LG to unveil the Chromebase at CES, an all-in-one computer powered by ChromeOS

LG sent out a presser tonight announcing that they will be showing off the Chromebase at the Consumer Electronics Show next month. What is a Chromebase you ask? It’s an all-in-one computer powered by Google Chrome. It features a 21.5-inch widescreen Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, an Intel Celeron CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB iSSD storage, 1.3MP webcam, 5W built-in speakers, HDMI-in, USB 2.0 x 3, USB 3.0 x 1, LAN, keyboard, mouse, and cable organizer.

“LG’s Chromebase is an exciting new form factor that expands the options available to customers who want a fast, simple and secure computing experience for the home, school or office,” said Caesar Sengupta, vice president of product management, Google. “LG Electronics makes great devices that customers love, and we’re glad to welcome them to the Chrome family.”

We will be sure to get some hands on time with the Chromebase at CES, but for now, hit the break for the presser.

LG TO INTRODUCE WORLD’S FIRST ALL-IN-ONE CHROMEBASE AT CES 2014

With Full HD IPS Display, Chrome OS Computer Offers an Intuitive, Hassle-free User Experience

SEOUL, Dec. 18, 2013 — LG Electronics (LG) will unveil the first-ever Chromebase, an all-in-one computer powered by the Google Chrome operating system at next month’s  2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The LG Chromebase (Model 22CV241) offers the highly efficient Chrome operating system for a fast, simple, secure and affordable computing experience. Along with the unique OS, a 21.5-inch widescreen Full HD IPS display and a raft of advanced features, this innovative new desktop computer comes packaged in a chic, space-saving design.

Simple and Easy to Use OS
The LG Chromebase all-in-one computer is underpinned by a simple yet powerful architecture and comes with several outstanding Google applications. It also serves as a gateway to tens of thousands of web apps in the Chrome Web Store, many of which work just as well offline as they do online. The LG Chromebase allows users to write emails and documents, read the latest news and ebooks, edit videos and photos and play entertaining games. The streamlined platform makes almost any task effortless and is the perfect device for taking advantage of Google products such as Gmail, Drive, Search, Maps, YouTube, Play or Google+ Hangouts. The LG Chromebase also offers robust built-in security, employing multiple layers of protection to keep users’ information safe. Moreover, with automatic built-in updates, Chrome OS reduces the hassle of manually having to conduct maintenance on thecomputer.

“Simple to operate for all types of users, the award-winning LG Chromebase computer represents the successful combination of simplicity, power and greatdesign,” said Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT Business Division at LG Electronics. “LG Chromebase is the wave of the future for desktops, expected to be widely adopted not only at home, but especially in schools, hotels, call centers and other business settings.”

Brilliant Full HD IPS and More
With excellent hardware in a minimalistic package, the LG Chromebase reflects the power and simplicity of the Chrome operating system. Ideal for both personal and business use, the versatile computer features a 21.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display that delivers accurate color reproduction, stunning contrast and an impressive 178-degree viewing angle. The processing power of the fourth-generation Intel® CPU enables the LG Chromebase to handle web apps, games and graphics with ease. The versatile computer also incorporates a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a microphone for easy video calling. What’s more, this AIO computer delivers clear and powerful sound and music through a pair of built-in 5W speakers.

“LG’s Chromebase is an exciting new form factor that expands the options available to customers who want a fast, simple and secure computing experience for the home, school or office,” said Caesar Sengupta, vice president of product management, Google. “LG Electronics makes great devices that customers love, and we’re glad to welcome them to the Chrome family.”

Visitors to LG’s booth at CES 2014 (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall #8204) will have the opportunity to see this unique product for themselves from Tuesday, January 7 through Friday, January 10.

Specifications and Features
- Processor: Intel® Celeron® CPU
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Display: 21.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS
- Memory: 2 GB
- Storage: 16GB iSSD
- Ports: HDMI-in, USB 2.0 x3, USB 3.0 x1, LAN
- Accessories: Keyboard, Mouse, Cable Organizer
- Webcam: 1.3 M 720 HD

Sony’s Xperia Z1 MotionShot camera app available on any device with Android 4.0 and up

Need to get your hands on the Sony Xperia Z1 camera app? Thanks to XDA Forum MemberxperiaZ2, you can. Android devices running at least Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or higher can download the app that allows users to snap a photograph with motion. This merges the motion into one single image for your viewing pleasure. To download, hit the link below. 
 Download Link

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Galaxy S5 Release Date is March-April 2014: Expect Killer Camera as One of the Core Features

Loads of killer features have been touted to usher in the Galaxy S4 successor but on release date one sure thing about the Galaxy S5 is it will sport a camera that beats rivals like the iPhone 5S and the Nokia Lumia product lines

This is based on the latest move by Samsung to merge its camera and imaging divisions, the purpose of which, according to Gotta Be Mobile, is for future Galaxy devices to showcase game-changing camera capabilities.

These exciting improvements should start showing up on high-end Galaxy smartphones in 2014, with the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 as the initial recipients. It is also understood that the powerful features will be extended to Galaxy tablets, said the same GBM report.

And as the technology is already in place, though a giant and quick leap-frog is required for the actual implementation, the likelihood is Samsung should be all set to rollout the GS5 within the first four months of 2014.

In a separate report, GBM said that all signs currently point to March or April as the likely release date for the Galaxy S5. Should it be March 2014, this will be in line with earlier reports that Samsung has set February as the debut time for the GS5.

The claim is supported by reports coming from South Korea that mass production of the GS5 will commence by early January, which strongly suggests too that everything about the handset - its design, make and features - have been pretty much finalised.

