Acer releases Android 3.1 for tablets in Germany

Not many Android-powered tablets at the moment run on Android 3.1, with most of them being on Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Well, that's not too much of a loss, as it does not mean the tablet experience is gimped in any way. After all, Android 3.0 Honeycomb is a tablet-specific operating system, and Google has done quite a good job on it. Acer, however, feels that their German friends deserve nothing but the latest in their overture of rolling out an Android 3.1 update for owners of the Acer Iconia Tab A500.

Representatives from Acer Germany have already left a bunch of comments on Facebook, touting that the rollout will be done in phases from today onwards. If you happen to fall under this special category across the pond, be patient – your update is coming in due time if it hasn't done so already.

As for those of us living Stateside, we're sad to report that no official word has been issued from Acer concerning an update. Still, we don't think this is strong enough a reason to pack up your bags and migrate.
source: Ubergizmo

AMD Hondo chipset might target Windows 8 tablets

Microsoft has cast an eye to the tablet market as well, what with their Windows 8 operating system that is still in the pipeline. So you've got the basic software ready, but what about the hardware? AMD intends to fill these shoes with a new chipset known as Hondo at the moment, where the processor manufacturer claims Hondo is ready to see action by the time Microsoft rolls out their Windows 8 operating system.

Just what will the Hondo chipset offer? For starters, you will be able to enjoy a dual-core processor, targeting a lower "app power" of around 2 watts. With a 40nm processor that will comprise of the Radeon HD 6250 graphics chipset, handling 720p HD video playback ought to be a cinch, coupled with DirectX 11 graphics.

Since it consumes little power, you need not worry about heat issues. Leaked information point towards Hondo samples being sent to hardware partners at the end of this year, with production tipped to happen sometime in Q2 next year.
source: Ubergizmo

South Korea plans to convert all textbooks to digital, swap backpacks for tablets by 2015

Well, that oversized Kindle didn't become the textbook killer Amazon hoped it would be, but at least one country is moving forward with plans to lighten the load on its future generation of Samsung execs. South Korea announced this week that it plans to spend over $2 billion developing digital textbooks, replacing paper in all of its schools by 2015. Students would access paper-free learning materials from a cloud-based system, supplementing traditional content with multimedia on school-supplied tablets. The system would also enable homebound students to catch up on work remotely — they won't be practicing taekwondo on a virtual mat, but could participate in math or reading lessons while away from school, for example. Both programs clearly offer significant advantages for the country's education system, but don't expect to see a similar solution pop up closer to home — with the US population numbering six times that of our ally in the Far East, many of our future leaders could be carrying paper for a long time to come. Finally the future generation won't have to turn hunchback due to the overweight bag.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Leaked AMD roadmap reveals next-gen Fusion tablet chips

Until recently, AMD has kept pretty mum on its tablet plans, with it only officially entering the fray last month. It's clear that the first batch of Z-Series chips, codenamed Desna, are not terribly different from the rest of the Fusion line. However, according to a leaked roadmap, that will all change with its successor — Hondo. Supposedly the next gen of tablet APUs will ditch a number features that aren't essential to burgeoning form factor, including VGA output, PCIe support, and couple of USB pathways. It will also add an “active standby” mode for maintaining connectivity while reducing power draw and cut TDP by about a third. Hondo is expected to enter production in Q2 of next year, and be succeeded by Samara which will feature a new generation graphics core.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Samsung Galaxy Tab Gingerbread Update Begins Rolling Out to Sprint Users

The original Samsung Galaxy Tab might not have the hardware to stack up against the newly released Galaxy Tab 10.1, but thanks to an update rolling out today at least one carrier-branded version of the 7-inch slate will get a fresher build of Android that might restore some of its appeal. It isn't the tablet-specific Honeycomb, but the Android 2.3 update should breath some new life into Samsung's first Android tablet.

Maintenance release EF17 is now going out to Sprint users, with the update expected to reach all owners of their Galaxy Tab within four days. Anyone out there receive their piece of Gingerbread yet?
source: Android Phone

ViewSonic 7x Honeycomb tablet shipping in mid August

We thought that the MediaPad was first 7″ Honeycomb tablet to be released later this year, but now it looks like there are other companies in the running in the race as well. Acer and ViewSonic both have their own offerings on the way - the Acer Iconia Tab A100 and the ViewSonic 7x. The 7x has just been officially announced to have a mid-August release date, while the A100 hasn't got a release date yet. Huawei's MediaPad has been said to be available globally by Q3, so August sounds pretty likely as well, we'll just have to see which one arrives first.

The ViewSonic 7x will pack a 7″ 1024 x 600 Gorilla Glass display, Android 3.2, NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of flash storage, 2-megapixel front facing camera, 5-megapixel rear camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, mini HDMI output, USB 2.0 slot, and will be priced at about $499 for the WiFi-only model.
source: Ubergizmo

Sony teases world with new tablet video

Sony does not want to lose out on the tablet game, as they see a potentially lucrative pie that is growing larger by the day, so getting in quick and ahead of the rest is crucial in carving out a market share for themselves. Well, there are two new videos which surfaced recently (in a series of five, or so it seems) that do not damage their cause, where it brings you to a fantastic world of balls, machines, blue laser beams, and a safari of bleached animal figurines.

It is said that Sony's upcoming tablets will be powered by Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb right out of the box, so that ought to deliver a performance that is dependable at the very least.
source: Ubergizmo

Camangi Taiwan bring its Android 3.1 Mangrove 7 Tablet in Japan

Camangi a Taiwanese based company announced that it will start shipping in Japan later this august its latest Android 3.1 Tablet the Mangrove 7. Announced at 49,800 Yen, the Mangrove 7 comes with Android 3.1, a Tegra 2 Chipset, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory, a 7" screen with a 1024×800 resolution, Micro USB 2.0, WiFi BGN, MicroSD Slot, mini HDMI, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, GPS/AGPS, a 2Mpix Font facing camera and a 5Mpix Rear camera with LED Flash.

This tablet comes with a 1,600mAh battery for a size of 195x122x11.92mm and a weight of 380g.
source: Akihabara News

64GB and 4G HP TouchPads landing in August according to leaked roadmap

According to a purported roadmap image obtained by PreCentral, HP will introduce a new 64GB version of its TouchPad this August alongside a 4G model on AT&T. The 64GB model will apparently offer a “glossy white” finish and could come equipped with a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that's clocked at 1.5GHz. AT&T's 4G TouchPad is expected to come in a black finish and will offer support for the carrier's HSPA+ network, but will maintain the 32GB capacity of the Wi-Fi model that launched last week. While early reports suggested that HP's new 7-inch TouchPad, codenamed “Opal,” would launch in August, PreCentral says the tablet is expected to launch in the fall instead.
source: Boy Genius Report

Sony's new tablet teaser is just as hypnotic as the first

Sony has yet again published another teaser video for their upcoming Honeycomb tablet. And much like last month's spellbinding ad, this sequel features plenty of balls, levers and bizarre figurines moving together in serpentine synergy. If you look closely, you might even spot one of Sony's Honeycomb slates. This is only the second installation in what could very well be a never-ending series — but we'd be OK with that, because these clips make our brains happy.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Business news portal Bloomberg launches tablet version of its Android app

Add another product to the list of tablet-friendly Android apps thanks to Bloomberg, which has just released Bloomberg for Tablet. It's not a specific Android 3.X Honeycomb app, however, with the maker saying it'll actually work on any tablet device with Android 2.1 or higher.

So it's nothing special, just a little more readable and designed to work better in landscape mode compared to the mobile original:

If you're a business-news-loving Android user, Bloomberg for Tablet is up on the Android Market here. At this point we usually make a joke about all our shares going down, but last week was a good week for the Eurodroid portfolio – some managed to stay level.
source: Eurodroid

MSI WindPad 110W

Tablet PC's still seem to get more media mileage these days. Device makers are increasingly coming up with better tablets in a short span of time to get more and more people attracted. MSI certainly has become quite aggressive in this aspect by coming up with a variety of tablets for the market. One recent entries is the MSI WindPad 110W.

The new MSI WindPad 110W will feature an AMD Fusion APU Z011GHz CPU with Radeon HD 6250 graphics. It will also come with a 2GB RAM, a 10″ IPS touchscreen display, 32GB SSD as well as support for HDMI, Bluetooth 3.0 and WiFi connections. The new MSI WindPad 110W is initially set to arrive in the Japanese market this month. It is expected to cost around 60,000 Japanese Yen or around US$744.
source: Gadget.com

Vizio 8″ Android Tablet Bundle is Available for Pre-Order

The new 8″ Android tablet from Vizio is now available for pre-order. The VTAB1008-1 tablet will have the V.I.A. Plus interface on the Android 2.3 platform. It has 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, and a built-in GPS. It has the usual tablet features: capacitive multi-touch touchscreen (1024X768), front-facing camera for video chatting, accelerometer, and 10-hour battery life. It does have a couple of unexpected features. It has three speakers, and the tablet senses its orientation and turns on two of the speakers for stereo sound. It also has an IR blaster and a universal remote control app that lets you control your home theater equipment throughout your house; you can even define a profile for each room. The tablet has 4GB internal memory that can be expanded with microSD cards. The VTAB1008-1 will ship July 18 as a bundle: tablet, folio case, and a 16GB microSD card. You can pre-order the bundle now for $399.99.
source: The Gadgeteer

South Korea Plans on Replacing Textbooks with Tablets

The Kindle may not be the textbook killer that Amazon expected it to be, but one country is gearing for paper-less learning materials for its schools. South Korea has announced this week that it plans to develop digital textbooks, aiming to replace textbooks on all schools by 2015.

The project, which is estimated to cost over $2.4 billion, would have students access their learning materials from a cloud-based system, combining traditional content with multimedia on tablets that the schools will provide. The system would also enable homebound students to participate in lessons remotely, so that they could catch up with the rest of the students while, for instance, recuperating from illness.

Some schools in the country already have digitized education materials, displaying textbooks through notebook computers. But deciding on what tablet to use for its students would be a tough choice for the South Korean government on whether to go for a variant of Samsung Galaxy Tab or iPad (or any non-Korean made tablet for that matter). The government may even have the option of creating its own tablet for school children.

This project has also re-ignited the debate on whether or not students learn better from printer material or from the computer. Another point of discussion is whether devices that are smaller in size than traditional textbooks would make significant learning materials.
source: Gadget.com

Leaked HP roadmap points toward TouchPad and Opal show later this year

Don't you just love leaks? We do, what with all the shadowy operations going around, capturing photos on-the-fly with a shaky hand as there is always the risk of getting caught by your superior or authorities – hence the blurry images of a particular handset or device. Screenshots, however, are not affected by trembling hands, so here we are with a leaked roadmap which points toward HP's plans for their webOS platform in 2011. The current TouchPad will see a 64GB model released later next month, sporting a faster processor, the possibility of a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor and taking a page out of Apple's book, coming in a glossy white shade.

There will be a “4G” (in reality, 3G) edition with HSPA+ model of the TouchPad as well which is tipped to arrive on AT&T. Apart from the change in modem, everything else about this model will be the same as the current 32GB model, although we would think that the name can be rather misleading.

A 7″ Opal tablet has also been mentioned for a fall release, in addition to the US-bound Pre 3 during the same period. No idea on who would want to pick up a webOS-powered smartphone with Android and iOS already making leaps and bounds over the rest of the competition – perhaps those who are visionaries?
source: Ubergizmo

VIZIO VTAB1008 up for pre-order

Remember VIZIO's first tablet that was introduced last week? We didn't have a price or a release date back then but it looks like we didn't have to wait too long to find out. The tablet is now up for pre-order from VIZIO with a price tag of $400 and a release date of July 18th. That's not too bad for an 8" Android 2.3 Gingerbread tablet.

The VTAB 1008 features a 1GHz processor, built-in GPS, Bluetooth, 2GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot (supports up to 32GB), micro HDMI output, and a front facing camera for video calls. Consumers will also be able to use the tablet as a remote control for their VIZIO and other compatible devices through the universal remote control app and built-in IR blaster.

The tablet will come bundled with a free 16GB card and a folio style case. If you're interested in picking up one of these tablets for yourself, head over to the VIZIO pre-order page now.
source: Ubergizmo

MSI's AMD Z-01 powered WindPad 110W available in Japan next month

Introduced globally in middle of June, MSI's new WindPad 110W powered by AMD's Fusion APU Z01 (1GHz CPU and Radeon HD 6250 Graphics) is schedule to arrive in Japan later this month. Announced at around 60,000 Yen, the WindPad 110W, comes with 2GB of RAM, a 10" IPS Touchscreen Panel with a WXGA resolution, 32GB of Internal memory (SSD), HDMI, WiFi bgn, Bluetooth 3.0 and a 4,200mAh Battery.

This WindPad 110W is also available in an optional Docking station with both HDMI out and two USB 2.0 ports and will be sold separately at around 7,000 Yen.
source: Akihabara News

Sprint Galaxy Tab to receive Android 2.3 Gingerbread update

The original Samsung Galaxy Tab was meant to be an iPad killer, but unfortunately, it must have gotten its identity and purpose mixed up along the way because it was nowhere near such status after arriving on the market. Well, considering the larger Galaxy Tab 10.1 has already been released, surely there is quite a number of original Galaxy Tab owners who have made the upgrade switch. For those who have remained blindly loyal, here's some good news – your Sprint Galaxy Tab will be receiving the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update very soon, where it will be known as build number EF17, sporting HD Bluetooth support as well.

Touted to arrive this coming July 5th, the update will be made available via Google OTA (Over The Air). This update will be spread out across a 4-day period for those who are eligible Sprint customers, based on your status with the Google servers. We would have liked to see a direct download link as well too, but beggars can't be choosers, no?
source: Ubergizmo

Sony's S1 tablet spotted in the wild, S2 captured briefly on video

We've already seen press shots and teaser videos of Sony's S1 Honeycomb tablet and dual-screen S2, but Germany's Golem website managed to spend a bit of time with both of the devices at an event in Munich, and has now provided what's surely the best look at them to date. Unfortunately, that's still not exactly a thorough look — there's just the single image of the S1 above, and an 18 second video of the S2, which you can check out after the break.
source: 2DayBlog.com

HP TouchPad torn asunder, no palms inside…

HP's TouchPad gets lots of hu-ha from the media because it's a standalone tablet running WebOS that no others had. But what's actually inside the tablet? Is it the same as the iPad and the mass Android tablets? Well let's check it out.

It's "built more like a PC than an iPad" according to the screwdriver-meisters at TechRepublic. This means you can easily take the thing apart with just a Phillips screwdriver (and a little prying) should you wish. Or, you know, you can just look at the pictures on the other end of the source link and keep yours in one piece. They tend to work better that way.
source: 2DayBlog.com

$2,400 Atom-Based Industrial Tablet Is Living in the Past

Construction may be one of those fields where tablet computers were actually used, back when they were little more than laptops without a keyboard. The new, semi-rugged GD3015 from General Dynamics does almost nothing to acknowledge the huge changes in the tablet market over the past year, and offers little more than a specialized netbook without a keyboard.

The GD3015 is designed for public safety, utilities, transportation, and warehousing workers. To this end it is dust, water, shock and vibration resistant, has options for 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS and can also be had with an optional magnetic stripe reader, barcode scanner, camera or RS232 port.

But at its heart, the tech is all very 2008. The processor is an Intel Atom chip, the touch-screen “works even with gloves on,” meaning resistive, not capacitive touch, and the battery life is listed at five hours, so in real life it will surely be less. Worse, it runs Windows 7, which offers a thin touch skin over a regular resource-hogging desktop OS.

But the real eye-opener here is the price. The GD3015, as it is known, starts at $2,400, and that's before you get into all the options above, or make a choice to put in an SSD. Even more astonishing is this snippet from the press release, which shows that General Dynamics actually considers this computer to be cheap.

The GD3015 pairs ruggedness with a Windows-based operating system so budget-constrained IT managers have a computing solution that is easy to deploy, minimizes training costs for users and leverages existing software and operating system configurations.

“Budget constrained.” Ho ho. $2,500 for a netbook in a drop-proof case. How many iPads (or Android tablets) in ruggedized cases can you buy for $2,400? And with a real tablet, you don't need to worry about 3G, Bluetooth or SSDs being optional.

Call me cynical, but these overpriced, under-specced commodity machines don't seem to have much of a future.

GD3015 semi rugged tablet [General Dynamics]

General Dynamics Itronix GD3015 is one rugged tablet

While it seems like we have a rugged notebook to announce every week, this week we've got something to mix it up a bit, in the form of a tablet instead. General Dynamics Itronix has just announced a new tablet that's designed to take a beating. Called the GD3015, it's built to let you complete all your computing tasks in hazardous or tough environments.

While the tablet weights less than three pounds, it doesn't skimp on features to keep its shape - the fully featured tablet packs a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor Z530, 10.4" resistive touchscreen, sunlight viewable LCD, 2GB of DDR II RAM, 160GB HDD (or optional 64GB SSD), 2 USB 2.0 ports, GPS, 2.0 megapixel camera, a VGA port, security features such as a fingerprint reader, optional Smart Card reader and more. The tablet is also IP54 certified for dust and water resistance, MIL-STD-810F certified, and can withstand drops of up to 3' though we hope you won't have to find out if it really does.

Prices for the GD3015 start at $2,400 and it is available now from the GD Itronix store.
source: Ubergizmo

AT&T approves BlackBerry Bridge

Before the BlackBerry PlayBook was released, it was mentioned that the tablet will need to pair up with another BlackBerry device in order to make use of certain functions such as checking emails and accessing the calendar on the tablet. While every other carrier had no problems with letting its subscribers make use of the app that provided the functionality (BlackBerry Bridge), AT&T didn't. This meant that AT&T BlackBerry users who bought a PlayBook weren't able to make full use of the tablet out of the box - it was as good as not having a BlackBerry in the first place.

Well, it looks like AT&T is finally satisfied with the app and as of today, two months after the PlayBook's launch, the carrier has approved the app for its subscribers to download and use. The BlackBerry Bridge app will be available via the BlackBerry App World at noon today. Anybody excited?
source: Ubergizmo

Infinite Loop Flexible Ribbon Supports Tablets, Phones

Tim Gushue's Infinite Loop is a tablet stand that is flexible both literally and metaphorically. If you ever used a “flexible curve” for drawing or woodworking, you'll be familiar with the design.

The Infinite Loop is a four-foot strip of bendy plastic with a pair of metal cores running through. The combination lets you bend the strip into any shape and it will hold it with enough stiffness to support a tablet computer.

Thus you can make easels appropriate for any surface, and set the tablet at any angle. The Loop also comes with a cross-strap for extra security (see the pictures above) and also suction cup, for when you really want to make sure your tablet falls out.

Gushue has also made the Mini Loop, a two-foot long version which coils up like a king cobra and supports a phone at the top with its suction cup. Both roll up tight into a small, portable coil, like a licorice wheel.

I almost exclusively use the iPad Smart Cover as a prop these days, but it's not very stable on soft surfaces, or anything that moves. For that, I used to use the Joby Gorillapod, but the Infinite Loop looks like it might take the crown for the most flexible iPad stand yet.

The Infinite Loop Tablet and Smartphone Stand [Kickstarter]

Android-Based Lenovo IdeaPad K1 Hits Amazon For $500 [PRE-ORDER]

Lenovo makes some pretty high-quality and durable computing products, so when their Android-based Lenovo Lephone and Lenovo Lepad failed to reach American soil, I was more than slightly disappointed. With promises to make a push into the US Market, we’ve been teased by the Lenovo IdeaPad K1, a tablet which we’ve seen appear at Buy.com and OfficeMax for $500.

Now Amazon is getting in on the fun, not only listing it for $500 but also allowing you to place a pre-order.

I’m curious to see how hyped people get about the IdeaPad K1 and equally as interested in how it performs. Lenovo has a loyal following for their Thinkpad and Ideapad brands, and launching an Android-based device that carries the Ideapad name is – as Ron Burgundy said – kind of a big deal. In fact, I’ll be anxiously awaiting the rumored limited edition BurgundyPad that says, “Stay Classy, fellow Phandroid” every time you shut it down.

UPDATE: It looks like Amazon has pulled the K1 from it’s site as the link no longer works.
source: Android Phone

Vizio's Gingerbread Tablet Now Available for Pre-Order, Shipping July 18th

In case you haven’t been paying attention, Vizio has an 8-inch Android 2.3 tablet up its sleeve and is just about ready to unleash it on the masses. They are hosting a pre-order via their site where you can plop down $400 to reserve your piece of Gingerbread tablet action. With your pre-order you receive the slate, a 16GB microSD card, and folio case. You can opt to skip the bundled accessories for $379.99. All will ship beginning July 18th with the tablet going on sale in stores during the week of the 25th. Head on over to Vizio’s site to call dibs on your own.
source: Android Phone