Though "
Neofonie" is the most apt name for a vaporware company we've heard since "
Phantom," it's looking like that very firm's 11.6-inch WePad tablet is actually the real deal. Fed up with all the
skepticism it has received of late, the German firm just held a press conference in Berlin to show off a pair of working devices and allay our fears.
Netbooknews.de was on the scene, and they took a pair of high-res videos that prove the tablets do, in fact, have a working (though somewhat laggy) touchscreen, and that
fancy-pants vertical UI is quite functional. Full screen YouTube videos were choppy, but they played, and the Atom N450 CPU loaded OpenOffice and flipped through browser windows without a hitch. But don't take our word for it -- watch the whole 25-minute demonstration after the break, plus a bonus video from
AndroidPIT. Then, if you'd be so kind, tell us what the nice company reps are
saying.
Update: AndroidPIT was kind enough to dub over their entire demo in English -- hear everything after the break.
posted April 26th 2010 4:26PM
I'm not going to buy this thing unless the company's CEO prevents the distribution of editorial cartoons on it.
@Evan
Now that is something refreshingly new and different! Little shortcomings are excused considering they are not even out with the product yet and it's still in works.
@semblance
Sry to reply although it doesn't really match your comment, but I think people will want to read this. I took the time to translate the most important facts mentioned.
- Its a single built unit so its not perfect
- Typical orientation is horizontal, not vertical like with the iPad, so you can navigate with two hands + thumb navigation
- Applications are life and can update themselves (no need to start them + multiple apps at the same time)
- Thumb navigation in the browser is supposed to keep the screen free to look at
- Expose like overview of applications (yes, multitasking)
- Native flash support (bashing Apples greed concerning application sales)
- Its not the final flash version for linux, but its going to be in the final unit
- There is an SDK that seems to allow a lot of things
- Homescreen is regulated by some kind of a grid and there is a widget browser with search function
- There are going to be multiple homescreens to extend the size usable for widgets
- Widgets support flash
- Resellers are able to modify the homescreen before selling the device
- It's possible to attach a regular usb keyboard, although there is of course a software keyboard implemented
- The display brightness etc. is not perfect right now because the drivers are not refined yet
- It's capable of pinch to zoom, but it has to be specifically implemented by the developers
- At the end of part one he says, that there are no more videos allowed at that point
- Its possible to use standard usb storage etc. (standard usb port)
- Widgets related to certain ports are going to pop up right next to it (like the music player)
- They dont dictate the price, the reseller will decide what it will sell for
- There is a file manager (capable of downloading any file etc)
- Its possible to advertise through the homescreen (widgets)
- They keep talking about some kind of an "android app" but dont show it til the end. possibly an emulator?
Hope it helps :)
@Stengo
Thanks for this Stengo! I'm a bit rusty on my German and only caught about a quarter of what he was saying. Was driving me nuts go abck and forth with Google translate. Haha!
@Stengo As for UI, I guess it’ll remain closed-source, which is a pity since it would be awesome for Android-companies (incl. Neofonie) to have something like KDE community for Android.
Other than that – OpenOffice running inside Android? That makes me go “Hm…”. WePad by NeoFone Reactions. http://j.mp/wepad-reactions
@Stengo Thanks.
@Stengo
also adding:
- at the beginning he advertises the thumbs navigation and the ergonomic advantages over the ipad (can always hold it with 2 hands and hands are not in the way of your view)
- flash video, some drivers, file manager and parts of the UI are still under development
- will support Adobe AIR applications (not shown yet)
- allows not only to add apps from the store but also to install any kind of software in so called "expert mode"
- HDMI, 2x USB (will support DVB-T devices in the future), front webcam, SD-card slot, SIM-card slot (no SIM lock), microphone, speaker, standard earphone slot, sensors for motion and brightness... and something else that he doesn't want to reveal yet
- he often talks about the ability for resellers to advertise within live applications on the homescreen of subsidized wepads
- no mention of timeline, prices for the wepad and apps whatsoever
@who said what
Essentially it's just vaporware that may never make it to market. It's certainly not going to be the BMW of tablets. It plays videos more like the DKW of tablets.
@SeeKo for prices you check their website: http://wepad.mobi/en/shop
@MosesusedaniPad
Stop crying you apple fanboy.
HURR VAPORWARE EVEN THOUGH THE FREAKING UNIT IS RIGHT THERE DURR.
@who said what
why doesn't Nokia get the same treatment.
@roflcopter
O rly, no vaporware? Show me where I can buy one then, or some kind of confirmation when it will be out...
If they really intend to ship this with the final version of Flash, it probably won't be out until end of next year. Flash 10.1 for Windows is due Q4 2010 and we all know how fast Adobe is with their Linux support.
And why, tell me why, should anyone who want to see this thing sold before he or she believes it will actually ship in volume eventually, automatically be an 'Apple fanboy'??
Gotta love the Germans!
@shoxite
The sad thing is that they speak there only for themselves.. or something. :(
@Hotmuffin The germans of today aren't responsible. Don't be a generalizing prick.
@barac thanks.. us Gernab love to hear that /ironic
Just because of some idiot who weared brown nearly 60 Years ago..
@Hotmuffin
How in the *world* did Godwin's Law find it's way here?!?!
That looks really cool.
@ohioviper Looks like the OS will have abit of a learning curve but other than that I'm impressed.
