Category: Android

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro Sk17i Review

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro Sk17i is just a little marvel, with little being the key word. The device is a recent attempt by Sony to Prove in certain countries that they too can make great phones at decent prices.

We took in the Xperia Mini Pro with a lifted eyebrow, wondering why in the world would one carry a mini fat phone. But as days passed, the device suddenly changed our opinion and Ranked amongst the best devices in out list.

Build Quality

The Xperia Mini Pro is built in a wonderful shell with a great slider mechanism. The black back cover is soft rubber touch and feels great in the hand, the slider is smooth as butter yet snaps into place like the phones in the original Matrix movie. The front display has an anti scratch coating and the buttons are clickety and tactile offering great feedback and impressive control.

Hardware

Model	Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro
Price	15,399 approx.
Frequency	GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz; HSDPA 900 / 2100; HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
Phone Style	Touchscreen with QWERTY Slider
OS	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Thickness	18mm
Length	92mm
Width	53mm
Weight	136 grams
Built-in Memory	320MB + pre-installed 2GB memory card
Additional Memory	MicroSD up to 32GB
High-speed Data	GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS
Screen Size	3-inch, 320×480(hvga)
Secondary Screen Size	N/A
Screen Colours	16 million
Camera	Yes, with LED Flash and Auto Focus
Camera Resolution	5-megapixels
Flash	Yes
Ringtones	Yes
Music Player	Yes
Music Formats	MP3, WMA, AMR, OGG, AAC, AAC+, WAV
Radio	Yes
Speaker	Yes
Processor	Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon 1 GHz processor
Internet	Yes
Browser	HTML With Flash support, Webkit browser
Games	Yes
Battery	Talk Time: Up to 5 Hours 40 Min (2G) Up to 5 Hours 25 Min (3G)

Multimedia and Camera

The Camera on the Xperia Mini Pro Sk17i is good for a 5MP camera, it does not have a rear illuminated CMOS sensor, but it does feature a quick focus shutter and nice depth of color. Pictures can be composed with great detail. The camera also focuses pretty good on close objects in macro mode.

Sample Images

The video capture is what one can call “so-so” we were not to impressed with the video quality , the video was grainy in bright sunlight and not to mention the infamous red halo in the middle of the video capture. See our Sample Below.

The display is possibly the best display you can buy for the price. We are so impressed with the Mobile Bravia Engine Reality Display, that we feel the price of the device should be enough for the display by itself. Stunning image showcase and HD video playback on the screen, although the pixel density is fairly lower compared to other devices, you can hardly notice the lack of pixels. The gaming and video playback is smooth and vivid, not forgetting the 1GHZ Snapdragon procession that plays a major role.

Audio playback is satisfactory and up to the mark, we didn’t expect more than what SE delivered and got just that. Earphones however are excellent and deliver great sounding music.

Phone and Messaging

The device has had mixed reviews when it came to phone quality. Lets not get confused here, the device is an excellent phone, Network is strong, zero to none when it comes to dropped calls, and great connectivity throughout. The problem lies in the earpiece – Although the unit we received has no problems what so ever, A lot of users have emailed us telling us about the Xperia Mini Pro’s Static noise in the earpiece.

In a case like that Sony Ericsson is obligated to fix your problem and a service centre is obligated to provide you with the right resolution. Or even a Refund/ Replacement if the case arises. So ensure you fight your case and hang on to the warranty booklet and present it to your service provider stating the policy.

In either case, such problems are not easily resolved in out Brilliant democracy, so we tend to consider this ear piece problem ( which we haven’t faced incidentally) a downside.

Messaging on the other hand is awesome on the new butter slide QWERTY magic that pops out from the side of this mini genius. The keyboard is fast and fun to use, very very tactical and offers great feedback along with the clickety sound. Alternatively you have the new Gingerbread Keyboard with pull handles and the works. In both cases the keyboard is marvelous and does its job whether you are messaging or emailing, or simply browsing the Web.

Internet and Hotspots

The device has a silky smooth experience when it comes to surfing the inter-webs. The browser with its subtle yet responsive Kinetic scrolls, Accelerometer, and full flash capabilities rocks the cell phone stratosphere. Video streaming and flash games run well on this device and turns out to be an overall performer.

