Author - Jerry Paxton

SyFy Unveils First Ever Innovation Lab for CES 2016

2016/01/04
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News

December 4, 2016 – Syfy unveils its first-ever innovation lab, Syfy Labs, with an interactive booth at CES 2016. Syfy Labs is a new initiative from the network that creates content and experiences for existing and emerging platforms — from virtual reality to 3D printing, second screen experiences and Internet of Things integrations — by seamlessly merging the latest technologies into the storytelling experience of the channel’s original programs.

The Syfy Labs booth will feature:

  • MakerBot’s Replicator and the new MakerBot Smart Extruder+, giving attendees access to printable files from their favorite Syfy programs via MakerBot’s Thingiverse.
  • The Expanse VR app for Samsung Gear VR enabling attendees to explore spacecraft and settings from the heralded drama series in high-quality 3D VR.
  • The Syfy Sync app working with Philips Hue to enable attendees to experience an immersive lighting experience with custom built “lighting tracks” that showcase Syfy’s original programs.

Attendees and press can test out all of these immersive experiences and speak with Syfy Labs executives, including Matthew Chiavelli, Senior Vice President, Syfy Digital, who heads up Syfy Labs.

WHEN: January 5-9, 2016

WHERE: Booth GL-4 in the Grand Lobby at CES in Las Vegas

*Please note that the above image is from a previous SyFy experience, NOT the upcoming Innovation Lab*

Kensington Launches Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball at CES 2016

2016/01/04
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News, Peripherals News

Las Vegas, NV, January 4, 2016 – Kensington®, a worldwide leader in delivering smart. safe. simple.™ desktop and mobile computing accessories, today announced the availability of its new Expert Mouse® Wireless Trackball. Designed to give users more flexibility from their trackball, the new mouse joins the company’s family of trackballs that deliver exceptional comfort and ease-of-use, setting the industry standard for more than 20 years. Kensington will showcase the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball at CES Unveiled 2016 in Las Vegas on January 4.

The use of trackballs in both home and office-based computing environments is growing in popularity. Many users find the repetitive clicking and dragging motions required to use a traditional mouse to be ergonomically problematic. A recent Kensington survey revealed that users switch from a traditional mouse to a trackball primarily because trackballs deliver greater speed and accuracy, offer better ergonomics, and are more efficient in small or tight workspaces. When asked which new features users would like to see in Kensington trackballs specifically, the survey showed that wireless connectivity was the most requested feature.

Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball — Black (SKU K72359WW; SRP: $99.99)

The Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball gives users more freedom of placement while working because they aren’t limited by wires. The trackball can be connected either through Bluetooth® 4.0 LE or through a widely compatible USB receiver. With Kensington’s free TrackballWorks™ software, users can customize the trackball to suit their personal needs for greater productivity. DiamondEye™ Optical tracking offers smooth, precise cursor control while the award-winning Scroll Ring allows for quick scanning up and down pages.

“With the new Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball, we’ve addressed several user requirements, primarily the need to minimize desktop clutter and increase flexibility,” said Anita Chang, global product manager, Kensington. “It is the only wireless expert-grade trackball available and, coupled with TrackballWorks software, allows users to customize its functionality for greater efficiency, speed and productivity. Kensington trackballs are well-suited for users across industries and environments such as graphic design, music, architecture, gaming, healthcare and many more.”

Key features of the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball include:

  • Dual Wireless Technology – The ultimate in wireless freedom, the trackball connects via Bluetooth 4.0 LE, saving a valuable USB port, or through a highly reliable 2.4GHz nano USB receiver.
  • TrackballWorks™ Customization – Free downloadable software provides an even more personalized experience, offering the ability to assign a wide variety of program functions to each of the four buttons on the trackball. It also allows for customized control over cursor and scrolling speeds.
  • DiamondEye™ Optical Tracking – Movement detection technology provides smooth, precise cursor control so users can navigate on the screen quickly with less hand movement, improving productivity and efficiency.
  • Scroll Ring and Large Ball – Spinning the Scroll Ring enables scrolling up and down web pages or documents with complete ease, while the red 55mm ball has been specially designed with an absolute spherical, hard surface for precise tracking and control.
  • Ambidextrous Design – The trackball works equally well for both right-handed and left-handed users.
  • Detachable Wrist Rest — Soft cushioning cradles the hand and wrist in ergonomic comfort for pain-free productivity during extended periods of activity on the computer.
  • Device Compatibility – The trackball is compatible with devices running Windows® 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and Mac OS X 10.8 and later when using the 2.4 GHz USB receiver. The trackball is compatible with devices running Windows® 10 and 8.1 and Mac OS X 10.8 and later when using Bluetooth 4.0 LE.
  • TrackballWorks Compatibility — Mac systems must use 2.4GHz USB receiver connection when using the software.

Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is available at Kensington.com today.

Kensington will showcase the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball at CES Unveiled 2016 in Las Vegas on January 4.

 

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E FUN Announces First Nextbook Laptops with Windows 10 at CES

2016/01/04
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

WEST COVINA, CA – January 4, 2016 – E FUN, a leading supplier of tablets and detachables, is launching its first consumer laptops at CES 2016. The new 11.6” Nextbook convertible touch screen laptop and 14” Nextbook laptop feature Windows 10 and are powered by a quad-core Intel® AtomTMx5-Z8300 processor with 2GB system memory.

Nextbook 11.6” Convertible Touch Screen Laptop
The first convertible-style touch laptop from Nextbook is designed to give users the versatility and portability they need. Its 360-degree hinge allows it to be used in laptop, tablet, tent or stand modes. The Nextbook convertible laptop features an 11.6” 1366×768 IPS touch screen and 64GB of onboard storage memory with microSD card expansion. With a built-in webcam for video chatting, Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi connectivity, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, and a microHDMI port, the Nextbook 11.6” laptop delivers the essential features you need for entertainment and work. It will be available in Q2 2016 with an MSRP of $269.99.

Nextbook 14” Laptop
This Nextbook 14” laptop is your everyday laptop for basic tasks, debuting for under $200. Perfect for students of any age and those looking to be more productive, the Nextbook laptop powered by Windows 10 features a large 14” 1366×768 screen and 32GB of onboard storage memory with microSD card expansion. Its built-in webcam is great for video chatting, Bluetooth 4.0 allows for connectivity with other devices, and a microHDMI port lets you mirror your screen onto an HDTV. With 1 USB 2.0 and 1 USB 3.0 port, and a full laptop keyboard with touch pad, the Nextbook laptop gives you everything you need in a portable design. It will be available in Q2 2016 with an MSRP of $199.99.

Quotes:

•    “Building off the success of our Nextbook tablet and detachable lines, we are thrilled to enter the consumer laptop category in 2016,” stated Jason Liszewski, managing director and VP of sales for E FUN. “This introduction is the next step for E FUN to continue bringing innovative new products to market at a price point that resonates with consumers.”

•    “E FUN’s new Windows 10 Nextbook devices are further proof that you can do great things on any budget,” said Jordan Chrysafidis, vice president of US OEM, Microsoft Corp. “These value-priced devices are great for education or entertainment, and with Windows 10 features, customers can have fun and get more done.”

About E FUN
E FUN, a designer and marketer of mobile lifestyle products, entered the North American market in late 2010. Since then, E FUN has grown to be one of the leading tablet brands at retail, achieving top five market share by volume. Its ongoing product innovation and partnerships set E FUN apart from competitors and provide customers with unique out of the box experiences. Its product offerings include the Ares line of Android tablets and Flexx line of tablets powered by Windows. E FUN is headquartered in West Covina, California.

For additional information regarding E FUN’s Nextbook tablets, visit www.nextbookusa.com.

Top 5 Video Games of 2015 from GamingShogun

2015/12/31
Jerry Paxton
Articles, Geek News, News

 

2015 has been a year full of great video game releases on every platform. Now is the time of year when we look back and pick out our top five best games from the year if, for no other reason, then to gain your readership and/or start flame wars. Enjoy our picks for Top 5 Best Games of 2015!

Our #5 choice is….

pillars-of-eternity-2

5. Pillars of Eternity (Obsidian Entertainment, PC)

Obsidian Entertainment brought classic gaming into modern times with Pillars of Eternity. The game is a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed game series Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale, along with the game Planescape: Torment. Pillars of Eternity received critical acclaim upon its release; many critics praised the game for its world and immersive writing, along with the strategic combat, and also said that it is a worthy successor to the games it was inspired by.

Check out our #4 pick on the next page….

Top 5 Horror Movies of 2015

2015/12/30
Jerry Paxton
Articles, Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News

As 2015 is quickly coming to a close, we wanted to take a moment and bring you our top 5 horror movies of the year.

Our #5 pick for the top horror movies of 2015 is a bit of indecisiveness but we just loved all three of them…

5. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse / Krampus / A Christmas Horror Story (Tied)

krampus-achristmashorror-scoutsguide

These three movies were all great despite some minor issues and, when looked at overall, we liked them evenly. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is the story of three friends, who happen to be scouts, and how they deal with growing up and each other during a zombie apocalypse. Krampus is the latest film from Trick R Treat director Michael Daugherty and deals with a family under siege by the titular Krampus. A Christmas Horror Story is a cool horror anthology flick based around the Christmas holiday directed by Grant Harvey, Steve Hoban, and Brett Sullivan.

Check out our #4 pick on the next page….

D23 2016 Member Gifts Offer Glimpse Into Walt Disney’s Legacy

2015/12/29
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

BURBANK, Calif. – December 29, 2015 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club didn’t have to look far for inspiration for its 2016 Gold Member gift, “From the Office of Walt Disney.” To celebrate the restoration of Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studios’ Burbank lot, the Walt Disney Archives worked with D23 to meticulously reproduce 23 unique pieces from Walt’s career that trace his path from America’s heartland to the world stage.

Included in the assortment are items from Walt’s early years in business such as his 1923 Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. business card and the famous 1928 “Everything OK” telegram, which Walt cryptically wired his brother Roy when he lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Also in the collection are the 1955 Disneyland invitational press preview pass and Walt’s notes on pages from the “EPCOT Film” script from 1966. Pieces representing animation, live action, television, and theme parks—as well as Walt’s own personal life—make up this one-of-a-kind set.

The gift comes in a “book” designed specifically to hold all the items and will be sent to all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members who join or renew from January 1 through December 31, 2016. Guests can see images from the gift—and learn more about the 23 rare items—at D23.com/OfficeOfWaltDisney. As previously announced, D23 Gold Members will have the opportunity to tour Walt Disney’s restored office during tours and select special events throughout 2016.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. D23 Members save when renewing their membership and may renew up to 90 days prior to their membership expiration.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Cross Roads Escape Games Presents The Hex Room Escape Room

2015/12/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News

ANAHEIM, Calif., (December 28th, 2015) – Opening January 15th 2016 and set to run year round, Cross Roads Escape Games opens with a real life interactive adventure game- The Hex Room.  This is not a haunted house and there are no actors. It is up to you and your friends to find all the clues and solve all the puzzles within 60 minutes. Do you have what it takes to survive a horror film?

The Hex Room is a suspenseful game where you and 5 friends will get to playone of the largest escape games in California- 666 sq ft of terror. A horror-loving madman wants to recreate a horror film, using you and your friends as his stereotypical characters! Each player will take a quiz before the game to find out which cliché character they are: The geek, virgin, jock, rebel, prom queen, or detective. Your team of 6 will be divided up into separate rooms where you must work individually and as a team. Not only do you need to escape, but you must also survive! Who will live? Who will die?

Creative Director, Madison Rhoades, who has done over 30 escape games in California explains, “In a normal escape room, you are in a single room. The way in is the way out. After doing so many, I started to see a lot of the same puzzles and same stories. I knew I could make this idea into something unique.Cross Roads Escape Games is the next level of escape rooms, and it won’t disappoint.”

Madison and her husband, Luke Rhoades, have worked on haunts such asDelusion and Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor. With their theatre and haunt background, they have created realistic custom built sets that fully immerse its players into the atmosphere and storyline. Players will get to explore up to 5 different rooms in one of the largest escape games in California. This maze-like game will have various surprises along the way. Every player will have a unique experience, and an important job to help their team escape. This is also the only escape game to offer special prizes to teams that make it out alive!

Tickets are $32 per person. Cross Roads Escape Games is open Tuesday–Sunday until 11pm. If horror is not your thing, make sure to check out their next new game- The Fun House, opening February 2016. For more information, or to book a game, please visit www.CrossRoadsEscapeGames.com

HumanEyes Technologies to Present Under $1000 Dollar 360 3D VR Camera at CES

2015/12/28
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

Virtual Reality 3D content is one of the hottest trends in tech right now but currently requires expensive and technically complicated equipment to create. This is set to change at CES Unveiled, when HumanEyes Technologies unveils VUZE, a camera and software suite priced under $1,000 that will make 360 3D VR content far more accessible to the masses. We will be showing off the device as well as the amazing content it creates at CES Unveiled and will be giving out free VR headsets to the first 50 attendees to visit it us on the night. Be sure to stop by and see the future of content capture.

We can also provide further news of VUZE under embargo which is a technological and industry breakthrough in three main areas:

  • The VUZE Camera combines advanced 3D and 2D capture technology using 8 Full HD cameras within an easy–to–use ‘point and shoot’ form–factor that facilitates to create full stereophonic and spherical content.
  • The VUZE Studio brings groundbreaking advances in 360 3D content creation with near real–time processing (1 minute per minute) and seamless stitching thanks to a proprietary technique called Adaptive Blending that mimics the way the human eye interacts with the brain to form pictures in the mind.
  • Finally, the VUZE agnostic approach means content can be enjoyed on its own lightweight VUZE VR Headset or on ANY VR player, VR headset, cardboard or 3D device or TV.

It will be first shown at CES Unveiled at Mandalay Bay, North Convention Center, South Pacific Ballroom on January 4, 4–7:30pm. VUZE will also be creating and demonstrating 360 3D VR throughout CES at the Sands Expo Center, Hall G booth #82717.

WTS to Present Trax Play GPS at CES 2016

2015/12/28
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

CES LAS VEGAS – December 9, 2015 – Wonder Technology Solutions (WTS), a Swedish-based technology startup, will present its groundbreaking new Trax Play GPS device at 2016 CES Las Vegas. Live product demonstrations—as well as the startup’s founders, Head of Sales, and other executives—will be at Booth #80420 in the Eureka Park section of CES, January 6-9.

After listening to its customers around the world for the past year, WTS re-launched its popular Trax GPS tracker for Children and Pets as Trax Play. The new Trax Play is the smallest live tracker in the world and can offer two days of full battery life, and up to five days with a new feature that lets users adjust update frequency.

Trax Play also comes with a new mobile application with amazing Swedish UI design.  Other new features in Trax Play include augmented reality, a Web application that will help customers check in on their loved ones during work and on a smart TV, and a consumer box, developed with Frankly Development, that again highlights Swedish design and improves functionality and customer experience. Additionally, the company will launch an Apple watch application in March 2016.

“We are very excited to present Trax Play and so many new features at CES 2016,” notes Mikael Karlsson, Co-Founder of WTS. “Also, it is our great pleasure to launch a new price model for Trax Play, which will make it one of the most attractive GPS trackers on the market. We will be onsite at CES to discuss our new price model, features, and many other aspects of Trax Play.”

Trax Play is durable, water resistant, and easily fits into any pocket. Users also can use the device’s clip and pocket sleeve to attach it directly onto garments and pet collars. Trax devices can be followed in the free Trax App available for Android and iOS.

To learn more, please visit www.traxfamily.com