Notification

All private schools, colleges and education institutes will remain closed today. This holiday is gazetted and included in the holiday list.

Smarty Ring: Probably the best wearable gadget so far

From Google Glasses to Smart Watches, wearable computing devices are clearly a latest trend and it appears everyone has a wearable concept for the days to come.

Cashing in on this new trend, a small startup has triumphantly raised funds to mass produce the Smarty Ring, a wearable ring that allows you to control your digital life right from your finger.

But what exactly is the Smarty Ring and what does it do?

Smarty Ring is a wearable ring, which is the first of its kind, and has been devised to allow its users to check alerts from their smartphone and manage calls right from their finger using Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity; it ensures that you don’t miss any significant text or any Facebook update. Concisely, it is a device which would apparently beat all other wearable gadgets out there.

It has some pretty notable features like, users can manage the settings for their Smarty Ring from a mobile app, and can even use the device as a watch, timer or phone finder for instance, if a user walks more than 30 meters from his phone, the ring will beep to warn them that they’ve left something behind. It also allows the customizable remote control and monitoring of your phone, whether it is in your pocket or on a desk nearby.

Similar to a smart watch, except with a very small display, the surface is not only chic – but impermeable and vacuum-packed; the stainless-steel ring has a 24-hour battery life, and it comes with its own wireless charging base, which can be used to charge the wearable along with a compatible smartphone. It works with both Android and iOS devices, provided they have Bluetooth 4.0 compatibilities.

Some other compelling features includes,

• Call notifications
• SMS and email notifications
• Social media updates
• Accept or reject incoming calls
• Make outgoing calls to preset numbers
• Trigger camera
• Control music
• Change profile

The first set of Smarty Ring is promised to be delivered by April 2014; you can Pre-Order it – for $175 — from its very own Indiegogo campaign page here.

Google agrees to launch localized version of YouTube in Pakistan

Google/YouTube has conditionally agreed to launch localized version of YouTube in Pakistan that will work in-line with local authorities to block blasphemous content with-in Pakistani borders.

Citing the Minister for IT and Telecom, Ms. Anusha Rehman, the paper said that this new arrangement will give birth to YouTube.com.pk or YouTube.PK, a local version of YouTube in Pakistan.

Ms. Rehman was cited as saying that government of Pakistan has succeeded in convincing the Google management about religious sensitivities of Pakistanis.

She was explaining the situation to a Standing Committee of Senate yesterday.

Anusha Rehman further unveiled that Google wants not to be held responsible for any blasphemous content uploaded on its sites as that will be a personal action of the individual. Google, however, will work closely with government of Pakistan to get any such blasphemous content blocked in Pakistan.

Google, according to the minister, has asked Government’s guarantee in this regard, for which a detailed draft is being prepared by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Anusha said that this draft ordinance – after finalization — will be processed by the ministry for enactment as law.

After this localized version of YouTube, Ms. Rehman further explained, Pakistan won’t require any costly filtration mechanisms. Instead Google will easily be able to block blasphemous content on the request of the Pakistan government.

“Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have also reached a similar arrangement with Google,” Anusha Rehman said.

Localising YouTube would also mean that Google will not be violating its own company law of hindering freedom of expression, the state minister explained.

Responding to a question from the members, the minister said she could not give an exact date for the re-opening of YouTube.

It maybe recalled that YouTube is banned in Pakistan since September 17th, 2012 for not blocking blasphemous content in Pakistan.

PIA to offer In-Flight WiFi and cellular roaming services

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has plans to start offering in-flight WiFi Internet and mobile phone services for long-haul international routes, reported Express Tribune.

Report, citing Mr. Junaid Yunus, PIA’s Managing Director,  said that initially the services will be deployed on PIA’s nine Boeing 777s that fly to Europe, US and Canada.

The national carrier has said that various service providers have already approached the airline with their offerings. PIA, to meet mandatory regulatory requirements, is likely to soon issue a tender for the provision of services.

PIA didn’t communicate any timeframe for the commencement of in-flight WiFi and phone services on its planes.

