Tag: asus

  • ASUS to Launch Four New Tablets by the End of 2011

    ASUS has recently introduced, at COMPUTEX 2011, new mobile devices such as Eee Slate, Eee Pad and recent Eee PC models. They are extending Eee’s portfolio, diversifying the range of options to users. As a single unit cannot meet the requirements of all mobile users, ASUS will launch four different pieces by the end of 2011.

    Tablet users who want a compact device for viewing and creating digital content can purchase the two ASUS models announced in early 2011: Eee Pad Transformer TF101 and Eee Pad Slider SL101. Winner of "Best Choice" and "Best Design" at COMPUTEX 2011, Transformer represents a more traditional approach to the concept of tablet, running on Android OS 3.0 ‘Honeycomb‘ 1 and 10.1-inch IPS multi-touch screen. When docking, the device turns into an ultra-portable QWERTY keyboard with 16-hour power autonomy.

    Transformer recently runs Android 3.1 – the latest version of Honeycomb, available to users through the update on May 31. FOTA update brings significant improvements in operating experience. The 3.1 version will be an important step forward for the tablet based on Android and ASUS is proud to be a market leader, taking the lead when it comes to providing the best to consumers.

    Eee Pad Slider, on the other hand, is a tablet that runs Android 3 and incorporates a QWERTY keyboard behind the 10-inch multi-touch screen.

    For users on the move, who are focusing on portability above all, ASUS created Eee Pad MeMO 3D. This 3.0 Android tablet has a 7-inch multi-touch screen which can be used in custom applications using a stylus, becoming a productive tool. MeMIC headsets in the package are perfect for music or phone calls. If turning the MeMO 3D back in "landscape", it will become a 3D display that does not require glasses, adding a new dimension to the tablets.

    Launched earlier this year, Eee Slate EP121, with 12-inch screen, is already selling well in USA and Europe. Powered by an Intel Core i5 and running on Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, Eee Slate is the best tablet available at this time.

  • ASUS PadFone – a hybrid between smartphone and tablet

    ASUS PadFone, the latest product of the Taiwanese company, has been officially launched. PadFone, the first model of what appears to be a new class of portable devices, lures features borrowed from both smartphone and tablet.

    The tablet serves as a dock for the phone, providing an interface optimized for a larger screen of the same applications present on the phone. Being embedded in the tablet, the phone can be charged through its internal battery. Also, if it is connected to a 3G network, the tablet can also use the network to connect to the internet.

    The two devices are as one, each complementing the other. In times when the speed and the mobility are needed, the phone is the preferred device, but when it comes to productivity and media, the tablet wins.

    Among the benefits obtained by using ASUS PadFone include a significantly improved battery life and extended desktop display.

    The idea of creating two devices able not only to “discuss”, but also to integrate, represents a new concept, which opens new horizons for the technologies in this sector.

    The body of the tablet in which ASUS PadFone is housed, seems to have similar size with the ASUS Transformer tablet, but the weight is probably slightly bigger because of the carcass.

    Among the visible enhancements on the tablet include a set of stereo speakers, front camera and a 5MP camera, mounted on the back of the PadFone. Currently weren’t disclosed any technical details, but it seems that will have HDM and micro-USB ports.

    ASUS’ choice regarding the version of Android that the new PadFone will run on is currently unknown, but certainly the future Ice Cream Sandwich is among the favorites, being the first version of Android adapted for both tablets and smartphones.

    Even if it wouldn’t please everyone, ASUS PadFone may be a good compromise for those who want to enjoy the functionality of a smartphone and of a tablet, without spending an exorbitant amount of money for purchasing two separate products.


  • NVIDIA Expands 3D Vision Technology to Notebook Market

    NVIDIA, along with the PC manufacturers, notebook panel manufacturers, and content developers, announced the expansion of the NVIDIA 3D Vision ecosystem to include HD notebook platforms that integrate advanced 120Hz 3D Vision-capable displays directly into the chassis for on-the-go 3D.

    NVIDIA says they have worked closely with display manufacturers, including CPT, LG, CMO, and Samsung, to bring 120Hz 3D Vision-capable panels to notebook platforms.

    These new displays provide 2D capability with crystal clear images, but also deliver flicker-free 3D, with support for high definition playback of 3D games, movies, and photographs.

    With notebook displays available, PC manufacturers are now able to bring 3D Vision notebooks to market. Notebooks will include the 120Hz 3D Vision-capable panel and bundle 3D Vision active-shutter glasses.

    David Choi, Vice President of LG said LG Display is planning to fully support NVIDIA 3D Vision technology with their next generation of 120Hz notebook panels.

    SH Moon, Vice President of Samsung said, “Samsung LCD Division is fully behind NVIDIA’s 3D Vision ecosystem.”

    “NVIDIA’s 3D Vision technology provides the best 3D experience that we have seen, and we look forward to bringing this technology to market on notebook panels,” he added.

    The first notebook utilizing NVIDIA 3D Vision is the G51J 3D, introduced last week by ASUS.

    Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and 64-bit Windows 7, the G51J 3D comes with NVIDIA GeForceGTX 260M with 1GB DDR3 video memory, 15".6 HD LED backlight 1366 x 768 display, dual SATA HDD support, DVD Super-multi / Blu-ray Combo drive and, of course, a pair of 3D Vision active-shutter glasses coupled with a wide-range infra-red emitter.

    The GPU driver and a 120Hz 3D panel render each scene twice, delivering up to 60 images evenly to each eye, amounting to a total of up to 120 images at any given time.

    Clevo, a Taiwan-based notebook manufacturer, is supposed to introduce its first 3D Vision supported notebook in 2010. Stephen Chien, WW Sales and Marketing VP at Clevo said, “The era of 3D is upon us, and immersive 3D gaming and movie watching is indeed an exciting proposition.”

  • Sony Ericsson Among 14 Newbies To Open Handset Alliance


    It looks like 2009 could be an interesting year for Android following the announcement by the Open Handset Alliance that it has 14 new members.

    Topping the list of newcomers most likely to offer a handset to rival Google’s HTC-built G1 is Sony Ericsson.

    The list also includes ASUS and navigation systems manufacturer Garmin.

    ASUS has already announced its intention to build a Google smartphone and there has been much speculation about Garmin’s efforts to produce a phone.

    Sony Ericsson has so far used the Windows Mobile – most notably for its recent Xperia handset – and Symbian platforms.

    Now it is promising "consumer focused multimedia handsets" that draw on the successes of the Walkman and Cyber-shot sub-brands.

    Based on that its likely that Android-based Walkman and Cyber-shot handsets are in the offing.

    The Alliance said that new members will either deploy compatible Android devices, contribute significant code to the Android Open Source Project, or support the ecosystem through products and services that will accelerate the availability of
    Android-based devices.

    The full list of new members is: AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM, ASUS, Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin, Huawei Technologies, Omron Software, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba and Vodafone.

  • Skype Launches Computer-free Videophone


    ASUS has launched the first Skype certified videophone allowing unlimited video calling over the Internet.

    The AiGuru SV1, part of the Eee Phone product family, has a 7" display and a built-in webcam, speaker and microphone.

    WiFi-capable, the videophone lets users make unlimited video calls for free to other Skype users without the need for a computer.

    The AiGuru SV1 is Skype’s first foray with a partner into the videophone category.

    But with more than 25 per cent of Skype-to-Skype calls including video, it would seem like a logical step.

    Designed to be simple to use, the AiGuru SV1 has an icon-based interface and intuitive button layout which should make it easy for anyone to make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls.

    Users can also join voice conferences, which could make the videophone attractive as an all-in-one voice and video conferencing solution for small businesses.

    The AiGuru SV1 also allows users to make and receive calls to and from fixed and mobile lines at cheap rates.

    Priced at USD $299.95, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 is now available in North America from Skype’s online shop, and will be available from ASUS authorized resellers later this year.

    Consumers in Europe can pre-order the videophone from Skype’s shop, priced at €269.95/£219.95, with shipment beginning next week.

    The videophone will also be available in retail outlets in Asia Pacific later this year.

  • Chinese firm launches USB dongle for live HDTV


    European viewers can now watch live high-definition television programming on their mobile devices using a USB TV dongle developed by the Chinese company Aigo.
    The dongle, first released for the Chinese market in April, is compatible with European HDTV standards.
    It will enable users to watch live HDTV on their laptops, desktop computers, portable video players and portable navigation (GPS) devices.
    Viewers simply plug the device into their PC or portable video player’s USB port to capture HD programming wirelessly from local TV stations.
    Feng Jun, president and founder of Aigo, said: “People across China, and now also in Europe, will have access to live HDTV on their laptops and portable video players.”
    The new product costs approximately USD 100 and requires no subscription fee.
    Legend Silicon was involved in the design of the dongle receiver.
    The company, in conjunction with Intel, has been working with laptop computer manufacturers and USB dongle receiver manufacturers to build an ecosystem that promotes HDTV on laptops.
    A key element of this has been the Intel Centrino platform, whch has advantages in supporting mobile HDTV on laptops.
    The platform allows speedy decoding and smooth displaying of HDTV and is capable of running multiple tasks while displaying a TGV program.
    The Centrino platform’s low power consumption technology makes the laptop thinner, lighter and offers a longer battery life, as well as improved mobile reception.
    In addition, advanced wireless technology offers a smooth upstream channel, allowing audiences to interact with programs that they are watching.
    Major laptop manufacturers have shown their willingness to collaborate with Legend Silicon and Intel to promote this new usage model.
    Lenovo, HP, ASUS, Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, among other major brands, all agree that the advanced Intel Centrino platform, integrated with the HDTV DTTB USB dongle, will expand the multimedia and entertainment functionality of laptops.
    The HDTV viewing feature is expected to be a stimulus for laptop sales.
    Aigo, a brand of Beijing Huaqi Information Digital Technology Co. Ltd, is headquartered in Beijing’s Zhong Guan Cun – a technology hub known as the “Silicon Valley of China”.
    Founded in 1993, the company has established itself as China’s strongest consumer electronics brand through aggressive R&D investment, coupled with strong marketing and branding.
    It is the first Chinese partner of the F1 McLaren Mercedes team (Hamilton, Alonso),
    Huaqi sales revenue has increased 60 per cent annually for the last decade. Its products are exported to North America, South America, Europe, SE Asia and various other regions.