THE GOODS
Products + Services
Do I need an Android? Phones that will win you over
Google updates Translate Google has updated the Translate application for Android phones with something akin to real-time translation—called Conversation Mode. Other changes were also made to the user interface, with usability enhancements. The Conversation Mode for Google Translate attempts to work as you’d expect an interpreter to, by translating what has been spoken in near realtime. While for now the languages supported are English and Spanish, you can expect Google to offer wider support soon. It is only available for devices with Android 2.1 or above, and is found free in the Android Market. The Conversation Mode allows two users to speak directly into a phone, one at a time, and have conversations translated both in text and spoken form. So far, the consensus is that the service certainly has scope for improvement, but, that it is a great step forward in the right direction. Usability features such as Bluetooth support (for both output and input) etc., would also be great additions, as well as of course, more languages. Google Translate application can instantly translate between over 50 languages even on your Android smartphones. Simply type in your phrase and Google’s algorithm will translate it into English, Spanish, French, Chinese or more! —A.C.
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SONY ERICSSON XPERIA X10 MINI PRO
This device is meant for those who want a compact touchscreen, but with QWERTY hardware. Though this isn’t the Gen-Y, it still makes sense for new users to test waters with it. It combines a good price with great features—a 2.55-inch QVGA (320x240 pixels) touchscreen, a 600MHz processor and a 5-megapixel camera. price: 13,000 android: 2.1 SAMSUNG GALAXY S
Samsung Galaxy S is as close as one can get to an iPhone. If you were waiting for an excuse to shift to Android, this is it. With its high-end features, including super AMOLED screen, HD video playback/recording, Android 2.1, 16GB memory, 5mp camera et al, there are just too many reasons to choose the Galaxy S over any other Android phone. price: 27,700 android: 2.2 (Froyo) HTC DESIRE
The Desire is the pinnacle of current-generation, hand-held technology with features like Android 2.2, 8MP colour camera, auto focus and dual LED flash, 720p HD video recording, though its mediocre battery life can distract you. There are better upcoming devices; however, if you demand the best hardware in the sleekest package, then Desire should be on the top of your list. price: 27,500 android: 2.2 (Froyo)
COMPACT COLOUR PRINTER
Printers for small spaces Dell has come out with the world’s smallest single-function A4 colour laser-class printer. The Dell 1250C delivers LED printing technology with good print quality, low energy consumption, and simple maintenance, as compared to conventional laser printers. It performs efficiently at speeds of up to 12 pages per minute mono, and 10 pages per minute colour, and can reliably produce high-quality prints at a maximum monthly cycle of 30,000 pages. Given its lower costs, both initially and operationally, it could be a great option for smaller organisations. —A.C. Price: 17,000
COURTESY COMPANY (4)
TECHNOLOGY
Even if you are a proud member of the ‘anti-Android association’, by virtue of being an Apple aficionado or a Blackberry fanatic, it’s time you checked out Android. We list three best phones from 2010 that will give you a perfect reason to start your Google affair. The section isn’t sponsored by Eric Schmidt. —A.C.