Android-based, new Akai Smart Box can turn any TV into smart TV

Japanese consumer electronics brand, Akai has announced the launch of the Akai Smart Box. According to an official statement by the company, the product transforms any television -- CRT, Plasma, LCD or LED -- into a smart TV. Akai Smart Box, based on the Android platform, maintains an open network without getting restricted to the servers of smart TV brands, as in the case of most smart TVs. The device will be available across India at an introductory festive offer price of Rs 6,590. The MRP is Rs 6,990.

The Akai Smart Box comes with a wireless mouse for navigation with which any TV can perform all the functions that a tablet PC normally does. It is equipped with 4GB internal memory, and supports memory up to 32GB through an SD Card slot. It allows users to connect to the Internet and browse websites, read books and newspapers, check e-mails, look up weather updates and market updates, play games, book travel tickets, play music, play videos on YouTube, use Facebook, Twitter and Skype. Customers can also shop from the TV by visiting shopping portals.

The Akai Smart Box turns regular TVs into Smart TVs

Pranay Dhabhai, Managing Director, Akai India said, “Product life span in today’s digital age is short; buy anything and by the time you’ve stepped out of the shop it’s already outdated. Our Smart Box is set to change the way television is seen in India. Customers can upgrade their existing TV to a Smart TV which gives Full HD viewing experience without changing their existing TV. Even consumers who are planning to purchase Smart TVs can choose to buy a normal LED TV and connect with our Smart Box to get the benefits of smart TV at a fraction of the price.”

With the Android operating system, the Akai Smart Box converts a normal TV into a PC. It also creates a hotspot when connected to a LAN cable or a 3G dongle, as it transmits Wi-Fi signal to operate other gadgets. It also supports 2G network. Customers can even print documents from the Wi-Fi enabled printer. By using the HDMI cable one can get Full HD picture quality. It has 4 USB ports. So, besides a mouse, keyboard and webcam, one can connect a hard disk drive or a USB flash drive, and view their contents on the TV. The Smart Box supports all popular formats of movies, music and photos. It can also save photos and videos recorded through the webcam. 

The Akai Smart Box also supports the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) function, which allows users to seamlessly access and share digital content from their mobile phones onto the TV screen, when connected with a common Wi-Fi device.

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Android beyond phones and tablets

After facing initial doubt, Google’s Android platform has become widely accepted by the masses. This open operating system broke barriers and ensured that tech-imbued devices reach every budget segment. Android phones may be used by more than 50 percent of smartphones across the world, but the open operating system hasn't restricted itself to phones and tablets. The openness of Android allows it to serve as much more than a mobile OS. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn about the various types of devices that Android is making its presence felt in. We have listed a few, so read on. 

NASA’s smartphone nanosatellite - PhoneSat

Android in space

Android is all set to go to outer space. If you own either an HTC Nexus One or a Samsung Nexus S then you will be stoked to know that they will be the onboard computers for NASA’s PhoneSats, which are currently under development. These nanosatellites are being developed at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. It’s planning to launch two variants of  this satellite: PhoneSat 1.0 to be powered by the HTC Nexus One will send back digital imagery alongwith the records of its position, and PhoneSat 2.0 powered by a Nexus S will include a two-way radio, solar panels and a GPS receiver. These PhoneSats are roughly 4 cubic inches in size, which is roughly the volume of a coffee mug. They are expected to be launched in 2013.        

Digital Camera

On a clicking spree with Android

Digital cameras have made the whole process of taking pictures a casual affair. What took it one step further and added a whole new spin, were smartphones equipped with cameras. It didn’t matter if the resolution was bad, what clicked, so to speak, was the ability to click pictures anywhere at any time and instantaneously upload them to social networking sites. Now with even smartphone cameras getting better, the onus is on digital camera manufacturers to up their game. The result is cameras powered by Android. Nikon became the first known brand to make a splash with the Nikon Coolpix S800c 16MP camera powered by Android 2.3 and featuring a EXPEED C2 processing engine for smooth performance. The latest brand to jump on this bandwagon is Samsung, who recently demonstrated its smart camera and simply named it Samsung Galaxy Camera. This 16MP camera is quite a powerhouse, considering that it runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor. Additionally, it also has voice-based control for certain camera functions. These cameras not only make sharing on social networks easy, but with the Google Play store available on the camera itself, you can simply install your favorite imaging app and use it to snap pictures, add effects and finally share them!            

