Thursday, September 4, 2014

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Vodafone beats Airtel, Aircel and BSNL in 3G Benchmarking – Chennai

Marketing teams of Operators claim different exceptional Data speeds and advertise the technology in a way far beyond the practical usage scenarios. Considering the Data growth/statistical figures and Data hunger smartphones, we at Telecom Talk have taken an initiative to check the Quality of 3G Data services provided by operators in real usage scenarios and we name it instant 3G check where speed tests are performed on smartphone with no background data/Sync active and at a location instantly. We have taken into account the situation of a normal user who access Data without any technical knowledge and all they know is they are using 3G Service provided by their respective operator.
Below is the table which gives details of  respective operator’s speeds and other details:
3G Speed Test Chennai: These Test Were performed at 1:00am
If everything goes fine every time with service  i don’t think CC are required. Just wanted to explain some troublesome situations with 3G Networks we faced while performing this quick check. Signal reception is very fluctuating between H+/H/E and couldn’t even fix to one single cell ID for at least 5 minutes there by the current android phones and the smartphones phones which don’t have 3G Only option in Network settings will have a worst 3G experience where the device will be trying to switch between alternate strong signals and eventually land to E if it’s the strong available signal, there by giving a pathetic customer 3G experience.
Scenario 1: We faced the same condition with Aircel and while testing the speeds the device latched to E and it was very troublesome for us to perform the check. So, we took another device which have 3G only option got it latched to 3G and performed the check and concluded at results.  We have earlier faced this kind of situation with BSNL as well which is now seems to be fixed. So, customer pays for 3G and gets this patchy Network experience.
Scenario 2: While testing we also came across a situation with Airtel Network where the Device is latched to H and with full signal strength. It worked flawlessly for sometime and all of a sudden [You can notice from the 3rd trail result in table] the Down-link and Up-link stopped and I’m not even able to open Google on my phone. If this situation continues for longer times and the validity of the 3G Pack expires without utilizing my data balance, just wanted to know if operators are ready to accept this and refund my remaining data balance? So, customer is a victim in the end if not the case.
If more than a single CellID is mentioned in table, this means that device is latched to those sites while testing in progress.
Having very large customer experience centers, wondering if these type of situations are really monitored on big screens and acted upon quickly in case of issues?
Dear Readers, we thrive to perform these kind of Customer centric tests as often as possible by traveling across various circles. We just started with our DATA Centric Qos tests. If you want to share results with proofs in your circle you can mail me on Srikapardhi[at]telecomtalk[dot]info. Do let us know how are you enjoying the Quality of 3G Services via comments. We may be covering such kinds of tests repeatedly in different/same circles at different locations.
Note: Time of the tests/Network issues/exact Geo Location is out of the scope of our tests. Tests are performed in Locations of availability of 3G Network. Devices taken for testing have the speed/technology as tabulated. Maintenance of a cell site/performance/defective cells are also out of the scope of this article. The only scope we consider is the final quality of service a end user experiences.
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Be Ready to Shell Down for using Whatsapp and other IM Applications, a bad move?

Instant messaging applications have become an instant hit across the age groups. The Whatsapp- Facebook deal added a new dimension to the Instant messaging application. This made all the developers to focus on IM platform and in turn gave rise to slew of Instant messaging applications and what ensued was a mad gold rush.
The reason why Whatsapp and other leading IM applications are well accepted is because they provided folks with an option to chat with their friends seamlessly, exchange photos, music and also create personalized groups similar to the Yahoo chatrooms.
The best part is that users just have to pay for the Data pack. Whatsapp is elementary in breeding the Mobile Internet ecosystem. Consumers started to invest in Smartphones just because of Whatsapp. It won’t be wrong if we say that it is just because of these IM applications that the Mobile Internet bloomed. Another prize winning feature is the ability of staying connected with your kins in other countries at no extra costs. The darker side is that these IM dug the grave for traditional SMS and caused the telecom operators lots of harm in terms of revenue.
TRAI has decided to meet and decide about the regulation to make companies like the Whatsapp and Viber to pay connectivity charges to telecom companies. Needless to say this revenue will also bring some revenue to the government coffers. Even Gopal Vittal head of Bharti Airtel’s Indian operations’ hinted that Over-the-Top players like WhatsApp, Skype, LINE, WeChat etc should be regulated and should be under some jurisdiction sometime back .
Indian operators are already providing dedicated whatsapp plans like Airtel is offering Whatsapp plan at Rs 38 and BSNL also recently stated offering Whatsapp related plans.
This step comes in wake of the leading Instant messaging applications offering free calls over VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Consumers are paying just for the Internet packages and not for the calls and messages.
We feel that this will be a extreme step by the Government and the Telcos will definitely lose revenue on the Mobile Internet packages. It won’t be surprising if the Telcos charge consumers on per Email basis. Something similar seems to be baking on Indonesian turfs as well. Please tell us how you feel if you have to shell down extra for using Whatsapp are you ready to pay?
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Email App Acompli Arrives On Android, Adds A “Focused” Inbox That Displays Your Most Important Mail First


One of the better mobile email applications to emerge in recent months is Acompli, an app designed more so for business and professional users looking for a simple, but powerful tool to manage their email, calendar, and shared files while on the go. Today, the company is bringing its app to Android users, while also launching a new feature called “Focused Inbox,” which is similar to Gmail’s “Priority Inbox” functionality, in that it curates your mail in order to show you what’s most important first.
With the upgrade out now on the iOS version, and the debut of Android, Focused Inbox will be turned on by default.
Explains Acompli CEO Javier Soltero, the goal with the new feature was to create an inbox experience that “immediately starts delivering value” and “doesn’t rely on an excessive triage mechanism,” which is a non-too-veiled reference to the popular mobile email app Mailbox, now owned by Dropbox. Where Mailbox has been built primarily to help people work through their massive inboxes, Acompli instead wants to just put the email you need to see first right in front of you.
Screen Shot 2014-09-03 at 3.24.21 PMA comprehensive review of how well Acompli’s Focused Inbox works isn’t really possible at this time because email curation and prioritization like this takes more than a few days of training before you can really tell how smart a company’s algorithms can become.
However, it seemed to at least not be showing any obvious mistakes when I first tried it.
Unlike Gmail’s Priority Inbox (an alternative setting for those who don’t care for the tabbed interface), which takes into account user actions, like whether you read an email, Acompli tries to determine whether or not you’re actually responding the person in question.
If you do, those emails have more weight than others, allowing it to do more than just remove the obvious pseudo-spam, like email newsletters or social updates, from the Focused view.
Your full inbox is still available, of course – you just pulled down on the main screen and tap the button labeled “Other” to see the rest of your email. And if you don’t care for the new experience, you can disable it in your settings.
Acompli_FocusedInbox_iPhoneBut when it’s enabled, by default, you’ll only receive push notifications for your “Focused” messages, and the app’s icon will only display a red badge for the unread items in this part of your inbox. More importantly, perhaps, to email purists, is that none of what Acompli’s doing to re-arrange your email will be reflected in your main email client itself – it’s just giving you a more actionable mobile view.
The addition is one of many new features Acompli has added in recent weeks, having also rolled out integrations with cloud services like Dropbox, iCloud, and OneDrive, in addition to its support of email services like Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook.com and Exchange.
Though the company declines to say how many users are now on Acompli, early data shows it’s a very “burst-y” app used for short periods of time, we’re told. The average user session is just 22 seconds, but retention is high, ranging from 43% to 44%, on average. The app is also used 11 times more frequently than the average productivity app, even though users are spending but a few seconds in it – likely looking for a specific email or file, or writing a quick message or response.
Focused Inbox fits in well with that established pattern of being an app where users just want to get in then get back out quickly.

Original Article 

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Apple Explores Augmented Reality Navigation For iPhones


Apple has two new patent applications out today (via AppleInsider) that show it’s been working on boosting the iPhone’s navigation abilities with augmented reality features. The patent describes a way that the iPhone could use its camera in combination with on-device software to generate virtual maps of your surroundings, which are overlaid on a real feed, and which can do things like provide a look inside surrounding buildings.
The patents describe a way to use GPS, Wi-Fi and sensor information to pinpoint a user’s position and then download a 3D model of their surroundings, including points of interest. To compensate for the fact that using sensor data alone would likely result in an imperfect matching of virtual and real environment (as has been the case in other similar AR mapping apps), Apple uses live video feed from the iPhone’s camera, and lets a user actively match up virtual elements with their real-world equivalents in the resulting image. Once it’s locked in with a match, users can do things like virtually “peel back” the outer layers of buildings to reveal their interiors.
Apple already offers its “Flyover” feature in iOS Maps, which provides a 3D representation of satellite imagery for a more interactive cruise through city streets, but it has yet to employ AR tech. AR apps that similar functionality to that described in these patents has been used before, by companies including Layar and other startups, but Apple’s system is clearly designed to make it less rough around the edges and more of a utility than a neat tech trick.
iOS Maps could use some flashy features to help it stand out, but I wouldn’t expect this one to make its way out to shipping software anytime soon. Still, it’s an interesting direction, and could work together nicely with Apple’s indoor positioning ambitions.
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BSNL Offers the cheapest 3G Mobile Internet Packs as of September 2014

It is observed that Operators are hiking Data tariffs while also chalking plans to increase Data consumption by users by introducing various apps related to data consumption. The entire Telecom Industry has been struggling with tariff wars and hikes with Operational Expenditures inflating month by month. Observing the scenario no operator appears to be considering reduction in voice and Data prices while the Operators themselves were also a reason for killing SMS.
Table showing New 3G BSNL Data packs:
BSNL DATA PACKPrice
240MBRs39
500MBRs78
1GBRs139/155
2GBRs251
5GBRs561
7GBRs821
10GBRs1011
20GBRs1949
Extra Data Charges Beyond free usage2p/10KB
However, in case of BSNL Mobile Internet DATA STVs when compared are cheaper than any of the private operators. BSNL has the largest 3G Coverage and continuously expanding its Network in unreachable areas all across the country.
While I don’t draw any conclusions regarding the Qos offered by BSNL at this point of time but i can definitely say these stvs are cheapest and most affordable when compared.
Dear Readers which Network are you using for 3G services and how do you feel about the services offered. Do let us know your experiences across various circles via comments.
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IFA 2014: Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z3 Tablet Compact announced

