Section: Video, Accessories, HDTV There’s a lot of things that can be said about Monster, usually overpriced being the first one that comes to mind. While the company’s claim that HDMI cables have to be expensive is easily disputed, now for the first time when it comes to TVs, Monster looks to be addressing a true problem. Not being content with just making HDMI cables for the newer 3DTVs, Monster is now making glasses for them as well. Monster is looking to help the issue of having to buy separate 3D shutter glasses for different TVs by making it’s own. The result is the Monster Vision Max 3D glasses. How exactly that is achieved is unclear, though Monster does say that future standards are supported through the “Monster Vision update portal” that presumably connects to a computer through USB to update. Rather than using the standard IR for syncing the glasses, Monster’s Max 3D glasses use RF to actively sync to the TV at all times, which is quite useful. They are designed to easily fit over prescription glasses, and Monster claims users won’t experience the eyestrain they’d usually get with IR-based glasses, which we’ll have to try to believe. The glasses will retail for $170 for just the glasses, and $250 for the glasses and transmitter. Perhaps not a terrible price if Monster’s claim hold true. Even if the eyestrain isn’t averted with the glasses, eliminating confusion for consumers is always a good thing. Of course, it could also be argued that Monster could be creating more confusion by adding another set of glasses and standards to 3DTVs, which is certainly something we don’t need any more of. Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Websites 
The HTC Droid Eris has been around since November 2009 and launched simultaneously with the Motorola Droid. At the time, the Motorola Droid was the high-end, flagship Android device for the Verizon network, while the HTC Droid Eris was the low-key but still solid Android phone. As of today, the HTC Droid Eris has been removed from the Verizon website, and if you search for Android smartphones by HTC, the only phone listed is the HTC Droid Incredible. Since tomorrow marks Motorola’s big event, in which the Motorola Droid 2 and Droid X are expected to be launched, it makes sense for Verizon to clear space with phones that aren’t as popular any more. It is worth noting all the difficulties Verizon has had keeping the HTC Droid Incredible in stock - not because it is such a hot seller, but because there are so many screen shortages. Again, with the new Motorola smartphones on the verge of becoming officially available, it is quite possible the next phone to go by the wayside will, indeed, be the HTC Droid Incredible. Site [Verizon] Via [Droid-Life] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Accessories, Headphones, Portable Audio, Speakers When Monster holds a press conference, it doesn’t hold back with the announcements. At CES there was a ton on new product announcements, and the CEA Line Shows is no different. As part of those announcements Monster showed off it’s new Clarity HD line of headphones and speakers. The first Clarity HD announcement were headphones that bear the same name. The Clarity HD In-Ear Headphones are earbuds that look similar in style to the Beats Solo or Diddy Beats. Rather than focusing on heavy bass for hip hop like the Diddy Beats, the Clarity HD earphones are intended to bring about the entire sound experience. Noel Lee, the “Head Monster,” claimed that the headphones would be great for classical music as an example. They focus on the whole EQ range rather than just highs and lows. They will be out within 3 months and retail for $229, which, considering what they promise, might not be too bad. The other Clarity HD announcement comes in the form of the Clarity HD Precision Micro Bluetooth Speaker. As the name implies, they are simple Bluetooth speakers that come in a relatively small package. Demonstrated on stage streaming music from an iPad, the sound was loud enough to hear about 15-20 feet away in the second row, which was impressive. It sounded like it could easily fill a smaller room with sound. The speakers also work with cellphones, so you can use them as a Bluetooth speakerphone, and it has noise cancellation so the other party doesn’t hear everything going on in the room. If you don’t want to use A2DP sound over Bluetooth, or your device doesn’t support it, the speakers also have an audio port on the back. They will retail for $120 for both the standard black and white “iClarity HD” versions. Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, HDTV The second press conference at the CEA LineShows was Vizio. Vizio’s big push is for its Internet-enable TVs, dubbed Vizio Internet Apps (VIA). A lot of what the company had to say dealt with how successful those TVs have been, with 70 percent of all VIA TVs being connected to the Internet, as opposed to the industry average of 10 percent of all Internet-enabled TVs being connected.In terms of announcements of VIA TVs, Vizio will soon be releasing 26-, 32-, and 37-inch models, all with built-in wireless-n, Bluetooth and remotes complete with slide-out QWERTY keyboards. Aside from TVs, Vizio is expanding almost everywhere. They are already the number one seller of soundbars, and plan on bringing about smaller bars for 32-inch TVs, as well as 5.1 surround sound soundbars. To go along with the soundbars, the company has a line of Bluetooth headphones that will work with most VIA TVs (all except the 22-inch) and the 5.1 surround soundbar. To help make sure that those VIA TVs are getting wireless signal, Vizio will soon be rolling out the HD Router which will be a wireless-n router so users can get the best wireless connection possible. The company is also coming out with a mobile TV that will sport a 7-inch display with 800x480 resolution, and will recieve over-the-air broadcasts. There are also plans for a universal touchscreen remote, an Internet sound system, and an Internet-enabled clock radio. To keep up with other TV companies, Vizio will be offering 3DTVs as well. There will be a shutter-glass 3DTV in Q4 that Vizio will sell for $1999 (though they were quick to point out local stores would probably sell it cheaper). It will be complete with VIA, and will feature a 10million:1 contrast ratio with LED backlight. Since shutter glasses typically cost a lot for consumers, Vizio is also looking at making a 3DTV that uses polarized lenses. It will be a 65-inch razor LED TV, with not much else announced yet. Vizio hopes to have it out by Q1 2011, so we’ll likely see it at CES next January. In terms of price on that unit, Vizio co-founder Ken Lowe said that Vizio doesn’t like to sell anything for much more than $3,000, which is a good sign. Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Audio, Headphones At the CEA Line Shows in New York City Monster took the stage to announce a ton of new products, the biggest announcement coming through a partnership with Disney. Monster has teamed with the media company to produce headphones inspired by Tron. The new headphones are all black with Tron-esque blue highlights. Unlike most Monster headphones which focus on specific music genres, or for high-end clarity, these headphones seem more geared towards gamers. To help with this goal, the headphones will feature 7.1 surround sound, which is great for gaming, or just those who want to listen to music in surround sound. The headphones also feature an optional microphone, though it will also have ControlTalk should you not want to use it. The headsets won’t be out until closer to the new film’s release, and likely will be fairly expensive. Given Monster’s previous headphones, however, they’ll likely produce some pretty good sound. Even so, the Tron design is intriguing, and could convince some people to get the headset over some others. These likely won’t be the only Tron-inspired headsets from Monster, or Tron inspired gadget period, as Disney seems intent on bringing Tron to many more products leading up to the release of Tron Legacy. Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Accessories, Portable Video There’s plenty of ways to shoot HD video now, between dedicated camcorders, DSLRs, high-end point-and-shoot cameras and even smartphones. The only problem with all of them is that, for the most part, the camera can’t really go with you when say scuba diving, or snowboarding. Liquid Image has a solution for that small niche. At the CEA LineShows Liquid Image was showing off a total of six new cameras that will be coming out by within the next few months. The difference is that the cameras here are built into goggles so you can use them while scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, snowboarding, riding a motorcycle and even for those who enjoy motocross. Three of the six shoot HD video, two shoot only VGA video, and one records DI video (720x480). Most run on rechargeable batteries, and can shoot for hours. They range in price from $99 to $350, with releases scattered across July and August of this year, perfect for summer which is likely what the company is going for. The idea of video on goggles isn’t exactly new, but there hasn’t been much in the line of consumer products in that sense. It could make for some interesting video where a camera might not be the best idea. Not only for the situations Liquid Image is giving, but also for times when you might want to cover your eyes and shoot video, like strong snow storms during the winter. Or maybe you could just use it fo show your friends all the fun you had scuba diving in the summer and/or snowboarding during the winter. Read [Liquid Image] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile, Web, Google 
Ever since Android 2.2 was announced a little over a month ago at the Google I/O conference, Android users could hardly wait for it to be pushed out to the latest Android phones. There have been two leaks regarding Froyo, but none of them are the real deal. As Apple’s revamped iOS becomes readily available, people really want to know when Android 2.2 will be available for at least the Google Nexus One. Fortunately, Ry Guy, a member of Google’s PR team for Android, replied to a post about Froyo in the official Google Forums about the availability of Android 2.2. First of all, he acknowledges the leaked Build FRF72, but goes on to say that Build FRF72 is not the official update. In addition, he remarks: Android team is feverishly working to get a final version out the door, but like passion-ate has mentioned this will only happen once a release candidate meets our quality criteria.
