Posts Tagged ‘tablet’
Super HD iPad 3 Rumored for March
January 19th, 2012 • 11 Comments
To everyone who just themselves an iPad2, potentially irritating news – the iPad3 could be out as soon as March, thereby making you look out-of-touch, old fashioned and about as on-the-button as a deaf Colonel.
A handful of outlets are citing three anonymous – but normally trustworthy – sources, and they’re saying that Apple plans to start flogging the iPad 3 this March.
Apple’s (sometimes suicidal) Asian manufacturing partners are already ramping up production if the rumours are to be believed. Of course, Apple are making no comment.
So what can we expect? Well, the sources are noting that Apple hope to make the new iPad compatible with a wireless standard known (LTE). More interestingly, the new tablet will host a high-definition screen that will be higher spec than most HDTVs. One source reckons that the image is so clear that it will “make images look like printed material.”
Basically, it seems that the new iPad will offer a lot more in comparison to the iPad2, than the iPad2 did to the first release.
Over on the Mobot side of the office, Lewis has been throwing together all the iPad 3 rumours here.
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Google to take on iPad with branded Nexus tablet
December 20th, 2011 • No Comments
Google versus Apple. It’ll never go away will it? They properly hate each other and are constantly fighting each other over patents in court.
And so, to fuel the fire of rivalry even more, following on from the arrival of the Google branded Samsung Galaxy Nexus, honcho Eric Schmidt has dropped hints that there’s going to be a Google heavy Nexus tablet.
Schmidt promises that the arrival of a Google Nexus tablet will see the tablet war with Apple going ‘brutal’.
Speaking with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Schmidt said that the probable arrival of a Google tablet with the Ice Cream Sandwich device is set to land within the next six months resulting in “brutal competition between Apple and Google Android.”
Stating that Google will be “marketing a tablet of the highest quality” in the next few months, could Schmidt be heralding a true Android OS competitor for the iPad?
While Schmidt has given Apple praise, he’s pretty clear on the fact that he wants to compete with Apple, stating “our companies compete, it is capitalism.”
Can anything catch the iPad?
Over on the Mobot side of the office, Lewis has been throwing together all the iPad 3 rumours here.
Deathwatch: BlackBerry going under?
December 20th, 2011 • 10 Comments
Things are looking pretty grim at RIM – those that make BlackBerry things – as shares continue to fall drastically. It has been reported that things have got so despairingly awful that shares are now below the value of its cash, receivables and other assets.
RIM has a market capitalisation of less than $7 billion and the combined assets are $7.2 billion.
Much of the trouble stems from the top, with those leading the company making a series of terrible errors. While other mobile makers do a roaring trade, RIM are stumbling around saying, last week, that they’d be delaying the release of its make-or-break new smartphones which will now appear late next year.
In addition to this, the appetite for RIM’s PlayBook tablet isn’t great. Also, the huge network outage hasn’t instilled confidence in people on the look-out for new gadgets to buy.
While RIM are making solid-earnings, Wall Street seems jumpy. Could RIM be sliding into a hole from which it won’t recover?
iPad 3 discovered in iOS code
November 29th, 2011 • 2 Comments
Apple geeks, you can get a little excited. See, the iPad 3 is referred to in a new release of the tablet’s iOS operating system. Rumours are swirling around saying that it’ll launch in March and be significantly more hi-res (meaning that it’ll have to be a little chunkier than the iPad2).
It has been reported that, in a list of devices in the new iOS 5.1 software, ‘iPad3,3’ is referenced. There’s further mentions to the software calling for its ‘vendorID’, ‘deviceID’ and other details.
Apparently, Apple are working on two iPad 3 prototypes and, as well as the chunkier one, they are rumoured to be toying with the idea of a smaller 7.85” version, which is invariably Apple’s answer to Amazon’s Kindle.
Analyst Richard Shim says: “The 2048×1536 screen will be the centerpiece the of next-generation iPad, or so-called iPad 3. That resolution is a quantum leap over iPad 2 which uses a more pedestrian 1024-by-768 display”.
The iOS 5.1 code also refers to an updated version of the Apple TV, codenamed 3,1.
Over on the Mobot side of the office, Lewis has been throwing together all the iPad 3 rumours here.
HotUKDeals Of The Day – Thursday 27th October
October 27th, 2011 • No Comments
Take full advantage of today’s blinding bargains and you could be packing some white-hot technology, playing a cool-as-ice console game AND pushing a toy car around your carpet while waiting for some cheap trainers to come through the post.
As always, none of us would be possible without HotUKDeals. Us? We meant ‘this’. Ah, what the hell, we meant ‘us’ – all of us.
Let’s kick off with a couple of items of modern technology that you can have for disgustingly low prices. We’re not au fait with the brand names so we’ve got no idea what sort of quality you’ll be getting. Try suing us if they break – if you dare.
First up is an ISIS 40-inch 1080p telly with built-in Freeview and free delivery that you could have for as little as £235. No, really! Go on, treat yourself. Then there’s a 7-inch tablet computer with 4GB of storage and wi-fi. It’s only £49.97 and is made by Disgo 6000 – after the hit single of the same name by Pulp.
Next comes a special version of the hit game Driver. It’s a limited edition and as well as the game you’ll get some maps and stuff and an actual toy car. That way you’ll be able to play with it when you’re away from your console and you’ll have that Driver vibe around the clock. You total winner.
It can be had on the Xbox 360 and PS3 and it’s only £27.97. See – you get a little car too! And some maps! Oooh, we’re SO jealous!
Finally, we gave you the chance to become a season ticket holder at Newcastle United for next to nothing earlier in the week – now you can invest on the cheap even further and maybe help the club buy some players.
There’s a whole host of clearance items available at Sports Direct, as owned by Newcastle chief Mike Ashley, with free delivery and 10% off also up for grabs. Next week, we might be able to tell you how you can actually play for the club as well.
(deals found by HUKD members SUNRAINSNOW, goonertillidie, TanyaSpace and taswir1)
Turn your smartphone into a universal remote
September 20th, 2011 • 4 CommentsLogitech’s Harmony division have made something that’s a bit cool. They’ve developed something that will turns your smartphone or tablet into a universal remote as the Harmony Link meets the Harmony Link App.
The Harmony Link hardware is a disc that’s placed near your entertainment system and is the link between your new controller and the equipment via your WiFi network. Look!
The Harmony Link App will turn your iPad into a universal remote which enables you to slide through interactive TV listings and let you preview shows before switching channel. Sounds great!
Expect the Harmony Link in stores next month with a $99 RRP. We assume it’ll be heading to UK sooner or later as well.
HP Touchpad bundle, back in stock and going cheap at PC World
September 9th, 2011 • 5 Comments
The HP Touchpad crashed a load of sites when it was being sold for £89 after HP announced that they couldn’t be bothered making it anymore.
And now, there’s more deals on the tablet as PC World have it back in stock and flogging it to the tech-curious.
For your money, you get a the Touchpad bundled with a case and charging dock. Worth a look if you want something of a bargain. Of course, PC World are making a bit extra by not selling everything separately, but there you go.
For the 16gb version, the product code is 268777. For 32gb, it’s 835434. Either way, you’ll need to act quickly as these are flying off the virtual shelves like nobody’s business.
Man sees, touches and then talks about new Amazon Kindle tablet
September 5th, 2011 • 18 Comments
Last week we brought you murmurings about an impending Amazon tablet gizmo and now, only a few days later, an ACTUAL MAN has said that he’s seen and touched one. Which must mean it’s really real and will be the must-have tablet gizmo this Christmas.
That man is MG Siegler of TechCrunch and he says the gizmo he’s seen will be called the Amazon Kindle and will be a 7” tablet, running on a special version of Android and out in October. Most interestingly, Amazon will be selling it at $250 which translates as about £150 – way cheaper than the iPad that Amazon will be pitching it against. MG says it’s going to be huge.
Other things he speaks about are the fact that it has a full-colour screen, is backlit and as no e-ink. Oh, and no camera. The OS is a collaboration between Amazon and Android, with no trace of anything Google-flavoured at all. Amazon clearly have big plans for the future.
There’s apparently a 10” version in the offing but that won’t be around until some time next year. Keep watching the skies for more info, leaked pictures, lawsuits from Apple etc etc etc…
Low-price Amazon tablet coming by Christmas?
August 31st, 2011 • 11 CommentsLet the tablet wars commence! With its Kindle e-reader well established, it’s looking increasingly likely that Amazon will expand into the tablet market, giving Apple a new rival to worry about.
Industry analysts are suggesting that if Amazon can produce a sub-$300 (£185) tablet and launch it ahead of Christmas, it’ll blow the whole tablet scene to smithereens. Amazon could well be content to sell the hardware at a loss, banking instead on making their dough from money raked in from the Kindle store and MP3 downloads.
Amazon will almost certainly run Android on their tablets, and have been preparing an ‘app market’ for the OS. Analyst Sarah Rotman of Forrester believes that, “A year from now, Amazon will be synonymous with Android on tablets, a strong second to Apple’s iPad.”
It’s interesting stuff – would a cheap Amazon tablet lead to a reduction in the price of iPads? Can Amazon muscle in on Apple’s action? Bakewell Tarts or Viennese Whirls? You decide.
Why on Earth would anyone stock the HP TouchPad?
August 24th, 2011 • 4 Comments
Stocking the mondo cheapo HP TouchPad sounds like easy marketing gold right? Flog vaguely desirable gadget for £89 and become the talk of the town!
Well, it isn’t all good news sadly. See, one of the things that seems to be happening with retailers is that even by virtue of simply selling the thing, it is attracting so much interest that it makes their website crash, thereby ensuring they sell nothing at all – so no knock-on sales thanks to a bunch of people simply curious about buying something will soon be obsolete, thanks to HP not wanting to make tablets anymore.
Surely, as a retailer, you’d rather be selling £400 iPads wouldn’t you? And if the TouchPad is killing your website, you’ll be losing out on all those lovely, lovely sales from students wanting to buy MacBooks for the start of their university term.
And that’s exactly what’s happened with Sites like Dabs, Comet, Staples and the BT Shop who have reportedly found their websites to be hugely slowed thanks to interest in the TouchPad, and indeed, Equanet and Staples found their sites going down completely.
All because they’re trying to offload of product that’s invariably cannibalising other sales?
It appears that this is too good a deal for curious customers who want to dip their toe into the tablet world, and a pretty lousy deal for those trying to get rid of them.
Either way, if you’re still interested in getting your hands on one, then click this link as it is the best place to ferret one out. It’s that or looting them from the shops.
HP TouchPad: $99 in USA or, a rubbish £349 in UK
August 22nd, 2011 • 4 CommentsThose lovely UK retailers have decided to cut the price of the HP TouchPad in a bid to shift some stock.
Those nice folks at Amazon have cut their £400 pricetag to £312 while Argos are offering it for £349.99. A veritable fire clearance after HP said they won’t be making anymore of these devices.
However, it isn’t that great. That’s because over in the US, Best Buy are flogging them for a measly $99, as well as offering refunds to customers who bought the TouchPad at full price.
They say: “Due to HP’s decision to discontinue its TouchPad product, Best Buy will now provide clearance pricing for all TouchPad 16GB and 32GB models regardless of previously advertised prices or promotions.”
“Customers who purchased the 16GB or 32GB TouchPad after 19 June may come into the store to get either a full refund or a refund of the difference between the price they paid and the clearance price.”
So, wait. In America, you can pick a tablet up for £60 and we’re forking out over £300? Brilliant. That’s just fantastic that is.
Nice to see UK retailers looking after their customers so much.
Windows 8 to get app store and do away with hard copies of software?
August 18th, 2011 • 4 Comments
There has been mutterings for some time now about Windows 8. One of the biggest noises that the new operating system from Microsoft would featuring an app store.
Of course, this isn’t surprising at all given that everyone has an app store these days and, in addition to this, if Windows 8 is going to be Bill Gates move into the world of tablets, his company are going to need to muscle in on the lucrative app market.
