ISRO launches Solar Calculator app to compute solar energy potential at your home

With the rapidly degrading environment & the limited availability of non-renewable resources, solar energy is definitely the way forward. Prime minister Modi has also emphasized on the huge potential of solar energy available to India. On the request of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India, The Space Applications Centre (SAC) at ISRO, Ahmedabad has launched an android app called Solar Calculator which lets you compute solar energy potential at any location in India. Remote sensing observations from geostationary satellite sensors are used to capture space-time variability of surface insolation.

"Computation of solar energy potential is essential to select the locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) thermal power plants." -ISRO's website

It is a free app and will be useful to you if you plan to use solar panels at home. It can tell you the potential power that you can generate monthly/annually. The app will be of much use for those who provide commercial services related to solar power generation. The app provides information about monthly/yearly solar potential (in kWh/m2), the minimum/maximum temperature at your location, azimuth/elevation angles as well as day length over different time periods in a year.

Main highlights of the app:

1. The App provides solar energy potential (in kWh/m2) at any given location
2. The required location can be keyed in or can be obtained through GPS
3. It gives monthly and yearly solar potential processed using Indian Geostationary Satellite data (Kalpana-1, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR). It also offers monthly minimum and maximum temperature to calculate realistic solar potential
4. Location is displayed on image with satellite data in the background
5. It also provides azimuth and elevation angles, and day length over different time periods in a year.
6. Obstruction of sunlight due to terrain is also calculated using Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
7. It also suggests optimum tilt angle for solar PV installation
8. Complete report can be saved as a PDF file.

Where can you get the app & how to use it?

The app is presently only available for android but yet not available on the google play. You can get the app from the download section of VEDAS's website or download it directly via the download button below.

The app's UI is very simple & after you have installed and opened the app, you are asked to enter you location (latitude and longitude) or you can tap on 'Get Location' option, which will use your phone's GPS to determine your location. The next & final step is to tap on the 'Calculate' button. You'll now be able to see the detailed information below. The information section consists of three tabs - Table, Graph & Map.

• Table tab- The tab shows information like min/max temperature, annual global insolation, optimum tilt angle. It also shows you detailed monthly data for the past 4 years.
• Graph tab- This tab hosts various graphical representation of the data like temperature variations, sun path and day length.
• Map tab- This tab shows the location selected on the map with two different views.

  

Sources: www.isro.gov.in, vedas.sac.gov.in.

Answered: Why you have not received the Nougat 7.0 update for the S6 & S6 edge in India

As per reports from various websites, publications & users, Samsung has rolled out the Nougat 7.0 update for the S6 & S6 edge but still, a majority of users are complaining about not receiving the update. The update brings latest features of Nougat like the blue light filter, improved doze mode & also Samsung's new UI & provides freshness to the ageing device.

FoneArena was the first to catch the rolling update & announced its availability on 19th April for the Indian users. It has been several days since & the update has become a mystery. With some users getting the update while others stuck at marshmallow 6.0.1, websites posting about its availability but the users not getting it & Samsung's customer care informing that the latest available update for the S6 edge is marshmallow, there seems to be a lot of confusion.

Clearing the Confusion

Sales Code/Customer Service Code(CSR) are a deciding factor for the availability of updates for your device. These codes are important for the operation of your device. Different countries have different voice & data standards & the codes ensure that the device complies with the standards of your country.

The S6/S6 edge in India either have INU or  INS sales code & as per our research, the Nougat 7.0 update with March security update has been rolled out in India by Samsung but only to the devices with INU sales code.

To know your device's code, follow these steps:

1. Open your phone's dialer & dial *#06# to obtain your device's IMEI number.

2. Dial *#272*IMEI NUMBER#

3. This will open up a window & show you the sales code for your device.

4. Press cancel to exit.

List showing your device's code

If the code is INS, sadly you'd have to wait for a few more days to get the update.

If you're impatient & want to get your hands on the latest update immediately, there is a trick! Simple follow the steps given above & then change the sales code from INS to INU & tap on the Install button (this will format & reset your device so do backup all your data prior to this). After the device reboots, go to settings-> about device-> download updates manually & you'll see the update immediately. Although we don't guarantee the trick to be harmless, we have found many users getting the update via the trick with no issues at all.

Watch this space to get updated as soon as the nougat update for the S6/S6 edge INS variant receives the update. We hope to have cleared all confusions & answered to your queries. If not, then do post your queries in the comment section below.

UPDATE 27.04.2017 3:20PM (IST): The wait is finally over & Nougat 7.0 update for S6 & S6 edge INS variant has been rolled out in India. Check for the update on your device now!

WhatsApp update - New Status Feature released

WhatsApp releases update v2.17.81 with the new status feature which replaces the older version. Now you can set GIF, photo or video as your WhatsApp status.

The update brings a new 4 tab interface- Camera, Chats, Status & Calls tab.

The Camera tab lets you quickly capture photos or videos which can be either sent it to anyone or set up as a status from the following window.

The Chat & Call tabs are same as you have been experiencing them.

The new Status tab packs all the new features & seem inspired from Snapchat stories. The tab initially provides a short & simple guide to the user about the new feature. Photos or videos can be set as status updates which are protected by end-to-end encryption & automatically disappear after 24hrs. New improved privacy options can now be set for the Status updates - My Contacts, My Contacts except.. & Only share with.

If the update is not yet available for you on the google play store, you can download it from below.

Here are few screenshots from the new version of the app.

Samsung Members - App to solve problems of galaxy users

What is Samsung Members App?

Samsung recently refreshed its Galaxy Community app & launched it as "Samsung Members" app. Calling it a "One-stop service centre", it is aimed to provide better customer service.

The app offers a comprehensive FAQ section, a community for galaxy users, support features like self-diagnosis, service centre information, and One-to-One remote help. The app will also take error reports, feedback & suggestions from the vast user community.

The app, In-depth

The app opens up with a pop-up menu asking users to choose between importing previous content if they had been using the galaxy community app or start as a new user by logging in with your Samsung account.

The app's home screen shows latest News & Tips with a search button at the top with 3buttons at the bottom leading to the Feedback, Suggestions & Support sections; the availability of these services are location & device dependent.

Feedback section offers FAQ which is well categorised & a Questions/Errors section where you can ask questions & report errors

Suggestions section is the place from where you can send your suggestions about the device to Samsung. This is a very positive attempt by the company as it'll be able to receive a lot of valuable suggestions directly from its users.

Support section is where you can use the diagnostics tools to check your device's hardware & optimise it using various other tools. Information about service centres & smart tutor is also available here.

Review - Our experience with the app

Samsung Members app is a mix of the good & the bad with scope for a lot of improvement. The app's FAQ section is basic but well organised & will be useful for first-time users. The option to ask a 1:1 question is useful too. The idea to take suggestions from the users is great & easy to use, though in our case, numerous attempts to send a suggestion failed with a server response error. the app doesn't actually have much up its sleeves in the support section, where most of the device optimisation features it offers like Clear RAM/storage, optimise settings, uninstall unused app etc are already present in the 'Smart Manager' in your device. The After-Sales section under the Support Menu offers to let you know about service centres which just redirects you to Samsung's website in your browser.

The app is a step in the right direction but still not as useful as it should be. The app has a few issues and thus 1000+ 1-star ratings out of the 3500+ reviews on google's play store. Features like in-built smart tutor, option to register complaints of faulty devices/service centres, tracking of complaints/repairs, information about email & toll-free customer care numbers from within the app would definitely add value to it.

We also must not forget that the app is relatively new & it would improve over time. Till then give it a try & if you find any error, send your suggestions on improving the device via the app.

How to get the app?

If you are a user of any of Samsung's Galaxy series device, you're entitled to get the app. You might see an 'information message' notification on your phone which would lead you to the installation of the app or you can also get it from the google play store by clicking on the button below.

OnePlus 3T December Dash ₹1 Sale - All you need to know!

OnePlus 3T December Dash ₹1 Sale

OnePlus India had come up with a ₹1 sale on Diwali, where the participants had to draw mystery boxes & pay ₹1 on being successful, to win various gifts like the OnePlus 3 and other accessories.

