Ces2007
Latest
Monster unveils Lifeware Media Center PCs / extenders
While there's been a plethora of new kit flowing from CES, media center extenders has certainly not stolen the limelight. Oddly enough, one of the first to announce such a device comes from the cabling company we all love to hate, as it introduces its forthcoming lineup of media center PCs and extenders. Additionally, Monster has partnered with Exceptional Innovation to bring Lifeware automation software onto their HTPCs, dubbing the customized package "Experience Lifeware." While details are all but nil on each, Monster said that the new lineup would fall in its newly-unveiled "Monster Life" brand, which seeks to create media-centric PCs for "distributing media around the home." Notably, the extenders could actually be integrated into PowerCenters, which are those unsightly devices that reportedly protect anything connected from a small nuclear disaster (or similar), potentially meaning that you'll be forced to purchase 18 additional AC outlets that you have absolutely no use for to take advantage of Monster's media center extender. Per usual, no word on pricing or availability just yet aside from knowing that the "package will be available through select (read: Best Buy) retailers," but history tells us that those who admire a good dollar-to-utility ratio will probably pass on this one.
Motorola to roll out cellphone-charging bicycle in "emerging markets"
Here's one we weren't exactly counting on seeing. Motorola's cheif executive Ed Zander rolled into a packed room here at CES on a bright yellow bicycle, topped off by having Queen's "Bicycle Race" cranked in the background. Yes, oddly enough, Motorola is coming out with a self-branded bike for "emerging markets," which translates into countries where energy sources are scarce. While the company has seen declines here in America due to a very saturated handset market, nearly 5 million folks per month are going mobile in China, thus the need to penetrate those potentially lucrative third world areas. The vehicle will sport a cellphone charging system to provide a way to energize those handsets so intently desired all around the globe. As expected, a cradle on the handlebars would house the mobile, while the motion of the pedals would generate electricity to recharge its battery pack. While this might not sound convenient or even worthwhile in a place like America, "more than 500 million Chinese people rely on bicycles as their primary mode of transportation," which could also mean that half a billion folks in China will soon be cruising the streets while doubling as an AC adapter.[Via Textually]
Nokia unveils trio of Bluetooth headsets
It looks like Nokia's got a bit more on the brain than just getting you where you're supposed to be, as its trio of Bluetooth headsets offer up handsfree talking from just about every price point. Holding down the low-end is the BH-100, which weighs in at 11-grams, offers 6.5-hours of talk time, 150 hours on standby, and allows users to customize the device by attaching a "colorful earloop." Next up is the BH-120, which purportedly rocks an uber-compact design "to fit in any ear," comes with three different earbud sizes, sports a black color scheme, and offers 5.5 hours of talk time or 150 hours in standby. The unit also touts answer / end, on / off, and volume / redial keys to go along with the red and green LED indicators. The BH-301 seems to be aimed at the mix 'n match type, as it comes with a variety of "stylish covers to fit the mood," boasts voice dialing capabilities, and also offers a longer battery life than the other two at seven hours talking / 200 hours in standby. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing nor availability, but these colorful headsets should be hitting shelves before too long.
Zicplay EWOO remote boasts LCD for iPod / iTunes menus
There's been more than a few iPod docking stations / speaker systems released here in the past few, um, hours, but even if the one you're eying sports a wireless remote, chances are it'll arrive sans a built-in screen. If you'd rather control your iPod's speaker system without actually squinting from 20 feet away trying to read that cluttered playlist from afar, Zicplay's oddly-titled EWOO can probably help. Similar in nature (and design) to Keyspan's TuneView and Alive Style's Popalive, this presumably Bluetooth-enabled remote comes with its own proprietary docking station that holds your iPod and transmits the menus directly to your EWOO remote. The dock outputs out via optical digital or analog stereo, and channels video via S-Video, while the remote weighs in at 60 grams and sports a battery life of "about 10 days." So if you're not a proud owner already of one of the two aforementioned alternatives, you can pick this flavor up for $129 next month.[Via MobileWhack]
Sprint announces large scale WiMAX rollout, starts with Chicago and D.C.
Sprint's been rolling this whole WiMAX idea around for quite some time, but it finally looks like all the pieces are actually coming together. The firm chose CES to announce that Chicago and Washington, D.C. should get that coveted 4G service "by year-end 2007, with a larger rollout encompassing at least 100 million people by year-end 2008." Apparently Sprint's not backing down either, as it's named Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Intel, and LG as critical partners for making this happen, which ought to be enough corporate manpower to get something launched, eh? Although we're not positive as to when Chi-town and the Capital City will get their WiMAX fix, we've got just over 11 months to find out, and hopefully by then Sprint will be a bit more forthcoming about who those "other 100 million" are.
