Sony Ericsson on Sunday announced a new premium handset aimed at capturing the web convergence market, blending multimedia with mobile web communication in its first product using Microsoft Corp.'s operating system.
The Xperia X1 will launch in the second half of 2008 and will be sold worldwide, including in the United States.
It marks the first time Sony Ericsson is using Microsoft Windows Mobile in a departure from its collaboration with Symbian, an open operating system that's partly owned by Sony Ericsson.
Executives said their focus was on the user experience, not the operating system, and said that many Sony Ericsson signature features, including a patented nine-panel interface, had been built on top of the Windows operating system.
Sony Ericsson executive Steve Walker said Microsoft Mobile was the "ideal" platform for the X1.
"In the case of the X1, Microsoft gives us an opportunity to build on," Walker said. But he said that did not necessarily mean that subsequent handsets in the Xperia sub-brand would be based on Microsoft.
The handset features an arc sliding mechanism with a 3-inch-wide DVD-quality video display, a full keyboard alongside a touchscreen, and optical device for navigation.
Sony Ericsson executives declined to give pricing on the handset or say how many it plans to ship.
The partnership was announced on the eve of the Mobile World Congress, the largest wireless industry conference bringing together more than 50,000 industry executives from some 1,300 companies.
"With Sony Ericsson we are now working with the top five handset makers around the world," Microsoft product manager John Starkweather said in an interview before the Barcelona wireless conference.
Samsung, Motorola Inc. and LG all ship cell phones with Microsoft Mobile, while Nokia Corp., the largest handset maker by volume, incorporates some Microsoft technology, including Windows Media Player.
Microsoft expects to ship 20 million new phones using Windows Mobile in the fiscal year that ends June 30, Starkweather said.
Hewlett Packard has strengthened its entry level laser printer portfolio with the launch of its smallest and most compact laser printers - the HP LaserJet 1007 and the HP LaserJet 1008.
The new LaserJet series aims to complement the growing need for greater flexibility, productivity and cost savings among SOHO/SMBs and is available at a price of Rs. 6,699 for the 1007 and Rs. 8,299 for the 1008.
"As the market leader in the laser printer category, we believe that we must constantly innovate to meet and surpass customer expectations. The LJ 1007 and LJ 1008 with HP’s new patented Spherical Toner, print speeds of up to 17 ppm and a compact form factor are designed to boost customer delight", said Ajay Rawal, Country Category Manager, Commercial Volume LaserJets, Imaging and Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard India Sales Pvt. Ltd.
The HP LaserJet P1007/P1008 printer series features a new, patented smaller toner cartridge and is designed to conserve resources as well as office space, shipping with less packaging than previous products and engineered to use less energy over an extended period of time.
Sony recently launched its latest range of High Definition Handycam Camcorders - HDR-SR10E and HDR-HC9E. Both camcorders incorporate Face Detection Technology for both video and photos. Other technologies include ClearVid CMOS sensors with Exmor-derived technology that utilizes column analog/digital conversion to minimize picture noise.
Together with the high processing speed and noise reduction capability of the Bionz processing engine and Dynamic Range Optimization, the new camcorders are capable of producing high-resolution video and photos with natural color reproduction and rich details. HDR-SR10E records in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound and have built-in zoom microphones that zooms the audio along with the video for clear recordings of subjects. They also allow for quick data transfer via USB from the camcorders to compatible devices like DVD burners and recorders.
The 40GB HDR-SR10E camcorder provides a recording time (1920 mode) of nearly five hours. It also features Hybrid Movie recording on media cards, as well as built-in hard drives. It's equipped with Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar optics and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization.
Based on the HDV format for recording of 1920 x 1080 HD video, the new HDR-HC9E camcorder offers compatibility with a wide range of video editing suites. It also features Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar optics, a 3.2-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor, and 6.1-megapixel photo capture. This model offers manual controls including ‘focus to infinity’ spot meter and focus to change exposure; center mark to use as a guide frame in the LCD screen or viewfinder; and peaking to facilitate better focusing by outlining objects with a color line. White balance, shutter speed and focus can also be adjusted manually.
The HDR-SR10E and HDR-HC9E HD handycam camcorders cost approximately Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 60,000 respectively.
The Sunnyvale-based company, saddled with debt and hurt by product delays, is betting consumers will gravitate toward its new Turion brand processor and related chipset - part of a package that chip makers call a "platform" and sell together - because of their focus on high-definition video playback.
This new generation of Turion laptop chips will appear at launch in twice as many different computers - from Hewlett-Packard Co., Acer Inc., Toshiba Corp. and others - as the previous generation, released two years ago, AMD said.
Chip makers AMD, Intel Corp. and Nvidia Corp. are battling harder over high-end graphics as more people watch movies and television programs on their home computers and as operating systems and Web applications require better visuals.
To that end, AMD's new chips, which were unveiled at the Computex computer show in Taiwan, rely heavily on parts from ATI Technologies, a graphics chip supplier that AMD acquired for $5.6 billion in 2006 to help it challenge Nvidia and much larger Intel.