Agreed
@ohioviper
i have an idea. these ppl should mass produce a tablet which is > than the iPad
we...sounds familiar with nintendos wii
pad...with tampons and a new apple product
come on...can't you think of an original name?
I like the tablet, but it lacks the sex appeal of some of the other tablets that are coming out...I for one am waiting for the Adam, or the Courier...
http://www.themanly-man.com/2010/03/microsoftcourier/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+themanly-man%2FVMld+%28The+Manly+Man%29
LOL @ WePad
Didn't I use those to potty train my dog?
Got Widgets?
@Jaylittles531
the widgets are on homescreen, companys or publishers can put apps to their version of wepad, but everyone can hide these ads.
@DoPanic
also, android apps run on the wepad.. they couldn´t show it becuase they are still working on itergrating android apps on their homescreen.
The Wii Station Pad 360
I refuses to buy any product with Pad in the name because of the iPad or We(Wii) because of the Wii. Unless the Courier is called the iWePad, then I have no choice....
@Kiron
Right.. no weasel pad for you then...
http://www.zazzle.com.au/weasels+mousepads
Kind of interesting
I hope that's not the brightest the screen gets?
@Oghowie
they said this is a older version, but the brightness will be much better
we > i
Why do companies insist on naming anything a 'Pad'
@Evan Take a wild guess :-)
Good stuff.
I think he said that android apps might run on the wePad.. that´s why they have to turn off the cameras, it´s not official or not completly working or something but I definetly heard him talk about android apps running on the wepad in the second video!! O.o
@cherryboom
they said there will be some paid apps
poorly in the US there is no multitouch, because of stupid patents...
here in germany they don't care :P
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Apple keeps letting the community down.
@bagbozo
"wtf" I click on a link to the iPad post and it brings me here."
@bagbozo Best representation of facepalm. Ever.
I don't get the people who like to play tetris with commercial widgets on their home screens.
They are saying actually quite a bit. At the beginning there is a lot of comparison as to what WePad can what iPad can't. Why landscape format is better and that they have more screen real-estate so the sidebar navigation left and right is no problem. Also UI is supposed to be better since you don't have to 'take off' your hands to interact (compared to the iPad) but you rather use your thumbs. Every app - like the browser - may have an extra navigational left panel. They claim to work together with Adobe to get full screen playback without the choppiness.
etc...
@dieterk Yeah, but it is still choppy and the interface is clearly sloppy.
I see they're going to the KFC Double Down school of interface design...
They said that there are still some driver problems with YouTube in Full Screen. Also the prototype shown had some problems with the touchscreen, which, as they say, shouldnt be in the final product.
If you ask me, i would wait until you can get it in your hands and test it.
Specs are far better then the ipad, but uability is what counts and this can only be meassured when you are actually able to hold it in your hands.
Lets pray that everythings working until then.
@CrazyO
I agree,
Anyway, the UI seemed messy to me before watching the video, but now I get it. The two columns on left and right sides not to take your hands off the device are cool, and everything runs quite smooth and easy.
I've got good feelings about it, just hope they're making agreements to relese the pad in the rest of Europe soon.
Hey guys, im german so i will translate you a bit. Sorry for my English!!
Basicly he talked about the facts, in first ( when he gets the ipad) that the ipad is a one hand device, the wepad instead is an 2 handed device used by the thumb without covering the device screen.
Next, He said the wepad os will have an live update + multitask coverage ( so it works in multitask instead of OS4 ). You dont have to start the app, to see actual news, weather and stuff, unlike the iPad.
Than he is looking for neophonie, another thumb navigation, without hiding anything.... 16:9 view, more space.
Now he is talking about some kind of expose, so you can switch ( as you see ) between apps. ( Functions are his words ).
Ipad is a nice device, but it isnt realy usefull ( he doesnt says that sentence complete)
Reporter:: Can you place apps on the front page?
Yes indeed, will show You later..
Flash Support.. showing by Youtube, Deutscher Rundfunk, Deutscher Bund etc.
So, the thumb Navigation is the Homebutton of the Webad, you will always get back with that just by pushig it.
This is not a complete flash integration, will follow developed by google, so they are working together with google.
a lot of bla bla ;)
Adding Widgets.. as you can see...
Used the Store.. you have to use this design in the store..
If your thumb nav. is full of apps, another stripe will add automaticly.
Now about advertising, you can make advertisting on the device, so the device will be cheaper. ( the rumors say, that you can buy the wepad with some kind of newspaper contracts cheaper, of for free, so this could scip the ads.. ).
Bug.., touchscreen isnt completly perfect, but it will be, this pice is unique, he apologizes for that.
Reporter: Can the Brightness be Regulated? Is it max?
No it isnt maximum, it can be regulated.. just an driver issue so far.
will be much glare, Brightness regular.
bla bla. ( sorry just talking about multi tasking ). Getting money by advertisement by developing Apps.
Adding a keyboard, working.
may it will be crash the notebooks nowadays.
2nd video is basicly the same.
Flash, Live Multitasking.. etc.
Oh and Guys, a Microphone, Speaker, and Webcam are Built in!
DVB-T ( TNT) sticks will work later, beamer support could be aviable.
SD-CARD Slot, USB Port , any UMTS card will be usable, no sim lock.
Moving Sensort ( G Sensor ).
Hope, i could help you a litte bit.
Doomke
i think its crap. i'm from germany and i wish they wouldn't have labeled it "designed in germany".