Author - Jerry Paxton

SteelSeries Unveils iOS 7 Wireless Game Controller

2014/01/06

CES, Mobile News, News, Peripherals News

LAS VEGAS (CES 2014) – Jan. 6, 2014 – SteelSeries, a global leader in the gaming peripherals and accessories market, today introduced the SteelSeries Stratus Wireless Gaming Controller, specifically designed for console-style gameplay on iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® running iOS 7, as well as on your HD TV via AppleTV® using AirPlay® Mirroring from your iOS device with supported games.

“The Stratus Wireless Controller, the first wireless gamepad controller ever to be supported in iOS 7, forever alters the mobile gaming landscape,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “With Stratus, gamers have easy and direct access to a growing roster of great games on iPad that were intended for an immersive, controller-enabled experience. We’re incredibly excited to be the first gaming peripherals company to develop a standalone controller for iOS devices and are thrilled to see an abundance of high quality game titles rolling out from publishers everyday.”

A Game Changer

iOS 7 features embedded controller support—and as a result a new platform of gaming is emerging. For the first time on iOS, developers can create games that use traditional console control schemes to provide for an immersive and challenging gaming experience on iOS devices. The Stratus Controller from SteelSeries is the first Bluetooth controller for iOS devices; its sleek, lightweight design has a comfortable grip with 10+ hours of battery-life and features that are ideal for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch gaming.

Complete Control

The Stratus Controller features a familiar console-style layout with the a pressure-sensitive directional pad (D-pad), 4 pressure-sensitive action buttons and 4 pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons, in addition to dual analog sticks, a dedicated pairing button to connect to iOS devices via Bluetooth and a convenient on/off switch to save on power. The battery life is estimated to be approximately 10 hours on a full charge, with an average full charge time estimated at 2 hours. It charges with an included USB connection cable.

The red LED indicator lights found in the middle of the controller display the number of controllers or player connections during multi-player gameplay – allowing up to 4 controllers to connect to a single device. There are a growing number of game titles available on the App Store that support game controller functionality in iOS 7 and more titles are likely to be added over the coming months.

Pricing & Availability

The SteelSeries Stratus Controller is available for pre-order today on SteelSeries.com for $99.99 / €99.99 MSRP.

For more information about the Stratus Controller, please visit http://steelseries.com/stratus.

Feenix Unveils Autore Mechanical Keyboard at CES

2014/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Peripherals News

LOS ANGELES- January 6, 2014– Feenix, the premiere boutique peripheral firm for luxury gaming instruments, is excited to debut the Autore. A keyboard with a design inspired by Stanley Kubrick that provides gamers with faster typing and less fatigue

“Our goal was to create an intelligent product for a very intelligent market.” Said Feenix Creative Director, Ashkon Shayani.“The Autoreoffers the fastest possible reaction times and features top quality workmanship that we know gamers will appreciate.”

Modeled after the monolith from Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey; the Autore is a minimalist tool that meets the needs of aggressive gamers and typists. Lightweight keycaps with cherry MX Brown switches provide an effortless click and tactile response. Feenix font and aluminum coating keep the keyboard’s surface elegant and durable, while a subtle upward angel offers optimal wrist comfort. A gold metal plate running through the length of the chassis provides brilliant durability.

The Autore includes a HAL-approved gold plated modular mini USB to USB connection with an optional PS/2 adapter for lightning fast transference and full key rollover capability. A double Polyurethane layer is built alongside the keyboard’s aluminum coating for added surface quality and protection against spills and beverage damage. The Autore is currently available for preorder atFeenixCollection.com for $163.

Every Feenix customer receives their own personally assigned account manager that provides lifetime support. Feenix limits its production volume to less than 1000 units per month to ensure that each item undergoes a thorough hand check before being shipped out. All Feenix products are sold exclusively through www.feenixcollection.com to maintain the company’s service and quality control standards.

GUNNAR Optiks Unveils Interceptor Color Line for CES

2014/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News

Carlsbad, CA – January 6, 2014 – GUNNAR Optiks, pioneer of precision-engineered computer and gaming eyewear, is ringing in the New Year by unveiling the INTERCEPT Color Collection. This new assortment of richly energetic hues brings a personalized, multi-chromatic touch to the retro-infused, high-tech optical perfection of GUNNAR’s successful INTERCEPT product line.

“GUNNAR makes glasses for anyone who demands the absolute most from their digital experience,” remarked GUNNAR Optiks’ CEO, Joe Croft. “But a high performance product designed for such a wide range of digital consumers can’t be confined to a limited color palette. With the introduction of the INTERCEPT Color Collection, we’ve given everyone, from hardcore gamers to creative designers to technophiles of all types, a chance to show off their individuality and style – while protecting and enhancing their vision.”

The new Color Collection adds five vibrant hues to the INTERCEPT suite – Cobalt, Fire, Kryptonite, Ghost and Ink – which join the classic, original Onyx model. As always, these new, colorful styles deliver the same high-quality lens technology and frame construction while providing the competitive edge that GUNNAR users have come to expect. The INTERCEPT’s top-grade polymer frames are fine-tuned to maximize stability and durability, while even weight distribution and a premium soft-touch, non-slip external coating ensure they’re equally as comfortable as they are durable. In addition, their unique, proprietary lens design filters out harsh artificial light and reflective glare for a focused, panoramic view that brings vivid detail to high-resolution digital displays and protects the wearer’s vision from drying out.

The latest colors from the INTERCEPT collection will be available for purchase immediately through GUNNARS.com and BestBuy.com. For more information, visit GUNNARS.com/intercept-colors.

Sceptre Unveils its CES 2014 Lineup

2014/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

Las Vegas – January 6, 2014 – Sceptre, superior manufacturer of world class LED and LCD HDTVs and PC displays, proudly showcases their 2014 lineup of eclectic home entertainment solutions during CES 2014 in Las Vegas, including a selection of 4K HDTVs, MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) enabled LED HDTVs and Bluetooth equipped Sound Bars and mobile speakers.

On display at the Bellagio Resort & Casino Suites will be an assortment of HDTVs ranging from the compact 19-inch to 58-inch, MHL and Roku Ready displays and more. Additional display units include:

R Series – Elegant HDTVs ranging from 19-inch to 50-inch with brush pattern design ideal for even the most sophisticated decors

SR Series –Selection of HDTVs ranging from 32-inch to 50-inch features Super Slim Bezel for ultimate sleekness

4K Series – Industry’s most affordable 4Kx2K HDTVs ranging from 39-inch to 58-inch

Color Series – Colorful HDTVs available in multiple sizes complement any décor

SoundPal Color Series – Compact portable Bluetooth speaker equipped NFC technology, Micro SD port and noise cancelling microphone

SoundEP Series – Tangle-free, zipper designed lightweight earphones with built-in microphone delivers full range sound while allowing users to answer phone call.

Sound Bars – Latest generation compact Sound Bar with Bluetooth capability and built in subwoofer

KR Display Series – 32-inch to 50-inch Roku Ready displays equipped with MHL technology ideal for businesses or retail locations

Mobile Internet Display – Selection of lightweight, Android mobile internet displays ranging from 4.3-inch to 11.6-inch

“Our 2014 lineup introduces a variety of solutions that help create the complete home entertainment experience,” said Cathy Chou, vice president of operations, Sceptre. “We firmly believe that quality entertainment solutions can coexist with affordability and we will continue to push boundaries to provide users a more immersive experience.”

Phillips Announces 28-inch Ultra Clear 4K Monitor

2014/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

LAS VEGAS – Jan. 6, 2014 – The PhilipsUltraClear Display debuts today, combining 4K UHD high resolution with a color depth of 1.07 billion colors to deliver brilliant performance, screen clarity and detail with four times the resolution of Full HD. Whether you require extremely detailed information for CAD-CAM solutions, use 3D graphic applications or are a financial wizard working on huge spreadsheets, this Philips display will provide UltraClear 3840×2160 pixel images to meet the visual demands of the most sophisticated power user. The 28-inch monitor (model 288P6) is also ideal for those seeking superb onscreen clarity and color accuracy for personal applications, and includes built-in stereo speakers for multimedia and MHL technology for easy mobile device connectivity.

Designed with the user in mind, the PhilipsUltraClear Display provides a plethora of connectivity options and comes equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI and VGA SmartConnect ports, enabling the enjoyment of high resolution uncompressed video and audio content. USB 3.0 ensures super speed data transfers and smartphone charging while having global connectivity. Additionally, an integrated MHL port allows users to connect compatible phones and tablets directly to the monitor to mirror content to the widescreen display while charging the mobile device at the same time.

The Philips UltraClear Display also features MultiView functionality. This technology enables active dual connect and view so that users can work with multiple devices like PC and laptop side-by-side simultaneously, making complex multi-tasking work a breeze. With the Ultra HD Philips MultiView display, you can now experience a world of connectivity in a comfortable way whether at office or at home.

Another people-friendly feature is the advanced SmartErgoBase, which allows the monitor to be lowered down almost to desk level for a comfortable viewing angle. Low bezel-to-table height is the perfect solution for those who use bifocals, trifocals or progressive lens glasses for computing work. Additionally, the adjustable base allows for users of greatly different heights to use the monitor in their preferred angle and height settings, helping them reduce fatigue and strain. The SmartErgoBase’s height, swivel, tilt and rotation angle adjustments position the monitor for maximum comfort, while its cable management function reduces cable clutter and keeps the workspace neat and professional.

SPECIFICATIONS
LCD panel type	TN
Backlight type	W-LED system
Panel size	28-inch
Aspect ratio	16:9
Optimum resolution	3840 x 2160
Brightness	300
Color	10-bit
Viewing angle	170º (H) / 160º (V) @ C/R > 10
Signal input	VGA (Analog )x1; DVI-D dual link x1; MHL-HDMI x1; DPx1
USB	USB2.0 x2; USB3.0 x2; + fast charger
Audio	3W x2
Power supply	Internal
Cabinet color	Black

The Philips UltraClear Display will be available in spring 2014 for $1,199.99 MSRP.

Digital Storm Unveils Liquid Cooled Bolt II Steam Machine at CES

2014/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

LAS VEGAS – (January 6, 2014) – Digital Storm today unveiled Bolt II, a small form factor (SFF) and hybrid Steam Machine gaming PC at CES 2014. Bolt II, the first liquid cooled Steam Machine and will feature with both Steam OS and Windows allowing gamers to play any PC game from the comfort of their couch.

Digital Storm’s second generation SFF system features a refined look, increased accessibility and advanced thermal design. With double the cooling power of its closest competitor, Bolt II differentiates itself from other SFF and Steam Machine systems by focusing on delivering the best graphics possible and refusing to compromise on performance.

“We (Digital Storm) are not looking to compete with console pricing,” said Rajeev Kuruppu, Digital Storm’s Director of Product Development. “We’re taking aim at the high end of the market, targeting consumers that demand the best possible gaming experience and who are looking for a PC capable of playing any title on their new 4K display.”

Bolt II defies the cookie-cutter mold of SFF systems by delivering performance that eclipses most full-size desktop PCs. Expertly engineered airflow design with large perforated ventilation areas over the graphics card, cooling system, power supply, and top panel transfer excess heat out of the system while pulling cold air in. A best-in-class 240mm radiator cools the overclocked processor, which drastically reduces system temperature making it the most thermally efficient SFF computer available.

Unsatisfied with simply offering the best performing SFF cooling system, Digital Storm included the company’s proprietary HydroLux control board to provide gamers with full command of the system’s unrivalled cooling capabilities. HydroLux monitors the Bolt II’s temperature in real time, automatically striking the perfect balance between thermals and noise. HydroLux can also create a custom look by controlling the LED lighting inside and shifting the color spectrum to fit the user’s preference.

Digital Storm’s engineers eliminated SFF upgradeability concerns with a clever removable compartment system that provides easy access to key components. The graphics card, storage drives, optical drive, and cooling system can all be removed and serviced with minimal hassle, making the Bolt II infinitely more upgradeable than any other SFF computer on the market.

Bolt will be available later this month starting $ 1,899 at http://www.digitalstormonline.com/bolt-ii.asp

Follow Digital Storm at facebook.com/digitalstormpcs, twitter.com/DigitalStormPC, plus.google.com/+digitalstorm/posts, and youtube.com/digitalstormpc.

Boomphones Unveils New Audio Products for CES 2014

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

Los Angeles (January 6, 2014) – Making a sound impression on consumers since the August 2012 launch of its flagship Phantom headphones, the first-ever headphones with internal and external speakers, Boomphones today announced that it has joined forces with Carbon Audio,

the Portland-based start-up that launched in 2011 and took its award-winning Zooka tablet speaker from Kickstarter to Apple shelves in only seven months.

“We are excited about bringing the acoustic engineering experience of Carbon Audio to our products in light of the principals’ decades of award-winning innovation,” said Boomphones partner Mike Camello.

At CES, Boomphones will be in the ILounge Pavilion (Booth Number- LVH64001), showcasing their 2014 product line, which includes the Pocket Speaker, Portable Speaker and Re-Up Headphones.

The newly launched Pocket Speaker is now available in Apple stores. Don’t let its small size fool you – the Pocket Speaker was designed with loud sound in mind. Equipped with a 360-degree architecture, it brings a fully immersive sound experience to your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or any Bluetooth-enabled device, room-filling sound that tucks away nearly anywhere you want it to go. Two Pocket Speakers can be wirelessly paired to one device for double the sound. Pocket Speaker comes in six face/side color combos – black/black, black/green, black/blue, black/white, white/yellow and white/pink – and retails for appx. $99 MSRP.

The Portable Speaker, a larger (10.25” x 7.375” x 1.125”) and louder version of the Pocket Speaker, will also be debuted at CES. The wireless Portable Speaker, which will make its consumer debut in Q4 2014, will come in multiple colors and retail for $249.99.

The Re-Up Headphones, the second headphone model by Boomphones, is an evolution of the Phantom. This sleek on-ear headphone will also have external speakers and be available in multiple colors. The Re-Ups, which will launch in Q4 2014, will come in multiple colors and retail for $199.99.

Phillips Unveils 27 Inch Gaming Monitor with Nvidia G-Sync

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

LAS VEGAS – Jan. 5, 2014 – The Philips 27” Gaming Monitor with G-SYNC debuts today bringing a stunning visual experience and ultra-smooth play to gamers looking for a serious competitive edge. This advanced Philips gaming display (model 272G5DYEB) delivers revolutionary performance through NVIDIA G-SYNC, a new technology that synchronizes display refresh rates to the PC’s GPU, eliminating screen tearing and minimizing display stutter and input lag. With G-SYNC, images display the moment they are rendered, scenes appear instantly, objects are sharper, and game play is smoother.

The Philips 27” Gaming Monitor with G-SYNC will be showcased at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas at both Pepcom’s Digital Experience! event and the NVIDIA booth, which is located at LVCC, South Hall 3 – 30207. The display will be available for purchase in spring 2014 for $649 MSRP.

In addition to delivering consistently smooth frame rates and ultrafast response through G-SYNC display technology, the Philips 27” Gaming Monitor offers 144Hz refresh rate with 1ms response time for fast action, 300cd/cm²brightness and a 1000:1 typical contrast ratio, and displays up to 16.7M colors. The slim black monitor is both wall mountable and height adjustable.

“This 27-inch Philips monitor is a perfect gaming partner, with G-SYNC technology bringing breakthrough display performance and giving major competitive edge,” said Chris Brown, TPV Global Product Marketing. “We believe anyone who really cares about their gaming experience is going to want a G-SYNC-enabled display.”

272G5DYEB SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size	27″
Brightness (typical)	300 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio (typical)	1000:1
Response Time (typical)	5 ms (OD:1ms)
Viewing Angle(typical)	170°H/160°V(Typ)(CR=10)
Recommended Resolution	1920*1080
Display Colors	16.7M
Input Signal & Connector	DisplayPort
VESA Wall-Mount	100mmx100mm
Cabinet color	Black
Ergonomic Adjustment	Tilt (-5°~+20°)
	Pivot (90°)
	Height Adjust ( 150mm)
	Swivel (-65°/ 65°)

About NVIDIA

Since 1993, NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) has pioneered the art and science of visual computing. The company’s technologies are transforming a world of displays into a world of interactive discovery — for everyone from gamers to scientists, and consumers to enterprise customers. More information at http://nvidianews.nvidia.com and http://blogs.nvidia.com.

About MMD

MMD is a wholly owned company of TPV established in 2009 through a brand license agreement with Philips. MMD exclusively markets and sells Philips branded LCD displays worldwide. By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, MMD uses a fast and focused approach to bringing innovative products to market. MMD operates internationally with its Global headquarters in Taiwan, North American headquarters in Fremont and its European headquarters in Amsterdam.

Xi3 Unveils CES 2014 Plans

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

SALT LAKE CITY — January 5, 2014 — With its largest booth ever at the International CES trade show, Xi3 Corporation plans to “Go Big” at CES 2014 —nearly 3-times larger than its largest exhibit space at previous CES shows.

Xi3 will feature Xi3^® Modular™ Computers and PISTON™ Console gaming at its booth at CES 2014, as well as an emphasis on the health care, digital signage, entertainment, and industrial computing verticals.

More than half of Xi3’s booth at CES 2014 (#36612 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center) will focus on the business side of computing, leading off with a full-size mock-up of the “Patient Room of the Future” that features Xi3’s new Near-Edge™ microSERV3R™. Additionally, Xi3’s in-booth Enterprise focus will include an area that highlights the use of Xi3’s tiny yet powerful X7A Modular Computers in the Digital Signage industry.

Xi3 will also showcase the abilities of its computers to function extremely well in a variety of harsh environments, including installations with elevated ambient temperatures, humidity levels and atmospheric pressure, as well as exposure to water, certain chemicals, airborne particulate matter, etc.

“With the launch of our X7A Modular Computer and Z3RO Pro Computer, many customers and partners are beginning to realize that our extremely tiny, powerful and eco-friendly machines are exactly what they’re missing in their enterprise installations,” said Jason A. Sullivan, Xi3’s Founder, President and CEO. “With these new enterprise products in our portfolio, we are targeting specific vertical markets where we know we hold major competitive advantages over traditional computing solutions. We invite everyone at CES 2014 to visit us to learn more about how we can help you solve your I.T. problems.”

The balance of Xi3’s CES 2014 floor space will be dedicated to the consumer marketplace with Xi3’s PISTON Consoles set-up for live gameplay on today’s most graphically demanding computer games on the market. Xi3 also plans to unveil new features for the PISTON Console at CES 2014 that allows PISTON to shorten the gap between the strengths of console gaming versus computer-based gaming, especially for mass-market gamers.

Withings Unveils Aura Sleep Experience Enhancer

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

Las Vegas- January 5^th, 2014 @ 3:00 PM PST – Withings Aura is a cleverly designed system that both monitors and improves your sleep experience. It discreetly records your sleeping environment, providing you with a complete understanding of your sleep patterns. Using revolutionary and scientifically-validated light and sound programs, Withings Aura positively impacts your wake-up and fall-asleep experience, which are both instrumental in improving your sleep cycles and overall well-being.

Discreet yet complete monitoring

Withings Aura is comprised of a soft and discreet sleep sensor that slips under your mattress and works in synchronization with the sensitively designed bedside device. Together, the two units record and monitor an array of factors to offer you a deep understanding of your sleeping experience. The sleep sensor focuses on personal patterns (body movements, breathing cycles and heart rate) and the bedside device screens your bedroom environment (noise pollution, room temperature and light levels).

Revolutionizing sleep

Using the recorded data, Withings Aura provides you with scientifically-validated light and sound programs that will adapt to your personal body clock and positively impact your sleeping conditions.

The multi-color LED dimming lighting technology makes the most of a proven correlation between lighting wavelengths and secretion of Melatonin, the hormone responsible for the sleep-wake cycle. The delicate sound programs replicate the circadian rhythm’s frequency and pattern. They relax you while falling asleep, and stimulate you upon waking up.

With additional options to create personal ambiances for relaxation, powernaps, or even jet lag recovery programs, the Aura is the perfect bedside companion when it comes to sleep.

Visualize and improve

The Withings Aura mobile App connects wirelessly to the system and allows you to access all your collected data. You can visualize your sleeping patterns, understand what wakes you up and compare past nights, right in the palm of your hand. The application lets you control all your personalized programs including your wake-up schedule. Based on settings and preferences, you can trust Withings Aura to do some real-time adjustment and start its progressive wake-up program at the most beneficial time of your sleep cycle.

Cédric Hutchings, co-founder of Withings says: “Sleep is such a vital part of a healthy balance that we challenged ourselves to create a product that could be used not only to analyze and monitor sleep, but also to positively impact the experience. By combining environmental sensors, light and sound, we’ve been able to create a product that will give users the data and power to improve a third of their lives.”

A stunning design, a calming energy

Elegantly designed and incorporating high-quality audio and lighting, the Withings Aura^TM smart sleep system can be easily incorporated into any bedroom set-up. It not only nicely replaces a lamp, audio speaker and alarm clock, it also brings back the pleasure of sleeping for a better overall wellness.

Withings Aura will be available in Spring 2014 from select retail partners and on Withings.com, MSRP $299 along with a free mobile application.

About Withings

Withings is an innovative company that creates smart products and apps to help people around the world easily understand and take care of their health and well-being. Withings, founded by Cedric Hutchings and Eric Carreel, has quickly become a pioneer in the world of connected health devices and the Internet of Things. Withings has been recognized by international organizations for both its innovation and product design. Since the launch of its first product, the world’s first Wi-Fi connected scale, Withings has continued to expand its product ecosystem with products that benefit all aspects of a person’s well being. Withings now offers a wide range of lifestyle-friendly devices including the Smart Body Analyzer, the Blood Pressure Monitor, the Smart Baby Monitor and the Withings Pulse. Along with the Health Mate Application and over 100 compatible third-party partner applications, Withings provides its users with a unique 360° well-being experience. Read more about Withings on www.withings.com.