Watches

Android on your wrist

For socially connected folk who are practically glued to their smartphones, it can get tiresome to carry a phone around at all times and fish it out of the pocket with every notification or call. Android-based watches are the perfect solution. These funkily designed watches aren't just cool looking, but are also highly functional. Pair them with a compatible Android device and you can control several features of your phone like answering calls, reading text messages, managing playlists, controlling volume, checking the calendar and of course keeping a track of social networks. Two such devices that have been creating a buzz are the Sony Ericsson LiveViewand i’mWatch. The latest product to join the foray is the WiMM One, which however is meant only for OEM partners who can develop their own modules using the WiMM Labs platform. The Sony Ericsson LiveView is priced at Rs. 2,890 and is available at various e-stores,  while the i’mWatch is priced at Rs. 19,999 onwards and can be purchased from the merchant's own site.

Coffee Machine

Coffee and music, says Android (Image Credit: Yanko Design)

No one might have imagined that a mobile operating system can be used to operate a coffee machine. Android-based Coffee Brewery or Appresso is only still a concept, but quite an interesting one, we must say. Appresso is infused with Android technology that provides information about the taste and also the scent of the coffee. Basically, each coffee capsule has a QR code that Appresso scans and surprisingly also plays a specific song based on the coffee that one has chosen. It serves as a docking station for your devices too, not only capable of charging your phone but also playing music from your device.  The machine also recommends coffee and recognizes your device the next time you dock it.

Microwave

Cook it up with Android

Out of all the products featured here, the MAID (short for Microwave Android Integrated Device) takes the cake for being the least expected one to feature Android. What’s more it has been developed by Kerala-based SectorQube Technolabs. What exactly does it do? You can connect it to the Internet and download recipes and you also have the option to upload your own recipes. Further, it features a voice assistant to read out the ingredients and generally guide you through the cooking process. Currently only a prototype, the company plans to launch it in the market by the year end, priced at around Rs. 7,000 or Rs. 8,000.  

Portable Media Player

PMP running on Android OS

Though smartphones can replace a music player these days, there are music fiends who would still vouch for the latter. Today, Android phone makers often bundle a slew of music apps and even tie up with big names to bring exceptional audio technology to their handsets. However, some music companies have been doing otherwise by bringing the Android operating system to their music players. Philips has launched the GoGear Connect that runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with a neat 3.2-inch display, microSD card slot for expandable storage and Wi-Fi, features that you usually see on your phone. It isn't just Philips that has came out with Android PMPs; Cowon has the power-packed Z2 Plenue. It is fuelled by a CPU with 1GHz horsepower and a video processor that supports full HD and 3D graphics, which helps increase processing power for apps and other multimedia content. The Z2 Plenue is priced at  Rs. 18,500, Rs. 20,500 and Rs. 23,500, for storage capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB, respectively.

Refrigerator

Chilling with Android

Just like the microwave, this one will leave you wondering. Do you really need a refrigerator powered by Android? Samsung thinks you do. This has prompted them to launch Samsung RF4289HARS four door refrigerator featuring an 8-inch LCD and WiFi connectivity. It includes apps for weather forecast, news, calendar, notes, Twitter, Pandora, Epicurious, Picasa photos, etc. It works more like sticking a tablet onto the refrigerator and doesn’t seem to serve any real purpose. Of course, it would have been a different story if it could at a simple tap provide you with a list of ingredients that you are running out of, reprimand you for leaving the door ajar or alert you if the food items were going bad. However, if we were to ignore the LCD part, then the fridge itself is drool-worthy.    