The device also features a portable WiFi Hotspot feature, which enables users to share the devices 3G connection with unto 5 connected devices.

Battery

Be prepared to charge your device several times if you are an Internet Hoe. The device sucks the juices from the power source when on 3G lasting only a couple of hours at the most. Talktime ranges from 3- 5.5 hours depending on how you use the device otherwise dusting that period , stand by time on the other hand runs into days. 3-4 days to be precise.

If you are using Wifi constantly the device lasts 8 hours, but on 3G the device can only do 3- 3.5 hours. Turn on the Portable hotspot and see your battery die out in a couple of hours tops.

TimeScape

The new Timescape UI gives this device a lot of flare and panache, adding interactivity and a clean interface to the otherwise splashy Android UI. With lots of customization features and layouts the Xperia Mini Pro SK17i can really become custom for each user. The addition of custom apps and features from Sony is welcome too.

Conclusion

The device is a great mix for a user, Great multimedia and hardware specs, excellent display and Mobile Bravia Engine, not to mention the slide out keyboard. The device features Android 2.3.4 with Timescape, a 1GHZ processor and 512 MB of Ram. There is really not much more one can ask for. Sure there are the few problems, the red tint in camera ( which we don’t mind) the earpiece problem ( which we don’t have, but know that a lot of these device have) and poor battery on 3g data use ( well, Android is known for that )

We really can’t think of any QWERTY Touch slider that does better, Oh and did i forget to mention the device also has the Nexus S TV animation, during display power off, as standard.

[xrr rating=3.75/5 label=”We Rate it: ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

Price

Indian Rupees 15,000/-

US Dollar : 300/-

Unboxing Video

Video Sample

Full Video Review

Images

September 10, 2011

Fujitsu is launching a waterproof Tablet next month, the Arrows Tab LTE F-01D (PR)
Fujitsu is all prepped to launch a waterproof Tablet, making it the first company with such a device. The waterproof tablet called the Arrows Tab for some wicked reason, is completely soak proof. The device also boasts decent specs
- 10.1-incher WXGA display
- Dual-core processor running Android 3.2
- 1.3 megapixel front-facing / 5 megapixel rear camera
- Up to 32GB of storage
- Waterproofing seals and air tight vents.
The interesting bit would be how Fujitsu prices this device, the fact that is might as well be the first waterproof tablet. But also it won’t be the last

[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”]DOCOMO to Unveil First Tablets for LTE Service

TOKYO, JAPAN, September 8, 2011 — NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today the unveiling of the first tablets compatible with its extra-high-speed next-generation LTE service, Xi™ (read “Crossy”). The “docomo Tablet GALAXY Tab 10.1 LTE SC-01D” will go on sale in Japan in the beginning of October and the “docomo Tablet ARROWS Tab LTE F-01D” in the middle of October.

Both tablets feature large 10.1-inch displays and are powered by dual core CPUs running on Android™ 3.2. The light, thin and fast docomo Tablet GALAXY Tab 10.1 LTE SC-01D is DOCOMO’s LTE-optimized version of the GALAXY Tab 10.1, the latest large-screen tablet in the globally popular GALAXY series. Customized for DOCOMO services such as sp-mode™, docomo market and Area Mail™, the device offers excellent operability and mobility. Its 8.6mm body weighs just 565g and it comes with a high-capacity 7,000 mAh battery.

The docomo Tablet ARROWS Tab LTE F-01D, the first Android-based tablet manufactured by Fujitsu Limited, also boasts a thin, lightweight body, measuring 11.3mm thick and weighing just 597g. Its IPX5/IPX7 waterproof design enables users to enjoy video and one-seg mobile TV even while relaxing in the bathtub*. Highly convenient “Hand Gesture Control” enables operations to be performed with simple hand gestures without touching the device – perfect for checking recipes or performing other tasks while the user’s hands are wet or messy.

