Acer Unveils 3D All-in-one Aspire Z5763 With Gesture Control

Acer has unveiled a new addition to its range of all-in-one PC’s with the launch of their new Acer Aspire Z5763. Equipped with NVIDIA 3D Vision and a 23 inch Full HD 1080p 16:9 display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Its powered by a an Intel Core i3-2100 processor that features dual computing cores, clocked at 3.1GHz and can take up to a maximum of 16GB of DDR3 memory. The  new Acer Aspire Z5763 is also the first PC Acer have created that uses, Acer AirControl a new technology that uses the integrated cameras to interpret hand and finger movements allowing you to control the PC via gestures rather than using the mouse or keyboard.

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Fring 4-Way Video Conferencing App Launches (video)

You might remember the exciting 4-way video conferencing application, Fring I wrote about earlier this month, which was in its beta development stage. Well you might be pleased to know its now left the beta stage and has been released as a stable application for both Android and iOS devices.

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Samsung Galaxy S II review

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If you don't already know all about the Samsung Galaxy S II, where have you been the past two months? The successor to one of the most popular Android handsets to date carries a burden of expectation almost as sizable as its 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen. It promises to be thinner, lighter, and faster than the Galaxy S that preceded it, while garnishing Android 2.3.3 with a set of TouchWiz customizations that might actually enhance, rather than hinder, the user experience.

Wow-Keys Keyboard Uses iPhone as Number Pad and More

I have seen some really interesting and cool keyboards over the years and this Wow-Keys keyboard is one of the coolest. This thing is a normal QWERTY keyboard on one side and where the number pad would normally be is an iPhone dock. You can also dock your iPod touch there too.

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The dock will work with an app you can download that will turn the screen of your iPhone or touch into the number pad that the keyboard is lacking. The keyboard supports both Mac and PCs and has a button for changing between keyboard and iPhone mode.The keyboard measures 407 x 130 x 25mm.

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Android 2.3.4 heading to Nexus S over the air, bringing video and voice chat to Gtalk

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For an update with such a modest name, this is actually quite a major step forward. Google's about to start delivering Android 2.3.4 to Nexus S devices out in the wild, and in among all the bug fixes and optimizations, users will find the addition of video and voice chat to Google Talk.

Motorola Xoom LTE update delayed until summer, same time as Bionic launch

Motorola's just finished giving the news and the numbers on its quarterly financial report, and there was one bit of badness that we just had to share: the Xoom LTE upgrade has been delayed. We won't be seeing it until summer according to Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha, which is also when we'll be seeing the Bionic, a delay that we were already sulking about.

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Super Slim Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Confirmed

Lenovo has confirmed that its new ThinkPad X1 will be arriving very soon and is packed with features, even though its has a super slim design, that measures only 21.5mm in thickness.

The main advancement of the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is its new battery called ”slice” that won’t be user-replaceable, but will provide massive performance gains according to Lenovo. The new “slice” battery will last three times as longer than a normal battery says Lenovo  and will recharge 2.5 times faster than previous ThinkPad cells.

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Acer Wants To Be More Competitive In The Tablet Wars

Even though it might appear a losing battle, Acer is hell bent on fighting for its slice of the smartphone/tablet market. To achieve this, Acer have announced the creation of a new business unit that will increase its competitiveness at a time when both Nokia, Dell, and Samsung are gearing up for their own onslaughts.

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Apple Testing Three iPhone 5 Prototypes?

The latest iPhone 5 rumor is that Apple is currently testing three prototype models of the iPhone 5, and the rumor comes from a Taiwan based website which has in the past published information about new Apple devices that have been true.

According to the rumor one prototype iPhone 5 is identical to the existing iPhone 4, except for a larger battery and a more powerful camera, although this doesn’t tie in with the earlier rumor that we heard about the iPhone 5 featuring a larger display.

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New Completely Rebuilt Tweetdeck iOS Application Launched (video)

Tweetdeck has today launched a completely redesigned version 2.0 of its iOS Twitter application. Tweetdeck 2.0 has been completely rebuilt from the ground up to provide the fastest and slickest possible. All the same service are still available in the new Tweetdeck 2.0 version but extra focus has been put into designing the application to run exceptionally fast and provide an improved navigation for users to be able to use the features within the app with ease.

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Minebea Cool Leaf Keyboard Concept Becomes Reality

You might remember the Minebea Cool Leaf Keyboard I wrote about back in March 2010 in which Minebea had developed a new next-generation input device dubbed the “Cool Leaf”, with a glass like smooth touch screen which could be used in keyboards, remote controllers and calculators.

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Worldictionary app uses Google and iPhone camera for instant translations

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Whether browsing through the latest technology news, following the exploits of your favorite musician or film star or looking up exotic holiday destinations, chances are you will bump into a language that's not your own. Thanks to online translation services, most of us can usually get the gist of what's going on, but there are occasions when typing a word into a translation box is just not convenient. Penpower Technology has an alternative solution in the form of an application that uses the camera on the iPhone and Google's translation service to offer instant word translation and definition.

  

DirecTV's iPad, iPhone, Android apps will (NOT) have HBO Go streaming May 2nd (Update)

Just like the web versions of HBO Go and Max Go are accessible both through their own sites and various provider portals, DirecTV has announced it will include access to them in its own apps on iPad, iPhone and "select Android devices" at the same time native Go apps launch. There's no word on what restrictions may be placed on Android, if it's just Froyo or higher hardware with Flash accessibility, then that's one thing, but Netflix-style DRM tie ups could prove to be much more frustrating to our Game of  Thrones streaming plans.

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The announcement came from DirecTV's official Twitter account which indicated the apps would progress beyond mere remote control and DVR scheduling on the same May 2nd date previously teased in HBO's YouTube trailer -- we'll wait and see how long it takes to be integrated into similar apps from competitors like Comcast and Verizon FiOS.

Toshiba's 10.1-inch Regza AT300 Honeycomb tablet hits Japan in June

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Toshiba's first Honeycomb tablet, which we first laid hands upon back in January, has finally been priced with an honest to goodness ship date. Unfortunately, this 10.1-incher with 1,280 x 800 pixel display, USB, HDMI, and 5 megapixel rear-facing cam is Japan-only for now. Look for it to hit the hard streets of Nippon in late June. Now if we could just get a name, date, and price for locations a bit closer to home we'd be all set.

Next-generation iPhone coming in September?

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Ok, so you won't be getting an iPhone refresh this summer. But according to a trio of sources speaking to Reuters, the next-generation iPhone should be shipping in September -- as we've heard before -- with production starting in July. One source said that the iPhone will feature a faster processor, naturally, and look largely similar to the iPhone 4. If true then prepare to see it unveiled at Apple's fall event, usually held in early September.

ASUS' bamboo-plated U43SD laptop graduates to Sandy Bridge, so does plain-jane U41SV

The U43SD doesn't appear to stray from its predecessor's industrial design (save for its bigger 14-inch screen), but it steps up to the latest Core i3 and Core i5 processors, along with NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M graphics with 1GB of video memory. You can also choose from 5,400RPM and 7,200RPM hard drive options and either a six- or eight-cell battery. 

While the company was at it, it also quietly unveiled another Sandy Bridge laptop, the U41SV, which offers the same configuration options as the U43SD -- and a plainer design. No word on pricing, and a cursory search turned up no availability.

Android 2.3 Gingerbrea Coming soon for Galaxy S

There is good news for all the Samsung Galaxy S users that Samsung has confirmed that they will be releasing the Android Gingerbread 2.3 update for Galaxy S handset owners in the middle of this month, so by our rough estimations they may be releasing this by next week of this month.

Android 2.3 Gingerbrea Coming soon for Galaxy S

The World’s Most Powerful Android Smartphone? Samsung Galaxy S II Benchmarks Revealed

Oh yeah! Things are really starting to heat up in the Android Superphone Wars of 2011. The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S II , powered by a Samsung built 1.2GHz  Exynos dual-core processor, breathlessly broke the 3,000 mark on Quadrant. While it should be known that these numbers are preliminary, and Quadrant scores themselves for dual-core devices are still a subject of debate, it is looking like the Galaxy S II has the hot hardware to beat the Atrix, G2x, EVO 3D, Optimus 3D, or virtually any other phone you can think of.

Samsung is not messing around, and reacted rather quickly (back in February) to the LG Optimus 3D’s excellent performance by raising the clock speed from 1Ghz to 1.2Ghz on the Galaxy S II. As a leader in semiconductors, Samsung has an excellent reputation for making some of the best mobile processors  in the world.

Xperia X1 gets CM7, Android community

Android community

This is why Android is great. faryaab over at XDA has brought CM7 to the Xperia X1. While carriers and Sony have practically lost all interest in this old phone, it says something that the community still supports it for those that still use it.

Xperia X1 gets CM7,  Android community

Viewsonic G Tablet gets firmware update with Flash, USB peripheral support

Viewsonic's G Tablet may not have made much of splash when it debuted last fall, but it's certainly been picking up a bit of steam as of late. A recent price drop brought its cost down to just $280, and hackers have even managed to overclock its processor to 1.4GHz and get it running CyanogenMod 7 to boot.

Viewsonic G Tablet gets firmware update with Flash, USB peripheral support

Now Viewsonic itself has given the tablet a further boost, with a new firmware update bringing support for both Flash and USB peripherals, which can apparently also be used with a docking station. The update's of the over-the-air variety, and should be waiting for you if you haven't turned on your G Tablet in the past few days.

Stealth introduces Core i3/i5/i7 mini-PC

Stealth introduces Core i3/i5/i7 mini-PC

Industrial-grade rugged computer systems manufacturer Stealth Computer has announced its most powerful small form factor PC to date. The Little PC 670 has been designed with Intel's Core i3, i5 and i7 mobile processors, and packs numerous I/O connectivity options into a 6.54 x 6.18 x 1.89-inch (166 x 157 x 48 mm) durable aluminum chassis. HDD storage comes as standard, but SSD solutions are available for applications that require extra-high shock, vibration and temperature protection. There's support for full 1080p high definition playback, and 5.1 Channel audio courtesy of Realtek.

Stealth introduces Core i3/i5/i7 mini-PC

Nokia X7-00 Officially Unveiled, Boasts 8MP Camera

What sets the Nokia X7-00 apart from other handsets in the company's lineup is that it features a 4.0-inch AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. It also boasts an 8.0-megapixel camera, 680-MHz ARM11 processor, and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. Expect to shell out $549 for this phone when it's released in Q2 2011.

The major focus of the Nokia X7-00 is its entertainment and gaming aspect. This new X7-00 supports the usual audio formats with up to 320 kbps Bit rate and also has Stereo FM radio. Apart from that the on-board graphics supports OpenGL 2.0 that enables 3D graphics and thus games are enjoyable with the help of accelerometer.

Nintendo 3DS clocks up 400,000 US sales in opening week, nearly matches month-long total for DS

Now we're talking. After Nintendo slyly told us that the 3DS set a day-one US sales record for its handheld division, it has now been more forthright and actually disclosed some cold hard numbers. 400,000 3DS units were shifted in the month of March, says Nintendo of America chief Reggie Fils-Aime, which amounts to just one working week's worth of sales when you consider the portable console launched on March 27th.

Nintendo 3DS clocks

Navigon MobileNavigator for iOS updated with augmented reality, safety camera features

Navigon MobileNavigator for iOS

Navigon just recently rolled out a stylish iPhone Car Kit for use with its iOS navigation app, and it's now also announced a fairly significant update to the app itself.

 In addition to all the usual basic navigation features, MobileNavigator 1.8 now also boasts an augmented reality component dubbed the "Reality Scanner" that overlays points of interest on top of a live camera view, as well as a new "Safety Cameras" feature that warns you of speed and red light cameras.

Toshiba 10.1" Android Tablet

Toshiba 10.1" Android Tablet

Toshiba is now getting into the game with their own Android tablet. Toshiba brings the features that seem obvious and so shockingly absent from the other guys. A full sized USB port is open for accessory and storage options. Memory expansion is further possible with a full sized SDXC card slot. This is a great boon for those already vested in SD cards or devices that use them. Your tablet can now become a slick workstation for digital photography. Upload and review your photos on the large 10.1 screen on the go. You can see them even larger on projectors or HDTVs employing the full size HDMI connector.


There's also a mini-USB port for connection, sync and transfers (and possibly charging). While the mini-USB plug is still viable and very convenient, it does go slightly against the grain of the standardization around micro-USB. The Toshiba tablet also has a replaceable battery, hopefully with external charging options. Toshiba's choices to include the features that should have been standard on day one, should have people flocking to this tablet on it's launch day. As long as the price is remotely reasonable this is probably the most user friendly multi-role tablet announced.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Adds Even More Function to Android Tablet Power

Between Apple iPad and the myriad of Android tablets hitting the market, a good portion of the world has embraced the Tablet lifestyle. Asus brings you the Eee Pad Transformer to warm up to the rest of you that weren't quite ready to give up the keyboard. The Transformer is a 10.1 inch, 1280x800, Tegra 2 powered tablet running on the touch friendly Honeycomb Android OS. Packing a full SD card slot, dual cameras and a pair of USB slots, this is almost the best spec'd tablet on the market.

Asus Eee Pad

What sets the Eee Pad Transformer apart is the detachable keyboard base. It can be used as a Tablet or a clam-shell style laptop with a few quick clicks. Those who prefer the slate format for quick and easy one-handed access to the full-tilt Internet can relegate the keyboard to a docking station. Except... the keyboard packs an extra battery within doubling the expected life up to a whopping 16 hours. Set this on a desk and work all day long completely wireless. This is the product line that both MS and Apple should be worrying about. As Android developers close the gap on Apple's service offerings, business minded users can sidle up to a gadget with some serious Office replacement options. The Asus Eee Pad transformer is expected to retail along the lines of the other players in the space, from $300 to $700 depending on wireless options and internal storage. Delivery should happen sometime in April, starting in Taiwan then filtering out to the rest of the world. 

SteadyCam Pro App offers real-time image stabilization for iPhone videos

SteadyCam Pro App

The video capture capabilities found in today's mobile phones has made it easier than ever to record those priceless memories whenever and wherever they may occur. However, one of the downsides to cramming a video camera into such a small device is the lack of stability that often results in videos that look like they were shot the morning after a big night. With a full-blown steadycam rig probably not the best solution for smoothing out things on the go, Midnox has created an app that provides real-time image stabilization for the iPhone 4.

SteadyCam Pro App

The SteadyCam Pro app is compatible with iPhone 4's running iOS 4.1 or later. It's shake-reducing magic comes courtesy of some advanced signal processing algorithms, which can apparently also correct for the rolling shutter that produces distorted shots of fast moving objects due to the fact that each frame recorded by the iPhone isn't from a single point in time, but is recorded by scanning across the frame. A free trial version of the app that lets users record 15 seconds worth of footage and stamps a watermark on captured footage also provides the opportunity to try before you buy.

Linux OS Hercules eCafe Netbook Does 13 Hours Per Charge

The Hercules brand isn’t exactly a household name, but it is better known for the line of speakers than “real” computer equipment. Even so, they’re already onto the next generation of computing with two new eCAFE netbooks. The EX HD eCAFE netbook is the one that boasts a “real world” battery life of “at least” 13 hours. That should be more than enough to keep you Skyping and Twittering all day long.

Latest Technology Linux OS Hercules

The Slim HD eCAFE netbook, on the other hand, has a claim to fame with its less than one-inch profile. To keep the battery life optimal, the Hercules netbooks use a ARM Cortex A8 800MHz low-power processor, solid state storage, 512MB RAM, and a fanless design. This sounds awfully gutless, but the custom Linux-based operating system is optimized for this environment. Then again, you can easily find a lot of smartphones with more juice than this.

Latest Technology Linux OS Hercules

Running through the rest of the specs, we find a 10.1-inch 1024×600 LED screen with 720p video support, a trio of USB ports, Ethernet, cardreader, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and 80GB of online storage.

Hercules XPS Diamond USB Speakers are Truly a Gem to Behold

XPS Diamond Speakers

If quality sound is music to your ears, it's probably appropriate that these look like earrings. Tethered by a single USB cable for power and audio, the Hercules XPS Diamond USB Speakers consist of two large black diamond shaped speakers. The heart of the diamond contains an internal sound device (no Pink Panther). Hercules, being a veteran in the PC and sound game for more than 20 years, have assuredly filled the eye-candy speakers with decent components.  


While the Hercules XPS Diamond USB Speakers are a delight to see and are equally easy on the pocketbook with the $40 asking price, don't expect mind-blowing sound. Expect the kind of sound that fits in your purse, in an appropriately posh velvet jewelry pouch, which they include.

XPS Diamond Speakers

Not that this is a speaker only for girls, just be aware these may only pack better-than-average sound, thanks to Hercules, but nothing more. The pouch, size, price and single cord nature of these speakers make them great for traveling with some Lady Gaga flair. These speakers are mostly just fun to look at and given the tiny MSRP, they are a great bargain and would do fine in ritzy settings like weddings or jewelry store kiosks.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play review

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play review

The PlayStation Phone. We've had quite the intimate history with this gamepad-equipped slider, learning of its secretive existence way back in August and then handling a prototype unit in January, so you'll forgive us for feeling sentimental and still entertaining our pet name for it. The Sony Ericsson marketing gurus renamed it the Xperia Play when it finally went official at MWC this year, but the PlayStation connection remains as strong as ever. Aside from the D-pad, iconic game keys, and two touchpads, this device comes with a little app named PlayStation Pocket, which will be serving up dollops of classic PlayStation One gaming to all those with a taste for it. Yes, the Sony influence is strong with this one, and the Android Market will be joining the fun with Xperia Play-optimized titles from third-party developers. So all we really need to know now is whether the Android smartphone underpinning this smash-bang fusion of old and new school entertainment happens to be any good. Shall we get Started?

 There's likely little point in us trying to discuss any of the Xperia Play's external hardware before addressing its literal and figurative centerpiece, the slide-out gamepad. A DualShock attached to your smartphone it is not, but you already knew that. The real question is how close it comes to replicating the console experience rather than how well it competes with it. Judged on such terms, the Play acquits itself very well. The digital directional keys are firm with a satisfying amount of travel and the same goes for the face buttons. Squeezed in between them, Sony Ericsson also throws in a pair of analog pads, which react to your input in much the same fashion as the capacitive touchscreen does -- with the big difference being that while you use the pads you're not obscuring any of the action on screen. Each pad has a handy indented dot at its center, helping to orient your thumb without the need to look down.