honeycomb
Latest
ZiiLabs unleashes Jaguar3 super slim slate reference design
ZiiLabs' first foray into the tablet market, the ZiiO series, didn't exactly get our gadget senses tingling, but that hasn't stopped the company from churning out reference designs for OEMs looking to cash in on the tablet craze. The latest in its line of Jaguar designs is the Jaguar3, a 10.1-inch tablet packing the company's 1.5GHz dual-core ZMS-20 or quad-core ZMS-40 SoC and both front (of unknown resolution) and rear facing cameras (up to 12 megapixels). Sporting a magnesium case with a svelte 8.1mm or 7.4mm-thin profile depending on your preference and pocketbook, it packs a 1200 x 800 capacitive multitouch display running Android 3.2. In addition to the menu of hardware options, ZiiLabs is offering audio upgrades courtesy of Creative's Sound Blaster technology, plus custom software for HDR support and panoramic picture-taking. That's quite an impressive menu of options for you OEMs to choose from, now let's get some of these things to market, shall we? PR's after the break.
Intel shows off Medfield-based Android tablet at IDF 2011, we (briefly) go eyes-on (updated)
Much in the same vein as the smartphone showed off this morning, Intel also teased a Medfield-based Android tablet. But unlike the prototype Andy Rubin whisked with him off stage, we were able to at least get up close and personal with its Intel inside sibling. Unfortunately we weren't able to actually touch it, but here's to hoping we can track one down and do a proper hands-on at some point today. Update: Our eagle-eyed friends at CarryPad have spotted an NFC marking on the tablet's back. %Gallery-133494%
Asus Eee Pad Slider up for pre-order at Amazon, starting at $480
Still no official launch date for Asus's funny-looking 10.1-inch hybrid, but we've already seen evidence of a September release and now there's a whole drum-roll of pre-order pages up at Amazon. You're looking at $580 for the 32GB model in white or mocha, or $100 less if you settle for the 16GB variant and cram the rest of your digital possessions onto microSD or -- yes indeedy -- some USB 2.0 external storage. Needless to say, all shades come with the same Tegra 2 processor, Honeycomb 3.2, 1GB of RAM, Mini HDMI out, a 5MP rear camera and 1.2MP front-facer. At this point, all these sliders need to do is turn up. Update: Looks like Amazon pulled those pages and spoiled our fun. [Thanks, Peter]
Acer Iconia Tab A501 with HSPA+ hits AT&T on September 18th: $330 on contract
As promised, the Acer Iconia Tab A501 is hitting AT&T just before summer draws to an official close. The carrier just announced it'll start selling the 16GB model next Sunday, September 18th for $480 -- or $330 with a two-year contract. When we first heard about this way back in March, we knew it would be a "4G" device, and today AT&T clarified that this means HSPA+, not LTE, so sorry to burst anyone's bubble. Even so, five months after the A500 went on sale it remains one of a select few slates with a full-sized USB port, so there's that to consider if you're still on the fence about getting a tablet. As planned, it'll ship with Android 3.0, and an Acer rep confirms 3.1 is coming via an over-the-air update, though she couldn't say when, exactly, that'll happen. You can sign up for a monthly plan, if you so choose, though you can also pay as you go, with $15 getting you 250MB and $25 expanding your allowance to 2GB. Customers who commit to two-year agreements will have the same choices, to be honest, except they'll also have to contend with overage fees -- $10 per gigabyte or $15 per 250MB, depending on the plan. %Gallery-133093% Update: We've added Acer's official press release below. Heads up: you'll notice that Acer lists the price as $499.99 for the 16GB model and $549.99 for the 32GB version. That's just the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). It doesn't say so in the press release, but AT&T confirmed to us before we published this story that it will actually be selling the 16GB version only, and for $480 (again, that $330 with a two-year contract). Update 2: We've swapped in AT&T's press release, which fully spells out the pricing.
Sony Tablet S arrives at Best Buy, ready to be touched, pre-ordered
Sure, you could pre-order your Tablet S direct from Sony and wait until the 16th for your slate, or you could skip over to your local Best Buy and play a round of early-release roulette. Our local shop, however, is telling us the tablet is available for "pre-order and display only," so your mileage may vary. [Thanks @DaHarder]
Refresh Roundup: week of September 5, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy! Official Android updates Verizon was spitting out new refreshes left and right this week, as we saw Gingerbread begin to roll out as OTA downloads on the Motorola Droid 3, HTC Droid Incredible, and -- get this -- even the Motorola Droid 2 R2-D2 edition. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Interestingly enough, Android 2.3 for the Droid 2 Global was already getting pushed out, but was pulled just a couple days later after a Microsoft Exchange encryption issue was discovered. We've been told the updates will resume "soon." [via Droid-Life] Finally, Verizon also pushed out one other software upgrade -- this time on its 4510L LTE MiFi. (Thanks, Matt) HTC continues to expand its bootloader unlock tool to more phones, region by region. This week the company enabled support for the EVO 3D in Canada and Europe. [via Phandroid] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc hackery The Motorola Droid 3 and Droid X both now have access to an SBF -- System Boot File -- to act as a safeguard for anyone who manages to brick their phones. [via Droid-Life (1) and (2)] Recently we heard about the Honeycomb ROM for the HTC Flyer getting leaked by MoDaCo, but no screenshots were available at the time. This week, however, someone successfully grabbed a few images to share with the world (shown in the above image). The ROM appears to run on Android 3.2 with HTC Sense 1.1 for tablets as the featured UI. [via AndroidBugle -- thanks, Dennis] Let's talk a little more about leaked Sense ROMs. We've already seen Sense 3.5 working on the Desire HD, and now we have another device to add to the list: the EVO 4G. [via XDA] The first kernel for unlocked bootloaders on the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is now waiting for your download, so head over to the link for instructions. [via XDA] If you've been waiting and hoping for CyanogenMod 7 on your HTC Sensation or EVO 3D so you can shed the Sense UI, that time may be very close at hand. According to a member of the CyanogenMod team, an early alpha build for both devices may be available by the end of this weekend, so keep an eye out. [via Phandroid] Other platforms Two new unofficial ROMs -- one for Windows Phone Mango and another for NoDo --are now available for the Samsung Omnia 7. The Mango ROM improves the device's radio, camera drivers and motion sensors, in addition to a few other enhancements. [via WPCentral] Refreshes already covered this week Vizio rolls out Tablet software update, promises performance boosts aplenty
Sony brings new media streaming box and updated Google TV hardware to CEDIA
Yesterday was the big day for Sony's 4K projector (still no exact price, but reps mentioned it would be sub $25k -- we know you can afford that) and the US debut of its funky 3D helmet, but now that the CEDIA show floor is open we stopped by its booth and got our hands on a couple of other treats. In one corner we've got its Google TV hardware, updated with a near-release upgrade to Honeycomb and showing off some highlighted apps picked by Google. Over in the other, we have its new SMP-N200 streamer. Check the gallery for a few snaps of us pawing the SMP-N200 (smaller than a bread box, way bigger than a Roku 2) and after the break, a live demonstration of Google TV running Honeycomb -- it's not much, but consider this a taste before Google delivers the Market and other goodies around the end of this month. %Gallery-133016%
Fujitsu's waterproof Arrows Tab LTE F-01D to launch on DoCoMo next month
First rule of expensive electronics 101 is don't get'em wet. For the Japanese, however, a waterproof gadget option's a welcome value-add to time spent soaking in that ofuro. We first got a sneak peek at DoCoMo's H2O-resistant LTE Fujitsu tablet just last week, and now the company's making the announcement official. Joining the Arrows Tab LTE F-01D on the carrier's new 4G Xi (read: Crossy) network is our good Samsung friend, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE SC-01D. Both slates are set to hit the operator's Japanese airwaves next month, with Sammy's bowing in early October and Fujitsu's model landing a few weeks later. While we're already privy to all the internal guts and glory of the former tab, we finally have some spec confirmation on the Arrows. The 10.1-incher boasts a WXGA display, dual-core processor running Android 3.2, 1.3 megapixel front-facing / 5 megapixel rear camera setup, up to 32GB of storage and that ever useful waterproofing. Try not to be too jealous, statesiders -- there's always that glimmer of FCC filing hope.
Fujitsu's waterproof Arrows Tab F-01D sails through FCC, frolicking beach advertisement films itself
Oh, sure -- Fujitsu's highly intriguing waterproof Arrows Tab may have an LTE future on Japanese airwaves, but what about the Yanks? Based on an FCC filing that just went public today, it looks as if they may be getting an F-01D to call their own, too. We're surmising that the initial shipment will contain WiFi-only models, as a GSM notice tucked within makes quite clear that "user access to all functions related to GSM900, DCS1800, W-CDMA Band I, VI and IX will be disabled." 'Course, this could be Fujitsu applying for FCC approval without intending to hawk it on these shores -- it's not uncommon for overseas gadgets to boast FCC labels to suit jetsetting owners -- but we'll be keeping our fingers crossed for more global aspirations. A waterproof tablet to use on your next beach excursion? Sign us up... so long as there's a daylight-viewable LCD in there.
Sony Tablet S now available for pre-order, shipping September 16th
Sony's Tablet S may not have been quite fit for consumers' hands when we previewed it last week, but we can only presume that the company's now finally gotten things sorted out, as the tablet is available for pre-order with a promised September 16th ship date. That now includes Amazon in addition to Sony's own site, as well as Best Buy and Future Shop in Canada which are each listing a slightly later September 23rd availability date for the country (but the same $499 and $599 price tags). As expected, those interested in the smaller, dual-screened Tablet P instead still have a bit more waiting to do. [Thanks, Sam]
Medion announces LifeTab P9514 tablet, mysterious Android smartphone at IFA
Medion enjoyed a pretty eventful weekend at this year's IFA in Berlin, where the German PC maker unveiled a new Android tablet and a rather obtuse Gingerbread smartphone. Known as the Lifetab P9514, the company's 32GB, 1.6-pound slate is powered by a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, runs Honeycomb 3.2 and features a capacitive multitouch display with 1280 x 800 resolution. The device also supports both quad-band 3G and WiFi connections, along with the usual smattering of HDMI, microUSB, and microSD ports. Medion's new phone, meanwhile, remains decidedly more mysterious. At this point, we know that the 4.3-inch handset rocks a five megapixel shooter and comes pre-loaded with the manufacturer's GoPal satnav app, but further details remain murky. Both devices are expected to ship within Europe during Q4 of this year at unconfirmed prices, though rumor has it that the LifeTab will run for €399 (about $564). No word yet on whether we can expect to see either product hit the US anytime soon, but you can catch a glimpse of the freshly unveiled smartphone, after the break.
Refresh Roundup: week of August 29, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy! Official Android updates The biggest update we saw this week was a widespread push of Android 2.3.3 to the Motorola Droid 2. This one is done OTA, so simply go into your settings menu and check for updates to see if it's there. (thanks to everyone who sent this in) While we saw a rollout of Android 2.3 to a select few LG Optimus Ones in June, we're hearing reports that the update's now getting pushed out again to a few more regions. This refresh must be done manually through LG's updater tool, so you'll definitely want to check to see if your phone is one of the lucky recipients. [via PocketNow] US Cellular took to its Facebook Page to let customers know it's working on revamping the Samsung Mesmerize to Gingerbread at some point, though no official date or timeframe was given aside from "as soon as possible." [via AndroidCentral] HTC announced the arrival of Android 2.3 for the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible this month, via its Facebook page. [via AndroidCommunity] In fact, some users have already reported getting Gingerbread for the Incredible, and we suspect the rollout will be complete no later than the end of the month, to fulfill the company's promise. [via Phandroid] Gingerbread is in the plans for the Motorola Milestone 2, and according to the company the refresh will begin rolling out in early Q4. [via MyDailyGadget] The Samsung LC11 LTE mobile hotspot is getting a new build, EF07, that appears to improve its handling of multiple devices and congested WiFi locations. It also adds security patches and new protocols. [via Verizon] An update for the Droid 3 was apparently available to soak testers and leaked online, but was pulled from Motorola servers shortly thereafter. It appears to add video chat support in GTalk and adds a new radio that's supposed to save battery life. The via link still has the update available for anyone interested. [via Droid-Life] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc hackery The root method used on most Motorola Android devices has been employed to root the Droid Bionic before it's even been released. [via Droid-Life] LG has released the kernel source for its Gingerbread build of the Optimus S. [via AndroidCentral] The HTC Dev site expanded its support for the bootloader unlock tool this week, now encompassing all versions of the Sensation -- including T-Mobile's. [via AndroidCentral] Other platforms SPB Shell 3.0 is now available for Symbian^3 devices. It brings a fresh 3D-style UI to the OS, and can be yours for $15. [via IntoMobile] Updates already covered this week HP planning TouchPad OTA update for added functionality HTC Flyer Honeycomb ROM leaks Samsung Nexus S updated to 2.3.6, fixes voice search and breaks tethering
Galaxy Tab 7.7 disappears from IFA floor, not a trace left behind
Just two days after Samsung unveiled its Honeycomb-sporting Galaxy Tab 7.7, the slate (along with all traces of its existence) has vanished from the IFA floor. All demo models have been yanked from Sammy's booth, branding has disappeared, and even the large poster touting the slate has been covered up. The Korean company hasn't been entirely forthcoming about the reason behind the removal, but a spokesperson did tell SlashGear that the move was voluntary. Given that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is already barred from sale in Germany (and some 7.7 units on display bore a sticker informing handlers it would also not make it to retail in Deutschland), speculation has led many to link the vanishing act to the ongoing legal battle with Apple. For now though, all we have to go on is Samsung's confirmation that the tablet has been pulled, accompanied by a refusal to comment further.
Google Voice for Honeycomb tablets now officially available, no sideloading necessary
Want in on some Honeycomb optimized Google Voice action without going through all the trouble of sideloading? Today's your lucky day; the boys of El Goog silently pushed out Google Voice 0.4.2.36 to the Android market this morning, adding native tablet support. You can snatch up this update right now directly from Google itself -- but we wouldn't blame you if you decided to sideload it anyway, just for old time's sake. [Thanks, Ryan]
Archos 80 G9 and 101 G9 hands-on (video)
So, so many tablets this week at IFA. Archos's pair of Honeycomb slates may not have garnered the same sort of excitement as, say yesterday's Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 or Toshiba AT200, but there are a lot of interesting things going on with the 80 G9 and 101 G9. From an aesthetic standpoint, these are pretty nice looking devices (the 80 and 101 look largely the same, save for the difference in footprint and screen size), though they're not quite on-par with the two aforementioned tablets, in terms of build. Among other things, they're a bit on the chunky side and have fairly considerable bezels. Like those devices, the G9 tablets run Android 3.2, though a decidedly less skinned up version than Samsung's device. And their 1.5GHz processor assures that they can handle the OS with ease. Archos's tablets also have a few tricks up their collective sleeve. Flip the devices over, and you find a kickstand on one side and a slot on the other than opens up to reveal a USB port designed for the company's proprietary 3G stick. Also pretty awesome is the ability to configure their hard drives up to 250GB -- a fairly staggering sum in the tablet world. We got to spend some hands-on time with both -- check out a video after the break.%Gallery-132525%%Gallery-132524%
HTC Flyer Honeycomb ROM leaks, not for the timid tableter
One of the biggest knocks against the HTC Flyer when it launched (besides the extra $80 the stylus would cost you) was that it shipped with a Sensed-up version of Gingerbread, instead of the more tablet-appropriate Honeycomb. But, with the Android 3.1-packing Puccini now official, the Taiwanese manufacturer is working to bring the rest of its inbetweeners up to speed and, as usual, the devs appear to have sprung a leak. There's not much information about the early Flyer Honeycomb beta that just dropped on MoDaCo, courtesy of Paul O'Brien, but it's already packaged up in RUU form and ready for flashing. It goes without saying, this is not for the faint of heart. If you cherish things like stability and reliability (you know, if you're a wimp) it's probably best to hold out for an official release. The bold can download it now at the source link.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab 8.9 goes LTE for T-Mobile at IFA
What secret could this Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 hold? Check out the little LTE logo hiding out on the back of the device. Yep, T-Mobile's aggressively magenta-ed out IFA booth was showcasing this beauty, as a way of showing off the European carrier's blazing LTE speeds. Hardware, it seems, was incidental to the company's demos -- but boy howdy do we care. The T-Mobile reps didn't offer up much in the way of information on that front (in fact, they mostly tried to move us along to the next LTE-capable device for more speed demos), but the company's paperwork highlights the device's 32GB capacity, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and Android 3.2 operating system. The hardware itself should prove quite familiar to anyone who's ever spent time with a Galaxy Tab -- same brilliant glossy screen, same smooth plastic back. Not much is available, so far as pricing and availability, though the T-Mobile representative that we spoke with believes the thing will be hitting the network in Q4. Update: AndroidOS.in is reporting that the Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE will hit German airwaves in December. [Thanks, TMO_lover] %Gallery-132518%
PowerDVD Mobile for Android brings streaming media to your Honeycomb tablet
Heads up, PowerDVD fans, a new streaming solution is in the Android Market that's designed specifically for your Honeycomb-powered tablet. It's known as PowerDVD Mobile for Android, but don't let the name fool you, because smartphones need not apply. The software allows users to stream media from PowerDVD on their computer directly to the tablet, share media between tablets, and stream media from the tablet to DLNA-certified TVs. Additionally, users will find CyberLink's all-in-one media player that combines support for videos, photos and music, along with the ability to touch up snapshots and create slideshows. If you're looking to hop on board, the software sells for $20 in the Android Market, although users of PowerDVD 11 Ultra may activate a free version with a code that's provided in the desktop version of their software. As usual, you'll find the full PR after the break.
Toshiba AT200 hands-on (video)
Toshiba knew what we wanted at today's IFA press conference, and naturally, it saved the best for last. The company unveiled its AT200 tablet at the show today, and really, as predicted, the thing does seem like a serious competitor to Samsung's popular Galaxy Tab 10.1. The tablet is quite thin and well-built (it was on lock down, so we can't quite attest to its "lightest" claims), unlike a number of its Android brethren. The brushed metal backing also adds a level of sturdiness lacking in the Galaxy Tab 10.1's plastic rear. More details and a video after the break. %Gallery-132335%
ViewSonic launches ViewPad 7x and 10pro, budget-friendly 7e to follow in Q4
Viewsonic has been taunting us a slew of slates for months, one of which we even got to manhandle way back in February. It seems the company is finally ready to deliver its ViewPads to the public though, and announced the availability of three models at IFA. The ViewPad 10pro has been around the block a few times by now and, after a limited run earlier, the Android 2.3 and Windows 7-running tablet will hit shelves on September 5th starting at €499 ($714) for the WiFi only version. Next up is the oft-teased ViewPad 7x, a 7-inch slice of Honeycomb that sports the custom, 3D ViewScene skin. A definitive date hasn't been set for this 8GB, Tegra 2-powered device, but it's expected to land before the end of the month for €349 ($499). Last, is the budget-minded ViewPad 7e. We don't know much about this device, outside of the fact that it sports a 4:3 screen, most likely of the 7-inch variety, but it seems safe to assume we're looking at another Android device. One with relatively low-power internals considering its estimated €169 ($242) price when it lands sometime in Q4.