In-car Entertainment

Entertainment on-the-go (Image Credit: Paultan)

We know there are several standalone GPS devices and many also prefer using their advanced smartphones as tools for navigation. The Clarion Mirage has tried to bridge the gap and is the first OEM-grade car stereo to run Android. The device has cleared all standards required for sale to car manufacturers and is all set to serve as an navigation plus entertainment hub of your car. According to The Verge, the company is working on producing trial units for Southeast Asian automakers but there aren't any plans to bring Mirage to other markets yet. The navigation engine is provided by Navigon AG, and with Android it brings in a plethora of apps. It also serves as an AVN style double-DIN player that accepts SD cards, USB devices and Bluetooth connect.

Set-top boxes

Turns your idiot box into a smart TV

An Android-based TV isn’t a far fetched thought and we have seen manufacturers launching these lately. It spruces up the capabilities of your gigantic HDTV turning it into an entertainment hub capable of doing much more than watching shows/movies. We got our hands on one such device lately, the Portronics Limebox. With Android on board, a range of connectivity options, 1080p video playback out of the box and the ability to download a range of Apps from the Android store, the Limebox makes for an entertainment powerhouse for your TV. The Portronics Limebox is priced at Rs. 8,499 (MRP). Android has been making its presence felt in several device categories, but don’t be surprised to see many more such Android-based set-top boxes.

Robot

Not an ordinary mascot

This isn’t just another Android mascot. BERO is a Google Android-inspired robot that is controlled by an app on your Android phone or tablet. It is inspired by the Google Bug Droid, an open-source robot that can be programmed to do virtually anything. The BERO has two integrated infrared transmitters for navigation. These enable it to detect obstacles up to five inches away (left, right and front). Moreover, BERO also interacts with users. Though in an early stage of design, this could take off pretty well, paving a way to robotics using smartphone applications. BERO is expected to start shipping in late November next year. Currently, it can be controlled only with Android devices, but apparently, the future may see iOS apps controlling it too.

These are but a few, and many of them actually have tremendous potential. Tell us which other devices would you like to see powered by Google’s Android platform. Do let us know in the comments section below.

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Android ICS tablets under Rs. 8000 in India

Google’s Android has been dominating the low-end to mid-end tablet segment. In India, where price is a vital deciding factor while purchasing any device, the affordable Android brigade has been gaining a lot of attention. Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system, which was announced last year in October has made it to only a handful of smartphones in India and after a considerable delay, but the booming tablet market saw batches of affordable ICS tablets as soon as the year 2012 flagged off. We like the way the Android platform has broadened the reach of great technology and nifty features to all user segments. Today, the affordable tablet market is fierce, and manufacturers have been striving to push prices as low as possible, with some cool features bundled in the device to boot. At one point in time, a tablet under 15,000 seemed impossible. The tablet market has since showed several options under the 10,000 hood. Today the prices have been pushed even lower and well below the 8,000 mark. If you have a budget of 8000 or less to buy a tablet, you won’t be disappointed as these nifty options are available in the market.

Karbonn Smart Tab 1
Karbonn made its debut in the lucrative tablet market with the Smart Tab 1 this year. This tablet is powered by 1.2 GHz Xburst Processor and runs on the Android ICS operating system. This usual 7-incher may not be a looker but it  is a neat product for its price tag. Some e-shops such asNaaptol are selling it at a discounted price of 6,990, rather than its maximum retail price (MRP) of 7,990. The 3700 mAh battery promises upto 7 hours of Internet surfing, 8 hours of video playback, or 25 hours of music playback. It serves as a good eReader and gives access to the vast Android Market. It supports full HD video playback and HDMI too.

New tablet from Karbonn: Smart Tab 1

A quick look at the specs:

• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 resolution
• Support for external 3G dongle, Wi-Fi
• GPS
• USB 2.0
• 2 MP front facing camera
• 1 GB internal memory, expandable upto 32 GB via microSD slot

iBerry BT 07i/ iBerry BT 07i Limited Edition
When we got our hands on the BT07i tablet in March this year, it came across as one of the good performers in its class. Now, the tablet has been spruced up further with an ICS upgrade, and the company has also launched its limited edition with some smart features. Though it misses out on a primary camera again, we believe most tablets priced under 10K pay very little or no attention to the camera. This 7-incher is fuelled by an ARM Cortex-A10 1 GHz processor, and supports full HD playback and mini-HDMI. The 3600 mAh Li-ion battery offers upto 5 hours of video playback or upto 35 hours of music playback or upto 5 hours of web browsing. iBerry is selling the limited edition BT 07i for 7,990 here.

Spruced up: iBerry BT 07i

Here is a glance at its spec sheet:

• 7-inch capacitive 800x480 WXGA TFT LED
• External 3G, Wi-Fi
• Front-facing 0.3 MP camera
• Mini-USB OTG
• 4GB internal flash memory, expandable up to 32GB

Micromax Funbook  
Our list would be incomplete without including the Micromax Funbook in the under-8k brigade of Android ICS tablets. It has already bagged the Performer position in our under 10,000 tablet comparison, and we must say it is certainly a good buy at 6,500. Moreover, Micromax calls it an edutainment device, targeting it at students and those preparing for professional exams. This sleek and good-looking tablet has a 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor at its core while running on the Android 4.0.3 ICS OS. In our battery test, with brightness set to 50 percent and Wi-Fi off, we managed to get exactly 7 hours of battery life while playing a DVD video in a loop, which isn’t bad performance. It is available at several online stores, and also Micromax’s own mStore. The tablet also has full HD and HDMI-out support.

Edutainment on-the-go: Micromax Funbook

Take a quick look at some of its specs:

• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixels
• 3G dongle dupport via USB. It only supports Tata Photon dongle and Wi-Fi
• USB 2.0 (micro)
• 0.3 MP VGA front-facing camera
• 4 GB internal memory, expandable upto 32 GB

Wishtel Ira Thing 2
Wishtel also brings in the Ira Thing 2 at a similar competitive price of 6,500. It comes equipped with a powerful 1.5 GHz processor and runs on Android ICS. The Ira Thing 2 is a home-brewed device tailor-made to meet the specific needs of the Indian user, and combine multimedia, connectivity, and computing capabilities with decent features. It is considered a great deal for travelers, as it offers Navigation, Google Maps, Skype video calling and e-book facilities, supported with various Indian languages.

For frequent travellers: Wishtel Ira Thing 2

A glance at some of its specs:

• 7-inch capacitive TFT touchscreen with 800 x 480 pixels
• 3G, Wi-Fi
• GPS with A-GPS
• USB 2.0
• 1.3 MP camera
• 4 GB internal memory, expandable upto 32 GB via microSd slot

Zen Ultratab A100
Zen’s recent entry in the tablet market brings to fore the Ultratab A100 that runs on Android 4.0.3 at an affordable price of 6,199. Moreover, the tablet is on display on HomeShop 18 initially at a discounted price of 5,999. This tablet tips the scale at 295 grams, promising utmost portability. The tablet doesn’t look appealing, though. This budget-friendly tablet features 1.2 GHz processor / MALI 400. Its 2800 mAh battery promises above 14 hours of web usage (on Wi-Fi) or 3.5 hours of 720p video playback.

Highly portable: Zen Ultratab A100

Here are some of its specs:

• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 resolution
• External 3G support, Wi-Fi
• Micro USB/ OTG
• 1.3 MP main camera
• External TF card upto 32 GB

If these devices have failed to impress you, and if you are willing to pay a little more, then take a look at the new WickedLeak Wammy Ethos ICS tablet priced at 8,999, Zync Z999 priced at around 11,000 and iBerry AX02. We are sure the market of affordable tablets is going to get more competitive and fierce, especially after Google brings in its own affordable Nexus 7 tablet (though we wish it would be priced under 15,000).

