Acer Liquid E1 and Z2 aim for entry-level Android

Acer has outed a pair of new Android smartphones, the Acer Liquid E1 and Liquid Z2, ahead of Mobile World Congress, each running 1GHz processors and targeting the entry-level point of the market. The Liquid E1 is fronted by a 4.5-inch qHD display and will have a dual-SIM option, with a 1GHz dualcore processor, stereo speakers and a 5-megapixel camera with an LED flash. Up front is a VGA-resolution camera, while inside there’s WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0+EDR.

acer_liquid_e1

Connectivity also includes dualband 3G and quadband GSM/EDGE, in addition to a microSD card slot to add to the 4GB of internal storage. Acer fits a 1,760 mAh battery to the 132 x 68.5 x 9.9mm, 130g handset, and loads a copy of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with some of its own customizations.

As for the Acer Liquid Z2, that’s a smaller device, at 110 x 62.5 x 12.25mm and 110g, and pairs a 3.5-inch HVGA screen with a 1GHz processor. It also runs Android 4.1, but has only half the RAM – 512MB – of the bigger E1; you still get microSD and 4GB of storage, though.

Two camera versions – either 3-megapixels or 5-megapixels – will be offered, along with a dual-SIM option. All will have dualband 3G, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+EDR, and an FM radio.

Acer will offer both new phones first in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Ukraine, followed by launches in Russia, the UK, and Italy. Expect prices around €199-€229 for the Liquid E1 and €99-€129 for the Liquid Z2

[via Engadget]


Acer Liquid E1 and Z2 aim for entry-level Android is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Acer outs Liquid E1 and Liquid Z2 smartphones ahead of MWC

Introducing the first two handsets of Acer’s 2013 line-up: the Liquid E1 and the Liquid Z2. The company formally announced the Liquid E1 last month, but with Mobile World Congress around the corner, the mid-range phone just got official for the European market. The E1 packs a dual-core 1GHz processor and runs Jelly Bean on a 4.5-inch qHD display — and, notably, it will be available in both dual- and single-SIM configurations. Acer is marketing the E1 as a multimedia-friendly handset, and accordingly it includes two speakers with DTS Sound, plus “Float” software that prevents notifications from popping up when you’re watching videos.

The Liquid Z2, on the other hand, is an entry-level handset with a dual-core 1GHz CPU and a 3.5-inch HVGA screen. It runs Jelly Bean with an optional interface that mimics a feature phone’s home screen. Like the E1, it’s available with one or two SIM cards, and you have your choice of a 3-megapixel or 5-MP camera.

Pricing isn’t set in stone, but Acer told us the Liquid E1 will be in the €199 to €229 range, while the Z2 should cost between €99 and €129. Both phones will first go on sale in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Ukraine, with availability in Italy, Russia and the UK coming later. We’ll deliver the hands-on goods in Barcelona, but for now you can peruse the press info after the break.

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Acer Hits Smartphone Market with Launch of Liquid E1 and Z2
BARCELONA, (Feb. 20, 2013) —Acer will be showcasing the first two smartphones of its 2013 line-up targeted at feature phone upgraders, first-time and multimedia users at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Featuring a new industrial design in pearl white and carbon black and dual SIM cards(1) the Acer Liquid E1 and Z2 complements the company’s mobile footprint and reinforces Acer’s commitment to the smartphone market.

Acer Liquid E1: Cinema Experience with Dual Speakers
Targeted at multimedia users the Liquid E1 features a large 4.5-inch qHD display(2), powerful dual-core processor, optional dual SIM cards(1) and two speakers to smoothly handle multimedia and communication at the same time. The unique Float Caller notification ensures that users will not be interrupted by incoming calls or messages by taking over the full screen while using apps or watching videos. Instead, a Float Caller notification window pops up and lets users take calls or reply with quick messages.

Liquid E1 also features an impressive dual-speaker system and DTS Sound[TM] for enhanced audio with volume maximization, so users can freely enjoy music stored locally or streamed from their PC through AcerCloud. The integrated Moodagent creates music playlists based on an individual’s mood or uses songs from the library to create playlists that not only matches a person’s mood, but also a specific taste in music. The zero shutter delay camera captures images momentarily and snaps fast-action sequences with 4-, 8- and 16-burst shooting.

Liquid Z2: Your gateway to the world of Smartphones
The Liquid Z2 features a quick mode navigation tool and a fast 1 GHz processor offering first-time users and feature phone upgraders a fluid first time experience. The Android OS learns users’ habits and has a very intuitive interface with large icons. It’s easy to operate and makes Internet browsing, photography, and listening to music a breeze, especially with the support of AcerCloud. The versatile 3MP or 5MP camera launches in just 1 second, offers panoramic and multi-angle modes, plus continuous shooting (up to 99 shots) to capture precious moments. SRS Sound[TM] immerses users in excellent mobile audio with greater clarity and deeper bass. The enhanced sound is echoed by rhythmic design features including rippling lines along the smartphone’s edges. The optional dual SIM cards(1) gives users all the convenience of having two mobiles in one and a great way of saving money by combining two different rate plans or services.

Easy to Share Files and Media
Acer smartphones also support AcerCloud, a file sharing and media management solution that lets users easily retrieve, enjoy and share their multimedia and data files using a variety of computing devices. AcerCloud simplifies management of digital assets across mobile devices, regardless of platform, and is free on new Acer products.

Price and Availability
The Liquid E1 and Z2 will be available to buy in France, Belgium, Netherlands and Ukraine followed by Russia, UK and Italy across selective, retail-, telco-, and online channels. Additional information is available at www.acer.com.

Visit Acer at Pepcom on February 24 and at MWC at Hybrid Hall – Hall 3, stand 3C154 from February 25 – 28.

Acer Liquid E1 features and specs:
Network: 3G 900/2100 MHz, 2G 850,900,1800, 1900 MHz
Display: 4.5″ qHD (960 x 540) with IPS
Chipset: Dual Core 1GHz
OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Camera: 5MP AF with flash LED + 0.3MP front
Speakers: Dual speakers
Additional features: FM Radio, Float Caller, Mood Agent, DTS Sound[TM], Acer UI 5.0, AcerCloud,
Google Search, Google Gallery/Music, Gmail, Gtalk, Google
Play Store, YouTube,Polaris Office Editor, Swype text input
GPS: A-GPS(3)
Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+EDR, Dual SIM¹
Sensor: Accelerometer, e-compass, light, proximity
Memory: 4GB ROM(4) + 1GB RAM, micro-SD
Dimension: 132 x 68.5 x 9.9 mm, 130g
Battery: 1760 mAh

Acer Liquid Z2 features and specs:
Network: 3G 900/2100 MHz, 2G 850,900,1800, 1900 MHz
Display: 3.5″ HVGA (480×320)
Chipset: 1GHz
OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Camera: 3MP or 5MP
Additional features: FM Radio, Quick Mode, Google Search, Google Gallery/Music, Gmail, Gtalk, Google Play Store, Google maps, YouTube, SRS Sound[TM], Swype text input
GPS: A-GPS(3)
Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+EDR, Dual SIM¹
Sensor: Accelerometer, light, proximity
Memory: 4GB ROM(4) + 512MB RAM, micro-SD
Dimension: 110 x 62.5 x 12.25 mm, 110g
Battery: 1300 mAh

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Should You Be Able to Google For a Lawyer While Under Arrest?

A Canadian judge has ruled that police must provide accused, arrested individuals with internet access so that they can find a lawyer. But do you agree? More »

Prosecutors: Witness Heard ‘Non-Stop Shouting’ From Oscar Pistorius’ Home Before Shooting

PRETORIA, Feb 20 (Reuters) – South African prosecutors said at a bail hearing for Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius on Wednesday that a witness heard “non-stop shouting” coming from his home shortly before he shot his girlfriend. (Reporting by Peroshni Govender; Writing by Jon Herskovitz)

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Buffalo – WZR-900DHP – Simultaneous Dual Band 450Mbps Router

Buffalo’s new simultaneous dual band 450Mps router will be released in mid-March.
Maximum speed (up to 450Mbps) for ultra-fast wireless transfer rates give you a trouble-free internet connection even when multiple devices are running Wi-Fi at the same time. Also, the router’s wave output is maximized, giving internet access in areas where there is weak reception.
Buffalo’s unique AOSS2 drastically eases the initial router set-up. You don’t need complicated preparation …

BBC Sport app launches on Android phones, includes support for 7-inch tablets

BBC Sport app launches on Android devices, includes support for 7inch tablets

If you’re familiar with the iOS version, BBC’s new sports app for Android might not pack that many surprises. But it does still house a substantial amount of sports news, with a focus on the UK’s national game, football. There’s a new section encompassing fixtures, results and updating live scores for each competition and league. There’s also live text commentaries on major sports events, plus both clips and video streaming. The app, available today, is compatible with Android devices running version 2.2 or above and while the Beeb has worked to ensure it works on the recent wave of 7-inch tablets, it doesn’t currently support larger sizes. Still, there’s plenty of time for that to happen before the next World Cup. We’ve added in a shot of its testing device pile (look, a HTC ChaCha!) after the break.

BBC Sport app launches on Android devices, includes support for 7inch tablets

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Source: BBC Sport app (Google Play), BBC

UK 4G spectrum auction closes: All carriers winners but bid totals disappoint

The results of the UK 4G spectrum auction are in, with Vodafone the biggest individual bidder but spectrum acquired by most participants, despite the process falling short of predictions around how many billions would be made. In total, Ofcom raked in £2.34bn ($3.6bn) in bids from Vodafone, Telefonica (O2), Hutchison (Three), Everything Everywhere, and the BT Group subsidiary Niche Spectrum Ventures, less than the original estimates of £3.5bn ($5.4bn).

cell_tower-580x4351

Vodafone splashed more than $790m on spectrum, including two paired 800MHz chunks, and three 2.6GHz chunks. Everything Everywhere (EE) came in second, spending almost $589m on four chunks (two in 800MHz, two in 2.6GHz), closely followed by O2, which spent $550m for two 800MHz chunks.

That left Three with a £225m spend on two 800MHz chunks, and finally Niche Spectrum Ventures, with £186m on three chunks in the 2.6GHz spectrum. MLL Telecom and HKT (UK) Company failed to acquire any spectrum.

4G-auction-uk

Next up comes the “assignment stage,” where the companies bid on where exactly within the bands they’ve bought their new spectrum will be. In all, 250MHz of spectrum was awarded, which Ofcom points out is roughly equivalent to two-thirds of what radio frequencies are currently in use by operators. That process will begin imminently, Ofcom says.

It shouldn’t take long, either, since estimates for the first rival LTE services to take on EE’s network in the UK are by spring or early summer 2013. There won’t be full roll-outs until 2017, however, so expect patchy 4G concentrating on the larger cities, at least for the foreseeable future.


UK 4G spectrum auction closes: All carriers winners but bid totals disappoint is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Explosion In Kansas City: Blast Causes Massive Fire At JJ’s Restaurant (VIDEO)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Firefighters with cadaver dogs were searching early Wednesday through the rubble of a popular restaurant flattened by a natural gas explosion and massive fire that sent black smoke high over Kansas City’s upscale Country Club Plaza shopping and dining district.

Authorities said 14 people were known to have been injured – at least three critically – by the blast and gas-fed fire that destroyed JJ’s restaurant around 6 p.m. Tuesday. The flames, spectacularly reflected in the glass facade of an office building under construction across the street, died down only after crews were able to shut off the gas around 8 p.m.

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SwiftKey 4 unleashed: Flow your way to next-level Android typing

Today SwiftKey 4 has been revealed, integrating the abilities of what we’ve seen very recently with the beta of SwiftKey Flow and a collection of new features we’ve never seen before. What this app represents is a next-level Android-based on-screen keyboard experience, complete with word predictions, a multi-tiered learning interface, and now the ability to “flow” from key to key for typing without ever lifting a finger.

flowing4

In the first big ad spot for this new version of SwiftKey, you’ll see each of the new amazing features available with the system. Here you’ll see examples of the 60 languages you can have active at once, you’ll see the several different keyboard skins you can use, and you’ll see the fabulous Flow of words being typed with a multi-colored trail of accuracy following your finger. This system continues to use an ever-upgrading award-winning prediction engine unique to SwiftKey to learn the language you use in a unique way.

We’ve also got a rather simple demonstration of flowing in-action on an Android device. At the moment this software is, yes, available only on Android devices, and most certainly does make your Android experience a much more readable one. While we don’t use the prediction engine as much as we could have in the demo, keep an eye on it – it’s smart! SwiftKey’s learning engine connects with Gmail, Facebook, SMS, and more to follow what you type, understanding and archiving it all away so it knows what you’ll type next – you type the same stuff all the time!

Again at this point you should note that there’s only one app, with SwiftKey Flow being a feature of SwifKey 4 – you’ll be downloading SwiftKey 4 soon! SwiftKey 4 offers several different ways to type with SwiftKey Flow – one of them being the three SwiftKey Flow Candidates you get when you hit backspace after you’ve completed a word – three options for alternate words are given. Candidates are also given if you tap any word you’ve completed in the past.

threeup

Another feature in SwiftKey Flow typing in SwiftKey 4 is mid-word completion, allowing you to see word predictions and let your finger up from the screen before you’ve completed the word – see what you need, just lift your finger! After you’ve typed (or had predicted) a word in a sentence, you’ll also see next-word predictions based on your language patterns. You can type whole sentences with just predictions based on what you’ve said in the past!

berry

Berry flavor included – tasty!

The style you use to type is also automatically selected in this release. In the past with SwiftKey you were asked to select either “rapid” or “precise” – now all that’s done for you. The 60 languages mentioned above includes a selection of additions made new in this release: Sudanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Albanian, Bosnian, and Javanese. Layouts have also been improved on the keyboard for both Russian and Korean language sets.

