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Lenovo Golden Warrior S8 Leaked On Retailer’s Website
Lenovo is probably a brand many associate with computers, and rightfully so given that the Chinese company has recently overtaken Apple in the US in PC sales. That being said, Lenovo has released smartphones in the past, albeit without much aplomb, but in case you were looking for a new handset, Lenovo’s Golden Warrior S8 smartphone has been leaked online, courtesy of an online retailer who might have gotten ahead of themselves.
According to the specs of the handset as per the online retailer’s listing, the Golden Warrior S8 will feature a MediaTek MTK6592M octa-core chipset clocked at 1.4GHz. It will be accompanied by 2GB of DDR3 RAM, 16GB of onboard storage, a 5.3-inch 1280×720 HD display, dual SIM support, a rear-facing 13MP camera, a 5MP front-facing camera, and will run on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, which is admittedly somewhat disappointing.
The phone itself comes in a gold finish, hence the Golden Warrior moniker (we’re assuming). The design of the phone is actually pretty nice. The back of the phone sports a metal fabric shell which should be unique to the touch, at least as far as smartphones are concerned where they are typically made of plastic. The phone also sports an aluminum alloy frame which Lenovo claims will help heat dissipate faster.
Unfortunately no word on when Lenovo will officially announce and release the device, but for now the retailer has pegged it at $200 which is actually a pretty good deal for a phone with these specs. Either way we’ll keep our eyes peeled for more information regarding availability, so check back with us later for the details.
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/05/lenovo-golden-warrior-s8-leaked-on-retailers-website/
Lenovo hires ex-Nokia and Huawei exec Colin Giles as VP of mobile
May 22 (Reuters) - Lenovo Group Ltd, the world's biggest maker of personal computers, has hired former Nokia and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd executive Colin Giles as vice president of its Mobile Business Group, the firm said on Thursday.
"Colin Giles will be taking on the role to drive global smartphone sales and business development outside of China," Lenovo, also the world's fourth-largest smartphone vendor, said in an e-mail to Reuters.
Giles will report to Liu Jun, president of Lenovo's Mobile Business Group. Giles joined Huawei as executive vice president of its Consumer Business Group last July, after leaving Nokia in 2012.
Lenovo, which announced its annual results on Wednesday, is expanding overseas and increasing its smartphone push. It is looking to sell 80 million smartphone units in the coming year and offset weak growth in China, the firm's largest market. (Reporting by Paul Carsten; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/22/lenovo-managementchanges-idUSB9N0NA02R20140522
Lenovo's away game counters China weakness
* FY net profit $817.2 mln vs $819.7 mln analyst view
* Revenue rises 14.3 pct to $38.7 bln
* Smartphone shipments reach record of more than 50 mln units (Recasts, adds CEO comments, trader, analyst comment)
By Paul Carsten
BEIJING, May 21 (Reuters) - China's Lenovo Group Ltd , the world's biggest personal computer maker, showed why it is expanding overseas and into smartphones as it reported its slowest annual profit growth in five years.
Lenovo is especially pushing smartphones, to offset a decline in its once-mainstay personal computers (PC) as consumers switch to mobile devices.
Lenovo, which competes with Apple in the U.S., agreed to acquire IBM Corp's low-end server business and Google Inc's Motorola Mobility smartphone unit in two separate deals worth a total of $5.2 billion in January.
Chief Executive Yang Yuanqing said he hoped those deals, which require U.S. approval, would not be impacted by tensions between Beijing and Washington over the U.S. indictment of five Chinese military officers for cyber-theft against American companies.
"I don't think (the cyber-theft case) will impact Lenovo's business," said Yang. "For a long time we've operated not just in China but also in the U.S. and other global markets. We have always been a transparent company, a trusted company, we've never had any issue with the government."
"Regarding the approval of the (IBM and Motorola Mobility) deals, we definitely hope it will not have an impact," Yang said in a telephone interview.
The company, which became a global brand in 2005 after buying the PC unit of IBM, wants to buy the low-end server unit to combat slow PC sales.
The majority of Lenovo's revenue growth in the twelve months to end March, came from overseas markets: revenues in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the Americas each climbed roughly 30 percent, to account for 83 percent of total revenue growth.
Net income for the year ending March rose 28.7 percent to $817.2 million, a record high and in line with analyst estimates of $819.7 million. Growth in China, which accounts for almost two-fifths of its $38.7 billion total revenues, was 1.3 percent.
Lenovo's success in emerging markets spurred confidence in the company's shares, which were up 3.4 percent by close of trading on Wednesday versus a 0.01 percent rise in the Hang Seng Index.
The company said PC profit margins had improved in China even as the market slowed. In the EMEA region it reported 24 percent growth in PC shipments and the Americas saw 27 percent growth.
Lenovo still faces challenges with smartphones, despite shipments growing 72 percent year-on-year to more than 50 million units globally. Margins are very low, and China, where the company shipped 89 percent of its handsets in the fiscal year, is one of the world's most competitive markets.
"The China smartphone industry is very difficult to make money from, if you look at most Chinese players they're not making money at the moment," said Jean-Louis Lafayeedney, a Hong Kong-based technology analyst at JI Asia, an affiliate of Societe Generale.
"The fact that Lenovo is going overseas with Motorola is probably not a bad thing and may come at a good time actually," he said.
Lenovo aims to sell 100 million smartphones and tablets in the coming year, Chief Executive Yang Yuanqing said, with smartphones accounting for 80 million units should the Motorola deal be finalised.
"Overseas there are not as many competitors, that's why we want to do the Motorola deal," said Chief Executive Yang Yuanqing. "In mature markets there's not as much competition."
The company has stressed the Motorola and IBM acquisitions will weigh on finances in the near term, and the loss-making businesses could take three to five quarters to make them profitable.
Yang said Lenovo would focus for the time being on the U.S. acquisitions and would not be looking for other sizeable purchases.
"I don't think we have the energy to buy big companies or big businesses, but small business acquisitions are still possible," Yang said. (Additional reporting by Donny Kwok in HONG KONG; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Elaine Hardcastle)
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/05/21/lenovo-results-idINL3N0O715I20140521
LENOVO OUTPERFORMS MARKET IN 4TH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2013/14
Strong growth in the PC and Tablet category drives record setting year
· Full year volume records: 55 million PCs, 50 million smartphones and 9.2 million tablets
· Record annual Revenue: US$38.7 billion, up 14%
· Record Full Year Pre Tax Income: US$1.01 billion, up 27%, 1st time surpassing US$1 billion
· Record Full Year Earnings: US$817 million, up 29%
· Full year basic EPS of 7.88 US cents, or 61.13HK cents
· Net cash reserves of US$3.5 billion (as of March 31, 2014)
HONG KONG, May 21, 2014 – Lenovo Group today announced results for its fourth fiscal quarter and full-year ended March 31, 2014. With record full-year revenue of US$38.7 billion, an increase of 14 percent year-over-year, a record full-year pre-tax income of US$1.01 billion, up 27 percent year-over-year and record full year earnings of US$817 million, up 29 percent, Lenovo had a truly outstanding year.
Lenovo expanded its number one position in PCs, adding 2.1 points of market share to post a record 17.7 percent total share for the full-year, representing five percent year-over-year growth, compared to an overall industry decline of 8 percent during this same period. Even while China’s PC market slowed, Lenovo’s operating profit in China PC improved by 1 percentage point. Asia Pacific had record share of almost 15 percent, while improving profitability. For the first time, Lenovo’s EMEA revenue surpassed its China PC revenue in the quarter, while in the US, Lenovo surpassed Apple to take the number three position in PC shipments in the fourth quarter. With 20 consecutive quarters of outgrowing the PC market, Lenovo continued to show it can post rapid growth in absolute shipment and in relative market share metrics, even in difficult markets.
When combining Tablets and PCs together to form the “PC + Tablet” category, Lenovo sold a record 64 million devices, up nearly 18 percent year over year, outpacing this market by more than 13 percentage points. Lenovo posted record total device volume of 114 million, up 37 percent year over year. This was the 4th quarter in a row that Lenovo sold more tablets and smartphones than PCs. These facts illustrate Lenovo’s transformation as a leader in Smart Connected Devices.
“The record sales and profits that we delivered last year prove that Lenovo can grow and deliver its commitments, no matter the market conditions,” said Yuanqing Yang, Lenovo Chairman and CEO. “Not only did we strengthen our leading position in PCs, but we gained three points in tablets by quadrupling sales volume and became the fastest growing major smartphone company in the world. This demonstrates our capability to manage both businesses that are already mature, as well as those that are shifting to maturity. Meanwhile, we are building new engines for growth in the enterprise and ecosystem. Through the combination of our existing and new businesses, Lenovo offers tremendous value to shareholders today, and our value will be even greater in the future.”
Gross profit for the full year was US$5.06 billion, an increase of 14 percent year-over-year. Gross margin was 13.1 percent, while operating profit for the full fiscal year was US$ 1.05 billion, a 32 percent increase year-over-year.
Lenovo had strong fourth quarter revenue of US$9.4 billion, up 19 percentyear-over-year. The Company achieved pre-tax income of US$212 millionduring the fourth fiscal quarter, a 28 percentincrease over the same period last year. The Company’s gross profit for the fourth fiscal quarter grew to US$1.24 billion, an increase of 18 percentyear-over-year. Gross margin was 13.3 percent. Operating profit for the fourth quarter was US$231 million, up 37 percent year-over-year, while earnings grew 25percent year-over-year to US$158 million. Compared to an overall PC industry decline of 4.6 percent year-over-year in the fourth fiscal quarter, Lenovo grew shipments at a 15 point premium to the market.
Basic earnings per share in the fourth fiscal quarter was 1.53 US cents, or 11.87 HK cents. Lenovo’s Board of Directors declared a final dividend of 2.32 US cents, or 18 HK cents per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014.
GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW
· Lenovo Chinaimproved its fourth quarter operating margin by 0.8 points to 5.5 percent. With US$3.1 billion in consolidated sales in the fourth fiscal quarter, China accounted for 33 percent of the Company’s worldwide sales. Lenovo protected its PC leadership with 32.6 percent share, with PC margins improving 1.1 points with stabilizing shipments and increased average sales price. China continues to invest in the push into Smart Connected Devices to capture opportunities from 4G and Smart TVs.
· In the Asia Pacific region, Lenovo achieved 15.6 percent PC market share in the fourth fiscal quarter, up 2.1points year-over-year. While the regional PC market improved, only down slightly at 1.5 percent year-over-year, the Company grew its PC shipments across the region by 14 percent. Lenovo remained number one in Japan with tremendous shipment growth of 35 percent. Consolidated sales across the region totaled US$1.7 billion or 19 percent of Lenovo’s worldwide sales, while operating margins went up 1.3 points to 2.7 percent.
· Lenovo in Europe, Middle East & Africa grew PC shipments during the fourth quarter by 33.3 percent and building even stronger momentum across the region. EMEA achieved a 15.8 percent market share, increasing shipments 4 share points year-over-year or a nearly 34 point premium to the market. The region had consolidated sales in the fourth quarter of US$2.6 billion, a year-over-year improvement of 39 percent, good for 27 percent of Lenovo’s total worldwide sales. Operating profit margin was healthy at 2.9 percent, 1.0 point increase year-over-year.
· Lenovo’s PC shipments in the Americas in the fourth fiscal quarter increased 18 percent year-over-year, in a market that fell by about 8percent. In this environment, the Company gained 2.5 share points to a record high market share of 11.4 percent. Consolidated sales grew 23 percent year-over-year to approximately US$2 billion in the fourth quarter, driven by strong growth across all products. This represented 21 percent of Lenovo’s total worldwide sales. In the US, during the fourth quarter, Lenovo surpassed Apple in PC units, while achieving the number 3 position for the first time in this critical market with record share at 10.8 percent. The Company continued to invest in its fast growing Brazil and Latin America businesses.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
· Consolidated sales for Lenovo’s laptop PC business worldwide in the fourth fiscal quarter increased 16 percent year-over-year to US$4.8 billion, accounting for 51 percent of the Company’s overall sales. During the same period, Lenovo’s worldwide laptop PC shipments increased 12.9 percent, against the backdrop of an overall industry decrease of 5.8 percent. In the fourth fiscal quarter, Lenovo announced its newest version of the popular ThinkPad X1 Carbon, the world’s lightest 14-inch ultrabook. Forged from the same strong but light stock as aircraft and racing cars, the X1 Carbon’s carbon fiber casing weighs less than magnesium or aluminum, but is stronger than both. The Company also announced the ThinkPad 11e series of laptops, designed specifically for education and ruggedized for K-12 classroom performance.
· During the fourth fiscal quarter, Lenovo’sdesktop PC shipment grew 6.8 percent worldwide year-over-year, against an industry decline of 3.1 percent worldwide. Lenovo’s desktop PC consolidated sales for the same period increased 14 percent to US$2.7 billion, or 29 percent of the Company’s overall sales worldwide. In the fourth fiscal quarter, Lenovo announced the C560 all-in-one (AIO) desktop PC, a family-friendly large-screen, multitouch home PC that doubles down on work and play, as well as the ThinkVision Pro2840m, a feature-packed, 28-inch, 4K professional resolution display and the ThinkVision 28, a smart display that is not only an ultra-high definition monitor but is also an Android-enabled entertainment center.
· Lenovo had solid shipments of smartphones, staying China’s number two smartphone maker, with rapid growth across all its Mobile Internet and Digital Home (MIDH) product lines. During the fourth fiscal quarter, consolidated sales of MIDH rose 71 percent to US$1.3 billion year over year, or 13 percent of the Company’s overall sales. The Company’s worldwide smartphone shipments grew 59.4 percent in the fourth quarter, outpacing the worldwide market by 28 percent. The Company also outgrew the market in China as it worked to capture 4G/LTE opportunities by expanding its own Lenovo App store ecosystem. So far the store has delivered 6 billion downloads. It is averaging 25 million downloads daily. Lenovo’s own SHAREit App won the Mobile World Congress award for best app and was the first app developed by Lenovo to reach 100 million users.
In the fourth fiscal quarter, Lenovo introduced several smartphones, including its first LTE smartphone, the Lenovo Vibe Z, a razor-thin, blazing fast device equipped with gesture controls, photo enhancement software and other premium technologies. The Company also announced the new Yoga Tablet 10-inch HD+, a multimode device that infuses Lenovo’s original Yoga tablet with a full HD screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, sharp high-resolution camera and its incredible battery life of up to approximately 18 hours under certain conditions.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1795
Lenovo Profit Rises 25% as PC, Smartphone Market Share Climb (1)
Lenovo Group Ltd. (992), the world’s largest maker of personal computers, reported a 25 percent jump in fourth-quarter profit as its desktop models and mobile devices gained global market share.
Net income climbed to $158.3 million in the three months ended March from $126.9 million a year earlier, the company reported today. That compared with the $163.6 million average of nine analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.
Chief Executive Officer Yang Yuanqing has maintained Lenovo’s leadership in the PC market at a time when industrywide shipments have contracted, and he also is expanding sales of smartphones overseas. Lenovo, which in January agreed to buy Motorola Mobility for $2.9 billion, plans to triple the number of countries where it sells phones by adding 20 new markets in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
“The company has always been competitive, be it PCs and mobility,” Dennis Lam, an analyst with DBS Vickers Hong Kong Ltd., said in an e-mail. “The PC market has somewhat stabilized in the face of cannibalization from tablets and smartphones. The smartphone side has become more challenging as competition heats up from low end smartphones, especially in China.”
Lenovo’s sales climbed to $9.4 billion from $7.83 billion a year earlier. That beat the $9 billion average of 21 analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.
Lenovo rose 3.4 percent, the most since April 10, to HK$9.44 at the close in Hong Kong trading. The stock has gained 0.1 percent this year, compared with the 2 percent drop in the city’s benchmark Hang Seng Index.
While global PC shipments dropped 1.7 percent in the three months ended March, Lenovo expanded market share as sales rose 11 percent, market researcher Gartner Inc. reported last month.
Lenovo, which has its headquarters in Beijing and Morrisville, North Carolina, maintained the No. 1 spot in the PC market in the period with 17 percent of shipments, while Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ:US) was second with 16 percent, Gartner said.
Lenovo’s smartphone shipments jumped 63 percent in the period to 12.9 million units, researcher International Data Corp. reported last month. That lifted its global market share for the devices to 4.6 percent, from 3.6 percent a year earlier, IDC said.
Lenovo ranks fourth globally behind Samsung Electronics Co. (005930), Apple Inc. (AAPL:US) and Huawei Technologies Co., IDC said.
‘Improve Magins’
As the company continues to gain scale with market share wins in PCs, smartphones and tablets, that will further boost profitability, Yang said in a telephone interview today.
“There is definitely potential to further improve margins,” Yang said. “That is still our commitment.”
Yang plans to keep the smartphone business growing in part through acquisitions. In January, the company announced plans to buy Google Inc. (GOOG:US)’s Motorola Mobility handset unit for $2.91 billion in cash and stock.
Yang also is expanding in other types of hardware and in January announced plans to buy International Business Machines Corp. (IBM:US)’s low-end server unit for $2.3 billion. The purchase will add a business with wider profit margins than PCs and give it about 14 percent of that market.
Both transactions are in the process of getting U.S. government approval Yang said, without giving further details.
“We will cooperate with the government closely to make sure we can get the approval,” he said. “We are OK with that.”
To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Edmond Lococo in Beijing at elococo@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Michael Tighe at mtighe4@bloomberg.net Suresh Seshadri, Subramaniam Sharma
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-05-21/lenovo-profit-trails-estimates-as-phone-marketing-costs-increase
Root Moto E And Install TWRP Now Possible
The now Lenovo-owned Motorola recently announced a brand new smartphone that builds up on the success of the Moto G. The Moto E is essentially a mid-range Android powered device that is very competitively priced. The specifications and Motorola’s brand value make it a compelling option for anyone out in the market for a mid-range device. Since it does have an unlockable bootloader it is now possible to root Moto E and install TWRP.
Allow me to explain if the previous sentence made no sense to you. The software on Android devices can be modified by gaining root access and installing a custom recovery like TWRP. This opens up a whole new world of customization, third party applications as well as brings the ability to install custom ROMs that are developed by the community exclusively for a particular device.
It is now possible to do that on a Moto E. Though most users root their Android devices just to get rid of bloatware. If you’re one of those then there’s little incentive for you to go through the process since the Moto E runs a near stock version of Android.
An unofficial port of the TWRP recovery is now available for the Moto E. Since it allows users to flash SuperSU or any other root brokering applications, this is effectively a method to root Moto E. The required files and download instructions are available here.
Do keep in mind though that tinkering with the device at this level carries some risk. If you’re not entirely sure of what you’re doing its probably best to avoid this as there’s always the risk of bricking the device.
This article was filed in Homepage > Cellphones and was tagged with moto e.
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/05/root-moto-e-and-install-twrp-now-possible/
Digitimes Research: Developments in the tablet market in May
Jim Hsiao, DIGITIMES Research, Taipei [Tuesday 20 May 2014]
Samsung Electronics and Lenovo, both of which have ambitious goals for tablet shipments for 2014, both released new tablets in May 2014. Pricing of the new tablet from Samsung is still far higher than those of its competitors and is expected to impact the Korea-based vendor's shipment performance.
Lenovo released its first 8-inch entry-level tablet and the device's price-performance ratio is also better than those of its tablets from the previous year.
Lenovo was the most aggressive vendor in terms of tablets with phone functions in 2013. In 2014, the top-4 Android tablet brand vendors, including Acer, all invested in the phone-tablet segment. Asustek is trying to expand in China with its entry-level Fonepad 7, while Acer is promoting its tablets with phone functions aggressively in emerging markets.
However, brand vendors are unlikely to achieve rapid growth in the segment, which is mostly being dominated by regional vendors.
As for Windows-based tablets, with Asustek's entry-level T100 successfully turning consumers' attention back to Windows-based detachable tablet devices, Acer has released its new Switch 10 with Acer Snap Hinge design. However, lacking a strong price-performance ratio, the Switch 10 may face pressure from successors of the T100 in the near future, Digitimes Research believes.
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20140520PD208.html?chid=2
Cypress Enables Three-Year Battery Life for Wireless Human Interface Devices With New Ultra-Low-Power 2.4-GHz WirelessUSB NX Transceiver
Supports High Data Rates of Up to 2 Mbps to Reduce Time Transmitting and Receiving; Allows for Easy Integration With Cypress's Leading Touch Sensing Technology
SAN JOSE, CA, May 14, 2014 (Marketwired via COMTEX) -- Cypress Semiconductor Corp. CY +1.15% today introduced its fourth-generation 2.4-GHz WirelessUSB(TM) radio-on-a-chip. The new WirelessUSB NX transceiver delivers Cypress's hallmark robust performance along with ultra-low power consumption, aided by a fast 2 Mbps data rate to limit time spent transmitting and receiving. The solution enables three years of battery life for wireless mice, keyboards, trackpads, remote controls and other Human Interface Devices (HIDs). Cypress is the only supplier to offer a complete HID solution, supporting advanced features and streamlined designs with WirelessUSB NX, low-power microcontrollers and best-in-class capacitive touch sensing technology.
End users demand long battery life for wireless HIDs, making a low power consumption radio a must. WirelessUSB NX operates at 900 nA in sleep mode where HIDs spend most of their time, and it offers low active current of 12 mA in transmit mode and 15 mA in receive mode. As with other Cypress WirelessUSB families, the NX radio offers superior performance in the presence of common 2.4-GHz interference from sources such as WiFi, Bluetooth, cordless phones and microwaves. WirelessUSB NX is complemented by Cypress's highly integrated enCoRe(TM) VI microcontroller, PSoC(R) 4 system-on-chip devices and complete trackpad modules for sleek, robust touch interfaces, offering manufacturers a single source of supply and support.
"Cypress provided a complete solution for our ZTM600 touch mouse, which is bundled with the Lenovo High-End All-in-One series of PCs," said L.M. Ding, project manager, at Lenovo. "The WirelessUSB NX transceiver provided low-power wireless connectivity while the enCoRe VI controller integrated touch sensing and system control, thereby reducing BOM cost."
"Our WirelessUSB NX solution delivers an industry-leading combination of low power consumption, robust connectivity and support for advanced features," said Jayant Somani, Senior Marketing Director of Cypress's HID Business Unit. "Cypress is the only supplier that can provide a complete wireless HID solution, with top-quality, low-power wireless radios, flexible microcontrollers and world-class capacitive touch sensing."
WirelessUSB NX offers compatibility with common RF devices that are currently designed into wireless HIDs. Compatibility with these solutions enables customers to reuse existing firmware to reduce development time.
The Received Signal Strength Indicator feature on WirelessUSB NX supports a 5-bit reading for signal strength and a 4-bit reading for noise strength. This provides more accuracy and finer control for wireless systems.
Availability The WirelessUSB NX transceiver is offered in an RF-tested 24-QFN package (CYRF9935) and is available today in production volumes.
About WirelessUSB WirelessUSB transceivers operate in the unlicensed 2.4-GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio band, delivering the best combination of performance and cost versus competing wireless technologies. Featuring a highly integrated radio transceiver plus digital baseband on a single chip, WirelessUSB enables designers to significantly decrease development time, component count and system cost while improving operating range, power-consumption and latency.
Follow Cypress Online
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cypress-enables-three-year-battery-life-for-wireless-human-interface-devices-with-new-ultra-low-power-24-ghz-wirelessusb-nx-transceiver-2014-05-14
Lenovo ThinkPad 10 Windows tablet coming in June for $599 and up
Lenovo’s updating its business tablet lineup with a 10 inch ThinkPad featuring a full HD display, the fastest Intel Atom processor available, up to 4GB of RAM, up to 128GB of storage, and a digitizer pen.
Honestly, about the only things that we didn’t already know about the Lenovo ThinkPad 10 were the price and release date. Now Lenovo’s filling in the details: The tablet will ship in June with prices starting at $599.
lenovo thinkpad 10
While that makes the ThinkPad 10 more expensive than many other small Windows tablets with Intel Atom Bay Trail chips, Lenovo’s tablet offers some of the best hardware you’ll find on any tablet in this class.
Its specs include:
10.1 inch, 1920 x 1200 pixel display with 170 degree viewing angles
Intel Atom Z3795 quad-core CPU
Support for Windows 8.1 64-bit
2GB to 4GB of RAM
64GB to 128GB of built-in storage
micoSD card slot
33Whr battery (10 hours)
8MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing camera
Optional 3G and 4G support
The tablet also includes a USB port, micro HDMI port, headset jack, and micro SIM card slot on models with mobile broadband.
Lenovo’s tablet supports multitouch input, but it also has an active digitizer and comes with a digital pen for writing, drawing, or more precise interaction with Windows software.
Optional accessories will include a ThinkPad Tablet Dock or USB 3.0 docking station for hoooking up an external display and other accessories including a keyboard and mouse.
There’s also a ThinkPad 10 Ultrabook keyboard which lets you use the tablet like a notebook, and a Quickshot Cover which lets you fire up the camera simply by folding down a flap that covers the rear camera so you can snap a picture quickly.
As a ThinkPad, this tablet will be available to the public, but it’s designed with business customers in mind and it’ll be available with options including TPM security and fingerprint scanners.
http://liliputing.com/2014/05/lenovo-thinkpad-10-windows-tablet-coming-in-june-for-599-and-up.html
IBM Launches New Cloud-Based and On Premise Software to Help Clients Deepen Engagement with Partners and Suppliers
New Offerings Deliver Greater Insight, Visibility and Control Across the Extended Value Chain
ARMONK, N.Y. and TAMPA, Fla., May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- At its Smarter Commerce Global Summit in Tampa, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new cloud-based and on premise software to help organizations deepen engagement with their partners and suppliers to ensure goods and services are delivered precisely when and where they are needed.
With its new partner and supplier engagement software, IBM is giving business leaders deeper insight and control over their external business relationships, while reducing associated risks and increasing collaboration. This tightens synchronization across their extended ecosystem, ensuring these complex networks of third-party relationships boost their ability to innovate and gain a competitive advantage. The new offerings further extend IBM's leadership in enabling an adaptive value chain, where it is already helping 160,000 global businesses manage the flow of critical corporate data and mitigate organizational risk.
At a time when organizations are re-inventing themselves around the customer experience, the importance of building deeper partner and supplier engagements has never been greater. According to CAPS Research(1) https://www.ism.ws/index.cfm, on average businesses spend nearly half of their revenue with their ecosystem of partners and suppliers. Whether an organization has tens, hundreds or even thousands of suppliers and partners, each play a role in delivering an exceptional customer experience.
"Now more than ever, the fate of any business is deeply intertwined with the success of its network of partners and suppliers around the world," said John Mesberg, Vice President, B2B & Commerce Solutions, IBM. "By orchestrating these complex engagements with extraordinary precision and insight, organizations can create new gateways to trade that enable businesses to deliver exceptional customer experiences. With today's news, IBM fundamentally transforms these dynamics with partners and customers to drive faster time to revenue across the extended value chain."
Today's announcement features new cloud-based and on premise supplier and partner engagement capabilities that drive the following benefits:
-- Better collaboration for faster time to value: The IBM Multi-Enterprise
Relationship Management (MRM) platform enables large organizations to
connect and manage shared business processes across a variety of business
communities in their ecosystem, including partners, suppliers and
customers. MRM also significantly reduces the often tedious onboarding
process of trading partners, in some cases cutting time by nearly 90
percent, which results in faster time to revenue.
-- Deeper insights for better decision making: IBM Sterling B2B Services
Reporting and Analytics enhances the IBM Sterling B2B Collaboration
Network by monitoring transactions across an organization's ecosystem to
help businesses spot performance trends and make better decisions.
-- Lower risk and enhanced compliance: New enhancements to IBM Standards
Processing Engine, Supplier Lifecycle Management and Contract Lifecycle
Management solutions will continue to provide companies with capabilities
that monitor, manage and action the data associated with risk and
compliance with a complete view of their value chain and the ability to
more proactively mitigate risk.
-- Faster and more efficient data sharing: IBM Aspera eXtreme File Transfer
enables companies to send big data at maximum speed across any distance
while avoiding traditional networking limitations and bottlenecks. IBM
Aspera Enterprise File Sync and Share compliments this solution by
providing teams with the ability to quickly and securely share and
exchange data of any size directly from desktop and mobile devices,
making it easier than ever to initiate secure high-speed transfers.
Lenovo works with IBM to simplify and deepen their partner and supplier collaboration. Using IBM Sterling B2B Integration Services, Lenovo built a unified foundation to connect and collaborate across its partner ecosystem as well as reduce the time it takes to onboard new partners by 85 percent. By optimizing its supply chain with IBM solutions, Lenovo ensures complete customer satisfaction from purchase through fulfillment, invoicing and servicing.
"The path to Lenovo becoming the global PCs leader was not taken alone," said Chuck Igba, Director, B2B/EDI Strategy & Enablement, Lenovo. "Our business depends upon more than 325 global trading partners to drive innovation through the organization. By implementing IBM solutions, we provide Lenovo's business leaders with a 360-degree view across the ecosystem so they can maximize the value that our partners and suppliers bring to the company."
IBM's Smarter Commerce initiative delivers innovative solutions that help organizations re-invent themselves to enrich and deepen engagement with customers, suppliers and partners.
For information, visit http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/us/en/smarter_commerce/overview/ Stay up to date on the latest IBM Smarter Commerce news by following #smartercommerce.
1. Source; CAPS Research, Cross-Industry Report of Standard Benchmarks 2013
http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140513-908993.html
Lenovo's Relentless Innovation Delivers Power and Portability with Two New Think Products
Versatile ThinkPad 10 tablet and powerful ThinkStation P300 boost productivity for performance-minded professionals
-- Multimode ThinkPad 10 tablet offers superior versatility and a dynamic
experience in a sleek form factor for business users on the go
-- Redesigned ThinkStation P300 entry-level workstation features
unparalleled flexibility and is ideal for professionals requiring ISV
application certification without breaking the bank
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2014--
Lenovo (SEHK:0992) (Pink Sheets:LNVGY) today, at its Accelerate 2014 Partner Forum in Orlando, announced two new additions to its product portfolio, both ideally suited for business users. The ThinkPad 10, Lenovo's ten inch premium multimode business tablet, offers a full PC experience and uncompromised productivity with a range of business features, no matter the working environment. The redesigned ThinkStation P300 workstation features the ultimate in usability and performance at an affordable price point.
ThinkPad 10: The Best Business Tablet gets Better
Pioneering for a superior user experience, ThinkPad 10 is optimized for business professionals seeking the ultimate in flexibility and connectivity. Constructed from premium aluminium with Gorilla glass to protect its ten inch full HD vivid display, the ThinkPad 10 tablet delivers a premium mobile experience with enhanced productivity capability in a purposeful lightweight design. Users can be creative with four flexible modes -- Tablet, Stand, Laptop and Desktop. When connected to the optional ThinkPad Tablet Dock or USB3.0 docking station, users can add an external display, mouse, and either the Compact Bluetooth keyboard or directly attach the ThinkPad 10 Ultrabook full sized keyboard, making the transition from a highly mobile tablet to a resourceful office environment seamless. The Quickshot Cover makes photo taking a breeze. Whether for personal or business use, a quick flip of the cover protecting the eight megapixel camera launches the app automatically, ready for that dramatic landscape or the insurance assessment.
"Customers want a versatile device that adapts to their way of life and offers uncompromised productivity whether in the office or on the move," said Luis Hernandez, vice president and general manager, ThinkPad, Lenovo. "Our new ThinkPad 10 tablet marries business optimized features with a unique multimode design to offer an exceptional computing experience that allows users to work, play and create in virtually any environment. ThinkPad 10 is engineered for quality you can touch and measure and is designed to adapt to be what you need, when you need it."
Boasting an unmatched range of business features and accessories, the ThinkPad 10 comes with a digitizer pen for pinpoint accuracy and natural writing input, Windows 8.1 including 64-bit support, up to 4GB of memory and up to 128GB of storage. Wireless options including 3G/4G LTE(1) ensure access to data virtually anywhere and up to ten hours of battery life provides productivity throughout the day. IT managers will also appreciate VPN access control, application deployment management and can prevent users from installing prohibited apps. In addition, Lenovo Services offer a complete suite of packages, including sealed battery warranties, accidental damage protection and laser etching and tagging.
ThinkStation P300: Engineered with Quality
The ThinkStation P300 entry-level workstation boasts an intuitive new purposeful design that delivers unprecedented flexibility. The redesigned chassis no longer features a bulky handle, but rather intuitive red touch points and extended lip in the front and the back for easy carrying and deployment. Additionally, the new FLEX module gives users the option to add only the components they need, allowing customized productivity-boosting configurations with added cost savings for vertical workflows. The FLEX module supports a combination of an ultra-slim optical drive, 29-in-1 media card reader, IEEE 1394 Firewire, and eSATA.
"Professional workstation users run very advanced, specialized applications. The ThinkStation P300 features the processing power, graphics capabilities and ISV certifications, needed to run these applications smoothly," said Victor Rios, vice president and general manager, Workstation, Lenovo. "But the ThinkStation P300 also gives these users a new level of customization. The new FLEX module provides a Fully Loaded Experience, offering customers truly unique configurations that match their specific project needs and goals."
The ThinkStation P300 is available with the latest Intel(R) Xeon(R) E3-1200v3 product family as well as new 4th Generation Intel(R) Core processor and ECC memory support for improved productivity and reliability.
"The new Lenovo P300 with our latest Intel(R) Xeon(R) processor E3-1200v3 product family, including Intel(R) HD P4600 Graphics, delivers workstation performance and graphics demanded by design engineers engaged in advanced 3D mechanical designs and workloads," said Frank Soqui, Intel General Manager of Technical Compute Cloud and Client. "Now professional users who may have previously purchased a desktop client with hard drives can afford a real workstation with advanced graphics and solid state drives."
Regardless of the industry - Oil & Gas, Media & Entertainment, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, Medical & Science -- workstations run mission critical workloads and users are running very specific, high performance applications. They demand that the software runs fast and without error. The ThinkStation P300 delivers on all fronts. Extensive ISV certifications ensure application reliability and the P300 is engineered for superior dependability. The broad selection of processor, graphics and memory configurations safeguard investment and boost performance and productivity.
Lenovo Services
Businesses can opt for a variety of service and support solutions to fit their needs. With a committed focus on customer, quality and responsiveness, Lenovo Services offers innovative and integrated solutions to ensure maximum productivity. Warranty Extensions, Upgrades, Accidental Damage Protection, Keep Your Drive, Priority Technical Support and a complete set of factory and automated deployment services help organizations effectively bridge the gap between consumer and business.
Pricing and Availability(2)
The ThinkPad 10 starts at $599 and will be available starting in June on www.lenovo.com and at selected retailers. The Lenovo ThinkStation P300 starts at $729 and will be available in tower and Small Form Factor models starting in June through Lenovo business partners and on www.lenovo.com.
For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.
http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140513-900052.html
Lenovo X41 Tablet
Lenovo made headlines earlier this year when it took Motorola Mobility off of Google's hands, giving it a boost in smartphone markets outside of its usual stomping grounds. But that wasn't the first time it snatched up another company for industry leverage. In 2005, IBM gave up majority control of its PC business, allowing Beijing-based Lenovo to take over and effectively expand its reach to a global audience. The timing of the deal was a little bit off, however. One of the first products to launch under Lenovo's new ownership was the ThinkPad X41 Tablet, a laptop/tablet hybrid, which had already rolled off the assembly line and was still sporting an IBM logo.
It was a niche product back in 2005, but if you were an early adopter, it might have been the perfect tool. Though the X41 wasn't the first hybrid tablet/PC to debut in the ThinkPad line, it did arrive with significant upgrades over its predecessors, like wireless networking, a 12.1-inch display, vastly improved processor capability and a 180-degree rotatable display.
The X41 Tablet also sported many familiar ThinkPad flourishes, including the iconic red TrackPoint nub, a stowable stylus and an irksome display latch that got caught on just about anything when the device wasn't snapped shut. Lenovo eventually eradicated that latch from the ThinkPad's oeuvre of quirks during its 2013 overhaul, and continues to make progressive changes to the line's design.
At the time of its launch, consumers appreciated the X41's relatively slim 3.5-pound weight and the pleasant paper-like feel of its screen when used in tablet mode. Its software experience, however, wasn't exactly polished -- it was the first ThinkPad to run Windows XP Tablet PC Edition software. Sure, it had a dose of digital pen support, handwriting recognition and speech input added to the mix, but it was still undeniably Windows XP underneath. Some users who tried the X41 Tablet remember it more for its glitchy software experience than the convenience of its combined form factors.
The X41 Tablet may have been an ungainly oddity when it first launched, but its hybrid form has gone on to become something of an industry standard for today's post-PC devices.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/11/gadget-rewind-2005-lenovo-ibm-x41-tablet/
Intel, Lenovo get on board with Google Chromebooks
SAN FRANCISCO--Google's drive to put the future of personal computing firmly in the Internet “cloud” got a boost on Tuesday from chip titan Intel and hardware giants including Lenovo.
The leading computer maker joined Acer, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, Asus, and LG Electronics to introduce an array of new Chromebooks, many powered by newer-generation Intel chips that promise improved performance and battery life.
“Intel has been a strong partner since the inception of Chromebooks,” Intel mobile client platforms group vice president Navin Shenoy said at a press event showcasing new models.
The array of Chromebooks coming to market included the first one from Lenovo aimed directly at the consumer market. China-based Lenovo is the world's leading personal computer company.
Popularity of a Lenovo Chromebook tailored for students in schools prompted the company to create a model for use outside of class, according to Lenovo “ambassador” Ashley Rodrigue.
“We have seen significant momentum and traction on the Chrome side of the house,” Rodrigue told AFP.
“Because of that, we have taken a look elsewhere at the growth of Chrome.”
Chrome challenges the traditional model of installing and maintaining programs on machines, instead letting devices serve as doorways to applications or services hosted at data centers connected to the Internet.
Chromebooks are also known for bargain prices. For example, Lenovo models will start at US$279.
Shifting operating software to banks of servers online means that Google updates programs and fends off hackers and malicious software.
This is particularly appealing in the education market, where teachers prefer to focus on lessons instead of tech trouble-shooting and schools typically face tight budgets, according to Rodrigue.
Google is adamant that it remains devoted to its Android software for powering tablets and smartphones, following two paths when it comes to Internet-synched hardware.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/company-focus/2014/05/08/407178/Intel-Lenovo.htm
Lenovo Breaks The Mold By Going Multimode On Its First Consumer Chromebook
Portfolio offers thin and light designs and breakthrough dual mode, touch experience
N20 Chromebook in clamshell design offers familiar laptop feel with choice features
N20p Chromebook features an HD 10-point multitouch display and easily converts from Laptop to Stand mode for added flexibility and new ways to use it
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – May 6, 2014: Lenovo(HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced Lenovo’s first consumer Chromebooks, the N20 Chromebook and N20p Chromebook. These devices offer consumers choices of two ways to enjoy the Chrome experience in a thin and light form factor with a set of comprehensive technologies - all at an unbelievably affordable price starting at $279. While the N20 provides the familiar comfort of a traditional laptop, the N20p Chromebook breaks the mold for Chromebooks with its innovative multimode design featuring Laptop and Stand modes.
These new additions complement Lenovo’s Chromebook family, which includes the ThinkPad 11e Chromebook and the ThinkPad YOGA 11e Chromebook, built with the needs of education customers in mind.
Fusing Innovative Hardware
Designed for maximum portability, both Chromebooks are thin and light at less than 17.9mm and weighing less than 1.4 kg. With an 11.6-in 1366x768 HD screen, users can comfortably see their work and type by using the full-sized keyboard with its oversized trackpad and attractive cool-touch palmrest.
While the N20 Chromebook features a traditional laptop design, the multimode N20p Chromebook’s keyboard flexes 300° backward to convert from Laptop mode to Stand mode. Stand mode gives users a new way for watching videos up close and interacting with the 10-finger touchscreen for playing games and browsing.
Lenovo N20 Chromebook
With up to eight hours of battery life and powered by an Intel® Celeron processor with integrated graphics, users can quickly and seamlessly boot the Chromebook and immediately begin their task, whether it’s watching videos, video chatting using the high definition web cam, listening to music, surfing the web and more without bringing their power cord along. They can stay constantly connected with its WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. The Chromebooks also come with up to 16 GB internal and up to 100 GB of free cloud storage from Google Drive for storing digital content.
The Chrome Experience
Combining the Chrome experience with Lenovo’s innovative multimode Chromebook design offers an unmatched value for consumers. With the Chrome operating system, the Chromebooks boot within seconds. Chrome offers fast, automatic updates and tens of thousands of apps available via the Chrome Web Store.
Lenovo N20p Convertible Chromebook
Users can work on their N20 Chromebook and N20p Chromebook offline writing email on Gmail and creating documents with Google Docs. To facilitate working with other people and devices, the Chromebooks allow for opening, editing and sharing Microsoft Word and Excel files. Users can even share their Chromebook with someone else through a guest’s personal Google account or by enabling Guest Mode, and they can enable monitoring of children’s web browsing with supervised user profiles. With the Chromebooks, users can print anywhere via Google Cloud Print, and they can employ remote desktop access to access software on their machine.
Quote
“Our first consumer Chromebooks perfectly complement people’s changing mobile digital lifestyles,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, worldwide marketing and design, PC Group, Lenovo. “Equipped with thousands of apps, the N20 and N20p Chromebooks are also fast, secure and incredibly simple for anyone to use and manage. With touch and two unique modes on the N20p Chromebook, users are getting a great technology experience at a handsome price.”
Pricing and Availability1
Pricing for models of the N20 Chromebook and N20p Chromebook start at $279 and $329, respectively. They will be available beginning in July and August, respectively, via Lenovo retailers and www.lenovo.com.
For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feedsor follow Lenovo on Twitterand Facebook.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1793
Devon IT and Lenovo Feature Citrix HDX Ready Thin Clients and Software at Citrix Synergy 2014
Lenovo thin clients together with Citrix HDX technology deliver a high-definition user experience for desktops, applications, devices and networks
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., May 06, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Devon IT, Inc., a leading provider of thin client and virtual desktop software solutions, today announced that it will be showing the new Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 Citrix Ready HDX® verified thin client at Citrix Synergy 2014. Citrix HDX technology is a set of capabilities that deliver a “high definition” desktop virtualization user experience to end-users for any application, device or network. Citrix Ready HDX verified is reserved for thin client solutions like the Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 that have been verified to work with all of the HDX technology in Citrix XenDesktop® and Citrix XenApp®.
“Becoming Citrix Ready HDX verified demonstrates our commitment to providing a superb user experience and one of the most versatile thin computing solutions on the market,” said Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “Devon IT’s software combined with Lenovo hardware complements and extends HDX capabilities to deliver a high-definition user experience and expand the ability of organizations to offer virtual desktops to a wide variety of users.”
Lenovo (in partnership with Devon IT) is showcasing virtual desktop and mobile solutions that enable users to access their desktop and corporate applications from numerous locations in booth #430 at Citrix Synergy. The event will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA, from May 6 - 8, 2014.
The M73 thin clients are highly configurable stateless devices with no moving parts, which boost reliability. These thin clients can save significant power costs when compared to traditional desktops. The high-performance thin clients are outfitted with a dual core Intel Celeron G1820T 2.4GHz Dual Core processor and Intel HD Graphics for exceptional multimedia capabilities. Each thin client runs either LeTOS or WES7 and comes with the LTM management suite at no additional cost. Three USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports provide connections to digital devices.
The Lenovo booth will feature mobile and virtual desktop (in partnership with Devon IT) enterprise solutions to support virtual work styles, business continuity and mobility. Devon IT will demonstrate the recently available high-powered Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 thin client running LeTOS and WES7 and the Lenovo ThinkCentre M32 thin client. The companies will also feature its newest innovative Ceptor HDMI thin client that is available with a Lenovo VLH part no.
“There’s no question that the virtual desktop market is growing, a trend that is fueled by collaboration between IT thought leaders like Citrix and Devon IT,” says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “New, more powerful thin client technologies such as the Lenovo M73 thin client coupled with advanced software like Citrix HDX significantly expands the opportunities for IT administrators and organizations that need to do more with less. We are excited to share our ideas with other industry leaders at Synergy.”
For more information about M73 Citrix certification visit http://www.citrix.com/ready/en/lenovo/lenovo-thinkcentre-m73 . For information on virtual desktop hardware and software solutions or to schedule a private demonstration, email info@devonit.com or call (610) 757-4220 or toll-free at (888) 524-9382. For more information about Devon IT software, Ceptor and VDI Blaster™, please visit http://www.devonit.com/thin-client-software .
About Devon IT
Devon IT, Inc., ( www.devonit.com ) is a leading information technology company that offers thin client software, hardware, and virtual desktop solutions. Devon IT's products offer users in various industries and environments greater IT security, enhanced manageability, improved reliability, and lower costs. Devon IT is also the creator of patented VDI Blaster™, a software suite that transforms PCs into virtual desktops and the innovators of the SafeBook® thin client notebook. The company is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania with offices in London, Shanghai and Bangalore. Read Devon IT's technical blog, “Thin Tank,” at http://www.devonit.com/blog .
All company, brand, or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140506005063/en/
SOURCE: Devon IT, Inc.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/devon-it-and-lenovo-feature-citrix-hdx-ready-thin-clients-and-software-at-citrix-synergy-2014-2014-05-06
Lenovo, JD.com Sign CNY12 Billion Strategic Agreement For Mobile Devices
Lenovo's Mobile Business Group announced that they have reached a strategic deal with Chinese B2C e-commerce website JD.com.
Under the agreement, Lenovo and JD reached a CNY12 billion strategic pact covering joint product development, marketing, Internet promotion, post-sales logistics, and post-sales services. Meanwhile, Lenovo's first e-commerce platform mobile phone S8 was exclusively launched on JD.com on April 28, 2014.
Other Chinese leading mobile phone makers, including ZTE, Huawei, Coolpad, and Lenovo, have launched mobile phone products specially designed for e-commerce platforms.
In March 2014, Lenovo implemented a business structure adjustment and renamed its former Mobile Internet and Digital Home Group to the Mobile Business Group. Zhang Hui, general manager of Lenovo MBG China, said during an interview with local media that in 2014 Lenovo initially aims to sell five million mobile phones via its partners' Internet channels.
http://www.chinatechnews.com/2014/05/05/20490-lenovo-jd-com-sign-cny12-billion-strategic-agreement-for-mobile-devices
Lenovo and the NFL star Larry Fitzgerald team up to enhance technology in the classrooms
Elementary and Middle Schools in Minneapolis and Phoenix benefit from the technology donation program
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC –May 2, 2014: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald have teamed up to advance technology in the classroom and excite kids about learning. Through their community outreach, both Lenovo and Larry Fitzgerald via his First Down Fund non-profit organization, focus on helping disadvantaged youth gain appropriate education and access to technology in order to better their future.
As part of the technology donation program announced today, several schools in Minneapolis and Phoenix have been chosen based on the population of underserved students as well as their high academic achievements. For Larry Fitzgerald, the tie to these two cities is personal as he was born in Minneapolis and resides in Phoenix. His support of children in Arizona and throughout the world and was recognized. He was selected as Humanitarian of the Year by Pro Football Weekly in 2012, was one of three finalists for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2013 and was named with the Alfredo J. Molina Community Lifetime Award in June of 2013.
“In today’s environment access to technology makes a difference in kids’ lives and the opportunities they will have to succeed in the future,” said Larry Fitzgerald, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl eight times in 10 seasons with the Cardinals. “The Lenovo tablets will be the first experience for some students with such a useful tool and will make a tremendous impact on the lives of underprivileged children.”
On May 2nd, Larry Fitzgerald will visit the Adelante College Prep, a middle school in Minneapolis and with Lenovo’s help will deliver a classroom full of Lenovo tablets and equipment to enable the children at the school to gain much needed access to technology. A week later, on May 9th, Larry Fitzgerald will be onsite at Lowell school in Phoenix and will share Lenovo technology products with those students.
A total of 1,000 pieces of Lenovo equipment will be donated to five schools in Minneapolis and four schools in Phoenix and will be used for a variety of school needs. A portion of Lenovo tablets will be located in computer labs, while some will be used for after-school programs or at teacher’s disposal for educating children about technology.
“Lenovo is proud to join forces with the NFL star Larry Fitzgerald. Our community efforts are well aligned around education and together we can make a greater difference in the lives of children across the country, said David Rabin, executive director Marketing at Lenovo.
Lenovo invests in causes that support disadvantaged youth, K-12 education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education to empower young people with technology and drive future workforce development.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1792
Lenovo Yoga Tablet Receives Gold Edison Award as Most Innovative Computing Solution
Lenovo Yoga Tablet Receives Gold Edison Award as Most Innovative Computing Solution
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC– May 1, 2014: Lenovo’s (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) Yoga Tablet received top honors last night at a ceremony in San Francisco with a gold Edison Award for most innovative computing solution. In addition, Lenovo’s IdeaCentre Horizon Multimode Table PC was recognized with a silver Edison Award in the computer and entertainment category.
The Edison Awards were inspired by Thomas Edison, to recognize innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy.
The Lenovo Yoga Tablet captivated the tablet market in 4Q 2013 with its three-mode kickstand, giving consumers a unique way to use a tablet.With hold, tilt and stand modes, the tablet adapts to the way people use it and is packed with an amazing 18 hours of battery life1 for ultra mobile lifestyles.
The 27-inch Horizon PC blew up CES 2013 as Lenovo’s first “interpersonal” table PC; a multi-user, multi-touch and multi-mode device for the home with the capability to easily shift from personal to shared computing use. Paired with a special set of accessories including an e-dice, joysticks and strikers, the Horizon Table PC offers a complete digital gaming experience.
Edison Award nominees are judged by more than 3,000 senior business executives and academics from across the nation whose votes acknowledge the finalists’ success in meeting the award’s stringent criteria of quality. The voting panel includes members of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As), Chief Marketing Officer Council (CMO), and Design Management Institute (DMI), among others.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1791
As Samsung, Apple Smartphone Share Slips, Huawei, Lenovo Gain, Says IDC
Research firm IDC today chimed in with its view on the Q1 smartphone market, stating that sales rose 28.6%, year over year, to to 281.5 million, beating the firm’s forecast for 267.2 million units.
That was down just 2.8% from Q4's level, which the firm thinks demonstrates “sustained demand.”
Said analyst Ramon Llamas,
The first quarter of the year typically brings sequential retrenchment from the holiday spending of the previous quarter. The small difference between the two quarters points to sustained strong demand, driven by emerging markets, low-cost devices, and the proliferation of 4G networks. If this is how we start the year, then we can look forward to another record-breaking quarter at the end of the year.
40% of all units shipped into the Chinese market, the firm said, a record.
Among vendors, Samsung Electronics (005930KS) shipped 85 million units, the firm estimates (Samsung does not report device totals), for 30.2% share of the market, down from 31.9% share a year earlier.
Apple (AAPL) was in second place, with 43.7 million units reported shipped of the iPhone, for 15.5% share, down from 17.1% a year earlier.
In third place, privately held Huawei shipped 13.7 million units, up 47.3% from the prior-year period, for a 4.9% share of the market, up from 4.3%.
Lenovo (0992HK) was not far behind at 4.6% share, up from 3.6%. Lenovo’s shipments were the highest among the group, up 63.3%.
The results were not totally out of keeping with a report yesterday by Strategy Analytics, which said that within an overall mobile phone market of 372.7 million units in Q1, Huawei was a strong gainer, selling 3.5% of the market but seeing its shipments rise by 22%, twice as fast as the overall rate of growth of the mobile market.
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2014/04/30/as-samsung-apple-smartphone-share-slips-huawei-lenovo-gain-says-idc/
Global Smartphone Shipments Reached 286M in Q1 2014, Represents Just 1% Q-o-Q Growth
Samsung shipped an estimated 85 million Smartphones; 30% market share
in Q1
-- Apple posts record Q1 and iPhone sales of nearly 44 million
-- Motorola and Lenovo garner 8% combined market share
Leading mobile analyst firm Juniper Research estimates that the number of smartphone shipments reached 286 million in Q1 2014, representing 34% y-o-y growth and 1% q-o-q growth. Samsung accounted for 30% of all smartphone shipments globally, with an estimated 85 million shipments during the quarter. While the company's market share remained broadly flat on the previous quarter, this represented a record Q1 for Samsung with a y-o-y growth in shipments of 25%.
Meanwhile, Apple also posted its best ever first quarter, shipping 43.7 million iPhones, representing a y-o-y growth of 17%. Nevertheless, Apple's shipment volume fell by 14% compared with the traditionally strong fourth quarter, while its market share slipped from 18% in Q4 2013 to 15% in Q1 2014.
Slowing Growth and Falling Prices This slowing growth is expected to continue in Q2 2014 due to the fact that in developed markets, the opportunity for growth is extremely limited. Conversely, in emerging markets where smartphone adoption is currently limited, growth will be fuelled the continuing fall in retail prices for entry level smartphones. Juniper anticipates that the global ASP (Average Selling Price) of smartphones will decline at an average annual rate of 3.8% over the next four years with the decline most marked in the Indian Subcontinent, followed by Africa & Middle East.
Lenovo + Motorola = Winning Combination? Motorola announced that it sold some 6.5 million smartphones in Q1 2014, driven by its best-selling smartphone, the Moto G. Juniper estimates that the combined Motorola-Lenovo smartphone shipments for Q1 2013 exceeded 20 million, putting the joint entity into a third place. However, Lenovo's acquisition of Motorola is currently pending regulatory approval. Meanwhile, Nokia reported a 30% decline in mobile sales revenue since last year owing to competition.
Other smartphone vendors, including LG, Huawei and ZTE, have managed to maintain their market share, and together are estimated to have shipped over 38 million smartphones.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/global-smartphone-shipments-reached-286m-in-q1-2014-represents-just-1-q-o-q-growth-2014-04-29
New Issue-Lenovo Group prices $1.5 bln 2019 bond
Borrower Lenovo Group Ltd
Issue Amount $1.5 billion
Maturity Date May 08, 2019
Coupon 4.7 pct
Issue price 99.819
Reoffer price 99.819
Yield 4.741 pct
Spread 300 basis points
Underlying govt bond Over UST
Payment Date May 08, 2014
Lead Manager(s) Citi, ANZ, BoC, BAML, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, DBS
MIT, RBS, Standard Chartered, Barclays & MIZ
Listing Hong Kong
Full fees Undisclosed
Denoms (K) 200 - 1
Governing Law English
Security details and RIC, when available, will be
on
Customers can right-click on the code for
performance analysis of this new issue
For ratings information, double click on
For all bonds data, double click on
For Top international bonds news
For news about this issuer, double click on the issuer RIC,
where assigned, and hit the newskey (F9 on Reuters terminals)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/29/idUSL3N0NL44K20140429
Lenovo Will Reportedly Adopt Dual-Brand Marketing For Smartphones
You must have heard by now that Google has sold Motorola Mobility to Lenovo for $3 billion. The Beijing-based company will certainly be able to capitalize upon Motorola’s brand recognition and distribution network in Western markets. Lenovo is already a successful smartphone manufacturer on its home turf. Supply chain sources suggest that Lenovo might actually adopt a dual-brand marketing strategy for smartphones.
What this means is that the company would continue to use the Motorola brand to sell mid-range and high-end smartphones in the U.S. as well as Western Europe, and that it would use the Lenovo brand to sell entry-level to mid-range smartphones in China, Latin America and a host of other emerging markets. According to sources the company jointly expects to ship as many as 80 million units this year.
Lenovo hasn’t officially commented on branding just yet. Brand names like “Motorola By Lenovo” are being considered but the company hasn’t made anything official as yet. It might not until the acquisition deal closes, which is expected to take a couple of months.
It would make sense for Lenovo to stick with the Motorola branding, given its recognition in the West. It used to be one of the biggest handset vendors in the past so there’s certainly some glory attached to that brand. However we can’t really be sure until Lenovo confirms it.
This article was filed in Homepage > Cellphones and was tagged with Lenovo and Motorola.
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/04/lenovo-will-reportedly-adopt-dual-brand-marketing-for-smartphones/
Lenovo Celebrates Grand Opening of USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda with Technology Partnership Announcement
Lenovo Celebrates Grand Opening of USO Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda with Technology Partnership Announcement
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.– April 21, 2014: Lenovo is proud to announce the technology partnership with a new center for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured, their caregivers and active duty members and their families. This April, the USO opened the Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda equipped with Lenovo technology, on the grounds of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda, home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The new facility provides for rest and relaxation for active duty military members and their families and recovering wounded troops and their caregivers, as they cope and recover from injuries or illness.
“We’re very excited about the amazing support Lenovo is providing our local military members, their families, and their caregivers,” said Elaine Rogers, president and CEO of USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore. “As the only technology partner at the Warrior and Family Center at Bethesda, Lenovo’s generous donation of laptops, tablets and desktop products allows us to provide technology to those military members and their families who have sacrificed so much in defense of our nation.”
The USO Warrior and Family Center provides critical care and constructive services with a heavy focus on wounded troops as they recover and prepare for the transition to civilian life. The technology center will be used for education programs as well as general entertainment. In addition to the technology center, the new facility offers places for service members and their families to relax and play, featuring a fireside lounge, music and arts centers, dining areas and an NFL lounge with video games.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the USO and support of our nation’s Armed Forces with this ongoing technology partnership,” said Tom Looney, vice president and general manager of Lenovo North America. “Working with the USO, we’ve been able to create media centers with Lenovo technology across North Carolina, Washington, D.C. and now in Maryland. It is the least we can do to show our support for our troops and those who sacrifice and protect us day-in and day-out.”
This is the second center of its kind in the U.S. – the first is located at Fort Belvoir, VA.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1789
Lenovo Plans U.S. Dollar Bond Issue
Sale of Bonds Will Replenish Capital and Fund Acquisitions
By JEFFREY NG
April 23, 2014 9:27 p.m. ET
HONG KONG—Chinese personal-computer maker Lenovo Group Ltd. plans to sell U.S. dollar bonds to replenish capital, as the company continues on an acquisitions spree to drive growth.
Lenovo, which in 2013 became the world's largest PC maker by shipments, earlier this year announced a pair of deals valued at $5 billion, and has said it was still on the lookout for more asset purchases.
The Hong Kong-listed company said Thursday...
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304788404579520441578301558
Newly Released Lenovo ThinkCentre M73 Thin Client Runs Unified Operating System and Management Software
Lenovo’s “Tiny” ThinkCentre M73 thin client now available with LeTOS, WES 7, and LTM thin client software
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Apr 23, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Devon IT today announced the expanded Lenovo thin client portfolio - with the new ThinkCentre M73 thin client – now running a fully unified operating system and thin client management suite. Lenovo’s LeTOS and WES 7 operating system options, with the Lenovo Thin Client Manager (LTM) helps drive deployment and management of hosted and virtual desktop solutions.
The newly released ThinkCentre M73 thin client – part of Lenovo’s enterprise end-to-end solutions is a high-performance stateless device powered for productivity with an Intel Celeron Processor. It comes with a rich feature set that provides enterprise level functionality. Centralized processing makes it easy to manage data and hardware assets, monitor system access and enforce security policies and procedures while significantly increasing internal data security.
“The ThinkCentre M73 is a small form factor thin client that adds value to our quality desktop products and helps enterprises meet end-to-end IT solutions for desktop virtualization,” said Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “The M73 operating system combined with LTM management provides customers with a simplified, consistent way to cost-effectively deploy and use their hosted or virtual desktops.
Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M73 thin client offers customers a choice of a flexible Linux-based thin client operating system (LeTOS) or Windows Embedded Standard 7. The thin client also features Lenovo Terminal Manager (LTM) software that is effective, secure and easy to use management software. Lenovo collaborated in partnership with Devon IT, a worldwide leader of thin client solutions. Lenovo's thin client software allows IT managers to easily create, deploy and manage their virtual desktop infrastructure.
“VDI is complex and therefore requires a holistic management framework to orchestrate the many components required for successful virtual desktop delivery and management,” explained Makoid. “Our thin client software suite streamlines and simplifies desktop virtualization deployments, enabling IT organizations to gain greater management and control, ensure data and asset security, deliver a superior end-user experience, and provide enterprise continuity and cost reductions.”
Availability
For more information about Lenovo thin client solutions or product details email: info@devonit.com or call +1 (610) 757-4220 or toll-free at (888) 524-9382. For more information about LeTOS and LTM please visit www.devonit.com/software . Follow Devon IT on Twitter @DevonIT.
About Devon IT
Devon IT, Inc., ( www.devonit.com ) is a leading information technology company that offers thin client software, hardware, and virtual desktop solutions. Devon IT's products offer users in various industries and environments greater IT security, enhanced manageability, improved reliability, and lower costs. Devon IT is also the creator of the patented VDI Blaster™ ( www.vdiblaster.com ), a software platform that transforms PCs with hard drives into virtual desktops and the innovators of the SafeBook® thin client notebook. The company is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania with offices in London, Shanghai and Bangalore. Read Devon IT's technical blog, "Thin Tank," at http://www.devonit.com/blog .
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140423005252/en/
SOURCE: Devon IT
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/newly-released-lenovo-thinkcentre-m73-thin-client-runs-unified-operating-system-and-management-software-2014-04-23
Hillcrest Labs Selected by Lenovo to Bring Motion, Gesture and Cursor Control to Smart TVs
- Hillcrest's Freespace® MotionEngine™ to Power Lenovo's Android™ Smart TVs -
Hillcrest Labs announced today that Lenovo's new line of Smart TVs is using Hillcrest's patented Freespace® in-air pointing and motion control software. Freespace enables point-and-click, gesture and motion control of Smart TVs through simple in-air movements of a remote control. Lenovo's Freespace-enabled Smart TVs include the new S9 Smart TV that was unveiled on April 16 for sale across China.
Freespace will form the foundation of Lenovo's Smart TV user experience and enable improved content navigation, better gaming options, and simple Web browsing. It provides simple to use point-and-click controls and 3D motion tracking optimized for consumers in the living room environment. This is particularly important for Android™ TVs, as the technology replicates the touch and tilt based controls commonly used by Android apps on other devices.
"We are very proud that Lenovo has chosen Freespace motion interface technology as the foundation of its Smart TV user interface," said Dan Simpkins, CEO of Hillcrest Labs. "A strong brand, spirit of innovation, and focus on quality will undoubtedly establish Lenovo as a Smart TV market leader. We are pleased that our products and intellectual property will be used throughout Lenovo's impressive Smart TV product line."
"Smart TV adoption continues at a tremendous pace, and we fully intend to take a leadership role in this market," said Xiong Wen, General Manager of Digital Home Business Unit at Lenovo. "Hillcrest is a proven global leader in motion-enabled TV products with essential intellectual property that enables key features in these products. Moving forward, Freespace will be a core technology for our Smart TVs. Together, we will deliver the best user interfaces for TV, Web, and apps across Smart TVs."
Lenovo's choice of Freespace is further evidence of the technology's importance across advanced Smart TV platforms. It also marks another major, Asia-based consumer electronics OEM to adopt Hillcrest's technology. To support this growing market, Hillcrest also announced today that it will open a new regional office based in Taiwan, which will address the local demand for Freespace in Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, wearable electronics, and more. The office will consist of both sales and technical support staff to support Hillcrest's growing customer base in the region.
Hillcrest has a commanding worldwide intellectual property portfolio that includes over 110 granted out of over 220 total filed patents exclusively owned by Hillcrest Labs. This includes patents which are critical to the orientation compensation, automatic calibration and intelligent motion stabilization features that ensure motion control technology is simple and intuitive to use on Smart TVs.
Additional information about Lenovo Smart TVs can be found at: tv.lenovo.com.cn . Additional information about Hillcrest Labs can be found at: www.HillcrestLabs.com .
About Hillcrest Labs: Hillcrest Labs is the leading global supplier of software and hardware for motion-enabled products. Our Freespace® technology transforms human movement into high quality, application-ready motion information. With a decade of development and many unique patented features, products come to life with Freespace motion. Companies that have licensed or use Hillcrest's motion technology include: Atmel, Eastman Kodak, Hisense, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Logitech, Oppo, Roku, SMK Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., TCL Multimedia, Universal Electronics (UEI), and others.
Hillcrest has received numerous awards and recognitions including the prestigious CES Innovations Honoree Award multiple times, IMS Research's TV Innovation Awards, EE Times' ACE Award, PC World's 100 Best Products and Greatest Tech Designs, Popular Mechanics' Editors Choice, ECN's Reader's Choice Tech, and many others. Additional information about Hillcrest's broad portfolio of motion control products is available at: www.HillcrestLabs.com . Follow Hillcrest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillcrestLabs or Twitter at @HillcrestLabs.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hillcrest-labs-selected-by-lenovo-to-bring-motion-gesture-and-cursor-control-to-smart-tvs-2014-04-22
Intel pushes into mobile, but finds no profits
The chipmaker is still tied to the languishing PC business
Now that Intel Corp. is giving out more information about its business units, investors have learned some sobering news: The personal-computer business is still the chipmaker’s bread and butter.
In its first-quarter earnings Tuesday, Intel’s INTC -0.08% financial results demonstrated that the PC business is still its dominant source of revenue, even as it expands into mobile phones and tablets with aggressive moves. As the PC market drastically slowed last year, with consumers buying more tablets and smartphones, Intel ratcheted up its efforts to expand beyond the core PC business. And at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, Chief Executive Brian Krzanich focused on the so-called Internet of Things as another potential growth area.
So far, though, Intel’s revenue is paltry from mobile and the Internet of Things, an emerging area where nearly every device or appliance will be connected to the Internet. In the first quarter, Intel’s revenue from mobile and communications chips was $156 million, down 62% from a year earlier, and revenue from the Internet of Things group was $482 million, up 32%. Chips for PCs, in contrast, had revenue of $7.9 billion, and chips for servers and data centers climbed 11% to $3.1 billion. Intel’s total revenue for the first quarter was $12.8 billion.
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Why Alibaba is a big deal
But what was more concerning to investors was the fact that Intel’s mobile business is still losing heaps of money, in part due to marketing costs — Intel offers manufacturers who buy its tablet chips rebates. In the first quarter, mobile losses swelled to $929 million. In 2013, Intel lost $3.15 billion in its mobile communications group, as it has tried to make inroads to compete in smartphones and tablets, where chips based on designs from ARM Holdings Plc ARMH -0.02% ARMH -0.02% dominate.
“How do you think about this business,” Barclay’s Capital analyst Blayne Curtis asked on Intel’s conference call Tuesday. “You’re a bit behind. You’re entering from the low end and that pricing seems quite tough. You’re facing subsidies that you have to do on the tablet side. Are there some milestones that you look at to get this business back to profitable? Or maybe would you consider this strategic enough that you’d consider continuing to run this as a loss?”
Krzanich, who took over as CEO from Paul Otellini last May, said Intel doesn’t enter into businesses thinking it’s going to lose money. “We believe we have a road map to get to profitability in that business,” he said. Those milestones are based on the launch of new versions of its chips, starting in the current quarter, and into the second half of 2015 and 2016. “Those are the milestones to me that will lead to profitability, long term.”
This quarter, PCs started to show signs of stabilization, with revenue in the PC client group falling only 1% from a year earlier, so many investors took heart in that news. Still, it will take time.
As Bernstein Research analyst Stacy Rasgon said in a note Tuesday: “Mobile economics are currently awful. It is imperative that the company grow revenues to the point of at least covering some of their massive opex [operating expenses] spend. However, we have yet to hear any concrete evidence that this is in the cards. 2014 is not the year, nor is 2015; are we waiting for 2016 or even later?”
Whichever year it is, one thing is for certain: Intel is still wedded to its core PC business, at least for the foreseeable future.
Therese Poletti is a senior columnist for MarketWatch in San Francisco. Follow her on Twitter @tpoletti.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/intel-pushes-into-mobile-but-finds-no-profits-2014-04-17
Lenovo's banking on motion control and Flex-able laptops with latest releases
Motion control hasn't outmoded the mouse and keyboard yet, but it is finding its way into more and more consumer products. Take Lenovo's upcoming A540 all-in-one desktop, for instance: its one of a handful of the company's products to feature Lenovo Motion Control, a 12-gesture collection of hands-free (well, hand waving) media controls. The $1,279.99 machine is built specifically with families in mind, featuring a 23.8-inch 1,920 x 1,080 touchscreen, NVIDIA GeForce GT 840A graphics, an Intel Core i7 CPU and an aluminum frame that tapers down to 4 millimeters at its thinnest point.
Lenovo is refreshing its laptop line-up too, including two new models for its Flex family of convertible notebooks. The 14 and 15.6-inch Flex 2 laptops feature the same 300-degree hinge we saw in the Yoga, Yoga 2 and ThinkPad Yoga -- allowing them to bend over backwards into a makeshift (and rather large) tablet. The machines are fairly customizable too, and are available in both Intel Core i7 / NVIDIA GeForce or AMD APU and Radeon GPU configurations. The 14 and 15.6-inch Flex 2 convertibles will be available this June for $429 and $799, respectively.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/16/lenovo-announces-motion-controlled-all-in-one-new-flex-laptops/
SYNNEX Combines Product Strengths from Avaya and Lenovo to Offer Compact, Affordable UC Solution for SMB Market
Orlando, FL from Varnex Spring Conference - SYNNEX Corporation, a leading distributor of IT products and services, announced it is now offering a compact UC solution for small businesses with fewer than 50 users that embed the proven Avaya IP Office Server Edition software on the Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny Desktop. The solution delivers all of the features and benefits of the Avaya IP Office(TM) Platform in a dramatically smaller hardware footprint, at an affordable price, including:
- IP Office feature server
- Voicemail Pro server
- Avaya one-X(R) Portal and Mobility server
- Solution Administration web portal
- IP Office Server Edition Manager, including System Status Application
- Voicemail Pro client
- Client and DevConnect applications such as IP Office Softphone and DevLink
- Acts as a central host for licensing, Solution directory and time server
- IP focused telephony capabilities to support 50 users and extensions such as H.323, SIP, IP DECT, and Wi-Fi
- Supports voicemail recording and Text to speech (TTS) channels
- Supports remote worker including Avaya one-X(R) Portal, Avaya one-X(R) Mobile, and Flare Experience clients
- Conference resources for ad-hoc and meet-me conferences
"We've received overwhelming response and demand for this combined innovation at its soft launch," said Peter Larocque, President, North America Distribution, SYNNEX Corporation. "By bringing together product strengths within our vendor base, SYNNEX is able to offer our SMB customers an exclusive on-premise UC solution that meets budget challenges faced in the SMB market."
"Being able to offer full UC functionality on a compact platform for the sub 50 space at a cost effective price is very valuable. The ease of downloading the software, provisioning and applying licenses was very quick, easy and painless. In this very competitive market we look for ways to differentiate ourselves from Avaya competitors and SYNNEX has done just that with the release of this bundled product," said Rich Darress, Chief Technology Officer, DJJ Technologies.
"SYNNEX is known for its innovative approach to providing its channel partners with unique value to bring to market. The latest collaboration between Avaya, Lenovo and SYNNEX further demonstrates our shared commitment to help our channel partners win and keep business with thoughtful and effective solutions for the SMB market," said Richard Steranka, vice president, Worldwide Channels, Avaya.
Solution providers interested in offering Avaya IP Office on the ThinkCentre Tiny Solution through SYNNEX Corporation should visit www.synnex.com/avaya/index.html , email avaya@synnex.com, or call 855-767-6729855-767-6729.
About SYNNEX Corporation
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/synnex-combines-product-strengths-from-avaya-and-lenovo-to-offer-compact-affordable-uc-solution-for-smb-market-2014-04-15?reflink=MW_news_stmp
From A to Z series, Lenovo Spells out Style, Power and Affordability with New Laptops and Desktops
Introduces AIO A540 Desktop and B, G and Z Series Laptops
Stunning aluminum A540 all-in-one (AIO) designed with the latest features for the home and family
B50 an affordable laptop created for small businesses and G50 laptop a great fit for general purpose computing
Z40/50 thin and light, full multimedia laptop optimized for entertainment
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – April 16, 2014: Lenovo(HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today introduced several new PCs starting with the Lenovo A Series A540 AIO desktop built for families and equipped with the latest audio and video features for enjoying digital content. Lenovo also introduced the B50 laptop for small businesses with a balance of essential technologies and affordability; the essential G50 laptop for general computing; and the Z40 and Z50 entertainment-focused laptops.
The sleek A540 AIO includes a super bright 23.8-in FHD 1920X1080 IPS display in an aluminum shell just four millimeters thin at its edge. Users can adjust the screen from -5° to 90° to position it for however they like to use it. Running Windows 8.1 and supporting 10-finger touch, the A540 lets users experience touch functionality with its collection of 20 pre-loaded games and education apps. Users can even go hands-free with Lenovo Motion Control, which supports up to 12 gestures to complete actions like muting the volume, advancing photos or playing videos.
The A540 comes with top-of-the-line technologies including up to NVIDIA GeForce GT 840A graphics, up to an Intel 4th generation Core i7 processor, JBL speakers with Dolby Home Theatre, optional Near Field Communications to transfer files from compatible devices and an optional TV Tuner to watch TV programming right on the desktop.
Starting at just $399, the new 15-in B50 laptop offers small business users incredible value with a host of essential features. The laptops offer multiple screen choices: an HD 1366X768 anti-glare touch display, a FHD 1920X1080 or an HD 1366X768 display. Running Windows 7, users can select either models with up to 4th generation Intel Core i7 processors and optional NVIDIA GeForce 820M graphics or up to an A8 AMD processor and either AMD integrated or AMD Radeon R5 M230 graphics. They also have a DVD burner/player, up to 1 TB of HD or hybrid SSD storage, an optional fingerprint reader for security and Dolby Advanced Audio v2.
The G50 laptop comes with a set of computing technologies including choices of up to Intel 4th generation Core i7 or up to AMD R5-M230 processors, Windows 8.1, Dolby Advanced Audio v2, a DVD burner/player, an HD display and HD webcam. Users can easily log-into their PC with just their face using Lenovo’s VeriFace Pro facial recognition software.
Meanwhile, the stylish Z40 and Z50 laptops provide a full multimedia experience for on-the-go. At under an inch thin, they come equipped with an optional gorgeous FHD 1920X1080 display, a DVD player/burner, large storage options, Dolby Home Theatre with a 720p webcam. For opening and running users digital files and apps, the laptops offer extreme performance with up to AMD’s newest, highest performance APU processor with up to R7 discrete Radeon graphics.
Quote
“From A to Z, our latest Lenovo PC lineup gives people an incredible combination of performance, entertainment and value to help them get the most from their PC,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, worldwide marketing and design, PC Group, Lenovo. “With devices ranging from slim and sleek all-in-one desktops to laptops built for the media maven, we’re offering a wide array of PCs so you can pick the one that’s perfect for you.”
Pricing and Availability1
Pricing for models of the Lenovo A540 AIO start at $1,279.99 and will be available beginning in July and will be available via Lenovo retailers.
Pricing for models of the Lenovo B50 laptops start at $399 and will be available beginning in July via Lenovo retailers.
Pricing for models of the Lenovo G50 laptop starts $399 and will be available beginning in July via Lenovo retailers.
Pricing for models of the Lenovo Z Series start at $579. The Z40 will be available beginning in May via www.lenovo.com, and the Z50 will be available beginning in August via Lenovo retailers.
For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feedsor follow Lenovo on Twitterand Facebook. The press kit is available at: http://news.lenovo.com/CES2014.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1787
Lenovo Flexes Multimode Muscle with New Dual Mode Laptops
FLEX 2 Packs More Flexibility and Features into Affordable Devices
New optional full high definition screens and discrete graphics for “life-like” content experience
Affordable “convertible-like” PC with two unique modes: Laptop and Stand
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – April 16, 2014: Lenovo(HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today introduced two new additions to its FLEX family of dual mode laptops with the new FLEX 2 laptops available in 14 and 15.6-in models. Not only do the laptops give users 300° flexibility with two great modes, Laptop and Stand, they improve upon the original models in compelling new ways with an enhanced visual experience offering full HD screen and discrete graphics models.
Shaping Higher Performance
Available in either a 14 or 15.6-in screen, the laptops take Lenovo’s family of dual mode devices to the next level with new design and performance features. The black or silver1 FLEX 2 laptops catch attention for their 300° rotation and their optional backlit keyboard, which finishes the look on this beautiful device.
Inside the laptop, consumers will love the eye-popping visuals with a noticeably brighter full HD 1920X1080 widescreen display on select models. Users can choose NVIDIA GeForce graphics on models with up to 4th generation Intel Core i7 processors for a rich entertainment experience, making images in games and videos display quickly and smoothly. Or they can opt for models with dynamic AMD Radeon™ R5 M230 discrete graphics and AMD APU processors all the way up to AMD A8 models2 with on-chip Radeon graphics.
Equipped with Dolby Advanced Audio v2 technology, the FLEX 2 laptops make sound from movies, games and music come across its stereo speakers louder with greater clarity, consistent tone and less distortion. And for users who like to video chat, the laptops come with an optional dual array digital microphone for truer to life calls when using the 720p HD webcam.
The FLEX 2 further provides an overall better user experience over its predecessor thanks to several advancements for processing, storage and memory. For fast and efficient operations, the FLEX 2 laptops offer choices of the latest Intel and AMD processors, come with a range of three storage options - up to 1 TB of HD or hybrid SSHD storage or up to 256 GB SSD storage - and long battery life.
Two Modes in One Machine
Starting at just $429, the laptops give users one of the most affordable “convertible-like” PCs, with two unique modes in one machine. Users can enjoy the benefits of a Windows 8.1 touch-centric experience in both modes via the 10-finger multitouch screen.
FLEX 2 works great in its traditional clamshell laptop mode for productivity tasks with its comfortable keyboard with its stylish and functional one piece multitouch touchpad with an optional cool metal palmrest. Then simply flip the keyboard underneath the screen 300° to transition into Stand mode for a different way to watch movies and riveting digital content up close.
Quote
“The new FLEX 2 gives consumers two great devices – a full-function, multitouch laptop and a second, Stand mode – in one machine all at an extremely affordable price,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, worldwide marketing and design, PC Group, Lenovo. “New features like a crystal clear high resolution screen and the latest processing technologies make it even more suited to helping express and manage consumer’s digital lives.”
Pricing and Availability3
Pricing for models of the FLEX 2 14-in and 15.6-in start at $799 and $429, respectively. The FLEX 2 laptops are available beginning in June via Lenovo retailers and www.lenovo.com.
For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feedsor follow Lenovo on Twitterand Facebook. The press kit is available at: http://news.lenovo.com/CES2014.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$34 billion personal technology company – the largest PC maker worldwide and an emerging PC Plus leader – serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company, has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
1Black on 15-in model and silver on 14-in model.
2Only available on 15-in models.
3Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.
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LENOVO TO BUY MOBILE PATENTS FROM NEC CORPORATION
LenovoEMC Announces New High-Performance Network Video Recorders (NVRs) With Milestone Arcus Video Management System Capabilities
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http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1788
Lenovo plans midtier Golden Warrior S8 smartphone, report says
The device will reportedly come with a 5.3-inch screen, a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean).
