Techie Gadgets » Gaming

Samsung Mobile Announces Expansion of Galaxy Tab Family with Addition of Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 8.9 and Samsung Galaxy S WiFi™ 5.0

Noemi — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:16:04 +0000

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) a leading phone provider, announced the immediate availability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 8.9 and the, Galaxy S WiFi™ 5.0.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is available for sale nationwide starting October 7, 2011for Php32,490.00 for the 32GB version and Php27,490.00for the 16GB version. The Galaxy S Wifi 5.0 available for Php12,990.00 . Visit www.samsung.com.ph for additional product details.

The Galaxy Tab™ 8.9 joins the Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 as the thinnest mobile tablets currently available in the Philippine market, measuring at 8.6 millimeters. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is built with a 1.0 ghz dual-core T250S processor, WXGA TFT display (1280×800 resolution) fortified by Gorilla® Glass. The portable tablet includes a 6,100 mAh battery for hours of entertainment without needing a recharge. This premium hardware is packaged in a sleek, portable design weighing less than one pound (447 grams).

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is packed with entertainment, productivity and content sharing services to make the device a true focal core of the user’s consumer electronics ecosystem. The list of powerful services includes:

· Samsung Readers Hub: The lightweight design and large display make the Galaxy Tab 8.9 an ideal device to access the Readers Hub robust library of more than 2.2 million books, 2,000 newspapers and 2,300 magazines.
· Social Hub: Users can aggregate email, instant messaging, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface through the service’s “Feeds” and “Messages” files.
· Google™ Mobile Services: A suite of Google Mobile Services is preloaded on the Galaxy Tab 8.9 including access to more than 250,000 applications on Android Market™, Gmail™, Google Search™, Google Maps™ 5.0 with 3D maps and Google Talk™ with video and voice chat.
· AllShare™ service: Provides seamless content transfer between the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and other DLNA-enabled devices such as HDTV’s, monitors and digital cameras.
· WiFi Direct™: Allows the Galaxy Tab 8.9 to locate and connect with other WiFi devices without a central access point.
· Rear and Front-facing cameras: The rear-facing 3-megapixel camera and front-facing 2-megapixel camera including flash and autofocus, 1080p video playback and full support of video chat and digital imaging
· Polaris™ Office: Instant access to documents, spreadsheets and presentations to view and edit while on the move
· Swype: Re-size the keyboard, move the virtual keyboard anywhere on the screen and type faster by swyping
· Mobile Printing: Print documents and pictures wirelessly from the Galaxy Tab 8.9 to any compatible printer.

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 shares many other features and services with the Tab 10.1 including Samsung’s TouchWiz® UX. This unique user interface was created to integrate with Android™ 3.1, Honeycomb, to deliver a truly customized and interactive tablet experience. The TouchWiz UX includes:

Live Panel: Magazine-like widget view for immediate access to weather, social updates, email, news, photo gallery, all on the home screen

Mini Mode Tray: One-touch overlay access to commonly used applications—Task Manager, Calendar, World Clock, Pen Memo, Calculator and Music Player
Clipboard: Advanced copy & paste functionality allows users to store photos, Web pages, YouTube links, etc., for easy sharing via email and social network sites
Indicator Quick Panel: Quickly toggle on/off connectivity, notifications, sound, brightness and settings in the lower right-hand corner of the display.
Photo Editor: Rotate, crop and adjust colors on high quality digital images

The Galaxy S WiFi™ 5.0 is the evolution of the MP3 player. It is a mini tablet with a built in 1.0 ghz processor, which offers a premium entertainment experience in your pocket . The large 5-inch touchscreen is an excellent option for enjoying games, music, videos, e-books and social media while on the move. The Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 weighs just 6.4 ounces, delivering powerful entertainment, communication and information without the bulk of portable DVD players or laptops. The Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 are powered by Android™ Froyo 2.2, complete with a new, streamlined user interface and are enabled with Wi-Fi™ (802.11 b/g/n) connectivity for quick and easy access to online services and Web search. In addition, the two devices are designed with front and rear cameras for video chat and photography. Both Android devices will support Samsung’s Media Hub content service in the future through a software update.

“These additions to the Galaxy family of products are impressive examples of our commitment to offering consumers an unrivaled array of choices for entertainment and information on-the-go,” said Binggoy Mauricio , Business Unit Director SEPCO Mobile. ”People want their mobile device to fit their lifestyle and the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 offer unparalled power and portability to meet the widest consumer needs.”

Additional features of the Galaxy Tab 8.9 include:

Enterprise Solutions and Services:

Full support for Exchange ActiveSync version 14
On device encryption
Cisco VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Sybase® MDM (Mobile Device Management)
Cisco WebEx™ mobile conference solution for meetings on the go

FindMyMobile:

· If the Galaxy Tab 8.9 is lost or stolen, the user can locate the device on a map, and track it live as it moves, remotely lock the device to prevent unauthorized access and delete personal information stored on the device.

Additional features of the Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 include:

Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 5.0

Network – WiFi™ 802.11b/g/n

OS – Android™ Froyo 2.2

Display – 5” WVGA TFT LCD (800×480)

Camera

Rear : 3.2MP Camera AF with LED Flash
Front : VGA Camera

Video

Format : MPEG4/H263/H264,Divx/Xvid
Playback & Recording: 720p HD Video

Audio

MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, OGG, WMA, FLAC, WAV
3.5mm Ear Jack, FM Radio and Stereo Speaker

Value-added Features

Android Market™

Google™ Mobile Services : Google™ Talk, Google™ Maps, Books, etc.

Allshare

Task Manager

Voice Recorder

Connectivity

Bluetooth® 3.0
Mini USB

Memory

8GB , microSD slot (up to 32GB)

Size

3.07 x 5.56 x 0.46 inches

Weight

6.42 ounces

Battery

2,500mAh

Nintendo Wii U: The Next Big Thing to Hit Gaming

lauren — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:59:15 +0000

In 2012, the video game experience could be radically different, and it’s all thanks to the new Nintendo Wii U. The Wii U is not a console per se; it’s more like a controller that has a 6.2-inch touchscreen in the middle that allows you to play games even when your TV is being used for actual TV viewing. The Wii U is compatible with all current generation Nintendo accessories and software, so you don’t have to throw your expansive Wii game collection. Other features of the Wii U include a front-facing camera that allows you to have video chats, four USB 2.0 slots, 1080p video over HDMI, and an internal flash memory that can be expanded through an external USB HDD or SD card. Game media are made available through “high density optical discs”, but the Wii U can play Wii games with no problem. To get a better idea of how it works, check out the video demo below.

Expect the Wii U to be out by 2012.

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PlayStation Phone is Sony Ericsson Xperia Play

lauren — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:50:21 +0000

The PlayStation phone I blogged about last year is real – and it’s going to be released by Verizon in the US on May 26! Dubbed the Sony Ericsson, Xperia Play, the device features a slide-out screen that reveals buttons for playing video games and touch-sensitive directional pads. The Xperia Play runs on a modified version of the Android Gingerbread OS, and is the first PlayStation-certified smartphone. Sure, lots of phones can download gaming apps through Google’s Android Marketplace, but Sony is launching over 50 games for the Xperia Play through Verizon’s V-Cast, and old-school PlayStation games will soon be available at the Android Marketplace. Meanwhile, users in the US can amuse themselves with the seven pre-loaded games on the phone – Madden NFL 11, Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior, Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, The Sims 3, Star Battalion, Crash Bandicoot and Tetris. Incidentally, Android will also be powering Sony’s next portable PlayStation console, the PSP NGP.

Pre-orders for the Sony Ericsson Xperia play begins on May 19. The device will cost only $199.99 with a two-year contract.

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Sony Reveals S1 PlayStation Tablet and S2 Android Clamshell

lauren — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:13:02 +0000

Sony is pretty much the only manufacturer that hasn’t released a tablet of their own – well that is, until today. The Japanese company just announced two new gadgets to be unveiled this year – the Sony S1 PlayStation Tablet and the Sony S2 Android Clamshell.

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The S1 is a 9.4-inch Android device that’s said to have a user experience that improves upon the iPad, thanks to Sony’s UI elements and custom-built transitions. Basically, the S1 is a full-blown gaming and media tablet. It’s centered around Qriocity, which the Sony music, eBooks, games, and video service that was just launched in Europe. The device will come preloaded with Sony PlayStation 1 games, a Bravia Media Remote, and of course, PlayStation integration. Other features include a 1,280 x 800 pixel resolution screen, a front and rear camera, a USB-A port that can host USB media devices and thumb drives, and WiFi and 3G connectivity. The only button on the device is the volume on and off at the side, and Sony may decide to include a dedicated Qriocity button as well.

The Sony S2 Android Clamshell is also a tablet, but with a rather unconventional shape. Instead of being a flat slate, this is a cylindrical device that sports two 5.5-inch displays that opens up as shown in the illustration above. In terms of specs, it will be very similar to the S1 in terms of performance and features, and will also be centered around Qriocity media. Unlike the S1, however, the S2 is not PlayStation Certified.

The S1′s WiFi-only version is rumored to cost $599 and will probably arrive in September, while the S2 will cost $699 and may be available in Europe, Japan, and the US before the holidays. Of course, release dates could change, and there’s always the chance that the devices will be scrapped altogether.

