Motorola Xyboard WiFi receiving Ice Cream Sandwich in the US

The Motorola Xyboard might be oft forgotten by some, but Motorola isn’t letting their latest tablet go the way of the dinosaur any time soon. As of today, the update to Android 4.0.4 is available for both the 10.1-inch and 8.2-inch WiFi models. The new software should reach users as an over-the-air update, and features a host of changes stemming from the upgrade to the new, but not newest, version of Android. Highlights include Face Unlock, a better browsing experience, multi-tasking and an improved launcher, as well as general stability improvements. For the complete list and more info, head over to the Moto link below.

[Motorola via DroidDog]

Samsung GT-P8110 Tab– Possible with 11.8-Inch 2560×1600 Resolution Display?

While tablet lovers are anxiously awaiting the arrival and of the Galaxy Note 10.1 launching sometime this month, another mysterious Samsung tab has just made an appearance at the FCC. Filed on Tuesday, the FCC doc doesn’t reveal too much (they rarely do) other than 16GB of internal storage, typical WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and NFC. What’s most interesting is the design of the tab. A clear departure from what we’ve seen on current Samsung tabs like the Note 10.1 or Tab 2 10.1, this one looks like a new line altogether. Rounded corners, camera shape and placement — looks almost like a big square Galaxy S3, doesn’t it?

You may remember an exposed internal document during Samsung n’ Apple’s patent spat revealing a tablet going by the codename P10. That tablet is said to feature a 11.8-inch super high — don’t-you-dare-call-it-Retina — 2560×1600 resolution display. P8110, P10… close enough. Of course this is pure speculation, so don’t hold us to it. We’ll let you guys know when we hear more.

[FCC | Liliputing]

Samsung posts official kernel source for Galaxy Note 10.1

Shortly after announcing the coming availability of their latest tablet, Samsung has posted the kernel source code for the Galaxy Note 10.1. Two different versions of the source are available via Samsung’s Open Source Release Center, each for a different carrier-branded version of the tab. The code covers the SHW-M480K and SHW-M80S, which appear headed to Korea Telecom and Southern Korean Telecom respectively. Availability of a kernel for the WiFi-only version of the slate is not available at this time.

Those interested in taking a look at the code can do so by following the link below. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is scheduled for release globally later this month.

[Samsung via AndroidPolice]

Motorola Corvair comes back to the rumor mill after almost 9 months of absence

The Motorola Corvair made a quick appearance around the inter webs last November. The easily-forgettable tablet has been hiding under the blankets ever since, making us think that the project could have been canceled. The 6-inch device has made an epic come-back almost 9 months since its first leak. This time courtesy of a Verizon FIOS survey, which states that this device “may be available in the future.”

The Motorola Corvair would run Android 2.3 and work as a controller for Verizon’s FIOS TV offerings. Users would also be able to stream some TV channels, and past rumors indicate that the tablet would be able to control certain Home Automation services.

Not much else is known, and the survey is not revealing any other details about the product’s features. But at least we know the project hasn’t been relinquished. A tablet that works well with a TV provider’s system would be ideal. At this point, it is much more enticing to go with Google Fiber and its Nexus 7 offer, but we must consider Verizon’s coverage is very well extended. Google is only offering its internet and TV services in one city.

Maybe we will see the Corvair again soon… or maybe never. Only time will tell.

[Source: Engadget]

Ematic hopes you will spend your $79 on their Ice Cream Sandwich tablet, the eGlide

A cheap tablet you say? Yeah. Here's is another. Ematic has just announced their release of the eGlide, their all new 7 inch Ice Cream Sandwich tablet that is destined for Walmart. Powering this tablet is a 1Ghz processor with 512MB of RAM, which isn't terrible, but also far from the best we have seen. Internally you will have access to 4GB of storage for your favorite applications, games and more, and they are also offering 5GB free in the cloud for other stuff to be stored as well. That not enough for you? Well, the device is additionally equipped with a micro-SD card slot, so expand up to 32GB if that is what your heart desires.  The eGlide comes pre-loaded with a voice recorder, Office Suite application for your document needs, and Kobo ebook reader as well. 

