mwc2014
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Intel promotes its latest smartphone chips with some carefully chosen benchmarks
It's now two years since we first clapped eyes on an Intel-based smartphone, and yet we're still waiting to see something compelling. If we're able to trust Intel's in-house benchmarks, however, then the wait could be over. The publicity slides copied below suggest that the company's latest dual-core Merrifield Atom smartphone processor (which we last saw at Computex 2013) can match or even beat the current top dogs of the mobile silicon world, namely Apple's A7 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800. To some degree this isn't totally implausible: After all, Merrifield (and its newly announced quad-core big brother, Moorefield) have the benefit of the same ultra-efficient 22nm silicon that has benefitted Bay Trail tablets, alongside a cutting-edge Rogue GPU from Imagination Technologies. On the other hand, Intel is comparing Merrifield and Moorefield to rival chips that are already well into their life cycles, and that needs to be taken into account. Moreover, from our own efforts at comparing Android gaming performance across devices, we suspect that raw, benchmark-able performance isn't everything -- Intel also has to contend with a lack of optimization among current Android games and apps. The only reliable test will therefore be a real-world one, and so we're currently digging around at MWC to find out how long it'll be before we can get hold of a new Atom-based handset that we can actually use.
Hands-on with Nokia's X family of Android smartphones (video)
A couple of years ago, we would've said that the day Nokia announced an Android device was the day Hades froze over. The hour has come, however, and it's only slightly chilly this morning. The Nokia X is the company's inaugural Android-based devices -- three of them, in fact -- although it's been tweaked a little bit to fit Microsoft's and Nokia's preferences. The devices are known as the X, X+ (pictured above) and XL (pictured after the break), each of which differed by only a small number of factors; and at a cost of 89 euros ($122) for the X, 99 euros for the X+ and 109 euros for the XL, the family fits roughly in-between the Asha and Lumia series in terms of pricing and functionality. The X will be available immediately in growth markets (sorry, enthusiasts in the US, Korea and Japan, it won't be heading to your neck of the woods through official channels), while the X+ and XL will come later in the second quarter and will come in white, black, cyan, green, red and yellow.
Alcatel's 'smartbook' concept: a laptop powered by a smartphone over the air (video)
At MWC, Alcatel was kind enough to give us a preview of its working "smartbook" prototypes. The idea isn't too far off from Motorola's doomed Lapdock or the first-gen ASUS PadFone, where an Android phone powers an otherwise brainless laptop. What's different with Alcatel's implementation is that instead of having to physically dock the phone somewhere, you hook it up to the laptop wirelessly: video signal over WiFi, and keyboard plus trackpad input over Bluetooth. What's more, the final product will let you use the two screens somewhat independently -- at least you'll be able to see the caller ID on the phone for incoming calls. The pairing process itself is also quite interesting: instead of using an NFC coil, the laptop showcases MediaTek's cheaper Hotknot technology, which involves a little capacitive pad at the bottom right of the keyboard. The signal from the capacitive coupling between the pad and any phone's touchscreen is what helps identify the devices; so in other words, even non-NFC phones can be supported. Update: We now have a hands-on video after the break.
Nokia introduces a third Android device, the 5-inch Nokia XL
Well, Stephen Elop is just full of surprises today. On top of two other Android devices just launched, the Nokia X and the Nokia X+, we now have the Nokia XL, a bigger 5-inch Android device. It'll have a WVGA IPS screen, a 5-megapixel rear / 2-megapixel front camera with an LED flash, 768MB of RAM and 4GB of storage, expandable via microSD. As with the X and X+, there will be no Google services or Play store, so you'll have to access apps through Nokia's store and other third-party Android markets. It'll also feature the Android version of FastLane borrowed from Asha for easy access to apps and notifications. It'll arrive sometime to emerging markets in Q2 2014 priced at 109 euros -- but not to the US, for now.
