v350
Latest
Acer V350 reportedly spotted in benchmarks with Snapdragon S4, Jelly Bean
Acer may be something of a leaky ship. Just days after we saw the supposed V360 smartphone pose for the camera, a possibly related V350 model has reportedly shown up in GLBenchmark's results. Despite the lower number in the naming scheme, the device put through testing looks to be the higher-end of the two. It jumps to a 720p screen, a speedier 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor and even a slightly newer Android 4.1.2 build of Jelly Bean. Without a peek at other details, we don't know what else if anything might be upgraded over the V360, or if this is indeed a real device -- benchmarks aren't definitive proof, after all. If history is an indicator, though, we could get full details of the V350 near Mobile World Congress in February, like with past devices. We just hope Acer is timelier about actually getting to market this time around.
ViewSonic ViewPhone 3 hands-on (video)
No trip to CES 2012 would be complete without spending some up close and personal time with ViewSonic's new phone for the Americas, the ViewPhone 3. Known internationally as the V350 -- which we scored a hands-on with at last year's MWC -- this model retains its dual-SIM heritage and brings a few upgrades such as an 800MHz CPU and Android 2.3. Along with a 3.5-inch HVGA, TFT-LCD display and a 5 megapixel camera (sans LED flash), the phone features 802.11b/g/n, quadband GSM and 7.2Mbps HSDPA with unknown bands (save for 850MHz, anyway). The handset has a plasticky feel, but is also well-proportioned and fits comfortably in the hand. We were less impressed with the quality of the LCD screen, which is rather low-res and distorts easily when viewed from angles. While the hardware is rather passable as a budget phone, the software is cluttered with superfluous features and effects that detract from the user experience -- both in terms of performance and navigation. Given the dual-SIM nature of this phone and its availability as an unlocked device for $279, it's actually somewhat of a rare breed. Loaded with a proper ROM, it could certainly appeal to the right crowd. For some further insight into the ViewPhone 3, be sure to check the video after the break.
ViewSonic ViewPhone 3 clears FCC, prepares for Latin American arrival
Well, wouldn't you know it, but another ViewSonic smartphone has just reared its head -- this time the ViewPhone 3 (V350) -- which has just cleared the FCC. Previously geared toward Russian and European audiences, its creator now hopes to make a splash with the device at CES. The ViewPhone 3 features dual-SIM technology and will be primarily marketed in Latin America. Connectivity wise, it offers quadband GSM and EDGE, although for North American purposes, 3G is limited to the 850MHz spectrum. Further, it carries a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 512MB of RAM and delivers two upgrades over the international version -- an 800MHz Qualcomm CPU and Android 2.3. For those in the states who really want in on the action, ViewSonic intends to sell an unlocked version for a mere $250.
ViewSonic V350 hands-on (video)
Legend has it that the ViewSonic V350 is one of the few dual-SIM Android 2.2 phones on the market. We got a chance to play with a pre-release unit today, and it works as advertised, serving simultaneous quadband GSM plus dualband UMTS (900 / 2100MHz HSPA) on the first SIM, and quadband GSM on the second. The 3.5-inch touchscreen was a little less responsive than we expected, probably on account of the prototype hardware. Otherwise, the device serves a decent mid-range Froyo experience in a friendly package. Sadly, Viewsonic was mum on pricing and availability. Take a look at our gallery and follow the break for a hands-on video. %Gallery-116603%
ViewSonic intros dual-SIM V350 smartphone, Windows 7 / Android dual-boot ViewPad 10Pro tablet
Mobile World Congress may not have its halls open quite yet, but that's not stopping ViewSonic from giving the world a peek at what's to come. First up is the V350 smartphone shown above, a dual-SIM creature with a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touchpanel, Android 2.2, five megapixel camera, a microSD card slot, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 and A-GPS to boot. By supporting a pair of SIMs, it allows jetsetters to carry two SIMs from two operators in order to take advantage of different plans and networks for voice / data in different countries. Moving on, there's a highly intriguing new tablet in the waiting -- the ViewPad 10Pro. This 10-incher (shown after the break) is a "professional" slate with dual-boot functionality, enabling users to tap into Android 2.2 or Windows 7 Professional at their leisure. It's also one of the first tablets to utilize Intel's long-awaited Oak Trail platform, and it'll ship with a 1024 x 600 LED-backlit capacitive multitouch screen, inbuilt 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and a battery good for six or so hours of life. Finally, the ViewPad 10s -- which was just unveiled at CES -- is seeing a gentle update in Barcelona, with the ViewPad 10s 3G (predictably) gaining integrated 3G functionality. Mum's the word on pricing and release, but as always, we'll be prying for more once we touch down at BCN.
