July 2015 - Magazine

Transcript

Technology A s soon as the internet connectivity is becoming an important part of our everyday lives, you must be observing various WiFi hotspots everywhere around especially in metropolitan cities of Pakistan. Just have a look at your surroundings, you will find plenty of places to log onto the internet with your mobile devices for example hotels, restaurants, libraries, airports, planes and buses and also at several corners of the roads and parks and it is a common practice that people prefer using them instead of mobile data owing to the price factor. However, there is another side of the story which you might not be aware of but all you need to know is that the free access does not necessarily comes without a cost. what they are doing just by sharing a common network. Recently, the researchers at a US based software company Cylance discovered that the hackers breached the public WiFi routers of nearly 277 different hotels, convention centers and data centers in 29 different countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Australia while infecting millions of people. If your mobile device does not contain something important like personal pictures, data, emails or you do not use it for online banking transactions, you might be feeling very relaxed and thinking that you are not the one who should take precautions before using a public WiFi hotspots. But, unfortunately, there is a bad news for you too. Whether open or secured by a password, a public WiFi hotspot can make you vulnerable to snooping and hacking. It is not at all difficult to steal someone’s username and password, or see 8 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk Another dangerous element of public WiFi hotspots is that they can contain something malicious, making your laptop or smartphone sluggish, hanged and unresponsive due to infections. Hence, instead of taking the risk, do consider the following precautions before connecting to any network which is open or unfamiliar to you. 1. Verify Network’s name For hackers, it is pretty easy to intercept your data by setting up a network with a name “Free Wi-Fi” or something else containing a nearby venue name, to make you think it is a reliable source. Hence, if you are at a restaurant or any other place that contain WiFi hotspot, make sure to verify the name of the network with staff members or confirm it with a displayed sign board before connecting. 2. Avoid accessing specific stuff Whenever you opt to use a public WiFi network, it would be a good idea to avoid accessing those websites through which your identity, passwords, or personal information can be captured, for example, social networking sites, online banking services, or any online shopping website which you usually use to purchase things by means of your credit card. cally connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks which do not contain any password. For this reason, you need to consider changing the network settings on your mobile device. In this way, you can keep a check and balance regarding which public Wi-Fi should be accessed and which should not. from potential damages. 5. Turn Off Sharing When connecting to the internet at a public place, make sure to turn off file sharing and also mark the Wi-Fi connection as a public network by going to the network settings from your laptop. Many famous organizations use ‘https’ encryption for their websites by default such as Google Mail, but some do not. Hence you manually need to type ‘https://’ instead of ‘www’ to have a secure surfing. In case of smartphone, open the WiFi section and go to settings. If you find an option to disable auto-connecting, then select it, if there is no such option, you are already safe. With the help of this encryption, the information you send and receive over the public WiFi connection appears distorted to the cyber criminals, thus in case your communication gets intercepted, it will be unreadable. After using that public WiFi network, remove its name from the WiFi network list and select ‘Forget Network’ for the additional layer of security. 6. Keep WiFi off when not in use Even if you have not connected to a WiFi network, the WiFi hardware in your laptop, smartphone or tablet can still transmit the data between nearby available network. Therefore, in order to prevent this minor communication from making your personal information vulnerable, turn off your WiFi when not in use. If you really need to access such websites outside your home, try to access a secure, private internet connection. This will not only result in keeping you away from the cybercriminals but will also save the battery of your mobile device to work for a longer span of time. 3. Log out when you are done If it has become necessary for you to access your social networks or online bank account through public WiFi network, remember that you should not stay permanently signed in to these accounts. In fact when you are done with using these accounts, log out immediately. 4. Change the settings of your device Most of the mobile devices automati- 7. Install Anti-Virus Software Anti-virus software can prove to be a very helpful tool to alert you regarding any viruses and malware that try to enter into your mobile device. It is necessary to keep your operating system as well as anti-virus up to date as doing this will not only keep your system run smoothly, but will also patch security loopholes, ultimately preventing you www.moremag.pk 8. Use “https” encryption A website address beginning with “https” indicates that SSL encryption is active. You will also observe a lock icon in the address bar to ensure an SSL connection is active. Conclusion As mobile WiFi is becoming increasingly common for all of us, the internet security issues and public WiFi risks are also growing with the same pace. Experts are of the view that nothing is completely secure over the internet. However, it does not mean that we should stop using these technologies instead, taking a few precautions can add extra layers of security to keep our mobile device as well as the information safe. Imagine what could happen if someone with right skills and bad intent gets the access to your personal information. It is best to connect via mobile data (2G, 3G or 4G) while doing something that requires your login and password. Nevertheless, there is no restriction on searching something you find interesting by means of free public WiFi hotspots like live match scores, your favorite TV show or the latest happenings of the world. JULY 2015 MORE 9 Technology PTCL SmartLink App Review: Can you really make & receive landline calls through smartphone? J ust a few months ago, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) launched an innovative and full of utility smartphone application 'SmartLink' for its customers which aims to empower people by keeping their Landline numbers on smartphones via the internet. SmartLink app uses the internet connection and allows you to receive landline calls with your smartphone. Additionally, you can also place calls to landline and mobile numbers via this app and you will be charged as per landline tariff. Apparently, this app is the best treat for the landline customers but there must be some questions in your mind regarding it, For example, does it work efficiently, is it feasible to use and what about its user-friendliness. Let's have a look into the detailed review of SmartLink App by PTCL in order to get the answers to these questions. Downloading & Registration The SmartLink app is currently available for Android users only who can download it for free from the Google Play Store. Though the company is planning to roll it out for the iOS users anytime shortly. As soon as you download the app and opens it, it asks to login with your email and password but if you are a new user, you need to register first to use this app. After hitting the ‘Register’ link for a new registration, a number of details including Name associated with the landline number, CNIC associated with the landline number and Account ID will required to be entered. You can consult your PTCL bill to check this information. Moreover, the registration form will also ask for 10 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk email, new password, and cell number to create a unique ID for you. If the credentials match, the application would be registered and you will get the permission to make video calls and chat via instant messaging from SmartLink to SmartLink app which is just similar to Viber. However, it will takes around 24 to 48 hours to get this app fully functional for SmartLink to mobile/landline calls, as said by the company. The Interface The user interface of this application is pretty simple. At first, it shows four icons and these are: 1. Audio Call 3. Smart TV 2. Video Call 4. More Tapping the Audio call section leads you to make calls. You can easily use your smartphone directory and history to place calls and can add some specific numbers to favorites. The video call interface is also same which can be used as other networking apps like Viber and Skype to make calls to people who are having the same app in their smartphones. The smart TV icon leads towards the Play Store to install another app by PTCL so that you may watch up to 150 different channels on your smartphone. Though it would be a great idea if this app gets integration with SmartLink to provide user with one seamless experience. As the name depicts, the More section hosts something extra to offer the users. Following is the screengrab from this section: Hence, you can set your profile for the chat from here. The application supports group calls as well. There is also flight inquiry icon to know about domestic PIA flights. Through ‘Preferences’, you can adjust a variety of settings like configuration, media, Network, User interface and call options. Moreover, ‘Info’ and ‘ Help’ icons provide answers to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding SmartLink app. Making & Receiving Landline Calls via Smartphone SmartLink has the ability to make both audio and video calls, athough, the second service can be only utilized when both parties (the caller and the receiver) will have this app along with an internet connection. Just like