Tag: CES 2013

Panasonic launches two new Toughpads, FZ-G1 Windows 8 and JT-B1 Ice Cream Sandwich
Panasonic has just launched two new Toughpads at CES 2013, The FZ-G1 is a 10-inch tablet running Windows 8 Pro, while the seven-inch JT-B1 runs Ice Cream Sandwich.

FG-Z1 10-inch Specs
- 1,920 x 1,200 display
- 1.9GHz Ivy Bridge Intel Core i5-3437U vPro CPU
- 128GB SSD (upgradeable to 256GB)
- 8GB of RAM
- eight-hour battery
- optional microSD slot
- USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi and 3G
JT-B1 Specs include
- 1,024 x 600 display
- 1.5GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4660
- 16GB storage
- 1GB RAM
- built-in microSD slot
- 13-megapixel rear camera
- 1.3-megapixel forward facing cameras
- 5,720mAh battery.
The FZ-G1 will go on sale in March for $2,900 (or about INR 149,000) the JT-B1 will be available in February and will cost $1,300 (or about INR 71,500). So if you are ready to take your tablet to the extremes, you might want to hold up some spending.

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PANASONIC EXPANDS TOUGHPAD™ ENTERPRISE-GRADE TABLET LINE

Ten-inch Windows 8 Pro-based and Seven-inch Android™-powered Tablets offer Choice to Meet Expanding Business Tablet Expectations

Las Vegas, NV, January 9, 2013 – Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today expanded its Toughpad™ line of enterprise-grade tablets with the introduction of the Toughpad™ FZ-G1, a 10″ tablet featuring Windows® 8 Pro, and the availability of the Toughpad JT-B1, a 7″ Android™-powered unit. Both devices follow the original 10″ Android-powered Toughpad FZ-A1 which became broadly available late last year. With the Toughpad (#Toughpad) family of ruggedized tablets, businesses and government institutions have a single partner delivering a selection of highly reliable and purpose-built devices ideal for numerous operational needs.

“For nearly 20 years, Panasonic has engineered the most reliable mobile computing devices on the market,” said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “Because our customers know they can count on our products to deliver performance and return on investment, Panasonic – through its Toughbook brand – holds nearly 80 percent market share in the rugged mobile device space. We believe our engineering acumen, vertical market expertise and reputation for reliability, backed by our world-class service, will result in the Toughpad family being the leading B2B tablet solution in the coming years.”

Hide Harada, Director, IT Products Business Unit added, “The goal for Panasonic is to achieve 50% market share in the ruggedized tablet space by 2015.”

Toughpad tablets are designed for mission-critical and highly mobile workers in fields such as the military, construction, healthcare, public safety, utilities, retail, maintenance, supply chain logistics and insurance. The devices are ideal for a host of usage scenarios, including inventory control, eForms, field sales, field service, route delivery, eCitations, electronic medical records, inspections, mobile point-of-sales and GIS.

Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1: Key Features

Operating System: Windows 8 Pro
Processor: 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3437U vPro™ 1.9GHz up to 2.9GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Memory: 128-256GB SSD, 4-8GB RAM, optional micro SDXC
Rugged: MIL-STD-810G, 4′ drop, IP65, 14° to 122°F (operational temp range)
Display: 10.1″, sunlight viewable, touch screen and active digitizer, 800nit, WUXGA (1920×1200)
Battery: 8.0 hours (user-replaceable)
Dimensions: 10.6″ x 7.4″ x 0.75″
Weight: 2.43lbs
Wireless: Bluetooth V4.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, optional embedded 4G LTE or 3G
I/O: Full size USB 3.0, HDMI, optional micro SDXC, Full size USB 2.0, wired LAN, true serial port or dedicated GPS.

Panasonic Toughpad JT-B1: Key Features

Operating System: Android 4.0
Processor: TI OMAP4460 1.5GHz Dual core
Memory: 16GB ROM, 1GB RAM, micro SDHC
Rugged: MIL-STD-810G, 5′ drop, IP65, 14° to 122°F (operational temp range)
Display: 7″, daylight viewable, 500nit, WSVGA (1024 x 600)
Camera: Front: 1.3Mp fixed focus, Rear: 13.0Mp auto focus w/ LED light
Battery: 8.0 hours – Large 5,720mAh battery (user-replaceable)
Dimensions: 8.7″x 5.1″ x 0.7″
Weight: 1.2lbs
Wireless: Bluetooth V4.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, optional embedded 4G LTE + 3G
I/O: Micro USB

Toughpad tablets are MIL-STD-810G tested for drops, fluid ingress and temperature, to assure they deliver reliable performance under circumstances that render typical tablets non-operational. Devices feature daylight viewable screens, user-replaceable or serviceable batteries, a stylus for signature capture and handwriting (on the FZ-G1 and FZ-A1 with 3rd party apps), and multiple options for peripheral connectivity.

“Our Toughpad tablets were designed based on years of input from customers,” continued Poehler. “This customer feedback is a critical part of the development process and will continue to shape Toughbook and Toughpad devices in the future. The wide variety of devices in the Toughbook and Toughpad families is a clear indication that we build products to meet our customers’ needs.”

