Todays & Tomorrows Technology

Toshiba’s TG01 Windows Mobile smartphone is almost ready to launch in Germany, and a few more details regarding the slimline handset are emerging. Not only have O2 and Toshiba partnered with Nimbuzz to put their cross-platform social networking app on the TG01, but USB Host support has been confirmed.

The latter means that, with an accessory cable, users will be able to plug peripherals like a keyboard and/or mouse into their TG01, converting it into a netbook-style laptop. Since the TG01 has a vast (for a smartphone) 4.1-inch 800 x 480 display and 1GHz NVIDIA Snapdragon chipset, that’s not such a laughable prospect for mobile workers.

As for Nimbuzz, that brings both IM and social networking sites together onto the smartphone, with a homescreen icon for easy access. It’s probably not as slick – or integrated – as HTC have managed with their latest UI developments (TouchFLO 3D Manila 2.5 and HTC Sense), but Windows Mobile needs all the help it can get.

Toshiba announced updates to their Portable Hard Drive line today that now offers the devices greater security and backup functions, improving ease of use and adding features for both beginners and those seeking greater customization.
These drives now have NTI BackupNow EZ software, which makes it easy to automatically backup your computer and restore it if need be. It also makes suggestions regarding the security of particular folders and files.

These drives are password-protected and also sport a Drive Space Alert that keeps you informed of your current storage capacity. The Portable Hard Drives are available in 320GB and 500GB sizes in red, green, white and blue color options for $119.99 and $149.99, respectively.

The surprise is perhaps diminished thanks to their joining the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) back in December 2008, but according to Taiwanese industry sources Toshiba are currently developing an Android-based cellphone. No details regarding the smartphone have been disclosed, and Toshiba themselves are yet to publicly announce any Android intentions.

One possibility, however, is that Toshiba are considering a Qualcomm Snapdragon based Android device. The company’s TG01 Windows Mobile smartphone already uses the Snapdragon chipset, and Qualcomm themselves demonstrated Android running on a reference prototype back at CES in January. Such a handset could have significantly improved AV capabilities, with various Snapdragon processors supporting anything from integrated WWAN and GPS to high-definition support, mobile digital TV, HSPA+ and WiFi.

Back when Toshiba joined the OHA - at the same time as Garmin, ASUS and Sony Ericsson – no specific intent for any one member was given. Instead, they were tipped to either “deploy compatible Android devices, contribute significant code to the Android Open Source Project, or support the ecosystem through products and services that will accelerate the availability of Android-based devices.”

We’ve known Toshiba’s mini NB205 netbook was headed to the US since the beginning of the month, and the first units seem to be arriving. LaptopMag’s well-work test bench is one of the earliest recipients, and while the N280-based NB205 may be behind the curve when it comes to reaching the market, according to reviewer Joanna Stern it “rises above the competition”.
Singled out for particular praise are the “beautiful” design, “spacious keyboard” and “exemplary” battery life, which manages to reach an admirable 8.5hrs. There are also neat features such as the USB charging port which continues to supply power to peripherals even when the netbook is switched off.

Minor points of annoyance are the chunky screen bezel and the prolonged boot time. The 1.66GHz N280 Atom is never going to be a speed demon, but it puts in a decent performance overall. Considering the price – $399 for 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard-drive, plus WiFi b/g – anybody desperate for a current-N-Series netbook should look at the NB205; those with room to wait, though, might want to see the first Atom N450 machines launching in Q4 2009.

Toshiba began shipping their Regza HDTVs today, which were initially shown off at CES earlier this year. However, another series was added to the line up today, called the XV648, which is certainly worth learning about.

First up is the SV670, which features an LED backlight, a 240Hz panel, 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 14-bit color processing and more. It is available in a 46-inch and a 55-inch version that cost respectively, $2,300 and $3,000.

Next is the ZV650, which features a CCFL backlight rather than LED and has a 240Hz panel and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. It’s available in sizes ranging from 42-inches to 55-inches and costs from $1,300 to $2,400. Last, there’s the XV648, which is new to the Regzas series, and features a CCFL display, a 120Hz panel and a CrystalCoat display for better contrast. It will be available in August in sizes ranging from 40-inches to 52-inches for $1,100 to $2,000.