Nokia: the end of history

Yesterday Microsoft, the new owner of the Nokia handset business, wielded the axe of their newly acquired unit cutting around 40% of the staff and all their product lines except for the Lumia smartphones [1] [2] [3].

Although most industry observers suspected that something like this would eventually be on the cards, the speed at which this has taken place is surprising.

But let's just think about what has happened. It doesn't just mean that the  Nokia X range of Android phones will be canned (including the X2 announced a few weeks ago), but there are also reports that this extends to the entire product line including the very popular Asha devices, venerable Series 40 feature phones and even the billion-selling Series 30 dumbphones.

That's everything that Nokia was ever built on. Sure, we won't miss the Nokia X platform, but probably almost everyone who has owned a phone will have owned a Series 30 or Series 40 Nokia at some point.. and will probably remember it fondly.

This joins the graveyard of Nokia operating systems - one of Stephen Elop's first actions as CEO of Nokia was to kill off the Symbian and MeeGo operating systems. Back in the distant past there was also the Series 90 touchscreen OS. Nokia even flirted with Linux-based devices before canning those. The list goes on.

So Nokia is just about Lumia now? Well, yes and no.. because it is reported that Microsoft can only use the NOKIA name until the end of 2015, at which point presumably they will be branded LUMIA instead. So is this the end of Nokia?

It seems that Nokia are barred from producing mobile devices until the end of 2015, and after that they are restricted from making smartphones for several more years.. but we don't know exactly how the agreement defines a smartphone (for example, we count the Asha range as feature phones, not smartphones). So it doesn't look great from that point of view.

However, with the handset business gone Nokia can act much more like a startup and think out-of-the-box. I strongly suspect that Nokia will re-enter the mobile device market in some form as soon as it can, after all there is still a large amount of brand loyalty and Nokia can be the masters of design and usability. So perhaps we haven't seen the last of Nokia.. but it seems that we have seen the last of Nokia's awesome legacy in the mobile phone world.

Press Release: LG begins rollout of new G Pad Series with more colors, G3 features

	LG BEGINS ROLLOUT OF NEW G PAD SERIES WITH MORE COLORS, G3 FEATURES New Lineup Combines the Best of G Pad 8.3 and G3 for Global Audience
SEOUL, June 12, 2014 ― Following the unveiling of three new G Pad tablets in May, LG Electronics (LG) today announced the launch of the new tablets, starting with the G Pad 7.0 rolling out in Europe this week, followed by the G Pad 8.0 and G Pad 10.1 over the next several weeks. The three new G Pad devices offer just the right balance of performance, personality and price to fill the gap between entry and premium tablets. All three tablets will offer a 1.2 GHz Quad-Core processor, 1GB RAM and a True IPS HD display (1280 x 800), housed in a stylish and ergonomic body in five different colors ― Black, White, Red, Luminous Orange and Luminous Blue. With their rounded edges, the tablets are designed to be held comfortably with one hand. LG’s smallest tablet, G Pad 7.0, gives users a truly portable entertainment hub that delivers both mobility and power. LG’s mid-sized tablet, G Pad 8.0, offers an immersive multimedia experience and smooth multitasking capabilities. And the G Pad 10.1 boasts an expansive display powered by an 8,000mAh battery that gives users an immersive experience for hours and hours of entertainment wherever, whenever. “LG understands that people have different needs and we wanted to provide consumers with a range of options in size, looks, and attractive price points that included the best of LG’s core technologies,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With our latest tablets, LG is giving consumers options to find a device that best fits their lifestyle and needs.” LG continues to make connectivity among LG devices more convenient with the introduction of QPair 2.0 which provides seamless convergence between Android-powered tablets and smartphones via a simple Bluetooth connection. Users can receive notifications of calls and messages on a smartphone and respond directly from the G Pad. To encourage the creation of apps that make optimal use of this integration, the QPair 2.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) is now available for download from LG Developer website (http://developer.lge.com). With the SDK, developers can create apps that let users stream online media and change settings on the G Pad remotely from any Android smartphone. LG’s effort to simplify the user experience across its entire mobile device portfolio continues with the new G Pad lineup. The graphical user interface (GUI) of all three tablets was designed to be clean, clutter-free and easy to navigate. LG adopted a minimalistic GUI design with flat graphics and a circular motif inspired by the LG logo, consistent with the look and feel of the recently unveiled LG G3 smartphone. The new LG tablets will also include the acclaimed KnockCodeTM security feature so customers can power on and unlock their G Pad in one step with a pattern of taps. The G Pad will recognize up to four sets of knock patterns so family members can share the same tablet while still being able to keep their data and photos private. Smart Keyboard and Dual Window will be also included in the tablet trio. As a key adaptive technology featured on LG’s latest G3 flagship smartphone, Smart Keyboard reduces input errors by up to 75 percent by tracking and analyzing typing habits and intuitively “knowing” what word the user intended to type. Dual Window can split the screen and run two applications at the same time, making multitasking easier than ever. Price and additional availability details will be announced locally. G Pad 7.0 Key Specifications: Display: 7.0-inch IPS (1280 x 800, WXGA) Chipset: 1.2GHz Quad-Core Memory: 8GB eMMC / 1GB RAM / microSD slot Camera: Rear 3MP / Front 1.3MP Battery: 4000mAh Size: 189.3 x 113.8 x 10.1mm Weight: 293g Connectivity: Wi-Fi Color: Black, White, Luminous Orange, Luminous Blue Other: QPair 2.0, Smart Keyboard, Knock CodeTM G Pad 8.0 Key Specifications: Display: 8.0-inch IPS (1280 x 800, WXGA) Chipset: 1.2GHz Quad-Core Memory: 16GB eMMC / 1GB RAM / microSD slot Camera: Rear 5MP / Front 1.3MP Battery: 4200mAh Size: 210.8 x 124.2 x 9.9mm Weight: 342g Connectivity: Wi-Fi Color: Black, White, Luminous Orange, Luminous Blue Other: QPair 2.0, Smart Keyboard, Knock CodeTM G Pad 10.1 Key Specifications: Display: 10.1-inch IPS (1280 x 800, WXGA) Chipset: 1.2GHz Quad-Core Memory: 16GM eMMC / 1GB RAM / microSD slot Camera: Rear 5MP / Front 1.3MP Battery: 8000mAh Size: 260.9 x 165.9 x 8.9mm Weight: 523g Connectivity: Wi-Fi Color: Black, Red Other: QPair 2.0, Smart Keyboard, Knock CodeTM

Press Release: Samsung Launches Industry's First Tizen Smartphone - the Samsung Z

Samsung Z offers a unique user experience with advanced web performance and usability

Seoul, Korea, June 2, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, today introduced the Samsung Z, the first commercially available smartphone powered by the Tizen platform. The Samsung Z will be on show at the Tizen Developer Conference, San Francisco from June 3rd.

Built on top of unparalleled quality and the cutting-edge technology of Samsung’s latest premium smartphone, the Samsung Z is optimized with a Tizen platform that offers fast and powerful software performance. Complete with a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display and a 2.3 GHz Quad-core processor, the Samsung Z makes the perfect choice for consumers who want a differentiated user experience in an efficient and light-weight smartphone.

"Samsung is committed to enhancing the mobile experience of consumers with innovation that is both personal and unique to their needs," said DJ Lee, President and Head of Global Sales & Marketing Office, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The Samsung Z integrates the power and adaptability of the Tizen platform, enabling users to browse the web faster and utilize applications more effectively.”

Quick and Efficient

The Tizen platform delivers a fast, optimal performance with improved memory management. The Tizen-based Samsung Z offers a faster startup time and immediate multi-tasking capabilities, The Samsung Z fully supports superb 2D and 3D graphic qualities, smoother scrolling and an improved rendering performance for web browsing. Users will also be able to enjoy safe and secure privacy protection using the built-in fingerprint sensor.

An Ultra Power Saving Mode lets the phone stay operational even at minimal battery levels in emergencies.

Tailored For Smarter Living

The Samsung Z features a distinctive home and application layout, for easy access to favorite features and apps. Using Dynamic Box and Color Theme settings, users can tailor their device to what suits them best.

The external design of the Samsung Z also offers a completely new look. The device features a slim, angular design with sophisticated lines, providing a differentiated look and feel while maintaining Samsung’s overall design identity. The Samsung Z will be available in two refined colors: Black and Gold.

The Samsung Z will be available in Q3 in Russia and is planned to expand to other markets. Users will be offered to access additional applications through the Tizen Store at the launch of the Samsung Z. In order to celebrate the launch the world’s first Tizen smartphone and to encourage more developers to join, the Tizen Store will provide a special promotional program to all developers for one year. Furthermore, Samsung plans to host a Tizen local app challenges in Russia and CIS countries to enrich the Tizen eco-system at the launch of the device.

For more information on device, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com.

Samsung Z Product Specifications

Network	LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps)
Display	4.8” HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720)
AP	2.3GHz Quad core application processor
OS	Tizen 2.2.1
Camera	8MP(rear), 2.1MP (front)
Video	Video Codec : H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, MP43, WMV7, WMV8 Video Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV
Audio	Audio Codec : MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/ AAC+/ eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC Audio Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA
Camera Features	Mini mode, Quick Shot, Best Photo, Drama, Panorama, Dual Camera
Value-Added Features	Ultra Power Saving Mode
	Download Booster
	S Health 3.0
	Color theme customization
	Fingerprint sensor
Connectivity	WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n HT40, MIMO(2x2) GPS / GLONAS Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE USB: USB 2.0, NFC, IR Remote
Sensor	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Hall, RGB ambient light, Fingerptint Scanner, Heart rate sensor
Memory	RAM: 2GB Internal Memory: 16GB, microSD slot up to 64GB
Dimension	138.2 x 69.8 x 8.5mm, 136g
Battery	2600mAh

＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

About Tizen Developer Conference 2014

The Tizen Developer Conference is an annual event hosted and produced by the Tizen Technical Steering Group. The conference brings together thousands of developers from around the world to learn about the latest commercial devices, device profiles, platform updates and ecosystem milestones. The 2014 event will take place at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square from June 2-4. Interested developers, media and other Tizen stakeholders can register here. www.tizen.org.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US $ 216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Press Release: LG expands tablet options with new G Pad Series models

LG EXPANDS TABLET OPTIONS WITH NEW G PAD SERIES MODELS Three New Tablets Satisfy Consumer Demand for More Choices to Fit Their Lifestyles
SEOUL, May 12, 2014 ― LG Electronics (LG) is adding three new tablets to its G Pad series to offer more options for tablet users. The new G Pad devices ― G Pad 7.0, G Pad 8.0 and G Pad 10.1 ― will be unveiled at the MedPI 2014, one of the biggest IT/Tech trade show in Europe, taking place in Monaco from May 13-16. LG’s extended tablet portfolio, which also includes the well-received G Pad 8.3, will significantly expand LG’s footprint in the tablet market. “Customers tell us that they want a wider range of devices that offer sizable screens without compromising portability,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Unlike smartphones, tablets are not one size fits all. So we designed the G Pad Series for a diverse target audience, some who prioritize portability while others want the best multimedia experience possible. G Pad delivers on all counts.” Highlights of LG’s new G Pad Series tablets are: ●     G Pad 7.0: Designed to be held in one hand, LG’s smallest tablet is an on-the-go entertainment hub that delivers both portability and power. ●     G Pad 8.0:  With its 8-inch display, LG’s mid-sized tablet offers an immersive multimedia experience and smooth multitasking. ●     G Pad 10.1: With the largest display and battery, LG’s 10.1-inch tablet provides endless hours of entertainment and fun. The latest G Pad tablets will also include LG’s proprietary UX features such as QPair 2.0 and Knock CodeTM. With an updated version of QPair, which was first introduced on G Pad 8.3, users can effortlessly connect to their Android-powered smartphones via Bluetooth to receive notifications of calls and messages and now be able to respond directly from the G Pad. What’s more, Knock Code™ enables users to power on and unlock their LG smartphones in one easy step by entering a personalized “knock” pattern on the smartphone’s display. Knock Code™ offers convenience and greater security as the knock pattern can be entered anywhere on the screen in any size ― with the display on or off ― using a personalized sequence of two to eight taps for more than 80,000 possible combinations. Additional details of LG’s new G Pad tablets including specifications and availability will be announced locally in the weeks ahead. # # # About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is an innovator and trend leader in the global mobile communications industry. LG is driving the evolution of mobile forward with its highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery and camera optics and strategic partnerships with noted industry leaders. LG’s consumer-centric products ― including the flagship premium G Series models ― incorporate unique, ergonomic designs and intuitive UX features that enhance the user experience. The company remains committed to leading consumers into the era of convergence, maximizing inter-device connectivity between smartphones, tablets and a wide range of home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com

Press Release: Samsung Unveils New Galaxy Tab4 Series

Samsung Unveils New Galaxy Tab4 Series

April  1, 2014



Next-generation Galaxy tablet series delivers exceptional multimedia experience for the whole family in a sleek, lightweight design

 

Inspiring Mobile Freedom in Your Life

  • Perfect for all ages, Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy Tab4 line offers an exceptional multimedia experience in
    a more premium and portable design, making it ideal for viewing or sharing content with friends and family.

 

 

Rich Multimedia Experience

  • Available in 10.1-inch, 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch screen sizes, the Galaxy Tab4’s vivid WXGA display with a 16:10 screen
    ratio provides users with a brilliant viewing experience while watching videos, playing games, or reading digital contents.

  • With Multi Window functionality, users are able to seamlessly switch between apps and windows, as well as drag and
    drop contents with ease.  

Fun & Shareable Services*

  • The new Galaxy Tab4 line is perfect for the whole family as it comes equipped with a number of fun and shareable
    services allowing users to access content and stay connected with friends wherever they are, including:        o Group Play: Share and play music, documents and games with friends in realtime
        o Samsung Link: Share and play content across smart devices anytime, anywhere
        o WatchON: Watch TV shows and movies on any device, anywhere in your home or on the go.  

* Availability of features and functions listed above may be differed by device type or regions.
  Not all services will be provided. Please check product specification sheet for each product for details.

Sleek & Portable Designs

  • The Galaxy Tab4 line all feature a textured, premium look and feel back cover.
  • With a slim design and weights, the Galaxy Tab4 10.1-inch, 8-inch and 7-inch models provide maximum portability
    while still allowing users to enjoy beautiful screens. 

 

The new Samsung Galaxy Tab4 line will be offered in a choice of Black or White globally beginning in 2Q, 2014.  

 

Galaxy Tab4 10.1 Product Specifications

Category	Specifications
Network	Wi-Fi / 3G(HSPA+ 21/5.76) 3G : 850/900/1900/2100 2G : 850/900/1800/1900 Wi-Fi / 3G(HSPA+ 42/5.76) / LTE(Cat4 150/50) 4G : 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 3G : 850/900/1900/2100 2G : 850/900/1800/1900
Processor	1.2 GHz Quad Core
Display	10.1-inch WXGA (1280 X 800),
OS	Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Camera	3MP FF + 1.3 MP
Video	MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, WMV7/8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8 Recording/Playback: 720p/1080p at 30 FPS
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, FLAC, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, Vorbis(OGG)
Services & Additional Features	ChatON, Voice Call, MultiWindow, HW Key, Samsung Kies, Samsung Apps, Group Play (D/L), Samsung Link (D/L)
Google Mobile Services	Hangout, Google+, Gmail, Chrome, Google Play, Google Maps, Play Music, Play Movies&TV, Play Books, Play Newsstand, Play Games, Drive, YouTube, Photos
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n , WiFi Direct, BT4.0, USB2.0
GPS	GPS, GLONASS
Memory	1.5GB + 16GB Micro SD (up to 64GB)
Dimension	243.4 x 176.4 x 7.95mm, 487g
Battery	6,800mAh

 

Galaxy Tab4 8.0 Product Specifications

 

Category	Specifications
Network	WiFi / 3G (HSPA+ 21/5.76) / LTE (Cat.4, HSPA+ 42/5.76) LTE : 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600(Cat. 4) 3G : 850/900/1900/2100 (HSPA+) 2G : 850/900/1800/1900
Processor	1.2 GHz Quad Core
Display	8.0-inch WXGA (1280 X 800)
OS	Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Camera	3MP FF + 1.3 MP
Video	MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, WMV7/8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8 Recording/Playback: 720p/1080p at 30 FPS
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, FLAC, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, Vorbis(OGG)
Services & Additional Features	ChatON, Voice Call, MultiWindow, HW Key, Samsung Kies, Samsung Apps, Group Play (D/L),Samsung Link (D/L)
Google Mobile Services	Hangout, Google+, Gmail, Chrome, Google Play, Google Maps, Play Music, Play Movies&TV, Play Books, Play Newsstand, Play Games, Drive, YouTube, Photos
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n , WiFi Direct, BT4.0, USB2.0
GPS	GPS, GLONASS
Memory	1.5GB + 16GB (WiFi/3G/LTE) Micro SD (up to 64GB)
Dimension	124.0 x 210.0 x 7.95mm, 320g
Battery	4,450mAh

 

Galaxy Tab4 7.0 Product Specifications

Category	Specifications
Network	WiFi, 3G Wi-Fi / 3G(HSPA+ 21/5.76) 3G : 850/900/1900/2100 2G : 850/900/1800/1900 LTE Wi-Fi / 3G(HSPA+ 42/5.76) / LTE(Cat4 150/50) 4G : 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 3G : 850/900/1900/2100 2G : 850/900/1800/1900
Processor	1.2 GHz Quad Core
Display	7.0-inch WXGA (1280 X 800)
OS	Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Camera	3MP FF + 1.3 MP
Video	H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8 Recording: 720p at 30fps Playback: 1080p at 30fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, FLAC, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, Vorbis(OGG)
Services & Additional Features	ChatON(D/L), Voice Call(3G/LTE), MultiWindow, HW Key, Samsung Kies, Samsung Apps, Samsung Link (D/L)
Google Mobile Services	Hangout, Google+, Gmail, Chrome, Google Play, Google Maps, Play Music, Play Movies&TV, Play Books, Play Newsstand, Play Games, Drive, YouTube, Photos
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n , WiFi Direct, BT4.0, USB2.0
GPS	GPS, GLONASS
Memory	1.5GB + 8/16GB micro SD (up to 32GB) - 3G / WiFi micro SD (up to 64GB) - LTE
Dimension	107.9 x 186.9 x 9 mm, 276g
Battery	Battery

* The availability of each service may differ by country.
* All functionality, features, specifications, and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. 


About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Press Release: World's largest tablet: Ocado Technology launches 42" sLablet

World's largest tablet: Ocado Technology launches 42" sLablet

·         42” inch sLablet aims to “escape the conformity” of traditional 7” tablets

·         Weighing in at 35,000 grammes, the sLablet boasts a 1 hour battery life

·         Launch video details the product: http://bit.ly/1loLK0j

Embargoed for 00:01, 01 April 2014: Ocado Technology today launches the world’s largest tablet, the category defining 42” sLablet. With its desktop-class architecture, the sLablet leads the large tablet market, which includes Samsung's recently released 12.2" Galaxy Note Pro and Apple's rumoured 12.9" iPad Pro, due later this year.

Neil Simmons, Vice President of Ocado Technology's Quadro-Fabricated Division said:  “The market for tablets of this size is literally massive. Precision-engineered and weighing in at a svelte 35,000 grammes, the sLablet has been designed with every consumer in mind, from David Haye to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.”

The sLablet’s ultrafast 300 mbps Wi-Fi capability and powerful 4k resolution of 3840 X 2160 makes web pages, text, images and video look incredibly sharp and realistic, making content even more immersive.  Moreover, its next generation 12 MP HD camera features image stabilisation so muscle spasms induced by holding the sLablet don’t ruin users’ selfies.

Priced at £597, the sLablet provides up to 1hr battery life (following a 19hr charge) and is only 20cm deep, ensuring complete unportability. It is also equipped with two unique self-adjusting strap mount systems, enabling the user to attach the sLablet to their back like a backpack or around their neck. 

Neil Simmons continued: “We thought, why be shackled by the constraints of a 7" tablet? We wanted to escape the claustrophobic conformity that these devices were inexplicably enforcing on consumers.

“In order for us to stay at the forefront of the latest consumer trends, we needed to look backwards to what we've done, then to look sideways to what was going on around us. Finally we then looked forwards to what we haven't done. We therefore decided to create the world’s biggest tablet to allow consumers to easily browse the world’s largest grocery range of over 34,000 product lines.

“The sLablet is 500% larger than a traditional 7” tablet and therefore, 100% better than rival supermarket tablets.”

Ryan Lipowitz, Head of Technological Innovational-Innovations at Ocado Technology added: “We found that 80% of the time, 40% of people needed a device that had 120% the power of desktop, 12% of the time. Once you hold one in your arms you will understand what an incredible advancement this is, delivering all-lunch battery life in the biggest full-sized tablet in the world.”