Latest Additions to the Nokia Asha Series

Nokia Asha 202

(Image credit: europe.nokia.com)

A press conference called by Nokia during the Mobile World Congress saw the unveiling of the latest entries into the Nokia Asha series of the company. The three low-end Symbian-powered devices, the Nokia Asha 202, Nokia Asha 203, and the Nokia Asha 302 were introduced by the company the night prior to the opening of the annual trade event for mobile gadgets.

The Nokia Asha and the Nokia Asha 203 have similar designs due to the 2.4-inch touchscreen displays as well as the alphanumeric keypads. Both of these Nokia Asha series devices utilize the Symbian Series 40 and have a price tag of around $81. Social media services are also built-into these Nokia Asha series devices and they offer a number of color options.

Nokia Asha 203

(Image credit: europe.nokia.com)

Users of the Nokia Asha 202 and the Nokia Asha 203 will be able to download forty EA games within sixty days of the first time a game is downloaded y the user. Among the titles that users of these Nokia Asha series of phones are Tetris and Bejewelled.

The main difference between these Nokia Asha series phones is the dual-SIM capability of the Nokia Asha 202. The SIM can be from two different mobile service providers coming from different countries. Users will be able to send text messages or make calls using either SIM card.

Nokia Asha 302

(Image credit: europe.nokia.com)

The popularity of the Nokia Asha 202 will be low among US mobile service provider since it will be offered as an unlocked device although this Nokia Asha series phone would be suitable for users who travel around the world.

The third device in the recently-unveiled Nokia Asha series of devices is the Nokia Asha 302. The Nokia Asha 302 will feature a 1GHz processor and will support 3.5G networks. Users will have a number of color options to choose from.

This particular phone is aimed at more urban users and will reportedly come with Mail for Exchange, a first for a Series 40 phone. The QWERTY keyboard will facilitate the writing of emails on this Nokia Asha series device, which has a price tag of around $121.

Samsung Officially Unveils Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

(Image Credit: t3)

Following its initial release into the market, a number of observers have considered the Samsung Galaxy Note as a small-sized tablet instead of an oversized smartphone.

The five-inch version of this tablet / smartphone hybrid was a cross between these two devices and the S-Pen stylus of the original Samsung Galaxy Note has given more credence to its being a tablet rather than a smartphone for a number of observers.

Recently Samsung has finally released a full-sized tablet version of the device, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. With the release of the ten-inch version of the device, industry watchers have indicated that it may finally found its identity as a tablet.

The introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 was actually leaked in earlier reports prior to its official introduction during the Mobile World Congress and it appears that this particular model of the device may have some potential in the market. The bigger size of the device has allowed the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 to be well-noted among industry watchers (pun intended)

Aside from its large screen size, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 will feature 1.4GHz dual-core Exynos processor of Samsung, 1GB RAM and three options for its internal storage, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. The device also comes with 3MP camera at the back as well as a 2MP camera up front. The internal storage of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is also expandable up to around 32GB through the microSD memory card slot.

To top it off, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 will come with the latest Android OS from Google, the Android 4.0. The device is also compatible with the Adobe Photoshop Touch app, which is reportedly bundled with the latest product offering of Samsung.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 will definitely become an option for users who may consider acquiring a non-iPad tablet in the future.

LG Aims to Offer Next Android Device

Jelly Bean Android

Reports have given indications that LG is discussing with Google the possibility of offering the next Nexus device for this year.

The Nexus brand is used for the introduction of the latest versions of the Android OS of Google. The original Nexus, the Nexus One, was produced by HTC. The Nexus S, which was produced two years ago, introduced the Gingerbread Android OS while the most recent Galaxy Nexus that was produced by Samsung came with the Android 4.0 OS.

The first Android OS designed for tablets, the Honeycomb Android, was introduced into the market through the Motorola Xoom tablets.

It appears that LG is interested in producing the next version of the Nexus device as indicated in recent reports. According to the head of the smartphone division of LG, Ramchan Woo, the company is currently discussing with Google in connection to offering the next Nexus device.

The next version of the Android OS is dubbed as the Jelly Bean Android and reports have indicated that it will likely be compatible with the Windows 8 OS. If LG is able to persuade Google in offering the next Nexus device, it will have a good opportunity of becoming solid player in the Android market.

It remains uncertain for the moment since no commitments were made yet in connection to the bid of LG in producing the next Nexus device. At present, LG has yet to offer a blockbuster device in the smartphone market and it has only adopted the Android OS a little later compared to its competitors and with the next Nexus device, the company may be able to help increase its share of the market.

The company is set to unveil new devices during the upcoming Mobile World Congress and it flagship brand is currently the Optimus smartphones. Industry watchers have indicated that if LG will be able to persuade Google to allow them to offer the next Nexus device, it may be dubbed as the LG Optimus Nexus.

Sony To Unveil the Sony Xperia P and the Sony Xperia U at MWC

(Image Credit: cnet.com.au)

Two Sony Xperia smartphones will be unveiled by Sony during the Mobile World Congress. These smartphones, the Sony Xperia P and the Sony Xperia U, will be the first dual-core Android-powered smartphones of the company following its acquisition of Ericsson recently.

The Sony Xperia P and the Sony Xperia U are expected to be delivered to Barcelona for the annual trade event for mobile gadgets.  The Sony Xperia P and the Sony Xperia U will have the capability of connecting to the Sony Entertainment Network, which would provide users with a number of entertainment options.

The Sony Xperia P and the Sony Xperia U will also feature the Bravia graphics, which will facilitate the display of websites, games, and HD movies.

Even as Sony Xperia P and the Sony Xperia U share some features, they also have some differences which would give users of the two Android-powered smartphones different user experiences.

The Sony Xperia P will feature the WhiteMagic technology that allows the display of text and images with excellent illumination. The four-inch screen of the smartphone will also focus on the content and provide solid details with its 960 by 540 qHD resolution. The Sony Xperia P also features an eight-megapixel camera that has the capability of recording 2D as well as 3D panoramas.

In contrast, the Sony Xperia U will come with a 3.5-inch display screen that features an 854 by 480 resolution. The Sony Xperia U also features a five-megapixel camera.

The two Android-powered smartphones from Sony also features the near field communication or NFC technology, which would allow the devices to utilize the more advanced features of the Android 4.0 OS like the Google Beam and Google Wallet. This is however dependent on an Android 4.0 update or the use of the latest Android OS for the device.

However, some observers have indicated that they were somewhat disappointed by the use of the dual-core processor on the Sony Xperia P and the Sony Xperia U instead of a quad-core processor. For the moment the price tag of the two devices were not yet revealed by the company.

Anyone Looking For A Miniature Gold-Plated Minox Camera?

Gold-Plated Minox Camera (Image Credit: minox.com)

This is one digital camera no one would want to leave just anywhere, the miniature gold-plated Minox camera. This particular digital camera was given 24K gold plating, which will make it an item that exotic gadget collectors may want to acquire.

The miniature gold-plated Minox camera is small enough to fit the palm of anybody’s palm as it has dimensions of 1.8 inches by 2.9 inches by 1.7 inches. This gold plated digital camera from Minox also weighs around four ounces.

The manufacturer from Germany has indicated that the miniature gold-plated Minox camera is supposedly a modern digital camera. But photography enthusiasts beg to disagree since its features are not quite up to date. The digital camera features a 5.1MP CMOS sensor, two-inch LCD, and an optical viewfinder that is detachable.

The miniature gold-plated Minox camera also offers users the option of using a lens with a wider angle. The lens itself is a 9mm unit or a 42mm in the 35mm format. The device also features a 4x digital zoom.

The video recording capabilities of the miniature gold-plated Minox camera is limited since it only offers users the capability of recording 320 by 240 AVI video clips up to a maximum of sixty seconds. Despite these limitations, the device has a standard mini-USB port along with a lithium ion battery that is replaceable.

The miniature gold-plated Minox camera is reportedly available at a price tag of $299.

Barcelona Launch of Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 At Hand

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (Image Credit: mashable.com)

It appears that Samsung may introduce a new model of the Samsung Galaxy Note a day before the start of the Mobile World Congress. Earlier reports have already hinted at a possible new version of the tablet/smartphone hybrid offering of Samsung.

However latest reports have indicated that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 may be launched by the South Korean manufacturer during the event in Barcelona. According to a report on CNET, a reader has reportedly found some evidence that the bigger version of the hybrid device will be introduced by Sunday.

Numerous speculations have hinted at the possibility that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 will be launched during the much-anticipated Mobile World Congress.

It appears that a big event is being planned by Samsung according to Anders Frick, the reader who blew the whistle on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, as he was going around the hotel where people from the South Korean company were staying. He discovered a number of signs that revealed the words, “It’s 10.1” and “It’s Galaxy Note”. These phrases were found on large signs that appeared important. Aside from these phrases, the sign reportedly showed some images of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.

A number of other images of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and information in Swedish were also found on the blog of Frick. Even as the Mobile World Congress is set to start on Monday, it appears that a number of companies including Samsung already have some events planned a day before the much anticipated event.

