The F-type styling has been carried over pretty much unchanged from the C-X16 concept. There are nods to the E-type – in its clamshell bonnet, sloping tail and tail-light design for instance – but this is a very different type of Jaguar sportscar with its own identity.

It’s the first Jaguar sportscar that does without the oval front grille. “I was tempted by it,” admits Callum, “but you have to let things go.” The result is an edgier four-cornered ‘mouth’ – first previewed on the C-X75 and C-X16 concepts – that gives the F-type the look of a very modern Jaguar.

A pair of ‘shark gill’ openings which give what the maker calls “rear view mirror recognition”, flank the grille. The slim vertical headlights follow the shape of the car and form part of a pair of ‘heartlines’ on either side that start at the gills, run over the front wings, and drop down into the door lines before disappearing into the rear wings.

The rear of the F-type references the E-type, most notably with the gently sloping tail. The rear LED lights wrap around the wings, there’s a diffuser, and integrated into it are the exhaust pipes – twin central pipes for V6 models and split quad pipes for V8 models. A hidden spoiler also pops up from the rear at speeds over 96.5kph, and goes down again when the speed drops below 64kph.

Also on the boot lid is the Jaguar name, as well as the badge, which Callum describes as the “bulls eye” of its now four-strong model range. In profile, the F-type’s classic front-engine, rear-drive layout gives it a traditional long bonnet and short overhang proportions. It is 21mm shorter than a Porsche 911, and 128mm longer than a Boxster. This F-type is just 4mm taller, at 1296mm, than the Boxster.

At 1923mm, the F-type is a considerable 115mm wider than a 911, a car itself that is wider than ever in its most recent 991 generation. The width is dictated by the F-type’s underpinnings. It is based on the all-aluminium monocoque structure and body that is seen beneath the larger and more expensive XK. The structure – which includes a 261kg body-in-white – helps contribute to a kerb weight of 1597kg in its lightest form. That’s 63kg lighter than the base XK 5.0 V8, but still a considerable 207kg and 252kg heavier than the lightest 911 and Boxster models.

The F-type is 324mm shorter than the XK and the wheelbase has shrunk by 130mm to 2622m. That wheelbase is longer than most small sportscars as the F-type uses front-mounted longitudinal engines.

The interior is  driver focussed and is as much about well-executed switches and buttons as new technology. The high central tunnel has grab handles mounted to it, that act as a barrier between the driver and passenger and all the major controls are within easy reach.

Features include a thick-rimmed, small steering wheel and a gearshift selector in place of Jaguar’s now familiar rotary dial. The F-Type will come to India in two variants, a supercharged V6 and a supercharged V8. Prices are expected in the range of Rs. 1.3-1.5 crore.

Source: hindustantimes

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Given Google's unwillingness to disclose sales figures pertaining to its Nexus tablets, we are left with no other choice but to rely on educated guesses by market analysts like Enders Analysis strategy consultant Benedict Evans, who recently estimated the total sales of Nexus 7 to be around 6.8 million units and that of the Nexus 10 around one-tenth as much. Evans’ Nexus 10 sales estimate in particular, if it bears any truth, is nothing to write home about. But, if a new rumor is to be believed, Nexus 10 manufacturer Samsung may be working on redeeming itself by launching the world’s first octa-core tablet.

According to SamMobile.com, a successor to the Nexus 10 is in the works at Samsung, but has yet to receive its final approval from Google. The site describes the Nexus 11, as the rumored device is allegedly called, as being a “high-end 11” tablet.” Besides an octa-core Exynox 5410 chip, it is said to pack an 11-inch Super PLS TFT display, an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. Apparently, MicroSD support is also likely, but hasn’t been confirmed.

In the same report, the site talks about three other tablets upcoming tablets: the dual-core, dual-sim Galaxy Tab DUOS 7.0 that has a 7-inch display (1024x600); the quad-core (Exynox 4412) Galaxy Tab 8.0 that sports an 8-inch full HD display; and finally a dual-core (Exynos 5250) variant of the Nexus 11 caled Galaxy Tab 11.

Source: maximumpc

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Our smartphones are capable of all sorts of tasks, but unfortunately most of them drain our phone's batteries pretty fast. There's not much more annoying than running out of battery life far from your charger, which is why the PowerStick+ USB charger is such a welcome device. Plug it into your computer via USB and it will charge its internal battery. You can then unplug it and carry it around with you, since it holds its charge.