Intel is the world's No. 1 maker of microprocessors, the brains of personal computers. AMD is a distant No. 2, and with the acquisition of ATI now makes standalone graphics chips. Nvidia is the market leader in standalone graphics chips.
AMD hopes that by infusing its general-purpose chips with more advanced graphics capabilities it can boost their appeal and help the company increase its market share.
AMD has racked up more than $4 billion in losses over the last six quarters as Intel snatched away market share with newer parts and AMD struggled to digest the pricey ATI acquisition.
AMD's new Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core mobile processors, which come in clock speeds up to 2.4 gigahertz, are accompanied by powerful new chipsets, a separate set of chips that do most of the graphics work - absent a standalone graphics chip - and control how the processor communicates with the rest of the computer.
AMD says its chipsets deliver three times better 3-D performance and five times better high-definition image quality than competing models because of the strength of its integrated graphics. AMD also says its chips transmit high-definition videos and photos faster over wireless networks.
The company says demand for its new lineup of laptop chips has been strong.
The 13-inch laptop market has seen steady movement over the past year with the release of a quite a few products from manufacturers like HP, Dell, Toshiba and Sony. The one laptop that's been dominant in this space has been Dell’s XPS M1330, which has won much acclaim for its sleek design and great performance.
HP recently introduced the DV3005, which due to its positioning is a direct competitor to Dell’s offering. Let’s find out how it fares.
One thing I have always enjoyed about HP has been the consistency of their designs, over the last few years, with regard to their DV series. All of these laptops have the same “HP imprint” lid and body finish: a glossy tough plastic finish with a limited variety of colors. The DV3005 follows this design philosophy strictly and offers only a basic though fairly attractive black finish.This is prevalent for both the lid and the underside of the laptop.
In build quality, the DV3005 fares well as the construction material used is very sturdy. There was no audible squeak anywhere from the body or the hinges. The only downside is that its glossy surface will attract fingerprints. Weight-wise the laptop is around 2.35 kg, which is a bit on the heavy side but nothing that one can’t live with.
The keyboard area of the DV3005, however, startled me a bit. In a major departure from the past, HP has chosen to equip this model with a very shiny metallic finish, similar to a slab of iron. This is astonishing, as this finish is very reflective and can easily double as a mirror. If this is HP’s attempt at giving the laptop some bling, it fails miserably.
The finish has another drawback in that, apart from being a fingerprint magnet, it can get scratched easily. This was apparent on our test piece, which had a number of tiny but visible scratches. While these do occur on other laptops to, on this particular finish they stand out like pimples on the face of a beauty queen. Not pretty.
The metallic finish is not restricted to the area around the keyboard. It has been used on the keys too. However, this has not affected the typing experience, as the keys are well-textured and offer good feedback. Furthermore the keys are a little elevated, as compared to standard sets, and this allows for rapid typing without fatigue.
Sadly, the touchpad of the DV3005 is a disappointment. Its texture is a little too smooth, leading to imprecise mouse control, and the mouse buttons sometimes don’t register clicks.
The underside of the keyboard sports speakers from Altec Lansing. The speakers themselves are not much to rave about. Sound quality was restrained at best, but behaved admirably at higher volumes, with good clear highs and lows with a bit of under-driving on the mids.Apple’s flagship model, the Macbook Pro, recently got a boost in the form of its CPU being upgraded to the new 45nm processors, the addition of multi-touch capability borrowed from the Macbook Air, and an updated keyboard. Do these changes add up to anything significant when compared to previous models? Let’s find out.
The Macbook Pro may have been updated on its specifications, but physically not much has changed. It retains its smooth sexy minimalist design and aluminum construction. The trademark silver matte finish continues to dominate. The construction quality as usual remains top-notch. There's no extra flex or squeak. The only thing that's changed is that the power button has now moved to the right.
In continuation with its earlier practices, Apple has kept the keyboard free of any extra media keys or one-touch function keys that other manufacturers are so fond of. Weight-wise, none of the Macbook Pros has ever been blocks of wood. One of the advantages of aluminum is that it’s lightweight but provides the sturdy finish and construction that thicker plastic does. Hence the Macbook Pro is pretty light for a laptop and weathers well. If one were to place a 2007 Macbook alongside a newer one, the chances of telling them to apart are very slim.
If they are so similar where do the changes occur? The answer is that they don’t... existing hardware has simply been evolved. This is especially true of the keyboard, which now supports iTunes on the keyboard itself and the Exposé/Dashboard icons on various function keys. The keyboard itself offers the same smooth experience as earlier generations. The keys are well spaced and so smoothly textured that it feels like silk – the tactile feedback is such that you can type for hours and not feel any fatigue.
