Android and Me » mobile world congress

HTCdev releases four new APIs; developer access to Beats Audio, lockscreen, MediaLink HD features

Nick Gray — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:13:57 +0000

While most of us were focused on all the new phones released this week at Mobile World Congress, the HTCdev team took the opportunity to release four new APIs that tie into the OpenSense SDK. Application developers can now tap into new features on HTC phones and take advantage of some of the advanced functionality available in HTC Sense.

Beats Audio API: allows applications to take advantage of the Beats Audio sound enhancements on HTC phones that feature Beats Audio integration.
Lockscreen API: allows applications to interact with the advanced HTC Sense lock screen, which enables application interaction without the need for unlocking the device.
Mobile Device Management API
HTC MediaLink HD API: allows applications freedom to wirelessly interact with the Media Link HD accessory for display on a second screen.

We’re really excited to see what developers can create with these new APIs. We hope most streaming music and video services add Beats Audio integration to their apps as quickly as possible. It would be nice to see how various apps try to integrate notifications or app controls into the HTC lockscreen.

We don’t know what the limitations are with the HTC Media Link HD API, but we’re hoping developers will be able to take advantage of the same features HTC was showing off this week. These features allow users to interact with the device while content is being streamed to a second display. If we let our imagination run wild, we could see game developers adding a custom control interface on the device while the game streams on the second screen.

Is there anything you’re hoping developers will whip up with these new HTC APIs?

Android posts 250% year-over-year growth with 850k daily activations

Nick Gray — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:27:41 +0000

It’s no secret that Android is the star of the party at Mobile World Congress this year. Most of us are caught up in all the news about new devices, but Google’s Andy Rubin has taken a little time out of his busy day to share some new statistics about the Android ecosystem. In the past twelve months, Android has grown more than 250% with more than 300 million Android devices activated around the globe, adding 850,000 new device activations on a daily basis (a 21.5% increase since December 21). All those new Android users also have access to 450,000 applications on the Android market, an increase of 300% from last year.

Google is celebrating the platform’s huge success at the Android booth at Mobile World Congress all week long, where conference attendees can view more than 100 devices which are on display on the Android conveyor belt or check out “app pods” to experience all the latest innovations that have come to the platform, including Android Beam.

Based on Android’s incredible growth rate, when do you think Andy Rubin will make the 1,000,000 daily activations announcement?

Wirelessly stream your phone’s display with HTC Media Link HD

Nick Gray — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:21:29 +0000

The HTC Media Link isn’t anything new. While most people missed the product announcement last year at Mobile World Congress, the original Media Link was a simple WiFi adapter which enabled users to stream music, pictures and video via DLNA to their HD TV. But the new HTC Media Link HD has a few tricks up its sleeve which put last year’s product to shame.

This year’s HTC Media Link HD does most of the same things as last year’s model, but with a more refined experience and the ability to wirelessly stream your phones display. Once you set up the Media Link HD with your HD TV via HDMI, simply use three fingers to swipe up on your display on your HTC One X or HTC One S to project your phone’s screen through the Media Link. As you might expect, the device allows you to use any applications on your big screen TV, browse the web, play games and a lot more, but the real magic starts when you start up a movie. Rather than being forced to put down your phone so that everyone can enjoy a full length film, the HTC Media Link HD allows you to press the home button and continue using your phone and even make a call or two while the movie continues to play on the big screen.

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To disconnect from the HTC Media Link HD, use three fingers and make a downward swiping motion on your phone’s display. The concept is simple, but the functionality offered by the new Media Link HD far exceeds any docking accessories currently available by the competition.

Pricing and availability of the HTC Media Link HD have not been announced, but we’re sure you’d agree that it will be a must-have accessory for anyone who purchases the HTC One S or HTC One X this spring.

HTC One V announced – a high-end smartphone for the masses

Nick Gray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:01:05 +0000

The HTC One V rounds out HTC’s smartphone announcements today in Barcelona. Unlike the HTC One X and HTC One S, the One V is considered a mid-range device, expected to have mass market appeal due to its size, features and what’s expected to be a low price. The handset’s specifications include a 1GHz processor, 3.7-inch WVGA display, 4GB of internal storage, 512MB of RM, an 8 megapixel camera with an advanced BSI sensor all wrapped up in an aluminum unibody shell which looks eerily similar to the HTC Legend HTC introduced at Mobile World Congress two years ago.

