microsoft – The Metrognome

Launched in India at a price of Rs 9,199, this smartphone is Microsoft’s first Windows handset under its own brand.

by Manik Kakra | @Manik_K on Twitter

Microsoft’s first Windows Phone handset under its own brand, the new Lumia 535, has been launched in India two days ago. The phone marks the beginning of Microsoft phones in the Indian market, while the low-end feature phones will continue to be under the name Nokia.

Running on Windows Phone 8.1 (with Lumia Denim Update), the Lumia 535 features a 5-inch (540 x 960) screen with Gorilla Glass 3 on top, and comes loaded with many Microsoft apps and services like Offices, OneNote, OneDrive, Xbox app, and more. Under the hood, there is a Snapdragon 200 SoC (1.2 GHz quad-core processor, Adreno 302 GPU), along with 1 GB of RAM.

On the back, there is a 5 MP (AF) camera (with an LED flash), while the front has a 5 MP wide-lens camera. There’s 8 GB of on-board storage, which can be expandable up to 128 GB, plus, 15 GB of free OneDrive storage space.

This dual SIM handset sports Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, microUSB 2.0, WiFi, 3G connectivity, and 3.5 mm headset jack. Weighing about 146 grams, the phone packs a 1,905 mAh battery unit.

The Lumia 535 goes on sale later this week at Rs 9,199, and comes in bright green, bright orange, white and black colour options. The user will also get free 500 MB of 3G data from Vodafone for the first two months, 2 months of BoxTV subscription, free recharge from PayTM worth 600 bucks, and free EBooks from Flipkart worth Rs 1,500.

On the (sur)face of it

What is the ‘Surface’ that’s got everyone’s attention since yesterday? Our tech writer gives the dope on Microsoft’s newest offerings.

by Manik Kakra

Microsoft’s previous Surface efforts did not prove to be very fruitful. Their sale figures were not very impressive, and the company had to write down a huge loss from the devices. Yesterday, in its Surface event, Microsoft released two new tablets – Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 – to take on the iPad as well as make some efforts to better Microsoft’s position in the mobile space.

Surface 2: The Surface 2, like the original Surface, is meant for Microsoft’s RT platform. The tablet runs on Windows RT 8.1, and comes pre-loaded with apps like Outlook RT and MS Office. Under the hood, there is a 1.7 GHz quad-core nVidia Tegra 4 SoC, along with 2 GB of RAM. It boasts a 10.6-inch ClearType full HD screen, and comes in 32 GB and 64 GB storage options. While the rear has a 5 MP camera, the front has a 3.5 MP camera, and both can do HD videos. Other features include Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi a/b/g/n, 3.5 mm headset jack, dual stereo speakers, card reader and USB 3.0. Among freebies, users will get a year of free Skype call and also 200 GB of cloud storage on SkyDrive for two years. The tablet can be pre-ordered on Microsoft’s website (http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/pre-order), but not for the Indian market. The 32 GB model costs $449 and the 64 GB model $549.

Surface Pro 2: The Surface Pro 2 (see main image above) is the tablet to get if you need full-fledged Windows 8 functionality. The tablet is powered by Intel’s 4th generation Haswell chipset, along with 4 GB (or 8 GB, depending on model) RAM. Having the same 10.1-inch HD screen, the Surface Pro 2, and comes in 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB storage options. You also get a Pro Pen to be used on the tablet’s screen. You can buy one ffrom $899 up to $1,799, depending on the model.

Microsoft has also introduced Type Cover 2, which can be used with both these Surface devices. It has got backlit keys and comes in black, blue, pink and purple. Apart from that, a new Power Cover was also shown. This one is meant to be attached with your tablet in order to increase its battery life (MS claims two and a half times the original battery) without adding too much bulk.