Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced the launch of its latest premium application processor (AP), the Exynos 9 Series 9810. The Exynos 9810, built on Samsung's second-generation 10-nanometer (nm) FinFET process, brings the next level of performance to smartphones and smart devices with its powerful third-generation custom CPU, faster gigabit LTE modem and sophisticated image processing with deep learning-based software. In recognition of its innovation and technological advancements, Samsung's Exynos 9 Series 9810 has been selected as a CES 2018 Innovation Awards HONOREE in the Embedded Technologies product category and will be displayed at the event, which runs January 9-12, 2018, in Las Vegas, USA.

"The Exynos 9 Series 9810 is our most innovative mobile processor yet, with our third-generation custom CPU, ultra-fast gigabit LTE modem and, deep learning-enhanced image processing," said Ben Hur, vice president of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. "The Exynos 9810 will be a key catalyst for innovation in smart platforms such as smartphones, personal computing and automotive for the coming AI era."

DisplayLink, the leading provider of USB graphics technology, today announced support for Qualcomm 2-in-1 mobile platforms running the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system. DisplayLink "Plug and Display" technology enables any USB port on the new 2-in-1 laptops to be used as a docking station connector for adding multiple displays, audio, Ethernet, and other USB peripherals.

Officially announced at Qualcomm's Technology Summit, these platforms provide a full Windows 10 experience along with Gigabit LTE and up to 24 hours of battery life. DisplayLink offers enterprise workers the best of two worlds, an "always connected" mobile device while on-the-go and the ability to dock for full PC productivity in an office or hot desk while connected to any DisplayLink docking station.

Karma Mobility, a leader in internet access technology, announces an initial shipping date of January 15, 2018 for Karma Black. Karma Black is a Personal Security Appliance (PSA) that will encrypt and anonymize your online activity, protecting your identity from invasive tracking, unknown surveillance and sale of your private internet habits. Karma Black has opened device preorders for $149 through the January 15th shipment date. There will be a $19.95 monthly charge for security services. After the preorder period is over, the device will be sold at $249.

PROTECT YOURSELF
"In a time when the F.C.C. has voted to dismantle 'Net Neutrality,' Karma has created a security product that provides an internet 'buffer zone' to protect your identity, activity and location while online," says Todd Wallace, Karma Mobility CEO. "Using Karma's encrypted connection and relay network, all origination data and activity markers are scrambled to ensure that the content provider and others seeking to track users cannot determine the 'what, when, why and how' of your activity via the metadata delivered within the public network."

HP Inc. today unveiled the HP ENVY x2, an Always Connected PC that combines the best of a smartphone experience with the best of a Windows PC. Impossibly thin and incredibly durable, the HP ENVY x2 offers lightning fast 4G LTE and Wi-Fi and features the world's longest battery life in a Windows detachable. The striking HP ENVY x2 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform, giving users the freedom to be mobile with instant-on access to applications. With up to 20 hours of battery life, the detachable PC is built to enhance video streaming for binge-watching and provides flexibility and connectivity to perform daily tasks while on the go.

"A growing number of consumers are looking for more reliable connectivity throughout their days, and they are twice as likely to purchase a PC when it comes with built-in 4G LTE," said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager, consumer personal systems, HP, Inc. "The HP ENVY x2, with the world's longest battery life in a Windows detachable PC, delivers the next generation of Always Connected PCs by providing a seamless experience anywhere life takes you."

ASUS CEO Jerry Shen today announced ASUS NovaGo (TP370) at the second annual Snapdragon Technology Summit in Maui, Hawaii. NovaGo is the world's first Gigabit LTE-capable laptop designed for truly connected mobility, providing users with an always-on, always-connected experience. This ultrathin and light convertible laptop is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform, and features a Gigabit Snapdragon X16 LTE modem for download speeds exceeding that of typical home Wi-Fi. It has up to a 22-hour battery life with over 30 days of modern standby, and a built-in eSIM that ensures seamless connectivity across borders.

Mr. Shen joined Executive Vice President of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and President, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies Cristiano Amon onstage during the keynote speech of the three-day event. "Today marks the beginning of a new era of personal computing and ASUS is very proud to be paving the way with Qualcomm Technologies and other partners to develop this new landscape for 'Always Connected' Windows on Snapdragon PCs. ASUS NovaGo reinvents the concept of laptop connectivity and productivity - it's the world's first laptop that is connected anywhere, at any time, with the new Gigabit LTE network; and lasts up to 22 hours on a single charge for beyond all-day battery life," said Mr. Shen.

At the Qualcomm Technology Summit, AMD made a surprise appearance to shed some light on their partnership in Qualcomm. The objective: to integrate Qualcomm's LTE modems in AMD-powered mobile platforms, offering always connected capabilities to laptops and convertibles. AMD's Kevin Lensing took to the stage to talk about how AMD's reference designs for the Ryzen Mobile platform (which includes deployment of the company's Ryzen 5 2500U and Ryzen 7 2700U APUs, for instance) shipped to OEMs with an integrated Qualcomm LTE modem - a clear nod at another design point OEMs could look towards integration on their products. These should allow for online connectivity on the go, offering users more ways to keep connected, whether for work or play.

Of course, this is hardly the first time mobile PC form-factors have had this kind of modem integration; Intel has done it for quite some time on their products, with the XMM7260 and XMM7360 that it has applied to more business-oriented devices or Chromebooks. However, adding LTE enablement as an option for AMD-based platforms at this scale is actually a first for AMD. Naturally, the integration of yet another piece of silicon to a mobile device will undoubtedly add to cost and battery consumption, besides adding some more question that end-users have to answer: which carrier option are available, which of those to go with... But having more options is usually better than the alternative, is it not?

Intel today announced substantial advances in its wireless product roadmap to accelerate the adoption of 5G. Highlights include the introduction of the Intel XMM 8000 series, Intel's first family of 5G new radio (5G NR) multi-mode commercial modems, and Intel's latest LTE modem, the Intel XMM 7660. Intel also announced it has successfully completed a full end-to-end 5G call based on its early 5G silicon, the Intel 5G Modem - a key milestone in its development. Finally, the Intel XMM 7560 modem unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2017 has achieved gigabit-class speeds.

"Intel is committed to delivering leading 5G multi-mode modem technology and making sure the transition to 5G is smooth," said Dr. Cormac Conroy, Intel corporate vice president and general manager of the Communication and Devices Group. "Our investments in a full portfolio of modem technologies and products are critical to achieving the vision of seamless 5G connectivity."

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced pre-order sales and availability of Samsung Galaxy Book 12 with Windows 10 Pro, a 2-in-1 device that offers highly mobile workforces style, performance and productivity. Galaxy Book will be available for pre-order through select resellers beginning April 21 for $1429, which includes an S Pen and Keyboard Case, as well as Samsung's enterprise solutions, services and support. Device shipments will begin May 23.

"We see tremendous growth and potential for 2-in-1s in the enterprise, particularly in vertical markets like sales, finance, healthcare and retail industries where users move frequently between collaboration and productivity mode," said Kevin Gilroy, executive vice president of enterprise mobility at Samsung Electronics America. "Galaxy Book helps Windows 10 Pro users make an impression with a stylish and flexible device that's backed by the power, security and reliability of our Galaxy foundation."

Today at Mobile World Congress, Lenovo introduced two new consumer Windows 10 PCs: YOGA 710 and 5101 convertible laptops and the ideapad MIIX 310 2-in-1 detachable tablet. We recognize consumers' need to work on multiple devices for different tasks. For example, they may text on a smartphone, work on a laptop, and read on a tablet. That's why we designed each of our new devices to either convert or detach into tablet mode, so users can do more with the comfort of typing on a keyboard and the power of the latest generation of Intel processors, while giving them long battery life2 to leave the power cord at home.

We created the new 11-inch YOGA 710 for travelers and mobile workers who are productive on the road. Powered by a 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor on the 14-inch model and up to Core m5 processor on the smaller 11-inch model, the YOGA 710 comes with Windows 10 and is one of the most powerful and portable convertible laptops available. Users can multitask seamlessly between videoconferencing, emailing and editing photos on the go. Weighing only 1.04kg, its compact size and ability to convert into a tablet make it ideal for people looking to save space in their bags.

