Although HP has denied that Microsoft’s Surface tablet announcement was a factor in the decision, industry sources claim the contrary. According to them, HP isn’t willing to go head to head against Microsoft especially with unproven products. But instead of pulling out completely, HP will still move forward with an x86 Windows 8 tablet so as not to lose out on market share.

If other device manufacturers follow suit, it would put a lot of pressure on Microsoft’s Windows RT Surface tablet as one of the only ARM-based Windows tablets. It would also affect ARM-based chip makers such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments from getting in on the Windows tablet market. Likewise, Microsoft will have a difficult time breaking into the space currently dominated by ARM chips.

However, HP’s pull out form Windows RT could also mean that smaller OEMs may jump in to grab more of the market share. Asus, Lenovo, and Toshiba may actually be more willing to bet on Windows RT with HP out of the way.

[via HotHardware]

Google has improved the security of its Face Unlock feature for the upcoming Android 4.1 Jelly Bean release. The feature was first introduced with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich as a way to unlock your phone through face recognition. However, it was quickly discovered that it could be tricked by a using a photo of the person.

With Jelly Bean, Google is adding a new option called Liveness Check for the Face Unlock feature that will require you to blink in order to unlock your device. The face recognition portion of it is faster than before and a message is then displayed asking you to “Blink now.” Your device then unlocks once you blink.

To add this feature, you will need to check the box in the security section of the settings on your device. Although the Liveness Check does improve the security issue with Face Unlock, there’s still the possibility that those determined to get into your device could doctor a video or animated GIF of your face, played back using another smartphone screen.

[via TechCrunch]

As of this writing, Chrome for iOS is listed as the top free app for both the iPhone and iPad. There are close to 4,000 reviews for the app, which have all been overwhelmingly positive. About 80 percent of the reviews posted give a five-star rating, while the overall rating is 4.5 stars.

The browser on iOS is very similar to the desktop experience, bringing features like Incognito Mode for private mobile browsing, tab syncing, and more. However, due to limitations set by Apple, Chrome for iOS is really like a skin on top of Safari, which actually means slower rendering of JavaScript.

[via ComputerWorld]

This Flea3 USB 3.0 camera, model FL3-U3-88S2C-C, features a high quality 8.8-megapixel, 4K2K sensor. It is Sony’s new IMX121 sensor with “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS architecture that offers high sensitivity and dynamic range for sharp color images.

The camera measures only 29mm x 29mm x 30mm or about 1-inch cubed. The small size makes the camera especially suitable for fitting in tight spaces such as in common industrial imaging, such as automatic optical inspection, ophthalmology, interactive multimedia, and broadcasting.

The USB 3.0 connector guarantees delivery of critical image data through USB 3.0 bulk transfers of 5Gb/s and also delivers power so that no other external power sources or cables are needed. The Flea3 FL3-U3-88S2C-C is priced at $945 and is available now from Point Grey.

[via Engadget]

Microsoft has been in talks with the major record label companies, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, and EMI to secure the necessary music rights. The negotiations may still be in the early stages, although the company plans to launch the service later this year.

Xbox Music’s streaming aspect will work similar to Spotify, charging usrs a monthly or annual fee, while still letting consumers purchase digital music through an online store similar to iTunes. Music may also be stored on an online locker that’s accessible by multiple mobile devices running Windows Phone 8 or Windows 8. It would be similar to Apple’s iCloud, where songs purchased elsewhere can also be stored and accessed for a monthly or annual fee.

[via MacRumors]

The electrical paint layers were airbrushed onto the curved ceramic surface of the mug to see how well they bond. Tests were also done on other surface materials such as glass and stainless steel. The paint layers each represent a different component of a traditional battery, which includes two current collector, a cathode layer, along with an anode and a polymer separator layer in the middle.

However, one limitation of the technology is the requirement of a dry and oxygen-free environment when making a new device. The researchers are currently looking into changing this so that the production process can be more efficient and commercially viable. They also believe that the technology could be integrated with solar technology to allow any surface to capture and store electricity.

[via Reuters]

According to ZDNet’s industry sources, users upgrading to Windows 8, the entry-level consumer version, from Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, and Windows 7 Home Premium can maintain their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications. This goes the same for users upgrading to Windows 8 Pro from Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate. And, this also applies to users upgrading to Windows 7 Enterprise from Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise.

However, users upgrading to Windows 8 from Windows Vista without SP1 installed will only be able to retain personal files and not any existing Windows settings. If SP1 is installed prior to upgrade then personal data and system settings will be maintained. But, users upgrading to Windows 8 from Windows XP with SP3 or higher will only be able to retain personal files.

Also, users upgrading a cross-language installation will not be able to keep their Windows settings, files, or applications. Users using cross-architecture installations, as in 32-bit to 64-bit, will not be allowed to upgrade this way.

The 100 games are based on the classic versions made for the Atari 2600. They are arranged in alphabetical order and by category along with their original cabinet and box art. Each game is downloaded separately from within the app and is unlocked across all your iOS devices. Popular titles include Asteroids, Centipede, and Pong.

Some of the games, such as Warlords and Tempest, feature Bluetooth multiplayer capability, while others can be played using the Atari’s Arcade Duo Powered joystick, sold separately. However, the games only remain free if you do not uninstall the app. Once you do so and have to reinstall, you will have to pay for the app.

Before:
Google has spent some time to design attractive invitations that are directly integrated with the Google Calendar. The invitations can be easily created using images from a selection of cinemagraphs, which are still images with subtle animations. Recipients of the invitation will see that it unfolds to reveal the details and upon RSVP, the event is automatically added to their calendars. Clicking on the event takes them to the events page, where they can see updates from the host and who else is going.

During:
Now the invitations are nice, but what gets interesting is the capability that comes with Google+ Events during an event. Google has created a Party Mode that can be enabled on the Android devices of your guests. When this mode is activated, the pictures that they take with their device are automatically added to a photo stream for the event, where they are displayed in chronological order. They can be viewed in real-time during via a live slideshow, which creates a “visual pulse” for the event.

After:
Once the event is over, all the photos taken are collected in one central location. Guests will be sent emails to upload their photos to the event’s page, where they will be displayed in chronological order and can be filtered and tagged. Hovering over a picture will show which guest took it. An Event Highlights section shows the pictures that got the most comments and engagement and you can also filter to see the photos taken by a specific guest.

Google Play now has thousands of movies to rent and millions of songs. It will now also be adding hundreds of magazine titles. Some of the more popular magazines will also be offered with 14-day free trials. You can sign up for subscriptions or get just a single issue.

With all this new content, you can be sure that Google has hardware in mind for you to consume it on. And indeed, Google has unveiled its Nexus 7 tablet priced at only $199 that will surely be a Kindle Fire competitor.

This interaction isn’t limited to your own Android smartphone or tablet. By this we mean that your friends can interact with your Nexus Q with their Android smartphone or tablet as well. For instance, they can send music from their playlist directly to your Nexus Q or grab a movie off your Nexus Q onto their smartphone.

The Nexus Q is always connected to the cloud and can pull content directly from Google Play. When you interact with it using your smartphone or tablet, the media played is actually pulled directly from the cloud rather than from each device. It can stream music, movies, and TV shows from Google Play and YouTube and is being touted as the first social media streaming device.

It also features a built-in high quality audio grade amplifier at 25-watts which is plenty to fill a room with crisp clear sound. It’s powered by the same OMAP 4460 chip used in the Galaxy Nexus and features 1080p video support, dual-band WiFi, Ethernet, and a micro USB port.

The device will be available in July for purchase directly from Google Play. It is priced at $299 and is available for pre-order today.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is expected to bring a smoother, faster, and more delightful user experience through Project Butter, which involves implementing VSync, triple buffering, and touch responsiveness.

Jelly Bean will also bring new NFC and notifications features as well as an app called Google Now that helps plan your event and activities. Whether its setting an appointment, planning your flight, bus route, or checking sports scores, Google Now will automatically give you the information you need.

