Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite and Galaxy Fame Lite launched

Samsung has quietly introduced the Galaxy Trend Lite and Galaxy Fame Lite respectively in the Netherlands, the more basic versions of the two existing smartphones, the Galaxy Trend and Galaxy Fame.

The smartphones have been announced for the the Netherlands market, however, the company has not revealed the pricing and availability details of the devices. For now, there is also no word on the roll out of the both the Galaxy Trend Lite and Galaxy Fame Lite smartphones to other markets either.

The Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite comes with a 4-inch WVGA (480x800) TFT display and is powered by a 1GHz processor (unspecified chipset). It is a single-SIM device, unlike the Galaxy Trend, which supports dual-SIM (GSM+GSM). The device runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, while the Galaxy Trend is based on dated Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The device has dimensions 121.5x63.1x10.85mm and weighs 126 grams.

The Galaxy Trend Lite sports a 3-megapixel rear camera with no flash. The device comes with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of inbuilt storage, out of which only 2.05GB is user-accessible. It also supports expandable storage up to 64GB via microSD card. Connectivity features on the device include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, EDGE, GPRS and 3G. There is a 1500mAh battery backing the device which the company claims can deliver up to 8 hours of talktime.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Fame Lite comes with 3.5-inch HVGA (320 x 480) display and is powered by 850MHz processor instead of 1GHz processor seen on Galaxy Fame. Other specifications on the device include 512MB RAM, 4GB of inbuilt storage, 1300mAh battery and 3-megapixel rear camera while there is no front-facing camera. The Galaxy Fame Lite measures 113.2x61.6x11.9mm and weighs 118.9 grams. It runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The Galaxy Fame Lite is also single-SIM, unlike its elder sibling, though of course, this could be a regional variant.

Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite key specifications

• 4-inch WVGA (480x800) TFT display
• 1GHz processor (unspecified chipset)
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB inbuilt storage, expandable up to 64GB via microSD card
• 3-megapixel rear camera
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 121.5x63.1x10.85mm and weighs 126 grams

Samsung Galaxy Fame Lite key specifications

• 3.5-inch HVGA display
• 1 GHz processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• 4GB of internal storage, expandable by up to 32GB via microSD card
• 3-megapixel auto focus camera
• 1,300mAh battery
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Samsung Galaxy Round curved display smartphone launched as Note 3 variant

 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Wednesday launched the world's first smartphone with a curved display, a variant of the Galaxy Note which moves the Asian giant a step closer to achieving wearable devices with flexible - even unbreakable - screens.

Curved displays are on the frontlines of Samsung's innovation war with rivals such as Apple Inc and LG Electronics Inc, as the South Korean firm seeks to expand its lead in the slowing market for high-end smartphones.

"It's a step forward for having unbreakable gadgets and flexible devices eventually. But for now, the new phone is more of a symbolic product," said Hana Daetoo Securities analyst Nam Dae-jong, adding that Samsung did not yet have capacity for large-scale production of curved touch-screens for the new Galaxy Round.

The Galaxy Round is Samsung's attempt to gauge consumer appetite for curved phones although its lack of other eye-catching features means it is unlikely to be a hit, he said.

"I don't think it'll be massively compelling enough for gadget buyers as the curved display doesn't come with many unique features," he said.

The Galaxy Round's 5.7-inch (14.4-centimetre) display has a slight horizontal curve and weighs less than the Galaxy Note 3, allowing a more comfortable grip than other flat-screen models on the market, Samsung said in a statement.

Its key features include a tilt function which allows users to check information such as missed calls and battery life, even when the home screen is off. Users can also scroll through media files by pressing the screen's right or left, the company said.

The phone initially would be available only in South Korea and no decision had been made about releasing it in other markets.

Google unveils HP Chromebook 11

Google is introducing a new, cheap laptop based on its Chrome operating system.

Hewlett Packard Co. is making the new HP Chromebook 11. It starts selling Tuesday for $279.

Unlike Windows and Mac laptops, Chromebooks rely heavily on having a continuous Internet connection to run Google and other online services. Many apps don't run directly on the device but over the Internet.

The price of the Chromebook 11 is in line with most other Chromebooks using Chrome OS, but the new model sports many design features that are usually found on pricier devices. The laptop has plastic frame with no sharp edges or corners. Its display is 11.6-inches measured diagonally, and it weighs less than 2 pounds.