Categories
Gadgets Google

Google Chrome OS Netbooks May Not Come Cheap

Looks like an open sourced OS alone may not make Google Chrome OS based netbooks cheap and affordable like the MS Windows counterparts. Folks at Netbook Choice write that the netbook being envisioned by the Big G is expected to come with a lot of high end features including high resolution displays, 64GB SSD, integrated 3G modem etc. that purchasing a Windows netbook may work out to be cheaper.

While paying for a higher end device is a no-brainer, it needs to be noted that the platform does not support many ubiquitous software including Microsoft Office which means that you may be buying a higher end device that can actually do lesser.

However, support for software as this is expected to roll out as Chrome OS proliferates which will nevertheless take some time.

[Netbook Choice via Lilitputing]

Categories
Gadgets Google

Cisco Flip Camcorder To Launch Next Month

Business Insider has confirmed that a new model of flip camcorders from the stables of Cisco is on its way and it shall launch during the 2010 NAB show scheduled to be held between April 10th and 15th.

Details about the flip camcorder are pretty slim at the moment, but from what we are guessing, it might support 1080p. Dan Rayburn from StreamingMedia has promised to reveal more specs about the device when he is able to get hold of a device…which we assume is going to happen soon.

[via Business Insider]

Categories
Gadgets Qualcomm

Qualcomm's Multi-Fold Device Can Replace Your iPad And iPhone

In digital media circles, there are traditionally three screens for user consumption : the TV, mobile phone and desktop. This conventionality is seen to be the primary reason why manufacturers were not comfortable in developing a tablet device – until Apple finally decided to move ahead with the iPad plan.

At a time when Apple is seeking to expand the number of screens a consumer is exposed to, Qualcomm has quite contrarian ambitions. It wants to develop one device that can fit all the users’ aspirations – a multifold device that can be spread out to work like a TV as well as folded into a cellphone. A recent patent application from Qualcomm suggests exactly this

“A multi-fold mobile device with a configurable interface is disclosed. When fully extended, the device may provide a panorama view, similar to widescreen televisions. When fully folded, the device may provide a small form factor with an abbreviated view similar to cellular telephones. In addition, the user interface (UI) displayed on the device may change based on the folding configuration of the device. Thus, based on a current folding configuration of the device, the UI may be a panorama UI, a desktop UI, an application UI, a web browser UI, an alarm clock UI, a media player UI, or some other UI.

Qualcomm multi fold portable deviceQualcomm Multi fold portable electronic device

It is not clear if Qualcomm is planning a foray into consumer electronics manufacturing or if this is simply a generic patent for the technology. What do you think?

Categories
Gadgets Sony

3D Gaming On PS3 Coming July

A Japanese gaming website, AV Watch has dugg up information that indicates that 3D gaming could be activated on Sony PS3 through a firmware update on July 10th. While information regarding this is patchy at the moment, we assume this is to happen concurrently with the introduction of 3D blu-ray movie viewing.

However, do note that users who wish to access 3D based games will need a compatible set along with the 3D viewing glasses. Sony is notorious for its pricey accessories and so do not expect these to come cheap.

[AV Watch via Sixth Axis]

Categories
Gadgets Verizon

Verizon MiFi Plan For iPad To Take On AT&T 3G

A leaked memo from Verizon has revealed the company’s plans to target customers looking to buy Apple iPad’s 3G version which comes with an exclusive AT&T data plan. The memo apparently is to convince customers to sign up for Verizon’s MiFi device that comes with a Verizon data plan.

Considering that a good chunk of iPad customers are likely to go for the Wi-Fi only version of the device, Verizon is apparently looking to communicate the message that the Wi-Fi only version of the device is not AT&T exclusive and can be used to access hotspots from Verizon as well.

Taking a potshot at AT&T, the memo reads

“Why pay more for the 3G version and get 3G service on an overloaded network with limited coverage?”

[via Engadget]

Categories
Gadgets Miscellaneous

50 ARM Tablets Launching This Year

Close to 50 ARM based tablet devices could be launched through 2010. This was stated by Roy Chen, ARM’s ODM manager for worldwide mobile computing who says that enquiries over ARM technology for tablet devices from PC manufacturers is so intense that the company has had to rent additional floor space to show off the devices at CeBIT.

One caveat here: Not all enquiries translate into actual products. But truth is that PC and mobile manufacturers have realized the mistake in letting the iPhone have an early mover advantage in the smartphone segment and regardless of whether they see justice in serving a segment like tablet, companies are likely to launch few devices to gauge customer interest in the same.

What do you think?

[via Engadget]

Categories
Gadgets Palm Sprint

Palm Launching WiMAX Handset On Sprint

The sale of Palm Pre and Pixi handsets have not quite met expectations. A report on Softpedia reveals popular analyts’ speculation that the company plans to bail itself out of this situation by launching a WiMAX handset on Sprint.

However, not everyone thinks this is a possibility. Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney says a new WiMAX model will be poor leverage for the existing product portfolio of Palm and the company has to focus more on competing better with the iPhone and Nexus One. Dulaney says

“Palm needs to first and foremost build a phone that looks like the iPhone and the Nexus One and get rid of the Pre’s [physical] keyboard. Making it thin would be great with a touch screen that’s 3.7 in. to 4.3 in. They have to hit the next home run here.”

Neither Palm nor Sprint have commented on the speculations.

[ComputerWorld via Softpedia]

Categories
Gadgets Sony

Sony To Halt "Bright Yellow" PSP 3000 Shipment

First and foremost, there is not much evidence to the claim. Secondly, it is not clear if this news pertains only to Japan or all across. A Japanese blog has revealed that Sony is planning to cease shipment of its “bright yellow” aka golden PSP 3000 owing to a lack in popularity.

A source reveals that this particular color is among the least popular if not the most unpopular of PSP colors and hence the company could be planning to halt shipment of consoles of this color completely.

Here’s a look at it. Is it that bad?

Bright yellow Sony PSP 3000

[via Kotaku]

Categories
Gadgets Google

Dish TV Listings-Search Service Being Developed By Google

Google is reported to be working with Dish Networks, the second largest satellite TV provider in the US to launch a TV search service that will integrate Google search engine prowess with TV listings from Dish.

The technology is apparently being based upon Android OS and Google is expected to introduce search results from Youtube as well as monetize the service through advertisements. And the win for Dish? Who else to get a search service done from than Google itself? It is not clear if Dish stands to earn a share from ads though that appears to be a logical move.

[via WSJ, Business Insider]

Categories
Acer Gadgets

Acer Frameless Laptop To Have Touch Keyboard

Acer is reported to be working on a ultra-thin notebook that shall come without a frame, will have color printed on the back of the glass-substrate to act as the cover and might have touch keyboard replacing the conventional model in order to reduce cost.

Folks at DigiTimes write that inside sources have told them that this “next-gen” notebook could be launched as early the second half of 2010.

“Acer is expected to adopt Corning’s reinforced glass substrate and simply print color on its back to allow the substrate to function like a notebook cover for a frameless design. The design will help reduce the thickness of the ultra-thin notebook and can also reduce material costs.”

While a frameless design to reduce material costs sounds interesting, it is also a point to note if the company is looking at compromising vital features for lower cost. Nobody’s going to like it if the notebook they purchase for a few hundred dollars is going to drop and break at the first instance, I tell you!

[via DigiTimes]