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Android now powers 51.8% of US smartphones, growth continues

Popular analyst company Nielsen has published its report on the US smartphone market in the second quarter of 2012. The quarter saw smartphone growth continue as two thirds of all new customers picked a smartphone.

Android continues to be in lead, powering 51.8% of all US smartphones and 54.6% of the ones purchased over the past three months. And that was the quarter before the Samsung Galaxy S III was launched.

iOS is the other platform on the rise, with Apple's OS accounting for 34.3% of US smartphones and 36.3% of the newly acquired ones. Expectedly iOS is starting to lose pace in the third quarter of iPhone 4S availability, but things are bound to change once the iPhone 5 comes out.

BlackBerry is the only other platform on record by Nielsen and it continues its free fall. While the RIM OS still powers a respectable 8.1% of US smartphones, it only managed a market share of 4% with new subscribers. This means that it might soon join the dreaded "others" category, officially turning the US smartphone market into a two-horse race.

As for the platform that is hoping to escape that category - Windows Phone - only managed a market share of 1.3%. The Nokia Lumia lineup is still struggling to make an impact, covering just 0.3% of the market, despite the heavy promotion of the Lumia 900 by both the Finns and AT&T.

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Google posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean changelog

If you’re lucky enough to have a device on Android 4.1.1, like the Galaxy Nexus or the Nexus 7 tablet, but wondered what Jelly Bean actually bought over Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, well today’s your lucky day. In celebration of the first shipments of the Nexus 7 being sent out, Google has posted the entire changelog of Jelly Bean.

To celebrate the fact that we’ve just started shipping +Nexus 7 today, we’re publishing the official Jelly Bean changelog with all of the new features in Android 4.1

Quite a bunch of stuff, from Face Unlock Calibration, support for USB Audio Docks, improvements to News and Weather, better power management, yada yada. Check out the entire changelog over at the link below.

ANDROID.COM

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20 Best Free Andoid Apps

1. Seesmic

There are many Twitter apps on Android - and Twitter itself shook up the scene with the launch of its own-brand app - but we're sticking withSeesmic. Offering support for multiple accounts, a home page widget showing latest tweets and an incredibly slick and professional design, it's one of the finest examples of app development out there today.

2. Facebook for Android

Facebook for Android is lacking in features compared to Facebook itself, but a recent update added Inbox support to the Android app, finally allowing its users to communicate in almost real time. The app's fast and stable, with a simplicity that reminds you of the old days when using Facebook used to be bearable.

3. National Rail Enquiries

After the original free, third-party National Rail apps went paid-for, National Rail has finally brought out its own free app. National Rail Enquiriesenables you to check live train times, plan your journeys, and get notifications of delays. On first use, the app prompts you to enter a home and work train station, and then you can use the 'Get me home' button to see the next available trains.

4. UK Jobs

Hey, times are hard and you've got to pay for your oppressive monthly mobile phone contract somehow. Offering a fully searchable database of current UK job vacancies, UK Jobs, which pulls in its data from independent employment site 1job.co.uk is, a slightly cumbersome but useful and non-governmental tool.

5. Hotmail

Microsoft has teamed up with developer SEVEN to offer an official Hotmail app for Android, which gives users a simple, clean interface, push notification support and even lets you manage multiple Hotmail accounts from within the app. If your email needs haven't yet been assimilated by Google, it's a useful option.

6. Google Sky Map

A stunning app that renders Patrick Moore obsolete, by using your phone's orientation tools to give you an accurate representation of the stars and planets on your screen. Point your phone at the sky, then learn what constellations are visible and if that's a UFO or just Venus. Google Sky Map even works indoors, if you're not keen on getting cold.

7. Layar

The stunning augmented reality app Layar has recently gone commercial, adding an online shop that allows users to buy AR content such as travel guides, local house price apps and much more. But you're still able to use the numerous free Layers to pop data up over real-world locations, delivering a satisfying futuristic experience.

