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Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
OLPC XO Tablet availability expands to additional retail stores
OLPC XO Tablet availability expands to additional retail stores
OLPC‘s XO Tablet was unveiled way back in January of this year, and went up for sale on July 9. As we reported, the device was promised to be available from multiple retailers, but the slate had been exclusively available from Wal-Mart. Starting today, buyers now have additional retailer options, with the tablet showing as in-stock and shipping from both Target and Amazon.
Earlier today, as OLPC News noted, Wal-Mart was showing the tablet as being out of stock online, but a look at the company’s website now shows it as being in-stock and available. The same goes for Target and Amazon, with all three retailers having the slate priced at $149.99 USD. The first round of availability kicked off on July 16.
As with OLPC’s other products, the XO Tablet aims to be a cheap slate that provides children with an education-based device. The design has the distinct green color we’ve come to expect, and it is designed for use by children. The display comes in at 7-inches, while the entire device measures in at 4.68 x 0.37 x 7.75-inches. The software is Android-based.
The rest of the hardware is basic – there’s a dual-core 1.6GHz processor, 8GB of internal storage space, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi. The language can be toggled between English and Spanish, opening it up to a wider range of users, and comes with parental controls for customization by parents and teachers based on the user’s age and needs.
There’s access to the Google Play store, and the XO Tablet comes pre-loaded with 100 educational apps and 100 books. The software includes a dashboard reserved for the parents that displays things like the user’s learning style and their usage of the device, furthering its mission to be an education-based slate.
OLPC‘s XO Tablet was unveiled way back in January of this year, and went up for sale on July 9. As we reported, the device was promised to be available from multiple retailers, but the slate had been exclusively available from Wal-Mart. Starting today, buyers now have additional retailer options, with the tablet showing as in-stock and shipping from both Target and Amazon.
Earlier today, as OLPC News noted, Wal-Mart was showing the tablet as being out of stock online, but a look at the company’s website now shows it as being in-stock and available. The same goes for Target and Amazon, with all three retailers having the slate priced at $149.99 USD. The first round of availability kicked off on July 16.
As with OLPC’s other products, the XO Tablet aims to be a cheap slate that provides children with an education-based device. The design has the distinct green color we’ve come to expect, and it is designed for use by children. The display comes in at 7-inches, while the entire device measures in at 4.68 x 0.37 x 7.75-inches. The software is Android-based.
The rest of the hardware is basic – there’s a dual-core 1.6GHz processor, 8GB of internal storage space, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi. The language can be toggled between English and Spanish, opening it up to a wider range of users, and comes with parental controls for customization by parents and teachers based on the user’s age and needs.
There’s access to the Google Play store, and the XO Tablet comes pre-loaded with 100 educational apps and 100 books. The software includes a dashboard reserved for the parents that displays things like the user’s learning style and their usage of the device, furthering its mission to be an education-based slate.
HTC One and GALAXY S 4 Google Play Editions receive Android 4.3 OTA update
HTC One and GALAXY S 4 Google Play Editions receive Android 4.3 OTA update
The HTC One and Samsung GALAXY S 4 Google Play Editions feature pure Android sans the common Sense and TouchWiz interfaces, and for some users, that Android has been bumped to version 4.3 with an OTA update this evening. Though not all owners have received the update yet, reports are starting to roll in from those who have, and we’ve got the details on it for you after the jump.
The update is showing up as build JWR66V, with the Samsung GALAXY S 4 version being the larger of the two at 180MB, while the HTC One version is 150MB. Among the changes that are coming with the update are larger icons on widget panels, tethering via Bluetooth for the GALAXY S 4, and the menu background has been switched from black to a lighter gradient.
As we noted in our review, the Google Play Edition versions of the two devices feel snappier when being used than their conventional counterparts, though purely in terms of benchmarks the two varieties aren’t much different. The GALAXY S 4′s software size comes in around the 6GB mark, a couple gigabytes lower than what you get with TouchWiz. As far as hardware goes, however, the handsets are relatively unchanged.
As mentioned, the update is coming OTA, and not everyone is seeing it yet, so if you’re still waiting, it should arrive shortly. Not familiar with Android 4.3? The latest Android version brings with it enhancements, improved rendering, and some changes for developers like On-screen GPU profiling. You can check out the entire gamut of what’s new in our SlashGear 101.
The HTC One and Samsung GALAXY S 4 Google Play Editions feature pure Android sans the common Sense and TouchWiz interfaces, and for some users, that Android has been bumped to version 4.3 with an OTA update this evening. Though not all owners have received the update yet, reports are starting to roll in from those who have, and we’ve got the details on it for you after the jump.
The update is showing up as build JWR66V, with the Samsung GALAXY S 4 version being the larger of the two at 180MB, while the HTC One version is 150MB. Among the changes that are coming with the update are larger icons on widget panels, tethering via Bluetooth for the GALAXY S 4, and the menu background has been switched from black to a lighter gradient.
As we noted in our review, the Google Play Edition versions of the two devices feel snappier when being used than their conventional counterparts, though purely in terms of benchmarks the two varieties aren’t much different. The GALAXY S 4′s software size comes in around the 6GB mark, a couple gigabytes lower than what you get with TouchWiz. As far as hardware goes, however, the handsets are relatively unchanged.
As mentioned, the update is coming OTA, and not everyone is seeing it yet, so if you’re still waiting, it should arrive shortly. Not familiar with Android 4.3? The latest Android version brings with it enhancements, improved rendering, and some changes for developers like On-screen GPU profiling. You can check out the entire gamut of what’s new in our SlashGear 101.
Samsung denies abandoning desktop PC business
Samsung denies abandoning desktop PC business
Samsung has denied stepping away from desktop computers, despite reports claiming executives from the company had confirmed it would instead focus on tablets, all-in-ones, and notebooks. “Samsung will continue to offer diverse PC products according to consumer and market needs” a spokesperson told The Next Web Asia, describing the claims as “groundless”.
Claims that the desktop business was being marginalized came from two unnamed executives speaking earlier this week, speaking to Korean press. “Demand for conventional desktop PCs is going down” one Samsung Electronics senior told reporters, and that instead the plan was to “allocate our resources to popular connected and portable devices.”
However, even with Samsung’s new-found enthusiasm for its desktop business, it’s tough to see evidence of that in its product line-up. There are currently no desktop PCs listed in either the consumer or business sections of Samsung USA’s site, with the company instead focusing on all-in-one PCs for those who want a desk-bound machine.
Meanwhile it would be hard to criticize bypassing desktops as a strategy in computing over the next few years. According to recent Gartner research, sales of traditional PCs continue to slump, and that’s only expected to get worse in 2014.
In contrast, tablets, all-in-ones, and ultraportables – all areas in which Samsung is particularly active – are tipped to grow considerably. There’ll also be more space in the market for more unusual form-factors, such as hybrids that can convert between tablet and notebook. Samsung unveiled the ATIV Q, just such a machine, at its Premiere 2013 event last week.
OUYA retail sales begin (and immediately sells out)
Android games console and Kickstarter success OUYA has begun its assault on stores, with sales kicking off in the UK and already seeing stock shortages. The open-source console, which raised more than $8.5m last year on the crowdfunding site, showed up on Amazon US and on Amazon UK earlier today and is already listed as “temporarily out of stock” as demand outstrips supply.
The OUYA controller, which connects via Bluetooth and features both traditional gaming controls and a touchpad for navigating around the customized Android OS of the console, is also out of stock at Amazon. UK retailer GAME is expected to have supplies of OUYA today, though there’s no stock indication on its webstore.
Best Buy, meanwhile, suggests online orders will ship in one working day, though GameStop has no online stock. Target is only selling online, though there’s no indication of current stock levels.
OUYA’s path to market hasn’t been a simple one. The start-up was initially near-overwhelmed by interest in the console, which far exceeded what had been the predicted demand. That was followed by a very public development process, as the OUYA team attempted to wrestle the supply-chain into order while also managing backer expectations and engaging with game developers.
Even now, on the day that in-store sales are starting in the US, Canada, and the UK, some of the original Kickstarter backers are still waiting on their own units. In an email update sent this week, OUYA blames issues in shipment and fulfillment for the delay.
