17/09/2012

Is there a PadFone 2 on the way?

   The Asus PadFone... The phone/tablet mash up that I and numerous other said we'd get because it's such a good idea. The original PadFone was no slouch though; it had the dual-core Snapdragon S4 chipset running the show and everything was good if a little mid-range.

    Of the rumours are to be believed then the PadFone 2 should kick things up a notch with the inclusion of a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro. An AnTuTu benchmark result shows a device that’s generally on the level of Samsung's Exynos 4 Quad figures! 

   At the moment we know very little about the whole device apart from the odd bit of speculation. It's been thrown around that we might be seeing 2Gb's of RAM and better resolution screens, but we'll probably have to wait until the start of next year before anything concrete comes out!

   It would be great to see a hugely powerful and genuinely impress device come out of the PadFone project and just like last time I would love to own one!

In other news:

• Cloud storage company Box has announced they are rolling out Box Accelerator. This is a service which has been launched today and it promises 10x faster upload speeds than before. They're able to do this thanks to new network infrastructure that spreads upload hubs across the globe. This has been so efficient in testing that an independent review marks the service as comfortably faster than; Dropbox, Microsoft’s SkyDrive, and Google Drive.

• If you're a Tesco mobile customer then we've got good news for you if you like everything with an 'i' in front of it's name. Tesco has released an 'register your interest page' for the iPhone 5! If you want to show your interest head over here and you might have one in your hands relatively soon!

• Just in case anyone doubted the appeal of Apple's new iPhone 5 then you should see some of these stats! In the first 24 hours of pre-orders the company sold over 2m units. For those of you talented with numbers you'll instantly know that that's more than 23 units a second or 1,389 a minute, that's why the delivery time slipped after a while ladies and gentlemen! That also reinforces AT&T's statement which said it was their most successful iPhone launch ever!

• Amazon has quietly outed a maps API to compete with Google's solution. The API was sneeked out during the companies Kindle Fire HD release and it's looking like a year of Google Maps challengers. Now you've got Bing maps, iOS maps, Amazon apps, but there's still a place in our heart for Ordance Survey maps!

• Smartphones and tablets have officially overtaken PCs as major consumer of DRAM chips.

• Microsoft have confirmed the price range for their Surface tablets; they will be anywhere from $300-$700 depending on whether you opt for a RT version or full Windows experience!

And finally, is the a new upcoming smartphone from HP running... Android?!?! This is relatively easy to fake by the way, but after last weeks announcement HP is getting back in the game it could be a very well placed teaser! As you can see there's ICS at the moment and a nice little lovely 1366 x 720 pixel resolution display with 1.5GHz on each of its Snapdragon CPU cores. So what do you think? Real or fake?

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16/08/2012

Lenovo remain indifferent to Microsoft's Surface tablets. Pledge to compete!

   Acer have today been made to look like a complaining little brother by Lenovo. The latter finally commented on Microsoft's Surface tablets and they don't seem to be too bothered at all. 

   The company's CEO, Yang Yuanqing, voiced his opinions on the company’s latest earnings calls, saying, “Although we don't like Microsoft providing hardware, for us, it just adds one more competitor." And we're inclined to agree with Lenovo here and it should spur companies on to up their game instead of complaining about it!

   The only thing to mention is that if Microsoft's RT Surface tablets do come in at $199 like the rumours suggested yesterday, then that may slightly peeve all OEM's not just Acer, but it might not even come to that, only time will tell!

RIM sets their screen resolutions for BB10 handsets and it's finally good news!

    Recently RIM CEO, Thorsten Heins, has had a bit of a hard time; he's in charge of a company whose handsets are starting to look outdated and lacking ideas. But, the promised land of BB10 pledges to change all of that. Last week Heins stated the company is in the polishing stages of the BB10 creation and that the devices are completed. Since then we've had word that the company is getting ready to take two “nearly complete” prototype devices to carriers in an attempt to persuade them to carry one or both devices at launch.

   Now Tim Neil has taken to the company’s developer blog to inform folks that upcoming full-touch devices will have Galaxy S3 matching screen with 1,280 x 720p displays, while QWERTY phones will be rocking with 720 x 720 screens.

   So if you're a developer and you want the chance to crack business phones get to work on them resolutions!

 Via IntoMobile!

In other news:

•  Sony have released their latest eReader; it's elegantly called the PRS-T2 eReader and when it's available it'll set you back $129.99.

