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Samsung Details Galaxy S5[teaser]After months of speculation, the latest Galaxy smartphone has been officially unveiled. [/teaser] During the Mobile World Congress being held in Spain this week, Samsung finally pulled back the curtain on its anticipated Galaxy S5 smartphone. Though it lacks some of the rumored design innovations that many hoped for, the S4 successor still offers a solid upgrade in specs and features. "With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering the capabilities that matter most to our consumers," said JK Shin, President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung. "Consumers are looking for mobile tools that inspire and support them as they improve their everyday lives. The Galaxy S5 represents an iconic design with essential and useful features to focus on delivering the ultimate smartphone on the market today through people inspired innovation." The Galaxy S5 features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920x1080. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 800 2.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 2800mAh battery running Android 4.4.2. A 16MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera are integrated as well along with HDR and Selective Focus capabilities. In addition, the smartphone also features a Finger Scanner for biometric locking and mobile payments. Likewise, the S5 includes S Health 3.0, a personal fitness tracker with a built-in heart rate monitor. Exact pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but the Samsung Galaxy S5 is expected to launch in April. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Feb 24, 2014 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
Sony Announces New Xperia Tablet and Smartphone[teaser]The Japanese electronics giant has detailed two new additions to its mobile lineup. [/teaser] During the Mobile World Congress being held in Spain this week, Sony unveiled two new waterproof Android mobile devices, the Xperia Z2 tablet and the Xperia Z2 smartphone. The Xperia Z2 Tablet features a 10.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1200. In addition, the screen uses Live Colour LED and TRILUMINOS technology for improved color depth and a wider gamut. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 801 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 3GB of RAM, an Adreno 330 GPU, and a 6000mAh battery that is rated for 10 hours of multimedia use. An 8.1MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front camera are included as well. Finally, the new tablet is said to be the slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet, measuring 6.8 x 10.47 x 0.25 inches and weighing 15.49 oz. Meanwhile, the premium Xperia Z2 smartphone features a 5.2-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1080 and 423PPI. Like its tablet cousin, the screen also uses Live Colour LED and TRILUMINOS technology for superior color. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 801 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 3GB of RAM, an Adreno 330 GPU, and a 3200mAh battery rated for 830 hours of talk time. A 20.7MP rear camera and a 2.2MP front camera are integrated as well. In addition, the rear camera doubles as a 4K camcorder that can capture videos at a resolution of 3840 x 2160. Exact pricing and availability have not been detailed yet, but the Sony Xperia Z2 tablet and smartphone are expected to roll out globally starting next month. Sources: Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia Z2 SmartphonePosted Mon Feb 24, 2014 at 11:15 AM PST by: -
HTC Reveals Desire 816 Smartphone[teaser]The company has detailed its latest HD smartphone. [/teaser] During the Mobile World Congress being held in Spain this week, HTC announced its newest mobile handset, the Desire 816. The upcoming smartphone is designed to be the company's flagship mid-range model. The Desire 816 features a 5.5-inch 720p display giving it a tablet-like screen size. The Android device is powered by a Snapdragon 400 1.6GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, and a 2,600mAh battery. In addition, a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera are included, and the phone offers microSD expansion for up to 128GB. Internal storage sizes will likely vary, but an 8GB model has been announced. BoomSound stereo speakers are integrated as well, and the smartphone is built from unibody polycarbonate and weighs 165g while measuring 7.99mm thick. Exact pricing and availability have not been detailed yet, but the HTC Desire 816 will launch in China next month. A global release is expected for April. Source: EngadgetPosted Mon Feb 24, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: ViewSonic Projector[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering a significant discount on a ViewSonic 1080p projector along with additional promotional credit and a free Roku 3 player! [/teaser] As part of a special promotion, Amazon is currently offering $200 of Amazon credit and a free Roku 3 Media Player when customers purchase a ViewSonic PRO9000 1080p Projector. The projector is currently on sale for $1755, which is a whopping 42 percent off of its retail price of $3000. To receive the special Roku bundle and Amazon credit, buyers simply need to add both items to their cart and then proceed to checkout where the promotion will be applied. The ViewSonic PRO9000 is a 1080p laser LED hybrid projector that features a 100,000:1 ultra high contrast ratio and 1,600 ANSI Lumens. The projector uses TI DarkChip3 technology for superior color and image quality and has a lamp-free design that is rated for 20,000 hours of light life. In addition, the device comes complete with two HDMI inputs. As always, this special bundle will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more deals and promotions!Posted Fri Feb 21, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Rumored to be Developing Set-Top Box[teaser]Rumors indicate that the online retailer is gearing up to release its own streaming media player. [/teaser] According to a report by Recode.net, Amazon is preparing a set-top box aimed at competing with similar offerings from other companies, like the Roku 3 and Apple TV. Details are scarce about the potential device, but sources indicate that the set-top box will likely run on a version of Google's Android OS. The web TV product's main function will be to transmit and stream internet videos to users' televisions, including Amazon's own video on-demand service Prime Instant Video. The company's catalog of titles has been steadily growing and Amazon recently renewed its commitment to original programming. There is also some speculation that the box could feature gaming capabilities as well. Though Amazon has yet to officially announce their rumored set-top box, reports indicate that a March release is possible. Stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more details as they become available. Source: Recode via CNETPosted Fri Feb 21, 2014 at 09:15 AM PST by: -
Sony Reveals New Pico Projector Technology[teaser]The company is developing a pico projector module that can produce focus-free HD images from an ultra-compact device. [/teaser] Sony has detailed a new handheld pico projector module that integrates the company's own image processing system. The device uses laser beam scanning to produce 16:9 images at a resolution of 1920x720 that remain focus-free and sharp regardless of distance or angle, making it perfect for projection on walls and desks. When coupled with Wi-Fi support and a battery, the module could be used to create an ultra compact projector system capable of producing images from mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The module can project images at a size of 40-inches from about one meter, and 120-inches from about three meters. In addition, the module promises higher contrast, wider color gamuts, and reduced laser speckle noise. Currently the module measures just 52.5mm length x 63.0mm width x 7.2mm height, and the company is working to reduce the size even more. There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but Sony plans to incorporate the device into pico projectors and other products that use projector capabilities. Source: Sony via EngadgetPosted Thu Feb 20, 2014 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1[teaser]For a limited time, Amazon is offering a $130 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet! [/teaser] Amazon is currently offering the 32GB Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet for just $420, taking $130 off of its retail price of $550. Just add the item to your cart to see the discounted price. Likewise, the 16GB model is currently $400, 20 percent off of its retail price of $500. The Galaxy Note 10.1 features a 10.1-inch 1280x800 display and is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 2GB or RAM, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. A 5MP rear camera and a 1.9MP front camera are integrated as well. In addition, the tablet includes an S Pen stylus and is rated for 7 hours of battery life. Samsung's "Cascade View" is also implemented, allowing users to view and access up to 16 different apps at once. As always, these deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more deals and special promotions!Posted Thu Feb 20, 2014 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Showtime Anytime Comes to Roku[teaser]Showtime's streaming on-demand service is now available on Roku devices. [/teaser] Roku has announced the launch of Showtime Anytime on its current generation lineup of Roku players, including the popular Roku 3. The channel gives Showtime subscribers access to many of the company's award-winning original series. Users can now watch current and past episodes of hit Showtime shows like 'Dexter,' 'Homeland,' 'Shameless,' 'House of Lies,' 'Masters of Sex,' and 'Californication.' In addition, subscribers also have access to popular streaming movies, including 'Silver Linings Playbook,' 'Lincoln,' 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower,' and 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.' Finally, customers can even use the app to watch live TV from Showtime's east coast and west coast networks. Showtime Anytime is now available on current generation Roku devices for customers who have Showtime subscriptions through AT&T U-verse, Brighthouse, Cablevision’s Optimum TV, DIRECTV, Grande Communications, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon FiOS, with support for more companies planned for the future. Sources: Roku Blog, Roku StorePosted Wed Feb 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Dolby Developing New Audio Tech for Mobile Devices[teaser]The new surround sound technology will add audio height information to mobile soundtracks. [/teaser] Dolby is developing new audio technology for mobile devices that promises to enhance surround sound tracks through any set of headphones. Similar to the company's Atmos technology used in movie theaters, the mobile tech uses object-based mixing to offer additional height information for movie and game soundtracks when played back on supported smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This adds an extra layer of dimension to the audio, allowing listeners to hear sounds coming from above their heads. The proposed new tech is expected to be integrated into Dolby's existing mobile audio suite, which already includes features like Dolby Digital Plus support, virtual surround capabilities, dialogue enhancement, and volume stabilization. Currently, Dolby's mobile audio technologies are paired with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 processor and are available on many popular mobile devices like the Kindle Fire HDX tablet, Microsoft Surface tablets, and the Galaxy Tab 3. This new tech will be paired with Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 805. There's no word yet on what Dolby plans to call its new mobile surround technology, but customers can expect the tech to start showing up in future Snapdragon 805 powered smartphones and tablets later this year. Sources: Twice, DolbyPosted Tue Feb 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: A/V Receivers & Projectors[teaser]In celebration of Presidents' Day, Amazon is offering discounts on select home theater items, including 75 percent off of a Hitachi projector! [/teaser] As part of its Presidents' Day sales promotions, Amazon is running limited time deals on several electronics and home theater products. Current promotions include significant discounts on: Hitachi CP-WX2515WN 720p LCD Projector - Currently $499 (75 percent off its retail price of $1999). Optoma H180X 720p Projector - Currently $479 (52 percent off its retail price of $999). Pioneer SC-1223-K 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver - Currently $699 (36 percent off its retail price of $1099). Pioneer SC-1323-K 7.2-Channel Network Receiver - Currently $899 (31 percent off its retail price of $1300). Pioneer SC-1523-K 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver - Currently $999 (41 percent off its retail price of $1700). As always, these deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more deals and special promotions!Posted Fri Feb 14, 2014 at 11:00 AM PST by:
