Ces2008
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No joke: Qualcomm's Snapdragon prototypes don't use Snapdragon
We seriously have no idea what Qualcomm was thinking here, but it turns out that those two so-called "Snapdragon prototypes" being shown at CES this year... wait for it... don't use the Snapdragon platform. Now, that would've been just fine with us had Qualcomm made it clear that they were built using its existing chipsets, but they didn't. Here's the best part: Qualcomm actually contacted us with a minor correction on our original story (they wanted us to point out that their ARM-based cores are highly customized) without bothering to mention that our "Snapdragon-powered" statement was not accurate. Anyway, it turns out that the Anchorage and Fairbanks prototypes are merely meant to demonstrate "examples of what Snapdragon-enabled devices will feature," which begs the question: if the current MSM series chipsets are capable of the same functionality, aren't those probably the wrong features to be demonstrating? That behavior walks a fine line between poorly executed PR and outright deception, Qualcomm, and we'd ask that you not let it happen again.[Thanks, Sascha]
Tru2way TVs at CES 2008
We took a stroll around the CES floor, taking a straw poll on the state of tru2way among TV manufacturers. Our results were mixed -- three exhibitors had tru2way displays and four did not. Follow us after the break on our tour.
Crapgadget CES edition, round 7: 64MB Beer MP3 player
Sounds like crap, less memory. Also Heiny flavored.
Hands-on with the latest TV Guide software (Comcast DVR)
CES is officially over and on the last day we went on the hunt for things we missed, and we got a chance to catch the latest TV Guide tru2way software. TV Guide is the company that makes the user interface for Comcast's -- among others -- set-top boxes. Not only is the latest software designed for tru2way devices, but overall it was really slick. We especially liked the all the new configuration options such as, custom channel lists, custom menus, and different font sizes; -- fit even more data on your 60-inch TV -- but the other new features were cool as well. Like the list of recorded shows with images next to them, or being able to turn off the video preview, different grids, StartOver, and the much improved VOD menus. While we didn't spend enough time with it to know if it stands up to your favorite, (TiVo) we have to say it's a step up from what we've seen from them in the past. But what's really cool is that this software will run on any tru2way HDTV, -- obviously the TV would have to have an integrated DVR for all the functionality -- which we should see hit the streets by the end of 2008. Also, while we were there we asked them about all those old analog TVs that depend on analog signals for TV Guide data, and they explained that they've deployed a solution to this problem years ago and everyone with a digital to analog converter box will have no problem continuing to receive guide data after the analog shutoff.More pics after the break.
Crapgadget CES edition, round 6: The Apple Pie
We knew we had to have a scoop with the Apple PiePhone.
Peavey's Riffmaster Guitar is more expensive than your Guitar Hero guitar
Peavey is gutting its regular guitars and inserting Guitar Hero components for its new "Riffmaster" series. In addition including a guitar that probably sounds better than a regular Peavey, the $2,000 kit includes a complete PA system and a floor monitor. Unfortunately, we found the guitar to be a bit heavy for Guitar Hero use, particularly when activating star power, and since the buttons are spaced the distance of regular guitar frets it was pretty hard to play. Not much info on a release, but it's coming soon.
Microsoft CES fashion show flaunts (some) good looking gear
Not content with Apple's design team running circles around the PC world, Microsoft has created a team dedicated to helping OEM manufacturers make their boxes less beige and boring. Ingredients may include: aluminum, leather, carbon fiber and, uhh, cow fur. Microsoft held a fashion show at CES this year to show off the fruits of the PC world's collective efforts, and luckily betanews was there to nab some shots (like the one above). While we're not quite ready to say we're looking forward to more cow fur laptops, recent PC designs like the XPS One give us hope for the future of the beige box.[Thanks, Shyamal]
Crapgadget CES edition, round 5: tweety! digital camera
With exclusive tweety photo editing software.
Pioneer's 9mm-thick KURO plasma caught on video
Just in case an elaborate hands-on with Pioneer's 9mm-thick KURO plasma wasn't enough to satisfy, why not check out a video clip of it wowing crowds at CES? 'Course, we should mention that it looked infinitely better in person, but we're dealing with YouTube here, people. Click on through!
Hands-on with Samsung and Bang & Olufsen's svelte Serenata
We bumped into the Bang & Olufsen Seranata at Samsung and were sure you'd all love it's crazy design. This has been around for a while now, but it was our first opportunity to get our hands on it. First impressions? Impressive! Pop on over to Engadget Mobile to see the pics.
PC Gizmo fills IM alerts with rainbows, unicorns, chocolate covered teddy bears
Meet PC Gizmo. Sure, it's a cheapo, USB-interfacing Nabaztag knock-off... but it loves you. Don't make PC Gizmo cry -- let it alert you to IMs, emails, VoIP calls, and its insatiable need for hugs. See PC Gizmo do its thing in the video after the break.
CES 2008: Fugliest headphones awards
These cans are just the ticket for some tunes while hunting. The selection committee had an extremely difficult time arbitrating this one, so if you're affronted by what we've relegated to runners-up after the break be sure to cast your vote.
Hands-on with Altec Lansing's T612 iPhone docking speakers
Yeah, yeah, we know -- another iP** dock -- but this is actually one of the first docking audio speakers approved to work with the iPhone without either dropping into airplane mode or assaulting your ears with janky GSM signal noise (it also docks regular old iPods, of course). To boot, it charges the thing and has incoming call support -- more than slightly mitigated by the fact that you still have to actually remove the phone from the dock to take the call, a drawback the Altec Lansing rep said was because Apple neglected to include support for passing call audio across the docking interface. Still, if you happen to use your iPhone as jukebox at home or work, you can pick up this quite decent-sounding speaker system in February if it's worth $200 to you.
Toshiba's "short-throw" TDP-EW25U projector still requires three feet
It's amazing what a breakthrough does for perception (and competition), eh? Shortly after taking a look at the impressive PLC-XL50 from Sanyo, Toshiba has announced an "extreme short projection" offering of its own. This one, however, requires three whole feet in order to toss up a 60-inch image, which seems sort of ridiculous compared to the three inches needed by the aforementioned Sanyo. To its credit, the TDP-EW25U does boast a higher resolution (1,280 x 800), and it also features a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, DLP technology, 2,600 ANSI lumens, USB / RS-232 ports, integrated 802.11b/g WiFi, VGA, a built-in mono speaker and jacks for audio input. You'll also find password protection and a bundled remote, which may or may not push you to throw down $2,369 to claim one as your own.[Via AboutProjectors]
Intel explains: MID vs. UMPC
Today we had a chance to finally bring to rest the following question: what the hell's the difference between a UMPC and a MID. Fortunately, Dan Monahan, Intel's Global Internet Segment Manager of Ultra Mobility and the man who showed us (and the world) the UMPC for the first time at CeBIT took the time to set us straight. This is how it breaks down.UMPC Business-class device for enterprise users Runs a "heavy" OS like Vista Optimized for office-use applications like Excel, Word, etc. MID Consumer-class lifestyle device Runs a 'lightweight" OS with quick startup like Linux Optimized for things like media playback and web surfing In 2009 (or so) Moorestown-based devices will be classed as MIDs only So there you have it from the man who knows. Now use the term correctly please, especially you dear OEM/ODMs.
Crapgadget CES edition, round 4: Fugliest display evar
Should have... sent... a poet.
LG shows off AF115 SXRD 1080p projector at CES
Among the outpouring of new projectors at CES comes a stately one from LG. The AF115 SXRD projector offers up a native 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, DSP HQV Realta, 1,300 ANSI lumens, a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, twin HDMI 1.3 connectors, ISF calibration and ultra-quiet operation. Unfortunately, that's all the details we've received, but prospective buyers should take note of this thing's girth before choosing to wait diligently for information on a price / release date. [Via AboutProjectors]
Hands-on with iriver's Lplayer PMP
We can't say too much about iriver's tiny, tiny, tiny Lplayer except that... well, it's tiny. We can't stress how small this is. Despite its size, they still manage to cram up to 8GB in this guy, and top it off with a 2-inch screen. Check the gallery below and witness the micro-sized wonder. P.S. -- It's tiny.%Gallery-13316%
Engadget HD destroys Format War Central in AVP challenge
As much as we love CES for all the HD gear, we also really enjoy meeting fellow tech bloggers. But as you might expect, there's some friendly competition between us and those who cover the same beat. So to prove that we were the ultimate HD experts once and for all, we challenged Tyler from Format War Central to a friendly game of Alien Vs. Predator's BD Live game. We'll save Tyler from the embarrassment of the final score, but rest assured we killed a lot more aliens.
