No Venue: Dell discontinues its Android tablets

If the modern mobile industry is a trinity of sorts, tablets would definitely be one of the pillars, along with smartphones and wearables. Much has been mentioned about the "oversized phone" market, but perhaps nothing as curious as its decline. Tablets were once set for explosive growth and prominence, yet in recent years have begun to fizzle out to such a clear degree that even Samsung – which had oodles to offer at one point – has done an about face and Apple – the industry leader in sales – is having major trouble.

Dell's traditional tablet line is also having major problems apparently, and as such today announced that it will be discontinuing its Android-based Venue product lines. The company explains the news quite directly in an e-mail received by PCWorld, stating that:

The slate tablet market is over-saturated and is experiencing declining demand from consumers, so we've decided to discontinue the Android-based Venue tablet line…For customers who own Android-based Venue products, Dell will continue to support currently active warranty and service contracts until they expire, but we will not be pushing out future OS upgrades.

Indeed the decision may come as no surprise to those who have grown disinterested with the tablet market, though recently Dell had truly stepped up its game with the release of two 7000-series tablets last year that had AMOLED displays, metal-made construction, and defiantly different designs. Yet so too, did they come with high price tags.

Perhaps the more concerning issue however: the end of product updates, which means that users hoping for Android Nougat can not only kiss that dream goodbye, but so too – apparently – Android security updates that are seemingly more vital for the life of the products. Given said high price points, this may be all the more irritating to Dell supporters who bought into the company's redesigned Venue line, and did so with some expected piece of mind.

Why the long face?

Those looking for answers in what might seem to be an initially surprising turn of events will find that Dell's logic is actually quite well thought out. In a blog post on its Future Ready Workforce site, the company explains the logic behind such a surprising decision, and it begins with a rather bold statement:

In today's tech world, trying to create a "one-size fits all" device is a futile undertaking. It's no different than any other industry in that people want the right tool for the job. For the same reason construction workers wear a tool belt loaded with specialized tools, different digital tasks require different levels of computing horsepower.

The post then explains in greater detail, stating that

The one constant feature across all of the devices people choose for work is that they must enable productivity. While there will always be a need for niche devices and certain features for specific computing tasks, we've found that the lack of productivity delivered by slate tablets are forcing people to leave them at home, and instead continue to use PCs to get real work done.

And then the damning evidence is put forth:

According to Gartner, only 17 percent of consumer respondents in mature markets intend to buy a tablet in the next 12 months – one of the lowest percentages in the past decade. And according to IDC, last quarter pure slate tablets experienced their greatest annual decline to date of -21.1 percent.

Our take – the slate tablet market is oversaturated and is experiencing declining demand from end users. Additionally, 2-in-1s with larger screens in the 10 to 13-inch range are offering a laptop-first experience with the convenience of a tablet when needed.

Thus the Android Venue is no more, having once been a failed smartphone brand that was converted to tablets, and will join its also-failed Streak series, too.

Wrap Up

Today's news highlights the aggressive competition in the Android market, and in particular, the noticeable decline in tablet products and sales. Are you an owner of a Dell Venue tablet? Does this news rub you the wrong way? Leave a comment below and sound off!

Source: No Venue: Dell discontinues its Android tablets

Android Nougat release date, news and features

Android N: release date, news and rumors

Update: Google is announcing the official Android N name today and the update is already in Developer Preview 4. The release date isn't far behind. Here's everything we know.

Android N is Google's next phone and tablet operating system update that's been so thoroughly refined that the company is officially more than halfway through the English alphabet.

You can now download Android N Developer Preview form and test its new features that didn't make the cut in November's Android 6.0 Marshmallow launch alongside the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X.

The shocker is that the company didn't wait to announcing Android N at Google IO 2016. The reason behind this is it gives developers more time to tinker with the update, according to Google.

That's fantastic news for anyone who is brave enough to update their phone, tablet or streaming box with the unfinished build. We did just that to tell the rest of you what's inside.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The next version of Google's mobile OS, Android N

When is it out? "Later this summer" - we reckon September/October*

What will it cost? Free

*when - and if - you get it depends on what phone/tablet you own though

Check out our video walkthrough of the Android N Beta

Will it be Android 7?

There's no guarantee this will be called Android 7 update - Google has sometimes opted to do smaller iterations for the updates. For example, Android 4 had 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.1 Jelly Bean and 4.4 KitKat.

However, Samsung has mistakenly leaked out a hint it'll be called Android 7. Within its source code for its MultiWindow SDK 1.3.1, it reads "This version has been released with Android N(7.0) compatibility."

Sadly, Google didn't announce the big number at IO, so for now we're still in the dark.

Android N beta compatibility

Android N Beta is now available from android.com/beta for newer Nexus devices from the last year and a half, which first and foremost means Google's star players, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.

The giant Nexus 6 also gets some beta action, but the weaker Nexus 5 has been left out. The Android N beta also works with Google Pixel C and its recently discontinued tablet brother Nexus 9 as well as the Nexus Player.

In a shocking twist, there's one random outlier in the Android N compatibility matrix: Sony Xperia Z3. The beta isn't currently available for it, but the Developer Preview 2 is - if you fancy it.

Non-Nexus phones aren't typically able to be a part of the beta and have to wait weeks if not months for the update after the finished version makes its debut on new Nexus phones.

Android N VR

We've tested out a bunch of existing Android N features below, but there's also exciting new tools coming to the update, specifically Android VR.

A buried menu for VR helper services in Android N Developer Preview 2, and an equally buried release note for "Android VR" in Unreal Engine 4.12 beta hints at a big push for a Google Cardboard successor - and Google confirmed its VR intentions during IO.

The Play Store, StreetView, Photos, YouTube and Play Movies will all support VR, allowing you to jump into games, locations and videos - all via Google's Daydream VR platform. Daydream is due to be released in the fall, so it's unlikely to be included in the initial Android N launch.

Multi-window support

True multitasking support is finally arriving as expected, and Split Screen is deservedly the highlight of Android N on phones and tablets. You're going to be able to open up two apps at once on your Nexus phone or tablet.

It's a popular feature Samsung and LG phones have incorporated into their Android skins years ago, so it's nice (and about time) Google is including the same functionality in its own software. It's easy to launch too - just long press on the recent (multi-tasking) button in the nav bar.

Multi-window support could increase enterprise interest in Android tablets and the Pixel C. It's a bet that Apple recently made when it launched a similar split-screen and picture-in-picture feature for iOS 9.

You may not have to wait until the Android N update to take advantage of pure Android multitasking. It's rumored to be making an early debut in Android 6.1 in June.

Meanwhile Android TV gets picture-in-picture mode, allowing you to continue watching your show in a smaller screen while performing another task.

Direct Reply Notifications

You won't have to navigate away from your current window (or, now, windows) just to answer an incoming message. You can just reply within the notification that appears at the top of the screen.

It worked well enough for the iPhone and iPad when the same idea made its debut with iOS 8 under the name Quick Reply. But Apple's approach to messages worked strictly with its iMessage app.

Google is opening up Direct Reply Notifications beyond Hangouts, and that could mean popular apps like WhatsApp could take advantage of this convenient inline messaging feature.

New quick settings menu

Google is adding a new quick settings menu to the notifications shade you pull down from the top. It's a lot like the one Samsung, LG and every other Android manufacturer seems to use.

Sure, Google stock Android software has had switches for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode and so forth, but it required pulling the notifications bar down a second time to reveal the quick settings menu.

Now the quick settings toggles are here as soon as you gesture downward once to see notifications. The best news is that all of the buttons small and unobstructive. It leaves room for notifications to flourish.

Longtime Nexus users will also be happy to hear that the quick settings switches can be sorted to your liking, much like they can on other Android phones. You won't need the System UI Tuner to meddle.

For example, I often use MiFi more than Airplane Mode, so Mobile Hotspot icon get promoted to be one of the five icons along the top of the initial quick settings on my Nexus 6P.

That little airplane icon is still there for my takeoff and landings needs, but it got the bump to the second swipe menu. Sorting is finally up to you, which is really what Android is all about.

Bundled notifications

Google's not done with the way Android N changes notifications. It also announced that notification cards will be grouped together if they're from the same app.

All messages from a specific messaging app, for example, are bundled together in the notification shade. These grouped alerts can then be expanded into individual notifications using a two-finger gesture or tapping the all-new expansion button.

This is basically the opposite of what Apple did in the jump from iOS 8 to iOS 9, switching from grouping them by app to lining them up chronologically. We'll see which method works best this autumn.

There's more control over your notifications in Android N too, as now you can long press on a notification to either silence future notifications, or turn them off completely.

Android N multi-tasking

There are two handy new features in multi-tasking on Android N. First up is a Clear All button at the top of the multi-tasking menu - a feature Google says has been one of the most asked for. This allows you to close all applications running in the background with a single tap.

We've seen manufacturers add a clear all button in their Android interfaces, but the stock version has been crying out for the same function. Finally, we're getting it.

Secondly, Google's added Quick Switch to Android N. This lets you jump back to the previous application with a double tap of the recent (multi-tasking) button in the navigation bar.

Doze Mode 2.0

One of the (literal) sleeper hits of Android Marshmallow has been Doze Mode, Google's crafty way of saving battery life whenever your device is stationary. It's amounts to a deep standby mode.

Android N is going to step up the company's energy-saving software techniques by expanding Doze Mode so that it thoroughly limits background tasks whenever the screen is turned off.

That's ideal for throwing a phone in your pocket or your tablet in a backpack, and then retrieving it the next day or next week without having to recharge it right away. Your "I can't even" face when you pick up your dead Nexus phone the next morning will be a thing of the past.

Android N performance

Google says Android N will provide its biggest leap forward in graphics with the introduction of Vulkan, giving game developers controls of the GPU.

That in turn will result in even better graphics and smoother, faster performance.

There's also been a number of Android runtime improvements, including optimizations to the JIT complier which has seen task speeds increase between 30%-600% compared to the previous version.

Updates are also more seamless, with security updates automatically downloaded and a simple fresh boot up of your device will see you run the latest offering. It's also got rid of that annoying "Android is updating" pop up when you restart after an update.

Other features

Google has confirmed the new "Launcher Shortcuts" feature that debuted in the second beta for Android N is ready for pressure sensitive display technology.

It will make it easier for Android manufacturers to bring 3D Touch-like technology to Android handsets as it's baked directly into the OS.

Android N will also bring support for Unicode 9, which among other things will see the introduction of 72 new emoji - such fun!

The Android N name

History has taught us that Android N is going to be named after a delicious treat, but Google hasn't told us which one it is yet. In fact, even Google doesn't know which dessert-based name to give its latest mobile platform.

It's so unsure, it's asking you - YES, YOU - to submit your ideas. Head over to android.com/n to submit your idea, and Google will then pick the best one. And band news, it's already ruled out Namey McNameFace. Boo.

For now, we're testing out the Developer Preview on a first-letter basis. It's very informal. We also don't exactly know if it'll be Android 7.0 or not either. It's currently unclear. Let's not forget Google's dabble with the number four with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.1/2/3 Jelly Bean and 4.4 KitKat.

It has reverted back to type with 5.0 Lollipop and 6.0 Marshmallow, but Google always has the option to chuck in a curve ball once in awhile.

Android N release date

The official Android N launch date is still several weeks away. Google announced at its IO event that it would launch "later this summer." Now what exactly it means by that is up for debate, but hopefully it means we'll see it around September.

Nexus devices are always first in line to get new Android updates, so your brand new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will have to wait. Manufacturers and carriers have to rework their own version of the software and push it out to users - and that can take months.

What phones will get Android N?

If you've got a recent flagship phone, you should be in luck. Most phone and tablet makers try and push the software to phones and tablets that are less than two years old, but it may be quite a wait.

Samsung, Sony, LG and HTC are usually quite fast at getting the update to your phone, as is Motorola. Some other manufacturers can take a little while to release it, though.

Each manufacturer can take time to tweak the updates. Take Android Marshmallow for example, some phones still don't have the update, even though it's been out for five month... five very long months, as February was 29 days long since it's not a leap year.

If you want the latest software, it's best to get a Nexus device, as the newest version of Android will always be pushed to that first. Newer Nexus owners are currently able to test out Developer Preview 1.

HTC has confirmed it will be bringing Android N to the HTC 10, One A9 and One M9 - although there's no time scale yet.

Motorola has also confirmed the Moto G4 Plus will get Android 7 software in the future. The strange thing is, Motorola also confirmed the phone will be updated to Android O when it comes around as well. That's software Google hasn't even announced yet and there's no guarantee Android 8 will be named after the letter O.

Android N: what we want to see

As we're feeling generous, here at techradar we got together to think of what we'd like to see the new software do. Here's everything we would like to see come to Google's OS in Android N.

1. No more bloatware

Google has recently announced a change within the Android rule book. It means phone makers don't have to include all the G branded apps as standard. Google Play Games, Google Play Books, Google+ and Google Newsstand now don't need to be included on every phone you use.

Android N would be the perfect time to drop a few of the other less useful apps that Google doesn't need to force on its owners. Do we all need Google Play Music waiting for us?

2. Faster updates

This is a hard one for Google, but when you look at how Android 6.0 Marshmallow has struggled to get onto phones it would be a worthwhile step. Google needs to streamline the process of getting the latest software onto Android devices.

How it does that, we're not all that clear - but there must be a way it can make the process slightly simpler for OEM's to take the latest software and squeeze it onto devices.

3. Real multi-tasking

This is one we've heard word of from Google already - but there's no guarantee from the company that it'll be launching on the next version of the software.

We'd like to see it come through as soon as possible though as putting this onto the Google Pixel C and upcoming tablets will make productivity tasks a lot easier.

4. Battery improvements

Android 6.0 Marshmallow had a big focus on improving the battery life of your phone with Doze, but the work isn't done yet. We'd like to see that continue onto the next version of the software.

Google should be working on battery life until it gets to a standard where we can use our phones without having to worry about them dying after a day. Improvements to how the software runs should help the battery life and we'd love to see that come again in Android N.

5. Android Pay improvements

Android Pay is here now, but it's not the best it can be yet. It's not all over the world and we'd like to see Android N push the software to new markets. If you could use your phone to pay anywhere around the world, that'd be great.

Plus throwing in all your loyalty cards in a similar way to Apple's Wallet would be a great step so we can really leave everything else at home.

6. Battery percentage

Surprisingly, you still can't show off your battery percentage in the notification bar when using stock Android. If you're able to do so on your phone, it's just because the manufacturer has seen fit to add it in.

Pretty much all of them have now as well, so we'd like to see Android actually take on the feature itself. And this would be simple for Google to do.

7. A solid name

We want the sweet stuff - Android N needs a good name to make us excited every time it pops up in the over-the-air update box. Seeing something like Android Nutella pop up instead of the boring Android N title is always a good giggle.

Source: Android Nougat release date, news and features

Windows 10 anniversary update set to release August 2 and will be free, but not forever

Rose Behar

June 29, 2016 8:06am

Microsoft announced today that it's Windows 10 Anniversary Update – set to bring several highly anticipated features to the masses – is coming on August 2nd.

It will be freely available to Windows 10 desktop, laptop and tablet users who sign up prior to July 29th, after which time it'll cost $119 USD for the upgrade. This marks a change in strategy for Microsoft, which has been giving Windows 10 upgrades away for free to Windows 7 and 8.1 users since its debut on July 29, 2015.

While the update won't be free for computers and tablets in the future, The Verge has confirmed that Xbox Ones and Windows mobile devices will receive the update for free without a time limit announced yet.

The anniversary update promises to launch Windows Ink and bring Cortana to more devices, as well as deliver a faster and even more power efficient Edge browser with browser extensions, and offer new security features, gaming experiences, and educational tools.

Microsoft's blog post announcing the update also mentions that over 350 million devices are now running Windows 10.

Related reading: Windows 10 anniversary update set to launch this summer for free

Source: Windows 10 anniversary update set to release August 2 and will be free, but not forever

Press Release: Panasonic’s fully rugged Windows 10.1-inch Toughpad tablet just keeps getting better

Improved performance and communication capabilities with longer battery life

BRACKNELL, UK. 29th JUNE 2016The 4th generation of the fully rugged Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet launched today features improved performance and communication capabilities with an increased 14 hour battery life and the Windows 10 Pro operating system to further enhance its reputation with mobile workforces as the 10.1 inch tablet of choice. The Toughpad FZ-G1 has proved popular with a wide range of industries including retail and manufacturing, as well as organisations with large workforces in the field, such as utilities, logistics, assessors and field service as well as the emergency services.

This latest device delivers more performance for less power than its category competitors with an upgraded 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-6300U vPro™ Processor (3 MB cache, 2.4 GHz up to 3.0 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology). Improved graphics performance is delivered by the built-in Intel® HD Graphics 520 GPU.

Since its introduction 2013, the standard battery operating life of the Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet has almost doubled from 8 to 14 hours, with the optional larger battery now delivering 28 hours of working activity.

The latest communication capabilities have been included with Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 WLAN and Version 4.1 Class 1 Bluetooth®. The 8MP rear camera presents the clarity and detail for documentation capture and photos.

"This latest upgrade to the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet is a perfect example of Panasonic's approach to sustainable mobile business computing," said Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. "We continue to deliver regular performance and functionality improvements for our rugged Toughpad tablet and Toughbook notebook devices, whilst maintaining the wide variety of accessories and peripherals for the product, such as vehicle docking mounts, desk cradles, batteries, chargers and power adapters. This approach allows our customers to invest in a Panasonic mobile device with confidence, knowing that our rugged designs are built to last, that each model will continue to be developed and the investment in peripherals and accessories will remain compatible for the long-term."

The fully rugged Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet with Windows 10 Pro sets the new benchmark for outdoor viewable tablets making it ideal for field workforces in outdoor scenarios. With its capacitive 10-finger multi-touch display, waterproof IP55 digitizer pen for efficient usage even in rain and flexible configurable ports, this device can be used to view high definition documentation and images in the field and is equipped with the connectivity options to stay in touch wherever the location. The flexible configuration port gives business users the legacy port options they require in a compact, fully rugged and lightweight form factor.

Source: Press Release: Panasonic's fully rugged Windows 10.1-inch Toughpad tablet just keeps getting better

iPad Mini 5 Release Date, News & Update: Mini 5 To Be Released In September? Dubbed As The Most Advanced Tablet Of Apple

The much-anticipated iPad Mini 5 wasn't revealed at the recent Worldwide Developers Conference 2016 on June 13 to 17. But, tech aficionados did't lose hope as they are still expecting the new gadget to be unveiled in September.

iPad Mini 5 Release

According to Christian Today, iPad Mini models are usually launched in October, but Apple didn't hold an event in the same month last year.

To recall, Apple debuted the new iPad Pro together with iPhone 6S in the same event in September 2015.

Hence, fans of the Apple gadgets are looking forward to the release of the iPad Mini 5 this coming September along with the iPad Air 3 and the new iPhone 7.

Apple is also planning to introduce a new unknown device to the public before 2016 ends.

The Most Advanced Tablet

Gadget enthusiasts believe that the new iPad Mini 5 will be the most advanced tablet made by Apple.

The iPad Mini 5 is expected to be made of 7000-series aluminum making it more durable in spite of being 5mm thin.

In fact, the iPad Mini 5 is even thinner compared to Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, which is 5.6mm.

Specs, Features & Price

The iPad Mini 5 is rumored to feature 3D Touch which is utilized by the iPhone 6S, Breathe Cast reported.

Also, because the iPad Mini 5 is now thinner than before, it will be employed with a smaller battery pack, but Apple ensures that it won't affect the device's usage.

However, the iPad Mini 5 might not carry a promising camera quality with its just 8MP rear cam and 1.2MP front camera.

Meanwhile, although it is not yet confirmed, there are swirling rumors that the iPad Mini 5 will have a starting price of about $420 to $760.

To prove all the assumptions, fans are still waiting for Apple's announcement of the iPad Mini 5 official release date.

TagsiPad Mini 5, Apple, iPad mini, WWDC 2016

Source: iPad Mini 5 Release Date, News & Update: Mini 5 To Be Released In September? Dubbed As The Most Advanced Tablet Of Apple

City woman arrested over stolen tablet

Brantford police took a city woman into custody after a tablet computer was stolen.

Community patrol officers were called after a male victim was informed that a woman had stolen his tablet on June 23, then she went to a downtown pawn shop to pawn it for money, police said in a news release.

After learning about the theft from a friend on Monday, the victim went to the pawn shop himself and found his tablet. Then he called police.

After an investigation, police arrested a 28-year-old Brantford woman and charged her with theft.

She was held for a bail hearing.

MMarion@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/EXPMarion 

Source: City woman arrested over stolen tablet

Affordable Ayurvedic Drug To Fight Diabetes Launche; Priced At Rs 5

Summary: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Monday launched BGR-34 - an anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug designed for type 2 Diabetes mellitus.BGR-34 is developed jointly by National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), the research units of CSIR at Lucknow.BGR-34 has been economically priced at Rs 5 per tablet as compared to latest DPP4 inhibitors globally, a joint release by NBRI and CIMAP and the manufacturer AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd, said.A K S Rawat, Sr Principal Scientist of CSIR-NBRI said six crore of the adult Indian population had been found to be diabetic and there is no effective solution for diabetes as yet. "We are sure that eminent medical professionals will recommend it to their patients suffering from type 2 Diabetes mellitus for quicker and consistent response," he said.He said CSIR's premier research institutions have developed and established the efficacy of BGR-34.The mod ern diabetes drugs are known for side-effects and toxicity while BGR-34 works by controlling blood sugar and limiting the harmful effects of other drugs, he added.The scientists of NBRI and CIMAP joined hands in developing the drug and they had in-depth study of over 500 renowned ancient herbs and finally identified the six best herbs listed in Ayurvedic ancient texts to develop an anti-diabetic formulation.Daya Nandan Mani, Senior Scientist of CSIR-NBRI, said Pre-clinical studies of this anti-diabetic formulation revealed significant reduction in high blood sugar level in diabetes induced experimental subjects.Anil Kumar Sharma, Vice President (Technical) of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd, said, one of the critical ingredients inhibits DPP-4 and enhances insulin secretion.The product passed several battery of tests and showed hypoglycaemic activity in experimental subjects, he said.For the purpose of commercial production and extended distribution, Aimil Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd has been transferred the rights and technical know-how to produce and market it for medical use, the release said.

