Nokia dabbles with Android in their leaked Normandy device

I always wondered what a Nokia Android device would be like and based on some recent leaks of the Normandy inteface, we get a clearer idea and look at the alternate reality where Android runs on Nokia hardware.

Looking very much like a simplified Lumia device, these Normandy renders show what looks to be a visual mashup of Windows Phone and Android but with a heavy Nokia flavour (that's a good thing). Now that Microsoft owns Nokia, it is unlikely that we'll ever know what this device would have been like or where it would fit in the hierarchy of Android devices. Still, it's always fun to think of what could have been.

Source: @evleaks via Phandroid

CES 2014: Intel pushing for 'dual OS' platform shared by Windows and Android

One of the emerging trends this year at CES 2014 are devices and PCs that can run Google's Android OS and Microsoft's Windows OS side-by-side or simultaneously.

Intel, whose new Atom processors are powerful enough to run Windows 8.1 and legacy PC apps can apparently run Android on the same devices, which means either a bonanza of versatility for owners of these devices or a messy problem looking for a solution. Intel's just shown off a slate during their keynote that can change from Android tablet to Windows 8 tablet with a switch of a button. Asus has similarly unveiled a notebook that can switch operating systems as well. While this is exciting news and speaks to the level of engineering as well as the processing power of these new devices, questions on whether this will lead to confusion or more fragmentation cannot be avoided. Also, imagine the number of software and app updates you'll have to go through with these dual OS devices. 

BBM Beta on Android receives BBM channels, voice chat functionality

Ardent Android BBM Beta users should soon get an update to BlackBerry's cross platform messaging app that includes the social media-ish BBM Channels and the awaited WiFi voice chat functionality. Launched late last year by BlackBerry on their native BB10 version, these features were promised to Android and eventually iOS users as well.

Source: Engadget

Acer targeting 7-inch and 8-inch tablet space with new Iconia models

The hottest space in tablets is the 8-inch and under form factor right now and we're going to see a lot of new models. take for example Acer's new Iconia A-1 and B-1 models which challenge exisiting tablets in the 7-inch and the 7.8-inch category right now. Sporting Intel Atom processors (another trend we're expecting to see continue past CES), 1GB or RAM and a price tag of $180, the 7.9-inch Iconia A1 should be good for 7 hours of battery life. The cheaper B1 has the 7-inch screen, runs Android on a 1.3GHz dual-core processor and will cost around $130.

Source: Engadget