Something Amiss with the Clubvan Concept Vehicle

Clubvan Concept Vehicle(Image Credit: autoblog.com)  

Even as the Clubvan concept of Mini was announced prior to the Geneva auto show, it appears that there was something amiss. Apparently for some observers, the Clubvan concept looks like the Clubman that was converted into a panel van.

Sometime in the past designers at Mini would take out their crazy hats and change their standard models into new concept products for automobile shows. The Rockman concept was one of these where the standard Cooper was given some bizarre-looking hinged doors while the back saw a glass bubble added into it.

However it appears that this may not be the same case when the Geneva auto event will open in the coming month. The Clubvan concept was reportedly based on the Clubman model of Mini. But it does not have the same get-up-and-go attitude that was seen in previous concept vehicles of the company. In short, some observers feel that the Clubvan concept vehicle may be somewhat ho-hum.

The reported Clubvan concept vehicle basically looks like a panel van. The rear side windows were covered up by Mini while the logo of the company was added along the side of the vehicle. Following these supposed modifications to produce the Clubvan concept vehicle, nothing much has happened.

According to the press release of Mini, the Clubvan would offer an excellent option for a delivery truck for boutique stores in the city. However it appears that even as a number of windows were covered, it will remain the same size as the Clubman. The Clubvan concept vehicle will likely not function in the way it was supposed to be used according to the press release of the company.

Summary of Reported Features on the iPad 3 of Apple

iPad 3 

Reports about the upcoming iPad 3 of Apple have increased recently and it appears that the trend will continue until after the device is finally released into the market. Most of the reports have focused on the possible features of the device while some have raised some questions if the device will actually be called the iPad 3.

Reports have hinted at the possibility that the iPad 3 may feature 4G LTE connectivity. With the number of devices that have been released into the market featuring 4G LTE support, this may be one of the features that the iPad 3 may come with when it enters the market.

Another report has pointed at a seven-inch or an eight-inch display screen for the iPad 3. This report came after the successful run of the Amazon Kindle Fire, which has is only second to the iPad in terms of sale in the market. The smaller screen size of the Amazon tablet allowed it to create a new niche in the tablet market although its low price tag had something to do with its successful sales run, which brings in another report that revealed that the upcoming iPad 3 may feature a low price to go up against the Amazon Kindle Fire

The possible retina display on the iPad 3 has become the focus of a number of reports about the tablet. This has kept a number of observers busy trying to find as much information as they can about this supposed feature on the upcoming iPad 3.

Other reports have also hinted at an eight-megapixel camera for the iPad 3. With the less-than-impressive camera unit on the iPad 2, industry watchers have hinted that the camera will be among the features that will be upgraded once the iPad 3 enters the market.

The success of Siri on the iPhone 4S has also given rise to speculations that the iPad 3 will feature this virtual voice assistant feature. However it should be noted that the network of Apple and the processor of the device will determine whether or not the tablet will come with this useful feature.

A multi-core processor is one of the features that reports have speculated that the iPad 3 will come with. With a multi-core processor, the next generation iPad will be able to provide support for an enhanced camera and Siri. Some reports have hinted at a dual-core processor even as others have suggested a quad-core processor.

Lastly among the reports have attracted the attention of industry watchers is the possibility that the device may not be called iPad 3 at all. Following the release of the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4S, some industry watchers have speculated on the possibility that the upcoming tablet offering of Apple may be called the iPad 2S. This may be possible if the features that will come with the next version of the iPad will only be a slight improvement from the present version.

These are just some of the features that the iPad 3 will reportedly come with once it enters the market this year although the release date itself has become the subject of speculations. Whether it will be released within the first quarter or near the middle of the year remains to be seen and only time and Apple will tell when the iPad 3 will finally see the light of day. 

Is the Low Price of the ZTE Light 2 Worth It?

ZTE Light 2

It appears that ZTE is making a big push into the market as the company is reportedly preparing to introduce a ZTE-branded tablet into the UK market. The upcoming ZTE Light 2 is a seven-inch tablet that will use the Gingerbread Android 2.3 OS and will come with a three-megapixel rear-facing camera.

However it appears that its features may be a bit lacking since it only offers a 4GB internal storage, which may not give enough space for the videos, music, and other files that users may want to store into the device. But the ZTE Light 2 does allow users to store additional content through a microSD memory card.

The ZTE Light 2 is slightly heavier than the seven-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab although it may still be light enough for users to carry around.

The unremarkable features of the ZTE Light 2 however reflect its price tag since it is relatively cheap compared to other tablets in the market. The ZTE Light 2 is priced at around £235 or around $370, this is cheaper compared to the iPad 2 which is priced at around £400 or around $630. However it is more costly compared to the BlackBerry PlayBook, which is priced at around £169 or around $265.

The ZTE Light 2 is anticipated to be released near the end of February or early March. However the Gingerbread Android that will come with the device may not add to the appeal of the device.

Despite these not-so-positive factors on the ZTE Light 2, some observers are actually taking the ZTE Light 2 into consideration due to its low price in comparison to a number of tablets in the market. The device will be the first tablet that comes with the ZTE brand to enter the UK market and how it fares in the market will likely set the precedent on the future tablet offerings of the company in the UK.

Does More Value Make Up For Less Power In The 2012 Subaru Impreza?

2012 Subaru Impreza

The 2012 Subaru Impreza may not offer as much power as other vehicles in its class but it does provide some features that may make it worth a second look. The practicality that the hatchback body design it offers consumers is paired with its stylish appearance and impressive all-wheel-drive system.

The engine of the 2012 Subaru Impreza has been scaled back which has also reduced its power. However this reduction in the engine size has been combined with a variable transmission which resulted to a notable fuel economy which some observers have indicated to be quite impressive.

This means that lesser horsepower may not be too bad at all in the case of the 2012 Subaru Impreza.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza will be a good option for city driving with infrequent out-of-the city trips. The grip provided by the all-wheel-drive system on the vehicle was outstanding as it was able to handle rain-washed, slippery roads as well as gravel tracks.

Even as the company needs to improve on its in-car tech, it appears that some efforts were made with the 2012 Subaru Impreza as it offers Bluetooth connectivity to provide hands-free calling along with audio streaming into the car stereo, A USB port is also offered to integrate an iPod into the audio system of the vehicle.

Some limited edition models of the 2012 Subaru Impreza offer an enhanced display or navigation for the stereo of the vehicle.

Ultrabook Prices May Go Down Due to Hybrid Disk Drives

Ultrabook

Reports have hinted at a possible reduction in the price of upcoming devices due to the introduction of hybrid disk drives. The report revealed that the prices of low-end ultrabooks will likely go down to around $600 if they will come with these hybrid disk drives.

The hybrid disk drives combine solid state drive, which feature smaller storage capacities, with a conventional hard disk drive. The hybrid disk drives are priced at less than fifty percent compared to devices that only have solid-state drives.

Due to this PC manufacturers will choose to utilize hybrid drives for low-end models of their device offerings including the low-end ultrabooks

Current prices of ultrabooks start at around $800 including the Portege Z835 of Toshiba, which has a price tag of around $800. The Toshiba ultrabook does not utilize a hybrid disk drive but comes with a 128GB SSD.

Ultrabooks that will come with these hybrid disk drives will be priced at around $600 to $700 according to the source of the reports. It should also be noted that the same sources have revealed that the price of the Ivy Bridge chip of Intel will also be reduced by the company by around $70.

Even as Intel has not given any statement in connection to the price tag of the Ivy Bridge chip, reports have revealed that a source from Intel has hinted that the report on the possible reduction in the price of the processors was not accurate.

The Ivy Bridge processors are expected to be released by spring and may be used on ultrabooks that will feature the Windows 8 OS.

A View of the Future in the D-Can Concept Camera

D-Can Concept Camera

A concept camera was recently unveiled that may give a different outlook on what cameras may be in the future. The D-Can is a concept camera that comes with zoom capabilities and looks like a spotting scope that is used in the military.

Jean-Michel Bonnemoy, the designer of the D-Can concept camera, thinks that it may be necessary to update the current design of cameras by using a cylindrical form factor to improve ergonomics. The D-Can concept camera of Bonnemoy does not utilize the conventional designs of camera although it appears to be similar to that of the Lytro camera to some extent.

The ISO range of the D-Can concept camera is from 100 up to 6400. The device also features a long zoom lens that comes with image stabilization. The lens cap of the camera is utilized as the electronic flash.

Users of the D-Can concept camera have the option of using the Live View feature of the camera through the HD LCD display or the hooded magnifier in framing their compositions while taking pictures. The integrated trackball of the concept camera also enhances the autofocus function of the device.

The D-Can concept camera can also be connected to a microphone, audio head set or external power supply through the external ports that are integrated into the device. Storage may not be much of a problem since photography enthusiasts will not have to deal with the problem of storing the lens and body into separate cases and simply place the D-Can concept camera inside an appropriately sized lens case.

Does The Canon PowerShot G1X Offer Value For Money?

Canon PowerShot G1X 

The price tag of the Canon PowerShot G1X along with its bugger-than-usual sensor has allowed the device to distinguish itself from a number of competing digital cameras in the market.

For a number of photography enthusiasts, the Canon PowerShot G1X will be considered as an expensive rival to a number of interchangeable lens or fixed lens cameras in the market. Others will look at it as a reasonably-priced option to the X100 of Fujifilm.

However the limitations on its shooting performance and the lens have reduced the value that the price of the Canon PowerShot G1X has given despite its good image quality and design. The image quality of the camera is also impressive even though its advantage of lower priced intermediate-level digital cameras is not that much.

The impressive noise reduction and JPEG processing of the Canon PowerShot G1X has allowed it to have an advantage over its competition. These features allows the camera to offer exceptionally clean images even as ISO 400 while the images from this level up to ISO 3200 are also considered usable for a number of photography enthusiasts.

Even though the edge sharpness of the lens of the Canon PowerShot G1X is not quite impressive, its center sharpness is quite good. The exposure and the color offered by the camera is also considered sufficient enough.

Focusing and zooming for the lens while shooting is considerably quiet and is comparable to that of the fixed lens digital cameras. However the shot-to-shot speed of the Canon PowerShot G1X is rather slow which has contributed to its poor performance.

The slow power on and shooting of the Canon PowerShot G1X is supposedly due to the poor buffer management of the camera. This has resulted to the lag in focusing for another shot until the buffer is cleared. The continuous shooting speed of the camera is reportedly at 2fps while the shot-to-shot performance while using a flash is at around 2.8 seconds.

In the end, the Canon PowerShot G1X has the capability of taking excellent images although the lag on the lens has taken away the value for money that the device is supposed to provide.

Unlock Tool for Bootloader of Asus Transformer Prime Released

Asus Transformer Prime

Asus had earlier revealed that it will release an unlock tool for the bootloader of the Asus Transformer Prime and recent reports have revealed that the company has fulfilled its promise.

Users will be able to download the unlock tool through the support site of Asus, however users who will use the tool will void the original warranty of their Asus Transformer Prime units. This means that users will have to use the tool at their own risk.

The Android 4.0 OS update for the Asus Transformer Prime was gradually released by the company last January. However a number of developers have criticized the locking of the bootloader of the device offering of Asus.

The bootloader of the Asus Transformer Prime was reportedly encrypted with a 128-bit encryption according to an XDA Developers forum user. This made the bootloader virtually impossible to unlock. A number of tech developers wish to gain access to the bootloader for different reasons and the 1.4GHz quad-core processor of the device has made it more interesting to be able to access the device with no obstacles.

Even as the company revealed that rooting the Asus Transformer Prime will increase the risk of destroying the entire system, it has also indicated that it recognizes the desire of some users to have an unlock tool for the bootloader of the device. Due to this, the company had made a promise to release a tool for users who wanted it.

The downloaded unlock tool for the bootloader of the Asus Transformer Prime can only be used on the devices that have upgrade to the Android 4.0 OS.

Aside from releasing the unlock tool for the bootloader of the Asus Transformer Prime, the company has also indicated that a number of products will be introduced during the forthcoming Mobile World Congress that will be held in Barcelona in the coming week.

Leak Reveals Sony Xperia U

Sony Xperia U

A recent leak has revealed a new model under the Xperia smartphone line of Sony, the Sony Xperia U.

The Sony Xperia U is a mid-range smartphone that will have a removable battery and is anticipated to be unveiled in the Mobile World Congress within this month.

The device will reportedly feature a smaller-sized touchscreen at around 3.5 inches, which is similar to that of the iPhone 4S although it will have a lower resolution in comparison to the Apple smartphone.

The Sony Xperia U is considered by some industry watchers as the ‘brother’ of the Sony Xperia S, which will enter the market in the coming weeks.

The Sony Xperia U also comes with a number of features according to information that was leaked online. These features include a 1GHz dual-core processor, the Gingerbread Android OS with the custom skin from Sony, and a five-megapixel rear-facing camera.

The 1290mAh battery of the Sony Xperia U will reportedly be a removable component of the smartphone.

Even as the Sony Xperia U is expected to be introduced during the upcoming Mobile World Congress, sales of the Sony Xperia S will start in the coming month through service providers in the UK and a number of third party sellers. This high-end smartphone can also be delivered to the US and other markets around the world.

Since the Sony Xperia S comes with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 720p HD screen and a twelve-megapixel camera, the device is a high-end smartphone. This is in contrast to the Sony Xperia U, which has somewhat lower yet notable specifications.

The Sony Xperia S will also come with the Gingerbread Android OS, similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy U, although the Ice Cream Sandwich Android is expected in the second quarter on the present year.

Update for Motorola Droid Razor Android Not Coming Soon

Motorola Droid Razor 

Motorola announced last year that the Motorola Droid Razr will receive the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update near the start of 2012. However it appears that the update may not be released within the first quarter of the year.

The most recent roadmap for software updates of Motorola showed that the Motorola Droid Razr, Motorola Droid Razr Maxx and Motorola Droid Bionic were still being evaluated, which would indicate that the company is still checking these devices before the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update will be released.

Reports have indicated that it will take some time before the update will be released to these devices including the Motorola Droid Razr.

Due to this the quarter may pass without the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update released to the Motorola Droid Razr, Motorola Droid Razr Maxx and Motorola Droid Bionic

For the moment, the roadmap has indicated that the Motorola Atrix, Motorola Atrix 4G, and Motorola Photon 4G will be among the smartphones from the company that are set to receive the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update.

Aside from these smartphones, the Android 4.0 update will be released to a number of Motorola tablets. The Motorola Xoom tablets will also received the latest Android OS update within the current quarter or near the start of the coming quarter.

So owners of the Motorola Droid Razr and other smartphones will have to wait a bit longer before the latest version of the Android OS is finally released to their devices.

Android 4.0 Update Coming to Sprint’s Samsung Galaxy S2

Samsung Galaxy S2

It appears that Samsung has been working on the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update for the Sprint version of the Samsung Galaxy S2, the Samsung Epic 4G Touch.

According to reports, the Sprint version of the Samsung Galaxy S2 will be the first version of the smartphone in the US market to receive the update for the latest Android OS. The upcoming Android 4.0 update for the smartphone will offer a number of features for the smartphone.

The Android 4.0.3 was reportedly listed on the RDF webpage for the Samsung Galaxy S2. The list has given hints that Samsung was already working on the Ice Cream Sandwich Android update for the Samsung 4G Touch.

Last year, the Samsung Galaxy S2 or the Samsung Epic 4G Touch of Sprint reportedly became the second most-widely used smartphone on the lineup of Sprint.

Ice Cream Sandwich Coming to Samsung Galaxy Note

It appears that a software update will be released for the Samsung Galaxy Note soon and reports have suggested that it be linked to the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 OS.

Samsung Galaxy Note

Prior to the official release of the Samsung Galaxy Note through AT&T, reports have emerged that will likely catch the attention of more potential buyers for the device which is considered as a smartphone/tablet hybrid. Reports of an early build for the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 OS recently came out on a forum site in China and the ROM is reportedly compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note being sold in China.

The Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 build is not yet complete and does not provide all the features offered by the latest Android OS for the device. Samsung gas revealed that it will be updating the Gingerbread Android of the Samsung Galaxy Note to the Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 OS within the year although the specific release schedule has yet to be revealed by the company.

The Samsung Galaxy Note features a 5.3-inch display and is the most recent Android-powered LTE capable smartphone on the lineup of AT&T. The device only supports HSPA+ networks in a number of countries abroad.

The Samsung Galaxy Note also comes with a high definition display, dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, and a pair of cameras. The device currently utilizes the Gingerbread Android 2.3 OS together with the custom TouchWiz user interface of Samsung.

Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 Update To Be Released for Acer Iconia Tab

Acer Iconia Tab

Latest reports have pointed at the upcoming release of the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update to all Acer Iconia Tab models. The first tablet that will receive the update is the Acer Iconia Tab A200.

Although the Acer brand will not ring a bell each time consumers consider purchasing a tablet, recent reports will give consumers something to think about when they think about acquiring a tablet PC with the upcoming release of the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update.

The Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 OS is the first Android OS to be fully optimized for use on tablet PCs. Although the Acer Iconia Tab devices do not come with the best possible features for tablets, they are among the most reasonably-priced Android-powered devices in the market.

The recent move of Acer in offering the Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 update for the Acer Iconia Tab lineup has impressed a number of industry watchers since other companies have not moved as fast as the Taiwan-based company.

Latest Reports on Supposed iPad 3 of Apple

iPad 3

An iPad using the iOS 5.1 and Siri virtual assistant is reportedly in the works if recent rumors are to be believed. The iPad 3 of Apple is expected to be released by March in a special event that Apple will hold. However some reports have given indications that the Apple may be releasing a new type of tablet PC.

