Further details of ASUS’ upcoming ebook reader have emerged, after executives from the company apparently confirmed that WiFi, 3G and WiMAX versions will be announced before the year is out. The ebook readers will apparently begin reaching carrier partners in the US and Europe come March 2010, with the executives claiming that prices will be “competitive” with what’s on offer from Amazon and Sony.
Given how long it’s taking eviGroup to push out their Wallet MID, we’re quite surprised with how quickly they’re working on getting their new 10.7-inch UMPC out of the door. The eviGroup Pad has already had its first hands-on, courtesy of French site NowhereElse, who reckon the 1024 x 600 resistive touchscreen – even with a stylus – is responsive while Windows 7 runs reasonably on the 1.6GHz Atom processor.
Update: The Elite 3G version of the eviGroup Pad is on sale now for €599 plus €30 shipping ($932); they’ll also sell you an OS-free version for €539 ($799).
Video demo after the cut
Tempt you with a difficult-to-pronounce acronym, sir? No? Well how about a wireless head-mounted embedded Linux wearable computer? The work of Pascal Brisset, the WXHMD takes a pair of Vuzix VR920 video eyewear and straps to them a Gumstix Overo Fire computer-on-module stick, making for – with some wireless networking, a battery and a few other gizmos – a self-contained heads-up display ideal for telepresence work and augmented reality guidance.
Roku have outed a pair of new Netflix media streamers that go on sale alongside their existing Roku HD. The Roku HD-XR keeps the same 720p HD playback, optical audio output and HDMI connection as the original model, but upgrades the WiFi to b/g/n. Meanwhile there’s a new entry-level, standard definition model, the Roku SD, which offers basic WiFi and analog connectivity.
It packs all the grace of an FM radio, but the NEC Aterm WM3300R distinguishes itself not by aesthetics but by packing a WiMAX radio and WiFi router into a palm-sized device. Basically a MiFi but for WiMAX rather than 3G connections, the WM3300R offers up to 40Mbps downlinks and up to 10Mbps uplinks, together with a removable 1,880mAh Li-Ion battery.
We’ve a soft-spot for Scottish radio and iPod dock manufacturer Revo; their tech at least attempts to look interesting, whether it’s through retro styling (but up to date functionality) or something more modern but no less distinctive. The company’s latest model is the Revo HERITAGE, a “contemporary reinterpretation of classic European table radio designs from the 50’s and 60’s” that packages DAB, DAB+, FM and WiFi internet radio, DLNA UPnP streaming and an iPod/iPhone dock.
The Archos 9 PCtablet has been somewhat overshadowed by its smaller, Android-based sibling, but the French company would like to remind you that, with the debut of Windows 7, the 9-inch touchscreen “future of netbooks” is now available to buy. £449.99 ($748) gets you a resistive touchscreen, Atom Z515 processor and integrated WiFi and Bluetooth, all in a device 800g and just 1.7cm thick.
Live Archos 9 hands-on gallery after the cut
French tablet company eviGroup have unveiled their large-display device – the eviGroup Pad – and like the rumors suggested it’s an Atom-based 10.2-inch touchscreen slate. The Pad has a 1024 x 600 display, integrated WiFi a/b/g and 3G, and runs Windows 7; it also works with French software project Seline, a so-called “artificial intelligence” interface that supports spoken, text and handwriting control over various aspects of a computer system.
After Dell CEO Michael Dell confirmed that the company’s Android smartphone would, in fact, make it to the US – albeit with some changes from the original Chinese model – details of a second Android-based device have leaked. According to Tinhte.com and another image supplied to SlashGear, you’re looking at the Dell Streak, a 5-inch WVGA 800 x 480 touchscreen Android 2.0 Donut MID, with WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G WWAN connectivity. Front photos of the Dell Streak – together with size comparison shots – in the gallery, together with a hands-on video after the cut.
Spring Design’s Alex dual-display ebook reader was a surprise announcement earlier this week, seemingly diving into the public eye to make some headlines before Barnes and Noble’s nook grabbed all the attention. The company have followed up their render with a jerky video of the device in action, demonstrating its smaller Android display and how you can shoot content from the web-browser up to the larger e-ink panel for easier reading.
Video demo after the cut
SlashGear Japan
