Pocket-friendly: Best smartphones under Rs. 20,000

The Samsung Omnia W is a great Windows 

Phone available at under Rs 20,000. 

The operating system is sure to impress 

even the hardest of critics. 

Plus, the phone is very snappy to use.

These days, every other day we hear about a company releasing a premium smartphone. We all enjoy reading about them, using them and aspire to own them. But the truth is, not all of us can afford to spend upwards of Rs.30,000 on these phones. In fact, for most people, Rs.20,000 is the most that  they would ever spend on a mobile phone. 

Fortunately for such people, there is no shortage of good smartphones under this price barrier. Today, we shall be looking at some of the mid-range smartphones that you can purchase within the price range of Rs.10,000-20,000. Also, instead of simply listing models, we have tried to cover some of the popular needs that buyers usually have. 

Slim and light

Big, heavy smartphones are not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people like something that actually fits their hand and pocket and won’t make them look ridiculous while talking on them. For such people, we would recommend the Sony Ericsson Xperia ray.

It has a high resolution, 854 x 480 resolution display, which due to its smaller 3.3-inch size is incredibly sharp. There is also an 8 megapixel camera on the back that can capture 720p HD videos. On the inside there is a 1GHz processor and Android 2.3 Gingerbread, which shall soon be updated to Android 4.0. 

Although the official price of the phone is somewhere around the Rs. 18,000 mark, you can get it for less than Rs. 14,000 online. For someone who wants a thin and light smartphone, this is the perfect option. 

Rugged build

Maybe you don’t want something thin and light. Maybe you want something that is rugged and built to last, something that can take the rough and tumble of your daily life. A phone that you would not have to worry about damaging if you drop it or if it gets wet. In that case, you need something like the Motorola DEFY+.





With the Motorola DEFY+ you get a phone that is shockproof, waterproof and dust proof. Even the Gorilla Glass on the front is highly scratch resistant. You can drop it from a normal height without worrying about breaking it or submerge it completely under water without the phone getting damaged. It’s a phone that you can use without having to handle it like a newborn baby. 

And it’s not just tough, too. There is a 1GHz processor inside along with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. On the back there is a 5 megapixel camera that can do 720p HD video. 
The Motorola DEFY+ is the most rugged phone around and can be purchased for around Rs. 15,000. 

Camera phone

It’s hard to believe that it has been almost two years since this phone has come out, mostly because we are still to see a phone that can match the N8 in terms of camera performance. A lot of attempts have been made recently by almost every major OEM but none have succeeded.

Top budget phones you can buy
The main reason for the phenomenal camera performance on the N8 is the sensor that it uses, which is even today the biggest camera sensor on any mobile phone out there. The only phone with a bigger sensor is the upcoming Nokia 808 PureView, which is so far the only phone that seems capable of dethroning the N8.

>BR>This large sensor allows the N8 to capture a lot more light. Most cell phones cameras out there need heavy handed image sharpening and noise reduction through software tweaks performed by the camera but the N8 can churn outincredibly detailed and low noise images simply by using its massive sensor. 

Truly, the N8 has the best camera on the market today, which should make the Rs. 18,000 price tag seem like a steal. The rest of the phone may be tethering on the edge of being outdated but it is still a capable smartphone. Overall, if you want a camera phone, it doesn’t get better than this. 

Something different

These days, Android phones have become common place. If someone you know has a smartphone, there is a good chance that it will be running on Android. So what do you get if you want to stand out from the crowd, or if you used Android and didn’t like it or simply because you’re bored of seeing one all the time? Well, in that case, you get a Windows Phone.

Android smartphones: The big fight

Windows Phone has been around in India for quite a while now but hasn’t been quite successful due to the lack of sufficient choice and marketing. It’s only when Nokia started marketing its Lumia range of phones did people became aware of them. One of these phones is available under Rs. 20,000, but we won’t be talking about that today. Instead, we would recommend to you the Samsung Omnia W.