What is left to see for millions of Sammy fans are the specific specs and features that are expected to upstage both the Galaxy S4 and the Galaxy Note 3.

So far, rumours have suggested that Samsung is cooking a beastly but beautiful device in the Galaxy S5. It goes without saying that the GS5 will strut around in a slim and body finish, with the Galaxy maker likely employing a new manufacturing technique that was first used in the Note 3.

There were chatters too that the GS5 will reflect a complete makeover from GS4 and the highlight of the radical change would be the introduction of a metallic Galaxy S5. However, while this possibility is not dismissed by Samsung, it was floated that the GS5, like its predecessor, will hit the market in numerous variants.

Some editions will be built geared for the upscale market while there will be builds that will roll out to emerging markets. Therefore, it would be hardly surprising for Samsung to release premium and mass-market versions of the Galaxy S5.

To date, however, these talks remain speculative as Samsung only confirmed that its 2014 flagship will deliver 8-core Exynos processing chips with 64-bit computing capabilities. The information prompted analyst to predict that part of the GS5 package is 4GB of RAM and higher on-board storage.

On its release date, the Galaxy S5 will on run on the latest Android OS KitKat 4.4

Dead Trigger 2 gets a holiday update

Like last year, Madfinger is bringing a holiday update to their popular zombie-killing mobile game, Dead Trigger 2. This year’s update includes a handful of extra content, including four new weapons, a new environment to play around in, new story and challenge missions, and a bunch of Christmas themed elements to get you in the holiday spirit.

Some of the new weapons are melee weapons that include the Big Hammer, Butterfly Sword, and the classic, a Machete. You’ll now be able to fight zombie hordes in China and access a bunch of new challenges and story missions, just in case you were running out. Madfinger is also bringing Google Play Achievements to the title. There are also some Christmas presents strewn throughout the game right now, but Madfinger isn’t saying exactly what they’ll do. If you’re an avid Dead Trigger fan, you may want to stock up on those for when they do get an actual purpose in the game.

Alongside Dead Trigger 2, the original Dead Trigger is getting an update, but unfortunately there’s nothing Christmas themed. It’s really just an optimization update that adds support for extremely high-res phones and tablets. If you’re still playing the original, this might help you moving forward to devices with better screens

Angry Birds Star Wars gets final update with 30 new levels

Rovio is finally updating Angry Birds Star Wars to include its final 30 levels and a finale to the saga in the game. There are 15 levels on an Imperial Star Destroyer and 15 levels on the Death Star, all of which build up to boss fights against Lard Vader and the Emperor. We’ll also finally see Lard Vader unmasked at the conclusion.

Unfortunately, Rovio’s first Star Wars crossover had to come to an end sometime, but it looks like they’re going to make this ending almost as epic as the original Star Wars trilogy. The update (and original game) is free to download.

AT&T Galaxy Note II Gets Android 4.3 Today

It would appear that many devices are receiving the latest iteration of Jelly Bean this month. The Galaxy Note II for AT&T is no different. While T-Mobile’s Note II was the first to receive the update, the AT&T update isn’t too far behind. The new update will bring the Baseband version to I317UCUBMK6. Besides the Android 4. 3 enhancements you should see the following:

• Samsung Galaxy Gear compatibility
• Premium Suite Features
  • PEN.UP
  • Group Play 2.5
  • Multi-Window (Note 3 Version)
  • Camera – Shot & Sound
  • Group Messaging
  • Samsung Link (Preload)
  • New Easy Mode
  • Samsung Apps
• Knox

There you have it. If you are rocking a Note II and have been itching to get Galaxy Gear now’s your chance. If you’ve received the update, let us know. We’d love to hear what you think of it.

Apple envisions PC with wall being the display

The so-dubbed "desk-free" computer would jettison the monitor and use a projection system to display the image on a wall or other surface.

Would you buy a computer with no case or monitor or tangled cables to deal with? Apple has proposed such a system in a newly-awarded patent.

Granted on Tuesday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent called "Computer systems and methods with projected display" describes a "desk-free" computer that would dispense with a case, monitor, and wired cables. Instead, the entire package would be housed in a projection system that would include all the necessary components and display the image on a wall or other surface.

Similar to an all-in-one PC, Apple's projection system would house the CPU and all the other internal parts. A wireless network interface and speakers could also be integrated, eliminating the need for any external peripherals. Onboard sensors would control the projected image to display the optimum color, resolution, and size.

The system would also combine elements of a desktop and laptop, displaying a large screen but offering some degree of portability so you can use it beyond the confines of your office or living room.

Perhaps best of all, the system would be virtually or entirely cable-free. The mouse and keyboard would talk to the computer using Bluetooth or another wireless technology. The system could grab its juice through batteries or inductive charging rather than directly via AC power cords.

The patent itself describes the technology as follows:

Computer systems and methods may provide a projection display as a primary visual output. In particular, a computer system may include an integrated projector output. Such a computer system may be substantially or even entirely externally wire-free. Methods of image processing may involve a computer system with an integrated projector output. Such methods may involve using raw presentation data for image processing, including adjustment and/or correction for brightness, color and/or geometry artifacts generated from aspects of the projection surface (such as geometry, texture, color or the like), the surroundings (such as ambient light), the relation of the computer system (or integrated projector output) to the projection surface (such as distance, orientation or the like), and/or the relation of a user/viewer to the projection surface (such as viewing angle, distance or the like).

As always, even an awarded patent doesn't mean the technology will ever see the light of day. But such a system would certainly be an innovative step up from all-in-one computers that include all the internals but still saddle you with a large monitor that takes up space.

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