Hasta La Gadget!

Back in July, word got out that Huawei was prepping a revised version of its entry-level Android tablet, dubbed the MediaPad 7 Lite. As that name implies, this Android ICS tab’s of the 7-inch variety and, thus, lends itself well to one-handed use for busy on-the-go types. Considering this isn’t part of the outfit’s top shelf portfolio, its mix of specs have been kept quite modest: there’s a single-core 1.2GHz Cortex A8 CPU underneath that 1,024 x 600 IPS display. But before you knock it for falling short of even 720p territory, bear in mind this device’s being marked at a 229 Euro price point — so it’s affordable and geared squarely for the budget segment.

Loaded up with a mostly stock version of Android 4.0.3 and global radios for 3G / WiFi, this humble tab’s made for mobile use, as the OEM’s VP of Euro operations assured us repeatedly. Performance-wise, its lack of a dual-core setup is heavily apparent, since there was a considerable lag between our touch input and onscreen effect. The tab also sports 8GB of internal storage, a rear 3.2-megapixel camera and VGA front facer — helpful if you’re out and about and want to video chat — in addition to a 4,100mAh battery.

As for the MediaPad 7 Lite’s build, well, it’s a bit disappointing especially given the attractive design of the Nexus 7 which is comparably priced and higher specced. In all, it feels rather chunky in-hand, but it does feature a metallic back bordered by solid white plastic. It’s set to be released this August in South Africa, China, Russia, Philippines and Taiwan, followed by Germany in October for 249 Euros. Check out our gallery below and head past the break for a video tour.

Continue reading Huawei MediaPad 7 Lite hands-on at IFA 2012 (updated: video)

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Huawei MediaPad 7 Lite hands-on at IFA 2012 (updated: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 07:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alongside its new Emotion UI, Huawei debuted a handful of new devices in Berlin this week, including this; the 4.5-inch Ascend G600. Slotting in below the existing Ascend P1, but above the rest of Huawei’s phone range, the qHD screen is accompanied by a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and Android 4.0.4. There’s 4GB of built-in storage, while the micro-SD slot can add up 32GB of extra space. The phone’s shell is coated in a glossy finish similar to the Ascend P1, while the screen is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass. Beneath that, Huawei has plumped for a 2,000 mAh battery inside the 300 euro (around $375) device, while removing the cover reveals an NFC chip embedded behind it. We got our hands on the phone here at IFA — skip after the break for our hands-on video and first impressions.

Continue reading Huawei Ascend G600 announced: 4.5-inch qHD screen, dual-core processor, mid-range price (hands-on)

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Huawei Ascend G600 announced: 4.5-inch qHD screen, dual-core processor, mid-range price (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 06:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Huawei didn’t have any new hardware to show during its packed press conference, but it did have an early version of its Emotion UI skin for Android devices. Aiming to make its smartphone experience a little gentler for first-timers, while offering up a slightly different flavor of Google’s OS, Huawei’s been polling its customers, running user experience salons and meeting regular groups of between 40 – 70 consumers to understand what was working — and what was definitely not. To this end, the company’s “driven [itself] crazy” by keeping to a tight schedule and releasing iterative updates every two weeks (at least for beta) and monthly for stable builds.

Continue reading Huawei shows off early version of Emotion UI for Android, packs a ‘stock’ skin too (hands-on)

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile

Huawei shows off early version of Emotion UI for Android, packs a ‘stock’ skin too (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There may not be much mystery left surrounding the IdeaTab S2110, but Lenovo’s making it official at IFA anyhow. The hybrid slate, first shown off at this past CES as the IdeaTab S2, now has a new name, but aside from that not much has changed since we saw it creep onto the company’s site. The 10.1-inch convertible, outfitted with a 1280 x 800 IPS display capable of 420 nits of brightness, runs a skinned version of Android 4.0 atop Qualcomm’s dual-core 8060A CPU clocked at 1.5GHz and packs a dual 1.3-megapixel front facing / 5-megapixel rear camera setup, as well as support for WCDMA / EVDO, Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi. It’ll be offered in two configurations — 16GB and 32GB — but alas, there’s no option for expansion via microSD. For users dead set on expanding that capacity, an optional keyboard dock will be made available that not only augments the S2110’s storage via full SD slot, but also extends battery life by an extra 10 hours. The tab’s already on sale, so if you’ve got $399 to burn for the base model, or $499 for the dock-enhanced model, head on over to the source below and get your credit card at the ready.

Filed under: Tablets

Lenovo IdeaTab S2110 makes official debut at IFA 2012: a 10-inch hybrid Android 4.0 slate originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo just announced its IdeaTab A2107 at IFA here today. The ruggedized Android 4.0 slate, powered by a dual-core MTK Cortex A9 CPU clocked at 1GHz, adds a buffer of protection to its 7-inch expanse with a soft matte, roll cage enclosure — perfect for the accident-prone or the outdoorsy demo it’s being marketed toward. The entry-level tab’s 1024 x 600 display is no screamer, putting it on par with the very 2011 Kindle Fire, but the company has loaded it up with radios for WCDMA / GSM, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and FM radio via built-in antenna. As far as storage goes, users will be able to choose among WiFi-only or 3G models in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB configurations, all expandable via microSD. No pricing or release information has been made available, aside from a vague September 2012 window, so if you’re keen on this modest tablet, sate your appetite with the gallery below.

Filed under: Tablets

Lenovo IdeaTab A2107 gets formal unveiling at IFA 2012: a ruggedized, 7-inch Android 4.0 slate (hands-on photos) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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