It's december now & the company has come up with ₹1 December Dash, following the launch of the OnePlus 3T;  an updated version of the OnePlus 3. The OnePlus 3T comes with an updated chipset, a 16 MP front camera, a 3400mah battery and a new gunmetal color with the price tag of ₹30,000/-

What is the OnePlus 3T december dash?

The OnePlus 3T december dash is a ₹1 sale in which the participants have to complete an entry challenge, earn points by inviting friends, claim prizes in the prize shop, pay ₹1 within 3 hours and win various prizes. (ENTER HERE)

The Prize Shop is open 12 - 6pm (IST) on every Friday in December (9, 16, 23, 30) while stocks last. There is no limit to the number of prizes to be won by a participant.

What's up for winning?

The "Prize Shop" houses a variety of OnePlus products. It open 12 - 6pm (IST) on every Friday in December (9, 16, 23, 30) while stocks last during which the user has to claim prizes.  Each item is listed along with the number of points the participant must have to be eligible to claim that item. Here is the list of prizes for your convenience.

OnePlus 3T 64GB - 300 points

OnePlus Backpack - 33 points

OnePlus Travel Messenger Bag - 33 points

OnePlus Dash Charge T-shirt - 12 points

OnePlus Never Settle T-shirt - 12 points

OnePlus 2 Bamboo/Karbon/Rosewood/Black Apricot StyleSwap Cover - 15 points

OnePlus 3 Sandstone/Karbon/Bamboo/Rosewood/Black Apricot Case - 9 points

OnePlus 3 Flip covers - 6 points

OnePlus 3 Curved Tempered Glass Screen Protector - 12 points

OnePlus Dash Charge Type-C cable - 9 points

OnePlus 3 Tempered Glass Screen Protector - 6 points

OnePlus Dash Charge Car Charger - 24 points

OnePlus 3 Translucent Grey Case - 6 points

OnePlus Dash Power Adapter - 12 points

OnePlus Bullets Earphones (V2) - 12 points

How to Enter & Win?

• Compulsory: Visit this link or click on the button below to enter and complete the Entry Challenge before 28th December 2016

• Sign up with email or sign in with social accounts
• Verify your mobile number
• Add your shipping address

• After completing the Entry Challenge, share & invite your friends to earn more points, which can be used in the prize store to claim prizes.
• The Prize Shop opens 12 - 6pm (IST) on every Friday in December (9, 16, 23, 30) & you need to claim prizes using your points.
• Once you've claimed your prize, pay ₹ 1 within 3 hours to place your order. Prizes that are not paid for expire after 3 hours.
• Wait for the prize to reach you!

Terms & Conditions

• Once claimed, points are deducted from your total and your prize cannot be unclaimed.
• Pay ₹ 1 within 3 hours to place an order with the claimed prize. Prizes that are not paid for expire after 3 hours.
• Prizes are shipped to the address you entered during the Entry Challenge. We cannot guarantee delivery for all addresses across India – you may be asked to supply a different one.
• For products sold at ₹ 1 (including the Prize Draw) during the 3T December Dash Sale, oneplusstore.in return policy is not applicable.
• OnePlus & Mobitech Creations reserve the right of final decision on the interpretation of the Rules (How to Enter section on event page).
• Collected data may by used at oneplusstore.in or oneplus.net.
• All new users who complete the Entry Challenge during December 2-28 are entered into the weekly prize draw to win one of three OnePlus 3T 64GB devices.
• The prize draw takes place every Saturday in December.
• Winners are notified by email shortly after.
• Points, payments and order statuses may take up to 5 minutes to be updated - try refreshing your browser at timely intervals.

Enter the Sale Now, Share as much as you can & win the OnePlus 3T and more for just ₹ 1!

Google's PhotoScan - App to digitalise old printed photos

PhotoScan App

It has been less than a couple of decades since digital cameras became mainstream and we all own bunch of old photos. Printed photographs take up physical space as well as deteriorate over time & hence needs to be converted into digital copies.

Google wants to help you go digital with its latest PhotoScan app.

