- "Delta Air Lines sent a hardcase with six outward-facing video cameras as checked baggage aboard a…"
“Delta Air Lines sent a hardcase with six outward-facing video cameras as checked baggage aboard a flight from Atlanta to New York City to show the behind-the-scenes journey of checked baggage. Quite fascinating.”
– swissmiss | The Journey of Checked Baggage
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup attack tools released to public | The Verge
Wi-Fi Protected Setup attack tools released to public | The Verge:
A lot has happened since we reported on the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) vulnerability found by Stefan Viehbock yesterday. It seems security firm Tactical Network Solutions (TNS) had independently discovered the vulnerability, working on it for nearly a year.
- Perch device reminds you to take your charger with you when you leave | Ubergizmo
Perch device reminds you to take your charger with you when you leave | Ubergizmo:
When packing for a trip, or when packing to leave the hotel room at the end of the trip, we’re sure that a good number of you guys out there may forget to bring your charger along with you. Not only is this highly inconvenient but it could prove to be rather expensive, but LPS is looking to change all of that with Perch.
- Dropbox-for-Google Insync leaves beta, goes free and opens doors for business | TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog
Dropbox-for-Google Insync leaves beta, goes free and opens doors for business | TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog:
Advertising itself as a cheaper Dropbox alternative with a better feature set, Insync has been in closed beta for the last 15 months. Now, they’re finally ready to launch with a service that tightly integrates into Google Docs. It’s “8x cheaper” than Dropbox, according to their marketing; in fact, the core service is now free, and customers who paid for the service during the beta period will be offered a refund or premium service credit. The only cost for basic membership is the cost of Google storage.
- Apple phone prototype from 1983 shows an all touchscreen interface | TiPb
Apple phone prototype from 1983 shows an all touchscreen interface | TiPb:
A prototype of an Apple phone has been uncovered and it dates all the way back to 1983. Designer Hartmut Esslinger came up with the design whilst working for Apple on other projects such as the Apple IIc. Wikipedia has it noted that Esslinger was contracted to Apple in a $1,000,000 a year deal.
- Acer Iconia Tab A700 Spotted in Russia With 1920 x 1200 Screen
Acer Iconia Tab A700 Spotted in Russia With 1920 x 1200 Screen:
We’ve long heard about tablets with high definition screens and it looks like we may be seeing one from Acer at CES. Russian tech site NoMobile.ru reports that a 10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution tablet called the Iconia Tab A700 will make its official debut at CES next month.
- Lenovo Ideapad S110 may be blazing the Cedar Trail, ditching netbook moniker — Engadget
Lenovo Ideapad S110 may be blazing the Cedar Trail, ditching netbook moniker — Engadget:
Between the line of Cedar Trail notebooks marching their way through the FCC and Intel’s recent shipping announcement, it’s high time manufacturers started parading out next year’s kits.
- Acer Iconia Tab A700 pictures leak out, source corroborates Tegra 3 and 1920 x 1200 screen | The Verge
Acer Iconia Tab A700 pictures leak out, source corroborates Tegra 3 and 1920 x 1200 screen | The Verge:
Last month, a leaked XML document revealed the existence of the Acer Iconia Tab A700, an Android tablet which would allegedly come with both a quad-core Tegra 3 processor and a practically unheard-of 1920 x 1200 resolution display.
- High-End Version of New iPads Get Extra Battery Life | Eee PC
High-End Version of New iPads Get Extra Battery Life | Eee PC:
Reports are coming in that Apple will be unveiling two versions of iPad3 this early 1012, one for the high-end segment and one for the mid-range segment. One rumored improvement of these new devices over their predecessor is longer battery span, which will be increased to 14,000mAH. HOwever, there are no confirmation yet from Apple’s battery suppliers, Simplo Technology and Dynapack, regarding on this.
- Is being able to charge your phone at work a human right? | Mobile Industry Review
Is being able to charge your phone at work a human right? | Mobile Industry Review:
Yesterday I was reading in the Telegraph about the officers and civilian staff at Sussex Police who have recently been instructed not to charge their personal phones (and other related devices) at work.
- Netbook’s Not Dead: Intel’s third-gen Atom processor ships
Netbook’s Not Dead: Intel’s third-gen Atom processor ships:
Leading PC chipmaker Intel announced this week that its third generation Atom mobile processor, formerly code-named “Cedar Trail” is now available, and that systems using the platform will be available in early 2012.
- The Hermes Project: Roaming to remain expensive
The Hermes Project: Roaming to remain expensive:
Despite pressure from European regulators, roaming outside of your home country as a mobile or mobile broadband user is to remain expensive, particularly for those who are trying to use their devices outside of the newly price capped European Union member countries.
Monthly Archives: December 2011
Battery Life is a Feature
I do not always follow every iDevice rumour but the one I do hope would come true (and not just for iDevices) is extending battery life further.
High End Version of New iPads Get Extra Battery Life
Reports are coming in that Apple will be unveiling two versions of iPad3 this early 2012, one for the high-end segment and one for the mid-range segment. One rumored improvement of these new devices over their predecessor is longer battery span, which will be increased to 14,000mAH.
This rumour is probably absolute nonsense but I hope device designers out there really start to focus on battery life as a primary feature of a mobile device, and not as a secondary one. Devices need to be able to run through a heavy working day with some spare capacity without the need for me to carry my trusty recharger.
