It's Note Time: Samsung Galaxy Note

AT&T announced that the Samsung Galaxy Note will be available in the US for $300 on February 19 with pre-orders set to arrive on February 17. The Galaxy Note is perhaps the most talked about smartphone at CES this year. Samsung has blended the best qualities of a smartphone with the functionality and screen real estate of a tablet. Some are saying that it may usher in a new phone/tablet mobile device category simply called "phablet".

The Galaxy Note touts Android 2.3.6 with a dual core 1.5 Ghz processor, a stunning true HD 5.3 inch Super AMOLED screen (1280 x 800 resolution) and AT&T 4G LTE connectivity. It features a stylus like instrument that Samsung calls the S Pen that is designed to measure 256 levels of pressure sensitivity that delivers an experience differing from any other mobile device to date. Users will be able to write, sketch, scribble and jot notes down in free form handwriting throughout many different on-screen functions. Most impressive is the Galaxy Note has the ability to decipher handwriting and convert it to standard text. Oh, and did I mention that it also makes phone calls!

What do you think about the Galaxy Note? Is it a smaller sized tablet or a really big phone? The specs are undeniably impressive for a smartphone, but do you think that it merits creating another category of mobile technology? Please share you thoughts and comments below.



 

CES Buzz

We are 1 day away from the start of the largest consumer electronics event of the year, CES International in Vegas. Already there are a few gadgets and manufacturers that are creating quite a buzz even before the official start of the trade show. CES is the one time of year when everyone brings their best and this years trade show is sure to deliver some firsts.

Toshiba is showing off the worlds thinnest tablet dubbed as the REGZA and a groundbreaking glasses-free 3D Smart TV. The Toshiba REGZA is 7.7mm thin (substantialy thinner than the iPad 2) and sports a 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front facing camera, a Texas Instrument OMAP dual-core chip, impressive.

Lenovo is releasing a 55 inch LED TV powered by Android 4.0 ice Cream Sandwich. The set features perks like a dual-core processor, facial recognition security, voice commands and a 5megapixel webcam and 8 GB of storage. This Google TV will initially launch only be available in China with other contries to follow later in the year.

Verizon and OnStar are revealing a future ready, fully connected 4G LTE Chevy VOLT. The vehicle features multiple connections for gaming and media devices and OnStar RemoteLink mobile control through smartphones. This vehicle also sports home and smart grid connectivity, with the ability to manage home energy and real-time vehicle diagnostics.

This is only a small peek at what will be discovered over CES week which excites me even more about what the tech elite have in store. What are you looking forward to most about CES. Do you have a favorite gadget category of do you just like to take it all in? Please share in the comments below.

Via CES and CNET