You’ll be able to download SwiftKey 4 and SwiftKey Tablet 4 from the Google Play app store inside the SwiftKey section – apps developed by the official SwiftKey team. If you’re a legacy user, you’ll find that SwiftKey will upgrade to SwiftKey 4 for free. If you’re a new user, a promotional price of $1.99 USD has been placed on the app for a limited time – grab it right this minute!


SwiftKey 4 unleashed: Flow your way to next-level Android typing is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

SwiftKey 4 launches with Flow, personal style detection (hands-on)

SwiftKey 4 launches with Flow, personalized recommendations handson

SwiftKey has been promising its own answer to Swype ever since it launched the SwiftKey Flow beta late last year, and the company’s retort is at last finished. The newly available SwiftKey 4 — Flow is just a component here — brings Android writers the promised gesture-based typing along with Flow Through Space, which lets users glide to the spacebar to keep typing rather than pause after every word. The upgrade also expands contextual word prediction to 60 languages, offers simpler corrections and watches for personal typing habits to adjust accordingly — it should learn whether you’re a hunt-and-peck newcomer or a seasoned pro blazing along with both thumbs. The update is free for existing users in both phone- and tablet-sized forms, and it’s temporarily priced at $2 (normally $4) to lure in anyone who isn’t happy with their existing input methods.

We gave the final version a spin on a Galaxy Nexus, and much of what we saw in the SwiftKey Flow beta holds true with SwiftKey 4. Anyone comfy with a gesture-based keyboard will be happy with the speed and accuracy here, especially when they don’t have to lift their finger between words. However, the previous quirks remain as well: Flow Through Space tends to melt down after a few words, so you’ll want to stop after “the quick brown fox” before you finish with “jumps over the lazy dog.” The style recognition is harder to gauge when this author is an an experienced user who’s only had a short while to teach the app any tricks, but the simplified corrections are handy for quickly polishing up a sentence. While we don’t feel that SwiftKey is orchestrating a revolution with version 4, it doesn’t have to — the appeal here is not having to give up SwiftKey’s generally well-regarded feel to get a feature previously reserved for competitors. It remains our go-to keyboard for those times we don’t like what Google or phone designers have to offer.

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SwiftKey 4 Best-Selling Android App Revolutionized with Innovative ‘SwiftKey Flow’ Gesture Typing

SAN FRANCISCO — February 20, 2013 – SwiftKey 4 launches today on Google Play with smarter features that make typing on a touchscreen faster, easier and more accurate. Available now at the promo price of $1.99 and as a free upgrade for existing users, the new release features a unique take on gesture typing called SwiftKey Flow.

SwiftKey Flow combines the mind-reading capabilities of SwiftKey’s personalized autocorrect engine with the speed of gliding your fingers across the screen. This revolutionary approach to continuous input begins predicting words from the moment a user touches the screen and goes on to predict their next word when they let go. A unique feature called ‘Flow Through Space’ also makes gesture typing more powerful than ever before by allowing users to enter entire phrases simply by gliding to the space bar between words.

SwiftKey 4 adds to everything that has made the app a bestseller since first launching in 2010. Users can still tap to type, the app constantly learns a user’s style to ease the frustration of entering long words and users can further personalize predictions by granting access to their Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, SMS or blog posts.

“Everyone’s had embarrassing autocorrect moments,” said Ben Medlock, SwiftKey co-founder and CTO. “That’s why we built SwiftKey to understand the context of words, not just their spelling. It works from the word go to adjust to you – from the phrases you write to how you touch the screen. It means you don’t have to worry about typing, it does all the hard work for you.”

The new features in SwiftKey 4 include:

* SwiftKey Flow – blending SwiftKey’s mind-reading next-word prediction and autocorrect with the speed of gesture typing
* Flow Through Space – lets users write entire sentences in one motion without ever having to lift their finger to add a space
* Support for contextual prediction across 60 languages – with new support for Albanian, Bosnian, Javanese, Sundanese, Thai and Vietnamese, all with dynamic auto-correction and next word prediction
* Easier corrections – tap on a word and SwiftKey 4 will move the cursor to the end of the word and offer two alternatives
* Personalized typing style – whether you write inaccurately with two thumbs or more carefully using a single finger, SwiftKey 4 now automatically adapts to how users type to provide more insightful corrections and prediction

Beta versions of the app have been tested by more than 200,000 SwiftKey fans over the last 11 weeks, with more than 2.4 billion characters flowed. A No.1 best-selling app on Google Play in 38 countries, SwiftKey is available in 60 languages and counting. For more information about SwiftKey, visit www.swiftkey.net.

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Source: SwiftKey