The HTC One V is expected to launch globally in April of this year, though there is no indication that the phone is scheduled to be launched by any US carriers. Since the HTC One V features lower-end specs than the other HTC One devices, we expect European carrier to offer the handset for free with new two year service agreements.

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CPU Speed: 1 GHz
Platform: Android™ 4.0 with HTC Sense™ 4
Memory^1:Total storage:4 GB, RAM: 512 MB
Expansion slot: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
Network^2:HSPA/WCDMA:E urope/Asia: 850/900/2100 MHz, GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Sensors

Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
G-Sensor

Connectivity

3.5 mm stereo audio jack
Bluetooth with aptX® enabled (Bluetooth® 4.0)
Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Standard micro-USB (5-pin micro-USB 2.0)

Camera with ImageSense™

5 megapixel camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor (for better low-light captures)
F2.0 aperture and 28mm lens
720p HD video recording
Dedicated imaging chip
Capture a photo in the midst of recording HD video
Continuous shooting mode captures multiple snapshots

Sound enhancement: Beats Audio™
Audio supported formats:

Playback: .aac, .amr, .ogg, .m4a, .mid, .mp3, .wav, .wma (Windows Media Audio 9)
Recording: .amr

Video supported formats:

Playback: .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .wmv (Windows Media Video 9), .avi (MP4 ASP and MP3)
Recording: .mp4

Battery: 1500 mAh

Show Press Release

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Mobile World Congress – February 26, 2012 – HTC, a global designer of smartphones, today unveiled its new HTC One series of smartphones that represent its most premium mobile experience with a new level of iconic design and amazing camera and authentic sound experience.

“The best moments in life are captured with a photo or remembered by a song, so it was key for the HTC One series to improve these emotional experiences with an amazing camera and authentic sound experience,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “We are very focused on creating a camera and audio experience customers will love and use often and we believe the HTC One series delivers this in a way never seen on a phone before.”

With HTC’s most premium experience, the HTC One series integrates Android 4.0 (ICS) with HTC Sense™ 4, the new version of HTC’s branded user experience that is introducing HTC ImageSense™, a new suite of camera and imaging features that set HTC One apart from other phones. HTC Sense 4 also includes broad enhancements to audio quality and simplifies how people listen to music on their phone.

Amazing Camera

With ImageSense HTC One rivals traditional digital cameras with improvements to every part of the camera, including the lens, the sensor, the software, and even integrating a new custom HTC ImageChip. These enhancements combine to deliver our fastest image capture, best image quality under adverse conditions and easiest interface that enables quick access to capturing stills and videos with side-by-side photo and video capture buttons.

Superfast Capture - HTC One dramatically reduces the time it takes to capture those key moments. In just 0.7 seconds you’re able to take a shot, and with a new superfast 0.2-seconds autofocus, continue to take nearly unlimited continuous shots simply by holding the shutter button.
Good photos in adverse conditions - HTC One delivers dramatic enhancements in image capture quality even in adverse conditions such as low light, no light or with bright backlighting. The f/2.0 lens on the HTC One X and HTC One S offers best-in-class performance, capturing 40 percent more light than the f/2.4 lenses available on other high-end phones. HTC One also includes HDR, a market-leading technology, for taking great photos even when there are varying levels of brightness.
Video Pic (Concurrent Video/Still Capture) – With Video Pic you capture a photo and shoot video at the same time. Now, while you’re shooting HD video, all you have to do is tap the shutter button and it snaps a high-resolution still photo while the video continues to shoot. You are also able to capture a photo frame from a previously recorded video.
Dropbox integrated with HTC Sense - HTC One gives you an easy way to save and share your photos and videos. HTC has integrated Dropbox into HTC Sense 4 enabling HTC One customers to get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years. That’s enough to keep more than 10,000 high-quality photos. Dropbox is also integrated throughout HTC Sense 4, so it’s easy to edit, save and share your documents and other kinds of files.
Sharing your photos and more - HTC One gives you a new way to share your photos and videos. When you plug in HTC’s wireless Media Link HD* accessory into your TV’s HDMI port, you can easily share your photos, videos, or anything else on your phone with your friends, family or colleagues regardless of the television’s brand as long as it has HDMI.

Authentic Sound
With HTC One, Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ integration is enabled for the first time across the entire experience for richer, more authentic sound whether you’re listening to your favorite music, watching a YouTube™ video or playing a game. HTC One also makes it easy to get and listen to your music on your phone with the built-in HTC Sync Manager software that automatically installs to your computer when connected. Once connected, it is easy to transfer songs, artists and playlists from your music library

Of course, people today no longer just listen to the songs stored on their phones; they use streaming services and tune into Internet radio. So HTC One lets you customize the new Music Hub with your favorite services and music applications, like the latest Soundhound technology, giving you one place to go for all of your music.

HTC One lets you take all of your music anywhere, including the car. With HTC One, you get an easy way to bring your mobile music to your car’s sound system with the HTC Car Stereo Clip*. It also lets you connect to your music through more than 50 thousand online radio stations worldwide or play music from any service or app on your phone through your car speakers. All this makes HTC One the one place to enjoy all your music, wherever you are, with the power of Beats By Dr. Dre Audio and HTC Car.

HTC One V
Utilizing the classic, award-winning design of the HTC Legend, the HTC One V brings top-end design to a smartphone with broad appeal and a premium experience that delivers an amazing camera and authentic sound. It features a simple, iconic aluminum unibody design that exudes craftsmanship and quality.

Global Availability
With unprecedented excitement, the HTC One series will begin shipping in April with broad global availability available beginning in April through more than 140 mobile operators and distributors globally. For more information and to pre-register for HTC One visit www.htc.com.

HTC One Series

Europe, Middle East and Africa - A1 Austria, BH Telecom Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bite Lithuania, Bouygues Telecom France, Cellcom Israel, Cosmote Greece, Cosmote Romania & Global Bulgaria, Cyta Cyprus, E-Plus Germany, Elisa Estonia, Elisa Finland, EMT Estonia, Euroset Russia, Everything Everywhere UK, H3G Austria, H3G Denmark, H3G Ireland, H3G Sweden, H3G UK, KPN Netherlands, Turkcell Turkey, LMT Latvia, M-Tel Bulgaria, Meteor Ireland, Mirs Israel, Mobilezone Switzerland, Avea Turkey, MTN Cyprus, Netcom Norway, O2 Germany, O2 Ireland, O2 UK, Omnitel Lithuania, Orange Austria, Orange France, Orange Israel, Orange Poland, Orange Romania, Orange Slovakia, Orange Switzerland, Pelephone Israel, Play Poland, MTS Russia, SFR France, SiMobil Slovenia, Sunrise Switzerland, Svyaznoy Russia, Swisscom Switzerland, T-Mobile Austria, T-Mobile Croatia, T-Mobile Czech Republic, T-Mobile Germany, T-Mobile Hungary, T-Mobile Macedonia, T-Mobile Netherlands, T-Mobile Slovakia, TDC Denmark, Tele2 Estonia, Tele2 Latvia, Tele2 Lithuania, Telefonica Czech Republic, Telekom Slovenia, Telenor Denmark, Telenor Hungary, Telenor Montenegro, Telenor Norway, Telenor Serbia, Telenor Sweden, Telia Denmark, Telia Sweden, TIM Italy, Tusmobil Slovenia, Vipnet Croatia, VIP Mobile Serbia, VIP Operator Macedonia, Virgin UK, Vodafone Czech Republic, Vodafone Germany, Vodafone Greece, Vodafone Hungary, Vodafone Ireland, Vodafone Italy, Vodafone Netherlands, Vodafone Romania, Vodafone Turkey, Vodafone UK, Wind Greece North America: AT&T, Bell Mobility, Best Buy, C-Spire, Cellcom, Fido, Metro PCS, Bluegrass, OpenMobile, RadioShack, Rogers Communications, T-Mobile USA, Target, TELUS, U.S. Cellular, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Mobile CanadaLatin America: Cellcom, Claro Argentina (América Móvil), Claro Perú (América Móvil), Claro Puerto Rico (América Móvil), Entel Chile, Iusacell México, Movistar Chile (Telefónica), nTelos, Telcel México (América Móvil), Telecom Personal Argentina, Telefónica Brazil, Asia-Pacific: AIS, Bharti Airtel, China Mobile (TD-SCDMA), ChungHwa Telecom, 3HK, CSL, DiGi, DTAC, Fareastone, Globe Telecom, Indosat, M1, Mobifone, Maxis, Optus, SingTel, Smart, Smartone, StarHub, Taiwan Mobile, Telkomsel, Telstra, Viettel, Vinaphone, Vivo, Vodafone Australia, Vodafone New Zealand, XL Axiata, TRUE

HTC One S announced – heading to T-Mobile this spring with HSPA+ 42 Mbps support

Nick Gray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:37:32 +0000

We’ve seen all the rumors and now HTC’s official announcement at Mobile World Congress has confirmed every single one of them. The HTC One S is the thinnest phone ever produced by HTC and features a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor, 1GB of RAM, amazing 8 megapixel camera which can capture video and images simultaneously. You can see a full list of the handset’s specifications below.

