Samsung Galaxy Nexus

In the last few years Android has gone from strength to strength, adding features and new tricks that keep it a favourite among geeky gadgeteers who love to tinker with their tech.

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus will be the first phone running Android version 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich, the very latest edition of Google's robot-riddled operating system. Due out in November, this massive mobile is the follow-up to the brilliant Google Nexus S. Can it keep Android on the cutting edge?

We're still waiting to get hands-on time with the Galaxy Nexus. In the meantime, this preview will round up everything you need to know in terms of the phone's specs, and tell you what we'd expect to see from such a high-profile phone.

Design

In terms of its actual shape, Samsung hasn't strayed far from what it knows with the Galaxy Nexus. Rounded edges and a gently curved frame are the order of the day, and there's a grey-ish patterned coating across the back.

The camera bulges out of the frame slightly, in a way we're not too keen on. But it's a minor quibble, and one we'll forget if the camera itself proves to be a good one.

There are no buttons on the Galaxy Nexus, not even touch-sensitive ones. Now everything happens on-screen, but more on that later.

With a 4.65-inch display, the Galaxy Nexus is a really big mobile. It's nearly as big as the HTC Sensation XL, and that phone feels huge. We wouldn't be surprised if those with shorter fingers find it hard to stretch their digits across this vast touchscreen.

The Galaxy Nexus has a curved chassis that's just 7mm thick at its thinnest point.

Despite being so massive you could land a Boeing 747 on it, the Galaxy Nexus is reasonably thin, at just under 9mm thick. We suspect you'll have no trouble fitting it inside your jeans pocket or handbag.

It's light too. The Galaxy Nexus weighs just 135g, which is 5g lighter than the smaller iPhone 4S. That means the size of the screen is the only issue in terms of portability, and as we mentioned already, we suspect most pockets are up to the challenge of housing this beast.

Ice Cream Sandwich

The most exciting thing about the Galaxy Nexus is that it's going to be the first phone to run Ice Cream Sandwich, the very latest edition of Google's Android operating system, following on from Gingerbread.

Ice Cream Sandwich is designed to be the operating system that unifies the smart phone and tablet versions of Android, tying the whole lot together in a whirl of Tron-style glowing blue boxes. With Ice Cream Sandwich you get on-screen buttons, 'back', 'home' and a multi-tasking button borrowed from Honeycomb.

When you tap that button all the apps you have running will appear, stacked on top of each other in little boxes. Scroll through this tower of apps and tap on the one you want to switch to.

The unlock screen in Ice Cream Sandwich can be opened by the camera recognising your face. Cool!

It looks like a neat method of handling multi-tasking, and with any luck it'll make Android a bit easier to use. This rather geeky OS can sometimes feel a bit baffling if you're not used to its quirky behaviour.

Other treats include the ability to unlock your phone by letting your mobile recognise your face, and responding to incoming calls with pre-programmed texts, such as, "Not now, I'm in a meeting." Clever stuff.

The fact that the Galaxy Nexus is running raw Ice Cream Sandwich with no Samsung apps or skin is also appealing -- this is Android for purists, and means the Galaxy Nexus will likely get updates faster than other phones.

Screen

One part of hardware the Galaxy Nexus does boast that outdoes its rivals is its display. This is a 720x1,280 pixel screen, making the Galaxy Nexus a proper HD phone. With a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, we're really eager to get a look at this panel, and see how it handles our movies and hundreds of photos of cats.

We can't wait to see how the hi-def screen handles movies and photos. 

The Galaxy Nexus will come in 16 and 32GB flavours -- which size you opt for will depend on whether you're planning on filling the phone with apps and video. It also comes with NFC tech, for making mobile payments (though Google hasn't brought this to the UK yet) or trading info with other NFC-enabled phones.

Camera

The Galaxy Nexus has a 5-megapixel camera, which is troubling because that's a much lower resolution than the snappers you'd find on rival phones. The iPhone 4S has an 8-megapixel model nestled inside its smooth glass frame, as does the upcoming Motorola Razr. Even the Samsung Galaxy S2, which has been out for ages, has an 8-megapixel camera.

