Google has released a teaser video for the upcoming Android version 3.0 (Honeycomb). This particular video focuses on the OS’s tablet functionality. While several vendors have jumped the gun with Android tablets, Honeycomb is the first version of Android designed with tablets in mind.
Kindly check out the video and let me know what you think (please)!
AT&T and Samsung have announced the Samsung Infuse 4G Google Android phone. The phone appears to be a bigger, badder, and more powerful version of Samsung’s Galaxy S. The large 4.5-inch screen — featuring next-gen Super AMOLED Plus tech — stands out, while the 1.2GHz Hummingbird processor should provide ample power. Here’s the official word:
The Samsung Infuse 4G will be the thinnest Android device and feature the largest screen — at 4.5 inches — in AT&T’s smartphone lineup. The device delivers a brilliant display using Samsung’s next-generation Super AMOLED Plus technology which features 50% more sub-pixels for better contrast and outdoor readability. The Infuse will be powered by a 1.2 GHz application processor, run the Android 2.2 platform and be offered exclusively by AT&T.
On paper, this looks like a fantastic phone. However, I’m a little wary of Samsung’s Android offerings (aside from the Nexus S). The company has been relatively slow at providing updates. Android 2.3 is out now and rolling out to numerous phones within the next 30 days. Android 3.0 should be out before June 2011. Based on Samsung’s history, I’m not confident that the Infuse 4G will receive these updates as quickly as competing phones.
What do you guys and dolls think of this beefy Google Android phone? Would you rather have a Samsung Infuse 4G or a Motorola Atrix 4G?
Windows users looking for a MacBook Air alternative should definitely keep an eye on the Samsung Series 9 thin-and-light laptop. Going by the spec sheet, the Series 9 offers reasonable power in a svelte form factor with sharp looks. The Series 9 is a seriously sexy piece of consumer electronics and I’ve been drooling over its pictures for the last hour or so. Here are the specs:
The Series 9’s body is made from Duralumin, which is twice as durable as aluminum according to Samsung. From my research, it’s not nearly as strong as the adamantium found in Wolverine’s claws. The specs are mostly strong. While many tech enthusiasts shudder at the words “Intel integrated graphics”, the GT2 is supposedly the first Intel integrated GPU that doesn’t blow.
I want one of these machines now!!! Sadly, it won’t be out until February (and I can’t afford it).
What do you think of the Series 9? Is it a worthy MacBook Air competitor? Does the machine cause you to drool or is that just me?
AT&T and Motorola are teaming up on the Atrix 4G. Purported to be the world’s most powerful Google Android phone (this week anyway), the Atrix 4G will be out in Q1 2011. Here’s the laundry list of features:
AT&T and Motorola are teaming up on the Atrix 4G. Purported to be the world’s most powerful Google Android phone (this week anyway), the Atrix 4G will be out in Q1 2011. Here’s the laundry list of features:
The Atrix 4G sports some interesting features that should help it stand out from the crowd. The laptop dock is novel and allows for some interesting functionality. On paper, the screen tech is compelling. Android lovers that suffer from marijuana-induced paranoia or those worried about corporate/personal security will dig the fingerprint scanner.
Any AT&T users out there interested in the Motorola Atrix 4G?
Nvidia has gone all official with its Tegra 2 “super chip” for mobile phones and tablets. Featuring a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU, 1080p output, and efficient power consumption, the Tegra 2 will take mobile phones to a new level of graphical excellence. Gamers will be interested in the Tegra Zone app, which helps Android users find games that take advantage of the Tegra 2’s power. Here’s a clip from the press release:
It allows consumers to find Tegra-optimized games for their super phone or tablet, along with professional game reviews, high-res screenshots, HD video trailers, gameplay videos, and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Consumers can complete their purchase of Tegra Zone games on the Android Market.
Although I’m excited about the potential of dual-core chips for mobile phones and annoyed that a company is using the term “super chip”, the thing that’s stuck in my head is Tegra Zone. I keep hearing Kenny Loggins singing, “Highway to the Tegra Zone!” and that’s going to be in my head for at least the next two hours.
What do you think of the Tegra 2 and Tegra Zone app? What do you think this will do for mobile game and, more specifically, Android gaming?
Opera has released a teaser video for an upcoming version of its popular mobile web browser. This particular flavor will be optimized for tablet computers. The video shows the browser running on a Samsung Galaxy Tab (Google Android) tablet. While the stock Android browser is pretty excellent, Opera’s aggressive caching should help people lower their data usage, which will come in handy for people dealing with data caps.
The video doesn’t show a whole lot, but I expect more to be revealed when CES 2011 kicks off in full force.
Way back in June 2009, major phone manufacturers agreed with the European Commission to make Micro USB the standard charging port for mobile phones. The participants included Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, and — wait for it — Apple.
The thought of an Apple iPhone using a standard port seems crazy. I’m talking Brian Fellow, “That’s crazy!!!” Apple makes a ton of money licensing accessories that use its proprietary port (that dates back to the iPod). Accessory manufacturers enjoy the premium price associated with iPhone and iPod accessories. That said, I don’t think it really impacts accessories outside of chargers. I envision the iPhone 5 having both the proprietary iPhone port and the Micro USB port. While it’s smart to play ball with the European Commission, in my head Steve Jobs hates it and is thinking something like:
God damn frogs (not that I believe in God)!!! We bail their asses out of war decade after decade and they repay me by forcing an extra hole on my beautiful products?!? Damn it Jony Ive! Get your people to rescind this stupid frickin’ agreement (and learn to cook some food that doesn’t taste like crap). My iPhone should not have anything in common with inferior phones (i.e. any phone that’s not an iPhone). Everything about it is better and more beautiful — including the charging port! Micro USB is just the first step on the long road to communism.
Also, I wonder what happens if a phone manufacturer doesn’t comply with the agreement? Will they go to European Commission phone jail? Or just be fined a lot of money?
A lot of you are familiar with Vizio
The Vizio Via Phone features a 1 GHz processor, 4? high-resolution capacitive touch screen, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, a MicroSD card slot for memory expansion and HDMI output with HD video playback. It also features a front-facing camera for video chats and a 5 megapixel rear camera for photos and HD video capture.
The Vizio Via Tablet also features a 1 GHz processor, with an 8? high-resolution capacitive touch screen, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, a MicroSD card slot for additional memory expansion, HDMI output with HD video playback, and a front-facing camera for video chats. It also boasts a unique three-speaker design for stereo audio in both portrait and landscape modes.
Both devices include HD video playback with HDMI video output, high quality audio processing and built-in universal remote control app that make these the ideal handheld companions to the HD entertainment experience.
There are several interesting things in play here. It’s interesting to see that a consumer electronics company that isn’t known for making portable devices is taking a stab at the phone and tablet market. It will be interesting to see if the Vizio brand and connectivity to its televisions will attract consumers. While I don’t expect many tech geeks to flock to these phones, Vizio has been successful with general consumers at retail outlets like Costco and Sam’s Club; perhaps people that bought Vizio televisions at these stores will be attracted to an Android product (and universal remote) from Vizio too.
What do you think of the Via? Are you surprised that Vizio is getting into this game? Do you think the company’s Android venture will be successful? Or will it be a flash in the pan? Any of you own Vizio TVs? Does an Android phone or tablet that works a universal Vizio remote appeal to you?
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is right around the corner and all sorts of exciting (tech nerd) developments are about to be unveiled. What are you looking forward to at CES 2011?
Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Brett Favre’s slap on the wrist, the best cut of steak (it’s rib eye), or random closing thoughts on 2010, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is right around the corner and all sorts of exciting (tech nerd) developments are about to be unveiled. What are you looking forward to at CES 2011? Televisions are a huge part of the show, with 3DTV and advanced LED implementation leading the way. Android phones should be a major slice of the CES pie, with Verizon set to announce an LTE Android phone from HTC. Video chat through phones and televisions should cause a stir. There will be several Windows ultra-portable laptops on display from numerous manufacturers looking to duplicate the success of the MacBook Air. Tablet computers will be tremendous too, with several vendors serving up Apple iPad alternatives.
What are you looking forward to the most? Kindly take today’s poll and discuss in the comments section (please!).
[poll id=”92″]
After months of sitting on its ass while smaller companies beat it to the punch, Skype has finally (and I mean that in the way The Rock says “finally”) launched video chat for iOS. The latest version of Skype offers video chat on numerous iOS products, including the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch, and iPad. Obviously the products without front-facing cameras will not have full video-chat functionality.
There are several implications (for mobile tech nerds). On the iOS front, it will be interesting to see how this impacts Apple’s FaceTime product. FaceTime is simple and it works, but Skype has hundreds of millions of users around the world. Will Skype be able to beat out FaceTime due to its enormous user base?
Secondly, where’s the Android version? Skype for Android is pretty crappy compared to the iOS version. Will a new and improved Skype for Android — complete with video chat — be unveiled at CES 2011? As a frequent Android and Skype user, I certainly hope so.
