Huawei MediaPad X1 review

The CNET have published their review of the Huawei MediaPad X1, which contributes even more to blur the boundaries between tablet and smartphone, thanks to the integration of a tablet 7-inch 4G-LTE module that allows you to not only access to the data network but also the ability to make and receive calls.

The tablet is very well built, with a cover made ​​of aluminum alloy, one very content thick and thin frame around the display. The shell is devoid of pushups and ' great assembly . The screen as said is a 7-inch Full HD that offers a density only slightly inferior to that of a mini iPad Retina. The overall quality is therefore high , the wide viewing angle and vivid colors. Even the hardware platform is generally sufficient to ensure good performance, both during daily use with games. The heart of the system is in fact the SoC Hisilicon Kirin 910 , formed by a quad-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU at 1.6 GHz and a GPU ARM Mali 450 MP4, supported by 2 GB RAM and 16 GB of storage space, expandable with microSD cards , the latter option always greatly appreciated.

The concerns arise instead when you switch to the software . Android is smooth and responsive, but Huawei has adopted a version now quite dated, the Jelly Bean 4.2.2, a choice that has not quite convinced our colleagues, who were expecting, if not Android 4.4 Kitkat, at least the 4.3 release of Jelly Bean. The situation is further worsened by the presence of a proprietary interface, Huawei Emotion , which is not liked for two main reasons. In fact, the GUI is not primarily well optimized and is unresponsive, sometimes requiring a few seconds between the command and its execution or during the various transitions. His organization, far from stock Android, it's not been appreciated, especially for the fact that you have deleted the grid view of all installed apps, but now that they are distributed in six different home, organized by function. Eventually, however, the reserves are essentially limited to these aspects.

Instead affects the quality of the camera : Huawei MediaPad X1 in fact has a 5 megapixel front webcam and especially a 13-megapixel rear camera with Sony Exmor RS BSI sensor, which allows you to take pictures of excellent quality for a tablet. Thumb up eventually also for autonomy, thanks to the 5000 mAh battery , which ensures at least the cover of a workday even under heavy use.

You can buy directly from China via AliExpress cost of 359.99 dollars, or about 260 €, it is therefore a valid device, especially for the price point which is proposed, and the particularity of allowing telephone calls also increases the palatability, braking as mentioned exclusively by a sub-software not entirely satisfactory.

Amazon Fire TV, not just mini PC but also game console!

Amazon Fire TV is official. The new TV Box is designed to turn on your Smart TV in the living room and is designed to compete with the Apple TV, the Roku and Google Chromecast, but with better performance, an ecosystem and a more complete Web browsing easier. It 'sold for $99 and is available now, while the controller is priced at $40 (or slightly more). Under the body, there is a quad-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 (8064) to 1.7GHz, 2GB of RAM and an Adreno 320 graphics chip normally integrated in smartphones. The equipment is completed by 8 GB of storage, dual-band MIMO WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI 1.4b and Ethernet 10/100. Supports 720p and 1080p video up to 60 frames per second, 5.1 audio (via HDMI 7.1), and 2-channel stereo. You can play music and video online, but also video games and other applications.

Amazon Fire TV chassis has a simple design, square and thin, and you can attach to the back of your TV. It weighs 283 grams and measures 11.7 x 11.7 x 11.7 cm . And equipped with  Bluetooth remote 2.1 with seven buttons (voice search, play, pause, rewind, home, back, menu) and one 5-way navigation, as well as a microphone for voice commands. You can use it to navigate the interface, including menus, to find movies, TV shows, games and other applications. Amazon Fire TV also has a function "ASAP" which will display the content according to user habits. Unlike many Mini PC market, lenses, with complicated interfaces and closed ecosystems, the Amazon will be able to provide a fluid interface and fast. And this is also one of its strengths.

Apps
During the launch event, Amazon has shown a number of applications that are compatible with your device, including Hulu Plus, Netflix, WatchESPN, NBA, MLB, NBA, YouTube, Crackle, TuneIn Radio and Plex . HBO Go, and Pandora are coming soon. This "optimal" selection of third-party apps, Amazon also has a function "best value" (for now works only with Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus) that will help you figure out which service will be cheaper to use to watch a specific program.

The OS is based on Android, just like the software installed on the Amazon Kindle Fire tablet, and developers can realize the porting of existing applications Android or HTML5 to make them turn on the set-top box from Amazon. Although it has support for third-party apps, Fire TV also takes advantage of the existing ecosystem with Amazon services like Amazon CloudDrive for storage. For example, you can take a picture with your smartphone, save CloudDrive automatically and immediately see it on the TV.

It 's also possible to use a tablet Kindle Fire HDX as a "second screen" to read information and details on programs and actors thanks to "X-Ray for Movies and TV Shows" and IDMB (also owned by Amazon). Unlike some TV Box, Amazon Fire TV also supports multitasking, so you can listen to music while you are running a different application.

Games
Amazon Fire TV can play video games (very similar to the Kindle Fire tablets), but to keep down the price of the console, the company decided to sell the controller separately from the game (which not everyone will use) for $ 40. The first games available for the TV Box will Minecraft, Asphalt and 8 Sev Zero , one third-person shooter. Some video games will be free but the average price will be around 1.85 dollars (much less of a common title for the Xbox and Playstation). The pads, called TV Game Controller , optional features analog sticks, a D-pad, buttons Android including Home, Back, Menu button, multimedia playback and gaming keys (A, B, X, Y). Both the controller and the remote control are powered by AA batteries.

TrekStor SURFTAB Xirón 10.1 and TrekStor SURFTAB Xirón 7.0 HD

Available in two versions, the top of the range TrekStor SURFTAB Xirón 10.1 with 10 "display and the smallest and most portable 7" TrekStor SURFTAB Xirón 7.0 HD , both models are made ​​with a classy design, the rear in aluminum and offer all visual comfort of a high-definition screen multitouch IPS capacitive with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.

Extremely powerful and advanced technological equipment, in fact, both models incorporate quad-core processors of last generation. The processor Cortex A9 Quad-Core 1.6 GHz , the 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory make the device Xirón 10.1 stable and amazingly fast, multitasking activity without any problem. The vision of the video in high resolution and the use of action games also is always smooth and without delays. Similarly, the Cortex A7 CPU Quad-Core 1 GHz , RAM DDR3 1GB and 8GB of internal memory make "small" 7.0 HD Xirón one of the best performing and most reliable tablet 7 ", able to compete with tablet price range much higher.

The OS Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean ensures tablet line SURFTAB Xirón great stability and agility functions, while the app store Google Play pre-installed on the device gives you the opportunity to choose from thousands of apps and keep up to date on the latest innovations made ​​in music, films, books and magazines online.

To underline the wide usability and versatility of the models Xirón TrekStor that pass easily and without flaws from home use to a more professional look. Read, write, reply to emails, but also watch movies, listen to music and produce video has never been easier. The control panel and the GUI are in fact clear and intuitive, to help you to get more and faster setting or application. Comfortable the presence of the outputs Micro-USB and Mini-HDMI , the readermicroSD and microSDHC cards , the headphone port and microphone. I do not even miss theBluetooth to exchange information quickly and securely across other devices.

The new TrekStor SURFTAB Xirón 10.1 also supports the technology Miracast , the new transmission standard multimedia files (photos, videos and music) through which you can connect an Android device over a WiFi connection, directly to compatible televisions and projectors. In this way you can share and view content on your TV's multimedia tablet. In Xirón 10.1 is a practical front camera 2 MP for video calling private or business "face to face", while the powerful rear camera of 5 MP with autofocus sharp images and are assured of high quality.Respectively two double 0.3 MP and 2.0 MP for the model SURFTAB Xirón HD 7.0, more than enough for sharp images and quality and to make video calls on the go.

Trekstor SURFTAB Xirón 10.1 16GB is on sale with a retail price of €239.00 , while SURFTAB Xirón 7.0 HD 8 GB is available at €139.00

Toshiba Excite 7 Low cost tablet

Toshiba Excite 7 first appeared in Japan as the Regza AT374, then in November in the U.S. as the Excite 7, a name that should keep even here in Europe, where, however, has not yet landed. Waiting to be able to find in our stores then we suggest the video we made ​​during the CES 2014.

Excite 7 is a tablet really cheap but that does not make compromise on quality, indeed. The appearance of such, however simple, is very nice and full flat design eye-catching. The measurements of the vehicle are equal to 115.8 x 197 x 10.9 mm , weight is 345 g instead. The tablet is therefore very comfortable to hold, even with one hand. The brilliant 7-inch has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels and is not an IPS but inside there is such a Rockchip RK3188 SoC with quad-core ARM Cortex A9 ARM Mali 400 GPU, supported by 1 GB of memory RAM solutions quantitative unusual for this band, and 8 GB of storage space, expandable via microSD.

Remarkable, always in relation to the price, also the rest of the budget, which includes a microUSB port, a combo audio jack for headphones and microphone, module, 802.11n WiFi , rear camera 3 megapixel front and 0.3 Mpixel , pair of speakers placed on the lower edge and the operating system Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean which, as you can see in the video, looks very smooth and responsive. As I said at the time the Toshiba Excite 7 is already on sale in the U.S. $99 and is expected in Europe but at the moment there is still no official date or a price, although it is likely that, as usual, is applied to the 'equivalence between the euro and the dollar, with a price of 99 euro.

