New tech: data swaps and ear identification

Oct 30, 2011, 4:06 GMT

Dell's all-in-one PC measures 23 inches

Frankfurt (dpa) - Dell's new Inspiron One 2320 all-in-one PC fits into one 23-inch display. Customers have a choice of an i3, i5 or i7 processor from Intel. The biggest possible working memory is 8 gigabytes of RAM, while the hard drive can reach 2 terabytes. The most basic version costs 699 euros (963 dollars).

New sat-nav sticks to basics

Munich (dpa) - United Navigation's new satellite-navigation device focuses on the basics. The Navi Falk Pur 550 tries to do away with unnecessary functions, instead focusing on a five-inch display with larger images and heightened volume, making it accessible for senior citizens. The PUR 550 comes with maps of 44 countries and costs 200 euros (275 dollars).

Blackberries communicate via Near Field Communication

Dubai (dpa) - Blackberry smartphones now have a new function for swapping data like contacts, photos, videos or documents between devices. Using Near Field Communication (NFC), two devices must only be held together with the new function, called Tag, for the data transfer. It should be available with Blackberry's next operating system update to 7.0, for the Bold 9900 and 9930 and the Curve 9350, 9360 and 9370, all of which contain the necessary NFC chip.

Asus to bring out ultrabooks

Berlin (dpa) - Asus is coming out with new lighter, thinner ultrabooks, named Zenbooks, weighing 1.3 kilograms and measuring 17 millimetres thick.

The first batch will contain five models using either Intel's i5 or i7 processors. The top-of-the-line is the UX31E-RY010V, with a 13.3-inch display, a i7-2677M dualcore processor, 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and a 256 GB SSD hard drive. It will cost 1,299 euros (1,790 dollars).

The more toned-down versions - the 13-inch UX31E-RY012V and the UX31E-RY009V will cost 1,099 and 999 euros respectively. The 11.6-inch-display versions are called the UX21E-KX004V and the UX21E-KX008V, costing 999 and 1,099 euros.

Skobbler navigation system comes with offline maps

Berlin (dpa) - Skobbler is bringing out a new version of its map app for the iPhone. This time its GPS Navigation 2 allows people to download maps onto their phone, so they can navigate when there is no internet connection.

Developers say it will also be easier to use on iPads. Skobbler's maps are based on modified maps from OpenStreetMap. The app costs 1.59 euros (2.20 dollars). Downloadable maps cost extra; about 3 euros for Germany and other European countries, for example.

Bluetooth headset recognizes when it's in an ear

Frankfurt (dpa) - Plantronics has developed a Bluetooth headset that can tell whether or not it is lodged in an ear. That means users can accept calls simply by plugging the Voyager Pro HD into their ear. Taking it off means the phone call is then picked up by the linked mobile phone.

The company is also introducing two new apps for iOS and Android. MyHeadset includes instructions and a variety of tools for testing the gadget. InstantMeetings, also available for the Blackberry, allows users to set up conference calls. The Voyager Pro HD sells for 100 euros (138 dollars).

Navigon brings out app for Windows Phone 7

Hamburg (dpa) - Navigon's map app is now available for the Windows Phone 7. iOS and Android users have already been able to use Navigon Europe or Navigon USA, which can be used offline to downloaded maps. The app also offers real-time traffic data, a route planner and the ability to choose routes based on driving styles. To use the new app, users must have Windows Phone version 7.5 (Mango). The European version costs 85 euros (117 euros), while the US version goes for 42.50 euros.

AMD FX: new processor family goes to eight cores

Berlin (dpa) - With its FX family, AMD has developed a new generation of desktop processors with eight cores. FX processors are done with Bulldozer microarchitecture, meaning pathways 32 nanometres wide. The new processors should perform well enough to allow labour-intensive applications like games on multiple screens or editing high definition videos.