Posts Tagged ‘CES 2012’

LG home theater systems for 2012

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

LG integrates 3D Sound and Smart TV Technologies into four new 3D Sound home theater systems it introduced during CES 2012. The BH9420PW will hit Singapore stores from April 2012.

LG introduced four new home theatre systems for the year during CES 2012.

LG introduced four new home theatre systems for the year during CES 2012.

LG aims to draw synergy by combining its 3D Home Theater Systems with its CINEMA 3D Smart TVs.

The first of the four systems to launch, the BH9420PW incorporates LG’s own 3D Sound Zooming technology, which constantly synchronizes sound output with the location and movement of the on-screen 3D images on a CINEMA 3D Smart TV.

BH9420PW will hit Singapore stores from April 2012.

BH9420PW will hit Singapore stores from April 2012.

3D Sound Zooming is capable of generating variety of depth in sound based on a complex algorithm that analyzes the varying depth of numerous on-screen objects displayed on the 3D TV.

The immersive 3D sound is enhanced further by the BH9420PW’s 9.1 speaker system, which adds four Upright 3D Speakers to the 5.1 channels of a conventional home theater system.

The four Upright 3D Speakers pump sound upward, ensuring that the vertical space is completely filled with sound. Meanwhile, a 360º Reflector inside each of the Upright 3D Speakers reflects sound in all directions, creating acoustics as rich as those in a concert hall.

LG combines its 3D Home Theater Systems with its CINEMA 3D Smart TVs.

LG combines its 3D Home Theater Systems with its CINEMA 3D Smart TVs.

In addition, by applying LG’s unique 3D effect DSP algorithm, the Sound Field Expansion technology further expands the horizontal sound field, and works in harmony with the Upright 3D Speakers to create a truly immersive, 360º sound experience.

The audio “sweet spot” is further extended so viewers always feel as if they are right in the middle of the action, regardless of their location in a living room.

In order to provide viewers with a wide range of 3D experiences, the BH9420PW is equipped with a Smart TV function which provides access to LG’s Smart TV ecosystem – with a growing variety and quantity of 3D content through various premium content services and apps, such as LG’s 3D Zone.

Roundup of BlackBerry updates from RIM during CES

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Upgrades to BlackBerry 7.1 (dates TBC) and BBM6.1 (available now), and Visa certification for BlackBerry smartphones.

The BBM6.1 upgrade is available now in BlackBerry App World.

The BBM6.1 upgrade is available now in BlackBerry App World.

The updates were released by Research In Motion (RIM) during CES 2012.

BlackBerry 7.1 upgrade – dates TBC in Asia

For users of the latest BlackBerry 7 smartphones, some of the features of the BlackBerry 7.1 OS upgrade are described below.

Keep smiling with the free BBM6.1 upgrade.

Keep smiling with the free BBM6.1 upgrade.

With the addition of BlackBerry Tag, users of NFC-enabled BlackBerry smartphones (incl. Bold 9900, Curve 9360 and Curve 9380) can instantly invite a friend to BBM, exchange contact information, documents, URLs, photos and other multimedia content, as well as pair their BlackBerry smartphone with an NFC enabled Bluetooth device.

Turn your BlackBerry smartphone into a mobile hotspot that can be shared by up to 5x Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptops and tablets.

Free upgrade to BlackBerry Messenger 6.1

Free upgrade to BlackBerry Messenger 6.1

Universal Search has been further improved to help users find what they are looking for. The enhancement includes an auto-suggest feature that intelligently filters Bing search results to offer users a variety of relevant Web sites based on their search terms.

Customers with a BlackBerry Curve 9360 or 9380 smartphones will find a nice surprise with the BlackBerry 7.1 OS update in the form of an FM radio.

BBM6.1 upgrade – available now in BlackBerry App World

This upgrade offers support for animated avatars (animated GIFs), a dozen new and fun emoticons to spice up conversations, and the ability to customize chat bubbles with different colors.

BBM6.1 is available now on BlackBerry App World.

BBM6.1 is available now on BlackBerry App World.

In addition, the new BBM app allows users to add customized personal messages of up to 160 characters in their online Profile, more than double the length supported in previous versions.

Users can now set the picture for their BBM avatar directly from the camera app – simply snap a picture and select “Set as BBM Display Picture” from the menu.

Read the full press release here.

Visa certifies BlackBerry smartphones for use as Visa Mobile Payment Devices

Following the approval of BlackBerry devices as the first certified smartphones of the MasterCard PayPass program, Visa has certified the BlackBerry Bold 9900, BlackBerry Curve 9360 and BlackBerry Curve 9380 as compliant payment products available for commercial deployment by financial institutions.

All the new devices certified by Visa can use the built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to facilitate wireless payments using contactless payment terminals.

Read the full press release here.

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 upgrade in Feb 2012

Monday, January 16th, 2012

An advanced messaging experience; innovative people-centric calendar and contact apps; and improved office productivity tools are some of the features in the PlayBook OS 2.0 upgrade.

An advanced messaging experience with a powerful unified inbox.

An advanced messaging experience with a powerful unified inbox.

Announced during CES 2012, and expected to be available in February 2012, the free upgrade will enable customers to be even more connected and productive with heaps of new features.

People-centric calendar and contact apps integrated with social networks.

People-centric calendar and contact apps integrated with social networks.

For an advanced messaging experience, a powerful unified inbox integrates with built-in messaging and social networking sites (Twitter, LinkedIn etc), as well as ‘tabbed email’ for managing multiple accounts.

You can also compose and edit messages in rich text and manage you inbox with useful new tools (for setting out-of-office alerts, signatures etc).

There are innovative people-centric calendar and contact apps that connects and feeds from your social network to make organising your day and getting in touch with people easy and fast.

Enhnaced office productivity tools such as Word To Go & Print To Go.

Enhnaced office productivity tools such as Word To Go & Print To Go.

Remote control your PlayBook using your BlackBerry smartphone, especially if your PlayBook is connected to a TV via the HDMI output – perfect for watching movies or typing out notes.

Revamped and improved productivity tools with new Documents To Go, and Print To Go application for wireless printing and enhanced browsing, plus much more.

CES 2012 roundup: Sony gadgets for 2012

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Here is a round-up of Sony’s electronic gadgets for 2012, as released during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

The CES is a chance for consumers to get a glimpse of the gadgets lining up to hit the market in the near to mid-term future.

Sony’s line-up for 2012 includes the new Handycam range; the Cyber-shot W-Series and S-Series; the NWZ-Z1000 series (Sony’s first ever Walkman powered by Android); and a new line-up of BRAVIA  televisions.

Here’s a list of these new products.

Handycam

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder
  1. HDR-TD20VE Double Full HD 3D Flash Memory camcorder
  2. HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

New camcorder accessories

  • RDP-CA1 Portable Speaker
  • HVL-LE1 Battery Video Light
  • VCT-MP1 ‘Multipod’
  • 22MB/s SDHC Class 10 media cards
  • World’s first Balanced Optical SteadyShot for even more stable images while walking/zooming (HDR-PJ760VE)
  • Increased built-in projector models led by the HDR-PJ760VE capable of displaying 100-inch screen size (diagonal)
  • The world’s smallest and lightest 3D Handycam® (HDR-TD20VE)
  • Clearer dialogue with Auto Wind Noise Reduction and Closer Voice (both models)
  • By Pixel Super Resolution processing for high-resolution still images and Extended Zoom (both models

Cyber-shot

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras
1. W-Series

  • W670
  • W650
  • W630
  • W620
  • W610

2. S-Series

  • S5000
  • All-round images with new 360 Sweep Panorama
  • SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld shots
  • Intelligent Auto mode recognises up to 33 scene settings for great results automatically
  • Picture Effect modes for easy in-camera effects

Walkman

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series
NWZ-Z1000 series
  • First ever Walkman® powered by Android™
  • Unique ergonomic body design
  • Features the new S-Master MX digital amplifier which greatly reduces noise and distortion level in your music
  • A new distinctive W.BUTTON allows one to launch the unique W.Control app; allowing one to explore their music collection in an intuitive manner
  • Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities

BRAVIA

Sony BRAVIA TV

SonyBRAVIA EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  1. HX855-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  2. HX750-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  3. EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  • Two distinct series –the flagship HX and the mid-level EX
  • Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
  • Picture qualities further enhanced with Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors
  • They are Skype™ embedded, where users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls. Users can also make voice calls while simultaneously watching TV.
  • Sony’s HX855 carries forward Sony’s distinctive Monolithic design incorporating Gorilla® Glass by Corning®, allowing for thinner, lighter and stronger screen material.
  • Complete with X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 960, the HX850 is a fully Internet-connected television with built-in 3D, delivering a premium viewing experience when on, and a stunning addition to home décor even when off.

Nokia announces large LTE Lumia 900 for the US

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Nokia and AT&T announced the Nokia Lumia 900 at the 2012 International Consumer Electronic’s Show (CES) – the first Windows Phone 7 smartphone from Nokia to feature high speed LTE connectivity.

Large screen, large bandwidth and “large” camera – Lumia 900 will be larger than life.

Nokia Lumia 900 unveiled during CES 2012 on 9 January.

Nokia Lumia 900 unveiled during CES 2012 on 9 January.

With Nokia’s largest display, the Nokia Lumia 900 delivers a rich content experience from a phone that still fits easily in your hand.

