SanDisk releases Ultra Plus and X110 SSDs with speed on a budget

SanDisk releases Ultra Plus and X110 SSDs with speed on a budget

SanDisk is coming to CES with the aim of democratizing solid-state drives, and its new Ultra Plus (X110 for PC builders) just might do the trick. The 2.5-inch drive (not yet pictured here) musters 530MB/s peak read speeds and 445MB/s writes, like many higher-end SSDs, but promises to ditch some of the premium we commonly associate with that breakneck pace. The 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities on offer will cost just $75, $110 and $220 — low enough that we could see them easily slotting in as a fast boot drive or a full-fledged replacement in a laptop. Anyone looking for a quick storage pick-me-up should already find the Ultra Plus waiting at Amazon, Microcenter and Newegg.

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Canon Powershot N: The Future of Tiny Cameras Is Eco-Friendly Touchscreen Squares?

The new Canon Powershot N includes a lot of the features that Canon (and other companies) been adding to tiny point-and-shoots over the years, like Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen controls. What makes it new and refreshing—at least aesthetically—is the new design that’s more square. It’s noticeably different, but does that make it better? More »

SpareOnePlus adds location tracking, audio alerts, keeps the 15-year life on a single AA battery eyes-on

SpareOnePlus adds location tracking, audio alerts, keeps the 15year life on a single AA battery eyeson

Xpal’s SpareOne disaster-ready cellphone was one of the most intriguing devices we saw at last year’s CES. Using a huge capacitor, the stripped-down GSM handset promised a 15-year battery life from the charge of a single AA Energizer battery. While the call quality was basic, it could certainly be the sort of unit that you could stow in a first aid kit or car trunk for emergencies. Now the company has returned with the SpareOnePlus, which adds location-based data, readable with a smartphone app, which is good for keeping track of your loved ones on the go. Xpal has also tried to address one of our biggest gripes with the original by adding audio feedback, reading out the number that you’re dialing and telling you who’s calling — although we’re still wondering why they couldn’t stretch to a screen. Bundled in the package is also a waterproof bag that promises to keep your essentials dry for 30 minutes under one meter of water. The only sting in this tail is that this extra technology (and bag) comes at a price — which has increased from $50 to $99 and is expected to be available “early 2013.”

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3D Systems second-gen Cube 3D printer boasts faster prints and more materials

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Everybody loves a sequel, right? And what better place to launch a followup than in shiny Las Vegas? Exactly a year after launch the first generation of its consumer-friendly 3D printer, the Cube, 3D Systems is getting ready to unleash its successor on the world. The second-gen Cube offers a number of enhancements over last year’s model, including the ability to print up to 1.5 times faster and printing in both ABS and recyclable PLA plastics. The printer maintains the earlier version’s easily-loaded cartridges (which can be sent back empty for a discount), touchscreen controls and WiFi connectivity.

They’ll start shipping on the 21st of this month to interested makers who pre-order one now for $1,399.

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Acer announces Iconia B1-A71, a wallet-friendly 7-inch Jelly Bean slate

Acer announces Iconia B1A71, a 7inch Jelly Bean slate

Acer is expanding its tablet lineup with a new budget-minded 7-inch slate running Jelly Bean. The Iconia B1-A71 pairs a dual-core 1.2GHz processor from Mediatek with 512MB of RAM for a machine that certainly wont set any benchmark records, but wont hurt any wallets either. The rest of the specs, like the WSVGA screen, 8GB of storage and lone 0.3-megapixel camera are certainly also helping keep costs down. At 11.3 ounces and 11.3mm thin it’s a pretty svelte device, especially considering its expected starting price of under $150. Sadly there’s no concrete time frame for release. If you’re hungry for a few more details check out the PR below.

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SteelSeries announces Apex and Apex [RAW] gaming keyboards (yes, the keys are backlit)

SteelSeries announces Apex and Apex [RAW] gaming keyboards (yes, the keys are backlit)

If the keyboards we saw in the run up to CES told us anything, it’s that you ain’t a serious gamer unless your keys be lit. We guess it’s a good thing, then, that the two new ‘boards SteelSeries has brought to the show — the Apex and Apex [RAW] — aren’t lacking that all-important backlighting. Both feature low-riding main keys, an extra-fat space bar, a bunch of macro keys, some extra arrow keys, and various other tricks and treats to give you the upper hand in-game. Despite the [RAW] sounding cooler, it’s actually the lower-spec model, with a few less macro keys / options and only white backlights. The Apex ‘proper’ (pictured above) adds a couple of USB ports to the frame, multicolor backlighting with “ActiveZones” for painting different sections distinct hues, and extra customization options for “more ways to win.” SteelSeries’ Engine software manages your setup — profiles, macros, lighting and such — as well as recording keystroke stats if that’s your bag. The Apex and Apex [RAW] won’t be hitting stores until Q2 this year, but when they do, expect them to set you back $100 / $70, respectively.

