AMD Low-Power Embeddded G-Series APU Review

AMD has introduced the latest entry to the AMD Embedded G-series processor family with the AMD Embedded G-T16R accelerated processing unit (APU) and the AMD G-T16R is targeted at very low power, small form factor and cost-sensitive embedded designs that require a combination of x86 compatibility and graphics. The optimized design of the AMD Embedded G-T16R sips power with power consumption of just 2.3 watts on average or 4.5 watts thermal design power (TDP) and these new chips continue the trend of including a multi-core x86 CPU and GPU to ensure compatibility between legacy, current and future technologies. The company has also extended the platform's life until 2017, adding a further five years to its expected lifespan.

AMD introduced the latest entry to the AMD Embedded G-Series processor family with the AMD Embedded G-T16R Accelerated Processing Unit (APU). The AMD G-T16R is targeted at very low power, small form factor and cost-sensitive embedded designs that require a combination of x86 compatibility and graphics. The optimized design of the AMD Embedded G-T16R sips power, with power consumption of just 2.3 wattsiv on average or 4.5 watts thermal design power (TDP). Embedded product designers are taking to the industry's green challenge to design a broad range of next-generation applications for the industrial control, point-of-sale, medical appliance and transportation markets. For example, industrial customers can use the APU to help create greener factories based on more power-efficient factory hardware. Additionally, embedded designers can develop applications like point-of-sale order entry stations and tablets, medical bedside terminals and even solar-powered traffic control devices using the AMD G-T16R. The new AMD Embedded G-Series APU also offers embedded product designers a seamless upgrade path for legacy application. Fits into small form factor boards by implementing a two-chip platform, the APU and its companion controller hub. Legacy I/O card support based on a full 32-bit PCI interface and an ISA bus solution with DMA support. Support for a full range of display technologies, with analog VGA and LVDS support for legacy applications and DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces for the latest display technology. "It's critical that the latest AMD Embedded G-Series APUs provide compatibility with existing x86 processors while supporting the latest interface technologies," said Jim McGregor, principal analyst of TIRIAS Research. "Having a simple migration path allows engineers to develop robust designs using the latest DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort display technologies." There are already more than 50 standard form factor motherboards available supporting the AMD Embedded G-Series platform, ranging from the small Qseven computer-on-modules to the versatile and widely available MiniITX form factor. This enhanced compatibility provides original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a variety of board options to design into their system solutions. The platform consists of both the APU and its companion controller hub, which have a total combined footprint of just 890 mm2 – approximately the size of a square inch. The AMD Embedded G-T16R APU is designed to help reduce product development and life cycle costs through a common scalable platform design that spans the entire AMD Embedded G-Series. AMD's unique approach enables one design to serve multiple product configurations, simplifying the supply chain, helping reduce operational complexity and enabling better platform economics. The AMD G-T16R APU is also available at extremely accessible price points, allowing designers to easily incorporate it into cost-sensitive embedded applications. "With the AMD G-T16R APU, we were striving for that critical balance of performance, power efficiency and cost for power, and cost-sensitive embedded applications, and we've achieved it," said Arun Iyengar, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Embedded Solutions. "This new APU helps to enable small form factor and fan-less designs with power consumption of just 2.3 watts on average." For users of the AMD Geode LX processor family, the AMD G-T16R APU offers a cost-effective upgrade path, consuming about seven percent less power and three times the performance of the 2.45 watt AMD Geode LX processor, while reducing the overall chip footprint by 58 percent. Support for the latest DDR3 memory helps reduce memory costs for legacy applications while enabling higher memory speed and capacityv. The AMD Embedded G-T16R APU supports Windows Embedded Compact 7, Green Hills INTEGRITY and Express Logic ThreadX operating systems, allowing applications that leverage these popular embedded and real-time operating systems to easily migrate to the new platform. Along with the announcement of the new AMD G-T16R APU, AMD is also extending the planned availability for the entire AMD Embedded G-Series processor family through 2017, resetting the five-year clock for both existing and new designs.

Fujifilm XF lenses For X-Pro1 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera System Review

Fujifilm outlines X-Pro1 lens roadmap, brings zoom at last this fall and the new official road map is much different than the original one available at the time of launch at CES 2012. That's when a bright 18-55mm, f/2.8-4.0 optically stabilized lens will make its appearance, along with a 14mm f/2.8 prime and Fujifilm will revert to unveiling nothing but pancakes and primes during early 2013, but the middle of that year will finish covering the zoomable basics through a wide-angle 10-24mm f/4.0 OIS lens and a 55-200mm, f/3.5-4.8 OIS telephoto.

FUJIFILM North America Corporation announced plans to offer an expanded selection of FUJINON XF lenses for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera System that will offer a wide range of new shooting opportunities for professional and advanced photographers. From super wide single length focus to telephoto lenses, users will now be able to freely choose which XF lenses match their shooting style, and allow them to experience the extraordinary image quality of the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 in a variety of new ways. Beginning in the fall of 2012, Fujifilm will introduce two new bright and fast aperture prime FUJINON XF lenses: the XF14mm (21mm) F2.8 single focal length lens and the XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-F4 lens. Each of the new XF lenses are designed to deliver sharp, clear images of unmatched quality with precise aperture control, and beautiful bokeh effects thanks to the design of the molded aperture diaphragm blades. The blades are curved to create a circular image at all aperture settings, while the very edges of each blade are meticulously rounded off rather than cut off, to deliver more pleasing images. Then in early 2013, Fujifilm will also deliver three more high performance single focal length lenses that include the XF56mm (84mm) F1.4 lens, the pancake XF27mm (41mm) F2.8 lens and the XF23mm (35mm) F1.4 lens. Then in middle 2013, Fujifilm will launch a telephoto XF55mm-200mm (83-300mm) F3.5-F4.8 lens and the super wide zoom XF10mm-24mm (15-36mm) F4 lens, both with optical image stabilization. "The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 is an amazing professional grade camera that delivers outstanding image quality, and we are very excited to announce our plans for an expanded line of new XF lenses that will bring even more functionally to the X-Pro1 system," said Go Miyazaki, division president, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. "These new premium FUJIFILM XF lenses are designed to deliver stunning image results, and they also fit seamlessly with the build and beauty of the FUJIFILM X-Pro1." The award-winning FUJIFILM X-Pro1 digital camera features a custom-developed 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor that incorporates a newly developed filter array and Fujifilm's proprietary EXR Processor technology. The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 delivers superlative image quality that rivals currently available mid and high-end DSLR models. The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 also features the unmatched 2nd Generation Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, a gorgeous magnesium alloy chassis, and an improved user interface for easy and intuitive operation.

D-Link Cloud Routers With Powerful Wi-Fi, Remote Control And Robust Media Sharing Features Review

D-Link have brought out two cylindrical routers, a fair change from the usual low-profile cuboid designs on the market and Cloud Router 1200 and Cloud Router 2000 feature powered amplifiers, remote management and USB sharePort app for sharing media with all devices on the home network. The routers are tube-shaped 802.11 g/n Wi-Fi routers that take advantage of an included feature called "mydlink Cloud Services," where mobile devices can monitor network connections live, receive e-mail alerts in the event of intrusion and another app called SharePort Mobile allows iOS and Android handsets to stream files from a storage device connected to the router's USB port. The differences lay exclusively in the wireless support, where the single-band 1200 caters to the frugal set at 300Mbps and the simultaneous dual-band 2000 hums along at 600Mbps and the prices of the just-shipping access points are both about right for what you get: the Cloud Router 1200 is a cheap and cheerful $60, and the 2000 won't strain the wallet much more at $100.

D-Link introduced the latest additions to its line of Cloud Routers with the Cloud Router 1200 (DIR-636L) and Cloud Router 2000 (DIR-826L), supporting speeds of up to 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps, respectively. Both routers include mydlink Cloud Services for easy management and configuration from anywhere via free smart phone apps. Additionally, these routers include a USB port that works with the free SharePort mobile app to enable users to share and enjoy photos, music, and movie files from a range of connected devices. "In the past, routers have often been a „set it and forget it? kind of device," said Ken Loyd, director, consumer products, D-Link Systems, Inc. "Today consumers want to access and share their content from multiple devices such as smartphones and tablets. And now more than ever, it is vital to know who is connecting to your wireless network and what they are viewing. D-Link?s newest Cloud Routers enable consumers to easily share media as well as monitor what?s going on with the home network." Users can connect a USB drive or external hard drive to the USB port on the new Cloud Routers and with the free D-Link SharePort Mobile app they can conveniently and simultaneously share a range of content to multiple mobile devices without taking up valuable device memory. In addition, check which websites are being visited, block unwanted devices, and receive automatic e-mail alerts notifying you of unauthorized connections that are attempted all from an iPhone, iPad or Android device using the SharePort Mobile app for peace of mind. D-Link Cloud Routers allow people to monitor and control their home network from virtually anywhere using the industry-leading mydlink Cloud Services platform. Routers can be accessed via an iPhone, iPad, or Android device with the free mydlink Lite app available exclusively to D-Link customers. Using the mydlink Lite cloud application, users can check if a computer, mobile device, gaming console, media player or other device is on their home network – a valuable tool for wary parents. Mobile e-mail alert notifications warn users in the event that intrusion attempts are detected, allowing them to sign into the mydlink Cloud application and block unwanted devices. Additionally, mobile e-mail alerts are sent whenever important security updates are available ensuring the most up-to-date security features.


When a USB drive is connected to the router, the SharePort Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, or Android devices offers effortless access to stored personal files and multimedia. Music, video, and photos can be streamed or transferred from the connected USB drive to multiple mobile devices from an intuitive touchscreen interface. It?s also a great way to enjoy media without using valuable memory on your device – think of it as adding memory to your iPhone, iPad or Android. D-Link Cloud Routers can optionally be configured for the first time from the comfort of a couch, using the QRS (Quick Router Setup) Mobile app for iPhone or iPad. Owners with these devices simply plug in the router, open the app, and follow a few easy steps to establish a wireless network throughout the home without needing to touch a computer. Once a network is established, new devices can be added at the touch of a button using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). WPA/WPA2 encryption and a built-in dual-active firewall (SPI and NAT) ensure that data sent wirelessly is secure. The Cloud Router 1200 and Cloud Router 2000 establish a fast and reliable wireless network for delivering broadband Internet to devices throughout the home. Wireless N technology extends coverage and reduces dead spots and preserves compatibility with earlier wireless networking standards. The router?s high-powered amplifier boosts signal strength, while integrated intelligent antenna technology transmits multiple streams of data by bouncing wireless signals off of walls and sending a wireless connection to the farthest corners of a home or office. As a dual-band wireless router, the Cloud Router 2000 uses the 5GHz frequency band to avoid interference with other nearby wireless devices like cordless phones, microwave ovens and other routers. The 5GHz band is used in tandem with the 2.4GHz band delivering up to double the bandwidth of single-band wireless solutions. The Cloud Router 1200 and Cloud Router 2000 incorporate 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and feature an attractive cylindrical housing with a minimal footprint suitable for installation on shelves, desks, and tabletops for maximum range and flexibility. Both feature an intelligent Quality of Service (QoS) engine that optimizes network traffic on the fly for time-sensitive applications like Skype calls and gaming. The DIR-636L has an everyday low price of $59.99. The DIR-826L has an everyday low price of $99.99. Both Cloud Routers are widely available now at Amazon, Fry's, Micro Center, New Egg, Office Depot, OfficeMax, and other retail and e-tail partners.

Sony NSZ-GS7 Google TV Set-Top Box Internet Player Review

Google TV has a new look, new hardware and is heading to the UK, the Sony Internet Player with Google TV brings with it a newly updated version of the service as well as more powerful hardware and there has been a lot of work done to address the issues previously encountered with Google TV, namely that it was incredibly slow. Along with Google, it's announced preorders are available for the $200/£200/$199 NSZ-GS7 internet streaming set-top box in the US and UK ith plans to launch in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico and Netherlands later this year and the NSZ-GP9 with integrated Blu-ray player will arrive in October, priced at £280/€300/$299.

Sony Europe announced the availability and pricing of the NSZ-GS7, Internet Player with Google TV, originally introduced in January at CES. Powered by the Google TV platform, the Internet Player will be available to buy in store from July, priced at £200/€200. Pre-orders begin in July online at www.sony-europe.com. In 2010, Sony pioneered the internet-TV convergence as one of the first manufacturers to launch products powered by Google TV. With the new Internet Player with Google TV, Sony will also be the first manufacturer to launch Google TV products outside of the United States, initially starting with the United Kingdom in July, followed later by Canada, Australia, France, Germany and Netherlands, Brazil and Mexico. The NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV will be available in October initially in the United States, followed by Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Netherlands. In addition to the NSZ-GS7 Internet Player, Sony's newest Internet Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV, the NSZ-GP9, will be available in October priced at £280/€300. In addition to the NSZ-GS7 Internet Player, Sony's newest Internet Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV, the NSZ-GP9, will be available in October priced at £280/€300. Sony and Google have come together to offer the freedom of the web on the big screen. You can search for anything you can imagine with fast speed Google Chrome browsing. Enjoy easy access to your favourite websites, YouTube and more at the touch of a button. Your home entertainment will never be the same. Sony and Google have come together to offer the freedom of the web on the big screen. You can search for anything you can imagine with fast speed Google Chrome browsing. Enjoy easy access to your favourite websites, YouTube and more at the touch of a button. Your home entertainment will never be the same.

In below you will find a review via gizmodo:

Why It Matters

When last we exchanged awkward glances with the Google TV, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt promised reality that the system would be included with "most TVs" by this summer (now), shortly after founding partner Logitech wiped its hands of the entire thing. The former sure as hell didn't come true, and the latter came as a surprise to absolutely no one. Things are bleak for Google TV, and it's not as if nobody's tried. Sony, hardened hardware king, will be one of the companies to hand down a small black box that does Google TV right, if it's ever going to be done so. If this attempt is a dud like all past attempts, there's good reason to abandon all hope and despair. The NSZ-GS7 will either be a harbinger of Google TV's second chance, or one of the final blips on its respirator.

Using It

Depending on how deep you want Google TV jacked into your TV life, setup will vary. Physically setting it up is just a matter of rejiggering all of your HDMI connections—but software setup is an uneven endeavor of its own. Trouble connecting to a wireless network, hair-pulling attempts at trying to conjure up byzantine IR codes for the remote, and futile searches for a new Pioneer receiver not in Google or Sony's database were infuriating. When the box spit back a list of obscure satellite providers I'd never heard of instead of Time Warner Cable, I had to receive help directly from a Sony engineer in Japan, who instructed me to enter a zipcode that wasn't actually my own. Don't count on that kind of treatment for yourself.

The setup, even if it weren't flawed with actual brokenness, is inherently complex just due to the number of factors. You have to potentially make several AV devices (TV, Google TV, receiver, cable box, router) simultaneously dance together if you want the system to work the way it's designed. That's no fun.

Like

There are hints of great and friendly tech in the NSZ-GS7. Startup is near instant, and it doesn't take many taps to get to a live-updating list of TV shows to watch, free movies to stream (Netflix, Amazon VoD, and the rest of the familiar cast), and listings for what's up next. You can even buy movies if there's nothing gratis up your alley. The feeling of a big graphical box telling you that Black Swan is playing on HBO right now, and how much of it is left, is a good feeling. Clicking on it and having a little box automatically reroute your cable box to HBO, without futzing with a channel guide is a very good feeling. Your TV feels like it's working for you. Except for when it's not.

No Like

For every graceful HBO moment, there were a dozen to the contrary: a channel that wouldn't load, a command that wasn't recognized, or an inexplicable green screen of nothing. Maybe it was my cable box, maybe it was my receiver—but that's beside the point. An evolved TV won't make you have to troubleshoot by process of elimination, it'll just be fucking great. This isn't. The NSZ-GS7 makes your TV about one and a half times as useful and about ten times as complicated—a poor trade.

The box's best traits are good intentions—and everything beyond that is manifold mediocrity. Google TV in 2012 isn't even an interesting train wreck, just the aching frustration of a traffic jam. The software, based on the Honeycomb version of Android that's over a year old and designed for tablets, is buggy and unsatisfying. Apps are slow to load, the live TV guide is full of missing thumbnails, and Chrome is a joke, often defaulting to mobile versions of your favorite websites if you even care about a browser on your TV to begin with. The other apps available are a bigger joke with a worse punchline: Netflix crawls, HBO Go is just the website crammed into an "app," most of the rest make no sense. Are you really going to download and read recipes on your TV? Of course not. Do you really want to fire up your set to read your Twitter feed on the big screen? I hope not. It's almost all superfluous, a distraction. What makes sense works poorly, and what works well shouldn't be available at all, pulling together all the worst possible parts of using Android together and putting them on the biggest screen you own.

But what of that remote? Oh, that's also bad—a big step up from the quasi-parody predecessor that looked fit to fly a Predator drone, but still bad. Putting functionality on both sides is super smart, especially given that the side facing down won't accidentally take commands, but it's still just too goddamn complicated. Sony and Google, please listen to this: there should never, ever,ever be a "Ctrl" button on a TV remote.

Should I Buy It

No. Someday, someone—probably Apple, as boring as that is to admit—will probably pull off the next great leap in television. A television that makes it as easy as possible to find and watch things, to sit and be entertained, that knows and loves both the internet and old fashioned programming. Simply, this ain't it.

Sony NSZ-GS7
Price: $200
Processor: Marvell Dual-Core
Internal Storage: 8 GB
Operating System: Android 3.2 Honeycomb
Output: 1080p
Connectivity: HDMI, Optical Out, USB, Wi-FI (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth
Gizrank: 2.0

Videos:

 

G-Technology USB 3.0 G-Drives For Macs

G-Technology kicks out USB 3.0 G-Drives for Macs, keeps your Retina MacBook Pro well-fed and the updated versions of the laptop-oriented G-Drive Mini, Mobile and Slim all roll in the higher peak speeds and progressively trade raw speed as well as 1TB capacities for sleekness, while the twin-drive, 1.5TB G-RAID Mini will tax that 5Gbps bandwidth without becoming too ungainly. The single-disk G-Drive now climbs to 4TB in addition to jumping on the USB 3.0 bandwagon and the dual-drive G-RAID will serve up as much as 8TB at the newly brisk speeds. All but the G-Drive Slim support FireWire to ease those jitters over transitioning from old to new and most of the G-Drive and G-RAID gear will be showing up in August at prices between $110 and $810, but the two Mini-labelled drives could be a bit late to the party with a less defined summer target.

G-Technology announced a new line of portable and desktop USB 3.0 storage solutions for a broad range ofusers from consumers to audio/video professionals. Given the brand's strength in the content creation and Apple Mac community, G-Technology is well positioned to move the Mac industry forward in leveraging high-capacity, high-performance USB 3.0 drives across a variety of customer segments, all while delivering one of the industry's most respected external storage platforms with proven quality, reliability and performance. New kinds of devices and media formats require considerably more interface bandwidth and higher transfer rates to move, store and edit data quickly. Backward compatible with USB 2.0, G-Technology's USB 3.0 drives deliver speeds 10 times faster than USB 2.0 and six times faster than FireWire 800. This means that users can now transfer two full-length movies from a G-Technology USB 3.0 drive to a computer in minutes. The G-Technology G-DRIVE slim and G-DRIVE mobile external drive family will be available in Apple Stores in July. The G-DRIVE and G-RAID solutions will be available in August 2012. The G-DRIVE mini and G-RAID mini solutions will be available in Q3 2012. "In a digital world, there's one common thread among all of us – storage. It's ubiquitous, and it's growing rapidly as we continue to purchase, create, download and save content daily," said Mike Williams, vice president and general manager, HGST Branded Business. "Perfectly timed and aligned with Apple's new USB 3.0 offerings, our new USB 3.0 drives support our strong following of Mac and creative professionals who require reliable, high-performance, high-capacity storage." All G-Technology drives are formatted for Mac OS X systems right out of the box and are Time Machine ready so backing up important documents, music, digital video and photos isquick and easy. A simple initialization is required to prepare the drives for use with Windows systems.

G-Technology Mobile Family:
G-DRIVE slim: Ideal for any laptop user, the G-DRIVE slim is the ultra-slim, ultra-stylish portable solution. Featuring a high-performance USB 3.0 interface and a thin design, the G-DRIVE slim is the Mac user's sleekest answer to superior data storage. Its slender, lightweight aluminium case packs up to 500GB of storage for photos, videos, music and more. The drive is also USB 3.0 bus-powered, eliminating the need to carry an external AC power supply. The 500GB G-DRIVE slim will have a MSRP of $109.99.

G-DRIVE mobile and G-DRIVE mobile USB 3.0: The G-DRIVE mobile features versatile USB 3.0, FireWire 800 and FireWire 400 interfaces, and delivers exceptional throughput performance–making it the perfect storage option for portable use. The G-DRIVE mobile USB 3.0 offers simple USB 3.0 only. Both drives are offered 1TB, 750GB and 500GB capacities, and are USB bus-powered. The 1TB G-DRIVE mobile will have an MSRP of $189.99. The 1TB G-DRIVE mobile USB 3.0 will have an MSRP of $159.99.

G-DRIVE mini: The G-DRIVE mini is the perfect storage solution forthose who demand the highest performance possible from their mobile storagedevice. Featuring a 2.5-inch 7,200 RPM hard drive, the G-DRIVE mini is the high-performance solution designed specially with the content creator in mind. The all-aluminum enclosure protects valuable data from the bumps and bruises encountered on the road, and the system is USB 3.0 or FireWire bus-powered for easy storage on the go. The drive features high-speed USB 3.0 and FireWire, and has a built-in heat sink to silently dissipate heat. The G-DRIVE mini will be available in 750GB ($169.99 MSRP) and 500GB ($159.99 MSRP).