The HTC One S will be heading to dozens of service providers across the globe, but it looks like T-Mobile will be the only one offering the phone this spring in the US market. Pricing details and launch dates are not yet available, but we should be hearing more about that in the near future.

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HTC One S specifications

CPU Speed: 1.5 GHz, dual core
Platform: Android™ 4.0 with HTC Sense™
SIM card type: microSIM
Memory^1:Total storage: 16 GB, RAM: 1 GB
Network^2:HSPA/WCDMA: Europe/Asia: 850/900/2100 MHz, GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Sensors:

Gyro sensor
G-Sensor
Digital compass
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor

Connectivity:

3.5 mm stereo audio jack
Bluetooth with aptX® enabled (Bluetooth® 4.0)
Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
DLNA® for wirelessly streaming media from the phone to a compatible TV or computer
micro-USB 2.0 (5-pin) port with mobile high-definition video link (MHL) for USB or HDMI connection (Special cable required for HDMI connection.)

Camera with ImageSense™:

8 megapixel camera with auto focus, smart LED flash, and BSI sensor (for better low-light captures)
F2.0 aperture and 28mm lens
1080p HD video recording
1.3 megapixel front camera (720p for video chat)
Dedicated imaging chip
Capture a photo in the midst of recording HD video
Continuous shooting mode captures multiple snapshots
Auto flash smartly determined by distance from your subject
Video stabilization feature removes annoying, shaky motion
High quality slow motion video capture and playback

Sound enhancement: Beats Audio™
Audio supported formats:

Playback: aac, .amr, .ogg, .m4a, .mid, .mp3, .wav, .wma (Windows Media Audio 9)
Recording: .amr

Video supported formats:

Playback: .3gp, .3g2, .mp4, .wmv (Windows Media Video 9), .avi (MP4 ASP and MP3)
Recording: .mp4

Battery: 1650 mAh

Show Press Release

Amazing Camera
With ImageSense HTC One rivals traditional digital cameras with improvements to every part of the camera, including the lens, the sensor, the software, and even integrating a new custom HTC ImageChip. These enhancements combine to deliver our fastest image capture, best image quality under adverse conditions and easiest interface that enables quick access to capturing stills and videos with side-by-side photo and video capture buttons.

Superfast Capture - HTC One dramatically reduces the time it takes to capture those key moments. In just 0.7 seconds you’re able to take a shot, and with a new superfast 0.2-seconds autofocus, continue to take nearly unlimited continuous shots simply by holding the shutter button.
Good photos in adverse conditions - HTC One delivers dramatic enhancements in image capture quality even in adverse conditions such as low light, no light or with bright backlighting. The f/2.0 lens on the HTC One X and HTC One S offers best-in-class performance, capturing 40 percent more light than the f/2.4 lenses available on other high-end phones. HTC One also includes HDR, a market-leading technology, for taking great photos even when there are varying levels of brightness.
Video Pic (Concurrent Video/Still Capture) – With Video Pic you capture a photo and shoot video at the same time. Now, while you’re shooting HD video, all you have to do is tap the shutter button and it snaps a high-resolution still photo while the video continues to shoot. You are also able to capture a photo frame from a previously recorded video.
Dropbox integrated with HTC Sense - HTC One gives you an easy way to save and share your photos and videos. HTC has integrated Dropbox into HTC Sense 4 enabling HTC One customers to get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years. That’s enough to keep more than 10,000 high-quality photos. Dropbox is also integrated throughout HTC Sense 4, so it’s easy to edit, save and share your documents and other kinds of files.
Sharing your photos and more - HTC One gives you a new way to share your photos and videos. When you plug in HTC’s wireless Media Link HD* accessory into your TV’s HDMI port, you can easily share your photos, videos, or anything else on your phone with your friends, family or colleagues regardless of the television’s brand as long as it has HDMI.

