Thursday, October 4, 2012

Vertu announces the Constellation Blue and Constellation Quest Blue

Vertu, in collaboration with Italia Independent, has announced two new phones, the Constellation Blue with a touchscreen and the Constellation Quest Blue with a QWERTY keypad.



As is usual for Vertu phones, both the devices are hand made and use exquisite materials such as blue carbon fiber composite for the back plate and the earpiece cushion, blue sapphire crystal for the keys, two-tone blue rubberized leather and polished blue PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) stainless steel.

The Constellation Blue weighs 155g, is 12mm thick and has a 3.5-inch, nHD AMOLED display with sapphire crystal cover, 8 megapixel camera, 32GB internal memory, 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS and even an FM Radio.

The Constellation Quest Blue weighs 170g, is 13mm thick and has a 2.46-inch, VGA display protected by sapphire crystal, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4GB internal memory.

As usual, both phones get Vertu's Concierge service. You also get exclusive ringtones played by the London Symphony Orchestra.

No price information on either of these phones but really, if you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford them.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/vertu_announces_the_constellation_blue_and_constellation_quest_blue-news-4905.php

ASUS VivoTab RT for AT&T goes official with Windows 8

Alongside the 11.6" Samsung slate we just told you about, AT&T announced the upcoming ASUS VivoTab RT Windows 8 tablet with LTE connectivity. Like the HTC One X+ for the US carrier, the ASUS offering will bring NVIDIA silicon and 4G LTE under the same roof.


ASUS VivoTab RT official photo

The ASUS VivoTab RT packs NVIDIA’s next-generation quad-core Tegra 3 TE processor and a 10.1" multi-touch Super IPS display with ASUS TruVivid technology. The tablet features 32GB of built-in memory. In a typical ASUS fashion, the slate will come with available keyboard docks for enhanced productivity.

Like its Samsung counterpart, the ASUS VivoTab RT will offer trial version of Microsoft Office 2013.

From the short time we spent with the ASUS VivoTab RT, we came out really impressed with the metal finish and the overall build quality of the tablet. With its screen off, the VivoTab can easily be mistaken for one of tis top shelf Android siblings.


ASUS VivoTab RT live photos

The ASUS VivoTab RT will be available in time for the holiday season. Pricing is yet to be known.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_vivotab_rt_for_at_t_goes_official_with_windows_8_-news-4904.php

AT&T unveils Samsung ATIV Smart PC with 11.6" display

AT&T added the Samsung ATIV Smart PC to its lineup of 4G tablets. The Windows 8 slate features an imposing 11.6" display, which makes it one of the most formidable around.


Samsung ATIV Smart PC official photo

The Samsung ATIV Smart PC is powered by an Intel Clover Trail 1.5 GHz dual core processor, and features 64GB of built-in memory, which can be further expanded via microSD card slot. With an optional keyboard docking system, the slate is able to transform itself into a capable notebook.

The Samsung ATIV Smart PC boots Windows 8. It will come preloaded with a trial version of Microsoft Office 2013.

We did spend some quality time with the imposing looking tablet. Its build quality and finish struck us as practically identical with what we saw in the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. With an 11.6" display on board, the slate is definitely not from the compact crowd - we guess that most users will choose it along with the keyboard docking system.


Samsung ATIV Smart PC live photos

The Samsung ATIV Smart PC will hit AT&T's shelves in time for the holiday shopping season for a yet to be known price.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/at_t_unveils_samsung_ativ_smart_pc_with_116_display_-news-4903.php

Google gets Street View back on the iPhone via Web-based Maps update

google street view

If you're an iPhone user who's been missing Google's Street View feature since upgrading to iOS 6, you'll be pleased to know you can now access it via your mobile browser of choice.

Google has brought its Street View tool to mobile browsers, a move likely to please a number of iOS 6 users missing the function on their Apple device after the Cupertino wiped Google’s Maps app from its updated operating system, replacing it with its own version.

Rolled out on Thursday, the feature means users can now view a location through 360-degree imagery, something not available with Apple’s new Maps app.

