Written on September 2nd, 2010 by Editorno shouts
How Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab compares to Apple’s iPad
Samsung has become the latest challenger to enter the tablet computer battle, unveiling its Galaxy Tab at the IFA conference in Berlin.
The device will run on Google’s Android operating system, with a capacity of 16 or 32Gb, expandable by 32Gb more.
It weighs 380g (14oz), and has an 18cm (7in) screen – smaller and lighter than its principal rival the iPad.
Vodafone has announced that it will distribute the device in European markets including the UK in October.
The tablet can connect via 3G networks, as well as wi-fi and Bluetooth.
It will employ Samsung’s “Reader’s Hub” for e-books and the “Media Hub” for music and videos. It supports Flash video and will be able to stream content to a TV.
Analysis
At first sight, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab looks to have more to it than the iPad.
Samsung says its research shows people want this device to be useable on the move and they need to be able to communicate with it.
So the Tab can make calls – and video calls, as well as all the video, music and book content that you get on an iPad.
You’ll be able to access millions of books, plus newspapers and magazines – Samsung even says that “we expect the Tab to play an important role in the digitalization of printed material”.
Samsung called it “the first of the company’s tablet devices”, suggesting further models will be forthcoming.
“Samsung recognises the tremendous growth potential in this newly-created market and we believe that the Samsung Galaxy Tab brings a unique and open proposition to market,” said Samsung’s head of mobile communications JK Shin.
“There is a new and emerging consumer demand that Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in our DNA.”
Vodafone’s Patrick Chomet said that the firm is “pleased to be introducing” the Galaxy Tab.
“Adding tablets as part of our device range is a natural next step that gives customers an alternative way to enjoy great content and internet services,” he said.
Technology analysts CCS Insight said that Samsung had joined the tablet melee with an “attractive device and strong service offer”, calling the 7-inch size an “appealing form factor”.
However they note that in a market with an increasing number of tablet competitors, pricing will become the crucial issue.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Written on September 1st, 2010 by Editorno shouts
The IFA consumer electronics fair opens its doors on Friday
Sony has launched a new music and video download service as it gears up to challenge Apple’s iTunes.
The announcement, made at the IFA technology fair in Berlin, was timed to coincide with an Apple media event in the US.
The cloud-based service will be available on PlayStation 3s, Bravia TVs, Blu-Ray players and Sony’s personal computers.
Initially it will offer movies. Music will be added at the end of the year.
Sony’s online services platform Qriocity has offered video-on-demand in the US since April this year but will now be available in Europe.
The Music Unlimited service, due at the end of the year, will give users access to millions of songs.
“Via Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services… including video, music, game applications and e-books over time,” said Fujio Nishida, president of Sony Europe.
It is not the first time that Sony has tried to break into the digital music market.
In 2004 it launched an online music download service in the US, called Connect.
It did not prove popular with consumers and Sony pulled the plug on it in 2007.
Commenting on the new service, Forrester analyst Mark Mulligan said it was a “necessary strategic move”.
“It has done a wise thing launching a multi-media rather than just a music service. Apple has the glue of iTunes but Sony doesn’t have this and it has recognised the need to join the dots between all its disparate devices,” he said.
In Australia and New Zealand, Sony has been trialling another music service called bandit.fm, which allows users to stream unlimited music for a fixed cost.
It is rumoured that Amazon is also about to enter the movie and music streaming fray, with its own download service.
Details of Sony’s latest service and the costs will be announced later.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Written on August 26th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
Mashable – This series is brought to you by HTC EVO 4G, America’s first 4G phone. Only from Sprint. The “First to Know” series keeps you in the know on what’s happening now in the world of social media and technology.
Written on August 25th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
AP – An exclusive e-book deal between Amazon.com and the agent for such Random House classics as “Invisible Man” and “Lolita” is no longer exclusive, and no longer a deal.
Written on August 24th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
AP – An exclusive e-book deal between Amazon.com and the agent for such Random House classics as “Invisible Man” and “Lolita” is no longer exclusive, and no longer a deal.
Written on August 17th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
NewsFactor – Barnes & Noble is increasing its bet on e-books with the release Tuesday of updated, free nook e-readers for Apple’s iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, and Windows-based PCs. The move re brands its existing software, launches a new nook reader for the iPhone, and updates the iPad and PC readers.
Written on August 10th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
AP – Pat Conroy says he knows so little about e-books that he didn’t realize his work could be downloaded until a fan showed him during a recent promotional tour.
Written on August 6th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
Ben Patterson – Recently filed FCC documents reveal an upcoming tablet from HP — the eStation Zeen — that tipsters believe will run on the Android OS and print documents and even e-books directly to HP printers.
Written on August 5th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
Mashable – Several years after the launch of its online e-book store in the U.S., a Kindle Store has finally opened in the UK.
Written on August 4th, 2010 by Editorno shouts
AFP – Japan’s top mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo said Wednesday it would tie up with a major publisher to launch an electronic book service, as it aims to compete with Apple and its hugely popular iPad.
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