Karlsson Projection Clock

Not all gadgets appeal to the consumer mainly for their usability. There are also gadgets that appeal generally because they offer something unique out of something mundane and ordinary. One such gadget is the Karlsson Projection Clock.

The Karlsson Projection Clock May give you a unique way to look at time. Instead of just an ordinary wall clock to grace a wall and serve as the usual timekeeper, you can instead use this device to project a virtual analogue clock into any wall. The Karlsson Projection Clock does just that, armed with a LED projector to beam up the clock face on any wall for up to 8 meters away. Now that is a unique way to tell time. The Karlsson Projection clock is available at Firebox for 100 UK Pounds or around US$114.

Image Source: Firebox

Amazon rumored to have multiple Android devices out by the holidays

Amazon working on a tablet? Made by Quanta with a FFS display? Pff..that’s old news.. how about, Amazon is working on a whole lineup of Android devices? Like that rumor? Brought to you by a man who used to run Androidandme, but comes out of retirement for this special occasion. The main tipster, who has “direct knowledge” of this project says Amazon has an “entire family” of Android devices are expected to launch this holiday shopping season.

That’s apparently confirmed by another trustworthy tipster. So that’s it. Let the speculation fly. Android phone? Set-top box? Multiple tablets. At the very least, one Android tablet.

Source: Androidandme

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Sneak peek Toshiba tablet commercial fuels “Thrive” name

We’ve seen Toshiba rake up domain names, trademark filings and actually mention the “Thrive” name in the source code of their Toshiba Tablet homepage for their upcoming 10-inch slab of Honeycomb and now there’s more material that fuels our thoughts that Toshiba will name the tablet the “Thrive” outside of Japan.

Several tweets (one above) dated between May 4 – May 6 from a pair of identical twin musicians, Camille and Kennerly, were published last week mentioning that they were shooting a commercial for the “yet-to-be released Toshiba ‘Thrive’”. There’s a picture from the set but it doesn’t show any tablet.

Last we heard of the Toshiba tablet, it had been delayed to the “very end of summer” or the end of August in the UK. We’re not sure about the US but the tablet showed up at the FCC at the end of last month and I would expect it to go on sale next month if it’s not delayed there as well (It goes on sale in Japan towards the end of June).

We also saw prices leaked last month via Newegg, although they aren’t official and may change. Price starts at $450 for 8GB, $500 for 16GB and $599 for 32GB of storage. A glance at the specs don’t reveal that much different from other current slates of Honeycomb but we’ve seen a few unique features shown off in hands on previews such as a removable back plate and battery and “resolution+” which just makes upscales images look less blocky. Those specs - a 10.1″ 1280 x 800 display, 2MP / 5MP front and rear cameras, Nvidia Tegra 2 chip, b/g/n Wi-Fi, Flash preloaded, GPS, full sized USB, mini USB, HDMI and SD card reader.

Amazon.com, Staples, Newegg and B&H all have product / promo pages ready but no pre-orders open yet.

Twitter: @CamilleKennerly

Source: Whirlpool Forums

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11.6″ Samsung Series 9 now shipping in the US $1,160

As promised in mid-May, the 11.6″ Samsung Series 9 (NP900X1A) has now started shipping in the US, at Tigerdirect and Circuit City priced at $1,159.99. With its 0.62 – 0.65″ thinness, 2.31 lbs weight and a price tag of over $1,000 it’s as close as a competitor you’re going to get to the recent 11.6″ MacBook Air.

For that price, you get an 11.6″ 1366 x 768 (340 nits brightness) display, Intel Core i3-380UM (1.33GHz) processor with Intel HD 3000 graphics, 64GB SSD, 2GB of DDR3 RAM, Bluetooth, b/g/n WiFi, 1.3MP camera, 4-cell battery and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. Ports include micro HDMI, 1x USB 2.0 (sleep & charge), 1x USB 3.0, LAN (via dongle) and card reader (MicroSD?). There’s also a backlit keyboard.

Website: Circuit City, TigerDirect

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OGT Eros “world’s thinnest Android tablet” gets promo video

Back in February, some company named OGT Mobile had their few internet seconds of fame when they teased a photo of a tablet on Twitter. The tablet once again showed up last month in a short video (further below) with the claim of being the “world’s thinnest Android tablet” at 7mm thin. Now, the tablet has a name, the “Eros” along with an official promo video that promises this slate will be “beyond magical” and “one of a kind”.

Official promo video for the Eros tablet. Be warned you’ll probably want those 42 seconds back.

The only other thing that stands out besides the thinness in the specs is a 188 PPI display. No size mentioned but I’d assume it’s 10-inch.

The specs as we know them – a 1GHz processor of some sort, microSD card slot, a 188 PPI display, 3MP and 5MP front and rear cameras and various models that include 16GB or 32GB internal storage with either Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity. It’s 17mm thin and weighs 550g.

From April, short video (via Android Central) showing the tablet. Beyond magical to you?

One of the images tweeted back in February:

Website: OGT Mobile

Via: Android Central

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Android 3.1 on the Motorola Xoom Walk Through

Google Android 3.1 is now rolling out to Motorola XOOM tablets and we’ve shot video showing off the updates, well, the ones you could see as much of the list below is behind the scene’s updates. Google published a detailed list of Android 3.1 features later in the day.

Here is a summary:

• The recently used apps list is now much larger, with a vertically scrolling list that shows live thumbnails.

• Bluetooth and USB keyboards and mice are supported, though only a single-button mouse with a scroll wheel. Mice can be used to select, drag, scroll, point, and hover over active regions.

• Among the game controllers supported are those for the Playstation 4 and XBox 360. Game controllers can be connected with Bluetooth or USB.

• Home-screen widgets can be resized either horizontally or vertically.

• The USB support can be configured so that, when a particular device is attached, the Android device will look for a particular application, offer to launch it, and present an appropriate Web address if it’s not installed.

• The browser now supports hardware-accelerated rendering for plug-ins. That’s something Adobe Systems expects will improve the performance and reduce the battery-life pain of its Flash Player.

• The browser also gets better support for the CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) Web page formatting technology–specifically, CSS 3D, animations, and fixed positioning.

• Web pages can be saved for reading offline, and the quick controls interface is redesigned and beefed up.

• Wi-Fi networking gets better, with support for high-speed connections even when an idling Android device’s screen dims. “Users can take advantage of this to play continuous streamed music, video, and voice services for long periods, even when the device is otherwise idle and the screen is off,” Google said.

• An update to the gallery app supports the Picture Transport Protocol (PTP), designed to ease the import of photos from cameras. Android 3.1 also supports the Media Transport Protocol (MTP), an interface to handle activities such as receiving notifications that a camera has been attached, managing files on that device, and transferring files.

• Larger elements in the calendar app are designed to improve readability and touch-interface accuracy.

• An update to the e-mail app makes it sends both plaintext and formatted e-mail with a message so it displays properly regardless of how the recipient is viewing it.

• A handful of tweaks should improve performance in some areas such as caching and hardware acceleration.

If you want to see a video of some of these features on action we’ve got one for you below:

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Motion CL900 Tablet Drop Test Caught on Camera

Windows 7 Tablets are aimed at enterprise so its not surprising that we’re seeing a rugged tablet on the market. Its got a 10.1″ multi touch display at 1366 x 768 a 1.5Ghz Intel Atom Z670 processor, GMA 600 GPU,  1GB of RAM (upgradeable to 2GB) 30 or 62GB SSD.

Wireless options include WiFi B/G/N, Bluetooth 3.0, and an optional Gobi wireless modem (Comes with GPS)  and / or 3G capable SIM card slot. It also features an SD card reader, 3.5 mm combined audio in /out jack, a single USB 2.0 port, mini HDMI slot and a docking connector. It has a 1.3 MP webcam gracing the front and a 3.0 MP camera around back. Windows 7  Home Premium and Professional are available in both 32 /64 bit configurations. Battery life is rated at 43WHr, with a claimed 8 hours of runtime.  And it only weighs 2.1 pounds!

In the video below you can see the CL900 survive drops onto any edge without damage. The display is protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass, a feature we’re seeing in more and more mobile devices.

As much as we like iPads, there isn’t always an iOS app available for field workers and tablet users that work on their feet.

The Motion CL900 is available for order from MotionComputing.com.

Via GottabeMobile

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A Single Netbook Makes All the Difference at UC Berkley Language Lab

If you think that one netbook can’t make a difference read on to learn why you’re dead wrong. Three netbooks, one for each section of the USC Berkley Spanish and Portuguese language lab, dug their way into the must have category of language lab instructor Juan Caballero.

The University of Berkley like many school’s in US has, over the past few years, experienced budget cuts. Netbook’s with their incredibly low cost have swooped into save the day in a department that has already shelled out the big bucks (pre-recession) for projectors & AV equipment in each classroom.  Where the budget seemed to run out was providing a computer to run all of this fancy equipment.

Before the budget cuts, a major facilities upgrade initiative put very nice projectors and speakers into every classroom of the building that our language classes are in, but none of the language departments have dedicated teaching laptops.

Before these netbook’s were generously provided by Toshiba to streamline the learning process Calballero would have to print out class material and xerox it on to transparency paper and wheel a 40 year old over head projector into the classroom. A shocking action considering there is a projector worth several thousand dollars uselessly hanging on the ceiling.

Toshiba’s netbooks filled in a gap to take advantage of what’s already paid for in these next-generation textbooks and the equipment that has already been purchased.  What is interesting about these three netbooks, is that Caballero wasn’t able to raise the funds within the department and the netbook’s they are currently using are on loan from Toshiba hoping to prove that a single $300 machine can make HUGE difference in the quality of learning in the classroom.  The hope is that if the netbooks prove their worth in the Spanish and Portuguese department that it won’t take long for other departments to follow suit.

So how are single netbook’s making a difference in the classroom?

• The students make power point presentation for the classroom and present on various topics in Spanish or Portugese using the projector as a visual aid
• Class materials are show rather then printed out or shown on an over head projector
• Make full use of online and next generation textbooks which often include audio and video files
• Transcribing oral presentations and then facilitating class discussions regarding grammar
• If you want to see exactly how this comes together Caballero has shot a video demonstrating how he uses his Toshiba netbook.

Want to learn more? We’ve got another article “Educational Case Study: 3 Netbooks Make Their Way to UC Berkeley”

View the original article here

Samsung Chromebook Series 5 Official Demo

Google just made the first consumer ready Chromebook official by announcing the Samsung Chromebook. The device has a 12.1-inch screen and looks pretty darn sexy.The Google Chromebook will be available on June 15th in US, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Spain for $349-$499 and $20-$28 monthly for educators and businesses.

Throw in an optional 3G connection and you will end up with a truly mobile office – perhaps making you think twice of recommending your boss to get you the Chromebook, as it means you no longer have any more excuses to give when it comes to getting work done on the road. Security-wise, Chromebooks aren’t that vulnerable since they come with many layers of security built right inside, helping you save more money as there aren’t any anti-virus software to buy and maintain. Apart from peace of mind, it also saves you hours from setting up and keeping your machine up-to-date.

But will it be enough? I ask that question in a separate article “Will Google’s ChromeBook Web Based OS be Enough?”

For the official demo here is the video below:

Chromebook Specs

• 12.1? (1280×800) 300 nit Display
• 3.26 lbs / 1.48 kg
• 8.5 hours of continuous usage ¹
• Intel® Atom^TM Dual-Core Processor
• Built in dual-band Wi-Fi and World-mode 3G (optional)
• HD Webcam with noise cancelling microphone
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• Mini-VGA port
• Fullsize Chrome keyboard
• Oversize fully-clickable trackpad

 

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Microsoft’s tablet plans do not include Nokia

Nokia entering the tablet game has been a hot topic for several weeks. At a Taiwan launch of the Pink Nokia N8, Micheal Hsu, General Manager Market Taiwan shed some light on Nokia’s tablet intentions.  According to Hsu “Microsoft’s tablet plans do not include Nokia” to be more specific he added that Ovi maps will not be featured on Microsoft’s up coming tablet operating system.

When we tried to dig deeper into why a Microsoft/Nokia alliance around tablets was not being forged Hsu noted that “Nokia has a lazer focus on what they do the best and that’s making great mobile handsets”.

This is a still inline with comments made by Nokia CEO Stephen Elop on the Finnish Program A-List who stated they are still discussing which of the Nokia-backed operating systems (Symbian, Microsoft or MeeGo) they would choose to support. Microsoft might not have plans to work with Nokia on its up coming tablet operating system but it seems Nokia is still considering Microsoft.

Another interesting tidbit that Hsu alluded to was a mystery alliance of manufacturers with unknown players in the automotive and technology space around MeeGo.  He wouldn’t give any details on who was taking part what Nokia’s involvement would be if any, only that they have chosen MeeGo as the OS of choice for in-vehicle infotainment.

Its seems like I was attending a meeting of mysteries, what I learned that was concrete was that they’ve got a Pink N8 that they are planning on taking Taiwan by storm with! I believe it, the N8 is a great phone and with its fashion appeal in a market where bedazzeling your phone is considered normal, this is a classy alternative!

Here are a few photo’s of the handset and the runway show:

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LG to demo ultra-high resolution AH-IPS displays next week

Next week you’ll hear plenty about displays as SID 2011 kicks off in Los Angeles. We’ve already heard that Samsung plans to showcase its ultra-high resolution 10-inch 2560 x 1600 display but there’ll also be LG showing off ultra-high resolution displays of their own, using AH-IPS technology with display sizes of 3.5″, 4.5″, 7″ and 9.7″ and a few other huge ones for televisions. No word on the actual resolutions on those 7″ and 9.7″ panels. The image referenced in the press release mentions 132 ppi for 9.7″ but that’s 1024 x 768 as the iPad uses, which is hardly “high resolution”. It could just be an old image anyway.

Not many consumer tablets are using high quality displays such as IPS or FFS displays. The only ones that come to mind right now are the iPad, Nook Color and Eee Pad Transformer. Not quite consumer oriented but the ASUS Eee Slate EP121 is another recent addition (FFS display). I suspect the new, thin Galaxy Tabs will have something comparable (forums are flooded with mentions of PLS displays for them)

AH-IPS touts a few features over standard IPS – higher resolutions (up to 1.5 – 2x), lower power consumption and / or higher brightness for better outdoor viewing and even higher color accuracy.

Source: LG Display via SlashGear

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HTC’s 7-inch tablet with Sense UI now selling in Europe for £600 and £480

For our friends in several European countries who have been waiting for the HTC Flyer to become available, well the day has finally arrived. HTC’s 7-inch tablet running Android OS with HTC’s very own Sense UI on top can now be had in two versions, 3G and Wi-Fi only. You can either get any of this HTC Flyer on contract for a subsidized price of as low as £129 or free of any carrier obligation which will cost you £600 for the 3G version with 32GB storage and £480 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version. However you want to get it, your tablet will come with the HTC Flyer Magic Pen. Other features of the HTC Flyer, in case you’re not aware include - 1.5GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 5 MP camera with auto-focus, 1.3 MP front-facing camera, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The HTC Flyer is available in the following countries - UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. You can either purchase your HTC Flyer in-store or from HTC.com. Incidentally, only the 32GB 3G variants is available on the HTC site right now, while the 16GB Wi-Fi only version is still listed as pre-order.

Via [HTC Flyer] and [Engadget]

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Kobo e-Reader price drops, now $99.99

Just a quick note here to inform all of you who have been planning to get the Kobo wireless e-reader that now is the best time to possibly get this device. Kobo has dropped the price of their e-reader to $99.99 and it’s currently available in selected Kobo e-reader distributors including Borders, Walmart and Best Buy. All Kobo e-readers available in shops come pre-loaded with free 100 classics to get you started into e-reading immediately. From thereon, you can purchase and store as much as 1000 ebooks on the Kobo e-reader. Other features of the Kobo e-reader, in case you’re not aware include - e-ink technology on a 7-inch display which makes it like you’re reading a printed book, excellent book to book and page to page navigation, functionality to change font sizes, 2 weeks battery life, 1GB onboard memory, support for memory card up to 4GB,  and more.

Via [Kobo]

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Kobo makes its e-reading app for iOs devices more social

Kobo announced that it has expanded the social sharing features of its e-reading app for iOS devices. The updated Kobo e-reading app now expands the Reading Life feature to Twitter - allowing you to share quotes, passages, notes, book covers and awards easily. Kobo’s Reading Life which was introduced last December have been used by Kobo users and have resulted in dramatic increase to reading time by 50%.  Kobo users have been regularly connecting Reading Life to their Facebook accounts and it is hoped that this will also be the case with Twitter integration.

The updated version of Kobo’s e-reading app for iOS devices also brings in the following new features - easy sharing of the Reading Life Mosaic via Twitter, sharing of latest read with followers, sharing of favorite quotes and passages, notes and thoughts, sharing of Awards, viewing of friends’ awards, chatting with friends about new reads, and more.

The Kobo e-reading app is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store.

Via [Kobo]

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The Ring Mouse will cost you $70, controls applications wirelessly

Are you tired of using a computer mouse like a 21st century caveman? Who said it was okay to browse through media and presentations with one hand at your side while the other rests on a table that’s too close to the ground? We tech geeks are far too good (and lazy) for that, so we’ll go out and buy something like the Ring Mouse. Created by Genius, the Ring Mouse has been made available for North American customers. It will sell for $69.99.

The Ring Mouse’s functions live up to its name. It’s a gadget that fits on your finger and has a touch pad. The Ring Mouse is meant to be worn on your index finger so you can control everything with your thumb. The accompanying USB receiver can plug into a Windows computer (Windows 7, XP, Vista) and it will control four different applications. It will work up to 10 meters (around 39 feet) away and comes with a USB charger.

This gadget will also come with software that will give it control over the following applications:

Internet ExplorerWindows Media PlayerWindows Picture and Fax ViewerAdobe Reader

Site [Genius]

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Bezos says ‘stay tuned’ for an Amazon tablet

When asked about the possibility of an Amazon tablet, company President and CEO Jeff Bezos said to “stay tuned” as plans are unveiled. In an interview with Customer Reports, Bezos claimed that an Amazon tablet would simply act as a supplement to the wildly popular Kindle eReader.
This could also be Amazon’s way to split their user base by supporting both a stand-alone eReader in addition to a tablet.  But what would the release of a tablet mean for the fate of the Kindle’s one-dimensional offerings?

“We will always be very mindful that we will want a dedicated reading device,” Bezos said. “In terms of any other product introductions, I shouldn’t answer.”

A dedicated reading device, eh? And what’s the likelihood that consumers will want to purchase both an eReader and a tablet? Let’s think about this. The tablet, while a tad bit more expensive, is capable of performing the same tasks as an eReader and then some. So what would drive consumers into purchasing a Kindle? Also, what ever happened to good old paperback books? There’s just something that’s far more dignifying about a shelf full of books when compared to a single digital device containing written material.

Are you an old school reader or a Kindle user? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

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Boost Mobile has three new iDEN phones

Boost Mobile announced three new phones that it will add to its iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network) lineup. The Motorola Clutch +i475 (pictured), Motorola Theory and the Motorola i412 will all ship out this year at different times.  All three phones can be used in conjunction with Boost Mobile’s $50 Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage plan for $50 a month.

The Motorola Theory will be $79.99 and will be available on June 7 in select stores. As the end of June approaches, the Theory will roll out to stores all over the United States. It includes a full QWERTY keyboard, 2.4-inch QVGA screen with threaded messaging and a 1.3 megapixel camera.

The Motorola Clutch +i475 will be $99.99 and is up for sale right now. Much like the Theory, it also has a QWERTY keyboard. Its camera however is only VGA quality. To make up for that, the Clutch +i475 will have GPS functionality.

The last of the new devices is the tiny Motorola i412. It is the cheapest of the bunch at $69.99 and will be in stores on June 13. It and the Clutch are push-to-talk phones that run on Sprint’s iDEN network. This phone does not have a keyboard and utilizes predictive text to crank out the messages.

Via [Sprint]

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Google Chromebooks coming to the UK by way of Three UK

Now that Google has divulge everything about its upcoming cloud-based laptop/netbook - the Chromebook, what’s left now in the minds of those who’ve seen, touched, and read about it is how those who are interested about this machine will be able to get it. Obviously, Google’s marketing people are hard at work negotiating with prospective resellers by now. And since the Chromebooks will come with 3G connectivity by way of a SIM slot, mobile carriers are also keen on getting the Chromebooks on board their data plans. One of them is Three UK. Three UK has already announced through its official blog that they were selected as the Chromebook’s 3G partner when it is launched in the UK. The Google Chromebook will come out with a free SIM card with 3GB of free data courtesy of Three UK. These data allowance can be used in 3 months after activation after which customers will have the following options for data plans -

500MB day pass 2 -  £2.99 per dayAdditional 1 GB of data3 -  £10 per monthAdditional 3 GB of data3 -  £15 per monthAdditional 7 GB of data 3-  £25 per month

So there. For our friends in the UK, who among you are planning to get the Chromebook?