HTC One S
The HTC One S is for people who want a high-end smartphone in a more compact size. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s. It also includes a 4.3-inch screen crafted from contoured Corning™ Gorilla Glass. HTC One S brings HTC’s innovative metal unibody styling to a new thin 7.9-mm design, making it HTC’s thinnest phone yet. The HTC One S sports two new finishes that break new ground in mobile phone innovation. The first is an ultra-matte black Ceramic Metal surface that is the result of a microarc oxidation (MAO) process originally developed for use in satellites. It transforms the surface of the aluminum unibody into a ceramic, super-dense crystalline structure that is four times harder than anodized aluminum, enabling the HTC One S to look great over time. The second finish for the One S takes anodizing to a new level with a new patented process that creates a light-to-dark gradient fade that looks gorgeous and sophisticated.

HTC One Series

HTC One X announced – Qualcomm S4 variant with LTE heading exclusively to AT&T

Nick Gray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:02:52 +0000

The moment we have all been waiting for has come. HTC has officially announced the HTC One X, revealing to the world their first ever phone powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor. By now, we’re sure you can recite the phone’s spec sheet by heart, but there’s a little twist that none of us were really expecting.

HTC will be making a second version of the HTC One X available which will use a Qualcomm S4 dual-core processor with LTE integration which will be available exclusively from AT&T in the US market. Exact launch details (pricing and dates) for the HTC One X are currently not available, but we’re been told to expect the phone within the “coming months.”

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HTC One X specifications

Size: 134.36 x 69.9 x 9.29 (LxWxT)
Weight: 130 grams (4.59 ounces)
Display: 4.7-inch Super LCD2 720p HD resolution with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass
CPU: 1.5 GHz Super 4-PLUS-1 quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor
Memory: 32 GB of internal storage (26 GB usable), 1GB of RAM, 25 GB DropBox cloud storage
Battery: built-inch 1800 mAh Li-polymer battery
Network: HSPA/WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz HSDPA 21 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps, GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Connections:

3.5mm headphone jack
NFC (with support for Google Wallet)
DLNA
microUSB 2.0 with MHL video link
Pogo Pin Connector for Audio and Charing

Camera:

Dual Shutter Camera Module withVideo Pic feature which allow you to record HD video and take pictures simultaneously
f2.0 aperture and BSI sensor
Dedicated HTC lmageChip for clearer, sharper shots
28mm Wide Angle lens,
1080p HD video recording
Quick access from lockscreen to activate camera instantaneously and speedy shot to shot capability
Always Focus and Extended Depth of Field features ensure the target of your photo is always looking sharp
Face and smile detection
Burst mode up to 5fps (frames per second)
High speed video capture and playback in slow motion and Video stabilisation
Geo tagging
1.3MP front camera

Sensors:

Gyro sensor
G-Sensor
Digital compass
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor

Multimedia:

HTC Watch for access to thousands of blockbuster Hollywood movies and TV shows
Dedicated Game store app from EA Games

Sound Enhancement:

Beats Audio
Dual microphones with Noise Reduction and stereo voice recording
HD voice compliant (subject to network availability)

Wi-Fi‘: IEEE 802.llb/9/n (2.4GHz)
Bluetooth‘ 3.0 with FTP/OPP for file transfer, A2DP for wireless stereo headsets, and PBAP for phonebook access from the car kit
Internal GPS antenna

Show Press Release

Superfast Capture - HTC One dramatically reduces the time it takes to capture those key moments. In just 0.7 seconds you’re able to take a shot, and with a new superfast 0.2-seconds autofocus, continue to take nearly unlimited continuous shots simply by holding the shutter button.
Good photos in adverse conditions - HTC One delivers dramatic enhancements in image capture quality even in adverse conditions such as low light, no light or with bright backlighting. The f/2.0 lens on the HTC One X and HTC One S offers best-in-class performance, capturing 40 percent more light than the f/2.4 lenses available on other high-end phones. HTC One also includes HDR, a market-leading technology, for taking great photos even when there are varying levels of brightness.
Video Pic (Concurrent Video/Still Capture) – With Video Pic you capture a photo and shoot video at the same time. Now, while you’re shooting HD video, all you have to do is tap the shutter button and it snaps a high-resolution still photo while the video continues to shoot. You are also able to capture a photo frame from a previously recorded video.
Dropbox integrated with HTC Sense - HTC One gives you an easy way to save and share your photos and videos. HTC has integrated Dropbox into HTC Sense 4 enabling HTC One customers to get 25 gigabytes of free Dropbox space for two years. That’s enough to keep more than 10,000 high-quality photos. Dropbox is also integrated throughout HTC Sense 4, so it’s easy to edit, save and share your documents and other kinds of files.
Sharing your photos and more - HTC One gives you a new way to share your photos and videos. When you plug in HTC’s wireless Media Link HD* accessory into your TV’s HDMI port, you can easily share your photos, videos, or anything else on your phone with your friends, family or colleagues regardless of the television’s brand as long as it has HDMI.

