iBall Andi 4.5M Enigma With 8-Megapixel Front Camera Launched at Rs. 8,499

iBall has launched another Android 4.4 KitKat smartphone in its Andi series, called Andi 4.5M Enigma. The smartphone has been listed on company's site with the tag 'The Perfect Selfie Phone' and a price at Rs. 8,499. While there is no official word on availability, the smartphone is expected to hit shelves soon.

The iBall Andi 4.5M Enigma is a dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) device that will run Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box. It features a 4.5-inch qHD (540x960 pixels) IPS display.

The Andi 4.5M Enigma, according to the company llisting (spotted by Dspecs) is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 processor coupled with 1GB of RAM. The smartphone sports a 13-megapixel rear autofocus camera with BSI sensor and LED flash. The Andi 4.5M Enigma packs a secondary 8-megapixel front-facing camera with 88 degree wide angle view.

The handset is listed with 8GB of inbuilt storage and supports expandable storage via microSD card (up to 32GB). On the connectivity front, the Andi 4.5M Enigma smartphone includes 3G, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, NFC, Micro-USB, GPRS/ EDGE, GPS/ A-GPS, FM radio and USB OTG options.

The Andi 4.5M Enigma measures at 133.77x66.31x8.77mm and weighs 135 grams. It packs a 1500mAh battery. The listing also mentions that the smartphone will offer 22 international system languages along with multiple regional language support (read & write) for 15 Indian regional languages.

Recently, iBall had launched the octa-core Andi5S Cobalt3 smartphone in India at Rs. 12,499. The Andi5S Cobalt3 by iBall is the successor to the Andi5T Cobalt2 launched in March at Rs. 11,999.

The iBall Andi5S Cobalt3 is a dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) device that runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat out-of-the-box. It comes with a 5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) IPS OGS display; 1.7GHz octa-core Cortex-A7 processor; 1GB of RAM; 8GB of inbuilt storage; microSD card support (up to 32GB); 12-megapixel rear autofocus camera with LED flash, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

iBall Andi 4.5M Enigma detailed specifications

GENERAL:

Release date	September 2014
Dimensions (mm)	133.77 x 66.31 x 8.77
Weight (g)	135.00
Battery capacity (mAh)	1500
Removable battery	Yes
SAR value	NA

DISPLAY:

Screen size (inches)	4.50
Touchscreen	Yes
Touchscreen type	Capacitive
Resolution	540x960 pixels
Colours	16M

HARDWARE:

Processor	1.3GHz  quad-core
Processor make	Cortex A7
RAM	1GB
Internal storage	8GB
Expandable storage	Yes
Expandable storage type	microSD
Expandable storage up to (GB)	32

CAMERA:

Rear camera	13-megapixel
Flash	Yes
Front camera	8-megapixel

SOFTWARE:

Operating System	Android 4.4
Java support	Yes
Browser supports Flash	No

CONNECTIVITY:

Wi-Fi	Yes
Wi-Fi standards supported	NA
GPS	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes
NFC	Yes
Infrared	No
DLNA	No
Wi-Fi Direct	Yes
MHL Out	No
HDMI	No
Headphones	3.5mm
FM	Yes
USB	Micro-USB
Charging via Micro-USB	Yes
Proprietary charging connector	No
Proprietary data connector	No
Number of SIMs	2
SIM 1:
SIM Type	Regular
GSM/ CDMA	GSM
3G	Yes
SIM 2:
SIM Type	Regular
GSM/ CDMA	GSM
3G	Yes

SENSORS:

Compass/ Magnetometer	No
Proximity sensor	Yes
Accelerometer	Yes
Ambient light sensor	Yes
Gyroscope	No
Barometer	No
Temperature sensor	No

National Electronic Library to Be Launched Soon: Smriti Irani

Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani Friday said the government would soon launch an online library to make study materials available to all.

"The prime minister has highlighted that modern day medium of growth is connectivity and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching has the potential to change teaching in a major way," Irani said.

"I am happy to announce that we at the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) will soon launch the 'National e-library' that will make learning materials freely available to everyone even in remote areas," she said while speaking at a function honouring teachers with national awards.

The National Electronic Library (NEL) is a digitised library, which will be device independent. It will be accessible to every citizen of the country.

Irani said: "This (e-library) will also enable teachers to learn continuously even when they teach. In fact, an educated society is one where we form a learning connectivity."

Urging teachers to dedicate time for research activities, she said: "This is increasingly important part of formal learning. Critical reasoning and fearless interrogation are requisites for our democracy, and schools are the most important place for learning that fosters these qualities."

The minister also pointed out that teachers have great responsibility towards students.

"School is a first formal socialising experiences of children and schools reflect deeply embedded cultural values. The teacher has impact on young lives, so the teachers have greater responsibility and they have to be sensitive to child's natural learning processes," she said.

Motorola 'Shamu' Nexus X Arrives in India; Moto X+1 Gets Pictured:report

Motorola's much-leaked 'Shamu' handset that is rumoured to be Google's Nexus X(and not Nexus 6 as previously rumoured) was spotted on an Indian import/ export manifest site. In the meanwhile, the much-anticipated successor the Moto X (Review |Pictures) is also claimed to have leaked in an image.

The Indian import/ export site, Zauba, lists (via PhoneArena) two 'Shamu Phones (Prototype)' as shipped on August 20 with model number Motorola XT1112. The smartphones were shipped from the United States, and had a declared value of Rs. 34,982 each.

To be noted is that import/ export website price listings are only declared values, and usually are not accurate reflections of actual market price.

The much-leaked Motorola 'Shamu' handset, expected to hit the market as the Nexus X, is rumoured to launch on October 31. Notably, recent reports have indicated Googlemight launch two Nexus smartphones instead of one 5.9-inch Nexus X only.

Meanwhile, the much-awaited successor to the Moto X, thought to be called the Moto X+1, has also been leaked in a live image flaunting a leather back in black colour and a grey Motorola logo, ahead of the expected official launch on September 4. Last week, the device had reportedly passed US FCC certification for AT&T and T-Mobile wireless carriers.

On Monday, TK Tech News posted new purported images of the Moto X+1, this time with a wooden back panel and the display turned on, revealing the icon for the Moto app. The website reported that the smartphone will feature an aluminium frame, and four sensors on the front panel that could either tie-in with the Moto and Moto Aware apps, or deliver a 3D interface.

Notably, the website also notes that the previously leaked Moto logo on the back panel of the smartphone is actually the power button, and also offers some gesture-based shortcuts. Finally, apart from wood, plastic, and leather, the website claims the Moto X+1 will ship with choice of denim as well as carbon fibre pack panels.

In April, @evleaks had tipped the Moto X+1 smartphone to come in 25 colour options in five categories - Cool, Neutral, Warm, Wood and Leather. The added leather finish back option (not available for original Moto X), was tipped to also include Red, Blue, and Grey colours.

So far, the rumoured specifications of the Moto X+1 include Android 4.4.4 KitKat; a 5.2-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) display, a 2.4GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor; an Adreno 330 GPU; 2GB of RAM; 16GB of built-in storage; a 12-megapixel rear camera, and a 2-megapixel front facing camera

Sony Tipped to Launch 3 Smartphones, 2 Wearables and a Tablet at IFA

While Sony has already confirmed a September 3 event, the leaks revolving around what's going to be launched at the event don't seem to stop - with the latest tipping SmartWatch 3 and SmartBand Talk wearable devices to be unveiled at the event, alongside more information about the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact also expected at the event.

9to5Google claims to have obtained press renders of two new wearable devices from Sony, the SmartWatch 3 and SmartBand Talk. The website cites sources familiar with Sony's plans to detail the specifications of the these wearable devices. The unannounced Sony SmartWatch 3 is said to run Android Wear, and feature a 1.68-inch 320x320 pixels display and an IP58 rating indicating some amount of water-resistance. The smartwatch is also notes to look very similar to Samsung's Gear 2 Neo.

Additionally, the report claims that Sony will also launch the new fitness tracker and the successor to the Sony SmartBand SWR10 (Review | Pictures) at the event, called the SmartBand Talk. It is said to feature an E-Ink display, as well as Bluetooth connectivity to displays notifications when paired with a smartphone.

9to5Google also suggested that Sony will also be announcing three new smartphones and a waterproof tablet on the event. While 2 of the smartphones are widely anticipated to be launched at the event, the Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact, the third smartphone according to the report will be a budget offering dubbed Xperia E3, which could retail between $200 (approximately Rs. 12,000) and $300 (approximately Rs. 18,000).

The unannounced Xperia E3 is tipped to feature a 4.8-inch 720x1280 pixels (HD) display; a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, between 1.5GB to 2GB of RAM, according to the report. Additionally, it will not be a water-resistant device.

The report also details purported specifications of the Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact. The alleged flagship Xperia Z3 is said to include a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor; 3GB of RAM, as well as a 5.2-inch Triluminos display that according to the report is based on new technology by Sony for increased brightness and a better contrast ratio. It also speculates that the Xperia Z3 will 'feature new software caching enhancements that will keep the device powered for up to 2 days on a single charge.' The smartphone is said to be IP68-certified just like the Sony's latest Xperia M2 Aqua waterproof smartphone. The report also claims it to initially launch as a T-Mobile exclusive.

About the Xperia Z3 Compact, 9to5Google claims it will include a 4.7-inch 720x1280 pixels (HD) display, apart from a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB of RAM just like the Xperia Z3, along with IP68 certification.

