News

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.

Samsung announces Samsung Galaxy S4

Just as expected, last night Samsung announced the latest incarnation of their ever popular Galaxy S range, the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The specification looks impressive with 5″ FULL HD Screen, 16.GHz octa-core CPU and 2GB Ram it looks set to be a good contender against the new HTC One for the top spot.

There’s a few other interesting features and innovations on there too, including temperature and humidity sensors, ‘air gestures’, and a series of health accessories all in a package just 7.9mm thick.

Full press release and specification can be found below. Naturally we’ll have more for you soon!

Mobile Tech Addicts Podcast 200 announcement

It is with great sadness we are informing you that there will be a delay for the much anticipated 200th installment of The Mobile Tech Addicts podcast. Our decision to have a short hiatus is down to a number of things. Firstly, we want to make it a memorable occasion, injecting every resource we have to celebrate this milestone. Secondly, we had hoped to have a couple of special “features” in place for the show that didn’t quite come together in time. Thirdly, I, Gareth, am in the process of building an elaborate  command centre for the show and this has suffered a couple of set backs.  There is a fourth reason but it just seems like I’m making excuses. sorry.

We will, however, reconvene in the very near future and provide you with that injection of tech you so obviously crave.

Posted by: Gareth

HTC One release update

We have had an update from an official HTC distributor that the HTC One is now expected to arrive with them on 29^th March.

http://www.expansys.com/htc-one

So if this correct it is unlikely to be available for UK consumers until after the Easter break – ie Tues 2^nd April.

However, like many releases we remain hopeful that this date will change and that the device will still be available in March.

Will keep you posted with any updates as we get them.

Posted by: Matt

LG Launches 55-inch OLED TV

Up until now, OLED technology has really only been avaialble in relatively small displays but as a display technology it’s pretty awesome.

Displays using OLED have been getting steadily larger and LG have just raised the bar massively with the launch of their new 55-inch OLED TV today.

This thing looks absolutely stunning and is a mere 4.5mm thick thin, making the LED competitors look positively chubby by comparison.

You can see the full details in the release below.

LG LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST 55-INCH OLED TV TO UK CONSUMERS

UK, 7^th March 2013 – LG Electronics (LG) announces today the arrival of the stunning, World’s first 55-inch OLED TV to the UK, showcased exclusively at Harrods Technology and available to customers on pre-order for delivery in July.

The LG OLED TV (55EM970V) ushers in a new era of TV screen technology, at just 4.5 millimetres thin and weighing less than 10 kilograms, yet producing exceptional picture quality and delivering spectacularly vivid and accurate colours due to its superior WRGB technology. LG’s OLED TV truly represents the future of TV and is the culmination of years of research and development, with the company committed to continued investment in this technology.

“We are proud to be the first in the world to offer consumers a big screen OLED TV,” said Brian Na, President of LG Electronics UK. “LG’s next generation display is a true game changer, which will forever alter the way we think about TVs. Since OLED TV was first unveiled, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring what we call ‘the ultimate display’ to market. I’m sure you’ll agree that our 55-inch OLED TV has definitely been worth the wait.“

Andrew Mackay, UK Commercial Director of Home Entertainment and Home Appliances added: “Following the LG launch and supply to the Korean market earlier in the year, the UK is proud to be the next market to launch LG OLED TV, as this innovative and premium model launches first in Europe to UK consumers.” 

LG’s OLED TV combines the company’s leading Smart TV technology and Cinema 3D capabilities with edge-to-edge Cinema Screen Design, creating the most immersive and complete home entertainment experience with stunning style to match.

Since the LG OLED TV first debuted at a Trade Show in January 2012, it has received a number of accolades from prestigious international design associations and well regarded media outlets for both outstanding picture quality and truly exceptional design. In addition to being named Best of Show at CES 2012, the influential Industrial Designers Society of America recognised the 55EM970V with a coveted IDEA Award. Meanwhile, LG received the European Display Achievement 2012-2013 Award from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) and the TV received Korea’s Good Design Award in October 2012.

