Isro is launching its first mission to Mars today. Stay with TOI Live Blog for latest updates.

There is palpable excitement at the mission control, 7km away from the launch pad. Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Radhakrishnan has been going around the mission control, shaking hands with the 58 top scientists directly monitoring the progress of the mission.Hundreds of people have gathered on the roads leading to the spaceport and on terraces to catch a glimpse of PSLV-C25 as it lifts off minutes from now. Scientists here told TOI that everything is progressing as expected. Cloudy skies and a light drizzle about 90 minutes before the lift-off time gave some anxious moments to lay people, but scientists said the weather is just fine."Earlier we were a bit worried as Sriharikota is a cyclone prone area this time of the year," said a scientist in the mission control. "Weather forecast shows there could be light showers, but there is nothing that will affect the launch."

Review: Apple's new MacBook Pro laptops

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: The choice was simpler when I was shopping around for a new Mac laptop a year ago: I could have spent $500 more for a nicer screen and less weight, or I could have put some of that toward a faster processor, more storage and more internal memory - and still have $200 left over. I chose power over style.

With new models and price cuts, Apple is making it tougher for customers to choose - in a good way.

A MacBook Pro laptop with a high-resolution screen measuring 13.3-inch diagonally now starts at $1,299, or just $100 more than the heavier version with the regular screen, the one I ultimately bought. That's the result of a $200 price cut in February and another $200 cut last week.

Last week, Apple also slashed the starting price of its 15.4-inch high-resolution model by $200, to $1,999.

Apple also made the new laptops faster and extended their battery life, thanks to new, power-saving chips from Intel and a new operating system, Mavericks, designed to fully take advantage of those chips. These new Pros are the first Macs with Mavericks built in.

Without getting too technical, Mavericks is better at grouping little tasks into larger bursts, so that the processor can stay in a low-power mode for longer.

I got more than 12.5 hours of word processing and spreadsheet use on the new 15-inch model and nearly nine hours of iTunes video. Officially, Apple promises eight hours on the 15-inch model and nine hours on the 13-inch one, compared with seven hours before on both. (Streaming video doesn't fare as well, as is typical with laptops; I got about six hours of Hulu on the 15-inch unit I tested.)

Apple didn't change the screens on the high-resolution models, which the company terms "Retina.'' It didn't need to.

Video looks great, as the screen resolution is more than enough for high-definition video. But text is where I noticed the most difference: Letters are clearer and sharper, appearing the way they would in a paperback book. On my non-Retina MacBook Pro, I notice the individual dots, or pixels, that are put together to form characters. The Retina models have four times as many pixels as the standard models, enabling smoother characters.

Inside, there's faster graphics technology from Intel. And Apple offers a $2,599 15-inch model that also has an Nvidia graphics processor for even better performance. All of the new Retina models have an emerging Wi-Fi technology called 802.11ac. It promises up to three times the speed and wider range than before, though you need newer Wi-Fi routers that support that standard to get the full benefits.

Before you run off to buy a new MacBook, though, consider these trade-offs:

- Mac computers are generally more expensive than their Windows counterparts. You can get a Windows laptop for a few hundred dollars. The cheapest Mac laptop is $999. But you get quality at that price. Comparable Windows laptops, known as ultrabooks, cost more than $1,000. These are slim and light, like the Retina Pros. They also have touch screens, which Macs lack. Some Windows laptops also have better exteriors. The aluminum casing on all Mac laptops is prone to scratches and dents, though Apple promotes it as ``highly recyclable.''

- Apple will still sell a non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro for $1,199, though it is discontinuing the 15-inch version. The 13-inch (33-centimeter) Retina version weighs a pound less than the standard one, at about 3.5 pounds(1.6 kilograms). It's also thinner, at 0.71 inch (1.8 centimeters) rather than 0.95 inch (2.4 centimeters) on the standard model. But the Retina model lacks an Ethernet port for wired Internet connections. It also doesn't have a drive for CDs and DVDs. So there's less weight, but also fewer options to plug or insert things in.

- The Retina model gets thin and light partly by ditching a spinning hard drive. It uses flash storage instead, but that costs more. The base 13-inch Retina model comes with 128 gigabytes, or about a quarter of the 500 gigabytes for the standard model. You can pay more to get as much as 1 terabyte of storage on either machine. The cheapest Retina option with that storage is $2,299, while the cheapest standard option is just $1,299. Keep in mind that flash storage is faster than traditional drives. For the 15-inch model, you get 256 gigabytes to start and can need to spend at least $2,799 for a 1 terabyte laptop.

