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Razer Switchblade preview: 3G, Intel Oak Trail, almost definitely going on sale
Whoa, Nelly! We just made a beeline to Razer's booth here on the CES show floor, and were presented with a fairly technical talk surrounding the newly launched Switchblade. While officially deemed a concept, we came away with a serious impression that Razer's not investing loads of time and money on this just for kicks. In other words, we'd cautiously expect to see this thing on sale at some point next year -- but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. We spent a good half-hour toying with this Windows 7-based mini netbook, and we came away seriously impressed by what's happening here. Head on past the break for more of our impressions. %Gallery-113039%
Razer Switchblade: 7-inch pocket gaming concept blows our minds six ways from Sunday
The most beautiful thing to come out of CES 2011? The show ain't over yet, but we're unafraid to say that Razer's Switchblade is the device to beat. Before you go getting your hopes up, we have to (regretfully) point out that this here gaming handheld is but a concept, but considering that Toshiba's Libretto W105 made it to store shelves (if but for a moment), we're hoping and praying that the Switchblade can also find its way to a production line. Little is known about the device itself, but Razer has imagined it using a pair of 7-inch multitouch displays as well as a layer of tactile, dynamic keys on the lower screen. Much like the Optimus Maximus of yesteryear, this keyboard would enable gamers to place different screens underneath depending on title, and even within a game, you could imagine the keys shifting to account for different POVs, levels, scenarios, etc. Internally, the concept is based around an Intel Atom processor, but there's no word on what kind of GPU would work alongside of it. Sadly, Razer's unwilling to talk pie-in-the-sky details when it comes to price and release, but if four million comments show up below begging and pleading for the company to take this commercial... Update: Just to be clear, the keyboard on the bottom is a full-on LCD , but covered with physical keys. In contrast, the W105 had a flat touchpanel on the bottom. Update 2: Check out our in-depth preview from the CES 2011 show floor! %Gallery-112395%
Netbook Navigator announces it'll announce three new Windows-based tablets at CES
Netbook Navigator has made tablet pcs in the past -- one of which we reviewed -- so it should come as no surprise that they've got several more brewing. In fact, we are now hearing that the company's got three (yes, three) Windows-based tablets to show off when the floor opens and the stampede begins. Among the offerings will be the NAV7 tablet, what the company is describing as the "first ever multitouch Windows 7-inch" tablet, plus the NAV10i and a slightly revamped NAV9. While we don't have full specs for any of these tablets, we do know that all will be Atom CPU-based devices with SSDs, 2GB of RAM, 'several' USB ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, and webcams, plus optional 3G. Other details about the NAV10i -- it'll be a 10-incher (capacitive LCD), while the NAV9 will be a rugged 8.9-incher. We'll let you know as soon as we get our hands on these bad boys, but until then: the full press release is after the break.
Apple patent application suggests yet more possible gestures for iPods
Apple's already put some basic gesture controls to use on its sixth generation iPod nano, but a recently published patent application suggests that it may have some grander designs for a no-look interface of sorts. As you can see above, Apple's using a nano in its illustrations for the patent, but the actual claims suggest that the gestures wouldn't necessarily require a screen at all -- possibly for something similar to that back-side interface that also turned up in an Apple patent application? As for the gestures themselves, they'd apparently involve things like a single tap to pause or play, a double tap to skip forward, a triple tap to skip back, and a circular motion to control the volume. Of course, that aforementioned patent application was published in 2007 and we've yet to see anything result from it, so you may not want to hold your breath for this one either.
Touch Revolution rolling out Tru Multitouch capacitive screens sized between 15 and 32 inches
Touch Revolution doesn't think capacitive screens are big enough. Not big enough at all. So what is the company doing about it? Why, it's introducing a line of projected capacitive displays alternately spanning 15-, 19-, 21.5- and 32-inch diagonals. The biggest model is set for production later in the year, but its smaller siblings are available now. The target market for Touch Revolution are businesses who may integrate these panels -- which also come in an "open frame" option where the OEM can slap on its own external stylings -- into their commercial offerings. Demos of all these models, replete with innovative uses of multitouch on a large-scale display, will be available at CES this week. We'll let you know just how innovative the whole shebang is when we get our fingers on the Tru Multitouch hardware. Full press release after the break.
Pioneer DJM-2000 DJ mixer review
You know that feeling you get when you hop into a car you'll never be rich enough to own? It's full of fascinating technology, everything works great, it's solidly built, it definitely won't fit into the "compact" spots at 7-11 -- and it just doesn't care. If you're a DJ, entering the world of Pioneer's DJM-2000 is a little bit like that. Read on for our impressions of the multitouch-laced behemoth to see if it'll have you raving all the way to 2012. %Gallery-112385%
Apple patent describes touch gestures on iPod nano
Could "no-look" touch gestures be coming soon to the iPod nano? Recently discovered by ipodnn, a 2009 patent application by Apple shows that it is looking into letting users control their devices using no-look gestures that only require a touch-sensitive surface, like a trackpad, and not necessarily a graphic interface as Apple currently employs on the iPod, iPhone and iPad. Diagrams filed with the patent application show different methods that owners could use gestures on their devices, such as a single tap to play and pause media playback, a double tap to skip forward tracks or a triple tap to skip backwards to previous tracks. This would allow users to still control their device if they were unable to interact directly with the graphical interface we have all become so familiar with. This has been one of the main concerns with the nano switching over to a no-button touchscreen, so a good solution along these lines would be quite helpful. Of course, I imagine that all of you guys have gotten used to calling your friends using only your nose, so learning gestures to control your iPod or iPhone shouldn't be too difficult in comparison! [via ipodnn]
Dell's IPS and multitouch ST2220T finally shipping to tilting monitor seekers
Well, it took a bit longer than we anticipated for Dell's glorious 21.5-inch multitouch ST2220T monitor with an IPS panel to roll into e-tailers -- last we had heard it was planned for late Fall 2010 -- but we promise you, this one is better late than never. The 1920 x 1080-resolution display is finally available through both Dell and LogicBuy, and if you're anything like us, just a glance at the picture above has you figuring out just how quickly you can get together $310 (there's a $20 discount now and free shipping from LogicBuy). Naturally, the IPS display is said to provide extra wide viewing angles, but perhaps even more enticing is the monitor's A-frame stand, which tilts the screen forward, backward and even flat. Put that all together with its infrared multitouch and you've got a larger than life tablet for gaming and watching Netflix. So, you blowing some of that Christmas cash or what?
MSI details Sandy Bridge, Fusion all-in-ones ahead of CES, teases a sliding screen
We just finished reviewing a feature-packed MSI Wind Top, but come CES next week we'll have three more to try: the AE2410, AE2210 and AE2050, each with the very latest silicon inside. Notebook Italia reports that the Taiwanese computer company's using Intel's new Sandy Bridge CPUs in each of its 24- and 22-inch rigs, and grabbed a low-power AMD Brazos APU for the likely budget 20-inch model -- which will reportedly still include a Blu-ray drive like its Core 2 Duo cousin. All three will sport 1080p touchscreen displays and USB 3.0 ports, but also a spiffy new feature called Super Charger that will charge attached USB gadgets even when the computer is off. Innovations, to be sure, but perhaps not as exciting as the concept items pictured above and below -- up top is the MSI Butterfly, which reportedly has a sliding multitouch screen with ten points of contact, and after the break, see the luxurious MSI Angelow. Here's hoping for prices, specs and high-res pictures once we get to the show.
MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D all-in-one review
When MSI builds an "all-in-one" PC, it doesn't mess around -- the MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D has everything but the kitchen sink ensconced in a plastic frame. Where most consolidated computers aim for the lowest common denominator with low-power components, MSI's dropped a high-end multimedia bomb here -- a 23.6-inch, 120Hz, 1080p, LED-backlit touchscreen LCD panel paired with a desktop-grade 2.53GHz Core i7-860S processor, Mobility Radeon HD 5730 graphics, a Blu-ray drive, 4GB of RAM, and a terabyte of storage. Active shutter glasses spit out 3D images to your eyes while THX speakers (and a built-in subwoofer) pump out jams, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth and USB 3.0 sockets round out a connectivity laundry list. It's got a spec sheet to die for and an equally lethal $1,800 price -- but is the AE2420 3D more than a bucket of primo parts? Is it worth your cash? %Gallery-112144%
Sanwa trots out a multitouch mouse of its own, the MA-TOUCH1
Not so fond of the Magic Mouse, are you? How's about a flattened version, sans Bluetooth? That's exactly what we're being presented with here, as Sanwa's MA-TOUCH1 looks like the lovechild of Apple's own multitouch critter and Logitech's M505. In truth, the only real design cue this guy snags from the Logi is its Unifying Receiver, signifying that it relies on wireless USB rather than BT. The design scheme is definitely of interest -- rather than being curved to fit the shape of a relaxed palm, it's totally flat up top, supporting four-direction scrolling and two-finger swipes. She's on sale now in four different colors (red, white, black and silver), with ¥4,300 ($52) standing between you and something you may or may not ever actually use to control your cursor.
