Exo PC slate review
Why have a tablet PC running a mobile OS (iOS 4 or Android) when you can have one running a full version of Windows 7 Home Premium edition.
That’s the argument you are likely to hear from Exo PC, makers of a new slate/tablet device that is coming out in the very near future.
The new tablet, which Pocket-lint is the first to see in the UK, will sport a very responsive 11.6-inch LCD touchscreen with a 1366 x 768 resolution and be powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Pineview-M N450 processor.
You get 2GB of on-board RAM and storage options of 32GB or 64GB to complete with the Apple iPad.
The rest of the specs read like a mobile phone, complete with Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth, a 1.3-megapixel forward facing camera for video calling, and an SD card reader so you can add pictures or video from your camera.
For all intense purposes this is a netbook PC without the keyboard or clamshell design. You can of course just plug in a keyboard and mouse to complete the experience if that’s what you are after.
Which is where the naysayers are probably going to say that you shouldn’t even consider using a user interface that is designed for a mouse and keyboard – Windows 7 we are looking at you.
Funny you should say that, because that’s what the chaps at Exo PC think too and so they’ve created a customised user interface (UI), called the Exo skin, to make the most of that touch screen design.
What that means is you end up with an interface that looks very much like the game Connect 4 (yes you can get this as a game) with apps appearing on buttons ready for you to press – allowing you to quickly and easily access apps, but with the knowledge that there is a fully functioning operating system sitting behind it all including Flash and Quicktime support.
ASUS Eee Tablet to be renamed, will head to market in early 2011
You remember that ASUS Eee Tablet that was unveiled back at Computex in June, right? Of course you do, it looked like a pretty great e-reader / note-taking gadget, but oddly we haven’t heard a peep about it since. Obviously, the “tablet” with its 2,450 dpi touchscreen sensitivity and quick 0.1 second page turns missed its September release date, however, according to ASUS it’s still kicking and is being renamed — we hear Digital Note and Eee Note are potential choices. So, when will you finally be able to take notes on its 8-inch 1024 x 768 pixel panel? ASUS tells us that it will be demoed at CES and officially launched in the first quarter of 2011 — although, it may be available in Europe slightly earlier depending on local content partnerships. No confirmation on that “under $599” price we had heard whispers of, but here’s hoping we hear a bit more on this one before we touch down in Vegas.
White HTC EVO 4G leaves the Best Buy nest, migrates to Sprint stores
Once a Best Buy exclusive, the white version of HTC’s still-badass EVO 4G is finally making its way into actual Sprint retail locations, the carrier’s website, and other third party stores for the same $199 on contract after $100 mail-in rebate as usual. Gives us a good opportunity to levy the same complaint we’d levied before — that the front of the phone should be white, not just the back — but hey, at least passers-by will know you’re stylin’ when you’ve got it held to your face.
Galaxy Tab coming to AT&T November 21st for $650, US Cellular on the 19th for $399 / $599
So, AT&T, it’s true: you’re charging $50 more for the Galaxy Tab than everyone else in the States off-contract. That’s a pretty gutsy sense of entitlement, though you’re bundling $50 in Samsung Media Hub credit — and, of course, no other Tab has access to AT&T’s $15 and $25 pay-as-you-go data plans at 250MB and 2GB, respectively. Pick your poison, we suppose. In related news, regional carrier US Cellular is going to start telling the Tab on November 19th for $399 on-contract or $599 off, effectively the same price schedule as all the big guys except AT&T. Data pricing on USCC seems like it needs another tier, though, because right now you’ll be able to choose between $14.99 for 200MB or $54.99 for 5GB with tethering enabled. Where’s the happy medium, guys? Follow the break for both press releases.
Developer Support for Windows Phone 7 and Android Increasing
According to a survey conducted by Millenial Media in collaboration with Digiday and Stifel Nicolaus, there is a significant shift underway away from the iOS platform to Windows Phone 7 as well as the Android Platform. Android will see the most attention from developers with an increase from 23% currently to 29%. In an interesting development Windows Phone 7 will move from a current 6% to 20% of developer share. The most interesting and fan-boy backlash inducing figure is that developers expect to reduce their projects for the iPhone from 31% to a surprising 8%. While these types of surveys should always be taken with a grain of salt, if things play out this way both Microsoft and Google will be able to provide competitive app libraries for the respective platforms.
Samsung H1 Android Flagship Leaked
Over on the What Mobile Forums, a member has posted two photos of what is going to be the flagship Android phone from Samsung to replace the Galaxy S and is called the H1 and is due to be announced at Mobile World Congress in February.
The image shows some great specifications although at the moment these cannot be confirmed as 100%.
The specifications are:
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- 4.3 Inch Super AMOLED Screen
- 8 Megapixel Camera with LED Flash
- 14.4mb/s HSDPA and 5.76mb/s HSUPA
- 1080p Video Recording
- 1.2Ghz Processor
- 16GB Memory
iOS 4.2 reportedly delayed, iPad WiFi issues to blame
Sorry, Apple mobile device users, your first little pre-holidays gift has been delayed. Apple has reportedly canceled today’s expected iOS 4.2 release, the controversial one that might or might not be lacking AirPrint. We’d hoped to solve that particular mystery before the weekend, but it seems we’ll have to wait a little longer thanks to a serious looking connectivity bug plaguing the iPad. Many users of the Golden Master version of 4.2 reported that a WiFi connection could be established by their devices but, once made, they were unable to actually do anything on the ‘net, and not being able to do anything on the ‘net is what we like to call a Very Bad Thing. No word on exactly when a new version will be available, but it should still drop within the next few weeks.
Is this the Nexus S?
Woah, what do we have here? A new “In Store” web-based flier from Best Buy Mobile has this little nugget on its front page: a previously unseen Galaxy S, running stock Android (possibly 2.3, based on the green icons and black notifications bar) and harboring what looks to be a front facing camera. Sounds like a Nexus S to us! Paired with this morning’s little Nexus S slip-of-the-tongue from Best Buy, we’re starting to get our hopes up. Don’t let us down, Google / T-Mobile / Samsung / Best Buy / planet earth!
Sony Ericsson Xperia X12 Anzu: Android 2.3 phone incoming
Sony Ericsson’s Android phones are no doubt great to look at. But their failure to play nice with the very latest versions of Google’s killer OS has caused problems. However, it seems things are all set to change with the arrival of the Anzu, also known as the Xperia X12.
This spanking new Android handset has been leaked on The Unofficial Xperia X10 blog, with pics showing a huge, but superslim device with a 4.3-inch panel. While the one snapped is running Android 2.1, word to the wise is that the X12 will be loaded up with Android 2.3 Gingerbread when it hits shelves early next year.
On top of that monster screen, there’s said to be HDMI out and 1080 HD video recording, putting this right up there with the Samsung Galaxy S. The X12 is expected to be announced alongside the much-hyped PSP phone in December, ahead of their New Year on sale dates.
Elsewhere the X10 Mini and Mini Pro are being lined up for a refresh, with Android 2.3 on board. The Vivaz and Vivaz Pro are also said to be getting the same treatment, with new models out in 2011.
Motorola introduces the Droid 2 Global (video)
Motorola has released a brief promo spot showing off the new Droid 2 Global, which was put on sale without a formal announcement yesterday. This 1.2 Ghz global device costs $199.9, which is as much as the regular Droid 2 used to cost, so it seems pretty clear that the Droid 2 is being phased out in favor of this device.
AIVAnet 