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Leap Motion gesture control technology hands-on
Leap Motion unveiled its new gesture control technology earlier this week, along with videos showing the system tracking ten fingers with ease and a single digit slicing and dicing a grocery store's worth of produce in Fruit Ninja. Still, doubts persisted as to the veracity of the claim that the Leap is 200 times more accurate than existing tech. So, we decided to head up to San Francisco to talk with the men behind Leap, David Holz and Michael Buckwald, and see it for ourselves. Join us after the break to learn a bit more about Leap, our impressions of the technology, and a video of the thing in action.%Gallery-156126%
Google patent application could give Project Glass one true ring controller to rule them all
Let's face it: right now, the head nods and other rudimentary controls of Google's Project Glass are mostly useful for looking good, sharing photos and not much else. A US patent application submitted last September and just now published, however, raises the possibility of more sophisticated control coming from your hands. A ring, a bracelet or a even a fake fingernail with an infrared-reflective layer would serve as a gesture control marker for a receiver on heads-up display glasses. Having this extra control would give the glasses-mounted computing room to grow by learning gestures, and it could even depend on multiple ornaments for more sophisticated commands -- at least, if you don't mind looking like a very nerdy Liberace. We can imagine the headaches a hand-based method might cause for very enthusiastic talkers, among other possible hiccups, so don't be surprised if Project Glass goes without any kind of ring input. That said, we suspect that Sauron would approve.
Griffin's Helo TC Assault helicopter now on sale, gives you yet another way to annoy co-workers
It was way back at CES when Griffin's Helo TC Assault chopper first landed on our radar, and now it's set for retail takeoff. Remember the original TC we played with last summer? This Apache-inspired RC helicopter comes with the same IR flight deck, allowing for motion or touchscreen controls with Android and iOS devices. Aside from its aggressive design, the Assault lives up to its moniker thanks to six plastic missiles which you can "live-fire" toward unsuspecting co-workers. If you're ready to wage war against the likes of desk-mounted USB Missile Launchers, the TC Assault is on sale now for $60 -- though, you'll need to add-in a quartet of AAs on your own. Jump past the break to see how Griffin envisions the chopper serving during deployment, along with a detail-packing press release.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (Verizon Wireless LTE)
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition) Verizon Galaxy Tab 7.7 with LTE hands-on Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus reviewSamsung's Galaxy Tab series boasts seven distinct models. Throw in all of the variants of each one -- LTE, WiFi, WiMAX and even the Galaxy Note 10.1 if you want to be picky -- and all of a sudden the number of tablets produced by the Korean electronics giant over the past sixteen months shoots up to exceed twenty. In a vast sea of incredibly similar-looking Android slates, there's one model that dares to be different: the Galaxy Tab 7.7, an oddly sized tablet with a stunning Super AMOLED Plus display.Last month, we were given the opportunity to review the global version, and definitely liked what we saw. It's an understatement, then, to say that we were ecstatic to give Verizon's LTE version a run for its money (which, at $500 with a two-year commitment and $700 without, is a lot). What did Big Red choose to tweak? How's the battery life once you factor in that next-gen network? These answers and more are coming your way after the break.
How would you change Logitech's Harmony Link?
Remote controls suck, but touchscreen phones and tablets aren't smart enough to replace them, yet. Logitech's Harmony Link is there to bridge the gap between your WiFi device and TV, but we found it inflexible, unreliable and unspectacular. Some of those issues might have been fixed in the recent update -- but what would you do differently to make it the must have gadget of 2012? Ladies and gentlemen, when you've finished your turkey dinners (happy holidays!), sound off in the comments.
Add lasers to a tennis ball, drive your dog crazy (video)
It's a "programmable disco ball," a "cat toy for humans," and a "personal laser light show," all rolled into one. That's how one Matt Leone describes his latest creation, aptly known as the Laser Ball. To realize his dream, Leone drilled a set of holes into a garden variety tennis ball, and inserted about 14 laser diodes, each with an attached strip of diffraction grating. Said diodes were then synced up with an Arduino-equipped Teensy microcontroller nestled within the ball, alongside a rechargeable battery. As a cherry on top of this DIY sundae, Leone then incorporated an infrared remote package from Adafruit, allowing him to remotely jump start his next house party. The result is a cyborg-like ball that makes any LED cube look... square. Check it out for yourself, in the video after the break.