Nokia announces the X and X+, its first Android phones
Nokia is officially launching its very first Android devices, known as the X and the X+, on stage at its annual Mobile World Congress press conference. We were all taken aback by the second (and third) device (since only one leaked), so it's incredible to see Nokia make such a huge foray into enemy territory. The X will have a 4-inch, 840 x 480 IPS screen, 512MB RAM, 4GB of storage expandable storage via microSD slot and 3-megapixel camera, while the X+ sports the same specs but more RAM (768 MB) and an included 4GB microSD card. You won't be getting Google's apps or Play store, however as both handsets will be based on the forked AOSP Android OS. Nokia says that'll have the advantages of the Android ecosystem, but with a "differentiated experience." So far, Here Maps, MixRadio, Skype and Outlook are being featured on the Nokia Store. You can access the Nokia and third party stores using the devices, but not Google Play, obviously. We've heard SwiftKey will be available on the Nokia X range (and for free, too), as will BBM, which is also coming to Windows Phone sometime "this summer." The new devices are featuring a ported version of FastLane for Asha devices as a sort of skin, to give a similar experience as its other budget handsets. When you swipe across it, it'll bring up a sort of notification bar showing recently used apps, missed calls and texts and other activities. During the demo, Elop showed both the Nokia Store and Yandex, where he pulled down Aero Express, a Russian-flavored app. The X will be available immediately in growth markets (ie, not the US) and run 89 euros. The X+, meanwhile, will run 99 euros but won't arrive until sometime in Q2 this year.
Nokia reveals the Nokia 220 and Asha 230 budget handsets
Here in Barcelona, Nokia's press shindig is all about showing off the handsets that are destined for emerging markets and the oft-cited "next billion" phone users. The first piece of hardware on show is Nokia's Asha 230, designed for those who want to move from a feature phone to something a little bit smarter. The quad-band GSM handset is available in single or dual-SIM variants and has Nokia's Xpress browser to help sip scarce mobile data. Hardware-wise, there's a 2.8-inch QVGA display, will accept 32GB microSD cards and is priced at just 45 euros. It'll roll out today across all the regions that Nokia currently does business in. At the same time, the company is also unveiling the Nokia 220, an "aspirational" feature phone that comes with a 2.4-inch display. Available in single or dual-SIM versions, it'll connect to 2G internet, enabling users to take advantage of the pre-loaded Twitter and Facebook apps, as well as the aforementioned Xpress browser. It'll retail for 29 euros and is launching from today in Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
Sony claims the Xperia Z2 Tablet is the world's thinnest and lightest waterproof slate
With its VAIO PC business all but gone, Sony's betting big on smartphones and tablets. The company has three post-PC products on its plate at this year's Mobile World Congress, the largest of which is the new Xperia Z2 tablet. It's a lighter, thinner version of the year-old Xperia Tablet Z, which has been given a thorough upgrade in order to help it take on the iPad Air and larger Samsung slates. Like its predecessor, the 10.1-inch tablet features the same design language as Sony's latest flagship Z2 smartphone, complete with "OmniBalance" look, uniform thickness and straight edges. Cosmetic similarities aside, the Z2 Tablet runs a lightly-skinned build of Android 4.4 KitKat and is powered by a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 with 3GB RAM, which keeps things really moving. Is an internal overhaul enough to capture your eye? Follow us and find out.
Sony's Xperia Z2 brings a richer display and 4K video recording
Sony's flagships have struggled to find success, but that hasn't stopped the company from quickly iterating its smartphone line in order to keep up with its rivals. With the Xperia Z now over a year old and the Xperia Z1 staring its six month birthday in the face, Mobile World Congress comes at the perfect time for Sony to unveil its latest flagship: the Xperia Z2. It certainly borrows from its predecessor in terms of looks and features but the company's breathed some extra life into the phone to set it apart from its older siblings. What's it added, you ask? Head past the break for the lowdown.
Sony's Xperia M2 offers respectable specs at a mid-range price
Sony's come to Mobile World Congress with three brand-new devices. Its new flagships, the Z2 smartphone and Z2 Tablet, may attract all of the attention, but there's a budget-friendly handset it also wants you to get to know: the Xperia M2. Acting quickly to replace the still youthful Xperia M, which only launched in June of last year, Sony has injected new life into its mid-ranger by including a larger 4.8-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 8-megapixel camera, 2,300mAh battery and LTE support to take care of your increasing thirst for data.
We're live from Nokia's MWC 2014 event!
Nokia always puts on a show at Mobile World Congress, but this particular event may be a little... different. See, if all the rumors are true, we should expect to see a grand total of zero Windows Phones and one Android device introduced. Perhaps we'll see a Bizarro version of Stephen Elop get on stage as well, so we're crossing our fingers. Regardless of what happens, this is definitely going to be a liveblog for the ages, so stay locked in here at 2:30AM ET (11:30PM PT, 8:30AM CET) for all of our coverage!
Live from Sony's MWC 2014 press event!
The time has almost come for Sony to pull back the curtains on its next Xperia Z flagships at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. You're just here a little early. But that's okay -- we admire your spunk. Just make sure to check back at 2:30AM EST / 8:30AM CET when you'll have a live, front row look at all the news as Kaz and co. reveal it. Don't worry, we know you like your tech news fresh and up to the minute. And that's exactly how we'll be serving it up! February 24, 2014 2:30:00 AM EST
Fujitsu plans to launch feel-o-vision haptic tablets by 2015
Back in 2012, we were all excited at the idea of haptic technology -- touch screens that fool you into thinking that you can feel what's on display. As quickly as we saw Senseg and NEC's implementations, however, haptic fell out of the mainstream. Now, however, Fujitsu is working on an ultrasonic system, that varies the friction between your finger and the glass, which could be ready for prime time. In the demonstration, users are apparently able to pluck the strings of a Japanese harp, turn a combination lock and even stroke an Alligator. The company has knocked together a prototype in time for MWC, and Fujitsu has a goal to get the tech into commercial hardware by 2015 -- assuming, of course, that realistic lizard stroking is the one feature you've been waiting for.
Lenovo outs three budget phones, we go hands-on (video)
As it promised, Lenovo became a manufacturer of US smartphones when it purchased Motorola for $3 billion -- instantly. Meanwhile, it's still producing its own models for Asia, and just announced a trio at MWC 2014. The most highly spec'd of the three is the metal-backed $349 5.3-inch S860 (pictured above), which comes with a 720p screen, quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek CPU, 2GB of RAM and 8-megapixel front / 1.6-megapixel rear cameras. But Lenovo is boasting more about the battery life, saying it'll last a rather stunning 40 days on standby and give 24 hours of talk time. As you might expect for its target Asian market, there are also dual-sim slots (but no 4G, sadly). Stepping down, the S850 model is aimed more at the "fashion-savvy," according to Lenovo, thanks to a thin, lightweight all-glass body. It also packs a 1.3GHz quad-core MTK chip and 720p screen, but drops the RAM to 1GB. Oddly, there's a better 12-megapixel rear / 5-megapixel front camera, and a considerably cheaper $269 price. Finally, the S660 brings an upmarket metal back to downmarket specs, with the aforementioned MTK CPU, 960 x 540 screen, 1GB RAM, expandable storage, 8-megapixel camera and $229 price tag. Lenovo said all the models will arrive to "selected countries," but don't count on the US being one of them.
MediaTek's latest processor brings 64-bit to mid-range smartphones
You won't have to fork over a lot of cash to get a 64-bit smartphone this year -- at least, not if MediaTek can help it. The company has just unveiled the MT6732 (not shown here), a system-on-chip aimed at mid-range phone buyers who are willing to pay a little extra for high-end features. It centers around a 1.5GHz, quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor (sorry, no octa-core) that should offer both immediate speed gains and some futureproofing through its 64-bit code support. The chip also incorporates a Mali-T760 graphics unit that can handle both the latest OpenGL ES visual effects and general-purpose OpenCL computing. Its built-in modem offers 150Mbps LTE data on the right network, too. Unfortunately, you'll have to be patient if you want a device with the MT6732 inside. MediaTek isn't making the chip available to companies until the third quarter of the year, and finished hardware should reach the market shortly after that.
