Polaroid’s Q-series Android tablets offer a taste of KitKat starting at $129
Polaroid isn’t known as a technology vanguard, but it’s showing a little forward thinking today with the launch of three budget tablets. The 7-inch Q7 (pictured below), 8-inch Q8 (above) and 10.1-inch Q10 all run Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box, giving them a slight edge over more advanced devices that are still running older software. Not that they’ll be especially noteworthy otherwise. All three ship with unnamed (but likely low-end) quad-core processors, and HDMI video is the only real standout feature. You may forgive the modest specs when you see the pricing, however. The Q series will sell at prices between $129 and $179 when it ships in the spring, which makes it one of the cheapest ways to try Google’s latest mobile OS.
Filed under: Tablets
Source: Polaroid
ZTE comes to CES with voice-savvy Grand S II smartphone, fitness-ready BlueWatch
ZTE clearly wants to make its presence felt at CES this year; it’s coming to the show with no less than seven devices. The Grand S II headlines the pack as the company’s first smartphone with “high-precision” voice commands, which let you both unlock the phone and trigger the camera. The company is shy on other details, although we’d expect the Grand S II to have the best (grandest?) performance of ZTE’s range. The company is also launching the 5-inch Nubia 5S and 4.7-inch Nubia 5S mini; just what they offer beyond the Nubia 5 isn’t clear, but the larger 5S will have the horsepower to capture 4K video through its 13-megapixel f/2.0 camera. Frugal Americans will want to check out the Sonata 4G, a 4-inch budget phone launching on Aio Wireless with a 1.4GHz Snapdragon 400 chip, 1GB of RAM and a 5-megapixel shooter. An unnamed “iconic” 5.7-inch handset is also coming with a quad-core chip and wireless charging.
A trio of accessories will debut at the same time. The company’s promised smartwatch will launch as the BlueWatch, with support for both remote phone control and a built-in pedometer. ZTE is also promising a 4G-equipped hotspot and an AT&T Wireless Home Base that connects landline phones to the carrier’s cellular network. Ship dates and prices aren’t available for any of the CES introductions at this stage, but you can be sure that we’ll get more details on the show floor.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, AT&T
Source: BusinessWire
Samsung unveils Galaxy Camera 2 and NX30 with NFC photo sharing (hands-on)
Samsung isn’t waiting until CES starts to spill the beans on its camera lineup. The company has just revealed the Galaxy Camera 2 and NX30, both of which center around an NFC-based “Tag & Go” sharing feature; you can now tap your phone against either shooter to begin transferring photos. They also offer more control through upgraded Remote Viewfinder mobile apps that show the same settings you’d find on the cameras themselves.
The unique upgrades to each model vary widely. The Android-powered Galaxy Camera 2 still has the 16-megapixel sensor, 21x zoom lens and 4.8-inch LCD of its predecessor, but it touts much-needed improvements to battery capacity (up to 2,000mAh) and weight (down to 9.2 ounces). Samsung has also stuffed in a newer 1.6GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM, and an update to Android 4.3 introduces both 120fps slow-motion video as well as separate autoexposure and autofocus controls.
The NX30, meanwhile, builds on the NX20′s formula with upgrades to image quality and the display. The new mirrorless cam sports both a more light-sensitive 20.3-megapixel sensor and a fast hybrid autofocusing system that takes just 80ms to find its subject. Take a look at the back and you’ll find a brighter, Super AMOLED-based touchscreen that can now tilt, not just swivel; on the side, there’s a new 3.5mm microphone input. Glass aficionados may also appreciate two 16-50mm lenses launching alongside the NX30, including a quiet f2-2.8 lens and a video-friendly, f3.5-5.6 power zoom unit. Samsung isn’t yet ready to divulge launch details for either the NX30 or the Galaxy Camera 2, but you can check out our hands-on galleries of all the new devices while you’re waiting.
Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Lenovo debuts four new smartphones, including LTE-ready Vibe Z
Lenovo gets the year going with four new Android smartphones
Lenovo on Thursday introduced its new line of Android-powered smartphones, including their first LTE-equipped handset.
In addition to LTE support, the Vibe Z is a razor thin (7.9mm) and features a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor. Additionally, the device boasts a 5.5-inch 1080p HD display, 2GB RAM, a 13-megapixel rear camera, and 16GB internal storage.
Moving down the line, the S930 is a super-sized (6-inch, 720p) experience with a 1.3GHz quad-core Mediatek processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. Powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, it’s a solid mid-range device across the board. The S650 features nearly identical specifications; however, it has a 4.7-inch display.
An entry level A859 rounds things out with a 5-inch display, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage, and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Like the S series of handsets, this guy also comes in dual-SIM options.
In terms of availability, these Lenovo models will be offered in the same markets that current handsets are sold. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll get any of these smartphones in the United States, unless through unlocked and direct capacities.
The Vibe Z starts at $549 and is available starting in February in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the Philippines.The S930 and S650 start at $319 and $229, respectively. They are available beginning immediately in countries where Lenovo smartphones are sold. The A859 starts at $219 and is available starting immediately in countries where Lenovo smartphones are sold.