Skype, you can make group calls as well by means of it. Once you get connected to this app with active internet connection, it will transfer all of your incoming landline calls to your smartphone only when these are not being received with landline connection within 4 rings. www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 11 In our testing while connected with PTCL internet connection, the call quality was excellent and even sounded better than regular calls on smartphones. You can also have some options to adjust the sound quality for smooth conversation. Moreover, if your landline number is busy, the incoming call, in this case as well, gets transferred to the SmartLink app hence minimizing the chance of missing any important conversation. Surprisingly, the app refused to work on other internet connections other than PTCL broadband. However, the representative of customer services center at PTCL keeps on assuring that SmartLink can work with other internet connections. Conclusion While using a the SmartLink app for the first time, the odds are high that you can face problems while registering a new account or while waiting for the newly registered account to get validated by the customer center, just like we faced it. Despite the fact that PTCL claims the app to work within 24 hours of registration, it took us 5 working days to get it fully functional after registering the new account, which was a bit annoying. Another limitation with SmartLink app is that it only worked with the internet connection of PTCL (at least during our testing) which was really disheartening as it kills the utility of such a great app. However, the app tries to minimize the severe effects of above shortcomings as soon as it starts working properly. It allows the users to keep the landline number in their pockets to receive all the calls for free without disturbing any outdoor activities. The plus point of this app includes that if your mobile connection is out of balance, you can use SmartLink app to place calls via landline number but all calls will be charged as per PTCL landline tariff. In case the company manages to make SmartLink work for all types of internet connections while bringing some other improvements, the efficiency of this innovative app can be increased to a next level, creating win-win situation for the landline users and PTCL. 12 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 13 Advertorial 14 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 15 Continue on Page 38... General Game Shows on TV Channels A Compromise on morals, ethics and taxes? 16 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk R emember the days of late 80’s and 90’s when the game shows like Neelam Ghar, Kasuti, Fungama and Bazm-eTariq Aziz used to broadcast on Pakistani TV channels with some interesting content and decent standards of ethics, morals, information. This was the time when simplicity was at its peak and the gift distributed among the show participants were purely based on answering a question correctly. Slowly, things started to change and some private TV channels came up with a new kind of game show culture for special Ramzan transmissions(Not only ramazan but it started earlier as regular shows and then later they became part of ramazan), distributing gifts worth of millions of rupees sponsored by several business organizations to show generosity in the sacred month. The trend got the attention of people and expanded like fire in the forest, however with a totally different makeover. Today almost all of the TV channels are hosting their own kind of game shows with some luxurious sets, numerous segments, and thousands of prizes. Above all, if we compare the criterias for distributing gifts among the people then and now, it will be revealed that generosity have crossed its limits today and one can easily win a prize by simply eating mangoes without using hands. In the question-answer segment today has seen a huge transformation as the audiences sitting in the game shows are not judged based on their knowledge rather the host calls out loud ‘Tukka lagao Musalmano’ to qualify for the prizes. Apart from this, the hosts of the show usually found to be making fun of the participants and also ask to perform some weird stuff like asking women to laugh like a creepy witch, or requiring an obese to dance like crazy to win a prize. This is something humiliating and goes against a person’s dignity as they look ridiculous to the viewers and perhaps to themselves as well. Such kinds of game shows could be entertaining for the participants of the show due to loads and loads of prizes, but it has become a waste of time activity for the ones watching on the televisions because of having lack of information, ethics, and morals. All in all, this new culture of game shows is not only lowering down the self-esteem of the people by showing them a shortcut method to get hold of things without having some special qualities but also, it fails to provoke them to make efforts for the improvement of their abilities which is something essential for living a respectable life. However,if you observe closely to these game shows for at least once, definitely one question will strike your mind that what is basically the idea behind these shows? www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk Apparently, the Television Rating Point (TRP) is the only focus of game show producers, advertisers and sponsors for which even the quality, creativity, and moral values are usually being compromised and most of the time expelled from the list of priorities which should not really happen in any case. Apart from this all, there is another side of the story which is a bit surprising. More precisely, various business firms that sponsor the game shows by distributing expensive gifts of worth millions of rupees like plots, cars, bikes, gold, electronic and home appliances, manipulate financial records by showing inflated prices of the gift items in its sales and promotion expense in order to evade millions of rupees of income tax. Strangely, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has not devised any policy to commence monitoring on the complete details of gift items to hold the revenue leakages. According to the section 156 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001, income tax at the rate of 20 percent imposes on the prizes and gifts under Final Tax Regime as it states that: “Every person paying prize on a prize bond, or winnings from a raffle, lottery, prize on winning a quiz, prize offered by companies for promotion of sale or cross-word puzzle shall deduct tax from the gross amount paid at the rate of 20 percent where a prize, referred to in sub-section (1), is not in cash, the person while giving the prize shall collect tax on the fair market value of the prize. The tax deducted under sub-section (1) or collected under section (2) shall be final tax on the income from prizes or winnings referred to in the said sub-sections.” On the whole, it is exactly the time when the demand and popularity of game shows is certainly high and private TV channels are broadcasting such shows on weekly and even daily basis especially on the religious occasions like Ramazan. Hence, FBR instead of considering basic necessities for the imposition of taxes in order to meet the annual revenues, can collect a good amount of tax from the game shows by devising proper policy and a monitoring unit. Moreover, as all kind of shows aired on Television channels fall under the supervision of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the quality and content needs to be confirmed by means of the already established criterias and guidelines so that these shows may become a source of infotainment for the people, that is, a combination of information and entertainment. There is nothing really negative about conducting and broadcasting game shows rather it is fun and engaging activity for the people but if the respective authorities ensure to bring about information, quality, and proper tax collection, then these shows can surely play a role to promote positivity in the viewers and in the form of revenue for the government. 17 JULY 2015 2015 MORE MORE 17 JULY IT Bright Prospects of E-Commerce in Pakistan P Electronic commerce has lot of benefits; it connects manufacturers directly to consumers. The consumer gets product information directly from the ultimate source. E-commerce is an information technology trend developing fast in the business world. The corporate and the business world, aptly supported by the IT industry, already stands transferred, which by recent estimate will exceed $400 billion this year. The manufacturer can get customer preferences and needs directly from the ultimate source. Establishing business through e-commerce is also effective due to low cost, and billion of people can be connected at same time. E-commerce, if handled well can greatly reduce the costs of a company and achieve better results than the traditional form of business. akistan has huge potential to move into the Era of electronic trade through E-Commerce. Currently the overall volume of e-commerce in Pakistan is more than $4 billion annually. It is estimated that in near future, almost 25 per cent of the traditional business will be converted into internet business. Pakistan is still a developing country and is in a process of making their way towards the road of technology. “The internet is prevailing like a cloud and it will hit the Pakistan economy positively in the near future”. People are getting aware of the importance of business on the internet rapidly and this will prove good in the favor of Pakistan. There is a lot of scope of e-commerce in Pakistan not only for buyers and sellers, but too many employment opportunities are there in web business which can stimulate the economic growth of the country. 