CrunchGear |  |
- Samsung Introduces A Trio Of New Cameras
- NINOKUNI: Sony Japan Announces Limited Edition (And Pretty) PS3
- Daily Crunch: Overlap
- i3board: Sharp Shows 70-Inch Electronic, Touch-Sensitive Whiteboard
- Hands-On: At The U.S. Open With The Olympus E-PM1
- Show Your Old-School Gaming Love With These Sega Console iPhone Cases
- Apple Releases iOS 5 Beta 7 To Developers
- Today In Also-Ran Tablets: The HTC Jetstream And Sony S And P
- Environmental Watchdog Report Calls Apple To Task For Violations
- Give Your Lady The Gift Of Glowing Power With The iNecklace
- HTC Sensation Redux To Sport Beats By Dre Audio?
- HTC: The Thunderbolt And Droid Incredible Will Be Updated to Gingerbread In September
- Sony Shows Off Android Walkman Device At IFA
- Apple Offers Refurbished iPad 2 Models At $50 Discount
- Sony’s Latest Kindle Killer Is World’s Lightest eReader
- Sony Ericsson Announces The Xperia Arc S Smartphone
- Sony Finally Fully Unveils Its Android Tabs, The Sony S and P
- HTC Jetstream: AT&T’s 10.1 Inch LTE Tablet, Launches September 4
- VMware Unveils Enterprise Solutions For Samsung’s Galaxy Devices
- First Acer Ultrabook Leaks, Full Specs and Price Included
| Samsung Introduces A Trio Of New Cameras Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:27 AM PDT  This morning at the IFA conference in Berlin, Samsung took the stage to announce three new cameras. Sometimes new cameras are about as boring as old cameras, but that’s not the case here. We were lucky enough to go hands-on last night at Samsung’s preview event in New York city, and all three of these puppies have somewhat of a “wow factor.” I’ll be honest when I say the MV800 impressed me the most, even as a basic point-and-shoot. What caught my attention was the fact that Samsung has intelligently built upon its Dual-View offerings with this one, and I think it’s a smart iteration of what had originally received mixed reviews. Let’s take a look at what we have here, shall we? Samsung MV800: Samsung’s MV800 is an ultra-compact point-and-shoot with one very special surprise. It’s 3-inch capacitive LCD touchscreen flips out to let you shoot at just about any angle, even if you’re in front of the lens instead of behind it. The LCD screen actually flips all the way back around to face the photographer and become the true narcissist’s camera. As far as cool software features go, this thing is packed to the brim. Samsung included its Smart Touch 3.0 interface which makes navigating camera settings much easier for anyone who isn’t fully aware of the numerous settings available. The Live Panorama function lets you take super wide shots by holding down the shutter button to capture the entire scene and then previewing that scene on the LCD. The MV800 also comes with Magic Frame (a collection of background templates), Smart Filter (a set of artistic affects like “Watercolor finish”), and Funny Faces (a way to stretch and manipulate faces by tapping and dragging across the LCD). It even comes with its own Photo Editor that lets you edit and rotate photos straight from the camera. Here are the basic specs on the MV800:
Samsung NX200: This is the next step on the road from point-and-shoot to DSLR, falling into the “compact systems” category. The NX200 brings a number of features already seen in the MV800 — like Smart Filter, Magic Frame, and the Live Panorama mode — but also brings some new things to the table. For one, this camera supports Samsung’s i-Function 2.0 lenses, which basically gives the user control over settings (ISO, white balance, shutter speed, aperture, and exposure value) through the lens rather than the camera itself. That means you never actually have to look away from the shot while you adjust. New lenses for the i-Function system include 18-200mm, 16mm, 60mm and 85mm focal lengths. Check out these specs:
Samsung WB750: This is what Samsung calls its longest zoom offering in a compact camera to date, at 18x optical (and 24x Smart Zoom). One of the cooler features of the phone would be Samsung’s Dual Capture technology, which lets you take 10-megapixel shots while shooting 1080p video. It also comes with the same Smart Filter, Magic Frame, and Live Panorama features we’ve seen on the other two cameras, but takes that a step further. The WB750 has two other Panorama modes — Action Panorama and 3D Panorama. Action Panorama lets you take a shot of a moving person on a static background, which captures movement within a still image. 3D Panorama does just what you’d expect: shoots panoramic images in 3D. Smart Auto 2.0 helps you get the settings right when you aren’t quite sure what to do, but the WB750 also allows for a good deal of creative control. Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority settings are all included. Here’s the specs run-down:
Samsung wasn’t clear about availability on these guys, but when Samsung gives word we’ll be sure to let you know. Check out our hands-on gallery after the break.
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| NINOKUNI: Sony Japan Announces Limited Edition (And Pretty) PS3 Posted: 01 Sep 2011 02:07 AM PDT  Japan is getting yet another special edition PS3: Sony announced [press release in English] the so-called "PlayStation3 NINOKUNI magical edition" bundle pack for the local market today. In the package, buyers will find a PS3 in "magical gold" color with a pearly touch, in addition to Ni No Kuni, a fantasy RPG currently in development at Level-5. The PS3 comes with a 160GB HDD and comes with a Dual Shock controller that’s painted like the limited edition console. Sony says the bundle will be available in Japan only and plans to start selling it on November 17 (price: US$443). Separately, the game will sell for US$115.
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| Posted: 01 Sep 2011 01:00 AM PDT  Here are some of yesterday’s stories on TechCrunch Gadgets:
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| i3board: Sharp Shows 70-Inch Electronic, Touch-Sensitive Whiteboard Posted: 01 Sep 2011 12:15 AM PDT  Sharp Japan announced [JP] the i3board PN-L702B for the Japanese market yesterday, a 70-inch electronic whiteboard targeted at businesses and schools. The device is essentially a 70-inch touchscreen (LCD) that comes with a Stylus pen and special software, enabling users to make notes or draw on the screen, scroll or change the size of objects by using gestures. The whiteboard can be used to display any type of content (including video) transferred to it from a Windows XP/Vista/7 PC (via USB) or directly from the web via the LAN port. It features full HD resolution, LED backlight, 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 300cd/m2 brightness, and an HDMI port. Sharp plans to start selling the i3board PN-L702B in Japan on September 20 for US$9,700. A smaller (60 inches) version will retail for US$7,100.
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| Hands-On: At The U.S. Open With The Olympus E-PM1 Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:50 PM PDT  Olympus is trying to do with their new E-PM1 PEN Mini camera what other manufacturers already have: bring DSLR power to the masses. It’s their smallest Micro Four Thirds camera to date, and it’s definitely got its proverbial sights set on the mass market — and the fact that it comes in six colors certainly doesn’t hurt. Olympus was kind enough to let me play with an E-PM1 and a variety of lenses at the U.S. Open of all places, and here are a few of my quick impressions. The body is a bit on the plasticky side, but it fortunately doesn’t feel like it will fall apart at the seams either. Corners had to be cut to keep the price down, and while the body probably could have been a bit sturdier, it feels robust enough to stand up to the rigors of everyday use. The rest of the package was spot on: it performed pretty nicely in most low light situations I found myself in, and the autofocus was nice and snappy. As something of a novice photographer, I appreciated the simple terms that Olympus has peppered throughout its UI. While being asked to manually change shutter speed on a typical DSLR may elicit a clueless look from an aspiring photographer, Olympus makes it a cakewalk: just change the “Motion Control” setting (complete with self-explanatory icons) to achieve the desired effect. That said, the menu system was a bit confusing at times: after changing the art mode (Olympus’s name for filters) in the menu for example, you couldn’t use the same method to change it. Rather, you press a different button and change art mode from the settings it brings up. The E-PM1′s iAuto mode is a boon to new users — while photos taken using it seem to err just a bit on the warm side, it reduces the amount of know-how needed to take nice shots. Different art modes also add an extra splash of fun to the PEN Mini, and while every camera has them, personal favorites like the tilt-shifting Diorama mode will help position it as the fun camera to use. All things considered, I’m really starting to fall for the little guy. The problem with Olympus’ approach is that it’s terribly difficult to strike the right balance: water it down too much and pros won’t pick it up as a smaller alternative, but make it just a bit too complex and casual users won’t take the plunge. While not perfect, the E-PM1 fortunately seems to stick it mostly in that sweet spot. The Olympus E-PM1 is due for a September release, and will set photographers back $499.99.
