Samsung HomeSync Android TV box hands-on (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="DNP Samsung HomeSync Android TV box handson video" data-src-height="428" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/samhome-1361783065.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, Samsung announced the HomeSync Android TV box, and as expected that device is making an appearance here on the MWC 2013 show floor. Boxy media hubs can only be so attractive, but the HomeSync's grey-and-black aesthetic is sleek, and the brushed-metal finish will look familiar to anyone who's used a Sammy handset or laptop. There's a pair of USB 3.0 inputs, an HDMI port, optical audio and Ethernet connections on the rear, and buttons for power and settings on the front, but you can easily hide the console deep inside your home theater rig -- it can be controlled exclusively with a Android 4.2-equipped smartphone or tablet.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The Jelly Bean-powered HomeSync runs a 1.7GHz dual-core processor with 1TB of storage, and it supports up to eight accounts for uploading, downloading and sharing content between devices. Those with a Galaxy device will be able to wirelessly stream content to their TVs in full 1080p, and Play Store access is on board for downloading additional media. It worked well during our hands-on, but as with any WiFi-equipped streaming device, there was noticeable lag when mirroring the smartphone display on the connected HDTV. Still, assuming the price is right, we can see this being a solid component within any home theater setup. Take a closer look in our hands-on video after the break.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-4e0f5ff5" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/4e0f5ff5/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=53846497&disablebranding=0&view_secret=53846497" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Samsung HomeSync Android TV box hands-on (video)

  Yesterday, Samsung announced the HomeSync Android TV box, and as expected that device is making an appearance here on the MWC 2013 show ...

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Samsung Video Discovery hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Image" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/samtvdsc06841-1361787179.jpg" /> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Samsung's really playing up its media chops here at Mobile World Congress. In addition to demoing the new HomeSync Android box, the Korean company is showing off its recently announced service for finding and watching TV content. The product was originally called TV Discovery, but just five days later it's resurfaced under the moniker Video Discovery. This new name <i>is</i> more accurate, as the service does deliver content recommendations for both live programming and movies and TV shows on demand.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">We saw Video Discovery demoed with a Galaxy Note 8.0 and a Samsung Smart TV. You'll need a device with an IR blaster to adjust the TV channel or volume, with the app serving as a touchscreen remote. There are several modes for browsing content, including a timeline view that looks almost identical to the standard TV guide menu. You can also browse by genre or view current programming across all channels. When we skimmed through live TV listings, we simply had to tap the large "Watch Now" button next to a listing for the show to turn up on screen a few seconds later.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the most useful feature, at least for those of you who know what you want: type in a search, and you'll see results from several content providers, including Blockbuster and Netflix (in the US) in addition to cable channels. Samsung reps said Discovery will also deliver personalized recommendations based on viewing preference and history, but the trade show employees on hand didn't seem entirely confident on some of the features, so we'll have to play with the service a bit more after it launches in April to confirm final functionality. But why not take a look for yourself now? Hit up the hands-on video after the break.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-a9775ac" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/a9775ac/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=37291496&disablebranding=0&view_secret=37291496" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Samsung Video Discovery hands-on

  Samsung's really playing up its media chops here at Mobile World Congress. In addition to demoing the new HomeSync Android box, the K...

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The After Math: Cinder block-chucking robots, Barcelona's mobile bonanza and brain doctors

