Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Supertechies Challenge #MyBicycleStories Solution by @stunningmoon

The challenge-

My Solution-

1. The main reason for bicycles getting outdated is gyms. People prefer using stationary bicycles at gyms or buy one at home.
2. If they understand that gyms are expensive, you are time bound and lets be frank, it can get monotonous after sometime.
3. Bicycles can be a fun way to loose weight and stay fit. It can also be a cost-cutting and eco-friendly way to travel to work if your work place is not that far. You save on petrol, driver, public commute etc.
4. They could get celebrities to promote use of bicycles, for eg. Rahul Bose rides and is fit. These celebs can use social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter to promote use of cycles.
5. An app can be developed which allows one to know how many calories they have burnt in one ride. It can also have a target weight or inch, which the person can reach in a few days or months of cycling!
6. Maybe the cycle can have an inbuilt Ipod or Mp3 player so that it can become more enjoyable.
7. Can also imply on all the various ailments like Obesity, Diabetes etc which can be made better by cycling regularly.

A story of a businessman from Bangalore-
A 35 year old business man , who is so busy in his routine that he cannot remove time for exercise. So what he does is commute to work on a cycle, a car takes 15 mins and a cycle takes 30-40 mins but he prefers that. He enjoys the morning breeze. He changes clothes at work, but thats okay because this keeps his weight in check because he is always in a chair till evening with little physical activity. He teaches his kids the same, and on weekends the whole family goes on treks on their cycles and have a picnic and a great family time together!

-@stunningmoon

Sunday, December 8, 2013

SONY CP-V3B USB PORTABLE CHARGER (2800 mAH) User Review

This is a review for -

Sony USB Portable Charger (Black)

Model:CP-V3/B



Before I give my opinion, here is the specification of the same-


Input SourceDC 5V, 0.5A ~ 1.0A
No. of USB output ports1
Output SourceDC 5V; 1.5A (Max)
Size (W x H x D mm)Approx. 38.8 x 99.0 x 19.0mm
Weight (g)Approx. 84g
Supply TimeApprox. 60 min (Max 1.5A)*1
Battery Capacity2,800 mAh
Charging SourceAC Adaptor, USB port
Charging TimeAC adaptor Approx. 3.5 hours; USB port Approx. 6 hours
Operating Temperature (ÂșC)0°C ~ 35°C
Cycle Time1,000
Output Time (5V/1.5A constant)(Varies depending on each application)60 min

I have been using this portable charger for over a month now. I used to use the Portronics Pico earlier (Find review here) but due to my heavy usage that was not enough for me. There are many options available in the market for portable chargers. This one caught my attention and I am glad it did.



Pros-
2800 mah battery that lets you charge smartphones as well as tablets.
Available in not 2 not 4 but 12 colors!! Choose what you fancy like I got one in Violet!
Comes with a smart and useful cover with a pocket for the charger and another for the mini cable.
Does what is says, charged my Nexus 4 to 60% in half hour and HTC One X was charged for another half hour the next day.
Really compact for a 2800 mah battery, fits comfortably in hand or pocket too.

Cons-
Can charge only 1 gadget at a time, would be good if there were 2 outputs.
It has a MRP for Rs. 1590/- Some might find it a little steep, with cheaper options as low as 800 available in the market for a similar mah.




Thursday, December 5, 2013

Solution to AkzoNobel's challenge #ColourItWithTech by @stunningmoon

The challenge-

Teams have to suggest a mobility technology solution to deliver colour tools to consumers and serve them better throughout their painting journey. 



My Solution-



  • The first step is to have a user friendly mobile app for iOS & Android with colour options, colour combination suggests, and other information on colours like cool/warm colours, what is suitable for which room etc.
  • Customers , after understanding this can choose the shade they want to purchase. Now we know that shades will look different on the phone/computer display and different on the wall. So customer should be able to choose say 3 samples of similar shades which the company will send them. Once customer decides which shade they want to go for, the order can be processed.
  • This 2nd step can get a little complicated for the company, so once 3 samples are sent, maybe they can direct customer to nearest retailer from where the shade can be bought. The location, along with map and contact number can be provided , or the whole list be uploaded on the app.
  • Customers can also be offered a quote for getting the room/house painted from AkzoNobel authorized professional painters. 
  • Ask customers to share their painted home and complete experience as a app review or on social media so that other hesitant customers can also give it a shot.



