Micromax and Vodafone launch India’s lowest priced 4G Smartphone for just Rs 999/-

Vodafone, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers and Micromax, the foremost Indian mobile brand, today announced the launch of India’s lowest priced 4G Smartphone with Vodafone SuperNet 4G connection for just Rs.999/-. 

With a combined vision of accelerating the growth of data adoption, Vodafone and Micromax will work collaboratively to introduce the best consumer mobile experience. The smartphone ‘Bharat2 Ultra’ is a new smartphone under Micromax’s successful 4G smartphone ‘Bharat series’ that aims to bring a better camera, battery and display options for the new smartphone users in the most affordable category.

Under this partnership, the existing and new Vodafone customers will have to buy Micromax Bharat-2 Ultra smartphone priced at Rs.2,899/- and will have to simply do a recharge of at least Rs 150/- per month for 36 months.(The recharges can be of any denomination totaling to a minimum of Rs. 150/- per month.) At the end of 18 months, users will receive a cashback of Rs. 900/- and after another 18 months, a cashback of Rs. 1,000/- respectively, in their Vodafone M-Pesa wallets, enabling them to transact digitally or withdraw cash, as per their convenience.

Commented Mr. Rahul Sharma, Co-founder, Micromax, “The Bharat-Series, has been aimed at the acquisition of the first generation smartphone users. This partnership with Vodafone will help bring in the next phase of smartphone adoption by hand-holding consumers to upgrade them from feature phones to smartphones. We believe that greater device affordability and low-cost data packs will drive increased smartphone adoption, as there is still a huge gap. At Micromax, we want to give superior device experience in an affordable way and Bharat range is a testimony of the same, having already sold more than 2 million handsets.”

Speaking about this offer, Avneesh Khosla, Associate Director – Consumer Business, Vodafone India said, “We are delighted to partner with Micromax to democratize the 4G smartphones at a never before price of under Rs. 999/- This will help fulfill the aspirations of several million phone users across the country who desire a smartphone but couldn’t afford one. It will also encourage current non-users of 4G to upgrade and enjoy a richer user experience with Vodafone SuperNet 4G.”

About Micromax Bharat Series: Aimed at the budget conscious first-generation smartphone users in the country, Bharat Series has already seen an adoption amongst 2 million users. With better Camera, battery and display options, the series has given impeccable options to first-time smartphone users that are first in the category.

Bharat-2 Ultra features an aesthetic design, powered by Spreadtrum SC9832 1.3Ghz Quad Core processor with 512MB RAM + 4GB ROM. On display, the phone has 4” WVGA display and has the 2MP rear camera with the 0.3MP front camera. The device also comes with different camera modes like scene, frame, and burst which at the entry level of smartphones is a feature that users will enjoy. The handset runs on Android Marshmallow with 1300 mAh battery and supports full video viewing, social networking, and chat apps to give a complete smartphone experience to users.

Source: Vodafone / Micromax

Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2018 Sentra

Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Nissan Sentra, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pricing starts at $16,9901 for the Sentra S with 6-speed manual transmission – unchanged from the previous model year.

The Nissan Sentra continues to be one of the brand's top-selling and most recognized nameplates – a mainstay in the compact sedan segment for more than 35 years and seven generations. Following the addition of the new Sentra NISMO and Sentra SR Turbo models for 2017, Sentra is again offered in a full range of trim and performance levels – including two powertrains and a choice of manual or Xtronic transmissions.

For the 2018 model year, Sentra receives a number of enhancements designed to up its already strong desirability equation.

Key 2018 Sentra changes include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) now standard on all grade levels (except manual transmission-equipped and Sentra NISMO models)
• RearView Monitor and 5.0-inch color display with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Siri® Eyes-Free added as standard on S grade (now available on all models)
• Standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels added to SV grade
• Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control now standard on SV grade and above
• Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) now standard on SR 1.8L and SL grades
• Revised option package naming and content
• Previous SL Premium Tech Package content now standard on SL grade, including moonroof, Bose® Premium Audio System, and NissanConnectSM Services Powered by Sirius XM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Previous NISMO Tech Package content now standard on Sentra NISMO grade.

Source: Nissan

Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2018 Maxima

Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Nissan Maxima, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. It is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum, each equipped with a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and performance-oriented Xtronic transmission.

