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Friday, February 18, 2011

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Best gadget news


News@8pm: iPad 2 camera confirmed and Desire S dated

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 12:00 PM PST

Welcome to your nightly round-up of the day's news and goings on courtesy of T3.com.

Apple's iPad 2 was expected to have been unveiled by now but as the tension grows the leaks continue with a spotted screen protector for the upcoming tablet confirming the inclusion of a front-facing camera. Following on from this a patent filled by Apple showed future plans to do away with all physical buttons on the company's future tablet devices instead opting for a smart bezel interface.

 

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Motorola's iPad challenger, the upcoming Xoom tablet, has made headlines today as UK retailers confirm they will stock the device. Heading for a Q2 UK release the Xoom tablet will hit Carphone Warhouse and Best Buy. Adding to the Xoom's column inches and Motorola has made the device's full manual available for download online outing all of its intricate details, specs and Android Honeycomb credentials.

 

Upcoming Google releases have been talk of tech town today with increased social integration and a new digital music download service proving tantalising prospected to users of the web's biggest website and the ever increasing fleet of Android mobile operating system powered smartphone handsets.

 

Following MWC unveilings two of the shows biggest handsets have gone on pre-order in the UK with April release dates and prices. Set to touch down in the UK on April 25th priced £515, LG's Optimus 3D will bring glasses-free 3D technology to the smartphone market. Landing a week earlier the HTC Desire S, follow-up to the hugely popular Desire, will arrive priced a more reasonable £420, albeit without the extra-dimension tech.

 

LG Optimus 3D hands-on video verdict

Via: LG Optimus 3D video | Source: T3 Tech Videos

 

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Weird News: Segway unicycles, roll-up tablets

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 09:07 AM PST

The week's weird and wonderful goings on in the world of tech.

Computers outsmart game show champions

Years from now, the struggling remnants of humanity may look back on this week as the beginning of the robot uprising. In a display worthy of Skynet, an IBM supercomputer named Watson took to the stage on US game show Jeopardy and coldly terminated the human competition. By the end of the three-day competition, Watson walked away with twice the prize money of its human competitors combined. Well, it didn't walk, but how much longer can it be?


Facebook adds gay relationship statuses

Facebook users now have further options to pick from to describe their relationship statuses. Alongside "married", "in a relationship" and that non-commital staple "it's complicated", users can now describe themselves as "in a domestic partnership" and "civil union" with another Facebook user. Cue social liberation and an avalanche of "hilarious" frapes.


Question of Internet Explorer's modernity answered

It's not, apparently. At least according to Mozilla techie Paul Rouget, whose unequivocal answer to that question was spotted on his blog in size 20 font.


The middle-aged find love online

The unattached between the ages of 40 and 70 are reportedly the most active at searching for love online. A study by the Oxford Internet Institute reports that the middle-aged are flocking to dating sites in greater and greater numbers.


Sony roll-up tablet in the works

Or not, most probably. With a "leaked image" about as detailed as a child's doodle a primary school desk, we're not entirely convinced by a PlayStation branded tablet that - for some reason - you can roll up like a bit of a old newspaper.


Segway-like unicycle sweeps into view

Using gyroscope to keep its rider from toppling over like a pin, the Solowheel is a motorised tyre with two steps either side that you steer by leaning. That shouldn't require any further selling on our part, but just in case it does, have a gander at the video below.



 
 

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HTC Desire S UK release date set for April 18th priced £420

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 08:38 AM PST

HTC Desire S to touch down with Android Gingerbread in April

The HTC Desire S has been made available for pre-order via Amazon UK with the Android powered device reportedly landing on April 18th priced £419.99.

 

Tipped to land a week ahead of the recently announced LG Optimus 3D which is pegged for an April 25th arrival priced a hefty £515, the HTC Desire S, officially unveiled at MWC 2011 earlier this week, will be one of the first devices to come equipped with Google’s Android 2.4 mobile OS, Gingerbread.

 


Running many of the same features and specifications as its hugely successful predecessor the Desire will add to the strong foundations with a new 1GHz Qualcomm processor and an improved battery as well as a redesigned aluminium unibody.

 

Whilst a sub-£420 price is reasonably cheap for such a high-end smartphone with a number of leading network providers such as Vodafone, Orange and Three all looking to host the Desire S we could well see the handset heavily subsidised prior to launch.

 

Is the Desire S a big enough step forward from the Desire or a disappointing advancement worthy of more? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

HTC Desire S hands-on video verdict

Via: HTC Desire S video | Source: T3 Tech Videos

 

Via: TechRadar
 

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Editor's desk competition: This week's winners revealed

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 08:18 AM PST

Find out what this week's mystery prize was and past editor's desk giveaways

Tuesday’s are often a day of dread, the buoyant energy recovered from the weekend is gone and the following weekend’s recuperation is nothing more than a mere spot on the ever distant horizon. Fear not though for your trusted T3 brings you the unique opportunity to claim some tasty tech swag each and every Tuesday through our competition: ‘What’s on the Editor’s desk?’

 

This week we went to the movies with an Avatar AMP Suit action figure to give away. Being a bit too friendly with our blue-hued clues we were inundated with correct answers before randomly picking Twitter follower @jariik as our eventual winner.

 

of previous editor's desk competition prizes

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Related Links:
- What's on the editor's desk competition: How to enter
- Win great prizes in the T3 competitions
- Become a fan of T3 on Facebook
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To be in with a chance of winning next week’s mystery editor’s desk prize simply follow T3 on Twitter and Facebook and await the first clue next Tuesday at 10am. Still not quaking with excitement? Then take a look at the prizes we have already given away to our Facebook fans and Twitter followers:

 

- Five Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razors
- Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2011
- Pioneer HDJ-2000 Pro DJ Headphones
- Sony Ericsson LiveView
- Logitech QuickCam Sphere AF webcam
- SEGA branded bag
- Novero Lexington Bluetooth headset
Exspect iPad Executive Wallet
- Super Scribblenauts for Nintendo DS
- True Utility Smart Things for Keyrings
- Speak TuckPack Notebook Sleeve
- Back to the Future Tilogy Blu-ray boxset
- PowerKit Eco Mains Charger
- Powertraveller PowerChimp charger
- Griffin FlexGrip case for iPad
- Angry Robots Rampage for Xbox LIVE
- Two tickets to the BT Digital Music Awards
- Thumb Camera, Audio Spy bug and Keyshark
- NoHands Stick 'em up smartphone accessories
- ECO Kitsound Infinity-X Solar Powered Speaker
powertraveller motormonkey in-car charger
- Doro ProSound hs1910 DECT wireless headset
Five pairs of ACS ER20 ear plugs
 

 

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Apple iPad update to add smart bezel touch controls

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 07:10 AM PST

Smart bezel to replace physical buttons on future iPad devices

With the Apple iPad 2 expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks a new Apple patent has emerged showing the company’s intentions to add a smart bezel to its future tablet devices.

 

Further increasing the iPad’s touch-sensitive controls, the patented smart bezel would feature an integrated sensor to allow Apple tablet users to initiate specific commands and functions on the device simply by touching, tapping, holding and even squeezing the pressure responsive outer area.

 


Doing away with the current Home button and other physical controls found on the first-generation iPad, the patent details a few commands the smart bezel could be used for with a downward swipe to turn the gadget’s volume down and an upward swipe to increase volume. Double tapping the bezel is also outlined as being used to wake the tablet from a sleeping state.

 

Whilst the emerging patent might be too late for the expected iPad 2, a device that is repeated to feature a Home button following the leak of a screen protector earlier today, we could well see future iterations of Apple’s market leading tablet adopting a fleet of new gesture controls.

 

Would a smart bezel enhance user experience on the iPad of hamper controls through a lack of physical buttons? Share your thoughts via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: CNET
 

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LG Optimus 3D UK release set for April 25th priced £515

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 06:31 AM PST

Expansys offer 3D smartphone ahead of April 25th launch

LG’s venture into 3D smartphones, the LG Optimus 3D, is set to launch in the UK on April 25th priced £514.99, online retailer Expansys has claimed.

 

Available to pre-order now from the online gadget provider the LG Optimus 3D was officially unveiled at Mobile World Congress on Monday with the 3D handset joining the recent fleet of 1GHz dual-core processor touting smartphones.

 


Set to touch down in the UK running Google’s Android 2.3 mobile operating system, FroYo, with a 2.3, Gingerbread to follow shortly after launch, the Optimus 3D sports glasses-free display technology similar to that found in the upcoming Nintendo 3DS of offer users an extra-dimensional experience.

 

Completing the Optimus 3D’s impressive array of specs is a 4.3-inch WVGA display a dual-lens 5-megapixel camera capable of 3D photography and HD video as well as 8GB of internal storage and a HDMI port for HD file transfers to standard or 3D TVs.

 

Would you splash £515 on a 3D smartphone or is the gimmick factor not worth the expense? Share your thoughts via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

LG Optimus 3D hands-on video verdict

Via: LG Optimus 3D video | Source: T3 Tech Videos

 

Via: GeekyGadgets

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Paris Hilton launches worst iPhone app ever

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 05:24 AM PST

Want to enter a Paris Hilton look-a-like competition?

It's what the App Store has been missing all these years; an official Paris Hilton iPhone app.

 

The new app allows fans to stay in touch with the socialite 24/7 with news updated and exclusive personal pictures as well as shared playlists of the heiresses favourite songs and the chance to enter a Paris Hilton look-a-like competition.

 

You can upload your own photo to be judged 'Hot or Not' by fellow fans, take Paris Hilton quizzes, fan polls and link up with her Facebook and Twitter profile. You can get all of Paris' "insights" on the go, according to the iTunes blurb

 

Paris herself said: "I wanted to make it personal to me. There's a thing called Hot or Not Hot where you upload a picture and people can vote on you.There are some tips and things that I do. It's a lot of fun." Amazing.

 

Perhaps best of all is the BFF mode which allows you to paste pictures of Paris into you're own photos and share the results with your friends, so you can really feel like her Best Friend Forever.

 

Even better news is that the app will only cost you £1.79 and is available to download from the App Store now.

 

Don't worry Android and iPad fanciers. A version of the app will be coming to your device soon. Perhaps the full version of One Night in Paris will be available to stream in a later edition?

 

This app almost makes us want to trash our iPhones out of the pure terror that the Paris Hilton app could somehow end up spreading like Hepatitis C at a Motley Crue album launch. *Shudder*

 

Link: M&C

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Sony unveils 25-inch OLED TV ahead of May launch

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 04:31 AM PST

Two new OLED TVs outed by Sony

Sony has unveiled two new additions to its Trimaster EL professional range of OLED TV despite having pulled sales of its consumer-grade OLED models last year.

 

Touting the claim of the largest OLED display currently in production, Sony’s BVM-E250 OLED TV measures in at 25-inches with a £17,800 price tag matching its world’s largest title.

 


Launching alongside the 25-inch model will be a smaller 17-inch OLED offering dubbed the BVM-E170 that will be available for a snip when it launches in Japan this July priced around £9,740. The BVM-E250 is scheduled for an earlier, May, release.

 

Offering a 1920 x 1080p resolution and 178-degree viewing angle, both pro-range units will feature the same “Super Top Emission OLED” panels that according to Sony offer almost zero motion blur and “a nonlinear cubic conversion color-management system that delivers stunning uniformity, smoother-than-ever gamma performance, and picture quality consistency.”

 

The newly announced additions to the profession range of Sony OLED TVs come a year after the company revealed it was to cease sales of the consumer-grade XEL-1 OLED TV in Japan.

 

Should Sony and other manufacturers be pushing harder with consumer available OLED TVs? Share your thoughts on the high-end tech via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: TechRadar

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Google music on its way, says Motorola exec

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:26 AM PST

Motorola CEO breaks news of Android-based iTunes competitor.

Android users looking for their own official iTunes substitute may not have long to wait, according to Motorola chief executive Sanjay Jha.


While talking at MWC on the subject of the Motorola Xoom tablet, Jha let slip: "If you look at Google Mobile services today, there's a video service, there's a music service – that is, there will be a music service." Short of Google themselves coming out and saying it, it doesn't come more official than that.


There's been speculation on a Google-based competitor to iTunes for years, with more recent speculation pointing toward a cloud-based service that would let users stream content to their mobile devices on the go, doing away with the need for physical storage altogether.


There's no word on when the Google music store will materialise, but we'd expect it to be imminent, with less than a week to go before the Xoom's US release date.


Via: The Guardian

 

 

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Motorola XOOM specs: Manual for Android tablet revealed

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:14 AM PST

All you need to know about the Android tablet

The user guide for the Motorola XOOM in all its 64-page glory, has leaked ahead of the tablet's February 24th US launch date.

 

The PDF which weighs in at 5.4MB, outlines the very basics of the Honeycomb 3.0-toting tablet device hoping to give the iPad a run for its money.

 

We've managed to take a look through all 64 pages and amongst many of the things we already know about the 10.1-inch device, have picked out a few interesting new things to learn about the XOOM:

 

Motorola XOOM specs: Screen brightness

If you are planning to take your XOOM out with you on a sunny day and are worried about being able to read the screen, the tablet senses the current lighting  conditions and alters the screen brightness suitably. So you don't have to wear your sunglasses to use your Android tablet.

Motorola XOOM picture: Manual page 41

 

Motorola XOOM specs: Personalize

Trying to add a widget to one of your homescreens? Well with the XOOM, you can preview what your widgets look like before applying them, and then place them on one of the five homescreens at the same time.

Motorola XOOM picture: Manual page 8

 

The XOOM is just a few days away from a launch in the US, but as yet we do not have an official UK release date. A UK price is expected to range from £498 - £720, which  is certainly a lot more than it costs to prise away an Apple tablet from the shelves.

 

Do you fancy the Motorola XOOM over the iPad? Let us know your thoughts via Facebook and Twitter.

 

Link: Droid-Life

 

 

Motorola XOOM

 

 

 

Source: T3 Tech Video

 

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Samsung Galaxy S2: Tegra 2 processor variant inbound?

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 03:01 AM PST

Has one of the best phones from MWC 2011 just got even better?

Samsung’s Galaxy S2 smartphone was undoubtedly one of the better devices to get an airing at Mobile World Congress this week. It’s a stunning 4.3-inch slab of mobile goodness that will run on an ARM architecture dual-core processor.


Or will it? Reports circulating today suggest that the fine print from MWC point towards different innards in different places. The reason is simple supply and demand. Samsung’s official line is that this internal structure "may not be applicable in some regions.” So what’s the alternative? For that, we should look towards the Galaxy Tab 2.
 

Mobile World Congress 2011
- See our hands on video with the Galaxy S2
- See our Galaxy S2 hands-on pics
- Read about the best dual-core devices coming soon
- See all the news from MWC 2011


The 10.1-inch Tab boasts a lightning-fast Tegra 2 dual-core processor from NVIDIA. It’s proving to be a popular chipset with the tablet bunch and for good reason. Where it gets interesting is that Samsung has announced that it will be working on a smartphone based around NVIDIA’s tech, which is news that – coupled with the aforementioned ARM shortages – could well lead to a variant of the promising Galaxy S2 arriving with Tegra 2 inside.


Exciting news? Or won’t a Tegra processor make much difference? Let us know on the T3 Twitter feed. Check out our hands-on video with the Galaxy S2 below:

 

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iPad 2 release to host front-facing camera following leak

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:49 AM PST

Apple iPad 2 front-facing camera confirmed by screen protector leak

The upcoming second-generation Apple iPad will feature a widely expected front-facing camera, new leaked images suggest.

 

Spotted on a leaked shot of a claimed iPad 2 screen protector, a cutout for a front-facing snapper will reportedly see the imminent tablet arrival capable of supporting Apple’s FaceTime video calling technology.

 


Launched alongside the iPhone 4 last year and now compatible with the latest generation iPod Touch and a range of Mac computers, FaceTime allows users to make video calls between Apple branded devices over Wi-Fi.

 

Recent speculation surrounding the iPad 2 has seen the mooted device pegged as touting everything from a dual-core processor to a carbon fibre body. The inclusion of front and rear mounted cameras, however, has remained the most widely expected inclusions for the expected device.

 

Previous camera related leaks have seen apparent video calling screen shots emerge as well as camera and FaceTime icons emerge in iOS beta updates for Apple’s market leading tablet. This latest leak all but confirms the iPad 2’s camera touting credentials as well as suggesting the camera will sit centrally over the device’s 9.7-inch display.

 

What is your most desired inclusion for the Apple iPad 2, cameras, Flash or a lighter, thinner body? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.

 

Via: 9to5Mac

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Apple iPhone Nano not smaller but cheaper?

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:37 AM PST

New rumours suggest a change of internals rather than size.

We were always a bit skeptical of the claims that Apple's rumoured "iPhone Nano" was going to undergo a screen size reduction (what with all the apps having to be resized to fit), and it seems we aren't alone, with the New York Times debunking the rumour via some unnamed Apple associates today.


In an exclusive report, the NYT quizzed "people briefed on Apple's plans who requested anonymity" on the rumours, to be told that Apple had no plans to release a pint-sized iPhone, because it would be fiddly to operate and, in the end, not necessarily any cheaper.


However, the mystery insider did say that, while the size would remain the same, the internals could be changed to offer a cheaper alternative to the cutting edge iPhone of the moment. This, speculates the NYT, would make it easier for Apple to compete with budget-priced Android phones in countries where handsets are not subsidised by monthly contracts - where would-be iPhone owners have to shell out full price for the handset up front.


There's still nothing concrete to suggest that Apple is planning on developing a so-called iPhone Nano at all, but we can't shake this feeling that, whatever the threat from the Android Army, releasing a second, pared-down iPhone would fly in the face of Jobs' comments about Android being too "fragmented". Especially when if you want a cheaper, less cutting edge iPhone, you can always pick up one of the older models.


Link: New York Times

 

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News@10: Cheaper iPhone inbound and Google updates

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 02:00 AM PST

T3 scans the Twitterverse to bring you a handy daily round-up of gadget news, tech rumours and randomness from the WWW. Kick back with your morning cuppa and catch up.

Friday

 

SOCIAL NEWS

@TheTelegraph - Google updates social search

 

 

MOBILE NEWS

@TechWatch - INQ Cloud Touch and INQ Cloud Q coming to Vodafone

 

 

TV NEWS

@TechRadar - Sony Reveals new 25-inch OLED TV

 

 

MUSIC NEWS

@PocketLint - Sony's Music Unlimited power by Qriocity goes global

 

 

IPHONE NEWS

@Engadget - Apple considering a cheaper iPhone, but not a smaller one

 

 

 Get more news, views and tech tips: 

 

T3 on Twitter

Direct your web attentions to twitter.com/t3dotcom for a feed of all the latest tech news and gadgetry goodness. We’ll also reach out for your opinions for future features, so have your brains ready.

 

 

 

T3 on Facebook

Facebook.com/t3mag is our handle. Don’t worry though, we spend much less time growing Farmville crops and poking strangers than we do divulging tech info.

 

 

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LG Optimus 3D release date and price in sight

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 12:09 AM PST

The LG Optimus 3D phone is coming soon.

The LG Optimus 3D was unveiled at MWC 2011 and according to online retailer Expansys will be available for shipping on April 25 for £514.99 SIM-free.

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LG Optimus 3D video

 

 

Source: T3 Tech videos

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The phone is the first phone to possess a 3D display and is capable of recording in 3D as well.

It ships out with Android 2.2 Froyo (with plans to upgrade to Android 2.3 Gingerbread soon after its release) and has a 5-megapixel dual-lens camera. With a 4.3-inch touchscreen, it will allow users a glass-free 3D experience.

In 2D mode it can record upto 1080p, while the 3D mode records in 720p.

While the handset is available for pre-order on Expansys SIM-free, network operators 3, Vodafone and Orange are bringing the phone as well, although there are no tariff details as yet.


Let us know if you plan to buy the 3D phone SIM-free or wait for network tariffs on T3's Twitter and Facebook pages, and follow us for daily tech and mobile news.


Via: PhonesReview

 

 

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Google Social Search with Twitter integration and more

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 11:19 PM PST

Google adds more functionality to Social Search

Google has made a few tweaks to Social Search, integrating it with Twitter and Google accounts for personalized and relevant results.


Google says it aims to combine the "goodness of Google" with the opinions of people the users care most about. These results could be based on whether your friends publish their information on their blogs/websites, YouTube or Flickr accounts and more.

The social results will no longer appear at the bottom of the page, but will be mixed with the regular search results depending on their relevance to the user. These results will be annonated, marking it as a social result. It will also include links people have shared on Twitter and other social networking sites.

The new search also allows users to privately link their Twitter accounts.

Google Social Search was launched in 2009.


Do you find Social Search useful when Googling? Let us know on T3's Twitter and Facebook feeds and stay tuned in for daily tech news.


Via: TechRadar

 

 

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Motorola XOOM to launch at UK retail stores

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 10:43 PM PST

Network operators haven't been announced but you can still get your XOOM fix

Motorola has announced that the XOOM will be available in retail stores as opposed to network operators initially, and it's rumoured that the release date in UK will be in Q2 2011.

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Motorola XOOM video
 

 


Source: T3 Tech videos

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It's been revealed that the Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy will stock the 3G and wi-fi versions, while the wi-fi only edition will be found at 3G, Currys and PC World.

There has been no information as yet on UK pricing and official release date, but stateside the XOOM's base 32GB Wi-Fi only model will cost $600 (£372).

The Motorola XOOM was unveiled at CES 2011 and will be the first tablet to run on Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

The much-awaited tablet will possess a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 1280x800 resolution and a 5-megapixel rear-camera with 720p HD recording. It also has a 2-megapixel camera in front, and an HDMI port, and a dual-core 1Ghz processor.


Pop over to T3's Twitter and Facebook feeds and let us know your thoughts on the Motorola XOOM, and follow us for all the latest news in the world of tech.


Via: The Telegraph

 

 

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