It doesn’t look like Android 2.2 will be available tomorrow, but his comment does suggest Google is really working hard to make ensure a smooth and efficient launch of Android 2.2. Read [Google Forums] Via [AndroidPolice] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers Maxell isn’t exactly known for bringing about new, exciting gadgets. Usually the company is associated with CDs, DVDs and maybe its cheap headphones. Now Maxell is looking to make the brand known as the company with the newest style of ergonomics for keyboards and mice. Today Maxell introduced it’s newest products: the ErgoMotion Keyboard and ErgoMotion Mouse. Maxell partnered with Smartfish Technologies to produce the peripherals, both of which are approved by the Hospital for Specialized Surgery. The ErgoMotion Keyboard at first looks like a normal, bulky ergonomic keyboard. The difference between the ErgoMotion and others ergonomic keyboards is that the ErgoMotion moves. For casual users, the keyboard will move slowly to a different position every 20 emails or so, for heavy users, it’ll set to 50 emails. That’s fine, but for those who don’t measure the time in email the actual rate is determined by keystrokes, about 7,000 for casual and 18,000 for heavy users. The movement is slow, which is said to make it so that muscle memory can still keep track of the keyboard as it moves. Sounds like it could get slightly annoying for those who spend a lot of time writing longer pieces, and for those of us who don’t want it changing, it is possible to stop the keyboard at any point you’d find comfortable. The ErgoMotion Keyboard sells for $149.99. The ErgoMotion mice, look like mice that are being display on a small pedestal. The idea is that the mouse can move freely in all directions as you use it, so it’s not always the same stiff thing. Maxell claims it allows for more natural movement, and it does come easily, but seems like it would have a bit of a learning curve. Maxell is making both and optical and laser version of the ErgoMotion mouse for $29.99 and $49.99, respectively. The Maxell representative at the CEA LineShows claimed that a popular gaming peripheral company will be making a similar mouse for those who want gamer-precision. Logic would say that company would be Razer, though that is merely speculation until there are some announcements. Image from [CNet] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Mobile, Web, Web Apps, Websites, Google 
The once exclusive Google Voice is now available to all people in America who wish to create an account. Previously, users would have to request for an invitation in order to receive an account, but that has changed as of today. Google Voice allows for free calling and text messaging to numbers in the United States and Canada, while international calling is available for a tiny fee. Google Voice has come a long way since it is available as a mobile app, infiltrated Gmail with a voicemail player, and even found its way onto Google Chrome as an extension. For those who always wanted to try out Google Voice, now is the time to do so as Google has fixed all the kinks and bugs. Check out the video below to see how Google Voice works and its key features. Read [Google]  Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Web, Websites, Google 
According to a Hitwise survey of 10 million users, Google’s share of the search market gained 1% in May, month over month. Google owned 72% of the US market while other search leaders, such as Yahoo! and Microsoft’s Bing declined. Yahoo! hit 14% and Bing 9%. Yahoo! lost 3% while Bing was down 2% month over month. The other 74 search engines garnered 2% of the market. Amazing. What’s great is this data contradicts the study by comScore which say Yahoo and Bing gain at Google’s expense. So which to believe? Read [Hitwise] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Software / Applications, Web, Downloads, Websites 
Today, Adobe released Flash Mobile 10.1 to mobile platform partners. The release will be available to users when they are able to upgrade their devices to Android froyo 2.2 allowing access to the Flash world. Games, video, music and more will be available just as it is on the desktop. Devices supporting "Froyo" and Flash Player 10.1 are expected to include the Dell Streak, Google Nexus One, HTC Evo, HTC Desire, HTC Incredible, DROID by Motorola, Motorola Milestone, Samsung Galaxy S and others.