This innovation continues onto the display panel, which is a backlit LED affair. Unlike traditional LCDs, these offer significantly improved brightness, color, and contrast levels (with power savings) and can bring text/movies to a near-cinematic high. The LED panel is perfectly in line with the description used above and offers a magnificent upgrade over previous models. Its color, contrast and brightness levels have few equals. The screen retains its native resolution of 1440 x 900 (16 x 10 aspect ratio) and comes in a glossy or matte finish option. Also retained is the light sensor: depending on the ambient light in a room, this reduces/increases the brightness of the screen and avoids any need for manual adjustment.
In a step inherited from its slimmer cousin, the Pro now sports a multi-touch track-pad. Unlike the Macbook Air, which has a very large touchpad, this is of a more traditional size. The touchpad remains as smooth as ever, offering a good working set of mouse keys with soft clicks. The much-touted multi-touch option works... within reason. While it allows you to resize, squeeze scroll, and generally perform multiple actions similar to the operation of an iPhone, it’s not that smooth and lacks the fluidity of the mobile instrument. For now it remains a novelty item, but knowing Apple it will definitely improve in the future with better control over the UI.
In terms of peripheral connectivity the Macbook Pro offers a conservative range of options. It has 3 USB 2.0 ports, 2 Firewire slots (400 and 800 MHz), a DVI connector, and an Expresscard slot. Wireless connectivity is handled by 802.11a/b/g/n support and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR. For a comprehensive list, check out this page. Microsoft has launched a keyboard and mouse desktop set, the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000, designed to complement the Windows Vista operating system.
The new desktop set includes an ultrathin Comfort Curve keyboard and rechargeable mouse. The keyboard features a Windows Aero-inspired translucent design, floating Hot Keys and instant access to Windows Flip 3D.
"This keyboard is a perfect example of Microsoft's focus on connecting its hardware with Windows Vista, bringing the elegance of Windows Aero to the keyboard," said Carla Forester, group marketing manager at Microsoft. "The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 truly brings the best of both worlds together - a beautiful design and a full suite of productivity features - making it the best option for customers desiring a sophisticated accessory for their computer."
The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 keyboard features Microsoft's Comfort Curve design, which encourages a more natural position with a slight 6-degree curve. The included Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 is a rechargeable mouse that has a horizontal charging station providing a sturdy base, and a battery status indicator.
The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 features advanced wireless technology using 2.4GHz frequency. It is easy to setup and use. Users have to only plug in the transceiver and start working.
Microsoft also announced the Digital Media Keyboard 3000. The keyboard is optimized for Windows Vista, with quick access to Flip 3D4 and the Windows Start Button.
The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 will be available in April 2008 for an estimated retail price of $129.95. The Digital Media Keyboard 3000 will be available in June 2008 for an estimated retail price of $29.95.
The Wireless Laser Desktop7000 and Digital Media Keyboard 3000 are now available for special pre-sale on Amazon.com and will ship in April and June respectively, when the products are released.
Placed horizontally on a table, the R306 not only looks like a radio - it sounds the part too. Pump up the volume and play it loud through the stereo speakers.
Radio convenience
Access favorite AM or FM stations instantly via the preset keys. Get channel info on the sub-display. Or set the radio alarm, and wake up to your favorite station.
Megapixel picture quality
With a 1.3 megapixel camera at hand, you're always ready to catch the moment. For moving pictures, use R306's video recording capabilities.
* R306 Overview
* Bluetooth™
* See the phone
* Specifications
* Compatible accessories
Tune in and share
With an intuitive radio interface and stereo speakers, the R306 means quality fun. For good measure, there's also a camera. Snap and share via Bluetooth™ technology. R306 is
.
What's in it?
Radio - FM and AM
Stay tuned and enjoy your radio experience. Your phone has both FM and AM, giving you access to a wide variety of radio channels. Just place your phone on the table: it is a portable radio.
Stereo loudspeakers
To activate the stereo loudspeakers, just switch to speakerphone. Now you can use your phone hands-free - share radio and conversation with others. For an even richer sound, press the audio enhancer key.
MMS
Take a picture of where you are, record or write a greeting and send to any MMS-capable phone or email address. Send pictures, text and sound.
MP3 ringtones
Want to hear your favorite song every time a call comes in? Your phone not only supports playback of MP3 files - you can use them as your personal ringtone too.
Alarm clock with radio
Need to get up at a certain time? Got an event you can’t miss? Set the time, and let your favorite radio channel play or the alarm signal ring to remind you.
Phone book
Store contact information for friends, family and colleagues in your phone.
Music recognition
What’s that sound? Just record a few seconds of music and TrackID™ (powered by Gracenote Mobile MusicID) returns the song name, artist and album to your phone within seconds. See how it works
Integrated camera
Integrated camera
Built-in digital camera with screen viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interaction with in-phone imaging and messaging features.
Capture the action
Capture the action
Video clips are ideal for those unexpected great moments that happen when you're out there, enjoying life.
The Bluetooth™ experience
The Bluetooth™ experience
Bluetooth™ wireless technology frees more than your hands – it lets your devices talk to each other without tangles, across ranges of up to 10 metres.
Predictive text input
Predictive text input