Microsoft quietly released Surface Hub 2: 50-inch tablet

On May 15th, just after the Smartisan had just released the TNT workstation, Microsoft quietly released the Microsoft Surface Hub 2 tablet. This device is equipped with a 50.5-inch 4K+ resolution display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Microsoft claims to redefine and change boring conference scenes.

Surface Hub 2 android tablet is a special device for team work scenarios. The front of the Surface Hub 2 is a 50.5-inch 4K display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a very narrow bezel, allowing up to 4 Surface Hub 2s to be stitched in portrait or landscape orientation.

Side of the tablet equipped with a 4K camera, microphone, speaker and other sensors, can help users achieve remote conference and other functions, including 4K camera because it is connected through the USB Type-C interface, in a plurality of Surface Hub 2 mosaic, you can manually adjust the camera quantity.

Based on Windows 10

Surface Hub 2 is built on Windows 10 and will use Windows Hello to make it easy for users to log in and get started. In addition, Microsoft has also optimized productivity applications such as Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Whiteboard, and Office 365.

However, according to Microsoft, they are developing a dynamic collaboration solution for Surface Hub 2, which allows multiple people to use Surface Hub 2 at the same time. They can place their ideas and documents in one workspace at the same time.

Currently Microsoft has sold the Surface Hub to more than 5,000 customers in 25 markets. More than half of Fortune 100 companies have purchased Surface Hub devices. As an accessory, Microsoft also introduced a dedicated desktop/wall mount for the Surface Hub 2. Surface Hub 2 is expected to be officially launched in 2019. The official pricing information has not been disclosed yet. It is mainly for enterprise customers. How much do you guess will this futuristic big screen tablet be sold?

Microsoft suddenly released a 50-inch tablet Surface Hub 2

Maybe it is "mind-connected." Shortly after Luo Yonghao released TNT Workstation + Smartisan OS 6.0, a work-oriented office solution, Microsoft released Surface Hub 2, a large 50-inch tablet PC, in the United States. Microsoft did not disclose the price of Surface Hub 2. It is expected to be officially launched in 2019 (the price of the first generation Surface Hub was 9,000 US dollars).

The Surface Hub 2 uses a 50.5-inch 4K display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 16:9 aspect ratio, which is 55-77 pounds less in weight than the previous generation and is also thinner than the first generation. Extremely narrow frame and support up to 4 Surface Hub 2 stitched together to create an 84-inch 4K oversized office "whiteboard".

Due to the reduced weight and size, the Surface Hub 2 can be placed on a rack that can be rolled and carried easily or mounted on a wall. Microsoft said that it is working with Steelcase to produce related supporting brackets. Surface Hub 2's specially designed hinges enable it to rotate from 0 to 90 degrees while dynamically adjusting the orientation of the content on the screen.

Based on Windows 10

Surface Hub 2 android tablet is based on an enterprise software suite called "Microsoft 365," which includes corporate office software such as Windows 10, Office 365, Enterprise Mobility Security, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Whiteboard. Of course, "cooperative work" is indispensable, allowing multiple people to use Surface Hub 2 at the same time.

Microsoft said that they are developing a scenario display model called "dynamic collaboration" so that people can use built-in fingerprinting to log in to Surface Hub 2, and pull their work into the cloud already stored in the cloud. In a single "collaboration" document, and place their ideas and documents in a workspace at the same time. After logging in, they can also access colleagues’ history and data.

According to Microsoft, Surface Hub is currently sold to more than 5,000 customers in 25 markets worldwide. More than half of Fortune 100 companies have purchased Surface Hub devices. Google also launched Jamboard, a 4K ultra-large display screen that costs up to $5,000. Cisco also introduced the Spark Board, which sells for $4,990. It also features Cisco's free Spark Flex corporate office suite.

The latest GPD XD Plus review

On April 21st, the current Android XD Plus handheld game console was released in Hong Kong. Hong Kong media Unwire brought us the evaluation of using this gamepad to play the “PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds”. Unwire said that the GPD XD Plus has Nintendo 3DS XL feeling in the visual sense.

In terms of configuration, GPD XD Plus uses a six-core MTK MT8176 processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The system uses the Android 7.0 operating system, even if playing old games through the simulator software has no problem. In addition, the built-in 6000mAh capacity battery, plus MTK MT8176 itself is not high power consumption, the official claimed that the use of time is up to 15 hours, basically, enough for the normal player to play for a whole day.

In terms of the screen, the GPD XD Plus uses a 5-inch IPS screen. The color is natural and the quality is good. With the IPS material, the viewing angle is high, and no discoloration is seen from the side. The only drawback is the relatively low resolution, for only 720p.

