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US Update: Sony PVRs, Duke Nukem Forever, HP TouchPad pricing
HP TouchPad to be $699, packs Snapdragon APQ8060 chipset
Samsung dual-core Orion processor now called Exynos, ships next month
Ericsson and Novatium take personal computing to the cloud
Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition incoming
Sony SVR-HDT1000 and SVR-HDT500: new high capacity HD PVRs
Teatime Tech: Android game price drop, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and the best Nokia apps of the month
Nokia Windows Phone: Nokia employees walk out
Best Nokia apps of the month: February 2011
Cowon D3 Plenue unboxed: photos

US Update: Sony PVRs, Duke Nukem Forever, HP TouchPad pricing

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:23 PM PST

We're locked and loaded, ready to bring you the hottest news in tech. In today's US Update we unveil the Sony SVR-HDT1000 and SVR-HDT500, two new high capacity HD PVRs, break down the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition, compare the HP TouchPad pricing and more.

First up, the Sony SVR-HDT1000 and SVR-HDT500. Packed with dual tuners, Freeview HD programming and USB support for endless storage, these two PVRs are ready for prime time. Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition is coming to the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 on May 6. For $99.99, you can have the ultimate commemorative Nukem experience — not bad considering the standard edition is $59.99.

Ericsson and Novatium have announced PC as a Service, a cloud computing solution which hopes to bring basic computing to the masses. Five second boot times, no native applications and no codecs to install should provide the perfect foundation to connect the next billion people with affordable access to the Internet.

Orion, Samsung's dual-core chipset, is now known as Exynos. Expected to be an integral part of the Samsung Galaxy S 2, set to be unveiled at MWC 2011, this new application processor begins with a dual-core 1 GHz chip. Last in this morning is news that the HP TouchPad will be priced at $699, a $100 cheaper than the Motorola Xoom. We've also confirmed the processor to be a Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060, capable of full 1080P stereoscopic 3D playback over HDMI.

That wraps up the day in tech from my side of the pond. As always I'm Nick Marshall and I'll see you on Monday, enjoy your weekend.

HP TouchPad to be $699, packs Snapdragon APQ8060 chipset

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:04 PM PST

We blew the lid off the HP press event yesterday, where the acquisition of Palm finally materialized into three webOS devices: HP Veer, HP TouchPad and HP Pre 3. Today, reports have come in suggesting the TouchPad will retail for $699, $100 cheaper than the Motorola Xoom, but still considerably more expensive than the WiFi iPad.

The tablet wars are official. We have RIM's BlackBerry Playbook, the Motorola Xoom (and other dual-core Android Honeycomb tablets), the HP TouchPad and the unannounced Apple iPad 2. According to BGR, the TouchPad will be priced at $699, with a June 2011 release.

Price of entry is key for the tablet market. With the current generation iPad selling for $499 no contract (WiFi edition), the $799 Motorola Xoom looks to be out of reach for bargain hunters. At $699, the HP TouchPad is better, but still not great. RIM looks to be the only competitor who understands that a basic (and affordable) model of a tablet is essential — pricing their PlayBook at $399 for an 8GB model.

Did HP make the right move pricing the TouchPad at $699?

In related news, precentral.net is reporting the HP TouchPad is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060 chipset. With dual cores clocked at 1.2 GHz, paired with an Adreno 220 GPU, the kit is capable of capturing 16 megapixel images and full 1080P stereoscopic 3D playback over HDMI. While the TouchPad does not have 3D capabilities nor a camera anywhere near that level (1.3 megapixel), the chipset looks promising and should yield superb performance.

OMAP5, dozens of high-end tablets and Mobile World Congress approaching — all I can say is wow. Next week looks to be even more intense and Electricpig has you covered.

Via BGR | PreCentral

Samsung dual-core Orion processor now called Exynos, ships next month

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 03:28 PM PST

Good luck pronouncing it, but Samsung has just issued a press release, outing their dual-core processor — Exynos, set to replace their Hummingbird processors. Formerly known only by the code name Orion, these application processors will play an integral roll in Samsung's flagship handsets, competing directly with Qualcomm's dual-core Snapdragon range.

According to Samsung, the Exynos title comes from Greek words smart (exypnos) and green (prasinos). As part of Samsung's "smart and green" strategy, the new dual-core processors will begin with the Exynos 4210, a dual-core 1 GHz application processor, "scheduled for production next month".

With rumors that the Samsung Galaxy S 2 would sport a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, we're a bit baffled. This can mean one of two things — the reported speeds are incorrect or the Galaxy S 2 does not use the Exynos (Orion) processor. With a big Samsung event planned for Sunday, on the eve of Mobile World Congress 2011, we'll find out shortly.

Let us know what you think — will the Samsung Galaxy S 2 be the first Exynos powered handset? Go ahead and sound off in the comments.

via Engadget

Ericsson and Novatium take personal computing to the cloud

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 02:51 PM PST

Dubbed 'PC as a Service', a joint venture between Ericsson and Novatium hopes to bring basic computing to the masses. The general concept is simple — offload the overhead of running an operating system to the cloud for typical tasks such as web browsing and applications. The end result is better performance, bandwidth notwithstanding, and improved battery life.

PC as a Service, much like Nokia's new Mobile Phones division, will focus on connecting the next billion people with affordable access to Internet and applications. Designed as an operator offering, think of 'PC as a Service' as a managed monetized PC desktop, bringing the strengths and advantages from mobile prepaid to personal computing.

"PC as a Service offers telecom operators new ways to expand their broadband business. We see it driving mobile broadband penetration in emerging as well as developed markets as it motivates investments in rural as well as urban infrastructure," says Daniel Freeman, Head of Innovation, Ericsson.

According to Ericcson, a PC as a Service device is able to perform common tasks in "a far quicker and responsive manner", improve battery life, reduce temperature and minimize the load on the mobile network without compromising user experience. This means five seconds to boot a machine, no codecs to install for video playback, no software to install for document creation, and never having to worry about an update.

This all sounds great on paper, but we'll reserve judgment for Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona. Ericsson and Novatium have confirmed they'll be doing a demonstration of PC as a Service, and we'll be front and center.

via Ericsson

Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition incoming

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 02:14 PM PST

No that was not a typo, a Balls of Steel edition of Duke Nukem Forever lands on the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 on May 6. After 14 years of waiting, it looks like 2K and Gearbox have done us a solid with this commemorative release.

Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition ships in a brassy box. Inside you'll find a figure of the man himself, a 100-page book entitled "The History, Legacy and Legend: Duke Nukem Forever Art From the Vault", a series of postcards showing off a few of Duke’s many accomplishments, a radioactive emblem sticker, a DNF comic book, DNF fold-able paper craft, DNF poker chips, a deck of DNF playing cards and DNF radioactive emblem dice, all stuffed into a huge DNF box and accompanied by a numbered certificate of limited-edition DNF authenticity.

So how much will this prime piece of Nukem history set you back? Surprisingly, only $99.99 for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 or $89.99 for the PC. Considering the standard console version will retail for $59.99 ($49.99 for PC), the Balls of Steel edition is an attractive proposition.

May 6 | Amazon | $99.99

Sony SVR-HDT1000 and SVR-HDT500: new high capacity HD PVRs

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 11:41 AM PST

Whether you're looking to record your high definition over the air content or want access to Freeview HD programming, Sony's new HD PVRs have you covered. Introducing the Sony SVR-HDT1000 and SVR-HDT500, dual tuner PVRs with 1TB and 500GB capacities, respectively.

At this point in the digital age, being able to record your high definition content is key — fast forwarding commercials to maximize your TV viewing is a must. Both the SVR-HDT1000 and SVR-HDT500 personal video recorders feature dual tuner (DVB-T/T2) capabilities plus integrated Freeview+HD, allowing you to watch one channel while recording another.

With an electronic programming guide, video output support up to 1080P, and video D/A converter – 10bit/108MHz, both units offer loads of features for even the most tech savvy user. Standard features include: series recording, one touch recording (instant timer recording), Dolby Digital Plus, MP3 Juke Box and Photo Slideshow.

As your digital collection builds, you'll need the ability to increase storage capacity — this is where the two USB 2.0 ports come in handy. Both the SVR-HDT1000 and SVR-HDT500 allow USB stick and external hard drives to be connected for JPEG, MPEG and MP3 playback or to simply expand your recording capacity.

Now the tough decision, do you go for the Sony 1TB SVR-HDT1000 or the 500GB SVR-HDT500? If you are not fond of using the USB port with an external hard drive, the HDT1000 records up to 600 hours of standard definition video or 250 hours of HD content. The HDT5000 offers exactly half that capacity, 300 hours SD or 125 hours HD.

Coming Soon | Sony | TBD

Teatime Tech: Android game price drop, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 and the best Nokia apps of the month

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 09:57 AM PST

The end of the week has arrived, but before you clock off for a nice long weekend, check out this afternoon’s biggest gadget stories right here in one place: teatime tech!

First up, let’s talk Android: it’s been a busy few hours in Google’s OS, with a new report claiming a 10.1-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 running Honeycomb will be unveiled on Sunday at Mobile World Congress.

We also got hands on with two new Google powered portable media players, the Archos 28 and the Cowon D3 Plenue, so be sure to check out the photos. Gamers meanwhile should head over to Gameloft’s Android game portal, where all the high res games are 66% off until Monday!

Finally, we rounded up the best Nokia apps of the month, so be sure to check them out before Windows Phone comes along and usurps them all.

Still want more news? Roll on over to the homepage and help yourself to it all as it breaks.

Nokia Windows Phone: Nokia employees walk out

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 09:22 AM PST

Reports have emerged from a Finnish newspaper saying that something in the region of one thousand Nokia employees have walked out of work in protest at the new partnership between Nokia and Microsoft today. So what’s the deal? Read on.

According to the reports in newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, employees are exercising their right to work flexitime, and leaving work early in Tampere and Oulu.

It seems to not quite be a strike, or even a protest, and could just simply be that everything is so up in the air it’s not worth hanging around for the afternoon. Out of Nokia’s 3,000 Tampere employees, around 1,500 work on Symbian, which has now effectively been dropped to a secondary concern for Nokia, who will be pouring all efforts into making the Nokia Windows Phone partnership work.

While initial stories said that one thousand employees had left work, that number has been removed by the Finnish newspaper that first reported it. We’re in the dark about what’s really happened, and are waiting on new reports.

If you worked for Nokia, would you have walked out this morning? Shout out in the comments!

[via TNW]

Best Nokia apps of the month: February 2011

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 08:49 AM PST

Judging by today’s announcements, soon the best Nokia apps won’t be too much different from the best Windows Phone 7 apps, but there’s still plenty of salacious Symbian apps coming through on the Ovi Store right now. We’ve rounded up five of the best Nokia apps this month, and we’ve no doubt they’ll keep you entertained for hours. Or at least until your battery dies! Read on to find out more.

Nokia Bubbles
£Free
Nokia Beta Labs
Sick of the fiddly buttons for unlocking your new Nokia? With Nokia Bubbles, you’ll be able to launch apps straight away, without even using the menu. Simply catch the bubble you want – there’s one for changing profiles, one for launching Ovi Maps, a bubble to unlock the phone, there’s even a handy flashlight tool. It’s currently still a beta app, though, so there are still a few bugs to iron out.

Nokia Big Screen
£Free
Nokia Beta Labs
Nokia Big Screen does pretty much what it says on the tin, letting you display exactly what you see on your Nokia on your HDTV. It’s great for watching films stored on your Nokia N8, and it’s also brilliant for sharing the pics you’ve taken with the 12-megapixel camera. At present, it only works with the Nokia N8, as the Nokia C7 and Nokia C6-01 don’t have HDMI ports. Despite that, Nokia Big Screen is still one of the best Nokia apps.

Angry Birds Seasons – Valentine’s Day
£1.50
Ovi Store
OK, it’s Angry Birds again, but as long as Rovio keeps offering more versions, we’ll always have a soft spot for it. This Valentine’s Day variant of Angry Birds Seasons follows on from the Christmas and Halloween special, and is the perfect excuse to stay at home and ignore overpriced restaurants and grumpy partners. One of the best Nokia games? One of the best Nokia apps full stop, more like.

House of Fraser
£Free
Ovi Store
Shop to your heart’s content, buy presents for your partner (you’ll need to after playing Angry Birds Seasons rather than spending valuable time together!) and spend all your money without leaving the sofa. The House of Fraser apps is definitely one of the best Nokia apps for splashing out, and couldn’t be easier to use. You can shop by items and you can also look at photographs of products, helping you to decide what to waste your cash on next.

WordPress
£Free
Ovi Store
If you’ve got your own website or blog, then WordPress is one of the best apps for your Nokia N8. You’ll be able to update your WordPress site on the go – from managing and updating content, to looking at comments and more. It may not be the most exciting app out there, but it’s definitely one of the most practical for all the social meejah guys and girls out there..

Cowon D3 Plenue unboxed: photos

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 08:36 AM PST

Next up to hit the gadget test bench today is the Cowon D3 Plenue. Last year’s Cowon J3 still ranks as one of our favourite dedicated music players ever, and we’ve got high hopes for its follow up, sporting an even bigger, luscious AMOLED display – and this time, Android too. Read on for the photos.

We never thought we’d say this about the gadget, but the first thought that struck us when we held the Cowon D3 Plenue for the first time was that, well, it looks like a bigger version of the Nokia N8. A Nokia N8 with a crew cut.

Best Android apps of all time: Top 100

Still, we forgave it that when we clapped eyes on the 800×480 3.7-inch AMOLED screen: Cowon as ever has delivered an eye liquidating display. And instead of the South Korean firm’s random UI, there’s Android 2.1 onboard too, admittedly minus the all important Google apps.

Anything you want to know about the Cowon D3 Plenue? Pipe up in the comments and we’ll be sure to answer your questions in our Cowon D3 Plenue review next week. In the meantime, hit the gallery for our photos!

Out Now | £279 | AdvancedMP3Players

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Friday, 11 February 2011

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

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