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Monday launched BGR-34 - an anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug designed for type 2 Diabetes mellitus.BGR-34 is developed jointly by National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), the research units of CSIR at Lucknow.BGR-34 has been economically priced at Rs 5 per tablet as compared to latest DPP4 inhibitors globally, a joint release by NBRI and CIMAP and the manufacturer AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd, said.A K S Rawat, Sr Principal Scientist of CSIR-NBRI said six crore of the adult Indian population had been found to be diabetic and there is no effective solution for diabetes as yet."We are sure that eminent medical professionals will recommend it to their patients suffering from type 2 Diabetes mellitus for quicker and consistent response," he said.He said CSIR's premier research institutions have developed and established the efficacy of BGR-34.The modern diabet es drugs are known for side-effects and toxicity while BGR-34 works by controlling blood sugar and limiting the harmful effects of other drugs, he added.The scientists of NBRI and CIMAP joined hands in developing the drug and they had in-depth study of over 500 renowned ancient herbs and finally identified the six best herbs listed in Ayurvedic ancient texts to develop an anti-diabetic formulation.Daya Nandan Mani, Senior Scientist of CSIR-NBRI, said Pre-clinical studies of this anti-diabetic formulation revealed significant reduction in high blood sugar level in diabetes induced experimental subjects.Anil Kumar Sharma, Vice President (Technical) of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd, said, one of the critical ingredients inhibits DPP-4 and enhances insulin secretion.The product passed several battery of tests and showed hypoglycaemic activity in experimental subjects, he said.For the purpose of commercial production and extended distribution, Aimil Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd has be en transferred the rights and technical know-how to produce and market it for medical use, the release said.. . .

. . .

Source: http://www.ndtv.com/lucknow-news/for-type-2-diabetes-an-ayurvedic-anti-diabetic-drug-launched-1424163

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Source: Affordable Ayurvedic Drug To Fight Diabetes Launche; Priced At Rs 5

Microsoft to Discontinue Production of Surface 3 Tablet [VIDEO]

Surface 3 tablet will not be around anymore as Microsoft decided to pull them out of the market by the end of this year. While the tablet is still considered new, only launched in May 2015, the tech giant confirmed that it will not manufacture additional units anymore.

The entry-level gadget was designed to cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers and students. It was the cheaper alternative to the Surface Pro 3 so it was well-received when first released.

However, despite being an impressive device, experts said that there are indications that Surface 3 is being discontinued and an example is that, the stock is now running very low. Most of the models have already been listed as out-of-stock and Brad Sams of Thurrott noted that only the 64GB/2GB WiFi + LTE model units are available for purchase.

This case of unavailability, resulting from undersupply of units, is typically a hint that production has slowed down or has come to an end already. To clear the rumors, Microsoft stepped forward and confirmed that the company is planning to sell the Surface 3 only until December 2016.

As reported by ZDNet, Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement, "Since launching Surface 3 over a year ago, we have seen strong demand and satisfaction among our customers. Inventory is now limited and by the end of December 2016, we will no longer manufacture Surface 3 devices."

Microsoft may have verified the end of Surface 3 but it did not release any statement whether there will be a successor not. According to PC World, the company declined to comment on the possibility of Surface 4's possible release.

Microsoft Surface 3 features Cherry Trail Atom processor and its price starts at $499. Since its introduction, the 2-in-1 detachable tablet did not get any major upgrades from its maker. Unlike its predecessors, the Surface RT and Surface 2, runs on Windows 10 instead of the limited Windows RT OS. Lastly, it boasts of quad-core chip which clock up at 1.6 GHz, with utmost burst speed of 2.4 GHz.

Microsoft introduces Surface 3, the perfect balance of performance and value:

TagsMicrosoft, Microsoft Surface 3, Surface 3, Surface 3 Tablet

Source: Microsoft to Discontinue Production of Surface 3 Tablet [VIDEO]

The Surface 3 is dead, as experts debate the future of low-end Windows tablets

Experts disagree whether the world wants or needs a Surface 4.

Microsoft will stop manufacturing Surface 3 by the end of the year, which raises a big question: Will there be a Surface 4?

The company has declined to say whether a Surface 4 will ever be released. But Microsoft says it saw strong demand for the Surface 3 tablet PC, so releasing a successor seems like a no-brainer.

But the PC market is challenged. Upgrades have slowed down to every five or six years, and tablet shipments—with the exception of 2-in-1s—are declining. PC makers are already releasing innovative products that could be viable options to a Surface 3 successor.

The price of the Surface 3 starts at $499, and the device is targeted at consumers. Microsoft also sells big brother Surface Pro 4, which has flashier features and starts at $849.

A strong brand with an uncertain future

An argument could be made for and against the release of a successor to the Surface 3, said Bob O'Donnell, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Among arguments for a new product: After spending loads of money marketing and branding Surface products, Microsoft should continue with an entry-level Surface tablet, particularly for those who can't afford a Surface Pro.

The Surface has strong name recognition, and there's interest in upgrading budget PCs to 2-in-1 devices. A Surface 4 could serve that role, O'Donnell said.

At the same time, PC makers are already offering similar products, so Microsoft may not need to make a Surface 4, O'Donnell said.

It's a good idea to scrap a budget version of Surface, and focus on higher-end products to motivate PC makers again, suggested Roger Kay, principal analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates. 

Surface started off as a proof-of-concept to stimulate innovation among PC makers. The Surface Pro serves that purpose, but not the entry-level Surface. Microsoft should instead focus on innovation in the Surface Pro now that iPad Pro is emerging as a competitor.

The Surface products still upset PC makers, who feel Microsoft shouldn't compete with its own customers, Kay said.

"I have talked to a lot of OEMs, and they roll their eyes when they hear Surface," Kay said.

But if Surface 4 will make Microsoft heaps of money, that's a different story, Kay said.

New chips could mean new Surfaces

There are questions on what hardware a Surface 4 would use. The Surface 3 was based on Intel's Atom chip codenamed Cherry Trail, which will be succeeded by Pentium and Celeron chips code-named Apollo Lake. Those chips are primarily designed for 2-in-1 PCs, but will also appear in tablets.

The idea of buying a Surface tablet with a Pentium or Celeron chip—which have been used in low-cost laptops for a long time—may not appeal to some buyers.

If Microsoft does make a Surface 4, the device could instead carry a Core M chip, which is already used in a model of the Surface Pro 4.

In the long run, Microsoft has to figure out what to do with the entire Surface lineup. The Xbox is the soup-to-nuts money maker, the HoloLens is the game changer, but there are questions on the motivation behind Surface devices, Kay said.

"What's their purpose? Are they making money? Are they making prototypes?"

Source: The Surface 3 is dead, as experts debate the future of low-end Windows tablets

Police release name of victim in Saturday homicide

Police on Sunday released the identity of a man found dead early Saturday morning inside a north Columbia apartment building.

The man was identified as 25-year-old Edmond "Ricky" Randolph Jr. of Columbia, police spokeswoman Bryana Larimer said in a news release. Police did not provide additional details other than reaffirming they believed Randolph's death had been a homicide.

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Officers responded to an apartment building in the 2900 block of Leeway Drive near Brown Station Road at about 6:48 a.m. Saturday after a 911 caller reported a man in cardiac arrest. Crews arrived at the apartment to find Randolph dead.

Larimer did not disclose the cause of Randolph's death or say how officers determined it had been a homicide.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Columbia police at 573-875-7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573-874-8477 to remain anonymous.

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Source: Police release name of victim in Saturday homicide

The Surface 3 is dead, as experts debate the future of low-end Windows tablets

Experts disagree whether the world wants or needs a Surface 4.

Microsoft will stop manufacturing Surface 3 by the end of the year, which raises a big question: Will there be a Surface 4?

The company has declined to say whether a Surface 4 will ever be released. But Microsoft says it saw strong demand for the Surface 3 tablet PC, so releasing a successor seems like a no-brainer.