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 30, 2011
- “You All Know You Want a 7″ iPad.” | Gear Diary
“You All Know You Want a 7″ iPad.” | Gear Diary:
That’s how today’s gear chat on tablet size started–with Francis’ assertion that we all knew–even if some of us didn’t want to admit it out loud–that we really wanted a mid-sized tablet. You know: something in between the iPod Touch/iPhone and iPad form factors.
- LogMeIn Free for iOS mini-review
LogMeIn Free for iOS mini-review:
In both the home and work environment, there are numerous uses for remote access tools. For home users, the ability to not only access the files stored on a computer housed in another room but also take full control of it as if you sit in front of it can save a great deal of legwork reviewing a document you need to read or checking the status of a download, all without having to run up and down stairs. Used for work, the possibilities are almost limitless. Network administrators can control their entire network from almost anywhere — homeworking becomes a possibility for a far larger number of people; the list just goes on and on. There are a number of remote access tools available for iOS, LogMeIn is not only one of the best known, it is also one of the best. And the great news is that it is now completely free of charge.
- The Most Important Gadgets Of 2012 | TechCrunch
The Most Important Gadgets Of 2012 | TechCrunch:
Rather than looking back (which I’m sure we will), I thought it would be nice to look forward to 2012 and beyond and note some of the gadgets that will change the world in the next few years. I’ve included mobile, gaming, and computing gadgets but I think 2012 will also be the year of Windows Phone, 3D printing, and fitness technology that actually makes a difference.
- 16GB HTC Flyer down to £199 from UK retailer | Eee PC
16GB HTC Flyer down to £199 from UK retailer | Eee PC:
HTC’s first entry into the tablet market came in the form of the HTC Flyer. Unfortunately many considered it overpriced, with the 16GB Wifi only model being sold for £479 and the 32GB model, with 3G available at a staggering £599.99.
- Acer Iconia Tab A200 now available in the UK for £299 – Liliputing
Acer Iconia Tab A200 now available in the UK for £299 – Liliputing:
The Acer Iconia Tab A200 is a 10 inch Android tablet with a 1280 x 800 pixel display, an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core processor, and 1GB of RAM. Basically it’s what you get if you take the Iconia Tab A500 and slap it in a new case, add a few color options, and remove the rear camera.
- 1 million Galaxy Notes shipped worldwide, US fans throw money at their screens — Engadget
1 million Galaxy Notes shipped worldwide, US fans throw money at their screens — Engadget:
The Galaxy Note, Samsung’s unconventional powerhouse, has managed to ship 1 million units in under two months.
- US-CERT Issues Warning About Current Wi-Fi Protected Setup Standard | ITProPortal.com
US-CERT Issues Warning About Current Wi-Fi Protected Setup Standard | ITProPortal.com:
The current Wi-Fi Protected Setup standard suffers from a major vulnerability that could eventually affect the security of hundreds of thousands of Wi-Fi access points and routers, according to an advisory issued by the US-CERT.
- Intel working to keep the netbook alive with "Cedar Trail" Atom platform
Intel working to keep the netbook alive with “Cedar Trail” Atom platform:
Netbook sales have been declining, with major vendors deciding to leave the netbook market entirely. That hasn’t stopped Intel from launching a new family of processors designed for small and cheap laptops.
- Apple Planning 7.85-inch Mini iPad for 2H 2012? | ITProPortal.com
Apple Planning 7.85-inch Mini iPad for 2H 2012? | ITProPortal.com:
While everybody is waiting with anticipation for the upcoming iPad 3, expected to hit the market in around March, industry observers are proposing Apple could announce a second iPad release next year.
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 29, 2011
- The Coming Opportunity of BYOD
The Coming Opportunity of BYOD:
A few weeks ago, RWW Channels Editor David Strom posted Why BYOD Isn’t a Trend. He skewered the notion that BYOD is new, noted that IT leaders have dealt with user-purchased tech for generations, and declared the “consumerization of IT” a new name for an old trend.
- Asus Eee Pad Slider review – Liliputing
Asus Eee Pad Slider review – Liliputing:
Over the last two years computer makers have flooded the market with tablets. The best of these devices tend to be thinner and lighter than laptops, offer better battery life, and always-on features including the ability to receive incoming email or instant messages even when the display is off. Another hallmark of tablets running Android, iOS, or other mobile operating systems are user interfaces that are easy to use with a touchscreen – no keyboard or mouse needed.
- Asus 1225B – 11.6-inch Announced – Netbook Reviews
Asus 1225B – 11.6-inch Announced – Netbook Reviews:
Asus have just announced the brand new Asus Eee PC 1225B 11.6-inch netbook to the market. We can already tell a lot just from the name, the bump in digits indicate that it’s an updated version of the 1215, and the B at the end tells us that it makes use of AMD hardware.
- Seagate’s hybrid Momentus XT 750-GB: Almost an SSD, almost affordable | TechBlog | a Chron.com blog
Seagate’s hybrid Momentus XT 750-GB: Almost an SSD, almost affordable | TechBlog | a Chron.com blog:
In September I wrote about the joy of installing a Solid State Drive in my 13-inch MacBook Pro. The Mercury Extreme Pro 3G SSD with a capacity of 240 GB dramatically improved the speed of my notebook, but it’s not cheap. Other World Computing’s currently selling it for $360, which is about $35 less than when I wrote about it.
