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India’s Karbonn is set to release smartphones that run both Windows Phone and Android

Mar03
by on March 3, 2014 at 8:22 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Google, India, Windows Phone

Karbonnmobiless logo 2013 07 23 23 32 730x208 Indias Karbonn is set to release smartphones that run both Windows Phone and Android

Indian phone manufacturer Karbonn Mobiles is planning to release dual-OS devices by June, which will run both Windows Phone and Android, the Times of India reports.

Karbonn reached a deal with Microsoft recently, company chairman Sudhir Hasija told the Times of India. ”Microsoft has eased the regulations and is opening up its platform for other players. We signed the agreement two days ago and will launch a range of Windows phones in about three months,” he says.

Since last year, Microsoft has reportedly been open to the idea of dual-booting smartphones, in a bid to beef up its market share and challenge Android and iOS. It also seems like Microsoft is warming up to the idea of embracing more solidarity with Google’s Android OS. Last month, Nokia — whose device business Microsoft is in the process of acquiring – unveiled the Nokia X family of devices that run an operating system based on Android.

➤ Karbonn to launch Android-cum-Windows smartphones [Times of India]

Thumbnail image via Noah Seelam/AFP/Getty Images

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Apple launches CarPlay, integrating your iPhone with your car, with Siri voice control

Mar03
by on March 3, 2014 at 7:35 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Product Launches

carplay 520x245 Apple launches CarPlay, integrating your iPhone with your car, with Siri voice control

After announcing its iOS in the Car initiative at last year’s WWDC, Apple has officially launched the program today with partners Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo — which will premiere it to their drivers this week.

The program, called CarPlay, is described as a “smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone in the car.” Users can control CarPlay from their car’s native interface or just push and hold the voice control button on their steering wheel to activate Siri.

Once your iPhone is connected to a vehicle via CarPlay, Siri will be able to help you access your contacts, make phone calls, return missed calls or listen to voice mails. When you receive incoming notifications, Siri will respond to your requests via voice commands — it can read your messages and let you dictate your responses.

CarPlay also works with Apple’s Maps to provide directional instructions, give updates on traffic conditions, as well as predict estimated time of arrival. The map, along with turn-by-turn directions, will appear on your car’s built-in display once you make a request of Siri.

Other than that, CarPlay also gives you access to music and iTunes Radio — all you have to do is ask Siri to help you pull up the requested music. It also supports some third-party streaming services such as Spotify.

Apple CarPlay is available as an update to iOS 7 and works with the iPhone 5s, 5c and 5. Vehicles with CarPlay integration will be available in select cars shipping this year. Other than Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, other car companies bringing CarPlay to their vehicles include BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

Image via Kim White/Getty Images

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Apple launches CarPlay, integrating your iPhone in the car with Siri voice control

Mar03
by on March 3, 2014 at 7:35 am
Posted In: Around the Web, Product Launches

Apple WWDC 520x245 Apple launches CarPlay, integrating your iPhone in the car with Siri voice control

After announcing its iOS in the Car initiative at last year’s WWDC, Apple has officially launched the program today with partners Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo — which will premiere it to their drivers this week.

The program, called CarPlay, is described as a “smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone in the car.” Users can control CarPlay from their car’s native interface or just push and hold the voice control button on their steering wheel to activate Siri.

Once your iPhone is connected to a vehicle via CarPlay, Siri will be able to help you access your contacts, make phone calls, return missed calls or listen to voice mails. When you receive incoming notifications, Siri will respond to your requests via voice commands — it can read your messages and let you dictate your responses.

CarPlay also works with Apple’s Maps to provide directional instructions, give updates on traffic conditions, as well as predict estimated time of arrival. The map, along with turn-by-turn directions, will appear on your car’s built-in display once you make a request of Siri.

Other than that, CarPlay also gives you access to music and iTunes Radio — all you have to do is ask Siri to help you pull up the requested music. It also supports some third-party streaming services such as Spotify.

Apple CarPlay is available as an update to iOS 7 and works with the iPhone 5s, 5c and 5. Vehicles with CarPlay integration will be available in select cars shipping this year. Other than Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, other car companies bringing CarPlay to their vehicles include BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

Image via Kim White/Getty Images

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