My buddy Paul just bought this odd $229 motorized skateboard – you know, for kids. It apparently runs at 12 miles an hour and can support an adult up to 250 pounds. I’ve never seen these – it seems like they’re the logical follow-up to the pocket bike craze.
# This smooth-riding board can scramble to 12 miles per hour thanks to its 150 watt electric engine. # Travels approximately 12 miles (flat ground) on a single charge. # Two speeds – low gear uses 12 volts and then shifts to high gear and 24 volts. This is done automatically as the speed builds up. # Can support up to a 250 pound adult
Have you guys seen these? Will we kill ourselves riding them? You can get them on eBay, which makes me think they might not be amazingly hight quality.
We have seen mannequin robots already, machines that may sometime replace real models in fashion shows and similar events. Needless to say that the company behind those robots is based in Japan. And it was clear that the first robot maker marketing a new line of robots as “recyclable” would come out of the same country, too. And Osaka-based Eager [JP] is combining both ideas by offering recyclable mannequin robots.
Eager says their models are ideal for recycling as they are partly made of cardboard. The robots detect the presence of humans through sensors and start posing. Small motors placed in the elbows and shoulders enable the robots to bend their necks and arms. They can pose in a total of 12 variations.
Each robot weighs just 6kg. At the moment Eager is only offering female models, but the company is thinking about building male and child models, too. Future versions may even be able to “speak” in one way or the other.
Eager is selling the robotic mannequins to department stores and museums. One machine costs around $5,000.
Via The Nikkei [registration required, paid subscription]
This looks like a Chinese viral video for Dell’s new OPhone Android smartphone line, but we’ll bite. In this video a faceless designer cuts up – and then reassembles – a Dell netback into a phone, complete with start-up sounds.
Lenovo gave us a chance to check out their latest smartphone today at CES 2010. It's Android-based with a complete facelift and hardly any of the original OS sticking out. I doubt they intended it to be, but it seems like a sort of interesting mix of webOS, iPhone, and Android features. I quite liked it. From what I was told, the plan is to release the device in China first, then expand to the US. There were no carriers mentioned, and they were still working that out for China, so I wouldn't even speculate just yet. But I was impressed by the phone and the complete little ecosystem they had going.
Look out, MiFi - Sprint just pushed out your new baby brother, and he looks like a mean one. The Sprint Overdrive is a mobile hotspot, not unlike the aforementioned MiFi. The idea is simple: turn it on, and you've got a WiFi access point pulling down data via Sprint's third and fourth generation networks. We just got our hands on the device for the first time, and while it'll still be a few days before we've given it a rough enough run-through for a full review, we've got some first impressions to share.
The era of 4G - WiMAX, basically - is dawning and the Overdrive from Sprint is the first creation in that brave, fast world. Sprint called out all the great ones, from Hesse, the CEO, to Ballmer, the other CEO, as well as a Frank Caliendo, that guy who does voices. The device, which is shaped like a squarish hockey puck, is being touted as a hotspot away from your hotspot. It streams a 4G connection out of a package about as big as a stack of drink coasters.
Sanyo officially joined the Panasonic group as of December 21st, 2009. This decision was "due to the rapid decline of the global economy," according to Sanyo North America president Masami Murata. "This alliance will maximize and optimize Sanyo's corporate value and will open the way for our company to realize further business development." Sanyo will maintain its listing of common stock, the "SANYO" brand name, and its business identity.
Sanyo North America has a consumer solutions division, which develops Eneloop rechargeable batteries, sound recorders, Xacti camcorders, and various other consumer electronics devices.
New Xacti "Dual Cameras"
Sanyo is targeting a market that sits in between conventional camcorders and pocket camcorders. It's focusing on flash-based camcorders that shoot high definition video. Sanyo actually produced the first flash memory camcorder in 2003 and the first HD flash memory camcorder in 2006. In 2009 it released the first full HD 1080p camcorder that shoots at 60 frames per second.
This year it's announcing a pair of full HD flash memory camcorders – the VPC-CS1 and the VPC-SH1 (shown below).
VPC-CS1: $300 MSRP, available in February
Looks really nice. Very thin but still features a flip-out LCD and full HD recording (1920×1080). Will feature compatibility with Apple's iFrame video format.
1.06" thick
"Smallest, lightest full HD camcorder with optical zoom" – 10x optical zoom
Sound zoom feature for positional sound recording
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec
Eye-Fi compatibility – camera automatically recognizes Eye-Fi cards
VPC-SH1: $400 MSRP, available in February
Small, full HD recording with 30x optical zoom. Features a 35mm wide-angle lens and takes 10-megapixel still photos. Also compatible with Apple's iFrame video format.
1920×1080 (60i)
35mm wide-angle lens for photos (10 megapixel) and videos
Available in black and red
Top-mounted record button (located above lens), along with standard record button on back
Sound zoom feature for positional sound recording
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec
Eye-Fi compatibility – camera automatically recognizes Eye-Fi cards
ICR-XPS01 Sound Recorder: Starting at $150, available in March
Linear PCM and MP3 recording. Doubles as an MP3 player, too, with playlist functionality.
2GB microSD card included
Background noise reduction
FM tuner
There's a $200 kit available that includes the sound recorder and includes a cradle with built-in 2W speakers.
In a move that baffles and, in a way, excites, Sony has released the Dash, a $199 “personal Internet viewer.” It’s basically a 7-inch tablet that will cost $199. It looks absolutely nothing like the Mylo, which is very good news
Within the device, an internal accelerometer supports vertical flip, allowing for two optional viewing angles: upright, ideal for a table or nightstand; and tilted, perfect for a countertop. It also supports multiple user profiles and channels, allowing several members of the household to create and maintain their own customized view of the Internet.
The device is actually quite thick and works more like a desktop clock than a real, full-bore tablet.
SONY'S NEW "DASHTM" PERSONAL INTERNET VIEWER OFFERS PERSONALIZED WEB EXPERIENCE AT A GLANCE
New product provides instant access to news, weather, Internet radio and other applications. It has a widget-based UI
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 6, 2010 –Sony confirmed its commitment to providing consumers with innovative networked products with the introduction of the new dash™ Personal Internet Viewer.
Featuring a vivid 7-inch color touch screen (measured diagonally) and access to over 1,000 free Internet apps, including news, calendars, weather, sports, social networking and more, dash utilizes an existing home wireless connection to continuously deliver Internet content to its viewers.
"In today's connected world, Sony continues to look for ways to help enhance consumers' entertainment experiences throughout the home" said Brennan Mullin, Sony Electronics' senior vice president of the personal imaging and audio business. "dash empowers consumers with a fun, interactive way to stay connected with their news, entertainment, interests and ultimately, their lives."
By bundling favorite pieces of the Internet together, dash provides always fresh, personalized content at a glance. The new product offers free access to all apps from chumby industries, inc. as well as the robust audio and video content from Sony's Bravia™ Internet video platform, including YouTube™, Pandora® Internet radio, Epicurious, Crackle, Livestrong™, Blip.tv and much more.
Other content includes a NAVTEQ® app for easily accessible traffic updates on a customized route, and a Cozi™ app for simple management and synching of family calendars. Further, Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment will be contributing exclusive dash apps for movie trailers, music videos, custom user themes and more, including an app from Dr. Oz offering daily health and exercise tips.
In addition, Sony dash can run multiple sources of content simultaneously, so for example, Internet radio can be enjoyed while browsing through online photo albums. Or, the alarm clock can be set to play selected online videos from music, sports and other news feeds. The device also allows users to choose apps either directly from the device or online through a PC, and new content for dash will continue to be added moving forward.
Within the device, an internal accelerometer supports vertical flip, allowing for two optional viewing angles: upright, ideal for a table or nightstand; and tilted, perfect for a countertop. It also supports multiple user profiles and channels, allowing several members of the household to create and maintain their own customized view of the Internet.
dash also features built-in stereo speakers as well as a USB port for simple connection to a variety of external electronic devices. An headphone output jack gives users the option to listen privately through headphones or through external speakers.
Sony's dash will be available this April for about $199 at www.sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores and a variety of authorized dealers nationwide.
We’re live from the CES 2010 keynote, featurin’ good ol’ Steve Ballmer! We’ll keep the live blog flowing as long as Verizon doesn’t crumble under the weight of a thousand bloggers. Check out the live blog after the jump.
We got shut out of the Panasonic presser (shame on them), but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Lucky for you, Electric Pig has a solid blow-by-blow of the event, and Giz got some great shots of the camera itself. There were other devices announced, of course, but this is the coolest thing if you ask me. 3D is obviously a big theme at this year’s CES, and Panny showed a prototype of this sucker earlier in the year, so it’s no surprise that they’ve decided to make it official.
You can see from the build and I/O panel that it’s a pro camera, but it’s priced at $21,000, which is friendly to lower budgets. It shoots at 1080p, though it’s not clear what framerates it will support. Also in question is the lens system, which is clearly a pair of fixed mystery lenses, adjustable so you can change the intensity of the 3D effect (it’s complicated). But they look a bit small; I’m wondering how far they can open up.