Lenovo has plans to launch a midtier smartphone featuring the increasingly-common gold finish making its way to more and more handsets.
Lenovo will announce at some point soon the Golden Warrior S8, the Android Headlines blog site reported Friday, citing reports and leaked images out of Asia. The device will reportedly come with a gold finish and a 5.3-inch screen boasting a resolution of 1,280x720 pixels. The Golden Warrior will also feature an eight-core processor and a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera will come with 5 megapixels. The smartphone will run on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), rather than the Android 4.4 (KitKat) found in the latest flagship handsets from other vendors.
According to Android Headlines, Lenovo will pitch the Golden Warrior to customers as a midtier device, thus the lower screen resolution and older Android version.
Lenovo is best known for its computing equipment in the US, but the company is a prolific smartphone maker in China. Lenovo is trying to extend its reach with help from Motorola, which it signed a deal to acquire in January from Google for nearly $3 billion.
It's not clear what Lenovo's launch plans might be for the Golden Warrior S8, since it hasn't yet been announced. CNET has contacted Lenovo for comment on the leak. We will update this story when we have more information.
http://www.cnet.com/news/lenovo-plans-mid-tier-golden-warrior-s8-smartphone-report-says/
Solve Windows XP Transition Issues With VDI Blaster Thin Client Software From Lenovo
Companies Can Use Devon IT VDI Blaster Software to Remove Windows XP and Transition To Thin Client Architecture
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Apr 10, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Windows XP support is ending and many organizations are unprepared or behind schedule to address the transition. Devon IT a leader in thin client and virtual desktop solutions offers its VDI Blaster PC repurposing software as an upgrade solution path to current Windows XP PCs.
VDI Blaster, the world’s number one thin client software tool, repurposes existing PCs and other devices to the thin clients. Companies and organizations of all sizes are able to enhance their thin client computing implementations at a fraction of the cost of new devices and software licensing fees.
With a reduced MSRP of $14.99 each license of VDI Blaster can be used to update and upgrade existing Widows PCs devices from XP to DeTOS, all fully managed by Echo. VDI Blaster includes - at no additional cost - Echo thin client management from Devon IT.
Lowest Possible Transition Cost
“We are offering customers a cost-effective option that will help them with furthering their thin client solutions, helping them to move forward with the most flexible and advanced thin client OS and management suite available,” explained Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “This is a way for customers looking to inexpensively begin or continue advancing their VDI deployment and strategy.”
A True Thin Client OS
Devon IT’s software offers many features that go beyond current thin clients and includes internal wireless support and when using Devon IT’s Echo management platform, persistence of settings and configurations. Additional enhancements include an updated graphical user interface (GUI) and First Boot Wizard, and new access clients.
In addition to Windows XP PCs, VDI Blaster can be used to upgrade and manage:
Dell/Wyse C series, D series, R series, T series and Z series thin clients
HP t series thin clients
Other manufacturers’ thin clients
“This is a powerful and cost-effective way to unify, enhance and manage thin clients,” explained Joe Makoid, President Devon IT. “Best of all, every VDI Blaster license includes the ability to be managed by Echo or Lenovo thin client manager (LTM) for no additional charge. If you are looking to transition from your Windows XP environment and unify your desktop architecture, VDI Blaster is a solid and cost-effective solution.”
VDI Blaster is available from Devon IT and is orderable from Lenovo. Special discounted pricing of $14.99 per license is valid through June 30, 2014. Quantity, reseller and education discounts are available.
To contact Devon IT for all things related to thin client computing and virtual desktops, including this offer, email info@devonit.com or call (610) 757-4220 or toll-free at (888) 524-9382. For more information about Devon IT DeTOS(TM), and Echo(TM) please visit www.devonit.com/software . Follow Devon IT on Twitter @DevonIT.
About Devon IT
Devon IT, Inc., ( www.devonit.com ) is a leading information technology company that offers thin client software, hardware, and virtual desktop solutions. Devon IT's products offer users in various industries and environments greater IT security, enhanced manageability, improved reliability, and lower costs. Devon IT is also the creator of the patented VDI Blaster™. a software suite that transforms PCs with hard drives into virtual desktops and the innovators of the SafeBook® thin client notebook. The company is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania with offices in London, Shanghai and Bangalore. Read Devon IT's technical blog, "Thin Tank," at http://www.devonit.com/blog
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/solve-windows-xp-transition-issues-with-vdi-blaster-thin-client-software-from-lenovo-2014-04-10
Lenovo's new kid's laptop has a folding, Yoga-like screen (and there's a Chrome OS version too)
Here's how you unveil a product and make sure no one hears about it: Bury the news in a press release the same day you announce you're buying an iconic tech company for $3 billion. That's right: Everyone was so busy pontificating on whether Lenovo would ruin Motorola, that barely anyone noticed the company had also announced a kid's laptop. Well, we just had a chance to get hands-on with the new ThinkPad 11e ahead of its release, and while we might not normally care about kiddie PCs, a few things stick out here. First off, this is actually a collection of four different laptops, with two running Windows and two based on Chrome OS. Kind of a peculiar strategy when you think about it: How often do we get that kind of choice on the same machine? Secondly, Lenovo's offering two form factors: a traditional non-touch notebook, and another with a touchscreen that folds back into a quasi-tablet mode. Yep, it's basically a wee little Yoga, except it bends back 300 degrees, not 360. And, you know, it potentially runs Chrome OS. Now you see why we're so intrigued, right? You grown-ups probably want one too.
Lenovo ThinkPad 11e hands-on
See all photos12 Photos
But wait, there's one other thing you should know, and unfortunately, this is probably where we're going to lose some of you adults. As crazy as it sounds, this is actually the first ThinkPad that doesn't have that classic red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard. "What kind of sorcery is this?" you ask. Chalk it up to kids having atrocious motor skills. According to a Lenovo rep, the company was getting complaints from schools about kids ripping out those little red dots on the last-gen X131e Chromebook. Which is silly because they apparently feel more comfortable using the touchpad anyway. So, to spare teachers the repair cost, Lenovo nixed the TrackPoint on the new 11e, and also retooled the keyboard so that there's less space between the keys and their sockets (read: curious little children will now have a harder time wedging crap inside there).
Spec-wise, you're looking at a quad-core, Bay Trail-based Celeron processor, with a 16GB solid-state drive on the Chromebooks, and a choice of HDDs and SSDs on the Windows model. Look for the Windows machines to arrive later this month, priced at $449 for the regular notebook, and $549 for the Yoga-like one. Meanwhile, the Chromebooks will ship in late May or early June, with the laptop retailing for $349 and the convertible priced at $429.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/10/lenovo-thinkpad-11e-hands-on/?ncid=rss_truncated
Lenovo Tops Q1 PC Sales, Lifted by Win XP Termination, Says Gartner
By Tiernan Ray
Research firm Gartner this afternoon reported its data for worldwide Q1 personal computer shipments, which fell 1.7%, year over year, to 76.6 million units.
That was less bad than the declines of the past seven quarters, said Gartner.
Microsoft‘s (MSFT) ending of support for Windows XP this month helped spur purchases, lifting the market, says Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa:
All regions indicated a positive effect since the end of XP support stimulated the PC refresh of XP systems. Professional desktops, in particular, showed strength in the quarter. Among key countries, Japan was greatly affected by the end of XP support, registering a 35 percent year-over-year increase in PC shipments. The growth was also boosted by sales tax change. We expect the impact of XP migration worldwide to continue throughout 2014.
In the top spots, Lenovo (0992HK) led, with shipments of 12.9 million PCs, or 16.9%, up from the year-ago 14.9%, a nearly 11% jump. Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) came in second, with 16% share, up 4.1 percent. Dell’s shipments were 12.5% of the market, a 9% rise, said Gartner.
Acer (2353TW) and Asustek (2357TW) took fourth and fifth place, respectively.
In U.S. PC sales, Apple (AAPL) was at third place behind HP and Dell, with 10.8% market share versus the 25% share for HP and the 23.8% share for Dell. Apple sales fell 3.8%, year over year, to 1.52 million units, while HP sales rose 1.8% and Dell’s sales vaulted 13.2%.
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2014/04/09/lenovo-tops-q1-pc-sales-lifted-by-win-xp-termination-says-gartner/
LenovoEMC Announces New High-Performance Network Video Recorders (NVRs) With Milestone Arcus Video Management System Capabili...
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=61791773&symbol=LNVGY
Date : 04/09/2014 @ 5:08PM
Digitimes Research: Notebook shipments enjoy over 25% on-month growth in March
Joanne Chien, DIGITIMES Research, Taipei [Monday 7 April 2014]
In March, global top-5 notebook brand vendors and top-3 ODMs both achieved an over 25% on-month shipment growth due to February's weak shipments caused by inventory adjustments, orders for new products and end of support of Windows XP in early April, according to Digitimes Research's figures.
Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Lenovo and Acer all achieved over 30% on-month notebook shipment growth in March. Toshiba had over 40% on-month growth for its notebook shipments in March because of new product launches and extra orders for trying to fill in the gap created by Sony's leaving that market.
HP shipped over three million notebooks in March, while Dell's shipments in the past three months were all weaker than those in the previous year. Lenovo was the second-largest vendor, trailing HP by 300,000-500,000 units in February and March.
Wistron enjoyed an almost 40% on-month growth in March, while Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics both had over 25% on-month growth.
As for Samsung Electronics, which has turned conservative about the notebook industry, the company is planning to ship 6.3 million notebooks in 2014 with three million units being Chromebooks. Samsung will see a 70% on-year growth for its Chromebooks in 2014.
Content from this blog post was provided by the Digitimes Research Tracking team, which focuses on shipment data and market trends in the global mobile device supply chain. Digitimes Research provides quarterly tracking services for market sectors such as Global Tablet, China Smartphone, China Smartphone AP, China Touch Panel, Taiwan ICT and Taiwan FPD. Click here for more information about Digitimes Research Tracking services.
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http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20140407PD209.html?chid=2
Lenovo Earns Straight A’s With New A-Series Android Tablets
Series includes new functionality and various configurations, tailored for distinct customer segments
TAB A7-50's 7-inch, wide-view HD display reveals sharper text and web pages for the optimal reading and viewing experience
TAB A8 offers 30 percent more viewing space than a 7-inch tablet with powerful features that provide total entertainment on the go
TAB A10 equips users with a reliable tablet compatible with an optional Bluetooth keyboard, which acts as a stand for hands-free multimedia viewing, a keyboard for endless productivity and a protective cover
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – April 8, 2014: Lenovo(HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced several new A-series Android tablets, offering configurations and screen sizes to match consumer needs for both ultra-portable tablets and multimedia performers. The portfolio, which also boasts quad-core computing power for a responsive, smooth tablet experience, will be available starting in May 2014.
The new range starts with the TAB A7-50, an affordable on-the-go reading companion with a 7-inch, wide-view HD display for sharper text and web pages, while the larger screen TAB A8 is the mobile “home entertainment” center that produces bright HD images, with front-facing, Dolby® Audio speakers that bring music, videos and games to life. Rounding up the new A-series is the TAB A10, which is equipped with a superb 10.1" wide HD display and an optional Bluetooth keyboard for an amazing movie watching experience on the move.
TAB A7-50, Crystal Clear Multimedia Reader:The Lenovo TAB A7-50 is the ultra-portable on-the-go reading companion for those on a budget. The 7-inch, wide-view HD display reveals sharper text and web pages. Powered by a quad-core processor and equipped with a 2MP front-facing camera and 5MP rear camera, it’s designed for users who want to read, surf, and stay connected with friends. It is also available as the TAB A7-40, which comes in a stylish Ebony color, 8GB capacity and front-facing camera only.
TAB A8, “Home Entertainment” On the Move:The Lenovo TAB A8 comes in a sleek midnight blue color and provides total entertainment on the go. The sharp, colorful 8" HD display plus Dolby® audio and responsive quad-core power make it an excellent choice for playing games, watching videos, listening to music, socializing with friends and more.
TAB A10, Ultra-Mobile Multimode Powerhouse:The Lenovo TAB A10 is a versatile tablet powerhouse that offers a quality productivity experience anywhere, anytime. Compatible with an optional Bluetooth keyboard, the TAB A10 enables users to take full advantage of the 10.1-inch HD screen whether they are watching movies in “Stand” mode or browsing the web in crystal-clear definition. And at less than 9mm thick, the TAB A10 is a comfortable, lightweight companion for uber-mobile users.
Quote
“Lenovo’s latest A-series tablet family is designed to meet the demands of today’s young, active users who are always on the go, and have lifestyle requirements that are as diverse as their own personalities. With these latest additions to our tablet portfolio, we’ve introduced devices that speaks directly to each consumer’s habits, whether it’s enjoying music, reading e-books or watching videos on the go,” said Shao Tao, vice president Lenovo and head of Mobile BU, “Our Android family of tablets will appeal to users around the world as we’ve built our products to be highly flexible to serve multiple needs and budgets.”
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1785
Lenovo’s IBM Server Unit Bid Raises National Security Concerns
It has been quite a while since Lenovo announced its intention to purchase IBM’s server unit. The deal might not go through smoothly. A new report suggests that this bid has raised national security concerns, which means that the deal will now come under scrutiny and can possibly even be delayed. According to the report, the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. is going to review the deal.
IBM servers are used by US telecoms, FBI and the Pentagon. Lenovo is a Chinese company, so you can see where this is going. The U.S. and China have long accused each other of cyberattacks, and the U.S. has often raised questions against Chinese companies and their relationship with the People’s Republic government. Obviously the primary concern is that the purchase may allow China to access servers in those sensitive departments, so regulators aren’t going to go easy.
Bloomberg reports that apart from the fact that IBM servers are used at several government agencies, the regulators will also look into their usage inside the country’s critical infrastructure, including but not limited to electric companies and chemical plants. IBM tells the scribe that its confident that this review will have a “positive outcome.” If for some reason the regulators don’t allow the deal to go through, Lenovo would have to pay IBM $200 million as a breakup fee.
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/04/lenovos-acquisition-of-ibm-server-unit-raises-national-security-concerns/
Intel envisions $99 Windows tablets
It’s not hard to find a cheap Windows 8.1 tablet these days. Dell, Lenovo, and Toshiba all have 8 inch models that regularly sell for between $229 and $299 at the Microsoft Store. But chip maker Intel thinks Windows tablets can get cheaper… much cheaper.
At the Intel Developer Forum in China, Intel Vice President Hermann Eul suggested new Windows tablets could sell for as little as $99 to $129.
$99 Windows tablets
The tablets would likely feature some of Intel’s newly introduced low-power, low-cost Bay Trail processors. They’d also take advantage of Microsoft’s recent decision to offer Windows free of charge to device makers building tablets and phones with 9 inch or smaller displays.
Windows tablets have struggled to compete with Android and Apple tablets. But with a push from Intel and Microsoft, it looks like next-gen Windows models could be very competitively priced, which could make them a bit more attractive.
There are still far more mobile apps available for Android tablets than Windows tablets, but Microsoft is working to make it easier for developers to create apps that can run across a range of devices including desktops, notebooks, tablets, and phones. That could help boost the number of apps available in the Windows Store.
Cheap Windows tablets also come with Microsoft Office software and the ability to run desktop apps — something you might not want to do all that often on an 8 inch tablet, but something which you can’t easily do on an Android device.
http://liliputing.com/2014/04/intel-envisions-99-windows-tablets.html
LENOVO TO BUY MOBILE PATENTS FROM NEC CORPORATION
LENOVO TO BUY MOBILE PATENTS FROM NEC CORPORATION
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – April 4, 2014: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) announced that it has purchased a portfolio of patents from NEC Corporation (Tokyo: 6701) (OTC US: NIPNF).
The portfolio consists of more than 3,800 patent families filed in numerous countries around the world. The portfolio includes standard essential patents for 3G and LTE mobile technologies as well as patents that cover a broad range of features and technologies used in many of today’s most advanced mobile products such as smartphones.
“A strong patent portfolio is a key element for success in the smartphone business. This investment strengthens Lenovo’s existing intellectual property portfolio,” said Ira Blumberg, vice president of Intellectual Property, Lenovo. “As Lenovo expands its mobile PC Plus business into new markets, this investment shows it is committed to having the IP we need for global success.”
Lenovo will continue to acquire additional intellectual property assets both through its own innovation and engineering, as well as from external sources to support its rapidly expanding PC Plus business that includes mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1784
LenovoEMC Announces New High-Performance Network Video Recorders (NVRs) With Milestone Arcus Video Management System Capabilities
LenovoEMC Announces New High-Performance Network Video Recorders (NVRs) With Milestone Arcus Video Management System Capabilities
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - April 2, 2014: LenovoEMC Limited today announced a new class of high performance, affordable double-drive and four-drive desktop network video recorders (NVRs) utilizing the latest in industry-leading video management software (VMS) from Milestone Systems, creating an advanced, scalable and secure video surveillance solution ideal for single locations as well as distributed corporate enterprise installations.
The LenovoEMC™ px2-300d NVR and the new px4-400d NVR include support for the Milestone Interconnect™ feature, which allows the network storage devices to be interconnected with Milestone’s premium software, XProtect® Corporate, providing unlimited scalability in a cost-efficient and flexible central surveillance operation across geographically dispersed sites and numerous NVR units. (Separate Milestone Interconnect licenses sold by Milestone’s sales channel.)
The new LenovoEMC™ NVR with Milestone Arcus™ is bundled with camera licenses and software update plans for easy deployment out of the box and future feature and performance updates. Owners of all existing LenovoEMC px Series network storage products, desktop and rackmount models, can upgrade to the new Milestone Arcus VMS as a download application.
LenovoEMC will unveil its new line of NVR products in the Milestone Systems booth (#20060) at the ISC West security tradeshow this week in Las Vegas (April 2-4).
“By combining our LenovoEMC world-class network storage technology with the Milestone Arcus VMS, we have created new NVRs that deliver superior reliability, image quality, ease of installation and affordability unlike any other IP video surveillance solution available today,” said Andrew Hugo, director, Storage Product Marketing, Lenovo. “Utilizing the Milestone Interconnect feature, the new LenovoEMC NVRs can now become part of a larger geographically dispersed surveillance network for enterprises as well as smaller business entities. Whether you are a small office, an SMB or a distributed enterprise, our new LenovoEMC NVRs are versatile enough to grow with your business and security needs.”
Lars Nordenlund Friis, VP Incubation and Ventures at Milestone Systems, said, “The LenovoEMC NAS products were the first Milestone Arcus embedded devices in the industry, and it has been exciting to follow how the LenovoEMC team has successively launched the products globally. It is very promising that market demand has led to an extension of the portfolio of storage devices to include enterprise-class rackmounts with more capable processor and storage capabilities. The importance of Milestone Interconnect to address installations with many sites and very high camera counts is proving significant with Milestone Arcus solutions, allowing the end user to take a dynamic approach to what capabilities are needed where and when - in essence, unlimited scalability.”
The new LenovoEMC NVRs are ideal for businesses with an existing network storage-based video surveillance network as well as those participating in the ongoing industry upgrade from analog-based surveillance systems.
Key Features of new LenovoEMC Network Video Recorders
Automated setup – or what we call “No Configuration”; be up and running in minutes
Fully featured NAS on top of video management appliance
Available in scalable 4TB and 8TB configurations
Four, eight or 16 camera licenses included
Supports up to 16 analog cameras through the addition of a 16 channel PCIe card accessory, enabling those who have analog installations to easily use their current infrastructure as they migrate to IP
Hybrid NVR support for up to 20 IP cameras
Hundreds of popular branded IP cameras supported
Enterprise class 24x7 disks, RAID protection, UPS support, and data replication
Fully supported software provides feature enhancements, updated camera drivers and performance enhancements
Supports motion detection, email alerts, mobile viewing via iOS, Android & Windows Phone
Optimized for forensic evidence with easy exporting of video clips
Milestone Arcus
Milestone Arcus is an embedded video surveillance platform for low-complexity, affordable security installations. A VMS solution that runs on Linux®, Mac® OSX and Windows® related operating systems, Milestone Arcus offers a streamlined video management tool that is simple and easy-to-install for users of LenovoEMC NVRs.
In addition to the Milestone Interconnect, additional key features of Milestone Arcus include:
Language Support – User interface supports 26 languages
Multiple Level Users Accounts – administrator or standard accounts
Video Recording – Optimized for H.264, MPEG-4, or M-JPEG codecs
Multiple recording modes – Continuous or motion-based, including audio
Live View – Full screen and multi-view
Playback – Play, pause, stop, fast-forward, rewind, play next or previous
recording functions
Easy export of video footage including audio for forensic evidence
Availability and Warranty
The new LenovoEMC® NVR products are expected to be available beginning April 15. Pricing will start at approximately $999.00 for the LenovoEMC® px2-300d NVR with Milestone Arcus and $2,299.00 for the LenovoEMC® px4-400d NVR with Milestone Arcus. Select models will be available in certain markets around the world.
LenovoEMC will also offer the Milestone Arcus VMS as a downloadable application from www.lifelineapps.com for users of existing LenovoEMC high performance px series of desktop and rackmount network storage devices. The downloadable version of Milestone Arcus will include two demo camera licenses that will work for 30 days. Full camera licenses can be purchased and activated.
To learn more about LenovoEMC NVRs and other network storage products, please go to the Web at www.lenovoemc.com.
For more information on Milestone Arcus, please go to www.milestonesys.com/arcus.
About Milestone Systems
Founded in 1998, Milestone Systems is the global industry leader in open platform IP video management software, according to IMS Research. Delivering powerful surveillance that is easy to manage, reliable and proven in thousands of customer installations around the world, Milestone technology supports flexible choices in network hardware and integration with other systems. Sold through partners in more than 100 countries, Milestone solutions help video enable organizations – managing risks, protecting people and assets, optimizing processes and reducing costs. For more information, visit: www.milestonesys.com.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1783
Lenovo's latest budget Android tablets focus on high-quality audio
If Samsung's new Galaxy Tabs aren't your cup of tea, Lenovo may have the budget tablets you're looking for. It just unveiled four entry-level Android slates that expand on the sound quality focus we saw in last year's models. The Tab A7-30, A7-50, A8 and A10 all have Dolby audio that should improve your small-screen movie experience. They also have "responsive" (if unnamed) quad-core processors, too. You're mostly choosing devices based on screen sizes. The A7-30 has a basic 7-inch display and optional cellular support, while the A7-50 jumps to HD and throws in a 2-megapixel front camera; move to the A8 and you'll get an 8-inch panel, while the A10 includes (you guessed it) a 10-inch display. Lenovo plans to ship the new Tab A-series worldwide in the second quarter of the year, with UK prices ranging from a frugal £100 ($166) for an A7-30 to a still quite affordable £170 ($283) for an A10. There's no mention of a US launch for the new A-series so far, but we've reached out for more details. We'll let you know if these starter tablets reach American shores.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/01/lenovo-tab-a-series-tablets/
Lenovo Captures Two Red Dot “Best of the Best” Design Awards
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – April 2, 2014: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook and ThinkVision LT2934z panoramic monitor have earned the prestigious 2014 Red Dot “Best of the Best” product design award, the highest distinction from one of the largest design competitions in the world. Lenovo is also honoured to receive product design awards for the ThinkPad 8 Tablet and Quickshot Cover, the ThinkPad Ultra Messenger carrying case and the ThinkVision LT1423p touch monitor.
These awards follow Lenovo’s achievement of being chosen as the Red Dot Design Team of the Year for 2013. Red Dot is a prestigious annual international design competition based in Essen Germany. Only the best products are honoured with this highly sought-after award which is seen as a worldwide seal of product design excellence. The winning products were selected from nearly 5000 works by designers, architects, and manufacturers from 53 nations and were chosen by an international panel of 40 judges, with expertise in various areas of industrial design. The winning products will be on display in the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen Germany, in a bound exhibition catalog, and in their online multi-media exhibition.
“Earning Red Dot “Best of the Best” awards is an honour and proof of the design team’s ongoing work to deliver truly inspiring designs and products to our customers around the world,” said David Hill, vice president, Think Design and User Experience, Lenovo. “The ThinkPad X1 Carbon and ThinkVision LT2934z are products that enhance the iconic Think design language, providing ultra-light mobile computing and awe-inspiring visuals in sleek and elegant form factors.”
A “best of CES 2014” award winner, the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers a durable carbon-fiber construction packed with innovative features like an Adaptive Keyboard that changes function keys with apps, voice and hand gestures for a liberated interactive experience and a stunning ColorBurst Display for crisper and brighter images. The ThinkVision LT2934z delivers a remarkable visual experience thanks to its 2560x1080 panoramic display. Moreover, it packs a class leading Voice-over-IP (VOIP) solution and can switch seamlessly and efficiently between two connected PC systems.
The awards will be presented to Lenovo at a gala event in Essen, Germany, on July 7, 2014.
http://news.lenovo.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1782
Lenovo A-Series tablet revamp brings A7-30, A7-50, A8 and A10
Lenovo has outed four new Android tablets, refreshing its A-Series range with the A7-30, A7-50, A8, and A10, and each putting the emphasis on multimedia. Set to hit shelves from Q2 this year, the Lenovo slates kick off with the 7-inch, quadcore A7-30, with a 1024 x 600 display and Dolby front-facing stereo speakers.
Inside there's a MT8382 quadcore 1.3GHz processor, a 3,500 mAh battery, and a 2-megapixel main camera, with a VGA-resolution camera up-front. Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi b/g/n are also included, along with an unspecified cellular radio for getting online away from home.
TAB A7-50_Wifi_Hero_05
The A8, meanwhile, uses an 8-inch 1280 x 800 IPS display and either a 1.3GHz MTK 8121 or MTK 8382 processor. There's WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS, and along with the WiFi-only model there are two versions that offer either 3G data or 3G data/voice support.
On the back there's a 5-megapixel camera, with a 2-megapixel camera up-front. The battery is a 4,200 mAh pack, and the whole thing is 360g. It too has Dolby audio.
A8-50
Finally, the Lenovo A10 will also come in WiFi-only or WiFi/3G versions, with the same choice of processors as the A8. It also gets a 5-megapixel main camera and 2-megapixel on the front, with a 6,340 mAh battery and a 1280 x 800 display. WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 are onboard, and it's 8.9mm thick and weighs around 563g.
TAB A10-70_Dark blue_Hero_03
Lenovo will offer the A7-50 from £99.99 ($166) in the UK, while the A8-50 will start from £139.99 ($233) and the A10-70 tablet from £169.99 ($283). Official US pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.
http://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-a-series-tablet-revamp-brings-a7-30-a7-50-a8-and-a10-01323195/
Motorola By Lenovo Brand Might Be Under Consideration
It has been a while since Google announced that its selling Motorola Mobility to Beijing-based Lenovo. When Google picked it up back in 2011 it didn’t put it through massive rebranding, it simply came to be known as “a Google company.” Once the deal closes and the company officially belongs to Lenovo, the world’s largest PC vendor will be able to rebrand it the way it wants to. Though Lenovo may have a lot to gain if it retains Motorola. The name itself has global recognition and could immensely help Lenovo in its aim of becoming a major player in the smartphone market.
A German business magazine recently interviewed Lenovo CEO Richard Yang, in the interview he talked about his views on the Motorola brand. Yang said that it already has a good reputation in key markets like North America and Europe, so the company might retain it for expansion in these particular markets.
He did hint about the possibility of introducing a new Motorola brand that may be combined with Lenovo. One example that Yang gave was Motorola by Lenovo. This has lead to speculation that this may actually be under consideration, and that Lenovo may end up sticking with this short and sweet rebranding effort. What do you think about it?
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/03/motorola-by-lenovo-brand-might-be-under-consideration/
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon review (2014): new, but not necessarily improved
Don't call it a business laptop. I mean, you could, but you'd be missing the point: Though the original Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon was technically aimed at corporate users, it was good enough for us to recommend even to regular consumers. That was a year and a half ago, though: In the intervening months, the machine has gone without an update, save for the addition of an optional touchscreen. Finally, though, Lenovo went and refreshed it, bringing it into the modern age with fresh processors, a thinner and lighter design and an ultra-high-res 2,560 x 1,440 screen option. In addition to tweaking the original, though, Lenovo also overhauled the keyboard, adding an "adaptive panel" whose shortcuts change depending on what app you're using (yes, that means the traditional Fn buttons are out). That potentially controversial change aside, this clearly has the makings of another winner... right?
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon review (2014)
See all photos25 Photos
LOOK AND FEEL
With the exception of that adaptive keyboard panel, which I'll get to in a moment, Lenovo didn't reinvent the wheel with the new X1 Carbon. It just made that wheel even thinner and lighter than it was before. Once again, the X1 claims to be the lightest 14-inch Ultrabook on the market, with a weight of 3.15 pounds and measuring 0.72 inch thick (if for some reason you configure the machine without a touchscreen, it'll come out to 2.8 pounds and 0.69 inch thick). That's a marginal improvement over last year's model, which came in at 3.25 pounds and 0.81 inch thick (make that 2.99 pounds/0.74 inch for the non-touch version). Numbers aside, then, this is more of a revision than a full-on makeover. Nonetheless, it's still kinda neat that the new touchscreen model is now thinner than the original non-touch one.
One thing that hasn't changed: the build quality. As ever, the notebook was built to meet the military's MIL-STD-810G standards for toughness, with an unwavering hinge that can extend 180 degrees without breaking. Even that new adaptive keyboard is coated in Gorilla Glass, to help ward off unsightly scratches. Once again, the lid here is fashioned out of carbon fiber, though the chassis is now made from magnesium alloy. That change aside, this otherwise looks like a ThinkPad, and to a Lenovo die-hard, it's a beautiful thing indeed. ThinkPad loyalists will love it for its clean lines, cushy keyboard and signature red TrackPoint, even if the shape is, as ever, a little boxy. Even if you're a fresh convert to the brand, though, the craftsmanship is something to be admired. As plain as that monotone black casing might look, it's still doing a good job of masking fingerprints, even now that I've been using it for several weeks. And scratches? Haven't picked up a single one yet.
SONY DSC
Pick up the laptop, and you'll find all the ports on the right and left sides, with nothing around back except for a sealed SIM card tray. Over on the right, there's a Gigabit Ethernet port (adapter required), along with a USB 3.0 port. On the left, there's Lenovo's unique OneLink power connector, a full-sized HDMI socket, a Mini DisplayPort, a headphone jack and a second USB 3.0 socket (last time, only one of the USB connections was 3.0). Weirdly, though, Lenovo chose to nix the SD card slot that came in the last-gen model. A shame -- we thought we were past the point where Ultrabook makers pretended they couldn't fit a memory card reader on their super-skinny machines.
As before, the X1 Carbon comes standard with a 14-inch, 1,600 x 900 panel, but whereas that used to be the only resolution option, you can now opt for a higher-res 2,560 x 1,440 panel instead. Either way, the screen has a low-glare (not-quite-matte) finish that barely reflects any light, at least not in your typical fluorescent office. Colors are good, and the viewing angles are wide -- you'll have no problem reading the screen from off to the side or with the lid dipped forward. If anything, the only flaw has to do with the fact that not enough apps are optimized for that 2,560 x 1,440 resolution -- Google Chrome looks awful, for example -- but then again, we've said the same thing about every other notebook with a higher-than-full-HD display, including the Retina display MacBook Pro.
KEYBOARD AND TRACKPAD
SONY DSC
You have to hand it to Lenovo: It takes cojones chutzpah to mess around with the ThinkPad keyboard. You know, the very thing that has kept loyal fans coming back generation after generation. And yet, Lenovo has revised the keyboard a couple times now, first moving to an island-style layout, and now doing away with the physical Function buttons. What used to be a six-row keyboard is now a five-row setup, with an adaptive panel taking the place of the Fn keys.
By default, the panel shows multimedia controls -- things like volume up and down, brightness and Windows 8-specific functions like search and pulling up the app menu. There are also shortcuts for Dragon Assistant (more on that later), the Windows Snipping tool and a programmable "cloud" hotkey that takes you to OneDrive or Lenovo Reach, by default.
If you go into the keyboard settings -- also accessible from that default panel screen -- you can select a different cloud application, as well as change the order of the various adaptive keyboard "modes." Further, you can make it so that the "default" screen isn't actually the default at all -- if you'd rather see web browser buttons, video-conferencing tools or the traditional Fn buttons, you absolutely can. By default, the keyboard is set up so that the controls change depending on what program you're using -- a useful feature, we'd say. However, if you live and die by Fn shortcuts, you might wanna make sure they're always visible. It's your best bet now that the physical keys are no more. Even then, you can press a button at any time to cycle through the different modes.
All told, the adaptive panel feels like a good idea -- and a well-executed one, at that. Still, the move from a six-row keyboard to a five-row one meant Lenovo had to shuffle around some key buttons, or even remove them altogether. And you know what they say about change, right? It's damn confusing. It's less obvious, for instance, how to take a screenshot with no PrtSc button. There's also no Caps Lock button this time around; you'll need to hit Shift twice instead (aren't you glad you have us to explain these things?).
Worse, Lenovo shrunk the Backspace key and switched places with the Delete key, so that the Delete key is now in the upper-right corner, where the Backspace button usually is. So, depending on the size of your hands, you might find yourself missing the Backspace key, striking the Delete key instead. All in all, it's still a fine keyboard, with springy buttons, ample travel and a sturdy underlying panel. We just can't promise all of you will get used to that shrunken Backspace key.
SONY DSC
Wrapping up, this isn't the first time we've seen a ThinkPad touchpad with zero buttons -- but it's a first for the X1 Carbon, anyway. As always, the trackpad has integrated right and left buttons, but now there are also built-in touch zones to go with the TrackPoint. So, if you've got your finger on the red stick and want to click right or left, or do a quick-scroll down the page, you'll need to feel around and make sure your finger hits the appropriate strike zone.
Truly, it's not that hard, but I can see where it'd be an adjustment for folks upgrading from, say, an old T-series model. For one thing, the right and left TrackPoint buttons are both underlined in red, so you can't miss them. Secondly, the scroll zone is marked by a row of raised dots, so it's easy to find by sight and by feel. Most importantly, perhaps, Lenovo has done some fine-tuning so that there's no longer a "dead zone" between touch areas. That said -- and I know I've hinted at this already -- this will be an easier transition for folks who are fairly new to the ThinkPad line.
PERFORMANCE
PCMARK7 3DMARK06 3DMARK11 ATTO (TOP DISK SPEEDS)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2014, 1.6GHz Core i5-4200U, Intel HD 4400) 4,773 5,881
E1,727 / P930 / X284
555 MB/s (reads); 137 MB/s (writes)
HP Spectre 13 Ultrabook (1.6GHz Core i5-4200U, Intel HD 4400) 4,786 6,005
E1,837 / P962 / X293
527 MB/s (reads); 327 MB/s (writes)
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro (1.6GHz Core i5-4200U, Intel HD 4400) 4,676 5,688
E1,713 / P914 / X281
546 MB/s (reads); 139 MB/s (writes)
Samsung ATIV Book 9 Lite (1.4GHz "quad-core" processor, AMD Radeon HD 8250) 2,060 2,814
E749 / P530
550 MB/s (reads); 139 MB/s (writes)
Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus (1.6GHz Core i5-4200U, Intel HD 4400) 4,973 5,611
E1,675 / P867 / X277
547 MB/s (reads); 508 MB/s (writes)
Acer Aspire S7-392 (1.6GHz Intel Core i5-4200U, Intel HD 4400) 5,108 5,158
E1,724 / P952 / X298
975 MB/s (reads); 1.1 GB/s (writes)
Sony VAIO Pro 13 (1.6GHz Intel Core i5-4200U, Intel HD 4400) 4,502 4,413
E1,177 / P636 / X203
1.04 GB/s (reads); 479 MB/s (writes)
Sony VAIO Duo 13 (1.6GHz Core i5-4200U, Intel HD 4400) 4,440 6,047
E1,853 / P975 / X297
546 MB/s (reads); 139 MB/s (writes)
Sony VAIO Pro 11 (1.8GHz Core i7-4500U, Intel HD 4400) 4,634 N/A
E1,067 / P600 / X183
558 MB/s (reads); 255 MB/s (writes)
The better laptop components get, the tougher it is to evaluate performance. I mean, is there really such a thing as "bad" performance these days, when even the most sluggish of Ultrabooks can cold-boot in 10 seconds or less? Maybe not, but there's still an argument to be made that some models offer more speed for the money. As far as the new X1 Carbon goes, you're looking at about the same benchmark results as other laptops with Intel's dual-core Core i5-4200U processor. The weird thing is, even with 8GB of RAM, it merely matches some competitors that use half the memory. In fact, it actually trails those machines in some cases. Take the HP Spectre 13, for instance; it bests the X1 nearly every time, and costs about $300 less (and that's even with the high-res screen option).
In absolute terms, though, the X1 is a good performer. Boot-up takes nine seconds, and the Samsung-made SSD reaches top write speeds of 555 megabytes per second, which is on the higher end of normal for machines that don't have a faster PCI Express drive. (Read speeds top out around 137 MB/s, which is less impressive; the Spectre 13 makes it all the way up to 327 MB/s.) Meanwhile, our own Terrence O'Brien, who owns the 8GB configuration, says Photoshop runs well for him, even when he's applying effects to large images. He's also had no problem juggling Photoshop with other apps like HipChat and Chrome, complete with 17 open tabs. Through it all, he had no problem streaming a Mets game, sharing tabs in Chromecast or watching Aereo casted to his TV. The only sign that 8GB and a Haswell processor might not be enough: Adobe Premiere is still a bit slow to load, he says.
BATTERY LIFE
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2014) 6:18
MacBook Air (13-inch, 2013) 12:51
MacBook Pro with Retina display (13-inch, 2013) 11:18
Sony VAIO Duo 13 9:40
Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus 8:44
HP Spectre 13 8:30
Sony VAIO Pro 13 8:24
Lenovo IdeaPad U430 Touch 7:53
Acer Aspire S7-392 7:33
Acer Iconia W700 7:13
Sony VAIO Pro 11 6:41
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro 6:32
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 6:27
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 5:32
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2013) 5:07
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch (2013) 5:00
Samsung ATIV Book 9 Lite 4:33
Typically, when Lenovo reps say a laptop lasts X number of hours, we're inclined to believe them. After all, Lenovo's product managers have been known to use Engadget's own video looping test in their labs, so it's not unusual for them to come up with a number that's similar to ours. In the case of the new X1 Carbon, though, the real-world battery life falls far short of Lenovo's claims. In particular, the company is promising up to 8.6 hours of runtime, but we managed just six hours and 18 minutes -- the worst showing for any Haswell Ultrabook we've tested.
Granted, the last-gen X1 Carbon got around five hours, which means this year's model delivers more than a 20 percent improvement -- not an insignificant difference. Also, the X1 Carbon uses a quick-charging technology that allows it to rebound to 80 percent capacity in under an hour. Still, all that said, a six-hour runtime is pretty disappointing when other skinny machines can last seven, eight, nine (even 13) hours on a charge.
SOFTWARE AND WARRANTY
SONY DSC
We normally give the software section in laptop reviews fairly short shrift, reporting back on all the bundled apps and how annoying some of them are. In this case, though, we'll go into a little more detail, as the X1 Carbon comes with an app we haven't used yet: Nuance's Dragon Assistant, the latest version of which was unveiled just a couple months ago. In brief, it's a desktop app that you can use to dictate emails and documents, search the web, control playlists, turn the computer on and off, adjust system settings and post to social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. In particular, version 3.0 is more conversational than previous iterations, so that if you ask, say, "Who wrote Her?" you can follow up with phrases like "What else did he write?" (And by "he," of course, I mean Spike Jonze, but I trust Dragon is smart enough to tell you that.)
For now, at least, the only supported language is English, though you have some choices when it comes to calibrating your voice: You can tell the app you don't have a strong accent, or that you speak with a Chinese or Indian accent (everybody else can select the "other accents" option). You can personalize the experience even further by specifying your gender, but you don't have to. In my tests, the program pronounced my name correctly on the first try (plenty of people call me "Dawn" or "Donna"), and it fared just fine with my male colleagues too. I also aced the initial sound test: The program measures your levels in the setup process, but I found even without any fine-tuning, I had no problem getting into the optimal volume range.
SONY DSC
With the exception of Norton Internet Security, which goes a little overboard with the subscription-renewal pop-ups, the software load here is fairly minimal. In addition to that security trial, you get "Metro" versions of Skitch Touch, Evernote Touch, AccuWeather.com, Amazon's Kindle reader, Hightail (formerly YouSendIt), Zinio's magazine store and the music-streaming service rara.com. Meanwhile, Lenovo threw in some apps of its own, including Lenovo Settings and Lenovo Support (they are what they sound like) and Reach, which is a cloud service.
As for warranty service, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon starts with one year of coverage, though you can extend it to up to four if you like. Starting with that optional second year of service, you can also add accidental damage protection as well as on-site service (by default, you have to send it in to a depot).
CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
The new ThinkPad X1 Carbon starts at $1,259 with a Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD and a 1080p display. If you want that super-sharp 2,560 x 1,440 panel, the starting price is $1,359. It's important to note, too, that the $1,259 model actually comes with a non-touch panel. If you do want a touchscreen -- and don't we all at this point? -- you'll have to pay an extra $150. Ouch.
Aside from the higher-res display option, you can also opt for a slightly faster Core i5 processor than the one that comes standard (that'll cost you an extra $100). There's also a Core i7 CPU available for an extra $270. Additionally, you can go up to 8GB of RAM ($130) or get up to 512GB of storage (premium SSD options start at $100, but go up to $450 in the case of the 512GB drive).
THE COMPETITION
If it sounds like I'm holding the X1 Carbon to a high standard (and I am), it's because it has tons of competition. Even if you decided you didn't want a convertible machine like the Dell XPS 12 ($1,000 and up) or Lenovo's own Yoga 2 Pro ($999-plus), you'd have a tough choice among just the traditional clamshell-style Ultrabooks. At the moment, our favorites include the Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus ($1,400 and up) and Acer Aspire S7-392 ($1,350-plus), both of which can be had with super-high-res displays, similar to the X1 Carbon's. Also, the HP Spectre 13 is a pretty good deal considering the relatively low thousand-dollar starting price. Generally speaking, the X1 Carbon has a better keyboard and trackpad than most, with a more durable (it not necessarily prettier) design. On the other hand, the performance and display are merely on par with the competition, whereas the battery life is worst-in-class.
WRAP-UP
SONY DSC
On paper, the new X1 Carbon is an improvement over the original (which we liked!) in nearly every respect: It's thinner and lighter, and has a sharper screen, fresh processors and longer battery life. The problem is, the X1 Carbon, like many things in life, isn't just the sum of its parts -- it's actually slightly less than that. The adaptive keyboard panel, though useful, comes at the expense of an unfamiliar layout, and for some, those context-aware function keys won't even be worth it. With this redesign, the X1 Carbon has also lost its SD reader -- not a dealbreaker, per se, but an annoyance for many. Worse, though the battery life is indeed longer than it used to be, it trails the competition by a wide margin, making it the shortest-lasting laptop in its class. Finally, this thing is expensive: even with a starting price of $1,259, the touchscreen still costs $150 extra.
If you're a ThinkPad die-hard, you might still consider the X1 Carbon for its durable build and (mostly) satisfying keyboard. But for everybody else -- folks who are indifferent to the Lenovo brand --it's tough to get excited about this when there are so many other well-rounded options to choose from.
Terrence O'Brien, Edgar Alvarez and Daniel Orren contributed to this review.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/28/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-carbon-review-2014/?ncid=edpicks
Lenovo Recalls Battery Packs for ThinkPad Notebook Computers Due to Fire Hazard
PR Newswire
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2014
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http//:www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov. (PRNewsFoto/U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION)
Recall Summary
Name of Product: ThinkPad notebook computer battery packs
Hazard: The battery packs can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Remedy: Replace
Consumer Contact: Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.lenovo.com and select Support at the top of the page, then click on the link to the recall page in the News and Alerts section at the bottom right of the page for more information.
Photos available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Lenovo-Recalls-Battery-Packs-for-ThinkPad-Notebook-Computers/
Recall Details
Units: About 34,500 in the United States and 2,900 in Canada
Description: This recall involves Lenovo battery packs sold with the following ThinkPad notebook computers: the Edge 11, 13 and 14 series, the T410, T420, T510 and W510 series, and the X100e, X120e, X200, X201 and X201s series. The battery packs were also sold separately. The black battery packs measure between 8 to 11 inches long, 1 to 3 inches wide and about 1 inch high. Recalled battery packs have one of the following part numbers starting with the fourth digit in a long series of numbers and letters printed on a white sticker below the bar code on the battery pack: 42T4695, 42T4711, 42T4798, 42T4804, 42T4812, 42T4822, 42T4828, 42T4834, 42T4840 and 42T4890.
Incidents/Injuries: Lenovo has received two reports of the battery packs overheating, resulting in damage to the computer, battery pack and nearby property. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off their ThinkPad notebook computer, remove the battery pack and contact Lenovo for a free replacement battery pack. Consumers can continue to use their ThinkPad notebook without the battery pack by plugging in the AC adapter and power cord.
Sold at: Computer and electronics stores, and authorized dealers nationwide and online at www.lenovo.com from October 2010 through April 2011 for between $350 and $3,000 when sold as part of ThinkPad notebook computers. The battery packs were also sold separately for between $80 and $150.
Importer: Lenovo Inc., of Morrisville, N.C.
Manufactured in: China
Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2014/38643r-eng.php
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/27/lenovo-battery-recall-idUSnPnbPZDtX+9d+PRN20140327
Lenovo's smart TV system grants more processing power and memory through swappable modules (hands-on)
Lenovo is best known for its ThinkPad laptops and newly acquired phone business, but the Chinese firm started making TVs a couple years ago, too. And now, it's the first one to build a set utilizing NVIDIA's new Tegra K1 chip. It's that super-powered silicon that explains the TV's presence at GTC 2014, so naturally, we had to spend some time with it while we were at the show. Called the Terminator S9, it's a 50-inch 4K smart TV that runs a Lenovo-skinned version of Android 4.2 natively, but the real magic happens courtesy of a small plug-in module round the back called a Smart Card.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/25/lenovos-new-smart-tv-system-grants-greater-processing-power-mo/
Canadians nixed BlackBerry-Lenovo deal – but helped out with tax
Embattled smartphone manufacturer BlackBerry had a deal to sell to Lenovo late last year, but it has been disclosed the Canadian Government blocked the deal.
Canadian government owned media company CBC has reported that BlackBerry, which is headquartered in that country, had tried to sell itself to Chinese company Lenovo in 2103, but that the Canadian Government had told it that it would not approve the deal.
The Canadian Government is notoriously sensitive about foreign ownership of Canadian companies, even preventing Australia’s BHP Billiton from buying Canadian miner PotashCorp in 2010. The sale of a national icon, even a badly wounded one like BlackBerry, to the Chinese would have been too much.
But the Government did throw BlackBerry an important lifeline, in the form of an early payment pf a C$767 million tax refund (a ‘remission order’) which greatly helped BlackBerry’s cashflow, and according to one analyst may even have prevented the company from going under.
"It might have saved the company" CBC quotes Peter Misek, a BlackBerry analyst and managing director with financial group Jefferies. "We might look back in a year or two, whatever BlackBerry becomes, and say that was the day they saved the company.
"It was snowballing pretty out of control, Within the company there was devastation and there was glee amongst short sellers. It was kind of sad because thousands of people stood to lose their jobs.
Over 4000 of them did, on “Black Friday” (20 September 2013), but BlackBerry has survived.
http://www.itwire.com/it-policy-news/govenrment-tech-policy/63542-canadians-nixed-blackberry-lenovo-deal-%E2%80%93-but-helped-out-with-tax
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