High Tech just in your Pocket

2020-02-02T14:20:00.000+05:30

"Distribution Inefficiency" in telecommunication products

2012-11-06T01:09:00.001+05:30

by Alan Razmi
During past few days I was reviewing different market places for similar products (in my case, smart phones) and I was surprisingly shocked and confused in terms of availability, services, price, etc. and I've found a great deal of failure in efficient distribution plans and policies...

Nowadays when we purchase a smart phone - in my example - we are not just buying a device but getting other many things extra and beside it such as few accessories like speaker headphones, power adapters, connection cables, manuals, services and also apps pre-installed in to that device. so by purchasing one device we already get more than one item in which some can be replaced, purchased, repaired or removed separately and individually dealt as an extra item. in to that we should add lots and lots of other accessories that are available for one or set of devices as peripherals which in my point of view are as important and required as the device itself, such as bluetooth headsets/keyboard and mouses, speakers, stands and ducks, chargers, cables, cases, batteries, etc. that are produced by the same phone manufacturer and exclusively for it's own products.

So as we see above each manufacturer faces a great value of different products that are somehow related but yet need different considerations in planning, production, distribution and so on... and here is where the problem occurs.

What I sow during my review was a huge gap between producing different productions and to make them ready and available in different market places... to illustrate this issue I'll set an example...

I was looking for a smartphone to purchase and also some of it's peripherals like a stand, an extra battery and charger, a USB OTG connector, a protecting case and a high capacity micro SD memory card... and guess what ? I could not get what I wanted in just one market or even I could not get it at all in any market itself despite of having them launched already and it is really annoying.

First of all, the manufacturer informed about 3 variation of the device with different memory capacities in which they only launched the entry level of it (in where I'm right now) with the least memory size (16 GB) but with a very appropriate price tag so perhaps the other two higher versions would be more expensive in which I prefer to pay and to get them but there is no any trace of them any where so I've tried to contact the manufacturer and request for more further info. and as you know, no proper respond.
Next I've realized there are even more variations of the same device and it made the case even more confusing with different options, accessories coming with device, apps, networks so on and so forth based on different locations (even if they might be under the same network structure).
Further, I've found that in some market areas (locations) which the device is launched, it is not a complete set of prompted devices in terms of specifications/capacities, either they launched just the lower version (like where I am now) or higher one's which results in to even more confusion and customer inconvenience and by the time they start to launch them, the device itself is out dated and old enough to discourage me not to go for it.
Finally and more importantly is the case of peripherals and their availability in different locations; and believe me that is the one which makes my review full-fledged... in those places that the device is not yet launched I've found a plenty number of genuine peripherals already available and on the other hand lack of extras in the locations that the device is launched and being sold.

I believe what I've mentioned above is what every one of us have experienced, though in different fields and products but mostly in the same level and feel. I think this is just a result of miss planning and targeting in which leads directly into product distribution inefficiency and also into more confusion for customers as it will force them to choose their choices among only few options that are available or are given by the manufacturer for that period of time due to lack of availability and though they are aware of other options that suits them better.

As every body knows, telecommunication devices ranged from mobile phones to the smart phones and newly-come favorite tablets, all are as important as their exclusive or common extra peripherals in which the variety of them and number of productions just shows and tells about their demands.

I personally found it not pleasant struggling a lot to get exactly what I want though I know every item of it is ready and launched but I should still search around the world, collecting them just like the pieces of a puzzle and from different market places and with lots of difficulties so I might finally get what I've planed to buy at the first place.

And yet there is not any clear response or answer to this confusion and discomfort, at least not in my case and not from my reviewed manufacturer...

So what do you think about this matter ? and What are the reasons of it in your point of view ? Have you ever experienced the same ? just share with us what do you think and what can be done ?

by Alan Razmi

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Samsung Galaxy Note II presented and launched in Inida

2012-09-30T04:41:00.002+05:30

OK... finally the waits are over and the gigantic Samsung's super smart phone - the second generation - Samsung Galaxy Note II, was arrived, Presented and Launched in India on 27th of September in Hyderabad.

Recorded coverage of the event can be found further at the bottom of this post but before hovering the page all to the down, a little bit about the event itself...

Unfortunately the day of launch and event was not so well informed resulting in being some how a private session and it was for sure one of the calmest events that Samsung (particularly Samsung India) has made till date which is not suitable for a very successive device such as " Note " in my point of view.

The other disappointing matter was the launch of only 16GB version just like the original model which was again a really annoying part of the show as every body should wait even longer right after the launch so they may, I repeat, they may get them or NOT as it happened in the case of the original Note that the higher version (32 GB) was never showed up. and as you know by now, there are three versions of Galaxy Note II, 16, 32 and 64 GB of internal storage capacities...

But that was not all the pain... End of the event as usual was the Media's turn to participate and ask key questions about the specs, more info and details of presented device(s) and believe me as it was really out of Material, Enthusiasm, Mind and Thinking, Relativity, Key Point, etc. and almost non of the questions were directly about Galaxy Note II and specially launch date of the other versions, but the Samsung market place, business plans and even iPhone.

I believe the audience of the show were wrongly targeted and invited or maybe they were lost their ways to another event held by Samsung or they just went there to have fun and take some photos only with "Imtiaz" - a film maker whom I enjoyed his experiences with the device by the way - but even with out holding the device in hand... !! or perhaps they just went there to occupy some chairs and enjoy the free brochures and lunch right after the show and I didn't see any other reason other those above, judge yourself anyway...

OK, I know what you may think... Maybe just because I'm not satisfy with this short launch (only 16 GB version), I'm a bit more pessimist this time which I'll accept but believe me I have written at least 4 e-mail messages to them about the matter since one month prior to the launch and yet nothing happened.

Over all it was clear that they have managed to conduct the event in a very short time so it was not so well organized as even the display was cranked and was not positioned correctly beside many other things to consider...

Any ways, I hope we can hear good news about all versions availability soon before many including myself shift to other markets abroad to get the higher versions as we waited long enough to have this great piece of tech.

enjoy the show and so the great Samsung Galaxy Note II, after the break...

by Alan Razmi

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Apple iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S3

2012-09-13T01:42:00.000+05:30

When it comes to rivalry in the smartphone Universe, the dispute does not come any more intense than it is between Apple’s iPhone line and Samsung’s Galaxy S line.

Samsung and Apple are the two absolute leaders in the smartphone market, account for 50% of the smartphones sold each month (Apple sells an iPhone for any two smartphones sold by Samsung) and 90% of all profits made during the first quarter by all smartphone manufacturers, not to mention that the two giants and are involved in numerous legal battles across the globe.

For all intents and purposes, I find it fairly safe to claim that Apple is Samsung’s nemesis and vice versa, which is kind of a strange thing considering that the South Korean giant has manufactured a lot of the components that you can find in the new Apple iPad and the iPhone 4S. Apple is now rumored to diversify its supply chain sources, although reason dictates that this will surely draw a moderate hole in the Cupertino based profit margins.

Now that Apple has finally unveiled the most hyped smartphone in the history of mankind (it’s funny how I used to say the exact same thing about the Samsung Galaxy S3 when I was comparing it against the HTC One X a few months back), it is time for a thorough analysis of the differences between the Apple iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Though it will be difficult for Android lovers as well as for Apple fan boys to come to a conclusion on which phone is superior than the other but the only thing to cheer about is that in a constant completion effort by Apple and Samsung, end customer can hope for better innovation and better value for their money. So, to give you an in depth analysis, here we are with the point-to-point comparison chart which will help you to differentiate in terms of specs disclosed by Apple.

Comparison Parameter	Samsung Galaxy S3	Apple iPhone 5
Operating System	Android Ice Cream Sandwich**Upgradeable to Jellybean	IOS 6
Screen Size & Pixels	4.8 inches with 720 x 1280 pixels	4.0 inches with 640 x 1136 pixels
Network Band	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900LTE**In Select Countries	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900LTE 700 MHz Class 13 / 17 (Verizon & AT&T)
Dimensions	136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm	123.8 x 58.5 x 7.6 mm
Weight	133 gms	112 gms
Screen Type	Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with 16M colors	LED backlit IPS TFT with 16M colors
CPU & Chipset	Exynos 4412 Quad Core	Apple A6 Quad Core
RAM	1GB	1GB
FM Radio	Stereo FM with RDS	Not Available
Rear Camera	8 MP with 3264×2448 pixels & LED Flash with Simultaneous HD video and image recording	8 MP with 3264×2448 pixels & LED Flash
Secondary Camera	1.9 MP with Recording at 720p@30fps	1.3 MP with Recording at 720p@30fps
Sim Card	Micro SIM	Nano SIM
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
USB Connectivity	Supports USB on the Go	Doesn’t Support USB On the Go, Normal USB Connectivity
Connectivity Standards / Speed	HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps	DC-HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, LTE, 100 Mbps; Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Plus Cellular
Internal Memory Options	16/32/64 GB storage	16/32/64 GB storage
External SD Card Support	Yes, maximum up to 64GB	Not Available
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP Support and EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)	Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP Support
NFC	Yes	Not Available
FM Recording	Yes	Not Available
Colors	Pebble Blue, Marble White, Garnet Red	Black & White
Battery	Li-Ion 2100 mAh	Li-Po 1440 mAH
Stand By Time	590hrs	225hrs
Availability	Now Available in Stores Near You	From September 21 in Select Countries
Price	Country Dependent	Starting $199**With 2 years Contract

So which one is better: the Galaxy S3 or the iPhone 5? Well, I know most of you were hoping for a definitive answer, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s really all about personal preference!

The Samsung Galaxy S3 has the advantage of a bigger display and an array of customizations that can be made thanks to its Android operating system.

The Apple iPhone 5 has the advantage of a better optimized ecosystem, no LTE compromises, as well as slightly better internal specs.

So what do you guys think? Which one is better and why? Drop us a line in the comment section below and share your takes, will you?

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iPhone 5: the rumor roundup

2012-09-11T21:31:00.000+05:30

We're on the cusp of Apple's sixth iPhone launch, and there's very different expectations than there were last year. The 2011 rumor cycle left more than a few people burned: the later-than-usual October launch and repeated claims of a heavily-remade design led some to a disappointment when the iPhone 4S arrived, even though the final product had a slew of camera, speed and voice command upgrades. This year, the rumors have been grounded well before there was an event date in our hands.

There have been fewer instances of wild rumors. Instead, it's been based more around pragmatism, using either tangible leaks or sources that have a solid track record. Think of the perennial leaks from the Wall Street Journal or the increasingly well-established sourcing from iMore and The Loop. Whether you're conspiracy-minded or not, it's been hard to ignore the sheer number of claims that have tamped down expectations rather than inflated them. It's as though there's a collective fear we'll see a repeat of the 2011 hysteria and deal with fans (or detractors) complaining about missing features that were never promised in the first place.

Where last summer was full of uncertainty, this year there's a mounting consensus as to what we'll see, how we'll get it, and when. Tracking everything that's been mentioned may be a handful, however. With that in mind, we'll dive in and gauge what's likely to emerge from behind Apple's curtain on September 12th -- as well as what we can rule out from the get-go.

Name: just how minimalist does Apple want to be?

Another year, another iPhone naming controversy. Apple's decision to refer to the 2012 iPad update as just the new iPad has raised suspicions that the crew in Cupertino might just call its next smartphone "the new iPhone" and leave it at that. It's still plausible, but the conspicuous "5" shadow in Apple's event invitation has thrown a monkey wrench into the equation -- will the next model be called the iPhone 5? It depends on just how simplified Apple would like its line to be, although there's reason to think Apple is willing to be more verbose than with its tablet. Unlike the iPad line, where there's never been more than one current device and one hand-me-down ancestor, Apple has been juggling three iPhones at once. Having to sell "the new iPhone" alongside the iPhone 4 and 4S carries a risk of complicating the lineup where "iPhone 5" could make it all neat and tidy.

Hardware: a big break, a familiar tune

The one constant of the iPhone for its five-year history has been the screen size. From the beginning, every iPhone ever made has had a 3.5-inch display. While that has done wonders for consistency and pocketability, it's also been a growing liability: what was once huge is now tiny in an era where even mainstream phones are bordering on gargantuan. Thankfully, one of the most evidence-laden rumors suggests Apple will buck its tradition and go with a taller screen. The most common belief is that Apple will rely on a roughly 4- or 4.1-inch, 1,136 x 640 display that would run legacy titles at their native resolution while supplying more space for the home screen, media and optimized apps. There's also been talk of Apple using a thinner, better panel that would likely use in-cell touch rather than stack the LCD and touch surfaces in separate layers. Some pinpoint LG Display as the screen architect in the wake of initial supply troubles at Sharp, although it's hard to know given the secrecy surrounding Apple suppliers, even after new products are shipping.

Let's not forget the new dock connector while we're on the subject of breaking traditions. As long as what we've seen is real, the new iPhone will represent the first time Apple has tinkered significantly with its docking port since 2003, which might as well be an eon ago in the technology world. It might do more than help Apple strive towards its goals of ever thinner devices -- there's been unconfirmed rumors of an easy, orientation-independent design and faster speeds. Regardless of what the connector can do, there's increasing odds that a legion of accessories will be rendered obsolete overnight. We're hoping that murmurs of cheap adapters for older accessories are true.

If the screen isn't big enough by itself, there's a very distinct possibility we'll finally see LTE in the iPhone. Nothing's confirmed, but the writing on the wall has been too large to ignore. Never mind LTE in the 2012 iPad. We've seen AT&T, Sprint and Verizon publicly swear off releasing new smartphones thatdon't include LTE; Apple may not have much of a choice. At least there's indications that the wait will have been worthwhile. If we're to believe tips, the next iPhone will have global LTE that, by definition, requires a newer chipset than what we saw in the iPad and most anything else on the market. It's unlikely that we'll see 4G on every carrier, but the expanded support may echo the Nokia Lumia 920 in covering a sufficiently wide swath of the world with faster speeds. The US is a lock for any LTE, and we wouldn't be surprised to see Canada, South Korea and other key countries on the speedier data path. More importantly, the chipset could be miserly enough to let Apple keep its thin design while mustering reasonable battery life. CEO Tim Cook has sworn Apple won't make compromises for LTE, and we can't imagine that he would go back on his word after waiting this long. Just be prepared to hunt down a new nano-SIM card.

In spite of all this new technology, there's already some worry that the new iPhone might be ho-hum precisely for what hasn't changed -- from what we can tell through numerous shell leaks, the next iPhone may appear eerily similar to what we already know. Most of the changes could come from a partly metal (and more durable) metal back as well as a thinner, 0.3-inch thick body. We wouldn't necessarily dismiss the design ourselves, mind you. That Dieter Rams-inspired look is still considered iconic in some circles, and Apple has often touted the steel outside antenna band as a selling point that it's unlikely to drop all that quickly.

Uncertainties: chips, cameras and software

As much as we might think we know about the next iPhone, the processor could well be its biggest riddle. At best, we've only seen the briefest mentions of a possible S5L8950X chip. Apple's recent history of introducing a new chip with every iPad and optimizing it for the iPhone would suggest a power-optimized version of the A5X from the iPad, and that's roughly the minimum we'd plan to see. Still, the switch to smaller chipmaking processes opens up a slew of options that could include higher clock speeds or four cores without as much of a hit to battery life. There's also a slim chance of encountering ARM's next-generation Cortex-A15, which could theoretically be on the streets before the end of 2012. We're not counting on the A15 ourselves -- there's a lot challenges behind producing a cutting-edge processor on the massive scale that Apple demands.

It only gets more nebulous from there. We've heard no mention at all of changes to the cameras, storage, WiFi and other components that often get tuneups with each update. Apple just isn't in as much of a rush to upgrade the camera this year: most rivals are still using 8-megapixel sensors that, as good as they are, won't trigger regret among iPhone 4S owners. Likewise, Apple may not feel the need to start with more than 16GB of storage at the base, and there's no mobile 802.11ac WiFi chips lurking about.

Software is a safer bet. We've seen iOS 6, so there's little mystery on a core level. What we haven't seen is any special features that might be reserved for Apple's latest and greatest. The company tends to keep certain features secret right up to the last minute, whether it's the iPhone 3GS' compass in 2009 or the iPhone 4S' Siri voice commands last year. We're not bracing for a makeover, but we do know Apple loves its surprises.

Doubtfuls: NFC and T-Mobile

Despite all the seeming likelihoods for the 2012 iPhone update, there's a few elements that are improbable at best. True, Apple has regularly teased us with patents for NFC in the iPhone, and made the speculation all the worse with a Passbook feature in iOS 6 that seems tailor-made for mobile payments -- but in practice, there's no signs that our dreams of a tap-to-pay iPhone are about to come true. Part leaks we've seen don't have any smoking gun NFC elements, and Apple likely can't use NFC given its other design choices. Proper NFC antennas require an uninterrupted signal on the back of the phone, and the metal construction we've seen so far would produce too weak a signal.

By the same token, we'd downplay hopes of an official iPhone deal for T-Mobile USA in the immediate future. The carrier is emphasizing unlocked iPhones just a little too strongly to have an official agreement lurking in the background. Its network just isn't ready, for that matter. T-Mobile has been refarming 3G spectrum to get those iPhones humming on HSPA+, but its coverage is inconsistent and isn't matched with an LTE deployment like at the other three big networks. For now, it's more probable that AT&T, Sprint and Verizon will remain the primary choices in the US.

Release date: where and when?

It's the big question, really. Apple has been developing a trend of fast turnarounds between announcement and launch of its iOS devices that has the product ship on Friday the next week, which would make the in-store date the same September 21st that we've heard before. Barring a delay, there's not much mystery left for at least the US, and we'd anticipate at least a few other nations joining the initial launch. About the only wildcard left is the second wave; there's been talk at iMore of Apple once again waiting two weeks to expand its reach to more countries, this time on October 5th. Accurate or not, we don't expect Apple to stray very far from the familiar script. The company has had five years to practice, and its new iPhone introductions are very nearly down to an artform.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 2 hands on by SamsungMobile

2012-08-31T17:01:00.000+05:30

Bellow is the almost quick hands on Samsung's new fantastic giant piece of tech of it's Galaxy family - though it is more like a universe these days !!! - known as Galaxy Note 2; including some of it's aspects and new features published officially by SamsungMobile...

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Lenovo officially intros the IdeaPad S2110 hybrid tablet at IFA 2012

2012-08-31T08:15:00.000+05:30

IFA 2012, which has just opened its doors to tech enthusiasts yesterday in Berlin, isn’t just a place to announce and showcase never-seen-before products that have yet to hit the market. In Lenovo’s case, it’s also an opportunity to give an “old” product its moment in the spotlight. Aside from introducing some fresh slates, namely the IdeaTab A2107 and the IdeaTab A2109, Lenovo also took the time to debut the IdeaPad S2110. Wait, isn’t this the same tablet that has been on sale since last month?

Perhaps, Lenovo feels the IdeaTab S2110 deserves a second wind. What better place to garner more press attention than the one event where journalists and consumers alike hunt for the latest and greatest gizmos and gadgets?

At this point, we pretty much know the ins and outs of the Lenovo IdeaPad S2110. But for folks who may have missed the excitement before, here are the specs of the hybrid tablet once more:

10.1-inch IPS HD display
Dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor
16GB/32GB onboard storage
1GB RAM
5MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash
1.3MP HD front-facing camera
Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi b/g/n, GPS
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

When we say hybrid, it’s not just a buzz word that serves no real purpose. Like the Asus Transformer series, the IdeaPad S2110 has an optional keyboard dock of its own – one that allows you to get the netbook-like experience when using the combo.

At a mere $399, the 16GB Lenovo IdeaPad S2110 is quite a steal for those in search of a great 10.1-inch tablet that’s already available in the market. If you think you’ll be doing a lot of typing on the tablet, you may want to opt for the tablet + keyboard deal that Lenovo is offering for $499.

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Lenovo outs 7-inch IdeaTab A2107, no pricing and release date announced just yet

2012-08-31T08:00:00.000+05:30

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with Lenovo’s hectic tablet branding, but we can at least try to do that, can’t we? After unveiling the 9-inch IdeaTab A2109, the Chinese have made the 7-inch A2107 official too. Confused much? Wait till you get a hold of the IdeaTab A2105, also expected to be revealed at the IFA 2012.

Aside from the confusingly similar names and a couple of design points, the A2107 shouldn’t be very difficult to set apart from its bigger “brother”, the A2109. Not only is the A2107 smaller, but it’s also more modestly equipped and will most likely target tech users on a very tight budget.

Sporting a 7-inch display with 1024 x 600 pixels resolution, the brand new IdeaTab is powered by a pretty modest 1GHz MTK Cortex-A9 processor. This should however not be as disappointing as we thought in the past, being a dual-core unit and not a single-core.

There’s 1GB of RAM under the 7-incher’s hood, as well as a bunch of connectivity options, modems and radios including Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and WCDMA/GSM. In terms of storage, there’ll be three different versions of the tab, equipped with 4, 8 and 16GB of on-board memory. All these will come with microSD support and will either have Wi-Fi or both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity options.

Unlike one of its most important future competitors (Google’s Nexus 7), Lenovo’s 7-incher will come with dual cameras. Neither of those two “shooters” won’t be extremely capable though, with the rear-facing one being equipped with a 2MP sensor, while the front-facing webcam will be an even more modest VGA unit.

One particular detail that might sweeten the deal is the A2107’s soft matte finish and roll cage enclosure, which should make the 7-incher stronger than your average tab, resistant to bumps, bruises and scratches. We certainly hope this added layer of protection won’t cancel the slate’s portability, although we’ll have to wait and see, as we have no information yet on its weight or thickness.

The A2107 will run Android 4.0 ICS upon launch and, while we can certainly hope for a swift upgrade to Jelly Bean, that’s unlikely to happen by the end of the year. As for the battery capacity, that hasn’t been officially detailed, but is thought to be of 3,700mAh.

Lenovo is still mysterious on the tablet’s release and all we know right now is that it’ll be made available “sometime in September”. We have no clue on the pricing either, but we should hear something soon. After all, September is just around the corner.

Who here thinks that Lenovo is onto something with this brand new 7-incher? What would be a fair price to ask for it?

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Samsung ATIV S is the first official Windows Phone 8 smartphone

2012-08-31T03:01:00.000+05:30

The Galaxy Note II wasn’t the only flagship device that Samsung announced at its pre-IFA press conference. The company also revealed the first ever Windows Phone 8 smartphone – the Samsung ATIV S.

The ATIV S is built around a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display of HD resolution and has Gorilla Glass 2 on top for extra protection. Powering the smartphone is a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Krait processor and 1GB of RAM. At the back, there’s an 8MP camera, while a 1.9MP snapper is at the front.

Measuring 137.2 mm x 70.5 mm x 8.7 mm, the Samsung ATIV S weighs 135 grams and packs a beefy 2,300mAh battery. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3 and NFC. Windows Phone 8 supports memory expansion slots and the Samsung ATIV S makes use of that, bringing a microSD card slot to allow expansion of its 16GB or 32GB built-in storage.

Pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed, but we're guessing the smartphone will hit the shelves immediately after Microsoft officially releases the Windows Phone 8 OS.

Making the Samsung ATIV S company are three new Windows 8-powered tablets – the 10.1” ATIV Tab, and two 11.6” ATIV Smart PC and ATIV Smart PC Pro.

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Vodafone Galaxy Note 2 price revealed for Germany: 640 Euros for 16GB unlocked LTE version

2012-08-31T02:53:00.000+05:30

In addition to not saying a word about the actual release dates of the Galaxy Note 2 phablet, Samsung also failed to unveil pricing details for the device. Sure, the Galaxy Note 2 will sell both unlocked and bundled with multi-year plans with carriers, so it’s harder for Samsung to mention the price during a general event. But it could have hinted at some price points for the various Galaxy Note 2 versions that will soon hit stores.

Engadget has learned that Vodafone Germany plans to charge 640 Euros for the 16GB unlocked LTE version of the Galaxy Note 2, which translates to roughly $800. And that’s just for the 16GB version – remember that Samsung will also have a 32GB and 64GB version in store.

The hefty price tag will probably be a good enough incentive for users to get it for just 80 Euros with a new Vodafone SuperFlat Internet Plus contract – although, in time, they’ll end up paying more for the phablet by choosing the subsidized route.

Comparatively, the unlocked first-generation Galaxy Note sells for $549 from AT&T right now, and that’s the unlocked, unsubsidized pricing for the phablet. At the same time, we’ll add that the U.S. unlocked price for the same phablet version will probably be closer to $600-ish rather than $800-ish, but we’re going to cross that brige when we get there.

Before you ask, no, Vodafone did not say when the device will be in stock, so we’re back at the default “sometime in October” launch date for this European market.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs Galaxy Note (original)

2012-08-29T23:43:00.000+05:30

Ok, so the Samsung Unpacked event is now underway and the South Korean giant has finally officially announced the Galaxy Note 2 phablet, a device that has stirred the interest of the entire online tech media, as well as that of Android and Samsung fans from all around the globe.

Now that we’ve all seen what the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is all about, I’ve noticed a few questions arise on everyone’s lips: how much better is the Galaxy Note 2 when compared against the original Note? Is upgrading from the original Note to the Note 2 a wise buying decision? We’ll answer all that and even more as we go through a thorough deathmatch between the original Galaxy Note and the Galaxy Note 2.

If you’re looking to compare the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with more regular sized smartphones, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered as well! Follow these links for VS articles comparing the Note against the HTC One X or against its smaller brother, the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Display & Footprint

I don’t usually include the footprint as a main factor in VS articles and that’s mainly because a regular smartphone – that’s anywhere between 3.5 inches and 4.8 inches across the diagonal of the display – is usually pocketable no matter how big the bezel is. And then there’s the fact that footprints are usually proportional with the size of the display.

But these articles should be nothing if not flexible by nature, so when comparing the original Galaxy Note against the Galaxy Note 2, the footprint becomes a major factor. And that’s because it’s almost the same with both smartphones, despite the fact that the Galaxy Note 2 has a display bigger by 0.2 inches than its predecessor. The original Note measures 146.9 x 83 x 9.7 mm, while the newly announced Galaxy Note 2 measures 80 x 151.1 x 9.4 mm.The Note 2 is also a couple of grams heavier than the original Note, weighing in at 180 grams.

The original Samsung Galaxy Note features a 5.3-inch Super AMOLED display running at a native resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, meaning you get a 285 PPI (Pixels Per Inch) ratio. Unfortunately, the only thing Samsung did with the display on the Galaxy Note 2 was to add an extra 0.2 inches to its diagonal, as the resolution remains the same (while the PPI ratio drops to 274 since the number of pixels is divided by a bigger surface).

Both displays use Samsung’s PenTile technology, meaning the subpixels are shared by adjacent pixels. At such densities, the differences between a PenTile display and one based on an RGB matrix (as are most displays) are barely visible to most people. Sure, take a look at these displays via a microscope and the differences are huge, but who would care about such a thing anyway?

Verdict: As much as it surprises me, Samsung opted not to improve the display of the original Galaxy Note. It’s the exact same display, except it’s 0.2 inches longer. Considering that the phablet principle is really all about the display, I’m seriously disappointed, although I’m aware of the fact that this could have a lot to do with the S-Pen compatibility.

Internal Hardware

The international version of the original Note featured a 4210 System on a Chip (SoC), one that encapsulated both a 1.4GHz dual-core A9 processor and a Mali 400 GPU. On the other hand, the U.S. version, featured a lesser Qualcomm Snapdragon 8255T SoC, one that sticks together a 1.5GHz single-core Qualcomm Scorpion processor and an Adreno 205 GPU.

But while the differences between the two versions of the original Note are easily noticeable, the Galaxy Note 2 outperforms both of them by an even more significant margin, thanks to the overclocked Samsung Exynos 4412. Samsung also used the Exynos 4412 inside the international version of the Galaxy S3, but the quad-core processor inside the Note 2 was overclocked from 1.4GHz per core to 1.6GHz per core. The Mali 400 GPU is the same as inside the Galaxy S3, essentially an overclocked version of the Mali 400 GPU inside the original G Note.

The second incarnation of the Galaxy Note comes with 2GB of RAM, double the amount of RAM featured by the original Note. From the looks of it, all flagship smartphones scheduled to be released in the second half of the year will feature 2GB of RAM, and Samsung did not disappoint. Expect multitasking on the Galaxy Note 2 to be as smooth as it gets.

When it comes to the internal storage, Samsung has decided to make the Note 2 available in a 64 GB variant as well, besides the 16 GB and 32 GB variants that mirror the original Note. Additionally, while the original Note could handle microSD slots only up to 32 GB in size, the Note 2 can work with cards up to 64 GB in size. Sure, you’ll have to spend some extra cash to raise your total storage space up to 128 GB (64 GB internally plus 64 GB via the card slot), but it’s a good thing that it can be done, right?

Unfortunately though, it is highly unlikely that the 3100 mAh battery on the Galaxy Note 2 will be able to yield better results than the 2500 mAh battery used in the original Note (with the quad-core Exynos CPU and slightly larger screen sucking more battery and al).

When it comes to cameras, the Note 2 looks to be identical to the original Note, both using an 8MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary camera. However, we’re unable to tell if these are the exact same sensors. We’ll update this article with picture samples as soon as we’ll have the opportunity.
Verdict: The Note 2 wins this round by a couple of lengths thanks to its faster, quad-core CPU and overclocked GPU.

OS & Software Tweaks

The first Galaxy Note was launched internationally back in October 2011, with Android 2.3 Gingerbread on board, and has started receiving (after quite a lengthy delay considering the status of the device) its Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update in July 2012. Since the original Note has just received its ICS update, I wouldn’t count on Samsung releasing an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the first generation Galaxy Note anytime very soon.

Now, on to the Galaxy Note 2, it pleases me to say that Samsung has finally stopped its tendency to release top-end flagships without the latest version of Android available. I’m honestly quite surprised to say this, but the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will launch with Android 4.1:Jelly Bean pre-installed. The Android PDK project might have helped Samsung a bit, but the South Korean giant still gets my vote of confidence on this one.

The S Pen (the unique accessory that’s featured on all Samsung Note devices) has been redesigned and is now wider and longer, has a rubber tip to better simulate a pen and paper experience, and generally offers a better grip.

The Galaxy Note 2 uses all the smart functions that Samsung originally introduced with their Galaxy S3 (such as Smart Stay, Smart Alerts and such, read more about them in our previous article here). Obviously enough, the original Note has no such software tweaks. In addition, the Note 2 comes with several new features such as S-Pen Quick Commands, improved hand writing capture, a Screen Recorder that’s also able to record audio, as well as a software tweak that will alert you whenever the S-Pen is not in its holster (so that you don’t lose it).

Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 wins this round thanks to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and unique software functions.

Conclusion

While the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is definitely better than its predecessor, the difference is basically limited to a better SoC, a slightly larger display (that maintains the resolution) and an improved S-Pen. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but I’d suggest that you don’t update to the Note 2 if you already own the original Note, unless you desperately want more processing juice.

In addition, if you own neither of these smartphones, the original Note might still represent a good buying decision, as its price will most likely drop once the Galaxy Note 2 becomes commercially available.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Note 2 features a larger display and much better CPU and GPU, Android 4.1: Jelly Bean, and an improved S-Pen. In addition, you should also consider that the Galaxy Note 2 should also receive a higher priority when it comes to future Android updates compared its predecessor.

What’s your take on this? Is the Galaxy Note 2 a substantial upgrade from the original Note? Or is it just Samsung’s way of begging for more money now that they’ve lost the patent war with Apple in the U.S.? Let us know what you guys think in the comment section below!

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Galaxy Note 2 specs and features

2012-08-29T23:19:00.000+05:30

Samsung’s Unpacked event in Berlin, Germany is underway, and, as you already know by now, it's main star is the Galaxy Note 2. The second-generation phablet is upon us, and we already have a variety of details for you regarding the device – and this time around they’re all very much official.

The Galaxy Note 2 can be considered somewhat of a small upgrade compared to its predecessor, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a force to be reckoned with if you love gianormous handsets in your pocket.

As expected, the rumors we’ve seen before today’s event turned out to be pretty much right on the money and even some of the recent Galaxy Note 2 mockups that we’ve seen were not that far off from the real thing. Without further ado, here’s what you can expect from the new Galaxy Note version:

5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD touchscreen display with 1280 x 720 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio
Size: 80 x 151.1 x 9.4mm thin – thinner than its predecessor
Weight: 180 grams
1.6GHz quad-core Exynos processor
2GB of RAM
16/32/64GB on-board memory
microSDHC support of up to 64GB of additional storage
8-megapixel rear-camera with Auto Focus, LED flash and HD video recording
2-megapixel front-facing camera
HSPA+ support
4G LTE connectivity (in selected markets)
Bluetooth 4.0
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Direct
USB 2.0 support
A-GPS and Glonass support
3,100mAh removable battery with faster charging – bigger capacity than its predecessor
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on board out of the box with TouchWiz UI on top
Redesigned S-Pen: wider and longer to offer better grip. The stylus now has a rubber tip to offer an experience more similar to pen and paper
Colors: Marble White and Titanium Grey

In addition to hardware specs – and since Samsung can’t really modify core features of Jelly Bean – the company also updated one of the main characteristics of such devices, the stylus-related software features.

The Galaxy Note 2 will offer all sorts of S Pen related tricks such as a warning the users that they are about to leave and forget the stylus behind. Other features such as hand writing support have been improved, and the S Pen now lets users access their favorite actions directly from the stylus via Quick Command. Hovering over folders – Air View – with the stylus will let users preview the contents of the folder, and they’ll be able to record the actions on the screen, alongside voice, which will surely help them create various tutorials right on the device. Features like Best Faces and Photo Note will help Galaxy Note 2 buyers take better pictures and save notes with their favorite ones.

Interested developers will be able to play with the S Pen SDK version 2.2 and create more stylus-based apps in the future – in case you’re one of them, let us know what you’re working on.

In case you’re interested in some of the sharing features available on the Galaxy S3, the older, but smaller brother of the Galaxy Note 2, you’ll have to know that the new phablet will offer you fast access to AllShare Play, AllShare Cast, S Beam, S Cloud and Family Story.

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Ultra-small PC for under $75? Anything is possible with Android.

2012-08-28T09:00:00.000+05:30

When it comes to Android, most of us think of smartphones and tablets. The truth is that there are a wide range of devices that make use of Google’s OS, including the Android Mini PC. Not surprisingly, these things come from China and while they might not be from a well known brand, they pack quite a bit of punch into an ultra-small package.

The Android Mini PC is actually the collaboration of several different Chinese companies, and is found on many sites throughout the net with prices varying from as cheap as $50 to as much as $90. Some of these versions have 512MB of RAM, others have a full gig.

This isn’t the first of its kind, but if you can find it at a low enough price, it’s quite a bargain. This ultra-small PC has a full USB port, a mini-USB, mini-HDMI and works with any TV or monitor that supports HDMI. The processor in the Android Mini PC is a 1.5GHz AllWinner A10 CPU. Again, there are both 512MB and 1GB versions when it comes to RAM. The system also works with most keyboards and mice right out of the box, and even special Android-compatible remote controls do exist as add-on accessories. Best of all, the device has Android 4.0 ICS running out of the box.

Why get a mini Android PC? If you are looking to turn your TV into a smart device, that’s one reason, but really there are many great reasons to invest in mini PCs. This would make a great casual gaming device or even a home to all your classic console games via emulation. Considering its only slightly bigger than a standard USB drive, it also means you can carry this ultra-small PC with you no matter where you go – giving you a way to check the net, play games or media from any TV or monitor you come across.

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Samsung S3-based Camera in the works, so says rumor

2012-08-28T08:00:00.000+05:30

Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the most powerful and beautiful Android smartphones out on the market today, and yet what if the camera could be even better? Apparently, a new rumor has started suggesting that Samsung might be doing just that with an upcoming Samsung Galaxy S Camera.

The rumor started from a tipster reporting to GSMarena, so take it all with a pretty large grain of salt. The camera is supposedly built on the existing S3 design and features a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED screen, Android ICS, and an impressive 16MP sensor.

The tipster also mentions that it is about double the thickness of the standard S3, with a 10x zoom and pop-out Xenon flash.

Keep in mind that this is just a camera and media player though, not a full-fledged smartphone. The Galaxy S3-based camera is rumored to come in WIFI and 3G + WIFI versions, and maybe even be available through select carriers at a subsidized price.

While this all sounds interesting enough, it’s hard to say whether Samsung would do something like this or not. With Nikon bringing out its own Android smartcamera, perhaps now is the perfect time to introduce a Galaxy S3-based camera. If it is coming anytime soon, odds are we might here more about it at the upcoming IFA event.

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Galaxy Note 2 colors and release date hinted, new Galaxy S3 color also coming

2012-08-28T00:31:00.002+05:30

Galaxy Note 2 Mockup by Daniel Uy

Earlier today we saw a new leak detailing specs and features for the upcoming Galaxy Note 2 – the phablet is going to be unveiled at a new Samsung Unpacked mobile event taking place on August 29 in Berlin – and now we have a new leak detailing color options and a potential release date window for the device.

According to an image received by Sam Mobile, the Galaxy Note 2 will be available in at least two color options, Ceramic White and a yet-to-be-determined hue. The Galaxy Note 2 will be available in both colors starting with week 40 of the year, which happens to be the October 1-7 week.

Samsung was previously rumored to launch the Galaxy Note 2 ahead of the sixth-generation iPhone that’s now said to hit stores in mid-September, but today’s leak suggests that may not happen and that the Galaxy Note 2 will be available to consumers in early October.

In addition to Galaxy Note 2 color and release date rumors, the same publication notes that the Galaxy S3 could be soon available in Titan Gray (product number GT-I9300TADSER) starting with week 37 of the year – or September 10-16.

Like always, we’ll advise you to take these pre-announcement leaks and rumors with a grain of salt, and we remind you that we’ll be on location at IFA 2012, covering the Galaxy Note 2 event, and everything else Android-related.

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Samsung confirms the Galaxy Player 5.8, time to get bigger pants

2012-08-28T00:00:00.002+05:30

Remember the humungous media player that Samsung is rumored to release? Well, it’s no longer a rumor. Samsung is indeed bringing out a new variant of the Galaxy Player — one that will pack a 5.8-inch display.

The new media player is definitely on the bigger side of the PMP arena. If earlier we only had a glimpse of the Galaxy Player 5.8 on its own, the picture above gives a better indication of how it looks when held in (a normal-sized) hand. The front speaker grill is a nice addition, which distinguishes the Galaxy Player 5.8 from the Galaxy S3. Not that the size isn’t a dead giveaway.

The specs of the Galaxy Player 5.8 are as follow:

5.8-inch AMOLED qHD display
Dual-core 1GHz
1GB RAM
16GB/ 32GB
3MP rear camera
VGA front-facing camera
2,500mAh battery
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

At 223 grams, the Galaxy Player 5.8 is not exactly the lightest media player around to use for a long time. And with its gargantuan dimensions, we imagine you’ll have to make a trip to the tailor to make some modification to your pockets. Samsung hasn’t been generous with launch details of the Galaxy Player 5.8 and its price, but with IFA 2012 about to kick off soon, we should be hearing more of the PMP.

Is the Galaxy Player 5.8 the PMP solution you’ve been waiting for all your life? Or do you think it’s simply too big to carry around? Food for thought — that’s what folks said a couple of years ago about a 4.3-inch phone…

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News on Samsung Galaxy Note 2, upcoming release

2012-08-27T23:55:00.000+05:30

Bellow is a sketch in which we, the adoring public, have a visual estimate of what the newest Samsung Galaxy Note will look like. Below, we have Samsung’s teaser video in which they don’t really tell us much, but do provide some geometric shapes that appear to subtly hint at the shape of the design. There’s also a glimpse of the famous S-pen being utilized.

In between here and there, it appears more details have developed in regards to the upcoming Aug. 29th release . Here’s what we have heard so far:

Sammy may be shocking us with Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean in lieu of ICS

“G-Note Duece” may have a bigger screen, a whopping 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display w/1280x720p resolution

The engine in this beast may be an Exynos 4412 quad-core processor

Options such as 3G and 4G LTE connectivity and a 16:9 aspect ratio have also been discussed

The usual items like an 8MP rear camera, 16GB and 32GB storage options are being being bandied about as well. Strangely, the name switch from GT-N7000 to GT-N7100 hasn’t done much in terms of gossip, but we have to ask Samsung: Why? We know why you’re possibly gluing sharp corners on your device (Thanks Apple!) but why go to all the trouble to stick a different digit in the name? Does the FCC really care?

In closing, consumer interest is at a fever pitch, and these rumors come with the standard “pinch of salt” warning. But on the 29th, at IFA Berlin, I have a suspicion we’ll all know what Samsung has been up to in their lab.

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Next-gen S Pen stylus pen already in the works?

2012-08-27T23:50:00.000+05:30

One of the famous comments made by the late Steve Jobs in a Q&A session when the first iPad was launched was “[…] if you see a stylus, they blew it.” He was not a fan of stylus use on mobile devices including smartphones and tablets, and therefore you don’t see such accessories coming by default with iOS devices, even though they’re available from third parties, and tend to be quite celebrated and sought after for many diverse reasons.

However, that does not mean other mobile device makers can’t come up with some interesting stylus-based functionalities for smartphones and tablets, and the best example for that is Samsung’s existing Galaxy Note tablet and the upcoming Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet – the HTC Flyer could also be used as an example even though one could argue that HTC’s first tablet did not reach anywhere near the same level of popularity of the 5-inch Note.

Therefore, we’re not surprised to hear that Samsung is already working on its next-gen S-Pen stylus, which could be paired with various Android devices in the future. According toPatentBolt, the new S Pen will feature several new features that the current S Pen versions can’t offer including embedded NFC support and a built-in clip that can handle voice communications.

Most importantly, Samsung may have found a way to do away with the lag that can accompany stylus use. Apparently the new S Pen stylus will fool the smartphone, phablet or tablet into believing the device is one of the user’s fingers by using micro-current from the human body.

While the patent detailing the new features of this next-gen S Pen stylus is available at the Source link below, that doesn’t mean we have any news regarding the availability of this product yet, so in the mean time you’ll just have to make do with the current stylii options available in stores, including the existing S Pen from Samsung.

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Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage

2012-08-23T03:32:00.000+05:30

Archos has had its hand in the slate game since the early days of "internet media tablets," and while its products don't have quite the same brand recognition as, say, Samsung's, we've found the French company's devices to be some of the best-value tablets available. Budget-minded prices and innovation don't usually go hand in hand, but in the case of its new 101 XS Android 4.0 tablet, Archos has a few tricks up its sleeve. The slate boasts a keyboard cover and kickstand, along with a magnetic hinge allowing the lid to attach to the display. Arriving in November for $400, the Archos 101 XS is a productivity-minded take on slates, complete with a full set of keys and a bundled copy of OfficeSuite Pro. Do the hardware and software add up to a killer combo? Read on to find out.

Look and feel

When we first laid eyes on the 101 XS, we really liked what we saw. Archos' idea to build the keyboard into the tablet's case was a clever one, and it's refreshing that the company presents this productivity tool as an integral part of the device rather than as an optional accessory. The design reminds us of Zaggmate's iPad keyboard, which similarly locks onto the tablet for added typing functionality.

Much of the tablet's body is white plastic, which certainly doesn't lend it a premium feel. In fact, the material picks up smudges almost instantly. The rounded, almost kid-friendly edges aren't the markings of a high-end product either, but Archos tempers the cheap materials with a stainless steel frame that surrounds the 10.1-inch display and carries through to the back of the device. Archos says it used more stainless steel on this device than on previous tablets, and it does feel sturdier than last year's G9. The finish may be stainless, yes, but we noticed a disconcerting number of scratches on the backing, and that was before we even used the tablet away from our desk. Also decidedly un-high end: Archos didn't hold back with the branding here: the device's name is engraved on the front, while the company's name is stamped across the back.

Though the 101 XS' soft lines and plastic body don't provide much eye candy, we must say the device feels very good in the hand. That's the upside to the rounded edges, of course, but for a 1.3-pound, 0.31-inch-thick device, the 101 is reassuringly sturdy (and hefty, we might add). And though we knock the tablet for a slightly chintzy feel, attaching it to the keyboard cover paints a prettier picture. The so-called Coverboard attaches to the tablet magnetically, and the grayish magnetic strip that runs along the edge of the cover matches the silver bezel surrounding the 10.1-inch display. The silver-and-white aesthetic pulls the package together, and the docked tablet even manages to look a little edgy and futuristic. Ports include a proprietary USB 2.0 connector, mini-HDMI and a microSD card slot (compatible with up to 64GB of external memory).

Taking a closer look at the keyboard case, we have a chiclet-style layout spanning most of the cover's width, with the docking connector and the kickstand sitting up top. The kickstand consists of two parts that lie flat, but pulling it up to a vertical position lets you prop up the tablet when it's docked in the base. We'll get to display quality in a minute, but it's worth mentioning here that the kickstand tilts the tablet back at an angle that requires you to keep the device pretty distant from your body -- otherwise, you won't have the best view of the screen.

The Archos 101 XS has a 1,280 x 800 display, and the absence of IPS technology tells you it's not anything to get excited about. Colors aren't particularly bright, and you'll definitely want to bump up the brightness, as the panel is pretty dark by default. Text and images on web pages aren't especially crisp, but the XS' screen is perfectly adequate for surfing the web and firing off emails. And, come on, when a tablet's priced at $400, we can certainly live without a 1,920 x 1,200 panel. The glossy screen is a glare magnet, but reflections aside, this tablet offers good viewing angles.

Keyboard

A keyboard section in a tablet review, eh? The keyboard on the 101 XS is no accessory; it's integral to the slate's design -- as in, it's not an optional accessory that costs more, a la the ASUS Transformer Pad's $150 dock. In addition to upping your productivity, the keyboard cover protects the tablet's screen. It does add a few millimeters of bulk to the 101 XS, though, so the hardware keys are the real value proposition here. In addition to the full QWERTY setup and your standard numbers and arrows, there are keys for all the basic Android functions, including home, back, recently open and shortcuts to the updates bar and apps menu.

Though we appreciate the all-in-one design, the keyboard dock concept hasn't proved itself to be the most ergonomically sound. Other hybrid devices like the MSI Slider S20 and the ASUS Eee Pad Slider suffer from cramped keyboards, since propping up the tablet takes away so much space on the deck. The 101 XS also has this problem: the recessed island-style keys are tiny and feel squished together.

In short, there's a learning curve for typing on the 101 XS. The keys are so close together that it's easy to hit an adjacent letter, and it also doesn't help that the buttons are extremely small. Neither of these issues is a surprise given that the keyboard is built directly into the lid, and while it's ultimately a superior option to the onscreen Android keyboard, it's still no substitute for a full-fledged laptop. We gave an online typing test a whirl to check out our words-per-minute score, and our rate was about 20 points lower than usual, with an increased error percentage, too.

We also tried knocking out a few emails in Gmail, and the keyboard evidently did not want those messages to get sent. While typing a few pithy sentences on the cramped layout, we naturally made a few errors and needed to backtrack and correct our work. Pressing the backspace key, though, routinely takes us up to the recipient field in Gmail. Archos says this is a known bug and it's working on a fix with Google.

Performance

	Archos 101 XS	Acer Iconia Tab A200	Lenovo IdeaTab S2109	Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1	Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1
Quadrant	3,835	2,053	1,885	5,695	2,602
Linpack single-thread	55	37.2	31.8	56.6	35.6
Linpack multi-thread	85.2	60.4	44.9	160.3	57.1
NenaMark1 (fps)	59.8	45.6	53.9	60	29.5
NenaMark2 (fps)	52.3	20.4	27.9	58.5	19
Vellamo	1,381	1,290	1,121	2,394	Would not run
AnTuTu	7,277	N/A	N/A	11,962	N/A
SunSpider 0.9.1 (ms)	1,479	2,251	2,249	1,193	2,222
GLBenchmark Egypt Offscreen (fps)	61	N/A	29	97	N/A
CF-Bench	7,750	N/A	5,172	13,157	N/A
SunSpider: lower scores are better

Running a dual-core TI OMAP-4470 processor clocked at 1.5GHz with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the 101 XS isn't crafted to compete with higher-powered (and typically more expensive) Tegra 3 tablets. Still, it performed well in synthetic benchmark tests, outscoring dual-core contenders such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and the Acer Iconia Tab A200. Pitting the 101 against the new quad-core Galaxy Note 10.1 shows the limitations of Archos' tablet, though: the Note's AnTuTu score of 11,962 beats the 101's by more than 4,000 points. But it's one thing to benchmark a device and another thing to use it.

Cold-booting into Android 4.0.4 took 42 seconds, which isn't super speedy in the scheme of all slates. The Tegra 3-powered Nexus 7, for example, took 35 seconds, and we still think that's too slow. Once the tablet is up and running, though, it performs smoothly. Playing a few rounds of Fruit Ninja, watching YouTube videos and working in OfficeSuite Pro are problem-free. Still, everyday usage highlights the TI-OMAP's modest processing power. We didn't encounter any force-quits throughout our testing, but the 101 XS just feels sluggish. Loading web pages (no matter how strong the WiFi connection), scrolling through the apps menu and our home screens and launching programs takes a few seconds longer than it should.

Battery life

	Battery Life
Archos 101 XS	5:36
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7	12:01
Apple iPad 2	10:26
Acer Iconia Tab A510	10:23
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime	10:17 / 16:34 (keyboard dock)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1	9:55
Apple iPad (2012)	9:52 (HSPA) / 9:37 (LTE)
Apple iPad	9:33
ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700	9:25
Motorola Xoom 2	8:57
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)	8:56
HP TouchPad	8:33
ASUS Transformer Pad TF300	8:29 / 12:04 (keyboard dock)
Acer Iconia Tab A700	8:22
Acer Iconia Tab A200	8:16
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus	8:09
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1	8:00
Amazon Kindle Fire	7:42
Galaxy Tab 2 7.0	7:38
Acer Iconia Tab A500	6:55
Acer Iconia Tab A100	4:54

Archos rates the 101 XS' 6,800mAH battery for seven hours of video playback and nine and a half to 10 hours of general use. We ran our video rundown test twice -- once before and once after Archos updated its firmware -- and the average of the two scores was five hours and 36 minutes (the difference between the two tests was about 10 minutes). Most other slates deliver more longevity: in fact, this is one of the shortest runtimes we've seen, falling short of a few older slates, such as the Acer Iconia Tab A100.

Camera

The 1.3-megapixel, 720p webcam on the Archos 101 XS delivers blurry images during video chats. When we rang one friend up on Skype, he couldn't see our image at all, but our voice came through loud enough. Once we got a decent connection, we both saw blurry, pixelated images. Even with a decent WiFi connection, this tablet isn't a reliable pick for video chatting. Plus, the camera's placement, on the left side of the tablet when you hold it in landscape mode, takes some getting used to: it's precisely the spot where we like to grip the slate, so we had to make an effort to not cover the shooter up with our fingers. Interestingly, though the earlier G9 sported a rear-facing camera, there's only one cam on the 101 XS.

Software

The 101 XS comes with Android 4.0, and this build of Ice Cream Sandwich is straightforward and skin-free. However, the device will be upgradeable to Jelly Bean in October. Archos does pre-load a fair share of apps, including OfficeSuite Pro 6, which is clearly meant to be used with the tablet's keyboard cover. There's a remote control app that lets you control other Archos devices on the same network, and the company's Music and Video apps sport an intuitive interface for swiping through albums and movie titles. A Gameloft suite of games, including Asphalt 6 and Spider Man, is pre-installed, as is a free version of Fruit Ninja.

Configuration options and the competition

The 101 XS, set to go on sale in mid-September, will retail for $400. The tablet gives you a TI-OMAP CPU, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a 1,280 x 800 display and a 1.3-megapixel camera. That's about all you have for options at the moment, though Archos says it will release 8-inch and 9.7-inch iterations of this tablet by the end of the year.

If it's a 10-inch Android tablet you're after, your options are bountiful. A 10-incher for no more than $400? That narrows the playing field, but not by much. The $400 Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 isn't the most impressive performer (read: it's glitchy), but it gives you nearly nine hours of battery life. It's a bit thicker than the 101 XS (0.41 inches versus 0.31 inches), but it includes similar specs: a dual-core TI chip clocked at 1GHz, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage (for the cheapest model).

There's also the ASUS Transformer Pad TF300, which costs $379 without the media dock and offers solid Tegra 3 performance. Among mid-range Android tablets, the TF300 is still tops in our book. If you can cross the $400 threshold, devices with higher-res displays enter the mix. The $450 Tegra 3-powered Acer Iconia Tab A700 has a lovely, crisp panel and a comfortable design, though we encountered several performance hiccups. The new iPad, starting at $499, has an amazing 2,048 x 1,536 display, of course, though the Archos 101 XS won't likely be on your list if you need high-end pixel density. Finally, Samsung's new Galaxy Note 10.1, starting at $499 is an interesting alternative, as it offers a different approach to productivity than the 101 XS. Rather than including a keyboard, it bundles the now-famous S Pen for writing, sketching and taking notes, and the tablet is stocked with high-performing handwriting transcribing software. Still, you're stuck with a 1,280 x 800 resolution on the 10-inch display, and we don't think the pen setup is the most practical for work of the essay-writing, PowerPoint-making variety.

Wrap-up

Sure, we docked the Archos 101 XS for a few key issues -- the uncomfortable keyboard being the primary one -- but you know us: we only gripe because we love. The fact is we got a bit starry-eyed when we first met this tablet. The Coverboard design is smart, even if the plastic feels cheap, and we can't give Archos enough kudos for taking the keyboard beyond accessory status to an important part of the device. The layout isn't the most ergonomically sound, which defeats the purpose of having a built-in keyboard in the first place, but we hope the company can refine this concept to get better results.

Is that an endorsement of any kind? Not exactly. If you have a $400 tablet budget, there's a wealth of smarter choices out there and many comparably priced options provide better performance and a superior display to the 101 XS. For the time being, we'd say if you want a productivity-minded slate, the best option is still to buy a Bluetooth keyboard case.

take a look at the ARCHOS 101 XS launch video bellow...

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Meet the Archos 101 XS: a mid-range Android tablet just 7.8 mm thick

2012-08-23T02:47:00.000+05:30

I don’t know how you guys feel about Archos as a tablet manufacturer, but I have to say that while the French manufacturer might not be the first company that pops in mind when talking about top-end tablets, the fact is that they’ve been making decent low budget devices for a few years now. As a matter of fact, they have actually released a couple of decent mid-range tablets as well, including the Archos 10.1 G9 Turbo 250 GB that Brandon reviewed earlier this year.

Fortunately, Archos doesn’t seem to have plans to stop building its fan base, as the company has just announced the imminent release of another line of mid-range tablets, this time one that will be all about slimness: the Archos Gen10 XS tablet series. We’ve heard bits and pieces about the Archos G10 XS line of tablets before, but fortunately now we have concrete official information regarding the series.

The first member of the Gen10 XS family is called the Acrhos 101 XS and is bound to be released in October, to be followed later in 2012 by the ARCHOS 97 XS and ARCHOS 80 XS. While Archos has yet to make any announcements regarding the last two devices, it has shared all the specs of the Archos 101 XS. Spoiler: I’m a little bit impressed!

Since the XS in the name stands for extra slim, what better way to start talking about this tab other than mentioning that at 7.8 millimeters, the Archos 101 XS is an impressively 15 percent thinner than the Apple iPad 3. Archos did not mention the exact dimensions, so we’re unable to tell exactly how much space it will take up on your desk, but we do know that the display measures 10.1 inches diagonally and works at a (meh) resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels.

On to the internal specs, the Archos 101 XS will use a Texas Instruments OMAP 4470 System On a Chip (SoC), basically an updated version of the TI OMAP 4460 SoC you’ll find inside the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. This translates into a 1.5 GHz dual-core A9 processor and a PowerVR SGX544 that, paired with 1GB of RAM, should provide decent performance if you don’t go on an “open app frenzy” of some sorts. Sure, it might not be the quad-core Exynos 4 processor you can find inside the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (and the Galaxy S3), but this is just a mid-range tablet.

Other specs include 16GB of internal storage space, a MicroSD slot (supports cards up to 64GB), MicroUSB slots, a Mini HDMI output, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0.

The Archos 101 XS will run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on launch date, but an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is promised for Q4 2012. Judging on the fact that Archos has kept its word regarding OS updates in the past, I would be surprised if Jelly Bean will arrive later than November. Android purists will be very glad to know that Archos has opted for an unskinned version of the Android OS.

Now that you’ve got the specs figured out, you also need to know that the Archos 101 XS comes with a 5mm thick magnetic keyboard / cover, called the Coverboard. The official press release refers to the Coverboard as a unique magnetic keyboard, although I’m sure I’ve seen such a thing before (say… with Microsoft’s Surface). Nonetheless, the Coverboard also has a built-in magnetic kickstand and can act as a charging dock for the tablet when plugged into a power slot. The Coverboard comes bundled in every box, meaning there’s no additional fee to pay for it.

All this will set you back $399,99, not a bad price for such an interesting mid-range tab. The Archos 101 XS will become available online as well as in various North American retail channels starting this October.

The way I see it, the Archos 101 XS is one of the most interesting mid-range Android tablets you can find: ultra slim, decently specced, comes with a magnetic keyboard and runs a vanilla flavored Android OS.

Feel free to agree or disagree in the comment section below and also see our Archos 101 XS full review in our next post.

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Both Galaxy Note 2 leaked images were actually fakes

2012-08-19T18:55:00.000+05:30

A few days ago we saw not one but two leaked Galaxy Note 2 images that looked pretty similar, and pretty interesting at the same time. Both photos featured a Galaxy Note 2 design similar to that leaked Galaxy Note 2 bezel image we saw in the preceding days, and they matched previous reports.

The Galaxy Note 2 appeared to be sporting the same general design lines of its Galaxy S3 cousin, and pretty much matched our own expectations. But it looks like both images were fake “leaks,” with one inspiring the other – we did advise you to take everything with a grain of salt, as we didn’t have any official confirmation for either model.

It turns out that the second leak we showed you – the press photo-like Galaxy Note 2 image – was actually a Photoshop mockup done by designer Daniel Uy (see original above). The mockup itself was created based on that leaked front panel that revealed the slimness of the phablet’s bezel, and was then used to create the blurry image featured by Know Your Mobile –the first leaked image we showed you. (you can see both images here)

In other words, it looks like Samsung managed to keep the design of the Galaxy Note 2 under wraps so far, at least for the time being, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the final Galaxy Note 2 version looked similar to these fake leaks. Not to mention that, with 10 days to go until the company unveils this new phablet version (the Unlocked event is scheduled for August 29 in Berlin, Germany), we could see the real thing get leaked after all.

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Samsung unveils Galaxy Note BT S Pen with built-in Bluetooth, microphone and speaker [Video]

2012-08-17T23:57:00.000+05:30

Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet looked exciting enough by itself at yesterday’s special unveiling. But wait until you get a hold of one of the accessories that debuted at the same time as the 10-incher. Oddly enough, Sammy didn’t mention a word about the HM5100 Bluetooth S Pen during the actual press conference, but threw it in the kit that everyone from the media attending the event received on their way out.

You can imagine the surprise of our good friend Zach Konig from Engadget when spotting the BT S Pen in the press kit. Though thankfully. he managed to recover from the shock very swiftly and serve us a short, but very exciting hands-on video with the accessory.

A phone in your pocket (wait a minute…)

The BT S Pen is not your run-of-the-mill stylus, and, although it looks very similar to the standard-issue Note S Pen, it has a couple of unexpected aces up its sleeve. As you might have guessed from its name, the BT S Pen comes with Bluetooth functionality, but also a built-in microphone and tiny speaker.

Why would you need all those things? Well, to make and receive calls, of course, without ever touching your 3G-enabled tablet. As you’ll be able to see in the video clip at the end of the post, speaking into the pen looks a bit weird, but the sound seems crisp and loud enough to make this accessory a highly functional one.

You should be able to still use Sammy’s new S Pen/speaker/microphone as a regular stylus, even though the guys over at Engadget forgot to make a quick demonstration of this particular function. Oh, well, maybe they hadn’t recovered from the shock after all.

Specs

Supposedly capable of running for three hours of talk time or 130 hours of standby between charges, the BT S Pen weighs 21 grams, so it’s a bit on the bulky side, at least compared with the standard Samsung Galaxy Note Pen. Still, it’s not like you’d have trouble lifting it or fitting it into your pocket, which is basically all you should care about.

The pen includes a micro-USB cable, so charging also not an issue, as you can juice it up straight from your tablet or phablet. Oh, right, I forgot to mention, the accessory should be compatible with the Note 10.1, as well as the 5-incher phone/tablet hybrid and hopefully the second-generation Note phoneblet launching soon.

Unfortunately, we’re probably still some time away from the BT S Pen’s commercial release, as Samsung has hesitated to talk about pricing or availability. We could definitely hope to see the stylus/speaker made available at the same time as the Note 2, while in financial terms you should be ready to spend a lot more than those $30 charged for the basic S Pen.

Be sure to check out Engadget’s quick hands-on video below and please let us know what you think of this new gimmick from Samsung. And yes, we do know it looks a bit familiar.

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via androidathurity.com

Second Galaxy Note 2 image leaks, is it the press photo of the new phablet?

2012-08-17T23:34:00.000+05:30

Just a few hours ago, we saw a new Galaxy Note 2 leaked image, a rather blurry photo that seemed to be quite similar to yesterday’s front panel leak. Now we have a second leak for you, and this time around we’re looking at what seems to be the press photo of the device.

In addition to the front side, which was featured in today’s earlier leak, we can also see the back of the device which reveals the camera placement and the slot for the S-Pen stylus.

The front side features a large touchscreen 5.5-inch display, a Galaxy S3-like Home button and camera/speaker arrangement. In fact, the Galaxy Note 2 seems to be a bigger version of the Galaxy S3, which is not something that surprises us considering that we’ve heard all this before.

More interestingly, the display in the picture above features the media invite for the August 29 Samsung Unlocked event that will take place in Berlin, Germany, a day before IFA 2012 starts. And it’s there that we’re going to see the Galaxy Note 2 unveiled, so remember to bookmark us for more detailed overage of the German trade show.

But we don’t have any confirmation that the picture comes from Samsung, and, at the end of the day, we’ll still have to take everything with a chunk of salt.

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Samsung Galaxy Note 2 picture reportedly leaked

2012-08-17T22:31:00.000+05:30

Android fans already know that a new super phone from Samsung is heading their way, the second-generation Galaxy Note. The device, which has been the subject of a variety of leaks and rumors so far, is going to be unveiled on August 29 at IFA 2012 in Berlin, Germany. But we’re still lacking press images of the Galaxy Note 2, even though there are plenty of mockups out there.

After seeing a photo of the purported front panel of the phablet a few days ago (above picture), we’re now going to show you what seems to be a leaked photo of the device, although we’re advising you to take it with a grain of salt, as there’s no way to confirm it at this time.

The front side of the device shown in the top image is rather similar to the front panel we saw a couple of days ago (see following image): we have the same small bezel, the same round and elongated Home button and the camera and sensors are located on the right of the top speaker alongside the front-facing camera that’s placed on the same side with the sensor.

Naturally, we’d assume that if the photo leaked a few days ago shows the real thing then today’s leak is almost certainly featuring the real Galaxy Note 2.

We’ll be back with more Galaxy Note 2 news in the following days, as we get closer to this year’s IFA trade show. In the mean time let us know what you think of the image above, would you buy such a Galaxy Note 2?

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AT & T US to launch Shared data plans come August 23rd

2012-08-14T20:00:00.000+05:30

AT&T US to launch Shared data plans come August 23rd

Owning a couple of mobile devices each of them in need of mobile data proves to be nerve-racking and overly expensive. As it happens, AT&T might allow you to put those times behind your back, as the carrier is the first to be launching shared data plans.

With data caps ranging from 1GB to 20GB, shared data plans are designed to unify your data usage under one plan, rather than having a different data subscription for every device you own. Each shared data plan requires you to sign up a smartphone, which will receive unlimited talk and text.

From there on, you can have up to 9 different devices (tablets, laptops, etc.) to share those prepaid megabytes - no need for tethering as long as your device is 3G enabled. The only nitpick is that there's an extra charge if one of those additional devices is a smartphone.

Undoubtedly, this will save you quite a hassle if you own several devices that you use interchangeably to log on to internet - such as a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. AT&T has been kind enough to make a Mobile Share Planner tool to help you choose the best suitable plan (check source link). The carrier will launch the shared data plans on August 23.

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