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Lenovo-funded eBox gaming console renamed iSec, still can't shake Kinect comparisons
Coverage of Eedoo's eBox has thus far largely focused on the China-only game console's similarity to Microsoft's Kinect. Perhaps seeking to shift in perception, the system this week was reintroduced to the world as the Apple-esque iSec -- that's short for "Sports Entertainment Center," highlighting its exercise-centric approach to gaming, with martial arts, skateboarding, and good old-fashioned monster fighting titles having already been demoed. The console will also support wireless controllers of some sort, for those sick of all of that pesky exercise. After an initial delay, the iSec is set to hit China at some point in the second half of this year, though the company has no international sales plan -- at least until they move one million units domestically. At the moment, the iSec doesn't have much official competition, since the Wii, Xbox, and PS3 aren't legally available in China, though we're told that they're also not too hard to get your hands on -- for those who are still using their hands for stuff.
Lenovo's Chinese eBox console suffers delay, here's how its camera-based games might play (video)
We had nearly forgotten Lenovo's Eedoo spinoff and its China-bound video game console, seeing as how it failed to meet a planned November 2010 unveiling, but IDG News reports that the motion-sensing eBox hasn't slipped Lenovo's mind -- it's just been pushed further into 2011. How far? If we were to guess, we'd say Q2 2011, and the video above spells out why. Seemingly by coincidence, we were just sent this footage of a game called Flyimal, built on the Unity Engine as a collaboration between 3D asset company Mixamo and 3D gesture recognition company Omek Interactive, and -- get this -- running on "the first [console] to be made by the Chinese for the Chinese market and due for launch by Q2 of this year." We can't think of many game systems that fit that description, to be honest. There's not a lot to look at here, but we imagine PrimeSense and competitors will be perusing the video soon, noting that the machine captures precisely 15 points on a user's body for its gesture recognition algorithms... and wondering if there's a third dimension to any of that movement. Read Unity, Mixamo and Omek's statement after the break.
China's Kinect-like eBox console launch delayed for 'improvements'
PC maker Lenovo had planned to launch its China-exclusive eBox games console this month, but has decided to delay its release until sometime after February, a report by ITworld says. The hardware, which is said to have integrated motion-tracking technology similar to Microsoft's Kinect, is being held back for "improvements," according to the article. The eBox is being built by Lenovo subsidiary Beijing Eedoo Technology to be a "family" device not reliant on high-end graphics. The company claims it will have 30 titles for launch, some from US and French developers. If one of them is Ubisoft and the game is Fighters Uncaged, the eBox is sure to be a hit.
Lenovo spin-off announces Kinect-inspired eBox console for China
There is a huge untapped market for console manufacturers: China. While Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo struggle to deal with Chinese government regulations, one company is seeking to create a new console specifically for the territory. Lenovo is prepping the "eBox," a new console that has Kinect-esque functionality in mind. With 120 million families as "potential buyers" in China, it's certainly a lucrative opportunity for the company to pursue. A team of 40 Lenovo engineers are now working at a spin-off firm called Beijing eedoo Technology, and although the company has been in operation for less than a month, it seems confident in what the eBox can do. "We are the world's second company to produce a controller-free game console, behind only Microsoft," eedoo's Jack Luo told China Daily. Although there's no mention of a playable prototype, or finalized design, the eBox is expected to be available as soon as the first quarter of 2011, with a price higher than the Wii, and possibly lower than the Xbox. Like the Wii, eBox won't be designed to have "exquisite game graphics." Instead, it will serve to "inspire family members to get off the couch and get some exercise" -- a mantra that has served Nintendo well this generation. With eedoo claiming 16 "global video game developers" working on content for the eBox, it won't be long until China will be able to get its share of yoga, pilates and dancing video games.
Lenovo side project to launch Xbox 360 / Kinect knockoff in China: hello, eBox
Well... this is interesting. Prior to Kinect hitting the masses in November, one Eedoo looks to be doing the world one better (or worse) with the eBox. In what can only be described as a bizarre tale of mystery, a Lenovo co-founded company has decided to produce what amounts to an Xbox 360 knockoff as well as a motion sensing peripheral that unquestionably takes inspiration from Kinect. In fact, we don't even know if conventional controllers are a part of the deal, but word on the street has this one getting official in November and shipping early in 2011. Beyond that, details are few and far between, but you can follow the links below for a couple of videos (one's after the break) and a smattering of cellphone snapshots.
Final specifications revealed for ASUS Eee Box B202?
The week of Computex 2008 has begun, and you'd probably know just by checking out the onslaught of ASUS news here lately. Up next is the hotly-debated Eee Box B202, which we now know the final specifications for -- reportedly, at least. HotHardware has it that the mini desktop will exhibit a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, a 80/120/160/250GB hard drive, GMA 950 integrated graphics set, gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, optional Bluetooth, a multicard reader, 512MB/1GB/2GB of DDR2 RAM and an Azalia ALC888 audio chip; you'll also find a pair of USB 2.0 ports, DVI out and a headphone jack, but an optical drive is altogether missing. We're hearing that US configurations will range from $269 to $299 with your choice of Linux or Windows XP, with availability in mid-July.
ASUS EBOX cracked open for world to see, previewed
Okay, so this isn't the finalized SKU or anything (it's an "early sample," if you must know), but it's close enough to the real deal to warrant a dissection. The model shown here came sporting a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB Seagate hard drive and built-in gigabit Ethernet / WiFi / Bluetooth. Best of all, you'll see more than flashes of EBOX PCB when you step into the read link below -- you'll get a lengthy list of initial impressions too (hint: it's rather impressive). Go on, get![Thanks, Charlie]
Rumors indicate Eee Box will be called EBOX, coming June 3
What we have been calling the Asus Eee Box looks to finally have an official name. Based on unnamed sources, the Inquirer is reporting that the desktop PC will be called the Asus EBOX. As already speculated, they are saying it will be revealed on June 3 at Computex. Specs also look to be what we've been told already: 160GB HDD, 2GB RAM, and a Linux OS. Nothing much more to see here, but we're hoping Asus will give this thing a competitive price for those looking to tinker with a slick open-source box.
Video Ezy to work with Apple on kiosk-style movie downloads?
It's not clear how much of this is optimistic name-dropping and how much is real, but Australian video retailer Video Ezy (they just bought Blockbuster Australia) has announced that it's in talks with Apple, as well as several other supppliers, on a kiosk-style movie delivery system that would allow customers to download up to 40 movies onto an iPod and then pay as they watch. The system, called eBox, would still require you to actually visit a retail location, a compromise Video Ezy says is required because broadband speeds still aren't high enough to support a pure download model. We can see why Apple would be an attractive partner -- download on your iPod, watch on your Apple TV certainly seems feasible -- but true to form, Apple Australia refused to comment. Looks like we won't know the truth until eBox launches in the second quarter of next year.
AC Propulsion converts stock Scion xB into fully electric "eBox" car
Ever since we saw "Who Killed the Electric Car?" we've wondered when even more companies would get inspired to bring back this fantastic ride. Enter AC Propulsion, a California-based company that just debuted its eBox, a converted Toyota Scion xB with an electric engine. After you bring your own Scion, AC Propulsion will do the deed for $55,000. So what're the specs on the eBox? We're glad you asked: 180 mile range, top speed of 95 mph, and you can get a full charge in five hours right from your garage's wall outlet. Sure, that sounds like a lot for a car that's ordinarily pretty freakin' cheap (~ $18,000), but when you think that you'll never have to buy gas again over the life of the car, it just might be worth it.[Via AutoblogGreen]
