Sony STR-DN1080 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

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The STR-DN1070 was an excellent receiver, it had plenty of excellent features and solid sound quality. But it was a little odd — it had enough channels to be Atmos compatible but it’s as if the company ran out of time to make it that way. Gladly, this oversight has been fixed with the STR-DN1080: DTS:X and Dolby Atmos for everybody!

The receiver also enables users to simulate a 7.1.2ch speaker configuration with only five surrounds Sony’s “Phantom Surround Back” technology. The unit also includes Sony’s DCAC EX calibration routine.

HDMI ports are a bit stingy with only six but at least they have full HDCP 2.2 and 4K 60p support. The receiver is also able to distribute 4K video and surround sound to two different zones.

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As far as streaming services and audio protocols go, it has USB, Bluetooth, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Wireless Multi-Room (SongPal) capabilities. Google Cast is particularly handy as you can also use it for multiroom and control the entire system using a Google Home voice assistant. The Sony also supports High-Resolution Audio with native DSD playback.

The STR-DN1080 receiver will be available in spring 2017 with pricing to be announced.

ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom hands-on: Focused on being more than just a camera

The second ‘Zoom’ model isn’t quite as impressive optically, but makes more sense practically.

After some pretty audacious engineering marvels going into the last ZenFone Zoom, ASUS has taken a decidedly simpler approach with the new ZenFone 3 Zoom. Rather than being a majority camera-focused smartphone, this is aimed at being a solid mid-to-high-end device overall that also happens to great photos with top-end camera specs.

ASUS effectively gave up on the huge, cumbersome and trade-off-heavy optical zooming solution of old and instead chose to go with a dual-focal length camera setup not unlike the iPhone 7 Plus. And while the camera setup still seems quite impressive based on the specs — dual 12MP 1.4-micron sensors with f/1.7 lenses — and company’s claims, it’s also a dramatically smaller package that let the rest of the ZenFone 3 Zoom round out as a “normal” smartphone.

When it comes to being evaluated as a complete package, the ZenFone 3 Zoom offers a nice look and feel beyond just the cameras. The all-around metal hardware — particularly in this black color shown at the launch event — definitely looks good. Though the continuous references back to its similarity to the iPhone 7 design are definitely warranted this isn’t anywhere near the same overall package, with the ZenFone 3 Zoom offering a multi-piece build that has a couple slightly varying textures. A fingerprint sensor on the back and the ever-present ASUS capacitive keys up front are right where you expect them, as are the buttons.

The metal around the entire build is very sleek and the full-black front with sculpted glass adds to the monolithic feel, and the whole package definitely feels like a nice departure from previous generations of ASUS phones that felt like they were chintzy and trying too hard to be something they weren’t. The ZenFone 3 Zoom definitely has more of an authentically high-end feel, though with just a Snapdragon 625 processor inside and a 1080p display it seems like the pricing may be reasonable.

It’s Nougat, but it has the same heavy ASUS design as Marshmallow.

It’s great to see that the ZenFone 3 Zoom will be launching with Android 7.0 Nougat, as it should be, but the software doesn’t seem notably changed in terms of interface, apps and features from Marshmallow updates that rolled out to previous ZenFones in 2016. There’s still a lot of pre-installed bloat apps and the heavy-handed colors and (particularly that neon green) just don’t do this phone’s hardware justice.

So even though the focus on the camera is strong right from the moment you read the “Zoom” name, it’s clear the ZenFone 3 Zoom is about providing a complete package and not just a photography experience. We’ll see what its direct competition is when we have a price in February.

New NVIDIA Shield Android TV box includes Google Assistant, 4K HDR streaming

NVIDIA’s latest set-top streaming box is a must-buy, even at $199.

NVIDIA has announced an updated Shield streaming box — the one that debuted last year running Android TV — with major updates, both in the hardware and software department.

Perhaps the most impressive, and surprising, inclusion is that of Google Assistant, the only piece of hardware outside of Google’s own Pixel phone lineup that sports the nascent AI conversationalist. And, with a future software update, the Shield will work with Samsung’s SmarThings connected home platform, allowing it to be a central hub for lights, cameras and other action.

The announcement comes alongside a new peripheral, the NVIDIA Spot, which works as a voice assistant for, well, Google Assistant, connecting to the Shield and facilitating Google Home-like functionality from anywhere in the house.

Because it runs Android TV, the NVIDIA Shield includes all of the apps that Google’s own Nexus Player and other similar set-top boxes feature, but NVIDIA of course has its own tricks: the ability to stream 4K HDR from Netflix and Amazon Video, the only piece of hardware currently capable of doing that. The same is true of the new game streaming features, GeForce Now, which work with NVIDIA’s GeForce graphics card lineup to blast games from a PC to a nearby television — 4K HDR game streaming is something many enthusiasts have been waiting a long time for.

The company says that new titles like Watch Dogs 2, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, For Honor and others from Ubisoft will soon be added to the catalogue, and most modern titles optimized for NVIDIA hardware will run perfectly.

Finally, NVIDIA has announced a milestone for its own Steam game store: 1000 titles fully optimized for the Shield box, compatible with the newly-updated controller. The Shield Android TV will also now ship with both the controller and a regular remote, with that new remote supporting always-listening hands-free actions. A higher-end remote that includes a headphone jack for private listening will be included with the 500GB storage Shield Android TV Pro.

The updated NVIDIA Shield Android TV will start shipping later this month for $199, with pre-orders beginning now. Amazon already has a purchase link live, showing a ship date of January 16.

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NVIDIA Spot peripheral extends the Shield Android TV’s Google Assistant throughout the home

A simple accessory expands the capabilities of the new Shield Android TV throughout your home.

To partner with the announcement of the brand-new Shield Android TV, NVIDIA is hoping to leverage its new power and Google Assistant smarts throughout your home with the NVIDIA Spot, a Wi-Fi-connected microphone/speaker peripheral. Rather than holding computing power and software in itself, the NVIDIA Spot is a small — roughly golf ball-sized — peripheral that can be placed anywhere and connect to your Shield Android TV over Wi-Fi.

The Spot simply acts as a conduit to speaking to Google Assistant on the TV box, and it will then return your answer just like a Pixel or Google Home would today. But because the Spot is small and simple, NVIDIA envisions being able to put multiple Spots throughout your home so it’s always available. Any spot can hear you from about 20 feet away, and it’ll always send the query to the new Shield Android TV and hand it back to you at the nearest speaker.

At $49 each, chances are people could spring for two or three Spots.

The spot is shown being plugged directly into a wall power outlet without a cord, meaning placement won’t be completely flexible but will of course be extremely simple. And considering the Spot’s size, it shouldn’t cause any issues taking up a couple power outlets around the house. NVIDIA isn’t yet telling us when we’ll be able to buy a Spot (or three), but we do know the price: $49.99 each.

More: NVIDIA launches new Shield Android TV

Google Assistant is coming to Android TV

Google Assistant is making its way to more devices.

Right now, Google Assistant is available on the Pixel, Google Home, and messaging app Allo, and Google has now announced that it is bringing Assistant to Android TV devices and set-top boxes “in the coming months.” NVIDIA’s latest Shield streaming box — which was announced earlier today — will be one of the first devices to include the Assistant.

Google has mentioned that Assistant will be rolling out to all Android TVs in the U.S. on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or Nougat, including the AirTV Player, Sharp Aquos lineup, Sony Bravia series of Android TVs, Xiaomi Mi Box, and more.

The AI assistant’s functionality varies across devices, and on Android TV you’ll be able to leverage Assistant to play content, get answers to your queries, control the lights and other smart home products, get directions, and so on:

• Play content: “Play Stranger Things on Netflix.”
• Discover content: “Search YouTube for Jimmy Kimmel.” And you can also ask a follow-up if you’re interested in more videos by saying: “Play the second one.”
• Get answers: “Tell me about Jurassic Park?”
• Set the right mood: “Dim the lights.”
• Get ready for your day: “How long will it take to get to work?”

Google has also announced that Assistant will make its way into smartwatches running Android Wear 2.0, as well as in-car infotainment systems.

Sony Bravia A1 Series OLED TV preview: Breathtaking pictures and unique audio tech combine

We’ve been waiting for a Sony OLED TV for quite some time now, but we could never have expected the Bravia A1 Series.

It has stunning pictures, Dolby Vision support, superthin form factor and other trademark traits of the imaging tech but none of them quite grabbed our attention as its audio capabilities. Rather than opt for an integrated or separate soundbar, like other manufacturers, the new Sony TV uses its own screen as a giant speaker. A technology the company calls Acoustic Surface.

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It vibrates and therefore sends sound directly to your listening position.

Amazing and bonkers in equal measure.

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Sadly, we didn’t get to hear the TV in action during our first look on the Sony stand after its CES 2017 press conference. We were told that there will be a subwoofer in the stand at the TVs rear, but we’ll have to wait until later this year for a proper listen.

We can’t wait.

In the meantime, we’ve had to make do with the visuals and it must be said that if Sony was waiting to perfect the tech before releasing its first consumer OLED television, it was well worth it. Colours are vibrant and sharp, while black levels are exactly as you’d expect on a TV of this type.

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Sony has adopted its X1 Extreme processor and it does as good a job with pictures here as it did with the flagship Z9D last year. There are quite simply awesome.

It’d be great to see the TV in surroundings less cramped and chaotic as CES, and we no doubt will when it becomes available later in 2017. It is coming in 65 and 77-inch screen sizes and from what we’ve seen so far, they will both be contenders for the highest honours come the end of the year.

Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II preview: The crossover camera

The first-gen Canon PowerShot G9 X was something of a departure for Canon: it’s touchscreen-focused controls saw it handle differently to a typical Canon compact. The Mark II model maintains this focus, with an updated user interface to simplify the camera’s use.

But that’s about it. There’s the latest Digic 7 processor paired with the same 1-inch size 20-megapixel sensor as the original camera, which might make a whisker of difference to image clarity and ups the burst rate to 8fps (from 6fps).

That’s not to say it’s not an interesting camera, though. The small scale of this model – particularly for a camera with a large 1-inch sensor – makes it enticing. And Canon promises quicker, easier online sharing straight from the camera than before. There’s even Bluetooth connectivity for quicker pairing with a third-party device.

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Thing is, if you’re looking for a serious snapper with all the mod cons and controls at this level then there are other more logical picks within Canon’s own range: the G7 X II being an obvious example. It’s a similar size, with a more traditional array of buttons.

The G9 X Mark II’s lack of 4K video capture seems somewhat behind the times too – especially for the £450 price tag (which is £50 more than its predecessor). Same can be said for the simple 1-point or face detection autofocus, which is simpler than the competition at this price point.

In the same breath all this makes the G9 X II more of a crossover camera: it’s suitable for those who just want to point and shoot, or the new wave who want control with connectivity and that large sensor for decent image quality.

Fove starts shipping its eye-tracking VR headset

Fove, a successful Kickstarter project, was supposed to release its VR headset way back in early 2016. Unfortunately, it encountered difficulties sourcing components and had to delay the device’s shipments. Now, the company has finally begun shipping the virtual reality device, which tracks not only your head but also your eyes. By following your eyeballs’ movements, it can emulate how you see the real world — it sure created a realistic experience when we tried it out — and prevent motion sickness.

Fove accepted more pre-orders in November, but the first units will head to the homes of its earliest supporters and Kickstarter backers. You can still buy the headset from its website for $599, but you’ll have to wait a bit to get it: units purchased now won’t ship out until February.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Fove

Blue’s first wireless headphones nix the cord, keep the built-in amp

Blue is a name most people associate with USB microphones for podcasting and desktop recording. But the brand has a stellar reputation for studio mics as well. Back in 2014, the company released its first set of headphones, Mo-Fi, which featured a built-in amp to drive high-quality sound. At a time when headphone jacks are becoming scarce, wired headphones are an increasingly tough sell. Against that backdrop, Blue has a wireless option it’s debuting off at CES — and it still features an amplifier to keep top-notch audio quality even after nixing the cable.

Blue’s first wireless headphones are called Satellite and while the company hasn’t revealed a price just yet, the device is expected to go on sale later this year. Rather than using the same hinged design we’ve seen on the company’s previous two headphone models, Satellite features a more common folding headband and soft leather earpads for a premium feel. Inside, the analog amplifier is paired with Bluetooth 4.1 and Apt-X to deliver high-fidelity sound in a more portable package.

The addition of a built-in amp isn’t all that makes Blue’s Satellite different than the likes of Bose, Sony and other companies making noise-cancelling headphones. Instead of using a single pair of drivers for both audio and the active noise cancellation (ANC), Blue opted for two sets of drivers: one handles sound while the other is dedicated to the ANC tech. The company says this means improved sound quality for the set of wireless headphones. What’s more, Blue lists these as the first to include both a built-in amp and dedicated drivers for noise cancellation.

On the outside, there are controls for Bluetooth pairing, ANC and the amp. Like Mo-Fi, there are three amplifier modes — Off, On and On+ — to employ that tech as you see fit. The opposite earcup houses controls for volume, play/pause and skipping tracks. And yes, Satellite will come with a 3-meter cable so you can use the same headphones wired to a mobile device or alongside a more robust audio setup you might have at home. Blue isn’t talking battery life just yet either, but you can bet we’ll be asking about it when we get our hands on the Satellite here in Vegas.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2017.

Roland’s compact mixer improves audio for your phone videos

The audio that your phone captures while you’re recording videos for Facebook Live, Snapchat Stories and more isn’t too good on its own. You’ll need another accessory in situations where you really need things to sound good. Roland is looking to lend a hand with its $99 GO:MIXER, a compact mobile mixer that allows you to track two instruments and vocals at the same time. In fact, it can handle up to five audio sources at once. That includes a microphone, guitar/bass, keyboard and two stereo line instruments (e.g., a drum machine or personal music player.)

Sure, you’re not going to record a full band with this thing, but it could be useful for things like capturing an acoustic performance. With the popularity of live video these days, the GO:MIXER could help boost audio quality for those streams in addition to other projects. The device is very much a plug-and-play piece of gear that gets its power from your phone. And, at just 3.75 inches square, you can easily tuck it in your backpack.

The GO:MIXER has knobs that let you easily mix all the audio inputs and a headphone jack monitoring with its own volume control. There’s also a Cancel Center tool that reduces the main vocal in a music track that’s being sent through the device. You know, in case you want to do your own version of Carpool Karaoke. Unfortunately, there’s no word on availability just yet, so you’ll have to wait to plan your first guest appearance.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2017.