Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Mozilla Partner to Build Faster Web Browsers

Google,Microsoft,Apple and Mozilla have partnered to develop a new binary format code called WebAssembly (wasm) that is aimed at increasing the speed and efficiency with which browsers compile, parse, and render Web applications and webpages as compared to text-based JavaScript and asm.js. Engineers from the companies have formed the informal W3C community group, WebAssembly CG, to further development.

Not meant to replace JavaScript or asm.js, the WebAssembly bytecode or machine-level instruction set also allows developers to use a wider set of languages that can be compiled for browsers, and the two will work side by side in future browsers. Binary code is faster to decode than higher level, text-based code, and can also be better compressed. While WebAssembly may be used for parts of the Web applications that usually require compression, JavaScript and asm.js will continue to be used to write lighter elements like UI. Early tests of the binary format code show it is more than 20 percent faster at being decoded as compared to asm.js code.

There has long been a call for a bytecode machine-level instruction set for the Web, and WebAssembly is not the first bytecode system for the Web - with Microsoft's .NET and Oracle's Java other examples of bytecode runtimes. However, it is aimed to be the first widely-accepted bytecode to be directly integrated into the rendering engines of all browsers rather than requiring separate plugins. Google too had tried a hand at providing a way to run code natively in browsers with its Native Client, but this was not adopted by browser makers the world over.

The final aim with WebAssembly is to create a Web standard used by all browsers, both desktop and mobile, that will allow for decoding that's fast enough to enable Web applications to work with performance similar to native applications.

Micromax Canvas Sliver 5 First Impressions: It's Skinny

Micromax continues to focus on the 4G smartphones with the launch of a new flagship device, the Micromax Canvas Sliver 5. The phone will be available from the first week of July, and will be priced at Rs. 17,999, available via retail and online.

Launched in Delhi on Thursday, the Micromax Canvas Sliver 5 is - according to Micromax - the slimmest phone on the market with a total end-to-end width of 5.1mm. Micromax CEO Vineet Taneja agrees that there are other phones in the market that are slimmer, but says that they have bumps and bulges along their bodies, which means they are thicker than the Sliver 5 at some points.

At the launch, Taneja talked about the importance of design and after-sales service, alongside just specifications and performance, something he had stressed on in an earlier conversation with NDTV Gadgets. The phone certainly looks incredibly sleek, but is that enough of a differentiator to justify the relatively high price tag?

The Micromax Canvas Sliver 5 has a 4.8-inch screen, and is 5.1mm thick. Most of the front face is taken up by the screen, with the sides in particular having only narrow bezels. The "chin" of the phone is more pronounced, but nothing out of the ordinary.

The phone is available in both black, and white-and-gold variants. We looked at the latter one for our hands on, though the black one was also available on stage; the black one looks a little sleeker somehow, but at first glance, both colours look nice.

The phone is definitely narrow, and coupled with the screen-size, the result is a phone that feels like it could've easily been a little shorter. It's not too uncomfortable to hold - there are no sharp edges and the phone is narrow enough that our hand curled naturally around the body.

The 3.5mm jack and the USB port lie at the bottom edge of the phone, and really drive home how sleek the phone is - the earphone jack takes up most of the bottom. The power and volume buttons are on the left and right sides, respectively, while the rear camera is indeed flush with the body of the phone, with just a slightly raised ring around it to keep it from damage.

Aside from the 5.1mm thickness, the Micromax Canvas Sliver 5 is also notable for its 97 gram weight. Other than that though, the phone is fairly standard; the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop-based Micromax Canvas Sliver 5 supports a single SIM card (Nano-SIM) and features a 4.8-inch (720x1280 pixels) HD Amoled display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered by a 64-bit 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor coupled with 2GB of DDR3 RAM. The Canvas Sliver 5 comes with 16GB of inbuilt storage, but doesn't feature expandable storage support.

The Canvas Sliver 5 sports an 8-megapixel autofocus rear camera with Sony IMX219 CMOS sensor with a 'blue glass filter' and LED flash. There is a 5-megapixel front-facing camera on board as well. The Canvas Sliver 5 is backed by a 2000mAh battery, which Taneja claims will be enough for most people to use the phone for a full day.

Our very limited experiments with the Micromax Canvas Sliver 5's camera show that it's not bad, taking photos in the really bad lighting of the launch venue without too much noise in the image, and pulling up relatively sharp images. It's important to remember that a few quick clicks in very uncertain lighting using a phone that's tethered to a stand makes it hard to judge, but the camera seems to be fair, at any rate.

Aside from the design, the most compelling facet of the phone might actually be the after sales service that Micromax is promising. Taneja says that much like the Micromax Canvas Knight 2 the Sliver 5 will also benefit from "M! On-Site Care". This means that customers who face any problems can visit Micromax's website and get a doorstep pickup of the phone, along with a guarantee of either repairs or a replacement within a week.

