Toshiba on Tuesday announced that they have secured the name “Thrive” for an upcoming “tablet computer.” While various names have surrounded the company’s upcoming Android based tablet, it’s now more than likely that the “Toshiba Thrive” will be released upon the masses.

The company has even begun securing various URLs including ToshibaThrive.com and ThriveTablet.com.

The Toshiba tablet includes a 10.1 inch display with 1280 x 600 pixels of resolution with 720p upscaling, a two-megapixel front-facing camera and a primary camera with five-megapixels.

If the “Thrive” is in fact the company’s upcoming Android tablet it is expected to go on sale this May for $450.

Toshiba Receives “Thrive” Trademark For “Tablet Computer” is a post from: The Inquisitr

When I first walked by the new Toshiba Voice Controlled TV I thought it was a stupid idea, after all there is nothing wrong with the remote control, it offers ease of use and you don’t really need to look at it once you’ve owned your TV for a little while. However, I soon realized that the use of such technology could aid individuals with arthritis or anyone who loses their remote.

The technology is straight forward, start by clapping your hands to prepare a voice command, then simply tell the TV you want to change the channel up, down or to a specific channel and then choose to push the volume up or down the the TV follows your voice commands. It’s too bad you can’t signal the TV for a command in other ways, it could benefit individuals with no use of their upper body if they could use a different method, however the technology won’t be available for a while so there is still room for improvement.

A quick note, at this time a Skype webcam is also required to use the system.

The TV worked great with the Toshiba employees voice, however foreign users with their broken accents were having issues getting the TV to recognize their voices. Of course the TV will be regionally programmed for voice commands, so the language barrier really isn’t something we have to worry about.

There’s not a lot left to say about the system, it works when you clearly tell it what to do and the basic commands it current offers makes ease of use an added bonus.

Check out more of our CES 2011 Coverage.

Toshiba Shows Off Voice Controlled TV is a post from: The Inquisitr

Toshiba chose CES 2011 to debut their new line of Glasses Free 3D TV’s and the results are extremely disappointing.

Offered in various sizes including: 65-inch, 56-inch, 12-inch and even a 3D laptop, the units use a technology known as parallax barriers which is basically a barrier with tiny slots that split images in an attempt to trick your eyes on the sets 4K panels (4,096 x 2,160 pixels).  The problem? You have to be sitting directly in the right sweet spots for the 3D effect to work, move even a foot to the left, right, forward or backward and what you are left with is a blurry image that quite honestly gave me a headache on all TV sizes.

It was actually quite sad to walk into the darkened Toshiba display and realize they marked three spots with gaffer type in front of each TV, personally I’m not moving my massive couch so I can have the perfect viewing angle, plus those sweet spots weren’t all that sweet.

Sure there were moments where the 3D effects looked amazing, but for the most part everyone around me had the same problem I had, the images often looked choppy and blurry, while headaches seemed to be the buzz word inside the booth.

There is no release date in sight for these units, which is probably a good thing, however one promising option is the 3D laptop technology, where the laptop’s built-in webcam actually detects the users eyes to help push out optimized results, it was the best part of the showcase, but still not perfect.

Personally I don’t like 3D glasses, but at least my headaches while wearing them are greatly reduced and take hours to develop, not minutes.

Toshiba Glasses Free 3D Are Big CES Fail, Not Ready For Primetime is a post from: The Inquisitr

Ceatec, an event in Chiba, Japan doesn’t start until Tuesday, but that hasn’t stopped Toshiba from creating buzz early, announcing the first “no glasses required” 3D TV sets.

At the “reveal” Toshiba showed off three models, their 12, 20 and 56 inch units. Apparently the smaller models will hit Japanese markets in December, while the 56 inch unit is just a prototype with no plans for an immediate launch.

According to CNET:

“The 3D Regza TV uses the Cell Broadband Engine that takes a 2D image and then simultaneously creates nine images from nine different directions that from that in real time. It’s displayed on a high-definition LED TV.”

Here’s a video that explains how the TV works:

According to that same CNET report, the smaller model loses clarity if you are not directly in front of the TV, while the 20 inch model offers better clarity and the 56 inch unit offers the best clarity of the three systems. Unfortunately early reviews say the TV’s aren’t quite cinema quality.

Prices also don’t look to bad with the 12-inch unit at 120,000 yen, or $1,500, the 20-inch model at 240,000 yen price tag (approx. $2,900), and no pricing available for the 56-inch prototype model.

Toshiba’s No Glasses Required 3D TV Gets Revealed is a post from: The Inquisitr

The kid friendly Toshiba L635 tablet is designed for kids. The tablet features a keyboard that can be wiped down repeatedly, is light weight, making it simple for kids to carry around and can run games and movies with no issues.

The unit features a 13.3-inch display, 2GB of RAM and a dual-core Intel Celeron P4600 processor. Kids will also have a 250GB hard drive to store all the multimedia and game files they choose, while a DVD drive is also provided, perfect for watching movies in the car during long road trips.

The unit can also help put parents minds at ease with Net Nanny pre-installed and the KidZui web browser also included and ready to go.

Your kids will also love the two unnamed Disney movies that come with the system and the LEGO Batman computer game that’s also part of the pre-packaged system.

For $499 it’s a decent price and you can pick up your system at Best Buy starting on September 26th [via Electronista ]

Toshiba L635 Kids’ PC Arrives AT Best Buy September 26th is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Toshiba StorE TV+ will be arriving at market soon and now we have some nice features to share that should keep most multimedia enthusiasts happy.

The StorE TV+ starts off with a very nice 2TB hard drive and includes an integrated 802.11 b/g/n WiFi connection alongside a 10/100 Ethernet port. Users also have a nice LCD front panel that can display TV information, even when your TV is in the off position.

There’s also plenty of support for the StoreE TV+ which can play Ogg and Flac audio files, among other standard audio options, while plenty of video support is featured including MPEG-1, 2 and 4 plus H.264. The system also offers MOV, MP4, MKV and AVI support alongside VC-1 codec abilities.

The downfall? No DivX or XviD support has been listed.

You can pick up your new media drive this September for $307, a slightly weird price, but then again missing DivX and XviD support is even more strange. [SlashGear]

Toshiba StorE TV+ Brings Integrated WiFi With 2TB HDD is a post from: The Inquisitr

Not that long ago the tech blogosphere was abuzz over the fact that Microsoft could very well be getting ready to launch a tablet computer called Courier that could prove to be a real contender against the iPad. Well the iPad has finally released and taken the world by storm but the hopes for the Courier were dashed when Microsoft said the Courier project had been killed off.

Now today we start seeing pictures of a new dual screen touch tablet from Toshiba and my very first reaction to seeing them was – damn that looks a lot like the Courier. Don’t take my word for it – here’s the image for the Toshiba Libretto (courtesy of The Windows Blog):

Now here the now dead Courier from Microsoft

Granted those are only rendering of what the Courier was to look like but from what I have heard and read it was pretty damn close to what the real thing looked like.

I realize that Toshiba probably had their Libretto in development for some time but also remember that Toshiba has a very close working relationship with Microsoft so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that there was some serious information sharing going on.

I still think that they look a lot alike – how about you?

Anyone else notice how Toshiba’s new Libretto looks a lot like Courier? is a post from: The Inquisitr

I’m all for throwing in a high capacity hard drive into my laptop when it comes with 750GB or even 1TB of available space, but why in the world does Toshiba have to give them such akward names, such as the MK7559GSXP (750GB).

The MKxx59GSM series takes the concept one step further, extending up to 1TB, while offering a 14 percent increase in energy efficiency from the companies past drives.

The drives also operate at 5,400 RPM and offer two platters for 750GB use (without extending to the clunkier 12.5mm height profile) and three platters fitted onto a 2.5-inch diagonal space for 1TB drives if you don’t mind extending the physical size of your drive to 12.5mm.

