Category Archives: Android Mobiles

Sony Ericsson launches the Xperia ion and Xperia S Smartphones at CES 2012

The CES 2012 has been a handful of announcements with each mobile brand launching its set of devices to be launched. Sony Ericsson was not far in the league as it also introduced a host of gadgets and two new Xperia Smartphones to its portfolio. The smartphones are named the Xperia S and Xperia ion. The devices have brilliant and dynamic specs making devices of the future difficult to predict while making use of Google’s Android OS.

The Xperia ion would be first smartphone with LTE support by Sony. The phone would be exclusively available to the US mobile carrier AT&T.

Xperia ion

Xperia ion Smartphone Quick Specs:

  • 4.6 inch HD display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine (1280 x 720 pixels)
  • 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
  • 16GB internal flash storage
  • Android 2.3 Gingerbread
  • 12 MP rear camera with Sony Exmor R technology and full HD support up to 1080p (Fastest image capture time of 1.5 seconds directly from standby mode)
  • 1.3 MP front camera (has HD support up to 720p)
  • HD Sharing via DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA sync.
  • PlayStation™ Certified (A new entertainment and gaming experience on its way with access to Sony Entertainment Network)

The Xperia S is yet another powerful handset with even bolder specifications those are quite similar to the Xperia ion. The smartphone would be a global release and is expected to be available by the first quarter of this year.  The device is one of the first smartphones that belong to the Xperia NXT Series featuring a new dimension towards product design and UI termed as “Iconic Identity” by Sony.

Xperia S

Xperia S Smartphone Quick Specs:

  • 4.3 inch HD display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine (1280 x 720 pixels)
  • 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
  • 32GB internal flash storage
  • Android 2.3 Gingerbread (Upgradable to Android ICS 4.0 by Q2 2012)
  • 12 MP rear camera with Sony Exmor R technology and full HD support up to 1080p (Fastest image capture time of 1.5 seconds directly from standby mode)
  • 1.3 MP front camera (has HD support up to 720p)
  • NFC (Near Field Communications) access throughout apps, services and Xperia SmartTags.
  • HD Sharing via DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA sync.
  • PlayStation™ Certified (A new entertainment and gaming experience on its way with access to Sony Entertainment Network)

Lenovo S2 Android Smartphone unveiled at CES 2012

Lenovo S2 Android Smartphone unveiled at CES 2012

The CES 2012 has been fun filled and brainstorming with loads of new stuff being introduced among various verticals. The IT giant Lenovo revealed its Android based smartphone the Lenovo S2 at CES 2012. The device has brilliant specs and operates on Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. The device flaunts a secure kernel providing protection for users personal information while efficiently managing SMS and Network control on the go. It also features cloud storage that allows data sharing including your favorite videos, pictures, movies and files across varied platforms with dedicated cloud services provided by Lenovo.

“Lenovo is breaking down the barriers of device differentiation and weaving together hardware, software, and cloud services that are connected, experiential, and dynamic. We understand our users need more than just the traditional keyboard and screen for a truly satisfying digital experience. Our Personal Cloud vision integrates all devices, from tablets to TVs, for a comprehensive mobile Internet experience anytime, anywhere.”  – Liu Jun, Senior Vice President and President (Mobile Internet and Digital Home Business Group)

Complete Phone Specifications:

  • 1.4 GHz Snapdragon MSM8255 Dual Core Processor
  • 3.8 inch TFT Display (800 x 480 pixels)
  • Android 2.3 Gingerbread with Lenovo Magic 3.0 UI
  • 8GB storage with 512MB RAM and 16GB storage with 1GB RAM.
  • 8MP rear camera and  a VGA front camera for video calling.
  • WCDMA, HSPDA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Connectivity
  • HDMI, Micro-USB, 3.5mm audio jack, and MHL outputs.
  • 1500 mAh Battery

The Lenovo S2 is available in China at a tentative price of 400$(US) and would be available worldwide very soon.

LG rolls out details for Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) upgrade

LG rolls out details for Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) Upgrade

Mobile manufacturer LG came with an official announcement that included the complete details of the upgrade roll out for Android ICS. The company stated that the upgrade process would be eligible for LG Smartphones introduced through 2011. This process would begin in mid 2012, starting with the second and third quarter followed by a worldwide release.

The models that are to be upgraded as part of the second quarter schedule would include the following models:

  • LG Optimus LTE
  • Prada phone by LG 3.0,
  • LG Optimus 2X
  • LG Optimus Sol
  • LG my Touch Q
  • LG Eclipse

The aforesaid upgrade would be followed by further upgrades for the remaining set of smartphones in the third quarter. These models include:

  • LG Optimus 3D
  • LG Optimus Black
  • LG Optimus Big
  • LG Optimus Q2
  • LG Optimus E

LG promises the upgrades for ICS in a timely fashion although these depend on various factors including region and carrier specific requirements. The exact date of commencement is not yet revealed and would be declared on the LG Mobile Official Facebook Page prior to the roll out process.

 

Samsung confirms No Android ICS upgrade for Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab

Samsung confirms that Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab will not get Android ICS 4.0 update.  The manufacturer clarifies that hardware limitations are the reasons as to why the phones are not being updated. It is disappointing as  the Galaxy S is still being sold across various regions. Samsung states that the RAM and ROM size on these models do not adhere to work with “TouchWiz” and “experience enhancing software” streamlined for the ICS.

No Ice Cream Sandwich for Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab

The statement seems to be contradictive as the Nexus S accompanies a 1GHz Hummingbird processor and same memory specifications to that of a Galaxy S. Nexus S users although are getting the update for Android ICS 4.0 via OTA. This seems really unfair on the company’s part as the first announcement for ICS upgradeable Galaxy Smartphones included the aforesaid devices.