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BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now available

Feb 212012

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook Good news today for BlackBerry PlayBook owners. Research In Motion today announced the release of the much anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.

“Building on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet’s proven web browsing, multimedia and multitasking strengths, the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 introduces a range of new communications and productivity enhancements as well as expanded app and content support,” said David J. Smith, SVP Mobile Computing, Research In Motion.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 (version 2.0.0.7971) brings the following new features and enhancements to the PlayBook:

Integrated email client with a powerful unified inbox (including messages from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter)
Social integration with Calendar and Contacts apps
Updated BlackBerry Bridge app wit a new feature that lets a BlackBerry smartphone act as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a BlackBerry PlayBook
Improved mobile productivity with new Print To Go app, an updated virtual keyboard with auto correction and predictive next word completion
New apps and content including a new BlackBerry Video Store (initially available in the U.S. with other countries to follow) and enhanced web browsing capabilities

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update is now available as a free download for all BlackBerry PlayBook tablets. It weighs in at about 402MB. If you need to, go to “Software Updates” and select “Check for Updates.”

Amazon working on colour e-ink reader and 10-inch Kindle Fire?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 212012

Amazon According to the Chinese-language Economic Daily News, Amazon could launch a 6-inch colour e-ink reader later this year. Such a device would be the company’s first to use a colour e-ink display.

The report indicates that E Ink Holdings (EIH) has received an order from Amazon to supply it with three million ePaper modules per month starting in March. This suggests that component production may be ramping up with production of the reader itself to take place sometime later.

A separate report indicates that Amazon is also looking at launching a 10-inch Kindle Fire tablet in Q2. Foxconn has apparently received the manufacturing contract according to Digitimes‘ supply chain sources. A previous rumour had suggested that Amazon would first launch an 8.9-inch version of the Kindle Fire in the Q2 timeframe and only later follow up with a larger 10.1-inch version.

ASUS Transformer TF300T specifications revealed?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 172012

A leak earlier this month revealed another ASUS Transformer Prime tablet, the TF300T. Unfortunately, there were few details to go with the images. Polish site has now obtained a screenshot that sheds light on the specifications of this tablet:

Processor: 1.2GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3
Operating system: Google Android 4.0
Cellular connectivity: None
Other connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1
Display: 10.1-inch 1200×800-pixel IPS
Input: Docking keyboard
Memory: 1GB RAM
Storage: 16GB onboard and microSD cards
Rear-facing camera: 8MP
Front-facing camera: 1.2MP
Connectors: micro-HDMI
Dimensions / weight: 180.8 x 263 x 9.9 millimeters / 640 grams

The document also reveals that the upcoming TF700T could come with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor rather than an Nvidia Tegra 3 one.

It remains to be seen if ASUS will announce its latest Transformer tablet at the upcoming Mobile World Congress.

Android 4.0 update delayed for ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 172012

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer The Android 4.0 update for the original ASUS Eee Pad appears to have slipped further out. The last update suggested mid-February but a Facebook post by ASUS Singapore suggests it will now be later than that:

Dear fellow Asus members, we would like to say that we appreciate all the support we see in our Asus Facebook page every day. It makes our contributions worthwhile and fulfilling.

We are informed that the ICS upgrade for TF101 will be ready within the Feb/March 2012 period. You will be able to receive the upgrade notification via FOTA once we have a confirmation date.

We thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter

ASUS had originally indicated that the update would come “a.s.a.p.” after the release of the one for the Transformer Prime. ASUS has since then pushed it out a number of times. No reason has yet to be given for these delays.

RIM to launch BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 on February 21st?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 152012

While a number of past rumours have suggested that Research In Motion would launch its much anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 on February 17^th, users may have to wait a bit longer if the latest rumour turns out to be true. According to N4BB‘s sources, RIM will release the update on February 21^th.

For its part, RIM has only officially confirmed a release sometime in February. The update will add features such as native email, calendar, contacts and an improved BlackBerry Bridge. According to the report, one notable omission will be BBM which will not be ready in time. This should not be news as RIM itself announced that BBM would not be included back in October.

Samsung Galaxy Note now available in Canada

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Feb 142012

The much anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note is now available in Canada from Bell Mobility, Rogers Wireless and TELUS Mobility.

Samsung Galaxy Note specifications:

Processor: 1.4GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 (upgradeable to Android 4.0)
Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0
Display: 5.3-inch WXGA (1280×800) Super AMOLED with Gorilla Glass
Input: Capacitive touchscreen, S Pen digital pen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 16GB onboard and micro SD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: 2MP
Battery: 2500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65 millimeters / 178 grams

Prices start at CA$199.99 with a three-year contract at all three carriers. Bell is also offering it for CA$729.95 with no contract. Rogers is also offering it for CA$599.99 with a two-year contract, CA$649.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$699.99 with no contract. TELUS is also offering it for CA$679.99 with a two-year contract, CA$729.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$779.99 with no contract.

Samsung announces GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) tablet

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 132012

Samsung today announced its first new tablet for 2012. It is fitting that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) is the successor to its very first Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

“Two years ago, Samsung GALAXY Tab began to offer customers more possibilities on the go. Since then, Samsung has actively enhanced our tablet line-up with several tablets in different sizes,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “The new GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) will provide people with delighted multimedia experience and allow efficient communication.”

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. (7.0) specifications:

Processor: 1GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band HSPA+ 21Mbps on 3G model
Other connectivity: A-GPS (on 3G model only), 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0,
Display: 7-inch WSVGA (1024×600) PLS
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 1GB RAM
Storage: 8/16/32GB onboard options and microSD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 3MP FF
Front-facing camera: VGA
Battery: 4,000mAh
Dimensions / weight: 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 millimeters, 344g

Offered in both in 3G and Wi-Fi versions, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) will launch first in the UK in March. It will be available in other global markets later. Pricing information was not provided.

Google announces Chrome for Android

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 092012

Google yesterday introduced Chrome for Android. Currently in beta, it brings Google’s browser to to Android 4.0 phones and tablets.

Like the desktop version, Chrome for Android Beta is focused on speed and simplicity, but it also features seamless sign-in and sync so you can take your personalized web browsing experience with you wherever you go, across devices.

Chrome for Android is very similar to its PC cousin but features a few differences as well. For example, tabs are implemented slightly differently to make them more suitable to smaller screens. Switching between tabs is done by swiping or flipping as you would with a deck of cards. Selecting links is also easier with Link Preview which zooms in on links to make them easier to select.

Signing into Chrome and Chrome for Android allows you access open tabs, sync bookmarks and share autocomplete suggestions.

Chrome for Android is now available as a beta release from the Android Market. It requires a phone or tablet running Android 4.0.

Thing Called Love: Samsung’s Galaxy Note Super Bowl ad

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 062012

Samsung aired its latest ad featuring fans of a competing product during last night’s Super Bowl. It featured the upcoming Galaxy Note rather than the Galaxy S II, The Darkness and a wild street party.

The Samsung Galaxy Note will be available in Canada starting on February 14^th from Bell, Rogers and TELUS. It should follow in the U.S. shortly after.

Rumour: ASUS TF300T to be next generation Eee Pad Transformer

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 032012

The next generation of ASUS Transformer tablets appears to have been revealed in a couple of pictures. The model number ‘TF300T’ was found on a QuieTek certification document by Taiwanese site NCCC along with pictures that show a tablet very similar to the Transformer Prime.

Rumoured ASUS Transformer TF300T

The model number suggests that this model could be a lower-end model than the upcoming Transformer TF700T. Unfortunately, there are no details on specifications to go along with the pictures.

Read more: NCCC (in Chinese) [Google translation] (Source: Engadget)

Rumour: February 17th release for PlayBook OS 2.0.0.7473 release

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Jan 312012

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook A report earlier this month indicated that Research In Motion would release its much anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 update on February 17^th. A new report adds its support for this date and adds new version number details.

While RIM was showing off PlayBook OS v2.0.0.7116 at CES, it has made further updates and is now testing updated versions. It now looks like version 2.0.0.7473 will get the nod in February.

RIM for its part has not announced any dates or version details beyond promising that the update will be released in February.

Rumour: More details on AT&T’s Q1 2012 roadmap

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Jan 272012

AT&T Along with the AT&T launch details of the Nokia Lumia 900, BGR this week obtained additional details about the carrier’s Q1 roadmap. It includes:

LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Note available on February 18^{th for US$299.99}
HSPA+ Samsung Rugby Smart and AT&T Fusion available on February 18^th for US$99.99 and US$124.99 respectively
HTC Titan II available on March 18^th for US$199.99 with a two-year contract
A Sony HSPA+ tablet called the Crystal for US$409.99 (Could it be the Sony Tablet P?)

The Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD, Samsung Exhilarate, and the Sony Xperia Ion are also on deck for the latter part of the quarter. There are no specific dates or price details yet.

HTC to focus on “hero” devices in 2012

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Jan 262012

HTC HTC appears set to follow in Motorola’s footsteps and reduce the number of smartphones it will release in 2012. Rumours have already hinted at this but it has now been confirmed by HTC UK chief Phil Roberson. In 2012, HTC will focus on a smaller number of higher-specifications devices. In an interview with Mobile Today, Roberson said:

“We have to get back to focusing on what made us great – amazing hardware and a great customer experience. We ended 2011 with far more products than we started out with. We tried to do too much.

So 2012 is about giving our customers something special. We need to make sure we do not go so far down the line that we segment our products by launching lots of different SKUs.”

The move will allow HTC to focus its efforts (marketing, development, etc) on fewer devices. It should also offer a less confusing product catalog to customers.

While not exiting the market completely, HTC is also slowing down its tablet projects. This suggests that HTC may not unveil its rumoured quad-core HTC Quattro tablet at Mobile World Congress.

Rumour: New 2012 RIM roadmap details emerge

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Jan 262012

On the heels of this week’s leaked 2012 RIM roadmap, BGR has obtained additional details. As expected, it focuses heavily on BlackBerry 7 devices as the first BlackBerry 10 device, expected to be the BlackBerry London, will not be launched until late September or even October.

The roadmap shows that RIM is planning to launch a new 7-inch 3G BlackBerry PlayBook, the new BlackBerry Curve 9220 and BlackBerry Curve 9320, and a number of colour variations for other models.

The leaked slide deck showed speficiations for a number of devices. It also confirmed that RIM and Porsche are planning a follow-up to the P’9981, the P’9531 with a 1.2GHz processor and 8GB of onboard memory.

Sony tablet Android 4.0 updates coming in spring

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Jan 252012

Sony has already confirmed that it will upgrade the Sony Tablet S and Tablet P to Android 4.0. Missing until now was a time frame.

The manufacturer yesterday told The Verge that it plans to offer the updates at about the same time that it offers the update to its Xperia smartphone line. This suggests that the update could begin as early as March or April.

One new detail also surfaced. Sony plans to add “some really cool unique bits” to Android 4.0 for its tablets. Exactly what those would be was not revealed though.

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