The drives are expected to arrive at system manufacturers by the end of April, with mass production starting slightly after that time. No pricing on the drives at this time.

Toshiba Offers Big 750GB, 1TB Laptop HDD’s, Gives Them Awful Names is a post from: The Inquisitr

MWC press releases keep slipping early, today’s victim, Toshiba, who’s TG02 has officially been shown off with some upgraded specs from the original device.

Among the upgrades is a 4.1 inch capacitive WVGA touchscreen, which sits upon the devices original 1GHz Snapdragon processor, alongside newly minted 3D menus for booting and running WinMo 6.5.

According to the official press release the device also features:

New mobile technologies, including Resolution+, LCD control and VoiceTranslation showcased at Toshiba’s Innovation Hub, Hall 8, Stand 8A111.

Aside from being sleek, the device is also tiny with a thickness of just 9.9mm.

Still no word on when it will launch or a price, but hopefully more will be revealed soon at the Mobile World Congress.

Toshiba TG01 Gets Updated To TG02 is a post from: The Inquisitr

It’s not a closely guarded secret that Toshiba has been working on high volume (64gb) SDXC cards since August 2009 and now they’ve officially begun showing off the cards in test lots, shortly after their CES announcement that they would do so.

The 64GB SDXC cards which are capable of 60MB/s reads and write speeds of 35MB/s should ship around the same time as Toshiba’s 16GB and 32GB MicroSDHC cards. While the 16GB card is very late to market, the new 64GB SDXC card puts them in direct competition with other top card manufacturers which include Panasonic, Kingston and Sandisk.

According to Toshiba the card is the worlds first 64GB model and while that may be true, it won’t be the first to ship, Panasonic expects to have their 64GB cards to market next month. [Engadget]

Toshiba Shows Off 64GB SDXC Card, Gives Spring 2010 Release Timeframe is a post from: The Inquisitr

Toshiba America is a leader in LCD TV production and sales and at CES 2010 they’ve unveiled their newest technology known as “Cell TV” which brings picture quality far superior to current LCD options, while delivering 3D technology that users at the show have greeted with a resounding smile across their collective faces.

The TV which debuted today is the Toshiba ZX900 Sereies Cell TV, a state of the art system that will be offered before the end of 2010. The unit features a Cell TV Broadband Engine which is designed with far superior multimedia processing in mind and which has previously been available on advanced PCs and high-end gaming consoles.

So what does it do? According to Toshiba:

“The technology creates a TV around the CELL Engine has removed previous limitations and allowed Toshiba to create an ultra-premium TV that is also an easy to use home entertainment server,” said Scott Ramirez, VP TV Marketing for Toshiba America Consumer Products.  “By combining the CELL Engine with the new KIRA2™ LED panel technology, Toshiba engineers have developed all-new levels of stunning performance and comprehensive functionality.  CELL TV provides more brightness, more contrast, more detail, more 3D, more robust connectivity, and more fun than anything we have ever created.  CELL TV is the new gold standard.”

After having just witnessed the technology in action I couldn’t agree more with their assessment. The set top offers 143 times faster processing than current TVs, while also bringing 1080p to a new level of cool with 9M: 1 Dynamic Contrast with True Super Resolution Technology which helps ensure precise image accuracy by sampling multiple frames and restoring the native pre-sampling signal curve.

While Net Resolution+ adds Compression Noise Canceling to significantly enhance Internet content.

According to Toshiba reps:

“This system detects noise compression inherent in low resolution internet content and separates and corrects the image data to produce sharper, cleaner internet images, even on super large screens.  In addition, AutoView™ RGB combines an ambient light sensor, and a new RGB sensor, to automatically set the brightness, contrast, gamma, sharpness, color saturation, and now color temperature, to ensure the best possible picture in any lighting condition.  CELL TV also boasts ClearScan™ 480Hz Frame Rate, for a clear, crisp picture for fast motion video.

