Accessories » Gadgetorama

Google Nexus 7 Dock now available in Canada

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Mar 062013

It’s taken a bit of time but Google today announced via Twitter that the Google Nexus 7 dock is finally available in Canada.

Charge and dock your Nexus 7. This dock is expertly angled for optimum viewing of your Google Play movies and television shows. It comes equipped with an audio jack that is ideal for a powered speaker system. The Nexus 7 Dock features a polished exterior and a rubberized base for a sleek look and a secure hold. The micro USB port in the Nexus 7 Dock makes charging easy, so the fun never has to end!

The dock comes with a 3.5mm audio port and micro-USB port at the back. It requires Android 4.2 and audio output requires that the USB AC adapter be connected. It measures 220 by 65 by 30 millimeters and weighs 280 grams.

The Google Nexus 7 Dock sell for CA$29.99. It currently shows that it will ship within 1 to 2 weeks.

Read more: Google Play (Source: Twitter)

Google Nexus 4 available again in Canada (bumpers too)

Posted by Jerome Skalnik 1 Response »

Jan 292013

Good news for those here in Canada still waiting to get their hands on a Google Nexus 4 or a bumper for it. Both the 8GB and 16GB versions of the latest Nexus smartphone are listed with shipping set to “1 – 2 weeks.” The bumper (avaialble only in black) is also available for order with the same shipping ETA.

Prices have not changed: CA$309 for the 8GB model and CA$359 for the 16GB one. Bumpers are available for CA$19.99.

Read more: Google Nexus 4 and Google Nexus 4 bumper

Sony to offer Charging Dock DK26 for Xperia Z

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Jan 082013

Sony will offer a charging dock, aptly called the Charging Dock DK26, for its just announced Sony Xperia Z flagship smartphone. From the pictures, it appears to be a rather straightforward affair. No ports, HDMI or otherwise are visible, leaving the dock to charge and cradle your device. At the right price, it could have its use.

Sony Charging Dock DK26

The design takes its cues from the sharp lines of the Xperia Z. It measures 144 by 40 by 30 millimeters and weighs 55.4 grams.

There are no pricing and availability details yet but it’s likely to be available around the same time as the Xperia Z (later this quarter).

Upcoming Nokia Windows RT tablet to sport battery-equipped keyboard cover?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Dec 242012

New details have emerged about Nokia’s rumoured 10-inch Windows RT tablet.

Most interesting is that Nokia will offer a battery-equipped cover accessory for the tablet. Wrapping around it like a book cover, it will come with a keyboard and kickstand. Its built-in battery will kick in once the tablet’s own battery runs out. It will also sport two USB ports.

The report also confirms that the tablet itself will sport a 10.1-inch display. It will also include cellular connectivity as well as HDMI and USB ports. AT&T looks to be first in line to offer the tablet in the U.S. Perhaps we will see it in Canada as well.

Nokia will reportedly unveil its Windows RT tablet at MWC in February. It may only build a small number of tablets initially, likely to gauge market reception. A positive reaction would likely see it increase production and potentially look at a Windows 8 tablet as well.

Needless to say, the company said that it does not “comment on market rumour or speculation” when asked to confirm its tablet plans.

Google Nexus 7 docking station coming soon for US$39.99

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Dec 202012

Despite the success of the Google Nexus 7, Google and ASUS have been slow to offer accessories for it. So far, we have only seen a cover (available in three colours) and a charger. Earlier this month, we got a peak at an upcoming docking station. It is now listed on the B&H for US$39.99 (or CA$39.53). It is not available yet but you can sign up to be notified when it will be.

The dock comes with a 3.5mm audio port and micro-USB port at the back. It requires Android 4.2 and audio output requires that the USB AC adapter be connected.

Google Nexus 7 Dock

The site lists an expected availability date of December 30^th, 2012.Given the lack of Nexus 7 accessory availability at the Google Play in Canada, you’ll be relieved to know that B&H ships to Canada.

Mugen offers 6400mAh Extended Battery for Samsung Galaxy Note II

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Dec 022012

Mugen 6,400mAh battery for Samsung Galaxy Note II The Samsung Galaxy Note II comes with a sizeable 3,100mAh battery but should that prove not be enough for you, there is a new accessory you’ll be interested in. The Mugen HLI-N7100XL battery comes with 6,400mAh of capacity, over twice that of the original.

The Mugen HLI-N7100XL comes with a redesigned battery door to accommodate the new battery’s larger size. Best of all, the new door retains the device’s NFC capabilities and includes a kickstand. There is no information on exactly how much thicker it will make the Galaxy Note II though.

The Mugen is available now for pre-order for US$98.25. Orders taken now are expected to start shipping on December 28^th, sadly not in time to make it under the Christmas tree. It will be available in black or white.

Upcoming ASUS Google Nexus 7 docking station revealed

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Dec 012012

ASUS Japan may have inadvertently revealed a new accessory for the Google Nexus 7 [product information]. Listed on its website is a new Nexus 7 docking station

ASUS Nexus 7 dock

The dock measures 219.1 by 65.1 by 30.3 millimeters and weighs about 280 grams. It comes with a 3.5mm audio port and micro-USB port at the back. The Nexus 7 must be running Android 4.2 and the audio output requires that the USB AC adapter be connected. The one picture showing the Nexus 7 in the dock shows it in landscape orientation.

The ASUS Nexus 7 dock will be available starting in early December (in Japan at least) for ¥3,480 (about CA$42). There is no word yet on availability elsewhere but it will hopefully show up on the Google Play Store as well.

Read more: ASUS Japan (in Japanese) [Google translation] (Source: SlashGear)

Gadgetorama reviews the Google Nexus 7 Proporta Leather Style Case

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Nov 182012

Google Nexus 7 Proporta Leather Style Case If you recently picked up a new 32GB Google Nexus 7 or even have had a 16GB or 8GB model for a while, you may be looking for a case for it. While the number of cases now available has grown, the Proporta Leather Style Case was among the first to be available.

Made from the finest faux-leather, this Google Nexus case is made specifically to protect and accessorise the Google Nexus 7 tablet. This strong and soft-feel Google Nexus cover ensures that your tablet is safe from the inevitable knocks, drops and scratches it faces from everyday life.

We strapped our Nexus 7 into the Proporta Leather Style Case and took it for everywhere we went for over a month. Did it live up to its promise and our expectations? Read on to find out.

Promotional ASUS Padfone 2 videos

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Oct 162012

Along with today’s ASUS Padfone 2 announcement, ASUS has released three videos of the smartphone/tablet hybrid device. The first is a short 30 second promotion. It is followed by a longer video that goes over the technical specifications of both the Padfone 2 and its Padfone 2 Station. The third and longest video delves a bit into the manufacturer’s ‘Design Thinking’ philosophy.

PadFone 2 is a fully featured 4.7″ Android™ smartphone with industry-leading specifications that docks with the unique PadFone 2 Station to become a lightweight, but fully featured, 10.1″ tablet. Apps are seamlessly optimized on-the-fly to support both tablet and phone modes, with an instant transition between smartphone and tablet screen sizes.

This might be as close as we get in North America to seeing the ASUS Padfone 2 in action.

ASUS announces ASUS Padfone 2 and Padfone 2 Station

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Oct 162012

As expected, ASUS today unveiled the Padfone 2, the Android smartphone that transforms into a tablet with its optional Padfone 2 Station accessory. The event was held in both Milan, Italy and Taipei, Taiwan. The Padfone 2 smartphone itself boasts improved specifications, including a quad-core processor and LTE connectivity, over its predecessor while the dock has been completely redesigned.

ASUS Padfone 2 specifications:

Processor: 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (APQ8064)
Operating system: Google Android 4.0.3
Cellular connectivity: LTE / HSPA+ / EDGE / GPRS
Other connectivity: A-GPS & GLONASS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
Display: 4.7-inch HD (1280×720) Super IPS+
Input: Touchscreen
Memory: 2GB RAM
Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB onboard and 50GB free ASUS Webstorage for 2 years
Rear-facing camera: 1.2MP
Front-facing camera: 13MP AF with f/2.4 aperture
Battery: 2,140mAh
Dimensions / weight: 137.9 x 69 x 9 millimeters / 135 grams
Colours: Black, White

ASUS Padfone Station ASUS Padfone 2 Station specifications:

Display: 10.1-inch WXGA (1280×800) IPS
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Rear-facing camera: None
Front-facing camera: 1MP
Connectors: ASUS 13-pin dock connector
Battery: 5,000mAh
Weight: 514 grams

The ASUS Padfone 2 will launch before the end of December in a number of European and Asian countries. No mention was made of a North American launch and it remains unclear if the Padfone 2 will ever launch here. It will sell for €799 (about CA$1030) for the 32GB model and €899 (about CA$1160) for the 64GB model with the Station included.

ASUS Padfone 2 pictures and specifications leaked

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Oct 132012

A number of press images of the ASUS Padfone 2 have leaked ahead of its unveiling event on October 16^th. They reveal not only the smartphone itself but also its PadFone Station accessory.

Rumoured ASUS Padfone 2

Meanwhile, Bloomberg got a sneak peek at the smartphone and its PadFone Station docking accessory. The smartphone looks much like its predecessor but will sport a larger 4.7-inch HD display and a 13MP camera. No mention was made of LTE, another rumoured addition over the original version. The PadFone Station itself has been significantly redesigned and is thinner and lighter.

ASUS will formally unveil the ASUS Padfone 2 on October 16^th. It remains to be seen if we will see it in North America.

Read more: @evleaks [via Twitter], @evleaks [via Twitter], and Bloomberg

Motorola confirms kills off Webtop and Lapdock accessories

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Oct 082012

Motorola LapDock 100 Rumours that Motorola would kill of its Webtop software and LapDock accessories have been confirmed. First announced with the Motorola ATRIX, recent devices such as the Motorola Atrix HD or RAZR HD did not come preloaded with Webtop and did not support the Lapdock line of accessories. Motorola provided the following statement to CNET:

“Motorola’s Webtop app helps users extend their smartphone experience to larger screens. While consumers around the world have adopted Webtop and the concept spurred a lot of innovation in the industry, the adoption has not been strong enough to justify continued resources being allocated to developing Webtop on future devices. We have also seen development of the Android operating system focus on the inclusion of more desktoplike features. Beginning with Photon Q and Droid Razr M/Droid Razr HD/Droid Razr Maxx HD, we will no longer be including Webtop on our products moving forward.”

Despite a lot of excitement when first announced, Webtop never lived up to the promise it offered and high Lapdock prices and limited functionality kept customers away.

Rumour: Motorola kills off Webtop software

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Sep 112012

Given that recent Motorola smartphones such as the Motorola ATRIX HD does not support Motorola’s Webtop software and Lapdock accessories, it should come as little surprise that the company has reportedly stopped developing the desktop companion software. Citing sources at both Google and Motorola, PhoneNews.com adds that the decision came from high up with Google driving the decision.

The Webtop concept held much promise but it was marred by flawed execution. The latest version, Webtop 3.0, promised to address many concerns and a number of new features including the ability for apps to run in full screen and the ability to run on HDTVs. The video below shows WebTop 3.0 in action:

The report concludes with the prediction that the promise of Webtop will make its way into Android within the next two major releases as a standard feature.

Read more: PhoneNews.com (Source: TalkAndroid)

New details emerge about Nokia Lumia 920 (Updated)

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Sep 032012

Nokia is expected to unveil its new Windows Phone 8 Lumia device lineup on September 5^th. Among the devices expected is the Nokia Lumia 920, its latest flagship device. Ahead of the announcement, The Verge has obtained new details about the handset.

Rumoured Nokia Lumia 920

The Nokia Lumia 920 will come with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, a 4.5-inch HD display, 1GB of RAM, 32GB of onboard storage, and a 1.3MP front camera. It will also support wireless charging thanks to a hidden magnetic strip hidden in its back. It will support the Qi wireless power standard, making a range of wireless charging products compatible with it.

The report also confirms that the Nokia Lumia 920 will be branded as a PureView devices. But rather than the 41MP camera sensor found on the Nokia 808 PureView, it will sport an 8MP one. Nokia will emphasize the camera’s image stabilization and camera software features.

The Nokia Lumia 920 may launch first with AT&T in late October or early November.

Update: An image of the Nokia wireless charging pad has now surfaced:

Rumoured Nokia Lumia Charging Pad

Read more: The Verge and @EVLeaks [via Twitter]

New Apple iPhone 5 connector even smaller than first rumoured?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Aug 012012

Apple Rumours have suggested for some time now that Apple would introduce a smaller dock connector with the iPhone 5. According to two different sources, iLounge today reported that it will even be smaller than past rumours indicated. Rather than a 16- or 19-pin connector, the new design could sport as few as 8 pins. One source added that this could be the configuration on the female side while the male connector would have 8 pins on each side, thereby explaining the rumours of a 16-pin connector.

One source added that the new connector could also include other innovations. Among these could be the ability to connect in much the same way as Apple’s MagSafe already does.

Along with the redesign, Apple could also rename it, perhaps to better differentiate it from its predecessor.

However number of pins, it does appear increasingly likely that Apple will unveil a new connector and that many existing accessories will not be compatible with new Apple devices unless an adapter is used.

The report adds that iOS 6 could come with a new feature allowing compatible devices paired over Bluetooth to share information and interact. For example, an iPod could display iMessages from a paired iPhone or an iPad could be used to remotely initiate an iPhone call.