Taiwan: Asustek plans to officially launch Zenbo robots in late 2016.

Asustek Computer has officially kicked off its Zenbo robot developer program with the release of the Zenbo software development kit (SDK) and Zenbo developer tools, according to the company.

With the Zenbo SDK, developers can control many of Zenbo's capabilities, including active mobility, 3D vision detection, facial expressions, gestures, and verbal communication, to create their own apps.

The Zenbo SDK consists of DDE Editor, App Builder, and Story Editor. DDE Editor helps developers design and test their apps, and also serves as a platform for publishing app dialog scripts. 

App Builder's visual programming logic interface improves application development efficiency as well as letting developers easily control Zenbo's actions, expressions, sensors, and other functions.

The Story Editor provides a software framework and timeline based interface that enables developers to create and edit stories for Zenbo.

Asustek plans to officially launch Zenbo robots in the Taiwan market before year-end 2016.

Nexus 8 inch tablet in the works.

Nexus 8 inch tablet in the works.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Supply chain sources said this Feb 7 Google decided to continue partnership with Austek to build the Nexus 8 inch tablet.

Google is adopting the 8 inch size as a new strategy to avoid furious competition on the 7 inch tablet sector . The company just sold 3 millions units of its Nexus 7  in 2013.

Google will launch the Nexus 8 at the end of April with initial shipments of two million units.

Source: Digitimes

Finally tablets kill netbooks. Was Steve Jobs right. Acer and Asus to stop the line at the end of 2012.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.        

Finally tablets kills netbooks. Was Steve Jobs right. Acer and Asus to stop the line at the end of 2012.

With Asustek Computer recently announcing an end to its Eee PC product line from the end of 2012, while Acer also has no plans to release more netbook products, the netbook market will officially end after the two vendors finish digesting their remaining inventories.

Facing strong competition from tablets, only Asustek and Acer are still competing in the netbook market and are mainly selling to emerging markets such as countries in Southeast Asia and South America.

It took almost 2 years to finally happen Steve Jobs premonition back then at the iPad introduction in January 27th, 2012. Video below:

Digitimes.

Asustek Computer with strong growth in November,thanks to Windows 8 VivoBook and Google`s Nexus 7.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Asustek Computer with strong growth in November,thanks to Windows 8 VivoBook and Google`s Nexus 7.

According to Digitimes Asustek Computer has announced revenues of NT$39.64 billion (US$1.36 billion) for November, a new monthly record with growths of 11.5% on month and 32.7% on year, while the company's combined revenues from January to November also grew 17.6% on year to NT$344.65 billion.

The company's consolidated revenues for the month also grew almost 20% on month to reach at least more than NT$43 billion.

The strong growth in November was benefited mainly by the company's smooth shipments of Windows 8-based VivoBook and Google's Nexus 7 tablet, according to the company's CFO David Chang.

Chang pointed out that the company's VivoBook already accounted for about 50% of the global touchscreen notebook shipments and its tablet shipments even reached one million units in November.

In the third quarter, Asustek shipped five million notebooks and 2.3 million tablets and the volumes are expected to grow to 5.5 million units and 2.6 million units in the fourth quarter, Chang noted.

ASUS PadFone 2 promo videos, pictures,specifications and event reprise.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

ASUS PadFone 2 promo videos, pictures,specifications and event reprise.

Specifications: Please click on the images below to enlarge the view:

For to watch the event reprise  slide to the right until the 16 minutes and the video starts:

Asustek to announce quad-core PadFone2 on October 16.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Asustek to announce quad-core PadFone2 on October 16.

Asustek Computer is set to announce its second-generation Padfone on October 16, in Milàn, Italy and in Taipei, Taiwan.

Compared to the first generation, the second-generation Padfone reportedly features Qualcomm's quad-core processor and Android 4.1, while its screen size, resolution, as well as thickness are all further improved with the responsible ODM also changed from Pegatron Technology to Wistron. However, since the second -generation Padfone will mainly target the high-end market, the initial shipment volume will be limited.

Asustek also plans to announce its new smartphones in the second quarter of 2013, mainly targeting the high-end segment.

Digitimes

2012: Google to sell 3 million Nexus 7 inch tablet, you will know it at Google I/O June 27-29.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

2012: Google to sell 3million Nexus 7 inch tablet, you will know it  at Google I/O June 27-29.

According to Digitimes Quanta will undertake exclusive ODM production of Nexus, a 7-inch tablet PC jointly developed by Google and Asustek Computer and reportedly to be unveiled at Google I/O 2012 during June 27-29,  adding Quanta will ship three million units of Nexus in 2012.

Asustek to start selling Windows on ARM 10,1 inches tablet PC in October

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Asustek to start selling Windows on ARM 10,1 inches tablet PC in October.

Asustek Computer has announced its latest 10.1-inch Windows-on-ARM (WoA) tablet PC – Tablet 600, which is expected to start shipping in September and will be available in retail channels by October.

The tablet PC adopts Nvidia's Tegra 3 processor and is expected to become the first WoA tablet PC available in the market. The announcement relieves rumors that WoA is facing a bottleneck in development.

The Tablet 600 features a 10.1-inch Super IPS+ panel, Windows RT, and an 8-megapixel camera. The device also features near field communication (NFC) technology to allow two devices to exchange or transmit data.

As ARM-based processors have been seeing improvements in performance, the WoA platform is expected to enter the PC market in 2013 to challenge Intel's leading position.

Rumors: Google/Asustek new 7 inches tablet coming to the market in July.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

Rumors: Google/Asustek new 7 inches tablet coming to the market in July.

Google's 7-inch tablet PC, which the company co-developed with Asustek computer, is set to start shipping in June with initial shipments to reach about 600,000 units.

The tablet  will be officially released in the market in July.

Google originally planned to release its entry-level 7-inch tablet PC in May, but design and costs did not reach its expectations, and the product was delayed to July for some minor adjustments.

The 7-inch tablet PC is expected to achieve total shipments of 2-2.5 million units in 2012.

Rumors are saying as well, Google will pressure other brands manufacturers  launching a  lower 7 inch tablet price.

However, Asustek has declined to comment.

HP, Lenovo, Asustek and Acer to launch second gen ultrabooks in May. Prices to drop to US$699.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

HP, Lenovo, Asustek and Acer to launch second gen ultrabooks in May. Prices to drop to US$699.-

Intel, which originally planned to announce its new Ivy Bridge processors on April 29, is expected to bring forward the announcement to April 23 with Asustek computer, Acer, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard (HP) all ready to release their second-generation ultrabooks starting in May.

Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of Intel's PC Client Group, at Intel developer Forum (IDF) in Beijing pointed out that ultrabook prices in the next few months will drop rapidly to US$699 from US$999 currently as shipment scales become large reducing costs.

Intel, at the show, also demonstrated its developments with China-based partners for products such as chassis, panels and software, and in addition to showcasing upcoming second-generation ultrabooks, Intel also revealed its innovative designs for ultrabooks and several concept devices for Windows 8.

To promote ultrabooks, Intel has set up a fund of US$300 million to assist its partners for ultrabook design and R&D. The company is also integrating the upstream supply ecosystem to allow its partners to connect with each other.

MWC 2012: Press Release: ASUS PadFone and upcoming Transformer Pad Lineup unveiled. Specifications. Video.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

ASUS PadFone and upcoming Transformer Pad Lineup unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2012.

ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih introduces the latest ASUS mobile devices and discusses his vision of ubiquitous cloud computing.

Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain (27 February, 2012) – At today's "Incredibly Mobile Endless Possibilities" ASUS press event, Chairman Jonney Shih unveiled the revolutionary PadFone and upcoming Transformer Pad lineup. "The time has finally arrived when every screen in your lives could transcend into a portal with real time access into your digital world," said Mr. Shih as he introduced the ASUS PadFone which transforms into a three-in-one combination of a smartphone, a tablet and a notebook when accessorized with the PadFone Station and PadFone Station Dock.

The ASUS PadFone is an incredible 4.3" smartphone featuring a Super AMOLEDqHD display, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual core processor and an ultra-sharp 8-megapixel digital camera with Fuji image processor all wrapped in an exquisite design that is optimized for Google's Android 4.0 operating system. When placed inside the optional PadFone Station, it transforms into a 10.1" tablet with 5 times the battery capacity. The PadFone offers unmatched versatility via ASUS' proprietary Dynamic Display technology which allows seamless transition between the PadFone and PadFone Station display screens. In addition, the PadFone Station offers an optional keyboard dock that essentially turns the PadFone into an ultraportable computing device. The PadFone also comes with the option of a PadFone Stylus Headset which is a Bluetooth stylus pen that transforms into a headset for picking up calls easily.

ASUS is redefining the future of mobile computing devices and is excited to announce the new and innovative ASUS Transformer Pad lineup. Offering three distinct models to fit the unique needs of mobile media consumers, ASUS believes in providing consumers with choices. 

The ASUS Transformer Pad lineup includes the ASUS Transformer Pad Prime and upcoming ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity series and ASUS Transformer Pad 300 series.

The Transformer Pad Infinity Series is poised to be the go-to tablet for HD mobile entertainment as it features an impressive 1920x1200 Full HD Super IPS+ display and ASUS SonicMaster technology. 

The 4G LTE* model comes armed with the powerful Qualcomm MSM 8960 Snapdragon S4 Krait Dual-core 1.5Gh processor and is capable of download and upload speeds of up to 100Mbps and 50Mbps respectively. 

The WiFi model features the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor for incredible application and gaming performance. The Transformer Pad Infinity has a 2MP front camera for HD video conferencing along with an 8MP rear camera with a large F2.2 aperture, 5-element lens and LED flash for stunning high quality images or HD video capture.

The Transformer Pad 300 Series makes for an ideal mobile web surfing and gaming platform with its NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor and high quality 10.1" 1280x800 IPS display with either 4G LTE* or WiFi options. It features a 1.2MP front camera for video conferencing and an 8MP rear camera with a large F2.2 aperture, 5-element lens allows for high quality images along with HD video recording. The Transformer Pad 300 Series has battery life of up to 10 hours*, and that is extended up to 15 hours* with the optional keyboard dock.

double click on the specifications charts to enlarge the image.

MWC 2012: Asus to launch the Padfone quad-core/tablet hybrid Android 4.0 ICS in Feb 27th.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

About 9 months ago the ASUS Padfone was announced and apparently  the 10.1-inch tablet with its accompanying 4.3-inch smartphone, will be launched at MWC 2012 in February 27th.


The combo will have an update in the smatphone with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core chip and including Android 4.0 ICS. Checked on the MWC 2012 companies press conference dates list link below:

MWC 2012: Companies press conferences dates list.

Netbooks news made a video demo below and says: "  We were able to get some hands on time with ASUS Padfone running Android 4.0, it is still under development and original Transformer owners will be happy to hear that they'll be able to use their dock with the upcoming Tegra 3 tablet.

Releated posts:

MWC 2012: Companies press conferences dates list.

Computex 2011: Asus Announces The Padfone. Videos.

CES 2012: ASUS Recognized with Six CES 2012 Innovations Awards.

What smartphones and tablets are expected to receive an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich ?

CES 2012: Video: Asus Eee Pad Memo 171 Hands on.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.





Asus Eee Pad Memo. It is a 7-inch tablet running at a 1280×800 resolution. Under the hood is a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor. It has 3G and WiFi connectivity and comes with 16GB all the way up to 64GB. 

3Q2012: HP and Dell to launch Windows 8 based tablets PC.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Some PC vendors, including Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Dell, reportedly plan to venture into the development of Microsoft's Windows 8-based tablet PCs with the new models likely to be launched in the third quarter of 2012, according to industry sources.

Amazon's launch of the low-priced Kindle Fire has not only triggered a price war among Android-based tablet PC vendors, but has also pushed the vendors to alternative platforms in order to avoid fierce competition, commented the sources.

Motorola Mobility began to market a low-priced version of its Xoom tablet through Best Buy on October 16, the sources indicated.

While Acer and Asustek Computer are expected to continue to roll out Android-based tablets, Dell and Lenovo reportedly will focus on business-use tablets, said the sources, noting that Dell's business tablets will run on Windows, while Lenovo's ThinkPad tablet models will run on Android OS.

3Q11 : Touch panel market likely to grow. HP entering aggressively.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

The market for small- to medium-size panels continues to thrive while capacity utilization rates for large-size panel makers have been lower than expected. Riding on the wave of the tablet PC market, orders for small- to medium-size touch panels will continue to increase in the third quarter.

The market for tablet PCs have been growing rapidly as Apple's iPad series continues to increase in shipments, and other firms such as HP, Asustek, Acer and Amazon have all been entering the market aggressively. The competition has caused orders of small- to medium-size panels to increase.

According to industry sources, total shipments of LCD TVs in 2011 will only grow around 7-8%, around 200 million units. Large-size panel firms have been expanding capacity for the past few years, hence the low demand is likely to contribute to oversupply, panels firms are likely to face increasing losses. 

Industry sources added total shipments of LCD TVs in 2012 need to grow by 10% for panel firms to generate profits.

Many firms that produce touch related products such as sensors and modules have been shifting production lines to focus on touch panel customers. As the market for tablet PCs continue to grow, the touch panel makers can continue to enjoy outstanding performance.

Asustek Computer will start marketing its low-priced netbook, the Eee PC X101

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Asustek Computer will start marketing its low-priced netbook, the Eee PC X101, in July with models running on MeeGo available at US$199 and those running on Windows 7 available at US$310-350, according to industry sources.

The Eee PC X101 is powered by an Intel low-power Atom N435 1.33GHz single-core CPU, the sources noted.

Other branded notebook vendors including Acer, Lenovo and Samsung Electronics also plan to launch Atom N435/MeeGo-based netbooks soon, said the sources, noting that the Atom 435 netbooks released by Asustek and Acer will also support Intel's AppUp Center technology.

Asustek to launch 2 tablet PCs in May/July

WorldWide tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Having launched two tablet PCs, Asustek Computer plans to launch two more, the 10-inch Eee Pad Slider EP102 and 7-inch Eee Pad MeMo EP71 in the next three months. The EP102 will be powered by an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, while the EP71 will use a Qualcomm CPU.

Asustek aims to ship two million tablet PCs in 2011, said company CEO and president Jerry Shen.

Asustek is also expected to launch tablet PCs running on CPUs from Intel as well as quad-core tablets built using Nvidia's Tegra 3 (T30) quad-core processors, according to industry sources.

It remains to be seen if Asustek's strategy to launch a comprehensive lineup of tablet PCs targeting all segments of the market will be effective, commented the sources.

CES 2011: ECS, Asustek, MSI to showcase tablet PCs

WorldWideTech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Elitegroup Computer System (ECS), Asustek Computer and Micro-Star International (MSI) are all preparing to showcase their latest tablet PCs at CES 2011.

In addition to ECS' already introduced Marvell chip-based 9.7-inch e-book reader, the company is set to announce more e-book readers including 6-, 8- and 9.7-inch models, featuring capacitive touch screens and support for Android and Linux operating systems as well as several document and music file formats. The devices will also have built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G.

ECS is also set to showcase several Windows 7- and Android-based tablet PCs at the show. Some models feature 10.1-inch multi-touch panels with Intel Atom CPUs, while some feature ARM-based processors from Marvell or Samsung Electronics to allow eight hours of running time and are also equipped with wireless modules. The company will also display 7-inch models at the show.

As for notebooks, ECS will display several power-saving enterprise notebooks equipped with 14- or 15-inch LED panels that support functions such as USB 3.0 and ECS' exclusive power saving software Super POSH.

Although ECS currently does not receive many Classmate PC orders from Intel, the company will still showcase its Intel Atom-based Classmate PC at the show.

On the other hand, MSI is set to display its 10-inch Wintel-based tablet PC as well as engineering samples of its ARM-based Google Android model. MSI is also prepared to sell an Nvidia Tegra 2-based model in April or May after Google releases Android 3.0 in March.

Asustek will have three major product lines for tablet PCs, Eee Reader, Eee Note and Eee Pad. The company will showcase a 12-inch Windows 7-based Eee Pad at CES, targeting the enterprise market, and will launch two 10-inch Eee Pads, one with Windows 7 and Intel's Oak Trail platform, and one with Nvidia Tegra 2 and Google Android, for a price of US$499-599 which will start selling in March 2011 at the earliest.

Asustek will also have a 7-inch model featuring either Tegra 2 or solution from Qualcomm paired with Android. The company will also introduce a model with 3.5G support to allow phone functionality. The 7-inch models will be launched as soon as March or April 2011.