"Plant vs Zombies 2 : It's About Time" official game to be launched this July

A surprise for "Plants vs Zombies" game lovers. It is clear that Plants vs Zombies is a popular game and the users are longing to play its updated version after the announcement by PopCap last year. Now they have officially announced that the game coming out this July. PvZ  community marketing manager Stephanie Bayer announced the launch of new game via Twitter on 6th morning.

PopCap the publisher of Plants vs Zombies just uploaded a YouTube video announcing the sequel of Plants vs Zombies named as “Plants vs Zombies2: It’s about time”. The company makes fun of itself in the video, which shows frustrated gamers yelling and asking for the release of new popular game. Its about time and will be launched by July.

It’s not clear about which platform the new game will support at the time of launch. The original Plants vs Zombies which was launched for Mac and PC in 2009 later made its way to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PS Vita, Chrome, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and even Bada.

Original Plants vs Zombies is a game in which players must systematically place the plants with different special abilities in their garden to fight against the crowd of zombies. Players should adapt to fight against different types zombies in different environmental conditions (eg. Day time, night time) 

Success of Plants vs Zombies is one of the reason that EA(Electronic Arts) acquired the company in 2011. EA is an American developer, marketer, publisher  and distributor of video games. EA was badly in need of PopCap and acquired the company for about $1 billion plus the acquisition price. 

It’s long gap between the two version of the game and also there is a delay in the release of  updated game version which was about to release last year. As a step to wipe out these drawbacks PopCap has also announced the launch of “Plants vs Zombies Adventures” as a spin-off game which can be played through Facebook. 

As four years has passed it is expected that the new game would contain interesting new features, weapons, plants and zombies. It’s very clear that the game is going to be great interesting popular game once the game is launched.

PopCap's video:

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5 budget phablets sporting large screen below Rs. 15,000

1. Karbonn A30 - Ta Fone

Karbonn is a home grown manufacturer known to launch products in quick succession. It was the first Indian manufacturer to enter the phablet scenario with the A30 Ta-Fone. The device was initially launched for Rs. 12,990 but can now is available at a best buy price of Rs. 11,100.

Specifications:

• 5.9-inch capacitive touch display
• 480x800 pixel resolution
• 8-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and LED flash
• 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera
• 1GHz Dual-core processor
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB internal memory
• External memory up to 32GB
• Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, USB

2. Swipe MTV Volt

Swipe is a California based company that has many tablets under its brand name. Now the company has partnered with MTV India and launched the MTV Volt boasting a 6-inch (854x480 pixels) capacitive 5-point multi-touch display. The device is priced at Rs. 12,999.

Specifications:

• 6-inch 5-point multi-touch display
• 854x480 pixel resolution
• 8-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and LED flash
• 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera
• 1GHz Dual-core MTK 6577 processor
• 512MB DDR3 RAM
• 4GB internal memory
• External memory up to 32GB
• Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, USB

3. Spice Stellar Pinnacle Mi-530

Spice is known for its Stellar series of budget priced phones. The company recently added a phablet to the Stellar series in the form of the Stellar Pinnacle Mi-530 priced at Rs. 13,999.

Specifications:

• 5.3-inch qHD IPS display
• 8-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and LED flash
• 5-megapixel front-facing camera
• 1.2GHz Dual-core MTK 6577 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage
• External memory up to 32GB
• Connectivity: WiFi, 3G/HSPA, Bluetooth4.0, array of sensors

4. Intex AQUA Style

Intex is the latest company to join the above 5-inch range of phablets. The company has launched Intex AQUA Style Phablet sporting a massive 5.9-inch capacitive touch display with a resolution of 480X800 pixels. It was priced at Rs. 11,200 during launch, but now is available for Rs. 10,799.

Specifications:

• 5.9-inch capacitive touch display
• 480x800 pixel resolution
• 8-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and LED flash
• 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera
• 1GHz Dual-core processor
• Dual-SIM
• 512MB RAM
• Android 4.0
• 4GB internal storage
• External memory up to 32GB
• Connectivity: WiFi, 3G/HSPA, Bluetooth, GPS

5. Byond Phablet P II

Byond was the first company to launch a 6-inch phablet named Phablet PIII priced at Rs. 14,999 (now available for Rs. 12,999), completely blurring the divide between smartphones and tablets. The company recently launched the Phablet PII as well at a best buy price of Rs. 14,999 that comes in this list.

Specifications:

• 5.7-inch capacitive touch display
• 1280x720 pixel resolution
• 8-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and LED flash
• 3-megapixel front-facing camera
• 1GHz Dual-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• Dual-SIM [single active]
• Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean
• 4GB internal storage
• External memory up to 32GB
• Connectivity: WiFi, 3G/HSPA, Bluetooth, A-GPS, USB

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Karbonn S2 Titanium Android Jelly Bean Phablet for Rs. 10,790

Karbonn S2 Titanium

Karbonn seems to be launching its S2 Titanium soon in the Indian market. Karbonn S2 Titanium Phablet has been listed on infibeam.com, an online retailer with a retail tag of Rs. 10,790.

As per the information provided, the device will be launched on May 14 and will take about 2-3 days for the shipment. The online retailer is also offering a free flap cover for the device with the purchase in order to sweeten the deal.

Karbonn S2 Titanium sports a 5-inch screen with FWVGA display. The phablet is powered by a 1.2GHz Quad-core processor with 1GB of RAM. Karbonn S2 Titanium has an internal memory of 4GB and can also be expanded using microSD card up to 32GB. The device runs on Android OS v4.1 Jelly Bean similar to other Titanium series devices.

Karbonn S2 Titanium comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera with auto-focus feature and LED flash and a 2-megapixel front camera for video calling. The device supports dual-SIM option.

Karbonn S2 Titanium is the third device in the Titanium series of devices like Karbonn S1 Titanium and Karbonn S5 Titanium.

Karbonn S1 sports a 4.5-inch qHD capacitive display, runs on Androis 4.1 Jelly Bean. It has a 5-megapixel autofocus rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front camera. The device is powered by 1.2GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, with 4GB internal memory and can be expandable up to 32GB.

Karbonn S5 sports a 5-inch multi-touch capacitive display, runs on Androis 4.1 Jelly Bean. It has a 8-megapixel autofocus rear camera with LED flash and a 2-megapixel front camera. The device is powered by 1.2GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, with 4GB internal memory and can be expandable up to 32GB.

Karbonn S2 Titanium key specifications:

• 5-inch capacitive display with a resolution of 854x480 pixels
• 1.2GHz quad-core processor
• Internal memory 4GB
• Expandable memory up to 32GB with micro SD
• 8-megapxiel auto-focus camera with LED flash
• 2-megapixel front-facing camera
• Dual-SIM (GSM + GSM) with dual-standby
• 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth with A2DP and GPS
• 2100 mAh battery
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) OS

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Google Now technology available for iPhones and iPads as an update of Google Search App

Google Inc is bringing its Google Now Technology to the iPhone, this would be a primary service that smartphone users rely on to get the updates on weather to traffic forecasts.

Google Now, which came in to effect last year on mobile devices running Google's Android operating system, will be available for iPhones and iPads as a feature in the new version of Google Search App starting on Monday.

Personal assistant technology like Apple's Siri and Google Now plays a vital role in smartphone user's day-to-day life such as surfing on web, handling daily plans, appointments and travel plans.

It is believed that Apple's Siri, which is a pre-loaded technology on iPhones n iPads is a growing threat to Google, the world's No.1 search engine. Analysts say, Apple's Siri provides information on common topics such as sports scores, nearby restaurants, etc., and this reduces the need of visiting Google's search engine.

Johanna Wright, Google's vice president of Search and Assist for Mobile described Google Now as the next generation in the technology of search.

The Google Now technology taps into Google's various services such as Web search, Gmail and Google Calendar to deliver relevant information throughout the day in pop-up windows, which Google refers as "cards". By accessing an email of an user with the details of a flight travel, Google Now can remind the user about the travel by card(pop-up windows) automatically.

In the Android version of Google Now, the users can swipe the smartphone's home screen for the quick access of pop-up cards, whereas in the Apples's iOS version, these cards can be accessed only when the user is using the Google search application.

In September, Apple replaced the Google Maps app with a pre-loaded new maps app that Apple created in-house. The Apple maps service contained embarrassing errors, criticism from consumers and reviewers and forcing Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook to offer a public apology.

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Portronics Handmate Pen turns your Windows 8 laptop into a touch-screen device

Portronics Handmate Pen Windows 8

Now it's so simple to turn your Windows 8 into a touch screen device. Portronics Handmate Windows 8 Pen is one of the smart and stylish little devices that seem to be true when you read about the device. This Portronics Handmate Pen promises to turn your Windows 8 laptop into a touchscreen device. Let's find out how it works.

Setting up the Handmate Pen is very simple. Just connect the device to ant USB port on your Windows 8 laptop and the receiving unit should be fixed halfway from the top on one of the edges of the screen. Then go to Control Panel to calibrate the screen. The device comes with instructions to use and in few minutes, you are good to go. 

A pen shaped stylus comes with this device, put in the batteries into the stylus and that's all done. Start operating your Windows 8 laptop by touching the screen of your laptop, swipe the home screen, start applications, swipe from edge to bring the settings menu just like your laptop is a touch-screen laptop.

The Handmate Pen device promises it's touch feature when it comes to games like Cut The Rope or when you are using paint application.

However, there is more to touch than in games and fun applications. If you are used to super sensitive touch screen devices like smartphones and iPads, this Handmate Pen takes some time to getting used to it. Unlike super sensitive devices, the Stylus in this Handmate Pen requires a slightly heavier pressing that you would probably expect.