Details are scarce, but I’ll make a point of heading to Panasonic and asking them for more. Comment in any questions I should ask.
Here’s the press release:
Panasonic Unveils World’s First Integrated Full HD 3D Camcorder at CES 2010
Available In Fall 2010 – Solid-State Recording System Will Offer Highly-Efficient Full HD 3D Video Production
LAS VEGAS, Nev., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) will release the world’s first* professional, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder in Fall 2010. The company will begin taking orders in April. Engineering samples of the professional Full HD 3D solid-state camcorder will be exhibited at the Panasonic booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Main Hall, #9405) at the 2010 International CES in Las Vegas, USA, from January 7-10.
This Full HD 3D camcorder will offer the following core benefits:
Easier to Use
Current 3D systems are large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In Panasonic’s new Full HD 3D camcorder, the lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate.
The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point** to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.
More Flexible
The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full HD 3D videos in more challenging shooting environments. The camcorder is lighter weight and smaller than current 3D rigs, while providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and filmmaking projects.
Solid-State Reliability and Workflow
Right and left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than on other tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs, and the 3D camcorder will be better able to perform in extreme environments and be more resistant to temperature extremes, shock, and vibration.
And users will enjoy a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.
More Affordable
Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the Full HD 3D camcorder will be offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs. Transportation expenses for this handheld unit will be less and faster setup times reduce labor costs. Using standard, re-recordable SDHC/SD Memory Cards available already everywhere, media costs become almost insignificant.
In addition to a camcorder, Panasonic also plans to offer a professional-quality 3D Full HD LCD monitor for field use as well as a professional HD digital AV mixer for live event production. Panasonic will offer professional production equipment to allow video professionals to efficiently create 3D content, so consumers can enjoy 3D video using Panasonic 3D home theater systems.
Major Specifications (tentative)
* Product Name: Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder (made-to-order) * Suggested Retail Price for Main Unit: $21,000 * Available: Fall 2010 (made to order) * Power Consumption: Under 19 W (main unit only) * Weight: Under 3 kg (main unit only) * Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card
* As an integrated twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder capable of recording Full HD 3D video to Memory Cards. As of January 2010 (based on our investigation)
** The point at which the left and right-camera lenses’ optical axes converge
Here’s the Nexus One, all ripped up. They found a few interesting tidbits including the 1GHz Qualcomm processor and all of the GSM chips that power this little mother.
After a day full of jamming in stale meeting rooms all day, the Motorola's club venue is a nice change. And we hear Motorola has something special to announce. I don't know, maybe a new phone sort of thing. We'll find out shortly.
We're live at the Mirage's Revolution Lounge. This is where all the cool kids probably hang. Maybe. I don't know really. It's the club next to the Beatles show.
And we're stating. First up is Droid info. The second major update is coming soon.
Moto has been working with Adobe to bring Flash 10.1 to Android. This feature will get pushed out in an upcoming update. A specific date wasn't given.
Motorola is committed to updating previous models. The Cliq will get the Android 2.1 treatment shortly. The MotoBlur is getting updated too, but we're not sure how.
And the new product: the Moto Backflip with MotoBlur.
The phone itself seems to a slightly different form factor with a different clamshell design. The phone will be launched world-wide, but Moto isn't ready to announce the US carrier yet. Boo.
Stick around for the hands-on. It should be up shortly.
So Matt and I just got our hands on the Samsung E6, the company’s first electronic book reader. As a device it’s not bad, but compared to what’s out there you just know that Samsung was all, "We need to release something to get a foothold in the market."
The 6-inch e-redaer slides open, quite possibly like a phone you once owned. It’s only black and white, too, so those of you expecting Samsung to usher in the era of color e-reaers will be disappointed.
The fact is, all of these e-readers are so similar that it really does come down to where you can get books from. For the E6, Samsung partnered with Google to bring its vast collection of public domain books to the reader. And while a partnership with Google is great, and may well lead to future fun and excitement, the idea of partnering up with someone just to get public domain books is sorta weird. Whereas the nook and Kindle are backed by the Barnes and Noble and Amazon bookstores, respectively, the E6 doesn’t have that same commercial relationship, at least not yet.
So, again, as a device not too bad, but e-readers are so similar these days (at least until a company releases a full-color one) that it’s sorta like choosing between an Xbox 360 an PS3: which exclusive games (read: books) are you most interested in reading? And you go from there.
It should be available in March (such are the current plans) for $399, with a 10-inch version costing $599.
From the press release:
SAMSUNG UNVEILS ITS FIRST E-BOOK FOR READING, WRITING AND SHARING ON-THE-GO
Samsung’s New E-book Series Boasts First-of-its-Kind Functionality with a Precision Stylus Pen
Las Vegas, January 6, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, today unveiled its first e-book devices, with six-inch and ten-inch screen size offerings, at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The E6 and E101 further solidify Samsung’s position as a global leader in display technology by raising the bar on the quality of writing capabilities for e-books.
“We’ve used our expertise to create a high-quality e-book with today’s on-the-go consumer in mind,” said Young Bae, director of display marketing, Samsung Information Technology Division. “Samsung is addressing a common frustration that users experience with many of today’s digital readers with a stylus that allows them to annotate their favorite works or take notes. Coupled with wireless functionality that enables sharing of content, this is a truly multi-faceted device..”
Handwriting Capabilities
Unlike other e-book devices, Samsung’s E6 and E101 enables handwriting directly onto the display, allowing users to annotate their reading selections, calendars and to-do lists with a built-in electromagnetic resonance (EMR) stylus pen. This dedicated pen prevents mistypes caused by hands and other objects that may graze the screen’s surface. A variety of pen and eraser thicknesses make the Samsung e-books perfect for drawing and writing.
Low Power Consumption
The Samsung e-book displays reflect light naturally and deliver an appearance similar to that of printed paper, allowing people to read more naturally than they would with other backlit electronic paper devices. The E101 boasts a ten-inch screen, while the E6, is the more portable sibling at six inches. Because Samsung’s e-book is not backlit, the power consumption is lower than that of other portable display devices. Only four hours of charging prepares the battery for up to two weeks of use, depending on the extent of daily use.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Wireless
Samsung’s e-books are equipped for wireless connectivity as well. Wi-Fi 802.11b/g allows users to download content such as books and newspapers from a server wirelessly, as well as to share certain content with other devices. Bluetooth 2.0 is also a built in feature. The Samsung E6 and E101 will be priced at $399 and $699, respectively. They will be available in early 2010.
Mad Catz isn’t actually known for being subtle, but this is a bit much even for them. It’s the new Cyborg R.A.T. – and it’s a hot mess of wasteland design gone wrong.
Imagine that the world ended, people live in underground bunkers, but there were some survivors. They’d build stuff out of whatever they could find, combing buttons, switches, and dials into an ungodly mess of function and form. Now imagine someone from this post-apocalyptic future came back and designed a mouse. That’s what the Cyborg R.A.T. makes me think of.
Ultimately though, what matters is if the thing is comfortable. We’ll get one when it comes available and review it for you, and let you know how well it works. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe it’s the best. mouse. evar.
From the press release:
San Diego, January 06, 2010
Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading worldwide third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today unveiled a new range of premium Cyborg gaming mice expected to begin shipping in Spring 2010.
“Cyborg is best known for ergonomic and fully adjustable flight sticks, gaming mice and keyboards. The new mouse range incorporates the same market leading design principles and applies them to gaming mice. For the first time ever on a mouse, the key points of contact between the gamer’s hand and the mouse are fully adjustable allowing it to be customized for any grip preference” commented, Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. “The Cyborg mouse range was developed entirely in house and I believe they are the most comfortable gaming mice you’ll ever use. Besides, they just look cool!”
Following-up Darren Richardson said, “The addition of this line of mice bolsters Cyborg’s strong gaming keyboard market presence and is a continuation of our strategy of developing products that evoke a passionate consumer response.”
For a complete feature matrix, see the table at the end of the announcement. The gaming mice expected to ship as part of the range includes:
• Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Gaming Mouse o Features: Fully Adjustable; 5600dpi laser; Programmable; Weight System; USB powered o MSRP: $99.99 / £79.99 / €99.99
• Cyborg R.A.T. 9 Gaming Mouse o Features: Wireless, Fully Adjustable, 5600dpi laser; Programmable,; Weight System; Powered by Rechargeable Batteries o MSRP: $129.99/ £99.99 / €129.99
• Cyborg R.A.T. 5 Gaming Mouse o Features: Adjustable Length; 4000dpi laser, Programmable; Weight System; USB powered o MSRP: $69.99/ £49.99 / €59.99
• Cyborg R.A.T. 3 Gaming Mouse o Features: 3200dpi laser; USB powered o MSRP: $49.99 / £34.99 / €49.99
It’s not looking to be a real revolutionary year for digital cameras. Even Casio, who really wowed us last year with the compact high-speed FC100 and FS10, is phoning it in. Samsung has let a few new ones out of the bag, but they’re not exactly thrillers. Nice, to be sure, but well within the bounds of the expected.
There are two new dual-screen cameras, but I think we all feel the same way about those (soul-destroying apathy) so I’m going to skip them. The lower-end cameras are probably decent, but for their price you can almost certainly get Canons that will take them to school. And the NX10 got announced last week, to say nothing of its presence on the net for some months now. That leaves the luxury ones, which are the funnest to write up anyway.
You’ve got two: the TL240 and CL80. The CL80 is the mega-lux version; it’s got 14.2 megapixels, a 7x zoom, a 3.7″ AMOLED touchscreen, and has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That screen is gorgeous, I’m guessing, although there are reports of said screens being bad in bright daylight — and that’s a situation you’ll be in a lot with a camera like this. The built-in wireless connection will be great if the software it uses (if any) isn’t too terrible. Given that it’s not a Sony camera, I think we’ve got hope.
The TL240 is the CL80 minus the wireless and the AMOLED screen; instead, it has a regular 3.5″ screen which I’m sure is just fine. Of course, the both of them have the usual HDMI connectors, 720p video, and smile shutters. I’m not sure I like the “touch of color” that appears when you extend the lens. It might lead to lots of pictures of people peering over the lens at that ring of magenta.
Also, I’d like to extend a wag of the finger to Samsung for, instead of sending 20 medium-sized pictures with various angles and backdrops, giving four pictures (none of the TL24) with the incredible dimensions of 6000×4000 pixels. Really, guys? Which publication asked for those?!
Altec Lansing announced three new products today – a docking station, a new set of computer speakers, and a set of headphones. While not exactly earth shattering, they do look to be some decent sounding products.
First off, we’ve got yet another iPod dock. It’s small, compact, and folds down into the size of a book for easy transport. Available February 2010, MSRP is $79.95.
Next, the Octane Plus speaker system. It’s a 2.1 set and the latest of Altec Lansing’s offering to computer users. Combining tuned, down-firing 3 inch mid-range and 1 inch micro-drivers with a powerful sub-woofer, the Octane Plus will be available this spring for an MSRP of $79.95
Finally, we have the MUZX DNA headphones. Coming in three different styles themselves, the MUZX line is designed for different users in different designs. The MUZX Mesh is specifically for heavy music listeners that need something for the long term wear. The MUZX XX combines soft colors and smooth lines for the ladies, and the MUZX XY are like wearing rocks in your ears in a manly fashion. Well, maybe not quite that brutal, but they are intended for the “more active users” whatever that means. All of the MUZX line will sell for $19.99, and be available this March.
There have been a few rumors swirling about the Courier tablet but our sources inside MS are stating that a Microsoft/HP-powered slate will appear at the CES 2010 keynote today.
Our source reports that tablets will be a big part of the current line-up. The concept “Courier” dual-screen device, however, won’t be part of the line-up.
Taken during Samsung's press conference. The guy with the LG enV spent most of the time tap-tap-tappin' away, while Drowsypants in front of him tried to fight off about 15 minutes of head drooping before finally slipping into a serene, dream-like state.
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Lenovo gave us a chance to check out their latest smartphone today at CES 2010. It's Android-based with a complete facelift and hardly any of the original OS sticking out. I doubt they intended it to be, but it seems like a sort of interesting mix of webOS, iPhone, and Android features. I quite liked it. From what I was told, the plan is to release the device in China first, then expand to the US. There were no carriers mentioned, and they were still working that out for China, so I wouldn't even speculate just yet. But I was impressed by the phone and the complete little ecosystem they had going. 
Look out, MiFi - Sprint just pushed out your new baby brother, and he looks like a mean one. The Sprint Overdrive is a mobile hotspot, not unlike the aforementioned MiFi. The idea is simple: turn it on, and you've got a WiFi access point pulling down data via Sprint's third and fourth generation networks. We just got our hands on the device for the first time, and while it'll still be a few days before we've given it a rough enough run-through for a full review, we've got some first impressions to share. 
The era of 4G - WiMAX, basically - is dawning and the Overdrive from Sprint is the first creation in that brave, fast world. Sprint called out all the great ones, from Hesse, the CEO, to Ballmer, the other CEO, as well as a Frank Caliendo, that guy who does voices. The device, which is shaped like a squarish hockey puck, is being touted as a hotspot away from your hotspot. It streams a 4G connection out of a package about as big as a stack of drink coasters. 
Mad Catz isn’t actually known for being subtle, but this is a bit much even for them. It’s the new Cyborg R.A.T. – and it’s a hot mess of wasteland design gone wrong.
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