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Hands-on with Audi's all-digital dash for the 2015 TT and likely home for its Smart Display tablet
Audi's TT, considered by the German maker as its design icon, gets revamped for 2015 and its dash and all-digital cluster made a break from cover at CES. What's immediately apparent when you hop into the curvy leather-wrapped interior setup at the booth is that the traditional center stack is completely absent. All the information that was once viewable by the entire cabin now seems reserved for the driver alone. It's decidedly odd that the front passenger no longer has access to the display so we'd suggest that the mysterious Audi 10.2-inch Smart Display we saw earlier this week will feature prominently in the next TT, possibly as standard equipment. The entire system is simple to use with the 12.3-inch TFT displaying bright colors and easy-to-read fonts. The display features two main modes, including a driving-centric mode where the tach and speedometer are in the foreground; when in navigation mode, they move out to the edges of the screen to offer as much real estate to the maps as possible. The digital dash navigation is done via either steering wheel-mounted controls or the redesigned rotary push-button control mounted on the center tunnel console. A really swish feature of the jog dial sees the top surface of the control act as a touch surface for entering text by scribbling with a finger when required. Now we just need to see the car to wrap around this interior and we'll be all set, but until then, have a look of the video of the next TT's infotainment equipment in action.
Adaia talks up new rugged, seaworthy Android phone from team of Nokia vets
It still doesn't have a ton to show off, but we are now at least getting a better picture of what upstart Adaia has in store for its first smartphone. Speaking with AllThingsD, CEO Heikki Sarajarvi (just one of a number of former Nokia workers at Adaia) explained that he was driven to create the company after destroying one too many smartphones while sailing. Now, the company finally has a working prototype of its first device -- one that's not only rugged, but with both cellular and satellite connectivity to keep the more adventurous among us connected at all times. As for the hardware, Adaia says that it's partnered with BMW Group's DesignworksUSA on the industrial design, which is said to be inspired by a topographical map, while Elektrobit will be handling the inner bits. The phone will be dubbed the Blackcomb according to the company's website, and apparently won't be available to the public until sometime next year. It will, however, be put to the test this summer when a team attempts to cross the Northwest Passage with it in tow. It also, unsurprisingly, won't come cheap. As far as a price goes, Sarajarvi would only say that it'll cost more than a high-end smartphone, but less than the four phones he's had to replace put together.
Elektrobit's Specialized Device Platform tailors Android devices for security-minded markets, won't hem pants
The defense industry may already have its share of deadly high-tech toys, but when it comes to the latest in mobile, it's often left to watch from the highly-secured sidelines. Enter Elektrobit Corporation with a just announced Specialized Device Platform that crafts made-to-order, Android-based devices for the public safety, security and aforementioned defense markets. Citing its lower cost, faster development approach, EB's service marries the "best of the traditional mobile world... with product-and industry-specific features" so clients won't have to deal with last year's Android OS. Oh wait, actually they will. The currently on offer Froyo-flavored, 1GHz single-core OMAP3 model packs a WVGA capacitive touchscreen (either 4-, or 4.3-inch), 5 megapixel camera, VGA front-facing camera, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS with quad-band GSM, tri-band UMTS / HSDPA and CDMA2K / EVDO support. Clients interested in a 700MHz LTE, Gingerbread option -- that's right, no Ice Cream Sandwich -- will have to hold off until the first half of 2012, when the company's 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP4 models will be available for production. Alright, so these specs aren't exactly bleeding edge tech, but hey -- who needs a quad-core phone when you've got this.
Audi gets on the LTE bus, wants to make infotainment more modular
Another automaker getting on the bus with 4G? Yes, it's Audi, who doesn't actually make busses but is the latest to announce its LTE intentions, though not exactly what it intends to do with it. Mobile SkypeHD video calling? They wouldn't be the first. Audi has also indicated that its 2009 partnership with Elektrobit, dubbed e.solutions, is coming to fruition. The result is a way to build a layer of abstraction between the car and the hardware running the infotainment system. Currently Audi is down with NVIDIA's Tegra 2 but obviously that's not going to be the new hotness forever, the idea being that users could swap out units at their dealers whenever they want a taste of what's new and good. You know how you pulled the factory head unit and its big, scratched up knobs out of your ride in '96 and threw in that Clarion unit with all the blinkenlights? Like that -- but probably a lot more expensive.
TerreStar Genus satphone gets beamed into an FCC lab
That projected Q1 2010 availability window for AT&T's first dual-mode satphone (and first satphone, period, for that matter) is looking pretty dang obtainable now that Elektrobit -- the device's manufacturer -- has secured FCC approval. As you can tell from the laboratory mugshot here, TerreStar's Genus is a pretty unassuming-looking Windows Mobile smartphone, which is pretty amazing when you consider that it'll more or less guarantee you coverage anywhere in the most ridiculously remote regions of North America and surrounding waters. Test documentation confirms that it'll be ready with US HSPA out of the gate, so if you can hold out for a month or two and stomach some likely hardcore plans and per-minute / per-megabyte charges, get ready to impress your co-pilot in the midst of that next offshore race.
Elektrobit and Wistron MIDs pop up under lock and key at CEATEC: hands-on
Remember that new and improved reference MID that Elektrobit (better known as EB) announced back at IDF? Yeah, that very device was on hand at Intel's booth at CEATEC, though not a soul was allowed to touch it. The unit was neatly planted beneath freshly Windexed glass alongside three others, two of which certainly put an impressive label on Wistron. We did learn that the EB slate would boast a 3.97-inch capacitive touchscreen with an 800 x 480 resolution, though further details on the lot were scant. Have a peek below to see if EB's take on the niche MID might actually cause you to take notice.%Gallery-75235%
EB improves reference MID, adds new UI and haptics support
We still get the impression that MIDs are struggling to find a market that cares about them, but with Intel refusing to give up hope just yet, a raft of manufacturers are on hand at IDF to showcase new reference designs. Take EB for example, which teased us briefly with its MID Reference at Computex. Now, the outfit is using the spotlight in San Francisco to announce a few key improvements on the device, which was produced in collaboration with Intel (surprise, surprise) and Ericsson. The highlights are an improved user interface and application framework -- which work together to improve multitasking -- and the inclusion of haptics, which enables the display to vibrate in response to a touch. The reference MID is primed and ready to be snapped up by some other manufacturer and introduced as their own, but the question remains: do we have any takers?%Gallery-73698% Show full PR text EB INTRODUCES GROUNDBREAKING ADVANCEMENTS TO ITS MOBILE INTERNET DEVICE (MID) REFERENCE DESIGNSophisticated New Features AddressConsumer Demands, Resulting in a Captivating Multimedia Experience powered by Intel winning technologiesSAN FRANCISCO (Intel Developer Forum 2009), September 22, 2009 - Building upon its next-generation EB MID Reference Device that was showcased earlier this year at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009, EB, Elektrobit Corporation (OMX: EBC1V), a leading developer of cutting-edge embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless industries, is applying its creative expertise to unveil today, at INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM 2009, optimized features to its MID reference design. Working with Intel and Ericsson, the upgraded design transforms the device with stylish, multimedia improvements that are necessary in providing a fulfilling end-user experience.According to projections from ABI Research, worldwide MID shipments are expected to exceed 90 million units by 2012. With the global demand for flexible interfaces and multimedia functionality on the rise, EB has continued to spearhead the efforts of meeting customer needs by growing its pipeline of innovation, delivering new reference devices that customers and end-users require. Responding to the demand set by business professionals and young adults seeking flexible devices offering a pocket-able, media-centric experience that incorporates the power of a desktop computer for on-the-go portability, EB has further enhanced its MID reference design to answer the demands of the market, including:· An improved user interface (UI) and application framework – This enables users to multi-task and personalize the device through cutting-edge desktop features. The result takes self-expression to a heightened level of sophistication, providing an intuitive way for end-users to interact with phones and network services that operate as powerfully as the sense of touch itself.· Leveraging latest UI technologies, such as 3D, plasma desktop and haptics – EB has designed an experience that offers vivid, sophisticated appearances. Leveraging haptics makes it possible for end-users to touch and manipulate objects effortlessly, which is vital to exceeding user expectations of what a device should deliver."As consumers continue to seek out new devices that offer unique value and sophisticated applications in a pocket-able form factor, the rapid development of the MID market is something to pay close attention to," said Kevin Burden, Practice Director, Mobile Devices, ABI Research. "In an effort to keep up with consumer demands craving innovative products, partnering with a design shop that has particular expertise with MIDs, can add competitive advantages for vendors in the battle for consumer electronics market share." A complete EB MID Reference Device can be tailored to a customers' brand and target market requirements with a wide range of cellular connectivity options. By licensing EB's sophisticated MID reference design technology coupled with device customization services, customers - including wireless, CE and PC original device and equipment manufacturers, wireless operators, among others - gain the framework to quickly and cost-effectively bring to market innovative MID solutions that aim to increase competitiveness and revenue-potential."Since 2007, we have collaborated with both Intel and Ericsson on the world's first MID reference devices, we've leveraged our expertise and understanding of MIDs to transform basic concepts into cutting-edge designs that would enhance the end-user experience," said Vesa Kiviranta, vice president, EB Wireless Solutions. "The intuitiveness brought forth by advanced technological features in our reference design further adds to our credibility and extensive knowledge of the MID market."EB MID Reference Device was recently named a runner-up in the Best of 4G Awards for Best Mobile Internet Device, which was presented at the 4G World conference and expo. 4G World is an annual event that explores the entire ecosystem for next generation networks.
TerreStar launches ginormous satellite in preparation for service
If you want data service on your phone positively, absolutely anywhere you happen to be in the US or Canada, this one's for you: TerreStar just successfully launched its aptly-named TerreStar-1 satellite, which just happens to be the largest commercial satellite ever deployed. This dovetails perfectly with news that the upstart satphone provider is partnering with AT&T to offer service later this year, presumably with a variant of that sweet little Elektrobit WinMo piece we had a chance to check out a few months back. Cost could be a concern, but it should be cheaper than the problem-plagued Iridium back when it launched -- and hybrid HSPA capability is a major win, too.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Elektrobit Moorestown MID reference design is more like it
We're kinda-sorta coming around on the MIDs now that we've gotten a chance to play with Moblin 2.0, but it'll take some great hardware to really convince us (or hell, anyone) -- like this promising first Moorestown reference design from Elektrobit. Yeah, it's not quite the amazing mockup device that Intel's been showing off for a couple years, but it's still pretty attractive, and it's actually pretty small at just a half-inch thick with a four-inch HD screen. You're also looking at HDMI out, either WiMAX or 3G mobile broadband, and voice capability. Sadly, none of this will ship until Intel delivers the Mooretown chips, so we won't be able to do anything except sniff vapor until 2010.[Via Linux Devices]
Elektrobit's satellite-GSM hybrid smartphone reference design in the flesh
99.99 percent of the population has no "need" for a phone capable of switching between GSM and satellite reception on the fly, but let's be clear: that has absolutely nothing to do with us wanting one. We checked out the reference design for Elektrobit's satellite-GSM hybrid smartphone powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 today, and here's the thing: it's not the best-looking device in the world -- nor the thinnest -- but when you consider the raw radio firepower it's packing, your mind should be fully blown. Unlike Iridium-based handsets that require huge, unsightly external antennas to connect you to outer space, Elektrobit's device connects to TerreStar's entirely IP-based network, meaning voice is sent over the interwebs and you can get relatively high-speed data even if you're in some lean-to in Wyoming just seconds away from being consumed whole by a grizzly. When you're closer to civilization, you've got HSDPA and WiFI, so this is basically the total package as connectivity goes. On the downside, the keyboard's mushy and uncomfortable with little dimples in the middle of each key -- and, you know, satellite service isn't the cheapest stuff in the world -- but hey, Elektrobit says there'll be a Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade available later in the year. Sold.%Gallery-45218%
Elektrobit promises to deliver Windows Mobile-based satellite phone in 2009
We've already seen one hybrid satellite phone shown off far in advance of its promised release date this month, and Elektrobit now looks to be doing things one better, with it debuting an even less satellite phone-looking device that's supposedly coming even sooner. If the company is to be believed, you'll be able to get your hands on the Windows Mobile-based device pictured above sometime in 2009, with it offering everything you'd expect from a standard smartphone with the added benefit of always-on satellite access for times when you stray beyond a cellular signal. That bit of convenience will come from the TerreStar satellite network, which hasn't actually launched yet but, last we heard, was still on track for the end of this year. As for the phone itself, you can apparently expect to get Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, along with HSDPA support, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, a microSD card slot, a 3-megapixel camera, and voice controls, among other standard smartphone features. No word on a price just yet, but Elektrobit says it'll be "cost competitive" with standard cellphones.[Via The Boy Genius Report]
Intel shows of MIDs / UMPCs aplenty at IDF
We already caught sight of one Mobile Internet Device that made its way to Intel's currently-happening Developer Forum, but it looks like that was just the tip of the MID iceberg, with at least five other devices also making an appearance in prototype forum. In addition to that BenQ unit, the prototypes include devices from Asus, Compal, Elektrobit, Inventec and Quanta, each of which are based on Intel's Menlow platform, and at least some of which are apparently on track for a release in the first half of 2008. Unfortunately, there's not much in the way of specs for any of them just yet, although we're sure we'll be hearing more about them soon enough. In related news, Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth was also on hand to demo a pre-alpha version of Ubuntu for MIDs, as was Adobe's Al Ramadan, who showed off the company's Adobe AIR application, which will supposedly "extend the reach of rich internet applications" and "bring compelling new experiences to the user."[Via Phoronix, thanks Steve]