Although on paper it is virtually identical to the Nokia Lumia 710, it has some crucial advantages, such as a superior Super AMOLED display instead of LCD, front facing camera for video calls and at least according to us, better looks. What you get with the Lumia 800 is the beautiful and silky smooth Windows Phone operating system, along with features like Facebook and Twitter integration, built-in Microsoft Office for creating and editing documents and a pretty solid email experience. The interface is also very simple, especially to those who are intimidated by Android. The Live tiles don’t just look pretty but can also display information such as weather and missed calls and messages for viewing at a glance. Then you also have features like 1GHz processor, 8GB storage, 5 megapixel camera and 720p video recording. 

Priced at around Rs. 15,000, the Samsung Omnia W is good option for those who would like to try something different. 

The all-rounder 

Sometimes you just want a phone that can do everything well. A jack of all trades of sorts. Sure, you’d like to be good at everything it does but you don’t expect it to be the best at everything. One such phone is the newly launched HTC One V.

Sporting an aluminum unibody design, the One V looks as great as it is sturdy. The 3.7-inch Super LCD is pretty and the camera takes good quality photos and videos. There is also plenty of horsepower under the hood. Lastly, the phone comes with the latest version of Android – Ice Cream Sandwich – a claim that few Android phones can make today (it’s sad but true). 

For around Rs. 18,000, the HTC One V is one of the most all round phones available in the market today at any price.

Read more »

HTC Mobile Widgets

Personalizing Your Home Screen: Widgets

Widgets put at-a-glance important information and media content up front on your Home screen. A wide selection of widgets is available, such as Bookmarks, Calendar, Messages, Music, Photo album, Twitter, and more.

Some of the widgets are already added to your Home screen for your convenience. You can rearrange, remove, or add more widgets as you please.

Adding a widget

1. If you are not on the Home screen, press HOME.
2. Tap the + button on the lower-right corner of the Home screen.

3. In the Add to Home options menu, tap HTC widget. (You can also select Android widget.)

4. Tap to select a widget from the list of HTC widgets.
5. Most HTC widgets are available in a variety of designs and sizes to suit your needs. Tap the right or left arrow button at the bottom of the screen to view the different styles and choose one.
6. You can also add widgets that allow you to quickly switch on or off certain settings of your phone, such as Wi-Fi, Mobile network, Bluetooth, and more. Scroll down the HTC widgets list, tap Settings, and then tap the widget that you want.

Moving a widget

1. Press and hold the widget you want to reposition to activate Edit mode. When Edit mode is activated, the widget magnifies and the phone vibrates.
2. Without lifting your finger, drag the widget to the desired part of the Home screen, and then release it.
To move the widget to another screen of your Home screen, press and hold the widget and then drag it to the left or right edge of the current screen until the display shifts. Position the widget on the area that you want, and then release it.

Removing a widget

1. Press and hold the widget you want to remove to activate Edit mode. When Edit mode is activated, the widget magnifies and the phone vibrates.
2. Drag the widget to the Phone button (The Phone button changes into the Remove button.)
When the widget and the Remove button turn red, release it

Read more »

Top 5 Android phones under Rs 20,000

There aren't many options in the Rs 20,000 bracket this time. Within the limited choices that we have, here are some of the best.

There was a time when there were many choices at just below Rs 20,000, but now the best devices are either more expensive or way cheaper. However, here are the five devices in this range that make for a good buy:

LG Optimus Black (Rs 19,500)

This is the best Android phone in the Rs 20,000 bracket, and we said so last month as well.

LG Optimus Black has a thin, elegant and clean design, and comes with a 5 megapixel camera, 4 inch in-plane switching display, and the capability to record 720 pixels video as well.

It has a gyroscope key for motion control, and WiFi direct to enable different devices to talk to each other without having to connect to WiFi hotspots.

LG Optimus Black comes with a 1 GHz OMAP 3630 processor and has a minimal design, which explains why it weighs only 109 grams.

The phone is extremely sophisticated. Its light and proximity sensors aren't loud and the only thing visible easily is the front facing camera.

This phone can handle just about anything except heavy-duty gaming. The speaker phone volume and clarity are good and sound quality is good overall. There's Bluetooth as well. The only drawback of the phone is that its battery life is good, not excellent.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray (Rs 18,500)

This is one of the latest Android devices from Sony Ericsson. It has a sleek and stylish design, the latest Android 2.3 and a 1 GHz Scorpion processor.

The other attractive part is its 8.1 megapixel primary camera with Sony's Exmor imaging technology, which ensures that it is one of the best cameras in the business. It also records high definition videos and comes with a Flash. The phone has a secondary VGA camera for video calls.

The 3.3 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen, though small against the current crop of smartphones with huge screens, is attractive with Sony's Bravia engine display technology.

The music capability is good as is expected from a phone coming from Sony. Overall this phone is a good mix of tested technologies from one of the best in the industry. However, some might find the price too steep at Rs 18,500.

Samsung Galaxy S I9003 (Rs17,500)

Just a few months back this device was priced at Rs 20,000, but with newer updates from Samsung Galaxy S I9003 has lost its price significantly and remains a good buy. It has a 4.0 inch Super Clear LCD display. The only thing you might not like is Android 2.2, but that can be upgraded to Android 2.3.

The phone is powered by a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU with PowerVR SGX530 GPU which is one of the best in this price bracket. The Samsung I9003 has a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and supports HD video recording (720p) and video playback.

Galaxy I9003 retains the same contoured chassis as the original Galaxy S I9000, with similar context menu button and touch sensitive menu and back button.

The Android smartphone is powered by a 1650 mAh battery which is big and offers good back up. Additionally, it comes with 4 GB of internal storage which can be upgraded upto 32 GB via a microSD card. WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, GPS are all present in the Galaxy I9003.

HTC Wildfire S (Rs 13,500)

This phone follows the previously launched HTC Wildfire. However, with Wildfire S, HTC has plugged the loopholes of its predecessor and the new device has enhanced screen resolution and a better processor. The Wildfire S is a full touch mobile phone that comes with the latest version of Android operating system, Gingerbread (Android 2.3).

For the lower price comes the lower 600 MHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor but it has 512 MB of RAM onboard which ensures a smoother performance. The screen is also small at 3.2 inches. It is a TFT screen with resolution of 480 x 320 pixels but is a step ahead from the measly 240 x 320 pixel resolution of the Wildfire.

Like other HTC devices, the Wildfire S is also adorned with the proprietary Sense UI that brings in new features like improved settings in the notification bar and app drawer updates according to items downloaded. Also, the Friend Stream feature in the UI brings all the updates of your friends on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter or Flickr together in one screen.

A 5 megapixel camera is loaded into the Wildfire S alongwith auto focus and LED flash capabilities. Other features are pretty much standard across all Android device and include 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS etc.

Wildfire S is certainly a good buy for this price.

Motorola Fire XT (Rs 12,465)

Another low priced choice but a good choice nonetheless. Fire XT is one of the latest from Motorola and comes with Android v2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system which sits on an 800 MHz processor coupled with a healthy 512 MB RAM.

The phone has a 3.5 inch screen with resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, and a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, digital zoom and LED flash. It also has a secondary VGA camera for video calling.

Fire XT has internal memory of 150 MB, which is expandable up to 32 GB using microSD, microSDHC cards. It gets a decent 1540 mAh battery as well. The phone has pretty decent social networking integration that works across camera, contacts and location.

Read more »

Sony NEX-F3 and A37 cameras hands-on and sample shots

Sony's newest NEX and DSLR have already graced these pages -- albeit in decidedly unofficial fashion -- but the time has come for this duo of shooters to be revealed to the world with the blessing of their maker. In case you didn't catch the earlier leaks, the NEX-F3 is the replacement for the much-beloved NEX-C3 as the entry-level ILC from Sony, while the A37 slots in the same place in the company's Alpha DSLR lineup. Sony's also rolling out fresh glass for each this July, in the form of an E-mount 18-200mm, F3.5-6.3 zoom lens for $850, and an 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 A-mount telephoto unit that'll set you back $500. Both the NEX-F3 and A37 will come with kit 18-55mm lenses and cost $600 when they go on sale in June, which makes them quite competitively priced as compared to their competition. An enviable pricing position, to be sure, but can they deliver the imaging goods? Well, we spent time with each on a tour of San Francisco recently, so join us after the break for our impressions and some sample photos.