Though you can directly capture photo of your printed photos via your phone's camera but it's never a good solution as the results suffer from glares, tilted images, needs cropping etc.

PhotoScan is an app that solves all these problems. The user need to open the app, click a picture & move the camera as instructed on the screen & voila, it's done. You get a perfectly scanned digital copy of your old photo which is free from light/flash glares, shadows, unwanted tilt & doesn't need cropping or editing via any photo editor.

The app actually takes a main photo & 4 other photos and stitches all of them using its algorithm, similar to a panorama photo, eliminating all kinds of glare & distortions.  

Verdict: The app scores full points for removing glares but fails at preserving the quality of the photo. The resulting images look compressed & often washed out. It may be the best app if you want to casually scan the photo to share it on social media, but it's definitely not suitable for serious archiving. It's presently the best app for scanning a photo but it's still not quite where you'd be completely satisfied with it, though we must not forget that it's just the beginning & it would improve over the years with updates.

  

To Scan a Photo

1. Open the PhotoScan app.

2. To start the scan, hold your phone directly above a photo. Tap the button to take a picture.

3. Move your phone around until the circle is over each of the four dots.

4. Once the photo has been processed, go to the bottom right and tap the photo thumbnail.

5. Select a photo to rotate, adjust the corners or delete.

6. To save to your device, tap Save all. To save only one photo, touch and hold a photo, then tap Save.

As per our tests the app performs best if your phone has a good camera & if you can keep your hands stable while taking the photos/moving the camera around.

Top 5 Indian Tech Websites You Need to Follow Right Now!

There are a lot of websites offering tech news and updates but only a few are by and aimed at the Indian audience. Following these Indian websites will offer you the best experience. Since their content is targeted towards India, you get information which is more relevant to you.

Today, we have come up with a list of the top 5 Indian tech websites and youtube channels(in no particular order) for you to follow. So let's get started.

• C4ETech - India's most popular tech channel on youtube. The channel is owned by Ashwin Ganesh who founded the channel in the year 2011, having no idea it would soar to these heights; Ash already has over 5,00,000 subscribers to his channel. The channel offers tech news, unboxing & gadget reviews, giveaways etc and uploads new videos thrice a week. Go check it out..

YouTube • Website • Facebook • Google+ • Twitter

• GeekyRanjit - The famous tech enthusiast Ranjit Kumar pushes new & quality videos each day to his youtube channel GeekyRanjit. The videos range from reviews of smartphones & networking devices to Live Q&A sessions. The channel purely focuses on its quality content and with over 4,50,000 subscribers, people flock to it to get their daily dose of tech.

YouTube • Website • Facebook • Google+ • Twitter

• Phone Radar -  If you're the kind of person that likes to know-as-it-happens & want to stay ahead of everyone else, these are the guys to follow! The Phone Radar team is extremely active on its website, youtube and all social media channels. The website and the youtube channels are regularly updated with useful tech reviews, benchmarking videos, PR talks, giveaways etc. and instant updates are pushed via twitter and facebook pages, throughout the day. Also for the Hindi lovers, there is Phone Radar Hindi.

YouTube • Website • Facebook • Google+ • Twitter

❤ Hindi:  YouTube • Website • Facebook • Twitter

• Technical Guruji - The channel is run by Gaurav Choudhary who claims to be a youtuber by hobby & uploads new videos on a daily basis. The contents of the channel are in hindi and provides tech reviews, how to, Q&A sessions and giveaways too. With over 400 videos and 3,00,000+ subscribers, it's one of the fastest growing tech channels on youtube, toh chaliye shuru karte hai..

YouTube • Website • Facebook • Google+ • Twitter

• Sharmaji Technical - The 100% hindi channel is run by Praval Sharma from Bangalore. The channel offers unboxing, tech news, reviews & a weekly 1hr 30min live Q&A session on saturday 10pm IST via youtube. Started in the year 2015, the channel received huge appreciation and has over 1,40,000+ subscribers.

YouTube • Website • Facebook • Google+ • Twitter

So, this was the list of the top 5 tech channels from India. Subscribe/follow all of them & stay updated!