Category: Tablets

  • Acer Launches Iconia iM9-12M and iM10-22 Tablets in India from Rs. 11,990

    Acer Launches Iconia iM9-12M and iM10-22 Tablets in India from Rs. 11,990

    Acer has broadened its tablet offerings in India with the launch of the new Iconia series, now featuring 8.7-inch and 10.36-inch display options. These tablets aim to cater to users seekin versatile devices suitable for streaming, gaming, and productivity tasks.

    Iconia iM9-12M (8.7-inch)

    Designed for easy transport, the iM9-12M is lightweight and has a sturdy metal back. It sports an 8.7-inch WXGA IPS display that provides bright visuals, capable of showcasing 16 million colors and reaching 400 nits of brightness.

    This model is powered by a MediaTek Helio P22T octa-core processor running at 2.3 GHz, and it includes 4GB of RAM along with 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB using a microSD card. The 5100 mAh battery allows for up to 8 hours of video playback, complemented by a dual stereo speaker setup that enhances sound quality. It has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, making it suitable for video calls and casual photography.

    Iconia iM10-22 (10.36-inch)

    For those who prefer a bigger display, the iM10-22 offers a 2K screen with a resolution of 1200 x 2000 and a brightness of up to 480 nits. The PureVoice quad-speaker system ensures high-quality audio for both movies and games.

    This tablet is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, clocked at 2.2 GHz, making it perfect for multitasking. It comes in two storage configurations: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, both of which can be expanded via microSD. Security features have been upgraded to include face recognition and fingerprint login. The camera setup consists of a 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera for clearer photos and videos.

    The iM10-22 has a 7400 mAh battery that supports up to 10 hours of video playback. Similar to the iM9-12M, this model runs on Android 14 and supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and Dual SIM 4G LTE. Both models come with a year-long warranty.

    Pricing and Availability

    For the introductory period, the tablets are priced in INR as follows:

    • Iconia iM9-12M (8.7-inch, 4GB/64GB): Rs. 11,990
    • Iconia iM10-22 (10.36-inch, 6GB/128GB): Rs. 14,990
    • Iconia iM10-22 (10.36-inch, 8GB/256GB): Rs. 16,990

    The Iconia tablets can be bought from Acer exclusive stores, the Acer online store, and Amazon.in starting today.

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  • Apple Pencil Faces EU Scrutiny Over Third-Party Pen Rules

    Apple Pencil Faces EU Scrutiny Over Third-Party Pen Rules

    The European Union has pushed Apple into making several modifications in recent years. As a result, the iPhone 16 now comes equipped with a USB-C port. Additionally, users can download applications from third-party stores and designate alternative browsers and camera apps as their default options. In April 2024, iPadOS was also included as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act, joining iOS in this classification.

    Changes on iPadOS

    Apple has transferred many of the adjustments made for iOS over to iPadOS, but more modifications seem to be forthcoming. Interestingly, Apple’s compliance report from November 1 fails to mention any alternatives to the Apple Pencil offered by other companies. The European Commission has clearly stated in a press release that the iPadOS features should also be accessible to styluses from different manufacturers.

    Compatibility Issues

    Even though there are many third-party styluses that work with the iPad and iPad Pro, Apple does not recognize industry standards like MPP 2.0. Certain features are only compatible with the Apple Pencil. For instance, the hover feature displays the stylus’s position when it is just a few millimeters away from the screen. Additionally, users can magnetically attach the stylus to the tablet for charging. The European Commission is currently examining Apple’s most recent compliance report and will soon determine if the changes made thus far are enough to meet the Digital Markets Act’s standards or if further adjustments are needed.

    Future Developments

    As the EU continues to scrutinize Apple’s practices, the tech giant may face even more pressure to comply with regulations. The emphasis on third-party stylus compatibility could lead to a more open environment for developers and users alike. As these developments unfold, the landscape of Apple’s products and services may experience significant transformation.

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  • Color Kindle Faces Display Issues Soon After Amazon Launch

    Color Kindle Faces Display Issues Soon After Amazon Launch

    Amazon has started sending out its first color e-reader, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, but the initial response from customers hasn’t been very positive. Many users are reporting a yellowish discoloration stripe that appears at the bottom edge of the screen, which spoils the device’s promised paper-like reading experience. This issue has gained a lot of attention on social media and various forums, affecting the $279.99 device’s ratings on Amazon. Support representatives have mentioned that a solution is in the works.

    User Experiences Shared Online

    A Reddit user pointed out that the defect is especially noticeable when the Kindle should have an even light and color, resembling a sheet of paper. Several other users with the same problem have reported returning or swapping their devices. Some mentioned they only noticed the yellowish strip when viewing the screen from specific angles or under edge lighting, which made it hard to ignore for some.