- You can still go light for less money by sacrificing the better screen. A 13-inch MacBook Aircosts $1,099 and weighs less than 3 pounds (1.3 kilograms). So that's a half pound and $200 off the Retina model. Apple also has an 11-inch (28-centimeter) MacBook Air for $999. The Airs have the power-saving chips found in the latest Retina Pros, so you can get a full working day of battery life on a single charge. The processors in the Air aren't as fast as those in the new Pros, but I've found the Air rather speedy - much faster than my standard Pro from last year.

Your head is probably already spinning from all these options.

It boils down to this for Mac laptops:

- If you want a 15-inch MacBook, you need to get the Retina model (unless you find an older one at a discount warehouse).

- You have three choices for the 13-inch model: $1,099 gets you the Air; $1,199 gets you the standard Pro, with more storage but also more weight than the Air; and $1,299 gets you the Retina Pro, which has a nicer screen and less weight than the standard Pro, but the same amount of storage as the Air.

- The Air is your only option at 11 inches (28 centimeters).

The new MacBook Pros, with their price cuts, complement the rest of the Mac lineup nicely. The new prices make trading off power for style much more tempting.

Google ‘leaks’ 8-inch Nexus tablet

Just as it got done with the launch of Nexus 5 smartphone and Android 4.4 operating system, Google is again in the news for another Android product. The company has accidentally leaked an image of the new tablet on the official website for Android. 

The device in the picture is smaller in size than the Nexus 10, with speculations rife that it has an 8-inch screen. The image shows that the bezels around the screen in this tablet are much smaller than in the new Nexus 7, which was launched in July this year. 

LG, which manufactures the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 smartphones, submitted an 8-inch tablet called V510 for Bluetooth certification last week. 

There is no word on the specifications, features or launch of the tablet, currently being called Nexus 8. 

In July, a few technology websites published images of an 8-inch Nexus tablet, but they were carried as renders instead of leaked photos. However, the new image on Google's website looks exactly the same as the device in the earlier pictures. 

Google has 'accidentally leaked' several products in the past. Chairman Eric Schmidt was photographed carrying the Moto X smartphone before it was launched and Nexus 5 was listed on the Google Play website with price before it became official. The Nexus 5 was also captured on video on the company's campus when it announced that the next version of Android will be called KitKat. 

Apple's iPad mini with Retina display has a 7.9-inch screen, while Samsung has two models with 8-inch displays. LG recently launched its own tablet with an 8.3-inch screen size. 

Google is also expected to soon launch the next version of its Nexus 10 tablet. Now it is being said that the company may launch the next-generation Nexus 10 and the all-new Nexus 8 at the same time. 

Top Android Apps For NFL Fans

NFL is one of the most popular league sports not only in the United States but in the world as well. Enjoyed by millions and played by thousands, it is the highest level of professional football worldwide. Though there are many ways to keep up with the latest happenings in the NFL world, many people don't have enough time to follow their favorite sport. That's where the following Android apps will come in handy:

NFL Mobile

This is the official NFL app. Once installed, you'll have at your fingertips all the latest happenings in the NFL world. Be it breaking news, videos, highlights, and even live game scores, this app has it all. One of the main features of the app is scoring. The app shows up-to-date scores of the latest happenings in the NFL world. Also, you can set up the app so that you'll get alerts when your team plays a match or even if it enters the red zone.

Other features in this application include video highlights, fantasy football, and NFL.com webcasts. There is also an option to buy a premium subscription. This basically allows you to access more features like live streaming of NFL games, live game audio, live webcasts and more.

DOWNLOAD HERE

NFL by StatSheet

If you are always on the move but don't have time to catch the last game's highlights, this app is perfect for you. NFL by Statsheet brings previews, recaps, live scores, and even game analysis right on your Android smartphone. The app boasts of a database of over two billion statistics that are used to bring the latest of NFL to your device. Despite being free, the app has almost all the features you'd need from a complete NFL application. It has live play-by-play scores, which are dynamically updated, every team's full schedule, regularly updated standings and so much more. Definitely worth installing if you want to stay abreast with the latest in the NFL world. 

DOWNLOAD HERE

NFL Pro 2013

Though we all love to keep up with the latest news, sometimes, we just want to take some time off and enjoy ourselves. That's where mobile games come in handy. We have already covered a lot of Android-based games on our site before; however, for die-hard NFL fanboys and fangirls, those titles aren't enough to whet their appetites. NFL Pro 2013 is a game developed by Gameloft that puts you right on the field anywhere anytime. Officially licensed by NFL, this game has realistic graphics, solid gameplay, and a superb management system that makes you feel as if you are on the field.

DOWNLOAD HERE

NFL Trash Talk

This application is strictly for hardcore NFL fans only. If you are a complete NFL addict who loves bashing on other teams, this app is something you might have been looking for for years. The way NFL Trash Talk works is simple. Once a game starts, you get to chat with supporters of your rival team. Either you can engage in a very nice friendly banter (which you won't), or you can choose to trash talk them till they give up and stop talking. This is a very fun app to try especially if you are completely married to the game.

DOWNLOAD HERE

NFL Kicker 13

Featuring all 32 licensed NFL teams, NFL Kicker 13 is an app that challenges you to accurately kick the ball like a pro NFL player. With nicely designed graphics and officially licensed equipment, this game doesn't have a steep learning curve. Once installed, you'll be addicted to the game in no time. Having said that, NFL Kicker is a title that is not that easy to master. As the game progresses, the difficulty level starts going up and up making the game both fun and challenging at the same time. It is definitely worth a try whether you are a NFL junkie or not.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Top Monster Games for Android.....!!!!!

When people think of monsters, everything from Frankenstein to Adams' Family comes to mind. But for gamers, monsters have a special significance. Monsters represent, in gaming culture, a mighty opponent to the hero/heroine in his quest towards success. If you've played games like Final Fantasy, monsters are everywhere. In fact, in Final Fantasy XIII-2, you can even collect different monsters like you do in Pokemon. However, in this era of smartphones and tablets, monsters have started getting some special attention from game developers, especially on the Android platform.

These days, many new games have come up that allow you to tame monsters, battle with them, and play as a monster yourself. So, if you're looking for some good monster games for Android, here's a list of the best ones:


Paper Monsters

Paper Monsters is a 2D side scrolling game with gorgeous 3D backdrops. The game is set in Paperland with an adorable main character. In fact, the main character's quirkiness is what makes the game even more interesting. Once you start playing, you'll be going through a lot of different environments that are meticulously designed and manage to provide a great sense of novelty with every level. The side scrolling motion adds to the fun by making the 3D backdrops even more engaging. Though not free, Paper Monsters is definitely worth your hard-earned cash. Don't blame us if you get hooked to it for hours.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Monster Blade

If playing with cute monsters isn't your cup of tea then Monster Blade is a game that might interest you more. In this game, you get to slay powerful dragons and monsters in a complete 3D environment. This online arcade and action game is fast-paced along with a captivating storyline. You, of course, get to play the hero of the tale by saving the Elemental Plains from the rising power of the evil Godbeasts. Monster Blade, apart from being a captivating 3D game also lets you extend the adventure by playing with your friends. 

DOWNLOAD HERE

Monster Story

Another game that almost has an overload of monster cuteness is Monster Story. This casual fun game lets you collect various kinds of adorable monsters and then watch them grow. Monster Story has a magical evolution totem wherein you evolve your creatures pretty much like you did with your Pokemons. The game is online and finds itself pretty much in the genre of games like Farmville wherein you've to invest a certain amount of time before starting to enjoy the actual game.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Cut the Rope

With over 300 million downloads to boast of Cut the Rope is a game that deserves a worthy mention in this list. Little monster Om Nom is hungry and your job is to feed him candy. In doing that, you encounter various types of engaging physics-based puzzles that keep you hooked for hours. And, that's not all. Along the way, you get to collect gold stars, discover hidden puzzles, and unlock new levels thus making the game completely worth your time as well as money. It’s definitely the best game on this list. 

DOWNLOAD HERE

Monster Galaxy

A unique monster game on the list is Monster Galaxy. This arcade-style role-playing game derives heavily from Pokemon by allowing you to capture monsters and battle them. Monster Galaxy is set in Zodiac islands wherein the monsters have suddenly gone wild. It is up to you to capture them and make sure that they battle each other out. The game has as many as 125 interesting and cute monsters you can capture along with 14 zodiac-themed islands. There are also levels wherein you get to fight with interesting bosses and defeat the final boss as well. Monster Galaxy is free to play and can also be played on Facebook. Overall, it is a great game if you miss Pokemon a lot.