Nokia to offer Smart2Go mapping services
For those not really interested in picking up a third-party GPS module / application and doing your own routing, Nokia is looking to add a mapping service of its own to handsets in order to give users turn-by-turn guidance for a fee. After acquiring Gate5 last year, Nokia decided that adding navigation capabilities was "a natural move," and its forthcoming Smart2Go system will offer up free mapping and routing services and a fee-based turn-by-turn option if you've just got to have that robotic helper bossing you around (or can't take your eyes off the road). Smart2Go customers will need a WiFi or direct PC connection to download applicable maps to their phone, and Nokia claims that it's got 100 countries and 13 million POIs already covered; folks can even search by location directly just like your average portable GPS and get phone numbers and other pertinent information, presumably gratis. No word on when Nokia plans to get this going, but if we're seeing this right, the phone giant will be offering it up on "all of its converged devices," so it looks your (read: any) Nokia is covered.
Taiyo Yuden and Sigma Designs showcase WiMedia-based UWB HD streaming
If you're looking to pick up any UWB device to stream high definition video / audio around your crib anytime soon, chances are it might have a little Taiyo Yuden and Sigma Designs beneath the shell. The two firms are showcasing a WiMedia Alliance-based UWB wireless HD streaming solution here at CES, which highlights "Taiyo Yuden's antenna array on its mini-PCI reference design module with Sigma Designs' Windeo chipset." The unique three-antenna array offered on Yuden's solution supposedly offers up extended range possibilities, and fully supports Sigma's "Intelligent Array Radio" technology. Unfortunately there's no word on any end product uses just yet, nor any expected dates for this newfangled system to hit the mainstream, but with the ginormous pressures being felt around here to get wireless HD streaming out to consumer, we're sure it's pretty high up there on each company's priority list.
MediaGate finally launches MG-350HD, MG-35, and MG-25P in the US
This might not be quite as earth-rattling as iTunes getting ported to Windows, but it comes fairly close. MediaGate is finally launching its heralded media serving products here in the US of A, after spending two painstakingly long years parading around and thrilling folks in Japan. The "new" MG lineup are self-proclaimed "convergence products," and have done quite a swell job fusing data / media between the PC and TV, and now we Americans can get a taste of what we've been missing out on (or finding elsewhere). The MG-350HD entertainment server plays nice with Windows, Linux, and OS X-based operating systems, holds your choice of 3.5-inch hard drive, outputs in NTSC and PAL, and includes onboard Ethernet / WiFi, USB 2.0, stereo and digital audio outputs, DVI, S-Video, composite, and component. Moreover, it supports high definition streaming, MPEG1/2/3/4, AVI, M2V, DAT, VOD, XviD, OGG, WMA, BMP, GIF, and JPEG, and that's just to name a few popular formats. Aside from lacking WiFi, the MG-35 mimics its more feature-packed sibling just about to a T, but does tout Ximeta NDAS technology. The miniscule MG-25P boasts the most of the same functionality as its bigger brothers, but makes room for a 2.5-inch HDD, lacks a DVI out / WiFi, resides in a more durable enclosure for tight spots (like vehicles and shirt pockets), and also acts as "instant network storage" when you're done dishing out media. MediaGate's trio of media slingers are all supposedly available right now, with the MG-350HD costing $250, the MG-35 demanding $125, and the diminutive MG-25P running just around $80, all sans hard drives.
ViewSonic's high def "Made for iPod" projector
Today, ViewSonic announced its PJ258D iPod-ready projector. For just under a thousand bucks, you can insert your iPod and play back video on your favorite wall or screen. I applaud the fact that it's "made for iPod" and that you can dock your iPod right into that baby, but it strikes me as overly specialized and unnecessarily pricey even if you can hook up more conventional video to the thing. Engadget has a first-hand look at one of these units.
Lionsgate announces upcoming Blu-ray titles
We've seen various slates of HD DVD / Blu-ray titles come out today, and heading up the rear of the release lists is none other than Lionsgate. While a Lionsgate film (The Descent) has caused quite a bit of fuss lately, the studio is hoping to create some positive PR noise by announcing that 40 BD titles should be hitting shelves with its name on it during this year, starting with Crank. It also highlighted the Golden Globe-winning TV series Weeds would be making its way to Blu-ray disc, as well as Ultimate Avengers I and II on the animation side. If you're anxious to get a few more Lionsgate productions in your collection, Employee of the Month is landing on January 16th, while the sure-to-be-successful Saw III hits on the 23rd. Overall, Lionsgate's 2007 list is far from spectacular, but it's got a bit of everything mixed in, including one of our personal favorites: Reservoir Dogs on February 6th. Click on through to see the first 21 titles to be released from Lionsgate on Blu-ray disc this year.