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup security hole discovered | The Verge
Wi-Fi Protected Setup security hole discovered | The Verge:
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) has become popular among router manufacturers as a way to make adding new devices to your wireless network simpler, meaning you don’t have to remember your wireless key every time. However, security researcher Stefan Viehbock has uncovered a major security hole which allows him to use brute force to access a WPS PIN-protected network in an average of two hours.
- Researchers Discover Major GSM Security Flaw
Researchers Discover Major GSM Security Flaw:
The world’s first GSM phone call was placed on July 1, 1991, when Finnish prime minister Harri Holkeri called Kaarina Suonio, mayor of Tampere city. Almost 21 years later Germany’s Security Research Labs has found that there’s a major security flaw in the system.
- Acer to Launch MacBook Air Rival, 15-inch Ultrabook for $699? | ITProPortal.com
Acer to Launch MacBook Air Rival, 15-inch Ultrabook for $699? | ITProPortal.com:
Acer has been rumoured to be preparing a launch of its 15.5 inch Ultrabook laptop which is going to come with a $699 price tag.
- iPad 2 Rival Alert : Toshiba Drops Price Of AT100 To £280 | ITProPortal.com
iPad 2 Rival Alert : Toshiba Drops Price Of AT100 To £280 | ITProPortal.com:
Amazon has cut the price of the Toshiba AT100-100 10-inch Android tablet to £280, a £100 discount from its original selling price.
- Toshiba AC100 Android Netbook Down To £150 | ITProPortal.com
Toshiba AC100 Android Netbook Down To £150 | ITProPortal.com:
Toshiba was the first, back in 2010, to introduce a netbook which featured the same internal features as a smartphone, but adjusted to the form factor of an Ultrabook; it was called the Toshiba AC100-10U, and although it was a commercial failure, we consider it as the blueprint on which future Android ultraportables will be built.
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 28, 2011
- Android Tablets Gaining Steam on Apple iPad 2
Android Tablets Gaining Steam on Apple iPad 2:
Android tablet makers are starting to prove that Apple’s iPad 2 isn’t the only viable tablet option on the market. In its Worldwide Quarterly Media Tablet and eReader Tracker, IDC says Android tablets are set to make some huge market share gains on the iPad.
- Toshiba Thrive 7" review — Engadget
Toshiba Thrive 7″ review — Engadget:
As 2011 draws to a close, it’s fun to look back and think about how we began the year testing the first Honeycomb tablet, and are now ending it elbow-deep in me-too slates, many of them cut down to smaller sizes. So it should surprise no one, then, that Toshiba released the Thrive 7”, a mini (and aptly named) version of the original Thrive, which went on sale last summer.
- Hitting all the right marks: Acer Aspire S3 ultrabook review
Hitting all the right marks: Acer Aspire S3 ultrabook review:
Acer has entered its version of an ultrabook, the Aspire S3, into Intel’s race to the top. While the computer doesn’t have much merit in the way of design and makes some compromises, it’s a solid performer with a good keyboard and trackpad, and great battery life—a combination that’s been a rare find so far.
- Does WiFi Help or Hurt Battery Life? (Editorial)
Does WiFi Help or Hurt Battery Life? (Editorial):
Yesterday I wrote an article about the five things you should do right away after you get a new Android-powered smartphone. One of my recommendations was that you turn WiFi on as soon as you can — for a few reasons.
- ASUS Eee PC 1225B surfaces | Ubergizmo
ASUS Eee PC 1225B surfaces | Ubergizmo:
According to reports online, ASUS is set to announce the successor to its Eee PC 1215B notebook this coming CES 2012. A new notebook called the Eee PC 1225B turned up on the ASUS website over the weekend, signifying its imminent arrival. The 1225B will features an 11.6″ LED 1366 x 768 display, an AMD Fusion APU E450 1.65GHz or C60 1.0GHz dual-core processor, AMD Radeon HD6320 or Radeon 6290 graphics card, 2/4GB of RAM, 320/500/750GB HDD, WiFi, Bluetooth, 0.3-megapixel camera, HDMI port, a 6-cell 56Wh Li-ion Battery (said to last 7 hours of usage), and will weigh 1.44kg.
- HTC Flyer at Dixons – Now even cheaper
HTC Flyer at Dixons – Now even cheaper:
It’s sale time, which means I’m staying as far away as possible. However, if you want to shop online and avoid the mad crowds, we’ve already selected a few treats over the last few days. One in particular is now even better – the 16GB HTC Flyer from Dixons. If you use the discount code on HotUKDeals you can get this rather excellent tablet for £179.10 !
- Top five laptops for battery life in 2011 | Mobile Computers | ZDNet UK
Top five laptops for battery life in 2011 | Mobile Computers | ZDNet UK:
Presented here are the top five 2011 laptops for battery life, as measured by ZDNet UK’s sister site CNET News in their in-house video playback battery drain test.
- What you can do to enforce endpoint security • The Register
What you can do to enforce endpoint security • The Register:
Thirty years after the PC was launched, security and management problems for the endpoint seem to be getting worse rather than better.
