Ifa2013
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Sony announces the VAIO Tap 21 with a 1080p display and slimmed-down design (hands-on)
Sony's tabletop Windows 8 slate, the VAIO Tap 20, made its debut at last year's IFA, so it's only fitting that we're back in Berlin to meet the successor. Dubbed the VAIO Tap 21, the follow-up packs a slightly larger, 21.5-inch display, and its design is more sophisticated, to boot. In addition to boosting the PC's dimensions by an inch and a half, Sony's bumped up the touchscreen's resolution from 1,600 x 900 to a full 1,920 x 1,080. It's still an IPS panel, as the impressive viewing angles made clear in our hands-on time, and it still offers software programs such as Family Paint to take advantage of the 10-point multitouch. What's more, the company says it made the Tap 21 50 percent thinner than its predecessor, and we're looking at about eight pounds versus ten. Processor options include Core i5 and Core i7 Haswell chips, and the Tap 21 will be available with an SSD or hybrid hard drive. Interestingly, though the Tap 21 is a far cry from "portable," Sony plans to sell a carrying bag. (Okay, an especially good packer could probably wedge this guy into a sizable carryon -- and the machine's internal battery does make it suitable for a trip away from the outlet.) On the price front, all we're getting is "comparable with the Tap 20." That mobile desktop launched with an $880 base price, so draw your own conclusions. Dana Wollman contributed to this report. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Sony announces VAIO Flip PC, looks to steal the IdeaPad Yoga's thunder
We knew a novel VAIO form factor was bound to be announced at IFA when Sony dropped a origami-inspired teaser video last week. And look what we have here: in Berlin, the PC maker unveiled a new line of VAIO Flip PCs. Like the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, this Ultrabook can be used in a variety of modes; the machine works as a standard clamshell laptop, but the display can also be collapsed down over the keyboard for use as a tablet. Finally, you can reverse the screen so it's facing outward, away from the keyboard, in "viewer mode." The Flip will be sold in 13-,14- and 15-inch flavors, compared to the 11- and 13-inch sizes for the Yoga. Does Sony have a strong contender on its hands? Read on for specs and impressions.
Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone announced: 20.7-megapixel camera in a unibody aluminum shell
Sony's Xperia Z1, the phone formerly known as Honami, has finally been revealed to the world here at IFA 2013. As expected, the phone is fully focused on imaging capabilities, with a G lens, 20.7-megapixel camera nestled in the back of a one piece aluminum frame and waterproof tempered glass on the front. That camera is more than just the sum of its megapixels, however, as it also has some software to improve picture-taking. First, there's an Info-Eye feature that gives users contextual information about what you're shooting using augmented reality. There's also a Time Shift Burst mode that can shoot up to 61 images in just two seconds. And, all that imaging output is automatically sorted, categorized and kept in the cloud through PlayMemories Online -- and storage is unlimited for folks in the US and most of Europe. Beneath that tempered glass is a 5-inch 1080p Triluminous display, and the whole phone is powered by a Snapdragon 800 SoC. Additionally, mobile photogs have the option of adding on the QX10 and QX100 external lenses to give the Z1 some serious optical zoom. The phone itself is set to launch this month, and those buying in Germany will get around 100 euros of content for free with the phone, and every device will come with a pass to see the movie Elysium, too. Of course, we still don't know how much the Z1 or its lens attachments will cost, but you can check out our hands-on to find out just how much you'd be willing to spend on one. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Sony IFA 2013 press conference liveblog
It's cold, gray and rainy here in Berlin, but we've never let a little lousy weather get in the way of a perfectly sunny liveblog. Sony's always got a ton of stuff to show of at IFA, and we don't expect this year to be any different. Cameras, phones, and maybe even a wearable or two will likely be on hand at today's event. So join us here at 10AM ET, and bring some snacks. It might be a long one. September 4, 2013 10:00:00 AM EDT
Sony's QX10 and QX100 lens cameras pop up on Amazon, leave few surprises for IFA
Sony won't have many rabbits to pull out of its hat once its big IFA press conference rolls around in a couple of hours. All of its latest camcorders have leaked out thanks to B&H Electronics, and now its rumored QX10 and QX100 'lens cameras' have appeared on Amazon. The Carl Zeiss zoom glass is married to a built in 2/3-inch, 18-megapixel sensor on QX10, while the QX100 has the same 1-inch sensor as the RX100 Mark II. The latter has an f/1.8-f/4.9 lens, while the Q10 has a more pedestrian f/3.3-f/5.9 aperture range. Each attaches to your smartphone via a clip, and will come in silver or black with an SD card slot. Your smartphone will link up via NFC and WiFi, and essentially act as a screen, shutter trigger, backup storage and social-media sharing tool. We also have the all-important price: the QX10 will run $248, while the QX100 is $498. That's quite a sum to spend on an unproven device that doesn't do anything without a smartphone. Then again, the stunning RX100 Mark II is $650, and Samsung's mirrorless Galaxy NX Android camera... well let's not even go there.
