Tech review: Nokia Lumia 1520, Bose Sound Touch 20 and AirCover Security app

SOUNDS FANTASTIC:

Bose Sound Touch 20
Price: Rs 32,512
Bose's latest offering is for internet radio lovers. The sound system looks like a dock, has a white-textured top with controls for power, volume keys and six channel buttons in black. There is a small OLED panel in the front to access notifications. Setting up the device for internet radio takes some time as it requires the Sound Touch app to be installed on your computer. You can download this on any Android phone. After installation, it connects with the Sound Touch in the sound system over Wi-Fi. It can also be connected to iTunes and Windows Media player.  While its primary function is to stream internet radio smoothly, it can also be used to play music through an auxiliary cable. Overall, the sound is fantastic.

Plus: Great sound, Plays internet radio
Minus: Setting up time, Cost

Nokia Lumia 1520
Price: Rs 45,999
Nokia Lumia 1520 is the first Windows Phone 8 phablet with a 6-inch HD display. Along the frame its dimensions are 6.4-inch by 3.36-inch, which makes it uncomfortable to hold. No way can it be operated with a single hand or be carried in any of your jeans pockets. While the user interface and the default apps remain the same as in other Lumias, they are optimised in a third column in the live tiles. Apps in use can be closed by long pressing the back key. Using Mobile Office was a delight, given the big, bright screen. Nokia has also added a 20 MP PureView camera and the default camera app is replaced by the Nokia Pro Cam app that offers a large number of setting adjustments. It allows you to quickly adjust settings for the flash, white balance, ISO, shutter speed and brightness. To help it all, it is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.2 GHz and is paired with 2GB RAM.

Plus: Full HD display, Camera
Minus: Size, Lack of apps

App Name: AirCover Security;
Google Play  Cost: Free
With so many apps and programmes on your smartphone, it is now more prone to virus attacks than ever before. AirCover Security by BlueSprig guards your phone against malware and theft, and enhances privacy. It can also block unnecessary calls and protect the phone while you are browsing the web. The user interface is simple and similar to other security apps. The anti-virus scan can be done in full fast or custom mode.