    Possible Software Glitch

    There are thoughts that this issue might stem from software problems. Certain customers have shared that they only saw the yellow stripe after the first software update on their devices, hinting that a glitch might have been introduced after they were made. A screenshot shared by another user indicated that a customer service rep from Amazon confirmed the company is looking into a fix, likely through an upcoming software update. However, Amazon has yet to make an official announcement, but reports suggest a solution could be on the way.

    Current Rating and Future Implications

    The scope of the problem is still uncertain. Currently, the Kindle Colorsoft has a low average rating of 2.6 stars on Amazon. While some users find the yellow strip to be hardly noticeable, others believe it greatly affects the reading experience.

    In a review conducted by The Verge, reporter Andrew Liszewski observed that the discoloration is more visible in photographs than in real life. He noted that if he hadn’t heard about others’ issues, he might not have seen it at all. With the increasing number of unhappy customers and ongoing device exchanges, it remains unclear how Amazon plans to tackle this situation and whether a software update can completely fix the problem.

    Reddit via The Verge

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  • Rugged Tablet with 4 Speakers: Shower Radio & CarPlay System

    Rugged Tablet with 4 Speakers: Shower Radio & CarPlay System

    The Nomad is a tablet that’s crafted for many different uses. Primarily, it is advertised as a waterproof and sturdy tablet equipped with four speakers, making it a great choice for listening to music on the go. It also supports CarPlay, allowing it to serve not just for entertainment in the car, but also to show navigation details.

    Battery Life and Media Capability

    The manufacturer claims that for music playback, users can enjoy over 20 hours of runtime, while video playback can last more than 5 hours. With Android as the operating system, there are no restrictions on media formats or content. You can play media from internal storage or a microSD card, and it’s also possible to install apps from a variety of streaming services.

    Display and Performance

    The 8-inch touchscreen boasts an HD resolution and has a brightness of 900 cd/m². It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 SoC. Adjusting the volume is simple, thanks to easily reachable buttons. There are different mounts available, including options for the shower or a cup holder.

    The Nomad is being offered at a starting price of $249 during its crowdfunding campaign and is expected to ship in February 2025. As is typical with crowdfunding projects, there is always some financial risk involved, though Kickstarter only charges backers if the funding goal is met. If you want something sooner, it might be a good idea to check out other CarPlay displays on Amazon, where some can be found at lower prices.

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  • Huawei Becomes World’s Fourth-Largest Tablet Manufacturer

    Huawei Becomes World’s Fourth-Largest Tablet Manufacturer

    Huawei has made it into the list of the top 5 tablet makers worldwide in Q3 2024, as per a latest report from IDC. This is a big achievement for the Chinese technology company, which saw a 44.1% increase in the global tablet market compared to the same quarter last year.

    Impressive Sales Figures

    In Q3, Huawei managed to ship 3.3 million tablets, claiming an 8.2% share of the global market. IDC attributes this accomplishment to the company’s dedicated efforts to broaden their tablet range. Over the last nine months, Huawei has introduced multiple models aimed at both budget-friendly consumers and professionals.

    The MatePad SE 11, specifically, has gained popularity among buyers thanks to its appealing price point.

    Industry Insights

    Anuroopa Natraj, a Senior Research Analyst at IDC, noted, “Huawei’s rise into the top 5 marks a significant event in the tablet industry.” She added, “Their focus on competitive pricing and value-oriented products has evidently drawn in new users, indicating that buyers are increasingly looking for alternatives in this segment.”

    Apple still leads…

    Apple continues to hold the top position in the tablet market with 12.6 million units shipped, reflecting a 1.4% year-on-year growth. However, their premium iPad Pro has not seen much success due to its high price. On the other hand, the "Back to School" promotions have increased sales of the iPad Air, helping Apple maintain a market share of 31.8%.

    Other Competitors

    Samsung stands in the second position with 7.1 million units shipped, which gives them a 17.9% market share. Their affordable Galaxy A9 tablet has reportedly done well in various regions.

    Completing the top 5 are Amazon and Lenovo, which shipped 4.6 million and 3 million units, respectively. Interestingly, the global tablet industry itself saw a robust growth of 20.4% in Q3, with total shipments hitting 39.6 million units.

    Looking to the future, Natraj forecasts that “recent advancements in AI will keep shaping consumers’ buying habits.” As AI functionalities become more common in tablets, users might be more inclined to spend on devices that offer these sophisticated features.

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  • RedMagic Nova Tablet Leads AnTuTu Android Performance Ranking

    RedMagic Nova Tablet Leads AnTuTu Android Performance Ranking

    Like every month, AnTuTu has shared the top devices that achieved the best average benchmark scores for October 2024. The flagship smartphone segment saw a strong presence from the new Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones, while the Android tablet performance rankings were led by the RedMagic Nova featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version.

