If there are two categories of electronics that are receiving constant upgrades and innovations in terms of technological advancements, it is hard to think of better examples than the computer and mobile phone industries. While computer parts have been getting better at a constant rate, it is hard to deny the fact that the growth of mobile phone technology is far more accelerated.
HTC is pushing their luck with the first Android 3D handset to be launched. While certainly interesting, it is hard to fathom how 3D could be a truly significant contribution to the smart phone industry. Unlike the use of 4G networks, HD video recording and flexible touch screens, 3D is one aspect of entertainment that simply does not fit with portable technology.
This mostly centers on providing users with parallax screen technology, but in the long run, who would actually bother appreciating 3D images on a such as small display and on a device meant to be used when you are outside the house?
Korean phone maker Samsung is working on a more practical display technology: LCDs. The appearance of AMOLED touch screens has certainly put a wide gap between LCDs and LEDs, but in the end, it is the LCDs that are proving that it is easier to manufacture. In fact, even HTC is slowly replacing the AMOLED phones with Super LCD screens. According to reports, Samsung’s new tech is being named as the Super PLS LCD –which is far superior to the already impressive IPS LCD screens we see today.
LG is not too keen on turning away from LED technology just yet however. In a recent report, it has been announced that LG’s latest developed technology is the Quantum Dot LED screen, or simply put, the QLED. They say that this new display will provide the same quality of images as AMOLED screens do, but this time, with even less power consumption.
Posts Tagged ‘AMOLED’
Latest Mobile Tech: 3D, SLCD, and QLED
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010Vodafone’s Android 2.2 Froyo Update is Coming Soon
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
HTC Desire owners under Vodafone have plenty to be happy about. It has just been confirmed that August 23 will see the official launch for the 2.2 Froyo update for the Android operating system on the HTC Desire.
The HTC Desire is an impressive smart phone released earlier this year. With a 1 GHz Snapdragon CPU, a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display and a 5 mega pixel camera, the device was among one of the first handsets (along with the Google Nexus One) that set the bar for all upcoming Android phones.
Of course, with the announcement of a new Android OS version, it was believed that it would only be a matter of time before it would be brought to the Desire. However, for reasons unannounced, the Froyo update did not come early and many people had to wait for the update to be made available for their specific handsets.
Problems started to arise when Vodafone failed to properly announce the Vodafone 360 service update and many people were misled into thinking that the update was for the Google Android. This lead to many unhappy surprises when people realized that they updated their Android 2.1 handsets to Android 2.1 but with 360 features. Another issue was that the update did not allow users to uninstall of remove the 360 software –which made it really frustrating for many.
Fortunately, Vodafone has a good enough head on its shoulders to realize a mistake and have offered a sufficient apology –along with the promise that the actual Android 2.2 update does come out, it will also give users the freedom of deleting the 360 service features from the OS. According to Google, the Froyo update is more than just a new set of features and bug fixes; it is also a major performance boost to the OS itself.
Rumor: HTC’s Desire HD to be Unveiled on Sept 15
Monday, August 16th, 2010
HTC has been giving out strange looking invitations for an upcoming September 15 event and many are expecting to see the upcoming HTC Desire HD smart phone to be unveiled at the event.
The invite has no solid images of the handset, but the blurry smoke on the front seems to be embedded with a superimposition of the device’s back casing –hinting that this might just be the unveiling of the handset in question.
Many folks are already familiar with the concept that the HTC Desire HD is actually the HTC Ace smart phone that appeared along with the HTC Vision in a leaked roadmap over a month ago. While the roadmap itself did not give out any details on the upcoming Android smart phone, we now know that the handset would be packing some pretty impressive hardware features and specs.
There are currently no official spec sheets for the Ace/Desire HD yet, but if initial speculations are to be believed, then the list is starting to look pretty good. Right off the top is the new Snapdragon CPU that is expected to be clocked at about 1.2 GHz which means that this little Android will be one of the most powerful on the market.
Another rumor is that it will have a 4.3 inch AMOLED touch screen. Of course, the device will certainly be running the latest version of the Android which is version 2.2 Froyo. And it will also have a nice 8 mega pixel camera with 720p HD video recording capabilities.
So far, there is no news or further updates about the HTC Vision smart phone. Despite that, it is hard to forget that the Taiwan based Android manufacturing phone maker will be offering an Android with a physical slide out keyboard. This is something that no Android fan will want to miss.
Dell’s New Android Brings Keyboard and Big Screen Together
Friday, August 13th, 2010
Following the trend of new form factors, Dell has introduced yet another Android handset for this year, the Dell Thunder.
Some of you may remember that the electronics manufacturer has recently launched the Dell Streak, which is an Android smart phone with a massive AMOLED capacitive touch screen display sized at 5 inches. The Thunder has a slightly smaller display at 4.1 inches, but instead of offering a large screen, this phone packs a portrait oriented slider keyboard.
The keyboard is a big focus here since there are only a few Android devices with physical keyboards. While Dell has yet to prove that they can design ergonomically efficient keyboards for mobile phones, the initial looks are quite promising and we certainly cannot wait to try out this handset.
At this point, most of the other details regarding the Thunder are merely rumors and speculations, but one thing is for sure, Dell is certainly exciting the tech industry with its’ newfound direction and style in mobile phone design. While their earlier handsets have not been so successful, the Streak and the Thunder are certainly showing us that some companies still have what it takes to surprise smart phone fans.
As expected, this phone will be running the Android operating system. Initial leaked images of the device clearly shows a special Dell custom version of the Android 2.1 Éclair operating system though it is probable that the device will be preloaded with the 2.2 Froyo when it finally comes out at the end of year.
Speaking of which, Google has hinted at the I/O conference that the upcoming 3.0 Gingerbread might be able to make an end of 2010 release date so it is also possible that the Thunder would be equipped with the latest version of the OS when it finally comes out.
Samsung and Sony Team Up to Bring New Screen Technology
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
When two of the largest names in the tech industry collaborate on a single project, we all know we can expect great things. The latest big tie up comes with an unexpected cooperative move from Japanese electronics leader Sony and Korean industry giant, Samsung.
The new technology they are working on is an alternative to AMOLED touch screens. As many smart phone fans are already aware of, AMOLED screens are among the most impressive displays available for smart phone users. It is so good that the only technologies to ever surpass it are the Apple Retina display and of course, the super AMOLED touch screen which was developed by Samsung.
Among the handsets to use the AMOLED touch screen technology, there are some phones that truly standout such as the HTC Desire and the Google Nexus One. Both devices run the Android operating system and are two of the biggest profile handsets around. According to Sony and Samsung, the first S-LCD displays will be used in the Desire and the Nexus One smart phones.
The decision to use the S-LCD devices on existing devices (as opposed to slapping it into a new phone) is a tactical choice. First, HTC needs more AMOLED screens for the two handsets. With AMOLED technology being harder to produce, S-LCD is the perfect alternative. Not only does it match the AMOLED screens in terms of quality, but it is also able to deliver better viewing angles, contrast and more importantly, less battery consumption.
With Samsung previously pushing forward the limits of AMOLED technology, (they came up with the “super” variant and are reported to be working on a flexible and durable version of the technology) it would not be surprising they (along with Sony) also choose to improve the S-LCD screen technology in the same way.
HTC Acquire Better Production to Keep Up with Demand
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010Apple’s iPhone is not the only handset that is getting out of stock these days, HTC’s Desire and several other handsets from the Taiwan based manufacturer are reported to be among the most sought other smart phones available. In a recent report, HTC has acquired new production facilities in order to keep up with the demand for their products.
Several years ago, it was unfathomable for HTC to think that their handsets would ever be out of stock due to demand. The Taiwan based electronics manufacturer had a rough start that helped smoothened out Microsoft –making them a partner in the development of Pocket PC devices.
HTC would later move on to become a key partner in the development of the Android operating system. Since then, HTC has slowly become one of the biggest names in the industry, with their handsets being the ones mentioned alongside the Android OS (despite other handsets also using the open source OS).
The latest Android smart phone from HTC, the Desire, is basically the same handset as the Google Nexus One. While there are some hardware and software differences, most of the features are basically the same. Some would even go as far as to say that the Nexus One was actually based on the Desire –which is not surprising as both devices were manufactured by HTC.
According to HTC, they have acquired new production facilities in order to keep up with the demands for their products (demand that they have described as surprising). Current HTC UK & Ireland executive director Jon French stated that they are trying to catch up with the production needs of the company.
The HTC Desire is an Android smart phone running version 2.1 Éclair. It runs on a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor clocked at 1GHz, has a 5 mega pixel camera and a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display.
Confirmed: Acer Stream is Coming On August 3
Monday, July 26th, 2010
According to recent reports, the Acer Stream Android smart phone will finally be arriving in local UK stores on the first week of August.
The late launch of the handset is expected to give Acer a slow rate of sales, but considering how stylish the new smart phone looks, we can expect that this device would still be able to draw in some eager Android buyers. The only drawback is that Acer has taken too long to release their device, and with many other smart phones from other manufacturers in the same tech range already available on the market, it will be hard for the Stream to stand out.
Android smart phone users are going to be happy to know that this device lives up to the current standards of high end devices. The phone’s 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU provides the handset with speed and power when handling large apps or big video files. Speaking of big videos, users will be able to record video content in 720p HD at 30/24 FPS on the Stream’s 5 mega pixel camera.
Video playback can be done on the phone’s 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display. The screen has a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, which means that viewing content in wide view is clear and has no stretching too.
Overall, this handset is no different from the HTC Desire or the Samsung Galaxy S. This is why it should have been released about a month ago instead of being scheduled for a launch next month. Still, for Acer’s solo effort with a smart phone (without any support from any other phone manufacturer), the Stream is actually a great handset. The only thing it could have really used is a much earlier release date. Either way, this is one impressive smart phone to look out for if you have not bought and Android handset yet.
Nokia N8 Release Date Baffles Tech Industry
Monday, July 26th, 2010
One of the biggest problems for recent devices in the Nokia N series is the launch date. For some reason, Nokia is unable to keep up with some of the key schedules that they have set up for their phones. While the N900 Maemo smart phone was released on time, the same cannot be said for the N97. The handset came out about ten whole months after the scheduled release date –and even after such a major delay, the firmware still ended being very unstable.
The upcoming Nokia N8 is also getting bogged down by a similar delay. While the difference between April and July is not too far off, the delay is still bad news for the Symbian^3 smart phone. After all, the MeeGo based Nokia N9 is due to come out in the next few months. This is the very reason why we hear so little about the N8 smart pone –because the attention is elsewhere.
Of course, we also have to point out the fact that a July launch for the N8 is also tentative. Despite earlier announcements that the handset might be arriving on Vodafone by next week, there is still no official announcement from Nokia directly. This still leaves the device due to a launch date “soon”.
Beyond the confusing launch date and the impending release of the N9, the N8 Symbian smart phone is actually a pretty decent handset. The device focuses heavily on multimedia functions. The camera is an impressive 12 mega pixel snapper that comes with Carl Zeiss lenses and Xenon flash (Nokia’s favorite camera combination) and it also records videos in 720p HD quality.
Media playback can be done on the device itself, on its 3.5 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display. Users can also choose to make use of the mini HDMI output port for viewing content on a larger display.
HTC Desire HD to Join List of Upcoming Android Devices
Friday, July 16th, 2010
HTC is bringing out the Desire smart phone once again with the HTC Desire HD. While this may not seem like much of a big deal, the new handset will be bringing a much larger screen to the device: a 4.3 inch touch screen display.
The overall resolution is expected to remain the same, but with such a significant size adjustment, using this new smart phone will be quite different from the smaller 3.7 inch touch screen on the original. Hopefully the new screen will still be an AMOLED display.
Aside from having a bigger touch screen, the Desire HD will also be putting plenty of focus on media playback. Video support will now include XviD format (and it is believed that users will also be able to record in that format as well), and recording is going to have 720p HD as a regular option. The device will also have SRS surround sound to further enhance the viewing experience. The Desire HD is expected to launch by the end of year.
Also coming later in Q4 is the HTC Vision (which was leaked with the HTC Ace –though details on the Ace are not yet confirmed as of this time), which is going to be a high end Android smart phone that not includes impressive hardware, but also adds in a slide out QWERTY keyboard.
The inclusion of the physical, slide out keyboard has long been in the wish lists of Android smart phone fans since the very first time HTC made and Android device (which was the very first time any phone maker ever made an Android handset). Motorola and Sony Ericsson have alternatives, but nothing beats being able to use an HTC Android –which is why the Vision is such as major handset. Expect to see this 1.2GHz powered Android smart phone by the end of the year as well.
In Focus: The Nokia N8 Camera
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010The camera on the Nokia N8 is one of the most impressive things about the next generation handset. While it certainly sounds impressive on paper, Nokia has released several actual photographs that the camera has taken; proving to us all that 12 mega pixels is more than just a big number.
Well, in the world of mega pixels, 12 is a pretty big number. But for the average smart phone user who is not into graphics or photography, that is not a big deal at all. This is why the Nokia N8 is a smart phone that is designed for a pretty solid niche –for folks who really know the importance of having a great camera for images. The Nokia N8 is not your casual point and shoot camera. So far, this device is the closest one can get to an SLR camera without the spiffy lenses.
Speaking of lenses, the Carl Zeiss optics ensures that the camera behaves exactly as your want it, and all the colors, details and perspective are captured into the image without any issues. The Xenon flash on the other hand is superior to regular LED flash, providing just the right kind of brightness and exposure to any setting.
The camera is not all about still either. The new graphics processor on the Nokia N8 is quite fast –it can handle the 720p video recording without as much as a hiccup, and every frame (at 30 FPS) is recorded in excellent quality –providing users with the finest video playback available. As one might expect, this handset comes with an HDMI output port for viewing the recorded content.
Aside from being a great media phone, the Nokia N8 comes with an ARM 11 680MHz CPU, a 3.5 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display and the Symbian^3 operating system.