The ZX900 also offers a Super Local Dimming LED display with 1,000 cd/m2 brightness, in addition to 512 controllable zones (5X more than previous LED models. Furthermore,

3D is also present and in full force  and works by ensuring properly visual ques are in placed by sending proper 120hz and 240hz to the users left and right eyes based on whether 3D is being implemented from the source. 3D inputs also offer a range of support, including MPEG4-MVC and RealID among other options. I witnessed the TV in action and it looks amazing whether your looking at a sports feed,watching a movie or even playing video games!

Finally, what good with a new TV be these days without connectivity, the Toshiba Cell TV units feature 1TB HDD, BD Player and 802.11n connectivity, allowing users to easily transfer info from their PC or Internet to their TV for instant viewing. You can even record directly to the TV with the integrated BD Player.

The ZX900 series will be available in both 55” and 65” (diagonal) screen sizes when they debut later this year.

Toshiba ZX900 Cell TV Debuts At CES 2010, Improves Picture Quality, Wows With 3D is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Toshiba TG01 is already a powerhouse of a device with it’s 1GHz Snap Dragon processor, Windows Mobile 6.1 platform and impressive hardware features. Now the TG01 is getting even better with a free upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.5

The upgrade can be downloaded directly from the official  Toshiba website. To upgrade users will just need to download the upgrade to their computer, plug in their TG01 via USB cable and let the process begin.

Any new TG01 purchases from this point moving forward will automatically feature the WinMo 6.5 platform.

Here’s Toshiba’s Official Press Release:

Toshiba TG01 Windows phone made available in co-ordination with release of Windows MobileR 6.5 operating system

London, UK, 6th October 2009 – To coincide with the release of Windows Mobile® 6.5, Toshiba Information Systems (UK) Ltd, Mobile Communications Division, today announces the retail availability of the TG01 Windows® phone, a variant of its innovative TG01 featuring the new Windows Mobile® 6.5 operating system.

The arrival of Windows Mobile® 6.5 and Toshiba’s immediate adoption of the platform for the TG01 sees the handset become a fully-certified Windows® phone; the updated TG01 Windows® phone is available in stores across Europe from today. Toshiba customers who have previously purchased the TG01 will also be entitled to an upgrade to the new Windows Mobile® 6.5, free of charge.

The launch of the TG01 Windows® phone means users will be able to enjoy all the benefits of Windows Mobile® 6.5, including a new Home screen and a finger-friendly start menu. Designed to offer fun and interactive  navigation between applications, Windows Mobile® 6.5 provides users with faster access to the handset’s plethora of features.

An update to the new Windows Mobile® 6.5 operating system for existing owners of TG01 is available for download from Toshiba’s website: www.toshiba-europe.com/mobile

WinMo 6.5 Upgrade Gets Confirmed For Toshiba TG01 is a post from: The Inquisitr

So many computer companies who don’t want to appear to be contributing to this growing mess are starting to paint themselves green. Well not literally painting themselves green but rather trying to produce products that are more ecologically responsible. Emilia Johansson; in a guest post at EcoGeek, took some time to put together a list of the top 5 green laptops on the market

Lenovo Thinkpad X301
The Lenovo Thinkpad X300 was one of only 15 notebooks to receive the EPEAT Gold certification, a sophisticated standard by which a device’s components pass evaluation in terms of eco-friendliness. Its successor, the X301 follows the same standards, but comes with faster and even more efficient components – all in a professional-looking and highly portable package.

For starters, this laptop features mercury-free LEDs in the display. Its low-voltage processor can stretch battery life with the aid of special efficiency software, and the package that the notebook comes in is now 90 percent recyclable. Additionally, the packaging doesn’t include any cadmium, lead or arsenic.

Toshiba Portégé A600
The Toshiba A600 is Gold EPEAT certified and Energy Star 4.0 compliant; it boasts a few green attributes that set it apart from other eco-friendly notebooks. For instance, the laptop uses a processor that runs on extremely low voltage, but processes at 1.4GHz.

With an LED backlit screen, the Toshiba Portégé A600 is thin (less than an inch) and weighs only 3.2 pounds. Toshiba also earned praise from environmental groups with a promise to cut down dramatically on the use of harmful chemicals in their PCs over the next several years.

HP 2730p Tablet
HP stepped into the green laptop market with the HP 2710p Tablet. This eco-friendly notebook’s claim to green fame is a longer battery life, estimated at around six hours. The laptop is Energy Star compliant and comes with low voltage Intel processors at speeds ranging from 1.2GHz to 1.6GHz.

ASUS Eee PC 1000HE
This revolutionary laptop is one of the quaintest, greenest and most aesthetically pleasing notebooks on the market. The 1000HE model has a 10-inch screen and weighs just two pounds.

The super-efficient Atom processor uses no more than three watts and the intelligent “Super Hybrid Engine” can automatically sense changes in the power needs of the CPU and components, adjusting voltage and LCD brightness to maximize energy efficiency.

Apple MacBook Air
This gorgeous laptop is also one of the greenest available. The display on the MacBook Air is without arsenic or mercury and the case is made from recyclable aluminum.
While it does have a very powerful processor, which runs on approximately 14 watts, the laptop does qualify for the EnergyStar 4.0 certification. Apple also paid attention to the MacBook Air’s packaging, reducing the amount of potential waste by roughly half.

5 Top Green Laptops is a post from: The Inquisitr

As we covered extensively last year, most major TV manufacturers were planning to launch internet enabled television in 2009; the future is here.

Here’s a round up of what’s been released at CES. The biggest question last year was how open the platforms would be; or more precisely how closed they would be. Details included where available.

Sharp

Along with new screen technology, Sharp Internet enabled televisions will have access to the “Sharp Aquos Network portal” that will included widgets from includes a Navteq traffic report map. The Aquos Network doesn’t include web video yet, but there’s a reason: the new line of TV’s includes built in Bluray players.

Internet TV score: FAIL.

Toshiba

The new internet enabled televisions from Toshiba pack a punch: the cell processor best known for being the power behind the PlayStation 3. Primarily the chip will deliver ultra-high definition viewing, but it also opens the TV up to a number of other features. According to specs, as well as offering DVR functionality built in, the televisions will support the Intel/ Yahoo Widgets platform. The platform isn’t as open as say a web browser, but does allow developers to build on it, and when first launched last year included promised on video on demand. The down size is costs, with the new sets to be offered in the $5-10,000 price range. Toshiba though is going to offer a box to attach to existing sets, price isn’t known.

Internet TV score: Nice, but costly.

Panasonic

Panasonic was the first major manufacturer to launch an internet enabled television, although one model only in 2008. The lineup for 2009 expands three series – The Z1 series, the V10 series and the G10 series. Panasonic offers its own internet platform under the VEIRACAST brand. Content includes YouTube, Picasa Web Albums, Bloomberg and weather service; an newly announced HD movie rental via Amazon Video-on-Demand. Nice line up, but similar to the Apple TV, and sadly closed to general browsing

Internet TV score: a reasonable start well priced.

LG

LG was the mystery playing coming in to CES. There was some rumors of that they’d play, and I’d speculated they would as well, although earlier announcements said they were more focused on internet enabling Bluray players. LG made the announcement of an internet enabled TV Jan 5 (details here). The sets will offer the Intel/ Yahoo Widget engine and content from YouTube and Netflix. Still a closed system, but appealing.

Internet TV score: win, but wish it wasn’t closed

Windows Media Extender

Add to the list Samsung and Toshiba’s pledge to support for Windows Media Extender, although it’s not clear if this will be available immediately. This will open up both to extra content, although a little fussy.

Conclusion

It’s a nice start to the beginning of the internet television era. The problem with all the sets so far though is that they remain closed; users can’t for example go to Hulu or a similar service for shows, and this will limit their appeal. However eventually having these features as standard means that they’ll be purchased anyway, and that’s where the space is headed. The only issue now is getting people to buy televisions at all given the economic crisis. The roll out will be slow, but it will happen.

The Future of Television has Arrived: CES Internet TV Roundup is a post from: The Inquisitr