Tablets

By September 23, 2014 Read More →

Microsoft tablets that put the fun in functional

14469697956_7cb0aa01e7_hDespite the fact that global sales of PCs and laptops are in decline, several consumers still require functional, practical and workaday machines, which can perform more tasks than standard touchscreen tablets. 

Thankfully, Microsoft’s range of Surface devices makes this possible and you can pick one up at stores including Tesco and popular electrical retailers. In addition to their lightweight construction and expansive displays, they also feature comprehensive operating systems and various input methods. Here’s the full lowdown on all three models:

 

Surface 2

Full of features and incredibly good value for money, the Surface 2 might well be Microsoft’s entry-level tablet, but it still packs an impressive punch. Boasting a 1.7 GHz processor, Nvidia Tegra 4 chip, 2GB of RAM and a 10.6-inch screen, the Surface 2 can deal with a multitude of tasks and applications. When you add into the bargain a two-position kickstand, USB 3, MicroSD slot and Microsoft Office with Outlook as standard, it quickly becomes the best option for those on a budget.  

 

Surface Pro 2

Perhaps the ultimate tablet for professions that require portability and power, the Surface Pro 2 has everything you could possibly need. With an Intel Core i5 processor, 526GB of storage and the option of Microsoft’s entire Office Suite, this particular device takes all the benefits of a PC or laptop but manages to fit it in a truly attractive package weighing just 900 grams. Even so, it features a multitude of connections, commendable battery life and a full HD display. 

 

Surface Pro 3

The latest and possibly greatest tablet offering from Microsoft is the Surface Pro 3. On first impressions, the tablet’s look and feel is difficult to ignore, as the substantial 12-inch display and sleek magnesium frame are outstanding. But it gets better, as the Surface Pro 3 also comes with two 5MP HD cameras, stereo speakers featuring Dolby sound, a full-size keyboard and trackpad as well as a pressure-sensitive stylus. This means interacting with the pre-installed full version of Windows 8.1 is both easy and enjoyable.

So even if you’re looking for some fun from your tablet, you can get a great deal of functionality too with a Microsoft Surface device. Just be sure to choose a tablet that’s right for you and meets your requirements.

Image by Scott Akerman, used under the Creative Commons license.

 

 

Posted in: Editorial, Laptops, Tablets
By July 29, 2014 Read More →

The HTC Nexus tablets

HTC-generic-Tablet-concept-renderSupposedly, HTC is working on three different Android tablets and supposedly they plan to release later this year. On top of that, one of them will could be the Nexus 9 tablet for Google. 

HTC Nexus tablets specification:

  • 8.9-inch display with 281ppi
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 16GB or 32GB storage options
  • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera
  • 3-megapixel front-facing camera

According to the dude @evleaks, a Nexus 9 will have the model name T1 (and could have internal names of Volantis/Flounder as previously rumoured), while the other two unknown HTC tablets will be models T7 and T12. On top of this rumour, it has been speculated that the T7 will be the next Nexus 7 tablet, and that the T12 might be a successor to the Nexus 10.

Posted in: News, Rumours, Tablets
By July 26, 2014 Read More →

NVIDIA Unveils The Tegra-K1 Equipped Shield Tablet

Screenshot 2014-07-23 21.53.50We have seen to rumours, however now we have the details, Nvidia are putting out the Tegra-K1 Shield Tablet. We also have pricing details. Whilst the details are for the US we shall still share them. The Shield Tablet 16GB/Wi-Fi version will cost $299, and the 32GB/LTE model will sell for $399. Additionally, the optional Shield controller will cost $59.

Now for the juicy parts… here’s the primary spec-list:

  • 8-inch Full HD IPS LCD display
  • Built-in stylus that works with Nvidia’s new DirectStylus 2 tech
  • Tegra K1 SoC – 192 Kepler-based GPU cores (with support for some desktop class graphics)
  • Quad-core Cortex A15 processor spinning at 2.2GHz
  • 2GB of RAM
  • Wi-Fi only version with 16GB of built-in storage, and an LTE-equipped version with 32GB of storage
  • Both feature an expansion card slot for up to 128GB of additional storage space

