Media Phone | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Wed, 15 Apr 2015 22:58:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Media Phone | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Intel in talks to acquire Via Telecom https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-in-talks-to-acquire-via-telecom/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-in-talks-to-acquire-via-telecom/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2015 22:49:25 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=245340 Intel Corp. reportedly plans to acquire Via Telecom, a designer of system-on-chips and baseband processors for mobile devices. The deal would add several new telecommunications products into Intel’s portfolio, which will strengthen its positions on the market of low-end smartphones eventually. Intel and Via Technologies are in the final stages of negotiations to buy Via …

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Intel Corp. reportedly plans to acquire Via Telecom, a designer of system-on-chips and baseband processors for mobile devices. The deal would add several new telecommunications products into Intel’s portfolio, which will strengthen its positions on the market of low-end smartphones eventually.

Intel and Via Technologies are in the final stages of negotiations to buy Via Telecom for $500 million, according to Taipei, Taiwa-based Next Magazine, reports Bloomberg news-agency. Via Technologies owns half of the chip business and would get $250 million in cash if the takeover agreement is reached.

Via Telecom’s product portfolio includes one a low-end quad-core ARM Cortex-A7-based system-on-chip with CDMA, EVDA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE communication capabilities as well as baseband processors and modems. All of the products are designed for entry-level devices and could compliment Intel’s own portfolio of telco chips. Affordable telecommunication solutions as well as patent portfolio will help Intel to create more competitive mobile SoCs for developing markets, such as China.

via_telecom_smartphone_consept

Last year Intel paid $1.5 billion for 20 per cent stake in Tsinghua Unigroup, which owns Spreadtrum Communications and RDA Microelectronics, two leading developers of application processors for mobile devices in China. Getting another chip designer would fit into Intel’s strategy.

Via Telecom has operations in China, South Korea, Taiwan and the U.S.

Intel, Via Technologies and Via Telecom did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While it makes some sense to acquire a telecommunication company for Intel, it hardly makes sense to pay $500 million for a relatively small chip designer. Perhaps, one of the things that Intel is interested in is Via Telecom's experience in developing of ultra-low-cost SoCs for low-end smartphones. By taking over the company, Intel ensures that such handsets never end up with ARM processors inside.

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Samsung unveils ‘SSD’ for smartphones with up to 600MB/s bandwidth https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/samsung-unveils-ssd-for-smartphones-with-up-to-600mbs-bandwidth/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/samsung-unveils-ssd-for-smartphones-with-up-to-600mbs-bandwidth/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2015 09:48:52 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=238018 Samsung Electronics this week said that it had started to mass produce a family of NAND flash memory devices for mobile applications that are compliant with the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 2.0 standard. The new chips will be used for smartphones and tablets and will enable SSD-class performance on mobile devices. The UFS 2.0 interface …

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Samsung Electronics this week said that it had started to mass produce a family of NAND flash memory devices for mobile applications that are compliant with the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 2.0 standard. The new chips will be used for smartphones and tablets and will enable SSD-class performance on mobile devices.

The UFS 2.0 interface provides up to 600MB/s bandwidth per lane. Samsung’s new UFS memory conducts 19,000 input/output operations per second (IOPS) for random reading and 14,000 IOPS for random writing, which is significantly higher than IOPS performance of most mobile storage solutions today. The UFS memory technology also features Command Queue technology that accelerates the speed of command execution in SSDs through a serial interface, improving performance in multi-task workloads. The latest lineup of UFS 2.0 memory devices from Samsung includes memory chips with 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacity.

The new memory solutions from Samsung are even faster than eMMC 5.1 NAND chips announced by the company earlier this month, which feature 250MB/s and 125MB/s maximum sequential read and write speeds respectively.

samsung_ufs_nand_flash

“With our mass production of ultra-fast UFS memory of the industry’s highest capacity, we are making a significant contribution to enable a more advanced mobile experience for consumers,” said Jee-ho Baek, senior vice president of memory marketing at Samsung Electronics. “In the future, we will increase the proportion of high-capacity memory solutions, in leading the continued growth of the premium memory market.”

At present leading-edge system-on-chips for mobile devices, such as Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, already support UFS 2.0 interface and can take full advantage of Samsung’s latest memory solutions.

Samsung will begin to offer its UFS 2.0-compliant NAND flash memory chips in the coming weeks or months to clients. Samsung’s UFS embedded memory package, a new ePoP (embedded package on package) solution, can be stacked directly on top of application processors, taking approximately 50 per cent less space.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Mobile devices continue to gain performance and features. The LPDDR4 memory provides smartphones and tablets bandwidth comparable to that of desktop computers. The UFS 2.0 essentially brings storage performance of SSDs to handsets and slates.

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Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent restart merge talks https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/nokia-and-alcatel-lucent-renew-merge-talks/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/nokia-and-alcatel-lucent-renew-merge-talks/#respond Fri, 19 Dec 2014 01:50:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=227161 Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia Corp. have restarted talks about a possible merger, according to a media report. If the companies become one, they will be the world’s largest manufacturer of telecommunication equipment with formidable portfolio of telco patents. The Manager Magazin reported this week that Nokia, with its strength in wireless networks, could take advantage of a …

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Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia Corp. have restarted talks about a possible merger, according to a media report. If the companies become one, they will be the world’s largest manufacturer of telecommunication equipment with formidable portfolio of telco patents.

The Manager Magazin reported this week that Nokia, with its strength in wireless networks, could take advantage of a union with Alcatel-Lucent, with its fixed-line network assets, as distinctions blur between wired and wireless networks in a mobile broadband world, reports Reuters news-agency.

In the past Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia already held merger talks, but the result was negative. A source familiar with the matter said that the negotiations have been ongoing for five years. One of the potential issues is that French authorities could block the deal in order not to risk massive job cuts as a result of the tie up.

nokia_headquartersNokia headquarters

“The old rumor comes back to the table,” said Mikael Rautanen, an analyst with Inderes Equity Research. “The pressure for the market to consolidate is obvious.

Another roadblock on the way of a potential merger is the fact that Alcatel-Lucent is not profitable, unlike Nokia. Moreover, large parts of Alcatel-Lucent would not make a good fit with Nokia and would need to be spun off or sold for any deal to make sense.

“One should remember that mergers in this sector have a poor success history, they are very risky,” said Mr. Rautanen.

Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Nokia has just managed to become profitable after selling off its money-bleeding smartphone division to Microsoft. Merging with Alcatel-Lucent will make it lose money again. Still, the combined company will be extremely powerful, something that makes the tie-up possible and viable from the management point of view.

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Microsoft officially confirms ‘Microsoft Lumia’, drops Nokia brand https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/smartphone/anton-shilov/microsoft-officially-confirms-microsoft-lumia-drops-nokia-brand/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/smartphone/anton-shilov/microsoft-officially-confirms-microsoft-lumia-drops-nokia-brand/#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2014 22:48:50 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=217778 Microsoft Corp. this week officially started to phase out the Nokia brand-name from its smartphones. A post on Nokia France’s Facebook page claims that shortly the page will be renamed to Microsoft Lumia. The software giant yet has to show the visual of the new name as well as new devices that will carry it. …

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Microsoft Corp. this week officially started to phase out the Nokia brand-name from its smartphones. A post on Nokia France’s Facebook page claims that shortly the page will be renamed to Microsoft Lumia. The software giant yet has to show the visual of the new name as well as new devices that will carry it.

