Kal El - Nvidia's "Superman" :)

 Tegra 3 (Kal-El)

 The new generation of Nvidia's mobile SoC is codenamed Kal El, guess that Superman has fans everywhere or they just might tease their competitors in the likes of Texas Instruments or Qualcomm.
 The race is on ladies and gents, place your bets and let's get started before it's too late 'cause I doubt that someone will find the "kryptonite" to stop Nvidia's "Superman" on his tracks...
 Here are some of the specs for all ya geeks (hot tech chicks included) out there:

 Processor: Quad Core ARM Cortex A9 MP Core, up to 1.5 GHz;

 Graphics: 12 Core Nvidia GPU with support for 3D stereo and Ultra Low Power GPU mode,
                  video output up to 2560x1600 pixels and 1080p H.264 High Profile video decode.

 The Kal EL's CPU and GPU are to be about five times faster than those on Tegra 2 wich is already faster than any other SoC. For all Superman's fans out there there's no word on X-ray vision capability yet :p

 Tegra 3 SoC (system on a chip) will be available later this year for Android based tablets and for smartphones starting from 2012. Microsoft's Windows 8 would run on SoC's just fine but I guess that each software program that the user would want to run would have to be recompiled.
 Who knows? Someday, maybe the mobile apps for iOS and Android will replace the desktop/notebook ones... or maybe I'm thinking too far ahead since there are still lots of people who use Windows XP and bulky desktop PC's on a daily basis.
 The mobile technology gets better by the day, and it's up to the users/consumers to set the trends. Based on the fact that many of the users want to play 3D games and watch HD video on the go, the mobile technology is constantly developing and improving.
 Meanwhile I'm lookin' forward for your comments. See ya!

 Links: NVIDIA Kal El reference tablet
           NVIDIA Tegra
           Mobile Technology

Tablet hardware - Netbook form factor

 Toshiba AC100

 To begin with, I started this blog writing about "smartbooks" and today I can give you a heads up regarding this category of devices.
 The AC100 is a niche product and in my opinion it has been launched ahead of its time. The "smartbook" defines a product that has the hardware of a smartphone inside a netbook form factor.

 Nowadays the smartphones tend to be an important part of our everyday lives and interesting crossovers have emerged (see the Motorola Atrix and its docking station).
 Nevertheless the Nvidia Tegra 250 SOC (system on a chip) has been designed for every mobile form factor that exists today. Today the users tend to own a notebook, a tablet ('cause of the hype) and a smartphone. Sooner or later you'll think about having a single device that can do it all. The AC100 isn't such a product by any means but it's a step forward. It has great hardware and the Android 2.2 does the job well although the Android Market is not officially supported. "Let's roll" - this time with the specs, not with the Autobots :)

- 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 250 SoC (built around a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor);

- 8GB, 16GB or 32 GB SSD;

- 512MB of DDR2 memory;

- 802.11n WiFi, optional 3G data, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;

- 1.3 megapixel webcam;

- HDMI out;

- headphones jack;

- microphone jack;

- 1x USB 2.0;

- SD card reader;

- 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 pixel display;

- integrated stereo speakers;

- "fanless" design - no noise during operation;

 The keyboard is comfortable to use whether you write e-mails, chat with friends or edit a doc. The chassis is quite slim an the weight of the device is "featherweight".
 I'm not aware of future software updates for AC100 but Toshiba released an update by the end of July that solved some battery draining issues. They might be able to update the AC100 with an Android 3 version aka Honeycomb given that the Asus Transformer runs it pretty well.
 So, what the future holds? Quad core tablets and netbooks for mobile fan(s)atics...

 Links: AC100
           Hacking the AC100

FinePix for FinePeople :)

 Fujifilm FinePix Z900 EXR

 Remember the old days when you had to carry around a bulky cam to shoot even the most casual set of pics? Well, compact cameras aren't a novelty but the set of specs gets better by the day. Here's what the Z900 has to offer:

 - 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor;

 - 5x optical zoom covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent);

 - 3.5 inch touch-screen LCD with Multi Touch functionality;

 - rich user interface using Vector fonts/graphics and Flash animation;

 - CMOS Shift Image Stabilisation;

 - up to ISO 6400;

 - 1600% wide dynamic range;

 - high speed shooting up to 12 frames per second;

 - Full HD movie capture using H.264 (MOV) format;

 - mini HDMI port;

 - new EXR Auto mode featuring 27 scenes;

 - 360° Panorama mode;

 The compact size makes it ideal to take it everywhere, though it's not waterproof. Its performance wouldn't match a DSLR camera so pros might get the Z900 as a secondary camera. It's still summer people, so be sure to take a camera along on your vacation!

Link: FinePix Z900 EXR

K10 + K1 = K11

 Acer K11 projector

 The K11 is the world’s smallest projector featuring 200 lumens brightness and offering great mobility by fitting in your pocket.

 The projector has an intuitive user interface and offers easy setups for various environments like: your mom's living room, your office, your garage, the back of your limo, etc.

 With a 2000:1 contrast ratio the K11 delivers good image quality. The native SVGA resolution of 858×600 pixels and 4:3 aspect ratio is ready for photos, presentations and multimedia.

 Get your popcorn ready 'cause the K11 can also be adjusted to a 16:9 aspect ratio suitable for watching movies.

 Rounding up the specs it features: 1x HDMI port, 1x USB 2.0 port, a SD card reader, 1x D-sub and 1x composite video/audio. The retail box should also include a remote control and a carrying bag.

 So, globetrotters and traveling businessmen/women alike, this one might be for you. Have a good one!

 Links: Acer K11

           Projection calculator 

Acer's "Ethos" - Aristotle was no "gamer"...

  Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G

 What's up? Still using your PC in ancient "desktop" setup? If the answer's "yes" then you should definitely check the "desktop replacement" class of notebooks. The processing power is on par with the bulky desktops so no matter what task you're up to - these notebooks can deliver. The first thing that sets Acer's "Ethos" apart from the crowd is the marketing gimmick they came up with - a detachable touchpad that can be used as a remote control for the system. As the savvy users that you are, I'm sure this novelty won't be the selling point for the system but rather its hardware configuration so let's roundup the specs:

 Processor:

 Intel's 2nd Gen Core i7 (Quad-Core Technology) 2630QM (6M L3 Cache) @ 2 GHz with max speed @ 2.9 GHz

 Chipset:
 Mobile Intel HM65 Express

 Ram:
 8 GB DDR3 PC3-8500 @ 1066 MHz (up to 16 GB max)

 Storage:
 HDD 750 GB @ 5400 rpm - Serial ATA-300

 Optical drive:
 DVD±RW (±R DL) / BD-ROM (Blu ray player)

 Display:
 18 inch TFT active matrix LCD Backlight Technology with LED backlight
 Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 16:9 Image Aspect Ratio
 Features: HDCP, CineCrystal

 Video:
 NVIDIA GeForce 555M GT with 2 GB DDR3 VRAM

 Audio:
 5.1 complies with Dolby Home Theater standards

 Networking:
 WLAN 802.11b,g,n
 Bluetooth 3.0
 Gigabit Ethernet

 Interfaces:
 1 x USB 3.0
 2 x USB 2.0
 1 x HDMI
 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T RJ-45
 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
 1 x eSATA

 Battery:
 8 cell Lithium ion - 6000 mAh (up to 5.5 hrs)

 Power:
 External AC adapter 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)

 Down to Earth now, I guess all the geeks out there are drooling over these tech. specs and the lack of a SSD drive it's not a setback given that the "Ethos" should replace a desktop PC. Gaming should be a pleasant experience along with watching HD video content.
 How about you "happy power users" - would you replace your bulky desktop PC with one of these?

 Link: Acer Aspire Ethos

Project Switchblade: by gamers for gamers

 The Razer Switchblade

 How y'all gamers doin'? Good news for you: Razer has unveiled a concept design for the most portable pc gaming machine yet. The path of innovation is a neverending journey filled with bright ideas and heavy R&D :)
 They say it's a "revolution in pc gaming", I'd say it's evolution. Besides its size and portability the "Switchblade" will feature a dynamic tactile keyboard that can be customized with control schemes for all the games that would be played on it. It will feature a Windows 7 OS powered by an Intel mobile processor. Other features will include: a mini HDMI port, USB 3.0, WiFi and 3G. A quick glance at the specs and the next things comin' to my mind besides gaming are: productivity on the go with the help of an Office Suite and HDTV connectivity - which will add further value and interest for the system.

 Smartphones and tablets are getting better by the day so the competition will be swift and stiff. In the end, the sales numbers will tell the difference. So, gamers (hardcore and casual) this one's for you, are you interested? See ya!

 Link: Switchblade

High-style + high-tech = A7

 Audi A7's navigation system

 The most advanced navigation system for the consumers can be found installed in the latest Audi A7. Based on nVidia's hardware and Google's expertise Audi has decided to integrate cutting edge technology in its flagship models - don't know about you but I'd still choose the R8 without any sat-nav system :)
 Combining class with technology it's not an easy task but at the end of the day the customers are the ones who decide. The sat-nav system is based on nVidia's Tegra technology and allows for: rendering 3D maps and terrain, video and audio playback.
 The processing power will change the way people drive. With the help of computer vision and augmented reality the blind spots are easily detected and the driver alerted while the assisted parking and the night vision experiences add value to the system. The comfort of the passengers hasn't been overlooked, a wi-fi hotspot can be activated so they can access the internet from their smartphones, tablets or notebooks. So, what do you think?
 Don't forget to post your opinions, see ya!

 Link: The Audi A7 Does High-Tech In High-Style

OnLive - Game on - Live on

 OnLive gaming service

 What if you don't really need a console to play the latest games? Unless you play only WoW you might be interested :)
 Just start your favorite browser and start playing the latest titles without having to spend on cutting edge technology. All you need is a fast and reliable internet connection and if you live in the U.S.(*sigh*) you can hook up the OnLive Game System to your TV.
 The best thing about this service is that you can play no matter where you are. Just start the browser on your notebook, connect to a wi-fi and you're set to go. For more info see: OnLive
 So, what's your game: online, offline or OnLive? See ya

Galaxy Mini - for the minimalist

Samsung Galaxy Mini

 Hey, what's up? Guess this guy likes gadgets... the minimalist way, at least for today :)
 If you haven't lived in a cave for the last year or so, you might have heard about Samsung's line of Galaxy products. High end smartphones and tablets waiting to be snatched off the shelf. The mini has all the features of a complete smartphone but at the cost of a low-res screen and a mediocre camera. The build quality is quite good for a device with this kind of price tag. The best thing about it it's that it runs Android 2.2 Froyo so the users can enrich their experience by installing apps and games from the Android Market or from other sources :D
 If you are looking to buy cheap look no other way - the Mini is the answer but it won't help you save earthrealm from evil. If you're after all the bells and whistles go for its bigger bros like Galaxy S and S II. That's it for today folks, don't forget to post your opinions... as usual :))
 Have a good one!

 Link: Samsung Galaxy Mini

I Padfone? This time Honeycomb flavored :)

Asus Padfone

 Have you ever wondered, what should you use? A full featured smartphone, a tablet, a netbook? Well, Asus seems to have the answer - the Padfone. The concept it's simple and ingenious at the same time. Wanna relax and watch a movie? Or maybe edit some docs? The phone's screen is too small for that, just place it inside the tablet form dock and you're set to go. The Padfone is yet to be released, an interesting concept though. So, what's your game: smartphone, tablet or both?

 Link: Asus Padfone

Do you want to know what the Atrix is? :)

Motorola Atrix

 "Welcome, to the real world!" this is how Morpheus from The Matrix would great you. Today I'm gonna tell you about a device that's worthy of 21'st century. This is a powerful smartphone that can be easily transformed into a netbook with the help of a docking station that includes a 11.6 inch LCD display, a qwerty keyboard and usb ports among other things. The hardware powered by an nVidia Tegra 2 system on a chip can easily handle most of everyday tasks whether you are editing docs, browse the net or watch HD movies. This device might be a good choice for those who are annoyed by the multitude of devices to choose from when up to a task. Should I use the desktop pc, the notebook, the tablet, or the smartphone? Motorola seems to get back in the game with a device that has multiple uses for the consumer. It's not everyday that innovation strikes and gives us a glimpse of the future, it seems Moto has challenged another "Milestone". Be sure to post your opinions on this. See you around!

Link: Complete review





                                                 

Cloud Computing - Sky's the limit!

The cloud computing

 What up? Clouds computing, what the heck? Maybe the clouds in your head - Axy says... and I say - Yeah, you got that right - the cloud computing.
 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has its definition: "Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction."
 So, what does that mumbo jumbo means? Each time you use your web-based e-mail account, you are using cloud computing. Are you editing your documents on the go with Google Docs? Again you are the proud user of cloud computing. Are you storing your files on Microsoft's SkyDrive? Yet again this is cloud storage service. The best thing about cloud computing is that you don't need a high end pc to get the job done. Sometimes a mere smartphone with a decent web browser is enough. The way the pc tablets and many electronic gadgets evolved past the years makes these devices the weapon of choice for many cloud services users. The future is fast (app)roaching - making the cloud (app)s part of our everyday life! Is this good or bad for ya? Looking forward for your comments, have a good one!

Link: Cloud computing explained

Google TV - The future is now!

The Google TV

 Remember the days when TV's used to look like big square boxes with an antenna on top? Fast forward to today: HDTV's and thin LED displays. Have you ever felt like something's missing when acting like the average couch potato? Let me give ya one clue: it ain't Al Bundy. It's the Internet experience I'm talking about.
 Google, Intel, Sony and Logitech got together at a picnic and decided to set plans in motion for the next gen TV experience.
 You can now browse the net, access your facebook account - even play some Farm Ville all of it running on an Android platform inside your TV like the Sony NSX-46GT1, on Logitech Revue Companion Box or on a Sony NSZ-GT1 Blu-ray Player - all of them featuring Google TV. So, I'd like to know your opinions/comments on this technology.

Link: Google TV

Have a nice weekend!

Your multiple lifestyles, you decide!

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101

 The tablet wars gets hotter by the day. Many companies have deployed lots of foot soldiers on the battlefield but it's seems that Asus has the advantage of a sharpshooter, aiming right at their hearts - the price tag. The Eee Pad Transformer runs on Android 3.0 Honeycomb and it's based on nVidia Tegra 250 SOC (system on a chip) platform.

 Apart from being the most affordable Honeycomb tablet on the market, it can be hooked up to a keyboard dock thus transforming into a netbook form factor with full Qwerty keyboard and extended battery life up to 16 hours. Here are the full specs: Eee Pad Transformer

 This video: I can transform ya  - would make a fine product commercial, don't you think?

Go turn every screen into a computer!

The Asus EeeKeyboard PC EK1542

 That's right guys - The Asus EeeKeyboard PC EK1542 is a fully fledged PC in a keyboard form factor. It's got its uses mainly at home if you wanna surf the net from the comfort of your sofa or bed, or just use it as a personal media center. Hardware wise it's based on EeePC architecture: powered by an  Intel® Atom™ N270 cpu, 1GB of ram DDR2, Video Decoder Broadcom 70010/ 70012 Solution, 16GB or 32GB SSD, Bluetooth ver.2.1, WLAN B/G/N connectivity and wheighs about 1kg. It also features touch controls on a 5" touchscreen.
 Overall this is a great addition for the in-home computing. As usual you're more than welcomed to post personal opinions.

