by Vishal Ghosh | Jan 11, 2015 | News and Reviews
Samsung is ready to sell a new cheap phone called the J1. The model number is SM‑J100. It may be shown on January 14. The phone could also appear at the Mobile World Congress next month.
Design and Display
The J1 has a small screen. It is 4.3 inches big. The screen shows 480 by 800 pixels. That means the picture is clear enough for basic use. The phone looks simple and easy to hold. It is meant for people who do not need a big phone.
Performance and Battery
The phone runs on a 64‑bit Marvell processor. The chip has four cores and works at 1.2 GHz. Four cores help the phone run several apps at once. The J1 has 1 GB of RAM. RAM helps the phone stay fast when you open apps.
For storage, the J1 has 4 GB built‑in. You can add more space with a microSD card. That means you can keep more photos, music and videos if you need.
The battery is 1,850 mAh. A battery of this size can last a day with light use. Samsung says the phone may have an Ultra Power Saving Mode. This mode can make the battery last longer by limiting background work.
Camera and Software Features
The J1 has a 5 MP rear camera. You can take decent photos in good light. The front camera is 2 MP. It is useful for video calls and selfies.
Samsung may add some special software tricks from its high‑end Galaxy line. One of these tricks is the Ultra Power Saving Mode mentioned above. The phone will also have Samsung’s custom user interface on top of Android.
Connectivity and Variants
The J1 works with both 3G and 4G LTE networks. This means you can browse the web fast where LTE is available.
The phone will come in two versions: single‑SIM and dual‑SIM. A single‑SIM phone uses one phone number. A dual‑SIM phone can hold two numbers at the same time. This is handy for people who travel or want a work and personal line.
How to Decide if the Samsung J1 Is Right for You
- Screen size: If you like a small phone that fits in your hand, the 4.3‑inch screen is a good match.
- Performance: The 1.2 GHz quad‑core chip and 1 GB RAM are fine for basic apps, browsing, and social media.
- Storage: 4 GB internal is small, but you can add a microSD card for more space.
- Camera: The 5 MP rear camera is okay for casual photos, but not for professional work.
- Battery life: The 1,850 mAh battery should last a day with light use. The Ultra Power Saving Mode can help on long days.
- Network: If you need 4G LTE, the J1 supports it.
- SIM needs: Choose the dual‑SIM version if you need two numbers.
Think about what you use a phone for. If you need a cheap phone for calls, messages, light apps and occasional photos, the J1 fits well. If you need a big screen, high‑resolution camera or lots of storage, you may want a higher‑end model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Samsung J1 be released?
Leaks show a picture with the date January 14. Samsung may announce the phone on that day, but the date is not officially confirmed.
What are the main specifications of the J1?
The J1 has a 4.3‑inch 480×800 screen, a 1.2 GHz quad‑core Marvell processor, 1 GB RAM, 4 GB internal storage, microSD support, a 5 MP rear camera, a 2 MP front camera, a 1,850 mAh battery and runs Android with Samsung’s custom UI.
Does the J1 support dual SIM?
Yes. Samsung plans to sell both single‑SIM and dual‑SIM versions of the J1.
What is Ultra Power Saving Mode?
It is a software feature that limits background activity and reduces screen brightness to make the battery last longer.
Conclusion
The Samsung J1 (SM‑J100) is a small, low‑cost phone aimed at people who want basic features. It offers a modest screen, a simple processor, limited storage, and a decent battery. The phone may launch on January 14 and could be shown at the Mobile World Congress. If you need a phone for everyday tasks and do not need high‑end specs, the J1 could be a good choice.
by Vishal Ghosh | Jan 11, 2015 | News and Reviews
Micromax has launched a new phone called the Canvas Hue. It costs Rs 10,999 in India. The phone is ready to sell from January 16. You can buy it online or in a store.
Key Features of the Canvas Hue
The Canvas Hue has many features that are good for a low price. It has a 5‑inch screen. The screen is an AMOLED panel. AMOLED means the colors look bright and deep. The screen resolution is 720p HD. That is clear enough for videos and games.
The front glass is Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This glass helps protect the screen from scratches. The phone also has a power‑saving mode that can last up to 30 days on a single charge.
Display and Camera
The 5‑inch screen measures 12.7 cm diagonally. It uses AMOLED technology. AMOLED screens use less power than regular LCD screens. They also show better contrast.
For photos, the phone has an 8 MP rear camera. The rear camera has auto‑focus. Auto‑focus helps the picture stay sharp. The rear camera can take pictures up to 2448 × 3264 pixels.
The front camera is 2 MP. It is a fixed focus camera. The front camera can take selfies up to 1600 × 1200 pixels.
