this week

Asus MeMO Pad Smart with 10.1-inch IPS display, Android 4.1 announced

Asus has officially announced the MeMO Pad Smart, the company’s latest tablet with a 10.1-inch (1280×800 pixels) IPS display. It is powered by a 1.2 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor and runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). It has a 5MP auto-focus rear camera and a 1.2MP front-facing camera. It has Dual Stereo Speakers with SonicMaster Audio Technology for enhanced audio output. It surfacd on several online retail sites in Netherlands, Italy and Germany recently.

Asus MeMO Pad Smart 10 specifications

• 10.1-inch (1280×800 pixels) IPS display with 170 degree viewing angle
• 1.2 GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• 5MP auto-focus camera, 1.2MP front-facing camera
• 9.9 mm thick and weighs 580 grams
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+EDR +A2DP, GPS, Micro HDMI
• 1GB RAM, 16GB internal memory, expandable memory with microSD
• 5GB free ASUS WebStorage
• 19Wh Li-polymer Battery that would offer up to 8.5h usage

The MeMO Pad Smart comes in Crystal White, Fuchsia Pink, Midnight Blue colors and comes at a Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of US $299. It is priced at 10,900 Thai Baht and is now on sale in Thailand. No details about the worldwide availability yet.

Nokia Lumia 720, Lumia 520 surface just before MWC

After seeing mentions of the high-end Nokia Lumia 1000, we are now seeing two more new Nokia devices leak out just before Mobile World Congress 2013. The Nokia Lumia 720 (RM-885) and Nokia Lumia 520 (RM-914) have surfaced in Indonesia, and the two devices should be the successors to the Nokia Lumia 710 and Lumia 510, respectively.

The Lumia 720 and 520 have actually just passed certification from Directorate Post & Telecommunication Indonesia, the local equivalent of the FCC, on February 06, 2013.

Not much is known about the two devices, but judging from the naming the Lumia 720 should be the mid-ranger, while the Lumia 520 would be Nokia’s low-end offering this year. Expected to launch in Q2 2013, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the two devices get an official unveiling at MWC. We’ll be there covering events as they happen, so stay tuned, it all kicks off on February 24th.

HTC M7 arriving March 8 in France for €650 with the exact same name 

The HTC M7 has been thoroughly leaked already numerous times with specs and even images of the chassis, but now comes a release date and price confirmation, albeit in Europe.

A French retailer has listed the M7 (yep, that seems to be sticking as an official name) as coming March 8 to its shelves, and it is slated to cost €649.99 (~$879) in the land of fine dining and union riots.

That's about the same as any flagship smartphone when it launches in Europe, so HTC is apparently not going to give those Ultrapixels away to claw back market share. The confirmed specs in the listing are once again:

• 4.7 inch Full HD Display(1920*1080 resolution)
• 1.7Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon Quad Core Processor
• 2GB RAM
• 32GB Internal Storage(with microSD Support)
• 13Mpx Camera
• HTC 5.0
• 4G,NFC Supported
• Double HP Techno Beats Audio
• 2300mAh Battery
• Android Jelly Bean

Nokia Lumia 1000 now entered into a China Mobile phone list

An eventual Nokia Lumia 1000 flagship has been making the rounds even before we started hearing rumors on a Nokia Lumia EOS with technology borrowed from the 808 PureView.

The Lumia 1000 has now allegedly been entered into an official China Mobile database, the world's largest carrier, and is leaving us wonder whether it will be an international version of the US-bound Lumia EOS, or something altogether different.

In any case, the MWC expo is but two weeks away, and that's where Nokia has scheduled a large press event for February 25, so we should know more about if there is indeed a Lumia 1000 existing and coming soon. The thumbnail image is of the FX800 titanium Nokia concept render, so don't get your hopes too high from it, though we keep hearing about metal-clad Lumias that are slated to arrive this year

Nokia Lumia 720 and 520 passes Indonesian Certification?

