Just in time for the release of EA’s ultra-creepy Dead Space 3, Skullcandy subsidiary Astro Gaming is introducing themed versions of its A30 and A40 gaming headsets. While the headgear remains virtually unchanged, the news here is the addition of six custom magnetic speaker tags that feature tricked-out artwork taken directly from the game. Available on February 5th for $210 (A30) and $260 (A40), both headsets feature Dolby 7.1 virtual surround, a swappable cable system and cross-platform support for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. However, if you already own this eargear and are just looking to spruce up your cups, you can pick up the tags as a standalone purchase for $20 (A30) and $25 (A40) each.
HTC doesn’t have a smartwatch like the Pebble, but it does have the HTC Mini, an NFC-equipped remote control and handset accessory which will be exclusively offered in China alongside the HTC Butterfly. The svelte handset – resembling an old candybar-style dumbphone – hooks up via Bluetooth to your Butterfly, so HTC suggests, and can be used for making calls without pulling the smartphone out of your pocket, as well as other things.
NFC is used to pair the HTC Mini with the Butterfly – aka the non-US version of the DROID DNA – after which point it works as a remote terminal. In addition to calls, it can show messages on its monochrome display, calendar entries, and call logs.
However, it will also apparently work as a remote control, useful when the Butterfly is plugged in to your TV and used as a media device. Then, the Mini can navigate through menus when the Butterfly is tethered near to the screen via HDMI; it also looks like it can be used to trigger the shutter in the camera app.
Finally, there’s a handy “find my phone” feature which makes the Butterfly ring when you’ve put it down somewhere and can’t locate it. No word on how much the HTC Mini might cost, though we’re hoping the company releases it as an accessory in markets other than China.
In some ways, one could argue that CES 2013 was really all about the accessories. Sure, a lot of companies where there unveiling new hardware, whether that hardware was a massive TV, a new gaming tablet, or a phone that has an eInk display on the backside, but there were more accessories than we care to count being shown on the floor. Each of these accessories seemed to offer something unique; each was newsworthy in it’s own particular way. There were some that caught more attention than others, naturally, but nearly every accessory we saw is bound to get someone, somewhere excited.
We’ll start with the Pebble smart watch, a device that had visitors to CES clamoring for a look left and right. The Kickstarter darling was on display at CES 2013, with SlashGear managing to secure some hands-on time with the device despite the chaos that seemed to follow Pebble everywhere it went. We also got the chance to sit down with Pebble CEO Eric Migocovsky to talk about what makes the watch stand out from the competition and why it became such a hit with Kickstarter users. The company also talked about developers, apps, and how its future proofing the device, along with revealing when Pebble will begin shipping out to consumers (spoiler: its ship date is right around the corner).
Pebble netted a lot of attention during the show, but there were a couple other watches that managed to stick out despite Pebble’s presence. One of these watches was the the eInk CST-01, which has the distinction of being the world’s thinnest watch (it looks pretty sleek too, if we do say so ourselves). Next we come to the Martian Passport Watch, which boasts voice commands and Bluetooth to allow for simple connectivity to your Android or iOS device. If you’ve been in the market for a new watch, CES 2013 offered a bevy of potential choices.
The same could be said for smartphone cases at CES 2013. It isn’t much of a surprise that many of the cases we saw were for Apple’s relatively new (but nonetheless incredibly popular) iPhone 5. Otterbox was on-hand to show off its new Armor series and Defender series, using Apple’s latest iPhone to display them. Just the same, Pelican announced its first foray into the world of smartphone cases with its new ProGear Vault cases for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini. olloclip made itself stand out from the rest of the case manufacturers by offering one iPhone 5 case that has lens system, while Lifeproof was showing off a number of accessories for its iPhone 5 case, including a bright orange “Life Jacket” meant to keep your phone afloat if it ever goes overboard.
One of the coolest things to happen during CES 2013 was when the TATS CRU customized our Cygnett ICON cases right there in person. It wasn’t all just about iPhone 5 cases, however, with Pelican showing off a pair of new cases for the Galaxy S III, and ONGUARD introducing us to a rather unique origami case for the Nexus 7 (though the origami case is also available for the iPhone 5 and iPad).
Just as well, there seemed to be an awful lot of speakers on display on the show floor. SoundMatters had its Dash 7 portable Bluetooth speaker primed and ready for the spotlight, while SuperTooth was showing off its Disco Twin stereo Bluetooth speakers. If you’re looking for something a little more out of the ordinary, iuiDesign’s Mirror Boombox might be worth a look, considering its based on the side mirrors of a Mini Cooper car.
We also went hands-on with the HMDX Jam Plus and Burst speakers, which are cylindrical and available in all sorts of different colors. TYLT, which was there primarily to show off its Energi backpack that can charge three devices at a time, also had its TUNZ Bluetooth speaker on-hand, though this one comes with the bonus of NFC functionality.
Corning Optical Cables kept the Apple train moving by introducing new Thunderbolt cables aimed at the budget crowd during the show, so we imagine that those will be a big hit given the cost of spare Thunderbolt cables. Fitbit Flex is looking to to tackle the fitness monitoring business that Jawbone has conquered, while MpowerD was offering a waterproof, solar-powered lantern that seems perfect for the more adventurous among us.
Wearables seemed to be a pretty big thing at CES 2013. We already told you about TYLT’s Energi backpack and its device-charging capabilities, but TYLT had some competition from the likes of Spigen with its new SGP backpack. The SGP has enough pockets and storage areas to satisfy even the most serious gadget hoarder, and it’s also lined with super soft fabric that will keep your devices free of scratches. Then there’s the prototype TEC Jacket 2.0, which among other things features a battery pack for on-the-go charging and an antenna to boost your mobile data speeds. It’s lightweight to boot, so don’t be surprised to see this bad boy take off once its eventually released.
Griffin used the show to introduce a trio of new products. First up is its Powerdock 5, which as you can imagine can charge up to five devices at a time. The company was also showing off its StudioConnect iPad dock, which comes complete with a Lightning connector, making it compatible with Apple’s newest slate offerings. While those two were impressive, Griffin also had the very cool Crayola Light Marker on hand. The best description we could come up with for this device was calling it a “laser pointer on steroids,” so you’ll just have to check out our hands-on for more.
While many companies were announcing a collection of new products at CES 2013, there was also a number of one-off devices that were just as cool. These include Tethercell, which lets you use an app on your smartphone to control devices powered by double-A batteries (seriously, it’s super awesome), and the Silverlit Mercedes-Benz RC Car that’s controlled using your iOS device – and also features speakers you can use to stream music! Ion Scratch 2 is looking to outfit your iPad with actual DJ controls, and the Belkin WeMo light switch wants to bring light switches into the Internet age, offering connectivity with your iOS or Android device.
Kingston had its 1TB flash drive on display during the show, and though it’s a bit bulkier than the flash drives we’re used to seeing, it’s still incredibly small considering it houses a full terabyte of storage. We all know that power is always a difficulty, with many of us experiencing dead cellphone batteries at the worst possible times more than once. MiPower has taken it upon itself to solve that problem with its new PowerCube 8000M, which packs in 8,000mAh to make sure that you’ve always got enough juice to share between your devices.
Finally, there were a number of companies showing off new headsets. Turtle Beach had a collection of gaming-centric headsets at the show, introducing us to its new PX51, XP510, and SEVEN series headsets. Monster also targeted gamers out there with its MVP headset, which signifies a partnership with Electronic Arts, one of the biggest games publishers around. Last but not least, we got to spend some time with the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Black headphones, and boy do they looks sharp.
So there you have it folks – we weren’t kidding when we said that CES 2013 was in many ways all about the accessories. There were plenty of impressive devices and accessories on display, and we’re excited to get the chance to spend more time with these as the year goes on. As always, you can find any news from the show you may have missed at our CES portal!
Today at CES, Monster announced a partnership with EA Sports and revealed the MVP Carbon headset. We ended up getting our hands on the new product at Monster’s booth at Pepcom, and got a close up look of the new design. The headset features 5.1 channel surround sound processing that Monster refers to as HDHS, or “High Definition Headphone Surround.”
The gaming headset is compatible with PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, and the Wii U. Monster says the MVP Carbon represent the company’s introduction into gaming accessories, so we’ll no doubt see them move further and further into that realm. Aside from the HDHS, the new headset contain powerful 30mm drivers.
There’s an integrated microphone that’s also detachable via 3.5mm headphone jack, and can be used for voice chat naturally. Much like offerings from Turtle Beach and Astro, the Monster headset also includes a standalone headphone amplifier, which the company is calling the Gamebox. As you can see from the photos, the headset is plastered with the EA Sports logo on either side.
And as the name suggests, the headset is lined with a carbon fiber vinyl around the outside of the headset, and the ear cushions are surprisingly soft, suggesting that hardcore gamers won’t have a problem with them during marathons. The MVP Carbon headset is slated to be available in both black and white starting in February 2013 for a steep $269.
When it comes to playing video and computer games, you can say that having the right kind of equipment is essential to making the most out of your gaming enjoyment. Well, it goes without saying that you can always rely on your skill to “get the job done”, otherwise it is always prudent to make sure that you have the best kind of gaming equipment at your disposal. A pair of headphones are essential in the modern day, as they will be able to do their bit in letting you know just where your opponent is, as well as making sure you can hear what is going on in the rest of the map or to look out for audio alerts of something else that is happening in the vicinity. Well, Razer has just announced their spanking new and improved Razer Carcharias gaming headset for the Xbox 360.
Continuing from where the original Razer Charcharias for the PC left off, it will have the base of its predecessor’s ergonomic and aural standards, and this time around, it would be Xbox 360 owners who will be able to enjoy pro audio fidelity whenever they game on their console, not to mention enjoy doing so in extraordinary comfort. The full over-ear coverage ensures that, where the Razer Carcharias boasts of a fully adjustable, padded head rail, 1.25 in/3.18 cm on either side, allowing it to accommodate a vast array of head sizes, all courtesy of its soft, pliable, removable ear cups.
Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, president of Razer USA, said, “Xbox gamers – get ready to experience extreme comfort with circumaural ear cups and interchangeable ear cushions with the new Carcharias. This fan favorite of ours is now redesigned for the Xbox 360 and gamers are going to love it.”
You can pick up the new Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset for Xbox 360 for $69.99 if you are living in the US, although folks living across the pond will have to fork out €69.99 for a pair.
Bummed because that Razer Carcharias headset you’ve been eying wasn’t equipped for Black Ops II missions on your Xbox 360? Good news, mates. The gaming outfit has announced a redesigned version of the cans that will play nice with Microsoft’s console, with amplified audio and in-line controls for quick adjustments in the heat of battle to boot. The Carcharias for Xbox 360 and PC is available now if you’re willing to part with a cool $70. Should you need a bit more info before committing, consult the full PR that follows beyond the break.
California-based special effect research firms MediaScience and Team NULYX are working together to develop a new technology that will intensify emotional experiences across all entertainment media platforms. The product of their labor is a new multi-purpose headphone called the NULYX headphone, and it recently made its way into Indiegogo.
According to the makers, NULYX is a new technology that allows producers of media to “accurately engineer the audience experience for peak emotional highs and thrills.” The newly-reinvented headphone reportedly uses a new conductor chip design that silently amplifies waveforms, thus able to generate natural and low frequency pulsed magnetic waves. This, according to the researchers, will allow users to feel “charged, fired-up, amped, and exhilarated” due to the high-fidelity quality sound.
“We selected a special Bluetooth headphone design because the headphone travels widely, is portable, worn and seen on the user and – it’s an experience that can be passed around and shared with friends,” a NULYX researcher said. Do note that we haven’t tried it out yet, so we still don’t know how effective it is, and how the real user experience actually feels like. You can out the product via Indiegogo.
I don’t know when I started liking camo-patterned stuff, but it was a long time ago. I’ve got plenty of US army pants and shirts to prove my obsession. As camo goes, the digital camo on these headphones looks pretty good and while it won’t protect you from getting fragged, you’ll still look good.
The ASUS Echelon Camo Edition Gaming Headset is aimed at PC gaming enthusiasts. The Echelon camo is inspired by digital camouflage patterns that are popular in games and real-world military apparel. But it’s not all about looks. This headset has got 50mm neodymium magnet drivers to make those explosions sound nice and loud. The ear cups are comfortable and isolate up to 30 dB of noise, allowing you to block out the real world while you blow stuff up in the virtual one. Its braided cord will allow some flexibility, and it will probably not end up tangled like most of your headphones.
ASUS hasn’t announced the price or release date yet for the Echelon Camo headset, but I’d expect it to arrive very soon.
Skullcandy has announced the launch of its latest gaming headset, the PLYR2. This device is wireless, and compatible with whatever your gaming preference is: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or computer/mobile. This is one of the two units in Skullcandy’s newly launched series of gaming headsets, the second of which will be available next year.
The headset’s most boast-able feature is its wireless connectivity, allowing gamers to eschew the shackles of wired connections. The device runs at 2.4GHz and offers the company’s Supreme Sound proprietary system, which aims to provide overall better audio clarity. The boom mic is adjustable with a mute mode that can be toggled on and off, while three different EQ modes provide an adaptable listening experience.
Skullcandy’s Vice President of Marketing and Creative Nate Morley offered this statement. “The crossover between sport and gaming has been growing for decades and has gotten to a point where the two are nearly inseparable – gamers love action sports and sportsmen love to game. This is why we’re developing new cutting-edge products, such as the SLYR, PLYR2 and PLYR1 which are both authentic to the Skullcandy ethos and can comfortably live and play in both worlds.”
You can pick up the PLYR2 now in black, white, or teal featured in the image above for $129.00 at Skullcandy.com, or via one of its retailers, including Gamestop and Besy Buy. If the PLYR2 is a bit out of your price range, you can grab the SLYR (wired) headset for $79.99. Early next year, Skullcandy will be launching the PLYR1 headset, which will offer 2.4GHz wireless audio/Dolby Surround Sound 7.1.
There’s apparently more to life for Mophie than power packs, as the accessory designer has pushed its first Bluetooth headset, the Powerblu, through the FCC. In a shock to no one, the stand-out is a separate charging station to keep the earpiece going well past what its internal battery can manage: where the headset normally lasts for four hours of talk on its own, that lifespan grows to 30 when it’s periodically revived through the mothership. Other traits will be familiar to anyone who’s used to wireless earwear, whether it’s a noise-cancelling microphone array, text-to-speech or voice commands. About all that’s left after what we’ve seen is for Mophie to seal the deal with a formal launch.
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California-based special effect research firms MediaScience and Team NULYX are working together to develop a new technology that will intensify emotional experiences across all entertainment media platforms. The product of their labor is a new multi-purpose headphone called the NULYX headphone, and it recently made its way into Indiegogo.