It comes with a standard USB port for connecting and charging your devices from it, as well as Micro USB, Mini USB and an Apple 32-pin connector for iPhones and iPads. It also doubles as a USB memory stick, coming in storage capacities from 4GB (the version we tested) to 16GB. It's a lot bulkier than previous generations of PowerSticks, but it's still perfectly portable. It didn't take too long to charge up, but you'll still need to set aside a while as it charges. Once done, you can sling it in your bag and forget about it until you need a charge, which can be easily initiated by plugging in your device and pressing the on switch of the PowerStick +.

Verdict
The PowerStick+ stored enough energy for one complete charge of the iPhone 4S. That should be more than enough to keep you going when you're running low on batteries, making this a useful back-up for when you're far from a socket.

Source: techradar

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It was forty years ago that the world’s first mobile telephone call was made in New York. Mobile telephones in the 1970’s and 1980’s were huge pieces of equipment. That first call was made on a chunk of plastic that was nine inches tall with thirty circuit boards, it took ten hours to charge up and had a talk time of thirty-five minutes. Who could have possibly imagined that a device that was originally designed as a telephone would evolve to become a life companion.

During those forty years, mobile phones have undergone rapid and constant change – the evolution of the mobile saw many milestones seemingly come from nowhere: the text message, group chats, voice notes. Then came the ground-breaking ability to share an image in real time: to take a photo with your phone and immediately send it as a ‘multimedia’ message, to somebody on the other side of the world. Anticipating key trends such as the instinctive desire to share what one can see and feel is what enables manufacturers to stay ahead of the game.

For the world’s leading mobile telephone company like Samsung, there is a heavy responsibility to continue to deliver innovative technologies that bring people closer to the things that matter in life – to make living a richer, easier and fuller experience. This is the direction of travel for the Smartphone. The purchase of a Smartphone is no longer about its ability to make a call, send a photo or upload a document. Smartphones are now a way of life, a personal assistant, a constant companion that has the ability to make every part of life easier. The challenge is to offer Smartphone customers a platform that makes human interaction central to everyday life. Understanding the human need to share, to reach out and engage positively with other people is central to the future development of the Smartphone industry.

Until now, the Smartphone has been a passive device – waiting for us to lift it, hold it and press it. Samsung has signalled an end to this relationship. The technology inside this Smartphone is so advanced that the device can be manipulated either by voice or by a simple wave of the hand. The future (for now at least) is in the gesture. ‘Air Gesture’ means that the GALAXY S4 can be manipulated without even touching the screen – so if it is raining or too cold to take your gloves off, the Smartphone can be controlled by simply waving your hand over it. ‘Samsung Smart Pause’ enables you to control the screen with your eyes. Whilst watching a video, it is possible to ‘press pause’ by looking away – the movie starts again as soon as you look back.

The GALAXY S4 also features a ‘Group Play’ function – users can enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them without even requiring a wi-fi AP or cellular signal. This innovation enables users to connect directly with others to share, play and co-create content and entertainment instantly. These are the features that Smartphone users demand.

These innovations are a major milestone on the Smartphone road map, but it is not the final destination. The ability to wander down the road and speak to a relative at home many miles away was nothing short of miraculous in 1995, but it rapidly became commonplace. Gesture-based interaction will also soon become the accepted reality. So too will the reliance on our smartphones to provide important lifestyle solutions. They are already our companions.

Samsung sold more Smartphones than any other company in the world in Q4 of 2012. It did this by understanding that the Smartphone is more than just a telephone, more than a media player and much more than a digital camera. Samsung has focused heavily on developing technologies that foster interaction with others. Moreover, the world of the Smartphone is now moving towards a focus on community – connecting people with their communities, their loved ones and the wider society.

The direction of travel in the Smartphone market is towards togetherness. Producing a best-in-class piece of hardware that is beautifully crafted and equipped with software that helps people to live a richer, simpler and fuller life is the ultimate goal. Using a Smartphone is now second nature to hundreds of millions of people. Using it is now increasingly effortless, graceful and supportive of a better living experience.

Source: propakistani

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At Auto Shanghai 2013, Mercedes Benz has unveiled three new models viz., E-Class, Concept GLA and A-Class. These three models will help the brand get a firm hold of the market in this region. The A-class will be launched into the Chinese markets after as successful stint in European markets. Sporty design and superior handling and performance will attract a number of buyers. The long wheelbase locally produced Mercedes Benz E-Class will be celebrating its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai. It will be available in two variants the Sport Sedan and E-Class Sedan.

