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We'll be liveblogging Sony's CES 2013 press conference tomorrow
It wouldn't be CES without a big showing from the folks at Sony. So, what can we expect from the company's event at its Las Vegas Convention Center booth? Cameras? Phones? TVs? Laptops? Tablets? Sony-contracted celebrities hamming it up for an audience of tech bloggers? The answer is mostly like a big "yes" to all of the above. You too can join in on all of the fun at this very link. January 7, 2013 8:00 PM EST
Who should I follow at CES 2013? Engadget editors on Twitter
We know what you're thinking: it's CES week, how can I possibly get bombarded by more tech news over the next couple of days? Great news! We've created a handy-dandy list of our editors. Follow us and you can be sure to have a stream full of gadgety goodness over the next several days -- there's no faster way to get the full Engadget CES experience, 140 characters or so at a time. We also invite you to keep a close eye on #EngadgetCES, which will be our go-to hashtag during the show. And, if Twitter Lists are your thing, you'll find ours here. Oh, and if you're looking for us on Google+, you can find the team and personal accounts right here.
Dexim's Music Talking Stylus writes, rocks and listens
Styli? Boring. Sure you can draw and write with the things, but what happens when you want to rock? Reach for Dexim's Music Talking Stylus, naturally. The pen input device communicates via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet, letting you use it to wirelessly listen to music or talk to your pals. The stylus has a built-in volume button and vibration functionality. There's a headphone jack on one end and when you remove the rubber nub, you gain access to its microUSB port for charging when its five-hours of battery life run down. If you're so inclined to purchase such a thing, it'll run you around $80 when it drops in Q2. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Withings new flagship Smart Body Analyzer scale now measures air quality, heart rate (update: hands-on video)
Now that Withings has added a "low-end" model to its connected-scale pantheon, it's time for the flagship model to get a refresh. The company's latest Smart Body Analyzer may look like its predecessor, but now comes with heart rate and air quality monitoring sensors to make sure you're getting enough oxygen. As before, the data is then pumped over WiFi to Withings' website and mobile app, which can be shared as far as your dignity allows. Priced at $150, it'll be arriving at some point in Q1, at which point we can validate our paranoid fantasies about airflow. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Withings goes after Fitbit with its pulse-reading Smart Activity Tracker (update: hands-on video)
Withings' assault on our paunchy bellies doesn't look like it's going to stop, now that the company has launched a portable sleep and activity tracker that's clearly designed to go after the Fitbit Ultra. The Smart Activity Tracker makes some impressive claims, offering pulse monitoring if you push your finger onto the back of the device, calculating calorie consumption and monitoring the quality of your sleep. The 43.3-millimeter device has an OLED touchscreen display and will instantly upload your data to the Withings Health Mate app over Bluetooth Smart, and promises to go a full fortnight without needing a recharge. The company hasn't made any statement as to when it plans to release the unit, or how much it'll cost you, but we're looking forward to putting it through its paces. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
La Crosse 810-163TWR tornado alert radio eyes-on
Live in Tornado Alley? Just generally afraid of being swept away by a cyclone? You may want to cast those eyes in the general direction of the La Crosse 810-163TWR weather alert radio. The walkie-talkie-like device is up to all of the NOAA standards, tuning you in to national weather alerts. You can set an alarm on the gadget that'll turn radio alerts on any time there's a national disaster. New this time out is a devoted tornado button. Click that and it will only trigger when faced with that specific disaster. The device is due out in April and should you around $50. Sadly the unit present here at CES was just a dummy, so if there are any tornadoes in the area, we're all out of luck. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eton adds two more solar-powered Bluetooth sound systems to its Rukus lineup (hands-on)
For those about to rock out (in direct sunlight, at least), Eton won't just salute you, but offer you more options for your environmentally friendly moshing. At this year's CES, it's launching two more solar-powered Bluetooth boomboxes to complement the Rukus that arrived at 2012's show. The Rugged Rukus offers the same hardware as the flagship, but wrapped in a sturdy IPX-4 shell that'll keep it safe from knocks and splashes. It's also trotting out the Rukus XL, a not-too-distant cousin of the old Soulra XL iPod dock, which ditches the e-ink display in favor of a chunky, triangular body, flip-out solar panel and six more speaker drivers. We took a quick look at these two eco-friendly music machines at CES, and were impressed by their solid build and smart appearance. The Rugged model is suitably compact and lightweight, and the XL has a handy mobile device storage area hidden behind the front panel though its 72-square-inch solar panel is quite massive in person. The Rugged Rukus will arrive in Q1 and will cost $99.99, and the Rukus XL setting you back $199.99 when it arrives in Q2. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Lenovo unveils new IdeaCentre A730 and C540 desktops for $549 and up
In addition to announcing new touchscreen notebooks today at CES, Lenovo is unveiling a trio of Windows 8-optimized desktops. You can get the lowdown on the new Erazer X700 gaming system here, but for now we'll take a look at the two all-in-ones. Up first is the IdeaCentre A730, a 27-inch multi-touch all-in-one that measures just 0.9 inch (24.5mm) thick. Still, the system has room for an optical drive, which is integrated into the base. You have your choice of a 2,560 x 1,440 or 1,920 x 1,080 frameless display, and like many Windows 8 devices we've been seeing lately, the screen is adjustable -- from -5 degrees to 90 degrees. The desktop comes with up to a Core i7 processor, storage maxes out at 1TB and graphics options include an NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M chip with 2GB of dedicated memory. The A730 will go on sale for $1,499 and up in June. Lenovo is also adding to its C series desktop lineup with the new 23-inch C540. It's more budget-friendly than the A730, with the non-touch model starting at $549 and processor options topping out at a Core i3 chip, and it will be available both with and without a touchscreen. (The resolution is 1,920 x 1,080 for both versions.) The highest-end graphics option will be a NVIDIA GeForce 615 chip with 2GB of RAM, and you can outfit the system with up to 2TB of storage space. The non-touch IdeaCentre C540 will be available in February, and touch models will hit the market in June. Hit up the press galleries below for a look at both systems. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Lenovo announces multi-user Horizon Table PC for $1,699 and up (video)
In addition to announcing some traditional all-in-ones today, Lenovo is introducing the IdeaCentre Horizon 27 Table PC. It too is a full-fledged, battery-powered desktop, but it can collapse into table-top mode, becoming a 27-inch, 1080p slate optimized for multi-user touch input. The design is quite similar to the Sony VAIO Tap 20 we saw at IFA, with a built-in stand that supports the screen in an upright position. The 17-pound design feels sturdy, but it's also very thin, at 27mm (1.1 inches) thick. The blood and guts are what you'd expect of a high-end AIO: processors range from Core i3 to i7, graphics max out at NVIDIA GeForce GT 620M and storage tops off at 1TB. Users can switch between the Aura moon-dial UI, which is a hub or games, photos and other media, and the standard Windows 8 interface. As you can imagine, the Horizon is ideal for multi-player games, and EA Games has pre-loaded several titles, including Monopoly, that are primed especially for this machine. Incidentally, Lenovo also bundles the Table PC with joysticks and an e-dice. There will also be an optional stand, which supports use in flat table mode as well as desktop mode -- with an included keyboard, to boot. Lenovo says pricing will start at "approximately $1,699," with a release date slated for early summer. Check out our hands-on video past the break for a closer look. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Goal Zero brings the Yeti 150 solar generator back from the wilderness
It's not the first gadget to be named after the abominable snowman, but at least this one might save your neck in a tight spot. Goal Zero's Yeti 150 solar charger is designed for use in the great outdoors, packing a 15W photovoltaic panel hooked up to a 150 watt hour battery. It'll be available to buy this Spring, just in time for camping season, and will cost you a not-too-abominable $400. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Smart TV Alliance adds Panasonic and IBM to its fold, lays bare new SDK features
Looks like LG and Toshiba aren't the only TV manufacturers dreaming of a platform-independent future for Smart TVs -- Panasonic has joined the Smart TV Alliance too. Founded to help build a non-proprietary ecosystem for Smart TV apps, the Alliance's ranks have grown to include Panasonic IBM Specific Media, ABOX42 and TechniSat. Smart TV Alliance president Richard Choi is optimistic that the new members will help it mend a fragmented market, giving developers a chance to focus on building apps, rather than navigate compliance processes. A CES developers conference hopes to get them started, too -- introducing the latest SDK's upcoming features, including updated HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript specifications, as well as support for new video codecs and 3D video. Technical presentations will be available this Wednesday for folks in Sin City. Everyone else? Check out the Alliance's official press release after the break. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Griffin launches PowerDock 5 multi-device charging platform and ChargeSensor adapters
Given how many of us have more than one device, it's rare to see gear that really cares for our increasingly large gadget collections. Griffin's solution is to produce the PowerDock 5, a USB-device toast-rack that can replenish the energy of up to five iPads simultaneously. It's priced at $100 and will be available in Spring. At the same time, the company is putting out a new PowerBlock plug adapter and PowerJolt car charger with Griffin's ChargeSensor technology, which identifies the power needs of your device and meters out energy accordingly. Both will be available in the spring, the PowerBlock setting you back $30 and the PowerJolt costing $25. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Griffin launches MicConnect XLR microphone adapter, refreshes StudioConnect with Lightning connector (update: hands-on!)
It wouldn't be a CES without accessory mavens Griffin launching a small armada of products. This year, the company is launching a revised version of the StudioConnect that's compatible with Apple's Lightning connector. It'll go on sale in the Spring, and 4th Generation iPad and iPad Mini owners will have to stump up $150. It's also pushing out MicConnect (similar to MIDIConnect), an XLR-to-3.5mm connector that lets you hook studio-level microphones into mobile devices and can even supply phantom power. While it's not due to make it onto store shelves until June, it will only cost $40, which might soften the blow for impatient musos everywhere. Update: We've just spent some time with both of Griffin's new peripherals and we were quite impressed (although not completely surprised) at how light they felt in our hands. That being said, we weren't so fond of how much of a fingerprint magnet the StudioConnect was, however it's nothing a cleaning cloth (or a shirt) can't easily fix -- otherwise the main change in the new revision is the obvious inclusion of that Lightning connector, which in itself may make the upgrade all worthwhile. The MicConnect, on the other hand, didn't appear to suffer from any of these nitpicky issues, and its materials felt solid enough that potential users won't be worrying about it breaking in their backpack, messenger bag or, heck, even pockets -- yes, it's that small. Want to see for yourself? Then be sure to gawk at our hands-on galleries after the jump. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub. Edgar Alvarez and Alexis Santos contributed to this report.
Behringer announces OMNI series AirPlay speakers and connecting receiver amps
Behringer made a bit of a splash as CES last year with its oversized iPhone dock, this year it's keeping things a little more front-room friendly. Launching its new OMNI system, the audio maker hopes to bring a little AirPlay magic to your house, without excluding some of your legacy hardware. The system consists of modular elements that let you add your passive speakers into the mix, as well as work together as a whole. More specifically, the OMNI SP3 and SP5i units are all-in-one 2.1 systems, and there's a dedicated subwoofer too. But, if you don't have or want their own breed, you can bring in your own. The OMNI Amp is a 2 x 40W stereo amplifier and AirPlay receiver that lets you play your music with your existing passive bookshelf or floor-mounted gear, and active speakers can be looped into the AirPlay party with the OMNI link box. The speakers are provisionally set to cost $249 (for the SP3i) and $349 (for the SP5i and sub), while the amp and link boxes will likely set you back $199 and $129 respectively. No word on the official launch date, but head on over to the press release for more info. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Westinghouse set to launch 'Roku ready' CES lineup of HD, 4K models
Westinghouse is already jockeying for CES 2013 position in the crowded connected-TV arena, saying it'll announce a bevy of MHL-compliant models at the show that'll work with Roku's HDMI Streaming Stick. That would presumably give the panel maker Smart TV options without having to bake the circuitry into the new models, letting Roku take the load in providing WiFi connectivity along with 400 channels like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus -- all accessible with the TV's remote. Westinghouse teased LED side-lit models ranging from 27- to 60-inches that'll have the option, along with UHDTV sets like the 110-incher it trumpeted earlier. Pricing and availability are still in the air until at least CES, of course, but considering the company's lack of a premium reputation and the fact that you'd also need to purchase the $99 Roku stick, we don't see them looking at the haut de gamme set. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
