Introducing YotaPhone: the mystery dual-screen Android from Russia

YotaPhone, the baffling dual-screen Android phone which first made waves in January, is set to be released before Christmas in Russia, Germany, Austria, France and Spain.
UK customers will have to wait until early next year for the phone which will be available only from the manufacturer’s online shop, while 15 other countries have been confirmed for launch in Q1 2014.
YotaPhone is 4.3?inch device with a 720×1280 HD LCD display on the front and, crucially, a 360×640 e-ink display on the back. The front LCD display works just like any other phone, while the e-paper reader on the back is able to receive notifications and display maps and news while conserving precious battery-life.
Yota Devices CEO Vlad Martynov explained at a launch event in Moscow: “Once we determined that an electronic paper display would work as a second screen, an array of new and improved user experiences became obvious.”
“For example, Yotaphone combines a smartphone and e-reader into one device for those who enjoy reading on the go. You can save images and information on the second screen, and it stays there, even if you lose battery power.”
Yota Devices is a new company and Yotaphone is its first product – as such it comes in at a hefty ¢499 as it struggle to strike deals with manufacturers.
It might be worth sitting this one out and seeing how it pans out for YotaPhone, but if you’re still keen keep your eyes peeled on the company’s website.
Meanwhile, we’d love to know what you make of the device in the comments below.

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Introducing Hudl: a new family tablet from Tesco priced £119

Tesco has launched a new Android tablet that looks set to spark a good old fashion price war – entering the market at a very competitive £119, or if you buy it with clubcard loyalty points, just £60.
The 7?inch Hudl tablet has 16gb of built-in memory, a 1400×900 screen resolution, and instant access to supermarket shopping services as well as Blinkbox music and movies. All these apps and widgets are pre-installed with the device, as well as all the usual Google tools and gadgets.
So, while Tesco isn’t a name that you’re likely to associate with technology, it’s clear that the retailer has done its homework. The Hudl is less than half of the price of the iPad Mini, and considerably cheaper than both Amazon’s Kindle Fire and Google’s new Nexus 7.
Tesco chief executive Phil Clarke commented: “Hudl is a colourful, accessible tablet for the whole family to enjoy. The first stage in our tablet offering – it’s convenient, integrated and easy to use with no compromise on spec. Customers are quite rightly very discerning about the technology they buy so we knew we had to be competitive on all fronts.”
“Being online is an increasingly essential part of family life and whilst tablets are on the rise, usage is still quite limited. We feel the time is right for Tesco to help widen tablet ownership and bring the fun, convenience and excitement of tablets to even more customers across the UK.”
While Hudl might not be able to match its competition in a simple spec by spec comparison, it’s been designed as a family tablet with all the necessary settings and accessories to keep your children safe. Its low price point too, is a significant advantage that makes the device a unique proposition.
So, what are your first impressions of Hudl? Will you be sticking with established technology brands, or are you tempted by this low-cost family tablet from Tesco?

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Introducing the truest Smartwatch of the future

As manufacturers continue to announce their own versions of the smartwatch, some may argue we are yet to see what exactly is so ‘smart’ about them.
After all, they still need to tether from smartwatch to smartphone in order to function. One can only succeed with the other.
Until now that is – as Canadian-based electronics company Neptune have created what looks to be the first truly ‘smart’ watch, a standalone Android wearable that does everything without the need to connect to a smartphone, (although that is still an option).
In terms of spec, the Neptune Pine is packed with a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core Cortex processor and can make phone calls using a quad-band GSM Radio with 3G network support. The watch runs Android 4.1 and features a 2.4”, 320 x 240 resolution screen.
Those that don the watch will notice that Neptune’s Pine is larger on the wrist than some of the other smart-watches on the market, featuring a QWERTY keyboard that would only be possible on a 2.4” screen. The teen team behind Pine are still tweaking the product to reduce the size before officially releasing it into the market.
Having raised eight times it’s original Kickstarter goal, Neptune are expecting around 2,500 units to be shipped throughout North America and Canada by the end of January 2014. The initial price tag for pre-orders on the Pine stands at $215 (£131) for the 16GB model and $262 (£159) for the 32GB.

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