HTC has launched the ChaCha in the Indian market, with hopes of capturing a different segment of the crowd. With Blackberry phones including the new 9900 with touch and type coming in at a premium one can only wonder if the target audience is looking for an alternative.
Here are some of the specs of the HTC ChaCha:
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
HTC Sense 2.1 for Keyboard devices ( variant of 3.0)
800Mhz Processor
512MB RAM
Front Facing Camera (WiFi Video Calls)
5 Megapixel Camera
HSDPA 7.2mb/s
Bluetooth 3.0
802.11 B/G/N WiFi
GPS
The device is extremely well built with metal and plastic accents the construction is robust and almost robot-like. The shape and form factor is also kind of new with the forward tilted screen and new design qwerty keyboard.
This is also possibly the only other Android device to have a dedicated Facebook button. Which is what also makes it a young persons phone, while remaining a strong competitor in the business smartphone market.
Nokia CEO seems to have retracted his earlier statement regarding the ups of the Google’s planned takeover of Motorola Mobility. At a seminar in Helsinki the Finnish CEO quoted some misdirects at Android device manufacturers, stating that the road ahead is bumpy if the takeover goes through as planned.
If I happened to be someone who was an Android manufacturer or an operator, or anyone with a stake in that environment, I would be picking up my phone and calling certain executives at Google and say ‘I see signs of danger ahead,The very first reaction I had was very clearly the importance of the third ecosystem and the importance of the partnership that we announced on February 11, it is more clear than ever,
We mentioned in our review that the Micromax A70 was not upgradeable to 2.3, after we published that today, we got a call. According to our source Micromax the A70 will run Android 2.3 and there seems to be an easy way to do it. We are trying to get the process and will give a quick tutorial, possibly a video tutorial on how to go about it soon after we have tried it ourselves.
Also to make Fring Video calls, an easy fix was recommended by one of our readers. All you need to do it fire up Fring, then quit it , open the camera and switch to the front facing camera, and then reopen Fring, Voila Video calls will now work
Note : if Video calls don’t work : jump into bring settings and make sure video calls is ticked. Thats all , we tested it and it works fine.
The courts have gone in favor of Samsung and the Düsseldorf regional court in Germany announced on Tuesday that it is partially lifting its original injunction that banned Samsung from selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in all of the European Union excluding the Netherlands.
According to sources , an Official from the court said:
It is unclear if The Court has the ability or the power to ban the sales outside of Germany in the first place
Apple also recently banned the sale of the Galaxy Tab in Australia recently, yet Samsung is all set to appeal the ban on the 25th of Aug. The sale of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will go undeterred in India. The bans could also be a possible reason for the name change of the tablets in India : the Galaxy 750 is the rebranded Galaxy tab 10.1 ( to avoid Apple’s radar?).
It also looks fruitless for Apple to file an injunction in India, since the Legal proceedings itself will take months and by then Samsung will be all sold out.
Motorola has launched the successor to the mighty Defy, This one is called the Defy+ (read : Defy Plus). This device pics up where the Defy left off, adding a whole host of features to the mix.
Not only is the Defy+ water resistant, scratch resistant and dust proof, it also pack a whole list of spec bumps listed below.
It is expected to hit India in the coming months , and we will be on top of launches and videos as usual.
Key Features and Specifications:
Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and features more than 250,000 apps from Android Market™
1GHz processor that runs 25 percent faster for efficient Web browsing and multitasking
Water resistant, scratch resistant and dust proof to withstand all that life throws your way
Features scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass
3.7-inch high-resolution touch screen display
Music Player connects you to all your favorite artists
MOTOBLUR lets users stay in touch with friends, providing quick access to social media accounts and live widgets directly from the home screen
Motorola Media Link allows users to sync their media content from their desktops at home or work
Loaded with the ability to create group emails and communication to stay in touch with friends
Adobe Flash Player 10 for uncompromised viewing of applications, content and videos
5MP camera with auto focus, flash and digital zoom
2GB internal; *2GB microSD card in box, expandable up to 32GB
Access to Google™ Apps (Google Maps™ 5.0 with Navigation, Google Talk™, Browsing)
1700mAH battery for 7.1 hours of talk time and 16 days in standby
It’s faster, smarter and richer – Motorola DEFY+ is now equipped with faster Web-browsing and the social networking tools you crave to stay connected wherever you go
Aug. 15, 2011
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Aug. 15, 2011 – Live life to the fullest with the latest life proof smartphone from Motorola Mobility, Inc., Motorola DEFY™+. Building on the Motorola DEFY’s life proof heritage, Motorola DEFY+ offers exceptional protection from whatever life throws your way with its water resistant, scratch resistant and dust proof design (IP67). In addition, Motorola DEFY+ has a 1GHz processor that runs 25 percent faster and is more fun with the latest version of Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread) delivering a smarter operating system and better battery life to fully enjoy your experiences.Motorola DEFY+ will be available in Asia, Europe and Latin America starting in early fall.