In terms of playing games, GPD XD Plus has a custom key function, as long as the relevant key icon is pulled to the game's virtual key position, and then press Save, you can customize the key, then only need to press the physical buttons, you can manipulate the different functions in the game, very convenient. Basically, even the "Dynasty Warriors" and even "Garena" can be perfectly adapted.

When aiming with a high magnification telescope (for example, 8x), using the joystick to move the viewpoint is easy to use. When playing “PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds”, if you want to drive, it’s more difficult to use physical keys and joysticks. To use the touchscreen, it’s more troublesome... But for “Infantry”, it is not a big problem.

Chuwi Tablet Hi9 Air was officially sold in the United States

April 11 news Chuwi launched Hi 9 Air Android tablet last month and has already opened pre-order in the North American market. Although the tablet PC market has been sluggish in recent years, many OEMs have still not given up on this battle. The Galaxy Tab S3 and iPad Pro have always been the targets of comparison among some start-up manufacturers, and now one of the most promising Chinese manufacturers Chuwi also launched a rival product, Hi9 Air, and has already opened up pre-orders.

Chuwi Hi 9 Air Tablet Booking in the US for Retail Price $240

This Chuwi Hi9 Air tablet is attracting the interests of the customers in North America. MediaTek Helio X20 processor, a resolution of 2560 * 1600 10.1 inches Sharp LCD screen are the highlight of this tablet.

Booking has started

At present, this book has already begun to accept reservations, according to the scheduled time, the most expensive this will be 240 US dollars. The price of 1,500 yuan to buy a 64G storage capacity and 8000mAh battery capacity of the tablet, this price is very reasonable.

Chuwi 9-bit Hi 9 Air uses a resolution of 2560*1600 10.1-inch Sharp LCD screen, the processor uses MediaTek Helio X20 10-core processor, GPU is Mali-T880, 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage, battery capacity up to 8000mAh, also supports 4G communications. As to the system, it is equipped with Android 8.0. The camera has 5 megapixels front lens and 13 megapixels rear lens.

In all respects, this is a product that will be satisfactory. At the same time, according to the online evaluation, its user experience is also very satisfactory, and the cost performance is also very high. In terms of selling price, e-commerce Bannggood is priced at US$233.99, and there will be more price discounts for participating in pre-sales. Except for Hi9 Air, another new product, the Chuwi Hi10 Plus is also going to release too, which is quite anticipated.

Samsung applies folding tablet patent to challenge Apple iPad

April 18 news, according to Forbes magazine reports, South Korean technology giant Samsung has been testing the concept of collapsible display, and now has applied for a patent for a multi-foldable tablet.

According to foreign media reports, South Korea's Samsung Electronics has recently applied for a patent for a collapsible tablet computer it has developed. The patent shows that the android tablet has three screens, one of which is the main screen and the other two are foldable screens. And, the tablet PC screen can perform two completely different folding ways, and different folding methods have corresponding different functions. For example, folding the screen outwards can make the keyboard, and the screen at the top of the home screen can serve as a notification board. The user can also fold all two screens as the cover of the home screen. In addition, there are reports that the tablet also has telephone capabilities. Because the tablet has a folding function, it can effectively overcome the uncomfortable feeling caused by the excessive length and weight of the tablet when making a call.

Patently Mobile, a website that pays special attention to patent applications, believes that this patent shows that Samsung will continue to try different types of screens on mobile devices. The patent shows that multiple different folds provide different functions. For example, the lower flap can act as a large keyboard after folding and the upper flap can serve as a notification bar on the main screen. Or two extra screens fold up to create a smart cover for the home screen.

Interestingly, the patent also briefly mentions the ability to use a tablet to talk in the third way. It is not unheard of to use cell phones in tablets, but this is very rare. To a large extent, this is because huge tablets are too bulky to coordinate with our faces. But this is precisely why foldable technology is so important: mobile phones can become tablets, and tablets can also become mobile phones. And, as Samsung demonstrated in this patent, flexible devices do not have to be folded once. Multiple parts of this device can be flexibly moved to form entirely new form factors.

Samsung is taking this opportunity to challenge Apple’s dominance in the tablet PC market and revive this shrinking market. However, this is of course only a patent, so there is no guarantee that it will become a commodity into the market. For companies, applying for a patent is commonplace, but it does not necessarily turn a patent into a commodity. However, taking into account Samsung's public statement on the development of flexible OLED technology and its launch in 2013 of a very similar tablet, if the tablet is not on the market, it may surprise many people.