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="The After Math Barcelona's mobile bonanza, Big Dog and brain doctors" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/aftermath3.jpg" /></div>Barcelona's Mobile World Congress may have formed the backbone for this week's news but there was also notable news elsewhere -- like the fact that Boston Dynamics' upgraded quadruped robot can now <em>throw cinder blocks</em>. We'll be sticking closer to the (safer) events in Spain, however, so take a look for yourself after the break.<br /> <ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Attendees at this year's Mobile World Congress: More than 72,000</li><li> Attendees at MWC 2012: More than 67,000</li><li> Attendees at this year's Consumer Electronics Show: More than 150,000</li><li> MWC 2013 show floor area at the new Fira Gran Via venue: 1.01 million square feet</li><li> CES 2013 show floor area: 1.85 million square feet</li><li> Number of Engadget liveblogs this week: 6</li><li> Number of Engadget liveblogs last week: 2 (Sony and HTC)</li><li> The price of Nokia's new 105 basic phone: 15 euros (about $20)</li><li> Price of three coffees on the show floor: 6 euros</li><li> Price of Nokia's new Lumia 720 Windows Phone: 249 euros (about $330)</li><li> Launch event date for Samsung's next major smartphone: March 14th, 2013</li><li> Announce date for the Galaxy S III: May 3rd, 2012 </li></ul><div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/samdsc06833.jpg" /></div><ul><li> Number of monthly active users on Instagram: 100 million</li><li> Number of monthly active users on Facebook: More than 1 billion</li><li> <span>Time taken to create the first version of <em>Surgeon Simulator 2013</em>, now </span>out on Steam<span>: 48 hours</span></li><li> Battery life of Boston Dynamics' awesomely terrifying Big Dog: 24 hours</li><li> Top speed of Boston Dynamics' Cheetah robot: 29.3 miles per hour</li><li> Usain Bolt's top speed: 27.79 miles per hour</li></ul></div></div>

The After Math: Cinder block-chucking robots, Barcelona's mobile bonanza and brain doctors

Barcelona's Mobile World Congress may have formed the backbone for this week's news but there was also notable news elsewhere -- ...

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Distro Issue 80 goes mobile to tackle unlocking, form factors and the best of MWC 2013

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><br /><div dir="ltr" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="Distro Issue 80 The Mobile Issue takes on unlocking, form factors and the best of MWC 2013" data-src-height="436" data-src-width="448" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/030113announce.png" /> </div><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Just as we had all recovered from the January trip to Vegas, it was time to ship a pack of editors to Barcelona for another week-long barrage of gadget news. In a freshly e-printed issue of our slate 'zine, we go hands-on with the best of what Mobile World Congress served up in 2013. To round out this Mobile Issue, Brad Molen decodes the new unlocking policy in the US and Sharif Sakr examines the death of the form factor phone. There's a truckload of other tech-centric goodness to peruse, so grab your copy and get to it.</div></div>

Distro Issue 80 goes mobile to tackle unlocking, form factors and the best of MWC 2013

  Just as we had all recovered from the January trip to Vegas, it was time to ship a pack of editors to Barcelona for another week-long ba...

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Caterpillar CAT B15 rugged smartphone hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Caterpilar CAT B15 rugged smartphone handson" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/mwc2013catphonemain.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Caterpillar<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7080182682816192337">'s signature yellow and black CAT branding was definitely spinning heads and getting passerby's attention as it showed off its rugged B15. As far as tough goes the handset's corners are wrapped in rubber with the connections in between covered with anodized aluminum. The B15 is IP67 certified, which means both protected from dust and waterproof up to 3.3 feet for 30 minutes and can be dropped from about six feet and live to tell the tale -- you, however, may not. Other notables include a 4-inch WVGA display, dual-core 1GHz Cortex-A9 and a 5-megapixel camera that'll shoot 720p video and can do continuous pic shooting.</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Sadly, we forgot our rubber mallet at home so we couldn't try to beat it to pieces but we did appreciate the housing on the CAT phone it's surprisingly nice to hold and well put together. Sure, there's a wee bit of overkill with the tough machine branding, but we're sure this phone will garner a bit of a following. Our favorite bit? The Caterpillar phone features something called wet finger tracking, so even if you happen to fall into a deep puddle while using your B15, you can finish whatever you were up to before tumbling. The B15 ships in March for a cool $436, though, there's no word on what carrier's planning to scoop this up -- see what we did there? There's a gallery of the B15 in all its tough guy splendor after the break.</div></div>

Caterpillar CAT B15 rugged smartphone hands-on

Caterpillar 's signature yellow and black CAT branding was definitely spinning heads and gettin...

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E Ink reference phone and flexible display hands-ons E Ink, e-ink, EInk, flexible, flexible display, FlexibleDisplay, hands-on, mobilepostcross, mwc2013, reference, video

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="DNP Eink reference phone and flexible display handsons video" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc04755-1361990803.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Looking for your dream phone? Chances are, this isn't it -- but it could be the precursor to what could eventually be cradled in your pocket, especially if you are a fan of E Ink. The device seen above and in the first gallery below is one of just five prototypes of the E-ink reference phone in existence. The point? The company wants to have a tangible Android-powered (2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be exact) model to give to potential partners, so they can craft something similar down the road. We're told that it will most likely be used on the back of color phones, much like the YotaPhone, but partners are welcome to get crazy on the front screen as well. No official timeframe for availability or seeding has been set, but it is expected to roll out in limited capacity sometime this year.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Official specs are few and far between, but what we do know is that this nameless phone is driven by a Cortex-A5 CPU of some kind. Given that this is an extremely early prototype, the E Ink device had a lot of bugs when we played with it: force closes, reboots and slow response are among the things we noticed. However, we imagine this will continue to improve with time, so by the time of seeding it may be a completely different story.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> The UI reminds us of a simplistic feature phone geared toward the basic user, with six icons on the front screen including an app menu. As we'd expect, the phone is great for reading books, and it comes with the option to install applications (though it's possible most games wouldn't look that great). You can also shake the device to clean the text in case it ends up getting "dirty," or misaligned.</div></div>

E Ink reference phone and flexible display hands-ons E Ink, e-ink, EInk, flexible, flexible display, FlexibleDisplay, hands-on, mobilepostcross, mwc2013, reference, video

Looking for your dream phone? Chances are, this isn't it -- but it could be the precursor to wha...

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Huawei, LG pitch tents in growing Firefox OS camp

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Huawei, LG set to join growing Firefox OS camp" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/mwc2013huaweifirefoxmain.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> While we doubt Huawei or LG were singing "I'm late, I'm late for a very important date..." at MWC this year, in hindsight they likely would have enjoyed sharing what arguably became the biggest deal of this show. Unfortunately the two handsets we caught up with at Telefonica's booth were behind glass and no amount of reason was going to see them sprung. Obviously the Huawei offering isn't close to ready as it is running on an Android set, though, the LG while powered off certainly looked like a complete housing featuring the requisite home button. So it would seem Firefox OS has become a waiting game as we sit and tally what other manufacturers feel it's safe to jump on board. Short gallery of the two devices under glass are just below.</div></div>

Huawei, LG pitch tents in growing Firefox OS camp

While we doubt Huawei or LG were singing "I'm late, I'm late for a very important date...

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G demos Optimus G TD-LTE prototype, promises LTE lineup for China Mobile

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="LG demonstrates Optimus G TDLTE prototype, promises range of LTE smartphones for China Mobile" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/optimus-g-td-lte.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Today at Mobile World Congress, LG demoed a modified Optimus G that supports China Mobile's forthcoming TD-LTE network, but just as weighty as the demonstration, the manufacturer also revealed that it'll provide a full line of TD-LTE devices for the world's largest mobile operator. While LG wasn't able to nail down a specific date, it's currently shooting for the second half of this year in order to compliment China Mobile's TD-LTE rollout. Along with the Optimus G, it seems a safe bet that the two companies will be evaluating new smartphones such as the Optimus F7 and F5, along with the Optimus L7II and L5II as candidates to make the leap into the world of TD-LTE. Inquiring minds will find the full presser after the break.</div><div class="open" dir="ltr" id="pr_box" style="text-align: left;"> <div id="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div id="pr_text"> <strong>LG DEMONSTRATES ITS FIRST TD-LTE DEVICE AT MWC 2013</strong><br /> LG to Supply TD-LTE-capable Smartphones in China<br /> <br /> BARCELONA, Feb. 26, 2013 ㅡ LG Electronics (LG) successfully co-demonstrated Time Division-Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) service at Mobile World Congress 2013 in partnership with China Mobile, the world's largest mobile operator. TD-LTE is a telecommunications technology for 4G LTE networks that differs from the widely adopted Frequency Division-LTE (FD-LTE) technology. China Mobile plans to roll out the TD-LTE network in the second half of this year. The demonstration at MWC 2013 was conducted using a modified Optimus G, LG's flagship smartphone.<br /> <br /> "TD-LTE has the potential to cover 2.7 billion people in Asia alone and today's demonstration proves that this technology is ready for consumers," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "LG is committed to offering a range of TD-LTE smartphones based on our unrivaled leadership in 4G LTE technologies."<br /> <br /> LG will roll out TD-LTE-capable smartphones in China in the second half of the year when China Mobile launches its TD-LTE service.<br /> <br /> For more informationon LG's newest mobile products, visit the LG stand in Hall 3ofFira Gran Via or visit the online newsroom at www.LGnewsroom.com/MWC2013.<br /> </div></div></div>

G demos Optimus G TD-LTE prototype, promises LTE lineup for China Mobile

Today at Mobile World Congress, LG demoed a modified Optimus G that supports China Mobile's forth...

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France Telecom-Orange will release Tizen 2.0 devices from Samsung and Huawei this year

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="France TelecomOrange will release Tizen 20 devices from Samsung and Huawei this year" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/tizen-new-lead-news.jpg" /></div>Tizen's holding a posh little shindig here at Mobile World Congress to officially launch the Tizen 2.0 OS, which was recently released to developers (but not on phones you can actually buy). In addition to showcasing the operating system, which we just got hands-on with, the company announced a bit of news: France Telecom-Orange will sell Tizen 2.0 handsets this year, with devices from both Samsung and Huawei. Unfortunately, we don't have any more specifics to share, but we have to say, that was fast! The folks at Tizen don't play, do they?<br /> </div></div>

France Telecom-Orange will release Tizen 2.0 devices from Samsung and Huawei this year

Tizen's holding a posh little shindig here at Mobile World Congress to officially launch the Tizen ...

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i-mate talks up the Intelegent, a 4.7-inch slab of vaporware

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="imate talks up the Intelegent, a 47inch slab of vaporware" data-src-height="381" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/i-mate1.jpg" /></div>Don't worry if Dubai-based smartphone maker i-mate had slipped your mind. The business unceremoniously collapsed back in 2009 after allegedly suffering a "major fraud" that led it to fire all of its employees. Fortunately, CEO Jim Morrison is back with a new mobile device that, he claims, runs full-fat Windows 8 in the same way that Ubuntu for Android will behave. The i-mate Intelegent is a 4.7-inch handset running the desktop OS on a Clover Trail CPU with 2GB RAM and 64GB storage. The secret, however, is that the $750 handset will slot into a Webtop-esque desktop dock to become your work machine when you get into the office. Morrison has said that there's a factory in California ready to produce 10,000 units a week, and told the <em>Seattle Times </em>that he'd be showing off the device here at MWC. We can't find it on the exhibitor list, but we're about to go hunting...<br /> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="imate talks up the Intelegent, a 47inch slab of vaporware" data-src-height="391" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/i-mate2.jpg" /></div></div></div>

i-mate talks up the Intelegent, a 4.7-inch slab of vaporware

Don't worry if Dubai-based smartphone maker i-mate had slipped your mind. The business unceremoniou...

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SK Telecom's Atti learning robot hands-on (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Atti" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/mwc2013sktattimain.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">SK Telecom was at Mobile World Conference last year with some early concepts of a learning robot -- aka, angry Beaker with a top hat -- which seems to have led to this year's final product: Atti. Atti is Korean for buddy or friend and judging by how he (or she?) and Brad got along we'd suggest robo is aptly named. Using a phone snapped into the top of the head, the robot reacts to your interaction with it via camera and a wand attachment that sits in Atti's hand while not in use. Educational games are another focus here using Qualcomm's Vuforia tech allowing youngsters to point the handset at printed words and get tips on pronunciation, multimedia examples and the like.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Atti was developed with the help of the Utah State University to help develop the edutainment content and expects to see this hit retail in overseas markets sometime in the first half of the year. Unfortunately we didn't have any preschoolers on hand so we used our own Brad Molen to put Atti through its paces. The end result? Brad nails a high score and gets a star. Video and gallery are just below the fold.</div></div>

SK Telecom's Atti learning robot hands-on (video)

SK Telecom was at Mobile World Conference last year with some early concepts of a learning robot -- aka, angry Beaker with a top hat -- whi...

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Opera WebKit-based browser hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Opera WebKitbased browser handson" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/operawebkitawesomeness.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Think Opera is content at 300 million? That would be a rather silly notion for any company, of course, and naturally the browser is bumping up its efforts by making the jump to WebKit. This move will make Opera even more tempting for Android (phone and tablet) users who would never have given the browser even a sideways glance previously. The newer, fancier Opera throws in a few extra features. First, there's a launch page called speed dial that looks an awful lot like what we've seen in older versions; you can customize a bunch of shortcuts and links based on your overall usage and personal preferences, and toss all of them in folders. There's also an off-road mode, which essentially gives you the option to switch over to Opera Mini for extra data compression for those times you need it -- this obviously comes in handy when you're reaching your data threshold or just in a low-reception area. Lastly, HTML5 support is built in, as we would come to expect with a new browser these days.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Though we were originally told in January that we could expect Android and iOS versions of the browser sometime this month, representatives at the company's booth at MWC noted that what we're seeing is actually a pre-beta version and the final product is "coming soon" with no specific timetable given. This doesn't surprise us, as the demonstration had its fair share of bugs, but we will reserve judgment until we see it in its final form. As we patiently wait for the browser to make its public appearance, you can pine for it by drooling over the images in our gallery below.</div></div>

Opera WebKit-based browser hands-on

Think Opera is content at 300 million? That would be a rather silly notion for any company, of course, and naturally the browser is bump...

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Indigo is a cloud-based, cross-platform personal assistant for Android and Windows Phone 8 (hands-on)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Indigo is a cloud-based, cross-platform personal assistant for Android and Windows Phone 8 (hands-on)" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/indigo-lead-2.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The idea of a personal assistant needs no introduction: you already know Siri, and those of you fortunate to own a Jelly Bean handset (or at least a hacked ICS one) have the privilege of using Google Now. So there's very little we haven't seen here. And yet, we were inclined to take a look at Indigo, a new personal assistant for Android and Windows Phone 8 that launched yesterday, and will be available as a free download in the coming weeks. Meet us past the break to find out why.</div><div class="post-gallery" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><h3 class="title"><b>Indigo personal assistant hands-on</b></h3><ul class="thumbs"><li class="thumb" data-count="16"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc05324-1361891660_95x95.jpg" /> </li><li class="thumb" data-count="16"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc05325-1361891661_95x95.jpg" /> </li><li class="thumb" data-count="16"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc05326-1361891659_95x95.jpg" /> </li><li class="thumb" data-count="16"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc05327-1361891660_95x95.jpg" /> </li><li class="thumb" data-count="16"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc05329-1361891658_95x95.jpg" /> </li><li class="thumb" data-count="16"> <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/dsc05330-1361891659_95x95.jpg" /> </li>See all photos</ul></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The app comes courtesy of Artificial Solutions, a company that specializes in natural language. As you'd expect, then, you can expect answers to questions like "What's the weather like in Prague?" (To be fair, this is true of Siri, too.) Also like other assistants, you can ask follow-up questions like "Find me a movie theater there" and Indigo will know you meant Prague because that's what you were just asking about. We also noticed that it completes searches successfully even if you misspell a word ("find mean" instead of "find me," for example).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Some other similarities to existing services: it sources data from places like Yelp and Wolfram Alpha, and can mine your email and calendar appointments, as well as maps and search engines. In addition to voice input, it responds to text queries, which you can't do on Siri, and can only do for search with Google Now. As we found in the noisy Fira Gran Via convention center, it's a useful feature when your surroundings have the potential to drown out voice searches.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">What makes Indigo especially unique (aside from the fact that it's WP8-compatible) is that it works across different platforms and different devices. Granted, Nuance is working on something similar, but as of last month it was still in the very early stages, while Indigo is on the cusp of becoming available. In any case, what all this means is that because search is tied to a profile stored in the cloud (as opposed to a particular device), you can start a search thread on your phone and pick it up on a tablet.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Your personal settings will also follow you from one device to another, even if you use a mix of Android and Windows Phone. Oh, and last thing: you can save favorite searches -- not a bad thing if you begin each day asking about the weather. Again, the app will be available to download for free within the next two weeks or so. In the case of Android, specifically, you'll need Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean, according to the Indigo website, linked at the bottom of this post. For now, check out some hands-on photos and a quick demo video below. (<i>Psst</i>: we apologize that our video doesn't show the cross-device bit; the faltering internet inside the convention center couldn't handle it. Sorry!)</div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cY1vVk3mg_Q?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>

Indigo is a cloud-based, cross-platform personal assistant for Android and Windows Phone 8 (hands-on)

The idea of a personal assistant needs no introduction: you already know Siri, and those of you fortunate to own a Jelly Bean handset (or a...

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Qualcomm shows off Snapdragon 800 voice activation and photo editing abilities (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Qualcomm shows off Snapdragon 800 voice activation and photo editing abilities video" data-src-height="365" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/livequalcomm8002.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Qualcomm unveiled its new Snapdragon SoC flag bearer at CES, and here at MWC 2013 we got to see some of what the 800 series can do. Last week, the company revealed the chip's voice activation feature that allows users to wake the chip up using a voice command. We got to see one application of this technology used to launch Google Now using the keywords "hey Snapdragon," though when it makes its way into consumer devices, that keyword will be customizable. It was a limited demo, but the ability to wake your phone and launch apps without having to press a button (see: Siri and Google Now) is certainly an attractive proposition.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">We also got to witness the 800's image processing capabilities when paired with one of Pelican Imaging's array cameras. Using images taken with that plenoptic shooter, changing the focal plane of an image or cropping out individuals from a group photo was easily handled by a Qualcomm prototype tablet packing a Snapdragon 800. Enough chatter on the matter, however, you can see for yourself in the video after the break.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-54178acf" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/54178acf/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=13225091&disablebranding=0&view_secret=13225091" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Qualcomm shows off Snapdragon 800 voice activation and photo editing abilities (video)

Qualcomm unveiled its new Snapdragon SoC flag bearer at CES, and here at MWC 2013 we got to see some of what the 800 series can do. Last wee...

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Fujitsu Arrows V F-04E hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/tmo0001dsc08023inline.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Fujitsu had a third set on hand at its booth on opening day here at MWC 2013: the Arrows V F-04E. Launched as part of the NTT DoCoMo's winter lineup, this is the first opportunity we've had to get a hands-on as of course this set will never end up anywhere near our shores. The F-04E is loaded with everything one could expect in a high-end set like a 4.7-inch 720p display -- and it is wondrous to behold -- a 13.1-megapixel camera, 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, integrated 1seg TV antenna and a whopping 64GB of storage.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The Arrows V, aside from the odd obsession Fujitsu seems to have on insisting to hide all its USB ports under tough to open flip up open doors, is a very slick handset. The lines are clean, the display -- did we mention it is lovely? -- clear and easy read from every angle. Sadly for us the booth's requisite bowl of water or fountain was missing in action so we couldn't do a dunk test but we did manage to capture a bit of video and a gallery for you to enjoy.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-1d67256e" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/1d67256e/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=77480977&disablebranding=0&view_secret=77480977" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Fujitsu Arrows V F-04E hands-on

Fujitsu had a third set on hand at its booth on opening day here at MWC 2013: the Arrows V F-04E. Launched as part of the NTT DoCoMo's ...

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ASUS FonePad official: 7-inch tablet with phone functionality, priced at $249 (hands-on)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ASUS FonePad official 7inch tablet with phone functionality, priced at $249 for 16GB handson" data-src-height="533" data-src-width="800" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/img9041800-1361800437.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">We already knew ASUS was prepping a product called the FonePad, a 7-inch tablet with built-in phone functionality (yes, just like the new Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0). Well, ASUS just formally unveiled it here at Mobile World Congress, which means we've got a few more details to share than we did previously. First off, the speculation about its specs was all true: this does indeed have an Intel processor -- a 1.2GHz Atom Z2420, to be exact -- along with 1GB of RAM, a PowerVR SGX540 GPU, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and an HSPA+ radio. What's more, the 4,270mAH battery is said to get up to nine hours of runtime, which would put this in the same league as other Atom tablets we've tested recently.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">In terms of hardware features, the FonePad has a smooth metal back (available in gray and gold), making it drastically different in appearance from the similarly sized Nexus 7. 'Round back you'll find a panel where all the usual antennae are, and hidden underneath are both the micro-SIM slot and the microSD reader. That microSD slot, by the way, supports 32GB cards, which should come in handy considering this has just 16GB of built-in storage. Additionally, the tablet has a 1.2-megapixel front camera, attached to a 7-inch, 1,280 x 800 IPS display. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The FonePad will be available in Europe for £179 / €219. Here at MWC, ASUS also confirmed a US dollar price of $249, though we had heard rumblings it wouldn't actually be sold there. It arrives in March, but the specific on-sale date hasn't been revealed yet. We're hoping to test one ourselves soon enough, but until then, stay tuned for the usual round of hands-on shots.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b>Update: </b>Our hands-on photos and video are in! Enjoy!</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-d1c01ab7" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/d1c01ab7/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=16094601&disablebranding=0&view_secret=16094601" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

