Hasta La Gadget!

Just a couple of years after its initial debut, Yahoo’s Connected TV platform is finally ready to escape the TV, among other things. One surprise shown off tonight during the pre-CES Digital Experience event is a new D-Link box that overlays the widgets on any video signal to any display by way of HDMI passthrough. Also on display are prototype remote apps for Android and iPad, both could act as a remote control, while the tablet app could also search or browse for additional programming and share videos straight to the TV Airplay-style.

On the paying bills end of things however, this year’s big announcement is the ability to tie in with live TV broadcasts, while the company didn’t reveal what information keyed the system, it figure out if a TV program or ad being watched is a compatible one and pop up prompts accordingly. While that could lead to even more annoying ads for consumers, there’s at least a few interesting applications like the one we saw voting on potential winners of a boxing match as it starts on Showtime, one of the initial partners along with CBS, ABC, Showtime, HSN, Ford and Mattel. Check out the press release after the break, we should have a video of the demo up shortly.

Continue reading Yahoo! Connected TV Widgets shows off live TV tie-ins, iPad remote and D-Link add-on

Yahoo! Connected TV Widgets shows off live TV tie-ins, iPad remote and D-Link add-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Yahoo! Connected TV Blog  | Email this | Comments

Hello, speedsters! OCZ Technology has just busted out a new trio of solid state solutions here at CES, so we won’t waste any time getting down to business. Up first is the performance-oriented, MLC-based Vertex 3 Pro, which runs along quite hastily on the SATA 6Gbps interface. We’re told that it’s built with a next-generation SandForce controller, enabling it to approach 80,000 IOPS and demonstrate 550MB/sec transfer rates. Up next is the Vertex 3 EX, which also utilizes a SATA 6Gbps interface but relies on SLC Flash memory. It’s also capable of pushing a similar read rate (and the write rate of 525MB/sec ain’t too shabby, either), with both the EX and Pro to be offered in capacities of 50GB, 100GB, 200GB and 400GB. Finally, the third-generation Z-Drive is being officially revealed, with the Z-Drive “R3” PCI Express SSD being the company’s first SandForce-drive PCIe SSD. It’s engineered for Tier-0/1 data applications, and offers performance rates of 1GB/sec and 135,000 IOPS. Those with absurdly deep pockets can buy one with up to 1.2TB of onboard storage, but alas, OCZ’s not serving up MSRPs on any of these guys. The full release is after the break, complete with details on its new ZX Series of power supplies.

Continue reading OCZ intros Vertex 3 Pro, Vertex 3 EX and Z-Drive R3 PCIe SSD at CES

OCZ intros Vertex 3 Pro, Vertex 3 EX and Z-Drive R3 PCIe SSD at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

So, now you know what Motorola’s Cliq 2 is all about, but how does it feel? Much like a cheaper, curvier Droid 2, to tell you the truth — as you’d expect when the device comes saddled with very similar specs. It’s pleasantly weighty like the Droid, and similarly stylish, though the capacitive touchscreen didn’t respond quite as readily to our touch, though that could be the effect of the hefty MOTOBLUR UI layer rather than an issue with the digitizer. The keyboard’s actually a bit more tactile, with domed soft rubber keys, and the hexagonal honeycomb arrangement felt refreshing compared to the some of the buttons we’re used to. We didn’t have loads of time with the unit, but it could be a decent alternative to the T-Mobile G2. We’ll let you know when we find the time for a full review — in the meanwhile, check some snapshots below.

Motorola Cliq 2, first hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Sony has revealed a slew of new camcorders touting cutting-edge specs. While three 3D camcorders were announced, the HDR-TD10 is the flagship model and is touted by Sony as the world’s first “Double Full HD” 3D consumer camcorder thanks to its double Sony G lenses, double “Exmor R” CMOS image sensors, and double BIONZ image processors. The camera also sports 3.5-inch Xtra Fine LCD 3D touch screen that enables users to view 3D footage sans glasses. Storage-wise, the unit will ship with 64GB of flash memory and hit shelves this April for around $1,500.

Sony also introduced three Handycam models featuring video projectors built-in to their 3-inch flip-out LCD panels which can display footage in sizes of 60 inches diagonally from 18ft. away. When combined with the integrated stereo speakers with so-called Clear Phase and S-master digital amplifiers, these cameras are designed to provide an ideal playback experience without a TV. The HDR-PJ50V features the largest amount of storage in the series with a 220GB hard drive and will be available this April for $1000. The 32 GB HDR-PJ30V and 16GB HDR-PJ10 will be available slightly later in March for $950 and $700 respectively.

Rounding out the camcorder news is the HDR-CX700V video enthusiast-level unit, featuring a 16:9 Exmor R CMS image sensor, wide angle Sony G lens, and 60p/24p recording. This unit will ship with 96GB of flash memory and also be available in March for about $1,300. The reality is that these models are just the tip of the Sony Camcorder announcement iceberg though, so for all the details feel free to read the PR below and browse through the gallery.

Continue reading Sony announces 3D Handycam, projector HandyCams, boring HandyCams (update: hands-on video!)

Sony announces 3D Handycam, projector HandyCams, boring HandyCams (update: hands-on video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

8 million Kinect sensors sold worldwide in first 60 days — that’s 3 million more than Microsoft had planned. Not bad. Microsoft also announced 30 million Xbox Live members and 50 million units sold worldwide with the Xbox 360 outselling all other consoles for the last 6 months in the US. Not bad at all.

8 million Kinect sensors sold in first 60 days originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments