Consumer Electronics Daily News

iPad Announcement Demonstrates Apple's Fortification of Consumer and Corporate Markets, Analyst Says

Apple's iPad event last week, which announced significantly upgraded versions of its iPad range - including a faster, thinner iPad Air and a new iPad mini - points to a renewed consumer and corporate focus that combines raw power with a refined user experience, according to analyst firm Futuresource Consulting.

"We continue to see rapid growth in the worldwide tablet market," says Oliver Rowntree, Research Analyst, Futuresource Consulting. "Futuresource research shows 96 million tablets were shipped in the first half of this year and around 35 percent of this can be attributed to Apple products. Total retail value for the first half of this year is coming in at around $31 billion, with Apple maintaining profitability in an increasingly competitive market."

The new iPad Air features a Retina display, a powerful 64-bit A7 processor and is 43 percent smaller, 20 percent thinner and 30 percent lighter than the previous version. It has 8x faster CPU performance and 72x faster graphics performance.

"The latest round of Living With Digital - our regular consumer research study - shows that iPad owners are using their devices for more tasks and for longer periods than the average tablet user," says Sarah Carroll, Director of Global Business Development at Futuresource Consulting. "Carried out in the USA, UK, Germany and France, our research shows that iPad owners' usage of their devices is higher than non-iPad tablet owners across all activities. For example, iPad owners are more than 50 percent more likely than non-iPad tablet owners to watch movies and TV, shop online and to use their device for productivity and creative applications. They are also more than twice as likely to use their iPad to make internet calls, gamble online and connect their device to a TV set.

"As usage continues to transition from simple gaming, content viewing and surfing, and into the realms of graphics-intensive 3D games, creativity and productivity applications, the smooth performance that can be delivered will become apparent."

Looking to the retail sector, feedback from Futuresource's latest round of merchant research suggests that a fingerprint sensor would have been a desirable consumer addition. Another comment received from a number of retailers pre-announcement was that the iPad mini really needed a Retina display to keep ahead of the competition, a feature which Apple has integrated.

The resolution of the old mini was 1024 x 768, whereas the new mini resolution - 2048 x 1920 - is the same as the iPad Air: 326ppi. When comparing this with Android devices - Nexus 7: 1200 x 1920 (323ppi); Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0: 1024 x 600 (169ppi); and Kindle Fire: 1280 x 800 (216ppi) - the iPad performs favorably.

"Combine the major performance improvements with iOS7 enhancements and we can also glimpse Apple's intention to maintain and increase its lead in corporate and education markets," says Carroll. iOS7 includes improved app licensing and mobile device management options (MDM), allowing institutions to assign apps to students, teachers or a workforce while keeping ownership of the app license. Users can also enroll using their own Apple IDs without the need to provide it to their institution or workplace, making it easier for people to use their own devices to access content.

"Additionally, new MDM controls allow devices to be wirelessly enrolled into the MDM system during initial set-up as well as being able to wirelessly configure other options such as managed apps, accessibility options and AirPrint printers. Apple TV has also been given the ability to be enrolled into an institution's MDM system, allowing screen sharing during lessons or meetings. Lastly AirDrop, which is a more consumer oriented addition, will allow corporates and educational institutions to easily transfer files between devices. All this points the way to an increased drive into markets beyond the consumer."

With Q4 now well underway, the sales opportunities for the holiday season are highly favourable. The $30 price drop applied to the old iPad mini - pushing it below the $300 mark - will provide added traction, while still positioning the device as a premium product and not eroding Apple's core brand values.

LG Launches LG G Pad 8.3

LG Electronics today announced the U.S. launch of LG G Pad 8.3, a new device in the company's premium "G" line of mobile products. Now available for purchase online at BestBuy.com, and in-store at retailers nationwide starting with Best Buy on November 3 for an MSRP of $349.99, LG G Pad 8.3 offers simple connectivity capabilities, a stunning 8.3-inch Full HD IPS display and an impressive suite of powerful features.
LG G Pad 8.3 offers easy-to-sync connectivity across all your Android mobile devices, including the new LG G2, with QPair*. When enabled with LG G Pad 8.3, QPair affords users a seamless extension to their Android smartphones by providing simultaneous access to recently opened apps, incoming calls, text messages and more. LG G Pad 8.3 users can even reply to texts and use LG features like QuickMemo to capture and comment on images, making mobile sharing effortless between LG G Pad 8.3 and other Android devices.
"From its light weight to its sleek design, LG G Pad 8.3 is the ultimate complement to the Android smartphone experience," said James Fishler, Senior Vice President, Marketing, LG Electronics USA. "LG G Pad 8.3 delivers top-notch viewing and entertainment for Android users with its impressive Full HD screen and useful, intuitive multitasking tools like those found in LG G2."
As easy to handle as it is powerful, LG G Pad 8.3 features a large 8.3-inch full HD IPS display with 273 pixels per inch for sharp detail, clarity and high-definition imagery. A long-lasting 4,600 mAh Li-polymer battery and quad-core processor combines with the amazingly clear LG G Pad 8.3 display for comfortable viewing of your favorite video, eZine or graphics-intense mobile game.
Designed with an intuitive, simple user interface, LG G Pad 8.3 is ideal for efficiency and utilizes LG's suite of multitasking capabilities, such as QSlide Function™ 2.0, which allows the user to float two apps over the main screen with adjustable window size and transparency. The new device also comes equipped with Slide Aside, letting users simply move between any three open applications with a swipe of three fingers, for faster and more productive multitasking.

MEEP! X2 from Oregon Scientific Offers Slimmer, Fully Upgraded Tablet Designed Just for Kids

Building off of the success of last year's MEEP! tablet, Oregon Scientific has announced the MEEP! X2. The all new MEEP! X2 incorporates a slim, shock and splash-proof design along with many other fantastic upgrades children and parents have asked for.  The Wi-Fi enabled tablet offers the latest Android operating system, front and rear facing cameras, Bluetooth connectivity, a high-capacity lithium battery, and an all-new, intuitive user interface. MEEP! X2 was also specifically designed to withstand daily wear and tear from the couch to the playground, while offering a safe online experience and easy-to-use parental controls. MEEP! X2 is now available exclusively at Toys "R" US retail stores for$149.99 and online at ToysRUs.com.

MEEP! X2 incorporates its own online Meep! Store with over 800 games and apps, and also access to Google Play through the parental portal. Additionally, MEEP! X2 comes pre-loaded with apps, games, eBooks, and more, including popular content from Cartoon Network, Toon Goggles, Zeptolab,  Thumbstar, Paragon e-books, educational apps, and more. The MEEP! Store is convenient and easy-to-use with no direct money transactions, allowing children to easily shop for free apps or purchase apps based on credits made available by their parents.

Upgraded technical specifications include the latest Android 4.2 operating system, a VGA front-facing camera and 2.0 MP rear-facing camera, zForce^® touch screen, G-Sensor, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 dual mode, a dual Core Cortex 1.2GHz processor, 1GB RAM, high capacity Lithium Polymer battery, and a Micro SD card slot. 

The MEEP! tablet is geared for kids 6 and up and is available at Toys "R" US retail stores and ToysRUs.com for $149.99.

 

VTech's InnoTab 3S Honored With The Toy Insider Top Tech 12 Award

VTech® today announced its InnoTab® 3S has been selected as one of the Toy Insider's Top Tech 12, guiding shoppers to the best tech toys on the shelves. Now in its eighth year, the Toy Insider offers toy and gift ideas for all ages, chosen by a panel of toy industry experts.

"As the tech toy category continues to grow, it gets harder for parents to determine which toy is right for their child," said Laurie Schacht, Toy Insider Mom. "VTech's InnoTab 3S is packed with innovative features. I love the revolutionary Kid Connect app, making it a great choice for consumers and securing its position on our Top Tech 12 list."

"We are thrilled to be honored by the esteemed experts at the Toy Insider as part of their Top Tech 12," said William To, President of VTech Electronics North America. "As pioneers in the learning tablet category, we are committed to staying one step ahead of the competition by developing innovative, educational toys that will continue to secure VTech's position as a learning authority."

The Top Tech 12 was chosen after the Toy Insider's team of toy experts evaluated hundreds of new toys on the market. Because tech toys have climbed to the top of kids' lists in recent years, the Toy Insider introduced its brand new Top Tech 12 to help guide parents to some of their favorite tech-based toys. All of its choices for the hottest toys and gifts for the holiday season can be found at www.thetoyinsider.com.

With the InnoTab 3S, VTech continues to set the industry standard with their second-generation Wi-Fi-enabled tablet and the introduction of VTech Kid Connect, a ground-breaking family communication app. Bringing families together and helping parents stay connected to their kids, even when they are apart, the VTech Premium Kid Connect app lets kids use their InnoTab 3S to send voice messages, text messages, stickers, photos and drawings to parents' smartphones. In return, parents can send messages to their child's InnoTab 3S. VTech Kid Connect gives kids the ability to emulate their parents, allowing them to feel like they are part of the messaging trend from a kid-safe, kid-friendly tablet. In addition, kids can stay connected to their friends and siblings with tablet-to-tablet communication, sending messages safely between two InnoTab 3S tablets from the next room or from across the country.

