Sponsoer by :

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Engadget News

Sponsored

Engadget News


Elgato EyeTV Mobile eyes-on (video)

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 11:32 AM PDT

Elgato's been experimenting with live TV on the iPad for over a year now, but until now, that meant streaming programs that were already broadcast online anyway -- a mighty large limitation, wouldn't you say? This week, though, the company announced EyeTV Mobile, a TV tuner that plugs into the iPad 2's 30-pin connector, allowing it to pull in broadcast television. We just happened to stumble on Elgato's booth here at IFA and treated ourselves to a short TV break. The tuner, which fits easily in the palm of your hand when the antenna is collapsed, only allows you to draw in signals using the DVB-T standard, so make no mistake this is a product just for our European readers. (Although Elgato says it hopes to release something similar in Japan.) Even more than the hardware or the programming selection (fútbol, anyone?), we remain impressed by the free EyeTV iOS app, whose interface is pretty much the same as the HDHomeRun for iPad app, with the ability to swipe the screen to change channels and, in this case, save your location. It'll be available across the pond for €99.95 / £99.95 at the end of this month. Until then (or if you're just stuck in the states), check out our hands-on photos below and a video demo after the break.

Zero1 VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS hands-on (video)

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 10:29 AM PDT


Are you one of those old-school types who still watches TV programs on an actual television? Then you probably also own one or fifteen of those cordless channel changer contraptions -- you know, the kind that use AA batteries and magic beams of light to command station and volume adjustments. Well, set down the remote, lean back in that oversized plastic-covered velvet sofa, and get ready to toss out your last pair of alkalines. Zero1's new VooMote Zapper remote module has been making the rounds at IFA, letting you use any iOS device as a universal remote. Sure, the concept itself isn't new -- there have been other iOS-integrated remotes -- but the Zapper is small, relatively inexpensive, and interfaces quite nicely with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Your programmed selections are stored on the Zapper itself, so you can easily use it with multiple iOS devices.

The $70 device can be matched with identically colored cases ($20 and up), and also includes rather comprehensive TV Guide functionality, enabling you to see local programming, watch previews of unfamiliar content, and send an infrared signal to your TV to launch a program -- during its scheduled airing time, of course. We took a look at the app / itsy bitsy hardware combo, and it seemed to work well, with an easy setup process (codes for nearly every device come preloaded) and fast response time. VooMote reps said the device has a range of 25 feet, which is more than plenty for our tiny apartment configs, but may not suffice in some stadium-style media rooms. At the end of the day, it's really just a (very) elegant touchscreen universal remote solution, so we'll leave it at that. Jump past the break to see the Zapper in action.

Tango video calling en route to Windows Phone Mango?

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 09:27 AM PDT

Good news, folks -- Tango is about to reach Windows Phone. No, not that Tango. We're referring to the video calling service that's already popular on iOS and Android devices, but has had absolutely no presence on Microsoft's platform at all. Of course, there's a blatantly obvious reason for that: the OS didn't support front-facing cameras until Mango came along. At this week's unveiling of HTC's first WP7.5 devices, someone perusing the Radar's software happened across a Tango app in the Start menu, indicating users will have more video chatting options to choose from than just Skype. Better yet, it appears to offer cross-platform compatibility to ensure you can see your Android-toting pals and your iPhone-equipped in-laws up close and personal. We're ecstatic to see the feature finally ready to go with Mango's debut, but unfortunately it's only a matter of time before the name confusion settles in.

Pico Dolly replaces homemade roller skate tripods for smaller camera productions (video)

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 08:19 AM PDT

Instead of precariously perching your DSLR on a skateboard in the name of film, perhaps it's time to invest in something a little more stable -- like the extremely affordable Pico Dolly. Machined from aluminum, this 3.5-inch, three pound dolly has wheels akin to those found on Rollerblades, plus three screw mounts to attach the optional 11-inch friction arm. The contraption can glide straight or shoot in circles while taking up minimal room -- something that videographers using cameras like the A77 and E-P3 (or even the iPhone) can surely appreciate. Unlike its conceptual twin, which currently costs $150 and isn't scheduled to ship until October, the Pico Dolly can be had for $65 (or $90 if you want the friction arm included) and is scheduled to ship by September 12th. Check out the cinematic assistant in action after the break.

Refresh Roundup: week of August 29, 2011

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 07:03 AM PDT

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates
  • The biggest update we saw this week was a widespread push of Android 2.3.3 to the Motorola Droid 2. This one is done OTA, so simply go into your settings menu and check for updates to see if it's there. (thanks to everyone who sent this in)
  • While we saw a rollout of Android 2.3 to a select few LG Optimus Ones in June, we're hearing reports that the update's now getting pushed out again to a few more regions. This refresh must be done manually through LG's updater tool, so you'll definitely want to check to see if your phone is one of the lucky recipients. [via PocketNow]
  • US Cellular took to its Facebook Page to let customers know it's working on revamping the Samsung Mesmerize to Gingerbread at some point, though no official date or timeframe was given aside from "as soon as possible." [via AndroidCentral]
  • HTC announced the arrival of Android 2.3 for the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible this month, via its Facebook page. [via AndroidCommunity]
  • In fact, some users have already reported getting Gingerbread for the Incredible, and we suspect the rollout will be complete no later than the end of the month, to fulfill the company's promise. [via Phandroid]
  • Gingerbread is in the plans for the Motorola Milestone 2, and according to the company the refresh will begin rolling out in early Q4. [via MyDailyGadget]
  • The Samsung LC11 LTE mobile hotspot is getting a new build, EF07, that appears to improve its handling of multiple devices and congested WiFi locations. It also adds security patches and new protocols. [via Verizon]
  • An update for the Droid 3 was apparently available to soak testers and leaked online, but was pulled from Motorola servers shortly thereafter. It appears to add video chat support in GTalk and adds a new radio that's supposed to save battery life. The via link still has the update available for anyone interested. [via Droid-Life]
Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc hackery
  • The root method used on most Motorola Android devices has been employed to root the Droid Bionic before it's even been released. [via Droid-Life]
  • LG has released the kernel source for its Gingerbread build of the Optimus S. [via AndroidCentral]
  • The HTC Dev site expanded its support for the bootloader unlock tool this week, now encompassing all versions of the Sensation -- including T-Mobile's. [via AndroidCentral]
Other platforms
  • SPB Shell 3.0 is now available for Symbian^3 devices. It brings a fresh 3D-style UI to the OS, and can be yours for $15. [via IntoMobile]
Updates already covered this week

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Philips GoGear 3 Android PMP hands-on (video)

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 06:04 AM PDT

One of the fun things about attending a show that's open to the public like IFA is that you tend to get the same pitch from companies as folks walking in off the street. And the pitch with the latest Philips GoGear is quite simple: this is the company's shot at the iPod touch. We swung by the Philips booth to give the thing another spin. The 3.2-inch portable media player has a touchscreen and runs Android 2.3 -- really, it's got most of the basic functionality of a handset, save for the whole calling people thing.

The build on the device is a bit plasticy and certainly can't compare with the touch on that front, though it is quite light and should slip into your pocket easily for a trip to the gym, if you're so inclined. The player also doesn't make the most of potential screen real estate, due to the three large buttons and Philips logo taking up roughly a quarter of the its face -- an odd choice, given the GoGear's touchscreen. The PMP also has three large brass buttons in its side.

The GoGear 3 runs Android apps with ease, flipping through the selection of Google programs without a problem. It's also got Android Market built-in, accessible through its built-in WiFi. That functionality also comes in handy with the company's SimplyShare software, which lets you stream music and video content to other devices.

No word yet on final pricing or availability, though the Philips rep we spoke with said it will likely run around €150 for the 8GB version and €180 for the 16GB.


