Sony's Xperia Tablet Z Can Really Make a Splash

Sony's Xperia Tablet Z is getting some second looks, with its slim-line design and trove of advanced features -- not to mention its ability to take a bathtub dunking in stride. It's a full-size tablet at 10.1 inches, but it's only a quarter inch thick and weighs just over a pound. It's also PlayStation certified.

 

Sony introduced the Xperia Tablet Z on Monday, touting its thin form factor and powerful components at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Sony has been in the tablet market since 2011, when it introduced the Android-powered Tablet S, but the company now seems to be making a more serious play.

 

 

The 10.1-inch Xperia Tablet Z, which features a sleek design and a water-resistant case, is the world's thinnest tablet, according to Sony, at just 6.9mm. It weighs 1.1 lbs.

Many companies -- including Apple -- have looked to slim down the tablet form factor with 7-inch devices, but Sony is addressing what could be the bigger issue -- namely weight.

"Don't write off the larger sized tablets at this point," said Rhoda Alexander, senior manager for monitors and tablets at IHS iSuppli.

"Companies will continue to address the issue of larger tablets, but Sony has taken the lead notably with weight and thinness. It will all come down to creating a durable product that won't break while you use it," she added.

"It is a challenge at this point as to how you distinguish yourself in this ever more-crowded space," Alexander told TechNewsWorld. "Sony has kept an eye on industrial design -- and the fact that it is dramatically lighter than the competition and water resistant will make it stand out."

 

Features A to Tablet Z

The new Sony tablet is powered by Qualcomm's quad-core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro with 2 GB of RAM. It runs Android Jelly Bean 4.1 and will be upgradable to 4.2. It features a scratch resistant 1080p display (1,920x1,200 pixel resolution) -- a plus for viewing full HD videos in all their visual glory. It offers built-in Near Field Communication (NFC) connectivity to other Sony products, including speakers, docks and TVs.

The Xperia Tablet Z supports WiFi, Bluetooth and Mobile High Definition Link (MHL). It includes a gyroscope, accelerometer and GPS. It has a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera and a front-facing 2-megapixel camera for HD video chats. The cameras utilize Sony's low-light technology, Exmor R and Superior audio. Sony's camera app is reportedly modeled on the interface for Sony's digital cameras.

This is tablet seems designed as much for use in the home -- notably the living room -- as for on the go. It offers an infrared port that can allow the Xperia Tablet Z to serve as a universal remote, and it features TV SideView, the latest version of Sony's guide to TV shows available on cable, Netflix and other content providers.

"From the looks of the Xperia Z, Sony may finally have gotten it right on the full size tablet front," said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. "The device is notably lighter and thinner than other tablets, including the iPad."

"Other features -- the waterproof case, SD Card expansion slot and Mini-USB port -- also set it apart from Apple," King told TechNewsWorld.

Targeting the High End

While other companies have catered to the low end of the market, it seems that Sony is clearly aiming at the high end. The Xperia Tablet Z is priced at US$499 for the 16-GB model and $599 for the 32-GB version, which is available exclusively through Sony stores.

"It looks like a solid offering. People will like the thinness and lightness, and it looks pretty well styled and tricked out for $499 and $599," said Roger Kay, principal analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates.

"The NFC is cool, and the cam is beefy enough," he continued. "The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 is powerful, yet only sips power while delivering LTE and other connectivity -- and lots of pixels on that screen. Android is beginning to make inroads in tablets, and Sony benefits from all development up to this point."

With its lightweight size and thin design, it could be one that makes consumers consider the larger 10.1-inch models, even as Apple and others target the 7-inch market.

"The price is a bit on the high side, but clearly Sony is playing up their well deserved rep for premium-quality design and features being worth extra," said King.

"So far as 10 inch tablets go, it's an area where the iPad remains the clear leader," he acknowledged, "but given the increasing aggressiveness of tablet vendors leveraging Android, the market will become increasingly competitive. Overall, the Xperia Z could be the best tablet Sony has built to date, and one of the best full-size tablets currently available. It'll be interesting to see how the company fares in the coming months."

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Best tablet keyboards: Bluetooth extras for iPad, Android or Windows

Buying Guide Find the best keyboard for you and your table.

