Author Archive: Gareth

Android Market to show compatibility

Google has revamped Android Market, its own app store, to show devices that are compatible with each individual app. Now, when you visit Android Market on the desktop, the app that you’re viewing or trying to purchase will give you a compatibility list showing which of the Android phones or tablets that you have registered will work properly with the app.

With the compatibility check, Android users may feel more confident in making more app purchases, especially considering that Google had shortened the refund period for app purchases recently.
Also, as the Android platform is fragmented with various devices, device-makers, and also OS versions of Android, a compatibility check will help users quickly identify if the app will work with their particular device(s). Previously, users had to rely on developers to list specific compatibility in the app description.

Posted by Gareth

Asus Windows 7 Eeepc Tablet arrives through the backdoor

Asus has quietly launched a new 12.1″ Windows Tablet. I remember reading a review some months ago on Cnet and they were quite favourable of the device noting it as having  powerful specs, plenty of features  and a huge screen, which I sure you could have worked out yourself. However they also noted that it was difficult to use and hold because of it’s weight and the huge screen and the battery didn’t last as long as expected at only 3 hours.

The EP121 features a beefy Intel i5 processor, 32GB/64GB of storage with 2GB/4GB of RAM respectively. Complete with USB ports, Mini-HDMI, and memory card slots, the device also has a virtual keyboard hardware button, and an orientation lock also. The device weighs in at 2.6 pounds, which you had to expect with the 12.1? inch screen. This is been the Achilles heal for Windows 7 tablets, and I am sure something Microsoft and Intel want to change with Windows 8 devices.

Posted by Gareth

Vodafone to sell the other Samsung Galaxy Tab 10 1

Vodafone seems to be changing their tune as the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1″ goes on sale in the US. An email has gone out to interested customers alerting them to a change of plans. Vodafone is switching out the thicker Galaxy Tab 10.1v and its 8MP camera in favour of the “slim” version unveiled at CTIA.

“An important update regarding the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1v

We’ve decided to add the slimmer Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 to our range, which will now take the place of the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1v.

The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 is packed full of cutting edge technology but is one of the world’s slimmest Honeycomb tablets, measuring 8.6mm thick and weighing just 599g. We’ve updated our website with more details, which you can see here

We’ll be in touch again soon with more information on pricing and availability.

Thank you”

The slimmer Tab 10.1 was created in response to the announcement of the iPad 2, and was designed to compete at a better price point with a more appealing 8.6mm-thick form factor. I mention the 8MP camera above because this is one are where Samsung downgraded, moving to a 3MP camera. The 10.1v will not be available. Vodafone has updated their product page to reflect the change.

Source Phandroid

Posted by Gareth

Toshiba Tablet is alive, called Thrive and ready to arrive!

That familiar electronics brand will be putting out their second attempt at an Android tablet this July. Toshiba has announced that the Thrive will go on sale in July with pre-orders starting June 13th. Pricing is also pretty impressive as well. It will come in three models: 8GB, 16GB and 32GB. The 8GB model will run $429, 16GB – $479, and the 32GB will cost a modest $579. Those are very competitive prices.

Looks like the Thrive will be hitting the American market first, however no details have been released about the other territories.

Other features that come with the Thrive:

• Android 3.1 Honeycomb
• Full sized HDMI, USB and SDCard slots
• Customizable back plate: You will be able to choose from 5 colors
• Removable battery
• 10.1" HD touchscreen running at 1280×800 resolution
• 2MP Front-facing camera, 5MP rear-facing camera
• nVidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor

Posted by Gareth

Transphone taking on the Padfone

Dual devices seem to be all the rage. Pipping Asus’ Padfone to the headlines by a day was CMIT’s TransPhone. Both tablets include built-in docks with smartphones to match, but are otherwise unique in appearance and features. The TransPhone includes a bluetooth headset and a slide-in smartphone dock, while the Padfone’s handset is completely hidden by a flip-up rear door. The CMIT device reportedly packs a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor and SVGA display, along with USB and HDMI ports, though we’re still unclear on which OS will be running on the tablet. There’s also no word on pricing or availability, but the TransPhone is in good company there, so don’t get ready to ditch those standalone gadgets just yet.

Viewsonic doing a 7” Honeycomb tablet

ViewSonic have shown off at what they are calling the world’s first 7-Inch Honeycomb tablet, the ViewPad 7x. The tablet has some nice specs for a small device:

• 7-Inch Screen with 1024 x 600 resolution
• Google’s Android 3.0.1/Honeycomb OS
• HSPA+ connectivity
• A pair of cameras, one on the front and one on the back
• Tegra 2 dual-core processor
• An HDMI-out
• Super-light weight 380g design

There is no word yet on pricing, availability, or even storage options, but we should know more within the next couple of weeks. Below is a link to the full press release of ViewSonic products that debuted at Computex this year.

Press Release and full details belowk:

MSI WindPad 110W and 100A offer 10.1-inch Win 7 or Android

MSI introduced a range of slates at Computex 2011 this weekend. The WindPad 100A runs Android, hense the ‘A’. A 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 IPS slate weighing 740g, the WindPad 100A has an unspecified dual-core Cortex A9 processor along with 1GB of RAM, up to 32GB of storage and WiFi b/g/n. Bragging over 8hrs of runtime from a single charge. It weighs 720g and has a G-Sensor, ALS, an SD card reader and a USB port.

There’s also an HDMI port, g-sensor, ambient light sensor, an SD card slot, USB port and audio output; cameras front and back complete the deal. OS is “the latest Google Android operating system” which certainly suggests Honeycomb. No word on pricing yet or when it will hit the shelves.

The WindPad 110W, running Windows and cunningly titles with a ‘W’, has 2GB of memory, WiFi b/g/n, a G-Sensor, ALS light sensor, and an SSD hard drive offering up to 64GB. It weighs 850g and, MSI reckons, will last for over 6hrs of runtime. Both have twin cameras, front and back, and SRS PC Sound.

MSI has also added some touch-sensitive smart keys on the side of the Windows slate, along with face recognition for auto-login. No word on pricing or availability at this stage for either model.

Check out the Press Release below: