Consumer Electronics Daily News

Pioneer’s 2013 In-Dash Multimedia DVD Receivers Continue to Define Connectivity and Integration

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. introduces five new in-dash multimedia DVD receivers that meet consumers’ desire for more smartphone connectivity and integration. The new line of multimedia DVD receivers features Pioneer’s exclusive Advanced App Mode, smartphone connectivity and MIXTRAX^™ virtual DJ technology plus high resolution touchscreen displays, DVD/CD media playback, USB connectivity, Pandora^® internet radio connectivity and more. Several models also integrate direct control of the SiriusXM^® Vehicle Connect Tuner, Bluetooth^® wireless connectivity and built-in HD Radio^® Technology.

ADVANCED APP MODE (All Models)

A feature derived from Pioneer’s innovative AppRadio, Advanced App Mode for iOS is now available in all 2013 multimedia DVD receivers (compatible iPhone^® and appropriate Pioneer accessory cable required, sold separately). Through their large WVGA LCD touchscreen displays combined with the free of charge Pioneer AppRadio App, users can easily view and control compatible third-party apps installed on their compatible iPhone devices, expanding the receiver’s functionality to more than just a traditional car receiver. More than a dozen smartphone-based apps optimized for in-vehicle use are available.

MIXTRAX MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (All Models)

Pioneer’s revolutionary MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology is incorporated into each model, transforming a music library into a nonstop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience. The MIXTRAX virtual DJ inserts transitions and effects to music played from a compatible iPhone, iPod or USB storage device.

SIRIUS XM RADIO CONNECTIVITY (AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS)

Both the AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS feature direct SiriusXM compatibility with the SXV200 SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner offers a simple, inexpensive solution for adding satellite radio, and Pioneer's multimedia DVD receivers are the first in-vehicle products to market that include the new Tune Start and Tune Scan features. 

BLUETOOTH WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

From the AVH-X2500BT and up, Bluetooth connectivity is built in to provide a wireless communication and data connection to Bluetooth enabled devices. The Bluetooth profiles include the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for wireless calling and receiving; the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for wireless audio streaming; the Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.3 for wireless control of devices and related metadata (if available) to be viewed directly on the Pioneer touchscreen display; and the Serial Port Profile (SPP) for streaming and control of Pandora internet radio from Android™ smartphones.

HD RADIO TECHNOLOGY (AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS)

The AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS feature integrated HD Radio tuners, providing clear digital reception of HD Radio HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations around the country. Both models also feature the HD Radio Artist Experience™, displaying album art or station logos (when available) in addition to the artist and song title information.

INTEGRATED FEATURES

Pioneer’s multimedia DVD receiver lineup offers a large, high quality 6.1 or 7-inch WVGA touchscreen displays. A new graphical user interface (GUI) in conjunction with Pioneer’s intuitive Touch Slide Control provides easy and intuitive control of various sources and features.

Pioneer’s multimedia receivers will be available in November 2012 with suggested prices of $300 (AVH-X1500DVD), $350 (AVH-X2500BT), $400 (AVH-X3500BHS), $450 (AVH-X4500BT) and $500 (AVH-X5500BHS).

Keep Tabs on Your Home from Anywhere with Belkin’s New NetCam Wi-Fi Camera

Belkin today announced the new NetCam Wi-Fi Camera with Night Vision that allows you to monitor your home on your smartphone or tablet from anywhere.

“The beauty of the Belkin NetCam is its simplicity and versatility. It allows you to keep an eye on your pets, your kids after school, your belongings, or even your baby’s room, on any iOS or Android device without the need for a computer,” said Mike Chen, senior director of product management for Belkin’s networking group. “It sets up in minutes, giving you peace of mind without any hassle.”

The NetCam features infrared night vision for clear viewing even in low or no light, plus wide-angle video to get a better view of more of your room. The NetCam allows you to save live video to your mobile device for easy sharing and also provides clear digital audio to listen in on your room as well as see it.

The NetCam sets up easily using any iOS or Android device and connects directly to a Wi-Fi router without the need of a computer. Download the free NetCam app to begin monitoring your home anytime, anywhere. The app also provides email alerts, notifying you when motion is detected and sending you a snapshot of the motion.

NetCam Wi-Fi Camera with Night Vision (F7D7601) $129.99

• Night vision for clear sight even in the dark
• Wide-angle video for larger spaces
• Easy mobile setup eliminates the need for a computer to connect
• Movement-detection notifications sent via email
• Save live video directly to your mobile device
• Digital audio for crystal-clear sound
• Works with the free NetCam app; no subscription service needed
• Requires a Wi-Fi router and Internet connection
• Compatible with iOS 4.2 and up as well as Android 2.2 and up

The NetCam Wi-Fi Camera with Night Vision is available now on Belkin.com and Amazon.com. It will be available at Walmart and Verizon in November and Target in December. Additional retailers coming soon. The NetCam app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Pioneer Provides Access to a World of Technology and Media Sources with New Single CD Receivers

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today completed its line of feature-rich 2013 single CD receivers with the release of five new models. Designed to align with today’s consumer trends by bringing the connected lifestyle into the vehicle, the new models offer a suite convenient and entertainment features including Pioneer’s exclusive MIXTRAX™ virtual DJ technology, CD playback, USB connectivity, iPhone^® certified connectivity, Pandora^® internet radio connectivity and more. Several models also add Bluetooth^® wireless connectivity, direct control of the SiriusXM^® Vehicle Connect Tuner, and built-in HD Radio^® Technology as well as enhanced entertainment and sound quality options to complement consumers’ listening trends.

