Asus announces Transformer AiO, All-in-One PC-tablet hybrid with Windows 8 and Android

It's a tablet. It's a desktop. No wait...it's the Asus Transformer All-in One. Asus is claiming that it's the " world's first AiO PC with a detachable tablet". The best part is that the machine can function on both Windows 8 and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating systems.

The ergonomics of the machine is such that it allows users to merge desktop computing with wireless mobility. In desktop mode, the Transformer AiO runs on Windows 8 sporting an 18.4-inch full-HD IPS touch screen with a 1920x1080-pixel revolution.  The machine is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors with NVIDIA GT 730M graphics.

Once the screen is detached, users will be equipped with an 18.4-inch Android 4.1 tablet with an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor powering the standalone device. The tablet will also have the Windows 8 OS for users to choose as per their liking. This happens at the touch of a small blue OS switch on the right that performs an instantaneous transition between the operating systems.

Considering the huge size of the screen when used as a tablet, Asus has added a convenience element in the form of an integral handle that makes it easy to carry the tablet while on-the-move. There's also a built-in stand keeps the display at the perfect angle for tabletop use. The screen has wide viewing angles and the ASUS SonicMaster audio technology assures users of an immersive listening experience.

It seems like Asus believes in convertibles when it comes to tablets, ultrabooks and smartphones. TheTransformer Prime (Review I Pictures) and the Asus Padfone/Padfone 2 are examples of some devices that not just offer convenience but increased functionality as well. With the Transformer AiO, Asus has fulfilled the Android community's urge for an Android desktop, but at the same time keeping in tact the functionality of the mobile OS as well.

Asus claims the Transformer AiO will retail for $1,299 with a Core i3 chip starting Q1 2013 The company is also planning to release the machine in Core i5 and Core i7 variants. Other details such as RAM, storage and battery life remain unknown at this point.

Samsung reportedly ready to launch two Galaxy S II Plus variants in Jan 2013

2012 witnessed the launch of plenty of interesting Near Field Communication (NFC) smartphones and looks like 2013 is going to be no different in this regards. About fortnight ago we had reported that Samsung is working on Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos and Galaxy S II Plus.
According to Unwired, Samsung is expected to launch two variants of Samsung Galaxy S II Plus - GT-i9105, and GT-i9105P. The only difference between these two Samsung devices will be that GT-i9105P will support NFC while GT-i9105 will not.
Samsung has launched Samsung Galaxy S Plus in August 2011 as an upgrade to Samsung Galaxy S. However, this time around Samsung Galaxy S Plus II does not seem to be much of an upgrade. Reason being Samsung Galaxy S Plus II is speculated to have the same 4.3-inch screen with 480X800 pixel resolution like Samsung Galaxy S. Moreover, instead of 1.2GHz processor, Samsung Galaxy S Plus II is expected to have just a 1GHz processor.
On the positive side, Samsung Galaxy S Plus II will most likely be running on Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
It is being speculated that Samsung Galaxy S II Plus will be launched in January 2013 and Sam Mobileclaims that it will be available in two colour options - Chic White and Dark Blue. However, there is no information available in regards to what could be the price of this smartphone
There are also speculations that Samsung will be launching an upgraded version of Samsung Galaxy Pocket, which will be dubbed Samsung Galaxy Pocket Plus S5301.

Samsung Galaxy S III mini shipping with Android 4.1.2 for Asia users

Apart from getting three new colours, Samsung Galaxy S III mini users in Asia can rejoice the new year with some more good news.

Prominent Samsung blog SamMobile is reporting that the Korean giant is now shipping the Galaxy S III mini with the latest version of Android Jelly Bean, v4.1.2 in Vietnam and Indonesia. Other Asian regions should soon be getting the good news as well. Initially when launched, the Galaxy S III mini devices came out with Android 4.1.1.

Whether or not the latest Jelly Bean version on the Galaxy S III mini includes all features from the company's Premium Suite, is something users will have to find out on their own.

For those unaware, the Galaxy S III mini was launched in October this year and is a miniature version of the company's current flagship smartphone the Samsung Galaxy S III. It features a 4-inch screen and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The smartphone inherits Galaxy S III's features like S Voice, Smart Stay, Direct Call and S Beam.

The compact S III version is powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor and features a 5-megapixel camera. It has a 1500 mAh battery and 8/16GB internal storage options.

Just recently, the Galaxy Note web page hinted Premium Suite features for original Note users as part of the Android Jelly Bean 4.1 update. But it did not provide a timeline for the said update.

Premium Suite features include:

• Multi Window that lets you view and perform multiple tasks on the same screen
• Popup Note that helps you jot down information while on a call
• Popup Video and Popup Browser that allow you to catch a video or surf the Web while performing other tasks on the device
• Photo Note and Photo Frame features that enable users to write notes on the front or back of their photos
• Easy Clip that lets you crop text or images from any screen to save it or share it
• S Planner, which allows you to send handwritten notes to yourself
• Paper Artist that lets you add various picture editing effects
• Enhanced S Note feature, which lets you create notebooks with images, videos, templates and other effects