G-RAID mini: The G-RAID mini is the perfect companion for video and still shooters or editors working on location. Out of the box, G-RAID mini is set up in RAID 0 (performance mode), with its two 7,200 RPM drives working together for the performance needed to edit the most popular compressed HD formats. Using the included software utility, the G-RAID mini can be configured in RAID 1 (protected mode), giving users peace of mind that digital video or images are protected while on the road. G-RAID mini can be FireWire bus powered. The G-RAID mini will be available in 1.5TB ($359.99 MSRP) and 1TB ($259.99 MSRP).

G-RAID:Leveraging two 7,200 RPM drives, the G-RAID drive is a blazing-fast, dual-drive RAID 0 storage solution with capacities up to 8TB,with USB 3.0 and FireWire 400/800 interfaces. Ideal for professional content creators, it supports simultaneous playback of multiple layers of HDV, DVCPRO HD, XDCAM HD and ProRes 422 HQ with the leading video editing applications including Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere and many more. Its soft-touch On/Off switch and thermo-regulated "smart" fan keeps the G-RAID drive reliable, cool and quiet in the editing suite. The 8TB G-RAID drive will have an MSRP of $809.99.

G-DRIVE: The G-DRIVE is a professional-strength external hard drive in a single-drive desktop solution. With capacities now up to 4TB and multiple interface options (USB 3.0 and FireWire 400/800), the G-DRIVE is the perfect high-performance solution for storage intensive applications including A/V editing, digital photography, music libraries, and high-speed data backup. The G-DRIVE solution features fast 7,200 RPM drives and a fan-less cooling system for a quiet operation. The 4TB G-DRIVE solution will have an MSRP of $359.99.

VTech MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System, InnoTab 2 Learning App Tablet And InnoTab 2s Learning App Tablet Review

VTech refreshes its MobiGo and InnoTab lines, announces new high-tech toys: MobiGo 2, InnoTab 2 and unique-to-its category InnoTab 2s and the InnoTab 2 Learning App Tablet keeps its predecessor's $80 price tag while packing in 2GB of onboard storage (expandable up to 32GB with an SD card) and a rotating camera for taking stills, videos and playing AR games. The slate's vanilla configuration will hit shelves this fall, but a WiFi-equipped version can be had this holiday season for a $20 premium and the MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System is set to roll out this summer in a similar fashion, retaining a $60 asking price despite adding a motion sensor and microphone to its repertoire.

VTech Electronics North America, LLC announced that it will roll-out three exciting additions to its ever-expanding, high-quality platform toy line this Fall: NEW MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System (MobiGo 2), NEW InnoTab 2 Learning App Tablet (InnoTab 2) and NEW InnoTab 2s Learning App Tablet (InnoTab 2s). Built from the ground-up by experts with more than 30 years of experience in developing educational products designed for children, the new platform products put kids on the cutting edge of technology via multi-media learning devices that endlessly engage, entertain and educate. With hundreds of apps to download at VTech's Learning Lodge Navigator, your child will have so much fun, they won't realize they are learning.

• MobiGo 2 is a multi-functional handheld touch learning system that comes equipped with two new ways to play: a
• NEW motion sensor and microphone for total game control
• InnoTab 2 gives kids their own touch-screen tablet, FREE onboard activities to get them started and features a
• new rotatable digital camera and video recorder to capture memories of all the fun they're having
• The unique-to-its category InnoTab 2s offers secure W-Fi capabilities so parents are never more than a couple of clicks away from new educational games for their kids

 "For more than 30 years, VTech has been providing parents and their kids' with fun, educational toys that are on the forefront of technology," said Tom McClure, Director of Marketing for VTech Electronics North America. "We are excited to continue this tradition by expanding our offerings in the learning toy aisle with MobiGo 2, InnoTab 2 and InnoTab 2s with secure Wi-Fi downloads - all built for little hands and big imaginations." MobiGo 2 is a multi-functional educational handheld system that allows kids ages 3-8 to enjoy on-the-go play and hone their creativity all while learning basic skills such as math, vocabulary, spelling, reading, logic, drawing and more.


