Monday, January 7, 2013

Android Authority

Android Authority


Tegra 4: the tech specs

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 01:14 AM PST

CES2013 - Nvidia Tegra 4 (7)_600px

The new Tegra 4 System on a Chip was just unveiled in Las Vegas, and we have the full rundown here. Along with the new SoC, Nvidia's boss Jen-Hsun Huang also touted the Icera i500 baseband chip, a reprogrammable LTE chip that will run Tegra 4 devices run on a multitude of LTE networks, and the Shield, Nvidia's first gaming handheld.

The biggest news of the night is, however, Tegra 4, a name that we are likely to hear a lot in the next year or so. Although Nvidia didn't supply the full spec sheet for the new Tegra 4, we compiled enough information to make a rather complete picture of the powerful new SoC.

Tegra 4 specs

  • Die-size: 80mm2

CPU

  • Built by TSMC
  • Cortex A15
  • 28nm manufacturing process
  • HPL – low-power with high-K metal gate
  • Quad-core + companion core
  • The four "power" cores will run at maximum 1.9Ghz
  • Companion core will run at smaller frequencies and power, but is still a Cortex A15
  • Companion core will not be visible to OS

CES2013 - Nvidia Tegra 4 (5)

GPU

  • 72 cores
  • 20x the performance of Tegra 2, 6x over Tegra 3
  • Shaders are not unified
  • Direct3D 11 and OpenGL 4.0

Tegra 4 icera i500 die shot

Memory

  • Dual channel
  • DDR3L, LP DDR2, LP DDR3

Video

  • Full 1440p
  • VP8 acceleration
  • 2560 x 1440 encode/decode

Display

  • 2560 x 1600 24b
  • 1080 @ 120Hz
  • 4K recording
  • DSI 8 Lanes
  • High-speed HDMI
  • Dual display

CES2013 - Nvidia Tegra 4 (12)

Imaging

  • Super speed imaging: >350MP/sec

IO

  • USB 3.0
  • UART, SDIO, I2S, I2C
  • Designed for phones, smartphones, laptops
  • dual-display output over HDMI

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Google resumes Nexus 4 shipments in Canada

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 01:01 AM PST

LG Nexus 4

If you're one of the lucky few who managed to order to Nexus 4 when it briefly returned to Google Play in Canada on December 3, you may have been told to wait 6-7 weeks for the handset to arrive. Defying all odds, it looks like Google is able to move up the delivery date.

As reported by the folks at Mobile Syrup, shipping notifications have been sent out to Canadian customers who purchased the Nexus 4 back in December, with many confirming that they have received the flagship phone early.

Nexus-4-shipment

In case you're wondering, the Nexus 4 is still listed as "Sold out" in the Play Store, as is the Nexus 10 slate. Planning to do something about it soon, Google?

It's worth checking your inbox for the shipment notification e-mail from the Nexus maker. Let us know if you have some good news to share by leaving your comments below.

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Lenovo to announce the K5 at CES: 5.5″ 1080p display, dual core Intel inside

Posted: 07 Jan 2013 12:21 AM PST

Intel has spent the last few years trying to make a chip small enough to fit inside a smartphone. They’re a company that’s used to making chips for full blown computers, so their task wasn’t an easy one. When the single core Atom packing Motorola RAZR i was announced last September, we were impressed with it, but after some extensive testing we found it rather difficult to call a “great” device.

According to the Chinese website Zol, 2013 is going to be the year Intel finally shakes up the mobile space. Lenovo is going to announce a flagship phone at CES called the Z5 that’s said to pack a dual core Intel chip, 5.5 inch 1080p display, 13 megapixel camera, 2 GB of RAM, and a 3,500 mAh battery. The Z5 is going to run Android 4.2, but before you ask, no, we have no idea when it’s going to come out and how much it’s going to cost.

Truth be told, until Samsung or Apple start using Intel chips in their devices, then Intel isn’t going to have that much of an impact in places like Europe or the United States. Apple makes their own A-series processor, and Samsung has Exynos. The devices that don’t have either of those chips typically use a Qualcomm solution.

We want Intel to do their best and compete with the big boys, but let’s be serious, Apple is never going to put a chip in the iPhone that wasn’t designed by them, and Samsung has all these factories that they need to put to good use, hence the Exynos brand.

Expect to hear more about the Z5 and Intel’s new dual core chip for smartphones today at 16:00 Eastern Standard Time. That’s when Intel holds their press conference. Here’s hoping Google, via the Motorola handset unit, uses Intel’s chip to be different and deliver something incredible.

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Screenshots of what’s supposedly HTC Sense 5 hit the internet; looks classy

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 11:47 PM PST

Different people have different opinions when it comes to Android modifications done by hardware vendors. This writer hates them and will not stop bashing them until they’re banned, but the majority of folks are far less hostile. In fact, most people don’t care since they don’t know any better. They’ve never owned a stock device, so they have no basis for comparison.

But enough philosophy, today’s news has to do with what are allegedly two screenshots showing off HTC Sense 5. One shows the dialer, another shows the QWERTY keyboard. Both look rather muted and far less flashy than the current version of Sense. Anyone who has ever picked up an HTC device recently knows that the Taiwanese company’s color palette of green and black is a bit jarring at first glance.

So now for the important question: When are we going to see HTC Sense 5? We’d like to say next month at Mobile World Congress, but we’re not so sure. The version bump from Sense 4+ to Sense 5 makes us think that HTC is holding off this user interface until Google announces the next version of Android. We think that’s going to happen at Google I/O in May, but again, we’re not really sure about that.

Will we start recommending HTC devices over Samsung devices if this new version of Sense actually ends up delivering useful features? Maybe, it’s too early to tell at this point. 2011 was all about the Sensation versus the Galaxy S2, and we all know who won that war. 2011 was the One X versus the Galaxy S3, and while the One X was considered by many to be a highly qualified competitor, it was the GS3 that ended up in more people’s hands.

What will 2013 look like? We’re waiting to hear more about codename “M7″, which is supposed to be HTC’s Butterfly/DNA on steroids, and of course the GS4.

Funny how history repeats itself, right?

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Nvidia introduces Tegra 4, here’s what you should know

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 11:31 PM PST

CES2013 - Nvidia Tegra 4 (17)_600px

Today in Las Vegas, Nvidia lifted the veil on the latest generation of its Tegra line of systems on a chip. Previously codenamed Wayne (as in Bruce Wayne, the superhero), the new Tegra 4 SoC brings a bevy of improvements over its predecessor, and is according to its maker, the "world's fastest mobile processor". Chip geeks will have time to analyze this claim once the first benchmarks are out, but till then let's focus on the new features that Tegra 4 brings to the mobile SoC table. (For the full tech specs, head over here.)

New GPU and quad-core A15 CPU

The engine of any SoC is the CPU. In Tegra 4, Nvidia one-upped competitors like Qualcomm and Samsung by delivering the first quad-core CPU based on ARM's A15 architecture. Some might take issue with this statement, given that Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 Pro chips are marketed as A15-class, but we'll discuss these technical subtleties later.

The CPU in Tegra 4 is built on the same 4+1 design we've seen in Tegra 3, with the 5th core being the companion, low-power core used for applications where energy efficiency is more desirable than computational power. Nvidia didn't reveal any clock speeds or even on what process is the new CPU built, but rumors suggest it's a 28nm chip (Tegra 3 was built on 40nm) running at 1.9GHz.

The GPU in Tegra 4 is supposedly six times more powerful than the graphics processor in last year's Tegra 3, thanks to the 72 GeForce cores that make it tick.

At the launch event, Nvidia showed off a comparison between a Nexus 10 (powered by Samsung's Exynos 5250 chip, a dual-core A15 design) and a tablet equipped with the new Tegra 4. Naturally, Nvidia's chip won hands-down, being the first to load a number of websites.

nvidia game real boxing tegra 4

This screenshot from Real Boxing 2013 shows Tegra 4′s gaming prowess

Worldwide LTE

Tegra 3 was seriously hampered by the lack of an integrated LTE baseband chip. So, while the chip did score a number of wins in devices where LTE wasn't essential (international One X, Nexus 7, Surface, etc.), most high-end smartphones destined for the huge North American market came with LTE-enabled  Qualcomm processors.

Nvidia hopes to change the status quo with the Tegra 4, which comes with an optional LTE chipset, the Icera i500. This 5th generation Icera modem is smaller and more efficient than previous iterations, and Nvidia promises worldwide LTE voice and data compatibility. But the Icera i500 is not integrated in the SoC, meaning that there still could be efficiency issues. We'll have to wait for more details on this.

The Icera i500 is a soft modem, meaning that it can be reprogrammed via software to work with different LTE networks. Given the cacophony of often incompatible LTE implementations around the world, the reprogramability of the Tegra 4 should ensure fast, worldwide device rollouts. The modem is capable of 1.2 trillion operations per second.

Tegra 4 icera i500 die shot

Die shot: Tegra 4 and Icera i500 modem. You can see the 4+1 cores on the Tegra 4 SoC.

Live HDR video

Nvidia touted another neat trick in Tegra 4's playbook – the new Computational Photography Architecture, a technology that harnesses the computing power of the CPU and GPU, along with a new dedicated engine, to enable faster, better high dynamic range (HDR) imaging.

Nvidia demoed a live video with HDR applied in real time, and boasted that Tegra 4 is able to do HDR rendering even in burst shots and with LED flash. All this HDR prowess is enabled by the new CPA technology, which Nvidia claims is 10 times faster than existing technologies.

Devices equipped with Nvidia's Tegra 4 chip will be able to output 4K (ultra HD) video. We can't imagine too many use cases for this trick right now, but I am sure some will disagree.

Check out the press release for more details.

Show full PR text

NVIDIA Introduces World's Fastest Mobile Processor

 

Tegra 4 Features 72 Custom GPU Cores, Quad-Core Cortex-A15 CPU for Superb Performance and Efficiency; LTE Enabled with Optional Chipset

 

 

LAS VEGAS—CES—Jan. 6, 2013—NVIDIA today introduced NVIDIA® Tegra® 4, the world's fastest mobile processor, with record-setting performance and battery life to flawlessly power smartphones and tablets, gaming devices, auto infotainment and navigation systems, and PCs.

