Author: Deviana

Is Google owned Motorola making a Facebook phone?

Dirty Devils – do we all know that Google and Facebook essentially hate each other since the invent of Google Plus? But, new information has come into play : Google’s recent expensive endeavor is making a device dedicated to serve the rival company Facebook. The EX225, likely a feature phone that’s based on BREW OS is being touted as a QWERTY device with a dedicated Facebook button, something quite similar to our friend the ChaCha (sans touch screen and Android)

For the technically sound the device includes a 2.4-inch TFT-LCD display, a 3 megapixel camera and five row QWERTY keyboard and will be available in 2 variants dual-sim and single-sim. One this is for sure you can expect this device to do well in India, and you can expect a full feature on this iGyaan style.

September 12, 2011
Have an iPad 2 ? Charge it wirelessly using LaunchPort!

Dana Innovations recently announced LaunchPort system which allows users to pop their iPads the way they were meant to – on walls. The cost however seems strange, US $200 for the charging bases and US $150 for the Sleeve. A total of INR 18000 ($350) to charge a $499 device. IF you fancy it you can pre-order it for $10 extra at the link below.

[LaunchPort]

September 9, 2011
After EU Apple seeks to ban Samsung sales in Japan

It has happened so many times that we don’t even bother to care. Apple has moved to a Japanese and filed a new complaint against Samsung in Japan alleging that multiple Samsung devices infringe on its patents. Apple plans to ban sales of Samsung’s GALAXY S and GALAXY S II lines of smartphones, as well as its original GALAXY Tab Android tablet, Reuters reports.

Ryuji Yamada, CEO of Japanese provider NTT DoCoMo, is now saying that Apple’s lawsuit will not have any effect on next month’s Galaxy Tab launch. “We have heard from Samsung that there will be no obstruction to sales,” Yamada confirmed.

September 9, 2011
Google Acquires Restaurant Rating company Zagat

Google announced yesterday that it has acquired restaurant rating company ZAGAT.

“ZAGAT will be a cornerstone of our local offering — delighting people with their impressive array of reviews, ratings and insights, while enabling people everywhere to find extraordinary (and ordinary) experiences around the corner and around the world, I’m incredibly excited to collaborate with ZAGAT to bring the power of Google search and Google Maps to their products and users, and to bring their innovation, trust and wealth of experience to our users”

-Marissa Mayer, vice president of local, maps and location services at Google

ZAGAT was started more than 32 years ago by a couple, Tim and Nina Zagat, and the company’s ratings are now embedded in pocket guides and plastered on restaurant windows in more than 100 cities around the world and across 13 different categories.

[Google Blog]

September 9, 2011
HTC takes aim, sues Apple using x-Motorola Patents

In the wonderful world of manufacturer patent-wars, a new twist has developed today. HTC has sued Apple using newly obtained firepower: nine patents picked up from Google last week. Theses patents have travelled from Palm – to Motorola – Google (who has bought Motorola) , Google transferred these patents to HTC last week, to power the HTC vs Apple suit.

HTC CFO had earlier said that HTC was trying to figure out and resolve problems with Apple. Looks like the sit down with Apple’s nasty lawyers didn’t work out for the Taiwanese Giant.

September 8, 2011
Apple’s new Batteries will make the iPad 3 thinner and lighter than the iPad 2

Apple’s recent trade agreement with Simplo Technology Co. and Dynapack International Technology Corp. if for the supply of batteries to the next generation of iPad expected from the company later this year. The new battery is thinner and lighter than the ones used in the iPad 2, but still supply a longer battery life. Due to this the cost of batteries to Apple is expected to rise by about 30%

A thinner and lighter iPad could mean serious trouble for business for competitors who are already struggling against the existing iPad 2.

September 7, 2011
iPhone 5 up for pre-order at Deutsche Telekom

Apple is yet to announce the device of the year, but Deutsche Telekom has started to allow subscribers to reserve an iPhone 5 , even though they have no information on pricing or specifications. Apple is expected to launch a fifth-generation iPhone and an updated fourth-generation model end September or early next month.

September 6, 2011
HTC Jetstream tablet available now in the US on AT&T for 700 US$ – wow!