Lenovo Launches Its First LTE Smartphone with Vibe Z
Expands Smartphone Lineup with Four New Devices
- Blazing-fast Vibe Z blends LTE, beautiful design and advanced technologies into premium package
- New S Series smartphones offer versatility with supersized or pocket-sized options
- A Series all-rounder offers high performance in affordable device
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – January 2, 2014: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today introduced its first
LTE smartphone, the Lenovo Vibe Z, a gorgeous razor-thin, blazing-fast device equipped with gesture controls, photo enhancement software and other premium technologies. To complement the Vibe Z, Lenovo also launched a trio of smartphones, starting with the S930, a supersized 6-in device primed for media addicts, the S650, a 4.7-in compact and stylish workhorse, and the “tweener” A859, a 5-in high performance all-rounder.
These four new devices complement Lenovo’s existing portfolio of phones ranging from feature phones to premium
smartphones across multiple price points. Lenovo, currently the #3 smart connected device maker worldwide, has
expanded aggressively into the global smartphone market, introducing smartphones in 18 countries in the past two years.
“We created the new Vibe Z with its elegant design, high performance and custom software so that people can truly have the best smartphone experience now at the speed of LTE,” said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Lenovo Business Group, Lenovo. “Along with the Vibe Z, our new S and A Series smartphones offer consumers choices of screen size and features so they can pick the Lenovo smartphone that’s right for them.”
Vibe Z Wraps LTE, Style and Top Technologies into One Incredible Device
As Lenovo’s first smartphone featuring LTE capabilities, the Vibe Z offers true mobile freedom with super-fast data upload at up to 50 Mbit/s1and downloading at up to 150 Mbit/s1 to satisfy the most data hungry of individuals. The Vibe Z operates on GSM/UMTS networks up to 2100 and also comes with 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0.
The svelte Vibe Z comes encased in a thin 7.9mm silver or titanium body weighing just 147 grams. Users will appreciate its laser-etched, fabric-feel rear cover that is comfortable to hold and its 5.5-in full high definition (1920×1080) IPS wide angle viewing touchscreen display. Images appear pin sharp leveraging the Vibe Z’s 20/20 Vision display with a pixel density of 400 pixels per inch. While beautiful on the outside, the Vibe Z packs in superior performance technologiesinside starting with its Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 Quad-core 2.2GHz processor to deliver extreme performance for watching movies, capturing and editing photos, multitasking among apps, playing games and video chatting. Loaded with 2 GB of memory, up to 16 GB of internal storage and running Android 4.3, the Vibe Z offers plenty of space for thousands of favorite photos dozens of videos.
With its custom imaging software and high resolution cameras, the Vibe Z surpasses the shutterbug features of other
smartphones. It has a 13 MP rear camera with a large f1.8 aperture lens to defy low light situations and capture
breathtaking photos and a 5 MP front camera that’s equipped with an 84° lens for wide-angle shots. Lenovo’s Super
Camera and Super Gallery apps let users add fun effects to their photos easily. Additionally Vibe Z offers Lenovo-specific software supporting motion and gestures for better one-handed usage on large screen devices.
“We are proud to collaborate with Lenovo to enable the company’s first LTE smartphone,” said Raj Talluri, senior vice
president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “The new Vibe Z utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with integrated LTE technology to deliver superfast web browsing and unmatched multimedia features for an outstanding user experience.”
S Series Smartphones Offer Supersized or Pocket-Sized Mobile Media
The S930 perfectly satisfies the most voracious of media mavens with its high definition and audio enhanced movie and gaming experience while the S650 offers a powerful pocket-sized media device. Both smartphones adopt the Vibe Z’s silver body and laser-etched fabric-feel rear cover, the S930 supersizes the available screen real estate with its 6-in high definition 1280×720 touchscreen while the S650 sports a compact 4.7-in gHD 960×540 display with IPS wide angle viewing. The S930 provides an immersive and rich audio experience with its twin speakers and Dolby® Digital Plus and even has directional sensors to move characters in 3D.
Powered by a MediaTek Quad Core processor and running Android 4.2 at just 8.7mm thin, both the S930 and S650
smartphones have valuable technologies to help users get the most out of their device including a dual SIM card allowing for two numbers in one device. They come with an 8 MP rear camera with flash, a capable front camera, Lenovo’s Super Camera and Super Gallery apps to add effects to photos and 8 GB of storage. Both smartphones include gesture-based controls and the latest Lenovo launcher customizations.
A859 All Around Performance Model
Designed for great all around performance, the A859 smartphone combines several in-demand features for a rewarding experience. Available in white or black, it measures 9.2mm thin with a 5-in high definition (1280×720) IPS screen with 178° wide angle viewing. Like the S Series, it has a dual SIM card, runs on a MediaTek 6582 processor and Android 4.2, has an 8 MP rear camera, a front camera and 8 GB of storage.
Pricing and Availability
The Vibe Z starts at $549 and is available starting in February in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the Philippines.
The S930 and S650 start at $319 and $229, respectively. They are available beginning immediately in countries where Lenovo smartphones are sold.
The A859 starts at $219 and is available starting immediately in countries where Lenovo smartphones are sold.
For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook. The press kit is available at: http://news.lenovo.com/CES2014.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$34 billion personal technology company – the largest PC maker worldwide and an emerging PC Plus leader – serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company, has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see http://www.lenovo.com.
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Moto G for Verizon now on sale at Best Buy for $100 contract-free
When Motorola said that a CDMA version of the Moto G would reach the US in January, it was being overly cautious. Best Buy has confirmed that it’s already selling the Verizon edition of the budget smartphone in its retail stores; as soon as a store has inventory, you can pick one up. And it’s cheap, too. At $100 off-contract, Verizon’s Moto G is less expensive than both its GSM equivalent and many slower, smaller devices. You won’t get to pick up the handset until after New Year’s Day, but we have a hunch that it will be worth the wait.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, Verizon
Via: CNET
Source: LA Times
Moto G coming soon to Verizon Wireless?
Motorola recently revealed the budget version of the Moto X, known as the Moto G. It’s a decent device and it was made available in November by Motorola it self, as it could be purchased from their official site. Now it seems Moto G will be launched by one of the largest US mobile phone network – Verizon Wireless. A Google+ user known as Josue Joseph, who apparently works at Best Buy, shared a picture of a Moto G in Verizon retail packaging.
Also the guys says that “it looks like it is going for $100″ , however no words on the release date. So it seems that Best Buy is getting their shelves ready, and we might see the Verizon Moto G – without any contract – with in a matter of days.
Are you looking forward to grab one?
Source: G+
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Belkin’s Miracast device streams Android to TV for $79
If you’re tired of waiting for the Chromecast to support screen mirroring from your Android device, Belkin has just the thing for you with its new Miracast Video Adapter (F7D7501). You should all be familiar with Miracast being Android fans, but if you’re not, it’s the wireless display standard that doesn’t require existing WiFi networks to display content over-the-air from embedded devices.
The company just announced the $79 device, which is a small HDMI dongle that wirelessly displays content from an Android device directly to an HDTV by mirroring the screen of your device. Belkin said it enables you to enjoy any of your phone’s content, including movies, TV shows, video clips, photos, games or apps, in full 1080p HD resolution with “plug-and-play simplicity and without messy cables.”
The device looks similar to a Google’s Chromecast, plugs into the HDMI port of your HDTV or monitor and uses a small USB cable that can be connected to the TV’s USB port for power.It also includes an extension cable for easier attachment.
The Miracast device is available now from Belkin or Amazon for $79.99.
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Microsoft’s OneNote Android app updated with native sharing and widgets
Since its major overhaul back in July, Microsoft’s OneNote Android app has languished while the company built out the Windows version of its note-taking tool. That changed today after Microsoft pushed live a new update to the Play Store, which includes new capture, sharing and widget features that Microsoft believes will help you get “more things done in less time.” The updated app now integrates with Android’s built-in sharing intents, allowing you to pull up a native sharing menu inside apps and immediately add new content to your OneNote account. Microsoft’s also added a number of OneNote widgets, embedding options to view your most recent photos, recordings and notes, let you add new content and pin homescreen shortcuts to your favorite pages or notebooks. With its revamped UI, the Android app is almost at feature parity with OneNote for Windows 8.1, giving us a real reason to consider it over rival note-taking apps like Evernote.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Source: OneNote for Android
Nokia wins German injunction banning HTC Android devices
Nokia is clearly on a roll in the courtroom as of late — following lawsuit wins in the Netherlands, the US and the UK, the company has landed a German injunction banning all of HTC’s Android-based devices. The ruling lets Nokia provisionally block the sale of the One and other Google-powered hardware that allegedly infringes on a patent for peer-to-peer sharing over Bluetooth and NFC. HTC is expected to appeal the decision; Google is trying to invalidate the patent, but its move won’t come in time to avoid or delay the ban. There won’t be much else the two firms can do in the meantime. As with a similar defeat in March, HTC will have to either change features or strip them out to keep doing business.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Nokia
Source: FOSS Patents
Google and Audi to announce Android-based in-car entertainment system?
Android is becoming a part of our everyday life now – we have Android powered phones, tablets, television, refrigerator, and also cars with Android powered entertainment system. It seems Audi is impressed by Android, and they are planning to announce a new in-car entertainment and information system at Consumer Electronics Show next week with Google, reported Wall Street Journal.
“The car is becoming the ultimate mobile device,” said Thilo Koslowski, an analyst at the research firm Gartner Inc. who specializes in advanced in-car electronics. “Apple and Google see that and are trying to line up allies to bring their technology into the vehicle.We are starting to see an uptick of Android use in car makers, starting in Asia and working its way across the world,” said Rajeev Kumar, a world-wide director of business development for Freescale Semiconductor Inc., a large supplier of chips used in cars.
Apple has partnered up with companies like BMW, Mercedes and several others to integrate iPhone and iPod in cars, basically making it a part of the car. It seems Google is looking forward to do that as well, and Audi is their first target. Hopefully in future, we might see cars with Android-based dashboards.
What are your thoughts about it?
Source: WSJ
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