-
Apple Reveals iPad Air and New iPad Mini[teaser]Apple's latest tablets include a thinner, lighter iPad and an updated iPad mini with Retina display. [/teaser] Apple has finally unveiled full details for its latest iPad products, the iPad Air and a new iPad mini. The iPad Air features an updated lightweight design and a 9.7-inch Retina display. Meanwhile, the iPad mini comes with a 7.9-inch Retina display. Both screens feature a resolution of 2048x1536. The iPad Air weighs just 1 pound and is 20 percent thinner and 28 percent lighter than the company's fourth generation iPad model. "iPad created an entirely new mobile computing experience, and the new iPad Air is another big leap ahead. It is so thin, light and powerful, once you hold one in your hand you will understand what a tremendous advancement this is," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. Both the iPad Air and the iPad mini are powered by an "A7 chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture, ultrafast wireless with faster built-in Wi-Fi and expanded LTE cellular connectivity, and the newly-designed iOS 7 featuring hundreds of great new features." The devices also use the M7 motion coprocessor for improved power efficiency. A new FaceTime HD camera and a 5MP iSight camera are also included. The iPad Air will be available on November 1st at a suggested retail price of $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, $699 for the 64GB model, and $799 for the 128GB model. The iPad mini will be available later in November at a suggested retail price of $399 for the 16GB model, $499 for the 32GB model, $599 for the 64GB model, and $699 for the 128GB model. Source: ApplePosted Wed Oct 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony and VUDU Introduce VUDU Extras+[teaser]The new interactive experience brings Blu-ray-like special features to the video streaming service. [/teaser] Sony and VUDU have announced the launch of VUDU Extras+. The new service will be available on select Sony titles in the VUDU library, granting users access to bonus extras and interactive features. VUDU Extras+ includes features like Enhanced Scene Search and Clip & Share which will give viewers the option to jump to their favorite scenes and share them through social media. In addition, the enhanced service will also provide traditional bonus supplements like deleted scenes, featurettes, and movie trivia. David Bishop, SPHE President said, "Sony Pictures has always been at the forefront of creating innovative technologies to enhance the consumer home entertainment experience both in the physical as well as the digital spaces. VUDU Extras+ will bring the extras experience which consumers have come to expect from discs to digital retailers more consistently and with increased interactivity. Strategically, VUDU Extras+ will enhance the value proposition of digital ownership which is so key to the future success and strength of the home entertainment industry. Our intention is that it will evolve it into an industry standard for use across multiple studios and services." VUDU Extras+ is now available with 'District 9' on the cloud with UltraViolet on PCs and Macs. Support for more devices and titles, including 'This is the End,' 'After Earth,' 'White House Down,' 'Grown Ups 2,' 'Mortal Instruments,' 'Smurfs 2' and 'One Direction – This is Us' will follow later this year. Consumers can preview VUDU Extras+ before they buy a movie and can then gain access to the full experience when they purchase a title or redeem their UltraViolet code on VUDU. Source: PR NewswirePosted Wed Oct 23, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Nokia Lumia 1520 Offers RAW Support on a Smartphone[teaser]The new HD phablet is the first smartphone to include support for RAW photographs. [/teaser] Nokia has detailed its latest large-screen smartphone, the Lumia 1520. The mobile device features a 6-inch 1080p LCD screen and runs Windows Phone 8. In addition, the Lumia 1520 has the distinction of being the first smartphone to support capturing photos in the RAW format. The Lumia 1520 is powered by a 2.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 2GB of RAM and a 3400 mAh integrated battery. 32GB of internal storage is also included along with microSD support for up to 64GB and 7 GB of SkyDrive cloud storage. The phone includes built-in Microsoft Office software and Nokia Storyteller and Nokia Beamer apps as well. The smartphone also includes a 20MP rear camera with ZEISS optics and a 1.2MP front camera, and promises to support RAW pictures using Adobe Systems' DNG format. Though the format uses more space, pictures taken in RAW feature minimal processing and offer higher image quality and editing options. Nokia will bring similar RAW support to its 41MP Lumia 1020 next year as well. The Nokia Lumia 1520 is expected to launch in Q4 2013 in a variety of colors for a suggested retail price of $749. Sources: Nokia, CNETPosted Tue Oct 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Nokia Spotlights Lumia 2520 Tablet[teaser]The company's first Windows tablet sports a 10.1-inch HD screen and is designed for versatile mobility. [/teaser] Nokia has revealed the Lumia 2520 tablet. The device comes with a 10.1-inch 1080p IPS display that is geared toward providing optimal readability whether the user is indoors or outdoors. The Lumia 2520 is powered by a 2.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2GB of RAM, and an 8000 mAh battery that runs Windows RT 8.1. A 6.7MP rear camera with ZEISS optics and a 2MP front camera are also included. The tablet also features 32GB of storage and microSD support for up to 32GB. In addition, the tablet comes with unique software like the Lumia exclusive 'Dragons Adventure' interactive game, Nokia Storyteller, Nokia Video Director, and Nokia Music. Microsoft Office and Outlook also come preinstalled, and an optional Power Keyboard accessory is available that makes typing more convenient while also providing up to five hours of extra battery life. The Nokia Lumia 2520 will be available in several colors starting in Q4 2013 for a suggested retail price of $499. The Nokia Power Keyboard will also be available at the same time for $149. Source: NokiaPosted Tue Oct 22, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Expected to Trump HBO in Subscribers[teaser]The popular streaming service could now have more paid US subscribers than the premium cable channel. [/teaser] According to analysts at Needham & Co, Netflix is likely to have accumulated 30 million paid US subscribers as of Sept. 30. In comparison, HBO is estimated to have 28.7 million US customers according to SNL Kagan. This marks a notable accomplishment for the streaming company, which has hopes of becoming a full-fledged web-based television network. Thanks to original programming and exclusive content like 'House of Cards' and the latest season of 'Arrested Development,' Netflix has been making moves to capture viewers who might otherwise look into traditional cable services like HBO. With such impressive subscriber numbers, cable and satellite companies are beginning to contemplate partnerships with Netflix, hoping to integrate the streaming service into their own packages. According to sources who spoke to Bloomberg, Cox Communications Inc., Suddenlink Communications, RCN Telecom Services and Atlantic Broadband Finance LLC are all among the US cable providers who are currently discussing potential deals with Netflix. A basic Netflix streaming plan goes for $8 a month, offering users access to all of the company's growing library of films and television shows, including its original content. Though HBO does not offer a separate pay streaming service, its streaming HBO Go service is available to users who already subscribe to the channel through their cable or satellite providers. Source: BloombergPosted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Benchmark Announces THX High-Efficiency Amplifier[teaser]The new amp technology promises enhanced dynamic range and less distortion. [/teaser] Benchmark has detailed its upcoming AHB2 stereo amplifier. Unlike current components of its type, the AHB2 features THX's High Efficiency technology, which is said to provide high quality sound that improves performance over Class A amplifiers and exceeds the efficiency of Class AB amplifiers. The AHB2 is rated at 2 x 170 W into 4 ohms or 340 W bridged mono into 8 ohms. The amp has a dynamic range that approaches 130 dB making it a perfect fit for high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats. Likewise, the device's frequency response surpasses 200 kHz and goes below 0.1 Hz for full bandwidth high-resolution playback. As the world's first power amplifier to use THX's proprietary all-analog amplifier technology, the AHB2 also promises to virtually eliminate crossover distortion. "Benchmark is a great partner to roll out THX's patented all-analog amplifier technology," said Laurie Fincham, Senior VP at THX Ltd. "Having used Benchmark's excellent DAC2 stereo pre-amp, one that is widely used in broadcasting and recording venues throughout the world, we feel that the AHB2 power amplifier will be the perfect mate." An exact release date and pricing have not been detailed, but the AHB2 amplifier is expected to retail for less than $3,000. Sources: TWICE, Benchmark Media, ReutersPosted Mon Oct 21, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Cable and Smart TV Features Combine with Samsung's Smart Media Player[teaser]The company's latest media device offers consumers a cable box alternative along with smart TV apps. [/teaser] Samsung has detailed its Smart Media Player, bringing live TV and smart TV functions to its users. The device supports live content from many major cable providers without a monthly rental fee for an additional box, and