Sony Tablet P Hands-on [Video]

Today Sony has officially announced and unveiled both the Sony Tablet S as well as the popular Sony Tablet P. Until now these were known as the S1 and S2 but recently earned official names. We told you about the Sony S2 clamshell being named the Tablet P earlier this week and now that Sony has officially announced these devices we were lucky enough to get some pics and hands-on video for everyone to check out after the break.

A quick overview now the specs are fully official, the Sony Tablet P will in fact be launched with Android 3.2 Honeycomb. It features those dual 5.5″ LED displays we’ve seen plenty of recently, combined with the power of the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor at 1.0 Ghz. It will come with 512mb of RAM and 6GB of internal storage. The Tablet P will not have different configurations or internal storage options available. It will come with AT&T 4G LTE connectivity and 6GB of internal storage with up to 32GB of additional storage thanks to the SD slot.

Just like its larger sibling the Tablet P will come with a 5MP camera on the rear capable of 720p video capture with a VGA 0.3MP front facing camera. Both tablets also feature Sony’s “TruBlack” display technology which reduces glare while providing superior blacks and color reproduction. With dual-screens that easily fold up for portability and weighing in at under 1 lbs (only 0.83 lbs) the Tablet P will easily and comfortably fit in a jacket or jeans pocket, or in a women’s purse.
The Tablet P will also come equipped with the same options as the Tablet S such as Playstation certification for PS1 and PSP gaming (Crash Bandicoot is awesome), Sony Network services such as Video and Music Unlimited, and the Sony e-reader store. The Tablet P will not offer infrared technology like the S but does feature the same DLNA support for streaming movies, music and more to DLNA supported TV’s.
Full pricing and availability was not yet released so for now we will just have to wonder where they plan to price this tablet with a unique design and features. I personally think it could really be a great portable device and would love to have it for the gaming aspects alone. We will report back as soon as we hear more from Sony regarding pricing and availability. In the mean time check out our hands-on video and pictures below.
Sony Tablet P Hands-on Video



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AT&T lands exclusive on HTC Jetstream 10.1-inch tablet

AT&T has announced that it has scored the exclusive on the new HTC Jetstream tablet. The new tablet will be the first 4G LTE and HSPA+ tablet on the market. The Jetstream will hit AT&T on September 4 and will be the first tablet available in the US that has Android 3.1 Honeycomb onboard. The tablet will be online and in retail stores on the 4th.

The screen of the Jetstream is a 10.1-inch HD resolution unit and the tablet runs a Snapdragon 1.5GHz dual-core processor. The tablet also has front and rear facing cameras. The front camera is a 1.3MP unit and the rear camera is an 8MP unit with dual LED flash. The battery inside the tablet is a 7,300 mAh unit and the tablet has a microSD card slot.
That microSD card slot supports up to 32GB cards. The tablet weighs in at 25 ounces and measures 7″ L x 9.87″ W x .51″ deep. The tablet will sell for $699.99 with a new two-year data plan contract. The data plan can be postpaid at $14.99 for 250MB or $25 for 2GB monthly with $10 per gigabyte for overages. Prepaid contracts will cost the same monthly with the same data allowances with a charge of $25 per 2GB over the allotment.

“This tablet is a beautiful 10.1-inch, LTE powered masterpiece,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “When you combine powerful options like HTC Jetstream with our upcoming LTE technology and nationwide HSPA+ network, it flies.”
“HTC Jetstream combines the acclaimed HTC Sense experience with Android Honeycomb to provide an innovative and engaging experience on a 10.1 inch tablet,” said Martin Fichter, acting president, HTC Americas Region. “Paired with AT&T’s upcoming 4G LTE speed and mobility, HTC Jetstream delivers connectivity for social and entertainment needs alongside productivity and creativity tools in a portable package.”

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Loopt for Android goes international with downloads in 13 countries

Loopt has announced that its app for Android users is now available internationally. The app is now up for download in 13 different countries. The available countries include Australia, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. More supported countries will be coming soon.

Loopt notes that originally the app was made for feature phones and therefore required a US phone number to register. That has changed with the new update. Now you sign up for the service using an email account. There is no charge to sign up for Loopt. Apparently, the English version of the app is what is going to all new countries.


