Aluratek goes boldly where many have gone before, announces Libre Air e-reader and Cinepad tablet (update)

In what appears to be Aluratek’s latest feat of badge engineering, the company’s outing a familiar pair of slates — a 5-inch reflective TFT LCD e-reader and a 10-inch Android tablet. Aluratek’s calling the former the Libre Air, and says it’s nigh-identical to last year’s Libre Pro save the addition of WiFi, a curved chassis and a $130 price price point. Meanwhile, the spacious capacitive touchscreen at right (which ships with Adobe Flash Lite) belongs to the Cinepad. Last time we saw the Foxconn-sourced tablet, it ran Android 1.6 on a Marvell Armada 100 SoC and a fairly unimpressive screen, so things had better have changed drastically — Aluratek’s pricing it at $300 when it ships next month. PR after the break.

Update: Aluratek tells us the Cinepad now runs Android 2.2 on a 1024 x 600 screen, and has a 2600mAh battery that should last five to ten hours on a charge.

Continue reading Aluratek goes boldly where many have gone before, announces Libre Air e-reader and Cinepad tablet (update)

Aluratek goes boldly where many have gone before, announces Libre Air e-reader and Cinepad tablet (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sennheiser’s sophisticated CXC 700 earbuds tout three levels of noise cancellation, TalkThrough functionality

Sennheiser has a thing for trotting out titillating new wares at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, and this year is proving to be no different in that regard. The audio specialist has just introduced one of the most fully-featured headsets we’ve seen in quite awhile, with the CXC 700 boasting not one, not two, but three levels of noise cancellation. The newfangled NoiseGard /digital technology gives owners a trifecta of noise-cancelling profiles, with each one optimized for something different. In fact, we’ll let Senn do the explaining here:

“Mode 1 absorbs low-frequency noise in particular (100 to 400 Hertz), such as engine noise from trains, buses or small passenger planes. Mode 2 focuses on cancelling noise in the medium frequency range (400 to 3,000 Hertz), which is caused above all by air-conditioning systems in large passenger aircraft or office buildings. Mode 3 has a particularly wide frequency range (100 to 3,000 Hertz), and combines the noise-cancelling effect in the medium and low-frequency ranges. As a result, background noise with different noise components, such as that which occurs at airports, railway stations or underground stations, can be effectively suppressed, although with a slightly lower noise-cancelling performance than in the first two modes.”

In case that’s not enough to convince ya, these offer a frequency response of 20Hz to 21,000Hz, and they’ll function just fine (albeit sans noise cancellation) even if your AAA battery keels over. Controls are embedded in the cabling, and users are able to activate the TalkThrough function if they’d prefer to conduct a conversation with someone without actually removing their earphones. Furthermore, changing between the NoiseGard profiles and activation of the TalkThrough function are indicated by both an acoustic and a visual signal. The company will be shipping these with a 4.5-foot long cable, an in-flight adapter, 6.35mm jack plug adapter, a small carrying case and a diaphragm protector, with sales to start later this month for around $320.

Continue reading Sennheiser’s sophisticated CXC 700 earbuds tout three levels of noise cancellation, TalkThrough functionality

Sennheiser’s sophisticated CXC 700 earbuds tout three levels of noise cancellation, TalkThrough functionality originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DXG gets vivacious with 1080p Twist and Luxe pocket camcorders

Surely you made a New Year’s resolution, right? Right. What better way to keep tabs on yourself than to nab a new pocket camcorder? DXG has just unveiled a new duo of handheld video cameras, so we won’t waste any time getting down to the nitty-gritty. The aptly-named Twist looks an awful lot like LG’s now-ancient VX9400 (or pretty much any phone with embedded mobile TV support), boasting a 3.5-inch widescreen swivel display and the ability to capture footage in 720p / 1080p at 30 frames per second. It’s also equipped with HDMI and USB 2.0 outputs, an SDHC card slot and a rechargeable Li-ion battery. It’ll be available around a month from now in pistol-grip (1080p and 720p) and traditional football grip (720p) variations, with a price point sitting at $169.99. If that’s a little too Plain Jane for ya, the 2011 Luxe Collection is bound to provide the sprucing you’re after. Available in a half-dozen patterns, this pocket camcorder offers a 3-inch touchscreen, a 1080p capture mode and a one-inch thick chassis. Naturally, HDMI and USB 2.0 ports are included, but before dropping your $149.99 to $199.99, we’d recommend thinking long and hard about what hue fits your personality best. Are you more of Maui hibiscus guy, or a Riviera quilted dude? Decisions, decisions.

Continue reading DXG gets vivacious with 1080p Twist and Luxe pocket camcorders

DXG gets vivacious with 1080p Twist and Luxe pocket camcorders originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iriver teams with LG Display on Story HD e-reader, bumps resolution to 1024 x 768

What a difference a year makes, right? At CES 2010, we were staring at iriver’s Story e-reader, wondering if the future would ever be the same. Today, we’re doing something similar, albeit with way more pixel density. Sure to please our own, in-house Pixel Density Enthusiast Paul Miller, iriver has just let loose the world’s highest resolution 6-inch e-reader. The Story HD — which was designed in cooperation with LG Display — still relies on e-paper, but it packs an XGA (1024 x 768) screen resolution. According to iriver, that represents a 63.8 percent pixel increase over the competition, offering increased legibility, faster response performance and finer fonts. You’ll also find a Freescale processor, built-in WiFi and a content access portal that’s being kept under wraps for now. It’s also equipped with Easy Wi-Fi Network support, a battery good for up to three weeks of use and compatibility with DRM-laced ePUB and PDF files. If you’re curious to know just how badly this thing will undercut those LCD-based alternatives, you’ll have to wait; we’re simply told that it’ll be “competitively priced” and available for purchase in Q2 2011.

Continue reading iriver teams with LG Display on Story HD e-reader, bumps resolution to 1024 x 768

iriver teams with LG Display on Story HD e-reader, bumps resolution to 1024 x 768 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maxell debuts SSD family, Acoustabar soundbars, accessories galore at CES

If you come all this way to the Consumer Electronics Show, why introduce just a single product? You wouldn’t, as evidenced by Maxell’s smorgasbord here in Las Vegas. Kicking things off is the outfit’s new Acoustabar soundbar lineup, which boast integrated subwoofers and hardwood enclosures. The 32-inch Eht model includes ten speaker drivers, while the SD320 delivers 430 watts of audio through five drivers. Moreover, that guy touts a built-in iPod dock, and it allows for connectivity with any TV, DVD player and game console. The 32-inch SD-400 simply steps up to 520 watts of audio.

Once you’re done dreaming of ways to enhance your own home cinema, the outfit has one to consider for the kids. The KDP-1 projector includes an inbuilt DVD player and provides a plug-and-play experience that’ll shoot up an image as large as 45-inches. You’ll also get built-in speakers, a microphone input for karaoke and an undisclosed native resolution. We’ll confess that not knowing the latter scares us a bit, but those who couldn’t care less can find it nowish for $129.99. As you’d expect, Maxell’s also dishing out a slew of new storage products. It’ll be pushing out 1.8- and 2.5-inch SSDs (64GB, 256GB and 512GB models) in late 2011, SDXC cards and readers sooner than that, a number of USB 3.0 flash drives / HDDs and a non-networked. MP-100 media player. There’s plenty of details on earbuds, iPod cases and other accessories after the break, too.

Continue reading Maxell debuts SSD family, Acoustabar soundbars, accessories galore at CES

Maxell debuts SSD family, Acoustabar soundbars, accessories galore at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ciil Technologies weatherproof HDTVs work by the pool, in the pool

Never heard of Ciil Technologies? Nah, you aren’t out of the loop — these guys were just founded last year, and now they’re hoping to make a literal splash in the desert with their first full range of weatherproof LCD TVs. Designed to be used primarily outdoors (or in homes with loads of Super Soaker fights), this new range of fully-sealed 1080p HDTVs is made up of sets from 32- to 55-inches. Each one has nary a vent nor filter, enabling it resist dust, debris and even water. In fact, each one sports the highest waterproof (IP) and dust proof (NEMA) rating available, enabling ’em to withstand a good pressure washing and the occasional dip in the pool. It seems as if you’ll have to inquire about pricing, but we’re going to guess those that have to ask… well, probably shouldn’t.

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Ciil Technologies weatherproof HDTVs work by the pool, in the pool originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microvision prototype Android ‘mini tablet’ with built-in projector hands-on

Microvision has its ShowWX+ pico projector on hand here at Digital Experience, but it also has something of a surprise: a prototype Android “mini tablet” with a built-in projector. No word on any plans for an actual release, but the device is fairly polished for a prototype, and the reference design on which it’s based isn’t too shabby — it’s got an ARM11 processor, Android 2.2, HDMI in and out, a 3.5-inch capacitive WVGA display, and a 5 megapixel camera. Interestingly, the device also has a 3-axis accelerometer, and Microvision was quick to point out that the device could well be suited for gaming in addition to the usual activities associated with a projector. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look.

Update: Video now after the break.

Continue reading Microvision prototype Android ‘mini tablet’ with built-in projector hands-on

Microvision prototype Android ‘mini tablet’ with built-in projector hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Sony Blu-ray players are faster than ever, there’s even a portable one

Sony portable Blu-ray player

Sony continues to push Blu-ray players forward with four new players for 2011 ranging from $150 to $250 and all ship in the first half of the year. The BDP-S780 begs the highest price of its brothers but for that you also get the ability to use a 720p camera to Skype with your friends and it even converts 2D content to 3D. The entire line supports the new Media Remote for iPhone and Android phones, and the Android version even has voice control. Also new this year is a 10.1-inch WSVGA portalbe Blu-ray player with a 5-hour battery which is set to ship in the Spring for $300. Lastly there are a slew of home theater systems sporting Blu-ray players, but if you are really interested in them, you’ll have to read through press release after the break.

Continue reading New Sony Blu-ray players are faster than ever, there’s even a portable one

New Sony Blu-ray players are faster than ever, there’s even a portable one originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Freestyle for AT&T hands-on

Like its relative the Inspire 4G, the HTC Freestyle on hand at the outfit’s table here at CES this evening unfortunately isn’t much more than a paperweight. Still, despite its inability to power on — no real word on exactly why — we were able to get a feel for this low-end phone. For starters, it’s got a 3.2-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen and runs HTC’s home-brewed Brew MP platform. There’s also a FM tuner built-in, and a specialized FriendStream social networking interface — no doubt an attempt to appeal to the younger set. For now, all we’ve got to quell your obviously whetted appetite are the hands-on shots in our gallery below.

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HTC Freestyle for AT&T hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Is Gorilla Glass? [What Is]

The allure of Gorilla Glass is no mystery to anyone with a Droid, an iPhone 4, a Galaxy tab or a Dell Adamo. But for everyone else wondering about all the new Gorilla Glass gear at CES, here’s the rundown. More »