Amazon’s 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD impressions

Amazon's 89inch Kindle Fire HD impressions

Hey, check out this beaut. It's the 8.9-inch version of Amazon's new Fire HD tablet. The company trotted out several of the 7-inch models, but the big daddy was a rare bird indeed -- and it's almost a shame that it shares a name with last year's model, since it feels like a completely different device. Amazon set out to make a slate that can compete with some of the top models out there, and from some passing impressions, it seems to stack up -- not least with that pixel-disguising 1920 x 1200 display and 8.8mm thickness. Of course, we're going to have to wait until we can actually spend some more time with it before passing judgement. Peep some more photos of the newer, bigger Kindle Fire in the gallery below.

Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

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Amazon's 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 lands Ice Cream Sandwich update

T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 lands Ice Cream Sandwich update

After more than a month of waiting, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 for T-Mobile has finally joined some of its brethren with an Ice Cream Sandwich update. Big Magenta has posted the Android 4.0.4 download for those who'd like to install the OS manually via Samsung Kies. While the carrier says the Android flavor won't be delivered over-the-air, TmoNews reports that some users have loaded up their hardware with an OTA update. Ready to hop on the ICS bandwagon? Check your slate for an upgrade notice or hit the source link below for instructions and the appropriate download.

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T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 lands Ice Cream Sandwich update originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 07:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS outs dockable Windows 8 Vivo Tab and Vivo Tab RT

ASUS outs dockable Windows 8 Vivo Tab and Vivo Tab RT

It looks like IFA will be where many Windows 8 devices shown back at Computex get (more) official. Exhibit A is ASUS, which today pulled the curtains on the Vivo Tab and the Vivo Tab RT, previously known as the ASUS Tablet 810 and the ASUS Tablet 600, respectively. There's still no pricing info available, but the company has filled in some of the remaining spec gaps.

As we previously knew, the Vivo Tab sports an 11.6-inch IPS display with a 1,366 x 768 resolution and supports a Wacom digitizer input in addition to 10-point multitouch. The tablet runs an Intel Atom CPU with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The Vivo Tab measures 0.33 inches thick and weighs in at 1.5 pounds. There's also an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, plus a 2-megapixel shooter up front. As we learned back in Taipei as well, an NFC sensor will be on board.

Then there's the Vivo Tab RT, which is slightly smaller, at 0.33 inches thick and 1.1 pounds, and with a 10.1-inch screen. Like its non-RT brother, it boasts an IPS display with a 1,366 x 768 resolution, but it runs a Tegra 3 processor and a 12-core GPU, with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The RT tablet includes the same cameras and NFC sensor as the Vivo Tab.

Of course, these two slates also come with a Transformer-like dock, which adds a full QWERTY keyboard, trackpad, two USB ports and a second battery. The missing element to this equation is still pricing and availability: check back for those details, and in the meantime hit up the press release below the break.

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ASUS outs dockable Windows 8 Vivo Tab and Vivo Tab RT originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cyberlink’s PowerDirector app lets you edit movies on your Windows 8 slate (hands-on)

Cyberlink's PowerDirector app lets you edit movies on your Win8 slate handson

We're still a ways away from the official debut of Windows 8 hardware, but given its impending release, there's plenty of software being cooked up for the new OS with a split personality. Cyberlink, best known for its ubiquitous PowerDVD software, is among those preparing for Win8's tablet assault with some touch-optimized video editing software. Called PowerDirector, it'll be available on Windows 8 launch day and will retail for around 10 to 15 bucks as a standalone app in the Windows Store -- should you spring for the full version of PowerDirector, the finger-friendly version's free. We got to see the new app in action, so join us after the break for a demo video and some impressions.

Continue reading Cyberlink's PowerDirector app lets you edit movies on your Windows 8 slate (hands-on)

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Cyberlink's PowerDirector app lets you edit movies on your Windows 8 slate (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage

Archos 101 XS review a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage

Archos has had its hand in the slate game since the early days of "internet media tablets," and while its products don't have quite the same brand recognition as, say, Samsung's, we've found the French company's devices to be some of the best-value tablets available. Budget-minded prices and innovation don't usually go hand in hand, but in the case of its new 101 XS Android 4.0 tablet, Archos has a few tricks up its sleeve. The slate boasts a keyboard cover and kickstand, along with a magnetic hinge allowing the lid to attach to the display. Arriving in November for $400, the Archos 101 XS is a productivity-minded take on slates, complete with a full set of keys and a bundled copy of OfficeSuite Pro. Do the hardware and software add up to a killer combo? Read on to find out.

Continue reading Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage

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Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400

DNP EMBARGO  Archos announces 101 XS tablet with keyboard dock and other accessories

Archos recently dropped a few hints about a Gen 10 tablet, and, just as promised, three weeks later the device is getting its official unveiling. Meet the Archos 101 XS, a 10-inch slate running Ice Cream Sandwich and a dual-core TI OMAP-4470 processor.

Staying true to the company's budget-friendly rep, the 101 XS will go for $400 when it drops in November, and that includes the tablet's main attraction: a keyboard dock that also acts as a cover to protect the 1,280 x 800 display. The so-called Coverboard attaches to the tablet's body magnetically, and there's a dock for securing the device when you want to type. The Coverboard sports a full QWERTY layout along with home, back and recently open buttons for navigating the Android OS. Speaking of which, Archos says the XS will be upgradeable to Jelly Bean in October. Other key specs include 16GB of internal storage, a 1.3-megapixel, 720p webcam and a 1.3-pound, 0.31-inch-thick design.

To complement its new slab, Archos has also announced several new docks and covers. The Boombox speaker dock will charge your 101 XS while you soak up 32 watts of music playback. If you'd prefer to hook it up to your existing system, the Cradle dock has audio-out ports alongside a pair of USB sockets that can be connected to portable hard drives -- and more music. A selection of pouches and sleeves will also be up for grabs for anyone who's willing to leave that Coverboard behind. Pricing info for these accessories is yet to come.

For more info, head past the break for the press release (and photos). We also have a full review of the 101 XS -- check it out here.

Jamie Rigg contributed to this report.

Continue reading Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400

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Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price

AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, offer slates at full price

Saving a few short-term bucks on a subsidized tablet by inking a two-year contract with AT&T may be a thing of the past. According to a document sent to us by a tipster, Ma Bell will no longer offer discounted, on-contract slates as of August 19th. However, it looks like Big Blue is still happy to offer slabs at standard, no-commitment prices along with DataConnect and MobileShare plans. Head past the break if you'd like to take a peek at the notice in deeper detail.

Continue reading AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price

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AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP creates Mobility division to focus on consumer tablets, taps ex-MeeGo maven Alberto Torres to run it

HP creating Mobility division to focus on consumer tablets, taps exMeeGo maven Alberto Torres to run itDespite the culling of Palm's offerings from its product portfolio, HP isn't exiting the tablet space. Far from it. Evidence of a new tablet has been floating around since April, and we've even caught a couple glimpses of the so-called Slate 8. Now, The Verge reports that the company has created a Mobility unit within the Personal Systems Group dedicated to making such consumer hardware. According to a leaked internal memo, it looks like Alberto Torres, formerly chief of MeeGo ops at Nokia, will be the man in charge of the new division. The Mobility group will first focus on tablets, with a "soon-to-be-launched" initial offering, but it plans to expand into other product segments moving forward. The full leaked memo can be found at the source below.

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HP creates Mobility division to focus on consumer tablets, taps ex-MeeGo maven Alberto Torres to run it originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop’s cloud streaming will spurn consoles, hang with PCs, tabs and TVs only

GameStop's cloud streaming will spurn consoles, hang with PCs, tabs and TVs only

When GameStop bought Spawn Labs, it was clear that some sort of cloud-based game streaming was on deck, to compete with the likes of Sony's Gaikai and Onlive (now allied with Ouya). However, the company has just announced that the service will exclude consoles, and work only on tablets, PCs and internet enabled TVs -- a change from the original plan. The decision was made "based on consumer feedback" after a private beta, according to the retailer, who hinted earlier that consoles may be a non-starter on the service. It also cited its "success in selling mobile devices, and the imminent launch of new consoles" to justify the change. The program's launch is still planned for next year, but for now the console streaming path is clear for others.

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GameStop's cloud streaming will spurn consoles, hang with PCs, tabs and TVs only originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TVSync API unveiled, helps devs build second-screen and smart TV apps

TVSync API unveiled, helps devs build second-screen and smart TV apps

Second screen apps seem to be all the rage as of late, and Vobile's freshly announced TVSync API platform can help developers ride that wave of popularity. Compatible with iOS and Android devices, PCs and some smart TVs, the API can be leveraged to supplement what's on the silver screen with relevant content ranging from polls to products. Apps developed with the interface can trigger what's displayed on the companion screen at just the right moment by analyzing audio, video, or both. For instance, a recipe featured on a celebrity chef's program could be pushed to your slate as soon as it's first mentioned. Yearning to code an app of your own with the tech? Visit the source to request beta access to TVSync or look below for the full press release.

Continue reading TVSync API unveiled, helps devs build second-screen and smart TV apps

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TVSync API unveiled, helps devs build second-screen and smart TV apps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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