Amazon, 7-Eleven team up to bring delivery convenience to your corner store

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 05:07 AM PDT

Allow us to set the scene: It's late Friday night. You've just finished working and decide to hit up the local 7-Eleven on your way home for a Slim Jim, Mountain Brew and... your Amazon package? Why, yes, as absurd as it seems there could very well be a P.O. Box-like locker in your nearby Kwik-E Mart's future. The whispering winds of hearsay flew by the ears over at The Daily and delivered this little nugget of Bezos-backed possibility. According to the source, a Seattle chain already has one of the prototypes in its possession, with a nationwide rollout potentially headed for next summer. So, how's it work? Apparently, you'll be offered a choice of 7-Eleven delivery locations during the online checkout process, after which an emailed bar code can be scanned by the locker to reveal a pin that gets you access to your Amazon stash. Alright, it's an undoubtedly convenient idea, but how's about they also throw in some of those Android-based tablets? Now that's point-of-sale.

Solar-powered rollerblading robot carries you to work on a chariot of humiliation (video)

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 04:01 AM PDT

Bob Schneevis is at it again. The man who turned George W. Bush into a robotic Roman warrior has now developed something he calls the Solar Electric Robot Chariot. Showcased at this year's Maker Faire Bay Area, Schneevis' single-motor, bot-drawn carriage features a set of battery-juicing solar panels and an array of cameras that control its chauffeur's mechanized movements. The bot, meanwhile, glides around on a pair of rollerblades and is designed to move its legs in the same way humans do -- with the only difference being that humans don't rollerblade anymore. Skate past the break to see the chariot coast around a parking lot with Mitchell Goosen-like grace.

Apple wins German injunction against Samsung, Galaxy Tab 7.7 pulled from IFA

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 02:27 AM PDT

Apple's ongoing patent battle with Samsung has taken yet another twist, now that Cupertino has won an injunction blocking German sales of the recently unveiled Galaxy Tab 7.7. According to FOSS Patents, Samsung pulled its new Android tablet from both the IFA show floor and its German website on Saturday, in compliance with a Friday decision handed down by the same Düsseldorf Regional Court court that banned sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 last month. The 7.7-inch slate had previously been on display with a sticker that read "Not for sale in Germany," but, as we noticed yesterday, all demo models, posters and other promotional materials have since been removed. Samsung spokesman James Chung told Bloomberg that the new injunction "severely limits consumer choice in Germany," but confirmed that the Korean manufacturer "respects the court's decision," and vowed to do everything it could to defend its intellectual property. Details on the ruling remain hazy and Apple has yet to comment, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.

LG Thrill 4G officially arrives at AT&T for $100, fairy tales can come true

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 01:29 AM PDT

C'mon, admit it -- you didn't really think the LG Thrill 4G would ever be released, did you? After several weeks of unexplained delays, the AT&T-branded Optimus 3D is truly, honestly available on the carrier's website for sale at a respectable $100. The device, announced at CTIA 2011 in March, isn't hiding anything we didn't already know: it's got a 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4 CPU with 512MB of RAM, Froyo, a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 display, 1080p video capture and dual 5MP rear stereoscopic cameras to add the extra dimension. So if you've been waiting for this phone to get the green light, it's time to stop idling at the intersection.

Final Cut Studio on sale again via Apple telesales, video editors worldwide breathe sighs of relief

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 11:06 PM PDT

If you're one of the many Final Cut Pro users unhappy with Apple's latest version -- and you haven't been lured into Adobe's open arms -- today brings good news. According to MacRumors, Cupertino will continue to offer the previous, discontinued version via telephone sales. Calling 800-MY-APPLE and asking for Final Cut Studio (part number MB642Z/A) will net you Final Cut Pro 7, Motion 4, Soundtrack Pro 3, DVD Studio Pro 4, Color 1.5 and Compressor 3.5 for $999, or $899 for qualified educational customers. That's a far cry from the $299.99 for Final Cut Pro X, but if you're interested in, say, opening legacy projects or outputting to tape, you might grudgingly pony up the extra dough.

RED EPIC-X starts shipping to lucky shooters with deep pockets

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 09:34 PM PDT

RED EPIC-X
It's been almost two years since we first got a peek at the specs on RED's EPIC-X, and the 5K-shooting, roughly $30,000 rig is just now shipping out to customers. That's not terribly shocking considering the company's notoriously long development cycles and, if you ordered one, you should be too excited about getting a new toy to worry about how long it took to build. Lets just hope the first batch of folks to start capturing gorgeous footage with this thing have a little more luck than Mark Pederson -- RED can't be handing out $100,000 bounties every time it releases a new product.