In conjunction with the launch of these inaugural Xi-compatible tablets, DOCOMO will offer four new broadband applications, including the popular Hulu and Qik Video services, which are specially suited to Xi’s high-spec mobile video/TV, communications and online gaming capabilities.

In addition, DOCOMO will partially reorganize its device lineup by establishing a separate series for tablets, called “docomo Tablet,” in recognition of the growing number of tablets in the market and the differences in usage and needs compared to smartphones. Going forward, DOCOMO will work closely with content providers to steadily expand the range and attractiveness of docomo Tablet content for enhanced user experiences.[/toggle]
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 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
Team-Touchdroid dual boots Android on TouchPad

While we still un-package our touch pads, Team Touchdroid has managed to dual boot WebOS and Android 2.3 on he Touchpad. Since the Fire sale, touch pads are all over the place and everyones got in on the action. Especially folks trying to boot Cyanogen Mod 7 on the Touchpads. But looks like its going to be stock droid for now.

For the time being the touchscreen is not working, but expect a quick fix. If you managed to score a Touchpad this might interest you.

September 5, 2011
Apple Wins German injunction against Samsung, Galaxy Tab 7.7 removed from IFA

Apple has won the injunction filed in German Courts for the immediate halt in sales and display of the Samsung Galaxy Tablet. Several vendors in and across Europe have stopped selling the Galaxy Tablets launched this year. Samsung pulled its new Android tablet from both the IFA show floor and its German website on Saturday, in compliance with a Friday decision handed down by the same Düsseldorf Regional Court court that banned sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 last month. The 7.7-inch slate had previously been on display with a sticker that read “Not for sale in Germany,”.

Samsung said that it “respects the court’s decision,” and vowed to do everything it could to defend its intellectual property.

September 5, 2011
Amazon Tablet to launch in November for 12,000 Rupees

Despite confirmed news on the Amazon India launch still pending, Amazon will initiate a worldwide launch of the Amazon Tablet “coyote” and premium tab “hollywood” in November. The cheaper “Cayoue” tab will cost about 12000 rupees. The Tablet runs a heavily skinned version of Android , in a cover flow-esque UI. The Tablet was designed, initiated and made possible due to an outsource R&D company.

Amazon has already passed on the information of the impending launch of Amazon India, Its just a matter of time now.

September 3, 2011
Toshiba announces AT200 ultra slim 10.1 tablet with 7.7 mm thickness (PR)

Boom – the Tablets go wild. The new Toshiba AT200 tablet defies all bounds by shedding tablet waist to just 7.7mm. Specs on this marvel include a 10.1-inch LCD with 1,280 x 800 px resolution backed by a TI OMAP 4430 processor at 1.2GHz packaging up to 64GB of onboard memory plus microSD slot. It also has an eight hour battery and a 5 MP camera.

[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”]Toshiba unveils its world-class, ultra-thin, ultra-light tablet

Toshiba AT200 tablet built to exceed expectations at only 7.7mm thin and 558g with full 10.1″ screen

Neuss, Germany, 1st

September 2011 – Toshiba Europe GmbH unveiled an exciting new product today – the ultra-thin 25.7cm (10.1”) AT200 tablet. Despite measuring only 7.7mm from front to back, the Toshiba AT200 delivers a broad range of essential ports and interfaces. It offers an amazing wide-view display for comfortable content consumption plus full web browsing capabilities to meet the preferred usage for tablets. Every bit as powerful as it is stylish and robust, this tablet is built to exceed expectations. The Toshiba AT200 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2011 in Europe.

Ultra-thin, ultra-powerful

“The new ultra-thin 25.7cm (10.1″) tablet Toshiba AT200, featuring Android™ 3.2, Honeycomb, is the latest in a long line of Toshiba products that are masterfully engineered”, said Marco Perino, General Manager DS Digital Products Division. “With a thickness of only 7.7mm and a weight of just 558g, the elegant Toshiba AT200 is highly mobile yet extremely smart and powerful.”

All essentials on-board

To connect with other devices the ultra-slim tablet comes with all essential interfaces and ports onboard: amongst them micro-USB, micro-SD, Wi-Fi™ and Bluetooth®. The micro-HDMI ®-port allows streaming HD content to the large screen of a TV. Front and back HD cameras are ideal for video conferencing and augmented reality applications.