Microsoft badly wants to simplify everything about its products in order to come to people with a simple message that Windows, Microsoft and Office is all they need. For this reason, the company wants Nokia name out of its smartphones and replaces the “Windows Phone” brand with a simple “Windows” even before it actually launches a universal operating system for all types of devices.

Microsoft will start rebranding from Nokia France, other countries will follow in the coming weeks, reports The Verge.

nokia_lumia_928_1

It is not completely clear at what point Microsoft ceases to sell handsets with Nokia brand on them and starts to offer only Microsoft Lumia-branded smartphones. It is not even clear whether the company intends to call its phones “Lumia”, “Microsoft” or “Microsoft Lumia”.

It remains to be seen how the drop of Nokia name affects popularity of Lumia smartphones in countries where the legendary brand is still strong. For example, in countries like Finland or Estonia Nokia is still recognized very well.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Starting a massive re-branding ahead of the holiday shopping season does not seem to be a very wise move. Many people, who were going to get a Nokia will not have time to learn that Microsoft Lumia is the new Nokia, which will make them look at other products…

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Intel pays $1.5 billion to make SoC developer choose x86 over ARM https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-spends-1-5-billion-to-make-soc-developer-choose-x86-over-arm/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-spends-1-5-billion-to-make-soc-developer-choose-x86-over-arm/#respond Sat, 27 Sep 2014 01:56:15 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=213881 Intel Corp. and Tsinghua Unigroup, a China state-owned limited liability corporation, confirmed that they have signed an agreement under which Intel will acquire 20 per cent stake in the Chinese holding company, which controls two developers of mobile system-on-chips (SoCs), for $1.5 billion. It is believed that that the SoC designers will now develop mobile …

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Intel Corp. and Tsinghua Unigroup, a China state-owned limited liability corporation, confirmed that they have signed an agreement under which Intel will acquire 20 per cent stake in the Chinese holding company, which controls two developers of mobile system-on-chips (SoCs), for $1.5 billion. It is believed that that the SoC designers will now develop mobile system-on-chips based on the x86 architecture.

Tsinghua Unigroup is on track to own Spreadtrum Communications and RDA Microelectronics, two leading developers of application processors for mobile devices in China. By owning 20 per cent of Tsinghua Unigroup, Intel ensures that it can influence development of next-generation system-on-chips by Spreadtrum and RDA. The companies expect Intel's investment to close in early 2015.

“It has become a national priority of China to grow its semiconductor industry,” Zhao Weiguo, chairman and president of Tsinghua Unigroup. “The strategic collaboration between Tsinghua Unigroup and Intel ranges from design and development to marketing and equity investments, which demonstrate Intel's confidence in the Chinese market and strong commitment to Chinese semiconductor industry, which will accelerate the technology development and further strengthen the competitiveness and market position of Chinese semiconductor companies.”

intel_atom_dual_core

Under the terms of the agreement, Spreadtrum Communications will, together with Intel, create and sell a family of x86-based system-on-chips. Initial app processors will be available beginning in the second half of 2015 and will be sold by both companies. Today Spreadtrum designs application processors based on cores developed by ARM. RDA’s plans regarding x86-based SoCs are unclear. Both Spreadtrum and RDA have 2G, 3G and 4G baseband capabilities and can develop fully-fledged application processors for smartphones that can compete against those from MediaTek and Qualcomm.

“The adoption of Intel's architecture technology will enable us to accelerate the development of mobile SoCs that expand the breadth of our portfolio, benefiting handset makers addressing both China and the global market,” said Leo Li, chairman and CEO of Spreadtrum.

Although Intel is the world’s largest maker of microprocessors for PCs and servers, the vast majority of smartphones and tablets are powered by processing engines developed by ARM Holdings. As a result, the vast majority of programs for mobile devices are designed with ARM architecture in mind. In order to ensure that chips based on the x86 architecture get inside smartphones, Intel needs to make sure that they are compatible with popular apps and are competitive in terms of price.

intel_atom_merrifield

It is believed that low-cost SoCs designed by Spreadtrum will help Intel offer low-cost x86-based solutions for smartphones. Once x86-powered chips gain market share, software developers will have to optimize their products for Intel’s architectures. As a result, Intel’s own Atom application processors will get more popular because of optimized software and a number of other factors.

“China is now the largest consumption market for smartphones and has the largest number of Internet users in the world,” said Brian Krzanich, chief executive officer of Intel. “This partnership will also enhance our ability to support a wider range of mobile customers in China and the rest of the world by more quickly delivering a broader portfolio of Intel architecture and communications technology solutions.”

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While Intel’s plan is more or less evident, it remains to be seen whether it will actually work out. Back in the days second-source of chips in the face of AMD helped Intel to become the dominant supplier of microprocessors for PCs and, eventually, servers. That strategy is good, but may not be good enough. There are tens of companies, who supply ARM-based mobile SoCs for smartphones and tablets, nowadays. Intel and three of its partners (Spreadtrum, RDA, Rockchip) still have to compete against all of them.

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Intel acquires 20% stake in Chinese mobile SoC developer https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-acquires-20-stake-in-chinese-mobile-soc-developer/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-acquires-20-stake-in-chinese-mobile-soc-developer/#respond Thu, 25 Sep 2014 01:11:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=213457 Intel Corp. has quietly acquired a 20 per cent stake in a Chinese holding company that controls developers of system-on-chips for smartphones and other mobile devices, according to two media reports. It is expected that the chip designers will develop application processors for mobiles powered by Intel’s x86 cores, which will greatly increase market share of …

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Intel Corp. has quietly acquired a 20 per cent stake in a Chinese holding company that controls developers of system-on-chips for smartphones and other mobile devices, according to two media reports. It is expected that the chip designers will develop application processors for mobiles powered by Intel’s x86 cores, which will greatly increase market share of the x86 architecture on the market of smartphones.

A media report on Wednesday indicated that the world’s largest chipmaker has either already acquired or plans to buy a 20 per cent stake in Tsinghua Unigroup, an operating subsidiary of Tsinghua Holdings, a solely state-owned limited liability corporation funded by Tsinghua University in China. Intel reportedly paid $1.5. billion in cash for the stake, according to Motley Fool.

Tsinghua Unigroup acquired Spreadtrum Communication and RDA Microelectronics for $1.7 billion and $907 million, respectively, recently. Tsinghua Unigroup took over the two companies in a bid to create a developer of mobile SoCs that could compete against Qualcomm or MediaTek. While initially Tsinghua planned to merge the two companies, at present Spreadtrum and RDA still work independently.

intel_atom_merrifield

While Motley Fool reports that Intel bought a 20 per cent stake in Tsinghua Unigroup, which controls both Spreadtrum and RDA, Marbridge Daily indicates that the company only acquired a 20 per cent stake in Spreadtrum.

