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LG G Flex will be $300 on AT&T, pre-orders begin January 24th
Sprint was the first out of the gate to announce LG G Flex pricing and availability for the US, but AT&T isn't too far behind. The network just made it be known that the curved smartphone will be available for pre-order online and at retail stores starting January 24th. We haven't been given specifics on when the device will get shipped out to early adopters, nor do we have a date on when it'll be stocked on shelves for everyone else -- but we do know, however, that it'll be all yours for $300 with a two-year contract. If you'd rather get it on a Next plan, you can do so by paying $27 per month (on an 18-month plan) or $35 per month (on a 12-month plan). We're still awaiting word on when T-Mobile's option will come out, but we'd guess that we'll be hearing pretty soon.
RCA will launch budget Android Ultra HD TVs, Roku Ready 1080p versions and even curved LCDs
As predicted, CES 2014 is featuring a flood of Ultra HD televisions, and they're not all from the big names. RCA is at Digital Experience showing off a 65-inch version of its new series with 3,840 x 2,160 res screens. Manufactured by On Corporation, they're also smart TVs, including the Android TV platform (formerly known as Google TV), complete with Search, Chrome and the PrimeTime guide, plus Miracast for screen mirroring. The LED-lit TVs will ship in 55-, 65- and 84-inch variants later this year and while they don't have pricetags yet, we're expecting these to come in at a lower price, similar to previous TVs from the brand. Not ready to make the 4K jump? RCA will also have Roku Ready TVs that ship with the Streaming Stick packed-in available in a multitude of sizes, Android-packing 1080p TVs, and even promises two curved LCDs in 46- and 55-inch sizes.
Samsung announces its curved 78-inch UHD TV: runs faster, works smarter
Samsung's new curved UHD TV spans 78 inches and will be one of 10 new 4K sets hoping to convince you to make the upgrade. It'll be joined by both the 55- and 65-inch models revealed at IFA last year, but thankfully we've now got a lot more details on what's going on underneath those pixels and curves. The 78-inch U9000 model is just 1.2 inches deep, but gets a quad-core processor for all the heavy visual lifting. Samsung's trying to appeal to those of you that like to use your tablets while watching TV too, with a new Multi-Link mode that will share the screen up to four ways, with the ability to use the built-in web browser or even watch related YouTube videos. Upgrading the processor from previous models now means that the Smart TV gets to work from 1.8 seconds. Big deal? Well, when it took Samsung's older models more than five seconds to warm up, it's a pretty impressive improvement. There's also those previously teased gesture upgrades, offering up the ability to switch channels and adjust volume with a finger -- we didn't get to test this out at Samsung's fancy Vegas launch party, but we'll definitely be running through all those features in the coming days. Following standard CES tradition, the company unfortunately wasn't sharing pricing or availability details on these UHD TVs, but we'd hazard a guess that we'll be hearing more in the next few months.
Samsung shows off its 85-inch curved TV that bends with the touch of a button (video)
Somewhere to the right of Samsung's huge 105-inch UHD TV, there was something even more curious. The TV was initially switched off, but otherwise plainly labelled for all to see: "85-inch bending TV." We stuck around to see it in action -- check it out after the break. Many will say why. Others, simply, why not? Todd Thoenig contributed to this report.
LG's bringing Ultra HD OLED TVs in more sizes to CES, ramping up production
Last year LG and Samsung did battle with their first few commercially released OLED HDTVs, and now at CES 2014 we're moving on to round two. The curved 77-inch Ultra HD OLED shown as a concept late last year will return, this time rocking a model number (77EC9800) and focus on specs (3D, upscaling, apps and processing of 4K video) that makes it seem due for release very soon, along with 55- and 65-inch sizes. It's also showing off a second gen 55-inch curved OLED HDTV (no ultra) that it claims has "more recyclable materials and considerably fewer parts" than its predecessor. While being green is nice, we're most interested in knowing if the 55EB9600 can ship for a price well below $10,000. Flat TV fans will have to live with the same 55-inch "Gallery OLED" from a few months ago (and possibly US release information?), however the most important news will probably not be seen on the show floor. LG closes its press release with word that it's expanding production in a number of countries outside Korea, with plants in Brazil, Poland, China and Thailand already built. Of particular interest to us is a facility in Mexico opening later this year specifically meant to serve the North American market. Now that OLED TVs are a reality the race has moved to who can produce an affordable version, and these new plants will go a long way towards helping LG do that.
