Computers, Video

Apple Pushes Out More iPad Video Tutorials Ahead Of Release

So iPad’s official debut is just around the corner – this Saturday, April 3rd if you still haven’t heard – and with recent unsurprising retail presence confirmation across all 221 Apple Stores and most other big branches on day of launch, the Cupertino tablet festival looks all set and ready to start. And to raise up the excitement bar a little bit more and make your growing slate appetite even bigger than it is, a new batch of iPad tutorial videos, guided by Apple savvy instructors, is now available on Apple’s official website, for potential users to take a look and learn some additional and informative details about Steve Jobs’ latest-greatest “WonderPad”, moments before they hit the long and plodded queue lines which are likely to begin a lot before the official 9:00 AM grand opening stats. Among those guided tours, you’ll find some interesting facts about the tablet’s features, along the iBook UI, iTunes sync, options for stereo connections, stand and browse methods, apps, typing tricks, photos, music and some other appealing  numbers to comprehend at sight. Click the link downwards and check them out right away.

Update: We’ve also added couple of unboxing and first impression videos from PC Magazine, and USA Today after the break.

[Apple]

Continue reading Apple Pushes Out More iPad Video Tutorials Ahead Of Release →

Audio, Media Players, News, Video

Zune HD 64 Sprouts Out In The Wild (Update: Confirmed)

2 Comments

Well, look what do we have here, a 64GB Zune HD player, sneaking out on Microsoft’s Zune official website just like that, out of the blue, boasting twice the size of an ordinary 32 gigs version and maybe with some other interesting treats hidden under the lid. Regretfully, it’d be hard to tell right now since most details are slim or missing. So meanwhile, ’till it gets tangible, you can hit the bottom link  and hope for juicy info like price and availability to show up as soon as possible.

Update1: The new 64GB Zune HD is now confirmed and due out on April 12th for $349.99 and myriad of colors including Platinum, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Purple and Magenta, while both 16GB and 32GB versions to get a price reduction, that will set prices at $199.99 and $269.99, respectively. Press release after the break.

Update2: Apparently, it’s now available for your orders, at $349.99, as predicted, but won’t include the v4.5 firmware update preloaded, so you’ll have to upgrade on your own.

[Zune]

Continue reading Zune HD 64 Sprouts Out In The Wild (Update: Confirmed) →

Applications, Computers, News, software

iPad App Store Screenshots Unveiled

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Feel you’re running out of patient to get your new lavish iPad device? Already searching for content to fill it with? In that case, prepare to spend big bucks on this track, because according to these Apple iPad App Store screenshots that recently emerged, they won’t come cheap. In fact, only 8 applications out of the leaked images are free, while others will cost from few greenish dollars and up to $49.99(!) when it comes to OmniGraffle – at least there’s more functionality there, and apparently those apps would likely fetch a lot more money for developers rather than iPhone’s apps. One more detailed image after the break, to serve your appetite.

Update1: Checkout the cool video after the break and watch the iPad App Store browsing experience for yourselves.

Update2: Now it’s official, iPad apps cost a lot more than iPhone and iPod touch apps. In fact, for some of them you’ll have to pay more than double in order to enjoy the experience of a larger screen – but that wouldn’t probably stop Apple’s fanboys from getting one – would it? According to the good guys at The Consumerist who dug up this issue thoroughly, the price differences between equivalent applications on both devices is ridiculously bigger when you come to get’em for your soon-to-be-available Apple tablet compared to the ones you’d get for the cellphone machine. How big, you’re asking? $4.99 Flight Control HD vs. $0.99 Flight Control or $2.99 Flick Fishing HD against $0.99 Flick Fishing, etc. Overall, you’d have to pay $53 for iPad apps compared to JUST $27 on an iPhone or iPod Touch for the same list exactly. Checkout the comparing table right after the break.

Update3: And looks like the iPad apps are finally live at the Apple app store [iTunes Link], with 1,000 of them, already available for download/purchase, and many others which are yet to come. Prepare to open your wallets, it ain’t gonna be cheap, you know.

[via App Annie]

Continue reading iPad App Store Screenshots Unveiled →

Media Players, Mobile, News, Phones, software

Untethered Jailbreak For iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch and iPad Devices Is Possible

Word on the street is that Geohot, the guy that makes Apple challenges look like kids game, has finally managed to jailbreak Cupertino’s latest iPhone and iPod Touch versions. In other words, new machines such as iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 2G/3G and even iPad slates, are now said to be available for a jailbreaked, based on a software hack he’s about to release, and without the need of tethering. In his blog, Geohot says:

“The jailbreak is all software based, and is as simple to use as blackra1n. It is completely untethered, works on all current tethered models(ipt2, 3gs, ipt3), and will probably work on iPad too.”

And considering his record, it would be hard not to believe. See the video for yourselves, after the break

[Geohot]

Continue reading Untethered Jailbreak For iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch and iPad Devices Is Possible →

Computers

LG’s 11.6-Inch X300 Netbook Shows Off Slimline Figure

Let’s face it guys, it’s not just the specs we’re after when buying a new netbook/laptop to ourselves these days, it’s about the looks and feeling that matters and in that case, the slimmer the merrier. You know it, LG seems to know it and the new X300 that was recently introduced, proves it well – it’s very thin, only 0.68-inch thick and merely 2.2 pounds weight to be accurate. The keyboard is a chiclet one, again very solid and bouncy, and the trackpad itself has no real clickable keys on it, but duo haptic capacitive keys instead, which makes it more interesting to use. In a bold move LG has placed all connections – amongst you’ll find HDMI out, 2xUSB ports, SD card reader and power – behind the chassis, so you’ll have to bend forward to hook things up. Components wise, we’re satisfied as well, with LG tossing inside a 2GHz Atom Z550 CPU along 11.6-inch 1366×769 display, 64GB or 128GB SSD capacities to pick from, WiFi, Bluetooth and optional 3G connectivity at your choice. Regretfully, prices and availability haven’t been disclosed, but one more image and a quick hands-on video are just after the break.

Continue reading LG’s 11.6-Inch X300 Netbook Shows Off Slimline Figure →

Mobile, News, Phones

Apple To Start Selling Unlocked iPhones In the US

Big news for all of you Apple fanboys out there, as we now get to hear across the blogsphere that Apple is finally about to offer unlocked iphones – yes, you’ve heard that right, free, open, no contract attached – you name it. The list of iPhone devices that people will be able to pick up immediately and pay-to-go includes the $499 3G model, $599 16GB 3GS or $699 32GB 3GS, at your choice, courtesy of Mountain View, California and the latest greatest Nexus One (competition, you know). Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: The guys at Gizmodo have managed to get the official internal doc that confirms the rumors. Check it out after the break.

Update2: Reports are very confusing. Apparently, there wasn’t enough reason to party at this point and the bottom line is that iPhone devices are still locked to AT&T when you buy them in the US. Bummer!

[via 9 to 5 Mac]

Continue reading Apple To Start Selling Unlocked iPhones In the US →

Computers, News

Neofonie WePad Android Slate Announced

1 Comment

Not sure if anyone has already made a movie called “The Slate Attack”, but reality, on the other hand, proves that every day. The latest contender within this realm is Neofonie’s Android-based WePad, which apparently boasts netbook specs inside and 11.6-inch HD compatible (1366 x 768) touchscreen from the outside. And to be more specific, for a nondisclosure price you’d get yourself a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, paired with two USB ports, a built-in webcam, UMTS modem, a flash card reader, Intel’s GMA 3150 graphics accelerator, and up to 6 hours of battery support. Besides that, If we’d take Neofonie words seriously, then mind you there’s a WePad app store on the prep, that will join the already exists Google Android Market place when this slate comes out officially somewhere this fall.

Update: We’ve just added a quick WePad hands-on video, so check it out after the break.

[via Liliputing]

Continue reading Neofonie WePad Android Slate Announced →

Computers, News

HP’s Slate Rumored To Be Launched In June at €400 Powered By Intel’s Atom Chipset

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If  Spanish Clipset‘s words should be taken at face value, HP’s most anticipated 7-inch slate wonder may finally get the official announcement  we’ve all been waiting for somewhere this June, while retail presence should start “before September” . That said, we should all proceed with caution when it comes to rumors, Right? Nevertheless, it is said to include Intel’s Atom processor inside, along several USB ports (you hear that Apple?), a card reader slot extension, a built-in back-mounted webcam and even…a flash support – all priced VERY competitively, at €400 (or $545) – but this remains to be officially determined in the following months. Stay tuned. One more image after the break.

[Clipset via Engadget]

Continue reading HP’s Slate Rumored To Be Launched In June at €400 Powered By Intel’s Atom Chipset →

Computers

Windows Phone 7 Series Gets a Neat Tablet Concept To Hold Onto

Here’s something that Redmond guys could actually use as their next tablet creation – and rest assure that Microsoft will have one eventually, whether you’d call it tablet, slate or a courier. Created by a designer called Umang Dokey, this nice looking Windows Phone 7 tablet concept is definitely something we could literally envision in our geeky minds, coming out somewhere in the next 24 months, with a bunch of easy-to-use tiles, constructed in one screen, one place, panning free. We don’t really know if those dual joysticks at the back of the device could actually feet Microsoft’s futuristic doctrine, but the flipping kick stand that turns into a viable QWERTY keyboard would probably be a nice add-on to have. Check it out for yourself by hitting the jump and watching the video right after the break.

[via Recombu]

Continue reading Windows Phone 7 Series Gets a Neat Tablet Concept To Hold Onto →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Cowon J3 PMP Breaks Cover Officially

Given the fact it has a long stretched body design and a brushed metal cover, one may think that Cowon has jumped on the mobile bandwagon and released a new nifty smartphone to the already crowded pond – but it hasn’t – as you can learn from the company’s official announcement that recently released. So what exactly is that craft you ask? A new PMP device (yes, they still create this things nowadays) which carries the name J3, and packs a 3.3-inch 480 x 272 AMOLED touchscreen, along a built-in accelerometer, integrated Bluetooth, a TV output, and 4, 8, or 16GB of storage capacities at your choice. At this point, both price and availability are yet to be determined, although some tech junkies would swear in god that this bad boy player will presumably go out live in no time period.

Update1: Prices in South Korea are likely to range between 189,000 and 359,000 Won or somewhere around $165 to $315 in US currency. Still no tangible indication for a western debut schedule. stay tuned.

Update2: Apparently, US consumers can now order themselves a Cowon J3 PMP device for $199.99 (8GB) or $239.99 (16GB). It comes with a 3.3-inch capacitive touchscreen panel, you know. Not to mention the integrated accelerometer, microSD expansion, Bluetooth, TV output and other goodies to make you want it, except one – there’s no WiFi, and for $199 an iPod Touch will do the work just fine.

Update3: Now, also available in a 32GB version, which will run you in Japan for ¥29,800 (about $325), either in black or white flavors.

Update4: We’ve added a quick preview video after the break, courtesy of Generationmp3.

[via Movie Player]

Continue reading Cowon J3 PMP Breaks Cover Officially →

Computers, News

Samsung N150, N210 and N510 Atom N450 Netbooks Announced In Israel

We’ve already had a chance to get a glimpse of Samsung’s new Pine Trail lineup couple months ago, but today it finally gets official in Israel with three netbooks on the stake, as the first one, the N150 which suppose to target the mid-end market, includes an HD compatible 10.1-inch LED display along  Intel’s Atom N450 processor, 6-cell battery that can deliver up to 8.5 hours of working life, AnyPC technology which ensures faster network connection  and myriad of colorful lids coated with a special protective layer that resists scratches and fingerprint smudges. Next model is the N210 which seems to have that same 10.1-inch LED display inside, paired with a battery, claimed to work up to 12 hours(!) in one single charge, 802.11 b/g/n wireless connection, PC To PC app that ease file sharing between laptops, and that special crystal cover on top in order to protect from scratches and finger marks. And last but not least, the most powerful one out of the three, the N510 (we’ve mentioned in two occasions) which boasts that same protective crystal layer, but also packs a wide 11.6-inch LED HD display, power by Nvidia ION graphics accelerator under the hood, tucked with dual 3W SRS 3D speakers, 3 x USB 2.0 ports with one that can charge different gadgets directly, a nice chiclet keyboard, only 1.46 kg weight and battery that would drain out after 7 hours of continuous work. Prices and availability haven;t been disclosed.

tablets

Apple’s iPad Gets A Lavish Diamond Edition

The iPad has just made it to Apple’s online store, in case you haven’t noticed, and for those interested in buying one (or two) and have a neat 9.7-inch capacitive-touchscreen tablet added to their growing gadgets collection (that would eventually turn dispensable one day), it’s up and ready for your personal pre-orders starting at $499 for basic 16GB non-3G version and gets to $829 if you choose to nab the 64GB with WiFi & 3G edition. That said, there seems to be yet another iPad model out there, the kind that comes very limited, with a diamond-coated panel, boasting 11.43 carats of G/H color diamonds rated at VS2/SI1 for clarity and being offered by a company called Mervis, specifically for deep pockets/irrational people who are willing to pay a whopping $19,999, to get it. And despite the undisclosed specs of this stock slate version offered, it probably wouldn’t be so hard to find the guys who care about design rather than the ‘Pad – sigh!

[Mervis Diamond Importers]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Archos’ Run Of The Mill Vision A43VB PMP Introduced

This is kind of surprising, because Archos, a well known French manufacturer who build top-notch media players as well as tablets and MIDs, has taken a Chinese player (probably a RAmos T8) with what appears to be a very basic and unresponsive 4.3-inch touchscreen display and re-branded it to this Vision A43VB, which boasts 8GB of storage capacity along a microSD expansion slot and a cheap plastic frame. The UI itself is very basic, and not the most co-operative you’d get, while battery on the other hand is quiet reasonable with 30 hours of audio playback. And still with no official release date, make sure you have spare change to get yourself this one, in fact it’s about €99 ($135) to be accurate. Hands-on video, courtesy of Charbax, after the break.

[via PlayerBites]

Continue reading Archos’ Run Of The Mill Vision A43VB PMP Introduced →

Computers, News

ASUS Eee PC 1005PR Joins The Pack With Broadcom Crystal HD Onboard

Eee PC netbooks – if you think you’ve seen them all – think again, because right now, the way it looks we’re back to the “hard-to-follow” position, where new models with very similar names come out to the pond twice a day. A few weeks ago, it was Asus’ new lineup, including versions like 1016P, 1018P and 1015p that showed up in the wild, and now it’s the newly made Eee PC 1005PR that just got released and suppose to replace the four months old 1005PE device. What’s new, you’re asking? While shape and feel are pretty much the same, Graphics wise, it’s a whole new story with that 10.1-inch 1366×768 HD compatible display stuffed inside, powered by Broadcom’s Crystal HD accelerator that can easily run your high-def files. The rest of the specs is nothing to be shout off, but definitely descent: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450, 1GB of RAM, and 320GB hard drive. Price and availability are yet to be determined. Stay tuned.

Update1: And looks like ASUS’ Eee PC 1005PR is now up for pre-order at Amazon (with all the good stuff included) for $399.99 only, which makes this HD compatible netbook pretty attractive for acquisition, in its 10-inch category. Ship dates haven’t been disclosed yet.

Update2: Apparently, the Eee PC Seashell 1005PR is now fully available for shipping, anywhere around the world, with that same $400 price tag and staggering 11 hours battery life. Get it now if you care for longevity and the HD vibes.

[via EeePC.it]

Computers, News

HP Slate Shows Up In Adobe Flash Demo and A Marketing Teaser

It’s been over two months since we last saw the HP Slate in action, popping out at CES and making first appearance, courtesy of Mr. Microsoft himself, Steve Ballmer. Back then, it was just a preliminary introduction, but today you get to see the big picture, as shown in a short teaser the company has launched at its own Youtube channel (which admittedly made us super excited) and in Adobe’s walkthrough demo that literally  introduces the flash capabilities (the iPad would probably miss) and how efficient they are to our personal working environment, through HP’s future tablet that regretfully, lacks pricing or shipping dates, as of today. Hit the break to catch the action.

[hpcomputers]

Continue reading HP Slate Shows Up In Adobe Flash Demo and A Marketing Teaser →

Computers, News

Samsung’s Go N315 Netbook To Get a Pine Trail Flavor

Samsung has already managed to catch our attention a year ago when first released its slick and lavish netbooks lineup, known as the Go series. But things, as you may know, change pretty fast these days and technology that appeared to be new and updated back then is no longer relevant. And going into the nitty gritty things, last year it was the Atom N270 that has shined and today it’s the Pine Trail flavor (AKA: Atom N450) that rise, and Samsung wise, we have the Go N315 machine that was recently released with no surprise. Price is at $429 which makes it a bit expensive if you want us to categorize, but still packs the latest specs and components we expected it would comprise. That includes the Atom N450 CPU, 1GB of RAM, Windows 7 Starter and Intel’s GMA 1350 graphics, that plays HD videos smooth at any size.

[via Netbooked]

Computers, News

Apple’s iPad To Make Official Debut On April 3rd (Update: Now Available For Pre-Order)

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Now it’s official, the tablet everyone’s been waiting for is due out on April 3rd with Apple to start taking non-3G iPad pre-orders a week from now, on March 12th. The official announcement, which was fully added after the break, states that slate fanboys from countries like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK will get the option to shell out their cash and buy one (3G or non-3G model) at the same exact US date of release, in the first week of the fourth month, with prices starting at $499 for a 16GB WiFi enabled iPad, and up to $829 if you’re out for the 64GB with WiFi and 3G flavors. Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs says: “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before”, and we say “Bring it on baby!”

Update1: It’s here! Apple’s latest and greatest tablet, AKA iPad, is now available for pre-order. Shipping date is due to April 3, as mentioned, and customers will be limited up to 2 devices each. Happy raid!

Update2: First stock of Apple’s iPad devices is SOLD OUT! and it’s not that we’re surprised, but just in case you wanted to get one and missed the train, then April 12th, a little over a week, is your next chance to jump to your close station.

Update3: Don’t color us surprise here fellows, we weren’t falling out of our chairs when first heard the iSuppli team, who thoroughly broke down the 16GB iPad components into pieces, decisively claiming a grand total of $259.60 net worth – almost half the price charged by Apple in stores (which stands at $499). Now, it wouldn’t be fair to go and look at things this way, without including R&D plus overhead expenses, would it? In any case, we still think that people should know exactly what they’re paying for, either it’s a $95 screen, or $26.80 for the 1GHz A4 processor.

Continue reading Apple’s iPad To Make Official Debut On April 3rd (Update: Now Available For Pre-Order) →

Computers, News

Sony Vaio M Netbook Series Pops Up In The Wild

Well, this one came out of the blue with no official announcement, but a fairly reasonable cause. It’s Sony’s latest M series netbook which suppose to replace the Vaio W series with more updated specs but pretty much the same feel and looks. From what we know so far (and there’s not much to say), It would boast a 10.1 1024×600 16:10 LED display, jammed with a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, 1GB of RAM, 250GB hard drive, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, a built-in webcam and Intel’s new GMA 3150 graphics accelerator. As of today, there’s still no word about price or availability, but hey – we promise to deliver, once they get to our hands.

Update1: Netbooknews says it would run for $349 euros either in Black or Silver flavors. In addition, it suppose to include Windows 7 Starter and a 6 cell battery pack onboard.

Update2: The Vaio M is all set for a European April launch, with UK prices starting at £300 (around $455) for basic specs, mentioned above.

Update3: Did we say set and ready? It’s now official, the Vaio M that is. Similar specs and same prices as noted before.

[via Sony Insider]

Computers, News

Averatec N1200 Pine Trail Netbook Announced

Averatec is straightening up the lines and specs with their new 10-inch netbook, known as N1200 and equipped with Intel’s latest Atom N450 processor, along a Windows XP or Windows 7 Starter edition at your choice packed in a slim and sleek 2.2lbs light design. For a starting price of $330 and a “this month” debut you’ll also get yourself a 160GB hard drive together with up to 2GB of RAM a built-in 1.3mp webcam, LED LCD display at 1024×600 screen resolution, 802.11n Wi-Fi connection and 3 cell battery pack with 6 cell version, marked as optional. PR blurbs after the jump.

Continue reading Averatec N1200 Pine Trail Netbook Announced →

CeBit, Computers, News

Hanvon BC10C and BA10E TouchPad Tablets Abruptly Emerge at CeBIT

3 Comments

Details scarce at this point, but a company called Hanvon just rolled out two impressive tablet machines, BC10C and BA10E, both under the suspiciously familiar brand – ‘TouchPad’ (you hear that Apple?!?). And while these two share this nice 10.1-inch capacitive multitouch display and Windows 7 Home Premium on top, there are some slight differences between them that worth to be mentioned and note. Starting with the BA10E model, it runs a 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor inside, paired with 1GB of RAM, 120GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, a 1.3mp camera and a mediocre Intel GMA 500 graphics card. Mind you that specs clearly indicate a Windows XP system while in demo itself the tablet was operating under a touch-friendly Windows 7 OS. The second, BC10C has a 1.3GHz Intel Celeron ULV743 CPU, tucked with 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 2mp camera –  which make it more strong. The company says that prices should be somewhere between 500 – 600 Euros, but we still don’t have any confirmation about release dates or any official pre-orders call. Hands-on video after the break.

Update1: The the BC10C launches in China March 25th, for $877, but ’till then, Jkkmobile has just released their Hanvon’s hands-on video, and they seemed very impressed with the results, so check it out as well, after the break.

Update2: We’ve just added another hands-on video from Jkkmobile, this time a lot more intrusive and comprehensive than previous. Hit the jump to watch it now.

Update3: According to jkkmobile, Hanvon’s TouchPad B10 release has been rescheduled again, this time towards the end of May, if you’re a Chinese buyer, and somewhere around June for the rest of the Western world. Prices remain with no change though, standing at $877.

[via engadget]

Continue reading Hanvon BC10C and BA10E TouchPad Tablets Abruptly Emerge at CeBIT →

Audio, CeBit, Computers, Media Players

Archos 7 Home Tablet Introduced, Running Android Platform and ARM 9 CPU Onboard

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We’ve already seen a glimpse from Archos’ 7-inch Android-powered tablet one month ago, but now things turn to be official at CeBIT 2010, with the French debuting their 600MHz ARM 9 Home Tablet machine, aiming the low cost market with attractive and very affordable prices – €149 in Europe and only $179 Stateside. And despite that unconvincing HD friendly resistive touchscreen, we can find a lot of reason for you to buy it. First and foremost, it’s cheap, second, it comes with WiFi so you can easily surf the net without the need for other device, third, it looks great at 12mm thin and weighs only 350g and fourth, it has 2GB of storage capacity inside and a microSD card extension slot. No, it doesn’t include an integrated accelerometer inside so you won;t be able to see your photos in landscape mode or read your favorite eBook vertically, but still, for that pricing level it sure worth a try, especially when it comes to the battery that delivers seven hours of video or 44 hours of audio playback. Checkout the hands-on video right after the break.

Update1: And just when things are getting busy within the tablet realm, the Android-powered Archos 7 8GB tablet device appears online in couple of places, available for a pre-order (and as an iPad alternative) for merely €200 ($270) on the German Amazon or at €180 ($240) on Redcoon’s website.

Update2: Looks like the Archos 7 Home Tablet is now finally available to order on Amazon for $199.99, with an official release date – yet to be determined (probably towards the end of April).

Update3: Unfortunately, the Archos 7 won’t be available in the market until early June of this year. That said, according to the French corp, those who pre-ordered the 7-inch, Android 1.6 tablet may get their piece of craft somewhere towards the end of May. Full PR after the break.

[via UMPC Portal]

Continue reading Archos 7 Home Tablet Introduced, Running Android Platform and ARM 9 CPU Onboard →

CeBit, Computers, News

ASUS Eee PC 1201PN Gets Nvidia’s ION 2 and Atom N450 Treatment

1 Comment

Asus has already proved it can go hand-to-hand with tech pace and bring up-to-date laptops that match the latest criteria one by one. And that is probably the reason the company has just released the Eee PC 1201PN, a Pine Trail netbook powered by Nvidia’s ION 2 graphics that suppose to replace the 6 months old 1201N which had the same looks, only with ION’s first chipset edition and a previous Atom N330 CPU version. The new one, which was spotted at the Taiwanese booth in CeBIT, packs a 12.1-inch 1366×768 LED display, along that Atom N450 Pine Trail processor, and NVIDIA’s Ion 2 for the graphics tone. Other than that, the 1201PN offers basic specs like 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi connection, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and 6 cell battery with working hours “TBD”. Stay tuned for more to come, meanwhile checkout Joanna’s hands-on video after the break.

Update: And looks like the 12.1-inch ASUS Eee PC 1201PN, powered by ION 2 chipset, is now available on Amazon for a starting price of $484, which seems pretty impressive if we take into consideration that really amazing lineup, which includes a Intel Atom N450 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 201M for the graphics.

[via engadget]

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC 1201PN Gets Nvidia’s ION 2 and Atom N450 Treatment →

CeBit, Computers, Media Players

Mio Moov V780 MID Breaks Cover Ahead Of CeBIT

Top-notch navigating systems with 3D maps and live traffic reports are probably some of the things that come to your minds when hearing the name Mio. And while GPS systems have turned to be part of our day-to-day usage, one can argue it would just be enough to satisfy today’s self indulgent clients. I mean, lets be series for a moment, don’t you want the all-in-one package instead of carrying so many gadgets around? Well, someone in MIO has already figured that out, otherwise we’d probably seen yet another nav box hitting our headlines, no? And getting into details, we speak about the company’s latest Moov V780 MID – Entertaining machine that has recently popped out with a 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen and should officially see first lights at CeBIT 2010. It has a strong 600MHz processor tucked with an HDMI output, DVB-T digital TV support, a built-in WiFi and optional WiMAX connection. Furthermore, it’s claimed to include the new Mio Spirit navigation software, but OS wise, you won’t be seeing anything but Windows CE running inside, not to mention an Android 2.0. Price and availability are still to be unveiled, hopefully this coming week, at the Hannover show.

Update: The good guys at jkkmobile have managed to put their hands on MIO’s new V780 MID while at CeBIT, and we’re lucky to have their video up and ready to be watched, right after the break. As you can see, the V780 will presumably offer an optional cradle where users will be able to place the V780 in and do their stuff with a real QUERTY keyboard attached – something we have seen in Lenovo’s U1 Hybrid machine, remember?

[Mio]

Continue reading Mio Moov V780 MID Breaks Cover Ahead Of CeBIT →

Computers, News

Asus Preps a Whole New 1018P, 1016P and 1015P Eee PC Netbooks Lineup

2 Comments

Haven’t heard from Asus lately? Fret not, because the Taiwanese giant is rumored to go out with a new netbooks lineup at the CeBIT show, next week in Hanover, Germany and we’re here to tell the plot. Apparently there are three 10.1-inch mini laptops included in Asus coming release, as two of them, 1016P and 1018P are aimed to target the highly competitive business world with a premium aluminum chassis and battery that works up to 14 hours long, while the latter, 1018p boasts a slim 0.7-inch body, an integrated fingerprint reader and the next-gen USB 3.0 slot (!). The third model, 1015p, that suppose to refresh Asus’ 1005pE version, is claimed to be inspired by Macbooks mode with a nice chiclet keyboard, a matte display and a bigger trackpad floor. We’ll find out more on that next week at the show.

Update: We’re told that the 1018p version will also offer Intel N455 and N475 processors inside and that Bluetooth 2.1+EDR is also included while Bluetooth 3.0 is optional. Checkout the quick video preview after the break.

[via Slashgear]

Continue reading Asus Preps a Whole New 1018P, 1016P and 1015P Eee PC Netbooks Lineup →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Philips’ GoGear Muse PMP Sprouts Out With Touchscreen and HDMI Output

It looks like the good guys at Philips have finally decided to invigorate their relatively known GoGear lineup with contemporary specs and a chic design. For this matter, the company has just rolled out the Muse, a 3.2-inch touchscreen PMP which boasts either 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB sizes at your choice, covered by a slim metal brushed chassis, etched with a single rocker button, down the lane. The player, that will hopefully go out somewhere this year, priced within the range of $155 – $185, is claimed to include a built-in FM tuner, a microSD slot (supporting up to 32GB cards), and a 720p HDMI output. It suppose to support most common audio formats through the open sourced Songbird player, instead of Windows Media Player (interesting!), and said to be capable of importing song lists from services like iTunes, Last.fm and 7digital. Stay tuned.

[via Pocket-lint]

Computers, Internet, Mobile, News

Orange Israel To Sell Acer Mini PC As Part Of Its Internet Bundle

Orange Israel has just started offering a new Internet package that includes a Smart Box wireless router, together with a 2.5Mb internet connection fixed for 36 months and…an Acer Mini PC that comes with Intel’s E5300 processor, paired with 2GB DDR3 RAM, 320GB hard drive, Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Intel GMA X4500 graphics, a Super Multi Dual Layer DVD and wide range of ports like 4 x USB hubs, eSata, VGA output, DVI plus HDMI adapter. The system runs Microsoft Windows 7 Premium preloaded inside and is now offered on Orange’s website for 3,564NIS (36 x 99). In addition, you get wireless keyboard and mouse as part of the deal which suppose to last ’till March 31st.

CeBit, CES, Computers, News

LG Takes The Wraps Off X140 and X200 Atom N450 Netbooks

The Pine Trail procession seems to go even further, with LG to join the marchers by uncovering two Atom N450 netbooks, X140 and X200, both to run Windows 7 Starter onboard. The X140 is claimed to include basic specs like 1GB of RAM, a 10.1 1024×600 display, a 160GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, optional 3G modem and a 6 cell battery, while the more advanced version, X200 will presumably house a more updated components such as Intel’s GMA 3150 graphics, 2GB RAM, a 250GB hard drive, Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi and a 10.1-inch display, this time with 1366 x 768 HD resolution support. Availability and prices are still undetermined, but suppose to surface at the CeBIT show, next week.

Update: We’ve added a CES 2010 X200 hands-on video, courtesy of NetbookNews. Check it out after the break.

[via Electronista]

Continue reading LG Takes The Wraps Off X140 and X200 Atom N450 Netbooks →

Applications, Games, Mobile, Phones

21 Amazingly Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games

2 Comments

Mobile gaming is still in primeval stages – that’s unquestionable – but the foreseeable future is likely to be promising. In a rapidly growing market with over 20,000 iPhone and iPod Touch games available on Apple’s App Store, it’s not that hard guessing this is just a matter of time until portable games will start dominating our very own smartphones while overpowering desktop platforms. Especially now, when Cupertino teams up with more developing companies and Redmond that finally joins the party with Windows Phone 7 Series which suppose to integrate Xbox Live architecture in Microsoft’s coming machines. Still, it would probably take some time until substantial changes will eventually become real  – a year or two in our humble opinion. Anyway, ’till then, if you already play games on iPhones or iPod touch players, but  feel short in cash to start funding all those neat apps that show up in big numbers, every day and after, here’s a list of twenty one games, free of charge, for you to download. Please feel free to add your favorite “cost-nothing” apps, down in the commenting section.

Continue reading 21 Amazingly Free iPhone and iPod Touch Games →

Audio, Media Players, Video

Window G85HD Touchscreen PMP Released, UI Looks Surprisingly Responsive

As far as we know, the word ‘Windows’ is a Microsoft registered trademark, but that as a fact apparently didn’t stop Shenzen guys from launching Window G85HD PMP to the Asian world – and frankly, we probably wouldn’t be talking about it at all unless the stunning touchscreen it boasts. You may think this is yet another 4.3-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, but the Chinese somehow worked it out to respond flawlessly with the player’s platform – actually one of the best we’ve ever seen, so far. Well maybe it’s this strong Rockchip RK2806 processor inside that makes it smoothly float, but this way or another you can either watch movies on that nice looking screen or pump them out through the 720p video output the G85HD owns. Other than that, just the usual lineup of 8GB or 16GB internal memory store along FM radio tuner, 3.5mm jack, a Chinese-English dictionary, wide range of formats compatibility and a microSD card slot. No word on price at the moment but a quick hands-on video (in Chinese) is few lines under these notes.

[via PC Online]

Continue reading Window G85HD Touchscreen PMP Released, UI Looks Surprisingly Responsive →

Computers, News

iiView’s Vpad Makes It Out To a Growing Tablets Market

If any of you happens to have spare $500 in his pocket, iPad is not the only slab you can get – look, it’s not that we’re trying to pull you off the idea of buying Apple’s new star, it’s just there are other tablets in the market that want to conquer your hearts. One of them, is iiView’s 10.2-inch Vpad that boasts familiar specs such as Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive and Windows 7 Starter Edition onboard. And while this version costs only $499, a 3G-compatible device with 2GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive will run for $200 more. Still no info about availability.

Update: Looks like iiView has wisely decided to upgrade specs inside its coming slate (AKA: M1Touch) which suppose to run for $500, starting this June, with a 1.66GHz Atom N450 processor, paired with 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, one USB hub, 4-in-1 card reader and integrated webcam, stuffed on top of a 10.1 inch capacitive multitouch display. Basically, we’re not fond of desktop OS platforms running on portable tablets, even though the M1Touch do have one  – Windows 7 Home Premium.

[via Notebooks.com]

Computers, News

Asus Eee PC T101MT Netbook With Swivel-Touchscreen Unveiled

It’s been a while since we’ve last seen a tablet netbook from Asus, but thanks to the FCC division we’re finally getting a chance to see their new and latest swivel-enabled ultra-portable mate, the Eee PC T101MT, which crams a 10.1-inch 1024 x 768 resistive multitouch display along with 160GB or 320GB capacities at your choice, 1.6GHz Atom N450 CPU, Windows 7, up to 2GB of RAM, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 connection, 0.3 mp webcam and a battery that can deliver up to 6.5 hours of work time. Ports list includes a VGA output, SD/SDHC/SDXC card reader, three USB hubs and Ethernet jack, tucked into black or white body flavors. Still no world about price or availability but be sure we’re here to update as soon as they come. Meanwhile, hit the jump to see some video tutorials.

Update1: We’ve added yet another hands-on video to ease your decisions whether to get Asus’ latest greatest Eee PC T101MT Tablet or just move forward to some other versions available in the market. To recall, it’s a resistive screen which seems to have pretentious becoming a capacitive one (video courtesy of Netbooked).

Update2: And just in case you were looking for the real-deal and had some hopes to catch up with a retail version demo, that would ease your decisions whether buying one or not, checkout the second video in the pile (courtesy of Netbooklive.net), and see this quick preview mode.

Update3: Asus now says the T101MT is set to go live in Europe in April 2010, priced at €499 (about $660), while a US debut is rumored to take place next month as well with prices standing at $499 for the same exact specs.

Update4: And…ASUS’ 10-inch Eee PC T101MT is now shipping throughout the US. You can get yours, online via B&H, or Amazon.

[Eee PC.it]

Continue reading Asus Eee PC T101MT Netbook With Swivel-Touchscreen Unveiled →

Computers, News, Video

Acer Aspire One 532G Introduced, First Netbook To Accommodate Nvidia Ion 2 Graphics

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This one has definitely caught us by surprise, but this time we’re more than willing to accept it and many others in that same sphere. The event is the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, the brand, Acer and the product is Aspire One 532G (not to be confused with the 532h although they share the same design), which happens to be world’s first netbook to pack a discrete Nvidia Ion 2 graphics accelerator, which comes paired with a switchable (and less powerful) Intel GMA 3150 GPU which clearly indicates that Acer will most probably be using Nvidia’s new auto switching technology, AKA Optimus, in its coming ultra-portable series. Under the lid it appears to have an up-to-date lineup, including a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 Pine Trail processor, along with 2GB of RAM, a whopping 320GB hard drive, an HDMI output and a 10-inch HD display – impressive, isn’t it? In any case it is due to go out in March for a non disclosure price. Hands on video and PR blurbs right after the break.

Update1: And looks like Acer kept its promise and despite top-notch specs, prices remain competitive. How much? 379 euros for European heroes and we’re guessing $379 Stateside. Stay tuned.

Update2: Looks like Acer’s 10-inch 532G netbook device, the one that suppose to include Nvidia ION II inside, is no longer in plans (at least for now) due to technical issues with NVIDIA and Acer drivers. Bummer! But we’re still waiting…

[via Netbooknews.de]

Continue reading Acer Aspire One 532G Introduced, First Netbook To Accommodate Nvidia Ion 2 Graphics →

Games, Mobile, News, Phones, Video

iPhone 3GS VS Nexus One, Who Has The Best Video 3D Rates?

Are you eager to replace your old crappy mobile device with a brand new multi-touch compatible smartphone? If you do, and already considered buying either Apple’s iPhone 3GS or Google’s Nexus one, then get this – according to a 3D frame rate video test initiated by the guys at Distinctive Developments, it appears that Cupertino’s iPhone device achieved better results than Mountain View’s latest mobile hit. The test, which included a series of finger pinching gestures, has indicated that iPhone 3GS received an average of 30 frame rates per second, while Nexus one has managed to get only 20-21 rates for that same video segment. The reason for that gap between the two is due to the lack of use of Neon floating-point optimization in the Nexus One. You can see it for yourself right after the break, in hope that someone in Google would take things into consideration and make the essential changes.

Update: It was brought to our attention that Nexus One supports a 800 x 480 screen resolution which is bigger than iPhone’s 480×320. However, in their test DD guys actually changed the Nexus One viewport size to match the iPhone’s 480×320, and by doing that they received a frame-rate improvement from 30fps to 40fps. Still, with 8 characters on screen there was no difference; with the frame-rate remaining the same at 21fps.

