On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

novero shows off the Solana at Mobile World Congress 2012-- a 10" notebook with a tilting easel-style LED touchscreen users can double-boot to use either Windows or Android operating systems.

The flip-rotating design allows users to switch between notebook and tablet modes, while double-clicking a shortcut switches between operating systems. The device was first seen at the Intel CES 2012 as a prototype.

Inside are an Intel Atom dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage (expandable via micro SD card, 3MP webcam and stereo loudspeakers. Connectivity comes through 3.5G (HSPA+), wifi and Bluetooth.

The Solana should launch in European markets on Q2 2012.

Go novero Solana

Intel plans to invest in the automotive industry by launching the Intel Capital Connected Car Fund-- a $100M fund aimed at turning dreams of futuristic web-connected cars into reality.

Technologies the fund will cover over the next 4-5 years include in-vehicle infotainment systems, seamless car-mobile device connectivity, new and compelling in-vehicle applications and advanced driver assistance systems.

Intel also hopes for the development of new technologies-- cloud-based systems communicating not only with the driver, but also with the transport infrastructure and other vehicles to provide services such as real-time traffic data.

The company is already working with Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and BMW, and hosts a research programe at a new product research and development facility at Karlsruhe, Germany.

No mentions of time travel-enabled Deloreans (as seen in the Back to the Future series) yet, but we can only hope...

Go Intel Invests in Product Development and Research to Spur Innovation in the Connected Car

Halfords CEO David Wild finds inspiration in Oscar winner The Artist, saying “the UK retail sector is experiencing a transformation as far reaching as the move from silent film to sound” when speaking on the future of retail at a Javelin Conference.

“[R]etailers must learn to adapt to a permanent new reality,” Wild continues-- the new reality in this case being the current era of online shopping, where customers use the internet to not only purchase goods, but also to compare prices within brick and mortar stores.

Social media also gets use, as people comment and ask for recommendations on future purchases.

Wild says the retail industry has to find out why and how customers interact with stores-- creating a "seamless multichannel experience" in the process. Apparently 87% of online Halfords customers pick up orders in store, where the retailer offers further advice and fitting services.

“Retailing has always been about understanding the customer so we need to adapt fast to the way they are now shopping," Wild concludes.

Go Retailing's "Talkies" Moment

Following the March 1st opening of a new flagship retail location in Amsterdam (at the Hirsch building, Leidseplein), Apple plans to open more European stores-- in London, Turin, and Stockholm.

The latest London Apple store will be in Harrods, and should open sometime around mid-March (between 12-19 March, according to 9to5Mac.com)-- possibly in conjunction with the rumoured iPad 3 UK launch date.

Meanwhile Italian website Macity reports a future Turin Apple Store (in Via Roma) will be "the most important" Apple retail location in the country, on par with the biggest stores in Paris and London. Set to open on September 2012, the Turin location should cover two floors with an area of 1000 square metres (possibly including warehouse and back of store).

According to Macity Apple was trying to open a Milan store at the Galleria-- but lost the auction for the space to Prada.

And finally Apple is looking for Swedish retail staff, with a job listing bearing a number of leadership roles and pompous titles (such as "Expert" and "Genius"). No word is available on the Swedish Apple Store's location (although one can assume Stockholm), but earlier last year the company was rumoured to be planning a store in Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm... in a location now taken over by a Japanese shoe maker.

Go Amsterdam Apple Store

Go Apple Store in London's Harrods (9to5Mac.com)

Go Apple Store Torino (Macity.net)

Go Swedish Apple Job Listing