The Nokia Lumia 900 has a 4.3-inch AMOLED ClearBlack Display, for rich, bright images both indoors and out in the sun.

The Nokia Lumia 900 has a large 4.3-inch AMOLED ClearBlack Display.

The Nokia Lumia 900 has a large 4.3-inch AMOLED ClearBlack Display.

However, resolution is only 800×480 pixels.

Cutting edge 4G LTE technology enables faster connection speeds of up to 50Mbps on AT&T’s 4G LTE network.

The Lumia 900 is powered by a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8055 + MDM9200 processor, with a long- lasting battery with 1830mAH for 7 hrs talk-time and up to 300 hrs on standby.

Nokia’s third Lumia smartphone (after the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710), the Nokia Lumia 900 builds on Lumia’s head-turning design on the outside and a rich social and Internet experience on the inside.

People Hub is the quickest way to connect with friends using Live Tiles for real-time updates and a fast Web browsing experience with Internet Explorer Mobile.

The Nokia Lumia 900 is designed for the US and comes with 4G LTE.

The Nokia Lumia 900 is designed for the US and comes with 4G LTE.

The camera will put greater pressure on compact cameras. The 8-megapixel camera comes with a large aperture of f/2.2 and wide angle at 28mm. Add to this a Carl Zeiss lens and dual LED flash, it will the owner greater impetus to leave the compact camera at home.

Video is so-so, with hi-res video capture at 720p/30fps. A second, front-facing 1-megapixel camera for video calls has an f/2.4 lens and 30fps capture.

Here is the full data sheet for the Nokia Lumia 900:

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CES 2012 roundup: Smartphones

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

Here’s a quick round-up of smartphones announced prior to the four-day CES 2012 (10-13 January 2012) being held in Nevada, Las Vegas. Offerings from LG, Huawei, Nokia and Sony.

Sony Xperia S with 4.3-inch 720p screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 12-megapixel camera.

Sony Xperia S with 4.3-inch 720p screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 12-megapixel camera.

LG from Korea has unveiled the Spectrum, which runs on Android 2.3 (upgradeable to 4.0) and has a 4.5” full HD display, a 1.5 Ghz processor and an 8-megapixel camera.

Huawei from China has announced the Android 4.0 Ascend P1 and Ascend P1 S, which will be available in Asia Pacific in April 2012.

Ascend P1 S, the world's slimmest smartphone from Huawei, measuring just 6.68mm at the slimmest.

Ascend P1 S, the world's slimmest smartphone from Huawei, measuring just 6.68mm at the slimmest.

The Huawei Ascend P1 S is the slimmest smartphone in the world in the 4.3” smartphone class, measuring just 6.68mm at its slimmest point; while the Huawei Ascend P1 measures at 7.69mm thin.

Both have Super AMOLED screen with Corning Gorilla Glass.

Sony from Japan has announced Xperia S, its first next generation smartphone from the new Xperia NXT series, after it bought over Ericsson’s 50% stake in the former Sony-Ericsson joint venture.

The Xperia S has a 4.3-inch 1280×720 screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 12-megapixel camera.

It will be available globally from Q1 2012 with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in Q2 2012.

Nokia from Finland has announced the Lumia 900 for the US market. It will basically be another Lumia 800 but with a bigger screen and battery, as well as LTE.

That’s all for now, will add on as more smartphones are unveiled in CES 2012 over the next few days.

CES 2012 roundup: Televisions

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

The four-day CES 2012 (10-13 January 2012) is being held in Nevada, Las Vegas. A flurry of pre-show conferences and announcements gave a hint of what is to come this year. Here’s a quick round-up of televisions – a dynamic gadget frontier this year.

They will come smarter, bigger but thinner.

LG's stunning 55" OLED EM9600 measures only 4mm thick, thinner than a smartphone.

LG's stunning 55" OLED EM9600 measures only 4mm thick, thinner than a smartphone.

The most impressive offerings come from LG. It has unveiled its 55″ EM9600 measuring just 4mm thick – that’s thinner than a smartphone.

The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) system offers a ‘refresh-rate’ that is 1,000 times faster than most current sets – this means that moving images will appear much smoother.

The TV weights only 7.5kg.

LG will also be launching an 84” TV with ultra definition, as well as voice control remote controls, and a 3D gesture-control interface like that of Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect.

Samsung is pushing its 55" Super OLED TV, the ES 8000.

Samsung is pushing its 55" Super OLED TV, the ES 8000.

It’s Korean rivals, Samsung, is offering its flagship Super OLED TV – the ES8000.

It comes with an integrated camera for video conferencing and “smart interaction”; content from its GALAXY smartphone platform including Angry Birds; as well as 3D, voice, gestures, facial recognition.

Powered by a dual-core processor, users can surf the web while using or downloading multiple apps simultaneously

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