Author: Aniruddh

Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498
Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498 as name suggests runs on new Android One platform. Big advantage of this new intiative from Google is, the devices will timely updates all software upgrades for next two years. There are there devices which runs on Android One OS. The other two smartphones are Karbonn Sparkle V and Micromax Canvas A1.

Spice Dream Uno Mi-498 is powered by 1.3GHz Quad Core Processor with 1GB of RAM and Mali-400 MP. The device sports 4.5inch IPS FWVGA screen. The connectivity features of the device includes 2G, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and USB. The internal storage of the device is 4GB and supports microSD card upto 32GB.

Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498 comes with 5MP primary rear camera with auto focus and LED flash. There is also a 2MP front facing camera for selfies and video calling. The device is powered by Li-Polymer 1700 mAh battery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498

Pros Spice Dream Uno Mi-498
- Good Performance : The stock Android OS on this comes with very less bloatwares which interns provides faster performance and optimum use of internal usage.
- Timely Android updates : As the OS of the device is handled by Google, as promised, these devices will get all updated quickly like Nexus series smartphone.
- Decent Battery Life: The battery life is decent enough to stay for a day or slightly more based on your usage.
- Good Display: The display has good viewing angles and produces sharp text and images
- Attractive price tag.
Cons of Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498
- Low internal storage.
- There is no screen protection. Needs to rely on screen guards.
Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498 Tips and Tricks

Use Dream Uno as Modem: To use Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498 as modem you can utilize the USB tethering through which you can share the data connectivity to the PC via USB cable. Even you can use Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498 WiFi Hotspot features to share internet via WiFi to other WiFi enabled devices.

Take screenshot on Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498: To take screenshot on Dream Uno Mi-498, press and hold volume down key and Power button simultaneously. The screenshot will be saved in Gallery>Screenshot folder.

Spice Android One Dream Uno Mi-498 Specification
- Android v4.4.4 (KitKat) OS
- Dual Sim (GSM + GSM)
- 2G, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and USB
- 5 MP Primary Camera and 2 MP Secondary Camera
- 1.3 GHz Quad Core Processor with 1GB RAM
- 4GB internal storage and Expandable Storage upto 32 GB
- 4.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with FWVGA screen
- Li-polymer 1700 mAh battery
September 25, 2014
Pros and Cons of Motorola Moto G 2014 (Gen 2)
The new 2nd Gen Moto G 2014 comes with few upgrades over its predecessor. Some of the cons which was there in original G were addressed in the newer version. It is welcome move from Motorola. Let us all the see the pros and cons of the Moto G 2014.

New 2nd Gen Moto G 2014 shares some of the specifications same as that of original such as Dual sim, 1.2GHz quad core Snapdragon 400 CPU with 1GB RAM and 2070 mAh battery. The additions include bigger screen size and support for microSD card. Now it has 5inch 720p display screen. It has 8MP primary camera compared to 5MP which was seen in the original Moto G.The connectivity features also remained same. i.e 2G, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and USB.

Read: Comparison between Motorola Moto G2 Vs Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime.

Advantages and Disadvantages of New 2nd Gen Motorola Moto G 2014

Pros of Moto G 2014
- Good display: Inspite of half inch increase in the screen size, screen produces share and clear texts and videos. It offers good viewing angles and vivid colours. The screen also has Corning Gorilla Glass protection
- Good Performance: Almost stock Android experience on this device gives almost lag free experience. We can play most of the popular Android games.
- microSD card support: Addition of microSD card support make this device more attractive. 16GB internal storage and support for the microSD card is a good deal.
- Value for Money: Promise of Android L update, good day to performance at a affordable price tag, make this device of the good value for money device.
Cons of Moto G 2014
- No increment on Battery: Despite increase in screen size, there is no improvement made on battery size. Though it is not a deal breaker, still the battery life got reduced a bit.
- Design and look: In terms of build quality it is good. But addition of speaker grid in the front does not look good.
- No 1080p video recording: The camera pixel is increased to 8MP but max video resolution at which we record is not upgraded. It is still 720p.
New Moto G 2014 Tips and Tricks

Moto G 2014 as modem: Using Moto G 2014 as modem is similar to its predecessor. You can refer my earlier post on how to use Moto G as modem.

Take screenshot: You can take screenshot on Moto G 2014 by holding Volume down and Power key simultaneously.

New 2nd Gen Moto G 2014 Specification
- Dual Sim (GSM + GSM)
- 1.2 Ghz Qualcomm Quad Core Processor with 1 GB RAM
- 5-inch HD Screen with 720P resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass Protection
- 16GB internal storage and Expandable Upto 32GB
- Android v4.4.4 (KitKat) OS
- 8 MP Primary Camera and 2 MP Secondary Camera
- 2070 mAh battery
September 24, 2014
SMS Backup Plus Android App Review
If you change your Android smartphone or giving it for service or if you reset your Android, then you will lose all the sms and call logs. You might have thought that, if there is free Android app which can backup all your sms and call logs automatically, then it would have been great. In millions of app in Google play store, there is an app called SMS Backup +. This app does this task. Lets have a quick overview on the review of SMS Backup Plus Android App.

SMS Backup Plus Android App will automatically back up your SMS, MMS and call log entries into gmail. It inserts a separate label in Gmail/google calendar. It is also equipped to restore the sms and Call log entries back into your device. I have used this service, as I need to reset my Moto G. The back up to gmail worked flawlessly. The restore function doesn’t worked. However, I can access all my messages and call log entries on my gmail which i feel sufficient for me.