For more details on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, be sure to check out our posts for Google I/O 2012 and look out for our event wrap-up.

Project Butter will be involved in all aspects of Jelly Bean for creating a fast and smooth user experience. Vsync improves the overall graphical performance, while triple buffering allows the CPU, GPU, and display to run together for smoother animation. Touch responsiveness anticipates where your finger will be on the screen.

The difference between the latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was then compared in a side-by-side footage captured on an ultra high-speed camera at 300fps. When slowed down, Jelly Bean was clearly smoother and faster.

A previous report by William Blair analyst Anil Doradla claimed that the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx had surpassed Apple’s device, putting the iPhone in second place for the June quarter. Doradla believed that the drop in popularity on Verizon had more to do with the carrier’s aggressive marketing of its 4G LTE handsets, rather than anticipation for the next-gen iPhone.

However, Walkley claims the contrary. He says that although the Droid Razr Maxx is gaining ground it hasn’t caught up to the iPhone yet. His own channel checks revealed the iPhone 4S is still the top selling device, followed by the Droid Razr Maxx in second and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in third.

[via AppleInsider]

The YouTube app for the PS Vita will offer features including recommended videos, search, viewing history, and add to favorites. It can play high definition video up to 720p. An HD button will appear when playing these videos, which you can tap on to switch from HD to SD.

Videos can also be viewed in two modes, full screen and small screen. The full screen mode overlays a control panel towards the bottom of the screen, while the small screen mode shows the video on one side with the suggested videos, comments, and information accessible on the other side. The like and dislike buttons are also available in this mode.

[via PlayStation Blog]

The display features a Quad HD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440, a static contrast ratio of 1000:1, and a backlit Plane Line Switching panel for a wide viewing angle without image degradation. Tablets and smartphones can connect directly with the monitor for displaying content through a Mobile High Definition Link connection. The monitor also has embedded speakers, Dual Link DVI, HDMI, and two USB 2.0 ports.

The Series 9 monitor has prelaunched with NewEgg starting back on June 1 through June 28. It will then be available on Tiger Direct, MicroCenter, CDW, Buy.com, and others from June 29 onwards. The monitor is priced at $1,199.99.

[via MarketWatch]

The patent for the inductive charging station supports rumors that Apple has been developing a wireless charging dock for future iPhones. Illustrations from the patent reveal that the docking station will include a re-radiating antenna and an inductive charging circuit. The dock can house devices both standing upright or in other orientations. The patent was first filed back in Q1 of 2008 and was credited to Victor Tiscareno, John Tang, and Stephen Zadesky.

Apple was also granted patents for scrolling lists, translating, rotating, and scaling of electronic documents on touchscreen devices, all of which add more ammo to Apple’s legal arsenal. Still other patents granted to Apple today include a light sensitive display, a method and apparatus for checking an acoustic test fixture, an uninterrupted VPN connection service, application of speed effects to a video presentation, incremental secure backup and and restore of user settings and data.

This latest beta update for iOS 6 is a 322MB download that’s available now over the air. It is compatible with the third-gen iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and the fourth-gen iPod touch. Also included in this second beta are Apple TV Software beat 2 and Xcode 4.5 Developer Preview 2.

iOS 6 will bring several new improvements, such as Apple’s own Maps app in lieu of Google Maps, Passbook, and deeper Facebook integration among many other enhancements. For more details on iOS 6 and other announcements from WWDC 2012, make sure to check out our round-up.

[via MacRumors]

American and Israeli scientists have developed a new system of wirelessly transmitting data using twisted beams of light that could produce a theoretical throughput of 2.5 terabits of data per second. For perspective, that’s more than 8,000 times faster than Verizon’s fastest home Internet connection known as FiOS, which boasts 300Mbps. At this speed you can transfer seven full Blu-ray movies per second.

The new method of twisted signals uses orbital angular momentum (OAM) to put more data into a single stream. ExtremeTech explained it well:

In current state-of-the-art transmission protocols (WiFi, LTE, COFDM), we only modulate the spin angular momentum (SAM) of radio waves, not the OAM. If you picture the Earth, SAM is our planet spinning on its axis, while OAM is our movement around the Sun. Basically, the breakthrough here is that researchers have created a wireless network protocol that uses both OAM and SAM.

The researchers twisted together eight 300Gbps visible light data streams using OAM over a space of one meter to achieve speeds of 2.5 terabits per second. The development comes just one month after it was finally proved that OAM is actually possible. With OAM, an infinite number of conventional transmission protocols, such as WIFi and LTE, can be twisted together for faster speeds without the need for more spectrum.

The team will be working increasing the transmission distance next, which currently at only 1 meter is not so useful. The limit in distance for this new method is likely to be under 1km.

Popular reviews platform Yelp has reviews for all types of businesses and is especially big on restaurant reviews. They introduced a check-in service for mobile phones back in 2010 to help local businesses build a following. Users are enticed to visit and check-in at a business in exchange for a reward, such as a discount or some other freebie.

With integration into iOS 6 maps, Yelp would have a big boost in challenging other services with a similar check-in feature, such as Foursquare and Facebook. Currently, about 18 percent of adult smartphone owners use check-ins, according to recent surveys.

Page will be missing next week’s Google I/O, which is the company’s annual developer conference, as well as the company’s quarterly earnings call next month. Schmidt says that Page will continue to run the company despite his condition and absence from the next few several events.

Google did not further elaborate on Page’s condition, although it seems serious enough that he’d have to cancel his appearance at such a major event as I/O. Some analysts wonder if there’s more to his condition than having lost his voice. After the news, Google shares dipped 2 percent.

[via NY Times]

At the top of the image is a “Top Secret” stamp added perhaps for more intrigue. Then on the screen a dog named Spot asks HTC’s voice assistant questions through a series of woofs to which the app is able to interpret and respond. However, HTC then puts inserts an asterisk saying “Sorry dog fans, this isn’t real!”

So the app may not really be able to interpret dog barks, but what does appear real is that HTC is indeed planning to launch its own voice-assistant app. And that’s not too surprising either since rival Samsung recently launched it’s own Siri clone called S-Voice, while LG debuted a Quick Voice app.

[via TechRadar]

The smart group feature allows you to take multiple shots of a group picture and then pick and choose the best faces for the final composite shot in case someone blinked, yawned, or didn’t smile. The action shot takes a burst of images for you to select the best from a list. The panorama feature guides you to take multiple shots that are then stitched together, while the self-timer lets the camera countdown from 10 seconds before taking a shot.

Although you download the Camera Extras bundle as an app, it actually is not a separate app. It will integrate the four new features directly in your Camera app so that features are there when you tap on the Settings menu. The bundle is available now for Lumia 900 owners in the US and China, with a global release set for July.

[via WinSuperSite]

Sherlund released the below note regarding the development:

Separately, our industry sources tell us that Microsoft may be working with a contract manufacturer to develop their own handset for Windows Phone 8. It is unclear to us whether this would be a reference platform or whether this may be a go-to market Microsoft branded handset. We would not be surprised if Microsoft were to decide to bring their own handset to market next year given that Microsoft has decided to bring to market their own Windows 8 ‘Surface’ tablet/PC products.

Although initially it seemed like Microsoft was pulling an Apple move by reigning in control of hardware, the new strategy may be more akin to Google’s Nexus efforts, which serve more as a model for manufacturing partners. The decision to jump on hardware could also have to do with the imploding Nokia, which was originally intended to be Microsoft’s major hardware partner.

[via Business Insider]

CloudOn CEO Milind Gadekar says that the company’s future is about “redefining productivity.” The company wants to do more than to simply bring Office to the iPad. Especially since Microsoft is rumored to be launching their own version of Office on the iPad soon. Instead, Gadekar wants to change the experience so that users not only can access the files but can interact with the information within the files.

CloudOn plans to build its own features on top of Office that will allow for more group collaboration. Multiple people will be able to access the same document, share information, and track conversations around that information. Gadekar also sees this functionality to be cross-platform, where users can choose to work with their favorite services, instead of being locked into one ecosystem. CloudOn already integrates Adobe, Dropbox, Box, and Google, but is planning further integration of other services in the future.

[via Cult of Mac]

It’s not all too surprising that RIM would forgo its physical keyboard, since its efforts are aimed at meeting the demands of today’s corporate users who are increasingly switching over to the iPhone. However, many long-time BlackBerry users have stuck with the device for its physical keyboard, which is seen as being easier to type on than a touchscreen. Without it, many may consider simply switching to the new iPhone expected later this fall.

But to RIM’s credit, the company has developed a new software keyboard that includes a predictive feature to correct typing errors. It also floats the suggestions right above each key so that they can be selected with a simple swipe rather than having to go to a list at the top of the keyboard. Getting to numbers and punctuation also involves swiping, making it easier to type. The new BlackBerry 10 device, however, isn’t expected to arrive until the end of this year, after being already a year late.

[via Washington Post]

The Satechi Portable Energy Station weighs 5.93oz and is only 5.5 inches long. It provides quick and efficient charging of your devices through 6 connectors that are compatible with most smartphones and tablets. Its 10,000mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery is powerful enough to fully charge an iPhone 4S from empty five times.

It also comes with a USB charging cord, a battery life indicator, and auto-off feature that detects when a connected device is fully charged. The device is available now through Satechi.net and Amazon, priced at only $49.99.

AT&T will likely be able to push out the pre-orders just fine, making for a similar two-phase approach that T-Mobile is taking. Early pre-orders will likely ship on time for delivery tomorrow or later this week, but everyone else, including those placing online orders today should expect the ship date to be for next week.

Verizon and the Now Network will also see delays with shipping the Samsung Galaxy S III, although Verizon has only pushed back delivery by one day. In the meantime, you can learn more about the Galaxy S III by checking out our full review.

[via Android Community]

Foxconn has been boosting its alliance with Sharp, investing $800 million or roughly a 10 percent stake in Sharp back in March, making it the largest shareholder. Foxconn also invested in Sharp’s Sakai, Japan plant, said to have the most advanced display manufacturing technology and the only facility able to mass produce 60-inch to 80-inch panels.

Gou believes that the alliance will help the two companies beat out Samsung in three to five years. According to China Times, he has made it a lifetime goal to defeat Samsung, “a company with a track record of snitching on its competitors.”

About the snitching, Gou was referring to the 2010 investigation into price fixing by four Taiwanese flat panel companies, where Samsung agreed to be a “tainted witness” in order to be exempt from punishment.

[via Cult of Mac]

The first of the new batch is the SanDisk Extreme USB flash drive, which is USB 3.0-enabled and can store and share large files up to 10 times faster at speeds of up to 190MB/s. A 3GB file can be transferred in 20 seconds, while a 40GB file can be transferred in just four minutes. The flash drive comes in 16GB to 64GB capacities, priced from $64.99 to $159.99.

The Cruzer Glide USB flash drive offers SanDisk’s highest-capacity USB drive, able to store up to 128GB worth of data. Considering that many ultra-thin notebooks these days sport flash drive limited to 128GB of storage, using the Cruzer Glide in tandem would essentially double your portable storage capacity. The Cruzer Glide is available now in 4GB to 64GB capacities starting at $19.99. The 128GB version will be available in Q3 of 2012 for $249.99.

The Cruzer Facet USB flash drive emphasizes personality and fashion, featuring a stainless steel casing along with a colorful faceted texture. It is available in 8GB to 32GB capacities priced from $32.99 to $84.99. Similarly geared towards style, is the Cruzer Pop USB flash drive, which is hoping to appeal to younger consumers. It has a unique “pop” open design and comes in rich colors and patterns. It is SanDisk’s thinnest USB drive and comes in 8GB to 32GB capacities, priced from $32.99 to $84.99.

Verizon’s target is to cover 400 markets by year-end. In contrast, rival carriers remain far behind in their 4G LTE network deployment with AT&T now available in only 39 markets, while T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network won’t roll out until next year.

The 46 new Verizon 4G LTE markets to light up tomorrow, June 21, include: Florence, Ala.; Harrison, Ark.; Yuba City/Marysville, Calif.; Panama City, Fla.; Carrolton, Gainesville and Newnan, Ga.; Blackfoot, Idaho; Decatur/Effingham, Kankakee/Bradley-Bourbonnais and La Salle/Peru/Ottawa, Ill.; Columbus and Michigan City/La Porte, Ind.; Greater Portland, Maine; Greenville/Greenwood, Jackson and Tunica, Miss.; Houghton and Traverse City, Mich.; Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks and West Plains, Mo.; Binghamton, Elmira/Corning/Hornell and Oneonta, N.Y.; Burlington, Hickory/Lenoir, Jacksonville and New Bern, N.C.; Bedford and Sharon/Farrell/Hermitage, Pa.; Anderson, Florence and Greenwood, S.C.; Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Midland, San Angelo and Waco, Texas; Danville, Va.; Ashland, Ky./Huntington, W.Va. and Logan, W.Va.; Fond du Lac, Janesville/Beloit and Sheboygan, Wis.; and Gillette, Wyo.

The 22 existing Verizon 4G LTE markets that will see expanded coverage starting tomorrow, include: Denver and Fort Collins/Loveland, Colo.; Philadelphia., Pa./Wilmington, Del.; Daytona Beach, Gainesville and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Hilo, Hawaii; Boise/Nampa, Idaho; Chicagoland, Ill.; Lafayette, Ind.; Hammond, La.; Springfield, Mo.; Glens Falls and New York, N.Y.; Charlotte/Gastonia and Greenville/Washington, N.C.; Indiana, Pa. and Hagerstown, Md./Chambersburg, Pa.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va.; Seattle, Wash.; Appleton/Oshkosh, Wis.

[via MarketWatch]

The Flame virus was first discovered last month when Iran detected a series of cyber attacks on its oil industry. Although the attacks were allegedly carried out by Israel alone, the software used was developed in collaboration with the US, adopting much of the same code as the Stuxnet virus.

The virus is said to be the most sophisticated malware discovered to date. Masquerading as a routine Microsoft software, Flame was able to replicate itself across even highly secure networks, control everyday computer functions, send back secret information, log keystrokes, control computer cameras and microphones, take screen shots, and even extract geolocation data from images.

Display expert Dr. Raymond Soneira had speculated that Apple would be using Sharp’s IGZO displays, which are said to be dramatically more efficient and less power hungry. It seemed to make sense, since the battery boost in the new Retina MacBook pro wasn’t as large of a leap as seen between the iPad 2 and the new iPad.

However, it appears that by switching to Intel’s latest Ivy Bridge chips and swapping conventional hard drives for SSDs along with other tweaks, Apple was able to make some gains on battery life without the IGZO display.

Apple does use several suppliers for parts, so it’s possible that other MacBook Pro units could feature Retina displays made by other manufacturers. Sharp’s IGZO displays may still be in the roadmap for future Apple products. Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, recently increased its stake in Sharp, fueling speculation that Sharp’s panels could be used in the much rumored Apple iTVs.

[via Apple Insider]

In a letter obtained by TMoNews, T-Mobile informs its staff that the Samsung Galaxy S III will be priced at $279.99 for the 16GB version after rebate for those on Classic Plans, $229.99 up front for those on Value Plans, and $629.99 at full retail price. Pricing for the 32GB version has not been revealed yet, although it will likely be $50 more than the 16GB version.

The top 29 markets in which T-Mobile retail stores will begin offering the Galaxy S III on June 21, include Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ; Houston, TX; San Diego, CA; New York, NY; Seattle, WA; Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX; San Francisco, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio, TX; Portland, OR; Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Kansas City, MO; Boston, MA; Sacramento, CA; Orlando, FL; Detroit, MI; Washington DC; Cleveland, OH; Jacksonville, FL, Charlotte, NC; and McAllen, TX.

[via Android Community]

The terms of the investment haven’t been disclosed but the deal is expected to close next month. Tencent supposedly had to compete with Warner Brothers to secure the deal. Epic Games will continue to operate independently and the investment from Tencent will help it to push its gaming technology into the global online gaming market.

Tencent boasts the largest online community in China with more than 700 million users on its platform, which includes services like its QQ instant messaging, QQ.com web portal, QQ Game Open Platform, and multimedia social network and wireless portal Qzone. Just last year, Tencent had acquired Los Angeles-based Riot Games.

[via TechCrunch]

Tablet usage overall for accessing the internet has now risen to 31 percent in the US, up from 12 percent last year, which is 74 million more tablet users. The adoption rate is expected to continue its climb, reaching 47 percent penetration by 2013. Currently, tablet users use their devices for 13.9 hours per week on average, 74 percent of them use it daily, and 60 percent use it several times a day.

About 94 percent of tablet usage is for accessing content and information, followed by internet usage at 67 percent, and checking email at 66 percent. Of the content-related activities, 54 percent is for watching videos, 49 percent for getting weather information, 37 percent for national news, and 36 percent for entertainment content.

Although paid apps only account for 23 percent of all tablet apps downloaded in the past year, 72 percent of all tablet owners have paid for at least one app. Most tablet owners showed a preference for free apps with advertising over paid apps. However, OPA still expects the total market for paid tablet apps to reach $2.6 billion in 2012.

Israel-based Face.com specializes in mobile face recognition technology, which could be integrated into Facebook in such a way so that users can easily upload and tag photos while on the go. This feature would certainly help boost Facebook’s mobile offering, which the company is apparently hard at work to improve.

The recent Instagram purchase for $1 billion, shows the importance Facebook has placed on mobile photos. Face.com’s mobile face recognition technology can be integrated to further enhance the photo sharing experience with Instagram on Facebook.

It’s not clear whether Face.com would continue to operate and be maintained separately, although the company did post in its blog announcement today that it would continue support for its developer community.

Foxconn already has a 10 percent stake in Sharp with an $808 million investment back in March and a 46.48 percent stake in Sharp’s state-of-the-art LCD manufacturing plant in Sakai, Japan. Additionally, the two companies are partnering to open a new plant in Chengdu, China for manufacturing iPhone displays.

The strong alliance puts Foxconn and Sharp in a good position to take on Apple iTV production. Sharp’s Sakai plant is said to be more advanced in LCD manufacturing technologies than that of rival Samsung, while Foxconn has been the primary manufacturing partner for Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The Sakai plant also has an exclusive agreement with Corning, makers of the scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass that’s used on devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

[via Apple Insider]

The charging station is about the size of an outdoor air conditioning unit, which means most homes will be able to easily accommodate it. Also, multiple units of the charging station can be installed on one supply line to accommodate multiple LEAF vehicles.

While conventional battery chargers take about 8 hours to charge the LEAF to 80% capacity, the new EV Power Station takes only 4 hours. The electricity returned to power the home can supply about two days’ worth of power for the typical household.

The EV Power Station will go on sale starting in July with pre-orders taken in mid-June through Nissan dealers in Japan. The unit is priced t 480,000 yen or about $6,000 USD. Including a subsidy from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Infrastructure, brings the cost down to 330,000 yen or about $4,100.

[via DigInfo]

The actual global tablet shipments in 2011 was 69.6 million units. That number is expected to surge to 107.4 million units for this year and then to double by 2016 to 222.1 million units. Not only has IDC raised its forecast on future shipments, but it has also shifted more of those units towards iOS at the expense of Android. Tablets that are neither iOS nor Android, such as RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook, are exepcted to drop from 3 percent in 2011 to 1 percent in 2012.

The forecast, however, does not include upcoming Windows 8 tablets, which IDC will incorporate into its tracking starting next quarter. Additionally, IDC lowered its forecast for eReaders in 2012 from 28.2 million to 28 million units, after a disappointing first quarter. Lower priced tablets are believed to be affecting eReader demand.