NVIDIA-Shield-Tablet-Tegra-K1-GPU-Benchmarks-OpenGL-ES-31-unreal-engine-4

That’s not all though. This new tablet is more than just internals. NVIDIA have gone all-out by including what they claim are some “world’s first” features for this super-gaming tablet. Here’s a quote from their presser with the details,

String of World Firsts

The SHIELD tablet provides a range of firsts for a tablet:

  • PC Streaming: First to stream games from a PC desktop or notebook, from anywhere in the home – using NVIDIA GameStreamTM technology to stream from systems powered by an NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 6xx series or greater GPU.
  • Cloud Streaming: First to stream PC games from the cloud. Gamers can access the NVIDIA GRIDTM cloud gaming beta, available exclusively to SHIELD owners in Northern California, to instantly stream a library of high-quality PC games, and then save them in the cloud.
  • Twitch and NVIDIA ShadowPlayTM: First to feature Twitch – the leading video platform and community for gamers – which is also integrated with ShadowPlay, an advanced game-capture tool that lets users save and stream their greatest gaming moments. Gamers can stream titles from the SHIELD tablet to friends and foes worldwide. SHIELD Tablet also includes a 5MP front camera to enhance the image of the gamer overlaid on the Twitch gamecast.
  • Console Mode: First to feature NVIDIA Console Mode, which takes your tablet gameplay to your big screen TV. Console Mode transforms the device into a full living-room gaming and entertainment experience. Gamers can set up their SHIELD wireless controller, sit back on their couch and play Android games, browse the web and watch their favorite movies — all in native 1080p HD.

 

 

 

Posted in: News, Tablets
By July 22, 2014 Read More →

NVIDIA Shield Tablet leaked online

nvidia-shield-tablet-leaked-picThere have been many rumours of a NVIDIA Android gaming console over the last few weeks. We don’t have anything new to report on that front, but we do have a solid leak regarding NVIDIA’s upcoming gaming Android tablet from one of the most reliable sources, out pal @evleaks

The NVIDIA Shield Tablet could be one of the most interesting things to happen to Android gaming. In fact, it’s entirely possible there won’t necessarily be an Android gaming console from NVIDIA because, with the proper input/outputs, this could easily become a portable gaming console. We do know that this device is supposed to come with the NVIDIA Tegra K1 SoC or if the newly leaked NVIDIA gaming controller is meant to pair with this device, a likely situation however. 

Either way, Android gaming is only just now evolving to reach a more mainstream gaming audience. This device could be a big step in that direction.

nvidia-shield-tablet-leaked-pic

Posted in: News, Tablets
By July 14, 2014 Read More →

LG G Pad 10.1 coming to UK soon

lg-g-pad-10-1-main-imageLG have launched the G Pad 10.1 in the US and the UK is due to follow quite quickly. This 10.1″ WXGA tablet features a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, a quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot, a 1.3 megapixel front camera and a 5 megapixel rear camera. The G Pad 10.1 will arrive with with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, an 8000 mAh battery, wifi and Bluetooth. LG says it will be available in two colours, black and red. At 8.9mm thick and 523g, the LG G Pad 10.1 is about the same thickness as the Nexus 10, but is lighter by about 80g. 

LG has not yet revealed any pricing for the new tablet. However, rumours are that the Pad will launch in the affordable range of $200-300. With any luck we will have some info soon on their remaining tablet model, the G Pad 8.0.

Posted in: News, Rumours, Tablets
By July 13, 2014 Read More →

Screen casting from Android to Chromecast

cast_screenThose lovely people at Google are currently packing in the ultimate feature for the Chromecast, screen casting. Now, anything on your Android device can appear on the TV. Google are pushing sharing features more so than gaming and apps by saying “You can share photos stored on your phone with a group of friends, or scope out the scenery for your next family vacation together on the big screen using Google Earth.”

This feature is currently in beta and will roll out on popular Android phones or tablets from Samsung, HTC, LG, and others over the next few days. Look out for the 1.7 update of the Chromecast app on Google Play store to use this new feature. 

By July 11, 2014 Read More →

Breakthrough in battery life

urlSometimes it’s the obvious things which go unnoticed for a while yet turn out be be the perfect solution to an old problem. Such is the likely the case with a new scientific breakthrough in battery tech. Researchers at University of California and the Bourns College of Engineering may have just figured out an easy and cheap way to triple the battery life of our smartphones and tablets.

