Toshiba tablet site jabs iPad, iPhone users' lack of Flash

A discovery on the teaser page for Toshiba's future Tegra 2 tablet has shown that Toshiba is actively chastizing iPad and iPhone users that visit the site. Anyone using iOS is told that it's "such a shame" they couldn't see the Flash page. Rather than present an alternate version, the page simply notes that Android 3.0 would have let them see the Flash presentation as it was originally planned.

"Add this to the list of interesting places on the Internet you can�t see on your device," Toshiba said. "Of course, if you had a Toshiba Tablet, you would enjoy the entire Internet. Yep, Flash sites too."

The slap at iPad owners carries a degree of irony as Toshiba has had trouble launching its own tablets. Its first tablet, the Folio 100, shipped without Flash and encountered enough severe hardware and software issues that it was pulled from UK store shelves after complaints from buyers. A major patch released weeks later cleared up most but not all of the problems. Its sequel, the Android 3.0 tablet, won't ship until June and can't offer the Flash experience at all for roughly five more months.

The company also sidestepped solutions that could have let iOS users still access the page and get some or all of the same features, such as by using HTML5. Other tablets that will ship before the Toshiba tablet, including the Motorola Xoom, have product pages that can be seen without having to use Flash.

Many of the technical advantages of Toshiba's device will also come earlier, such as a dual-core processor, 1080p video and dual cameras. These could now include the next iPad.

source

Google preps Android Market to filter Google TV apps

Google has showed the first signs that it's getting ready to add third-party app support for the Google TV. Developers have noticed that apps now have to be checked to see whether or not they're using a touchscreen. Every Android phone shipped to date uses touch, suggesting that the additions are just for the TV platform.

Support for outside titles was promised for early 2011 on launch but has mostly been kept dark until now. Google TV needs both a larger resolution and can't make the same assumptions about location or other features as on a phone. Every app will have access to a hardware keyboard and a trackpad or mouse.

source

Samsung Vibrant Android 2.2 now live, adds Wi-Fi calls

Samsung Vibrant owners finally began receiving the promised Android 2.2 update on Friday. Along with the inherent Android 2.2 features, including the option of tethering, it adds T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling app and a new camera interface. Android 2.2 enables many more official Google apps as well as Voice Actions, storing apps on microSD and other extras.

The download is being pushed through Samsung's Mini Kies app and needs a USB connection to the Galaxy S phone to push the upgrade. T-Mobile isn't yet known to be sending it over the air, which hasn't usually been the case for many Samsung phones.

Some are reporting an "unregistered device" error when trying to apply the update, but it may be the fault of an overloaded upgrade server.

The Vibrant update is the first 2.2 upgrade for a Samsung phone in the US and follows several months after the phone first shipped. Samsung had promised an upgrade shortly after the smartphone arrived, but a lack of progress updates and slow updating relative to HTC or Motorola led some to claim the delay was intentional. Samsung had rejected the idea and insisted it was only technical issues keeping the update away from users.

source

ASUS Eee Slate EP121 gets official unboxing

The Eee Slate EP121 tablet from ASUS was officially unboxed in a series of YouTube videos (below). The 12-inch tablet is meant for business users, as it comes with a 1.33GHz Core i5 CPU and Windows 7 Professional. It also ships with a separate Bluetooth keyboard to ease content creation.

Two models are offered, one with a 32GB SSD and 2GB of RAM, while the other will double those two numbers, respectively. Thanks largely to the SSDs, the OS is loaded up in about 15 seconds. The sides house a mini HDMI port for streaming 1080p video, SD card slot, microphone output and two USB ports, while the stylus is hidden in its own slot. The 1280x800 display is a full capacitive multi-touch screen that can work with fingers.

Bluetooth 3.0 and Wi-Fi are integrated, as is a two-megapixel camera. The tablet should be available for between $1,000 and $1,100.

source

Samsung Gem tips up on US site with no carrier

The Samsung Gem handset leaked last fall has now shown up on Samsung's website. Though it's not tied to any carrier, another, even earlier leak had it on Verizon's roadmap. The official product page does finalize the handset's specs, however.

The SCH-i100 Gem will run on Android 2.1 and sport a 3.2-inch, WQVGA (400x240) touchscreen display that's scratch- and smudge-resistant. The entry-level handset will support the 850/1900MHz CDMA frequencies used by Verizon. There is also GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth onboard. An 800MHz CPU powers the device, while storage is handled by a microSDHC card up to 16GB in size. A 3.2-megapixel camera, speakerphone and Swype software round out the main specs.

<--more-->

Pricing will be competitive, Samsung said, though neither the cost nor a release date has been revealed.

source

Vudu 2.0 interface goes live on TVs, Blu-ray players

Vudu started the weekend by rolling out its 2.0 interface on most all devices. Following the PS3 and Boxee Box updates, Blu-ray players and Internet-linked TVs now get the same simplified interface and optimizations for HD and newer controllers when they appear. It now recommends movies based on the viewing history and theoretically gives faster access to movies.

 

Hardware from LG and other Vudu-supporting designers will get the update automatically. Samsung and Vizio TVs don't have the update yet but will get it "soon." Video prices are unchanged with the makeover and start with a $2 for two rental promo up to $6 for an HD rental and varying prices for full purchases.

source

Microsoft 'Rome' to give Windows Phone 7 IPTV streaming

Microsoft is prepping an app for Windows Phone 7 that would give it direct access to IPTV streaming and control. Leaks from sources suggest a new client, codenamed Rome, would give access to any Mediaroom-based service, much like the Xbox 360. ZDNet didn't get the full feature set, but Mediaroom implies not just live TV but control over a networked DVR.

The connection is supported by talk of Roz Ho, Microsoft's VP formerly in charge of the Mac and later Kin teams, heading up work on Mediaroom as a whole.

When it would ship wasn't known, but the project was started last year and could theoretically launch this year. Rome would be part of a larger three-year plan known as Thunderbay that would have the Entertainment and Devices group unify its media efforts that already has video on the PC and TV, but not yet on mobile.

source

Apple solves Verizon iPhone dilemma with universal bumper

Apple has already addressed the problem of needing new cases for the Verizon iPhone 4 model by quietly seeding a new, universal bumper case into shops. A visit to the Apple Store discovered a new official case whose cutout for the mute switch is designed to work with both the regular GSM iPhone and the lower mute switch placement on the CDMA edition. The volume buttons and most other elements are virtually unchanged.

The change will likely leave Apple as one of the few offering a truly universal case when the Verizon iPhone is ready on February 10. Some case manufacturers have so far been making Verizon-specific models that wouldn't necessarily work with the GSM model.

Apple hasn't changed the descriptions of its cases online and suggests it either hasn't updated the bumper through its online store or is simply giving it equal treatment.

source

Samsung hints Android random texts fixed, Nexus S due first

Samsung's Galaxy S support contact on Twitter said Thursday morning that the widespread random SMS message bug in Android had finally been fixed. An over-the-air update will come directly from Google and should first reach the Nexus S. No mention was made of if or when other Android phones and versions would get the fix.

The update won't address some of the other problems mentioned by users as affecting the Nexus S, including a major flaw that occasionally reboots the phone in the middle of a call and one that bogs down the phone during Bluetooth audio streaming. Both have so far only been given "medium" priority by Google.

If successful, the fix could nonetheless resolve one of the most serious issues with Android in recent memory. Users complained for much of 2010 that Android would periodically send a typed out message to someone other than the planned target, including that message as part of the intended conversation thread even when it was clear it hadn't reached the right person. Google had been made aware of the problem quickly but, until now, didn't have a fix across three different versions of Android.

source

Sony Ericsson loses market share in fall without new phones

Sony Ericsson said that it will have lost market share in the fall due to a poor lineup. Although it shipped 11.2 million phones in the last months of 2010, more than the 10.4 million from the summer, it determined that its share will have dropped to just three percent as the market grew faster. The number of phones was a 23 percent drop from just a year earlier, although this was before Sony Ericsson began shipping Android devices like the Xperia X10.

The sluggishness also cut back on most on Sony Ericsson's recent profitability, as it made the equivalent of just under $10.8 million in profit where it had made $65.9 million in the summer.

Much of the shortfall was blamed directly on a lack of new models. Most of its Android phones, including the X8 and X10 mini, were released earlier in the year. It hoped that a new wave of phones like the Xperia Arc would reboot the company's performance.

Although unstated, the company is placing most of its faith in the near term on the Xperia Play, better known as the PlayStation phone. The Android 2.3 flagship is unique in having PSP Go-like controls and will have games that will both play more like a traditional console game but which might have parallels, if not direct compatibility with, the PSP2.

Although the unit drop is sharp from a year ago, the increase is company owed its continued profit almost exclusively to its refocusing on smartphones and a primary focus on Android. It had previously centered mostly on a wide range of basic feature phones that often had overlapping feature sets. Previous smartphones were limited to Symbian and Windows Mobile, neither of which helped Sony Ericsson as it competed against Android and the iPhone.

source

Samsung Galaxy S2 specs said bringing dual-core, 1080p video

Possible hardware details for the Samsung Galaxy S2 may have emerged from a detailed Korean posting. Believed to be nicknamed the Seine, the 4.3-inch phone would center on a still 1GHz but now dual-core processor known as the Orion. Noctunews' data would also give 1GB of RAM, twice as much as before, and move up to an eight-megapixel camera that could record 1080p video.

 

The full-touch phone would be one of the few flagship Android 2.3 phones unveiled so far and, if correct, would have NFC much like on Samsung's own Nexus S. At 800x480, the screen wouldn't gain any resolution, but it would get clearer through the Super AMOLED Plus used in the Infuse 4G (pictured). A larger screen size would help slim down the device to under 9mm, or just over a third of an inch thick.

 

Such claims might clash with those of the Stealth V believed to represent the S2; it would have a 1.2GHz single-core chip instead. Most of the specs nonetheless align, and the at first contradictory 4.3- and 4.5-inch screen sizes mentioned in a specs sheet suggest that the Galaxy S2 and Infuse 4G are very closely related.

 

Samsung will show the Galaxy S replacement at an event just before Mobile World Congress on February 13.

source

LG Ally, Samsung Acclaim upgraded to Android 2.2

The LG Ally and the Samsung Acclaim have received updates taking their OS to Android 2.2. The update for the handsets has arrived at the same time as news showing that more than half of Android users are now using Android 2.2, some eight months after it was made public at Google I/O. The Android 2.2 update brings with it a range of enhancements including Microsoft Exchange support, Adobe Flash 10.1 for mobile devices, a portable hotspot function, and faster browsing.

 

Further information about the LG Ally update can be found through Verizon, while US Cellular has similarly made information available for Samsung Acclaim users.

source

LG preparing smartphone with glasses-free 3D display

LG is reportedly set to formally introduce a mobile device featuring a glasses-free 3D display, which was previewed earlier this month at CES in Las Vegas. While many companies have shown off similar technology, LG aims to be one of the first to actually bring the small 3D displays past concept stage and onto the market.

 

The company demonstrated its 3D system using a 4.3-inch LCD with 800x480 resolution, a perfect fit for high-end smartphones. The technology uses parallax barriers to separate the left and right images without the need for special glasses.

 

LG has hinted that an unveiling is on its way in the near future, though the company has yet to disclose which particular device will integrate the 3D display. Many smartphone makers will be introducing their latest devices next month at Mobile World Congress.

 

source

Galaxy S Android 2.2 stalled by Samsung upgrade toll [U]

(Update: Samsung response) Samsung's withholding of Android 2.2 upgrades in the US may be due to an attempt to extract what amounts to an "upgrade toll" on carriers, a purported insider leaked this weekend. Unlike HTC and Motorola, Samsung considers new Android revisions major and demands that carriers pay a fee per device to get a feature upgrade. US carriers have reportedly disagreed and effectively triggered a stand-off, refusing to pay for an OS update that costs Samsung almost nothing and which others deliver for free.

 

"They [at Samsung] are essentially charging for the Android Open Source Project�s efforts, and the effort on Samsung�s end is rather minimal," the XDA-Developers insider said. "As a result of perhaps, corporate collusion, [sic] all U.S. carriers have decided to refuse to pay for the Android 2.2 update, in hopes that the devaluation of the Galaxy S line will cause Samsung to drop [its] fees and give the update to the carriers. The situation has panned out differently in other parts of the world, but this is the situation in the United States."

 

The move would help explain the few updates that have arrived, most of which have been pure maintenance updates touching on outstanding bugs. Many, including those who filed the recent class action lawsuit over the updates, have complained that the updates still didn't fix a major flaw with GPS that might only have been addressed in Android 2.2.

 

Neither Google nor Samsung have commented on the accusations.

 

If authentic, the allegations would help explain Samsung's historically very slow updates and would add a commercial side to Android fragmentation that has still kept a large number of users on 2.1. With few exceptions, Samsung has rarely provided more than one major OS revision for its Android phones and in some cases none at all. HTC, Motorola and even rivals such as Apple have been much quicker on average and in many cases have added new features even with no immediate commercial incentive.

 

An insistence by Samsung on payouts for updates could make it too costly to upgrade a device multiple times. It might also explain why there has been a rush on minor Galaxy S variants like the Continuum, Nexus S and Vibrant 4G, since it gets newer Android revisions to users through new products rather than updates that cost carriers money but don't contribute to their sales.

 

Update: Samsung claimed in a brief statement that it wasn't charging carriers for updates and hoped to have more information soon.

 

source

Apple: small tablets are "bizarre," Android 3.0 is "vapor"

Apple COO Tim Cook during the company's fiscal Q1 2011 results call had criticism not just for existing tablets from rivals but future ones as well. He split the competition in the market into Android and Windows devices but saved most criticism for Android. Reiterating Jobs' criticisms of seven-inch tablets, he characterized the small sizes and lack of optimization as "bizarre" and no real threat to the iPad.

 

"[With] the variety shipping today, the OS wasn�t designed for a tablet; but Google said this," Cook said. "So you wind up having the size of a tablet that�s less than reasonable, or one that's not even a real tablet experience. It's a scaled-up smartphone; that's a bizarre product in our view. Those are what is shipping today. If you do a side-by-side with an iPad, some enormous percentage [is] going to pick the iPad. We have no concern there."

 

The executive openly dismissed Windows tablets altogether. Current designs are "fairly big, heavy and expensive" with "weak battery life." They also need to have a keyboard or a stylus for input and were largely irrelevant in the market. "From our point of view and what we've seen, people just aren't interested in them," Cook said.

 

He didn't know how future tablets, most of which would run Android 3.0 like the Motorola Xoom, would perform on the market. None of them were shipping, so it was impossible to comment on how well they would do or what their performance and prices would be like. "Today, they're vapor," Cook said.

 

While he wouldn't comment on the next iPad, the COO also stressed that Apple was "not sitting still" and letting others come in. "We have a huge first-mover advantage," Cook explained. "And a huge user advantage from iTunes to the App Store. [There's a] huge number of apps and a huge ecosystem. We're very, very confident entering into a fight with anyone."

 

Apple is expected to be at least competitive with opponents and match devices like the Xoom or the BlackBerry PlayBook with a dual-core processor and dual-core graphics. It may even have a unique 2048x1536 display that could provide better visual quality than the 1280x720 and 1280x800 screens most Android 3.0 devices will have to use.

 

source

Samsung i520 4G phone hands-on

Verizon has just launched a slew of phones at its 4G press event, and we had the opportunity to try the most mysterious device: an unnamed Samsung device widely believed to be the SCH-i520. It looks on the surface like an upsized Galaxy S with a 4.3-inch display, an eight-megapixel camera and a front camera, but some things have changed. We'll find out in our hands-on along with a gallery.

The display is certainly the centerpiece of the phone: apart from the larger screen working even more to create an impressive front, the Super AMOLED Plus behind it is very noticeable. There's none of the "fuzziness" associated with original Super AMOLED screens, and it's very easy on the eyes with rich colors. It may be too rich, but that's difficult to tell from event lighting. We were told it was higher resolution than 800x480, and it looked this way, but it couldn't be verified.


LTE speed is, of course, fast. Our own site takes one or two seconds longer than on Wi-Fi, but that the difference is so small is very nice. Skype mobile with video chat was only in demo form, but looked good.

The front camera is very much standard, but it's larger than some at 1.3 megapixels and integrated into the default camera app.

In the hand, the phone is comfortable and feels sturdy, although it still has that somewhat cheap feeling of Galaxy S phones. Notably, it's using four physical navigation buttons here, which have a nice tactile feel even if they can potentially break down the line.

Our main issue is the on-off quality of performance. Like the Galaxy S, the graphics are very fast and definitely help the subjective responsiveness. We still noticed jerkiness in the browser, though, and the 1GHz processor is unchanged from the Galaxy S devices we've seen from the past few months. We wish Samsung had used the 1.2GHz chip from the Infuse 4G to close the gap.

Verizon hasn't given pricing or ship dates for the i520, but it should arrive in the first half of the year.

source

Viewsonic reveals Viewpad 4 Android-based smartphone

Viewsonic has unveiled the its contribution to the plethora of Android smartphones available on the market, the Viewpad 4. The handset runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) and incorporates all the typical Android smartphone hardware. It centers on a 4.1-inch WVA capacitive touchscreen display and is powered by a 1GHz Snapdragon processor by Qualcomm.

Its five-megapixel camera incorporates auto-focus and is capable of capturing movies at 720p. It also includes Flash 10.1 for browsing the full web. Other standard features include GPS functionality, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.


Pricing and launch details have not yet been made available.

source

Kno tablet hands-on

Tablet newcomer Kno was showing its 14-inch tablets at the ShowStoppers event on Thursday night and gave a rare chance to see them first-hand. Electronista had the opportunity to get a hands-on with the educational tablets. Read on after the break to see our impressions and how well it fared against the iPad.

The displays -- one or two depending on the model -- are suitably pleasing to look at, with good color and viewing angles as well as the fully accurate textbook layouts at the heart of the design. They're also very responsive, including to pens; a capacitive stylus on the Kno showed virtually no lag and was very accurate. It's known to be multi-touch, but it will notably ignore your palm if you're handwriting. NVIDIA's Tegra 2 powers the tablet and can clearly handle the job.


Its interface is fairly intuitive and slightly reminiscent of the iPad with a large number pop-overs and gestures for things such as highlights and post-it notes. It was still clearly optimized for its book reading and note taking focuses. We most liked the emphasis on reading flexibility with the two screen model, which just isn't an option on tablets like the iPad: you can lock in a particular page, such as a review page or your notebook, while continuing to flip pages on the other screen.

We're not convinced regarding the keyboard, however. It's large, but it has an unusual formatting. We're not certain how it would play out in real life without extended testing.

We only had a limited opportunity to check out web browsing and other tasks, but it has an accurate web engine and an icon-based bookmark system.

Our main concerns are more to do with the inherent complications of the design rather than any execution. As an education-first device, the Kno only has a small amount of concessions to other things a student might want to do. There's really only the web browser and basic media playback -- Flash support is coming in about a month, Kno said -- and this might be a problem. At $599 and $899 for the one- and two-screen models, it's difficult to buy this as well as to get another computer, even if the Kno pays for itself in textbook savings.

And the weight is an inevitable fact of life for either model. A 14-inch screen is tolerable by itself, but the dual-screen Kno just can't be handheld for long periods. Kno acknowledged it was heavy and frankly said people would more likely use it on a desk, but the reality is still that it won't encourage reading on the lap or in other positions beyond being upright in a chair.

Having said this, the Kno could still be a definite threat to the iPad if pushed hard in education. It shows a rare amount of attention to design for a first-generation product and, importantly, focuses on serving its core audience well. Apple has the advantages of flexibility and a much more portable design, not to mention its marketing, but it may need to push harder into schools to keep up its interest.

source

BlackBerry PlayBook to get 4G on Sprint, but only in summer

RIM on Wednesday confirmed that it would have a 4G-aware version of the BlackBerry PlayBook through Sprint. A version of the seven-inch tablet will ship with built-in WiMAX to improve the download speeds of the dual-core tablet. The upgraded slate wouldn't ship until the summer, however.

The delay is a potential hit to RIM's competitiveness in the tablet space. Most of its competitors, including Apple's iPad, and Android tablets like the Motorola Xoom, already have 3G built-in to at least some models. Despite the lower price of Wi-Fi only versions, 3G tablets have often been the most popular with a mix for iPads rumored to be as high as two thirds in favor of the 3G edition.


In its current form, the PlayBook is partly dependent on a BlackBerry, both to get a cellular Internet connection and to have complete access to contacts and e-mail.

source

Hands-on with Motorola's Xoom tablet, Atrix 4G smartphone

After Motorola's keynote, we had the rare opportunity to see and (in one case) test two of the brand new devices, the Xoom tablet and the Atrix 4G. Although it wasn't considered ready for hands-on time, the Xoom was clearly in working order and had Android 3.0 in full swing. What we got to see suggested that Google has made much better use of a large screen than on the Galaxy Tab; the home screen used a mix of apps and widgets well, and the e-book, media and YouTube apps all took good use of the space, even if they were sometimes overly flashy.

The tablet is already fast enough with its dual-core Tegra 2 chip to play HD video, which was much more in evidence on the 1280x800 screen. Motorola reps reminded us that the 16:10 ratio screen helped address complaints about thumb typing on devices like the iPad: it's narrower and thus easier to reach the full keyboard with your thumbs, but it's still very large when watching movies in landscape.


Our main misgivings were over the potential feel. While we liked the textured grip, the prototypes looked somewhat lower rent than Apple's iPad, even if it was well put together. We would also have liked to see how well it handles downloads on its current 3G connection. Users will have 4G as an option later, but it would be unique to get the full potential of the device in a test today.

The Atrix 4G we had real if brief time to use. While 4G speeds weren't available to gauge, the NVIDIA Tegra 2 isn't quite as fast as it might seem. Based on a quick navigation around the main interface, the phone still had a slight stutter for visual transitions. We also have misgivings about continuing to use Blur; the Atrix 4G is a power user's phone, and the UI not only gets in the way but will invariably delay upgrades to Android 2.3 or later.

Having said this, the phone is an excellent example of hardware design. Its four-inch screen is large without being ungainly, and it's very color rich. The design isn't metal but feels reassuringly solid and comfortable in the hand.

We simultaneously had the opportunity to see the two key accessories for the Atrix 4G in action. The webtop mode is quite simply, surprising: dock the phone in either a dock or the notebook add-on and it really does turn into more of a computer, complete with a Mac OS X-style app dock and a windowing system for certain apps. Performance in this mode did take quite a hit -- you wouldn't want to play a 3D game on a bigger screen -- but it would definitely be a more comfortable environment if you just wanted to work on an office document or browse the web with more screen area and USB peripherals.

The notebook add-on itself is fairly well thought-out and hides the docked phone in the back. It uses a well spaced chiclet-style keyboard and a fairly colorful 11.6-inch display; we were surprised to see some cleverly hidden speakers on the back corners. The HDMI dock doesn't need much explanation; it works well displaying video in 1080p. We didn't have as much of an opportunity to see it, but it does have a custom media interface designed for the larger screen.

Overall, we're fairly convinced that, while there are still noticeable issues that likely won't be addressed in time, Motorola just turned itself into a serious competitor. Two years ago, most had largely written it off as a victim of the iPhone. It now at least shows that it wants to be clearly better, not just different, and has taken some of its first clear steps on that path. Apple is likely to catch up in at least speed and may still be preferable to some in software, but that it might even have to worry is a good sign for Motorola.

The Xoom and the Atrix 4G should be available through Verizon and AT&T respectively before the end of March, with prices to be set later.

source

Sony Ericsson unwraps new Xperia Arc smart phone

Whether needed or not, the world has one more smart phone to choose from thanks to the latest collaboration between Sony and Ericsson: the Xperia Arc. This new smartphone is based on the Android platform, but hopes to stand out from the pack thanks to its Sony Bravia engine that the electronics maker claims will make it the brightest display on the market.

The smartphone market is clearly dominated by big players such as RIM, Apple, HTC and relative newcomer Google, but the folks at Sony Ericsson are looking to get a piece of the enormous pie that is only expected to grow in the near future with the announcement of the new Xperia Arc smartphone.

In order to give the new Xperia a unique selling point, Sony dipped into its massive bag of tricks and pulled out Reality Display technology originally found in the high-end Bravia HDTVs - now integrated into the mobile Bravia technology - in order to produce what it claims to be the best and brightest display on the market, measuring in at 4.2 inches.


Other selling points include the increasingly popular Android 2.3 Gingerbread engine and a 1GHz CPU, as well as a slim (as little as 8.7mm) and lightweight package that Sony says was intended to be and is visually appealing. For those who use their smartphones as true multi-function devices, the Arc features the Exmor R camera sensor rated at 8 megapixels, 2.46x smart zoom, f/2.4 aperture, an LED flash, face-detection technology, geo-tagging and other basics such as image stabilization and noise suppression. Sony claims the result is best-in-class low-light video and photo capturing ability.

Should you get carried away recording images and video, keep in mind that the Xperia Arc comes standard with just 512MB of internal storage capacity, but does include a bundled 8 GB microSD card and supports up to 32GB via microSD card.

Once users have captured the photo and/or video of their choosing, they are also capable of transferring the media to their TVs over HDMI.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc will be available in the first quarter of 2011 in midnight blue and misty silver, though the colors may vary by market.

source

Lenovo confirms IdeaPad U1 Hybrid with LePad specs, prices

The Lenovo LePad tablet and its accompanying IdeaPad U1 Hybrid dock have been confirmed to arrive on the market in 2011, and the specs are now finalized. Introduced at last year's CES, this year's CES was host to the announcement. The slate-like, 10.1-inch LePad portion of the device runs on Android 2.2 and uses a 1.3GHz Snapdragon processor, while plugging in the tablet to the dock endows it with Windows 7 OS capabilities and processing power from an Intel CULV processor.

A front-facing camera is integrated. The initial shipments will not support Flash Player 10.1, but the functionality will eventually be added. The SSD size has been doubled, from 16GB to 32GB.


The LePad weighs less than 2lbs and is about a half-inch thick. Its battery life is rated at up to eight hours. It will be available in scarlet and white with touches of either brown or black leather substitute.

The tablet will first arrive in China sometime this winter. The LePad itself will cost the equivalent of about $520 there, with the whole system priced at about $1,300.

source

Motorola Droid Bionic Review

Packing a dual core processor with each core running at 1GHz, delivering up to two GHz of processing power, and 512 MB RAM, the sleekly designed DROID BIONIC smartphone with 4G LTE delivers a mobile Internet experience that�s up to 10 times faster than 3G. This means consumers can stream their favorite music and the latest TV shows with unparalleled quality experience. DROID BIONIC also races through loading of complex web pages and media that take advantage of Adobe� Flash� Player and HTML5, rendering graphics faster than previous generation single-core devices.

Motorola�s DROID BIONIC gives new meaning to the word �socialize� by delivering multiple ways for customers to stay connected. With the device�s front-facing VGA camera and See What I See video feature, consumers can share experiences � either via Wi-Fi or 4G � with family, friends and co-workers. A rear-facing 8-megapixel camera also allows consumers to capture their favorite pictures and videos.

DROID BIONIC�s multiplayer gaming capabilities allow consumers to challenge friends to live peer-to-peer gaming, viewed through the device�s 4.3-inch qHD quality screen that delivers console-quality graphics. DROID BIONIC�s HDMI connectivity also enables consumers to connect the device to their HD televisions to experience their favorite games, as well as purchased HD content, in full 1080p. And for multi-taskers, DROID 4G�s Mirror Mode function enables simultaneous streaming of video to the TV and on the device.

As a fully featured work device, DROID BIONIC comes equipped with corporate email, remote wipe and data security and encryption capabilities IT departments appreciate. DROID BIONIC also features productivity tools such as Quickoffice� for document review and editing, full calendar management, one-click access to conference calling, and a full suite of Google applications and services.

�DROID BIONIC brings to life the speed and power of Verizon�s 4G LTE network, giving consumers an unrivaled mobile experience,� said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. �Whether downloading movies in minutes, connecting with friends or co-workers through video conferencing, or blazing through the Internet, Motorola�s DROID BIONIC is what the 4G LTE experience is all about.�

�DROID BIONIC is the epitome of speed, providing consumers with instantaneous access to their personal and work content, anytime and anyplace,� said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president of portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility. �By combining such a powerful mobile device with the performance and capabilities of Verizon�s 4G LTE network, we�re empowering consumers to define how they want to live their mobile lifestyles.�

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless� 3G network. Verizon Wireless� 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company�s entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.

source : mobibu

Samsung Infuse 4G Review

The Samsung Infuse 4G will be the thinnest Android device and feature the largest screen � at 4.5 inches � in AT&T�s smartphone lineup.  The device delivers a brilliant display using Samsung�s next-generation Super AMOLED� Plus technology which features 50% more sub-pixels for better contrast and outdoor readability. The Infuse will be powered by a 1.2 GHz application processor and run the Android 2.2 platform. This device is slated for launch in the second quarter of 2011, only for AT&T customers.

source : mobibu

Motorola ATRIX 4G Review

Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI), and AT&T today unveiled Motorola ATRIX� 4G, the only smartphone that allows you to carry the power of mobile computing inside your pocket. Motorola�s revolutionary webtop application changes mobile computing forever by unleashing the power of the smartphone like never before. Designed to bring unprecedented computing to your smartphone, Motorola�s webtop application runs a full Mozilla Firefox 3.6 browser and supports Adobe� Flash� Player to open up all the rich graphics, animations and video on the web. Motorola ATRIX 4G includes a dual core processor with each core running at 1 GHz, delivering up to two GHz of processing power. Put simply, Motorola ATRIX 4G is the world�s most powerful smartphone.

