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Microsoft co-opts QR codes, Pet Shop Boys 'not stoked'
Microsoft has announced that they're jumping onto the mobile tagging thing, having developed a system of High Capacity Color Barcodes that encode information in tags smaller than those allowed by QRCode and Datamatrix formats. Additionally, the specification has been designed to work with out-of-focus and fixed-focus cameras, making the thing more feasible for cellphone use. Although the "humanities" angle is kind of cute -- the company is rightfully stoked over the fact that HCCBs were on exhibit at MoMA in New York -- this is clearly aimed at organizations looking to sell more people even more useless junk. Hooray for conspicuous consumption!
Sanyo punches out PDG-DHT100JL 1080p DLP projector
Sanyo already delivered a sub-$2,000 1080p projector today, but the PDG-DHT100JL DLP beamer is definitely a notch above. The noticeably more brawny PJ, which is destined for a Japanese release in March, packs a 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, 6,500 lumens, twin UHP lamp and a dual twin color wheel system. No word on a price just yet, but trust us, it'll be up there.
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 in action
We dropped by to get a look at Symwave's SuperSpeed promised USB 3.0 setup, and got a real earful on the technology and its potential. Due to start shipping in devices near the end of the year, Symwave's chipset will hold up the device-end of the transaction, communicating with SATA for 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. Since the host end of USB 3.0's plug is fully compatible with USB 2.0 (and 1.0, as it turns out), they expect folks to start buying future-proof USB 3.0 hard drives and wait for computer manufacturers to build it in -- or just grab a PCIe card if they're really enthusiastic. With around 10 times the headroom -- about 500MB a second -- of USB 2.0, the real bottleneck now is hard drive speeds. In the test we saw, the drive averaged around 78MB per second, and we can easily see SSD and RAID scenarios exploring this transfer speed. Their prototype setup to accomplish this was sprawling and a little bit ghetto, but by the time this is shipping in devices the chip will be shrunk down to about the size of a stamp. Action video is after the break.%Gallery-41444%
Audiovox in-car MediaFLO hands-on
Qualcomm's MediaFLO tech was originally intended for screens so small that resolution, artifacting, and wholesale crappiness don't really matter, but when you're building out a whole new wireless network for this thing, monetization is a high priority wherever you can find it. To that end, Audiovox is lending a helping hand with a new receiver launching later this year that'll plug into most in-car video systems and deliver MediaFLO programming straight to your back seat, your front seat, or whatever bizarre place (engine compartment, maybe?) you've mounted a display. We weren't terribly impressed with the video quality; generally speaking, DVD is probably the better entertainment option here, but if live shows are a must-have for you, this is just about the only cheap, easy way to roll. We're told 10 to 15 channels will be available at launch -- but unfortunately, Audiovox says that neither AT&T's nor Verizon's exclusive channels will be part of the lineup. Pricing hasn't been announced; if we had to guess, we'd figure on something like $20 per month, so you'd better really desperately need blurry TV when the drive gets boring.%Gallery-41382%
Video: Microsoft's new Sync hands, eyes, and ears on
Microsoft's Sync hasn't exactly taken the automotive world by storm, but the updates coming to 2010 Fords seem like they could earn the service a little respect. Microsoft has added a suite of new services including voice-driven news, traffic info, and directions. We got a quick demonstration inside a shiny new Ford Escape, which kindly provided us with directions to the world's 35th-largest hydroelectric dam (you can find your way to the video below). We also got some further details on how the service uses Bluetooth to tether to any handset, downloading content using a voice call so that you can use this completely fee-free -- even if you don't have a data plan. Yes the display is simplistic to say the least, but having access to this kind of functionality without recurring monthly charges (for three years, at least) sounds fantastic to us. %Gallery-41428%
Nvidia GeForce 3DVision gets reviewed
The short, happy history of 3D gaming has been unimpressive -- dual-display glasses and high-priced 3D monitors have generally failed to bring source material originally built for two dimensions into the three dimensional world. Keeping this in mind, the kids at bit-tech seem to be as wary as we are, but when all is said and done they came away from the sordid affair rather impressed. "An excellent piece of tech," they said -- one that actually seems to work on existing games -- although the fact that a new monitor is required to use it "knocks the legs out from underneath." Sure, it worked well enough that the well-heeled, hardcore gamer might be interested in it, but for the time being this doesn't seem to be an option for the casual consumer. But don't take our word for it: hit the read link for the in-depth review.
TRENDnet churns out TEW-647GA Wireless N gaming adapter
Not quite sure what makes this "gaming router" so suitable for you "gamers" out there, but TRENDnet's a firm believer that its CES-announced TEW-647GA is ready and willing to handle those online deathmatches. Though not nearly as minuscule as the TEW-654TR, this 300Mbps 802.11b/g/n router promises a lag-free connection (provided that your broadband connection is worth a darn) and simple setup with PCs and all manners of game consoles. Check it someday after today for some price greater than a penny.
Hauppauge HD-PVR now plays nice with PS3
Hauppauge's HD-PVR just keeps getting new friends at CES this year -- first was the EyeTV, and now the PS3 has gained access to the club treehouse. Say goodbye to your workflow for getting HD PVR-recorded content to your PS3, the Hauppauge box now records directly to a PS3-ready format, with 5-channel audio intact. This is a step in the right direction for users who are determined to make the PS3 the center of all their entertainment, but in our view the setup will still be hampered by the experience of accessing lots of media through the PS3's UI. But by all means, if this functionality completes your AV puzzle, jump right in.
Velocity Micro delivers NoteMagix M10 netbook and M5 UMPC
Answering the call for yet another netbook in the world is Velocity Micro, who has graciously provided us with the NoteMagix M10 (pictured) here at CES. The 10.1-inch machine includes a 4-cell battery for up 5 hours of usage, 802.11b/g WiFi, a 2.6 pound chassis, Windows XP running the show and a custom carrying case to really showcase its awesomeness. Never mind those trivial tidbits like CPU model / speed, RAM quantity and GPU type -- Velocity Micro clearly thinks you don't even need 'em. Moving on, we've got the even more portable 4.8-inch NoteMagix M5 UMPC, with packs a touchscreen display, full QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, Bluetooth, integrated 3G WWAN and 5 hours of battery life. Both machines should be available later this Spring for prices that are currently unknown.[Via NotebookReview]
Paradigm gives its Reference Studio speakers a bump to v.5
Paradigm has brought a revised Reference Studio speaker lineup to CES, bringing the line to v.5 designation. The aesthetics have been refreshed with new curvaceous cabinetry and updated grilles, and there are a few new speakers in the family as well. Leaving aside the incremental technical updates to the time-tested and solid design, the newness includes more members in the family -- the Studio 10, and the Reference SUB 12 and SUB 15 subwoofers. Prices range from $399 each for the Studio 10 and stretch up to $1,499 for the Studio 100 model. The Reference Studio recipe is a time-tested sonic winner and is easy on the eyes, so we don't see how this revision could miss the mark; your choice of options is detailed after the break.UPDATE: The prices are per speaker. - Thanks, MS4.
Optoma reveals HD8200 and HD808 HD projectors
Until now, Optoma has pretty much been a no show at CES this year, but our mums always said that late was better than never. At any rate, the company is finally coming clean with two new high-def projectors: the HD8200 and HD808. Both beamers are powered by Pixelworks' PW9800 co-processor with DNX MotionEngine, and of course, they sport a native 1080p resolution. The HD8200 ($4,999.99) is rated at 1,300 ANSI lumens / 20,000:1 contrast ratio while the HD808 ($3,499) scales back to 1,200 lumens / 15,000:1 CR. Consumers are entirely more likely to find the latter in stores, as the former is reportedly tailored to custom channels. For more details on each, give the links below a look.[Via PC Mag]
Haier rings up two new LCD TVs at CES
Being the official HDTV of the NBA, would you expect Haier to do any less than ring up a pair of new TVs at CES? Both the 47-inch HL47XT1 and the 42-inch HL42XT1 have good specs (especially given the company's durable goods background), each touting 1080p resolution, four HDMI inputs, LED backlighting and 120Hz refresh rates. These sets also pack hidden Sound Chamber speakers (tweeter and midrange drivers mated up to a port for enhanced bass response) and SRS TruSurround XT circuitry to float a soundfield into the room. Sounds good, and the specs are entirely competitive, but some pricing and availability info more specific than "2009" would sure help gauge where these TVs will fit in the market -- hopefully these two aren't bricks like some of the company's other efforts.
MiniWIZ debuts solar-powered Solarbulb lamp / bottle cover
We haven't heard a whole lot from MiniWIZ since it introduced its Hymini wind / solar charger quite a while back, but the company looks to have rolled into CES with at least one new offering: the seemingly 2001-inspired Solarbulb lamp. To complete the device, however, you'll have to supply your own bottle, which attaches to the bottom and can be filled with water to provide a sturdy base and some sure to be soothing lighting. The lamp itself is supposedly fully weatherproof and apparently charges in just 3-4 hours of daylight, with it able to store enough energy to provide about six hours of continuous night lighting. Unfortunately, there's no word on a price or release date just yet, though the replacement bulbs will apparently set you back between $23 and $25 apiece.[Via Inhabitat]
Jimmy Fallon and Engadget: raw and uncut
We had a chance to get on the show floor at CES and chat with Jimmy Fallon (the new face of late night television as he's taking over for Conan O'Brien in March) on his gadget tastes, stock purchases, and jacket size. We hope you enjoy as much as we did.Special thanks to Trent Wolbe for shooting the video
Samsung intros SL102 / SL420 point-and-shoots, no one notices
Samsung has already thrown most of its excitement out here at CES, and after looking at the SL102 and SL420, you might argue that "most" should actually be "all." Nah, there's nothing intrinsically awful about either of these 10.2 megapixel shooters, but they're certainly amongst the most ho hum delivered at the show. Both of the SL-Series devices also offer up Face Detection, rechargeable Li-ion batteries and Digital Image Stabilization technology. As for differences, the SL102 packs a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD, while the SL402 includes a 2.7-inch LCD monitor and a 5x optical zoom. Like we said, pretty boring, but we don't doubt their ability to get the job done if it really came down to it.
Video: Windows Media Center 7 with touch interface
Although many of the devout Media Center fans were disappointed with the the Microsoft keynote, Windows Media Center 7 most definitely raises the bar for DVR software. The new guide is really cool and also addresses some of the bigger pain points for MC users. Then, to really dazzle your friends Microsoft has added a touch interface whitch is not only really really cool to play with, it will also be very useful for those with touch screen computers in locations like a kitchen.
Anybots rolls out QA, the telegenic telepresence robot
Also making the scene in Las Vegas this week, QA is designed specifically for telepresence. This guy stands 5 feet tall and is kitted with a 5 megapixel camera, forward-mounted display, WiFi and optional 3G connectivity, and a laser pointer for, well, pointing at things. Available for purchase sometime in late 2009, the price will be somewhere in the $15,000 - $25,000 range. Video after the break.[Via Get Robo]
Dell Studio XPS 13 and 16 hands-on
We hit up Dell for a few more minutes with the sleek new Studio XPS 13 and 16, and our positive early impressions just got better with time. We're really digging the leather panel on the lid, and while the machines are total fingerprint magnets, when they're cleaned up they're pretty eye-catching -- particularly the light-up circles on the hinges and the backlit keyboard and mouse buttons. Even the bottom is slick -- it's nicely detailed and the whole things lifts off (Dell calls it a "garage door") for easy access to the RAM and hard drive. We nabbed a ton of shots, check it out in the gallery!%Gallery-41436%
Crapgadget CES, round 2: Stereo Bluetooth Sunglasses
We are ready.Max Headroom action after the break.
Video: Panasonic SC-HC3 iPod stereo system hands-on
Panasonic had its slim SC-HC3 iPod / CD dock on display in its booth at CES so we made the long trek to LVCC's central hall from our sweet double-wide HQ. For some reason, they didn't have a single iPod available for us to test it with (go figure), but the thing wasn't lacking in the looks department. If you're interested, Panasonic's estimating availability for March at around $200. Still images of the system in action are available below, or peep some video of the sliding mechanism after the break.%Gallery-41396%
