Microsoft’s got a giant ad budget and the company’s spending like crazy to tentpole its flailing new(ish) OS, Windows 8. This new ad harkens back to Apple’s “Mac vs. PC” from the decade prior. But this time the tables are turned (at least in the tablet wars), and it’s Microsoft who’s going up against the huge popularity and user base of Apple’s iPad. With its huge success in the mobile device market, Apple’s become the sterile, establishment option and Windows 8 is the colorful, fun option for the hipsters – at least that’s what Microsoft’s aiming at in ads like these. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, the ad’s a hoot.

While I’m on the subject, can we all just agree that John Hodgeman is awesome, and Justin Long is…. not. I think the roles might be reversed if those ads were filmed today!

Watch the video below for a laugh. Apple fangirls and boys, don’t take it too personally!

[Via: The Verge]

The Archos 80 Xenon tablet will be  available sometime in June, and will be priced at $199.99. If you’re looking for a mid-range tablet at a reasonable price, check out the Archos 80 Xenon tablet.

Press release follows below.

Specially designed for an on-the-go experience, the ARCHOS 80 xenon has 3G built-in to stay connected anywhere at only $199.99

Denver, CO – May 16th, 2013 – ARCHOS, a pioneer in Android™ devices, is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Elements range of tablets, the ARCHOS 80 xenon, a specially designed 8” tablet with built-in 3G and WiFi for an on-the-go experience. This Google™ certified tablet features a powerful Qualcomm Quad-core CPU at 1.2 GHz, Android™, 4.1 Jelly Bean for an improved smooth interface and a sharp and clear IPS multi-touch screen that delivers amazing vivid colors and impressive wide viewing angles. The ARCHOS 80 xenon will be available for $199.99 SRP starting in June, 2013.

“We designed the ARCHOS 80 xenon to meet the growing need and desire for large screen connectivity while on the go,” says Loïc Poirier, CEO of ARCHOS. “Taking advantage of the recent arrival of affordable 3G subscriptions, the ARCHOS 80 xenon provides a full connected tablet experience anywhere, anytime.”

As a Google certified tablet, the ARCHOS 80 xenon has complete access to Google Play™ and its 700,000 applications and games and as a “Un-SIM-locked” device, it can accept SIM cards from any operator even pay-as-you-go SIM cards. Additional features and functions include:

Built-in GPS: The 80 xenon includes an integrated GPS combined with Google Maps™ and Google Maps with Navigation beta, for easy access to maps and directions
Vibrant Screen: The ARCHOS 80 xenon is equipped with an impressive 8‘’ IPS screen that provides amazing image quality, extra wide viewing angles, excellent screen sharpness and vivid colors
ARCHOS Media Center Applications: The ARCHOS 80 xenon includes the best of multimedia with tailor made apps for Video and Music that include metadata scraping, auto-subtitles, wireless media sharing and the best format and codec support around including HD video decoding
Pure Android Experience: Powered by an unskinned version of Android™ 4.1, Jelly Bean, ARCHOS 80 xenon delivers a pure Android™ experience including optimizations for a super-smooth UI experience and Google Now™ voice assistance
Full Suite of Google™ Mobile Apps: The full suite of Google™ mobile apps are available on the ARCHOS 80 xenon; whether it’s to keep in contact via Gmail™, Google Talk™ and Google+™ (with multi-user video calling), planning a trip with Google Maps™ or accessing content on the cloud with Google Drive™.
Other Key Specs:
1024×768 IPS screen
Quad-Core CPU @ 1.2 GHz with 1GB RAM
Expandable MicroSD slot (up to 64GB)
2 Megapixel Back Camera

For more information about the ARCHOS 80 xenon or other ARCHOS products visit www.ARCHOS.com.

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is running the show on the 10.1-inch 1920×1200 IPS display, and there’s also 64GB of internal memory so you can store all of your photos, videos and other content and bring them with you whenever you fancy so.

Similarly to the ASUS Transformer devices, both the screen and keyboard have their own batteries making sure you get extra juice when using the SlateBook x2 in the “laptop mode.”

As for the pricing and availability, HP will start selling its powerful tablet in the U.S. in August, asking $479.99 for the unlocked, SIM-free device.

We’ll try to get a review unit to try out, and get back to you with additional information. In the meantime, you can check out SlateBook x2′s official page at HP’s website.

“The industry got stuck on the term ‘tablets’,” Heins told CNET, before adding a stance for the company. “We want to create something that’s easier to use.” His plan is to make the tablet essentially a paper weight unless it’s paired with a mobile phone — in this case, a BlackBerry — to act as a brain.

That completely contradicts his view from last month, when he essentially claimed that tablets would be dead in the water within five years. “We believe in a single element of mobile computing: one on your hip,” he said. Even that seems to be a contradiction as well, since BlackBerry released the BlackBerry Playbook a couple of years ago… which is a tablet. It was a failure of a tablet though, so perhaps the company was bitter about tablets because they have scarred themselves with a flop.