“When you receive a tracking number, you expect it to work immediately, but sometimes these tracking numbers don’t do that” head of operations Ken Stephens wrote. “The reason for this is that when the product leaves Hong Kong, the tracking process does not initiate until it arrives for the first scan at your country’s local depot. As a result, you could have a period of up to 10 days within which the product appears in limbo. This, we all agree, is very frustrating.”
According to Stephens, the “vast majority” of those still waiting are international backers.
The OUYA controller, which connects via Bluetooth and features both traditional gaming controls and a touchpad for navigating around the customized Android OS of the console, is also out of stock at Amazon. UK retailer GAME is expected to have supplies of OUYA today, though there’s no stock indication on its webstore.
Best Buy, meanwhile, suggests online orders will ship in one working day, though GameStop has no online stock. Target is only selling online, though there’s no indication of current stock levels.
OUYA’s path to market hasn’t been a simple one. The start-up was initially near-overwhelmed by interest in the console, which far exceeded what had been the predicted demand. That was followed by a very public development process, as the OUYA team attempted to wrestle the supply-chain into order while also managing backer expectations and engaging with game developers.
Even now, on the day that in-store sales are starting in the US, Canada, and the UK, some of the original Kickstarter backers are still waiting on their own units. In an email update sent this week, OUYA blames issues in shipment and fulfillment for the delay.
“When you receive a tracking number, you expect it to work immediately, but sometimes these tracking numbers don’t do that” head of operations Ken Stephens wrote. “The reason for this is that when the product leaves Hong Kong, the tracking process does not initiate until it arrives for the first scan at your country’s local depot. As a result, you could have a period of up to 10 days within which the product appears in limbo. This, we all agree, is very frustrating.”
According to Stephens, the “vast majority” of those still waiting are international backers.
Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet official with 6.4-inch Full HD display
Sony Xperia Z Ultra phablet official with 6.4-inch Full HD display
Sony has officially launched the Xperia Z Ultra, an even larger version of the Xperia Z fronted by a 6.4-inch Full HD display and waterproof just like its smaller sibling. Billed as the world’s largest Full HD smartphone, the Xperia Z Ultra features Sony’s TRILUMINOS technology – as on the company’s BRAVIA HDTVs for more accurate colors and contrast.
There’s also X-Reality for mobile for optimizing photos and video to look their best on the panel, including upscaling lower resolution content to suit the 1080p the Xperia Z Ultra offers.
Just as Sony pushed its waterproofing on the Xperia Z, the Z Ultra is also unafraid of a dip in the pool. In fact, it’s even more resilient than the previous model, now certified to IP58 versus the IP55/IP57 of the Xperia Z. Sony says it’s the same width as a passport, which the company claims makes it fit more readily in the hand; actual specs are 179 x 92 x 6.5mm and 212g.
As for software, Sony has fettled its media application suite, with a new WALKMAN app, Movies app, and Album app. They get updated sharing functionality, as well as better integration with the cloud. Underneath is Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.
Inside, there’s 4G LTE connectivity along with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 quadcore processor running at a whopping 2.2GHz. That’s paired with an 8-megapixel Exmor RS camera and a battery good for up to 14hrs talktime or 790hrs standby, Sony claims. NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth are all included.
Interestingly, the touchscreen will also recognize “any” stylus with a conductive tip, including a regular pencil, allowing Xperia Z users to sketch or make notes with whatever comes to hand.
The Sony Xperia Z will be available in three colors – black, white, and purple – and sold alongside a new accessory, a water-resistant Bluetooth “mini handset” presumably for those times when holding a 6.4-inch phablet to the side of your head feels somewhat ridiculous.
No word on pricing at this stage, but the Xperia Z Ultra will launch globally in Q3 2013.
Sony has officially launched the Xperia Z Ultra, an even larger version of the Xperia Z fronted by a 6.4-inch Full HD display and waterproof just like its smaller sibling. Billed as the world’s largest Full HD smartphone, the Xperia Z Ultra features Sony’s TRILUMINOS technology – as on the company’s BRAVIA HDTVs for more accurate colors and contrast.
