Zyxel Unveils Security Web Cams

By Lisa Johnston On Apr 9 2012 - 4:01am

ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Zyxel Communications, a manufacturer of secure broadband networking, Internet connectivity and routing products, began shipping its CloudEnabled series of web cameras.

The IPC3605N ($99 street price) and IPC4605N ($185) are designed for the home and small office, and they provide accessibility to video feeds via any PC, iPhone or Android device, or through any web browser with a current Flash plug-in, according to the company.

 

 

Legrand Ships IR Camera Kits With Waterproof Plate

By TWICE Staff On Apr 9 2012 - 4:01am

MIDDLETOWN, PA. — Legrand has begun shipping two of its IR camera kits meant for use in low-light environments.

The CM1029 and CM1030 color IR camera kits feature 24 LEDs for illuminating in poor lighting, as well as a 3.6mm lens. They also have waterproof plate to shield from bad weather, and an adjustable sun shade for use during daylight hours.

The illumination range is listed at around 65.6 feet for both cameras.

Sears Launches DieHard-Brand Alkaline Batteries

By John Laposky On Apr 9 2012 - 4:01am

HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL. — Sears last week kicked off a nationwide ad campaign to officially launch its line of DieHard-brand alkaline batteries.

The campaign celebrates 45 years of the DieHard brand, which Sears called “America’s most trusted auto battery brand.” It debuted with a commercial that recalls an iconic DieHard TV ad from the mid-1970s in which a car parked on a frozen lake in International Falls, Minn., for three months starts thanks to its DieHard battery.

50 Cent's SMS Audio Unveils In-Ear Model

By Lisa Johnston On Apr 9 2012 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — SMS Audio formally unveiled the latest addition to its line of Street by 50 headphones, an in-ear model.

The headphones, which were first mentioned during International CES, feature 11mm drivers, a flat cable with an in-line mic and Apple controls, six silicone tips and a carrying case.

They’re currently available in two colors — Shadow Black or Ghost White — for $119. Further details weren’t available at press time.

Panasonic Unveils Spring DECT Phone Line

By John Laposky On Apr 9 2012 - 4:01am

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Panasonic unveiled six new DECT 6.0 Plus consumer home telephones, including two with Link2Cell technology.

The two new Link2Cell models, the KX-TG7740 and KX-TG7730 series, allow a user to make and receive cellphone calls on any handset via Bluetooth. Once paired, cell phone calls will ring on all compatible Panasonic handsets; users can transfer up to 3,050 entries from a cellphone address book to the handset with a touch of a button.

One On One: J&R's Jason Friedman

By John Laposky On Feb 28 2012 - 10:27pm

NEW YORK – J&R executive VP Jason Friedman sat down with TWICE to discuss the retailer’s latest “super boutique,” J&R Jr., on the day of its grand opening.

Friedman: TWICE. I love you guys. It’s interesting that you want to cover this. I’m really glad.

TWICE: Well, we recently returned from CES and saw a lot of kids stuff and baby technology. Seems like a natural direction to go.

Toy Fair Attendance Up In 2012, Apps Rule

Lisa Johnston On Feb 28 2012 - 11:30pm

NEW YORK — At Toy Fair, held here earlier this month, manufacturers participated in the “everything old is new again” line of thinking by taking old things like puzzles and making them new again with apps.

Conversely, they were also taking new things like tablets and finding uses for them with standard toys, such as Hot Wheels cars.

Parrot Offers AR.Drone 2.0

By John Laposky On Feb 28 2012 - 11:36pm

PARIS — Parrot is rolling out its next-generation AR.Drone 2.0 “quadricopter” with a host of new features including an HD video camera/ recorder.

The aerial drone, which is controlled by Wi- Fi using a smartphone or tablet and Parrot’s free AR.Freeflight 2.0 piloting app, features a forward-facing 1,280 by 720 camera that streams real-time video or still images to the control device’s screen. It can record the content to the controller device, or to a USB drive (not included) under the hull of the drone.

Turtle Beach Updates Headsets

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 30 2012 - 6:01am

ELMSFORD, N.Y. — Just a few days prior to International CES, Turtle Beach took the wraps off the products it planned to show to attendees.

The Ear Force X42 wireless Dolby surround-sound and Ear Force X32 wireless stereo Xbox 360 headsets are billed as replacements for the company’s Ear Force X31 and X41 models. The updated versions feature 2.4GHz dualband Wi-Fi and 50mm drivers. Suggested retail is $99.99 for the X32 and $159 for the X42. Availability wasn’t set at press time.

At CES, Smart Energy Abounds

By John Laposky On Jan 30 2012 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — As a backdrop to the thousands of new products introduced at CES that draw power, there seemed to be almost as many solutions for boosting, controlling, monitoring and supplying that power.

“Smart energy” was a term thrown about the show by major component manufacturers as well as accessories suppliers. With energy costs continuing to rise, the industry has narrowed its focus to the conservation of energy through control and monitoring of power draw, especially when components and devices are not in use.