Best of CES 2015 Awards, PC: Lenovo LaVie HZ550
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Lenovo typically brings a lot of new product releases to CES. And it did it again in 2015. However, there was one particular highlight: a 13-inch laptop with top-end specs, but somehow weighing in at 1.7 pounds.This is Lenovo (and NEC’s) slender LaVie HZ550. For reference, that’s 43 percent lighter than the latest MacBook Air — and in person you’d think it was a dummy laptop shell. Despite that, the laptop still packs fifth-generation Intel Core processors: It’s got muscle too. Was it the best PC we saw at CES? We think so, yes.
Android Authority this week
New devices, amazing technologies, lots of gadgets, some more useful than others. It was the week of CES, and, as always, it was a wild ride. The star of the show was LG’s curved G Flex 2, but a slew of other devices made their debut in Las Vegas. HTC brought the selfie-focused Desire 826, Lenovo launched several smartphones, ZTE had a nifty Android-powered projector, Sony introduced a new Smartwatch 3 model and a crazy expensive Android Walkman, Nvidia made a big fuss about its latest mobile chip, and, outside of CES, Samsung announced its newest mid-range smartphones. And that’s the biggest news – dozens of smaller companies announced everything from smart flower pots, to motorized belts, to self-driving vehicles.
Welcome to Android Authority this week.
Video roundup
Here’s Jayce’s video take on the events of the week.
Inside AA HQ
One of the reasons we love big shows like CES, MWC, and IFA is because they are some of the few times when AA members can get together. We talk online all the time, but there’s really nothing like meeting IRL for building the team and getting the creative juices flowing. Darcy, Derek, Andrew, Josh, Kev, and Lanh had a blast in Vegas, but they also worked hard to bring you quality coverage. For a big picture view of the week’s events, check out our roundups below, our CES 2015 tag page, and our YouTube channel.
Android Authority is podcasting again! This week’s Friday Debate included the first episode of AA’s new Friday Debate podcast, starring Josh, Kev, Lanh, and Andrew. The guys talked about a bit about themselves, and riffed on all the cool – and not so cool – stuff they saw at CES. We’re going for an audio-only format for now, but we could go video if we figure out how to bring you a great experience. Expect team AA members as regulars, talking about all things Android and more. Guests from throughout the industry will be joining us from time to time. We’re on YT for now, but we’ll get on other podcasting platforms soon. Let us know what topics would you like us to cover in our podcast!
As always, on our Sunday Giveaway, we put up for grabs a cool device. Today, it’s a G Watch R. Good luck!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
Here are some interesting posts for your Sunday reading:
- Friday Debate: What was the best and worst of CES 2015? (Post and Podcast)
- Opinion: Fresh back from CES, Andrew looks at HTC’s road ahead for 2015
- Tech talk: Rob weighs down on the rumors about Snapdragon 810 overheating issues
- Roundup: CES takeaway: Android Auto
- Roundup: CES takeaway: wearables
- Roundup: CES takeaway: smartphones and tablets
- Opinion: Competition is not always good for customers, argues Simon
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
ZTE
- ZTE Grand X Max+ hands-on and first impressions
- ZTE SPro 2 first look and hands on
- ZTE Star 2 hands-on and first impressions
Lenovo
- Lenovo announces the 64-bit P90 and VIBE X2 Pro at CES
- Lenovo launches VIBE Band VB10 fitness band and VIBE Xtension Selfie Flash
Asus
- Asus launches 5.5-in ZenFone 2 and ZenFone Zoom, featuring 3X optical zoom
- Asus Zenfone 2 hands-on and first impressions
- Asus Zenfone Zoom hands-on and first impressions
G Flex 2
- LG G Flex 2 hands-on and first impressions
- LG G Flex 2 officially announced with Snapdragon 810 and improved design
- LG G Flex 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note Edge quick look
- LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex quick look
- The bendy LG G Flex 2 is coming to AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular
Sony
- Sony SmartWatch 3 gets a new stainless steel version, interchangeable bands too/
- Sony’s new 128GB Hi-Res Walkman offers excellent audio, for a price
- Sony SmartWatch 3 steel model hands on
- Sony goes all in with Android TV for their 2015 Bravia Smart TVs
- Hands-on with Sony’s 2015 Bravia TVs with Android TV
Nvidia X1
- Nvidia announces latest mobile processor, the Tegra X1
- Nvidia Tegra X1 powers Nvidia Drive CX car infotainment system
- Tegra X1 – a closer look at Nvidia’s “superchip”
Samsung
- Samsung’s new mid-rangers Galaxy E5 and Galaxy E7 debut today in India
- Samsung Galaxy Grand Max launches in South Korea, Galaxy A7 to debut in Malaysia
HTC
- HTC launches Desire 826 with UltraPixel selfie camera
- HTC Desire 826 vs HTC Desire Eye quick look
- HTC Desire 826 hands-on
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
Motorola is headed back to China, bringing the new Moto X Pro
Following Lenovo’s Motorola acquisition, we assumed Moto would make its way back to other markets where they’ve been scarce in the past, specifically China. In a post today, Motorola has announced their return to the Chinese smartphone market set for early sometime this year, and the devices they’re bringing with them are pretty interesting. Among the Moto X (2nd Generation) and the 2014 Moto G with LTE, Motorola is returning to China with a handset called the Moto X Pro, which is basically a Nexus 6 sans Nexus logo.
The Moto X Pro (pictured above) should look familiar, since it’s the same chassis we got with Google’s Nexus 6 handset. Aside from the exclusion of Google services and the Nexus logo, we’re seeing basically the same specifications as we did on the Nexus 6: a 6.0-inch QHD display, 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 processor, a 3220mAh battery and a 13MP rear-facing camera with OIS. This device should also come with Motorola’s suite of apps and software enhancements, instead of Google’s.
The Moto X (2nd Gen.) will go on sale in China sometime in early February, while the Moto X Pro and LTE-capable Moto G won’t be available until after Spring Festival, which is toward the later half of February. What’s more, Motorola is also bringing Moto Maker to China, but customers will have to wait until after the Chinese New Year to get their hands on a customized Moto X.
Motorola returning to China in a big way
Well, we’re starting to see the fruits of Lenovo’s purchase of Motorola. Now that the acquisition is complete, Motorola will be bringing their newest Android handsets to China. The Moto X, Moto X Pro and the Moto G will all be available in China soon.
First up is the Moto X, which will be available in early February. Motorola is actually asking people in China to vote on the initial designs that will be available to the public (Visit this Motorola page on January 7th, 2015 to vote). If you are in China and want to design your own Moto X, you will have to wait for the Moto Maker Design tool to become available after the Spring Festival (The Spring Festival runs from February 19th to February 25th this year).
Next up are the Moto X Pro and the Moto G. The phablet sized Moto X Pro and the affordable Moto G, will hit the market following the Spring Festival in China. The Moto G will include some colorful shells that give the smartphone a personality all it’s own. It will be interesting to see how Motorola’s offerings fare compared to Lenovo’s in the long run.
Source The Official Motorola Blog
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Lenovo annouces the Tab 2 A7-10 and A7-30 tablets | TalkAndroid
TalkAndroid reports that Lenovo has unveiled two new tablets, the Tab 2 A7-10 and A7-30, following the release of its P90, Vibe X2, and Vibe Band 10 smartwatch.
Both devices have Android 4.4, a 7-inch, 1024 x 600p display, a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT8127 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot compatible with up to 32GB of storage, a 2 MP camera on the back, a 0.3 MP front-facing camera, and a 4,300mAh battery. In addition, the A7-30 adds in 3G support. The tablets will be released in Aqua Blue, Cotton Candy, Pearl White, and Ebony Black.
Lenovo’s A7-10 is priced at $99, and the A7-30 is priced at $129. They are expected to come out this spring.
