Nokia N8: Available from 23 September

The Nokia N8's release has had more delays than a Circle Line train during rush hour, but it seems as if Nokia itself has spilled the beans on its official release date with a Google Ad Word space detailing its availability.

NokNok, a Nokia based blog, has got hold of a screenshot showing that the flagship Nokia phone will be available in the UK, directly from the Finnish phone giant on 23 September - with the advert saying this is a week ahead of a general release.

There's no price details unfortunately, but independent sites like Play.com have the device listed for around £420 - £480 unlocked.

The Nokia N8 has a 3.5-inch, 640 x 360, capacitive touchscreen, is capable of 3G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, has 16GB on board storage which is expandable by microSD and also has a Micro-USB socket

It also boasts a whopping 12 megapixels, with Carl Zeiss lens, auto-focus and Xenon flash. It's also capable of shooting 25fps 720p video, encoded to H.264.

The N8 is a Symbian^3 device and Nokia will hope that it is the device that gets it back on track in the smartphone market.

Excited by the N8 or is it all a bit, meh? Give us your thoughts below.

Via : pocket-lint.com

iSchool: iPad for every pupil

The modestly named Cedars School of Excellence in Greenock, Scotland, has become the world's first iSchool - where pupils have no requirement for a pen given an iPad.

The 105 children at the school, aged between 5 and 15, do all of their work at school on Apple's magic tablet - and then take them home to do their homework as well (and presumably kill a few baddies on Zombie Infection HD).

The move was the idea of IT teacher Fraser Speirs who explained to The Daily Record that the school carried out extensive research beforehand, in order to give the pupils the best equipment available.

"Each of the children will have their own iPad, which is hooked into the school's wireless network and from there they will use the computers for learning in different subjects", he said.

"They will obviously be able to use the internet for research but we've found that it solves major problems for us - especially in science subjects as now they can watch experiments that would be too dangerous to do in class on YouTube.

"They will also be able to look at pre-approved websites for lessons in English, maths, languages and history".

In Pocket-lint's school-days you were lucky if you got to use a Casio calculator, never mind a multimedia, hi-tech piece of equipment like an iPad. Our school's idea of hi-tech equipment was rolling out the solitary BBC Micro.

Via : pocket-lint.com

BlackBerry Torch Hits Rogers On Sept. 24, $199.99 W/ 3-Year Contract

Rogers spokesperson told on Wednesday that the Blackberry Torch 9800 will be available on the carrier’s stores and on Rogers.com on September 24, 2010. The latest Blackberry smartphone running the enhanced Blackberry OS 6.0 is priced at $199 on a 3-year contract. Interestingly other Canadian carriers [Bell, Torch] are yet to announce their plans, and apparently, Rogers will be the first to have the Torch.

The Blackberry Torch comes with the all new Blackberry OS 6.0, features a 3.2-inch display [480 x 360 pixel resolution], a 5 megapixel camera, 3G/Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth connectivity, full touch screen and slide-out QWERTY and faster interface and web browsing.

Buy @ Rogers

Motorola launches Android-powered Ming A1680, MT810 and XT806 in China

Motorola has launched not one, not two, but three new Android smartphones in China, all part of the Ming series and all coming with “Ming styling” (thus being touchscreen devices with transparent flip covers): A1680, MT810 and XT806.

Motorola MT810 (aka Moto Beihai) is available via China Mobile and uses OPhone OS 2.0.

It features a 3.2 inch screen, TD-SCDMA, mobile TV, “a suite of pre-loaded intelligent business applications”, 720p HD video playback, and D1 (720 x 480) video recording.

Motorola XT806 (Qilin) runs Android 2.1 and is launched by China Telecom. It comes with CDMA/EVDO and GSM connectivity, 3.2 inch display, GPS, and HD (720p) video recording.

Made for China Unicom, the Motorola A1680 (also known as Moto Lucky 3G) features: 3.1-inch AMOLED display, WAPI, Wi-Fi, GPS, “a sixth-generation SoftStylus handwriting system”, access to Motorola SHOP4APPS, and 5MP camera.

All three Ming Android smartphones are designed specifically for China and they won’t be launched in other markets.

According to Motorola, “more than half the Android smartphones sold in China in the first half of 2010 were Motorola devices,” so these new Mings will probably sell well, too.

