Back in December of 2012, it was revealed that WhatsApp had no immediate plans to release an app for Blackberry 10. This was kind of a bummer because BBM only allowed for texting between Blackberry devices, while WhatsApp allowed for communication between multiple platforms.
Now the good news is that according to a tweet by Neeraj Arora regarding WhatsApp, it looks like there will be a native Blackberry 10 app and it will be arriving in March which is next week.
It is very clear that BlackBerry aims at no less than an attempt to fairly command a premium price for its flagship device, the BlackBerry Z10. But for that to succeed, the application platform still needs to be worked on. BlackBerry had proudly played up the fact that it had 70,000 apps ready at the time of the BB10 launch, but quite a few popular apps are still missing in action.
BlackBerry recently launched its Z10 smartphone in India for Rs. 43, 990 and has been facing a lot of flak due to the steep price for their flagship device.
WhatsApp, is a cross platform instant messaging app, and is very popular with a wide demographic of users. The network reported that 10 billion messages were sent on its network in one day, back in August 2012. The application is currently available on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry OS7 and prior, Symbian and even on Nokia S40 Asha phones.
Mozilla announced that it will be bringing its Firefox OS to carrier-sold devices in 2014. But a fundamental part of that ecosystem is the performance of its mobile browser, which is likely why the company is working so hard to perfect the underlying architecture of its Android version.
Private Browsing is perhaps the biggest part of the Firefox Beta update, but not the only one. The Monday announcement also detailed several more updates that users will likely find interesting.
First the big news though. Prior introduced “Firefox for Android Beta comes with new per tab private browsing, allowing you to switch between private and standard tabs within the same browsing session”. While this mode has been called by other, less-savory, names it has many legitimate uses. For instance, you may want to shop for your spouse’s birthday present without her accidentally stumbling across the evidence. Of course, you can erase history, but Private Browsing has your back in case you forget.
Second, Mozilla has a new and updated version of the Home screen. The latest Firefox beta allows users to customize the shortcuts. Users can completely change the images on the home screen to their favorite or most frequently visited sites. To do this, simply tap and hold a site to pin it to the Home page.
Also, the latest version introduces compatibility with much more ARMv6 hardware; “Firefox for Android Beta is now available to phones with minimum requirements of 600MHz, 384MB, QVGA. New devices supported include: Samsung Galaxy Next (GT-S5570, GT-S5578), HTC Aria (S31HT), HTC Legend (A6363), Samsung Dart (SGH-T499), Samsung Galaxy Pop (SCH-i559), Samsung Galaxy Q (SGH-T589).”
Mozilla is going in the opposite direction of Opera, which is adapting itself to the high-performance WebKit engine; Firefox started with high-end devices and is now expanding down, promising good performance on two- and three-year-old hardware.
Microsoft announced some new Windows Phone app statistics today as part of its Mobile World Congress press push. One of those stats concerns the total number of apps worldwide. Microsoft now says there are 130,000 apps available for download in the Windows Phone Store.
Making the announcement on behalf of Microsoft, manufacturer Nokia, which utilises the Windows Phone 8 platform for its flagship Lumia range, including the newly unveiled Nokia Lumia 720 and Nokia Lumia 520, confirmed the Windows Phone 8 app milestone during its MWC 2013 press conference.
[quote]“Today we are proud to announce that we have achieved the level of 130,000 Windows Phone applications,” Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said. “That’s 130,000 applications tailor made for the Windows Phone experience.”[/quote]
Microsoft said that the number of downloads of its Windows Phone 8 SDK has now exceeded 500,000 since its launch nearly four months ago. It added that Windows Phone developer registrations were up by over 40,000 users, 90 days after the Windows Phone 8 launch.
Microsoft is also launching its new Dev Center app, which allows app developers to see how their apps are performing.
Microsoft is still a long way behind rivals such as Android and Apple in the apps market, both boasting over half a million apps.
Nevertheless, the rise will be welcomed by those at Microsoft and used as evidence that while it has been slow to enter the mobile market it’s moving fast to catch up with its rivals, with most high-profile apps now available for the operating system, such as Spotify.
Asus has announced a new version of their Padfone, the Asus Padfone Infinity, which is a 5 inch smartphone and 10 inch tablet device that can be docked together to form one device.
The successor to the company’s hybrid tablet/smartphone has a redesign with an aluminum back and edge-to-edge glass display, a 5-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and 441 PPI.
The PadFone Infinity runs Android 4.2, the latest version of the OS, and is powered by a 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, and an Adreno 320 Graphics processor. It has 2GB RAM and offers 32GB/64GB of internal storage. The PadFone also supports LTE connectivity and NFC.
The Padfone Infinity packs a 13MP F/2.0 main camera which has a dedicated image signal-processor to enhance low-light image quality and to enable PadFone Infinity to capture up to 100 sequential photos at 8 frames-per-second, while simultaneously recording 1080p full-HD video.The PadFone Infinity can also record 1080p full-HD video via its micro-USB-compatible MyDP interface. There’s also a front-facing camera – 2MP, F/2.0.
The phone itself has a unibody design and is made of aero-space grade aluminum alloy, with brushed finish.
The Asus Padfone Infinity also features a 2,400 mAh battery with up to 19 hours of talk time over 3G and up to 40 hours when it is docked with the tablet, it will launch in Europe in April.
It sounds as though Asus is looking to ship the latest PadFone for around £875 (around Rs 72,000, $1325, €999 or AU$1287) so if you like the sound of it, you’d better get saving. The PadFone Infinity release date has been set for April.
Asus has unveiled its latest handset at MWC 2013 – the Asus FonePad, which it describes as ‘a phone that’s also a tablet’.
The company has obviously seen that, hey, that Samsung Galaxy Note’s doing quite well, and decided it wants a piece of the ‘phablet’ action.
It’s a 7” tablet with an IPS screen of 1280 x 800 resolution and sports full phone functionality with 3G HSPA+ connectivity. Of course there’s also WiFi (B/G/N) and Bluetooth 3.0.
Hardware-wise, the ASUS FonePad is one if the slowly rising number of Android devices with an Intel processor. It is powered by an Intel Atom Z2420 at 1.2GHz which has an integrated PowerVR SGX540 graphics processor (GPU). There is 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage (+32GB microSD max).
There are two versions of the Asus Fonepad. In Europe, the tablet will come with 16GB of built-in storage and a 1.2MP front-facing camera. It will launch in April for €220.
For the APAC region, the Fonepad will have only 8GB of built-in storage but it grows a 3MP camera on the back. This one will launch in March for $250. Both have microSD card slots and 5GB of lifetime Asus WebStorage.
The rear camera will capture only 720p video, but there’s enough power on tap to playback 1080p video you might have imported to the device.
Sony Mobile Communications chief Kunimasa Suzuki took the stage at MWC Barcelona today to confirm that the company’s Xperia Tablet Z would begin to rollout globally starting in Q2 of this year.
In the United States, the 16GB model of the Xperia Tablet Z is slated to retail for $499 (Rs 27,500), while a larger 32 GB model will sell for $599 (Rs 33,000).
The tablet has been hailed as Sony’s first serious contender in the tablet market, following the launch of the Sony S and Sony P tablets last year.
The Xperia Tablet Z aims to support Sony’s One Sony strategy which aims to provide a suite of converged products and services across Sony smartphones, tablets, laptops and TVs.
The Xperia Tablet Z is one of a number of high-end Android devices powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core chip, in this instance, clocked at 1.5GHz. It is paired with 2GB of RAM, while its up to 64GB of internal storage can be supplemented by its built-in microSD slot. Even though the tablet is just 6.9mm thin, it also packs in 6,000mAh battery as well as a high-spec 8.1-megapixel Exmor R camera for better low light performance. The Xperia Tablet Z ships with Android 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’ but will be upgradeable to Android 4.2 ‘Jelly Bean’ soon after launch.
Sony’s S-Force Front Surround 3D, guarantees high quality audio performance alongside Sony’s Clear Audio+ mode and the innovative use of two in-built speakers with four ‘speaker halls’ on the left and right corners which guarantees sound whichever way it is held.
When it ships, the Xperia Tablet Z will launch with a number of accessories including a charging cradle, an LCD Screen Protector and Leather Carrying Cover that comes in black, white or red. These will be available from Sony stores or registered retailers.
Key features for Xperia Tablet Z
10.1″ HD 1920x1200p WUXGA Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2
S-Force Front Surround 3D
The world’s slimmest* design at 6.9 mm and lightest** at 495g for 10.1″ water resistant tablet
Dust and water resistant (IP55 & IP57) with a durable glass front display
Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 1.5GHz asynchronous quad CPUs and 2GB RAM
One-touch connectivity with Near Field Communication (NFC)
A unique OmniBalance design with subtly rounded edges and smooth reflective surfaces
8 MP rear camera featuring “Exmor R for mobile” and Superior Auto plus 2MP HD front camera
Battery STAMINA mode further improves the standby time.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]
Sony Announces Global Availability of Xperia™ Tablet Z – The World’s Slimmest and Lightest Tablet
At Mobile World Congress, Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today announced that Xperia Tablet Z – the slimmest* and lightest** 10.1″ water resistant tablet available – will launch globally in Q2 calendar 2013. Additionally, Sony’s flagship smartphone, Xperia Z will roll out in stores worldwide from today.
Since it was announced in January, Xperia Z has won 13 awards and received the widest ranging of any Sony smartphone to date with 140 sales channels in 60 markets across the globe. Both products combine premium specifications with the best of Sony technology, entertainment, design and connectivity.
Premium Tablet Design
Xperia Tablet Z is the most premium, high performance 10.1″ Android tablet available. Built from quality materials and featuring the same stunning OmniBalance design as its smartphone sibling, Xperia Tablet Z is also incredibly slim and lightweight at 6.9mm and 495g. Available in black or white and in LTE and WiFi versions, it is the first tablet to run on Qualcomm®Snapdragon™ S4 Pro asynchronous quad core processor and has the highest levels of water resistance (IP55 & IP57) ever delivered in a tablet, making it immune to accidental spills and splashes.***
“Xperia Tablet Z sets new standards in entertainment by matching premium specifications and Sony technology with cross-device connectivity and a consistent user-experience,” said Kaz Tajima, Corporate Vice President, Head of UX Creative Design and Planning, at Sony Mobile Communications. “Xperia Tablet Z reinforces our intention to be a leading player in the premium Android device market, by building on the principles established by Xperia Z and perfectly optimising them for the tablet form factor.”
Integrated Sony Technology
Xperia Tablet Z includes the very best of Sony technology. With a 10.1″ HD WUXGA Display, powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, it delivers enhanced colour reproduction for a brilliant TV-like viewing experience. It also draws upon Sony’s camera expertise with an 8MP rear camera featuring “Exmor R for mobile” as well as a 2MP HD front-facing camera for capturing the best images in any condition. Sony’s S-Force Front Surround 3D, guarantees soul-shaking audio performance alongside Sony’s Clear Audio+ mode and the innovative use of two in-built speakers with four ‘speaker halls’ on the left and right corners delivers amazing sound no matter how it is held. Xperia Tablet Z also includes Battery STAMINA mode, Sony’s unique battery management technology that can significantly improve standby time. The WiFi variant also offers up to 64GB of storage with an optional mircoSD card.
Seamless One-touch Connectivity
Xperia Tablet Z includes more connectivity options than any other tablet. It also includes Sony’s One-Touch functions that let users transfer content seamlessly from HD tablet to TV, tablet to speaker or phone to tablet just by touching them together. One-touch functions are a key component of Sony’s device range this year and no other consumer electronics company is bringing as many NFC-enabled products to market. The tablet’s Universal IR Remote allows users to control the TV and other Sony devices – as well as products from other manufacturers – directly from the tablet placing the device at the heart of the home. TV SideView is a new application that gives users an entirely new way to interact with the TV.****
Sony’s media applications
Sony’s signature media applications – “WALKMAN”, Movies and Album – allow users to enjoy, control and view content regardless of their device. The Sony Entertainment Network can also be accessed from these applications and includes Music Unlimited with more than 18 million songs and Facebook social integration as well as Video Unlimited with access to over 100,000 movies and TV series.*****
Xperia Tablet Z Accessories
Xperia Tablet Z will launch with a number of accessories including a charging cradle, an LCD Screen Protector and Leather Carrying Cover that comes in Black, White or Red. These will be available from Sony stores or registered retailers.
Xperia Tablet Z will launch on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and is upgradable to 4.2 after launch for the latest Android user experience.
