Ross Miller
Articles by Ross Miller
Nintendo 3DS good for only 3 to 8 hours of play time per charge
Remember those all-night Mario Kart DS and Advance Wars marathons? Looking to recreate the magic with the 3DS? Bring a wall charger. Nintendo's just unveiled its best-case scenario figures for the 3DS' battery life, and compared with its predecessors, it ain't pretty. The official numbers are three to five hours playing per game, or five to eight if playing an older DS title (and up to three hours 30 minutes to fully recharge). So... three to eight hours under the most ideal circumstances. Let's look at the family album: the DS is 10 to 14 hours, DS Lite 15 to 19 hours, DSi 9 to 14 hours, and DSi XL 13 to 17 hours (all figures also from Nintendo). Can't say we're entirely surprised; Haus of Mario Chief Satoru Iwata's own words back in October were "it is inevitable that Nintendo 3DS will be a device which requires more frequent recharging than Nintendo DS." Think of it as an extension of the warning label. You can never be too careful, you know.
Samsung NX11 hands-on
It's always a shame we don't have more time to play with every gadget at monstrous trade shows, and that goes double for cameras. So while we can't give you more in-depth discussion on the image and video quality, we will say that Samsung's NX11's inclusion of the i-Function lens is a decided victory. For those who don't know, it's a special lens with a ring and i-Fn button you can use to manually adjust various settings (exposure, ISO, shutter speed, etc.), and it works like a charm. Looking at pictures of a picture-taking device is some form of awesome, right? Right. %Gallery-113312%
Lady Gaga's Polaroid digital camera, printer, and glasses hands-on
Bad news, folks, Polaroid's GL20 camera glasses aren't wearable yet. The Haus of Gaga-designed Grey Label product is indeed coming out, but the prototype at the company's CES booth lacked the ability for the wearer to see anything out of it -- then again, it's not clear we're ever supposed to, even after its release later this year. The GL30 digital camera was also non-functional, so all we can say right now is it's a design great for making a big, conspicuous statement. On the other hand, the GL10 printer does work, but it's a printer -- eh, nothing else we can say. Curse us for succumbing to a Lady Gaga pun in the eleventh hour and check the pictures below. %Gallery-113315%
Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface hands-on with video! (update)
Microsoft offered a brief glimpse of its revised Surface earlier this week at the Ballmer keynote, but now we've had a chance to check the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface (as its officially termed) for ourselves. The "2.0 experience" firmware is early and a bit buggy right now (especially with finger input), but there's plenty of time fix that up before its launch later this year. The hardware itself is much thinner, with a 4-inch profile that can now be placed vertically against the wall (although we suggest using the stylish legs when possible). The 40-inch 1920 x 1080 gorilla glass display was crisp as all out, but since we could get close and scrutinize, you'll definitely notice the pixels. The first demo we got to see is also probably the most impressive, wherein a paper with "I can see" written on it is scanned and read very clearly (a dev monitor was hooked up to show what Surface could "see"). Meanwhile, we couldn't help but touch every point to watch the ripple effect emanate from our fingers. Apps are arranged in a row that you can sift through or rotate 180 degrees for someone facing opposite. We kept accidentally opening apps when we tried to scroll through, which is annoying but again, we were reminded it's early firmware. Some of the apps we have seen before with the original Surface -- some changes are required to make compatible, but we're told it's a fairly smooth transition process. Some highlights from what we saw: Bing, which for now only does image search (maps and local to come). The screen right now is a bit too sensitive and would detect sleeves as much as it would our fingers (you can see typos galore in the gallery). Images are scattered about a new results widget, and you can move around a bit from there or pull out individual ones to rotate and scan. A Red Bull with a printed code on the bottom that launches on-screen prompts for videos that you can smoothly rotate and scale on the fly, and a RBC Royal Bank that'll make you feel really guilty about that cup of coffee from this morning. Oldies like Social Stream, Garibaldi Panorama, and Galactic Alliance. Another plus for the SUR40? It's cheaper than its predecessor -- but at $7,600, it's still not ready for consumer market. We've got a ton of pics below and video after the break! Update: We've added our full impressions and cleaned up the footage after the break. Enjoy! %Gallery-113289%
Geohot demos homebrew on 'jailbroken' PS3, Sony vows to 'fix' via software update (video)
We just saw how you can now add an Install Package Files option to the PS3 using some custom firmware, but that darn hacker George "Geohot" Hotz has taken it a step further by demonstrating homebrew in a quick, Mr. Blurrycam-approved video. It's a barebones app that only says "sup dawg, it's geohot," but in reality it's a pretty huge step. Geohot's provided the file on his website along with a copy of the METLDR root key that enables the homebrew. Sony, meanwhile, has issued a statement saying it'll "fix the issues through network updates, but because this is a security issue, we are not able to provide you with any more details." This runs counter to what pytey from fail0verflow (the famed group that kickstarted this new round of hacking) just told the BBC, "the only way to fix this is to issue new hardware... Sony will have to accept this." Hey, at least you'll be in good company, eh Sony? Check out geohot's proof of concept video after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
LG Revolution hands-on (update: video)
LG said it'd be unleashing its LTE-rocking Revolution promptly at 2PM local time, and well, we were ready. The phone is pretty snappy in its current form, and DLNA SmartShare worked like a charm, the menu was snappy, and the hardware felt pretty sturdy. We didn't get a chance to try out the camera, unfortunately, and LG's still unsure to what extent it'll skin over the Android OS. Check out the pics (update: and video) below! %Gallery-113081%
Google's Android 3.0 Honeycomb for tablets: a guided tour of the UI (video)
A funny thing happened after Google posted (and subsequently pulled) its Android 3.0 Honeycomb video: T-Mobile celebrated its G-Slate announcement by posting the same video. And about six more after that (to be fair, they're also on the Motorola / Verizon Xoom we demoed). Today it was made official during Verizon's keynote, with Google itself narrating a hands-on demo. We've scrutinized these videos to no end and we think we've come up with the most complete picture of Google's tablet OS experience at this point. Join us after the break for all the goods. Update: Set aside about 25 minutes and check out our exclusive (and thoroughly awesome) interview with Google's Matias Duarte, the driving force behind Honeycomb interface. %Gallery-112879% %Gallery-112881%
Samsung's John Revie shows off new 3D specs, waxes poetic on thin-bezel displays (video)
Following Samsung's press event yesterday, we caught up with SVP of the Consumer Business Division John Revie for a quick chat about its new 3D sets and specs. We found out the SSG-3700CR active frames, which do in fact fit comfortably over our glasses, will hit the market in spring for a cool $150, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the new flagship HDTV will be comparable in price to the ones it debuted last year. Wanna hear all about the qualitative perks of a decidedly bezel-deficient HD display? Our quick video interview's after the break.
Samsung 9 Series and Sliding PC 7 Series quick hands-on (video)
It's been a crazy day, but we hope you didn't miss Samsung's Sliding PC 7 Series. The little laptop / tablet hybrid does just what the name suggests, with the display literally sliding over the keyboard. Of course, we had to get video of it in action, which you can enjoy after the break. Some pictures are below, too, both of the 7 Series and ultra-thin 9 Series. Needless to say, we're going back for seconds. %Gallery-112893%
BlackBerry 4G PlayBook coming to Sprint network this summer, obviously 4G compatible
We finally have at least one carrier for RIM's new flagship tablet. The BlackBerry 4G PlayBook, as it's being called here, is heading to Sprint's 4G network (presumably WiMAX, which we guess isn't as big a buzzword) this summer. To be specific, according to the press release, it'll be "available exclusively from Sprint this summer," which leaves plenty of wiggle room for non-4G PlayBooks and other release windows. It also says it'll be the first PlayBook model to include 4G, so an LTE at least will be a little while longer (and a 3G one maybe earlier). Full presser after the break.
Avatar Kinect for Xbox 360 is official, smile like you mean it
Turns out the rumor was true, Avatar Kinect is coming to the Xbox 360 this spring (for Xbox Live Gold members, at least). Details are sparse -- a place where you can virtually hang out with your "friends" -- but Kinect is shown to now be able to detect facial gestures like eyebrows, smiles, and laughs. Impressive, but after all we've seen with the Kinect hacks, can't say we're too surprised the camera's capable of such detection. %Gallery-112846%
Olympus' PEN PL-2 touts 'silent autofocus' lens, XZ-1 straddles line between MFT and pocket shooter
A lack of surprise isn't necessarily a bad thing. It seems the best bullet points of Olympus' CES unveils have been leaked in some way, shape, or form, but that doesn't detract from the quality. There is, in fact, a 12.3 megapixel PEN E-PL2 with a new "silent autofocus" lens that should clear the air a bit when shooting 720p HD video. The E-PL1 follow-up also has new creative filters with fine-tuned adjustments, face / eye detection, RAW support, an ISO range up to 6400, a 3-inch LCD, SDXC slot, and a second generation accessory port compatible with both previous E-PL1 dongles and new ones like a MAL-1 macro spotlight or a PENPal Bluetooth transfer. That MSC lens, too, is compatible with various "affordable" conversion lenses (fish eye, wide-angle, macro). Look for this body and lens kit later this month for a cool $599. The other Olympus shooter making its away around the rumor mill, the 10 megapixel XZ-1 (also due out in January), is a pretty interesting device. Though not quite a Micro Four Thirds (that Zuiko lens is firmly affixed), it boasts full manual controls (including focus), 4x optical zoom, RAW support, an SDXC slot 720p 30fps HD video, a 3-inch OLED screen, and support for peripherals like an external mic and electronic viewfinder -- and it's pretty light, to boot. We got only a brief chance to play around with it but walked away mighty impressed with what we saw. The only catch is that $499.99 price tag, which we do understand for its pricing but would also lament not forking over the extra Benjamin for something more versatile like the E-PL2. Hold on, we've got three pocket shooter subcategories to satisfy. There's the $139.99, 14 megapixel VG-120 budget camera due out in January, with 5x optical zoom, 720p video, and a 3-inch LCD. The waterproof / shockproof / freezeproof TG-310 and TG-610 are coming in February with a 14 megapixel sensor, 720p video and a 3D photo mode ($199.99 and $299.99, respectively). Lastly, the 14 megapixel SP-610 wide angle ultra zoom also boasts 3D photo mode, along with a 22x zoom -- that one's marked $229.99 for spring 2011. Okay, now that we have all that out of the way, enjoy our hands-on shots and press imagery below, and a tome of press releases after the break. %Gallery-112613% %Gallery-112621%
Netflix and Hulu Plus with Kinect coming this spring to Xbox 360
Good news, Hulu Plus is finally coming to Xbox 360 this spring. Better news, both Hulu Plus and Netflix will be compatible with Kinect. We imagine it'll be just like Zune Video's interface, but there really wasn't much of a demo during Ballmer's keynote tonight. Excited? We are. %Gallery-112843%
Live from Samsung's CES 2011 press event
History lesson: last year at its CES 2010 press event, Samsung introduced 3DTVs, Android phones, and the NX10 "hybrid DSLR." It's been a helluva year for the company, some 10 million Galaxy S handsets later. We've already seen the Infuse 4G this morning, HDTVs last night, and the NX11 last week, so what other surprises are in store? Let's find out together!
Casio's Tryx pocket camera takes a stand (literally) alongside new Exilim lineup
How do you stand out in the world of cameras? Casio thinks it's got quite the looker with its upcoming Tryx. The 12.1 megapixel shooter sports what the company's calling Exilim Engine HS, which equates to 1080p 30 frames per second video, up to 240fps (at 432 x 320 resolution) slow-motion, and various HDR and panorama options. there's also a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, but the biggest draw here is the swiveling enclosure that serves as a stand for setting up just the right shot. We got an early glimpse at a non-functional prototype, and the size is definitely interesting -- we still need to see it in action, though. Price is a penny shy of $250 and shipping date's April 2011. But of course that's not the whole story, and Casio's camera lineup is, surprisingly, not as mind-numbingly large as you might expect. Going down the list (at least as far as price is concerned), we'll start with the EX-ZR100, which also has a 12.1MP Engien HS with dual core processors, 1080p 30fps video, 12.5x optical zoom, up to 1,000fps burst fire (224 x 64 resolution), HDR, and the ability to "leverage the camera's full optical zoom and capture digital still images with high-speed burst shooting (10 megapixel), all while recording video," or so the company brags. It's coming March for $299.99, and if you remember its brother the ZR10, that one's due out September for $249.99. If battery's your bigger worry, you can get "at least 1,000 photos" on a single Li-Ion charge from the 16.1MP EX-H30 with 720p HD video (March 2011 for $249.99). Finally, budget-minded folk get the EX-ZS10 ($119.99) and EX-ZS5 ($99.99). Both do 14.1MP shots with 5x optical zoom, but the former does 720p while the latter only records VGA video. March is the date for those two. You know the drill: pictures below, press release after the break. %Gallery-112330% %Gallery-112332%
Netgear announces MBR1000 for Verizon LTE, handful of other wireless routers
Because you shouldn't hog all that 4G LTE goodness for yourself, Netgear's announced a MBR1000 mobile broadband router compatible with Verizon's LTE network and its USB modems. It boasts four Ethernet ports and 802.11n WiFi... nothing mind-blowing, but isn't the LTE part enough? Additionally, we've got a quartet of routers with more traditional origins. Without further ado (and all in one breath, if you can): the N300 wireless router boasting Powerline AV (WNXR2000) coming this month for $119.99, the N750 wireless dual-band gigabit (WNDR4000) coming first quarter for $179.99, the N600 wireless dual-band gigabit ADSL modem router (DGND3700) in second quarter for $199.99, and a premium (albeit lacking ADSL) version N600 (WNDR3800) with ReadyShare hard drive / printer access from outside the network, a clear channel selector, and dashboard control for monitor / repair (also second quarter, for $179.99). There, wasn't so bad, was it? %Gallery-112751% %Gallery-112741%
Live from AT&T's Developer Summit
The AT&T developer summit doesn't have the most alluring name, but last year's event brought us news about Android and Palm devices hitting the carrier, so who knows what to expect this time around. We're here all the same, just in case, so join us vicariously!
Canon VIXIA HF G10 boasts HD CMOS sensor and manual focus, joins new M, R, and S series camcorders
Another year, another revamping of your favorite company's camcorder lineup. Today's Mad Lib-esque fill-in-the-company-name is Canon. The VIXIA HF G10 is its new flagship with the approximately 2 megapixel (i.e. 1920 x 1080 resolution) HD CMOS sensor, a 10x optical zoom, manual focus ring, 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, 32GB internal memory, dual SDXC slots, cinema filters, and a $1,499 price tag due in March. The M-Series all have the same HD CMOS sensor, 10x lens, 3-inch touchscreen cinema filters, dual SDXC slots and fits neatly into the new WP-V3 waterproof case. The 32GB M41, 16GB M40, and card slot-only M400 are coming in March for $799, $699, and $649 (the related case is $599 and coming out a month prior in February). The S30 has an 8.59 megapixel sensor, 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, 32GB internal space, and is coming March for $1,099. Lastly, the new R-series. A 3.2 megapixel sensor, 3-inch touch panel LCD, HD-to-SD down conversion, dual SDXC slots, and 20x zoom. $499 for the 32GB R21, $399 for the 8GB R20, and $379 for the internal storage-deprived R200, all due out in February. We'll get hands-on when we can; in the meantime; lock your biological viewfinder on the pictures below. %Gallery-112558%
Canon's CES 2011 PowerShot quartet: A3300 IS, A2200, A1200, and the $89 A800
Cameras! Betcha didn't see that coming, did you? Canon's PowerShot lineup is out in full force. Actually there's just four to list, including the company's first point-and-shoot to drop below the $100 mark, but more on that one in a bit. From the top: The $179, 16 megapixel A3300 IS features 720p HD video, 5x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD, a number of creative filters including "toy camera" and monochrome, and discrete mode that turns off all sounds for when you need to snap more quietly. Next up (or rather down, on this proverbial list) is the $139 A2200, which keeps the creative filters, 720p HD video, and discrete mode while moving down to 14 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, and a 2.7-inch LCD. The PowerShot A1200 (for $109) has similar specs to the A2200 but drops the sensor to 12.1 megapixels and nixes the discrete mode. There's also a tiny optical viewfinder -- not too useful, but hey, it's there if you want it. Finally we have the A800. 10 megapixels, VGA video with blur reduction, and a 2.5-inch LCD... doesn't look as spectacular when in the company of others, but it does rock an $89 price tag. All are due out late February. Check out the pics below. %Gallery-112557%
Microsoft to announce 'Avatar Kinect' at CES?
There isn't much to go on here, but a supposed snapshot from Microsoft's CES keynote has surfaced with the name Avatar Kinect displayed front and center. So, what is that, exactly? Chances are it's not the Avatar Kinect we were dreaming of earlier this week, but if we had to guess from the picture and the name alone, you'll probably be awkwardly moving your body to see just how well your on-screen representation can mimic the motion. Winrumors goes a step further, claiming (without citing any sources, though) that there'll be a separate channel for the Avatar coming via an Xbox Live software update. Nothing's confirmed here, but given Microsoft's CES keynote is tomorrow, this rumor's shelf life is thankfully pretty short.