Sony has posted a teaser video for its upcoming 9.4in Android tablet the
S1 and it ocusing instead on creating a buzz around the device through
snappy visuals and a seemingly single-take spectacle. The video suggest
Sony has settled on the S1′s odd wedge-shaped design, which was said to
be subject to change when the Japanese giant unveiled it back in April
and he S1 will run Android 3.0.
Sony has released the first in a five part teaser video series showcasing two of its forthcoming Android tablets and one of which is expected to launch in September. Others have noted that the video is based around a Rube Goldberg machine which takes you along for a ride and both will come running Google’s platform Android 3.0 Honeycomb. However this is only the first part, hopefully the next few parts will be clearer, hit the break to watch it for yourself :
Sony S1 Features:
Sony S1 Features:
- Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system
- 9.4-inch (1280 x 800 resolution) touchscreen
- NVIDIA Tegra 2 1 GHz dual-core processing chip
- Wi-Fi and WAN (3G/4G) connections will be supported
- Dual cameras – single front and rear sensors
- Sony Qriocity media rental software integrated
- Sony PlayStation Suite approved
- DLNA streaming technology support
- Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS
- Dual 5.5-inch (1,024 x 480 resolution) touchscreens
- NVIDIA Tegra 2 1 GHz dual-core processing chip
- Wi-Fi and WAN (3G/4G) connections will be supported
- Rear facing camera
- Sony Qriocity media rental software integrated
- DLNA streaming technology support
ASUS will be using an x86 processor from
Intel or AMD’s ranges for the Windows 8 tablet or using Windows on ARM
and picking something like a next-gen Tegra chip such as Kal-El and
Android version of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer 2 will be cheaper than
its Windows 8 counterpart, but the grown up Microsoft OS will allow for
more complex document creation and editing. While the Android version
would cost the same as the existing one, the Windows model will carry a
premium due partly to the cost of the operating system and it appears
that both the Android and Windows 8 models are on track for a release at
some point in 2012.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer is
a slate-style tablet with an optional keyboard docking station which
sort of transforms the device into a laptop and the dock also has a
separate battery which nearly doubles the run time. Currently the Eee Pad Transformer is designed to run Google Android 3.x Honeycomb, but now Eee Pad Transformer rumored to run on Windows 8. That certainly makes sense since the new tablet won’t go into production until later on in 2012 when Windows 8 is expected to launch. Like the original Eee Pad Transformer,
its successor will feature an optional keyboard dock with built-in
battery for extended mobile use. Windows 8 itself will offer a much more
tablet-friendly UX than Windows 7 currently provides,
but the keyboard dock will still come in handy for those times when an
on-screen keyboard just doesn’t quite cut the mustard. Actual hardware
specs for the Transformer 2 will likely not be known until much closer to its release, though Asus could certainly be testing Windows 8 on
the current Transformer’s ARM internals. Its dual-core, 1Ghz Tegra
processor and 1GB RAM should provide sufficient horsepower, at least for
basic testing at this stage of the game. ASUS currently
starts the Honeycomb Transformer at $399 for the tablet alone and they
charge $149 for the docking station and Microsoft isn’t scheduled to
release Windows 8 until sometime in 2012.
Alienware’s new m17x10-1847DSB 17‐Inch Gaming Laptop now available in
Amazon.com. Take control of your gaming with the Alienware M17X
multimedia laptop, which features a thermally optimized case design with
aggressive lines and an in-your-face attitude. It features a stunning,
high-definition 17-inch display and a powerful Intel Core i7
processor–featuring four cores of intelligent processing power. ATI
Radeon HD 5870 graphics with 1 GB of video memory and CrossFireX
capabilities. Taken together, this combination of high-performance
technologies allow you to rip through the latest 3D games at
lightning-fast frame-rates.
Product Features:
- Intel Core i7-740QM 1.73GHz, 2.93GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache
- 6GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (2 DIMMs); USB 2.0 (4) eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo (2-in-1 Port) with PowerShare DisplayPort, HDMI?, VGA Audio-out Connectors (3) Audio-in/Microphone Jack Built-in Front Speakers (2) Gigabit Ethernet
- 500GB (7200 RPM) Hard Drive; 8x Slot-Loading CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW)
- CrossFireX 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 Graphics; 17″(1440 x 900)Widescreen
- McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 6 Months; Steam gaming portal
Specifications
- 17-inch high-definition widescreen display with 1440 x 900-pixel resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio.