[via phonesreview]

Continue reading iPhone 3GS VS Nexus One, Who Has The Best Video 3D Rates? →

Computers, News, Operating Systems

Samsung To Release a 10-Inch Chrome OS Netbook Soon

Remember this daring Google Chrome OS that got official only three months ago? Well, according to Australia’s Channel News, quoting Samsung’s IT manager, Phil Newton, things finally start moving forward in the right direction and we’re likely to see  Mountain View’s snappy platform installed on Samsung netbooks in the near future. Although there’s nothing concrete at the moment, the manager confirmed that his company plans to roll out a new N210 ultra-portable series, packing a 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor with 64GB of flash storage, 2GB of RAM, WiFi, built-in 3G, a solid 12 hour battery life and a 10.1-inch screen display on top. Prices and dates are yet to be determined, so stay tuned.

[via engadget]

Mobile, News, Phones

Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series Announced, Due Out This Holidays Season

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It’s hot at the Mobile World Congress 2010, in Barcelona, as Microsoft officially unveils its latest and probably biggest Windows Phone 7 series, a new and pretentious Windows Mobile rendition, identical to all carriers and future device brands, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon architecture onboard, handling smoothly the featured (unsized) capacitive touchscreens, built into those dev demo prototype phones. Basically, it’s a a whole new mobile system Redmond has literally built from the scratch and tweaked to be used on mobile machines in a way that you’ve never seen before. True, it would likely take time to get used to the 7 series, but its harmonic look and feel is surprisingly refreshing and conveniently flows. Yes, if you had this “deja vu” feeling of a Zune HD interface control, you’re probably not alone, but Microsoft has taken it few steps forward and created more in-depth platform with many new features like Xbox Live integration, social networking interaction, myriad of apps and widgets installed. “Every Windows series phone will be a Zune”, that’s what we’ve been told, and synchronizing your handheld  music with PC computers is claimed to be very easy and simple to work.

The home screen itself includes dynamic vertical tiles, with customizable shortcut links to variant apps, contacts and other in-house modes, designed in a way you can flip them down from head to toe, but also pan left and right to sub-directories and other hidden rows. It boasts that same big and bold Zune HD  text style, which relatively changes and gets magnified the moment you slide the screen and start to scroll. And navigating between the menus makes you realize that Microsoft completely revamped the OS code, making it concentrate in four major segments: People, Games, Pictures, Music plus Video hub homes. Each hub is an independent unit that’s responsible for different tasks, where you can watch and share your personal stuff (images/videos) via hub or cloud,when it comes to ‘pictures’ window, or in other case connect with friends and get updates from family/other contacts through social media services in the ‘People’ spot and the most fascinating thing – play Xbox LIVE games, create avatars, and profiles, at the ‘Games’ area zone – Cool. At the end of the day it’s a new platform that suppose to serve our next-gen phones, so naturally it would also include a non-supportive Adobe flash Internet Exploder browser and Outlook email app to handle mails on the go. Oh, and don’t forget, there’s a dialing phone somewhere inside.

Hardware wise, Microsoft mobile phones will include 3 buttons each: Start, Search and Back, while capacitive displays will have 4-points multi-touch compatibility, with flipping, panning and pinch to zoom gestures support. As mentioned, Microsoft has partnered with Qualcomm, which means we’re likely to see Arm Snapdragon chipset, tossed inside the bowel.

Microsoft as you may know, teamed up with worldwide carriers like AT&T, Deutsche Telekom AG, Orange, SFR, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone, while manufacturers partnerships include Dell, Garmin-Asus, HTC, HP, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and Qualcomm.

It would probably take time to realize whether Windows 7 series is a game changer or not, but we’re glad to see that Microsoft is finally raising the mobile OS bar and placing it in a whole new and distinguished level that would likely make many people across this realm start scratching their heads and rearrange their thoughts. When will this crazy and exciting software go out and hit the roads? I guess you’ll have to be patient here and wait ’till it gets to the market somewhere around the end of the year, right next to holidays madness season days.

Update: We’ve added the full hands-on walkthrough video, right after the break. A bit long but definitely worth a try.

Continue reading Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series Announced, Due Out This Holidays Season →

Computers, News, Operating Systems

Compaq Airlife 100 With 10.1-Inch Touchscreen and Android OS Platform Introduced

2 Comments

We’ve already seen a glimpse of Compaq’s latest and greatest Airlife 100 netbook machine, last month at Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, but now it finally seems to get official with all the pride and glory involved. Within, you’ll find a nice 10.1-inch touchscreen display, which stunningly works in collaboration with the Android OS, preloaded inside the box. And to make things even better, under this tiny smartbook  lid you’ll find a strong Snapdragon chip, paired with Intel’s latest Atom processor, 16GB SSD, WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G connection mode – offered in partnership with Telefonica for an undetermined price as a subsidized mobile broadband deal, in Europe, Latin America and hopefully some other places across the world. Stay tuned.

Update1: Battery wise, this bad boy will boast a powerful package, which suppose to provide 12-hour of continuous work or up to 10 days in standby.

Update2: The good guys at Engadget have managed to catch up with HP for a video tour of this intriguing Snapdragon powered netbook. Check it out after the break.

Update3: Not much happened since we first met HP’s Android-powered Airlife 100 netbook, back at the MWC conference in Barcelona. That said, it seems the 10-incher netbook has now turned official on HP’s website, packed with a non-capacitive touchscreen, which hides underneath a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor along WiFi, 3G connectivity, 512MB of RAM, and 16GB of flash. We’re still waiting for price and availability details to finally show up.

Update4: Looks like the Android-powered Compaq Airlife 100 will be exclusively available through Telefonica Movistar this coming May with base price of 229 euros for the mini laptop itself, and another 48 euros for a monthly internet package. Expensive?

Continue reading Compaq Airlife 100 With 10.1-Inch Touchscreen and Android OS Platform Introduced →

Applications, Communication, Internet, Mobile, News

Google Buzz Gets More Updates And Improvements, Reaching Over 9 Million Posts and Comments

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Only two days after turning the Buzz official within Gmail accounts, Google seems to roll out more tweaks and improvements, based on feedbacks and user requests, sent directly or to its help desk account. First and foremost, Google has closed security breach where people could actually see lists of friends and followers which automatically appeared on new Google Pages that people initially created to post their Buzz feeds. Those lists created based on interaction with people you email and chat with the most, could literally expose to the world details no one wanted to unveil. There for, from now on the first time you create a post or comment in Buzz, you will be asked to initiate a limited public profile with minimal info released outside. In addition, you can easily choose whether to turn on publicly the lists of people you follow or that follow you back and which of these species can appear publicly on your profile or not. Furthermore, Google adds the ability to block followers or unfollow them with a simple click of a button. Stay tuned.

Update1: Google says that since launched, tens of millions of people have checked Buzz out, creating over 9 million posts and comments, overwhelmingly added to the growing 200+ posts per minute, initiated from mobile phones around the world.

Update2: So you’re already involved with the Buzz, posting your stuff and following others, but you’re not exactly familiar with all those tricks and tweaks the service offers and wonder where you could have learned them all in a matter of minutes. For that reason specifically, we’ve added a Google Buzz cheat sheet where you can find all the keys and shortcuts that would make it easier for you to use the Buzz. Check it out after the break.

Update3: Google has wisely decided to remove the Buzz auto-follow model in which you automatically follow the people you email and chat with most, whenever initiate a new Google profile page. Instead of this auto-suggest model you will be taken into a welcome page, where you will be reviewing the people in your lists that you’re interested outing to the public and others, you prefer keeping them hidden (third image after the break). In addition, your Buzz will not connect with your Google Reader and Picasa shared items automatically, so your “Unlisted” albums or “Protected” reading sources won’t be revealed, unless you decide to. And last but not least, Google has confirmed it will soon add a Buzz tab to the Gmail account that would create a clear distinction between your day-to-day mailing content and your Googlr Buzz feeds (fourth image). Stay tuned.

[Google]

Continue reading Google Buzz Gets More Updates And Improvements, Reaching Over 9 Million Posts and Comments →

Computers, News

Asus ‘Killer Product’ Eee Pad Is Rumored To Go Out In June

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It’s not that we were thinking Asus would give up creating a tablet of its own, thus when the company’s CEO, Jonney Shih, speaks about a “killer product” due to go out in June, this is where our wild imagination begins to work extra hours and starts wondering about possible outcomes. Although it’s claimed to be yet “another Apple” (the iPad is scheduled to debut next month), it is said to support open source code and to include ARM hardware and Google software within. Pegatron, a separate division of Asus apparently received the manufacturing responsibility for this enigmatic tablet (Eee Pad?), and if we’d try to be just a little speculative here, it would probably boast Nvidia’s Tegra 2 for the graphics and run Android for the OS, under $500 price tag. Stay tuned.

Update: More Eee Pad rumors coming out, ahead of release, this time from Asus’s chairman Jonney Shih who has officially confirmed a duo set of Taiwanese tablets, coming out somewhere this year, one with a Windows OS on top and the other running Google’s android/Chrome platform. No further info at this point, but stick around for more details to come.

Computers, Mobile

Handheld US To Introduce The Algiz 7 Field Tablet PC

Now, don’t you think that Apple’s iPad device is the only tablet available around (…or yet to be available in a month). A company called Handheld US has one of its own, Algiz 7 that is, which carries a 1.6GHz Atom processor under the hood and a 7-inch touchscreen display right over the top (MaxView technology to ensure easy viewing in bright). To make sure you get no scratches down the field, the company added protective rubbers at each one of the corners while connection wise, it seems you’re covered as well with WiFi, Bluetooth, built-in GPS, and optional 3G bundled inside the package. Besides that, for a non-disclosure price you get yourself  2GB of RAM, paired with a 64GB SSD storage, a swappable 2400 mAh dual battery pack and Windows 7 Professional to handle things on ground. It suppose to come out next month with IP65 and MIL-STD-810G standards to endure humidity, smacks and shakes when taken outdoor, as weight is at 2.4lbs.

Applications, Communication, Internet, Mobile, News

Google Buzz Announced, Turns Your Web Mail Socialized And Your Mobile Device Localized

Google officially released the Buzz. What is it, you’re asking? It’s Mountain View’s new platform that integrates into your Gmail account and turns it into a social community center (sort of), where you can share things like updates, photos, videos and a lot more with people you email and chat with the most. Additionally, the Buzz allows you to start interacting with those people and make in-mail conversations about anything you’d like in a simple and attractive way. The purpose, according to Bradley Horowitz, Google’s vice president for product management, is to simplify things and help people …”to find signal in the noise”. The target, in our humble opinion, is to launch a successful email product that would make people stick around all day long, and by that, create their own personal streaming platform that would eventually attract potential web users to follow their buzz and turn their voice even louder. Is it a war declaration against popular services like Twitter and Facebook? Time would tell. Google’s buzz  integrates with existing social networks and people can easily add their Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, Yahoo or Facebook accounts, and even Google Reader feeds, into the Buzz while creating  a new social networking interface/aggregator that would gather both mailing usage and media streaming in one accessible place. So, direct war? not sure, but challenging Facebook’s social media domination? definitely yes.

Basically, no special setup is needed and Gmail users should expect seeing the Buzz in their mail accounts immediately, or later on this week, as Google rolls out its new platform across the web, at these very moments . Once receiving it you will automatically start seeing lists of people, who you have emailed on Gmail, added to your Buzz. At that point you can start sharing with them whatever you want, including pictures, messages, videos, articles, news feeds and more, either publicly or in private. It’s a dual direction platform, so in that case you will see their updates as well, but also a few “Recommended Buzz” from friends of your friends, adjusted to your personal feedback.

As for mobile phones, Google also announced mobile integration for Buzz with dedicated apps and maps and an updated homepage you can log into at google.com/buzz. Buzz for mobile makes your sharing a lot easier than expected, it ” brings location to the forefront and makes it easy to have conversations about places”. To start, just type buzz.google.com in your mobile browser address line and begin posting buzz from your phone. You can tag your location or use the suggested tag if correct and later on, search all the public buzz created by your friends or nearby strangers around you in any given location you’ve personally tagged. This way you get yourself a personal location and recommendation platform, based on people’s most basic and common opinions, carried by their smartphones. As mentioned, you can use Google Maps and create public buzz directly from the layer, and attach photos into it from your mobile phone. You can create Textual Buzz shortcuts which appear as a small conversation bubble that everyone can see and read, or go even cooler by creating Voice Buzz shortcuts which let you post buzz without typing a word – Neat! Hit the break to watch the videos.

Update1: Looks like Google Maps 4.0 with Buzz support now available in the Android Market for those who own Android-based smartphones like G1, Droid or Nexus One. Feel free to download it right away and share the Buzz with your friends!

Continue reading Google Buzz Announced, Turns Your Web Mail Socialized And Your Mobile Device Localized →

Computers, News

Dell Mini 10 Gets a WiMAX Update, Needs To Pass FCC First

As it looks, Dell’s Mini 10 netbooks are about to receive a major update, once they get through the FCC certification process, a matter of week or two. And while most specs apparently remain pretty much the same, connection on the other hand turns to be a lot more faster with bigger coverage compared to predecessors’ range. That, results from Round Rock’s new WiMAX adapter, Intel WiFi-Link 6250, that was stuffed inside the tiny portable laptops and aims to make a change. Other than that, for a $299 starting price you buy yourself that same good 10.1-inch display, tucked with a Pine Trail Atom N450 processor, 1GB of RAM, 250GB hard-drive, a 6-cell battery and an optional Broadcom Crystal HD graphics card. Availability is unknown at the moment, but probably will go live when clearance is finally granted.

[via Liliputing]

Computers, News

iTablet Gets Released In The UK, Packs Everything The iPad Doesn’t Have

Now that Apple’s iPad has finally turned official and gone into mass production, it seems just a matter of time until new tablet machines would rise and shine in geeks world and closely watched in months to come. And one UK company that didn’t wait long (’till Apple’s newcomer goes live)  and recently taken wraps off its latest greatest pride, the iTablet, is X2 Computing that offers a 10.2-inch widescreen TFT or 12.1-inch widescreen XGA – both touchscreens at 1024 x 768 resolution – due to start shipping with Windows or Linux OS in April 2010, for an undetermined price. Basically, these iTablets pack most things we wanted to see in Cupertino’s iPad but couldn’t find, like three USB ports, optional HDMI output, 1.3-megapixel webcam, multi-tasking and out-of-the-box integrated flash support. Besides that you suppose to see other included specs like Intel’s 1.6GHz processor, paired with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G connection, white, grey, pink, blue, red, yellow or black flavors and up to 250GB of storage onboard. Stay tuned for more.

Update: Word on the street says that both versions are sized at 35mm thick, which explains the big storage capacity offered, but sounds bulky, in our opinion. This way or another we’ll have to wait and see.

[via Pocket Lint]

Audio, Media Players, Video

RAmos’ New T13FHD And T17FHD Touchscreen PMPs To Support Full HD Content

Chinese company RAMos has launch a new PMP lineup which includes the T17FHD and T13FHD models, both to handle 1080p videos adequately. Make no mistake, these are not MIDs or tablets, just media players with a built-in HDMI port and touchscreen display on top. Starting with the T13FHD, made of zinc alloy magnesium, you get  a 4.3-inch display along a USB host, TV output and a headphone jack, positioned to the left, while the second, T17FHD, literally sports the same screen size with 800 × 480 resolution, but also packs 16GB of flash storage, a microSD card slot, ebook reader compatibility and wide range of formats support, including H.264, MPEG1/2/4 decoding, MKV, RMVB, AVI, MOV, MPG, MPEG, DAT, MOV, MP4, MP3、WMA、WAV、RM、OGG、and JPG、BMP、PNG、GIF image files. No word about price or availability at this point.

[via imp3]

Operating Systems, Phones, software

Google Nexus One Update Is Over-the-air, Brings Google Goggles, Maps And Multitouch Capabilities Into The Phone

[tweetmeme]

The mystery behind Nexus One’s multitouch disparity between Europe and the US is finally about to end, as Google reports in its blog, suggesting imminent roll out of a software update, specifically tailored for the Nexus One and which apparently boasts some major add-ons inside, amongst you’ll find Google Goggle app that lets you take pictures through the integrated webcam and then generate search results about them, improved version of Google Maps with a special night mode and useful suggestions, general fix of 3G connectivity and last but probably the most important one, multitouch support, that would likely offer “a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone’s Browser, Gallery and Maps applications”. In case you were wondering about the timing of this update, here’s Google official statement, given to ReadWriteWeb:

Looking around the mobile industry, from Apple to Palm to HTC and Motorola – it’s clear that pinch-to-zoom technology has become a standard and popular way for users to interact with their mobile phones. Likewise, Android users can now truly benefit from this capability with the availability of Android 2.1, which powers a new class of devices with larger touchscreens and more interactive features. Unlike past devices, these phones have the processing power to deliver pinch-to-zoom, while still providing a great user experience. Based on these new capabilities and numerous requests from Android users, we decided to provide pinch-to-zoom capabilities with this new over-the-air software update for Nexus One devices.

Update: We’ve added a video that shows Nexus One new features in action, check it out after the break.

[Google]

Continue reading Google Nexus One Update Is Over-the-air, Brings Google Goggles, Maps And Multitouch Capabilities Into The Phone →

Media Players, Operating Systems, Phones, software

iPhone OS 3.1.3 Goes Live

Apple just issued iPhone/iPod Touch OS 3.1.3, available on your iTunes right away, offering bug fixes to some of the few problems users were moaning about like improved battery level indicator, or third-party applications that failed to launch in some of the occasions. Other issues this update resolves include a Japanese Kana keyboard fix and security breaches related to CoreAudio, ImageIO, Recovery Mode and WebKit.

Update: And those of you, Mac OS X users, who’ve been patiently waiting for a hack ‘n crack to go out, it appears like Dev-Team‘s new Pwnage jailbreaking tool is now officially up and ready to grab. As usual, proceed with caution.

Computers, Internet

Meizu Android-Powered ‘M-One’ Tablet Teams Up With avatar, Aims To Destroy The iPad

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At this point there are more images than details, and frankly we have no Idea whether they’re real or not – although we have our doubts, if you’re asking, especially when it comes to the Avatar image below, I mean seriously do you guys want to mess up with Hollywood IP lawyers or what? On the other hand, if they were real then Meizu might have gone official with it, no? Anyway, until we prove different, you all should know it’s called M-one (at least that’s what they say), looks like a slim tablet device and claims to have everything that Apple iPad lacks, including a built-in camera, multi-tasking platform, Android operating system and whitish charming design. Regretfully, there’s no word about price or availability at the moment, but that as a fact doesn’t seem to bother Mr. james cameron himself, eh? Hit the link for more images.

Update: It’s fake. Meizu CEO J.Wong said he won’t be launching an iPad killer soon. He also said:

“Stop the photoshop work, I have no interest to create a big MP4! Isn’t the shame enough?”

[via pconline]

Computers, News

ExoPC Atom N270 Tablet Makes it Out With Windows 7 Onboard

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How much are you willing to pay for a brand new tablet, $400, $500, maybe $600 or seven hundred? In apple’s iPad case it may sound reasonable, but when it comes to ExoPC, a small company from France, we have our doubts. The last, as we hear, has recently gone official with an 8.9-inch Atom N270 CPU, paired with 2GB of RAM , 32GB of solid state drive, Windows 7 Premium (which means full browser support with flash) and slick rounded design (iPad anyone?). It also includes a multitouch display on top, 1.3MP webcam in front, wifi, Bluetooth, Ethernet 10/100, VGA output and 3 x USB ports – is that a netbook or what? Well, not if you count battery time – “only” four hours of work. Right now it’s available in prototype mode for a whopping $780 and non-multitouch screen, but prices will presumably drop down to $599 when this thing comes out sometime this March.

Update1: And just in case you were wondering what exactly happens inside the ExoPC bowels, hit the break and get a taste. You will find that Intel Atom N270 CPU, tucked with a 945 Express chipset, a Ene memory card controller and an open Mini PCI-Express slot. OH, and there’s also a big fan as you can see, to cool things around.

Update2: The guys at engadget were lucky enough to get a video of the ExoPC in action and from their initial impressions it seems to be responsive despite the “low-pressure” resistive touchscreen. Other than that, it looks pretty bulky in our humble opinion, but hey, it’s up to you to decide whether to shell $599 for this one or get Apple’s iPad for $100 less. Hit the break to see the video.

Update3: Looks like ExoPC has decided to wait just a few more months before going out with its most attractive 8.9-inch tablet. The purpose of this postpone is specs improvement, in order to match current components standards.

“With [CiaraTech’s] help we are improving the specs: better processor, graphics, better battery life, thinner, better screen and touch panel. We should hit FCC soon. As we have more time we are adding more features in the ExoPC UI Layer (ex. an app / media store).”

Update4: Turns out the ExoPC will not be available before September 7th of this year. In addition, the company plans to replace the old N270 processor with a new one, probably Intel’s Atom N450, along with a Broadcom Crystal HD accelerator, to improve 1080p video support. Stay tuned.

Update5: It seems the ExoPC final name will be the “Slate” and rumors claim it will be offered in four different flavors including 32GB WiFi, 32GB WiFi or 3G / GPS, and 64GB WiFi or + 3G / GPS. Check out the second hands-on video we’ve added after the break.

[via slashgear]

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Applications, Computers, Media Players, Mobile, Phones

iPad UI Now Available On iPhone And iPod Touch Devices

Have you heard the joke that claims you can turn your iPhone into an iPad once looking at the screen from close range? Well, you don’t really need to, that of course in case you have jailbroken iPhone or iPod touch machines at your disposal. But even if you don’t, just think about it, the idea of carrying at the back of your pocket a mobile device that packs iPad capabilities like 3D interface, iBook reader, neat photo display or other cool functions sounds pretty cool, isn’t it? If so, maybe you’d like try it yourself, after all, getting it is as simple as taking your favorite vanilla cookie out of the jar, just get into Cydia app store and look for the “Simple iPad Theme”, exactly as shown in the video, step-by-step, right after the break.

[via PMPtoday]

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Computers, News

Archos 7 Android Tablet Breaks Cover

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We’ve already seen Archos 5 Android-based mid surfacing up roughly four months ago and today, when tablets market appears to be on fire, it’s time for the Archos 7 to show up, isn’t it? Call it MID or Tablet, it really doesn’t matter, the screen is a 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen and the operating system is basically powered by Android. So far we know about the 8GB version which boasts a built in webcam, SD card slot, mic and wifi support – set to launch in March for £ 149.99. Other models will probably get released later on, hopefully with more storage included. Stay tuned for more.

[via slashgear]

Computers, News

Sungworld 7-inch Android MID Boasts a Touchscreen, Craves To Be An iPad

Well, not that we think it would match the iPad by any chance, but those on a hunt for the simple stylish 7-inch touchscreen MID, may find it appropriate. It’s Chinese, comes from Sungworld, packs an ARM926 processor and comes with 2GB of storage, two USB ports and an HDMI output (you hear that Apple?). The body is made of silver and edges are quite rounded. Oh, and it will be available in pink, blue, green, purple or black, but that won’t probably change your mind, now that the iPad is out, will it?

[via I4U]

Technology News & Gadgets

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