ASUS FonePad official: 7-inch tablet with phone functionality, priced at $249 (hands-on)

We already knew ASUS was prepping a product called the FonePad, a 7-inch tablet with built-in phone functionality (yes, just like the new Sa...

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ZTE Grand Memo hands-on: a Galaxy Note competitor without a stylus (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ZTE Grand Memo handson a Galaxy Note competitor without a stylus video" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/grandmemo-1361797563-1361797586.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Nothing's changed since last we saw ZTE's Grand Memo in Hong Kong last January. But the Chinese OEM's trotting it out once again at MWC 2013 here in Barcelona, reintroducing the palm-stretching device for the global press. From the name alone, it's clear that ZTE's angling this tabletphone (sorry, no stylus included) at Samsung's successful Note line; a competition that's already been won by the recently unveiled and incredibly massive Note 8. The Grand Memo's specs have remained the same -- 5.7-inch 720p TFT display, quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro, 1GB RAM, Android 4.1.2 and 13-megapixel rear camera module -- but now we have an English-language demo to walk you through it. So check out the video tour after the break and stay tuned for our live coverage of ZTE's press event.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-46ad2910" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/46ad2910/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=31764813&disablebranding=0&view_secret=31764813" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

ZTE Grand Memo hands-on: a Galaxy Note competitor without a stylus (video)

Nothing's changed since last we saw ZTE's Grand Memo in Hong Kong last January. But the Chinese OEM's trotting it out once agai...

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ASUS PadFone Infinity announced: 5-inch, 1080p screen, Snapdragon 600 CPU and full HD tablet display (hands-on)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="ASUS PadFone Infinity announced 5inch, 1080p display, Snapdragon 600 CPU and full HD tablet display handson" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/lead2.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> You may have heard a new PadFone was on the way -- it's not like ASUS has been dropping obvious hints or anything. In any case, surprise! ASUS just unveiled a new model, the PadFone Infinity. Like other PadFones, this is a handset that slips into a tablet-like dock, allowing you to make use of a bigger screen. This time, though, it ships with Android 4.2, and the display has grown from 4.7 inches to 5. The resolution is now 1080p (up from 720p), which comes out to 441 pixels per inch. Additionally, the <span>tablet's 10.1-inch screen has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200, up from 1,280 x 800 in the last-gen model. It's plenty bright, too, at 400 nits, but that's a slight step down from the last-gen model, which lit up to 500 nits. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>What's more, the phone's gotten an upgrade on the inside: it now packs a quad-core, 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 chip with an Adreno 320 GPU, some of the freshest components Qualcomm has to offer at the moment. Also on-board, you get 2GB of RAM to help boost performance, with your choice of either 32GB or 64GB of built-in storage. As far as connectivity, you're looking at </span><span>EDGE, GPRS, GSM, </span><span>WCDMA, </span><span>LTE and </span><span>DC-HSPA+, along with all the usual radios: WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, A-GPS and even GLONASS. According to an ASUS rep, the device uses a nano-SIM rather than micro-SIM. Around back, ASUS has added a 13-megapixel autofocusing camera with an LED flash, five-element, f/2.0 lens and burst shooting at eight fps. There's a front camera too, capped at 2MP, in case you want to do the occasional video chat. Meanwhile, the 2,400mAh battery promises up to 19 hours of 3G talk time, and up to 40 with the dock attached. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <span>Like every other PadFone that's been released, this won't be available in the US, but the phone-and-dock combo will cost £799 / </span><span>€999</span><span> when it goes on sale in Europe this April. </span><span>The phone is also headed to Asia, though we don't have any more details.</span><span> You'll also have your choice of colors, we hear: gray, gold and hot pink, if that's what you're into. Check out our hands-on gallery for a closer look. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Update: </strong>Hands-on photos and video now added. You're welcome.</div></div>

ASUS PadFone Infinity announced: 5-inch, 1080p screen, Snapdragon 600 CPU and full HD tablet display (hands-on)

You may have heard a new PadFone was on the way -- it's not like ASUS has been dropping obvious h...