- 1.73 GHz Intel Core i7-740QM quad-core processor (with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.93 GHz) delivers maximum processing power in response to peak demands. Intel’s Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload–providing more performance when you need it the most.
- 500 GB SATA hard drive (7200 RPM)
- 6 GB of installed RAM (DDR3) with 1333 MHz speed
- ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 graphics with 1 GB of dedicated video memory. Loaded with advanced technology and support for Microsoft DirectX 11, the HD 5870 has the power and premium features you need for fully immersive gameplay as well as the capability to expand your visual real estate across up to six displays. And with the ATI CrossFireX multi-GPU performance gaming platform, you can combine two or more discrete graphics processors to work together to improve system performance.
- 8x multi-format DVD drive supports reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
- Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks.
- Bluetooth connectivityenables you to communicate and synchronize wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as printers and cell phones.
- Built-in stereo speakers with internal high-definition, 5.1-channel audio
- 2.0-megapixel webcam
- Backlit keyboard with AlienFX
- HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable.
- DisplayPort video output is the newest monitor interface supporting today’s digital graphics and LCD technologies
- Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
- Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It’s the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you’ll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
- 9-cell battery
- Dimensions: 14.88 x 12.15 x 1.92 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 9 pounds (with 6-cell battery)
- Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty; 24/7 phone support
Connectivity & Expansion
- 3 total USB ports with 1 eSATA/USB combo port that enables you to connect to compatible external hard drives for lightning fast transfers of large multimedia files–up to 5 times faster than via a standard USB port.
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- Video output: 1 VGA and 1 DisplayPort
- Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
- 8-in-1 memory card reader
- 1 headphone, 1 microphone
2011 is the Year of the Tablets. It really is. After Apple's iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab, several other tablet computers have been launched with the hope to increase their market share.
In response to the craze for tablet computers, The New York Times offers an interactive guideline which is quite handy, especially for those who are thinking of purchasing a tablet but don't have any idea which one to opt for.
This interactive guide allows you to view features of the Apple iPad, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia Tab A500, Toshiba Tablet, HP Slate and Dell Streak. It also provides URL links to comprehensive reviews of each gadget written by technology experts as well as links to the product pages.
The most amazing feature of this interactive guideline is that you can also choose which of these tablets to compare to one another, allowing an easier view and, of course, helping with your decision-making.
Check Out http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/technology/personaltech/2010-tablet-computer-comparison.html
Life-saving inventions
The world has been struck by so many natural disasters in recent years. Before Japan was hit by a devastating tsunami, China's Sichuan province was wrecked by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in 2008, and then Indonesia's Java was hit the following year. Just last year it was Haiti and Chile.
The world has been struck by so many natural disasters in recent years. Before Japan was hit by a devastating tsunami, China's Sichuan province was wrecked by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in 2008, and then Indonesia's Java was hit the following year. Just last year it was Haiti and Chile.
Jack Lamport from BBC News has compiled several gadgets that have been invented to help the victims of natural disasters.
Inflatable hospitals, for example, have been used since 2005 mainly by international medical and humanitarian aid organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres, particularly in the aftermath of the earthquake in Pakistan that year and in Haiti in 2010.
In times of disaster when local hospitals have been ruined, hospitals created from inflatable tents have proven to be very practical.
In Japan where people were left without access to clean water after the tsunami, Lifestraw _ a compact, lightweight filter that kills bacteria and parasites in a purification cartridge _ was also created as a life-saving device.
New rumors indicate that the next generation iPhone
could come with a new aluminum design for AT&t and Version,
ditching the ultra-fragile glass back coming with the iPhone 4 and also
features such as aluminum back, the A5 SoC, and confirmation of a June
or July 2011 release date. The iPhone 5 would look more like the iPad
2.
The iPhone 5 rumors continue to fly fast and furious nd it’s looking more and more like a fall launch for the next iPhone.
All is unknown. But that hasn’t stopped me from updating this list of
most-wanted features with information gleaned from the arrival of iOS 5,
as well as other new products and services. As a reminder, the 20 items
in the list are ordered from least important to most in a reverse
countdown.
20 most-wanted features:
- iOS 5:
What new features will iOS 5 bring? Who knows, but we look forward to its arrival in June. - 4G network compatible:
The one big thing missing from the iPhone 4 is the lack of next-gen 4G data network support, which is probably why Apple called it the 4 instead of the 4G.AT&T will reportedly have a 4G network up and running in 2011, whereas Sprint has already rolled out its next-gen network. Verizon has also just deployed its 4G network, but the Verizon iPhone 4 will not support 4G data. - Dual-core processor:
With Apple’s acquisition of PA Semiconductor, it’s started designing and churning out its own CPUs. The iPhone 4 has an A4 that runs at 1GHz. However, now that LG, Motorola, and others have unveiled dual-core Android phones, the processor ante has been raised.Rumor has it that Apple will move to a dual-core processor featuring a pair of 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 cores in both the next-generation iPhone and iPad 2. But that’s just speculation. - Better camera:
We certainly appreciate that Apple improved the camera in the iPhone 4 (5 megapixels; LED flash), but we’ve seen rumors that Sony is developing an even better 8-megapixel camera for the fifth-gen iPhone. - Improved 3D graphics:
The A4 CPU has a Imagination PowerVR graphics chip integrated into it. Like the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4 uses a PowerVR SGX535 chip. But the iPhone 5 will hopefully get the PowerVR SGX545, which was announced last year. - Better cloud-computing support:
Setting up an Android phone is dead simple: input your Gmail username and password, and the phone will immediately start pulling your Google-based contacts, calendar, and other info. The iPhone, by contrast, is still a slave to iTunes for activation and media syncing. Whether it’s a free version of Mobile Me, or an online version of iTunes powered by Apple’s Lala acquisition, cloud-based iPhone syncing can’t come soon enough. - Fewer failed and dropped calls:
AT&T has always had problems with its iPhone service in big cities like San Francisco and New York, where AT&T complaints seem to run highest.Some have questioned whether it’s the phone or the carrier, but either way, it will be interesting to see how Verizon’s network handles the influx of iPhone users. It’s also possible that the migration of some AT&T iPhone customers to Verizon will bring relief to AT&T’s network and perhaps its service will improve. Let’s hope so. - More carriers:
Now that the CDMA version of the iPhone has finally come to Verizon, it wouldn’t be too hard to make a Sprint version. Or how about a T-Mobile iPhone? Alas, we don’t know whether Verizon’s worked in any sort of exclusivity agreement into its deal with Apple, but let the rumors begin - Video chat (FaceTime) over 4G network:
Currently, on the iPhone 4, FaceTime only works over Wi-Fi and only with other iPhone 4s. We’d like to see an option to use it over a cellular data network, and hope it’s supported when AT&T’s faster 4G network ramps up in 2011. We’d also like to see the ability to make video calls with PCs. - Improved home screen:
We’re still waiting for a more customizable home screen, with a real “dashboard.” So far it has yet to appear in iOS 4. - Better battery life:
Every time Apple puts out a new iPhone, the battery life gets better, so we expect no less from the fifth-generation iPhone. Apple says the iPhone 4 has 40 percent more talk time than the iPhone 3GS. So, if the past is any indicator, we might see similar gains in next year’s model. - Flash support:
It’ll be a cold day in hell when Apple allows for Flash support on the iPhone. But that doesn’t mean we can’t ask for it. - Expandable memory:
Not happening, but just thought we’d ask. - More memory:
A lot of people were disappointed that the iPhone 4 didn’t come in a 64GB version (only 16GB and 32GB). Maybe next year we’ll get 64GB. - Removable battery:
This well-known rendering of a future iPhone dreams of a model with a removable battery. That appears to run counter to Apple’s current design principles. - Enhanced voice control:
We expect that in the the next generation of the iOS, Apple will continue to flesh out the voice controls for the iPhone, but there’s always room for more enhancements. It would be cool to be able to compose e-mails or text message by just using your voice, no? - RFID:
Rumor has it that Apple is looking into integrating radio frequency identification, or RFID, into the iPhone. RFID is sort of a bar code replacement and could allow your iPhone–among other things–to act as a payment device or even a car key. In the image to the left, you see a scenario where the iPhone acts as a combination lock (to open what, we don’t know). - Biometric security:
It’s hardly a must-have upgrade, but it would be cool to swipe your finger–instead of enter a password–to unlock your phone. (Image note: Allegedly, Apple has filed some patents related to this feature.) - HD output:
Right now, you can’t output 720p or 1080i HD video from an iPhone (any iPhone). We hope Apple allows for HD output in the future, particularly when you consider that Sprint’s Android-powered Evo has full HD output via HDMI. - Built-in IR:
We like the idea of using the iPhone as a universal remote, but we’re not so keen on attaching an IR dongle to the phone every time we want to use it as a remote.