As we said above, the NEX-F3 is replacing the C3 at the low end of the NEX lineup, which means it has some pretty big shoes to fill. The new model differs from the old in a few important ways. First off, it comes in three colors (black, white and silver) and the F3's grip has hit the gym, and now looks and feels like a cross between the grip found on the NEX-5 and NEX-7. That means the shutter button is on the downward sloping portion on top of the grip, as opposed to the top of the camera, and we found the new design to be a distinct improvement from its predecessor. It was easier to maintain a solid hold on the F3 than on our own C3, plus the two-stage shutter button was in a more finger-friendly position, making it a joy to use. The power switch has stayed on top, separate from the shutter, and sports a new design that we didn't like as much as the toggle on our C3 -- the switch is oriented 90 degrees down from the C3's, which made it a bit awkward for us to operate with our thumb.

Other exterior changes include: round, spun metal secondary buttons, a built in pop-up flash and a new screen hinge that rotates the rear display upwards 180 degrees to help out egomaniacs those who love taking self-portraits. There is a downside to the new hinge, however, as it has sacrificed articulation in the other direction. The F3's screen can't tilt downward as far as the C3's, which makes it more difficult to frame overhead shots.

In addition to the external changes, the F3 has picked up a new, 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor that one-ups the C3's max 12,800 ISO with 16,000 ISO capabilities. It can take 1920 x 1080 videos at 60fps interlaced or 24fps progressive, whereas the C3 can only shoot in 720p. Unlike the C3, the new NEX is compatible with Sony's OLED external viewfinder attachment, and comes with a 1.5-amp USB charger instead of a separate external battery charger (now sold separately). Unfortunately, the camera is unusable while it's juicing up, but because it's got the same cell as the C3, you can still use your old charger if you decide to upgrade. And, Sony claims that the F3 is much more efficient with electricity -- it can get 470 shots per charge, up from 400 in the C3.

Anyone who's used the NEX cameras will instantly feel at home with the F3, as the user interface is identical to its brethren. The NEX-F3 does have a couple new tricks up its sleeve, though. There's an Auto Portrait Framing feature that automatically crops your photos to make the resulting composition obey the rule of thirds, and boosts it back to full resolution using Sony's By Pixel Super Resolution technology. The tech works by analyzing the picture's pixels to find and match patterns using Sony's vast, proprietary database (which is loaded on the camera) to fill in the blanks. Generally, we were able to get some very good results with the F3, and we certainly enjoyed the reach that Sony's new 18-200mm lens affords. That said, the resulting photos aren't appreciably different from what you get with a C3, so unless you absolutely must have 1080p video and are incapable of properly composing portraits on your own, we can't see upgrading. However, if you're looking to ditch your old point-and-shoot to dip your toe into the mirrorless ILC waters, you won't be disappointed with F3.

Meanwhile, the A37 joins the A77, A65 and A57 in Sony's DSLR lineup. Like the NEX-F3, it's got a 16.1 megapixel APS-C sensor, only with 100-16,000 ISO capabilities (the F3's lower limit is 200 ISO). It also shoots 1920 x 1080 60i and 24p videos, and can snaps stills at up to 7fps at 8 megapixels or 5.5fps if you want the full 16.1-megapixel treatment. As with other Alphas, it utilizes Sony's Translucent Mirror Technology, which -- in tandem with Sony's phase detection tech that predicts your subject's motion -- enables it to maintain smooth focus while shooting video. It also packs the same object tracking and 15-point autofocus capability found in the A65, plus the Auto Portrait Framing technology mentioned above in a lightweight, one pound package.

Speaking of that package, the A37 really fit well in our hands, and despite its bantam weight, it felt solidly constructed. The textured and formed grip fit our phalanges perfectly, and it's light frame was easy to handle. Both the EVF and tilting 2.7-inch LCD on the back worked beautifully for framing shots, letting us enjoy our brief time with the A37. Admittedly, we were more comfortable using the F3 -- not a surprise given that our primary camera is a NEX-C3. Overall, the A37 is a nice option for those looking for their first DSLR. At $600, the price is $100 less than a Nikon D3200 and $50 more than a Canon T3, but you get a higher-res sensor and greater ISO range than either. The deciding factor, of course, is in the photographic results. In that respect, we think the A37 acquits itself rather well, but we'll let you see our results in the gallery below and make that call for yourself.

