Sony MDR E8LP vs Sony MDR E818LP

Random Comparison

I have been a fan of Sony earphones. However, Sony MDR E8LP just ruined it. Bought it two days back from Sony store and probably I was the first one as these were launched the same day in Mumbai  (were launched on Flipkart few days back, however only deliverable in Bangalore). I was so disappointed with the output, that I went back to the same store in evening and purchased Sony MDR E818LP (my fav for 3 years). MDR E8LP provide an output similar to basic earphones that you get in the box with most of the phones e.g. Nokia. There is no bass and the sound has no depth. Sony calls it 'light weight'. I call it cheap. The plastic used is lighter and cheaper than E818LP. I won't recommend this. Infact, you can buy a pair of E818LP any day, as its many times better and a few bucks cheaper. E8LP costs Rs. 490 (around $10) and E818LP costs Rs. 390 (around $8).

Sony MDR E818LP

Sony MDR E8LP

Upgrade your Samsung Android phone through Samsung Smartphone Cafe

Random Tip


No Kies needed. No Odin needed. If you want to upgrade your Samsung smartphone to the latest version and your phone doesn't notify about it through built-in OTA (Over The Air) functionality, just step into a Samsung Smartphone Cafe near you, use the upgrade kiosk and follow instructions and your phone is upgraded in five minutes flat. It is as simple as drawing cash from an ATM, really.
Best thing, it's free. A good initiative by Samsung I must say.
Even better, sometimes your phone's OTA does not show the latest updates, nor does Kies. But the Cafes are a step ahead and high chances you'll get your update, if Samsung has ever released it.
However, if you are comfortable doing it through your computer, then Kies and Odin will do the job.
There are loads of step by step instructions available on Google  for above two. Let me warn you though, Kies is painfully slow and does not show the updates half of the time. You don't have to root your phone any of the options.

My Data Manager - Manage your 2G/3G data plan

App Recommendation (Android)

If you have a 2G, 3G or 4G data plans that you want to keep a check on so that you don't exceed the monthly limit or don't end up using the whole too soon, then this is one of the best Android apps to do the job. 
Best thing about it is a simple widget that you can place on your homescreen that will show you your usage details.
Just mark your phone billing date in the app once and it will do the job for you.
Another good thing is its easy interface. You can usage breakdown for the apps that have used your data plan. Other features, as mentioned on Play:

• Simple to setup and simple to use.
• Know what apps are using data with automatic monitoring of your app data usage. 
• Set usage alarms to avoid overage charges and “bill shock”. 
• Track historical app time and app usage using easy to understand visualizations.
• Ensure you are using your ideal data plan and maximize how you use your data. 


Jump to the app on Play - My Data Manager

IREFF - An app for mobile recharge plans and offers in India

App Recommendation

 If you are a prepaid mobile user staying in India, this app is for you.

Doesn't matter if you are followed by a pug or by a kamina friend. That is, no matter which network you are on, this is helpful. 

It lays out all, and I mean ALLL prepaid plans for any network, including talk plans, 2G/3G data plans, SMS plans and other offers. And most importantly, it keeps itself updated.

Screenshot while watching video (Android)

Android Tip

While watching a movie, have you ever felt like taking a snapshot of a beautiful still in the movie? Happens to me quite a lot. At that time, holding down Home button and volume down is a stupid idea. I am not even sure if that works for a video.


I researched a lot of apps on Play store and tried quite a few things with MX Player, but didn't succeed.
In the end I found the feature laying there in my phone itself, in the default 'Video Player' app, if you have Samsung phone with Jelly Bean. The screenshot button is right there at the top, both in vertical and horizontal modes.

Plugged in, not charging

Random Fix

Are you a victim of this frustrating message that says 'Plugged in, not charging'?

And you tried countless solutions spilled over the internet but nothing worked?

I have been there too. And done that.

Finally, in one of those hopeless moments I tried this random thing. I clicked on the battery indicator and changed the 'power plan'. Yes, that silly and simple! And it worked for me :)
A few days later I had the same issue, and I again changed the power plan and it worked. FYI, my Dell has two options - Balanced and Power Saver.

If above does not work for you, jump back to Google by clicking "Plugged in, not charging"

Please leave a comment if this works for you. It will help others looking for a solution, thanks.

Postman - SMS Spam Blocker

App Recommendation

This is one of the most underrated apps for Android. Not exactly a 'blocker', however, it diverts the spam messages to a separate box, call it a dustbin.

How and what does it exactly do? Any SMS, which is NOT from one of the persons in your contacts list, goes to this dustbin, thus keeping your inbox clean. You can add a sender to 'white list' so his future messages go to the inbox. You might have to check the Postman frequently to check for any useful messages or you can clean them all at once.

Jump to the app