Performance and Storage
The Canvas Hue runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Micromax says the phone will get an Android Lollipop update soon. The update will be delivered by FOTA, which means the phone can download the new software over the air.
Inside, the phone has a 1.3 GHz quad‑core processor. Quad‑core means four small brains work together. This helps the phone run apps smoothly.
The phone has 1 GB of RAM. RAM helps the phone keep many apps open at once. It also has 8 GB of internal storage. You can add a micro‑SD card up to 32 GB if you need more space.
Battery Life and Power Saving
The Canvas Hue uses a 3000 mAh battery. This size is common for phones in this price range.
Micromax promises a special power‑saving mode. In this mode, the phone can last up to 30 days on a single charge. The mode works by limiting background apps and dimming the screen.
In normal use, you can expect a full day of use with moderate browsing, calls, and a few videos. The power‑saving mode is useful when you travel or have limited access to electricity.
Price, Availability and Connectivity
The price is Rs 10,999. This makes the phone affordable for many students and families.
The phone will be sold online and offline from January 16. You can find it on Micromax’s website or at local mobile stores.
For connectivity, the Canvas Hue supports Bluetooth 4.0, Wi‑Fi, and USB. These let you connect to headphones, the internet, and a computer.
How to Decide if the Canvas Hue Is Right for You
- Budget: At Rs 10,999, the phone is cheap compared to many smartphones.
- Camera needs: If you like taking photos, the 8 MP rear camera with auto‑focus is decent for everyday snaps.
- Battery life: The 30‑day power‑saving mode is a big plus if you often run out of power.
- Software: The promised Lollipop upgrade means you will get newer features later.
- Storage: 8 GB may fill quickly, but you can add a 32 GB card.
If these points match what you want, the Canvas Hue could be a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Micromax Canvas Hue?
The phone costs Rs 10,999 in India.
Will the phone receive Android Lollipop?
Yes. Micromax says the Canvas Hue will get an Android Lollipop update through FOTA soon.
How long does the battery last?
In normal use, the 3000 mAh battery lasts about a day. In the special power‑saving mode, Micromax guarantees up to 30 days on a single charge.
Can I expand the storage?
Yes. The phone has 8 GB built‑in storage and supports a micro‑SD card up to 32 GB.
Conclusion
The Micromax Canvas Hue offers a bright AMOLED screen, a decent camera, and a long‑lasting battery at a low price. It also promises an Android Lollipop upgrade. If you need an affordable phone with good battery life, the Canvas Hue is worth looking at.
by Vishal Ghosh | Jan 10, 2015 | News and Reviews
In January 2015, Paris was hit by a series of terror attacks. Twenty people died, including three gunmen. The attacks hit a newspaper office, a grocery store, and other places. French police are still trying to understand what happened. Below is a simple guide to what investigators have found so far.
Timeline of the Paris attacks
The attacks happened over a few days in early January. First, two brothers, Chérif and Saïd Kouachi, entered the offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. They killed ten journalists and two police officers. The next day, a gunman named Amedy Coulibaly attacked a kosher grocery store in the city. He held at least fifteen people hostage. Police stormed the store and killed Coulibaly. The three gunmen died in the attacks.
Who is Hayat Boumeddiene?
Hayat Boumeddiene is the girlfriend of Amedy Coulibaly. She is the only suspected co‑conspirator who is still alive. Police say she may have been in Turkey when the attacks happened, but they are still looking for her.
Hayat was one of seven children. Her mother died when she was young, and her father could not care for the family. She was placed in foster care. In 2009, she had an unofficial ceremony with Coulibaly. French law does not recognize that ceremony as a legal marriage.
Hayat is described as a devout Muslim. She lost a job at a supermarket because she wanted to wear full religious clothing at work. This detail shows how her personal choices may have affected her life before the attacks.
What happened to Amedy Coulibaly?
Amedy Coulibaly was a gunman who attacked a kosher grocery store in Paris. He held many people hostage. During the police raid, he was killed.
Coulibaly is thought to have worked with the Kouachi brothers. He met Chérif Kouachi while they were both in prison. The police say they had regular contact. Over 500 phone calls were made each year between Hayat Boumeddiene and Izzana Hamyd, who is the wife of Chérif Kouachi.
During the hostage situation, a French TV channel called BFMTV spoke to Coulibaly. He said he belonged to ISIS and that his attack on the kosher market was coordinated with the Kouachi brothers’ attack on the Charlie Hebdo printing plant.
Links between the attackers
Investigators have found many links between the three attackers. The Kouachi brothers and Coulibaly were part of the same Islamist network. They met in prison and kept in touch after they were released.
Al‑Qaeda’s branch in Yemen claimed responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo attack. This shows that more than one extremist group may have been involved.