 

Tegra 4 offers exceptional graphics processing, with lightning-fast web browsing, stunning visuals and new camera capabilities through computational photography.

 

Previously codenamed "Wayne," Tegra 4 features 72 custom NVIDIA GeForce™ GPU cores – or six times the GPU horsepower of Tegra 3 – which deliver more realistic gaming experiences and higher resolution displays. It includes the first quad-core application of ARM's most advanced CPU core, the Cortex-A15, which delivers 2.6x faster web browsing and breakthrough performance for apps.

 

Tegra 4 also enables worldwide 4G LTE voice and data support through an optional chipset, the fifth-generation NVIDIA Icera® i500 processor. More efficient and 40 percent the size of conventional modems, i500 delivers four times the processing capability of its predecessor.

 

"Tegra 4 provides enormous processing power and efficiency to power smartphones and tablets, gaming devices, auto systems and PCs," said Phil Carmack, senior vice president of the Tegra business at NVIDIA. "Its new capabilities, particularly in the area of computational photography, will help improve a whole range of existing products and lead to the creation of exciting new ones."


Computational Photography Capability

Among the Tegra 4 processor's breakthroughs is its Computational Photography Architecture, which automatically delivers high dynamic range (HDR) photos and video by fusing together the processing power of the GPU, CPU and the camera's image-signal processor.

 

Its HDR capability captures images, including those taken with a flash, the way they are seen by the human eye – with detail in both bright and dark areas.

 

Unprecedented Power Efficiency

Designed for maximum energy efficiency, Tegra 4 includes a second-generation battery saver core for low power during standard use, and PRISM 2 Display technology to reduce backlight power while delivering superior visuals.

 

Tegra 4 consumes up to 45 percent less power than its predecessor, Tegra 3, in common use cases. And it enables up to 14 hours of HD video playback on phones.

 

Tegra 4 Key Features

  • - GeForce GPU with 72 custom cores
  • - Quad-core ARM Cortex-A15 CPU, plus a 2nd Generation Battery Saver Core
  • - Computational Photography Architecture
  • - LTE capability with optional Icera i500 chipset
  • - 4K ultra-high-def video support

Useful Links
www.nvidia.com/tegra
www.tegrazone.com

 

Tags/Keywords
NVIDIA, Tegra, tablet, smartphone, mobile, quad core, gaming, GPU, CPU, GeForce, ARM, Cortex-A15, LTE, photo, HDR

 

About NVIDIA
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) awakened the world to computer graphics when it invented the GPU in 1999. Today, its processors power a broad range of products from smartphones to supercomputers. NVIDIA's mobile processors are used in cell phones, tablets and auto infotainment systems. PC gamers rely on GPUs to enjoy spectacularly immersive worlds. Professionals use them to create 3D graphics and visual effects in movies and to design everything from golf clubs to jumbo jets. And researchers utilize GPUs to advance the frontiers of science with high performance computing. The company has more than 5,000 patents issued, allowed or filed, including ones covering ideas essential to modern computing. For more information, see www.nvidia.com.

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Sony promises something “extraordinary” for its CES 2013 lineup

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 11:09 PM PST

Sony-CES-2013-teaser

Guess who's planning to bring the house down at CES 2013? It's none other than Sony Mobile, which has sent a teaser e-mail just before the start of the trade show.

Given the nature of such invitation, it's to be expected that it doesn't contain all the gory details to get you truly excited. However, we have a pretty good idea of what the Japanese giant is planning to introduce at the annual tech event.

Sony Xperia

Prepare to meet the Sony Xperia Z and possibly the Xperia ZL as well, two phones that have been lounging around on Sony's website since the start of the New Year. Although press shots of the new Xperias have surfaced online, the super specs haven't been confirmed yet.

According to the rumor mill, both the Xperia Z and ZL will sport a 1080p display, a quad-core CPU, Adreno GPU, 2GB of RAM, and a 13MP main camera. The mystery is about to be cracked pretty soon. Stay tuned!

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Sony Xperia Z spotted on the CES show floor, due to be announced later today

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 11:04 PM PST

Sony is going to hold a press conference at CES later today, but that’s still not stopping the internet from leaking the company’s devices! According to one of Engadget’s sources who shall remain nameless, what you’re looking at below is the Xperia Z. It’s rumored to have a 5 inch 1080p screen, quad core processor, and all the other goodies you’d come to expect from such a high end device.

We only have two questions about this handset. One, when is it going to hit store shelves? It’s one thing to announce a smartphone, but it’s something completely different to actually ship it. HTC’s 1080p packing Butterfly/DNA is already out, so we know it’s possible to make 1080p devices. And as for the second question, it’s about the price tag. How much will the Xperia Z cost and will it be comparable to the other 1080p devices on the market?

Speaking about the other 1080p devices, we’d like to remind you that there’s a rumor floating around that says LG is going to announce their own 5.5 inch 1080p phone at CES. There’s also the Huawei Ascend D2, but knowing Huawei’s track record, it’s going to take at least half a year to be available.

Keep you’re eyes peeled, we’re here at CES and will bring you more details as we get them.

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Nvidia drops first bomb of CES 2013 with new handheld gaming system called Project Shield

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 10:29 PM PST

Project Shield
CES 2013 has been underway for less than a day and there are already products being announced that will change how we look at technology. For a long time Android enthusiasts have been wondering how long it would take for Android devices to catch up to current gaming consoles. Nvidia had a presentation tonight to let us all know that Android devices have finally caught up. Then they announced Project Shield.

Project Shield, otherwise known as the first awesome bomb dropped on CES 2013 this year, is a handheld gaming device powered by the Tegra 4. It will not only play every Android game out there, but it is also capable of playing console games. We’re not talking cheap console games like Magic: The Gathering. We’re talking big titles, like Assassin’s Creed III.

The specs for Project Shield include a 5 inch, 720p, multi touch display with a Tegra 4 processor. It also includes a slot for Micro SD expansion. It will run vanilla Android as well, so no annoying or bloated skins to deal with. It’ll come with the Google Play Store and Gmail.

Seems pretty awesome, but what makes Project Shield great?

The best feature, and the one we’re sure will be most talked about in coming months, is the capacity to stream games from the PC. So you have a game on your PC you want to play, you can play it on Project Shield no problem. Want more? Okay, Project Shield comes with not one, but two ways of bringing that content to your TV. You can stream it from your computer to Project Shield and use the HDMI out port included to put it on your TV. Or, if it supports it, you can also stream to your TV wirelessly. The cherry on top? Nvidia has confirmed that it supports Steam games. So it will be possible to use this to play Steam games on your TV.

We know what you’re thinking and we agree. Just take our money, Nvidia! Who’s going to get one of these when they come out? Also, check back here as we add additional video and photos of Project Shield.

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Huawei books a spot for 5-inch Ascend D2 at CES 2013

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 09:30 PM PST

Huawei-Ascend-D2-CES

Ever since the Ascend 2 was unveiled in China last October, there's hope that Huawei would bring its 5-inch 1080p flagship phone to America. What better way to introduce the phone than to showcase it at one of the world’s biggest tech shows?

We've reported that alongside other 5-inchers from competing phone makers, we'd see the Huawei Ascend D2 at CES 2013. The spotted billboards — at least two of them — confirm that the Ascend D2 will be the main course on Huawei's menu.

The Ascend D2 is expected to sport a 5-inch full HD "edge-to-edge" display, a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, a 13MP rear camera, and a 3,000mAh battery. Quite an impressive sheet of specs from a manufacturer that's more known for its low- to mid-end offerings.

Hopefully, we'll hear more of the phone's release date and pricing, as well as other juicy details. Don't miss our coverage of the event, where we’ll be reporting live throughout the day!

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We’re live at NVIDIA’s CES 2013 Event!

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 07:28 PM PST

ces2012-nvidia-asus-3

Lovers of mobile technology, lend me your ears, your eyes, and your hopes and ambitions for the future of mobile technology.

While everyone on the mobile scene knows that Qualcomm really heated things up towards the end of 2012 with their S4 Pro, many are hoping that NVIDIA is going to drop a bomb on everyone that will really shake up the mobile performance race.

What does NVIDIA have in store? 

What does the future hold? What will NVIDIA unveil tonight? You’ll find out starting at 8pm PST! And, as always, we’re here, live in Las Vegas, to offer you an insider’s perspective on what to expect for 2013!

Watch live video from nvidiaofficial on www.twitch.tv

Check out our liveblog below! Feel free to ask us any questions, and to let us know what to look for, here at the event, and at CES 2013!

Live Blog!

Thanks guys! Remember, we do this for you, so let us know what you want us to cover and scour for at CES 2013!

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Android and Me

Android and Me


Tune into NVIDIA’s CES 2013 live press conference tonight at 8PM PT / 11PM ET

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 05:02 PM PST

Want a sneak peek at the newest mobile processor to power your next smartphone and tablet? Tonight NVIDIA is holding their CES press conference and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang is widely expected to unveil the highly anticipated Tegra 4 chip. Recent leaks suggest we will see the world’s first mobile...

Visit our site to read the full article.

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums


Samsung Announces NFC-Enabled Portable Wireless Speaker As Part Of New Digital Audio Line-Up

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 02:03 PM PST

Samsung’s new portable Bluetooth speaker, model DA-F60, includes apt-X codec support and NFC pairing. Samsung has already made the simplicity of tapping to share, via S Beam, a big deal in their funny/naughty commercials. Now they’re using NFC to simplify Bluetooth pairing (which, if you hear my in-laws tell it, is nearly impossible). The apt-X codec, supported by only a handful of handsets including Samsung’s own Galaxy S III and Note II, boosts the dynamic range of streaming audio. We should get more details, hopefully to include pricing, at CES. Follow our CES 2013 coverage here.

Press Release after break

LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the expansion of its digital audio line-up with new devices that easily turn any home entertainment setup into an optimal sound environment. The company's 2013 AV products feature a number of wireless connectivity enhancements, including the industry's first soundbar that can connect with a TV using wireless Bluetooth technology.

"With the advances in picture displays, consumers also need to be able to complement their viewing experience with high quality home theater products"

Products highlights include:

  • Samsung's Vacuum Tube Soundbar (model HW-F750) is the first soundbar to feature a built-in vacuum tube to maximize sound quality, and is the world's first soundbar that can wirelessly connect with a TV via Bluetooth.
  • Samsung's Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (model DA-F60) brings advanced sound quality with an apt-X codec, while offering the simplicity of Near-Field Communications (NFC) connectivity.
  • Samsung's 7.1 Channel Home Theater System (model HT-F9750W) was created to be the perfect counterpart for Samsung's 2013 TVs, with a Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifier that delivers pure sound, and design and usability features that bring home a totally seamless experience.
  • Samsung's Premium Blu-ray Player (model BD-F7500) features advanced upscaling capabilities, allowing users to experience ordinary SD and HD content in superior resolution.

"With the advances in picture displays, consumers also need to be able to complement their viewing experience with high quality home theater products," said Sunny Lee, Executive Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "Today's product introductions prove that consumers can enjoy premium sound and cutting-edge design without sacrificing convenience, simplicity or ease of use."

As testament to Samsung's leadership in innovation, design and engineering, the Samsung HW-F750 Soundbar and Samsung BD-F7500 Smart Blu-ray Player have each been awarded a 2013 CES Innovation Award. The new line of home theater products will be on display at Samsung's booth, located at #12004 in the Central Hall at the 2013 International CES, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) from January 8-11, 2013.

Warmer, immersive sounds without hassle or distortion

Samsung's Vacuum Tube Soundbar (model HW-F750) resolves consumers' desire for pure power and warm, natural sound by integrating a vacuum tube amplifier into a soundbar for the first time.

Additionally, the HW-750 offers the ultimate in convenience with its SoundShare function, which enables users to wirelessly connect the soundbar to a TV via Bluetooth. Meanwhile, the product's gyroscope sensor gauges height, rotation and slope to optimize sound quality, whether the soundbar is placed in a horizontal or vertical position. Combined, these features virtually eliminate restrictions on where consumers can place the HW-750 in their homes.

Adding to the product's ease of use, users can activate the new AirtrackON function, which automatically powers on the soundbar when the TV is turned on, and allows users to control the HW-F750 with a TV remote control. The HW-F750 sports a slim design and separate, wireless subwoofer, making it an ideal companion for the premium design of any Samsung Smart TV. With its stylish, metal design, the product combines the best that vintage and modern technologies have to offer.

The ultimate in portable wireless sound

Samsung's Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (model DA-F60) offers sound quality and simplicity, whether consumers are at home or on the go. The speaker's integrated Near-Field Communications (NFC) connectivity makes it easy for consumers to pair the speaker with other NFC devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, by simply tapping the two devices together. Additionally, support for Samsung's SoundShare feature means users can employ the DA-F60 as a TV speaker using wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

The DA-F60 incorporates neodymium magnets and a passive radiator to produce results typically found in high-end Hi-Fi audio systems, including tuned low-frequency reproduction and virtually no distortion even at high volumes. Users will also enjoy improved performance and a high-quality experience with the built in apt-X codec technology, which boosts the Bluetooth speaker's extensive dynamic range, particularly at the top end.

Weighing only three pounds, the Samsung DA-F60 is an ideal audio companion that combines both fidelity and portability to reproduce full-range audio outside the home.

A superb combination of the highest quality audio and picture

Samsung's 7.1 Channel Home Theater System (model HT-F9750W) was created to be the perfect counterpart for a Samsung 2013 TV, with design and usability that bring home a totally seamless experience. The new TV Sound On feature allows users to instantly activate the system's 1,330-watt sound while muting the internal TV speaker with a single click of the remote control. This flagship HTS incorporates Samsung's proprietary vacuum tube and digital amplifier, as well as the latest in Smart TV features to create the best entertainment experience available.

For a larger-than-life experience comparable to that of a movie theater, the HT-F9750W offers the multi-dimensional sound of a swivel speaker, coupled with a new DTS® Neo fusion codec – exclusive to Samsung – that further enhances vertical sound to deliver unprecedented sound quality to the home. A Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifier can handle a sound range beyond the typical audible frequency range. Paired with a vacuum tube pre-amplifier, consumers will enjoy true, natural sound with minimal distortion. A Ceramic Polypropylene Injection Diaphragm (CPID) speaker expands sound resolution so every note is distinct.

The exceptional picture quality of the HT-F9750W is immediately noticeable, even on the Ultra-High Definition (UHD) TV sets coming to market in 2013. Samsung's 4K Scaler Processor generates true-to-life pictures with vivid colors, and also upscales high-definition content to UHD-level picture quality.

The Blu-ray component of the HT-F9750W can run multiple apps simultaneously, and also offers Samsung's latest Smart Hub® and AllShare® features. This 1,330-watt system is an excellent addition for any audiophile looking for the finest home entertainment experience.

Enhanced picture performance and speed

Samsung's Premium Blu-ray Player (model BD-F7500) enhances the joy of watching your favorite movies by transforming ordinary SD and HD content into a superior resolution, such as that delivered by Ultra High Definition (UHD)-supported televisions. This slim player offers a dual-core processor and Samsung's Smart TV technologies including Smart Hub® and AllShare®, so that users can enjoy unparalleled picture performance through an intuitive, streamlined user interface.

The BD-F7500 is an aesthetic study in black and silver, simultaneously modern, yet classic. Its minimalist high-gloss black finish contrasts with the unit's aluminum trim, and complements the same design qualities found on many high-end flat-panel displays that feature black lacquered finishes set off by silver bezels.

The BD-F7500's video processor includes a proprietary Samsung algorithm that improves the visual quality of block-based low bit-rate coded images and reduces blocking artifacts. This feature is especially important for maximizing the visual quality of content streamed from the Internet, as well as improving the quality of picture sharpness. Furthermore, the unit's 900MHz x 2 high-performance dual-core chipset boosts the unit's image processing capacity so consumers can enjoy the highest picture quality and the fastest web-browsing speed.

Please visit our booth to experience this future technology first-hand. Samsung’s product line will be displayed January 8-11 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Full details, video content and product images are available at the Samsung microsite at: www.samsungces.com or mobile site at: m.samsungces.com as well.

The Samsung press conference and Samsung Tomorrow TV CES 2013 Specials will be streamed live on the Samsung Tomorrow blog at: global.samsungtomorrow.com and Samsung’s microsite site also. After the live presentations, videos will be available at http://youtube.com/SamsungTomorrow.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in consumer electronics and the core components that go into them. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 227,000 people across 75 countries with annual sales exceeding US$143 billion. Our goal is opening new possibilities for people everywhere. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

 

 


Gameplay Videos To Satisfy Your OUYA Curiosity

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 12:59 PM PST

OUYA, the Android gaming console, is a relatively low-budget, yet intriguing approach to console gaming. In the minds of many in the Android community, it’s been high on promise but low on substance. Fortunately, we’re starting to see examples of actual gameplay on the device. The gaming site, Game Fans has put together a collection of videos showing some classics on the OUYA.

Checkout the N64 emulator, Street Fighter 2 Torbo and Sonic 4 on the OUYA. Hit the source for more videos.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: Game Fans
Via: Phandroid


Belkin Launches Its WeMo Light Switch For Android Users, Intent On Bringing Awesome Home Automation To All By Summer 2013

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 12:48 PM PST

 

We here at Talk Android love when we can use our Android devices to control items in our homes and Belkin has delivered in a big way by introducing its new WeMo Light Switch— aiming to help home automation just a little bit easier for all. The specialized light switch is basically a WiFi-controlled unit which replaces an existing light switch and connects into your home’s existing electrical wiring—- allowing users to control all aspects of lighting, right from the comfort of their Android devices. Additionally, users can control the lighting in their homes from anywhere at anytime or even make a set of schedules of when to turn on/off the lights.

While the WeMo Light Switch will be on full display at CES 2013 this week, it will be a while before Android users can get their hands on the puppy. Belkin pledges the WeMo Light Switch and app will be available for all Android users by this summer for Android devices operating on Ice Cream Sandwich and above.

While we wait to see this nifty little gadget in person, why not hit past the break to see the full presser?

WeMo Light Switch and Android Availability to Launch in 2013

Las Vegas – January 6, 2013 – Building on the success of its WeMo launch in 2012, Belkin today announced two new developments to the WeMo brand of simple, ingenious home control products, the WeMo Light Switch and Android compatibility. The WeMo Light Switch, an Internet connected light switch to remotely control wired household lighting from anywhere, will debut at CES Unveiled on January 6 at the Mandalay Bay and will be on display at the 2013 International CES at Belkin’s booth, South Hall #30651, from January 8-11.

“Android compatibility and the ability to control full household lighting – beyond just lamps – have been the top two requests from WeMo fans since we first launched, so we are excited to announce both at the 2013 CES,” said Jamie Elgie, senior director of product management at Belkin. “Both are a natural extension of the WeMo line and help expand on our promise of delivering the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can control and monitor your home from wherever you are, whenever you want.”

The WeMo Light Switch replaces an existing light switch and connects into your home’s existing electrical wiring. Once in place, you can turn a full bank of lights on and off from anywhere, put them on a schedule, or use other WeMo or online triggers to control them through a smartphone or tablet. The WeMo Light Switch is controlled via the same free WeMo app as the WeMo Switch and Motion, conveniently keeping track of all of your WeMo-enabled devices from one app.

WeMo Light Switch

  • Controls your homes wired lights from your iOS device
  • Works with any Wi-Fi router and any Apple iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad with iOS v5 or higher
  • Will be compatible with Android 4.0 or higher shortly after launch
  • Operates over Wi-Fi and mobile internet, at home and away
  • Works with the free WeMo app

Aside from growing the WeMo product family in 2013, Belkin also will launch compatibility for Android devices later this year. As the market share for Android continues to grow and more consumers demand it, expanding WeMo capabilities to Android devices is a necessary step for the continued success and evolution of the WeMo brand. In February, Belkin will launch an open Beta test for users of the Samsung Galaxy SIII and other leading devices and follow with an official launch for the WeMo Switch, WeMo Motion and WeMo Light Switch in the summer.

Availability
The WeMo Light Switch will be available in summer 2013 and will feature Android compatibility at or shortly after launch. Compatibility with Android 4.0 or higher for current WeMo products including the WeMo Switch and WeMo Motion will launch this summer as well. To sign up for more information or alerts about WeMo, please visit www.Belkin.com/WeMo.

Belkin at CES
Visit Belkin at the 2013 International CES in booth #30651 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To schedule a booth tour or an appointment with a Belkin media representative, please call Rachel Jones-Pittier of Formula PR at 310-906-6416.

About Belkin International, Inc.
To learn more about Belkin, visit http://www.belkin.com/aboutus. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/belkin, and follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/belkin.


Facebook’s Mobile User Count Reveals Android And iOS Users Are Neck And Neck… But Android Is Growing At A Faster Rate

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 12:30 PM PST

 

It’s no secret that more and more users of mobile devices prefer Android over everything else, but it also appears that more of us use Facebook on our devices compared to well… everyone else. I know you’re all slightly perplexed at where I am going, so let me explain— the Facebook app is no doubt a mainstay on mobile devices everywhere… regardless of what mobile OS the app is on. However— it appears there are more Facebook for Android users than Facebook for iPhone users. In fact– research indicates Facebook's Android user count is growing much faster than its iPhone user base, despite the Facebook app being found on a lower percentage of Android devices. Through some raw data compiled by Benedict Evans, data shows that since September 2011, Facebook for Android had a 66 million monthly active user count (MAU) and Facebook for iPhone had a 91 million MAU. Moving to November 2012, Android had grown to a 192.8 million MAU while iPhone only had a 147.2 million MAU. The data shows that Facebook’s Android users helped Facebook reach a total of 604 million mobile users by the end of Q3 2012, which is tremendous.

As exciting as the findings are, there are some things to note. While there are more Facebook Android users than iPhone users, there are more Facebook iOS users overall when the iPad user base is taken into account. As it stands, there is a 48 million MAU for iPad users, which brings the total to 195.2 million MAU, just slightly more than the overall Android user base. In addition, the study could not take into account the integration that may not have been taken advantage of with iOS6 users, so the number could very well dwarf the number of Android users.

Still, the fact that Android users are not only adopting Facebook mobile at a faster rate, but are also contributing Facebook’s overall growth is certainly nothing to sneeze at. It will be interesting to see how the numbers grow as Facebook continues to get better and better for the Android platform.

source: TechCrunch


Samsung to test the waters with Tizen OS in 2013

Posted: 05 Jan 2013 08:49 PM PST

Samsung and Android go together like peanut butter and jelly. Android wouldn’t have gained so much market dominance without Samsung’s Galaxy line, and that Galaxy lineup wouldn’t exist without Android. Surely these two would enjoy a long, peaceful relationship for the foreseeable future, right? Maybe not. Samsung is reportedly looking at launching several phones running Tizen instead of Android in 2013. Now, this isn’t weird for Samsung, as they do have other phones running Bada, although they don’t have the success Android does, but if Tizen does well enough in its initial Eastern launch, don’t be surprised to see Samsung slowly bring a few devices across the sea.

Samsung is understandably in a position where it really needs to make sure it isn’t too dependent on another partner, like Google. If Google were to take Android down a path that Samsung didn’t agree with, for instance, it wouldn’t hurt to have a backup plan. This is obviously speculation for something that won’t happen for another several years, so no one should worry about the Galaxy S IV running something other than our beloved Android. But if Samsung did launch a competing OS and app ecosystem, would any of you give it a chance?

source: BGR


Android Central

Android Central


Who won a free phone from Sprint and Android Central? Find out now!

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 03:38 PM PST

Sprint phone winners! With the first week of the new year almost under our belts, it's time to let you all know the names of the lucky people that won the SEVEN phones we teamed up with Sprint to give away!  If your name is listed below, watch your email as I'll be in touch in the near future to get your shipping info. Congratulations to all the winners, enjoy your new phones!

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Leaked renders show new colors for Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 02:19 PM PST

Android Central

We first heard whispers of fresh paint jobs for some of Samsung's 2012 devices a couple of months back. Among them was the Galaxy S3 Mini. The previous rumors from SamMobile said that the new colors for Samsung's 4 inch Galaxy S3 Mini would be landing in December 2012, or early 2013. 

Of course, December has been and gone, but SamMobile is back, this time packing some press renders of the new varieties. In addition to the current white version, it looks like we'll be seeing Onyx Black, Garnet Red and Titanium Gray. All these colors are available on the regular Galaxy S3, and unlike the Galaxy Note 2, it looks like we won't be seeing this one in brown

The Galaxy S3 Mini shares the general look and feel of the Galaxy S3, but in a decidedly lower spec body. It does come with Jelly Bean out of the box though, and now at least it seems like there will be more than just plain old white to choose from. No expected date for these new versions has been mentioned at this time.

Source: SamMobile



Falcon Pro update adds light theme and multi window support

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 01:23 PM PST

Android Central

The Falcon Pro for Twitter updates continue to come thick and fast, as today the developers have pushed another one out the door. The headline new features this time around are a "brand new sexy light theme" -- their words, not ours -- and multi window support on compatible Samsung Galaxy devices such as the Note 2. The light theme won't be for everyone, but multi window is a nice touch if you're rocking a device that has it. 

That's not all though, theres a bunch of other fixes and improvements that reads like this:

  • Better Retweet system, with 3 RT options
  • Better image upload, faster and more stable
  • Better double tap
  • Fixed character count with URL's
  • Fixed new tweet button not appearing on search
  • Fixed the FC on new tweet while on followers list
  • Fixed rotation issue on new DM
  • Little UI changes

Falcon Pro has quickly become one of the favorite Twitter clients around these parts, and the developers of the application are among some of the most pro-active we've seen when it comes to updates and new features. Grab a copy of the latest version for yourselves from the link above. 



Belkin introduces WeMo light switch, control your household lighting from your Android device

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 12:25 PM PST

Android Central

Home automation is the stuff nerdy dreams are made of, and Belkin is today introducing a new device to bring a little part of that to life. The WeMo Light Switch, being displayed at CES in Las Vegas, is a replacement for your standard household light switches with WiFi connectivity. The cool part -- it'll be controllable from your Android device. 

Android Central @ CES The WeMo connectivity means you can turn lights on or off from anywhere, schedule an on/off time, and doesn't require your Android device to be connected to the same WiFi network in order to work. So, you leave the office late, it's dark, and as you pull up on the driveway you can turn on the lights so you don't trip over the dog. OK, not the best example perhaps, but you get the idea. 

Android connectivity has been a much asked for feature of WeMo's existing, iOS compatible only, range of home automation devices. With the arrival of the WeMo Light Switch and the app into the Google Play Store, connectivity with their other devices will be opened up to Android users. An open beta will begin in February for users of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and "other leading devices." The Light Switch will become available this Summer. 

Source: Belkin



HTC One VX review

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 07:45 AM PST

HTC One VX

The HTC One VX looks to be a great (and cheap) way to get an entry-level LTE smartphone on AT&T

This may be one of those rare instances in which we know too much. For those of us who live and breathe smartphones all day long (and that includes many of you out there), it's tough to look at an HTC One phone without seeing the entire line in context. With regards for pecking order, there's the One V. The One S. The One S. (There's also the new One SV in Europe and Asia, and in the U.S. on Cricket.) And now, on AT&T, we have the HTC One VX.

Where the hell does this phone fit in?

To answer that question, you need to take it out of context a little bit. Instead of looking at where it sits in the HTC family, think about where the One VX sits in the AT&T lineup. Things start to make a little more sense in that respect, especially considering that as of this writing, the One VX is exclusive to the U.S. carrier.

As its name might imply (again, to those of us who live and breathe this stuff), and as the spec sheet spells out, the One VX picks and chooses from some of the best features of the other phones in the HTC One line. You can't help but compare it to its older siblings. But it's also important to remember where it stands for AT&T. This phone serves a purpose for AT&T -- filling a hole in its lineup -- more than it does for HTC. And that's OK. Because what we end up with is a really good entry-level phone.

So, with all that said, on to our HTC One VX review.

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From the Editor's Desk: Android Central at CES

Posted: 06 Jan 2013 04:49 AM PST

Phil Nickinson

In case you've been living under a rock the past week or so, CES -- the Consumer Electronics Show -- is this week in Las Vegas. And, yes. We're here. Or we're on our way here. You get the idea.

Android Central @ CES

It's easy to be overwhelmed by CES. The flashing lights. The noises. The jingling of coins from the slots. The gratuitous nudity. And that's just the airport.

So here's an easy primer:

  • This evening: Toshiba and NVIDIA are doing their things. You can probably figure out which is the bigger of the two. We'll be liveblogging, of course.
  • Monday: It's Media Day. That's the one where we really go nuts, with 1,700 sites in close quarters, all liveblogging the same thing at the same time. We'll be doing that, too.
  • Tuesday-Friday: CES actually opens at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

See? That's not that difficult. So how can you keep up with all the Android news at CES? Just keep it glued to AndroidCentral.com/ces. It's that easy.

If you really want to get the behind-the-scenes scoop, though, you need to hop on your favorite social network thingy. Here's who's on the ground for us in Vegas:

And for all your non-Android news, we've got a host of folks from our other sites in town, too. Find them after the break, and get ready for some fun!

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Samsung announces new Bluetooth speaker with NFC and apt-X codec support

Posted: 05 Jan 2013 07:17 PM PST

Samsung Bluetooth Speaker

Samsung has just announced a new set of digital audio equipment, most importantly to us smartphone nerds being a new Bluetooth speaker for pairing with phones and tablets. This newest speaker, model DA-F60, supports both NFC pairing and the apt-X audio codec. This is a not-so-common yet interesting use of NFC, which lets users tap a tablet or phone to the speaker to initiate the bluetooth pairing connection meaning there's no messing around with a manual Bluetooth setup -- pretty neat.

Android Central @ CES

Apt-X, if you're not familiar, is a relatively new audio codec available in some devices that improves the dynamic range and quality of streaming bluetooth audio. The list of supported devices is small but growing -- including the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, the HTC One (X, S, V) line and Motorola RAZR (original, HD, Maxx, i, M) line.

We should see a bit more of the new speaker (and Samsung's other offerings) at CES this week, and hopefully have some time to play around with these new ones. No pricing or availability is out just yet, but we should expect those shortly as well.

Source: Samsung (BusinessWire)