CES Briefs
-- TWICE, 1/18/2010
Wellcore Debuts Seniors Monitoring Device
LAS VEGAS — Wellcore launched its wireless personal activity monitoring device geared to helping seniors live more active lives at International CES.
The all-in-one device, which incorporates motion detection, advanced pattern recognition, text-to-speech technology. GPS and Bluetooth, is about the size of a pager.
The system distinguishes falls from other types of motion — without the need for the user to push a button — and then automatically sends emergency services and alerts to designated caregivers and family. It alerts/reminds seniors to wear the device and it works both inside and outside the home. Traditional personal emergency response systems require users to push a button for help and typically don't indicate if the device is being worn. Many only work inside the home.
The Wellcore system, with $199 suggested retail, will be available in March. It includes the base station, personal activity monitor belt clip and online dashboard. The monitoring service is $49.99 a month.
Xpand Debuts 3D Fashion Glasses
LAS VEGAS — Riding the coattails of the 3D TV rollout at International CES, Xpand previewed its new range of 3D glasses at its press conference at CES.
The X103 series, which works with almost every display that uses infrared, will debut in Q2 with a light design (2.1 ounces) and in 12 colors, including purple, yellow and blue. The glasses will have 300 hours of battery life.
During Q3/Q4, the company will offer what it calls its “holy grail” of 3D glasses, the X104 series.
These will be ultra-light — made of titanium — and will be Bluetooth-based. They will also be available in 12 colors and will have a 100-hour battery life.
Suggested retails are expected to range from $50 to $250 for the highest-end models.
Logitech Debuts Speaker Lapdesk
LAS VEGAS — Logitech used International CES to introduce its first all-in-one laptop accessory with integrated stereo speakers, a built-in fan and a padded base.
The plug-and-play Speaker Lapdesk N700 features two built-in high-definition speakers with 2-inch neodymium drivers. Logitech said the stereo speakers are precisely positioned on either side of the laptop to give rich sound and powerful bass. The speakers connect through a single USB cable.
“More and more people around the world are enjoying fantastic entertainment on their laptops — but with mediocre sound and comfort,” said Denis Pavillard, product marketing for laptop accessories VP, in a statement. “In fact, according to our research, nearly 50 percent of laptop users report being dissatisfied with the sound quality of the built-in speakers. The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 helps transform your laptop into a private theater in the cozy confines of your lap.”
In addition to the padded base, the N700 features a fan that circulates air under the laptop, a grille that protects the fan from dust, rear and bottom air intakes, and a “heat-shielding design” to keep computer heat off a user's legs and lap. It is meant to be used with laptops measuring 16 inches and smaller.
Volume controls for the speakers and an on/off switch for the fan is located on the $79.99 N700, which will be available in February.
OtterBox Bows Tandem Cases For Palm Pre
LAS VEGAS — OtterBox introduced a new line of cases for the Palm Pre at International CES this year.
The Tandem series is engineered to protect the smartphone against unexpected bumps and shocks. It features two custom-fit polycarbonate shells with overmolding and an adhesive screen to shield against scratches.
“We've finally put rubber to the road with the concept of a case for a slider phone and the Palm Pre was just the right place to start,” said Curt Richardson, OtterBox CEO. “The Tandem series is a completely new design for us, and we have spent significant time and effort to offer not only protection, but functionality. CES is the ideal environment to introduce our new line and we're looking forward to feedback from passionate tech minds at the show.”
The Tandem series works by having the first shell attach to the front of the Pre and second shell attach to the back. Silicone around the outside edges of the case offers protection against bumps, and the polycarbonate shells offer stability to withstand light impact. Once the case is assembled, it allows for complete functionality, even when sliding the display screen up and down, according to the company.
The volume keys and power button are covered by a silicone layer to offer extra protection, and the USB/charge port, earpiece, home button, microphone, display screen, speaker, camera, flash and other features are openly accessible, OtterBox said.
A microfiber cleaning cloth and an installation card are included.
Palm-Sized Speed Radar Shown At CES
LAS VEGAS — Pocket Radar displayed at International CES what it's calling a “sleek, compact, palm-sized, ultraportable” speed radar.
Pocket Radar's namesake product is engineered to provide extremely accurate, real-time speed measurements of moving objects with the touch of a button. The company said it uses proprietary digital signal processing algorithms and state-of-the-art intelligent target acquisition techniques to achieve industry-leading accuracy and speed measurement detection across all ranges.
The device uses a Doppler radar signal detection and processing system coupled with re-engineered microwave and antenna components to deliver the same powerful performance of traditional bulky radar guns, in a device compact enough to easily fit into a shirt pocket, according to PocketRadar. It is reportedly accurate to within 1 mph, and can take 10,000 speed measurements using one set of AAA batteries.
The speed radar is scheduled to be available in the spring.
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