WirelessDisplay
Latest
MMT's DisplayLink-equipped 15.4-inch USB Monitor2Go given a $279 price
Both DisplayLink and MMT seem pretty darn proud to be revealing the 15.4-inch Monitor2Go here at CES, but in reality, this unit has already been around the block. If you'll recall, the Field Monitor Pro was first spotted a few weeks back, and now MMT is introducing a rebadged version in Vegas. The good news, however, is that we finally have a price to pore over: $279, and it'll ship to consumers later this quarter. For those that missed last month's slip, this fold-up monitor can be used alongside any machine (PCs are green-lit, Mac support is in beta) with a USB port, offering a 1280 x 800 screen resolution and a number pad to boot. Of course, since DisplayLink is behind the pixels, up to six screens can be daisy-chained off of a host computer's single USB port to create a massive video wall -- something we strongly encourage, of course. %Gallery-112226%
ExoPC is Intel's WiDi-enabled Atom tablet, we go hands-on with near-final build (update: video)
We're still not quite sure why Intel decided to forego mentioning the product name in this morning's keynote, but that Atom-based tablet with Wireless Display technology? That's the ExoPC, according to the very people who make the device. We caught up with the company at IDF 2010 and checked out both an older version of the device and a near-production model -- still a super-glossy glass screen with admittedly bad viewing angles, but we've been promised the final display will alleviates those problems. The unit we held was also a good bit lighter than before -- 144 grams to be exact, according to the rep -- and had a rubber matte feel to the back. The ExoPC is powered by Intel's PineTrail -- specifically the Atom N450, although Oak Trail is something the company's looking into for the future. We won't go into every detail of what we saw, as you can check out our preview from May for a more exhaustive (and still pretty accurate) look. We will say that the unit is still incredibly snappy (thanks in no small part to 2GB RAM and SanDisk SSD) and we're still loving the ability to switch from Windows 7 to the very friendly "Connect Four" UI (our unofficial name for it). The keyboard is still Windows 7 standard, but we were told it's reached out to multiple companies -- including Swype -- and is also looking to its developer community for greater support in the buildup to launch. So, about that WiDi demo this morning... the company wouldn't tell us the story behind that, only to say that it was an ExoPC in the demo, WiDi will be included eventually but no promises were made as to its inclusion at launch. It's our understanding that the hardware wasn't changed, implying the capabilities are already there or that all it takes is a software fix, but... we've also heard from Intel that WiDi is a hardware-based solution, so we're still not quite sure what to make of everything. At any rate The company's still targeting mid-October for its developer pre-orders and touting its Flash and Silverlight support, reminding us how easy it is to port from Windows Phone 7 to the device. We've got a video walkthrough coming later, but for now, check out some pics in the gallery below. %Gallery-102073%
Intel shows off WiDi-enabled Atom tablet at IDF 2010
Sure, Intel's big push for its IDF 2010 keynote this morning was the new Sandy Bridge architecture, but within the confines of one awkwardly-presented tech demonstration, we got a glimpse at "Project X." Which, as it turns out, is a pretty interesting Atom-powered development tablet with WiDi technology. From a video conference window projected against the wall, our man Shashi was pushing his slate's screen wireless to the HD set in the background as he showed off some Starcraft II recap footage. We're still on the lookout for the device somewhere on the show floor; if and when we find it, you'll be first to know. One more shot after the break.
Intel drops Atom D525 CPU, adds its wireless display tech to a host of new devices
Intel's launched a trio of new products for your gadget-loving enjoyment. Up first, the 1.8GHz dual core Atom D525 and the single core D425 which we first spotted at Computex 2010 are now available for low powered desktops, and both are paired with the Intel NM10 Express Chipset. Up next, Intel's made its wireless display technology available on about 25 systems and at 10 retailers. Finally, Clearwire's announced the nationwide availability of 4G-enabled laptops and netbooks based on Intel CPUs at Best Buy. Some of the systems grabbing up the 4G set-up include the Dell Inspiron 14, Dell Inspiron 15, Dell Mini 10, and Toshiba Satellite M645.
Intel promises to bring wireless display technology to other mobile devices
Details are unfortunately light on this one, but Intel has closed out the week with one interesting tidbit of news -- it's apparently planning to bring its wireless display technology (a.k.a. WiDi) to netbooks, tablets and other mobile devices. That word comes straight from Intel wireless display product manager Kerry Forrell, who says that "we fully expect to take the technology there," but that he can't yet provide a specific time frame. Those plans are further backed up by Intel CEO Paul Otellini himself, who told investors this week that "what we'll be doing over the next few years is take the Wi-Di capability that's in the laptop today and extend that into all the Intel platforms." Intel doesn't even seem to be stopping there, however, with Forrell further adding that the company even sees the technology being built into to TVs "over time."