High-quality media consumption – no matter where you are

The Toshiba AT200 allows users to enjoy videos at home and while out and about. It features a brilliant 25.7cm (10.1″) high-definition screen that displays pictures with crisp colours and in full detail.

Despite being ultra-thin, it allows up to eight hours of video consumption.

Sound quality at its best

To complement the first-class video capabilities the new Toshiba tablet with stereo speakers allows for a high quality sound playback. The Adaptive Sound Device Enhancer’s sophisticated algorithm maximises sound quality to achieve a quality that normally only can be found with large speakers. Plus, a technology called Sound Masking Equalizer identifies and enhances sound that is being masked or distorted by surrounding noise. The result is a well- balanced, powerful playback of music and video sounds even under high ambient noise levels.

Endless usage possibilities

Toshiba’s new tablet also offers a rich web browsing experience including support of Adobe® Flash® Player, access to more than 250,000 apps on Android Market™ and Toshiba Places for endless possibilities.[/toggle]

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
ViewPad 7x and 10pro and cheap 7e Tablets Announced

Viewsonic is taking its tablet business seriously, and has announced the impending launch of three new tablets – The ViewPad 7x, ViewPad 10 Pro and the budget friendly ViewPad 7e.

The ViewPad 10 Pro runs Android 2.3 and Windows 7 and will be available from September 5th at €499 (INR 35000) for the WiFi only version.

The ViewPad 7x is a 7 inch tablet and will run Honeycomb with custom, 3D ViewScene skin. It has 8GB onboard, Tegra 2-chipset, launching this month for €349 (INR 25000) The Budget 7e will have a price tab of €169 (INR 12000) , a 7 inch screen a single core processor and 2 point multitouch system, with only 4GB of onboard storage this device will prove to be quite popular as an alternative to the Reliance Pad.

September 2, 2011
Samsung Launches the Galaxy Tab 7.7 inch with Android 3.2 and 1.4 GHz Dual Core (PR)
Samsung has announced the new Samsung Note and the Galaxy Tab 7.7, the tab features a new Samsung made 1.2GHz dual core processor which is capable of 14 thread multitasking.

Specs of this new tablet include
- 7.7-inch (1280 x 800) display
- Super AMOLED Plus panel
- Android 3.2 Honeycomb
- TouchWiz UX
- Samsung-made dual-core 1.4GHz processo
- HSPA+ radio speeds as high as 21Mbp
- 0.74-pound (335-gram)
- 16GB to 64GB of internal storage
- microSD card slot
- 5,100mAh battery rated for 10 hours
- 802.11n WiFi
- GPS
- Bluetooth 3.0
- Dual 3MP and 2MP cameras
This tablet is what completes the Samsung Galaxy line up – with a galaxy player 3.6, Player 4, POP, FIT, ACE, Galaxy SL, Galaxy S, Galaxy S2, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Tab 7, Tab 7.7, Tab 8.9 and the Tab 10.1 Samsung seems to have taken all Screen sizes into account.

[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”]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, World’s First Mobile Tablet Featuring
Super AMOLED Plus Display Unveiled at IFA 2011
Pioneer of the 7-inch mobile tablet introduces next generation Galaxy Tab, delivering the ultimate in viewing quality and portability

BERLIN – Sept. 1, 2011 –Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading provider and innovator of award-winning consumer electronics, today announced the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, the world’s first tablet to feature the brilliant Super AMOLED Plus display. The powerful Galaxy Tab 7.7 with a 1.4GHz dual core processor measures just 7.89 millimeters thin and weighs only 335 grams (12 ounces), making this tablet one of the most portable devices in the market.

“The new Galaxy Tab 7.7 demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to offering consumers the most choice in the mobile tablet market,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “The Galaxy Tab 7.7’s ultra-thin design and WXGA Super AMOLED Plus display are impressive differentiators in the tablet marketplace and pillars of our ultimate goal of meeting a wide variety of consumer needs.”