For 2018, Nissan's flagship sedan adds standard Android Auto™ (in addition to Apple CarPlay™), two available rear USB charge ports, a revised color palette including new premium Carnelian Red color, and new black accents are added to its dramatic V-motion grille. The 2018 Maxima also carries over the late 2017 model year additions of standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on all grade levels.

Maxima again offers a distinctively upscale look that features a wide stance, bold front end, Nissan signature V-Motion grille, LED daytime running lights and floating roof appearance. Its bespoke-style interior design offers available Ascot premium leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a sporty D-shape steering wheel.

The standard 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine is matched with a performance-oriented Xtronic transmission featuring D-Step shifting logic that provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings. The refined handling and ride comfort of the Maxima start with a 4-wheel independent suspension with monotube rear shock absorbers. The sporty Maxima SR grade features unique tuning and 19-inch wheels and tires to add even more performance.

Available technology features include standard NissanConnectSM with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The system includes an 8.0-inch touch-screen display, along with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ applications (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). Maxima Platinum models include standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The system's wide range of features includes automatic collision notification, remote start via smartphone, emergency call, stolen vehicle locator and more (six-month free trial; subscription required, sold separately).

The 2018 Maxima also offers an extensive range of available safety, security and driving aids, including Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).

The 2018 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, with engines assembled in Decherd, Tennessee.

Source: Nissan

Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2018 Rogue

Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Rogue crossover, which goes on sale October 24 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pricing starts at $24,6802 for the Rogue S front-wheel-drive model. Already the number one selling Nissan model throughout the 2017 model year, Rogue receives a number of significant enhancements for 2018 – led by the addition of available ProPILOT™ Assist technology, which provides assisted steering, braking and accelerating during single-lane highway driving.

ProPILOT™ Assist is the foundation for the fully autonomous vehicles of the future, helping drivers stay centered in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a set vehicle speed and maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead. And, it is all done with a simple two-button operation. ProPILOT™ Assist is available on the 2018 Rogue SL grade as part of the Platinum Package.

Among the other enhancements to the 2018 Rogue:

• NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and one additional USB port (inside front center console box) added to all grades
• Standard Motion-Activated Liftgate added to SV grade (in addition to SL grade)
• SL grade adds standard Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
• Revised Midnight Edition Package (SV grade) with new black front and rear fascia accents, black rear license plate finisher, black V-motion grille, black emblems (late availability)
• SV Sun and Sound Touring Package revised to include Premium Package content
• Revised SV Premium Package with added Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and memory driver’s seat and outside mirrors
• Revised SL Platinum Package with ProPILOT™ Assist (Intelligent Cruise Control with full speed range and hold, steering assist) and electronic parking brake (replaces foot release parking brake)
• Two new exterior colors: Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine

Source: Nissan

Samsung’s SmartThings Cloud: Bringing the IoT Dream to Life

There was a time, not so long ago, that the idea of a small device as the absolute center of all your communications was a fantasy. These days, most of us cannot remember what life was like before smartphones.  When it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT), most people still see the idea of a seamlessly connected “smart” home as something well into the future; something we see in movies but beyond our reach.  Despite compelling industry statistics (according to the technology experts at Gartner, in a little more than two years, there will be 20.4 billion connected devices in the world), the reality of IoT for many is one rife with complications and unanswered questions.

The visual of IoT is a compelling one: With a simple command or touch of a button, you can control the light bulbs in your living room, lock your back door and set the alarm for the garage door. And while developers and manufacturers all around the world are working hard to create their own smart IoT devices and solutions, few are compatible with each other. What this means for consumers who are keen to make their homes “smart” is a lot of work: how many different apps and what level of tech expertise will they need in order to have their devices work in sync? There are also concerns around privacy and security – surely all this technology means more risk of exposure. While there’s great appeal in the fantasy of the “smart” home, the barrier is all the work it will take to make this a reality.

Samsung believes in a future where our digital world is as ubiquitous and essential as electricity, with security so effective you almost won’t have to think about it. It will just work, on demand and just the way you want it; no need to interact with many different apps to achieve results. With their unified approach, they will deliver a truly integrated experience that touches every single “thing” around our customers – while ensuring privacy and security.

For over 40 years, the user experience is what has driven Samsung to develop technologies that – to put it simply – make people’s lives easier. While the features and products are important, the inspiration behind our IoT offering is the same: the tangible benefits for consumers. With Samsung Connect bringing together our appliances, TVs, and other everyday items (such as light bulbs and locks) to one touch control on your smartphone, ARTIK as our secure IoT platform, and of course, with SmartThings’ open and easy integration solution , they are closer than ever in transforming the “smart” home fantasy into a reality. What’s more, with the introduction of new cellular network infrastructure that can better support IoT, they are looking to expand the IoT experience beyond the boundaries of the smart home. Most importantly, they are removing the barriers and bringing them all together in one, integrated IoT experience.

Recently at the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC 2017), they announced SmartThings Cloud, which will unite all of our IoT clouds into a single powerful platform. Through this new platform and vision for more powerful intelligence through Bixby 2.0, also announced at SDC 2017, they are working to democratize IoT with intelligence that is easy to use and accessible for everyone.

Source: Samsung

Hyundai N 2025 Vision GT Concept Returns in Gran Turismo Sport

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 17, 2017 – One of the most exhilarating concepts to come out of Hyundai’s design studios makes a triumphant return today in Polyphony Digital’s hotly anticipated next-generation racing simulation, Gran Turismo Sport, now on sale for the PlayStation 4.

The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is Hyundai’s entry in GT Sport’s top racing class, Group 1, where it competes against other manufacturers’ Vision Gran Turismo projects and a multitude of well-known real-world prototype racing cars from different manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bugatti, and McLaren.

“The N 2025 Vision GT is our ambitious take on what we think prototype racing could look like in the not-too-distant future. We’re thrilled to see it presented anew in one of the most visually stunning racing simulations ever created,” said Chris Chapman, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, CA. “This concept is a point of pride for Hyundai on so many fronts. It effortlessly combines beauty and function as a racing car, and it boasts a fuel-cell powertrain that is as progressive as the bodywork wrapped around it. It’s exciting to know that players who drive it in Gran Turismo Sport can now do so in pursuit of a real FIA Championship that’s exclusive to the game.”

The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is joined by four other Hyundai race cars, each based on the Genesis Coupe, and each tied to a specific in-game racing class:

• Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track (N class)
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gr.3 (Group 3 class)
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gr.4 (Group 4 class)
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gr.B Rally Car (Group B class)

Source: Hyundai

About Eco Fashion Week Australia 2017

Eco Fashion Week Australia will collaborate with the designers, artists, activists, community, media, businesses and educational programs, as well as the local Governments, to raise awareness for environmentally conscious fashion. With Eco fashion weeks spreading across the globe, it is only natural for Kuvan-Mills to take the wheel in her own beloved home of Perth, Australia. The initiative she has taken to implement Australia’s first and very own Eco fashion celebration will strike a chord with designers, fashionistas and media alike.

This innovative, forward-thinking event will feature, exclusive informative discussions, exhibitions, hands-on workshops and incredible runway shows showcasing the best in organic, handmade, local, re/upcycled fair-trade, ethical fashion, traditional, and textiles.

Eco Fashion Week Australia is proudly supported by TCFWA, TCF Australia, TCF Global, Australian Made Campaign , Fly By Night Musicians Club, Taylors Art and Coffee House, Green Embassy, Dowerin GWN Machinery Field Days, Eco Beach, Loig’s Music Lab, Dene Selby Modelling Agency, Rainforest Rescue, RSPCA-Reloved Fashion, Mercado32, Vivify Textiles, Salon Express, Curtin University, and ECU along with Media Partners Eluxe Magazine, The Bahamas Weekly, Peppermint, Olio by Marilyn, Style Drama, Textile Beat and MOCHNI.COM, Kristen Leo. The Green Hub, Eco Warrior Princess, Tommie.

Source: ECO FASHION WEEK

‘’The Daintree Rainforest – a worldwide treasure that needs to be protected at all costs.”

The Daintree Rainforest, a worldwide treasure that needs to be protected at all costs’’- David Attenborough

Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) – Australia’s first international Eco-fashion week – is being held in Perth on the 23-27th of November. The event is committed to promoting sustainable fashion both in Australia and globally, and to working with established organizations to protect our environment and wildlife.

The world’s rainforests are disappearing rapidly, with 65.000 hectares cleared or significantly degraded every single day. Australia’s Daintree Rainforest is of international conservation importance and recognized as are the most regional ecosystem in the world. Planting rainforest trees will help to restore the rainforest and serve to protect its many species of plants and animals from extinction.

EFWA has committed to collaborate and support the efforts of Rainforest Rescue year-round by participating as a sponsor in their project, ‘Plant a Rainforest.” On the 5th of September, EFWA 2017 designers planted the event’s very first trees at Daintree in an area of the rainforest previously cleared for sugar cane production. EFWA2017 Eco designers were represented at this event by Queenslander locals who planted new trees on their behalf.

“EFWA will be supporting Conservation work of Rainforest Rescue work with our tickets during the busy week.” – Dr. Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, CEO of EFWA and former Conservation, Environmental and Animal Science lecturer of UK.

In support of Rainforest Rescue’s efforts to safeguard, protect the biodiversity of our Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, and ensure its survival for future generations, EFWA will be donating $5.00 from every single ticket sold during Eco Fashion Week Australia 2017, a practice that will be continued each year.

EFWA places community, sustainability, and education at its core while promoting locally, ethically produced fashion, conservation, and sustainability education. The event will run from the 23rd – 27th of November 2017. The week will include fashion shows, free workshop, an Eco seminar series called Disposable Planet (to be held at Curtin University) and a and pop-up shop at the RSPCA’s Reloved boutique featuring Australian Designers with a percentage of sale donated to their programs.

Source: EcoFashionWeek

Yes, it's possible to sell our old mobile in 60 seconds

Is it possible to sell your old mobile for a reasonable amount and that too online and that too in just 60 seconds? In 60 seconds, we can’t even open our browser. In 60 seconds, we can’t even order a pizza. In 60 seconds, we can’t even reserve a movie ticket. In 60 seconds, we can’t even buy a new mobile. In 60 seconds, we can’t even make up our mind to sell that old mobile and they are offering us to sell our old mobile in just 60 seconds.  Sounds someone is just trying to fool. But the biggest question still hangs that how can we sell our old mobile in just 60 seconds?

Since my young age, I have been using a mobile. Earlier it was a GSM. Then I shifted to CDMA. My next turn was back to a new GSM and if not mistaken, I have at least two dozen old mobile phones in my drawer, and many of them are lying to me for years. Whenever I tried to sell any of them, the price offered was so meager that I thought of making them heritage mobiles for my children, instead of selling so cheap.

I remember a handset that I wanted to sell, just three months after my purchase as the new technology had made it obsolete. There was not much difference in the newest technology, but one of my required application was working only on the new technology. The purchase price was 17,000/- at that time and I was offered just 7,000/- and that too after roaming so many shops.  

On the other hand, Cashify website asked to download the App and select the device that we wanted to sell. In turn, the App will help us to unlock the best selling price depending upon the condition of the device we want to sell. If approved by us, they will arrange a free pickup against the cash payment from our doorstep. I had a strong belief that they are fooling as no company can do that type of business in the entire world. So I decided to download the App & have a try.

The Cashify App opened & the first step was to select one of the Brand options. I selected Apple and in the Sub-options, I opted one of the old mobiles of my wife, i.e. iPhone 5s with 16GB. It took me just 10 seconds so far. The App said that I can get up to Rs 6,950/- for that mobile. A series of questions followed after that, i.e. Does the mobile switch on? I said yes. Any functional or physical problems?  I said that Battery not working. Then it asked if I have the Charger, Earphone, Box as well a valid bill? I had no box.

The next question was the Age of the mobile? I opted above 11 months in Good condition. The App gave me a Guaranteed selling price of Rs 4,600/-. There were two options now, get 5% extra with Amazon voucher, i.e. Rs 4,800/- & Get 15% more with Mantra voucher, i.e. Rs. 5,250/-. The last step was to click on Cashify now with your Mobile number and Facebook or Google account for a free pickup from my address.

It took me no more than 60 seconds indeed & I was on the verge of selling one of my old mobiles. It was a great experience with no headache, no roaming shop to shop for a better bargain, and truly from the comforts of my own home while taking a cup of tea with snacks. My wife took it as a great surprise and brought two other mobiles also to check the guaranteed selling price. 

Soon I got over a dozen calls from my relatives, to check the guaranteed selling price of their mobiles and I requested to all of them with folded hands that please download CASHIFY, as it’s truly beneficial. Please log on to https://www.cashify.in to CASHIFY #CleanUpCashOut of your old mobiles, Laptops, and Tablets. If you want an additional Rs. 250/- on the sale of your old gadgets, please use the code ‘CLEANCASH’.

Pics with thanks: CASHIFY

Sony’s New RX10 IV Combines World’s Fastest1 AF and 24 fps Continuous Shooting with Versatile 24-600mm F2.4-F4 Zoom Lens

Sony, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer announced an addition to its acclaimed Cyber-shot® RX10 series, the RX10 IV (model DSC-RX10M4).

Building on the success of last year’s RX10 III, this new versatile camera features the world’s fastest¹ AF acquisition time of 0.03 seconds² and up to 24 fps continuous shooting³ with full AF/AE tracking, 315 phase-detection AF points that rivals those the fastest professional interchangeable lens cameras and an exceptionally versatile 24-600mm⁴ F2.4-F4 ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens, the new RX10 IV model delivers an unmatched combination of mobility and speed for imaging enthusiasts and professionals looking for the ultimate ‘all-in-one’ solution.

The impressive RX10 IV camera is equipped with a latest 1.0-type 20.1 MP⁵ Exmor RS CMOS stacked image sensor with DRAM chip along with a powerful BIONZ X™ image processor and front-end LSI. These key components all work together to maximize overall speed of operation and performance, ultimately ensuring the highest possible image and video quality throughout the entire range of the 24-600mm⁴ lens.

First, for Sony’s RX10 series of cameras, the new RX10 IV model features a Fast Hybrid AF system that combines the respective advantages of 315 phase-detection AF points covering approximately 65% of the sensor and contrast-detection AF to ultimately enable the camera to lock focus in as little as 0.03 seconds². This high-speed focusing complements the extensive 24-600mm⁴ range of the lens, ensuring all subjects can be captured with precise detail and clarity.

Additionally, for the first time in a Cyber-shot camera, the RX10 IV model employs High-density Tracking AF technology. This advanced technology, which had only been previously available in a select few of Sony’s acclaimed line of α interchangeable lens cameras, concentrates AF points around a subject to improve tracking and focus accuracy, allowing even the most unpredictable subjects including fast-moving athletes and birds in flight to be captured with ease.

Other AF improvements in the new RX10 IV camera include an enhanced version of the popular Eye AF, Touch Focus, and Focus Range Limiter⁶.  The AF-ON setting is also assignable, as well as multiple AF modes including AF-S, AF-C, and AF-A, which can be easily adjusted based on user preferences and in the shooting situations.

An ideal complement to the AF system, the RX10 IV offers continuous high-speed shooting at up to 24 fps3 with full AF/AE tracking, with an impressive buffer limit of up to 249 images⁷. With the significant improvements in processing power for the new camera, EVF display lag during continuous shooting has been substantially reduced, allowing shooters to capture the decisive moment with ultimate confidence. Also, for convenience during image playback, continuously shot images can be displayed in groups instead of individual shots.

The RX10 IV also has a high-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter (maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32000 second) that reduces the “rolling shutter” effect commonly experienced with fast-moving subjects and can shoot completely silently in all modes, including continuous high-speed shooting, when the electronic shutter is engaged. A mechanical shutter mode is also available as well if required by the user

The 24-600mm4 ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens on the Cyber-shot RX10 IV camera features a large maximum aperture of F2.4-F4.0, helping it achieve outstanding image quality throughout the entire zoom range, all the way up to ultra-telephoto.  It includes a super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element and ED aspherical lenses to minimize chromatic aberration, and ZEISS® T* Coating to minimize flare and ghosting.

The lens also has built-in Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization that helps to reduce camera shake and image blur. When the feature is activated, it is equivalent to an approximate 4.5 steps shutter speed improvement.

Additionally, with a minimum focusing distance of 72 cm (2.36 ft) and 0.49x maximum magnification at a fully extended 600mm, the lens is capable of producing amazingly detailed tele-macro images.

The new RX10 IV features Sony’s latest 3.0-type 1.44M dot tiltable LCD screen with Touch Focus and TouchPad function – another first for Cyber-shot RX series – for quick and smooth focusing operation, and White Magic™ technology, ensuring that LCD viewing is bright and clear in even the harshest outdoor lighting conditions. Additionally, it is equipped with an approx. 2.35M dot high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. Triple lens rings for aperture, zoom, and focus are also available, with a completely quiet, smooth option for the aperture ring that is ideal for video shooters.

To enhance customization, “My Menu” functionality has been added, allowing up to 30 frequently used menu items to be custom registered. Menus are color-coded for easier recognition and navigation, and a new Movie Settings menu has been introduced to improve the overall video shooting experience.

Source: SONY