Samsung Galaxy Note II hands-on

Take the DNA of the original Galaxy Note, add the style of the Galaxy S III, and throw in a more comprehensive understanding of what digital pen-users want, and you’d come up with the Galaxy Note II. Samsung’s second-gen “phablet” manages to deliver a larger screen in a more pocketable form-factor than its trail-blazing predecessor, including making the digital S Pen itself easier to wield. We caught up with Samsung and the Note II ahead of its official launch at IFA 2012 to see if one of our favorite devices could really have been so improved.

Make no mistake, it’s still a big phone. Samsung has trimmed the top and bottom bezels and so managed to fit 5.5-inch screen into a space where previously a 5.3-inch one resided, without making significant changes to the overall bulk of the handset, but it still dominates the hand. Happily the blunt edges of the original Note are gone, replaced by the softer curves and glossy plastic we saw previewed in the Galaxy S III. It’s a visual trick, but it does make the Note II appear smaller.

The other big physical change is to the S Pen, which still gets a silo in the body of the phone itself, but is both longer and thicker than the first-gen version. It also has a new, rubber tip, which does make tapping and writing on the touchscreen feel less like you’re scratching away at your phone with a toothpick. The new stylus is compatible with the old Note, though of course it won’t stow away inside.

When it comes to the display, Samsung giveth and Samsung taketh away. The panel itself is bigger – and just as bright, color saturated and generally delicious as we’re used to from AMOLED technology – but you actually lose out on some pixels. The Note II runs at 1280 x 720, just like the Galaxy S III, whereas its predecessor ran at 1280 x 800. You don’t really notice the difference, but it does mean that some of the apps and changes Samsung has made for the Note II won’t be rolled back to the original Note, because of hardware differences that include the new resolution.

Samsung Galaxy Note II video demo:

Part of the reason you don’t notice the change is that Samsung has made more intelligent use of the real-estate on offer. The gallery UI, for instance, has been tweaked to accommodate both a folder list and the contents of the currently selected folder simultaneously, making navigating through a far swifter affair. It works particularly well with the new Air View previewing system, which finally takes advantage of the hover-support Wacom’s active digitizers provide.

Float the nib of the stylus above a gallery folder, for instance, and it will bloom up to show thumbnails of what’s in that folder (up to nine pictures at once, with the previews scrolling to show more for as long as you keep hovering). S Note gets its own homescreen pane appended onto the default list of seven, for browsing your folders of existing notes or starting a new one; alternatively, as soon as you pull the S Pen out, a blank note is brought up onscreen.

Officially, the Note II should run faster than before – indeed, we had no problems using Samsung’s Popup Play video picture-in-picture with an HD video clip, while simultaneously browsing full webpages – though we’ll need to get our hands on a review unit (and final software) to see how it holds up under true everyday stress. The 2GB of RAM is a welcome addition, though, and generally moving between apps proved lag-free.

Twelve months ago, the original Galaxy Note was met with both derision and delight. Some loved the idea of a tweener phone/tablet which made “proper” use of a stylus; others took great pleasure in reciting Steve Jobs’ famous comments about devices using pens being instant failures. In the intervening period, though, its built a strong following of users loving the expansive display and convenience of digital notetaking.

The Galaxy Note II promises to build on that. It’s an evolutionary change, not revolutionary, but it’s further evidence of how Samsung’s “a device for every sub-segment” strategy with phones and tablets can deliver some highly appealing products, especially when you take the Korean company’s very capable supply chain into account. You can’t really argue with the Note II’s display, or its processor, or indeed its 8-megapixel camera.

What you can argue over is whether the Note II is still too big. If you felt that about the original, then this new version is unlikely to change your mind. Still, we can see the new phablet finding a similarly enthusiastic audience as its predecessor, and in a marketplace filled with me-too phone slabs, its S Pen functionality remains a welcome diversion from the norm.

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Samsung Galaxy Note II hands-on is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport first drive

Hyundai is showing its commitment to recycling, using the same name for two pretty different attempts at the crossover SUV market. 2013 sees not one but two Hyundai Santa Fe models: one – the “Santa Fe” – with seven seats and intended to replace the Veracruz, and the other – the “Santa Fe Sport” – trimming the wheelbase, dropping two of the seats and taking on the Ford Escape and other midrange crossovers. We caught up with the Santa Fe Sport, the first to hit the forecourt, to see whether the brand can handle two personalities.

Design

Some crossovers want you to think they’re really coupés. Some encourage you to feel like an urban commando. Hyundai’s strategy with the Santa Fe Sport is to dilute some of the company’s “fluidic sculpture” design language until it could come up with a mass-market pleaser. No gouged slashes or over-sculpted cladding, just a few deft creases and a striking trapezoid grille.

That’s not to say it’s an ugly car, though certain colors flatter it more than others. Silver is a good choice, helping disguise the slab-sides and diluting the over-chromed grille, and the steeply angled rear-quarter window works if only because there aren’t third-row seats to obscure. From the rear it’s the usual SUV stack of metalwork, some silver trim partially alleviating the swathe of plastic across the bottom edge.

The Santa Fe Sport comes in at 184.6-inches in length – the seven-seater will extend that by 9-inches – and has a 106.3-inch wheelbase, the same as the 2012 Santa Fe it replaces. However, it’s considerably lighter than the old model, with Hyundai’s liberal use of high-tensile steel making for a crossover that’s both torsionally stiffer but 266 pounds lighter than before.

Engines and Performance

Hyundai has a pair of engines from the outset, adding in a third powerplant when the seven-seater hits the market. The entry-level is a 2.4-liter mustering 190 HP and 181 lb-ft of torque, with direct injection and a 22 mpg city efficiency rating and 33 mpg highway rating for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model; optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) sees knocks 1 mpg and 5 mpg off those figures respectively.

Unfortunately, Hyundai didn’t bring its base-spec engine along to our Park City, Utah test event, instead leaving us with only the 2.0-liter four cylinder turbo. That pushes out 264 HP and 269 lb-ft of torque, with 21/31 mpg city and highway economy for the FWD version and 20/27 mpg if you opt for AWD. Both engines get an Active Eco button easily accessed by the wheel, which Hyundai claims can boost economy by as much as 7-percent by adjusting acceleration and other factors.

A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard, built by Hyundai itself using a torque-converter system. It’s a capable ‘box, shifting quickly even when pushing the turbo through the rarified air of the 8,000 feet elevation Park City, and what turbo lag is present is near-imperceptible. Active Eco mode does make changes to its downshifting behavior, however, encouraging the auto to be less prone to dropping down in the interests of better economy. It’s a noticeable difference, though not one we struggled to get used to after a few miles driving.

2013 Santa Fe Sport testdrive:

Unsurprisingly it’s in a straight-line that the Santa Fe Sport is happiest. Road noise is minimal, aided by twin-layer insulation to the windshield, various suspension muffling elements, and other insulation systems, and there’s little in the way of vibration during highway driving. Happily it also avoids bouncing or wallowing, something which can often turn SUVs into boat-like experiences.

Going round corners isn’t impossible, however, even at speed. Hyundai has fitted a three-mode steering system with a straightforward control on the wheel, offering Normal, Sport, and Comfort settings. Often such systems can be near-imperceivable in what difference they bring, but the Santa Fe Sport does in fact show three altered personalities. The company claims that power-assistance varies by 20-percent going from Sport to Comfort modes, and it’s noticeable. At its firmest, you really start to feel like you’re pitching the Santa Fe Sport directly into turns, while at the other extreme the wheel is so comparatively easy to turn you can do it consistently one-handed.

The usual electronic systems and aids show themselves on the Hyundai’s spec sheet, with Downhill Brake Control (DBC) one the company is particularly proud of. Although even the AWD Santa Fe Sport is unlikely to be taken offroad with any regularity, DBC makes descending steep hills straightforward by automatically controlling the brakes.

Hyundai will offer a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 HP with the seven-seat Santa Fe, when that model arrives early in the new year.

Interior

Stepping into the Santa Fe Sport is generally a good experience, with a futuristically swooping dashboard clad in plentiful soft-touch plastics. You’ll need to tick some of the options boxes in order to get the key good-stuff, however: the 8-inch color LCD touchscreen to handle multimedia and navigation is an option, and you’ll need $2,450 for the leather package, though you do at least get a choice of different two-tone colors and finishes.

Families with younger children might prefer to stick with the standard cloth seats, however, which use specially-treated fabric that’s billed as water, stain, bacteria, and odor resistant. Spill chocolate milk across the rear bench and it will stay floating on the surface of the cloth, rather than soaking in, for easier clean-up.

Unfortunately, not everything quite gels. While there are plenty of good decisions by Hyundai – the easily accessed steering mode control, fuel filler release built into the drivers door handle, and tactile button choices – there are some less than ergonomic decisions too. Making the touchscreen an option means there’s some duplication between touch and button navigation, lending the dashboard a cluttered feel at times.

That’s a shame, because Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics isn’t bad once you get to grips with it. As well as turn-by-turn navigation there’s Bluetooth support for hooking up a smartphone; then, you can stream music through Pandora and other apps. Hyundai plans an iPhone app which will allow for remote-start and lock control, while if you log into the companion website you can set up geofenced limits outside of which the Santa Fe Sport can’t be driven. That’s likely to appeal to parents with young drivers on the insurance.

Front and rear seating is comfortable and – with no third-row to accommodate – space for back passengers is ample. In fact, each seat of the rear bench folds independently, with sliding/tilting and integrated heating available as an option. Drop everything flat and there’s a reasonably sized load area. On the plus side, the rear wheel arches make minimal intrusion at the sides, though the seats themselves don’t fold entirely for a completely flat space. Overall, you get 71.5 cubic feet for your boxes, cases and bikes (or 35.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up), along with a variety of dashboard and underfloor cubbies for salting away bottles and sunglasses.

Pricing

Factor in destination charges, and the entry-level Santa Fe Sport starts at $25,275. You’ll spend $27,525 for the 2.0T version, while upgrading to AWD in either model is a $1,750 option. More expensive are the options packages; in addition to the $2,450 Leather and Premium Equipment Package there’s a $2,900 Technology Package, which also includes the new panoramic moonroof. In general, if you’re content with the base spec, the Hyundai is often cheaper than its crossover rivals, but that advantage is mitigated if you have a taste for extras.

Wrap-Up

Without the seven-seater Santa Fe to compare, it’s hard to know whether Hyundai has scored a one-two punch with its new crossover SUVs. Alone, though, the 2013 Santa Fe Sport is a strong upgrade to the 2012 model. Those paying for it will be pleased by the more flexible engines, improved fuel economy and competitive entry price (just as long as they’re not too distracted by the options), while those along for the ride get comfortable and spacious accommodation.

Those placing particular emphasis on aesthetics may find the Santa Fe Sport too bland in its design for their tastes, though Hyundai’s designers’ restraint should at least broaden its appeal. The 2.0T engine is impressive, punching above its capacity in performance though not sacrificing ride quality. Not, then, a car you buy with your heart, but that’s hardly the recipe for a crossover purchase anyway. The Santa Fe Sport is a capable and affordable option in the midrange segment, and those factors count for a lot.

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2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport first drive is written by Vincent Nguyen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


What the heck is IFA? (And why should I care?)

Stand by, tech hounds: gadgets incoming. Samsung, HTC and others are readying for the big tech show of Q3, Berlin’s IFA, the European rival to CES and for those of us addicted to our grown-up toys, a chance to see the phones, tablets and smart TVs we’ll be coveting over the next few months. Plenty to get excited about, then, particularly with IFA 2012 expected to be the biggest in the show’s history. So, what’s in store?

IFA – the “Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin” – dates back to 1924, differing from its Las Vegas counterpart in opening up its doors to the public rather than keeping the tasty tech treats solely for the journalists. It’s had some high-profile visitors, too: perhaps most famously Albert Einstein, who opened the 7th show back in 1930.

These days, the attendees we’re most interested in are the tech companies themselves. Samsung stole the show last year, revealing its segment-creating Galaxy Note “phablet” along with new smart TVs and even giving bada a shot in the arm (though the momentum for the homespun OS has flagged in the intervening months). The company is expected to make another big splash this year, with talk of the Galaxy Note 2 increasing the screen size, keeping the stylus, but making the overall device more pocketable.

HTC, meanwhile, likely has some surprises in store for IFA 2012. The company has struggled in 2012, and while 2011 saw only a pair of little-loved Windows Phone handsets revealed, it’s almost certain to be Android taking the stage this time around (anything running Windows Phone 8 will have to wait a few weeks for Microsoft to released the smartphone platform officially).

IFA isn’t just about phones and tablets, though; its widely-spread halls contain everything from TVs through home entertainment equipment, robotics and even white goods like dishwashers. We’re not likely to be distracted by the latest in refrigerator tech – well, not unless it’s running Android – but smart TV and Google TV in particular could make a resurgence, with Toshiba, Sony, LG and Samsung all likely to bring new sets along.

There’s also the chance for some legal wrangling to spice up the displays. Apple vs. Samsung might have reached a billion dollar conclusion in US courts this past week, but a year ago it was the Cupertino company forcing Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab 7.7 from the demo stands mere hours after it had been officially announced that made headlines. Germany has become a hotbed of patent arguments in the past 18 months, and you can bet Apple’s lawyers will be watching Samsung’s announcements closely to see whether there’s a rug to be pulled away from under their South Korean rivals.

