Posts tagged tablets
Apple releases two new ads you should see today!
Feb 18th
Two new highly vivacious ads have just been released by Apple for the iPad that flaunts some of the 300,000+ apps tailored for its tablet lineup.
The first ad, “Alive”, skims through the adjectives “loud”, “deep” and “alive” to accent and emphasize interactive apps such as GarageBanad, TED and iMovie.
The second commercial, “Together”, accentuates the adjectives “wild”, “bright” and “together”.
The whole campaign is centered towards the fact that the iPad is intended to be used for creative and engaging activities, alternatively to be used just as a passive consumption of content. Despite the early criticism that was targeted at the original iPad; stating it was befitting consumers rather than creators, the versatility of apps in the App Store, including Apple’s very own titles – as iMovie and GarageBand- have proved the allegations wrong.
Apple declared in January that it had sold 22.9 million iPads just in the last quarter. However, its dominance in the tablet area has receded as rivals have soon caught up with their own offers.
Google celebrates The Enchantress of Numbers
Dec 10th
It might come as a surprise to some to know that the first computer programmer that has paved the way for the evolution of laptops, computers and tablets was actually a female mathematician; Ada Lovelace. Today, Google celebrates her 197th birth anniversary with a special doodle that showcases Ada writing the pioneering computer program using a quill pen while she sits at a desk and the paper scroll containing her algorithm spins in the shape of the letters of the Google logo.
Ada King, the countess of Lovelace, was the daughter of the reputable poet Lord Byron. Her father was expecting her to be a “glorious” baby boy was thus somewhat disappointed, and her parents soon separated after her birth.
Ada, originally named Augusta, was raised by her aristocratic mother, who had set her mind on distancing her daughter from anything related to poetry and thus decided to educate her little one in mathematics from a very early age. Her mother hit the right note, for as it turns out, Lovelice had an incredible affinity to the subject, and while she was educated at home by tutors, her mathematical skills were further cultivated by Augustus De Morgan, the first professor of mathematics at the University of London, who helped her in advanced studies.
Her affiliation with Charles Babbage, founder of the computer, commenced when she translated an article by Italian mathematician and engineer Luigi Federico on Babbage’s proposed Analytical Engine. Yet, Ada being as enthusiastic as she was, she not only translated the work but added her own personal notes that were extensive; 3 times longer than the actual paper and are now recognized as containing the first computer algorithm. Charles was so impressed with Ada that he called her the “Enchantress of Numbers”.
Ada Lovelace passed away at an early age of 36 on November 27, 1852 due to uterine cancer.
Even though there has been some controversy over the extent of Lovelace’s contribution to the evolution of computing, the computer language Ada is named in honor and a medal is awarded in her name by the British Computer Society.
AMD launches Android App store for Windows PCs
Oct 1st
AMD, the chip-making company has announced today a deal with the BlueStacks software company. A deal that will bring 500,000 Android apps to Windows 8 devices.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has only a few thousand apps written specifically for Window 8 at launch.
The Android apps will be accessible on Windows 8 devices via AMD’s AppZone player. Bluestacks carries a code, one that acts as a wrapper around the device’s programs such as Evernote and Pulse for the sake of eliminating compatibility issue, hence making them easily run on desktops, laptops and tablets.
The core code has received changes by AMD to ensure apps built for the small screens on mobile phones look just as good as run just as well on larger displays.
New tablets and PCs running on AMD CPUs and GPUs will be running on the new software, and they will enable the likes of Flipboard and Fruit Ninja to be downloaded directly to the device through the new AppZone Player.
Manufacturers such as HP as among the ones that the company is working with to get the software factory installed on new AMD machines.
The new partnership gives immediate advantage to AMD devices that are running on Intel processors.
Intel-based PCs will not be as fortunate; receiving only around 2,000 apps through the Windows 8 Store at launch.
“This helps AMD leapfrog Intel by making Windows 8 more attractive on their tablets and PCs,” CEO Rosen Sharma wrote in an email.
“We’ve worked closely together to optimize the performance of the apps for AMD’s unique ‘graphics and computing on one chip’ setup. The result is awesome – mobile apps run beautifully on their machines.”
The new Windows 8 PCs and tablets are not the only ones receiving the revamp; existing Windows 7 PCs that are equipped with AMD hardware.
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Google I/O; everything you need to know!
Jun 28th
We’re pretty sure you remember in April, when Google introduced its spectacular Google Glasses and every one of us had to double check it wasn’t just one of its April Fools fibs.
Yesterday, at the official Google I/O kick start, a brilliantly fantastic demonstration of the concept blew everyone’s socks away. If you haven’t already seen the video, we highly recommend you do; skydivers were tossed out of an airplane onto the roof of the conference center. All this was available live on Google’s very own social network video chat service; Hangout.