Key features for Xperia Tablet Z
10.1″ HD 1920x1200p WUXGA Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2
S-Force Front Surround 3D
The world’s slimmest* design at 6.9 mm and lightest** at 495g for 10.1″ water resistant tablet
Dust and water resistant (IP55 & IP57) with a durable glass front display
Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 1.5GHz asynchronous quad CPUs and 2GB RAM
One-touch connectivity with Near Field Communication (NFC)
A unique OmniBalance design with subtly rounded edges and smooth reflective surfaces
8 MP rear camera featuring “Exmor R for mobile” and Superior Auto plus 2MP HD front camera
Battery STAMINA mode further improves the standby time.
* Verified in 10″ tabletclassattime ofannouncement.
** Verified in 10“tablet class with water resistance at the time of announcement.
***In compliance with IP55 and IP57, Xperia Z is protected against the ingress of dust and is water resistant. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP57.
****TV SideView – can be downloaded from Google Play – service depends on country availability
*****Sony Entertainment Network services are subject to availabilityby region, please see http://www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.comfor more details.
About Sony Mobile Communications
Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia™ smartphone portfolio, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony’s world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information: http://www.sonymobile.com
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. 3) Icons displayed are for illustrative purposes only. The homescreen may appear different in your product. Some features may not be available in your country or area.
Sony, make.believe, WALKMAN, WALKMAN W logo, Sony Entertainment Network, PlayMemories Online, Exmor RS, Clear phase, BRAVIA, and xLoud are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Xperia, Xperia Z, Xperia ZL PlayNow, SensMe, and TrackID are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Mobile Communications AB. PlayStation is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment. Media Go is a trademark of Sony Electronics. Android, Google Play, Google Chrome, Google Voice, Latitude, YouTube, Google Maps and Google Mail are trademarks of Google Inc. Snapdragon is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Twitter is a trademark or registered trademark of Twitter, Inc. Facebook is a trademark or registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. Microsoft ActiveSync is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark or registered trademark, and any use of such mark is under license by Sony Mobile. Neoreader is a trademark or registered trademark of NeoMedia Technologies Inc. microSD is a trademark or registered trademark of SanDisk Corporation. eCompass is a trademark or registered trademark of Genoptix, Inc. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. DLNA Certified is a trademark or registered trademark of the Digital Living Network Alliance. SyncML is a trademark or registered trademark of the Open Mobile Alliance. Skype is a trademark or registered trademark of Skype, Ltd. LTE is a trademark or a registered trademark of ETSI. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. All terms are subject to change without prior notice.
Additional information regarding trademarks may be located on our website at: http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/legal/trademarks-and-copyright/.
Samsung Mobile has confirmed a major launch event in New York next month, expected to involve the new Galaxy S4 flagship smartphone.
The invites, issued at the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, ask members of the press to “come and see the next Galaxy” at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on March 14 at 7pm local time.
The Mobile Unpacked invite does not specifically mention the rumoured Galaxy S4, but it does bear the telling line, “Ready 4 the Show”. The New York event will also be live streamed on Samsung Mobile’s YouTube channel.
After the blockbuster success of the Galaxy S3, anticipation has surged for the successor to the Galaxy S franchise. The Galaxy S3 last year emerged as a true rival to Apple’s iPhone, even seeing accelerating sales after the iPhone 5 launched late last year.
According to Android Geeks, a software engineer working in the team that develops the new Samsung Galaxy S4 has confirmed that the highly-anticipated smartphone will come with a new camera feature called Samsung Orb, which will work in a way similar to the Photo Sphere that was integrated in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.
Reports are indicating that Samsung Galaxy S4 will come with the company’s proprietary Exynos 5 Octa processor with octo-core processor and tri-core PowerVR SGX544MP3 GPU, so the powerful hardware platform will help the smartphone render Orb photos with ease.
As first rumored earlier this month, HP has officially confirmed its intentions to re-enter the tablet market following the HP TouchPad debacle by officially announcing the Slate 7 Android tablet, a 7-inch Android tablet meant to undercut Google’s own Nexus 7 for $169.99 with the launch slated for April.
The specs match up with the Nexus 7 in most areas although the two most important parts were sadly forgotten. Those being the processor, and the screen resolution.
The HP Slate 7 runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, comes with a 7-inch 1024 x 600 resolution display, and only a 1.6 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor but no additional details on the CPU were given. You’ll be enjoying 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage as well as a micro-SD slot for expanded storage options, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1.
The HP Slate 7 has one front-facing VGA webcam and a 3.0 megapixel rear camera. The tablet also features stereo speakers with Beats Audio processing, recalling the audio features of the TouchPad in a stainless steel frame. Dimensions come in at 10.7 mm thin, 197mm x 116mm, 13.05 ounces, and HP promises 5 hours of video playback.
HP has yet to announce more specific availability details outside of the April launch date, including what territories the tablet will launch in during the initial April release. HP has also confirmed that the Slate 7 is only the first in a new line of tablets from the conglomerate, as it has also confirmed additional Android tablets in more sizes as well as Windows tablets.
Huawei has launched the Ascend P2 today, its new flagship Android smartphone equipped with a 4.7-inch HD display and running version 4.1 (Jelly Bean) of Google’s popular mobile operating system.
This is a follow-up to the Ascend P1 and is being dubbed as “the world’s fastest smartphone.”
The new Android handset has a quad-core 1.5GHz processor at its core, along with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. There’s a 13-megapixel camera around the back, along with a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video calling.
The 8.4mm thin Ascend P2 has a 4.7-inch 720p IPS screen with 312ppi ratio. This came as a surprise since all the previous rumors pointed to a 1080p display unit. The screen is covered by a Gorilla Glass 2 layer and is rounded at the edges to create an “Infinity pool” perception as Huawei calls it.
The capacitive touchscreen layer is embedded inside the display cell and it allows operation with gloves or nails, much like the one on the Nokia Lumia 920.
The Huawei Ascend P2 is skinned with the company’s Emotion UI 1.5 which might not add to much to the experience Android experience.
Huawei Ascend P2 also uses Huawei’s proprietary Quick Power Control (QPC) and Automated Discontinuous Reception (ADRX) power-saving technologies, which allegedly reduce power consumption and charging time by more than 25% compared to other smartphones.
Huawei declared its plans to focus on smartphone development and worldwide distribution. It also announced full-year global sales revenue of $7.5 billion with 127 million shipped devices. 52 million of those devices are handsets and 32 of those are smartphones.
Samsung makes phones, tablets, and televisions that can run apps. Now the company is also offering a set-top-box, called the HomeSync that can bring Android apps to your TV, let you stream content from your mobile device to a TV, or keep your data synchronized between devices.
This device runs a dual-core 1.7GHz SoC, has 1GB of RAM, 8GB of flash, and for all that media, a 1TB hard drive. It hooks up to your TV over HDMI and can connect to your local network over Gigabit Ethernet or WiFi. It will stream content right from your Galaxy phone, or can play back locally stored files. For connection to your home theater system, there’s optical audio-out.
Under the hood, the HomeSync is running software based on Google Android Jelly Bean, which means you can use it to watch movies on the hard drive or stream videos from YouTube, among other things. It also includes access to the Google Play Store, which should let you download additional apps such as Netflix or Vudu to turn the HomeSync into a pretty powerful media center for your TV.
Samsung says you can also link up to 8 accounts to the HomeSync so you can synchronize data across your devices or access shared or private storage. In other words, you can keep your music and movie collection on the HomeSync’s 1TB hard drive and use each of your family’s phones to access a different set of media files for each user.
Samsung hasn’t yet revealed how much the HomeSync will cost.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]
Samsung HomeSync creates connected media experience for the whole family
Provideshome cloud for storing, sharing and streaming content
across multiple devices
Barcelona, February 24, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced Samsung HomeSync, a home hub solution that a shared storage fit for a family, the best entertainment experience on a big screen TV, and a new way of enjoying your HDTV through a familiar and smarter Android user experience.
Shared Storage for a Family
HomeSync’s 1TB drive can help you sync to multiple devices, providing shared or private storage for all your content. It supports eight separate accounts to cover a whole family, and allows each user to upload and download content from multiple devices and instantly share with other family members. File encryption and user-specific ID and password ensure content in a user’s private area remains separate from the shared area in HomeSync.
Entertainment on a Big Screen
The HomeSync brings the best of Android gaming, movies, TV shows and streaming content direct into your living room. It allows you to stream content from your Galaxy device wirelessly to the TV – letting you watch, see and use all your home videos, photos and apps, and all at a full HD 1080p.