Enterprise-class mobile computing requires an enhanced level of device security and the Toughpad family is designed with this in mind. Security features like encryption, IPsec VPN, trusted boot, root protection and FIPS compliance are available in various configurations of the Toughpad FZ-A1 and Toughpad JT-B1. Compatibility with world-class Mobile device management (MDM) tools are also available to allow IT managers to manage applications, secure devices from unauthorized use and perform many other tasks.

Toughpad tablets are supported by an ecosystem that includes an enterprise-focused app store, developer tools and deployment support. Panasonic will offer a full set of professional-grade accessories to support the Toughpad line, including cases, mounts, printers, keyboards, magnetic stripe readers, smart card readers and multi-unit storage and charging solutions.

Pricing and Availability
The 10″ Windows 8 Pro-based Toughpad FZ-G1 will be available in March starting at $2,899. The 7″ Android-powered Toughpad JT-B1 will ship in February starting at $1,199. The 10″ Android-powered Toughpad™ FZ-A1 is now shipping, starting at $1,299. All Toughpad tablets can be purchased through authorized Panasonic resellers.

Toughpad FZ-A1 LTE Certification
Powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the 10″ Toughpad FZ-A1 is now certified on the Verizon Wireless 4G/LTE network.

All products in the Toughpad family come standard with the industry’s most comprehensive 3-year warranty.

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January 9, 2013
Jabra Announces Revo Wireless Stereo Headset

Jabra has just announced a new suite of corded and wireless stereo headphones said to “elevate music and multimedia experiences to a new dimension of sound performance”. The headphones, Revo Wireless, Revo corded and Vox in-ear earphones, are designed for “hard-wearing, everyday use and portability”.

Basically, the Jabra Revo Wireless and Revo headphones are made from aluminium frame. Steel hinges and a shatter-proof headband also adds flexibility.

[quote]”Headphones are subjected to a lot of wear and tear so consumers are demanding that they are designed to withstand the rigours of regular use,” noted Anne Raaen Rasmussen, Senior Vice President, Mobile Division at Jabra. “Jabra’s line of stereo products has been tested to the extreme, undergoing drop tests, bend tests, fold tests, cable tests, dirt tests and more. These headphones are built to last, without sacrificing style or sound quality.”[/quote]

On the other hand, the Jabra Vox is smaller and is built from premium-grade materials. It comes with tangle-free cables and is also made to last. These headphones are Jabra’s latest additions to its lifestyle music category, and they embody the company’s ultimate balance in design, ease-of-use, and outstanding sound quality that music lovers are looking for. Jabra has also integrated Dolby’s Plus technology into its latest stereo headphones which will perfectly go in par with Jabra’s exclusive Sound App for iOS and Android devices. Jabra’s flagship stereo headphones will be coming in Q2 this year.

January 8, 2013
Polaroid iM1836 Android Jelly Bean Mirrorless Camera Introduced!
The first Android based mirrorless interchangeable lens camera from Polaroid (iM1836) is now official and it is indeed produced by Sakar as previously reported.

Following in the footsteps of Nikon and Samsung, Polaroid’s is the first with interchangeable lenses. The camera runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and has an 18.1MP sensor that can capture 1080p at 60fps.

Of course, it is WiFi-enabled and has Bluetooth connectivity for easy transfer between devices, and is significantly smaller than the Galaxy Camera, with a 3.5-inch multitouch display.

Not only does the Polaroid iM1836 better spec’d than its immediate competition, but it will come in at $399, some $200 cheaper than the Galaxy Camera, and includes a 10-30mm equivalent kit lens.

The Polaroid iM1836 camera looks like fantastic value, especially since it will be compatible with any micro 4/3 lens with an adapter.

Technical specs of the Polaroid iM1836 :
- Powered By Android 4.0 (JellyBean)
- Included 10mm-30mm Lens
- 3.5″ Touch screen LCD Display
- 18.1 Mega Pixel
- Built in Peer 2 Peer WIFI (iM1232W)
- Headphone Output
- HDMI Type B Output
- Face Auto Exposure
- HD Video
- Panoramic Pictures
- ISO up to 3200
- Blink Detection
- SD card Slot
- Compact Micro 4/3 Body
- Pop up Flash
[Engadget]
January 8, 2013
NVIDIA launches Tegra 4: with quad-core Cortex A15 and 72 GPU cores !

At CES 2013, NVIDIA has announced their chipset upgrade of the year, The Tegra 4 platform. Even though the chip retains the same 4-plus-1 arrangement of the Tegra 3 Platform, adds capabilities of an impressive 72 GPU cores. That will improve the GPU capability almost 6 times.

The first test this processor was put to live on stage was between itself in an unnamed tablet and the Google Nexus 10 – loading webpages on the Tegra 4 finished almost 50% quicker than the Nexus 10.