Intel Corporation CEO Brian Krzanich today announced a series of mobile platforms including the company's new low-cost system-on-chip (SoC) for phones, phablets and tablets, a global LTE solution, innovative personal computing experiences, and a range of customers for mobile device and network infrastructure offerings. With technologies that span silicon, software and security, Krzanich said Intel was one of the few companies able to deliver solutions end-to-end, for devices, the network and the cloud.

The announcements include the Intel Atom x3 processor series, Intel's first integrated communications SoC solution for the growing value and entry device markets, and the five-mode Intel XMM 7360 LTE Advanced solution, designed for performance and worldwide coverage. In addition, Krzanich highlighted joint efforts with Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson and Huawei to address the demand for new telecommunications, cloud and data center services, improve network efficiencies, and accelerate the industry's move toward a software-defined infrastructure.

Intel Corporation today announced it has entered into a strategic agreement with Rockchip to expand the breadth of and accelerate the rate at which it brings its Intel architecture and communications-based solutions to market for a range of entry-level Android* tablets worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will deliver an Intel-branded mobile SoC platform. The quad-core platform will be based on an Intel Atom processor core integrated with Intel's 3G modem technology.

Expanding the offerings in Intel's SoFIA family of integrated mobile SoC platforms for entry and value Android mobile devices, the new quad-core SoFIA 3G part is expected to be available in the first half of 2015. It will be targeted primarily at entry and value tablets. The Intel SoFIA family was added to Intel's mobile product roadmap late last year and includes Intel's first integrated applications processor and communications platform. As the tablet market continues to expand with greater choice of screen size, form factor and price, the strategic agreement with Rockchip also enables Intel to ramp new customers with a broader portfolio of products faster.

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (STA) has expanded its Wireless Enterprise portfolio with two new products designed to optimize the wireless working environment and help businesses make the most of mobility. More than ever, businesses rely on a seamless mobile experience where information can be shared easily and securely in an instant regardless of location. The newest offerings in the Samsung Wireless Enterprise portfolio, the Samsung 11ac Access Point Series (WEA400) and SMB WLAN Controller (WEC8050), introduce features that give employees fast, undisrupted connectivity across the workplace while also addressing the complex demands of IT managers.

"Mobility is transforming the way we work and a powerful, reliable wireless network is the foundation for keeping a business connected and operating smoothly," said George Montgomery, General Manager of Wireless Enterprise at STA. "Our new Wireless Enterprise access point and controllers help IT managers create a more efficient, productive work space while reducing the cost and maintenance of network equipment."

Intel answered the burning question some of us had about what the desktop chipset that succeeds the 9-series will be named. For now, Intel is referring to it as "100-series," on early internal roadmap documents scored by VR-Zone. Much like the current 9-series, 100-series will consist of a single PCH silicon, from which several variants will be carved out by toggling features.

There will be four primary kinds of "Skylake" packages, SLK-S, which will be socketed LGA; SLK-U, which will likely be compact, ultra-low power BGA, for Ultrabooks; SLK-Y, which will probably be mainstream BGA for compact desktops and all-in-ones; and SLK-H, which will likely be mainstream BGA for conventional notebooks. This generation of CPUs and PCHs, will also be accompanied by four kinds of wireless network controllers, depending on the target form-factor, "Snowfield Peak" Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, "Douglas Peak" WiGig + Bluetooth, "Pine Peak" WiGig, and XMM726x 4G LTE controllers; and "Jacksonville" GbE wired Ethernet controller. Thunderbolt standard will undergo an evolution with the company's "Alpine Ridge" controller.

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today announced upgrades to the Toughbook CF-C2 semi-rugged convertible tablet PC. Offering 4G LTE multi-carrier embedded wireless broadband connectivity, approximately 14 hours of battery life and industry-leading durability, the Toughbook CF-C2 is built to enable reliable connections between data and decision makers, wherever, whenever and however they need it.

Powered by a 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor and optimized for the new Windows 8.1 Pro operating system, it delivers improved performance that makes it ideal for highly mobile professionals in fields such as healthcare and field services.

