CES2013
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Lenovo ThinkPad Helix official: 11.6-inch reversible screen, arrives next month for $1,499+
The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix has been a known entity for some time, first showing up on the company's Israeli website and more recently stopping by the FCC with AT&T LTE in tow. The device is no longer an enigma, as Lenovo is pulling back the curtain on the 11.6-inch convertible Ultrabook, which will go on sale in late February for $1,499 and up. Like the famously flippable ThinkPad Yoga, the Helix can be used in several different positions. Tablet and Ultrabook modes are a given, but users can also flip the tablet 180 degrees and snap it back in to the base, essentially providing a stand for using the device as a slate. In addition to supporting touch input, the Helix offers a bundled pen (complete with a slot for storing) for tapping away at the 1080p Gorilla Glass display. Speaking of the panel, it boasts IPS technology -- and Lenovo says it's "the brightest screen in the ThinkPad brand portfolio." Along with the just-introduced ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531, the Helix sports a new trackpad that forgoes the secondary buttons meant to be used with the TrackPoint. Instead, these buttons are built into the clickpad, though the pointing stick is still on board. We imagine this change will upset many ThinkPad devotees, but given that we haven't seen a final production unit, we're not ready to pass judgement on the update. The highest-end configuration will run a Core i7 processor, and Lenovo says you can expect up to 10 hours of battery life. Other specs include a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-MP front-facing shooter, NFC for tapping to share and -- as expected -- LTE connectivity. The tablet weighs 1.8 pounds on its own, and the whole Ultrabook comes in at under four. Take a closer look at this convertible in our hands-on video past the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Lilliputian debuts Nectar Mobile Power, promises two weeks of battery life per cell
Lilliputian's not exactly known for consumer devices, in that the company's created approximately none before today. But tonight at a pre-CES 2013 event, Lilliputian debuted its first entry into the consumer market: the Nectar Mobile Power system. For $299.99, you'll snag the device itself, and any additional pods (with two weeks worth of power, claims Lilliputian) cost an extra $9.99. It'll arrive this summer exclusively at Brookstone retail outlets and Brookstone.com. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
USB 3.0 enhancement to bring 10Gbps transfers, backward compatibility in mid-2013
Don't call it USB 4.0. Here in Las Vegas, the USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced the development of a SuperSpeed USB (that's USB 3.0, if you're curious) enhancement that will "add a much higher data rate, delivering up to twice the data through-put performance of existing SuperSpeed USB over enhanced, fully backward compatible USB connectors and cables." This supplement to the USB 3.0 specification is anticipated to be completed by the middle of this year, bringing along a new 10Gbps data rate, improved data encoding for more efficient data transfer, and of course, compatibility with existing 5Gbps hubs and devices (and even USB 2.0 products). We've yet to hear of any device makers trotting out new gear that'll handle the new spec, but hopefully we'll hear more at CES really gets rolling.
Vuzix Smart Glasses M100 hands-on at CES 2013 (update: now with video!)
The wearables market is becoming a growing obsession here at CES 2013 -- and it's been the first chance we've got to handle the Vuzix M100 -- its new lightweight set of smartglasses. It'll have some stiff competition from Google's incoming effort, although the premise is a little different -- less augmented reality, more a wearable smart screen that pairs to your tablet or smartphone. We've got a brief video and our first impressions after the break.
Lenovo announces the IdeaPad Yoga 11S with Ivy Bridge, Windows 8; arrives in June for $799+
That headline says it all, doesn't it? The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S is like the Yoga 11, except instead of an ARM chip, it has a laptop-grade Ivy Bridge processor. That means it's more powerful, of course, but more importantly, since this is an x86 system it runs full Windows 8 instead of Windows RT. Hello, legacy application support! As a full-fledged PC, the 11S also steps up to a higher-quality display: a 1,600 x 900 IPS screen, compared with a 1,366 x 768 LCD on the Yoga 11. Other than that, this has fundamentally the same design as the other Yoga laptops, which is to say its screen can fold all the way around into tablet mode (with in-between options, like Tent and Stand modes). As you can see in those press shots, it has the same look and feel, too, including a soft-touch finish and a relatively cushy keyboard. As you'd imagine, though, it's a bit heftier than the lower-powered ARM version: it measures 0.68 inch thick, instead of 0.61. On the inside, it can accommodate up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of solid-state storage, with the top processor option being a dual-core Core i5 CPU. Just what you were hoping Lenovo would make? Today's your lucky day, but you'll still want to hold your horses: the 11S won't actually go on sale until June. When it does, though, it'll start at $799.
3M Touch Systems 84-inch Projected Capacitive Display hands-on
We knew we'd be seeing 3M Touch Systems' monster capacitive display once again, but we had no idea just how massive this year's iteration would be. Taking up residence in a corner of CES Unveiled 2013, the company's latest multi-touch prototype now measures in at 84 inches, far surpassing its 46-inch predecessor, with 100-inch versions waiting in the wings. This particular touch table now supports Ultra HD resolution (4K) and was shown running a software demo currently in use at Chicago's Museum of Science. As you may be able to tell from the accompanying gallery, those floating images aren't of the crispest quality, but that's because the files aren't fully high-res. Of course, tech of this kind isn't necessarily intended for households -- not yet, anyway -- it makes for a more natural fit in commercial environments (think: airports, car dealerships or wireless retailers). At present, the table here on the showfloor is calibrated to support 40 individual touch points, but a company rep assured us it could be configured for up to 60, allowing for large groups of people to interact simultaneously. While touch tabletops of this kind are still quite rare in the wild, expect to see them crop up more commonly in the near future. Check out a video demo past the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Sarah Silbert contributed to this report.
Huawei's Ascend D2 confirmed by uncovered billboard at CES
The days preceding CES are like an easter egg hunt, with clues of future products everywhere. Easily revealed near the cabstand line of the Las Vegas Convention Center is a billboard proudly displaying the Huawei Ascend D2 we've been expecting. We will have to wait until tomorrow at 1pm ET for the Huawei press event for the official details, though, which we'll of course be covering live. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. [Thanks, anon]
Genius Gila gaming mouse hands-on
What does it feel like holding a CES Design and Innovation nominee in your hand? If Genius is any indication, it feels an awful lot like a $100 mouse. A pretty nice $100 mouse, mind you -- one with all sorts of flashing lights and rubber-injected sides. The Gila GX Gaming Series fits nicely in the hand, as one might expect from a peripheral designed for extended MMO marathons. It's also got a nice weight to it already, but if that's not enough, that's no problem: there's a trap door in the bottom that opens up. Inside, you can slot a tray of watch battery-sized weights, which pop in and out to adjust the thing to a suitable level, up to 30 grams. Also cool is the DPI gauge on top of the mouse, to let you know where you currently stand in the 200 to 8,200 range. There are 12 buttons jammed into the thing, and as you'd imagine, there's button assignment and macro options, so you can set up to 72 keys on the thing. There's also a slew of color options for the various lights on the mouse, in case the glut of buttons aren't showy enough for your gaming needs. Sadly, Genius isn't quite ready to debut the second generation Ring Mouse, but we've been promised a glimpse in the very near future. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Jon Fingas contributed to this report.
Hands-on with Tobii REX, a peripheral that brings eye-tracking to any Windows 8 PC (video)
One of the neat things about CES is that it gives us a chance to check in with startups we covered the previous year. In the case of, Tobii, 12 months makes a world of difference. When we met with the company last January, it had never publicly shown off its eye-tracking Gaze UI, which allowed us to navigate, zoom, select and scroll on a custom Windows 8 laptop with just our pupils and a touchpad. After playing with it, it was obvious to us the technology still needed some fine-tuning, but nonetheless Tobii promised it would have a product to sell in about a year's time. Fast forward 12 months: Intel now owns a 10 percent stake in the company, and Tobii recently started shipping its first piece of hardware, the REX. This small USB peripheral, just slightly thicker than a pen, attaches to the base of any computer display, allowing it to bring eye-tracking technology to any Windows 8 machine. For now, it's only available to developers for a price of $995, but Tobii expects to ship 5,000 consumer units by the end of 2013. Happily for us, though, we got to play with it here at CES 2013. Meet us after the break to see how the technology's grown up since we tried it out it a year ago, and then when you're done reading through our impressions, check out the walkthrough video at the end. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Chevy's Siri and TuneIn in-car apps hit 2013 Sonics and Sparks, we go hands-on (video)
Not enough Siri in your life? Hop into a 2013 Chevy Spark. Those vehicles rocking a MyLink radio are eligible to upgrade to Apple's friendly iPhone 4S / 5 helper. Using the Bluetooth button on the steering wheel, you can access the assistant. We got a demo from a GM rep, who showed us how to access messages, read back to you through the car stereo. If you're feeling vocal, you can also dictate responses and Siri'll shoot them back off, all without ever having to take your hands off the wheel. You can also ask for things like recommendations for local businesses, but those won't play through the display. Siri also won't answer your philosophic questions, as GM doesn't want to display Wikipedia pages on the screen while you're driving. From the demo, the whole thing seemed pretty straightforward for anyone who's ever used an in-car Bluetooth system, checking things like stock prices and sports scores, if you're so inclined. We also received a quick demo of TuneIn, an iPhone app that pulls in radio stations around the world, featuring recommendation features like a Favorites button, local trending and a Jump button, which uses an algorithm to pull songs and the like based on your listening habits. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Jon Fingas contributed to this report.
Ion reveals digital conversion turntables for iOS, PC and Mac, we go hands-on (update: video)
Vinyl may be the format of choice for discerning audio connoisseurs, but those harboring love for both digital and analog options may have their interest piqued by Ion's latest lineup of turntables. The iLP Lightning takes a traditional turntable, replete with RCA outputs, and adds a 30-pin dock connector that's compatible with Cupertino's Lightning to 30-pin adapter. Leveraging a free app, the table converts a record's audio to MP3 files, separates it into tracks and saves it to docked iOS devices. If you'd rather not have songs sent to your iDevice of choice, the rig also includes a USB cable for routing tunes to a Mac or PC with a gratis desktop app. Ion is also serving up the Pure LP, which removes the 30-pin dock from the equation. As for availability, the iOS-compatible tables are expected this summer for $99.99 in white, red, blue, black and a woodgrain finish. Analog diehards can have some fun too with the Live LP table, which packs stereo speakers, standard RCA outputs, a natural wood finish and nothing in the way of digital conversion. Click on to the break for photos and the full press release. Update: We've just given Ion's record player a test drive, and we've posted the footage after the break. Initially, we had some concern about how anything larger than an iPad Mini might dock to the hardware, but it handled one of Apple's miniature tablets well enough. Audio quality from the turntable -- at least from what this editor could hear over the din of other journalists -- passed the ear test. Though we weren't able to try out the desktop experience for converting audio from vinyl records to MP3 files, the conversion experience on the iPad itself was a breeze. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Eton launches a pair of ZoneGuard weather radios to rouse you with disaster warnings (hands-on)
Eton's range of disaster-ready hardware is growing with a pair of ZoneGuard weather alarms that'll keep you informed should the worst threaten to happen. Hooked up to a variety of early-warning systems, traffic light-style LEDs will keep you informed of the danger levels with help from specific-area message encoding data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In real-life at CES, they're pretty unassuming, and should blend into any quiet corner of your home -- the devices are both wall-mountable. As usual, the company has partnered with the American Red Cross, which will get a share of the profits when you buy a co-branded unit. It'll be available from Q1, with the ZoneGuard priced at $40 and the ZoneGuard Plus costing $80, and while this model comes with a pair of AAA-battery powered warning modules, you can also pick up additional units for $30 a pop. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Eton adds BoostSolar to its charging lineup, instantly pleases George Harrison (hands-on)
If it's been a long, cold, lonely winter, then the return of the springtime sun is good news both for your mood and your collection of mobile devices. Eton's adding a portable solar panel to its lineup of portable chargers that'll keep your gear juiced when you're out and about. We took hold of it here at CES and it's surprisingly thin, although the battery adds a bit of weight. The solar panel is a fingerprint magnet, but if you're taking this outdoors that's unlikely to affect your purchase decision -- it feels pretty rugged and should take some outdoor beating. The BoostSolar will easily strap to a backpack and once its own 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery is charged, will let you snap on additional units for unlimited power, which you can then push out via its microUSB port. The luxury of not needing an outlet when you're in the woods will cost $99.99, and the unit will be available early in Q2 this year. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
All-Star Guitar gets loaded with Lightning connector compatibility
If you caught Ion's All-Star Guitar in our holiday gift guide, but didn't find it under the Festivus pole since it lacked support for Apple's Lightning connector, there could be hope for next year's holiday haul. The faux guitar is getting refreshed with a Lightning connector and has kept the same form factor, complete with light-up fret buttons and built-in speaker. For the uninitiated, the rig above can accommodate an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch and allows users to learn notes and chords via a companion app. As of now, there's no word on when you'll be able to rock out with the axe or how many simoleons it'll set you back. Update: The refreshed faux-instrument is geared for a June release and will set aspiring musicians back $99. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Seagate's $200 Wireless Plus 1TB hard drive streams content everywhere, includes 10-hour battery
A (very) early slip through the FCC's database uncovered Seagate's Wireless Plus drive several months ago, but here at CES, the company is finally ready to take the official wraps off of the aforesaid drive. It's a portable 1TB affair, shipping with USB 3.0 support and offering up the ability to stream music and video to practically anything courtesy of its inbuilt wireless module and 10-hour battery. In our testing, the unit did everything it promised, but those with an iOS device will enjoy enhanced usability via the gratis app. In essence, it's a slimmed version of the GoFlex Satellite from 2011, enabling users to load up bookoodles of content and then create an ad hoc WiFi network in order to stream it to nearby tablets (iPad, Kindle Fire, etc.), phones, Smart TVs and items that support AirPlay / DLNA. While the cloud seems suitable enough for retrieving content, being on a flight to Dubai or roughing it in cellular black hole throws a kink in those plans. And that, friends, is what Seagate hopes will attract you to its newest $200 HDD. The full presser is embedded after the break, and those who are already sold can pick one up starting now at Amazon and Best Buy. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Fitbug launches Bluetooth-connected activity sleep tracker and scales (hands-on)
Not to be confused with a similar product, the UK-based Fitbug has unveiled a collection of new connected health gadgets here at CES. The Fitbug orb is button-sized tracker that measures calories, distance and even pace. The pedometer tech inside also monitors your sleeping pattern. Connectivity wise, it can hook up to iOS devices including the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch (5th generation), iPad (3rd and 4th generation) and the iPad Mini, while Android support will be limited to Samsung's Galaxy S III. There's three sync modes: Push, for instant updates, beaconing means you can send data at intervals throughout the day, or stream data to monitor your pace. It's Fitbug's first device to offer sleep tracking and will monitor your night-time movements like we saw on Jawbone's Up. It launches in white, black and pink and can be housed in a watch strap or its own neck pendant. It launches on Fitbug's own retail site priced at £45 ($73). The Fitbug Wow Bluetooth-enable scales will connect to a similar list of iOS devices, although there's no word on Android compatibility yet. You can monitor weight-loss (or gain) through the company's refreshed website too, and the device will launch in March priced at £70 ($114) or £100 ($163), including the company's Air activity tracker. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Delphi and Verizon launch new connectivity system: track and monitor your vehicle through your smartphone
Delphi has allied itself with Verizon to launch a new Vehicle Diagnostics service. It works through a cloud system that connects your four-wheeler to your smartphone (or internet browser), showing precisely where your car is, as well as options to secure it and check its vitals. Delphi promises the new system will work in most vehicles sold in the US since 1996 and users can pick up alerts for driving and vehicle performance issues, as well as setup geo-fences to monitor if your car goes outside specified zones. Connecting your phone to the car is done through Bluetooth and adds access to key fob commands including remote door control. The compatible smartphone app will arrive on devices running Android 2.2 or later and iOS 5.0 onwards, while the Delphi Web portal works on Internet Explorer 7, with Firefox, Chrome and Safari versions still in the works. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Ion outs its Lightning-compatible iDJ 2 Go Plus, we take a close look
Cupertino's Lightning connector has put a few DJ peripherals out of the running for new iOS devices, but Ion's iDJ 2 Go Plus is up to the task. The portable rig supports Apple's new connector, features two scratch wheels, a crossfader, a handful of backlit buttons and a collection of knobs for music junkies to do their thing. As for software, the hardware can take advantage of the firm's free iDJ 2 Go app or other software, such as Algoriddim's Djay. As of now, details on price and availability are scarce. Minimalist DJs can mix with the outfit's Scratch 2 Go: a collection of knobs, two turntables and a crossfader that attach to an iPad via suction cups. According to Ion, the low-key kit also functions with popular DJ apps in addition to their own offering. Price and availability details are nowhere in sight, but you can catch a hands-on with both setups in the bordering galleries. Update: We've gone hands-on with the iDJ 2 Go Plus and, as you'd expect, it resembles its predecessor -- except for the 30-pin connection being swapped for Lightning. As we took it for a spin, the turntables, crossfaders and knobs were responsive and up for the task -- even though this editor's DJing skills may not have been. The board is being readied for a June release with a $99 price tag. Scratch 2 Go was paired up with Ion's app when we took it for a spin and it did a fair job of responding to our twists and turns. The tiny suction cups that affix the rigs pieces to the iPad's screen did their job, but we did notice one loose turntable. Ion's minimalist kit will launch in April for $19.99. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Ion introduces Air Copy: mobile scanner for smartphones, tablets and laptops (update: eyes-on)
Ion's Air Copy has just stepped into the wireless mobile scanner arena, and it brings support for slinging scanned documents and photos as big as size A4 to Android, iOS, Windows 8 and OS X devices via WiFi. Once documents are scanned, they're saved as high-resolution 300 DPI JPEG files to the connected hardware. A free app available for the gadget gives users a real-time preview of what's being scanned. There's no word on pricing or availability as of yet, but you can hit the jump for the press release or take a peek at our hands on shots in the gallery. Update: As it turns out, Air Copy is being readied for an April release and will set customers back $179.99. In person, the hardware itself is easy on the eyes and light enough to comfortably tote around. We didn't get to take it for a spin, but you can check out our eyes-on photos in the bordering gallery. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Seagate's Central debuts at CES, accesses your digital wares inside your home and out (video)
Seagate's Wireless Plus portable streaming hard drive isn't the only device the company is pulling the wraps off of at CES. The outfit has also announced Central: a robust shared storage / consumer NAS solution for your home that allows streaming to DLNA compatible devices and Samsung Smart TVs as well as computers and mobile devices. The same Seagate Media app that sorts your files on-the-go is at work here on iOS, Android and Kindle Fire to push content to your living display or view while you're on the road -- and to multiple users, too. Central also allows for automatic and continuous backup of connected computers with 2TB, 3TB and 4TB options that range in price from $189 to $259. If you're looking snag one for your casa, you'll have to wait until March. But don't fret, a closer look and a quick demo reside on the other side of the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