Here is an edited version of the toss and turn and hangout with some music from the “We Were Promised Jetpacks”
Google co-founder, Sergey Brin, announced that I/O attendees could pre-order a prototype Project Glass testing unit for $1,500 if they wanted to live “on the bleeding edge.” Testing units will be delivered “early next year.” No further details on a consumer launch were announced though.
Now moving on to the actual conference; we shall attempt to recap all you need to know from yesterday’s day 1 coverage.
1. Nexus 7 tablet: Tablet lovers rejoiced yesterday when Google released its very first tablet. It’s clear that the Nexus 7 targets to take down the Amazon market that is swamps with the Kindle fire; yet Google seem to have taken everything to the next level. For starters, the tablet runs on Android 4.1 with an interface resembling that of the Galaxy Nexus, yet with super large icons and new media enhanced widgets that clearly remind us of the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet. The specs are quite incredible for such a 7-inch tablet; a quad core Tegra 3 processor, 1 GB of RAM and a beautiful 1280×800 pixel screen. Saving the best for last; it very well priced at just $200 for the 8 GB version and $250 for the 16GB. If you are already excited about it, you can order it now and it starts shipping in approximately mid July. (Check out our top 5 Andoid tablets for this month)
2. Google Play revamped: In attempts to amplify the content that is being sold on the Nexus 7 tablet, the Google Play store now sells magazines, TV shows, and movies as well as its already existing content of music, books and many apps. A”Google Magazines” app can now be downloaded by the Android users; an app that basically sells subscriptions to magazines and individual issues. The YouTube video app is also commercialized with its ability to sell episodes and entire seasons of your favorite TV show and movies; previously it was more of a rental shop.
3. Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean): Last December, the Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) was released but in the Tech world it’s already more than yesterday’s news. The new Jelly Bean is not mind blowing, yet it comes in with a lot of small improvements and owing to “Project Butter”, it ought to run more smoothly even on devices. Some of these enhancements include more robust notifications, an easier approach to customize home screens, enabled offline voice typing, and a a loud and clear competitor to Siri “Google Now”; we cannot wait to test drive it, but from the looks of things, Siri will be left crying with this more accurate assistant that analyzes the history of your behavior for better results.
4. Nexus Q social streaming media player: If you have an interest in peculiar gadgets then the Nexus Q will surly grab your undivided attention; designed like a ball and colored in black, it comes with an ARM processor and a multicolored light up strip around it. Let’s say it this way; it resembles a tiny Death Star with an illuminating weakness trench, hmm maybe better yet, a Thermal Detonator? Well, enough with the Star Wars references; basically this device is designed to function by connecting it to all of your other devices. With this new gadget, you will be able to connect your Android phones as well as tablets (those that run on Android 4.1) onto the Nexus Q and you will be able to enjoy their content on television screen, your computer, or better yet your surround system. The price tag is $300 and is available for orders right not with an estimated arrival date of two to three weeks.
5. Google+ Events: Facebook prepare to be struck by the G thunder cloud yet again, with the G+ Events this time. Now, we will be able to schedule times, dates and events in G+ (as well as Google Calendar). Party planning will be even cooler now with the “Party mode” feature that allows everyone attending a particular party to automatically upload their pictures to that G+ event page.
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The 5 Best Android Tablets You Can Buy Today
Jun 26th
Thinking of buying a new tablet anytime soon? Well, this list ought to make that shopping anxiety fret away.
1. Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700
Ever since the beautiful Transformer Prime launched last year, Asus have been attempting to catch on with the iPad. Well, with their new Transformer infinity they might be catching on. The tablet runs on Android 4.9 Ice Cream Sandwich OS and boasts a whopping 64 GB of internal storage ( if that’s too much for you,it also comes in 32 GB). Its width is 263 mm, depth 8.5 mm, height 180.8 mm and weighs 586g. Its display type is 10.1 in LCD TFT active matrix and the resolution is 1920 × 1200. The processor is Krait and the clock speed comes at 1.5 GHz. Moving on to the camera, the front camera’s pixel effectiveness is 2 megapixels and the rear camera ranks in at 8 with a Single LED Flash as well as an Autofocus. As for the most important part; the battery life, it is not removable, the estimated capacity is 25 Wh and the quoted use time comes in at 10 hrs.
The Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 Android tablet will be launched in U.S. retail store shelves approximately on July 16th.
2. Toshiba Excite 7.7
Toshiba, the well renowned PC manufacturer, ironically does not seem to have a clear grasp on the tablet market. First, with their huge and bulky “Thrive” that came looking more of a laptop. Then, with their “Excite 10 LE”, which was the absolute opposite wanting everything to be super thin.
