HP Launches Exciting All-New Consumer PC Lineup

Today, HP announced its new lineup of consumer notebooks, from an 11-inch touchscreen all the way up to its high-end ENVY 17 models. Some of the new systems will ship with some of Intel's next-generation Core CPUs (codename: Haswell) as well as optional discrete graphics powered by NVIDIA, while others will use powerful new AMD APUs.

 

Mainstream Notebooks

HP unveiled new additions to their bread-and-butter Pavilion lineup: the HP Pavilion 14, HP Pavilion 15, and HP Pavilion 17 notebook PCs. You'll be able to get both AMD and Intel variants, and up to a full terabyte of hard drive space. Given their budget nature, however, don't expect to see anything more than a 1366x768 panel in these guys - even on the 17-inch model (92dpi).

They do come in some pretty attractive colors, though, taking advantage of HP's unique 'imprint' coloring functionality. You'll be able to pick from one of five different colors - black, white, red, blue, and purple.

 

Performance Notebooks

New entries to the ENVY lineup cement the replacement of the old dv line of higher-end consumer notebooks. Like the Pavilions, you'll be able to get both AMD and Intel variants. The ENVY notebooks come with up to 1080p screens and unnamed NVIDIA CPUs. There will be touchscreen variants of the 14- and 15-inch models, sold under the TouchSmart lineup. The 14-inch also qualifies as an Ultrabook under Intel's rules.

While the Pavilion notebooks come with DTS sound, the ENVY models will ship with Beats Audio as part of HP's continuing partnership with the company. On the two larger models, that partnership comes with some extra features: more speakers. While the vast majority of notebooks on the market give you just stereo sound, the ENVY 15 and ENVY 17 will ship with a whopping four speakers and a subwoofer - the ENVY 17's subwoofer is also dual-drive.

11-inch Wonderbooks

Perhaps most excitingly, HP will be offering an all-new replacement for the fantastic dm1 notebook. The big change is that the new Pavilion 11 TouchSmart will ship across the board with a 10-point, multitouch capacitive touchscreen. In fact, a non-touch model isn't even on the books. You'll get partial metal construction, video out ports - basically everything you've come to expect from the dm1 lineup. Plus the touchscreen. That said, don't worry about the touchscreen forcing up the price points - HP is trying to keep things affordable.

High Resolution Options

HP is feeling the heat from competitors like the MacBook Pro with Retina Display and Chromebook Pixel. The ENVY TouchSmart 14 Ultrabook will offer a 3200x1800 resolution display option. That's a whopping 262 pixels per inch, and impressive by any stretch of an imagination.

Free Cloud Storage

All buyers of ENVY notebooks and desktops get a free 50GB cloud storage account from Box.com; Pavilion notebook and desktop buyers will still get 25GB.

Pricing

The Pavillion 11 TouchSmart, despite its specs, will start at just $399 when it ships on June 26th. The Pavilion 14 starts at $479, the Pavilion 15 starts at $429, and the Pavilion 17 starts at $449. All will ship later this year. The HP ENVY 17 starts at $529 and will hit stores on June 5th; the 15 and TouchSmart 15 start at $529 and drop on the same date. Finally, the HP ENVY TouchSmart 14 Ultrabook will start at $699 - though you won't get the 3200x1800 screen for that price; it starts at 1366x768 and will likewise offer a middle 1600x900 option.

Be sure to take a look at all the press images in our gallery of photos!

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Verizon Cloud iPhone backup software launches on Apple's App Store

Verizon Cloud iPhone backup software launches on Apple's App StoreGet the lowest prices anywhere on Macs and iPads with exclusive coupons: Apple Price Guide updated May 25th. (Get the lowest prices anywhere) HomeReviewsBackpagePrice GuidesNew MacsMacs with AppleCarePrevious MacsiPadsApple Wireless DevicesBid on New & Used Apple ProductsFollow UsTwitterFacebookGoogle+RSS Feeds & QriusiPhone AppTip UsSend us a tiptip us anonymouslyContact us by e-mailForumsAAPL: 445.15 ( +3.01 )Never miss an update Follow AppleInsiderFollow @AppleInsider –A+
Friday, May 24, 2013, 11:39 am

Verizon Cloud iPhone backup software launches on Apple's App StoreBy AppleInsider Staff

Verizon this week launched a new iPhone application for its subscribers that gives access to the carrier's cloud-based syncing and backup service.