Key Product Features:

• Two NEW ways to play: MobiGo 2 comes equipped with a NEW motion sensor and microphone in addition to the touchscreen:
• The NEW motion sensor provides total game control, allowing kids to create action movements within games and programs while playing
• The NEW microphone provides different methods of game play. Blow into the microphone to move
• objects, blow off dust, or initiate other special effects. Or speak into it to give a command or trigger an action
• Pre-loaded with FREE games: MobiGo 2 also functions as an e-reader, photo album, photo viewer, art studio and coloring book, and comes pre-loaded with three great games that take advantage of the product's many features
• Numerous apps for download: The expanded onboard memory allows kids to store more fun. More than 80 other apps are available for download at the VTech Learning Lodge Navigator at www.VTechKids.com/Download
• QWERTY keyboard: The MobiGo 2 helps kids become familiar with a keyboard layout
• MobiGo 2 will be available this summer at all major retailers and at www.VTechKids.com for a suggested retail price of $59.99.

 

InnoTab 2 is a multi-media tablet with a 5-inch touch screen that keeps kids between the ages of 3 and 9 entertained and engaged while they learn. This sleek and durable toy comes equipped with tilt sensor, photo viewer, video player, MP3 music player, e-reader, art studio, microphone and more. Now kids can enjoy e-books, music, photos and videos on-thego just like mom and dad!

Features:

• Comes with FREE onboard activities: Receive built-in value with your InnoTab 2 purchase, including: one tilt sensor game, one augmented reality game, one e-book, art studio app, notes app, friends list, calendar and calculator to get started. Additional downloadable content is sold separately at VTech's Learning Lodge Navigator website: www.VTechKids.com/Download
• Expanded memory: With 2GB onboard memory and expandable SD card slot available to accommodate SD
• cards up to 32 GB, the InnoTab 2 will keep your child endlessly engaged
• Hundreds of apps for download: Kids can engage with their favorite licensed characters by downloading one of more than 200 apps, including games, e-books and much more that teach kids reading, logic and creativity; visit VTech's Learning Lodge Navigator for more information
• *NEW* Rotatable camera for memory capture: Features a new rotatable digital camera and video recorder that allows kids to capture memories of themselves or their friends
• Customizable: Enables kids (up to four users) to personalize the InnoTab 2 by creating their own user name and avatar, a voice greeting, typed greeting and photo wallpaper

 InnoTab 2 will be available this fall at all major retailers and at www.VTechKids.com for a suggested retail price of $79.99. The InnoTab 2s Learning App Tablet with secure Wi-Fi downloads contains all the product features of the InnoTab 2, plus a secure wireless connection to VTech's Learning Lodge Navigator for easy and secure download of games, e-books, music and more. Once users have downloaded a new app from the Learning Lodge Navigator, they can seamlessly sync the program to their InnoTab 2s wirelessly - no cord is needed - when they are in a Wi-Fi hotspot location.

World's Most Talented Bluetooth Wireless Speakers Review

Braven has taken the wraps offits new SIX Series Bluetooth speaker range. Designed for smartphone users, the range comprises the Braven 650, 625S and the 600 and in addition to being to be daisy-chained to create a larger sound stage, the speakers can also double as a mobile charger over a built-in USB port as the video embedded below demonstrates. The speakers all have two extended range drivers with three-Watts of output each and the battery life of the devices range from 12 to 20 hours and they can charge USB devices. Other features include an internal duplex microphone for use as a hands-free voice calling system and they have a 3.5 mm headphone input and you'll have a choice between the aluminum-encased 600 ($150) and 650 ($190) models, while the 625 ($180) variant features a ruggedized, shock-absorbing enclosure and a water-proof bag for the more adventurous of you out there.

BRAVEN, a leading innovator in Bluetooth audio and charging solutions announced their sophisticated wireless speakers are now shipping. Weighing in at around 12 oz. and about 6 inches in length, these small speakers deliver room-filling high-fidelity audio for music on the go. The speakers also feature a built-in speakerphone, charging capability, and the option to combine multiple speakers together. The SIX Series includes the sleek aircraft grade aluminum 600 model available in Moab Red or Mountain Ash. The high-end 650 model comes in classic aluminum and features APTX for today's modern audiophile. The 625s is housed in a rugged shock-absorbent rubber that is built for durability and outdoor adventures. Originally only offered in Stealth Black, the 625s is now available in a new Summit Green. he Bluetooth speakers have two custom extended-range drivers, each with 3 watt speaker output providing high-fidelity stereo audio. Along with extraordinary battery life ranging from 12 to 20 hours, the speakers will charge USB devices while blasting music or movies. The internal duplex microphone also allows for hands-free speakerphone calls or chats via FaceTime, iChat, or Skype. For those who want even bigger output, multiple BRAVEN speakers can be daisy chained together or connected to other sound systems via 3.5 mm jack. With intense, powerful sound the BRAVEN speakers also improve the mobile gaming experience, bringing your favorite games to life. "These speakers are built for big audio in an attractive portable package," says CEO Warren Osborn. "They are so dynamic and versatile that they fit on a CEO's desk or a family's picnic table, a designer handbag or a teen's backpack." The BRAVEN 600 retails for $149.99, the 625s for $179.99, and the 650 for $189.99.  In below you will find more information via tuaw.com :