- ASUS Tablet PCs Target Sales for 2012 | Eee PC
ASUS Tablet PCs Target Sales for 2012 | Eee PC:
Optimistic market sales seem to be the target view of Asus in the coming 2012. The company is looking forward to sell 3 to 6 million tablet PCs next year over the 1.8 million estimated sales targeted in 2011. Asus chairman, Jonney Shih is positive then in meeting the desire objective of Asus that’ll take part on the soon-to-be mass volume sales of Transformer Prime. Given that the diversity of Transformer Prime on its exceptional keyboard docking has made outstand on its previous trades.
- Acer Has No Plans to Quit the Tablet PC | Eee PC
Acer Has No Plans to Quit the Tablet PC | Eee PC:
Stan Shih, Acer founder, expects its tablet business to stay. In response to the rumor that the company will withdraw from the tablet PC and smartphone markets, Shih said that although Acer’s tablet operation has not performed well, it is not time to give up the business.
- Google: Android Sales is Declining | Eee PC
Google: Android Sales is Declining | Eee PC:
“There are now over 700,000 Android devices activated every day,” Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google confirmed this week via Twitter.
- If You Got an iOS Device, Do These Five Things Immediately
If You Got an iOS Device, Do These Five Things Immediately:
Whether the gift-wrap is off, or you simply strolled into an Apple Store on Christmas day, your iOS device is here. We know you decided to wait a while and see if it was really worth purchasing one in the first place, and as results show so far, Apple’s current line-up of iOS devices is worth every penny.
- iPad still selling strongly | Techwatch: Tech News
iPad still selling strongly | Techwatch: Tech News:
But Kindle Fire expected to push Android devices above 40% market share in Q4
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 27, 2011
- Another View on The Consequences of BYOD
Another View on The Consequences of BYOD:
Saying “‘Bring Your Own Device’ is an IT “trend” is like saying peanut butter in school lunches is a trend.
- If You Got a New Android Phone, Do These Five Things Immediately
If You Got a New Android Phone, Do These Five Things Immediately:
If you got a new Android smartphone for the holidays, here are some things you want to do right away!
- Should you be allowed to read your Kindle during takeoff and landing? | TechBlog | a Chron.com blog
Should you be allowed to read your Kindle during takeoff and landing? | TechBlog | a Chron.com blog:
The New York Times’ Nick Bilton has been on a crusade about the Federal Aviation Administration’s refusal to allow certain kinds of electronics during an airliner’s takeoff and landing. He thinks the FAA’s being overly cautious, and that bans on the use of tablets, smartphones and e-readers during the starts and ends of flights are unnecessary.
- Dell Streak 7 Priced at £100 on Currys | Eee PC
Dell Streak 7 Priced at £100 on Currys | Eee PC:
Despite of the not-so-good impression about the Dell Streak 7, the UK electronic retailer Currys even opt to offer the 7-inch tablet for just £99.97. Dell has made available the tab on Android Honeycomb, but then Currys preferred to put up on sales the Android Froyo Operating System.
- Germany Can Now Pre-Order Samsung Series 5 NP530 Ultrabook | Eee PC
Germany Can Now Pre-Order Samsung Series 5 NP530 Ultrabook | Eee PC:
The Samsung NP530 is the new 1.4KG Series 5 Ultrabook that was launched in South Korea just a while back. Today, it was announced that it will be available in other countries soon. In fact, this device is already available for pre-order in Germany. The specifications and price, however, are quite competitive
- Lenovo Expects to Ship 300,000 U300 Ultrabooks in Q4 2011 | Eee PC
Lenovo Expects to Ship 300,000 U300 Ultrabooks in Q4 2011 | Eee PC:
Looks like Lenovo is confident in the success of its U300 Ultrabook as the company expects to sell between 200,000 and 300,000 units by the end of Q4 2011, making it one of the most popular Ultrabooks. It was already made available for pre-order in the US, starting at $1499.
- Video: 2011 – a tumultuous year in tech | News | TechRadar
Video: 2011 – a tumultuous year in tech | News | TechRadar:
TechRadar has taken a look back at some of the highs and lows of 2011, in a tumultuous year for technology.
- Laptops Soon Will Have Touchscreen | Eee PC
Laptops Soon Will Have Touchscreen | Eee PC:
The notebook market is expected to proliferate in the second half of 2012 because of the Ivy Bridge and Windows 8.
- Asus Eee PC 1225B portable notebook coming soon – Liliputing
Asus Eee PC 1225B portable notebook coming soon – Liliputing:
A new notebook called the Eee PC 1225B showed up on the Asus website this weekend. While there are few official details about the laptop, the model number suggests a machine with a 12.1 inch display and an AMD processor.
- Acer To Offer 15-Inch Ultrabook For less then $1000 – Netbook Reviews
Acer To Offer 15-Inch Ultrabook For less then $1000 – Netbook Reviews:
If the rumors are true, it looks like Acer could be the first manufacturer to offer a larger 15-inch Ultrabook at a price lower than $1000, much lower.
- Toshiba Thrive 7-inch review | The Verge
Toshiba Thrive 7-inch review | The Verge:
Toshiba hasn’t had an easy ride in the tablet market. When we reviewed the original Thrive tablet this July, it wasn’t only thicker and heavier than the rest of the 10-inch tablets out there (Toshiba claimed the bulk was necessary to house an array of full-size ports), but it was also stricken by charging and build issues.
