Gareth and Matt enjoy a warm and fuzzy recollection of days gone by in this the latest instalment of the Retro Tech Addicts podcast.
This week we talk about IBM’s first Ddisk storage unit, eBay’s formation and what HTC were up to this dau in 2006.
It looks like September 4th just got even busier for big tech announcements. Not only are both Sony and Samsung holding big press events that day, Asus will be reveal something in the realm of the Android tablet. Asus just this weekend teased a new Android tablet will be announced on September 4th. They didn’t use that date specifically, but their teaser indicates something big will be coming in four days and they sent the announcement out on the 31st of August.
From the pic it is safe to say this is a new Transformer Pad, and although no details were shared other than the countdown, it’s a good bet that it will have a Tegra 4 chip in it, due to Asus’ close ties to NVIDIA. It’s worth noting that a previously unknown Asus tablet made its way through the FCC just a couple of weeks ago.
Posted by: Gareth
Today, ZTE and Virgin Media introduced the 4” ZTE Blade V in the UK, ZTE’s most competitive smartphone yet. The ZTE Blade V is available to purchase in store from the 4th September, and online shortly after, only from Virgin Media from £71.99 PAYG.
Read on for the press release.
Gareth’s pick ups from the last week include one semi-rare beat ’em up on a forgotten console and one of the Holy Grail collectors items for a handheld. Warning: If you are a collector you might be a little jealous.
Posted by: Gareth
It looks like Amazon have been p[using the boundaries of e-paper once again with a new display technology that promises big things for your reading experience. Continuing at the typical wallet friendly price the new Kindle looks to enhance the experience for reads without all the bloat of the typical tablet. Read on for the press release
It looks like Google was pulling some "sleight of hand" on us. Not only did we think the next iteration of Android was going to be Android 5.0, but was also won’t be called Key Lime Pie! According to Sundar Pichai himself, the next version of Android will actually be version 4.4 and shall be called "KitKat" instead of Key Lime Pie. Was it not the Android team themselves referring to the next Android as Key Lime Pie?
Apparently, after reflecting on this, the folks at Google believe that not enough people know what "Key Lime Pie" is. They decided that a KitKat, which is a bit more universally recognised, would be a better dessert to choose for the next Android codename. John Lagerling, the director of Android partnerships said, "very few people actually know the taste of a key lime pie." He added that the company "decided to reach out to the Nestle folks." An agreement was reached allowing Google’s Andy the Android to use the KitKat name although it’s "not a money-changing-hands kind of deal." A new chocolatey version of Android depiction is breaking onto the net as you read this.
Posted by: Gareth
HTC have unleashed a selection of new treats for us this week – both smartphone and accessories.
There’s been much speculation about a bigger and better addition to the One series but if that’s coming it isn’t right now. The two devices that have been announced are mid to lower end but HTC are offering some great specs and larger screens for this segment of the market.
I was lucky enough to go hands on with the phones last week and although not top of the range they are still quite glorious. The Desire 601 in particular resembles the HTC One X in many ways and for a mid range device its sporting a 4.5 inch qHD display which is pretty big for its target audiance. Build quality doesn’t seem to have suffered either, which should give some of the other Android manufactures something to compete with.
Prices are not yet confirmed and as usual will be carrier dependant, however, I’m pretty certain these ones will be flying off the shelves if priced competitively – which I’m sure they will be.
HTC Desire 601 Specifications:
HTC Desire 300 Specifications:
London, 3 September 2013 – HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced the addition of the HTC Desire 601 and HTC Desire 300, to its popular smartphone family enabling consumers to enjoy a premium experience at any price point. Changing the face of the mid-range, the HTC Desire 601 introduces LTE speeds and innovative features from the flagship One family, including HTC Zoe with Video Highlights and HTC BoomSound. Setting a new standard for entry- level smartphones, the HTC Desire 300 offers a powerful, large-screen browsing experience and HTC BlinkFeed.
In addition to extending its range of affordable Desire smartphones, HTC is also bringing new choice and performance enhancements to its acclaimed HTC One family. HTC BoomBass, a Bluetooth subwoofer, combines with the One family’s HTC BoomSound to offer a fully-immersive audio experience like no other. A new ‘Vivid Blue’ HTC One and One mini also introduce a bold new option for those who want a handset that stands out from the crowd.
The Vivid Blue HTC One
“For the last 17 years HTC has challenged the mobile industry to develop innovations that change the way in which people use their mobile phone. Now we’re not only changing the way people view the mid-range and entry-level market but setting the bar even higher when it comes to our premium devices and capabilities,” commented Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “We are committed to offering the most innovative portfolio of products on the market. Our Desire family has become synonymous with affordable quality. Offering some of the most advanced capabilities of any smartphone, these phones truly represent premium quality in a more affordable price bracket.”
HTC BoomBass
The HTC Desire 601 comes complete with many of the features that have led the HTC One to be crowned the best phone in the world. HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe with Video Highlights and HTC BoomSound make this the most advanced mid-range smartphone available on the market today.
The rear-facing 5MP camera captures HTC Zoes, bringing images to life in three-second videos. The simple editing capabilities of HTC Zoe support advanced features such as Sequence Shot, Always Smile and Object Removal, making it easy to achieve incredible results with minimal effort.
Video Highlights takes the camera experience to the next level by creating highlight reels displayed on the HTC Desire’s 601’s 4.5" qHD screen. Accompanied by a range of pre-set themes for a more personal memory, these stunning 30-second video montages are simple to create and instantly sharable.
Superfast streaming, sharing and browsingThe HTC Desire 601 combines a Qualcomm® Snapdragon 400, dual-core, 1.4GHz processor and LTE connectivity to enable superfast HD video and music streaming with no compromise on quality. Changing the way you experience media on the go, dual, front-facing HTC BoomSound speakers join with the large screen to create a completely immersive audiovisual experience. Delivering richer, sharper tones, the raw power of the speakers lets you take the “big screen, big sound” home entertainment experience with you, wherever you go.
The HTC Desire 300 enhances the entry-level browsing experience with HTC BlinkFeed making personal and up-to-date content and social media updates available instantly on your home screen. Its stunning 4.3″, full lamination display is perfect for reading your customised HTC BlinkFeed updates, watching videos, viewing photos and surfing the web, whilst the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM dual-core, 1GHz processor means that you’ll never be short on performance.
Boosting the bass for HTC OneIn the HTC One, HTC redefined the smartphone sound experience with HTC BoomSound and has now raised the bar again with the introduction of a new accessory for the HTC One family. HTC BoomBass, a compact, Bluetooth-enabled subwoofer with a dedicated amplifier, provides clearer, more powerful bass when combined with the HTC One family’s BoomSound. The subwoofer enables HTC BoomSound’s speakers to produce enhanced quality of lower range frequencies so, no matter what music you’re playing or video you’re watching, you are guaranteed immense and exceptional sound that can travel with you.
The new HTC Desire 601 will be available with mobile operators and major retailers in select markets across EMEA from September 2013. The HTC Desire 300 will be available in select markets from October 2013.
The new Vivid Blue HTC One models will be available in select markets from Q4 2013 and HTC BoomBass will be available from the HTC Accessory Store from mid October 2013.
Also recently added to HTC’s spectrum of accessories are the HTC Fetch and Mini+, both of which are pretty darn sweet.
If you’re tired of losing your phone or leaving it behind, the HTC Fetch is your solution. Just press the button and the sleek, compact keychain device activates your phone’s ringtone within 15 meters*. Pair it with your phone and you’ll get a warning beep if you leave it behind. If you lose both, a convenient map location feature lets you know where your HTC Fetch and phone were last together.
Multi-tasking solutions for everyone: take calls while using your phone to surf online, watch videos or play games. Instant notifications of texts, events, and emails ensure you won’t miss a thing. Hands-free remote camera control lets you take pictures from your phone at a distance. It even doubles as a TV remote control, and pairs with select HTC devices to operate multimedia streaming through your HTC Media Link HD. Built-in laser pointer and slideshow remote control capability give your presentations a professional polish. Use your HTC smartphone like never before with the HTC Mini+.
Not a bad range of goodies don’t you think? While we wait for the next flagship it’s great to see HTC not forgetting about the consumers that don’t need the biggest and the best smartphone.
Posted by: James
Archos have announced their entire lineup of new Android products early. They will be debuting the devices at IFA in Germany next week, but they decided to share details a bit early in a press release. The list of devices is extensive and includes several tablets, a smartphone and potentially a smartwatch. Here’s the full press release below,
Quote:
IFA 2013: ARCHOS Confirms Mobile Connected Strategy with Innovative Tablet and Smartphone Lineup
ARCHOS, a pioneer in Android devices, is pleased to announce its tablet and smartphone strategy for year-end 2013.
Leveraging its four years of Android expertise, ARCHOS has optimised its product development aiming at offering innovative products based on Android and focused into the mobility segment, from tablets to smartphones to connected objects.
"This combination of innovation, value for money and rich product portfolio should allow ARCHOS to further increase its market share in the coming months," said Loic Poirier, CEO of ARCHOS.
CONTINUING TABLET INNOVATION: Powerful, Google certified tablets with HD screens
The Platinum range – featuring Quad-Core processors, sleek Aluminum design, wireless display technology and IPS screens up to 2048 x 1536 running Android 4.2.
The new Gen11 tablet, the ARCHOS 101xs2, is designed for performance, media playback and productivity. Powered by a quad-core processor with HD IPS screen it also features front-facing dual stereo speakers and ARCHOS’ unique magnetic keyboard functionality.
RENEWING THE THEMED TABLET RANGE: products designed for specific use
Unique to the new line of themed devices is a home screen application developed by ARCHOS that curates the more than 1 million apps inside of Google PlayT. Here each user can discover a selection of apps that best fits the purpose of the tablet making it easier for the end user to find the right content.
The new ARCHOS ChildPad range features a user interface designed for children, Google Play filtered for children, full parental controls and will run Android 4.2. Additionally, this range will feature the 101 Childpad designed to bridge the gap from the digital world of the tablet to content in the real world using magnetic figurines.
For gamers, the new ARCHOS GamePad 2 is the perfect combination of Android tablet and gaming console with access to thousands of the latest games. More details on this device to be released soon.
EXPANDING ANDROID EXPERTISE TO 3G TABLETS & SMARTPHONES
Expanding its deep Android expertise and answering user demand, ARCHOS is moving full speed ahead enhancing its existing line of 3G and 3G + tablets.
The new ARCHOS Xenon Range of 3 tablets will feature HD screens, up to Quad-Core CPUs, and will run Android 4.2 offering 3G connected devices cheaper than Apple or Samsung Wi-Fi tablets.
The new ARCHOS Smartphone line will include the Oxygen range, additions to the Platinum range and the Titanium range. All smartphones will feature pure un-skinned Android OS and Google Certification.
The flagship smartphone, the ARCHOS 50 oxygen, features a full HD IPS screen, Quad-Core CPU at 1.5 GHz, 16GB storage, Android 4.2 and 13MP back camera and a 5 MP front camera.
The Titanium range, starting at £99 with a 4 inch device, will feature Dual-Core CPUs, Bluetooth, GPS, Dual SIM card slots, Android 4.2, 5MP back cameras and 0.3 MP front cameras.
Archos will provide further details and unveil this product strategy on their stand at IFA 2013, located in Hall 17, Stand 106.
Further information will also be available on the Archos website upon launch – ARCHOS.
Future plans in the ARCHOS product strategy include enriching its smartphone lineup with the addition of 4G LTE models and to develop a full range of Connected Objects, including a unique Smart Watch concept.
Posted by: Gareth
Wearable computing could be the next big technological revolution or it could end up as the next technological red herring. Regardless of which side of that fence you perch, right now Samsung’s Galaxy Gear is the primary device people are talking about in the smartwatch segment of wearable computers. It is widely known that Samsung will be launching their Galaxy Gear smartwatch at their pre-IFA press event on September 4th.
So far, a smattering of details have been hinted at for the device, and more info continues to trickle out. The latest drop of intel is a leaked peek at the companion app which will supposedly come with the Galaxy Gear and allow it to sync up with your other Galaxy devices. A couple of pics of this “Gear Manager” app were recently posted (pictured above). The pics make it clear the Galaxy Gear will have built-in NFC functionality, and will be designed to function with several apps on Samsung phones like the Galaxy S4.
Source: Twitter – @evleaks
Posted by: Gareth
Gareth returns this week with a few odds and ends he has picked up, including some hidden posters and booklets he wasn’t expecting.
Posted by: Gareth
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