The New Skypad Family

The new Skypad family is more advanced, stronger, faster, and even bigger. The Skypad Protos is a 9.7 inch Super IPS 1024x768 widescreen beauty device. This powerhouse is packed with a 1.2 GHZ Arm Cortez and has a wopping 10 hours plus battery life. Also a full 1 GB of ram and a MALI GPU for excellent gaming performance. This is my current favorite of the Skypad family and hope to see her excell as a Ipad competitor. Here is the more detailed information. 
Videos and photos are rich with color and vibrancy on the all-new 9.7” Skypad Protos tablet featuring a high-def IPS display that brings images to life! The high capacity 6,000mAh battery allows you to stay connected playing games and browsing the web for 25% longer than other tablets.
The High Def IPS Display Protos features an incredible 1024 x 768 resolution with clarity and vibrancy typically found on more expensive tablets. The vivid 9.7" display offers you the comfort of a big screen so you can lose yourself in your favorite movies, books, and games for hours on end.
Bluetooth and Dual Hi-Res Cameras
Connect compatible Bluetooth devices such as speakers, headphones and keyboard that will function up to 30 feet away from the tablet. With two (2) high resolution cameras, capture life’s cherished moments or share some quality face time with family and friends.

Games, Apps, Shopping, and more…
Download apps for playing games, streaming the latest videos, shopping on-line, or staying in touch with family and friends. The pre-installed 1Mobile Marketplace offers hundreds of thousands of free apps including 1000’s of games specifically made for Android. You can also download the Amazon App Store application from Amazon.com.

1Mobile Marketplace

1Mobile's unique user interface makes it simple and easy to download the latest apps you have been craving for.
 With over 200,000 free and popular apps such as Facebook, Netflix, Angry Birds, Skype, Amazon Mobile and Kindle,
 the 1Mobile Marketplace of apps will keep you entertained and coming back for more.

  




























eReader and Cookbook
Compatibility with the most popular reading 
apps offer you the freedom of not being tied
 down to a specific bookseller. 
The Recipe search app embedded into the 
tablet is the ultimate cookbook for the kitchen.
Media for the Big Screen
Don't be tied down to the small screen. 
When it’s time for some serious viewing fun, 
connect the Protos to an HDTV or monitor via 
HDMI (cable not included) to enjoy HD movies, 
3D** and gaming on the big screen.

**Stereoscopic 3D images are only viewable when connected via HDMI to a 3D capable monitor or television.

The next in line successor is the Skypad Gemini due to be out in May. It is supposedly to be a 7 inch gaming tablet which I view as a more updated version of  the Skypad Alpha 2 with a new 2.0 mp front camera in a more desirable position, Bluetooth 2.0, 1GB of RAM, 8 GB of storage, and the micro hdmi cable which makes this a much better buy than the Alpha. This is an excellent gift for kids if you IT professional parents know how to install the GAPPS software. This tablet will be an excellent choice for anyone and you can read more about it below. I hope to be reviewing this tablet when it comes out.  
The Next Generation of Tablet is Here...with Bluetooth Compatibility and Hi-res Webcam
     The all new SKYPAD Gemini races into action fueled by the powerful 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor + Mali-400 GPU. Gemini handles apps, browsing, streaming, and gaming like no other Tablet. The capacitive touchscreen can recognize up to 5-points of touch, perfect for effortless navigation of the web, any game, or application.
Bluetooth and Hi-res Webcam
We've integrated Bluetooth 2.0 for pairing your Tablet with favorite wireless accessories. In addition, there’s a hi-res 2.0MP front-facing webcam and internal mic for Internet calling and video chatting with family and friends. All of this adds up to our most feature packed tablet yet.

7" (diagonal) LCD Display

• Powerful 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A8, next generation graphics, 1GB RAM and 8GB of storage for smoother & higher definition of gaming.

• Capacitive multi-touch display for better gaming, faster navigation, and pinch-to-zoom functionality.

• Integrated hi-res 2.0MP front-facing webcam and internal mic for Internet calling and video chatting with your family and friends.

Games, Apps, Shopping and more…
Download apps for streaming the latest videos, playing games, shopping on-line, or staying in touch with family. The pre-installed 1Mobile Marketplace offers hundreds of thousands of free apps including 1000’s of games specifically made for Android. You can also download the Amazon App Store application from Amazon.com.

1Mobile Marketplace
1Mobile's unique user interface makes it simple and easy to download the latest apps you have been craving for. With over 200,000 free and popular apps such as Facebook, Netflix, GT Racing, Kindle, and Amazon Mobile, the 1Mobile Marketplace of apps will keep you entertained and coming back for more.

Android 4.0 OS with more intuitive multi-tasking and navigation - a new UI and improved performanceThe high capacity battery which will get you up to 6 hours of gaming, movies, music, reading and web browsing.The ultimate in wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 2.0 for pairing your favorite accessories, and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n that has been optimized for incredibly fast downloads over the web.

Family and Entertainment Companion...
The included family gaming and Recipe Search apps turns the tablet into a great family companion as well as the ultimate cookbook for the kitchen. It also makes a great bedside e-Reader.

When it’s time for some more serious entertainment, connect Gemini to an HDTV or monitor via HDMI (cable not included) to enjoy HD movies, 3D**, and gaming on the big screen.

**Stereoscopic 3D images are only viewable when connected via HDMI to a 3D capable monitor or television. 

   

  The next and final newcomer is the vastly unknown Skypad Pocket is to replace the old Primer Pocket and be the 5 inch pocket friendly version of the excellent Skypad family. There is no information on this product and only one picture on their website. I believe this will be a great family to rival the Ipad family. 


Prices: $169 Gemini and $264 for the Skypad Protos as advertised on Amazon
Update: prices are slashed on the Skytex website: $139 for the Alpha 2  $159 for the Gemini and $249 for the Protos with 5GB of free cloud storage on the Protos only. 

Skypad Alpha 2 Q and A

Okay since I have been hearing some of questions about the Skypad Alpha 2 I decided to take some time and answer them.
Q: What accessories is their for the Skypad Alpha 2 and where can I get them?
 A: The main vault for all of your accessory needs is skytex.com defiantly. The many accessories are the carrying case that doubles as a stand (no more of the little "dock" anymore), a handy car charger, resourceful screen protector, and a USB OTG adapter which makes the mini USB port a full size USB port.
Q: When does the ICS Android 4.0 update come out?
A: The official 4.0 update has not come out even though it was scheduled for a mid-March release date. If your are proficient in computer use you can upgrade to the 4.0 beta. It will delete all of your current data so you will have to store it on your computer or flash drive. Directions and download link can be found here.
Q: Why does my Skypad Alpha 2 come up 1 GHZ instead of 1.2?
A: That most likely is a software glitch and will be fixed with the new 4.0 beta version or a software update.
Q: Can I get the Android Market (Google Play) on the Skypad Alpha 2?
A: Yes it has been done and still can through downloading the Google Service Framework and downloading the android market and walaha!!
If you have anymore questions I compel you to leave a question below and it will be expediently answered. I guarantee it! Or you can go to http://www.skypadtablets.com/ and post in the forum and any questions you have will be answered. Also from Mike Manhana http://androidtabletzone.the-talk.net/c2-atz-forums-skytex-skypad-alpha2-zone is an excellent place for custom ROM's and such.

The battle of Two's

                                    Skypad Alpha 2 vs. Ipad2
      I finally decided to review the Skypad Alpha 2 vs. the Ipad2. I waited to make this battle because the original Skypad Alpha was too low on specs to think about competing with the Ipad 2. Now with an upgraded app market, faster processor, capacitive screen, and hdmi cable we can think this beautiful sleek device can compete with the bigger more well known Ipad 2. Also another thing to look forward to is an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwhich. This device will be a definite hit and a smash in the budget market.

 1. Multimedia

     The Ipad2 is locked and loaded with the IOS app market holding 500,000 apps. Even though it has all that only a mere 140,000 are made for the Ipad. With a 9.7 inch capacitive screen with 3 points of touch this is great for slicing fruit and the pinch to zoom is very fluid. A much more known contemporary and very ferocious, but is extremely limited. Powered by a mere 1 GHZ dual core chip and 512 MB of RAM come on people get this in your head! Let my not forget the lack of SD and hdmi ports! On the side of the Skypad Alpha 2 we see a foreign app market called 1Mobile. Do not be afraid for it sports over 200,000 applications all free! With a 7 inch 5 finger multi touch screen you can bet your bottom dollar this is a death match. Packing a 1.2 GHZ ARM Cortex 8 processor and the same GPU in the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and 512 MB of Ram this is made for gaming. Also it has the ability to stream through its hdmi port 3D stereoscopic files. Something many devices wish they could do. With this battle I reluctantly say the Alpha 2 wins the day!

2. The Long Haul

     Don't we all love a device that can last that long road trip? With the Ipad you get 10 hours of goody goodness. With the Skypad Alpha 2 you get between 4-6 hours of playtime. Also with a car charger accessory you will be able to charge back up fully in one hour!
                                                                      3. Camera
     The camera situation is defiantly better on the Ipad. With a 2mp front and 3mp rear 720p it is a lot better. What you should consider is the Skypad Alpha 2 has a new .3mp camera which is a heck lot better than the old 1.3 in low light conditions. I leave that decision to y'all.
                                                                      Final decision
     My final decision is the Alpha2 is an excellent choice for teens, tweens, and people on a budget. It is only beaten by the camera and size situation. Also with Android 4.0 update you will not miss IOS. So if you want   an excellent e-reader with 5 points of touch great processor and stellar graphics go with the Alpha2. If you want a big device for who knows what go with the Ipad 2. 

Competition for Ipad 3??

Well we now have all seen the Ipad HD or Ipad 3 and we all hope to see some budget competition. Well in April 2012 the Skypad Protos will be coming out with a 3.2 mp rear and 1.3 front camera 1.2 ghz core full 1GB of ram, 10 hour battery life, and android 4.0. You can see all of the other features here.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Download

Hey folks we know where to get the consumer preview!! follow the download link and leave comments! Download Link!

The Last Microsoft Keynote at CES

The upcoming CES event is sadly going to be the last CES conference that will feature a Microsoft keynote. Microsoft has reported that it will be more of a wrap up of the year rather than a full keynote. Even though the 32 inch Intel core i7 32" Exo desk made by Viewsonic is having debut there. Also their is a section for newbie companies to showcase their finest equipment. Maybe Fusion Garage will bring the Grid10 and Grid4 phone. Also the small possibility that the Windows store will be showcased their still stands along with a video bloggers dream. I suggest checking out phone dog, Engadget, Goodereader, Minipcpro, and Netbook news because I know they are sending out someone to check out the latest equipment. The death of CES will be disappointing to many who wanted to make the pilgrimage to this almost holy site in the world of tech. We can be sure Android will be wanting to puff out their chest with ICS (Ice Cream Sandwhich) the latest update to the now popular mobile phone OS. Microsoft will also try to save the Windows Phone project. Being in the small portion due to Apple and Android downing it greatly. Everyone I talk to always says they think about getting one but will not because they heard bad news even though the average rating on amazon.com is 4.5 stars. Anyway the death of an old giant Symbian has occurred with the last phone the Nokia N9. So in my last words to Microsoft keynotes is farewell!!