 

Design:

The BRAVEN 600 is a multitasker. Not only is it a Bluetooth wireless speaker that can be daisy-chained to other members of the SIX series, but it has a built-in 1400 mAh battery pack for charging up your iPhone when it's running low. It's also a speakerphone, and it packs all of this functionality into a nice-looking anodized aluminum case.

That case can come in either mountain ash (kind of a nice silvery tone) or bright Moab red. On one end of the case is a USB port for powering your favorite electronic device, an audio out port, and a battery check button. At the other end is an audio in port (used in conjunction with the output port for daisy-chaining), a micro-USB port for charging the BRAVEN 600, and buttons for turning the volume up or down, enabling the speakerphone capability, and turning the speaker on and off.

• All of this is packaged into a clear plexiglas box with amazing shelf appeal. Inside that box is a charging cable, an AC adapter the size of the one that comes with the iPhone, and a daisy-chaining cable. Charging the BRAVEN 600 takes about four hours.

Functionality:

Pairing the BRAVEN 600 with an iPhone is an easy process; you simply slide a toggle up to turn Bluetooth on, after which the speaker emits a rather impressive synthesized tone to get your attention (there's another tone indicating that Bluetooth has been turned off). Next, you press and hold the speakerphone button for five seconds. The BRAVEN 600 appears on the iPhone's list of Bluetooth devices, and you tap the device name to pair the two. The BRAVEN 600 also appears on the list of AirPlay devices. As expected, this Bluetooth device works well when paired with a Mac. It appears as both audio output and input devices.

After that, it's time enjoy your music, and you will enjoy it thoroughly. As opposed to many of the Bluetooth speakers I've tested over the year, the BRAVEN 600 actually sounds like an audiophile-quality speaker. There's a lot of depth to the sound from this device; the bass really kicks, yet treble tones don't get lost in the process. I listened to a variety of tunes from my iPhone, and all sounded great.

On the other hand, I wasn't as impressed with the speakerphone capability. According to my fellow TUAW blogger Erica Sadun, it sounded like I was talking with a bagful of cotton balls in my mouth. That was what she sounded like to me as well -- the iPhone's built-in speaker phone provides much better sound quality for phone calls. I also wasn't too happy with the BRAVEN 600's abrupt handling of the call. Many Bluetooth systems I've tested, both for cars and home, do a nice job of fading out of music that is playing when a phone call comes in. With this speaker, there was just an abrupt jump to the ringtone.

As I only had one BRAVEN 600 to play with, I wasn't able to test the daisy-chaining capability. However, I think it would be incredible to listen to music from a pair (or more) of these speakers. I liked the fact that I could press and hold the volume buttons on the speaker to have them act as previous / next buttons when shuffling through music or playing a playlist.

Conclusion:

BRAVEN's new SIX series of Bluetooth speakers looks like it will be a winner. The BRAVEN 600 is joined by the 625S (shock-resistant, has a built-in LED flashlight, made for outdoor use) and the 650 ($189.99, more capable than the 600). I'm actually sad that I have to give this away to a TUAW reader, but it's a product that I would happily spend $150 on.

Pros

• Excellent build quality and design
• Music / movie sound quality is impressive
• Built-in battery pack can charge mobile devices
• Speakers can be daisy-chained for even more volume
• Easy Bluetooth pairing process; no pairing code required

Cons

• Speakerphone capability is sub-par

Who is it for?

• Anyone who wants excellent music sound quality from a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Giveaway:

And now it's time to give TUAW readers an opportunity to win a BRAVEN 600. To enter, fill out the form below completely and if you're the winner, we'll notify you via email.

Here are the rules for the giveaway:

• Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
• To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button.
• The entry must be made before June 17, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time.
• You may enter only once.
• One winner will be selected and will receive a BRAVEN 600 Bluetooth speaker valued at US$149.99

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