Asus ZenFone 2 128GB With 4GB of RAM to Reportedly Launch on Thursday

While we know Asus has a 128GB variant of the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML in the works, with a listing on Flipkart back in April, the company is now reportedly set to launch the variant in Taiwan on Thursday.
The top-end ZenFone 2 variant is said to be priced at TWD 11,990 (approximately Rs. 24,900), and be made available via the company's online stores as well as other online and offline retailers in Taiwan. The launch was first reported by Chinese VR Zone.

The Zenfone 2 ZE551ML (4GB RAM) variant with 128GB inbuilt storage was listed on Flipkart back in April at Rs. 29,999. The smartphone however is still listed as "coming soon" on Flipkart.

With the launch in Taiwan, Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML variant with 4GB of RAM and 128GB built-in storage might launch next in India. The company thus far has released the 4GB of RAM model in 32GB and 64GB inbuilt storage models in Taiwan, as well as in India. Apart from inbuilt storage capacity, rest of the specifications of the 128GB variant are identical to the other two ZenFone 2 ZE551ML models.

To recall, the Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML runs the company's new ZenUI based on Google's Android 5.0 Lollipop, and features a 64-bit 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3580 processor. It supports expandable storage via microSD card (up to 64GB).

The Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML features a 5.5-inch full-HD display in both the 2GB and 4GB RAM variants. The ZenFone 2 models support dual-SIM (Micro-SIMs), and feature 4G connectivity support.

The ZenFone 2 ZE551ML (4GB and 2GB RAM models) sport 13-megapixel rear PixelMaster camera while there is a 5-megapixel front camera on board as well. All the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML models feature dual-tone flash. A 3000mAh battery backs all ZenFone 2 ZE551ML (4GB and 2GB RAM models).

WWDC 2015: Apple Unveils iOS 9, Apple Music, Native Watch Apps, OS X El Capitan

Apple made a host of announcements at its annual developers conference, WWDC, on Monday, including new versions of iOS and OS X, a new Apple Music service, and native apps for the Apple Watch.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook announced an update to the operating system for its Watch that should make apps for its latest gadget speedier and help untether it from the iPhone. The so-called "native" apps will be available to consumers this fall after an update to the watchOS.

Later in the keynote, Cook unveiled Apple's much-anticipated music streaming service called Apple Music. The company behind the iPod and iTunes has long been a leader in digital music, but it has lost ground in recent years as subscription services such as Spotify have caught on with consumers.

"Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists," said Jimmy Iovine. "Online music has become a complicated mess of apps, services and websites. Apple Music brings the best features together for an experience every music lover will appreciate."

Apple Music will offer music streaming as well as a worldwide live radio station from Apple broadcasting 24 hours a day and a way for music fans to connect with their favorite artists. Apple Music will be available on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Windows, Mac, PC, Apple TV starting on June 30 in over 100 countries. An Android app is coming "this fall."

Apple Music's $9.99 a month price takes effect after a three-month free subscription period. The company is also offering what it calls a "family plan" for $14.99 a month for up to six family members. Apple's website indicates that the radio station will be available for free to non-subscribers as well.

Apple also announced iOS 9 with improved search, enhanced Siri, and other new features including true multi-tasking on the iPad, which will now be able to display two apps side-by-side.

Apple also unveiled the next version of its operating system for Macs, El Capitan, continuing the company's theme of naming key updates to the software after California landmarks. The software will be available in the fall with improved Spotlight search and other performance related enhancements.

The company also unveiled new details about its Apple Pay service, saying it was already supported by more than 2,500 banks and will surpass 1 million locations accepting it next month. In addition, the company said it would roll out the service to the United Kingdom next month. Apple also said it would rename Passbook, its app for credit and debit cards and boarding passes, to Wallet.

Xiaomi Yi Camera Night Vision Edition With Infrared Sensor Launched

Xiaomi, the popular Chinese manufacturer, has launched another Yi product in China - the Yi Camera Night Vision Edition. The camera will go on sale starting Friday via the company's own website and is priced at CNY 149 (roughly Rs. 1,500).

It is worth mentioning that the latest offering by Xiaomi is the third camera product by the firm, after the original Yi Camera and the Yi Sport or Mi Sport Action Camera. Users might however get confused between the original and the night vision edition as they both feature the same design-profile.

The Xiaomi Yi Camera Night Vision Edition features a 940mm infrared camera sensor, which lets the device work without the help of any artificial light and view up to 5 metres. Featuring an "All Glass" lens with f/2.0 aperture and 4x zoom function, the camera has 92.7-degree horizontal, 48.7-degree vertical and 111.2-degree diagonal viewing angles.