Water resistant, dust proof, and featuring scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass, Motorola DEFY+ can survive a sudden rain shower, a day on the beach, an all-night party – or even a tough workout with the pre-loaded CardioTrainer application, which transforms the device into the perfect running mate. Its brilliant 3.7-inch high-resolution touch-screen display enables you to easily view and track your workout progress. Wherever your days – or nights – take you, Motorola DEFY+ is the life proof device that can keep up with your toughest demands and wildest adventures.
Motorola DEFY+ is faster than ever, keeping up with your on-the-go lifestyles so you can effortlessly browse the Web, stay updated with social networking sites on your homes screens and stream and download rich media content more quickly than before. Motorola DEFY+ offers an Adobe® Flash® 10-enabled browser for a rich web experience that allows users to watch their favorite movies or view videos on the Web.
Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), Motorola DEFY+ is smarter than ever. This new version of Android boasts a better battery life, a more intuitive user interface and improvements on the features you use most – including enhanced calendar and email features and home screen options. Users can make Motorola DEFY+ their own by organizing and personalizing their Application trays for easy and quick access to their most used tools, games and content.
Boredom proof your life; the richest experiences in entertainment and social media are always within reach with Motorola DEFY+. The Music Player lets you access and share your favorite music. You can also stream your favorite music straight from your desktops at home or work, with Motorola Media Link. Motorola DEFY+ also features Google Talk™ tokeep you connected with friends and colleagues, while built in apps like the *Zinio™ e-magazine service allow you to keep up with favourite publications on-the-go. Entertainment doesn’t stop there: Motorola DEFY+ also features a 5MP camera with flash, digital zoom and auto focus, letting users capture the best of their social life and create their very own entertainment whatever the conditions.
“Motorola DEFY+, our latest life proof smartphone, delivers the endurance and design strength to keep up with even the most demanding lifestyles, along with the social and entertainment capabilities that put friends and fun in easy reach,” said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president, portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility. “We designed Motorola DEFY+ with all the smartphone features you need for a demanding lifestyle.”
Smart Accessories
A suite of smart accessories ensures users get the most from the Motorola DEFY+. Available accessories include Vehicle Dock, Bluetooth Headset, Bluetooth Car Kit, Portable Power, and Car Charger.
Key Features and Specifications:
Powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and features more than 250,000 apps from Android Market™
1GHz processor that runs 25 percent faster for efficient Web browsing and multitasking
Water resistant, scratch resistant and dust proof to withstand all that life throws your way
Features scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass
3.7-inch high-resolution touch screen display
Music Player connects you to all your favorite artists
MOTOBLUR lets users stay in touch with friends, providing quick access to social media accounts and live widgets directly from the home screen
Motorola Media Link allows users to sync their media content from their desktops at home or work
Loaded with the ability to create group emails and communication to stay in touch with friends
Adobe Flash Player 10 for uncompromised viewing of applications, content and videos
5MP camera with auto focus, flash and digital zoom
2GB internal; *2GB microSD card in box, expandable up to 32GB
Access to Google™ Apps (Google Maps™ 5.0 with Navigation, Google Talk™, Browsing)
1700mAH battery for 7.1 hours of talk time and 16 days in standby
Availability
Motorola DEFY+ will be available in Asia, Europe and Latin America starting in early fall.
Viewsonic has unveiled the new ViewPad 10Pro, which not only has a Intel atom Z670 1.5GHz processor but also the ability to dual boot Windows 7 and Android OS 2.2 at the same time. The device is a 10 inch slate that boasts a battery life of 8 hours thanks to the ULV processor.
We listened to our customers. We made the ViewPad 10pro dual OS interface as quick and intuitive as possible, while partnering with industry CPU leader Intel to deliver the latest in design and innovation across all fronts,”
-ViewSonic VP of business development, Michael Holstein
Specs Include
Intel Oak Trail Z670 1.5 GHz
Weight 800G
10.1″ WSVGA 1024 x 600 px LED Backlit Capacitive Multitouch Display
ViewSonic Brings Dual OS Intel Atom Processor-Based Tablet to Market
ViewPad® 10pro Delivers the Best of Both Worlds in a 10.1? Tablet, Offering a True Dual Windows® and AndroidTM OS Experience
WALNUT, CA–(Marketwire – Aug 15, 2011) – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced its latest 10.1? Windows® and Google Android™ dual OS tablet — the ViewPad 10pro.
The ViewPad 10pro is one of the first tablet solutions to be powered by the new 1.5GHz Intel®Atom™ processor Z670. Designed specifically for tablets, this new CPU minimizes power consumption, while enabling smaller and thinner product designs. Partnered with a 1024×600 capacitive multi-touch panel, ViewPad 10pro users can enjoy impressive Full HD 1080p video playback, fast Internet browsing and longer battery life, without sacrificing on performance. Paired with 2GB of integrated memory, the ViewPad 10pro is the optimal mobile computing powerhouse.
“We listened to our customers. We made the ViewPad 10pro dual OS interface as quick and intuitive as possible, while partnering with industry CPU leader Intel to deliver the latest in design and innovation across all fronts,” said Michael Holstein, vice president of business development, ViewSonic.
Tailored for business users, the ViewPad 10pro makes it even easier to enjoy a dual OS experience within a single tablet. Android 2.3 runs as an application on top of the Windows 7 operating system so users need to simply tap on the Android icon to make a seamless switch between business productivity and ultimate entertainment. Throw in the built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, an HDMI out for content sharing, a 1.3 megapixel built-in front camera and a high capacity battery for up to 8 hours of battery life, and you get the ViewPad 10pro — a fully optimized, true dual OS tablet to keep users connected.
“The new Intel Atom processor-based tablet from ViewSonic is a cool, and distinguished product that brings a personalized and flexible experience,” said Bill Kircos, general manager of marketing for Intel’s Netbook and Tablet Group. “Our Intel platform supports multiple operating systems, and this tablet shows how consumers can move between Windows and Android experiences in a way that offers rich graphics, high-definition audio, easy Internet browsing and longer battery life in a slick form factor.”
To ensure the ViewPad 10pro grows with each person’s individual needs, the device offers expandable storage options via a micro SD card slot for up to 32GB of additional space. The dual OS ViewPad 10pro is available in two configurations — with Windows 7 Professional (with a 32GB SSD hard drive) and Android 2.3 for an ESP of $699, or with Windows 7 Home Premium (with a 16GB SSD hard drive) and Android 2.3 for an ESP of $599. A custom docking station accessory is also available for an ESP of $59. Both tablet configurations will be widely available in late August, with limited numbers currently available.
For more information on ViewSonic’s products, please visit ViewSonic.com or follow ViewSonic on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
The Micromax Andro A70 was one of the most anticipated phones of this quarter, especially in the sub Rs. 8000 bracket. To be honest, at first we thought of it as just a minor upgrade to the existing Andro A60. But as we reviewed this little marvel we began so see a major change in its operation. Lets see why the Andro A70 is our pick for the price range.
Build Quality and Design
Reminiscent of the Nexus One’s design, the Micromax Andro A70 is built with sturdy plastics. Nice curvaceous ends make it an extremely attractive design, and very comfortable to hold in the hand. The screen on the front is tough and provides the extra protection required for a touch phone of this nature. The buttons are tactile and easy to use, the overall standard of construction is quite impressive.
The front of the display is also glass and not plastic unlike its predecessor, Which makes the overall build of the device impressive. The phone is sturdy and does not make rattling noises even when tossed around.