Samsung has its own 105-inch, ultrawidescreen UHD TV to show at CES
Samsung couldn't possibly let its Korean rival LG jump ahead in the race to produce astoundingly large super high res televisions we can't afford, and as such has unveiled its own 105-inch, ultrawide, ultra high definition TV. It will be at CES, just like the model LG announced earlier tonight, and while it's unlikely to fit in our living rooms -- or budgets -- we're planning on taking a closer look as soon as possible. After apparently fading out late last year, it appears the ultrawidescreen 21:9 format is also suddenly hot again, at least for these demo models, matching the IMAX-style curvature of these screens. The pixel count is a stunning 5,120 x 2,160, and Samsung is already claiming this one is "the world's most curved." While LG and Samsung have gone head to head in recent years with Ultra HD, OLED and curved OLED TVs, the extreme sizes seen here remind us mostly of CES 2007's battle between a Sharp 108-inch LCD and Samsung's 102-inch plasma.
LG's 105-inch, 21:9 curved UHD TV is wide enough to be a tanning bed
LG already has a big 77-inch curved Ultra HD OLED TV, but why stop there? The Korean company has just announced that it will be unveiling a 105-inch version at CES next month, but with a twist: this one uses LCD instead of the more expensive OLED, courtesy of improved TFT technology for an even backlighting across the curved surface. Furthermore, this 105UB9 model has a wider-than-usual 21:9 "CinemaScope" aspect ratio, thus providing a 5,120 x 2,160 UHD resolution (but technically not 5K). While we likely won't find out about the pricing of this monstrosity until CES, this milestone for LG Display's LCD technology could signify a wave of more affordable curved TVs next year -- much like what Sony's attempting with its S990A. Stay tuned for our eyes-on report once we hit the show floor.
LG's G Flex curved phone makes a surprise debut in Argentina
We got our first clear look at LG's curved G Flex smartphone in press shots just a few days ago, and now the device itself has popped up. The Verge points out tech journalist Frederico Ini of Telefe Noticias, a news program based in Argentina, has apparently obtained a prototype and brought it in to the studio for some hands-on pics and video. Curved from the bottom to the top (like the Galaxy Nexus) instead of side to side like Samsung's Galaxy Round, it also features rear mounted buttons just like LG's current flagship the G2. We've heard that the G Flex will feature a 6-inch OLED display when it's announced next month, although other details remain unknown. [Image credit: Frederico Ini]
Samsung's curved smartphone is the Galaxy Round, launches in Korea tomorrow (video)
Samsung's concave phone is very much real, and after being teased in leaks hours earlier, SK Telecom has announced it'll launch the Galaxy Round on its network as soon as tomorrow. The device's highlight is obviously the gently curved 1080p 5.7-inch OLED screen, and Samsung is also promising a melee of software tweaks for the smartphone, aimed at making the most of it. For example, tilting the phone to the side will offer up notifications, battery levels and more at a glance. Other specifications revealed so far include a 7.9mm profile and that it weighs less than the Note 3, at 154g. Curiously, it looks pretty different to the curved-screen prototype smartphone that Samsung displayed at CES earlier this year -- if the Galaxy Round is facing down, there's no way to peek at notifications without flipping it over. The new phone will also pack the necessary LTE radios and a 2,800mAh battery, launching initially in a 'luxury brown' color option for just over 1 million won -- that's around $1,000. We've got the official press shot and a roll notification demo video after the break.
Samsung's curved smartphone gets pictured in leak (update: now official)
If you think there's something wrong with the image above, you wouldn't be alone -- but it is, in fact, what it's supposed to look like. As you can tell, this may very well be the first Samsung device that takes advantage of the Korean manufacturer's flexible screen, as shown to us by notorious leakster @evleaks. If this is accurate, it's quite a bit different than the prototype we originally saw at CES this past January, which featured a flat display that drooped off on one side and was designed to show a ticker-like notification bar. The image above also shows what appears to be a Korean version of the rumored device, but we don't know for sure if it'll ever see the light of day in other countries. This also indicates that an upcoming launch may very well be close at hand. We'll update our post with more pictures if or when they come in. Update: Another pic of the SM-G910S (the curved phone's rumored model number) has been added after the break. @evleaks has also mentioned that this is indeed going to be a Korean device. Update 2: It didn't take too long for the phone to become official as the Galaxy Round. Head here for the full rundown.
LG Chem has curved batteries in production, ready for 'phones, watches and glasses'
Similar to LG's run up to the Optimus G last year, it's again demonstrating how each of its various units participate in building the next LG smartphone. Now that LG Display has confirmed production of "bendable and unbreakable" smartphone displays, it's LG Chem's turn to show off what it's doing. The company announced today that it has curved batteries in mass production, which will power the next generation smart phone from LG Electronics. Using its patented "Stack and Folding technology" the company can build batteries it says will fit phones, as well as watches or glasses. Other designs it's cooked up include the Stepped Battery it uses to fill extra space in the new G2 with more battery, providing 16 percent more capacity. Finally, its Cable Battery (pictured above) will be ready in "upcoming years," with a design perfect for wearables or watches that can even be tied in a knot, and won't heat up during use.
LG confirms production of 'bendable and unbreakable' smartphone displays
It's been a long time coming, but LG's foray into elastic smartphone displays is finally going mainstream. The company has confirmed that it will begin mass-producing a new lightweight 6-inch panel that, it claims, is the world's first flexible OLED panel for smartphones. The display is built from plastic substrates that give it bendable properties, allowing it to be fixed inside devices with curved (but likely rigid) designs. Reports suggest LG could include its first flexible screen inside the G Flex, a new 6-inch smartphone set to be announced next month, but the company points to new products with "enhanced performance and differentiated designs" coming next year. Something tells us LG may move quickly to announce its first such product, with Samsung strongly tipped to unveil its own exotically-shaped smartphone next month. It's probable that both devices will be artistically bent to achieve their form, so we'll probably have to wait a little longer for something that actually bends into our jean pockets.
Samsung exec admits Galaxy Gear smartwatch 'lacks something special'
In an unusual bout of frankness, a Samsung official has acknowledged that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch lacks, you know, whatever the Korean is for je ne sais quoi. As reported by the Korea Times, the unnamed official said: "We've acknowledged that our Gear lacks something special. With more investment for user interface and user experience, Samsung devices will be better in terms of customer satisfaction." We're not sure if the source of the quote is Samsung's VP of strategic marketing, Lee Don-joo, but this exec is quoted in the same Korea Times article as saying that the watch is "definitely receiving a warm response" and that improvements would stem from software tweaks and the hiring of new UI experts, rather than from the development of a whole new device. He described the Gear as part of Samsung's drive to create new categories of "wow product" and, in virtually the same gasp, he also reiterated that Samsung would launch some sort of heavily curved -- or perhaps even partially bendable -- smartphone in Korea next month.
Sony unveils the world's first curved LED TV: pre-orders open now for $4,000
Sony didn't mention this during its IFA press event, but it just unveiled a big treat for home theater fans: meet the S990A, the world's first curved-screen LED TV. The introductory 65-inch, 1080p model uses the same color-rich Triluminos display technology that we've seen in Sony's recent TVs, just in a more immersive (or at least, more impressive-looking) form factor. Its built-in sound quality reportedly gets a boost, too. Since the eight built-in speakers are angled at different directions, Sony can simulate surround sound more convincingly than it could with a flat-panel set. As you'd expect, the TV also includes mobile-friendly features like Smart Connect media sharing, One-touch NFC remote pairing and second screen interaction through SideView. The S990A won't ship to the US until late October, but Sony is taking pre-orders today -- and at a $4,000 asking price, the curved LED set is much more affordable than its OLED counterparts. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
LG's 55-inch curved OLED TV hits Germany for 8,999 euros this week
Following its availability at several Best Buy locations across the US, LG's 55-inch curved OLED TV is finally making its way to Europe. The company today announced that it'll arrive in Germany this week for 8,999 euros (roughly $12,000), with wider availability and pricing set to be announced in Q4. LG notes that it stands as the first to offer this type of kit in both the US and the EU, though, we're sure Samsung won't lag too far behind as usual. Full press release after the break.
