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In High Res: Future Apple Cupertino Campus Photos

Sahas Katta — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:46:19 +0000

With Apple stealing the spotlight from Exxon Mobil as the most valuable company in the world, it can do just about anything these days — especially with $78 billion on hand. One of the largest upcoming milestones for the Cupertino-based company is a new futuristic campus. Apple CEO Steve Jobs presented his proposal to the Cupertino City Council earlier this year and details regarding the new location along with some amazing artistic renderings are finally available to the public.

The new location is just a few minutes away from the current Apple Infinite Loop headquarters off De Anza Boulevard. For those not familiar, the company has continuously expanded into offices spaces surrounding their existing location to accommodate their quickly growing workforce. Aside from the Oracle campus in Redwood City – about 30 minutes north of Cupertino — not a single other company with a unique facility comes to mind.

Apple is also going above and beyond as usual with a major eco-friendly sustainability aspect for its new campus. For instance, there is a large amount of green space surrounding the doughnut-shaped building — even with a sanctuary in the center. The company will apparently even generate power on-site to reduce dependency on the city grid.

The office space will provide about 2.8 million square feet of room for employees on the 175 acre property. The structure stands four stories tall, has a thousand-person auditorium, and a fitness center. In addition, there is nearly 300,000 square feet of unoccupied space for research facilities. Apple plans to make this the home for up to 13,000 employees. For those wondering about the parking situation, there will eventually be an estimated 10,500 slots with 4,600 of those hidden underground.

As someone living just 20 minutes away, I am looking forward to visiting the new Apple campus. Unfortunately, the proposal only estimates completion four years from now in 2015. The City of Cupertino still needs to evaluate the proposal for Environmental Impact (air quality, noise, traffic, etc.) and offer an opportunity for the public to comment as well. With that being said, I am quite confident that the city will not refuse since Apple is their largest tax payer.

In Photos: A Look Back At Google I/O 2011

Sahas Katta — Sat, 14 May 2011 23:14:31 +0000

Google I/O 2011 was a blast for developers and here is a photographic look back at the ordeal from earlier this week. The two day event brought in about 5,000 attendees for two major keynotes and over a hundred sessions. Although Android and Chrome were the largest highlights of the event, cloud services and Google TV also got a mention. Those who made it to the conference even got to walk away with a brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and a Samsung mobile hotspot for Verizon Wireless 4G LTE, not to mention a free Samsung Chromebook which Google will ship out next month.

The Venue

Like last year, Google I/O took over three floors of the Moscone West Conference Center in San Francisco. The first level was for badge pickup, handing out gear, and lunch. The second floor housed several mini booths for companies featuring cloud services many of which ran on or were built for Google technologies. The media briefing room and the majority of the sessions were also on this floor. The third floor was for the keynotes, the after party, and the larger sessions. Android took over much of this level with manufacturers showing off their hardware. Google even had a show case featuring just about every Android handset and tablet to date. Google TV also made an appearance in a home-like set on the Logitech Revue and Sony HDTVs.

I/O 2011 Day One Keynote

The first day was all about Android. Google officially confirmed the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich operating system for smart phones and even introduced Android 3.1, an update to Honeycomb for tablets. The keynote also brought news of Google Music which lets customers store up to 20,000 songs in the cloud for streaming access from any Android device or computer. Google also announced movie rentals through the Android Market and YouTube. Android Open Accessories, which opens the doors for third-party hardware, was shown off on stage as well. A demo of Android @ Home took things even further by letting smart phones and tablets take control of appliances such as thermostats, lights, stereo systems, and much more.

The After Party

Keeping up with yearly tradition, Google hosted an after party following the events of the first day of I/O 2011 for all attendees. The band Jane’s Addiction took the stage after dinner for a performance. However, there were even more exciting technologies lying around. There were Android robots which anyone could control with the accelerometer in their smart phone. A few futuristic bicycles and two-seater cars were present. Even Google’s self-driving car made an appearance.

I/O 2011 Day Two Keynote

After a day of Android news, the second day was all about Chrome. It turns out there are nearly 160 million using the browser and Google continues to bring advancements. While performance improvements and security additions were quite exciting, the audience seemed to get more excited about Angry Birds heading to the Chrome Web Store. For those wondering, Skatter Tech has a web app too! Even more impressive was the push for Chrome OS on the newly branded Chromebook. Google looks to promote these devices to consumers, students, and businesses. The latter two groups get hardware at no cost with monthly subscription over a three-year period with full support. To give things an early boost, every attendee can redeem a free Samsung Chromebook next month.

Other Pictures

I also had a chance to attend a few media briefings with executives. Notable names including Andy Rubin, who oversees Android, were present. Sergey Brin also showed up to answer questions, which was a surprise to some. I also had a to chat with Vic Gundtora who is the Senior Vice President for Social at Google. We covered many of the asked questions on Skatter Tech LIVE.

In Photos: HTC Droid Incredible 2 For Verizon Wireless

Sahas Katta — Wed, 04 May 2011 00:58:32 +0000

About a week ago, Verizon Wireless unveiled the Droid Incredible 2 by HTC, a follow-up to the original Droid Incredible we reviewed last year. Although the hardware and software have not changed much since last year, it brings plenty of additional polish to attract buyers who might have swayed away to avoid being an early adopter. The friendlier look, some extra RAM for faster multitasking, a front-facing camera for video chat, and more powerful battery are just a few improvements. Unfortunately, the brand new Droid Incredible 2 comes with many drawbacks worth addressing.

Hardware

For starters, the rubberized plastic black matte finish offers a great grip and wards off most fingerprints. The curved sides make the Droid Incredible 2 easier to hold than its predecessor. It is definitely more compact than the somewhat over sized HTC Thunderbolt. Although the latest Summer 2011 smart phones will pack dual-core processors, this phone still runs on a year old 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. I was also disappointed to find that there is only 1 GB of on-board storage while the original Droid Incredible had 8 GB. Even though HTC makes microSD expansion possible on both devices, the Droid Incredible 2 can only reach a maximum combined total of 33 GB while its predecessor could hold up to 40 GB. For those looking to jump onto Verizon Wireless 4G LTE, this phone sadly is not compatible. Setting those complains aside, I should note that I was glad to see HTC do away with the optical trackpad which contradicts the purpose of a touch screen phone.

Software

The limited hardware is not the only issue, problems extend even further. This phone still runs on the nearly year old Android 2.2 (Froyo) operating system when Google already pushed out Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) a few months ago. I am confident that HTC will roll out an update in a matter of time, but there is no telling how long it will take. Aside from a newer version of HTC Sense, the Droid Incredible 2 still runs on the same operating system as its predecessor. I also found that the pre-installed Skype application still lacks video calling support meaning having to turn to 3rd party solutions to take advantage of the front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. Verizon Wireless also pre-loads 19 nonremovable applications on this phone. While I do not mind a few such as the 3G mobile hotspot app or Amazon Kindle, it is still starting to get ridiculous.

Other Thoughts

We will have a full Droid Incredible 2 review published within a week, but this smart phone does not look to promising. Although it looks a lot more attractive than the original with a minimalistic design, it also loses a few features. This device might be a decent mid-range device, but buyers might as well opt for a better handset since the monthly fees are not any different.

Buy: $80 for Droid Incredible 2
Links: Verizon Wireless | HTC

Hands On Demo: Skype For Android With Video

Sahas Katta — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 03:22:54 +0000

Just a few moments ago, the team at Droid-Life published a leaked copy of an upcoming version of Skype for Android with video calling support. The app was originally mentioned at the Verizon Wireless press conference at CES 2011, but has yet to make a debut. Although Skype has been available on Android for the past six months, the latest stable release only supports voice calls and chatting.

Today’s leak is specific to the brand new HTC Thunderbolt, but the performance is nothing less than spectacular. I spent a few minutes testing the app with Sharath Shroff, another Skatter Tech reporter, and the quality was great over both Verizon Wireless 4G LTE and WiFi.

Although I look forward to a high quality video calls with mobile devices, most service still feel quite primitive. Qik made a debut last year, but it required holding down a microphone key to respond, much like a walkie-talkie. Updates improved the service with a hands free experience, but video still lags and audio is generally choppy even on a fast network. My experience with Fring is not any better. Tango makes the cross-platform experience convenient with clients for both iOS and Android, but the service still has the same flaws when it comes to audio and video quality.

My hopes were not too high with a leaked build of Skype, but I was proven wrong. After a few seconds into a call, video quickly optimized to present a sharp picture. There was little lag and movement was actually smooth. The audio was loud and clear. I could even see the audio synchronized to the caller’s lips in the video, which is quite impressive for a mobile device. It was even more excited to realize that the performance was nearly identical over both my residential WiFi network and Verizon Wireless 4G LTE. The person on the other end even claimed that the video quality was almost equivalent to the webcam built into my laptop. Switching over to the rear-facing camera also worked wonders.

We will keep an eye out for an official announcement and provide more details when available. Feel free to subscribe to stay updated with the latest dose of tech.

Links: Skype | Droid-Life

In Photos: Nokia E7

Sahas Katta — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:23:58 +0000

At CTIA Wireless 2011, the folks at Nokia handed me their latest E7 smart phone. The device will debut in the United States and United Kingdom next month. The E7 runs on Symbian^3 although the just-announced Nokia Astound (C7) smart phone for T-Mobile features Symbian^3.1.

As someone who honestly has not spent enough time with the Symbian OS, I am solely going to focus on the build quality and the hardware hidden inside. For starters, this phone feels expensive and incredibly robust the second you pick one up. It definitely has a more solid design than the plastic framework of a HTC Thuderbolt or even the glass faces of the Apple iPhone 4.

Nokia E7 Specifications:

Screen: 4 inch capacitive 16:9 nHD (640 x 360 pixels) AMOLED
Operating System: Symbian^3
Internal Storage: 16 GB
Wireless: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0
Front Camera: 8 megapixel rear with dual flash, 720p video
Rear Camera: 0.3 megapixel (VGA) for video calls
Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI, and 3.5 mm headphone jack
Keyboard: back-lit full QWERTY and virtual keyboard
Sensors: accelerometer, light, magnetometer, and proximity
Other: FM radio, GPS
Battery: 1200 mAh Li-Ion, 9 hours talk or 430 hours standby (GSM)
Body Colors: dark grey, silver white, blue, green, and orange
Size: 123.7 x 62.4 x 13.6 mm
Weight (with battery): 176 grams

Some Early Thoughts

We once stated that the original Motorola Droid was built like a tank and I can not find a better way to describe the Nokia E7. The anodized aluminum body does not flex even the slightest amount. For a device with a slide-out keyboard that pops into a laptop-like form factor, the E7 is impressively compressed into a streamlined design. While most people quickly realize that devices such as the HTC Arrive packs a sliding mechanism, it is nearly impossible to tell with Nokia engineering. Unfortunately, the curved edges also make it difficult to open the smart phone.

The 8 megapixel camera sounds great, but it lacks one very important feature: auto focus. Camera phone images are blurry enough and the fixed lens does not help. It also makes it nearly impossible to scan barcodes, QR codes, or text. Fortunately, the AMOLED display kept me interested. Nokia uses a Clear Black Display which offers richer colors, more brightness, and darker blacks. I also found that it was significantly easier to read text under direct sunlight with the E7 compared to the EVO 4G.

Nokia also includes a handful of accessories with the smart phone like most of their products. These include a wall charger, a microUSB cable, a stereo headset, a HDMI cable, and a USB adapter for flash drives. For now, I do not have much more to share. While the built quality was quite impressive, I still have some mixed feelings about the operating system and a few thoughts to share regarding the outdated hardware. Expect a thorough review in the coming weeks.