Source: TalkAndroid
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Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro announced for that perfect selfie
Selfies are a big thing, whether you like it or not, and Lenovo are embracing this trend with the Vibe X2 Pro, a smartphone that they are claiming delivers the perfect selfie everytime.
That’s largely due to the Lenovo VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash, which is a pocket-sized flash that plugs into the audio jack to give the user a quick way to create the perfect lighting conditions to capture a selfie.
The Selfie Flash works by using 8 diffused LEDs to supplement available light for natural color tones, even in low light condition. The rechargeable flash provides up to 100 selfies in a single charge to snap and share pictures day and night, while the 100% shutter sync times seamlessly to capture picture-perfect selfies.
The VIBE X2 Pro itself features a 5.3-inch FHD display with a 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Octa-Core processor that cutting edge performance and battery life, so Lenovo claim, as well as dual (front and back) 13-Megapixel cameras.
The Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro will be available beginning in April, 2015.
The post Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro announced for that perfect selfie appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Lenovo announces the sharp Vibe X2 Pro at CES 2015
Lenovo introduced the P90, Tab 2, and Vibe Band today in Las Vegas. The company also announced the Vibe X2 Pro. It is a stunning handset that comes in Electric Blue, Champagne Gold, and Rock Pink as color options. The layered design on the sides of the Vibe X2 Pro give it a unique look.
The specifications of the Vibe X2 Pro are not necessarily dull, but they are not cutting edge either. The 5.3-inch display is 1920×1080 resolution. Under the hood is a Snapdragon 615 processor from Qualcomm paired with 2GB of RAM. The processor is 64-bit and clocked at 1.5GHz. The energy efficient processor working with a 2410mAh battery should provide for some lengthy battery life.
Both rear and front-facing cameras are 13MP with a slew of gesture and touch-up software tools.
At its core, Android 4.4 KitKat can be found. Lenovo included its Vibe UI 2.0 software to mask any signs of stock Android.
Pricing and availability of the Vibe X2 Pro has yet to be announced, but Lenovo did confirm that the handset will not make its way to the United States.
Hit the break for the full press release. Click here for our full CES 2015 coverage.
Lenovo Introduces New High-Performance Smartphones and Mobile Accessories
Ultra-fast P90 smartphone with latest Intel 64-bit processor and Intel LTE-Advanced modem, VIBE X2 Pro limited edition with selfie flash accessory and VIBE VB10 smartband wearable
LAS VEGAS – January 5, 2015 – Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show a lineup of full featured devices and accessories designed to enhance the mobile experience of consumers on-the-go. The Lenovo P90 makes its debut appearance as the first smartphone powered by the newest 64-bit Intel® Atom™ processor and Intel XMM™ 7260 LTE-Advanced modem for outstanding mobile performance and speeds, while the award-winning VIBE X2 gets a bigger, bolder look with the X2 Pro limited edition smartphone and VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash. The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 wearable accessory rounds up the lineup with its E Ink display and industry-leading battery life.
First smartphone powered by Intel® Atom™ 64-bit processor and Intel LTE Advanced Modem
The Lenovo P90 is the first smartphone to utilize the combination of the newest 64-bit Intel® Atom™ Z3560 processor with Intel’s 5-mode XMM™ 7262 modem. These powerful components allow the P90 to provide incredible processing speeds in addition to supporting LTE-Advanced FDD & TDD for high-speed connectivity in global markets.
The Lenovo P90 smartphone is designed to provide the power and performance to let consumers go fast and get things done. Featuring a huge 4000mAh battery, the P90 is equipped to meet the pace and demand of today’s lifestyle from morning until night. The P90’s vibrant 5.5-inch FHD display, at an impressive 400ppi, lets mobile users enjoy content and relive their best moments with vivid colors and high-quality resolution.
In addition, the P90 sports an advanced 13MP rear camera with state-of-the-art stacking sensor and optical image stabilization for brilliant shots, even in low-light. The 5MP front camera is equipped with beautification features and gesture controls, while 4G LTE data speeds are ideal for streaming video and music, or gaming on the go. The P90 will be offered in Pearl White, Onyx Black and Lava Red.
VIBE smartphones gets bigger and faster with X2 Pro
Sporting the same eye-catching, award-winning layered design of the Lenovo X2, the Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro limited edition smartphone brings craftsmanship, power and style to the next level with its sleek, lightweight full-metal body. The VIBE X2 Pro packs a 5.3-inch FHD display with stunning visuals and a 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Octa-Core processor that delivers jaw-dropping performance and long-lasting battery life.
For greater ease of use, the Lenovo X2 Pro incorporates the intuitively designed VIBE 2.0 user interface, featuring personalized lock screen, Instant On camera, elegant transparent icons and more. The smartphone also utilizes dual 13 megapixel auto-focus cameras (front and rear) with LED flash, gesture controls and beautification features, which combines with the new VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash to capture flawless selfies.
Perfect selfie shots every time, all the time
The Lenovo VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash is the must-have accessory to capture every moment, no matter the lighting conditions. The pocket-sized flash plugs into the audio jack, giving the user a quick way to create ideal lighting and shutter sync to deliver brilliant, natural-looking pictures outside, inside and everywhere in between.
The Selfie Flash works by using 8 diffused LEDs to supplement available light for natural color tones, even in low light condition. The rechargeable flash provides up to 100 selfies in a single charge to snap and share pictures day and night, while the 100% shutter sync times seamlessly to capture picture-perfect selfies.
All-week, always-on wearable connectivity
The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 wearable accessory is designed to let users live their lives more connected and with less worry. Equipped with features like E Ink display, up to seven-day battery life with the display and Bluetooth always turned on, fitness functions, phone notifications and waterproofing, the VIBE Band helps users stay fit, connected and in the know anywhere they go. The E Ink display means no glare and a clear display – even in sunlight.
Users can receive instant notifications – calls, SMS, Facebook, Twitter, WeChat and more – with space for up to 150 characters on the crisp display, while fitness functions & tracking monitor fitness levels and activity to help users stay focused on their health goals. The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 works with any Android or iOS mobile device and is competitively priced at $89.
Quotes
“As lifestyles and everyday habits become more and more mobile, consumers today are looking to devices that deliver both performance and long lasting battery life in sleek, stylish designs,” said Shao Tao, vice president, Mobile business unit, Lenovo. “These are some of the driving forces behind our new range of mobile devices that offer blazing fast processing speeds, innovative new features and extended battery life to enhance the mobile experience of the most demanding users.”“The Lenovo P90 smartphone is an impressive addition to the growing portfolio of Intel-powered smartphones,” said Hermann Eul, Intel’s vice president of Mobile Communications. “As one of the first smartphones powered by Intel’s latest processor coupled with the LTE-Advanced XMM 7260 modem, people will enjoy exceptional speed and 64-bit performance that will provide users with a great mobile experience. We are proud to continue our work with Lenovo on this major milestone.”
Availability3
The Lenovo P90 will be available beginning in February, 2015.
The Lenovo VIBE X2 Pro will be available beginning in April, 2015.
The Lenovo VIBE Xtension™ Selfie Flash will be available for use with the VIBE X2 Pro.
The Lenovo VIBE Band VB10 will be available beginning in April, 2015.
1Available in select geographies.
2Requires enabled device and may require software or other 3d party applications to provide the described features.
3Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Products may only be available in selected markets. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $39 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode YOGA brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Motorola brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com.
Come comment on this article: Lenovo announces the sharp Vibe X2 Pro at CES 2015
CES 2015: Lenovo announces two new high performance Android phones, a smartband, and a selfie flash
Lenovo is a name that has been coming up more and more these days, particularly after acquiring Motorola from Google. So it’s no surprise to see that the Chinese-based manufacturer is announcing quite a few devices at CES 2015, tablets, PCs, phones and even a smartband. So let’s run through a few of the new […]
The post CES 2015: Lenovo announces two new high performance Android phones, a smartband, and a selfie flash appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
CES 2015 Lenovo Hands-on: P90, VIBE X2 Pro, VIBE Band VB10 and VIBE Xtension Selfie Flash
Thanks to our man on the ground, Stormy Beach, we’ve managed to get some great hands-on photos with the new Lenovo products that were just announced at CES 2015. These include the two new handsets, the P90 and VIBE X2 Pro, the VIBE Band VB10 smartband and the VIBE Xtension Selfie Flash accessory – check out all […]
The post CES 2015 Lenovo Hands-on: P90, VIBE X2 Pro, VIBE Band VB10 and VIBE Xtension Selfie Flash appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Lenovo’s skinny new ultraportable claims to be the lightest 13-inch laptop
It’s impossible to convey in a photo how light Lenovo’s new ultraportable, the LaVie HZ550, is. So instead I’ll say this: When I first picked it up, I was sure I was handling a prototype; some sort of dummy unit without any actual components inside. In fact, though, the HZ550 is very real, and at 1.72 pounds, it’s stupidly, record-breakingly compact; in fact, Lenovo claims this is the world’s lightest 13-inch laptop. What’s more, the company just announced what it says is the lightest 13-inch convertible notebook: a machine called the HZ750, which has a 360-degree hinge that allows it to fold back into tablet mode. At 2.04 pounds, it’s lighter than any laptop with a touchscreen and rotating hinge has the right to be. Either way, even in a field of increasingly skinny notebooks, both of these stand out.
But let’s back up for a minute. If the name “LaVie” rings a bell, it’s because it was originally the brainchild of Japanese computer maker NEC, which is already known in its home country for making some pin-thin noteoboks. For four years, the two companies have been building laptops together as part of a joint venture, a deal that has allowed Lenovo to take a bite out of the Japanese PC market, the fourth largest in the world. What we’re seeing now, though, are the first machines NEC and Lenovo are planning to sell outside the land of the rising sun. So while laptops this thin might already be commonplace in Japan, they’re likely to be received in the United States as something of an oddity.
And odd they are. Not just because they’re thin and light, mind you, but because they’re actually quite powerful. Under the hood, you’ll find surprisingly muscular parts — none of this low-powered Core M business, but full-fledged fifth-generation Intel Core processors. Battery life, meanwhile, is rated for somewhere between seven and eight hours of video playback, which, if true, would put it on par with some significantly thicker and heavier laptops. An impressive thing, that — especially since both machines will be offered with 2,560 x 1,440 screens. It isn’t easy achieving long battery life when you have to light up quite that many pixels.
The two LaVies also surprisingly sturdy, considering how insubstantial they feel in the hand. That’s largely thanks to a magnesium-lithium alloy, which makes the machine light, but nigh on impossible to bend in your hand. In addition, Lenovo had to get creative with the display. According to the company, the HZ750’s touchscreen is directly bonded, and uses film instead of cover glass. Additionally, Lenovo used one of Sharp’s IGZO displays, which at least partially explains those big battery life claims — after all, Sharp panels are known for being energy-efficient.
On paper, then, at least, the LaVies seem like the ultimate no-compromise machines: super thin, super light and still very powerful, with long battery life, to boot. If there are any tradeoffs we can glean just by looking at the spec sheet, it’s that the HZ550 — the 1.72-pound machine — doesn’t have a touchscreen. Meanwhile, the HZ750, the one with the 360-degree hinge, can’t pull off quite as many poses as the Yoga line. In this case, you can use it as a notebook (natch), or fold it back into tablet mode, but you’d be putting it into Stand or Tablet mode at your own risk. The reason: The HZ750 is missing the sort of rubber bumpers you’d typically find on a Yoga. Because rubber bumpers make a machine thicker than it needs to be, don’tcha know. Interested? These arrive in May, and yes, they’re priced like the no-compromise machines they are: $1,299 for the HZ550, and $1,499 for the HZ750.
AIVAnet 