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Samsung Developing Foldable Displays[teaser]The company has revealed plans to release bendable and foldable screens by 2015. [/teaser] In an announcement made at Samsung's Analyst Day being held in Korea, Samsung unveiled its new display strategy, which includes the release of bendable and foldable screens. The technology will likely be used for a variety of applications, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable Galaxy Gear. Though truly bendable and foldable displays are not currently on the market, early forms of the technology are starting to make their way to consumers in the form of curved TVs and smartphones. Samsung's recently announced Galaxy Round smartphone features a horizontally curved screen, and LG has a similar product, the G Flex, which uses a vertically curved screen. However, unlike these new proposed screens from Samsung, both models are essentially rigid with little flexibility. Though no actual products have been announced yet, Samsung plans to bring bendable displays to the market in 2014 and hopes to release flexable screens by late 2015. Sources: Gizmodo, Sammy HubPosted Wed Nov 6, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Archos Details 101 XS 2 Tablet[teaser]The 10.1 inch HD tablet will be available in December for a competitive price. [/teaser] Archos has announced the successor to its previously released 101 XS tablet. The new 101 XS 2 will feature a 10.1 inch 1200 X 800 IPS screen, improved specs, and an included keyboard. The tablet is powered by a Quad-core A9 1.6GHz processor, a Quad-core GPU Mali 400 MP4, and 2GB of RAM running Android 4.2. A 2MP front and 2MP rear camera are both included as well along with front facing stereo speakers. The device comes with 16GB of storage space and offers a microSD slot for up to 64GB of expandable memory. OfficeSuite Pro 6 is preinstalled as well, and the tablet supports Dual band WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Each tablet also includes a magnetic coverboard that works as a protective shield, a docking station, and a keyboard. The Archos 101 XS 2 is expected to ship in December for a suggested retail price of $279. Sources: Archos, EngadgetPosted Wed Nov 6, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
PLAiR 2 Streaming Dongle Now Available[teaser]PLAiR has revealed its latest HDMI streaming device aimed at turning any television into an Android smart TV. [/teaser] In response to the popularity of Google's Chromecast, PLAiR is now offering an updated version of its own HDMI streaming dongle. The new PLAiR 2 runs Android and allows users to stream videos, music, and other media to their TV. With the PLAiR 2 users can turn their Apple and Android smartphones and tablets into an advanced remote control. Through a Wi-Fi connection, customers can then access apps like Netflix, Hulu, Crackle, VEVO, Pandora and Spotify for HD movies and music on their TVs. Likewise, the device supports virtually any app found in the Android app store including popular games like Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja, bringing the full Android experience to the big screen. Media stored on PCs and mobile devices can also be streamed through the PLAiR 2, and the dongle includes Plex server compatibility. The PLAiR 2 is available now for a suggested retail price of $49, which is about half the price of the company's original PLAiR dongle. Source: PLAiRPosted Tue Nov 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HD Gear Review: Orb Audio Classic Two Stereo Speaker System[teaser]The High-Def Digest Review of Orb Audio's Classic Two Stereo Speaker System is now Live. [/teaser] Through their unique design and competitive pricing, Orb Audio has been making quite a name for itself under the "best bang for your buck" category in affordable home speaker setups. We're taking a look at the company's Classic Two Stereo Speaker System which pairs two Mod2X speakers with a subONE subwoofer. Check out the full review!Posted Mon Nov 4, 2013 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Netflix Experimenting with 4K Video[teaser]The streaming service has added several UHD test clips to its library and plans to launch robust 4K support next year. [/teaser] 4K TV owners alarmed by the lack of true Ultra HD content currently available might finally be in luck. Netflix is starting to test the UHD waters, and has already updated their catalog with several 4K clips. According to GigaOM, the company has added seven 4K sample clips designed to test UHD streaming under different conditions. One clip features kids playing and people riding bicycles all in Ultra HD resolution at 24fps. Though the current crop of streaming 4K content is nothing to get excited about, these test clips are a clear stepping stone to more significant Ultra HD content in the future. The company has hopes of being a major provider for 4K video in 2014, and 4K support for its original programming and select licensed movies and TV shows is a strong possibility. For now, Netflix maxes out at "Super HD" which offers 1080p picture with minimal compression. On the 4K front, Ultra HD display owners really only have one option for UHD content: Sony's FMP-X1 4K Ultra HD Media Player which only works on Sony brand TVs. No physical 4K disc medium has been announced yet. Source: GigaOMPosted Mon Nov 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Offering Limited Time Kindle Discount![teaser]Amazon is running a special discount on the Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire HDX 7" and its standard Kindle e-reader. [/teaser] In response to the FAA's recent decision to allow personal electronic use through take-off and landing on commercial flights, Amazon is running a special one day discount on select Kindle products. Throughout the day, customers can enter the promo code "ThnksFAA" to receive a 15% discount on the Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire HDX 7" and the standard Kindle e-reader. "We've been fighting for our customers on this issue for years, and we are thrilled by the FAA's recent decision—this is a big win for customers. Delta and JetBlue have already started flights with the new rules—we’re excited to see which airlines are next," said Drew Herdener, Vice President, Amazon. "To say thank you, for one day only we're offering 15% off Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire HDX 7", and the $69 Kindle—happy flying!" With the discount The Kindle Fire HD tablet comes out to $118. The Kindle Fire HDX 7" comes out to $195, and the standard Kindle e-reader is just $59. The 15% promo code will expire at the end of the day. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Nov 4, 2013 at 09:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Tablets Top J.D. Power's Satisfaction Report[teaser]According to a new J.D. Power survey, Samsung tablets rank the highest among consumers for overall satisfaction. [/teaser] J.D. Power has just released its latest tablet satisfaction study, and based on the marketing information service's findings, Samsung has come out on top. The Korean electronics manufacturer scored a rating of 835 on a 1000 point scale. Criteria used to judge the tablets include performance, ease of use, physical design, features, cost, and overall satisfaction. Apple's line of iPad devices came in a very close second, with a score of 833. Amazon's Kindle products ranked third, while Asus and Acer rounded out the pack in third and fourth place respectively. Looking at the tablet market as a whole, overall customer satisfaction was rated at 821, and the study also revealed that 59% of tablet purchasers buy their devices in store and 41% buy their products online. "Whether consumers prefer the online channel for competitive pricing compared with the tactile retail store experience, effectively matching owner needs with the appropriate tablet model during the purchase process goes a long way in positively influencing overall satisfaction," said Kirk Parsons, senior director of telecommunications services at J.D. Power. Samsung's line of currently available tablets includes the Galaxy Tab 3 ($300), the Galaxy Note 10.1 ($600), and the Galaxy Note 8.0 ($400). Source: J.D. Power via EngadgetPosted Fri Nov 1, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Google Nexus 5 On Sale Now[teaser]The latest Google Nexus smartphone has been fully detailed and is now available for purchase. [/teaser] Google and LG have officially unveiled their Nexus 5 smartphone. The mobile device features a 5-inch 1080p IPS screen with 445ppi and Gorilla Glass 3. The Nexus 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.26GHz CPU and an Adreno 330 450MHz GPU with 2GB of RAM running the new Android 4.4 KitKat OS. An 8MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a 1.3MP front camera are also included, along with a 2300 mAh battery that is rated for up to 17 hours of talk time. The smartphone will come in 16GB and 32GB internal storage options. With the new phone and updated operating system, Google promises several improved features, like a revised Phonebook app that offers more advanced searching tools; a new Hangouts app that organizes your text messages, conversations, and video calls in the same place; and the Nexus 5 launcher which can access Google Now with the swipe of a finger on the phone's home screen. The Google Nexus 5 is now available for purchase unlocked from the Google Play store starting at $349. The smartphone will also be available soon through retailers like Sprint, T-Mobile, Amazon, Best Buy and RadioShack. Sources: Google, EngadgetPosted Fri Nov 1, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Google Chromecast Now Supports Pandora Streaming[teaser]The popular music streaming app is now available for Google Chromecast. [/teaser] Google's Chromecast streaming dongle now offers support for Pandora. Users can now use the app to listen to their favorite music through their TV speakers. Pandora Internet Radio offers hundreds of music and comedy stations to its listeners, providing a free way to discovery all the latest popular tracks. The app also allows users to create up to 100 personalized stations of their own. Pandora is now available for Chromecast through Android tablet and smartphones, as well as Apple iPhones. Support for iPads is also in the works. In addition to Pandora, Chromecast also recently received Hulu Plus support, and includes several other popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Google Play Movies and Music. Likewise, the HDMI media player allows users to stream a variety of online content from their computers, tablets, and smartphones to their TVs. Google Chromecast currently retails for just $35. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Oct 31, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Panasonic Officially Announces End of Plasma Production[teaser]The company has finally confirmed the termination of its plasma TV line. [/teaser] After months of speculation, Panasonic has officially announced that it is indeed ceasing production and development of plasma televisions. Production will end in December 2013 and several of the company's factories will terminate their business operations by March 2014. Panasonic cites heavy competition from LCD displays and declining demand for plasma units in the marketplace as the reasons behind its decision. As previously detailed in an earlier report from Reuters, the company has been suffering heavy financial losses due to its lackluster PDP business. According to research firm DisplaySearch, plasmas only made up about 6 percent of 2012 global TV shipments, while LCDs accounted for 87 percent. In their official announcement, the manufacturer went on to state, "Until now, due to the superiority of the picture, Panasonic's PDPs have received high appraisal and there has been firm demand from customers worldwide. However, due to rapid, drastic changes in the business environment and a declining demand for PDP in the flat panel display market, it was judged that continuing the business would be difficult and a decision was made to stop production." Along with the end of production in December, Panasonic also plans to cease plasma sales by March 2014. Until then, the company's highly rated VIERA plasma displays remain available, and continue to be among the top consumer televisions on the market. The highly rated TC-P50ST60 is currently on sale for under $1,000 on Amazon. Despite this very unfortunate setback, the company is now looking toward new development of its display business. Source: PanasonicPosted Thu Oct 31, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
