Mercury launches its first Bluetooth headset called Soul

The headset works with laptop, mobiles and other Bluetooth enabled devices and offers up to 10 hours of battery life.

Kobian, which sells tablets under Mercury brand, has launched its first Bluetooth headset, named as 'Soul'. The headset is designed for both music and calls. It comes in red, black, blue, pink, orange and white colours.

Mercury Soul comes with in-the-ear cap and features audible instructions. It pairs with devices like laptops, tablets, mobile phones and mp3/mp4 systems through Bluetooth.

The headset comes with claimed battery back up of 10 hours and can be charged through USB. The headset uses Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR frequency.

Sushmita Das, vice president-business at Kobian said, "With the launch of Soul wireless Bluetooth headset, Mercury has entered the world of wireless. Mercury Soul is designed for people of all age groups and can be used while walking, at the gym, office, home and so on."

The headset is priced at Rs 1,999 and comes with 1 year warranty. The pricing looks competitive given that other brands in this category offer similar product in higher range.

Nokia promises affordable headsets

Nokia worked closely with Coloud to bring three new affordable headsets - Boom, Knock and Pop.

Nokia has announced three new affordable headsets in association with co-branded headphone maker Coloud. These three new Nokia accessories are Boom, Knock and Pop. These three Nokia Coloud headsets are expected to be priced at Rs 2125 (27 Euros), Rs 1730 (22 Euros), and Rs 1415 (18 Euros) respectively. Nokia plans to make these new headsets available from September onwards.

Nokia has partnered with number of companies proficient in the headphones segment. After Beats Audio, Nokia has now partnered with Coloud to bring couple of affordable headsets. Three new Coloud branded headsets bring the basic colour flaunting design.

The Nokia Coloud Boom promises less ambient noise due to its closed shell construction. Packing 40mm high performance magnet drivers, this on-ear headset pair features directional microphone and speaker impedance of 32 Ohms.

Nokia Coloud Knock is the on-ear type headset with flattened wire design for tangle free usage. Very similar to the Boom, the Knock is lighter and carries Y style cord.

Nokia Coloud Pop in the in-ear style headset with light weight profile and great style design. These headsets will be offered in three colours - Yellow, Red and Cyan

Google Play Store apps suffers from packaging errors

Google acknowledged the reports about "Package File Invalid" Errors with downloading and updating apps from the Google Play Store and is working on a fix.

Google's Play Store offers several free and paid apps that can be downloaded. For better security of the Android based devices, Google implemented the package verification before it gets installed on the device. Since last week, several users have reported about the "Package File Invalid" error. Google has acknowledged this issue and is working on a fix.

Google Play Store app was updated to version 4.3.10 last month and Google had introduced new tweaks in the layout. Any Android app acquired from a third party service other than Google Play Store needs to be verified for installation. Some enthusiastic users reported that the issue existed when the Android device was used to download updates/apps over the WiFi network.

Number of users are thrown back with "Package File Invalid” issue for the apps and updates downloaded from the Google Play Store. Google Android team has been working on a fix and just today Google Play Store version 4.3.11 has been pushed out.

Nimbuzz launches updated app for Android devices

The application offers a new and refreshed user interface along with greater ease of access.

Nimbuzz, the cross platform messenger and VOIP service provider, has rolled out an update for its Instant messenger application for the Android devices. The new Nimbuzz application comes along with a new and refreshed user interface that as per the company makes the conversations much more convenient as well. The updated application has been made available through the Google Play store and Nimbuzz online store and can be downloaded by both new and existing users as well.

The updated Nimbuzz application now comes with improved file sharing feature that offers convenience as well as faster file transfers to users, although much of it still depends on the network and type of data connection users has.

Nimbuzz allows users cross platform connectivity along with that they can also connect their existing messaging services from Facebook, GTalk and Yahoo right through the Nimbuzz. Also the users can simply and easily invite friends and family to Nimbuzz by sending a SMS through the added widget. The Call widget has also been upgraded to offer easier access to users.

Vikas Saxena, chief executive officer, Nimbuzz said, "Trends on Nimbuzz show us that, in addition to messaging, 1 out of 3 Nimbuzz users actively use the calling functionality. We have also observed that more users are logging in to the platform through WiFi than ever before. The new user interface is designed to make calling more convenient and enriching. I strongly believe that voice calls are going to be the next phrase of disruption that Nimbuzz will create in the communication space globally."

Firefox smartphone to be sold worldwide

Chinese handset giant, ZTE has announced the worldwide availability of its ZTE Open Firefox OS phone through Ebay which means it could be brought in India as well. Also, since the phone will be unlocked, it can be used on any mobile network in India also.

Though the phone is priced at $79.99 or Rs 5,000 for the USA market, you may have to pay hefty shipping charges if you are ordering the handset from India through Ebay.com which may well push the price of the device beyond $100. This will definitely water down the USP of the phone, i.e. its affordability tag.

Dai Wenhong, vice president of ZTE Corporation said, "It is great honor to launch the ZTE Open Firefox OS phone worldwide through eBay. ZTE is devoted to providing more options for customers globally and enabling them to live better lives via advanced technology. The ZTE Open offers customers a smartphone experience at an incredible price point, making it ideal for cost conscious consumers or those looking to upgrade to a smartphonefor the first time."

The ZTE Open offers all the functions expected from a smartphone - calls, messaging, email, camera. Plus it comes with built-in social integration with Facebook and Twitter, location-based services like Nokia HERE maps, and Firefox Web browser and the Firefox Marketplace.

The ZTE Open is one of the first Firefox OS smartphones that is powered completely by Web technologies. "Firefox OS features a revolutionary new search capability that allows the device to adapt to the user's changing needs and is only built into Firefox OS. Swipe to the right from the home screen and enter a search term and the phone will customize itself to that search. For example, search for an artist and get results to buy songs, watch music videos, buy concert tickets and even listen to them instantly without having to download and install any apps," explained ZTE in a press release.

"Firefox OS also delivers the exceptional security, privacy, customization and user control that people have come to expect from the Firefox Web browser," ZTE further added.