includes several popular apps. Through the use of a CableCard from their provider, users can access local channels and content through the player. Likewise, the Smart Media Player features over 100 apps, including Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, VUDU, and YouTube. An All Share mode is offered as well, letting users share content on their TV from their mobile devices. "With our new Samsung Smart Media Player, we're providing consumers with an all-in-one solution that makes the TV-watching experience 'smarter,'" said Jim Kiczek, Director of Digital Audio and Video at Samsung Electronics America. "This great product brings the Samsung Smart TV experience to any digital TV, giving customers a seamless home entertainment experience that combines live cable content and Smart TV applications all in one device." The Samsung Smart Media Player will be available on October 23 for a suggested retail price of $150. Source: EngadgetPosted Fri Oct 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Lenovo Details Miix2 Tablet[teaser]The new 8-inch HD tablet will be available soon. [/teaser] Lenovo has announced its latest tablet, the Miix2. The Windows 8.1 device features an 8-inch 1200x800 10-point multi-touch IPS display and measures 8.35mm thick and weighs just 350g. The Miix2 is powered by an Intel Bay Trail-T Quad Core processor and integrated Intel HD Graphics. A 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera are also included. In addition, the tablet comes with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 preinstalled, and offers stylus and detachable cover options as well. "Many users want the convenience of a smaller screen tablet, but do not want to lose the performance and convenience of a powerful, quad core Windows 8.1 device. With the Lenovo Miix2 8-inch, users can take advantage of a small, light form factor without sacrificing performance," said Bai Peng, vice president and general manager, notebook business unit, Lenovo Business Group. "The Lenovo Miix2 8-inch is a great example of how thoughtful design can deliver the best of both worlds." The Miix2 is set to launch later this month for a suggested retail price of $299. Source: LenovoPosted Fri Oct 18, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Vivo Reveals World's First Quad HD Smartphone[teaser]The Chinese company has announced plans to release a 2560 x 1440 phone. [/teaser] In a recent teaser for its latest products, Vivo announced plans to produce the world's first smartphone with a 2560 x 1440 display, the Vivo XPlay 3S. As of now, the highest resolution available on mobile devices maxes out at 1080p. Vivo is dubbing the new screen resolution "2K" and while it's not clear how large the panel will be, it's possible that the company is using the 5.5-inch 538ppi Quad HD display that LG announced in August. The Vivo XPlay 3S will also feature a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 4G support. Pricing and availability have not been detailed yet, but it's unlikely that the phone will be available outside of China. Still, the arrival of the first Quad HD smartphone implies that other companies could follow suit as well, and necessary or not, 2560 x 1440 displays or even 4K panels could become the next major push from smartphone manufacturers. Source: Android AuthorityPosted Thu Oct 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
LG Launches G Pad 8.3-inch Tablet[teaser]The HD tablet is now available online and will hit stores next month. [/teaser] After debuting at the IFA trade show in September, LG's G Pad tablet is now available to consumers. The G Pad features an 8.3-inch 1920x1200 IPS screen with 273 ppi. The tablet is powered by a 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Processor and a 4,600mAh battery running Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2. The device also features 2GB of ram, 16GB of storage space, a 5MP rear camera, and a 1.3MP front camera. "From its light weight to its sleek design, LG G Pad 8.3 is the ultimate complement to the Android smartphone experience," said James Fishler, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA. "LG G Pad 8.3 delivers top-notch viewing and entertainment for Android users with its impressive Full HD screen and useful, intuitive multitasking tools like those found in LG G2." LG's QPair app is included as well, allowing users to receive calls and messages from their smartphone on the tablet. Likewise, the device comes with enhancements for multitasking, including LG's Slide Aside for easily sliding open apps off the screen, and QSlide which enables support for control of up to three different apps at once on the same screen. The LG G Pad is available now exclusively on BestBuy.com for a suggested retail price of $350. The tablet will hit in-store retailers on November 3, starting with Best Buy. Source: EngadgetPosted Thu Oct 17, 2013 at 09:00 AM PDT by:
