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Showing posts with label smartphones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smartphones. Show all posts

Sunday, 21 April 2019

22:30

Google Pay starts Railway Ticket bookings in India

Google Pay starts Railway Ticket bookings in India
DELHI: In what could become a major use case of Google Pay (earlier named Tez) users in India, the digital payments app will allow railways ticket booking through its platform.
The service is being powered by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
In a statement the company said that the feature will be made available in the travel and transit section of the application and can be used by smartphone users across Android and iOS.
Google Pay users can also browse for train options, book tickets and even cancel them through the app. Additionally users can also check seat availability, journey duration also compare travel time.
“Two out of every three transactions on Google Pay come from 3,00,000 of India’s towns and villages, well beyond India’s largest metros. The train ticket booking feature addresses an important need for Indian users, right within the app and is another step to making the lives of our users easier and more convenient with Google Pay,” said Ambarish Kenghe, Director, Product Management, Google Pay.
Leveraging the success with cab and bus bookings on the Google Pay app, the California headquartered search engine giant intends to scale up train bookings massively as well.

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Wednesday, 4 January 2017

08:20

This iPhone ‘Theatre Mode’ Update Sounds Like a Threat

This iPhone ‘Theatre Mode’ Update Sounds Like a Threat

It’s hard to pass judgment on iPhone’s new “theatre mode” because, well, it doesn’t exist out in the real world just yet. But according to a new report, that might be changing sooner rather than later, as Apple’s latest update is said to include this mysterious function. What is it, exactly? What does it do? Is this good news or bad news? Is the sanctity of the theatrical experience facing a new, insidious threat? Whatever it is, we’ll probably find out on January 10, when the iOS 10.3 beta rolls out to iPhone users.

The Independent called attention to some intriguing tweets from “regular Apple leaker” Sonny Dickson, who claims that the upcoming iOS 10.3 beta includes a function known as “theatre mode.” Per Dickson, the mode is initiated when users click on a popcorn icon in the iPhone control center. As for functionality (like, what does it do), Dickson offered no further details.

There is plenty of speculation, however. Some have swiftly linked “theatre mode” to one of Apple’s existing patents, which essentially detailed plans to make phones more accessible and easier to use in movie theaters. (This ties into some preexisting speculation about Apple’s plans for a “dark mode,” which features black menus that are easier to read at nighttime — a theory supported by Apple’s new OLED handsets.) As detailed on the patent, which was granted back in 2012, this mysterious mode would automatically disable call sounds and incoming notifications, while the phone’s screen would switch to a much dimmer setting — all of which sounds fairly reasonable, except for the screen setting, which implies (and maybe even encourages?) users to keep using their phones at the movies like monsters.

But the patent did have an interesting detail: The function would be triggered by theater companies / owners, not iPhone users. Instead of changing your screen / sound / notification settings every time you go to a movie theater, your phone would automatically adjust these settings for you. When you leave the theater, voila, the phone automatically switches back to your specific settings — it’s just not up to you. Apple’s head was certainly in the right place (or somewhere in that vicinity) when they filed for the patent, which also suggested that theater owners could establish special screening times and (oh, here it is) charge a premium for customers to watch films with “no cell phone interruptions.”

It’s quite possible that this new “theatre mode” has functions very similar to those detailed in Apple’s 2012 patent, but as Dickson’s tweets suggest, the feature is entirely user-controlled — which means it’s still up to you to decide whether or not to be a jerk when you enter a movie theater. Without seeing how “dim” the screen gets, it’s hard to know just how discreet this new mode will be. Ideally, it would be virtually undetectable / invisible to everyone — including those in adjacent seats — except for the user, but what I just described sounds like sorcery, and I’m pretty sure Steve Jobs wasn’t a warlock. (Pretty sure. Not 100 percent.)

So is Apple’s new “theatre mode” friend or foe? Unless it threatens to destroy your phone Mission: Impossible-style if you take it out during a movie and actually follows through on that threat, this function is useless; making phones slightly less noticeable doesn’t fix the problem. The only acceptable phone setting when you’re in a movie theater is “off.” (Or, if you have the self-control required to get up and leave the auditorium before taking your phone out to check it, then “silent” is also acceptable.)

Source:ScreenCrush




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Thursday, 31 March 2016

20:55

LeEco announces setting up in-house CDNs across 10 locations in India

LeEco announces setting up in-house CDNs across 10 locations in India

Global internet and technology conglomerate, LeEco announced setting up in-house Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) in 10 cities across India by the end of 2016. The internet conglomerate plans to make a significant investment of over 10 million USD to set up this CDN/cloud infrastructure, which will provide content delivery capabilities in linear channel, live events, and video on demand serving both mobile and TV segment, giving consumers a better user experience on LeEco products. Paving way for technology innovations, the company entered the Indian market early this year, introducing its unique Le Ecosystem model, which is now strengthening its offering to consumers by setting up its own delivery networks to ensure faster and seamless distribution of content to its users.

LeEco expects to reach out to close to 10 million user base in smart devices through their CDN infrastructure in these 10 locations across India. LeEco has a comprehensive ecosystem model globally consisting of devices, content, cloud and a user interface platform, which clearly sets apart the company in the technology and internet space in India as well. The in-house CDNs across 10 locations in India (including key cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) will be connected to LeEco's global 650 CDNs through cloud, allowing LeEco smartphone or television users to stream audio, video or internet television content on-demand seamlessly and reliably, wherever they are. "LeEco's strategic vision in the cloud is unique when compared with competitors, not only in scale but also scope. India will be the second market after China, to have content we provide. We plan to tie up with providers to deliver third party content and are also evaluating producing LeEco's own local content." "We wish to replicate our successful global ecosystem model in India, offering users a distinct content integrated offering across our devices. The setting up of our CDN infrastructure further reiterates our commitment to build the Le Ecosystem in the country and provide our users with an uncompromised experience. Our ecosystem is aimed at reshaping the boundaries of media and with our 'One Cloud' approach we intend to deliver a premium content experience across every screen," said COO Smart Electronics Business LeEco India, Atul Jain. LeEco has already announced partnerships with leading content providers Eros and Yupp TV for content on mobile phones. Eros Now for Video-on-demand (VOD) and YuppTV for TV content streaming. Additionally, LeEco is also integrating its own content transcoding solution, compression and clip slicing tools, video resource systems, content management system, and streaming control central all together with the CDN cloud, ensuring an end to end core to support the ecosystem for user's content consumption journey. LeEco started of building a content library in a grand scale and has more than 100,000 episodes of TV shows, over 5,000 copyrighted films in China. LeEco is the industry leader in content quantity and quality. To add to LeEco's extensive content collection, the company has established its own production house Le Vision Pictures (LeVP) and acquired Flower Film and TV. LeEco creates new film production pattern in the Internet era and roped in the leading celebrities of the film fraternity in China as directors and art directors. (ANI) 

Source:Sify.com 

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Thursday, 6 August 2015

14:49

Smartphones overtake laptops for going online in Britain

Smartphones overtake laptops for going online in Britain

London, Aug 6 (IANS) Now an essential part of our daily lives, smartphones have overtaken laptops as the most popular device for getting online, new British research has revealed.

According to a report by Ofcom, an independent regulator and competition authority for the British communications industries, two thirds of Britons now own a smartphone, using it for nearly two hours every day to browse the internet, access social media, bank and shop online.

On average, adult mobile users spent nearly two hours online each day using a smartphone for an average of an hour and 54 minutes, compared to an hour and nine minutes on laptops and PCs.

“The results show just how important reliable, fast internet access is to millions of consumers and businesses,” Sharon White, Ofcom’s chief executive, said in a statement.

The Ofcom’s “2015 Communications Market Report” found that a third (33 percent) of internet users see their smartphone as the most important device for going online, compared to 30 percent who are still sticking with their laptop.

The rise in smartphone surfing marks a clear shift since 2014, when just 22 percent turned to their phone first, and 40 percent preferred their laptop.

Smartphones are now in the pockets of two thirds (66 percent) of British adults, up from 39 percent in 2012.

The vast majority (90 percent) of 16-24 year olds own smartphones but 55-64 year-olds are also joining the smartphone revolution.

The smartphone ownership in this age group has more than doubled since 2012 – from 19 percent to 50 percent, the report revealed.

The surge is being driven by the increasing take-up of 4G mobile broadband, providing faster online access. During 2014, 4G subscriptions leapt from 2.7 million to 23.6 million.

“4G has supercharged our smartphones, helping people do everything from the weekly shop to catching up with friends with a face-to-face video call,” added James Thickett, Ofcom’s director of research.

Smartphones now take more photos than any other device, including digital cameras, with 60 percent of adults saying they use it most to take a snap, rising to almost nine in 10 (89 percent) of 16-24 year olds.

Just over one in five adults (22 percent) mostly use their digital camera.

One in three adults turn over and check their phones within five minutes of waking up.

“For young people, checking social media messages before breakfast is even more crucial,” the report noted.

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Thursday, 14 May 2015

08:58

Google Maps adds Indian Railways Schedule, will Show Live Status of 12,000 Trains

Google Maps adds Indian Railways Schedule, will Show Live Status of 12,000 Trains

The passengers of Indian Railways would now be able to access real-time status of nearly 12,000 trains on their smartphones and laptops. The live information of all the trains will be available from Google Maps desktop and smartphone apps.

According to PTI, Google Maps will also keep updating the Metro Rail routes in nine Indian cities - New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Thane.

Google Transit, a feature integrated with Google Maps, will help the users plan their travel using public transport. The Google Transit feature is available with Google Maps app on Android and iOS smartphones as well as for the desktops and laptops.

To use the service, one just needs to give destination and from location as the inputs and then click the Public Transit option following the Get Direction option. The feature will show four options - walking, car, bus and train.

"Google Transit is part of our effort to make Google Maps more comprehensive, accurate and useful for millions of people around the world who take buses, trains, metros or trams to their next destination," Google Maps director, program management, Suren Ruhela said.

"We hope that the addition of Indian Railways schedules pan-India and updated information for eight cities to Google Transit in India will make it a little easier to plan your next trip," he said.

Goggle Maps already features public transport schedule for more than one million transit stops, including 2,800 cities globally. For making the database, Google has been collaborating with worldwide public transit agencies since 2005.

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Monday, 13 April 2015

11:00

Namma Metro plan to Introduces NFC Technology to pass through the Metro gates

Bangalore (SBC): Have a smartphone? BMRCL plans to introduce a unique entry system where you have to just flash your mobile to pass through the Metro gates.

This novel method is made possible through Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, said U A Vasanth Rao, General Manager (Finance) and chief public relations officer, BMRCL.

“The existing card readers at the gates already support NFC. So, no separate upgradation is required,” said Brajendra Kumar, deputy chief engineer (IT and Telecommunications), Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. Any NFC-enabled phone behaves like the smart card presently being accepted at Metro stations.

“In the case of NFC, the physical smart card resides inside the phone as a ‘secure element’ either in the form of hardware or software,” he said. When it is hardware, it can be a special SIM (a slight variant of the ones used in mobile phones) or a memory card developed by companies which manufacture chip for smart cards. SIM-based technology has recently picked up in Hong Kong.

NFC-based systems are gaining popularity world over as the NFC Reader, which used to be a separate electronic device earlier and is now part of mobile phones.

SmartPhone“Metro has carried out the testing using special test SIMs provided by NXP, the company providing chip to its smart cards,” said Kumar. Software-based smart cards have still not proven to be a secure method of storing currency for transport applications, he added.

So, when can one expect to use a mobile phone for entry? “The launch for it depends on the commercial availability of special SIMs followed by comprehensive testing and acceptance by transport and telecom operators,” Kumar said.

Presently, 40 per cent of commuters use cards and 60 per cent use tokens. These two entry procedures, however, will continue.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, managing director, BMRCL, said, “We are working on this form of ticketing and other innovations.” However, he refused to give a specific date for introducing the novel system.

NFC is a wireless mobile technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances. These devices can be 2 mobile phones, a mobile phone and payment terminal or rather they can be any two devices where NFC chip is installed. Data transfer between the devices occurs through one of two means: either a short wave or, as is more common, a touch or tap. Currently, NFC capability is available only in smart-phones category across brands such as Nokia, Samsung, BlackBerry, HTC, Google including several others. This service will enable Metro service providers to reduce hassle of long queues and other problems related with getting train tickets. NFC along with mobile money service would be best solution for these problems.

According to reports, the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has earlier invited bids from various banks to participate in its tender for automatic fare collection system.  As part of the bid conditions, banks have to have tie ups with other banks to enable cashless transactions and also support NFC when it is introduced. The Delhi Metro Rail project is reportedly to have started pilots of NFC-based ticketing.

Another example of NFC implementation is the launch of SBI Transit Card, in collaboration with Bangalore Metro rail service. The contactless card has an electronic chip that records distance traveled by a commuter and deducts fare when the card is swiped.

NFC standards cover communications protocols and data exchange formats, which are based on existing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) standards. The standards include ISO/IEC and those defined by the NFC Forum, which was founded in 2004 by Nokia, Philips and Sony.
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Saturday, 21 March 2015

17:08

Free Internet Subscription for an entire year with smartphones

Suneet Singh Tuli’s technology company Datawind today launched three low-cost smartphones in India which will be offered along with free internet subscription for an entire year. The three phones are priced between Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,500.

Targeted at the major chunk of population who do not have access to internet, Datawind, as first reported by TeleAnalysis, has partnered with Reliance Communications, to offer internet access absolutely free on those devices. However, the free viewing of internet does not include audio or video download from the internet. If downloaded, these type of data will be charged on the customer as per prevailing data package offered by the telecom operator, in this case RCom. Datawind, according to its CEO Suneet Singh Tuli, wants to provide ‘internet’ to first time users through his low cost devices.

The three devices are called PocketSurfer 2G4, 3G4 and 3G5 and uses UbiSurfer browsers which compresses the original data so that it can be viewed with optimum ease and without consuming much data. The PocketSurfer 2G4 is priced at Rs 1,999, 3G4 is priced at Rs 2,999 and the PocketSurfer 3G5 is priced at Rs 5,499.

The PocketSurfer 2G4 is a 3.5 inch, dual SIM, Edge network compatible smartphone and the PocketSurfer 3G4 is a 4 inch, Dual SIM, Dual camera, 3G network compatible smartphone.  Both the phones make use of DataWind’s web acceleration technology to deliver the fastest internet browsing experience through the UbiSurfer browser.

For the distribution of the devices, Datawind has tied up with multiple retail partners. it has partnered with Naaptol, a retail channel on television medium; with Spice Hotspots, and other multi-branded retail stores. These PocketSurfer phones will also be available at other e-retail channels like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon etc.

Source: TeleAnalysis
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