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Sony PSP NGP (Next Generation Portable) Revealed

lauren — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:21:04 +0000

While my rare moments of gadget lust was directed at the upcoming Sony-Ericsson PlayStation phone, I was completely unaware that a new PSP was being made. Today, Sony unveiled the new PSP NGP (next generation portable). This shiny new toy is dramatically different from other PSPs for many reasons. For one thing, it’s equipped with 3G and WiFi, giving you a powerful device that combines gaming and social networking. It’s also going to change the way we play games, thanks to crazy new features. At the center of the PSP 2 is a 5-inch multi-touch OLED display with image quality that’s just as good as an HDTV. Behind the device is a multi-touch pad, allowing you to interact with your games using three-dimensional motions like grab, push, pull, and trace moves. There are two cameras in the front and back, three motion sensors, an electronic compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope. It will also have two real analog sticks instead of the nubs, making it easier for you to play third/first person shooter games. And finally, the new PSP will be adopting a new game medium for a more immersive experience – a tiny flash memory card that can store the full game title plus your save data.

No news on official release dates and price just yet but looking at all these features, I’m guessing the PSP NGP will cost at least $400.

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Nintendo 3DS Arrives on March

lauren — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:36:12 +0000

Details about the North American release of the Nintendo 3DS are finally out, and it’s pretty much the pricey hand-held system everyone expects it to be. It’s going to cost around $250, making it the most expensive Nintendo hand-held system, but for good reason. It’s the first mass-market device to make use of autostereoscopic 3D technology, which tricks you into thinking that the images on the screen has 3 dimensions, but without the need for unwieldy 3D glasses. Thousands of tiny mirrors are built into the display to provide the illusion of depth.

The Nintendo 3DS will be released on March 27, 2010, along with the following games:

- Pilotwings Resort
- Madden NFL
- Dead or Alive
- Super Street Fighter IV
- Nintendogs + Cats
- Steeldiver

Nintendo also says that 30 more titles for the 3DS will be available early June 2011. Fans will also be able to buy and play classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on the device too!

Are you excited about the arrival of the Nintendo 3DS? What games do you want to play on the device?

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Sony-Ericsson PlayStation Phone – Want Want Want!

lauren — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:46:01 +0000

I don’t normally care for news about new smartphones, but my jaw literally dropped when I saw photos of the upcoming Sony-Ericsson PlayStation Phone from Engadget. This device is for real and will be available sometime in 2011, powered by Android 3.0 and a new Sony Marketplace that allows you to buy and download games designed just for this phone. It’s also packed with some powerful hardware – 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8655, 512MB of RAM, 1GB of ROM, as well as a decently-sized screen at around 3.7 to 4.1 inches. Though you can’t use the good old-fashioned Memory Stick on this device to increase memory, the PlayStation Phone does have support for MicroSD cards. The slideout board has the familiar PlayStation buttons as well as a long multitouch pad in the center.

Some people are hoping for a 2010 holiday release, but I wouldn’t mind waiting until 2011 if it means ironing out the kinks and bugs on the device. I really hope the PlayStation Phone proves to be a solid smartphone because if it is, I’m definitely saving up for this one.

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Sony Brings 3D to Gaming

lauren — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 04:31:03 +0000

3D isn’t just limited to movies and TV anymore; this latest wave of technology has been brought to the gaming world, thanks to Sony. Sony is upgrading a bunch of games to include 3D features! Among the known games to have 3D include The Fight: Lights Out, MLB 10: The Show, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, PAIN, Super Stardust HD, and WipEout HD Fury were showcased, in RealD 3D. These games are already available in the PlayStation Store, and if you invest on the Sony Alpha or Bravia, you’ll get the 3D versions for free.

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ASUS Republic of Gamers Laptop

lauren — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 06:43:15 +0000

Now that I’m getting into MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, I’m starting to think that investing in a gaming laptop might not be such a bad idea. On the top of my wish list is the ASUS Republic of Gamers laptop, which looks like just the machine any hardcore gamers would want to see under the tree. This bad boy is powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M 1GB GDDR5 for superb gaming performance and visual clarity. It also has the Intel Core i5-430M processor with Turbo Boost Technology for smart multitasking performance that will adapt to your needs. Graphics look stunning on the 15.6-inch Full HD LED-backlit widescreen, and the 1920 x 1080 resolution will give you an immersive cinematic experience. The Republic of Gamers laptop also has a Super Hybrid Engine that saves battery life while boosting performance. Other features include 4GB of DDR3 RAM for smooth computing with Windows 7 Home Premium, 500GB 7,200RPM hard drives, and Wi-Fi networking. The alptop also has an integrated 2-megapixel webcam and Digital Array Mic for video chatting with friends and family.

Right now it’s selling at $979.99 on Amazon. I’m extremely tempted.

Xbox 360 Controller Has Transforming D-Pad

lauren — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:00:46 +0000

A new special edition Xbox 360 wireless controller just came out, and it’s got a pretty sweet feature – a transforming D-pad. With just a simple twist of your wrist, you can change the shape of the D-pad from a disc to a plus. The new controller won’t be sold separately, however; it will be sold as part of the new Play and Charge Kit, which will be announced on November 9 for $64.99.

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