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| Show Your Old-School Gaming Love With These Sega Console iPhone Cases Posted: 31 Aug 2011 05:16 PM PDT  I don’t always post about iPhone cases… but when I do, I prefer retro gaming ones. Sure, you could have a cool metallic case, or go all-leather, or make your phone look like R2-D2 — but when you can have a Dreamcast on the back, those other options seem to lose their luster. It’s one of those things you can have that passively sorts through the crowd and only grabs the attention of those who are in the know. I have an Evangelion shirt that does the same and I’m proud. Anyone who sees you rocking a Genesis on your ear will come up and give you a Sonic-style fist bump. You too will feel as cool as the guy in the picture does. You have a choice of Saturn, Dreamcast, or the aforementioned Genesis. All cost ¥2100, or 27 of your United States dollars. Plus a few ¥ for shipping, of course. Wait, where’s the Nomad? You can’t rewrite history, Sega! [via GameSetWatch]
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| Apple Releases iOS 5 Beta 7 To Developers Posted: 31 Aug 2011 04:47 PM PDT  Hey, what do you know! It’s been just shy of two weeks since Apple’s last Beta release of iOS 5, and just like clockwork, they’re back with another serving. You guys all know the drill at this point: as usual, this Beta release is for developers (and “developers”) only — but on the upside, that Beta version number probably won’t climb too much higher before this thing gets released to everyone. Plus: at this point, the releases seem to be boiling down to bug fixes and tiny tweaks. If you’ve managed to hold out this long, you’re probably not going to miss too much that you wouldn’t have seen in the first 6. Alas, Apple doesnt really release a “change log” pointing to all the fun little gems (other sites may post what they call Apple’s “change log”, but these are just Apple’s developer-oriented API notes/tweaks. These notes are almost identical from Beta to Beta, and have little to do with user-facing changes.) With that said, we’ll keep an eye out for big, notable changes and update this post as we come across them — be sure to let us know down in the comments if you spot any! Like the past two releases, Beta 7 can be downloaded as a slim update over-the-air, or as a full image through the Apple developer portal. Started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple has expanded from computers to consumer electronics over the last 30 years, officially changing their name from Apple Computer,...
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| Today In Also-Ran Tablets: The HTC Jetstream And Sony S And P Posted: 31 Aug 2011 04:18 PM PDT  Today won’t be remembered tomorrow. Nothing of consequence happened today. Steve Ballmer didn’t resign, Dell didn’t get out of the PC business and I didn’t stop procrastinating and actually go to the gym. Nope, like any other boring summer day, several products were announced, start-ups announced funding and another wireless carrier jacked up fees. Today is just another day. But while we’re still here, the last day of August, several tablets from major brands were announced that deserve a bit more conversation. Sony finally revealed the full specs and launch details for the P and S tablets. HTC, likewise, did the same with Puccini tablet, which now sports the rather predictable name of Jetstream. You see, these tablets are just like all the other Honeycomb tabs that were hyped for months and eventually hit with a thud instead of a bang. It’s hard to be an Android sympathizer these days, isn’t it? I used to consider myself firmly in that camp — then I bought an iPad 2 a few months back and perspective slapped me in the face. Android tabs are reliant on their manufacturer to make up for Honeycomb’s empty app marketplace. Without help, they’re simply another Internet portal device whose existence is moot when compared against a notebook. This cry for life makes laptops, not the iPad, Honeycomb tabs’ biggest competitors. The Sony tablets outed today attempt to justify their novelty with Sony’s Qriocity media suite. This somewhat obscure offering is available on nearly every connected device Sony makes, including the PS3, Bravia TVs, Sony Ericsson Android phones, the PSP, and all their set-top boxes and connected Blu-ray players. Its install base might even eclipse iTunes when considering the sheer number of devices running the service. But without this media platform, the Sony tablets are, well, just more Android tablets. Sony did build-in robust Playstation support, which could be a killer feature — someday. The Tablet S is the first tablet to be able to play PSP and Playstation games via an emulator. But the tablet comes with only two games (Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes) and per the Sony press conference earlier today, it doesn’t sound like adding titles is a huge priority. Several early reviews and hands-on of the Sony tablets popped up shortly after it was announced. Tim Stevens from Engadget states that the Sony Tablet S is “not clearly better” than Galaxy Tab 10.1 citing the odd form factor, scratch-prone glass and flimsy feel. So that’s a pass? Reviews really need to target consumers outside of our sheltered world of silly gadgets. Is it worth your money over another product? No caveats, no “if-then” statements. So far not one table priced around $500 has countered the iPad. The HTC Jetstream fails this proof even harder than the Sony Tablet S. Priced at $699 with a 2-year contract, the rather bulky tablet only sets itself apart with an LTE radio and stylus support, which their Flyer only barely made work. Besides that the tablet is just another nondescript Android 3.1 tab. This one will fail faster than the $499 TouchPad. Another day, another Android tablet to add to the deadpool. But hopefully manufacturers do not view each failure as a wasted opportunity but rather a learning experience. You can bet that Apple pays attention, as the iPad is not the definition of a perfect tablet. With each failed tablet, the path to the perfect slate device gets a tad shorter and we’ll all eventually arrive together. Hopefully this promised land isn’t a gated garden filled with apple trees but rather an open field filled with frolicking androids. But until then, let’s just gather up all the Honeycomb tablets and throw them in the deadpool. No one will notice. Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronics, video, communications, video game consoles, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. HTC Corp, (TAIEX: 2498) produces smartphones running the Android and Windows Mobile operating systems for themselves and as an OEM to other manufacturers. Since launching its own brand in...
