You know how slates always look very neat, fancy and fragile like the very slim Apple iPad 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for instance? Well, there are already enough of those in the market targeted at normal consumers like you and me, Panasonic has recently announced its plan to unveil the Panasonic Toughbook tablet targeted at delivering enterprise-grade android tablet that is equipped with enterprise-scale security, functionality and durability for government and commercial mobility.
Sure, I mean, you can very download apps for your iOS or Android tablet devices, but that isn’t enough for the government and commercial enterprises. The Toughbook will be equipped with purpose-built solutions that will appeal to a wide variety of users including mission critical government personnel.
As for the hardware, on top of a 10.1” display that will be still be visible under the bright sunlight, satellite-based GPS, full-shift battery life and optional 3G/4G connectivity, it will also come with the durability, ruggedness and reliability that will work even under the most extreme environment as boasted by the company’s Toughbook brand.
The device is currently being showin at the Panasonic’s InfoComm booth in Orlando. Unfortunately though, I don’t think when the device that is scheduled to be released in the fourth quarter of this year will ever reach our market.
India’s Sakshat tablet began life as a $10 laptop dream for students in India way back in early 2009 and, in the years since, has had more than its fair share of delays and difficulties. But, after repeatedly dashing hopes and destroying dreams it appears the $35 tablet is just about ready for take-off. The Times of India is reporting the first batch of this still slightly mysterious machine will be shipped out at the end of the month to the Indian Institute of Technology for 2,200 rupees apiece — a rather high above the goal price at around $50, though government plans to subsidize the devices should cut the cost in half.
Like a highly atmospheric scene from your favorite film noir, Sony’s teaser video for the S1 and S2 tablets starts off with isolated sounds and a bit of quick motion before settling into a sumptuous, deliberately paced feast for your eyeballs. You might say it’s high art posing as a consumer electronics promo, particularly if you compare it to ASUS or Huawei’s efforts in the field. There’s sadly little in the way of new information, all we really get to witness are the reassuring Android Honeycomb software keys on the larger S1, but this “first impression” clip is the start of a series of ads revolving around a pair of alabaster figurines and their tablet-assisted love affair. Watch the video above to witness the awesomeness yourself!
Well, it looks like Microsoft is taking those warnings about WebGL pretty seriously. The company has decided not to support the web-based 3D standard because it wouldn’t be able to pass security muster. Highest on the list of concerns is that WebGL opens up a direct line from the internet to a system’s GPU. To make matters worse, holes and bugs may crop up that are platform or video card specific, turning attempts to plug holes in its defense into a game of whack-a-mole — with many players of varying reliability. Lastly Microsoft, like security firm Context, has found current solutions for protecting against DoS attacks rather unsatisfying. Lack of support in Internet Explorer won’t necessarily kill WebGL and, as it matures, Microsoft may change its tune — but it’s still a pretty big blow for all us of hoping the next edition of Crysis would be browser-based.
If Google ever hopes to lead the mass exodus away from credit card transactions with Google Wallet, a lot more NFC-packing handsets will need to hit the market. Thus far Sony Ericsson hasn’t exactly led the near-field charge, aside Japan’s Xperia Acro, but it looks like that may soon change, thanks to a deal struck between the phone maker and semiconductor producer, NXP, which will bring the company’s PN65 to future Android-based Xperia models.
Toyota has been showing off its plug-in hybrid Prius since it debuted in concept form at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Japanese automaker is getting ready to deliver the 2012 production version, and we just found out that it will have some significant changes over the prototype versions we’ve seen so far.
The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle boasts two unique features; a selectable EV driving mode, and the ability to apply recaptured energy to the electric-only driving range.
The selectable EV driving mode will be quite useful for trips requiring the use of a highway or that cover longer distances than simple in-town errand running. This will allow Prius PHEV drivers to conserve energy for electric-only jaunts. A button will allow you to turn the EV mode on or off.
Any run-of-the-mill Prius hybrid uses regeneration to replenish the battery. In the protoptye PHEVs, no more energy can be recaptured and stored for later use than the regular non-plug-in model. That means there was no way to extend EV-only range without plugging back in. On the production version of the Prius PHEV, the car will be able to take advantage of that regenerated energy, and extend the time the car can spend in EV mode.
In 1991, the Mazda 787B made history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by becoming the first Japanese-built machine to win the race. In addition, the 787B was the first (and continues to be the only) rotary-powered race car to achieve the feat. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the historic victory, Mazda restored the winning car and announced it would be bringing it to France for this year’s 24-hour race.
Of course, Mazda had the cameras rolling to document the event, and has published several videos of the 787B at Circuit de la Sarthe. Our favorite is a lap with Jonny Herbert behind the wheel, the man who crossed the checkered flag before anyone else in this very car 20 years ago. You can also watch Patrick Dempsey talk about and drive the car, as well as see an overview of the car’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Follow the jump to see the videos. Or rather, considering that the 787B may be the single most awesome-sounding race car ever conceived, follow the jump to hear the videos.
I guess the screenshot above explains everything quite clearly. We already know that the Galaxy S II is coming, but we just don’t know when and how much. But now we know. Maxis is bringing in the phone and is pricing the phone from RM 1,199 to RM 1,799, pending on the data plan that you’re taking.
But if you’re the first 300 customers to subscribe for this phone with a 3G plan (that’s RM150 monthly), you only need to pay the phone for RM 799! The phone will be launching next Wednesday, which is 22 June 2011, at the Centre Court of Mid Valley Megamall, but you can also apply through the nearest Maxis Centre around you.
That is a whopping RM 1300 discount from the retail price. The price might be staggering, but you’re required to subscribe to the 3GB data plan, which isn’t exactly cheap either. However outside of the first 300 customers, other unlucky ones will have to get it at RM 1199 for the same plan and contract, but only for the launch day. Once the launch is over there is another price jump of RM 200 to make it RM 1399 for customers that are looking at the same plan.
If Google ever hopes to lead the mass exodus away from credit card transactions with Google Wallet, a lot more NFC-packing handsets will need to hit the market. Thus far Sony Ericsson hasn’t exactly led the near-field charge, aside Japan’s Xperia Acro, but it looks like that may soon change, thanks to a deal struck between the phone maker and semiconductor producer, NXP, which will bring the company’s PN65 to future Android-based Xperia models.
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