Samsung teases Galaxy Note II event for October 24

If you’re ready for the “next big thing” from Samsung, you’ve already got it – that’s what they said when the Galaxy S III was released – but now it’s coming again. It’s about to arrive in the form of the Galaxy Note II, announced quite recently formally for the USA on all the big carriers for release in early November, now there’s an event that’ll likely give us the final release information in tune with some hands-on time as well. This device is the next step after the Galaxy Note – the original handset model – and comes with a larger screen and a collection of new technology enhancements as well.

One of the most important changes to the Samsung Galaxy Note II here between it and its predecessor is the design language it uses. Unlike the first Galaxy Note, this device is made smooth and closer to the nature theme the company chose for the Galaxy S III. Just like the original Galaxy Note, this Note is made to be part of the generation it exists in – with the first looking rather similar to the original Galaxy S II.
This device works with a new and improved S-Pen with a few extra technological enhancements between it and the device’s display. You can still store the S-Pen inside the device, and you’ve got bits like an alert when you’ve stepped away from the pen with the device disconnected – helpful stuff! This device also works with a massive 5.5-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution – that’s 267 PPI, and you’ve got Corning Gorilla Glass 2 up front as well for top-notch protection.

Inside you’ve got 16, 32, or 64 GB storage and this device’s microSD card slot supports up to 64GB of space as well. This device works with a quad-core Samsung Exynos 4412 processor and its microUSB port also works with MHL for HDMI output. Have a peek at our hands-on looks – there’s more than one – with the Galaxy Note II in the timeline below – and join us on October 24th for the big event!

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Georgia vs Spain: Date, Live Stream, TV Info & More for 2014 World Cup Qualifier

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Spain will begin its quest to become the third nation to repeat as World Cup champions when it begins its qualification for the 2014 tournament against Georgia on Tuesday.
One positive for Spain is that most of the players who will take part in these qualifying matches will likely be included in the squad that is selected for the 2014 World Cup. This isn't an old Spanish squad, and they continue to prove that they are hungry for more trophies.
This will be a tough match for Georgia, a nation that has never participated in a World Cup tournament. If it were to earn just a draw, it would be one of the most shocking results in years.
Let's look at all you need to know about this exciting World Cup qualifying match featuring the defending World Cup champions.

When: Tuesday, September 11 at 1:30 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN Deportes
Live Stream: ESPN3.com
Where: Boris Paichadze Stadium, Georgia

Most Important Player to Watch: Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique is a great defender, but he has been inconsistent for Barcelona over the last year.

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Pique's defensive awareness is quite impressive, and rarely is he caught out of position. His chemistry with centre-back partner Sergio Ramos continues to improve, and they will likely start the match against Georgia together.
For Spain to defend well throughout the qualifying process, the 25-year-old needs to play at a high level in the center of the defense.
He will be one player looking to redeem himself on the international stage, and gain some confidence that he take can take with him to Barcelona.

Key Matchup: Battle for Possession
Spain is certainly going to control the ball for most of this match, and for Georgia to have any chance of finding the back of the net, it needs to work harder without the ball than when it has it.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Spain makes having 70 percent possession look easy against strong sides, so Georgia will be in a really difficult fight to have the ball for even 20 percent of the match.
Since Georgia will not be able to control the ball very much in the attacking third, taking advantage of opportunities on the counter attack will be quite important.

What They're Saying
Spanish striker Fernando Torres is expected to reach another milestone in his phenomenal international career this week.
His manager recently spoke about the accomplishment, telling the Associated Press (via Fox Sports)

''For Torres, it's a proud moment to reach 100. Many players from this generation could reach the number,'' said coach Vicente del Bosque, who said of Villa and the possibility of giving him his first international playing time since November: ''Calling him in to the squad is a reflection of the confidence we have in him.''

Prediction
Expect Spain to use a number of its bench players who rarely see the pitch because del Bosque will not want to tire his veterans against an inferior side such as Georgia. Players such as Torres will also be determined to play well, and prove they deserve a prominent role in the squad.
Spain will win this match with ease, and take another step toward qualifying for the next World Cup.
Spain wins 5-0

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Xperia™ J - Big screen entertainment in a stylish smartphone

Sony Xperia J previewed, official unveiling to come soon

After months of rumors, leaks and speculations that many times seemed to contradict one another, Sony’s upcoming line-up of phones is now (almost) set in stone. You will all have your pick in Sony’s future gadget portfolio, with the Xperia T, Xperia TX and “Tsubasa” targeting high-end technology enthusiasts, and the Xperia SL and Xperia J being oriented more towards the mid-range market niche.
The last of that bunch, the Xperia J (formerly known as the ST26i), has now been thoroughly previewed by Russian website Mobile-Review.com. Aside from some precious info about the phone’s look, feel and screen, this preview also brings to the spotlight a few decent pics of the Xperia J. Though they aren’t the first ever photos, these show off the device’s curves in all their beauty, from the front, back and both sides.
I know that many of you would have loved to see more of the Xperia J‘s red model, but unfortunately Mobile-Review only got some one-on-one time with the black-and-white version of the phone. This is reported as a “well built” unit with a “pleasant design,” although the overall look is far from original or innovative.

The back side is rather clean for a Sony mid-ranger, while the front is elegant, classic and classy. The curves are not too exaggerated to make the J look tacky, but they are there to make the phone more than just a rectangular slab. Finally, the horizontal bezel looks a bit on the thick side, even though we have definitely seen worse.
Mobile-Review analyzed the Xperia J’s display in a few words too, but unfortunately doesn’t have much to praise on that front. The 4-inch FWVGA LCD screen is reported to come with pretty narrow viewing angles and isn’t very bright.
The color reproduction is described as “poor” and there’s also much glare. That might all sound like a pretty terrible scenario, but we have to keep in mind that we don’t know exactly when the Russian tech bloggers got a hold of the phone. If it was a couple of months back, it’s very possible that Sony had enough time to work on that panel and make it considerably better.

The Russian preview mentions nothing about the J’s performance and hardware, which makes us that more convinced that the phone previewed was a very early pre-production unit. The battery life is reported as “decent,” though that isn’t exactly trustworthy, while the 5 MP rear-facing camera is “far from perfect.”
As a quick reminder, the Xperia J is expected to feature a 1 GHz single-core Qualcomm MSM7627A processor, 512 MB of RAM, the running of Android 4.0 ICS out of the box, a 1,700 mAh battery, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G connectivity. Rumored to cost around €150-160 ($185-200) in Europe, the J will most likely be unveiled in Berlin on August 29 right before the IFA 2012 kick-off.
Anyone looking forward for Sony’s Xperia J? Do you hope to see it released in the US aside from Asia and Europe?

 

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Xperia™ T - The ultimate HD experience / XperiaWorld

Sony announces Xperia ion smartphone for Middle East

Features HD 12 Megapixel camera and Bravia engine.

Press Release: Sony Mobile Communications, today announced the Middle East availability of its recently launched Xperia ion smartphone – Sony’s latest offering from the Xperia range. Unveiled during an exclusive media gathering hosted at Levantine, Atlantis Hotel, the Palm Jumeirah by Sony Mobile Middle East and Africa, the announcement sees the region become amongst the first to receive the exciting new Xperia ion.
The event included a demonstration of the feature-rich smartphone, highlighting the phone’s key features. A 12MP HD camera allowing users to watch, communicate and share in razor sharp clarity on a 4.6” Reality Display – Sony’s largest for a smartphone. Designed for sophisticated smartphone users looking for the ultimate user experience, the Xperia ion offers powerful processing capability, fast internet speed, and innovative design, with the ultimate HD experience.

Speaking at the media gathering Rüdiger Odenbach, Vice President, Sony Mobile Communications, Middle East and Africa, said: “The Xperia ion, like its predecessor the Xperia S offers the most impressive display of any smartphone on the market, thanks to Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA® Engine technology. This is also our largest display on a smartphone, further enhancing the user experience. Add to this Sony’s xLOUD technology and Exmor R BRAVIA® Engine for mobile, and the Xperia ion delivers our most powerful package yet.”
Xperia ion delivers a stunning viewing experience with powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor for faster performance and 12MP HD camera with Fast Capture letting users take pictures in just above one second from standby mode. The smartphone also integrates easy HDMI connectivity for one touch sharing with DLNA, and is near field communication (NFC) enabled, allowing users to content with each other and enjoy an increasing number of NFC applications and services as well as Xperia SmartTags. Accessories are also available for Xperia ion including the SmartDock for Xperia ion which transforms your phone into a multimedia hub.
Odenbach added: “Xperia ion users will also be able to take advantage of our ‘connected entertainment experience’, offering seamless connectivity between all devices whether smartphone, TV, laptop or tablet and PlayStation – ideal for consumers looking to share and enjoy content.”
Available officially in the Middle East from September 2012 for AED 2299, Xperia ion will run on Android platform 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). We’ve got our hands on the Xperia ion already, so look for our exclusive review soon.

 

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Sony Xperia V hands-on (video)

The slightly shier Xperia V was mentioned ever-so-briefly in Sony's IFA presser -- but that's not to say there's nothing to see. We've just got our hands-on with the firm's newest LTE handset, and it's a lightweight 127 grams, comes with a 4.3-inch, 1,280 x 720 display and boasts iPx5/7 water resistance. It's also packing Sony's new ClearAudio+ technology. It's got that familiar Xperia curve, which we like, plus a rough silver finish around the edge. Check out our hands-on video after the break, with more impressions coming soon.

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