Coming in at the $79 price point, it does seem like you get a decent amount for your money here, and if you are in the market for a cheap Android tablet, maybe for the kids or just to travel with, this may be an excellent choice for you.

Buy: Walmart

Huawei to challenge 7-inch tablet market with MediaPad 7 Lite

Huawei, known for producing budget friendly mobile devices, does not want to be beat at their own game by the likes of the Amazon Kindle Fire and Nexus 7. Hence, the Huawei MediaPad 7 Lite. While details are thin, the slate is being touted for it’s 7-inch unibody design, full view angle IPS screen, 1080p video playback (presumably via a video output on the tablet), and 3G/WiFi support. That’s about all the Chinese mobile maker has to share at this point. To be clear, there is no confirmation that the MediaPad 7 Lite will retail for the same $199 price point of the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire, but if we know Huawei the number won’t be too far off. We’ll just have to wait for release details to confirm.

[via Huawei]

Google posts first Nexus 7 ad to YouTube

What do camping, dinosaurs, and The Little Prince have in common? No, it’s not a new family-friendly Steven Spielberg flick, it’s Google’s first ad for the Nexus 7. The spot, which features a father and son enjoying the great outdoors and bonding over the Google’s 7-inch Jelly Bean tablet, appeared on YouTube over the weekend and touts “the playground is open” after a twist that I won’t spoil here. You will have to check out the full ad above for that. So is this one a hit or a miss? Sound off below.

[via Reddit]

Analyst cuts projected Kindle Fire sales numbers in light of Nexus 7

The early popularity of the Nexus 7 is great news for Google, but not so much for their competitors. Amazon, who is said to be gearing up for a late summer launch of an updated version of their Android-based Kindle Fire, has the most to lose in the 7-inch tablet market. The retailer surely won’t like news that Cowen analyst Kevin Kopelman is reducing his sales forecast for the Kindle Fire in 2012.

Kopelman now says the Kindle Fire, which competes directly at the Nexus 7′s $199 price point, will sell in the range of 12 million units, a reduction of 2 million from his initial forecast of 14 million. The lower sales numbers equate to a 2 percent reduction in projected revenue in 2012 and a 3 percent reduction in 2013.

We’ve yet to see any hard data comparing first month sales figures of the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire, but it is known that sales of Amazon’s tablet have dropped off since an initial holiday boom. Rumored specs for a Kindle Fire 2 put it closer to the Nexus 7 in terms of hardware, but it remains to be seen if the new model will spark sales.

[CNET via DroidDog]

ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity starts to hit US retailers a few days early

ASUS has been making rounds across the US, nearly selling out all its Nexus 7 devices on day 1. Those that want a top-of-the-line device have been waiting around for a certain other tablet, though – the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity. If you consider yourself one of these patient tablet fans, you are probably biting your nails by now. The tablet is set for release come July 16th (this Monday). But what is even more exciting is to see the tablet showing up in third-party retailer sites.

Office depot happens to be the among the first, offering the tablet for $499.99 and now displaying it in stock. We are sure this bad boy will not sell out as quick as the popular Nexus 7, but it will definitely have some good demand. Office Depot is limiting customers to two devices per customer. Something that probably won’t be an issue for most of us, but some of you might want to get one for each family member.

If you need a refresher, the tablet comes with a Quad-core Tegra 3 processor, 1 GB of RAM and Android 4.0. You may not get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean out of the box, but ASUS is known to be very efficient in keeping its devices up-to-date. We expect Jelly Bean to hit the TF700T rather soon. But if you need a little extra incentive in the meantime, do remember this bad boy sports a stunning 10.1-inch 1920x1200p IPS+ display (which happens to be the tablet’s main highlight).

If you are in a rush to get your Transformer Pad Infinity secured, you might as well go with Office Depot now. Or you could take a bit of a risk and see if it is in stock at your local stores this Monday. What do you say?

Samsung to announce Galaxy Note 2 during IFA Unpacked event?

The next big tech industry trade show on our docket is IFA, which takes place in Berlin during the first week of September. While typically not the host to as many big mobile announcements as the likes of CES and Mobile World Congress, the presence of such devices at the convention has been growing. Now comes word that Samsung Mobile will host an Unpacked event on August 30th just prior to the IFA’s kickoff. With the Galaxy S III in the rearview mirror, little is left on our radar for the Korean manufacturer to unveil. Could we see the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2?

The sequel to last year’s so-called phablet seems like the only logical option, and rumors about the device are starting to ramp up in recent weeks. The Note has fallen in place as a secondary flagship device in Samsung’s line that offers a different sort of functionality than the company’s other premier device, the Galaxy S III. Samsung has introduced tablets at IFA in the past, and a hybrid phone/tablet would certainly feel at home. Of course, we could instead be introduced to a new line of Galaxy Tabs, or perhaps both. Only time will tell, at this point.

[via SammyHub]

Samsung Galaxy Tab not cool enough to be confused with iPad, says UK judge

Samsung will be happy with the latest ruling in what seems to be an almost endless queue of legal battles with Apple over patent infringement. In this case, however, the company might not be so proud of the reasoning behind it. In the UK, Judge Colin Birss found Samsung not guilty of infringing upon Apple’s intellectual property when it comes to tablet design, reasoning that the Galaxy Tab was “not as cool” as Apple’s iPad. He also found that Samsung’s offering lacked the “understated and extreme simplicity” of the Cupertino-designed slate.

Still, being labeled as “not cool” is a lot better for Samsung and their Galaxy Tab than it would be to have the device pulled from shelves, as is the case in the US. Apple may still appeal the the latest decision, a move that would ironically find the company attempting to prove that Samsung’s tablet is indeed every bit as cool as the iPad in order to have sales of the Galaxy Tab banned in the UK.

[via Engadget]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus receives Ice Cream Sandwich in Austria

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, like many of Samsung’s earlier tablets, launched with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, and as you’d imagine many of these tablets are also compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich.

The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is the latest to receive Android 4.0. Samsung committed to bringing Ice Cream Sandwich to most of the devices in the Tab line (with a couple of obvious exceptions such as the original Galaxy Tab).

For now it’s only confirmed to be headed to those with the device in Austria, though we can’t imagine it’ll take long to come to more European countries.

The upgrade is available through either KIES or via an over-the-air process. Be sure to check that out if you’re interested and let us know how everything goes. [via SamMobile]

Kindle Fire sequel will match Nexus 7 screen resolution

We’ve heard plenty of rumors stating that Amazon will release a followup to last year’s Kindle Fire sometime this summer, but the speculation has come with few details of how the online retailer will improve on the previous model. It has long been assumed that the device would receive an upgraded display with a higher screen resolution, and now a source “familiar with Amazon’s plans” is confirming as much. The so-called Amazon Kindle Fire 2 is said to feature a 7-inch display with a 1280 x 800 resolution, the same as that of Google’s upcoming Nexus 7.

Aside from the higher resolution, a new aspect ratio is mentioned. The tablet is also said to be both lighter and thinner than its predecessor. The source also mentions a Q3 launch, which covers any of a number of rumored launch dates. Early rumors claimed Amazon would launch the device on July 31st, while newer reports say an August date is more likely. We could get both, with Amazon unveiling the device in July and shipping to customers the following month.

[via AllThingsD]

Nexus 7 tablet now shipping in 1-2 weeks

Good news for everyone who’s preordered the Nexus 7 tablet has just hit the Google Play Store. The ship date has changed from 3-4 weeks to 1-2 weeks, a good sign that Google will indeed be making that mid-July launch window it promised for the 7 inch tablet back at Google I/O. The Nexus 7 is a quad-core Tegra 3 device that looks to instill the idea of pure Android in the tablet realm.

