Microsoft showcased its Pre-Touch sensing technology through a video posted on YouTube. The technology anticipates your fingers before they touch the screen and provide you with contextual menus adapted to the grip. “The technology provides a new approach to use interfaces on mobile devices,” says Vaikundarajan.
The device can track the movement of user’s fingers around the edges of the device whether or not the phone is held with two hands. “The touchscreen can sense the fingers in close proximity to the screen even before the user touches it,” adds Vaikundarajan. The technology will allow phones to anticipate user’s gestures and provides contextual menus based on how the phone is being gripped.
Microsoft Research also demonstrated dials for going through the timeline or adjusting the volume when watching a video. For instance, the interface of a video player adapts two handed views or one handed views. The users will typically access the progress bar to navigate to a particular point in the video or adjust volume with a horizontal slider on top. The technology reads these user patterns and acts accordingly.
“It is not clear if Microsoft will be using the Pre-Touch technology in its smartphones. However, if launched, it would be interesting to see if this technology can compete with Apple’s 3D Touch interface and other gesture-based interaction models,” concludes Vaikundarajan.
Earlier this year, Samsung listed its smartphone versions of Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7 on their Chinese website. However, the price and availability of the two handsets was not revealed. Most recently, the official Samsung Korea website announced the prices of both smartphones. “According to Korean website Galaxy J5 is priced at KRW 290000 (INR 16889) while Galaxy J7 will cost KRW 362000 (INR 21138), excluding local taxes. Official announcement in India is yet to be made,” informs Vaikundarajan.
Reviewing its features, Vaikundarajan notes that both the smartphones come with a new design that features a metal frame supported by an interesting hardware. Galaxy J5 has a 5.2 inch HD display while Galaxy J7 has a 5.5 inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD resolution. Both handsets run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS and come with a 4G support. The handsets will have a 13-megapixel front camera with f1.9 aperture. Running on 2GB RAM, the handsets are supported by 16GB storage memory with an option to expand up to 128 GB using microSD card.
“The South Korean model is slightly different as compared to the Chinese model which comes with a 3GB RAM. The company has not specified which model will be release for the Indian market,” informs Vaikundarajan.
Last year in September, Google unveiled its two new Chromecast devices. This week, Google has announced to launch of the devices for Indian market. “Chromecast and Chromecast Audio are listed on Google Play Store priced at INR 3999/- each and will be available at all popular e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart and Snapdeal,” informs Vaikundarajan. “This is a 2nd generation Chromecast with new circular design.”
The device plugs into the HDMI port on the TV and can be connected to the Chromecast app over WiFi. The new Chromecast is an upgrade over its predecessor in terms of connectivity. “It has three onboard antennas and dual-band 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi that helps high quality streaming,” adds Vaikundarajan.
The users can control the volume and play or stop the streaming from the app itself. Furthermore, its Fast Play feature allows the users to quick stream as soon as the Cast button is pressed. The device is available in three colours – Red, Yellow and Black.
Along with Chromecast, Google also launched the Chromecast Audio. On plugging this device to speakers with auxiliary port, the Chromecast audio turns into a wireless smart speaker. Operated using Chromecast app, the Chromecast Audio streams music on WiFi. It can be operated from iOS devices, Android smartphones and tablets, Mac machines, Chromebooks and Windows laptop. The device comes with an AUX cable, RCA and optical inputs.
“The improved design and connectivity with updated app means that families and friends can share the fun of sharing entertainment from mobile devices,” concludes Vaikundarajan.
Samsung, the smartphone giant, announced the launch of 2 new phones in their series of Galaxy A7 and Galaxy A5. “The new design is a mix of glass and metal that gives the phones a perfect look,” says Vaikundarajan.
The phones are equipped with 5.5 and 5.2 inch Full Super HD display and come with a 1.6 GHz Octa-Core Exynos processor. For security, a finger print scanner is also added.
The phones have a nano-dual SIM slot supporting 4G LTE. The front camera is 5MP while the rear camera has a 13MP with f1.9 aperture. Cameras for both phones will come with an Optical Image Stabilization, inform Vaikundarajan. Some interesting features added to the selfie camera are as Palm Gesture selfie, Wide angle selfie and Beautifying effects that will help people take great looking selfies or groupies.
Among other features, the phones will come with 3GB RAM and 16GB internal storage with an option to expand up to 128 GB. It also throws in a 3,300mAh and 2900mAh battery and supports quick charging.
“The cost of Samsung Galaxy A7 is INR 33,400/- while that of Galaxy A5 is INR 29,400/-. The models will be available in Gold, Black and White,” concludes Vaikundarajan.