�Consumers are increasingly using smartphones as their primary digital screens,� said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer, Motorola Mobility, Inc. �Motorola ATRIX 4G ushers in a new era of mobile computing. ATRIX comes loaded with the Motorola webtop application, and when used with one of our exclusive docks, enables consumers to extend the capabilities of their smartphones. Together, these provide a revolutionary interactive computing experience that empowers individuals in new ways for staying connected, informed and entertained at home, on the job and anywhere in between.�

�With ATRIX 4G, we are rethinking what a smartphone can be, and literally changing the game with a new device category that combines the power of a laptop with the latest smartphone features and 4G speeds,� said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T mobility and consumer markets. �With Motorola Mobility, we�re delivering on our commitment to provide customers with the best mobile broadband experience and best smartphones.�

Motorola ATRIX 4G is designed to essentially become a user�s primary digital hub to create, edit and interact with documents, media and content. This is facilitated by Motorola�s webtop application and incredible new accessory docks, such as the Laptop Dock, that provide users with a larger screen, keyboard and trackpad enabling them to have an enhanced and more interactive computer-like experience with their devices.

While in the webtop application users can run their Android applications in a window, browse their favorite websites with a full Firefox desktop browser, send instant messages and make phone calls, all at the same time. Calls continue uninterrupted if Motorola ATRIX 4G is removed from a dock. Users can take advantage of the ability to surf the web, view social networking, and use HTML5 web-based applications and supported cloud computing services. Plus, the new Entertainment Center feature lets you show all of the photos, music and videos you already enjoy on-the-go on a big screen in your living room. In the U.S., ATRIX 4G will feature the AT&T U-verse� Mobile application, which allows users to schedule recordings, and for qualifying TV customers, download and watch hit TV shows on their smartphones.

Motorola ATRIX 4G provides consumers with instantaneous access to all their emails, files and media. While using the webtop application, business users with an existing Citrix account will benefit from the integrated Citrix Receiver application that provides secure, high performance access to virtual desktops as well as Windows�, web and office applications hosted on Citrix XenDesktop. In addition to the full suite of office productivity applications and email applications, users can also access a great number of web applications such as Salesforce.com, Google Docs, and any HTML application or service from the full desktop browser.

Motorola ATRIX 4G runs Android� 2.2 with access to more than 100,000 apps and games in the Android Market�.

Motorola is introducing two industry-leading companion docks for ATRIX 4G:

    * The Motorola HD Multimedia Dock has three USB ports and an HDMI port enabling connections to a keyboard, mouse, speakers and HDMI-compatible monitor for working at your desk/office, or connecting to an HDMI-compatible television and home theater audio system for interacting with content and enjoying video, music, games and more in your living room.
    * The Motorola Laptop Dock has an incredibly thin design with an 11.6-inch screen, full keyboard, stereo speakers, 36Wh three-cell battery that delivers up to eight hours of battery life and weighs just 2.4 pounds. Users simply dock their Motorola ATRIX 4G into the back of the Laptop Dock to turn it into an active, connected machine to experience true mobility at work, home and playing on-the-go in a form factor that�s lighter and smaller than most laptops on the market.

Key features and specifications:

    * A dual-core processor capable of opening web pages twice as fast as most other smartphones, rendering games faster and displaying HD video on big-screen TVs
    * A full 1 GB of RAM for twice the RAM of most smartphones to deliver effortless multi-tasking, such as watching a movie while receiving and responding to email
    * The world�s first qHD display for a smartphone, offering high resolution and 24-bit color, making it easier to read indoors and outdoors
    * Front- and rear-facing cameras and the ability to record in HD
    * Convenient biometric fingerprint reader for easily unlocking your phone while providing extra security
    * Up to 48GB of storage (16GB internal and optional 32GB MicroSD card) � enough to store thousands of songs, photos and movies
    * 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi 802.11n support, enabling as much as 50 percent faster download and upload speeds in WiFi mode compared to most other smartphones
    * Optional AT&T Mobile Hotspot service for connecting up to five additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices
    * Under 11 mm thin with an extra large 1930 mAh battery for extended standby and talk time
    * Two microphones for noise-reduction technology so your calls will be heard loud and clear in even the noisiest environments
    * Supports HD video capture and replay for most multimedia standards

Availability

Motorola ATRIX 4G will be available to AT&T customers in Q1 2011. For more ATRIX 4G information visit: www.motorola.com/atrix and www.att.com/ATRIX4G. Motorola ATRIX 4G will be available exclusively in the U.S. for AT&T customers.

 

source : mobibu

Iomega SuperDock Back Up Solution For The iPhone Requires No Computer

At this point in your life you know someone, some where that has destroyed their iPhone.  As a result they�ve lost all their contacts and photo roll.

The Iomega SuperHero Dock Backup and Charger for iPhone is a dock that both charges and backs up the iPhone�s photo roll and contacts.  It�s operation is super simple and works in tandem with Iomega�s SuperHero application, which automatically launches when the iPhone (or iPod Touch) is docked.

Embedded in the base of the Superhero Dock is an SD card slot � Omega includes a 4GB card, but it can be upgraded for those of you with a penchant for photos.  When the iPhone is placed in the dock the app launches and backs up contacts and photos to the SD card.  All the while it charges the iPhone and multiple iPhones, if you so choose, which can be named in the app, can be synced.  In the event that your iPhone is lost or destroyed beyond the point of repair the stored contents can be quickly and easily transferred to a new handset.  The device can�t be directly connected to a computer, though we suppose the SD card could be inserted into a compatible device if you wanted to move the contents to your laptop or desktop computer.  Unfortunately, it will not back up videos, calendars events or music.

Iomega says the Superhero Dock is available now for $69.99, though their website says otherwise.

Iomega Saves the Day for iPhone Users with Exciting New
Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone!
***
First of its Kind Dual Backup and Charger Automatically Protects
iPhone Users� Contacts and Photos While Recharging iPhone�s Battery

SAN DIEGO, January 4, 2011 � Iomega, an EMC company (NYSE: EMC) and
a leading innovator in digital storage and content management solutions, today
announced the company is here to save the day for millions of iPhone� users who have
experienced the panic and despair of losing their contacts and photos on their iPhone:
the new Iomega� SuperHero� Backup and Charger for iPhone.

iPhone users who have suffered the loss, theft or damage of
their iPhone know what it means to suddenly lose their
vital contacts and one-of-a-kind photos because they didn�t
regularly sync their iPhone with iTunes. For less than
$70.00, the new, first-of-its-kind Iomega SuperHero
Backup and Charger does away with all that anguish by
automatically backing up contacts and photos on an iPhone
(or multiple iPhones) every time you charge the phone.

�Our internal research and personal experiences tell us there are many iPhone users
across the globe that have their entire lives on their phones and yet they rarely if ever
plug their phone into their computer and back up it up,� said Jonathan Huberman,
president of Iomega. �With the Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger, if disaster
strikes they can restore their contacts and photos to a new iPhone by simply docking
it in the SuperHero and selecting the restore button. For millions and millions of busy
iPhone users, Iomega�s SuperHero Backup and Charger is the ideal alternative to a
frantic cry to all your Facebook friends to resend the contact info because you lost
your phone, much less never being able to retrieve those unique photos on the phone.
Iomega has created an inexpensive, practical insurance policy for every iPhone user that
values the data on their phones as much or more than the phone itself.�

Iomega Corporation � 3721 Valley Centre Drive Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92130

Available now worldwide, Iomega is unveiling the new Iomega SuperHero Backup and
Charger for iPhone this week, January 6-9, 2011, at the Consumer Electronics Show in
Las Vegas. Iomega�s tradeshow booth is located in the South Hall 3 (booth # 31553).