Hardware
Android 2.2 (Froyo)
Camera Primary 5.0 MP Secondary – VGA
600MHz Processor
3.2 inch Multi Touch Capacitive Screen
Mi – apps – application store by Micromax
Full Android Market
WCDMA 2100 MHz
HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
Mi-Fi Pocket Wireless Internet
GPS
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Battery 1450mAh
Proximity Sensor
Gravity Sensor
Camera and Multimedia
A surprisingly interesting 5 MP camera with autofocus that delivers exceptionally good pictures. The camera displays great skill when it comes to auto-focus and cannot be tackled down by any other device in this price range. Although colors appear washed out at first but a little playing around with the settings gives a good picture.
Video on the other hand is simply OK, you cannot expect much from the VGA video capability. A simple tweak, by changing the video quality settings to custom in the camera we were able to get VGA video. If you leave the video quality to high, it captures a much lower resolution video. A sample of the video can be seen in the videos below.
The Front facing camera, is a simple VGA camera and can be used for nothing but clicking self portraits and video. We tried several times to initiate a camera response from Skype /fring etc, but failed to do so.
The screen of the Andro A70 is great for watching videos and browsing the internet. It is also a capacitive 2 point multitouch screen, so pinch to zoom works great and with the 3.2 inch 320x480px screen text is crisp and easily read.
Speakers are loud and clear when it comes to watching videos or simply listening to music. Overall multimedia experience was satisfactory and a lot more than you can expect from a device which costs only 7500 Rs.
Phone and Messaging
No complaints here, the phone call capability was excellent , little or no dropped calls, clear speaker and earpiece. the microphone also pics up sound aptly and delivers to the other side. One thing with mentioning is the number of connection errors faced in process of dialing a number were far more than any other device tested.
Messaging and emailing has also improved vastly over the previous A60 thanks to the inclusion of the capacitive screen. This makes the device almost brilliant, keyboard is nice and spread out and easy to type on even with relatively large fingers. The keyboard can also be easily replaced with customizable keyboards from the Marketplace, including Better Keyboard. Swype however does not work with the Andro A70.
Internet and Portable Hotspot
This section is dedicated to connectivity and utilization of the Internet, Data and WiFi.
The A70 has a very weak WiFi antenna, and mostly requires you to be relatively close to the router to get a decent signal. This was kind of a let down especially after the excellent WiFi antenna on the Andro A60.
The Portable Hotspot also fails throughout the board, dropping WiFi and asking for reactivations several times.
Apart from the above, browsing works great on the A70 especially 3G networks perform as good as high end phones.
Battery Life
We were quite impressed with the battery life on the A70, with over 5 hours of talk time, and a good 7-8 of internet usage, upto 3 days of standby, make it an excellent device in terms of battery life. But with Android as an OS, you never know what app you install, suddenly battery life is critically lower than before. Overall great battery , be sure to inspect your apps if you face battery issues.
Conclusion
While its an extremely awesome device for its price, it definitely has its ups and its down . With limited WiFi range and useless front camera this device lacks little and gives more. Good things include impressive build quality, a great photo camera, Android 2.2, wifi hotspot, easily root-able ( with possibility of custom rome). This device is a little understated by the company. The UI is much improved and a launcher from the market like ADW launcher can make this device a gem with pinch home screens, and smooth scrolling.
The Micromax Andro A70 is a good package for someone who wants to enter the Android ecosystem, or even a good upgrade for an A60 user. This device is also an excellent secondary device for a expensive smartphone.
Xiaomi Phone with android 2.3.5 was launched last night in China. The device promises the worlds first 1.5 GHz processor in the form of Qualcomm MSM8260 SoC, along with pretty awesome specifications if you ask me.
1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 SoC
266MHz Adreno 220 graphics processor
1GB RAM
4GB ROM
Unlocked bootloader!
Android 2.3.5
8 Mp Autofocus Camera with F2.4 lens + LED
2MP Front Camera
Rubberized Back Panel
MIUI OS (earlier custom rom from XDA)
Price is ¥1,999 ($310) which translates to a MSRP : 13,000/-
Huge 1930mAh Battery pack
GPS (with A-GPS) and GLONASS
4-inch 480 x 854 LCD made by Sharp
125mm x 63mm x 11.9mm
Noise-cancelling microphone
149gms
Dual antenna design
Seven bright color cases
Looks like the competition just got something to worry about, at that price the device is a sure hit in India. The device goes on preorder on AUG 27, and will be available in OCT.
Watch out for more on this device, and hopefully a hands on with Bharat!