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| Environmental Watchdog Report Calls Apple To Task For Violations Posted: 31 Aug 2011 03:37 PM PDT  The ever-volatile issue of the costs surrounding globalized manufacturing looks to be looming again as a harshly critical report on Apple’s Chinese suppliers gains visibility. The report, by environmental NGO the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE), is the sequel to another they released in January entitled “The Other Side of Apple.” With the ominous title it’s clear what their intention is, and while there is a certain slant to the presentation, the facts highlighted are too salient to ignore. I have written about our conscious abdication of moral responsibility for our purchases (Our Great Sin), but the IPE report resurrects the question of corporate responsibility in an era of increasing transparency. Should we, and can we, hold Apple and others like it to account for the transgressions of those with whom it does business? You can download the report in English or Chinese here; I’ve also embedded it at the bottom of the post. First, the obvious must be acknowledged: that this report set out with the intention of exposing, not to say slandering, Apple and its suppliers specifically by publicizing information unlikely to be disclosed by any of the parties involved, such as the health problems of schoolchildren adjacent to certain factories. It also must be said that the violations highlighted are not exclusive to Apple, Foxconn, or China. The report is candid regarding this and gives reasons for why they are singling out Apple. Not that we can’t think of good reasons on our own for an increased level of scrutiny: as perhaps the world’s largest and most influential electronics company, Apple is a natural target for industry watchdogs and reformers. Furthermore, its policy of limited disclosure is ill-adapted to an era in which information wants to be free, even if it must be tracked, trapped, and released into the wild. The report is worth reading for anyone interested in this topic, or anyone curious about the environmental conditions surrounding Chinese factories. I don’t think there are many who imagine a shining paradise with sparkling-clean factories churning out ethical iPhones and recycling the scrap into inspirational sculptures, but it’s nice to get a reality check now and then regardless. If you’re in a hurry, just read the “executive summary,” from which I quote (selectively):
The report continues with the documentation of their and others’ investigations into the environmental problems specific to inadequate regulation and disclosure. The cost at large of industry (i.e. pollution, injury, etc.) has been known for centuries, of course, but a rigorous on-site investigation turns up things that one would expect to find in Apple’s audits. Some of the data is anecdotal, but much of it has to do with discrepancies between what is reported, what is really happening, and indeed what is even being looked for. Along for the ride (and providing the photos accompanying the report and this article) was well-known Chinese environmentalist Ma Jun. Familiar tactics are on hand: venting the most hazardous chemicals at night, nominal compliance totally unchecked by regulators, resolutions by local governments that go nowhere, and health problems among workers and locals probably but not certainly linked to the factories. These are things you’ll find in practically every country, but they appear to be running rampant among the big Chinese OEMs. And it is perhaps this fact, the ubiquity of industrial waste and its halo of destruction, that has resulted in lopsided regulation by Apple. Following a rash of suicides and a number of reports on the conditions of laborers in Apple’s supplier factories, Apple has been careful to publicize its Supplier Responsibility Report (PDF), which details their audits and responses. As you can read for yourself, the “core violations” are almost entirely labor issues. Environmentally, it appears that the companies Apple contracts with are the very pattern of compliance:
And this report seems to directly contradict that. However, it should be noted that the rules being complied with are not exactly disclosed, and that high number may have more to do with inadequate Chinese laws and regulation than laxity on Apple’s part. After all, if Shenzhen ordinances permit however many tons of waste cyanide and heavy metal runoff, they are within the law despite the harm that may do to the environment or surrounding population. The same may be said for many factories in the US. Yet it’s not often we hear about Intel factories causing chest pains among nearby kindergarteners. And the news that their chemical waste volume had risen 27% in one year came not from a watchdog agency but from their own report. Indeed, the IPE’s report goes to some length to establish that while Apple’s responsibility may not extend to scrubbing toxic alkalis off seabirds, they do not seem to be following the example of some other large tech companies, which have taken steps to improve the visibility of environmental violations and corrective actions. Siemens, for instance, has begun asking their suppliers to publicly disclose solutions being enacted regarding violations. The rest of the industry is no beacon of hope, though, as many of