Indamixx 2 music tablet now on sale: $699 for beta hardware
So, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that $699 is $300 less than the purported $999 price tag we had originally heard would be affixed to the Indamixx 2 slate. The bad news? It's just a rebadged iiView M1 Touch, which can be had for around $500. That said, those who fork out the premium will get a copy of Transmission 5.0 running atop MeeGo, not to mention a 1.66GHz Atom N450 processor, 2GB of RAM, a mini HDMI output and a 250GB hard drive. Those who'd prefer to snag a model that dual boots into Windows 7 can do so if they're willing to part ways with $779, with both models including a mouse, free shipping and a gratis carrying case. Not exactly a bargain, but for those in desperate need of a music-centric tablet, it ain't like you've got a ton of options.
N-Trig teaches DuoSense to write on Android screens, tablet to come in the first half of 2011
This one isn't much of a surprise -- considering N-Trig told us just a few months ago that "the most useful Android slates will be pen-enabled" and that it was working on Android support -- but today the Israel-based company has officially announced support for Google's mobile operating system. What does that mean? On a technical level, it means that N-Trig's DuoSense pen and capacitive multitouch solution, which is currently on tablets like the HP Slate and Dell Latitude XT, will work on top of Android slates. On a product end, it means that we're going to start seeing an Android slate or two that takes advantage of pen in 2011. According to N-Trig's VP of Marketing Gary Baum, one company is far along in developing an Android slate based on DuoSense and there are "several others that are coming along." Baum wouldn't give us any specifics on those companies, though he did tell us that we should see one product in the first half of the year, while the majority will be waiting for Honeycomb. We're still crossing our fingers for Honeycomb in the first part of 2011, so we don't want to read into that too much, but he also stressed that third-party software developers are working on applications that take advantage of pen and that some of them may be previewed at CES. We'll be digging as much as we can into what company's pairing pen with Android, but until then, we leave you with the full press release after the break.
Multitouch Twitter wall to fascinate onlookers, Engadget staffers at #CES
CES is no stranger to larger-than-life display installations, but as this whole "social networking" thing continues to blossom, it looks as if next year's megawall will be integrating with none other than Twitter. Designed by Finland's own MultiTouch, the Multitouch Twitter Wall will consist of "at least" six MultiTouch Cell 46 displays, each of which checks in at 46-inches wide. The whole shebang will offer onlookers at the show the ability to open tweets, move them around and give them a perfect opportunity to blow off steam while having their minds blitzed by the sheer quantity of news associated with the #CES tag. We'll be sure to give it a look once we touch down in the great southwest next month, but till then, you can get a taste by mashing play below. [Thanks, André]
Hannspree's HSG1164 10.1-inch Froyo tablet drops by the FCC
You know what they say about a trip to the FCC's database, right? Why, it's much like the step just prior to achieving manhood -- one more leap from here, and you'll be ripe for the pickin'. Just a few months after Hannspree teased us with a formal introduction of its (then unnamed) 10.1-inch multitouch Froyo tablet, it looks as if that very device has now found a moniker. The 1.6-pound HSG1164 will eventually bring a fairly impressive build of materials to light, offering a 1GHz Tegra 2 chip, 16GB of internal storage, 512MB of NAND Flash, a microSD slot, Android 2.2, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, mini USB / HDMI connector, an inbuilt light sensor, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and a Li-ion battery of unspecified size. There's obviously no direct mention of a ship date in the documentation here, but we're putting our money on an early 2011 release. Care to wager, too?
Misa Digital's stringless Kitara goes up for pre-order: $849 for a truly unique musical instrument
Remember the Misa Digital Guitar? Well, it's called the Kitara now, it's taken on a fresh lick of paint, and it's ready to be pre-ordered now for an April delivery. The Kitara discards old fashioned strings and has you strumming along on a multitouch display instead, populating the fretboard with a litany of buttons that modify the aural output from your digital input. It has an onboard synthesizer, but the real magic will happen once you plug it into your own audio equipment and start experimenting. Basically, it's like the Kinect of electronic music -- just needs a few inventive souls to harness its potential properly. They'll need fat wallets too, mind you, as turning this invention into a viable product has meant a lofty $849 starting price in the US. See a video demo and the full Kitara press release after the break. %Gallery-110587%
Microsoft lands its largest ever Surface order... from a karaoke bar (update: new video)
There's not much to see right now, but it appears that Red MR is well on its way to becoming one of the most advanced (and probably the most amusing) karaoke bars in the world. Ahead of its Hong Kong debut this Saturday, said company has already installed six Surfaces in its two bars, and is aiming to fit more to fill up all 80 rooms -- and that number could go up to 300 in the near future -- once Microsoft has ramped up production. With Red MR's customized software (still under wraps), customers will be able to pick songs, order food, watch TV, and play games on the Surface while listening to a drunk rendition of My Heart Will Go On. Oh, and there'll also be a few Kinects dotted around the bars, but it's not exactly clear whether they'll be in the rooms as well. Anyhow, we'll be flying out to Hong Kong to check it out later this week, so stay tuned. For now, you can watch a demo of the Surface's Liar's Dice game after the break. Update: Our friends over at M.I.C Gadget found a video from Apple Daily that teases the karaoke UI. Have a look after the jump.
TUAW's Daily App: Neo Defender 2
Neo Defender 2 is another title from the good folks at Appular, who we've talked about here on TUAW before. Neo Defender 2 is an Asteroids-style shooter, but the twist is that instead of moving around the screen, your ship stays firmly in the middle, leaving you to watch all sides and protect yourself from attacking shapes and forms. This lets you use mechanics like multi-touch on the screen to send shots out in all directions, and since enemies split and spread when you attack them, you have to constantly be on the lookout for where to shoot and keep them at bay. Unfortunately, the game's progression is a little slow. You can eventually earn cash to upgrade your ship with extra weapons and more power, and while the fully upgraded player is a force to be reckoned with, I found that getting there could probably have been paced a little faster. I'd also have liked to see a little more innovation; maybe an option to tilt to aim the gun would have been interesting. Still, the game is quite fun, and bosses later on in the game mix things up between waves and provide some interesting strategy to play around with. Game Center integration would have been good, but OpenFeint does provide some achievements to chase. Neo Defender 2 is only 99 cents for the iPhone, and it's available in an HD version for $1.99. There are lots of great iOS games out right now, and there are even more coming out this week, so it's possible you've already spent your iOS gaming budget this year. But if you want something a little smaller than the big profile holiday releases, Neo Defender 2 is worth a try.
Acer Iconia priced at €1,499, on sale in Spain on January 28
Physical keyboards are old news, right? They will be come January 28, which is when Acer intends to make its dual-screen Iconia laptop available for public consumption. That's the date we've received from the company's official Spanish mouthpiece, accompanied by a lofty €1,499 ($1,987). Literal currency translations are as usual inadvisable, but that's a hefty fee, however you want to think about it. Then again, the Iconia does come with two 14-inch multitouch LCDs, which last we checked weren't the cheapest parts in the land, and also furnishes you with some decent grunt under the hood courtesy of a Core i5 CPU, up to 4GB of RAM, up to 750GB of storage, an optional 3G module, and -- lest we forget -- a USB 3.0 port. We're sure it'll end up as somebody's perfect bowl of porridge.
Pioneer's Discussion Table is the Surface competitor your business can't live without (video)
We'd all like our tables to be a little smarter, and anyone who works for a company would surely like their meetings to have a bit more intelligence, too. Pioneer is hoping to kill two birds with one rather sizeable piece of furniture: the Discussion Table, due sometime next year. Interestingly it's simply a Core i7-based PC running Windows Embedded Standard 7, with minimal custom coding on top of that. Users can bring their mobile PCs nearby and share documents to the table or remote desktop right into their machines from it, showing their docs and displays in scalable and rotatable windows. The Windows underpinnings handles the multitouch details, also offering what must surely be the biggest virtual keyboard ever seen in the wild. The Table has a single-sheet scanner built in the side and even offers TransferJet, so that everyone can download pictures of Boss's drunken holiday party antics wirelessly.