ScreenShots:
Apple's new mobile operating system will incorporate Twitter — and not Facebook. Why can't Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg get along?
Best Opinion: TIME, Mashable, Huff Post...
 |
| With Apple's new operating system, iOS 5, users can take a photo and easily email it, text it, or tweet. But sharing it on Facebook is a bit tougher. Photo: apple.com |
"The lines have been drawn,"says Allie Townsend in TIME. In unveiling a new mobile operating system on Monday, Apple announced a tight integration of Twitter that will let users directly post to the microblogging service from a wide range of apps on their iPhones, iPads, and iPods, without ever having to open a Twitter-specific application. Facebook did not get similar treatment. The announcement clarifies some tech allies and adversaries: Apple and Twitter on one side, and Microsoft and Facebook on the other. But why would Apple "snub" Facebook, the largest social networking site, and opt to partner instead with a service that has about half as many members? Here, three theories:
1. Apple and Facebook have sparred before
Last September, Apple launched a music social network called Ping, which, at first, had Facebook tie-ins. But a "disagreement between the two companies" over the details of Ping led to Facebook being removed, "much to the detriment of Ping's success," says Jennifer Van Grove at Mashable.
2. Both companies insist on control
The obstacle to getting a partnership in place may have been "Apple's desire to maintain control over the user experience and preserve its direct relationship with its customers" — goals that "clashed with Facebook's own ambitions," says Bianca Bosker at The Huffington Post. Indeed, Facebook also wants to control the connection to users, says NDTV, and Twitter, by contrast, can be more easily integrated “as an underlying technology.” That gave Twitter the edge.
3. Facebook already friended Microsoft
Apple's longtime nemesis bought into Facebook early, and has integrated the social networking service into its own mobile operating system. That means "Apple was bound to be looking for alternatives," says NDTV. The relationship between Microsoft and Facebook means that anyone hoping for a similar deal between Apple and Facebook “will likely be left waiting for quite a while,” says Townsend in TIME.
Source: The Week
Apple announced that it’s bringing deep Twitter integration to all of its iOS-based devices and to many of its own apps, including Camera, Photos, Safari and Maps. That integration also extends to Contacts, where you’ll be able to link your contacts to their Twitter handle and keep their information updated.
Apple brings deep Twitter integration to iOS, which allowing users to easily tweet and share their photos, locations or even bookmarks from Safari. iOS 5 will also now sync your contacts with their respective Twitter profiles automatically. Selecting this option will allow you to do three things; install the official Twitter application, enter your own Twitter credentials to enable integration, and finally synchronise Twitter handles with contacts on your phone. Twitter is enabled in Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, or Maps – you won’t need a separate client if you want to tweet your location, share a photo, video or a webpage. In each of the applications, hitting the share button will instantly reveal a “Tweet” button, which will load the editor displayed in the screenshots above.
When you are finished editing the tweet and hit Send, you will hear a audible ping, letting you know that your message was sent successfully. Earlier we showed you that Apple provides the option for you to install the official Twitter application. Once you have done so, authenticated within the app (we were hoping it would utilise the details we had already entered) and enabled Push Notifications, you will be updated each time you receive a new Tweet, as you would an email or text message. decision to partner with Twitter is a logical one. The implementation is basic but it works and doesn’t take away from third-party applications that are able to deliver more in terms of functionality.
Industrial Designer Andrea Ponti‘s concept for the Luce Solar Panel Powered PC could be the First Solar Powered Laptop. This invention may become the greenest laptop ever made. While there are plenty of solar-powered peripherals that plug into your laptop to boost its battery power, we haven’t yet seen a model that runs solely on solar. Checkout more detail bellow.
The computer has two solar panels: One on the back of the monitor and one underneath a touch keyboard. Ideally, the two panels would be able to power the computer continuously, though it’s unclear whether this has been successfully tested. Using a laptop in the sun is far more battery intensive than indoors since the screen brightness needs to be cranked up to compete with the sun’s bright light.