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PowerbyProxi debuts wireless charging solution, aims to fully integrate it into future smartphones (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="PowerbyProxi debuts wireless charging solution, aims to fully integrate it into future smartphones video" data-src-height="408" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/powerbyproxilead.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> The pathway to innovation is paved with failed attempts to produce wireless charging solutions that a) actually work and b) people genuinely want to use, but we've got yet another upstart here at Mobile World Congress willing to give it a go. PowerbyProxi's solution looks pretty similar to renditions we've seen from Fulton Innovation, but it's quick to point out the differences. The loosely-coupled method uses a bantam receiver that's "efficient enough to be integrated into the processor board of a smartphone without causing over-heating."</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> While previous industry designs have resulted in longer charging times than if the device were plugged into a wall socket, PowerbyProxi's solution reportedly "provides charging at the same speed as wired charging." In fact, it claims to offer the only system that can rejuvenate up to three devices at the same time at full power. If you're wondering what working group these guys are going to side with, that much is still up in the air -- it's remaining "agnostic towards the selection of an ultimate standard" for now.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> We spoke with the company here at Mobile World Congress, and it confirmed to us that it's working with the top five major battery manufacturers, and we should see wireless AA and AAA cells "within 12 months." It wouldn't confirm how soon we'd see it in phones, tablets or laptops (yeah, it'll work in all of 'em), but it's clearly working with some of the top OEMs and hoping for the best. In the demo we witnessed, specially equipped Galaxy S III handsets charged alongside one another, even when barely clinging to the charging pad. Despite a bunch of metallic objects being heaped on the pad, it was intelligent enough to only send power to the phones, keeping gum boxes and coins cool, calm and collected. Head on past the break for quick video tour as well as a press release.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <em>Dana Murph contributed to this report. </em></div></div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NuLuAVJXJfc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

PowerbyProxi debuts wireless charging solution, aims to fully integrate it into future smartphones (video)

The pathway to innovation is paved with failed attempts to produce wireless charging solutions that...

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ZTE Open Firefox OS phone announced at MWC 2013, we go hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/zteopenhandsonlead01.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Alcatel wasn't the only one to flash some Firefox OS hardware at Mozilla's big MWC event. ZTE was also showing off two shades of its new smartphone, the Open. The device will launch in orange and blue in global territories starting in Q2. It has a very handy 3.5-inch screen, meaning there's no issues holding it in one hand but there's not a lot of premium feel going on here. The plastic shell felt like any low-end Android device, though we won't fault the grippy finish here.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Other specs (that we've already snuck a peek at) include a Cortex-A5-based Qualcomm processor that could be clocked at either 600MHz or 800MHz -- we're trying to get a confirmation on that. There's also 256MB of RAM, 512MB of expandable storage and a humble 3.2-megapixel camera on the back. The 480 x 320 screen itself is nothing to shout home about. Again, it feels like a flashback to those sub-$150 smartphones that did the rounds back in 2011 and while it's not the flashiest spec sheet, ZTE (and Firefox) are pitching this at those millions of future smartphone users that haven't already plumped for a mobile OS. However, the search function looks pretty pervasive, able to tap into apps, the web and more in search of the answer you're looking for. Specific carriers will be able to add in their own apps (pre-installed or not) for its customers. We got a glimpse at a data monitoring app that could pull together your data habits and respective carrier plans -- even if there's no word on a US release beyond some time in 2014. There's a quick hands-on after the break.</div></div>

ZTE Open Firefox OS phone announced at MWC 2013, we go hands-on

Alcatel wasn't the only one to flash some Firefox OS hardware at Mozilla's big MWC event. ZTE was also showing off two shades of its...

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