Taking a more mainstream take now with their newest editions; the Excite 7.7 and Excite 10. The new versions are NVIDA Tegra 3 powered with Android 4.9 Ice Cream Sandwich OS.
Moving on to the hardware; it is 0.3 inches thick, 381 grams with Stereo speakers. You have the option to choose between a 16 GB internal memory or a 32 GB with a microSD external storage support. The rear camera is 5 megapixels and the front is 2. You can choose between the Excite 7.7, Excite 10 and Excite 13.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1
Samsung, the tech giant, are changing up their approach towards the tablets realm. It seems they would rather settle for a mediocre position in the race between the iPad and the Transformer Prime. Here is a quick overview of their latest Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Similarly to the 7.0, it has solid but unspectacular specs (a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 1280 x 800 TFT display, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, dual cameras), plus Android 4.0, all for a very reasonable $399.99. Of course, even at that price there’s competition from the still-on-sale iPad 2, the Transformer Pad TF300, and plenty others. Does the 10-inch Galaxy Tab 2 find the same balance its 7-inch predecessor did, or is your $400 better spent elsewhere?
4. Sony Tablet S
The Tablet S shows that the consumer electronics giant has not lost its design mojo over the years, as this model brings Sony’s authenticity and flair to the tablet market. What makes the Tablet S unique you ask? Well, for starters, the tablet’s tapered design. Sony says the design was influenced by the curve of a folded-around magazine. The Tablet S has 1GB of RAM onboard and 16GB or 32GB of storage hardwired.
The display itself is fairly standard; 1280 x 800, and there are two cameras on the device: a 3-megapixel shooter on the front, and a 5-megapixel model on the backside. The device boasts a 9.4-inch screen and weighs in at 603 grams. As for its battery life, it can hold up to an estimated 6.2 hrs.
5. Acer Iconia Tab A510
Looking a lot like its predecessor, the Acer Iconia Tab A500, a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 system is always a pleasure. The A510 has a wealth of connectivity: a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a micro-USB port just under the screen, a micro-HDMI port and a cover-protected microSD card slot (for up to 32 GB of additional storage). It also features a 5-Megapixel photo/video sensor on the back and a 2-Megapixel sensor on the front. The capacitive touchscreen uses PVA technology and has 1280 x 800 resolution. The A510 has a colossal battery under the hood which will give a reported 15 hours of life letting you surf, watch movies and game for that bit longer. It doesn’t weigh very much at 680 grams, but it is slightly heavier than competing tablets. Its width is 10.2 in, depth 0.43 in, height 6.9 inches.
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Is it a bird?A plane? No it’s Microsoft’s new Tablet!
Jun 19th
Is it a bird, is it plane? A tablet or a PC? Well, Microsoft’s new Surface is a bit of both!
Microsoft has on Monday developed a Window tablet computer of its own design, upending one of the world’s most successful business strategies over the past three decades.
The first commercial PC that Microsoft has designed and sold so far runs a yet-to-be released version of its Windows operation system; the Windows 8.
The new piece of hardware accentuates many of the now-standard tablet specs, such as a 10.6 inch high-definition touchscreen and front and rear facing cameras, which all fit into a 9.3 millimeter, 1.5-pound frame.
Yet Surface is more than just your typical tablet, for it brings forth new features such as the cover, for instance, that flips down to become a full keyboard. A magnesium rigid case and a pen that clicks into the tablet are among the beautiful features and add to that a built-in kickstand.
It seems that Microsoft is attempting to salvage a brand name that it has used earlier on; the first Surface hit the markets back in 2008. It was basically a giant touchscreen computer that was directed at retailers as well as other commercial customers.
Customers will be able to enjoy the new Surface on a version of Windows 8 that is called Window RT. ARM-microchips will be run on this operating system. These microchips are actually inside 95% of the world’s Smartphones as well as tablets. However, another version of Surface shall be tailored for the fuller Windows 8 operating system, which will run on Intel chips.
Though Microsoft has not disclosed any specific release dates, however, the company said that the Window RT version shall be available sometime this autumn. The customers will be able to pick between a 32 and a 64 GB versions, both that are said to be priced in accordance to other tablets already there in the market. Apple’s most basic version of the iPad sells at $499.
The full Windows 8 version will be in markets supposedly three months later in 64 and 128 GB versions. Microsoft’s price points are set to be somewhat equivalent to those of Ultrabooks, which normally sell at around $ 1,000.
Microsoft declared that it will not be the sole manufacturer of the Windows tablets. Granting all this, it’s still an unconventional turn for the world’s largest software company. What do you think? What is the preferred tablet for your taste?
Looking for a simple, elegant backup solution?
Genie Timeline 2012 is a new version of the number one continuous data protection program Timeline 2.1. It offers the first metro style user interface; enhanced performance, and added features. Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.
>Follow @Genie9backup