One solution could be to use an electronic ink display in place of the usual backlit flat panel. Although the laptop includes a battery, the cordless design means your productivity will plummet in the evening — at least until you reach for another digital device.
The Luce, which means light in Italian, is made from a clear polycarbonate and weighs about four pounds. It was shortlisted in Fujitsu’s 2011 design competition.
There’s no word on whether Fujitsu plans to turn Ponti’s design into reality, but either way they’re not the only ones thinking about integrating sunlight into computer design. Last year Apple filed a patent for “harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen.”
In Apple’s vision, a reflector could fold down to brighten the display, and the company is rumored to be looking at integrating solar cells as well.
Design images by Andrea Ponti
Apple Patent images via Patently Apple
News From techcrunch.com
Asus jas just introduce their new G74Sx 17-inch 3D gaming laptop.
Asus, a brand known for its Republic of Gamers (ROG) notebooks,
announced its G74Sx gaming laptop at the Computex tradeshow. The G74Sx
is Asus’s first 17-inch 3D laptop.
This G74Sx will feature a second-generation quad-core i5 or i7
processor and Nvidia’s latest GPU, the GTX 560M. This notebook will also
have a full-HD Display and use Nvidia’s 3D Vision for 3D content.
Like its G72 predecessor, the G74Sx comes with an innovative thermal
design which makes use of twin fans at both the front and back of the
laptop to maintain constant air flow. Cooling technology is especially
important for such a notebook as graphic-intensive games can generate
lots of heat.
Also, the company has equipped the G74Sx with several easy-to-use overclocking features for better gaming performance.
Asus has not stated the price or release date for the G74Sx, although more details are expected to be announced in early June.
News From asia.cnet.com
Philips has introduced new mobile phone called the Philips Xenium X518. The new Philips Xenium X518 dual SIM mobile phone supports for two mobile operators at a real time with GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 MHz frequencies.
Features
* Provides dual SIM card slots
* Supports for two mobile operators at same time
* Works on GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 MHz frequencies
* 2.8-inch touchscreen TFT display
* Display resolution of 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)
* 2 megapixel camera with LED flash and video recording capability
* 1MB of internal memory
* MicroSD card slot (up to 16GB)
* Bluetooth 2.0, media player, and FM radio with RDS
* Powered by a 1530 mAh battery that’s enabling up to 40 days of standby
* Dimensions: 104 x 57 x 14.3 mm and weight 108 grams
* Supports for two mobile operators at same time
* Works on GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 MHz frequencies
* 2.8-inch touchscreen TFT display
* Display resolution of 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)
* 2 megapixel camera with LED flash and video recording capability
* 1MB of internal memory
* MicroSD card slot (up to 16GB)
* Bluetooth 2.0, media player, and FM radio with RDS
* Powered by a 1530 mAh battery that’s enabling up to 40 days of standby
* Dimensions: 104 x 57 x 14.3 mm and weight 108 grams
Unfortunately, there is no information on price of the new Philips Xenium X518 dual SIM phone at moment.
ASUS has just bring Eee PC 1215B-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook . The Eee PC
1215B-P provides users the best portable multimedia enjoyment for its
size. With the latest AMD Brazos E350 dual core processor – a high
performance CPU and discrete GPU; expect the best in multimedia
enjoyment. With the super low power consumption that the Eee PC 1215B-P
draws, enjoy up to 8 hours of battery life.
Product Features:
- AMD E350 CPU; 2GB DDR3 RAM (1x2GB), 2 Slots, 4GB Max
- 12.1″ WXGA (1366×768) LED screen; ATI HD 6310 graphics; HDMI VGA out
- 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM); No Optical Drive
- Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 3.0; 10/100 LAN; 0.3MP Webcam; 2-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC); 3 x USB 2.0 Ports; 1 x USB 3.0 Port
- Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System; Up To 8.5 Hours Battery Life
Key Features:
- 12.1-inch LED WXGA display for HD-quality visuals wherever, whenever
- AMD Dual-Core Processor E350 with AMD Mobility Radeon™ HD 6310 Graphics for improved battery life and more responsive HD capabilities.
