Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini hands-on (video)

It may have broken cover officially at the end of last month, even popping up for a quick hands-on along the way. However, at last, we're getting to know the Galaxy S4 Mini a little better at Samsung's bonanza product bash here in London tonight. We already have all the key specs: a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 4.3-inch qHD AMOLED display, with 8- and 1.9-megapixel cameras, but how does all that come together in real life? Hop on past the break to find out.

ENGADGET

Source: Hindi News

Lenovo Miix is a watered-down ThinkPad Tablet 2, starts at $500 (hands-on)

Comb through Lenovo's current product lineup, and you'll find a little something for everyone. A Windows 8 tablet for businesses? Check. How 'bout a consumer model? Yep, that too. But hey, you can never have too many, right? After releasing the IdeaTab Lynx tablet, Lenovo is now launching the Miix, a 10-inch model that's also meant to be used with a keyboard. All told, it's sort of like a watered-down ThinkPad Tablet 2, insofar as it has the same rubbery, soft-touch finish and some very similar specs. Chiefly, it has a dual-core Intel Atom processor along with a 10.1-inch, 1,366 x 768 display, 64GB of on-board storage, an optional keyboard case and a battery rated for 10 hours of runtime. The two even weigh about the same: 1.27 pounds for the Miix, and 1.25 pounds for the WiFi-only TP Tablet.

What's missing, of course, are all the goodies that make the ThinkPad more of a premium device -- you know, NFC, mobile broadband and an active digitizer for pen input. Also, whereas the TP Tablet 2 sports dual cameras, the Miix has just a front-facing webcam, and the resolution's been downgraded from two megapixels to 1.3. Expect it to hit shelves in Q3, with a starting price of $500 (that keyboard will cost $49 extra). For now, check out our hands-on photos below.

Gallery: Lenovo Miix hands-on

Gallery: Lenovo Miix

ENGADGET

Source: Hindi News

Lenovo refreshes its IdeaPad laptops with Haswell and touch, designs unchanged

No, there's no new Yoga. You'll have to keep waiting on that. For now, Lenovo is undertaking a much more modest project: refreshing its existing notebooks with Haswell. First off, the current IdeaPad U310 Touch and U410 Touch are now the U330 and U430 Touch. Other than the difference in screen size (13 inches vs. 14), both will be configurable with up to Core i7 fourth-generation Core processors, along with optional SSDs and a max of 8GB of RAM. While the U330 will be offered with either 1,366 x 768 or 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, the U430 comes with a 1,600 x 900 screen (you can upgrade to 1080p there, too). Oh, and the 14-incher can be had with a 2GB NVIDIA GeForce 730M GPU. Both will be available in the third quarter, with the U330 priced at $799 and up and the U430 going for $899. Moving on, the Y410p is the new, 14-inch companion to the Y510, with up to a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage and dual 2GB NVIDIA GeForce 750M GPUs arranged in an SLI configuration. Screen resolution is limited to either 1,366 x 768 or 1,600 x 900, however. That's available now on Lenovo.com starting at $799.

Finishing up with the entry-level S series, we've got the 11.6-inch S210 Touch, the 14-inch S400 Touch and the 15.6-inch S500 Touch. One thing to keep in mind is that both of these have Ivy Bridge processors instead of Haswell, as it was an easy way for Lenovo to keep the cost down. Other than that, you're looking at Core i3 or i5 processors, up to 8GB of RAM, touchscreens with 1,366 x 768 resolution and hopefully some decent battery life (the batteries are so big here they create a hump around the hinge area). Additionally, the S400 and S500 will have optional discrete graphics, with AMD in the S400 and NVIDIA in the S500. Look for those in Q3, with pricing as follows: $429 for the S220, $449 for the S400 and $579 for the S500. Anyhow, since the designs here haven't changed, we didn't give these laptops the full hands-on treatment, but we did include some spec summaries in the gallery below, if you're partial to bulleted lists.

