola was the first company to manufacture Mobile phones and it has got proficiency in mobile tech. Since Motorola is a Google owned company, Google will put its engineering expertise and funds into this Project. Thus, Project Ara can be a reality.

Let's assume that Motorola has finally manufactured a modular phone and its available in the market. Based on these assumptions, I'll discuss whether an ordinary customer will buy the Motorola Ara or not.

A customer will buy the Motorola Ara because:

• It will be a unique phone in the market and first phone of its kind, so there will be an urge to buy this phone.
• Its HARDWARE can be upgradable or customizable.
• It lasts Longer.
• Probably it will be running on Android since its made by Google, quick software up-gradation can be expected.
• The phone intended to minimize electronic waste, so it's likely to influence people who have concerns about the environment.  

A customer will NOT  buy the Motorola Ara because:

• The first electronic gadget of its kind when it comes to market, it will be costly. For example iPhone.
• According to many Engineers the thickness of the modular phones will be much more when compared to the phones available now. So, nobody wants to buy a bulky phone.
• The availability of the Modules will be less.
• Competition from other mobile manufacturers

On the basis of the points mentioned above, we can clearly say that the probability of a customer buying a modular phone will be high. Thus on the basis of the assumptions which we made earlier we can say that Project Ara is a Winner.

But still we cannot say whether The Project Ara is a BIG Success or BIG failure of this Era.

These were my thoughts about Project Ara. If you want to add more pints or if you want share your thoughts, please comment below.