Thank you,
Avantika
@stunningmoon

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

#FutureOfCustomerService Challenge by Videocon D2H Solution by Avantika @stunningmoon

#FutureOfCustomerService Challenge by  Videocon D2H Solution by Avantika @stunningmoon


The challenge-

Suggest a technology solution to improve the SLA for customer complaint resolution.


My Solution-

Create a app that will be compatible with Android , iOS and have a mobile site too for those who don't have access to smartphones.

This app/mobile site should be cloud based, hence all the data submitted can be viewed by Videocon engineers from their end.

Customers have to register using their Videocon D2H details, once they do that they can submit a complaint registration anywhere any-time by simply filling a small form stating the nature of their problem, address, contact number, preferable timing for engineer to visit, etc.

Once complain is registered, customers get a complaint number which they should be able to track from this app itself, the current status i.e. For eg. Complaint Registered - Complaint Under Process - Engineer allotted - Complaint Closed (Something like that.)

Also, for the benefit of Videocon D2H, customer should not be able to raise another complaint until & unless the previous one has been closed. Sometimes people keep complaining repeatedly for the same problem.

Along with this, if customers complain on social media platforms like Twitter / Facebook, a dedicated team should be present to respond to these complaints, or at-least direct them to this app/website.

Thank you,
Avantika Chitlangia
@stunningmoon


Monday, November 11, 2013

Supertechies 'Deutsche Bank #KnowYourCustomers Challenge' Solution

Supertechies  'Deutsche Bank #KnowYourCustomers Challenge Solution


Hi, 
I would advice the following steps to be taken-

1. A totally on-line based e-KYC data collection, for the benefit of customers & banks both, not having to go individually to a bank.

2. A cloud based software which can enable customers to upload their information & documents securely as well as allow banks to access data from any branch.

3. Some incentive should be given to customers for taking the efforts, this will lead to quick and more no.s of customers doing the needful. For eg. Give free e-vouchers or gift vouchers on successful completion of KYC; or maybe No charges on ATM withdrawal from other banks. Something where the bank doesn't need to make a big investment but at the same time attract customer's attention.

4. A software to quickly verify if form submitted is incomplete and if it is, a immediate response to customer to update the same.

5. By having everything done electronically, usage of paper decreases, making it eco-friendly too. Online editable forms should be easily downloadable. 

6. Set up a special counter with a computer & scanner for customers who do not have access to the same and can upload their KYC from the bank.

7. Accept 1 document as valid proof for all requirements like ID , Address etc, (For eg. Passport, Aadhar, etc) so that its less of a hassle for customers.

8. On the net-banking website, have a message flash that the KYC procedure is not for the bank's benefit but for the customer's.

Thank you.
Avantika Chitlangia

Friday, October 25, 2013

Wrote a small poem in less than 5 minutes while travelling today, just to vent out my emotions. Care to read?


"Untitled"- @stunningmoon 


All I want is happiness for you,
But do you ever think of mine too? 


Why does the heart ache so much at times,
That all I feel like doing is write a poem which rhymes? 


They say do good & it'll come back to you,
I've done my part, Oh Karma! where are you? 


No-one ever said life would be fair,
but nor was I told I'd feel so bare. 


I tell myself, 'This too shall pass.',
Till then, put on some music & increase the bass. :) 



Sunday, October 6, 2013

Review of Micromax Q66 Bling Eclipse


I use this phone as a secondary or backup phone, to divert calls or if my smartphone (Nexus 4) dies out on me. Micromax Q66 Bling (Limited Edition Eclipse) is a cute little square shaped phone thats swivels and opens keypad. Easily available in market for around 2.5-3K it has everything like camera, music player, dual sim, qwerty keypad, internet and a few apps. What attracted me to it was its unique look. Its original version the Q55 Bling (Recall a white colour square phone with swarovski studded buttons?) had gone viral among ladies. 


Key Features

  • GRPS and EDGE Enabled
  • Dual SIM (GSM + GSM)
  • 2 MP Primary Camera
  • QWERTY Keypad
  • FM Radio
  • 2.4-inch TFT Display
  • Expandable Storage Capacity of 8 GB

Pros-
Compact, girly design with all basic features required.
Good battery, single full charge goes on for 3-4 days for me.
Dual sim.
Not expensive.


Cons-
Though the camera is 2 MP, image quality is very okayish.


Verdict-
Good for a 2nd phone or for someone who is on a strict budget, not otherwise.