B&H Photo outs Sony's consumer-friendly 4K camcorder, action and 'music' cams
Sure, Sony's set to unveil a whole host of new gadgets at its IFA press conference in a few hours, but it looks like B&H Photo has jumped the gun by revealing a trio of camcorders from the Japanese giant. The headliner of the pack is the FDR-AX1, which records 4K video (3,840 x 2,160) at 60 fps. A back-illuminated 8.3-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor is responsible for the cam's imaging prowess, and independent zoom, focus and iris rings make this consumer-level kit feel more like a pro device. When it comes to audio, the FDR-AX1 leans on its built-in microphone that captures 2-channel Linear PCM, but it also totes a pair of XLR audio inputs for external mics. Sony's HDR-AS30V ruggedized action camera was also outed, and it records 1080p footage at 60 fps, with a 720p slow-motion mode at 120 fps. For folks who place a heavy-emphasis on sound, the outfit's HDR-MV1 "music camcorder" packs a 120-degree X/Y microphone array, an external microphone input, headphone jack and records audio in 44.1kHz/16-bit LPCM or 48kHz/128kbps AAC. As for video, however, the shooter makes a slight compromise by taking 1080p footage at 30fps. Although the retailer mentions that the three shooters are now available, they've yet to show up on their storefront and don't have price tags attached to them. For the impending release of more details (and our inevitable hands-on with the hardware), keep hitting F5 on our IFA 2013 hub.
Jawbone intros Mini Jambox Bluetooth speaker and a music-streaming app (hands-on)
When Jawbone came out with the Jambox back in 2010, the sales pitch was simple: here was a really loud Bluetooth speaker that was small enough to stuff inside a backpack when you wanted to have a dance party at the beach. (Okay, we're paraphrasing a little bit.) Three years later, though, "small enough to stuff in a backpack" isn't quite small enough. What about small enough to fit inside a suit pocket? Or a purse? That's the promise of the Mini Jambox, a $180 speaker announced today that's -- you guessed it -- even tinier than the original. If the idea of another Jambox seems redundant (as it did to us at first), Travis Bogard, VP of Product Management and Strategy, says you should think of it like a camera: "It's kind of like 'the best camera is the one you have with you." The idea is that you'll carry the Mini Jambox at all times, in the event you're, say, hanging out with a friend and decide to watch a movie together on a tablet. But if you mainly want something for home use, the Big Jambox will be the better choice. That leaves the original Jambox in a strange place: Bogard expects you'll use that at home too, even if you do occasionally trot it out for picnics in the park. You just wouldn't keep it on your person at all times; it's a little too large for that.
Wacom revamps Intuos pen tablet line with regular and Pro models, priced from $79 up to $499
It seems last week's Cintiq announcement wasn't the only news that Wacom had up its sleeve for the end of summer. The designer-friendly outfit retooled its Intuos family of pen tablets and it now features two lines: Intuos and Intuos Pro. The former is aimed at the hobbyist sort and replaces the Bamboo-branded pen peripherals that we've seen in the past (the Bamboo moniker will stick around, though) while the latter takes aim at the pro set much like the Intuos5 touch did. Let's start with those, shall we? Intuos Pro pen tablets tout much of the functionality that we've seen before: improved customizable ExpressKeys, Pro Pen with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, Express View (the heads-up display feature) and an included kit for wireless connectivity. The other Intuos peripherals wield a thinner pen for comfy sketching, a set of four ExpressKeys, silver coat of paint and both touch-enabled and non-touch models in its smaller size. The Intuos Pro will get served up in three sizes (small, medium and large) while the Inutos group will only serving small and medium-sized sensibilities. A Special Edition medium-sized, silver-clad option will also set up shop with the Pro units. Prices for the Pro gadgets are $249, $349 and $499 respectively with that Special Edition clocking in at $379. As far as the regular Intuos pen tabs go, $79 for the non-touch model and $99 or $199 for the swipe-friendly sizes. It's also worth a mention that you'll need to opt for the $39 wireless accessory kit if you're looking to use the regular models without a tether. For all the details on both lines, consult the full PR that lies beyond the break or mosey on over to Wacom's e-store as the entire lot is now on sale.
ASUS Zenbook UX301 will have 2,560 x 1,440 touchscreen beneath Gorilla Glass 3 case (video)
The ASUS Zenbook Infinity first showed off its icy Gorilla Glass-clad curves at Computex back in June, and now it's resurfaced in a video that's making the rounds ahead of ASUS' press conference here at IFA. Incidentally, the video hints at a new name -- the Zenbook UX301 -- and also clarifies most of the main specs. According to the video, the UX301 will have a Retina-esque 13.3-inch, 2,560 x 1,440 multitouch display, a Haswell Core i7 CPU, 802.11ac WiFi and ASUS SonicMaster audio tech. The flagship Ultrabook will no doubt draw fans of thin design as well, thanks to the 15.5mm (0.64-inch) profile. We'll likely have a chance to play with it ourselves soon at ASUS's upcoming event, so stay tuned. In the meantime, there's a video after the break.
HDMI 2.0 officially announced: 18Gbps bandwidth, 60fps 4K, 32 channel audio
Only just after it leaked out, the folks at HDMI Licensing are announcing HDMI 2.0 officially. Arriving just in time for the wide rollout of a new generation of Ultra HDTVs, it adds a few key capabilities to the connection standard. With a bandwidth capacity of up to 18Gbps, it has enough room to carry 3,840 x 2,160 resolution video at up to 60fps. It also has support for up to 32 audio channels, "dynamic auto lipsync" and additional CEC extensions. The connector itself is unchanged, which is good for backwards compatibility but may disappoint anyone hoping for something sturdier to support all of those suddenly-popular dongles. The cables won't change either, as the group claims current high-speed Category 2 wires can handle the increased bandwidth. Some companies have suggested upgrade paths for their UHDTVs already on the market -- hopefully we'll find out more about those plans this week at IFA 2013. Update: The HDMI Forum has listed a few more specs in its FAQ, including that HDMI 2.0 is spec'd to handle up to 1536kHz audio sample frequency, dual video streams for multiple users on a single screen, multi-stream audio to as many as 4 users at once and support for 21:9 widescreen displays. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
The future arrives: Pioneer launches sat-nav with augmented reality
We're sufficiently old that we remember when the windscreen augmented-reality display from Knight Rider 2000 seemed fanciful. Still, 200 years later, and finally, such things are a reality. Pioneer is launching NavGate, a sat-nav with a built-in projector and glass screen that'll provide the illusion you've got a 30-inch display covering the road ahead. Using the unit, drivers can see turn-by-turn directions, the current speed limit, distance, a clock and the estimated time of arrival. The hardware pairs with various smartphone platforms and will even pull data from the CoPilot and iGo primo navigation apps. It'll be available from October and will set Europeans back around £600 ($933). Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
The Engadget Interview with ST Liew, Acer's President of Smartphones
Didn't realize that Acer, the PC and tablet maker based out of Taiwan, actually makes smartphones? Chances are you're in the majority, but the manufacturer is very interested in changing that. We sat down with Acer's smartphone guru, ST Liew, to discuss the launch of the Liquid S2, the company's 6-inch Android flagship. This is the company's second major foray into this particular segment of the industry (the S1 being the first), so it certainly seems to be one of the most competitive arenas for smartphone consumers out there. Liew discusses the market need for such a device, though he admits that there are limits for a phone's physical size; "six inches is just about the threshold," he told us, though this may very well change as companies continue to innovate in design, trimming down handset size while the display gets bigger. We dig into the company's desire to be the first in recording 4K video footage, Acer's product strategy for the US, Europe and Asia and the challenges Acer faces in becoming a major player in the mobile sphere, so tune in after the break for video of our full interview! Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Alcatel unveils 6-inch One Touch Hero smartphone with E Ink and LED cover options
Alcatel's pen-toting One Touch Scribe HD now has a larger counterpart: meet the One Touch Hero. The new Android 4.2 smartphone upgrades to a 6-inch 1080p LCD, and gets a raft of optional cover accessories that augment the giant display. An E Ink cover lets owners read books without using the power-hungry main screen; there's also a wireless charging cover and a MagicFlip cover with LED notifications. Even without those extras, the Hero is overall more powerful than its Scribe HD ancestor. It carries a faster 1.5GHz quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM, a sharper 13-megapixel rear camera, an improved 2-megapixel front shooter and either 8GB or 16GB of expandable storage. Should you be intrigued, the One Touch Hero will be available in October for a "high-end" price. Alcatel will also sell a Bluetooth phone accessory (much like the HTC Mini+), a TV Link video adapter and a pico projector that doubles as a stand. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Alcatel shows off One Touch Idol Alpha's 4.7-inch display and light-up edges
