Ifa2013
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Garmin's smartphone-compatible HUD makes an appearance at IFA 2013, we go eyes-on
The connected car concept has gained plenty of traction, but not everyone can afford an Audi or BMW to get that functionality built in. Deutsche Telekom's hoping to bring a taste of that luxury to the masses by pairing its Navigon Telekom Edition app with Garmin's heads-up display. This version of the app, available exclusively for German customers, brings heads-up directions, speed limit and other important stats to the HUD, provided it's connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Garmin's dash-mounted hardware is already available stateside for $150, but it's up for grabs here at IFA for €149. We go eyes-on in the gallery below. Zach Honig contributed to this report. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Eyes-on with Samsung's 31.5-inch 4K PC monitor
Samsung's continuing the UHD TV march here at IFA with plenty of sets, but it's also showing a 4K (3,840 x 2,160) 31.5-inch monitor that's built to sit on your desktop. Crisp images deliver on the Ultra High Definition promise, but the colors are particularly vibrant, due in part to the LED panel's ability to reproduce 1.07 billion colors and pictures that can cram in 99 percent of Adobe's RGB color spectrum. Because of that, the set easily distances itself from others that have flat, dull image reproduction. However, viewing angles leave something to be desired, as standing far off to the side clouds the monitor. Not only does this piece of kit churn out good imagery, but it easily tilts and pivots into a vertical position, to boot. When it comes to connectivity, the screen packs four USB ports and slots for HDMI, DVI-DL and DPX2. If you're ready to hook up this display to your PC, there will be some waiting involved -- no pricing or release details have been divulged. If you'd like to gawk at the firm's hardware, look out below for our gallery. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Archos 101 XS 2, ChefPad and ChildPad tablets hands-on (video)
With Archos, when it rains, it pours. We popped by the company's booth at IFA this morning to take a peek at its customary deluge of devices. In addition to a number of handsets, Archos was showcasing a whole pile of tablets -- though we've opted to focus on some of the more interesting ones, namely the 101 XS, ChefPad and ChildPad. And we have to say, while the company hasn't always been known for sexy devices, all of the tablets we looked at had surprisingly nice builds. The company also gets some credit for seeking out some interesting niches within the tablet space. The 101 XS 2 is certainly the most mainstream of the three. The Gen11 device is probably most notable for its included keyboard dock, which magnetically attaches to the front of the slate, protecting its screen when not in use. When you're ready to go, pull off the thin cover, unfold the stand on the dock and stick the tablet into its port, propping it up in landscape mode. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Alcatel OneTouch Idol Alpha hands-on
Alcatel OneTouch has turned a new leaf in 2013. In the past, the TCL-affiliated manufacturer has been known to crank out a dozen or more cheap smartphones at European trade shows with no apparent focus on quality, but after a recent adjustment in brand strategy, we're looking at the company in a completely new light. The frequency of new phones hasn't changed much, but Alcatel is working hard to change its reputation by adding a few high-end devices to its portfolio, such as the Idol Alpha. Taking the lead as the flagship of the company's premiere Android lineup, the Alpha is a 5-inch beaut that appears to live up to its name, complete with aluminum build and a new type of transparent material on the top and bottom. It's a phone that took us a bit off-guard, so join us after the break (and the gallery below) to read more of our first impressions. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Alcatel OneTouch reveals prototype E Ink flip cover (video)
E Ink -- the tech behind a large number of e-readers on the market today -- is starting to make its way onto smartphones. We've seen it on reference phones as well as devices like the YotaPhone and even the iPhone and Galaxy Note II (in the form of a case), and now a largely unknown company is rather unexpectedly seeking to harness E Ink tech for its latest flagship. That manufacturer, interestingly enough, is Alcatel OneTouch. Taking advantage of the magnetic docking ports on the back of the brand new 6-inch Hero, the company has designed a prototype flip cover with an E Ink screen on top. This offers the obvious functionality of reading e-books in traditional fashion without having the display drain massive amounts of power, but as you can see in the image above, its engineers are exploring other use cases such as a full lock screen with a dynamically changing weather widget, and we figure the sky's the limit. While press releases seemed to indicate that the accessory will see the light of day, company reps told us that it is still just a prototype and they're not certain if it will make it out to the market. Whatever may happen down the road, it's great to see E Ink coming alive on smartphones in different ways. Check out our gallery and a brief video below. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Lenovo / Vodafone's Smart Tab III shows up in 10- and 7-inch versions at IFA (hands-on)
There are always a few treats to be had at Vodafone's IFA booth. This year, the company was showing off the successor to the Smart Tab II -- a device we happened to first glimpse at last year's event. The Lenovo-designed Vodafone Smart Tab III comes in two flavors, a 1280 x 800 10-inch model and a 1024 x 600 seven-inch version. Both devices are running Android 4.2.2, with promised upgrades to Kit Kat when the time comes. The models we saw here in Berlin were also running Bild, a skin that aims to make app discovery easier from within the OS itself, thanks in part to its clustering together titles in categories like Social and Travel -- of course, that all makes things a bit tougher to find the first time you boot things up. We did manage to locate the settings panel eventually, though. There's a 1.2GHz processor inside of both, along with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage, which is expandable via a microSD slot. Both slates also feature front and rear facing cameras, the latter of which clocks in at five megapixels. Both are pretty solidly designed, with fairly slim profiles. The seven-incher has a front-facing speaker grille and the 10-inch version has two on the top of its textured backing. Also, in spite of Lenovo's input, the company hasn't branded either device at all. Instead, there's a single Vodafone logo smack dab in the center of both tablets' backs. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
LG's 77-inch Ultra HD curved OLED TV is the biggest, with the most buzzwords (update: eyes-on)
The never ending battle between Korean manufacturers Samsung and LG has moved to its inevitable next level, as LG has introduced an even larger super high-res OLED than its competitor's 55-inch models. The new high water mark is this 77-inch Ultra HD curved OLED it's showing off at IFA 2013, which is a step up in pretty much every way possible and even makes us recall the LCD size wars of the mid '00s. Whether or not we asked for it, it's bringing new display technology, a rare shape and of course, that truly outstanding size. It's only a concept now, but so was the $15,000 55-inch version at one point so we'd suggest keeping your black card handy. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Leaked Verizon doc prices Galaxy Note 3 at $699 retail, $299 with contract, $599 if you bundle the watch
AT&T and T-Mobile customers already know what they will have to cough up if they want to squeeze Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 into their pockets. Verizon customers, however, are currently in the dark -- despite big red encouraging you commit in advance all the same. A reportedly leaked document received by AndroidSPIN pegs the phone at $699 sans-contract, or $299 if you sign on the dotted line for a two-year fling. Verizon seems keen to bundle in the Galaxy Gear, too, offering a joint package for $599 should you want to go all in. The pricing-curtain officially lifts at 9am ET, but here's a head start if you need to count those beans. Take a squint at the image yourself past the break.
Griffin's MultiDock looks sleeker than ever, and it can still house and charge a herd of devices at once
In an age where expecting humans to limit themselves to a single piece of electronics is a little too much to ask for, what could be better than to own a physical hub where multiple things can be charged simultaneously? In all seriousness, though, the Griffin MultiDock can indeed be a rather handy tool for businesses, schools and other organizations needing to store, power and sync a large number of devices at once. What's also good about the second-gen MultiDock is that it's no longer only compatible with iPads, allowing a multitude of slabs from different manufacturers to be housed inside of it. Griffin's also quick to point out that the new MultiDock's design was the result of a collaboration with designer Thomas Meyerhoffer, who's more famously known for having worked on the Apple eMate. Regardless, be prepared to break the piggy bank, since the MultiDock's set to be priced starting at $699 when it becomes available later this month.
Alcatel intros four One Touch Pop C-series smartphones, keeps them cheap
Not everyone needs a giant, higher-end smartphone like the One Touch Hero -- many can get by with just the basics. For those users, Alcatel has unveiled four One Touch Pop models with smaller screens and entry-level performance. The Android 4.2-based range begins with the Pop C1, a starter phone with a 3.5-inch screen, a dual-core 1GHz processor and sprightly color options like neon green and pink. Need more? The Pop C3 jumps to a 4-inch screen and a dual-core 1.3GHz chip; the Pop C5 steps up to a 4.5-inch screen, and the Pop C7 carries both a 5-inch display as well as a quad-core 1.3GHz processor. If you're interested, you can pick up the C1 or C3 as soon as October. The C5 ships in November, while the C7 arrives sometime during the last quarter of the year.
T-Mobile to launch Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Gear on October 2nd
If your carrier preference is tinged magenta, you'll be able to get Samsung's latest hardware combo October 2nd. The Galaxy Note 3 will cost $199 down plus $21 a month for 24 months on T-Mobile's Simple Choice plan, while the Galaxy Gear smartwatch carries its standard price of $299. Pre-orders aren't open yet, but you can sign up for an alert right here -- those who get on the list before the 15th will be registered to win a Note 3 / Galaxy Gear set for free.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) reaches the FCC
Samsung has already run the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear through the FCC; the company might as well complete its trifecta with the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition), right? Sure enough, the 10-inch slate has just been approved by the FCC as the SM-P600. This is a WiFi model, so there are few surprises in the filing -- the most exotic feature is the already known support for ANT+ sensors. Nonetheless, those wanting to try Samsung's latest flagship tablet will be glad to know that there's one less hurdle ahead of its American launch.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 now available for pre-order on AT&T, expected to ship 'around' October 1st for $299.99
Later this morning, Verizon will open its virtual doors to early Samsung Galaxy Note 3 adopters wanting to pre-order the new flagship device announced two days ago. AT&T wants to do one better, however, by flipping the switch right now. Starting at 12:01am ET, the GSM network will give you the opportunity to commit $300 of your hard-earned money and two years of your life -- or $35 per month if you plan to use AT&T Next, which effectively translates into an off-contract cost of $700, by our calculations -- to have the large smartphone shipped to your doorstep "around October 1st." So yes, this means the final date is more of a flexible guideline than a rule at this point, though we're holding out hope that this estimate is conservative and will actually arrive sooner rather than later, in the same manner in which the pizza place quotes you when you call for delivery. The network also confirms that the Galaxy Gear is on its way as well, though it only gets as specific as "the coming weeks."
Korg's KR Mini rhythm controller puts a backing band in your gig bag (video)
Sometimes a metronome just won't cut it when you're playing an instrument alone. That's where Korg's KR Mini comes in, providing the galloping metal beat that bridges into a poppy chorus for your bass, guitar or keyboard jam session. You can even chain the unit's nine presets -- 8-beat, 16-beat, dance, jazz, Latin, metal, pop, R&B and rock -- together with a plethora of fills to make your own backing tracks to shred along to. The box's 16 velocity sensitive-pads do double duty too, allowing for finger drumming if none of the onboard loops do the trick. If you need inputs to run your existing effects pedal-board or foot controls into, the KR Mini has you covered there too. No monitor? No problem. The built-in speakers can provide the sound you need at a moment's notice, with a trio of AAs providing the juice if you aren't near a wall outlet. Considering the company's storied drum machine-heritage, it's cool to see Korg honoring that legacy with this latest KR model. The Mini ships in November for $79.99, and while it may not be the ego-free backing band of your dreams, it probably comes close. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Alcatel OneTouch intros prototype pico projector docking port (hands-on)
Pico projectors are swell, but they're not wildly popular. Very few smartphone manufacturers can find a way to embed them into devices without making them incredibly thick and expensive, and without sucking the battery dry in no time at all -- the Samsung Galaxy Beam comes to mind regarding all of the above concerns -- and carrying around a separate accessory is just plain impractical and expensive. (Plus, most devices can wirelessly mirror content onto TVs and monitors anyway, making the actual market even more limited.) But what if you could find a clever way of incorporating it into another useful accessory while keeping it small, simple and inexpensive? Well, we're not sure about the latter qualification, but Alcatel OneTouch is at least keeping an eye on this niche with a new docking station that doubles as an aforementioned pico projector. It's a prototype accessory that's compatible with the OneTouch Hero, thanks to its set of magnetic docking contacts on the back -- all you have to do is clip it on and the phone recognizes that it's been attached. The projector is 12Lm, which is a little dimmer than we'd prefer (we were told that the final product may actually be brighter than this, but they can't confirm for now), and the company claims it can show a screen larger than 70 inches. Company reps tell us that this nameless accessory isn't officially coming onto the market just yet, and they're trying to determine how best to proceed (the Hero's press release suggests that this for sure will be available later, however, so we'll take it with a grain of salt at the moment). It's a clever idea that could come in handy for a number of business travelers who need to carry on impromptu presentations, but price (of both the projector and the phone itself) will be a key factor in its success. Check out a few images below that show off the prototype in all its miniature glory. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Velodyne vQuiet active noise-canceling headphones (ears-on)
Velodyne is a name closely associated with subwoofers, but the company also knocks-out portable audio gear, too. The vQuiet, as you may have guessed, is Velo's first pair of active noise canceling headphones -- hopefully ensuring that your jams are more listenable on the rowdy floor of a busy trade show. In our very short time with the gear, we found that Bob Dylan's quiet-voiced bootlegs were a little more audible with the head wear activated than not. Of course, we'd rather spend a little more time with them before making a final judgment, but until then, the vQuiet will arrive more generally in October for $299 -- offering you a choice between them and the ever-present Bose sets that you see during those long-haul flights. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Gear winds its way through FCC approval
Granted, the picture we see above us would've been much more intriguing a couple days ago, prior to Samsung Unpacked, but it shows the Samsung SM-V700 (aka Galaxy Gear) getting the official stamp of approval by the FCC, which means it's one step closer to store shelves. The docs don't give us any juicy tidbits that we didn't already know -- essentially, the device has Bluetooth and not much else in the way of wireless connectivity -- but this doesn't come as a surprise for an already-announced gadget. Still, the Galaxy Gear's appearance in the FCC is at least a clear indication that things are going in the right direction, and folks in the US may see it closer to the September 25th launch date than they initially feared.
Alcatel OneTouch Hero hands-on
Okay, you have to admit: there might actually be something to this whole large smartphone business, started by Samsung two years ago at this very trade show. Not only has the trend not gone away, nearly every major OEM is hopping on the bandwagon. Alcatel OneTouch is interested in joining the party, and it's entering the field with a doozy aptly called the Hero, a 6-inch behemoth with a full HD (1,920 x 1,080) display and a few tricks up its sleeves. It's relatively easy on the hands, with a curved back and a decent thickness of 8.5mm. In fact, compared to the Acer Liquid S2 (another 6-inch smartphone announced at IFA), it's 6mm narrower, 7.5mm shorter and 0.5mm thinner -- great news, especially since we felt pretty comfortable with the S2 during our hands-on. In many parts of the world, Alcatel OneTouch is still an unknown, despite the fact that the manufacturer has a reputation for pushing out up to a dozen handsets at one time. While this is still very much the case this week, we've noticed that the company has put a much higher amount of focus on quality. The Hero doesn't remind us of a cheap KIRF or knockoff phone. Instead, we came away much more impressed with the phone's look and feel than we originally expected. Continue past the break for more of our thoughts and the Hero's features. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Philips launches two new sets of Fidelio headphones
Philips and audio gear go together like peanut butter and soya and linseed bread (trust us), so it's with little surprise to see the company unveiling two new sets of headphones for IFA 2013. The Fidelio M1BT is a pair of Bluetooth noisyboxes that shroud 40mm Neodymium speakers inside a leather and aluminum body, with wireless controls on either can to change track and volume. If, however, you prefer something a little less fancy, then the company has launched the Fidelio L2. A subtle update on 2011's Fidelio L1, Philips promises that the tweaks offer a better audio experience for audiophiles. The M1BTs are available from today at a price of €250, while the Fidelio L2 will set you back €279 when it arrives later in the month. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Hands-on with CSR's flexible paper-thin Bluetooth keyboard (video)
Think the Microsoft Surface's Touch Cover was thin? You ain't seen nothin' yet. CSR, a company that delights in coming up with clever ideas and putting a significant amount of engineering personnel behind them, has a working prototype of a 0.5mm-thin keyboard. The board -- if you can call it that -- is made of flexible material and printed circuitry, combined with an Atmel touchscreen sensor and a few other life-bringing chips near the top (because of this, the top of the keyboard is a little thicker). Since it uses Bluetooth Smart to transmit your strokes and taps to a phone, tablet or computer, the only possible concern is the issue of incompatibility with devices that don't support the standard yet; iOS 7 and Windows 8 will be good to go (a rep told us that while Android 4.3 supports Bluetooth Smart, it doesn't utilize the HID profile that CSR relies heavily on). The model we played with was a little cramped, which means we had to consciously try not to hit the wrong keys; other than this, we actually had the same kind of typing experience tonight that we've had with the Touch Cover. Of course, these kinds of things can easily be worked out as CSR works out the kinks. As you might expect from a prototype, don't expect to see the white membrane pictured above in a big box store. CSR doesn't plan to sell it directly to users, but rather it's busy pitching it to developers and OEMs in case they want to embed it into devices of their own. Because of this, the company isn't ready to disclose details about when or where we'll see its tech show up first -- when it makes an appearance, however, we'll let you know. Head below for a gallery and video. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
