Micromax has introduced its next generation canvas series smartphone – Canvas 4 (aka A210). The Canvas 4 shares many hardware specifications with its predecessor Canvas HD smartphone, but differs a lot when it comes to software features. Micromax Canvas 4 comes with a host of innovative software features, never seen before in rivals, including those manufactured by the likes of tech giants Samsung, Apple, Sony and HTC.
The Canvas 4 (aka A210) has a 5.0-inch, 1280 x 720 ‘TRU-HD’ IPS panel, a MediaTek MT6589 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 13 megapixel rear camera, 5 megapixel front camera, dual SIM, dual standby functionality, expandable memory up to 32 GB, flip cover option, 2,000mAh battery and Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean.
Besides these technical specifications, the Canvas 4 comes with a number of smart and innovative features. Let’s take a quick look at some of the unique features of the newly announced smartphone.
1- Blow to Unlock: Micromax Canvas 4 offers an innovative way to unlock the smartphone. Just blow a kiss to your phone to unlock it, Yes its true. This is an all new type of gesture. Now just blow air on the screen of the Canvas 4 to unlock the phone, without ever swiping your fingers on the screen. The other alternative is to ‘shake’ the phone to unlock it.
2- Vertical Panorama Shots: Canvas 4 is capable of capturing vertical panorama shots from bottom to top, which is quite rare in smartphones. While panorama shots are usually taken horizontally, Micromax gives a different approach to this feature. Move your device from top to bottom, instead of left to right, to take a panorama shot of tall objects in a single frame.
3- Video Pinning: This feature allows users to play the video in a small pop-up window on the homescreen & multitask seamlessly between applications. Swipe/drag various applications on to the screen, without missing even a moment of your video.
4- Video Preview: Micromax Canvas 4 allows you to check out a short preview of a without pausing the video being watched.
5- Look Away Feature: Comes straight from the Samsung GS4. Look away feature pauses a video being played as soon as you look away from the screen, and resumes play when the user looks back at the screen.
6- Smart Gestures: Users can simply flip the phone and make the screen face down to turn the device to silent mode. You can also turn the phone down during a call and it automatically switches to loudspeaker mode.
7- Touch-enabled Flip Cover: Among the accessories of Canvas 4 is the flip cover that features Surface Touch technology. This technology allows you to use the screen of the phone even when it is covered by the cover. Micromax says that touchscreen is optimised for use even while wearing gloves.
8- Ear-to-Ear: Answer a call by bringing the Canvas 4 close to your ear. And also select a contact & bring the Canvas 4 close to your ear to dial.
9- Micromax M! Power: Now block your SIM card with one call, wipe phone memory, take automated data-backup & even get a temporary handset for seven days in case of mobile theft. The company will back up all the data in your Canvas 4, including contacts, SMSs, photos, documents and videos. This service is not limited to just the phone, but also extends to your wallet. In case you lose your wallet, you can ask Micromax to block credit, debit and prepaid cards. The company will even get you a replacement PAN card and driving licence if you opt for M!Power. M! Power service free for 1 year.
10- OTA Update: Unlike the older Micromax smartphones, the Canvas 4 will support OTA (over the air) updates. Now it will be easy for users to download and install new firmware and software upgrades in the future without going to Micromax service centers.