Decent photography is not all about the megapixels -- this much we know. But a low resolution camera isn't a particularly good omen, especially from a phone that's going to be the Google flagship. Fingers crossed the Galaxy Nexus can muster up some decent snaps when we give it the full review treatment.

Outlook

In some respects, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus looks like a blisteringly cool phone -- the screen is of a much higher resolution than we're used to, and it's going to be the first mobile to run Ice Cream Sandwich gives it definite kudos. But there are some things we're concerned about, like the disappointing camera resolution, and the design, which doesn't look too striking.

Other phones will be snarfing the Ice Cream Sandwich, though currently it's anyone's guess as to when that'll be. As such, the Galaxy Nexus needs to prove itself a great piece of kit in its own right if it's to ensure long-term success. Stay tuned for the full review.

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2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Price €161,750, Engine 3.8 liter boxer-6, Aspiration natural, HP 450 hp,

HP/Liter 118.4 hp per liter

Most successful race car now suitable for wider range of motorsport
It is the most successful race car on earth: The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. With over 2,200 units sold, it is the undisputed number one amongst customer racing teams all over the world. Now, the new 911 GT3 Cup features a 100-litre FT3 safety fuel tank, which is filled via an opening in the front bonnet. Compared to its predecessor, the vehicle is now suitable for an even wider range of endurance racing. Moreover, the new fuel tank contributes to a further improvement of the high safety standards.
The 2012-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS (997) street sports car. The power unit is largely identical to the production engine of the 911 GT3 RS with the same output of 450 bhp and the same maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm. A race exhaust system with a controlled catalytic converter keeps emissions to a minimum.
The flared wheel arches at the front axle accommodate light alloy rims measuring 9.5Jx18 with 25/64-18 Michelin race tyres. The light alloy rims at the rear measure 12Jx18 with 30/68-18 tyres. Depending on the type of racing, the new 911 GT3 Cup features different rim specifications. The blade-type anti-roll bars at the front and rear are adjustable in seven positions allowing an extremely precise set-up for each race track. Exclusive to the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup which runs as support to Formula 1 is the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake. This is also available for Porsche’s road models. Compared to the composite cast brakes in the Carrera Cups and the GT3 Cup Challenges, PCCB reduces the weight of the car by around 20 kilograms.
The cockpit of the new 911 GT3 Cup caters for the needs of the driver. The controls for the info display are positioned on the steering wheel which houses six switches. As in the production car, the reach and height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be delivered to teams around the world from September and will be run in this specification for the 2012 and 2013 race seasons in selected one-make cup series. The price is 161,750 Euro plus value-added tax of the respective countries.
Currently, the 911 GT3 Cup competes in 19 Porsche brand trophy series worldwide. Moreover, it is run in various GT race series and at long distance events. The 911 GT3 Cup is the basis model of Porsche’s racing vehicle range. Additionally, Porsche Motorsport offers the 911 GT3 R for championships complying with GT3 regulations and the 911 GT3 RSR built according to GT2 rules.

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New Samsung tablet bundled with social TV app

 

Samsung has just opened up pre-orders for its new Galaxy Tab 7 Plus tablet. You can pick one up for $399.99 for the 16 GB version and $499.99 for the 32 GB device beginning November 13th.

These new tablets will come bundled with Peel, the universal remote and social TV app (also available for iOs and Android devices). In a slick user interface, Peel suggests TV shows based on what you watch and like, and until now, it required you have the “Peel Fruit” device to control your entire entertainment system with the app. The fruit converts WiFi commands from your iPhone or iPad to IR signals.

The new Samsung tablet doesn’t require the Peel Fruit to interface with your home entertainment system. This is possible, “with its built in IR remote functionality,” which Greg Lindley, chief experience officer for Peel explains. This opens up a new audience for Peel’s app that hasn’t wanted to buy a separate device.