- Dell streak finally gets Gingerbread update | The Verge
Dell streak finally gets Gingerbread update | The Verge:
Dell Streak 5 owners who couldn’t wait for Gingerbread have been rooting to get it for quite a while, but now Dell has officially released Android 2.3.3 for the oversized phone. It includes the company’s UI skin Stage 1.5.1 and Swype 2.27, but only supports English and Korean languages — xda-developers forum members are working on a full changelog.
- HTC Flyer price drop at Dixons
HTC Flyer price drop at Dixons:
Today, amongst a load of other price drops, you can get a cheap HTC Flyer at Dixons. They are offering the 16GB model and the 32GB 3G model for £199 and £249 respectively.
- Smartphone accessories • reghardware
Smartphone accessories • reghardware:
As Apple’s advertising points out, when it comes to most activities, there’s usually an app for them. But not every task can be performed with a handset alone. Sometimes hardware is required to utilise the brains of a smartphone and take functionality further.
- Intel Sees Atom Revenue Drop by a Third, Medfield Can’t Come Soon Enough | ITProPortal.com
Intel Sees Atom Revenue Drop by a Third, Medfield Can’t Come Soon Enough | ITProPortal.com:
Market watcher IHS Isuppli claims that INtel’s revenue from its low-power Atom chips is down 32 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter.
- Orange San Francisco II £99 Android budget mobile phone – unboxing hands on walkthrough in pictures | ITProPortal.com
Orange San Francisco II £99 Android budget mobile phone – unboxing hands on walkthrough in pictures | ITProPortal.com:
ITProPortal has taken delivery of the Orange San Fransisco II, the low cost budget Android handset made for them by ZTE – which is available for just £99, on pay as you go deals with the network.
- E Fun’s 9 Incher Available Now | Eee PC
E Fun’s 9 Incher Available Now | Eee PC:
E Fun’s new 9-incher Android tablet is bridging the gap between 7-inch and 10-inch tablets. Now available for $279, the Nextbook Premium 9 will feature capacitive touchscreen, A8 Cortex 1GHz processor, 4GB built-in memory and 4GB built-in memory with room for flash upgradeable to 32GB.
- PC Makers Focus More on Ultrabooks, Less on Tablets | Eee PC
PC Makers Focus More on Ultrabooks, Less on Tablets | Eee PC:
PC vendors are struggling to play catch-up and they are reportedly losing interest with their battle with Apple and Amazon in the tablet department. Apple got a strong grip on the market for two years now with their invulnerable iPad and now Amazon’s Kindle Fire is blazing with success. No official figures are released yet but Amazon is claiming that they are selling millions of Kindle Fires before Black Friday.
- LogMeIn brings remote Mac or PC access for free on iOS | The Verge
LogMeIn brings remote Mac or PC access for free on iOS | The Verge:
LogMeIn just released an iOS app that gives you basic remote access to a Mac or PC from your iPhone or iPad for free.
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 23, 2011
- Prepare Your Smartphone and Laptop Travel Toolkit
Prepare Your Smartphone and Laptop Travel Toolkit:
If you’re setting off on a road trip or a flight this weekend, chances are you’re frantically searching for ways to stay connected and limit your boredom and hassles while travelling. Whether it’s sniffing out Wi-Fi passwords or checking flight information, we’ve got your travel toolkit covered for smartphones and laptops.
- SSD Prices Falling Faster Than HDDs | ITProPortal.com
SSD Prices Falling Faster Than HDDs | ITProPortal.com:
The price per gigabyte of solid state drives (SSD) is free falling faster than that of hard drives, driving an increased uptake – with Thailand floods helping it along too.
- Galaxy Y DUOS and Galaxy Y Pro DUOS announced | Ubergizmo
Galaxy Y DUOS and Galaxy Y Pro DUOS announced | Ubergizmo:
Last week the image of the Galaxy Y Pro DUOS was leaked online and today, Samsung has officially announced the devices. Just like the phones’ names suggest: they will both feature the dual SIM capability. Though the Android devices are designed for young professionals they pack pretty modest specs that don’t stand a chance against high-end devices like the Galaxy Nexus or DROID RAZR. But for folks who just need a phone to help them with their day to day activities and receive email from work, they’ll do just find.
- PC tech in 2012: what to expect | News | TechRadar
PC tech in 2012: what to expect | News | TechRadar:
With 2011 drawing to a close, it’s time to look forward to the technological delights heading our way courtesy of the most resilient and consistent innovative computing platform of them all, the trusty old PC.
- Boost Smartphone Battery Life – Geek News Central
Boost Smartphone Battery Life – Geek News Central:
Today’s smartphones are energy-sucking devices that can rarely go for a day or two without charging. I fondly remember my Nokia 6210 that could go a business week without needing a charge, but enough of the reminiscing.
- Five Essential Building foundations For The Cloud | ITProPortal.com
Five Essential Building foundations For The Cloud | ITProPortal.com:
Cloud Computing is undoubtedly one of the most talked about IT trends of 2011. But unnecessary jargon has caused confusion and stopped widespread adoption of cloud services. With new buzzwords appearing almost every week, it’s not surprising that just one in ten firms has moved to the cloud so far.
- EU to push through more roaming caps in 2012 • The Register
EU to push through more roaming caps in 2012 • The Register:
Operators should brace themselves for more caps on European roaming, as the European parliament is planning more pricing restrictions when the current legislation expires.
- Skitch now available on iPad | TiPb
Skitch now available on iPad | TiPb:
Evernote has released the popular photo drawing application, Skitch, for the iPad. With Skitch, you can annotate your photos and screenshots with shapes, arrows, sketches and text.
