smartech

Not sure if any of this necessarily relates to Microsoft’s search-engine (AKA: Bing) announcement, that suppose to take place in the following days, but this way or another, Google has definitely managed to steal some focus from Redmond’s coming events, by catching our eyes with its latest innovative meshing application – also known as Google Wave. And while many of us tend to separately use IM clients, mail services or word processing editors to work our day, Google’s Australian team has diligently strove for the past two years in putting together these three daily assignments into one amazing collaborative tool which was built into the web-browser sphere in the form of HTML 5.0 and about to be released in the following months.

What is Wave? It’s a new model for communication and collaboration on the web, as a group of people can communicate and work together with rich format text, photos, videos, maps, blogs and more, while any participant can reply anywhere in the message, edit the content and add even more participants at any point in the process, with a “playback” mode, allowing newcomers to rewind the wave to see who said what and when, before joining the service. And if that wasn’t enough, the entire gathering process, which makes the Wave such a great collaborative tool, surprisingly happens on a real-time platform, where different group members can concurrently read (character-by-character) whatever you type, as you type, without waiting long (private mode is optional).

Still in an early build, with so many useful embedded features around, Google’s online sharing platform undoubtedly shaped for changing our common old-fashioned traits while vigorously aiming to completely revamp any sort of existing mailing interaction, which currently controlled by – you’ve guessed right – Microsoft itself. But turning Wave into such a powerful application that sincerely pretends to revolutionize our fixed behavior, certainly requires a joint effort involvement from diversified groups across the globe, which probably explains why Google has deliberately decided to widely open up its API platform for 3^rd party developers, explicitly asking their generous assistance in building extensions and outsourcing widgets in order to enhance and maximize interface usability. And speaking about widgets and extensions, it seems there are plenty interesting ways to use Wave, either collaborating together on a new document, sharing embedded photos and videos among friends, IM chatting with multiple users (real-time spelling correction and translation robots included), handling real-time RSVP invitations, or simply playing casual entertaining games – At this point, all options available – and yet it looks like Wave is only halfway through to reach its full potential. Hit the links below to start learning the protocols. Additionally, you can watch Wave’s full demo introduction after the break (long video).

Develop
Learn how to put waves in your site and build wave extensions with the Google Wave APIs.
Visit code.google.com/apis/wave.

Build
Google Wave uses an open protocol, so anyone can build their own wave system.
Learn more at www.waveprotocol.org.

[Google]

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HP reinforces its Mini netbooks lineup with brand new models, including the Mini 1101, 110XP and 110 Mi, armed from top to bottom with basic specs like 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, GMA 950 graphics set, VGA output, 802.11b/g WiFi connection, 3-cell battery (6 optional) and either 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 or 1.66GHz N280 processors at your choice. But If that’s not enough, each one of the three hides even more goodies, as the 110XP boasts 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD or 32GB SSD, along with a WWAN 3G hardware and a Broadcom Crystal HD Enhanced Video Accelerator for 1080P video handling, while the 110 Mi carries HP’s Linux-based OS, together with 2GB of RAM and up to 250GB HDD. The third, out of the three, is the Mini 1101, which looks like a basic 110XP version, dropping the Broadcom graphics chipset and adding a Vista OS inside. In terms of price and availability, the 1101 is scheduled to arrive on June 1st, priced at $329, while the 110 alternatives will be joining a week and a half later in black swirl, white swirl or pink chic flavors, priced at $279 for the Linux version and $329 for the XP style. Checkout the complete press release and video demo after the break.

Update1: The guys at Tech65.org were lucky enough to get their hands on the Mini 110 netbook version and generously shared their first experience in a short video preview you can all watch after the break. New add-ons  aside, it seems like HP has made some delicate changes within the external design, ditching the “toggle-off” button around the trackpad and removing the speakers position right under the screen, while adding a matte flavor to the bezel frame in order to prevent mirror reflections. Hardware wise, you now get a 2.5-inch hard-drive (instead of 1.8″), which vigorously  supports 5400 RPMs, making your portable device even faster. Hit the jump to read more.

Update2: Looks like the HP’s Mini 1101 netbook version is finally up for sale at the basic form, priced at $329. Just click in here to get your first impression or wait for its sibling to make their appearance.

Update3: Both Mini 110 Mi and Mini 110 XP are up and available for ordering on HP’s website, priced at at $279.99 or $329.99 respectively, with an optional Intel Atom N280 processor for extra $25 or 6-cell battery for additional $40 to the base price.

Update4: Looks like the Mini 110 netbooks are getting additional colors to the lineup, as HP just added white swirl and pink chic versions to the product page, that will cost you an extra $20over the base price. Furthermore, the company is now offering an HD video boost  option, by adding Broadcom’s Crystal HD Enhanced Video accelerator to your machine for only $30 more.

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After so many rumors and speculations floating around, Microsoft has finally announced the Zune HD, which suppose to make its first appearance somewhere this fall, competing head-to-head with Apple’s popular iPod Touch player. Regretfully, there’s nothing much to share in terms of specs or features, but from the very few fragments we’ve managed to collect, you briefly can figure out it’ll probably pack a 3.3-inch 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen, together with a built-in HD Radio receiver, 720P HD output (via dock station), integrated WiFi connection and accelerometer sensors for landscape usability. Additionally, you might find a designated Explorer browser for internet surfing purposes and hopefully, a mashup interface with Xbox / Xbox Live gaming consoles. Still, no pricing or capacity details to write about, although one should expect either 16GB or 32GB flavors inside, but this way or another those rumored images earlier published, make no place for mistakes – Zune HD is live and kicking. Full press release after the break.

Update1: The guys at Gizmodo have managed to put their hands on the freakishly new Zune HD while hanging around D7′s conference hall. First images indicate an incredibly thin-and-light design, combined with a stunning 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, basic Zune UI, adjusted to the touch navigation mode and rounded edges, build with a big “Home” button placed at the bottom lefte.  Hit the jump to watch the video or their link for even more images.

Update2: Zune Insider has officially confirmed that Zune HD will be running NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset inside, which means – full high-def video compatibility in the palm of your hand. Still no word about final release dates, but we’re following.

Update3: Rumors around claim the new Zune HD will be priced somewhere betweem $249 and $280 for the 16GB version, while a 64GB modelis on the prep for a late release. Stay tuned.

Update4: Both BestBuy and Amazon have just listed up the Zune HD on their inventory system , priced at $220 for the 16GB model, and $290 for the 32GB version, coming on September 8th. It’s less than a month to go, so stay tuned.

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Great news from Lenovo, as the company officially announces the new IdeaPad S12, which is considered to be world’s first Nvidia Ion-powered netbook device and one of the only to join this category with an impressive 12-inch display, that easily can handle HD content and high-end gaming maneuvers , thanks to the staggering 1280×800 screen resolution, we barely can find among Atom-based machines, nowadays. With a next month scheduled release, our true excitement goes to the Ion chipset platform, that crams both Intel’s Atom 1.6 GHz processor and Nvidia 9400m graphics set in one tiny mote that flawlessly accelerates 1080p video decoding tasks and smoothly plays Blu-Ray high-def technology scenes without statering reactions. Other goodies you’d get for a starting price of $449, include a full-sized keyboard, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 4-in-1 card reader, VGA/HDMI outputs, WiFi, Bluetooth, three USB 2.0 sockets, ExpressCard slot expansion, 3-cell battery (6-cell optional) and 160/250/320GB HDD capacities to choose from – all operated by Microsoft’s Windows XP OS flavor. To learn more, checkout the full release after the break.

Update1: Hit the jump to watch LaptopMag video preview.

Update2: Checkout the videos from Notebooks.com after the break.

Update3: Looks like Lenovo IdeaPad S12 is finally up and available for purchase, starting at $499 for the base mode, which packs Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU with 1GB of DDR2 memory VGA / HDMI outputs and all the good specs noted above, but even more important, it has Nvidia’s ION chipset that runs 1080p video playback smoothly. Hit the link to get yours.

Update4: It seems Lenovo is now offering the IdeaPAd S12 with a VIA Nano ULV 2250 processor and VIA Chrome9 HC3 graphics, optional to the usual Atom/GMA 950 configuration, with a starting price of $450 and 6-cell battery included.

Update5: Save the date,  Nvidia ION-based Lenovo S12 is finally out. The day is Thursday October 22nd, the place is Japan. The specs include a 12-inch 1280 x 800 display, 2GB of RAM, 250GB HDD, an HDMI port and multicard slot expansion. The price, ¥68,800 (about $755). What do we think? Too expensive at this point, but things will change on Western shores.

Update6: Now it’s official, the IdeaPad S12 is finally up on Lenovo’s online shop, listed in different configurations, as the Windows 7 edition runs for $599 and packs a 12.1-inch 1,280 x 800 display, along with a 1.6GHz N270 processor, a 250GB hard drive, a 256MB Nvidia Ion chipset, WiFi, Bluetooth, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 6-cell battery, and that Windows 7 Home Premium edition, pre-installed inside.

[Lenovo]

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In case you haven’t heard, South Korean iRiver has just released a new PMP device for the Asian market, with minor chances to hit some western shelves in the near future. Nevertheless, the new B30 device is claimed to have a 2.8-inch QVGA display, along with an FM tuner, T-DMB connectivity, a microSD expansion slot, and either 4GB, 8GB or 16GB storage capacities to choose from. Additionally, this wide range codecs-compatible unit is offered in various flavors, including Black, White or Silver hues, while battery should provide up to 40 hours of audio playback or 5.5 hours of video time – all competitively priced at $155 (4GB) and $183 (8GB), with flight costs excluded.

Update1: Checkout iRiver’s B30 promotion video after the break.

Update2: You should also check the other video in the line, featuring iRiver’s B30 UI , navigated via the touch sensitive buttons

Update3: Looks like the B30 is now available on a UK online shop, DAD, listed for £139. Hit the link for more images.

[iriver via dapreview]

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Already got yourself a new portable netbook device? Having  some thoughts about installing Windows 7 on it? Maybe you should hear  Redmond’s supportive opinion first, before replacing your already-existing XP version. According to Microsoft,  “small notebook” owners (netbook s) should be able to maximize their Windows 7 usability, once having a 10.2-inch display, together with 1GB of RAM, 250GB hard drive or 64GB SSD configuration inside their netbooks. Additionally, max specs should also include a single-core processor under 2GHz clock with no limitation at the “Touch” and “Graphics” spectrum . Mind you, these are maximum stats , so no one should really bother too much,  as most machines support those requirements out-of-the -box.  Nevertheless, working with Windows 7 for quite some time has brought us into the conclusion it’d be best getting at least 64GB hard drive before begining this new adventure.

[Via ZDNet]

Are you fed up with those endless netbook machines around? Make sure you have enough room for one more version to digest, as Asus recently announced the new Eee PC 1000HV Atom N280 edition, which allegedly includes the ordinary specs we’re all familiar with, but also a strong ATI Radeon HD 3450 graphics set, to take care your hefty video duties, such as HD content and gaming treats. Other than AMD’s powerful card (which isn’t that common among this laptop category) this sleeky portable device houses a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive and a VGA output to hook your new toy into a larger screen. Still no word on price or availability, but we’ll feed you in with the details as soon as they arrive.

Update: First benchmark results of the Radeon HD 3450 graphics set just came in, showing an impressive score of 37,430 points, compared to the 28,923 you’d get with the Asus 1000HE.� Make sure you hit the jump to see the complete comparison table.

[Via Slashgear]

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Remember Moblin’s independent system, designed to run on your personal netbook? Well, here it is – Again! – This time even more impressive, with the 2.0 beta version going live, introducing a fascinating interface, visually rich and impeccably designed, housing tons of apps (divided into Zones), features and one taskbar manager to handle navigation between elements. Naturally, you get some widgets to play with, like calender, browser thumbnails, email client and the new kid on the block, Twitter. Overall, the system runs pretty smoothly, giving new hopes for those who justly avoided shelling out extra money on Windows XP inside their machines.  To learn even more, checkout the demo video after the break.

[Moblin.org]

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[digg-me]

Recently, we find it hard to ignore the hefty buzz around Twitter. It seems the service is in its peak nowadays and every news channel or media network across the globe, already covered this microblogging revolution in one way or another. Not to mention the massive popularity that Twitter is getting from mega celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Ashton Kutcher and many others, who find the service convenient enough to transfer their notions to the masses (AKA: followers). But famous people aside, using Twitter for quite a long time, made us realize there are many rules and norms people should acquire before getting into the service. Truth to tell, with more than 30 million Twitter members around, we’re not convinced all users will necessarily adopt every single idea or belief we share – but hey, we’re open for suggestions.

Hit the jump to read a list of 36 tips and advices for the average Twitter starters:

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Confused? Don’t know what to choose? Allow us to make it even harder on you, as Asus tosses into the market two “Seashell-like” Eee PC netbooks , just hours after going live with the new 1008HA Seashell device in some Western countries. And while the new models target lower-end users, we still hold an opinion they look better than average laptops in this category and pack probably the same specs we’re all familiar with. Getting into details, both 1005HA-M and 1005HA-H include a 10-inch 1024×600 LED display, along with a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, WiFi (no Bluetooth), a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a 6-cell battery that can deliver up to 8 hours workout, in case you’re not using heavy multimedia stuff. So what are the differences? Turns out the 1005HA-H has two more USB 2.0 ports and extra 0.3kg of weight, comparing to the original Seashell, which comes with only a 5-cell battery, but a wider range of outputs and a slimmer design than these two. In terms of availability, both units should be available in Europesomewhere around July, for €299 ($405) and €349 ($473), respectively. Meanwhile, you can checkout the comparison table between the three, after the break.

Update1: More Eee PC 1005HA details surface up, indicating the new netbook lineup will include the usual Windows XP Home, along with either Atom N270 or N280 processors, a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 LED-backlit display, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, three USB 2.0, Ethernet, a multicard reader and up to 10.5 hours – all packed in Black, White, Pink or Blue flavors to choose from.

Update2: And just in case the 1005HA version wasn’t enough, Asus has just unveiled a newer edition – the Eee PC 1005HGO – which adds a 3G HSPA modem to the basic version, while other specs remain the same. Checkout the image and the full specs after the break [courtesy of eeepc.it]

Update3: Looks like the guys at Liliputing have managed to nab a 1005HA netbook for themselves, and kindly shared with us their unboxing video, so head forward after the break and take a look.

Update4: Apparently, the Eee PC1005HA Seashell netbook is finally up for pre-order , priced at $389 and expected to ship on July 1.

Update5: notebookitalia.it says both Asus 1005HA and 1008HA Seashell versions will have additional colors joining the lineup, including blue, pink, ruby red and sapphire blue. Hit the link to see even more.

[Via blogeee]

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Cube is not a stranger for us, as we’ve already posted about its recent HD-compatible PMPs lineup, not long ago. But having one or two media players is probably not enough for some companies, which explains why Cube has launched another media device, that answers the name H200D and boasts an HDMI output, together with basic formats support and a whole bunch of flavors to choose from. Nothing else to share at this point, although you won’t be able to get this one outside of China, at the moment.

[Via iTechNews]

The netbooks festival keeps growing, as Taiwanese corp. Albatron joins the marsh with a thin 10.2-inch device that weighs around 1kg and packs (naturally) audio input/output ports. No other details to share at this point, but you can get a first impression by hitting the jump, there’s a short video to watch.

[Via Ubergizmo]

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Barely, can you find PMP devices outside the Asian borders with different titles other than iPod, iRiver, Cowon, or Zune. It takes a plenty of guts to make a direct move against those giants, releasing your very own multimedia brand, while most people prefer having one of the noted players. But hands-up, walking against all odds is something we should admire, especially if the company has no clever PR to carry your name throughout the blogsphere. Such company, is S-Tech Digital that recently released the Sonix7 Media Pro PMP, which packs a 3.2-inch touchscreen, together with a built-in camera, a speaker, a neat accelerometer sensor, 30 hours of audio battery that also provides 20 hours of video playback and either 8GB or 16GB capacities to choose from, priced at £89.99 ($136) and £104.99 ($159), respectively. It’s a Britain made MP4 machine and you can checkout the comparison with the iPod Touch player after the break.

[via engadget]
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It’s hard to find new features, when most companies follow common netbook specs (AKA: Atom N270, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD), releasing the same concept, instead of shelling money on research in order to bring  innovative devices, but iUnika Gyy has definately nailed it with its new solar-powered netbook, which weights only 1.5 pounds and priced at merely €160 ($220). Sure, for this kind of price you shouldn’t expect that much, and truth is the ingrediants inside ain’t that exciting, as the new device features a slower 400MHz MIPS processor, together with 128MB of RAM, 8-inch 800 x 480 display and only 64GB solid-state drive, operated by a Linux system. However, we have to admit it’s easy for us to appreciate the effort and contribution to green environment when they come on specification expenses. After all, saving battery power, while using the sun as a charging resource is something you should all cherish.

[via gadgetmix]

We’ve already seen Energy Sistem products in the past, but this time the company “really” aims to take over the low-end market with the new 30xx PMPs series, which packs a 1.8-inch display, an FM tuner, a built-in mic, dual headphone jacks (???), up to 16GB of storage capacity, and a weird speaker on front, to let you share your favorite music with your surroundings. Despite the cheap colorful external design, each player can easily handle most common codecs, and while there’s no info about availability, we hear those new devices will go on sale for around $149.

[Via PMP Today]

Great news for those who’ve been anxiously waiting Sony’s new OLED walkman series to hit western shores, as the company officially announces a US release, while some Asian parts of the world already enjoy this 3-inch wonder for almost a month. Apparently, American citizens can order their piece of audio technology from Amazon and pay the same prices Apple listed the iPod Touch players, which means you get to choose between 16GB / 32GB capacities, both scheduled to mid-June. And if your memory just ditched for a second, we’re here to remind that your options include either the NWZ- X1051 version (16GB ), priced at $299, or the double sized NWZ- X1061 edition for only $399.

[Sony]

Apparently, the Eee PC 1000HA is getting a faster alternative, as Asus announces a new 1002HAE version, which adds “E” to the title, but also an aluminum chassis that includes Intel’s 1.6GHz N280 Atom processor, together with a 10-inch 1,024 x 600 backlit display, 1GB of  RAM, 160GB HDD, 802.11b/g/n WiFi connection, 1.3 megapixel webcam and a 3.8-hour Li-Polymer battery – to be exclusively offered in Japan (starting May 16th) for ¥49,800 ($505), either in Dark Blue or a strong Red. No other details to share at this point, but we do hope to see this one in some other parts of the world. stay tuned.

Update: Checkout the unboxing video from Portable Monkey after the break.

[Eee PC]

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Looks like Dell is sneaking out to the market another netbook version, which seems to be one of those Mini 10 sequels, only with Intel’s Atom N270 processor instead of the Z lineup. Having its first appearance on Dell’s May catalog [PDF link], the new Mini 10v edition, which also carries the titles “Bear” or model 1011, will pack the usual 120GB hard drive, along with a 1.3 megapixel webcam, 1GB of RAM, and Windows XP onboard – all attractively priced at $299 (that’s $100 less than Dell’s Mini 10 basic package) and about to be released this month.

Update1: Dell just added two new SSD drives, allowing Mini 10 users to upgrade their storage specs,� either with 32GB or 64GB capacities for an extra $75 or $125, respectively.

Update2: Looks like Dell’s Mini 10v netbook is now officially up for order In the company’s online store with a ship,ent delivery, scheduled for June.

Update3: Hit the jump to watch Doug Anson, Dell’s Technology Strategist , displaying Dell’s Mini 10v netbooks running three different operating systems, including Ubuntu, “netbook remix” and even the Android platform, which clearly proves the company has some pretty neat aspirations for future lineups.

Update4: It seems like Dell’s Mini 10v netbook now gets a Nickelodeon edition, which packs pretty much the same lineup the usual version has, only with lime green flavors splashing all over the place. Price, on the other hand, is $30 more than the usual, standing at $329.

[via crunchgear]

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Think there are enough netbook brands in the market? Maybe you should think twice, as more newcomers are making their way out, featuring the same specs we’re all familiar with. One of those names is Taiwanese company Hannspree that recently announced a 10-inch netbook for the Spanish market, packing 1024 x 600 resolution LCD, Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, Intel GMA950 graphics card, and a 160GB hard drive. In addition, the new HANNSnote netbook will carry WiFi, Bluetooth, 1.3 megapixel camera and three USB 2.0 ports – to be available somewhere this year, either in black or white flavors, with a price tag ranged between $400-$530.

Update: Looks like Hannspree’s netbooks are finally available Stateside with the same usual specs we’ve already mentioned above and either black or white hues, that will set you back for $380, which isn;t that cheap nowadays.

[via itechnews]

It’s been a while since Lenovo last updated its netbooks lineup, but in case you were losing your patience, a mysterious user-manual, which recently showed up, reveals the company’s plan to release a new S10 version, equipped with a 3G HSPA, EVDO / WiMAX module and some other new external changes, including rounded edges, different hinge, a larger trackpad, with what appears to be multi-touch surface, and a 10.1-inch WSVGA display. Naturally, no other specs to share at this point, but looks like the new S10-2 model will offer either a 28Wh 3-cell battery or a bigger 48Wh 6-cell pack to choose from.  Stay tuned for more details to come.

Update1: Lenovo gets official with the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook, to be available in some new flavors besides the usual 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD and a 1.3MP webcam. Price wise, the basic version will set you back for $349.99, with extra $50 in case you’re into the integrated 3G model.

Update2: The guys at LaptopMag had their hands on this latest version from Lenovo. According to their preview, the new external design is a positive add-on to the first model, while other specs remain the same, suggesting pretty much similar performance results, except from the fresh Western Digital Scorpio Blue hard-drive, which is much faster than older one. Too bad we’d have to be seperated from the ExpressCard that first S10 had to offer, but having a better keyboard might just do the work for us, instead.

Update3: Checkout the video preview from GottaBeMobile after the break.

Update4: Looks like Lenovo’s S10-2 is up for order in black, gray, white or pink flavorts, starting at $439 with an estimated shipping of 16 business days from your order. If you’re interested, just follow the link here.

[Via Eee PC.net]

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