Earlier today, we got a complete demo and some seat time with the Motorola Atrix 4G for AT&T at Motorola’s CES event, including its HD multimedia dock and laptop dock. The phone looks similar to the Samsung Vibrant, but with a black screen bezel and a tastefully patterned matte back cover. Build quality is very good, as we’d expect from a Motorola device. The QHD (960 x 540) display is gorgeous and the phone feels ultra snappy, thanks to the dual-core processor running Froyo. In fact, despite still running preliminary firmware, we recorded a blazing 2,616 score on the Quadrant test. The power button at the top back of the Atrix 4G also serves as a fingerprint reader, and there’s a dual-LED flash flanking the 5 megapixel camera. Check out the gallery below and read on for the details — and the complete demo on video — after the break.
Verizon is expected to officially unveil the HTC Thunderbolt 4G as part of its LTE showcase at CES 2011 tomorrow, but the smartphone just won’t stay hidden until then. AndroidSPIN managed to grab some hands-on time with the 4.3-inch Thunderbolt, finding it to be responsive and smooth with its Android 2.2 Froyo OS and HTC Sense overlay, though surprisingly lacking an HDMI port.
There’s also no dual-core processor, with the HTC instead using a single-core 1GHz chip that scored 1926 in Quadrant benchmarking. There’s 8GB of onboard storage – plus a 32GB microSD card that will apparently be bundled – and DLNA support along with HTC’s Navigation app.
An 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera round out the main specs, but we imagine we’ll hear all the details tomorrow. Unfortunately it seems LTE takes its toll on the battery; the leaky source who loaned the handset said battery life “does not seem too good”.
Nokia may seem a little confused with its software strategy at times, but sometimes its coders come up with a great app that restores our faith in the Finns. Nokia Big Screen is the latest from Nokia Beta Labs, turning your N8 – or any future Nokia device with an HDMI output – into a media center for showing photos, music and video, and even allowing you to control it remotely with a Bluetooth device like a Wiimote.
Video demo after the cut
The free app boots as soon as you hook up an HDMI cable to your TV or projector, and shows thumbnail previews of photos and video. You can control it via an on-screen directional pad, as in the image above, or Bluetooth-tether a remote, keyboard, mouse or Wiimote and use that instead; that saves you buying a lengthy HDMI cable and trailing it all the way over to the couch.
As well as basic media center functionality, Nokia Big Screen also plays karaoke videos with subtitles, allows for photo slideshows with background music, works as a screensaver, and more, all with a nifty UI. It’s a free download here.
Lenovo‘s second netbook of CES 2011 bypasses Intel’s Atom chips and instead looks to AMD for its power, boosting screen size in the process. The Lenovo IdeaPad S205 has an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display and AMD dual-core E-350 CPU, along with AMD Radeon HD 6310 512MB discrete graphics. There’s also HDMI connectivity and optional embedded 3G.
Storage and RAM are also significantly increased over the artificially-limited Atom-based S100, with up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and up to a 750GB hard-drive on offer. There’s also WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth, together with USB 2.0, a multi-format memory card reader and VeriFace face recognition for easier logins.
OS is Windows 7 Home Premium and the whole thing weighs from 2.2lbs. It’ll go on sale from March 2011; no word on pricing at this stage, but it’ll be higher than the S100′s $329.99 starting price.
Press Release:
Lenovo’s Newest and Most Stylish Laptops Offer Something for Everyone in the New Year
New IdeaPad Portfolio Features Eye Popping Colors, Sleek Designs, and Impressive Performance at Consumer-Friendly Prices
IdeaPad Y470 and Y570 with Enhanced Experience 2.0 Offer Sub-10 Second Boot Times1
CES 2011, Las Vegas – January 3, 2011: Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) today unveiled an exciting new lineup of IdeaPad laptops at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show, including the world’s fastest booting Windows 7 PCs1 – the IdeaPad Y470 and Y570. The new IdeaPad laptops — including models in the Y Series, Z Series, S Series, V Series and Lenovo G and B Series — appeal to a broad range of consumers with stylish, modern design characteristics, such as brushed metal covers and raised textures, and the latest technology for enhanced performance and entertainment capabilities.
?We’re very excited about our latest lineup of IdeaPad laptops – they are the industry’s newest benchmark for consumer PC design,? said Dion Weisler, vice president, business operations, Lenovo. ?We’ve enriched our portfolio with wow features such as sub-10 second boot times and sleek new industrial designs that deliver higher performance and a more compelling experience for consumers.?
IdeaPad Y570d, Y570, Y470— High Performance Mobile Entertainment –
Lenovo’s new IdeaPad Y560d, Y470 and Y570 laptops sport high-performance processors and are packed with innovative tools and features that make mobile entertainment more realistic, fun and intuitive.