The LG 55EM970V is available now at Harrods, Knightsbridge for pre-order with delivery in July, priced at an estimated £9,999.99. The new LG OLED joins LG’s other pioneering home entertainment technologies at Harrods Technology, including another World’s First in the 84″ ULTRA HD TV (84LM960V).

Posted by: Matt

HTC One stock update

Just a quick piece of news regarding the HTC One. You can already go ahead and pre-order from eXpansys but the latest on stock is that they should be arriving on the 14th March and will ship immediately, so with customers on Friday 15th March, just in time for the weekend! 🙂

Head over to http://www.expansys.com/htc-one if you want to pre-order now.

Posted by: Matt

HTC wins Best New Mobile award

I think I made it pretty clear that I was excited to have been able to play with the new HTC One already and that I was certainly looking forward to getting my hands on a review unit soon.

Seems I’m not the only one to be impressed with their new device, as HTC have just been awarded best new New Mobile Handset at MWC in Barcelona this year.

Did I mention that I was looking forward to this one?

NEW HTC ONE SCOOPS GLOBAL MOBILE AWARD FOR BEST NEW MOBILE HANDSET, DEVICE OR TABLET AT MWC 2013

Barcelona, Spain – February 28, 2013 – HTC’s newly launched HTC One was today presented with the GSMA award for the best new mobile handset, device or tablet. Voted for by a panel of industry experts from the media and analyst communities, the award recognises the mobile device that the judges believe holds the most promise for success in the market this year, providing game-changing features, design or functionality. With its sleek design, revolutionary home screen experience, superior audio and breakthrough camera technology, the HTC One has made a significant impact at this year’s Mobile World Congress, impressing judges and delegates alike.

Benjamin Ho, Chief Marketing Officer for HTC accepted the award commenting, "We are delighted by the reactions from both consumers and the industry to the new HTC One. It is a device that has been years in the making and is one of which we are incredibly proud. With exciting features like BlinkFeed, BoomSound, UltraPixel camera combined with the zero gap aluminium body design, we believe that the HTC One will really change the way that people use their phones, revolutionising the overall mobile experience."

The GSMA accolade concludes an award-winning event for HTC, with the HTC One also receiving recognition from both Tech Radar ("Best Phone" and "Best in Show") and Mobile Geeks ("Best Smartphone").

Posted by: Matt

MWC device availability

As MWC draws to a close there have obviously been plenty of new devices announced over the past few days and I guess we’re all wondering when we’ll be able to get our hands on them. Helpfully the folks over at eXpansys have put together the list below so that you can go ahead and pre-order some of these new toys!

· Nokia Lumia 520 – £169.99 SIM Free – official UK supplier expects stock “mid to late April” http://www.expansys.com/nokia-lumia-520-black-246824/

· Nokia Lumia 720 – £299.99 SIM free – official UK supplier expects stock “mid to late April” http://www.expansys.com/nokia-lumia-720-red-246825/

· Galaxy Note 8.0 – No price yet – stock expected in at beginning of Q2 – ie April http://www.expansys.com/samsung-galaxy-note-8-0-white-16gb-3g+wi-fi-246826/

· ASUS PadFone Infinity – price expected to be around ?999/£865, but this is still TBC – stock expected in April http://www.expansys.com/asus-padfone-infinity-black-32gb-246902/

· ASUS Fonepad – price expected to be around ?219/£189 (for 8GB), but this is still TBC – 8GB stock expected in March:

• 8GB Grey: http://www.expansys.com/asus-fonepad-titanium-grey-8gb-246904/
• 16Gb Grey: http://www.expansys.com/asus-fonepad-titanium-grey-16gb-246905/

Posted by: Matt

Huawei launches budget Windows Phone

Yesterday Huawei announced their latest Windows Phone smartphone which is to be aimed at the masses.

The Huawei Ascend W1 will be launching for an incredible £119.99 on PAYG. You may think that a phone costing under £120 would have a budget spec to match, however, here you’ll find a 4 inch 480×800 display, 1.2Ghz Dual-core CPU and 4GB of on-board storage.

We’ll definitely be getting our hands on one of these shortly.