But the PC market is challenged. Upgrades have slowed down to every five or six years, and tablet shipments—with the exception of 2-in-1s—are declining. PC makers are already releasing innovative products that could be viable options to a Surface 3 successor.

The price of the Surface 3 starts at $499, and the device is targeted at consumers. Microsoft also sells big brother Surface Pro 4, which has flashier features and starts at $849.

A strong brand with an uncertain future

An argument could be made for and against the release of a successor to the Surface 3, said Bob O'Donnell, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Among arguments for a new product: After spending loads of money marketing and branding Surface products, Microsoft should continue with an entry-level Surface tablet, particularly for those who can't afford a Surface Pro.

The Surface has strong name recognition, and there's interest in upgrading budget PCs to 2-in-1 devices. A Surface 4 could serve that role, O'Donnell said.

At the same time, PC makers are already offering similar products, so Microsoft may not need to make a Surface 4, O'Donnell said.

It's a good idea to scrap a budget version of Surface, and focus on higher-end products to motivate PC makers again, suggested Roger Kay, principal analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates. 

Surface started off as a proof-of-concept to stimulate innovation among PC makers. The Surface Pro serves that purpose, but not the entry-level Surface. Microsoft should instead focus on innovation in the Surface Pro now that iPad Pro is emerging as a competitor.

The Surface products still upset PC makers, who feel Microsoft shouldn't compete with its own customers, Kay said.

"I have talked to a lot of OEMs, and they roll their eyes when they hear Surface," Kay said.

But if Surface 4 will make Microsoft heaps of money, that's a different story, Kay said.

New chips could mean new Surfaces

There are questions on what hardware a Surface 4 would use. The Surface 3 was based on Intel's Atom chip codenamed Cherry Trail, which will be succeeded by Pentium and Celeron chips code-named Apollo Lake. Those chips are primarily designed for 2-in-1 PCs, but will also appear in tablets.

The idea of buying a Surface tablet with a Pentium or Celeron chip—which have been used in low-cost laptops for a long time—may not appeal to some buyers.

If Microsoft does make a Surface 4, the device could instead carry a Core M chip, which is already used in a model of the Surface Pro 4.

In the long run, Microsoft has to figure out what to do with the entire Surface lineup. The Xbox is the soup-to-nuts money maker, the HoloLens is the game changer, but there are questions on the motivation behind Surface devices, Kay said.

"What's their purpose? Are they making money? Are they making prototypes?"

Source: The Surface 3 is dead, as experts debate the future of low-end Windows tablets

Microsoft may be clreaing the way for a new Surface tablet

It is followed by Surface Pro 4 with 30.9 percent and Surface 3 with 21.5 percent, both of which are the latest-available models in their respective segments. This means that fans will expect the Surface Pro 5 to release with the new updated version of the Windows 10 platform already brought onboard.

The Surface 3 has been particularly successful, but Microsoft has never provided actual sales figures of this model. They were also showcases for Windows on a device with an ARM-based processor. Current inventory is extremely limited, as Microsoft's online storefront shows that only the model with 64GB of storage, 2GB of memory, and 4G LTE connectivity costing $500 is now in stock.

As I noted a few months ago, sources have told me that Microsoft made a decision to postpone the delivery of its next version of Windows "Redstone" 2 until early 2017.

The reason for that is because AdDuplex focuses only on the Surface devices that run Windows 10 and, as you may know, neither of the two aforementioned tablets run Microsoft's latest operating system.

Microsoft could be working on the Surface 4, which we didn't really hear much about.

The possibility of the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 hitting the market this year is getting slimmer as reports have emerged that the company is still waiting for the next generation Intel processor, the Kaby Lake. After all, standalone tablets are seemingly becoming less popular as 2-in-1s get more powerful and less expensive. The long rumored 4K resolution display is also tipped to be coming, but more likely as an optional upgrade for premium users rather than a standard feature for the device. Although Intel will reportedly continue to ship 2015's Atom x5 and Atom x7 "Cherry Trail" processors for the foreseeable future, the Atom line has come to a complete stop. However, reports have revealed that the Washington-based multinational technology company has actually chose to move the device's release date, mostly due to the fact that several of its main software and hardware components will not be arriving this year. Connectivity options include Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.0.

Source: Microsoft may be clreaing the way for a new Surface tablet

Android N Freeform Multi-Window Not Coming to Nexus Line

Earlier this year, Google made the decision to launch the Developer Preview of Android N a little earlier than most people were expecting them to, and since then we've seen a number of revisions to the Preview launch. While the final release is still slated for some time this Summer, it's unlikely that most people will see the new update hit their devices. Nexus users are often the most excited for a new release of Android, and being the first in line for all the best new features forms much of the decision behind such a purchase. For Nexus 6 and above owners however, the looming launch of Android N might not be all what it's worked up to be.

One of the key features of Android N is to be multi-window, the ability to have two running apps onscreen at any one given time, which is something that a lot of people have been saying "about time" to. On top of this however, there's a freefrom window mode in Android N as well, which should make Android feel a lot more like Windows or Chrome OS, but it's not guaranteed to be a default final feature of Android N. In a recent Android Developers video highlighting multi-window in Android N, Ian Lake goes through some quick tips on how best to make use of the space on a smartphone or tablet, which seems fairly straightforward. In the comments to the accompanying Google+ post however, he dropped something of a bombshell, saying that "keep in mind that no Nexus device is going to have freeform multi-window enabled for N". For the Nexus 5X or even the larger Nexus 6P, this isn't too much of a big deal, but he later confirmed that the Pixel C wouldn't get it, either.

This will be a disappointing reveal to those that were looking forward to making their Pixel C feel more like a laptop-cum-tablet hybrid. Of course, this being Android there's nothing to say that users won't find an ingenious way of turning it on, just as they have done in the Android N Developer Previews, but it would have been good to see this as a default feature of Android N at least. Lake went on to say that manufacturers will be given the opportunity to turn freeform on or off, but we're not sure if this applies to existing hardware or only new devices. Regardless, Pixel C users in particular will no doubt be a little upset at the news.

Source: Android N Freeform Multi-Window Not Coming to Nexus Line

Samsung’s New Notebook 7 Spin: Affordable 3-In-1 Tablet/Laptop Aims To Be Your Binge-Watching Companion

Samsung's Notebook 7 Spin is a three-in-one gadget that can cost as low as $799.(Photo : David Ramos/Getty Images)

Samsung is gearing up to release a three-in-one gadget to its notebook lineup. The Notebook 7 Spin, which comes in 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch screen sizes, can function as a traditional laptop, a tablet or even a tent for when you're feeling up for a binge-watch of your favorite TV show.

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The Notebook 7 Spin is capable of rotating through 360 degrees and comes with Windows 10's Continuum feature, PC Magazine reported. Continuum automatically tunes the display and input modes if the convertible device's orientation is changed.

Impressive Screen Display

Users who are fond of binge-watching movies and TV shows will get a kick out of the Notebook 7 Spin's HDR, or high dynamic range, mode. The option showcases clear, bright, sharp and vivid colors that pop out of the screen, making your viewing time a pleasure.

The Notebook 7 Spin's design bears close resemblance to Lenovo's Yoga roster, according to The Verge. Both of the Notebook 7 Spin's variations come equipped with 1080p LCD touchscreens, with the 13.3-inch version using an Intel Core i5 processor and integrated graphics and the 15.6-inch model powered by an i7 with an Nvidia 940MX GPU.

More Specs, Price

The Notebook 7 Spin's smaller version weighs 3.9 pounds, while the bigger variant is at 5 pounds, PC Magazine noted. Aside from its 3-in-1 screen, Samsung also boasts of the Notebook 7 Spin's fast-charging action. Both models have a 45Wh battery that charges quickly for when you're on-the-go.