The entire new Y Series all feature the new Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7 standard, which enables users to start their PC on average 20 seconds faster than a typical Windows 7 computer thanks to Lenovo RapidBoot technology1. With optional Lenovo RapidDrive SSD technology, the new Y470 and Y570 laptops can boot in less than 10 seconds2, using an SSD and HDD storage to combine fast boot and application performance with affordable storage capacity.
Powered by the latest 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM processors (up to i7) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and up to NVIDIA® GT 550M 1GB switchable graphics, these new notebooks are optimized for an on-the-go multimedia experience. They feature OneKey® Theatre II, which automatically maximizes advanced audio-visual settings at a touch of a button and SRS Premium Sound with JBL designed speakers, which provide users with a richer audio experience.
Consumers looking for the ultimate in entertainment, look no further than the Y570d, which boasts Nividia’s 3D vision capabilities. With the flip of a switch, users can bring entertainment to life by putting on the included 3D glasses to enjoy movies, photos and games.
IdeaPad Z570, Z470, Z370— Fashionable Multimedia Laptops
Lenovo’s Z Series laptops are designed for consumers who desire a PC with features that can keep up with their exciting lifestyle. On the outside, the IdeaPad Z470 and Z370 sport a cool futuristic ID design with a transparent cover in a selection of pop colors including fuchsia, sky blue and dark brown. For a more minimalist look, consumers can choose the IdeaPad Z570, which offers a high-end luxury appearance with its Accutype chiclet keyboard encased in a modern hairline and metallic effect panel.
On the inside, the Z Series are powered by the new 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM i7 processor with Intel l® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and feature Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7, so users never have to miss a beat while enjoying multimedia. Movies and internet TV can be enjoyed on the new Z Series with its high-definition (HD), 16:9 format widescreen (available in 13.3, 14 and 15.6-inch models), optional Blu-ray DiscTM drive, and Dolby® Advanced Audio for a stunning audio experience.
Featuring OneKeyTM Theater II – one-touch audio-visual optimization for clearer, brighter images and richer audio and SRS® Premium SoundTM audio enhancement, the new Z Series is the fashionable choice for those seeking entertainment.
IdeaPad S100, S205— Stylish Internet Companion Packed with Surprises
Lenovo presents two new additions to their ultraportable laptop offerings, the IdeaPad S100 and IdeaPad S205. The IdeaPad S205 is an 11.6-inch mini laptop featuring an ultra-slim design for easy portability and a stylish AccuType chiclet keyboard – designed to make typing more comfortable on smaller notebooks. With optional integrated 3G connectivity and long battery life, the S205 is the perfect companion for browsing the web in the home or on the go. It also comes with DirectShare, which lets users sync their files with another computer without connecting to the Internet.
The successor to Lenovo’s popular S10-3 netbook is the new IdeaPad S100, which features a 10.1 inch slim backlit LED display and premium AccuType keyboard. Weighing less than 2.2 pounds, the S100 will be available in a wide range of colorful options such as red, fuchsia, sky blue and black making it a great entry level portable computing option for those on-the-go.
IdeaPad V570, V470 and V370— Work Smarter and Faster
Who said work can’t be fun? Look sharp at the office and relax at home with the IdeaPad V Series notebooks — V370, V470 and V570 – which feature a crisp professional, look with an aluminum casing and cover, and a thin 21mm design. Designed for both consumers or small office and home office (SOHO), the V Series boasts all new 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM processors, helping users blaze through work tasks with speed and accuracy. To help get the day going quickly, the V Series also offers Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows® 7 with Lenovo RapidBoot technology, which enables users to start their PC on average 20 seconds faster than a typical Windows 7 computer1.
To help guard what matters most on a laptop, the V Series feature robust integrated security tools to help preserve and protect users’ data. Security features include OneKeyTM Rescue System, for quick data backup and recovery and Lenovo Security Suite, a robust suite of security tools that will encrypt and protect users’ data from prying eyes. The V Series also comes with a Fingerprint Reader for bio- authentication using a finger as a password and a USB Port Locker to prevent unauthorized access to USB ports.
Lenovo G770, G570, G470, G575, G475 — Mainstream Affordable Notebooks
For consumers looking for the best value and essential mobile computing with the latest processor technology, Lenovo has expanded its G Series to include new 17-, 15- and 14-inch options. Sturdy, yet stylish, the G770, G570, G470, G575 and G475 laptops offer well-rounded features such as Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7 with RapidBoot technology, which delivers faster start-up and shutdown and optimized multimedia; Energy Management, which protects the long-term life of the battery; and OneKey Rescue System, which makes it easy for users to backup and recover data.