Police also found that Hayat Boumeddiene talked a lot with Izzana Hamyd, the wife of one of the brothers. This phone contact suggests she may have helped plan the attacks, but the exact role is still being studied.
Ongoing investigation and police actions
French police are still searching for Hayat Boumeddiene. They believe she was in Turkey at the time of the attacks, but they have not confirmed her location.
Investigators are reviewing phone records, bank accounts, and travel documents. They are also interviewing people who knew the suspects. The goal is to find out how the attacks were planned and who helped.
Paris prosecutor François Molins has spoken publicly about the case. He said the police have found “regular telephone contact” between Boumeddiene and Hamyd. This detail helps the investigators map the network.
Because the attacks involved multiple locations, the police have set up a special task force. The task force works with other European agencies to track any possible accomplices who may have helped from abroad.
How to understand the investigation
- Look at the timeline. Knowing when each event happened helps see the pattern.
- Identify the people. The main suspects are the Kouachi brothers, Amedy Coulibaly, and Hayat Boumeddiene.
- Check the connections. Phone calls, prison meetings, and shared ideology link the attackers.
- Follow the police updates. Official statements from the prosecutor give reliable information.
FAQ
What was the role of Hayat Boumeddiene?
She is suspected of helping plan the attacks. Police have not proved her exact role, but they know she talked a lot with Izzana Hamyd, the wife of one of the attackers.
Why do investigators think she was in Turkey?
Phone records and travel data point to Turkey as her likely location during the attacks. However, she has not been found there yet.
Did the attackers belong to the same group?
They were part of a broader Islamist network. The Kouachi brothers were linked to Al‑Qaeda, while Coulibaly said he was with ISIS. The overlap shows cooperation between groups.
How many people died in the attacks?
Twenty people lost their lives, including the three gunmen who carried out the attacks.
Conclusion
The Paris terror attacks of January 2015 were complex. They involved a newspaper, a grocery store, and several gunmen. Investigators have found many links between the attackers, especially through phone calls and prison meetings. The search for Hayat Boumeddiene continues, and police are still piecing together the full story. Understanding the timeline, the people involved, and the connections helps readers see why the investigation matters.
by Vishal Ghosh | Jan 10, 2015 | News and Reviews
Samsung made two thin metal phones in early 2015. They are called the Galaxy A5 and the Galaxy A3. Both phones cost less than the flagship models. The A5 costs Rs 25,500 and the A3 costs Rs 20,500. They were announced in November 2014 and sold in India in the first week of January 2015.
Design and Build
Both phones have a unibody metal frame. This makes them feel solid and premium. The A3 is 6.7 mm thick and the A5 is 6.9 mm thick. That makes them the slimmest Samsung phones at the time. They are not as thin as the Oppo R5, which is 4.85 mm, but they are still very thin.
The phones have flat sides and small bezels. They look similar to the older Samsung Galaxy Alpha. You can buy them in six colours: Pearl White, Midnight Black, Platinum Silver, Soft Pink, Light Blue and Champagne Gold.
Later, Samsung kept the slim trend. In 2026 the company added the Galaxy A57, which also has a thin profile and a vertical camera layout, according to a TENAA database entry.
Display
The Galaxy A3 has a 4.5‑inch Super AMOLED screen. Its resolution is 540 × 960 pixels. That works out to about 245 ppi, which is low for a modern phone.
The Galaxy A5 gets a bigger 5‑inch Super AMOLED screen. Its resolution is 720 × 1280 pixels. This gives a sharper 294 ppi display.
Both screens use Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology, which means bright colours and deep blacks.
Camera Features
The rear camera on the A5 is 13 MP with auto‑focus and an LED flash. It can record video at 1080p @ 30 fps. The front‑facing camera is 5 MP and includes a wide selfie mode and beauty face features.
The A3’s rear camera is 8 MP, also with auto‑focus and LED flash. It shares the same 5 MP front camera as the A5.
Both cameras are good for everyday photos, but they are not as powerful as newer flagship cameras.
Performance and Software
Both phones run Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box. Samsung has not announced an upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop for these models.
The A5 has a 1.2 GHz quad‑core processor and 2 GB of RAM. The A3 also uses a 1.2 GHz quad‑core processor but only has 1 GB of RAM.
Samsung usually uses its own Exynos chips in India, so these phones likely have Exynos processors rather than Snapdragon.
Storage and Battery
Both phones come with 16 GB of internal storage. You can add a microSD card up to 64 GB.
The A3 has a 1,900 mAh battery. The A5 has a slightly larger 2,300 mAh battery. Both phones include Samsung’s Ultra Saving Mode to stretch battery life.
Connectivity and Extras
Both models are sold as Dual‑SIM phones. They support Bluetooth 4.0, Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and A‑GPS/GLONASS.
