NEWS

Amazon’s Kindle Fire, which has so far been a success, has only been released for less than a year (Nov. 2011).  However, there are already rumors going about that the Kindle Fire 2 will be released later in the year.  With the Google Nexus 7 tablet set to ship only weeks away, Amazon is looking to counter with its own punch.

It is being said that Amazon may be planning to announce the Kindle Fire 2 on July 31^st and have about 2 million Kindle Fire 2 units will be ready to ship by an August 7^th launch date.  As for the models, there are various reports in what Amazon will release.  According to Richard Shim, an analyst for NPD DisplaySearch, he predicts that there will be as many as four Kindle Fire 2 models in the works.

-The first model would be a 7-inch tablet with a 1,024×600 display with no camera.

-The second model would also be 7 inches but features a 1,280×800 display and camera.  (These two models would be released in August).

-The third model will be similar to the second but will have 4G and released in September.

-The fourth model would be slightly larger at 8.9 inches and feature a 1920×1200 display with a camera and no 4G.  This model would debut in the fourth quarter of the year.

(Note that it is not a definite that Amazon will be launching four different models of the Kindle Fire 2 but it is safe to assume there will be at least two.  It should still be debuting by August.)

There are also various reports that Amazon will launch a bigger model of the Kindle Fire 2- a 10-inch tablet with HD resolution.

One reason why the original Kindle Fire was so popular was its low price at $200.  We expect that the Kindle Fire 2 models would be around the same price range or slightly higher and that the Kindle Fire price will drop to around $150.

sources: bestandriodtabletpc, techradar

While Apple’s iPad Series is in control of the tablet market, there are many smaller and cheaper tablets (such as Amazon’s Kindle Fire) out that provide another alternative.  While the Google Nexus 7 tablet, one of these smaller and cheaper tablets, is setting to launch very soon, there has been many rumors about a potential iPad Mini/Nano.

In fact, last week The Wall Street Journal (TWSJ) reported that Apple’s suppliers are preparing for mass-production of a tablet smaller than the iPad.  A couple people familiar with the situation claimed that the tablet’s screen will likely be smaller than eight inches.  It was only in February that TWSJ reported that Apple was testing such a tablet but was undecided whether to launch production or not.

Apple has so far been uninvolved with the smaller tablet market because back in 2010, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that smaller screened tablets were not “sufficient to create great tablet apps” and would be “dead on arrival.”  However, we are now in the post-Jobs era and this is potentially a new turn that Apple is taking.

There is no exact release date for the iPad Mini since we don’t even have official word from Apple that such a tablet will go into production.  However, if these rumors are true, production can be started very soon and there are some who claim that the iPad Mini will be out by October 2012.  Most likely it will be out by the end of the year.

It is also said that the iPad Mini would just have 8GB of internal storage to help keep the cost down.  Since it is rumored that the iPad Mini will have a 7-8 inch screen, the pricing should probably be around the same range as the Kindle Fire ($199) but probably a bit more expensive.

sources: techradar

With the fast approaching release of the Google Nexus 7 tablet, ASUS took Twitter on Friday.  They posted a picture that unveiled their new cover/case for the tablet in a variety of colors.  These cases offer protection for the tablet in a book style.  ASUS also tweeted a clever pun “And we’ve got things covered.”  The different colors of the cases included: black, teal, pink, grey, orange, and blue.  These cases are also set to join the official Nexus 7 case in the Google Play Store which is only available in dark grey and priced at $19.99.  The pricing of the two should be similar as the design of the two is also similar.  ASUS failed to reveal a release date or price but it is safe to assume that it will be after the Google Nexus 7 tablet is released and starts shipping from the Play Store.  The Google Nexus 7 was speculated to be released in mid-July, so probably in a week or two.

Source: andriodauthority

A couple days ago, Google unveiled a new tablet into the market.  The Google Nexus 7 is said to be a solid tablet and a bang for the buck.  A large part of the excitement over the Nexus 7 is due to its newest operating system, Android 4.1 (also known as Jelly Bean OS). Last year, Google released Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), and the Jelly Bean is said to be an improvement in a few aspects.

Many Android users have complained about the screen lag on their devices.  Jelly Bean OS will feature Google’s Project Butter, which is intended to address the lag.  Project Butter is a processing framework that is designed to reduce latency, increase intuitiveness, and make Jelly Bean’s overall performance smoother.

A couple features of Jelly Bean OS include Vsync, Triple Buffering, and Touch Responsiveness.  According to company representatives, Jelly Bean has a consistently higher frame rate for screen animations, and movement.  Also, it has improved finger tracking, and makes touches more accurate and natural.  Vsync ensures constant frame rate, up to 60 fps to allow for a smoother use.  This allows for the best graphics on an Android device to date that is devoid of any lag.

Triple buffering improves the performance of the CPU, GPU, and the display.  Triple buffering makes sure that these three components work in sync for a smoother and faster use.

Touch responsiveness includes a process that anticipates where your finger is going to touch next.  Thus, it will always be ready to respond to a touch.  Instead of lagging when coming out of sleep mode, any touch will immediately make it ready to deliver its resources. Android 4.1 will also apply CPU boost in response to the user’s next touch in order to reduce lag.

Android 4.1 also utilizes a redesigned notifications system that Google has now made fully customizable, expandable, and collapsible.  You can now perform many functions without even clicking an app icon such as: seeing a better view of every new email, share images right from the notification bar, and even email people you will be meeting with if you are late.  Expanded notifications can also be opened and collapsed with a two finger gesture.  There are many other features of Jelly Bean that gets you as close desktop feel as you can on a portable mobile product.

Jelly Bean OS will also feature an improved voice search that is very similar to Apple’s popular Siri voice navigation system on the iPhone 4S.  It will also learn what you search for and identify patterns.  Then, it will virtually evolve in front of your eyes by giving you information before you even ask for it.

While the Google Nexus 7 might not be as popular as the iPad 3 or Microsoft’s Windows Surface Tablet, it has certainly taken huge strides in covering the competitive gap between these tablets.  The new operating system, Android 4.1 (a.k.a. Jelly Bean OS) certainly plays a role in this.  Also, for a price that is considered a bargain- only $199, it just might make a splash in the tablet market.

Sources: theverge, thedroidguy,

Last week, Microsoft unveiled their new Microsoft Surface Tablets hoping that the tablets will be able take a bite out of Apple’s iPad 3 sales (Pun intended).  Now Google is also hoping to make a splash in the tablet market.  Yesterday, Hugo Barra, Director of Android Product Development unveiled the Google Nexus 7 Tablet at Google IO 2012 in San Francisco.  However most of the information about the Nexus 7 was already leaked before Google unveiled it.

The Google Nexus 7 is very portable: super light and thin.  The Nexus 7 features a 7- inch 1280×800 HD display (scratch resistant Corning glass) and only weighs only .75 pounds with a .41-inch thickness.  The Nexus tablet will be equipped with Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset with a quadcore CPU and a 12 core GPU.  Google’s tablet will run on their latest operating system, Android 4.1 (also known as Jelly Bean).  The Jelly Bean OS adds a few minor updates, including better voice recognition.  The tablet will be available in either 8 or 16 GB internal storage options with 1 GB of RAM.

However, the Google Nexus 7 will not feature a micro SD card slot, to the disappointment of many people.  The Nexus 7 will only feature a 1.2 megapixel front camera with no back camera.  There is also integrated Wi-Fi but no 3G or 4G, and a 4,325mAh battery that will last for up to 8 hours, according to Google. The tablet will include features such as a microphone, NFC (Android Beam), Accelerometer, GPS, Magnetometer, and a Gyroscope.

The Google Nexus 7 will launch shortly in the U.S., U.K, and Australia starting in July.  The tablet will start at a very reasonable price, only $199.  Google is currently taking pre-orders for the tablet in the Google Play store and the orders are expected to start shipping in the middle of July.

Sources: Engadget, Techradar

Let’s pretend that you are a perspective tablet buyer.  The first tablet that would probably cross your mind is Apple’s iPad 3.  Apple has undoubtedly set the standards for tablets with their success with the iPad series.  Last week at a press event in Los Angeles, Microsoft revealed that their Microsoft Surface Tablet will be debuting in a few months.  The announcement that they will be launching their own tablet surprised many people but Microsoft hopes the Surface Tablet will have success that rivals the iPad 3.  In fact, Microsoft will be launching two different models of Surface Tablets.  The first model is Surface for Windows RT, which should be debuting when Windows 8 is released in the fall.  The second model, Surface for Windows 8 Pro will debut three months after Surface RT.  Let’s take a look and see how the Surface RT and the Surface 8 Pro stacks up to the iPad3.

OS (Operating System)

The operating system is essentially the most important part of any device that has an OS.  The OS has many different functions including interacting with users in complicated ways and helps us keep up with needs that change over time.  The iPad 3 is run on iOS 5, which can be updated when iOS 6 is released later on in the year.  Meanwhile, when the Surface Tablets are released, the Surface RT will run on Windows 8 RT, and Surface Pro will run on Windows 8 Pro.  The iOS has features that including a messenger similar to Blackberry Messenger and an upgraded internet browser that enables you to store parts of webpages and use them while offline.  With the arrival of iOS 6, you can use a Facetime video calling function and a deeper level of social media to keep you engaged.  The Windows 8 OS however, has a great multi-tasking ability like on a laptop or desktop.  You will even be able to run multiple apps at the same time and have multiple windows up at the same time.

CPU (Processor)

The processor essentially tells the computer what to do and prioritizes tasks based on importance.  The iPad 3 is equipped with Apple A5X dual-core with quad-core graphics capabilities, which is able to run some of the more demanding games and apps.  Surface for Windows RT is equipped with Nvidia Tegra 3, while the Surface for Windows 8 Pro is equipped with Intel Core i5.  The performance of the iPad 3 and Surface Tablets should be comparable in this aspect.

Size (Thickness & Weight)

The thickness and weight of the tablets are very similar.  The iPad 3 has a thickness of .37 inches while weighing 1.44 pounds.  The Surface RT has also has a thickness of .37 inches but weighs 1.5 pounds.  The Surface 8 Pro is the largest of the three with a thickness of .53 inches and weighing in at 2 pounds.  Another aspect of the Surface Tablets is that they are integrated with a kickstand, which allows it to be propped up and a magnetically attached cover which can also double as a 3mm keyboard.

Display

The iPad 3 features a 9.7-inch retina LED-backlit screen with a 2048x 1536 pixel resolution.  The Surface RT features a 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display with Gorilla Glass while the Surface 8 Pro features a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Display with Gorilla Glass.  We do not yet know the all details of the Surface Tablet but they will have a 720p resolution.  According to Microsoft, their ClearType technology display will make words look as clear as those printed out.  The iPad 3 has a 42.5 W-h battery, the Surface RT will have 31.5 W-h, and the Surface 8 Pro will have a 42 W-h battery.

Storage

The iPad 3 is available in three different storage options: 16 GB, 32GB, or 64GB and each with 1 GB of RAM.  The Surface RT will be available in 32GB, or 64 storage options while the Surface 8 Pro will be available in 64GB, and 128GB options.  Microsoft has yet to release how much RAM will be in Surface Tablets but the tablets will come with micro SD card slots, which allow up to 32GB more memory.

The Microsoft Surface Tablets in many aspects will be comparable to the Apple iPad 3 and should really make the market competitive.  Though not yet released, the prices of the Surface Tablets might have been leaked with the Surface RT costing about $600 and the Surface 8 Pro costing about $1000.  Meanwhile, the price range of the iPad 3 is about $600.

How much are you willing to spend on a tablet?

Sources: TechRadar, Knowyourmobile

Last week, there was a lot of buzz and speculation that Microsoft was planning on revealing a new product.  Amid all this hoopla, Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled their new Microsoft Windows Surface Tablet at a press event in Los Angeles.

Microsoft’s Surface Tablet will be available in two different models.  The first model is the Surface for Windows RT and the other is Surface for Windows 8 Pro.  Here are the specs that Microsoft has released (the weight and thickness are approximations).

Microsoft Surface Windows RT Tablet

• OS: Windows RT
• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Thickness: .37 inches
• Display: 10.6” ClearType HD Display
• Battery: 31.5 W-h
• Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Configurations: 32 GB, 64 GB

Microsoft Surface Windows 8 Pro Tablet

• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Thickness: .53 inches
• Display: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
• Battery: 42 W-h
• Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Configurations: 64 GB, 128 GB

Both models will also feature front and back webcams, dual microphones, and an integrated kickstand which allows it to be propped up.  What’s unique is that there is also a magnetically attached cover which can also double as a 3mm keyboard.  This cover/keyboard will also be available in 5 select colors for user preference.

There were no conclusive availability dates announced but the Surface RT version won’t be available until Windows 8 is released in the fall, and the Surface Pro version should be available about three months later.  The suggested retail price is expected to be on par with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC.  More about these new tablets from Microsoft will be known in coming days, but one thing is for sure: Microsoft hopes that the Windows Surface tablet will rival Apple’s huge success in the iPad 3.

Sources: Microsoft, TheVerge

Are these the new iPhone 5 dimensions?  iPhone 5 rumors have been exploding across the web as the release date of the next generation iPhone nears.  We would like to add a little fun to mix, and is bringing to you today alleged schematic drawings of the new iPhone. The photos were sent over to us from an anonymous source that claims to be an employee of a “known” 3^rd party case company.  The “tipster” also provided a rendering of an iPhone 5 case and claims that their company is already creating cases in the pipeline and that their iPhone 5 cases will be available before the next generation iPhone hits Apple’s shelves. That is a pretty bold statement; real or fake we would still like examine these drawings in-depth.

Based on these alleged drawings, we can see that:

• iPhone 5 dimensions are 123.83 x 58.57 x 7.6 mm (4.87 x 2.30 x 0.03 in)
• Enhanced speaker claims are aligned with rumors
• 30 pin dock adapter is being replaced by a smaller charging port.
• There is a small opening between the iPhone 5 camera and flash
• Headphone jack has been moved to the bottom of the iPhone near the speakers.
• Bleh…Mirco sim for the GSM version of the iPhone 5.

Unfortunately, we still cannot confirm  9to5Mac’s rumors of the screen size being 3.999 inches.  I am actually a little excited to see what new iPhone 5 accessories will be available being that all iPhone 4 speakers, docks, and cables will no longer be compatible if the 30 pin dock is revised.   Are these drawings accurate? Give us a shout below.

Acer is adding the Iconia A700 to its collection of Android tablets.  The Acer Iconia A700 sports a 10.1 screen with a 1920 x 1200 1080p HD resolution display. Although the resolution falls short compared to the iPad 3 2048 x 1536 Retina display, the Acer Iconia is 25% cheaper compared to the Apple iPad 3.

There isn’t surprises under the hood, the A700 is running on Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich and powered by NVIDIA’ 3 1.3 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor. The Iconia A700 is equipped with 32GB of internal memory with an expandable MicroSD card, 5MP rear camera, 1 MP front facing camera, micro HDMI output to connect your tablet to a larger HDMI display.

The tablet is currently IN STOCK on Amazon USA for $450 in Black and Silver! No release date has been announced yet. We would be excited to see what new Acer Iconia a700 cases will be available soon.

Acer Iconia A700

Price: $450

Release Date: TBA, Pre-order available.

Operating System: Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0

Processor:  1.3 GHZ Quad-Core Tegra 3

Display: 1920 x 1200 Display 1080P video support

Sound : Dolby Mobile 3+ technology and 5.1-channel surround sound,

Internal Memory: 32GB

External Memory: MicroSD

Camera:5MP Rear Camera, 1MP Front Facing Camera

Video Output: Micro HDMI

Dimensions  10.2″(L) x 6.9″ (D) x 0.43″ (H) 1.47 lbs.

Weight  1.47

Battery Life: 10 Hours

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 shows up on Amazon.com today and can be pre-order $549.95.  For the sweet price of $549.95 you will get a solid tablet featuring a quad core 1.4 GHZ Samsung Exynos processor, 32 GB of storage and a microsd card, 1GB of ram, 3.2 MP rear facing camera with LED flash and 7,000 maH battery. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 will also be installed with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.   Although there is no exact release date, the Samsung Galaxy Note is expected to ship within 3 to 5 weeks in July.

Like his younger brother the Galaxy Note, the Galaxy Note 10.1 will come equipped with Samsung’s nifty S-Pen. Let the Draw Something party begin.

UPADTE: It seems that Amazon published the page in error, and the listing has been taken down. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is not available for pre-order at this time.