It transpires that these rumours were indeed true as Microsoft today revealed that Windows 8 would be getting their very own app store, but the team working on it refuse to say what it will entail precisely.
One suggestion is that Microsoft will be allowing users to download software for their devices straight from the store, potentially doing away with hard copies forever, which is a neat development. If this is the case, then could we see issues such as viruses and malware being less common? Or, indeed, will this just kickstart a app blackmarket for hackers to exploit?
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 released today, with little brother due next week
August 4th, 2011 • 2 CommentsSamsung’s 10in Galaxy Tab 10.1 Android tablet has gone on-sale in Blighty today, but alas, only the WiFi version is available. People have been going a bit Apple Fanboy over this, queuing from yesterday to buy it. And there’s news of a little brother coming our way too.
The first Galaxy Tab sold well, but this new one, with its larger screen could surpass previous sales and has been winning a lot of fans in the US. The device runs Android 3.1 Honeycomb on a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 chip. It has 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi on board, Bluetooth 3.0, and front- and rear-facing cameras.
At the same time there’s a lot of excited chatter about the smaller 8.9in brother, which could be on the shelves next week. The release has been brought forward to 12th August with the 3G version on pre-order for £605 in various places.
Apple is nailing the Playbook says BlackBerry exec in no-holds open letter
July 1st, 2011 • No Comments
A RIM executive, who understandably would like to remain anon and keep their salary, has unleashed a pretty vicious open letter that goes to town on pretty much every aspect of the BlackBerry-producing company.
One of the things that gets scalded is the new PlayBook which is likened to a ‘Fisher Price toy’, further stating that ‘Apple is nailing this’, or, if you prefer, handing BlackBerry it’s arse in a tall hat.
The letter kicks off with; “I have lost confidence” before adding; “Almost every project is falling further and further behind schedule at a time when we absolutely must deliver great, solid products on time. When was the last time we pushed out a significant new experience or feature that wasn’t already on other platforms?”
The exec also states that RIM really need to rethink their product strategy, and “stop shipping incomplete products that aren’t ready for the end user. It is hurting our brand tremendously.”
And the PlayBook tablet?
“BlackBerry smartphone apps suck. Even PlayBook, with all its glorious power, looks like a Fisher Price toy with its Adobe AIR/Flash apps. 25 million iPad users don’t care that it doesn’t have Flash or true multitasking, so why make that a focus in our campaigns? I’ll answer that for you: it’s because that’s all that differentiates our products and its lazy marketing. A product’s technical superiority does not equal desire, and therefore sales… How many Linux laptops are getting sold?”
RIM aren’t having it, saying that this isn’t an exec from their offices because it’s, “difficult to believe that a “high level employee” in good standing with the company would choose to anonymously publish a letter on the web rather than engage their fellow executives in a constructive manner.”
Either way, the iPad is nailing the PlayBook, right?
[CNET]
Apple get patent to touchscreen phones, which could be disaster for smartphone manufacturers
June 24th, 2011 • 6 CommentsUh-oh! 
Apple have been awarded the patent for something that pretty much all smartphones use. Basically, they’ve got an iPhone patent that is so broad in reach that they may well be able to bully the rest of the smartphone market into submission.
Apple have been awarded U.S. patent number 7,966,578 for “[a] computer-implemented method, for use in conjunction with a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display, [that] comprises displaying a portion of page content, including a frame displaying a portion of frame content and also including other content of the page, on the touch screen display.”
Basically, this means that Apple now own the capacitive multitouch interface which is used on most phones and tablets. Cue the lawsuits against HTC, Samsung, Motorola, Nokia or anyone who makes a device that allows a user to manipulate the display of a web page with finger gestures and the like.
So what happens next? Well, should Apple wish, they could stop people from making touchscreen smartphones, tablets or whatever. However, it is probable that other companies will be asked to pay for use of their technology.
However, a court may well end up scrapping the patent if Apple impose themselves on the market too much because they could be seen as monopolising and acting in a way that isn’t in the public interest.
Next week: Apple bag claim for wheel invention.
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