“Starting today, use Street View on your mobile browser to check out a new shop across town or get a feel for the ambiance at a restaurant before you arrive,” Amanda Leicht, product manager of Google Maps, wrote in a blog post introducing the new feature. “To use Street View on your mobile browser simply go to maps.google.com and search for a location. Then click the ‘pegman’ icon at the bottom right of your screen to access Street View. And to view still more helpful imagery, such as a photos shared by users or interior panoramas, visit the business’ Google+ Local page.”

Apple’s decision to move into mapping was met with a mixture of curiosity and excitement when news of its intention first emerged earlier this year. However, when it launched with iOS 6 last month, many users complained of a lack of functionality and detail, and also pointed out a number of location errors. In one famous example, Dublin airport had been placed on a farm.

With an increasing number of complaints surfacing, Apple chief Tim Cook deemed the problem so serious that he was moved to issue a letter of apology to users, admitting that the company had fallen short of its commitment “to make world-class products.” A report this week suggested the company is planning to use its retail staff – not particularly well known for their cartography skills – to help improve its mapping data.

Google is reportedly working on bringing a new Maps app to iOS – possibly combining it with Google Earth. In the meantime, iPhone owners who’ve upgraded to iOS 6 and who were heavy users of Maps have been busy checking out alternatives such as Google’s Maps mobile Web app. These ones are also worth a look.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-gets-street-view-back-on-the-iphone-via-web-based-maps-update/

AT&T is the first US carrier to offer the Samsung Galaxy Camera

AT&T Wireless announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy Camera today. As you probably know by now, the device is a marriage of a point and shoot camera and an Android smartphone.


Samsung Galaxy Camera for AT&T official photo

The Samsung Galaxy Camera for AT&T is powered by a 1GHz quad-core CPU. It boots TouchWiz-ed Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with enough photo sharing features to make every social network junkie happy. The gadget runs on the carrier's 3G network - there's no LTE connectivity on board.

The rest of the device's specs are the same as in the international version. They include a 16MP BSI CMOS camera sensor with xenon flash and 21x optical zoom, 4.8" Super Clear LCD screen with HD resolution, and 8GB of built-in memory, which can be further expanded via microSD card slot.

We've managed to spend some quality time with the Samsung Galaxy Camera at an event in New York City. Curiously, the gadget has no AT&T branding on it, save for some preloaded software. That aside, we did not encounter any differences with the international version, which we checked out at IFA.


Samsung Galaxy Camera for AT&T live photos

The pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Camera will be known when it hits the shelves in the coming weeks.

Source


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/at_t_is_the_first_us_carrier_to_offer_the_samsung_galaxy_camera_-news-4902.php

HTC One VX hands-on photo gallery

We go hands on with the HTC One VX, a new budget phone for AT&T.

Along with the One X+, today AT&T revealed that it will sell a new lower-end handset by HTC named the One VX. I was able to spend a few minutes with the One VX at an AT&T event in New York tonight and came away pretty impressed. This is definitely not a high-end handset, but at a lower $0-$100 price point (with a two-year contract), it might be worth consideration by anyone looking for a new phone on AT&T.

The phone is mostly identical in style and function to HTC’s One X handset, but the body is made of a cheaper plastic material, the Snapdragon S4 processor is only dual-core (oh heavens, no!), and it has a slightly lower pixel resolution at just 960 x 540. Most high-end handsets clock in at 1280 x 720 these days. But you know what? Few of these things matter. HTC has included its ImageSense chip inside the phone, so it should take great photographs (5-megapixel, f/2.0) like the One X. The front camera is a little weak at only 0.3 megapixels, so if you’re infatuated with yourself, this may not be your best option. Those who are vain should try the HTC Windows Phone 8X; it has a 2.1-megapixel front camera with a wide-angle lens). 

The One VX doesn’t have a final price or a firm release date, but it’s coming to AT&T sometime this autumn. 


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/htc-one-vx-hands-on-photo-gallery/

Sprint may start bidding war with T-Mobile for MetroPCS

It may have appeared like the T-Mobile and MetroPCS merger was imminent, but Sprint has started to prepare a counteroffer to outbid Deutsche Telekom for MetroPCS.

Sprint has sat firmly in the third spot on the list of biggest mobile carriers in the U.S. for some time. As of yesterday, that title received its first plausible threat at the announcement of a T-Mobile and MetroPCS merger. Less than 24 hours after the MetroPCS board of directors approved the move, Sprint decided to throw its hat in the ring as a potential partner. According to the Bloomberg BusinessWeek report, Sprint is preparing a counteroffer that would top the $1.5 billion deal from T-Mobile USA’s Deutsche Telekom.

With the T-Mobile and MetroPCS merger awaiting regulatory and shareholder approval, there is a penalty clause set if either company were to back out. Sprint will likely have to take this into account in their ofter. That said, when Sprint attempted to make a takeover of MetroPCS earlier this year, they were willing to offer over $8 billion. Sprint is desperate for new subscribers as it has been watching its customer base trickle away since the sloppy transition of it’s purchase of Nextel in 2005. The threat of a combined T-Mobile and MetroPCS may be enough to drive Sprint’s bid up dramatically.

T-Mobile has not commented on Sprint’s sudden–although somewhat expected–involvement except to say that it is prepared to change the terms of its current agreement if need be. Deutsche Telekom seems fairly committed to the merger between their T-Mobile brand and MetroPCS. That could mean we’ll have a bidding war on our hands, and there are unique implications for the mobile market depending on who the victor may be. Who would have thought that in a battle between the third and forth largest mobile operators, fifth place would be the big winner? 


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/sprint-may-start-bidding-war-with-t-mobile-for-metropcs/

Jolla to demo MeeGo-based Sailfish OS at Slush Conference next month

Jolla to demo MeeGo-based Sailfish OS at Slush Conference next month
Open-source OS codenamed Sailfish to embark from Finland

Jolla's MeeGo-based OS is official saying "me too" in the crowded world of mobile operating systems.

The Finnish smartphone start-up was rumored to introduce its new OS, codenamed Sailfish, as reported by TechRadar yesterday. Now the company is saying when and where.

The Slush start-up conference in Helsinki, Finland will be the venue for the first Sailfish demo. With the event running Nov. 21- 22 - the unveiling is expected to take place on one of those two days.

Jolla is made up of ex-Nokia employees who worked on the Nokia N9 - the only smartphone to run MeeGo despite Nokia's prior commitment to iOS and Android rival.

The new company is promising to continue with a highly scalable, open source version of the OS and UX for smartphones, tablets, TVs, and vehicles.

MeeGo-based Sailfish goes to China

Jolla expects to license its Sailfish operating system to other device manufacturers, design houses and service companies in spring 2013.

One advantage that Jolla has already is a partnership in China with phone retailer D.Phone Group.

"China is a game changer in the technology industry," said Jolla CEO Jussi Hurmola in a press release. "The next big mobile change will come from China and Jolla wants to be enabling it. There are massive resources and competence to transport the whole industry."

Plenty of Sailfish competitors in the sea

Sailfish remains an unproven OS, despite the commitment in China and Jolla's game plan to keep the mobile OS open to community participation.

Google's Android and Apple's iOS are making tremendous gains throughout China, and BlackBerry 10 is set to launch in 2013, around the same time as Sailfish.

What's more, Firefox OS is also throwing its hat in the ring, targeting "budget phones." Samsung could easily do the same with Bada, and Chinese phone manufacturer Huawei is working on a fail-safe OS just in case.

Still, it will be interesting to see what new features this open-source mobile OS has to offer next month, especially knowing that it will continue MeeGo's unique community involvement initiative.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/jolla-to-demo-meego-based-sailfish-os-at-slush-conference-next-month-1102082

Wozniak: Apple should bring iTunes to Android

Wozniak: Apple should bring iTunes to Android
iTunes on Android? Fanciful thinking from Apple's co-founder

Apple would be wise to bring iTunes to the rival Android mobile platform, according to the company's co-founder Steve Wozniak.

In a Q&A session with Apple fans on the Slashdot website, Wozniak recalled Apple opening iTunes up to Windows PCs not too long after the iPod launched - kickstarting the era of iDevice dominance.

The beardy tech legend, who has never been afraid of voicing controversial opinions, asked why Apple can't do the same by bringing iTunes to the open source Android OS.

Wozniak's not too far off the mark: his postulations would allow the company he started back in the 1970s to start raking in cash from the 50-plus per cent of smartphone users currently rocking Android handsets as well as iPhone, iPad and iPod users.

Wishful thinking?

"Apple's real rise from the small market-share Macintosh company to the iProducts of today began with iTunes and the iPod," the Woz said.