How the Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone Works
Iomega�s new SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone is a compact docking station
device that sits on your counter, desktop or nightstand and plugs directly into a wall
outlet. Ideal for travel, too, the SuperHero Backup and Charger comes complete with
a 4GB* SD card that provides the storage in the docking station for iPhone contacts
and camera roll pictures. (The SD card is upgradeable if users need more capacity to
backup one or more iPhones.) Users simply download free of charge the SuperHero
iPhone app from the Apple Store and their iPhone is ready for charging and backing up
with the Super Hero Backup and Charger.

When an iPhone loaded with the SuperHero app is placed in the SuperHero dock, the
app launches automatically, giving the option of backing up the contacts and photos
while it charges the phone. Users can name their iPhones with the SuperHero app so
that multiple iPhones can be charged and their contacts and photos backed up with the
same SuperHero Backup and Charger. A progress bar lets you know when your backup
is complete. After the initial backup of an iPhone�s contacts and photos**, future
backups only include incremental contacts and photos. If a user loses or damages their
iPhone, they can restore their contacts and photos to a new iPhone by docking the new
iPhone in the SuperHero dock and selecting the �restore� button.

iPhone and iPod� Touch Compatibility
Iomega�s new SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone is fully compatible with the
iPhone 4, 3GS and 3G, as well as the iPod Touch (third and fourth generation).

Availability and Warranty
The new Iomega� SuperHero� Backup and Charger for iPhone� is now available
worldwide for $69.99. (U.S. suggested retail pricing.).

For more information on this exciting new product, please go to:

http://iomega.com/superhero-iphone-backup/

Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone is backed by a 3-year limited
warranty (with registration).

source : Gadget Review

Samsung�s SH100 WiFi Enabled Point And Shoot Camera Plays Nice With Smartphones

Just when we thought digital cameras couldn�t get much better, Samsung goes and announces the SH100.  Beyond the normal point and shoot, this digital camera boasts built-in WiFi allowing you to instantly beam your photos to a compatible DLNA TV and WiFi enabled computer for instant delivery to Facebook and other social network sites.  But that�s hardly the coolest feature.  The SH100 can connect with Samsung Galaxy S smartphones, which can remotely activate the shutter, embed a geotag as well as instantly review the photo captured.

Samsung says the SH100 comes with its own Boingo wireless hotspot account allowing you to upload images at over 200,000 locations.   It�s not clear if you�ll need a separate subscription to access these hotspots.

Other features include a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 14.2 megapixel sensor, facial recognition, 5x optical zoom and 720p movie mode.

The Samsung SH100 will be available this March for $199.99.

CES, Las Vegas � January 4, 2011 � Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the new SH100, a compact Wi-Fi enabled camera that delivers great shots that you can share over the internet and social networks with your friends and family, from wherever you are in the world. The SH100 is set to be Samsung�s leading fully connected camera in 2011, building on the success of the company�s wirelessly connected cameras to date and allowing Samsung to take a dominant position within this growing market.

Samsung�s pioneering steps within the connected camera market can be seen in the SH100�s unique innovation, which allows you to connect wirelessly to your other devices with ease. You can use Wi-Fi to connect to your Android� powered Galaxy S� smartphone, so you can view the shot you�re about to take in real time on your phone. If you�re not happy with it, you can zoom in and out to get the best picture, and then activate the shutter remotely when you�re ready to pose. This innovation means that the days of running between your camera and your subject, trying to line up the perfect group shot, are over. Users now have total control of their camera in the palm of their hand, from wherever they are in the shot. Users can even use their phone�s GPS to record exactly where they were when they captured their favorite memories.

The SH100�s built in Wi-Fi can also automatically back up your shots to your PC by only pushing two buttons, or by using DLNA to wirelessly connect to your HDTV and see your photos and videos right away. Wi-Fi enables you to upload your pictures instantly to your social networking sites such as Facebook, Picasa or Photo Bucket, or email them to individual email addresses straight from the camera. The people you care about can now enjoy your experience from wherever they are. You can also record HD video and share your favorite moments over sites such as YouTube�. To make the upload process of large files easier and quicker, the SH100 includes an account with mobile hotspot provider Boingo�, giving you access to over 200,000 Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide.

The SH100 is the latest example of Samsung�s user-focused innovation and design. The company has always carefully researched its target audience, and in 2011, Samsung is applying this research to create unique products for a younger, more digitally connected generation of camera users. The company is also leveraging its strength in other product areas, such as mobile phones, to make emerging camera technologies, such as Wi-Fi, accessible to all camera buyers, even those on smaller budgets.

�At Samsung, we are always striving to innovate and you can see this in every product we release,� said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. �From our in-depth consumer research, we know that younger users have different needs from their digital camera. They don�t want to wait until they get home to share their favorite moments with their friends, they want to be able to do this instantly from wherever they are. The SH100 gives young people the chance to bring their world closer, by drawing on Samsung�s technological strength to deliver total connectivity in a compact camera, at an accessible price. Through the SH100, we hope to provide the best product for people looking for ultimate connectivity from their camera, and strengthen Samsung�s leadership in the compact camera category.�

Experience the Convenience
The SH100 uses built in Wi-Fi capability to deliver unique new experiences for all camera users. By selecting the PC Auto Back-up function, your camera will automatically find your PC and download the latest photos onto it, even if the PC is turned off. This feature is compatible with the Wake-on-LAN (WoL) system which many modern home PCs are already equipped with.

Innovation in Control Helps you Capture the Moment
The Wi-Fi capability on the SH100 also allows you to use your smartphone as a remote control and viewing device for your camera. If you�re shooting over a crowd at a concert, you can enable the Remote Viewfinder function, meaning that you can hold your camera high over your head while you see a preview of the picture in real time on your phone screen. It�s also ideal for taking self shots as you can zoom in and out using the 5x optical zoom, and access basic menu functions including parameters and shooting modes. When you�re happy with the shot, you can operate the shutter remotely too, and the camera will record the GPS information for photo geo-tagging.

Seamlessly Simple
Samsung has also used its strength in the smartphone market to develop a new Smart Access user interface (UI) for all of its new compact cameras. The touch based UI works in the same quick, intuitive way as many smartphones. Advanced functions, such as sharing content wirelessly, can be done simply by a few touches of the buttons on the large, clear 3� LCD screen. The Smart Access UI enables users to drag, click and control �app-style� icons, easily flip through photos, and control a range of the camera�s features.

The Heart of your Digital Home
The SH100 features Samsung AllShare, which uses DLNA technology to allow you to connect to your HDTV and stream content wirelessly. For instance, when you get home from a concert, you can now watch the videos of your favorite songs instantly on your TV.