• If you happen to be a lucky resident of China then you will soon be able to purchase the new Xiaomi Phone 2. This wouldn't normally make the news but the device has a quad-core Krait, a 4.3″ 720p IPS, and Jelly Bean! And the price? About $314!!!! Insane! Shame they're not heading west anytime soon.

• Samsung's monster phone, the Galaxy Note, has been a huge success for the company. It turns out they managed to ship 10million of them since the phone's release!

• Kaspersky Labs has reported a tripling  of Android malware in Q2 2012 alone!

• Nokia and Microsoft have scheduled a Windows Phone event for September 5th, new Windows Phone incoming!

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07/08/2012

The news in brief!

Unfortunately there's not much to hear today guys, but all of the juicy details are in a very compact form below!

• Motorola has teased a new smartphone today, something we expect will result in the launch of the new Motorola RAZR HD.
• Nokia has had a 'prototype' Windows Phone 8 device leaked today. The image can be seen to the right, what do you think legit?
• Windows 8 reportedly won't boot straight to the desktop, instead you'll have to go to the Metro interface and then change it over! That could get annoying!
• Acer have publicly criticized Microsoft over their Surface tablets today by saying that an own-brand tablet will likely "create a huge negative impact" for both the Windows 8 and tablet ecosystems. "We have said [to Microsoft] think it over ... Think twice". It's interesting to hear this because noone complains about Google's Nexus program?
• Apparently Android 4.0.4 is rolling out to Galaxy S2's and Galaxy Note's in the UK today. As usual there's stability fixes and that bump to the most recent version of Android ICS.
• Similarly UK Motorola Xoom's are getting a bump to Android 4.0.4 today!

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01/08/2012

Nexus 7 gets a good set of accessories.

   By now many of you hardcore techies will be rocking Google's latest and greatest, the Nexus 7. But, until now, there has been a distinct lack of accessories, something both Asus and Google has been keen to change.

   The UK retailer, MobileFun, has said the arrival of a host of extras is imminent and the options are looking good!

   There's the rotating case (right) which will set you back £27.95 ($44), while the non-rotating counterpart will be £22.95 ($36). The folio case will be £39.99 ($62) and the top of the range Bluetooth keyboard case will be £79.95 ($125). And an official screen protector will set you back £14.95 ($23). All in all, a great range of options for a great device!

In other news:

• Apple has been reported to be the world's biggest computer shipper again. But their numbers are somewhat skewed by the inclusion of iPad's in that category. But, a great achievement nonetheless.
• On the contrary analysts have predicted Microsoft's Surface tablets will sink when they arrive later in the year. Cost and lack of a 'wow factor' have been cited as the main reasons.
• The Samsung Galaxy Nexus has managed to avoid Apple's injunction in the USA and will stay on sale!
• The Japanese mobile tech giants have joined forces to take on Qualcomm and TI in developing wirelessly-enabled smartphone and tablet chipsets. The group involves Fujitsu, NTT DoCoMo, NEC and Fujitsu Semiconductor have created 'Access Network Technology Limited'. The new partnership promises "industry-leading communications platform products" and they aim to reduce the reliance on foreign-made wireless components.
• Raspberry Pi, the little device designed specifically for hacking, has received a port of Android Ice Cream Sandwich. This is great news for those planning to run a home sound system or something similar off of the device. As well as this ICS is a great foundation so we can expect Jelly Bean will be up and running in no time!
• 1 million people signed up to Microsoft's new Outlook.com email service in under 6 hours! It'll be interesting to see whether the number of constant users remains as high.
• HP has said OpenWebOS will not be coming to current devices because it needs a processor that supports Linux Kernel version 3.3. Fear not Pheonix and other WebOS groups are on the case!
• TAT founder abandons RIM well before BlackBerry 10 launches, deciding to opt for more start ups instead of sticking with RIM.

And finally, do you want to see the evidence Samsung was blocked from using in their current court case with Apple. Judge Koh blocked the company using it as evidence, so instead Sammy released the evidence to the press to show how they didn't copy the iPhone and how 'fundamental fairness' had been ignored in stopping this bit of evidence coming to court. We think the image speaks for itself even if both the Judge and Apple are annoyed now!

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11/07/2012

Rovio launching Angry Birds across numerous consoles.

