02/13, 4:50pm
BlackBerry PlayBook 10, docks seen early
A Czech sighting in backrooms at BlackBerry DevCon Europe has claimed to show not just upcoming accessories for the PlayBook but the rumored 10-inch PlayBook. BlackBerryCzech claimed to have seen one within several feet but was denied a chance at a photo. The design was supposedly working and left open a chance the new version might show either at Mobile World Congress this month or, more likely, DevCon Americas in May.
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02/13, 12:00pm
ThinkGeek unveils iCade 8-Bitty at Toy Fair
ThinkGeek picked the American International Toy Fair to bring out the iCade 8-Bitty, a much more portable alternative to the iCade cabinet. The wireless iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch gamepad is conspicuously styled like (though not identical to) the original NES controller with four face buttons, Select and Start, although it also has two shoulder buttons. It works with the same iCade-friendly titles, such as Atari's Greatest Hits, as well as any others wanting to use the freely available support.
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02/10, 10:15pm
AirPlay, Bluetooth optons
Two different tech gear companies have announced two new products for music lovers who want small speakers. Gear4 out of El Segundo are launching the AirZone Series 1 home speaker and iPhone/iPod dock that incorporates AirPlay compatibility for remote sounds and control, while iPod accessory maker iHome is offering two different mini-speakers that stream music and more via Bluetooth connections, one including a mic for speakerphone use.
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02/08, 10:25am
Logitech M600 takes Magic Mouse cues
Logitech chose Wednesday to unveil its own alternative to the Magic Mouse. The Touch Mouse M600 uses the same concept of an all-touch surface as Apple but with the technology behind its Cube mobile mouse. Having the larger surface solves some of the issues of the Cube, letting users left- and right-click more naturally while opening the door to horizontal scrolling along with the vertical.
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02/07, 8:00pm
Quality sound for music, gaming and chat
CompuExpert has introduced a lightweight, foldable, rechargeable wireless headset called the Airhead 1000 that positions itself as a top-quality music headphone system that also happens to handle chat and gaming experiences. The headset provides up to 12 hours of wireless use at a stretch and features both a USB charging port and a 3.5mm line-out jack for a second headset or speakers. It works with all major chat, VoIP and gaming networks up to 30 feet from the computer.
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02/07, 6:55am
Canon launches three AIO printers
Canon has introduced three all-in-one Pixma printers, the MX372, the MX512 Wireless and the MX432 Wireless. The two wireless enabled devices both support AirPrint allowing users to print directly from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. The printers are also accompanied by a companion mobile app, Canon Easy-PhotoPrint that is available for both iOS- and Android-based smartphones and tablets and now allows users to print PDFs created directly on the devices, not just photos as previously.
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02/06, 9:10am
Rogers LTE gear ads new band to run faster
Canadian carrier Rogers set out to win speed claims with a set of upgraded LTE devices. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 330U and AirCard 763S hotspot both add the 2.6GHz frequency to the existing 1.7GHz and 2.1GHz bands, giving the 4G connection more real-world bandwidth. Where the existing LTE tops out at 12-25Mbps, Rogers expects the new hardware to achieve real speeds of as much as 40Mbps.
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02/03, 10:20am
3D at budget price
HP is among the many companies embracing 3D technology, and its 2311gt monitor aims to make the technology an affordable upgrade. The 23-inch monitor works as a standard 2D display, or as a 3D panel when combined with passive 3D glasses. In our full review, we will see how the company’s passive 3D technology stacks up against pricier active-shutter tech.
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02/03, 8:30am
Jawbone Big Jambox promises more wireless sound
Jawbone's plans for a bigger Bluetooth speaker were given away late Thursday after an FCC filing showed a new device. Just called the Big Jambox, the diagramming hints that it might represent a literal upsizing of the brick-shaped audio device. Not much is hinted at in directly by the filing besides the inclusion of Bluetooth.
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02/02, 7:40pm
Available with either 24 month plan or no contract
Wireless carrier 3 has introduced its Web Cube 3G hotspot to the UK. The broadband router, made by Huawei, offers broadband networking to up to five Wi-Fi devices. 3 is targeting renters and students who want Wi-Fi at home without being tied to a contract or a landline.
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02/01, 8:40am
Kinect for Windows and 1.0 SDK go live
On schedule, Microsoft has started shipping the Kinect for Windows add-on and its matching software. The sensor lets those on Windows 7, 8, and Embedded use the motion control from the Xbox with optimizations for the PC world, such as tracking subjects as close as 15.7 inches as well as a PC-oriented USB cable. It costs $249 for anyone, although it will cost $149 for educational users later.
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01/31, 10:10am
AMD Radeon HD 7950 targets more common gamers
AMD has hoped to corner the more widely accessible range of high-end video cards Tuesday by unveiling the Radeon HD 7950. It trims back slightly from the range-leading 7970 with 1,792 visual processing cores instead of 2,048, 112 texture units instead of 128, and both 800MHz core and 1.25GHz memory clock speeds versus the 925MHz and 1.38GHz of its counterpart. The chipset is still powerful enough to handle 4K video and carries the 384-bit memory bus and 3GB of video RAM.
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01/30, 2:35pm
Clear Spot Voyager and Hub Express kick off 2012
Clearwire's still growing Clear 4G service got refreshed devices for the new year on Monday. The Infomark-made Clear Spot Voyager reinterprets its mobile hotspot and touts a relatively long six-hour battery life for its WiMAX sharing. It can reach as many as eight Wi-Fi devices at once and, at 2.6 inches square, is meant to be pocketable.
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01/28, 7:25pm
We review Logitech's very tiny travel mouse
The world of mice could often be described charitably as stagnant: it's an endless sea of ergonomic shapes that assume you're sitting at a desk and have lots of room in your bag. Logitech's Cube is about as different as you can get, with a small, brick-like design that relies on touch and orientation to make it an ultraportable mouse and presenter. We'll gauge in our Logitech Cube review whether it's a welcome break or a novelty.
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01/28, 4:55pm
NVIDIA said pushing Kepler, trashing Radeon 7900
NVIDIA was accused this week of using dishonest marketing to try to skew gamers towards its next-generation Kepler graphics hardware. Posters in the ChipHell forums claiming to have details of the new graphics core were reportedly discovered to be NVIDIA marketers. They made bold claims about Kepler's prices and performance in what appeared to be an attempt to downplay AMD's Radeon HD 7900 line.
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01/27, 10:45pm
First look at Kickstarter project
Several successful Kickstarter projects are currently on hand at the Macworld iWorld expo for potential customers to try out, including LandingZone's docking station for the MacBook Air. Electronista initially wrote about the device before it had gathered enough funding to pass through the Kickstarter program, so we were excited to get a chance to see it in person.
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01/26, 1:40pm
Comes in metal case, runs on bus power
Audio specialist MOTU has announced the MicroBook II, an upcoming audio interface for Macs and PCs. The hardware sports four inputs -- XLR mic, hi-Z guitar, and stereo line-in -- and six output channels, divided between TRS 1/4-inch, S/PDIF, stereo mini, and 1/4 headphone options. Power comes off of USB 2.0, eliminating the need to use a dedicated cable, and the mic preamp provides 48V of phantom power with a 20dB pad.
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01/25, 9:30pm
Can cross-convert 720p to 1080PsF
Pro video hardware maker AJA Video Systems is now shipping a professional I/O box called the Io XT with dual Thunderbolt ports, 10-bit up-, down- and cross-conversion in hardware, uncompressed capture, monitoring and mastering, eight-channel SDI audio I/O, analog component and composite output, HDMI input and output (including 3D) and 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 HD and SD formats among other features. The dual T ports allow for daisy-chaining with other TB peripherals.
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01/25, 5:10pm
Trouble widespread, but inconsistent
A number of Apple TV owners are finding it impossible to view YouTube videos, according to complaints on Apple's support forums. Affected people will see an error message: "No content was found. There is a problem communicating with YouTube. Try again later." The issue appears to be affecting countries worldwide, including Argentina, Australia, Japan, Canada, the US, the UK, and at least parts of continental Europe such as Spain and Denmark.