“The Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus optimized with the innovative Peel application will enable users to connect seamlessly to view their favorite TV shows,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “Our partnership with Peel further builds on Samsung’s convergence strategy to create enhanced user experiences.”

Samsung is already a major player in the Connected TV world and bringing their tablets one step closer to their “Apps Built for your TV” world is a smart idea.

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2011 AC Schnitzer BMW 550i ACS5 Sport S Saloon Concept

Engine V8, Aspiration twin turbochargers, HP 540 hp, 0-62 mph 4.5 seconds, Top Speed 199 mph

Superb, powerful and individual: the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon reveals new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure

With the new BMW 5-series saloon and the new BMW 5-series Touring, in 2011 two new 5-series models have been awarded the prestigious iF Award for outstanding product design. Equally prizeworthy is the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon based on the BMW 5-series saloon, which celebrates its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from 3rd to 13th March.
With this concept vehicle, the Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer is demonstrating new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure. With a performance upgrade from 407 to 540 HP, the AC Schnitzer engineers are pushing the boundaries of the possible - for greater dynamics and efficiency. The driving performance is at thoroughbred sportscar level: the sprint from 0 - 100 kph takes just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 320 kph. A glance under the bonnet with the AC Schnitzer engine and engine bay styling shows just who is responsible for the revolutionary refinement. The AC Schnitzer limited slip differential with up to 75% effect ensures that the tremendous power reaches the point where it is needed.The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with chromed "Sports Trim“ tail pipe trims left and right combines exciting appearance and sound.
What does the sophisticated driver expect from perfect brakes? Perfect braking of course! With the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers left and right, and an 8-piece kit of brake pads and caliper holders for the front axle, all expectations of optimum deceleration and maximum stability are amply fulfilled. And the driving dynamics leave nothing to be desired. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension guides the saloon perfectly through the corners.
The AC Schnitzer tuning specialists will be focussing on the reactions to the new aerodynamic components for the body of the 5-series saloon. As well as the familiar AC Schnitzer front spoiler and chromed front grille, a new carbon front spoiler centre part gives the ACS5 Sport S Saloon an even more striking aspect. The carbon air ducts for the brakes left and right ensure adequate ventilation for the high performance brake system, and the new AC Schnitzer carbon side skirts clearly enhance the side view of the concept vehicle. The engine bay is ventilated by the bonnet vents from the current AC Schnitzer range. Together with further accessories already available, such as the AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler, the rear spoiler and the rear skirt extension, new elements such as the AC Schnitzer sports wings left and right with Chromline Set and the carbon rear diffusor contribute to the great appearance. The AC Schnitzer loading sill protection film and the BiColor film trim harmoniously complete the sporting elegance of the body conversion. Possible and probable reactions to such a well-equipped vehicle are envious glances, which the proud driver seated behind the AC Schnitzer sports airbag steering wheel with painted spokes can enjoy in the new AC Schnitzer sports mirror.
The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S saloon appears at the Geneva Motor Show with full leather trim in BiColor, painted interior trim strips and racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo, which form part of the overall concept for the interior. The AC Schnitzer range already contains the
AC Schnitzer "Black Line“ aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, the aluminium foot rests and pedal set, velours boot mat and foot mats.

For the BMW 5-series saloon, AC Schnitzer also provides an unusual range of custom wheel/tyre combinations in both 20 and 21 inch diameter. The largest variants are the racing forged rim in BiColor and the new forged alloy wheel in BiColor in sizes 9Jx21“ front and 10Jx21“. Alternatives are the AC Schnitzer Type IV BiColor wheel and Type V BiColor forged alloy rim.

The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon - an extraordinary concept vehicle which embodies the state of the art of technical achievement in more than just power. The AC Schnitzer definition of "Performance" will certainly inspire BMW tuning fans throughout the world.