The brainchild and maker of the most popular rom in the Android ecosystem, The CyanogenMod, Steve Kondik appears to have gotten a job at Samsung Mobile as a software engineer. Everyone hopes that this doesn’t affect Cyanogen development, but then there is also the fact that Samsung TouchWiz may just become one beautiful UI.
Holy Acquisitions Batman: Here is some happy freedom news, Google has announced that it will Acquire Motorola Mobility to supercharge the Android Stratosphere. Google calls it Motorola’s complete dedication to the Android Platform, we call it US$56 Million in net losses last quarter. Either way we can see a whole new level of smartphone rise now that the company who makes the OS will also make the hardware. Reminds us of a certain Fruit Computer giant that forayed into Mobile phones in 2007. This should seriously heat up the competition and take it to the next level.
The take over will involve exchanges of moolah in surplus of about $12.5 billion,
2012 is going to be the year of mobile innovation, we can almost feel it, Read the official announcement below.:
Supercharging Android: Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility
8/15/2011 04:35:00 AM
Since its launch in November 2007, Android has not only dramatically increased consumer choice but also improved the entire mobile experience for users. Today, more than 150 million Android devices have been activated worldwide—with over 550,000 devices now lit up every day—through a network of about 39 manufacturers and 231 carriers in 123 countries. Given Android’s phenomenal success, we are always looking for new ways to supercharge the Android ecosystem. That is why I am so excited today to announce that we have agreed toacquire Motorola.
Motorola has a history of over 80 years of innovation in communications technology and products, and in the development of intellectual property, which have helped drive the remarkable revolution in mobile computing we are all enjoying today. Its many industry milestones include the introduction of the world’s first portable cell phone nearly 30 years ago, and the StarTAC—the smallest and lightest phone on earth at time of launch. In 2007, Motorola was a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance that worked to make Android the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices. I have loved my Motorola phones from the StarTAC era up to the current DROIDs.
In 2008, Motorola bet big on Android as the sole operating system across all of its smartphone devices. It was a smart bet and we’re thrilled at the success they’ve achieved so far. We believe that their mobile business is on an upward trajectory and poised for explosive growth.
Motorola is also a market leader in the home devices and video solutions business. With the transition to Internet Protocol, we are excited to work together with Motorola and the industry to support our partners and cooperate with them to accelerate innovation in this space.
Motorola’s total commitment to Android in mobile devices is one of many reasons that there is a natural fit between our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers everywhere.
This acquisition will not change our commitment to run Android as an open platform. Motorola will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. We will run Motorola as a separate business. Many hardware partners have contributed to Android’s success and we look forward to continuing to work with all of them to deliver outstanding user experiences.
We recently explained how companies including Microsoft and Apple are banding together in anti-competitive patent attacks on Android. The U.S. Department of Justice had to intervene in the results of one recent patent auction to “protect competition and innovation in the open source software community” and it is currently looking into the results of the Nortel auction. Our acquisition of Motorola will increase competition by strengthening Google’s patent portfolio, which will enable us to better protect Android from anti-competitive threats from Microsoft, Apple and other companies.
The combination of Google and Motorola will not only supercharge Android, but will also enhance competition and offer consumers accelerating innovation, greater choice, and wonderful user experiences. I am confident that these great experiences will create huge value for shareholders.
I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.
Posted by Larry Page, CEO
Forward-Looking Statements
This blogpost includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Google or management “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the proposed transaction, including its financial impact, and other statements of management’s beliefs, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. It is uncertain whether any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on the results of operations and financial condition of the combined companies or the price of Google or Motorola stock. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed transaction and the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to consummation of the proposed transaction, including the ability to secure regulatory approvals at all or in a timely manner; the ability of Google to successfully integrate Motorola’s operations, product lines and technology; the ability of Google to implement its plans, forecasts and other expectations with respect to Motorola’s business after the completion of the transaction and realize additional opportunities for growth and innovation; and the other risks and important factors contained and identified in Google’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Google undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Just after we received official announcement of the HTC + Beats by Dre Partnership, news of the first Beats by Dre phone has just waled through the door and smacked us in the face. HTC Vigor will have a 4.3 inch screen and a 720p HD display, thats right a 1280 x 720 resolution on a 4.3 inch screen. It will also have a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. Vigor will run HTC Sense 3.5 UI on top of Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread.
