Android Authority » Varun Raj

T-Mobile offers unlimited 4G no contract data plan starting with January 9

Varun Raj — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:29:09 +0000

T-Mobile is getting ready to offer unlimited 4G no-contract data plans in the U.S., although it’s not the LTE kind of 4G plans we’re talking about here. The existing $70 Unlimited text/talk and 5GB data plan will be replaced with the $70 Unlimited data, text and talk plan and users will be able to upgrade to the new plan from January 9.

The fourth largest U.S. mobile operator, T-Mobile made this smart move as it understands that smartphones have become an essential part of users’ lives. They look for utiltiy and entertainment on their devices and look for hi-speed data services.

The carrier promises full HSPA+ speeds all month long to users so that they can enjoy streaming videos/music/movies, video calls and online gaming. The new unlimited plan has the potential to offer an amazing experience to T-Mobile subscribers who are always using their smartphones for online-related activities and do not want their phone bills to burn a hole in their pockets.

Not to mention that it will also make users waiting for Nexus 4 from the Play Store more excited and anxious to get their smartphones.

GameStick achieves its $100K goal in just 30 hours

Varun Raj — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 12:44:58 +0000

The PlayJam team is ecstatic as its Kickstarter project achieved its goal in just 30 hours. With 100 pledges in less than 2 days’ time, the GameStick reached its $100K goal. On top of that, the team announced that it is adding XBMC and DLNA to the GameStick and launching the gaming console on April 13 this year. Anthony Johnson, the CMO of PlayJam said in a press release:

“While we are shipping as a dedicated games console, we are keen to ensure that users have the ability to hack the device if they so wish and will be providing support for XBMC & DNLA via an optional firmware update in September. We encourage users to hack the device – the time for closed, proprietary systems is ending which bodes well for true innovation”

A similarly funded project from Kicistarter, OUYA, got XBMC support last summer, with both of them being Android-based gaming consoles. GameStick is aiming to be ’The Most Portable TV games Console Ever Created’ and it looks like users are very excited to try it out. If you missed the $70 tier but want to receive the product soon after launch, you could opt for the next tier where you need to pledge $79 for the console.

Though there is much hype about the console, there is no mention about the games being available with the GameStick. The Kickstarter page does say that there are going to be 200 “great to play” games for the GameStick, without any specifics.

GameStick Change Pledge Tiers to offer Developers Even More

London & San Francisco; January 4th, 2013; The team behind the GameStick raised a glass yesterday evening in thanks to the 1000+ Kickstarter backers that pushed them over their $100,000 funding goal in just 30 hours.

“The response from the Kickstarter community has been truly overwhelming. We are confident in our product and what we hope it will mean for gaming but we were taken aback at how quickly the message was adopted,” says Anthony Johnson, CMO, PlayJam.“There is no better feeling than having hundreds if not thousands of people endorse your idea.”

The team has been busy keeping up with the hundreds of questions and requests that continue to come through the Kickstarter message boards and in response have today announced support for XBMC & DNLA, two of the most sought after features.

“While we are shipping as a dedicated games console, we are keen to ensure that users have the ability to hack the device if they so wish and will be providing support for XBMC & DNLA via an optional firmware update in September. We encourage users to hack the device – the time for closed, proprietary systems is ending which bodes well for true innovation”, concluded Johnson.

GameStick is described as ‘The Most Portable TV games Console Ever Created’. The team behind the project are passionate about accelerating the race to change the face of big screen gaming with a product that will now, as promised, launch in April of this Year.

Supporters flooded to the Kickstarter page just moments after the campaign launched and began pledging. The ‘Early Bird’ pledge tier, giving backers the chance to grab themselves a GameStick at a discounted rate, proved so popular that it sold out in a matter of hours resulting in people moving in droves to the next tier. At the time of writing, the average pledge towards GameStick was $98.