Last week it was reported that Intel was interested to make an investment in Spreadtrum in order to persuade the chip designer to choose its x86 cores over processing engines developed by ARM Holdings. Intel needs to popularize the x86 architecture on the market of smartphones and such investment in a mobile SoC developer could help the company.

Intel, Tsinghua, Spreadtrum and RDA did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The price that Intel reportedly paid or plans to pay for a 20 per cent stake in Tsinghua seems to be too high unless the company pursues certain additional goals with the purchase. One of such goals could be certain agreements with the Chinese government under which the company gets certain preferences on the local market. Another reason why Intel could pay $1.5 billion for Spreadtrum is because the latter is working on a $25 smartphone reference design. Since the latter is based on ARM's processing cores, Intel is clearly interested in substitution of ARM with its own x86 core.

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Microsoft to use Opera browser on feature phones, Asha smartphones https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-use-opera-browser-on-its-feature-phones-asha-smartphones/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/microsoft-to-use-opera-browser-on-its-feature-phones-asha-smartphones/#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2014 03:43:31 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=208374 As announced, Microsoft Corp. no longer wants to develop software for its feature phones and entry-level smartphones, however, the company will continue to sell such handsets for a while and therefore needs to keep them competitive. On Thursday Opera Software said that Microsoft had licensed its Opera Mini browser and will install it on the …

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As announced, Microsoft Corp. no longer wants to develop software for its feature phones and entry-level smartphones, however, the company will continue to sell such handsets for a while and therefore needs to keep them competitive. On Thursday Opera Software said that Microsoft had licensed its Opera Mini browser and will install it on the aforementioned devices.

Opera Mini will become the default web browser for Microsoft’s Nokia mobile phones based on the Series 30+, Series 40 and Asha software platforms. As part of the agreement, existing customers, who use the Xpress browser on these phones, will be encouraged to upgrade to the latest Opera Mini browser.

“We continue to sell and support classic first and feature phones as well as the Asha range, which have performed well with millions of people who want new mobile experiences at lower price points,” said Rich Bernardo, head of legacy business, Phones, Microsoft. “The agreement with Opera will enable us to provide continuity of service as we transition from Xpress Browser to Opera Mini.”

opera-mini-web-browser-to-land-on-microsoft-feature-phones

Opera Mini is currently one of the most popular browsers in the world for mobile phones. The browser features a special built-in compression technology that allows people to save on mobile data and load pages faster. According to Opera Software developer, about 246 million users currently utilize Opera Mini, over 100 million of them use it on Google Android-based smartphones.

Microsoft’s choice to install Opera Mino on its feature phones and entry-level smartphones is a logical decision, keeping in mind the fact that it does not want to invest in the entry-level handset platforms any longer.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Opera Mini browser is not a bad choice for entry-level devices. Unfortunately, Microsoft only plans to sell those devices for several more quarters down the road…

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Allwinner introduces quad-core processor for $4 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/allwinner-introduces-quad-core-processor-for-4/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/allwinner-introduces-quad-core-processor-for-4/#respond Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:54:07 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=205341 Allwinner, a Chinese maker of application processors for mobile devices, said this week that its A33 system-on-chip is now in mass production. The A33 is the world’s first quad-core application processor that costs only $4 and thus can enable very affordable smartphones or tablets. Moreover, the developer claims that the A33 is also extremely power …

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Allwinner, a Chinese maker of application processors for mobile devices, said this week that its A33 system-on-chip is now in mass production. The A33 is the world’s first quad-core application processor that costs only $4 and thus can enable very affordable smartphones or tablets. Moreover, the developer claims that the A33 is also extremely power efficient.

Allwinner A33 SoC integrates four ARM Cortex-A7 general-purpose cores, a dual-cluster ARM Mali 400MP2 graphics processing engine, a memory controller, a video playback engine with advanced decoder, a display controller that supports up to 1280*800 resolution and so on. The application processor also features a special talking standby mode that enables extremely low power consumption during voice calls.

smartphone-1

According to the chip developer, when using a 4000mAh battery, tablets based on the A33 can standby for more than 300 hours or playback 1080p video for 6.5 hours thanks to extensive power-saving capabilities. The company even presented a graph, showing how the A33 compares to its closest competitor.

allwinner_a33_power_consumption

The main advantage of the Allwinner A33 application processor compared to almost anything that exists today, or is about to enter the market, is its extremely low price of just $4 per chip with a power management IC. The SoC will be the base of smartphones and tablets that cost from $30 to $60, which basically opens a new category of products.

Earlier this week Intel Corp. said that its upcoming SoFIA chip would enable $50 smartphones. It looks like Intel’s solution already has a rival, which may not be very fast in terms of performance, but which is incredibly affordable.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It looks like the Allwinner A33 will be the first ultra-cheap SoC for low-cost smartphones, which will be followed by other solutions targeting similar price categories.

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Intel wants its ‘SoFIA’ chips to power $50 smartphones https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-wants-its-sofia-chips-to-power-50-smartphones/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-wants-its-sofia-chips-to-power-50-smartphones/#comments Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:52:58 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=205164 It is not a secret that Intel Corp. pins a lot of hopes on its code-named SoFIA system-on-chips for affordable smartphones and tablets. The company needs to drive its x86 architecture to these markets so to ensure that it can sell chips for mobile devices going forward. While SoFIA promises to offer the right technology …

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It is not a secret that Intel Corp. pins a lot of hopes on its code-named SoFIA system-on-chips for affordable smartphones and tablets. The company needs to drive its x86 architecture to these markets so to ensure that it can sell chips for mobile devices going forward. While SoFIA promises to offer the right technology for entry-level gadgets, one thing that Intel has not talked about is the price of the SoFIA and products on its base.

As it appears, the world’s largest chipmaker wants to enable incredibly affordable smartphones with its SoFIA [Smart or Feature phone with Intel Architecture] offerings. The first version of SoFIA – with two 64-bit Silvermont cores, a simple graphics processing engine and 3G baseband capabilities – will power handsets that could cost only $50 (€37, £30), according to the chipmaker. This will put Intel into direct competition against various makers of low-end application processors, but Intel does not seem to worry.

“SoFIA could pave the way for smartphones costing as little as $50 in emerging markets,” a spokesperson for Intel told Cnet News.

intel_atom_roadmap_update_rdmp_4

While the first version of SoFIA will clearly be aimed at the value segment of the smartphone/tablet market, the future versions of the chips will be more advanced and could power more capable devices. The forthcoming flavors of SoFIA include quad-core system-on-chips with 3G and 4G baseband capabilities. The 3G version will be designed by Rockchip Semiconductor and marketed by both Intel and Rockchip.

“[At the MWC 2014] we demonstrated SoFIA, our first integrated application processor [with] baseband, after adding it to the roadmap late last year,” said Brian Krzanich, chief executive officer of Intel, back in April. “We are on track to ship the 3G solution to OEMs in Q4 2014, with the LTE version following in the first half of 2015.”

Unfortunately, Intel’s SoFIA is not ideal. It does not integrate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies, which means that smartphone makers will have to spend additional money on chips supporting these crucial capabilities. In a bid to persuade handset manufacturers to use SoFIA instead of competing solutions, Intel will probably have to cut-down its prices. Still, if Intel wants to stay relevant as a company, it just needs to enter the market of smartphones.

intel_xolo_smartphone

“It is not even about giving Intel an edge; it's about just keeping them in the ballgame in the first place,” said Bryan Ma, an analyst with IDC. “In my opinion SoFIA is a necessary move for Intel, and in fact is encouraging evidence of the ‘new' Intel way of thinking: being much more flexible (and in turn, faster) rather than insisting on having everything done completely on Intel technology.”

In the Q1 of 2014 only around one per cent of smartphones were based on Intel’s chips, according to IDC.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While it remains unclear whether Intel’s SoFIA will be a successful offering from Intel, it is pretty evident that Intel simply needs to release this product…

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Microsoft to cease development of Asha, feature-phones https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/microsoft-mobile-to-cease-development-of-asha-feature-phones/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/microsoft-mobile-to-cease-development-of-asha-feature-phones/#respond Tue, 22 Jul 2014 22:56:16 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=204188 While Microsoft Corp.’s chief executive officer Satya Nadella outlined a lot of details about the future strategy of the company last week, recently some additional details have emerged. As it appears, the strategy of the company when it concerns smartphones in particular and mobile communications in general is very simple and can be described shortly: Windows …

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While Microsoft Corp.’s chief executive officer Satya Nadella outlined a lot of details about the future strategy of the company last week, recently some additional details have emerged. As it appears, the strategy of the company when it concerns smartphones in particular and mobile communications in general is very simple and can be described shortly: Windows Phone only.

The world’s largest software developer not only plans to phase out the Nokia X smartphones based on Google Android platform, but it will also cease offering Nokia Asha devices as well as feature phones in the next 18 months. This will basically be the end of Nokia as we know it. Moreover, the company’s market share will further drop as a result of such actions.

Starting immediately, all mobile phones-related services and enablers are “planned to move into maintenance mode,” which means there will be “no new features or updates to services on any mobile phones platform.” Basically, Microsoft halts development of mobile phones, reports BGR web-site.

nokia_x2_1

“To focus on the growing momentum behind Windows Phone, we plan to immediately begin ramping down developer engagement activities related to Nokia X, Asha and series 40 apps and shift support to maintenance mode,” said Jo Harlow, vice president of mobile device sales at Microsoft. “We are committed to supporting our existing mobile phones customers, and will ensure proper operation during the planned controlled shutdown of services over the next 18 months.”

It is obvious that the future is all about smartphones, not about feature phones, so, the death of the latter is imminent. However, it looks like Microsoft kills mobile phones before it offers anything that can substitute them (e.g., ultra-affordable Windows Phone-based smartphones). As a consequence, Microsoft Mobile will kill the Nokia brand and will lose market share, but will not necessarily help Windows Phone to become popular.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is incredible how Microsoft manages to create Osborne effect for its (and Nokia’s) mobile products. Back in the days the company killed Windows Mobile platform before rolling out Windows Phone. Then Stephen Elop destroyed sales of Nokia Symbian platform by announcing its eventual phase out. These days Microsoft pre-announces the end of its feature phones…

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Nokia’s devices and services unit to be renamed to Microsoft Mobile Oy https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/smartphone/anton-shilov/nokias-devices-and-services-unit-to-be-renamed-to-microsoft-mobile-oy/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/smartphone/anton-shilov/nokias-devices-and-services-unit-to-be-renamed-to-microsoft-mobile-oy/#respond Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:29:59 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=188404 The sale of Nokia Corp.’s devices and services business unit to Microsoft is set to be closed this month and it looks like the situation with Nokia brand and the future of Nokia itself are getting clear. A letter from Microsoft suggests that the company will give its smartphone division a new name; in addition, …

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The sale of Nokia Corp.’s devices and services business unit to Microsoft is set to be closed this month and it looks like the situation with Nokia brand and the future of Nokia itself are getting clear. A letter from Microsoft suggests that the company will give its smartphone division a new name; in addition, the software giant expects at least some suppliers to continue to work with Nokia itself.

Starting later this month, Nokia’s devices and services division will be renamed to Microsoft Mobile Oy, according to a letter to suppliers published by NokiaPowerUser. The new legal entity will get new VAT IDs, bank accounts and so on. Microsoft Mobile Oy will be based in Espoo, Finland, and will continue to work with current partners and suppliers; hence, structurally it will resemble Nokia’s devices and services business unit.

microsoft_nokia

“Under the terms of the sale, Microsoft will assume all rights, benefits and obligations of the Nokia devices and services business, including Nokia’s agreements with suppliers, customers and partners which pertain to the devices and services business,” the letter reads. “[…] Please note that upon the close of the transaction between Microsoft and Nokia, the name of Nokia Corporation/Nokia Oyj will change to Microsoft Mobile Oy. Microsoft Mobile Oy is the legal entity name that should be used for VAT IDs and for the issuance of invoices.”

What is pretty interesting is that the current management of Nokia’s devices and services division expects at least some suppliers to continue work with Nokia itself, not only with Microsoft Mobile Oy. Keeping in mind that Nokia has had partners who specialize on telecommunication products, it looks like the company is not quitting that market completely, but only leaves smartphones, feature phones and media tablets to Microsoft Mobile Oy.

nokia_lumia_treasure_tag_sq

Recently Nokia announced Treasure Tag gadgets that are designed to work with smartphones based on different operating systems. The company is also rumoured to be working on its own smart-watch.

“In addition to becoming a supplier for Microsoft Mobile Oy, we appreciate that you might also remain a supplier to the continuing businesses of Nokia (i.e., NSN, HERE or Advanced Technologies) after the close of the transaction between Microsoft and Nokia devices and services,” the letter reads. “Nokia will communicate separately any changes in invoicing methods and addresses before the close of this transaction.”

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It will be interesting to see Nokia’s products going forward. Historically, Nokia has invented itself for a number of times, so it will just do the same this time as well. But what will it make? Gadgets like Treasure Tags are useful, but are hardly going to become a big business. Wearable electronics seems to be a nice idea overall, but the problem here is that Nokia has to offer not only smartwatch or smartband, but a smartphone, tablet and preferably a PC as well…

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Mediacom presents new slimline smartphones at CeBIT 2014 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/faith/mediacom-presents-new-slimline-smartphones-at-cebit-2014/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/faith/mediacom-presents-new-slimline-smartphones-at-cebit-2014/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:19:58 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=182178 Unless you are a disciple of Samsung or Apple, buying a new smartphone is a tricky business. You want all of the features but, ideally, not so much of the price tag. The chaps at Mediacom believe they have a plan. KitGuru captures their thoughts. Smartphones took ages to gain a foothold through early models …

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Unless you are a disciple of Samsung or Apple, buying a new smartphone is a tricky business. You want all of the features but, ideally, not so much of the price tag. The chaps at Mediacom believe they have a plan. KitGuru captures their thoughts.