Read more »

Flickr launches prettified 'liquid' layout, brings high-resolution eye candy to the forefront

After refreshing the uploading tool (and throwing in some better editing functions), Flickr's decided to work on its looks. Its latest design update will now show a high-resolution version directly from a picture's main page. The size will also adjust itself to the resolution and size of your screen -- that's the fluid part of it -- avoid any nasty upscaling business. Hit up your own Flickr gallery to see the new design in action and expect more changes in the near future -- the developers are promising more to come.


The Verge

Read more »

Upcoming Mozilla Marketplace lacks Linux support; open-source fix in the works

Back in March, Mozilla outlined plans to further integrate web apps into Firefox to complement its upcoming Marketplace. And while the web store will launch with Windows and OS X compatibility, the browser has -- at least for the time being -- snubbed Linux. Given that Firefox is the default browser for most Linux distros, the community behind that OS is none too pleased. Though Mozilla execs have expressed their desire to add Linux support eventually, community contributors are already working on a patch to add compatibility for GNOME desktop. How's that for taking matters into your own hands?

Read more »

Updated Hyundai app brings remote control to your Blue Link fleet

Hyundai Sonata and Veloster owners have had some level of remote access for a year now, but the latest version of the Blue Link app does even more. Along with remote start, door lock / unlock and control of the horn and lights, you can now run vehicle diagnostics, send POIs across from your phone for later in-dash navigation, and even locate and manage multiple Blue Link-equipped cars. Sound complicated? Not if you run a cab firm, or if you check out the twelve new instructional videos on Hyundai's YouTube channel below.

HYUNDAI LAUNCHES ALL-NEW BLUE LINK® MOBILE APPLICATION - INDUSTRY LEADING FEATURES AND UNMATCHED FUNCTIONALITY

Blue Link® Mobile Application Offers Refreshed User Interface and New Features

COSTA MESA, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Hyundai Motor America this week introduced an all-new mobile application for the Hyundai-developed Blue Link® telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various Blue Link® features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively. A Blackberry version is also in development.

Blue Link® Mobile App Highlights

- Completely redesigned interface and navigation
- Swipe gestures allow quick access to core features
- Remotely access many Blue Link® features found on MyHyundai.com
- Manage multiple Blue Link-enrolled vehicles
- Remotely control vehicle functions: Door lock/unlock, horn & lights, lights-only and remote vehicle start (not available on all models)
- Search, save and send POIs to vehicles for in-car navigation
- Innovative new features: car finder, parking meter/timer and vehicle diagnostics
- Remotely manage Blue Link alerts and notifications

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution from Hyundai that combines safety, service and infotainment into a complete package. Blue Link is powered by Agero's next-generation telematics platform, which offers a flexible architecture that supports multi-modal interfaces for vehicle owners. "This improved app demonstrates one of Agero's core capabilities: developing customized user experience interfaces, from end to end, on behalf of our automotive OEM clients," said Tom Metzger, senior vice president of Global Sales & Account Management (Connected Vehicle Services) at Agero. "In addition to increasing the Blue Link app's capabilities, we made it more intuitive for users, while also extending the unique Hyundai brand experience to vehicle owners."

The refreshed app is part of a series of enhancements planned around Blue Link, including a re-designed Blue Link section on HyundaiNews.com and 12 all-new instructional videos designed to familiarize viewers with Blue Link features. The videos, which feature actual Hyundai employees, can be seen on Hyundai's YouTube channel, HyundaiBlueLink.com or in a dedicated section on HyundaiNews.com.

Hyundai offers a complimentary trial period for Blue Link-equipped vehicles. Customers opting-in for a no obligation auto-renewal can receive up to one year of Blue Link Assurance and 6 months of Blue Link Essentials and Guidance with access to the Blue Link app and its innovative features.

INTUITIVE INTERFACE DESIGN

Customer feedback and real-world usability testing played a key role in the development of the all-new Blue Link® mobile app. "We looked at how our customers use their Smartphones to enhance various aspects of their lives," said Michael Deitz, senior group manager, Blue Link. "We wanted to design an app that allows them to enhance their Hyundai ownership experience through Blue Link." Navigation elements are designed to reduce the steps needed to access Blue Link® features and services by leveraging familiar Smartphone touch commands. A new swipe carousel allows users to quickly access core features without needing to take several steps. Shortcut buttons allow one-touch access to vehicle diagnostics and POIs while the main menu allows one-finger access to all features within the application.

REMOTE ACCESS FEATURES

Blue Link® Essentials subscribers can access a number of key vehicle functions remotely from the mobile application without the need to be in the proximity of the vehicle. Remote Door Lock or unlock allows for remote control and convenience from virtually anywhere. Remote Horn & Lights allows the subscriber to remotely activate the horn and lights. Remote Lights allows subscriber to remotely activate the vehicle lights only. Remote Vehicle Start, which has been expanded to include more Hyundai models, allows the subscriber to remotely start their vehicle, an especially convenient feature in cold states during winter months. Vehicles equipped with push-button start and automatic or dual-clutch transmissions are supported for Remote Vehicle Start. For added security, all remote access features require the vehicle PIN to be entered prior to the command being sent.

ENHANCED POI FUNCTIONALITY

The all-new Blue Link® mobile app includes new useful POI (Point of Interest) features that will come in handy for Blue Link® Guidance subscribers. Included is the ability to search POIs using the Smartphone's on-screen keyboard by entering the name, city, state and/or zip. Searches can be done using the Smartphone's built-in location service or by manually specifying the location. POIs then can be saved to the phone for quick access. Subscribers also have the ability to send the POI directly to their Hyundai vehicle or by email to a friend through the application. POIs sent to the vehicle also may be saved for later use via the POI History function. Blue Link®-equipped vehicles are not required to have a touch-screen navigation system to take advantage of Guidance features. Vehicles not equipped with touch-screen navigation will display navigation information on the standard vehicle audio screen using Blue Link's Turn-by-Turn feature.

POCKET-SIZED PEACE OF MIND

Blue Link® subscribers can rest assured knowing that trained specialists are available 24/7 to help when needed most. Taking it one step further, the mobile application includes speed dial buttons to contact Roadside Assistance and Blue Link. A Vehicle Diagnostics screen provides access to critical maintenance information and the ability to view their Monthly Vehicle Report. Essentials subscribers can easily schedule a service appointment with their preferred dealer without making a phone call. Blue Link® alerts also can be toggled remotely from the application without visiting MyHyundai.com.

INNOVATIVE NEW FEATURES

In typical Hyundai fashion, Blue Link aims to set the standard for vehicle telematics through its innovative features and exceptional value. A variety of unique features have been included in the Blue Link® mobile app. Users can be a step ahead of Parking Enforcement via the built-in Parking Meter/Timer function. Car Finder allows Essentials subscribers to either search for their vehicle if they are within a 1-mile radius of their vehicle or save its location, useful when needing to recall a specific location of their vehicle.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGES

Blue Link Assurance package:

Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance – Provides immediate assistance when an accident occurs and an airbag is deployed. In this event, an ACN signal, containing customer and location information, will automatically be transmitted to the response center. Upon receipt of the signal, a response specialist will attempt to establish voice communications with the vehicle occupants and forward any pertinent information to emergency services.

SOS Emergency Assistance – Customers request emergency 911 assistance by pressing the dedicated SOS button in the vehicle. This action transmits vehicle information and location to specially-trained response specialists, who assist in coordinating the dispatch of appropriate emergency assistance to the customer. The response specialist remains on the line with the customer until advised assistance has arrived.

Enhanced Roadside Assistance – Enables customers to utilize their Hyundai Assurance 24/7 Roadside Assistance via a single in-vehicle button-press. With Blue Link, vehicle information (including location) is automatically transmitted to a response center, enabling the specialist to dispatch assistance more quickly and efficiently for vehicle assistance and retrieval.

Blue Link Essentials package:
Remote Access:

Remote Door Lock/Unlock - Enables locking or unlocking vehicle doors via a toll-free number, owner's website, or mobile phone application.

Remote Horn and Lights - Enables activating the horn and/or lights via a toll-free number, owner's website, or mobile phone application.

Panic Notification – Notifies customers when the panic button on their vehicle key fob has been activated, signifying when a family member or other vehicle occupant may be in danger. Notifications are configured online and occur via email or text message.

Remote Vehicle Start – Enables customers to start the vehicle via owner's website or toll-free number, or mobile phone application.

Car Finder – (Exclusively available via mobile app) Allows you to find your vehicle on a map if you are within a 1-mile radius of your vehicle and gives you the ability to save your vehicles location for future reference.

Convenience:

Alarm Notification – Notifies customers when and where the vehicle alert is activated via a text message, email or an automated phone call.

Quick Tips – Provides quick reference assistance for primary vehicle feature location and function.

Location Sharing – Enables sending vehicle location to select friends and members of social networking sites, including Facebook – directly from the vehicle.

Voice Text Messaging – Enables hands-free outgoing text messaging to SMS text recipients allowing for distraction-free driving experience.

Vehicle Self Diagnostics:

Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification – Provides explanation and repair assistance using vehicle data and off-board diagnosis capabilities to better inform the customer of vehicle trouble alerts. A combination of in-vehicle display alerts and guided voice messages provides customers with additional instructions (information also sent to the customer's preferred dealer to assist with the repair process).

Maintenance Alert – Notifies customers in vehicle as well as via website, email or SMS message that an upcoming service is due at various thresholds leading up to the event. Configured online, the alerts explain what is included in particular maintenance intervals.
Recall Advisor – Provides all pertinent recall information should a recall be initiated.
Web Vehicle Diagnostics – Provides a report of vehicle diagnostics, eco-coach performance and other important information in a monthly email report and web page update, starting 30 days after registering with the Blue Link service.

Theft Protection:

Stolen Vehicle Recovery – In the event a customer's vehicle is reported stolen (and a stolen vehicle report has been filed with the appropriate police department), the response center can provide assistance to the police in an attempt to recover the vehicle.
Stolen Vehicle Slowdown – Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to gradually reduce the engine power of the vehicle, thus slowing it down to safe levels. A warning will be transmitted to the driver prior to the slowdown procedure.
Vehicle Immobilization – Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to send a signal to the vehicle which immobilizes the engine management system, thus preventing startup. This capability is only valid when the ignition is off, but the command can be saved by the engine ECU for later immobilization if the vehicle is on or in motion at the time of signal transmission.

Safeguard:

Valet Alert – Enables alert via email, text message or automated phone message when the customer's vehicle moves beyond a prescribed distance threshold after leaving the vehicle with the valet.

Geofence – Enables monitoring vehicle movement in and out of pre-defined regions configured on the owner's website. When the vehicle enters or leaves a designated region, the customer is notified by email, text message or automated phone message.
Speed Alert – Notifies the customer via email, text message or automated phone message when their vehicle exceeds the specified speed threshold established on the owner's website. High value for parents of teen drivers and fleet customers.

Curfew Alert - Notifies owners if the vehicle is being used outside a pre-determined time interval. Alerts are configured online and sent via email, text message and/or automated phone message.

Blue Link Guidance package:

TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service Turn-by-turn navigation guidance provided for downloaded Points of Interest. Both visual and audio guidance is provided.

POI Web Search by advanced voice recognition system and download – Enables Point-of-Interest searches using an automated voice system. Results can be downloaded to the vehicle navigation system. Live operators provide additional support, if needed.

Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition – Enables customers to pre-define several routes to a common destination and receive a regularly-scheduled traffic alerts for traffic delays along those routes. Results include flow and incident data, along with "Fastest Route" recommendation.

Traffic – Provides traffic information surrounding the customer's vehicle and in the nearby area, based on preferences established using the owner's website.

Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices – Locates the nearest gas stations by price and provides brand and regular unleaded fuel price. Results are played back via automated voice, and can be downloaded to the vehicle's navigation system.

Eco-Coach – Tracks the customer's driving performance habits (MPG and CO2 emissions) on a continual and historical basis. Results and environmentally responsible driving recommendations are provided on the owner's website.

Restaurant Ratings – Provides restaurant ratings for local restaurants with address download for turn-by-turn navigation or onboard navigation.

Weather – Provides weather forecasts for the immediate area or for customer-defined locations within the owner website.

Hyundai (YouTube)

Read more »