Via : unwiredview.com

Android Powered Motorola Ming Devices, A1680, MT810 and XT806

Motorola is rolling out three new Android powered devices in their Ming lineup, the A1680, MT810 and the XT806. The A1680 comes to China Unicom, the MT810 will be featured on China Mobile and the XT806 will be coming to China Telecom.

All three feature a very unique transparent front cover, which for the A1680 is more than just for curb appeal. On the A1680, with the cover up, the screen is a traditional resistive display, allowing for the use of a pen and with the cover down, the display can be used as a capacitive display to be manipulated with your hands. The MT810 and the XT806′s covers are purely cosmetic.

Via : droid-update.com

ViewSonic's ViewPad Packs in a Phone As Well

It seems like 2010 would go down in history as the year of the tablets. It all started with the iPad which continues to sell like hot cakes. The iPad was followed by the likes of the JooJoo and the Samsung Galaxy Tablet - and the deluge isn't likely to stop any time soon, it seems.

Another company that has its eyes set on the tablet segment is Viewsonic. It has just revealed its ViewPad tablet which is a full fledged tablet with a cool extra feature. It is a phone as well. While the Dell Streak - even with its size was "phone like" in nature, the ViewPad is much larger and can possibly earn the recognition of being the largest cellphone on sale - whenever it is launched.

As for the other features, we begin with the screen which measures 7-inches across. The ViewPad will run Android 2.2 "Froyo". While other detailed specifications are yet to be revealed, initial reports point towards an 800*480-pixel display, a 600 MHz ARM processor and dual cameras (3 megapixel at the rear and VGA at the front). The ViewPad will also support Wi-Fi and come with a 3.5mm audio jack. The internal memory is yet to be revealed. What we do know now is the presence of a microSD card slot. It also expected to support hand writing recognition - which would be interesting to see - especially on a capacitive display.

Via : techtree.com

Sony Releases New Bloggie Camcorders With Touchscreens: the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10

Sony added two more members to its line of ultracompact Bloggie camcorders with the release of the MHS-TS20 and MHS-TS10. The new Bloggies have the surname "Touch" because of the addition of a 3-inch touchscreen, which is the primary new feature on these models. In addition to the new touch-sensitive LCDs, the new Bloggies offer Full HD 1080p HD recording, built-in USB connectors, HDMI outputs, and 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensors. You can expect to see the Bloggie Touch models hitting the shelves in October of this year.

The Bloggie Touch camcorders have three HD video recording options—1080/30p, 720/60p, and 720/30p—but they have no standard definition record modes. There are also three photo size options on the camcorder, with the largest being the 12-megapixel setting. A new autofocus system on the camcorders allows for macro shooting up to 4 inches away from your subject, which is a much closer range than most ultracompact camcorders can accommodate.

Taking a page out of the design of the Flip line of camcorders, Sony did away with a memory card slot on the Bloggie Touch models. Instead, the camcorders either have 4GB (MHS-TS10) or 8GB (MHS-TS20) of internal flash memory. When shooting using the 720p setting, the 4GB MHS-TS10 should be able to capture 2 hours of video, while the 8GB MHS-TS20 can store up to 4 hours of video. Both camcorders also feature non-removable batteries and built-in USB connectors (no cable required).

Most intriguing is definitely the 3-inch touchscreen on the back of the Bloggie Touch models. This screen makes it possible for the camcorders to only include three actual buttons (power, photo, and video), while relying on the touch-interface for the rest of the controls. Ever since Flip released its SlideHD a few months ago it seems touchscreens have become all the rage on ultracompact models. JVC recently announced touchscreen versions of its Picsio line (the GC-WP10 and GC-FM2), as did Samsung with its new HMX-E10.

With the Bloggie Touch you can record video holding the camcorder either horizontally or vertically, and the video will fill up the entire screen either way (something that is not possible on the Flip SlideHD). Videos shot vertically, however, will appear with black bars on either side during playback. The LCD is also a capacitive touchscreen, which means you can use gestures like flicking and sliding for certain adjustments (to flip through videos during playback, to zoom, etc.).

Via : camcorderinfo.com

Viewsonic ViewPad 10 hands-on

Just minutes after landing in Berlin for the IFA tech show, and we've already bagged our first hands-on with the Viewsonic dual boot Windows 7/Android tablet.

The next model is the extremely intriguing Intel based 10-inch tablet (no confirmed name yet, but we'd hazard a guess at the ViewPad 10) has not only Windows 7 on it with full touch capability, but also Google's Android (1.6) if you are happy to turn it off and reboot.

The tablet, which will hopefully be available in the UK before Christmas, sports a 16:9 widescreen ratio screen, fully multi-touch support in both operating systems and plenty of ways to connect.

We especially like the fact that you'll be able to plug in a standard USB keyboard and treat the tablet like a slimline netbook when in Windows 7 mode.

As for the Android side of things, unfortunately those looking for the latest version will be disappointed. Why the move to a lower pay grade Android OS? Supposedly, according to a Viewsonic spokesman, Google isn't yet supporting the new OS for devices like Viewsonic is offering.

If you want to switch between the two operating systems it will require a reboot, Viewsonic has told us, and for the moment that isn't a pretty looking system, however the company assure us that this will change in time for launch.

There's no more details at present, but potentially Windows and Android both on the same device? Did someone say "iPad killer"?

Stay tuned to Pocket-lint during IFA where we'll be bringing you all the news as it happens live from the event.

Via : pocket-lint.com

Sony introduce the Sony Bloggie Touch

It’s brilliantly easy to create Full HD video clips and still photos with the new Bloggie™ Touch from Sony. A radical evolution from first-generation Sony Bloggie™ models, the all-new HD snap camera boasts gorgeous looks with its slim, rounded body and finely brushed aluminium finish. It’s also the perfect ‘all-in-one’ solution for shooting and sharing life’s special moments, wherever you are.

Available in a choice of vibrant pink, silver and black finishes, the Bloggie Touch is a stylish partner for day-trips, weekend breaks or fun-filled nights out.

The camera’s cool, clean lines are dominated by a large, bright 7.6cm (3”) LCD touchscreen that gives a brilliant view of your photos and video clips. A sleek new user interface simplifies intuitive ‘touch and flick’ enjoyment of your clips and pictures.

Operation is equally straightforward. Just point and shoot to capture the moment: you can even grab still images while video recording continues uninterrupted.

The sensitive Exmor™ CMOS Sensor captures sparkling Full HD videos and crisply-detailed still photos. Picture quality is enhanced further by the bright, high quality lens with F2.8 maximum aperture for clear, low noise images – even when you’re shooting on an overcast day.

Bloggie™ Touch features a versatile autofocus lens with wide angle function. There’s also a new auto macro mode to focus sharply on objects as close as 10cm away. It’s ideal for snapping the menu of that unforgettable restaurant meal or a beautiful flower discovered on holiday.

Bloggie™ Touch also records amazing 360-degree panoramic videos and photos to capture everything that’s happening around you – just clip on the supplied lens adaptor. 360 videos are now twice the resolution of previous-generation Bloggie™, and low-light video quality is also improved thanks to the Exmor™ CMOS sensor. In addition to fun 360 Video, Bloggie Touch features “free-style shooting” which allows you to capture movie both in landscape and portrait.

Despite its slim, compact size, Bloggie Touch allows nearly 4 hours HD movie shooting time (1280 x 720/30p mode) on its 8GB internal memory. (Continuous maximum shooting time: approx. 29 mins).

After shooting, it’s never been easier to share your favourite photos and video clips on the web. Bloggie™ Touch connects instantly to any PC via its flip-out USB arm that also charges the camera’s battery. There are no fiddly cables or software CDs to worry about: hook up Bloggie™ Touch and the built-in sharing software launches automatically.

Simply drag and drop to upload your favourite moments without fuss to social networks and popular sites like YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. While you’re on the move, it’s easy to tag content with a new ‘Share-it-Later’ function for simple uploads when you’re next online.

Built-in Bloggie software also allows easy uploads to Personal Space, the brand-new online service from Sony for sharing content safely and securely. Once you’ve uploaded your pictures and clips from Bloggie™, just email invited members of your own sharing group with a link to your Personal Space. It’s easier and quicker than sending big file attachments via email. Viewing options are widened further by an HDMI port that connects Bloggie™ Touch to any HD television.

The new Bloggie™ Touch MHS-TS20K mobile HD snap camera from Sony will be available in November 2010.

Via : ephotozine.com

ViewSonic launching ViewPad7 the Android tablet come phone

ViewSonic are hoping to make an impression on the tablet market with their ViewPad 7 tablet computer which they will be showing off at the upcoming IFA in Berlin. Here are a few details they’ve released prior to the event.

The ViewPad 7 comes with a 7 inch capacitive touchscreen and will be running on Android Froyo but it’s more than just a tiny tablet, it’s a rather large phone too.

You will also find front and back facing cameras, and the tablet/phone will support 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth. Also included is a microSD slot (up to 32GB storage) and USB.

There’s a full size SIM slot too to turn your tablet into a phone but thanks to Bluetooth, you won’t have to be seen in public holding the device up to your ear.

So essentially, you will be able to use your ViewPad 7 as you would any tablet to access the internet, send emails and enjoy apps from the Android application store, but you will also be able to make calls, and send text messages and that’s got to go down well.

Oh and there’s the ability for it to function as an eReader, something that all self respecting tablets need to have these days.

“We are proud to announce another world first at ViewSonic. 3G phone functionality combined with dual cameras gives the ability for use of Android apps to use augmented reality or video calling on the move with the benefit of an excellent 7-inch screen,” says Derek Wright, European product marketing manager for ViewSonic

“The ViewPad 7 is aimed at users who require the ‘always on’ connectivity they are used to from a mobile phone with a more agreeable screen size for longer term use.”

Price wise we’re not too sure but the rumour is that the ViewPad 7 will be available from next month and for £350 or less and that’s including VAT.

There’s also a rumour about a 10 inch version of the ViewPad but we don’t know anything about that yet, perhaps we’ll hear more at the IFA show. Will keep you posted.

Ok so the big question is will the ViewPad 7 be able to compete against Apple’s iPad?

Via : geekwithlaptop.com

Samsung Wave 723 now official

Samsung mobile just officially announced the launch of its Wave 723, the second mobile to run Sammy’s own Bada operating system.

The suave Samsung packs a 3.2in WQVGA touchscreen display, with Wi-Fi, quad-bad, 3G and Bluetooth 3.0. There’s also a 5MP camera with LED flash and a microSD slot. We’re not sure if the calculator-styled leather flip cover comes as standard, and we’re not quite sure we’d want it to be honest.

No word on when it will hit the region, but we expect it will hit Europe in September and trickle down to the Middle Eastern region soon after. The good news, this is slated as Samsung’s budget option before the Wave 2 and Wave 2 Pro hit the shops, making it a bargain US$300.

Via : unwiredview.com

Device vendors target China with 3G Androids

China’s homegrown 3G technology, TD-SCDMA, won a little more support this week as device vendors Motorola and Sony Ericsson got behind the platform with a raft of new devices catering to the country’s nascent data services market.

Motorola has introduced three Android-based touchscreen devices – the MT810 for China Mobile’s TD-SCDMA network, the XT806 for China Telecom’s CDMA2000 network, and the A1680 for China Unicom’s WCDMA network.

The three handsets bring Motorola’s portfolio of Android devices in China to eleven, all released in the past 12 months. The three new devices follow the lead of the Ming, which first launched in 2006 and established itself as a hit with its Chinese handwriting support. Since the launch of the series more than five million Ming devices have sold in China.

Rival vendor Sony Ericsson meanwhile is launching its own smartphone to support China Mobile’s TD-SCDMA network – the Sony Ericsson A8i. The phone features a 3.5” touch screen, wifi, and China Mobile’s mobile music service. It runs the OPhone platform, China Mobile’s customised version of Android.

In related news China Mobile has completed the country’s first 10G GPON full service test with local vendor Huawei as equipment partner. The company has verified 10G GPON’s support for services such as internet data, IMS-based voice, IPTV, E1 leased line, Ethernet leased line, video conferencing, and wifi backhaul.

Via : telecoms.com

Sony Ericsson A8i to Launch On China Mobile

Sony Ericsson will launch the A8i handset for the largest carrier in the most heavily populated place on the planet. China Mobile will be home to Sony Ericsson’s first TD-SCDMA smartphone, the A8i, and will be featuring the carrier’s OMS (Open Mobile System) 2.0 platform, which uses Google’s code and is like the Chinese version of Android. The A8i is very Xperia-X10-esque and share some similar specs, too.

According to CNet Asia:

"The A8i comes with a 3.5-inch 854 x 480-pixel touchscreen, 3.5mm audio jack, microSD card slot and 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash. Connectivity features include Bluetooth stereo A2DP, Assisted-GPS for navigation, Wi-Fi and support for China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB) mobile TV standard. Sony Ericsson’s TrackID, a service which lets users identify music over-the-air, will also be linked directly to China Mobile’s entertainment download offering for access to local content."

This is potentially good news for Sony Ericsson as China Mobile is a huge market. The A8i seems a decent enough handset, and if priced accordingly it may do well for the smartphone manufacturer’s first TD-SCDMA OMS platform. There is no official release date or pricing just yet, but Sony Ericsson says it plans to launch the device for China Mobile next quarter.

Via : intomobile.com

Hannspree Announces Android Powered Tegra 2 Touting Tablet Compete With 10.1-Inch Display, Mini HDMI Port

While major hardware manufacturers everywhere are announcing their own tablet computers, some hardware manufacturers that we don’t hear about too often are also getting in on the mix. The latest of such companies is Hannspree – a Taiwanese company that specializes in things like monitors, netbooks and televisions.

Well today Hannspree has come forth to announce their own tablet that features Google’s Android 2.2 mobile operating and NVIDIA’s 1GHz Tegra 2 processor. Past that we have a 10.1-inch multitouch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, 16GB of internal storage, a mini USB port and a mini HDMI port capable of putting out full 1080p HD video. All of these offerings will be powered by a 3,500mAh battery reportedly good for up to 8 hours.

Via : mobilewhack.com

To Compete With Kindle, Sony Shrinks the E-Reader

Hoping to spur sales ahead of the holiday shopping season, Sony has slimmed down its electronic readers and also given them touchscreen control.

The three new versions of its "Reader" line also feature an improved screen with better clarity, the manufacturer said on Wednesday.

Sony was first to the market with its Reader in 2006 but has struggled to keep up with rival Amazon.com Inc, whose Kindle e-reader is the top-selling device of its kind, according to analysts. Amazon does not disclose sales data.

In July, Amazon undercut competitors by offering a $139 wireless Kindle. The crowded e-reader market also includes traditional bookseller Barnes & Noble and electronics giant Apple, whose fast-selling iPad device has e-reader functions.

Steve Haber, president of Sony's digital reading unit, said the touchscreen was one of the top requests made by consumers, who are willing to pay more for extra functionality.

"Lowering prices to get cheaper and cheaper -- that's not our direction," Haber said in an interview. "Our plan is not to race to the bottom."

Haber said the company expected to sell more of its lower-cost pocket version last holiday season, but sales of its higher-priced touchscreen version outsold the cheaper one.

"People stepped up and spent another $100 to buy touch," he said.

Sony cut the prices of its last generation of Readers in July. Prices on the new versions are lower than their predecessors when first launched.

The new pocket version Reader retails for about $179. Sony's larger 6-inch screen version, which allows for extra memory, costs $229. Users of these two devices must plug in to a computer when it comes time to download content.

Both are available immediately.

Sony is also offering a $299.99 "Daily Edition," which, like the Kindle, is wireless. It has 3G and a larger screen. The Daily Edition rolls out in November.

Haber said overall sales of its readers are growing at three or four times last year's levels.

"We haven't seen any change in momentum," he said.

Sony said it is also offering dictionaries in its new Readers and has been adding titles to its e-book store.

It plans to include reader reviews through an integration with social network site GoodReads, and will launch applications later in the year to interface with Apple's iPhone and Android-based smartphones from Google.

Via : foxnews.com

Sony unveils revamped e-readers

believes lots of potential e-reader buyers love touch screens, are somehwat indifferent to wireless connectivity -- and don't mind paying more than they would for the market leader: Amazon's Kindle.

That's the audience the consumer electronics giant hopes to tap with its revamped Sony Reader line, which it unveils today.

Like the new Kindles, the latest Sony Readers are lighter, smaller, and offer sharper print contrast than did previous models. Unlike the Kindles, the new Readers have snappy touch screens -- users can turn pages by swiping a finger or stylus across the screen instead of pressing a button -- and alumimum casings instead of plastic.

The Reader Pocket Edition with a five-inch screen and no wireless connectivity (you download books to your computer and port them to the reader via a wired USB connection) will retail for $179. The Touch Edition, with a six-inch screen and no wireless, will go for $229. And the new Daily Edition, which will be available in November, will have a seven-inch screen and both Wi-Fi and 3G wireless connnections, and run $299.

By contrast, Amazon charges $139 for a Kindle with a six-inch screen and Wi-Fi, and $189 for a model that also offers 3G.

Sony also says that it's preparing to release a computer and mobile application -- similar to what Amazon offers -- that will enable people who read e-books on any of these devices to pick up where they left off when they return to their Sony Reader.

Via : usatoday.com