The device was introduced at very attractive rates. $200 would get you the 8GB version while $250 would get you the 16GB version. The tablet has been under a bit of fire lately due to its lack of a microSD card slot. Despite the small (but understandably upsetting) exclusion, the device is the best you’ll get at this price range. Google is still accepting pre-sales for the device so get over to the Google Play Store if you’re interested.

ASUS teases multicolored Nexus 7 covers

Clad in blacks and grays, the Nexus 7 itself may be an unassuming beast, but it seems manufacturer ASUSis looking to spice things up a bit with its range of covers. The Nexus 7 maker teased a first look at its official accessories for the soon-to-be-released tablet on Twitter, showing some more colorful versions of the grey case that's listed -- though not yet available -- on Google Play. There's no info on pricing or availability just yet, but we're sure Nexus 7 early adopters will be looking to protect their investment with something like this following the tablet's release.

Source: @ASUS

Google’s Nexus 7 Tablet Could Begin Shipping As Early As Next Week

Google was mum on an actual release date when they unveiled the Nexus 7, their flagship 7-inch tablet last week at Google I/O. We’ve all been left guessing when the tab would actually arrive (and if it would arrive before impending legal action), but some clues from around the net are hinting that it could be arriving as soon as next week. This coming from an email a customer received direct from Google saying they would be unable to cancel the order, as the ordered has already been processed, and shipment/delivery preparations have already gone into effect.

What’s more, the listing for the Nexus 7 on Staples’ site notifies customers and would-be buyers that, although there is a limited quantity of the tablets available (we expect these to sell out fast), the Nexus tablet is expected to ship between July 12th and July 17th (no earlier than July 13th). Shouldn’t be too much longer. Anyone pre-order one? Two?

[Android Forums | Staples | XDA]

More Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Rumors to be unveiled in August At IFA 2012?

Before I head off to bed in my parent’s basement, I thought I’d pass along one more round of juicy Android gossip, this time centered around the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 2. According to MK News and their source “familiar with the matter,” the Note 2 is right on schedule for launch in October but will be unveiled in late August, at this year’s IFA in Berlin.

Contrary to previous reports, the device will forgo Samsung’s unbreakable pan (UBP) display technology, with that feature coming equipped on later devices in Samsung’s lineup. As for that rumored 5.5-inch display? It’s looking like that will be making the cut, with Samsung still debating whether or not to bump up the camera’s megapixels to 12 or 13. You can also expect a quad-core processor running with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Sounds like an Android fanboy’s liquid dreams, right? Sleep tight.

BriefMobile |MK News

Archos 97 tablet runs Ice Cream Sandwich for $250

Archos has unveiled the first option in their new line of ELEMENT tablets. It’s an Archos 97, and as the name suggests it sports a 9.7 inch display.

That’s not even the most interesting thing, though: you can get yourself a legit 10 inch Ice Cream Sandwich tablet for just $250.

Don’t get too happy just yet, however, as Archos tends to cut corners when it comes to their Android products. Their press release only mentions the device has a 1GHz processor.

We’re not even sure if the processor is dual-core, and it would be a shame if it weren’t. 1GB of RAM is a little bit comforting, but it still doesn’t mean much if the processor is crap.

Other goods are a front and back camera (no mention of their quality so we’ll assume it isn’t great), and 16GB of storage with expansion options.

We’ll need to await more details to figure out what exactly we’re getting here, but there it is. Read on for full press details.

ARCHOS Releases New ELEMENTS Line; Introduces First in the Series, the 97 Carbon – Page 2

The ARCHOS 97 carbon, is the first of the new ARCHOS Elements series to be released, offering the latest mobile technology with a new slim and light design

ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is pleased to introduce the ARCHOS 97 carbon, the first of its new tablet range called "ELEMENTS", an entry-level line up of 7, 8, and 9.7-inch tablets that combine ARCHOS design and engineering with full access to Google Play^TM and a full suite of Google apps at an affordable price.