these shady manufacturing operations contract with Motorola, Samsung, Panasonic, and the rest of the usual suspects. The multi-tiered supply chains of practically every electronics manufacturer are extremely difficult to monitor, but the difficulty is directly proportional to the size and extent of that company’s involvement. But Apple’s deliberate policy of non-disclosure, or to be kind, of selective disclosure, is at worst criminal and evasive, and at best a poor standard to set for the industry. What is it we can do to improve the situation? Shedding equal light on the environmental impact of globalization as on the economical and humanitarian impacts is a start. It’s been done desultorily for decades, but the gruesome realities consequent on the world’s appetite for gadgets and such is hard to face, harder to address, and at any rate lacks the flash and instant appeal of a Foxconn worker jumping to his death following a management dressing-down. It’s easy to comprehend and easy to decry, but the broader tragedy of thousands of lives lost to cancer and anthropogenic desertification doesn’t fit so easily in a blog post, or the short international news section of the local paper. But perhaps the timing of this report is auspicious. While Steve Jobs may or may not be staying on in a detached yet powerful fashion, the new face of Apple is Tim Cook and it may be that he can be prevailed upon to make the changes Jobs wouldn’t, or couldn’t. Or as the eye of the public, fatigued with the denigration of humanity that accompanies industrialization, shifts towards the environmental impact of massive companies like Apple, perhaps Apple’s eye will shift as well. Could next year’s Supplier Responsibility Report strengthen and impose rules regarding environmental responsibility? Or Apple and the others fail again to take action on these problems, which are pernicious to solve, easy to pass on to others, and have the agreeable side effect of reducing manufacturing costs? Environmental groups can issue reports like this one, and I am lucky enough to be in a position to help at least expose our readers to this information, however they should choose to interpret it. Apple produces the world’s most popular devices, and are on track to become the world’s most valuable company. It behooves them to lead the industry in more than just interface and industrial design. We may not have the backbone to opt out of their products, or the products of other companies making similar mistakes, but it’s consistent with our inviolable brand loyalty to hold our favored companies responsible for problems as widespread and poorly addressed as this.
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| Give Your Lady The Gift Of Glowing Power With The iNecklace Posted: 31 Aug 2011 02:48 PM PDT  It’s iconic. That soft, pulsating light emanating from the button that controls life and death. Press it when it’s glowing and creativity flows. Turn it off and a little bit of your inner child dies. The iNecklace allows the wearer to capture that sense of control and wear it around the neck as a status of power. There’s nothing else like it. (this is where you, the commenter will jump to the comments and link to something identical) The iNecklace is made by Adafruit available in the states through Gizmine. The pendent is CNC machined from aluminum and features a screw-type back plate. Inside is a pulsating LED powered by a replaceable battery. Just like the power button it’s clearly designed to replicate, the LED seems to breath as it hangs on its 18-inch sterling silver chain, creating a rather unique piece of jewelry and one that will certainly attract the geeks. Gizmine just started taking pre-orders with shipping expected to start on September 8th.
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| HTC Sensation Redux To Sport Beats By Dre Audio? Posted: 31 Aug 2011 01:17 PM PDT  Since HTC’s purchase of a majority stake in Beats Electronics, the big question was which of their snazzy new handsets would be the first to benefit from an audio overhaul. Rumor had it that the Vigor may be the first to get a taste of the Dr. Dre treatment, but according to a leaked spec sheet, it may be a refreshed version of HTC’s Sensation that nabs the distinction. Perhaps best known for being one of the first handsets to be privy to HTC’s bootloader unlock process, the HTC Sensation may see new life as a special edition model, CNET reports. The spec sheet outlines a bump in processing power (1.5 GHz, compared to the original 1.2), onboard memory (4 GB, up from 2), and a more robust battery. The device will reportedly debut with a £520 ($846) price point sans contract, which can largely be explained by the inclusion of Beats tech. If true, the new Sensation will sport audio processing that promises optimized sound quality, and a nifty pair of in-ear headphones with remote control. UK customers hankering for the updated device can expect to nab one for free (!) with the signing of a two year contract. With pricing details already in place, the Special Edition Sensation seems poised for a launch sooner rather than later. While the slide deck all but guarantees a UK launch, the hardware refresh could also soon find its way to China — the device is listed as having support for the TD-SCDMA network, which is the hallmark of China’s wireless industry.
