32″ Multi-touch Android-Based Digital Signage Display

 

For those who are not foreign to Android smart phones, the screen could be seen as a blown up of the hand held portable screen. The advantages of the signage display may be specific to a certain group of users such as executives who wish to carry out presentations, but the technology could later be complemented with other applications that may further enhance the whole experience of using smart phones for normal consumers.

The 32’ Multi-Touch display has managed to overcome a few of the major difficulties with its latest prototype. As SKR foresee that they’ll rely more on the Android OS in the future, development of the system was fully done on their own as many touch screen manufacturers don’t support Android OS.

Currently, there isn’t any other company or institution that has taken on the development of the Android based signage display. Improving on the system has also required SKR to develop a device driver that’s a unique technology of their own so that a larger display could be achieved.

The multi-touch screen has the functions of many other similar screens that run on a different OS. The touch screen interface is connected by a USB, whereas the display is connected by a HDMI where it allows high definition graphics to be displayed. This will also mean that it’ll be able to display fluid movements and also carry out touch commands on the big screen itself. Unlocking your keys will still be a simple process of swipe a finger across your screen, but with a lot more distance involved.

Video of the 32″ Multi-touch Android-Based Digital Signage Display in action

i’m Watch An Android Based Smartwatch

 

First revealed online before few months, I’m Watch is a smartphone simpatico wristwatch, which is planned to work with Android based mobile phones though it’s reportedly also compatible with the iOS devices as well. It is being formulated by an Italian manufacturer, and is now available for pre-order. Initially the rate was pretty high, but it is now being extended in a cheaper, colored version called I’m Color. This watch has been scheduled to be released by this October.

The I’m Watch website showcases 2 versions of the product. I’m Jewel is a opulence version, that is designed with precious materials such as titanium, gold and it also includes diamonds, with its rates ranges up to EUR11,999 from EUR599 i.e. US$840 – $16,833. The I’m Color collection is priced at EUR249 i.e. US $349, nevertheless, you would need to pay 20 % of the price in advance to have your order to be secured. The current offer will end until July 18, according to their website.

The company behind I’m Watch is the Milan based Blue Sky s.r.l, this device boasts the following:

• Android smartphone & iPhone 4 connectivity via Bluetooth.
• It’ll allow the users to make calls and receive to receive them, e-mails and text messages as well.
• Users will be able to use its speakerphone for making hands free calls.
• Through its touchscreen, its users will be able to view the most popular social networking sites such as Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook notifications, and also a photo gallery.
• Exclusive applications will be usable for download through the “I’m Store” and also the music via “I’music”.

The I’m Watch’s Specifications:

• 1.54” 240×240 pixel color TFT display,
• 4GB of built-in storage
• 64MB RAM, * Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR support
• >Li-Po 600 mAh battery.

The I’m Watch looks still a fair distance from completion, and its description is quite brief at the moment. Shipping date however is set from 31st October 2011.

[Source: i'm Watch]

Maxthon Mobile 2.1.2 Released for Android

 

Based in Beijing, Maxthon is a company specializing in the development of web browsing software. Their targets are to produce a simple, yet fast and secure browsers. Recently Maxthon has brought its expertise into the mobile sector producing web browsers for cell phones and tablet computers.

Today they have announced their Maxthon Mobile 2.1.2 browser for Android. This latest version offers new and improved features from previous versions. This includes but not limited to; a vast array of skins which can be personalized with three-dimensional floating effects. This allows users to completely personalize their Android powered Smartphones.

Maxthon Features

• RSS reader integrated in the phone allows for staying up-to-date with all the latest news from your subscribed RSS feeds.
• Maxthon Downloaded allows pictures, MP3s, files and folders to be accessed at any time.
• Tabbed homepage with moveable tabs to enable the most recent and commonly used websites to be accessed quickly.
• Gesture recognition provides “create, close and switch tabs” functionality without having to click.
• Energy efficient requiring less than 40% of compatible Android browsers
• Enhanced YouTube experience for viewing videos online.

[Source: Maxthon]

Huawei 7-inch MediaPad Powered by Android 3.2

 

Huawei today released a tablet called the MediaPad to compete with the likes of the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Unlike the other ten inch plus tablets, Huawei 7-inch MediaPad Android Tablet has produced a 7-inch product that utilizes the Android 3.2 Honeycomb Operating System (OS).  The advantage to the 3.2 Honeycomb Android OS is that it supports 7-inch screens and Qualcomm processors (the MediaPad contains Qualcomm 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor).

Huawei has a battle on their hands if they are trying to compete with the iPad. Many products have been released by Samsung and LG that feature wise is as good if not better than the iPad yet has failed to take any market share away from Apple.

The Release date for Huawei’s MediaPad is the third quarter of 2011 (between now and the end of September), however no news on pricing has been made available.

MediaPad Features

• Android Honeycomb 3.2 OS
• 7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
• 10.5mm deep, 390g weight (0.86 pounds)
• Front and rear cameras (1.3 MP and 5 MP respectively with auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities
• HSPA+ 14.4 Mbps, WiFi 11n
• Dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor
• Over 6 hours battery life
• 1080P full HD playback and HDMI port
• Flash 10.3

Pre-installed Apps

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Let’s Golf
• Document to go

Huawei 7-inch MediaPad Demo Video

 

Available: Amazon

Price: $190

LG Optimus with Android to be released in Europe First

 

LG has announced it aims to debut its LG Optimus Black smartphone in Europe later this month and then in the states later on with white and pink versions being available.  It has released some stats as well such as that 56 network carriers have already signed up and pre-ordered from a total of 50 different countries. Why so much interest? Well the LG Optimus is slimmer than the iPhone, that’s something to brag about (122 x 64 x 9.2mm). Also featuring a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen, 1GHz processor and both front and rear cameras (2MP and 5MP).  The operating system of choice for the LG Optimus is the Android, version 2.2.

A word on the display screen now. LG states that the black Optimus features the first NOVA display 700-nit IPS LCD. What does that mean? Well essentially it means the screen can be viewed outside more easily with natural true colors from black to white. As a comparison the iPhone 4 contains a screen containing 500-nits, therefore this LG Optimus has 200-nits more. Unfortunately however, the LG Optimus cannot compete with the iPhone screen resolution which is 800 x 480 and 96- x 640 respectively.

Weighing it at just 108g the LG Optimus comes with 2GB onboard memory, with the opportunity to increase this via the microSD slot. Built-in 802.11b/g/n connectivity and Wi-Fi Direct technology allow you to stay wirelessly connected to other devices.

LG Optimus Black key specs:

• 4-inch NOVA Display (700 nits1 brightness)
• Dimensions:122 x 64 x 9.2mm
• Weight: 109g
• 1GHz processor (Texas Instruments OMAP3)
• Wi-Fi Direct™
• 5MP Rear Camera / 2MP Front Facing Camera
• Gesture UI powered by Gyro-sensor
• 2GB Internal Memory and Micro SD up to 32GB
• 1,500 mAh Battery

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