Its also the first quad-core processor with Cortex A15 cores on-board, which offers compatibility with LTE networks. NVIDIA also claims this piece of silicon is the world’s fastest mobile processor. in a comparative chart putting the NVIDIA Tegra 4 ahead of the iPad 4 and then the Nexus 10.

The Tegra 4 also boasts of new Photography computational expertise, which will drastically improve the time between an image clicked, processed and saved. NVIDIA said that it will introduce a new mobile processor architecture each year, with the Tegra 4 however it seems the Tegra 3 chipset has been updated.

January 7, 2013
Rumour : Samsung Galaxy Note II To Be Released In Matte Black

Even though black is considered as standard color for smart phones, Samsung always tries different colors in smart phones. It generally releases the smart phones with Titanium Grey and Pebble Blue colors. Such colors are seen in the case of Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 mobiles.

Rumours say Samsung may be about to release a stunning matte black version of the venerable phablet. According to Android Slash, the new colour will be introduced to markets in early 2013.

A hi-resolution press rendering was discovered showing off the Samsung GALAXY Note II in black. With CES 2013 just weeks away in Las Vegas, and MWC 2013 coming the following month to Barcelona, we could see a whole new color range for the device introduced at either show. Last month, an anonymous tipster passed along the information that the Samsung GALAXY Note II was fitted for three new colors, Amber Brown, Topaz Blue and Ruby Wine. The new colors are supposed to be available and the end of this year or during Q1 of 2013, but this tip did not mention black as one of the new colors.

What do you think?

December 29, 2012
Huawei Ascend Mate Images Show Up Before Its Official Announcement

Additional shots of Huawei’s upcoming Ascend Mate have leaked out, showing off a neatly curved rear shell and that enormous 6.1-inch screen. The photos obtained by MyDrivers, show what is essentially a big black slab, with on-screen buttons.

There appears to be a slight curve to the back of the device, which should make it a little nicer to hold in the hand. If a 6.1 inch smartphone could ever, truly feel nice in the hand.

The Ascend Mate with is entering the phablet market, currently dominated by Samsung Galaxy Note devices. The rumoured specs of the Ascend Mate have it coming with a 6.1-inch 1080p Full HD display, quad-core 1.8 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, 13MP camera, 9.9 mm thin and packing an impressive 4,000 mAh battery.

Huawei intends on unleashing this 6.1-inch titan at next month’s CES.

December 29, 2012
Huawei Ascend D2 Pictured Ahead Of CES

CES 2013 will be soon upon us, and Huawei is one of the manufacturers that will unveil a new flagship phone, the Ascend D2. The folks over at ithome have just published several live pictures of the Huawei Ascend D2 smartphone.

We’re starting to see many high-end Android handsets come to market with 1080p displays and quad-core chips, though, and the Ascend D2 looks like Huawei’s addition to that trend. The pictures above reportedly depict the five-inch Ascend D2 but aside from these photos not much else is unveiled, except a confirmation of previous rumors talking about a 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 13MP camera, and Jelly Bean with the power of a 3000 mah battery behind it.

We all remember its predecessor, the D Quad, and it’s battery-boosted bro, the D Quad XL, but the D2 stands to be a significant step up from both of them.

The smartphone will be available for purchase for around $500/€380 outright, though we don’t have any info on the exact release date.

It’s great to see Huawei continuing to push the higher-end market and get those devices selling – after all, competition is good, especially on price point. We may also see a new 6.1-inch tablet from Huawei at CES, which will be interesting to try out, to say the least.

December 28, 2012
Leaked : ZTE Grand S! World’s Thinnest Full HD Display Smartphone

A press shot of the heavily-touted ZTE Grand S smartphone has appeared online, two weeks before its launch at CES.

The handset will be competing for attention against a raft of fellow 5-inch, full HD 1080p displays when it officially arrives in Las Vegas in the second week of January.

It has been revealed on the popular Chinese social network Sina Weboi, and is being touted at the “world’s thinnest FHD (full HD) smartphone.” HTC and Sony have also been working on 5-inch 1080p Android phones for the market.

The ZTE Grand S looks like it wil sport a slightly modified version of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and will use on-screen navigation buttons.

[Engadget]

December 23, 2012
Polaroid Confirms Mirrorless Android-Powered Camera For CES

Polaroid will debut an Android-powered camera with interchangeable lenses at CES, according to the company’s CEO, Scott Hardy. “Additional information and specs will be released during the show.”, he said.

Days after an image of said camera popped up on a Russian social network, it appears that we don’t have to wait long to take shots with the snapper.

It looks to be called the Polaroid IM1836, and Sakar will likely build it for Polaroid. The mirrorless camera should come with an 18.1 million pixel sensor. Physically, it resembles Nikon’s J1/J2.

The baked-in Android gives the camera access to downloadable apps, including email, Facebook and Twitter.

We should also see pop-up flash, built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI output, microSD memory and a 3.5-inch touchscreen, while the Russian photo looks to show a 10mm – 30mm optic.

We’ll know more in the coming weeks, but until then you can always buy the Samsung Galaxy Camera and Nikon S800c.

December 21, 2012