Via [Google Chromebook] and [Three UK Blog]

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Sony starts to roll out PSN after weeks of downtime

After weeks of updates, rumors and scares of identity fraud Sony has finally started rolling out the PlayStation Network once more. As previously announced, the roll out is being done in phases, and the first stage should be complete for just about everyone by the time you read this.

On Saturday night Sony announced that the first phase of the rollout would begin across all regions at a staggered pace. This phase includes PS3 and PSP multiplayer gaming, trophies, friends lists, voice chat, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Netflix, PlayStation Home and the Qriosity network. Before you get to sign on, however, you will have to download new firmware for your PlayStation 3. The new firmware, version 3.61 will require you to change your password before signing in to the newly secured network.

Along with the announcement of the update coming we get a video (below) from Sony Computer Entertainment President Kazuo Hirai. The video simply states that the roll out is starting, and goes on to reiterate many of the points that Patrick Seybold made on the PlayStation Blog over the last few weeks.

Updating the PlayStation 3 didn’t take too long for me, though the patch installer seemed to quit around 50 percent (my screen went dark around that point, but came back to the Cross Media Bar a moment later). Thanks to the PSN rollout I was finally able to sync my copy of Portal 2 to Steam. So, if you’ve been waiting to sync Portal 2, or to play a round of SOCOM 4 or Brink, or if you just want your PS3 to have Hulu Plus again, your long nightmare is now over.

Now to wait for that “welcome back” program and the PSN Store to come back up. One step at a time. Let’s just hope Sony can get everything running smoothly soon, word is some developers are really hurting with the PSN Store being down for several weeks,

Read [PlayStation.Blog] and [PlayStation.Blog] and [PlayStation.Blog]

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Analyst claims iPhone 4S will work on T-Mobile and Sprint networks

Do you know what would solve T-Mobile’s contract customer woes? An iPhone. I’m not talking about any iPhone either. I’m talking about the next iPhone hardware model that Jefferies analyst Peter Misek is calling the iPhone 4S. This analyst supposedly has the inside scoop on Apple’s next phone. Rumors have been out of control about this device. Some believe it’s going to have all new everything, while others believe it’s just going to have minor alterations that doesn’t require a bump from iPhone 4 to iPhone 5. Misek says it’s the former.

According to Business Insider, Misek wrote a note about the iPhone 4S that said the phone would contain “minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support.”

The HSPA+ support suggests the iPhone 4S is right up T-Mobile’s alley. Misek also said the iPhone 4S will be compatible with Sprint and China Mobile.

It apparently won’t be called the iPhone 4G because Apple started production on the 4S before the 4G chips were created.

This isn’t the first rumor about the next iPhone and it’s surely not the last. The final word will come from Apple itself.

Read [Business Insider] Also Read [Tmo News]

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Droid Charge set to launch today, May 14 for $299

You want have to wait much longer to get your hands on the first 4G Droid device. After a few delays Verizon Wireless is finally ready to release the Droid Charge today, May 14. The phone will be in stores this morning, and online at midnight.

The Droid Charge seems to be getting some great reviews from those who have received review units. We haven’t gotten our hands on it quite yet, but I did manage to see the phone at CES, before it even had a name. It felt like a great phone then, and that seems to hold true for the final version of the hardware. You pay a lot to have a great phone, however. The Droid Charge will cost you $299 on a two-year contract, That’s a bit on the pricey side, though it is the same price as the 32GB iPhone 4, so it’s not unheard of.

The phone doesn’t have the fancy dual-core Tegra 2 like you’ll find in the Droid X2, but it does have the front-facing camera and 4G that the 4.3-inch monster lacks. It ships with Froyo, but hopefully an upgrade to Android 2.3.4 will come soon so you can use Google Talk with video.

Read [ZDNet]

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Droid X2 release date leaked, said to be coming on May 26

The first rumors said that the Droid X2 would be released on Verizon Wireless today, May 13. With the delay of the Droid Charge that hasn’t happened. A newly leaked document is pointing at a launch later this month on May 26.

According to Droid Life, the Motorola Droid X2 not only will the Tegra 2-powered device release on May 26, those who preorder should start getting it on May 19. So, if the documents are right, the Droid X2 should go up for preorder sometime in the next few days.

