Hasta La Gadget!

ASUS started rolling out the Android Jelly Bean update for its Padfone 2 handset, which was announced back in Ocotober. The update reached a small number of users last month, but is now finally available for all Padfone 2 users starting today. The update will take users to Android version 4.1, and is hitting users in waves.

Initial reports are showing the update hitting users in Japan, Hong Kong, and other locations. In addition, ASUS published the update files for the WWE and HK version, so those users can grab it manually. This comes after users in those regions already received the update, but we’re hearing that this one brings some small updates that the previous one lacked.

The update to 4.1 offers several improvements and changes. Both the Padfone’s audio quality and its USB Internet sharing have been improved so that there’s better audio and less chances of disconnecting. GPS has been optimized to function better. The camera received some enhancements, including better focus and features that improve photo quality.

ASUS Studio has been added for image editing, and video streaming playback has been optimized for more smooth videos. The WWE update is for users running firmware versions 9.8.8.40 and 9.8.8.5. The latest update takes the firmware to version 10.4.5.36. If you’re not seeing the notification to update yet, you can try manually checking for the upgrade under Settings.

[via Android Community]

ASUS Padfone 2 Jelly Bean update rolls out is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Welcome to Tuesday evening everyone. Today was a pretty big day as far as news goes, with Apple sending out invites to an upcoming event, which is where we’re assuming the company will announce the iPad Mini. Not one to be outdone, Microsoft finally gave us some substantial details on Surface today (including information on pre-orders), and Samsung was right there to put its line up of new Windows 8 PCs and tablets up for pre-order as well.

We heard that there could be as many as 24 different iPad Mini models when Apple finally gets around to revealing the device, and we got to see the insides of the new iPod Nano thanks a teardown from iFixit. Excited for the Padfone 2? If you are, you’ll be pleased to know that its tablet dock can stand up to some abuse. We found out that Intel’s Q3 profits were negatively influenced by slowing demand for PCs, and heard that the average screen size is on the rise for all types of devices except for “mobile PCs.”

A mysterious Texas Instruments-made chip was found lurking inside Apple’s Lightning cable today, and Verizon is catching some heat for monitoring user activity. PlayMG revealed a dedicated Android gaming device called the MG, and AVADirect put a number of Windows 8 PCs up for pre-order today. We heard that T-Mobile might be getting the iPhone 5 early next year, and were told that LTE customers in the US pay 10 times more than LTE customers in Sweden. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you might be pleased to find out that the rechargeable battery in the Wii U Pro controller could potentially last up to 80 hours on a single charge, and you also might want to check out this snazzy Black Ops II launch trailer.

Bethesda might be working on a new piece of Skyrim DLC called Dragonborn, and controversial company Foxconn admitted to hiring underage workers today. The Xbox 360 was given a new dashboard update, Beats Audio unveiled a new portable speaker that has been aptly named “The Pill,” and Boxee announced a new service called Boxee TV. Finally tonight, we have a review of the LG Optimus G and the Motorola DROID RAZR HD, both by Chris Burns, and Vincent Nguyen talks with Microsoft to get the inside scoop on what makes the Surface such a game-changer. That does it for tonight’s Evening Wrap-Up, enjoy the rest of your night!

SlashGear Evening Wrap-Up: October 16, 2012 is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

A launch event invitation has already given us a glimpse of the ASUS PadFone 2, but Bloomberg TV India caught up with the firm’s CEO Jerry Shen and snagged a video tour of the device before its October 16th reveal. The second iteration of the PadFone packs a 4.7-inch HD (presumably 720p) screen and 13-megapixel camera, which jives with specs on supposedly leaked packaging. Rather than having to fuss with a cover flap to slide the smartphone into its tablet shell, users will be able to dock the device straight into a lighter and thinner slate component. Other details are scarce, but we’re sure to find out more when the curtain is ceremoniously pulled back next Tuesday. In the meantime, you can forge past the break to see footage of the hybrid starting at the 1:40 mark.

Update: The ever-prolific evleaks has just tweeted out a glamour shot of the PadFone 2 and its accompanying tablet dock.

Update 2: Evleaks has tweeted additional pictures which we’ve collected in the gallery below for your perusal.

Continue reading PadFone 2 surfaces in video, ASUS CEO gives viewers a brief tour (video) (update: leaked press shots)

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, ASUS

PadFone 2 surfaces in video, ASUS CEO gives viewers a brief tour (video) (update: leaked press shots) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Notebook Italia (translated)  |  BloombergUTV (YouTube), evleaks (Twitter)  | Email this | Comments

ASUS has sent out invitations for the official launch of the Padfone 2, the follow-up to its hybrid smartphone / laptop / tablet Padfone device. According to an invite nabbed by Notebook Italia, the unveiling will take place simultaneously in Milan and Taipei on October 16th. The picture shows a corner of what is likely the upcoming handset, but we’ll have to wait till next month to get a closer look at the full package.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

ASUS Padfone 2 launch event slated for October 16th in both Milan and Tapei originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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