Okay, so we wouldn't go so far as suggesting that Alcatel One Touch's Idol Alpha handset "takes creativity to a new level," but hey, the company's allowed to employ a little hyperbole in its press releases. That particular statement refers to the 4.7-inch handset's translucent edges, which give off light to signify things like charging and notifications. The company's also pretty psyched about the curves on the thing. "You will be attracted from the first glance of the device with its unique and sleek design which stands out from the market," according to Alcatel. The above image likely doesn't do the curvy 7.5 millimeter thick aluminum-framed body justice (nor does it speak to the quad-core 1.2GHz processor inside), so we're holding off such attraction until we actually see one in person. Thankfully, we're already here in Berlin for IFA, so we should be doing just that in the not too distant future. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Panasonic leaks 65-inch 4K LCD, HDMI 2.0 prior to IFA announcement
Panasonic is one of the few electronics companies that's not pushing a 4K TV right now, but that is apparently about to change. An AV Forums reader spotted a few webpages cached prior to the company's launch event that show off not only its upcoming 4K res WT600 television, but also details of the HDMI 2.0 spec. The current HDMI 1.4 connectors can only handle 4K content at 30fps, and the page mentions HDMI 2.0 will support at least 60fps, but any further capabilities are unknown. The Panasonic WT600 details shown include that it will support DisplayPort 1.2 as well as 4K specific features like a web browser, media player, rendering engine and THX certification. The only disappointing part, as the post points out, is that there's no sign yet of Panasonic's sweet 4K OLED prototype which combines both of this year's high-priced HDTV buzzwords in one lovely display. The HDMI licensing group has a press conference scheduled for IFA on Friday while Panasonic's is Wednesday, so it shouldn't be long before we hear more about both pieces of this puzzle, and how other manufacturers plan to react. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
ASUS briefly posts Fonepad 7 ad that reveals dual front speakers (video)
ASUS can't stop tweaking the Fonepad, it seems. Just a few months after boosting the specs of its phone-and-tablet hybrid, the company has inadvertently posted (and retracted) a video ad for yet another refresh, the Fonepad 7. You'll be disappointed if you were expecting a more substantial update this time around, though. As Android Community notes, the biggest change to the Atom-powered slate is the addition of dual front-facing speakers. After that, the visible upgrades are limited to a 5-megapixel rear camera (up from 3.2MP) and an integrated contact interface for calls and text messaging. There aren't any clues in the promo as to when the Fonepad 7 will launch, although the timing hints that we could learn more at IFA. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
We're liveblogging Samsung's 'Unpacked Episode 2' tomorrow at 1PM ET!
For the last few years, IFA has been synonymous with Samsung's Galaxy Note. The Korean company isn't being especially mysterious about its announcements at this year's show, either; "note," if you will, that the action goes down tomorrow at 7PM local time (1PM EST). Will the confirmed Galaxy Note III and Galaxy Gear bring any big surprises? Does Samsung have any other devices up its sleeve? Can we expect another magician-infused press conference? We'll be bringing you all the news tomorrow, so point your browser here. September 4, 2013 1:00:00 PM EDT Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
We'll be liveblogging Sony's IFA press conference tomorrow at 10AM ET
We're here in Berlin, and we're ready to kick things off right. Sony's leading tomorrow's press conference charge with an event starting at 10AM ET tomorrow, and this being a Sony event, we're expecting big things -- and lots of them. For starters, there's the Homani handset we've been hearing about and a number of cameras, like the Alpha A4000 and NEX-5T. And then there are the Vaios and even a few gadgets you can wear on your person. So join us right here for all the action. September 4, 2013 10:00:00 AM EDT Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Creative launches a trio of audiophile-grade headphones for Europe
We like strapping things to our heads that replace the bad sounds with good ones, so we're very excited about Creative's new headsets. The company is launching a pair of audiophile-quality cans, as well as one for the audiophile on a limited budget. First up, there's the Aurvana Platinum and Gold, which come with active noise cancellation, NFC and HD Voice. Then there's the ShareMe technology, which lets two users wirelessly listen to one audio source, which'd be ideal for watching a movie on a long train journey. The Platinum will retail for £250 and the Gold for £180, while the more modest Live! 2 -- which packs leatherette ear pads and 40mm Neodymium drivers -- will set you back £110, with all three launching in October.
We're live from IFA 2013 in Berlin!
We've just wormed our way inside Messe Berlin's cavernous halls for IFA, where we're expecting to see a deluge of fresh hardware that'll include smartphones with 4K-recording chops and at least one smartwatch of note. ASUS, Samsung and Sony are holding their respective press events tomorrow, and we're pretty confident we'll see the rumored Honami from Hirai and Co., along with the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear from JK Shin and friends. On Thursday, Haier, Lenovo, LG and Panasonic will keep the announcements coming with their round of reveals. Finally, Friday will round out our time at the show with keynotes from Sprint CEO Dan Hesse and Ford's own head honcho, Alan Mullaly. To stay on top of all the unveilings, keep your browser trained on our IFA 2013 hub.