Brilliant Super AMOLED Plus display
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the first tablet that incorporates Samsung’s Super AMOLED Plus display technology, delivering brilliant, high-contrast colors and a beautiful, crisp viewing experience. The Super AMOLED Plus display allows for a wider range of colors with greater separation between lights and darks, making images incredibly vivid.

Sleek Design with Ultimate Portability
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 provides ultimate portability and viewing quality within the Galaxy Tab portfolio, featuring a brighter display combined with a thinner and lighter design that easily fits in your jacket pocket or purse. The elegant, linear design features a stylish metal casing and rounded edges for a sleek look that’s comfortable to hold while you’re sitting or walking.

Impressive Speed, Power & Battery Life
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 features HSPA+ 21 Mbps network for faster uploads and downloads. It also supports Wi-Fi Channel Bonding, bonding two channels into one for improved network connection and data transfer at up to twice the speed. The device is powered by a 1.4 GHz dual core application processor for fast web-loading, seamless multitasking and superior multimedia performance. Thanks to a 5,100 mAh battery providing up to 10 hours of video playback time[1], the Galaxy Tab 7.7 does not sacrifice battery life for its ultra-thin design.

Latest 3.2 Honeycomb OS with “Samsung TouchWiz UX”
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is powered by Android™ 3.2 Honeycomb, Android 3.2 has been optimized for a 7-inch tablet with a new compatibility zoom mode. This optimizes applications that are not designed to run on larger screen sizes, so they fit on the entire screen without distortion. In addition, the tablet supports MicroSD cards of up to 32 GB for direct media files transfer.

Samsung’s TouchWiz user experience is designed with a Live Panel menu for customizing the home screen of the Galaxy Tab 7.7 with digital pictures, favorite Web sites and social network feeds.

In addition, the TouchWiz UX includes a “Mini Apps” tray of commonly used features such as task manager, calendar and music player which can be launched while other major applications are already in use. The clipboard feature allows users to copy and paste texts and images.

Powerful Multimedia
Galaxy Tab 7.7 lets you enjoy video clips without limitation, featuring 1080p full HD playback, DivX included multi codec and Micro SD. The device also includes Universal Remote Control functionality, allowing control of the entire home entertainment system – TV, Set top box, DVD, Blu-ray player, AV audio system – from one device.

Samsung Hub Services [AVAILABILITY DEPENDS ON MARKET]
Samsung’s Hub Services offers easy access to content including games, eBooks, music and more. The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is the first mobile tablet to include a pre-loaded Game Hub, complete with easy social games, all delivered with lightning fast graphics. The Galaxy Tab 7.7 also features access to Samsung’s Music Hub service, which offers 15 million songs for preview, download and play. The Readers Hub service features a robust library filled with more than 2.3 million books, 2,000 newspapers and 3,000 magazines in up to 49 languages, and Samsung’s Social Hub service aggregates email, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface.

Voice and Video Support for Better Communication
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 offers both voice and video calls for better communication. There is no need to bring a headset and BT for voice calls. In addition, it is possible to call privately in public places with Receiver Mode.

Google™ Mobile Services
The Galaxy Tab 7.7 is preloaded with the full suite of Google Mobile Services including access to more than 250,000 applications on Android Market™, Gmail™, Google Search™, Google Maps™ 5.7 with 3D maps, and Google Talk™ with video and voice chat.

[/toggle]
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
Samsung launches the 5.3 inch Galaxy Note (PR)
Remember the Samsung Device we spoke about here : Link, it actually turns out to be the Samsung Galaxy Note. The device is a 5.3 inch smartphone tablet from the company with pretty awesome specs.
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- HSPA+
- 1280 x 800 Super AMOLED display
- dual 8MP and 2MP cameras
- 2,500mAh battery
- Samsung-made dual-core 1.4GHz processor
- 9.65mm (0.38 inches) thick
- 178 grams (6.3 ounces)
The device runs Sammy’s popular touchwiz over the gingerbread and is expected to do immensely well in the asian markets as the company claims. The company has also launched a7.7 inch tablet more details on that later.