Equipped with the latest mobile technology and an elegant aluminum finish, the ARCHOS 97 carbon is only 21.8 ounces and 0.45" thick. Its sharp and clear IPS multi-touch screen delivers amazing vivid colors and impressive wide viewing angles. For the smoothest interface experience, ARCHOS has powered this tablet with a fast 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM while running Android^TM4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich."

Combining very high performance hardware, intuitive software and affordability, this Google Play^TM-supported device will be available starting in July 2012 for $249.99 SRP.

"We wanted to introduce a new series that not only combines affordability with a new slim design, but features the best that Google has to offer," says Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO. "With the ELEMENTS series we have done just that. It’s the perfect balance of hardware, software optimization and content through the Google Play^TM ecosystem."

Key Features:

• 9.7" 5x Multi-Touch Screen with IPS technology
• Optimized for Google Play^TM: Over 600,000 apps and games, the world’s largest collection of eBooks, millions of songs, thousands of movies, and a growing selection of TV shows and magazines
• A complete media device, the ARCHOS 97 carbon can decode full 1080p HD video and can send a 1080p HD video to an HDTV via the HDMI-out port
• Stylish design with premium aluminum finish and a 0.45" thickness
• Front and back camera
• Includes 16GB* of internal flash memory, expandable both via the microSD slot (supporting SDHC cards up to 32GB) or via a USB flash drive in its full-sized USB host port
• Includes access to Android apps from Google, including Gmail™, Google Talk™, Google+™, Google Maps^TM, YouTube^TM and 5GB of free cloud storage with Google Drive^TM
• Pre-loaded with Office Suite Viewer for reading office documents, a demo of World of Goo--the critically acclaimed puzzle game, as well as News Republic and Brief Me to manage your world news and customized social media feeds

For more information about the ARCHOS Elements line, visit www.ARCHOS.com.

About ARCHOS

ARCHOS, pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in Android tablets, has repeatedly revolutionized the market for consumer electronics since 1988. Today, ARCHOS offers Android Tablets, Tablet PCs and MP3/MP4 players. In 2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk. Then in 2003 ARCHOS introduced the first portable multimedia players with TV recording. In 2006 Wi-Fi is implemented and then touch screens in 2007. In 2008, ARCHOS launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first-ever Android powered tablets in 2009. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on Compartment B of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN Code FR0000182479. Website: www.archos.com.

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARCHOS.EntertainmentYourWay

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ARCHOS_US

Google, Android, Google Play, Gmail, Google Talk, Google+, Google Maps, and Google Drive are trademarks of Google Inc.

Nexus 7 factory image released

ROM developers, rejoice. The factory image for Google’s Nexus 7 has been released. Of course, you still have to wait until “mid-July” for the source code of Jelly Bean to be open sourced, but I’m pretty certain a few of you would be aching to take a look up this tablet’s skirt.

BTW, if anyone’s interested, the device’s code name is Nakasi, which is a Taiwanese music form. Fitting, I guess, since the aim of the Nexus 7 is clearly to give Google Play a big kick.

You can get the file over here.

[via Droid Dog]

Ematic announce the eGlide Pro X tablet and it is cheap!

Ematic have today announced their latest budget tablet, the eGlide Pro X. Running Android 4.0, the 4:3 9.7 inch tablet is retailing for a remarkably low price of only $219.99.

With the budget tablet market geared up for what Google has to offer this week the eGlide Pro X could well be a contender as its specs are not to be sniffed at.

Packing a 1.2GHz processor, 400MHz GPU and 1GB RAM, Ice Cream Sandwich should flow nicely on the new tablet.

Combined with 8GB of internal storage, 5GB of available cloud storage and MicroSD support up to 32GB of storage the eGlide Pro X sounds pretty interesting.