Wednesday 4 April 2012

Nokia Lumia 900 Gets Taken Apart

Nokia’s new Lumia 900 is due to launch on AT&T in the US this weekend on the 8th of April, and the guys over at TechRepublic decided to take their screwdrivers to the Lumia 900 to see what was inside.
You can see what they found inside the Nokia Lumia 900 in the photos below, and there weren’t really any surprises inside the device expect that the majority of the components seem to be cheaper ones, which would explain the devices low price point.
Lumia 900


The Nokia Lumia a single core 1.4GHz processor, plus a 4.3 inch AMOLED ClearBlack touchscreen display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels.
Other specifications on the handset include a front facing 1 megapixel camera, a rear facing 8 megapixel camera with a Carl Zeiss lens, 16GB of built in storage, WiFi and 4G LTE.

LG Viper: First LG 4G LTE, on Sprint


Even though Sprint Nextel is yet to officially announce the launch of its new 4G LTE network, recent reports have revealed that the first LTE-capable handset to be launched by the carrier will be the LG Viper.
Boasting the 4G LTE speeds on the Sprint network, the LG Viper will be available for pre-order for $100 from April 12, with a two-year Sprint service contract and $50 mail-in rebate - not including taxes and surcharges - by the way of a reward card.
The users of the 5-ounce LG Viper handset can subscribe to the $80 a month `Everything Data' smartphone plan from Sprint, to avail the benefits of unlimited Web, calling as well as texting to other Sprint users.
To be the first LG handset for Sprint's 4G network, the Viper boasts a 4-inch WVGA NOVA touchscreen display; 1.2GHz dual core processor; 1 GB of RAM; a 5-megapixel rear camera; and a VGS front camera. Running on the Android 2.3 `Gingerbread' version, the Viper will also support Google Wallet, NFC, apps, high-definition gaming, and video chats.
In addition, over and above a 4 GB card included in a microSD card slot and up to 32 GB support, the LG Viper will also boast 50 GB of free cloud storage, along with sharing from the Box app.
Finally, Sprint customers will also be able to download Sprint ID packs which deliver "a predefined experience" which comprises the simultaneous advantage of apps, ringtones, wallpapers, and widgets.

Instagram For Android Hits 1 Million Downloads In Less Than 24 Hours

Instagram is extremely popular on Apple’s iOS platform with more than 30 million users, and the Android version launched yesterday and it looks like Instagram for Android is going to be extremely popular.
According to the guys over at the Next Web, there were more than 1 million downloads of Instagram for Android in less than 24 hours, which certainly is impressive.
Instagram Android

This could be one of the most popular app releases on Google’s Android platform to day, and we wonder how long it will take for the Android version to become as popular as they iOS version and hit 30 million users.

Microsoft 'Shopping assistant' patent could help you find Elmo, more time for the kids

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Microsoft's just been granted a patent entitled "Shopping assistant." The claims indicate a system that generates a route to a product based on user-defined criteria (i.e. quickest, cheapest, shortest distance,) it also indicates that certain real-time conditions from participating merchants, such as stock levels, could also help determine the route. Now we're no CSI, but sounds to us like someone got fed up pounding the Mall looking for the last Buzz Lightyear, and cooked up a system to help save folk from the same pain. The problem is, we're not sure we like the idea of Windows Shopping all that much either...

Stealth Intel Core Based Mini PC Unveiled

This week Stealth has unveiled a new mini PC system that is capable of being powered by Intel’s Core i3/i5/i7 Sandy Bridge processors. The Stealth LPC-680 LittlePC measures just 6.5 x 6 x 2 inches in size and is powered by a included 20VDC adapter, but it can also run off of an external 12 to 20VDC power source.
Stealth LPC-680 LittlePC

The new mini PCs are equipped with 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, DVI-I, DisplayPort, Gigabit LAN, optional WiFi 802.11n, RS232, and audio in/out jacks.
Once fitted with an Intel Core processor it can be supported by upto 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and storage can be supplied by a 750 GB HHD or solid state drive if preferred. The Stealth LPC-680 LittlePC is expected to start at around $1500 and rising depending on your chosen specifications when it arrives.
Stealth LPC-680 LittlePC

Samsung's Galaxy Tab(s) 2 delayed by, you guessed it, Ice Cream Sandwich

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Since the calendar clearly says April, we can take it as read that Samsung missed the promised March release window for both the seven and ten-inch versions of the Galaxy Tab 2. The company conceded that it was because both it and Google needed more time to tailor the software to the new hardware. Now both slates will arrive with a fully tweaked and revved version of Android 4.0 towards the end of this month.

Vivaldi Open Source €200 Tablet Launch Delayed A Month

It has been announced this week by developer Aaron Seigo that the new open source Vivaldi tablet, which was hoped to be arriving in May. Will be delayed by around a month.
The open source Vivaldi tablet is equipped with a 7 inch screen sporting a 800 x 480 resolution display. Its powered by a 1 Ghz AMlogic processor and will run a free and open source Linux-based software which will set the tablet apart from other on the market, explains Seigo.
Vivaldi tablet

The team of KDE software developers is currently in partnership with a chinese company. Who will load the required software onto the tablet and work in conjunction with distributors in Europe to roll out the Vivaldi tablet at launch.
Unfortunately no information on worldwide availability has been confirmed as yet by the Vivaldi tablet is expected to be priced at around €200. As soon as any more information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.

