Recently Nokia showed some UI concepts of next version of Symbian operating system. Today some Symbian developers published some more information about new features and functions of coming version of popular OS for mobile devices. In particular there will be a header that will contain the name of running application, battery level and other useful information. By pressing on this header user will be able to get quick access to options menu. It is also know that new version of Symbian will have more than one home screen and support widgets.
A group of researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology has just announced its technology. Copenhagen Wheel is revolutionary new bicycle wheel that not only boosts power, but can keep track of friends, fitness, smog and traffic. It connects to mobile device and transfers sensors data via Bluetooth. New wheel also can be used as lock. When Bluetooth connection breaks special mechanism locks the wheel.
Skype has just released the first beta version of its VoIP client for Symbian. It has almost all features that version for desktop computers have. Skype for Symbian supports free Skype-to-Skype calls, SkypeOut calls, instant messaging, group conversation, files exchange and etc. Unfortunately not all Symbian devices are compatible with new Skype. It supports smartphones that run on Symbian S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 and Feature Pack 2. But next versions are planned to be compatible with more phones. You can find the list of supported devices here. As for usage notes Skype is recommended to install to the phone memory.
Last week Google showed its first operating system and published its source code. One of enthusiasts has already managed to create full image of Chrome OS to boot from a USB key. As it was promised new operating system boots up in seconds, websites also load much quicker than before. You can download free image here and try new Google Chrome operating system in action yourself. Here is also a guide how to run Chrome OS as a virtual machine
MSI has just unveiled another Wind Top series device. MSI AE2220 all-in-one computer features 21.5 inch screen with multitouch technology support and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium operating system. The list of other characteristics also looks good – 2.2GHz Intel T6600 CPU, 4 GB of DDR2 RAM, 500 Gb hard disk, NVIDIA GeForce 9300 integrated graphics with 256MB video memory and 5.1-channel speakers with SRS Premium Sound immersive audio technology. There is also Blu-Ray/Double-layer DVD Super Multi optical drive, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), 6-in-1 cardrider and 1.3 Mp webcam. The list of ports includes VGA-in, 6x USB, E-SATA, RJ45, HDMI-in and SPDIF. Dual PCIe expansion slots provide an opportunity to upgrade computer in the future. MSI Wind Top AE2220 is already available for pre-order on Amazon and costs with prices ranging from $660 to $900 depending on specifications.
ZOTAC is not internationally known company but it does its best to change the actual state of affairs. It has just announced two new nettops that combine nice set of technical characteristics and amazing price. ZOTAC MAG HD-ND01 costs $330, ZOTAC MAG HD-NS01 – $280.
The difference between these two nettops is only one – HD-ND01 has Intel Atom 330 dual core CPU while HD-NS01is equipped with Atom 230. As for other characteristics both this devices have 1 (or 2) GB RAM, NVIDIA ION graphic card, 160 Gb hard disk, six USB ports, cardrider, Wi-Fi, HDMI and S/PDIF ports. The dimensions are 186x189x38 mm. Both nettops will become available by the end of this month.
Recently Philips introduced at the IFA 2009 it is new Aurea 2009 HDTV. The main feature of this stylish device is Ambilight Active Frame that uses over 250 LEDs to create a multi-colored frame of light around the screen. As you would expect from a highend HDTV the Philips Aurea 2009 features a Full HD / 1920×1080p LCD resolution.
Other features include Philips Net TV, with built in Wi-Fi, giving you access to the Internet without needing to drag an Ethernet cable across your living room. Aurea is also equipped with 2009 version of Perfect Pixel HD Engine. The special Aurea remote control has unique design, with a slider feature giving access to primary keys.
This coming device has been just officially announced in South Korea. Samsung X170 belongs to the class of ultraportable laptops and is equipped 11.6-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels (16:9). This notebook comes with 2 DUO (CULV) CPU, 1.3 Mp camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3-in-1 card rider. Unfortunately there is no official information about amount of RAM and hard drive capacity, but it seems that this coming netbook would be similar to the recently introduced Samsung notebooks of other CULV-powered lineup includes the X120, X420 and X520, which are equipped with 1-4GB of RAM and 160-500GB hard drive. The case of Samsung X170 is only 25.4 mm thick and looks very stylish. The pre-installed operating system is Windows Vista. The cost of the X170 is not reported.
The main feature of this PMP by Brando is its 7 inch HD touch screen – it supports 800х480 px resolution. Bmorn BM-888 potable media player also supports 720P high-definition video and has microSD/microSDHC memory card slot (up to 32GB), TV out, built in microphone and FM radio. In terms of supported audio file formats, it has almost everything: mp3, wma, flac, ape, wav and many others. As for the video, it can play MPEG, RM, FLV, AVI, and more. The dimensions of this device are 195 х 126 х 11 mm. The weight is 440g.
Palm has just announced its second communicator with new webOS operating system. It is Palm Pixi. IT has classic shape factor and QWERTY keyboard. The case is very thin – only 11 mm – and looks very stylish. One of the most remarkable features of this mobile device is multi-touch technology. It is also notable that coming communicator has Palm Synergy user interface which provides quick access to Google, Facebook and Yahoo functions. The list of technical characteristics includes Qualcomm MSM7627 CPU, 2.63 inch touch screen with 320×240 px resolution, 2 Mp camera with flash, 8 Gb built in memory, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, microSD card slot, GPS module, accelerometer, 3.5 mm jack and 1050 mAh battery. Palm Pixi will become available in Sprint mobile operator’s shops in next few weeks.