The Portronics Handmate Pen bundles with a spare stylus and batteries. Portronics promises 500 hours of battery life. The sensors on the Handmate Windows 8 Pen uses infrared and ultrasound technologies that work on 16-inches screens and below, which means it is good to use with laptops and even desktop monitors of that size. A newer generation product that will work with 25-inches screen is expected soon.

Portronics Handmate Pen offers a decent touch feature for those who looks for adding a touch to their Windows 8 laptop. The Handmate Pen is available for Rs. 4,999 a not-so-expensive option.

Key features and specifications of Handmate Pen

• Plug & Play, turn your existing PC to touch as easy as 1-2-3
• Cost-effective accessory, much better than buy an expensive touch screen laptop
• Slide, swap, drag to operate
• View Web &mail, zoom in & zoom out pictures, playing games, annotate on office document freely
• Activate all software icons with a simple touch like it happens on Tablets
• Slide, swap, drag to operate
• Uses Ultrasonic and Infrared Technologies
• Ultra simple user experience
• Technology: Ultrasonic and Infrared
• Coverage area: up to 17" (MAX)
• Resolution: 100 DPI
• Accuracy:0.2mm
• Communication: USB 2.0 Full Speed
• USB Cable
• 500 hours of battery standby time

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A few tips on how to protect your social media accounts

Although social media are treated as boon in recent days it bring few risks along with it. It is always better to have knowledge of being safe in any social media.

Here are few ways about how one can protect ones social media profiles.

Run a social media virus/malware scan: 

There are now a few anti-virus and anti-malware programs that will scan the content on your Facebook wall. For example Norton offers service to scan all posts on your wall for virus, malware, or links to risky websites and highlights posts, comments and links that you should probably delete.

Increase strength of your password: 

One can increase the strength of password in many ways like increasing the size of password (at least 8 character long), by using few words squashed together (eg.ChickenKittens), by using combination of numbers and letters. Using capital letter in-between also helps to increase the strength of password. Using common real words or your name or user name or your favorite instrument name as password is not a good idea. It will decrease the strength of your password which will be easy for hackers.

Stop answering private questions on social media: 

When creating your secret answers for any website, you should never use the questions and answers that appear on your social media accounts. For example, a commonly used question is your mother’s maiden name. However, on social media such as Facebook, you probably have your mother as a family member. One can see your mother and find her maiden name easily.

Use different email account for different social media account: 

It is good for two reasons. The first is because if your email account is hacked you need not worry about all of your social medias and secondly if someone assume that you use one email address for all your social media. It will result in the trying to conduct brute force attacks on your social media sites with the wrong email address. 

Avoid using password in digital form: 

Type your password only in the small box provided in the social media sites. If password is entered anywhere else (eg. an email, IM chat) it would be easy for the hackers to detect your password. Also make sure same password is not used more than once for anything. 

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Iron Man 3 - The Official Game by Gameloft for iPhone, iPad and Android devices for free

Iron Man 3 - The Official Game

Iron Man 3 - The Official Game developed by one of the greatest game developers Gameloft is now available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones for free. It is very clear that the game is based on the most anticipated movie, Iron Man 3.

After the events of Iron Man 3, Tony has become a peacekeeper, but new threats emerge regularly all around the globe and Iron Man is the only one who can take care of them. The game lets you become billionaire Tony Stark aka Iron Man and promises a fast-paced, endless flying adventure.

The official game is now available in Apple's iTunes App Store and Google's Android Play Store for free.

The game has 18 gorgeous Iron Man armor models and that not as simple you think to unlock those armors. Unlike all other games, when you fall in a battle you take, you are taken to Stark industries page and a timer shows how long you should wait for the armor suit to get ready for the next battle. Where other endless runner type games gives you option to retry immediately if u fail to complete the level. But in this Iron Man 3 game, the player has to wait for a while until the armor gets fixed and ready to fly.

There is always options to slip into another armors that are unlocked by the player. The player is provided with three slots to hold the armors assembled. If you like to have a fourth one, you should spend some special currency you earn in the game or there is an option to purchase. Also the player can spend the game currency to skip timers that makes the player to wait when the Iron Man had a fall.

THE OFFICIAL GAME OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED SUPERHERO MOVIE OF 2013

• Fight around the world against rising A.I.M. forces
• Discover 3 different locations offering endless, self-generating levels: Malibu Shores, New York City, and China
• Confront 4 epic villains from the Iron Man comics: Crimson Dynamo, Ezekiel Stane, Living Laser, and the mighty M.O.D.O.K.

BECOME IRON MAN AS NEVER BEFORE

• Complete various missions in fast-paced flying battles, and in epic one-on-one confrontations
• Unleash Iron Man's power with amazingly responsive swipe controls
• Enjoy an outstanding 3D world with cutting-edge graphics and animations

COMMAND STARK INDUSTRIES

• Research and develop up to 18 suits from the different movies (Mark II, Mark 42, Silver Centurion, etc.)
• Upgrade your armors and powers in the research lab to wipe out your enemies

Get Iron Man 3 - The Official Game on iTunes 

Get Iron Man 3 - The Official Game on Google Play

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