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• Live from the HTC press conference at MWC 2012!
• Sony Xperia U hands-on
• Sony Xperia S now shipping, Ion to join the world tour come summer
• LG Optimus Vu hands-on at MWC 2012
• Sony plans largest ad campaign in 'many years' to launch new Xperia smartphones
• Sony officially debuts Xperia U at MWC 2012
• Sony announces the Xperia P: Aluminum unibody, shipping Q2
• ViewSonic ViewPhone 4s hands-on (video)
• Live from Sony's Mobile World Congress 2012 press event!
• Huawei MediaPad 10 eyes-on
• Huawei Ascend D Quad (hands-on)
• Researchers develop battery boosting Power Felt, encourages you to sit on your phone
• Huawei teases quad-core tablet, keeps MWC mystery swirling
• LG Optimus 3D Max hands-on (video)
• ViewSonic ViewPad E70 and G70 hands-on
• Huawei adds home-grown K3V2 quad-core mobile CPU to its arsenal
• LG Optimus 4X HD hands-on (video)
• Huawei outs Ascend D Quad: 4.5-inch 720p display, Dolby 5.1, 1.5GHz K3V2 CPU
• Duracell Powermat WiCC could bring wireless charging to any smartphone, we go hands-on (video)
• Live from Huawei's Mobile World Congress 2012 press conference!
• CoPilot GPS app includes free offline maps with optional traffic data and turn-by-turn navigation, headed to Android and iOS
• Samsung Galaxy Beam hands-on at MWC 2012
• Samsung Optical Smart Hub SE-208BW review
• Court upholds Fifth Amendment, prevents forced decryption of data
• Join us for Sony's Mobile World Congress 2012 press event at noon EST
• Join us for Huawei's Mobile World Congress 2012 liveblog at 9:30am EST
• Is this the Nokia Lumia 610? More specifications leaked
• Google dives deep to bring underwater photos of the Great Barrier Reef this September
• Light-based 'Metatronics' chip melts minds, not copper
• Signage suggests Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 en route for MWC debut
• Facebook's Open Compute takes on data storage, designs a better home for your photos
• Google search now shows upcoming concerts, helps you find the next gig
• Ask Engadget: Best boardroom Skype gear?
• Samsung announces Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)
• Samsung unveils new Galaxy Beam smartphone / projector combo with dual core CPU
• NVIDIA gets big names to embrace DirectTouch tech in Tegra 3 devices (video)
• Mobile Miscellany: week of February 20th, 2012
• NHK's new Super Hi-Vision sensor captures 8K at 120fps, fast enough for Usain Bolt?
• NuForce Air DAC wireless audio streamer on sale: $199 for iDevices, $179 for everything else

Live from the HTC press conference at MWC 2012! Posted: 26 Feb 2012 10:30 AM PST

Sony Xperia U hands-on Posted: 26 Feb 2012 10:20 AM PST Sony certainly didn't pull out the big guns today at its Mobile World Congress 2012 keynote -- those showstoppers were for CES. Instead, the electronics giant decided to trot out two new, mid-to-low end additions to its NXT line of handsets, a portfolio that previously claimed the ion and S as its sole occupants. Focused on delivering a handset for every price point, the ill-concealed Xperia U, formerly known by its cheeky Kumquat codename, combines a compact, idiosyncratic design with user experience flourishes to add value and a higher profile to an otherwise ground floor device. We got to spend some brief time with the handset, so join us after the break as we share our first impressions. Sony Xperia U hands-on Developing... It's clear that rather than concentrate on top shelf specs, Sony's narrowed its mobile eye on neat, if not frivolous, quirks. With a 3.5-inch Reality display complementing its palm-friendly size and solid, plastic build, there's not much initially impressive about the phone -- in truth, it's rather ho humm. Enter the gallery app or even swap around some of the pre-installed themes, however, and you'll immediately begin to notice the subtle effects tossed in to set this little fella apart from its brood. In step with whatever image is being displayed, that transparent element first introduced with the S changes here to a variety of complementary hues. It's a surprising value-add, though truth be told, we'd rather see that attention to detail showered upon the handset's internals. Below the hood, the U packs an 1GHz dual-core chipset which does an acceptable job powering the Timescape-skinned version of Gingerbread 2.3.7 that Sony plans to ship this with. An Ice Cream Sandwich update is in the works, but when we pressed a company rep for a timeline, we only received a coy "very soon" in response. Purists take note that all handsets upgraded to Android 4.0 will still sport the company's UX. All of the U's hardware keys are restricted to its right edge, with the power button, volume rocker and fast capture camera key easily located and evenly spaced out. On the opposite side, a covered port hides the SIM slot, with access to HDMI and USB located just above it. As far as imaging goes, a VGA front-facer sits atop the screen, with the more ample 720p-capable 5 megapixel shooter around back.

Sony Xperia S now shipping, Ion to join the world tour come summer Posted: 26 Feb 2012 10:20 AM PST Those of you that have been waiting to get your grubby paws on Sony's Xperia S are in luck, as Sony just confirmed during its keynote that it's started shipping globally, with the first units available at Sony's Barcelona store during MWC. Those with stellar memory will recall that's more concrete than its former Q1 suggestion. To recap, those taking the plunge will be privy to a 1280 x 720 4.3-inch display, a 1.5GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 12-megapixel camera all wrapped in a gorgeous shell -- albeit one that runs Gingerbread, with an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade in due course. Additionally the electronics giant also confirmed the Xperia Ion will also be available in globally, however those interested will have to wait until summer. It too, totes Gingerbread and a 12-megapixel sensor, but plays host to a larger 4.6-inch display (albeit at the same resolution as the S), a presumably faster dual-core 1.5GHz CPU and delectable LTE. If either strikes your fancy, we humbly suggest our pair of hands-ons from CES -- at least if neither the freshly unveiled Xperia U or P are to your liking.

LG Optimus Vu hands-on at MWC 2012 Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:56 AM PST Yes it's the LG Optimus Vu, and we got a chance to play with it! The verdict? It's quite lovely. The design is simple but attractive, and the build quality / materials are impressive. There's no doubt this is a thin and wide device -- just like the Samsung Galaxy Note, two hands are the name of the game here. Is it a phone or a tablet? Take a look at our gallery below and judge for yourself. We'll have more impressions and a hands-on video for you soon. LG Optimus Vu hands-on

Sony plans largest ad campaign in 'many years' to launch new Xperia smartphones Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:44 AM PST Sony didn't just reveal some new smartphones at its Mobile World Congress press event today. It also took the opportunity to announce that it will be launching what Sony Mobile CMO Steve Walker describes as "by far the largest brand advertising campaign that we have run for many years." He went on to say that Sony would be "significantly increasing" its marketing investment in 2012, but failed to get any more specific than that, noting only that the company would be "engaging consumers in new and very creative ways." There's also no word on when that campaign might start, but the company's two latest smartphones are slated to roll out sometime in the second quarter of this year.

Sony officially debuts Xperia U at MWC 2012 Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:18 AM PST Frankly, Sony hasn't done much to stem the flow of Xperia U leaks pre-MWC, so we can't say we were all too surprised when the handset made its debut on stage today in Barcelona. The 3.5-inch phone offers up a Reality Display, a 1GHz dual-core processor and five megapixel camera. According to Sony, the handset should get up to six and a half hours of talk time and will, sadly, be rocking Gingerbread at launch, though for what it's worth, a planned upgrade to ICS has been announced. The Xperia S's younger sibling will be hitting shelves some time in Q2. We'll be sure to give some hands-on impressions of the forthcoming phone as soon as humanly possible. Show full PR text Sony Mobile Communications Introduces Xperia P and Xperia U - Smartphones for Connected Entertainment Experiences Mobile World Congress, BARCELONA, Spain, February 26, 2012 Xperia P and Xperia U join Xperia S in the Xperia NXT series - next generation smartphones from Sony Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony "WhiteMagic" display technology Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design Sony Mobile Communications today unveiled the latest additions to its Xperia™ NXT series - next generation smartphones from Sony, the new Xperia P and Xperia U. In addition, Xperia S, the ultimate HD smartphone, is now shipping to markets across the globe, with first sales in the Sony Style store in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress. Xperia P and Xperia U will be available to consumers globally in the second quarter of this year. Xperia NXT series - a connected entertainment experience Incorporating the best of Sony technology and premium entertainment, the Xperia NXT series is a cornerstone of Sony's connected experience. With easy connectivity, consumers can enjoy and share content on whichever screen best suits them, whether it's their smartphone, TV, laptop or tablet. With the next generation of smartphone design from Sony, the Xperia NXT series has a look that is instantly recognisable. These smartphones have intriguing design features including the "transparent element", a band that encircles the base of the phone and also integrates invisible antenna components. The transparent element illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications. The new User Interface (UI) follows the same design principles and enhances the Android™ experience - offering rich applications and content with a simple and clean look. A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen. Xperia P and Xperia U boast Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine for razor-sharp clarity, along with fast capture to take the camera from sleep to snap in a little over a second with a single key press. Both smartphones come with powerful 1 GHz dual-core processors for super fast performance. As with Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U connect consumers to premium entertainment experiences with access to the Sony Entertainment Network*. Out of the box, consumers can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters on Video Unlimited or listen to millions and millions of songs** through Music Unlimited. Xperia P - ultra-bright viewing experience With a full aluminium unibody design, Xperia P debuts WhiteMagic™ display technology from Sony for the first time on a smartphone. WhiteMagic technology delivers the brightest viewing experience; whether at the beach or on the ski slopes. Smart power efficiency automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen to the surroundings to conserve battery life. The new SmartDock, exclusively for Xperia P, offers simple connectivity to multiple screens, turning the smartphone into an entertainment hub for the living room. Using a TV remote control consumers can easily navigate their smartphone's media content to watch their HD videos, the latest movies or favourite TV shows on the big screen. With USB support in the SmartDock, they can also use a wireless keyboard and mouse to write emails, browse and post on Facebook or watch videos from YouTube on their TV. Key features for Xperia P 4" Reality Display with powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine. WhiteMagic™ display technology for an ultra-bright and power efficient viewing experience. 1 GHz dual-core processor for super fast performance with 16GB flash storage. 8MP camera with unique fast capture, HD recording and Sony technology to capture 2D and 3D panoramic images. Easy HDMI and DLNA connectivity to share content on any screen. NFC (Near Field Communications) enabled to access a growing range of NFC applications and services as well as Xperia SmartTags. Available in a choice of silver, black and red, all with an aluminium unibody. Launches on Android platform 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgrade to Android platform 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) during the second quarter of 2012. Xperia U - powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design Xperia U combines powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design that consumers can personalise inside and out. With xLoud™ and Sony 3D surround sound audio technology integrated into the music player, consumers will enjoy a crisp and loud sound experience. They can also stream music from their Xperia U to wireless speakers with a touch using DLNA. In Xperia U the transparent element illuminates to match the colour of photos viewed in the gallery or the album art of music tracks currently playing. Xperia U can also be personalised with exchangeable caps and themes to reflect consumers' personality and mood. Consumers listening to music on their Xperia U can also enjoy improved sound quality with the stylish new Smart Headset for Android smartphones, which features SmartKey - a dedicated application launch key that consumers press once to launch a favourite app. Key features for Xperia U 3.5" Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine. 1 GHz dual-core processor for super fast performance. 5MP camera with unique fast capture, HD recording and Sony technology to capture 2D and 3D panoramic images. Crisp and loud listening with xLoud and 3D surround sound audio technology. Available in a choice of white or black, with pink and yellow exchangeable caps for the base of the smartphone in the box. Launches on Android platform 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgrade to Android platform 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) during the second quarter of 2012.

Sony announces the Xperia P: Aluminum unibody, shipping Q2 Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:15 AM PST Sony's press event is in full swing, and the first to arrive is the Xperia P. The phone follows on from the styling we saw on the Xperia S; but it looks likely to be the middle child, with a similar Sony-themed skin atop what appears to be Gingerbread Android, still housing dual-core power under the hood. Previously known as the Nyphon, the Xperia P has a 4-inch "WhiteMagic" display encased in an aluminum unibody. This new screen technology is apparently geared toward outdoor viewing, with NFC, HDMI connectivity and an 8-megapixel camera with full HD video capability. It will also be gifted with its own incoming SmartDock, which is set to arrive alongside the phone. And that's going to be pretty soon: the P model will ship mid-Q2, but pricing remains as dark as Sony's live event stage. Show full PR text Sony Mobile Communications Introduces Xperia P and Xperia U - Smartphones for Connected Entertainment Experiences Mobile World Congress, BARCELONA, Spain, February 26, 2012 Xperia P and Xperia U join Xperia S in the Xperia NXT series - next generation smartphones from Sony Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony "WhiteMagic" display technology Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design Sony Mobile Communications today unveiled the latest additions to its Xperia™ NXT series - next generation smartphones from Sony, the new Xperia P and Xperia U. In addition, Xperia S, the ultimate HD smartphone, is now shipping to markets across the globe, with first sales in the Sony Style store in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress. Xperia P and Xperia U will be available to consumers globally in the second quarter of this year. Xperia NXT series - a connected entertainment experience Incorporating the best of Sony technology and premium entertainment, the Xperia NXT series is a cornerstone of Sony's connected experience. With easy connectivity, consumers can enjoy and share content on whichever screen best suits them, whether it's their smartphone, TV, laptop or tablet. With the next generation of smartphone design from Sony, the Xperia NXT series has a look that is instantly recognisable. These smartphones have intriguing design features including the "transparent element", a band that encircles the base of the phone and also integrates invisible antenna components. The transparent element illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications. The new User Interface (UI) follows the same design principles and enhances the Android™ experience - offering rich applications and content with a simple and clean look. A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen. Xperia P and Xperia U boast Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine for razor-sharp clarity, along with fast capture to take the camera from sleep to snap in a little over a second with a single key press. Both smartphones come with powerful 1 GHz dual-core processors for super fast performance. As with Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U connect consumers to premium entertainment experiences with access to the Sony Entertainment Network*. Out of the box, consumers can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters on Video Unlimited or listen to millions and millions of songs** through Music Unlimited. Xperia P - ultra-bright viewing experience With a full aluminium unibody design, Xperia P debuts WhiteMagic™ display technology from Sony for the first time on a smartphone. WhiteMagic technology delivers the brightest viewing experience; whether at the beach or on the ski slopes. Smart power efficiency automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen to the surroundings to conserve battery life. The new SmartDock, exclusively for Xperia P, offers simple connectivity to multiple screens, turning the smartphone into an entertainment hub for the living room. Using a TV remote control consumers can easily navigate their smartphone's media content to watch their HD videos, the latest movies or favourite TV shows on the big screen. With USB support in the SmartDock, they can also use a wireless keyboard and mouse to write emails, browse and post on Facebook or watch videos from YouTube on their TV. Key features for Xperia P 4" Reality Display with powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine. WhiteMagic™ display technology for an ultra-bright and power efficient viewing experience. 1 GHz dual-core processor for super fast performance with 16GB flash storage. 8MP camera with unique fast capture, HD recording and Sony technology to capture 2D and 3D panoramic images. Easy HDMI and DLNA connectivity to share content on any screen. NFC (Near Field Communications) enabled to access a growing range of NFC applications and services as well as Xperia SmartTags. Available in a choice of silver, black and red, all with an aluminium unibody. Launches on Android platform 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgrade to Android platform 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) during the second quarter of 2012. Xperia U - powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design Xperia U combines powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design that consumers can personalise inside and out. With xLoud™ and Sony 3D surround sound audio technology integrated into the music player, consumers will enjoy a crisp and loud sound experience. They can also stream music from their Xperia U to wireless speakers with a touch using DLNA. In Xperia U the transparent element illuminates to match the colour of photos viewed in the gallery or the album art of music tracks currently playing. Xperia U can also be personalised with exchangeable caps and themes to reflect consumers' personality and mood. Consumers listening to music on their Xperia U can also enjoy improved sound quality with the stylish new Smart Headset for Android smartphones, which features SmartKey - a dedicated application launch key that consumers press once to launch a favourite app. Key features for Xperia U 3.5" Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine. 1 GHz dual-core processor for super fast performance. 5MP camera with unique fast capture, HD recording and Sony technology to capture 2D and 3D panoramic images. Crisp and loud listening with xLoud and 3D surround sound audio technology. Available in a choice of white or black, with pink and yellow exchangeable caps for the base of the smartphone in the box. Launches on Android platform 2.3 (Gingerbread), upgrade to Android platform 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) during the second quarter of 2012.

ViewSonic ViewPhone 4s hands-on (video) Posted: 26 Feb 2012 08:52 AM PST Viewsonic's ViewPhone 4s was on hand at Mobile World Congress and we couldn't help but stop and check out this surprisingly likeable handset. First off, the 326ppi 3.5-inch IPS display is beautiful, very beautiful. Other notables include dual SIM support, a 5-megapixel camera, a front-facing cam and four gigs of storage that can be augmented via an SD card. The housing wasn't complete in the handset being shown, though the design is pretty sharp with the inclusion of a trapdoor on the bottom which folds open to reveal a SIM tray and the slot for expansion memory. The interaction with the Android 4.0 OS was really fast and perfectly smooth with the standout being the ViewScene 3D launcher interface. Have a look at the video for a quick once-over and the gallery for pics from every angle. ViewSonic ViewPhone 4s hands-on Zach Honig contributed to this report.

Live from Sony's Mobile World Congress 2012 press event! Posted: 26 Feb 2012 08:33 AM PST

Huawei MediaPad 10 eyes-on Posted: 26 Feb 2012 07:57 AM PST If ever there was a "One more thing moment" it came at Huawei's Mobile World Congress 2012 press conference today, where the company's chairman waited until after a Q&A session to say, oh by the way, it'll sell a 10-inch version of its MediaPad tablet. The company stopped short of providing specs, and in the hands-on area outside the event, journalists were prohibited from actually touching the device. Here's what we know, though: it has a 10-inch 1080p, IPS display and the same industrial sign as the original MediaPad (aka the T-Mobile Springboard), with what appears to be a unibody aluminum design. You'll also find that white piece of plastic on the back that brings to mind HTC devices of yore, but instead of capping either portrait end, it stretches across the top of the back, where the eight megapixel camera is. The tablet will ship with Ice Cream Sandwich, and, as before, the skinning atop Android seems minimal -- vanilla, even! Other specs: it has the same new K3V2 chip found inside the Ascend D Quad smartphone announced today. It'll ship in markets like China and Europe in Q2 (that means we don't know about US availability yet). For now, though, we've got some eyes-on shots below for your viewing pleasure. Huawei MediaPad 10 hands-on

Huawei Ascend D Quad (hands-on) Posted: 26 Feb 2012 07:19 AM PST It's no secret that Huawei is intent on joining the big boys in the smartphone arena, and the Ascend D Quad is undoubtedly its most promising attempt yet. The manufacturer is determined to make some serious headway into the world of handset relevance dominance, and the Ascend D Quad -- alongside its larger-battery XL brother -- are ready to play ball in the specs game. With a homegrown 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, 8MP rear camera, 720p display and plenty more components that top the charts, we think the chance of Huawei making a big name for itself is more promising than it ever has before. We just took an opportunity to play around with the potential game-changer, and our initial impressions were quite positive. Immediately, our attention was drawn to the display itself, which boasts incredibly vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. And the device, with its elegant soft-touch back, was incredibly comfortable to hold -- in fact, it felt much similar to the Honor in many respects, with the exception of its width. The unit we played with was running on stock ICS, but it's quite possible this won't be the final software version when the thing is fully baked. We hope to get add more impressions throughout the week as we go to Huawei's booth and spend some more quality time. For now, however, check out a few images below. Huawei Ascend D Quad hands-on

Researchers develop battery boosting Power Felt, encourages you to sit on your phone Posted: 26 Feb 2012 07:11 AM PST For whatever reason, researchers have long been stuck on the idea of harnessing the wasted energy potential of the human body. We've seen our nation's brightest try to siphon power off of our spare body heat, our breath and even our blood -- we haven't been able to cast off our wall chargers just yet, but progress is being made. Today's no-socket wonder comes from Wake Forest University's Center of Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials, and it falls into the body-heat category. Power Felt, a new fabric-like thermoelectric device comprised of layers of carbon nanotubes and flexible plastic fibers, can create an electrical charge from temperature differences. The Power Felt's layered nanotubes allow it to generate more electricity than standalone carbon nanotube / polymer composite films and, according to researchers, could add only $1 to the cost of a charging cell phone cover. "Imagine it in an emergency kit, wrapped around a flashlight, powering a weather radio, charging a prepaid cell phone," said project head David Carroll, "Literally, just by sitting on your phone, Power Felt could provide relief during power outages or accidents." The thermoelectric technology still has a long way to go before it's ready for the market, however, leaving the US military's technology savvy tailors hanging off the edge of their seats.

Huawei teases quad-core tablet, keeps MWC mystery swirling Posted: 26 Feb 2012 06:47 AM PST Today's Huawei press conference was, by all accounts focused on the Ascend D smartphone -- so much so that the company didn't have the luxury of discussing other things like, you know, tablets. We were admittedly a bit disappointed when it didn't unveil the eagerly awaited 10-inch MediaPad, but the company did toss us a bone, briefly mentioning the existence of a quad-core, LTE-enabled tablet with an HD screen. So, what is this mystery tablet? We'll surely find out soon enough...

LG Optimus 3D Max hands-on (video) Posted: 26 Feb 2012 06:46 AM PST While we haven't seen 3D phones take the world by storm just yet, that hasn't stopped LG refining its Optimus 3D series. Mobile World Congress 2012 has been hit by the Optimus 3D Max and it's faster, thinner and, well, just plain better looking. Unfortunately, there's been less progress on the software side; this dual-lens Android phone is still wearing last year's Gingerbread jacket. Our full first impressions and video awaits, after the gallery, below. LG Optimus 3D Max hands-on LG's new stereoscopic smartphone is an incremental improvement on nearly, if not all of the original Optimus 3D's specs, but in the hand there's a noticeable physical difference between the two. While the 3D Max is slightly thinner than its older brother, the difference in weight is far more distinct. There's a pair of dual five-megapixel cameras here and the phone is capable of editing 3D content on the device -- although this feature is already offered in the latest update to last year's model. The Gingerbread OS runs smooth and we browsed through the phone's features untroubled on the refreshed dual-core processor. The 3D Navi menu was nigh-on indistinguishable from the original Optimus 3D, with similar 3D video and gaming content on show in a 3D carousel, although there's no confirmation on any free gaming content being packaged alongside the phone's launch. The 4.3-inch screen is also a noticeable improvement on LG's original glasses-free 3D phone, although its WVGA resolution doesn't quite stand up to the HD IPS found on its new quad-core flagship. The device doesn't wow us like the Optimus 4X. We reckon the design is a much-needed step-up from last year, but the rest of LG's 2012 collection proves that the company's style has already moved on even further. The Optimus 3D Max is trying to keep up; includes NFC connectivity and software similar to that found on the Prada phone 3.0, but it's the lack of Ice Cream Sandwich -- especially when the Optimus 4X and the (presumably cheaper) L-series phones already have it -- that worries us. LG said that Android 4.0 will make an appearance on the device but when it hits shelves sometime in Q2, it'll arrive behind the curve.

ViewSonic ViewPad E70 and G70 hands-on Posted: 26 Feb 2012 06:42 AM PST ViewSonic has kicked off the Showstoppers festivities at Mobile World Congress with a couple new tablets: the ViewPad G70 and E70 (pictured left and right). The twin tabs are specced just about the same save for a couple minor differences in bells and whistles and the E70's 150€ (roughly $200) price tag ringing in at half of the G70's €300 tally. Both tablets will ship running Android 4 ICS, feature 7-inch displays -- with E70 getting an 800x480 version and the G70 a 1024x600 unit -- 1Ghz Cortex A9 CPUs, and 3300mAh cells. The E70 should start shipping by April this year and the G70 in late June, and we're pretty sure ViewSonic will need all that time to polish both of these up -- no, not the fingerprints, though they are magnets. The device's response to touch input wasn't particularly accurate and the interface was very lagged when using it. Unfortunately we were also unable to ignore how weak these two displays were, and on a device that uses the screen for its principal point of interaction, that's a dealbreaker for us. Here's hoping these two get a buff and polish before launch time. Hit the gallery for some pics. ViewSonic ViewPad E70 and G70 hands-on Zach Honig contributed to this post

Huawei adds home-grown K3V2 quad-core mobile CPU to its arsenal Posted: 26 Feb 2012 06:14 AM PST Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, Samsung and Huawei? The Chinese company is hoping to add its name to the list of major players in the mobile CPU game with the K3V2. The processor is a quad-core part that comes clocked at either 1.2 or 1.5GHz. The four A9 cores are actually 64-bit parts, according to chairman Richard Yu, something of a surprise since ARM only ditched wold of 32-bits in October with v8. Also along for the ride are 16 GPU cores, which in a set of carefully picked presentation-friendly benchmarks (NenaMark 2 and Basemark), spanked the Galaxy Nexus and the Transformer Prime. If the marketing buzz is to be believed the K3V2 delivers twice the graphics performance, is 49 percent faster in purely CPU-powered tasks and uses 30 percent less power than its competitors. We shouldn't have to wait much longer to put those claims to the test, however. The chip will be inside the Ascend D quad which should be landing sometime in Q2. Show full PR text Huawei Introduces the World's Fastest Smartphone: The Ascend D quad with Huawei's proprietary quad-core chip and power management system BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today introduced the world's fastest quad-core smartphone, the Huawei Ascend D quad. Powered by the Huawei's K3V2 quad-core 1.2GHz/1.5GHz processor and boasting the most compact design among 4.5-inch smartphones, the Ascend D quad expands the realm of possibilities for consumers with an Android 4.0 operating system and Huawei's proprietary power management system which provides up to 30% in energy savings. "We've listened to people's top demands from smartphones: speed, long-battery life, high quality visual and audio capabilities, and a compact, lightweight handset. The Huawei Ascend D quad exceeds these expectations," said Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Device. "In January at the Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas, we achieved a world record for the world's slimmest smartphone with the Huawei Ascend P1 S. We are proud to once again introduce a world-first at the 2012 Mobile World Congress with the Ascend D quad, the fastest smartphone." The Ascend D quad is an entertainment dynamo with its 4.5-inch 720P high definition touchscreen, and the industry's most powerful 32-bit true color graphic processor. Its PPI 330 screen providing crystal clear display even under direct sunlight, is complemented by its Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound and Audience earSmart™ voice technology for an experience which excels across the senses. Its 8-megapixel BSI rear-facing camera, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and 1080p full HD video-capture and playback capabilities enables you to record your special moments in clearer, richer detail. The Ascend D quad comes with an 1800mAh battery, which lasts for one to two days with normal usage. The smartphone's prowess is enhanced by Huawei Device's proprietary power management technology which provides a longer battery life of up to 30% compared to industry average by adjusting power consumption according to usage needs. It also ensures higher chipset performance and efficiency by maintaining a low chip temperature. Measuring 64mm narrow and 8.9mm slim, the Ascend D quad is proof that good things do come in small packages. With an ultra-thin frame, the lightweight and compact smartphone's 4.5-inch touchscreen seems to vanish into the edge, creating an "infinity" feel and allowing an exceptionally narrow body. In addition to innovative hardware design, the Ascend D quad also has outstanding software design. In addition to its Android 4.0 operating system, the Ascend D quad optimizes the user experience, ensuring greater ease of use. As part of the Ascend D series, Huawei also introduced the Ascend D quad XL and the Ascend D1 smartphones. The Ascend D quad XL comes with a 2500mAh battery which provides two to three days of normal usage. With the same specifications as the Ascend D quad, the Ascend D quad XL measures 10.9 mm slim. The Ascend D1 runs on a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU and has a 1670mAh battery. The Ascend D quad series will be available in China, Australia, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North and South America, and the Middle East in Q2 2012. The Ascend D1 will be available in the above markets from April 2012.

LG Optimus 4X HD hands-on (video) Posted: 26 Feb 2012 05:56 AM PST The quad-cores have arrived and the first out of the blocks is LG's sequel to its dual-core Optimus 2X. The Korean phone maker has apparently recruited its "best engineers "on this wafer-thin slab of power and it shows; the phone is light and slim. It's taken a detour from the Prada Phone stylings we've seen on the Optimus Vu and L-series, but looks noticeably more mature than last year's efforts and Android's Ice Cream Sandwich is in attendance -- with some tweaks. Our video hands-on and impressions are waiting after the break. Until then, take a 360-degree tour of the device at our gallery below. LG Optimus 4X hands-on Our eyes were drawn to the HD IPS display found here; impressive viewing angles are coupled with vibrant colors and brightness. It may well be a pentile display beater, but we'll have to see whether it can take the crown away from Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus variant over more extended use. The quad-core chip here is NVIDIA's Tegra 3, with the same FOUR-PLUS-ONE core confusion offering a low-power option to eke out the battery-life. An LG spokesperson was very eager to show off the 2,140mAh battery. The thing is; it's exactly the same size as the dinkier 1,500mAh power pack found on the Optimus 2X. We're reserving our judgement on battery life for when we can do some real-world testing, but we're certainly not going to resist a bigger battery. That quad-core processor was also put to good use with some new video playback bells and whistles. Alongside some high (and low) speed playback options, you can actually use pinch to zoom functions typically reserved for stills. Given that the phone records at 1080p, the quality of close-up footage remains pretty good. Web browsing was unsurprisingly lightning-quick, presumably courtesy of that processing power and while Ice Cream Sandwich looked (on the surface) to be a loose reskin of stock Android 4.0, LG's interpretation often left us confused. From the homescreen, the far right of the three capacitive buttons -- which acts as the multitasker on the Galaxy Nexus -- takes up a settings role, offering up wallpaper and app options. We had to hold onto the home button to arrive at the task manager. An eight-megapixel camera stares out from the back of the device, packing those aforementioned full HD video talents, while a 1.3-megapixel front-facer will be watching your every swipe of that HD IPS screen. For photography fans, unfortunately, there's no two-stage camera button. In fact there's not a single camera button. LG's stepped up to the powerhouse smartphone game again and it looks like they may have a better grasp on what we're looking for in a top-end Android phone. Hopefully it'll be able to compare favorably against other processor-packed devices -- because it looks like there's going to be competition for the quad-core crown.

Huawei outs Ascend D Quad: 4.5-inch 720p display, Dolby 5.1, 1.5GHz K3V2 CPU Posted: 26 Feb 2012 05:48 AM PST We'd seen some prior leaks, but aside from poorly translated marketing jargon, Huawei's managed to keep its latest and greatest smartphone under wraps -- until now, that is. The device is being billed as the "world's fastest quad-core smartphone" with the company's own K3V2 CPU, clocked at 1.5GHz, powering the unit. Sharing a slim, albeit slightly chunkier 8.9mm profile than its P1 predecessors, this Android 4.0 beast sports a 4.5-inch 720p display, 8 megapixel rear camera, Dolby 5.1 surround sound, support for LTE and an 1,800mAh battery bolstered by a proprietary energy management software that the manufacturer claims will last for up to two days. The actual hardware design itself takes a cue from Nokia's Lumia 800, with a screen that blends into the device's edges, creating an "infinity feel." Along with this flagship powerhouse, two other Diamond family members -- the Ascend D Quad XL and Ascend D1 -- will be joining Huawei's lineup. Spec-wise, the XL is essentially an unchanged version of the original Quad, except imbued with a larger 2,500mAh battery, while the D1 swaps out the four core internals for a more 2011-ish, 1.5GHz dual-core setup and smaller 1,670mAh battery. All three are slated for a Q2 release this year and should hit retail and online shops in white and black options across North and South America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Check out the official presser and gallery after the break. Huawei outs Ascend D Quad Show full PR text Huawei Introduces the World's Fastest Smartphone: The Ascend D quad With Huawei's proprietary quad-core chip and power management system BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today introduced the world's fastest quad-core smartphone, the Huawei Ascend D quad. Powered by the Huawei's K3V2 quad-core 1.2GHz/1.5GHz processor and boasting the most compact design among 4.5-inch smartphones, the Ascend D quad expands the realm of possibilities for consumers with an Android 4.0 operating system and Huawei's proprietary power management system which provides up to 30% in energy savings. "We've listened to people's top demands from smartphones: speed, long-battery life, high quality visual and audio capabilities, and a compact, lightweight handset. The Huawei Ascend D quad exceeds these expectations," said Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Device. "In January at the Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas, we achieved a world record for the world's slimmest smartphone with the Huawei Ascend P1 S. We are proud to once again introduce a world-first at the 2012 Mobile World Congress with the Ascend D quad, the fastest smartphone." The Ascend D quad is an entertainment dynamo with its 4.5-inch 720P high definition touchscreen, and the industry's most powerful 32-bit true color graphic processor. Its PPI 330 screen providing crystal clear display even under direct sunlight, is complemented by its Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound and Audience earSmart™ voice technology for an experience which excels across the senses. Its 8-megapixel BSI rear-facing camera, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and 1080p full HD video-capture and playback capabilities enables you to record your special moments in clearer, richer detail. The Ascend D quad comes with an 1800mAh battery, which lasts for one to two days with normal usage. The smartphone's prowess is enhanced by Huawei Device's proprietary power management technology which provides a longer battery life of up to 30% compared to industry average by adjusting power consumption according to usage needs. It also ensures higher chipset performance and efficiency by maintaining a low chip temperature. Measuring 64mm narrow and 8.9mm slim, the Ascend D quad is proof that good things do come in small packages. With an ultra-thin frame, the lightweight and compact smartphone's 4.5-inch touchscreen seems to vanish into the edge, creating an "infinity" feel and allowing an exceptionally narrow body. In addition to innovative hardware design, the Ascend D quad also has outstanding software design. In addition to its Android 4.0 operating system, the Ascend D quad optimizes the user experience, ensuring greater ease of use. As part of the Ascend D series, Huawei also introduced the Ascend D quad XL and the Ascend D1 smartphones. The Ascend D quad XL comes with a 2500mAh battery which provides two to three days of normal usage. With the same specifications as the Ascend D quad, the Ascend D quad XL measures 10.9 mm slim. The Ascend D1 runs on a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU and has a 1670mAh battery. The Ascend D quad series will be available in China, Australia, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North and South America, and the Middle East in Q2 2012. The Ascend D1 will be available in the above markets from April 2012.

Duracell Powermat WiCC could bring wireless charging to any smartphone, we go hands-on (video) Posted: 26 Feb 2012 05:30 AM PST Powermat may have a bright future, but the company's products to date have been expensive, slightly clunky and a generally imperfect solution for bringing wireless power to mobile devices. That could all change with WiCC. The Wireless Charging Card (WiCC) is an IEEE Power Matters Alliance (PMA) standard, with the potential to integrate Duracell Powermat technology within every mobile gadget. The incredibly thin device resembles those wafer-like SmartMedia cards once used in early digital cameras, with a similar form factor, but significantly more practicality. Each WiCC includes all the PowerMat circuitry found in the company's charging cases, while also doubling as an NFC antenna. The card's success is of course contingent on cooperation from device manufacturers, who will need to add a slim connector above the battery leads, including two for power, two for NFC and two for data -- an app will monitor charging. Powermat reps say that such a connector would cost pennies to implement, however, making it a potentially easy sell. Powermat President Daniel Schreiber sees this as a major breakthrough for the smartphone industry, saying "we're going to do for wireless power what the memory card did for storage in mobile phones." We had a chance to take a look at a mock-up of the wireless card at MWC, which was resting just above the battery in a Samsung Galaxy S II. Because the phone's battery is slightly recessed, both the card and battery fit below the device's original backplate -- the WiCC lies flush with the phone's camera lens. Overall, we think there's some serious potential here, assuming device manufacturers are game to come on board. Still, don't expect to see these hitting stores anytime this year -- the company expects its other products to come to market long before the Wireless Charging Card. So for now, jump past the break to take a closer look, but don't make any plans to toss that power adapter just yet. Duracell Powermat WiCC hands-on Show full PR text Duracell Powermat Introduces the Wireless Charging Card (WiCC™) for Smartphones; the Instant Upgrade to Wireless Charging Capability Solution does for wireless power what memory cards did for storage: making wireless power simple and instantly accessible. Barcelona, Spain -- Mobile World Congress – Duracell Powermat, a leading brand in wireless power, today unveiled "WiCC"; a breakthrough aftermarket solution for wireless power. WiCC is a wafer-thin card that consumers can insert into compatible phones or cases to instantly upgrade them for wireless power. WiCC will work seamlessly with all handsets in compliance with IEEE's Power Matters Alliance (PMA) 'Wireless Charging Card' specifications. This standard means that for the first time handsets will be able to utilize real estate allocated for the NFC antenna to offer wireless charging - without impairing costs or design. "We are delighted to be able to offer OEMs the benefit of wireless charging readiness at no additional cost. Making a handset WiCC ready is as simple as adding compliant contacts atop of which the WiCC can be inserted," said Daniel Schreiber, President of Powermat Technologies, which has developed WiCC. "It's the ultimate solution for OEMs, carriers and consumers alike." "WICC will open the door for consumers to enjoy an infinite variety of cases and phones that are wireless power ready," said Ron Rabinowitz, CEO of Duracell Powermat. The company plans to introduce the product to market in the future. WiCC cards double as NFC antennae, enabling them to seamlessly replace the existing NFC antenna with a card that delivers both NFC and wireless power. For interested OEMs and carriers, the specification for WiCC is available to registered members at powermatters.org, and Powermat Technologies (www.powermat.com) also offers a series of supporting evaluation boards and demo units. WiCC-enabled phones will interoperate seamlessly with the full range of Duracell Powermat wireless charging products as well as with wireless power offered by its growing ecosystem of partners such as leading airports, cars, educational institutions and furniture makers. About Duracell Powermat Duracell Powermat is the joint venture formed by Duracell and Powermat that began operation in January 2012. The partnership was designed to deliver cutting-edge wireless charging solutions to consumers so that they can maintain the rich mobile lifestyle to which they aspire without the fear of being interrupted by a dead battery. Part of The Procter & Gamble Company [NYSE:PG], Duracell has been powering people around the world for more than 40 years, whereas Powermat brought the wireless charging category to life with the introduction of ground-breaking products in 2009. Together the two companies are leading the wireless charging revolution under the Duracell Powermat brand. Duracell Powermat provides real-life power solutions for consumers both at-home and on-the-go. The joint venture is headed by Procter & Gamble's Ron Rabinowitz, CEO. For more information, please visit www.duracellpowermat.us

Live from Huawei's Mobile World Congress 2012 press conference! Posted: 26 Feb 2012 05:25 AM PST

CoPilot GPS app includes free offline maps with optional traffic data and turn-by-turn navigation, headed to Android and iOS Posted: 26 Feb 2012 05:00 AM PST ALK (that's the company behind CoPilot Live) is no stranger to GPS apps, but it's starting afresh this week with a new application offering more features for free. CoPilot GPS, which will be available on iOS and Android, goes the way of Nokia Maps in that it stores all those millions of points of interests offline, so you don't need an Internet connection to calculate directions. Download the free version and you'll also get some requisite social networking integration, walking and driving directions, the ability to choose from up to three routes and built-in Bing and Wikipedia search functionality. The app also matches Google Maps with voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation and 3D maps, but you'll have to shell out $19.99 as a one-time in-app payment for the privilege. Real-time traffic updates are also an option, but that'll cost you an additional $9.99 for a 12-month subscription. According to ALK, the app will be available for iOS and Android in early to mid March, but in the meantime we've got a handful of screens below to give you a taste of what to expect. CoPilot GPS Show full PR text New Offline Route Planning and Local Exploring App Announced for iOS & Android Devices Mobile World Congress - Barcelona, February 27, 2012 - ALK Technologies Inc., one of the world's leading developers of mobile navigation software, today announced CoPilot GPS, a FREE route planning and on-board mapping app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. CoPilot GPS makes it easy to find places you need and provides the best route to the door. Search millions of pre-installed Points of Interest for nearby restaurants, hotels and gas stations. Find local businesses and attractions using Bing Search and Wikipedia. With CoPilot GPS, there's no need to rely on a mobile connection – detailed street maps of an entire country or region are stored on your smartphone or tablet, so the app still works even in offline mode. Once you've selected your destination, CoPilot GPS calculates a choice of routes with turn directions, distance and travel time for each. Advanced multi-stop trip planning and optimization features, usually reserved for premium paid navigation apps, allow you to enter up to 50 stops and calculate the most efficient way to go. Key Features: - Maps stored on-board your smartphone or tablet for offline use - Millions of pre-installed Points of Interest (POIs) with in-app dialing - Powerful route planning with multi-stop trip optimizer - Alternate Routes: CoPilot provides up to 3 ways to your destination. Drag and drop the route to adjust. - Driving directions: manually cycle through the turns to your destination - Walking mode: explore unfamiliar cities on foot with confidence - Social sharing: let your friends know where you are with Twitter & Facebook status updates* - Dynamic local content: find useful and interesting places with Wikipedia and Bing Search* CoPilot GPS users can also upgrade to full voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation via in-app purchase, and benefit from 3D map views, speed limit warnings, and realistic ClearTurn™ display with lane assist arrows and signposts at complex interchanges. "Consumers are often left disappointed with free GPS apps because they usually rely on constant mobile data connectivity," said David Quin, Head of Consumer Applications, ALK Technologies. "CoPilot GPS offers smartphone and tablet owners a free navigation app that won't burn through their data plan, and will never leave them stranded without maps if they lose cell coverage." ALK Technologies will showcase its latest innovations in mobile navigation, including the new CoPilot GPS app, on its stand at App Planet during Mobile World Congress Barcelona – Hall 7, Stand C80. Notes to editors: - CoPilot GPS will be available in Spring 2012 through the Android Market and iTunes App Store. - Voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation is available via in-app purchase for $19.99 for lifetime use. - ActiveTraffic™: real-time traffic service that scans your route for delays and automatically provides a faster route if available – $9.99 for a 12 months subscription *Route planning, maps and Points of Interest are available for offline use. Social networking status updates, Bing Search and Wikipedia require a mobile data connection

Samsung Galaxy Beam hands-on at MWC 2012 Posted: 26 Feb 2012 04:33 AM PST Samsung, expected to make a quiet showing at this year's Mobile World Congress due to the fact that it doesn't have a press conference scheduled today or tomorrow, is actually projecting to offer a bit more buzz than the Ace 2 or Mini 2. How? With a projector phone, of course! Sammy's latest phone announced for the show is the Galaxy Beam, a refreshed version of the projector phone, with a bit fancier specs. The device is packing a 4-inch WVGA display, dual-core ST-Ericsson U8500 Cortex A9 CPU, 768MB of RAM and a 2,000mAh battery. Of course, those aren't the important specs to consider here -- the projector is. Taking advantage of a nHD (640 x 360) resolution and 15 Lumen brightness, the 12.5mm thickness helps Samsung claim the title of "world's thinnest projector phone." All in all, the phone felt very comfortable to hold, and the lump that incorporates the projector isn't an eyesore in the slightest -- in fact, Samsung managed to add it in a rather stylish manner. Our only concern? The projector itself is found on the very top of the device without any recession, which will likely make it a candidate for being a fingerprint magnet. We also liked the dedicated power button for the projector on the top right of the phone, just above the normal phone switch. We're also expecting to see some docks become available for the phone (which itself should be available in select markets in Q2) that will help stabilize it and keep it from shaking, as well as amplify sound for watching movies or video presentations. We'll add in more pics and videos as they come. Galaxy Beam Hands-on

Samsung Optical Smart Hub SE-208BW review Posted: 26 Feb 2012 04:00 AM PST As a species, we're distrustful of versatility. When Justin Timberlake is as successful in acting and business as he was as a singer, we cry foul. Therefore, it's only natural that Samsung's Optical Smart Hub should raise a hackle or two. It boasts of being a CD / DVD player for your mobile device, a wireless access point, a portable disc burner for your laptop and a backup server (with the help of a USB drive). Doing the work of four gadgets would certainly free up a lot of real estate on anyone's desk -- so is it worth $130 of your hard-earned? The answer's a little more nuanced than you might expect, so join us after the break to find out more. Samsung Optical Smart Hub Unboxing Hardware So, what's in the box? A short USB-Y cable (two type-A ports at one end that merge to a single mini type-B on the other), power lead, installation leaflet and the device. Weighing 0.9 pounds (440 grams), measuring six inches wide, eight inches long and 0.8 inches tall, it's a tad more compact than two DVD cases stacked on top of one another. Good build quality is obvious throughout, and the piano-black gloss manages to stay classy, despite its liability in succumbing to the charms of Mr & Mrs Fingerprint. Installation We can't sugarcoat this: whatever resources the company expended on hardware development, it was inversely proportional to that which was spent on software. It would be arrogant to describe ourselves as experts, but we'd hate to see this device in its current form in the hands of a rank amateur. Installation should have taken minutes, not hours, but alas, the included instruction leaflet is beyond useless: it's just uncaptioned screenshots from the Windows installation process! And, at the risk of sounding solipsistic, the fact that there was no OS X or Linux installation guide was galling, given the device is designed to work with iOS and Android. We were indeed able to run the software on a Windows machine, but it was easier to control everything from the device's own configuration page. Even this, though, lacked the option to activate it as a wireless access point, as promised on the box. We had to circumvent this by leaving it tethered to our own modem over Ethernet. Until these issues are resolved, it will be nearly impossible for casual users to install the device properly. Pairing it up to the companion iOS and Android apps was far easier, and you can indeed access the config page, although effecting any change is nearly impossible. Even the box artwork was insufficient to help us overcome the issues with installation (nor, in all honesty is it even clear on the functions the device possesses -- which we had to tease out with trial and error). CD/DVD playback Being able to play CDs / DVDs on your smartphone without tedious ripping and legally dubious copy protection circumvention is a feature for which we'd pay handsomely. As long as it's connected to the internet (or your local network at home), you can play whatever's in the tray as if it were stored locally. We also found that play / pause was compatible with our headphone remote, a nice touch for audio playback on the go. However, as with any streaming, it depends entirely upon your bandwidth: if your connection isn't world-class, you may find the playback tedious. Like the installation software, the menus feel like a slipshod afterthought. Resembling those found in bargain-basement products, there's a certain degree of inconsistency, a bad user interface and lack of polish that makes the device feel as if it were thrown together at the eleventh hour. It may sound like we're grousing (and we are!), but given the premium nature of this product, we would have expected Samsung to take more care in designing these primary navigation points. Portable disc drive The Smart Hub moonlights as a bus-powered DVD-rewriter, encouraging you to include it in your day bag. Be advised, however, that if you don't bring along the main adapter, all wireless function and media streaming is disabled. In that regard, it has a competitor: Samsung's own Super WriteMaster does the same job for only $50. That said, we envisage plenty of times when we'd need to cook up some impromptu WiFi on the road, and two products in one does help us save on valuable bag space, even if we do have no choice but to bring the power lead. Streaming and wireless backup Hook up a hard drive or memory stick and you'll be able to play stored media as you stream DVDs. Find your file in the video browser and it'll begin without the added inconvenience of waiting for your disc to start spinning. After some coercion (both iOS and Android apps enjoyed histrionics during the week we had together) we were able to get Smart Backup working. Using this feature, you can send files from a smartphone to the device, to be stored via USB or burned to disc. One feature not advertised is the ability to pull files back to your phone. It's pretty simple to execute too: just select the source device, the file and the destination and wait for the transfer to complete. Yet, there's a problem: all file transfers have an upper limit of 50MB, so cancel any idea of pulling TV show episodes through the air or backing up that hefty photo album. Nor can you push data straight to the disc: locally connected storage is required, presumably because the Hub astoundingly lacks the on-board cache for this purpose. On paper, it's a great idea, but there are too many caveats here that muddy what should otherwise be an easy process. We'd have also liked to see HDMI-out so we could hook it up to our USB-port lacking HDTV and use it as a DNLA node. While we're on the subject, it's odd there's no desktop client for Windows or OS X, despite the obvious potential for those features (and promised compatibility on the box art). Router For the reasons outlined above, we found configuring the router to be tremendously difficult. When it was working, however, its range was able to match the home networking gear we have on hand -- though it did stutter when we tried to stream directly from its own WLAN. Once it settled down, we found it perfectly able to handle tablet surfing, although we'd be tempted not to plumb it into our home too well so that we could take it with us on the road. Wrap-up The Samsung Optical Smart Hub is a good device trying to overcome a lot of baggage. The ease of being able to play CDs and DVDs without ripping is great for anyone who can't face ripping all their legacy media. And we're sure many of you will be happy to get your hands dirty in a bit of 192.168.1.1, and won't be put off by the technical hurdles necessary to get this thing installed. However, if those numbers mean little, this is not the device for you. In an ideal world, we'd like to see Blu-ray (it's a "maybe"), HDMI-out so we can use it with any HDTV and if we haven't made this point clearly enough already: the software needs a lot of work. We'd excuse the aesthetic issues if the apps weren't unstable and sometimes fussy, hamstringing an otherwise great piece of kit. Compared to buying all these items individually, it's pretty cost-effective and it worked hard to win us over after its terrible first impression. We contacted the company to find out if we could expect revisions for the final model and were baffled to hear that it was regarded as "finished," the only addition being a one-page guide to inform people how yo download it via the various App stores it's available on. In its current form, (however trite the sentiment) it's a jack of all trades, but we can't in all good honesty say it's even close to being a master of all.

Court upholds Fifth Amendment, prevents forced decryption of data Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:45 AM PST When our forefathers were amending the constitution for the fifth time, they probably didn't have TrueCrypt-locked hard drives in mind. However, a ruling from the 11th Circuit Appeals Court has upheld the right of an anonymous testifier to not forcibly decrypt their data. The case relates to a Jon Doe giving evidence in exchange for immunity. The protection afforded to them under this case wouldn't extend to any other incriminating data that might be found, and as such Doe felt this could lead to violation of the fifth amendment. The validity of the prosecution's demands for the data decryption lies in what they already know, and how they knew it -- to prevent acting on hopeful hunches. The prosecutors were unable to demonstrate any knowledge of the data in question, leading the 11th Circuit to deem the request unlawful, adding that the immunity should have extended beyond just the current case. This isn't the first time we've seen this part of the constitution under the digital spotlight, and we're betting it won't be the last, either.

Join us for Sony's Mobile World Congress 2012 press event at noon EST Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:33 AM PST Okay, guys, time to finish up those Sunday errands, because we have quite the prime time lineup planned, and you're not going to want to go anywhere (Oscars, schmoscars, right?). Coming up at noon EST Sony is delivering its first press conference since breaking up with Ericsson and rebranding its phone division "Sony Mobile Communications." Bookmark this page and come back a few minutes before noon, at which point we'll be reporting live on the Xperia U, the Pepper or whatever it is Sony has up its sleeve. And then when we're done you can stick around for our HTC liveblog, yeah? Yeah. See you there. February 26, 2012 12:00 PM EST

Join us for Huawei's Mobile World Congress 2012 liveblog at 9:30am EST Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:01 AM PST We've had our day to get over our jetlag after touching down in Barcelona, and now we're ready to get the liveblogs rolling. Kicking things off is Huawei, purveyor of underrated winners like the Honor and MediaPad. On deck today (at 9:30am EST, 3:30pm local time), we have an inkling we'll see an Ascend D1 Q smartphone and maybe, just maybe a 10-inch slate to round out the company's growing tablet collection. Curious? Bookmark this link, and check back at 9:30am to get the news as it's breaking. February 26, 2012 3:30 PM EST

Is this the Nokia Lumia 610? More specifications leaked Posted: 26 Feb 2012 02:36 AM PST While posters are raised and Barcelona continues to fill with confused-looking tech journalists, another taste of Nokia's 2012 offerings has appeared. This time, it's the company's low-cost Windows Phone entry. The Lumia 610 will purportedly pack a 3.2-inch display and a 3-megapixel camera, with BGR even reckoning that it will arrive with Microsoft's Windows Phone Tango OS, with a price of around 175 euros. We'll be listening intently to what Nokia has to say over the next few days -- and it looks like it could be plenty.

Google dives deep to bring underwater photos of the Great Barrier Reef this September Posted: 26 Feb 2012 02:24 AM PST Your next trip to the Great Barrier Reef could be from the comfort of your home now that Google's partnered with Caitlin SeaView Survey, the University of Queensland's Global Change Institute and the Underwater Earth organization to document this amazing ecosystem. Equipped with a special underwater camera capable of withstanding depths of 328 feet, the survey aims to photograph 50,000 shots in 360-degree panoramic view and incorporate them into Google Earth and Google Maps. Dubbed "Google SeaView," it seeks to open opportunities for increased conservation as well as a free look for wanna-be world travelers who can't afford a plane ticket down under. As an added perk, the collected data may also be used to help future ship captains navigate through the treachery of the intricate coral highways. Check past the break for more info on the survey and plenty of footage teeming with aquatic wildlife.

Light-based 'Metatronics' chip melts minds, not copper Posted: 26 Feb 2012 12:45 AM PST Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have flipped the switch on a new type of computer circuit. Unlike conventional silicon, the new chip uses light -- not electricity -- to perform its logic. By creating an array of nano-rods, light-flow can be treated like voltage and current. These rods can then be configured to emulate electrical components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. The benefits of the so-called "metatronic" system would be smaller, faster and more efficient computer chips, which is clearly a welcome prospect. Another curious property the team discovered, is what it calls "stereo-circuitry." Effectively one set of nano-rods can act as two different circuits, depending on the plane of the field. This means your CPU could become a GPU just by changing the signal. We can't speak for the light itself, but our minds are certainly bent.

Signage suggests Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 en route for MWC debut Posted: 25 Feb 2012 11:05 PM PST Could it be that Samsung really, truly, has another 10.1-inch slab in store for us this week? After seeing the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 make its official debut earlier, it appears more and more likely that it'll have a counterpart equipped with an S-Pen before the week is over. Apparently, someone was snooping sneaking around a hotel that the Sammy folks are staying at -- and are planning to show off its products -- and uncovered a poster teasing the wildly rumored Galaxy Note 10.1. Naturally, this doesn't guarantee we'll actually see the mystical tablet in Barcelona (after all, we'd imagine something like this would merit a press conference), but it's looking a heckuva lot more likely now, isn't it? [Thanks, Peter]

Facebook's Open Compute takes on data storage, designs a better home for your photos Posted: 25 Feb 2012 10:21 PM PST Facebook wasn't kidding when it said it wanted to build better backends for the digital world -- after sharing the plans for its customized data center, it's looking to do the same with storage hardware. "We're taking the same approach we took with servers," Frank Frankovsky, Facebook's director of Hardware Design, told Wired. "Eliminate anything that's not directly adding value." Frankovsky says they are working on a completely tool-less design, eliminating the need for mounting screws and plastic handles on hot-plug driver carriers. The goal is to get the outfit's new storage digs to run as efficiently as its previous efforts, streamlining hardware to be more serviceable, cost less and use less energy. The new storage designs are set to debut at the Open Compute Summit in early May, and hopes that sharing the designs will help redefine how storage hardware is made. Check out the source link below for Wired's in-depth look at the project. [Photo credit: Jon Snyder/Wired.com]

Google search now shows upcoming concerts, helps you find the next gig Posted: 25 Feb 2012 08:02 PM PST Google may stir controversy from time to time, but you can't deny it's one of the better provider of virtual tools that help make your life a bit easier. In this case, the Big G's bringing along some concert listings to its world renowned search engine. All you've got to do on your end is show up, pop a simple hunt query for your favorite band / artist (Kanye, Swift or whatever you're into) and within milliseconds you'll know where and when the next gig's taking place. That is, if that certain musician you're looking for is on tour or has some booked shows coming up (no, it won't get Daft Punk to come play at your house). The fresh tidbit's available now for those G-searching in English, though the plan's to "expand the feature to more countries in the future." You can also make your boy band's next gig show up in results by dropping a rich snippets markup on your site -- hit up the source link below for the full deets.

Ask Engadget: Best boardroom Skype gear? Posted: 25 Feb 2012 06:26 PM PST 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 from Hugh, who wants his businesses conference calls broadcasted in eye-watering detail. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. Our office here in Sydney is getting some big screen HDTVs hooked up to a PC running Skype. We'd like to put together an amazing HD video conferencing setup with a webcam that can show the six or seven people around our table as well as a noise canceling microphone or USB table mic. Any suggestion anyone has would be great, thanks heaps! Let's improve the general standard of the traditionally dour boardroom IT setup by suggesting something world-class, okay chaps and chapesses? It's over to you.

Samsung announces Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) Posted: 25 Feb 2012 06:00 PM PST We already saw Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) just over a week ago, and now the company has come clean with its 10.1-inch variant (along with a new Galaxy Beam smartphone). Aside from bumping up the screen resolution of its LCD to 1280 x 800, from 1024 x 600 on the 7.0, the 10.1 features the same 1Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, front and rear cameras (VGA and 3-megapixels, respectively) and 21Mbps HSPA+ connectivity if you opt for the 3G model instead of WiFi. The 10.1-incher notably comes equipped with a 7,000 mAh battery (up from 4,000 on the 7.0), which will hopefully ensure stamina that's similar to its predecessor. The slate is unsurprisingly loaded with TouchWiz-flavored Ice Cream Sandwich, and will be offered in 16 and 32GB models (expandable by up to 32GB if you supply your own microSD card). There's no word on pricing just yet, but Sammy plans to start selling all 10.1-inches of this treat during March in the UK -- and you can bet we'll get our own in-person hands-on while we're traversing the show floor here at MWC. For now, you'll find full details about the slate in the press release after the break and press images in the gallery below. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Show full PR text Samsung's new GALAXY Tab 2 series offers optimal multimedia experiences in life February 26, 2012 Samsung introduces its first line-up of tablets for 2012 with the launch of the GALAXY Tab 2 series, expanding the choice of tablets to customers. The GALAXY Tab 2 series includes a 7" version and a 10.1" version. Starting from UK, the GALAXY Tab 2 series will be launched in global market from March. The GALAXY Tab 2 series is available in 3G and WiFi versions, as well as in 7" and 10.1" variants. Light and portable, the GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) is the ideal personal on-the-go device; while the larger GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) is well-suited for home and family use. The GALAXY Tab 2 series is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visitwww.samsungmobilepress.com. Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) Product Specifications Network HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 Processor 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor Display 7" WSVGA(1024x600) PLS TFT OS Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich) Camera Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call Video Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8 Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps Audio Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG Music Player with SoundAlive 3.5mm Ear Jack Value-added Features Samsung TouchWiz/ Samsung L!ve Panel Samsung Apps Samsung Hub＊ - Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung Hub Widget＊ - Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung S Suggest＊ (App recommendation service) Samsung ChatON mobile communication service Samsung AllShare Play＊ Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air GoogleTM Mobile Services - Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™, Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋ Polaris document editor A-GPS, Glonass Connectivity Bluetooth technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 Host Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct Sensor Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light Proximity(＊ Available on 3G version only) Memory 8/16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB) Dimension 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm, 345g Battery Standard battery, Li-ion 4,000mAh ＊ Availability and launching time of the services may differ by region. ＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) Product Specifications Network HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 Processor 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor Display 10.1" WXGA(1280x800) PLS TFT OS Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich) Camera Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call Video Codec: MPEG4, H.264. H.263, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8 Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps Audio Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG Music Player with SoundAlive 3.5mm Ear Jack Value-added Features Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel Samsung Apps Samsung Hub - Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung Hub Widget＊ - Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub Samsung S Suggest＊ (App recommendation service) Samsung ChatON mobile communication servicea Samsung AllShare Play Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air GoogleTM Mobile Services - Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™, Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋ Polaris document editor A-GPS, Glonass Connectivity Bluetooth technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 Host Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct Sensor Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light Memory 16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB) Dimension 256.6 x 175.3 x 9.7 mm , 588g Battery Standard battery, Li-ion 7,000 mAh

Samsung unveils new Galaxy Beam smartphone / projector combo with dual core CPU Posted: 25 Feb 2012 05:52 PM PST Samsung has finally started to reveal its new products at MWC 2012, starting with this refresh of the Galaxy Beam packing Android 2.3 and a 1GHz dual-core CPU. Just like its predecessor it brings an integrated projector capable of 15 lumens of brightness, enough to shoot a high definition image that's up to 50 inches wide. There's a dedicated app that activates the projection, letting users pump out video and pictures, as well as interact with games when the 4-inch WVGA screen just isn't big enough. It has a 2000 mAh battery to keep the party going -- handy when you're stuck somewhere inconvenient with a few dozen of your coworkers -- 8GB of built-in storage and a claimed 6GB of RAM (we're double checking that, consider it a likely typo until you hear otherwise). There's more details and specs in the press release after the break, but no word on release date or market availability of this HSPA phone just yet. Update: We've just confirmed that the Beam isn't loaded with with a whopping 6GB of RAM as we initially reported. As it turns out, the device is actually packing 768MB of RAM (which is 6 gigabits, by the way). You can check out our hands-on with the device here for more details. Samsung Galaxy Beam Show full PR text Share the Fun with Samsung GALAXY Beam February 26, 2012 Samsung's projector smartphone offers unforgettable shared experience for playing multimedia content anytime, anywhere Barcelona – February 26, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today introduced Samsung GALAXY Beam, the projector smartphone that allows users to display and share multimedia content anywhere on a large luminous projector screen. GALAXY Beam lets users spontaneously share photos, videos or other digital media with family or friends by beaming content stored on the device directly onto walls, ceilings or improvised flat surfaces, so that everyone can share the fun without the need to huddle around smartphone or pad-sized screens. GALAXY Beam's ultra-bright 15 lumens projector allows users to freely share life's memorable moments instantly and in crisp clarity, even in outdoor environments. "GALAXY Beam provides mobile freedom, enabling a unique shared experience around digital content for everyone-anywhere and instantly-from a smartphone as slim and portable as any on the market," said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. GALAXY Beam is a device borne out of Samsung's insight and innovation, demonstrating Samsung's commitment to providing extraordinary experiences for consumers with products that let them express and fulfill themselves." Video clips, maps, business information, games - a whole range of multimedia content can be beamed instantly by GALAXY Beam on a crisp, high-definition projection up to 50'' wide. The device features a projector-dedicated application which makes it easy to select content and activate projection in a few simple steps. Add a dose of ambience or entertainment to a friends' gathering by transforming any household room or outdoor deck into an instant mini home-theater, projecting full-screen video clips on a ceiling or wall for common sharing, at the touch of a button. Or capture your favorite holiday moments using the GALAXY Beam's 5MP camera, then display a full photo slideshow to family members on a dining room wall while playing accompanying music straight from the device, so that everyone shares the experience. For young users who depend on constant, immediate socializing of digital content and entertainment, GALAXY Beam introduces a new way of sharing. It becomes much more than a phone-a handy digital tool, deployable anywhere, which can add visual entertainment to a simple street gathering, set the mood for a small party, or simply turn life's moments into something personally and immediately sharable. With GALAXY Beam, a birthday or anniversary party can be enlivened in seconds by sharing YouTube or Hulu music videos straight onto a ceiling or door. Likewise, students can collectively share videos or study-work in any dormitory room or student lounge, turning group study into a whole new interactive experience right from a desk table or from the palm of their hands. GALAXY Beam is also ideal for action-packed interactive gaming: Users can upload their own games or choose from over 1,000 games available via Game Hub, Samsung's dedicated virtual gaming store, then project games to co-players or observers to turn gaming into an unbeatably interactive, shared experience. Additionally, GALAXY Beam is convenient tool for mid-sized business workers. An estate agent can beam images of candidate properties to customers as they tour them; or an architect can display draft concepts or designs to co-workers on the spot at a building site or public location. Despite featuring a full built-in projector, the GALAXY Beam does not compromise on style or portability, measuring just 12.5mm thick and featuring an elegant, ergonomic design. It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread which is powered by an impressive 1.0GHz dual-core processor, ensuring great versatility and a highly responsive user interface. An impressive 8GB of internal memory allows ample multimedia storage without compromises, and a powerful 2000 mAh battery ensures greater display power and content freedom. The GALAXY Beam is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visitwww.samsungmobilepress.com. Note to Editors: Samsung GALAXY Beam Product Specifications Network HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 OS Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Display 4.0" 480x800 (WVGA) TFT Processor 1.0GHz Dual-Core Processor Camera 5MP AF ＋ 1.3MP / Flash Video MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, DivX Recording/Playback: 720p@30fps Audio MP3, AAC, AAC＋, eAAC＋, WMA0fps Connectivity BT 3.0＋HS, 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, MicroUSB, USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear Jack PC Applications Samsung Kies 2.0 Memory 6GB RAM ＋ 8GB Internal Memory, MicroSD slot (up to 32GB) Dimension 64.2 x 124 x 12.5mm, 145.3 g Battery 2000 mAh ＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 222,000 people in 205 offices across 71 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

NVIDIA gets big names to embrace DirectTouch tech in Tegra 3 devices (video) Posted: 25 Feb 2012 04:13 PM PST Synaptics, Atmel,N-trig, Raydium, Cypress and Focaltech -- big names in the field of touch-based devices -- have all agreed get on board with NVIDIA's DirectTouch platform. The tech offloads some of the work needed to track and process finger input from the controller to the Tegra 3, improving response and battery life. We were first introduced to the architecture at CES, but wasn't clear that others would embrace it. With two of the biggest makers of touchscreen controllers, Synaptics and Atmel, throwing their weight behind the project, though, things are looking up for NVIDIA-powered tablets. N-trig is even leveraging the processing power to improve the response of capacitive styli by combining DirectTouch with DuoSense (the tech behind the HTC Flyer). For more info check out the PR and video after the break. Show full PR text N-trig and NVIDIA to Bring Smoother, More Responsive Pen and Multi-Touch Input to Tablets N-trig's DuoSense and NVIDIA DirectTouch Architecture provide enhanced touchscreen experience on Tegra 3 devices KFAR SABA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--N-trig today announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to provide tablets with unparalleled pen and multi-touch performance and functionality. The combination of N-trig's DuoSense® pen and multi-touch user interface with NVIDIA DirectTouch™ architecture boosts performance and enhances the user experience. "The additional processing power provided by Tegra 3 allows device manufacturers to offer enhanced pen and multi-touch performance without increasing cost or power consumption." DirectTouch improves touch responsiveness by offloading a portion of the touch panel processing to the CPU cores in the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 processor, the world's only 4-PLUS-1™ quad-core processor with a fifth battery saver core. The architecture also simplifies the implementation of touch-based hardware and user interfaces, requiring less power while delivering more scalable performance. Michael Rayfield, General Manager of the Mobile business at NVIDIA, said, "We're delighted to take our collaboration with N-trig to a new level in improving the touchscreen experience. The combination of DirectTouch with N-trig's DuoSense user interface will enable device-makers to offer their customers unprecedented precision for active pen and multi-touch processing." N-trig DuoSense patented technology provides a pen and multi-touch user interface in a single device enabling true productivity in a mobile computing environment. The combination of multi-touch input and an intuitive, easy-to-use pen creates a truly Hands-on® experience for home, enterprise, and education. For example, in the education sector, DuoSense enables students to draw and sketch, take notes with handwriting recognition, and do homework directly on their e-textbooks resulting in a more versatile and creative way in which to interact with their computers. "With this partnership, we bring advanced active pen and multi-touch capabilities to the tablet market, providing the user with the smoothest and most precise experience possible," said Amichai Ben-David, CEO of N-trig. "The additional processing power provided by Tegra 3 allows device manufacturers to offer enhanced pen and multi-touch performance without increasing cost or power consumption." DuoSense supports all Windows, Android-based tablets and convertibles, and will be compatible with the Windows 8 operating system. About N-trig N-trig DuoSense® offers a complete solution to the ever-increasing demand for productivity on the move, utilizing pen capabilities for greater levels of interactive creativity, and advancing basic touch consumption to a much greater potential for simultaneous input, for a true Hands-on computing experience. Supporting various Windows, Linux and Android distributions, DuoSense can be implemented across a wide variety of form factors, including slates, netbooks, tablets and desktop replacements, supports all LCDs and a wide variety of industrial design options for mobile products, and keeps devices slim and light. N-trig has offices in Israel, the US, Taiwan, China and Japan. For more information, please visit www.n-trig.com. SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Synaptics Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNA), a leading developer of human interface solutions for mobile computing, communications and entertainment devices, today announced support for NVIDIA®'s DirectTouch™ architecture for the tablet market. Through its engineering partnership with NVIDIA, Synaptics continues to address consumer demand for thinner and lighter tablet devices that deliver an enhanced user experience. By collaborating with NVIDIA on DirectTouch, Synaptics offers OEMs broad choices on tablet touch solutions, including the recently announced high-performance, single asic ClearPad™ 7300, the industry's premier large touch screen solution. With industry leading system-level engineering expertise, global design and technical support centers and over 1 billion capacitive touch solutions in the market, Synaptics is uniquely positioned to help enrich the success of the DirectTouch architecture. DirectTouch is a new technology of the NVIDIA Tegra® 3 processor, the world's only 4-PLUS-1™ quad-core processor with a fifth battery saver core. Synaptics' partnership with NVIDIA leverages the company's lengthy tenure of innovation and design expertise in the touch space. OEMs will benefit from rapid development and fast time to market advantages due to the qualification nature of having both the touch and processor solutions offered in a single reference platform. Michael Rayfield, General Manager of the Mobile business at NVIDIA, added, "Synaptics and NVIDIA are collaborating extensively to deliver an outstanding touchscreen experience to consumers. Combining DirectTouch with Synaptics' technologies provides an offering that will help partners create quad-core mobile devices with a super touch experience." "Synaptics prides itself on developing key ecosystem partnerships with industry leaders, such as NVIDIA," said Rick Bergman, President and CEO of Synaptics. "We are confident that the user experience delivered by Tegra 3 with its 4-PLUS-1 quad-core processor will raise the performance and battery life bar in the exploding tablet market." For up-to-the-minute Synaptics news, follow @SynaCorp on Twitter. For more information on Synaptics' products and solutions, please visit www.synaptics.com. About Synaptics Synaptics delivers intelligent touch for intelligent devices as the leading human interface solution provider for the mobile computing, communications and digital home entertainment markets. The ClearPad™ touchscreen family supports devices ranging from entry-level mobile phones to tablets. The TouchPad™ family, including ClickPad™, is integrated into the majority of today's notebook PCs. Synaptics has shipped over 1 billion capacitive touch solutions to leading OEMs around the world. (NASDAQ: SYNA) www.synaptics.com. Synaptics, ClearPad, Design Studio and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Mobile Miscellany: week of February 20th, 2012 Posted: 25 Feb 2012 02:08 PM PST Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we greet a new version of BlackBerry Bridge, and we've also come across an interesting new launcher for users of Ice Cream Sandwich. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 20th, 2012. Microsoft offers free Windows Phones to public sector app developers Microsoft is looking to boost demand for Windows Phone in government institutions, and to that end, it's offering free handsets to developers that are willing to code public sector apps for the platform. Applications that address the needs of federal, state and local government will all qualify, along with those targeted at health and life science industries. [MSDN] BlackBerry Bridge gets an update Alongside the release of PlayBook OS 2.0, RIM also went ahead and pushed out a new version of BlackBerry Bridge this week. New features include control of the PlayBook from the BlackBerry smartphone, along with the ability to open files, attachments and URLs via Bridge. If these features sound familiar, they should -- RIM gave us a sneak peak of the latest additions at CES. Users will also find new copy / paste functionality, along with the ability to selectively enable or disable Bridge functionality for email, calendar and address book accounts. [N4BB] Nokia Lumia 719 receives Bluetooth creeds, spills a few secrets There's a new Lumia handset on the horizon, and according to the Bluetooth SIG, it'll be coming to North America, South America and Asia. Ostensibly a variant of the Lumia 710, it'll also feature a 3.7-inch ClearBlack display and a 5MP cam. Little else is known at the moment, but pardon us for not holding our breath. [Unwired View] Verizon LTE marches forward in Alabama The Heart of Dixie got a little more 4G lovin' this week, as Verizon Wireless has expanded its LTE coverage to include Dothan and Enterprise, along with the nearby areas. [Verizon Wireless] Nova Launcher brings greater customization to Ice Cream Sandwich If you dig the general style of Android 4.0's launcher, but long for more flexibility and personalization, you'd be wise to check out Nova Launcher (free) in the Android Market. The project hit version 1.0 this week, and allows users to configure custom grids, customize up to three scrollable docks (each with up to seven icons), and scroll infinitely -- or loop -- through their content. Paid users will find gesture support, swipe actions for the dock and the ability to hide unwanted apps, all for the price of $4.00. [Android Community] Samsung teams up with Opera to deliver web browser on feature phones We know that not everybody's fortunate enough to own a smartphone, but Samsung has tossed its feature phone user segment a bone with the announcement that several handsets will now include Opera Mini pre-installed. The good faith gesture will first apply to the Star 3 and Champ Deluxe (along with the Duo variants of each), and the browser will be extended to many more handsets as the year progresses. [fonearena, Opera] Ladies, meet the Bobbi Brown Galaxy S II Samsung debuted a limited edition version of the Galaxy S II this week, which was created in partnership with Bobbi Brown, the cosmetics company. The smartphone is reddish-pink in color, which primarily fits with the firm's overall brand. It appears to have a fancy case along with some matching shades of makeup. Ladies, does this really do anything for you? Or would you have preferred a handset named after the singer? [Samsung Tomorrow]

NHK's new Super Hi-Vision sensor captures 8K at 120fps, fast enough for Usain Bolt? Posted: 25 Feb 2012 12:22 PM PST As amazing as Super Hi-Vision televisions are, most of the footage we've seen is of slow-moving cityscapes, nature and portraits. We may get more action sequences soon, thanks to a new CMOS sensor capable of picking up 8K (33MP) footage at 120 frames per second. The joint project between NHK, Shizuoka University and the Research Institute of Electronics is being shown off on the 27th at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference The chip is developed on a .18 micrometer process, with an enhanced analog to digital converter that enables the faster frame rates. That cut down data processing time and power consumption, all key to getting some sweet super high res televisions (16x more pixels than your current HDTV) in our living room sooner rather than later. Our only question? If they can build a new camera around it in time to catch the world's fastest human being do his thing at the 2012 London Olympics.

NuForce Air DAC wireless audio streamer on sale: $199 for iDevices, $179 for everything else Posted: 25 Feb 2012 10:55 AM PST We may live in a digital world, but analog still rules the roost when it comes to audio, and a dedicated DAC can improve the quality of your tunes considerably. Back at CES, we teased you with NuForce's Air DAC that wirelessly streams music from mobile to your home stereo on the 2.4GHz band at a range of 30-65 feet (10-20 meters). Well, it's been priced and is now officially available. For those with Apple devices, the 30-pin iTX dongle will set you back $79, and those keeping their music elsewhere can grab the uTX USB transmitter for $59. On its own, the DAC receiver costs $149, though the whole iOS-compatible kit can be had for $199, while the USB version's yours for $179. PR's after the break. Show full PR text NuForce Announces its Air DAC Wireless System for High Quality Audio Streaming The NuForce Air DAC System features SKAA technology and allows users to cut the cord and wirelessly stream CD-quality music from a computer and mobile devices Milpitas, Calif. – February 23, 2012– NuForce, Inc., a leader in professional and consumer audio solutions, today announces the release of its Air DAC Wireless System for personal audio streaming. The NuForce Air DAC system gives users the ability to wirelessly transmit their music from a computer without latency and interference, while preserving CD-quality sound. The Air DAC wireless system is a combination wireless transmitter (NuForce iTX for Apple devices or uTX for computer USB) and a radio receiver (Air DAC) that operates in the 2.4GHz radio band. The NuForce Air DAC wireless receiver and any device outfitted with an appropriate matching TX transmitter can be combined to form a wireless audio network. The NuForce wireless transmitter and receiver set not only permits users to get exceptional wireless sound, it also allows users to send it to multiple devices in just about any room in the house. Each transmitter can send audio to four receivers, and each receiver can connect to as many as four transmitters. Setup doesn't require WiFi routers or IP addresses, making setup a hassle-free experience. Just plug in the appropriate wireless transmitter into and link the device wirelessly to multiple amplifier/speaker systems located throughout your home. Then simply walk into any room with your portable player and the system automatically locks on to its signal and streams the music to the speakers in that space. Move to the next room and stream music from the same device to that room's receiver. Wherever you roam in your home or office, your music is with you. (iTX for Apple devices will be available in the near future) "We wanted a robust, high quality, easy to use wireless audio streaming solution," said Jason Lim, CEO of NuForce. "The NuForce Air DAC wireless system is the perfect solution for any home or office." Air DAC uWireless System The NuForce uTX Transmitter plugs into your computer's USB port and then sends the digital audio data to the Air DAC receiver. The uTX has a wireless range of approximately 15-30 meters. The Air DAC receiver is available now for $149, the uTX transmitters are available now for $59. A bundle with the receiver and one transmitter is $179. Air DAC iWireless System The NuForce iTX Transmitter is a small dongle that is plugged into your Apple device using the 30-pin dock connector. The dongle then sends the signal to the Air DAC Receiver. The iTX has a wireless range of 10-20 meters. The Air DAC receiver is available now for $149. The iTX transmitters will be available soon for $79 and a bundle with the receiver and one iTX transmitter will also be available soon for $199. For more information on this or any other NuForce products, contact PR representative Jessica Darrican at 305-576-1171, extension 16.

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