Android and Youtube are registered trademarks of Google Inc. Boingo is a registered trademark of Boingo Wireless, Inc
Specification Sheet

SH100
Image Sensor
1/2.33? (Approx. 7.76mm) CCD,
14.2 Megapixel
Zoom
Still Image mode : 1.0X ~ 5.0X Play mode : 1.0X ~ 12X
Lens
SAMSUNG Lens f = f4.7-23.5mm (f26~130m 35mm film equivalent)
Image Stabilization
DIS (Digital Image Stabilization)
Dimensions
93mm X 53.9mm X 18.9mm (TBD)
DLNA
- DLNA Compatible : DMS & MRCP - Still Image(2M), Movie(720p) - DLNA with DTV : DMS & MRCP
Device Connection
- Camera to Camera - Movie Clip Size Max 35MB, Imaage Size Max 10MB - Should be compatible among CL65, CL80, ST80 for Image Sharing - Movie file Sharing available between ST5500, ST80 and SH100
AP Connection
- Global : Boingo SDK & AP Compatible - Korea : KT
Auto Backup
- Basic Function for PC - Backup Program Install > Backup > Auto Power Off - Wake-on-Lan supporting PC - Prerequisite : No CMOS PW, NO Windows PW Condition - Backup Program Install > Auto Power-on > Backup > Auto Power Off
Additional features
Smart Auto 2.0 Smart Filter 2.0 Self Portrait Face Recognition Beauty Shot Out-focus Portrait Wireless connection (802.11b/g/n)
Pricing and
$199.99
Availability
March

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK �http://www.samsung.com�www.samsung.com.

source : Gadget Review

Bump Wireless Media Player Goes Modular

What can a media player give you? It can look good, and it can be independent of the general mess of cables creeping around the floor, not adding another trip-wire set to bring the whole thing down.

Being wireless and distinctive in appearance qualifies the new Aluratek Bump for both these media player achievements, and while a sound system is only as good as its audio quality, which, with wireless, it�s not exactly up to vinyl standards � for anyone designing a living space there�s also the question of how versatile the set-up can get.

That�s where the Aluratek Bump shines, because while the actual $99 Bump media player is a rather small black cylinder with white text on blue background LED display on its front, and controls on top, you can add as many as six speakers that are also black, also cost $99 each, and appear to be even smaller than the player. Audio transfer happens over 2.4Ghz wireless up to a distance of 60 feet, and there�s a 3.5mm stereo jack for getting up close and personal with headphones, as well as a USB port for transfers.

source : Gadget Review

Separate Monitor2Go 15.4? Display Spreads Out Your Dinky Laptop Screen

I find myself constantly in need of a second display. It started when I worked doing tech support years back, where the company graciously gave me a second display to �improve efficiency�. If there�s any one thing having a second monitor does, it�s just that. DisplayLink�s Monitor2Go is supposed to do just that�but for laptops.

But why for laptops? The whole point is to be portable. That�s true, though many professionals are finding a greater need for more screen real estate, and with laptops like the Lenovo W700 with it�s extendable display, and many companies searching for ways to add more space in a smaller package, the Monitor2Go may be a good solution.

The 15.4? display connects via USB � which I�m not fond of for displays � and expected to be available for $279 sometime between now and February. It comes with a stand, can work in tandem with five other monitors, is only four pounds and provides a meek 1280�800 resolution. But at least it�s LED backlit. I�ll check out the Monitor2Go on Thursday night and have brief impressions on it then.

source : Gadget Review

Dexim showing iPad 2 case at CES

Dexim at the CES Unveiled event on Tuesday showed its own instance of an iPad 2 case. The example Bluetooth keyboard hybrid was designed around the widely rumored design traits and was both slimmer and more tapered at the back than a current iPad. The design seen by Engadget and others had the cutouts on the back for a camera and a larger speaker.

The accessory maker produced a mockup to reflect the design, including with a lower home button. It wouldn't say how it got the information. Most of those trying to make second-generation iPad cases are believed to be getting leaked measurements and other specifications from Foxconn factories. Representatives from Foxconn have so far denied any official knowledge of the case leaks.


Final production plans could change for the cases and wouldn't necessarily reflect Apple's design, but the company usually has to settle on a final hardware design months in advance for production.

source

OnLive Coming To A Vizio Near You, In Full Surround Sound

OnLive, the cloud-based streaming game service, is now set to be built right into TVs. Actually, it�s not just TVs, but Vizio�s expected tablet, phone, Blu-ray players and everything in their new Via product line. That means your gaming can follow you everywhere, from your TV to your pocket, in real time and through the same set of devices. Sweet.

That�s especially intriguing because the technology behind OnLive already allows for PCs, the microconsole and iOS devices to work together in perfect harmony. It makes sense that the next step is integrating the microconsole directly into TVs, cutting out the extra hardware and cable requirement. That means anyone buying a Vizio with OnLive functionality, which requires very little from Vizio in terms of additional hardware, can start playing graphically intensive games within minutes of the TV�s installation. And it�ll work in 1080p, 3D, and 5.1 surround.

Surround is also new, though the service has supposedly offered it since launching back in June. All games available through OnLive only supported stereo gaming, and now the company has announced a partnership with SRS Labs to get surround sound, and high quality audio for non-surround devices, for the service. It may not sound like much at first, but for anyone who�s upgraded from stereo to surround knows, the difference is huge�as long as the media you view actually works in 5.1 (or higher). In OnLive�s case, now it does.

I�ll be checking out both the Vizio selection of TVs and devices with integrated OnLive, as well as how SRS� 5.1 audio works with the service on Thursday. Stay tuned for first impressions then.

source : Gadget Review

Detailed: ASUS reveals new tablets from CES 2011

Electronista is in Las Vegas for the kick off of the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to bring you the latest news in full detail as it is unveiled. To get things started, ASUS is covering a wide range of new products, ranging from new heat-tackling TUF series motherboard, to the gaming oriented ROG Rampage III Black Edition motherboard, but the main attraction came in the form of a whole new series of Eee PC tablet devices intended to appeal to each and every user in the market.

The biggest news coming out of ASUS was undoubtedly the new collection of Eee tablet devices starting with the ASUS Eee Pad Slider which is said to be intended for mobile users seeking both tablet and traditional notebook features in a single device. The Slider features a 10.1� IPS touch-screen for finger-friendly use, as well as a full slide-out (hence the name) QWERTY keyboard for those that prefer the traditional feel and sounds from a keyboard.


The Slider is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, w an advanced mobile processor with a dual-core CPU and NVIDIA GeForce GPU.

Other features include a pair of built-in digital cameras with a 1.2-megapixel lens on the front and a five-megapixel unit for the rear. The pair is intended to accommodate both video chat and digital photography. As expected, the slider utilizes the Android 3.0 operating system that operates both the capacitive touch-screen and other computing, while optional onboard 3G allows for mobile internet access.

Next up was the Eee Pad Transformer, which boasts a slim and lightweight design and the same 10.1� IPS touch-screen found on the Slider. ASUS says this the versatile Eee Pad Transformer is for people who want to enjoy multimedia on the move, but still wish to have easy access to the Web, email and other productivity applications.

The NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor provides full support through the Android 3.0 operating system for Adobe Flash, full 1080p HD video conferencing and playback, web browsing and mobile gaming.

An optional docking station turns the Transformer into a traditional notebook with a full QWERTY keyboard for desktop use, while extending battery life up to 16 hours. As with the Slider, front 1.2-megapixel and rear five-megapixel digital cameras allow for video chat and digital photography, while a built-in mini-HDMI port allows for connectivity for external displays with full 1080p HD video playback.

Also in the mix of reveals is the ASUS Eee Pad MeMO, a smaller offering based around a 7� capacitive touch-screen - allowing users to slip the device into a jacket pocket, for example. ASUS intends the MeMo to be commonly used for taking handwritten notes using the supplied stylus pen as its key function.

Like the rest of the Eee tablet lineup revealed today, the MeMo also uses Android 3.0 as its operating system, and includes a mini-HDMI port means this compact device can even connect to an external display for full 1080p HD video playback.

The final ASUS Eee offering revealed today is the Slate EP121 - a device designed for users who require a highly portable handheld device that can also run standard office software while multitasking with other applications. The Slate is powered with an Intel Core i5 dual-core processor, uses a 12.1� capacitive touch-screen (the on-screen keyboard can be bypassed thanks to support for an external Bluetooth keyboard for traditional desktop use) LED-backlit display with a 1280x800 resolution and a wide 178 degree viewing angle.

The Eee Slate EP121 is available with either 32GB or 64GB of SSD storage (expandable via SDXC), and up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. All models come standard with 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, a two-megapixel camera, two USB 2.0 ports and a mini-HDMI port for connecting to external displays.

source

Lenovo Announces IdeaPad U1 and LePad Hybrid Notebook

Today Lenovo unveiled their first slate, the new IdeaPad U1 and LePad hybrid, a multi-touch Android slate running on LeOS that can go mobile in HD or connect to the U1 keyboard base and run on Windows 7. The tablet has Lenovo�s seamless hybrid technology to switch quickly from the Android OS to Windows. Lenovo says this same technology will not disrupt the WiFi, WCDMA/EVDO 3G wireless internet connection included with the slate.

The slate can switch from portrait mode to landscape to suit your reading and video-watching preferences. We originally saw the prototype of this slate/notebook back during CES 2010, so we're excited to see it now even if we had to wait a year.

The Lenovo LePad Slate
The tablet is powered with a Qualcomm SnapDragon 1.3-Ghz processor, and while docked with the base, the notebook runs with an Intel CULV I5-540UM 1.20-Ghz processor. It has been tested to last up to eight hours at full battery charge while undocked. The U1 base is, of course, sold separately from the slate.

Measuring in with a 10.1� display and 1280x800 resolution, the tablet weighs 1.67 lbs and is � inch thick (the notebook weighs 4 lbs). The slate features ARM snapdragon graphics; the notebook has Intel Integrated graphics.

Full IdeaPad U1 Hybrid and LePad Specifications:

Processor
Slate: Qualcomm SnapDragon 1.3GHz
Notebook: Intel CULV Core i5-540M 1.2GHz

Operating System
Slate; LeOS (Android based)
Notebook: Windows 7 Home Premium

Display
10.1" (16:10 ratio) with 1280x800 resolution

Graphics
Slate: ARM Snapdragon
Notebook: Intel Integrated

Memory
Slate: 1GB RAM
Notebook: 2GB DDR3 RAM

Storage
Slate: 16GB/32GB Flash
Notebook: 320GB 5400rpm 7mm SATA

Communication
Slate: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/3G (EVDO & WCDMA)
Notebook: 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1

Ports
Slate: SIM Slot, Headphone jack
Notebook: One USB 2.0 and HDMI

Camera
2MP integrated web camera

Other Features
LePad Dock port for charger, keyboard dock or notebook

Weight
Slate: 760g
Notebook: 1.8kg

Dimensions
Slate: 263x188x12.9mm
Notebook: 270x210x33.2mm

Included Software
Slate: Web, video, music, e-reading, push service, game, app store
Notebook: OneKey Rescue, Lenovo Energy Management Software 5.0, Adobe Reader, Veriface, McAfee Virus Scan Plus, LeZone Software, may vary by region

Pre-loaded apps and software also come along with it, including software for e-Reading, app store, music, video, web browsing, McAfee, and more. Other notable features include quick access keys to things such as e-mail and news and a front-facing camera.

Lenovo said there are plans in the making for the LePad to support Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for a better web-browsing experience with the slate.

You can get it in four colors: brown or black (leather-textured), white, or scarlet. The Lenovo IdeaPad U1 with LePad will be available in the Chinese market at the beginning of Q1. It will be sold for approximately $520 for the slate only and $1300 for both the slate and U1 hybrid laptop. Look out for more information concerning when it will be available in the US and worldwide market.

_____

source : Notebook Review

Iomega Personal Cloud and Media Network Hard Drive

Today Iomega announced their new Personal Cloud technology, a technology that will take your Iomega NAS (Network Attached Storage device) in order to backup, protect, and give others access to your files and information on a personal cloud.

This is a web-based architecture and will allow for consumers and business professionals to connect and exchange their Iomega NAS with all of the data on it to other individuals or other devices through the Internet. Iomega ensures that this data on your personal cloud can only be manipulated by you or whomever else you give access to. There is no subscription fee associated with this technology (including access by others onto your cloud and the protection for your data), but you must buy two or more NAS products to backup your data remotely to another location. In other words, after you have purchased an Iomega StorCenter network storage device, there is no other fee to use the service.

Iomega says that you can create your own personal cloud with this technology in �just minutes,� with a small setup page and an invite list so you can choose who you want to give your cloud access to. You can invite up to 250 people or devices onto a cloud, and the process works in a similar way to a home or business network. After you send out invites, an e-mail is sent to all invitees with a link to the cloud.

Iomega ensures that files and data that are shared on the cloud will be available immediately once uploaded, no matter where it is shared from. The cloud interface has a �drag-and-drop� feature that makes it easier to use.

As far as security goes, all data will be backed up on your hard drive, server, and datacenter, and can be accessed only be those people who have been given access to it. Additionally, AES 128-bit encryption can be enabled for extra protection while data is being transferred.

The Iomega Personal Cloud is launching worldwide this month.

The Cloud will also have a feature where you can access it through your TV with Boxee TV, available sometime in February.

Along with the Cloud, Iomega is also launching a media network hard drive, cloud edition. It will come in 1 TB and 2 TB storage capacities and will use EMC Lifeline software, built to have cross-platform support for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Notable features include:

    * Ethernet connection from hard drive to router
    * Built-in iTunes server
    * Streaming feature for music, videos and other media
    * PTP automatic transfers
    * One-touch copying of files
    * Synchronization of device

The Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive Cloud Edition will be available worldwide later this month in two capacities: a 1 TB model for $169.99, and a 2 TB model for $229.99.

_____

source : Notebook Review

Lenovo outs colorful IdeaPad Zx70 laptop, S100/205 netbooks

Lenovo's IdeaPad updates tonight carried with it several designer models that focused on designer looks along with a tweak of established formulas. The 13.3-inch Z370, 14-inch Z470 and 15.6-inch Z570 all have transparent-effect covers with unusual colors not unlike Sony's VAIO E, including rarities like a light blue, brown and fuchsia. Every one has Intel Sandy Bridge processors from the 2.1GHz Core i3 to the 2.5GHz Core i5, and they all have dedicated options ranging from the GeForce 410M on the Z370 up to the new GeForce 525M on the larger two notebooks.

The line doesn't have the SSD options of the new Y series but can still get up to a 1TB internal drive, 8GB of RAM and a Blu-ray drive. They can also last slightly longer at up to five hours on the standard battery. Pricing and ship dates haven't been given out so far.


Netbook-class systems get a lift as well. The S100 is a direct replacement for the S10-3 series and still has its 10-inch display, adding Lenovo's newest chiclet keyboard design and is considerably lighter at 2.2 pounds. Its choice of processor hasn't been named, but it should still keep the Atom and may use the dual-core 1.5GHz N550.

The S205 is a return into crossover netbooks and expands to an 11.6-inch screen. The processor also hasn't been mentioned for this larger system, but its design will have the option of a 3G modem and a new DirectShare feature that syncs data in a point-to-point network connection.

Lenovo ships the S series first of all its notebooks and will have them ready for March at prices starting at $330.

source