Authentic Sound

With HTC One, Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ integration is enabled for the first time across the entire experience for richer, more authentic sound whether you’re listening to your favorite music, watching a YouTube™ video or playing a game. HTC One also makes it easy to get and listen to your music on your phone with the built-in HTC Sync Manager software that automatically installs to your computer when connected. Once connected, it is easy to transfer songs, artists and playlists from your music library.

HTC One X
The HTC One X features a beautifully crafted polycarbonate unibody that has the ruggedness of metal but is super lightweight. With seamless construction, the unibody combines a unique high gloss ‘piano’ finish and a matte back. HTC One is blazing fast with the new NVIDIA® Tegra 3 Mobile Processor for clear graphics, faster applications and longer battery life. It includes a 1.5GHz Super 4-PLUS-1™ quad-core with an integrated fifth Battery Saver Core and a high-performance 12-Core NVIDIA® GPU. The HTC One also has an amazing 4.7-inch, 720p HD screen crafted from contoured Corning™ Gorilla Glass. HTC One X will also be available in select 4G LTE markets with a LTE-enabled Qualcomm Snapdragon S4™ processor with up to 1.5GHz dual-core CPU’s.

HTC One Series

Sony XPERIA U and XPERIA P officially announced

Nick Gray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:19:30 +0000

Taking the stage for the very first time under the Sony Mobile name, Bert Nordberg introduced the new Sony XPERIA P and XPERIA U as part of the Sony NXT (next) family of phones.

Unlike the XPERIA S, the XPERIA P features an aluminum unibody design with a 4-inch display with Sony’s new “Magic White” technology. According to Sony, the Magic White display makes the screen twice as bright when used in direct sunlight and was rated as the best display by nine out of ten consumers in a focus group conducted by Sony. Other specifications of the XPERIA P include a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8-megapixel camera with full 1080p HD video recording, NFC, and will be available in white, black and burgundy.

The Sony XPERIA U sports a 3.5-inch Reality Display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 5 megapixel rear camera, “xLoud” sound processing and the same sharp edge and transparent bar design featured on the larger XPERIA S which was unveiled at CES back in January. The transparent bar does have a new feature which allows it to change colors based on the different type of notifications your handset receives and will even match the color tone of your picture when you are flipping through your photo album on the phone. Those who like to customize the lok of their handset will have the ability to swap out the bottom cap below the transparent bar with a variety of different color replacements.

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While other OEMs are announcing new device running Android 4.0, Sony’s two new phones will be powered by Android 2.3 when they go on sale. Sony does plan on upgrading the XPERIA P and XPERIA U to Android 4.0 shortly after launch. Both the Sony XPERIA U and XPERIA P will be available to markets across the globe by the middle of the second quarter. Sony will also be launching it biggest marketing campaign in recent history in order to promote its line of new XPERIA handsets. Pricing for the two devices was not announced, but we suspect most European carrier will offer the phones for free to those who sign up for new two year service agreements.

Pico Projector infused Samsung Galaxy Beam shines its light at Mobile World Congress

Nick Gray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:35:10 +0000

Samsung is pulling out the big guns this week at Mobile World Congress with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Beam. As you may have gathered from the title, the Galaxy Beam comes with a Pico Projector built into the body of the phone which can project HD content up to 50 inches wide with its ”ultra-bright” 15 lumens.

Other specs on the Samsung Galaxy Beam include a 4-inch WVGA display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, 8 GB of internal storage, microSD card slot,GSM quad-band HSPA+ connectivity and a 2000 mAh which should allow users to project their content for a full hour or two. The best part about the new Samsung Galaxy Beam is that it will ship with Android 2.3. We have a feeling that the 15 lumens projector is a bit too hot for this phone to be running on Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0).