Griffin's Beacon universal remote control system now available for Android, ships for $70
It's been quite a while since we got our hands on Griffin's Beacon universal remote control, way back at CES. The IR converter has since hit the market for iOS users, but the Android community, until recently, had been left in the dark. That changed yesterday, however, when Griffin announced that its wire-free system is now available for Google-powered handsets and tablets. The transmitter, fueled by a quartet of AA batteries, converts an Android device's Bluetooth signal into infrared and sends out commands to your TV, DVD or Blu-ray player, effectively allowing users to place it anywhere around their home entertainment system. The remote control functions are handled by Dijit's customized app, where you'll be able to browse, search and call up TV shows, using the integrated guide. The app, like its iOS counterpart, is available for free, but the system itself will set you back about $70. If you're even remotely interested, check out the source links below, or the full PR after the break.
Motorola Corvair 6-inch Android 2.3 tablet outed, destined for the home automation set?
There are plenty of WiFi-connected remote control apps for tablets, dongles for IR control and even an IR blaster built into Vizio's tablet, but here's a Motorola slab purpose-built for the coffee table. The Verge has received several pics of the Motorola Corvair (and its packaging), a "dedicated controller for the connected" ...something, which is apparently in testing with unnamed cable companies right now. It's a 6-inch tablet running Android 2.3, that the box shows working as a remote control and apparently mirroring its display on the TV screen. Other notes indicate it's optimized for low cost, packs a healthy 4,000mAh battery, and can communicate with other devices via IR or Zigbee's RF4CE spec (where's Android@Home?). That would line it up perfectly to tie in with home automation systems like the one Motorola and Verizon just launched, as well as potentially provide a sweet platform for content discovery. The only downside? Unless Moto goes against type, this will probably never see retail and we'll have to wait on our cable company to figure out a way to charge extra for one and slap their own ugly software on it -- here's hoping that's not the case.
Logitech Harmony Link review
Logitech's Harmony 1100 now shipping to tidy living rooms everywhere Murata Tactile Controller TV remote hands-on (video) Comcast releases Xfinity TV remote control app for Android devices A first encounter with a multitouch device gets any active imagination running, so of course a home theater fan thinks it could make for the ultimate remote. But can any of that promise be realized in the dead zone that is the consumer remote control space? The leader of that dead zone is ready to give it a try with the Harmony Link -- a WiFi-to-IR bridge that allows you to control your TV from any room of the house via an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android device. For $100, it's a setup that promises to blend ease of programming with network connectivity and multitouch control. So exactly how good is Logitech's attempt? We'll reveal that after the break, of course. %Gallery-135375%
iOS-controlled iW500 RC car defies gravity, paint job may drive you up the wall (video)
Driving cars on the floor is so passe, which is exactly why you need iHelicoter's wall-scaling iW500. We've seen similar gravity-defying propositions in the past, but this is the first to be controlled by your iOS device. Belying its 90s toy looks, the car attaches itself to vertical surfaces with a sealed vacuum that even has enough suck to drive upside-down across your ceiling. As you'll see in the video after the break, controls are handled using the built-in accelerometer on your phone or tablet as well as the touchscreen interface on the dedicated app. It'll join a crowded starting grid of iPhone-friendly RC cars, helicopters and monster trucks, priced at $59.99.
Logitech's Harmony Link transforms your iOS device or Android phone into a universal remote (video)
Logitech isn't exactly a stranger to universal remotes, and if you've been yearning for an Android or iOS aimed solution from the Swiss company, its new $100 Harmony Link should have you covered. The Link is a WiFi-enabled infrared puck and app combo, that allows you to control up to eight devices in your home theater from the comfort of your touchscreen sans pesky dongles or cases. After downloading a free app, pocket-sized iDevices and Android smartphones can act as universal remotes over your home network, while iPad users also get the benefit of personalized TV listings from Rovi. It's similar in price and function to Peel's Fruit, but drops the extra wireless dongle and adds a native iPad app. Notably, the Link can interface with multiple iPads at once, and Logitech's also thrown in a mini IR blaster to make controlling your AV gear that much easier. If another one of your home theater dreams just came true, the Harmony Link is up for pre-order now from Logitech and due out in October. While you're still here, there's quick video overview past the break along with the usual PR spiel.
Sony's S1 Android Tablet is the Tablet S, due to arrive in early September
While one consumer electronics giant is unceremoniously exiting the tablet wars, after many teaser trailers we're hearing Sony is finally ready to reveal its entry. We uncovered the S1 PlayStation Tablet ahead of its official reveal earlier this year, and after getting our hands all over it we've got more details to report before it launches. The official name of the S1 is the Sony Tablet S, which is currently projected to bring its 9.4-inch (1280x768) screen to market in the first two weeks of September. It will ship with Android 3.1 with an eye towards upgrading to Ice Cream Sandwich once that's available, and just as the company said many of the key features will revolve around using it to control all devices in the home, via the network or the integrated IR blaster, as well as having the ability to "Throw" media to other DLNA-compatible hardware, whether it's made by Sony or someone else. The slate's dual cameras come in at 3.0MP res up front and 5.0MP around the back, while it's also expected to bring along accessories our source indicates are very similar to those for the iPad. In the images below you can check out a wireless keyboard and dock setup and micro-USB to USB host dongle, details on the "TruBlack" screen technology that's supposed to provide better colors with less glare, and of course all of Sony's preinstalled software bringing PlayStation Certified gaming plus its music, movie and book services. What we don't know yet is its final price -- we'd heard $599 previously -- but there should be more to say about that and the clamshell S2 tablet soon. Update: Eagle-eyed Daniel wrote in to let us know that it looks like Sony is rebranding its video service as "Video Unlimited," which will make it a much nicer match for Music Unlimited. %Gallery-131422% %Gallery-128312% [Thanks, J]
Griffin's Helo TC cleared for takeoff, we attempt to get airborne in a hands-on (video)
We got to the choppa! It's been nearly a month's time since Griffin introduced its AppPowered Helo TC, a mini RC helicopter for iDevices, and we've been lucky enough to play test pilot for a bit. Fifty bucks gets you the TC itself, an infared Flight Deck for your device, 4 extra rotor blades, a USB charging cable and a paper landing pad for when you're done wreaking havoc in your home or office. Of course, there are similar OEM models that use a standard remote available for nearly half the price, but we were curious to see how Griffin's free iPhone app could mix things up -- plus, it's alot easier on the wallet than an AR.Drone. So, was it clear skies and smooth sailing or something more like Blackhawk Down? Breeze on past the break to find out. %Gallery-131152%
Panasonic, Sony, Samsung and XpanD finally team up for an active 3D glasses standard
The lack of a universal standard for active shutter 3D glasses became painfully clear during our 3D TV shootout last year, and gave plenty of reasons for buyers to skip the pricey specs altogether. Nine months later we see that LG has jumped onto passive 3D and CEA is playing catch up on the IR glasses problem, but many of the new HDTVs for 2011 are using Bluetooth technology to keep their glasses in sync -- again without any promise of cross-manufacturer compatibility. A day late and a few dollars short, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung and universal glasses maker XpanD are announcing the "Full HD Glasses Initiative" which should lay down a standard for consumer active shutter glasses to communicate over Bluetooth or IR. The new glasses should be backwards compatible with this year's TVs, although early adopters from 2010 have no such guarantee. The press release (included after the break) indicates we can expect the new models to arrive in 2012, assuming they haven't lost more ground to the FPR army and can still convince buyers to even look at 3D by then.
Microsoft's new Xbox 360 Media Remote is missing the Media Center buttons
It was a bit of an afterthought in today's announcement from the Xbox team, but we thought you might like a closer look at the new Xbox 360 Media Remote. While it has a decent layout of controls, including your usual Xbox A, B, X, Y, and guide buttons, but the most notable buttons for us are the ones that are missing. As The Digital Lifestyle points out, it has no Windows Media Center buttons, unlike the previous Xbox 360 remotes. Does this mean its place as a Media Center Extender is suddenly unnecessary? We're not sure of that yet, it could just be a value choice made for the $20 remote that's due to ship in November, but with a press release playing up its ability to control Live TV it's certainly worth wondering what Microsoft is planning for the future.
