MOBILE SPECIAL..... MWC 2017

MOBILE .. MWC 2017





The Mobile World Congress, which was held in Barcelona between February 27­March 2, is one of the biggest mobile technology showcases in the world. Savio D'Souza and Ashutosh Desai pick some of the hottest and most innovative gear unveiled.

NOKIA 3310 & 3, 5, 6

Nokia loyalists rejoice. The Finland-based mobile giant generated a huge buzz at MWC when it announced a reimagined 3310 feature phone. For most folk in India, the original handset was their first mobile phone. The `modern' version sports a 2.4-inch colour screen, a 2MP camera with LED flash, 16GB storage with a microSD slot and a 1200mAh battery that's rated to give up to 22 hours of talk time. It runs Nokia Series 30+ OS, but includes the popular Snake game, FM radio, support for MP3 music playback and will have room for two SIM cards. The new 3310, which only supports 2G connectivity, will be available in red, yellow, dark blue and grey ­ and is expected to launch in India by the second quarter of 2017. In smartphones, Nokia showcased three Android Nougat handsets...

Nokia 3: 5-inch HD Gorilla Glass display | 1.3GHz MediaTek MTK6737 quad-core processor | 2GB RAM | 16GB storage, microSD, USB OTG, NFC | 8MP, 8MP cameras | 2650mAh battery

Nokia 5: 5.2-inch HD Gorilla Glass display | 1.4GHz Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor | 2GB RAM | 16GB storage, microSD, USB OTG, NFC | 13MP, 8MP cameras | 3000mAh battery

Nokia 6: 5.5-inch Full HD Gorilla Glass display | 1.4GHz Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor | 34GB RAM | 3264GB storage, microSD, USB OTG, NFC | 16MP, 8MP cameras | 3000mAh battery The Nokia 3 sports a polycarbonate shell with an aluminium frame for durability , while the 5 and 6 have metal bodies with a fingerprint sensor.

SONY XPERIA XZ PREMIUM

Sony unveiled a slew of handsets; one of which was the Sony Xperia XZ Premium ­ the first smartphone with a 5.5-inch 4K HDR display . Its 19MP rear and 13MP front snappers come with features like `Predictive Capture' and `Super Slow“ motion. The former detects movement and starts buffering images even before you press the record button to ensure that you don't miss “the“ moment. While `Super Slow' mode lets you record videos at 960fps, which is ideal for capturing every split second of adventure and sports action.The XZ Premium's front and back is treated with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for a scratch-resistant mirror-like finish. Interestingly, its power button ­ positioned along its slim profile ­ doubles as a fingerprint sensor. It also has an IP68 rating, so you don't have to worry about getting it wet.Other specs include a...2.45GHz Snapdragon 835 octa-core processor | 4GB RAM | 64GB storage, microSD | 19MP, 13MP cameras | 3230mAh battery Sony hasn't disclosed a price, but the handset will begin shipping in the second quarter of 2017.

SAMSUNG S3 TAB & GALAXY BOOK

The way it has disappeared from gadget stores and buyer's lists, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the tablet is dead. But Samsung looks like it's making a last-ditch effort to resuscitate the form factor with its Samsung Galaxy S3 Tab and the Galaxy Book.The former sports an all-glass build, while the Book comes with an aluminium body and will be available in 10.6and 12-inch sizes.

S3 Tab: 9.7-inch AMOLED (2048×1536px) display | 2.2GHz Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor | 4GB RAM | 32GB storage, microSD | 13MP, 5MP cameras | AKG-tuned 4 stereo speakers | 6000mAh battery | Android Nougat

Galaxy Book: 12-inch AMOLED (2160x1440px) display | 3.1GHz Intel (7th Gen) Core i5 dual-core processor | 4GB8GB RAM | 128GB256GB SSD storage, microSD, (2x)USB 3.1 Type-C | 13MP, 5MP cameras | Stereo speakers | Battery mAh capacity not disclosed | Windows 10 The 10.6-inch machine will run on a 2.6GHz Core M3 chip; has an LCD touchscreen, and comes with a single 5MP shooter. Both Books are touted as productivity devices with fast charging and up to 10 hours on a single charge. All three tablets will support Samsung's new S Pen with new tilt functions that allow you to write and draw even with the side of the tip. You even get a keyboard cover ­ backlit for Galaxy Book ­ for all three devices. When? How Much?
Samsung hasn't said yet.

LG G6

With its new G6, LG has turned to an almost bezel-less design, which allows it to fit a 5.7-inch (2880x1440px) IPS Gorilla Glass 3 display in a form factor that's as small as most 5.2-inch devices. The sleek-looking flagship boasts of a metal frame and glass build, and comes with dual 13MP rear cameras that gives users the option between a standard and a wideangled shot. Up front, you get a wide-angled 5MP camera for selfies.

In keeping with current trends, the G6 is also waterproof (IP68) up to a depth of one metre for half an hour. Other specs include a...2.4GHz Snapdragon 821 quad-core processor | 4GB RAM | 32GB64GB storage, dual microSD | 3300mAh battery | Android Nougat The phone comes with a fingerprint sensor and supports dual SIMs. Alternatively , its hybrid slot can be used to house a second microSD card, each with capacities of up to 256GB.

This device will be launched in India within the first quarter of this year at an estimated price of `49,990.

PURELIFI LIFI-X

If you have too many Wi-Fi hotspots in the vicinity, you are bound to see signal degradation due to spectrum crunch. And this is why Li-Fi might be the future. This technology transfers data at high-speed ­ up to 42Mbps ­ via LED bulbs.

Li-Fi uses direct modulation methods of transmission that is similar to what is used in low-cost infrared devices such as remote control units. So, with Li-Fi, instead of a Wi-Fi router, your overhead LED lamp will need to be fitted with a signal-processing apparatus. This unit will convert data packets into ultra-high speed modulated light signals that can be picked by the light de tector in the new LiFi-X dongle that was unveiled at MWC.

The mini device converts the tiny changes in amplitude into a data stream that's recognisable to your computer and mobile device. The technology is still in nascent stages, but the future wireless internet might just be in your home lighting.

HUAWEI WATCH 2

Huawei's Watch 2 is a new breed of wearable that runs the Android Wear 2.0 OS, and comes with its own 4G SIM slot and integrated antenna under the watch bezel. This means you can use it without a phone to make calls and check notifications. Besides, you also get Bluetooth, NFC and GPS for connectivity and navigation. Also, its IP68 rating means that it is waterand dust-resistant, allowing you to wear it to the gym or while swimming. The bezel itself is made out of ceramic that's six times harder than steel and resistant to abrasion.

The Watch 2 will be available in two designs ­ sporty and classic. The former comes in bright dual-tone colours while the Classic, which is suited for formal occasions, can be paired with standard 22mm straps of your choice. It will be available in April in India, but pricing has not been disclosed as yet.

MYKRONOZ ZETIME

Switzerland-based MyKronoz unveiled the ZeTime ­ a smartwatch with analogue hands that are mounted through a tiny hole in its circular 1.22-inch (240x240px) TFT display. The touch sensors embedded in its glass allow wearers to interact with the screen despite the mechanical hands. And when you use the touchscreen, the hands point to 3 and 6 so they don't obstruct your view.

When the display isn't on, the ZeTime can be used like a traditional time piece: a single charge runs the hands for close to a month, and are good enough for three-days of smartwatch use.

MyKronoz showcased devices that were running its proprietary OS, which displays messages, calendar events, caller ID, as well as media playback controls. Of course, you also get built-in fitness and activity tracking.

A physical crown on the side of the ZeTime's 44mm waterproof (3ATM) stainless steel case lets you scroll through messages and navigate the watch's interface. It even comes with buttons that you can customise as shortcuts. The wearable is slated for a September launch in Europe with prices starting at Euro 199. Sadly , MyKronoz does not have plans for the Indian market yet.

BLACKBERRY KEYONE

The KeyOne is the only Android Nougat handset with a Qwerty keyboard. The device comes with an aluminium-reinforced frame, and packs a...4.5-inch (1620x1080px) IPS Gorilla Glass 4 display | 2GHz Snapdragon 625 octa-core processor | 3GB RAM | 32GB storage, microSD | 12MP, 8MP cameras | 3505mAh battery Blackberry will be loading this device with its own messaging service, and promises one of the most secure Android experiences in smartphones with a hardened Linux kernel that includes numerous patches and fixes. Its DTEK monitoring app will let you know when your privacy could be at risk, while you are also promised best-in-class monthly Android updates. So if security is of utmost importance to you, then the KeyOne, which will be launched in India soon ­ at around `40,000 ­ is worth a dekko.

PILOT TRANSLATION EARPIECE

Waverly Labs imagines a world where you can converse with anyone ­ regardless of the language they speak ­ and understand everything they say . Their technology takes the form of wireless earphones, the Pilot Earpiece, that pairs with its app on your smartphone.

Its noise-cancelling mics filters out ambient sound from speech and relays it to the app, which translates the language and then returns the translation to the second earpiece in real time.

The device is available for pre-order on http:www.waverlylabs.com at a discounted price of $249, and will begin shipping in May this year. The starter pack includes support for English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, but users can pur chase additional language packs, including Arabic, Mandarin, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Russian by the last quarter of 2017.

Of course, the pair can also be used like simple earphones to listen to music, answer calls and receive audio notifications when paired with your phone.

SENTIO SUPERBOOK

The Superbook is a laptop shell that connects to your smartphone via a USB cable. It then launches a proprietary app that utilises your Android handset's hardware to deliver a full computing experience. This means you can use it to browse the internet, work, play games and watch movies.

The device itself comes with an 11.6-inch HD display , a multi-touch trackpad and keyboard with Android navigation keys, and a 6500mAh battery that promises more than 8 hours of work, while also charging your phone when it is connected. For connectivity, it uses your phone's data connection, its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Superbook is compatible with all Android devices that support USB-OTG. It is available for preorder (including from India) with prices starting at $199. Shipping begins in June.

TNN 4MAR17