- Android 3.2 rolling out to HTC Evo View 4G tablets | The Verge
Android 3.2 rolling out to HTC Evo View 4G tablets | The Verge:
Not content to let European owners have all the fun, Sprint users in the US are reporting that the Android 3.2 update for the Evo View 4G is currently being distributed over the air. Sprint has a change log for the update posted, which mentions a “new virtual and holographic user interface” to HTC’s Sense skin alongside the obviously more exciting switch to Honeycomb.
- Epson Endeavor NY2200S Notebook Available in Japanese Market | Eee PC
Epson Endeavor NY2200S Notebook Available in Japanese Market | Eee PC:
Though it seems that nowadays, Epson is much concentrated with the home market than any other field, the company doesn’t forget to still release competent portable PCs just like with the new Epson Endeavor NY2200S.
- Ultra-High Definition Displays Coming to Macs—More Proof
Ultra-High Definition Displays Coming to Macs—More Proof:
Screenshots of Mac OS X 10.7.3 developer builds have revealed what we already suspected: ultra-high definition Macs are coming. This Get Info window capture reveals a HIDPI (Hi-Dots-Per-Inch) mode checkbox that may come in the next update of Apple’s desktop OS.
- Box.net Becomes ‘Box’, Details Future Plans | Gear Diary
Box.net Becomes ‘Box’, Details Future Plans | Gear Diary:
For most people, when they hear ‘box’ related to cloud storage they might think of ‘another’ company, but Box.net has been a very popular service and has recently been giving away ’50GB for Life’ to mobile users. Now they are changing things again, starting with their name – they are now just BOX.
- Ultrabooks and notebooks to become indistinguishable next year – Liliputing
Ultrabooks and notebooks to become indistinguishable next year – Liliputing:
Today’s ultrabooks are thin and light laptops which weigh around 3 pounds or less, have the latest Intel processors, solid state disks, and quick-boot and fast resume technology. Most of them have screens that are 13.3 inches or smaller.
- Microsoft in 2012: what to expect | News | TechRadar
Microsoft in 2012: what to expect | News | TechRadar:
Microsoft has had plenty of successes in 2011, from record-breaking sales for Kinect and Xbox to the positive reaction to Nokia’s Windows Phone.
- Acer to launch 15-inch ultrabook PC
Acer to launch 15-inch ultrabook PC:
Acer, in view of satisfactory sales for its 11- to 13-inch ultrabook models, will launch a 15-inch ultrabook for US$699, with Taiwan-based Pegatron Technology responsible for ODM production, according to sources with the Taiwan-based supply chain.
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 22, 2011
- Archos 70b Set to be First Affordable Android 3.2 Honeycomb Tablet – Geek News Central
Archos 70b Set to be First Affordable Android 3.2 Honeycomb Tablet – Geek News Central:
Archos, makers of some of the best Android tablets that you probably don’t hear about, today announced a little preview of their upcoming CES 2012 plans. The Archos 70b will be the first affordable tablet – i.e. under $200 – that will come out of the box running the Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system. This is the successor to the Archos 70 tablet, with more that just Honeycomb added to it.
- Google Tablet to Unleash in 2012? | Eee PC
Google Tablet to Unleash in 2012? | Eee PC:
It seems that Google Nexus will finally line on branded tablet slates. Recent reports have told about the Google’s plan to launch its new tablet in the market.
- Evernote updated to include sharing controls, more | TiPb
Evernote updated to include sharing controls, more | TiPb:
Evernote, one of the most popular note-taking apps for the iPhone and iPad, has been updated to version 4.1.7 and now includes options to allow users to share notes with friends.
- Skype Offers Free Holiday Wi-Fi – One Hour of Free Access at 50 Participating Airports | DSLReports.com, ISP Information
Skype Offers Free Holiday Wi-Fi – One Hour of Free Access at 50 Participating Airports | DSLReports.com, ISP Information:
For those hitting the airports like we are this holiday season, you might be interested to note that over at the Skype blog, they’ve announced they’ll be offering an hour of free Wi-Fi at roughly 50 airports during the next week.
- Toy Maker Sues Android Tablet Maker Over ‘Transformer’ Tablet | paidContent
Toy Maker Sues Android Tablet Maker Over ‘Transformer’ Tablet | paidContent:
Hasbro is suing California computer maker Asus, saying the company’s new Transformer Prime tablet violates trademarks related to popular children’s action toys.
- Android: 700,000 Activations Per Day, WiFi Not Included? | paidContent
Android: 700,000 Activations Per Day, WiFi Not Included? | paidContent:
Late on Tuesday Andy Rubin, SVP of Mobile and Android head honcho for Google (NSDQ: GOOG), gave the world the latest figures on how much Android has grown since first getting launched in October 2008. There are now 700,000 device activations per day, he said—a new milestone for the platform, but one that appears to indicate that its rapid growth has somewhat slowed down.
- Google to bring out own tablet? | Techwatch: Tech News
Google to bring out own tablet? | Techwatch: Tech News:
Firm to follow the Nexus smartphone range with its own brand slate?