Meanwhile, the shadow of the new iPhone (and rumors of an iPad mini) is on the horizon, and anything launched this coming week will inevitably be compared to what little we know of the iPhone 5 (and, indeed, how it holds up to the best-selling iPhone 4S). That’s not to mention Nokia’s next big hurrah with Windows Phone, hoping to gather up some of the momentum shed by Samsung after its courtroom struggles.

Since this is Europe we’re talking about, there’s a healthy splash of weird to the proceedings. IFA’s fixation is the eponymous “Miss IFA”, a red-wigged young woman rolled out to make announcements and pose awkwardly next to new gadgets. We’ll be trying to muster at least a little of her enthusiasm ourselves, though perhaps in a slightly more discerning way.

SlashGear is headed off to cover all of the big IFA 2012 news this coming week, so stay glued to the IFA Hub for all the announcements, gadgets and legal furore you need to know about!


What the heck is IFA? (And why should I care?) is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Fujitsu Stylistic Q702 and LifeBook T902 convertibles show up with Windows 8, we go hands-on (video)

Fujitsu Quattro Q702 and Tercel T902 Windows 8 laptops handson

The annual Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival is usually just flooded with discounted computer products and booth babes, so we were pleasantly surprised when we spotted a couple of unreleased Windows 8, dual-digitizer devices at the Fujitsu booth. Pictured above is the Stylistic Q702 “Quattro,” an 11.6-inch tablet-cum-laptop that was announced last month. This particular unit sported an Intel Core i5-3427U chip (capped at 2.3GHz instead of 2.8GHz), a vibrant IPS panel, a fingerprint scanner, front and back cameras, 4GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD — twice the announced capacity, for some reason. Much like the ASUS Transformers, undocking the tablet was only a matter of pulling the latch on the hinge, but we found the latch to be rather stiff to operate. Hopefully this is just a prototype issue. Other than that, we just wish the final keyboard dock will somehow get a slight weight reduction: for the screen size, 1.88 pounds isn’t too bad for the tablet alone, but together with the heavy keyboard, the Q702 could become a nightmare for regular travelers.

The second prototype lurking at the back of the booth was the bulkier LifeBook T902 “Tercel,” a 13.3-inch convertible laptop that was unveiled alongside the Q702 last month. According to its label, this swivel-hinged machine packed a Core i7-3520M, 8GB of RAM, 500GB 7,200rpm hard drive, Blu-ray burner, LTE radio and a 72Wh (6,700mAh) battery. Oh, and there’s also a fingerprint scanner below the display. While the software failed to reverse the screen rotation after we flipped the screen back to laptop mode, it was in general just as responsive as the Q702, though the hardware felt more solid and ready. With this in mind plus the Windows 7 label and Wacom label below the keyboard, we wouldn’t be surprised if the T902 comes out before the Q702. Until then, feel free to check out our impromptu hands-on video of the Q702 after the break.

Continue reading Fujitsu Stylistic Q702 and LifeBook T902 convertibles show up with Windows 8, we go hands-on (video)

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Fujitsu Stylistic Q702 and LifeBook T902 convertibles show up with Windows 8, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Hands-on with LTE

Verizon has come forth with a 4G LTE mobile data connected version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, and today we’ve got our hands on it as it appears in stores across the USA. This device comes with a 30-pin USB data cable, the tablet itself, and a mobile data connection to the big red 4G LTE network here in the USA. Have a peek at a few tests we’ve run on the device and let us know if it all seems fabulous enough to pick up to you.

This device is essentially the same device as was released several months ago which you can see in our Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 full review. The big difference is, of course, in the mobile data connection Verizon gives this version of the tablet. Have a peek first at some Speed Tests conducted on the device in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The device also comes in black and has a texture backing so you can grip it quite nicely. There’s a front-facing VGA camera for video chat and the back-facing camera 3 megapixels strong. This device has a slightly different processor under the hood with a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S3, but works with the same 7-inch PLS 1024×600 display. Inside you’ll find 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. You also get a microSD card slot to expand your memory by 32GB if you wish.

Tab 2 7.0 is Samsung Approved for Enterprise with 256-bit AES encryption and support for Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync as well as support for VPNs and MDM solutions. Below you’ll find a couple benchmark examples so you’ll be able to compare to other devices in this same category. Another device you’ll want to check out that’s got slightly higher-grade specifications and a bit higher price is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 LTE – it’s thinner, has a higher-definition display, and is slightly more powerful too.