Samsung's ST200F goes on sale in Korea, wants you to know it exists

Samsung's ST200F goes on sale in Korea, wants you to know it exists
Having trouble remembering Samsung's ST200F? You're forgiven as it was announced during the feed-busting monster that is CES, and alongside three other (arguably more interesting) Sammy WiFi-enabled shooters. No matter, as today the company's jogged our memory by letting us know the 16 megapixel shooter will soon soon grace Korean shelves for ₩249,000 (or around $200). Those buying will also be granted to a 10x optical zoom, 802.11 antennae and 720p video recording. And best of all, a quick perusal of online retailers reveal it's already up for preorder and will likely ship stateside in mid-April. Considerably later than the previously promised "February" ship date, but beggars can't be choosers. Right?

Amazon Developing And Testing In-App Purchasing

Along similar lines to Google and Apple in their application stores, Amazon is now developing and testing a new in-app purchasing system, with options for both subscriptions and purchases of individual items.
The report of the new testing was revealed my Bloomberg today and indicated that Amazon is looking to join the same market with Apple and Google. Enabling application software to generate revenue for developers as well as companies.
Amazon App Store

Amazon is planning to charge a 30 percent commission to clients for its in-app purchase service, which is the same rate as Amazon charges developers for app sales. Amazon still has a long way to go with its app store if its hoping to compete with Apple and Google. Who both have more than 450,000 applications available to purchase in their stores compared to Amazon’s 1400 applications. But quality over quantity may help a little.
Unfortunately no information on worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi joint venture Japan Display fires up operations

The joint venture that is Japan Display agreed on its formalities back in November, and has now finally started operating. While Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi all have a 10 percent stake in the business, the main investment comes from the government-backed INCJ. The collaboration hopes to champion the middle- and small-sized display sector, and has around 6,200 employees, and ¥230 billion (about $2.8 billion) of capital to help it on its way. Now that the wheels are finally in motion, an announcement of its operational divisions, which include "Mobile Business" and "Automotive" hint at what we might expect from the business going forward. Assuming no one sells up that is.

Solar Powered Kindle Light Case Arrives

Kindle Touch owners who have been waiting for the arrival of the SolarKindle the solar powered light case designed for Amazon’s Kindle Touch devices.
The SolarKindles was first unveiled back in CES during January of this year. Will be please to learn that the SolarKindle has now arrived and is available to purchase from the SolarFocus website directly for $80.
SolarKindle

Created by SolarFocus the SolarKindle cases lightweight, flexible solar panel has been designed to provide up to three days of lighted reading time from just one hour of direct sunlight.
Its equipped with a 1500 mAh lithium-polymer reserve battery that will run the unit’s built-in LED lamp pumping out 800 lux for up to 50 hours. It can also be used to charge the connected Kindle Touch device, providing it with up to 10 days of additional reading time.
SolarKindle

Lensbaby Composer Pro For Micro Four Thirds Cameras Announced

Some of our readers will remember the Lensbaby Composer Pro for DSLR’s that was launched last year, and now Lensbaby has also launched the Composer Pro for a range of micro four thirds.
The Lensbaby Composer Pro is now available for the Sony NEX ranage, The Samsung NX range, plus a range of Olympus PEN cameras and Panasonic’s Lumix G cameras.
Lensbaby Composer Pro
The Composer Pro offers silky smooth focus and tilt/swivel ability. With its refined design and sturdy metal construction, it’s a step up from the Composer. It is the premium choice for professional photographers and videographers everywhere.
You can find out more details about the Lensbaby Composer Pro for micro four thirds cameras over at Lensbaby.

HTC Evo 3D Coming To Virgin Mobile As HTC Evo V 4G

The HTC Evo 3D was launched last year and now it looks like it is headed to Virgin Mobile in the US as the HTC Evo V 4G, and it looks like the specifications will be the same as the the HTC Evo 3D.
The HTC Evo V 4G will features a dual core 1.2GHz processor, plus a 4.3 inch qHD display that has a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, and it is capable of displaying 3D content without any 3D glasses.
HTC EVO 3D
The devices comes with two 5 megapixel cameras which can record 3D video and take 3D photos, up front you get a 1.3 megapixel camera for video calls and there is also Bluetooth and WiFi, plus Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
There are no details as yet on when the HTC Evo V 4G will land on Virgin Mobile and also no details on how much it will retail for.

HTC One X and One S come to Orange, T-Mobile on Thursday

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If you've already decided whether you're Team One X or Team One S, and live in the UK, then get ready to flex the plastic on Thursday. Both T-Mobile and Orange have announced that's the day you can pick one up in store and online (and even over the phone if that's how you roll.) Both networks are offering the One X for free if you don't mind paying £41 a month, or you can scoop up the One S for a slightly more reasonable £36 -- if you're okay with the smaller screen estate and number-of-core bragging rights. In the mean time, you'd best start brushing up on that new UI...