Before we start, it must be said that the current build of the Toshiba Folio 100′s firmware is far from complete. Indeed, the slightest deviation from the basic apps and functions causes the pre-production model to fall over faster than an amateur hurdler. Therefore, it should be remembered that this First Look is just that, and that there are caveats that we fully expect to be ironed out before release.

Certain elements of the tablet can be taken as final though, such as its physical build, capacitive screen and overall ambition. The form factor is not going to change. Nor is its overall spec. Any alterations from now will be software based, both at OS and app level.

That’s not to say that there wasn’t enough to see; far from it. The 1024 x 600 TFT-LCD screen, for example, is as bright and detailed as it’s going to get. While doesn’t quite have the resolution of the iPad (1024 x 768), it is 16:9, so the Folio already stands out as the more movie-centric media device on the block. Obviously, its aspect ratio is matched by the Samsung Galaxy Tab, but it’s all about the real estate if you want to get a home cinema experience away from home.

The Tegra 2 processor is a constant too, and whips applications along like a Roman guard. One area where tablets outdo their netbook equivalents is in start-up time, and the Folio 100 is instantly on, instantly off. You also need that punch to play Full HD video files, both on device and through HDMI to a receptive TV. Thankfully, this tablet does both.

One surprise on board is its USB 2.0 port. Neither Samsung nor Apple allows USB devices to hook-up to their respective slates, and certainly not to transfer files to and fro, so it’s welcome to see such connectivity offered by Tosh. A memory stick won’t increase the storage though – that’s through SD card only – but it will make hooking up cameras and other devices easier.

The Folio 100 is also DLNA compatible, allowing you to stream its video content to a compliant TV or set-top-box, or, alternatively, you can stream content stored on a PC or NAS box straight to the tablet. That way, you can watch video, listen to music files or look at photos indoors without having to store it on the internal memory. Nor do you have to use external software to convert file types on the fly, as there’s healthy file support.

If there’s anything negative to say at this juncture, of something that isn’t likely to change before release, it’s that the Folio 100 looks as if it’s been designed by a PC company, rather than a lifestyle one. The build is more per functionary than pretty. It’s not ugly per se, but the thick outer bezel and plain exterior more suits the editor of Computer Shopper than Vogue. And the overall size of 281 x 181 x 14mm comes in at a weight 760g; not exactly handbag material.

This current generation is also restricted to Wi-Fi use (802.11n), while a further model with 3G connectivity is planned for around Easter 2011, but at least that means that it is capable of fast access and quick streaming of HD content.

Battery life is a respectable 7 hours for general, multimedia use, and although there’s no rear-mounted camera, there is a 1.3-megapixel webcam for videochat. Something tells us, though, that this will seldom be used; the Toshiba Folio 100 is more suited to media viewing than creating.

Verdict:

What will determine the Folio 100′s success or failure is its ability to impact on the sales and hype of both the iPad, obviously, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. However, it does have one distinct advantage, the price.

At ?329 for the 16GB (upgradeable) Wi-Fi only version, it’s a good ?100 cheaper than the iPad, and offers more features and a 16:9 screen. In addition, as it runs on Android 2.2 (Froyo), there’s already a world of apps and software available. The compatibility with Flash 10.1 and HTML5 for web browsing is also advantageous.

Our only worry is that it isn’t the sexiest kid on the block. It’s turned up to a rave in a three-piece suit, so it’ll be interesting to see if any but the geekiest of geeks can see past the stern exterior. Maybe that’s just what Tosh is after; leave the fly-by-nights and fashionistas to their toys, and focus on the hardcore technophiles. Time shall tell.

As will we, when we see the final review model in October.

Tags:
Tablets Toshiba Toshiba Folio 100 IFA2010 First look Android

Toshiba Folio 100 – First Look originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:02:47 +0100

View full post on Pocket-lint

Qualcomm’s CEO has confirmed that it is working on a 1.5Ghz processor for the tablets and phones of tomorrow.

“We have a 1.5Ghz processor coming,” Paul Jacobs confirmed at the company’s Innovation Qualcomm (IQ) event in London.

The news means that smartphone users can expect especially fast devices in 2011 and beyond.

Jacobs didn’t however say when the chip and therefore the first range of devices will be coming.

Could we see something announced at Mobile World Congress 2011? Will Peter Chou, HTC’s CEO use his keynote at MWC to launch a new HTC handset packing a 1.5GHz processor?

We will keep you posted.

The comments come as Qualcomm confirmed that it has over 1 billion 3G subscribers already. It for you thought that was a big number, Jacobs also confirmed that the company is adding over 23 million subscribers to 3G in a range of different devices a month.

That number means that the company expects there to be a whopping 2.8 billion subscribers by 2014.

?

?

?

?

Tags:
Phones Tablets Qualcomm Snapdragon MWC2011

Qualcomm confirms 1.5Ghz processor coming originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:38:00 +0100

View full post on Pocket-lint

Mozilla has announced the latest Beta for Firefox 4, bringing with it visual sound options and faster graphics processing.

The visual sound element involves a new API, using HTML5, which can expose the raw data that is held within the and tags “to redefine how people experience sound on the Web”.

Mozilla’s Mike Beltzner said, via the Mozilla blog:

“With this new API, developers can read and write raw audio data within the browser, presenting audio information in completely new ways that could allow, for example, for people to visually experience a speech or a song through Firefox.”

As well as the audio elements the latest Beta also adds hardware acceleration of graphics, meaning smoother playback of videos and images whilst you’re surfing.

Beltzner explains:

“Firefox 4 Beta now takes advantage of the built-in graphics hardware in Windows computers with DirectX 10 to improve graphics performance. On supported hardware, Firefox will use Direct2D by default to speed up the display of content on graphically intensive websites, giving more power to the Web.”

Finally, Beta 5 brings the implementation of the HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS), which is a security protocol that increases the chances for a secure connections.

Sure, it’s not as exciting as the audio and graphic improvements, but security on the web is a big deal – there are lots of cyber-nasties out there that are after your monies, after all.

Firefox 4 is expected to launch in November, but if you can’t wait that long then check out the Beta version yourself, via a free download from Mozilla.com.

Tags:
Firefox Firefox 4 Mozilla

Firefox 4 Beta 5 adds audio visualisations originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:19:02 +0100

View full post on Pocket-lint

Nokia has confirmed the launch details of the much anticipated N8 – and the dates correspond with the leaked dates that we heard about last week.

Nokia will be selling the device directly for a week, at the end of September, before it becomes available via third parties and networks on 1 October.

On that date it goes on sale via the Carphone Warehouse, O2, Orange, Phones4u, T-Mobile, Tesco Phone Shops, Three Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone.

The N8 will be on-sale at the Nokia Online Shop for ?429 SIM free or on contract from ?35 per month.

The Nokia N8 has a 3.5-inch, 640 x 360, capacitive touchscreen, is capable of 3G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, has 16GB on board storage which is expandable by microSD and also has a Micro-USB socket

It boasts a whopping 12 megapixels, with Carl Zeiss lens, auto-focus and Xenon flash. It’s also capable of shooting 25fps 720p video, encoded to H.264.

It also features Dolby Digital Plus sound and there’s a built-in editing suite for all your home movie action.

Mark Loughran, GM of Nokia UK, said: “The Nokia N8 is a great multitasker, packed with market leading innovations, which include the best picture and video capability available on a smartphone.??

“The Nokia N8 is perfect for creating and sharing great content in high-definition, using HDMI out to connect to your TV as well as hot-USB swap. We’re making it fun and easy to capture and share memorable moments on the go.”

Nokia is definitely pushing the N8 as a strong multimedia phone, but will it live up to its reputation? Our first impressions of the phone weren’t that great, although that was based on a development model.

Pocket-lint’s true opinion will be expressed in our comprehensive review, which you can expect to see in the coming weeks.

Related links:

• News – Nokia N8 and E7 hope to turn tide for Finnish company
• First look – Nokia N8

Tags:
Phones Nokia Nokia N8

Nokia N8 pre-sale opens….at last originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:16:00 +0100

View full post on Pocket-lint