iPad apps: defining experiences from the first wave
There are now over 1,348 approved apps for the iPad. That's on top of the 150,000 iPad-compatible iPhone programs already available in the App Store. When Apple's tablet PC launches, just hours from now, it will have a software library greater than that of any handheld in history -- not counting the occasional UMPC. That said, the vast majority of even those 1,348 iPad apps are not original. They were designed for the iPhone, a device with a comparatively pokey processor and a tiny screen, and most have just been tweaked slightly, upped in price and given an "HD" suffix -- as if that somehow justified the increased cost. Besides, we've seen the amazing potential programs have on iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and webOS when given access to a touchscreen, always-on data connection, GPS, cloud storage and WiFi -- but where are the apps that truly define iPad? What will take advantage of its extra headroom, new UI paradigms and multitouch real estate? Caught between netbook and smartphone, what does the iPad do that the iPhone cannot? After spending hours digging through the web and new iPad section of the App Store, we believe we have a number of reasonably compelling answers. Update: Now includes Wormhole Remote, TweetDeck, SkyGrid, Touchgrind HD, GoToMeeting, SplitBrowser, iDisplay, Geometry Wars and Drawing Pad.
Mojito WiFi display aggregates social media, works of Ernest Hemingway
Digital picture frames have long since moved passed being simple photo frames, and it looks like an increasing number are now pushing photos all the way to end of their list of features. One such device is this so-called Mojito WiFi display from Blue Lounge, which will handle photos and videos just fine, but is primarily designed to pull content from Facebook, Twitter and other social media (in addition to news and weather). That's then displayed in your "LifeStream," which can apparently be customized to your liking, and browsed with the included remote if you don't feel like letting everything cycle through (no touchscreen here). Still no firm word on availability, but the 7-inch display will supposedly demand $299 whenever it rolls out.
NVIDIA says Optimus 'works perfectly' with Intel Wireless Display
Intel's Wireless Display technology is undoubtedly impressive, but it does place a few specific requirements on the gear you're able to use with it (mostly involving Intel hardware). As it happens, while Intel may not be talking it up (we can't imagine why not), NVIDIA says that WiDi also 'works perfectly' with its Optimus discrete graphics technology. The two obviously weren't designed to be compatible from the start, but NVIDIA says it "just works," and doesn't require any software or hardware changes. That's apparently due to the unique way that Optimus interfaces with the integrated Intel graphics in a laptop, which effectively acts as a bridge between the WiDi system and the GPU, and makes it the only discrete GPU that will work with WiDi. Head on past the break to see the magic happen on video.
Intel's 'Huron River' 32nm laptop platform to pack WiMAX in 2011
It's not easy to be a buyer of computers with all these technology roadmaps flying about, but in case you're brave enough to peer into the future, Fudzilla has word on Intel's upcoming laptop chips. The "Huron River" platform will replace Calpella (the current crop of mobile chipsets), and continue Intel's fine work with WiMAX and WiFi integration, in addition to new Intel Bluetooth connectivity and that crowd-favored Intel Wireless Display. The platform will be powered by the new Sandy Bridge 32nm processor, a followup to Nehalem's Core i Series of chips. We should be seeing this in Q1 2011, which will probably be minutes after Apple finally decides to upgrade to Core i7.
Wisair-based wireless display adapters head to Macs
PC users have been able to take advantage of a range of Wisair-based wireless display adapters for quite a while now, and it looks like Mac users will soon be able to use them to cut a few cords as well. The first such device is a Mac-ready version of InFocus' wireless display adapter, which is designed specifically for use with InFocus' own DisplayLink-enabled projectors and should be available by the end of March. That looks to just be the beginning, however, as Wisair itself has also announced that no less than four other OEM vendors will be offering some Mac-ready, Wisair-based adapters of their own next month -- all of which, coincidentally, will be making their official debut at MacWorld 2010 this week.
Core i5 and i7-equipped laptops / desktops emerge from every corner
Best Buy already stocked up on the Core i5-equipped VAIO S and Satellite E205, and now it seems that everyone else is following suit. Just weeks after Intel announced that it would be releasing Core i5 and Core i7 chips for the mobile realm, the usual suspects have already outed a number of refreshed rigs that include said slabs of silicon. Sony's 14-inch VAIO CW is now available from $829 with a mobile Core i3, while the $1,120 version ships with a Core i5, NVIDIA's GeForce GT 330M CPU and a Blu-ray combo drive. Dell has obliged by adding a 2.53GHz Core i5 to its 15-inch Studio (available now for $999.99), and there's even a version that ships with Netgear's Push2TV adapter for taking advantage of Intel Wireless Display technology. Over on the desktop side, Acer hasn't wasted any time by updating its Aspire G Predator with a sultry black shell (as opposed to the old orange one) and a 3.06GHz Core i7-950 processor, though the $3,185 MSRP should scare away all but the hardest of hardcore. Seen any others get the Core i5 / i7 bump? Shout 'em out in comments!