The official Verizon Cloud application is now available as a free download on the App Store. It requires iOS 5.0 or later, and is optimized for the 4-inch display on the iPhone 5.

Customers can sign up for the Verizon Cloud service, which debuted last month, by visiting the carrier's website. The entry-level 500-megabyte plan is free, while 25 gigabytes are available for $2.99 per month, 75 gigabytes for $5.99 per month, or 125 gigabytes for $9.99 per month.

Features of the newly released iOS application, according to Verizon, include:
Keep your phone's content safe and secure in your own private cloud storage
Access your content when you need it, even on the go, on any compatible device, your computer or the web
Sync photos and videos from Verizon Cloud to your device, and then share that synched content with your friends and family
Stream music and access documents stored in Verizon Cloud on your phone
Backup content from your computer's hard drive to your Verizon Cloud using the downloadable computer app. You can then access that content on your mobile devices.Tags:VerizonApp StoreJump to comments (16)Categories:iOS(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));Tweet!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); On Topic: VerizonVerizon Cloud iPhone backup software launches on Apple's App StoreVerizon confirms $100 iPhone 5 for featurephone customers [u]ESPN interested in subsidizing mobile data plans to ensure users can stream videoSupply shortages delay Samsung Galaxy S4 launch at Sprint, T-MobileSlowing iPhone growth may be function of smartphone industry, not restricted to AppleToday's' HeadlinesFoxconn may sell own branded accessories after Apple profits dipApple's iPhone sales tactics in Europe under antitrust investigationRelated ArticlesMicrosoft releases Kinectimals game, SkyDrive storage for iOSAmazon launches Cloud Player app on iOS App StoreLegal issues prompt Apple to remove Amazon Cloud music player from App StoreGoogle Drive launches with 5GB of free cloud storageAmazon takes on Apple's Photo Stream with Cloud Drive Photos iOS appPrevious Comments View Alljack mac2013/05/24 12:03pm

You really going to trust Verizon?

dasanman692013/05/24 12:14pm

Quote:Originally Posted by Jack Mac?

You really going to trust Verizon?
This seems pretty straightforward.
Quote:Keep your phone's content safe and secure in your own private cloud storage

tallest skil2013/05/24 12:18pm

Originally Posted by dasanman69?
This seems pretty straightforward.

?

How in the world do you think that's an answer?

rcoleman12013/05/24 12:26pm

No thanks. Lol

bdkennedy12013/05/24 12:38pm

No thank you.

jblongz2013/05/24 12:44pm

No thanks. I'll stick with the new dropbox killer http://goo.gl/KRJdT

dasanman692013/05/24 12:58pm

Quote:Originally Posted by Tallest Skil?

How in the world do you think that's an answer?
I'd question it if it were free, and they've had Backup Assistant for a few years now so I think that they have some good experience with cloud backups.

macologist2013/05/24 01:11pm

How is this different from these: iCloud, Drop Box, and various other Online Backups?

Privacy and Competence are Major Concerns too!

I don't see how Verizon's, or any Cell Carrier's Support for Apple's Products is better than AppleCare!

Walking into US Cell Carrier's Stores is the best Advertising for AppleCare! In most cases in those stores they try harder to sell Android Phones. Why? Cause Apple's Products Just Work, and thus puts the Carrier's Employees Out Of Work, cause their "Support" is not needed. That is what I have observed, so I assume that it's like that in most places!

All Carriers should focus on is Reliable Fast Connection at Lowest Price!

Apple lets these Apps in its stores, and Consumers vote with their Money!

I understand that iCloud Backup is not as Complete as Local USB Backup! So is Verizon saying that they have solved that problem, so that Local USB and iCloud iOS Backups are Identical? If yes, I'd love Apple to offer the same capability!

We'll see what News WWDC 2013 has to offer with the New iOS 7 and Mac OS 9 etc.

I'd love to see Apple offer Renewals of AppleCare after the Initial 3 Years! That way one goes to the Source! Obviously, with the Toll Free Phone Support!

dlux2013/05/24 01:12pm

Sure thing, Verizon, I'll back up my files on your network.

And then discover that I can't retrieve them when needed because it will exceed your bandwidth caps...

freshmaker2013/05/24 01:32pm

Quote:Originally Posted by dasanman69?


I'd question it if it were free, and they've had Backup Assistant for a few years now so I think that they have some good experience with cloud backups.

This is a good point - VZ already has experience in the area.? I don't see any reason why they'd be less trustworthy than Apple.? While iCloud has been very good overall, it's not like it hasn't had hiccups.? That said, the 15GB iCloud subscription I already pay for is enough for me.

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AmEx launches virtual wallet for online buyers in India

According to Google India, around 8 million Indians shopped online in 2012 and the U.S. Internet giant in December partnered several Indian shopping sites for "Cyber Monday".

In the year 2011 to 2012, consumer interest in online shopping in India grew 128 percent compared to only 40 percent the previous year. According to Forrester, the e-commerce market here is set to grow the fastest within the Asia-Pacific region between 2012 and 16.

While the growth of e-commerce in the country is an encouraging story, it is not without hiccups. Indian consumers prefer cash-on-delivery due to security concerns about using credit cards online. Another awkward roadblock is the high number of transactions that get dropped off due to users not physically having their cards on-hand. Several merchants store credit card details to ease future payments, but the use is restricted to individual merchants.

And this is a hole American Express (AmEx) India's new product is aiming to plug. ezeClick provides AmEx card members an easy and fast method to complete their online purchase, by allowing them to prefill customer data such as card number, expiry date, four-digit card identification number, and postal code which will be stored in the ezeClick virtual wallet for future use.

Offered free to all AmEx card members, the service allows customers not to have to refer to their plastic card for future online transactions. The transaction process is fast, safe and secure. Certified by Verisign, the service uses SSL to encrypt personal information. eZeClick also sends a one-time password (OTP) for every transaction to the registered mobile or e-mail ID in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations. Not just the customers, the service also addresses fears merchants have about any potential fraud as card data is not entered and stored on their servers.

When I spoke to Sanjay Rishi, president of AmEx India, he explained the benefits for partner merchants: "The average online transaction size of AmEx card members is more than three times the size of other online transactions. The power of their superior spend, coupled with faster checkouts and higher engagement, means more business for merchants."

The next-generation virtual wallet simplifies the checkout process and claims to drive more online shopping. Since no card details need to be entered at the time of transaction, the eZeClick service helps merchants reduce the number of transaction declines, prevents accidental dropoffs, and reduces the chances of cart abandonment. Interestingly, it also enables frequent and higher value transactions on impulse.

According to Vibha Bajaj, head of public affairs and communications at AmEx India, the ezeClick offering is already live across some 40 leading online merchants in India, covering travel, retail, utilities, apparels, and entertainment like eBay, MakeMytrip, BookMyShow, Infibeam, Vodafone, Idea, Tata Sky, and Spicejet, among others. "More, including Flipkart, are coming very soon," Vibha assured.  

Disclosure: Abhishek Baxi had been a digital consultant to American Express India in some of the company's previous online campaigns.

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Adobe Creative Cloud for SMBs launches in India

Adobe Systems has launched its Adobe Creative Cloud for India's small and midsized businesses (SMBs), with the enterprise edition to follow in the next few months.

Released last Friday, the Adobe Creative Cloud is a membership-based service that provides users with unlimited access to all Creative Suite desktop applications, plus other applications including Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Muse, Adobe Edge, Adobe Acrobat.

The service is, of course, a radical new way in which Adobe would offer its industry-leading tools and services. It is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) shift that another software vendor, Microsoft, went through recently with its Office 365 product.

Adobe Creative Cloud was launched in six markets in May last year and had successfully garnered over a million users as of end-2012.

Subscribers will get access to Adobe's latest products, services, features and workflows as soon as they are available. This model enables members to automatically receive updates without having to wait months for the next product release cycle. With Adobe Creative Cloud membership, users also have access to publishing services to deliver apps and Web sites, cloud storage, and the ability to sync to any device.

Adobe Creative Cloud and its subscription model should entice more SMBs to purchase the official software, instead of relying on pirated ones.

Speaking at the India launch, Umang Bedi, managing director for South Asia at Adobe, said that since its release in the U.S. in April 2012, the creative sector has responded enthusiastically.

