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XOLO mobiles next handset the XOLO Q1000 Opus will be powered by Broadcom Processor. The Opus is a quad core handset with 5 inch HD screen. The pricing details are not known however the handset is expected to hit the stores by end of November 2013.

Intel, MediaTek and now Broadcom powered, XOLO mobiles have tied up with Broadcom and their latest handset will be available by end of November 2013. The XOLO Q1000 Opus is powered by 1.2GHz quad core cortex A7 BCM23550 (Java) chipset. This chipset supports HSPA+ as well as 5G Wi-Fi that is much faster and more power efficient.

The 5 inch screen with 720p resolution is with dual HD support i.e. you can connect to external HD devices (HDTV etc) using Wi-Fi Miracast capable display and watch content on both the screens. The VideoCore IV GPU will enhance the gaming experience. The GPS module will support GLONASS for better indoor as well as outdoor location. This is all that we know for now.

Some other features that you can expect is dual MIC, full HD video recording, probably NFC support and better battery life. We will have to wait for the official specifications once it gets listed on their website. It is just a matter of few days.

The Canon EOS 100D is sold as EOS 100D in India and as Rebel SL1 in the US. The camera body itself will cost under Rs. 47,600. The 100D DSLR with 18-55mm lens will cost you under Rs. 51,000. For this review we have used the Tamron AF 18-270mm (Di-II) lens that is priced at under Rs. 30,500.

Inside the Box

The box pack and the camera body that you see in the images below are of EOS Rebel SL1 it is the same EOS 100D, in India and in some other countries it is sold as the 100D. Depending on what you want, you can buy the body only or the start-up kit i.e. body plus 18-55mm lens. You can also buy extra lenses as per your need.

In the box you will find the Canon EOS 100D, 18-55 mm lens, battery charger, Battery pack, interface cable, some software CD’s, user guide and camera strap.

Canon EOS 100D review

The camera body is light weight at 370 grams and of dimension 116.8×90.7×69.4mm. This DSLR camera can shoot images in 18 megapixel resolution and supports full HD recording. The TFT Capacitive Touch Liquid crystal Monitor is 3 inches supporting display resolution of 1,040,000 dots. There is a viewfinder too (Eye-level pentamirror).

You can save images / videos on SD / SDXC / SDHC memory cards. It is a full auto focus camera (9 point) with intelligent auto mode for both videos and still images. With Continuous shooting mode you can shoot 4 shots per second. Other features are Hybrid CMOS AF II (for faster auto focus), HDR Backlight Control, built in speaker, HDMI mini port, audio / video terminal, external mic IN terminal, remote control terminal and EYE-FI card compatible.

Shutter speed is 1/4000 sec to 30 seconds. ISO speed is 100 to 12800. The built in flash will pop up when needed. Built in rechargeable battery (LP-E12) gives up to 380 shots using viewfinder, up to 150 shots using Live View (LCD screen) and you can shoot up to 1 hours of video on a full charge.

The key highlight is that the Canon EOS 100D is lighter than other models, however considering the price and the feature it doesn’t really make a good buy. Also check Canon EOS 1100D Digital SLR camera.

Tamron AF 18-270mm Di-II lens

This is an extra accessory, not included with the Canon 100D. This lens works with many other camera models. The 18-270mm lens (with 15x High-power Mega Zoom) can serve multiple purposes; you don’t need to carry multiple lenses. This is a bit heavy – weight is 550 grams.

The Yoga Tablets that were in the news for quite some time has finally been launched. Lenovo Yoga Tablets are available in 8 inch and 10 inch variants for Rs. 22,999 and Rs. 28,999. These tablets are listed on the official Lenovo website and can be pre-ordered, shipping will commence from 25th Nov.

It is called the Yoga tablet because it can be used in three different modes (ways), stand mode / Hold Mode / Tilt Mode. There is a kick stand that along with the battery weight helps the device stand of its own.

Yoga Tablet 8

This Lenovo tab sports an 8 inch screen with 1280×800 pixels resolution. It comes with 5MP rear camera and 1.6MP front HD camera. Yoga Tab 8 is powered by 1.2GHz MediaTek MT8389 quad core processor with 1GB RAM and 16GB storage. It runs on Android 4.2. Micro SD card of up to 64GB is supported.

For connectivity there is built-in 3G/2G (Micro SIM card slot), Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS. Voice calling is supported. The 6000 mAh Li-ion battery gives usage time of up to 18 hours.

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 10

This tab also comes powered by 1.2GHz MT8389 quad core chipset running Android 4.2 with 1GB RAM and 16GB storage. 64GB micro SD card is supported. 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS are supported. There is a 5MP rear and 1.6MP front camera.

The screen is 10.1 inches supporting 1280×800 pixels resolution. Battery is of a 9000 mAh capacity that gives up to 18hours of usage time on a full charge.

Apple has come up with a new scheme to boost the sales of iPhone 4S and the latest iPhone 5C. As per the buyback scheme users can get a minimum of Rs. 13,000 in exchange of their existing smartphone.

Condition apply: Offer valid on selected handsets that include BlackBerry (Z10/Q10), Apple iPhone 4, Nokia Lumia 925, HTC Desire (500/600/One Mini / One Dual SIM), Samsung (Mega 5.8/Mega 6.3/S4 Mini / S3 /S4 /Note 2/Note 3 and Sony (Xperia C /ZR/Z/Z1 and Z Ultra).

Is this offer really lucrative?

It depend on if you really want to go in for the Apple iPhone, you will have to do the maths, and if you can pay off the remaining amount after the buyback offer. The good part is that for the models listed you will at least get Rs. 13,000 and more depending on the condition and purchase date.

The Apple iPhone 5C is selling starting from Rs. 41K and the iPhone 5S for around Rs. 53K..

Intex Technologies is getting ready to launch the MT6592 Octa Core dual SIM handset and probably become the first manufacturer to launch an Octa core smartphone in India. The specifications are out that looks really impressive.

The new Intex handset as mentioned will house the true Octa Core MediaTek MT6592 chipset clocked at 1.7GHz coupled with Mali 450 MP4 GPU that will be clocked at 700 MHz. One can easily assume the kind of power and performance this handset could deliver comparing it with quad core handset.

The Intex handset (model unknown) will sport a 6 inch screen with 720p resolution. It will be an LCD IPS screen. The handset will not only be power efficient but quite slim with a 7mm thickness and 2.6mm frame width.

This Octa core smartphone will run on the Android 4.2.2 with 2GB RAM and optional 16 or 32GB built in storage. Looking at its slim size there will be no external micro SD card support. In addition there will be a 13 megapixel rear auto focus camera with BSI sensor and flash and 5 megapixel front camera.

Other features are (possibly 4G), 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, GPS, FM radio and Bluetooth. The handset will also be equipped with Yamaha 1420 dual speakers and come with high quality earphone. The metal finish Intex Octa Core handset will be available with exchangeable battery. The pricing details and the release dates are not yet disclosed.

Huawei will soon launch Huawei Ascend P6S and upgraded version of Ascend P6. The Ascend P6S will come powered by Octa Core chipset and will run on the latest Android 4.4 OS.

Huawei president Xu Xin Quan did confirm the Ascend P6S via Weibo, however the exact specifications and the pricing details has not yet been disclosed. All that we know is that it will be with true Octa Core chipset.

Reference to True Octa Core (8 core) could probably point out at the MediaTek MT6592 chipset. In fact this is the latest hot stuff that many manufactures are looking forward to. We are not sure if and when the Huawei Ascend P6S will be available in India and its price tag.

For now Intex has already announced its plan to launch their Octa core handset in India. It is a matter of few weeks / month and if you are planning to buy a new smartphone and ready to spend over Rs. 18,000 it would be wise to wait for the 8 core smartphones.

Qualcomm has announced the Qualcomm Toq Smartwatch that comes with Qualcomm’s proprietary Mirasol display technology. The Toq Smartwatch comes with innovative features and with Digital 6th sense. The estimated price is around $349 (not yet confirmed).

Qualcomm Toq the wearable technology makes use of the digital 6th sense that lets you know, what you need to know at the glance on the screen or via audio. The revolutionary reflective Mirasol display is amazing and consumes hardly any power, in fact the device screen is ‘always on’ enabled. The capacitive screen (color) display is always on, and gets going for days before a recharge.

The Toq supports automatic updates, wireless charging, Bluetooth stereo experience and gives a longer battery life while being seamlessly connected with your smartphone. The drop and go wireless recharging (Qualcomm Wi-Power) is another unique feature.

The power consumption is so low that the on/off buttons – they simply do not exist. The Qualcomm Toq smartphone can manage your calls, reminders, notifications and text messages without having to access the handset.

The stylish and lightweight Toq Smartwatch works with Android 4.0 and above. This watch will also be available in premium audio edition where in you get wireless stereo headphones with dedicated woofer and tweeter. For more info visit the toq.qualcomm.com.

Good news for those waiting for the Android 4.3 update on the Samsung Galaxy Note II, the update is now available. Just head to the settings, about and tap the software update, then check for the update and it should start downloading the 700MB 4.3 OS.

I am using the Galaxy Note II and have already initiated the update, it is currently downloading, check the progress via images, I will update with more images as when it happens. It’s over the air update, you will need a good Wi-Fi connection or 3G connection (do note the size is around 700 MB just in case if you are planning to use the 3G connection).

With 4.3 running on Galaxy Note II the handset will become compatible with the Galaxy Gear Smartwatch. The new updated will improve performance, come with new keyboard, lock screen, some new camera modes and more.

Samsung had rolled out 4.3 updates for the Galaxy S3 but after complaints from many users they had suspended the update on S3. This would have delayed the 4.3 update on Note 2, but to my surprise its finally here.

DOMO Slate X3G comes powered by 1GHz Allwinner A31 quad core chipset with PowerVR SGX 544 MP GPU. This 7 inch tablet comes with built in SIM slot that supports 3G. The tab runs on Android 4.2.2 and is priced at Rs. 11,490.

Box Pack

The box contains the 7 inch tablet, data cable, charger, OTG cable, warranty card, user manual and free 16GB class 6 micro SD card.

Design and Display

The Slate X3G 4th weighs about 307 grams with battery. The thickness is 10.48mm and breadth is 107.83mm. The rear side is silver colored with matte finish. The build quality looks good. Built in battery is 3200 mAh capacity. There is SIM slot that supports 3G and you can also use the tab as a phone.

On the front there is in-call speaker, 3MP front camera and sensors (Accelerometer, proximity and light sensors). The power button and volume rockers are placed on the right side. The SIM slot and micro SD card slot on the left side. On the top there is 3.5mm audio jack, micro USB port and mini HDMI port.

The 7 inch TFT LCD screen is with 976×600 pixels resolution. There is no dedicated navigation buttons on the front panel and hence on-screen navigational buttons are enabled. Touch is smooth and responsive. The screen also comes with some coating or a factory fitted screen guard that is finger print resistant. Viewing angles are okay not that good. There is LED indicator that lights up when you connect the tab for charging.

Memory, Storage and OS

There is 1GB onboard RAM. After the first boot you get around 512MB free RAM. Of the 8GB storage 1GB is assigned for apps (825MB free) and 4.5GB as internal storage. There is the 16GB free micro SD card too that gives around 14GB of external storage space. Unfortunately this tab cannot install apps or games on external storage. OTG is supported and the X3G 4th tablet runs on Android 4.2.2. Performance

Slate X3G 4th comes powered by AllWinner A31 quad core chipset clocked at 1GHz and coupled with PowerVR SGX 544MP GPU. Overall performance is good. Quadrant benchmark score seems too low.

Benchmark scores

Quadrant Standard – 2215 – 2nd run – 2315 .

AnTuTu – 11248.

Vellamo – HTML5 1168, Metal 322.

Nenamark 2 – 56.5 fps

Multi touch : 5 points.

Gaming

Dead Trigger 2 and Asphalt 8 played really well. Game play was smooth. The games got installed on the internal storage.

5MP camera

The rear 5MP camera as well as the front 3MP camera output is okay, not really that good. These are fixed focus cameras. The rear 5MP camera can record videos in 960×720 pixels at 6.66 fps which is no good.

Others

The speaker sound is quite low. You can use the tab as a phone but the earphone’s call / cancel button does not work with the phone feature. The tab heats up a bit which is normal. There is no Bluetooth and built in GPS receiver. You can use the Wi-Fi / Mobile networks to get the location on Google Maps but that is not very accurate.

Battery

The built in battery is of 3200 mAh capacity. I used the tablet for 20 minutes running benchmark apps – the battery level dropped by 13%. Game play of 11 minutes resulted in the battery level dropping by 8%. The estimated battery life with continues usage will be around 3 hours.

Verdict

The DOMO Slate X34G 4th a 7 inch tab with Allwinner quad core chipset runs on Android 4.2 with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. This tablet comes with a free 16GB SD card. There is SIM slot (normal SIM) with 3G support (does not support HSPA). The build quality and overall performance is good, ignore the camera. The tab is so far the cheapest quad core with 3G, however without Bluetooth and GPS.

LG will soon launch the LG G Flex self healing smartphone. The G Flex houses with curved touchscreen but the key attraction is the back side that comes with a special coating that heals back to its original state.

In other words the back cover with that special coating is kind of scratch resistant (to certain extent). If you scratch the back with a hard object the scratch will be visible but within few minutes the scratch will start to disappear. The handset is also durable and will restore to its original form (curve) when pressed (check video).

The self healing is limited to light scratches / damages. The LG G Flex weighs 177 grams and is 8.7mm thick. The 6 inch capacitive curved P-OLED screen supports HD resolution with 16M colors. RAM is 2GB and internal storage is 32GB, there is no external card slot.

The LG G Flex handset is powered by MSM8974 Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad core processor clocked at 2.2 GHz with Adreno 330 GPU. Android 4.2.2 OS runs the show. There is 13MP AF camera with LED flash placed on the rear and 2.1MP on the front. Both the rear and front cameras can record full HD videos.

This single (Micro SIM) handset supports 4G, 3G, 2G, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS and also comes with Dolby sound enhancement. The non removable battery is of 3500 mAh capacity. No words as to when this handset will be available in India or its price, but it could easily be priced over Rs. 50,000.