Both devices have an IR-Blaster so you can change channels on your television from your tablet, this possible basically regardless of the brand of your set. Have a peek back at our review of the Galaxy Note 10.1 as well to see another example of a Samsung tablet that’s got an IR-Blaster.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 will cost you $350 off-contract and is almost certainly already in your local Verizon outlet right this minute. Let us know if you’ve got any questions about this device as it exists here on Verizon’s high speed network, otherwise feel free to head back to our original Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 full review!

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Verizon Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Hands-on with LTE is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Nikon Coolpix S01 hands-on (video)

Nikon Coolpix S01 handson

Another gem at Nikon’s unveiling today is this little Coolpix S01, and by “little” we really mean little. At just 96 grams, this is the smallest and lightest Coolpix device ever but it’s still surprisingly usable. But like our hands-on with the Android-powered S800c, we couldn’t walk away with any sample photos to judge the S01’s image quality. Just a quick recap: here you get a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom (29mm to 87mm), 720p video capture, several filter effects and a simple touch interface on a 2.5-inch LCD. We also saw five color options in Hong Kong: pink, black, white, red and silver (fingerprint magnet alert!). Our only complaints are that said camera uses a resistive touchscreen, and the lack of white balance options is also quite bizarre — $179 isn’t exactly a cheap enough price to justify this flaw. Still interested? Hit the video after the break for a quick tour.

Update: And the official sample shots are available now.

Continue reading Nikon Coolpix S01 hands-on (video)

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Nikon Coolpix S01 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 08:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon Coolpix S800c hands-on: a closer look at the Android camera (video)

Nikon Coolpix S800c handson a closer look at the Android camera

It was only hours ago when Nikon officially unveiled the Coolpix S800c, but we’ve already laid our hands on this eccentric device. As you’ve probably already heard, the main selling point here is that said “smart camera” is powered by a slick (and near-vanilla) Android 2.3.3 with Google services, so with the built-in WiFi, you can upload your 16-megapixel images or 1080p videos straight to your various social networks or other cloud services. Or you can, if you’re in the mood, just play Angry Birds on the S800c, but that 1,050mAh battery might not be ideal for prolonged entertainment. Sadly, we weren’t allowed to share any images taken with the demo units (sorry, usual Nikon protocol), but what we can tell you is that both the camera’s speed and quality weren’t bad at all, and likewise with the 3.5-inch 854 x 480 OLED multitouch display — the high pixel density makes the PenTile arrangement more forgivable.

The most interesting thing we discovered was that it seems the camera part of the S800c can run independently from Android while the latter is still booting up. You see, rather than letting the device stay on standby like most other Android devices, Nikon uses a shut-down timer that activates once Android goes on standby. When the camera’s completely switched off, hit the power button and you’ll go straight into camera mode which lets you shoot immediately, then about half a minute later the interface seamlessly goes back to smart mode, which is when you can hit the back or home button to toggle the Android unlock screen (though we’d rather go straight into the home screen). This cunning trick would probably explain why we couldn’t get any internal hardware detail from the few benchmark tools we installed, but we did squeeze out a score of 614 in Vellamo — detailed breakdown in the gallery below. Anyhow, you can see the camera in action in the video after the break.

The Nikon Coolpix S800c will be available next month for $350 in the US and £379 in the UK. As always, stay tuned for our review.

Update: Nikon’s released some sample shots. Take a look.

Continue reading Nikon Coolpix S800c hands-on: a closer look at the Android camera (video)

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Nikon Coolpix S800c hands-on: a closer look at the Android camera (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 06:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jawbone JAMBOX The Remix gets limited release and hands-on

We’ve been given the opportunity to take a peek at Jawbone‘s newest iteration of their popular JAMBOX lineup of bluetooth mobile speakers, a custom color combination built with their new “JAMBOX The Remix” initiative. What you’ve got here is a collection of 13 different grille colors and 9 different cap colors, each of them fine tuned to look fabulous no matter what combination you make. Our choices were none other than Graphite Diamond and Red – the only colors you’re ever going to need!

Given the choice between over 100 new color combinations, black and red were a basic must-have for the artwork I’ve got in my home. It works quite well with Shepard Fairey posters, that’s for certain. While there are black color choices for both the caps and the grill here in the new Jawbone color combinator interface, it was clear that there was a perfect choice for the bright red that sat in the cap set.

Grills color choices come connected to patterns, with Dot patterns, Diamond patterns, and Hex patterns being connected to each of the 13 different shades of the rainbow (and outside the rainbow, as it were). The Graphite choice in grills is attached to Diamond, and connected to Red for caps, a perfect combination was made! We hit the order button and the JAMBOX was on its way to our review lab. Of course this device having exactly the same guts as the original JAMBOX, we needed no review, already knowing that we had a high-quality product on our hands.

Have a peek at the unboxing process above and below and let us know if you’ll be considering a brand new Jawbone JAMBOX soon now that the company is offering color combinations for no more cost than the original unit has always been. Check our original JAMBOX The Remix announcement post to see all the details involved in making one of these units yours – note that the public will not be able to access the remix interface until the 29th of this month!

Also check our JAMBOX timeline below to track our coverage since the first unit arrived at SlashGear headquarters!


Jawbone JAMBOX The Remix gets limited release and hands-on is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Motorola Photon Q Hands-on and Unboxing

Motorola is bringing on a brand new slider to the market with a QWERTY keyboard and the ability to connect to 4G LTE in the Motorola PHOTON Q. We’ve got our hands on this device today and are finding its lovely 5-row keyboard to be just as nice as past DROID products we’ve seen from the manufacturer, brought on here with the speed of a dual-core processor and some nice rounded corners to keep you comfortable. The bright and sharp 4.3-inch 960 x 640 pixel resolution qHD display as well brings on a powerhouse for the manufacturer’s line of like-minded smartphones.

You’ll find that this device falls right in line with the whole Motorola family that’s been released over the past few weeks and months. This means that if you’ve got a XYBOARD or a RAZR in one hand and this in the other, you’ll know good and well that they’re part of the same Motorola design generation. The slider is strong, the keyboard is lit all around each of the keys, and the whole package brings on the best Motorola device in this form factor that the manufacturer has ever produced.

The dual-core processor inside comes from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon S4 – an impressive beast in and of itself. You’ve also got a large LED notification light above the speaker grill that lights up whenever you’ve got something new coming in via email, Twitter, or whatever else you’ve got popping in on the mobile web. The back of the device is curved so as to allow easier gripping – new and a bit unique for the OEM.

There’s 1GB of RAM here, 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot to expand your memory by 32GB. You’ve also got a VGA camera on the front, an 8 megapixel camera on the back, and a beast of a device all-in-all ready for your summer and fall season of mobile computing. Stay tuned as we give this device a once-over here on SlashGear with a full review coming up next week!

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Motorola Photon Q Hands-on and Unboxing is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 gets split-screen multitasking hands-on

This week we got the opportunity to take a peek at the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and its several multitasking abilities, including the brand new Multiscreen function revealed on this device specifically. This tablet takes on not only multitasking on a new level, but Samsung’s own S-Pen functionality and a lovely setup for taking notes and making illustrations as well. Have a hands-on peek with us at several functions of this tablet in one hands-on video from our Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 full review, up now as well!

Samsung has been busy innovating on the tablet front as well as on the smartphone front with their newest set of devices. If you have a peek at our original Samsung Galaxy S III review, you’ll see how you can play a video above the rest of the work you’re doing to the side. With the Galaxy Note, you’re able to do this same thing, but you’re able to do it to the side as well – Multiscreen allows you to watch a video while you chat, for example.

Multiscreen allows several applications to work side-by-side. These applications are limited to your Gallery, Internet (built-in internet for now, only), Polaris Office, S Note, Video Player, and Email (just Email, not Gmail). In the future we expect more applications to work with Samsung to make this dual-screen functionality a reality for their apps as well – here’s hoping Samsung continues to include this ability in future devices as well so it can catch on.

You’ve also got a dock full of Mini Apps made by Samsung specifically for their Galaxy Tab and Note lineup as well. Here you’ll be able to tap in the center of your dock to bring these apps up, each of them able to open on their own as a window above the screen you’re currently working on. You can write a note with S Note from whatever application you’re in, control your music with a mini controller, see your calendar, and more.

Finally there’s the Recent Apps button that many Android devices now have. Samsung has modified this ability slightly in that you’ll be viewing the apps a bit more their style, but it’s basically the same as with any other Ice Cream Sandwich and later build of Android. Have a peek at the hands-on video above and check out our timeline on this device below to keep up with all the hands-on action you can handle!

NOTE: this device is now out on the market – check out our “unveiled for USA” post for more details!


Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 gets split-screen multitasking hands-on is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.