Twenty minutes of charging equals two hours of battery life for the device. The smaller variant can be fully charged in 100 minutes and 90 minutes for the bigger model, CNET wrote. Other specs of the Notebook 7 Spin include an HDMI port, a USB-C port and three USB-A ports (two 2.0 and one 3.0), but the 15.6-inch variant is equipped with Ethernet.

The Notebook 7 Spin doesn't require you to shell out too much precious cash to afford it. The 13-inch variant with 8GB of RAM can be purchased for $799, while the 15-inch version with 12GB of RAM is sold for $999. If you want better performance, you can add $200 to the 15-inch model for 16GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD hybrid drive configuration to serve as an add-on for the device's standard 1TB HDD, The Verge noted.

The Notebook 7 Spin will be available at Best Buy, BestBuy.com and Samsung.com starting on June 26. Check out the convertible device's appearance here.

© 2016 ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: Samsung's New Notebook 7 Spin: Affordable 3-In-1 Tablet/Laptop Aims To Be Your Binge-Watching Companion

Pima County Introduces GTL Tablet Services to Inmates

Now Launching Secure Tablets to 2,300 inmates at no cost to tax payers

RESTON, Virginia, June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Tel*Link (GTL), the leading provider of correctional technology solutions and an innovator in payment services solutions for government agencies, today announced that by working closely with the Pima County Corrections Bureau, it has successfully completed a pilot program and will now expand the program making tablets available to all 2,300 inmates. These secure tablets are equipped with features which allow inmates to work on personal rehabilitation while serving their sentences.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160513/367295LOGO

"GTL is pleased the initial concept phase for the Pima County Sheriff's Department was a success and we are excited to move into a full launch of 2,300 inmate tablets. Working through the process with Pima County Corrections Bureau Chief India Davis, Captain Sean Stewart and other PCSD staff was seamless. We hope the successes in Pima County will encourage other counties to follow suit and get on board with our secure technology which is proven to work in the correctional ecosystem," said Brian Oliver, CEO of GTL. "Our goal is to provide the most secure products and services to correctional facilities. The facility-wide launch of inmate tablets in Pima County validates our mission. Our efforts will ultimately have a positive effect on safety for correctional officers and inmates. Additionally, access to this new technology will help reduce recidivism rates by allowing inmates to improve themselves as they prepare for release. This is a win/win scenario for everyone involved."

GTL's tablets encourage good behavior and decrease the likelihood of violence in a correctional institution. Without any additional cost to taxpayers, inmates are given a secure, monitored connection to their friends and families as well as content that can help improve their lives. GTL is proud to have worked with Pima County as a partner in becoming the first large county jail to provide every inmate with a tablet. Inmates at Pima County now have a portable communication tool that not only makes phone calls, but will allow inmates to send short messages, order commissary items, purchase games and music subscriptions, check account balances, submit requests, submit grievances and pursue knowledge via educational platforms in a secure monitored environment.

"These tablets, which are really inmate communication devices because they run on a secure and fully monitored internal network, are the biggest enhancement to inmate management I've seen in my 24 years of working in corrections," said Captain Sean Stewart of the Pima County Sheriff's Department. "GTL is following through with what was promised. This is an excellent behavior modification tool my staff can utilize to foster positive conduct from our inmate population. Having access to one of these tablets teaches inmates personal responsibility and enhances every aspect of corrections like no other product has," concluded Captain Stewart.

About Global Tel*LinkGTL is the leading provider of integrated correctional technology solutions, delivering financial value, security, and ease of operation to our customers through visionary products and solutions at the forefront of corrections innovation. As a trusted correctional industry leader, GTL provides service to approximately fifty percent of inmates nationwide, including service to 33 state departments of corrections, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 32 of the largest city/county facilities. GTL is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with more than 10 regional offices across the country. To find out more about GTL, please visit our website www.gtl.net. You can also view us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. 

SOURCE GTL

RELATED LINKShttp://www.gtl.net

Source: Pima County Introduces GTL Tablet Services to Inmates

Oracle Confirms 12.2 Database Release Will Be Cloud-Only At First, Analyst Predicts Move Will 'Frustrate' Customers

Oracle has confirmed plans to make the next major update to its 12c database available only in the cloud for a period of time to entice customers that currently run the software in their own data centers.   

Penny Avril, an Oracle vice president in charge of database product management, said Tuesday that Oracle plans to release Database 12c R2 "cloud first" sometime in the second half of the calendar year. Avril revealed the strategy at an Oracle user group meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.

Avril didn't specify when Oracle plans to make the on-premises version of Database 12c R2 – also known as 12.2 – available to customers. An Oracle spokeswoman declined to provide a timeframe for the release.

Database PM VP Penny Avril on stage at #TheAOG about the Next Release of the database pic.twitter.com/BHNUaAgoF3

— Mike Dietrich (@MikeDietrichDE) June 21, 2016

One source familiar with Oracle's plans told CRN last week the vendor may delay releasing the on-premises version of Database 12.2 for a few months to spur sales of the cloud version. Other sources inside Oracle claim the delay could extend to a few quarters.

[Related: Oracle May Delay On-Premise 12.2 Database Release To Drive Sales Of Cloud-Based Version]

Database 12c Release 2, which is the first major update to the product since 2013, features improvements to multitenancy -- which lets more databases run on a single machine – and faster performance for in-memory database and big data analytics.

Oracle customers typically wait for the second release of a database before upgrading to ensure that all the bugs have been worked out. So Oracle's decision to make the 12.2 database available exclusively in the cloud for a time could complicate buying decisions for organizations that want to take advantage of the new features and functionality. 

Craig Guarente, CEO of Palisade Compliance, a New York-based firm that helps Oracle customers with licensing matters, told CRN he thinks the cloud-first Database 12.2 release "will frustrate the overwhelming majority of companies" that license Oracle database software and pay for support updates.

"This move puts them at the back of the update line. It appears that this is not only a cloud-first strategy but also an Oracle-first strategy," Guarente said in an email.

Oracle, Redwood Shores, Calif., is in the midst of a companywide transition away from on-premises software, and is said to have significantly boosted incentives for salespeople to include cloud in deals, sources told CRN last June. As a result, Oracle salespeople will often give customers discounts on deals if they agree to buy cloud credits, or licenses redeemable for Oracle cloud services.

Yet sources have told CRN that few customers are actually using cloud credits, and that releasing a cloud-first 12.2 database could be a move on Oracle's part to address this issue. The vendor may adopt the cloud-first approach in other future product updates, according to the sources.

Although cloud accounts for only about 8 percent of Oracle's overall revenue, its senior leadership claims this business is seeing meteoric growth. CTO Larry Ellison said on the vendor's fourth-quarter earnings call earlier this month that he believes Oracle has "a fighting chance" of beating Salesforce to become the first SaaS vendor to reach $10 billion in annual revenue. 

Oracle had total SaaS and PaaS revenue of $2.2 billion during fiscal 2016. Salesforce had fiscal 2016 revenue of $6.67 billion and has forecast fiscal 2017 revenue of $8.08 billion to $8.12 billion.

Source: Oracle Confirms 12.2 Database Release Will Be Cloud-Only At First, Analyst Predicts Move Will 'Frustrate' Customers

Investigators release few details in case of Hickman graduate found dead

Two days after a 34-year-old Columbia man was found dead in western Callaway County, investigators working the case have released relatively few details.

The Boone/Callaway County Medical Examiner's Office performed an autopsy Tuesday on Steven Mullens, a 2000 Hickman High School graduate, but the cause of his death had not been officially determined.

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Matt Oller, major at the Audrain County Sheriff's Office and spokesperson for the Mid-Missouri Major Case Squad, declined to say whether Mullens had any visible signs of trauma when he was found Monday. The squad, which includes 27 investigators from 10 area agencies, is investigating the case as a murder.

