Saturday, October 2, 2010

Samsung GT-C3200D NAINU



My son has just purchased a mobile phone, C3200 Samsung, and wrote his reviews as under which may be useful to readers.


Alright..I got this phone last Sunday (for Rs.3800 in Ahmedabad, India) which means almost a week now. First impression - It’s awesome. I’m more than satisfied!Firstly thanks to all the reviews/comments/replies here that helped me take this decision to buy this really cool handset.I had been using Sony Ericsson k750i since the last 3.5 years...so my comparison would more or less be limited to that.

1. Looks, style & interface:
Indeed appealing! It feels so good to hold this thing in your hands lolz. it’s really stylish n light weight n really slim. I got the chocolate colour n it looks cuter than a cadbury!The interface is very intelligently designed keeping in mind the needs of users. Hats off to Samsung. There are many minor things which will surprise u for good.The "Smart idle" home screen is probably a feature of high-end phones. You can keep shortcuts to anything on the home screen like media player, messages, social networking sites (it’s inbuilt), your buddies (if u want it to be displayed. This is a cool feature and it will notify u about any missed calls or messages from your friend list)The display is cool. On the box its written 65k colors, but still its above average.


2. Media player:
This certainly did blow my mind off!! i personally feel it’s better than the Walkman series too. The bass effect in earphones is simply awesome. Earphones are similar in looks to the walkman series of Sony. Some cool features are

  • Preset equalizer (normal, pop, dance, jazz, wide, surround, etc) and u can actually feel the difference in sounds when u change it.
  • Search option - you can search for music files easily .this is very useful.
  • Album art, background play, u can give ratings to ur music, etc etc.

One thing I dint like is that u can’t change tracks with the volume buttons on the side of the phone as I did in my Sony Eriksson. But not a big problem as u can do that with navigation keys on the home screen itself.The loudspeaker is not very loud. Its average but not bad, but I listen to earphones n this phone is a banger. The loudness of earphones is sufficient even for the deaf!! lol

3. Camera:
Camera quality is good. No autofocus or smile shutter etc ..but certainly a useable camera. I’m satisfied with it. It’s at least at par if not better than my Sony Eriksson 2MP autofocus camera of k750i. Many of u here have reported that camera hangs but i did not face this prob. good for me :-)

4. Applications:
Inbuilt dictionary is really useful. Orkut ,facebook ,twitter, picasa, friendster, etc are inbuilt though not of much use to me as I use my pc for internet. Instant messenger palringo and google is pre-installed. Mobile prayer is a cool app for the religious ones.FM radio is awesome thanks to the banger earphones. Auto tuning was able to find all radio stations. we can record radio n the quality is good.Now about JAVA! ,, this is one thing Samsung should improve upon.. We can download n install java games and applications but files larger than 700kb show error "file too large" ...Also , not all types of formats are supported...many a times "format error" comes, but still I’m able to install a lot of games n apps after some search work on the internet. Java engine is good though, racing games like Apshalt n 3D games like Tomb raider are working smooth!

5. Call n network reception:
The basic feature of any mobile phone and i found no problems with this till now. calls are loud n clear n network reception is also good. Although i can’t comment much on this as I live in the heart of the city where i always get full network lolz

6. Battery backup:
This aspect has been slightly disappointing may be because I expected more. It takes too long to get fully charged...I think 2 hours atleast or even more..n with heavy usage battery would hardly last 1 day...for normal usage it can be 2 days..My sony ericsson battery was comparatively better whn it was new. But one thing is that battery in this phone is not poor atleast! it is not the best...n not the worst.Now as I’m having a hands-on experience I would like to share a few more things:

  • The phone never hangs .at least it did not hang till now.:-)
  • u cannot minimize while playing games. not even if u have received a msg. so I cannot chat n play game simultaneously :-(
  • Receiving files on bluetooth works on the background like nokia :-) but while sending files we can’t use the phone like Sony Eriksson :-(
  • Messaging is very smooth n fast. Keypad is soft :-) :-)
  • The phone interface is fast which is a huge plus point :-)
  • u can chat in sms conveniently using "conversations" option :-)
  • delivery reports are received as a msg instead of a notification (unlike Sony) which is annoying really :-(
  • java support could have been better..One good thing though is that u can easily quit Java apps just by clickin the red button even when the java file becomes unstable. This is why the phone doesn’t hang much. My SE phone used to hang much because of unstable java apps/games.
  • u can create themes but dont expect too much creativity support, but i hardly play with themes etc.so i dont mind! Lolz
  • Maximum 40 java apps/games can be installed together and only in phone memory.
  • default sms capacity is 1000.
  • u can lock messages, My files folder, contacts, call log, memo, calender, task with a password. REALLY cool!!
  • I downloaded the PC software "samsung Kies" but not able to connect to pc using bluetooth.i guess only datacable is supported.

Nevertheless ,Overall I lovvve this phone!! n i would surely recommend it to all. My rating : 8.5/10Thats it! a long review! Hope it helps those who are really interested in buying it.Thank u!


Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Samsung’s 3D LED TV


In continuation with my article “LED LCD TVs” onhttp://world-of-ads.blogspot.com/search/label/LED%20LCD%20TVs ,
it would be easier to read this article.

Here, 3D LED TV is a normal LED TV which can be operated in 3D mode also and can be viewed by wearing special glasses.

To watch TV in 3D, the material or broadcast should be in 3D. To overcome this insufficiency, these LED C7000 series TVs have a special feature – ‘2D-3D conversion function’ which will add depth to any flat image or 2D image.

One of the disadvantages is the cost factor of 3D glasses. These 3D glasses are costly. It will be difficult to watch simultaneously if viewers are more. Moreover, the user has to get accustomed with the use of 3D glasses.

Like NTSC, DECAM or PAL for normal television standards, 3D content format standard is under process.

The main features of LED C7000 TVs are as under.

Immersive 3D HyperReal Engine:
It gives stunning real pictures.

Real time 2d to 3D conversion:

It is possible to convert 2D movies to 3D. This 2D-3D conversion function will add depth to any flat image.

Internet@TV Content Service:
In all LED C7000 TVs, internet facility is provided. You can browse the Web without computer which is a great experience. Rich Web content can be enjoyed on the large and brilliant screen. There is a Samsung Application library, which can organize, add or delete content of desire. Many models allow you to make Internet video calls.

All Share:
It has all inputs and ports that you’ll need. You can transfer your videos, music and photos from your PC, mobile phones, USB 2.0 etc. It has, RCA, HDMI ports. It even connects with multiple PCs.





Update 1[09.10.10]:
3D World Create by Sony


Update 2 [24.01.2014]:
Samsung 3D SMART LED TV:

 55F8000, 40F6800, 32F5500, 32F6100


Monday, May 17, 2010

Akshaya Tritiya


Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej is one of the most auspicious days of Hindus. It falls on the third Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Hindu month of Vaishakha or say on the third lunar day of the bright half (waxing phase of moon) of Hindu month of Vaishakha. As per Hindu astrology every moment of the Akshaya Tritiya is auspicious, and there is no need of find “Muhurts’ or auspicious times of the day.

The Sun and Moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted equal brightness on this day. The word "Akshaya" means the never diminishing in Sanskrit. Therefore it is believed that this day brings luck and success. It is the important day for marriages, for beginning new ventures, for investing and for purchasing valuables like gold and diamond. It is believed that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity.

Akshaya Tritiya is also a holy day. It is the birthday of Lord Parasurama. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, and offer barley in a sacred fire.

In 2010, Akshaya Tritiya falls on Sunday, May16. Jewellers have begun promotions.

According to industry body World Gold Council (WCG), Akshaya Tritiya last year saw sales dropping by 8%. This year, modest 5% growth in terms of volume and 10-12 % growth in value of current price levels are expected by WCG.





Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Online Money transfer to India

In continuation of my article on NEFT and RTGS in India, it is interesting to know how to transfer money online to India in an easiest way.

Here, two advertisements are taken from ICICI Bank Customer Education Series, regarding “On line Money Transfer to India” and its “Exchange rates for online money transfer to India”. You can see the details by clicking on the advertisement.






This online system is quick, economical and convenient. Its status can be checked at every step.

There are other ways to send money to India, but here we will discuss online money transfer to India by some other banks and private non-banking organizations or companies.

“Citi Online Remit” from CITI Bank:
Citibank NRI Business provides – Citi Online Remit for US Residents only. It provides a secure online remittance option to transfer money from any US Account/Credit Card to any account in India.

In other benefits, you have to make one-time registration. Here, no account is needed. Citi bank can issue and deliver demand drafts to anyone in India, at no charge. You can track your transfer online.

“Quickremit” from HDFC Bank:
You can remit funds online from the US, UK, Singapore & Europe. Money is credited to a beneficiary's HDFC Bank account or DD can be issued to over 1650 locations across India.

It provides direct credit of remittances to your or your beneficiary's accounts of other banks with more than 20,800 branches of over 90 banks in India. This service is provided through the RTGS / NEFT Platform setup by the Reserve Bank of India. HDFC Bank can only dispatch the funds through RTGS / NEFT platform and does not guarantee the delivery times for credit to such accounts.

SBI Bank:
SBI offers various ways of online money transfer to India through SBI Online GLS or Global Link Service.

SBI Express to India:

SBI Express enables NRIs to send rupee remittances from a host of countries. The resident Indian beneficiary in India can receive the remittance through any one of the following options:


Ø Credit to the beneficiaries account held in any Core Banking Branch within 24 hours.
Ø Draft within 24 hours to the beneficiary, or to the beneficiary's branch, if the beneficiary holds an SBI account with a non-core banking branch.
Ø Draft within 24 hours if the beneficiary holds an account in any other bank in India.