This may also very well be the first Beats by Dre phone as it is set to real ease this fall, matches the statement by HTC
Not only will this be the most powerful smartphone yet, it will also have the highest resolution display to have ever been stuffed into a 4.3 inch device.
HTC has had a highly profitable quarter, the company decided to buy into Beats by Dre ( the wonderful audio equipment manufacturer)
HTC says in the Press Release (below) that they have been working with Beats By Dre for some time and will have devices by the end of this fall.
The HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre partnership is an opportunity for two world-class companies to redefine the smart phone industry and define the future. For Beats by Dr. Dre, this represents a critical step in our continued mission to clean up the destruction of audio caused by the digital revolution; and reengineer how sound is delivered so that the consumer feels the music the way that the artist intended.”
-Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Beats by Dr. Dre and Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records.
HTC AND BEATS BY DR. DRE SET TO INTRODUCE NEW ERA IN MOBILE AUDIO
Strategic HTC investment to result in Beats integrated HTC phones this Fall
India, New Delhi – August 11, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile devices, today announced a strategic partnership and investment with Beats™ Electronics LLC, the company redefining the audio market with its iconic Beats by Dr. Dre™ audio experience. The two fast-growing brands will focus on bringing high performance sound to HTC phones.
“The HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre partnership is an opportunity for two world-class companies to redefine the smart phone industry and define the future,” said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Beats by Dr. Dre and Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “For Beats by Dr. Dre, this represents a critical step in our continued mission to clean up the destruction of audio caused by the digital revolution; and reengineer how sound is delivered so that the consumer feels the music the way that the artist intended.”
HTC® and Beats™ have been working together to create superior mobile audio experiences for consumers, which will result in a line of HTC devices integrated with Beats sound innovations, available this fall.
“Beats has found a unique way to harness popular culture in a manner that is unlike any other brand today,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “It’s an exciting brand that has been built around providing something very special, and we believe our strategic partnership will provide customers with unbeatable sound on HTC phones. We obsess over every detail of a consumer’s mobile experience and audio is a critical part of that experience.”
HTC is known for unifying content, services and devices into unique mobile experiences. And Beats is known for its unique consumer brand appeal and ability to reproduce the full spectrum of sound captured in professional recording studios, allowing consumers to hear music the way the artist intended. Bringing these two great brands together will create superior mobile music and sound experiences, while accelerating HTC’s entry into the youth and accessories markets globally.
Beats Electronics will continue to operate autonomously with Iovine as Chairman and Luke Wood as President & COO with its current business partnerships that include Monster Cable Products Inc., Hewlett-Packard and Chrysler Group LLC.. Iovine will also continue serving as Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records.
“Our customers have clearly responded to Beats and HTC, and Best Buy is proud to feature their products in our stores,” said Brian J. Dunn, CEO, Best Buy. “We are committed to offering innovative and entertaining technologies that help consumers enhance their lives. Our customers expect that from us. The unique HTC Sense experience and the great sound of Beats provide prime examples of that focus.”
About Beats Electronics LLC
Established in 2006, Beats Electronics is the brainchild of legendary artist and producer Dr. Dre and Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records Jimmy Iovine, who set out to develop a new type of headphone with the capability to reproduce the full spectrum of sound that musical artists and producers hear in professional recording studios. For more information, please visit http://beatsbydre.com.
About HTC
HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative devices that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.
Samsung has just launched the new Galaxy XCover, the device features a rugged build, good for those daily, clumsy phone drops. the device also is water and dust resistant.
Specs include
3.6-inch scratch-resistant display
3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash
7.2Mbps HSDPA.
Android 2.3
Samsung plans to get the device out in October, but seriously we can’t wait to see this phone.
Water-resistant case meets social networking and Android ™ 2.3: The Samsung Galaxy Xcover
The combination of protective housing with IP67 certification, scratch-resistant touch screen display, Android and Samsung Social Hub ™ 2.3 makes the Samsung Galaxy Xcover the ideal device for users with an active lifestyle
Schwalbach / Ts., 9 August 2011 – With the Galaxy Xcover Samsung expands its range of rugged mobile phones for outdoor use. The device combines outdoor skills with the ability of a powerful smartphone.