Interest from the developer community has been extremely strong with over 300 registrations on the www.gamestick.tv website and a new tier offering early access to the SDK and 30 days premium positioning within the games store having been added for $500.

GameStick will feature a purpose-built game store through which users will be able to browse and download content. The proposition will be powered by PlayJam’s existing Games Network for Smart TV which currently supports developers such as Relentless Software, First Star Software, and Disney.

To visit the Kickstarter page and pledge your support, please visit: http://kck.st/12SSvMO

To visit the GameStick website for more information or to apply for an SDK please go to : www.gamestick.tv

To follow GameStick news, join the conversation and give your opinion on Facebook or Twitter please go: www.facebook.com/GameStickNews and

www.twitter.com/Game_Stick / @Game_Stick

To see new videos published throughout the campaign on YouTube please subscribe to: www.youtube.com/GameStickVideos

#ENDS#

About PlayJam:

PlayJam is the premier global platform for casual and social games on TV. By partnering with

all major TV brands, we’ve created the largest and most vibrant games network for millions of

players around the world.

Codex the Warrior is the first Tegra 4 Android game

Varun Raj — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 10:02:44 +0000

CES 2013 is just a few days away and expectations are running high considering the leaks we get on the stuff that is to be showcased. One thing we’re looking forward to see from NVIDIA during the show is the much talked about Tegra 4 processor. Mobile users are all set for the experience of their lives and gamers can delight in the knowledge that they are in for a treat.

Codex The Warrior appears to be the first game for Tegra 4 devices, just check out the video below for a preview. The sneak peek reveals something akin to the all too familiar Infinity Blade game for iOS. This action-packed battle drama that needs just a swipe to attack should have a strong story line attached as an added attraction to the unlimited fighting it promises.

The game is expected to support multiple players online, and that certainly adds to the sense of excitement and sets one thinking about all the fun serious gamers are in for. Set to be released in the near future, Codex The Warrior will initially run on Tegra 4, but support for Tegra 3 devices such as the Nexus 7 tablet will be added later down the road. Enjoy the video for now until CES opens with a bang!

New Sony Xperia Z sneak peek preview offers a glimpse at what to expect

Varun Raj — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 09:13:52 +0000

A new leak supposedly originating from what appears to be a promo video – although the video is not available to us at this time – shows off the slick and sleekly designed Sony Xperia Z. A bunch of images present a classic view of the smartphone, which is also known as the C660X Yuga, probably denoting a new era phone. The images confirm several features like the welcome water resistant chassis that sports a 5-inch display screen.

The 13-megapixel camera comes with HDR photo and video options and the full HD Reality Display promises crisp and stunning images. The flash is cleverly camouflaged by the shiny mirror finish on the back, which one has to look for in order to find. The quality craftsmanship is obvious with just a hint of a curve at the edges that add to the finesse. The sleekly designed elegant handset has an OptiContrast panel and a slick “Skeleton frame structure” that promises a firm grip while handled.

The images confirm that the handset comes with a Snapdragon S4 chipset and will probably run an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Set to hit the shelves in a couple of months if not sooner, the Xperia Z is expected to be priced over $650 and could have people queuing up at the stores, going by the sleek looks and unique features.

Play Magazines available for free to existing print subscribers

Varun Raj — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 08:58:56 +0000

After initially charging print magazine subscribers when trying to get the digital version of their publications from the Google Play Store – something users were clearly not happy to discover – Google has made it possible for existing customers to get the online copy of their favorite magazines free of charge.

On its help pages, Google posted:

If you already subscribe to a magazine title (print or digital), you may be eligible for a free subscription to its digital counterpart through Google Play. Availability of magazines offered free to print subscribers is solely at the discretion of the publisher .

As explained, if you are a subscriber already, all you need to do is look up the listing of the particular magazine, hit the Subscribe button, and choose the option that says ‘Free for print subscribers’. You may then click on ‘Continue’ and enter your password and the email address to verify your account.

However people who still like the great feeling the rustling of papers on your fingers give you, can still get the print versions. Happy reading to all magazine worms!

HTC and Cricket Wireless announce the HTC One SV

Varun Raj — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:29:57 +0000

Looking for a phone that can keep the pace with your busy lifestyle? HTC and Cricket Wireless have announced the HTC One SV to meet your needs. The smartphone has some exciting features and will be available in stores from January 16 for $349.99.

This new smartphone will run HTC Sense 4 on top of Android 4.0 ICS and support both 3G and 4G LTE networks. The HTC One SV features a 4.3-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display, which is fingerprint resistant just like the one found on the HTC One S. The front camera is 1.6-megapixel and the rear camera is 5-megapixel with support for panorama shots and 1080p HD video recording. The handset promises high-quality performance thanks to a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and supports microSD cards up to 32GB, as well as Dropbox integration.

If all these features are not enough for you, then you should check out the data plans Cricket is offering. Users who want to enjoy full speed 4G LTE can opt for a $50 monthly plan where they get 2GB of full speed data, a $60 plan for 5GB data or a $70 plan for 10GB data usage. For a limited time, the carrier offers “double the monthly full speed data allowance” available in its 3G plans.

Are you ready to try the new HTC smartphone?

SAN DIEGO and BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Cricket Wireless and HTC today announced the upcoming launch of the HTC One SV, the latest model in the award-winning HTC One® series. This new smartphone, initially available in the United States only at Cricket Wireless, combines the speed of 4G LTE, an amazing 5 megapixel camera, and studio-quality sound with HTC’s stunning signature design. Running HTC Sense® 4 on Android™ 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), it is designed for those who want their smartphone to keep pace with their busy lifestyle. The HTC One SV will be available beginning January 16 at Cricket company-owned stores and dealers nationwide and on www.mycricket.com for $349.99 (MSRP).

“We are excited to be the first U.S. carrier to make the HTC One SV available to customers,” said Matt Stoiber, senior vice president, devices for Cricket. “The HTC One SV is the perfect addition to our growing and robust device portfolio that offers great features at value pricing. The HTC One series is extremely popular and we believe Cricket customers will appreciate the combination of outstanding design, great features and power that the One SV provides.”
“The HTC One SV joins our award-winning HTC One series to bring an affordable superphone to U.S. customers,” said Mike Woodward, president, North America, HTC. “The HTC One SV combines sleek contours and a vibrant color with superfast performance courtesy of the dual-core processor and 4G LTE technology.”

Designed To Perform
Featuring a Qualcomm® Snapdragon® S4 processor with a dual core 1.2GHz CPU and taking full advantage of the latest mobile network technology, the HTC One SV offers exceptional performance, enabling high-quality video streaming, gaming and seamless multitasking.

Users can avoid running out of space for documents, movies, pictures and apps, as the HTC One SV has expandable storage through a microSD® card slot with support for up to 32GB cards and integration with Dropbox®. Thanks to the latest NFC technology and Android Beam™, users can also share content with a simple tap of the phone to another NFC-enabled device.

The HTC One SV is available on Cricket’s 4G LTE Android rate plans that offer, for a limited time, double the monthly full speed data allowance offered in Cricket’s 3G rate plans. The $50 4G LTE Android Double Data Rate Plan allows up to 2GB of full-speed data; the $60 plan allows 5GB of full-speed data and the $70 plan offers up to 10GB of full-speed data.

Amazing Camera, Authentic Sound
The HTC One SV offers the amazing camera synonymous with the acclaimed HTC One series. Advanced functions, including one-press continuous shooting and HTC VideoPic™ combine with advanced low-light performance for beautiful shots in challenging lighting conditions. The HTC One SV’s 5 megapixel, f/2.0 back side illuminated main camera with panorama and 1080p HD video recording is complemented perfectly by a 1.6 megapixel front facing camera, which also features backside illumination, and an f/2.2 lens. Whether at sunset or in candlelight, the HTC One SV’s front camera promises a self-portrait to treasure.

Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio™ transforms the listening experience of the HTC One SV, offering studio-quality, authentic sound across all music, gameplay and video playback. New HTC Sync Manager also makes it easy to manage and sync your music collection from your computer to your smartphone to ensure your entire library is as mobile as you are.

Signature design true to HTC’s heritage, the HTC One SV, with its 4.3 inch super LCD-2 touch screen, is perfect for those who like to have ample screen to play games, watch streaming video, and browse the web. Customers will also appreciate the brilliant 16 million colors, scratch resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass and the fact that the display is fingerprint resistant. The bold styling of the phone is finished in a vibrant Flame color.

3G All-Inclusive Rate Plans
Cricket’s 3G all-inclusive smartphone rate plans start at $50 for unlimited talk and text plus up to 1GB of full-speed data per month. The $60 smartphone plan contains up to 2.5GB of full-speed data per month and the $70 smartphone plan offers up to 5GB of full-speed data per month. With the $60 and $70 plans, customers can tether their device to power additional wireless devices.

4G LTE All-Inclusive Rate Plans
Cricket’s 4G LTE Android Double Data rate plans offer all the features of the value-rich 3G rate plans and, for a limited time, double the monthly full speed data allowance. The $50 4G LTE Android Double Data Rate Plan allows up to 2GB of full-speed data; the $60 plan allows up to 5GB of full-speed data and the $70 plan offers up to 10GB of full-speed data.

For more information about Cricket’s dynamic service and newest device lineup and to check for availability, visit www.mycricket.com. To follow Cricket’s latest news and updates online, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/cricketwireless and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cricketnation.

About Cricket
Cricket is the pioneer and leader in delivering innovative value-rich prepaid wireless services with no long-term contracts. Cricket offers nationwide wireless voice and mobile data services over high-quality, all-digital 4G LTE and 3G CDMA wireless networks. Cricket’s innovative products and services, including the award-winning Muve Music® – the first music service designed for a wireless phone, are available nationwide at Cricket branded retail stores, dealers, national retailers and at www.mycricket.com. For more information about Cricket, please visit www.mycricket.com.

About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense®, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (2498.TW). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.

Archos introduces its TV Connect, turns your HDTV into Android tablet

Varun Raj — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:50:18 +0000

French Firm Archos unveiled its latest set top box ahead of CES 2013. The device is an Android-powered TV Connect that could turn your HDTV into a huge Android tablet. You may wonder what’s new in the story, as there are many tools available already, that could do what this device does. But TV Connect has a feature like no other docks or dongles and that is full access to the Google Play Store!

To enhance your Android experience and make it more enjoyable, TV Connect has a multitouch TV Touch remote with a pair of pointer sticks to operate the monitor. You can do an array of things with this device like sending or receiving emails, streaming videos in HD quality, HD video calling and so on. The pointers give you the option of screen swipe, zoom in or out and type using the QWERTY keypad, just like you would do on your Tablet.

TV Connect is powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 1.5 GHz “multi-core” CPU, 1GB RAM and 8GB expandable storage. The device supports video calling apps like Skype and Google Talk and has a HD webcam to give you a smooth chatting experience. You get LED notifications of incoming calls while you are watching a video or playing games.

Though TV Connect may remind you of the failed Atari console, it has better features, not to mention Google Play Store up its sleeves which make it more desirable. The device gives you access to thousands of apps, music libraries, TV shows and all the games you enjoy on your Android devices. The addition of Archos Gamepad allows you to map game controls to the buttons and controllers of the remote which make your gaming experience more exciting.

Archos has priced TV Connect at $129.99 and it will be available for purchase from February. While the features are mentioned in detail in the press release below, the real experience of using the device will come only next month.

ARCHOS Unveils TV connect – Future Ready your Existing TV – First and Only Multi-Touch for Android on TV

ARCHOS TV Connect features a multi-gesture TV Touch remote with game control mapping and an HD camera for video calls

To be debuted at CES 2013, LVCC Central Hall Booth # 15322

2013 International CES
DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ARCHOS, a pioneer in multimedia portable devices, is pleased to announce the ARCHOS TV connect, the only multi-touch “AndroidTM on TV experience” for your apps and games. The ARCHOS TV connect turns any HDTV into an Android powered smart TV providing the full Android ecosystem with a specially designed TV Touch remote.

“As a pioneer in multimedia Android devices, we wanted to create a bigger, better way to enjoy Android”
The TV connect allows you to control your TV just like a tablet – tap, swipe, zoom in, zoom out, select or type. With the TV connect users will be able to play games, stream videos, video chat in HD, email friends or surf the web all from their big-screen TV. The ARCHOS TV connect runs Android 4.1TM ‘Jelly Bean’ and will be available starting in February, 2013 for $129.99.

“As a pioneer in multimedia Android devices, we wanted to create a bigger, better way to enjoy Android,” says Henri Crohas, Founder and CEO of ARCHOS. “The ARCHOS TV connect provides users with a multi-touch, multi-media Smart TV experience powered by AndroidTM.”

Revolutionary TV Touch remote – A smartly designed remote for every task

Pointer – Allows you to control your TV just like you would your tablet with a tapping and/or swiping motion
Full multi-touch gesture support – Control your apps easily with zoom In, zoom out and rotate with ARCHOS developed unique gesture controls
Full keyboard with Android shortcuts – The TV touch remote includes a full keyboard and Android shortcut keys including a key for voice controls and voice typing
Play Games on your TV – Critically acclaimed games at your fingertips

Thousands of games available on your TV – Choose from over 700,000 apps and games on Google PlayTM
Dual thumb sticks and buttons – Play all your favorite games with full gaming controls and dual analog thumbsticks
ARCHOS Gaming Mapping Tool – Map the controls of games to the buttons and controllers of the remote for playing virtually any game on your TV – as recently introduced on the GamePad
Turn your TV into a Smart TV – Get a full web experience on your current HDTV

Internet – Surf on the net from a big screen
Online video streaming – Stream videos directly on your TV through YouTubeTM, Daily motion and other video applications
Emails – Send and receive emails or share photos from your Facebook page with friends
HD video calls – Connect with a group of friends or family members on a big screen

HD webcam – ARCHOS TV connect is equipped with an HD webcam for High quality video calling
LED notification – LED lights notify you when you have an incoming calls while watching TV
Compatibility with all popular video calling apps – Video chatting with Skype or Google TalkTM as a family from your sofa has never been easier
Multimedia Player – The ARCHOS TV connect includes the critically acclaimed ARCHOS Media Center applications so you can finally get control of your home media content, including:

Best video codecs and format support – Read all your favorite video files with format and codec support including H.264 decoding in full 1080p HD
Media Center Library – Tailor-made UI with automatic jacket, synopsis and subtitle download as well as library organization even for files stored elsewhere on your home network
Easy home streaming – Stream your media content over your home network either through WiFi or Ethernet
The right connections – Features HDMI (cable included), full USB host and micro SD slot
Google™ Certified with Full Access to shop on Google Play™ – With over 700,000 applications, get all your favorite Android content on your TV including books, music, magazines and movies
ARCHOS at CES 2013 – Come experience the ARCHOS TV connect first hand during CES 2013 in Las Vegas, NV from January 8-11. In addition to the TV connect, ARCHOS will be showing off its new line up of tablets which include the recently announced GamePad and new entrants to the ARCHOS Elements line – the dual-core Titanium range and the quad-core Platinum range, both of which feature tablets with stunning 2048×1536 resolution IPS screens. The ARCHOS booth is located in Central Hall (15322) of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information about the ARCHOS TV connect or ARCHOS at CES visit www.ARCHOS.com.

ABOUT ARCHOS

ARCHOS, a pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in Android Tablets, has repeatedly revolutionized the market for consumer electronics since 1988. Today, ARCHOS offers Android Tablets, Tablet PCs and MP3/MP4 players. In 2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk. Then in 2003 ARCHOS introduced the first portable multimedia players with TV recording. In 2006 Wi-Fi is implemented and then touch screens in 2007. In 2008, ARCHOS launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first ever Android powered tablets in 2009. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on Compartment B of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN CodeFR0000182479.

Polaroid unveils Android Kids Tablet for $149.99

Varun Raj — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:25:08 +0000

CES 2013 is bringing with it some the most exciting devices of the year, but also some unusual ones. Polaroid, for instance, is going to display its newly launched Kids Tablet, which is designed to offer a fun and interactive experience to children. The 7-inch tablet is powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and comes with 35 “premium” apps.

The Polaroid Kids Tablet looks very durable, thanks to the rubber built-in bumpers and wide bezels, so kids can use it freely. It features customized apps like Draw, Kids Cam and Music Studio where kids can create videos, pictures and songs to share with their friends and family.

The specs of the Kids Tablet include a 3500mAH battery, 1.0 GHz Cortex-A8 CPU, 512MB DDR3 RAM and a 2 MP camera. With a screen resolution of only 800×480, the device has 8GB of internal storage, expandable thanks to the microSD card slot .

A unique way of reading books is incorporated in the Kids Tablet, with options like “Read to me” which allow users to listen to the highlighted words, “Auto-Play” which “plays” the book like a movie, and “Read it myself” which allow kids to read books normally. Polaroid has included top-rated book apps like NOOK for Android from Barnes & Noble, to keep children engaged and help them learn at the same time.

A necessary feature in any kids tablet is the Safe web browsing feature which lets parents ensure that kids only have access to suitable content. Learn more in the press release.

MINNEAPOLIS, January 3, 2013 – Polaroid is pleased to introduce a tablet specifically designed for children — a 7.0” kids tablet. Featuring the Android 4.0 OS, the tablet combines all the fun and entertainment kids love with the security, durability and educational content that provides parents with peace of mind. The tablet will be on display in the Polaroid Booth #13613 & Southern Telecom Booth #13022 at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show, Jan. 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Polaroid kids tablet has been named a CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree in the Tablets, E-Readers & Mobile Computing product category. Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products across 29 product categories.

“Throughout our 75 year history, we’ve been known for creating innovative and easy-to-use products that are fun for all ages,” says Polaroid President Scott W. Hardy. “The kids tablet is no exception. It epitomizes the Polaroid brand personality and brings together a host of features that will delight kids and parents alike.”

Fun and Games
Included are a customized suite of apps like Kids Cam, Music Studio and Draw that encourage children to develop creative capabilities, and show off their creative side to friends and family members with videos, pictures and songs. The tablet also features Kids Vids, an app that allows children to stream safe and filtered videos for all age groups and Free Play, a simple & unique way to display all the free games/apps available for download from the kid-friendly App Shop.

Safe, Tough and Durable
Equipped with innovative side and rear bumpers to help protect the tablet from accidental bumps as well as built-in parental controls and a safe web browser that are quick and easy to setup, the tablet is designed to provide a safe interactive experience. Also included is the exclusive App Shop which is loaded with a variety of free and paid kid-friendly apps. The tablet even features a display lock, which locks the tablet’s display and buttons, allowing young children to enjoy videos or interactive books without interruption.

Reading options for children of all ages!
The Polaroid kids tablet is designed to make learning fun. It comes preloaded with a selection of top-rated interactive children’s books, as well as NOOK for Android from Barnes and Noble. The tablet includes award-winning Dr. Seuss™ and Smithsonian interactive books which offer kids three different ways to read- “Read to me” where you listen to the book with the words highlighted, “Read it myself” where you read the book in its traditional form, and “Auto-Play” where the book plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning the pages. It also features top-rated learning apps that children will have fun with as they learn their numbers, letters and much more.

Features and Specs

Display
7.0″ capacitive, multi-touch
Screen Resolution: 800×480 (16:9)
Storage
Internal Storage: 8GB with additional external SD card slot
Processor & OS
CPU: 1.0 GHz CORTEX-A8
RAM: 512MB DDR3
OS: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera
2MP Rear Camera
Battery
Rechargeable (Li-ion Polymer) 3500 mAh
Connectivity
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
Preloaded with over 35 premium apps (all full versions)

Designed and manufactured by Southern Telecom, an authorized Polaroid licensee, the Polaroid 7.0” kids tablet and included video stand have a suggested retail price of $149.99 and will be available now at www.polaroidstore.com and in-store at Kohl’s in January. The tablet will be on display at the Polaroid Booth #13613 & Southern Telecom Booth#13022 at CES January 8-11 in Las Vegas. For more information or to make a booth tour appointment, please contact Melissa at mhoistion@randjpr.com.

The Polaroid Brand
Across several generations, people regard Polaroid as one of the most trusted, well-respected and recognizable brands when it comes to technology. The history of Polaroid began 75 years ago, with its roots stemming back to Polaroid instant film, cameras and camera accessories – thus was the introduction of the famous Polaroid Classic Border Logo which is still recognized today as a true landmark of photography.

In recent years, Polaroid has expanded its range of products in consumer electronics and photography, such as instant and digital cameras, high-definition camcorders, mobile printers, tablets, flat-screen TVs and more. People can expect to see new Polaroid products that will deliver the fun, instant gratification and value that the brand has long stood. For more information, visit http://www.polaroid.com or http://www.polaroidstore.com.

E Fun’s Nextbook 7GP Android 4.1 tablet to be launched at CES 2013

Varun Raj — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:10:30 +0000

It’s been just a couple of months since the 7-inch Android tablet from E Fun the NextBook Premium was launched. Today, E Fun is returning with a new addition to its lineup – the Nextbook 7GP. E Fun plans to launch the tablet during the CES 2013.

Though the technology on which the Nextbook 7GP is built remains the same with the earlier Premium, the difference lies in the resolution, which is larger at 1024 X 600 pixels. The new tablet runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM.

Nextbook 7GP is endowed with 8GB of storage that can be expanded if required, thanks to the microSD. The WiFi tablet is certified by Google, which means users will have access to over 600,000 Google Play Store apps, in addition to movies, books and songs. The 5GB of cloud storage that comes free is an added advantage that many customers will appreciate. Expected on the store shelves from next month, the Nextbook 7GP may be available at an affordable $130.

Although the average price of tablets has been steadily declining over the last year, the Nextbook 7GP is still priced low enough to entice many potential buyers. We’ll be at CES 2013, and we’ll keep an eye open for this device. Check out the press release for more details and full specifications.

E FUN to Introduce Its Newest Series of Nextbook Android Tablets at 2013 CES

First Model of Google Play Series Features Jelly Bean Android 4.1 OS; High Definition Screen; Up to 32GB Memory; and Front and Back Cameras

WEST COVINA, CA – January 2, 2013 – E FUN, a consumer electronics designer and marketer of fun, easy-to-use lifestyle products, has chosen the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show to unveil the first model in its newest line of Nextbook Android Tablets, the Google Play Series. Each model features the Jelly Bean Android 4.1 operating system, full access to Google Play, Dual Core processors and high definition screens. The initial unit, the Nextbook 7GP, has a screen size of 7”. The Nextbook Google Play series will be on display at CES in South Hall MP25067, January 8-11.

“With the many advantages of the Jelly Bean Android 4.1 operating system, users will enjoy the simplicity and ease of operating Nextbook Google Play tablets,” remarked Jason Liszewski, managing director and VP of sales for E FUN. “We are thrilled to be able to introduce a tablet series that gives consumers the hardware, software and content they desire on the world’s most popular mobile platform.”

Optimized for Google Play™, the Nextbook Google Play Series gives users numerous benefits including:

Access to more than 600,000 apps and games, millions of songs and books, and thousands of movies in the Google Play Store.
Capability to read, listen and watch content not just on the Nextbook but on any device including a desktop, laptop or mobile phone with Google Play’s cloud feature.
Access to preloaded Android apps from Google including Gmail™, Chrome™, Google Talk™, Google+™, Google Maps™, YouTube™ and much more.
5GB of free cloud storage with Google Drive™.

The Nextbook 7GP includes high performance hardware such as a Dual Core 1.5GHz processor, 1GB DDR3 RAM, a high definition (1024 x 600) capacitive multi touch screen, front and back cameras, and an HDMI-out port to send 1080p HD video to an HDTV or computer.

Other common features shared by the Google Play units include: 8GB internal memory; microSD card slot for memory expansion up to 32GB; 2.0 USB slot; G-Sensor; microphone; B/G/N Wi-Fi connection; and a built-in Lithium-Ion battery.

The Nextbook 7GP’s Jelly Bean 4.1 operating system is the fastest, smoothest version of Android yet. It features improved performance throughout the system, including faster orientation changes, faster responses when switching between recent apps, and smoother and more consistent rendering across the system through v-sync and triple buffering.

The Nextbook Google Play series tablets are preloaded with a wide selection of applications including the Barnes & Noble NOOK Store, Net Nanny parental controls and CloudLink’s “Productivity Toolbox”, which includes numerous free applications such as 5GB of free cloud storage, free mobile security, wireless printing, and credit card processing.

E FUN’s Nextbook 7GP tablet will be available February 2013 for a retail price of $129.99.

About E FUN
As its name implies, E FUN is a designer and markets fun, lifestyle e-products that are easily accessible. While appreciated by techies, E FUN products are primarily designed for consumers who desire the latest technological products, but are more concerned with what they do, not how they do it. E FUN’s ongoing product innovation focuses on making electronics and computing more fun! Initial products offerings from E-Fun include the APEN digital pen and Nextbook Android tablets. E FUN is headquartered in West Covina, California. For additional information regarding E FUN’s brands, please visit APEN atwww.apenusa.com; and Nextbook at www.nextbookusa.com.

Operators wary about hiking prices, as UK customers offered options to exit mobile contracts

Varun Raj — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:06:14 +0000

UK mobile users could not have had it better, as the communications regulator Ofcom is set to alter the general conditions that will dissuade operators from indulging in any mid-contract price hikes. The attitude of the operators is expected to be toned down a lot with Ofcom’s proposed approach, which will be favorable to general users by allowing them to exit their existing contracts under certain conditions.

Ofcom is expected to further strengthen the cause of the consumers by prevailing upon the contractors, and thus avoid springing surprises on the customer as far as price increases go. The right to cancel contracts rests with the customer, though a blanket ban on increasing prices in fixed contracts is ruled out.

Not less than 1,600 consumers’ complaints are what prompted the authority to modify the terms and conditions set for mobile, land line and broadband services.

The operators, however, have not been left in the lurch completely, with options to raise prices keeping in mind the vagaries of inflation over a period as long as a whole year. Customers still have the right to cancel contracts if proof of “material detriment” is obvious on the part of the contractor. However, this is still a grey area that leaves most customers seething silently at their helplessness. A credible argument put forward by mobile groups is that they are just passing on the increases they are burdened with and that are imposed upon them by their wholesalers.

Ofcom, on its part is working on the best rule modifications that will give the consumers a better deal when it comes to price hikes being enforced while they are still within the contract period. By June of this year, Ofcom proposes to tighten the rules and offer the consumers a fair deal.