Alongside a new sensor, the camera device carries the same functions as the standard edition including image snapshots, HD (720x1280 pixels) resolution video recording in 20fps, and live image streaming via the Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity. The device also comes with a microSD card slot (up to 32GB) and can record two-way voice. The camera's companion app is compatible smartphones running versions later than Android 2.3 Gingerbread and iOS 7.0.

Xiaomi at MWC 2015 launched its Yi Action Camera priced at CNY 399 (roughly Rs. 3,900). The camera can record full-HD resolution videos using a 16-megapixel Sony Exmor R BSI CMOS image sensor. Like the GoPro Hero, it's rated for usage up to 40 metres underwater. The device is limited to China for now.

HTC Desire 326G Dual SIM With 8-Megapixel Camera Launched at Rs. 9,590

HTC has launched the Desire 326G Dual SIM in India, priced at Rs. 9,590. The budget smartphone from the Taiwanese manufacturer will be available to purchase from Thursday, and comes with launch offers of 3 months unlimited music and video downloads from Hungama, and discounts worth Rs. 5,000 from Myntra.

The HTC Desire 326G Dual SIM was introduced for India alongside the HTC One E9+ and the HTC One M9+ back in April. Of the three phones, only the One M9+ was given a launch date and a price - Rs. 52,500. The pricing details of the other two were then withheld, and the smartphones were given a launch date of late-May. Both phones have now been made available slightly later than expected, in early-June.

The Taiwanese smartphone maker says the Desire 326G Dual SIM is "built on the foundations of the popular HTC Desire 526G+ series with new vibrant colours." It will be available in White Birch and Black Onyx colour variants in India.

The Desire 326G Dual SIM runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat with Sense UI, and features a 4.5-inch display with an FWVGA (480x854 pixels) resolution. It is powered by a quad-core Speadtrum SC7731G processor clocked at 1.2GHz, and coupled with 1GB of RAM.

The smartphone houses an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, both of which include a BSI sensor. The rear camera comes with features like burst mode, smile to capture, and more. Recording of full-HD (1080p) videos is also possible. Backed by a 2000mAh removable battery, which is rated to deliver up to 11 hours of talk time and 386 hours of standby time on 3G, the HTC Desire 326G Dual SIM sports 8GB of inbuilt storage, which can be further expanded via microSD card (up to 32GB)

Measuring 139.7x69.6x9.7mm, the smartphone weighs 146 grams and includes regular connectivity features like Bluetooth 4.0, 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS and Micro-USB 2.0. Some of the other features onboard include HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe, and an Easy Mode that simplifies the Desire 326G Dual SIM's home screen.

Commenting on the launch, Faisal Siddiqui, President, HTC South Asia, said, "The Desire 326G Dual SIM is a great phone for everyday, we have created a classy and stylishly design smartphone with great features. HTC Desire 326G Dual SIM is made of strong polycarbonate material, and is designed to fit just nice in your hands. It is also comfortable to hold and featured packed at an incredible value, a phone for everyone."

Microsoft Lists Features You'll Lose When Upgrading to Windows 10

Windows 10 users would also need some "additional requirements to use certain features." Not all users will get Cortana on day one, as it would be available with the OS in United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain initially. Also, for better speech recognition, the PC device should include a "High fidelity microphone array" and "Hardware driver with Microphone array geometry exposed" as per Microsoft. A specialised infrared camera would be needed for facial and iris detection unveiled with Windows Hello, alongside a fingerprint reader that supports Windows Biometric Framework in the new OS.

While the Continuum feature will work automatically on tablets and 2-in-1's with GPIO indicators or those who have laptop and slate indicator, users without these would have to manually turn on the "tablet mode" via the Action Center. Furthermore, Music and Video streams of Xbox Music and Xbox video will stay limited to select regions.

(Also See:How to Reserve Your Free Windows 10 Upgrade)

For two factor authentication security, Windows 10 would demand a finger print reader or illuminated infrared camera, or a phone with WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities, and would use a PIN. The Device Guard would need certain requirements. List of requirements for W-Fi printing, Bitlocker, device encryption and more can be viewed on the website.

As for updates, in case of Windows 10 Home users, updates from Windows Update service would be installed automatically with the new OS. Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise users would however have the option to defer the updates.

Microsoft has also detailed the system requirements for Windows 10 PCs and tablets. The devices should be running the latest version of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1 Update to upgrade. The list also mentions 1GHz or faster SoC; 1GB RAM for 32-bit or 2GB RAM for 64-bit OS version; 16GB of inbuilt storage for 32-bit or 20GB for 64-bit; DirectX 9 or later version with WDDM 1.0 driver, and a display resolution of 1024x600 pixels.