Slate 7 works with Google’s Android operating system and will go on sale in the U.S. market in April, with a starting price of $ 169, later this year following to be also available in other markets, reports Bloomberg.

The new tablet opens a series of new consumer products that HP will sell this year, said Alberto Torres, a former director of Nokia who now leads the mobile devices division of Hewlett-Packard.

“We’re moving fast. It is an important part of the success in this market,” said Torres in an interview.

Hewlett-Packard, the largest PC manufacturer worldwide, entered the tablet market in 2011, after dropping the production of TouchPad, which was running the WebOS.

As more and more buyers are replacing their PCs with tablets, HP tries again to enter this market, currently dominated by Apple and Samsung, in an attempt to halt the decline in sales and profit.

HP launched this month a laptop with Google’s Chrome operating system. The company also markets a tablet with Windows 8, designed for corporate customers.

In the consumer segment, HP is facing intense competition from companies like Amazon, which sells the 7-inch tablet Kindle Fire, and Google, with its tablet Nexus 7.

Apple’s tablets iPad and iPad Mini, with 7.9-inch screens, were holding in the fourth quarter of last year a share of 44% of the global tablet market, according to IDC, while Samsung had a quota of 15%.

Tablet Slate 7 features sound enhancement technology from Beats Electronics and wireless printing software from ePrint. The specifications list also includes a 1.6-gigahertz ARM processor, 8 gigabytes memory, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

In 2010, HP spent $ 1.2 billion to acquire Palm and the new manager Léo Apotheker made ​​a series of mistakes that led to the collapse of the shares by 40 percent within a year. In addition to weak financial performance, the new manager had the idea of ​​outsourcing the PC division, halted on time by his dismissal, and the complete abandonment of WebOS and plans for new tablets and mobile phones.

According to sources close to HP, the company wants to return in this increasingly important market, but it will not going to make it with WebOS, which is now an hardly relevant open-source product, neither with Windows RT, which the company stopped using last summer. Instead of these two platforms, HP will choose the popular Android and the first product, a tablet, is already in production.

A product of the upper class, the upcoming HP tablet could be the first product of its kind that will use the new NVIDIA Tegra 4 solution, which was launched at CES 2013. Currently, there is no information about this product, but choosing a strong solution can only mean marching to a top solution.

HP has launched a laptop based on Google’s Chrome OS and coming closer to Google would be beneficial for both companies. In addition to tablets, HP also plans to return in the handsets market, but this will not happen this year.

We do not know when we will see the new HP product, if the information from sources will come true, but NVIDIA will launch its own product Shield only in the second quarter of this year, which means that Tegra 4 chips, so neither the HP tablet will be ready by then.

Like many other Samsung smartphones launched lately, the new Galaxy Young and Galaxy Fame also use a design inspired by the famous Galaxy S III. Because we talk about low-end models, the hardware configuration is modest: unknown processor clocked at a frequency of 1 GHz, 4 GB of internal storage, microSD slot, Bletooth 3.0, Wi-Fi and a battery with a capacity of 1300 mAh.

Major differences between the two models are represented by the screen, camera’s sensor and the RAM capacity. Galaxy Young offers an even smaller screen, of 3.27 inches, with HVGA resolution, 768 MB RAM and a 3-megapixel camera with fixed focus, while the Galaxy Fame features a larger screen of 3.5 inches, while retaining a modest resolution. The smartphone also offers a camera with 5-megapixel sensor and, of course, autofocus, but has only 512 MB RAM. In addition, the latter offers NFC support and a VGA front camera.

Running Android 4.1, both terminals will be available in both standard and Dual SIM versions. As in the case of other Dual SIM models from Samsung, the terminals offer Dual Standby Always On with call waiting and forwarding functions, as well as the possibility of using a data connection in parallel with using voice on the other wireless modem.

Unfortunately, Samsung has not disclosed any information about the prices and availability of its newest terminals in the Galaxy family.

The new Galaxy Express offers a 4.5-inch screen and Super AMOLED Plus panel, its resolution being, as in the case of the Galaxy Grand model, of only 800 x 480 pixels. The hardware platform is an unknown dual-core processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, which is accompanied by a memory capacity of 1GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage, which can, of course, be expanded with a MicroSD card.