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01/24, 1:55pm
Boxee Box 1.5 update brings new interface, more
Boxee Box has just released its 1.5 software update behind live TV function of its new tuner that we had a chance to check out at CES. There are also some other functionalities the update enables. With the tuner add-on, this update, and the main Boxee Box hardware, users can access over-the-air TV broadcasts as well as Internet content.
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01/24, 10:45am
Linksys Powerline AV gets 3 new models
Cisco's Linksys badge brought out three new powerline networking kits for those who prefer or need mostly wired links. The PLEK400 one-port kit, PLSK400 four-port kit, and PLW400 wireless extender all run on the HomePlug standard and can reach up to 200Mbps. Linksys is vowing a small design that makes it practical to hook up other devices to the local wall outlet.
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01/24, 4:55am
Powertrekk first to market with portable fuel cell
The Powertrekk portable fuel cell charger, that first surfaced as a working concept will become available this Spring for $229. The device is the world’s first solution of its kind and offers instant charging for mobile devices over USB. The Powertrekk uses water to create hydrogen, which is then converted into electricity making it particularly useful for trekkers and users on field trips without ready access to another source of electricity.
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01/20, 10:40pm
Turn iPads into guitar and drum effects boxes
Audio accessory maker Alesis has debuted a number of new devices for musicians, including three new USB MIDI keyboard controllers along with a set of iPad- and iPhone-specific amp docks. All are on display at the company's booth (#6400) at the 2012 NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. The keyboards include two 61-note models as well as a 25-note compact model. The iPad and iPhone amp docks are based on the company's successful iO docks.
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01/19, 8:10pm
iPad placed between traditional platters
Numark has introduced a new DJ controller, the iDJ Pro, that is designed to work with an iPad running Algoriddim's Djay app. The brushed-aluminum housing integrates a 30-pin dock connector, placing the iPad flat between a traditional dual-platter configuration.
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01/17, 11:40pm
Built with Thermaltake
BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA has teamed with Thermaltake to introduce the Level 10 M mouse for gamers. The mouse has been designed as a follow-up to the Level 10 gaming PC chassis that was also borne of collaboration between the design think tank and chassis builder.
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01/17, 3:50pm
Input device offers retro mechanical "click" sound
German peripherals maker Das Keyboard has launched an Mac-specific mechanical keyboard. The Model S Professional for Mac incorporates mechanical key switches which produce a distinctive clicking sound when a key is successfully struck to give the feedback absent from the scissor-motion keys on notebooks and some desktop keyboards. The company claims that the retro noise emulates the keystroke sounds of a classic IBM Model M keyboard.
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01/16, 11:45pm
Controller expected to sell for $1099
Numark has introduced its latest DJ controller, 4Trak, which works with Native Instruments' Traktor software. The four-deck controller, which appears to offer features similar to the company's NS6, provides a four-channel mixer that can be attached to sources such as media players, microphones or turntables, while the effects console is mapped for direct interaction with Traktor parameters.
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01/13, 2:25am
Razer 2012 lineup tested at CES
We had the opportunity to explore Razer's whole CES 2012 lineup this week. The company kicked off the year by shipping the Blade and revealing thhe Naga Hex mouse, but its true surprise was exploring tablets with Project Fiona. We'll see how all three have fared after the break.
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01/13, 12:25am
Mice feature flexible parameter setting
Gaming peripherals maker SteelSeries has introduced three new mice. The Kana is a six-button device while the Kinzu v2 Pro Edition and Kinzu v2 host 4-buttons. All three support SteelSeries' Engine software.
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01/12, 10:30pm
Company continues 2012 rollout at CES
Griffin Technology continued its rollout of 2012 products at CES today, including updates to its Woogie 2 plush toy iOS cases that incorporate iPhones and the iPod Touch as an integral part of the "creature," the expansion into Android apps to control the HELO TC toy helicopters, and a plethora of car- and travel-related accessories including windshield and window mounts for smartphones, a e-reader mount for airline or rail "tray tables," and a combo battery-pack and charger.
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01/12, 8:30pm
Offers a special 'tactile' version as well
Although standard Bluetooth keyboards can also be paired with an iPad or iPhone, the process can be time-consuming for users who regularly like to switch between computers and mobile devices using the same keyboard. Often, the answer was to buy two keyboards -- but accessory maker Matias is taking its classic-style, wired One Keyboards up a notch with models that feature a holder for the iPhone or iPod Touch, and can switch instantly between the computer and the iOS device at the touch of a button.
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01/12, 7:40pm
Controller works with PC or mobile devices
SteelSeries has introduced a new Bluetooth game controller. The Ion Wireless Controller can be used by both desktop and mobile gamers. SteelSeries has licensed technology from Zeemote to provide support for gaming on smartphones and tablets.
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01/12, 6:40pm
Headset with LEDs syncs to gaming action
SteelSeries has brought out two new headsets at CES. The over-the-ear SteelSeries Siberia v2 Frosty Blue Edition adds blue LED lighting to its popular Siberia v2 family of gaming headsets. The on-the-ear SteelSeries Flux is more multipurpose and is designed to fold down into a compact form-factor for travel.
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01/12, 1:00am
End-to-end encrypted data mirroring
Secure storage-and-sharing USB key iTwin has been upgraded to allow users to share files stored on a computer with multiple people simultaneously, providing an end-to-end encrypted solution for mirroring files that are on one part of the two-part USB key instantly to its mates. The free update lets multiple iTwin keys "belong" to each other, making transfer of data easy without the constraints of e-mail, the technical complication of VPN or the ongoing fees of cloud services.
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01/11, 6:30pm
Cameras come with cam-management software
Wireless networking specialist Trendnet is showing off its additions to its Wi-Fi network range extenders and IP camera lines at CES with a total of 13 new products, most of the new models of IP cameras for home, SOHO and small-to-medium business (SMB) markets. Already offering 23 models of IP camera, the company has outed another 12 models to be launched over the next six months. The company also added a 300Mbps "N" range extender.
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01/11, 5:30pm
HD/SD interface can handle uncompressed video
MOTU, while best known for its audio hardware and software for pro audio, also makes video hardware -- and extended its product line at CES by introducing the HDX-SDI with Thunderbolt, a one rack-space sized pro video interface that enables Thunderbolt-equipped Macs or Windows PCs to capture even uncompressed HD video and features plenty of input and output for video and audio channels. The product is MOTU's first with Thunderbolt technology.
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01/11, 3:05pm
Tango uses rare tilting back
Continuing a series of CES announcements, XtremeMac has announced the Tango TT, a new speaker dock for iOS devices. The dock is unusual in featuring a sliding back, which can raise or lower a device for viewing at different vertical angles. It also features a flexible dock connector, which lets iOS devices (including iPads) sit in the dock in portrait or landscape orientations.
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01/10, 10:00pm
Smartphone, tablet, laptop, more
Former Gizmodo Editorial Director Brian Lam, now retired from the site, has launched a new electronics-focused website called The Wirecutter with a different approach: a semi-permanent list of both "the best" gear along with a mix of highly-subjective ("What I'd Get") and semi-objective ("Great" and "Good") categories crossing all boundaries of gadget and electronic devices. Apple products figure prominently, but far from exclusively, on the list.
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01/10, 8:05pm
Controller features customizable sticks & buttons
Mad Catz has brought out two new products at CES targeting serious gamers. The Major League Gaming (MLG) Pro Circuit Controller is a gaming component designed for Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PS3 tournament participants. The F.R.E.Q. 5 Pro Gaming Headset offers an over-the-ear stereo headset for pro gamers.
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01/10, 12:15pm
IK trots out three iRig products, new iPhone app
Several companies are premiering new Apple-oriented music products at CES, among them IK Multimedia. The outfit has announced a full three new iRig peripherals, such as the Stomp, a stompbox guitar interface. The unit bridges iOS signal processing apps with pedals, pedalboards, amps, or PA systems using regular quarter-inch guitar cables. A battery-powered output circuit is said to improve headroom, and a bypass switch can be used to turn on or skip effects in the AmpliTube iOS app. Other features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a large input knob. The Stomp should ship in the second quarter for $60.
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01/10, 12:30am
Wireless speakers for home and auto
SuperTooth, a French Bluetooth accessories maker best known for their line of wireless car speakers, has announced two new products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The first is a complete re-design of its previous Disco portable speaker into the Disco2, which features an angular vertical look but maintains the high sound quality. Also debuting is Crystal, the company's latest sun-visor-mounted Bluetooth speaker for smartphones.
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01/09, 11:30pm
Optimized for home entertainment, VOIP
EnGenius have announced a new line of wireless routers under the XtraRange banner that the company says offers "top performance" for 802.11n networking while extending the normal range associated with such devices, using a 200mW radio to outperform traditional 802.11 routers -- though the company has not yet offered specific numbers. The XtraRange line includes three models starting at $45, the first of which is already available through online sellers.
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01/09, 8:20pm
M750 uploads wirelessly to social media, email
Kodak has announced the latest addition to its EasyShare line, the
Kodak EasyShare M750 Wireless Camera. The M750 has built in WiFi to simplify photo sharing and syncing with home networks, wireless printers, email or social media. It shares many of the same hardware and photo effects as its predecessor, the EasyShare 5370. These include a 16-megapixel CCD sensor that is also capable of shooting 720p HD video, a 5x optical zoom lens, and a 3.0in capacitive LCD touchscreen with auto brightness control.
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01/09, 5:55pm
2Big drive, eSATA hub coming late winter
Drive maker LaCie has announced an expansion of its line of Thunderbolt-supporting peripherals on the eve of the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. In addition to its existing Little Big Disk Thunderbolt drive, the company will be adding a 2Big dual-disk model as well as an eSATA hub that lets users connect two eSATA external hard drives, and offers the possibility of daisy-chaining more at full eSATA 3Gb per second speeds.
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01/09, 5:05pm
32GB, 65GB USB 3.0 flash drives also announced
Toshiba announced two USB 3.0 accessories in its mobile lineup, a universal docking station and a 15.6-inch portable LED monitor. The dynadock U3.0 is a universal USB 3.01 docking station equipped with a total of six USB ports, four USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0. Two of the front ports allow users to charge other devices while the laptop is powered down, sleeping or undocked.
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01/09, 4:10pm
Griffin Twenty amps, streams iOS audio
Among the companies announcing AirPlay-based electronics at CES are Griffin and Acoustic Research. Griffin's contribution is the Twenty, an amp that pairs with an AirPort Express to pump AirPlay audio into a nearby speaker. The amp supports 2.1 channels, producing up to 20W of output per channel. Users can also attach a powered subwoofer; automatic active crossover kicks in at 80Hz. A pricing and a launch date for the Twenty remain unannounced.
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01/09, 10:40am
Dock gets pricing, late release date
Presenting at CES, Belkin has revealed more details about the Thunderbolt Express Dock, first made public last September. The dock connects via a single 10Gbps Thunderbolt cable, but substantially expands a computer's ports. Included are HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, 3.5mm stereo, three USB 2.0, and two Thunderbolt (upstream and downstream) connections.
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01/09, 6:15am
Samsung delivers new Wi-Fi enabled cams for home
Samsung has rolled out a pair of new Wi-Fi cameras as CES 2012. The Wi-Fi inTouch camera system is HD Skype-enabled and also includes pre-loaded apps. The Wi-Fi Video Baby Monitor will also have supporting iOS and Android apps developed for it to allow parents to use their mobile phones at home and away for monitoring.
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01/08, 4:35am
Blue Microphones puts out iOS-ready mics
Blue Microphones helped open up CES week by rolling out three new microphones. The Spark Digital is billed as the first pro-grade mic to reach iOS and is intended for those who want to add vocals or other samples in GarageBand on the iPad through a purer Dock Connector input. As a mic on the level with Blue's studio models, it has a deliberately neutral sound, gain control, zero-lag monitoring, and focus control that generates two different sound signatures.
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01/06, 11:30pm
Products for home, portable and live events, more
Consumer electronics manufacturer Behringer has introduced its 2012 lineup of products, many of which are aimed at iOS devices under the umbrella moniker of Eurosound. Offerings in the 50-product lineup include a sound-bar-and-subwoofer set, a wireless iPod sound system, a portable Bluetooth speaker, a PA system with an iPod dock built-in and more. The company has brought its notorious iNuke and its new lineup to the CES show.
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