The recently launched HTC Jetstream tablet has gone on sale in the US. The price you ask? A whopping 700 dollars and that too with a full fledged two year contract. The tablet boasts a 10.1-inch display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, an 8-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats.

You can also get one for US $ 850 (about INR 42,500) without contract – a bit pricy if you ask us.

September 6, 2011
Barnes and Noble Nook 2 is coming this month

According to a report filed on Saturday, the successor to the original Barnes and Noble Nook, the Nook 2, will launch this month. The Nook 2 may or may not run Android like the original E-Reader, but if it does , then expect some Honeycomb madness up in that baby.

According to sources at digitimes, Inventec and Pegatron will assemble the eReaders and supply as many as 2-3 million devices by the end of this year. The Nook Color 2 E Ink will be powered by “e-paper backplanes,” there will be a new E Ink component to the Nook Color 2, although it is unclear what its role will be at this point.

The new Nook is also expected to create some battle for the Amazon Tablets expected to launch in November.

September 5, 2011
Creative Launches new Sound Blaster Gaming Headsets on Recon3D audio (PR)

Creative is stepping out of its comfort zone with these new Sound Blaster Gaming Headsets for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac platforms. Dubbed Sound Blaster Tactic360 Sigma, these headsets have steel core headband design and 50mm audio drivers along with dual zone voice and game audio controls.

Tactic360 ION slims down with a pair of 40mm drivers and the Tactic3D Wrath Wireless is destined to deliver potential to Mac / PC users

The Tactic3D Omega Wireless does the same for console gamers.

[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”no” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]CREATIVE UNLEASHES SOUND BLASTER RECON3D – A NEW AUDIO PLATFORM POWERED BY SOUND CORE3D – THE WORLD’S FIRST QUAD-CORE AUDIO AND VOICE PROCESSOR

Sound Blaster Recon3D Sound Cards to be Unveiled at 2011 IFA Berlin

SINGAPORE – 1 September 2011 – Creative Technology Ltd today announced its Sound Blaster® Recon3D audio platform and sound cards, powered by the groundbreaking new Creative Sound Core3D quad-core sound and voice processor. Designed to deliver hardware-accelerated THX TruStudio Pro™ and CrystalVoice™ audio technologies for games, music and movies, the new series of Sound Blaster Recon3D sound cards will be previewed from 2-7 September at the 2011 IFA Berlin, at the Creative stand 111, Hall 17, Messe Berlin.

“We are leveraging our expertise of designing and selling more than 400 million Sound Blaster audio solutions to break new ground with the power and performance of Sound Core3D, establishing the next standard of sound and voice quality for the PC, Mac, console gaming systems and consumer electronics devices,” said Sim Wong Hoo, Chairman and CEO of Creative Technology Ltd. “We designed Sound Core3D with its revolutionary quad-core design to even further expand our leadership in audio innovation beyond the PC to transform all digital entertainment. This enables us to develop our most exciting and versatile line of Sound Blaster products yet, while we pursue new market opportunities by providing our OEM partners with the flexibility to power PC products and consumer electronics devices with Sound Core3D.”

Leveraging the Power of Sound Core3D

The stunning audio and voice performance of the Sound Blaster Recon3D sound cards is powered by Creative’s new Sound Core3D, the world’s first quad-core sound and voice processor. Designed by Creative’s in-house team of audio scientists and engineers, Sound Core3D is engineered for low power consumption and high performance. It incorporates Creative’s innovative patented Quartet digital signal processor (DSP) with four independent processor cores, and is the first processor to integrate an array of DSP cores with high-quality HD audio codecs of over 100dB on a single chip, giving it tremendous versatility for PC and embedded configurations.

Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion

Immediately recognizable by its stunning design and glowing red Creative Sound Core3D processor, the Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion sound card provides hardware-accelerated THX TruStudio Pro audio technologies for unparalleled audio playback quality. The Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion includes a convenient and cool-looking I/O drive with headset mini-jacks, volume control and audio input connectivity options. The card also includes a high-quality beam-forming microphone, which leverages CrystalVoice Echo Cancellation, CrystalVoice Focus and CrystalVoice Active Noise Reduction to enable gamers for the first time ever to use speakers and a desktop microphone while gaming without any sound other than the gamer’s voice being transmitted through the microphone. Designed to deliver crystal clear vocal fidelity in multiplayer games, online chats and video conferencing, CrystalVoice technologies also provide a compelling voice communications option for VOIP solutions such as Skype. The Sound Blaster Recon3D Fata1ity Champion software enables quick and easy switching between multi-channel speaker settings and headsets or headphones. The card is slated for availability in Q1 of 2012.

Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Professional

Designed with the same powerful THX TruStudio Pro and CrystalVoice audio technologies of the Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion, the Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Professional sound card features I/O connectivity on the sound card itself, for users who don’t wish to use an I/O drive. This card also includes the high-quality beam-forming microphone, allowing advanced voice communication without the need for the headset by leveraging CrystalVoice Echo Cancellation, CrystalVoice Focus and CrystalVoice Active Noise Reduction.

Sound Blaster Recon3D

Providing phenomenally accurate positional 3D audio over headsets or speakers, the Sound Blaster Recon3D sound card is also powered by the new SoundCore3D quad-core audio and video processor. It provides hardware-accelerated THX TruStudio Pro and select Crystal Voice audio technologies. The Sound Blaster Recon3D sound card is slated for availability later this year.

The Sound Blaster Recon3D PCI Express sound cards feature 6-channel 24-bit 102dB DACs, 4-channel 24-bit 101dB analog-to-digital (ADC) converters, integrated headphone amplifier-out, digital microphone interface, S/PDIF inputs and outputs and general purpose inputs and outputs (GPIO).

THX TruStudio Pro – Featured in Every Sound Blaster Recon3D

* The THX TruStudio Pro Crystalizer™ enhances in-game sound, music and movies by restoring low and high end frequency curves lost to compression
* THX TruStudio Pro Surround™ delivers a 360 degree surround sound gaming experience so gamers can hear sounds clearly from the front, back, above and below
* THX TruStudio Pro Smart Volume™ addresses the problem of abrupt volume level changes in games, music and movies by intelligently applying gain and attenuation to deliver consistent volume levels
* THX TruStudio Pro Dialog Plus™ enhances voices in games and movies for clearer dialog, allowing listener to hear the dialog over the rest of sound track and over ambient noise in the listening environment
* THX TruStudio Pro Bass™ fills in the missing low frequency tones and give the extra impact for a better entertainment experience

CrystalVoice is comprised of:

* Acoustic Echo Cancellation – Eliminates echoes and enables whoever is speaking to listen to the other party clearly. Echoes are a common problem present in voice communication systems that disrupts conversations by making it difficult to hear the other party
* Noise Reduction – Enables who is speaking to be heard clearly over background noise by constantly monitoring the environment and eliminate the unwanted noise that interferes with the conversation
* Smart Volume – Automatically adjusts the loudness of a voice to maintain a consistent volume level. This makes it convenient for the speaker to converse normally, regardless of whether the speaker is close to or far away from the microphone
* FX™ – Enables alteration of voice with a variety of effects, which can be used to enhance the tone of a voice, create interesting accents, or enable someone to sound like a completely different person

More information about the new Sound Blaster Recon3D audio solutions will be posted in coming weeks to soundblaster.com.

________________

Creative Unveils New Sound Blaster Gaming Headsets at 2011 IFA Berlin

Bold New Designs and Compelling Audio Technologies for PC, Mac and Console

BERLIN, GERMANY – 1 Sept., 2011 – Creative Technology Ltd. today announced that it will unveil the next generation of Sound Blaster® gaming headsets for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC and Mac at 2011 IFA Berlin, at the Creative stand 111, Hall 17, Messe Berlin.

Sound Blaster Tactic360 Sigma Gaming Headset – Designed for Xbox 360

Designed around the award-winning Sound Blaster Tactic3D Sigma gaming headset, the Sound Blaster Tactic360 Sigma features a sturdy steel core headband design with massively powerful 50 mm audio drivers. Its powered headset amplifier with separate voice and game audio controls deliver an exhilarating gaming experience on the Xbox 360.

The Sound Blaster Tactic360 ION Gaming Headset – Designed for Xbox 360

With its durable, lightweight design and powerful 40 mm audio drivers, the Sound Blaster Tactic360 ION Gaming Headset includes a powered headset amplifier with separate voice and game audio controls to ensure pulse-racing gaming audio at the great price of only €49.99.

