Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft’s Sync hasn’t exactly taken the automotive world by storm, but the updates coming to 2010 Fords seem like they could earn the service a little respect. Microsoft has added a suite of new services including voice-driven news, traffic info, and directions. We got a quick demonstration inside a shiny new Ford Escape, which kindly provided us with directions to the world’s 35th-largest hydroelectric dam (you can find your way to the video below). We also got some further details on how the service uses Bluetooth to tether to any handset, downloading content using a voice call so that you can use this completely fee-free — even if you don’t have a data plan. Yes the display is simplistic to say the least, but having access to this kind of functionality without recurring monthly charges (for three years, at least) sounds fantastic to us.

Continue reading Video: Microsoft’s new Sync hands, eyes, and ears on

Filed under: CES, Transportation

Video: Microsoft’s new Sync hands, eyes, and ears on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not quite sure what makes this “gaming router” so suitable for you “gamers” out there, but TRENDnet‘s a firm believer that its CES-announced TEW-647GA is ready and willing to handle those online deathmatches. Though not nearly as minuscule as the TEW-654TR, this 300Mbps 802.11b/g/n router promises a lag-free connection (provided that your broadband connection is worth a darn) and simple setup with PCs and all manners of game consoles. Check it someday after today for some price greater than a penny.

Filed under: CES, Networking

TRENDnet churns out TEW-647GA Wireless N gaming adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Until now, Optoma has pretty much been a no show at CES this year, but our mums always said that late was better than never. At any rate, the company is finally coming clean with two new high-def projectors: the HD8200 and HD808. Both beamers are powered by Pixelworks’ PW9800 co-processor with DNX MotionEngine, and of course, they sport a native 1080p resolution. The HD8200 ($4,999.99) is rated at 1,300 ANSI lumens / 20,000:1 contrast ratio while the HD808 ($3,499) scales back to 1,200 lumens / 15,000:1 CR. Consumers are entirely more likely to find the latter in stores, as the former is reportedly tailored to custom channels. For more details on each, give the links below a look.

[Via PC Mag]

Filed under: CES, Displays

Optoma reveals HD8200 and HD808 HD projectors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung has already thrown most of its excitement out here at CES, and after looking at the SL102 and SL420, you might argue that “most” should actually be “all.” Nah, there’s nothing intrinsically awful about either of these 10.2 megapixel shooters, but they’re certainly amongst the most ho hum delivered at the show. Both of the SL-Series devices also offer up Face Detection, rechargeable Li-ion batteries and Digital Image Stabilization technology. As for differences, the SL102 packs a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD, while the SL402 includes a 2.7-inch LCD monitor and a 5x optical zoom. Like we said, pretty boring, but we don’t doubt their ability to get the job done if it really came down to it.

Filed under: CES, Digital Cameras

Samsung intros SL102 / SL420 point-and-shoots, no one notices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Also making the scene in Las Vegas this week, QA is designed specifically for telepresence. This guy stands 5 feet tall and is kitted with a 5 megapixel camera, forward-mounted display, WiFi and optional 3G connectivity, and a laser pointer for, well, pointing at things. Available for purchase sometime in late 2009, the price will be somewhere in the $15,000 – $25,000 range. Video after the break.

[Via Get Robo]

Continue reading Anybots rolls out QA, the telegenic telepresence robot

Filed under: CES, Robots

Anybots rolls out QA, the telegenic telepresence robot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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