The recent reports are reportedly similar to that of the ones that emerged a year ago. These reports have pointed to an iPad 3 that will utilize the iOS 5.1 and may come with the Siri feature that is currently being used on the iPhone 4S.

Support for Long Term Evolution or LTE is also anticipated for the iPad 3 along with enhanced cameras and the Retina Display which will give the next generation tablet PC a resolution similar to that of the iPhone 4S. Other reports have also indicated that the upcoming iPad 3 will feature the A6 quad-core processor which will enhance the graphics performance of the device and facilitate the use of larger applications.

The possible use of the iOS 5.1 on the iPad 3 is among the latest reports that have emerged about the device along with the possible Siri feature. However no statements were released by Apple in connection to these iPad 3 reports.

It should also be noted that the servers of Apple are currently block third party apps from utilizing the database of Siri following the release of the SetActivationToken which prevented unauthorized use of the files of Siri.

For the moment, the iPhone 4S is the only device that supports the Siri feature although earlier reports have indicated that other devices were made to run the feature by hackers.

Aside from the reports on the release of the iPad 3, reports have also emerged on a possible eight-inch version of the device which may be available in the market in the coming quarter. This device will reportedly come with some features that the iPad 3 will have including LTE support and may compete with the Amazon Kindle Fire, which has surprised a number fo industry watchers following its success in the market.

Kobo Vox eReader Available Through Best Buy Stores

Vox eReader

The Vox eReader of Kobo is reportedly going to be included in the product listing of physical retail outlets of Best Buy. This was recently announced by the company as the device will join similar devices such as the Kindle Fire of Amazon and the Nook Touch of Barnes & Noble.

In an effort to increase the interest of consumers on the Vox eReader, the company is offering the device through Best Buy to give consumers more opportunities to purchase the device.

The recent announcement has indicated that the Vox eReader will be available on the mortar-and-brick outlets of Best Buy to give consumers the opportunity to try using the device.

Since consumers in the US market are not quite familiar with the Vox eReader, the release of the device at Best Buy will increase the market coverage of the device.

This release of the device on the physical retail outlets of Best Buy comes after the device was listed on the online store of the company. This is a significant move in the part of Kobo since it gives the device additional shelf space.

The Vox eReader was initially launched in October of last year without much promotional activities which made it less known compared to its competition. The device is supposed to compete with the Kindle Fire of Amazon and the Nook Color or Barnes & Noble. These two devices are also among the products being offered by Best Buy.

The Vox eReader is priced at around $199 and features a seven-inch display with a resolution of 1024 by 600, 800MHz processor, 512MB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. The device also offers users a battery life or around seven hours.

Sony PlayStation Vita Released to Early Adopters

Sony PlayStation Vita

Although the official launch of the Sony PlayStation Vita is set on February 22, it appears that consumers who already paid for the $350 first edition bundle of the game console may have already received the device.

The US market is supposed to officially see the Sony PlayStation Vita on February 22 but gaming enthusiasts who want to get the device can reportedly purchase it already through the first edition bundle.

This first edition bundle reportedly comes with the 3G Sony PlayStation Vita, 4GB memory card, case for the game console, and the Little Deviants game. The bundle was delivered to consumers who pre-ordered the bundle although gaming enthusiast will be able to get the game console before the coming week if they purchase it as soon as possible.

However gaming enthusiasts who will get the Sony PlayStation Vita before the official US launch date will have to shell out more as the first edition bundle will cost around $350. On the other hand the 3G bundle of the device will be sold at around $300 when it is purchased after the device is officially launched.

The Wi-Fi version of the Sony PlayStation Vita reportedly cost around $250. Japan was the first market to see the release of this mobile game console in the later part of last year. The game console features a five-inch OLED touchscreen display along with a pair of thumb sticks.

Games for the Sony PlayStation Vita can be purchased online or through brick-and-mortar retail outlets. Observers had earlier given the Sony PlayStation Vita an excellent rating for the visuals although the battery life was reportedly lacking.  The mobile game console also relied too much on a separate memory card.

Reports Hint at Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS Release This Year

It appears that the next version of the Android OS, the supposed Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS, will be optimized for use on tablet PCs and may work well with the Windows 8 OS of Microsoft.

Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS

This was revealed recently in a report posted by Digitimes, a Taiwanese website. The website has also indicated that it has knowledge on the possible launch of the upcoming version o the Android OS of Google.

Supply chain vendors were the supposed source for the report on the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS as the website has reportedly discussed with them on the possible launch date of the OS. These vendors have indicated that the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS will be unveiled during the second quarter of the year and will reportedly be optimized for use on tablet PCs.

But some questions may be raised on the claim that the vendors have revealed that the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS can be added to a notebook or tablet PC using the Windows 8 OS. This will allow the switching between the two operating systems without having to reboot the device.

The Chrome OS is designed for use on notebooks while the Android OS is designed for use on tablet PCs and smartphones. Questions will be raised on the veracity of the reports particularly on the supposed use of the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS with the Windows 8 OS.

The possible release of the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS may not be impossible although the latest version is still being released to a number of devices, which may raise more questions on the veracity of the report. The Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 OS is currently being released to a number of older devices following its launch on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

For the moment, it would be better to take a wait-and-see stance with regard to the supposed release of the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS particularly with its possible integration into tablet PCs and notebooks running the Windows 8 OS.

Japanese Language Support Coming to Siri

Ohayou gozaimasu.

Users of the iPhone 4S may hear Siri greeting them this way in the morning since Siri itself reportedly confirmed that it will support the Japanese language soon. This is among the languages that the virtual personal assistant on the iPhone 4S is set to support.

Earlier reports have given indications that Chinese (Mandarin) will be added soon along with Russian and Japanese. This was reportedly confirmed by Siri when it revealed that it can speak English, French, German and Japanese.

Siri

It appears that the official confirmation that Siri will support the Japanese language will be coming out soon even though it remains uncertain on when the support for the other reported languages will be confirmed by the company. The virtual personal assistant of the iPhone 4S also revealed that it was always learning, which hinted at the possibility that the confirmation for support for the other languages may also be coming.

At present, only US, British and Australian English is supported by Siri. Some industry watchers have indicated that this is expected since the virtual personal assistant on the iPhone 4S is reportedly still on the beta stage and improvements are anticipated to be made in the future. These improvements include the increase in the languages it supports.

Among the languages that Siri is expected to support within the year include, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Italian, and Japanese. According to the Siri FAQ, the application has the capability of recognizing the particular dialect and accent of the countries that are supported by the app.

Issues were initially noted in Siri when it came to the regional dialects as it was not able to recognize non-native voices and found it difficult to understand Scottish accents.

With the upcoming support for the Japanese language on Siri, iPhone 4S users in Japan will be able to fully optimize the virtual personal assistant of their devices. However it appears that support for the Japanese language is not the only obstacle that Japanese users will have to hurdle since the word ‘Siri’ is not easy to pronounce in Japanese with the nearest equivalent reportedly means one’s backside.

Value for Money Digital Cameras in the Market

With the current economic crisis, consumers are trying to find the best value for their money whenever they purchase anything. This is especially true when it comes to purchasing digital cameras. Consumers want to purchase value for money digital cameras that offer excellent features but will not leave them with a hole in their pockets.

Canon PowerShot Elph510 HS

The Canon PowerShot Elph510 HS is an ultra-compact camera which offers a zoom lens for faraway shots. This value for money digital camera offers a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 28mm to 336mm zoom lens, and a 12MP CMOS sensor which offers better performance and enhanced lowlight images. Although these value for money digital cameras were priced at $350 when it was initially released, it is already available at less than $200 at some retail outlets.

Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

Another value for money digital camera from Canon is the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. This high-end mega-zoom digital camera is sold at a price $50 less than its original price tag. Some industry watchers may have some other choices for this category of digital cameras but their prices have remained quite high. In comparison, this value for money digital camera from Canon is sold at around $380 and it features a 35x ultra-wide angle zoom lens, vari-angle LCD, impressive image quality and numerous shooting modes.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 with its interchangeable lens is another value for money digital camera that consumers may want to consider purchasing if they are shopping around for a new toy. This particular camera may be considered as a bridge camera or in a category between the point-and-shoot and DSLRs. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 was initially priced at around $600 when it was initially offered but has recently gone down to around $380. This value for money digital camera offers a 14mm to 42mm lens that is interchangeable and is considered to be the most reasonably-priced in this category.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is another value for money digital camera which is basically a point-and-shoot unit that features a bigger imaging sensor and enhanced lens compared to other compact cameras. This value for money digital camera offers users manual control on the aperture and shutter speed. Its original price was around $500 when it first came out in 2010 but has gone down to around $360 even though it recently received an important firmware update which enhanced its image quality and autofocus performance.

These are just some value for money digital cameras that consumers may take into consideration when they decide to purchase a new digital camera. Although there may be newer cameras in the market that offer better features, they may be offered at prices that will easily discourage any photography enthusiast.