Lastly, the Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is reported to be 'the thinnest and lightest waterproof tablet in the world at just 6.4mm thin.' The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is said to feature an 8-inch 1080x1920 pixels (full-HD) display along with a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB of RAM.

Gionee Elife S5.1 'World's Slimmest Smartphone' Images and Specs Leaked

Gionee seems all set to launch its new 'slimmest smartphone in the world', dethroning its own current Elife S5.5 handset, if multiple Chinese reports and image leaks surrounding a handset named Elife S5.1 are to be given credence.

While we still wait for the official unveiling of Gionee's Elife S5.1, the smartphone has surfaced online in a bunch of images and the yet-to-be-announced handset's specifications have also been leaked ahead of the official launch.

Recently,Gionee teased what's expected to be world's new slimmest smart phone with a thickness of 5mm, the anticipated successor to the Gionee Elife S5.5 (Review |Pictures). Prior to this, a 5mm-thick Gionee handset was spotted at Tenna, the China-equivalent of the FCC, with model name GN9005.

The unannounced Elife S5.1 has been leaked in multiple images by Chinese publication CNMO, which show the smartphone in its full glory. The Elife S5.1 as seen in leaked images seems very much like its predecessor, the Elife S5.5.

As per the leaked specifications, posted by a website claiming to have gotten its hands on the device, Zol.com, the Elife S5.1 measures 139.8x67.4x5.15mm, and features a 4.8-inch HD AMOLED display, which is smaller than the Elife S5.5 that sports a 5-inch Super AMOLED full-HD display. Other listed specifications include 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8926) processor; Adreno 305 GPU; 1GB of RAM; Micro-SIM support; 8-megapixel rear camera; 5-megapixel front camera; 16GB inbuilt storage (non-expandable); 4G LTE support; 2100mAh battery, and Android 4.3 with Gionee's Amigo 2.0 interface laid on top.

In March, Gionee had launched the Elife S5.5 smartphone at Rs. 22,999 in India. Notably, the Elife S5.5 at present is the claimed to be the world's thinnest smartphone by Gionee, which beats the Vivo X3 at 5.75mm.

BlackBerry Offers Idea Subscribers Exclusive BIS 2G Data Plan

Canadian handset maker BlackBerry on Monday said it has partnered telecom services firm Idea Cellular to offer a special 1GB BIS data plan to its BBOS 7 customers.

Idea cellular postpaid services users with BlackBerry OS 7 devices would be able to avail BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) 1GB 2G plan at Rs. 83 per month with an annual rental plan of Rs. 999 (taxes extra), BlackBerry said in a statement.

BlackBerry said the scheme is in-line with the "company's commitment towards the Indian market to help the brand reach out to a wider base of potential customers using Blackberry touch and QWERTY OS 7 devices and drive greater adoption."

BlackBerry India Director Carrier Sales, Ashish Gupta, added, "BlackBerry currently has some of the strongest and most robust enterprise services and solutions in the market having transitioned from the 'push mail' image. BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), BES Express, BES 10, BlackBerry Balance and Enterprise Instant Messaging are some of our key services/solutions specifically designed for the enterprise segment. This offer is specially designed to deliver these benefits not only to consumer but also enterprise users".

Commenting on the offer, Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular said, "With increasing adoption of smartphones amongst the Idea user base, we are constantly innovating to offer affordable, customised and relevant data plans for our mobile internet users. The new 1GB annual data plan will offer more value and convenience to BlackBerry OS 7 users on the Idea network."

To activate the plan, an Idea Cellular postpaid user with a BlackBerry OS 7 device needs to SMS 'ACT999ARP' to 12345.

Sony Co-Founder Nephew Starts as Head of PlayStation Unit

The nephew of a Sony founder on Monday started as head of a regional gaming unit, after the Japanese electronics giant sailed past the 10 million mark in sales of its PlayStation 4.

Atsushi Morita, 54, will run Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia (SCEJA), a unit of Sony Computer Entertainment which develops the popular gaming console.

Morita, a nephew of Sony co-founder Akio Morita, said he was aiming to help continue the latest PlayStation's blazing success.

The console was only released in the US and Europe in November, and in its home market in February.

"PlayStation 4's global sales hit the 10 million mark last month, the fastest pace for any of our past hardware," he told a press briefing in Tokyo.

"I will boost the industry in Japan further with game users as well as creators and business partners."

Sony is winning the console wars for the first time in nearly a decade, offering a rare bright spot on the company's otherwise troubled balance sheet.

Stellar sales of the new PlayStation 4 gave it a huge leg up over rival Nintendo, which has dominated the console market for eight years.

Sony Computer Entertainment sold more than 18.7 million consoles worldwide in the business year to March 31, against Nintendo`s official sales figure of 16.3 million units.