Samsung's 55-inch curved OLED TV set to land in the US this week for $15k
Well, it looks like LG won't be the only option available this month for those in the market for a 55-inch curved OLED TV. According to CNET, Samsung's similar TV set, already on sale in Korea, is headed to "select dealers" in the US as early as this week. At least one of those, NY-based Value Electronics, says that its shipment is already on the way, and that it will run the same $14,999 that LG's TV demands at Best Buy. To be clear, that is $15k per TV. One TV. Fifteen thousand dollars. Slightly curved.
LG will launch the world's first 55-inch curved OLED HDTV (update)
We heard that the curved OLED HDTV prototypes LG showed at CES would be coming soon, and now it's official. A Korean press release indicates we can expect the 55EA9800 to launch in the next month, with shipments starting in June. According to the specs, its 4.3mm depth results in a weight of just 17kg, probably thanks to a carbon-fiber reinforced frame. Like an IMAX theater screen, the edges are curved towards the viewer to provide a more immersive feeling. Given the fact that we're still waiting for LG's flat OLED TVs to see a wider release we doubt it will arrive on US shelves any time soon, but until then you can check out our in-person pics from CES below, and a video after the break. Update: LG sent over the English press release, which confirms pre-orders start today at more than 1,400 retail locations with a price of 15 million Korean won ($13,500), a healthy bump over the standard version's $10K MSRP. Release dates and pricing for non-Korean markets are coming "in the months ahead," check after the break to read all the details first hand.
Daily iPhone App: Curved
I have a soft spot for image editing apps that let me add some flair to the photos I take with my iPhone. One app that has made its way into my permanent tool bag is Curved. As its name implies, Curved Text on Photo lets you overlay multiple layers of curved text on your iPhone and iPad images. Curved lets you add text and then apply a variety of shapes to wrap the text around elements within your image. Curved shapes include a wave, arc, bell, full circle, semi-circle and others. You can even draw your own lines to wrap the text in the way that works best for your photo. Once your curved text is complete, you can further stylize the look with an artistic font. The app ships with a handful of fonts and extra fonts are available via an in-app purchase. Curved is more than just a text overlay app as it also has a basic photo editor that lets you tweak your image. Tools include contrast, brightness, crop, blemish remover, stickers and more. If you don't like the effects and stickers available by default in the app, you can purchase additional packs for 99-cents each. When you are done with your creation, you can export the image at full resolution to your photo album. You can also share it via email or send it to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr. Curved has another option that lets you send the image to other compatible apps that are installed on your iPhone. Curved is available in the iOS App Store for US$1.99.
Atmel's XSense technology will make curved touchscreens possible (hands-on)
Atmel's XSense technology made its debut way back in April of 2012, but today ASUS became the first big name gadget maker to commit to using the tech -- pledging to put it in an unnamed next-gen tablet set to debut in Q1 of this year. For those unfamiliar, XSense is a capacitive touch sensor that can be bent and bonded to surfaces of any shape. We got to see XSense for ourselves at CES today and chat with its makers to learn a little more about it. While there are no technical limitations to the size of its touch sensors, Atmel's technology is currently limited to a max size of 32 inches due to manufacturing constraints. However, the company has plans to increase that fabrication size at its Colorado manufacturing facilities. We got to test out the technology on a piece of Corning Gorilla Glass bonded imbued with XSense (alas, no ASUS tablet sneak peeks to be had), and can confirm that the technology does work quite well. The company sees its touch sensor as a way for device makers to utilize currently unused edge real estate on phones and tablets, in addition to providing designers with more flexibility when creating gadgets. Of course, we'll have to see what kind of creative ways ASUS and other OEMs implement XSense, but you can see some shots of the sensor film and Atmel's demo unit in our gallery below. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Apple patents a method to refine curved glass for displays and beyond
The curved screens of Samsung's Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus helped them stand out in the smartphone crowd, but it's clearer than ever that the company doesn't have a lock on the idea. Apple is exploring the concept as well: it just received a patent for a technique that molds thin glass into bent or curved shapes without a drawn-out process or using risky chemicals. By having alignment tools shift along with hotter temperatures during a glass slumping process, where the material shapes itself around a mold, Apple can bend glass without any interference -- leading to curvy surfaces that are both quicker to make and higher quality. A patent doesn't mean that we'll see a curved iPhone in the immediate future, though. Apple leaves its options open and suggests that anything from mice to TVs could be candidates, should the company take action at all. If the patent ever applies to real-world products, however, we'll have an inkling as to how the bendy shapes came to be.