Users will be able to access Flash content on Android froyo 2.2 including “content triggered downloads, system software updates and on-device app catalogs such as Android Market, Adobe Labs and other venues.” "Although it is labeled a dot release, Flash Player 10.1 is a significant update that includes a number of new performance and mobile specific features," said Al Hilwa, program director of the Application Development Program at IDC. "This allows consumers to see a much bigger part of the Web and allows developers to bring their Flash Platform skills to a much bigger swath of devices." Read: [Adobe] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile 
The iPhone will really be sold in Walmart on the opening day, Thursday, June 24 along with Best Buy, Radio Shack and the usual AT&T and Apple stores. This phone seems to confirm Walmart stores are getting their supplies now and most likely expect a rush of customers flooding the aisles to grab Apple’s latest offspring. We don’t expect lower pricing despite the store’s slogans. According to Engadget, this image was sent in by a tipster but does appear to be the latest box design. Interestingly, Walmarts LetsTalk site is not showing the iPhone 4 so it’s likely the phone will be sold in-store only. Read: [Engadget
] Image credit: Engadget Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Email / IM, Smartphones, Mobile 
AT&T is now selling the new Pantech Ease, adding to the company’s portfolio of quick messaging devices. The Ease is billed as a simple touchscreen phone with slide out QWERTY keyboard and sells for $69.99 after rebate and two year contract. The phone looks to be a decent, entry-level phone. The Ease is put into “simple mode” allowing users the simplicity of moving through just a few menus to get the features the majority of folks desire: texting, phone features, and email. Other features are available in “advanced mode” where menu trees are accessible for setting tweaks. The idea is give new users a simple and intuitive way to handle the phone and get them doing it instead of trying to find items buried in menu trees. It’s a noble effort by Pantech. The Good:
The Ease features 3G data speeds, GPS for available voice navigation, and AT&T’s Social Net for keeping up with all the social networking sites. The device requires a $20 data/messaging plan in addition to voice fees. The camera is capable of video as well. The Not-so-Good
Things to be wary of include the paltry 2 megapixel camera, so photo’s are not going to be super crisp. The device has only 50MB of memory but that can be expanded via a MicroSD card up to 32GB, rivaling iPhone 4’s largest capacity, but is sold separately. Product page: [AT&T] Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Video, Portable Video, Communications, Smartphones, Mobile SlingPlayer Mobile has officially arrived for Android. The app is priced at $29.99 and can be found by searching for “SlingPlayer Mobile” in the Android Market. Basically the SlingPlayer Mobile app gives you complete access to your home television including the ability to watch live television as well as programs that are recorded on your DVR. “SlingPlayer Mobile for Android features faster startup and control response times, and it works among a variety of Android-based mobile phones in the market today. It also has a new user interface that gives quick-touch access to the most critical remote controls and recently viewed channels.”
As for requirements, the app will work with Android 1.5 or later and can stream using a 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi connection. Otherwise, you will need to have either a Slingbox SOLO or Slingbox PRO at home. The good news here is that aside from the cost of the Slingbox in your home and the price of the app—there are no added monthly fees. Otherwise, the SlingPlayer Mobile app will be available for those located in the US as well as Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Read [Sling Media] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 More Recent Articles | 
No comments:
Post a Comment