[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”]Samsung writes the next chapter of the mobile industry with the Samsung GALAXY Note

GALAXY Note combines the market’s largest HD Super AMOLED display, supreme portability and advanced S Pen interface, creating a new type of smartphone

BERLIN, Germany – September 1, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the GALAXY Note.

The GALAXY Note is a new category of product, developed through Samsung’s deep consumer understanding and insight. It combines core on-the-go benefits of various mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability, to create a whole new user experience.

The GALAXY Note has a 5.3″ display which is the largest screen size with smartphone portability. It features the world’s first and the largest 5.3″ HD Super AMOLED display, an expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience. Taking full advantage of the large display, users will be able to do more tasks to create and consume more, with minimum scrolling and screen transitions, while on the go. An advanced pen-input technology, called the S Pen, is combined with the GALAXY Note’s full touch screen to introduce a new type of user-experience. Through this, consumers are able to freely capture and create ideas while on the go.

“The GALAXY Note is a device borne of our insight and innovation. We examined the fundamental elements of mobile culture, entertainment and communication in order to bring together the best experiences in a single, elegant device,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “The huge, 5.3″ HD Super AMOLED screen is the largest, highest quality display available in any phone; the touch screen and S Pen combine to produce a uniquely accurate level of control and finesse, along with rich expressions across the GALAXY Note experience, enabling the introduction of new smartphone experiences.”

“The artistic freedom of a paper notebook is coupled with the benefits of Samsung’s smartphone technology and services, allowing users to create, edit and share with more style than ever before,” Shin added.

State-of-the-art Display

The GALAXY Note features Samsung’s own 5.3″ HD Super AMOLED display providing vivid clarity that is superior to conventional HD displays. This ensures the best viewing experience for video, photo, document and web on the go with deep blacks and bright colors. The superior screen also offers a 180 degree viewing angle, allowing contents to be shared comfortably.

At 5.3″ the best-in-class display is the largest ever included in a primary mobile device; measuring just 9.65mm thick, the GALAXY Note fits comfortably in a pocket to offer true portability.

Full Screen Utilization

The high resolution display ensures that PowerPoint presentations, web-pages, news apps and e-books can be viewed comfortably with minimal scrolling or zooming. Minimizing the need to switch between applications, the GALAXY Note’s HD super AMOLED screen is large enough to allow meaningful split-screen operation in the most frequently used native apps.

Samsung has also included S Planner, a smart professional planning tool that makes full use of the device’s large screen. The management planner integrates the phone’s To-Do list and schedule; control and navigation is intuitive, helping users to comprehensively organize their lives.

Free Capture & Creation

The GALAXY Note’s advanced pen input functionality is combined with the full touch screen to create a new input experience. The incorporated digital S Pen can be used for accurate sketching and artwork, and instantly capturing ideas freely before they float away.
The GALAXY Note features S Memo, a multimedia application designed to record all forms of user-created content. Pictures, voice recordings, typed text, handwritten notes or drawings can all be captured via a single application and converted to a ‘memo’, to be edited, annotated and shared as desired.

A one-step screen-capture function also allows users to instantly capture any screen; captured images can also be freely and accurately annotated using the S Pen before being filed or shared.

The S Pen functionality has been deeply integrated into the GALAXY Note’s native applications to provide a richer interactive experience. Users will benefit from increased accuracy and control when editing or personalizing captured videos or photographs; and users will be able to draw and send handwritten images and notes via text message, email, and Samsung’s ChatON communication service.

Broadening the opportunity to create new user experiences, Samsung plans to release the S Pen SDK allowing app developers to create fundamentally new applications and services incorporating the pen functionality.

Superior Usability, Powerful Performance

The 1.4GHz dual-core processor ensures the device is incredibly fast and a smooth user interface ensures seamless usability. Lightning fast network speeds are enabled through the HSPA? and LTE-enabled device’s super-fast connection, ensuring a quick and seamless browsing experience. This means that users can stream videos in real-time or engage with their friends through online gaming platforms.

