tablets

The 7-inch Hisense Sero 7 Pro is a $149 bargain

Though it may be several months old, Google's Nexus 7 still sets the standard for an excellent and inexpensive 7-inch tablet. So much so that every similar device that has followed it cannot escape its shadow.

The Hisense Sero 7 Pro is no exception. In and of itself, it has a fast quad-core processor and a respectable touch screen. And priced at $149 at Walmart stores, it won't break the bank (and you won't have to, either).

Yet, the Nexus 7 is still the more desirable option given its more compact build, superior performance, and value. True, … Read more

Average at best, Acer Iconia A1-810 runs Android 4.2

If you were thinking the Acer Iconia A1-810 is an iPad Mini replacement for Android fans, you'd be wrong. Sure, on the surface, the A1-810 aims to replicate the iPad Mini's appeal, but in reality, it barks like a budget Android tablet.

The tablets share the same 7.9-inch screen size, 4:3 aspect ratio, and subpar resolution (by today's standards), but that's kind of where the similarities end. The A1-810 is noticeably thicker than the iPad Mini and aesthetically, while it's not homely, it probably won't be winning any design awards.

And while … Read more

Waiting on the next Nexus 7

The second generation of Nexus 7 tablet could arrive before the end of July, according to one Google+ user who chatted with an Asus support rep.

The LiveChat, which Android Authority first posted yesterday, was between an Asus representative and Google+ user Tim P. In the chat, the rep tells Tim that the rumored Asus K009 would be offered to the public, "before the ending of July." [sic]

Taking things a step further, the agent went rogue and spilled a laundry list of hardware details. Reportedly, the Nexus 7 will run Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and will … Read more

Get two free months of Next Issue unlimited digital magazines

Slowly but surely, Next Issue is getting better.

The service slings unlimited digital magazines to your tablet (or Windows 8-powered PC) for a flat monthly rate, and its catalog is closing in on 100 titles (quite a jump from the 40 or so it offered when it first launched about a year ago).

Haven't tried it yet? Now's your chance to double the usual test-drive deal: StackSocial is offering a two-month Next Issue Premium subscription for free. Normally that would run you $30.

Let me get one big caveat out of the way right now: This offer is … Read more

Could Google be next with a game console?

CNET Update hearts it:

In this episode of Update:

- Preorder a GamePop by Sunday to get it for free, or else get the GamePop Mini free with a subscription.

- Prepare for a Nexus Q comeback if Google relaunches it as an Android-gaming console.

- Leave your evening plans in the hands of Max, the new Netflix suggestion feature.

- Catch a glimpse of Android 4.3 leaked screenshots.

- Ditch the extra cable box this summer with Time Warner Cable's live TV app on Xbox.

- Bid farewell to the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, which isn't getting an upgrade … Read more

Nvidia delays Shield to July, due to 11th-hour dilemma

Just when you thought it was out, they pull it back in. Nvidia has delayed its Shield portable gaming console just one day before its original June 27, 2013 (that's tomorrow for you skimmers out there) shipping date to an as-yet undetermined date in July.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the company cites a "mechanical issue" as the culprit:

During our final QA process, we discovered a mechanical issue that relates to a third-party component. We want every Shield to be perfect, so we have elected to shift the launch date to July. We'll update … Read more

Does it still make sense to buy a Nook HD?

I suppose the writing was on the tablet. Back in May, ostensibly in honor of Mother's Day, Barnes & Noble whipped out some pretty hefty discounts on its Nook HD and Nook HD+.

Then, earlier this month, the cuts went even deeper for Father's Day, with the 7-inch and 8.9-inch slates selling for $129 and $149, respectively. But even after the holiday came and went, the discounted prices remained -- and now we know why: B&N is getting out of the color-tablet business.

Bummer. The company produced good hardware from the get-go, and although this … Read more

Nook's last stand? B&N still must battle Amazon

It may be better to fight one battle than face attack on all sides, but for Barnes & Noble, a direct matchup with Amazon.com is still a fight in which it may be outgunned.

Barnes & Noble on Tuesday said it is pulling out of color tablet design and production. Though it will to continue to design e-reading devices like the black-and-white Simple Touch, it will bring third-party manufacturers into a partnership for products like its Nook HD and Nook HD+.

The decision marks the end of Barnes & Noble's attempt to bat alongside major-league technology companies in … Read more

Barnes and Noble leaves the tablet biz

In this episode of Update:

- B&N says "goodbye" to the tablet biz.

- Ouya sells out its online stock.

- Sony updates their music service for better and stays competitive.

- Windows 8.1 shows off its start button features.

- A Taiwanese coffee chain now lets you print an image onto a latte.

CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under three minutes. Watch Bridget Carey every afternoon for a breakdown of the big stories, hot devices, new apps, and what's ahead. Subscribe to the podcast via the links below.

Subscribe:… Read more

Samsung denies report it will exit desktop PC business

Samsung desktop PCs may soon be a thing of the past.

The Korean electronics giant plans to close its desktop business in order to focus on tablets and all-in-one laptops, according to a report from the Korea Times that cited unnamed officials at the company.

"Tablets, all-in-one and hybrid PCs are Samsung's current focus. Samsung is speeding up its restructuring of its PC business via product realignment toward profitable variants," one Samsung official told the Korea Times.

However, Samsung denied the report as "groundless" in a statement to The Next Web.

The rumor that Samsung … Read more