Feb 132011
 

We’re all aware of the fact that both Honeycomb and Xoom are powerful tablets but Google still wants to ensure that developers are able to exploit this power and “cripple” every piece of hardware, using the software to its fullest with the aim of making the most out of the device.

So what is Google going to do?

Google is working on improving its Renderscript API (detailing low-level API to be more technical/specific). The major when working with a low-level API, is the fact that it’s especially designed for those developers who are “comfortable working closer to the metal” (as quoted on Engadget). This will allow developers to build applications or even games that are able to make best use of the high-end GPU’s and powerful dual-core processors found in the latest Honeycomb tablets.

Google has made this API available to the public just recently; however, it has already been put to good use in Honeycomb by Google. Examples include, the YouTube and Books applications, even the live wallpapers were created using it.



Jan 082011
 

It seems like dual and fourth generation Mobile phones will muscle their way into the New Year. At consumers Electronic Show many companies like Verizon, Motorola have announced to release phones with new features. With Mobile World Congress at February and CTIA at March one can easily guess soon there will be more phones in the market. Phone manufacturers use this shows as their promote time to promote their devices. Yes we will not be seeing big phones like iPhone in 2007 but we will have a big line up of phones. But fourth generation LTE based smart phones will make its way into 2011. We will have one Flagship honeycomb tablet from Motorola and other Android tablets.

On his keynote Ivan Seidenberg’s, Verizon CEO, announced that Verizon Wireless will introduce almost half dozen 4G LTE phones and tablets. Possibly Verizon wireless will be getting some form of iphone which will be a 3G CDMA vesion of iPhone4. There is been rumors that Samsung. LG and HTC will bring their stuffs soon. Novatel Wireless and Sierra Wireless are bringing MiFi style Hotspots. T-mobile is throwing a press conference to announce their products. Sprint is not having a press conference but surely they won’t be left out from the race. ARM Cortex-A9 with dual core system is ready to perform so probably we will have devices based on chipsets from NVIDA and second generation Samsung. LG will bring their Optimus 2X phone with this technology as well.

Within this spring Motorola’s 10 inch devices with honeycomb software from Google will be marketed. Beside giant companies some small company will also produce their tablets based on Android Froyo software with lower price and questionable quality. But these devices might convince customers as they will be sold at reduced price.

Update 04/09/2011: So far we have great selection of new smarpthones and tablets in 2011 and those are:

  • HTC Thunderbolt  – Smartphone
  • Motorola XOOM – Tablet (Android)
  • iPad 2 – Tablet (Apple iOS)
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab – Tablet (Android)

There are still few dual core smartphones and tablets coming out this year, one of them is called Droid Bionic which should be first dual core smartphone. Droid Bionic release date is still unknown, but more than likely we should be seeing that smartphone released in June, but some do speculate that release date is going to be as early as May?

Jan 052011
 

Well Well Well, here comes the Blackberry 4G Playbook latest news and right of the bat we release date is bit unknown but according to press release we should see Blackberry 4G Playbook this summer on Sprint Network.

playbook-max-2

BlackBerry 4G PlayBook Coming to the Sprint 4G Network
New 4G Tablet to Deliver Unmatched Power and Web Performance ‐
Available Exclusively from Sprint this Summer
January 6, 2011 – CES 2011, Las Vegas, NV – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM;
TSX: RIM) and Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced plans to launch a new BlackBerry®
PlayBook™ tablet model featuring connectivity to the blazingly fast Sprint 4G network.
The BlackBerry 4G PlayBook™ will be the first BlackBerry PlayBook model to include
wide area wireless connectivity, featuring Sprint 4G to give customers download speeds
up to 10 times faster than 3G1. This new 4G model is expected to be available from
Sprint in the summer.
The BlackBerry 4G PlayBook is a professional‐grade tablet that’s set to redefine the
possibilities of mobile computing, giving users an ultra‐portable design with industry
leading performance, uncompromised web browsing, true multitasking and HD
multimedia, as well as advanced security features and out‐of‐the‐box enterprise
support. Together, the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook and the Sprint 4G network will provide a
high performance platform that will enable a mobile services revolution for both
application developers and customers.
"RIM believes a significant portion of the tablet market will want a higher performing,
multitasking, professional‐grade tablet and that is why we chose to design the
BlackBerry PlayBook for premium performance with a powerful dual‐core processor and
multitasking OS. Together with Sprint, we are now building on that performance
advantage with 4G and providing an unparalleled mobile experience for users," said
Mike Lazaridis, President and Co‐CEO at Research In Motion.
"We are excited to bring this powerful new product to our business customers and
consumers who rely on Sprint for industry‐leading devices as well as one of the best
values in wireless," said Steve Elfman, president of network operations and wholesale
for Sprint. "This tablet is a great example of Sprint’s strong partnership with RIM in
continuing to bring customers powerful devices to enhance their mobility. We are
confident the BlackBerry 4G Playbook from Sprint will be one of the most anticipated
tablets in 2011."
In addition to Wi‐Fi® support, the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook features a 1 GHz dual‐core
processor, 1 GB of RAM and the new BlackBerry® Tablet OS. The ultra portable, ultra
thin tablet will offer an uncompromised, high‐fidelity web experience with support for
Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, Adobe® Mobile AIR® and HTML‐5 enabling customers to
enjoy all of the sites, games, media and richness of the full Internet, delivered at 4G
speeds. Additional details and pricing will be released closer to launch.
Sprint 4G is currently available in 71 markets2 across the country, including Atlanta, San
Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City. Sprint first launched
4G in Baltimore in September 2008 and continues to build it’s 4G service for consumers
and business users across the country. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
For more information about the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook, visit
www.blackberry.com/playbook or www.sprint.com/4Gplaybook.
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the
mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today,
BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to
stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day.
Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North
America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock
Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more
information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications
services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government
users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48.8 million customers at the end of the third
quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying
innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in
the United States; offering industry‐leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands
including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance
Wireless; instant national and international push‐to‐talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1
Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing
it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications
company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or
www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
Forward‐looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe
harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and
applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect",
"anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similar
expressions, are intended to identify forward‐looking statements. Forward‐looking
statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its
experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected
future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the
circumstances. Many factors could cause RIM’s actual results, performance or
achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forwardlooking
statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM’s
Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40‐F (copies of
which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors
should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM’s
forward‐looking statements. RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to
update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive
properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and
BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be
pending or registered in other countries. Wi‐Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi‐Fi
Alliance. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service
marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or
liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation
to any aspect of any third party products or services.
1 "Up to 10 times faster" based on download speed comparison of Sprint 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.4 Mbps) vs.Sprint
4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary by plan or based on other factors.
2 Sprint 4G is now available in 71 markets: California – Los Angeles, Merced, Modesto, Sacramento, San Francisco,
Stockton, Visalia; Colorado – Denver; Connecticut – Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven; Delaware – Wilmington; District of
Columbia – Washington; Florida – Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa; Georgia – Atlanta, Milledgeville;
Hawaii – Honolulu, Maui; Idaho – Boise; Illinois – Chicago; Maryland – Baltimore; Massachusetts – Boston; Michigan –
Grand Rapids; Minnesota – Minneapolis-St. Paul: Missouri – Kansas City, St. Louis; New Jersey – New Brunswick,
Trenton; New York – New York, Rochester, Syracuse; Nevada – Las Vegas; North Carolina – Charlotte, Greensboro
(includes High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (includes Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Ohio – Cincinnati, Cleveland,
Columbus; Oregon – Eugene, Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading,
York; Rhode Island – Providence; Tennessee – Nashville; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort
Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Utah – Salt Lake City;
Virginia – Richmond; and Washington – Bellingham, Seattle, Tri-Cities, Yakima.

Picture Source: Engadget.com

Jan 052011
 

T-Mobile is introducing the first T-Mobile G-Slate 4G Tablet made by LG with Android 3.0 a.k.a Honeycomb.

Here is couple of videos you can see T-Mobile G-Slate in action:

 

Press Release:

T-Mobile and LG Mobile Phones Announce Their First 4G Android 3.0 Powered Tablet – T-Mobile G-Slate With Google
T-Mobile G-Slate by LG Is Set to Launch in the Coming Months on America’s Largest 4G Network

LAS VEGAS – Jan. 5, 2011 – Today at 2011 International CES, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and LG Mobile Phones announced the upcoming Android™ Honeycomb-powered T-Mobile® G-Slate™ with Google™, by LG. Expected to be available in coming months, the G-Slate will be the first 4G tablet from the two companies powered by Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), the upcoming version of Google’s Android platform optimized for tablets.
"T-Mobile is proud to add a new milestone in the evolution of the Android platform with our first 4G tablet powered by Android 3.0," said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. "The T-Mobile G-Slate with Google will build on our rich history of Android innovation and leadership and deliver deep integration with Google services."
"LG is dedicated to continuing its role as an innovation leader and is thrilled to announce its entry into the tablet marketplace with the G-Slate," said Jeff Hwang, president of LG Mobile Phones. "Streamlining everyday tasks and enhancing entertainment with blazing fast 4G speed, the T-Mobile G-Slate by LG will deliver the latest in Android technology and provide users with an advanced tablet experience."
The T-Mobile G-Slate will be among the first 4G tablets to fully benefit from the tablet-optimized Android 3.0 platform, which was designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes and addresses the unique aspects of tablet use cases and form factors. The Honeycomb user experience improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization. It will also feature the latest Google Mobile innovations including Google Maps™ 5.0 with 3D interaction, collection of more than 3 million eBooks and Google Talk™ with video and voice chat.
Additional product details will be disclosed at a later date.

Jan 052011
 

Rumors are floating around that Android 3.0 a.k.a Honeycomb will require dual-core processor , but that make’s no sense. This year many portable devices will have dual-core processor (Tegra 2) but most of those devices will be Tablets and not smartphones.

If Honeycomb truly requires dual-core processor in order to run correctly, does that mean that all Droid SmartPhones, Samsung Galaxy’s and the rest of the 1Ghz smartphones will stuck with Android 2.2, Android 2.3 OS?

That would make no sense, unless they develop some strip down Honeycomb OS for Smartphones, I do not believe that Android 3.0 will require dual-core processors.

Anyway, I will leave that topic alone until later this year. I know that Android 2.0+ required faster processors than 500mhz to run “ok”, yet people still hacked their phones with Cynogen and ran Android 2.1 on 256mhz!

Dec 272010
 

This morning looking at my RSS feeds, many reported about the future devices we might see at CES 2011 on January 6-9th, so I just wanted to bundle all those rumors up for you.

New Dell Tablet 7 inch showed up on FCC and according to some sources online it is rumored that it’s coming to T-Mobile/ATT. This might be possible 7 inch tablet with Tegra 2 (Dual Core) Processor.

Next rumor does not surprise me at all, but some sources are saying that Apple will announce CDMA iPhone which you will be able to use it on Verizon Network with Skype Video calling feature. I personally don’t believe in that rumor(s) at all. It’s not the way Apple represents their *future* devices.

Samsung Galaxy Player should appear at CES which is basically Samsung Galaxy S without calling features just like iPod Touch.

Samsung SH100 should be also shown at CES 2011 and I am really not sure whets the whole fuss about it. Its just a digital camera with maybe few extra features from digital cameras that you can already buy at stores today. But then again, CES can be full of surprises and I am sure SH100 will have one too. 3D LCD? :)

Skype new features might be the biggest thing that will happen at CES. Now that Android 2.3 with more video capability is out, you might be able to Video chat with your friends on Skype via Nexus S or even iPhone 4?

Well that’s about it for today CES rumors , I am sure we will see much more in next few weeks.

Dec 102010
 

According to T-Mobile they are getting ready to release Tablets which are capable with 4G (HSPA+)

“T-Mobile is working closely with the majority of our OEM partners to deliver 4G products by integrating HSPA+ into roadmaps in 2011 as the dominant global standard.  Consumers will continue to see HSPA+ fuel future innovation in a variety of mobile consumer electronics from smartphones and tablets to emerging devices. T-Mobile will continue to be at the forefront of wireless innovation, delivering an aggressive 4G product lineup in 2011, including 4G tablets.”

That’s all nice and dandy all I really care is what’s the data limit on that thing is going to be?

Which carrier is going to be first to unlock the bandwidth to Unlimited Data and not pay more than $50 that’s my concern.

See with 4G network you could use the 5GB in about 32 minutes and your $50+ bucks is gone! and if you want extra you will pay $10 per GB after. I mean reality is that you can watch maybe 4-8 videos online and your 5GB are already used up.

Having any kind of tablet nowadays is expensive, hope that bandwidth and tablets demand will increase while the prices will decrease by Q2 of 2011.

Well from rumors I ready just about 15 minutes ago, looks like Motorola will be the first to come up with Tablet that has Tegra 2, capable with: 4G, HSPA+, LTE (Or whatever they call it) and Android 3.0 Honeycomb,

Now that’s going to be one sweet a$$ tablet!

Dec 092010
 

Blogger has got the special scoop on this Samsung Gloria that is a ten inch tablet which will be released near the beginning subsequently year with in March – April. This tablet would not run on the Google Android other than on the Windows 7 as well as will set in the sliding keypad. This device will move toward pre-loaded by means of exclusive software programmed by Samsung. More facts are not being on familiar terms for at this moment, other than is the Samsung trying for reviving the long deceased UMPC or MID space by means of a number of new contributions. With anticipation we may know further on this device next to the CES. Samsung’s devices to make wider the Galaxy Tab series in the year 2011 aren’t fresh, other than the company’s hypothetical intentions for the Windows 7 tablet by means of a bodily keyboard are.

In accordance with the Blogeee ‘s resources, the Samsung Gloria would have the 10-inch screen touch as well as the slide in-out QWERTY key pad, as well as the conventional UI cover developed by the Samsung themselves.

It will not be the Samsung’s initial Windows tablet machine.

The corporation was active in the Microsoft’s UMPC plan, setting out the initial device. It appears a fresh Samsung tablet tool is toward the way subsequent the achievement of Samsung Galaxy Tab which has actually put itself up since competition for that Apple iPad. A swing of additional tablet tools is as well on the system including the inspiring appearance of BlackBerry PlayBook as of RIM as well as also a number of Acer tablets.

The novel device which may at the present be coming from the Samsung has been named the “Samsung Gloria” as well as where it varies from this Galaxy Tab that has the 7-inch display.

Nov 022010
 

Today Strategy Analytics released a new data, which shows Apple’s encroachment into the tablet market as 95% during Q3 2010. The apple is succeeded well in dominating the global tablet market with its lion share. Here, significant factor is the rest 5%, which shared by the Windows, Android and others.
According to the mentioned research, the global tablet sales witnessed abnormal growth from 3.5 million to 4.4 million from its previous quarter to the Q3. In the mentioned 4.4 million sales Apple was credited with 4.19 million shipments during this quarter. Here, Android failed to keep up the pacing and experienced significant decline. In Q2 Android maintained 2.9% and now in Q3 it is declined to 2.3%.

What is in Store for Q 4?

In Q 4, the market might witness significant changes as the Samsung Galaxy Tab just ventured in. This much-awaited 7-inch Android based tablet is already succeeded in gaining attention and definitely going to show some influence over the current tablet market trends. Here, it is imperative to remember about the other big players’ entry into tablet market like, Microsoft Windows 7, Nokia’s MeeGo, HP’s WebOS and RIM’s PlayBook.

Nov 012010
 

I just read few stories regarding Viewsonic’s ViewPad 7 and 10 inch dual-boot tablet. And according to Sears page release date is tomorrow? Yes, the Dual-boot Windows 7 Home and Android 2.2 OS for under $400.

I think I am dreaming!

I checked few other sites (blogs) and they are saying that this same table it going to cost over $600 but on Sears website it says $379.

At first I thought

  • site was fake
  • I am too tired
  • I am dreaming
  • They missed the year or they got confused with Wal-Mart page
  • This is some kind of after party Halloween joke
  • etc…

Here is the screenshot: (Click on Image to Enlarge)

ViewPad 10 Dual-Boot Tablet with 10- Capacitive Multi-touch LED Screen- Viewsonic-Computers & Electronics-Laptops-Tablets_1288666435725

Specs:

  • NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual ARM cortex (1Ghz)
  • Capacitive Multi-Touch/Multi Tasking panel
  • 10.1” 1024 X 600 TFI LCD Screen
  • Mass Memory 16 GB
  • Mini USB x 1; Full size USB x 1
  • 1.3MP Front –Facing Webcam
  • Earphone x 1
  • Micro SD card slot
  • 2 x 1 W speaker
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
  • G sensor/Light sensor
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • 3500mAh/7.4V Li-polymer Battery Life 8-10 Hours
  • Slim design (267 x 173 x 14.3mm) Wt. 820 Grams
  • Buttons: Home/Back/Menu/Volume/Power
  • OS / Android 2.2
  • Headphone JackBuilt in Microphone

Source: Sears

Oct 222010
 

HP is now ready to launch its long-awaited Slate 500 tablet and this will cost $799. The slate is aiming the current business customer base. Already several blogs are buzzing with images and other information of the slate and surprisingly official HP slate page got nothing to offer in this regard.

According to Reuters, the HP Slate 500 comes with full Windows 7 and it is a 1.5 pound tablet. The device is of 8.9-inch multi-touch screen with 64GB of Flash storage. The said price is exactly $100 more than the 64GB iPad’s current price. The resolution of the tablet is reportedly with 1024×600 pixels.

The slate is very well equipped with front and rear cameras and a USB port, comes along with a “digital stylus pen” too. According to Engadget, the slate is powered by a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor and 2GB RAM.

Here, one point should be remembered that HP is emphasizing more on business users through mentioning slate as a perfect match for them unlike Apple iPad. Carlos Hess-Nickels, Director of business notebook marketing, HP said as “ It’s really like a full-function PC, it runs Windows, it will run your office applications, it just so happen to be in a slate form factor”.

On Monday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs told analysts that rival tablet makers were having trouble in matching the iPad’s pricing with comparable specs “Our potential competitors (in tablets) are having a tough time coming close to iPad’s pricing. IPad incorporates everything we’ve learned about building high value products. We create our own A4 chip, software, battery chemistry, enclosure, everything. This results in an incredible product at a great price. The proof will be in the pricing of our competitors’ products, which will offer less for more”.

Steve Jobs words were resulted all the time as true through the Samsung Galaxy Tab price and now HP Slate 500 price.

Slate Vs iPad Comparison below:

Via Appleinsider

Oct 112010
 

Yesterday we covered few articles on Samsung Galaxy Tab and different Tablet prices. Today I would like you to introduce to best android tablets that are under $500.

Xpad M701

Really cool Android Tablet runs on Android 2.1 and has 3G capability too. I must say this tablet is one of my favorite.

EZStylePad100

Great tablet as well, runs on Android 2.1 and new version is coming out which is going to be running on Android 2.2 for about $500

MID706 / LY-706

This is cool tablet but the only thing that I dislike is that it runs on Android 1.9 . But this is tablet you can get for well under $200!

CSL DroidPad Tablet

To my knowledget this tablet is running on Android 2.2 and has some awesome power under the hood.

Checkout some other tablets on Youtube, I just used word Tablet and sorted by Upload Date. I was amazed by Tablet’s I found there. Some tablets you will see come from site ChinaGrabber.com which has quite good selection of all Android Tablets. My advise is to checkout review on any tablet that you might buy from there, because some of those Tablets are not as hot as they seem like.

Sep 282010
 

Engadget layed out yesterday good comparison between Tablets. Blackberry Playbook vs Apple iPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab and Dell Streak. If you ask me at this point I would go with iPad but since I am Android user in my heart Samsung Galaxy Tab would be my choice no.2. Well I am not getting any of those tablets for my self this year at least because I am waiting for 2nd generation that will be much improved and have lots more things than what my phone already does.

So here it is the full comparison thanks to our friends at Engadget and awesome writer Ross Miller:

More from Engadget

Sep 152010
 

According to few recent news I read regarding upcoming Tablets like Notion Inc Adam, it seems like more and more Tablets are going to be released this November in USA.

Notion Inc Adam anticipated release date is in November as well as Samsung Galaxy Tab but we still don’t know on which network or exact date.

I guess by end of this year you will end up with 5-10 Tablets to chose from 1 from Apple with iOS that is iPad , most of them will have Android 2.0+ OS and just few will be released with Windows 7

Prices will vary between $200-$1000

From few sources like WSJ (wall street journal) Samsung Galaxy Tab will cost between $200-$400 and Notion Inc Adam will cost around $499

So far worth to mention tablets and to look for:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab
  • Notion Inc Adam
  • Dell Streak
  • Acer Tablet (EeE Pad)
  • Archos ( 5 tablets)
  • HP Zeen C510