Asus launches its own wireless HDMI over UWB offerings
Looks like CES 2007 is the place to be for wireless HDMI, as now we've seen offerings from AMIMON, Philips, and Tzero showcasing the ability to stream beautiful 1080p HD sans wires, and now Asus is joining the fold. Apparently basing its self-branded product line on technologies from Tzero and Analog Devices, the admittedly vague press release simply informs us that the company will be fighting tooth and nail in the wireless HDMI over UWB arena, and notes that we'll be seeing "accessory devices and embedded designs that dramatically simplify connections between home audio and video electronic components." Per usual, Asus' box will accept component, composite, S-Video, and HDMI (HDCP-compliant) signals, and the video is then compressed using Analog Devices' ADV202 JPEG2000 video codec, where it's then combined with audio, packetized and encrypted, and transmitted via the Tzero MAC and PHY chip. So until we can mosey on over to see some of this stuff in action, we'll just have to take Asus' word for it, as the company withheld information regarding model numbers, prices, and release dates for the time being.
Pretec unveils "world's smallest" microSD reader: i-Disk Micro
Hmm, looks like we've got a bit of a conflict here, as we've now got two companies claiming that its microSD reader is indeed the world's smallest. Of course, Pretec doesn't bother giving us the dimensions, so its crown will have to remain in pending for the time being, but the i-Disk Micro Reader is ridiculously small nonetheless, Capable of holding microSD cards from 32MB all the way up to 2GB in capacity, this bantam device comes in a transparent case to give users easy access to the size of the microSD card within, sports a curvaceous design to purportedly prevent scratches when carried around with your mobile, includes a nifty keychain attachment, and connects via USB 2.0. There's no mention of pricing nor availability, but just in case this whole "world's smallest" claim doesn't pan out for ole Pretec, at least they're also releasing a SDHC-friendly 20-in-1 flash card reader which it can boast about while eating its words.[Via MobileWhack]
Westinghouse kicks out five new LCD monitors
We guess good things come in fives for Westinghouse, as the firm has announced five new LCD monitors atop its five new digiframes and LCD HDTVs we caught earlier today. Ranging from 19- to 24-inches in size, all of these displays feature an "AllGlass" design that minimizes bezel and maximizes screen, and HD-Grade / DayBright panels that ensure "stunning daytime or nighttime viewing." The 19-inch L1928NV ($319) kicks off the low-end by rocking a 4:3 aspect ratio, 5-millisecond response time, 1,280 x 1,024 resolution, 650:1 contrast ratio, and DVI / VGA inputs. The widescreen flavor, dubbed L1975NW ($299), ups the resolution to 1,440 x 900, sports a 16:10 aspect ratio, 700:1 contrast ratio, and otherwise mimics its non-wide brethren. Taking care of the mid-range is the 20-inch L2046NV ($349), which touts a 1,400 x 1,050 resolution but shares its other specs with the L1928NV. The 22-inch LCM-22w3 ($449) provides a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, 5-millisecond response time, and a HDCP-compliant DVI port to boot. Closing it out is the 24-inch L2410NM ($699), which offers up a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 700:1 contrast ratio, 5-millisecond response time, and an HDCP-compliant HDMI port. While the big fella will be available later this month, the smaller four won't hit shelves until March, but there's plenty of other options out there if you're in a hurry.
Better and cheaper iPod screens from Philips
Now this I want. At CES 2007, Philips introduced two new iPod gadgets, the DCP750 and the DCP850 which allow you to dock your iPod and watch your video on a 7-inch or 8.5-inch screen. You can use the included car adapter, so you can watch video in your car on these nicely sized screens, or you can use the rechargeable battery (also included) that offers about two plus hours of playtime. When plugged in, your docked iPod will recharge. Both units also allow you to view photos from memory cards and play DVDs. (S)VCDs and DivX-on-disc as well. (There's an onboard DVD player as well as the memory card reader.) Best of all, the units cost $150 or $200. Much better thought out, I think, than the Altec. Here's a link to the press release, but be warned it's a Word doc.
Optoma announces trio of DLP projectors
Joining ViewSonic, Microvision, and Sharp, it looks like Optoma has a trio of its own projectors to lust over at CES, and they're all sporting that trendy DLP sticker as well. Up first is the 1080-capable HD81-LV, which pretty much stomps its predecessor in the specs department by offering up 2,500 ANSI lumens, 12,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI. If you're really feeling like emptying that piggy bank, you can add on the $3,999 BX-AL133 Cinemascope lens, which converts Hollywood movies into their native 2.35:1 aspect ratio for ultra-widescreen viewing. Coming down from the stratosphere, we run into the MovieTime DV11, which handily replaces the DV10 by keeping the integrated DVD player, featuring two five-watt stereo speakers, 1,300 ANSI lumens, 800 x 600 resolution, 2,500:1 contrast ratio, and a more reasonable $999 pricetag. Closing out the trifecta is the TX773, which was admittedly crafted more so for the office than your home theater room, and offers up 3,500 ANSI lumens, a 1,024 x 768 resolution, and DVI / VGA inputs; of course, you'd better be landing a rather large deal with it, or else the $2,499 pricetag might not really be justified. Nevertheless, all three of Optoma's latest should be shipping soon, and regardless of your motive, one of 'em ought to fit the bill. Click on through for a few more snapshots.
Duracell/Battery Biz combines battery power, FM transmitter and iPod
Here's a completely offbeat product introduced at this year's Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show: it's a Duracell battery that boosts your iPod's playback power and provides an FM transmitter for your music. According to the video, it's manufactured by Battery Biz which has licensed the Duracell name. To be fair, it would never occur to me to combine an FM transmitter (great for the car, where there's easy access to 12-Volt power for iPod chargers) and a battery booster (great for travel, when you don't need to connect to a car radio), but there you have it. It's CES time; let the madness proclaim itself in all its glory.
Actual Waterproof iPod case demonstrated at CES
Remember how disappointed TUAW readers were in the H2O Audio "waterproof" Nano housing that was, at best, water resistant? Today's Las Vegas-based Consumer Electronics Show brings better news. Here's a demonstration of an actual waterproof container for your iPod, courtesy of Atlantic's EGO waterproof sound case (PDF). Unfortunately, they've designed this for party goers rather than lap swimmers, but it's still a very nice step in the right direction. How hard do you think it would be to hear this thing in a shower? Pretty hard, I'd imagine. And does it look to you like it's built for rough handling or just to float and get occasionally splashed?[Via SFChron]
Samsung and Cox get friendly over OCAP
It was exactly a year ago today that cable companies were getting all warm and fuzzy with OCAP, saying they were meant to be together and couldn't do without one another. Of course, once CES 2006 ended, so did all that lovey-dovey talk. Once again a cable provider is going out of its way to show support for the OpenCable Application Platform, as Cox Communications has signed a hardly-binding letter of intent "to accelerate the development of interactive digital cable services leveraging OCAP on Samsung HDTVs, set-top boxes and digital video recorders." Of course, we heard this same line at last year's Samsung press conference, but hey, we're willing to give it one more chance. No particulars were given in regard to any certain HDTV, STB, or DVR that would be coming down the pike, nor how quickly this stuff would get accomplished, but until we hear something substantial regarding progress after CES, we're not holding our collective breath on this one.
51GB triple-layer HD DVDs in the pipeline?
Just after Verbatim announces that it's shipping 30GB dual-layer HD DVD-Rs our way, here comes some more news to slightly deflate that bubble. At an HD DVD presentation held at CES, at interesting PowerPoint slide caught our eye, as it (very briefly) described plans to "expand HD DVD disc capacity from 15GB to 17GB per layer, and moreover, to add a third layer as well, eventually resulting in a 51GB HD DVD disc. Aside from upping the ante on Blu-ray's capacity by a measly 1GB (currently, at least), it's also noted that "technical feasibility" has yet to be confirmed, and that standardization wouldn't occur until Q4 of this year at the earliest, but it's a novel idea to say the least. So if you're looking to pick up an HD DVD player right this moment, and can't wait to embrace all the potential compatibility issues with a drive never made to play these newfangled, triple-layered discs, have at it -- of course, all those conflicts rely on this pipedream ever being realized. It should be interesting to see how (if at all) the BDA addresses this potential new disc in their press conference later today, and if they'll pay any attention to possibly being leapfrogged in an area they currently lead. Pfft, and you thought the HD DVD / Blu-ray war was settled.
Live at CES!
Team Engadget is on the ground in Vegas for this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Hope you're ready, because everything's going to get a little crazy here for the next six days or so. Expect a full-on avalanche of posts as we hit you with wall-to-wall coverage of the show, including booth tours, keynote coverage, podcasts, videos, and writeups of every new product we can get our hands on. We'll be hitting up Macworld too on Tuesday, so prepare for the coming week to be one of the craziest we've yet seen.