"This turned out to be a second huge business which roughly doubled Apple's 'size,'" he continued.

"If you remember, we ported iTunes to Windows. We now addressed 100 per cent of the world's market with this integrated system (iPod/iTunes) and it began the era of Apple that we are now in.

"So why don't we port iTunes to Android?" Wozniak posed. "I love Apple products and iTunes and wish it were on my Android products too."

Unlikely

Although highly improbable, if Apple decided to bring the iTunes software to Google's mobile OS, it would surely be welcomed by Android users that have traditionally bought and stored their digital files using iTunes.

Adding one's iTunes files to an Android phone and keeping it up to date is, and has always been, a royal pain in the you-know-what and Wozniak's idea would solve that.

Apple, of course, is very keen on keeping customers locked into its all-encompassing ecosystem, which is underpinned by the iTunes store for music, apps, games, movies, books and magazines.

So, regardless of the huge wads of cash it'd make from iTunes downloads on Android, it'd be loathe to miss out on lucrative sales of iPhones, iPads and iPods.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/wozniak-apple-should-bring-itunes-to-android-1102051

Samsung Galaxy Cam gets its first U.S. wireless carrier with AT&T

Samsung Galaxy Camera

AT&T will carry the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Camera, the first real stab at combining a point-and-shoot with a smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera is becoming a hotly anticipated item, thanks to its recently announced Dropbox compatibility and next-gen, ultra-connected focus. And today, AT&T announced it will be supporting the 4G (HSPA+, most likely) camera, which will have run Jelly Bean and have access to the full catalogue of Google Play apps.

As a reminder, the Galaxy Cam has a 16-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor, a 1GHz processor, and a 21x optical zoom – fairly similar specs to the Samsung WB850 F, a camera we were impressed with. The Samsung Smart camera lineup, in fact, has been a pleasant surprise when it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity. Manufacturers have struggled with implementing this feature in an easy-to-use, simple way for users, but it’s something that Samsung has done incredibly well. And we only expect this to be an even more fluid experience with the Galaxy Cam, which essentially is the first true digital camera-smartphone hybrid to come to market.

This is the first carrier announcement for the device, and it’s a big one (it means it’s definitely hitting U.S. shelves). The Galaxy Cam stands a decent shot at cornering the consumer camera market: Wi-Fi enabled point-and-shoots are a hot commodity, and strapping a Galaxy S3 to one only sweetens that deal. It’s cutting edge, especially for an industry that’s been remarkably slow to adopt and adapt to mobile technology. 

There’s no word on how much the camera is going to cost, though it’s supposed to be on sale within the next few weeks, so stay tuned. 


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-cam-coming-to-att/

Microsoft to hold a Windows Phone 8 event on October 29

With its Windows 8 and Surface tablet launch event detailed, Microsoft has spilled the beans on its Windows Phone 8 launch event as well.

Taking place in San Francisco on October 29 at 10:00 AM, the event will give us the long-awaited details on Windows Phone 8. Microsoft has been very secretive of the latest iteration of its mobile OS, so it's going to be quite an event.

Be sure we'll cover the Windows Phone 8 launch event and give you as much detail on what Microsoft has been cooking for the smartphone users as possible.

Via


Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_to_hold_a_windows_phone_8_launch_event_on_october_29-news-4901.php

HP CEO: no phone plans for 2013

HP CEO: no phone plans for 2013
Here's to an HP smartphone in half a decade

Just a few short weeks ago, HP's CEO Meg Whitman divulged the company's plans to re-enter the smartphone arena.

"We have to ultimately offer a smartphone because in many countries of the world [the smartphone] would be your first computing device," Whitman said as she claimed smartphones are quickly becoming the new computers.

Those with a financial interest in HP's plans were immediately intrigued by Whitman's proclamations, but she quickly dialed back the hype.

Though HP will probably field a new entry in the smartphone market, the company won't have much to show for at least a few years.

Five-year engagement

HP's last entry into the handset market, the HP Veer, wasn't exactly a home-run, but Whitman still has hopes webOS could rival Android and iOS.

That said, Whitman doesn't expect HP to have a smartphone ready any time soon.

"We don't have any plans to introduce a smartphone in 2013, but we've got to start thinking about what is our unique play," Whitman said during HP's financial analyst day Thursday.

