You have to give credit to HP for trying. Well, in this case ... maybe not. They're stepping back into the tablet game and have just released their 7-inch slate ... but it fails to impress gadget lovers.

"... Unfortunately, for those looking to once again give HP a chance in the tablet game, the specs for the new Slate 7 are very underwhelming -- even for its relatively low starting price of $169.

 
The Slate 7 comes with a dual-core, 1.6GHz Cortex A9 ARM processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage space (expandable via microSD), and a 1024x600 display. Other lackluster specs include Bluetooth 2.1, a front-facing VGA camera, and a 3MP shooter on the back. The device runs a stock version of Android 4.1.
 
The Slate 7 does include Beats Audio onboard and HP's ePrint functionality, but that's likely not enough to sway consumers from competitive offerings like the Google Nexus 7."

Source: Dailytech

The five rules of writing for journalists can also apply to anyone who is considering investing in one of new generation of smartphones, tablets or laptops that are on the market.  

1. Who?

The first rule to consider is whom the gadget is being bought for as well as who you are going to select as your manufacturer. The Apple range of iPads is becoming increasingly popular, as it is so incredibly versatile.   If you’re worried about the cost of investment then a quick search online will reveal that there is a growing market in goods and you can either buy, or more usefully sell iPad tablets of any age should you find that the product doesn’t suit you.

Sony officially announced the the long waited PlayStation 4 at a recent press event in New York. However, there was no console to be seen, instead the crowds were given a glimpse of PS4's new controller that features a "share" button. Mmmm... I wonder what that button will do huh? It will interesting to see whether gamers will warm to it... the specs and game titles certainly looks attractive, only time will tell.

Given time, Sony's PlayStation 4 announcement may be seen as the turning point for its fortunes or, perhaps, a squandered opportunity. Luckily the internet doesn't delay and delivers gigabytes of insight of a major tech event such as this within minutes.

Source: BBC

Looks kind of funky ... but that disn't stop Novo modifying the GoPro Hero3 to accept C-Mount lenses.

"Having a hard time coming to grips with the GoPro Hero3's permanently affixed wide-angle lens? Perhaps an interchangeable optic is within your field of view. The Novo Digital Camera, designed and painstakingly assembled by View Factor, is a Hero3 with a new custom housing, offering compatibility with C-Mount lenses while providing additional functionality, such as exposure control, digital zoom and customizable buttons. Unfortunately, due to the complex assembly, Novo won't be available for sale.

Instead, Radiant Images in Los Angeles will offer the rig as a rental kit, including a variety of lenses and accessories. Pricing and availability has yet to be announced, though we should have a better idea of when you can (temporarily) scoop one of these up "in the next couple weeks." For now, the mass-market Hero3 will have to do."

Source: Engadget

Interesting concept ... but will it take off? I know a lot of BB users aren't used to typing on flat touch screens. There's no tactile feeling and therefore it does feels a little weird when you're typing on a flat touch screens. This new keyboard technology could be the answer ...

"Fremont, Calif.-based, Tactus Technology uses microfluidics to make physical keys bubble up from the surface of a touch screen when you need to type and disappear, when you don't. Microfluidics may sound foreign, but if you've operated an inkjet printer you've used the technology.

... So how do keys appear out of nowhere? It starts with a panel that has channels built into it. The channels are filled with a non-toxic fluid. By increasing the pressure in the channels, the fluid pushes up the surface of the panel, creating an actual key. What's more, Tactus says the pressure will be adjustable, so the keys could feel a bit squishy, like a gel pack or they could be harder, like the plastic keys on a laptop."

Source: C|Net

I guess seeing all the success from the likes of LG, Samsung and Lenovo has gotten HP a little excited (again). They shied away from mobile devices over the past few years and now it seems they wants to join the bandwagon again, producing Android devices. We'll see how this will turn out.

"Android tablet from HP may be shown off at Mobile World Congress. Computer giant HP is looking to expand its horizons in the technology world. A new report suggests that the company will attempt to offer its own line of mobile products based on the Google Android operating system.

The first Android device offered by HP will be a high-end tablet using the NVIDIA Tegra 4 chip. NVIDIA claimed that the Tegra 4 was the world's fastest mobile processor during CES 2013.
 
HP hasn't gone official with the tablet yet, but sources indicate that the official announcement could come soon. Other claims made by the sources include a little tidbit that HP is currently exploring the option of launching an Android-powered smartphone. HP's own CEO, Meg Whitman, has stated in the past that her company needs to offer a smartphone."

Source: Dailytech

Press Release: Vuzix releases the Wrap 1200AR, its next generation digital see-through AR eyewear system.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - Vuzix Corporation (TSX-V: VZX.V, OTC:BB: VUZI.D, FMB: A1KCVK) today announced that it is now shipping the next generation of its award winning digital see-through Augmented Reality eyewear, the Wrap 1200AR. This new gen product retains the familiar sunglass style look, now with a wider field of view, adjustable eye-separation and other enhanced features not previously available in digital see-through AR eyewear.

"We are excited to be shipping these new digital ARglasses, offering a huge 75-inch screen, as seen from 10 feet. New features such as adjustable eye-separation, synchronized camera and display tilt combine for the best digital see-through AR user experience on the market," said Paul Travers, President and CEO, Vuzix Corporation. "AR is taking the world by storm and is gaining momentum in many markets. We provide these AR tools to research facilities, universities, game developers and enthusiasts, enabling them to develop affordable and compelling Augmented Reality solutions," he said.

Why bother? Would anyone really wear an Apple watch? I guess the hardcore Apple fans would love it, but seriously?

"Apple Inc.is experimenting with designs for a watch-like device that would perform some functions of a smartphone, according to people briefed on the effort.

The company has discussed such a device with its major manufacturing partner Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., one of these people said, as part of explorations of potentially large product categories beyond the smartphone and tablet.

Apple's efforts come as companies have introduced various kinds of wearable gadgets, mainly designed to measure physical activity. More sophisticated devices face big technical challenges, but also are attracting investments from large technology companies."

Source: WSJ