Lenovo B570 and B470— Essential PCs for Work and Play
Lenovo also announced several new models within its essential brand of affordable home computers, including the B570 and B470 for SOHO. Lenovo’s essential family of laptop and desktop PCs are intended for consumers who want the latest technology, including multimedia and security features, for use at the office or while relaxing at home. The Lenovo B Series are affordable notebooks for business and fun and include features and technologies that will increase user’s personal productivity so they can spend more time doing the activities they love. The B570 and B470 feature up to a 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Technology 2.0, up to Genuine Windows 7 Professional, and Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7 with Lenovo RapidBoot technology, which delivers faster start-up and shutdown and optimized multimedia.
Pricing and Availability
The new IdeaPad S Series laptops will be available beginning in March 2011 starting at $329.99. The new IdeaPad Y Series laptops will be available beginning in May 2011 starting at $899.99. The new Lenovo B Series laptops will be available beginning in April 2011 starting at $499.99.
The new Lenovo V Series laptops will be available beginning in April 2011 starting at $599.99.
Vizio is best known for its affordable HDTV range, but the company is planning on launching an Android-based tablet and smartphone later in 2011. The Vizio Via Phone has a 4-inch touchscreen and twin cameras, while the Vizio Via Tablet has an 8-inch touchscreen and a front-facing camera; each has Android Market access and HDMI connectivity.
There’s also WiFi and, on the Via Tablet, three speakers. Vizio has carried over its HDTV UI to the two new mobile devices, in a push for range consistency, and there’ll also be support for a Vizio remote control app so that TV media can be managed from either the phone or slate.
Thanks to Vizio’s Via Plus Internet service, there’ll also be access to the smart TV features familiar from the HDTV line-up, including Netflix support. Both the Via Phone and Via Tablet will arrive in the US come summer 2011, with pricing yet to be announced.
Archos has just pulled the official curtain off the company’s latest Android-based Internet tablet. The Archos 70 Internet tablet may just look like another tablet on the outside, especially when compared to previously released Archos-branded Android-based tablet devices, but this one’s special. Why? Because this one’s the first Android tablet to feature a 250GB hard drive under the hood.
The tablet features the same amenities we’ve come to expect. The device features integrated WiFi, and the tablet is made of a unique over-molded PVD stainless steel structured slim design. The display features a capacitive touchscreen (thankfully), and there’s a 1GHz processor controlling the show. There’s an HDMI out port, making sure you’ll be able to connect your tablet to an external display, if you want.
You won’t find Android 2.3, though, as the device is available with Android 2.2. The press release doesn’t make a mention of upgrade plans, either. The tablet is available right now from Archos.com. It has a price tag that will set you back $349.99. Check out the full press release below for more information.
Press Release
ARCHOS 70 internet tablet, the first android tablet with a 250GB HDD, will be on display January 6 – 9, 2011 at CES 2011, Las Vegas Convention Center – South Hall 2 Booth # 26425
Denver, Colorado – December 29, 2010 – ARCHOS, an award winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market today announced the availability of the ARCHOS 70 internet tablet, 250GB version in retail stores. The ARCHOS 70 internet tablet, 250GB version offers a unique over-molded PVD stainless steel structured slim and light design. It also features the latest technology high res capacitive touch screen, a powerful 1 GHz processor and high speed WiFi that allows PC like web-surfing. Although the tablet sports 250GB, it is still the slimmest and the lightest (7.91 x 4.49 x 0.55 inch – 14 oz) on the market and is now available for $349.99 MSRP at ARCHOS.com
The ARCHOS 70 internet tablet – 250GB is a connected mobile device with a sublime user interface, 3D Graphics accelerator and Wi-Fi connectivity. With Android™ Froyo compatibility as the user interface, this tablet comes with a full pack of connected apps such as a web browser and email application, flash 10.1, HDMI output connectivity, tethering via your mobile phone and home streaming from your PC capability.
“We are proud to be the first to release an android tablet that features a 250GB HDD” says Henri Crohas, CEO and Founder. “We strive to be the leader in the Android and Windows based tablet market by creating award winning innovative options at affordable prices.”
Connected Android™ tablet
As a Hi-def multimedia tablet, users will experience:
A huge storage capacity to store up to 250 movies
A full multimedia experience, with 720p HD video playback
Built-in web cam for chatting with friends and family
With the HDMI output function, you can view the full Android interface on your TV in High Definition, including all the apps, not only video playback like other tablets on the market
Play 3D games from your TV and use your tablet as the steering-wheel/control
Unique Android Multimedia applications designed by ARCHOS such as:
Movie information and cover retrieval in video file info dialog
3D animated photo frame with ability to display pictures from Facebook, Flickr and Picassa directly through WiFi
Music cover carrousel allows quick browsing of your music album covers
A lot of applications with Appslib to fit your lifestyle including games, books, music, social media, recipes, news and sports
This latest tablet is from a long line of ultra affordable and ultra portable internet, multimedia, wide screen and super-fast tablets released by ARCHOS. In 2010, ARCHOS released a 10.1 ‘’ tablet with capacitive touch screen. As a connected android device it offers a very fast web browsing and HD multimedia experience from a 10.1”high resolution screen. The rest of the line up includes Android based tablets ranging in size from 2.8” to the 10.1“.
For more information about the ARCHOS 70 internet tablet and other ARCHOS products visit www.ARCHOS.com
About ARCHOS
ARCHOS released the first pocket-sized HD-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000 and since that time has revolutionized consumer electronics devices. The company invented the portable media player in 2003 and was the first to bring television recording, wireless and touch screens to Portable Media Players. ARCHOS has also introduced the Internet Media Tablet range – the 5, 5g and 7 – offering users instant, uncompromising access to the internet, media content and TV. Established in 1988, ARCHOS has offices in the Unites States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B, ISIN Code FR0000182479. www.archos.com
Cowon has finally got official on its long-rumored D3 PMP, and as teased it does indeed run Android. The Cowon D3 Plenue has a 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED touchscreen display and uses Android 2.1, paired with WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.1 and a T-DMB TV tuner.
In fact, there’s a lot of tech you’d usually expected to find in a phone inside the D3, like an accelerometer and vibration feedback. There’s also a microSD card slot – augmenting 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of onboard storage – along with HDMI and USB 2.0 connectivity. It doesn’t look like Android Market access is included, but Cowon does throw in a Twitter and social networking app.
As you’d expect from Cowon, the list of supported file-types and codecs is huge, and includes 1080p Full HD support. No word on pricing at this stage, but audiophiles looking for an iPod touch alternative might find something here worth waiting for.
ASUS has pushed out a new version in its O!Play media streamer range, slimming down the STB and simplifying the onboard connections. The ASUS O!Play MINI drops the USB 3.0 connection found on the O!Play HD2, making do with a single USB 2.0 port and a multi-format memory card reader; you still get HDMI connectivity, among other ports, and a healthy clutch of supported media standards.
That includes 1080p MPEG 1/2/4, H.264 and VC-1 formats with ISO, AVI, MP4, MTS and various other file types supported. Audio doesn’t fall short either; Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD all make an appearance, with 7.1 surround sound on offer if you have the speakers for it.
Unfortunately, there’s no network connection – either wired or wireless – which means you can’t use the O!Play MINI as a DLNA streamer or access online video such as YouTube or Netflix. Still, it’s priced accordingly: €69 ($91) when it arrives in January 2011.
Following in the footsteps of the Acer Aspire One 721 that made its rounds on the Internet (mostly in the Czech Republic), featuring new hardware under the hood, the new Acer Aspire One 522 recently found its way onto the Web, and is ready to show off its new AMD Ontario chip, from the Fusion family. The new notebook from Acer boasts the AMD dual-core C-50 Ontario chip, but shares many of the same aesthetics from the previously released Acer Aspire One AOD255.
As for the chip inside, each of the C-50′s cores are clocked at 1GHz, but the power usage is measured at only 9W. The display measures in at 10.1-inches, and features a resolution of 1280×780. If you need better resolution, though, you can use the HDMI port to use an external display. The Aspire One 522 has a Radeon 6250 graphics processor under the hood, which supports UVD3 accelerated video decoding and DirectX 11. As far as battery life goes, it’s rated at just 6 hours. You’ll find only one speaker built-in, too.
Unfortunately, Acer doesn’t have a word on when, or in what parts of the world the Aspire One 522 will launch. A price tag hasn’t been attached to the new notebook, either.
With cellphone cameras improving all the time, point-and-shoots have to aim high if they want to stand out of the crowd. Iain Sinclair’s Poco Pro certainly makes plenty of promises; tipped to launch in Q2 2011 for a bargain £200 ($308) or thereabouts, there’s a 14.6-megapixel sensor, 1080p HD video capture, a 2.4-inch AMOLED preview display and a microUSB 3.0 port for data and option HDMI output, all in a credit-card sized black-anodized magnesium chassis.
In fact the spec sheet is impressive all round, with only the dual-LED flash – rather than Xenon – being a low point. It’ll supposedly record stereo audio and support auto-focus and macro shots, while there’s an optional WiFi-enabled microSD card for throwing wireless into the mixture as well. That memory card slot boosts the 4GB of onboard storage.
It’s ambitious stuff, and we can’t help but suspect that the Poco Pro is trying to do too much at once. A 14-megapixel CMOS sensor of the small size required to fit into a 85.6 x 54 x 5 mm casing is probably not going to be great at dealing with normal lighting, and the £200 price tag seems over-ambitious. Iain Sinclair is taking £100 ($154) deposits on the first units now, but we’ll wait until the reviews come through before getting over-excited.