Sony has just taken the wraps off its next flagship device, the Xperia Z3 and joining it is the Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet compact. Let us take a look at what each of the device is offering:

Sony Xperia Z3

Sony Xperia Z3
The new flagship comes in just 6 months after the launch of the Xperia Z2. It comes with a slight upgrade under the hood over the last generation in the form of a 2.5 GHz quad core Snapdragon 801 processor, a 3GB RAM and an Adreno 330 GPU. It gets the same screen as the last one which is a 5.2 inch full HD unit. It sheds off 11 grams of weight over the last generation and loses 1mm of thickness as well.
It makes use of Sony DSEE HX audio technology for an enhanced audio experience and its build quality surely makes you look twice at it.

Sony Xperia Z3 Specifications

  • 5.2-inch Triluminos display with Live Colour LED and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is powered by the X-Reality engine.
  • 2.5 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, 3GB RAM
  • Android 4.4.4 KitKat
  • 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded further by 128GB
  • 20.7MP rear camera with Exmos RS sensor and a 2.2MP front facing camera. The rear camera supports 4K video recording while the front one supports full HD video recording.
  • IP65/IP68 certified for water and dust proofing
  • It tips the scales at 152 grams and its thickness stands at 7.3mm
  • 4G LTE /3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, MHL 3.0 and NFC
  • Black, white, green and copper colours
  • 3100 mAh Battery with STAMINA mode which allows for usage for a longer duration

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

Xperia Z3 Compact
Xperia Z3 Compact
The successor to the Xperia Z1 compact packs in quite a punch for a device of its size. It gets a 4.6 inch 720p display which is an up from the 4.3 inch unit of the Xperia Z1 and gets a bigger battery too (2,600 mAh from 2,300 mAh). Sony has tried to keep the essence of making it a mini version of the flagship by carrying over almost everything in the hardware department.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Specifications

  • 4.6 inch Triluminos display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels with the X-Reality engine powering it.
  • 2.5 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
  • Adreno 330 GPU
  • 2GB RAM
  • Android 4.4.4 KitKat
  • 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded further by 128GB
  • 20.7MP rear camera with Exmos RS sensor and a 2.2MP front facing camera. The rear camera supports 4K video recording while the front one supports full HD video recording.
  • IP 65/68 certified for water and dust proofing
  • Its thickness stands at 8.9mm and weighs 129 grams
  • 4G LTE /3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, MHL 3.0 and NFC take charge of connectvity
  • Black, white, green and orange colours
  • 2600 mAh Battery with STAMINA mode

Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Sony likes to call its the “slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet” and it is basically a Sony Xperia Z3 packed into a tablet. It will be one of the better tablets when it goes on sale. The tablet will pose quite a lot of threat to the likes of the Nexus 9 and the next generation of iPad Mini. It has an 8 inch display with Contrast Enhancement. It comes with a matte rear finish and ditches the glass panels of the Xperia Z3 for it.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Specifications

  • 8-inch display, 1920 x 1200 pixels
  • Android 4.4.4 KitKat
  • 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB RAM
  • 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded further by 128GB
  • 8.1MP rear camera and 2.1MP front camera
  • IP 65/68 certified for water and dust proofing
  • Its thickness stands at 6.4mm and weighs 270 grams. This weighs pretty less when compared to many and slim waistline makes it really easy to hold it.
  • Black and white colours
  • 4500 mAh Battery which provides upto 13 hours of video playback
The three devices will be launched in October globally and their pricing will be one of the key factors determining their success.
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IFA 2014: Sony Xperia E3 and Xperia E3 dual announced with 4.5-inch screen

Sony has just launched the Xperia E3 and Xperia E3 dual at their IFA 2014 event. The E3 Dual as the name suggests is just the dual-SIM version of the regular Xperia E3.  The Xperia E3 will be a mid-range Android smartphone aimed at the likes of the new Moto G. It comes with 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor coupled with Adreno 305 GPU and 1GB of RAM. It brings LTE connectivity on a budget.

  • 4.5-inch LCD display,  854 x 480 pixels, capacitive multitouch
  • Android 4.4 KitKat
  • 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, Adreno 305 GPU, 1GB RAM
  • 4GB of internal storage, microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
  • 5MP primary camera with autofocus and LED flash, VGA front-facing secondary camera
  • dual SIM, 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, Bluetooth v4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS with A-GPS and microUSB v2.0 port
  • 2330 mAh battery, STAMINA Mode
  • Colours: Black, White, Lime and Copper
It will succeed the Xperia E2 and will look towards bringing 4G LTE experience on a budget. Let us see how things pan out for it in the future.