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 21, 2011
- In 2011, Microsoft Began Its Comeback in the Cloud
In 2011, Microsoft Began Its Comeback in the Cloud:
In these run-together, workaholic days, I occasionally miss the irresponsibility of youth, when I could while away a day tossing around a ball with friends and pausing only to lie in the grass and try to find familiar shapes in the clouds. Today, the cloud has taken on a whole new meaning. And when my mind does wander to these ever-shifting and ever-changing wisps of vapor, a clear pattern is starting to emerge. And it’s in the shape of a Windows flag.
- How One Mobile Device Manager Works
How One Mobile Device Manager Works:
I have written frequently about the BYOD trend (such as my article last week on why managing devices isn’t easy. The other side of BYOD is using some form of endpoint management product to make sure that you can track and secure all of your devices. These go under various headings, such as Mobile Device Management (MDM), endpoint security, or network access controls. No matter what you call them, using these products aren’t easy and have lots of issues. Fiberlink was game to show me around their software, called MaaS360, and while I don’t mean to pick on them I will show you what some of the drawbacks are with using these tools and what you are in store for if you are interested in trying to get a handle on your mobile devices across your enterprise.
- WhoAreYou Brings Visual Caller ID to Android
WhoAreYou Brings Visual Caller ID to Android:
Android: WhoAreYou is a free app designed to bring true caller ID (caller ID without needing the contact in your phone book) to your mobile phone. It visually displays who’s calling, so you can decide to answer, send to voicemail, or “ditch” the caller.
- Archos launches 70b Honeycomb tablet, expected to ship next month for $199 — Engadget
Archos launches 70b Honeycomb tablet, expected to ship next month for $199 — Engadget:
There’s something good waiting in the desert at CES — and you won’t need an interesting vision quest to find it. Archos has announced its 70b Internet Tablet, the company’s first Honeycomb-based slate for less than two hundred bucks ($199, to be exact).
- Lenovo rumored to develop quad-core LePad | Ubergizmo
Lenovo rumored to develop quad-core LePad | Ubergizmo:
The LePad is also known as the ThinkPad in different markets, and with Lenovo behind this particular device, there are rumors from Digitimes that quote supply chain partners – ot seems as though Lenovo is working on a quad-core LePad, doubling the number of cores from the current dual-core CPU platforms in today’s ThinkPad.
- "The Lenovo Ideapad K1 tablet can now be had from Amazon for under £270 making it one of the cheapest…"
“The Lenovo Ideapad K1 tablet can now be had from Amazon for under £270 making it one of the cheapest dual core large screen Android tablets on the market.”
– iPad 2 Rival Alert : Lenovo Ideapad K1 Now Down To £270 | ITProPortal.com
- "Asus has confirmed that the Tegra 3-powered Android-based Transformer Prime 64GB tablet will be…"
“Asus has confirmed that the Tegra 3-powered Android-based Transformer Prime 64GB tablet will be delayed until Q2 2012 as it misses the key Christmas sales period.”
– Asus Transformer Prime 64GB Tablet Delayed Until Q2 2012 | ITProPortal.com
- Get Rid of Unity and Bring Back to Old Ubuntu Look with a Few Tweaks
Get Rid of Unity and Bring Back to Old Ubuntu Look with a Few Tweaks:
If you aren’t a fan of Ubuntu’s new “Unity” interface, weblog OMG! Ubuntu! shows us how to get the old GNOME 2-style look back with just a few tweaks (and without having to downgrade).
- BYOD Management Still Not a Slam Dunk
BYOD Management Still Not a Slam Dunk:
A series of three independent studies on mobility management and security from Cisco, Mimecast and Good Technology show that managing all this data moving around on laptops and smartphones is going to be a challenge. But you knew that already. But what is clear is that the rate of adoption varies widely, depending on who is doing the measuring.
- Five Best Android Tablets
Five Best Android Tablets:
Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes. They often run different versions of Android, some can be easily attached to keyboards, others are designed to be slates, and some are ebook readers. Regardless of what you need a new Android tablet for, here are five of the best ones for the job, based on your nominations.
Today’s Mobile Worker News Update December 20, 2011
- Now this is an Ultrabook – Lost In Mobile – Intelligent Mobile Discussion
Now this is an Ultrabook – Lost In Mobile – Intelligent Mobile Discussion:
When it comes to style, many consider Apple to be king and with good reason, but don’t rule out the Ultrabook just yet. Take a look at the Acer Aspire S3 and enjoy.
- Laptop bags: netbooks and tablets • reghardware
Laptop bags: netbooks and tablets • reghardware:
Xmas Gift Guide Fed up of lugging your laptop around in a tatty old backpack? Fancy something a little more stylish? Feel your other half ought to carry a pack that’s more chic? Here are five of the best laptop bags for tablets, netbooks and Ultrabooks that Reg Hardware saw during 2011.
- Samsung Galaxy S 5-inch Tablet On Sale For £130 | ITProPortal.com
Samsung Galaxy S 5-inch Tablet On Sale For £130 | ITProPortal.com:
Amazon has quietly cut the price of the Samsung Galaxy S Wi-Fi 5.0 to just under £130, which is a third less compared to Tesco; this portable media player is in reality a cheaper version of the £500 Samsung Galaxy Note, without the phone functionality (in essence what the iPod Touch is to the iPhone).
- McDonald Ranks Top 10 UK Restaurants by Wireless Internet Usage − ISPreview UK News
McDonald Ranks Top 10 UK Restaurants by Wireless Internet Usage − ISPreview UK News:
The McDonald’s chain of fast food restaurants has revealed that its outlet in Holloway Road (London) is officially the busiest in the country, albeit only for usage of their free “high speed” wireless ( Wi-Fi ) internet access service.
