TechnoRapper.com|Tech & Gadget Report | Mobile Reviews | Gadget Reviews | Tech Show Coverage

Remember when I said I couldn't put Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 down? Well, I put it down. After months of rumors, leaks and speculation, Google finally took the wraps off of its new Nexus 5 smartphone last week and Android fans were elated. The sleek new handset started selling out in mere minutes and by the end of the day, it would be weeks until new orders of some Nexus 5 builds would be dispatched. Can Google's new Nexus phone possibly live up to all the hype that has built up over the past few months?

The Nexus 5 is the first pure Google smartphone I have ever been interested enough in to actually purchase. I have used review units of every Nexus model in the past for at least a short period of time, but until now I had never bothered to purchase one for myself.
Frankly, Nexus devices never really did anything for me. Stock Android is nice and Nexus devices have always been well made, but they have never been in the same league as flagship smartphones from the likes of HTC, Samsung and others. A Galaxy Nexus over a Galaxy S III? No way. A Nexus 4 over an Optimus G, a Galaxy S4 or an HTC One? Not a chance.

I also like the software enhancements offered by Google's various partners. The HTC TV app on the One coupled with the phone's infrared blaster is outstanding, for example. Another example is Samsung's S Pen and related software suite. Companies devote tremendous resources to enhancing Android. Sometimes they swing and miss, but sometimes it really pays off.

The Asha 502 dual SIM and the 503 sport a 3-inch display with 240 x 320 pixels of resolution and also get a layer of Gorilla Glass 2 protection. Some other common specs include 5 megapixel rear camera, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 and microSD card slots. They also feature social networking integration (Facebook, Twitter, Sina Weibo, LINE, WeChat) and Nokia's data compressing Xpress Browser.

The Asha 503 is easily the more high-end of the Asha phones announced by Nokia and gets additional 3.5G support. These devices are expected to be available in several colours including red, green, yellow, cyan, white, and black.

The Great Online Shopping festival, which kicked off last year, is all set to make its return this year. The second edition is looking to be much bigger with what started out as a 24 hour affair is now a three-day long festival starting on December 11.

For those who need a recap, GOSF is an online shopping festival organized by Google India in conjunction with major players in e-commerce, local, classified and online travel sites. This year, Google has roped in around 233 retailers from across the country for the festival. One will be able to shop for a wealth of items including shoes, clothes, jewelry, apparel, travel packages, books, kids wear and of course gadgets and computer peripherals.

NEW DELHI: It is not a secret that Apple gadgets cost a fortune in India, where even the base variant of the iPhone 5S costs over half-a-lakh rupees. Now, a study has shown that Indians end up paying the most for the Apple smartphone - across the world!

According to data compiled by technology website Mobiles Unlocked, the iPhone 5S costs the Indians the most globally when compared with their purchasing power. In fact, buyers here have to shell out 22.3% of the national gross domestic product per capita (GDP PPP). The GDP PPP is a means of measuring how much each person earns in a country.

This means that Indian buyers shell out over 22.3% of their disposable incomes if they purchase the iPhone 5S.

China, another emerging country and Apple's fastest-growing market, stands fifth in the list and there it acosts buyers less than 10% of their purchasing power.

LONDON: It might come as a relief to women as researchers at Microsoft have designed a smart bra that can detect stress.
The prototype contains removable sensors that monitor heart and skin activity to provide an indication of mood levels.
The aim was to find out if wearable technology could help prevent stress-related over-eating, the BBC reported.
Mood data was provided to the wearer via a smartphone app in order to highlight when "emotional eating" was likely to occur.

LOS ANGELES: So, you've selected the gadgets to give your loved ones, and you're at the checkout line. Suddenly you're asked if you want an extended warranty or protection plan for a modest sum, and the line is piling up behind you. Do you opt for the foot-long receipt with terms and conditions that you'll have to keep in a secure place?

Even if such a plan is right for you, just say no.