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Acer announces Iconia One 7 and Iconia Tab 7 tablets

Acer announces Iconia One 7 and Iconia Tab 7 tablets

Acer announces Iconia One 7 and Iconia Tab 7 tablets

Acer today announced a new budget Android tablet: the Acer Iconia One 7. The tablet is expected in the United States and Canada this May for the low low price of $130. The Iconia One 7 isn't the only Android tablet that Acer's announced today there's also an Iconia Tab 7 which brings a cellular radio and the ability to place calls to the tablet. Because if there's one thing we want from our 7-inch tablets, it's to hold them up to our faces.

At $129.99 you can't expect much from the Iconia One 7, and you won't get much either. It runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box with a promised upgrade eventually to Android 4.4 KitKat. That's displayed on a 7-inch 1280x800 IPS display, which is what you should expect at that price point. Acer promises up to 7 hours of battery life if you're watching video on the Iconia One 7 with its stereo speakers, though gives no indication of regular battery life usage. They do give an indication of the colors it will come in, however: red, white, black, blue, and pink. It will also measure in at 8.9mm thick.

The Acer Iconia Tab 7 is a fairly similar device, though in this case it can make calls as well. It is just as thick, has the same screen, and slightly shorter battery life. The addition comes in the form of a 3G radio no LTE here, sorry. The Iconia Tab 7 is shooting for availability in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East at 149, and Latin America by the end of June for MX$1,990.

Acer Iconia One 7 Press release:

Acer Iconia One 7 Tablet Brings Lively Multimedia in a Variety of Color Options

NEW YORK (April 29, 2014) Acer today unveiled the Acer Iconia One 7 at its "A Touch More Connected" launch event in New York. The incredibly portable 7-inch tablet, with Intel dual- core processor, is the ultimate device for anyone who wants to enjoy mobile entertainment in a stylish device with multiple color options. The affordable price makes it even more compelling for families and anyone on a budget.

"Since the beginning, Acer's mission has been to break down the barriers between people and technology and make the latest technologies accessible to all people," said Maverick Shih, president of Acer's BYOC and Tablet Business Group. "The new Iconia One 7 is a great example of how we continue this heritage by offering mobile devices with great functionality, unique designs and excellent value."

"Congratulations to Acer on delivering the Intel Atom-powered Acer Iconia One 7 to market. It offers superb gaming and entertainment performance, long battery life and a sleek form factor," said Hermann Eul, vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobile and Communications Group. "We look forward to continuing our close work with Acer to bring additional innovative mobile devices to market that meet the ever-increasing demands of today's consumers."

Smooth motion and true-to-life visuals

Games and video run smoothly on the Acer Iconia One 7 thanks to the Intel AtomTM Z2560 processor. The 7-inch LED-backlit display has 1280x800 HD resolution and IPS(1) technology to ensure games, websites, e-books and all visuals are clear and vibrant. The 16:10 display is the ideal format for video, and users can enjoy up to 7 hours battery life(3) when viewing 720p video. It runs on Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradeable to Android 4.4 (KitKat).

Design to be seen

The Acer Iconia One 7 comes in a wide-array of delightful color options(2) to suit any lifestyle including, but not limited to, red, white, black, blue and pink. The rear case features a sophisticated textured pattern that gives it a unique look and feel while also providing anti-slip properties for a comfortable and reliable grip. The slim profile of the Iconia One 7 not only makes it stylish, but also easy to use on-the-go with a single hand. It measures just 8.9 mm (0.35 inches) thin and is a lightweight mobile companion that is fun to use and share.

The Iconia One 7 is also equipped with front and rear cameras for capturing all the most important moments, two speakers for clearer audio, and MicroSDTM card slot that allows for extended storage and easy sharing. For further storage expansion, users can take advantage of AcerCloudTM and enjoy seamless sharing of videos, photos, music and documents across multiple devices.

Pricing and availability

The Acer Iconia One 7 will be available in Pan American markets at the end of June with prices starting at US$129.99; in EMEA markets in the middle of May with prices starting at 139.

To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.

Acer Iconia Tab 7 Press release:

New Acer Iconia Tab 7 Combines Tablet and Phone Functionality

NEW YORK (April 29, 2014) Acer today unveiled the Acer Iconia Tab 7(1) at its "A Touch More Connected" launch event in New York. Equipped with phone functionality and 3G connectivity, the Iconia Tab 7 is the marriage of the two most used consumer devices a tablet and phone together in a super portable, premium-looking design with a vibrant 7-inch screen. Users can use 3G to browse, keep in touch, stay current on news, events and social networks, as well as enjoy voice calls.

A slim design with premium look and feel

The slim Acer Iconia Tab 7 has a premium look and feel with a clean and simple design of anodized silver. The 0.89 cm (0.35 inches) thin body, narrow 11.6 cm (4.6 inches) width and light 298 g (0.66 lb) weight makes the Iconia Tab 7 extremely comfortable to hold and use with a single hand for phone calls and browsing, yet it's large enough for reading text and enjoying video. Impressive media performance and imaging

Available with two screen options(1), the vibrant 7-inch screen delivers crisp visuals with up to 1280x800 HD resolution and IPS(2) technology for sharp, truly vivid colors from wide viewing angles. Plus, customers can do even more with their Iconia Tab 7 thanks to its powerful quad- core processor. Dual cameras ensure users can capture all the most important moments, and it features Android 4.4 (KitKat) and up to 6 hours(3) of battery life. Tap, swipe and pinch with fewer fingerprints

With all those taps, swipes and pinches, screens can get dirty quickly, but not with the Iconia Tab 7. Equipped with an anti-fingerprint coating, messy fingerprints and smudges are reduced while also making it much easier to clean.

The Iconia Tab 7 is equipped with a MicroSDTM card slot for extended storage and easy sharing. For further storage expansion, users can take advantage of AcerCloudTM (4) and enjoy seamless sharing of videos, photos, music and documents across multiple devices. Pricing and availability

The Acer Iconia Tab 7 will be available in Latin American markets at the end of June with prices starting at $1,990 MX Peso; in EMEA in the middle of May with prices starting at 149 for the version with HD IPS display.

To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.


Via: Acer announces Iconia One 7 and Iconia Tab 7 tablets

Sprint announces a Harman-Kardon version of the HTC One M8

Sprint announces a Harman-Kardon version of the HTC One M8

Sprint and Harman/Kardon today in New York City announced an exclusive version of the HTC One M8. It's being positioned as an Android smartphone for music lovers who don't want any compromises wherein you can listen to music the way the artists want.

The phone will have an FM radio and feature "Sprint Sound Sessions," which sports more exclusive music. In addition, those who are on a Sprint Framily plan will get six months of Spotify for free, starting May 9. After that, it'll run $8 a month through 24 months.

The new edition of the M8 will be available May 9 as well, but no word on pricing yet. The phone comes with a $149 pair of Harman/Kardon earbuds.

And, yes, you can get it in black with champagne accenting.

We're live in New York City at the event. Stay tuned for more.


Via: Sprint announces a Harman-Kardon version of the HTC One M8

Google Drive now supports streaming presentations to Chromecast

Google Drive now supports streaming presentations to Chromecast

Chromecast Google Drive streaming

Google has quietly updated the web version of Google Drive with support for streaming presentations to Chromecast dongles. After installing the Google Cast plugin in Chrome, simply fire up a presentation in Google Drive, and click the arrow next to "Present" in the top right corner. Then choose the Chromecast you want to broadcast to from the items under "Present on other device" simple.

So far it seems like this functionality is limited to Google Drive on the web, and only available for presentations. Though given the rate at which Chromecast's reach is expanding, we wouldn't rule out similar functionality in the Android app before long.

via: Android Police


Via: Google Drive now supports streaming presentations to Chromecast

Square launches in-store pickup, offline sales, and inventory tracking

Square launches in-store pickup, offline sales, and inventory tracking

Square

Square is a popular card reader suite for iOS and Android, enabling e-commerce customers to drive more custom through their business and simplify transaction operations. iMore previously looked at the register for iPad, transforming the tablet into a fully-capable register with credit card support, but today Square is announcing new features Pickup, offline mode and inventory tracking.

Square Pickup is a new addition to the feature table for businesses. This service allows customers to place orders online (largely done via smartphones) and pick up their goods without having to wait through queues. Sellers pay a small 8 percent processing fee per order, which has been slashed to just 2.75 percent through July 1, 2014 as an introductory offer. As always, setup is free.

Next up is offline mode, which allows sellers to utilize Square's mobile register, including the credit card payment gateway, even when Internet connectivity has been lost. Square would then process payments after a connection is re-established. This mode is perfect for sellers who would find themselves mobile or in a situation whereinternet connectivity isn't reliable, without paying the premium for hardware.

Lastly, Square today announced inventory tracking, which has proven to be one of the most requested features by customers. Inventory tracking, as the name suggests, provides sellers a free way to track item stock when selling both in person and online. Manging inventory in the web dashboard, sellers are able to set up stock alerts preventing them from being caught off guard by low inventory issues.

Source: Square


Via: Square launches in-store pickup, offline sales, and inventory tracking

Vector 38: Cord cutting

Vector 38: Cord cutting

Vector is Mobile Nations' cross-site, cross-platform analysis show where we talk about the hottest topics in the tech industry. On this week's episode Anthony Casella of Mobile Nations joins Rene to talk about cutting the cable and satellite cord, setting up an antenna, getting free over-the-air digital channels, using a home media center, and the pros and cons of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Aereo.

Subscribe, listen along, and then tell us are you cutting the cord? Why or why not?

  • Subscribe in iTunes
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Show notes

  • TV Fool
  • Digital Home
  • Windows Media Center
  • XBMC
  • Plex
  • Aereo
  • Television antennas

Guests

  • Anthony Casella of Mobile Nations

Hosts

  • Rene Ritchie of Mobile Nations

Feedback

Yell at us on Twitter or leave a comment below.


Via: Vector 38: Cord cutting

Sprint announce a Harman-Kardon version of the HTC One M8

Sprint announce a Harman-Kardon version of the HTC One M8

Sprint and Harman/Kardon today in New York City announced an exclusive version of the HTC One M8. It's being positioned as an Android smartphone for music lovers who don't want any compromises wherein you can listen to music the way the artists want.

We're live in New York City at the event. Stay tuned for more.


Via: Sprint announce a Harman-Kardon version of the HTC One M8

Firefox for Android gets some under-the-hood improvements, including sync accounts

Firefox for Android gets some under-the-hood improvements, including sync accounts

Mozilla today is celebrating a pretty major release of its desktop Firefox browser. Android's not left out of the party, though, seeing a fairly major update of its own.

There are a number of under-the-hood improvements, but probably the biggest is the addition of Firefox Accounts for Firefox Sync. You're also now able to customize the swipeable history section (which also includes your top sites and bookmarks).

The official changelog on Google Play is a bit more nerdy:

  • Option to not hide titlebar when scrolling
  • VP9 video decoding implemented
  • Volume control for HTML5 audio/video
  • Support for Opus in WebM
  • More native text selection, cut, and copy

So, that's that. All in all, a good update for a continuously good browser. Be sure to check out this great walkthrough by Mozilla's Lucas Rocha.

Source: Mozilla; More: Full release notes


Via: Firefox for Android gets some under-the-hood improvements, including sync accounts