Samsung have kicked off Mobile World Congress with the Galaxy Tab 2 announcement and today they announced a refresh of the Galaxy Beam an Android phone with a built in projector. The phone looks like a standard Galaxy Android phone with Gingerbread (not sure why not ship with ICS), 8GB storage, 1ghz processor and a 4.0 inch display but also has a 15 lumens projector built in. Not really sure who would want to display their phone screen up on the wall but it’s certainly a bit different.  Anybody tempted?

Samsung’s projector smartphone offers unforgettable shared experience for playing multimedia content anytime, anywhere

 

 

Barcelona – February 26, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today introduced Samsung GALAXY Beam, the projector smartphone that allows users to display and share multimedia content anywhere on a large luminous projector screen.

GALAXY Beam lets users spontaneously share photos, videos or other digital media with family or friends by beaming content stored on the device directly onto walls, ceilings or improvised flat surfaces, so that everyone can share the fun without the need to huddle around smartphone or pad-sized screens. GALAXY Beam’s ultra-bright 15 lumens projector allows users to freely share life’s memorable moments instantly and in crisp clarity, even in outdoor environments.

“GALAXY Beam provides mobile freedom, enabling a unique shared experience around digital content for everyone—anywhere and instantly—from a smartphone as slim and portable as any on the market,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

“GALAXY Beam is a device borne out of Samsung’s insight and innovation, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to providing extraordinary experiences for consumers with products that let them express and fulfill themselves.”

Video clips, maps, business information, games – a whole range of multimedia content can be beamed instantly by GALAXY Beam on a crisp, high-definition projection up to 50’’ wide. The device features a projector-dedicated application which makes it easy to select content and activate projection in a few simple steps.

Add a dose of ambience or entertainment to a friends’ gathering by transforming any household room or outdoor deck into an instant mini home-theater, projecting full-screen video clips on a ceiling or wall for common sharing, at the touch of a button. Or capture your favorite holiday moments using the GALAXY Beam’s 5MP camera, then display a full photo slideshow to family members on a dining room wall while playing accompanying music straight from the device, so that everyone shares the experience.

For young users who depend on constant, immediate socializing of digital content and entertainment, GALAXY Beam introduces a new way of sharing. It becomes much more than a phone—a handy digital tool, deployable anywhere, which can add visual entertainment to a simple street gathering, set the mood for a small party, or simply turn life’s moments into something personally and immediately sharable. With GALAXY Beam, a birthday or anniversary party can be enlivened in seconds by sharing YouTube or Hulu music videos straight onto a ceiling or door. Likewise, students can collectively share videos or study-work in any dormitory room or student lounge, turning group study into a whole new interactive experience right from a desk table or from the palm of their hands. GALAXY Beam is also ideal for action-packed interactive gaming: Users can upload their own games or choose from over 1,000 games available via Game Hub, Samsung’s dedicated virtual gaming store, then project games to co-players or observers to turn gaming into an unbeatably interactive, shared experience. Additionally, GALAXY Beam is convenient tool for mid-sized business workers. An estate agent can beam images of candidate properties to customers as they tour them; or an architect can display draft concepts or designs to co-workers on the spot at a building site or public location.

Despite featuring a full built-in projector, the GALAXY Beam does not compromise on style or portability, measuring just 12.5mm thick and featuring an elegant, ergonomic design. It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread which is powered by an impressive 1.0GHz dual-core processor, ensuring great versatility and a highly responsive user interface. An impressive 8GB of internal memory allows ample multimedia storage without compromises, and a powerful 2000 mAh battery ensures greater display power and content freedom.

The GALAXY Beam is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visitwww.samsungmobilepress.com.

 

 

Network	HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
OS	Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Display	4.0” 480×800 (WVGA) TFT
Processor	1.0GHz Dual-Core Processor
Camera	5MP AF ＋ 1.3MP / Flash
Video	MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, DivX Recording/Playback: 720p@30fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC＋, eAAC＋, WMA0fps
Connectivity	BT 3.0＋HS, 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, MicroUSB, USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear Jack
PC Applications	Samsung Kies 2.0
Memory	6GB RAM ＋ 8GB Internal Memory, MicroSD slot (up to 32GB)
Dimension	64.2 x 124 x 12.5mm, 145.3 g
Battery	2000 mAh

 

 

Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab 7 (7.0) last week and now they have announced its 10.1 inch version. The updated tablet has a resolution of 1280×800, 1GB for RAM and a higher capacity 7000 mAh battery. Its going to come with Android 4.0 with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI and come in 16 and 32GB versions.

No idea on pricing yet but its going to available first in the UK in March.  It’s going to be interesting to see how that compares to a future iPad which could launch around the same time.

Press Release:

Samsung’s new GALAXY Tab 2 series offers optimal multimedia experiences in life

February 26, 2012

Samsung introduces its first line-up of tablets for 2012 with the launch of the GALAXY Tab 2 series, expanding the choice of tablets to customers. The GALAXY Tab 2 series includes a 7″ version and a 10.1″ version. Starting from UK, the GALAXY Tab 2 series will be launched in global market from March.

The GALAXY Tab 2 series is available in 3G and WiFi versions, as well as in 7″ and 10.1″ variants. Light and portable, the GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) is the ideal personal on-the-go device; while the larger GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) is well-suited for home and family use.

The GALAXY Tab 2 series is exhibited at Samsung stand (Hall 8), Mobile World Congress 2012. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visitwww.samsungmobilepress.com.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) Product Specifications

Network
HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
Processor
1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
Display
7″ WSVGA(1024×600) PLS TFT
OS
Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera
Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera
Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call
Video
Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8
Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM
Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps
Audio
Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG
Music Player with SoundAlive
3.5mm Ear Jack
Value-added Features
Samsung TouchWiz/ Samsung L!ve Panel
Samsung Apps
Samsung Hub＊
- Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung Hub Widget＊
- Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung S Suggest＊ (App recommendation service)
Samsung ChatON mobile communication service
Samsung AllShare Play＊
Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air
GoogleTM Mobile Services
- Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™,
Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋
Polaris document editor
A-GPS, Glonass
Connectivity
Bluetooth technology v 3.0
USB 2.0 Host
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Sensor
Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light
Proximity(＊ Available on 3G version only)
Memory
8/16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM)
microSD (up to 32GB)
Dimension
193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 mm, 345g
Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 4,000mAh
＊ Availability and launching time of the services may differ by region.
＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (10.1) Product Specifications

Network
HSPA＋ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
Processor
1 GHz Dual-Core Processor
Display
10.1″ WXGA(1280×800) PLS TFT
OS
Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera
Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Camera
Sub(Front): VGA for Video Call
Video
Codec: MPEG4, H.264. H.263, VC-1, DivX, WMV7, WMV8, WMV9, VP8
Format: 3GP, ASF, AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MKV, WebM
Playback/ Recording: Full HD@30fps, HD@30fps
Audio
Codec: MP3, AAC, AC-3, AMR, FLAC, MID, WMA, WAV, OGG
Music Player with SoundAlive

3.5mm Ear Jack
Value-added Features
Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel
Samsung Apps
Samsung Hub
- Readers Hub/ Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung Hub Widget＊
- Music Hub/ Game Hub/ Video Hub
Samsung S Suggest＊ (App recommendation service)
Samsung ChatON mobile communication servicea
Samsung AllShare Play
Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air
GoogleTM Mobile Services
- Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™,
Syncing with Google Calendar™, Google Search, Google ＋
Polaris document editor
A-GPS, Glonass
Connectivity
Bluetooth technology v 3.0
USB 2.0 Host
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Sensor
Accelerometer, Digital compass, Light
Memory
16/32GB User memory ＋ 1GB (RAM)
microSD (up to 32GB)
Dimension
256.6 x 175.3 x 9.7 mm , 588g
Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 7,000 mAh

Slow news week this week since MWC is right around the corner. Still, Jase and I manage to scrounge up some news for a short show including a few HTC announcements and rumors and some Windows 8 talk. Short show this week so why not have a listen?

Show Notes

Android
HTC Sensation to get early ICS preview
Playstation Certified HTC devices coming?
Apple seeks ban on Galaxy Nexus
HTC One X detailed

Windows 8
Microsoft details Windows on ARM features
Microsoft: No plug-ins allowed on Windows on ARM

Mobile News
Phones 4u announces JUMP contract for regular phone upgrades

We have talked about iCloud and SkyDrive storage recently but the actual service I use everyday is Dropbox. The ability to sync files between Macs, Windows, Android and iOS means I don’t have to worry where my files are stored I can access them anywhere.

Today Dropbox have added photo and video syncing to Dropbox, you get an extra 3GB of storage for your photos in 500MB intervals. A nice feature is that it transfers the original version of the photo doesn’t send a compressed version as some services do.

You can get the app from the Android Market

What’s in this version:

1. • Allows you to automatically uploads photos and videos in the background using Wi-Fi or data plan
2. • Up to 3 GB of free space for uploading photos automatically (in 500 MB increments)
3. • Upload files of any size
4. • Various performance improvements & bug fixes
5. Heads up, Dropbox can no longer be installed on your SD Card due to more secure credential storage.

Good news for Roku user, they have updated their iOS remote app and added some nice new features including D pad navigation buttons with shortcut for services like Netflix and improved the discovery setup.

You can get the app the iTunes app store

What’s New in Version 1.1.0

• Added a standard remote control with “D pad” buttons and shortcuts for Netflix, Pandora and Crackle. You can toggle between standard and swipe remotes in app settings.
• Improved device discovery in setup for some users. (If you still have trouble finding your Roku player, try turning on/off Wi-Fi on your iOS device.)
•Improved loading time of Home (installed channels) tab.
• Added shortcut to switch accounts when you select a Roku player that is on your network but isn’t linked to the Roku account to which you signed in.

via engadget.com

Earlier this week Sky launched Sky Go for Android but only supported a limited number of device. Today Sky added support for HTC Sensation XE and Samsung Galaxy S2(  (update: The S2 was on the list already) and they say they are working on getting more devices supported.

Still no support for my Galaxy Note but hopefully it will come soon (and ICS support)

Download it from the Android Market now

What are the handset requirements?
Sky Go is supported on the following Android smartphones running on 2.2 & 2.3 operating systems: HTC Desire, HTC Desire S, HTC Desire HD, HTC Incredible, HTC Sensation, Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Galaxy S II and now HTC Sensation XE and Samsung Galaxy S2

I’m a big fan of XBMC. Its a powerful multi platform media centre system that is capable of playing back pretty much any media format. Another great benefit to using XBMC is that it has a multitude of talented and dedicated devolpers who provide literally hundreds of addons  that enhance its basic features by adding streaming audio and video services for example. One such example which is especially important if like myself, you reside in the UK, is the BBC iplayer addon.  The functionality and quality of this addon is superb. Here is a short video I put together showing you the addon in action.

Original post from TeknoCratik blog at Dangelus.com

Everything Everywhere the company that runs T-Mobile and Orange mobile networks in the UK have details their plans to bring 4G services to the UK. They are starting with HSPA+ which will deliver faster mobile data speed (they say 50% increase in download speed) and that they plan to rollout 4G to the UK later this year.

Trials will start April in Bristol with the 1800Mhz 4G LTE network and will be the first of its kind in the UK.

Everything Everywhere announces major steps towards a 4G future

• Roll out of 3.5G HSPA+ 21, will mean faster speeds and improved network performance for T-Mobile and Orange customers
• Subject to regulatory approval by the spring, Everything Everywhere ready to roll out 4G this year
• New trial in Bristol to test 4G LTE using existing 1800MHz spectrum
• £1.5bn network evolution project progressing, with £1.4m being invested every day

Everything Everywhere, the UK’s biggest communications company, has unveiled significant progress in its network integration and evolution and outlined the path toward the roll out of 4G LTE.

The roll out of a nationwide HSPA+ (3.5G) network – the latest milestone in the company’s network evolution project – will provide 50% faster data speeds for T-Mobile and Orange mobile broadband customers. In addition, further trials of 4G technology across the country will continue to lay the foundation for a new digital backbone for Britain.

The announcements underline Everything Everywhere’s commitment to building a world class network for consumers and businesses across the UK.

Olaf Swantee, CEO at Everything Everywhere, said:

“Everything Everywhere’s vision is to launch 4G for Britain as soon as possible, and the roll out of 3.5G HSPA+ and our 4G trials across Britain are major steps towards delivering on that promise.

“The integration of the Orange and T-Mobile networks has already given our customers the widest 3G coverage in the UK – and I am pleased to say that with our advanced HSPA+ roll out they will also benefit from the fastest.

“I am also very proud to announce that, subject to regulatory approval by the spring, Everything Everywhere will be in a position to begin the roll out of 4G before the end of the year. There is a great opportunity for the UK to have the 21st Century network that it so deserves, putting the nation on a level playing field with other parts of Europe, the USA and Asia.”

via theverge

Welcome to show 342, this week Garry and I talked over the weeks news including topics like Windows 8 getting a new logo, Sky Go for Android, Playbook 2.0, Windows 8 getting SkyDrive integration, Ceton and XBMC, Raspmbc, watching TV on the Mac, Sky F1 app, BBC Micro could make a comeback, update released for Windows Home Server and OS X Mountain Lion released to developers. Andrew wasn’t with us this week due to him being so excited about Blackberry releasing 2.0 of the Playbook OS.

We also drew out a winner of our Vonage completion.

Thanks to everyone that joined in the live stream, we normally record live Tuesdays 8pm please join us in the live chat room.

Listen Here (download mp3) –Subscribe via iTunes – Subscribe via RSS – Subscribe with Zune

Thanks to DVBLogic  for supporting the podcast

Links for this week:

• Windows 8 Blog talks language improvements including adding UK English

• BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 available for download

• Windows 8 to get a SkyDrive app, SkyDrive integration and remote fetching of files

• Ceton Announces New $199 Retail Price for Cable Quad Tuner Models

• Sky Go released for Android for limited number of Android devices

• Update on the Raspbmc project

• Tips for using VLC on the Mac to watch TV from Windows Media Center or DVBLink

• VLC reaches 2.0, plays back Media Center WTV files on Macs

• Sky Sports to launch multi-screen F1 app

• BBC Micro may return to the classroom

• Raspberry Pi first root filesystem available for download

• Microsoft reveal new Windows 8 logo

• PowerDVD Mobile v4 for iOS and Android updated

• Review: Vonage Mobile for iOS and Android

• Building Windows 8: Internet Explorer Performance Lab

• Mac OS X Mountain Lion previewed, adds iMessage, Airplay mirroring and lots of new features

• Xbox 360 System Update rolling out, fixes colour issues

• Ceton infiniTV 4 working on XBMC with EPG data.

• Sky Go for Android UK coming February 22nd, only works on small set of handsets and won’t work with ICS

• Interesting TV Program to watch on Channel 4

• Update Rollup 2 for Windows Home Server 2011 released

• Elgato EyeTV app updated

• ZX Spectrum wallpaper for Android

ITV have updated their ITV Player app for iOS to version 1.3.1, this update fixes the crashing problem where the program would just close while watching TV. Other than that not much else new in the update. The app is free from the app store

What’s New in Version 1.3.1

- Crash fix
- Minor bug fixes