From data centers to ultra-mobile devices such as tablets, phones and wearables, computing segments are undergoing exciting and even game-changing transitions, said new Intel CEO Brian Krzanich during today's opening session of the Intel Developer Forum. Krzanich laid out Intel's vision and described how Intel is addressing each dynamic market segment - such as accelerating Intel's progress in ultra-mobile devices - with new products over the next year and beyond, including a new, lower-power product family.

Krzanich said Intel plans to leave no segment untapped. "Innovation and industry transformation are happening more rapidly than ever before, which play to Intel's strengths. We have the manufacturing technology leadership and architectural tools in place to push further into lower power regimes. We plan to shape and lead in all areas of computing."Image courtesy of Engadget

At an industry event in Taipei today, Hermann Eul, general manager of Intel's Mobile and Communications Group, unveiled new details about the company's forthcoming Intel Atom processor-based SoC for tablets ("Bay Trail-T") due in market for holiday this year. Based on the new Silvermont microarchitecture, the next generation 22nm Intel technology for tablets and ultra-mobile devices will enable sleek designs with 8 or more hours of battery life2 and weeks of standby, as well as support Android* and Windows 8.1*.

Eul also spoke to recent momentum and announcements around the smartphone business and demonstrated the Intel XMM 7160 multimode 4G LTE solution, now in final interoperability testing (IOT) with Tier 1 service providers across North America, Europe and Asia. "The mobile category is undergoing a tremendous amount of innovation and constant change," said Eul. "As we look at growing it, we continue to invest in and accelerate our efforts across all aspects of mobility with a focus on smartphones, tablets and wireless communications. Intel's unique assets will enable more compelling and differentiated products and experiences, while at the same time helping to shape and lead markets in the future."

GammaTech Computer Corp., a major international manufacturer and supplier of innovative notebook and tablet computers, announces the introduction of its semi-rugged ultra-mobile tablet PC (UMPC), Durabook model CA10. The unit features a 10.1" TFT LCD display with resistive multi-touch screen panel, meets Military Standard 810G and IP43 standard for drop, shock, dust and water resistance, has hot swappable dual-battery design that offers up to eight hours of power, and a quick menu support for easy operability.

"Access to a computer away from an office setting is very important in today's world," stated Jen Chen, GammaTech president. "The CA10 will benefit many different mobile-oriented service industries, including retail, logistics, healthcare and especially field service workers in the utilities, fleet management, and public safety sectors. Its durability, long battery life, various wireless connections, and dust and spray resistance capabilities make it especially suitable for these ultra-mobile individuals, who often find themselves in harsh environments."

LG Electronics (LG) today reported a solid third-quarter performance with the third consecutive quarter of positive net income and all four companies recording strong operating profits. Better-than-expected performance in the mobile and home appliance businesses helped offset a slight decline in overall year-over-year sales for the third quarter.

Third-quarter net profit of KRW 157 billion (USD 138.57 million) with operating profit recording KRW 221 billion (USD 195.06 million) showed significant improvements from the loss in the same period last year. Third-quarter revenues fell 4 percent year-over-year to KRW 12.38 trillion (USD 10.93 billion) due to the continuing decline of feature phone sales and overall weak demand.

Apple today introduced iPad mini, a completely new iPad design that is 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad. The new iPad mini features a stunning 7.9-inch Multi-Touch display, FaceTime HD and iSight cameras, ultrafast wireless performance1 and an incredible 10 hours of battery life2-every inch an iPad, yet in a revolutionary design you can hold in one hand. Apple today also announced the fourth generation iPad featuring a gorgeous 9.7-inch Retina display, new Apple-designed A6X chip, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless performance. Both iPad mini and fourth generation iPad come with iOS 6, the world's most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features.

"iPad mini is every inch an iPad. With its gorgeous 7.9-inch display, iPad mini features the same number of pixels as the original iPad and iPad 2, so you can run more than 275,000 apps designed specifically for iPad," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "iPad mini is as thin as a pencil and as light as a pad of paper, yet packs a fast A5 chip, FaceTime HD and 5 megapixel iSight cameras and ultrafast wireless-all while delivering up to 10 hours of battery life."