The difference between the two is that the Sport Sedan variant will sport the Mercedes Benz badge on its grille whereas the traditional sedan variant will sport the same on its hood. Efficient engines and innovative technologies are other features of this vehicle. The A-class and E-class models are among 20 new and facelifted models that Mercedes Benz will be launching by the end of 2015. Infused with dynamic design and modern technology, the Concept GLA is powered by a 211 hp 2L turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a 7G DCT system with 4W drive capability. Seeing that it was exactly 10 years ago that the brand launched operations in China, it now looks to expand its footprint in the region by opening new dealerships and service stations to cater to needs of customers.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said, “We unveiled the Concept A-Class here in 2011 and, with it, announced not only a great car, but also great plans.” “We promised that the new A-Class would represent ‘the pulse of a new generation’ – and this is what we delivered. The A-Class is a great success. In its native market buyers are an average of ten years younger, more than 40 percent of customers come from other brands and, after the first quarter, the A-Class is lying well ahead of its direct competitors.”

He added,  “We began the A-Class success story here in Shanghai in 2011. Two years later, on exactly the same spot, we are presenting the Concept GLA, which provides a preview of the sportiest model in the compact premium SUV segment – an extremely interesting vehicle that brings additional momentum to our ongoing offensive in the compact premium class. Just like the A-class, the GLA offers an attractive overall package – also for customers who perhaps, until now, have not had our brand on their shopping list.”

In reference to China auto sales figures, Dr. Zetsche said, “A large part of this growth will be generated by our compact models, because they are the perfect proposition in a still growing market, where the demand for smaller premium vehicles continues to increase rapidly.”

Hubertus Troska, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for China said, “The distinctly dynamic variant ‘Sport Sedan’ carries the star in its radiator grille and is aimed at customers with a sporty orientation. In parallel, we are also offering the classically elegant version ‘E-Class Sedan’ – for me the perfect business sedan – which has its star on the hood and thus stresses the traditional Mercedes brand values.” He added, “Like the new A-Class, the new E-Class has also enjoyed a highly successful start in Europe.” “Customers and press alike have given it an enthusiastic welcome and I am convinced that we will continue that success story here in China.”

Source: rushlane

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Alcatel One Touch has launched two new Android based handheld smartphones in the Indian market and these are called the One Touch Idol and the One Touch Idol Ultra. Apparently these two devices are the slimmest and the lightest smartphones in their respective segments.

The One Touch Idol measures 7.9mm thick and weighs at 110 grams making it the lightest phone in this segment. This is a dual-SIM capable smartphone which sports a 4.7-inch qHD display with 540×960 pixels resolution. The device is powered by a 1GHz dual-core MediaTek MT6577 processor and has 512MB of RAM. It also sports an 8 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front facing camera, 4GB of internal storage capacity and a 1,800 mAh battery. This smartphone will be available in silver, slate, cranberry pink and red color variations.

The One Touch Idol Ultra is a 6.45mm thick smartphone, making it the slimmest phone in its category and it sports a 4.65-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels. It is powered by a 1.2Hz dual-core MediaTek MT6577 processor and includes 1GB of RAM along with 16GB of ROM. It sports an 8 megapixel rear camera, a secondary front facing 1.3 megapixel camera and a 1,800 mAh battery. It will come in black and red color variations.

Both smartphone will come pre-loaded with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and will feature on oleophobic coating on the display (oleophobic coating is an oil resistant coating, to protect the display of the phone from natural finger oil or skin oil from your face while talking on the phone). It seems that the OS will feature a few cosmetic customizations from the company.

Alcatel One Touch has collaborated with Idea Cellular to offer buyers an affordable 3G plan which includes 1GB of 3G data and 3 months of Idea TV subscription with a recharge of Rs. 261 on prepaid and an additional plan of Rs. 259 on postpaid.

Source: gigjets

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E-book readers are definitely a niche market, and it does not look as though it will grow to be a major force in the mobile consumer electronics market. While we have seen some names fall by the wayside over the years, Kobo still remains strong, and their latest e-book reader would be known as the Kobo Aura HD, which is an E-ink device that boasts of a 6.8-inch screen, and according to Kobo, the Aura HD offers the “highest-resolution display available in an e-reader today.”

The Kobo Aura HD is a premium e-book reader, and hence it is reflected in the $169.99 price point, where its Pearl E Ink display will carry a resolution of 1,440×1,080 pixels at 265dpi, which Kobo claims that the larger 6.8-inch screen size delivers “30 percent more reading surface and the closest experience to print-on-paper — showcasing text and high-resolution images beautifully.” It is powered by a 1GHz processor, where you can choose from Ivory, Espresso, and Onyx colors. Do not be put off by the 4GB of internal storage, since there is a microSD memory card slot that allows you to carry another 32GB worth of electronic tomes. With a battery life that has been rated to last for up to two months, traveling long distance is not going to be a problem with the Kobo Aura HD.

Source: ubergizmo

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ZTE has revealed their latest smartphone model that uses an Intel processor rather than the popular ARM processors being used today. Over at the Intel Developers Forum in Beijing, China the company revealed the ZTE Geek that uses a 2GHz Intel 32nm Atom Z2580 processor. This is also the same processor which is used by the Lenovo K900.

ZTE Geek Technical Specifications
Android Jelly Bean OS
5-inch HD screen with resolution of up to 1280×720
8GB eMMC+1GBRAM
8-megapixel rear camera
1-megapixel front camera
LED supplement light
2300mAh battery
According to Mr. He Shiyo, ZTE EVP and Head of the Mobile Devices Division, “Our recent collaboration with Intel on the ZTE GEEK builds off of the success of the Grand Series and further enhances our competitiveness in the high-end smartphone market. This partnership also will improve customer experiences by providing them with more choices in the market.”

In terms of design the ZTE Geek resembles closely the company’s Grand S model but without the large black ring around the rear camera. The device shown also had a glossy white exterior making it a fingerprint magnet. We’re hoping that the company switches to a matte finish when they make this available in the market.

As far as performance goes there’s still no solid benchmark data available. The company however said that the chip used in this device is twice as fast as that of previous Atom processors for computing and three times faster when rendering graphics. It’s also going to be more power efficient. Judging from the first generation Atom processors that we have seen we doubt that the upgraded specs of the new processor can match the latest chips from Qualcomm that are being used in high end Android devices today.

ZTE is one of the leading smartphone manufacturers of China and the company makes the user experience as their main focus.

Source: thedroidguy

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Luxury electric-car maker Fisker, which has had financial difficulties for months, is laying off 75 percent of its workforce. The US government had focused on the California-based company to encourage the development of green energy, providing it with loans.

But the company said on Friday: “Over the past several months we have been considering strategic alternatives that would allow the company to work through its current financial challenges. “Our efforts to secure a strategic alliance or partnership are continuing in earnest, but unfortunately we have reached a point where a significant reduction in our workforce has become necessary.”The statement went on to say that, by the end of the day, Fisker “will have retained approximately 25 percent of our workforce”. Fisker was started in southern California in 2007 by former Aston Martin and BMW designer Henrik Fisker and German business partner Bernhard Koehler.

Fisker left the company in early March. While Fisker did not have the expected success with its Karma model, which has a price tag of about $100 000 (R910 000), it did attract the likes of stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Bieber and Ashton Kutcher.

The car maker lost some 300 vehicles in flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy along the US East Coast last year and had trouble with several of its suppliers. There have several media reports recently about discussions to place the company under bankruptcy protection, but Fisker have declined to comment. - AFP

Source: iol

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Zipcar, the car-sharing network who was recently acquired by Avis, has just added some Honda Fit EVs to its Los Angeles fleet (more specifically at 6464 and 6565 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood). This follows the introduction of Fit EVs in San Francisco and Portland thanks to a partnership between Honda and Zipcar. Other cities are sure to follow at some point...The new Honda Fit EVs are available to all Zipcar members ages 21+ for hourly reservations, starting from $8.75 per hour.

This is a good thing because it allows people to try out an electric car, for extended trips if they want, for a low cost and without the need for a long-term commitment. And since every vehicle in a car-sharing fleet will be driven by dozens, if not hundreds of people, there's a multiplier effect that isn't present when a single person buys an electric vehicle. It's a good way to get more people hooked. If you are in the area and want to rent one, you can find more details on Zipcar's Los Angeles Fit EVs here.

Source: treehugger

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