Whitman knows there's a growing consumer base out there HP is currently missing out on, and the time to capture a share is shrinking.

"I believe that five years from now, if we don't have a smartphone or whatever the next generation of that device is, we'll be locked out of a huge segment of the population in many countries of the world," she continued.

Smartphones, tablets, and more

During her time with analysts, Whitman went on to discuss the rest of HP's future plans, including where the company stood in the tablet battle.

Earlier this year, HP recruited ex-Nokia vice president Alberto Torres to head up its Mobility division.

Despite not being in charge of the rumored Slate 8, Torres said his goal was to "accelerate [HP's] tablet strategy and begin to execute products."

Even with those moves, Whitman told attendees she felt Apple fulfilled the consumer market for tablets quite well already.

Still, HP will be among the first manufacturers offering a Windows 8 tablet, complete with an Intel x86 chip.

Hopefully the tablet does well enough to help turn things around for HP financially, as the company's outlook for the year isn't as impressive as originally estimated.

As a result, HP plans to cut a quarter of its PC platforms and 30 percent of its printer models over the next two years.

What this means for the development of a smartphone and proprietary tablet remains to be seen, but we will be watching HP's progress in both markets very closely.


Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hp-ceo-no-phone-plans-for-2013-1102029

The 12 hottest tablets coming out soon

best upcoming tablets

We take a look at some of the hottest upcoming tablets, from Windows 8 designs like the Surface to the rumored iPad mini.

Tablets are invading our schools, our offices, and our homes. Back in June, we heard that nearly a third of U.S. Internet users already own a tablet. The vast majority of them have an iPad, but Apple is no longer the only company at the table and we’re seeing more and more tablets announced every day. If you’ve yet to take the tablet plunge, or perhaps you’re looking to snag a second tablet or upgrade, we’ve got a roundup of the best upcoming tablets (and rumored tablets) for you. 

If you can’t wait, be sure to check our list of the our favorite tablets currently on the market.

Dell Latitude 10

Dell Latitude 10

There has been a strong consumer (you and me) focus with most of the tablets released so far, but we also know that many businesses are trialing and adopting them. The Dell Latitude 10 aims to target that market with a functional aesthetic and Windows 8 Pro, which means it’s also pretty much a full-functioning PC. Unusually, it has a removable battery and a “productivity dock” so you can transform it into a desktop. It is packing Intel’s Atom Z2670 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive with up to 128GB of storage capacity. For the security conscious business crowd there’s TPM 1.2, file-level encryption, and optional fingerprint and smartcard readers.  Dell, Intel, and Microsoft are a strong trio and this could turn heads in IT departments across the land.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9

At the other end of the spectrum we have the extremely consumer-focused Kindle Fire HD 8.9 from Amazon. This is essentially a window to serve you a steady stream of content from Amazon’s all-you-can-eat buffet table of books, movies, music, and more. It runs Android 4.0 (ICS), has an 8.9-inch, 1920×1200 pixel touchscreen, and packs a 1.5GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with 1GB of RAM. Battery life is good, it has 32GB of storage, and there’s a 4G LTE version. You can get your hands on one from November 20. (Check out our review of the smaller Kindle Fire HD 7.)

iPad mini

Source: Gizmodo

Rumors about a smaller iPad have been circulating for a long time now. They are nothing, if not persistent. The latest iPad mini rumor concerns an Apple event on October 10 and production lines starting up. For a while, we thought we might see the new iPad at the last Apple event where it unveiled the iPhone 5, but there was no mention of it. If it does ever become a reality, we can expect a smaller and cheaper version of the current iPad with a screen around the 8 inch mark. Beyond that we’ll just have to wait and see.

Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface Tablet display screen apple ipad killer

We’ve known about the impending Windows 8 release for a long time now, but Microsoft caused a splash with the news that it would release its own self-branded tablets. There are two flavors – one running Windows RT with 32GB or 64GB storage, and one running Windows 8 with a bigger battery and 64GB or 128GB storage. Both will feature a 10.6-inch touchscreen and an innovative Touch Cover that protects the tablet and doubles up as a keyboard. The big question is – what will they cost?

Barnes & Noble Nook HD+

Nook HD+

Barnes & Noble’s answer to Amazon’s new Kindle HD is the Nook HD and HD+. The larger Nook HD+ has a 9-inch touchscreen with a 1920×1280 pixel resolution. The processor is a 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP 4470, there’s 1GB of RAM, and it will run Android 4.0 (ICS), but don’t expect to run any Android apps. Barnes & Noble, like Amazon with its Kindle Fires, has stripped out all Google services and replaced them with its own. It’s 16GB or 32GB, but it does have a microSD card slot. It also features multiple log-in support and Nook channels for curated recommendations. This is serious competition for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 and might be the tablet to have if reading is your priority.

Samsung ATIV Tab

Samsung ATIV Tab

The Ativ Tab is 10.1-inch slate running Windows RT; we forgive you if it reminds you of the Android Galaxy Note 10.1 when you look at this. It has a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, a screen resolution of 1,366×768 pixels, and it comes in 32GB or 64GB varieties. Battery life looks to be a highlight as Samsung is promising 12 hours of movie playback. The drawback is that it might be expensive (no official price yet), and the keyboard dock is an optional extra.

ASUS Vivo Tab (810)

Asus Vivo Tab

The impressive Asus Vivo Tab brings us an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 Super IPS+ display, 2GB of RAM, and 64GB of solid state storage. It runs full Windows 8 and also boasts NFC support, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Naturally it has a keyboard dock which transforms it into a laptop and will come as standard. There’s a Windows RT version with a 10.1-inch touchscreen which will be cheaper, but no price or release date has been confirmed for either just yet.

Wikipad

Here’s a curveball for all you tablet hunters out there – the Wikipad is a dedicated gaming tablet running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). It has a 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 resolution touchscreen, the Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 quad-core 1.4GHz processor, and 1GB of RAM. The USP is the attachable controller frame that the tablet slides into for comfortable gaming and enhanced sound. It also has 16GB storage, a microSD card slot, and an 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front-facing camera. A partnership with Gaikai for streaming premium console and PC games from the cloud could make this the perfect gamer’s choice, but has it done enough to justify a $500 price tag? We’ll find out.

HP ElitePad 900

ElitePad 900

If the Dell Latitude didn’t tickle your fancy, perhaps the HP ElitePad will. This is another business tablet and it has optional accessories including the “Productivity Jacket” which essentially transforms it into a laptop, the docking station which makes it a desktop, a tough case, an extended battery case, and a stylus. It has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, an Intel Atom Z2760 processor, 2GB of RAM and either 32GB or 64GB of internal SSD storage. Pricing is unknown and this one won’t hit the market until January 2013.

Kobo Arc

Kobo Arc Tablet

Third in the e-reader race behind Amazon and Barnes & Noble we find Kobo puffing and panting its way along. The Arc is another Android tablet that is aiming to compete with the Fire HD and the Nook HD. It runs Android 4.0 (ICS), has a 1.5GHz dual-core Texas Instruments processor, along with 1GB of RAM, and a 1280×800 pixel 7-inch touchscreen. Pricing and specs are competitive for this November release so it could help close the gap on the frontrunners.

Archos 101 XS

Here’s another 10.1-inch tablet with a keyboard cover that transforms the tablet into a netbook. The Archos 101 XS uses a magnetic design and it is very thin and light if you remove the keyboard cover. It runs Android 4.0 (ICS) with the standard 4.1 (Jelly Bean) upgrade promise, but since it is vanilla Android that upgrade should happen soon. There’s nothing remarkable in the specs, but they are solid. There’s a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 1280×800 pixel resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen. It has 16GB storage, but there is a microSD card slot. It should be available in November.

Lenovo ThinkPad 2

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 - Windows 8 Start Screen

This Windows 8 tablet has a 10.1-inch 1366×768 pixel touchscreen and boasts ten hours of battery life. It comes with a stylus and there’s an optional keyboard attachment. You can get a good look at it in out Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 hands-on. It has NFC and 4G LTE support, as well as an 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Early rumors suggested a frighteningly high $800 price tag with the keyboard attachment, which could make it a bit too expensive, but from our early hands-on, it does appear to be one of the best Windows 8 tablets coming out, complete with a stylus.

Are there any other new tablets on the way that you’re excited about? Post a comment let us know about your upcoming tablet pick.


Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-upcoming-tablets/