 "Top news this week: Invites out for Google's Moto X event, TrueCaller hacked, new product launches and more")
Another week has gone by, but this one’s been pretty exciting. From a host of product launches to interesting developments, this week saw it all. In case you’ve missed anything, read below.
Google sends out invites for August 1 Moto X eventAugust 1 it is!
News has it that the company is all set to unveil the highly-anticipated device at its scheduled August 1 event. The Verge confirmed that it received an invite to Google’s August 1 event in New York City, accompanied by a teaser that reads: “Come experience the new Motorola”.
Lenovo ThinkPad L430 laptop launched in India for Rs 42,000
Lenovo has launched its ThinkPad L430 laptop in India for Rs 42,000 to cater to the needs of the enterprise and SMB market here. The laptop was introduced in May this year at the Accelerate Channel Partner Conference in Las Vegas, alongside other ThinkPad laptops in the company’s T, X, L and W Series.
Samsung announces improved version of Exynos 5 Octa chip
Samsung has announced on its SamsungExynos Twitter account that the company has been working on an improved version of the Exynos 5 Octa chip that can be seen in the international version of the Galaxy S4. We’re assuming that the chip will make its debut in Samsung’s much-anticipated phablet—the Galaxy Note 3.
The ZTE Blade C has a 4-inch display
ZTE has taken its first step in India, and the company has kicked this off with six smartphone launches. These smartphones are the Grand X Quad Lite, the Blade L, the Kis Flex, the Blade E, the Blade G2 and the Blade C. The Android-based smartphones cover a wide spectrum of prices: the Grand X is priced at Rs 14,999, the G2 at Rs 11,599, the Blade C at Rs 7,599, the Blade L at Rs 12,599, the Kis Flex at Rs 5,799 and the Blade E at Rs 11,999.
Lumia 1020 spotted on Nokia’s Indian website
Nokia has more-or-less confirmed that the recently-unveiled Lumia 1020 will definitely be making its way to India. Details about the smartphone have popped up on Nokia’s Indian website. However, there is no price tag or definitive release date anywhere on the page. There is, however, an option that lets those who are interested in the smartphone to sign up and be notified when the Lumia 1020 hits Indian shores.
Truecaller hacked; millions of user records reportedly compromised
The news first came when the Syrian Electronic Army (S.E.A) posted a tweet saying that they have hacked into the Truecaller website. In the tweet, the S.E.A showed a sardonic sense of humour by apologising to the website, while rationalising that they needed Truecaller’s database. Truecaller is a cross-platform global phone directory that allows users to identify a caller by either their name or the number from anywhere in the world.
New launches this week
Samsung was expected to unveil two new Galaxy Tab 3 slates at its Delhi event today. Right on cue, two variants of the Galaxy Tab 3 – Tab 3 211 and Tab 3 311 – have been introduced in India.
If you’re looking to buy any of these, here’s a quick look at their prices:
- Tab 3 211 (7-inch) - Rs 17,745
- Tab 3 311 (8-inch) - Rs 25,725
- Tab 3 310 (8-inch Wi-Fi only) - Rs 21,945
More details emerge on the Nokia Lumia 625
If latest reports are to be believed, there may finally be something more substantial on the still unannounced Nokia Lumia 625 smartphone. According to China’s official certification site TENAA, the images below are of the Lumia 625, and going by the details mentioned, the smartphone supports WCDMA (R6 version and support for HSDPA/HSUPA)/GSM (GPRS). In addition to these, the Lumia 625 features WAPI security mode with wireless LAN capabilities.
HTC One Mini announced; coming in August with 720p display and UltraPixel camera
Looks just like big brother
HTC has officially announced a little brother for its flagship One. The HTC One Mini brings the same design language but in a smaller package and, as is common with the Mini moniker, there are some compromises in terms of specs. The phone will hit stores in August, according to the company.
Latest leak reveals more details about the next-gen Nexus 7
The guys at AndroidCentral have reportedly gotten their hands on what could be a prototype of Asus’ newest Nexus 7. It can be assumed that the company will be releasing at least two versions of the Nexus 7 successor, namely a 16GB as well as a 32GB variant. It can also be assumed that Asus will release Wi-Fi only versions, as well as models with cellular data connections.
LG Optimus G successor officially named the G2
The official word on the successor to the LG Optimus G smartphone is out; it will be known as the G2, the South Korean company confirmed in a statement. Not only will G2 be the first smartphone to be launched as part of the company’s new “G” series, upcoming smartphones in the same series too will carry the G branding. The branding of phones that have already been introduced, however, will remain unchanged, LG confirmed.
Google might finally be showing off a long-awaited update to Android (image credit: The Verge)
Google seems to be getting ready for a new announcement. According to The Verge, the company has started sending out press invites for some event that is scheduled for July 24. The event is set to be led by Android and Chrome OS chief Sundar Pichai. Popular opinion seems to be that the company will finally raise the curtains on the much-awaited Android 4.3. Others believe that the company will also show off the long-overdue Nexus 7 refresh.
BBM Voice comes to all BlackBerry devices, brings free voice calling over Wi-Fi
The company announced that it will be rolling out Voice on BBM for its older OS-running devices as well. The BBM Voice feature allows users to make free calls to other BBM contacts over Wi-Fi, which is quite a nifty feature for the budget-friendly person. Looking to re-engage the audience using older versions of its operating system, BlackBerry has announced that the update to its current BlackBerry Messanger app, BBM 7, which adds BBM Voice, will also be available for users of BlackBerry devices running OS 5.0, OS 6.0 and OS 7.0.
HP’s new range of products
HP has launched six new products in its touch-based line-up of devices, including notebooks and All-in-One (AIO) PCs. These include the SlateBook x2, the Split x2, the Envy Rove, the Pavilion 11, the Envy TouchSmart 14 Ultrabook and the Slate 21 All-in-One.
WhatsApp Messenger on iOS becomes free, will now follow subscription model
WhatsApp Messenger for iOS devices is now free. With this, the app now has the same subscription model as can be seen in the Android and Windows Phone versions, with the first year being free for new users and maintaining subscriptions for subsequent years costing $1 per year.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