Voomote One turns your iPhone into a well organized universal remote
Ok, so the name isn't great, but the Voomote One is actually kinda neat. It's not the first universal remote adapter we've seen for the iPhone and, unlike the Surc IR case, you probably wouldn't want to leave this bulky add-on attached to your handset when not in use. But, the app does have some convenient features, like the ability to create custom layouts that can easily be switched based on the devices in a particular room. So you can setup a living room profile to control your big screen and cable box, and a separate bed room one for your more modest set and a stereo. You can also create command macros that fire up multiple devices with the tap of a single virtual button. The Voomote app is available for free in the app store, but the actual IR-blasting sleeve will set you back $99. Check out the gallery below and head on after the break for some PR. %Gallery-129061%
Surc combination iPhone 4 case and IR remote now shipping for $75
Mashed Pixel's Surc iPhone 4 case is finally ready take on the challenge of making Apple's slab a universal remote now that it's on sale for a mere $74.95. That's pricier than the RedEye Mini Dongle but cheaper than the Peel receiver, and it does pull double duty as a protector. The built in MicroUSB hookup and included cable means it can stay on even while charging before jumping into action when the companion app is opened on the phone. It can be controlled via buttons, gestures or motion control, with plenty of programmability built in. The only downside we can find is that this is definitely a goner whenever you upgrade to Steve's next iThing, and it means leaving the sweet, potentially reception-improving case you already picked out behind. %Gallery-128448%
Griffin's AppPowered Helo TC is a $50 iOS helicopter for your home's air zone
Get to the chopper! Er, micro-copter. Say hello to Griffin's latest AppPowered gadget, the Helo TC. This indoor-heli lets users play pilot via an iOS app offering onscreen "Touch-to-Fly" or accelerometer based "Tilt-to-Fly" controls. After a half-hour's charge over USB, you'll be airborne for about eight minutes and can initiate one of three programmable flight paths if you want to go hands-off. Bummer though, you'll need to hook up a four-AAA packing IR sled to your iDevice for signal. Thankfully, this little guy's equipped for night flights with five LEDs, and you'll find extra rotors if you ever need to ditch into the linoleum. Expect to see these popping up during the holiday season for about $50 (£34.99), but for now you'll find details by flying past the break.
Sewell InjectIR extends your IR signal over HDMI, gives you even less reason to leave the couch
Is your HDMI cable really pulling its weight? Sure, it's delivering high-definition video and audio, but what has it done for you lately? InjectIR puts the cord to use, sending the IR signal from your Blu-ray / DVR / et al. remotes through its CEC channel, and then transmitting it directly into your hardware's sensor, thereby extending your IR range without an extra cable. The kit also has a switch for those times when you actually need to use the CEC channel. The InjectIR is up now for pre-order on Sewell's site. It'll start shipping next month and will run you $45 -- a small price to pay for being able to move the sofa back where it belongs. [Thanks, Ian]
Sony reveals midrange VPL-HW30ES 3D projector on the way (Update: US pricing)
We all know you deserve to live the projector lifestyle, but fitting Sony's first home projector with 3D -- the $10k (MSRP) VPL-VW90ES that launched last fall -- into one's budget might be a little tough. Now the company is launching the "affordable" VPL-HW30ES for the rest of us this year, featuring some of the same 240Hz SXRD tech in a cheaper package. There's no word yet on pricing or a ship date here in the US, but Europe and Japan get it next month with a pricetag of 370,000 yen ($4,626 US) in the latter. That lower price nabs specs like a claimed 70,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,300 lumens of brightness and all the picture adjustment settings befitting a product rocking the Elevated Standard tag, along with an upgraded 3D system to reduce crosstalk. 3D compatibility is achieved with Sony's new lighter active shutter 3D glasses and an add-on IR sync device that are both sold separately -- no complex lens switching necessary. Update: Sony sent over the US press release with pricing ($3,699) and other information, check it out here.