Philips Amio PI3900B2 7-inch Tablet

Philips Amio PI3900 is the successor to the PI3800 last year and as this, once again, lies in the low-end market. The tablet in fact appeared for sale in a shop Hungarian, at the price of 42990 guilders, roughly equivalent to 141 Euros. The device obviously has a very economical realization and shows some inevitable compromises but overall it is still interesting, especially because, in addition to the modules WiFi and Bluetooth, as well as integrated GPS and NFC, the unusual low-cost products.

The size, for a 7-inch, are not properly contained (190 x 60 x 12.5 mm), but the weight is only 280 g. The display has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels but it's still kind of IPS. Inside is installed instead of a SoC which is not communicated but the model that integrates an ARM Cortex A9 dual core 1.5 GHz , paired with 1GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory, expandable via microSD cards. The equipment is completed by a microUSB port, a digital video output from miniHDMI, from an audio jack for headphones, a rear camera 2 megapixel, by a webcam front 0.3 megapixel and a battery 3300 mAh. The operating system is Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Philips also incorporates some proprietary solutions as SimplyShare , which allows you to automatically find all compatible products on the home network to share content and all those who can play music, photos and videos. With the app you can also enable sharing on multiple products at the same time and even use it on multiple phones or tablet.SimplyShare is finally compatible with the DLNA standard. DockStudio instead is another app that adds a number of features to the systems Philips docking speaker, including automatic Bluetooth connectivity, integration of Songbird music player, access to various international radio broadcasting on the Internet, check the audio settings and multi-function clock radio.

Via: Tech2 

Huawei Mango Pie 2 TV Stick

Huawei has decided to launch (for now only in China) its key Miracast, called Mango Pie 2. Like all devices in this category, Huawei Mango Pie 2 is an alternative to Google Chromecast and provides multimedia capabilities to any TV via the built-in HDMI connector. The TV adapter is sold with a Bluetooth remote control for 299 Yuan (about $49 or 36 EUR ) but is only compatible with the Chinese streaming TV services (such as Hunan TV, Phoenix TV, CETV, SBS and others) and supports only channels premises (such as Hunan Satellite TV, Jiangsu TV, Zhejiang TV and CCTV).

Mango Pie 2 TV Stick Dongle is an Android-based technology Miracast, which then allows you to mirror directly from your smartphone and tablet on your TV. The design is standard, much like the Chinese keys we talked about very often as the recent Tronsmart T1000. Fits in the palm of a hand, has a black plastic frame and integrates over the HDMI port is also a microUSB for power. The equipped with a Bluetooth module which allows the Stick TV to interface with the supplied remote control (for navigation between channels and access to various internet services), but also with other devices.

The technical specifications are not known for now : we do not know the SoC installed, but the OS is Android . We are not sure that users have access to Google Play Store or will have to settle for a rather limited catalog of applications.

Via: IntoMobile

JXD S5800 Smartphones Console

JXD S5800 will be available soon even though we spoke for the first time this device back in March. Since then, however, the Chinese company has modified the data sheet that it is now more equipped and convincing. The new JXD S5800 will display a 5-inch IPS (with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels) multi-touch 5-point touch, but the body will incorporate a quad-core processor MediaTek MTK6582 (Cortex A7) with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory, expandable up to 32GB with a microSD card.

Based on the operating system Android 4.2 Jelly Bean , the new smartphone console JXD support networks 2G, 3G/WCDMA, WiFi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0 . Do not miss the GPS , a 3000 mAh battery and two 5 megapixel camera (rear) and 0.3 megapixel (front). JXD S5800 also officially supports 16 emulators that will allow users to play games with titles in the Playstation 1, PSP, Nintendo 64, MAME, GameBoy Advance and other gaming consoles. Not yet announced the sale price. We will be back!

Via: Liliputing

Paquito Mini, tablet for kids

After the success of SuperPaquito, Spain's Imaginarium launches tablet Paquito Mini, a smaller version, lighter and faster for the whole family. Equipped with a processor quad-core processor , display 8-inch, 8GB of internal memory (expandable with microSD cards), Paquito Mini also integrates two cameras (front and rear) from 2-megapixel, Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI cable for connection to TV and USB port. Under the shell red aluminum, an operating system based on Android Jelly Bean with multi-user and access to Paquitoland and Play Store to download apps and multimedia content to stimulate children's learning, to from 6 years old.

An important improvement concerns the system of parental control, which ensures maximum safety for children, using a handy and easy configuration by parents: the new system from power allows you to control access to the Internet, creating "white" and "black" lists of websites, as well as contacts and downloadable App. In addition, parents can set up your tablet by defining the maximum time of use for each child in order to teach a correct and responsible use of free time and study.

Paquito Mini is customizable, with different desktop (Home, School, Creativity, Bookseller Entertainment) and superior technology, designed for fun but also for the education of children. It lets you read books, watch movies, listen to music, but also has an 'agenda that helps the child to organize, and a table of rewards to set goals, all in a single device. In addition, the new integrated messaging allows you to keep in touch with friends and family using funny emoticons, while the function Family Post-it allows you to leave notes on the fridge just like home!

The tablet also includes new exclusive mini App Paquitoland, the platform of digital content for children 100% Imaginarium, sorted and graded by the brand specifically for the education and entertainment of children . Among these, the application to practice the English language developed in collaboration with the British Council. With Paquito Mini, it is also possible to download new apps, games, books and music, and access Imoon, the library staff where to play all of the contents and the preferred application. The tablet is also equipped with several high-quality accessories, such as silicone case, a cover and a folding leather cover with magnetic closure. Paquito Mini is available in 17 languages ​​and is sold in Italy at the price of 179 euro , on the official website Imaginarium and at authorized dealers.

Ematic Cinema Tab,13.3 inch Android tablet

The ultimate low-cost Android tablet, Ematic differs from other models of the company not for its technical characteristics or for the price, we could define standards, but for the size. Ematic Cinema Tab, as its name indicates, is a big tablet 13.3 inch ideal for multimedia use, and to watch videos in the living room, to project presentations in the office or just to play games, listen to music or read an ebook in the family. Thanks to the easel integrated in the rear, the tablet Ematic stands alone and can be used as a small television on a table.

Liliputing has found Ematic Cinema Tab in the FCC database, under the name ETH102, but the device is already on sale on some online shops for about 300 U.S. dollars, which add a full specification and some pictures of the tablet. Cinema Tab has a 13.3-inch 720p dual-core processor Rockchip RK3066 (Cortex A9) 1.6GHz, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory and 1000 mAh battery, 37Whr.

It has a capacitive multitouch display, a slot for microSD card to expand storage, 2 USB ports and WiFi 802.11n. The tablet runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and weighs 1.2Kg, maybe a little too heavy to be carried around but tolerable for short trips within a home. According to reports, the tablet Ematic should have a range of about five hours, more than enough to watch a movie.

Google Android 4.4 KitKat

Over the years, Google has accustomed us to the liturgy "Nexus", according to which for every new terminal there must be a new release of the Android operating system (be it a minor update or a completely revised version). The Nexus 5 is no exception and, as dictated by tradition, its launch was accompanied by the release of Android 4.4 KitKat, which we have already spoken in the past on the occasion of the announcement jointly Nestle-Google and the first rumors about its features.

According to Sundar Pichai, Vice President of Google, Android 4.4 introduces an important innovation compared to its predecessors, as it can be installed on all Android devices. "Until now, the limited memory of the first smartphones and tablets Android does not allow you to install newer versions of the operating system. KitKat With Android we have reduced memory usage, for example by eliminating unnecessary background services or reducing the amount of memory required for functions widely used " .

Google announces that, in services such as Chrome and YouTube, the memory consumption is significantly reduced and even devices with only 512MB of RAM will run Android 4.4 KitKat. This latest release, then, it is an operating system that can be installed on smartphones top-of-range but also on entry-level models, the most sold and also present in emerging markets. Android KitKat is "able to detect the power of the smartphone" and the developers will be able to adapt their applications according to this parameter that will be provided by the OS.

What will change?  The interface of KitKat changes little and looks a lot like Jelly Bean, though with some graphical differences (for example, the status bar has become dull and that navigation will vary with use). The application Phone, which has not changed for many people especially since traditional mobile phones, it is now easier allowing you to search your contacts, nearby places and even among the accounts associated with the Google app (such as the corporate directory) directly from the application.

In terms of functionality, Google has introduced a new system of launching applications, while Google Now is activated by swiping your finger to the left.

With the command "OK, Google" you can activate using the Google voice search, send a message, get directions, or even listen to a song. Now in the coming weeks will be further improved through the new cards that will give access to contextual information of interest such as updates from your favorite websites or blogs.

Now there is an application that allows you to interact with other programs, functions Hangout recovers SMS/MMS(which will be organized in one place, along with other conversations and video calls. This way you will never lose sight of a message, regardless of how it was sent), while applying Photos + HDR function appears KitKat.

In the coming weeks the Android platform 4.4 KitKat integrated into the Nexus 5 will also be available for Nexus 4, 7 and 10, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play edition in the coming weeks.