The phone users should expect to get their hands on in the near future is a gigantic 4.3-inch slate that looks similar to the first Droid X. This one, however, will have a qHD screen (960x540 resolution) and pack a dual-core Tegra 2 clocked at 1 GHz. You’ll also get an 8MP rear-facing camera capable of 720p, and and HDMI port to output up to 1080p. Unfortunately there is no front-facing camera. So, even though the phone will be running on Gingerbread, don’t expect to get too much use out of Google Talk with video.

Expect to hear a bit more about the Droid X2, including pricing, in the near future.

Read [Droid Life]

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Fujitsu shows off its Atom-powered Windows 7 convertible laptop/tablet in Japan

Fujitsu has just launched its new tablet, the Fujitsu TH40D. Unlike most tablets that are coming out in the market lately, the Fujitsu TH40D is not an Android device but runs Windows 7 instead. It is also loaded with a 1.5GHz Intel Oak Trail ATOM Z670 CPU, 10.1-inch multi-touch screen display with 1024x600 resolution, 120GB of HDD, Bluetooth 3.0 and Wi-Fi. Another peculiar thing about the Fujitsu TH40D is the fact that it also takes the form of your ordinary laptop by simply sliding out its built-in keyboard. When it comes to design, the TH40D looks a lot like it’s an Apple device, courtesy of its all aluminum chassis and a black-framed screen. The tablet/laptop is also light weight at only 1.1kg and as thin as 17.4mm.

Looks like an interesting convertible laptop/tablet, right? Unfortunately it was launched only in Japan and no words yet on whether it will be available in other markets. In case you’re willing to take the risk, you might want to check out your favorite Japanese importer but prepare to spend around $990 when it comes out in Japan sometime in June. Any takers?

via [Akihabara News]

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Indiana bans texting while driving

Today Indiana became the 32nd state to legally ban texting while driving. The bill was signed by Mitch Daniels, the governor of Indiana. The law will go into effect on July 1.

If broken, the new law could cost violators up to $500 per fine. No one, regardless of age, will be allowed to create, read or send text messages. The same rule applies to email.

Previously, only drivers under 18 weren’t allowed to text behind the wheel in Indiana.

Should their phone allow it, drivers can send perform these actions if it can be done without using their hands. They’ll have to find an app that takes advantage of voice recognition technology to pull this off. Then again, is sending that text or email really that important while you’re trying to drive?

Some phones are shipping with stickers attached to their screens reminding users not to text while driving. There are also services such as Sprint’s Drive First application for Android, that redirects incoming calls and texts while the car is in motion.

There are currently 10 states that don’t ban texting while driving, and eight states with a partial ban in place.

Read [Enhanced News Online]

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4G Samsung Infuse lands at AT&T for $199

As promised, the 4G Samsung Infuse is now on sale at AT&T.  The feature set reads like a list of what’s hot: 4G, 4.5” Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen, Android 2.2 and an 8MP camera. Samsung claims this phone to be the thinnest 4G smartphone on the planet.

The phone is available for online sales at just $199 with a two year contract.  No contract pricing pushes the price up to $549.  Online buyers are provided with free shipping.

“The Infuse 4G is Samsung’s thinnest smartphone at just 8.99 mm at its thinnest, so it’s easy to slip into a purse or pocket. You’ll have access to over 150,000 Android apps, allowing you total freedom to create your own customized collection of apps to fit your individual lifestyle.”

If big Android devices are your cup of tea, you won’t find much bigger than this.

Company page: [Samsung]; Purchase from AT&T [AT&T]

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Sprint’s Google Nexus S 4G for sale from Wirefly for $99.99

As previously announced, Wirefly is now selling the Nexus S 4G. The Nexus S 4G boasts of being the World’s first phone to run Android 2.3 Gingerbread and also the fourth 4G smartphone to be launched under Sprint’s 4G WiMAX network. If those two distinctions make you want to grab this phone, well the good news is that it is also packed with several nice features and specs including - a 1GHz Hummingbird for its processor, 4-inch Super AMOLED Contour Display With Curved Glass Screen, 16GB on-board memory, 512MB of RAM, 5 megapixel camera with video and flash, and VGA front-facing camera. To put it simply, the Google Nexus S 4G is possibly one of the most powerful 4G smartphone that you can get hold off today. Wirefly is selling this phone for only $99.99 for as long as you sign up for a two-year contract under Sprint. If you’re a current Sprint customers, you’ll get additional discount if you get the Nexus S 4G from Wirefly.

Via [Wirefly]

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