Surface with Windows 8 Pro

In addition to the existing line of the Microsoft surface, Microsoft has announced the launch of the Surface with Windows 8 Pro, with beefed up specifications.

Today, I want to share a bit more detail about the growing Surface family of products and Surface with Windows 8 Pro, specifically around pricing. In January, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in two versions and pricing will start at $899:

· 64GB standalone version at $899

· 128GB standalone version at $999

It will feature i5 processors - perhaps Microsoft's attempt to enter the market for people looking for tablets as alternatives to laptops for their computing needs.

Source

Nokia Announces the Asha 205/206

Photo Credits : Nokia

Yesterday, Nokia announced their latest additions to the Asha lineup, the Asha 205 (and the 206). The 205, priced at a modest $63 before taxes, will feature a new Nokia technology called 'Slam'. 'Slam' will enable swift bluetooth sharing by allowing one to send a file via bluetooth to the closest bluetooth enabled device without pairing the devices.

As for the design and build, it looks pretty solid, and the price, one can't argue with the notion that the Asha 205 has great market potential. Also, although this isn't exclusively new, the facebook shortcut button on the keypad is convenient if you use your cellphone for social media purposes.

As for the launch, should only be a few weeks from now. If you're looking for a budget cellphone, this is what you want to buy.

Source

Galaxy S4 Rumours

There are fresh rumors for the latest installment to the Samsung Galaxy collection of smartphones; rumors that are bound to drive the typical Android fan-boy crazy with anticipation for this beast.

Korean website, Asiae reports that the new Galaxy S4 will feature an 13mp camera, and perhaps the most amazing cellphone display we have every seen on a smartphone, with a pixel density of 441ppi.

They also state that the S4 will be the thinnest smartphone yet, thanks to their latest chipset.

At this point, however, it's important that we take these rumors with skepticism before a formal announcement. The prospect of getting consumers excited pre-launch just to be let down by something relatively inferior won't be what the folks at Samsung are looking for (iPhone 5 anyone?)

Source 1/2

Sony working on S3/iPhone 5 Rival

With the presence of various Sony smartphones on the market, it's not hard to understand why Sony would want to have a go at the best selling smartphones of the industry at present - the Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5.

"In the near future we'll finish a flagship model, which will be able to compete with Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy S III," said Dennis van Schie, CVP, Head of Sales and Marketing for Sony Mobile Communications in conversation with Financial Times Deutschland. - Source

Sony has been in the smart phone industry for a while, and one does not have to go too far back to recall memorable cellphones such as the Walkman series. Currently, the Xperia series are holding their own (and honestly, are quite stunning to look at). Anyone who's seen the latest James Bond flick, Skyfall, will know that Sony has placed the Xperia series quite well throughout the movie.

A more interesting question would be, what is the near future? If Sony are aiming for the first quarter of 2013, then it's possible that they will probably be competing with the Galaxy S4 pretty soon, instead of the S3. Either way, it's going to be interesting to see what Son comes up with.

 

Blackbery OS 10 Release Date Announced

Blackberry users will find reason to rejoice, or be left heartbroken  come the 30th of January 2013. The release date for the Blackberry OS 10 has been announced by Blackberry on their blog. In addition, RIM plans on introducing two new devices as well. As quoted by gsmarena.com;

During the event, RIM will give details on the two launch phones and their availability. We've most likelyseen them already - the touchscreen operated L-series and the more traditional QWERTY-packing N-Series. Then there's the rumored BlackBerry 10 Aristo device with a quad-core Krait and a 4.65" AMOLED 720p display. - Source

 This may be exactly what RIM needs to reverse their fortunes. Don't keep high expectations though. The lack of publicity RIM has given to their latest operating system suggests that the update may not be high on innovation, but rather an attempt to recover lost market share over the last few years. And perhaps, the low expectations may just swing in RIM's favour, if OS 10 succeeds to impress.

Top 10 Play Store Apps

In nearly no time, the Google Play Store has grown to 700,000 apps. What are some must have apps if you're on an android; here's my list.

1. Facebook - this is really a no-brainer. Usually pre-installed, the Facebook app for Android devices makes it easy to update and keep in touch with your account, share photos and edit your timeline.

2. Angry Birds - because I feel this game deserves a spot above all other utilities. Who doesn't play Angry Birds today? It would be unfair to limit the Angry Birds market to the casual gamer; even serious gamers will put Angry Birds up with games like Call of Duty, or Grand Theft Auto.

3. Instagram

4. Chrome - if you're using chrome on your pc or mac, then Chrome for Android is a must have. Tip - synchronize your Google Account to get all your bookmarks, history and other browsing data on your device.

5. Quick Profiles - with the limited profile capabilities that the Android OS comes equipped with, a previous Nokia or IOS user will feel unsettled to know they can't really do much with their profiles. This app helps make your own profiles from scratch. Particularly useful if you want to have a separate one for separate times of the day.

6. BBC News - a great user interface, a must have if you read BBC publications daily.

7. Flashlight - there does come a point where we all need this must-have utility.

8. Google Maps - comes preinstalled; but is one of the most widely used apps worldwide. +1 for great user interface and ease of usability.

9. Dropbox - synchronize your files wirelessly through your dropbox app (assuming you have an account). Great to have if you don't like copying stuff via usb (like me).

10. Google Calendar - +1 for the homescreen widget, and it's extremely convenient to have your calendar with you on the go. To be honest, the interface could be better, but seeing as to how Calendar has helped my university schedule work out, I'm not complaining.

The iPad 4 may have to launch sooner than we think.

With the release of the iPad mini, Apple made another addition to the iDevices family, and dared to compete with existing 7-inch tablets on the market. With the emergence of the Microsoft Surface tablet, Apple does risk losing out on iPad 3 revenue though.

This act of cannibalizing the iPad 3 may be a consequence of released the mini, however, I'm sure Apple will not be very pleased to allow it to happen. I personally see Apple extending the period between each new iPad generation launch from one year, to possibly much longer. I personally do not see many consumers updating a $600 device on a annual basis for long. Falling sales of the iPad generations are further proof of my claim (although there may be exceptions).

And to add fuel to the fire, Apple may very well lose out on overall market share should the Surface (hopefully) be successful.

So I would not be surprised if Apple rolled out the iPad 4 before Spring 2013.