   Rovio has today announced that their smash hit series, Angry Birds, will be coming to a PS3, Xbox 360 and the Nintendo 3DS in the near future. 

   The three games; Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio, will be available to purchase on one single disk. Although, at the moment we don't know anything about Angry Birds Space availability or whether extra levels will be available as updates like they are on Android and iOS.

   Apparently all the games will be revamped for HD screens and everything will be as sharp and crisp as you expect from normal console games. Intriguingly there will be compatibility with Playstation Move and Xbox Kinect.

   At the moment there's no firm release date but it's almost certain that the games will be available for the holiday season!

The ZTE Kis is now available on Virgin for... £49.99.

   ZTE have been low-end champions in recent times and this time they really do seem to have outdone themselves. The new ZTE Kis will be available for the tiny price of £49.99 on pay as you go. This is insanely cheap especially considering what you get! 

   On the surface you get an attractive looking 3.5" screen, which runs at 480x320 pixels. There's also an 800Mhz processor, 256MB of RAM, 512MB of storage with a microSD card slot, and a 3.2-megapixel camera with 2x digital zoom.

   On the storage front initially it seems to be slightly lacking but there's a 2GB SD included in the box, but there is the opportunity to add up to a 32GB card if you really need it.

   The software is slightly disappointing in that it's Android 2.3, but for £50 what can you really expect? You have a good set of connectivity options; there's Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi, GPS, and tri-band 3G. The sizes are quite reasonable at 11.5mm and 120g, and a 1,400mAh battery should keep you going for a full day.

   Virgin have availability from today you should be able to pick on up either on Virgin’s website, or by giving them a call and ordering one directly. Virgin will be throwing in 1GB of data per month over 12 months for free as well, which should come with the mandatory £10 top-up that you purchase with the handset.

   

In other news:

• Microsoft has set itself the goal of having 44 retails stores across the USA by this time next year.
• Apple have withdrawn their EPEAT green membership and have instead gone for their own set of environmentally friendly standards.
• Starbucks have launched their Android app in both the UK and Canada.
• Amazon's Kindle Fire has already received its' own Jelly Bean AOSP port.
• Two of Google's Nexus devices; the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7 both received a bump to Android 4.1.1. We think the extra .1 on the end might be a way of getting round Apple's latest round of lawsuits regarding voice searching.
• Another collective, this time called iSuppli has rated the cost of the Nexus 7. The cost of production they came up with today was $151.75, which again leaves very little margin for Google.
• HTC has confirmed there will be a follow up to their relatively successful HTC Flyer tablet. Although, there's no time scales or any specs to report just yet.
• Microsoft has confirmed that Halo 4 will run on their upcoming Windows 8 powered, Surface tablets!

And finally, I have a name for you to keep your eyes on; it's an Android powered games console called Ouya. The company has put their plans up on Kickstarter and they have soared past their $2million target in less than 48 hours. This is a very exciting project and we will keep you up to date with the latest developments as they happen!

The Android powered games console, Ouya!

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29/06/2012

Microsoft Surface really did put off OEM's?

   There have been reports today that, in spite of the positive reactions of the press, Microsoft's surface really did put off their other OEM partners from continuing with their Windows 8 tablet plans.

   One company this has had a significant effect on, is reported, to be HP. Given the obvious failings of the Hewlett Packard's Touchpad last year, it's quite understandable that they are cautious when it comes to tablets. Microsoft themselves supposedly commented that, “If Microsoft had seen compelling enough plans from [PC makers],” Moor Insights & Strategy’s Patrick Moor said, after talks with Windows RT OEMs, ”they wouldn’t have needed to do this". This clearly demonstrates the failings of the plans from HP and their competitors.

   The story here focuses particularly on Windows RT because the reported $90 pricetag on that version of Windows 8 is off-putting for potential partners, this is something Microsoft themselves are exempt from because the Surface tablets are made in-house. This is said to be pushing other OEM's into the hands of the OpenSource (and free) Android Operating System.Although no other specific names are mentioned, sources apparently claim that “just about every OEM out there is scrapping one or more [Windows RT] designs, with most renewing Android efforts with every resource at their disposal."

Chrome for iOS already a top app!

   Less than two days after the app launched onto iOS, Chrome for iPad and iPhone is already a hit! The reality is that the app is just a skin on top of Safari in iOS because of Apple's restrictions, but that doesn't stop it being awesome!