The highlight of the smartphone is the quad-band LTE compatibility (800/900/1800/2600), plus the tri-band HSDPA support and the 3G quad-band. Equipment list also includes a 5-megapixel camera with 720p recording capabilities, an 1.3-megapixel front camera, wireless 802.11 a / b / g / n, NFC, GNSS compatible with GPS and GLONASS and MHL video output via the Micro USB connector.

The terminal runs Android 4.1 and all the software services that Samsung accustomed us with. The casing, which has a familiar design of from the Galaxy S3 onwards, has dimensions of 132.2 x 69.1 x 9.3 mm, weighs 139 grams and hides a battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh.

The date on which the new Samsung Galaxy Express will be available on market, as well as the price of it are still unknown, Samsung refusing to provide us with such details. However, it remains to be seen the market impact of the new Galaxy product, but we believe that it will be very successful, given the latest sales figures of the range.

Together with the 2560×1600-pixel resolution of the screen – higher than what iPad 3 and iPad 4 are currently offering – the second generation of Nexus 10 brings performance to the competition offered by Apple. If in the current version, the tablet comes with a dual-core Samsung Exynos 5 chipset, equipped with ARM Cortex-A15 cores and Mali-T604 GPU, the version to be unveiled at the MWC 2013 switches to a quad-core chipset and octo-core Mali-T678 GPU.

By far the most interesting, the graphics core Mali-T678 is a major upgrade from the old T604. The new GPU comes equipped with 8 processors based on a new architecture, which, besides 3D gaming and video content, can serve to accelerate compatible GPGPU applications as well, such as collision and physical effects in games. In terms of facilities, the new GPU provides OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.0 certification, is compatible with OpenCL 1.1 applications and can use the Renderscript Compute engine, implemented by Google as an alternative to the standard OpenCL, specifically tailored to the needs of Android 4.1.

According to BrightSideOfNews.com, the prototype presented for now in a housing identical to the previous model offers a significant increase in performance, compared to the current tablet Nexus 10. When it will be finished, the design of the new housing promises to solve some of the limitations of the current version, described by some critics as too trivial and dull.

With a little luck we may have a first contact with the prototype of the second generation of the tablet Nexus 10 at the MWC 2013, event that will take place in Barcelona during the next month. An official introduction for the tablet Nexus 10 would be scheduled for the Google I/O conference, which will be held in mid-May 2013.

Although Lumia 920 has won many appreciations and positive feedback from users and the press, it seems that Nokia will drop this format of smartphone in 2013. For the new series of smartphones to be launched this year by Nokia, at least for one of the models, the Finnish manufacturer will go with an aluminum casing, instead of polycarbonate.

The transition described above will most likely occur with a device currently called Catwalk. Only by using aluminum such a device will be able to be much thinner and lighter than current models. Thus, competition will be fierce between terminals from different top manufacturers. Another possibility involves the launch of a new flagship with aesthetic changes and aluminum, but similar internal specifications to Lumia 920, the manufacturer’s current flagship

In addition, the first rumors mention other two Lumia devices that will hit the market this year. Although we will see all the new models from Nokia in a few months, there was a feature worth considering. During the launch of Nokia N8, the former producer of Symbian devices was already embracing anodized aluminum for the adopting an appearance of exclusive product. In other words, radical design changes that Nokia wants to adopt will be the last redoubt that the manufacturer can make in order to clarify customers whether the failure of Lumia devices is due to the operating system or design.

For now there are no details, not even if Nokia plans to stop using polycarbonate in favor of aluminum on the entire range of Lumia smartphones. However, it is possible that the Finnish manufacturer to present next week at the Consumer Electronics Show, a prototype model of a smartphone with aluminum housing.

Stick Game was published as a project on Kickstarter two days ago and it already received all the money needed by the company. The truth is that the amount needed was quite small for such a project: $ 100,000. The console itself comes in the form of a stick that connects directly to the TV via an HDMI socket and the control is facilitated by a rectangular gamepad. While the design is not very attractive, it is interesting how PlayJam wanted to make this device easy to carry, the stick having the possibility to be inserted into a dedicated socket. Those seeking control alternatives can as well use the combination mouse + keyboard.

The operating system in Game Stick will be a modified version of Android Jelly Bean, which will enable app developers to release games on their own, without a publisher. There is a good and a less good part in all the business. While the price set for the console of $ 79 is very attractive for an entire console able to run games for Android, the hardware is not even like in Ouya.

