Friday, January 13, 2012

Microsoft and LG Sign Patent Agreement for Android and Chrome Devices

Microsoft and LG Electronics have signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for LG’s tablets, mobile phones and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome OS Platform. The contents of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property
The agreement with LG expands upona pre-existing agreement, and it is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.
Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft, said:
“We are pleased to have built upon our longstanding relationship with LG to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Together with our 10 previous agreements with Android and Chrome OS device manufacturers, including HTC, Samsung and Acer, this agreement with LG means that more than 70 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio. We are proud of the continued success of our program in resolving the IP issues surrounding Android and Chrome OS.”

Huawei MediaPad to Ship with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Huawei announced that the Huawei MediaPad will come pre-loaded with the new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. First launched in June 2011, the original MediaPad was the world’s first 7-inch Android 3.2tablet . This latest version of the MediaPad once again provides users with the very latest Android experience, along with access to the newest and hottest services and apps available in the Android marketplace.
Huawei also unveiled its new MediaPad color series – fashionable MediaPads in three new colors: shadow black, classic brown, and passion pink and running on Android 3.2. Both MediaPad versions have a high-quality display, with screen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels at 217 PPI and supporting 1080P Full HD video playback . Additionally, they come with a Qualcomm dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and have a battery capacity of six hours or more.
Huawei’s new MediaPad color series and the MediaPad with Android 4.0 will be available in selected markets in the first quarter of 2012. Existing MediaPad owners will receive an OTA Android 4.0 upgrade to their tablets by the first quarter of 2012.
Richard Yu, Chairman, Huawei Device said:
“In a tablet market defined by staid black and white tablets, the new colorful MediaPad offers a personalized look without the need for an external case. With a hardware package that includes a high-quality screen, a powerful dual-core processor, and long battery life, these colorful MediaPad embodies a rare combination of style and performance.”

Google Search App for Android Updated – Streamlined UI, Faster Results

Google updated its search app for pre-ICS versions of Android. This update is for users running Android 2.2, 2.3 or 3-point-anything and brings some UI and performance enhancements.
The upgraded app sports a streamlined UI , with categorized search suggestions displayed at the top of a device’s screen. The app will also now feed you country-specific results and suggestions , along with suggestions from other apps already installed on your phone.
Update Google Search App for Android
Updates include:
Faster, smoother performance, with an updated and simplified user interface.
Suggestions for your search grouped by type, withweb suggestions at the top.
Country-specific suggestions and search results for all countries with Google domains.
Long press to remove history items.
Here are some additional tips we’d like to share:
Tap the arrow to the right of a search suggestion or history item to add it to your search term before searching.
Get suggestions from other apps on your phone – check out searchable items in Search settings.
Long press on home screen to add the Google Search widget, if you don’t have it already, to access search faster

One2Touch Foldable NFC Enabled Keyboard for Smartphones – Announced

One2Touch announced the introduction of the world´s first NFC patented keyboard . This is the first affordable wireless NFC keyboard on the market which deliver you a unique ease of use. Simply place the smartphone on the keyboard and start typing in full screen view. No cables – no battery charging – no pairing– just TOUCH & TYPE!
The keyboard is slim, water resistant and foldable to pocket size. One2Touch are moving smartphone use beyond the traditional touchpad strokes, One2Touch keyboard empower you to interact more effectively and extend your smartphone experience. Today we mostly consume information on smartphones. With NFC keyboard users can easily produce information and be more efficient. Business people don’t need to carry their laptops on the move and can still be fully operational.

Sony Ericsson Smart Wireless Headset Pro Announced at CES


Sony Ericsson released Smart Wireless Headset pro which is a stereo bluetooth headset for Android that not only delivers premium stereo sound, but also offers multifunctional features. This headset can be used as an MP3 player (it includes an SD card reader), a portable FM radio, or a remote that displays messages, caller ids, calendar events, etc.
The Smart Wireless Headset pro can actually readyou your incoming messages, via text to speech, so it really makes your life easier while on the go.This headset is perfect for doing exercise accompanied by your music!. It is comaptible on Xperia arc S and Xperia S. You can use them with your favorite Xperia phone, or with phones of other manufacturers.
Specifications
Features
Audio quality you can trust : Smart Wireless Headset pro was designed with passion and great care for detail to give you an extraordinary wireless audio experience. You’ll feel music with warmth, clarity and realism. Genuine sound faithful to the original recording. Enjoy!”
On-the-go MP3 player & FM radio : Are you a regular at the gym? Enjoy an evening walk? Grab your Smart Wireless Headset pro. And get going! Enjoy hundreds of your greatest hits. Tune in to your favourite radio stations. Do more. With this premium MP3 player and portable FM radio.
Do more with Android : Whose calling? What are you listening to? Where are you going to meet? Did you get the promotion? Find out instantly. Smart Wireless Headset pro displays caller names, media titles, text messages, Email and more. You can even call directly from the headset’s recent call list. All you need is an Android™ smartphone. Wow!
Smart Extras : Is an innovative new range of Sony Ericsson accessories. Developed for Android. That help you experience apps and services. In a whole new way. So you can do more.
Basics
Platform Android
Dimensions main unit: 6 x 2.5 x 0.8 mm (with clip = 1.2 mm wide)
Weight 18g main unit, 9.5 g for earphones
Available colours Black Power
FM radio playing time up to (h) 12
Standby time (up to h) 800
Talk time (up to h) 11
Charging connector Micro USB
Stream time (up to h) 7
Bluetooth General
Bluetooth core version 3.0
Operating Range (m) 10 Acoustical – Speaker
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.3% @ 1khz
Driver size 6mm
Speaker Frequency range 10-20000hz
Audio features MP3 & Wav playback via micro SD card
Acoustical – Microphone
Maximum Sound Pressure 115dB @ 1khz UI/Wearing
Graphical display Black and white OLED
Keys 8
Other Works with up to 32GB micro SD card
Wearing clip
Music player control Play, pause, fast forward, rewind
Communications
Messaging Sms/e-mail can be read in display. Sms read out in earpiece via text to speech.
Calls Receive call and make calls from latest call list Sales kit
Kit contents LiveSound headset earpiece
Smart Wireless Headset pro main unit
CCR80: SD card reader
EC300: Short USB cable
Micro USB wall charger
2GB SD card
User guide + warranty leaflet
Earbuds in different sizes
Smart Wireless Headset pro

Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility at Reliance MetroExpress Stations

Reliance Metro Airport Express , the metro rail link between city centre and IGI airport, provides wireless Internet connectivity free of charge at its stations. You can avail the high speed free Wi-Fi internet facility at New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium Stations of Delhi Airport Metro Express from 13th January 2012 . Other stations of Delhi Airport Metro Express will be Wi-Fi enabled very shortly. The Wi-Fi facility is available to passengers throughout the day. The free inaugural service is available for a limited time and subsequently the service will be chargeable on a hourly basis.
How to connect to the Wi-Fi at the stations?
SMS Based User Login: You can generate your Wi-Fi user id in three simple steps:
Registration: Fill up the form
Mobile verification: Send SMS “WIFI YOU” to 09227792200/09920156263
Enjoy surfing
On the spot generated user id through customer care helpdesk: Go to the nearest customer care counter, the customer care executive will assist you in creating the user id by filling up the form and will provide you with the user id generated.
How to get Support for using the Wi-Fi?
Support process flow for Wi-Fi users through centralized call centre
1. The passengers can contact the You Broadband Customer Care on the following number: 9818177898
2. User compliant/request can also be handled through live chat on the login page

Lenovo ‘IdeaPad YOGA’ Convertible Tablet and ‘IdeaCentre A720′ PC Announced


Lenovo announced IdeaPad YOGA , the industry’s first multi-mode notebook with a 360 degree flip-and-fold design. Combining the tablet’s ease-of-use with the ultrabook’s functionality, IdeaPad YOGA gives consumers four-in-one personal computing, with four separate usage modes in one PC. Lenovo also announced its new IdeaCentre A720 , the slimmest 27-inch all-in-one (AIO) PC in the industry.
IdeaPad YOGA is the union of a stylish, powerful ultrabook and a portable 13.3” multi-touch tablet. YOGA’s patented dual-hinge design is engineered to enable content consumption and creation spanning four intuitive usage positions… notebook, tablet, stand, and tent …in one computer, while offering higher durability1 and stability than conventional convertible form factors.
IdeaCentre A720 all-in-one features a pioneering27-inch screen that allows a more widely adjustable angle from -5o to 90o. An innovative screen hinge allows for a more comfortable use in any position and combines with a frameless display that supports 10-point multi-touch capabilities for a greatly enhanced multi-user experience.
IdeaPad YOGA Notebook: Four Experience Modes to Create and Consume
Created for the convergence of professional and personal lifestyles, the IdeaPad YOGA multi-mode notebook introduces an intuitive design that optimizes the user experience of both an ultrabook and tablet across four different usage modes – notebook, tablet, stand and tent. Compared with conventional convertible form factors, YOGA’s patented 360 degree dual- hinge flip design is more stable and durable ,1 and enables an overall thinner and lighter hardware design. YOGA is the industry’s thinnest convertibleultrabook measuring 0.67” (16.9mm) thin at 3.1 lbs (1.47kg). Powered by the Intel Core Processor family with a Windows 8 operating system, YOGA supports eight hours of battery life with up to 8GBRAM and 256GB SSD . As a full-size notebook, YOGA’s svelte design includes small but meaningful details such as soft touch rubber paint on the exterior for strong grip, a leather cover on the palm rest, and side buttons designedfor easier access for all usage modes.
As a multi-mode notebook, IdeaPad YOGA delivers a comfortable and natural user interaction when using it in any position. To enjoy multi-player touch-based gaming and social media on-the-go, the user simply folds back YOGA’s screen for a portable 13.1“ HD+ (1600 x 900) tablet with 10-point capacitive touch . For entertainment, reading, and web browsing, users can flip the YOGA’s screen panel into a convenient stand or tent mode that saves space and brings the screen closer to the user. YOGA’s versatile multi-mode form factor strikes an ideal balance between creating and consuming content, while at the same time, offering consumers an optimal experience of a notebook and tablet in a single device.
IdeaCentre A720 All-in-One: Taking Touch Experience in the Home to the Next Level
As the industry’s slimmest 27” all-in-one and sporting a sleek metal exterior, the IdeaCentre A720 measures less than an inch (24.5mm) and combines a frameless display supporting 10-point multi-touch . The A720 continues Lenovo’s heritage of svelte designs for the AIO by smartly positioning the PC at the base on the unit.Improving AIO design even further, the A720 is engineered to optimize the touch experience in the ‘digital’ home. The A720’s widely adjustable hinge allows the screen to be pulled towards the user at an angle of -5 o and folded back to an angle of up to 90 o , making touch applications more comfortable over longer periods in any position.
To optimize the touch experience on the AIO, the A720’s 10-point multi-touch display supports multi-user scenarios with greater accuracy. Powered by the Intel Core Processor family and NVIDIA GeForce graphics with up to 1TB HDD and 64 GB SSD storage, the A720 delivers an impressive home multimedia experience on a frameless high definition 16:9 wide-screen . Withintegrated entertainment features, such as room-shaking Dolby Home Theatre V4 audio, Lenovo High-Sense (720p HD) Webcam, and Lenovo IdeaTouch (a suite of touch-optimized applications and games), the A720 is an ultra stylish and fun addition for the modern home entertainment center.
Pricing and Availability
The IdeaPad YOGA multimode notebook will be available in the second half of 2012 with an estimated starting retail price of $1,199 . The IdeaCentre A720 all-in-one will be available in the first half of 2012 with an estimated starting retail price of $1,299 .

Android Design Website Launched – Learn How to Design Exceptional Android Apps

Google’s Android Developer team has launched an official Android Design Website , a page of guidelines, design principles, UI best-practice and style shortcuts for developers working with Android.
Google describes their new ‘Android Design’ portal as a place for learning how to design exceptional Android apps. The place to learn about principles, building blocks, and patterns forcreating world-class Android user interfaces. Whether you’re a UI professional or a developer playing that role, these docs show you how to make good design decisions, big and small.
Made up both of guiding principles for apps and interfaces, such as “delight me in surprising ways” and “let me make it mine”, as well as the actual building blocks of an Android UI, including tabs, seek bars, switches and spinners, the site marks Google’s most obvious attempt to-date to get all Android coders on the same style-sheet

Airtel ‘BBM Plan’ Launched – Unlimited Blackberry Messenger Usage at Rs.129

Airtel launched BBM Plan , an affordable BBM service plan for its postpaid customers . BBM Plan offers unlimited BlackBerry Messenger access for a month and 300 SMS for a month , at an affordable Rs. 129 .
Those using Airtel postpaid service can walk into the closest Airtel helpdesk to get this plan enabled on their phones or they can dial 121 . BBM has been a popular instant messaging service that’s integrated into all BlackBerry devices.
The messaging service delivers real time chat messages between subscribers without charges per message. Other mobile platforms have to depend on third party applications and services to offer a similar service, but the service is not as seamless or as widespread as BBM.
Similar plan is announced by Airtel’s competitor Vodafone yesterday under the name, ‘ Go BBM Plan ‘ where vodafone provides unlimited access to BlackBerry Messenger Services (BBM) at Rs. 5 per day for prepaid users and Rs. 129 per month for postpaid subscribers. Read More About Vodafone Go BBM Plan

ViewSonic Announced ‘ViewPad 10e’ and ‘ViewPad 10pi’ 10″ Tablets at CES

ViewSonic announced ViewPad 10e and ViewPad 10pi – new 10” tablets and a smartphone during CES 2012 to bring the company’s mobile expertise to new audiences worldwide.
ViewPad 10e and ViewPad 10pi, both 10” tablets designed to fit into today’s mobile lifestyle. The company’s ViewPad tablet line, which also consists of the ViewPad 7e and the ViewPad 10pro, are perfect options for consumers to surf the web and interact with friends, and for the mobile worker to enhance productivity while on the go. On the heels of the successful smartphoneline currently available in Asia Pacific, the ViewPhone 3 is the company’s first dual-SIM smartphone for the Latin American region.
The new products include:
ViewPad 10pi
For today’s busy mobile professional, the ViewPad 10pi offers robust performance and state-of-the-art usability and productivity. The Windows 7 Professional device features dual cameras for business video conferencing with a crisp IPS 1280×800 display pane l. The tablet’s ViewScene user interface is powered by Thinix Touch to ensure users have an easy-to-touch, web-browsing experience.
A dual-OS device , the ViewPad 10pi is powered by Intel’s Oak Trail z670 processor and can run Android 2.3 in addition to the Windows OS. The ViewPad 10pi has an ESP of $849 and is available late January 2012 in North America.
ViewPad 10e
Designed with ViewSonic’s power efficient model, the ViewPad 10e is paper thin and delivers more than 200 hours of standby life, ensuring the tablet withstands even the biggest power users. A perfect powerful tablet at an economical price point, the ViewPad 10e is ideal for every member of the family. Measuring just 9.1mm , the 10” enhanced, multi-viewing IPS display provides a superior ebook, movie viewingand game-playing experience.
The device also includes many Android applications, such as the Amazon Kindle Reader and Amazon App Store for Android, and the 1Mobile market, which provides access to thousands of other free apps and games. Running Android 2.3 and a 1Ghz Cortex A8 processor , the ViewPad 10e also includes the ViewScene 3D customized interface to bring a user-friendly, 3D-like experience to consumers. The ViewPad 10e has an ESP of $299 and will be available late January 2012 in North America and Latin America.
ViewPhone 3
A dual-SIM phone, the ViewPhone 3 allows users to separate work and personal calls, providing more freedom and privacy across all networks, including GSM, EDGE and HSDPA. With a 3.5” capacitive touch display , the ViewPhone 3 is the first ViewSonic phone to arrive in Latin America – a perfect fit for users based on research from Informa, who found that about 27 percent of all mobile subscriptions in the region are classified as multiple subscriptions.
ViewSonic is directly addressing this market demand by enabling users to select the carrier and plan that best fits their individual use case. The ARM 800Mhz processor and Android 2.3 operating system ensure the phone brings powerful functionality to consumers. The ViewPhone 3 has an ESP of $279 and will be available in late Q1 2012.