    Top Rankings in Tablet Performance

    The RedMagic gaming tablet achieved an impressive average score of 2,149,092 points, claiming the number one position on the list. Following it, the Oppo Pad 3 Pro, which also uses the same SoC, secured the second place with an average of 2,112,629 points. Meanwhile, the iQoo Pad 2 Pro, equipped with the Dimensity 9300+, performed consistently throughout October, landing in the third position with an average score of 2,068,898 points.

    Additional Competitors

    In the fourth and fifth positions, we have the Vivo Pad 3 Pro and the OnePlus Pad Pro (currently $340 on Amazon), both utilizing the Dimensity 9300 and a non-overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, respectively. Another entry in the performance ranking is the newly released Lenovo Legion Y700, which took the sixth spot.

    Among the other tablets featured in the rankings include the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro, Vivo Pad 3, iQoo Pad 2, and Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro. All of these, aside from the Pad 6S Pro, are powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. You can check their average scores in the image attached at the end.

    Notable Observations

    When looking at the Android tablet rankings, it’s fascinating to see a significant gap between the Legion Y700 and the RedMagic Nova. The latter benefits from the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and an active cooler, giving it a competitive edge. However, it’s important to remember that benchmark scores aren’t the only factor to consider; battery life, design, display quality, and other aspects should also be taken into account when choosing an Android tablet.

    AnTuTu’s

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  • Xiaomi Pad 7 Series Now Available for Purchase Worldwide

    Xiaomi Pad 7 Series Now Available for Purchase Worldwide

    Xiaomi has launched the Pad 7 series in China on October 29. Similar to the flagship Xiaomi 15 series, these two new Android tablets are not yet officially sold outside of China. If you are willing to import, you can find them available for purchase through TradingShenzhen.

    Considerations for Importing

    When importing devices from third-party retailers, you should be aware of certain drawbacks. Both the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro will arrive with Chinese firmware. Although HyperOS 2 allows you to change the system language to English, you’ll still encounter some pre-installed Chinese applications, making the overall experience differ from a global ROM.

    Warranty and Return Policies

    Another important factor to think about is the warranty situation. While TradingShenzhen offers a reasonable warranty, if there’s a problem with your imported Xiaomi tablet, you’ll have to return it, which might be a hassle for some customers.

    Pricing Details

    In terms of pricing, the Xiaomi Pad 7’s base model is available for $409.18 at TradingShenzhen, while the Pad 7 Pro starts at $506.86. For context, these tablets were launched in China at starting prices of CNY 1,999 (roughly $280) and CNY 2,499 (approximately $351). Therefore, TradingShenzhen’s current prices are noticeably higher, but it’s likely that global versions will be priced similarly when they eventually release.

    Specifications Overview

    Looking at the specifications, the standard Pad 7 is equipped with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, and the Pro model uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. Both SoCs are considered upper mid-range, promising good performance. Additionally, both tablets feature an 11.2-inch display, an 8,850 mAh battery, and offer up to 12 GB of RAM. More details can be found in our coverage of the launch.

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  • Xiaomi Pad 7 & 7 Pro: 11.2″ 3.2K Display, Snapdragon 8s, 8850mAh Battery

    Xiaomi Pad 7 & 7 Pro: 11.2″ 3.2K Display, Snapdragon 8s, 8850mAh Battery

    Along with the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro, Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi Pad 7 series in China. This series includes the regular Pad 7 and the Pad 7 Pro, both designed to deliver a high-end tablet experience with remarkable specifications and flexible productivity features. Let’s look deeper into the specifics of this eagerly awaited tablet lineup.

    Specifications of the Xiaomi Pad 7 Series

    The Xiaomi Pad 7 series features an 11.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 3200 x 2136 pixels, translating to a density of 345ppi. With a refresh rate of 144Hz, it ensures fluid visuals whether you’re watching videos or gaming.

    The display can achieve a peak brightness of 800 nits. There’s also an optional Nano Matte screen available for those who want to minimize glare, thanks to AG nano-texture and AR optical coating. This coating decreases glare by 99% and reduces reflectivity by 65%, which makes reading and writing much more comfortable.

    Performance and Software

    The regular Pad 7 comes with a third-generation Snapdragon 7+ processor, allowing for smooth multitasking and solid performance. The Pro variant upgrades this to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, making it more powerful for professional applications and gaming. Xiaomi’s HyperCore software-hardware system enhances performance, improving cold start speed by 13% and multitasking efficiency by 69%.

    Both models run on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 2, which enhances multitasking. This system introduces a desktop mode that mimics a desktop interface, along with a cross-device clipboard that syncs information between Xiaomi phones, tablets, and computers.

    Camera and Battery Life

    In terms of cameras, the standard Pad 7 has an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera. Meanwhile, the Pad 7 Pro features a 32MP front camera and a 50MP rear camera for high-quality images. This camera system ensures clear video calls while AI enhancements help improve image quality in different lighting situations.

    The Xiaomi Pad 7 series is supported by an 8850mAh battery, giving users long-lasting battery life. The standard Pad 7 supports 45W fast charging, while the Pad 7 Pro takes it up a notch with 67W fast charging.

    Design and Audio Features

    The series showcases a sleek metal unibody design at just 6.18mm thick and weighs 500g. It includes a floating keyboard accessory with a 64-key adaptive backlit keyboard, a step-less adjustment angle ranging from 0-124°, and a full-area mechanical touchpad.

    Moreover, the tablet is equipped with quad speakers that deliver four-channel surround sound, TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light emissions, and a high-volume mode for an immersive audio experience.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xiaomi Pad 7 series is offered in three colors: Sky Blue, Cyan Green, and Black. Here’s a breakdown of the prices:

    Xiaomi Pad 7:

    • 8GB + 128GB: 1999 Yuan ($280)
    • 8GB + 256GB: 2299 Yuan ($322)
    • 12GB + 256GB: 2599 Yuan ($364)

    Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro:

    • 8GB + 128GB: 2499 Yuan ($350)
    • 8GB + 256GB: 2799 Yuan ($392)
    • 12GB + 256GB: 3099 Yuan ($434)
    • 12GB + 512GB: 3499 Yuan ($490)

    The optional Nano Matte screen can be added for the 256GB models or higher at an extra cost of 200 Yuan ($28). The Xiaomi Pad 7 series is currently available for purchase in China through Xiaomi’s official website and authorized sellers.

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  • Tecno Megapad 10 Review: Compact Android Tablet Specs Examined

    Tecno Megapad 10 Review: Compact Android Tablet Specs Examined

    There’s a wide range of budget Android tablets on the market, but that doesn’t stop companies from releasing new ones. The latest addition is the Tecno Megapad 10, a name that seems to mislead when you compare it to its actual features.

    Design and Build

    When it comes to its design, this tablet is pretty sleek, measuring just 7.35 mm in thickness and weighing 447 grams. It features a flat frame with a back that combines plastic and aluminum alloy, giving it a modern feel.

    Display and Features

    The Megapad 10 boasts a 10.1-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800. According to Tecno, it can reach a brightness of up to 450 nits and offers an 80% screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, the display includes an eye comfort mode designed to lessen the impact of harmful blue light.

    Performance Specifications

    Powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor, the Megapad 10 is paired with 4GB of RAM and offers storage options of either 128GB or 256GB. There’s also a microSD card slot for expanding storage. On the back, it features a 13MP camera while the front houses a 5MP sensor. Other specifications include dual speakers, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, an audio jack, and a SIM card slot.

    The Megapad 10 comes pre-loaded with Android 14, along with several handy features like Kids Space. It contains a 7,000mAh battery with support for 18W charging. Color options for the Tecno Megapad 10 include Champagne Gold and Space Gray.

    Pricing and Availability

    As of now, Tecno hasn’t disclosed the price of the Megapad 10 or which markets it will be available in.

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  • New Entry-Level iPad Expected in 2025, Insider Reports

    New Entry-Level iPad Expected in 2025, Insider Reports

    While Apple has introduced new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and a revamped iPad mini this year, the entry-level iPad hasn’t seen an update in two years. However, recent reports suggest that a new version is on its way, possibly arriving next year.

    New Developments in iPad Design

    In his latest weekly newsletter, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has indicated that Apple is deep into the development of a new entry-level iPad model, which is expected to be called the iPad (11th Gen). He mentions that this upcoming iPad, with the internal codenames J481 and J482, will mostly keep the design of the 2022 version, featuring uniform yet thick bezels and a single rear camera.

    Performance Upgrades Expected

    The new iPad will likely see a performance enhancement, suggesting it will be equipped with a better chipset than the older A14 Bionic chip found in the 2022 model. Although it is not anticipated to use the Apple A18 chip, which powers the new iPhone 16, Apple may aim to install a chipset that aligns with its Artificial Intelligence capabilities.

    Launch Timeline and Pricing Insights

    Mark Gurman has shared that the iPad (11th Gen) or iPad 11 is set to debut next spring, likely alongside a new iPhone SE and refreshed iPad Air models. As for the pricing, details are currently unclear. The iPad (10th Gen), which is available on Amazon for $298, saw a price reduction, now starting at $349 instead of $449. The new model will probably not be priced below $400.

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