There’s also X-Reality for mobile for optimizing photos and video to look their best on the panel, including upscaling lower resolution content to suit the 1080p the Xperia Z Ultra offers.
Just as Sony pushed its waterproofing on the Xperia Z, the Z Ultra is also unafraid of a dip in the pool. In fact, it’s even more resilient than the previous model, now certified to IP58 versus the IP55/IP57 of the Xperia Z. Sony says it’s the same width as a passport, which the company claims makes it fit more readily in the hand; actual specs are 179 x 92 x 6.5mm and 212g.
Inside, there’s 4G LTE connectivity along with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 MSM8974 quadcore processor running at a whopping 2.2GHz. That’s paired with an 8-megapixel Exmor RS camera and a battery good for up to 14hrs talktime or 790hrs standby, Sony claims. NFC, WiFi, and Bluetooth are all included.
Interestingly, the touchscreen will also recognize “any” stylus with a conductive tip, including a regular pencil, allowing Xperia Z users to sketch or make notes with whatever comes to hand.
No word on pricing at this stage, but the Xperia Z Ultra will launch globally in Q3 2013.
Sony SmartWatch 2 gives wearables another try with NFC and Android
Sony SmartWatch 2 gives wearables another try with NFC and Android
Sony isn’t giving up on smartwatches, and its next attempt is the SmartWatch 2 SW2, packing Bluetooth and NFC for easy pairing, and delivering call and message information as well as Android apps to your wrist. Water-resistant, just like the new Xperia Z Ultra, the SmartWatch 2 is billed as a combined watch, notification device, interface for Android apps, and a music remote-control.
Unlike the previous Sony SmartWatch, the new model eschews the plastic casing and replaces it instead with stainless steel and aluminum, meeting IP57 standards for water and dust resistance. There’s a brightness sensor to adjust the backlighting of the 1.6-inch 220 x 176 touchscreen, and Bluetooth 3.0 for hooking up to your phone or tablet.
NFC will make pairing straightforward, and the SmartWatch 2 is expected to work with any Android 4.0+ device. Battery life is around four days on a full charge.
Since Pebble popularized the interchangeable strap, Sony will offer the same for the SmartWatch 2. There’ll be a stainless steel wristband in the box, but the touchscreen timepiece will also be compatible with any regular 24mm strap, so if you want to go for leather or rubber you’re free to.
When disconnected from your phone or tablet, the SmartWatch 2 kicks into standalone mode. There, you can still see the time and use the alarm, as well as scroll back through older notifications. Of course, it’s when it’s hooked up to something else that it makes more sense, with support for messages, calls, email, Facebook, Twitter, calendar notifications, and music player control.
The Sony SmartWatch 2 will go on sale globally in Q3 2013. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Sony isn’t giving up on smartwatches, and its next attempt is the SmartWatch 2 SW2, packing Bluetooth and NFC for easy pairing, and delivering call and message information as well as Android apps to your wrist. Water-resistant, just like the new Xperia Z Ultra, the SmartWatch 2 is billed as a combined watch, notification device, interface for Android apps, and a music remote-control.
Unlike the previous Sony SmartWatch, the new model eschews the plastic casing and replaces it instead with stainless steel and aluminum, meeting IP57 standards for water and dust resistance. There’s a brightness sensor to adjust the backlighting of the 1.6-inch 220 x 176 touchscreen, and Bluetooth 3.0 for hooking up to your phone or tablet.
Since Pebble popularized the interchangeable strap, Sony will offer the same for the SmartWatch 2. There’ll be a stainless steel wristband in the box, but the touchscreen timepiece will also be compatible with any regular 24mm strap, so if you want to go for leather or rubber you’re free to.
When disconnected from your phone or tablet, the SmartWatch 2 kicks into standalone mode. There, you can still see the time and use the alarm, as well as scroll back through older notifications. Of course, it’s when it’s hooked up to something else that it makes more sense, with support for messages, calls, email, Facebook, Twitter, calendar notifications, and music player control.
The Sony SmartWatch 2 will go on sale globally in Q3 2013. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
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