"There's just some circumstances surrounding the evidence that was located at the scene, leads us to believe that it's not natural and it's not accidental," Oller said.

Investigators are waiting for the medical examiner's full report, which could take a few weeks for toxicology and other blood screens, before a determination is made on the cause of Mullens' death.

"We're waiting for everything," Oller said. "We have our own suspicions, but we're going to have to wait for the medical examiner's office for it to be official."

The major case squad was activated late Monday night to assist the Callaway County Sheriff's Office's investigation. At about noon Monday, a Callaway County resident reported a suspicious vehicle on County Road 268, near the Boone County line. Deputies discovered Mullens' body in the vehicle.

Mullens' friends and family took to social media since hearing of his death to express their grief and condolences to his loved ones. Six years after he graduated from Hickman, Mullens earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Columbia College, said college spokesman Sam Fleury.

Oller said the squad is looking into more than 70 leads in the case, with more tips coming in. He declined to release many details of the case, including whether Mullens was found in his own car or any suspects had been identified.

"Nothing that we're ready to nail down and release, but you know, things look hopeful at this point," Oller said.

Crimes must meet certain criteria for the major case squad to be called out, Oller said. The squad typically is called out for major crimes such as murder or kidnapping. When a mobilization is requested, the squad president — currently Callaway County Sheriff Dennis Crane — evaluates whether the case meets the criteria before calling member agencies to see whether they can spare an investigator.

"Typically in cases like this, when you don't have a really solid case to start with, you want to gather up all the information you can," Oller said. "That takes a lot of manpower."

Investigators ask anyone with information regarding the case to call the Mid-Missouri Major Case Squad at 573-876-2166.

© 2016 Columbia Daily Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Source: Investigators release few details in case of Hickman graduate found dead

Samsung Launches Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) in South Korea

Samsung released the Galaxy Tab A 7.0 earlier this year, while the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016 edition) was unveiled last month and intended for the market in Europe. As it turns out, Samsung has decided to release the tablet in its home country, South Korea as well.

Samsung's Galaxy Tab A 10.1 comes with similar specs compared to the version released for Europe. As the name depicts, the tablet comes with a 10.1-inch full HD display and runs on a 1.6GHz octa-core Exynos 7870 processor, according to Yonhapnews.

The tablet also comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, together with a micro-SD card slot for up to 200GB of removable storage. It drains power from a 7,300mAh battery and is equipped with an 8MP rear camera, together with a 2MP front-facing camera. The rear camera comes with f1.9 aperture and it includes autofocus and LED flash.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) comes in two color variants, black and white

The specs aren't that impressive, but we must keep in mind that this a budget-friendly tablet that aims at addressing consumers who don't search for the most advanced tablet, but rather a budget-friendly device that has optimized functions for enjoying games and movies, as Samsung representatives stated.

Customers have the option to pick from two Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) models depending on connectivity options that they would like to work with. The tablet comes with a Wi-Fi-only or LTE-enabled model, the price tag for the former is $310 and $345, respectively. The tablet is also available in two colors, including black and white. It runs Android Marshmallow 6.0 with the latest version of TouchWiz on top.

Samsung has already announced the price for the European variant of the Galaxy Tab A 10.1, €289 for the WiFi model and €349 for the variant that has cellular connectivity.

  CHECK OUT THE GALLERY  (2 Images)

Source: Samsung Launches Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) in South Korea

Apple iPad Air 3 iOS 10 Tablet Rumors: Specs, Price and Release Date

If rumors are to be believed, iPad Air 3 release date is expected to take place in October 2016 along with the upcoming iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. This estimation is based on the fact that all the former iPad Air gens were launched during October. Moreover, the upcoming iPad Air 3 will come with iOS 10 straight out of the box.

iPad Air 3 Release Date: October 2016 with iOS 10

Tech enthusiasts expected the announcement of the iPad Air 3 during WWDC 2016 conference, even though it was a software specific event. As industry experts had accurately predicted, the device did not come off the wraps during the WWDC, and therefore we will have to wait a few more months.

On the design front, the iPad Air 3 will be equipped with a Smart Connector, located on the left edge to enable users, allowing users to attach a Smart Keyboard Cover. Moreover, the battery integrated with iPad Air 3 is rumored to be of a massive capacity. You will be able to recharge Apple Pencil by attaching it to the device.

iPad Air 3 will come with Smart Connector: New accessories on the way

The upcoming iPad Air 3 will be thinner than its previous counterpart even though the battery capacity is higher. Moreover, the device will be easy to handle since the rear side will be embedded with an anti-slip material.

According to a review on a popular tech portal, the iPad Air 3 will be manufactured using 7000-series aluminium, similar to that of iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.

iPad Air 3 Specs: Better battery and Camera, OLED Display

Furthermore, a video leaked on YouTube reveals that the iPad Air 3 will ship with a flush camera, 3D Touch support, in addition to enhanced dual bottom-facing speakers.

According to tech analysts, the iPad Air 3 will have a bezel-less display and will offer the same display specifications like the previous models. If Apple integrates OLED display into the iPhone, we can expect the same in the iPad Air 3, although we are not sure about it.

iPad Air 3 Price: Starting from $450

We also expect an enhanced processor and LED Flash camera. Apple iPad Air 3 pricing will start from $450 for 16GB model and will be available in Silver, Gold, Space Grey and Rose Gold color variants.

Source: Apple iPad Air 3 iOS 10 Tablet Rumors: Specs, Price and Release Date

The Huawei MateBook 2-in-1 PC Will Be Available July 11

That Huawei 2-in-1 with the luxurious trappings we saw at MWC this year now has an official release date. The 12″ Huawei MateBook tablet/PC hybrid will be available in the United States and Canada on July 11, along with the bevy of related accessories Huawei has prepared.

The lightweight 12″ MateBook is a 2-in-1 of the detachable sort. Similar to the the Surface series, it's a tablet that can be connected to a keyboard case so it can be used as a laptop. But, true to their recent form, there's a touch of luxury here — the keyboard case has a soft, leather back that comes in a handful of colors. There's also a fingerprint scanner that can be used with Windows Hello, a bit of extra security that is slowly but surely becoming an industry standard, even on laptops and 2-in-1s.

Exclusive to this North America launch is Windows 10 Signature Edition. What's that? Well, it's more or less the Microsoft version of stock Android. Something with Windows 10 Signature Edition has Microsoft's guarantee that no additional bloatware, hidden programs, or toolbars have been added by the manufacturer. It's just Windows 10, as if you had just done a clean install.

Unfortunately, all of the accessories are sold separately. The MateBook itself starts at $700 for an Intel Core m3 processor/4 GB RAM/128 GB storage configuration and goes up to $1,200 for an Intel Core m5/8 GB RAM/512 GB storage configuration. The MateBook Keyboard will be an extra $130, while the MateBook Pen stylus (with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity) and the MateDock station will be $60 and $90, respectively. All of the above will ship on July 11, with preorders starting now on the Microsoft Store. In July, the MateBook will also be available on Amazon and Newegg.

Source: The Huawei MateBook 2-in-1 PC Will Be Available July 11

This is why OnePlus isn't making the X2 or a watch

"Every day we get asked 'are you going to make this, are you going to make that, are you going to make a tablet, are you going to make a smartwatch' - there are so many asks."

Those are the words of OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, who we sat down with at the launch of the firm's new flagship phone, the OnePlus 3.

The Chinese startup is a brand that's still making waves. That's two years on from its debut in the market with the OnePlus One, a phone that shook up the thinking around flagship devices and gave it widespread fame in a congested market.

