Evolio EvoTab

   Televoice has announced Today the ultra portable Evolio EvoTab tablet. This has a 7 inches RTS touch screen, weights only 360 g and is only 11 mm thin. The battery is a 4500 mAh Li-Ion which gives up to 14 hours of stand-by performance. 

   Talking about hardware performance the EvoTab comes with 800 MHz ARM 11 processor, with 256 MB DDR2 RAM memory and with 4GB flash drive. The storage can be extended through the MicroSD card with up to 32 GB. Connectivity is also there with Wi-Fi and 3G - but for the 3G network an external modem is required. In terms of software, Android Eclair (2.1) is running and of course many application can be installed like Skype, MSN. Youtube, Facebook, email and others. EvoTab is a HD video playback capable and looks like is the lightest and thinest tablet on market. What is new is the trackball somewhere at the bottom for a better internet navigation they say.

   I know this is not much but also does not cost much - only about 230 - 240 USD ( 175 EUR). Although this is a low-cost tablet I believe they could have done a better job with the 3G network integration. Also this is a main competitor for another local brand - the Allview Alldro. Oh, and this is made in Romania!

Source

SONY Next Generation Portable (NGP)

   Today is the day when Sony has announced the new Playstation Portable. This was not named as PSP 2 but as Next Generation Portable (NGP), and this is correct given the fact that has a lot more features than the first portable console as you will see below.

   First is the OLED 5 inches screen which is a capacitive multi touch and 960 x 544 pixels resolution. This screen has a 4 times higher resolution than the PSP. On the back there is a capacitive multi touch pad for a new game play style 'allowing users to interact directly with games in three dimensions-like motion through touch, grab, trace, push and pull moves of the fingers'. The processor (CPU) is a... get ready... ARM CORTEX A9 quad core and the GPU is SGX543MP4+ - very powerful hardware for a portable console. But this console is a revolutionary one so wait as there is more. Have you ever wondered what PSP did not have or perhaps wanted more? Well you got more as the NGP has connectivity, and this is no small talking. This device comes with wireless IEEE 802.1 b/g/n, GPS with Wi-Fi location service support, Bluetooth 2.1. Above all these there is a 3G connectivity included. Why this large connectivity support? This is because the portable console has a new approach for gamers. One reason is that they can share games achievements with friends. Another reason is the internet access and satellite navigation. But most important for a gaming console these days is the cloud gaming. There are more and more singes that future of gaming is in clouding. If you were looking for multimedia you need to know about the 2 cameras - front and rear - and the built-in microphone and stereo speakers.

   As you probably noticed, in terms of design, this looks a lot like PSP. The differences are the dual analog sticks which should allow a wider range of games categories to be brought into the portable experience. These go with the usual action buttons, a D-pad two shoulder buttons, a PS key, volume controls, start and select buttons and a power key. The Next Generation Portable has something in common with PlayStation Move as comes with the same six-axis motion sensing control system - 3 for gyroscope and 3 for accelerometer - plus a 3 axis compass. What I like is that different than PSP the UMD drive is missing because was replaced with 'a small flash memory based card' slot. So the games will be played from a normal card - which may have a great impact regarding the price but also for gaming experience as content or save data will be stored on the card.

   NGP has also a new User Interface named LiveArea. Through this users will be able to share 'the fun and excitement with other players', will have access to the latest games information from the producers and the achievements will be also highlighted there. Another application which will come pre-installed on this console is the Near. This is a location-based system which will allow the users to check what their friends nearby are playing. Another important information is regarding the games made for more platforms. If you have a game in progress on PS3 this will be synchronized with the NGP so you can play further.

   In conclusion this is WOW plus a serious competitor for PS3. I am sure more information, reviews and feedback we will have after this will be available. But this is the only bad news - Next Generation Portable from Sony will be available at the end of 2011 - so we will have to wait for about a year.

Source

Google Voice Number Porting

   Today Google announced the opening of porting numbers to a Google Voice account for all existing users. The porting operation will charge the user with 20 USD and porting should be completed in about 24 hours with a confirmation email sent to the requester. After the number is ported to the Google Voice account the mobile service plan will be cancelled. It appears that users may experience disruptions in sending and receiving text messages for up to 3 business days. The good part is that users will be able to receive/initiate calls using this number from any device/computer which has the Google Voice application installed.

   If you wish to port your number you will need to login to the Google Voice account and access the Settings page. Here you will need to click the 'Change/Port' link which will appear next to the Google Voice number.

   Oh, by the way: - Hey Google, when are going to expand your Voice services outside US - like Europe countries? We are waiting for some time now... Thank you.

Source

ASUS Tablets

   At CES, ASUS has announced 4 new tablet PCs, 3 of them running Google`s Android 3.0 Honeycomb and only one with Microsoft`s Windows 7 - the Home Premium version. Although they did not provide too much information regarding their key features - let`s see what we have.

Eee Pad Slider

   This looks like the best choice for users who want a product that combines the tablet`s mobility and a traditional laptop`s comfort. Slider has an IPS 10.1 inches capacitive touch screen with a WSVGA 1280 x 800 resolution and 1080P HD playback capability. The CPU, and GPU in the same time, is the nVidia Tegra 2 dual-core. For RAM memory there are 2 versions available 512 MB and 1 GB, while for storage there is a 16 GB or 32 GB eMMC flash. This can be extended with a MicroSD card up to 32GB. For connectivity Slider offers Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, one USB 2.0 mini port, mini HDMI video-out, audio jack for headset, and a docking port. This tablet comes with 2 cameras - a front 1.2 MP and a rear 5 MP with LED flash. As you already noticed in the picture has a slide out QWERTY keyboard which may remind you of the HTC Shift. As operating system Asus Slider runs Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

   Unfortunately there are no words regarding the battery life and the 3G network connectivity is optional. Also it appears that HD recording is missing and of course the Motorola XOOM has more.If you ask me, this looks like a great device for the business environment. But we will have to see how it compares with the Cisco Cius.

Eee Pad Transformer

   This tablet has almost the same features as the Slider. But if you do not like the keyboard you can detach it at any moment, which is a good thing. Another difference is the extra storage 64 GB version while for connectivity the USB 2.0 is missing (or at least is not mentioned anywhere) - a bad thing. The card slot is SD (SDHC) and unlike Slider, Transformer has an internal microphone and 2 stereo speakers. They say that has a smooth playback of HD video conferencing, fast Web access and 'incredible mobile gaming performance'. Oh, and the battery life offers up to 16 hours access. So this appears to be a good device for professionals but with nice gaming capability.

Eee Pad Memo 

   The Memo looks like an ebook tablet style device, especially because it comes with a stylus pen for perfect hand-written notes. Different than Slider and Transformer, the Memo has a 7.1 inches capacitive touch screen and a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm 8260 processor. The front and rear cameras are the same as these other 2 tablets and has a micro HDMI port. As OS has Android Honeycomb but comes with 2 pre-installed applications - Media Note and Painter. The first one, as you probably guessed is a scrapbook or note taking application, while the Painter allows you to use the stylus as a sensitive drawing instrument. There are no other specifications at this moment.

Eee Slate EP121

   This is a totally different product in terms of hardware and software. Its getting very close to a normal laptop. The capacitive touch screen has a 12.1 inches size with LED-backlit display, 1280 x 800 resolution and 178° viewing angle. The processor is an Intel Core i5 470 UM dual-core, for storage there are 32 GB or 64 GB available SSD (expandable through a SDXC card) and the RAM starts with 2GB but can go up to 4GB of DDR3. As the Memo this has a stylus pen also. New features can be noticed in connectivity too: Bluetooth 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports. The OS is a Windows 7 Home Premium with all its wide range applications compatibility. So if Motorola XOOM is the most powerful Android tablet, this is the most powerful Windows 7 tablet.

Source

Google Translate

   Google has released the other days a new version of the Translate application for Android devices. The 2.0 version brings something I thought I will not see too soon. This is the real-time speech translation through the conversation mode, but is working for now only between English and Spanish and is still in testing period. The conversation mode should allow the user to communicate fluidly with a nearby person in another language. So if I call a friend who is speaking only Spanish and I speak only in English we should be able to get long very well with the help of this software. I just need to touch the microphone icon and speak. 

   After I have updated the Google Translate to this new version and opened it, I saw that I can download many other language packages. So in the future there will be available other languages for the conversation mode also. Other improvements in this version are better drop-down list buttons for selecting the language you want to translate from and into, cleaner icons, cleaner layout and better input box. The SMS translation is still there too.

   Google Translate was lunched a year ago in January 2010 and now it supports 53 languages with voice input for 15 of them. This is available for Android 2.1 and above versions and you can download or update it from the Android Market. I believe this is great for the users who need to communicate but are a part of different cultures. This what I like about Google - they are always making things easier for the users. That`s why I am using their blogging platform and this is why I have an Android smartphone.

Source

Motorola XOOM

   It appears that Motorola had the best mobile devices presented at CES. The XOOM is the most powerful Tablet PC with Android. This comes in premiere as the first product which runs Google Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). This is an Atrix 4G with a larger screen and acting like a tablet pc.

   So it has the nVidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU at 1 GHz with 1 GB RAM memory, 32 GB as SSD internal storage which can be extended with and SD card (and not microSD). The HD screen has 10.1 inches with a 1280 x 800 resolution - I believe is excellent for reading ebooks. This tablet has a 2 MP front camera for video conference or chat and a 5 MP camera on the back assisted by a dual-led flash and with 720p video recording capability. For connectivity it has Wi-Fi, bluetooth, 3G (and 4G for the future) and a HDMI port. 

   The XOOM is a full HD decoding capable, can run the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and the battery is not bad either with the 10 hours video playback performance. I like that there are some great accessories for this product like standard dock, speaker dock, wireless keyboard or protective gel case. 

   Motorola could have done better than this if this tablet would have had 8 MP back camera and NFC. But the tablet PCs are just starting to evolve. This is serious competition for iPad and if HTC will not lunch a product with at least the same features I believe the XOOM will be the first tablet PC that I will buy.

Source

Sony Ericsson Xperia arc

   I am glad that Sony Ericsson rises a little, not that they were too down. But with the Xperia Arc they are knocking on the HTC, Samsung, Apple and Motorola`s back door. This model shows the true technology that Sony and Ericsson have to offer.

   Lets start with Sony. The 4.2 inches TFT capacitive multi-touch is a 'Reality Display' with Mobile Bravia® Engine. This screen has a FWVGA (854 x 480) resolution and delivers a crystal clear image for a great entertainment experience. And this is a shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant mineral glass. The camera in the back has 8.1 megapixels with auto-focus LED flash, face detection and touch focus. But important is the Exmor R™ mobile sensor with the f/2.4 lens which enables the capture of high quality pictures and HD videos (720p @ 30 fps) even in low light. The camera also allows video light (this is missing on many smartphones), geo tagging, image stabilizer, noise suppression,  Last Sony part is the micro HDMI port just so you can share these pictures and HD videos on your big LCD/LED TV.

   Now the Ericsson part. The CPU is a Qualcomm Snapdragon (1 GHz) and Adreno 205 GPU (yes a graphic processor) working together with 512 RAM, 287 MB internal storage and up to 32 GB microSD card (arrives with 8 GB card). For connectivity we have HSDPA, HSUPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS receiver with A-GPS, 3.5 mm audio jack and micro USB.This hardware is handled by the new Google`s Android Gingerbread on a 1500 mAh battery. If you look at the design this is a super slim elegant phone - but not a fashion one (usually these do not have enough technology) which has a dedicated camera button on the side.

   So we have seen the Sony part and the Ericsson`s. Now what is missing from this phone is: low RAM memory (if you remember the Motorola Atrix has 1GB - why they can and SE can not?), no front camera, no NFC, no fingerprint reader, low battery and only 7.2 Mbps HSDPA. But above all that I believe this is a great entertainment smartphone as can run 3D games among others. I hope they will release it soon.

Source

Motorola Atrix 4G

   Now this device has the features I was expecting to see and to have this year on a smartphone. This is the most powerful phone ever and has a great design also. Is definitely not a tablet but acts like a computer especially when you are using it with the 'webtop' application and if is connected to 'Motorola Laptop Dock' or to a HD TV through the HDMI port.

   What I like about this smartphone is not necessarily that arrives with a NVIDIA Tegra 2 1GHz dual core processor, but the fact that has 1 GB of RAM. Enough memory for all mobile applications you want. Internal storage is not so bad either - 16 GB, and you can add a microSD card to that up to 32 GB. The display is a 4 inches touch capacitive with Gorilla Glass and is the world`s first qHD (Quarter High Definition) with 24-bit color feature. In terms of connectivity - there is no 'world`s first' here - just a normal Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi with DLNA, HSDPA, HSUPA, 3.5 mm audio jack and micro USB. Camera is a 5MP with Led flash and records video in 720p@30 fps and the 2nd VGA front one is for chat or video conference.

   Other 2 important things that I like at this phone are: the active noise cancellation and biometric fingerprint reader (I would love to see how that works) as great security protection. Regarding the software, Atrix 4G runs Froyo upgradeable to Gingerbread (and other future versions with that 1GB of RAM) included with the MOTOBLUR user interface (has live widgets) and HTML5 capability.

   In conclusion this is a great device. Is just that I see 2 things missing. One is the 8MP back camera, but the most important is the NFC (Near Field Communications) capability which can allow users to exchange contact data (like a poken device) or to pay with the phone. So this Motorola does not have it all as you perhaps thought. But I really would like to see this in my hands :).

Source

LG Optimus Black

   Honestly, I am really impressed of LG`s latest smartphones. I believe they are a serious competitor now for Samsung or HTC and are getting close to Apple. LG has just announced the Optimus Black - the smartphone with 'dramatically brighter 4-inch NOVA display' as they said. It appears that this display has great viewing angles indoor and outdoor, even in the sun light, and should be the world`s brightest screen. The NOVA display consumes 50% less battery (comes with 1500 mAh) than the LCDs or AMOLEDs

   Also this is the slimmest mobile device (only 9.2 mm) which comes with Android Froyo (upgradeable to Gingerbread) and with the new Optimus 2.0 User Interface, offering improved access experience to messages, emails and missed calls right from the locked screen with a single finger tap. Now I am not sure if the Optimus is making a major competition to HTC`s Sense but seems to have intuitive commands, lifting, shaking, tapping. Another premiere is the 'Wi-Fi Direct' for fast and high-quality data transfer between mobile devices and the last one is the 2MP front-facing camera.

   In conclusion - a lot of world`s-first features, but most important ones: brightest screen and slimmest mobile phone. I wonder how much this will cost as should appear until June. Anyway the CES is just starting and I believe I will not have enough time to talk about all releases :). I am looking forward to touch this phone in reality as looks great in pictures.

Source

HTC EVO Shift 4G

   CES has not started yet in Las Vegas but we already have a big announcement from Sprint. They just made public the news that HTC EVO Shift 4G will be available in USA starting with January 9th. The smartphone has some cool features but not above of what we have seen so far.

   As they say, this is a feature-rich 4G phone with QWERTY slide-out keyboard, which has inside a Scorpion (Qualcomm 800 MHz) processor and memory like 512 RAM plus 2GB ROM. The screen is a 3.6 inches (480 x 800) multi-touch capacitive one, then we have a 5 MP camera, Wi-Fi (and WiMAX), GPS, Bluetooth, micro SD card slot (up to 32 GB) and a 1500 mAh battery.

   But enough about the hardware. In terms of OS this arrives with Froyo (Google Android 2.2) & HTC SENSE with Google Mobile Services, Market (access to more than 100,000 applications), visual voicemail, social networking integration (Facebook, Twitter, Flikr). The camera records at 720p HD resolution, the browser supports Adobe Flash 10+ and of course there is the GPS navigation.

   If you ask me, the first main disadvantage is the battery which appears to be very low on performance and the design is... different. But is made for Sprint. As I already mentioned this does not bring any new impressive features, except 4G capability, but it`s new and is a HTC. 

Source

MicroUSB - standard charger plug in EU

   The European Union announced on 22-DEC that the project implementation of a standard mobile devices charger will become real in 2011. Several mobile devices industry companies have agreed to help EU users to simplify their life and provide a micro-USB charger plug as standard.

   The list of companies includes: Alcatel, Apple, Atmel, Emblaze, Huawei, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Qualcomm, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Texas Instruments. Of course there are already smartphones which already are on market and have micro-USB as charger but starting with 2011 this will be an Europe standard for all producers.

   This is great for users, especially for those who have more than one mobile phone or have other mobile devices which use this type of charger plug, like tablet, music players, camera etc. They will no longer need to carry several charges for each of these devices.

Happy New Year 2011!

Source