Hasta La Gadget!

Like all-in-one PCs, TV and Twitter? NEC’s new desktop PCs might just hit the spot — if you live in Japan, that is. The company just launched its spring 2013 lineup of Valuestar systems which will be available in two display sizes on February 7th. Valuestar W computers pack a 23-inch screen and Core i7 processor with the 3D-capable VW970/LS costing ¥235,000 ($2,550) and the 2D-only VW770/LS listing for ¥215,000 ($2,330). The Valuestar N series boast a 21.5-inch display and come in three versions: VN770/LS with Core i7 for ¥195,000 ($2,110), VN570/LS with Core i3 for ¥160,000 ($1.740) and the ¥125,000 ($1,360) Celeron 1000M-equipped VN370/LS. While there are no details on RAM or storage options, all PCs run Windows 8 with Office 2013, and feature TV tuners, Blu-Ray drives (DVD on the VN370/LS), DLNA support, Yamaha sound systems, built-in video tutorials and access to music.jp’s service. The 23-inch models provide instant-on TV functionality with three TV tuners (two for recording, one for viewing) while 21.5-inch units include dual TV tuners. NEC offers several ways to control the computer’s TV functionality: via standard remote control, using gestures (except VN370/LS), with a custom smartphone / tablet app and even from Twitter. Yes, you can now DM your Valuestar system (even when it’s turned off) and tell it to record TV — you can also have it monitor Twitter for certain keywords / TV shows and overlay a popularity meter. What could possibly go wrong?

Filed under: Desktops, Home Entertainment, HD

Comments

Via: AV Watch (translated)

Source: NEC

Yamaha has recently introduced two new high-performance headphones models in the HPH-PRO series. Known as the PRO500 and PRO300, both headphones feature a dedicated iPhone/iPod remote and a microphone. The Yamaha PRO500 headphones come equipped with a pair of 50mm drivers, offering a 22-22,000 Hz frequency response with a 22-Ohm impedance and a 105 dB sensitivity. The Yamaha PRO300 headphones feature a pair of 40mm drivers that produce a 20-20,000 Hz frequency response with a 53-Ohm impedance and a 107 dB sensitivity. The Yamaha PRO500 and PRO300 will be released in December 2012 for 50,000 Yen ($620) and 30,000 Yen ($375), respectively. [Akihabara]

Yesterday we took a look at a stunning new wheelchair concept that has the ability to climb stairs, but we probably won’t see it hit the market for a while and it’ll probably be really expensive. In the meantime, Yamaha has been working on a more practical solution that will make owning a powered wheelchair a lot more affordable.

Yamaha has come up with the JWX-2 power assist unit, which essentially turns any ordinary wheelchair into a powered wheelchair. Powered wheelchairs are extremely expensive, but the company says that their new power assist technology will be aimed at physically-disabled people who are on a budget.

Users will still have to manually control the wheels, but getting up slopes and just going long distances will be much easier. Plus, the unit can be attached to almost any regular wheelchair, which is one of the reasons why it’s cheaper than powered wheelchairs. The unit also comes with computer software, where users can adjust settings and even fine-tune each wheel to different power adjustments.

There are buttons on the side the turn off and turn on the assist, and you can even control how much power the unit offers depending on if you come up to a steep slope or just a gentle one. No price has been given for Yamaha’s JWX-2 power assist unit and it’s still in its developing stages, but the company said that you should expect it to hit the market sometime in the spring of 2013.

[via DigInfo TV]

Yamaha makes powered wheelchairs more affordable with new power assist unit is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

When the Yamaha YAS-101 came out last year, we marveled at the perfect balance between the sound quality afforded by its full-range drivers and a price point that wouldn’t break the bank. Now the successor—the YAS-201—is here and instead of packing its bass technology into the bar itself, it has been split off into a wireless sub. More »

Yamaha today introduced the YHT-697BL, the latest entry to its formidable line of home theater in a box (HTiB) systems. Offering a refined take on the category, this system features a powerful 5.1-channel receiver with AirPlay and a front panel USB port for direct connectivity to iPhones, iPads, iPods and USB drives. The speaker package consists of dramatically styled glossy black front tower speakers, compact surround and center speakers and a powerful 6 ½” 100W multi-range …