iPad 3 not to launch before Q3-2012

For all of you who are waiting for the iPad 3’s launch here is a little sad news. If reports are to be believed, then the iPad 3 will not arrive in the market before Q3 of 2012. Apple might just launch an upgraded version of the iPad 2 just like it did to the iPhone 4 with iPhone 4S. This next-generation tablet will go into production very soon and is set to launch in March 2012. The upgraded iPad 2 will be thinner than iPad 2 and also offer longer battery life.

Apple is not in a hurry to go ahead with the iPad 3 because many retailers are telling that Apple iPad 2 remains the most popular tablet in the IT market at present and so this upgraded iPad 2 will be launched first. Due to the Lunar New Year holidays in China in January, Apple plans to start shipping the upgraded iPad 2 in small volumes in Q4-2011.

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Microsoft launches Marketplace Extra to help you find the right apps

Microsoft has launched a new section on their Windows Phone website called the Marketplace Extra which will help all Windows Phone users to find the right apps that they need for their Windows Phone running device.

If you are not able to find a particular app or if you have got a new Windows phone and want to load it with the stuff you need, Marketplace Extra will help you in this. From Staff picks to Game starter kit, there’s everything you may need. Marketplace Extra will also feature a range of apps that WP’s staff will themselves share, review and suggest you from time to time.

You can visit Marketplace Extra over here and download the apps that interest you.

Nokia Maps to arrive for Windows Phone devices minus Free Voice Navigation

About a month back we shared with you about Nokia Maps app appearing in Windows Phone Marketplace and now it appears that the app will be available for all Windows Phone running devices. Even though the app will be free, it will come at a price and that is, it will not support the free Voice-guided offline navigation or Drive, as Nokia calls it, which was showcased in the Nokia Lumia 800 and 710.

• Local POI details (provides you location, phone number, reviews, and photos of up to 25 locations in your vicinity)
• Deep link support (you can pin destinations to the Start screen)
• Detailed maps in satellite, 2D, and 3D views

Windows 8 powered handset in the making?

Microsoft had announced its latest Windows 8 OS and had said that it is highly versatile and can run on devices ranging from 7-inch tablets to high end gaming desktops. Now there has been some new development by ITG (In Technology Group) as they have announced a new handset called the xpPhone2 this week which will be powered by Windows 8.

Android Ice Cream Sandwich will come to Galaxy Tab 10.1

Android Ice Cream Sandwich is coming anytime in November with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, but what about other devices? Well we told you that a few Android 2.3 running devices and Nexus S will get ICS but now it seems that Samsung’s Galaxy TAB 10.1 is also included in the list. Now that’s great news for all the 10.1 owners. With it, Galaxy S, Nexus S and Galaxy S II will also get the ICS update.

The date of the update is not yet out but it can be out anytime in December. But not to worry, we’ll keep you updated.

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Windows Marketplace now opens for China and India, improved search options and more

Windows has announced the opening of its Windows Marketplace for developers in China. Now developers from China can register via App Hub and begin submitting apps for availability in any of our supported Marketplace countries (except China). With this now all Windows Phone users in India can purchase their favourite games and apps from the marketplace which now open for all.

Bing Maps now offers Road Map Style on WP 7.5

According to MobileTechWorld, the Bing Maps on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango have been updated and now offers a Road Map Style layout which was introduced on the desktop version in the month of July.

They claim to have observed several new improvements including:

• Primary roadways are denoted in a more distinct color
• One way streets are more clearly marked
• Road shields are more visible
• Text labels are easier to read
• Traffic overlays are clearer and more defined
• Lots of other details to improve map readability

So have you noticed the change in your Bing Maps on WP? Or should I ask, have you yet received your WP Mango update?

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Frustrated with your BlackBerry? Take away a Windows Phone for free

Microsoft is ready to give-away 25 Windows Phone devices to frustrated BlackBerry users. Yes, if you are frustrated by your BlackBerry due to the recent outage, then all you need to do is reply to @BenThePCGuy on twitter and tell him why you would like to switch to Windows Phone and you may soon be the owner of a Window Phone device. Microsoft wants to take full advantage of this situation though it may not result in gaining a lot of admirers but this is indeed an interesting step by them.

Windows Phone 7.5 launch event at New Delhi [Pictures]

So we were at one of the most awaited launches this year. Microsoft finally launched the Windows Phone 7.5 aka Mango today at New Delhi and various features and capabilities of the new OS were shown off. The event also saw various device manufactures announcing their WP powered handsets including HTC, Samsung and Acer. The launch also saw the Qualcomm team as they are the official processor manufacturers for the mobile platform.

We also got some inside info on the devices and upcoming apps. The HTC Radar,as you know, was announced at the event and is priced at Rs. 23,990 and is said to available next week. Other devices including the Samsung Omnia W and the Acer Allegro will be available in the month of November.



There will be some Indian apps like the Times of India app and a Snapdeal app that will be hitting WP and will be utilising and taking advantage of the Metro UI.

Stay tuned as we will be posting first hands-on videos of the HTC Radar and the Samsung Omnia W very soon.