Samsung may debut 4.99-inch, 1080p touchscreen at CES 2013

A new report indicates Samsung may debut a full high definition display suitable for smartphones during CES 2013. Could it be destined for the Galaxy S3's successor, or a new device entirely?

Samsung could be preparing to debut its own smartphone-sized 1080p display during CES 2013, hot on the heels of HTC’s Droid DNA. Full high definition displays are all set to be next year’s must-have new smartphone feature, although their size will see them used on hardware that tips over into smartphone/tablet hybrid territory.

A Korean newspaper claims Samsung has developed a 4.99-inch touchscreen with a 1080p resolution and a pixel density of 441ppi. While the resolution is the same as the Droid DNA’s, the pixel density beats it by one point.

It’s unlikely we’ll see the hardware related to Samsung’s new screen at the show though, as it’s not expected to go into production until later in the first quarter of 2013, which means Samsung could follow LG’s example and only show off the panel itself.

There are two logical, future homes for Samsung’s Full HD screen: The successors to the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. The slightly odd 4.99-inch screen size could mean it’s destined for the Galaxy S4, as by keeping it under 5-inches — even if it is by a ridiculous 0.01 of an inch — it could still (just) be classed as a true smartphone.

There’s also a chance Samsung could introduce a new device which neatly fits in-between the 4.8-inch Galaxy S3 and the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2. An earlier rumor put the Galaxy S4’s announcement for sometime in March, which seemed a little too soon into the S3’s life, however maybe Samsung is planning an event for that time, but it’s for our mystery 1080p phone and not for the S4.

We won’t find out until closer to the time, but provided the talk of a Samsung 1080p screen is correct, we should get to see it in action during CES 2013, which begins on January 8.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Ferrari-fighting Tesla Model R reportedly in the works for 2017

Electric vehicle automaker Tesla Motors is reportedly working on a successor to its discontinued Roadster, dubbed the Model R, which is expected to take the fight to Ferrari.

A rumor coming out of jolly old England’s Auto Express suggests electric car manufacturer Tesla is looking to bring a new model to the market in 2017.

The new car would replace Tesla’s first car, the Roadster, and be built from the ground up as pure all-electric vehicle (EV). Whereas the current Roadster is underpinned by Lotus’ Elise platform, Auto Express claims the successor to the Roadster, thought to be named the Model R, will utilize the same platform currently underpinning the Model S and the upcoming Model X crossover.

In addition to adhering to the company’s current naming convention, the Model R will reportedly expand on the Roadsters lightning-quick acceleration, which is capable of rocketing from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and traveling 254-miles on a single charge of its 53 kWh lithium-ion battery.

If true, the Model R would undoubtedly benefit from a platform switch. The Lotus Elise weights about 1800 pounds, while the Roadster weighs in at 2,723 pounds. A new platform built from the ground up to accommodate an EV powertrain has the potential to reduce the weight of the car, while at the same time improving range and acceleration.

Tesla sold the Roadster between 2008 and 2011, with about 2,500 rolling off the line. Base price for the zippy EV started around $109,000. While no longer selling the Roadster, the California-based automaker started a buyback program last month that allows Roadster owners the option to trade theirs in for credit towards a Model S.

According to Auto Express, Tesla has its sights set on Ferrari with the Model R, but we remain skeptical. Still, if the Model R can indeed go toe-to-toe with the iconic Italian automaker we’ll be very impressed. Of course that leaves us with another question: How much will it cost?

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Detailed Nintendo Wii U specs leak, official pricing for Japan revealed as well

The Nintendo Wii U, the successor of the highly successful Wii, has been officially announced with pricing and a launch date for Japan. Later today there will be a Nintendo event where they’ll reveal the worldwide launch plans. The exact specs of the new game console are still not clear though.

Luckily, someone posted a pretty extensive specs sheet based on the site for Wii U developers.

Here go the highlights of the new Nintendo console:

• Tri-core IBM PowerPC-based processor; 3MB cache
• 1GB of RAM
• AMD Radeon-based GPU7 (DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 3.3 equivalent functionality)
• 8GB storage (Optional 32GB); SDHC card slot; support for external HDDs
• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Up to 1080p output resolution
• HDMI, DVI, component, RGB and S-Video TV-Outs
• 6 channel audio support via HDMI

Sounds pretty good, considering the very limited hardware that the Wii had. The GamePad controller features a 6.2″ LCD screen of FWVGA resolution (158ppi) along with hardware game controls, stereo speakers, a microphone and camera plus NFC support.

The price of the Wii U in Japan is set at 26,260 yen ($340) for the regular version (available in white only) and 31,500 ($405) for the Premium version (with 32GB storage, available in black only). The Premium version comes with a GamePad and three stands – one for the Wii U, one for charging the GamePad and one play stand.

The bad news is that the fancy GamePad controller accounts for half of the price – a new one will set you back 13,440 yen ($170). Wii U Pro controllers (they look like standard console controllers) are priced 5,040 yen ($65).

The Nintendo Wii U doesn’t come with a Wii Remote controller or Sensor Bar, but you can get some separately.

Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Sony announces the Sony NEX-5R mirrorless camera, we’ve got live photos

Sony’s latest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera has just been unveiled – the successor to the NEX-5N, the Sony NEX-5R.

The 16.1MP APS-C sensor on the Sony NEX-5R can do 10 fps continuous shooting and 1080p video at 60fps.

The new mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses features Wi-Fi connectivity, the option to install in-camera apps and hybrid autofocus with on-sensor phase detection elements and contrast-detect AF.

The Sony NEX-5R mirrorless camera hands-on pictures

The 3″ 920k-dot touchscreenscreen on the Sony NEX-5R tilts to make shooting under difficult angles more comfortable.

The Sony NEX-5R mirrorless camera hands-on pictures

Sony has incorporated the new “fast Hybrid AF”, which uses 99 phase-detection AF points on the sensor to accurately detect the distance to the subject distance and then switches to the 25 contrast-detect AF points to fine-focus on it.

Sony NEX-5R official photos

The NEX-5R will be available this October in black and white for about $750 with an 18-55 mm kit lens or about $650 for the body alone.

Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com