ENGADGET

Source: Hindi News

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active from AT&T hands-on (video)

We just went hands-on for the first time with Samsung's Galaxy S4 Active a scant few hours ago, and here we are taking yet another look at it this afternoon in an AT&T variant that showed up at a New York City tech event. The specs and bullet points are identical to the model we checked out earlier today: a 5-inch (TFT LCD) 1080p display (443 ppi), a 1.9GHz quad-core processor, LTE radios and Android 4.2.2, an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash out back, and up to two-megapixel stills in front. This model, however, is the one US AT&T customers will get their hands-on tomorrow for $200 (with two-year contract, of course). How does it fare? Well, identically to the model we checked out earlier today. But hey, have a look at the model you'll actually get in your hands stateside come tomorrow!

ENGADGET

Source: Hindi News

Hands-on with the NEC Terrain: the company's first US phone in eight years

Let's face it: no rugged phone is going to get more attention today than the Galaxy S4 Active. Just the same, NEC is showing off the Terrain, its first handset for the US market since 2005. The phone, which is hitting AT&T for $99 with a two-year agreement, is mainly aimed at the enterprise (read: field technicians and other mobile workers). Since it's unlikely to reach mainstream consumers, we won't be running a full-on review, but we did take the opportunity to get hands-on. As you'd expect of a device that can be immersed in water up to 30 minutes, this thing's coated in rubber, with a sealed USB port and a secure (but removable) battery cover. It's a bit chunky for a phone, to be sure, but at 6.06 ounces it's still eminently portable. In fact, the rounded edges and soft finish make it more comfortable to hold than some of the more minimal handsets we've seen recently.

Other than that, you'll be pleased to find an unskinned version of Android, though it's 4.0 and not a newer build like 4.2. The capacitive screen responds well to taps and swipes, though the 640 x 480 resolution isn't going to knock anyone'e socks off -- and neither will the washed-out colors. Performance-wise, the dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 8960 processor means transitions happen quickly, and there isn't any tiling in the Chrome browser. We also got on well with the QWERTY keyboard, though the buttons are packed in quite tightly. And that's a good thing: it's slim pickings for anyone who wants a portrait QWERTY Android phone. Finishing up our tour, you'll find a microSD slot (to support the 8GB of built-in storage), dedicated speaker and push-to-talk buttons and dual 5MP / 0.3MP cameras, with an NFC radio under the hood. It'll be available tomorrow on AT&T's LTE network, through the carrier's business channel, specifically. Check out the hands-on photos below -- we even got a requisite shot of it in a fish tank.

ENGADGET

Source: Hindi News

Vizio ships 11.6-inch Windows 8 Tablet PC for $600

While Samsung may be dominating the Windows tablet news lately, it isn't alone -- Vizio is now shipping its promised 11.6-inch Windows 8 Tablet PC. The slate is selling for $600 with the same specs we saw back at the January unveiling. Unfortunately, they haven't aged gracefully in the past half-year. While we like the 1080p display, 64GB SSD, front-facing 2MP camera and stereo speakers, the launch also preserves the slightly older AMD Z-60 processor, 2GB of RAM and five hours of battery life. Where's our Temash upgrade, Vizio? The tablet still has more audiovisual oomph than usual, though, so it may be worth swinging past Vizio's site for a closer look.

Filed under: Tablets, AMD

LG to host an event in New York City on August 7th, could it be for a new Optimus G?

LG's got something cooking, and it's looking to let us in its kitchen in New York City on August 7th. Naturally, the important details -- like what we'll be seeing -- are nowhere to be found just yet, but given LG and Qualcomm's recent teasing of a new Optimus G packing a Snapdragon 800 SoC, it seems this could be a smartphone-centric affair. We'll have to wait and see until the dog days of summer, of course, but we'll be there to bring you the action when the time comes.
Filed under: Mobile, LG

Aio Wireless gains LTE support, intros the ZTE Overture to match

Now that AT&T is willing to offer LTE on budget services like GoPhone, the floodgates are open: it just extended the faster cellular data to its Aio Wireless prepaid brand. An automatic update is rolling out that enables LTE on Aio customers' existing SIM cards when they're in one of the provider's coverage areas. To mark the occasion, the carrier is launching the ZTE Overture, a 4-inch phone packing LTE alongside a 4-inch display, Jelly Bean, a 5MP rear camera and an unspecified front shooter. Aio hasn't divulged pricing for the Overture, but we wouldn't expect a large outlay when the 

Zeebox can now listen in, automatically identify what you're watching

Zeebox is making good on its cooperation with Gracenote today with the announcement that the second screen app can now automatically identify what you're watching through analysis of the show's "audio fingerprint." Several second screen TV apps use similar technology to sync up with what's on TV, although this implementation is more closely matched to what we've seen from IntoNow. Naturally, use of the latest feature is entirely optional, which includes the ability to automatically listen in when you start the app, along the with ability to manually activate the function by tapping a microphone icon. Gracenote reps tell us that Zeebox records a short, Vine-length audio clip, and then generates an audio profile based on that, which is recognized by Gracenote's Entourage system -- the audio recording itself never leaves your device. The new functionality is available on all versions of Zeebox, which includes Android, BlackBerry and iOS, but the ability for Gracenote to automatically identify shows is limited to programs that've aired in the past seven days.

 ENGADGET

Source: Hindi News

Google to help open Android Nation retail stores throughout India

Google may not be planning its own retail stores, but the truth is that it already has a semi-official footprint: it's been teaming with Indonesia's Erafone on a series of Android Nation shops. That physical presence is about to spread, as Google is partnering with Spice Global to open Android Nation stores across India later this year. The alliance should see Spice open new locations in addition to rebranding 50 of its existing Hotspot shops to accelerate the rollout. Google is also helping Spice bring CoolPad phones to the country. The two haven't said exactly where the first Indian Android Nation store will be, although the Times of India hears that it may open at New Delhi's Select Citywalk -- not that we'd recommend lining up months in advance.

Tokyo court rules in Apple's favor in patent battle, Samsung has deja vu

In case you forgot, Samsung and Apple's legal squabbles didn't end in US federal court last year: the litigation rages on in international courts. Stop us if you've heard this one -- Samsung and Apple are caught up in a lawsuit focusing in part on Cupertino's bounce back patent, and things aren't looking great for Sammy's lawyers. It's a familiar story, but this time it's playing out in a Japanese courtroom, with a Tokyo judge deciding that a number of Samsung devices are in violation of Apple's scrolling technology. What's this mean to the consumer? Nothing yet -- the court still hasn't calculated damages or approved an injunction, and this isn't the only legal battle the firms are waging in the country's court system. Feel free to brush up on your kanji and check out the source link below for more details, or skip on over to Bloomberg for a more digestible account.

Filed under: Cellphones, Apple, Samsung

Fujifilm's X-M1 interchangeable camera leaks out, doesn't mess with retro success

Fujifilm's about to extend its line of mirrorless shooters packing manual dials and vintage looks, if a leak from Digicame Info is to be believed. The Japanese rumor site has flaunted pictures of a purported X-M1 model, which bears a strong resemblance to X-E1 we saw last year, minus the electronic viewfinder and shutter-speed selector dial. In place of the latter is a general mode selector, along with a tiltable LCD screen and WiFi, judging by the pictures above and after the break. While all that points to a cheaper model aimed at more casual shooters, there's no word from the company about specs, pricing or a release date, obviously. As soon as we hear, of course, you'll be the first to know.

HTC reportedly enlists Robert Downey Jr. in $12 million marketing deal

After shedding several senior execs over the last few weeks, it looks like HTC is looking to recruit, albeit for a different role. In a bid to capitalize on the positive momentum behind its excellent One smartphone, Bloomberg reports that HTC will be recruiting no less than (an actor who plays) Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr. will allegedly feature in promotional campaigns as himself (not the aforementioned Avenger or even a time-travelling Holmes) and will even claim final say over creative elements -- hopefully ensuring any appearances Downey Jr. does make aren't as awkward as some recent efforts.

Volvo demos smartphone-enabled self-parking car prototype (video)

Volvo's no stranger to autonomous vehicles -- it's been working on SARTRE for several years now -- but yesterday the company shared some info about a new self-parking concept it plans to demo next week. The prototype car (a V40) is able to find a space and park in it without a driver on board, all while avoiding pedestrians, vehicles and other obstacles. What's most interesting is the level of integration Volvo is showcasing here -- sensors, electronics and controls are seamlessly built into the car, making the tech look production-ready. Vehicle to infrastructure communication is used to alert the driver when the service is available, and the car is smartphone-enabled for easy drop-off and pickup. You'll recall that Audi showed a similar self-parking concept at CES, so it certainly looks like the space is heating up. Hit the break for Volvo's video and PR.

Bing Boards introduce curated content, alliteration to search results

Bing might not yet have achieved true verb status, but it's definitely making all the right moves to get there. The latest twist on search? Curated content in search results. It's an experimental feature at the moment -- live in the US, but possibly not all territories just yet -- that delivers collections of images, videos or links relating to your query a-la Google's Knowledge Graph, but curated by a person (not an algorithm). Microsoft's testing the waters with a hand-picked selection of food and lifestyle bloggers right now, but hopes to expand this to more topics as the idea grows. Head to the more coverage link if you want to see what these cards might look like, in the meantime, time to dust off that abandoned spreadsheet blog?

Filed under: Internet, Microsoft


Source: Bing

Sony teases new smartwatch announcement for next week

Sony's got us waiting on a super-sized Xperia smartphone, but it could have a new wearable to show Mobile Asia Expo attendees in Shanghai next week. In recent days, its Sony Xperia account has been tweeting cryptically about its existing Smartwatch, the demand for smart devices and (well, it is Sony) the company's portable tech heritage. Sony is set to host a Shanghai-based media event on Tuesday next week, and we'll be there to cover it.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile, Sony

Via: Xperia Blog
Source: Sony Xperia (Twitter) (1), (2)

Nissan launching $100 per month Leaf battery replacement program in 2014

How much would a Leaf owner pay to banish range anxiety? If your answer was "$100 a month," then Nissan's got a proposition for you. The car maker is gearing up to launch a domestic battery replacement program for its EV in 2014 that'll set you back that aforementioned sum. Similar to Nissan's setup in Europe, if your battery can only hold nine out of 12 bars worth of charge, it'll replace the unit with a new or reconditioned unit. The company insists that very few will ever actually need to replace the battery, but hey, squeezing $1,200 a year out of its existing customers is a sure-fire way to inspire loyalty.

Via: Autoblog.green

iPhone 5 heading to Virgin Mobile on June 28th

Contract-averse consumers itching for an iPhone 5 fix and wary of T-Mobile's brave new ways can now look to Virgin Mobile. The prepaid carrier has just announced plans to bring Apple's aluminum-bodied smartphone to its lineup starting next Friday, June 28th. The iOS device will be paired with Virgin's Beyond Talk plans, netting subs unlimited data (3G / 4G LTE) and messaging for $35 per month on the base tier. Only the 16GB model will be sold online and in-store for $550, so if you're in the market for larger storage, you'll have to head to the carrier's site where the 32GB and 64GB units -- priced at $650 and $750, respectively -- will be available. If you're tempted to go all in and plunk down the cash, just keep in mind, there's another better, potentially bigger and definitely 'S'-ier iPhone waiting just around the corner.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Apple
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Nissan shows off 185 mph ZEOD RC electric prototype, plans to race it at Le Mans

Nissan's just pulled the covers off its fancifully styled ZEOD RC race car that may eventually hit speeds of up to 300km/h (about 185mph). Though the acronym stands for "zero emissions, on demand," the vehicle could end up being a hybrid model that switches between gas and EV modes (as opposed to a pure electric car) by the time it hits Le Mans in 2014. Regardless, the company's Nismo racing division (creator of the all-electric Nismo RC) plans to enter it in the so-called Garage 56 class of the famed race, reserved for vehicles that showcase breakthrough technology. While the company flaunted the design at Circuit de la Sarthe in France today, the car won't start trials until later this summer, after which the final drivetrain will be chosen. Prior to hitting the track, though, it'll have its work cut out just to top Toyota's P001, the current EV lap-speed champ.

Gallery: Nissan 185 mph ZEOD RC electric prototype

Via: Pocket Lint
Source: Nissan