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We’re not sure about you, but we’re a bit perplexed by the Samsung Galaxy Beam. There is certainly some potential here, but Samsung has chosen to deliver a unique device with sub-par specs. Pricing and availability details for the Samsung Galaxy Beam are still unknown, but we can’t imagine this phone will be going for cheap since the cheapest stand-along Pico Projectors on the market go for at least $200.

Would you be willing to shell out some serious cash for a mid-range device that has a built-in projector?

Show Press Release

Share the Fun with Samsung GALAXY Beam
Samsung’s projector smartphone offers unforgettable shared experience for playing multimedia content anytime, anywhere

Barcelona – February 26, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today introduced Samsung GALAXY Beam, the projector smartphone that allows users to display and share multimedia content anywhere on a large luminous projector screen.

GALAXY Beam lets users spontaneously share photos, videos or other digital media with family or friends by beaming content stored on the device directly onto walls, ceilings or improvised flat surfaces, so that everyone can share the fun without the need to huddle around smartphone or pad-sized screens. GALAXY Beam’s ultra-bright 15 lumens projector allows users to freely share life’s memorable moments instantly and in crisp clarity, even in outdoor environments.

“GALAXY Beam provides mobile freedom, enabling a unique shared experience around digital content for everyone—anywhere and instantly—from a smartphone as slim and portable as any on the market,” saidJK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

“GALAXY Beam is a device borne out of Samsung’s insight and innovation, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to providing extraordinary experiences for consumers with products that let them express and fulfill themselves.”

Video clips, maps, business information, games – a whole range of multimedia content can be beamed instantly by GALAXY Beam on a crisp, high-definition projection up to 50’’ wide. The device features a projector-dedicated application which makes it easy to select content and activate projection in a few simple steps.

Add a dose of ambience or entertainment to a friends’ gathering by transforming any household room or outdoor deck into an instant mini home-theater, projecting full-screen video clips on a ceiling or wall for common sharing, at the touch of a button. Or capture your favorite holiday moments using the GALAXY Beam’s 5MP camera, then display a full photo slideshow to family members on a dining room wall while playing accompanying music straight from the device, so that everyone shares the experience.

For young users who depend on constant, immediate socializing of digital content and entertainment, GALAXY Beam introduces a new way of sharing. It becomes much more than a phone—a handy digital tool, deployable anywhere, which can add visual entertainment to a simple street gathering, set the mood for a small party, or simply turn life’s moments into something personally and immediately sharable. With GALAXY Beam, a birthday or anniversary party can be enlivened in seconds by sharing YouTube or Hulu music videos straight onto a ceiling or door. Likewise, students can collectively share videos or study-work in any dormitory room or student lounge, turning group study into a whole new interactive experience right from a desk table or from the palm of their hands. GALAXY Beam is also ideal for action-packed interactive gaming: Users can upload their own games or choose from over 1,000 games available via Game Hub, Samsung’s dedicated virtual gaming store, then project games to co-players or observers to turn gaming into an unbeatably interactive, shared experience. Additionally, GALAXY Beam is convenient tool for mid-sized business workers. An estate agent can beam images of candidate properties to customers as they tour them; or an architect can display draft concepts or designs to co-workers on the spot at a building site or public location.

Despite featuring a full built-in projector, the GALAXY Beam does not compromise on style or portability, measuring just 12.5mm thick and featuring an elegant, ergonomic design. It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread which is powered by an impressive 1.0GHz dual-core processor, ensuring great versatility and a highly responsive user interface. An impressive 8GB of internal memory allows ample multimedia storage without compromises, and a powerful 2000 mAh battery ensures greater display power and content freedom.

The GALAXY Beam is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com.

Samsung GALAXY Beam Product Specifications

Network	HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
OS	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Display	4.0” 480×800 (WVGA) TFT
Processor	1.0GHz Dual-Core Processor
Camera	5MP AF + 1.3MP / Flash
Video	MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, DivX Recording/Playback: 720p@30fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA
Connectivity	BT 3.0+HS, 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, MicroUSB, USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear Jack
PC Applications	Samsung Kies 2.0
Memory	6GB RAM + 8GB Internal Memory, MicroSD slot (up to 32GB)
Dimension	64.2 x 124 x 12.5mm, 145.3 g
Battery	2000 mAh

* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) announced at Mobile World Congress

Nick Gray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:44:34 +0000

Only a week after unveiling the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7), Samsung has now announced the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1). The new Android 4.0 tablet features a 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 LCD display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of internal storage, 3 megapixel rear-facing camera, 1.3 megapixel front camera, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, microSD card slot, and WiFi connectivity. Samsung will also be offering a 3G variant of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) with quad-band HSPA+ support.

Based on these specs, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) will not feature the more advanced specifications which Taylor detailed late last month. Fortunately, we’re still expecting Samsung to release another Android powered tablet which should join the Samsung Galaxy Note family.

Pricing and launch details for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) have not been made available by Samsung. Since this new tablet will be a direct replacement for last year’s Galaxy Tab 10.1, we suspect it will be arriving in stores in late Q2 with prices starting around $450 for a base 16GB Wifi model.

Gallery

What do you think of the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1)? Do the tech improvements warrant an upgrade from the original or are you still holding out to see if the Galaxy Note tablet ever materializes?

Show Press Release

Samsung’s new GALAXY Tab 2 series offers optimal multimedia experiences in life

February 26, 2012

Samsung introduces its first line-up of tablets for 2012 with the launch of the GALAXY Tab 2 series, expanding the choice of tablets to customers. The GALAXY Tab 2 series includes a 7″ version and a 10.1″ version. Starting from UK, the GALAXY Tab 2 series will be launched in global market from March.

The GALAXY Tab 2 series is available in 3G and WiFi versions, as well as in 7″ and 10.1″ variants. Light and portable, the GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) is the ideal personal on-the-go device; while the larger GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) is well-suited for home and family use.

The GALAXY Tab 2 series is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visitwww.samsungmobilepress.com.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) Product Specifications

Network: HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
Processor: 1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
Display: 10.1″ WXGA(1280×800) PLS TFT
OS: Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera: Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera, Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call
Video: Codec: MPEG4, H.264. H.263, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8
Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM
Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps
Audio: Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG
Music Player with SoundAlive

3.5mm Ear Jack
Value-added Features
Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel
Samsung Apps
Samsung Hub
- Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung Hub Widget＊
- Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung S Suggest＊ (App recommendation service)
Samsung ChatON mobile communication servicea
Samsung AllShare Play
Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air
GoogleTM Mobile Services
- Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™,
Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋
Polaris document editor
A-GPS, Glonass
Connectivity
Bluetooth technology v 3.0
USB 2.0 Host
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Sensor
Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light
Memory
16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM)
microSD (up to 32GB)
Dimension
256.6 x 175.3 x 9.7 mm , 588g
Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 7,000 mAh

HTC leads all brands in pre Mobile World Congress buzz

Taylor Wimberly — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:47:57 +0000

Mobile World Congress is just days away in Barcelona, and Android fans are already going crazy thinking about which devices might get unveiled. There are always surprises, but thanks to leaks and rumors, we have a pretty good idea of what will be announced. And when we surveyed the field early this month, HTC appeared to have the strongest lineup.

I predicted that the HTC One X (aka Edge aka Endeavor) would be named the device of the show. Recent reports show that the greater web agrees. Social media number cruncher Anltyk has been tracking the MWC buzz on Twitter and found that HTC was the most talked about brand last week, overtaking the larger Samsung.

In the last week we learned about HTC’s new naming structure, which includes the One X, One S, One V and One XL. We don’t know what the letters stand for yet, but we have speculated that X is xtreme performance, S is slim, V is value, and XL is the xtra-large display for a tablet.

We also discovered the full HTC One X specs, got another glimpse at Sense UI 4.0, and heard rumors of a streaming Beats music service and possible PlayStation certification.

HTC recently experienced some slowdown last quarter, but they announced a new group within the company called HTC Studio that reports directly to CEO Peter Chou. This team will be tasked with developing “key products” that will help HTC regain their edge.

Overall, it looks like HTC is back on the right path to growth. I think the idea of fewer models will help HTC regain their focus and make sure that each product gets their best effort. HTC still has a strong following among the hardcore nerds (see our Android Bowl results), and I think many customers that left for Samsung would return if HTC produces a compelling device.

HTC’s press event takes place this Sunday, and we will be on hand to see if they can deliver. Do you think HTC will live up to the hype we all created?