google play store – The Metrognome

Just in: Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013) available on Indian Play Store

Our tech writer previews and reviews the specs on the new Nexus phones – the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7.

by Manik Kakra

Here they are, folks. The Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) are now officially available in India.

Announced about three weeks back, the Nexus 5 (in pic on left) marks the launch of Android’s latest version – 4.4 (KitKat). The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 chipset, along with 2 GB of RAM. On the back, it sports an 8 MP (AF) camera (plus LED flash) with optical image stabilisation feature; while the front has a 1.3 MP camera.

Boasting a 4.95-inch full HD screen, the Nexus 5 comes in black and white colour options – with 16 GB and 32 GB variant. Other features include Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, microUSB (+ Slim port), and LTE (may not support Indian telecom bands). While the 16 GB variant is priced at Rs 28,999, the 32 GB is available for Rs 32,999. The Play Store also lists the official Nexus 5 bumper for Rs 2,999.

Coming to the Nexus 7 (2013, see main image above), the tablet features a 7-inch full HD screen, and comes in 16 GB and 32 GB storage variants. On the back, there is a 5 MP (AF) camera; and the front has a 1.2 MP camera. Under the hood, there is a Snapdragon S4 Pro SoC, along with 2 GB of RAM. This Android 4.3 (4.4 is out) features WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, LTE (depends on the model), and microUSB (+ Slim port). The Nexus 7 starts from Rs 20,999 for the 16 GB WiFi-only model, and goes up to Rs 27,999 for the 32 GB WiFi + Cellular (LTE) model.

Google starts rental movie service for India

You can buy and rent movies, TV shows from Google’s Play Store. But the Hindi film collection isn’t too exciting.

by Manik Kakra

Here’s some good news for you Android users out there. Google has started its movie rental service on the Play Store. Users in India can now buy and rent movies and TV shows from Google’s Play Store.

To start off, you have to download the Google Play Movies and TV app on your Android device. Then, search for the required movie, and hit buy or rent.

Use it: If you rent a movie, you can watch it within a month, and for the next 48 hours once you start watching it. If you download a movie or a TV show, you can enjoy it on five devices, but rented movies can only be watched on a single device.

Pay for it: If you are not aware of the payment system, this is how it works: a user has to add his credit or debit card information on Google Wallet, in order to buy apps, games, e-books, movies, and more from the Google Play Store.

What we didn’t like: The movie collection right now isn’t too extensive. Hindi movie lovers won’t have a very good time browsing through the new catalogue. Movies start Rs 50 onwards, and go up to Rs 590, available in SD and HD options. Some of the Hindi titles available as of now are Ta Ra Rum Pum, Ek Tha Tiger, etc., but a lot of good films are missing. Meanwhile, the English collection looks much better, with The Hobbit, 21 Jump Street, Seven Pounds, and so on included.

A few days ago, Google started selling the Nexus 7 (16 GB WiFi) on its Play Store for Indian users, priced at Rs 15,999. A few weeks back, Google introduced e-books for Indian users. Back in December, Apple opened its iTunes store for India. Looking at these developments, it is sure that Google and Apple are becoming serious about the Indian market, especially on the content side. Though we have services like hungama.com and saavn.com for music and movies, brands like Google and Apple can really work the magic to bring better content to India, quality and quantity-wise.

I hope Google and Apple start bringing their devices quicker to Indian shores. We have a lot of users here, waiting for the devices and content, while their US and Europe friends enjoy it way before. Here’s hoping this start doesn’t disappoint, and companies have many more goodies in store for its users.

(Picture courtesy gogi.in)