Smartphones took ages to gain a foothold through early models like the Nokia Communicator, the XDA and Blackberry's initial efforts.

With processing power moving past the 1GHz level, screens offering HD/touch capability and batteries increasing the available juice to the point where advanced multimedia features can be used for extended periods of time, smartphones broke through the barriers and, today, they are most people's first choice for mobile communication.

Mediacom-Launches-new-Smartphones-at-CeBIT-2014-with-Andrea-Di-Giovanni-KitGuru

But what happens when you have a problem?   When you lose your phone or damage it in a significant way?

Sure, like any good dealer, your first contract phone hit is free, but – without expensive insurance – a replacement handset can cost you £300 or more.

This is one of the markets which Italy-based Mediacom believes it can attack.

KitGuru caught up with Mediacom's European sales guru, Andrea Di Giovanni at CeBIT 2014 and he gave us a glimpse of his new smartphone models.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF5Ba_Q8hN4′]

KitGuru says: According to Andrea, these phones are fully featured and – on average – will cost half as much as a similar top brand model from Samsung or Apple. If they can get the sales channel right, then an affordable replacement handset could do well.

Comment below, in the KitGuru forums or join us online over at Facebook.

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Nokia releases its first Google Android-based smartphones https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/nokia-releases-its-first-google-android-based-smartphones/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/anton-shilov/nokia-releases-its-first-google-android-based-smartphones/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2014 23:44:31 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=178952 Nokia Corp. on Monday introduced its first smartphones based on highly-modified Google Android operating system. Designed for customers in budget, Nokia X-series handsets feature Windows Phone-like user interface, Microsoft services, Nokia maps, navigation and so on. The family of Nokia smartphones based on Google Android OS consists of three models – X (4” display, 512MB …

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Nokia Corp. on Monday introduced its first smartphones based on highly-modified Google Android operating system. Designed for customers in budget, Nokia X-series handsets feature Windows Phone-like user interface, Microsoft services, Nokia maps, navigation and so on.

The family of Nokia smartphones based on Google Android OS consists of three models – X (4” display, 512MB RAM, 3MP camera), X+ (4” display, 768MB RAM, 5MP camera) and XL (5” display, 768MB RAM, 5MP camera) – and relies on dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 application processors. All smartphones feature 800*480 screen resolution, 4GB of onboard NAND flash memory, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, 2G/3G connectivity, Wi-Fi, two SIM cards and so on. The smartphones feature unified design with similar buttons: volume keys, “back key” and lock key.

nokia_microsoft_nokia_x

The Nokia X family smartphones do not come with pre-loaded Google Play app store, but are compatible with Nokia’s own store where specially developed applications for Nokia X are sold. Still, owners will be able to access third-party software stores as well. The company specifically tailored Android user interface to give a taste of Windows Phone and unify GUI across different Nokia lineups.

Nokia X smartphones come with Here maps, Nokia MixRadio for free music streaming and downloadable playlists, Microsoft OneDrive cloud data storage service subscription and one month of Skype's unlimited world subscription (allows to call landlines in more than 60 countries and to mobile phones in 8 countries for one month for free).

nokia_microsoft_nokia_xl

The Nokia X will go on sale immediately, starting at €89 and rolling-out in Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The Nokia X+ and Nokia XL are expected to roll out in these markets starting early second quarter, priced at €99 and €109, respectively.

KitGuru Says: With Nokia X, Nokia addresses the developing countries with an operating system they are familiar with and gives them a taste of Windows Phone. In theory, such strategy could work and ensure that sales of the company remain strong in case of further popularization of Android. However, with the acquisition by Microsoft going forward, it is highly-likely that Nokia X will be quietly discontinued in order to sell more Windows Phone-based smartphones.

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Foxconn to acquire chip designer Socle, set to develop own chips https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/foxconn-to-acquire-chip-designer-socle/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/foxconn-to-acquire-chip-designer-socle/#respond Thu, 30 Jan 2014 18:26:26 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=175281 Foxconn Group, the world’s largest contract manufacturer of electronics, is set to take over Socle Technology, a developer of system-on-chip solutions. The buyout will bring additional capabilities to the holding also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry and will help it to gain more customers and diversify its business. Socle is a Taiwan based contract …

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Foxconn Group, the world’s largest contract manufacturer of electronics, is set to take over Socle Technology, a developer of system-on-chip solutions. The buyout will bring additional capabilities to the holding also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry and will help it to gain more customers and diversify its business.

Socle is a Taiwan based contract designer of system-on-chips, which is a licensee of various ARM technologies, including ARM Cortex MPCore processors, ARM Mali graphics, ARM11MP-S, ARM1176-S, ARM926EJ-S and ARM7EJ-S. The company specializes on development of highly-integrated chips for media tablets, media players/smartphones, telecommunication equipment and storage systems.

Foxconn already owns Ambit Microsystems, a developer of telecommunication microprocessors. With Socle, Foxconn will be able to offer fully-integrated platforms for various mobile electronics, including smartphones, tablets and other devices, including those for professional use.

foxconn_manufacturing_getty

Foxconn manufacturing site. Image by Getty Images.

At present, companies likes Foxconn, Quanta, Arima and others not only produce various electronics, but also help to develop their internal architecture based on chips designed by companies like Intel Corp., AMD, Nvidia Corp., Qualcomm, MediaTek and many others. As Foxconn boosts its semiconductor design capabilities, it will eventually be able to provide not only design services, but also chips for various products.

Socle will remain an independent company, but with a new chief executive officer that will be appointed by Foxconn. Thanks to acquisition by the contract manufacturer of electronics, Socle will be able to work with with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. (SMIC) and GlobalFoundries. Previously Socle could only cooperate with GlobalFoundries, which was a shareholder, reports DigiTimes web-site.

KitGuru Says: Looks like traditional system-on-chip designers are going to face some pressure when it comes to inexpensive system-on-chips.

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Kogan announces cheap quad-core smartphone https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/liam-stanway/kogan-announces-cheap-quad-core-smartphone/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/liam-stanway/kogan-announces-cheap-quad-core-smartphone/#comments Thu, 19 Sep 2013 18:16:52 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=153504 The relatively unknown hardware developer Kogan has just announced a new quad-core smartphone for the mobile device market. Hopefully the new Agora 5.0 will be able to compete with all the bigger contenders such as Samsung, and HTC, but it should be able to keep pace with the lower price point and advanced hardware that …

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The relatively unknown hardware developer Kogan has just announced a new quad-core smartphone for the mobile device market. Hopefully the new Agora 5.0 will be able to compete with all the bigger contenders such as Samsung, and HTC, but it should be able to keep pace with the lower price point and advanced hardware that its boasting.

The Agora 5.0 Quad-core Smartphone doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, nor does it even speak of a brand when you consider that the predecessor was called the Agora 5.0 Dual-core Smartphone. Something about it just doesn't gel with more traditional conventions on the smartphone market right now, and that's a good thing. The name and brand are relatively unknown, so if you saw it in a store you could be forgiven for thinking that it was some cheap knock-off device. At £150 the phone doesn't scream “cutting edge technology”, but you'd be wrong if you thought that.

c076e59815858b457dcac4ad62abd219-540x360

This small phone packs as much punch as most tablets

I'd be hard pressed to think this was worth £150 at first glance, but I was taken aback when I first saw the technical specs for the price they're offering: 1.2GHz quad-core CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 1280×720 resolution on a 5in IPS screen. Those are all quite good specs, and the device even runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, meaning that most users will already be comfortable with using the operating system. Those are just the specs inside the smartphone though. It also boasts a pair of cameras (2MP for front facing, 8MP for rear facing), 3G and WiFi connectivity, dual SIM slots, and a 2,000mAh battery.

The new Agora seems to lack on the internal storage side of things. It struggles with just 4GB of internal memory, and is probably going to rely on the microSD slot it comes with for increased space.

Kogan Agora 5.0 Quad-core Smartphone

It's also a reasonable size from all angles

When you stop to look at it, perhaps missing out on the Kogan Agora just because of the more obscure brand is a mistake. This genuinely has the potential to compete with Samsung and the like. Maybe it will even convince them to incur some price drops in the near future.

KitGuru Says: That name is the only bit making me ponder a sale instead of it being a certainty. What do you guys think they should call it? 

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CES: Sony announce water resistant Xperia Z https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/raymond-daily/ces-sony-announce-water-resistant-xperia-z/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/raymond-daily/ces-sony-announce-water-resistant-xperia-z/#comments Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:01:21 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=121292 At CES this year Sony have announced their latest Xperia Z smartphone which will be sure to attract attention. The smartphone has a list of high powered specifications, but Sony are focusing on the waterproof abilities. Sony claim the phone can stay submerged for up to 30 minutes without a problem. The Sony Xperia Z …

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At CES this year Sony have announced their latest Xperia Z smartphone which will be sure to attract attention. The smartphone has a list of high powered specifications, but Sony are focusing on the waterproof abilities. Sony claim the phone can stay submerged for up to 30 minutes without a problem.

The Sony Xperia Z will ship with a 5 inch 1080p display and the list of specifications are:

  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • 1.5 GHz Qualcomm quad-core processor
  • Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB integrated memory with microSD card
  • HSPA+ and LTE support, dependent on launch market
  • 13 megapixel camera with HDR video support (this is a first)
  • HD voice
  • Battery stamina mode
  • Water and dust resistant (can stay submerged for 30 minutes)
  • Anti-shatter glass on front and back
  • Glass fiber polyamide (metal-like) material frame
[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWysHOjl95E']

Kitguru says: A phone to look out for? We think it is.

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Samsung might be working on a Galaxy camera https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/blair-mcclelland/samsung-might-be-working-on-a-galaxy-camera/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/blair-mcclelland/samsung-might-be-working-on-a-galaxy-camera/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:54:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=78066 When you last used a digital camera you may have considered that the firmware they run on is often clunky, slow and generally just plain poor. Finding any specific setting is often unnerving and it appears that Samsung has realised this; they may be planning a Android powered camera. This comes after Polaroid announced a Android/digital camera mash-up …

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When you last used a digital camera you may have considered that the firmware they run on is often clunky, slow and generally just plain poor. Finding any specific setting is often unnerving and it appears that Samsung has realised this; they may be planning a Android powered camera. This comes after Polaroid announced a Android/digital camera mash-up earlier in the year at CES.

Expect something a tad more powerful if the Galaxy Camera trademark ever comes to fruition.

The Korean company has filed for a “Galaxy Camera” trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with the product type listed as a camera or camcorder. Samsung already has a good foothold in the dedicated camera market so combining two of its two strongest product areas could well be a strong combination. Besides, who wouldn't want an Android powered camera? It would sure be nice to have applications like Paper Camera available.

Kitguru says: Although the possible use of the “Galaxy” brand doesn't make me certain it will be Android powered, I am all for smart-cameras!

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Kickstarter’s “Dash” – The world’s first smart phone car stereo https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/stephen-dougherty/kickstarters-dash-the-worlds-first-smart-phone-car-stereo/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/stephen-dougherty/kickstarters-dash-the-worlds-first-smart-phone-car-stereo/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:13:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=75342 Got a thing for cool gadgets and tech in cars? this one should definitely grab your attention. Kickstarter is a company that makes the path from concept to reality easy thanks to crowdfunding techniques. With their latest project they've come up with Dash, aka “The smart phone car stereo”. Unlike none other, this unit provides …

The post Kickstarter’s “Dash” – The world’s first smart phone car stereo first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Got a thing for cool gadgets and tech in cars? this one should definitely grab your attention.

Kickstarter is a company that makes the path from concept to reality easy thanks to crowdfunding techniques. With their latest project they've come up with Dash, aka “The smart phone car stereo”. Unlike none other, this unit provides faceplates that specifically suit a given brand of smart phone. The first batch of units will ship with iPhone 4/4S accommodating versions.

The way it works is there are no buttons on the faceplate itself; all controls are available directly from your phone apart from a small volume controller to one side. While the phone is docked into Dash, it can of course be charged and all the usual music, navigation and calling features on the phone can be used. A special app can also be installed onto the phone that makes it easier to access all your commonly used apps and features in the horizontal position that the phone is in when docked into Kickstarter's Dash.

This certainly won't be for everyone, especially given you are sacrificing local radio stations for it. And it's true that what Dash does can for for most part already be achieved by simply plugging into an existing car's deck via a cable. But most of the time they don't simultaneously charge the device and you have to admit that the cleanliness of it is far superior. Not to mention, it's a lot better suited in situations where you might be using the phone's GPS and navigation apps.

Kickstarter's product page for Dash states, “Dash doesn’t require that you learn a new interface to use your stereo. You already know how to use your phone to access your music, your navigation app, your phone calls, and the incredible number of other apps in your phone’s marketplace.

Dash is expected to retail for $300 when it launches in July 2012. The special Kickstart editions come in black, red, blue or white. Thanks to Mashable for the information.

Kitguru says: A very cool gadget which we think will sell well.

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Sony lines up massive new revenue stream for PSP https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/taps/sony-lines-up-massive-new-revenue-stream-for-psp/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/taps/sony-lines-up-massive-new-revenue-stream-for-psp/#respond Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:32:34 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=56665 Once the undisputed brand leader in the electronic entertainment space, Sony has seen its Walkman brand totally usurped by Apple's ability to deliver high-quality, high-priced multimedia devices – while at the same time, Nintendo's portable/affordable game playing systems has moved in to own the dedicated mobile play space. What next for Sony? The PlayStation Portable …

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Once the undisputed brand leader in the electronic entertainment space, Sony has seen its Walkman brand totally usurped by Apple's ability to deliver high-quality, high-priced multimedia devices – while at the same time, Nintendo's portable/affordable game playing systems has moved in to own the dedicated mobile play space. What next for Sony?

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was technologically ahead of its rivals at launch. By a huge margin. Nintendo went in totally the opposite direction – making a much lower specification device that was affordable, available in different colours and with nice-and-simple interactive Wi-Fi play.

Who won?

Nintendo. Hands-down.

But Sony is a serious competitor, used to losing and then regaining the lead.

Looking at the PlayStation space at GamesCom 2011, one idea shouted loud and clear above the rest – Sony's attempt to create a unique combination of virtual characters, the PSP and Panini stickers. Development guru Marco offered a simple, but powerful demonstration where the virtual 3D characters appear in a real world environment – as long as you're viewing them through the PSP's camera.

The idea is that the characters are intelligent and interactive.

So where do the Panini stickers fit in?  Well these will be Sony's preferred penetration method for the younger gamer. Already hugely popular, imagine if each sticker in a pack contained a virtual 3D character – and all you needed to bring it to life was a quick scan with a PSP?

Given the size of Sony's entertainment operations and Panini's licenses for the Olympics in 2011 as well as the NFL/NHL licenses in the USA – it's easy to see how this will create a massive revenue stream going forward, simply because sports provides the perfect bridge to cross-over from childhood to adulthood. Here are some shots of this new interactive world in action – and we share our vision of the future at the end of this article.

Cute, interactive, 3D character and PSP-loving Marco - but we're not sure which is which
Young lady in beach wear waves at cute character to get his attention - shirley not
Happy 3D chappy virtually grabs hold of the floatation device - interactive fun followed
Your very own 3D interactive friend is a simple PSP scan away with Marco's new Panini stickers

KitGuru says: The real challenge is simple, almost no one wants to buy a PSP. Once Sony integrates this kind of technology into its phones, the world looks set to become one large market for our Japanese friends. Where will that lead? In the old days, kids would bunch together to play with marbles or trump cards. In the future, we expect the same group of kids to be standing around, with mobiles outstretched in front of them, each viewing 4 virtual, 3D characters interacting with each other.

Comment below or in the KitGuru forums.

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Choiix Power Fort Rechargeable Power Backup Battery Review https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/henry-butt/choiix-power-fort-rechargeable-power-backup-battery-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/henry-butt/choiix-power-fort-rechargeable-power-backup-battery-review/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:55:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=37556 We've all been in that situation where we go to use our smartphone on the go and find that the battery is flat.  This is why a number of companies have produced battery packs that can be used to charge an array of different mobile devices on the go.  We have seen the market for …

The post Choiix Power Fort Rechargeable Power Backup Battery Review first appeared on KitGuru.]]>

We've all been in that situation where we go to use our smartphone on the go and find that the battery is flat.  This is why a number of companies have produced battery packs that can be used to charge an array of different mobile devices on the go.  We have seen the market for power hungry smartphones increase dramatically over the past few years and we can see these batteries increasing in popularity because of this.

Today we are going to look at the Choiix Power Fort rechargeable power backup battery that is able to charge most mobile devices via its USB port.  The Choiix brand may not be known by many of our readers but almost all of you will have heard of their parent company ‘Cooler Master'.

Under the Choiix brand, Cooler Master produce a range of lifestyle products that have a much broader target market than the products sold under the Cooler Master brand.

Features

  • Slim curve design and light weight
  • Powerful 1A charges 2x faster than normal USB power
  • Battery Life LED indicator
  • Up to 300 charges with 85% capacity remaining
  • Quick recharge less than 3 hours
  • Safety protections built-in to avoid battery damage
  • Ultra low self-discharge battery cell design

Specification

  • Model: C-2006-K1S0
  • Power Capacity: 1500mAh / 5.5Whrs
  • Input: DC 5V / 1A
  • Output: DC 5V / 1A
  • Battery Type: Lithium Polymer
  • Recharging Time: 2 – 3 hours
  • Dimensions: 98 x 48 x 16mm
  • Weight: 60g
  • Operating Temp: 10 – 50c
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Skype dumps mobile Windows ? https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/slyvia/skype-dumps-mobile-windows/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/slyvia/skype-dumps-mobile-windows/#comments Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:00:53 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=34334 There are a lot of ways to make calls in the world, and some are stranger than others. One of the more unusual couplings is using a phone call application like Skype to make phone calls over the web connection provided by a phone. KitGuru's heard Rumblings-Over-IP about a possible fall out. We have been …

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There are a lot of ways to make calls in the world, and some are stranger than others.

One of the more unusual couplings is using a phone call application like Skype to make phone calls over the web connection provided by a phone.

KitGuru's heard Rumblings-Over-IP about a possible fall out.


We have been pinged several times in the last couple of hours by KitGuru readers who say that Windows on the mobile is now so clean, that no trace of it can be found anywhere on the Skype web site.

Originally, we'd thought that there would be a new service introduced around the time that the existing free service was phased out. With an opportunity to charge money coming up, surely there'd be some hussle. Doesn't appear to have been.

We're not sure exactly what's going on – or what the deal is, but KitGuru spies have been trying to engage with Skype personnel over at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and officials were saying nothing.

They even have a Twitter wall, splattered with logos. We've gone boss-eyed trying to see a Skype one – but there does not appear to have been any news from the free-call champions.

What the hell is going on?

Communications breakdown between Skype and Windows Phones? The headlines write themselves [I like, ‘No voice over Win IP' – Ed].

Skype remains tight lipped at the Mobile World Congress

KitGuru says: If anyone knows what's going to happen next – we'd love to know. Would be useful to have Skype on a full range of mobile products, surely.

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BlackBerry light a torch to target iPhone https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/zardon/blackberry-light-a-torch-to-target-iphone/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/media-phone/zardon/blackberry-light-a-torch-to-target-iphone/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:00:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=10852 It appears its impossible to keep Apple out of the news lately as Research in Motion (RIM) have showcased a new BlackBerry phone which is clearly targeting the Apple iPhone market. Analyst reports appear mixed however with some saying that it will not blow rivals away. The BlackBerry Torch is going on sale in the …

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It appears its impossible to keep Apple out of the news lately as Research in Motion (RIM) have showcased a new BlackBerry phone which is clearly targeting the Apple iPhone market. Analyst reports appear mixed however with some saying that it will not blow rivals away.

The BlackBerry Torch is going on sale in the USA on August 12th with a two year contract tied into it – initial costs will be $199.99 which is around the same price as an iPhone. This new Blackberry is home to a new improved operating system and has a faster web browser with a focus on the user interface.

BlackBerry TORCH - Credit: Reuters

“RIM is playing catch-up. This is clearly the upgrade for BlackBerry users, but otherwise not a lot here is super exciting,” Altimeter analyst Michael Gartenberg told Reuters.

KitGuru says: Will this be enough to get sales from Apple?

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Adobe Flash proven to ruin Google Android 2.2 performance https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/zardon/adobe-flash-proven-to-ruin-google-android-2-2-performance/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/zardon/adobe-flash-proven-to-ruin-google-android-2-2-performance/#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 22:26:37 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=2806 It has been hard to escape the recent news coverage detailing Apples contempt for Flash on mobile devices. Many enthusiasts have stated that Steve Jobs has been very unfair with his dismissal of Adobes media software within the mobile platform. Jobs has said it destroys battery life, reduces security and hampers processor performance – and …

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It has been hard to escape the recent news coverage detailing Apples contempt for Flash on mobile devices. Many enthusiasts have stated that Steve Jobs has been very unfair with his dismissal of Adobes media software within the mobile platform. Jobs has said it destroys battery life, reduces security and hampers processor performance – and as such Apple will never adopt it.

Are you currently sitting on the fence? Well, I found this interesting video on Pocketnow which is as good an indication of how the beta Flash software runs. Lets hope Adobe can sort it out before it leaves the beta phase.

Kitguru says: You reckon now Steve has a point?

Discuss in our forums over here or just leave a quick comment below.

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HTC Desire: Android unloads in KitGuru’s face https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/iphone/faith/htc-desire-android-unloads-in-kitgurus-face/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/iphone/faith/htc-desire-android-unloads-in-kitgurus-face/#comments Mon, 17 May 2010 07:11:12 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=2010 KitGuru loves HTC and has done for a long time, in spite of the absolutely rubbish ability of Windows Mobile to actually do email. With so many great multi-function phone on the market, we wanted to see which we’d buy if pushed. The box is attractive, neat and simple. One word of warning though, once …

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KitGuru loves HTC and has done for a long time, in spite of the absolutely rubbish ability of Windows Mobile to actually do email. With so many great multi-function phone on the market, we wanted to see which we’d buy if pushed.

The box is attractive, neat and simple. One word of warning though, once you slice the security plastic – the phone box will happily slide straight through (luckily we were on the sofa at the time – no harm done!).

Straight away you are hit with the feeling that this is a mature product. A pro-class piece of hardware that can hold its own in the look & feel department. This is important, because any perception that a product is a ‘toy’, can rapidly affect its desirability in the corporate space.

It boasts simple controls, quick set up and ease of use. Just like the Blackberry 9700, you are highly unlikely to ever look at a manual – it is a really usable device.

Size-wise, if you remember the old HTC with the fantastic pull-out keyboard – then the new HTC Desire is about the size of the screen section. Side by side, it's about the same as an iPhone and a little longer than the  Blackberry 9700.

In use, the HTC does exactly what you’d expect of it. It scores and misses exactly where the iPhone does against RIMs market-leading business tool. Head to head with the Blackberry 9700, it comes out on top for media, but loses out against Blackberry’s superior communications infrastructure. In the same way that MSN messenger has become the de facto software for business users on the desktop, all of the serious players we know in the IT industry use Blackberry messenger for business chat on the move.

But that’s not what the HTC Desire is about. It’s about having the coolest piece of kit on the block. Something that can kick the iPhone off the park with room to spare. It’s also the prodigal son that die-hard HTC fans have been waiting for. So the question is, does it achieve its intentions or fall short of the mark ?  In this table you can see the ‘obvious wins' in bold red and the glaring omissions in bold black.

Screen Res Battery Cam Res CPU Speed RAM Storage MP3/WMA Flash YouTube Weight
HTC Desire 800 x 480 1.5 days 5 1GHz 576MB 512MB Yes/Yes Yes Yes 135
Blackberry 9700 480 x 360 2 days 3.2 624Mhz 256MB 2.2GB Yes/Yes No Yes 122
iPhone 480 x 320 1 day 3 600MHz 256MB 16GB Yes/No No Yes 135

We love it. It’s feature set matches/exceeds Apple’s in every respect – and the battery lasts a significant amount longer. It is fast and responsive, happy to work with a broad range of media while also giving you a wonderfully sharp  9.4cm  AMOLED screen. On a 24 month contract with T-Mobile, it’s around £29 a month for 2 wonderfully media-rich years (or you can just buy one for £400 and stick it on whichever network you prefer).

That said, it doesn't have Apple's illogical appeal or iTunes or the app store. It does have a widget store, plays standard windows media files and holds its own in the looks department.

KitGuru says: If you need a hardcore business tool, then you can’t easily go outside Blackberry. For everyone else?   Gone on, buy yourself some bragging rights – just don’t forget to get a whopping great microSD at the same time.  The only thing you will miss from the old HTC phones is the integrated ear-wax removal tool (I believe the manual called it a stylus).

Discuss in our forum or just leave a quick comment below.

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Mobile Phone Buying Guide https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/faith/mobile-phone-buying-guide/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/faith/mobile-phone-buying-guide/#comments Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:50:48 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=107 Blackberry, iPhone or Smartphone – which is best?  With the most attractive contracts running around 2 years, your next choice could be with you for a very long time. KitGuru opens the lid on mobiles to help you decide, which one’s best for me? Technologies If you type a lot, then having a proper keyboard …

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Blackberry, iPhone or Smartphone – which is best?  With the most attractive contracts running around 2 years, your next choice could be with you for a very long time. KitGuru opens the lid on mobiles to help you decide, which one’s best for me?

Technologies
If you type a lot, then having a proper keyboard will be the most important thing – typing all day on a screen can be very irritating – whereas Smartphones and Blackberrys have great keyboards.
Accessing email can be hit and miss. Most modern phones have decent mail connection technology, but Blackberry stand head and shoulders above the rest – especially if you (a) travel internationally or (b) have lots of friends with Blackberrys.
Media organisation and playback is key for many people, and here it’s the usability of the software – alongside the screen quality that will be important. iPhone and Smartphones with touch screens are much easier to use. Smartphone often plug into your PC and act like a hard drive – making music/video transfer very easy. iPhones normally want to connect to iTunes before you can move media.
Are you happy with the applications that come on the phone? If not, then remember that many apps are available for purchase for iPhones and Blackberrys, but are often free for Windows Smartphones.
When it comes to camera quality, audio quality and the ability to use the device as a phone – then almost all products are fine.

Service provider
While Vodafone presents itself as great for business, O2 as the main supplier for iPhones, Orange as your communications buddy and T-Mobile as affordable for the masses.  Go back 10 years and there were differences. Now, each of these networks provides a very similar service. Only Vodafone guarantees a signal in your house – with 100% UK coverage – but even the later providers like ‘3’ offer more than 98%. Mobile broadband speeds can vary and remember that communication on trains can often be grim.

Contract
Here you are balancing lower prices against choice. Handsets are expensive and they need to be paid for – initially by the service provider, but ultimately by you, the customer. T-Mobile will give you almost any phone on a 2 year contract for less than £40 with a complete package, with Smartphones starting around £20. Given that it costs up to £100 to fill your car with petrol, mobile phones are now one of the smallest monthly ‘optional’ costs we have and it is hard to go wrong.

At KitGuru we like Blackberry 9700/8520 models for business, the latest iPhones and LG HD devices for media as well as the HTC Touch Pro2 for Windows. KitGuru has been around the world, from Hong Kong to Las Vegas, with T-Mobile and never had an issue. All phones/providers can go wrong, so remember to get insurance. £5 a month might seem a lot at the start, but if you need to buy a £400 replacement phone, then it will seem like money well spent.

Buy links…
T-Mobile
O2
Vodafone
Orange
3
Virgin

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