Friday, October 4, 2013

Review of- Portronics PICO Power Emergency Phone Charger


This review is for Portronics portable emergency charger for smartphones. We all know that the battery of smartphones is not very impressive, especially if we use 3G all the time. So these portable emergency chargers are a boon!

What they offer-

Built-in 900 mAh lithium polymer battery
Adds up to 3 hours talk time
LED power indicator
Built-in micro USB tip for use with all micro USB compatible phones 
Includes 900 mAh power pack, micro USB cable, user manual
The size of the product is great, its literally pocket-able. It gets full charged on attaching to a PC USB in a couple of hours & gives battery backup to a smartphone for around the same time. Its MRP is 899/- and can be available in local market for a little less, so price wise is pretty reasonable, and comes with warranty from the company too.



Pros-
1. Compact, very portable.
2. No extra wires, directly connects to your smartphone.
3. Not expensive.

Cons-
1. Cannot be used for iPhones or any other smartphone not supporting Micro USB slot.
2. Gives emergency backup of no more than 2 hours.
3. The body gets many scratches with time (as you can see in the picture).

Verdict- There is a variety of portable chargers available in the market, brands like Sony, Belkin etc are really good too. But this is not bad for its size, built quality & pricing. Wish it were available in different colours though, it would attract more female customers! ;)

Thursday, October 3, 2013

NEXUS 4 / LG E360 Review



My first blog HAD to be of my beloved better half, my smartphone. It is a beautiful Google Nexus 4 aka LG E360. I had got my hands on the 16 GB variant when it was launched in USA, so I have been using it since 10 months or more now. The white colour variant was just recently launched when it became official in India, but I can live with that. My black beauty is no less! 



Now coming to the important parts-
You can see its features here on http://www.google.co.in/nexus/4/ or https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Nexus_4_16GB?id=nexus_4_16gb&hl=en

Screen
4.7" diagonal
1280 x 768 pixel resolution (320 ppi)
WXGA IPS
Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 Pro
Size
133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm
Weight
139g
Cameras
8 MP (main)
1.3 MP (front)
Network
Unlocked GSM/UMTS/HSPA+
GSM/EDGE/GPRS (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
3G (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz)
HSPA+ 42
Memory
16 GB internal storage (actual formatted capacity will be less)
2 GB RAM
Connectivity
Micro USB
SlimPort™ enabled
3.5mm headphone jack
Wireless
Wireless charging
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2x2
NFC (Android Beam)
Bluetooth
Battery
2,100 mAh Lithium polymer
OS
Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)

Since Android 4.3 is now available, my phone is updated to that. (Cannot wait for 4.4 now , which should launch any-time this month!)

When you take this phone in your hands (sans any cover of-course , it "feels" great. The glass body back & front makes it a totally different Experience. I had a official bumper protecting it for a few months, but it broke off , and now I make do with a normal cheap cover, amazingly it works as good. So no point spending a bomb on the official bumper.
Some feel that since its glass it will be fragile, but the Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2 is as good as described, my phone falls at-least once a week (clumsy me) & nothing! (Though It has a few dents on the corners of the body now, with rough use.)
The speed is fast, I use a zillion apps, multi-task daily (Twitter+Facebook+Whatsapp+Camera+Calls+Games) and it takes it all without any problem at all. I have seen other android phones hang, apps crash, but not my Nexus 4!
It can tend to heat up a little during hot summers (If you stay in a place where the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius, you should consider this).

The battery lasts about 6 hours with 3G Data on ,but with data off it can last all day. But I think this is a problem with any smartphone using 3G, be it Iphone or Galaxy series, right?

Pros-
1. Looks beautiful, specially the shimmering look on its back.
2. Amazing speed, supports heavy apps & games.
3. Great wifi according to me, it catches my wifi on the 6th floor while I am on ground floor.
4. Its "Vanilla" Google, means unchanged pure form of Android. And it gets the latest updates first too!
5. For its price, its the best value you can get even today! Why spend 40K+ when you can get something for less than 25K?
6. The touch, is classy!

Cons-
1. I think voice quality could have been more decent, I feel its average, but its okay for me as I don't use the phone for talking as much.
2. Sound output is not very good, specially when I connect it to external speakers or a car's audio jack. I know this for sure because I have compared these with other smartphones, which play really well!
3. In the box, they simply provide a charger, no headphones, they could have given that too.

Well, this was my first review so pardon me if I forgot to mention something! Comments are most welcome!

P.S. Girls- If you are looking for a smartphone that is different from others, this is it! You can also customize it with covers or skins, now available everywhere. But even without any, its a beauty!