REVIEW OF ASUS ZENFONE 5

It is raining smartphones in the Indian market and true to my presumption, the enormous market size and lower middle-class people's obsession for sophisticated smartphones have dragged foreign investors like Motorola, Samsung, and HTC to try their luck here, the latest entrant in the list being Taiwanese giant ASUS. It has certainly created a stir with its triple explosion in the form of Zenfone 4, 5 & 6. With Motorola already having tasted its share of success, it's time people savored the flavor of these high-end budget phones. Zenfone 6 being a phablet belongs to a different family as it sports a wider 6 Inch screen, but here I am going to talk about Zenphone 5 in this review.

The phone has everything in it sought by a smartphone consumed user and it won't burn a hole in your pocket either as it is priced below 10k. The only competition Zenfone 5 faces now is from Chinese iPhone killer (yeah but only a bit by looks) Xiaomi MI3, which has run riots with its unprecedented sale through the South Asian e-commerce giant Flipkart. But this phone from ASUS has its own edge over MI3, yeah you got it right here, it is dirt cheap.

OUTLOOK AND APPEARANCE:

If one goes by it's looks, it is damn sleek and so smooth that your gaze will glide past it in a moment. The slight contour of its back acts as an adhesive to the palm and makes for a firm grip of the phone. Oh yes! Guys out there with smaller hands better get a feel of it before placing an order online, as it is huge and won't make you Comfortable until held with both hands. It's 10.3 mm thickness isn't bad either. The 5 color variants available in India are Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, Sky Blue, and Solar Yellow. A 2 MP front camera and sensors stand tall above its 5 Inch IPS HD screen. You are certainly going to love its metallic look side buttons that control it's sound shortcut keys and unlock/ lock system.

FEATURE AND SPECIFICATIONS:

Well the phone is embodied with exceptional specifications which are usually found in a phone of 20k category, Zenfone 5 features a 5-inch IPS HD (720x1280-pixel) screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection which makes it tough and robust, screen’s 294 PPI density accords it with superior clarity but certainly doesn’t withstand the 329 PPI as far as Moto G is concerned. If you take a sneak peek at its inner specs it has 2 GB RAM support, houses 8/16 GB internal storage which can be furthered up to 64 GB with microSD card, and the device is powered by dual-core 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z2560 processor with what Intel calls Hyper-Threading technology, which allows each core to execute two instructions at a time and is remarkable accomplishment in itself. It supports dual SIM (micro sim), the 2110 mAh battery supplies it with more than enough power surge which towers over other phones of this range. It has 8-megapixel autofocus rear camera with a f/2.0 aperture lens, LED flash and a 2-megapixel front camera and all those latest photo shooting modes which are an asset to those  buyers who have the camera in mind when they go out buying a smartphone. And that is not all, the makers have stuffed gadget with pixel master technology which combines software, hardware, and optical design to deliver best results. Well the back panel is replaceable but the battery can’t be detached, two SIM card slot shows up the moment you pull the back panel off and to top it all the flashing Intel logo at the bottom of the back panel makes the beholder aware about the guardians of chipset designing technology.

 VERDICT:

This gadget has everything that an entry level buyer would ever ask for lest we all know that scope for betterment is endless and so are our fantasies. But this phone is power packed and gives its colleagues a run for their money who are placed in the same price bracket. Clarity of screen part is little bleak when compared to Motorola's flagship phone Moto G. It's camera's placement at the back makes it a little vulnerable as far as the lens is concerned that too because of the repeated drubbing it has to suffer when kept face upfront on a hard surface. The high reflectivity of its screen may prompt you to switch to a better brightness level when you step into the sunlight which is indeed a hustle for the users. 

Makers from ASUS has stuffed an additional gloves mode which is a candy point for e-book readers, as readers can certainly touch and get a response from the screen while wearing a glove. Zenfone 5 has been provided with the separate buttons for back, home and recent which scores over Moto G which fashions virtual keys. ZenUI enables you to customize the UI according to your taste and further enhance the viewing experience which happens to be one exceptional technological advancement you got to watch out. Now as far as the appeal of UI is concerned it certainly lacks the teeth when seen abreast with Moto G.

Plus we have all the account, music and photo sync system which can certainly concord a supporting hand in safeguarding our vital data. When tested it gave a seamless performance while running heavy games like Asphalt 8, an NFS. Well, continuous and rigorous use can heat up any given device and the same goes with Zenfone 5 too but as far as running multiple apps. and another multi-tasking is concerned it certainly is a standout achiever, thanks to the hyper threading technology by Intel. 

Overall I see a potent competitor in Zenfone 5 to dethrone Moto G. So if I had 10k bucks in my wallet and had to buy a smartphone I would certainly put my money on this masterpiece from ASUS.

Watch the video of ASUS Zenfone 5 here.

REVIEW OF SAMSUNG GALAXY ALPHA

To stay abreast with the developments of today’s cut throat market, the smart phone giant Samsung unveiled its latest flagship model Galaxy Alpha. The smartphone is expected to be an answer to a much awaited iPhone 6 which is likely to be released next month and if one goes by the looks, the phone resembles an iPhone by its appearance.

In a desperate move to stay upright in the global market this handset has been carved out marginally different from its high profile predecessors in Galaxy S series phones(Galaxy S5), though it retains most of the sophisticated features like ultra power saving mode, S Health, finger print scanner and private mode present in Samsung Galaxy S5. 

Galaxy Alpha is bestowed with amazing look and sleek appearance by the virtue of its metallic frames built with sophisticated and compact construction techniques, yes it is less than 7 mm thick and weighs 115 gms. Galaxy Alpha is powered by octa core chipset, runs on latest android 4.4.4 kit kat operating system, and houses all the latest specs. like 4.7 inch super HD amoled screen(720*1280 pixels), 2 GB RAM, 32 GB non-expandable memory, a 12 MP front and 1.2 MP rear camera to click lively images and ultra-fast 2.5 Ghz processor, the 1860 mAh battery intends to accord it with a better battery life. With all the latest screen and network technology stuffed in it, it certainly makes for one formidable handset in the market. For enhanced connectivity it has LTE connection with modified Cat-6 depicting LTE-A speed which can clock to a whooping 300 mbps. 

Though, hardcore tech followers have already started taking a hit its 720 pixel display and yet belittled battery (at least 2100 mAh battery was expected), the thing in reckoning remains how it fares with people across the globe, given that Apple has a reputation of coming out with design and features out of the world thus delivering a power packed punch at its rivals. Meanwhile talking about the shades, at launch Galaxy Alpha will be available in Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver and Scuba Blue color variant.

Touted to be released worldwide next month, Galaxy Alpha can be seen in 2-3 variants as far as its processor and specs. are concerned and certainly its fan would seek all those pity problems like ill functioning and poor efficiency to be sorted out if it has to stay in the fray. For now we can wait and watch.
Watch exclusive video on Galaxy Alpha here Galaxy Alpha

FASHION TIPS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THIS MONSOON

I DREAMT OF A WORLD DEVOID OF RELIGION

Yesterday, I had a dream. A dream that's tough to relate & far from reality. Something that doesn't cost anything and voices a cause. Moreover, they say dreams lead to reality.
In my case, I envisioned the world away of religion, mankind free of malice & a place bereft of deities. Today, one can affirm that humanity stands on the cusp of crucifixion. And I wouldn’t seek apology if by I sounded profane.
Millions of caste, sect and religion that has chopped our beautiful world into fragments, stand testimony to my accusation. Game of blood bath between the followers of Hindu- Muslim, Shia- Sunni, Muslim- Jew, Christian- Jew occur on daily basis. Then there are other ferocious participants living in the remote areas of Africa where kids use AK-47 & rocket launchers as their pillows. Certainly they enjoy playing high voltage match of this ilk & have smeared the face of the globe with blood & intend to continue it in the longer run. It is the same blood which we claim to be a cohesive agent that binds us together to one bond called brotherhood. 
These pseudo proclamations immediately fade away into the oblivion when we hear of all the bloodshed taking place in the middle-east. Its intensity does vary but at the end of the day, terror thrives in these places. Some of the prominent centers of action are Syria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, a few African countries. Whereas Israel & Palestine are the most dedicated of the lot where it seems people will relax only after they completely demolish their neighbour.
I tell you, ever since I gained my senses, I have been hearing this Israel-Gaza brawl through AIR News and TV. I recall those days when I wouldn’t understand a single thing when Papa used to affix our grand old Phillips radio on his cushion, glued to his ear soon as the clock indicated 8:15 pm. It was time for the BBC news from London to start. Back then all I could make out was that, there is a strip called Gaza where the two Muslim & Jew countries named Palestine & Israel are breathing down one other’s neck just to annihilate each other.
It has been 18 long years since then & today things have changed but the driving force behind their never ending scuffle remains constant, and that being profuse hatred. Gradually things of global significance have pulled my attention and today it is not only a matter of land dispute, rather it is a communal duel between Muslim-Jew. Well as their cleric and holy book says these religions do have ample of ideological differences and I won’t touch that withering nerve to differentiate between just and unjust but given the kind of dubious situation they find themselves in, it is really sad to see that no one is safer in the premises of these countries anymore. People are driven by a maniac called anger.
Yesterday I found an appalling picture of an infant's body smeared with blood in my feed which was shared by some sympathizing soul, the kid was hunted down by a stray drone and it really hit me hard. If that was anything less, then the ongoing conflict between Iraqi administration and ISIS militants who want the Sunni regime to take over the reign of Iraq and have apparently crossed the farthest limit of inhumanity, posted the clips and footages of their brutal live execution. The nature of these acts varied from the throats being slit opened with a dagger to the skull being rip opened by an AK-47 bullet. And in the process completing one of the most dreadful execution anyone would ever think of. 
These acts hold testimony to the fact that humanity has been pushed to the deepest of trenches. Hundreds of Nigerian girls who have been abducted by a group of  Bokoharam militants have been subjected to forceful conversion into Islam and those who objected has been brought down ruthlessly. On the other side, there is rebel group of Ukraine who have waged their inhuman protest against the monopolistic approach of Russia. 
Few weeks ago a Malaysian plane carrying 100s of people from all over the world was crossing the disputed airspace over Ukraine and quite shockingly it was brought down to ashes by a missile fired by these miscreants. Even worse there were many unclaimed corpses lying in the disputed area and were left to decompose. The incidence of such ilk will be the last thing a person travelling by aeroplane would expect. As these series of continuous onslaught which costs numerous of human lives in bargain goes on, social media and TV reporters on the contrary are busy quenching their thirst for TRPs and publicity. They have the luxury of publicizing the images of those mutilated body of demised kids and make special stories out of them for their prime time. 
Anything from morphed videos to snaps, we are so engrossed in gaining publicity with our posts and in the process forget basic values. There is a serious need to stop this mayhem by hook or crook, as these nerve jolting images can leave anyone in tears and abolish the doctrines of ethics and humanity. But, in the end, all we care about is TRPs, likes and comments. What a poor breed have we become?
UN and other big daddies have done their part by proclaiming their seniority and threatening to apply sanctions on Israel. But do we see a cease-fire in the near future? I guess not, the reason being their political gains and personal motives behind that.
We have become smart enough to alter the writs and commands of holy books and have kept rational ideologies at bay. Tell me why would Bible, Gita, or Koran preach slaughter and violence, but since we have trained our mind to give way to such ugly thoughts and keep ourselves on toes to pounce on some Muslim or Jew standing next to us just to show our muscle, I seriously denounce these acts of indecency and lastly this whole concept of religionism.
Despite acknowledging the fact that religion has a pivotal role to play in our today’s existence I strongly despise this concept just because there has been ample of bloodshed around because of it. Stop this and find more than half of the problems being addressed. Let all these dogmas and conviction be abolished so that an Allah, a Jesus or a Ram wouldn’t wince in pain when he sees his most sophisticated creation muddling his name. 

SANA HASHMAT COUTURE PRESS RELEASE

SANA HASHMAT COUTURE welcomes you to the fashion show LUPUS FUNDRAISER. The show, in all likelihood, is touted to be a perfect blend of fashion and philanthropy. SANA HASHMAT line of  designs have distinguished themselves for their thinking out of box panache. The have effortlessly carried the mantle of being one of the most quirky fashion brands.

GET CERTIFIED FROM EC- COUNCIL AND BE AN ETHICAL HACKER

Of late there has been phenomenal acceleration in the cases of cyber crime and IT fraud. With every powerful thing comes its aftereffect and something of similar ilk happens now a days with the rise of technology. Despite having the luxury to access almost everything around us at our fingertips, we at times freak out with vulnerability that comes with it. Now I wonder how beautiful and simple our lives were when internet banking, networking and smart technology hadn’t engulfed us completely. Come today at the root of every crime taking place we have the technology leveraging a motive, be it theft of telecommunication services, criminal conspiracy, electronic money laundering, bank robbery, tax evasion, terrorism or extortion, machines and gadgets are mired everywhere. To avert this plague from spreading there is an organization called International Council of E- Commerce Consultants (EC- Council) which stands oracle in preaching certified courses like CEH, CSCU, CHFI, ECSA and numerous other in over 87 countries across the globe.

WHEN ACCESSORIES OUTDID MAINSTREAM FASHION

Evolution of fashion carries a glorious story along with it. Be it a kid, adolescent, adult or senior citizens, fashion has managed to stay connected to everyone quite efficiently & has survived the test of time. A world bereft of fashion is tough to imagine. Million dollar question that arises here is that, do we really acknowledge its crucial presence in our lives? 
Every time we step out of our door, the challenge to look fabulous always looms large in front of us. As a result, the designer in us calls for introspection & breed the thoughts which help us groom ourselves in the best possible way we want to behold ourselves in. It’s time that the importance of fashion accessory comes into the picture which elevates our style quotient.

Putting extra baggage has  proven trendy for people who believe in making a bigger statement. Ornaments, jewelry, clothing accessories like Scarf, Kaftan, Chunni and tattoos make for some prominent fashion accessories. For a country like India jewellery has always been the mother of all fashion accessories that ever existed for women. The getup for a party would be incomplete if you forgot a necklace, pendant or a bracelet. If at all there has been slightest of a dip in the popularity of the precious metals over the years, it is just because of peoples’ growing penchant for artificial stuff, but jewellery is here to stay.

Even men these days too are fond of bejewelling themselves with those funky earrings & piercings. Though I strongly despise it but just like everyone I too have my own perception! Over the years, the affinity for fashion accessories has diversified and has bettered the conventional wear in many aspects. With the bulk of its fans being teenagers & those in their 30s, fashion accessories intends to create a huge base for itself in time to come.

The prominent fabrics like Kurtis, Tops, Suits, Skirts & Gowns not only accords elegance to the wearer but also makes them a distinguished figure among the folks. A Bandana, Chunni or a Sling Bag hanging to the either side of the shoulder makes for a beautiful spectacle for the onlooker. Even undergarments don't lag too far when it comes to making statements. No wonder why flaunting the classy embroidery adorning the outlines of lingerie comes under the wide thesaurus of fashion today. A thin linen or floral pattern ushers the gorgeous look to the wearer which covers up for the slightest of mismatches. We have full-length dresses and gowns too which make for the perfect blend of appeal with decency and they make for the must haves of a lady’s closet. 

If I were to brag about men’s fashion accessories I would start with Tattoos, Kaftans, Scarfs and Footwears. Men too are ultra-conscious when it comes to adding those bunny points to their persona, which can be a cowboy hat, sling bag, waistcoat or chequered socks. Oversized shirts & trousers are the things of yesteryears, which used to be a style statement way back in the 80s & 90s. Today men use bow ties, cufflinks & leather goods as vital fashion accessories. A casual pair of denim along with T-Shirt seeks sneakers to complete the getup for a casual outing. Waistcoats have been trending in the parties & social gatherings these days. From belts to sneakers, from unbuttoned hoodies to neatly tucked-in formals, every attire is incomplete without a complementary accessory.

Be it a man or a woman, one must realise that in a healthy body resides a healthy soul which is the best judge. So just act sensibly & avoid becoming a fashion faux pass.

My Blog on fashion accessories : http://t.co/NmbUv27zJE @nArsk_fashion @LorikaHalili @DanDSwords @artsylliu @_KatieOnline
— amit chandra (@amit_cj) July 11, 2014