The InnoTab 3S also features a rechargeable battery pack with AC adapter and a kid-safe web browser. In addition, access to VTech's Learning Lodge™ app store – home to more than 6003 titles of educator-approved content and curriculum for purchase – plus 20 free apps, provides kids with a bright start on their learning journey.

InnoTab 3S is available on www.vtechkids.com/innotab3S, Amazon.com, Target.com, Toysrus.com and Walmart.com for only $99.99, making the InnoTab 3S the smart choice for parents who are looking for the right learning tablet at a competitive price.

Sony Announces US Pricing And Availability For The VAIO Flip PCs And Tap PCs

Sony today announced pricing and availability for the VAIO®| Flip PC, a brand new form factor that instantly goes from laptop, to tablet to viewer mode with a simple flip.

Sony also revealed pricing for the VAIO® Tap 11 Tablet PC, the world's thinnest (0.39" when it's measured without a keyboard) Windows 8 tablet with 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors, and its next evolution of the portable all-in-one PC, VAIO Tap 21. Expected to be available just in time for the holiday shopping season, the fall VAIO line-up is designed to support both entertainment and productivity.

The VAIO | Flip PC, Tap 11 Tablet PC and Tap 21 all-in-one PC are now available for pre-order from Sony and Best Buy for about $1099 (VAIO Fit 13A | Flip PC), $799 (VAIO Fit 15A | Flip PC), $749 (VAIO Fit 14A | Flip PC), $799 (Tap 11 PC) and $999 (Tap 21 PC). Both VAIO | Flip and Tap 11 PCs will be exclusively sold through Sony and Best Buy and is expected at retail locations nationwide beginning late October. The VAIO Tap 21 model is also expected to be available late October at Sony retail stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Unu, The First Universal, Portable, Smart Entertainment Hub Hits Retail This November

Starting today, consumers can preorder unu, the world's first universal entertainment hub, at Gamestop retail stores, Gamestop.com, and Newegg.com. The product will go on sale in November at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, and Walmart.com.

Available in two versions for the November launch, both have full access to the more than 1 million games and apps to enjoy via the Google Play store. The unu Media Edition comes with a TV docking station and an air mouse controller with keyboard for $199.99 MSRP, and the fully-loaded Gaming Edition adds an advanced game controller supporting tens of thousands of video games for $249.99 MSRP.

"unu may just be the 'why didn't I think of that' product for 2013," says Nicki Repenning, Vice President of Business Development, Sunflex. "The tablet is one of the most exciting consumer technologies in the last 50 years, but we knew it could and should do more. So, we built a custom smart TV user interface and two different controllers to match up with every entertainment experience found on the Google Play Store. That's how unu was born."

So, you can either be bummed you didn't think of it, or you can spoil yourself, friends, or family. Given its universal use, unu may be the best and easiest solution to the constant wail from kids of all ages, "I'm bored!" And, since it can move from TV to TV and room to room, it might even bring peace over living room big screen arguments.

unu is the lightest, easiest, and most unobtrusive way to play video games, watch movies, or enjoy hundreds of thousands of other experiences on any TV. Or, just enjoy it as a tablet. The backside of the air mouse also includes a keyboard for super easy Internet browsing, typing emails, or chatting on social media.

The slender, lightweight 7-inch system is an HD-display Android 4.2 tablet that can be used on its own or docked to your TV as a smart TV. It comes with a sleek portable docking station and a proprietary Bluetooth air mouse remote that lets users explore apps with immense ease. unu's proprietary user interface is simple and powerful. Enabled by the latest 1.6 GHZ quad-core processor, users will enjoy full HD 1080p videos, and seamless execution of any app.

Sunflex is the creator of unu. With 17 successful years in making gaming peripherals, unu's wireless game controller delivers high precision and extremely low latency, a crucial feature for gamers. And, it comes pre-loaded with APK support for nearly every video game app available.

Consumers can preorder today at http://theunu.com

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Upstart Tablet Aims High

Audiovox mobiletv Brings Free TV to Your Tablet

Audiovox Electronics Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation today announced that is has launched Audiovox mobiletv, the first wireless mobile TV receiver designed to bring free live TV to iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Developed by Siano, the world's leading supplier of mobile broadcast DTV solutions, the receiver delivers Dyle® mobile TV, operated by Mobile Content Venture (MCV), a joint-venture of 12 major broadcast groups, which will be providing the content. Dyle mobile TV is available in 38 markets, reaching 57 percent of the U.S, delivering live broadcast TV, including local and national news, sports and entertainment programming to mobile devices.
Using the Dyle mobile TV app developed by Siano and available from the App Store and Google Play, the Audiovox mobiletv receiver will enable millions of Apple and Android device users to watch live TV on their devices without the need for Internet or cellular connection. Ultimately, this will help consumers extend the live TV experience and give them greater levels of choice and flexibility – completely free.
"Our partnership with Dyle expands the mobile television experience by expanding the availability of broadcast television to literally millions of Apple and Android users across the U.S.," said Tom Malone, president of Audiovox Electronics Corp. "Our Audiovox receiver provides both the convenience of wireless accessibility and the ability to work with a broad set of devices and screens to deliver the live, local TV experience consumers demand."
"The addition of the Audiovox accessory marks a pivotal point for Dyle by offering an exceptionally revolutionary product for mobile television," said Erik Moreno, co-general manager of MCV. "We look forward to continuing to expand our network footprint and ability to deliver service to a wider consumer audience of iOS and Android users."
"We are excited about this close collaboration with Audiovox and Siano," added Salil Dalvi, co-general manager of MCV. "Perfect for both at home and on the go users, the wireless receiver is an exciting step forward for the mobile television industry in providing an innovative option for watching live programming across multiple devices and platforms."
"We are impressed by Audiovox and Dyle mobile TV's strong commitment to bringing high-end digital TV content to U.S. consumers," said Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano. "The ATSC-MH signal is already broadcast in dozens of U.S. cities, and attractive content is continually being added. We are confident that our partnership with Audiovox and MCV portends a bright future for mobile TV in the U.S."
The Audiovox mobiletv receiver is compatible with both iOS (30-pin and Lightning adapters) and Android devices. A free, easy-to-use Dyle™ Mobile TV App by Siano from the App Store and Google Play enables users to view high-quality digital TV (ATSC-M/H). With no need for a data plan or Internet connection, the compact wireless unit fits right into your pocket, can be taken anywhere and can be moved around indoors to find a location with the best reception. Audiovox mobiletv includes a program guide, pause/rewind features, an internal battery providing up to four hours of TV viewing, and a USB charging cable.
MSRP on the device is $129.99 and is available at select regional, national and online retailers.
Dyle™ mobile TV services are available immediately without a subscription fee, subject to change at any time. Coverage varies in participating markets, not all stations are available in all markets.
For more information, visit the Audiovox and Dyle TV websites. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: Audiovox - Twitter / Facebook; Dyle TV - Twitter / Facebook

Device Takes a Smart Approach to Nutrition

By Lorrie Baumann

 A company called The Orange Chef has invented a way to make cooks smarter in the kitchen by providing them with real-time information about the nutritional content of the food they're preparing and how that fits into their nutrition goals.

Prep Pad by The Orange Chef Company is, at its heart, a kitchen scale with a brain. It bridges the gap between what kitchen scales do, which is to tell the user the weight of what's on them, and what home cooks very often really want to know, which is the nutritional value of that food.

“It's allowing for the first time consumers to have complete access to the nutritional value of what they're preparing and serving in real time,” said Michael Tankenoff, Marketing Director for The Orange Chef Company. “The research that we've done talking with consumers has told us that people don't have access to this information and yet it's important to them. Many of them are going to extremes to monitor their fitness level, but they don't have the information about calories and carbs for their cup of Cheerios. They've never had absolute real-time access to that information until now.”

The Prep Pad device works in conjunction with an iPad app called Countertop, to which it connects through a wireless Bluetooth 4 connection. To start using the system, the user creates a profile in Countertop, similar to the profile that a user would create with a Fitbit and its app. After the user tells Countertop the profile information, including age, gender and physical activity level, the app consults its huge database of information and comes up with a profile that fits the user's information together with U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary recommendations. From there, the user can modify that profile according to personal dietary restrictions and nutritional needs. “It starts you out with a rough profile, but everyone's different,” Tankenoff observed. “We've completely broken down the barrier in terms of access to this information for the consumer.”

Once that's done, the cook uses the Prep Pad to keep track of ingredients as they're added to a dish. The scale measures each ingredient as the dish is composed and uses its database of information about a wide range of raw ingredients and scannable supermarket products to calculate the impact of that dish on the user's nutritional intake. “As you keep adding multiple ingredients, the device keeps a running list of what's in the dish. You can add or subtract items as you go along, and the Prep Pad will accommodate those changes to create a real-time nutritional profile,” Tankenoff said. “The weight of the food is irrelevant. What people care about is the calories, the carbs, the information that people need to know.”

Once the dish is complete, the Countertop app gives it a score to let the user know how it has affected the user's profile goals. Then that information can be shared, if desired, with others in the user's social networks or with, perhaps, a nutritionist or doctor.

The Prep Pad is encased in a unibody aluminum case that's the same quality of material that Apple uses on its Mac computers, and the scale top is made of dishwasher-safe wood fiber composite that's safe for food. It's nonporous and doesn't harbor bacteria, and it's very easy to maintain. The Prep Pad can tolerate up to 15 pounds of food on its scale, with plus or minus 1-gram accuracy.

The system will be reaching the market in November through The Orange Chef website at www.theorangechef.com and over the course of the next several months, it'll be available through other retailers. The system is currently available only for iOS devices, but the company plans to make apps for other major platforms in the future. Prep Pad retails for $149.95.

 

Study Points to Massive Cultural Shift Toward Mobile Technology

Mobile technology has reached an incredibly high penetration in an exceptionally short amount of time with smartphones and tablets truly becoming the beating heart of content and commerce this year.
According to Frank N. Magid Associates' latest nationwide study, The Heartbeat of Connected Culture: Smartphones and Tablets, 74 percent of American mobile consumers now use a smartphone, and 52 percent of mobile consumers now use a tablet.

Double-digit percentage gains in device adoption — along with sticky and compelling content that has fundamentally changed the way Americans think about and consume media — have brought us triple-digit gains in a wide range of smartphone and tablet content activities, including video, games, and social media.

Mobile is the new TV with mobile video establishing itself this year as a mainstream activity: 44 percent of smartphone users and 61 percent of tablet users regularly watch video on their devices. And it's not just short clips and YouTube any more, as the study reveals 45 percent of smartphone viewers and 71 percent of tablet viewers now watch long-form TV, movie, and sports content on those devices.

"Consumers have made the clear leap into mobile long-form," says Andrew Hare, Magid Research Director. "Beyond just TV and traditional video consumption, however, the visual culture has taken over with the growth of Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Vine showing consumers increasingly prefer to communicate through images and video."

Smartphones are becoming a force in the brick-and-mortar retail environment. An impressive two-thirds (66 percent) of users aged 18-34 now interact with retailers in-store on their smartphones. However, Magid's nationally representative consumer survey shows retailers and brands lag far behind consumer expectations for a mobile-enhanced shopping experience.

Ecommerce dollars are increasingly coming from tablets with the tablet emerging as a primary purchasing tool. Half (50 percent) of tablet users are regularly shopping online with their device, with an average annual e-commerce spend of $230 annually per user on tablet.

"Publishers, retailers, and brands need to understand this massive cultural shift and adapt how they choose to reach their audiences." says Tom Godfrey, Executive Director, Mobile Strategy at Magid. "Today's consumer is smarter than ever but drowning in data - presenting brands with an opportunity to streamline connectivity and provide trusted retail direction and intelligent technology for shoppers."

Galaxy Tab 3 Available from Sprint October 11

Sprint announced Samsung Galaxy Tab^® 3 7.0 will be available on Friday, Oct. 11, with a special introductory price of $49.99 (excluding taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. Customers will be able to purchase this versatile new tablet in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Sprint Business Sales,Web Sales and Telesales at 1-800-SPRINT1. Initially, Galaxy Tab 3 will be available in White, but a Midnight Black version will also be available for the holidays.

The 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3 features Android™ 4.2, Jelly Bean, Sprint 4G LTE, where available, a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera with video capture and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat. Sprint customers can add a data plan for Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 to their account for as little as $5 per month (excluding taxes and surcharges). Customers can also take advantage of Sprint One Up^SM, a new upgrade program that gives customers the ability to upgrade their smartphone every 12 months.

"You can't go wrong with the incredible special offer we developed for Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 that allows customers to purchase one of the best tablets available at the easily affordable price of $49.99 and add it to their account starting at only $5per month," said David Owens, Vice President-Product Development, Sprint. "With a bright and colorful display and access to the Sprint 4G LTE network, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 rounds out Sprint's robust device portfolio to ensure that we offer a tablet or smartphone that will meet anyone's needs. Business users will appreciate the big-time productivity features of this easily portable tablet, while consumers will appreciate its portability and versatility for communicating with friends and family, entertainment and gaming."