Alcatel introduces Pop S series of budget-friendly LTE phones
After seeing Alcatel OneTouch announce a series of mid-range Idol phones and a lower-cost fitness-centric phone yesterday, a family of budget devices may not seem quite as... cool. Regardless, the company is pushing out a new trio of Pop smartphones known as "Pop S" (the 'S' stands for -- you got it -- speed) that throw in Cat 4 LTE connectivity while keeping down the price. First, there's the Pop S7 (pictured above), which features a 5-inch qHD display as well as MediaTek's new quad-core 1.3GHz LTE chip, Android 4.4 KitKat, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, a 5MP rear camera and VGA front-facing camera, microSD support and a 3,000mAh battery. It'll come in two flavors of LTE, depending on where you live, and will be making its way to Europe and Asia first. The device will go for 189 euro ($260). If you want something bigger, the S9 might be a better fit -- it's a 6-inch 720p handset with a 3,400mAh battery and comes in at 8.5mm thick. It features a quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm 8926 processor, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front-facing camera, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and 8GB internal storage (along with a microSD slot that takes up to 32GB). The device should launch in March in Europe and Asia, but we expect to see it on Tracfone in the US sometime in the second half of this year. All this can be yours for 219 euro ($300). Lastly, there's the Pop S3, which is a much more petite size and comes with a variety of swappable back covers in the box. The specs are pretty minimal in certain places, but impressive in others: 4-inch WVGA display, Android 4.3 and 2,000mAh battery aren't nothing worth talking about, but it offers a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, the same high-speed LTE connectivity, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, a 5MP rear camera and VGA front-facing cam, 4GB internal storage and microSD that supports up to 32GB. This particular device should head to the UK sometime around May, and it'll eventually make it to the US, we're told. All in all, it's a fairly impressive stack of phones that'll bring solid speed to emerging markets and developing countries, but the big question will be if the price is right.
Firefox OS getting interface revamp, lots of spit and polish
Firefox OS is still very young and about to endure something of a growth spurt. In the coming months Mozilla's fledgling mobile platform will see a pretty dramatic reinvention of its UI. A core piece of that reinvention is EverythingMe, a contextual search interface that delivers results from the phone and the web simultaneously. Pulling down slightly from the title/address bar will open the search dialog that doubles as an application launcher. That new launcher will provide an entirely new way to interact with the phone, while bringing a welcome level of polish and modernity to the OS. The company also aims to banish the app store model and the ubiquitous install button. Instead searching for an app will offer you a direct link to launch it (which is made possible by Firefox OS' heavy reliance on the web). Additionally, a number of UI elements will be shifted around. Now, instead of opening the notification drawer, pulling down all the way from the top of the screen will initiate a task switcher. For quick and fluid app switching, simply swiping left or right from the edge of the screen will toggle between open applications, just as it does on Windows 8. The notification drawer will find a new home at the bottom of the interface, and opens with an upward swipe. Subtler changes are also being made under the hood that will make Firefox OS faster and more responsive. Especially when scrolling and panning. The on-screen keyboard will also use predictive algorithms to guess what letter a user will enter next and will invisibly enlarge the touch target. There wont actually be any visible cues for the person typing, but it should lead to less mashing of backspace.
Catch our Nokia MWC 2014 event liveblog Monday at 2:30AM ET!
Now that Nokia is merely one of Microsoft's tentacles, it would be pretty weird if it finally introduced an Android phone, right? Well, that's exactly what's about to happen, according to a spate of leaks. The device is said to be called the Nokia X, and allegedly resembles an Asha handset while running a forked version of Android. That raises a lot of questions, like whether there'll be any Google content and, if not, where the heck your apps will come from. Luckily, we're here at MWC in Barcelona to blog all those answers live, so come back right here for all the news! February 24, 2014 2:30 AM EST
Mozilla aiming for a $25 smartphone with new chip partner Spreadtrum
Spreadtrum certainly isn't a household name in the US, but Mozilla is less concerned with brand recognition than it is with delivering an ultra-cheap handset. The two companies have announced a new partnership that will see Spreadtrum building reference designs for Firefox OS phones with a target price of $25. (And no, we're not missing a zero there.) The heart of the effort is the SC6821, a Cortex A5-based chipset that supports WCDMA and EDGE networks, but not LTE. The platform includes WiFi, Bluetooth, cameras and FM radio, though touchscreen support appears to top out at 3.5-inch HVGA panels. The lack of 4G connectivity, older CPU design and low screen resolutions clearly mark this as a low-end initiative, but its one that will give it a major leg up in emerging markets like India where feature phones still rule supreme.
HP's Pavilion x360 convertible has a low price, decidedly Yoga-like design
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Lenovo ought to be tickled right now. HP just announced the 11-inch Pavilion x360, and it takes more than a few cues from Lenovo's iconic Yoga design. Not only does it have a 360-degree hinge allowing it to be used in four modes, but HP is even using the same terminology to describe how it works (think: "stand mode" for when the keyboard is folded under, and "tent mode" when the machine balanced upside down). Also like the Yoga, the keyboard disables automatically when you flip the screen back into tablet mode. So how is it different? Cost, really. Whereas most Windows convertibles command flagship prices, the x360 starts at $400. (For comparison's sake, even Lenovo's mid-range "Flex" convertibles still cost $549 and up.) Of course, a lower price means lesser specs, which in this case include a Pentium-series Intel Bay Trail processor, a 500GB hard drive (no SSDs here) and a 1,366 x 768 display. On the bright side, the display uses IPS technology for wider viewing angles, and HP also included Beats Audio. So the sound quality, at least, might be better than what the Lenovos of the world have to offer. Three USB ports and a full-sized HDMI socket might further sweeten the deal for prospective buyers.
HP intros the ProPad 600 tablet, updates the existing ElitePad with LTE and a sharper screen
No, it's not exciting as HP copying Lenovo's Yoga design, but hey, tablet news is still news. In addition to launching a consumer laptop, Hewlett-Packard is using Mobile World Congress to unveil a couple new Windows business tablets. Chief among these is the ProPad 600, a 10.1-inch device intended for the small biz market. HP hasn't revealed the price yet, but it's obviously going to cost less than the company's existing ElitePad 900 tablet -- the move to plastic build materials makes that pretty clear. That plainer design aside, it offers comparable performance, with a 64-bit Intel Baytrail chip, dual 2MP/8MP cameras and a 1,920 x 1,200, optically bonded display that supports pen input. Connectivity-wise, you're looking at micro-HDMI-out, along with a microSD slot and a standard micro-USB port for charging. Really, then, it's not that different from the current ElitePad, except there's no 3G and it's not compatible with HP's so-called Smart Jackets. Again, no word on price, but look for it to arrive sometime in mid-April. Oh, and speaking of the ElitePad 900, HP is refreshing it with some updated specs. Now called the ElitePad 1000, it rocks the same aluminum design as the original, except it steps up to a 64-bit processor and a sharper 1,920 x 1,200 screen -- the same one used on the new ProPad 600. It also has an LTE radio, and trades a USB 2.0 port for USB 3.0. Otherwise, the battery life is the same, at around 10 hours, and it fits all the same optional Smart Jackets as the old model. That's mainly good news for IT guys, who may have already purchased productivity and power covers to issue to employees. At any rate, the tablet should land in March, with a starting price of $739.