Razer built a laptop with three screens because why not?

Multi-display setups are increasingly common for desktop gaming rigs as they provide valuable extra visual real estate. But no matter how graphically powerful gaming laptops have been in the past, the onscreen action has always been limited to just that — a single screen. At CES in Las Vegas today, Razer unveiled a prototype that could change the way we play. Behold: Project Valerie, the world’s first laptop to incorporate three — count ’em, three — built-in monitors.

Each screen measures 17.3 inches with 4K resolution — that’s 12k total (11520 x 2160) viewing space. They slide out from the central lid chassis under their own power and autonomously position themselves to create a full 180-degree viewing area, powered by NVIDIA’s Surround View technology, which enables programs to spread a single image across multiple monitors. All of the computer’s wiring is internal so you won’t have to worry about snagging power cords as the screens deploy.

The Valerie also utilizes Razer’s short-throw keyboard, an all-aluminum case and the computing prowess of the 17-inch Blade Pro. That means it’s fully compliant with the hardware requirements for both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Even with all that extra hardware, though, the Valerie measures 1.5 inches thick and weighs less than 12 pounds — granted, that’s pretty portly, even by gaming laptop standards, but not quite heavy enough to fully restrict it to a stationary role on your desk. There’s no word yet on pricing, availability or even key specs like the CPU, GPU and memory. That said, we do expect to get hands-on with this thing here at CES, so perhaps we can glean more about the internals, at the very least.

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

Vapor is Misfit’s first touchscreen smartwatch

While the wearable market isn’t as hot as it used to be, Misfit is still holding strong with its lineup of attractive fitness trackers, including the recently launched hybrid Phase watch. And now, it finally has a touchscreen smartwatch with Vapor. It looks like a traditional round watch — something plenty of other companies are aiming for — but it’s a bit more refined than than other smartwatches I’ve held. Vapor packs in all of the health tracking features you’ve grown to expect from Misfit, with the addition of built-in GPS and heart-rate tracking. And best of all? It’ll retail for just $199.

The Vapor has a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen, which looked pretty bright in a well-lit hotel room. It’s unclear how it’ll hold up in direct sunlight though. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 2100 processor and it packs in 4GB of storage, which could be useful for exercising without your phone. The Vapor is also water resistant up to 50 meters, though I can’t imagine it’s the sort of thing you’d want to wear while swimming.

Honestly, it’s hard to get excited for smartwatches these days. But the Vapor’s combination of value and features could make it one worth keeping an eye on, especially if you’re looking for something that looks better than typical wearable. Misfit is also developing a custom interface for the Vapor, which features a radial home screen that you navigate by swiping along the edges of the display.

At $199, the Vapor will go head to head with plenty of Android Wear smartwatches. And while we don’t know its release date yet, it’ll likely have to contend with Android Wear 2.0 devices later this year. But if anything, Misfit has proven that a bit of style and polish can make for a successful wearable.

Polaroid Pop is a modern take on the company’s iconic camera

Polaroid has launched a new digital camera for its 80th-anniversary year, one whose print format is a throwback to the company’s iconic photos. The American electronics maker has unveiled the Polaroid Pop at this year’s CES, where it also introduced a new Nest-like security cam. Pop takes on a more square-ish form unlike the Snap and the Touch, which look more like traditional digital cameras. It shares its predecessor’s Zero Ink Printing Technology, though, giving it the capability to print images without the use of ink.

Now, if you grew up on old Polaroids and prefer how they look to the newer camera’s prints, Pop is probably your best choice. It produces 3.5-by-4.25-inch pictures like the Polaroids of years past, except it uses heat to activate the dyes embedded in the printing paper. In addition to its inkless printer, Pop also boasts a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.97-inch touchscreen LCD, 1080p recording capability and a microSD slot that supports cards up to 128GB. The company doesn’t have a price for it yet, but it plans to release the camera sometime in the fourth quarter of 2017.

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

Source: Polaroid

Amazon’s Alexa now lives inside a dancing robot

“Inhale. Stretch right leg back as far as possible.” Lynx, a small white humanoid, gave yoga instructions as it slid its chunky leg back for the pose. A bright blue light flashed across the side of its round head to indicate activity. After a few more leg movements, it came back into standing position when Alexa’s voice boomed: “Your next exercise is waist stretching.”