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| HTC: The Thunderbolt And Droid Incredible Will Be Updated to Gingerbread In September Posted: 31 Aug 2011 01:00 PM PDT  Good news, HTC Thunderbolt/Droid Incredible owners! You’re gettin’ some Gingerbread! It’s a bit late in the game (Gingerbread has been around for nearly 10 months, after all) but HTC has just announced that both the Incredible and the Thunderbolt should be updated to Android 2.3 sometime in September. As usual, there’s no mention of a specific date — but hey, at least it’s officially on the way! It’s beyond disconcerting to think about just how long it’s taking for some devices to get Gingerbread, especially with Google having made very little mention of their Android Update Initiative since announcing it back in May. For those keeping count: as of August 1st, less than 1/4 of the Android phones floating around out there were running Android 2.3+. HTC Corp, (TAIEX: 2498) produces smartphones running the Android and Windows Mobile operating systems for themselves and as an OEM to other manufacturers. Since launching its own brand in...
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| Sony Shows Off Android Walkman Device At IFA Posted: 31 Aug 2011 11:59 AM PDT  The Walkman brand has taken a beating over the last decade or so. The culprit, of course, is the iPod, and while other players do sell perfectly well all over the world (Apple’s reach isn’t always good enough), Sony, Creative, and iRiver just aren’t the powerhouses they used to be in the portable audio sector. Sony’s looking to get back into the game, and is demoing a prototype Android-based media player at IFA. While I’d love nothing more than real competition in the player space, I don’t quite see this thing taking off. On one hand, you have some obvious pluses: it runs standard Market apps, many of which will work just fine with a wi-fi connection. But to be perfectly honest, if what you want is a portable app machine, you’re probably already leaning towards an iPod touch. You can access Music Unlimited through this guy, though. Sony was also smart to include a button that gives you access to play controls whether the phone’s locked or not. Reminds me of the Zune HD; the little button on the side always brought up the playback/volume controls if you had something playing. And there’s both a customized interface and improved sound quality over the rest of the Walkman line. You can “flick” videos to DLNA-enabled devices and so on. But look at it. It’s huge, for one thing, not exactly the type of gadget you really want to carry around in your pocket in addition to a phone. The HDMI and DLNA suggests a home media device, but what about your TV shows and movies? You’ll be wanting a set-top box for that, and a hi-fi for your music. It doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere, does it? What could Sony have done to make it more enticing? Personally, I think a smaller, more pocketable form factor would help, but that’s certainly not all there is to it. Differentiating from the market leader seems to be the move right now — iPods have become a commodity, people are looking for something new. At any rate, the device isn’t likely to show up any time soon. The Sony rep made noncommittal remarks, saying they “may expand this kind of product in the future after getting some feedback.” In other words, it’s a proof of concept and if it blows up, they’ll make it. I’d say head back to the drawing board. [image: Stephen Shankland, CNET]
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| Apple Offers Refurbished iPad 2 Models At $50 Discount Posted: 31 Aug 2011 11:51 AM PDT  There isn’t much about an iPad 2 that would lead you to hesitate before buying, except maybe a glance down at the price tag. Today, that’s slightly less of an issue. Apple has started to sell refurbished iPad 2s in its online store, although it looks as though the 16GB models aren’t currently available. The refurbs are only discounted $50 from the original pricing, but a discount is a discount. All of Apple’s return and warranty rules apply to refurbished models, according to MacRumors. The units will have a brand new back cover and battery, while the rest of the device is cleaned and tested for any issues. If something’s amiss, Apple will replace that particular component. The 32GB WiFi + 3G model is going for $679, and is available in both black and white for both carriers. $649 will get you the 64GB WiFi only model, while the 64GB WiFi + 3G unit will go for $779 (also available for both carriers). If you don’t care about the iPad 2 and just want the cheapest possible iPad, Apple is also selling refurbished models of its 16GB Wifi + 3G original iPad for just $399. A little online scavenging would probably find you an iPad 2 with savings that beat $50. But Apple support is pretty crucial when it comes to such an expensive device, so we suggest the refurb route if you’ve got the cash. Started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple has expanded from computers to consumer electronics over the last 30 years, officially changing their name from Apple Computer,...
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| Sony’s Latest Kindle Killer Is World’s Lightest eReader Posted: 31 Aug 2011 08:17 AM PDT  These days, it’s getting tough for companies that make eBook readers to differentiate. Brief forays into jumbo models aside, Amazon’s Kindle has kept things simple and elegant since day one, while Barnes and Noble went the full-featured Android route with the Nook Color. Sony, to their credit, was among the first to make readers with appeal that extended beyond hardcore techno-literature buffs, and today’s announcement of the ultra-light PRS-T1 shows that they haven’t quite given up the ghost yet. Sony’s new generation of eReaders seem to have more than a few design cues from the Xperia line of handsets: the T1 features a row of super-slim control buttons and a gently curving bottom edge. Available in black, red, and white, it’s a handsome device: something that’s equal parts book reader and fashion accessory. Weighing in at 168g, and 8.9mm thick, it’s ideal for a spot of on-the-go light reading. Looks aside, the T1 also packs a 6″ diagonal touchscreen display for easy navigation between pages and within menus. Users can also use their fingers or the included stylus to make notes on pages, a feature that would have helped the Kindle quite a bit in its academic trials. The T1 comes with 2 GB of flash memory preinstalled, which stores up to 1,200 eBooks if Sony is to be believed. Digital hoarders will find comfort in the microSD card slot that supports up to 32 GB of their favorite musty tomes. The device also manages to squeeze in a WiFi radio into its slim frame, allowing for wireless book downloads from Sony’s Reader Store, and interestingly, the ability to wirelessly borrow books from libraries that choose to play along. Will the T1 do the impossible and overthrow Amazon and BN’s hegemonic hold on the eReader market? In all honestly, probably not, but a functional and stylish alternative can help keep innovation alive and the big guys on their toes. Update: Sony’s T1 will be hitting the United States and Europe this October, and will set you back $149.
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| Sony Ericsson Announces The Xperia Arc S Smartphone Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:44 AM PDT  Today at the IFA conference in Berlin, Sony Ericsson announced its new Xperia smartphone, the Xperia Arc S. Unfortunately, details were pretty sparse in the initial announcement, but here's what we do know: The phone will first be available in October of this year. It'll run on a 1.4GHz processor and will sport Sony's Reality display powered by Sony's mobile Bravia engine. The Reality Display on the original Xperia Arc has a pixel density of 854 x 480, which is a slight upgrade from the more standard 800 x 480 resolution we're used to seeing on high-end handsets. What really makes the Reality Display special is the support of Sony's Mobile Bravia Engine, which is meant to improve color and detail in a fashion similar to that of Bravia TVs. The phone will also have the ability to shoot 2D panoramic photos with its Exmor R image sensor. The images can be converted to 3D, at which point you can view those images on one of the company's 3D Bravia TV sets. From the looks of things, this is pretty similar to its predecessor the Xperia Arc, but with a couple extra boosts like that processor upgrade. We're also seeing images of both black and white versions, but it's not clear if there will be more color flavors. More on this as it develops.
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| Sony Finally Fully Unveils Its Android Tabs, The Sony S and P Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:26 AM PDT  “It’s not about who makes them first, but who makes them better.” That’s how Sony’s Sir Howard Stringer announced his upcoming tablets. Zing. Meet the S and P, everyone. Sony just took the wraps off its first generation Android tablets a few moments ago at its 2011 IFA press event. But, as with most non-Apple product launches these days, there isn’t much to report since Sony used teasers and planted leaks over the last few months to generate buzz, which in turn, makes today’s announcement a tad anticlimactic. Sony is hitting the tablet market with two models: the curvy S and the clamshell P. Tablets don’t sell on specs alone. The TouchPad and all the Honeycomb tabletss have proven that. Sony built their tablets around their robust but somewhat obscure Qriocity media distribution service, which seems to suggest Sony diehards are the target demographic.
Sony is all about eating its own dog food. This emphasis on cross-device connectivity has led to the inclusion of an IR port on the backside, which can be used to control Sony Bravia TVs. Then, through Bluetooth, the tablet can control and and interact with the PS3 to the extent that both tablets are Playstation Certified.
The Sony Tablet S and P are going to hit Europe “at the end of September” for €479 and in November for €599, respectively. No word on pricing or availability in other regions yet, but we hear (not through official means) that the 16GB and 32GB S models will ship in the States “within weeks” for $499 and $599. Update: Yep, that shipping window and price point is correct. Like Stringer stated at the beginning of his IFA press conference, being first isn’t necessarily a path to success. Sony’s tablets are at least different from the competition. The radical designs might not catch on, but they feel like the Sony of old. The Sony that made the Walkman. The Sony that made the Trinitron. And yes, the Sony that made the Betamax, which is a Sony that is not afraid to hit the market like a arrogant male teenager, full of testosterone and bravado. Awesome. Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronics, video, communications, video game consoles, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets.
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| HTC Jetstream: AT&T’s 10.1 Inch LTE Tablet, Launches September 4 Posted: 31 Aug 2011 07:20 AM PDT  HTC’s Jetstream (nee Puccini) has been the stuff of rumors for weeks now, but AT&T has officially announced the 10.1 inch tablet this morning. The Jetstream is HTC’s first to run Android 3.1 Honeycomb, complete with a bit of Sense UI design specifically tweaked for the tablet’s larger form factor. A 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor powers the Jetstream, and it packs two cameras: an 8 MP shooter with dual LED flash on the rear, and a 1.3 MP front-facer mounted right over the 10.1 inch WXGA display. Rumors of the Jetstream’s LTE capability have fortunately been confirmed, making it AT&T’s only non-modem LTE device, a distinction that hopefully doesn’t stick for too much longer. At .51 inches thick and weighing in at just over 1.5 pounds, the Jetstream isn’t the thinnest tablet in the world, but all its horsepower should make up for it. First seen on their Flyer/View 4G tablet, HTC has also carried over Scribe support, meaning users can doodle to their hearts’ content on a much nicer screen. The Jetstream also gets a bit of the AT&T treatment when it comes to apps: it comes preloaded with AT&T Family Map and AT&T Navigator, along with HTC’s own Watch and Friendstream apps. As compelling as the Jetstream looks, expect wallets to groan: when it launches on September 4, it’ll run customers $699 with a 2-year contract. In addition to AT&T’s existing lineup of data plans ($15/200 MB and $25/2 GB), they have also announced a new $35/3 GB plan for heavier users. It’s a pricey proposition no matter how you look at it, but here’s hoping the experience is worth the cost.
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| VMware Unveils Enterprise Solutions For Samsung’s Galaxy Devices Posted: 31 Aug 2011 06:38 AM PDT  Samsung made it known at last night's big announcement that they intended the Galaxy S II series to be more IT-friendly than its predecessor: improved Exchange support and on-device data encryption were just some of the highlights. This was apparently just the tip of the IT iceberg, as VMware has just announced a partnership with Samsung to integrate support for their View 5 and Horizon Mobile products to the GSII series and the Honeycomb-powered Galaxy Tabs. VMware View 5 is a much-awaited update to their long-running series of desktop virtualization solutions. Users are able to access a full work desktop environment on their tablet, but improvements in bandwidth mean the experience is more fluid and engaging. View 5 also brings better support for 3D graphics and integration of While View has already made a move into the tablet space with support for the iPad, support for Samsung’s Android tablets is a logical next step for a company looking to maintain their “global leader” status in virtualization and cloud infrastructure. Announced at their VMworld conference, VMware Horizon Mobile is a way for enterprises to give users’ Samsung devices a bit of split personality disorder. When the device is set up with Horizon, it creates an encrypted virtual machine of sorts through which users can access work-related applications and data. By setting up a distinct work identity on the device, IT admins can better manage these devices without ever stumbling across personal information. The fact that an instance of Android would essentially be running within another seems like it would wreak havoc on the device’s performance, but VMware claims a reduction in performance of only about 10%. I’ll believe it when I see it, but considering the caliber of the hardware it’s running on, the claim is within the realm of possibility. Samsung has a good thing going here, as it makes their new tablets and smartphones that much more attractive for the enterprise product buyers. While this partnership will help Samsung get a foot in the door, they’ll have to work quickly to make the most of it: View 5 and Horizon Mobile is also due to appear on rival LG’s devices soon.
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| First Acer Ultrabook Leaks, Full Specs and Price Included Posted: 31 Aug 2011 05:49 AM PDT  The first round of ultrabooks are upon us. Acer and Asus are said to have several models ready for an IFA debut later this week, but Notebook Italia just located a product page for the Acer Ultrabook S3 that went up a bit premature and confirms that these next-gen notebooks, ultrabooks, will rock your socks. The Acer Ultrabook S3 reads like any ol’ Windows notebook: Intel Core i5-2467M, 4GB of RAM, and a 320GB HDD (or optional 20GB SSD) paired with a 13.3-inch screen. But this is an ultrabook, which explains the 13mm thickness. (that’s less than the MacBook Air’s thickest point) As SlashGear points out, a straight price conversion puts this model at $1,130 USD, but Acer could very well price it more aggressively here given Intel’s strong desire to keep models using this architecture affordable. Prepare yourself for more ultrabook news this week as IFA gears up. These notebooks are set to be the next big thing and every manufacturer is going to want to cash in.
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