Sound Blaster Tactic3D Wrath Wireless Special Edition Gaming Headset – Designed for PC and Mac

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Wrath Wireless Gaming Headset delivers a powerful PC and Mac gaming audio experience with massive 50mm drivers and a killer design featuring red illuminated ear cups. The included software enables users to dramatically improve their audio playback quality and experience with THX TruStudio Pro™, a suite of audio enhancements developed by the collaborative expertise of Creative and THX audio engineers. Engineered for professional-grade gaming, the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Wrath features a steel-core headband, plush ear cups, rechargeable lithium battery, and a detachable microphone.

Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega Wireless Gaming Headset – Designed for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC and Mac

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega wireless gaming headset connects wirelessly to an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC or Mac, and delivers phenomenal audio quality via massively powerful FullSpectrum™ 50mm drivers for a completely immersive gaming experience. The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omega also features a detachable noise-canceling microphone for crystal-clear voice communications. With the included software, PC and Mac gamers can experience THX TruStudio Pro audio technology to customize their own gaming audio settings and profile. The wireless transmitter connects easily via standard USB or Aux-In.

More information about the new Sound Blaster gaming headsets will be posted in coming weeks to soundblaster.com.

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September 2, 2011
HTC possibly working on Sensation special edition

According to CNET, HTC is planning a revised Special Edition of its Android powerhouse the Sensation to include Beats technology along with a bumped up spec list. Major changes include a 1.5GHz processor along with 4GB onboard storage. Like a few other devices from competition namely here this phone will be aimed at the Asian markets.

[CNET]

September 2, 2011
Samsung announces the 3.6 inch Galaxy S WiFi only PMP

Samsung has added another device to their lineup. The new 3.6 inch Samsung Galaxy S WiFi is a basic handheld PMP with a 3.6-inch HVGA display, Android 2.3, a 1GHz OMAP processor, 8GB or 16GB of storage, a microSD card slot, GPS, a mic for VoIP calls, and dual cameras (2 megapixels + VGA on the front). The device has been made official for Asia and Europe for £149 (INR 11,000) and £169 ( INR 12500)

September 2, 2011
IFA 2011: Sony Announces worlds lightest E-reader with multitouch (PR)

Sony has announced the worlds lightest E-Reader weighing in at just 168 grams (5.93 ounces) and is just 8.9mm thin. The E reader also has a 600 x 800, 16-level gray scale E Ink Pearl display along with 1.3 GB of usable internal storage plus microSD expansion of up to 32GB.

The device will be available in Europe in October for around $149 and India in December for 9000 INR.

Looking at the button configuration the base operating system on the device appears to be Android.

[toggle title_open=”PRESS RELEASE” title_closed=”PRESS RELEASE” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]

Sony Introduces World’s Lightest 15.2cm (6″) eReader with Enhanced Touchscreen

31 August 2011

· Hold effortlessly in one hand: just 168 grams and 8.9mm thin
· Browse and download a huge range of eBooks via Wi-Fi
· Turn pages smoothly, zoom in and out, look up in dictionary or make notes, all on advanced, high-contrast touchscreen
· Borrow eBooks directly and wirelessly from your public library
· Over one month of battery life* lets you read without recharging on holidays or trips away
· Available in three fashionable colours: red, white and black

Treat yourself to the most natural and immersive reading experience with the new Reader™ Wi-Fi® (model PRS-T1) from Sony – the world’s lightest1 15.2cm (6″) eReader that also features an enhanced touchscreen.

Now with Wi-Fi, Reader gives you the additional freedom to buy, borrow or get eBooks for free wherever there’s a wireless connection available.

From the latest releases to popular titles and classics, it’s easy to browse and download titles in seconds from a huge range of compatible bookstores and other web sites. You will also be able to purchase and download eBooks and periodicals via Wi-Fi from the rapidly-expanding catalogue available at the Reader™ Store2. What’s more, Reader Wi-Fi is the worlds’ first3 eReader that will allow you to borrow eBooks wirelessly from public libraries thanks to simple, seamless access on the device4 via an on-screen ‘Public Library’ icon.

