Friday, August 26, 2011

Your Smartphone Or Tablet Now Takes Plastic

Verizon Wireless and Intuit Inc. today announced a strategic alliance to give all small businesses – from the sole proprietor to a medium-sized business – the ability to process credit card payments on smartphones and tablets. The companies are now offering Intuit’s GoPayment app and pocket-sized credit card reader in Verizon Wireless’ 2,300 retail stores and business-to-business sales channels.

GoPayment makes it easier and more affordable for small businesses to process credit cards and for anyone who sells products or services to accept credit card payments wirelessly. The card reader simply plugs into the audio jack of a supported smartphone or tablet. Credit and debit cards can be swiped through the card reader or entered into the app manually. The transaction is processed immediately and funds are automatically deposited into a user’s bank account within a few business days. GoPayment supports devices on Android™, BlackBerry® and iOS platforms for most popular 3G and 4G LTE smartphones and tablets.

Nokia Launches the Affordable Nokia 101 and Nokia 100

Nokia today announced the launch of the Nokia 101 and Nokia 100 phones, its most affordable phones to date, continuing its commitment to connecting the next billion consumers with mobile devices that offer modern, attractive designs, a range of practical and fun features, and services that extend the value of the phone with access to information and entertainment.

The Nokia 101 is Nokia's fifth dual SIM device in the last three months and is the most affordable to date. The dual SIM functionality enables users to connect to two different networks to receive calls and messages.
 
The Nokia SIM manager allows users to select which SIM card to use to make a call or send a text message helping them manage costs and maintain network coverage without needing several phones. In addition, the SIM manager allows users to store the settings of up to five SIM cards on the phone, and to personalize them by assigning names and logos for each SIM setting.

Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks?

As the world waits for Apple to release the iPhone 5, Reuters is reporting that Cupertino may be refreshing the iPhone 4, as well. According to two anonymous sources "with knowledge of the matter," an unnamed Korean manufacturer has already begun producing parts for a cheaper, 8GB version of the smartphone, slated to launch within the next few weeks. As for that next-gen handset, the insiders went on to say that the iPhone 4S / iPhone 5 will feature a more spacious touchscreen, better antenna and eight megapixel shooter, and that Apple is indeed aiming for a late September launch, after having already asked manufacturers Hon Hai and Pegatron to prep their facilities for the production of 45 million units, altogether. Details, as usual, are still scarce at this point, but we'll let you know as soon as we get more information.

Blackberry Curve 9360 hands-on

So, the trickle of BlackBerry juice is now a flood. Just weeks after RIM launched its high-end Torch 9810, 9850 and Bold 9900 handsets, it's revealed the refreshed mid-range Curve 9360 (aka the 9350 or 9370, depending on the carrier and region). When compared to the Bold 9900, which can be seen as a richer cousin with a similar form factor, the new Curve clearly comes with key hardware sacrifices in order to meet a lower (but still to-be-confirmed) price point, including an 800MHz processor (instead of 1.2GHz), no touchscreen and a 480 x 360 HVGA+ display rather than the Bold's full VGA panel. Compared to previous Curves, however, the 9360 is a significant upgrade. It sports the new BB 7, a 5MP camera and a physical design that RIM hopes will entice the "youth demographic" as well as the millions of international users who have helped to turn the Curve into RIM's globally bestselling range. The question is, is this device enough of an upgrade, considering it's been a year since the last refresh in the Curve series? Read on for our initial hands-on impressions...

Blackberry Curve 9300 hands-on

Hardware

You discover one of the Curve 9360's major selling points as soon as you pick it up: its thin, shapely dimensions coupled with a smooth, 'layered" design. The device weighs a mere 99g (3.49 ounces) due to the plastic build, but it doesn't feel flimsy. Neither are any of its three dimensions at all off-putting: it's 109mm long, by 60mm wide and 11mm thick, and its general sturdiness means you won't feel the urge to add to that size with a protective case.

The bottom layer of the device consists of a black, glossy battery cover, which peels off easily to reveal the usual innards. This cover fits into a matte-finished, charcoal-colored middle layer that houses various fixtures and fittings, including a very discreet volume rocker on the top right corner, an equally invisible (yet tactile) dedicated camera button on the bottom right, a micro-USB on the top left, plus the speaker, 5MP camera lens and flash on the back side. Finally, the uppermost layer is glossy black again and encompasses the entire front face of the handset, while also curving round the top and bottom edges in keeping with the whole 'curve' theme. Notably, the top edge has become the new home of the 3.5mm headphone output, which will come as a welcome change from the pocket-warping side-mounted port on previous Curves.

One downside of the over-arching top layer is the fact that the flush hardware buttons above the keypad are quite stiff -- because they're part of a relatively large chunk of plastic. The buttons on the Bold 9900 were much easier to press, but we reckon this is something we'd get used to over time. In contrast, the optical trackpad was a joy to use.

The keypad itself is very familiar -- you can either adapt to it or you can't. The individual keys don't have the steep angles of the higher-end models, but they do have a subtle ridge to aid typing. Also they're single-cell keys, with each one separated from its neighbor by a thin strip of plastic. RIM admits this design saves on cost and is aimed at people who bash out shorter strings of text. But it's a shame that the chunkier, more thumb-friendly keys of the Bold 9900 haven't trickled down to this mid-tier phone.

We didn't have a great deal of time with the camera, but it felt underwhelming and outdated due largely to a significant lag between button-press and shutter-release, even with the flash deactivated. In addition, the small screen contributed little to this device's utility as a camera phone.

Software

The Curve 9360 runs the new BlackBerry 7, which we've come to regard as prematurely aged. It just feels a bit dusty and not a sufficient upgrade compared to its predecessor -- but you should check out our review of the Bold 9900 for the full low-down on this OS.

The UI was generally fluid despite the 800MHz processor, presumably because the low-res screen prevents the chip from being taxed too hard. However, the browser seemed tardy when surfing Engadget in desktop mode. Pages took too long to render as we scrolled down, suggesting that this phone will really be limited to the mobile versions of web pages.

Blackberry's new OS doesn't support Flash, but YouTube worked a treat thanks to HTML5. Over all, we think the target audience for this phone will be using it primarily for communicative tasks that aren't graphically intensive, such as Facebook and BBM, coupled with listening to music, snapping occasional pics and watching a few videos -- all of which are handled easily by the OS and the processor. It's even possible that BB OS 7 will feel more at home in this device than it does in the higher-end models.

Netherlands judge rules that Samsung Galaxy S, S II violate Apple patents, bans sales (updated)

A judge in The Hague just issued a ruling in Apple's patent infringement case against Samsung, prohibiting "the marketing of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace for violation of Apple Inc. EP 2,059,868." In an official press release, the court explains that The Hague judge ruled to "ban trading of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace," adding that Samsung also violated other did not violate Apple patents with its Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 10.1v,. The judge determined that Samsung violated patent 2,059,868, which deals with "method of scrolling," but did not infringe 2,098,948 for "recording a flag in connection with multiple screen taps," or 1,964,022, which relates to dragging a slider to unlock the phone. We haven't been able to confirm, but from an online translation it appears that The ban will remain in effect through begin on October 13th. Hit up the source link for the full 65-page verdict (in Dutch).

Update: A dutch IP attorney has pointed out that the judge has ruled patent 1,964,022 to be null and void, meaning Apple can no longer make claims in the Netherlands based on this patent. The judge also found that Samsung did not infringe on patent 2,098,948. The infringement of 2,059,868 does not affect the Galaxy Tab 10.1. (Correction: the main patent in question is 2,059,868 not 2,058,868.)

Update 2: According to Tweakers.net, Samsung says that it will replace the software that infringes on Apple's patent (the Gallery application, specifically), which should allow it to continue to sell the phones. Notably, that Gallery application is the standard Android one used in Android 2.3, which also explains why the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is not affected by this ruling. Less clear is what the ruling means for other Android phones that use the same application.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

LG Announces the Optimus Sol Smarpthone

LG Electronics (LG) today announced the latest addition to the LG Optimus smartphone series: the LG Optimus Sol (LG-E730). Running on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform, the LG Optimus Sol offers 9.8mm slimness with a brilliant 3.8-inch "Ultra AMOLED" display. Sol is aptly named for its high clarity display which makes content easy to see even in bright and sunny conditions.

"The Optimus Sol stands out from its competitors as the most affordable 1 GHz Android smartphone with an AMOLED display," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "By introducing a no-nonsense phone that boasts one of the best displays on the market, we think we have a real winner for consumers looking for a subtle but visually stunning phone."

With a depth of only 9.8mm, the LG Optimus Sol boasts a sophisticated design, solid feel and enhanced user experience. Users can enjoy a great web browsing performance thanks to the 1GHz CPU, as well as enhanced Flash 10.1. on a 3.8-inch WVGA Ultra AMOLED display with a superior color gamut. The new and improved Ultra AMOLED display has a two-fold advanced reflection rate compared to standard AMOLED displays, and reduces image quality degradation.

Nokia Announced Two of Their Cheapest Phones to Date

At the midst of mobile warfare with expensive smartphones and copyright infringement battles, Nokia does not forget that there are those who only want the bare necessities when using mobile phones, along with the cheaper price. In lieu with these needs, Nokia has announced the two Series 30 phones that would hit the market very soon. The 100 and 101 have what it takes to be valued as something precious despite of the low price.

The Nokia 100 is for those who only want basic phone operations without all the fancy stuff. Nevertheless, it has an FM function that can be used by people to listen to the local radio station if they want. The 101 is a souped up 100, which has an MP3 player and a MicroSD support for an additional storage of up to 16GB. Battery in these phones are so phenomenal that both can stay up more than 25 days. Ironically, the 101 will be released on Q3 of 2011 at $35 and the 100 on Q4 at $30.

Source: Nokia Press Room

Redesigned Samsung Galaxy SII for the US on Video

It has been big in Asia, and has been big for Europe. Now that the phone will be released in the US quite soon, the Samsung Galaxy SII will surely hit it big on sales. Over the last couple of months, we have seen various renders on how Galaxy SII should look like on different carriers. However, all of that speculation has come to an end, with an official ad for the SII release in the US.

As confirmed on some leaks, the Galaxy SII has a minor change on the buttons where the big home button has been replaced with two capacitive buttons, “home” and “back”, together with “options” and “search” which has been included previously. When this new release comes out sometime in August 29 in New York City, expect that this device is going to kick ass, based on the ad by the way. Meanwhile, just stay on your seat and patiently wait for that day.

Source: SammyHub

LG Enlighten is Lit and Exposed

A few weeks ago, there have been leaks that came out with the LG Enlighten mentioning some details about specs, and a release date sometime August 25. As the day comes to a close, there are now official images that came out; presenting the LG phone in its full glory, giving a more concrete picture on what the handset will look like, upon release.

It is expected that the LG Enlighten would have a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen, a 3.2-megapixel rear camera, an 800MHz single core processor, and a 150MB of internal storage space, which can be expanded via a 2GB MicroSD card. It also has WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS for connections, which can be utilized with a side sliding full QWERTY keyboard. The phone will be seen in Android Gingerbread for its OS. The standard specs may generate a price of $100 with plans included. This final exposure may help the selling on August 25.

Source: PocketNow

Ben Heck tackles Android ADK, whips up car trip-simulating baby seat

Ben Heck car seat simulator ADK

We've been wondering what would happen if the infinitely resourceful Ben Heck got his hands on the powerful Android ADK. Thankfully, in the most recent episode of the accomplished modder's show, our curiosity is satiated. The crafty Wisconsinite tackles a reader request -- to recreate the soothing motion of a car ride and help put a three-month-old baby to sleep. Mr. Heck uses the accelerometer in his phone to record the bounce and sway from the backseat as he drives around. He then draws up some code that will feed that data to the Arduino-powered ADK and move a series of servos that will tilt and shake a child's car seat. Sadly, the completion of the project will have to wait till the next exciting episode, but by the end of the installment embedded after the break you do get to see a scale model. What are you waiting for? Click that little read more link for PR and video... you know you want to.

Show full PR text

Ben Heck Uses Google's Arduino-Based ADK to Mod Baby Car Seat Motion Simulator in element14's "The Ben Heck Show"

Ben explores new Android Open Source accessory standard to build motion simulator that helps new parents soothe fussy babies

CHICAGO – Aug. 22, 2011 – In the latest episode of the "The Ben Heck Show," sponsored by element14, the first collaborative community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, modding guru Ben Heck employs Google's Android Open Accessory Development Kit (ADK) to fulfill a viewer's request to create a baby car seat that simulates the calming motion of riding in a car. The kit's Open Accessory standard allows enthusiasts and developers alike to build accessories that can interact with an assortment of Android-powered devices.

"Smartphones are chock-full of applications and capabilities, but few users actually get the chance to unleash their full potential – using software development to go beyond in-phone applications," said Ben. "The car seat motion simulator is a great way to showcase how creative integration with the ADK can perform real world tasks – in this case, calming a fussy baby without emptying your gas tank!"

Ben walks viewers through the preliminary steps of loading the ADK software and code onto his computer and smartphone. Once programming is completed, a quick how-to and demo of the platform's I/O functionality prompts Ben to put his new gadgets to work as he recruits programmer and friend Chris Kraft to create an Android application that senses car motion using an accelerometer. After a cruise around the block to collect motion data with his smartphone, Ben uses the ADK to build a mock-up of his simulator design to test servos that will simulate car motions for the car seat.

"Ben's latest quest gives viewers a glimpse at the design power of Open Source technology and collaboration," said Kevin Yapp, chief marketing officer, Premier Farnell. "Modders, developers and even parents will enjoy watching Ben turn a piece of technology into something that has practical, real world applications."

Fans of the show are invited to join the element14 community to send Ben a challenge for a future build, engage with community members, and enter for a chance to win one of Ben's builds.

About "The Ben Heck Show"

"The Ben Heck Show" is a bi-weekly online television series aired in English that's dedicated to the science and art of system and hardware modding with a global audience of design engineers, students and electronic enthusiasts. Sponsored exclusively by element14, each episode spotlights Ben's mods of popular electronic devices while educating viewers on the underlying technology powering each project.

About element14

Launched in June 2009, element14 is the first, innovative information portal and eCommunity specifically built for electronic design engineers. The community recently unveiled its element14 knode, a unique gateway to solutions that enables engineers to quickly research, design, develop and prototype in a single, intelligent environment. element14 is an innovative offering from Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), FTSE 250, a leader in multi-channel electronics distribution trading throughout Europe (Farnell), the Americas (Newark) and Asia Pacific (element14). The company had group sales of £990.8m and underlying profits of £93.3m last year.

Mild-mannered RadioShack employee outs Google Wallet's launch date?

Okay, there's a possibility that our growing anxiousness for Google Wallet is distorting our perceptions. Or, perhaps we're merely days from its debut. Let's put it this way: new information from RadioShack suggests the retailer will begin accepting Google Wallet transactions on September 1st. While this fundamentally means that NFC readers will be in place -- which isn't earth-shattering news -- The Shack is one of Google Wallet's launch partners, and it seems the company is priming its employees for the revolution late next week. Like Fox Mulder, we want to believe. Worst case scenario, we now have proof that Google's launch partners are gearing up for its arrival. Hey, we're looking forward to handing over our phones to complete strangers. Aren't you?

Update: We're hearing this is more likely just another retailer ramping up for a launch later in the month, so don't get too eager for something shocking to happen on 9/1. Also, of course you don't need to hand over your phone to use Google Wallet. Customer-facing NFC readers mean it can stay very much on your person and out of the hands of sure-handed, dashing, and handsome retail workers.

[Thanks, Abed]

South Korea brings the big guns to the mobile OS knife fight

Publicly, Samsung and LG tersely supported Google's union with Motorola (which we've taken to calling Moogle) -- privately it appears the South Korean giants aren't as thrilled to be at the mercy of Mountain View's whim. Imagine their predicament if they were frozen out of Android tomorrow -- which is why the Korean government has stepped in to create its own OS. Kim Jae-hong, deputy minister from Seoul's Ministry of Knowledge Economy, thinks that American dominance in mobile software is generally a bad thing. The minister said that the country would "foster a habitat" for the open-source OS, which might mean incentivized pricing on these devices, and we're hearing a cloud-based Chrome OS is also in the offing. The biggest news Jae-hong slipped is that Samsung had been very dismissive of a Korean OS until it heard about the Google / Motorola deal. What a difference a Moogle makes, eh?

Samsung introduces new GALAXY smartphone naming strategy, expands GALAXY smartphone range

Samsung introduces new GALAXY smartphone naming strategy expands GALAXY smartphone range Samsung introduces new GALAXY smartphone naming strategy, expands GALAXY smartphone range

Samsung GALAXY

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced a new naming strategy for its GALAXY range of smartphones. The creation of the new naming system is marked by the release of four new GALAXY smartphone, the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro, all of which run on the powerful Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating systems.

Samsung has created a new and simplified system of naming its smartphones, focused on its ever-expanding portfolio of industry-leading Android devices. The naming structure will organize and group all devices into five classes, identified by a single alphabetical letter. Devices will then be further designated by an additional indicator which will identify specific functionality.

 

“As Samsung continues to innovate, our goal is to provide consumers with an experience uniquely tailored to their needs. We have introduced steps to ensure users can simply identify the device designed to deliver the perfect experience for them,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business.

 

“In addition to this new naming strategy at IFA this year we unveilling the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro – designed with the professional and social consumer in mind. These products further build on the phenomenal success we have enjoyed with the GALAXY range.”

 

New ways to identify your GALAXY Smartphones

 

According to the new naming structure, new class designators refer to the specific category that the smartphone product fits into, for example a premium device, or an entry-level device. All classes will be used within the higher branding of the ‘GALAXY’ smartphones.

 

- “S” (Super Smart) – Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung’s mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.

· “R” (Royal / Refined) – Premium category models, a combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.

· “W” (Wonder) – High quality, strategic models, perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.

· “M” (Magical) –High-performance models at an economic price-point.

· “Y” (Young) – These are entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.

Class indicators allow a more specific description of the key selling points of a device:

 

- “Pro” – This indicates that the device includes a QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals.

- “Plus” – This indicates that the device is an upgrade from an existing model.

- “LTE” – This indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed.

Introducing the Samsung GALAXY W

 

Equipped with high-spec technology including a 1.4GHz Processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity and a large 3.7” touch screen, the GALAXY W is the ideal solution for those who need to Live Fast and Live Smart. This powerful performance is enhanced with the inclusion of Samsung’s Game, Social and Music Hubs, providing one-stop solutions for a consumer’s gaming, socializing and listening needs. Kies Air enables additional control, allowing users who have misplaced their phone to track it, meaning complete peace of mind.

 

GALAXY M Pro

 

Providing a strong performance for high value, the GALAXY M Pro is the ideal solution for young and sociable professionals. A QWERTY keyboard provides swift, accurate typing on the go – enhancing productivity when drafting memos, documents and messages. The keyboard also simplifies communication with Social Hub allowing users to talk to whoever they want, however they want, all from their contact list. Communication history, instant messaging and updates from social networking sites are all readily available.

 

An optical track pad and touch screen ensures the interface is easy and simple to use. This productivity and functionality is packed into a sleek 9.97m body. Designed with professionals in mind, the GALAXY M Pro offers extensive productivity through a variety of enterprise solutions, including Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx.

 

GALAXY Y

 

Compact but with a full range of features and allowing the ability to stay social on-the-go, the GALAXY Y is an ideal device for younger consumers. Seamless multitasking is enabled thanks to the device’s powerful 832MHz processor. The GALAXY Y includes Samsung’s Social Hub, allowing users to stay connected with their online social circles. Equipped with Samsung’s TouchWiz User Interface, the GALAXY Y delivers a simple and intuitive experience. Additionally, the inclusion of SWYPE facilitates speedy typing. The GALAXY Y is available in a variety of colors ensuring it can fit with anyone’s style.

 

GALAXY Y Pro

 

Equipped with a QWERTY keyboard as well as enhanced social and professional features, the GALAXY Y Pro Smartphone is optimized for young professionals looking to manage both their work and home lives with ease. Users can stay constantly connected with Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging.

 

An optimized, intuitive touch screen interface allows an accessible and intelligent experience, while users are able to work on the go thanks to ThinkFree mobile office, enabling a variety of Office documents (Word, PPT, Excel and PDF) to be edited from the handset. Productivity is enhanced thanks to the combined power of touch screen and QWERTY keyboard inputs, enabling smooth navigation with efficient and professional input. WiFi Direct also allows faster transfer rates, allowing content to be shared quickly.

 

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Skype adds Groupme to social portfolio, sets sights on mobile market

Skype adds Groupme to social portfolio, sets sights on mobile marketSure, we're still waiting for that Microsoft-Skype deal to close, but it looks like Redmond's about to get more than it initially bargained for. Skype announced today that it has reached an agreement to snatch up Groupme, the mobile group messaging service that made a splash at Google I/O. Outfit head honcho Tony Bates told TechCrunch that Skype needs to invade the mobile space if it hopes to reach its goal of scoring one billion users, and cites Groupme's "sticky group messaging experience" as the ideal mobile addition to the Skype family. But don't take our word for it, hit the break and dig the PR for yourself.

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Skype Acquires GroupMe

LUXEMBOURG, 21 August 2011 -- Skype today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GroupMe, a provider of mobile group messaging services that helps users stay in touch and make decisions. GroupMe was founded in 2010 at the Techcrunch Disrupt Hackathon and is headquartered in New York, New York. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Through the acquisition of GroupMe, Skype continues its drive to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience. The acquisition of GroupMe complements Skype's leadership in voice and video communications by providing best in class text-based communications and innovative features that enable users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest ties. This, coupled with the acquisition of mobile video provider Qik, which Skype announced earlier this year, augments Skype's role as an innovator in driving unique mobile user experiences.

"Skype and GroupMe have a shared vision of creating applications and experiences that are the daily communications choice for a billion people. We will continue to seek the top talent and technology to make that vision a reality," said Tony Bates, Skype's Chief Executive Officer. "The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family," added Bates.

"There is a natural affinity between Skype and GroupMe and our goal is to continue developing tools that make it easier for people to communicate, share, and stay in touch with their close and important ties," said Jared Hecht, GroupMe's Co-Founder. "Integrating GroupMe into the Skype experience is an amazing opportunity for us and accelerates the execution of our vision tenfold," added Steve Martocci, GroupMe's Co-Founder.

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet Goes On Sale

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet Goes On Sale Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet Goes On Sale

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet, Lenovo, ThinkPad, Tablet, Lenovo Tablet, Android Tablet, Lenovo Android Tablet

Lenovo today announced that the ThinkPad Tablet, the company’s first business-class Android-based tablet, is now available for sale through Lenovo’s network of U.S. business partners and online with models starting at $499. Additionally, Seton Hall University will be the first educational institution to deploy the ThinkPad Tablet when 350 students begin using it this fall.

Unlike other tablets on the market, the 10.1-inch, Android 3.1 ThinkPad Tablet lets business users do more right out of the box, from working productively and securely to enjoying first-class entertainment features during downtime.

 

“The ThinkPad Tablet gives mobile professionals the most intuitive user experience available on a tablet today, thanks to its unique pen-based handwriting recognition technology,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president and general manager, ThinkPad Business Unit, Lenovo. “We wanted to replicate the way people work naturally with pen and paper by allowing them to digitally write, draw and create content while also optimizing the ThinkPad Tablet for business with a layered security solution and full IT management.”

 

Android Dressed for Business & Academics

As the first true business-friendly tablet, users can expect the same reliable and productive experience for which the ThinkPad brand is known. The ThinkPad Tablet caters to the extremely busy, mobile user with convenient features unlike competitor tablets for on the run computing, including an:

optional digitizer pen

full-size USB port

full-size SD card slot

mini-HDMI for connecting to external displays

keyboard folio case with optical TrackPoint

This fall, 350 students and faculty at Seton Hall University (South Orange, N.J.) will put the ThinkPad Tablet to the test by using it inside and outside the classroom, taking advantage of the “true” pen experience, ActiveSync(r), IPS display and Gorilla Glass construction.

 

 

“As a long time partner with Lenovo as a ThinkPad University campus, we’re delighted to bring the ThinkPad Tablet to our students and faculty in the Sciences, Honors and the School of Business Leadership Program,” said Stephen G. Landry, chief information officer, Seton Hall University. “This new technology represents the next evolution in Seton Hall University’s Mobile Computing Program to use technology effectively to support teaching, learning and institutional effectiveness while keeping pace with technology that appeals to our students.”

 

More than Apps, Supported by Business Tablet Ecosystem

The ThinkPad Tablet goes beyond delivering differentiated hardware features. It extends the business-class experience with productivity, security and manageability technologies and apps from more than a dozen partners. The ThinkPad Tablet provides access to more than 250,000 apps in the Android Market as well as the curated Lenovo App Shop, a fast track to the leading apps that are certified to work on Lenovo products and are malware free.

 

Productivity: With Documents to Go by DataViz, users can easily view and edit Microsoft Office documents while synchronizing with their desktops via USB or Bluetooth. The tablet’s pen and virtual desktop support via Citrix Receiver allows users to leverage their corporate tools without being in the office. Lenovo’s SocialTouch app keeps track of email, calendar notices and more, and OoVoo makes video conferences easy by using the Tablet’s front-facing camera.

Security: Users and their data rest easy with the tablet’s layered security solutions, which include full encryption (including SD card), remote wipe and disable via Computrace to combat theft, and full VPN support.

Manageability: Good for Enterprise delivers secure corporate email, and IT managers can easily configure security and device settings with custom corporate preloads from Lenovo’s Imaging Technology Center. The open API set allows for zero-touch deployment and management though LANDesk.

 

“”CSC sees a rapidly growing market opportunity for an enterprise tablet device that will enrich our clients’ experience with the cloud and provide the quality and highly secure standards that are required by today’s dynamic businesses,” said Nick Wilkinson, president, Market & Product Strategy, Managed Services Sector, CSC. “Lenovo has a proven track record of launching enterprise quality devices and we are excited to be working with the ThinkPad Tablet and expect to drive towards integration with our vertical specific services in the near future.”

 

 

Pricing and Availability

The ThinkPad Tablet is available starting immediately from business partners and on online. Pricing for the 16 GB model is $499 without the digitizer pen or $529 including the pen. Pricing for the 32 GB model with the digitizer pen is $599, and pricing for the 64 GB version with the pen is $699. Pricing for the optional keyboard portfolio case is $100.

 

Nokia Announces the Nokia 700 - The Smallest Smartphone in the World

Nokia today announced the launch of their first new smartphone featuring the Symbian Belle operating system, the Nokia 700. The Nokia 700 is the most compact touch monoblock smartphone in the market right now. This is a tiny device, but it also packs quite a punch when it comes to functionality. All the details after the break.

Coming with Symbian Belle preinstalled, this is a smaller, smoother Symbian experience than you’ve ever had before. The Nokia 700 measures just 110 x 50.7 x 9.7mm and weighs only 96g. It’s ideal for people who want a smartphone that slips easily into their pocket but don’t want to miss out on modern smartphone functionality.

Like our other recent smartphones, the Nokia 700 offers a pentaband radio, WiFi and up to HSUPA 3G data transfers. It’s powered by a 1GHz processor, and also incorporates GPS, a compass, Bluetooth and an FM radio. 

Compaq 8200 Elite All-in-one Streamline Desktop System by HP

Following the announcement last week of the lack of webOS devices, HP has returned to what he knows, and unveiled a new all-in-one desktop system. The new HP Compaq 8200 Elite launched this week offers a wide range of configuration options allowing you to tailor the specifications of desktop All-in-one for your needs.
Compaq 8200 Elite All in one Streamline Desktop System Compaq 8200 Elite All in one Streamline Desktop System by HP

The Compaq Elite 8200 can be equipped with an Intel Core vPro second generation of the power of choice, with support up to 8 GB of RAM. Its high definition display is an LCD monitor with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, brightness of 250 nits typical brightness of the image, 160 viewing angle 170 degrees vertical and horizontal is to see angle.Graphics provided by an Intel integrated graphics HD 2000 / 3000 and systems can be equipped with an optional Intel 802. PCIe MiniCard Wireless 11a/b/g/n 6205, along with any version of Windows 7 that you want or FreeLnx.

The new HP Compaq 8200 Elite is now available to order directly from the HP Web site at $ 999.

Celebrate the Motorola S10-HD Red Edition Bluetooth Stereo Headset at the Motorola Stereo Night Party

Celebrate the Motorola S10 HD Red Edition Bluetooth Stereo Headset at the Motorola Stereo Night Party Celebrate the Motorola S10 HD Red Edition Bluetooth Stereo Headset at the Motorola Stereo Night Party

Motorola S10-HD headset, Motorola S10-HD, Bluetooth, stereo, headset, Motorola stereo headset, Motorola Bluetooth headset

Get ready to rock at one of the hippest clubs in Seoul as Motorola Korea Inc. invites people who appreciate great sound and great style to a party celebrating the launch of the red edition Motorola S10-HD Bluetooth stereo headset. To be held at Club Heaven, ‘Motorola Stereo Night’ will introduce you to the S10-HD experience with hot mixes and a lucky draw. The party will start on Friday of Aug. 26th at Club Heaven in Yoksam-Dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and last as long as the music does. The red edition of the S10-HD Bluetooth stereo headset is available at every Motorola service centre, via the official Motorola website, department stores, bookstores, discount superstores, electronics retail stores and more for 99,000 KRW. Customer service is available at any Motorola service centre.

Nothing has the power to move you like music, and with an S10-HD Bluetooth stereo headset you can keep your music moving with you. See what we mean at a special, “ears-on” experience booth during the party at Club Heaven. The S10-HD’s light weight and sweat proof design will help you rock out to rich sound whether you’re out dancing, working out or even just working.

 

Log on to the S10-HD website at www.s10HD.co.kr and share information on Motorola Stereo Night via selected social networks linked from the site to earn a chance to win a sports water bottle at the event. Party-goers will also be given exclusive Motorola sticker tattoos and pose with friends at special Photo Zone. Dress for fun because there will also be a water-gun show to cool you down as you rock out to a night of hot DJ Koo. Don’t miss the opportunity win a stylish S10-HD headset so you can keep the music moving with you long after the party is over.

 

“With the red edition of the Motorola S10-HD Bluetooth stereo headset you can finally have a set of headphones that is as distinctive, fun and personal as your taste in music,” said Jin Woo Park, Head of Companion Products, Motorola Korea. “We want to see as many music fans and Motorola fans as possible at Motorola Stereo Night, both to experience the beauty and sound of this headset, and to have a great time with good friends and good music.”

 

Motorola Mobility’s latest Bluetooth stereo headset, the S10-HD provides high-quality audio in a design that keeps up with you whether at the clubs, the track or the gym. And with a redesigned button, switching between music and calls has never been more effortless.

 

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Android still king of the US smartphone hill, Motorola facing a market nosedive

In other obvious news, Android and iOS continue to sit pretty atop the US smartphone market, according to a recent NPD study. The current titans of the mobile industry both saw their pieces of the OS pie increase in Q2 of 2011, putting Andy Rubin's green robot in the lead with 52 percent and Apple at 29 percent. Newly adopted webOS, and Microsoft's WP7 and Windows Mobile all managed to cling to their respective 5 percent shares with no yearly change, leaving only BlackBerry OS to experience an 11 percent decline. But the real meat and potatoes of the report focuses on Google's soon-to-be in-house partner: Motorola. Despite the rosy picture painted by recent acquisition talks, the company appears to be facing tough competition from Android OEM rivals, and the wireless market as a whole. In regard to overall mobile phone share (read: dumbphones, et al.) and smartphone-only, Moto saw a 3 percent year-to-year decline, with its biggest loss coming from Android unit sales -- a 50 percent drop to 22 percent of the market. Will the rosy glow of Mountain View "help inspire new paths to differentiation" for Moto, or are we just looking at a repeat of the "RAZR era?" While you ponder these pressing questions, head past the break to read the full report.

Show full PR text

The NPD Group: As Android Solidifies Lead, Google Acquisition Has Potential to Revitalize Flagging Motorola
Patent-rich handset pioneer's second quarter share fell to gains by Apple, Samsung and LG.

PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, August 22, 2011 – According to The NPD Group, a leading market research company, Google's Android operating system (OS) continued to dominate U.S. smartphone market share, accounting for 52 percent of units sold in the second quarter (Q2) of 2011. Like Android, Apple's iPhone OS (iOS) experienced slight quarterly gain rising to 29 percent in Q2; however, BlackBerry OS share fell to 11 percent, as Windows Phone 7, Windows Mobile, and webOS held steady at less than five percent of the market each.

"Google's acquisition of Motorola shifts the balance of power in the handset-patent conflict between Google and its operating system competitors," said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis for NPD. "Android's momentum has made for a large pie that is attractive to Motorola's Android rivals, even if they must compete with their operating system developer."

Motorola's overall mobile phone market share declined 3 percentage points, from 12 percent in Q2 2010 to 9 percent in Q2 2011. The company's share of the smartphone market also declined from 15 percent to 12 percent. Motorola's year-over-year unit share of Android OS sales halved from 44 percent in Q2 of last year to 22 percent in Q2 of 2011, as Samsung and LG both experienced substantial gains.

"Much as it did in the feature phone market in the RAZR era, Motorola is experiencing increased competition from Samsung and LG in the smartphone market," Rubin said. "Closer ties to the heart of Android can help inspire new paths to differentiation."

Growing opportunity in prepaid smartphones

Beyond the four largest national carriers, Motorola can also make up ground in the rapidly growing pre-paid smartphone market. Based on the latest information from NPD's "Mobile Phone Track," one in five new handsets acquired in Q2 was on a prepaid plan, and carriers offering prepaid mobile phones continued to grow their smartphone portfolios. In Q2 2010 just 8 percent of prepaid phones were smartphones, but in Q2 2011 that number jumped to 22 percent.

"Android is also leading the charge in the rapidly growing prepaid smartphone market," Rubin said. "This was once a key segment for Motorola that the company has an opportunity to reclaim as prepaid carriers build their smartphone portfolios."

Data Note: The information in this press release is from "Mobile Phone Track" – NPD's consumer tracking of U.S. consumers, aged 18 and older, who reported purchasing a mobile phone. NPD does not track corporate/enterprise mobile phone purchases.

Android 3.1 Software Update now Available for Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi in Canada

Android 3.1 Software Update now Available for Motorola XOOM Wi Fi in Canada Android 3.1 Software Update now Available for Motorola XOOM Wi Fi in Canada

Android 3.1 Software Update

Motorola Mobility Canada Ltd. today announced the highly anticipated software update Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) that will take the already impressive Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi experience further. Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi users will now be able to resize widgets, use a Bluetooth headset during video chats and much more with the software update.

Providing higher resolution and more screen size in a smaller package than the leading competitor, Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi features a 1GHz-dual core processor and 1 GB of RAM, front-facing and rear-facing cameras, true multi-tasking functionality and the latest Google mobile services on a 10.1 inch widescreen HD display.

 

Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi showcases the innovations of the Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) user experience – including resizable widgets to further customize home screens, easy photo file transfer to a PC with the Picture Protocol Feature and enhanced peripheral functionality, making it a true hub for entertainment and communication.

The software update also includes:

Improved multi-tasking providing instant visual access to a larger number of applications

Support for USB-connected peripherals and accessories, such as keyboards, mice, game controllers and digital cameras

Expanded Bluetooth features to support Bluetooth headsets in Google Talk™ video chats, Bluetooth mouse support, and additional shortcut keys with the Bluetooth keyboard

SD Card support for up to 32GB expandable memory

Preloaded File Manager

 

Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi owners have started to receive the update as of August 22, 2011. If users have questions or need support they can visit motorola.ca.

 

Motorola XOOM Wi-Fi is available for $499 at Amazon.ca, Best Buy, Bureau En Gros, Future Shop, London Drugs, Sears Canada, Staples, TELUS and Walmart.

 

Engadget's HD Back to School Giveaway: Win Scarface and The Big Lebowski on Blu-ray!

Whether you're a longtime Engadget HD reader braving the high seas of wonky podcast RSS feeds or an Engadget Classic reader stunned by this alternate universe invasion of Blu-ray, HDTV and home theater news, it's about time we thanked you for putting up with our dust as we make some changes around here. To that end, our friends at Universal have hooked us up with a few copies of Scarface and The Big Lebowski on Blu-ray to get your fall started, whether you're heading back to school yourself or just know someone who is. Check out the rules after the break, leave a comment and then clear out some space on your disc shelf -- or, put one together if you're a soon-to-be Netflix refugee.

Engadget's HD Back to School Giveaway
Official Rules
No Purchase Required to Enter or Win

Eligibility: Engadget's HD Back to School Giveaway (the "Giveaway") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of Weblogs Inc. LLC, AOL Inc., their advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of Giveaways, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with the Giveaways (collectively "Giveaway Entities") and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are not eligible. All U.S., federal, state and local and Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void in Quebec, Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.

Sponsor: The Giveaway is sponsored by Weblogs Inc. LLC, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 ("Sponsor").

Agreement to Official Rules: Participation in the Giveaway constitutes entrant's full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

Giveaway Period: The Giveaway begins at 4PM ET on August 23, 2011 and ends at 12PM ET on August 31, 2011 (the "Giveaway Period").

Entry: During the Giveaway Period, go to http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/engadgets-hd-back-to-school-giveaway/ and add a comment to submit your entry. The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person.

Drawing: At the conclusion of the Giveaway Period, Sponsor will select the name of fifteen (15) winners in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during each Entry Period. The odds of being selected as a potential winner depend on the number of eligible entries received during the applicable Entry Period. Potential Winners will be contacted via email and asked to provide their full name, age and mailing address within a specified time period. If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the notification email, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period. Non-winning entries from one Entry Period do not carry over into subsequent Entry Periods.

Requirements of the Potential Winners: Except where prohibited, the potential winners will be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (the "Affidavit/Release") and IRS W-9 form within seven (7) days of being notified. If a potential winner fails to sign and return the Affidavit/Release and W-9 form within the required time period, an alternate entrant may be selected in his/her place in a random drawing of all entries received. Acceptance of a prize constitutes consent to use winner's name and likeness for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. In the event the potential winner of any prize is a Canadian resident, he/she will also be required to correctly answer a time-limited mathematical question to be administered by email, mail or phone to receive the prize. Limit one (1) prize per household.

Prizes: Fifteen (15) Grand Prize Winners will each receive a Back to School Prize Pack containing the following items: The Big Lebowski on Blu-ray and Scarface on Blu-ray. Approximate Retail Value of each Prize Pack is $50. Subscriptions are subject to issuer's terms and conditions. Activation fees and monthly service fees not included with any smartphone/digital devices. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize or portion of a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. Winners are responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize.

General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release, defend indemnify and hold harmless the Giveaway Entities from and against any claim or cause of action, including without limitation, any third party claim, arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Giveaway Entities' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway, and in no event shall the Giveaway Entities be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PRIZES AND ALL ELEMENTS THEREOF ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND. SPONSOR DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. Some jurisdictions do not allow the disclaimer of implied warranties. In such jurisdictions, some of the foregoing disclaimers may not apply to you insofar as they relate to implied warranties.

Disputes: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Giveaway or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant's rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Giveaway Results: To request the names of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Engadget HD Back to School Giveaway Winners, Joshua Fruhlinger, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. Requests must be received by September 30, 2011.

Netherlands judge rules that Samsung Galaxy S, S II violate Apple patents, bans sales

A judge in The Hague just issued a ruling in Apple's patent infringement case against Samsung, prohibiting "the marketing of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace for violation of Apple Inc. EP 2,058,868." In an official press release, the court explains that The Hague judge ruled to "ban trading of Samsung smartphones Galaxy S, S II and Ace," adding that Samsung also violated other Apple patents with its Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 10.1v, though it's not clear whether or not sales of those devices will be banned as well. The specific patents cited include 2,058,868, which deals with "method of scrolling," 2,098,948 for "recording a flag in connection with multiple screen taps," and 1,964,022, which relates to dragging a slider to unlock the phone. We haven't been able to confirm, but from an online translation it appears that the ban will remain in effect through begin on October 13th. Hit up the source link for the full 65-page verdict (in Dutch).

Acer loses $234 million in worse-than-expected Q2

AcerIt may be the second largest computer manufacturer in the world, but things are not looking good for Acer. The Taiwanese company lost 6.79 billion New Taiwan Dollars (TWD), about $234.1 million, in Q2, far more than the already sizable anticipated shortfall of 3.3 billion TWD (around $114.7 million). That's a dramatic drop off from the 1.19 billion TWD profit the company posted in Q1. Things are expected to improve in Q3, but Acer still expects to operating in the red until at least Q4. Some of the problems can be blamed on recent restructuring that has the vendor increasingly focused on mobile devices and less on netbooks, which were successful for the company but have quickly declined in popularity. The extremely brief PR can be found after the break.

Show full PR text

Acer Inc. Q2 2011 preliminary financial results:
operating loss NT$7.1B (US$246M), PAT -NT$6.8B (-US$236M), EPS -NT$2.57

TAIPEI, TAIWAN (August 24, 2011) – Acer Inc. announces the preliminary financial results for Q2 2011. Consolidated revenue was NT$102.1B (US$3.5B), down 32% year-on-year (YOY), operating loss was NT$7.1B (US$246M), profit after tax (PAT) was -NT$6.8B (-US$236M) and earnings per share (EPS) was -NT$2.57. The Q2 loss accounts for US$150 million in sales allowance to clear channel inventory in EMEA, US$30 million for cost of EMEA reorganization, inventory clear-up due to sluggish economic situation, and senior executive severance pay.

For first half (1H) 2011 preliminary results, Acer's consolidated revenue was NT$229.9B (US$8.0B), declining 26% YOY. Operating loss was NT$5.2B (US$179M) due to unfavorable internal and external impacts on company in Q2. PAT was -NT$5.6B (-US$195M) and EPS was -NT$2.12.

Under a new strategy, Acer's business model is changing from monitoring product sell-in only to include the final product sell-through, which means to keep closer watch on the market end for better total inventory control. In Q2 Acer made efforts to further downsize channel inventory due to stagnant European and US economies, and the slow PC market. Additionally, the company paid considerably in senior executive severance pay. Consequently, Acer suffered higher than expected loss in Q2.

In Q3 2011, Acer expects revenue growth and improved gross margin quarter-on-quarter (QOQ). As for Q4 2011, Acer anticipates a stable business operation and better gross margin from Q3.

Notes:
The exchange rate was US$1: NT$28.802.
Acer Inc. consolidated revenue includes revenues from other companies in which Acer Inc. has 50% or more ownership, and already deducts any revenues between Acer Inc. and these companies to avoid double-counting.

About Acer
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has achieved the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Globally, Acer ranks No. 2 for total PCs and notebooks. A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to the company's continuing growth, while its multi-brand approach effectively integrates Acer, Gateway, Packard Bell, and eMachines brands in worldwide markets. Acer strives to design environmentally friendly products and establish a green supply chain through collaboration with suppliers. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, including the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and London 2012 Olympic Games. The Acer Group employs 8,000 people worldwide. Revenues for 2010 reached US$19.9 billion. See www.acer-group.com for more information.
© 2011 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners.

Microsoft: Windows Phone Tango will be minor update, is meant for low-end handsets

It looks like we have our Windows Phone roadmap filled out for at least the next year, as Tango has been confirmed by Microsoft as next year's minor update preceding Apollo (aka Windows Phone 8). As mentioned at a MSDN seminar in Hong Kong, the successor to Windows Phone Mango will indeed be made for handsets in developing countries -- a key method to make these devices more affordable. These targeted nations have been neglected to this point, the company said, and the Tango update would bring more Bing services to them at a lower cost. Will such a move help Ballmer & Co. achieve greater market share against Apple and Google? It's hard to tell -- we certainly don't see this update coming to Vertu anytime soon, so we imagine that's probably a good sign.

MOBIADO Launches The Grand Touch & Grand Touch GCB – Unique, Elegant and Advanced

MOBIADO Launches The Grand Touch Grand Touch GCB – Unique Elegant and Advanced MOBIADO Launches The Grand Touch & Grand Touch GCB – Unique, Elegant and Advanced

Mobiado Grand Touch, Mobiado Grand Touch GCB, Mobiado touch screen phone, Grand Touch, Mobiado phone, CNC machine, Luxury phone

The Grand Touch is a milestone for the Mobiado brand as its first touch screen phone. Inspired by the sharp geometrical surfaces of gems, every angle of the Grand Touch reflects light differently. Unique and unmistakable from all other phones on the market yet it has a sophistication and minimalistic appearance that displays luxury. Defined by its distinctive straight lines, perfectly flat surfaces, and circular buttons, Mobiado phones are regarded as an icon of modernism. True artistic beauty using only the finest materials and precision crafted components.

 

The Body: Exceptional design and hand crafted sophistication.

 

The Grand Touch body is precision CNC machined from solid aircraft aluminum and anodized to produce an elegant hard surface for demanding everyday use. The Grand Touch GCB is CNC machined from solid brass and is plated with gold. The surfaces of the bodies are created with straight lines instead of curves, a process that can only be done with the precision of CNC machining. A new design language of accuracy and exactness is born. The top of the body is CNC engraved with the signature of the designer, Peter Bonac, to commemorate this new design achievement.

 

The frame is then inlayed with optional black painted sapphire crystal placed in every corner facet. In harmony with the unique look of the body, the entire back of the phone is comprised of 2 pieces of sapphire crystal connecting at a sharp angle. The battery cover is made entirely from one piece of sapphire crystal with a unique hidden sliding mechanism. The screws are gun metal black stainless steel and the buttons are black painted sapphire crystal. The Grand Touch is available in six designer styles: black, black satin, blue, grey, red and silver. The Grand Touch GCB is available in two designer styles: yellow and rose gold.

 

 

The Electronics: Merging state-of-the-art technologies with the tradition of phonemaking innovation.

The Grand Touch and Grand Touch GCB are unlocked, with quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 900/1700/2100, Integrated A-GPS, and WLAN connectivity. The phones work within North America, Europe, Africa, Asia- Pacific, and South America where GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks are available. They are equipped with:

 

5 megapixel camera with LED flash.

4″ display, 480 x 800 pixels, S-LCD capacitive touchscreen, with 16M colors.

3.5mm audio jack, MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3 player, and MP4/H.264/H.263 player.

GPRS, EDGE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP, and EDR.

Multi-touch input method, accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate, proximity sensor for auto turn-off, and 3-axis gyro sensor.

 

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

China inches ahead of US in PC sales for the first time

We may be living in a "post PC" world according to some, but PCs are unquestionably still big business, and they're now a bigger business in China than anywhere else. That's according to the latest report from market research firm IDC, at least, which found that both PC sales and shipments in China inched ahead of those in the US for the second quarter -- the first time that's ever happened, and earlier than IDC had previously projected. In terms of hard numbers, that translates to sales of $11.9 billion in China (compared to $11.7 billion in the US), and shipments of 18.5 million units, which represents a 14.3 percent jump year-over-year (as opposed to a 4.9 percent drop to 17.7 million units in the US). Not surprisingly, Lenovo is the big winner in all of this -- it's both the top PC maker in China and the fastest growing one, with a market share just shy of 32 percent.

ERPLY's mobile credit card reader handles NFC payments on an iPad, obliterates the check-out line

It may look like nothing more than a glorified chip clip, but that dongle at the bottom of this guy's iPad is actually ERPLY's new credit card reader -- the latest addition to a growing field of NFC and mobile payment devices designed for small and large businesses. Once attached to an iPad's charging port, the peripheral will send a user's encrypted credit card information to ERPLY's point-of-sale and inventory management software, allowing customers to purchase products on the store room floor and giving retailers the ability to monitor transactions and stock flows in real time. Available for $50 (with a transaction fee of 1.9 percent), the reader is also equipped to handle both NFC and traditional card payments and, after processing a purchase, will automatically send a receipt to consumers via text or e-mail. At the moment, it's only available for the iPad, though iPhone users should be able to get their own version within the next three months. Swipe past the break for more information, in the full press release.

Show full PR text

ERPLY Introduces Portable Credit Card Reader for Retailers to Securely Process Payments on Mobile Handheld Devices

Comprehensive POS Solution Now Includes a Low-­Fee, Convenient Card Processing Technology for On-­the-­Go Sales & Inventory Management

New York, NY – August 23, 2011 – ERPLY, the leading provider of cloud-­based mobile, laptop, and desktop POS and retail inventory management solutions, today announced the ERPLY mobile credit card reader for handheld mobile devices to deliver secure, fast and convenient payments for businesses large and small. The new credit card device connects to an iPad or iPhone and transmits a customer's encrypted credit card data to the ERPLY point-­of sale software and inventory management software suite to process payments. This gives retailers the ability to view real-­time data and inventory analytics through the ERPLY inventory management system.

The ERPLY credit card reader is priced at $50 with a 1.9% transaction fee that is considerably less than fees charged by competing technologies offered by Square and Verifone.

Providing Options for Consumers & Retailers

In today's retail environment, customers and retailers are faced with a confusing array of mobile payment options including Near Field Communications (NFC), digital wallets and carrier billing as well as traditional credit cards and cash. Customers prefer to pay via differing methods and savvy retailers need to be ready. The ERPLY reader is designed to meet the demands of customers and retailers today and in the future, since it is enabled for traditional credit card processing as well as the new NFC payment options just coming to market.

"With our mobile credit card reader, we are providing retailers with the full range of technology options they will need to accept and process payments and make real-­time decisions that affect their business," said Kris Hiiemaa, CEO, ERPLY. "As technology changes, we are giving consumers the ability to pay for items the way they want to, whether it is with cash, credit cards or with NFC technologies in phones. The ERPLY inventory management backend provides the foundation for our comprehensive POS solution, so retailers are ready for wherever the market may take us."

Changing Landscape of POS Technologies

In its recent market study "Next Generation Point of Sale Systems and Retail Technology," ABI Research forecasts that growth in this market will continue for the foreseeable future as retailers invest in the latest technology. ABI Research anticipates retail technology spending will grow to nearly $21 billion in 2014, from $14.8 billion in 2009.

With the ERPLY reader, a retailer simply attaches the device to an iPad or iPhone's charging port and this communicates with the ERPLY POS software to process the transaction and record the sale in inventory. The credit card information is encrypted inside the device, ensuring that the transaction is safe and secure. A sales person can be assisting a customer with information about a camera, for example, use the ERPLY inventory software to check on inventory, go to the storeroom and collect a particular model, and use the same iPad with the credit card reader to process the customer's credit card right there on the store sales floor. The customer is then sent an email or text message receipt.

The ERPLY mobile credit card reader is available now for the iPad and will be available within three months for the iPhone. The ERPLY reader works exclusively with the ERPLY POS and inventory management solution.

With prices starting at only $70 per month, over 20,000 retailers, ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to SMBs, currently use ERPLY's cloud-­based POS and inventory management software.

Mild-mannered RadioShack employee outs Google Wallet's launch date?

Okay, there's a possibility that our growing anxiousness for Google Wallet is distorting our perceptions. Or, perhaps we're merely days from its debut. Let's put it this way: new information from RadioShack suggests the retailer will begin accepting Google Wallet transactions on September 1st. While this fundamentally means that NFC readers will be in place -- which isn't earth-shattering news -- The Shack is one of Google Wallet's launch partners, and it seems the company is priming its employees for the revolution late next week. Like Fox Mulder, we want to believe. Worst case scenario, we now have proof that Google's launch partners are gearing up for its arrival. Hey, we're looking forward to handing over our phones to complete strangers. Aren't you?

Update: We're hearing this is more likely just another retailer ramping up for a launch later in the month, so don't get too eager for something shocking to happen on 9/1. Also, of course you don't need to hand over your phone to use Google Wallet. Customer-facing NFC readers mean it can stay very much on your person and out of the hands of sure-handed, dashing, and handsome retail workers.

[Thanks, Abed]

LightSquared and InterGlobe Sign Multi-Year 4G-LTE Wholesale Agreement

light-squared.jpg

LightSquared, the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, and InterGlobe Communications, a business integrated service provider primarily serving the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania region, today announced that they have entered into a multi-year wholesale agreement.

Under this agreement, InterGlobe, a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) with nearly 20 years of experience, will become a wholesale customer on LightSquared’s 4G-LTE network. InterGlobe will add high-speed mobile data and satellite services to its range of business communications solutions that include VoIP, high-speed Internet, video teleconferencing and IP telephony services offered to its growing number of business clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

BlackBerry Curve 9350 Debuts Sept. 9 for Just $79.99 from Sprint

The next generation of Research In Motion’s popular BlackBerry Curve series of smartphones, the stunning new BlackBerry Curve 9350, comes to Sprint on Friday, Sept. 9, offering the latest BlackBerry operating system – BlackBerry 7. The new BlackBerry Curve 9350 is a fast, affordable, easy-to-use, full-featured and socially connected smartphone that is as beautiful as it is functional.

The slim and stylish smartphone will cost just $79.99 (excluding taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement, after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1 and be available in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and web sales (www.sprint.com). Sprint Business customers may qualify to get BlackBerry Curve 9350 for $49.99 (excluding taxes) on a business account with a new line or eligible upgrade and new one- or two-year service agreement, after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1.

“It is exciting to see the BlackBerry Curve line continue to evolve, building upon past success,” said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. 

Android 3.2 Update for Acer Iconia Tabs

Acer is reported to be currently rolling out a new update to its Iconia Tab A500 or A501 tablets taking their operating systems from Android 3.0 Honeycomb up to 3.2. The update brings with it a few new useful features such as the ability for you to scale up the smaller apps, originally designed for smartphones, to the full screen size of the tablet.
Android Update Acer Iconia Android 3.2 Update for Acer Iconia Tabs

The update also provides performance tweaks and speed increases and now enables the ability to sync media from the SD card.The update is currently rolling out to all devices reports Acer but may take a few days to reach every user.

LG’S Newest 3D Notebook A530 Delivers All The Thrills Of Seeing, Shooting And Sharing In 3D

LG’S Newest 3D Notebook A530 Delivers All The Thrills Of Seeing Shooting And Sharing In 3D 1 LG’S Newest 3D Notebook A530 Delivers All The Thrills Of Seeing, Shooting And Sharing In 3D

LG 3D Notebook, LG A530, LG notebook

LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled the LG A530, a premium new 3D notebook offering all the thrills of seeing, shooting and sharing 3D content. A 3D dual webcam above the 15.6-inch Full HD 3D LCD screen lets users shoot their own 3D videos and photos, while a slew of innovative features in a luxurious metalliclook chassis deliver great looks along with an impressive stereoscopic 3D experience.

“With 3D becoming ever more popular, the logical next step is to let users make their own 3D content and watch it on a top-quality 3D screen. And that’s just what our new A530 does,” said J.J. Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of LG Electronics PC Business Unit. “LG is already a leader in the ever-growing world of 3D technology. With the LG A530’s wide range of line-ups including 3D HD in addition to 3D Full HD, LG is already leading the 3D notebook market.”

 

Perfect Thrills with Full 3D Creation with Dual Webcam

Whereas most 3D notebooks offer only 3D viewing, the LG A530 stands alone in providing a full, superior 3D experience, with the ability to see, shoot and share via the 3D dual webcam. With the 3D dual webcam making it simple to create dazzling 3D content, the LG A530 delivers an integrated 3D experience allowing simple, hassle-free playback of 3D content from the notebook to LG’s other cutting-edge 3D devices, such

as smartphones, TVs and monitors.

 

The LG A530 also lets users easily share 3D content with their friends and family by uploading it to YouTube. And the built-in 3D Space Software -– LG’s new integrated user interface that makes it easy to access 3D video, photos, games and movies –- presents users with an even wider range of 3D options.

 

Thanks to LG’s proprietary Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology, which produces brighter 3D images that are entirely free of flicker, users can watch 3D content on the LG A530 for extended periods without worrying about eye strain or dizziness. The 3D LCD screen, with Full HD 1920×1080 resolution, keeps images brighter than on shutter glasses-type 3D notebooks, meaning richer, more vivid games, movies and pictures.

 

The LG A530 includes a free pair each of the lightweight 3D glasses and clip-ons, so owners can watch 3D content in complete comfort straight away. In addition, the LG A530 features an SRS Wide 3D Sound system for truly immersive audio.

 

Unprecedented Performance, Ultimate Convenience

To guarantee exceptional overall performance in addition to its 3D functions, the LG A530 packs a second-generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor with up to 8GB memory. The new processor delivers 60 percent faster speeds and double the power for playing HD media than the previous Intel® Core™ i7 processor. In addition, the NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M graphics card boasts 20 percent better performance than NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M, for the ultimate experience in 3D games and movies.

 

A built-in solid-state drive (SSD) complements the LG A530’s high-capacity HDD drive, so boot-up times are between 20 and 30 percent faster than on competing notebooks. The speed and convenience is further bolstered by fingerprint access for quick log-in and USB 3.0 transfers data 10 times faster than USB 2.0.

 

Modern Look, Sophisticated Touch with Diamond Cutting

The LG A530 sports a luxurious, modern exterior in a sturdy, Ebony Black case. Its metallic look has a solid brushed aluminum finish, while the touchpad’s edges have been rounded using real diamonds as the cutting element. A wider touchpad and pebble keyboard make the notebook’s interior more ergonomic and comfortable to use.

 

LG will be rolling out the premium LG A530 in Europe, the Middle East and Africa this month followed by other markets soon after.

 

Monday, August 22, 2011

PaymentOne Surpasses $5 Billion Milestone in Carrier Billed Micropayments

paymentone.jpg

PaymentOne, the pioneer in frictionless payment and carrier billing solutions, today announced the company surpassed $5 billion in micro-payment transactions and incremental revenue generation for its digital clients. PaymentOne enables publishers, application developers and digital merchants such as AOL, Blizzard Entertainment and Gaia Online to sell more virtual goods, online and mobile services, and recurring digital subscriptions to consumers around the world. PaymentOne’s simple and secure “click and confirm” process places charges on the buyer’s existing mobile phone, fixed-line or broadband service bills without requiring any disclosure of credit card or sensitive financial information.

Silicon Valley based PaymentOne created this powerful frictionless payments category for internet based services more than 10 years ago, persistently demonstrating growth and innovation into mobile payments and digital commerce on virtually every connected device since. PaymentOne, as a profitable global company, stands tall in a market crowded with new startups with less stable financial situations, less breadth and unproven track records.

Verizon Wireless Introduces New Version of Mobile Phone Video-on-Demand App

Verizon Wireless today introduced Verizon Video, a new version of its video-on-demand application for mobile phones. Verizon Video offers Verizon Wireless customers access to current TV episodes, live streaming of major sporting and news events, and a high-quality video experience, all powered by the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network.

Verizon Video lets customers find content in different ways, so whether they know what they want to watch or they’re just browsing, they’ll find programming that interests them and their families. Verizon Video offers access to more than 250 current, full-episode TV shows from all the major broadcast networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS and MTV, and popular cable channels such as Comedy Central, Animal Planet, CNBC, Disney Channel, ESPN and many others. Programs from Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and PBS Kids among others will keep the kids entertained when away from the television.

LG Optimus Sol Shines Official after Quick Leak

In about a week’s time after the leak has been out, LG now announces the Optimus Sol as the newest lineup of Android phones that sport Android Gingerbread. The name of the new device is not just given as a name, but has specs and other details that really stand up with what is being featured. It has 2.3.3 Android Gingerbread, a 1GHz processor, and a 5-megapixel rear end camera. It includes a 3.8-inch “Ultra AMOLED” screen and a unique UI that optimizes the sun.

The new AMOLED is different from other display functions due to its advanced adaptability with displaying visuals, even with the high sunlight. The image does not experience quality reduction or color difference with the sun being up. Another unique feature is the Dark UI where the light being used in the phone’s graphics lessen the white, which can save up to an additional 20% or 30% of battery usage. The device is said to be out in mid-September.

Source: LG Korea News Room

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman delivers unique social music experience for smartphones

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman delivers unique social music experience for smartphones Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman delivers unique social music experience for smartphones

Sony Ericsson Live

Sony Ericsson today announced Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman, an Android smartphone that delivers a unique social music experience. A dedicated Walkman hardware button provides instant access to the music player and consumers can also like, share and discover content through a deep Facebook integration. The infinite button lets the consumer explore even more and the Qriocity service from Sony provides music and video content for the consumer to enjoy.

With attractive curved design, a glossy finish and a mineral glass display, the phone has a 3.2” screen and a powerful 1Ghz processor. A front facing camera is enabled for Skype video calling, while a can capture 720p HD video recording. *Sony’s xLOUD enhances audio  output, while the latest Android platform for smartphones (Gingerbread 2.3) provides access to over 250,000 applications on the Android Market.

 

Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing, Sony Ericsson said: “Consumers want smartphones to deliver a rich and social entertainment experience. Rather than a one dimensional music experience, they want instant and seamless access to new content, combined with the ability to share and connect with their friends. The Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman provides exactly this, in a powerful package with great style.”

 

A perfect combination of social networking and music entertainment:

Deep Facebook integration: Allows users to instantly access Facebook through the most used areas of the phone such as the picture gallery, music player, phonebook and calendar.

Media Discovery Application: A dynamic application placing the world of music and videos at consumer’s fingertips including Facebook recommendations from their friends.

Infinite button: Tapping it within the media player enables consumers to have instant access to new content about their favourite artist, such as music videos, artist information and lyrics search.

Qriocity music and video content services from Sony: Consumers can access millions of songs from all major labels and watch thousands of movies from all major studios. Only Sony Ericsson Android smartphones provide consumers with unique access to the  entertainment services from *Sony.

*Sony’s xLOUD technology: Enhances audio output of the inbuilt speakers at high levels.

TrackID: Identifies the music track you are listening to within the FM radio and music player. The track can then instantly be shared or downloaded.

 

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman will be available globally in selected markets from Q4 2011.

 

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman at a glance.

 

Colours

Black and White

 

Facts

Size: 56.5 x 106 x 14.2 mm

Weight: 115 g

 

Camera

5 megapixel camera

8x digital zoom

Auto focus

Face detection

Flash/Photo light

Flash/Photo flash

Flash/LED

Front-facing camera (VGA)

Geo tagging

HD video recording (720p)

Image stabiliser

Red-eye reduction

Scene detection

Self-timer

Send to web

Smile detection

Touch capture

Touch focus

Video light

Video recording

Music

Album art

Bluetooth stereo (A2DP)

Music tones (MP3/AAC)

PlayNow service

Stereo speakers

TrackID music recognition

Walkman player

xLOUD

 

Internet

Android Market

Bookmarks

Google search

Google Voice Search

NeoReader barcode scanner

Pan & zoom

Web browser (WebKit)

Communication

Call list

Conference calls

Facebook application

Google Talk

Polyphonic ringtones

Skype

Sony Ericsson Timescape

Speakerphone

Twitter (Timescape integration)

Vibrating alert

Video chat ready

 

Messaging

Conversations

Email

Google Mail

Handwriting recognition

Instant messaging

Multimedia messaging (MMS)

Predictive text input

Sound recorder

Text messaging (SMS)

Type & Send widget

 

Design

Auto rotation

Four-corner Home screen

Keyboard (on-screen, 12-key)

Keyboard (on-screen, QWERTY)

Live wallpaper

Picture wallpaper

Touch screen

Entertainment

3D games

Media browser

Radio (FM radio with RDS)

Video streaming

Video viewing

YouTube

 

Organiser

Alarm clock

Calculator

Calendar

Document readers

Emanual

Flight mode

Google Calendar

Google Gallery 3D

Infinite button

Phonebook

Setup guide

Event

Timer

Widget manager

 

Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack

aGPS

Bluetooth technology

DLNA Certified

Google Latitude

Google Maps for Mobile

Google Maps with Street View

Media Transfer Protocol support

Micro USB support

Modem

Native USB tethering

Synchronisation via Facebook

Synchronisation via Google Sync

Synchronisation via Sony Ericsson Sync

Synchronisation with computer

Synchronisation via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync

Synchronisation: Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync via Moxier client

USB mass storage

USB High speed 2.0 support

USB support

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Hotspot functionality

Wisepilot turn-by-turn navigation

Display

3.2 inches

16,777,216 colour TFT

480 x 320 pixels

Capacitive touchscreen (multi-touch)

Scratch-resistant

 

Memory

Phone memory (user-free): Up to 320MB

Memory card support: microSD, up to 32GB

 

Battery life

Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 14 hrs 15 min*

Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 600 hrs*

Talk time UMTS: Up to 6 hrs 42 min*

Standby time UMTS: Up to 850 hrs*

Music listening time: Up to 17 hrs 30 min

Video listening time: Up to 6 hrs 30 min

 

Networks

UMTS HSPA 850 (Band V), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I)

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

UMTS HSPA 900 (Band VIII), 2100 (Band I)

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

 

In the kit

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman

1200 mAh battery

stereo headset

2GB microSD memory card

Charger

micro USB cable for charging

synchronisation and file transfer

user documentation

 

Sony Ericsson unveils Live with Walkman handset for music-loving Android users

Four months after unveiling the relatively bare bones W8, Sony Ericsson has now taken the wraps off yet another Walkman phone, known as the Live with Walkman. Powered by a 1GHz processor, this Android handset features a 3.2 inch, capacitive touchscreen (with somewhat disappointing HVGA resolution), a five megapixel AF shooter with 8x digital zoom, and a front-facing VGA camera capable of capturing HD video in 720p. The petite, Gingerbread-equipped device also packs a lackluster 320MB of RAM, provides up to 32GB of microSD storage, and offers either tri-band 3G support (HSPA+) at 850, 1900 and 2100MHZ, or dual-band 3G at 900 and 2100MHz, depending on the model. And, as you'd expect, Sony Ericsson has placed a special emphasis on the music phone's media capabilities, beefing it up with enhanced audio and Qriocity integration. The specs may not sound earth shattering, but we'll wait until we get pricing information before casting judgment. The Live with Walkman is slated to hit "selected markets" by Q4 of this year, but you can find more information in the full PR, after the break.

Show full PR text

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™ delivers unique social music experience for smartphones

22 August 2011

Smartphone with Walkman™ on the latest Android platform (Gingerbread 2.3)
Unique Facebook™ integration enables instant music and media sharing
Content services from Sony provide access to the latest music and video titles

22 August 2011, London, UK – Sony Ericsson today announced Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™, an Android smartphone that delivers a unique social music experience. A dedicated Walkman™ hardware button provides instant access to the music player and consumers can also like, share and discover content through a deep Facebook™ integration. The infinite button lets the consumer explore even more and the *Qriocity service from Sony provides music and video content for the consumer to enjoy.

With attractive curved design, a glossy finish and a mineral glass display, the phone has a 3.2" screen and a powerful 1Ghz processor. A front facing camera is enabled for Skype video calling, while a 5MP AF camera can capture 720p HD video recording. *Sony's xLOUD™ enhances audio output, while the latest Android platform for smartphones (Gingerbread 2.3) provides access to over 250,000 applications on the Android Market™.

Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing, Sony Ericsson said: "Consumers want smartphones to deliver a rich and social entertainment experience. Rather than a one dimensional music experience, they want instant and seamless access to new content, combined with the ability to share and connect with their friends. The Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™ provides exactly this, in a powerful package with great style."

A perfect combination of social networking and music entertainment:

Deep Facebook™ integration: Allows users to instantly access Facebook through the most used areas of the phone such as the picture gallery, music player, phonebook and calendar.
Media Discovery Application: A dynamic application placing the world of music and videos at consumer's fingertips including Facebook™ recommendations from their friends.
Infinite button: Tapping it within the media player enables consumers to have instant access to new content about their favourite artist, such as music videos, artist information and lyrics search.
Qriocity music and video content services from Sony: Consumers can access millions of songs from all major labels and watch thousands of movies from all major studios. Only Sony Ericsson Android smartphones provide consumers with unique access to the entertainment services from *Sony.
*Sony's xLOUD™ technology: Enhances audio output of the inbuilt speakers at high levels.
TrackID™: Identifies the music track you are listening to within the FM radio and music player. The track can then instantly be shared or downloaded.

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™ will be available globally in selected markets from Q4 2011.
For full details all products news, please visit the press room and the product blog:
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/press/pressreleases/latestnews
http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™ at a glance.
*Please note that all services mentioned may not be available in every market.

Colours

Black and White

Facts

Size: 56.5 x 106 x 14.2 mm
Weight: 115 g

Camera

5 megapixel camera
8x digital zoom
Auto focus
Face detection
Flash/Photo light
Flash/Photo flash
Flash/LED
Front-facing camera (VGA)
Geo tagging
HD video recording (720p)
Image stabiliser
Red-eye reduction
Scene detection
Self-timer
Send to web
Smile detection
Touch capture
Touch focus
Video light
Video recording

Music

Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™ service
Stereo speakers
TrackID™ music recognition
Walkman™ player
xLOUD™

Internet

Android Market™
Bookmarks
Google™ search
Google Voice™ Search
NeoReader™ barcode scanner
Pan & zoom
Web browser (WebKit)

Communication

Call list
Conference calls
Facebook™ application
Google Talk™
Polyphonic ringtones
Skype
Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Speakerphone
Twitter™ (Timescape™ integration)
Vibrating alert
Video chat ready

Messaging

Conversations
Email
Google Mail™
Handwriting recognition
Instant messaging
Multimedia messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Type & Send widget

Design

Auto rotation
Four-corner Home screen
Keyboard (on-screen, 12-key)
Keyboard (on-screen, QWERTY)
Live wallpaper
Picture wallpaper
Touch screen

Entertainment

3D games
Media browser
Radio (FM radio with RDS)
Video streaming
Video viewing
YouTube™

Organiser

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Document readers
Emanual
Flight mode
Google Calendar™
Google Gallery 3D™
Infinite button
Phonebook
Setup guide
Event
Timer
Widget manager

Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack
aGPS
Bluetooth™ technology
DLNA Certified™
Google Latitude™
Google Maps™ for Mobile
Google Maps™ with Street View
Media Transfer Protocol support
Micro USB support
Modem
Native USB tethering
Synchronisation via Facebook™
Synchronisation via Google™ Sync
Synchronisation via Sony Ericsson Sync
Synchronisation with computer
Synchronisation via Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
Synchronisation: Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® via Moxier client
USB mass storage
USB High speed 2.0 support
USB support
Wi-Fi™
Wi-Fi™ Hotspot functionality
Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation

Display

3.2 inches
16,777,216 colour TFT
480 x 320 pixels
Capacitive touchscreen (multi-touch)
Scratch-resistant

Memory

Phone memory (user-free): Up to 320MB
Memory card support: microSD™, up to 32GB

Battery life

Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 14 hrs 15 min*
Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 600 hrs*

Talk time UMTS: Up to 6 hrs 42 min*
Standby time UMTS: Up to 850 hrs*

Music listening time: Up to 17 hrs 30 min
Video listening time: Up to 6 hrs 30 min

*According to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique. Battery performance may vary depending on network conditions and configurations, and phone usage.

Networks

UMTS HSPA 850 (Band V), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I)
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

UMTS HSPA 900 (Band VIII), 2100 (Band I)
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

In the kit

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™
1200 mAh battery
stereo headset
2GB microSD™ memory card
Charger
micro USB cable for charging
synchronisation and file transfer
user documentation