Motorola to Release Xoom 2
Smart phone manufacturers Motorola have announced the Xoom 2 which will replace their original Xoom Android tablet. The new model will come in two screen sizes; 8.2” and 10.1”.
The 10.1” version is lighter than the original model by 100g and it has a completely redesigned case with rounded rubberised edges which are easier to grip. The 8.2” version will be known as the Media Edition and weighs in at 386g.
On release of the first Xoom manufacturers like Asus quickly brought out models with better specifications, forcing Motorola to drop their prices. This time they are pricing the 10.1” model at £379.99 which still undercuts the basic iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Sony’s new Tablet S by £20. The Media Edition will be £329.99.
Both tablets will run Android 3.2 and will be upgraded to Android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) within six weeks of its release. With a 1.2 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM the Xoom 2 should perform quickly and be able to handle all the newest games and apps.
The screen is brighter with full HD and a wide viewing angle. There is an HDMI out socket allowing the Xoom 2 to be connected to a TV and a micro USB socket allowing connection to a TV.
In the UK the Xoom 2 is being released as Wi-Fi only for the time being with the possibility of a 3G model in the future. Memory is 16GB and there will be no Micro SD card slot to add any extra.
Sony’s iPad Alternative
Mighty electronics giant Sony have finally entered the thriving tablet PC market with their ‘Tablet S’ Android tablet. Designed to go into direct competition with Apple’s iPad 2 and Samsung’s Galaxy 10.1 the new tablet is priced at £399 for the 16GB entry level model, a 32GB model is also available.
The most striking aspect of the Tablet S is the shape. Departing from the standard flat tablet style, Sony have given it a folded book wedge shape which makes for an easier typing angle when laid flat on a desk. It is also easy to hold while viewing content, helped by the textured back panel.
Specifications on the Tablet S are high with front and rear cameras and 1080 video. The 1GHz dual core processor and 1GB RAM mean it’s a quick tablet and there is a micro SD slot which can take up to 32GB of extra memory. This is useful as the 16GB model only has 9GB available to use as the OS uses up the rest.
The 9.4” capacitive touch screen is responsive and clear but it’s not particularly bright when compared with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the cheaper Aspect Neo 10.
The battery life of around 4 hours of continuous video is good, this can extend up to 30 hours when left on standby.
In addition to the micro SD slot there’s a micro USB connection to connect to a PC and transfer files/music etc., however the tablet is not supplied with a cable to use for this.
For tablet users who are into their gaming the Sony is perfect as it’s Playstation certified and comes with Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes from the PS1. Sony expect to release more PS1 games for the tablet over the coming months.
Sony has also added its own music service, which offers access to 9 million tunes for £9.99 a month, as well as an on-demand video service, which is also available as part of a subscription.
Apple Reveal iPhone 4S
Apple has announced its latest version of the iPhone, the 4S which will be released on October 14th. The new phone looks the same as the iPhone 4 but has an 8MP camera, a new dual core processor and iCloud which allows your content to be stored remotely and accessed by any of your Apple devices.
Additionally the iPhone 4S has Siri which is a voice activated system. Ask your iPhone what the weather will be like tomorrow, or what your best friend’s number is and it will tell you.The new phone also has an improved battery life and better antenna, both of which have been weaknesses on previous models.
There has been some disappointment that the new iPhone has not turned out to be a completely reworked model but all round reception for the 4S has been good.