Our 2014 CES stage schedule is here and it’s awesome!
Sure, there’s a certain amount of creeping dread in the lead up to CES each year. It’s a sleep-deprived week spent elbowing our way through the packed halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The food is bad, the facilities few and far between and the hygiene practices of the tech-blogging community questionable, at best. But there are also plenty of things that make it one of the most exciting weeks of the year, not the least of which is our stage. As with the last couple of years, we’ve got a prime spot in the convention center lobby, where we’ll be speaking to some of the biggest and most innovative companies in the world of consumer electronics.
The list includes Sony, Ford, Pebble, Nokia, Leap Motion, Oculus, MakerBot, Lenovo, Samsung, AT&T and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, to name a few. You can check out the full schedule here and stay glued to our CES event hub for updates. See you on stage!
Filed under: Announcements, Cellphones, Desktops, Cameras, Displays, Misc, Gaming, GPS, Home Entertainment, Household, Laptops, Meta, Peripherals, Robots, Tablets, Transportation, Wearables, Wireless, Internet, Software, HD, Mobile, Samsung, Sony, Nokia, AT&T, AMD, Lenovo, NVIDIA
Source: CES 2014
Lenovo trots out a 4K Android-powered all-in-one, with a standalone monitor to match
So Lenovo announced a whole bunch of all-in-ones, you say? You’ll have to be a little more specific than that. In addition to unveiling a trio of Windows-based models, the company announced two more that run Android. These include the consumer-friendly N308 and the ThinkVision 28, a 4K machine destined for the workplace (pictured above). Starting with the consumer model (this is CES, after all), it costs a reasonable $450 and, accordingly, comes with some fairly middling specs — notably, a 19-inch, 1,600 x 900 display and a spinning hard drive with up to 500 gigs of space. That big display aside, you’re basically looking at an oversized tablet, with Android 4.2 installed and a quad-core Tegra 4 SoC running the show. Like other all-in-ones Lenovo’s released over the past year, this one’s portable, with a battery rated for three hours. At 10 pounds, though, give or take, it’s actually a good deal lighter than that other portable desktop Lenovo just announced.
As for the ThinkVision model, it’s crowned by a 28-inch, 3,840 x 2,160 display, allowing you to poke around Android 4.3 at a screen density of 157 pixels per inch. Note that the OS interface is actually upscaled from a 1080p resolution, but we were told that all 4K content is played in its native resolution. Additionally, the machine uses NFC and a “tap to connect” feature to pair devices, though you could also hook them up using one of the four USB ports, three HDMI sockets or the micro-USB connection.
Want the same screen quality, but can do without the NFC and Tegra guts? Lenovo is also selling the ThinkVision Pro2840m, which has a similar 28-inch, 3,840 x 2,160 screen (and a staid, less flexible design). As it turns out, the monitor arrives first, priced at $799 with shipments expected to begin in April. The ThinkVision 28 will follow in July, with prices starting at $1,199.
Richard Lai contributed to this report.
Lenovo’s Beacon media hub can house up to 6TB of video and photos, streams to PCs and Android devices
Lenovo makes a lot of laptops. And tablets. And a few phones. But amid its exhaustive PC range, there’s also the eye-catching Beacon. Priced at $199, although lacking any storage out of the box, it tries to strike a balance between personal cloud storage and media server. It comes preloaded with XBMC, while dual HDD bays will support up to a heady 6TB of storage. The Beacon, powered by a dual-core (unspecified) Atom processor can then stream whatever you put inside it to multiple devices at once — we saw it in action, and it managed to output to both a PC and Android phone without a hiccup. You can use your hand-held smart device as a remote (replete with mouse cursor), which makes digging through piles of photos and videos at least a little bit easier.
On the back, alongside HDMI, there’s Ethernet and twin USB ports, meaning it’ll be happy to link up to PCs and TVs for big-screen viewing. Once linked to the respective app, pics and videos captured on your phone can be automatically (or manually) uploaded. As you can see, it’s also not the typically unassuming (read: dull) storage hub either and will launch in orange, blue, gray and black finishes this April.
Richard Lai contributed to this report.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD, Lenovo
Lenovo launches LTE-flavored Vibe Z and affordable A859 worldwide
Sometimes Lenovo is ahead of the curve: It was first to market with Intel’s mobile chips for two years in a row. When it comes to LTE, though, the company has been sadly trailing; it’s only just getting around to releasing its first 4G device. But you know what they say — better late than never, right? Lenovo’s LTE-capable Vibe Z is finally reaching markets outside China, and though it won’t win any awards for timeliness, it at least arrives on the scene with some solid specs. What we have here is a 5.5-inch handset with a 1080p IPS display, a pixel density of 400 ppi and a thin, 7.9mm-thick build. Inside, it’s powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 800 chip (not Intel this time), along with 2GB of RAM, up to 16GB of internal storage and an 802.11ac WiFi radio. Imaging-wise, you get both a 13-megapixel f/1.3 camera along with a 5MP webcam up front. Lenovo also threw in some custom camera software allowing you to add special effects, if that’s your sort of thing.
What’s interesting is that although this is Lenovo’s most advanced phone to date, it has generally the same industrial design as Lenovo’s other recent mobile devices, including the Vibe X and the doomed Yoga Tablet. All of which is to say, it has a textured plastic back, which in the past has stood up well to scratches and fingerprints, even if it doesn’t look premium, per se. It also appears to run the same heavily skinned version of Android (version 4.3, in this case). That means some oversized icons, for starters, and also a missing app drawer. As it happens, though, heavily skinned phones are fairly common in the Asian market, which is precisely where the Vibe Z is headed: Lenovo says it will arrive in February in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the Philippines, with an unlocked price of $549.
Additionally, Lenovo is bringing three other phones — none of which have LTE, unfortunately — outside Greater China. Working our way down the line, there’s the new A859, a 5-inch phone with a 720p IPS display, dual SIM slots, 8MP/1.6MP cameras, a quad-core MediaTek processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of built-in storage (expandable via a microSD slot). Unlike the Vibe Z, it’s a little thicker (9.2mm) and runs an older version of Android (4.2.2 Jelly Bean, to be precise). Meanwhile, the S930 actually has basically the same specs, except it has a bigger 6-inch screen (and a lower pixel density). Finally, we have the S650, a 4.7-inch device with 8MP/0.3MP cameras and a lower-res 960 x 540 screen. Those differences, aside, it otherwise has the same specs as the other two, including the same processor and dual SIM slots. All of the above are available now “in countries where Lenovo smartphones are sold” (read: mostly Asian countries), priced at $219 for the A859, $319 for the S930 and $229 for the S650.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Lenovo
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.
The post Lenovo debuts four new smartphones, including LTE-ready Vibe Z appeared first on AndroidGuys.
[Hands-On Review] Lenovo Yoga 8 & Yoga 10 Android Tablets
Generally we don’t lump multiple reviews into one review, but since the Lenovo Yoga 8 and Yoga 10 Android tablets have identical specs, minus screensize and minor battery change, we felt there was no reason to make them individual reviews. Lets get to work and see how these two newly…
How would you change Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon?
We have to admit, we’ve been looking forward to this week’s How Would You Change entrant for quite a while. Having reviewed a carbon fiber notebook ourselves, your humble narrator was very curious to see how Lenovo’s ThinkPad Carbon X1 fared out i…
Engadget’s Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Laptops
Welcome to Engadget’s holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they’re added throughout the month.
Chances are you stick with a laptop longer than a smartphone — not everyone can afford to upgrade machine…
Lenovo’s Flex 10 offers a flip-mode display on a $550 netbook-style body
Aging Busta Rhymes witticisms aside, this new Lenovo might just be a contender for anyone on the lookout for a versatile Windows 8.1 machine. The Flex 10 is a 10-inch version of the Flex 14 and 15 models we’ve already seen, with the same 1,366 x 7…
Daily Roundup: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One comparison, unlocked iPhone 5s from Apple, Yoga Tablet review and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all ha…
AIVAnet 