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Alcatel’s affordable OneTouch Pop phone lineup revealed for Q1 arrival

Alcatel's affordable One Touch Pop smartphone lineup announced for Q1 availability

In addition to the quad-core One Touch Scribe HD and the astonishingly thin One Touch Idol Ultra, Alcatel just took the wraps off of its 2013 lineup of budget Android smartphones. The trio consists of the One Touch X’Pop, S’Pop and T’Pop, which will be sold throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to determine how aggressively Alcatel plans to push these devices, as the company hasn’t announced pricing for any of the handsets.

Leading the pack is the X’Pop, which includes a 4.5-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM and Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). The phone also features a 5-megapixel primary camera, a front-facing VGA shooter and a microSD card slot. The X’Pop is set for availability this month.

All three Pop handsets will come in two different flavors: one that offers HSPA connectivity over the 900 / 2100MHz bands, and another that sports HSPA access over the 850 / 1900 / 2100MHz bands. In all cases, quad-band GSM is part of the mix. To learn about the One Touch S’Pop and T’Pop, just hop the break.

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Belkin announces WeMo Smart, coming to your coffee pot later this year

Belkin announces WeMo Smart, coming to your coffee pot later this year

Sure, Belkin’s WeMo technology handles outlets and such with an iOS companion app, but now the company is looking to leverage the system with household appliances. WeMo Smart will allow companies to leverage Belkin’s apps and existing tech to add new features to their various wares. At CES, a partnership with Jarden Consumer Solutions (JCS) — the outfit behind brands like Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam, Crock-Pot and more — has just been announced that will bring the home automation tech to remotely program an monitor small appliances. From the looks of it, you’ll be able to turn off the coffee pot after you get to the office should you leave your house in a frenzy. The first WeMo outfitted products are set to arrive later in the year.

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Haier HDTVs to get Roku compatibility, HXT series debuts with Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 silicon

Haier's HDTVs to get Roku compatibility, HXT series debuts with Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 silicon

Usually, at this time of year Haier rolls out a bundle of new HDTVs, but at CES 2013 it’s upgrading some of its existing product lineups instead of hawking all-new gear. Turns out models from Haier’s 2013 Core, Encore and Encore+model lineups will be Roku ready, meaning there’s an MHL port round the back just for Roku streaming sticks. Of course, you’ve gotta bring your own dongle to enjoy this new benefit on most of Haier’s TVs, unless you spring for Encore+ set bundled with one.

Additionally, Haier’s HXT 3D Smart TVs will debut packing Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad core silicon and running Android 4.2. The MPQ8064 chipset packs an Adreno 320 GPU to provide top-notch graphics, and the TV comes with a WiFi Direct QWERTY remote. Naturally, Haier’s not saying how much any of these HD goodies will cost nor when they’ll be available, so the info about them after the break will have to do… for now.

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Griffin announces Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 5

You know that your smartphone is one of the more expensive impulse purchases that you can make (from the technological point of view that is unlike jewelry or an expensive watch, where the final price point is not to say that expensive, and yet it is crucial enough to warrant a purchase), so it makes perfect sense to do your bit and purchase adequate protection for it. Case in point (pardon the pun) would be Griffin’s Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 5, where it will bring together Catalyst’s expertise in designing waterproof products alongside more than two decades of experience at Griffin as one of the most established companies in the iOS accessory space.

Touted to be one of the most technical waterproof products available in the market as at press time, this is certainly a whole lot more convincing compared to the original Survivor case by Griffin. Its predecessor (and of course, also its inspiration) was built to military standards, and it has also lived to be synonymous with extreme-duty protection for mobile devices, making it ready for everyday life and adventures. In fact, the Survivor has become one of Griffin’s best-selling protective case ever since it debuted a couple of years ago.

Griffin continues to lead the way where the protective case industry is concerned by rolling out the Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 5, although you will need to trade $79.99 to bring one of these bad boys home. Specially designed and built for freedom in and around water, the Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case is able to go whenever and wherever adventure beckons. This particular waterproof case is 9.8 feet deep (3 meters) and has been drop-tested to 6.6 feet (2 meters), while at the same time delivering full access to all of the iPhone’s features.

It is also ultra-rugged and waterproof, ensuring that the iPhone 5 remains well protected from the elements without having to sacrifice the ability to photograph, video, take calls, listen to audio and even plug in to recharge the iPhone battery while being protected. This is made possible thanks to button covers, while its crystal clear housing enables users to showcase their iPhone in addition to having them visually inspect the main o-ring seal for reliable waterproof protection.

Any takers? It ought to arrive later this month for those who are interested.

Press Release
[ Griffin announces Survivor + Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 5 copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]