8. Foursquare

The social media darling Foursquare is represented in fine form on Android, with the Google app offering easy one-click check-ins, integrated Google Maps for a seamless Google-branded experience and home page shortcut options to all your favourite places.

9. WordPress for Android

WordPress for Android started out as independent creation wpToGo, before WordPress decided it liked it so much it bought it up - hiring the maker to develop it in-house. It's very feature-packed, with the latest version offering full integration with other apps, letting you spin content and send it directly to the app for easy updating. It could do with more image insertion tools, though.

10. Google Goggles

A bit of a novelty, in that Google Goggles lets you take photos and have Google analyse them and come back with a search results page for what it thinks you're looking at. However, the app's main use is as a QR code reader, which lets you scan barcodes for quick access to apps and whatever data people choose to embed in the odd little data squares.

11. Winamp

Yes, the same Winamp from a decade ago. It's had an Android app for some time, with recent updates adding support for iTunes, Mac syncing, plenty of music streaming options, new release lists and Shoutcast integration for radio support. It's a fine, free media player.

12. Samsung ChatOn

There are plenty of messaging tools on Android, but Samsung's beats many of them by offering multi-platform support - with clients even available for older Samsung non-smart feature phones. It could be the ideal way to keep in touch with an out of touch relative. More "with it" users will be able to use its drawing, image sharing and social networking features.

13. Skyfire 3.0

The USP of the Skyfire browser is that it supports Flash content, popping up a little window when it detects an embedded YouTube video or something similar. The actual Flash business is handled by Skyfire's server, which does all the computery stuff, then sends the file to your handset. A bit clunky on slower Android phones, but it works like a dream on models with faster processors.Despite the arrival of Flash with Android 2.2, this is still relevant for those on phones and Android versions not able to support Adobe's Flash Player.

14. BBC News

While the BBC's Android iPlayer app is a bit on the disappointing side, the corporation's BBC News app is much more refined. There's a stylish grid-based front page, plus you're able to swipe from left to right to switch between stories in your chosen specialist category. A recent update also added a couple of Home screen widgets, too, plus the ability to submit your own news tips, as if the BBC was a small blog clamouring for content.

15. RAC Traffic

An official production of the motoring organisation, RAC Traffic is dead simple - it guesstimates your location via the mobile signal, then pops up the current traffic alerts for your area. It's much better than having to listen to the radio for the odd update about arterial blockages.

16. Swype

The odd line-drawing alternate keyboard Swype is a love-it or hate-it kind of thing, with the significant amount of re-learning required to make the most of it quite offputting to some users. Once you're familiar with the idea, though, it's genius - with advanced prediction options further speeding your line-typing. Swype is not available through the Android Market - the only way to install is is via a direct download from the maker.

17. Evernote

After the Android version of Dropbox, the next best solution for keeping all your 'business' in one place is Evernote - which lets you stash and sync all your text notes, voice memos and files on your phone and access them through a desktop computer.

18. Flickr

As well as supporting Flickr uploading, this app also lets you capture photos from within the app and comes complete with a set of filters, so you can hipsterise your life with ease. It supports sharing with Twitter and Facebook as well, so your other, non-photo-nerd friends can enjoy the results of today's snapping session.

19. Last.fm

The subscription-based thrills of Last.fm open up a world of music streaming on your mobile. You have to 'buy in' to the odd Last.fm way of organising things and suggesting new music, but if you're easily led and not restricted by bandwidth it's a superb tool.

20. Google Maps Navigation

An absolute must-get. As long as you have Android 1.6 or above, the latest update to Google Maps introduces turn-by-turn voice navigation, simultaneously devastating the satnav industry while boosting the in-car dashboard dock/charger accessory scene. Route calculations are done at the outset of your trip, minimising data transfer en route and keeping you on target even when the GPS signal drops. It's amazing, it works, and it's free.

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