Archive for March 19th, 2013

A couple of devices coming from Asus

Asus is supposedly working on a couple of intriguing new devices that will hit this summer. The first is an Intel-powered smartphone that supposedly will be using the Atom Z2580 processor, with two cores running at up to 2GHz. This is the same chip that is in the new Lenovo K900 smartphone. This new device is supposed to include a 5 to 5.5 inch display and is likely for emerging markets in China, (although it is possible we will see it elsewhere internationally). The earliest it will launch will be in June.

The second new device from Asus is actually a newly updated and improved Nexus 7 tablet. It is expected to launch in May, which coincides Google I/O happening that month. No real details were given about this new Nexus 7 other than it will have enhanced internals and will probably sell for around a similar price to that we saw the Nexus 7 launch at before. Here’s a quote with the details:

In addition to its entry-level Fonepad, Asustek Computer is set to launch a new smartphone featuring Intel Atom Z2580 processor (Clover Trail+), targeting the mainstream market segment in June at the earliest, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.
The smartphone is expected to adopt a 5- to 5.5-inch display, similar to that of Lenovo’s K900 smartphone, which also uses the Atom Z2580 and will be available in China in April, the sources said.
Meanwhile, Asustek’s second-generation Nexus 7 is expected to appear in May with enhanced specifications and a price of US$249 to challenge its 7- to 8-inch competitors including the Apple iPad mini, the sources added.

Posted by: Gareth

HTC One to make video call from Mount Everest

Ok so I have been bleating on about my HTC One on twitter and facebook a bit lately but I’m not alone in being impressed with the HTC One as eminent British explorer, Daniel Hughes, is taking his HTC One and is setting out to achieve an historic world first this spring. From an amazing 8,848m above sea level, Hughes will attempt to make the very first video call with his HTC One from the top of Mt. Everest. 

At the summit, Daniel plans to speak live to BBC News using his HTC One and the latest mobile satellite technology from Inmarsat, in temperatures as low as -35°C. HTC is one of the lead sponsors for this remarkable expedition.

During his climb, Daniel will also make scaling the world’s tallest mountain an interactive online experience, inviting his followers to share the journey through video, pictures and webchats. 

Daniel is leaving the UK next weekend, beginning his journey from base camp in mid-April. He is expected to reach the summit via the South Col in mid-May.