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All-new Chrysler 300 SRT8 2012

Engine 6.4 liter V8, Aspiration natural, HP 470 hp, HP/Liter 73.4 hp per liter, 0-60 mph high 4-second range, Torque 470 lb-ft, 1/4 mile high 12 second range, Top Speed 175 mph

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8® Offers the Ultimate Combination Of World-Class Luxury and Performance
• All-new Chrysler 300 SRT8® with its 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 offers ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in Chrysler’s most powerful, best-handling sedan ever
• Fuel Saver Technology with all-new active valve exhaust system improves fuel efficiency by an estimated 25 percent on the highway
• New, exclusive SRT heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track
• New, two-mode adaptive damping suspension allows for selectable suspension tuning and also automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control
• 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system with innovative GreenEdge® technology is available with 900 watts of power
• Newly formed SRT brand led by President and CEO Ralph Gilles will continue to build benchmark high-performance vehicles for the Chrysler Group
July 15, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The success of the modern Chrysler 300 launched in 2005 can be attributed to its broad appeal. People of all ages, incomes and lifestyles were attracted to the sedan’s dramatic styling, power and performance.
As the king of the E-segment lineup, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8® adds high-performance hardware to the elegant proportions and head turning design to provide the ultimate combination of world-class luxury, power and handling. With 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque, the 300 SRT8 is targeted at customers that seek heart pounding, adrenaline filled excitement, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort and innovative features to get it.
“The Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the no compromises king of the hill in the 300 model lineup in 2012, featuring the ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in our most powerful, best-handling Chrysler brand sedan ever,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. “Engineered and built for those customers who live for the sport of being first, the 300 SRT8 brings a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving.”
2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance engineering team builds upon the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan already executed for a world-class luxury experience, to deliver Chrysler’s most powerful and best handling model ever.

Performance numbers include 0-60 mph acceleration in the high 4-second range; quarter mile in high 12-second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds, top speed of 175 mph and stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet.

The return of the 300 SRT8 to the Chrysler lineup in 2012 evokes a strong comparison to the original high-performance production car of its time – the 1955 Chrysler 300. Known for simple, strong lines, excellent engineering, high levels of luxury and outstanding performance with the first modern American V-8 engine to produce 300 horsepower, the first Chrysler 300 (C-300) was styled by Virgil Exner, who radically redesigned the entire Chrysler line and created what they called "The Forward Look" in 1955. Without much chrome on the sides, his designs were simple, but strong. Exner is credited with creating the illusion of fast, forward movement.
The Chrysler C-300 won on both the road course and the “flying mile” at Daytona in 1955. In 1956, the Chrysler 300B model won both events again. In fact, the Chrysler 300s dominated NASCAR competition in 1955 and 1956, taking the overall championship in both years. A legendary and luxurious performance car was born. The “letter cars” quickly became the most desirable of the Chrysler lineup and became known as the “Beautiful Brutes.”

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Samsung Smart TV App Store Reaches 1000 Apps & 10m Downloads

Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung Electronics this week celebrated two major milestones for its HDTV-based app store, Samsung Apps. The application store for Samsung’s internet-connected Smart TV displays has now reached the first landmark of having one thousand registered apps, and a second even more impressive achievement of smashing through the ten million download barrier.

Samsung Smart TV app store reaches 1000 apps

The figures showed that the Samsung Apps store is growing both in terms of size and popularity among tech-hungry consumers. Topping the list of most downloaded apps were online video applications, which took the top spot both on a regional and an international basis. YouTube was the most popular Smart TV app in both South Korea and the United States according to the data.

In February of last year, Samsung became the first TV manufacturer in the world to launch a television-based app store. Since then the app store has gone from strength to strength, reaching five million downloads in May 2011, and growing by more than 100 percent in the space of just a few months to break the ten million barrier today. This has come about due to the number of downloads per day doubling compared to May of this year, having increased to an average of 50,000 downloads per day.

The data not only reflected the popularity of the Samsung Apps TV store, but also demonstrated how the number of active users of Smart TVs has grown. The Seoul-based conglomerate has been striving to create an ecosystem that provides a huge range of top quality content through collaborations with leading content providers, and it seems that users are lapping up the huge amount of choice and great content on offer.

Kang-hyun Kwon, Samsung’s senior vice president of media solutions centre, said that the company will continue to build on its success by seeking partnerships with more content providers who are also interested in bringing high quality apps to market.

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Apple-Samsung Patent Battle: Apple's Totally Winning

Apple-Samsung Patent Battle: Apple's Totally Winning

Samsung's not getting much love from the courts as it tries to defend against Apple's patent infringement claims.

In the United States, District Judge Lucy Koh repeatedly mentioned the visual similarities between Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Apple's iPad. In one instance, reported by Reuters, she held up both tablets side-by-side, and challenged Samsung's attorneys to tell them apart. One Samsung attorney, standing 10 feet away, said she couldn't tell the difference at that distance. Another Samsung lawyer picked the correct answer a moment later.

Koh is now considering whether to ban Samsung's tablets from the U.S. market for the duration of the patent infringement trial. Fortunately for Samsung, Koh made a "tentative" decision not to ban the Tab based on Apple's "utility" patents, but she may still allow an injunction based on the similar designs. Apple will have to establish the validity of its design patents if it wants the Galaxy Tab 10.1 removed from store shelves.

Overseas, Samsung's luck has been worse. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has already been banned in Australia and Germany. In the Netherlands, Samsung's attempt to strike back and gain leverage with an infringement claim on the 3G patents used in the iPhone and 3G iPad was denied. The ruling could, in turn, affect similar claims that Samsung has made in France and Italy. Samsung has been talking about launching a stronger offensive against Apple's newest iPhone, but so far the company's not getting much traction.

My non-legal mind continues to think that if Samsung's getting busted for making a tablet that looks like the iPad, then all non-iPad tablet makers should be under scrutiny. But I also think the competition is healthy and good for consumers. So whatever happens to the Galaxy Tab 10.1, I hope Samsung can move on and keep making tablets. Some of them look pretty cool.

Read more: http://techland.time.com/2011/10/14/apple-samsung-patent-battle-apples-totally-winning/#ixzz1alvgPoCq

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Samsung Galaxy S Stratosphere Takes iPhone 4S Head-on Tomorrow Read more: http://www.itproportal.com/2011/10/12/galaxy-s-stratosphere-takes-iphone-4s-head-on-tomorrow/#ixzz1ae1U2W9j

Samsung Galaxy S Stratosphere Takes iPhone 4S Head-on Tomorrow

Just a day before Apple's flagship iPhone 4S becomes available, Samsung's 4G LTE Galaxy S Stratosphere will go on sale.
Verizon was the only major US carrier that didn't include the Galaxy S2 (newly crowned T3 'phone of the year') in its line-up, and now the Galaxy S Stratosphere promises to take advantage of the pent-up demand. In addition, the Stratosphere is the first smartphone with a physical Qwerty keyboard supporting the 4G LTE network available on Verizon.
In order to get the Galaxy S Stratosphere Verizon subscribers will have to sign a two-year contract and pay a subsidized price of $149.99 and additional $70 monthly fees for voice plan and 2GB data plan.

However, both companies hope that the features integrated in Stratosphere make the price worth. The distinctive characteristic is the five-row physical keyboard, important for business users as well as 4-inch AMOLED touchscreen. The two cameras, one in front with 1.3 MP for video chatting and one in the rear with 5 MP are also meant to impress the users. Additional business features as Cisco AnyConnect 2.1 SSL VPN security, support for Exchange ActiveSync and Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management should attract business users that are currently more loyal to RIM devices.  Verizon's LETE network with data speeds up to 12 Mbps is also perceived as a convincing selling motivation.

Meanwhile Stratosphere' s great rival iPhone 4S already breaks the selling records as pre-orders figures show.

 

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