Buy: $659 on Amazon
Links: Nokia E7 Product Page

CTIA 2011: HTC EVO 3D Hands On Video (Sprint)

Sahas Katta — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 05:27:31 +0000

Shortly after yesterday’s Sprint press conference, we managed to get our hands on the brand new HTC EVO 3D for a quick video demo. Company representatives were rather strict regarding things we could and could not demo, so we only had a chance to film certain aspects of the device. My hands on video recording shows off the design of the body and a few neat interface additions.

The Hardware

I had my HTC EVO 4G with me and I took it out for a size comparison. I was hoping for a smaller and sleeker body, but customers are getting just the opposite. The EVO 3D is approximately a tenth of an inch taller and thicker than last year’s model. To be fair, this smart phone has three cameras, a larger battery, a dual-core processor, and a 3D display which probably adds up quickly. Fortunately the extra bulk is not much, but HTC is still headed in the wrong direction.

The Software

Regarding software, the EVO 3D runs on the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread with a new version of HTC Sense. Some new notable features include a lock screen with four customizable shortcuts for getting to into commonly used apps quickly. The home screen also features a new carousel view. The interface also features a slightly re-styled skin, with more transparencies. The interface was a bit choppy and slow at times. I should note that the entire operating system is still an early build and the Sprint representative we spoke with said it would become more polished at by launch.

I have generally been a big fan of HTC Sense, but the latest implementation on the EVO 3D seems to go too far. It has started to reach a point where the Android OS is becoming less and less recognizable. While I appreciate some minimal enhancements, the interface feels as though it is getting too bulky.

Other Thoughts

Last year’s EVO was the first 4G smart phone on the market. This week’s EVO is the first 3D smart phone on the market. Sprint is definitely keeping the trend with the successful brand name going strong with HTC hardware. I was honestly excited for this device, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that I have no use for 3D. There is almost no easily accessible 3D content at this time. That isn’t to say that companies should not push for new technologies, but that the capabilities are more than useless for customers. It is more of a novelty than function.

Links: HTC EVO 3D | Detailed Specs

CTIA 2011: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 And Galaxy Tab 10.1 Hands-On

Sahas Katta — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:59:08 +0000

Last night at Pepcom’s MobileFocus event at CTIA Wireless 2011, I had a chance to get my hands on with the new Galaxy Tab 8.9 and the improved Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet. While we were not allowed to turn on the devices, the hardware alone was pretty impressive. Samsung demoed these tablets at their press conference earlier that day, but the company had locked up units in glass boxes.

When I finally had a chance to pick one up, I realized how light and thin these tablets really are. Both models are just 8.6 mm thick, which makes it just a hair-line thinner than the iPad 2. The larger Galaxy Tab 10.1 weighs only 1.3 pounds, which also makes it lighter than Apple’s tablet. The mid-sized Galaxy Tab 8.9 is even lighter weighing only 1.04 pounds.

With the hardware packed inside and a great looking design, Samsung is clearly getting serious. Last year’s 7 inch Galaxy Tab was a somewhat early stride as it still ran on Android 2.2. On that note, I should say that I was not too happy with Samsung’s new TouchWiz 4.0 customizations that modify the standard Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb experience.

We were at least glad to hear official pricing for the WiFi-only iterations of the new tablets. For those that did not follow our Samsung press event coverage, both tablets will ship in 16 GB and 32 GB flavors. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be $499 and $599, respectively. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 will run you $469 and $569, respectively. While Samsung only stated an “early summer” launch for the smaller model, the larger one will debut about 3 months from now on June 6th.

Samsung is getting units out to us as soon the tablets are ready to ship. We will definitely get our hands on these for an in-depth review, so stay tuned or subscribe for more details.

Links: Samsung Unpacked

In Photos: HTC Arrive For Sprint

Sahas Katta — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:26:14 +0000

The HTC Arrive, Sprint’s first Windows Phone 7 device, showed up at my door a few days ago. I have used Microsoft’s new mobile OS several times, but I had not dug into it too much until now. I decided to login to all my accounts and use it as my primary device for a few days. The hardware and software were a surprisingly good mix: a fancy robust body and an interface that scrolls like butter.

Software

The first thing I noticed was the incredible responsiveness. The built-in animations, transitions, and overall polish is pretty impressive considering it is still first-generation. Swiping through the live tiles on the home screen feels faster and smoother than both Android and iOS. For those who have not tried Windows Phone 7, the work flow is very different. Although users still enter and exit applications, the native style inside them is very unique. Rather than a set of tabs the top or bottom to switch between views, users swipe to the left or right to browser through a continuous set of streamlined sections.

I felt the starting portion of the learning curve is a bit steeper than other mobile operating systems, but it begins to make sense after a few days in use. I humorously could not find an option to display the top status bar until I realized a simple downwards gesture makes it appear temporarily. In addition, I had a hard time figuring out how to pause a preview song that was playing in the Marketplace only to realize that a quick up or down tap on the physical volume keys brings up the playback controls. Aside from a few momentary obstacles, I enjoyed the refreshing interface.

I should note that the HTC Arrive also ships with the latest version of Windows Phone 7 which offers copy/paste, support for CDMA networks, performance improvements for apps, and an improved Marketplace search. Only a few devices run this version as of now.

Hardware

As always, HTC’s engineering is nothing less than awesome. The Arrive is a somewhat heavy phone and is thicker than most devices due to a full QWERTY keyboard that tucks away under the display. It is a trade-off physical keyboard enthusiasts will have to pay. The display also tilts up into a laptop-like form factor, which makes the device great for enjoying videos on the go. The sliding mechanism is pretty strong, but I managed to get it stuck once or twice when exerting too much pressure one side over another. You most definitely need two hands to get it open without letting it slip away.

I listed the a detailed set of specifications for this phone earlier, but here is the quick gist: a 1 GHz processor, a 3.6 inch screen, 5 megapixel camera for 720p video, and 16 GB internal storage. Bluetooth and WiFi are of course standard. There are no dual core processors or even a front facing camera for video chat, but the HTC Arrive still makes a great Windows Phone 7 device.

Links: HTC Arrive | Sprint

In Photos: HTC Thunderbolt For Verizon Wireless

Sahas Katta — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 06:57:45 +0000

I got my hands on the brand new HTC Thunderbolt earlier today thanks to the folks at Verizon Wireless. As a long time HTC EVO 4G user, the hardware and software immediately felt very familiar. With nearly a year to spare, HTC had a chance to provide gradual upgrades and refinements to the older hardware. When side-by-side, the Thunderbolt looks more modern and has a further streamlined design. The new HTC Sense UI even offers deeper enhancements to the native Android 2.2 interface.

Hardware

Everything from the ear piece, cameras, touch keys, volume controls, power button, and headphone jack are in the same place. The microUSB port is now on the lower left side rather than on the bottom like the EVO 4G. Sadly, there is no HDMI output, but the phone includes great out of the box DLNA client. The phone is roughly the same thickness, height, and width.

The Thunderbolt’s rear camera no longer protrudes out of the chassis like the EVO. The built-in kickstand definitely more robust, reducing the chances of tipping over too easily. It can even prop the Thunderbolt upright in portrait mode. While the EVO’s display appears somewhat washed out with warm colors, the Thunderbolt has a crisper screen and somewhat over saturated colors.

Software

HTC Sense packs an even better punch on the Thunderbolt. Although very similar at first glance, there are easily hundreds of improvements. HTC bundles even more gorgeous widgets with the phone. Existing ones are further polished have extra options for customization. Although the phone does not appear to perform common tasks any faster, transitions and movements are a lot smoother. HTC includes a set of high quality skins which are beyond impressive and thoroughly improves every inch of the operating system. I noticed that fonts throughout the OS are clearer and crisper to read.

Other Thoughts

Verizon’s 4G LTE speeds are a great improvement from Sprint’s 4G Wimax. The Speed Test app displayed download and upload speeds close to 20 Mbps in San Jose. While this was just an initial impression of the HTC Thunderbolt, a full review is coming soon. For the most part, the improvements are evolutionary, not revolutionary. That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get this phone. The Thunderbolt is in a safe spot for those who generally avoid being early adopters. The entire experience from hardware to software is well polished.

Links: HTC Thunderbolt | Verizon Wireless

Video: Android 3.0 Honeycomb Walk-Through

Sahas Katta — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:22:04 +0000

I had a chance to spend about a week with the brand new Motorola Xoom and I was rather impressed with the new operating system. Android 3.0 Honeycomb offers a refreshing interface and many people are not aware the improvements it has over the older smart phone OS. For those of you who have yet to get their hands on one of these tablets, I decided demo five new features that makes the fresh out of the oven Honeycomb OS great for the tablet form factor:

Home Screen Interface

The new Android 3.0 code-name Honeycomb OS features five home screens for widgets and application icons. It starts out on the center home screen and users can swipe to either the left or right to access the others. A new space themed Tron inspired interface is apparent throughout the entire system, not just the home screen. Google has hinted that the next Android upgrade for smart phones will inherit the new look. A handful of interactive widgets come pre-installed. Organizing items on the home screens is easy and intuitive with great visuals.

Voice Actions

Google may have initially introduced this feature about a year ago at their I/O 2010 conference, but the feature still impresses. Without having to program or train your device, the cloud-based Voice Actions perform tasks based on your command. Users can initiate music playback, start GPS navigation, send emails, set alarms, visit webpages, or search the internet with simple commands.

New Bundled Apps

The new tablet-optimized Honeycomb OS also brings a set of quality pre-installed application that take advantage of the large screen size. Most of these offered more features and were more responsive than the iOS 4.x counterparts on the original iPad in my opinion.

Google Books – 3D carousel view, two side-by-side page view
Web Browser – tabbed interface, Adobe Flash support soon
Calendar – flexible and supports multiple calendars
Camera – a new layout for easy access to settings
Clock – a full screen clock which also shows set alarm time
Contacts – a convenient two-pane view
Gallery – stacks represent folders of photos and videos
Gmail – two-panes, snippets show previews of messages
Google Maps – 3D buildings and two finger zoom and rotate
Movie Studio – edit and publish videos on the go
Music – cover flow interface and views for Albums/Artists
Settings – reorganized layout for easy customizing
Talk – supports video chat and multiple conversations
YouTube – 3D wall for featured content

Multitasking and Notifications

Switching between apps is easier than ever. While users generally had to hold down the home key on smart phones, there is now a dedicated app switching icon at the lower left of Android 3.0. It displays the five most recent used applications. Notifications now appear in the lower right task bar by the clock. It is easy to dismiss or react to a notification. A quick settings panel is also within reach at all times for access to WiFi, brightness, screen lock, and other options.

Web Marketplace and Chrome to Phone

The new web-based Android Marketplace is compatible with Honeycomb tablets. It is easy to install new apps to your tablet even if you are not in the same room. Of course, no cable required. It works as long as your tablet is online with either 3G, 4G, or WiFi. The Chrome to Phone extension also works perfectly with the Motorola Xoom tablet. I pushed webpages, maps, videos, and other content over to the tablet with a single click from my laptop.

Stargate Studios: Evolution Of The Green Screen

Sahas Katta — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:51:20 +0000

Everyone knows that studios heavily use green screens in film and television, but I have always wondered how scenes originally looked. My wish recently came through when I stumbled across the Vimeo Channel for Stargate Studios which offers high-definition before and after shots. The company provides both visual effects and “Virtual Backlots” services, which can place actors in over 30 cities with some pre-filmed content and the power of green screen technology.