 

A tablet might be irresistible, but bashing away at a virtual keyboard on a touchscreen certainly is not. OK, so tapping out the odd message or email is fine, but anyone after serious productivity on an iPad or Android tablet needs a good add-on keyboard.

Capable of creating a mobile and compact office that cuts down on clutter and weight, wireless Bluetooth keyboards come both separately and in cases custom-made to suit specific tablets - most often the iPad, although iPad mini products are beginning to emerge, too.

Or you could buck the trend and buy a netbook. No? Oh well, we tried. On with our roundup of the best keyboards for tablet PCs then...

1. Logitech K810 Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard - £90/US$100 (around AU$135)

 

Logitech makes a play for the best and most versatile Bluetooth keyboard around for any kind of use - mobile or desktop - with its slick illuminated K810. The headline feature is a thing of wonder; as your finger approaches the keys they subtly light up from behind, only to fade out a second or so after your pinkies have left the letters. LED-powered so using negligible power despite this trickery (its mini USB-fed battery is slated to last for over a week), the K810 nevertheless peaks not with flashy features but solid usability.

The keys are soft to touch and nicely spaced to avoid mistakes and mis-types, with Windows 8 keys included, too, though it's the trio of Bluetooth connections that are as much of a standout feature; up to three LED indicators are lit as your pair up to three devices with the Logitech K810, which makes switching between a tablet, phone and desktop PC a cinch.

Fashioned from brushed aluminium and weighing around 335g (11.82oz), the K810 is reference quality in performance as well as price.

Read our Logitech K810 Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard review

2. Belkin Portable Keyboard Case for iPad mini - £70/US$80 (around AU$107)

 

Designed specifically for Apple's micro-pad, this 276g (9.74oz) rubberised plastic case wraps around an iPad mini and instantly creates a thoroughly portable office.

Gripping its guest at the corners though being careful to leave a gap for the iPad mini's headphones slot and a cut-out for the 5 megapixel camera, a magnet ensures the whole thing stays securely closed.

It pairs over Bluetooth very easily, and the accurate, comfortable keyboard also operates basic iOS functions. The slight downside - apart from the high price - is that the keyboard isn't quite as sturdy as it could be, and if hammered at it does arch inwards. It's said to last 155 hours on a single charge.

3. Cygnett KeyPad Wireless Bluetooth keyboard - £40/US$80 (around AU$60)

 

One of the smallest and best value keyboards around, this decidedly plasticky effort from Cygnett measures just 218 x 91mm (8.58 x 3.58 inches( and weighs 220g (7.76oz). In the box is a retractable mini USB cable for recharging.

Sitting fairly high off a surface at about 17mm (0.67 inches), the Cygnett is about the same size as the Belkin though isn't particularly aimed at the iPad mini. Suited to use with any Bluetooth device, this solidly made product nevertheless doesn't put quite enough space between individual buttons.

Mistakes do creep in, it's true, though if you use it for five minutes it gets much easier, though it's a touch fiddly to use elsewhere, too. Pairing with a Bluetooth gadget involves tampering with what looks like a 'reset' button on the back of the keyboard, which necessitates finding a pen.

4. Archos Ultrathin Bluetooth Keyboard Cover for iPad - £50 (around US$77/AU$75)

 

At just 5mm (0.20 inches) deep, this is as thin as it gets in the small world of Bluetooth keyboard covers for iPads. Weighing a paltry 240g (8.47 inches), this QWERTY keyboard clips onto an iPad 2, 3 or 4 in an almost identical magnetic fashion to the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, though Archos claims that it's almost as slim as the ubiquitous SmartCover.

It's different to the Logitech in other ways, too, using a fold-down kickstand to prop up an iPad instead of a canal - a process perfected by using the iPad's magnets once again - and though it has an aluminium outer to match an iPad, the keyboard is white. It's destined to last for over two months between charges.

5. MobileFun Flexible Bluetooth Mini Keyboard - £30/US$48/AU$40

Though not exactly executive-grade, this roll-up keyboard is something of a traveller's gem. Best thought of as an occasional weapon for backpackers - perhaps for emailing sessions or keeping a travel journal - this is super-lightweight gear at a mere 95g (3.35oz), and it rolls up to the size of a Coke can.

Working only with Apple products despite being purely Bluetooth-fuelled, this roll-up is a fully featured keyboard with everything from caps lock and F numbers to fast forward and print screen (a little hopeful, that one). The buttons are a millimetre or so too small, but mistypes - while common - are acceptable, primarily since typing fast is possible, and there are cursor keys and a backspace key to make editing easy. It comes with a retractable mini USB cable for charging, though it lasts for weeks.

6. Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad - £120/US$130/AU$150

 

A solar-powered wraparound keyboard case for the iPad 2, 3 & 4, this Logitech is made to move. With a solar panel on its front capable of providing enough keyboard power for a stunning two years, the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio aims to provide protection as well as a convenient keyboard.

It uses a magnet to instantly switch an iPad on and off when the folio is opened, and can act as an iPad stand in two different positions; the first uses a groove above the keyboard for work, and the second, more laid-back position uses grooves either side of the space bar for movies.

It's expensive, and there are better keyboards available, but if you're after an occasional keyboard and a clean experience, this could be ideal; the solar power makes this the only Bluetooth keyboard around that doesn't need to travel with a micro USB cable in tow for occasional recharging.

 

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Apple loses Brazilian iPhone trademark ruling

Brazilian regulators have ruled that Apple does not have exclusive rights to use the "iPhone" trademark in the country.

But the US tech giant has already lodged an appeal against the decision with the Brazilian regulators.

The ruling is the result of a local company, Gradiente Eletronica, registering the name in 2000, seven years before the US firm.

Apple can continue to sell iPhone-branded handsets in Brazil.

But the decision means that Gradiente has an option of suing for exclusivity in South America's biggest market.

The Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) told the BBC that its decision only applied to handsets, and that the California-based company continued to have exclusive rights to use the iPhone name elsewhere including on clothing, in software and across publications.

Appeal

INPI added that Apple had argued that it should have been given full rights since Gradiente had not released a product using the iPhone name until December 2012.

Apple is asking the INPI to cancel Gradiente's registration through expiration - it is arguing that the Brazilian firm did not use the name between January 2008 and January 2013.

The Manaus-headquartered company now sells its Android-powered iPhone Neo One for 599 reals ($304; £196).

Bloomberg previously reported that the chairman of Gradiente had said: "We're open to a dialogue for anything, anytime... we're not radicals."

Apple's most recent financial results revealed its cash reserves had grown to $137bn (£88bn).

The firm's manufacturing partner, Foxconn, currently produces iPhones and iPads among other equipment at its facilities in Brazil.

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Samsung offers coverage of capital expenditure for the first time since the financial crisis

Samsung Electronics Co. turned cautious on spending for the first time since the global financial crisis, the annual investment plan to keep changing at 2012 levels, as demand wanes and slows the computer chip in the smartphone market.Samsung, one of the industry's most aggressive spenders, ramp up capital spending each year since 2004 except 2009 to meet the soaring demand for an array of consumer electronics and mobile devices. It sold 700,000 smartphones records per day in the final quarter.But with the PC market shrinking for the first time in 11 years, the global smartphone market is growing slower, and Apple Inc. is moving to buy smaller Samsung microprocessors used in the iPhone and iPad, the South Korean giant IT hardly now keep a lid on spending."Overall yet to earnings momentum secure, and smartphone shipments continued to grow even in the traditionally weak first quarter, Samsung got a broader product line-up and Apple appears to be struggling in pushing sizes aggressively iPhone, "said Lee Se-Chul, a Seoul-based analyst at Meritz Securities.Samsung, which reported a record quarterly profit and annual on Friday, said he would keep capital expenditure in 2013 unchanged from 2012."The key word for us in 2013 flexibility investment. We will determine the market demand dictates," said Robert Yi, head of Samsung investor relations analysts.Data from the company Samsung shows began in slow down planned investment in the last quarter.Samsung said it spent 4400000000000 won in October-December, pushing its 2012 investment to a record ₩ 23 trillion ($ 21.5 billion). But the company said in October that he on 25000000000000 wear course won in 2012.Analysts had expected a 4-20 percent cut in capital expenditure Samsung 2013.In contrast, Taiwanese rival TSMC is planning to raise its capital expenditure this year to $ 9000000000, focused in part on win Apple orders away from Samsung.Shares in Samsung fell 2.1 percent as of 0250 GMT, lagging a 1.1 percent decline in the broader market.EARNINGS RECORDSamsung had poured money into factories to support the production of chips and panels used in Apple products and Galaxy range of devices, pushing 8840000000000 won operating profit in the last quarter. The 89 percent increase from the previous year was in line with its earlier estimate.Profit at its mobile devices division, which makes phones, tablets and cameras, more than doubling 5440000000000 won in the quarter from a year earlier, took a broader offering of smartphones - from the very cheap to the expensive.The department is responsible for 62 percent of the total profits Samsung fourth quarter, up from 55 percent the previous year.Samsung is also seeing strong sales to Note phablet, analysts expect to help Samsung get through any seasonal weakness better than competitors.Samsung is not providing a breakdown of smartphone sales, is estimated to have sold about 63 million smartphones in the last quarter, including 15 million Galaxy S IIIS 7 million Note IIS.The company also said 2012 operating profit rose 86 percent to an all-time high of ₩ 29 trillion.Samsung vs AppleSamsung sold 213 million smartphones last year and increased its global market share to 30.4 percent from about 20 percent in 2011, the market research firm Strategy Analytics report showed on Friday. The sharp increase reflects aggressive marketing Samsung's wide range of products.Apple's share of the market rose slightly to 19.4 percent from 19.0 percent in 2011, according to the report.Global sales surged 42.7 per cent last year to 700 million smartphones, Strategy Analytics said.Samsung said on Friday it expects the global smartphone segment to shrink in January-March from the seasonally strong fourth quarter, and the overall handset market growth will slow to mid-single-digit years.The forecast according to industry estimates, the signs of a slowdown are already advanced.Apple shipped 47.8 million iPhones in the three months ending in December, a record does not however quite disappointed analysts accustomed to years of outperformance. The company Cupertino, California-based revenue forecast also missed Wall Street for a third straight quarter as iPhone sales lagged expectations.Apple shares fell by more than a third since mid-September as investors fret that day Hyper grew over and longer devices 'must-have' as they were.Contrast, has shares in Samsung risen 12 percent in the same period as the company quickly once seen as copying the ideas of others now sets the pace in innovation.The world's largest electronics show in Las Vegas this month, phone Samsung exposure prototype with a flexible display that can be folded, almost like paper, and a microchip with eight processing cores, creating a buzz that can be used in the field next galaxy."It is very unlikely to us that the five Exynos OCTA (processor) find their way into the the S4 Galaxy," wrote UBS analyst Nicolas Gaudois in a recent note."It also looked as if the curved display pretty close to the finished product. We came away even more convinced that providing significant distinction displays Samsung devices, and applications processors will grow materially over time, "said Gaudois. ($ 1 = ₩ 1066.2000 Korean)

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China Apple dilemma: market share or Cachet?

The third Apple Inc's disappointing quarter just crying the global technology leader for drum up new revenue - and China could provide the answer.

Now, more than ever, analysts say Apple must get it right most populous country in the world, where it ranks only sixth in annual smartphone sales Samsung Electronics remains the runaway leader.Apple has the best plan of attack to secure a deal with the country by far the best mobile carrier, China Mobile Ltd. It also pushed the development of more local apps and installment financing extended to expensive smartphones within the reach of the urban populace average annual income of just $ 3,500.But it should resist the temptation to just put out a cheaper iPhone, say some analysts. Could introduce a long-rumored lower-cost versions of the gadget backfire by diluting premium brand Apple - one of the most valuable assets."If you think of Apple, it looks like a bright star in the galaxy, shining brightly and everyone is looking at it. Yet it could be dimmed a bit because other stars such as Samsung have popped up," said TZ Wong, an analyst at research firm IDC."I do not think that the Apple's interest to further dim the star power by stepping into the low-end segment."Apple product pipeline with the same state secrets protection given zeal, some analysts are focusing instead on what they need to make the world's largest technology company to finally become a major player in the world economy No. 2.While iPhone sales jumped 60 percent last quarter, investors worry that, in the long run, the company has its own pricing golden opportunity by Samsung and local rivals Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to ZTE blanket the market with cheaper phones rival the iPhone in quality and usability.The deal with China Mobile, the world's largest mobile phone carrier with over 700 million users, creating instrumental but analysts say that can not happen until the issuing of 4G wireless, which may occur more later this year or even in 2014."The competitive landscape is definitely cranked up a few notches from a year ago. Therefore, there is greater urgency for Apple to explore ways to grow," said Wong CIR.CEO Tim Cook made it no secret that China is an area of ​​intense focus on the iPad and iPhone maker, especially because the penetration is still low across the country of smartphones and tablets. Apple has said that it will continue to expand its retail network, and in January, Cook flew to Beijing for a time at least the second year, to meet with key carrier China Mobile.IS A STAR dimmedOn Wednesday, Apple missed revenue forecasts for the third quarter just after iPhone sales came in below expectations, fanning fears that dominate of slipping consumer electronics.Apple revenue in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan neighboring, 7300000000 total of $ in the December quarter, up 60 percent from the previous year.But there are signs Apple that Cachet claimed the most populous nation in the world obsolete.Recent product launches for the iPad and iPhone 5 mini to draw relatively subdued response from the consumers of China, in stark contrast to the fist-fights and egg hurling at Beijing store a year ago when sales were delayed iPhone 4S.Since the iPhone 5 went on sale in mid-December, transactions fall half, by the Taobao Index, the consumer research website details the Internet giant Alibaba Group.The iPhone is also losing out as consumers opt for larger screen to watch Chinese soap operas while traveling on trains or affordable smartphones in the sub-1, 000 Yuan category ($ 160) made local vendors."When I started using the larger screen, there was no turning back for me. Smaller screens do not work more," said a business executive surnamed Wen, as he swiped the screen on Samsung Galaxy Note during lunch in Beijing.About half of the more than 60 million smartphones shipped in China in the third quarter last year was more than 4 inches screen, based on the latest IDC figures. The iPhone 5 comes with 4-inch screen, while the the Note Galaxy II 5.5 inch screen.In addition, there are local vendors Coolpad smartphone maker Yulong Computer Telecommunication Scientific (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd, which offers cheaper options, and Meizu Technology Co., Ltd, known for its minimalist design, seen on a legion of growing followers.Price is the key factor, especially in the Chinese market where about 80 percent of the more than one billion mobile phone users are still on 2G networks.Taobao website online, Coolpads and low-end models made by Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. are selling less than 1,000 yuan, the sweet spot for many consumers switch from basic phones to smartphones.Apple has moved to address that, in partnership with China Merchants Bank to provide financing and installment options so buyers can pay by credit card when shopping online bank, said media reports .Finally, an increase in the number of applications customized for China help Apple market share growth, but could more intensive cooperation with Chinese companies such as Baidu Inc. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. are required"Consumers will certainly welcome closer cooperation between Apple and Chinese high-tech firms to customize the iPhone for using apps like with Tencent WeChat," said Frederick Wong, executive director of Avant Capital Management (Hong Kong) Ltd, a fund that invests in Apple-related options.

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Bigger iPhone Screen?

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced today that the company believes the iPhone 5 screen size "right". "The iPhone 5 new Retina Display and the  

display is the most advanced in the industry," Cook said on the company's earnings call this afternoon. "It also provides a larger screen size without sacrificing the easy single-handed use. We took a lot of ideas in the size of the screen and we believe we have chosen the right one."

Cook was responding to a question from analyzes if Apple wanted to maintain the screen competitng amounts Android phones, like Samsung Galaxy S 3, a 4.8-inch screen. Samsung Galaxy S 3 has become one of the biggest rivals - if not the single most - to the iPhone, which sold 30 million since its release in May. Apple today announced that it sold 47.8 million iPhones in the last quarter.

Still, while Cook is the iPhone 5 screen size is right, Steve Jobs said the same thing about the iPad, when asked whether Apple would ever make a smaller tablet, like the 7-inch tablet on the market. Of course, Apple changed its mind, the Mini Pad 7.9-inch released in November. Either way, there honcho one spoken Apple: The iPhone 5 is the "right" sized screen. At least right now.

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