Apple will launch a cheap iPad to capture the education market

Apple has formally sent an invitation to the media and will hold a new product conference at the Lane Technical College Prep High School in Chicago, USA, on March 27. This is since 2012, Apple once again held a product launch conference for education. Apple will announce a cheap version of iPad at this conference and publish a series of new educational software.

Apple founder Steve Jobs has used take the education market as one of its target markets. But in recent years, Apple has developed more products for the mass market and more profitable products. Google and Microsoft have taken advantage of cheap notebooks and tablets to occupy the education market. Data from research firm Futuresource Consulting shows that in the United States, from kindergarten to high school, Apple accounts for only 17% of mobile computing device shipments, while Google Chromebook and android tablet account for 60% of the market, and Windows PCs account for 22%. Although the total sales of Mac and iPad account for less than 20% of Apple's hardware, students and teachers are the key markets for future purchasing power. This press conference indicates that Apple will re-emerge the education market.

Although the demand for the tablet PC market is still weak, Apple hopes to attract more young people through cheap iPads. In recent years, Apple has released many versions of the iPad and revised its own tablet strategy. According to Apple's financial report, its iPad business has resumed growth after experiencing multiple recessions. IDC data shows that in 2017, the tablet market shrank by about 7%, but Apple iPad shipments grew by 3%, accounting for one-tenth of the market share.

In addition to the cheap iPad, Apple is also developing a cheap version of the MacBook, the price may be less than 1,000 US dollars, positioning similar to the MacBook Air. MacBook Air hasn't changed much since 2010. The outside world once thought that Apple gave up this product line. For the education market, cheap laptops may be more attractive than iPads, and Apple is likely to update its low-cost Macbook.

In terms of software, Apple currently offers a series of educational-related software. For example, the Classroom application can help teachers directly manage and assign tasks to students' Apple devices. There is the iTunes U application where teachers can publish homework and distance courses directly online. Students can use them to complete assignments and take exams.

A revolution: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845

After several generations of development, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Series has become the highest level of integration and technology representation with the strongest performance, the most diversified derivatives SoC products from the Android camp. Each generation of Snapdragon 800 will lead to the looting of downstream mobile phone manufacturers. Well, what kind of revolutions does the Snapdragon 845 triggered? Below, we will count it together.

Streaming Media in the Internet of Everything

In 5G high-bandwidth and high-speed network environment, GB-class streaming media provides excellent conditions, VR live broadcast will be possible. End users just need to come up with portable all-in-one VR to enjoy a completely immersive experience in any environment. The first Snapdragon platform for VR devices is the Snapdragon 820, and the third-generation Snapdragon 845 with VR now has room scale 6DoF, 120fps playback at 2K*2K resolution, became the first mobile-grade VR solution that allows users to move freely in virtual space.

Not only that, Qualcomm also formally announced in 2017 to carry out in-depth cooperation with VR industry giant HTC. The first achievement of this cooperation is the HTC VR machine Vive Focus equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC's flagship. Qualcomm was also able to grab the leading VR industry resources ahead of the 5G era.

PC in the Internet of Everything

Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series SoC performance is strong enough, has been able to bring Windows 10 platform; Qualcomm has also been publicly tested, the Snapdragon PC operation is very smooth, Snapdragon SoC can offer "4G LTE connectivity "and" over 20 hours of battery life”.

This Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 built-in second-generation LTE Advanced-Pro Gigabit Modem Snapdragon X20, supports up to 1.2Gbps downlink rate (Cat.18), 150Mbps uplink rate (Cat.13), three carrier 4*4 MIMO , Licensed band + unlicensed band carrier aggregation (can reduce spectrum occupancy to achieve higher rates), dual-card dual VoLTE and full network connectivity. This is the top 4G LTE Modem that is commercially available right now, and if used on an android tablet pc, will allow laptops to enjoy consistent full-time connectivity like the mobile phones.

Cellphone in the Internet of Everything

In the era of transition from 4G to 5G, the most powerful mobile phone hardware solution is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. Snapdragon 845 equipped with four A75 nuclear + four A55 core Kryo 385 architecture CPU, the highest frequency is up to 2.8GHz.

Look at the camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 integrated dual 14-bit Qualcomm Spectra 280 ISP allows the phone to shoot 60 frames of 4K video, and HDR10 video. And for the new concept of mobile phones nowadays - AI (Artificial Intelligence), Snapdragon 845 carrying Hexagon 685 DSP supports Qualcomm's All-Ways Aware technology.