Only the LTE versions have NFC. This lets you use contact‑less payments where supported.
Bottom Line
Samsung made the A5 and A3 to stay strong in the mid‑range market. Sales were falling and many rivals were offering cheap phones. By giving a thin metal look, good screens and decent cameras, Samsung hoped to win back customers.
These phones are not the fastest or the most powerful, but they are well built and look premium for their price.
FAQ
Are the Galaxy A5 and A3 still supported with software updates?
Both phones launched with Android 4.4 KitKat. Samsung has not confirmed any official update to Android 5.0 Lollipop, so they may not receive newer versions.
Can I use a microSD card larger than 64 GB?
The official specification says up to 64 GB. Using a larger card may not work reliably.
Which phone has a better camera?
The A5 has a 13 MP rear camera, while the A3 has an 8 MP rear camera. So the A5 generally takes sharper photos.
Is the metal body fragile?
The metal unibody is sturdy, but it can dent if dropped on a hard surface. Using a case can protect it.
For more details, you can read the original Firstpost article here.
by Vishal Ghosh | Jan 10, 2015 | News and Reviews
Tata Sky is bringing a new 4K set‑top box to Indian homes. The box lets you watch TV in Ultra High Definition (UHD). It also has Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound.
Why Tata Sky’s 4K Box is Important
In 2014, Tata Sky showed India its first 4K broadcast. It was the Germany vs France quarter‑final match at the FIFA World Cup. That was a big moment for Indian TV. Now the company is selling a box that can show that same quality at home.
Price and Buying Options
The new box costs Rs 6,400 for people who are new to Tata Sky. If you already have a Tata Sky connection, the price is Rs 5,900. You can buy the box in two ways:
- Buy a brand‑new 4K set‑top box.
- Use Tata Sky’s multi‑TV connection option to add the 4K box to your existing service.
You can pre‑book the box by calling the Tata Sky 24×7 helpline, visiting the Tata Sky website, or going to an authorised dealer.
What Is 4K and How Does It Look?
4K means the picture has 3840 × 2160 pixels. That is about four times more pixels than the current HD standard of 1920 × 1080. More pixels mean sharper images, finer details and less blur when you sit close to the screen.
During a test, reviewers watched a 4K broadcast from about 20 feet away. They said they could not see any pixelation. The picture looked very clear. They also compared a 4K TV with a regular HD TV and a standard definition TV. The 4K screen showed far more detail.
How to Use the Box
After you get the box, you will need a 4K‑compatible TV. Connect the box to the TV using the HDMI cable that comes with it. Turn on the TV and select the HDMI input. Follow the on‑screen instructions to set up your Tata Sky account.
The box can also show SD (standard definition) and HD (high definition) channels. So you can watch any channel, not just 4K ones. The box also supports Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 sound. That means you can hear clear, immersive audio if you have a good speaker system.
Why the Timing Is Good
The ICC Cricket World Cup starts next month. Cricket fans will want the best picture possible. Tata Sky hopes the 4K box will let fans see every run, every ball, and every celebration in crystal‑clear detail.
So far, Tata Sky has not announced which channels will broadcast in 4K. The company said it will work with TV channels to bring 4K content soon. The price of 4K channels is still unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 4K mean?
4K means the picture has 3840 × 2160 pixels. It is four times sharper than normal HD.
How much does the Tata Sky 4K box cost?
New customers pay Rs 6,400. Existing Tata Sky customers pay Rs 5,900.
Can I keep my old Tata Sky box?
Yes. You can use the new 4K box together with your old box using the multi‑TV connection option.
How do I get 4K channels?
Right now Tata Sky has not listed any 4K‑ready channels. The company says it will work with broadcasters to add 4K channels soon.
Conclusion
Tata Sky’s 4K set‑top box brings Ultra High Definition TV to Indian homes at a reasonable price. It works with any TV that supports 4K and HDMI. The launch comes just before the ICC Cricket World Cup, giving fans a chance to enjoy the sport in stunning detail. If you want the best picture and sound, the Tata Sky 4K box is worth looking at.
'%3E%3Ccircle%20r='92'/%3E%3Ccircle%20fill='%23fff'%20r='80'/%3E%3Ccircle%20r='16'/%3E%3Cg%20id='c'%3E%3Cg%20id='b'%3E%3Cpath%20id='a'%20d='m0-80%203%2048L0-8-3-32M21-77%2011-30%202-8%205-32M40-69%2019-26%204-7%2013-29'/%3E%3Cuse%20href='%23a'%20transform='scale(-1)'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cuse%20href='%23b'%20transform='rotate(45)'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cuse%20href='%23c'%20transform='rotate(90)'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
'/%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