Toshiba's Intel Wireless Display-supporting Satellite E205 now shipping for $900
CES is great and all, but one of the bones we choose to pick with the show is the typically long gap between the Vegas introduction and the mass market ship date. Thankfully for us, Toshiba has no interest in keeping us waiting for one of the world's first Intel Wireless Display-equipped (or WiDi, as it were) laptops. The Satellite E205 -- which comes stocked with a 2.53GHz Core i5-430M processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a dual-layer DVD writer, 14-inch display (1,366 x 768 resolution), 500GB hard drive and a Netgear Push2TV wireless display adapter -- is now shipping from Best Buy. Of course, you'll have to deal with integrated Intel graphics, but the inbuilt wireless display technology, multicard reader, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Ethernet jack and media buttons are nice inclusions when you consider the respectable $899.99 price point. So, what's the hesitation? %Gallery-83451%
Best Buy lets out the WiDi-enabled Sony Vaio S a week early
Looks like everyone who picked up the Push2TV a bit early can finally put the adapter to good use. We received a handful of tips that certain Best Buys were selling their Intel Wireless Display-compatible "Blue Label 2.0" laptops a bit early -- nowhere near us, unfortunately -- and now comes pictorial proof from the forums of Notebook Review. This 13.3-inch Sony Vaio S was allegedly caught wearing a $1,049.99 sticker and housing a 2.26MHz Core i5 with integrated graphics -- no NVIDIA GPU here, and we gotta figure that's hurting the displayed Windows Experience Rating. The official launch of the Best Buy-customized Vaio S is next week, along with a number of other WiDi-enabled laptops.
Netgear's Push2TV wireless TV adapter caught nonchalantly hanging out in the wild
Interested in getting prepared for all your Wireless Display (WiDi) needs? Looks like Netgear's Push2TV wireless TV adapter is already on the shelves of at least one Best Buy, right in front of a $99 price tag that matches the press release from before. The back of the box photo, seen after the break, doesn't shed any new light on the device. Unless you're really into (near term) future proofing of your wireless display needs, it might be best to wait for a few more options when it comes to fancy-schmancy new compatible machines. [Thanks, Colin]
Toshiba Satellite E205 is first laptop with Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology
Toshiba seems to be the first out the door with Intel's just announced Wireless Display technology. Actually the $999 Satellite E205 seems like one big group hug between Intel, Toshiba and Best Buy. Exclusive to Best Buy and actually designed by those Best Buy customers (okay, they just gave Toshiba feedback), the 14-incher is powered by an Intel Core i5-430M processor and has a 320GB hard drive. But its most impressive spec is its Intel Wireless Display technology (or WiDi) which lets you wirelessly connect your laptop to your HDTV to stream video and audio with an HDMI adapter. Check back soon for a hands-on, but full specs after the break.
Netgear PTV1000 Push 2 TV WiFi video card hits the FCC
We've long said that wireless video streaming direct from a laptop is one of our dream gadgets, and while most of the gear we've seen is based on Wireless USB, it looks like Netgear's trying something a little different: this PTV1000 Push 2 TV Adapter just hit the FCC database, and it looks to send video from your laptop to your TV over WiFi. It's apparently built on an upcoming Intel standard called Wireless Display that requires a Core i3, i5, or i7 processor with integrated GMA graphics and Windows 7, but nothing's been officially announced yet -- and what little info we have isn't great, as the docs warn users that Wireless Display is unsecured and won't play all DVDs or Blu-rays. That's not a huge problem, we suppose -- all we want to do is beam a Hulu window to our TV simply and easily. We're assuming we'll find out a lot more at CES next week, stay tuned.
Teq AV/IT's WID110 makes any display wireless
Forget forking out for one of those proprietary wireless displays, as Teq AV/IT's WID110 enables any ole display or projector to receive video signals sans wires so long as it understands VGA. The wireless gateway / receiver "enables multiple computers to stream video to a screen without any cables," and allows presenters to carry around a few small pieces of hardware rather than a dedicated monitor. Notably, the unit plays nice with 802.11b/g, outputs at 1,280 x 768, supports Windows XP / Vista / CE and OS X, is password protected, and even handles video clips in MPEG formats. Reportedly, you can look forward to a 250-foot range outside and a 150-foot range whilst indoors, and while there's no pricetag readily available, we don't envision such a luxury coming without a noticeable premium.
DisplayLink cuts your monitor's cord, utilizes wireless USB
Sure, wireless USB hubs for your mice, keyboards, printers, and other random peripherals are quite handy in removing that rat's nest of wires you're currently dealing with, but now it seems the "wire free PC" is within our grasp. DisplayLink's DL-120 and DL-160 ICs allow "monitor manufacturers, PC OEMs and PC accessory companies to develop products for multi-monitor computing including USB-connected monitors, video-enabled USB laptop docks, and a host of other goodies for the cordless monitor. These USB chips are the "world's first" to offer VGA over a USB 2.0 connection, and there's reportedly no loss in quality or lag incurred when watching films or performing other fast-moving tasks, but that's a claim we'd have to see to truly believe. The DL-120 supports resolutions up to 1,280 x 1,024, while the more robust DL-160 kicks it all the way up to 1,600 x 1,200. Notably, DisplayLink mentions that these chips could not only be used in LCD monitors, but in digiframes as well, potentially giving users the ability to beam new galleries over wireless USB. While both ICs are current "available in production," we've no idea how much the firm plans on charging folks to integrate the wireless goods into their monitors, but at least the countdown to a cable-less PC (and some real-world wireless USB applications) has begun -- now we're just waiting for a few hundred watts to be channeled sans cabling.[Via EverythingUSB]