Stargate Studios works on currently running shows including The Event, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Walking Dead. Their portfolio also includes popular television shows such as 24, Heroes, Monk, and Ugly Betty which are now cancelled. After making my way through a few of these reels, it will probably be hard to watch another TV show again without wondering about when green screens are in use. I simply did not realize the extent of this technology.

Stargate Studios 2010 Virtual Backlot

http://vimeo.com/9553622

Stargate Studios Highlight Reel 2011

http://vimeo.com/19190866

Is it just me or is anyone else amazed? If you have seen something similar before or have other similar before and after shots, feel free to share in the comments below!

Links: Stargate Studios

HP Veer Hands-On Video Walk-Through

Sahas Katta — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:01:10 +0000

If you didn’t hear the news, HP announced two smart phones at their press conference in San Francisco this morning: Pre 3 and Veer. For the geeky, feel free to backtrack through Skatter Tech LIVE for minute-by-minute coverage of the event. We also just published a HD video demo of the new TouchPad tablet, for those interested. I also had a chance to spend some time with the HP Veer and I captured a full walk-through video, which you can watch below:

HP Veer Specifications:

Powered by HP webOS
Runs on Qualcomm 800 MHz processor
CDMA and GSM models will be available
2.6 inch multi-touch 320×400 pixel display
Slide-out Qwerty keyboard
Integrated GPS module
5 megapixel camera with geotagging
Two microphones for noise cancellation
Accelerometer, light, and proximity sensors
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1
8 GB internal storage and USB storage mode
910 mAh non-removable battery
5 hours of talk-time or 300 hours standby
Magnetic charging port with USB adapter
Compatible with Touchstone wireless dock
3.5 mm headphone jack with included adapter
Dimensions 2.15 x 3.31 x 0.59 inches
Weighs just 103 grams (3.63 ounces)

The Veer is essentially a micro version of the larger Pre 3. Rather than heading to a over-sized 4.3 inch display like the majority of the latest Android smart phones, HP headed in the opposite direction. Although it shares a very similar form factor with the now-defunct Microsoft Kin, a representative stated that it was a full-blown smart phone and that it would not face the same issues.

We’re quite excited for this device since the webOS interface works smoothly on the small form factor. The performance was quite speedy and the hardware was definitely attractive. Even our new Skatter Tech Touch mobile site worked perfectly on the device. Although the HP Veer will not ship until spring, I’ll publish an in-depth look at this phone soon.

Links: HP Veer

HP TouchPad Hands-On Video Demo

Sahas Katta — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:16:08 +0000

Earlier today at a press event in San Francisco, HP announced the TouchPad tablet. As expected after the acquisition of Palm, this highly anticipated device runs entirely on a new version webOS. Although optimized for a larger display, it retains many elements of the smart phone version such as cards for multitasking and stacks for organizing open applications.

I had a chance to get a HP representative to demo the TouchPad on camera, so feel free to watch the embedded video below in full HD 1080p goodness. The walk through shows off the web browser, touch to share smart phone technology, the Touchstone wireless chargers, the adaptable virtual keyboard, and a few more neat features.

HP TouchPad Specifications:

Powered by HP webOS
Runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core 1.2 GHz
9.7 inch XGA (1024×768) capacitive multi-touch display
GPS module inside 3G models only
Front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video calls
Light sensor, accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
16 GB or 32 GB internal storage, no expansion
6300 mAh battery, non-removable
MicroUSB for charging and data
3.5 mm headphone/microphone/headset jack
Internal stereo speakers with Beats Audio
HP Touchstone wireless charging compatible
9.45 inches x 7.48 inches x .54 inches
Weighs 1.6 pounds (740 grams)

With some hardware that puts it ahead of competitors such as the Apple iPad, BlackBerry PlayBook, and Motorola Xoom in certain categories, the TouchPad will appeal to many. The webOS interface also stands out from others. Extra perks such as compatibility with networked HP printers or audio enhancements by Dr. Dre Beats Audio is a plus. While this tablet won’t ship until this Summer, stick around for an in-depth early look and previews of the new HP Veer and HP Pre 3.

Links: HP TouchPad

In Photos: Nokia N8

Sahas Katta — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:48:25 +0000

While most of the buzz across the United States is for devices such as the Apple iPhone 4, Motorola Droid Bionic, and HTC Thunderbolt, Nokia’s impressive N8 smart phone that blasts some of these devices out of the water when it comes to certain features. While there is no domestic carrier that offers the phone, the Nokia N8 is available unlocked through retailers such as Amazon.

Nokia N8 Specifications:

Operating System: Symbian^3
Networks: WCDMA and GSM/EDGE
Display: 3.5 inch widescreen capacitive touch
Screen Resolution: 640 x 360 pixels
Camera: 12 megapixels and 720p video
Connectivity: HDMI output and Micro USB
Wireless: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0
Radio: FM radio and FM transmitter
Storage: 16GB Internal and up to 32GB Micro SD
Battery: 1200 mAh
Dimensions: 113.5 x 59.12 x 12.9 mm
Weight: 135 grams

For anyone know knows their smart phone hardware, this phone packs plenty of heat. Unfortunately some may not like the fact that it runs on Nokia’s latest Symbian^3 platform, which deviates from the Maemo we saw on the N900. It is clear that Nokia still knows what it is doing when it comes to aesthetics, hardware, and style. However, a switch over to Android or Windows Phone 7 might be necessary to grab more attention in the United States. Keep in mind we should not forget that Symbian takes first place with 36.6% of the worldwide smart phone operating system market share according to Gartner. Although those numbers are from Q3 of 2010, Symbian is probably still number one despite the impressive Android growth rates.

We are working on a full review on the Nokia N8, so stick around or subscribe for the full scoop.

Links: Nokia N8

Concept Android Phone Features Three Displays

Sahas Katta — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:38:23 +0000

Over the past few years, smart phones have evolved to a point where they now have more processing power than computers from just a decade ago. However, design has not changed much. Every single Android device launched at the Verizon Wireless CES 2011 press event looked exactly the same: a single-piece black-colored slab. In fact, this design has become so popular that it has become rather difficult for many to visually identify one smart phone from another. Even the simple and extremely thin Apple iPhone 4 shares the same form factor. While the design may work, it will eventually get boring and overused. This is exactly why I was glad to see this innovative concept design entitled “flip” from a designer named Kristian Ulrich Larsen.

Even if the design is impractical, there are definitely creative elements that could easily make it into production in the near future. The concept demoed in the video below shows off a three flexible screen design. There are clearly elements from Android and iOS in the mockup, but the mashup is still absolutely unique. There is also a front-facing camera for video chat, a side-by-side screens form factor for reading a book, and even customizable LED lights for personalization. I could go on all day about the possibilities, but it is better to simply watch the video yourself.

http://vimeo.com/18079655

The prototype is as imaginary as things can get. I am sure geeks would die to own one of these. If I were at a company like Apple or HTC, I would probably hire this designer quickly. Do you think this would be too complicated? If this was real, would you buy one? Let us know in the comments!

Link: Idkul Flip Phone

CES 2011: Wilson Electronics Introduces New 4G Signal Boosters

Sahas Katta — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:24:52 +0000

Over just the past month, Verizon Wireless launched their 4G LTE network in 38 major cities last month as Sprint reached nearly 71 cities including San Francisco and New York City. However, despite the strides these cellular carriers have taken, much of the United States is still left uncovered. Even for those who live in a 4G city, coverage is still spotty. In addition 4G networks don’t work too well inside buildings. To help ease the issue, Wilson Electronics announced a few new 4G signal boosters at Consumer Electronics Show, much like their 3G signal booster we reviewed last year.

The company offers three versions of 4G signal boosters for LTE, WiMax, and AWS frequencies which are for Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and T-Mobile, respectively. For those unfamiliar with signal boosters, keep in mind that these don’t magically create signal if you don’t have any coverage. These gizmos pick up and strengthen weak signals to improve speeds and quality.

The AWS 4G booster designed for T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network will ship sometime next month and will retail for about $400. As for the LTE booster, a Wilson Electronics representative stated that further refining and testing is needed since Verizon’s 4G network is still fairly new. Other models including the Sprint WiMax edition will become available later this year.

Links: Wilson Electronics

In Photos: Samsung Captivate (AT&T)

Sahas Katta — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:47:20 +0000

Although we’ve been talking about the Samsung Epic 4G for the past few days, which is probably the most notable iteration of the Galaxy S family, we also managed to get our hands on AT&T’s iteration, the Samsung Captivate. While it lacks some extras that the Epic 4G offers such as a front-facing camera, 4G connectivity, and a slide-out physical keyboard, it sports a slimmer lightweight design. Let’s not forget that it still sports the rest of the goods including Samsung’s flagship Super AMOLED display technology, Android v2.1, Swype text input, TouchWiz, Media Hub, a 5 megapixel camera, and HD video recording.

The Captivate also comes packed with 16GB of storage with support for microSD card expansion. With a 32GB microSD card, users can have nearly 48GB of total storage. On the other hand, the Epic 4G only offers 1GB of internal storage, bringing the total to just a mere 33GB with a 32GB microSD card. Other embedded features include a panorama mode, Bluetooth 3.0, microUSB, WiFi, and TV Output.

We have a full in-depth review in the works, so stay tuned. Also, check out our EVO 4G and Droid X reviews if you haven’t already. But for now, enjoy our high-res Captivate product shot gallery:

As always, we have a bonus. This time around, we lined up the Samsung Captivate with the Samsung Epic 4G, both of which are Galaxy S devices. While the Epic 4G looks great, is lightweight, and feels great to hold, the Captivate offers a sharper, slimmer look. Naturally, that’s mainly due to the lack of a slide-out physical keyboard. We’ll also line these devices up with Verizon’s Fascinate, another Galaxy S device, as soon as we get our hands on it.

While you are waiting for Samsung Captivate review, please feel free to subscribe to our RSS Feed or subscribe to Email Notifications. And if you are wondering, we’re also on Twitter and Facebook.

Links: ATT.com | Samsung.com

In Photos: Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint)

Sahas Katta — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:44:26 +0000

It’s finally here! The folks at Sprint were kind enough to get their second 4G device, the Samsung Epic 4G, out to us. This phone sits amongst an array of Galaxy S devices including Verizon’s Fascinate, AT&T’s captivate, and T-Mobile’s Vibrant. Unlike it’s variants, Sprint Epic 4G touts a physical keyboard, a front-facing camera, and 4G connectivity. Let’s not forget the 4-inch Super AMOLED display, the 1GHz Hummingbird processor, Mobile Hotspot (5 devices max), 5 megapixel camera, or front-facing camera either. It even ships with a 16GB microSD card, DLNA sharing support, and sports the Samsung MediaHub for movie downloads.

While we aren’t done with our review yet, here’s a set of our very own product shots. If you weren’t around yesterday, be sure to check out our set of Motorola Droid 2 photos as well.

And as an added bonus, I lined it up besides the HTC EVO 4G. While I thought the Epic 4G would be significantly thicker, the difference wasn’t too noticeable. However, the EVO was surprisingly shorter. And that struck me as odd, considering that the Epic only has a 4-inch display, while the EVO sports a 4.3-inch screen. On that note, viewing angles, colors, black levels, pixel density, and depth of the Super AMOLED screen on the Epic 4G is significantly better than the EVO 4G. Samsung’s build quality is also strikingly good and the slider mechanism feels very solid. I was disappointed to find the power button off to the side and the microUSB port on the top. Both are oddly positioned compared to recent flood smartphones. Aside from that, the OS is very responsive and the TouchWiz 2.5 interface doesn’t appear to slow things down. According to Sprint, Froyo v2.2 is estimated to be about 7-8 weeks away.

That’s about all I have for now. Stay tuned by subscribing to our RSS Feed or sign up for Email Notifications. You can find us Facebook and Twitter as well!

Links: Sprint.com Epic 4G

Chuck Lorre on iPhone 4: “it’s a s#*tty phone”

Sahas Katta — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:14:56 +0000

For those that haven’t heard, during The Big Bang Theory panel at Comic-Con 2010, the network announced a guest appearance by Apple’s co-founder Steve Wozniak. Naturally, during our interview with Chuck Lorre, the creator of the show, we asked him about his thoughts on Apple. While he initially admitted that he was a fan of Apple products, he soon made some interesting remarks about his iPhone 4. But before we get to that, during that same conversation, another reporter asked Loree whether there would be any Apple or iPhone 4 jokes in that upcoming Wozniak episode. Loree responded, “We are not going to make fun of Apple [...] we’re fans.”

Getting back to the interesting part, as our interview wrapped up, we asked Chuck Lorre how he liked his iPhone 4. He said the following: “It’s a lot of fun, it’s a shitty phone.” – Chuck Lorre

For The Big Bang Theory fans, Wozniak will make his appearance on the second episode of the upcoming fourth season. So be sure to schedule your TiVos in time.

Links: CBS.com The Big Bang Theory

In Photos: Motorola Droid 2 (Verizon Wireless)

Sharath Shroff — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:47:53 +0000

This morning, the Motorola Droid 2 showed up at our door step, courtesy of Verizon. Although it’s been just a little over a month since the Droid X launch, Motorola is back again with the successor to the extremely popular Droid we reviewed last year. If you haven’t heard, the Droid 2 features a 3.7 inch screen, a 1GHz processor, Mobile Hotspot for up to 5 devices, 8GB of internal storage, microSD expansion, a 5 megapixel camera, 720p video recording, and much more. Like the original Droid, the Droid 2 has a slide out QWERTY keyboard as well as an on-screen one. Swype has quickly taken over as the choice for virtual predictive keyboard and like the Droid X, it comes pre-installed on the Droid 2. In addition, this smartphone stands out since it is one of the first devices to ship with Android 2.2 (Froyo) running out of the box!

If you haven’t seen our Droid 2 vs Epic 4G infographic, that’s worth a glance. We also have a full in-depth review in the works, but in the meantime, check out the Motorola Droid 2 gallery:

And as an added bonus, here are a few shots of the Droid 2 lined up besides the Droid X. This phone’s metal rim makes it feel heavier and more robust than the Droid X. While the plastic and rubber casing makes the Droid X feel somewhat cheaper, the Droid 2 clearly offers a expensive-looking quality build. As for size comparison, the Droid X is significantly thinner except for the hump at the top which brings it to approximately the same thickness.

Waiting for our in-depth review? Feel free to subscribe to our RSS Feed or sign up for Email Notifications. You can find us Facebook and Twitter as well!

Links: Motorola.com | VerizonWireless.com

Editor’s Note: Photography by Sahas Katta

Comic-Con 2010: Psych Interviews

Sahas Katta — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:07:28 +0000

Two of our biggest exclusive interviews from last week at Comic-Con ’10 have already gone up, but there is still more to come. It’s only going to get more exciting as we continue to publish coverage of some our personal favorites, like USA Network’s Psych. I had a chance to talk to everyone from the creators to the actors in the private press room. Steve Franks, truly a visionary, and James Roday, along with the rest of the talent, all eagerly answered what questions I had about the direction of the show along with their personal take on its growth to the witty comedy that it is today.

The creators of the show Steve Franks, Kelly Kulchak, and Chris Henze, sat down with me to answer a few questions I had regarding how the show came together from the very beginning. We had a lot of fun backtracking as well as discussing the direction the current season is going in. I was really excited when Steve Franks began listing some of the upcoming themed episodes: A Fast and the Furious, Space Camp, Lethal Weapon, and many more themes will appear in the upcoming months.

It was a blast chatting with James Roday, Dule Hill, Maggie Lawson, and Timothy Omundson. James Roday was just as creative and enthusiastic in person and Maggie Lawson just as charming. Even Kirsten Nelson who plays Chief Vick and Corbin Bernsen who plays Shawn’s dad were hilarious and down-to-earth.

P.S. Steve Franks: If you liked my pitch for doing a “tech crime” episode give me a call, you have my number! Hacking, decrypting, and packet sniffing is awesome. :)

Related: Comic-Con 2010 Preview
Links: Psych (USA Network)

Comic-Con 2010: Burn Notice Interviews

Sahas Katta — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:20:54 +0000

Last week I attended Comic-Con 2010 in San Diego for the first time. Although the event is predominantly for fans, due to my work with Skatter Tech, I had a little extra access to just about everything. The folks from USA Network were kind enough to let a few of us into a private room for interviews with the folks behind Burn Notice, While Collar, and Psych. Since Skatter Tech generally covers tech-related news, I thought I’d throw in a few geeky questions during our interviews.

For those who haven’t seen the show, the lead character, Michael Westen, played by Jeffrey Donovan, creates gizmos for blowing up just about anything with over-the-counter parts. For instance, he constantly uses pre-paid phones to trigger explosives and even has uploaded “Top Secret” data to free file hosting services. I asked Bruce Campbell, Chris Vance, and Tim Matheson a few questions about the creative genius behind these home-made weaponry. It turns out that Matt Nix, the creator of Burn Notice, and a few of his writers generally come up with those ideas. While the show never fully explains the process of making a dangerous gizmos, leaving an element or two out for obvious reasons, they still continuously hear complains from federal agencies.

Anyways, we’ve got a full gallery of photos from the press room and three videos queued up below. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Links: Burn Notice
Related: Comic-Con 2010: The Big Bang Theory Interviews

Comic-Con 2010: The Big Bang Theory Interviews

Dominic Raad — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:19:33 +0000

This past week Skatter Tech dove right into the chaos that is Comic-Con, and this year’s was by far the craziest yet. The San Diego Convention Center was home to some of the biggest, brightest names in Hollywood, ranging from daytime cable to the silver screen. It’s been three years since one of my all time favorite TV shows, “The Big Bang Theory,” premiered on CBS. The witty, geeky humor was created by the minds of Chuck Lorre (creator of “Two and a Half Men”) and Bill Prady, and continues on to its fourth season with the help of creative writers Steve Molaro and Lee Aronsohn.

Executive producers and writers weren’t the only ones at Comic-Con 2010: the entire cast did as well. Everyone from Jim Parsons to Kaley Cuoco showed up and had plenty to say about the show and their involvement. Skatter Tech was able to grab some exclusive interviews with The Big Bang Theory’s producers, writers, and actors, and I would like to now present some photo galleries and video coverage of our time with the stars.

Just as a heads up to our readers, if the videos below begin with audio and a still image, just hang tight and our video coverage will continue in seconds. As you will notice, some of our media coverage is still rough around the edges, we would love your feedback in order to help improve the experience as best we can! Don’t forget to stay tuned for the rest of our exclusive interviews with other networks and some great shows included in our preview. Let’s also not forget to thank Sahas Katta for the countless hours of video and audio editing!

Links: The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Related: Comic-Con 2010 Preview

Comic-Con 2010: Interview with Motohide Eshiro

Dominic Raad — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:00:01 +0000

Skatter Tech was able to obtain an exclusive interview with Capcom Producer, Motohide Eshiro. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the name, Eshiro is the one of the brilliant minds behind designing the new Okamiden title along with other Capcom favorites such as Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny. There had been a lot of exciting progress with the Okamiden demo at this year’s E3, and I was able to ask a few unanswered questions regarding the Nintendo DS title and all the high expectations behind it.

I began the interview with the most speculated question I had: whether or not Okamiden, a handheld title, could live up to the immense amount of gameplay and value the original Okami offered on the PlayStation 2 and Wii consoles. This question may seem like an obvious one since the original Okami had our protagonist, sun goddess incarnation Ammaterasu, spend about 40 hours fighting demons, upgrading weapons and celestial brush abilities, and an unbelievable sense of exploration. It’s tough to expect Chibiterasu, recently confirmed as the son of Ammy as expected, to have the same amount of depth in a handheld sequel.

Motohide Eshiro, with the aid of his translator Miguel, assured me that Okamiden had been designed from the ground up with the ultimate goal of utilizing the Nintendo DS in every way possible. This included a full, complex adventure game that would not fall short of what we expect out of the Okami franchise. I proceeded to ask just exactly how long we would expect to control Chibiterasu and his multiple partners as they vanquish demons from their home land of Nippon. Eshiro answered that around 25 hours of gameplay would accompany the player’s first play through.

With his selective choice of words I was immediately determined to know just what he meant by “first play through,” and whether or not there would be reason for replay. These incentives I refer to could be in the form of collectibles, hidden weapons, or brush techniques, like those in the original Okami. Unfortunately, Eshiro responded by telling me that there would not be as much to collect as in the original, although there would be something unique to bring players back to the adventure that would would stay as a surprise. There may even be a few new brush techniques to change things up for the fans of the series.

After questioning him about the disadvantages and the concerns of creating a sequel on the handheld, I asked what were some of the strong advantages he was taking while using the Nintendo DS’s touchscreen and stylus. Eshiro explained that Okamiden is incredibly precise since you can control everything from celestial brush techniques to your partner with the stylus. Another mechanic that has changed is how the camera will follow Chibiterasu as you play and will constantly show the player what they need to be shown. I asked how this will affect the amount of exploration the user has and his response was that while there isn’t an total absence of it, there won’t be nearly as much overworld to explore.

Motohide Eshiro was really enthusiastic about Okamiden pleasing fans of the Okami universe, and that Chibiterasu’s adventure would be just as artistic and divine as his mother’s. Even though I pushed to him towards admitting some of the inevitable shortcomings, such as shorter gameplay and less exploration, he assured me all these changes were for the best to assure that gameplay would play as smooth and fun as possible. Chibiterasu has some big footsteps to fill and all in a tiny package, but gamers will have to wait till early next year to see whether the adorable celestial hero can make it big.

Links: Okamiden
Related: Okamiden Preview

In Photos: Samsung Wave

Sahas Katta — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 06:45:37 +0000

While current smart phone battles are between Google’s Android devices and the Apple iOS-powered iPhone 4, Samsung has an unexpected entry into the playing field. Nope, it’s not the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy. It’s the Samsung Wave which runs on Samsung’s very own Bada OS. While it’s definitely not on par with devices like the iPhone 4, Droid Incredible, EVO 4G, or Droid X, it still has plenty to offer. Although our full review isn’t yet complete, here’s our first “in photos” look at the Samsung Wave:

Samsung Wave (S8500) Specifications:

Network: 3G WCDMA & HSDPA
Display: 3.3-inch (800×480) Super AMOLED
Camera: 5.0 Megapixel camera w/ LED Flash
Cam Assistance: auto-focus & geo-tagging
Camcorder: HD 720p recording and playback
Audio: 3.5mm Headphone Jack, FM Radio
Social Network integration, Samsung Apps
Browser: Dolfin HD 2.0, Multi-touch support
Sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity and GeoMagnetic
Bluetooth 3.0, USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Storage: 2GB internal + 32GB max for microSD
Dimensions: 118 x 56 x 10.9mm
Battery: Li-Ion, 1,500 mAh

While you are waiting for our full review of the Samsung Wave and it’s new Bada OS, feel free to subscribe to our RSS Feed or sign up for Email Subscriptions. We’re on Facebook and Twitter too!

Links: Samsung.com Mobile Phones
Related: The Case for Samsung Bada