While it seems Heins has reversed his views from last month today, it doesn’t look like that means BlackBerry will be coming out with another tablet any time soon. The focus has been mainly on mobile phone hardware and the BlackBerry 10 OS. ”The pure hardware play isn’t making a lot of sense today,” Heins remarked, but later added, “We’re interested in the future of tablets, whatever that is.”

Whatever you say, Heins.

[via CNET]

In addition, 74% of tablet owners would love to be able to pick and choose commercials they are shown.

As for generational video viewing habits, Millennials (born 1977-1994) tablet owners spent 23% of their total video-watching time — which is the time spent watching video on any device in a 7-day period — watching video on a tablet. This compares to 16% for GenXers (1965-1976), 11% for Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and 6% for pre-Boomers…

Here are a few features and specifications of the Archos ChefPad:

• Chef Apps - Filters through thousands of apps to provide the best cooking content in a range of categories including recipes, drinks, shopping, cooking TV and more. Whether you are looking for dinner ideas, a good wine match, a balanced meal plan, a smoothie recipe or just for music to listen to while cooking, Chef Apps gets it done.
• Let’s Get Cooking - Designed for the kitchen, the ChefPad features a silicone case that will keep it safe from water or food splashes and is easy to clean. In addition, it includes an adjustable stand for the best viewing angle while cooking.
• Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean - Powered by an unskinned version of Android™ 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’, the ChefPad delivers an optimized and super-smooth Android™ experience.
• Google Certified - Whether among the pre-installed apps or among the thousands of downloadable apps on Google Play, the ChefPad features all the applications that matter: HD video player, email, web browsing, news, games, eBooks, weather forecast and more.
• Powerful Hardware - Equipped with a dual-core CPU @ 1.6 GHz combined with a quad-core GPU & 1GB of RAM, the ChefPad delivers on both function and performance.
• Other Key Specs:
• 9.7” 1024×768 capacitive screen
• 8GB Capacity with expandable MicroSD slot
• 2 Megapixel Front and Back Cameras
• WiFi
• 1080p HD Video Playback
• Mini HDMI

While the CPU and RAM put the ChefPad on the lower end of the tablet arena, the 1080p HD display and other features could make up for that. And given than it’s aimed for aspiring chefs, there’s a good chance that intensive game play will be kept at a minimum.

Either way, at $209.99, the ChefPad could a great gift for the cook you love! Mother’s day was yesterday, but this might be a great belated Mother’s day present! Expect the ChefPad to land sometime in June.

ARCHOS Unveils the ChefPad, a Tablet for the Cooking Enthusiast

A fully Google certified tablet, the ChefPad features a unique Chef Apps Zone, HD 1080p video playback, front and back cameras,

Android 4.1, and a fast dual-core 1.6 GHz CPU

Denver, CO – May 13th, 2013 - ARCHOS, a pioneer in AndroidTM devices, is pleased to announce the ChefPad, a tablet designed for cooking enthusiasts.  This specially designed cooking assistant made for both the kitchen and personal entertainment,  is loaded with features like a powerful dual-core 1.6 GHz processor, quad-core Graphics processor, front and back cameras for sharing your latest culinary creations, 1080p video playback and a direct access to thousands of apps, videos, and music to cook by through Google Play. The 9.7” ChefPad powered by Android 4.1 “Jelly Bean” will be available starting in June for $209.99 MSRP at www.ARCHOS.com.
Exclusive to the ChefPad is the Chef Apps Selection, where aspiring Chefs can discover a selection of the best cooking apps ranging from recipes, cooking tips and cooking TV to cooking assistant apps. This exclusive app program curates the best of all apps from Google Play in any specified category making it easier for the end user to find the right content.

“The ChefPad is the first ARCHOS tablet to use this filtering technology,” says Loïc Poirier, CEO of ARCHOS. “This is just the beginning for ARCHOS tablets using this technology; we will continue to launch new and exciting themed tablets that curate apps in such categories as kids apps, games, educational apps, business/productivity apps and more.”

Key ChefPad Features:

• Chef Apps - Filters through thousands of apps to provide the best cooking content in a range of categories including recipes, drinks, shopping, cooking TV and more. Whether you are looking for dinner ideas, a good wine match, a balanced meal plan, a smoothie recipe or just for music to listen to while cooking, Chef Apps gets it done.
• Let’s Get Cooking - Designed for the kitchen, the ChefPad features a silicone case that will keep it safe from water or food splashes and is easy to clean. In addition, it includes an adjustable stand for the best viewing angle while cooking.
• Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean - Powered by an unskinned version of Android™ 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’, the ChefPad delivers an optimized and super-smooth Android™ experience.
• Google Certified - Whether among the pre-installed apps or among the thousands of downloadable apps on Google Play, the ChefPad features all the applications that matter: HD video player, email, web browsing, news, games, eBooks, weather forecast and more.
• Powerful Hardware - Equipped with a dual-core CPU @ 1.6 GHz combined with a quad-core GPU & 1GB of RAM, the ChefPad delivers on both function and performance.
• Other Key Specs:
  • 9.7” 1024×768 capacitive screen
  • 8GB Capacity with expandable MicroSD slot
  • 2 Megapixel Front and Back Cameras
  • WiFi
  • 1080p HD Video Playback
  • Mini HDMI

Whether one is an aspiring Chef or just learning to cook, the ChefPad provides the ultimate cooking assistant while being a tablet you can use for all your personal entertainment needs.  For more information about the ChefPad and other ARCHOS products visit www.ARCHOS.com.

