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Microsoft delves into Windows 8's media core, promises HD chat and 3D video for all
Microsoft's deep exploration of Windows 8's numerous tweaks has swung to one of the most important components for the onslaught of tablets we're about to see: the media foundations. The pipeline is now much leaner than it was in Windows 7, both through lower lag and miserly energy use that should keep that Skype video call from falling out of sync and killing your battery. Tuning up the video performance also makes in-the-box HD webcam support an easy feat, and Microsoft has thrown in extras like Stereo 3D video and multiple audio tracks for one video. There's much (much, much) more detail from Microsoft's group program manager Scott Manchester, so if you want to know the intricacies of Windows 8's moving pictures and sound, head on over to the source and get an eye- or earful.
Ask Engadget: Best boardroom Skype gear?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Hugh, who wants his businesses conference calls broadcasted in eye-watering detail. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. Our office here in Sydney is getting some big screen HDTVs hooked up to a PC running Skype. We'd like to put together an amazing HD video conferencing setup with a webcam that can show the six or seven people around our table as well as a noise canceling microphone or USB table mic. Any suggestion anyone has would be great, thanks heaps!Let's improve the general standard of the traditionally dour boardroom IT setup by suggesting something world-class, okay chaps and chapesses? It's over to you.
InFocus Mondopad is a 55-inch multitouch display with an identity crisis (video)
What do you get when you mix buzzwords like "cloud" and "tablet" with an enourmous multi-touch monitor? The InFocus Mondopad, that's what. The company anticipates that this 55-inch 1080p high-definition panel "wall tablet", equipped with WiFi and a 720p webam / soundbar, will bring pad-like functionality to your next presentation in a big way. The proprietary software mimics the feel of a mobile OS -- only bigger and blander looking -- with basic apps like a whiteboard and web browser, as well as support for Office, JPG, and PDF files. Also inside is Intel's vPro tech, enabling remote access and file sharing with mobile devices -- or having dual-screen sessions with a 58-inch iPhone table, for instance. Pre-ordering one will run you $5,949 for delivery in July and VoIP service through Vidtel will cost $49 a month per connection. No word yet on whether a more portable version is the works, but you'll find some PR and a video walkthrough after the break. Update: We've been informed by InFocus that the Mondopad is running Windows 7 along with pre-loaded apps.
Microsoft announces budget-friendly Lifecam HD-3000 webcam, Comfort and Express mice
Digging the 1080p LifeCam Studio but don't feel like spending $100? Or, maybe you don't need all those p's? Microsoft has, for you and you alone, announced the new LifeCam HD-3000. It tops out at 720p but retails for a more palatable $39.95. Also newly announced is a trio of mice, first and most exciting being the $19.95 Express Mouse (above) which, according to Microsoft, has both the looks and the moves. We're not really sure what that means, but it is kind of funky looking with the offset cord your choice of six colors ranging from "Hibiscus Red" to "Dahlia Pink." For those who'd rather stick with something less-flowery there's the Comfort Mouse 3000 for the same price, similar features in a design less likely to stand out in the conference room. Or, cough up another $10 for the $29.95 Comfort Mouse 6000, pictured below. It gives up ambidextrous pretenses in favor of a more form-fitting shape and five whole buttons. Can you handle that many buttons? Yeah, you totally can.
Toshiba updates Qosmio X505 with new Core 2011 processors and NVIDIA graphics
Update 'em all! That's Toshiba's laptop motto here at CES. Along with the A and M series, Toshiba's plugged its Qosmio X505 with the latest Intel Core i7-2630QM and Core i5-2410M processors. The powerhouse multimedia laptop is still just that, and in fact, its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics with 1.5GB DDR5 discrete graphics memory can support NVIDIA's 3DTV Play, which lets you output 3D content or games over HDMI to your living room's 3D display. Other than that the X505 still has all the high end features you'd ever want in a 18.4-inch chassis, including a 1920 x 1080-resolution display, Harman/Kardon speakers, HD webcam, and a Blu-ray drive. The rig will be available in the coming months for $1300 to $1900 -- hit the break for one more picture.
Dell XPS 14 review
When Dell told us of its plans to revive its tried and true XPS laptop line we were pretty darn excited. With so much brand dilution in the past few years -- there's been the Adamo XPS and the Studio XPS -- the products have noticeably strayed from providing the rock solid gaming and multimedia experience they were once known for. There's a reason XPS stands for Xtreme Performance System, right?! The new line, which includes 14-, 15-, 17-inch systems, has all the ingredients to set it back on track -- including Core i5 / i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce 400M graphics with Optimus, JBL speakers, a backlit keyboard, an HD webcam and a solid aluminum lid – but has Dell succeeded in creating a well-rounded multimedia machine? And does it rival our oh-so-adored HP Envy line? We've spent the last week using the more mobile $899 XPS 14, so read on to find out in our full review! %Gallery-106841%
Dell XPS resurrected with NVIDIA graphics, HD webcams and JBL audio
It's baaack. Okay, to be fair Dell's XPS brand never really went away -- there's been the Studio XPS and Adamo XPS -- but as of today, the company's refocusing its efforts and bringing back the tried and true multimedia laptop brand. Just like we'd heard, the new 14-,15.6-, and 17-inch machines will be available across the board with NVIDIA GeForce 400M GPUs (with Optimus / 3D Play support) and Core i5 / i7 processor options, but there's more to these than just internal oomph -- it'll be one of the first laptops to ship with a Skype-certified HD webcam and they're also equipped with high-fidelity JBL speakers. In terms of aesthetics, the machines pull in some styling from the new Inspirons with the wider battery base, however, instead of plastic, the lids are coated in anodized aluminum. (Of course, Dell wouldn't be Dell without making the models available with Design Studio customization options -- aka with crazy pattern options.) So, what's the deal with pricing? The entry level systems -- the $899 XPS 14, $849 XPS 15, and $949 XPS 17 -- are all configured with Intel Core i5 460M processors, 1GB NVIDIA 420M graphics, 500GB 7,200rpm hard drives, 4GB of RAM and pack Intel WiDi. That's not too shabby, but, of course, you'll be able to configure 'em all with Blu-ray drives, more storage, memory, etc. Our review unit just arrived so expect a full work-up of the 14-inch system soon, but until then we leave you with the images and press release below. %Gallery-105589% %Gallery-105590%
HD webcam 3-way shootout: SkypeHD's best take on Logitech
As we mused when we recently got a chance to try out the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910, it wasn't long ago that VGA was good enough for online chatting. No more, and with the release of SkypeHD going high-def is easier than ever. To find out which multi-megapixel movie maker you want to clip onto your display, and to see how the SkypeHD-compatible offerings stack up against Logitech's latest HD shooter, we gathered three cameras at a range of prices. Two will work with some particularly advanced TVs, while the third cam shuns Skype, offsetting that shortcoming with a middle-ground price and superior video quality. Which is your ticket to HD chat bliss, and how do they all compare to plain 'ol VGA? Find out after the break. %Gallery-96402%
Microsoft's LifeCam Cinema HD webcam lets you film those YouTube confessionals in 720p
For when the world needs to see with pristine detail your cat playing inside a paper bag in the middle of the kitchen, or every blemish on your face as you regale the exciting story of your day, Microsoft's unveiled the LifeCam Cinema HD webcam. The USB 2.0 device captures life in 1,280 x 720 HD resolution at 30 frames per second, with auto focus, 4x digital zoom, a noise-canceling mic on top, and something called ClearFrame for smoother video, somehow. It's not without caveats, of course, requiring a dual core processor (1.6GHz minimum, 3GHz recommended) and listing for $80, but it does happily tout its Windows 7 compatibility out of the box. Interests piqued? The webcam'll be popping up in stores on September 9th, which as it turns out, is becoming a rather busy day for tech enthusiasts.Update: Looks like the 720p mode is capped at 15FPS. Tsk, tsk.
TANDBERG to deliver HD webcam for Microsoft in 2009
Sure, 2009 may seem like quite aways away, but in around a dozen months or so, you should be able to acquire Microsoft's first HD webcam for the consumer market. Announced at VoiceCon 2008, TANDBERG will be responsible for delivering said device as a part of Redmond's unified communications platform. Apparently, the aforementioned firm is "expected to deliver the camera in conjunction with Microsoft's intended support of high-definition video in its next release of Microsoft Office Communications Server," and if all goes to plan, it should be released during the first half of 2009 for between $300 and $400.