Link: The EeeKeyboard PC EK1542

To play or not to play - while you're away :)

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play

 Hello everyone! Have you missed me? Strike 1, strike 2, strike 3 and… you’re out! I guess I’m out and about… to write about something… well, where was I? I can’t find my keys and I’m not talking about Alicia cause she’s hot anyways. That’s it! Stop playing already, those people have gathered here to read opinions about a cool gadget not about some random guy’s mumbling nonsense.

 Most of you heard about Playstation at least once or twice in their lives. The PSX or the PSone console was a huge success back in its days, then the PS2 followed. The PS3 set new standards for the gaming console by also acting like the living’s room Media Center. The PSP or the Playstation Portable was and still is a breed of its own – striving to get portable gaming to a new level.
What if you could use your PSP to place phone calls? But what if you have to answer an incoming call from your mom or gf while your game’s main character gets chased by a gang of green goblins wielding baseball bats? The game would pause automatically just like the Nokia N-gage used to.

 The Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play combines the PSP’s hardware controls with the skills of a full touch Android Smartphone. The OS is 2.3 Gingerbread meaning that the web browser supports Adobe Flash 10.2 and various enhancements that could replace your netbook/notebook on the go. The screen estate is 4” wide and at 854x480 pixels resolution playing games, surfing the net and editing documents (using the onscreen keyboard) is a sheer pleasure. The connectivity options cover pretty much everything from Bluetooth ver.2.1 with A2DP to Wi-Fi, 3G (video calling is a no-go) and GPS (if you ever miss the bus stop from playing games).

 Under the hood there’s a 1GHz Scorpion processor (Axy take care not to sting yourself :)), Adreno 205 GPU, Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon chipset and 512 mb of RAM. The internal user memory is up to 400 mb and a 8GB microSD card is included in the standard sales package. The onboard camera snaps 5MP stills and shoots WVGA video at 30 fps.

 To sum it up the Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play is an interesting gadget bringing Android OS and Playstation experience altogether in your pocket.

 As usual feel free to express your own opinions on this. Stay tuned for more, see ya!

 Link: Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play Review

Smartbooks - to be ola or not to be ola *(ola - online always)

 So, here we are ladies and gents almost mid 2011. The tablet-hype reached it's peak. Nowadays even grandma wants to read the news online or check the e-mail  - most of which could be spam anyway. You can find touchscreen tablets everywhere, ranging from dirt cheap to the full price of a Core i5 powered Notebook. I won't get into much details cause stirring up an Apple fanboys rebellion it's not my cup of tea, at least not today.
 So let's take a look at the big picture: Smartphones, Netbooks, Touchscreen Tablets - they all fit in the MID (mobile internet devices) bucket. What about smartbooks? First time I heard about 'em I was like wtf? A mobile OS designed for touchscreen usability transferred to a netbook form factor? As I got the chance to experience Android 2.2 on a Asus Eee PC 900 (fresh OS install by me) I had a sudden change of heart. Everything fell on place just like a 3 year old puzzle. Using keyboard and mouse with the Android OS it's not a bad user experience after all.
 Nowadays I'm eager to get my hands on a Toshiba AC100 Smartbook. It's powered by a nVidia SOC (system on a chip) Tegra 250 with dual core cpu, full HD capabilities and it runs Android 2.2 Froyo. Don't know if an update to Android 3.0 Honeycomb would be available but still, hardware wise it's more than a match for most Netbooks out there powered by Intel's Atom cpu's. So I'd like to hear from you, don't be shy and post your own opinions/comments on the matter. To be continued...

Links you might be interested in:

Porting Android OS to x86
Smartbook - Wikipedia
Toshiba AC100 Smartbook