Something called the Nokia Lumia 720 and 520 have apparently passed certification in Indonesia. Neither of these handsets have been announced yet by Nokia, nor have their existence been confirmed by other means (leaks or whatnot).
The 720 is most likely a WP8 successor to the 710. The 520 – I’m not all to sure if that might stick to WP7.5 like the 510 and 505 or one-up the 620 as Nokia’s new least expensive WP8 (as Nokia tries to drive WP down lower and lower price points – in addition to pushing their flagships higher too of course).

HTC 603e mid-range Android gets certified on its way to China

Oops! Looks like a new HTC smartphone just surfaced on the web ahead of its official unveiling. The HTC 603e, as it is known as at this time, has been spotted at the Chinese center for telecommunications equipment certification along with a handful of photos and most of its hardware specifications. These include a WVGA LCD screen measuring 4.3 inches, a 1.15GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 5-megapixel main camera, meaning that the handset belongs to the mid-range Android category.

In a nutshell, it looks like the HTC 603e could be a slightly modified HTC One SV although there are a few things that set the two smartphones apart. For starters, the former is slightly thicker and heavier, measuring 9.8 millimeters at its thickest side and tipping the scales at 130 grams. Also, while the SV has a 1.6MP front-facing cam, the HTC 603e has a 2MP snapper on its front. Last but not least, there is no word about the presence of LTE connectivity on the 603e.

Some speculate that the HTC 603e could be the HTC M4, which is rumored to be coming alongside the HTC M7. We aren't too sure about that, however, due to the fact that the M4 (if real) should be slightly more capable from a hardware standpoint, if rumors are to be trusted. Whatever the case is, we'll likely know more after the upcoming HTC press event scheduled for February 19.

Ubuntu smartphones to arrive in October says Canonical CEO

Smartphones specifically designed and built to run the Ubuntu mobile operating system are going to start shipping in October this year.

The information comes from Canonical CEO and founder Mark Shuttleworth. He added that Ubuntu for smartphones will also hit a couple of "large geographic markets". Although he didn't specify them, he told WSJ that "North America is absolutely a key market for Ubuntu.".
Additionally, according to Mr. Shuttleworth, Ubuntu has got the necessary attention from multiple carriers, which are going to back the newborn mobile OS at its launch. However, which ones exactly remains a mystery.
App developers and Ubuntu enthusiasts will have access to the Linux-driven OS as early as the end of this month when Canonical is going to release a special ROM for the Galaxy Nexus.

LG teasing the announcement of a new mobile series

The LG Mobile poster doesn't actually mention smartphones, but we doubt it's about tablets. Around this time last year LG announced its L-series smartphones - it was at the MWC 2012. With MWC 2013 fast approaching, it's almost a given that the new announcement will take place there.


The L series, which LG announced last year, included the L3, L5 and L7 smartphones, but later on LG added a few more models, so the L series now comprises of no less than six models.
Back at CES earlier this year an LG spokesperson hinted of a new range of "tier one premium handsets" for 2013, which we would see at MWC 2013. We certainly hope today's teaser is about those. This sounds way more intriguing than another slew of mid-range handsets.

Now Run Windows Apps On Android, Courtesy Wine

Running Windows applications on Android. Sounds cool huh? While many won't find the concept of running Windows apps on Android based smartphones and tablets amusing, it is not a very bad option anyhow. Wine for Linux is soon going to establish itself on mobile devices and will be dubbed as Wine for Android. If you are new to Wine, here is a brief introduction. Wine is an open source software, which allows Windows based applications to run on Unix based operating systems.
To be more precise, its compatibility layer allows Windows applications to run on POSIX-compliant operating systems like Linux, Mac OSX and BSD. Wine functions differently, instead of simulating internal Windows logic like a virtual machine or emulator, the open source software translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls on the go, thus offering better performance. It also enables you to combine Windows applications into your desktop.
Also, Wine includes a software library dubbed as Winelib, where developers can compile Windows applications to help port them to Linux. The software is now being ported to Android operating system by developer, Alexandre Julliard. “Wine began in 1993 under the initial coordination of Bob Amstadt as a way to support running Windows 3.1 programs on Linux. Very early on, leadership over Wine's development passed to Alexandre Julliard, who has managed the project ever since,” according to the official site.
It will take a while before Wine is completely ported to Android. Stay tuned to this space for more updates 

