Champagne Gold HTC One pops off in Vegas, baby
We’re here at CES, and what should we spy but HTC’s “Champagne Gold” version of its flagship. Unlike the edition crafted for the MOBO awards, this one ditches the 18-carat shell in favor of a finish that, up close and personal, is actually a little classier than the real thing. We’ve taken some snaps of the handset just because we know that you’re curious to see it in the real, but we should warn you of a couple of downsides. First up, it’s not coming to the US, at least not in its current form, and secondly, with the HTC One coming up to its first birthday, it’s not likely to be favorite son for too much longer, you know?
Dana Wollman contributed to this report.
Finally, a light switch so green it doesn’t need electricity
It’s not very often that a light switch really catches Engadget’s eye, so you know it has to be something clever to show up on our virtual pages. This particular lightbulb activation device (as demonstrated by NXP) is not only wireless, it’s powerless — we were able to turn on a wireless lightbulb simply by tapping on the switch itself, without requiring an external power source. This one single action alone actually generates just barely enough power to push a signal to the bulb. The unit we played with also utilizes NFC to pair wirelessly with a light source. All told, it worked without a hitch, and the tech is currently being sampled out to manufacturers. This means we’ll likely start seeing devices take advantage of this setup sometime this year, so be on the lookout for more details as they come out.
Onewheel is a self-balancing single-wheeled electric skateboard (video)
If the idea of combining a Segway, a skateboard and a unicycle sounds like your idea of fun, you might want to check out the Onewheel. It uses gyros, accelerometers, proprietary algorithms and a single rubber tire to give its passengers a smooth, self-balancing ride that supposedly mimics surfing or snowboarding on dry land. Its direct-drive motor pairs with the aforementioned components to determine the board’s speed based on a how you lean your body. Compared to something like the ZBoard, though, the Onewheel seems incredibly lithe; all of its components are stored within the billet-aluminum-and-maple plank, giving it a sleek aesthetic. With an estimated battery life of about 20 minutes per-charge though, the contraption comes off as more of a fancy toy than a means of transportation. Should you fancy taking a (short) ride for yourself, it won’t be cheap: The minimum pledge required to claim a Onewheel as your own is $1,200. For that price, you could build about three of Gob Bluth’s rides yourself.
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Kickstarter
Budget TV maker TCL has something for everyone, including a curved 4K panel and a ‘virtual-holographic’ 3DTV
Here at CES 2014, it’s all 4K, all the time. Budget TV maker TCL has just revealed a curved, 55-inch 4K model of its own, claiming the arc angle is the same as your retina for a “truer picture that minimizes eye strain.” We’re not quite sure we follow that logic, but if flat is more your thing, the Chinese company is also flaunting an “ultra-thin” 55-inch OLED model, claiming it has a wider color gamut, better contrast and a faster refresh rate. That model, however, seems to be standard HDTV resolution. The company will also be showing an 85-inch HDTV with a Touch Pen for artists, a virtual-holographic 3D TV using zSpace tech and a 110 inch HD model that uses polarizers to allow simultaneous program viewing. There’s no mention of prices or availability, but we’re hoping for something less shocking than we’ve seen so far — after all, TCL markets a 4k, 50-inch TV for under a grand.
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Garmin shows off HUD concept that brings infotainment to your windshield
Garmin’s been on a real heads-up display kick as of late. Back in September, the company showed off a bit of dash-mounted hardware for $150 a pop. Now the navigation giant’s looking, ahem, ahead a bit, with a concept targeted specifically toward automakers — meaning that you likely won’t be installing this on your own car after purchase. Instead, the system works with with a proximity sensor and buttons built into a steering wheel, letting you activate routes, check traffic info, change stations or start a call, all without having to take your eyes off the road in front of you.
Filed under: GPS, Transportation
TiVo prototype DVR recordings stay in the cloud, watch them anywhere on any screen
All of our favorite TV shows, accessible anywhere, anytime? That’s what we can expect if the prototype DVR TiVo is showing off at CES ever actually launches. Intended as a service that your local cable operator could offer, the TiVo Network DVR project brings the Roamio experience we already enjoyed on its latest DVRs to the cloud, letting them push recordings out over the internet. Dubbed NDVR for short, the preview images show how viewers could get their TiVo on an iPad or via Roku, manage program recordings, see what’s on and, if necessary, buy more storage space in the cloud.
That last bit is key, because this isn’t just for consumers — TiVo needs to convince cable operators (the smaller ones; we figure Comcast and the rest will probably stick with their custom solutions) they can make more money and have a simpler setup with its product. One other cable company-friendly feature is the ability to target advertising within the recordings, as we’ve seen TV companies start doing with video on-demand. We’ll stop by TiVo’s booth once the show floor opens in a few hours to get some hands-on time with its prototype and see what else is new, and hopefully see what the next generation of TV is like.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
Here’s a closer look at that dual-boot Android / Windows 8.1 tablet
Remember that combo Android / Windows 8.1 tablet that we spoke about briefly, earlier today? Well, it’s just dual-booted its way into our hearts here at CES. Those initial pictures weren’t really all that much to look at, and honestly, we didn’t have the highest expectations in the world, given Micromax’s track record of producing budget handsets. But after playing around with it for a bit, we’ve got to admit, this is a pretty solidly built machine at first glance, complete with a classy brushed aluminum back and a decent snap on keyboard. That said, the boot speed on the tablet leads a bit to be desired, particularly when logging into Android. Those aching for something new can pick up a LapTap next month.
Filed under: Tablets
Yuneec’s E-Go Cruiser electric skateboard is a ‘light’ 13.9-pounds
Sure, we’ve seen a number of electric skateboards out there, but we certainly won’t be turning down the chance to check out one more anytime soon. According to its creators, the E-Go Cruiser is the “lightest” electric longboard out there, and while 13.9 pounds is hardly featherweight, compared to manual longboards we’ve used in the past, it’s definitely a fair bit lighter than other electric ones we’ve tried. We would, however, have preferred some kind of handle we could use to carry it around. The bottom of the desk is covered in carbon fiber and a battery that’s surprisingly slim, as it’s built into the bottom of the board.
After hopping on it for a bit, we have to say, we prefer the Zboards’ pad-based control system as opposed to the handheld remote – particularly since backing up requires you to fully stop, flip a switch and then hit the forward button. According to the rep we spoke with, the company is considering getting rid of reverse altogether. The E-Go can manage hills and should give you up to 18 miles on a charge. The company’s asking $700 for the longboard.
Filed under: Transportation
A first look at Philips’ TV Surround Base integrated Blu-ray and sound bar
Love Blu-ray? Kinda dig watching them with beefy sound? Then you’ll love the TV Surround Base from Philips, we’re sure. Made from wood, which the company claims offers better acoustics, the TV Base sits under your TV set just like any other soundbar, just with the Blu-ray player built right in. Along with the option for optical media play back, the unit offers up a smart TV-like experience, Bluetooth music streaming and NFC for pairing with your phone. The sound part of the unit runs 2.1 channel stereo with Dolby Digital along with audio in and USB for extra media playback options. If you already have a Blu-ray player, and just want the audio goodies, Philips has a cheaper model that comes sans-optical drive.
The unit itself is attractive enough, if a little understated. The flat, black wooden box has a bit of a man-cave feel about it, accentuated by the felt/fabric-style finish on the front face of the unit (behind which you’ll also find a simple red LED display. Both models will be available around April this year, with the full-fat TV Surround Base costing $299, and $199 if you just want it as a soundbar.
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Goji Smart Lock gives you remote access to your front door starting in March
We haven’t seen the smart lock since June, and in that time Goji’s been getting busy. Its added three new features to the “electronic deadbolt”: a proximity sensor, accelerometer and Zigbee, which allows you to manage your front or back-door access while you’re away from home. As a refresher, Goji allows you to send out an unlimited number of virtual keys restricted by time and date, giving the holders wireless access to your home via Bluetooth or WiFi. Should a knocker come twist your knob, the one-megapixel camera will snap their portrait and alert you to their presence, allowing you final say in who gets to come in. The Android and iOS-compatible security system is still available for pre-order online for $278 and will ship in March. It will also be available from Staples and other retail outlets soon for $299.
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