It hasn't always been smooth sailing though. OnePlus has been plagued by poor customer service, delivery delays and a frustrating invite system during its short existence, but it feels like it's turned a corner in 2016.

The invite system has been ditched and the firm claims it's made strides in customer support and delivery processes.

A dedicated loyal fan base eagerly anticipates every new release, filling the OnePlus forum with a mix of excitement, hyperbole and demands for future releases and more product lines.

It seems like OnePlus is now in a position where it can respond to its fan's demands and begin expanding its portfolio, but instead it's narrowing its focus from two handset lines to just the one.

No more X

The launch of the OnePlus X was met with surprise and skepticism back in November 2015, with the world expecting the OnePlus 2 Mini, but instead getting a handset which was better than that.

It sported a 5-inch full HD, Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM and a premium glass and metal body at a svelte 6.9mm thick. Plus it had a lower price tag than the OnePlus 2.

We were expecting a follow up to it later in 2016, but the OnePlus X 2 isn't going to happen.

A spokesperson for OnePlus told TechRadar "we're very proud of the OnePlus X and really happy that so many fans love it as well," but that love, it turns out, isn't enough to keep the X line alive.

"Moving forward, OnePlus will focus on our flagship line of phones, including the OnePlus 3 that we just launched globally.

"We will continue to sell the OnePlus X and will continue providing all the support for existing and new OnePlus X customers that we provide for all of our customers and fans."

So there you have it - no more 5-inch smartphone from OnePlus, at least in the short term.

The mobile market isn't just about phones though, and manufacturers are clambering over themselves to produce a range of smartwatches, wearables and VR related products. Plenty for OnePlus to get its teeth into, right? Well...

Wary on wearables

TechRadar quizzed Pei on the firm's ambitions in the wearable market. At one stage OnePlus almost launched a smartwatch, only to ditch it at the last minute - has the thinking now changed?

"I think it's too risky," Pei told us. "If we had jumped aggressively into Android Wear we would have lost a lot of money."

"You have to trust your own judgement"

He has a point: sales of Android Wear devices have been disappointing, especially when compared to the Apple Watch, and with OnePlus still a startup at heart it needs to balance its small(ish) team in the most effective way possible.

"You have to trust your own judgement, that's something we've come to learn over the past three years." Pei explained. "You have to look objectively at the market and not be affected by pressure or excitement."

Fans can kick and scream all they like then, but OnePlus is determined to keep a level head to ensure stability. It may not be an overly exciting stance, but it is the sensible option and the one that could see OnePlus continue to exist for the foreseeable future.

VR vision

It's a similar story when it comes to VR, with OnePlus happy to let companies with bigger wallets, and more expertise, lead the way while it keeps its focus on flagship smartphones.

"I think there might be a few companies that have an opportunity to define what VR looks like - we are not one of them and most of the mobile OEMs are not these companies" Pei said.

"I think it's between Oculus, Facebook, Google and maybe a wildcard - maybe Steam can take off - but for now it's still a question mark."

OnePlus has dipped its toe in the VR waters though, launching the OnePlus 2 in VR in 2015 and sending out free Google Cardboard viewers to fans.

Then for the OnePlus 3 launch it built its own virtual reality space station and gave away 30,000 Samsung Gear VR-esque Loop VR headsets to fans to watch it on. But don't expect much more than that.

"For now we're not going to jump aggressively into VR, because it will take a few years before there is a dominant platform and a way of doing things," Pei admitted.

"There's no doubt that VR will be a huge deal in the future and that's why it was so important for us to be the first to launch ...and sell a product in VR. If not for anything else for the selfish fact that we can claim we were first when this thing really takes off."

Do you think OnePlus is right to keep a focus on a single flagship line, or would you love to see more handsets and new wearables from the fledgling Chinese brand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

John McCann is TechRadar's UK Phones, Wearables and Tablet editor, bringing you all the latest news, reviews and features from the world of mobile devices.

He's reviewed the OnePlus 3 in-depth here

Hit him up on Twitter, @jjmccann, if you have any questions

Source: This is why OnePlus isn't making the X2 or a watch

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Release Date Delayed Until 2017: Here’s Why

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Microsoft Surface Pro 5 might be getting delayed according to a pretty reliable report. It appears that the tech company has some bigger plans in store for its users but those plans don't include the release of a new tablet, which is interesting to some extent if we consider the other plans Microsoft has.

The Surface Pro 5 will be released in Spring 2017 according to a new report. During the same time period, Microsoft will be rolling out project "Redstone" which is a huge wave of Windows 10 updates that are set to arrive starting with March and ending with June. Project "Redstone" doesn't just involve updating existing devices to Windows 10 but it also involves releasing new devices with the tech giant's latest operating system. Among these new devices should be the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 which in all likelihood is going to be the one to kick-off this project. Things are getting pretty interesting for Microsoft.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Features

If rumors are to be believed, the Surface Pro 5 is going to pack an Intel Kaby Lake 7th generation processor which is the latest in terms of raw computing power. Another interesting thing about the Surface Pro 5 is that it could feature a 4k display though that might be a bit of a far stretch considering it's a tablet and battery life isn't all that great. Microsoft is probably going to come out with the Surface Phone this year which is exciting news for many people but it remains to be seen if the project was actually worth it, or if the speculation was useless.

How do you feel about the Surface Pro 5 getting delayed? Let us know by leaving a comment below and tell us if you'll still buy it once it hits the market.

Source: ZDNet

A tech enthusiast, programmer, and entrepreneur from India. His current weapon of choice is the HTC One M8.

Source: Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Release Date Delayed Until 2017: Here's Why

Android device updates: Shield Tablet K1 gets key updates, Android N preview 4 arrives

It was a slow week for most in the world of Android updates, but a very good one if you're running the Android N beta or have one of Nvidia's gaming-friendly tablets.

The latest build of Android N brings some nice improvements, while the Shield Tablet K1 update brings several fixes that should improve the gaming experience and other use cases.

Each week, we compile all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, Android Wear smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Making sure your device is running the latest available software is a good housekeeping practice, ensuring you have the latest features with fewer bugs and gaping security holes.

Nvidia

Shield Tablet K1: A new OTA is on the way, and it brings compatibility with Android Marshmallow's professional audio requirements, improved control of nav button position, Wi-Fi fixes, and the June security patch. You can get the full changelog from Nvidia. 

Android

Android N: Developer Preview 4 is on its way to your compatible device. Along with a ton of bug fixes, Google has removed support for pressure-sensitive screens. This means some type of answer to Apple's 3D Touch is going to get pushed down the road. However, developers can now submit their N-compatible apps to the Play Store, which means they'll be ready for when N becomes official. We have a compilation of all the key changes to past versions if you'd like a refresher.

Source: Android device updates: Shield Tablet K1 gets key updates, Android N preview 4 arrives

4 years ago today, Microsoft introduced the very first Surface

On June 18th of 2012, Microsoft unveiled the Surface tablet — a new device that was conceived, designed, and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees. With one model running Windows 8 and one model running Windows RT, Microsoft set its sights on delivering a new device that blurred the line between tablet and laptop. Here's the original press release from 2012 announcing the Surface:

LOS ANGELES — June 18, 2012 — Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.

After the debut of the original Surface devices, Microsoft launched several sequels including the Surface Book — a two in one device that features a full-sized detachable keyboard. The Surface Book, unlike the other Surface models, has been marketed as a laptop that doubles as a tablet, as opposed to a tablet that doubles as a laptop.

To this day, Microsoft's Surface line of 2-in-1 Windows 10 hybrid devices have been doing surprisingly well in the market, moving beyond their hero-device status and becoming real revenue-generators on their own.

MicrosoftSurfaceSurface BookWindows 10Windows 8

Source: 4 years ago today, Microsoft introduced the very first Surface