Toshiba stuffs color noise reduction in 1.12 micrometer 8MP sensor, claims better cameras in slimmer phones

Sony hardwired high dynamic range (HDR) capture for both stills and video in its new Exmor RS sensor that will be used by most flagships this year, but innovations in the field aren't stopping, it seems, especially with Toshiba.The company announced sample availability of an 8MP sensor with a color noise reduction (CNR) circuit. Despite being 1.12 micrometers, the "T4K35" image sensor combines CNR with backside illumination for reaching a signal-to-noise ratio that rivals what can be achieved with current 1.4 micrometer units.

This means an even smaller camera module, allowing for thinner phones and tablets, but with performance on par with senors that have much larger pixels, so we can't wait to see who will implement first the new sensor in a phone.

US-bound Nokia Lumia EOS with 41MP PureView sensor reconfirmed by The Guardian

Not that there's been any doubt Nokia is working hard on bringing its PureView Phase 1 sensor, as found on the groundbreaking 808 PureView handset, to the Lumia range, but now the rumor gets reconfirmed by one more reputable source - The Guardian.

UK's leading publication cites sources close to the Finns, who once again said that the US will be getting the 41MP sensor from the 808 PureView in a Nokia Lumia device running Windows Phone, codenamed EOS.

We've heard a few times before that the handset is heading to AT&T, and possibly Verizon, but so far the speculation was that it will have a scaled down version of the PureView Phase 1 sensor, with twenty something megapixels to do the oversampling magic that yields such great results in the last Symbian phone. The EOS is expected to be thin and aluminum-clad, and we'd expect a sizable "hump" on the back for the huge sensor, which we can care less about if the results are what the 808 PureView delivers.

Asked for comment, Nokia gave the usual boilerplate reply that it is flattered by the attention given from the Guardian to the Lumia range, but it is company policy not to comment on rumors. The EOS phone is expected to launch in the US come summer, so we might be seeing it announced at the MWC expo, as Nokia already scheduled a press event for February 25 there.

HTC M7 camera is rumored to use Ultrapixels  

The HTC M7 was briefly displayed by HTC CEO Peter Chou at HTC's Year-end party. Holding the phone aloft, Chou led the audience in chanting "M7, M7". Chou took some pictures with the device, saying that he was testing the camera. If rumors surrounding the phone are correct, the executive was using a camera with Ultrapixels. While megapixels means millions of pixels, ultrapixels refers to a specific type of sensor that has three layers each with 4.3MP resolution. Truthfully, it is just HTC's way of naming this technique to make it sound better than three layers of MP.

So what is the advantage of using Ultrapixels? According to those familiar with the technology, pictures taken with an Ultrapixel camera result in sharper images with more accurate color reproduction than found with today's smartphone cameras. This is because the information found on the three layers is processed down to one virtual pixel, which results in more information per pixel and thus, a better picture.

Anonymous sources say that the sensor on the HTC M7 will resemble the sensor used on the  Nokia 808 Pureview. Like the latter device, the HTC M7 will be able to take pictures at higher resolutions when using a special mode. That is similar to the aforementioned Nokia 808 Pureview which heavily promoted the 41MP sensor even though it is available in just one mode. The remaining modes shoot pictures in 8MP. HTC does plans on featuring the Ultrapixel term when advertising its next flagship model.

Earlier rumors about the HTC M7 noted that the device would have a 13MP camera which would actually be very close to the 4.3MP X 3 for the three layers. We should know more for sure on February 19th when HTC holds a press event, presumably to unveil the phone.