Processor underpinning the new console is Amlogic 8726-MX, typically seen in Chinese Android devices. It includes an ARM Cortex A9 dual-core at 1.5 GHz, along with a Mali 400 graphics chip with two cores. Although at first sight is not so weak, its performance is twice as low compared even with an iPad 2, a tablet launched two years ago. Also, Game Stick will include 1 GB of DDR3 RAM and on 8 GB memory, without any visible possibility to extend.

The plan is that the new console to be launched in April 2013, and various offers on Kickstarter provides access to versions that are becoming more interesting, depending on the amount of money invested.

For further details about Game Stick you can visit its official page.

Compared to Surface, which runs Windows RT and attacks the market of classic Android and iOS tablets, Surface Pro is based on an x86 architecture, running Windows 8 Pro and is a rival for Ultrabook models running the same operating system.

The platform chosen by Microsoft for Surface Pro is an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge, a product with a maximum TDP of 17W, which is seconded by a memory capacity of 4GB RAM. Embedded graphics accelerator Intel HD Graphics 4000 motorizes the 10.6” screen, with resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a capacitive surface with ten points of contact, as well as a Mini DisplayPort output with maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440.

Surface Pro will be available in two versions, 64 and 128GB of internal storage, its prices following to be $899 and $999, respectively. Equipment list also includes a digital pen, a USB 3.0 port, camera with 720p resolution, MicroSDXC slot, Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n interfaces, microphone and a full suite of sensors, including accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope. As in the case of the Surface, the 3G/4G modem versions will be announced later, currently being available only in Wi-Fi versions.

Compared to Surface, Surface Pro has larger size and weight, but this was expected given that it uses an x86 processor. The casing covered with magnesium alloy now has dimensions of 27.5 x 17.3 x 1.35 centimeters, 43% thicker than the Surface and the total weight is 907 grams, which will also add optional the Touch Keyboard Cover or Type Cover, which are not included in the default package.

The battery jumped to a capacity of 42Wh, but the ‘life’ period estimated by Microsoft is of about 4 hours, half of that of the Surface. This can hardly be called a surprise, Surface Pro having an autonomy similar to the one offered by the thin Ultrabook models.

The first 4K resolution monitor from Sharp uses a LCD panel made with IGZO technology (indium gallium zinc oxide), very promising in terms of image quality. Among other things, IGZO technology allows the manufacturing of LCD screens with low coefficient of filtering incoming light from the LED source, capable of providing high brightness without raising the energy consumption in an excessive way.

Helped by an LED light source, similar to those found in the current generation of LCD TVs, the screen with an actual resolution 8.3 megapixels can be accommodated in a casing with a thickness of only 35 mm and a narrow frame.

Known so far as Sharp PN-K321, the monitor can play the video content received through DisplayPort and HDMI connectivity, while for the sound it includes a set of 2-watt power stereo speakers and connector for headphones with 3.5 mm jack.

Sharp PN-K321 will be available initially only in Japan, where it can be bought starting from in February next year at a price of $ 5,500. Even with such a prohibitive price those interested must hurry because Sharp offers the new monitor in limited series, with 1500 copies made each month. Hopefully, with the increasing production volume in the anticipation of an international launch Sharp will also bring the price accessible to a wider audience.

The new ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch is built specifically to take advantage of the tactile features included in Windows 8.

In this regard, Lenovo has added 10-point multitouch functions to the 14-inch HD + display (resolution of 1600 × 900 pixels) and improved the touchpad in order to support the new specific gestures of the operating system.

Given the relatively large size of the screen, it might be useful for it to be able to rotate and be used like a tablet.

As for the other components, it seems that Lenovo will retain the characteristics assessed in the previous model, presented as “the lightest laptop in business class.”

Carbon X1 Touch could be equipped with third generation Intel processors (Core i5-3427U at 1.80 GHz), Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, up to 8GB RAM, HD webcam (720p), SATA 3 SSD of 128 or 256 GB and 4-cell battery with fast charging feature.

It is unlikely to see an upgrade to processor, the model Core i5-3610ME consuming two times more energy, fact that will drastically reduce the usage time on battery.

Lenovo will keep the outer case made of carbon fiber, a great asset of the model which gives strength and a special outfit. Most likely will be used the same USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, as well the SD card reader and the mini DP video.

It remains to be seen whether this model from Lenovo will incorporate the 3G module in the standard version, which definitely gives greater autonomy when connecting to the Internet.

We will certainly find out more details in December, when the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch will be available in stores.