LG, or Lucky Goldstar, is a pretty big name in the mobile industry. The Korean electronics manufacturer has been developing some pretty interesting devices as of late and among these is a touch screen tablet that has had plenty of folks excited.
According to reports, this very same tablet is already deep in the development process but has been delayed due to certain issues with the instability of the Android operating system. And until Google is able to create a more stable version of the OS, the LG tablet will stay delayed.
Now, Google obviously has no responsibility in this matter, after all, it is LG’s prerogative to create the hardware. Besides, with plenty of other tablet devices running the Android OS already coming (take the Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tab for example) and showing that they can run the Android 2.2 just fine and LG’s arguments show that they are the ones that are having issues running the OS properly on their device.
The big clincher here however, is the fact that Google has already declared the Android operating system as unsuitable for tablet devices. While manufacturers are banking on the Android’s fame as a mobile platform to sell their tablet devices, they are completely ignoring the Google Chrome operating system (not to be mistaken for the Google Chrome browser). Sure, the Android OS can work on a tablet –we have all seen that already, but Google’s Chrome OS is far more suitable for non-mobile devices.
Perhaps part of this confusion is due to the public’s own misconception of the two platforms. After all, many feel that after the launch of the Android OS, development of the Chrome platform has been greatly neglected. Even Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer states that the Google needs to make up its mind and choose just one –though that would defeat the point of having two platforms targeting specific industry needs.
Posts Tagged ‘LG’
Needs More Chrome: Android Blamed for LG Tablet Delay
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010Motorola and LG Unveil New Handsets
Monday, September 13th, 2010
There are going to be two dual SIM handsets from Motorola coming out soon. The EX115 and the EX128 have been bobbing up and down the rumor pool so they have not been getting much attention. But now, with a little more prodding from the phone maker themselves, it seems that the two phones are finally going to see the light of day.
Sadly, spec details on the handsets are still off limits at this time, but the initial images certainly reveal a lot of important details.
First off, the EX115 is pretty much like a standard BlackBerry or Palm QWERTY handset. From the small 2.X-inch screen to the portrait oriented QWERTY keyboard. Hopefully, the keys on this device will be similar to the ones on the Milestone so that typing on it will be easy too. The EX128 on the other hand, is a touch screen device –a rare occurrence for dual SIM smart phones. Both handsets are expected to hit stores with retail prices close to the 100 Euro mark.
LG has confirmed the release dates for the Optimus One and Optimus Chic mobile phones. After a recent announcement about a WP7 based Optimus device, the One and Chic are now getting some extra focus as well. Set to be released later this week (the announced date is September 14), the two phones will be coming out in an event to be held in the morning of the 14th.
Speaking of September 14, Nokia also has a little event planned on that day. While little is known about what the Finnish phone maker would actually be announcing, many are expected to catch a glimpse of the new Nokia N9 smart phone. Taiwan based HTC is slated to have an event on the following day, the 15th. Speculations point to a possible showing of the HTC Vision and the HTC Desire HD.
Leaks on the LG Optimus 7 Compiled
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
Most of the high profile smart phones tend to get leaked, and the upcoming LG Optimus 7 is no exception. The device has been featured in a couple of recent official images showcasing the device’s form factor (which is pretty impressive, no doubts about that), and the slide out QWERTY keyboard that packs beneath the touch screen display.
Initially, it was though that the Optimus 7 would be an Android smart phone (considering the fact that previous Optimus devices are Android handsets as well), it was not until the Optimus 7 was revealed to be packing a Windows Logo on the buttons did the public realize that the series is a lot more varied than originally thought.
It was confirmed that the Optimus 7 would be a Windows Phone 7 device despite the fact that later images of the product no longer showed the Windows logo on one of the keys. With the Korean phone maker confirmed to have more than just one device ready for the October launch of the platform, this is no longer surprising to know.
In terms of overall specs, LG has been pretty secretive about the new handset, though it uses WP7 is already an indicator of the lowest possible specs that it may have. The new phone will definitely be using Qualcomm based technology for the CPU –particularly the Snapdragon QSD8250 processor which runs at 1GHz.
The device will also be sporting a nice big AMOLED touch screen display with multi touch support and of course, WVGA aspect screen ratio.
Naturally, we cannot help but notice the impressive looking keyboard as well. The device has a 4 row keyboard that most phone users will be familiar with, and the device’s simple looking layout will have users easily oriented with the controls in moments.
Incoming Devices: LG E900, LG E720 and the Motorola XT300
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010Motorola and LG are back in the spotlight with a few new handsets and from the looks of it, these mobile phone makers have a lot more up their sleeves. For now, we will be focusing on three new confirmed devices from the two companies: the LG E900 and E720, as well as Motorola’s XT300.
The Motorola XT300 is reminiscent of the Flip Out handset that came out some time ago. The square-ish form factor and the slide out keyboard are definite match for the older handset, though the XT300’s standard slide out keyboard is much more practical than the single hinged Flip Out keyboard.
Aside from having a physical keyboard, very little else is known about the handset. It is confirmed that the device packs the Android operating system and the Motoblur user interface and that it makes use of the back touch panel similar to the Motorola BackFlip. So far, no launch date has been given for this handset.
LG has a couple of devices for us as well, the E900 has been popping up in images and teasers for the past couple of weeks and as we all know, this is their new Windows Phone 7 handset. The device sports an impressive slide out QWERTY keyboard, a WVGA touch screen display and according to rumors, a 1.3 GHz Snapdragon Processor. The QSD8650A is reported to be coming out later this year so we could expect to see plenty of new high end devices sporting the high speed CPU.
Another LG handset that we have been seeing in leaked images is the new E720 Optimus Chic. Aside from the fact that the device is a touch screen Android smart phone, no other details have been released about this device.
Mobile 3D on Nokia and WP7 Texting Features
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
It looks like communication and connectivity truly are the key foundations of the upcoming Windows Phone 7 mobile platform. A recently released video of the texting system on the OS showcases a live thread that allows the user to view text messages as if they were on live chat.
The video features the new LG WP7 handset with a slide out QWERTY keyboard (more on the hardware in a bit) and the whole device rotated to a landscape view. The messages onscreen appear as wide text bubbles which allow the user to easily keep track of who said what. While it is common for the text messages to appear in threaded view, this is one of those few rare instances where the thread is easily viewable while writing a reply.
The device on hand is a LG smart phone which sports an impressive looking keyboard. The keys seem evenly spaced though the buttons are a little flat.
In other mobile news, Nokia is coming out with the N-series N9 smart phone at the end of the year and it is possible that 3D technology might be in development for the device.
According to reports, Nokia and Intel are now working on the development of 3D video technology for mobile phones. While hardware might no longer be available for the N9 (which is due to come out this December), it might at least support some of the software features if the Intel-Nokia team up comes out with anything.
The N9 is a likely testing ground for the new project as it is the device that makes use of the MeeGo operating system which was developed by the two companies.
Speaking of the N9, the N-series is still awaiting the launch of the Nokia N8 which has been delayed constantly for the past few months. Currently, the expected launch date is early in October.
Windows Phone 7 Partners Get Ready for OS Launch
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Several Windows Phone 7 handsets are already getting ready for distribution when the OS finally comes out later this year. According to some reports, Microsoft might be releasing the new mobile platform as early as September, which means that by now, several Windows Phone 7 based handsets are already well within the production stage.
LG is definitely in the lead with their device progress. In terms of public presence, the LG Panther is an exceptionally great handset that is practically finished as far as consumers are concerned. The device has been spotted quite early on in pictures, showing that LG has started work on their WP7 device quite early. Recent news on the Panther shows that the QWERTY keyboard toting smart phone is pretty much ready for the OS to be installed.
Of course, the Korean manufacturer is not the only company that is preparing a Windows Phone 7 handset. Taiwan based HTC has been a long time partner for Microsoft, even before the days that HTC became a major industry partner for Google and the Android OS. HTC’s ties with Microsoft go as far back as the Pocket PC days. The HTC Mondrian (also rumored to be the same device as the HTC Gold) and HTC Mozart will be the new WP7 handsets for HTC.
Samsung, Dell and Asus are also among the names that were announced to be working on Windows Phone 7 devices as well. Considering that the launch of the new platform is coming soon, it is expected that these companies have devices that are more than ready.
Also, the developer version of the OS seems to be getting mixed reactions from users. While some appreciate the new design direction that Microsoft is taking, there are those who feel that the OS still needs more work to compete with the Android and Apple iOS.
New Name Reignites Sony Ericsson WP7 Rumors
Monday, June 28th, 2010
While it is often easy to disregard a rumor, one cannot help but notice when a phone manufacturer finally comes out with a name. The Sony Ericsson Jolie is the new handset that we are now digging through the rumor bin for as the Swedish Japanese joint venture has released a little teaser about the fact that they are working on a WP7 device.
It is pretty much a well established fact that many mobile phone makers are already working on various Windows Phone 7 handsets. With a release date not due until later this October, a new, stylish operating system that has a developer version already available and plenty of eager fans, there is no doubt that there will be plenty of demand for Microsoft’s new mobile product when it finally launches later this year.
Sony Ericsson is among those companies whose names have already been mentioned in the roster of companies that will be making WP7 devices.
Still, with most of the companies involved keeping quiet about their progress, every bit of WP7 handset that comes around naturally brings up plenty of interest. Prior to Sony Ericsson, only LG and HTC have made further announcements regarding their devices. LG has confirmed that the Panther will be among the first devices available at launch date. Taiwan based phone maker HTC has dropped two names, the Mondrian and the Mozart though has not confirmed if the two phones are different or one and the same.
Considering Sony Ericsson’s track record, the Jolie nickname will be used for their device while it is in production but it will be given a quick name change once the product is about to be announced for commercial launch (the company has a habit of giving female nicknames to many of their handsets – remember how the Shakira became the XPERIA X8?). Expect to see and hear more of the Jolie in the weeks to come.
Samsung Says AMOLED Still Better than iPhone 4’s Retina Display
Friday, June 11th, 2010
Looks like Apple hit another company’s nerves with their proclamation that the iPhone’s Retina Display is far superior to the Super AMOLED technology used in Samsung mobile phones.
Samsung then responded to that statement with an analysis that says that the Retina Display only makes a minor difference in resolution. The noticeable improvement is only about 3 to 5 percent but saps about 30 percent more battery power.
“Structurally, [Apple's] IPS LCD technology cannot catch up with AMOLED display technology… The visibility difference is only 3 to 5 percent. But raising resolution to that level increases battery consumption by 30 percent.”
It seems that this really pushed Samsung’s buttons because they are considered to be the industry leader when it comes to screen technology. Their AMOLED display is more energy efficient because it does not rely on an additional backlight. Also, it is able to compensate for any resolution loss with the use of color accuracy, a higher contrast against true black and limitless viewing angles.
On the other hand, the upcoming iPhone 4 makes use of an upgraded display technology which is designed to overcome LCD weaknesses by being able to deliver a wider color gamut as well as more viewing angles. It also boasts an “invisible pixel” system which makes the display look more crisp.
The Samsung spokesperson has of course skipped the known weaknesses of their AMOLED technology which includes poor outdoor visibility as well as its sky high production costs. Their Galaxy S mobile phone tries to overcome this with an updated Super AMOLED technology but of course, that is not perfect either.
Despite their stand, reports says that Apple could have tied up with the Korean company if not for the shortage of AMOLED screens. Now that the Cupertino-based company is tied up with LG instead, this may just be the way they assert their superiority.
Windows Phone 7 on LG Panther Shown
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
The first WP7 device to ever appear in images is back and this time, LG’s sleek Panther is showing off an actively working phone that is running the Windows Phone 7 operating system. No word yet if this is the final product or a test device with a ROM, but regardless –it is an impressive sight to see.
A quick look at the panther’s front screen reveals a very standard looking touch screen smart phone. A silver frame border goes around the screen and adds a sense of classic elegance to the design. There are three buttons on the bottom of the screen, with the center button resting on what might be a directional pad. All in all, the phone looks nice, but a little stiffer than what the initial images shown (the older Panther look was somewhat ruggedly cool). Still, this is one visually appealing device –if only for certain crowds.
In terms of specs, this handset complies with the Microsoft established standards for the WP7 OS and falls under the type-2 chassis. Considering the amount of UI animation and the volume of dynamic elements that are present in WP7, it is expected that it would take nothing short of a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU to be able to run the new mobile platform smoothly.
The release of the Panther on images also brings to light one impressive bit of news: Windows Phone 7 is almost here. The images of the device were shot last May 12 –placing the possibility of a ready, finished product by next month.
LG is not the only company to already have a name for their Windows Phone 7 device. HTC has also confirmed that their Mondrian smart phone is already underway. According to reports, the new handset will come packed with a 1.3 GHz CPU –the fastest ever to be announced.
Beating Apple, Google and Microsoft: Smaller Companies Team Up
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
How do you face the almighty trifecta of the phone industries’ top companies? -By teaming up with everyone else in the playing field.
Simply put, there is no way that companies that do not have the resources of Apple, Google and Microsoft would be able to fully compete with the best of the best in the mobile phone industry. The Sony Corporation is big enough, but they are far too busy with their other departments (Music, Computer Entertainment, Movies, etc) to even focus on their phone division –which probably explains why Bert Nordberg is manning the helm of the SE joint venture.
Aside from the Japanese giant, companies such as Vodafone, Linux, Research in Motion (creators of the BlackBerry series of mobile phones), LG, Samsung, Sharp, NTT DoCoMo and more are currently working on a new system based on the Linux Mobile platform in order to create a single unified platform that will be used in many devices.
The point of teaming up is done in order to provide these companies (and the phone market) with a new alternative to the Android, iPhone and Windows Phone operating systems. Sure, there are other mobile platforms such as the Bada, Maemo and others, but these would never be able to match up with the better known systems.
Thanks to the open sourced nature of Linux, apps created by this major cross-company team up will be made available across various platforms –which means that developers would have a reason to create apps for the systems: because the market is possibly larger than anything else available.
Right now, it has yet to be known as to how far these companies are in terms of developing the new system; though it has been also announced that a similar group is also being developed entirely in Japan (also including NTT DoCoMo and several others).