   So far there have been well over 4,000 reviews of the app and 80% of posts have given the app the full 5 star rating, with the app currently averaging 4.5stars!

   If you didn't hear the app was available then head to your app store and hit download on Chrome! It's free!

In other news:

• Google admits MacBook Chrome crash bug, but blames faults in Apple's kernel for being partly to blame as well, they've informed Apple of the issue!
• Matias Duarte, Android's headhoncho for the User Interface, has suggested ailing RIM could turn towards Android. He said that the company could make some great Android hardware and we have to agree! Although, there's rumours Microsoft could repeat the 'Nokia process' on them!
• Google has claimed the creation of the Nexus 7 is proof that they won't automatically give Motorola priority over the rest of their OEM partners!
• Twitter for Windows Phone has now received Push notifications!
• A Google Nexus 10 is reportedly in the works!
• Adobe has reported they will pull support for Flash in Android in Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) so no more flash!
• RIM reports dire Q1 2012 results; there's a $518m loss and BlackBerry 10 has been delayed until Q1 2013!

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26/06/2012

BBM on BB10 leaks!

   With a whole host of information trickling out of Canada about RIM's future plans for their Blackberry smartphones, we have some news today which concerns one of the platforms most popular features, BBM. 

   The messaging system will of course be carried forward into to currently unreleased and QNX-based, BB10 operating system. The picture above points to how the device will look and again the L-series device is shown on the right hand side above.

   There's also a choice of colour schemes as you can see to the right. The colour scheme can be changed to your preference or just to save battery! A small change to the colours from white to black can reduce the battery consumption by about 25% and it's reported to be possible to save up to 75% just by changing a few other colours on OLED screens!

   So BB10 is starting to take shape, but will you be on board when it officially launches in the fall or are you going to be splashing out on a new iPhone, Galaxy S3 or something else before that time comes around.

In other news:

• Firefox for Android has officially left beta complete with a host of performance optimisations and other general improvements!
• Bing maps had added 165TB's of new images to their mapping to make sure you never get lost!
• Facebook has quietly ended support for their controversial 'Find Friends Nearby' option which was always slightly 'dodgy' if you get what we mean!
• The Nokia 808 Pureview has gone up for sale on Amazon UK for the lofty price of £499.98 or about 770 of the finest American Dollar. If you really must have the undisputed best cameraphone in the world then you're going to have to cough up!
• HTC has released the new HTC Connect as a direct challenger to Apple's lauded Airplay functionality.
• And finally, it has come to light that Microsoft had access to their OEM partners plans for Windows 8 before they went ahead and produced their Surface tablets, so obviously they weren't up to scratch!

   

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22/06/2012

The Nintendo 3DS XL.

   Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo 3DS XL. It's essentially the 3D version of what they did with the DS and naturally there's that bigger screen as well. And this new device is literally all about screen size!

  Nintendo’s normal 3DS has a 3.53-inch display up top and a 3.02-inch display down below, which the XL model bests with a pair of 4.88- and 4.18-inches respectively. Which naturally makes the whole device bigger, but you'll accept that for the extra screen real estate!

   This time around though, Nintendo has a bit of a change of plan when it comes to their target audience. With past XL versions they aimed them squarely at adults and slightly older users who wanted larger screens that didn't require you to squint or hold them a couple of inches from your face to see them. But now Nintendo has specifically said the 3DS XL is for anyone who wants “more real estate”. But you'll also find it useful if you use the device for Netflix or Nintendo Video streaming.

   Essentially you'll be buying this just for the screens. The 3DS XL will cost you $199.99 but we're not sure what that'll mean for people in the UK when the price gets the normal upward bump in translation from dollars to pounds.

The news in brief:

• HTC has decided to shutter its business in Brazil, citing a lack of sales and as a results profitability in the country. This might be surprising to hear for most of us but outside of that country HTC has reiterated that nothing else will change!
• Apple has rolled out a their App store to a further 32 countries today the full list includes a large variety of African and Asian countries, but there's a few unlikely European and South American Countries such as Albania and Ukraine in the mix too!
• Motorola has promised a Q2 update to the Razr's and Razr Maxx's and today Verizon, at least, have made good on their promise. ICS will be available for download from today!!!
• TiVo for Android has launched today for both Phones and Tablets!
• Microsoft's Surface tablets will be Wifi only at launch. As if that makes any difference to your decisions to buy one!

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