Slipping effortlessly into a bag or pocket, Reader Wi-Fi is no bigger than a paperback book. 8.9mm thin and weighing just 168 grams it’s supremely comfortable to hold, with a gently curving profile that fits naturally in your hand.

Enjoying your favourite book is even more of a pleasure with the advanced Dual Touch screen. E Ink® Pearl electronic paper displays a clear, glare-free, high contrast image that’s easy to read for hours, even in direct sunlight.

Touch the screen to choose a book. Swipe a finger to turn the page, or zoom in and out by pinching your fingers together or apart. Tap on a word and hold to find its meaning from two built-in English language dictionaries. Words can also be translated to and from English using ten built-in translation dictionaries. You can even write notes on the page or highlight text with a finger or the supplied stylus – just like a real book.

Finding your way around the longest title is refreshingly quick and intuitive. Bookmark pages and return to them instantly, or search for particular passages and jump straight to the text you’re looking for.

While you’re reading, get extra information easily on a word or phrase with in-text access to Google™ and Wikipedia® look-ups. A simple browser also lets you download other compatible5 documents from the web via Wi-Fi for easy reading while you’re on the move.

Reader Wi-Fi handles a wide range of digital formats, including the popular EPUB eBook standard plus PDF and TXT documents. View your collection of digital photos on screen, or plug in a pair of headphones and listen to stored music tracks while you’re reading. The front cover image of your current title or a favourite photo can be displayed as a screensaver when Reader is in standby.

Fine-tune your reading experience with eight adjustable font sizes plus a choice of six font styles. Screen contrast and brightness are easily adjusted for comfortable viewing in any lighting conditions.

Its long battery life lets you read for over one month without needing a recharge (3 weeks with wireless on). Reader Wi-Fi can be used while the battery charges via USB on a connected PC, so there’s no need to interrupt your favourite book.

With a capacity of 2GB – enough to hold around 1,200 eBooks – internal memory space is easily expanded with an optional microSD card to hold tens of thousands more.

Style-matched optional accessories for your Reader include a form-fitting cover with built-in lighting arm that angles for reading at night or in dimly lit places.

Reader Wi-Fi with Pottermore download offer6

Sony’s first offer in its collaboration with J.K. Rowling’s eagerly anticipated Pottermore website (www.pottermore.com) is a specially-created limited edition of Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) which includes a voucher that enables Harry Potter fans to download the first Harry Potter eBook title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, from Pottermore. Pottermore, a unique website which builds an exciting and immersive online experience around the Harry Potter books and is the exclusive retailer of the Harry Potter digital eBooks, is partnered by Sony.

Reader Wi-Fi (model: PRS-T1) by Sony is available in Europe from October 2011, depending on country.

1 The world’s lightest eBook Reader with diagonal screen size of 15.2 cm (6″) as of 31st August 2011.

2 Reader Store will soon be available in Europe, coming first to the UK, Germany and Austria in 2011.

3 World’s first according to Sony research as of 31st August 2011.

4 Requires valid library card. Device feature – available only in UK, US, and Canada.

5 Unencrypted ePub and PDF files.

6 Availability of Reader Wi-Fi Pottermore special edition varies by country.

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September 1, 2011
Samsung Galaxy S2 Revamp details leaked, 4.52″ Amoled Display

Samsung’s next Galaxy S2 (remake) has been grabbing some attention, with the launch set on 1st September. According to todays leaked documents the device is headed to Sprint so will possibly launch in a CDMA form, but will be available in global GSM soon enough. It also matches the super phones of tomorrow with a 4.52 inch Super Amoled Plus display.

Whether or not this device launches, this definitely means that Samsung R&D department is doing its job on time and well.

August 31, 2011
Amazon will sell upto 5 Million tablets if priced right

Analysts are closely tracking the Amazon Tablet launch and have issued statements that could actually hold true for Amazon. According to reports if Amazon has ample stock of the tablet and is able to price it significantly below Apple iPad 2 then hey can manage to sell upto 5 million tablets in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Amazon is yet to announce the Tablets – “Cayote” and “Hollywood” which should be very popular among Amazon loyalists including Kindle owners.

August 30, 2011