Ubtech Robotics, the Chinese company that launched the Alpha robot series and JIMU coding bots for kids, has partnered with Amazon to bring Alexa’s voice-recognition capabilities to their latest robot called Lynx. Starting in Spring this year, you will be able to interact with the robot as if it were your personal assistant. While devices like Echo and Google Home offer the same vocal capabilities, there’s something intimate, familiar, and even entertaining about interacting with a human-shaped machine as opposed to a bland speaker.

Amazon’s Alexa, a voice-activated personal assistant, made its debut with the Echo speaker a couple of years ago. The company’s advanced natural language processing technology made it easier for people to use their voice to get weather updates or ask questions instead of swiping for information on their personal devices. The convenience of the hands-free experience swiftly gained popularity and last year, Amazon reportedly sold millions of Echo (and Echo Dot) devices. But Alexa isn’t restricted to the elliptical speaker anymore. The voice service has starting popping up in home devices, wearables, cars and even robots like the yoga-loving Lynx.

At a CES demo in Vegas this week, simple voice commands fired up the little robotic companion. Lynx broke into a dance, talked about the weather and even attempted to teach yoga. The machine also couples conversations with a facial recognition technology to personalize the experience. For instance, when dealing with a family, the robot can be programed to use its camera to match each person’s face with their preferences. So it could greet someone with a name or even play their favorite music.

In addition to registering faces, the camera also serves as a surveillance tool. Through an accompanying app, Lynx owners can access the camera footage to check on their home or pets. While none of the robot’s individual features are particularly novel, it’s the combination of a popular voice-activated assistant and a new robotic form that makes the experience unique.

By gaining access to Amazon’s advanced voice service, companies like Ubtech Robotics can extend the capabilities of their robots from home entertainment to personal assistance. On the other hand, by letting companies redefine the physical form of its cloud-based technology, Amazon seems to be building an entire ecosystem around Alexa.

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

(Cherlynn Low contributed to this report.)

UK health service to trial chatbot that gives medical advice

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is to begin trialing a chatbot app for dispensing medical advice, with the aim of reducing the burden on its 111 non-emergency helpline. The 111 service went live in 2013, and serves as the first port of call for urgent advice in cases where it’s likely overkill to scream for an ambulance right away — if you’ve misread a prescription and taken more pills than you should’ve, for example. The AI-powered app could become another alternative, questioning users about their medical matter and symptoms before suggesting the best course of action.

The NHS is developing the app with Babylon Health, one of the new breed of paid, doctor on-demand services. It’s actually being adapted from Babylon’s existing mobile app, which features a chatbot-like symptom questionnaire users interact with before being connected with a general practitioner (GP) via video call. The app isn’t being designed to replace the 111 helpline — call handlers have the added abilities of booking out-of-hours doctor appointments and dispatching ambulances — but to dispense advice all the same.

The six-month trial will begin at the end of January and will initially be open to over a million people in the North London area. Whether it becomes a nationwide service will depend on engagement figures, user experience and its impact on GP and hospital accident and emergency visits, the NHS told the Financial Times.

Trusting a chatbot with your wellbeing may seem like a scary prospect, not the mention questions around liability. But Babylon claims that its “AI technology can process billions of symptom combinations much faster and more accurately than the human brain.” Also, the fact is most 111 workers aren’t medical professionals, and simply take callers through a pathway of questioning that ends in semi-scripted advice.

And just because 111 lets you speak to a talk to an actual human doesn’t necessarily make it more reliable. As The Telegraph notes, the 111 service has drawn serious criticism for letting calls go unanswered, failing to identify serious conditions, offering inappropriate advice and contributing to an increase in accident and emergency admissions.

Via: The Telegraph

CES 2017: August Unveils Smart Lock Mortise Kit and Integration With Logitech POP Switch

At CES today, smart lock maker August announced the newest addition to its home security line, called the August Smart Lock Mortise Kit. The company called the new product the first solution in North America that converts mortise style door locks into smart locks. Mortise locks are typical in multi-unit apartment buildings and integrate the locking bolt functionality directly into a door’s handle.

With the new kit, August said that building managers can install smart locks in their properties and control access to the building, as well as individual units, all from the connected August smartphone app. The August Smart Lock is installed on the inside of the door, so all of the fixtures remain unchanged on the outward-facing side, and users can still use a traditional keyed entry if they desire.

August has given the Mortise Kit to some property owners in a beta test:

“We’ve been Beta testing the August Smart Lock in our properties. We embrace innovation that serves our customers and the new mortise solution offers benefits for our apartment residents, and for us as the property owner,” said Yat-Pang Au, CEO of Veritas Investments, owner operator of $2 billion in urban mixed use multi-family and retail property in San Francisco.

“Residents appreciate the control and improved home security August offers. As a property owner, the flexibility to offer residents shared-economy services including laundry pickup, cleaning and grocery delivery is a great benefit too.”

Additionally, August announced a partnership with Logitech’s POP home switch system. With the collaboration, users can create home automation recipes through a POP switch without having to interact with any connected smartphone apps after the initial set-up process. For example, a switch next to your bedside table can send a signal to an August lock, and lock up your house when tapped at night. Logitech sells the POP switch on Amazon at $99.99 for the starter pack of two switches and one bridge, while additional switches can be added on at $39.99.

For those interested in the August Smart Lock Mortise Kit, which encompasses a mounting plate and adapter, the company mentioned that it will be available for certified locksmiths, property developers and managers for $100. That’ll be added on top of the base price of the August Smart Lock, which costs $229 and was last updated with HomeKit and a new design in April 2016.

Tags: Logitech, August Smart Lock, August, CES 2017
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CES 2017: D-Link Unveils HomeKit-Enabled Security Camera With 180º Field of View

D-Link has unveiled its first HomeKit-enabled home security camera at CES 2017 this week. The new Omna 180 Cam HD is the first product in D-Link’s forthcoming Omna family of HomeKit-enabled devices.

The cylindrical Omna 180 Cam HD features a 1080p camera with a 180-degree field of view, a built-in microphone and speaker with two-way audio, infrared night vision up to 16 feet, and motion detection with the option to record motion-triggered video clips directly to a microSDXC card up to 128GB with no subscription costs.

HomeKit support enables users to control the Omna 180 Cam HD with an iPhone or iPad through Apple’s Home app on iOS 10. When the camera detects motion, users can receive Lock screen notifications to get a snapshot of what’s happening in their homes. The camera can also trigger Scenes with other HomeKit products.

Like other smart home security cameras, the Omna 180 Cam HD lets homeowners monitor their homes while they are away for extra peace of mind. One of its main competitors is Canary’s All-in-One Home Security System and Camera, which also incorporates a built-in 90-plus-decibel siren and temperature/humidity/air quality monitoring.

D-Link said the Omna 180 Cam HD will be available in the first quarter of 2017. Pricing was not disclosed.

Tags: HomeKit, CES 2017, D-Link
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CES 2017: Misfit Debuts Its First Touchscreen Smart Watch, the Vapor

Misfit today introduced the Misfit Vapor, its first smart watch that includes a touchscreen. Vapor is Misfit’s most advanced wearable device yet, with fitness, sleep, and heart rate tracking along with GPS and standalone music functionality.

Vapor has a 1.39-inch circular AMOLED display that’s attached to a traditional watch band, for a setup that’s not too bulky and can fit a wide range of users. The following sensors and hardware are built into the Vapor: accelerometer, altimeter, gyroscope, optical heart rate sensor, GPS, and microphone.

With GPS, the Vapor does not need to have a smartphone nearby to play music or keep track of their workouts, and with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in storage, music can be played directly from your wrist, much like with the Apple Watch. It’s swimproof and water resistant up to 50 meters.

Vapor includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor and 4GB of memory, and in addition to Bluetooth, it supports WiFi. It connects to a magnetic charging cradle for power, and lasts for two days on a single charge.

Misfit Vapor opens the next chapter of even more customizable options for our users. Touchscreen smartwatches offer an almost infinitely versatile platform on which to build new experiences, products, and services. The future of wearables will grow out of both truly wearable hardware and advanced software that is tailored to create a compelling, personalized user experience. Vapor takes us one step closer to achieving that vision,” said Preston Moxcey, General Manager of Misfit.

At 44mm, the Vapor slightly bigger than the Apple Watch, and it will come in two finishes: Jet Black and Rose Gold, both with matching bands. Misfit plans to begin selling the Vapor later this year for $199.

Tags: Misfit, CES 2017
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CES 2017: Incipio’s ‘Kiddy Lock’ Case for iPhone 7 Keeps Kids From Accessing Home Button

Incipio today introduced a new Kiddy Lock Case for the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, which is designed to prevent children from accessing the Home button on the two devices with a sliding cover and a secure latch.

The Kiddy Lock Case fully covers the Home button and renders it inaccessible, preventing kids from opening apps, accessing Touch ID functionality, making phone calls, and more. It’s ideal for parents who hand their phones over to kids to play games, but don’t want them accessing other features on the device.

“With the abundance of child-friendly tech toys these days, children still seem to find your personal devices the most appealing,” said Carlos Del Toro, Director of Products, Incipio. “Inspired by our customers, the design of the Kiddy LockTM Case provides caregivers and parents alike a piece-of-mind knowing they’re still in control of their personal device, even when in the hands of children.”

Incipio made the case from a tough, shock-absorbing material to keep the iPhone safe from accidental drops, and a raised bezel protects the screen. There’s also a built-in kickstand for use when viewing TV shows or movies.

The Kiddy Lock Case will be available during the first quarter of 2017 for $39.99, and it will come in Black, Cyan, Purple, Magenta, and Pink.

Alongside the Kiddy Lock Case, Incipio is also introducing the Incipio ONE Dynamic Case Ecosystem for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The Incipio One features a range of interchangeable back plates that can be used with a base iPhone 7 case.

Back plates include a leather Card Holder able to store two credit cards and an ID, a 3,000 mAh battery bank, a Qi Wireless Charging module, a Style Plate in several finishes and colors, and a leather Style Plate Premium.

The ONE ecosystem will be available during the first quarter of 2017. The base case will be priced at $39.99 and the accessory plates will be available at prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99.

Tags: Incipio, CES 2017
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App Store Sets New Records With $240M in Sales on New Year’s Day, $20B Paid to Developers in 2016

Apple today announced that January 1, 2017 was the iOS App Store’s “busiest day ever” with $240 million total in customer purchases made on the storefront on New Year’s Day. Looking back at the past year, App Store developers made $20 billion in 2016, which the company said was up 40 percent from 2015.

In the announcement, Apple gave a few statistics on categories like the top grossing apps of the year, which included Monster Strike, Fantasy Westward, Clash Royale, and Pokémon Go. Following a launch in December, Super Mario Run was the number one downloaded app on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Throughout December, customers spent $3 billion in total on the App Store, which Apple said was another record-breaking month for the company.

“2016 was a record-shattering year for the App Store, generating $20 billion for developers, and 2017 is off to a great start with January 1 as the single biggest day ever on the App Store,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We want to thank our entire developer community for the many innovative apps they have created — which together with our products — help to truly enrich people’s lives.”

In total, the App Store now offers 2.2 million apps, having increased by 20 percent from 2015. Independently developed apps, like Prisma, Reigns, Procreate, Lumino City, Sweat With Kayla and djay Pro, were listed as some of the “most successful apps” of 2016.

Globally, Apple said that the App Store helped raise over $17 million in both the fight against AIDS thanks to its annual PRODUCT(RED) campaign, as well as for the World Wildlife Fund thanks to the Apps for Earth program. The Chinese App Store has grown 90 percent in 2016, and in total the top-grossing markets for the App Store are ranked as: the U.S., China, Japan and the U.K.

In terms of apps with subscription fees, Netflix, HBO Now, Line, Tinder and MLB.com At Bat were listed as the most popular. Revenue from subscription fees grew 74 percent in 2016 to $2.7 billion, following major changes Apple made to App Store fees for these specific subscription video apps.

The all-new iMessage App Store also got a mention today, with Apple announcing that 21,000 iMessages apps are now available for users to install. Data gathered by Sensor Tower back in September accounted for just under 2,000 iMessage apps in the App Store, with sticker-related apps remaining the most popular throughout the year.

Tag: App Store
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