ces 2007
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Celio's REDFLY platform enables Foleo-like WinMo devices
It's not that we don't see the appeal of using a supplementary keyboard and display with our smartphones, rather, we simply felt that the Foleo was way overpriced for the relatively limited functionality it provided. Well now a new company called Celio seems to be heading down the same risky path as Palm, announcing the REDFLY Smartphone Interface System, a platform that allows Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices to be controlled using external hardware; sounds promising, except that the first piece of gear to incorporate the technology will cost $499, the same targeted MSRP as the failed Foleo (after its planned instant rebate). Celio wisely claims that it's initially targeting enterprise users with the Bluetooth 2.0, clamshell device, although frankly it seems like they'd have more success concentrating on the software and letting OEMs deal with designing products that offer a more attractive price / performance ratio.
Peter Moore tells reporter not to play Gears of War
Scholastic News reporter Aaron Broder (pictured here) needs another four years before he'll be able to play M-rated, thrice-platinum Gears of War, a situation that put Xbox chief Peter Moore in "the difficult position of advising a reporter not to play one of the top games for the company's Xbox 360," according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. See also: Aaron Broder interviewed, Aaron Broder's report from CES. [Photo credit: Aaron Broder, Scholastic News.]
Hands-on with New Media Life's TAVI 030
It's not the totally new hotness or anything, but what the TAVI 030 lacks in looks -- which aren't all that bad to begin with -- it sure makes up in feature set. The player features WiFi-based IPTV playback (in the black version, the white edition keeps it a bit more traditional), codec support aplenty, and a pretty slick interface for a fairly no-name player. Check out the gallery for a few more shots. Hands-on with New Media Life's TAVI 030
Tons of CES videos: XBLA, GHII, IPTV, more
Xbox.com has published several videos shot by Major Nelson at CES. Major takes time to check out Guitar Hero II, IPTV, XBLA, the HD-DVD player, and even takes a moment to chat with Peter Moore. We recommend the Guitar Hero II, IPTV, XBLA, and Peter Moore vids especially. The Guitar Hero II video will get you a glimpse at another 360 exclusive song from Pearl Jam (as well as a chance to watch Major Nelson try to play GHII and hold a mic at the same time). The XBLA video gives a quick look at Worms, Castlevania: SOTN, and Heavy Weapon. Players should be happy to know that Castlevania features an enhanced graphics mode (we're not sure which mode is used in the video though). Pause the XBLA video during the Worms interview to see the (rather anemic) selection of weapons. There are lots of videos. Hit the "read" link to check 'em out.Oh, and our condolences to the employees working at the Zune lounge.[Via Major Nelson]
Gizmondo at CES?
Industry shows are interesting beasts to witness. Frequently, we get clues about the future of gaming simply by looking at who decides to show up. There is one big surprise listing at the 2007 CES. According to the CES website, "It's all fun and games for AMD, Apex Digital, ATI, Dell, Logitech, Nvidia, Alienware, Microsoft, Sony and Gizmondo." This is a fairly odd sentiment given the company is now bankrupt and isn't making games anymore. Maybe the CES doesn't pay much attention to the news (or found it near-impossible to decipher) or Gizmondo pre-paid over a year ago and gets an empty booth. Gizmondo doesn't seem to be dying a graceful death. Stories like the Bo Stefan Eriksson story keep cropping up. Maybe the empty booth at the 2007 CES will be the dénouement of this pathetic riches-to-rags story; or maybe a huge surprise with the return of Gizmondo. [Thanks, Falafelkid]
Philips' pre-CES product blowout
Philips has unveiled a whole mess of new products to whet our appetites for CES, ranging from TVs to home entertainment setups; the Dutch giant even threw in some Skype handsets for good measure. First up is the 42PFL98332D (pictured), Philips' 42-inch FlatTV, which brings Ambilight Full Surround, 1080p and a 4ms response time. For the rest of the pre-release swag, click over to the next page...
Com One shows off Phoenix IP Radio
The WiFi radio market is an increasingly crowded one, but there's always room for one more if the specs are right, and Com One seems to have a decent offering in this new Phoenix IP Radio. Of course, the basic thrust of the device is PC-free internet radio, and the Phoenix delivers that just fine with its 802.11b/g WiFi, a 128 x 64 6-line display and cute little speakers. Luckily, the fun doesn't end there: the Linux-based player can manage MP3 playback off of its USB port, and can even be set up for podcasts via its web control panel -- not quite as exciting as, say, the Roku SoundBridge, but pretty good all the same. There are also 4 rechargeable batteries included for making this thing portable, if that's your style. No word on price, but we should be seeing more of this thing at CES 2007. A few live shots after the break.
Interlink's new ONYX presentation remote
Last time we spotted Interlink, it was busy shoving a Bluetooth Media Remote into our ExpressCard slot, and while its new ONYX remote doesn't quite have the stashability of its sibling, there's plenty to love here for the Stevenote-wannabe PowerPoint junkies out there. The RemotePoint ONYX presentation remote carries its own USB Auto RF receiver, which operates at up to 100-feet, and automatically switches between 64k unique addresses to keep make sure nobody else starts running your presentation. The unit also has a built-in laser pointer, the requisite buttons, and a nifty clock to keep you on schedule. No word on price of availability, but a CES 2007 launch would be a good guess. Keep reading for a couple live shots.
Linksys preps DualBand 802.11n WRT600N router
Linksys has a new one in the oven, the WRT600N. The "DualBand" 802.11n router covers 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies simultaneously to fight interference, and claims 802.11g pwnage of the 12x variety. The router also sports the usual 4 port Ethernet hub, along with a fancy USB port that allows you to hook up a hard drive or thumbdrive and have it automatically transmogrified into NAS storage. No word on price, but Linksys should be getting official on this thing at CES 2007 in January. Keep reading for a couple more angles.
Gates to headline CES 2007
The Consumer Electronics Association has confirmed that Bill Gates will be a keynote speaker at CES 2007 in Las Vegas. Motorola's Ed Zander and Disney's Robert Iger are also on the keynote playbill. The Microsoft chairman recently announced that he will be stepping down from his daily role in the company at the end of next year, but will continue to work part-time for the software giant he co-founded. Just make sure you report any "part-time" or supplemental income to the unemployment office, Bill!