One of the researchers, graduate student Zachary Favors, came up with the idea to add sand to existing battery tech. At some point it dawned on Favors that there is typically a large amount of Quartz in sand. This turned out to be the key to the team’s discovery. Here’s a quote with more of the details:

There are no reports on how quickly this breakthrough will make it to market, but the outlook is quite good. We will keep you updated as to if/when this starts hitting our favorite devices.

Posted in: Gadgets, Phones, Tablets
By July 3, 2014 Read More →

What NVIDIA’s Shield tablet could be?

NVIDIA-Shield-Tablet-1There is evidence that NVIDIA’s Shield tablet is coming soon. The Global Certification Forum, a group that tests devices for mobile network interoperability, recently listed an entry for a NVIDIA made Shield Tablet with 3G and LTE. On top of the certification they also shared a Tweet in which they referred to it as a “notebook/tablet.” This suggests it might be a hybrid device, like the Asus Transformer series. 

Previous leaks regarding this device shared a few details including a Tegra K1 chip, a 2048 x 1536 screen, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and a 7MP rear camera. The GCF certification was given out on June 26. It will interesting to see this new product from NVIDIA as they continue to push harder to create a hardcore gaming market for Android.

Posted in: Rumours, Tablets
By June 22, 2014 Read More →

The HTC Volantis nine-inch Nexus tablet

HTC-VolantisA new leak is revealing specs and early mock-ups of a new nine-inch tablet from HTC, codenamed “Volantis”. Android Police has revealed that pricing won’t be as harsh as it could, with a rumored cost of $399 for the 16GB model and $499 for the 32GB model. HTC and Google are said to be aiming for a Q4 2014 release to correspond with the launch of Android L, the next Android overhaul.

HTC Volantis Specification:

  • 8.9″ Display at 2048×1440 (281ppi)
  • NVIDIA Logan 64-bit processor (Tegra K1)
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16/32GB internal storage
  • 8MP OIS main camera, 3MP front facing camera
  • Aluminum zero-gap construction
  • Stereo front-facing speakers
  • 8.91″x5.98″x0.31″ body (that’s 22.63×15.19×0.79cm)
  • 418g (or 427g with LTE) (that’s 14.74/15.1 ounces)
Posted in: News, Rumours, Tablets
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By June 16, 2014 Read More →

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4 unveiled

Logitech_Type-S_CarbonBlack_FrontSamsung recently announced their newest high end Android tablets: the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and 8.4. Both of these devices offer the exact same specs, with the only difference being the size of their displays (and price of course). The major claim to fame of these devices is the high-tech displays which are a QHD Super AMOLED design. 

Here’s the full spec-sheet:

  • 2560x1600p Super AMOLED display
  • Samsung Exynos 5420 SoC (WiFi model), or Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC (LTE model)
  • 3GB RAM
  • 16/32GB internal storage with micro SD card expansion slot (up to 128GB)
  • 8MP rear and 2.1MP front facing cameras
  • 7,900mAh battery
  • Samsung’s Magazine UX software
  • Fingerprint scanner (supports up to 8 different users)
  • 6.6mm thin, 465g (10.5) or 294g (8.4)

Other notable features include “Kid mode,” “SideSync 3.0,” and a partnership with Marvel. Here’s a quote with the details,

Quote:
One the software side of things, Samsung mentioned the tabs will feature a child-friendly “Kid mode” and connectivity with your Galaxy S5 that allows you to receive calls directly from the Tab S via a feature they’re calling “SideSync 3.0.” Samsung also announced partnerships with Netflix to bring full HD 1080p video streaming to the Tab S, along with Condé Nast for Vogue, GQ, Glamour, content, as well as National Geographic.

Marvel — who will include the Tab S in the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron movie — also announced that they’d be giving away a free 3 month subscription to Marvel Unlimited, along with Google Play with their free 90-day trial to Google Play Music All Access and free copy of Gravity for Play Movies & TV.

Despite the high-end nature of these tablets, they are not quite as expensive as one might assume. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 WiFi model will be coming in July for $500, while the the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 will be only $400. Pre-orders begin June 13th. On top of this, Samsung announced accessories like the “Book Cover,” and the Logitech Type-S Bluetooth keyboard for $99 (shown in the picture above with the tablet).

Posted in: News, Tablets
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