ABOUT ARCHOS
ARCHOS, a pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in Android Tablets, has repeatedly revolutionized the market for consumer electronics since 1988. Today, ARCHOS offers Android Tablets, Tablet PCs and MP3/MP4 players. In 2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk. Then in 2003 ARCHOS introduced the first portable multimedia players with TV recording. In 2006 Wi-Fi is implemented and then touch screens in 2007. In 2008, ARCHOS launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first ever Android powered tablets in 2009. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on Compartment C of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN CodeFR0000182479. Website: www.archos.com.
Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARCHOS.EntertainmentYourWay
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ARCHOS_US
Android, Google Play, Google Now and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.

Users of the 3G version living in select Asian countries — including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia — are now able to cram Android 4.1.2 onto their devices either over-the-air or using Sammy’s infamous Kies software.

The official changelog hasn’t been released (at least we haven’t caught it) but we know you can expect all of the Jelly Bean goodies, including improved and actionable push notifications, Google Now and Project Butter enhancements. Moreover, we would assume Samsung has also updated some of its own apps, while fixing known bugs here and there.

And in case you wonder, we’ve no idea when Verizon’s Galaxy Tab 7.7 will get its serving of Jelly Beans and can only hope this will be a short wait…

[Via: SamMobile]

If you recall, the Galaxy Tab 3 is a low-to-mid range tablet with specs that include a 7-inch 1024×600 pixels screen, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 3-megapixel rear camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing one, 8 or 16 GB of internal storage, and a memory card slot if that’s not enough for you. In other words, if you want something better – you should go for the Galaxy Note 8.0.

At the time Samsung announced the new tablet, it failed to mention the price. We tend to think this model won’t break anyone’s bank — quite the contrary, it should be offered for some $100 to $200 with a contract. Perhaps even less…

[Via: Engadget]

It is unclear which markets will be the first to get Sammy’s device in this color, but considering that SamMobile’s source is Samsung Benelux, we tend to think users all around Europe will be able to get the Note 8.0 by the end of the summer.

This isn’t the first time we’re hearing about new color options for the Galaxy Note 8.0. In mid-April, we’ve told you that the Korean company may launch its tablet in red and grey. Somehow, we think the Brown Black model is just a beginning and before we know it, more colorful Note 8.0′s will be announced… The question is – which color for a tablet do you prefer?

I’d personally be excited if LG decided to jump back into the tablet game this year. Not because of LG’s previous tablet, but because of LG’s more recent smartphones. The company has produced some of the best smartphones available in the past year, and we believe that this could translate to quite an attractive tablet. We hope so, at least.

With that said, there are quite a few unknown factors, and that’s to say that LG really is prepping a new tablet this year. With no specifications to speak of, we still don’t know what part of the market the tablet will find itself in, nor do we know what operating system it will even run.  While we’d bet that the rumored tablet will run Android, LG could join Acer and offer up a smaller and cheaper Windows 8 tablet.

If the mystery LG tablet ships with Android, it will certainly face some stiff competition. Tablets like the Galaxy Note 8 and Sony Xperia Tablet Z are compelling, attractive and offer up some great services. Still, the tablet market is maturing and we’d hope to see LG put its best foot forward with its upcoming tablet, as it’s done with the Optimus G, Nexus 4, and Optimus G Pro.

The potential of a new LG tablet has us pretty excited. What about you? Sound off in the comments below!

[Via: Ubergizmo]

Usually in hardware that has cellular connectivity, many devices that are compatible with the carrier are also compatible with AT&T due to the similar band requirements. The Xperia Z tablet, however, just includes Band 4 which makes it pretty much exclusive to T-Mobile. Unless Sony makes a separate version with different network bands, once the Xperia Z makes its debut we’ll likely see it on T-Mo. The only task left is to wait for an announcement.

The Xperia Z tablet has a 10.1-inch 1920×1200 resolution BRAVIA display, an 8.1MP rear camera, a 1.5GHz Qualcomm quad-core processor, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 4G LTE for T-Mobile’s new LTE network, and a slim 6.99mm profile. The tablet is waterproof and dust-proof as well for added durability. On paper, it sounds like this could be a pretty good device. Plus, don’t forget since it’s presumably tied with T-Mobile, you’d be paying according to T-Mobile’s revamped contract-free plans.

While the tablet could appeal to Sony fans, it might still be a tough sell in the still-trying Android tablet market. It’s not the last we’ll be hearing about the Xperia Z so stay tuned.

[via TmoNews]