Samsung is enhancing enterprise capabilities of the GALAXY Note through its partnership with Juniper Networks. Juniper’s Junos Pulse SSL VPN provides secure remote access to corporate network resources. The SSL VPN enables large enterprise and service providers to meet high-volume secure access and authorization requirements, protecting corporate data with centralizes control and supporting employees’ personal device efficiently.[/toggle]
September 1, 2011
IFA 2011: Sony Ericsson announces Xperia Arc S, Launch in India 2nd week November (PR)
Sony Ericsson has launched an upgraded version of the Xperia Arc, dubbed the “ARC S”, with a host of upped specifications.
- 1.4GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 processor
- 8.1 megapixel camera
- Exmor R sensor
- 3D sweep panorama
- 4.2-inch Reality Display that we’ve seen in the original Arc
SE India confirms the device will hit India in November around the 28k price mark

[toggle title_open=”Press Release Collapse” 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”]Sony Ericsson unveils its fastest entertainment experiences to date with Xperia™ arc S
31 August 2011

Xperia™ arc S has a powerful 1.4 Ghz processor delivering up to 25% faster entertainment compared to Xperia arc ™
Winner of the EISA award “European Camera Phone 2011-2012″*

31st August 2011, Berlin, Germany – Sony Ericsson today unveiled Xperia™ arc S at Sony’s press conference in conjunction with IFA in Berlin. Taking the award-winning sleek design from Xperia arc*,the latest addition to the Xperia™ family has a processor upgraded to 1.4Ghz, Sony 3D sweep panorama technology and access to the Sony Entertainment Network services – “Music Unlimited” and “Video Unlimited”**. Xperia™ arc S features 25% faster camera start up and media conversion , along with 20% faster web page rendering compared to Xperia™ arc***.

Consumers with a 2011 Xperia™ smartphone are now able to enjoy “Music Unlimited” and “Video Unlimited” subject to market availability**:

“Music Unlimited” has a global catalogue of over 10 million unique songs**** with access to your personal music library and ad free radio channels across multiple devices.
“Video Unlimited” (currently exclusive to Sony Ericsson Xperia™) is the ultimate source for the latest Hollywood blockbusters, all-time classics, and TV shows from all major studios.

Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson said: “Xperia™ arc S is the fastest and most entertaining Xperia™ to date and it clearly demonstrates how the Xperia™ family are the best smartphones to experience great entertainment services such as Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited.”

In addition to these services, Xperia™ arc S includes best-in-class Sony technology such as 3D sweep panorama. 3D sweep panorama images can be captured and then viewed by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output.

Xperia™ arc S also has a visually brilliant 4.2″ Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine, an 8.1mp camera with HD video capability and Sony’s award winning Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor that enhances still images and videos even in low light conditions.

Consumers also have access to a uniquely social entertainment experience of sharing and discovery with Facebook inside Xperia™, plus the extensive world of Android with over 250,000 applications.

Xperia™ arc S at a glance:

Super fast 1.4 GHz processor
3D and 2D sweep panorama photography
8.1 MP camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
4.2″ Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Latest Android™ platform Gingerbread 2.3

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc S will be available globally in selected markets from Q4 2011.
For full details all products news, please visit the press room and the product blog:
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/press/pressreleases/latestnews
http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/

* Xperia™arc S and Xperia™ arc are winners of the EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) award for European Camera Phone 2011-2012. Xperia™ arc is also the winner of the prestigious red dot Product Design Award 2011

** Availability of Sony Entertainment Network services:

“Music Unlimited” and “Video Unlimited” are expected to become available on Xperia™ arc S and launch timing will vary by region. Customers will be notified when services are available.
Markets for Video Unlimited: USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, France, Australia, Canada and Japan
Markets for Music Unlimited: USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, France, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand

*** Based on internal tests.
**** The number of songs available from this catalogue varies by region

Colour

Pure White
Midnight Blue
Misty Silver
Gloss Black
Sakura Pink

Facts 1)2)

Size: 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm
Weight: 117 grams
Operating system: Google™ Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)
Processor: 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8255

Camera

3D sweep panorama
8.1 megapixel camera
16x smart zoom
Aperture f/2.4
Auto focus
Face detection
Face recognition
Flash/LED
Geo tagging
HD video recording (720p)
Image stabiliser
Red-eye reduction
Scene detection
Self-timer
Send to web
Smile detection
Sony Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
Sweep panorama
Touch capture
Touch focus
Video light
Video recording
Video stabiliser

Music

Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™ service
Sony Ericsson Music Player
TrackID™ music recognition
xLOUD™ Loudness Enhancement Technology

Internet

Android Market™
Bookmarks
Google™ search
Google Voice™ Search
Pan & zoom
Web browser (WebKit)

Communication

Call list
Conference calls
Facebook™ application
Facebook inside Xperia™ 2.0
Google Talk™
Noise Shield
Polyphonic ringtones
Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Speakerphone
Twitter™ (Timescape™integration)*
Vibrating alert

Messaging

Conversations
Email
Google Mail™
Instant messaging
Multimedia messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)

Design

Auto rotation
Keyboard (on-screen, QWERTY)
Live wallpaper
Picture wallpaper
Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Screenshot capturing
Swipe to write
Touch screen

Entertainment

* This service may not be available in every market

3D games
Accelerated Adobe Flash Video
Media browser
Motion gaming
Video Unlimited
Music Unlimited
Radio (FM radio with RDS)
Video streaming
YouTube™*

Organiser

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Document readers
E-Manual
Flight mode
Google Calendar™
Google Gallery 3D
Infinite button
Phonebook
Setup guide
Widget manager

Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack
aGPS
Bluetooth™ technology
DLNA Certified™
Google Latitude™
Google Maps™ with Street View
HDMI support
Media Transfer Protocol support
Micro USB support
Modem
Native USB tethering
Synchronisation via Facebook™
Synchronisation via Google Sync™
Synchronisation via Sony Ericsson Sync
Synchronisation via Exchange ActiveSync®
USB mass storage
USB High speed 2.0 support
USB OTG
Wi-Fi®
Wi-Fi® Hotspot functionality

Display

16,777,216 colour TFT
Capacitive multi-touch
4.2 inches
854 x 480 pixels (FWVGA)
Shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant mineral glass

Memory

Phone memory (user-free): Up to 320MB
Memory card support: microSD™, up to 32GB

Networks

UMTS HSPA 900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

UMTS HSPA 800, 850, 1900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

Battery life

Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 7 hrs 25 min*
Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 460 hrs*

Talk time UMTS: Up to 7 hrs 35 min*
Standby time UMTS: Up to 460 hrs*

Music listening time: Up to 37 hrs*
Video playback time: Up to 6 hrs 25 min*

In the kit

Xperia™ arc S
Removable battery
Stereo portable handsfree
8GB microSD™ memory card
Charger
Micro USB cable for charging
Synchronisation and file transfer
User documentation

*According to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique. Battery performance may vary depending on network conditions and configurations, and phone usage

Legal
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant. 2) Operational times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. playing games. Kit contents and colour options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.[/toggle]
September 1, 2011
The Parrot Asteroid – The Next Generation of In Car Entertainment

From the makers of the much acclaimed Parrot AR Drone, a quadricopter for the iPhone, comes a new product for your car. They have designed an Android powered in car entertainment system supporting maps and attractions, voice calling, weather, and other applications in addition to providing radio and music playback.

The device fits into the head-unit of a standard 1-DIN car, and features a 3.2 inch LCD as well as tactile buttons and a jog dial to control the various features of the device. Many of the Asteroid’s features can also be controlled via voice input. It is able to connect to the Internet via your smart phone or a separate 3G dongle, and the device can also connect to an external GPS to provide its location based services. With the help of the Fuel for Less app, the Asteroid can display the nearest petrol pump, and can also display the prices of the various fuels offered. The device has another app called iCoyote which can warn users of upcoming speed and red light cameras as well as traffic jams and accidents.

For music playback, the device integrates with iPod, iPhone, USB or SD card sources, analog players, bluetooth stereo, and FM and Internet radio and is equipped with a built-in amplifier and sub-woofer. For digital sources, all music can be accessed by voice with the ‘vocal music search’ that responds to the names of artist or albums in users’ music libraries.

The Asteroid will be available from October 2011 and will retail for around $200.

August 31, 2011