Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

iPhone 5, Galaxy Tab goes WiFi, HTC Pyramid spotted: US Update
HTC Pyramid to be called HTC Sensation in the UK [photos]?
Will Apple ship 12m iPad 2s this quarter? DigiTimes says yes sir
Sony Ericsson Xperia Acro leaked: joins Arc, Play and Neo soon?
Samsung Galaxy Tab WiFi edition lands April 10th, priced to sell
Say hello to the Apple iPhone 5 [photo]
Why do we wait in line for gadgets?
Best iPhone apps: app of the day – Zombie Smash
All change at ElectricPig
Toshiba Regza VL 3D TV: Eyes on

iPhone 5, Galaxy Tab goes WiFi, HTC Pyramid spotted: US Update

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:51 PM PDT

Grab that cup of coffee and get ready for your morning dose of information overload where we cover the most important stories in the world of tech. In today's US Update we start things off with a fresh new render of the iPhone 5. We drop the details on Samsung's WiFi-only Galaxy Tab announcement and even take a fresh peak at the HTC Pyramid set to be unveiled next week. this and more on today's US Update.

After yesterday's news which confirmed the iPhone 5 would be released this summer, our expectations for the fifth generation handset are at an all-time high. We've got the latest render showing off all of the proposed features we'd like to see this time around. On April 10th Samsung will begin selling a WiFi-only version of the original 7-inch Galaxy Tab. The tablet is priced to sell, but will it be able to compete running Android 2.2 Froyo?

A new Sony Ericsson Xperia handset has surfaced known only as Acro. Current rumors suggest this could be very similar to the Xperia Arc, but focused on the Japanese market, find out more here. Wondering how many iPad 2s Apple will ship this quarter? A new report from DigiTimes suggests that magic number is 12 million, but is it possible?

Last up this morning is a photo session with the HTC Pyramid. According to today's revelations, the Pyramid will go on sale as the HTC Sensation in the UK. We've got all the details. That wraps up the latest and greatest in tech news for Thursday. As always I'm Nick Marshall and I'll see you again tomorrow.

HTC Pyramid to be called HTC Sensation in the UK [photos]?

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:39 PM PDT

The next-generation HTC flagship for Android users has been well publicized as the HTC Pyramid. While still short of an official announcement, HTC's upcoming press event should be the platform of choice to make the news official. As we anxiously await the event, fresh news has surfaced at xda-developers which suggests the Pyramid will be called the HTC Sensation when it hits the UK this year.

The same blistering fast 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 768 MB of memory and 4.3-inch qHD resolution display will be onboard the HTC Sensation. With identical features to the Pyramid, the Sensation also sports an 8-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, WiFi, Android 2.3.2 and HTC's Sense 3.0 UI.

With an extensive photo gallery released by xda-developers, there's little more that could surprise us. So there you have it, in the US you have the HTC EVO 3D for Sprint's CDMA network and in Europe there's the Sensation. The key difference being the Sensation lacks the 3D display and cameras.

Xda-developers [via CoolSmartPhone]

Will Apple ship 12m iPad 2s this quarter? DigiTimes says yes sir

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:21 PM PDT

Apple's new mantra should be if we build it, they will come. According to DigiTimes, their source has Apple pegged at 2.4 to 2.6 million iPad 2s shipped during the month of March. These figures are claimed to be a conservative estimate, with Apple taking delivery of 4-4.3 million units a month, or a total of over 12 million units for the quarter.

If the purported figures are accurate, the biggest obstacle facing Apple's tablet might be finding a steady supply of NAND flash and A5 processors. The original iPad took 9 months to sell 15 million units — breaking 12 million units in a single quarter would be tremendous.

Given the current state of Japan, DigiTimes's source says the key to hitting the mark will be tracking down a "sufficient supply of cover lenses for touch panel modules". Their report cites TPK Touch Solutions, G-Tech Optoelectronics, HannStar Display, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), and Wintek as touch panel makers who are looking to expand their manufacturing capacities as a result of strong iPad 2 sales.

If Apple does in fact ship 12 million units this quarter, do you believe it will be enough to fight off the stiff competition from Android Honeycomb tablets? How about when RIM's PlayBook debuts? Sound off.

DigiTimes via 9to5Mac

Sony Ericsson Xperia Acro leaked: joins Arc, Play and Neo soon?

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 05:48 PM PDT

A new member of the Sony Ericsson Xperia line up has just been revealed in the company's PC Companion software for Japan. Dubbed the Xperia Acro, this smartphone should be very similar to the Xperia Arc, but will address some shortcomings important to the Japanese market. Here's a breakdown of the purported features.

Two models of the Xperia Acro are listed in the Sony Ericsson PC Companion software, the IS11S and the SO-02C. The first model is likely a GSM version destined for a home on NTT DoCoMo and the second should appear on KDDI's CDMA network. Highlighting the hardware specs is a 1 GHz single-core Snapdragon processor and a beautiful 4.2-inch display. Sony's Exmor R camera will also make an appearance on the backside of the Acro, likely in an 8-megapixel shooter.

We can all breath a sigh of relief, Android 2.3 should be a go for launch. No word on pricing as of now, but the Xperia blog claims the Acro should be available in May or June of this year. So which will it be my friends, Xperia Play, Xperia Neo or Xperia Acro?

Coming Soon | Sony Ericsson [via Xperia Blog]

Samsung Galaxy Tab WiFi edition lands April 10th, priced to sell

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 05:32 PM PDT

Just when you thought the original Galaxy Tab had reached the finish line in its product cycle, Samsung throws us a curveball. A WiFi-only edition of the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab will debut next week (April 10) in the US for $349. There are three confirmed online retailers planning on picking up inventory of the tablet, here's what we know:

If you're in the market for a 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab WiFi-only edition you'll want to start keeping your eyes peeled at one of the three websites: CompUSA, Circuit City or Tiger Direct. Packing the same 7-inch TFT 1024 x 600 resolution display and running Android 2.2, the world's first mainstream Android tablet should receive a warm welcome.

There's 32GB of internal storage alongside a microSD expansion slot which supports up to 32GB of additional storage for a grand total of 64GB. The WiFi-only edition weighs in at just 13 ounces and measures 12 millimeters thin, making it extremely pocketable. As Samsung's self-described "first truly mobile tablet on the market", we'll be watching this launch closely now that the original iPad has received its own price drop.

After seeing the Galaxy Tab running an Android 3.0 Honeycomb port yesterday, is anyone else considering a purchase?

Coming Soon | Samsung | $349 [via AndroidandMe]

Say hello to the Apple iPhone 5 [photo]

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 05:17 PM PDT

A fresh new render of the upcoming Apple iPhone 5 has surfaced this afternoon, compliments of French website nowhereelse.fr. Highlighting the iPhone 5 are three enhancements we've showcased in our previous coverage, but nonetheless important: larger display, no home button and a better camera. After yesterday's news the iPhone 5 is still on track for a summer 2011 release, it seems the buzz is in full swing.

The tell-tale sign as to whether the fifth generation iPhone will drop the hardware home button should be confirmed in Apple's iOS 5 software announcement expected this June at WWDC. In order for this to happen, iOS 5 needs to be a revolutionary upgrade in Apple's mobile ecosystem. Alongside the new design could be a larger, likely four inch, display. The good news here is the larger display will not change the smartphone's footprint since the home button will be retired.

The improved camera, possibly accredited to Sony's new camera sensor, should be in the ballpark of 8-megapixel. Of course these three rumored changes will only be confirmed once we see a physical prototype in our hands. After last year's iPhone 4 fiasco we don't expect Apple to allow prototypes off the Cupertino grounds. For now we have this superb render, enjoy and feel free to let us know whether these three upgrades, combined with iOS 5 will have you ready to upgrade this June.

Coming Soon | Apple [via concept-phones]

Why do we wait in line for gadgets?

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 10:02 AM PDT

What a week it was for tech. Within the space of 24 hours the world went gadget crazy a couple of weeks ago, with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS and the iPad 2, with some people queueing for a week before the doors opened. But why do they do it? Read on for the full scoop.

The man at the front of the queue was Jewels Lewis. It was a full 33 hours before the iPad 2 went on sale. Lewis, from London, was also near the front the first time round, but missed out on first place. "Last year I was fourth in the queue so I wanted to make sure I was first this year," he told the Metro newspaper. "When I got here this morning and saw no one else I thought, "Yes, this is it," put my chair down and started enjoying the sunshine."

But it wasn’t just the iPad 2 that had people queuing round the block. Marwan Elgamal, 21, from Wembley, north London, was first in line for the Nintendo 3DS. He told the Daily Mail, "I’m just really passionate about the consoles and I think they are amazing and just make me want to play. Wednesday night was really cold but it will be worth it to get one and I can’t wait to get home and play it."

Some are even willing to miss out on their first choice of model. Writing on iPhaze.com, Criag Phillips says of buying the iPhone 3G on launch day, "All I had to do was sacrifice my first choice – 16GB. I had to go down to an 8GB device, but I was so wrapped up in the moment and so full to the brim with excitement I didn't really care. I kept making justifications in my head – thinking of the albums I wouldn't put on it, thinking about the pictures I didn't need on it, dreaming of all the apps I had read about that I was about to purchase and sync with it. I was on cloud nine."

With an atmosphere like a festival combined with some good weather (if you're lucky), it's no wonder so many of them come back time and time again (second in line for the iPad 2 was first in the queue for the iPhone 4). And that's before we get to the freebies. Griffin handed out cases to the iPad 2 queue, Jewels Lewis is said to have received a bed from a company; in Australia, LogMeIn ordered pizzas for the queue from its office nearby. And with newspapers and websites descending on the day as part of the media circus, who can blame the punters for wanting their spot in the limelight? They were going to buy the device anyway, why not make a day of it?

Concerning the hype in Australia over the iPad 2, Renai Lemay points to how essential these devices have become to our everyday lives, saying it’s hardly surprising people want to be first in line. Writing at Delimiter, he says, "In 2011, many Australians depend on technology to get the most from their lives in a wide variety of ways. Any technological improvement or upgrade which will allow them to do things faster or more efficiently has the potential to impinge on the quality of their life in a major way." OK, so the 3DS may be less 'essential' than an iPad 2, but if you were the only kid at school without one, your social standing would instantly fall a few notches.

First to pick up the Nintendo handheld in the US was none other than Isaiah 'Triforce' Johnson, a man who takes obsessive fandom to a new level. He camped out for a week, accepting the 3DS while wearing a Power Glove. He was also the first to pick up a Wii back in 2006. And how does he explain his obsession? Simply by saying, "I played Legend of Zelda, and that was it for me."

Best iPhone apps: app of the day – Zombie Smash

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 07:22 AM PDT

I’m a sucker for iPhone games featuring zombies. Age of Zombies already has pride of place in our best iPhone apps list (despite being a little too short) and I’ve been searching for a new undead-battling title to join it. I’ve found it…

Zombie Smash combines the flicking action that I mastered through hours of Paper Toss playing with the castle defense genre. It’s outrageously fun with a great physics engine that makes throwing zombies about a treat (who knew I’d ever write that sentence?).

The Zombie Smash campaign mode includes 31 levels and there’s also Engless Siege mode and a Sandbox mode to play with. That’s great value for a game that’ll set you back £1.19. Check out a Zombie Smash video after the break…

Out now | £1.19 | iTunes

All change at ElectricPig

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 07:17 AM PDT

If you're a regular on these pages, I hope you’ll have noticed some exciting changes lately. We've been quietly tweaking the stories we cover, refining reviews in response to your feedback and running more features.

All that good stuff will continue, but from today I will be concentrating on my new role as Republic Publishing’s Launch Editor, working on several exciting new projects. Having watched this site grow from an audience of hundreds to a veritable army of over 750,000 gadget fans, I wanted to say a huge thank you to all the readers and to everyone who has helped make EP such a success.

For those of you who would like to submit stories, products for review or tech tips, the ElectricPig team are dying to hear from you!

Tom Bailey – also ShortList’s Technology Editor – will be keeping the seat warm as Acting Editor.
tom.bailey@republicpublishing.co.uk

Ben Sillis - formerly Reviews Editor – is moving upwards to become ElectricPig's Deputy Editor. (He might even get someone else making him a cup of tea now).
ben.sillis@republicpublishing.co.uk

Jem Djemal – ElectricPig’s new Commercial Director is itching to hear from brands wanting a slice of ElectricPig’s action.
jem.djemal@republicpublishing.co.uk

Plus, you can reach the entire team through our Facebook or Twitter pages, and by getting stuck into the comments on any post. If you want to follow my adventures, hear about our new projects and stay in touch the best place is through Twitter @jamesholland.

James Holland
Launch Editor
Republic Publishing

Toshiba Regza VL 3D TV: Eyes on

Posted: 06 Apr 2011 06:13 AM PDT

Never one to turn down an opportunity, we checked out the new Toshiba Regza VL 3D TV here at Toshiba World 2011 in Rome this week. It’s the firm’s first 3D telly to use passive technology, rather than active shutter display tech, which could mean it hits at a significantly lower pricetag. Will it be worth it when the time comes? Read on for photos and our thoughts.

While Toshiba’s (likely very expensive) CEVO engine tellies will be holding the fort for 3D on the high end later this year, the company’s also trying to bring 3D down market with the use of a cheaper passive, polarised 3D display. Toshiba was showing off one model in the line, the Toshiba Regza 42VL863, at the show, and we got up and close to have a look.

While we sadly can’t replicate the effect through use of a camera for your eyes, take it from us that the effect certainly gave the same impression of depth as other passive 3D TVs we’ve clapped eyes on, such as LG’s models.

More importantly, images didn’t seem to suffer from lack of brightness, the usual problem with 3D TV viewing. Toshiba says its Intelligent 3D technology makes sure it’s bright enough whatever you’re viewing, and since this process is entirely automated, that seems like a smart move to us.

What’s the catch? The nature of passive tech – two images are displayed at the same time, and filtered out by the lens of each eye – means that you don’t get the impression of full HD 3D video as you can with active TVs. Certainly, the test video on loop appeared rough around the edges, but that might not be a concern if you plan to watch a lot of fast moving sport – passive 3D doesn’t suffer from the crosstalk and ghosting effect active 3D TVs do.

And of course, the ability to use easily replaceable specs (You get four in the box and they cost pennies – they’re the same RealD ones you’ve likely used in the cinema) that by their very design will never malfunction, will doubtless prove very appealing to many families – if 3D does at all, of course.

As you might expect for a mid-range model, the design itself was nothing to right home about: it’s black, and just thin enough to house the usual prerequisite of four HDMI ports, two USB ports, a Freeview HD tuner and Ethernet connection (Wi-Fi requires a dongle). It will be one of the first models in the UK to offer Toshiba Places however, and separate from Toshiba’s internet portal, it’ll connect to YouTube for all your OMG cat needs.

The Toshiba Regza VL 3D TV line will be out in June: click the pic and have a peek at one model here in our gallery right now though to see what to expect.

Out TBC | £TBC | Toshiba

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Thursday, 7 April 2011

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

Electricpig.co.uk - tech news fast!

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