Latest Gadgets, Tablets and Smartphones
Google has announced the Android 2.3 operating system today along with releasing the 2.3 SDK/NDK.
Android 2.3 brings a number of new features to compatible smartphones such as better support for games and better support for developers. Also included is VoIP support, video calling for those devices with a front facing camera as well as a gyroscope and NFC integration (as suggested earlier). [Read more…]
Apple [AAPL] has been granted a patent that allows a number of viewers to watch 3D content without special glasses.
Apple’s solution, simply put, is to first track viewers’ position and movement, and then use that information to guide the projection of pixels onto “a projection screen having a predetermined angularly-responsive reflective surface function.”
In other words, each projected pixel would be beamed onto a textured, reflective screen in such a way as to reflect into the eyes of each viewer at angles that separate the image into left and right views, thus producing a 3D effect.
Virgin launched a new iPad magazine last night. Called “Project” the magazine became available late last night. The app its self is free although there is a cost of $2.99/month to download the content.
Today, Virgin made the official announcement and in that event, also clarified a few things about the magazine and what they plan to do with it. [Read more…]
Microsoft [MSFT] has filed a patent that can create bumps our dips on a touchscreen.
The system uses a light-induced layer of shape-memory polymer that when UV is shined on to it, the surface can protrude, dent in or go soft or hard. [Read more…]
Samsung is starting up a new production line for creating displays in May 2011. This new production line will see the production of Super AMOLED displays vastly increase.
From what we are hearing today, Samsung has been getting the highest profit margins of any of the display manufacturers worldwide. The company is reporting $900m in sales with a 10.5% operating margin. A lot of this is expected to be generated by the Super AMOLED screens that were added to the Galaxy S Class of smartphones. [Read more…]
Check out the Star Trek Home Computer. It was designed to use the LCARS interface. The LCARS theme was custom designed and uses the Windows Media Player engine running on Windows XP.
The video embedded below, shows a number of features such as the calendar, shopping list, rain radar, train departure times, library & media player as well as the internet browser. [Read more…]
Digitimes has revealed the initial parts suppliers for the up coming iPad 2 that is expected to launch early next year.
The companies involved at the moment include Ibiden, Tripod Technology and TTM who are responsible for the PCBs. More companies are expected to join around February time when the iPad 2 will start being mass produced ready for a launch a month or two later. [Read more…]
Microsoft have announced the first DLC to be made available to Fable’s third instalment named the Understone Quest Pack. With this new DLC you’ll have the opportunity to buy new properties such as houses and new shops.
The main quest known as “The Voice”, will have you exploring an a new land found deep underground which was built by a Mr Montague Hummes in trying to hide from the “Spire” noted previously in Fable 2. [Read more…]
Over at the Web 2.0 summit, Eric Schmidt decided it was time to show off the Google Nexus S. The Nexus S was demonstrated running on the T-Mobile network. Interesting features included NFC (near field communication) which Schmidt expects to replace credit cards in the future.
The device its self was not officially announced as the Nexus S and the manufacturer of it also wasn’t made known (the name was covered in tape), but indications hint that the new smartphone will be landing soon. [Read more…]
We are still unclear exactly how Apple will launch AirPrint in iOS 4.2. At the moment, the last we heard was that shared printers are now not supported and the only way to print from the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch is to print to one of ten AirPrint compatible wireless HP printers.
If this continues to be the case then you might want to test out AirPrintHacktivator that manages to re-enable the service. To get it to work you’ll need a Mac along with the latest Max OS X 10.6.5 as well as iOS 4.2 GM of course. [Read more…]
We just mentioned that Verizon is now selling the Galaxy Tab. We also hear today that AT&T will begin selling the Tab soon, perhaps on November 21 if the images above and below are to be believed.
Price wise, it looks like the Galaxy Tab on AT&T will be priced at $649.99 without a contract. The data plans look to be the same as those that are available for the iPad with the option of 250MB for $14.99/month or 2GB for $25/month. [Read more…]
In the past few days some details/rumours about AirPrint support in iOS 4.2 being partially pulled went around the Internet. The original rumours hinted at AirPrint not supporting printers shared on a Mac or Windows computer which left many reporting that only five current printers from HP would actually be compatible with the service. One upset user of MacRumors emailed Steve Jobs to see what was going on…
Q: As a release-day purchaser of an iPad, I was elated when you revealed iOS 4.2 would support AirPrint. Now comes reports AirPrint support has been pulled from 4.2. Between announcements/assurances of the white iPhone, and now the pulling of AirPrint, is Apple going to lose credibility and become known for announcing “vaporware”?
A: AirPrint has not been pulled. Don’t believe everything you read.