Panasonic announced the new Let's Note AX2, 11.6-inch notebook that converts to a tablet. The AX2 is designed for the Windows 8 era, and features a new start key on its screen bezel. The AX2 is updated with a 1366 x 768 pixel 11.6-inch capacitive touchscreen, a DoCoMo module that gives it LTE and WiMAX support.

Under the hood is an Intel Core i5-3427U (1.80 GHz with 2.80 GHz Turbo, 3 MB cache) or Core i5-3317U (1.70 GHz, 2.60 GHz Turbo, 3 MB cache) "Ivy Bridge" dual-core processor options, 4 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory, 128 GB SSD, and connectivity that include WiMAX/LTE, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, SDXC, HDMI, and USB 3.0. The screen bezel embeds a 720p HD web-camera. The AX2 comes with Windows 8 Pro pre-installed. Prices range from 160,000 JPY (US $2,057) to 250,000 ($3,214).

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today announced upgrades to its semi-rugged Toughbook 53 notebook computer. Panasonic's semi-rugged notebooks have built a reputation as reliable and versatile devices that deliver high-performance computing in demanding markets like insurance, construction and the military. The updated Toughbook 53, the latest in the line of products that created and continues to define the semi-rugged category, is now available with an Intel Core i5-3320M vPro processor (3MB cache, up to 3.3 GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. Other upgrades include expanded storage and improved connectivity options.

LG Electronics (LG) announced today its new Bluetooth stereo headset, the LG TONE+ (HBS-730). This feature-packed new model is the worthy successor to the LG TONE (HBS-700) which was a top-seller for popular online retailers such as Amazon.com. The LG TONE+ not only provides a richer and clearer all-round audio experience, but also supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) calls, enabling the user to hold conversations in High Definition (HD) sound between VoLTE-capable devices.

"LG was the world's first company to demonstrate VoLTE technology and announce a VoLTE smartphone," said Paul Bae, Vice President of Marketing Center of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "And today, we are still at the forefront of efforts to advance the commercialization of VoLTE as a follow up to the global expansion of LTE. In order to provide our customers with a superior user experience over 4G networks, LG will continue to raise the bar on all its mobile products, including accessories that support LTE and VoLTE."

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today announced upgrades to the Panasonic Toughbook 31, its best-selling fully-rugged laptop PC, including a faster processor, expanded storage, a more responsive touchscreen and other improvements. The Toughbook 31 is the gold standard for mission-critical mobile workers - including military personnel, first responders and field service workers - requiring exceptional performance in extreme environments.

Powered by new 3rd generation Intel Core processors, the upgraded Toughbook 31 delivers enhanced performance alongside world-class reliability. Other improvements include expanded storage (up to 500GB 7200 RPM HDD with 4-8 GB RAM) and improved touchscreen responsiveness.

InterDigital, Inc. and Intel Corporation today announced that certain of InterDigital's subsidiaries have signed a definitive agreement to sell to Intel roughly 1,700 patents and patent applications for $375 million in cash.

The agreement involves patents primarily related to 3G, LTE and 802.11 technologies. InterDigital is an active developer of advanced wireless technologies including WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed Download Packet Access) and HSUPA (High Speed Upload Packet Access) 3G technologies as well as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and LTE-Advanced 4G technologies.

LG Display, a leading manufacturer of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display, introduced today a 5" Full HD LCD panel for smartphones - the highest resolution mobile panel to date. Allowing smartphone users to view Full HD content in the same quality as on TVs and monitors, LG Display and its new panel significantly advances the cloud computing experience widely considered the next major internet trend.

LG Display's 5" Full HD LCD panel is a step forward past existing mobile display technology. The LCD panel based on AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance In-Plane Switching) technology features 440ppi and 1920x1080 resolution, providing for the first time Full HDTV quality on a smartphone. With 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, the panel is also 0.5 inches larger, 2.2 times denser in pixels, and 1.3 times more advanced in ppi than the preceding 4.5" panel at 329ppi and 1280x720.