18 JULY 2015 MORE Experts’ estimate that in near future E-commerce is going to change the whole world, therefore Government of Pakistan should take better initiative to improve the required infrastructure to promote the E-Business in Pakistan, because Pakistan is still far behind in chasing the west. In Pakistan, e-commerce is still in its infancy and faces many barriers to grow. The notable barriers are: unavailability of proper infrastructure, frequent failures of power, and limited uses of internet hardly one per cent of the entire population have access to the internet, the issue of security of transactions on the www.moremag.pk “ Entrepreneurs in Pakistan are of the opinion that e- commerce means being able to make and receive payments through internet and any other activity through internet is not considered as e-commerce. “ internet, high bandwidth rates. There is a need to change the perception of Entrepreneurs regarding e-commerce in order to build a strong foundation for E-business. Entrepreneurs should be taught about latest and most popular trends of e-commerce such as, business-to-consumers (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B), Business-to-government (B2G) and government-to-citizens (G2C). Entrepreneurs in Pakistan are of the opinion that e- commerce means being able to make and receive payments through internet and any other activity through internet is not considered as e-commerce. This low level of understanding has led many Pakistani firms to give low priority to e-commerce due to unavailability of proper framework for the internet in the country. Several researches which are being conducted , revealed the fact that a large number of population of Pakistan does not take advantages of internet as either they are not aware of this need or this might be beyond their affordability because of recession and breathtaking unemployment in the country. We must understand that almost 78 per cent of the e-commerce activity takes place in the USA, obviously driven by the use of internet in that country. Nevertheless, Pakistan can make good use of this opportunity with proper planning and execution. To begin with, let us focus on the domestic front before going all out for the global market. of business. Experts estimate that almost up to 25 percent of all traditional businesses will be transformed into online businesses. “Especially the Small and medium sized companies which always found it very difficult to advertise and market their products through the traditional mediums found it very cost efficient through e-commerce”. Moreover, online shopping has been one of the new trends in the country; People are willing to purchase items of their need online. This has resulted in Online shopping portals to grow and prosper which has created the need for online marketing specialists. Banks are playing an important role in increasing the awareness of e-Commerce in Pakistan, like introducing Debit Cards for internet usage, recharging cell phone and paying bills directly from bank account while sitting at home and so on. But what Pakistan needs at the moment is sped up growth in the sector. It can be concluded that there is a lot of scope of e- commerce in Pakistan, and most companies are eager to going to the digital world, but at present due to absence of any policy framework and limited internet market, companies are holding their plans to start e-business until clouds of barriers as discussed are disappeared. e-commerce runs through four steps. The very first step is, to build a website to let the world know about your existence. The website contains information about the company, product/ services and other related information, which can help visitors learn more about the hosts. The second step involves asking customers to loose their pockets and buy online. This step requires adopting advance level of software capable of handling orders. In the third stage inventory, management adds to the system and lastly, providing provisions of payments through online banking partnership between buyers and sellers. E-commerce, if handled well can greatly reduce the costs of a company and achieve better results than the traditional form www.moremag.pk By Shah Faisal Afridi The writer is President of Pak China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry JULY 2015 MORE 19 IT A s the world is becoming a global village today, the process of globalization is spreading towards the developing and underdeveloped countries as well. The advancement in technology and interconnectedness have paved the way towards development but still many communities in the world lack established Internet networks, and hence fail to take advantage of globalization. Looking at the importance and requirement of access to the internet, the founder and CEO of the influential social networking site Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg planned to launch a new project around two years ago, named Internet.org in order to provide the entire world, especially the developing and under-developed communities, with affordable Internet access. 20 JULY 2015 2015 MORE MORE 20 JULY By now, Internet.org has successfully covered its wings across 10 countries of the world and lately, it arrived Pakistan in collaboration with Telenor who is enjoying the second largest position in terms of overall subscribers while first position with respect to 3G subscribers. How does Internet.org work? In Pakistan, the internet.org gives free access to 17 sites to the customers of Telenor currently, however, some other telecom companies and content providers of Pakistan will soon join this initiative of Facebook, reportedly. Following are the websites that can be accessed freely by Telenor connection. 1. Facebook 2. Facebook Messenger www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. IlmKiDuniya Mustakbil OLX Telenor News Urdu Point Cooking Malaria No More BBC Urdu AccuWeather 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Baby Center & MAMA BBC News English Microsoft Bing ESPN Cricinfo Facts for Life Girl Effect Wikipedia These whitelisted sites are not only available for feature phone users but also for the smartphone owners via app available on Google Play Store. Though, there is no app for iOS or Windows Phone yet. With this initiative, a slice of the internet is now available to the respective customers for free, however if you will try to access any of the site that is not a partner with Internet.org, it will cost you money for the data used, while giving a warning before leaving free access. Does internet.org aim to improve the lives of poor communities or something else is still uncovered? OR Is there any secret mission behind Internet.org? OR Improving the lives of poor communities is the full story? On the outside, the project of internet.org is something positive for all the developing countries and poor localities as it brings connectivity and information to people who might not be able to afford it otherwise. However, the critics take it otherwise. There are so many arguments against this project since the beginning. Probably, one of the biggest concerns that is being raised with Internet.org is its privacy policy, which states that, “When you access a website or service through Internet.org, your mobile operator provides us with your phone number. We may collect and use your phone number to determine your eligibility to receive free services, to provide you with relevant offers and services from your operator and others, and to provide you with access to your Facebook account.” Thus as soon as you will connect to internet.org to access the free websites, your mobile number will be automatically handed over to Facebook which is something inconvenient for many users. The digital rights groups also argue that Internet.org threatens freedom of expression, privacy and the principle of net neutrality. Moreover, Internet.org routes all traffic through its own proxy server. This formation disallows users to use a secure 'HTTPS' connection. Though expensive smartphones have the ability to encrypt data that is being transmitted over the internet, but the cheaper smartphones and feature phones lag this facility, putting in danger the privacy of poor communities. www.moremag.pk Several examples from the past also depict that Facebook, on the demands of government of different countries (including Pakistan), provided the information and access of the required people and also removed Facebook pages belonging to activists, journalist and even bloggers. This all situation has raised so many questions in the minds of people regarding the initiative Internet.org. Internet.org - A violation of Net Neutrality Apart from above all, privacy activists claim that Internet. org also violates the principles of Net neutrality, which is a bit recent concept. Net neutrality is basically a positive idea which means that internet should allow everyone to communicate freely, irrespective of the content, source, time, speed and the internet service provider, ensuring unbiasedness. It also focuses on the fact that no websites or pages should be blocked, unless and until they are illegal. More specifically, the internet should be like a telephone connection which do not impose restrictions on people regarding whom should they call and what should they speak. Contrary to this, the role of Internet.org is exactly different as it provides access to few privileged websites and as soon as you try to access other content on the web, it requires you to pay the charges. On the other side, Facebook is observing the whole situation and it responds to the criticism every now and then. The CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg recently claimed that net neutrality is not contradictory to Internet.org and further stated that, "If someone can’t afford to pay for connectivity, it is always better to have some access than none at all." Zuckerberg is of the view that, "We're doing Internet.org to serve our mission of connecting the world rather than trying to make a profit anytime soon. We could make much more money from advertising to rich people than we'd make from advertising to people who can't afford internet access." Conclusion Though there is no doubt about the fact that providing the access to basic internet services is a marvelous idea which can benefit the developing and underdeveloped nations. But when you observe the whole idea, a question strikes to mind, inquiring that is this generous aim to improve the lives of the deprived people the full story? Or the promotion of Facebook associated with billions of advertising revenue is the idea behind Internet.org’s expansion? Honestly, both of these are