Features of SMS Backup Plus Android App
- Automatically backup SMS, MMS and call log entries using a separate label in Gmail / Google Calendar.
- You can set to backup on interval base or when you receive a new message.
- Restore the SMS and call logs back into the device.
How to Install and Setup SMS Backup Plus Android App
- Go to Google playstore
- Search for SMS Backup Plus. You will get the download link
- Download it and install to your Android device such as Moto G, Moto E, Moto X, Zenfone, Redme 1s, Xiaomi Redme, Mi3 etc.
- Launch the app and add your email account to the app.
- It will start backup of your device based on your preference.
September 23, 2014
ACT Fibernet Broadband Review

ACT Fibernet broadband provides faster internet connection at affordable price. It uses the latest technology which offers greater speed and lesser outages according the company. Currently ACT Fibernet Broadband is available in Bangalore, Chennai, Vijayawada, Nellore and Eluru. I am a user from Bangalore. I recently subscribed to ACT Fibernet broadband and thought of sharing my experience with other people who wants to migrate to this service provider. This is not a technical review rather a simple user review on ACT Fibernet Broadband.

Initial subscription payment and Installation

I was using BSNL broadband from past 7 years. I had unlimited Internet connection plan with 4MBPS speed with FUP of 8GB. The monthly subscription charges was 950 plus taxes. All together I was getting around Rs1100 every month. The connection speed till 8GB was around 3 MBPS and later 350kpbs on average. I met one of my friend who is using the ACT Fibernet Broadband. He showed me the speed and the plans of this service provider. Initially I was reluctant to migrate but after listening his own experience, thought of giving a try. He referred my number through his account. For this he will get 20% discount on his bill if I take the service. It happened on Sunday evening.

Monday morning I got a call from ACT Fibernet team regarding the connection request. As I was insisted on making the first payment through credit card, they took one extra day. On wednesday, their sales manager called me and came to my home around 8PM. I needed to fill a application form and submit ID proof , address proof and a photo. Post that, using by BSNL broadband, I made the payment through credit card online. I opted for 6 month plan which gives me 1 month free subscription and installation charges waiver. I chose ACT Blaze plan which offers connectivity speed of 20MBPS till 50GB and post that 512Kbps. The sales person told me that, connection will be made within 7 days.

To my surprise, next day i.e Thursday, I got a call from installation person of ACT, stating he is near my house for connection. Unfortunately I was in office so I told him to keep the wires outside. When I came in the late evening there was a cable which had fair length which reaches my computer. I called the team and they initiated the process of verification. Within as hour, my broadband is active. I was very happy by the speed at which they gave the connection and enabled the service.

ACT Fibernet Broadband Performance

So far I have used ACT broadband for close to 6 days. Based on these days performance, I can tell that, it provides the speed which they have promised. I checked with Broadband speed checking tools which also confirmed me that, the speed is 20MBPS both upload and download. I have downloaded few videos which got downloaded in such a speed to justify 20MBPS. Even I uploaded the video on youtube, that too happened very fast.

Overall the performance of ACT Fibernet Broadband is excellent till date. When I compare BSNL broadband Vs ACT Fibernet, undoubtedly, ACT Broadband is much value for money. I would recommend this to any one with confidence.

Have you got ACT Fibernet Broadband? What is your experience? Share it on the comment section.

ACT Fibernet Broadband Plans Bangalore

September 22, 2014
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redme 1S
The Xiaomi Redme 1S is a entry level dual sim Android smartphones. It is powered by 1.6GHz Quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 1GB of RAM and Adreno 305 processor. It comes with 8GB internal storage and supports upto 64GB of RAM through microSD card. Redme 1S sports 4.7 inch Clear display with 1280×720 resolution and 312ppi pixel density.

Read:

Xiaomi Redme Note Review

Xiaomi Redme 2 Cons and Pros

Xiaomi REdme 1s sports 8MP primary camera which can record videos at 720p resolution. There is also a 1.6MP front facing camera. The connectivity features of this Dual sim Android smartphone includes GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB tethering and WiFi hotspot. The device houses 2000 mAh battery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Xiaomi Redme 1S

Pros of Xiaomi Redme 1S
- Decent performance
- Good value or money ratio
- Good camera performance
- Good Display
Cons of Xiaomi Redme 1s
- No Android Kitkat out of the box
- Customized skin MIUI does not have a manual in the box.
- The screen protector comes as free of very poor quality
- RAM availability for apps is less
- Heating Issue. Xiaomi has released an update to fix this heating issue. However, heating issue is not completely fixed.
Xiaomi Redme 1S Tips and Tricks

Using Xiaomi Redme 1s as Modem

Xiaomi Redme 1S does provides USB tethering and WiFi hotspot features. Using the these methods, you can use it as Modem.

Taking screenshot: To take screenshot on Redme 1s, go to the page you want to take the screenshot and go to quick menu and tap to Screenshots.

Read: How to take screenshot on Xiaomi Redme 1s

Switching between apps and Closing the apps: If you want to switch between running apps on Redme 1s or Close the running app, just tap and hold left capacitive button for a second. It will show you all running apps. You can switch between apps or you can close the apps. You can refer my post Switching between apps and Closing the apps in Xiaomi Redme 1s.

Xiaomi Redme 1 Specification
- Android v4.3 (Jelly Bean) OS
- Dual Sim (3G + 2G)
- 1.6 GHz MSM8228 Quad Core Processor
- 8 MP Primary Camera
- 1.6 MP Secondary Camera
- 4.7-inch Touchscreen with AGC Dragontrail Scratch Resistant Glass
- 8GB of Internal storage and Expandable Storage Capacity upto 64 GB
September 22, 2014