Almost all cellular operators in Pakistan offer in-flight roaming services through partner networks.

3G consultants reach Pakistan, Start preparing IM for 3G

Recently hired consultants for procuring next generation telecom licenses have landed in Pakistan to start working on the Information Memorandum for next generation spectrum auction.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority recently selected “Value Partners Management Consulting Limited” for the procurement of next generation spectrum auction. The selection was finalized after rigorous evaluation of financial and technical bids from seven consultancy firms.

Highly placed sources told that consultants are now in Islamabad who signed the agreement with PTA before commencing the task.

Consultants will go ahead with the preparation of Information Memorandum for next generation licenses.

WAAR 2 announced by ARY Films and Mind Works Media

The second movie in line is “WAAR 2” which is a sequel of WAAR. The unstoppable movie which broke all previous records of Pakistan Cinema and is all set for its international release in December.WAAR 2 will be another cinematic masterpiece and will be shot in Pakistan, U.K, Russia, Turkey and Yugoslavia. The film will boast both national and international superstars for the first time and the story, visuals and action shall push the outside of the envelope of what is currently possible in this field. It promises to be another cinematic extravaganza.More details on WAAR 2 will be shared in coming months. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Salman Iqbal, President and Founder, ARY Digital Network said “After the super success of WAAR and the sound relationship that we have developed with Mind works Media , it is natural for both companies to bring their expertise together for even bigger & better movies. The fans of Pakistani cinema have proved that if we make a good film, they will watch and appreciate it. I am sure that our new joint ventures WAAR 2 and Delta Echo Foxtrot with Mind works Media will bring even more spectacular entertainment to the cinema screens of Pakistan and beyond!”

Talking about the collaboration, Dr. Hassan Rana said that, the Work ethic and the professional approach of ARY Team makes them our natural strategic Allies. The primary goal of both the companies is to develop Pakistani cinema and make films which can compete successfully on an international stage. We want all projects to be the game changers and we want to push ourselves to the very edge of what is possible, we just hope that we can come up to the expectations which the people of Pakistan have with us”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Jerjees Seja, CEO, ARY Digital Network said “Things are really positive on the Pakistani cinema front. At a time when WAAR is going global under the ARY Films banner, it is exciting to announce two joint venture movies with Mind works Media a company which has proven to be the very best in Pakistan. ARY Films is now poised to develop the market furthermore and create synergies with our partners to produce, promote and distribute films that have the magic to which all cinema goers are attracted”

Pakistani Cinema Industry is now flourishing where our very own Pakistani movies provided quality entertainment leaving the audience enthralled. The recent accomplishments of MEIN HOON SHAHID AFRIDI, ZINDA BHAAG and WAAR has set the way forward and seeing the success of recent movies, this partnership is set to bring global acclaim to the rising Pakistani Cinema Industry.

JohnnyRockets has landed in Karachi

Ground Floor, Dolmen Mall Clifton

Samsung expands Galaxy Note 3 line with new color accents

As part of its continued commitment to deliver innovative technologies along with premium design, Samsung yesterday announced new color editions of the Galaxy Note 3.

The Galaxy Note 3, which launched in September, now comes with Rose Gold White and Rose Gold Black accents and Merlot Red option, in addition to the Jet Black, Classic White and Blush Pink options already available to consumers.

The new editions of Galaxy Note 3 integrate touches of premium Rose Gold finishes to its Jet Black and Classic White devices for a distinct and refined design. Both editions complement the iconic Rose Gold Galaxy Gear to provide users with a truly integrated and stylish Galaxy experience.

“At Samsung Mobile, we understand that consumers view their mobile devices as an extension of their personal style, and Samsung is committed to delivering fresh ways for consumers to express themselves,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics. “By introducing these new editions of Galaxy Note 3, we want to provide our fashion-forward consumers with more ways to express their personality and tastes through our technology.”

The Rose Gold White edition will be available starting from December in the Chinese market. Other color options will be launched according to each market’s preference.