- ASUS Super Hybrid Engine maximizes battery life up to 8 hours between charges
- HDMI connectivity for streaming Full HD video and digital sound to HDTVs and compatible external displays
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.0
ASUS’ Eee Pad might still be difficult to track down, but at least all
systems are go for the company’s other Honeycomb tablet, the Eee Pad
Slider. Asus introduced the Eee Pad Slider at CES in January, but the
company’s been pretty quite about the Android tablet with a slide-out
keyboard ever since.
The company confirmed that the 10.1-inch tablet, originally slated for May, is “coming soon” no word, of course, on whether it will ditch Tegra 2 for an Atom Z670 CPU, as rumored. Next up, ASUS, give us a price, capiche? Last time we checked, the company was estimating it would cost between $500 and $800, so your guess is as good as ours as to how sweet a value this will be. There’s no word on pricing, but Asus will have more details during a pre-Computex news conference on May 30th.
You can check out my demo video from CES showing how the sliding mechanism works after the break. In a nutshell, the Slider is a lot like the Asus Eee Pad Transformer, except that instead of offering an optional keyboard docking station, the Slider come standard with a keyboard that’s always with you since it tucks away behind the screen.
Checkout the Video Bellow:
Audi took the wraps off its all-new A6 sedan earlier this year at the
North American International Auto Show, and now it has unveiled the
station wagon version of this car, the 2012 Audi A6 Avant. Even though the current A6 is offered with an Avant body style here in the United States, it doesn’t appear this new Audi
wagon will ever be offered over here despite the fact that Acura and
Cadillac have both introduced new mid-sized station wagons to the
market.
Building on the look of the 2012 A6 sedan, the all-new A6 Avant has a
more practical, yet sporty, look thanks to its two-box design and
sleeker styling. This updated look starts with the front end which now
features a more aggressive appearance thanks to the scalloped headlights
with LED daytime running lights, an edgier grille and sporty front
fascia. The new A6 design still has some of the old model’s soft edges,
but the reshaped hood and broad shoulder lines help add a much more
athletic stance. Aside from this distinguishable new front-end styling,
the new Avant’s overall shape doesn’t change too much compared to the
current body style, but a steeper rake in the greenhouse and the
wraparound liftgate glass add to the sportier appearance while the
rectangular LED taillights complement the eye-catching new face.
 |
| The Avant lives on, despite the booming crossover trend |
The new Audi A6 will receive a stylish cabin that shares some
similarities with the A8’s interior including the pop-out navigation
screen and the innovative Touchpad Controller. In addition to this touch
pad, the A6 cabin will also offer high-tech options such as heads-up
display, wireless Internet and a powerful Bang & Olufsen audio
system. For the driver, the cabin will offer an elegant, wrap-around
cockpit with a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. New technology also
includes what Audi refers to as a “gesture-controlled” automatic rear
liftgate which allows drivers to open the liftgate hands free by waving
their foot under the rear bumper when in possession of the proximity
key. Once open, the cargo area holds almost 20 cubic feet of cargo
volume with the rear seats in place and almost 60 cubic feet with the
rear seat backs folded down.
Under the hood of the new A6 Avant, Audi will continue to provide the
mid-size station wagon with a plethora of engine choices which includes
four diesel and two gasoline options. The base engine will be a
fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI inline-four while the top options will be a
3.0-liter V-6 as either a turbocharged diesel or a supercharged
gasoline engine. Audi says that the 3.0 TDI model will be able to
accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 5.4 seconds. Four
transmissions will be available in the 2012 A6 Avant starting with a
base six-speed manual up to the eight-speed tiptronic available only in
the 3.0 TDI. Even more depressing for North American drivers is the fact
that the new A6 will likely continue be offered in the high-performance
S6 model, but no word yet as to whether an RS6 model will be available.
One thing that should help make the new A6 Avant more exciting to
drive is the fact that it uses more lightweight aluminum to lower the
car’s curb weight. With 20 percent of the new car comprised of aluminum,
Audi says its 2012 A6 Avant weighs almost 155 pounds lighter than the
current model, and the base A6 Avant 2.0 TDI weighs in at just 3,616
pounds. Along with lighter curb weight comes improved fuel economy as
Audi states fuel consumption that is 18 percent better for 2012 over the
2011 model.
While there has been no definitive word on the availability of the A6
Avant in the U.S., the car will go on sale in Europe later this summer
with a starting price of €40,850 (the equivalent of around $60,000 USD).