possible and there is nothing bad about them, but when it comes to freedom of information and privacy concerns, internet.org is more than doubtful. However, in a nutshell, it is heartening to see that activists even from a developing country like Pakistan are standing up for the sake of net neutrality and also to ensure the privacy issues for the people. JULY 2015 MORE 21 APPS 22 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk W ith every passing second in the world, the technology is surrounding each and every segment of our lives and there is no ambiguity about it. Not only education, health, entertainment, professions, and finance but also culture and ritual segments are being highly inspired with the facilitating role of technological advancements and the most prestigious Masjid al-Haram is another example of it. Precisely, the management of the grand mosque in Makkah has introduced two highly popular and common technologies for the visitors and pilgrims out of which one is free WiFi and the other is a dedicated smartphone application. The free WiFi facility embedded in the courtyards of Masjid al-Haram aims to facilitate the visitors and pilgrims so that they may not get lost from their group mates and families. The Director of the Information Technology Center at the presidency, Bandar Al-Khuzaim, on this new facility stated that: “The free WiFi service in the courtyards of the Masjid al-Haram is introduced for the provision of technological services and will be helpful to establish online contacts between the presidency staff and worshippers.” Additionally, there are also reports that presidency staff of the Grand Mosque in Makkah will use wireless networking technology to send guidance and awareness text messages to pilgrims and visitors. Apart from free WiFi, the management of the grand mosque has also introduced another technological facility by means of a smartphone app that has the ability to track the rounds during the tawaf or circumambulation of the Kaaba. The app named ‘Tawaf’ is available for Android as well as iPhone users for free and it tells about the number of completed rounds and informs the user when his/her tawaf is complete. It uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and motion sensors available in a smartphone to determine user’s location within the Haram and even provides details regarding the consumed time to complete the rounds. The app has been developed in collaboration with Umm Al-Qura University’s technical innovation center and its developers are of the view that they have used Bluetooth instead of GPS because it consumes low power which is better to preserve battery life. www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 23 Event THE FLAGSHIP Huawei P8 launched in style 24 JULY 2015 MORE It was not just another night for Huawei Pakistan when it unveiled the latest arsenal P8 among the glamorous people who had come to witness not only the gadget itself but also some outstanding performances by leading musicians of the country. Below is what the camera captured at the event. www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 25 Technology P akistan’s own aircraft JF-17 Thunder fighter recently took part in the oldest show of the world ‘The Paris Air Show’ and interestingly, within six minutes of solo performance, the JF-17 became the center of attraction for the people and successfully secured its first export deal, according to Air Commodore Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mr. Khalid Mahmood. Pakistan Air Force brought three examples this year for the Paris Air Show. One for the static display, one for the flying display, and the last one served as a backup. Air Commodore also told that 11 other countries are showing interest to buy this aircraft from Pakistan and the deliveries of this aircraft will start in the upcoming year 2017. He added that the show is a good venue for meeting prospective customers from French-speaking countries. 26 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk The JF-17 is powered by a single Klimov RD-93 engine. Below is the image of the fighter aircraft along with Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik, Chief Project Director JF-17 Project Pakistan Airforce, PAF Pilots and officials at Le Bourget Paris. Though the Paris Air show was mesmerized with the JF-17 Thunder but on the other side, a Pakistani pilot got pulses racing on social media as soon as his side-pose click from the Paris Air Show went viral and reminded people of the Hollywood heartthrob from popular 80’s movie Top Gun. Squadron Leader Yaser Mudasser who has clocked over 600 flights in JF-17, became an unwitting celebrity when a Twitter user @ proud_khaki tweeted his picture from the Paris Air Show. Wearing the aviators while briefing Pakistani Ambassador to Italy Ms. Tehmina Janjua regarding the aircraft. Soon after, along with the local media, numerous international websites and news channels started reporting about Yaser Mudasser while giving him a title of ‘Pakistani Tom Cruise’. On this unusual fame, Yaser commented by saying “It’s funny. One never imagines that you’ll get this kind of attention when you’re training day-in-day-out.” Talking about his experience with JF-17 Thunder, he added that, “It’s superb. It’s a treat to fly this aircraft. It’s so beautiful and user-friendly”. JF-17 Thunder is basically a multi-role, light combat aircraft which is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, giving it the agility and lethality. It has a complete glass cockpit, excellent man-machine interface and modern self-protection suite, which enhance combat potential and survivability of the aircraft. short range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missile and air-to-surface missiles. Interestingly, this aircraft requires remarkably short lengths of runway for take-off and landing, offering flexibility of aircraft operations at short air strips. It is important to mention here that before the Paris Air Show, Pakistani pilots and aircrafts took part in other air shows of the world as well including Farnborough Air Show in UK, Zhuhai Air Show in China, Turkish Air Show at Turkey and Dubai Air Show in UAE. Equipped with fourth generation avionics systems, the JF-17 Thunder possesses a wide range of conventional and smart weapons, long range glide bombs, beyond Visual range and www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 27 Technology PTA moves against Cellular operators for misreporting number of subscribers P akistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken notice of the misreporting of number of cellular subscribers in the country. In its latest directive, the authority has asked all five cellular operators in the country to submit their active number of subscribers who have gone through biometric SIM verification process. The latest directive “Monthly Subscribers”, a copy of which lies with More Magazine, says, “It is requested to provide monthly subscribers information as per the definition of ITU (90 days active subscribers) but BVS verified.” After Biometric SIM verification process (BVS) that was conducted as a part of national action plan, the number of cellular subscribers in Pakistan has dropped by 15% as newly compiled data of all five cellular operators including Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone, Zong and Warid. However, some of the cellular operators have been found misreporting their number of subscribers in their communications for creating an impression of being the best performers. A PTA official emphasized that the authority will take strict action against those cellular operators who fail to comply. Prior to the massive drive of biometric SIM verification process at the start of current year, the total number of subscribers stood at 135.8 million in the country with Mobilink dominating in terms of market share followed by Telenor, Zong, Ufone and Warid. However, the decline in total and individual subscribers base hasn’t disturbed the sequence as yet. Interestingly, as of June 2015, Telenor lost the most number of subscribers (5.14 million) which brings down their number to 31.4 million from 36.5 million which the operator boasted prior to BVS. Similarly, Mobilink lost 4.56 million, Zong 3.64 million, Ufone 4.36 million and Warid 2.67 million showing a total of 20.36 million decline. The following table shows the existing number of cellular subscribers in million after biometric SIM verification process as of June 2015. Mobilink Telenor Zong Ufone Warid Subscribers (Dec 2014) 38.5 36.5 26.3 22.0 12.5 Subscribers (June 2015) 33.9 31.4 22.7 17.6 9.8 28 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk As per latest development, the market share of cellular operators has been auto readjusted still giving a leading position to Mobilink with 29.4% followed by Telenor, Zong, Ufone and Warid with 27.2%, 19.7%,15.3% and 8.5% respectively. portrays a negative impact which was earlier recorded as 16.2% and 9.2%. Following table shows the summary of new and old market share in percent (%) Among all five, only the market share of Warid and Ufone Mobilink Telenor Zong Ufone Warid Market Share (Dec 2014) 28.3 26.9 19.4 16.2 9.2 Market Share (June 2015) 29.4 27.2 19.7 15.3 8.5 IBM’s new chip can boost up performance from Smartphone to Aircraft development which is ready to University of NewYork. revolutionize the whole eco- Today, most chips in computers system. and other smart devices use microprocessors in the range of In its latest quest to make a mark, 22 to 14 nanometers but this 7 IBM has unveiled industry’s first nanometer chip can 50% reduce 7 nanometer chip that can take the power consumption and bring the computing power to a next performance improvement right level while holding 20 billion tiny away. transistors. The technology can play a bigger This new chip is a result of $3 to meet the needs of future cloud he innovation is never ending billion research project which computing, Big Data Systems, and every now and then we was also participated by Samsung Smartphones, mobile products come across a technological and GlobalFoundries at the State and other technologies. T Nikon’s Coolpix P900 camera blows mind with stunning 83x optical zoom lens N ikon Coolpix P900 camera is However, some people pointed out by making so many buzzers on the saying that what the camera actually internet with its truly amazing captures is the rotation of Earth. and outstanding performances. The Nikon Coolpix P900 costs around A recent video taken with this camera $600 (some Rs.61,000) and is having a 16 surrounded the internet as it seems megapixel low-light CMOS sensor. The to capture the stunning sight of the camera is also equipped with Wi-Fi and movement of Moon with its 83x optical NFC, allowing you to share photos as zoom lens which is equivalent to a 24quickly as you want. 2000mm on a 35mm sensor. Additionally, there is also GPS feature www.moremag.pk embedded in the camera which can pinpoint where your images were shot. There is a Dual Detect Optical VR technology in Nikon Coolpix P900 which uses two sensors to prevent camera shakes. The company claims that this camera can provide up to 360 shots on a single battery charge. JULY 2015 MORE 29 Telecom PAKISTAN SEES MASSIVE INCREASE IN SMARTPHONES SHIPMENTS DURING Q1 OF 2015 I nternational Data Corporation (IDC) has just come up with the latest report regarding Pakistan which is showing an outstanding growth of country’s smartphone market. During the first quarter of 2015, the smartphones shipments in Pakistan have been increased by a whopping 124%, according to the latest findings from global technology research and consulting firm. Interestingly, the smartphones shipments during last three months have increased by 21% and IDC gives the credit to the deployment of 3G and 4G services in Pakistan for this major shift in demand for compatible devices with the new infrastructure. Hence, Pakistan, which was once known for high demand of feature phones around three years ago is now undergoing a drastic shift to the smartphones. Today, around 30% of the devices that are shipped to Pakistan are smartphones up from 25.3% from the same time slot of the previous quarter. However, the smartphone shipments were only 14.7% in the corresponding period last year. With the rollout of Next Generation Mobile Services (3G and 4G) in Pakistan last year, the smartphone adoption rate has increased tremendously while the market is witnessing an upsurge in the number of vendors. According to the recent indicators revealed by telecom regulatory body, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the total number of subscribers using 3G and 4G services in Pakistan have crossed 13 million mark just within a year of the auction. Surprisingly, the biometric verification of SIMs that declined cellular teledensity to an adequate level did not affect the upward trajectory of the 3G/4G usage. IDC in the same report predicts that the proportion of smart30 JULY 2015 MORE phones will soon overtake feature phones within next two years with the penetration of 3G and 4G services in the country. As of now, the mobile phone penetration in the country stands at around 75% in Pakistan as declared by IDC. Meanwhile, the already practiced trend of possessing dual device is expected to rise further, with consumers increasingly acquiring a smartphone in addition to their existing feature phones. Qmobile is still the major dominator with an overall unit share of 58%, feature phone as well as smartphone segments. Nokia is having 17% handset share in the country while Voice mobile is having 5% share. A senior research analyst for handsets at IDC Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, Isaac T. Ngatia marked his views by saying that, "Vendors that get the right mix in price, product offering, and user experience will have the edge in driving increased share of the smartphone market. A great example of this is the success that Huawei has experienced in Pakistan, securing a 7% share of the smartphone market in Q1 2015. This was due to the success of its Y520/Y530 and Honor 3/3C offerings, which had the perfect balance between price and features. As things stand, price will play the most critical role in driving volumes in this market." Though, IDC expects that the competition will further intensify due to the presence of other players like Voice, HTC, Lenovo and Oppo. While not to mention here that local competitors like Rivo mobile and Haier have also come up with new handsets for the people to escalate the competition. Hence, it is not difficult to say that smartphone popularity and increasing competition among vendors is not only empowering the customers by means of cost-effective and technologically advanced gadgets but also helping the country to keep pace with developed and digitalized nations ultimately. www.moremag.pk Technology Removing a Virus from Android Smartphone T he virus is something that can take control of almost any computing device in the world, may it be a PC or your smartphone you can’t live without. What if your Android smartphone catches a virus and start behaving like nonsense device. The virus would definitely be an app that can transmit your private data to any other part of the world without you having a slightest of clue about it until the damage is done. Apart from hacking into your private info, the virus can turn your phone upside down. There are few steps that you can take to either stop this devil from entering into your smartphone or you can remove it if it is there. Stay Away from Apps that are not on Google Play The very first remedy is to stay away from the applications / apps that are not on Google Play, which means, don’t install apps that are not known to Google. Make sure that you never install such app by turning on the option that is present in every Android device. Open Setting menu and look for ‘security’ option and ensure that ‘allow installation of apps from unknown sources’ is disabled. There could be valid reasons when you would want to install an app which is placed other than Play Store. In that case, do your homework before installing it. Check its permissions, read the online reviews about this application and carefully read the developer’s site which will give you an idea about the reputation and performance of this app. Why would a video player app need the permission to access your contacts? Go for an anti-virus Look for an anti-virus for your smartphone. There are plenty of free options available on the market but there are always the paid version for more serious players. Nevertheless, certain free apps are more than enough to create the basic level of deterrence. 360 security, AVAST, AVG etc are the ones that you can install freely and you will feel a positive impact on the performance of your phone. Certain anti-virus apps can trigger false notification about the apps that you have been using for months. Knowing the fact that these apps have not been a security risk to you, the notifications can be simply ignored. How to remove an anti-virus from your phone www.moremag.pk Continue on Page 37.... JULY 2015 MORE 31 Technology Microsoft to Release Windows10 W with some major innovations hile avoiding the name Windows 9 after introducing Windows 8, Microsoft is about to come up with the latest version of Windows operating system and that is Windows 10. This version is said to be the last major release of Microsoft’s venerable operating system and there will be no Windows 11 after Windows 10. However, the company is not intending to kill Windows OS completely as it announced that it will still work on Windows 10 though, the updates and new innovations will be introduced in an ongoing manner. While avoiding the name Windows 9 after introducing Windows 8, Microsoft is about to come up with the latest version of Windows operating system and that is Windows 10. This version is said to be the last major release of Microsoft’s venerable operating system and there will be no Windows 11 after Windows 10. However, the company is not intending to kill Windows OS completely as it announced that it will still work on Windows 10 though, the updates and new innovations will be introduced in an ongoing manner. Here are the 7 different Windows 10 editions that will be available at launch 1. Windows 10 Home 5. Windows 10 Education 2. Windows 10 Mobile 6. Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise 3. Windows 10 Pro 7. Windows 10 IoT 4. Windows 10 Enterprise For the ones who are using genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for one year while the standalone copies of this OS will be available for the users at a price tag of nearly $119. 32 JULY 2015 MORE Below are the major changes that are coming to Windows 10: 1. Windows 10 is coming up with some striking changes this time, for example, the Start menu will feature empowered www.moremag.pk search capabilities through Microsoft’s voice assistant Cortana for PCs, tablets and the smartphones giving tough competition to Apple’s Siri and Android’s Google Now. developed while keeping in mind the next emerging trend of Internet of Things. 2. Microsoft Edge is the new internet browser that will replace internet explorer in Windows 10. Edge, previously known as project Spartan will be faster and leaner than the old Internet Explorer. 6. The latest Windows version will be having a brand new Photos app that enhances photos automatically and can pull down images from the device and cloud storage, eliminating duplication issue. Moreover, it will also be able to create photo albums based on when and where photos were taken and also the subjects of those photos. 3. Every Windows 10 device will be having the pre-installed Xbox app through which the users will be able to record the gaming sessions and share them across the Xbox network. They will also be able to control the Xbox One through a virtualized remote control within the Xbox One app on Windows 10. 7. Windows 10 is also coming with some other pre-loaded utility apps like Maps, Mail & Calendar, Music, and Video. All of these apps use OneDrive to backup user’s data and sync it across all Windows 10 devices of a user. 8. Microsoft is introducing a new Windows Store along with Windows 10 which is said to deliver a unified shopping experience so that you may browse the store on your PC, tablet, or phone and easily purchase digital content including apps, games, music, movies and TV shows. 4. The company has also taken strict security measures for Windows 10 with two-factor authentication (2FA) and it also intends to protect user identities by storing user access tokens in a secure container that runs on top of Hyper-V technology, isolated from the rest of the OS. 9. With Windows 10, the users will be able to open up to four apps/tasks in a single view. It also allows to create virtual desktops when the user feel the need of more space. 5. Windows 10 will also offer a data loss prevention solution that will allow users to separate their corporate personae from their non-work ones and additionally, it is being Police used Bomb-sweeping robot to ensure security of Youm-e-Ali procession I n an effort to ensure stringent security in the metropolis, the Sindh police for the first time used a Britain-made robot to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the recent occasion of Youm-i-Ali. The anti-IED robot is suitable for defusing a suicide jacket with minimum chances of explosion. It is capable to climb stairs and can detect an IED/bomb weighing up to 1,000 kg within a radius of one kilometre. It has been brought from Britain and is pretty expensive (worths around Rs. 10) while the police is planning to buy further 10 to 15 anti-IED robots. There are four cameras and one rifle gun is installed in the robot for monitoring and searching while it is controlled through specialised vans. Interestingly, the robot uses X-ray technology to identify the explosive material and uses the rifle for unlocking or defusing. The short height of this robot is a plus point as it can easily explore under bikes and cars. Hence, with the help of this little yet technologically advanced robot, it has become easier for the security agencies to detect the explosive materials and additionally, the need to put lives of Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) into risk has been minimized. www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 33 Technology Volvo replaces front passenger seat for its Child Seat concept T he Swedish automobile company Volvo redesigned an entire car with an innovative idea for the parents to keep their babies (under the age of 4) safe and happy. The company has stripped out the front passenger seat of its XC90 Excellence and replaced it with swiveling baby seat in a way that it faces the rear of the car. The configuration of this specially designed car allows the baby to maintain eye contact with the driver or someone sitting in the back seat. There is also a storage place underneath the seat while the bottles can be kept warm in heated cup holders. Volvo’s chief designer for interiors Tisha Johnson while commenting on the new Child Seat concept told that the company wanted to “make life easier for parents and safer for their children." Volvo has focused on three key benefits with this new concept car: 1. Making it easier to get the child into and out of the child seat. 2. Providing the child with a safe rearward-facing seating position that enables it to keep eye contact with either the driver or the rear passenger. 3. Including enough storage for those vital child accessories. Volvo says that the safety, convenience, and emotional factors are more outweighing than everything else and hence allowing parents to maintain eye contact with a child from the rear seat, or keeping a bottle warm in the heated cup holders in the XC90 Excellence will ultimately make life easier for people with their small child on a trip. Though this new concept seems very convenient that totally minimizes the problems faced by parents with the traditional baby car seat but there are no words from Volvo that when this Child Seat concept will reach the market for sales. 34 JULY 2015 2015 MORE MORE 34 JULY www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk Google’s Android One Finally Comes Home with Qmobile Noir A1 G oogle has recently launched its affordable smartphone platform Android One for Pakistani market in collaboration with the Pakistan’s giant Qmobile which is holding the highest share in the local handset market. Qmobile Noir A1 is the company’s first smartphone which has got the fortune to feature high-quality hardware along with the latest version of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop in a very affordable price of Rs. T 11,500. Noir A1 is having 4.5-inch IPS display along with FWVGA (854×480) resolution. It is powered by 1.3 GHz quad-core processor with possible SoC of MediaTek MT6582 and Cortex-A7 CPU. The rear camera of this smartphone is 5 MP while 2 MP camera is embedded on the front. Along with 1GB of RAM, Noir A1 holds 8 GB internal storage, a microSD card slot for additional storage space and 1,700 mAh battery. Other features of this smartphone include dual-SIM capability, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM Radio and GPS connectivity. It's been a year only when Google Announced its project Android One for the low-end smartphones basically for the developing countries so that people may afford buying Android devices. In September last year, this project was being rolled out in India and finally it has made its way to Pakistan with an advantage of having proper Android support. MICROSOFT RESTRUCTURES PHONE HARDWARE BUSINESS AFTER LOSS IN NOKIA DEAL he American tech giant Microsoft has recently announced a major change in its existing hardware strategy mainly because of the failure that it earned from the acquisition of Nokia that took place sometime last year. The company is also cutting up nearly 7,800 jobs, mostly from the phone business. As a result of this, Microsoft will writeoff $7.6 billion on its Nokia business which is more than the $7.2 billion that www.moremag.pk were actually paid for Nokia deal. Moreover, Microsoft has also revealed that it will be allocating around $750 to $850 million to restructure phone hardware business. This bold step by the company revealed when the CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella wrote an email regarding it to the employees, stating that: a standalone phone business to a strategy to grow and create a vibrant Windows ecosystem including our first- party device family. In the near-term, we’ll run a more effective and focused phone portfolio while retaining capability for long-term reinvention in mobility.” By now, instead of emphasizing on the growth of smartphone, Microsoft is said to shift focus on the expansion of software and cloud segments. “We are moving from a strategy to grow JULY 2015 MORE 35 Technology PTA Launches Smart Pakistan Portal To Promote Mobile Broadband A s part of its effort to encourage the use of mobile broadband, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a web portal named “Smart Pakistan” (www.smartpakistan.pk). This web portal will provide one-stop repository and directory of mobile applications focusing on different thematic areas such as m-Education, m-Health, m-Government, etc. It will provide an easy to use platform where a user can search for applications related to their requirements. The aim of ‘Smart-Pakistan initiative’ is also to engage the application developers and give them an opportunity to showcase Chairman PTA Dr. Ismail Shah along with members of PTA presiding over launch of Smart Pakistan Portal. their apps through this portal. The Smart Pakistan Initiative is first path-breaking step towards achieving this objective. The emphasis of this initiative will be to promote mobile applications and services that are relevant to the Pakistani society and at the same time to encourage operators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and local developers in promoting innovative ideas. This initiative will bring all stakeholders such as citizens, government, mobile operators, OEMs, international organizations, academia, mobile entrepreneurs and others under one platform to build a sustainable echo-system. In collaboration with professionals from the industry, PTA has also set up a ‘Smart Pakistan m-Lab’ at its headquarters to provide mentoring and coaching services for young mobile applications developers and entrepreneurs. It will provide start-up, acceleration and launch services to the developers. It may be further added that the Smart Pakistan is an ongoing initiative and its m-Education Platform has been formally launched today at PTA Headquarters Islamabad. Disappointing sales of latest Galaxy S6 flagship pull Samsung into Loss T he South Korean tech giant Samsung has recently revealed that the second quarter profits of the company are observed to be lower than expectations of its latest Galaxy S6 flagship and hence the operating income declined 4% for the Q2 of 2015 to $6.1 billion by the end of June. Despite opening several new production line to meet the demand, the reason for the declined sales is 36 JULY 2015 MORE said to be the shortage in the supply of these devices alongside the meek demand from the major markets across the world, as said by Samsung. The sales of Samsung Galaxy S6 flagship clocked in at $42.24 billion (48 trillion won) however, the expectations were around $46.64 billion (53 trillion won) from 37 analysts compiled by Bloomberg. The overall decline observed in sales is 8.3% as compared to the same quarter of 2014. www.moremag.pk It means that the latest and the most premium flagship by Samsung did not manage to attract the customers probably due to its competitor’s iPhone 6 and other smartphones offered by different brands. Commenting about the Galaxy S6 declined sales, an equity analyst at HMC Investment Securities Co, Greg Roh stated that: “S6 didn’t sell as well as the market had hoped for, partly because of continued outperformance of iPhones combined with the supply constraint. The sales sharply missed the market expectation, which implies that overall technology industry demand for smartphones, TVs and PCs is weakening. It doesn’t matter how competitive you are if overall demand is weak. Third-quarter earnings will likely be similar to the second quarter.” Moreover, the share price of Samsung which has fallen 7.2% this year, went down further by 0.8% recently after the announcement of the earnings estimate. Continued from Page 31.... If you know that your smartphone is infected with a virus or malware then you need to kick that out of your system. There are couple of ways to do the task. The most lethal one is the factory reset that will erase everything on your smartphone device but the drawback is that you will also lose your entire data on the device. Before going ahead with such an attempt, make sure that have taken the backup of all the data. The backup can be on a local computer or you can store things on auto with the help of certain cloud services. Many of the brands including Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo etc are offering their own cloud services for backing up and restoring the data. Removing the app manually Step 1 Another safe way is to pinpoint the app which is the trouble maker. Go into the Safe Mode of your smartphone which prevents all the third-party app including the virus. On most of the devices, Safe Mode can be activated by doing the following steps; a) b) c) Turn off your Android device. Press the Power button to start your device. During the startup, hold down the Menu button/Volume key until the device starts into Safe Mode. Safe Mode can always be turned off by just restarting your device. Step 2 Open the Setting Menu, choose Apps and click the tab Downloaded. See which app is troubling you or if you don’t know the name of particular app, go through the entire list and see which app looks fishy which was not installed by you. Step 3 Tap on the malicious app and you will see an interface that will match the image. Force stop and Uninstall the app. Just that. Some stubborn viruses gain the device administrator status and in such case the Uninstall button gets greyed. That means you cannot press it. Step 4 In such a case, exit the apps, once again go into Settings, Security but this time, tap on Device Administrator. Here you will find a list of apps having the status of Administrator. Simply, untick the box for the app you want to remove and then ‘Deactivate’ it on the next screen. Now, it should be very easy for you to “Uninstall” the app from Apps area. Step 5 As we have mentioned above, you can restart your smartphone now to deactivate the Safe Mode and start using your device normally. www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 37 Continued from Page 15... 38 JULY 2015 2015 MORE MORE 38 JULY www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk Qmobile Noir S1 Haier Klassic M102 General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery 3G 5.0 inches 1 GB 8 GB Android 5.0Lollipop 1.3GHz Quadcore 5 MP, 5 MP 2000 mAh General GPRS Display 2.4 inches FM Radio yes Flash Light yes Camera 0.3 M pixel Battery 1450 mAh Micro SD Up to 16GB Price : Rs10,950 Price : Voice Xtreme V40 Haier Pursuit G20 General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery Price: 3G 4 inches 512 MB 4 GB Android 4.4.2 KitKat 1.2 GHz Dual Core, cortex-A7 Processor 5MP, 2MP 1500 mAh Rs 7,300 Haier Pursuit G30 www.moremag.pk Rs2,300 General Display RAM Storage Os CPU Camera Battery Price : 3G 4.5 inches 512 MB 4 GB Android 4.2 JellBean 1.2 GHz Dual Core 8 MP, Digital 1650 mAh Rs11,500 Haier Esteem i70 General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery 3G 4.5 inches 512 MB 4 GB Android 4.4.2 KitKat 1.3 GHz Dual Core 5MP, 2MP 1600 mAh General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery 3G 5 inches 1 GB 16 GB Android 4.4 KitKat 1.4 GHz Octacore 13 MP, 5 MP 2300 mAh Price: Rs 8,999 Price : Rs 17,999 JULY 2015 MORE 39 Qmobile Noir X950 General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery 4G LTE 5 inches 2 GB 16 GB Android 4.4 KitKat 1.5GHz Octa core 13 MP, 5 MP 2500 mAh General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery Price: Rs.26,500 Price: Rs. 10,999 Qmobile Noir A1 3G 4.5 inches 1 GB 8 GB Android 4.4 KitKat 1.3 GHz quad-core 8 MP, 2 MP 1730 mAh Samsung Galaxy V Plus General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery 3G 4.5 inches 1 GB 8 GB Android 5.1.1 Lollipop 1.3GHz quad-core 5 MP, 2 MP 1700 mAh General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery Price: Rs.11,500 Price: Rs8,300 Approx Huawei Y3 3G 4.5 inches 1 GB 4 GB Android 4.4 KitKat 1.2GHz dual-core 3.15 MP, VGA 1500 mAh Microsoft Lumia 540 General Display RAM Storage OS CPU Camera Battery GPRS/EDGE 4.0 inches 512 MB 4 GB Android 4.4 KitKat 1.3GHz quad-core 5 MP, 2 MP 1730 mAh Price: Rs.8,499 40 JULY 2015 MORE Huawei Y5 General Display RAM ROM OS CPU Camera Battery Price: 3G 5 inches 1 GB 8 GB Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 8 MP, 5 MP Li-Ion 2200 mAh Rs.16,250 www.moremag.pk Qmobile Noir Z8 General Display RAM ROM OS CPU Camera Battery Micro SD Huawei P8 3G, 4G 5 inches IPS HD 2GB 16GB Android 4.4 KitKat 1.2GHz Quad core 13 MP, 5 MP 2400 mAh Up to 64GB Price: Rs 19,999 3G, 4G, LTE 5.2 Inches 3 GB 16 GB 5.0.2 Lollipop Octa Core 64 bit 2.0 GHz, Silicon Kirin 630 13 MP, 8 MP 2680 mAh Upto 128 GB Price:    Rs. 50,000 Rivo Rhythm RX60 Rivo PZ8 General Display RAM ROM OS CPU Camer Battery Micro SD 3G 4.5 inches 1GB 4GB Android 4.4 KitKat Qualcomma Quadcore 12 MP, 5 MP 2000mAh Up to 32 GB Price: Rs.13,800 Infinix Hot Note General Display RAM ROM OS CPU Camera Battery Micro SD General Display RAM ROM OS CPU Camera Battery Micro SD 3G 5.0 Inches 1 GB 8 GB Android 4.4 KitKat 1.3 GHZ Quad-Core 8 MP, 2 MP 3000 mAh up to 32GB Price:      Rs.13,800 Rivo Neo N310 3G 5.5 Inches 1 GB 16 GB Android 4.4.2 Kitkat Octa Core 1.4 GHZ, Cortex A-7 8 MP, 2 MP 4000 mAh Upto 32 GB Price:     Rs. 12,900 www.moremag.pk General Display RAM ROM OS CPU Camera Battery Micro SD General GSM Display 2.4 inches FM Wireless with recording Mobile Tracker yes Camera Digital camera Battery 1200 mAh Micro SD Up to 32 GB Price: Rs. 2,150 JULY 2015 MORE 41 Month in Focus Mobicash Now has the Largest Mobile Account Registration Network in Pakistan I n a bid to facilitate customers, enable ease of access and grow its network, Mobicash has announced it shall now be utilizing its 55,000 strong retailer base for registration of new Mobile Accounts. This first of its kind initiative enables Mobicash to have the largest number of Mobile Account registration locations in Pakistan and would help reduce the divide between the banked and unbanked population of Pakistan. Aniqa Afzal Sandhu, Head of Mobile Financial Services explained the thought behind this development by stating, “We are continuously striving to ensure a greater part of the population realizes and utilizes the numerous benefits associated with Mobicash Mobile Account. Furthermore, Mobicash has always promoted branchless banking in the country since our vision is to bridge the prevalent divide between the banked and unbanked population.” Mobilink customers can also open a mobile account by dialing *786# from their Bio-metrically verified SIM or by visiting any Mobilink Franchise, Mobilink customer care center or Branch of Waseela Microfinance Bank. Through a Mobicash Mobile Account, customers can avail an array of services like Bill Payment, Money Transfer, ATM Cards, IBFT, Other Mobile Operator Top-ups and others features all through their mobile handsets. Mobicash Introduces Other Mobile Operator Load Purchase M obicash has introduced a first of its kind service Other Mobile Operator (OMO) Load Purchase for all Mobicash Mobile Account Users. Through OMO Load Purchase service Mobicash Mobile Account users can now buy Prepaid AirTime for all subscribers of selected Telecom operators as well. Previously, this service was available to purchase only Mobilink Load. This service is a big step towards giving more freedom to the customers and building further on inter-connectivity platform after the launch of Inter-Bank Funds Transfer service launched earlier this year. To avail this service, registered Mobicash Mobile Account users can dial *786# from their mobile phone, select the Load Purchase option, followed by the company whose’ subscriber’s load they want to purchase. Customer is given fixed denominations of load amount to choose from. Mobicash’s OMO Load Purchase service builds upon several other innovative financial services offered by Mobicash, the most recent being an inventive corporate health insurance product – MobiCare. The Other Mobile Operator Load purchase is currently available for selected telecom operator Warid Bima Accidental Insurance facilitates customers with easy installment plans W arid Telecom has recently collaborated with Alfalah Insurance and Milvik Mobile Pakistan to introduce Warid Bima Accidental Insurance for its customers with hassle free, paper-free and lowcost installment plans. The monthly price is divided into 30 equal installments and is charged twice per day till the entire month’s price is received. If your prepaid balance is low, you may not be charged or you may only be charged one installment for that day, as said by the company. Interestingly, Warid Bima Accidental Insurance not only covers accidental death but also permanent partial disablement and unlike the traditional insurance policies, you are not required to fill complex forms to get financial security, rather you can simply subscribe to this by sending an SMS. 42 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk Niaz A. Malik Appointed as Deputy CEO Zong N iaz A Malik has been appointed as Deputy CEO Zong – China Mobile Pakistan which is a subsidiary of the telecom operator ‘China Mobile” with over 800 Million subscribers. The appointment of Mr. Malik marks a greater quest of Zong to have an aggressive growth in the Pakistani market. Mr. Malik had been given multiples roles within Zong. As its Chief Strategy Officer he was a fundamental force to carve out the growth plan for China Mobile Pakistan in which the company acquired over 50% market share in the Pakistani market in the year 2013 and hefty market share in the later years. He remained the Chief Corporate Sales officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Enterprise and Governance. He also headed its multi dimension Platform and Partnership (P&P) initiatives along with being head of its PR and its Mobile Financial unit (MFS) in the recent years. The appointment is a greater quest of Zong to further enchase its market share as the only 3G & 4G operator in Pakistan which has been flexing its muscle to penetrate further into the corporate markets. Over the last seven years the company has invested over 3 billion USD to create a competitive edge. Zong injected over 45% of the total investment made in the auction last year, in order to acquire new spectrum. This step was taken to facilitate its ever expanding customer base with the most premium services in the country. With its recent investment of over 1 billion USD, China Mobile Pakistan has aggressive plans to deploy the largest 4G network in Pakistan in coming years. Mr. Malik is respected in the Telecom circles as one of the premier strategic brains with immense understanding of operations, technology and aggressive marketing capabilities. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President Corporate Sales, Executive Vice President Product Development, Executive Vice President Central and Chief Information Officer of Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL). He has worked as a management consultant with top fortune 50 companies in the USA and Canada before coming to Pakistan and is a graduate of prestigious Universities from the USA. Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime & Core-2 Emerge As Pakistan’s Best-Selling Smartphones A recent report published by a globally renowned “Retail Audit Company” has stated that; two of Samsung’s affordable and sleek smartphones – the Galaxy Grand Prime and Core-2 are getting an overwhelming response from the Pakistani consumers. Since January 2015, these two products have become the best-selling products in Pakistan’s device market. The Head of Mobile’s Samsung Pakistan and Afghanistan – Mr. Farid Ullah Jan has recently stated that; “Samsung would like to extend heartfelt thanks to its consumers for their continued trust in the Samsung brand. We are proud to be the creators of reliable and affordable technologies that make the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime and Core-2 success stories for the emerging www.moremag.pk markets. These two popular smart phones have been achieving the highest sales volumes in the Pakistani market for the past two consecutive months. I would like to congratulate the team at Samsung Pakistan, on this great achievement.” The Dual-SIM Galaxy Grand Prime and Core-2 are among the most admired and celebrated smart phones created by Samsung. These powerful devices are fully loaded with 3G-connectivity and run on the new Android KitKat Operating System. Both these smartphones have got power packed batteries, brilliant rear and front camera results and are undoubtedly capable of giving smooth and unhindered user experience. JULY 2015 MORE 43 Month in Focus HUAWEI LAUNCHES Y3 H THE FEATURE RICH SMARTPHONE uawei technologies has now announced the launch of a new smartphone – Huawei Y3, long awaited across the world, including Pakistan. This smart device will be available for RS. 8, 499/- with a smart offer from Zong offer i.e. free 6GB internet for 6 months. The Huawei Y3 with its 4.0 inch LCD screen can be termed as a useful companion in the smartphone world as it has a high speed quad core processor and runs on an Android 4.4 operating system with 4GB RAM. It promises the users a vibrant new world of infotainment and connectivity on-the-go. The slim Huawei Y3 weighs only about 120g and is available in black, white, red and blue colors. The quad core processor makes the phone much smarter and faster, enabling the user to get more out of the device. The feature rich 5MP camera on the smartphone comes with a “smart beauty” camera function, which allows stunning photography. A dual flash ensures great pictures even in a dark environment. The 2MP front camera also helps you take superb selfies. It is believed the Y3 will be one of the most sophisticated and popular addition to Huawei’s product portfolio in Pakistan, as it reflects Huawei’s pursuit to become the number one technology company in the country. The Y3 can be used for longer hours as its high capacity 1730 mAh battery lasts longer due to Huawei’s super power-saving technology that provides ultra-long endurance. The smartphone also offers exceptional user friendliness with Huawei’s latest User Interface. The Y3 comfortably fits in the palm of the hand as the shape sports rounded edges, while the 3D patterned texture provides a firm grip. The surface is designed with an organic shape that is simple yet elegant. The Director of Huawei Devices Pakistan, Mr. Fanhong Bruce– stated that, “The overwhelming response received in the global markets shows that this powerful device will gain rapid popularity in Pakistan’s smart-phone market. Huawei Y3is designed to win the hearts of various segments of the Pakistani customers, who are already appreciating its powerful features and rich performance. It will surely give a real tough time to the competing smart-phones range available in the country.” State Bank Introduces SMS Service to Get New Currency Notes on Eid 44 JULY 2015 MORE K eeping in mind the hassle of getting the new currency notes especially on the national festivals like Eid, the State Bank of Pakistan has come up with a new strategy to facilitate people. Now, instead of standing in long queues outside the banks or giving extra money to get the fresh currency notes, people will be able to get the work done by means of a short SMS code 8877. The SMS service has been launched in collaboration of Pakistan Bank Association (PBA) and it will be functional from July 8, 2015 that is, 20th Ramzan ul Mubarak. www.moremag.pk Certificate Distribution Ceremony Of solar photovoltaic training A l-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science (KICS) and Center for Energy Research and Development (CERAD), University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore has been conducting Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Pumping Training for the underprivileged youth of Punjab with association of Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) since December 2014. Course is consisted of three months duration delivering extensive theoretical as well as practical training to youth of Punjab. Two batches of this training have been completed under the flag of KICSCERAD. Second batch (April-July 2015) has just finished with fiftyeight (58) passed out trainees and Certificate distribution ceremony was executed on 7th July, 2015. shared his experiences with old and new batch of PSDF trainees and rest of the audience. He encouraged students to take step ahead of their seniors, to learn from their experiences and to work whole heartedly. A number of dignitaries from solar industries in Pakistan joined the event to provide their support and prayers to the passed out trainees. It became an excellent opportunity for trainees to meet with the industry experts; share their experiences and to discuss their future plans in the scope of solar technology. The Honorable Chief Guest Additional Secretary Energy Department Punjab Mr. Khalid Awais Ranjha and Distinguished Guest Mr. Muhammad Aamir Chief Executive Officer from Tesla Industries Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Shahid Awan Chief Executive Officer Solar tech Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Baqar Bilal Chief Executive Officer GET Technologies, Mr. Omar Akhtar Communication Team Punjab Skills Development Fund; and Mr. Mou from ZTE graced the occasion. Mr. Baqar Bilal from GET technologies admitted the hard work in developing skills of the youth and part played by UET. Furthermore, he provided open opportunities of funding for research and development in solar technology which is need of the hour. www.moremag.pk Mr. Aamir from Tesla Industries Mr. Omar Akhtar from communication team PSDF briefed about new scheme of PSDF Skills for Employability 2015 in which 79 Training service providers have been awarded contract and 14 districts are targeted in this scheme. He emphasized on the slogan of PSDF which is to develop skillful youth for brighter Pakistan. Mr. Mou from ZTE also appreciated work of UET as largest public university. He excitedly admit the friendship of PakChina in various domains and shared his pleasant experience working with Pakistan Government. Honorable secretary Energy Mr. Khalid Awais Ranjha said that UET, Lahore has always played a vital role in the field of technology dissemination and training of young individuals for their brighter future. He appreciated the help received from KICS-CERAD team in various Government Projects. Additional Secretary gave timeline of Solar Park Project of 1000 MW which would be in generation line by March 2016. He insisted that Government is working hard in serious energy conditions and recently, about 200 Engineers will be sent for thermal power plants, solar and wind technology trainings to China. He added best wishes for PSDF trainees and encouraged them by saying that Pakistan has faced worst energy crisis; and solar technology as well as coal technology will prove to be the brighter ray in this darkest hour, for our nation. Ceremony moved on with distribution of certificates to the passed trainees in order of their grade ranking. JULY 2015 MORE 45 Social Media Social media poked fun at Komal Rizvi as her controversial selfie went viral K omal Rizvi, a renowned pop singer, actress and songwriter recently faced severe outrage on social media as she posted a selfie with well-known social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi, who is seriously ill and lying on the hospital bed. The controversial selfie was having Komal Rizvi with a big smile at with distressed and unwell Edhi. Forgetting the recent Shan Food ad, the social media users wasted no time to react and started making memes of Komal's selfie. Although a very few did it out of anger while most of the netizens jumped in for mere fun and entertainment. All in all, from Shaista Lodhi's wedding pictures to scenes from Game of Thrones and even KitKat talcum Powder, the memes featuring Komal with nearly everybody and in almost every bizarre situation from the recent happenings. The memes went viral and Komal remained the part of Twitter and Facebook trend for continuous three days under different hashtags while she and her followers continuously defended the selfie action in the forefront of the charitable cause during Ramazan. Obviously, Komal have had her heart in the right place but keeping it apart, the memes were hilarious and you should not miss them out so have a look at few of them! 46 JULY 2015 MORE www.moremag.pk www.moremag.pk JULY 2015 MORE 47