Ask Engadget: best desktop OS for kids?

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 08:27 PM PDT

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Ryan, who can't wait to get his kid fixated on the wonderful world of computers. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"My son (five years old) has commandeered my wife's laptop for his game-playing pleasure lately, and it's been driving her batty. He basically only plays the games she does (Plants vs. Zombies, Zuma, etc.). So far he's able to find the games he wants (by their icons) and open them without issues using Windows 7, but now that I'm looking into getting him his own basic computer I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't something more kid-friendly out there. I've had cursory experience with OS X and Linux (Ubuntu), and I'll be doing all the installing and setup myself. Any thoughts from parents? Thanks!"

Kids and computers. Now that's a recipe for awesomeness. Any new(ish) parents out there have any experience on their kids loving / hating a certain OS? Feel free to drop your advice in comments below -- let's keep it intelligent, okay?

Engadget Mobile Podcast 102 - 09.03.2011

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 07:01 PM PDT

While Myriam explores the boundless mysteries of the Nevada desert, Dante Cesa and Zach Lutz join Brad Molen to explore the boundless mysteries of the week in mobile technology news.

Host: Brad Molen
Guests: Dante Cesa, Zachary Lutz
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Daestro - Light Powered (Ghostly International)

00:03:40 - Samsung Galaxy S II LTE ready for your reservation on Rogers
00:05:57 - Samsung Galaxy S II logs confirm NFC support for AT&T, none for Sprint
00:11:45 - Galaxy S II finally lands on American shores for Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T
00:13:30 - Galaxy S II for Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile hands-on (video)
00:18:24 - Samsung Galaxy S II LTE heads to Rogers for 4G fall debut
00:23:28 - Samsung Galaxy Note announced: 5.3-inch display, built-in-stylus, custom 'S Pen' apps
00:39:53 - HTC Titan and Radar WP7 Mango phones revealed, we go hands-on
00:52:37 - Sony Ericsson announces Xperia arc S at IFA, coming in October
01:04:10 - AT&T discontinues A-List feature for new customers, effective today
01:14:10 - US government files to block proposed AT&T / T-Mobile merger (update: companies respond)







Hear the podcast


Subscribe to the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes
[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically
[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace

Download the podcast
LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)

Contact the podcast

podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.

Follow us on Twitter
@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile @dantecesa @zacharylutz

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Nokia 701 hands-on

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 06:03 PM PDT

Living in the States, it's easy to forget just how large a global presence Nokia has managed to maintain, in spite of some difficulties keeping up with the likes of iOS and Android. The company certainly had a presence at IFA this year, between its own booth and appearances in Vodafone's show offerings. And despite what detractors might say about the Finnish hardware manufacturer, it's hard to deny that the company has given us fine offerings on the hardware front.

The 701 doesn't have the most exciting build we've seen from the Nokia, but it certainly has a lot going for it, including a bright 3.5-inch display, steel backing, an eight megapixel camera and built-in NFC. On the software side, we're of course looking at Symbian Belle, with its customizable home screens, which is managed quite nicely with the smartphone's 1GHz processor. Check out our hands-on photos below.

Team-Touchdroid dual boots Android on TouchPad -- touchscreen not included

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 05:13 PM PDT

The race to get Android working on the now budget-friendly HP TouchPad is on. We've already heard rumors of the little green robot coming pre-installed on the ill-fated slate and we've seen the first CM7 boot, but no one's gone all the way quite yet. While progress is slow, a team of dedicated TouchPad hackers, calling itself Team-Touchdroid, is now showing off a dual-boot configuration with Android 2.3.5. As with CM7, the touchscreen still doesn't work, but the demo video is quite dramatic -- that is until the credits stop rolling. If early-stage flip-flopping OSs are your thing, hop on past the break, but don't say we didn't warn you: it's going to get weird.

Haier's mind control TV prototype hits IFA, we go foreheads-on (video)

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 04:26 PM PDT

The remote control revolutionized the way we watch television, doing away with the need for frequent trips to the set in order to change channels. One prototype in Haier's portfolio makes the whole remote thing look like a back breaking chore by comparison. The Brain Wave (definitely not a final product name) television protoype showcased at IFA this week brings mind control into the picture, promising users a future where channels can be changed and volume controlled with mere thought.

The set is still in the early prototype stages at the moment, however, so we're still a ways away from such life altering precision. At the moment, the only available demo involves blowing up an animated barrel with your mind. Naturally, we had to give the thing a spin. Check out the results after the break.


Controlling the set with your brain requires wearing a fairly uncomfortable plastic headset -- one that reminded us of our demos with Mattel's Mindflex system. An arm rests on the wearer's forehead, and there's a clip that dangles from the rear, clamping on to your earlobe -- it's certainly a lot more awkward than just using an old fashioned remote.

Getting the barrel to explode in the demo is bit like a mind control version of a "Magic Eye" poster, forcing yourself to sort of concentrate and unfocus at the same time -- a bit hard to properly describe, but simple enough, once you get the hang of it. We managed to figure it out pretty quickly, and were blowing up barrels with the best of them. It's hard to image using this device for several tasks all at the same time, however -- changing channels, adjusting the volume and choosing movie titles.

It's also hard to imagine too many people going through the trouble of putting on the headset to avoid the fairly minor task of using a remote -- hopefully Haier will be able to reduce the controller's size and awkwardness, should this thing ever come to market. No saying when that might be or how much such system might cost, however.

XtremeMac showcases the Soma Stand, Soma Travel and more at IFA (video)

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 03:12 PM PDT

There were lots of cool Apple-centric products to been seen around XtremeMac's extremely orange booth at IFA this week, proving that there's still interesting things to be done in the world of iPhone / iPad / iPod docks.

At the top of the list is the Soma Stand, a pyramid-shaped dock that folds up for portability. The accessory is mostly speaker, which faces outward, so sound isn't blocked when you've got an iPad on the thing. The Soma Stand should be hitting shelves around October, running around €100 here in Europe.

The Soma Travel, meanwhile, works without the need batteries or wires, running directly off the power from your docked Apple device. XtremeMac claims that a docked iPhone 4 playing through the speakers will get about 34 hours of audio playback on a charge. As expected, the thing doesn't get too loud, but it should do the trick for solo listening. The peripheral will run around €50 on its release.

The Tango Bar is a style-conscious sound bar with a silver grill that fits in quite nicely with the current generation iMac. The speaker pulls both audio and power from a single USB cable and outputs audio at ten watts. Like the Soma Stand, the Tango Bar will run around €100. Check out video of the Soma Stand after the break.


Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 03:11 PM PDT

Multitasking business executives are going to love this. Whether you're taking notes on your tablet, pointing out graphs in a presentation or just signing reports, Griffin's new "Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer'' should have you covered. As the name implies, it's a three-in-one input device containing a red laser pointer, an "omni-directional" capacitive stylus and a refillable ball point pen. It certainly seems convenient, but with a $50 price tag you may want to think twice before ditching your Bic. Full PR past the break.
Show full PR text
Griffin Launches Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer, 'Digital Swiss Army Knife' for the Modern Day Consumer and Business Professional

Nashville, TN – September 1, 2011 – Griffin Technology, one of the world's foremost creators of innovations for everyday life, has announced the launch of the Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer, a precision tool for projection screen, touchscreen and paper.

"Mobile computing is transforming the way we digest and share new information, and Griffin is at the forefront of this trend, continually launching innovative accessories that address the modern day consumer's needs," said Mark Rowan, President of Griffin Technology. "Our latest stylus is like a 'digital Swiss Army knife' in the way it maximizes functionality of mobile devices while remaining compact enough to slide easily into your pocket."

The Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer features:

Soft rubber tip designed to mimic the press of a finger, giving users more control as they write, sketch, tap and drag on iPads, iPhones or other touchscreen surfaces
Integrated laser pointer useful for screen presentations
Refillable ballpoint pen for writing on paper
Designed to be an all-in-one tool for artists, students and everyday professionals, the new Stylus is ideal for sketching, drawing, photography, interaction with a variety of apps, and any other use where a finer degree of precision is required. It boasts a high-sensitivity, omni-directional point that won't scratch or smudge your touchscreen and also includes an integrated clip for pockets and pencil loops for added convenience.

The Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer is available for $49.99 from www.griffintechnology.com.

For additional information about Griffin products, visit www.griffintechnology.com and follow Griffin on Facebook, www.facebook.com/griffintech, and on Twitter, @griffintech.

webOS global business unit split outlined in leaked HP documents

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 02:23 PM PDT

It's been just over two weeks since HP announced plans to discontinue production of its webOS devices, and speculation over the future of the platform is still going strong. Just this week, Samsung CEO Choi Gee Sung put to rest rumors of a webOS deal, and now two leaked missives from inside HP show plans to split the webOS global business unit in two. According to letters apparently from Todd Bradley and Shane Robison, webOS software will find a new home in the outfit's Office of Strategy and Technology, while the hardware division will remain with the Personal Systems Group. One of these letters from Tom Bradley explains the split:

The pan-HP charter of OS&T provides a broad view of how we can optimize our technologies. In fact, it has proven to be a successful incubator of technologies; it is home to a team of senior technology experts devoted exclusively to exploring longer-term strategies for our technologies.

The second missive, from Shane Robison, goes on to say that "webOS software is still a great asset." None of this should come as a surprise, as our interview with Stephen DeWitt reiterated the company's dedication to the webOS platform, while HP's recent ads hocking PSG show the outfit's intentions to spin-off its PC business. Now the question is, who has the bones to make it happen? For the full-length leaks hit the source link below.

TomTom iOS app update invites iPads to the party, provides directions

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 01:32 PM PDT

Have you been navigating that cross-country trip via the recently updated TomTom iPhone app while carrying along an iPad on the excursion as well? Soon, you'll be able to find your way by slate alone, as the company has announced an iPad-optimized version of their GPS app. To make things even better, if you already have the download, you can grab it for your Apple tab for free this Fall. Well played, TomTom... well played.
Show full PR text
IFA Preview: TomTom App for iPhone optimised for iPad

Berlin, 01 September 2011 – TomTom today previews the latest version of the TomTom App for iPhone which will be optimised for the iPad. Those customers who already have the iPhone version will be able to download this new version to their iPads for free. This latest version will feature enhanced screen resolution, sharpened graphics and more intuitive controls specifically developed for the iPad.

"We have listened to our customers," says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director at TomTom. "In response to strong customer demand, we have optimised our TomTom App for the iPad. Now customers have one App for all iOS devices."

The new TomTom App will be available in Autumn 2011.

Be the first to see the new iPad App at the TomTom exhibition stand during IFA 2011, Berlin - Hall 9, Stand Nr. 209, Messe Berlin.

Pocketbook A10 hands-on (video)

Posted: 03 Sep 2011 12:17 PM PDT

PocketBook, primarily known for its e-readers, introduced the A 10 this week at IFA -- that's "A" for Android and "10" for 10-inches (well, 10.1 inches). The Android in this case is Gingerbread, nothing particularly exciting on that front, in a world that has largely moved on to Honeycomb in all its iterations, but at the very least, the company is doing some cool stuff on the design front in a world of infringingly lookalike devices. The body was reportedly inspired by an airplane wing, encased in white plastic that forms a wedge on the rear. The tablet's a bit on the chunky side, with a row of actual physical buttons located on the bottom of the bezel. On the rear is a white plastic around a soft, rubbery back.

The tablet is a bit less exciting on the inside, with 4GB of storage, a 1GHz TI OMAP 3621 processor, WiFi and optional 3G. Not surprisingly, given the company's history, the device is reading-minded, with proprietary software built around the e-book experience and page buttons built in. The company is also looking to possibly position the device for the educational sector.

The A 10 should be hitting Europe around October, with a price tag of less that €300. The company is also planning on US availability for the tablet but isn't offering much in the way of specifics on that front.


No comments:

Post a Comment

My Blog List