HCL launches budget ME tablets: U2 at 5999, V1 at 7999 and Y3 at 11999 in India

HCL Infosystems has launched 3 new ME tablets called the ME U2, ME V1 and ME Y3 in the Indian market priced at Rs 5,999, Rs 7,999 and Rs 11,999.
Unmukt Chand, India's U-19 cricket world cup winning captain and brand ambassador of HCL launched the new tablets in an event held in Delhi.
These tablets have been designed keeping in mind the students and young professionals of India.
Mr Gautam Advani, Global Head, Mobility Business Unit, HCL Infosystems Ltd. said, "We're very delighted to have Unmukt Chand as our brand ambassador for our ME Tablet brand. Unmukt's exuberance and passion to excel is an apt personification of our brand. Like Unmukt, the ME Tab brand is young, focused and raring to go. Our tablets have created a substantial space of its won in the market in a short span of time and we have received great response from our customers".

Here are the features and specification of HCL ME U2, ME V1 and ME Y3 tablets:

All the three tablets operate on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

HCL ME U2 tablet

It is the most economic of the three tablets. It generates its power from a 1 Ghz Cortex A9 processor and comes with a 1 GB DDR3 RAM and 4GB of internal storage.

ME U2 sports a 7-inch WVGA display that has a resolution support of 800X480 pixels.

It supports external dongles.

This tablet is topped with a 0.3-megapixel front camera for video calling.

Output ports include a micro SD card slot that can be used to expand memory up to 32GB and a mini HDMI port.

This tablet has Google Play Store.

HCL ME V1 tablet

ME V1 tablet is a 2g calling phablet with an integrated voice receiver and call vibrate options. It has EDGE/Data support.

It generates its power from 1 Ghz Cortex A9 CPU processor and has 1 GB RAM and 4GB of internal storage.

V1 sports a 7-inch screen that has a resolution support of 800 X 400 pixels.

This tablet has a 2 Mega Pixel primary camera and a 0.3 Mega Pixel front camera. It comes with proximity sensor and Wi-Fi.

V1 runs on a 3200 mAH Li-Po battery.

HCL ME Y3 tablet

ME Y3 tablet generate its power from a 1 Ghz Cortex A9 CPU processor and come with1GB RAM and 4GB internal storage.

It sports a 7-inch screen that has a resolution support of 1024 X 600 pixels.

This tablet is topped with a 3.2 Mega Pixel primary camera and 0.3 Mega Pixel front camera for 3G video calling.

It comes along with built-in GPS and FM Radio.

Output port includes a mini HDMI Port, a micro SD card slot that can be used to expand memory up to 32 GB.

HCL ME Y3 has dual-SIM, dual stand-by 3G support.

All these HCL tablets will come along with Cleartrip Vouchers and one month subscription of Magzter-Digital Magazine

Lenovo launches Windows 8 based Ideapad Y500, Ideapad Z500 laptops in India

Expanding its Ideapad range, Lenovo has launched two new Windows 8 devices in India powered by third-generation Intel Core processors.
Lenovo IdeaPad Y500 and IdeaPad Z500 can be configured with up to 16GB of DDR3 memory and up to 1TB of HDD storage.
While the Lenovo IdeaPad Y500 is priced at Rs. 64,290, the IdeaPad Z500 is priced at Rs 48,990 plus taxes plus taxes.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Z500 has a 15.6-inch backlit LED HD display.

Key specifications Lenovo IdeaPad Y500

• 15.6-inch LED backlit widescreen HD display
• Windows 8 operating system JBL speakers and Dolby Home Theater v4
• Integrated Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity
• USB2.0, USB3.0 connectors & 6in1 card reader

 IdeaPad Z500

• 15.6-inch backlit LED HD display (1366x768), 16:9 widescreen
• Up to NVIDIA GeForce GT 645M 2GB graphics with DirectX 11
• Windows 8 operating system
• Up to 8GB DDR3 memory, up to 1TB HDD storage
• Integrated Bluetooth and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity