Movies Games and Tech

Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Note II

Andrew Edney

Aug 30, 2012

Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Note II

Last night at IFA Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy Note II and after the press conference we got some hands-on time with it.

The Galaxy Note II

The Galaxy Note II is slimmer than its predecessor and slightly taller as well. It still fits fairly well in your hand, although it’s still quite a large device, but the screen quality is beautiful.

The New S Pen

One of the new enhancements for the Samsung Galaxy Note II is the S Pen, It certainly does feel better to use and easier to do things with.

I really liked the original Galaxy Note and I have to say that after using the Note II for only just a few minutes I was impressed. The new S Pen does make all the difference and some of the new apps are great. I really liked Air View, which is the feature then enables you to view something by hovering hovering over it – for example, I can see all the information from a calender entry by hovering instead of opening it.

Fear not if you have the original Galaxy Note as Samsung promised during the press conference that an update to Jelly Bean and some of the new apps will be coming very soon.

No specifics on price yet or which carriers will have it, but expect news soon as it will be released in October.

So what do you think of the Samsung Galaxy Note II? Is it a device you might buy? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

IFA 2012: Sony Announces VAIO Tap 20 All-in-One PC

Jim McCarthy

Aug 30, 2012

IFA 2012: Sony Announces VAIO Tap 20 All-in-One PC

Sony announced the VAIO Tap 20, a 20” all-in-one designed around Windows 8. Read on for details.

Sony announced a nice all-in-one today, called the VAIO Tap 20. Designed around Windows 8 and sporting a 20” touchscreen monitor, this looks like an interesting product. Here is what Sony announced:

Entertainment-centric touch PC brings everyone together

New-style PC for the entire family with multi-touch panel

Unique adjustable stand for comfortable computing in any position: lay-flat, tilting or desktop-style

Built-in battery gives portability around the home

Unique multi-user apps including Family Paint and Fingertapps Organizer

Now everyone can share exciting media experiences with VAIO Tap 20 from Sony. It’s the fresh concept in home computing that’s a tabletop PC and so much more.

The versatile VAIO Tap 20 is designed to leverage the intuitive ease of Windows 8, opening up exciting new possibilities to interact with apps and your media collection.

Portable, battery-powered VAIO Tap 20 fits right into any living space – from bedrooms and kids’ play areas to the kitchen or garden. Lay it on a coffee table and let everyone join in games on the large multi-touch screen. Flip out the in-built stand and tilt VAIO Tap 20 at a comfortable angle for ‘lean back’ photo/movie editing by touch operation, browsing and entertainment. Or stand it upright and use as a fully-functioning desktop PC. It’s easy to work on documents, browse the web or check emails with the supplied wireless keyboard and mouse.

The 20” panel offers clear, bright images with a wide angle of view. Responsive 10-point multi-touch operation lets the whole family join in simultaneously with multi-player games. Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 by Sony ensures crisp, natural movie viewing with fine details and fluid on-screen movement.

Step up to rich, powerful audio that’s a revelation after the small, weak speakers of ordinary laptops. Generously-sized stereo speakers are partnered by an on-board subwoofer that boosts low frequencies for solid, thumping bass. S-Force Front Surround 3D technologies by Sony ensure a vibrant, room-filling soundtrack – whether you’re playing games together or watching movies. Using Sony’s own signal processing technologies, ClearAudio+ mode lets you enjoy high quality audio that’s beautifully optimised for the music you’re listening to.

Incorporating several of Sony’s own signal processing technologies, ClearAudio+ mode lets you effortlessly enjoy audio quality that’s distinctly Sony. With one simple operation, you’ll experience sound with ultimate clarity and presence across a wide audio spectrum, from deep lows to crisp highs.

VAIO Tap 20 comes with a choice of apps that are optimised for the powerful multi-touch capabilities.

Family Paint lets two people draw, paint and sketch simultaneously from opposite sides of the large multi-touch screen then share the results with one touch on Facebook or Twitter. Fingertapps Organizer makes child’s play of keeping everyone’s agenda up to date. The friendly calendar view lets family members add sticky notes, scribble notes and see at a glance what everyone else is up to.

VAIO Tap 20 makes it easier than ever to connect with other home devices and share your content.

Through Sony’s One-touch function, you can easily and instantly enjoy music and photos across an array of NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled Sony devices. Simply touch one device against another, and immediately establish a wireless connection without the need for any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi set up. For example, it’s easy to continue listening to music stored on your VAIO through Bluetooth® headphones or speakers with One-touch function.

You can also enjoy full access to millions of songs and themed radio channels at any time via Sony Entertainment Network’s Music Unlimited service.

Expand your entertainment experience even further with three new apps by Sony that are available for free download.

The ‘Music’ application lets you enjoy your music collection with superb quality thanks to ClearAudio+ mode.

The ‘Album’ application makes viewing, sorting or sharing pictures and videos fun and intuitive. Simple sharing lets you ‘throw’ or stream personal photos, video content and more to enjoy on DLNA compatible large screen TVs.

Both applications let you ‘throw’ or stream personal photos, video and music content to enjoy on DLNA compatible large screen TV and audio systems.

‘Socialife’ is a unique application that organizes your social and information world. View, sort and manage all your SNS and news feeds through one stylish user interface, alongside your friends’ feeds and posts. Mark interesting articles for later reading when you’re not so busy. Based on what your friends are reading, Socialife also points you to other popular topics and even suggests content that you might like.

IFA 2012: Samsung Announces New All–in-One

Jim McCarthy

Aug 30, 2012

Samsung announced a new all-in-one computer today at IFA 2012. Read on for details.

Samsung announced a new all-in-one PC today at IFA 2012. Powered by a Core i7, with either a 1TB hard drive or a 64GB SSD and with a Radeon graphics card, this is a well-equipped all-in-one. Here is the Samsung announcement:

SAMSUNG UNVEILS ITS NEW ALL IN ONE PC AT IFA 2012

Powerful performance packed in a stylish slim design – AIO PC Series 7 exclusively pre-loaded with master chef Jamie Oliver recipes
London, UK – 29^th August, 2012 – today Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, unveiled its brand new All-In-One PC Series 7. Building on the premium aspects of the Samsung Series 9 Notebook, the new All-In-One (AIO) PCs inherit Samsung’s advanced engineering craftsmanship with high finish and stylish design.

As well as high performance, the new Samsung AIO PC Series 7 has been crafted to deliver an entirely new AIO PC experience. Driven by a 3^rd generation Intel^® Core^™i7 processor, 8GB RAM, dedicated AMD Radeon HD graphics and a WQHD display with resolution of 2560×1440, the new AIO PC Series 7 embodies innovative sense recognition features such as 10-finger multi-touch control and hand gesture commands.

Graham Long, Vice President Corporate Sales & IT Solutions, Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “The All-In-One PC market carries enormous growth potential by taking convergence technologies to the next level. The new All-In-One PC Series 7 lives up to the true promise of all-in-one, incorporating many exciting hardware and software features to offer a maximised home entertainment experience.”

Samsung All-In-One PC Set for Unlimited User Experience

With the upcoming new Windows 8 platform, demand for All-In-One PCs is expected to increase further as AIOs will have stronger performance and features, and they are expected to replace the existing desktop PC in the market. To provide users with these benefits, Samsung has perfected not only the hardware but also the software aspects to offer never seen before experiences.

Intuitive Touch Function and Wider Look

For an unlimited premium user experience, Samsung AIO PC Series 7, has been equipped with a 10-finger multi-touch screen. This technological leap, in interactivity, surpasses traditional two-finger multi-touch by providing full touch control using all ten fingers on an AIO PC. Its enhanced sensitivity enables users to enjoy the full capabilities of the latest entertainment applications or perform complicated content editing. Users can pinch to zoom on content or rotate images, and scroll through pages with complete ease using 10 multi-touch functions. To enjoy its full capabilities as a home entertainment system, the new AIO PC has a viewing angle of 178 degrees* vertically and horizontally, which makes activities such as watching a movie that much better.

Gesture – It couldn’t be easier

To further expand user benefits, the new AIO PCs also have five hand gesture recognition features. These let users control the device with just a flick of the wrist from up to a metre away, perfect for enjoying home entertainment or cooking, for example. Swipe right or left to turn the pages of an e-book or cooking recipe, or rotate your palm clockwise or counter-clockwise to change the volume while watching a movie. You can simply close your hand to click on an option in a program and stop watching a movie by just waving your hands. These features definitely offer more convenience to consumers.

The True Performer

Power and performance are ensured with a 3^rd generation Intel^® Core^™ i7/i5 processor and 8GB RAM. A powerful AMD Radeon HD 7850M graphics processor, Blu-ray drive, and up to 1TB HDD and 64GB SSD ensure content in a wide array of formats is readily available in no time, and enable seamless playback, editing, creating and saving of content.

To further expand the true all-in-one experience, the new devices are equipped with 14-Watt speakers while Tweeter and Dolby sound deliver rich sound quality in any environment.

Also the latest WQHD display featuring 2560×1440 resolution delivers crisp, clear and all-encompassing viewing experience. Users are now able to fit more windows into a single screen without compromising on scale. Browsing online while simultaneously watching a movie is no longer an issue.

Samsung PC Exclusive: Jamie Oliver Recipes

Samsung has secured an exclusive app from Jamie Oliver that will be pre-installed on all its new Windows 8 machines. The app features a range of recipes from the chef that can be controlled using hand gestures, meaning users can swipe through the instructions without getting dirty hands on their PC.

Timeless Design

Accentuate your home with a modern and minimalistic look. Samsung’s AIO PC Series 7 are clutter-free and have space-saving design, featuring a uniquely stylish metallic arch stand, an ultra-slim display with a durable metal edge, and an edge-to-edge glossy black screen. These elegant new AIO PCs add a premium look to any living space or office.

Check out the product pictures! This product is very thin and really looks high-end.

They did not announce a screen size, and I’d like to see pricing, but this looks like a worthy entry in the all-in-one market.

Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Camera

Andrew Edney

Aug 29, 2012

Tonight at IFA, Samsung announced their new Galaxy Camera running Android 4.1. After the press conference we got a little hands-on time with it.

The Galaxy Camera is lightweight and comes with a a very long zoom! It was easy to navigate the menu options because it was Android. In fact, it didn’t feel like using a camera at various points. I think Samsung might be onto a real winner with this one, especially as you will be able to upload your pictures and edit them easily!

Accessories

There were also a few accessories on display:

We look forward to doing a full review in the near future. No word yet on price either so watch this space.

So what do you think of the Samsung Galaxy Camera? It certainly looks good and has a great spec. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Hands-on with the Samsung Ativ Smart PC running Windows 8

Andrew Edney

Aug 29, 2012

Hands-on with the Samsung Ativ Smart PC running Windows 8

Tonight at IFA, Samsung announced their Ativ Smart PC and Smart PC Pro running Windows 8. We were there and after the press conference we got some hands-on time with the Ativ Smart PC.

The major feature of the new Samsung Ativ Smart PC is that it is both a laptop and a slate, depending on what configuration you have it. The screen and the keyboard are held together with magnets, making it very secure.

The screen is lightweight and can easily be held in your hand. It is also very thin!

Windows 8 was very responsive, and we look forward to testing it out in a full review soon.

So what do you think if the Samsung Ativ Smart PC? Is it something you might consider buying? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

IFA 2012: Samsung Announces Galaxy Note II

Jim McCarthy

Aug 29, 2012

IFA 2012: Samsung Announces Galaxy Note II

Samsung also announced an update for the popular Galaxy Note, the Galaxy Note II. Read on for details.

Samsung announced a new Note, the Galaxy Note II. Here is what they announced:

BE CREATIVE, BE DIFFERENT WITH GALAXY NOTE II

The most powerful smartphone sparks everyone’s creative inspirations

Berlin, Germany – 29^thAugust 2012— Today at the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event held at IFA, in Berlin, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note II, a whole new level of innovation for the Galaxy Note category. The new Samsung Galaxy Note II enables unique experiences in personalised and expressive content creation making it the ultimate smartphone for on-the-go creativity.

Simon Stanford, Vice President, Telecommunications and Networks, Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “Last year at IFA, we launched the Galaxy Note, which opened a new category of smart mobile devices. This year, again at IFA, we are delighted to introduce the Galaxy Note II, which will encourage users to ‘unleash their creativity.’ With an unbeatable viewing experience and unique features, our customers can capture their ideas faster, express thoughts freely and manage tasks more efficiently. This device provides creativity for all, with an extraordinary experience.”

Since the first introduction of the Galaxy Note category, Samsung has continued to enhance and expand Galaxy Note product experiences. In May 2012, Samsung introduced ‘Premium Suite’ software upgrade for enhanced user experiences: With the Ice Cream Sandwich OS upgrade, Samsung offered innovative new features such as Shape Match and Formula Match. In mid August, Samsung expanded the category with the Galaxy Note 10.1, which has a 10.1 inch large screen, multiscreen features for ultimate multitasking, and a natural S Pen experience with enhanced features for users’ productivity, creativity and learning ability.

The Samsung Galaxy Note II helps to unleash users’ creative inner spark by letting them discover information faster, capture ideas, and express them more organised and efficiently. This is easily achieved using the new S Pen, which provides a more precise and natural writing experience that feels like writing with a pen and paper. For all people who want to be creative, different and unique, Samsung Galaxy Note II will be the ideal device to carry everywhere.

Unbeatable viewing experience – See more clearly in one view

The Galaxy Note II features a 5.55” (141mm) HD Super AMOLED display providing brilliant visual clarity. Its 16:9 screen ratio ensures an immersive and enriched movie theatre-like video viewing experience. Its larger screen allows users to see content clearly and vividly, which enhances readability. In addition to the rich content consumption experiences, users will also be able to do more tasks efficiently and create content freely, whilst on-the-go, as Galaxy Note II comes with a thinner, lighter, but yet bigger screen.

Advanced S Pen & S Note usage

Everyday tasks on Samsung Galaxy Note II are made easier and more intuitively using S Pen enabled features. Air View allows you to hover with the S Pen over an email, S Note, S Planner, image galleries, or videos to preview the content without having to open it. This gives you quick access to search and view more information in detail without screen transitions; and the device’s new gesture pad feature called Quick Command lets you use to the S Pen to take shortcuts.

The S Pen’s advanced features also provide enhanced capabilities to capture ideas and inspirations instantly or to combine handwriting with any digital content directly on the screen. By simply pressing the dedicated S Pen button, it magically recognises that you want to clip or edit the selected content on the screen. This action allows you to instantly crop the screen or its contents in any shape required—ready to save, share or paste—and you can also edit Web or digital images instantly with colouring, shading, or your own personal handwriting. It is as quick and easy as pen and paper but better because there is more functionality. Users can also capture screen-shots for instant copying or sharing, or use the Screen Recorder feature to record a whole sequence of actions on their screen— for example, a demonstration of how to use an application—and then share it with friends for comment, or just for fun.

Seamless multitasking

Whether you’re watching a video, texting a friend or sketching an idea, the Galaxy Note II makes multitasking seamless and intuitive with three new features:

Popup Note lets you open an S Note instantly as a pop-up window anywhere on the screen. For example, you might watch a soccer game on the display while looking up a player’s statistics at the same time. Or you can take notes on S Note while your friend gives you directions over the phone, or even sketch the directions as a map during the conversation. Whatever the task, Galaxy Note II has the right tools to keep you active while on-the-go.

Another new multitasking feature is Popup Web. You can now open a web browser anywhere on the screen and open a web link without having to switch between screens.

Thanks to the breadth of Galaxy Note II’s amazing viewing experience, a feature called Popup Video extends the concept of ‘Pop up play.’ While watching a video, with the touch of a button, the video will become a floating window on your display. The video will continue to play and it can be repositioned to any part of the Galaxy Note II’s screen. This versatility means you are free to load other applications beneath it to browse online, connect with friends or plan your day.

IFA 2012: Samsung Announces Galaxy Camera With Android

Android

Gadgets

News

Tech

Jim McCarthy
-

Aug 29, 2012
1

Samsung also announced a new Android-powered Galaxy camera. Read on for details!

Samsung also announced a Jelly Bean-powered Android camera at IFA 2012. Here is the press released from Samsung:

SAMSUNG PRESENTS ‘CAMERA. REBORN.’ – THE GALAXY CAMERA

The new device combines leading-edge camera capabilities with Android™ 4.1 Jellybean and wireless network connectivity, letting users shoot, edit and share images easily anywhere, at any time

Berlin, Germany – August 29^th, 2012 – Today at IFA 2012 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced the launch of the Galaxy Camera. Developed to fit the changing ways we communicate, the Galaxy Camera combines high performance photography with the latest Android™ OS 4.1, Jelly Bean, and wireless network connectivity, creating a brand new type of device for those who wish to shoot, edit and share high quality photographs and video easily and spontaneously from anywhere, at any time.

Robert King, Vice President, Consumer Electronics, Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “In this new era of visual communication the Samsung’s Galaxy Camera marks a breakthrough in convergence technology, combining the leading edge design of our Galaxy mobile products with high performance photographic capability.”

Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of mobile and digital content at Google congratulated the Samsung team on their launch. “When we first started work on Android, we envisioned building a smart camera that would take digital photography to the next level. The Galaxy Camera is an innovative product that speaks to the openness and flexibility of the Android™ platform.”

The Galaxy Camera generates outstanding photography on the go. Users never again have to sacrifice picture quality if they want to edit and share their photos instantly. The Galaxy Camera, boasting a 21x optical touch zoom lens and a super-bright 16M BSI CMOS sensor delivers pictures in brilliant quality. The device also features ‘Smart Pro’ technology, a series of modes that make professional-looking photography easy for anyone to achieve. What truly revolutionises this photography experience is Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean and wireless connectivity, which opens up the device to applications for photo-editing, sharing, and much more. Users will experience all of Galaxy Camera’s great features on a market-leading HD Super Clear Touch Display. With stunning clarity, incredible ease-of-use and unparalleled connectivity, the Galaxy Camera is the next step in imaging innovation.

Shoot stunning quality images

The Galaxy Camera’s ‘Smart Pro’ feature makes it easy to recreate advanced photographic setups in just a few simple steps for stunning artistic results. Using the easy-to-navigate menu system, users can choose from a series of preset scenario options, which will automatically adjust the camera’s settings in order to capture the perfect photo. For example, the ‘Rich Tone’ setting delivers images with greater intensity – particularly effective for reducing overexposure in bright surroundings, while the ‘Light Trace’ setting automatically controls shutter speed for atmospheric night scenes full of light trails.

The Galaxy Camera’s 21x optical zoom can be controlled by either button or touchscreen, rendering long-distance pictures in a quality that users will be proud to share, while OIS ensures that images stay clear and crisp. The camera’s 16-Megapixel 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor captures images in brilliant colour and resolution, while the 23mm aperture lens delivers impressive wide-angle shots incomparable to smartphone pictures.

Enjoy your photos and video on a world-leading display

The Galaxy Camera boasts the world’s largest and most vivid camera display – a 121.2 mm (4.77inch) HD Super Clear LCD screen, which makes it a pleasure to shoot, share and edit images from the palm of the hand. Another advantage of smartphone technology is the Voice Control option, which allows the user to control a number of functions such as ‘Zoom in’ and ‘Shoot’ through voice. All these features are housed in a beautifully designed, ergonomic body with the Galaxy Camera’s minimal, organic design complementing its easy-to-use professional features.

Edit and perfect images on your device

The Galaxy Camera includes a comprehensive set of 35 powerful photo editing features through the ‘Photo Wizard’, allowing users to make professional quality edits on the go. The new features take advantage of the ultrafast quad-core processor and HD Super Clear LCD, giving access to a feature like Auto Face Calibration so edits can be made in precise detail and with ease. The ‘Movie Wizard’ also allows users to create and edit expert quality videos easily from the touch screen.

The Galaxy Camera also features ‘Smart Content Manager’, an innovative on-device organisation tool which intelligently creates folders, tags faces, and even suggests which pictures to delete when they don’t come out as desired. Thanks to the combination of wireless connectivity and Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, the internet capabilities of the Galaxy Camera are equal to those of the latest smartphone so that users can get even more enjoyment out of their device. In addition to the pre-installed applications from Samsung, users can browse the web and enjoy any applications from Google Play or Samsung Apps stores, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Skype. If users are not sure which app to download, a user can use ‘S Suggest’, to help them discover a new photo editing app or fun game to download.

Hands-on with the Sony VAIO Duo 11 Windows 8 Slider Ultrabook Hybrid

Microsoft

News

Reviews

Tech

Andrew Edney
-

Aug 29, 2012
0

Tonight at IFA, Sony announced their Windows 8 Slider Ultrabook Hybrid called the VAIO Duo 11, and after the press conference we got some hands-on time with it.

A Closer Look

The Stylus

Using the stylus makes it very easy to draw on the screen. The stylus itself is very lightweight and feels very natural in your hand.

The Ports

There are all the usual ports you would expect from a Sony VAIO included.

Final Thoughts

This is a very nice bit of kit – it was very responsive, and felt natural to use, as was the case with the stylus.

Opening and closing the “lid” was easy and it didn’t feel like I was going to break it!

No news from Sony on a price yet, but it will be available by the end of October, so watch this space for more details and a full review nearer time.

What do you think of the VAIO Duo 11? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

IFA 2012: Samsung Announces New Windows 8 and Windows Phone Devices

Microsoft

News

Phones

Tablets & Slates

Tech

Jim McCarthy
-

Aug 29, 2012
1

At IFA in Berlin, Samsung announced new Windows 8 and Windows Phone devices. We have the details!

A little earlier today, we told you about the Samsun ATIV S Windows Phone 8 device that Microsoft announced. We now have the formal Samsung announcement as well as their announcement of their new Windows 8 tablets. Here are the Samsung announcement:

Samsung introduces Ativ family from Smart PCs, Tablets, and Smartphones with a true unified Windows experience

Berlin, Germany – 29^th August, 2012 – Today at IFA 2012, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced its brand-new Ativ devices based on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 platforms for Smart PCs, tablets and smartphones.

With the introduction of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system, Samsung introduces “Ativ”, the new brand for its Windows-based devices. Ativ, the reverse order of Vita meaning “Life” in Latin, is a pledge by Samsung to make everyone’s life easier. The full range of Windows 8 powered devices will enable this goal. The Samsung Ativ Smart PC, Ativ Smart PC Pro, Ativ Tab, and Ativ S, offers a full range of Ativ devices. Samsung is one of very few companies that are capable of offering such a diverse product line-up and is committed to offering more choices based on Windows 8 for consumers.

Graham Long, Vice President, Corporate Sales and IT Solutions, Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “Samsung is delighted to introduce a wide portfolio of Windows 8 powered devices and our new Ativ range. With our leadership in design and technology and Microsoft’s leadership in operating systems, together we are able to provide customers with a full range of Ativ devices for cross-category convergence.”

Nick Parker, Corporate Vice President, OEM, Microsoft, said: “Samsung is a highly valued partner and it’s great to see this investment in a global brand for its Windows-based Smart PCs, tablets, and phones. This gives us an increased opportunity to inspire our customers with excitement and confidence as they enjoy Windows experiences across their beautiful Samsung devices, including entertainment scenarios, mobile productivity and cloud services.”

Samsung’s Ativ devices are simple, powerful and beautiful. The Windows 8 operating system is sleek, intuitive and compatible across devices. Together Samsung and Microsoft will provide users with an advanced, productive and creative experience with its Ativ devices. Its full line-up is designed for a simple user experience to share work and ideas as well as enjoy consuming content.

Furthermore, Samsung’s Windows devices are enhanced with Samsung’s own unique services and content. The Samsung Family Story feature provides fun and intuitive content sharing. Samsung ChatON service complements Microsoft’s popular People Hub to provide a wide range of social communication options across these versatile devices.

Samsung Ativ Smart PC & Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro

Combing revolutionary design, the power of a notebook PC and the convenience of a tablet PC – the 11.6-inch Samsung Ativ Smart PC and Ativ Smart PC Pro are Samsung’s next set of smart devices. These provide computing power, with Windows 8 functionality as well as full Windows 7 compatibility. Each device features a detachable keyboard-docking system that allows users to easily switch between a clamshell notebook PC and a tablet PC form factor. These devices allow for great mobility with maximum productivity.

An advanced 10-finger multi-touch screen provides a technological leap in interactivity, surpassing the traditional two-finger touch features. Its enhanced sensitivity allows users to pinch-to-zoom, rotate images and scroll through pages with ease to enjoy the full capabilities of the latest entertainment applications.

In addition to the commonly provided input methods, the Ativ Smart PC and Ativ Smart PC Pro are equipped with the renowned S Pen, delivering real writing and drawing experience for maximum productivity, both on the desk and on-the-go. Just like using a pen or pencil, the Wacom digitiser pen is capable of meeting demands of professional designers with its 1024 level pressure sensitivity. The pre-loaded S Note application accompanies the S-Pen to make writing and drawing as simple and intuitive as possible.

While the S Camera fully exploits the performance of the integrated front and rear cameras, the S-Player ensures seamless playback of images and videos in any format. This content is presented with Samsung’s SuperBright 11.6-inch Full HD LCD display, producing the most vivid colours and sharpness with 400nit brightness.

Beautifully stylish and ultra-portable, the Ativ Smart PC and Ativ Smart PC Pro are only 9.9mm and 11.9mm thick, respectively; and there are no compromises on performance. The Ativ Smart PC Pro’s powerful Intel^® Core^™ i5 processor can handle particularly demanding professional use and multimedia consumption; while the Ativ Smart PC’s next generation Intel^® Atom™ processor is a solid match for everyday productivity tasks.

Despite its compact and portable form factor, the two devices feature USB 2.0 (Smart PC), two USB 3.0 (Smart PC Pro), mHDMI, miniSD and two extra USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard. To get the experience going, the Ativ Smart PC has a battery life of up to 13.5 hours whereas its stronger sister device, the Ativ Smart PC Pro, runs up to 8 hours.

IFA 2012: Sony announces the VAIO Duo 11 Windows 8 Slider Ultrabook Hybrid

Microsoft

News

Tech

Andrew Edney
-

Aug 29, 2012
0

Tonight at IFA, Sony announced their VAIO Duo 11 which is what they are referring to as a slider Ultrabook hybrid – oh, and it runs Windows 8!

Surf Slider design transforms full-function Ultrabook PC into tablet operating mode for on-the-go computing

Slim and light: weighs approximately 1.3kg and 17.85mm thin

11.6” wide view Full HD touchscreen

Comfortable and precise hand-writing experience with a digitizer stylus pen

Made in Japan with quality craftsmanship that only Sony can deliver

Boost your productivity and creativity with VAIODuo 11, the PC from Sony that also turns into a smart, intuitive touchscreen tablet.

With its premium Surf Slider design, the powerful VAIO Duo 11 PC switches smoothly between keyboard and tablet modes to give the best computing experience.

Pick up the VAIO Duo 11 in one hand and use in tablet mode to browse the web or enjoy music and videos while you’re travelling. In the office, slide out the keyboard and maximise your productivity with a fully-featured PC powered by latest-generation Intel® Core™ processors.

The VAIO Duo 11 puts touch and handwriting right at the heart of your Windows 8 computing experience. Write, sketch and interact with media and applications on the responsive, super-bright Full HD OptiContrast™ Panel. A unique pressure-sensitive digitizer stylus gives the satisfying, expressive feel of handwriting directly on the touchscreen. Make notes, sketch diagrams or circle key points on your presentation with smooth responses. Smart text recognition even lets you quickly convert handwritten notes to text for easy archiving and searches.

A choice of swappable pen tips lets you select between a firm or softer writing feel. With selected apps, the VAIO Duo 11 even recognises when you’re writing, cleverly ignoring the pressure of your palm on the touchscreen.

Sharing photos and videos is a pleasure on the super-bright 11.6” Full HD OptiContrast™ Panel. Friends and family will enjoy detail-packed, high contrast pictures with a wide viewing angle.

Don’t let your PC slow things down when you’re in a hurry. Quick Boot gets you up and running in seconds. When you need a break, VAIO powers down into a deep energy-saving sleep mode, keeping your documents safe. With RapidWake + Eco, everything’s ready for instant wake-up, just as you left it.

An optional Sheet-type battery extends battery life, and also incorporates a handy digitizer stylus holder.

Despite its slim size, the VAIO Duo 11 is ready for business with a full complement of ports and interfaces including Bluetooth® Smart Ready, USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet and VGA video ports. You don’t need extra dongles or adapters to hook up a projector or secondary screen: everything’s on board.

There’s a generous choice of apps to make the most of the unique touch experience offered by VAIO Duo 11.

Active Clip™ makes it easy to crop photos and graphics with no special image editing skills. Just draw roughly around the edge of your chosen picture with the digitizer stylus. Active Clip™ uses technology developed by Sony that automatically detects edges and cuts out the background. Then drop the cleanly-bordered image straight into documents or presentations.

‘Note Anytime for VAIO’ lets you make handwritten notes any time… just like using a real notebook. (NB: this application will be available by download after VAIO Duo 11 on-sale date).

There’s also an add-in for PowerPoint that brings extra impact and interaction to your presentations. Use the digitizer stylus to highlight points as you talk and capture audience feedback.

The VAIO Duo 11 also provides rich networked entertainment experiences. Through Sony’s One-touch function, you can easily and instantaneously enjoy music and photos across an array of NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled Sony devices. Simply touch one device against another, and instantly establish a wireless connection without the need for any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi set up. For example, it’s easy to continue listening to music stored on your VAIO through Bluetooth® headphones or speakers with One-touch function.

You can also enjoy full access to millions of songs and themed radio channels at any time via Sony Entertainment Network’s Music Unlimited service.

Expand your entertainment experience even further with three new apps by Sony that are available for free download.

The ‘Music’ application lets you enjoy your music collection with superb quality thanks to xLoud and ClearPhase.

The ‘Album’ application makes viewing, sorting or sharing pictures and videos fun and intuitive. Simple sharing lets you ‘throw’ or stream personal photos, video content and more to enjoy on DLNA compatible large screen TVs.

Both applications let you ‘throw’ or stream personal photos, video and music content to enjoy on DLNA compatible large screen TV and audio systems.

‘Socialife’ is a unique application that organises your social and information world. View, sort and manage all your SNS and news feeds through one stylish user interface, alongside your friends’ feeds and posts. Mark interesting articles for later reading when you’re not so busy. Based on what your friends are reading, Socialife also points you to other popular topics and even suggests content that you might like.

Find out more about Socialife: http://app.sel.sony.com/socialife/en/index.html

Optional accessories include a screen protection cover and carrying case that protects the VAIO Duo 11 while you’re travelling.

The new VAIO Duo 11 convertible Ultrabook PC will be available from the end of October 2012 from Sony Centres and Dixons.

Key specifications

Model VAIO^TM Duo

Processor Intel® Core™ i7-3517U or Intel® Core™ i5-3317U

Operating System Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro

Memory 4GB or 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz SDRAM

Drive 128GB or 256GB SSD

Screen 29.4cm (11.6”) OptiContrast™ Panel;

Full HD (1920×1080) with wide (16:9) aspect ratio; capacitive touchscreen

*”OptiContrast” is a trademark of Sony Corporation

Graphics Intel® HD Graphics 4000

Others WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n; Bluetooth^® Ver. 4.0 + HS; Ethernet (1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T x 1); USB 3.0 (x1), USB 3.0 with USB charge (x1); VGA out; HDMI out; Memory Stick Duo / SD memory card combined slot; stereo speakers with xLOUD™ ; Full HD Web Cameras (x2, front and rear facing) powered by ‘Exmor for PC’ (2.07 megapixels); Sensors (NFC, GPS, Accelerometer, Gyro, Digital Compass); Windows button; rotation lock button; digitizer stylus; optional extended battery pack

Dimensions (DxHxW) Approx. 320 mm x 17.85 mm x 199 mm

Weight Approx. 1.3kg (with standard supplied battery)

This looks like a very nice bit of kit – we got some hands-on with it after the press conference, so stay tuned for that!

QNAP Updates Peripherals for Turbo NAS Line

Tech

Jim McCarthy
-

Aug 29, 2012
0

QNAP added another two hard drives to the compatibility list for Turbo NAS today. Read on for details.

QNAP added two new hard drives to the compatibility list for Turbo NAS today. Here are the details:

Taipei, Taiwan, August 28, 2012 – QNAP^® Systems, Inc. is extending the number of compatible peripherals for its Turbo NAS products, the additions including one Seagate^® 2TB 3.5-inch and one 2.5-inch 500GB internal SATA hard drive.
The compatible 3.5″ internal SATA hard drive is listed below:

Seagate^® – ST32000645NS (2TB)

The compatible 2.5″ internal SATA hard drive is listed below:

Seagate^® – ST95005620AS (500GB)

It is important to use hard drives that are compatible with your Turbo NAS unit, so make sure that you check the compatibility list on QNAP’s website for your model.

Microsoft Announces First WP8 Handset at IFA

Microsoft

Phones

Tech

Jim McCarthy
-

Aug 29, 2012
3

Microsoft announced the first Windows Phone 8 handset: the Samsung ATIV S. Read on for details.

Microsoft today announced the first Windows Phone 8 handset, the Samsung ATIV S. Here is some of what Microsoft announced:

Specs

Inside the crazy-thin 8.7mm brushed aluminum chassis is a huge 4.8” HD Super AMOLED display made from Corning Gorilla Glass 2 (read: tough to break, but still light)and a rundown of killer specs: 1.5Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of onboard RAM, and an 8MP autofocus rear camera and 1.9MP front-facing camera. You’ll have the choice of two storage capacities – 16GB or 32GB – and both models have a MicroSD slot for expanded storage. Backing all of this up is a massive 2300mAh battery to keep you rocking all day.

Look & Feel

Samsung did a heck of a job packing the latest and greatest tech into the ATIV S, but what’s even more impressive is how great the phone feels when you pick it up. Despite having a 4.8” display, which makes the ATIV S one of the bigger phones on the market, it doesn’t feel that big. I attribute that to three things. The first is that the ATIV S is impossibly thin – obvious, yes – but still important. The second is more subtle; Samsung made the bezel of the ATIV S an oblong hemisphere (hello, Art History degree, I missed you). In English that means that the bezel actually bulges out slightly, then tapers more acutely to the back. This makes the ATIV extremely comfortable to hold and keeps your fingers off the screen when it’s in your hand (smart!).

The third, and in my opinion most important, is weight and balance. When designing a handheld device engineers walk a fine line – too light and the device feels cheap, too heavy and it’s cumbersome. Samsung’s ATIV S walks this tightrope with ease; it’s solid but not heavy, and it’s perfectly balanced so your hand doesn’t get fatigued. I’ve been using mine for a few days and not once did I have to do to the “I-need-to-put-this-thing-down-and-shake-out-my-hand-because-my-fingers-are-going-numb” thing.

Final thoughts

The ATIV S is flat-out beautiful, and it has the guts to match. But what’s impressed me most about the ATIV S is Samsung’s attention to detail. To get to your Start screen, you hit a raised physical Windows button, not a capacitive one. The speaker bar on the front and the back, as well as all of the buttons, are aluminum, not plastic. And the display glass has just the slightest of rounded edges. It all adds up to a device that looks great, feels great, and performs great.

Here are some of the photos that Microsoft published…

Andrew is on the ground in Berlin at IFA, and here’s hoping that he can get some more data like radios supported, carrier support, world phone capability, etc. This looks like a great WP8 flagship from Samsung and is very good news!
Microsoft Blog Post on ATIV S

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