Whether water, dust or hard surfaces: the Samsung Galaxy Xcover is well prepared against harmful environmental influences. This IP67 certified enclosure protects the unit against dust and dirt there. In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover to a depth of one meter for a period is waterproof up to half an hour. The touch-screen display with a diagonal measurement of 9.27 cm is made of scratch-resistant tempered glass. The 3.2-megapixel camera of the Samsung Galaxy Xcover is supported by an LED photo light, which can be used when needed as a flashlight or signal light.
Smart through social networking apps and running the Samsung Galaxy Xcover with the Android ™ 2.3 platform and is using apps ideally suit her personal needs. Provide wireless connectivity for fast n-standard, and an HSDPA connection with a transfer rate of up to 7.2 Mbit / s.
The Samsung Galaxy Xcover is available from October in the trade.
Meizu CEO Jack Wong , announced on tuesday ( in a discreet fashion) that the company upcoming 4 inch phone will be released in China at the end of September this year. The interesting bit here is that the device will have two versions, the 16GB version will come with a dual-core chip, while the 32GB version will sport a quad-core one.
No other relevant information was released about the device. We will keep you updated as we get more.
Vizio on Monday announced that its budget/ affordable 8-inch tablet will be available worldwide through its retailers by the end of this month. The device runs on Gingerbread and will sell without contract for under US$ 300.
VIZIO set out to build an innovative tablet that breaks new ground and addresses the gaps in current offerings in the market. The VIZIO Tablet offers a superior multimedia experience with its three speaker design, home theater integration with IR, and a perfect size for typing, eBooks, gaming and portability. These innovations and our ground breaking price push the category forward and deliver on our brand promise of Entertainment Freedom for All
VIZIO’s New 8″ Tablet Delivers Knock Out Video, Audio and App-Based Entertainment at Sub-$300 Price Point
VIZIO Tablet to shake up the marketplace by offering intuitive tablet experience at a price point that extends availability to the masses
Unique three-speaker design delivers stereo audio in both landscape and portrait modes
Control Your Entire Home Theater with the VIZIO Tablet’s built-in universal remote control app
Built-in 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth® capabilities offer optimum connectivity with multiple devices
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – VIZIO, America’s #1 LCD HDTV company, announced today the new VIZIO 8? Tablet with WiFi is arriving at retailers nationwide. As part of VIZIO’s continued commitment to deliver great technology at a superior value, the sleek, feature-filled, Android-powered VIZIO Tablet is now available at Sam’s Club, Walmart, Costco, Amazon, and other VIZIO retailers at a breakthrough price of $299.
The VIZIO Tablet features VIZIO Internet Apps® Plus which combines the latest technologies with a unified, easy-to-use and fun user interface across select future VIZIO HDTV’s, Blu-ray® players and other devices — further differentiating the sleek VIZIO Tablet. In addition, the new Tablet is able to control nearly every element of a user’s home theater with a universal remote app and includes a built-in HDMI port with HDCP support for content protected HD playback on the big screen.
“We are excited that VIZIO is listening, once again, to what the marketplace is asking for with a high performance sub $300 Tablet,” said Tim Farmer, Costco. ”VIZIO’s reputation is built on affordable technology and entertainment and this product is expected to generate a strong consumer response.”
By offering cutting edge technology and exceptional features at a competitive category price, the VIZIO Tablet is ideal for a wide range of users. With support for Adobe® Flash®, casual gamers, movie, TV and music enthusiasts are able to enjoy rich content and applications on the go. It also comes equipped with a unique three-speaker configuration, strategically placed for stereo sound in landscape or portrait mode.
Additionally, parents looking to entertain their children on-the-go can quickly access the Android Market™ which gives access to hundreds of thousands of apps, including educational programs, games and eBooks.**
With back-to-school season in full swing, students will also find the sleek VIZIO Tablet an ideal and fun compliment to a busy year as it makes checking email, news and social networks as simple as ever. Multiple storage options make saving assignments and downloading music a breeze with a MicroSD™ slot that allows consumers the freedom to expand memory up to 32GB for optimal organization and entertainment.
“VIZIO set out to build an innovative tablet that breaks new ground and addresses the gaps in current offerings in the market,” said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “The VIZIO Tablet offers a superior multimedia experience with its three speaker design, home theater integration with IR, and a perfect size for typing, eBooks, gaming and portability. These innovations and our ground breaking price push the category forward and deliver on our brand promise of Entertainment Freedom for All.”
