Monday, January 07, 2013

LG Adds NFC to Its TVs and Appliances So It Can All Work Together

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973732/lg-adds-nfc-to-its-appliances-and-tvs-so-they-can-all-work-together-updating

LG Adds NFC to Its TVs and Appliances So It Can All Work TogetherIf you're an LG fan, your house is about to get a whole lot smarter with a host of intelligent appliances.

The company is focusing on developing not just smart devices but cultivating an entire smart home ecosystem. LG calls the plan "One Touch Connectivity," and the idea is that it lets your phone and LG's various NFC-enabled appliances—including televisions, laundry, ovens, refrigerators, even a smart robotic floor sweeper—work together. Much of this lineup can be controlled via voice or touch commands from a smartphone. So you'll be able to see if you do, in fact, need milk while at the grocery store, start the roast in your oven before you get home from work, or check the progress of your robotic vacuum from anywhere there's an internet connection.

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Sharp Has a 4K TV Ready for This Summer

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973793/sharp-has-a-4k-tv-ready-for-this-summer

Sharp Has a 4K TV Ready for This SummerNot to be left out of the spec party, Sharp just announced that it's joining the 4K pleasure cruise this summer, with a 60-inch set.

It has a 240Hz panel, active 3D, and built-in Wi-Fi. 4K packs four time the pixels of a standard 1080p TV into the same amount of space for a picture that'll make you crap yourself. That is if you can afford it. No details are available on price yet, but if other comparable sets are any indication, Sharp's 4K TV will probably cost enough for you to take out a second mortgage on your house.
Sharp Has a 4K TV Ready for This Summer

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Vizio's XVT Hands On: A Gorgeous 4K TV You Might Actually Be Able to Afford

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973807/vizios-xvt-hands-on-a-gorgeous-4k-tv-you-might-actually-be-able-to-afford

Vizio's XVT Hands On: A Gorgeous 4K TV You Might Actually Be Able to AffordThe most impressive thing anyone is going to see at CES 2013 is a big, beautiful TV. Unfortunately, most of these are only being made for the 1%, for now. But Vizio's might be the first ultra-HD within reach. Kinda.

We checked out the monster 70-inch Vizio XVT (also available in modest 65 and 55 versions), and the quality is astounding—and on par with everything 4k we've seen from Vizio's pricier competitors. Simply, I doubt anyone will be able to tell the difference between a 70-inch Vizio and a 70-inch [Expensive LCD Brand] side by side. And since Vizio consistently undercuts its rivals by pretty large margins, the XVT series is likely the first 4k (or Ultra HD, as it's now being called) set that might be attainable. It's still going to be very expensive—let's keep that in mind—but it'll be the difference between very expensive and insanely expensive. Sadly, Vizio isn't talking about pricing or availability, but it's a solid assumption.

But what'll very expensive get you? A damn incredible picture, with resolution so sharp that it provides a depth illusion that's more enjoyable than most 3D displays. I watched a Dreamworks video loop that'd been compressed down from hundreds of gigabytes to around 60, and there was no noticeable artifacting. And even with my nose jammed up against the glass, pixels were discernable only with a squint. That's the allure of 4k, right? Pixels vanish.

Vizio's XVT Hands On: A Gorgeous 4K TV You Might Actually Be Able to Afford

But what about content? Vizio says it's still working on a solution for bringing native 4k resolution TV and movies to customers who shell out for these giant things—perhaps something along the lines of Sony's media server. But the company realizes it's not going to sell a lot of these things if people can't watch anything that takes advantage of 4k. Which is true. That said, upscaling will still be an option for the Blu-rays and hi-def cable you've got already.

This will be the next big jump in television. And it's reassuring to see that, even if it takes a couple of years, Vizio will have a "budget" set that goes toe to toe with anything else.

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LG's 55-inch OLED television starting at $12K, shipping in March

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lg-55-inch-12000/

LG just gave a price to its entry level 55-inch OLED TV: $12,000. That's the starting price, mind you. There are three different OLED sizes to choose from, but we're only seeing 55- and 65-inchers -- no word on pricing for the larger set, but we'd wager it'll be a pretty penny over that initial $12K. You can put in an order now, and LG's saying it'll arrive in March. The South Korean electronics company also mentioned partnerships with Activision, Verizon, Google, and Disney for its OLED line, and teased a third size for launch in 2013. Presumably that largest size will require a second or third mortgage, but we're hoping to hear more specifics during CES this week.

Update: We've added PR after the break.

Continue reading LG's 55-inch OLED television starting at $12K, shipping in March

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LG announces that all of its LCD TVs will be LED-based from now on (update)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lg-going-led-only/

LG announces its moving 100 percent to LEDs for its TVs, waves goodbye to Plasma

We're here at LG's CES 2013 press conference, where the company has just announced that it's only going to be using LEDs for its LCD HDTVs from now on. The company will still be producing Plasma TVs, so don't worry if you're still wedded to the standard. At the same time, it's also showing off its second-generation Cinema 3DTV design, that's packing an even thinner bezel (if such a thing is possible).

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Sharp announces new 6-, 7- and 8-Series AQUOS LED TVs as part of 2013 lineup (update: pricing info)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sharp-aquos-led-tvs-2013/

Sharp announces new 6, 7 and 8Series AQUOS LED TVs as part of 2013 lineup

Despite not having the best of years, Sharp has still managed to make its presence felt in the television market -- namely by introducing plenty of AQUOS TVs in recent months, including that 90-inch LED beast we saw back in June of 2012. Today, the Japanese electronics maker is looking to increase its efforts on that front, with the firm adequately choosing this year's CES as the platform to unveil its new lineup of 60-,70- and 80-inch LED televisions in the 6-,7- and 8-Series. For starters, the entry-level 6-Series will boast 1080p capabilities with AQUOMotion 240 (120Hz) as the main driving tech behind it, while the higher-specced (and presumably more expensive) 7- and 8-Series are set to carry the same resolution features (sorry, no 4K here) but with Quattron "color intensification" and AQUOMotion 480 and AQUOMotion 960 technology inside both. Smart and 3D features can also be found in most of Sharp's novel TV models, which should pair nicely with what the company's calling "striking new slim designs." All in all, Sharp is kicking off the new year with about 18 new AQUOS LED TVs -- and for those interested in learning each model name, the presser after the break should help do just that.

Update : We have just received pricing information from Sharp, and it looks as if the cheapest model will start off at about $1,500 for the 60-inch, non-3D LC-60LE650, while the most expensive HDTV is set to be the 80-inch LC-80LE857 with a hefty price tag of $6,500 -- both of which will be available in February and April, respectively. In addition, Sharp today also announced its new SmartCentral platform, which will be a one-stop hub for the now-accustomed smart TV applications like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu and Facebook. You'll find more pricing and availability information for the other models inside the updated PR past the jump.

Continue reading Sharp announces new 6-, 7- and 8-Series AQUOS LED TVs as part of 2013 lineup (update: pricing info)

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Source: Sharp

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Vudu and Walmart bring disc-to-digital conversions home, iOS app adds offline viewing next month

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/vudu-disc-to-to-digital-at-home-ios-downloads/

Walmart Entertainment launched its in-store disc-to-digital UltraViolet conversion early last year, and now it's making the process a bit simpler by letting customers do it by themselves at home. Powered by the Vudu To Go app for Mac and Windows PCs that already lets viewers stream or download movies in up to 1080p, they can search for previously purchased movies from participating studios (DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate, MGM Studios, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) and then convert them: DVD to SD or Blu-ray to HD for $2, DVD to HD for $5. Like the beta feature recently launched by Best Buy's CinemaNow, the app authorizes the copy and then you can watch it through any of the numerous Vudu / UltraViolet-ready devices and services merely by logging in.

One other new feature on the way is the ability for Vudu users on iOS to download copies to their devices for viewing offline. We first saw the feature on mobiles when its Android tablet app launched last month, and it will come to the Apple family of hardware in mid-February. One other note as Walmart attempts to expand its "Entertainment" brand is a Facebook app that will let its fans read and submit reviews and also vote on which movi! es will be offered for sale in-store and online. Still need a reason to give UltraViolet a try? Vudu is tossing new users 10 free pre-selected movies just for linking their account or signing up. Check out the full list of details in the press release after the break or hit the source link to see if it's live.

Continue reading Vudu and Walmart bring disc-to-digital conversions home, iOS app adds offline viewing next month

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Source: Walmart Entertainment

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ASUS Qube announced at CES: Google TV arrives with on-screen cube interface

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/asus-qube-google-tv-ces-2013/

ASUS Qube announced at CES Google TV arrives with onscreen cube interface

While the FCC may have already punctured ASUS' surprise, at least the company's now made it official. ASUS' first Google TV device is coming and will arrive with 50GB of WebStorage cloud space and access to over 100,000 movies and TV shows through Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. It'll arrive with its own "Qube interface," unsurprisingly featuring a three-dimensional tetrahedron that rotates for access to your content. There's also motion-sensing remote control support for gaming and other apps, while anyone with an Android phone will be able to download ASUS' Mobile Remote app and steer from there. No word yet on pricing or a launch date -- ASUS won't be hosting a press event this week, but we'll be pounding the CES floors for more details.

Continue reading ASUS Qube announced at CES: Google TV arrives with on-screen cube interface

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LG's 55-inch OLED display, eyes-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lg-s-55-inch-oled-display-eyes-on/

LG's 55inch OLED display, eyeson

Talk about distracting. While LG was discussing washing machines and other smart appliances, we couldn't take our eyes off the 55-inch OLED display sitting on the side of the stage. It's one of two new sizes being added to the family, alongside the enormous 84-inch model. The first thing you'll notice, if you've seen its bigger brother is that, all things considered, this is a fairly modest set. Well, relatively, of course. The next thing you'll pick up on is just how sharp the thing is. While playing some slow-motion video of liquid flying through the air throughout the event, it was impossible to take our eyes off the thing.

We managed to get a little closer after the end of the event, and caught a glimpse of some really great viewing angles on the set -- though those were hampered a bit by the glossy finish. If you're not watching the screen on stage at a CES press event, however, that shouldn't be much of a problem. Also apparent once you approach is just how thin the set it -- the bezel, too. The TV will run $12,000 when it starts shipping in March, so start saving those pennies now.

Myriam Joire contributed to this post.

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LG's 65-inch 4K display, eyes-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/lgs-65-inch-4k-display-eyes-on/

LG's 65inch 4K display, eyeson

With Mobile World Congress about a month away, there wasn't a peep about new smartphones at today's LG press conference. The company was all about TV -- well, TV and smart appliances, we guess. But we couldn't help but be enamored with the giant TV sets, the company showed off once the curtains were drawn back at the end of the press conference. The most eye-catching of all, clearly was the 84-inch 4K display which downright dwarfed the LG rep standing to its side. Sitting just off to the right was the newly announced 65-inch model, which, like the 55-inch OLED that spent the show on-stage, looked like a relatively modest proposal sitting next to such a behemoth. Of course, these are 4K TV sets that we're talking about here, so we use the word "modest" as loosely as humanly possible.

The set maintains the impressive life-like quality of its elder sibling (showing off massively detailed cityscapes) of course, but compared to incredibly sleek and shiny OLED sets that we saw early, the 4K seem a bit on the thicker side. Though, as with the OLED, LG's clearly focused on making the the bezel as imperceptible as possible here. The 4K models are propped up by a shiny metal stand emerging from their center.

Myriam Joire contributed to this report

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Sharp launches AQUOS Ultra HD panel for mid 2013

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sharp-launches-aquos-ultra-hd-panel/

Sharp launches AQUOS Ultra HD panel for mid 2013

Sharp announced an AQUOS Ultra HD set at CES complementing the other TV launches for this year. Set to debut mid year, the 240Hz 4K panel will feature a 4K upscaler, active 3D with Bluetooth 3D glasses, built in WiFi and a subwoofer to boot. No word on pricing but we'll get back with that as soon as we're able.

Developing...

Continue reading Sharp launches AQUOS Ultra HD panel for mid 2013

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Sigma Designs's new EasyTV comes with Wireless Display

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sigma-easytv/

Sigma Designs's new EasyTV comes with Wireless Display

You'd be forgiven for not knowing Sigma Designs' name, but it makes reference designs for plenty of other familiar names. It's outing a reference design for a new wireless dongle that'll help you share your smartphone's display on your HDTV in seconds. Powered by Qualcomm's Atheros AR6203 with 802.11n WiFi, the company is hoping to gain Miracast certification for the unit later in the year. Assuming, of course, that you don't just pick up a TV with such fanciful technology built-in.

Continue reading Sigma Designs's new EasyTV comes with Wireless Display

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Zotac refreshes ZBOX range with Ivy Bridge, dual WiFi antennas, improved cooling

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/zotac-zbox-id83-id42/

Zotac refreshes ZBOX lineup with Ivy Bridge, dual WiFi antennas, improved cooling

Despite the fact that Zotac's model number sequence appears to run backwards, the company's latest mini-PCs on show at CES appear to contain healthy upgrades relative to the ZBOX ID84 we saw in August. According to a brief report at Hot Hardware, the new range -- including the ID42 and ID83 -- will bring additions like dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, dual WiFi antennas for better reception and, most importantly, a cooling system that allows for more powerful processors up to a Core i3-3120M. Different configurations will come with either HD4000 integrated graphics or NVIDIA's GeForce 620, and can be purchased as barebones units or with RAM and HDD preinstalled. As for pricing and availability, we'll just have to wait and see --although early retailer listings suggest the Ivy Bridge ID83 could cost around £320 ($520).

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Source: Hot Hardware, Xtrasoft

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

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/belkin-announces-wemo-smart/

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.

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

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Alcatel intros the One Touch Idol Ultra, the 'world's slimmest phone' at 6.45mm (hands-on video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/alcatel-one-touch-idol-ultra/

Alcatel introduces the One Touch Idol Ultra, the 'world's slimmest phone' at 645mm

Yes, there's a bit of a contest going on among smartphone manufacturers to determine which one has the thinnest device. As proof that Alcatel can play that game, too, the company has just jumped into the circle with its One Touch Idol Ultra, which measures 6.45mm at its thinnest point and ekes by the previous champ, the 6.55mm BBK Vivo X1. Alongside the One Touch Scribe HD, the device stands as Alcatel's flagship smartphone reveal at CES. Beyond thinness, the Idol Ultra boasts a 4.7-inch HD (1,280 x 720) Super AMOLED (read: PenTile) display, a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM and Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). Users will also find an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing counterpart, both of which record video at 720p.

In its push to make the Idol Ultra as thin as possible, Alcatel omitted expandable storage from the unit, and with only 8GB built-in, media hungry individuals will need to rely on cloud services. In terms of connectivity, the phone supports quad-band GSM and offers dual-band HSPA (7.2Mbps) in two different configurations: 900MHz / 2100MHz or 850MHz / 2100MHz. The phone is scheduled for availability this month in China for 2,799 RMB ($449). Sadly, the phone isn't destined to hit the US anytime soon -- Alcatel told us that the device couldn't get approved by the FCC due to its thin profile. So what did we think about this record-breaking handset? Hands-on photos are below, and after the break you'll find our impressions, a video and a full press release.

< strong>Gallery: Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra hands-on

Continue reading Alcatel intros the One Touch Idol Ultra, the 'world's slimmest phone' at 6.45mm (hands-on video)

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