IntellectBeat

As well as being treated to the latest cutting-edge components, the new ultrabooks from HP and LG stand out with their super-slim, lightweight designs. HP Spectre trims down to 10.4mm HP has unveiled the world's slimmest laptop computer with a model that's just 10.4mm thick (compared to 13.1mm for Apple's MacBook). The HP Spectre is billed as a high-end, stylish device, loaded with the latest-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. This 13.3-inch notebook PC has a scratch-resistant glass display (Corning Gorilla Glass) plus an aluminum and carbon fiber chassis ensuring a lightweight build, at a little over 1kg. It comes with up to 512GB of flash memory (SSD) and 8GB of RAM. It also features a twin-speaker audio system, developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen, and has three USB Type-C ports. The new HP Spectre is due on sale April 25, 2016, via HP‘s website, with US prices starting at $1,169. LG gram pushes under the 1kg mark Unveiled at the CES trade fai...

Google has released an updated preview version of Android N for members of the Android Beta program, boosting stability and adding new features. The firm is expected to outline the final version of its new mobile operating system at the Google I/0 conference, May 18-20, 2016. In the meantime, here's a look at some of the new features already on the agenda. 1.  One key innovation in Android N is the picture-in-picture function for using two applications simultaneously, open side by side (tablet) or one over the other (smartphone). This mode is even more eagerly awaited since it already features in third-party interfaces for Google's OS -- like those made by Samsung and LG -- as well as in competitor platforms iOS and Windows. 2.  Other new features include revamped notifications, promising a faster and easier-to-use system no matter what applications are open. Launcher shortcuts also let users create custom shortcuts to specific features in certain applications. This could,...

Tablets may never again be the consumer sensation they once were, but they are finding new life among professionals. Apple took aim at that market in announcing a second iPad Pro model this week. Samsung started selling the Windows-based Galaxy TabPro S last week, while Microsoft doubled down on its Surface tablet business last fall with Surface Book, a laptop whose keyboard pops off to leave behind a tablet. Google has its own using Android, the Pixel C. Unlike early models, these tablets are meant to be used with a physical keyboard and a stylus. That makes them appealing to people looking to get stuff done, whether that's typing a report or drawing on a graphics app. "It's no secret the tablet business has slowed down overall except in places where there's productivity," says Gary Riding, a senior vice president for mobile computing marketing at Samsung. ("Productivity," in this case, being jargon for work as opposed to play.) These new devices a...

With Microsoft's updated Outlook app, owners of smartwatches running Android Wear software can get email notifications, read messages and reply to them directly by voice or with pre-saved messages. The latest update to Microsoft's Outlook Android app brings compatibility with Android Wear. Owners of Android-based wearables can now join their Apple Watch-wearing counterparts in receiving Outlook notifications directly on their watches. With Microsoft's updated Outlook app, owners of smartwatches running Android Wear software can get email notifications, read messages and reply to them directly by voice or with pre-saved messages. All these functions have been available on the Apple Watch since August 2015, via the Outlook iOS application. It remains to be seen when more applications from the Office suite will be brought to Android Wear. Currently, OneNote is the only other item in Microsoft's famous productivity package that's compatible with both mobile platform...