"Our goal is to now make Creative Cloud the ultimate hub for creative professionals in India, where they can access the world's best tools and store and collaborate across their workplace and, ultimately, showcase their creations. We are excited by the immense potential this holds for a country like India."

"With the easy availability of our products through the Creative Cloud and the attractive price points, we do see a significant impact on the piracy rate of our products," Umang noted when quizzed in a separate interview before the launch.

I also spoke to the CEO of a Delhi-based Web development studio, who on condition of anonymity, confessed using pirated Adobe tools in his company.

"Adobe Creative Cloud would definitely get my money. I can now pay off monthly subscription instead of the humongous cost upfront for multiple licenses," he shared.

I reckon Adobe's focus on SMBs with this launch and attractive pricing would definitely help it to convert many such customers.

At the moment, Adobe has launched Creative Cloud for Teams (CCT), where each user gets 100 gigabyte (GB) of cloud storage. While the service is available via Adobe resellers currently, it would also be available through the Adobe Store in the next few weeks.

Adobe Creative Cloud for Teams is tailored for SMBs as it offers all the features in Creative Cloud, plus administrative tools, increased storage capacity, and expert services. It includes tools for easy management of virtual workgroups, expert support services, centralized administration and billing, and efficient license management. The service allows access to both Mac OS and Windows versions of the desktop applications, and the ability to install them on your primary computer and one backup computer. It also integrates with Adobe's tablet applications like Photoshop Touch.

The offering is available at approximately INR 48,480 (US$894.35) per user for a one-year plan through Adobe's network of resellers. However, customers can subscribe at the special introductory price of INR 34,620 (US$638.66) per user for a one-year plan till April 30, 2013.

Sanchit Vir Gogia, principal analyst at IDC India, said: "Adobe's Creative Cloud brings with it great promises for the Indian market, where the product has traditionally been positioned as a premium offering. With its subscription-based pricing model, Creative Cloud brings down the total cost of ownership for creative professionals and organizations substantially.

"It also takes away the headache from organizations who want to stay updated to current versions of creative tools and leverage product innovation as and when they are introduced. Both these factors will likely change the dynamics in favor of Adobe India in time to come, as it positions the offering for mass adoption."

Creative Cloud for Individuals with 20GB storage would also be available via the online store in the same timeframe, while the Creative Cloud for Enterprise would be available in the second half of the year globally, including India.

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iYogi launches in India for SMBs, consumers

iYogi, the global provider of tech support, has launched its service for both SMBs (small and midsize businesses) and consumers in India, touting it as a cost-effective alternative to incident based services.

iYogi provides subscription-based remote and onsite support for a variety of computing devices and software.

According to Access Markets International Partners (AMI Partners), the SMB market in India is estimated at INR 100 billion (US$1.83 billion) across more than 4 million businesses in India.

"We've witnessed rapid growth since our inception and plan to maintain this by focusing on three areas--geographic expansion, focus on SMB, and service innovation to capitalize on the growth in mobility," said Uday Challu, CEO and co-founder of iYogi, at the launch.

"The tech support opportunity in India is exploding based on the rapid adoption of technology among consumers and businesses, their growing technology dependency, and the increasing complexity created by a heterogeneous device environment," he added.

iYogi's Business NonStop service is aimed at the SMB market and comprises the Pro, Pro Plus, and Pro Premium subscription plans. Under these plans, organizations will get technical support starting from INR 249 (US$4.56) per month. Business NonStop Pro Plus is targeted for organizations with 5 to 25 PCs, while Pro Premium is for organizations with more than 25 PCs.

The company has also introduced service plans for consumers and wants to be a one-stop service provider for all support needs of a digital home. "The rapid proliferation of devices including computers, smartphones and tablets, and the emerging digital lifestyle of urban users is a growing opportunity in India," said Vishal Dhar, co-founder and president of marketing for iYogi. "The consumer tech support market is underserved, and the opportunity is large and glaring."

The global on-demand services vendor provides tech support for consumers and businesses in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and GCC states. It currently deploys over 5,000 "Tech Experts" serving more than 2 million users across 10 countries. Since its launch, the company has managed more than 10 million service requests, according to iYogi.

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