- Is there an alternative to the £30 smartphone tax? | News | TechRadar
Is there an alternative to the £30 smartphone tax? | News | TechRadar:
Congratulations, mobile phone industry! After years of painstaking effort, you’ve finally done it – rendered smartphone contracts the worst purchase this side of a second-hand backscratcher from an abandoned leper colony.
- ZTE Skate Review
ZTE Skate Review:
So considering we are now looking at an Android device packing a 4.3 inch screen with 5 megapixel camera, a lot has improved.
- 5 Essential Accessories for Netbooks « My Asus Eee PC
5 Essential Accessories for Netbooks « My Asus Eee PC:
By its nature, a netbook should be compact and lightweight. We willingly sacrifice a certain degree of functionality for the convenience of portability because, for most people, a netbook is not their primary computer.
- Arnova 10b G2 Offered in Some Parts of Europe | Eee PC
Arnova 10b G2 Offered in Some Parts of Europe | Eee PC:
After appearing on the Arnova site a few weeks ago, the Arnova 10b G2 tablet becomes available in some parts in Europe. In fact, there are reports that it is already being sold in Spain and Poland.
- Toshiba Thrive 7″ Review: Cute, But Clunky | TechCrunch
Toshiba Thrive 7″ Review: Cute, But Clunky | TechCrunch:
While the 7-inch Toshiba Thrive is much more comfortable in the hand than its 10-inch counterpart, many of the best features in big brother never migrated over to the 7-incher. That said, this still may be the slate for you if gaming and web-surfing take precedence over e-reading. Otherwise, I’d point you to the Amazon Kindle Fire.
- Samsung To Launch Android Smartphone with Dual SIM Capabilities? | ITProPortal.com
Samsung To Launch Android Smartphone with Dual SIM Capabilities? | ITProPortal.com:
Samsung may soon launch an Android smartphone with dual SIM capabilities.
- Samsung Series 7 Slate PC review – Liliputing
Samsung Series 7 Slate PC review – Liliputing:
Samsung has released at least half a dozen Android tablets in the last year or so, but the Series 7 Slate is something different. It’s full-fledged Windows computer with a high resolution 11.6 inch display, a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, and support for finger or digital pen input.
- Ainol Novo 7" Android Honeycomb Tablet is Just $145
Ainol Novo 7″ Android Honeycomb Tablet is Just $145:
If you’re looking for a starter tablet, one that won’t break the bank but that can usher you into the world of Android tablet goodness, a company called Ainol makes a rather low-end tablet called the Novo 7 Basic, which sells for only $145.
- Windows 8 will sync passwords between computers, use virtual smart cards | The Verge
Windows 8 will sync passwords between computers, use virtual smart cards | The Verge:
With Windows 8’s cross-computer password syncing, Microsoft is looking to bypass what hacker Kevin Mitnick has called the weakest link of computer security: the user. After signing in using a Live ID — a new feature on Windows 8 — you’ll be able to store any passwords you create, then sync them across all other trusted Windows 8 machines. Since the Live ID is the only password you’ll need to know, other passwords can be set to long, complex, and unique values that would be difficult to remember otherwise.
- Toshiba Satellite Z830 to be Reviewed Live | Eee PC
Toshiba Satellite Z830 to be Reviewed Live | Eee PC:
Wait no more as Toshiba Satelite Z830 has finally arrived and it’s going to have a live review on CNET this Friday, December 16, 2011. With its unique features, super light weight and its affordable price for Core i3 models in the US, this is Toshiba’s one of most famous Ultrabooks yet.
- Rumors of a 7.85″ iPad mini surfaces again, points to Q4 2012 launch | Ubergizmo
Rumors of a 7.85″ iPad mini surfaces again, points to Q4 2012 launch | Ubergizmo:
There has long been talks of a smaller and more compact iPad, specially an iPad in the 7.85” variety. Rumors have suggested that Apple was looking to build a smaller iPad in hopes to compete with smaller tablets like Amazon’s Kindle Fire and perhaps in an attempt to attract a larger market with tablets of different sizes.
- Dell quits netbook business in favor of ultrabooks | Ubergizmo
Dell quits netbook business in favor of ultrabooks | Ubergizmo:
Netbooks were sort of an alternative to laptops as they tended to be smaller, thus allowing for more mobility if all you wanted to do was surf the web and type up some documents. However it looks like under the pressure of the ever-increasing popularity of the ultrabook standard, Dell has appeared to have backed out from the Mini netbook line.
- Eee Pad Transformer Prime UK pre-order begins today at £499, includes keyboard dock | The Verge
Eee Pad Transformer Prime UK pre-order begins today at £499, includes keyboard dock | The Verge:
Asus has just informed us that the Eee Pad Transformer Prime, its latest and arguably Android’s best tablet to date, will be going up for pre-order in the UK starting today. Currys, HMV, PC World, Carphone Warehouse, Ebuyer, and even Tesco.com will be ready to take your order in exchange for £499. Yes, that price includes the keyboard dock as well! The actual release date has been left strategically off the press release, but Asus expects to be shipping these pre-orders out in January and also makes a solemn promise to soon deliver Android 4 to the Prime via an over-the-air update.