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ASUS unveils budget X102BA laptop with 10-point touch and AMD inside
ASUS' new Zenbook UX301 and second-gen Transformer Book a little too rich for your blood? You'll be glad to hear that the company has announced what appears to be a more down-to-Earth ultraportable, the X102BA. As suggested in rumors, the laptop is ultimately a rival to Acer's 11-inch Aspire V5. While the X102BA sports a smaller 10.1-inch touchscreen, it uses the same 1GHz Temash-based AMD processor and should offer both healthy battery life and quicker-than-usual integrated graphics. The base 2GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive won't impress anyone, but ASUS is sweetening the pot by offering a free copy of Office 2013 Home & Student with every model. The company isn't providing launch details just yet; still, we wouldn't be surprised if the X102BA is priced well within the budgets of returning students. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 S View covers hands-on
The S View cover made its debut as a protective-flip-case-with-a-window for the Samsung Galaxy S 4, and the accessory made enough of an impression that the Korean manufacturer decided to give it an even bigger presence on the Galaxy Note 3, as you'll be able to grab one in a rather wide variety of different colors designed by. Just like the GS4 version, this cover integrates a removable back as a clever way of trimming down unnecessary thickness and making the whole combo look much more elegant. So what makes this particular case stand out from the vast ocean of third-party models that will likely start floating around in the not-too-distant future? The "window" on the front takes advantage of a special film capable of recognizing S Pen touches. When the window lights up, you have the option to look at caller ID, time, date and temperature, and the notification bar -- it looks a lot like an evolved quick glance screen from previous Galaxy flagships. It doesn't actually show any of those notifications, but it will allow you to answer phone calls; you can also slide the S Pen to unlock the device (fingers work, though we had a hard time getting the screen to recognize our touch), which then allows you to slide over to an adjacent screen that offers large buttons for camera, music player and action memo access for jotting down notes without opening the cover. There's no word of how much these will be priced, but if the GS4 version is any indication, we'd wager that functionality is apparently worth a few bucks. Have a look at our gallery showing off some of the different cover colors and functions below, as well as a brief video after the break. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub! Alexis Santos contributed to this post.
Sony introduces new wireless speaker and noise-canceling headphones
With the launch of its new flagship phone, the Xperia Z1 (and a slew of other products), Sony has had its hands full at IFA. But the day is still young, and there are accessories yet to be launched, like a new Bluetooth wireless speaker and a set of premium noise-canceling headphones. The "splash-proof" speaker comes with five color choices and One-Touch listening, allowing users to pair it with NFC-capable devices. Additionally, three models of the MDR-10R headphones will be available this fall: standard, noise-canceling and Bluetooth. Interested parties can grab the speaker for $130 when it launches tomorrow, but you'll have to wait until October to get your paws on the headphones, which will retail for $200 for the basic version and $270 for the noise-canceling variety. The Bluetooth, NFC-ready headset will hit shelves in November with a sticker price of $250. To learn more, you can check out the product pages (linked below) or the press releases after the break. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
This is the pink Samsung Galaxy Note 3
We've already given full hands-on treatment to the white and black Samsung Galaxy Note 3, but there's one other color that didn't get its fair share of attention: pink. Thankfully, we had the chance to see this particular hue after Samsung's Unpacked event, and while we didn't feel a need to add thousands of words to simply describe one color, it's worth at least giving a small bit of attention to it for the interested parties out there. Take a quick peek below at our gallery of images and comparison shots. Alexis Santos contributed to this post. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Verizon announces first US pre-order date for Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear: September 6th at 9AM ET
The Big Four (that'd be Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T) have all confirmed that they'll be stocking Samsung's newly-introduced Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 3, but none of 'em have been bold enough as to give us two precious details: pricing and availability. We're still waiting for the damage, but VZW has come forward and alerted its customers that pre-orders will open up on September 6th. Given that the Note 3 just sailed through the FCC (and that the Gear is due to land in October), we're guessing that you'll have to wait anywhere from one to eight weeks for shipment. We'll keep you posted if we hear anything more concrete. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 drops by the FCC ahead of global launch
That didn't take long. Just hours after Samsung's IFA presser, the company's latest oversized handset made its way through the FCC. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 ran through the usual gamut of federal tests, but didn't betray compatibility for US LTE bands -- instead only revealing support for GSM and UMTS 850 / 1900 MHz. In all likelihood, this is probably just an early peek at the international unit shipping later this month. Turns out even the federal government will have to wait until October to get their hands on a US model.
Smart TV Alliance now lets developers submit apps once for use on all supported TVs
The Smart TV Alliance wants apps that work across multiple platforms, but developers have so far had to submit those apps to each TV maker -- a process that can take ages. Things should speed up now that the Alliance has launched a Developer Support Program. From now on, software teams can send apps through a single approval system that qualifies a given release for use with every Alliance-compatible set. Developers can do more with those apps, too. The Alliance has posted a version 2.5 SDK that allows multi-screen integration with mobile apps, and it's promising a future 3.0 spec that includes support for both Ultra HD TVs and home automation. While there's no launch date for 3.0 at this stage, TV app creators will find both the Developer Support Program and SDK 2.5 at the source link. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung opens up Knox security platform to all consumers
Samsung's Knox security solution has tended to mostly garner headlines when the company's phones get approval from the likes of the US Defense Department, but it's now set to broaden its user base considerably. In addition to announcing that it's bolstering the offering with some help from Lookout, Samsung has also confirmed today that its opening the platform up to all consumers. That will give security-minded users an added layer of protection, with Knox letting you store personal data and run a set of pre-screened apps in a so-called container -- other apps can still be run outside the container, but with only limited access to your personal information. Naturally, you'll need a Samsung device to take advantage of it. The company says all of its upcoming devices will offer support for the service, and it's promising to provide details on commercial availability for the Galaxy S III, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy Note II "shortly." Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Gear apps include Path, Pocket, RunKeeper and more
Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch will launch with 70 native apps, and it turns out that there's quite a few heavy-hitters in that bunch. Path is available to share photos taken from the Gear's wriststrap; Pocket users, meanwhile, can have Gear read saved articles out loud. And fitness apps will definitely be in vogue -- RunKeeper, MyFitnessPal, Phigolf and others have embraced Samsung's vision. There are too many other apps to list them all, although we've noticed big-name titles like Snapchat in the mix. If you're planning to pick up Samsung's wristwear in the next few weeks, there won't be any shortage of things to do with it. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Android 4.3 arriving for Galaxy S III and Galaxy S 4 in October
Today's Unpacked event was all about Samsung's new Notes and its Galaxy Gear, but there's good news for folks with older hardware. Turns out, Android 4.3 is coming to the Galaxy S III and Galaxy S 4 in October along with the update that'll add Galaxy Gear functionality to the GS 4. Let's hope none of the Nexus gremlins made their way into Samsung's Galaxy. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung flaunts its My Magazine Flipboard-style homescreen for the Galaxy Note 3
In the midst of its numerous Unpacked Episode 2 unveilings, Samsung's just given us a peek at a new piece of the Galaxy Note 3 puzzle: My Magazine. At a glance, it looks like a mashup between Flipboard's curated magazine app and HTC's Blinkfeed-infused homescreen. That's not surprising given Samsung's recent collaboration with Flipboard, and there are similarities with that app, like different panels for news feeds and deep social integration. You can access it by swiping up from the bottom, a new twist for Samsung -- for a deeper plunge, check our Galaxy Note 3 preview post. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung details new S Pen with Air Command feature for Galaxy Note 3
Samsung's just officially announced the Galaxy Note 3 at its big IFA event, and its not so surprisingly spent a lot of time talking about the phone's brand new S Pen. In addition to bringing with it slightly new design, the pen also enables a number of new features on the phone. The biggest of those is the new Air Command functionality, which is a small pop-up window that's brought up automatically by the S Pen and offers quick access to features like Action Memo (which can link memos to actions), a scrapbook, the S Finder search option, and the updated S Note, which can sync content with your PC and tablet through Evernote. Fans of the Note's flip covers will also be glad to know that they can now also use the S Pen with the cover closed. Check out our full Galaxy Note 3 preview for a closer look at the S Pen's new features and, of course, the phone itself. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung's Galaxy Gear is only compatible with Note 3, 10.1 at launch
Samsung's making waves in the wearables category today with its Galaxy Gear smartwatch, but the device's compatibility will be surprisingly limited at launch, curtailing our excitement quite a bit. According to reps, the connected wristwatch will only pair with Galaxy devices running Android version 4.3 -- for the time being, that restricts use to the smartphone and tablet announced today, Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 and the refreshed Note 10.1, though the next version of Jelly Bean may roll out to the GS4 later this year, so Samsung's flagship handset shouldn't be left out in the cold for long. As for third-party devices? There's always a chance that Gear support could come in the future, but we're certainly not counting on it, especially with this first-generation wearable. Update: It's not clear if Galaxy Nexus devices will be supported when updated to Android 4.3 as well, but Samsung has confirmed that the Gear will work with a refreshed Galaxy S4. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Galaxy Note 3's new S View Cover lets you use the S Pen with the cover on
Samsung is launching a new S View Cover to go with its equally new Galaxy Note 3. The protector includes an extra-large window for controlling the smartphone while the cover is closed; you can even use the S Pen in this mode. The accessory will ship in a wide variety of colors, including seasonal collections, metallic hues and special variants designed by Moschino and Nicholas Kirkwood. Samsung hasn't provided launch details for the covers, although we'd expect them to ship at the same time as the Note 3 itself. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch hands-on (video)
Wrist watches, smart or otherwise, are simply not for everyone -- there are more smartphone users in the world, many times over, than there will ever be smartwatch owners. Despite the limited market for such a device, however, Samsung's decided it's time to join in on the fun. The Galaxy Gear, as we've known it to be called for a few weeks now, was hardly guarded with a level of secrecy that's become standard for a flagship smartphone, but as the device is finally official -- and expected to launch in more than 100 countries within weeks -- just how does it perform? Find our take after the break. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition) hands-on
With all the hubbub about the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear, any hype surrounding a new Galaxy Note tablet prior to IFA 2013 was severely downplayed -- but worry not, because you'll be able to get your S-Pen fix with a fresh Note 10.1 regardless. The new version of the tablet device, aptly dubbed the 2014 Edition, reflects the leather-clad design language of its smartphone companion in a much larger package. We had the opportunity to briefly play with the latest and greatest Note tablet, which will be rolling out globally this quarter in jet black and classic white, though pricing and specific availability is still unknown at this point. We've compiled a full gallery of images for you to enjoy below, and then continue past the break to get more of our first impressions. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 preview
Two years ago, at a consumer electronics show in Berlin, Samsung took to the stage and unveiled the introduction to what is now a booming smartphone genre. The 5.3-inch monstrosity, called the Galaxy Note, has blossomed into one of the Korean manufacturer's biggest brands. Today the same company is unveiling the Galaxy Note 3, the second sequel in a series of supersized stylus-smitten smartphones, which is even taller, narrower and thinner than the first two of its kind. As expected, the new 5.7-inch Note not only utilizes a S-Pen but enhances its functionality and adds better hardware and components to ensure it's able to handle anything you can throw at it. We had an opportunity to play with the black and white versions of the Note 3 here at IFA 2013 and while it was largely the same user experience we've grown accustomed to with previous Notes, Samsung still found a few clever ways to tweak both hardware and software to make it more appealing to consumers. Let's take a much closer look at the whole package after the break, but first enjoy a full gallery of images and a lengthy preview video that shows off many of the device's new offerings. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Note 3: What's changed?
Another IFA, another Galaxy Note -- that's how it goes, ever since Samsung launched its first version of the phablet two years ago in Berlin. The company's latest S-Pen-wielding handset is upon us, with a bevy of hardware and software updates as expected. Does this year's device bring some game-changing tweaks, or is the Note 3 more of an incremental refresh of its predecessor? Jump past the break for a full spec-by-spec comparison of the two super-phones. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1: What's changed?
Unlike the Galaxy Note, which has received an annual update since it first launched at IFA, the Galaxy Note 10.1 hasn't been refreshed since its debut over a year ago. Lest you think Samsung forgot about its larger S-Pen device, the company just outed a 2014 edition. A lot can change in two years, so just how does the new Note 10.1 stack up to the original? Follow us past the break to find out. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung reveals Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition
The Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear may be the most anticipated announcements at Samsung's Unpacked event today, the company also rolled out a new Note 10.1 tablet today, the 2014 edition. Headlining this newest Note is a significant upgrade in screen resolution, as it sports a Nexus 10-tying 2560 x 1600 LCD display. The only other details we have for now are that it'll be arriving in 159 countries alongside the Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear on September 25th, but stay tuned, we'll update with more details when we get 'em. Update: We've got all the Note 10.1 2014 edition info you need in our hands-on post, and you can see how it stacks up to the previous Note 10.1 in our comparison right here. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
