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Galaxy S3, S4 into a tablet and a laptop

03/09/2013 16:33
Turn your Galaxy S3, S4 into a tablet and a laptop
Chinese firm Migoal is preparing to release an interesting accessory for the popular Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4 smartphones. The TransMaker is a tablet that uses one of the phones as a core module. The phone is slid into a dock on the back of the tablet which activates the 10.1 or 11.6 inch (two sizes available) display, turning the phone into an Android tablet.

  

The tablet has no processor, wi-fi, memory, or storage as the phone serves all of those functions. There are no cameras on the tablet and it looks like the phone would have to be removed to use its camera.
A tablet using a phone as the core has been done by Asus with its Padfone, but it's not been a big seller. Where Migoal is hoping to make a difference is the TransMaker doesn't stop at just a tablet. Like hybrids before it, the Migoal offering includes (not clear if extra cost) a laptop dock that the tablet can be plugged into to turn the 3-piece gizmo into an Android laptop complete with trackpad.
The TransMaker from Migoal is the first device I'm aware of that can be used as both a tablet and a laptop, using a smartphone as the core module. Both the tablet and laptop dock have batteries so run time should be quite long.
There is no indication what the pricing will be for either the 10-inch (TR-10) or the 11-inch (TR-11) model and they are not available for purchase yet. According to the product web site Migoal will be showing the TransMaker at the IFA show in Berlin in September.
Let's hope this product actually makes it to market as it is an interesting concept that is different from all the hybrids currently being sold. The Galaxy S3 and S4 are phones with enough horsepower to easily power a tablet and the laptop dock. 
Motorola tried running a laptop with its Atrix smartphone, a failed effort given its high price and clunky docking mechanism. The price of the TransMaker will have to be low enough to give it a chance to succeed where the Atrix failed, and the added functionality of being both a tablet and a laptop brings more to the table.

Verizon HTC One vs Motorola Droid Maxx

03/09/2013 16:28
Verizon HTC One vs Motorola Droid Maxx: I still prefer the One
Verizon HTC One retail package
 
I accept now been application an HTC One for over bristles months, and I see that Verizon barter assuredly can aces up the device. I additionally accept spent over 10 canicule with the Motorola Droid Maxx. Verizon barter can accept either accessory and be satisfied.
 
However, afterwards comparing the two handsets side-by-side -- both accouterments and software -- my best charcoal with the HTC One. Here's why.
 
Hardware
 
Nearly all reviewers accept accounting about the absurd architecture and anatomy of the HTC One and I accept yet to acquisition addition buzz to bout its hardware. The metal anatomy with arced back, advanced adverse stereo speakers, bound architecture with no creaks or movement, admittance of an IR anchorage appropriate in the adeptness button, a solid camera that takes accomplished low ablaze photos, and a attractive 1080p Super LCD affectation that is actual arresting in sunlight accomplish the HTC One boxy to resist.
 
The IR anchorage is a abundant affection for travelers aback you can now use your HTC One in hotels to ascendancy your examination acquaintance after application a awful auberge alien control. Combined with the Roku app and WiFi I don't alike accept to anguish about award my remotes at home.
 
The Droid Maxx is additionally able-bodied complete with a bendable Kevlar back, accomplished bottle affectation that curves bottomward at the edges into the sides, alive AMOLED 720p display, whopping 3500 mAh battery, Qi wireless charging, and the adeptness to accept for your command at all times.
 
Even admitting the HTC One is an affected allotment of hardware, about like jewelry, if I was aloof authoritative a alternative based on accouterments I would go for the Droid Maxx because of the continued array life, wireless charging, and use of the AMOLED affectation for alive notifications. However, the One is added pocketable and still feels bigger in the hand.
 
Software
 
Motorola is accomplishing some abundant things with Android on the new Droids and Moto X, but I still acquisition Sense 5 on the HTC One bigger meets my needs and fills a basic role for my business Exchange use and media. As you can see in the screenshots in this angel gallery, the Exchange applicant in Sense is boxy to beat. With the Exchange applicant provided by Motorola, I do not accept admission to all my claimed email folders and the UI is not as acceptable as it is on the One. For example, I can calmly aloof bash my feel beyond the awning to jump to benighted emails or those with accessories on the One while I accept to jump through a brace card items to clarify email on the Droid Maxx.
 
I apperceive there are not abounding bodies who affliction about authoritative buzz calls or managing contacts, but if this is important to you again you should booty a abutting attending at the HTC One. HTC has consistently focused on abutting people, alike aback in the Windows Mobile days. The dialer supports acute dialing that is now rolling out on the latest adaptation of Android. Beyond that though, we see HTC absolution you accessible up a acquaintance in the Buzz app and again bash from appropriate to larboard to appearance contempo argument messages, emails, and calls you had with that acquaintance with addition bash absolute their amusing arrangement updates, and a final bash absolute their contempo images. This is an acutely able apparatus for the action chump who wants to apperceive all about the being they are communicating with or affair with.
 
Motorola's new software enhancements with Google Now articulation ascendancy and Assist accomplish abundant bigger than 3rd affair options you can install on the HTC One. That said, I assignment in an appointment and drive area articulation ascendancy isn't a adapted functionality.
 
The HTC One is my choice
 
The HTC One is priced $100 beneath than the Droid Maxx. If you charge a buzz out in the acreage and don't demand to band a Mophie on the HTC One, the you should attending at the Droid Maxx. If you charge a affluent Exchange and buzz acquaintance with a actual pocketable and alluringly advised accessory again attending at the HTC One.
 
Over on PhoneDog, the HTC One continues to be ranked #1 in both the People's Best and Expert's Best rankings. It has been my best for about six months and it continues to be my top smartphone accessible today.

Asus MeMO Pad 16Gig Tablet Review

13/08/2013 15:56

Asus MeMO Pad 16Gig Tablet Review

The new Asus Memo 7 inch tablet is just in and available to buy. First off, it’s not a Nexus 7 killer, its display isn’t quite as sharp and its performance is a little slower too, but it is significantly cheaper, making it much more accessible to most folk.
 
Asus as we all know were the build team of Googles Nexus 7 so we know they learnt a thing or two before producing and selling their own branded product. And while, as I mentioned earlier, the display isn’t quite as sharp and the performance from the processor and ram are not on par, it does boast a wealth of other cool features, including its expandable memory, something the Nexus 7 doesn’t offer.
 
There are also a range of colours which keeps it fresh, with White and Pink obtainable as well as the standard black / grey colour we are all so used to seeing now.
 
How long will this be a big seller remains to be seen as there is a New Nexus 7 coming out in July 2013, but for the time being this offers an exceptional alternative at a much cheaper price currently for sale from as little as $149 and we know the new Nexus 7 will not be even close to that…
 
The truth of the matter is that this will be popular if not only for the price. The build quality makes it feel like a lasting piece of hardware and not a throw away like the early Apple iPhones and we may even see a Nexus 7 competitor after the new one is launched later this year, but for now I can confirm that you will not be disappointed if you are looking for a casual tablet device to keep you occupied as an e-reader and all round internet browser.
 

In Review:

  • 16Gig on board storage
  • expandable memory slot
  • 1024 x 600 resolution
  • 1GHz processor
  • 1Mega Pixel front camera

Best Android Tablets – Top 5 Android Tablets August 2013

13/08/2013 15:18

Best Android Tablets – Top 5 Android Tablets August 2013

There is no doubt tablet computers are starting to take over, they really do seem everywhere and the best thing is that they keep getting better. While many may indeed run off to buy the iPad on mini, there is certainly no shortage of Android tablets on the market that can more than just compete…

Finding which tablet is the best however will depend on a few features, and ultimately whether you are willing to blow $400+ or want to keep it to a more moderate price $300 and below.

 

We have compiled a short list of our favorite top 5 Android tablets, ranging from the crem de la crem to less expensive models suitable for any budget.

Our list is compiled of the latest tablets from August 2013 and are all very competent tools full of features:

 

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10 Inch – When the tab 3 finally arrived it was received with overwhelming universal praise. Its SDRAM, Atom processor and new operating system have made other tablets take a good long look at their futures. There is no doubt any buyer of this tablet will be looking at owning a future proof device for a few years to come.

 

2: Generic Ainol Novo7 Venus – I told you there would be an affordable tablet in our top list, and here it is. If you never heard of it then now is the time to read up. This tablet is currently under 140 bucks and for that you get a quad core 7 inch tablet with HDMI output amongst other awesome features.

 

3: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 – Having recently had a massive price slash on a popular online store, the Note 10.1 had to beat the Asus if only for its universal acclaim by current users around the world. We love the Note for its design and the fact it comes with a handy pen. This feature alone had us playing with the tablet for hours and it will have you doing things you cane belive with ease.

 

4: Asus TFT700T-B1-GR 10.1 Inch – Full of features from the outside in, Asus really went to town here to create what must be seen as an all-round winner. From its awesome looking outer skin to the power behind the hood The Asus TFT700T is for only the most disconcerting of buyers and will leave anyone with a smile after use.

 

5: The New Google nexus 7 FHD – As if the first offering of the Nexus 7 was not good enough, the new device is an absolute wonder with its powerful quad core processor and ultra-sharp display, this really is a contender for anyone to consider against the iPad mini.

Samsung tweaks Galaxy S4

06/08/2013 17:14

Samsung tweaks Galaxy S4 to make it simpler for global travellers to use 4G

  Samsung plans to release new versions of its Galaxy S4 and S4 mini smartphones that can automatically switch between 4G networks across the world that use different LTE standards.
The new devices will be able to switch between networks based on the TDD (Time-Division Duplex) and FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) variants of the LTE 4G wireless technology.
Samsung says the move is designed to make it easier for travellers to use data services in different countries without disruption.
While most of the world relies on FDD-LTE, adoption of TDD-LTE is expected to grow in the US, China, Australia, Middle East, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Southwest Asia.
According to market research firm Strategy Analytics, the global LTE market will increase 20 percent annually on average, from 270 million devices in 2013 to 680 million devices in 2017. The TDD-LTE market is expected to take up 18 percent of the entire LTE market by 2015.
Samsung will launch the dual-mode LTE handsets in countries worldwide from the third quarter of this year.

Amazon's Kindle Fire HD

30/07/2013 08:34
Amazon's Kindle Fire HD upcoming specs may validate business model
 
Amazon is reportedly prepping its next batch of Kindle Fire HD tablets and the tech ecosystem is again drooling over specs for the money. The real win for Amazon is that it can offer strong specs at a good price because it'll make plenty of money off you elsewhere.
 
BGR reports its latest tidbits on Amazon's Kindle Fire HD tablets, which may launch in September. The key takeaways from the report, which could barely contain its glee:
 
  • The 7-inch Kindle Fire HD tablet will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chip, which is top of the line.
  • Pricing will be roughly in the current ballpark.
  • More RAM and storage options.
  • The 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD will have a 2,560 x 1,600-pixel high-definition display and front and rear cameras.
 
kindlefirehdFall is almost here so it must be time to start talking new Kindles.
BGR is betting that Amazon can stand out with its tablets since Google's Nexus 7 is nice, but can't hold your attention for too long. Apple's iPad mini may get an incremental upgrade. And Samsung's tablet line up is a yawner.
 
Perhaps the biggest takeaway here is that Amazon's business model for tablets may be superior to its rivals. First, Amazon can subsidize the hardware. Then, Amazon turns the Kindle into a shopping kiosk on the go. And Amazon will sell some Prime subscriptions too along with movies and e-books.
 
The only other company that can play the cloud and services game as well as Amazon is probably Google. Then again, Google isn't up to par on commerce and content selection. Apple has the hardware and content, but has to prove itself on the cloud services front.
 
In any case, should subsidized hardware win out in the tablet wars---and it's already looking that way---Amazon's army of Kindle Fire devices are going to be in good shape.

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