The app will allow users to find friends, check in, meet up, and discover places. Once those places are found Loopt also allows people to share information about a place. If you aren’t familiar with the app, but are in a country that is now supported you can check out the video below to see what you are into.




[via Loopt]

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Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone in white lands in UK today

Samsung has announced that the Galaxy S II smartphone is hitting the UK today in white. The smartphone will be offered at major retailers starting today, August 31, 2011. The white smartphone is exactly like the original Galaxy S II on the inside, the color is the only difference. This week we had reported that the smartphone would land on September 1, so the device is a day earlier than we though.

So far, Samsung has moved 5 million Galaxy S II smartphones globally since launch, so this is one of the most popular Android smartphones around. Other than the color the hardware inside is the same. The phone is 8.49mm thick and weighs in at 116g. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor inside.
The rear camera is an 8MP unit with AF and LED flash and the front camera is 2MP. The phone can record 1080p video and is DLNA capable. It has Bluetooth 3.0 inside and WiFi with 16GB of storage and a microSD card for expansion. The phone should sell for the same price as the current version.

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HTC Runnymede smartphone specs surface

We are always on the prowl for tidbits about new smartphones and other gear that pack Android inside. Some specs on a new HTC smartphone packing a big screen have surfaced. The smartphone is called the HTC Runnymede, which sounds like something that happens after drinking too much old-fashioned British ale. The device has been seen previously on a photo site in EXIF data, but that data on had the name.

Now the full specs list has surfaced and the phone sounds interesting indeed. It will supposedly run Android 2.3.4 gingerbread and have a 4.7-inch 480 x 800 display. Inside the smartphone are a single-core MSM8255 processor and 768MB of RAM. Onboard storage is 16GB and the device is DLNA. The rear camera is an 8MP unit that can record 720p HD video and has dual LED flash.
The front camera is a 1.3MP unit and the phone is less than 10mm thick. It will run HTC Sense 3.5 as well and has bundled set of Beats headphones that are apparently the normal sort of headphones not ear buds. The camera also has some interesting internals like a 28mm wide-angle lens and an f/2.2 and the video can be recorded at 60fps. The only thing I don’t like is the single core processor.
[via Phandroid]

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iPhone 5 vs iPhone 4

 

We compare the iPhone 4 to the rumoured specs we think will be appearing on the iPhone 5 to see what's different

With the grand reveal for Apple's iPhone 5 expected to be a short while away, we compare the rumour with the reality and look into what's on the agenda for the biggest device launch of the year and how it stacks up against the iPhone 4. It's safe to assume that the iPhone 5 will raise the bar in each category, but by how much?

Display
The iPhone 4's 'Retina Display' is still regarded as the benchmark by which other companies judge their devices and the 3.5-inch LED-backlit IPS screen has earned each and every one of those plaudits. It offers peerless clarity, vivid colours and ranks among the most responsive displays we've ever used.
With that in mind we think it's safe to assume that the iPhone 5 will be packing something breathtaking, which knocks the iPhone 4 into a cocked hat. What we know so far (or think we know) is that it will come with a curved display à la the Samsung Nexus S (could this be what the recent patent kerfuffle was all about?) and the size may be boosted from 3.5-inches to somewhere around 4-inches.

Camera
Another feature that has won the iPhone 4 plenty of fans is the camera, and although it's only a 5-megapixel offering the quality is quite superb. The inclusion of an LED-flash was a must-have addition after the slew of complaints levelled at Apple about older iPhones, and to up the ante further Apple provisioned the iPhone 4 to capture video at 720p too!
The iPhone 5 is rumoured to feature an 8-megapixel snapper which will undoubtedly come with an LED-flash, and it's likely that the video capturing facility will see an upgrade to 1080p, to allow the device to fall into line with the market leading Android devices on offer.

Power
The iPhone 4 jogs along at a pretty brisk pace thanks to the 1GHz Apple A4 CPU and proceedings are helped along nicely by the 512MB RAM installed, but let's not forget the iPhone 4 doesn't truly multi-task, so the power is dispersed nicely among the OS and other features without really being taxed.
What we're expecting to see on the iPhone 5 is a dual-core 1GHz CPU and around 768MB RAM , but this extra oomph may be placed under strain if the device finally offers users what they've been crying out for: true multi-tasking!


Form
iPhone 4 - 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm, 137g
The iPhone 4 cuts a pretty impressive figure and we wouldn't expect the iPhone 5 to deviate too much from Apple's master-plan. The same thin, light physique is on the cards for the next device, though the iPhone 5 may offer something for users to get hold of, rather than being a sleek but slippery metal and glass affair.
Over the years the one thing people have come to expect from Apple is style and design quality, and that isn't about to change all of a sudden with its biggest device to date.

Software
There has been much speculation regarding whether or not the iPhone 5 will launch with iOS 5.0, and it still remains unclear whether or not this will be the case.

It would be an odd product launch for Apple (especially seeing as the device may actually be called '5') without the next generation of software being used to launch the smartphone though, so we're hopeful.
Supposedly the next iteration of iOS has been scheduled for a September release (which could tally with a delayed iPhone 5 release of course) and we know that it will feature an overhauled notifications system, to provide users with actual information rather than the current cryptic clue system that is currently in effect in the iPhone 4 (and other iOS devices).

You can also look forward to a cloud-based music service, which will likely integrate with iTunes and use the company's MobileMe service (which may be offered free-of-charge when the changes rollout!).
Another firm bet for iOS 5.0 is advanced voice recognition, as it transpired recently that Apple was working closely with the voice recognition gurus at Nuance to make vocal-control a real selling point for the next generation of iOS devices.

So things are looking rosy for Apple devotees around the globe! Not only is the iPhone 5 finally nearing release, but the iPhone 4 has just dropped in price too! So you can either treat yourself to a slice of Apple goodness for free, or wait and splash the cash on what will be an impressive (but expensive) new gadget! An interesting summer lies ahead.

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HTC Omega vs Nokia Sea Ray

We take a look at a couple of Windows Phone 7 toting up-and-comers this time around, the Nokia Sea Ray and the HTC Omega

HTC is supposedly readying a next-gen Windows Phone 7 handset and if the leaked specs are to be believed, the Mango powered HTC Omega looks set for good, if not great, things.
But the Omega isn't alone as there are other Windows Phone devices on the horizon that look capable of pushing the platform to the next level, and foremost among them is Nokia's 'Sea Ray'.
So let's see which of these up and comers has the most to shout about. But before we continue lets remind ourselves that we're talking rumour here, people. Don't make your minds up quite yet - specs may well change before either of the two handsets reach the shops.

Display
Nokia's 'Sea Ray' is rumoured to feature an AMOLED display which will likely be protected by some of Corning's magic Gorilla Glass.
There's no indication yet of what screen size the device will offer, but if we were to place a bet it would be on a display of around 3.9-inches, allowing it to rival bigger screened Android's and the new iPhone 5.
The rumour mill has been kinder to us with the HTC Omega though. We're hearing that the device will feature a qHD display measuring 3.8-inches and we're pretty excited about the prospect. It's practical when you can pocket a device.
Winner - HTC Omega

Power
HTC's Omega looks to be a powerful device and the apparent offering of a 1.5GHz single-core CPU raises the bar nicely.
We aren't as convinced that the reported 512MB RAM is quite enough to push Windows Phone 7 into competition with the slew of Android devices on the market that offer twice that amount though, even though it's a more efficient operating system.
We aren't sure what power-plant Nokia has chosen for the 'Sea Ray', as no details have been leaked, but we can expect a CPU of at least 1GHz. Whether the company will make it a dual-core is anyone's guess.
If we were making a bet it would be that we'll see a 1.4GHz single-core CPU in effect in the device though.
If Microsoft is looking to maintain uniformity as it did with the first generation of WP7 devices we can also expect a paltry 512MB RAM from the 'Sea Ray' too.
Though we hope we're proved wrong in this respect.
Winner - HTC Omega

Form
As we reported a few days back, the HTC Omega looks similar to HTC's Flyer tablet, only in miniature.
The device is fairly minimalist but easy on the eye nonetheless.
Being HTC we're hoping to see some premium materials on show too. Anything but grey would be a bonus.
Nokia has chosen to do away with physical buttons for the 'Sea Ray', instead giving the device a completely clear fascia akin to the upcoming N9. It's also likely colour will be more prominent, which we'll leave to you to decide whether that's good or bad.
In addition to this similarity we're expecting the device to resemble the N9 in terms of measurements too; something along the lines of 116x 61x 12mm and 130-140g.
Winner - Draw

Software
Both the 'Sea Ray' and Omega run on Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 platform, specifically the new Mango update that's due soon.
Expect to see deeper social network integration, a unified inbox, built-in text-to-voice and voice-to-text support and a whole lot more to boot (Microsoft boasts over 500 new features).
Considering Microsoft's level of control freakery into account, don't expect a Sense UI skin from HTC.
Winner - Draw

Optics
If you're a mobile snapper then both of these device's should give you plenty to get excited about.
The Nokia 'Sea Ray' is rumoured to include an 8-megapixel primary camera, with autofocus, LED flash and 720p video capture, as well as a forward facing secondary camera too.
There's no word yet on whether Nokia will be continuing its long and bountiful partnership with Carl Zeiss for the 'Sea Ray'.
Similarly the HTC Omega is expected to offer an 8-megapixel primary camera, with LED flash and autofocus. We aren't sure whether we'll see 720p or 1080p video capture, though, we wouldn't bet against the latter.
The Omega also offers a front-facing camera for video-calling, which could tie-in nicely with Microsoft's acquisition of Skype, making it a unique handset.
How the photographic hardware is implemented will be key in this round, but judging on past victories (and defeats) we'd have to give the early nod to Nokia, as it just seems to know how to put together a smartphone camera package.

Winner - Nokia 'Sea Ray'
So it's a narrow victory for HTC's Omega.
The device looks to be a very interesting addition to the Windows Phone 7 ecosystem, and we're looking forward to seeing what the platform can do with all these great new hardware additions.
The 'Sea Ray' represents a great leap forward for Nokia, and we're eager to see what the Finnish giant do when allied with a company as large and experienced in its field as Microsoft.
Could this be the start of a beautiful friendship? Time will tell.

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Specs for New 4.7-inch HTC Runnymede Revealed – How Big Is Too Big?

If you thought HTC was being a bit “overly ambitious” with the 4.5-inch HTC Holiday (Raider) you ain’t seen nothing yet. Looks like HTC is working on a monster device they’re calling the Runnymede. Apparently, this device showed up like so many devices do, in some EXIF data on a photo site but that didn’t provide any more info than a name. Well, now they boys at Pocketnow have gotten the low down on a more complete list of specs and exactly what to expect from the HTC Runnymede.

• Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread


• 4.7-inch, 480×800 display


• 1.5GHz single-core MSM8255


• 768MB of RAM / 16GB of storage


• 8MP/720p rear-camera with dual LED


• 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera


• Under 10 millimeters thick


• Sense 3.5


• DLNA


• Bundled Beats headphones (not earphones)

I know most of you see single-core processor and you’re ready to write this device off but there are some other winning specs like that make this device stand out. Like the backlit sensored camera that features a 28mm wide-angle lens and focal ratio of f/2.2. Besides snapping amazing pics, the camera is capable of capturing 60 frames-per-second HD video.
You can expect the HTC Runnymede in time for the holidays but still no word on which carrier will pick this up. What do you guys think? I hear 4.7-inches is the new 4.5.
[Via Pocketnow]

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One last batch of TouchPads on the way, HP says

HP’s public relations manager Mark Budgell wrote a blog post Tuesday afternoon confirming a report from Reuters earlier in the day in which HP vice president Todd Bradley suggested the company would resurrect its TouchPad tablet. “Despite announcing an end to manufacturing webOS hardware, we have decided to produce one last run of TouchPads to meet unfulfilled demand,” Budgell wrote. “We don’t know exactly when these units will be available or how many we’ll get, and we can’t promise we’ll have enough for everyone. We do know that it will be at least a few weeks before you can purchase.” HP says it will manufacture the tablets during the fourth fiscal quarter of this year, which ends on October 31st. It is unclear if the new batch will be priced from $99, which had previously resulted in a quick fire sale of the tablet.
[Via AllThingsD]
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