Review of the tablet Asus Fonepad 7

Most recently, we wrote about a 6-inch fablete Asus Fonepad Note 6, and now tell you about the Asus Fonepad 7. Unlike Fonepad Note 6, Fonepad 7 clearly belongs to the class of tablets, and set-top box Fone he deserves thanks to the SIM-card and, consequently, the possibility to make calls to mobile networks. He, like the Asus Fonepad Note 6 has stereo speakers, a hardware platform based on Intel Atom and offers the user a wide range of communication tools. The tablet will be sold at a very affordable price – recommended cost $ 2,129 hryvnia. From the combination of performance and price, the new Asus looks a tempting offer, we only learn how to show itself in the tablet.

Options

The tablet comes in a cardboard box with a characteristic for the grade graphic design: at the top of the device is shown on both sides, on the right side wall indicated the color of the plate, and at the bottom – technical information.

Inside, in addition to the tablet, the user finds the charging adapter to 1.35 A, USB-cable, stand for a tablet and a paper clip to extract slots for SIM-card.

Design and ergonomics
The tablet comes in two colors: white and gray. We got to review the first option, but regardless of the body color, the front panel is black.

As with many other plates to define the appearance of the device by its manufacturer who is – difficult. In the case of the 7 Fonepad help speakers located above and below the screen, if you hold the tablet as a smartphone. Under the upper speaker has a front facing camera, ambient light sensor and proximity. The entire front panel, with a few exceptions in the Grid speaker is covered by tempered glass. 

If you take the tablet in your hands so that the speakers are located above and below the screen, the list of items at the ends of the housing will be as follows: top – the headphone jack, bottom – Micro-USB connector and a microphone on the left – the SIM-card which can be accessed by using a special paper clips, or any other similar object, and finally, on the right, go down the power button / lock, volume rocker, and a slot for memory cards. Mechanical keys protrude about an inch above the body, which, coupled with sharp edges, making their detection and working with them is quite easy and comfortable. When using the device in a typical tablet orientation, the power button and volume rocker are located under the index finger of his left hand. There is no problem with overlapping speakers. Only one claim to the body, the location of connectors for headphones and a Micro-USB. If the device is charging, or you are using a headset, or else a combination of both, to keep the plate so that the power button and volume were at the upper end of embarrassing, since it impedes the USB-cable and / or the headphone cable. Given the fact that absolutely nothing stopping to turn the tablet on 180 °, to talk about this particular, as the negative, it would be wrong, but also a way out does not completely solve the problem because working with mechanical keys have little finger. 

Top is made of glossy plastic with a barely perceptible textured pattern in the form of characteristic devices of Asus centric circles radiating from the logo. In the logo on the rear side of the camera is slightly raised rim around the lens. 

The case does not creak, parts fit together closely, so for the assembly Asus Fonepad 7 commendable.

The operating system and shell
Similar to the previously discussed fabletu Asus Fonepad Note 6, as the operating system used by Android 4.2.2 with some cosmetic changes on the part of the manufacturer.

Note that the interface can work in portrait and landscape modes. In the case of the tablet landscape orientation lock screen is divided into two parts. On the right side is a ring unlock, and the left – the widgets, they can flip through. 

Unlocking the screen, we get on one of the five windows desktop. In landscape orientation, on the left side of the screen space. Left it does not occupied, and on the right are seven labels, including calling the list of installed applications. All on the desktop window can be up to 36 shortcuts. At the bottom of the screen are four icons to display manager running applications, return to the main desktop screen, “Back” and calling one of the eight applications are able to run on top of other windows. 

Notification panel opens in a popup window, which occupies about half of the screen. In it, except the notification icons are displayed on / off the wireless modules, profiles, audio, reading mode, and so on (to change their location, press and hold the desired icon), a slider to adjust the brightness of the screen and the icons to access the Wi-Fi settings , AudioWizard, Miracast and menu settings.
Hold your finger on the free part of the desktop pops up a window with setting the wallpaper. For making the widgets you need to go to the appropriate section.

The most noticeable difference interface Asus Fonepad 7 of smartphones, the screen is split into two parts, where the left is indicated, for example, a list, and the right details. Thus, the manufacturer of the most rational use of the large area of ​​the screen. 

Other features, including the list of installed applications, similar to Asus Fonepad Note 6. Recall that in his review can be found here.

Hardware Platform

The tablet is based on a hardware platform Intel Atom Z2560 (CloverTrail +) includes two processor cores with the x86 architecture and a clock speed of 1.6 GHz (HyperThreading), PowerVR SGX544MP2 graphics accelerator and 1 GB of RAM. In our case, the amount of built-in storage is 16 GB, but can be 8 GB and 32 GB. You can expand the internal memory through MicroSD memory card or by using Flash-drives connected via USB OTG. 

Performance of the solutions on par with devices such as the HTC One X, Google Nexus 4 and the Samsung Galaxy S3. That is, the tablet should be enough for most tasks, including modern three-dimensional games and viewing Full HD-video.

Search GPS-satellites is carried out instantly, even when you first start in 7 Fonepad it takes no more than ten seconds. The reception quality of Wi-Fi-signal is also excellent, and, importantly, does not depend on the grip, in the worst case, the signal will be at the same level as that of most other devices and, at best, the maximum possible. 

The speaker volume is not as high as in Fonepad Note 6, but still higher than the plates to one speaker. In view of the particular arrangement of speakers when watching videos or playing games created, albeit small, effect of volume. The speaker volume is high. The quality of sound complaints.

Autonomy Fonepad 7 at a good level. Annex Antutu Tester tablet scored 641 points, which is not much, but in the two-hour test, Fonepad 7 showed a much more satisfying results. You can read them below. 

In the read mode disables all wireless communications, including data transmission in a mobile network, and the display brightness set to 50%. When listening to music has an automatic synchronization of data over the mobile network. The display brightness is set to 50% volume in the headphones 12 of 15 possible levels. All music files in MP3, 320 Kbit / s. Navigation includes a route in Google Navigation app. Brightness exhibited 50%, all data communication modules disabled. When playing active video data transmission in a mobile network, display brightness set to 50%, the volume level at 12 out of 15 possible levels. A video file format MKV, 1024h432 point resolution, frame rate 24. Playing videos from Youtube accompanied only work on the network Wi-Fi. The display brightness is set to 50% volume in the headphones 12 of 15 possible levels.

Display and Camera

The tablet has a 7-inch IPS-matrix standard for the vast majority of tablet resolution of 1280×800 pixels. The sensor supports up to ten simultaneous touches. The display brightness is adjustable from 9 cd / m ², up to 248 cd / m ², the average value corresponds to 127 cd / m ². According to these parameters, the tablet does not stand out for the better or for the worse. On a sunny day, the readability is somewhat reduced, but see it on the screen is still possible. At night, the minimum brightness is comfortable, but if you want to read or view the page in a browser, we recommend using the appropriate mode that makes the color temperature warmer, which reduces the strain on the eyes. 

The main camera has a module with a resolution of 5 MP and the ability to record Full HD-video, the front is capable of recording video at 720p resolution and make 1.2 MP pictures. The interface is similar to the viewfinder Asus Fonepad Note 6, apparently, the same will be used in other tablets / smartphones manufacturer. 

Photo quality is very good, considering that the tablet will shoot only in extreme cases. The front camera copes with its main task – video link. 

The results

The tablet Asus Fonepad 7 – is a compact device allows you to stay in touch, not only for the exchange of information, but also to voice calls. The interface plate is decorated in such a way that they should be as comfortable to use as in a landscape orientation and portrait. The hardware platform is good at playing Full HD-video, games, and applications. Working with the navigation does not cause trouble, and the presence of two speakers allows you to view the video or listen to music, not only the device owner, but to all who are close to him. Given the recommended price, Asus Fonepad 7 looks like a rational purchase for those who plan to use the tablet as a multimedia entertainment center away from home.

Liked

+ Build Quality
+ Slot for SIM-cards
+ The presence of two speakers
+ Quality of sound
+ Read mode
+ The quality of the camera
+ The presence of a memory card slot and the ability to connect Flash-drives
+ Ability to record conversations by regular means

Do not like it

- No oleophobic coating

Review of the tablet Asus Fonepad 7

The fight for the attention of users: application bypassed the music in less than five years

Last week, Apple announced that since the opening of the digital store iTunes App Store in July 2008, the total number of application downloads exceeded 60 billion

It is worth noting that in May of this year, the search giant also shared statistics regarding the total number of applications downloaded from the store Google Play – 48 billion in other words, in such a short period of time, owners of mobile devices running iOS and Android have established more than 120 billion apps .

Resource Quartz shared a rather interesting statistics application downloads over the past five years. Moreover, journalists compared the achievement of Quartz iTunes App Store and the iTunes Music Store. Sales online store Apple iTunes Store this spring exceeded 25 billion songs (about 30 billion at the moment). Unfortunately, this comparison is not the best, as the song began to be sold much sooner and have some connection with the real world. On top of that, the average cost of one song a little higher than the average price of an application. Unfortunately, sales of movies and video games are also not the most suitable for comparison. However, this comparison is necessary because it allows you to get an idea of ​​the time that users spend on apps, games or movies. There is a perception that they are increasingly replaced by another one, and every day the struggle between developers for attention that is now in short supply, it is becoming increasingly fierce.

At the moment, many people are asking the same question – what users are willing to sacrifice in favor of the application? The answer to this question can tell the story. In the recent past, most abandoned in favor of the radio channels. A little later began to prefer records, rather than live music. Now you can actually see how the Internet and social networks overshadow TV and traditional media.

It can be assumed that applications will impact the most modern manifestations of the media. In this case, and the impact and consequences of such exposure is almost impossible to predict, because these new media objects are elusive for the “radar”, used in the mobile industry. The absence of the necessary tools to measure the impact of applications is one of the hallmarks of the destructive shift in the industry – it is impossible to perceive what can not be measured and controlled.

Assess the impact of the growing market for applications is possible, if you think about the level of income of the developers. Most of the young and talented people prefer an environment in which you can earn more. In the example it is possible to put the film industry and theater. Now you can see how most developers prefer to companies engaged in the development of web applications and mobile devices. Thus, the migration of talent from one industry to another is faster than the movement of capital.

If you look at the ecosystem of iOS, you can see how Apple will generously reward developers. Last week, Apple announced the payment of $ 13 billion of comparison, in June, said about $ 10 billion worth noting that it is about 70% of the gross income. In other words, the proceeds from the sale of applications each month increased by $ 1 billion if we assume that Google monthly pay developers as much and take into account the fees for applications built to order, we can draw the following conclusion – application developers earn about $ 3 billion per month .

As for the music industry, here the situation is somewhat different. According to the International Federation of sound and video recordings (IFPI), revenue from sales of digital songs in 2012 was $ 5.6 billion, while the music industry in 2012, earned just $ 16.5 billion sale of songs hardly risen more than 10% in 2013. Thus, it can be argued that the application brought twice as much profit as compared with the music. This growth scare many analysts. Applications overtaken music as the basis of most business models in less than five years.

In the world there are many tablets cost $ 50, are sold in Asia and the eyeballs scored illegal content. If this pattern of behavior will flourish further, the victims of the mobile device market will not only PC makers, but most of the media.

The fight for the attention of users: application bypassed the music in less than five years

In Google+ will improve the auto downloaded video

Some time ago, Google has improved the work with pictures in their social network Google+ . Now it became aware of the introduction of auto-enhance and video – Auto Awesome Movies.

According to Vic Gundotra (Vic Gundotra), with Auto Awesome Movies users can upload videos and make improvements to it. For example, you can eliminate the effects of camera shake to add video to audio or roller to apply different effects to it. Moreover, declared the possibility as automatic video enhancement and self-editing by the user.

It is expected that the function Auto Awesome Movies will be launched this week. Noted, however, that initially it will benefit only the users of some devices (the list is not specified) running Android 4.3 or newer.

In Google+ will improve the auto downloaded video

Researchers have managed to achieve a speed of 10 Gbit / s data transmission of visible light

British scientists have managed to achieve a record speed of data transmission at 10 Gbit / s using a special LED technology and the so-called Li-Fi.

Abbreviation Li-Fi is composed of two words – light and fidelity, which translated to English means “light” and “accuracy”.

To transfer data, researchers from Edinburgh, St Andrews, Strathclyde, Oxford and Cambridge universities with financial support from the Scientific Council of the Engineering and Physical Sciences of the United Kingdom (EPSRC) used a special LED lamp, light-emitting diodes consisting of red, green and blue. For each of them, the data held at 3.5 Gbit / s.

Tiny LED bulbs, developed by scientists Strathclyde University, allows you to direct light streams in parallel to each other, thus multiplying the amount of data transmitted per unit of time. As an example, Professor Harold Haas, one of the project managers and specialist in the field of wireless optical data transmission, led shower funnel that directs a jet of water in this way.

Using a method of digital modulation known as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), scientists were able to manage millions via LED light beams of different intensities transmitted in one second. In other words, lights turn on and off at high speed, which allows you to transfer large amounts of binary data.

Earlier this year, scientists from the Institute for Integrated Circuits Fraunhofer Society succeeded in the laboratory, using the technology of Li-Fi, to achieve data transfer rates at 1 Gbit / s. Some success in this field was also able to achieve a Chinese scholar. Recently, they showed a tiny LED light power of 1 W, which provides a data transfer rate of 150 Mbit / s for up to four PCs.

It should be noted that data transmission technology visible light has several advantages over radio waves. First, it is more energy efficient. Secondly, light can provide unlimited bandwidth access. And, thirdly, Li-Fi technology can help achieve a more stable connection in the rooms, as the light does not have to pass through walls.

Researchers have managed to achieve a speed of 10 Gbit / s data transmission of visible light

Facebook called the potential buyer BlackBerry

According to The Wall Street Journal , two representatives of BlackBerry last week visited the headquarters of Facebook, to evaluate the potential interest of a social network to buy smartphone maker. Recently, Facebook has a great interest in the market of smart phones, as more than half of the company’s advertising sales accounted for by mobile devices.

Not so long ago, in partnership with the social network launched HTC smartphone First, and with it the shell for Android called Facebook Home. Both of these initiatives have not become successful, it could push Facebook to buy their own smartphone maker, as it previously did Google and Microsoft. This move will give the social network not only access to specialists and Patents BlackBerry, but also full control over the development of the BlackBerry platform 10. The latter may look for Facebook is even more attractive because it will lay the basis for all OS services and implement a social network integration, which is still unreachable on other platforms.

However, at the moment it is not known whether Facebook is willing to bargain for BlackBerry, and whether to sell the smartphone manufacturer in whole or in parts. Despite his problems with BlackBerry still has $ 2.6 billion of cash and no debt, and the company’s patents are estimated by analysts at $ 3.1 billion

Facebook called the potential buyer BlackBerry

Olympus has announced a camera with a wide aperture STYLUS 1 10.7 x zoom

Range of compact digital cameras, the Olympus STYLUS added a new device 1, which is aimed at enthusiasts.

This new product uses a 12-megapixel 1/1, 7-inch CMOS sensor with back-illuminated, the graphics processor and lens TruePicVI i.ZUIKO with 10.7 x optical zoom (28-300 mm in 35mm film equivalent). Moreover, the lens has a maximum aperture of f2.8 throughout the zoom range. The apparatus also includes image stabilization system VCM, autofocus system FAST TOUCH AF, rotating 3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1.04 million pixels and an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1.44 million pixels, covering 100% of the frame, built-in flash. Among other components noted the existence of control ring located on the lens, built-in wireless Wi-Fi connection and a hot shoe for an external flash or accessories.

Camera Olympus STYLUS 1 enables continuous shooting at 7 fps, record photos in RAW format, shoot video in Full HD resolution. Also mentions the presence of 11 built-in creative filters. The device can be connected to smartphones using the module Wi-Fi. Appendix Olympus Image Share 2.1 allows you to use your smartphone to control the camera. Also, the camera can receive data from the GPS module for the introduction of the smartphone information on the shooting location in the photo.

Camera Olympus STYLUS 1 will go on sale in December of this year for $ 699.99.

Olympus has announced a camera with a wide aperture STYLUS 1 10.7 x zoom

WSJ: Google will begin mass production of "smart" watches the end of the year

According to the Wall Street Journal , Google engineers are finalizing a “smart” watches and soon the unit will go into series production.

It is expected that “smart” search giant clock running OS Android, closely integrated with the service Google Now and can interact with mobile devices. In the WSJ report also said that in recent months for Google’s trying to reduce the power consumption of the device. Recall that this measure of autonomy is one of the major limitations of recently announced hours Samsung Galaxy Gear. Among other drawbacks South Korean giant solutions can also be called limited functionality and lack of compatibility with smartphones from other manufacturers.

In early September, it was reported that Google has acquired the developer of smart hours WIMM Labs , developments which may help the search giant in the search for solutions to some problems.

WSJ: Google will begin mass production of "smart" watches the end of the year

Dell and HP are going to release servers based on ARM processors

As part of the event ARM TechCon, Dell and HP separately announced their intention to use processors based on the ARM architecture as the foundation of its server solutions.

It should be noted that the ARM processors have a number of advantages over more traditional processor architecture-based x86. They consume less energy, emit during operation less heat, and therefore, do not require the use of powerful and expensive cooling systems. At the same time, they provide a sufficiently high performance. The disadvantages of server solutions based on ARM chips are the lack of support for 64-bit computing and an insufficient number of enterprise software platforms for ARM.

During the event ARM TechCon Dell has already demonstrated a server system based on a 64-bit chip ARM, which worked under the operating system Linux. And in 2014, the company plans to bring to market a fully ready for use in business servers based on 64-bit processors ARM.

At the same time, HP announced a new version of its cost-effective server platform Moonshot on ARM-based processors Calxeda. It should be noted that for the first time such an HP introduced back in 2011, but they were not available to consumers. To order Moonshot server offered only on the basis of cost-processor Intel Atom. However, the new version of Moonshot with 32-bit ARM processors will be available for interested customers.

Dell and HP are going to release servers based on ARM processors

Strategy Analytics: In the third quarter were 251 million smartphones shipped

According to Strategy Analytics, global smartphone shipments in the third quarter of 2013 increased by 45% compared to the same period last year and reached a record high of 251 million units.

Another record in the smartphone market has become a share of Samsung, which managed to ship 35.2% of the total number of vehicles (88.4 million units). In the second quarter of 2012, it owned 32.9% of the market share. For the year Samsung smartphone shipments has increased by 55%. The second place was taken by the company Apple, which although was able to establish his own record deliveries smartphones (33.8 million), but not significantly lost market share – from 15.6% to 13.4%. For the year Apple was able to increase the supply by 26% . In third place was the company Huawei. In the third quarter of 2013, it shipped 12.7 million smartphones (5.1% market share). Over the past year it has increased sales by 67%. Fourth place on the leaderboard, LG has taken a measure of the shipped 12.0 million smartphones (4.8% market share). Scope of supply LG smartphones for the year increased by 71%. The top five leaders, Lenovo, with deliveries amounting 10.8 million smartphones (4.3% market share). Over the past year it has increased shipments of smart phones by 69%.

As a result, the five largest suppliers of the highest smartphone growth rate demonstrated by LG (71%). At the same time, among the leaders of the only Apple has been able to demonstrate an increase (26%) lower than the market average (45%).

Strategy Analytics: In the third quarter were 251 million smartphones shipped

Mozilla introduced its own location-based service

Community Mozilla announced the launch of a pilot service Mozilla Location Service.

The essence of the new initiative is to collect geo-location data via public Wi-Fi networks and cell towers. The service will allow smartphones, despite the weak signal GPS, and mobile devices without GPS satellite receiver to pinpoint the location. At the moment the project is at an early stage of development and the number of areas in which the service is working correctly is quite small.

For owners of Android-devices, which are eager to help the community in the development of geolocation service available special application MozStumbler . All that is required – is the collection and sending of data. In other words, the content database. On the version of the application for owners of iOS-devices as long as nothing is said. In the near future, the developer promises to pay more attention to the problems of security and data privacy.

Mozilla introduced its own location-based service

Livescribe 3 - "smart pen" to digitize your notes

Livescribe company prepared a new “smart pen» Livescribe 3, which got deeper integration with mobile devices.

This device allows you to digitize handwritten text or drawings. To do this, the user only has to write or draw as usual, but instead of the standard ball-point pen or pencil to use Livescribe 3. Novelty can be connected to mobile devices based on iOS via Bluetooth wireless technology with applications Livescribe+. With it you can record notes (both written and voice), to manage them. It also supports the ability to send notes to various applications and services. The device has battery that provides up to 14 hours of battery life.

“Smart Pen» Livescribe 3 is already available on the market. The basic version includes the supply of the very pen, ink cartridge, charging cable and notebook Starter Notebook 50 sheets. The price of this kit is $ 150. Kit Pro Edition instead Starter Notebook offers the user a notebook with leather cover and a 100-sheet one-year subscription to the service Evernote Premium. In this case, the price is $ 200.

Livescribe 3 - "smart pen" to digitize your notes

Canadian mobile operator "introduced" the Nexus 5

It seems that the Canadian mobile operator Wind Mobile tired of waiting for the official announcement of the smartphone Nexus 5 and decided on their own to provide all the expected novelty.

On its official page on Facebook Wind Mobile has started taking pre-orders for the Nexus 5. It is also not difficult to publish a full list of features of the new “Google Phone”.

According to Wind Mobile, the smartphone is equipped with a 4.95-inch touch screen with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (PPI – 445 pixels per inch). From scratches and damage shield protects the tempered glass Gorilla Glass 3. The basis is a smartphone SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, which includes a 4-core CPU (2,3 GHz).

The list of characteristics are also 2 GB of RAM, 16 or 32GB of internal flash memory, dual-band wireless module Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), module Bluetooth (4.0) and NFC, 1,3-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization system.

With dimensions of 137.84 h69, 17h8, 59 mm, the device weighs 130 g Works 5 Nexus smartphone running Android KitKat, cost starts at $ 349.

At the time of writing news for the design of pre-order form on the Nexus is not available.

Canadian mobile operator "introduced" the Nexus 5

Motorola intends to develop a modular smartphone within the Project Ara

Motorola has launched a fairly ambitious project to create a modular smartphone – Project Ara.

The project Project Ara, Motorola plans to create an open ecosystem that can support third-party development for the individual components of a smartphone. In other words, if a user no longer hold his smartphone (or break any one of its components), he can not buy a completely new machine, and it was replaced by the one unit that does not fully meet the demands of (or out of order): the processor, display, chamber wireless modules, etc. The components from different manufacturers should be as compatible. This approach is now used in computer technology. If necessary, the user can replace the video card, to increase the amount of RAM to install a more powerful drive or a new processor (with some restrictions).

Project Ara will not only upgrade some elements of a smartphone, but also to create a device that best meets the needs of the user. For example, for someone important battery life, because he will be able to establish a more capacious battery. For another person more important is the ability of a smartphone to take pictures and video, because he chooses the improved camera module. The modular platform provides ample opportunities to create individual device.

It is expected that a preliminary version of the Software Developer Kit as part of Project Ara will be available next winter. For interested persons Motorola has launched a special website .

Motorola intends to develop a modular smartphone within the Project Ara

Review of the tablet ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T)

ASUS Company has the right to call himself the founder of a minimum of two classes of devices. While netbooks have outlived their own, then the unit 2-in-1, namely, to such devices it is possible to carry all models of ASUS Transformer, are just in the beginning of his career. In this case, despite the youth of the class as a whole, ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) is already the fourth (!) Generation of a family of transformers, received a 10-inch IPS-screen ultra-high resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels, and the latest quad-core NVIDIA Tegra platform 4.

Options and accessories

Model ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) is supplied in a compact cardboard box with a plastic tray, where you can find the tablet, a miniature battery charger with detachable cable and the accompanying proprietary documentation. In the version with an extended (and of course more expensive) will also be offered a complete set of keyboard docking station with built-in battery. Subsequently, the docking station can be purchased separately, but at the start of sales, it will be offered only as part of a kit, do not miss out on this question during the selection. Closing the issue with modifications tablet should be noted that at present there is only one gray color options and two versions of a data warehouse with a capacity of 32 and 64 GB.

If desired, you can also purchase branded accessories and adapters. In particular, micro-HDMI video output is available just two full-size adapter for D-sub and HDMI. USB 3.0 connector can be used not only for the connection of portable sources of information, but also for the organization of a wired network access using proprietary cable USB/RJ45. Well, to the proprietary 36-pin port on the bottom of the tablet can be connected not only supplied cable, but corporate card reader and adapter 36pin-to-USB 2.0.

The tablet

Making the front of the tablet ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) traditionally minimalist, but 10-inch screen you can find just the front webcam of 1.2 megapixel, light sensor, as well as the manufacturer’s logo and the arrow-pointer to plug the charger. The border width is the same all along the sides of the screen and is about 2 cm, which allows you to easily and false positives and hold the tablet in a vertical or horizontal position.

The back of the tablet, and three of its four sides are made of aluminum gray color, decorated with radial texture typical of the top models of ASUS. To avoid shielding the signal of wireless modules upper bound of the case and a small portion of the back panel is made of dark gray smooth plastic. Thus the design of the panel much more attractive than its predecessor ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity (TF700T) .

On the “back” ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) bore the 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, but no flash, the only speaker SonicMaster, as well as the lock key and volume control. Both keys are noticeably above the surface of the panel and display distinct edges, making them very easy to grope blindly. Also note that the key lock is integrated LED that glows red when the battery power and green to achieve a full charge. 

The upper bound of the housing is free, on the right you can find a single microphone on the left – a slot for memory cards MicroSD (without cap and “slide”), video micro-HDMI, and a combined audio port for headphones and headsets. On the bottom edge of the body handed two holes to secure the docking station and a proprietary 36-pin connector for charging the battery, and connect to a docking station or a PC with the bundled USB-cable.

Docking Station

Unlike the first generation ASUS Transformer Pad keyboard dock new items almost entirely made of plastic, metal hinge left only for the striker. Mounting plate to the docking station is carried out by the usual scenario with two pins for the physical and connector for electronic communications, and the tablet to release just pull the little slider.

The base housing dock ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) is a part of complex shape made ​​of smooth and textured sides in the rest of the plastic. To design did not slide on the table, glued to the bottom of the four rubber feet, but it should tilt the display / tablet is a little further and the distal portion of the dock will be based on a fairly slippery plastic inserts on the hinge. However, even in this situation Android-laptop propensity to roll over is not observed, as the developers have managed to improve the weight distribution of both parts of the transformer (tablet is lighter and heavier than the dock).

Almost the entire back face of the dock is the hinge and the front edge is too sharp, to put on it useful items. On the left side you can find the connector for the charger and a miniature display on the right – the card reader for SD cards and full-port USB 3.0.

Operating panel dock ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) of opaque plastic contains a small island keyboard and wide touchpad without dedicated keys. The keyboard layout is typical for Android-based Transformers, in addition to standard character and number keys, you can find doubles familiar interface buttons Back, Home, Search and Menu buttons as well as brightness, volume, playback control, and run popular applications.

Display

To protect the 10.1-inch matrix tablet ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) uses the “anonymous” tempered glass, which is quite strange for a flagship device. Recall that for the same ASUS Zenbook Infinity (UX301LA) the manufacturer has not regretted Gorilla Glass 3 full-cover display and operating panel. However, if the glass is able to cope with the operational damage, the owner of the tablet will not care how well-known company manufactured it.

Under the protective glass and 10-point capacitive touch layer hides a great 10-inch Super IPS matrix with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels, which corresponds to the density of pixels 300 PPI. The matrix is ​​made by Sharp on the new technology IGZO, which allows you to create screens with ultra-high resolution and low power consumption.

The viewing angles ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) is not less than 178 degrees, so the image does not lose its properties under any reasonable view angle, and color gamut exceeds the space of Adobe RGB, allowing you to display the maximum number of shades of color. Those who are not satisfied with the default settings screen can adjust the color temperature, hue and saturation according to your preferences. Lighting system operates in two modes, Normal allows you to adjust the brightness of 10 to 220 cd/m2, while designed to operate under the bright sun rises Outdoor maximum brightness up to 360 cd/m2.

Functionality

The tablet ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) is based on the latest hardware platform NVIDIA Tegra 4, built on the proven precursor to the scheme “4-plus-1″. For processing-intensive tasks meet four productive core ARM Cortex-A15 with a maximum operating frequency of 1.9 GHz, and during downtime in the case enters the fifth companion core. Responsible for handling the graphics core integrated graphics subsystem 72 NVIDIA GPU. The RAM is 2 GB, and built-in data storage, depending on the modification of the tablet will have a capacity of 32 or 64 GB, plus an external MicroSD-card with a maximum capacity of 128 GB, plus 5 GB of cloud storage for life ASUS.

The tablet is equipped with a module Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n Dual Band with support for Mirocast, module Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR and hardware navigation unit GPS + GLONASS. Primary battery is 31 Wh, the full charge of the tablet which is able to last up to 13 hours of video playback as 720p. Connect the dock with an extra battery on the 16 Wh add another 4 hours of autonomy, that is all you will be able to view the 8.5-hour video.

Currently ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) – this is one of the best equipped and productive tablets, which can be clearly seen on the high results in synthetic benchmarks and quality of graphics in today’s 3D-games. But for playing movies had to use a popular MXPlayer, as a video player system could not cope with some of the codecs and audio tracks.

Interface

The tablet ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) is running Android 4.2 with the company’s software shell.

The revised system notification bar contains a solid amount of additional information and references. At the top is a string mode switches with status display, and you can easily turn off unwanted items and arrange the rest in any order you like. What follows is the usual brightness slider on both sides of it are buttons activate the Outdoor sensor and light sensor. For them there are icons tuning mode wireless networking, voice presets Audio Wizard, activation technology Miracast, and a shift in the system settings menu and clearing notifications. Note that the notification list contains not only the standard information about the events, but also additional features and data, for example, when you connect an external drive, you can quickly learn of its scope, the file list or even turn it off, and the transformation in notebook mode you will be advised of the possibility of typing with a keyboard and prompt residual charge its battery. Very informative and systematic widget that displays not only the charge of each of the two batteries, but also the source of this charge – AC adapter or docking station.

At the bottom of the main window interface ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) is an additional panel which can be taken eight icons of frequently used applications. The characteristic ring in the center of the application window opens, in which with the help of tabs you can switch between widgets and programs, the latter not only can be sorted alphabetically, but also by frequency of use and nature of the installation (pre-installed or downloaded by yourself). Also note that in addition to the three usual Android-keys on the bottom there is another button that activates the panel with a “floating” applications. The proposed default list can be extended and thin out according to your preferences. Such software is interesting because it allows you to get a semblance of multitasking, displaying floating applications and widgets in one window with applications already running classic. Finally, we note that a long press on the Home button launches a convenient panel with a list of favorite applications and system operations.

Operation

During the operation of special claims to the ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) have arisen. Evolutionary improvement over the previous top-end transformer company received a slightly updated design and radically improved hardware stuffing, including IPS-display with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels and a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra platform 4 with 2 GB of RAM. Ease of use The device remained at the same high enough level so that the combined performance is still the best Android-tablet with a keyboard dock. 

The results

As a result, ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T) – is updated to the current technological level of the flagship Android-transformer, which boasts an excellent IPS-screen and quad-core platform Cortex-A15. The model can be recommended to those who are seeking a device with ultra-high resolution display, as well as all the fans tablet with keyboard docking stations.

Liked

+ Fresh hardware platform NVIDIA Tegra 4
+ Great Super IPS (IGZO) display with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 pixels
+ Updated design, improved weight distribution
+ Keyboard dock with extra battery and a USB 3.0 connector

Do not like it

- Dock of plastic, not metal
- The only speaker

Review of the tablet ASUS Transformer Pad (TF701T)

Wikipedia Zero - access to Wikipedia via SMS

Over the past few years, the online encyclopedia Wikipedia has become an indispensable part of life for most users. Smartphone owners even got apps and extensions to allow access to a vast storehouse of information without having to connect to the web. However, not everyone has a smartphone and access to the Internet.

In an attempt to increase the number of people who use Wikipedia, a non-profit organization Wikimedia Foundation officially presented the technology Wikipedia Zero. The developed technology allows the organization of owners of mobile phones to access the Internet encyclopedia by ordinary text messages.

The report Wikimedia Foundation states that recently launched a three-month pilot program with the support of the telecommunications company Airtel and non-profit foundation Praekelt Foundation of South Africa, will provide access to Wikipedia for more than 70 million people in Africa.

Works based on the basis of SMS-messages Wikipedia Zero technology is simple enough. Sending a request from a mobile phone * 515 # to answer the user receives a message in which he offered to do a search query and send it via regular SMS-message. On the basis of the user’s search query will be offered a summary of the specific record or theme. To get more information, you need only to click on your cell phone the key “1″.

Wikipedia Zero - access to Wikipedia via SMS