Giving any HDTV new Smarts
Users can enjoy the full and familiar Android experience with HomeSync’s Jelly Bean media player and access to Play Store and all of your apps. HomeSync also enables new ways to interact with your content via the control modes enabled wirelessly on the phone.
HomeSync will be available from April 2013 in select countries and continue to expand globally.
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
*Android, Google, Android Beam, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play Store, Google Play Books, Google Play Movies, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, and Google Downloads are trademarks of Google Inc.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales exceeding KRW 201 trillion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.
After months of leaks and news , Samsung has finally launched the new Galaxy Note 8.0. The new 8 inch marvel sports an 8-inch 1,280 x 800 TFT display with an equivalent resolution to the 10.1 inch Note and a 189ppi density. Built along the lines of previous tablets with a plastic chassis the Note 8 has an Exynos 4 Quad processor set at 1.6GHz with 2GB RAM. The Galaxy Note 8 will also be capable of handling full Phone calls and Video calls directly from the unit itself, and it does have an earpiece.
The Galaxy Note 8.0 also has WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS, GLONASS and HSPA+ 21 (850/900/1900/2100MHz). On the inside of the Note 8 is up to 32GB of internal storage (microSD expansion separate), a nice and large 4,600mAh battery. The Galaxy Note 8.0 will come with version 4.1.2 of Jelly Bean onboard and the new TouchWiz Nature UX.
For Cameras the Galaxy Note 8.0 has and 8 MP rear and a 2.1 MP 5 MP Rear and 1.3 MP front facing camera, With the rear capable of full HD video at 1080p.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 will have the features found in the Note II and S3 and more recent devices including Smart Stay, Multi-Window and Air View functionality, Popup video and S Note, AllShare Play and Cast. Flipboard (designed to be used with S Pen’s hover and preview capabilities for headlines) and Awesome Note, which is debuting as a one-year exclusive.
The Unique feature that sets the Galaxy Note 8.0 apart from previous versions is the ability to use the Android buttons with the S Pen.
See a preview in the video below.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]
INTRODUCING THE GALAXY NOTE 8.0,
A NEW ERA OF PORTABILITY AND EVERYDAY PRODUCTIVITY
SEOUL, Korea [February 24, 2011] – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the 8 inch tablet, the GALAXY Note 8.0; a new era of intelligent Note technology set to re-ignite the mid-size tablet category that Samsung established in 2010. Providing unrivalled multimedia performance within a compact one-hand-grip screen, the GALAXY Note 8.0 has the power and advanced technology to evolve the tablet experience and ensure you achieve new levels of efficient multi-tasking while benefitting from superb voice call functionality*. Furthermore, the intelligent S Pen brings together the latest innovation and the ease of using a traditional pen and paper; creating a sophisticated mobile experience that will enhance life on the go.
“Back in 2010 the launch of the first Samsung GALAXY Tab with 7 inch screen opened a new chapter in the mobile industry. Now almost three years later, Samsung continues to evolve the sector that meets the demands of modern life.” said JK Shin, President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.
“The GALAXY Note 8.0 breaths fresh life into the category as it delivers the perfect fusion of portability and everyday productivity – the result is a pioneering, pocket-sized solution that enhances and enriches our everyday lives, whether at work or play,” added Shin.
At the core of the GALAXY Note 8.0’s innovative solutions are beneficial functions, including multi-window options to split the portable 8inch screen and allow optimal access to a number of live applications; a new generation of Samsung’s intelligent S Pen with advanced usability; access to a suite of S Note templates and tools that allow you to create, edit, manage and share everyday documents; the Samsung “reading mode” technology to enjoy e books with optimized resolution, video and voice calls*. In addition, a suite of exciting new content and services are pre-loaded for users at no additional cost including, for the very first time on Samsung GALAXY tablet, the innovative Flipboard, and Awesome Note.
A smart diary for life on the go
Slim and compact enough to become the perfect on-the-go work and play companion, the GALAXY Note 8.0 brings powerful performance and functionality to support even the most demanding of lifestyles. Designed to store and manage your personal and professional data efficiently, the new era device gives users the perfect pocket-sized hands-on organizational tool. Practical S Note templates and S Planner feature help to manage everyday tasks, including meeting notes, to-do lists and even personal diary entries. All content can be entered and updated with the finest of detail thanks to the evolution of the intelligent Samsung S Pen. Enhanced precision is offered with Handwriting-to-Text conversion and advanced Productivity Tools that support formula and shape recognition are now available at the touch of your S Pen.
New content and services
GALAXY Note 8.0 is packed with pre-loaded content and apps specifically for the value maximizing, mass multimedia consumer. Upgraded Chat-On provides easy instant messaging and group chatting in multiple formats – images, video, voice, contacts – for simple, enjoyable communication. Awesome Note, an integrated application that is introduced in android tablet for the first time with NOTE 8.0, is capable of unlimited note-taking uses including Memo, Diary and Must-remember lists. With Flipboard, your news, social network and other feeds come together in one stylish, flippable format so you can enjoy all your news and life’s great moments in one place. Flipboard developed a customized version of its application exclusively for Samsung that allows users to take the S Pen’s hover feature and preview article headers beneath Flipboard’s main screen tiles. Finally, Smart Remote, gives you a universal remote control and electronic programming guide allowing you to manage TV and video watching seamlessly.
A new age of S Pen intelligence
Optimized to aid personalized creativity, the Samsung S Pen has evolved to increase everyday usability and enhance creation expression. Embedded within the tablet, the S Pen is an extension of the GALAXY Note 8.0. Removing the S Pen from the device will automatically launch innovative features such as Pen Detection that will suggest adapted menus that it thinks you’ll need and Page Buddy, a feature that will intuitively activate your most recently adapted S Note home screen.
S Pen technology is now so advanced that it doesn’t even have to touch the screen. With Air View, the S Pen needs only to hover over the screen to see previews of videos, emails, photos and appointments on SPlanner without opening the file or application in full. S Pen Gesture allows images and content to be easily edited and cropped, whilst Paper Artist and Photo Note allow photos to be artistically personalized.
In addition, for the very first time in GALAXY NOTE category, you can use S Pen to control the physical menu/back buttons on the device with WACOM technology.
Maximizing mass multimedia consumption
Creative multi-tasking with the GALAXY Note 8.0 is effortless due to innovative Dual View feature, two multi window options that seamlessly allow you to facilitate multi-screen usage. Dual View’s split screen accommodates optimal operation of different apps, such as launching the S Note on the web browser screen and allowing content to be resized, dragged and dropped as required.
Multi-tasking is extended to phone calls*. Pop Up Note allows you to access S Note at any time to keep track of key actions and Pop Up Video ensures you can keep surfing the web whilst chatting – content windows can be easily resized by pinching to enlarge or reduce.
Perfect info-tainment partner
Packed with features to engage, entertain and excite, the GALAXY Note 8.0 supports your practical everyday needs. Reading Mode transforms the GALAXY Note 8.0 into an e-Book reader, provides the optimal reading conditions to ensure you can curl up and enjoy a good book. You can even turn it into a universal remote control with Smart Remote, to seamlessly manage TVs, set-up boxes, DVD & Blu-ray players.
Following Sony’s PlayStation 4 announcement earlier this week, Microsoft is said to announce the next-generation Xbox console at a media event in April, according to publication Computer and Video Games.
Sony’s “surprise” PlayStation 4 announcement earlier this week reportedly caught Microsoft off guard at first, according to one Sony senior official that asked not to be named. The person in question said they definitely ruffled some feathers which seems likely considering most expected the two companies to announce their next generation consoles at E3 later this year.
Further evidence supporting Microsoft’s decision to host a one-off event is the fact that Ustechs, a company that has worked with Microsoft in the past on other media briefings, recently registered the domain XboxEvent.com.
Leaks for the Xbox 720 (codenamed Durango) have indicated it will feature some serious power internally. An 8-core 1.6GHz processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, an 800MHz graphics card, a 6x Blu-ray drive, USB 3.0, and gigabit Ethernet are rumoured to be included.
Microsoft is also said to include a new Kinect sensor that will include not only better tracking results for large rooms, but will ship with the console by default.
At its media event, Sony wasn’t able to show the actual hardware for its PlayStation 4, and only detailed a few specs, the new UI, and controller with touchpad. It’s not known if Microsoft will show off the Xbox design at its event. Leaks haven’t pointed to what the design will look like as of yet.
Baird Equity Research last month said the next-generation Xbox will be sold for $350-$400 in the autumn, right in time for the Christmas shopping season that’s sure to bring a slew of sales to the company.
Lava today released its latest offering in the market, dubbed as Lava Iris 502 – the 5-inch Jelly Bean phablet and the Iris 454.
The Lava Iris 502 comes with dual-SIM configuration and runs on Android Jelly Bean operating system. It has a 1 GHz single core processor and 512 MB RAM.
The display comes with WVGA (800×480 pixels) resolution. There is a 5 megapixel camera on the back side of the body while a VGA camera is in the front for video chat and self-portrait images.
The Lava Iris 502 comes with 2 GB internal storage and one can add upto 32 GB micro SD card to it for added storage space. The device offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity for file transfer; there is EDGE, GPRS, HSPA+“>HSPA(3G), and WiFi for Internet connectivity too.
Besides, Lava Iris 502 comes with 2000 mAh battery, FM radio, G-Sensor, proximity sensor, and 32 GB expandable memory.
The Iris 454 boasts decent hardware and specs. It is a dual SIM handset with 4.5 inch IPS LCD Screen, along with a resolution of 540 x 960 Pixels. The newly launched TouchWiz smartphone houses an Android v4.0.4 OS and is powered 1 GHz Cortex A9 Dual Core processor.
Further, Lava Iris 454 is equipped with 8 Megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, 4GB ROM, 512 MB RAM, 2GB internal memory, microSD, upto 32 GB expandable memory, Wi-fi Hotspot, 3G with Video calling support, HDMI, GPS Support, Bluetooth and Audio Jack 3.5 mm.
The smartphone will further flaunt a dimension of 137x70x9.9 mm and a weight of 154.6grams (with battery). Talking about battery, Iris 454 is loaded with 1650 mAh Li-Ion battery, which the company claims will support talktime of 5 hrs and standby time of 280 hrs.
The Iris 502 has been priced at Rs 8,600/- and the Iris 454 has been priced at Rs 8,499/-
Microsoft officials revealed on Friday that the Redmond, Washington-based company had been targeted by the same hackers who had previously set their sights on Apple and Facebook.
Last week Apple announced it had been hit by malicious software, known as malware, which took advantage of a vulnerability in a Java program used as a plug in for web browsing programs.
A few days earlier Facebook admitted it had been targeted in a similar way through a loophole in Java software created by a mobile developer called Oracle.
Facebook said that the malware infected employee laptops even though they were running up to date antivirus software, and described the attack as “sophisticated”
[quote]Describing the attack on Microsoft, Mr Thomlinson said: “As reported by Facebook and Apple, Microsoft can confirm that we also recently experienced a similar security intrusion. During our investigation, we found a small number of computers, including some in our Mac business unit, that were infected by malicious software using techniques similar to those documented by other organisations. We have no evidence of customer data being affected and our investigation is ongoing.”[/quote]
Like Facebook, Microsoft says it is still investigating how malicious software was planted on what it said were a small number of its computers.
Days before Nokia has a chance to unveil its Mobile World Congress lineup, apparent leaks of its two upcoming smartphones, the Lumia 720 and Lumia 520, have already surfaced to go along with some bubbled-up specs.
While we can’t tell specs from the official renders provided by @evleaks, it’s a safe bet that these phones will be announced next week at Mobile World Congress. It’s also safe to assume that the Lumia 720 will have slightly toned-down specs from the 820, but will maintain its colourful heritage. Nokia appears to have done away with removable back plates on the Nokia Lumia 720, making for a thinner and likely lighter smartphone.
And though we can’t tell scale from this particular photo, a 4.3-inch 800×480 resolution ClearBlack screen is in the cards, alongside a 1Ghz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus SoC, 512MB RAM, 8GB internal storage, an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera.
Rumoured specs of the Nokia Lumia 520 put the device at 4-inches, with 512MB RAM, 8GB internal storage and a 5MP rear camera.
The two devices should slot in directly above and below the Nokia Lumia 620, leaving Nokia with a full spectrum of Windows Phone 8 devices at every price point. However we are still waiting for the launch of the Lumia 620 in India!
