Hasta La Gadget!

Just last night we first heard of the Tegra 4-toting NVIDIA Project SHIELD for the very first time, and right here and now we’ve gotten our own opportunity to get our hands on it. This machine is a large piece in a gaming ecosystem NVIDIA is bringing forth to the world combining not only Android and its brand new Tegra 4 processors, but large screen monitors like your HDTV, and PC gaming too! We’ve been shown this device in its current state playing an early version of the new-to-Android game Hawken, Call of Duty: Black Ops II streamed from a GeForce-packing PC wirelessly, and some interesting moves through the device’s unique user interface.

As we spoke about in the initial announcement last night, NVIDIA intends this device to be not only a key device for accessing their NVIDIA Tegra Zone for Android, but to stream games from GeForce GPU-toting PCs as well. NVIDIA assured us today that until the data connectivity ecosystem is strong enough here in the USA, this machine will be streaming games from PCs only over a local area network. That said, it certainly can roll out with undeniable power completely wirelessly – over wi-fi, that is.

It was also made clear to us that developments still may be made before the final product would be launched – both in its software and its hardware. At the moment it’s clear that NVIDIA has the structure ready for prime time, there’s simply a few kinks to iron out as far as which situation requires what action: certainly forgivable given the fact that they’ve targeted Q2 of 2013 for the release – that being still relatively far off and plenty of time for software bug fixes.

The hardware, on the other hand, is extremely close to being complete. While there could be changes to the level of hardness with which the buttons need to be pressed as well as the materials that the casing will be made of, this beast is essentially ready for action. One important point of order for controller aficionados: the now-hard-plastic surrounding the left, right and front of the machine will likely be replaced by a softer plastic in the future – so says NVIDIA. Grippier plastic for a more controlled action experience.

The speakers on this machine are immense in their ability to blast your ears off. I was personally unable to play a game without turning the sound down somewhat – it can get too loud. That’s not to say that the sound is bad – not at all – in fact the sound is both full and deep, ready to be used on its own without a doubt. Another point of order: while most built-in speakers on devices like these working with heavy bass have a bit of a problem rumbling around on a flat surface, this machine’s audio system is set in a way that keeps it still. High fidelity and a controlled experience, top to bottom.

We saw the game HAWKEN in its newest state: Android-based and as high powered as we’ve seen it played on the PC. It seems every bit as immense here on this 5-inch 720p display as it does on the big screen, and from what we’ve experienced, this Android version is going to turn the mobile gaming world on its ear – in the mech universe, at least.

We also saw some awesome PC-streamed gaming with Call of Duty: Black Ops II from a GeForce-packing PC in the same room with this machine’s 802.11n 2×2 MIMO “game-speed” Wi-Fi. From what we’ve seen, game streaming from a GeForce-powered PC to Project SHIELD works flawlessly. Once you’re in-game, that is. By the time this device is released, we’re expecting an undeniably smooth experience start to finish.

Have a peek at the photos and videos above and below and let us know what you think about the device and the future ecosystem NVIDIA is building around it. Also be sure to tune in to our Tegra hub for all the NVIDIA action you can handle through the future!

BONUS: Hit the gallery below for larger versions of all of the photos above. Get up close and personal with this lovely new piece of hardware!

NVIDIA Project SHIELD hands-on is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Huawei has just unveiled both of their latest and greatest Android smartphones today at CES 2013 here in Viva Las Vegas. First up was the larger than usual Ascend Mate with a 6.1-inch display, but what we have below is their flagship device. The Ascend D2 follows up on its successor with a 5.0-inch 1920 x 1080p true HD display, Jelly Bean and more. Read on for full details.

Just like everything from Huawei this week, the Ascend D2 smartphone has seen its fair share of leaks too. Today however the folks from Huawei confirmed all the details themselves right up on stage. Huawei Chairman Richard Yu described it as a “dream phone” and we’d have to agree — at least according to specs. Imagine everything we loved about the DROID DNA but with a much bigger battery. Let us elaborate.

The Huawei Ascend D2 comes in with a size of 140 mm x 71 mm x 9.4 mm and only 170 grams. And will be available in Crystal Blue or Pearl White. Those “dream phone” specs include a 5.0-inch 1920 x 1080p Full HD 443 ppi “super retina LCD” Huawei’s own 1.5 GHz quad-core Hi-Silicon K3V2 + Balong V7R1 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and much more.

Then the other important specs that make this a tier above their Ascend Mate phablet are the fact that they tossed in a 13 megapixel rear camera that has a f/2.2 aperture, and a hybrid IR filter. Not to mention full HDR, burst mode, and of course LED flash. Then just like the original Ascend D they’ve tossed in a large battery so we won’t be begging for an outlet. The Ascend D2 rocks a large 3,000 mAh battery under the hood.

Again the Ascend D2 rocks Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and is heavily skinned with their own UI as expected. For an idea on what to expect with software have a look at our Ascend D Quad Review from last year. The new Ascend D quad has a similar design language, although clearly is a bit larger and the screen is amazingly crisp and vibrant. Aside from the shiny new plastic design the aluminum edges feel great in the hand. More details will follow shortly with our hands-on video. Stay tuned. The device will be available next month but pricing and details were not yet available.

Huawei announces the Ascend D2 with a 5-inch 1080p display, we go Hands-on is written by Cory Gunther & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Huawei‘s impressive new smartphone hasn’t been a very well kept secret, but today in Vegas for CES 2013 they’ve officially unveiled their new Ascend Mate 6.1-inch smartphone to rival the Galaxy Note II. We’re pretty sure they won the battle for largest smartphone. We were lucky enough to snag a few quick pictures with the massive device so check them out and all the details after the break.

We’ve seen countless leaks and rumors regarding this phone, but sadly one important spec fell through the cracks. That being the 1920 x 1080p full HD resolution that’s expected on a 6.1-inch smartphone. Sadly Huawei has opted for a last-gen 1280 x 720p HD display, although it does rock their impressive IPS technology. Which offers great viewing angles and exceptional colors. The resolution leaves a little to be desired for the Mate 2.

With dimensions coming in at 163.5 mm x 85.7 mm x 9.9 mm (6.5 inches x 3.4 inches x 0.4 inches) it certainly isn’t small, as you can see. The full specs are a 6.1-inch 720p HD IPS display, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, Huawei’s own in-house 1.5 GHz quad-core Hi-Silicon K3V2 + Intel XMM6260 processor (Ascend D was K3V1). Then the other major feature is the battery. Huawei tossed in an impressive 4050 mAh charge for all day battery life, and 9 days of suggested standby time. Then all of this only weights 198g.

Under the hood to help that 1.5 GHz quad-core is 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, not to mention that massive battery. Around back Huawei’s outfitted this phablet with an 8 megapixel AF camera with full 1080p video and HDR capabilities, and then a 1.0 HD front facing camera for Google video chat and Skype. With our limited hands-on the screen was rather bright and crisp, without 1080p, and the weight wasn’t too big of a concern. As you can see from the gallery below Huawei’s added multiple features to help with the larger than usual size. You can move the on-screen keyboard to either side to help with one handed typing — if you dare — and they’ve added quick menus to settings to make browsing that list a breeze.

As usual Huawei’s tweaked the Android user interface with their own skin, similar to Samsung’s TouchWiz or LG’s Optimus UI — but we’ll need more time with it before we give you final thoughts. Good luck fitting this in your pants pocket and stay tuned for hands-on video coming soon.

Huawei Ascend Mate 6.1-inch smartphone arrives to rival Note II [Hands-on] is written by Cory Gunther & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Here at Stream TV’s presser at CES, we ended up taking a look at their Ultra-D glasses-free 3D technology, and even got our eyes-on with the new tech. However, not only is it glasses-free 3D, but it’s also at a 4K resolution of 3800×2160. If you think that watching 3D content without those fancy glasses is pretty crazy, you wouldn’t be too wrong.

However, it’s not completely what it’s cracked up to be. Our experience watching the demo was subpar. We certainly noticed the 3D, not quite as much as traditional 3D with glasses, but we definitely noticed heads and hands popping out at us — it was almost a trippy experience of sorts, but the quality overall was disappointing.

Sadly, the company had to sacrifice quality slightly in order to offer the auto stereoscopic 3D technology, which takes two different images at slightly different angles and merges them together, while flickering them back and forth faster than the human eye could notice, similar to how active 3D glasses work today.

What’s perhaps even more impressive is that current 1080p content can be upscaled to this 4K glasses-free 3D tech. The company even mentioned Apple’s Retina display, saying that while the technology is certainly there, the content isn’t the same story, and Stream TV says current content can be used for the 3D.

Stream TV Ultra-D glasses-free 3D eyes-on is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Here at CES, we stumbled upon a smaller company that’s notorious for all sorts of wireless and wired portable speakers that come in different shapes and sizes, as well as a bevy of bright colors. HDMX had some of their new products for 2013 out on display, and we ended up getting some hands-on time with their Jam Plus wireless Bluetooth speaker and the Burst wired portable speaker.

The Jam Plus is what you see above. It’s a wireless Bluetooth portable speaker and it works with devices from up to 30 feet away. It also uses the company’s Jam2 technology so that you can pair up a second Jam Plus speaker for true stereo sound — perfect for putting a speaker on either side of your bed for the ultimate stereo alarm clock.

HMDX claims that the battery lasts 4 hours of wireless audio playing, but if you feel like saving a bit on battery and don’t mind being tethered, the Jam Plus provides a line-in port to connect your device directly to the speaker. The Jam Plus will be available sometime this spring at a price of $59.99.

The Burst is another one of the company’s newest products (pictured above), and it’s even smaller than the Jam Plus. It doesn’t have any wireless options, but it does have a retractable 3.5mm headphone jack so that you can plug directly into the speaker. What’s most impressive is its size — it’s extremely tiny, but it packs a huge punch. Testing it out on the show floor proved to be successful. Even with the noise level of all the people around us, the Burst speaker gets loud, and all this will provide around 8 hours of listening time. The Burst will be priced at just $24.99 and will be available this spring.

HMDX Jam Plus and Burst hands-on is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.