SBI Instant - Through Foreign Offices
Instant Transfer is a real time rupee remittance facility from SBI branches in 18 countries across the world to your / beneficiary’s account maintained with SBI in India at any of the over 9000 Core Banking Branches. Also available to over 4500 branches of Associate Banks through NEFT. It offers attractive exchange rates and low remittance charges. This Facility is also available to non-account holders (of SBI’s foreign branches) at certain centres. Charges for ‘Instant Transfer’ vary at different branches. Branches in some countries may offer the facility at concessional rates to their account holders.

SBI-Direct Debit
No need to visit your banks to transfer money to your loved ones in India. Just register for SBI’s services under direct debit facility to send money right from the comfort of your home. Money is transferred from your bank account through your country of residence’s clearing mechanism (like ACH mechanism in USA) and deposited to your beneficiary’s bank account in India. Presently, this facility (ACH) is available for USA residents only.

“FastCLICK” from HSBC:
With FastCLICK, NRIs can send money to India from USA. No transfer fee will be levied by HSBC India for such transfers. This facility is available only for customers holding account with HSBC Bank USA N.A and a NR Account with HSBC India.To avail of this facility you need to be registered for Internet Banking on your USD account with HSBC Bank USA N.A. and enrolled for the 'International Transfers' feature available on Internet Banking. For details on registration and bank charges pertaining to your account with HSBC Bank USA N.A., please contact HSBC Bank USA N.A. representative.

Key features:



  1. Send money from your USD account at HSBC Bank USA, N.A. to your NRE / NRO Savings / Current account with HSBC India. You may also send money to FCNR Term Deposit in USD if you already hold a NRE/ NRO savings/ current account with HSBC India. Moreover your money gets credited into your HSBC NR account in India in just 3 working days (days that are bank working days in both USA and India).


  2. You may transfer up to USD 10,000 per transaction. (No restrictions on the number of transactions).


  3. HSBC offers very competitive exchange rates, so get more out of your money. Current exchange rates may be viewed by logging in to Internet banking.

Transfer funds to other bank accounts in India, for free (Conditions apply), through Internet Banking once funds are credited into your NR account.



Non-banking organizations or private companies:
There are private non-banking organizations or private companies which transfer money online particularly to any bank, any country, and any account instantly, like Remit2India, Xoom, PayPal, Wester Unionon, epay, eMoneyTran , etc.

Remit2India:
Remit2India is an Independent online money transfer service for NRIs of 23 countries. NRIs of US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Canada , UAE, Hong Kong, Germany, Spain & Other Euro Countries. It has 24x7 phone and online transfer tracking. You can remit from your bank, wire or check. You can send money to 60,000 branches of 90 banks. You can send money directly to any account with any bank in India including SBI, ICICI, HDFC Bank etc. Remit2India is part of the Times Group and Citigroup.

PayPal:
The service allows anyone to pay in any way they prefer, including through credit cards, bank accounts, buyer credit or account balances, without sharing financial information.PayPal has quickly become a global leader in online payment solutions with more than 153 million accounts worldwide. Available in 190 markets and 24 currencies around the world, PayPal enables global ecommerce by making payments possible across different locations, currencies, and languages.

Xoom:
With the Xoom.com money transfer service you can send money worldwide from any Internet-enabled computer to friends, family and businesses in more than 46 countries.
You can use PayPal, major credit cards, or have funds withdrawn directly from your U.S. bank account to fund the money transfer. Your recipient can receive cash in local currency or US dollars or in many countries can have the money deposited to their bank account or have it delivered to their home or business Xoom.com has relationships with banks and money transfer payout partners to provide a secure and fast means of sending customer's money. With these bank and money transfer payout partners, Xoom.com customers can send money to thousands of cash pickup locations around the world.


Western Union:
With Western Union, you can send money around the world. Western Union has been operating for over 150 years. There are over 350,000 Agent locations worldwide in over 200 countries and territories. Send Money from an Agent location and your receivers can pick up the money right away (depending on the hours their Agent location is open).

iKobo:
With iKobo you can send money to any country anytime day or night and money can be picked up using the iKobo prepaid Visa card at over 1 million ATMs worldwide. You can send money from your credit or debit card (Visa/Master Card) or bank account. Receiver can withdraw money from any Visa ATM or make purchases at millions of locations where Visa® Prepaid Cards are accepted.

Useful websites:
www.epay.com
http://remit.onlinesbi.com
www.citibank.co.in
www.hdfcbank.com
www.hsbc.co.in/1/2/personal/nri-services/usa/usa-fastclick
www.online.citibank.co.in/citi-nri/online-remit.htm
www.indiahousing.com/sbi-bank/sbi-online-money-transfer.html
www.onlinesbi.com
www.timesofmoney.com/remittance
www.remit2india.net.in
www.remit2india.com
www.xoom.com
www.moneygram.com
www.paypal.com
www.aboutus.org/EMoneyTran.com
www.ikobo.com
www.westernunion.com
Update1 [02.12.10]: Addition of an advertisement