More music and entertainment options are packed into Pioneer’s new CD receivers, a first to market feature.

• MIXTRAX – The MIXTRAX virtual DJ inserts transitions and effects to music played from an iPhone, iPod or USB storage device. For advanced customization, users have the ability to pick the types of effects and transitions added between songs as well as the length a song plays before transitioning to the next song.
• PANDORA INTERNET RADIO – Pandora internet radio connectivity is available on all five new models via a connected iPhone running the Pandora app. For Android™ users, the DEH-X8500BS, DEH-X8500BH, and DEH-X9500BHS provide wireless control and playback of the Pandora app via Bluetooth Serial Port Profile.
• SIRIUS XM RADIO CONNECTIVITY – The DEH-X7500S, DEH-X8500BS and DEH-X9500BHS models feature direct SiriusXM compatibility with the SXV200 SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner offers a simple, inexpensive solution for adding satellite radio. 
• HD RADIO TECHNOLOGY – The DEX-X7500HD, DEH-X8500BH and DEH-X9500BHS feature integrated HD Radio tuners, providing clear digital reception of HD Radio HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations around the country while displaying text information such as the currently playing artist and song title.

Pioneer’s lineup integrates compatibility with many of today’s most popular smartphones to match consumer demand for continuous connectivity.

• MADE FOR IPHONE – iPhone and iPod users can access and play music from their iTunes^® music libraries using the receiver’s front panel controls while simultaneously charging the device’s battery with one amp of charging.
• USB CONNECTIVITY – A USB port located at the rear of every receiver will play music stored in USB flash drives and even some hard drives (depending on the power requirements of the hard drive). When a compatible iPhone is connected via the USB port, users can take advantage of Pioneer’s proprietary technology, App Mode.
• BLUETOOTH WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY – The DEH-X8500BS, DEH-X8500BH, and DEH-X9500BHS feature built-in Bluetooth wireless capability and allows for hands-free calling as well as music streaming from compatible Bluetooth enabled devices. The receivers also support voice control via Bluetooth when paired with a compatible iPhone^® 3GS or later.

Pioneer’s high-end single CD receivers will be available in November 2012 with suggested retail prices of $150 (DEH-X7500S), $170 (DEH-X7500HD), $190 (DEH-X8500BS), $210 (DEH-X8500BH) and $260 (DEH-X9500BHS).

Nexus: The Best of Google, Now in Three Sizes

Google^TM today announced three new Nexus devices in small, medium and large all running Android 4.2, a new flavor of Jelly Bean—which includes the latest version of Google Now and other new features.

Nexus 4 is the latest smartphone, developed together with LG. It has a quad-core processor which means it's super fast, a crisp 4.7" (320 ppi) display for looking at photos and watching YouTube, and with wireless charging you just set the phone down on a charging surface to power it up, no wires needed. Snap shots up, down and in every direction to create stunning 360-degree immersive experiences that you can share on Google+ with friends and family—or you can add your Photo Sphere to Google Maps for the world to see.

Android 4.2 brings other goodies like Gesture Typing, which lets you glide your finger over the letters you want to type on the keyboard—it makes typing fast, fun and a whole lot simpler. Android 4.2 also adds support for wireless display so you can wirelessly watch movies, YouTube videos and play games right on your Miracast-compatible HDTV.

Nexus 7 brings you the best of Google–YouTube, Chrome, Gmail, Maps–and all the great content from Google Play in a slim, portable package that fits perfectly in your hand.

Nexus 10 is the highest resolution tablet on the planet with a 10.055" display at 2560-by-1600 (300ppi), that's over 4 million pixels right in your hands. It comes with a powerful battery that will get you up to nine hours of video playback and more than 500 hours of standby time. With a set of front-facing stereo speakers, you can watch movies right from your Nexus 10. With Android 4.2, you can add multiple users and switch between them instantly right from the lockscreen.

On November 13, users in the U.K, France, Germany, Italy and Spain will be able to purchase music from the Google Play store and add up to 20,000 songs—for free—from their existing collections to the cloud for streaming to Android devices or web browsers.

Additional features include:

• Nexus 4: 8GB for $299; 16GB for $349; available unlocked and without a contract on 11/13 on the Google Play store in the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada. The 16GB version will also be available through T-Mobile for $199, with a 2-year contract.

• Nexus 7: 16GB for $199 and 32GB for $249; available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan, and also through our retail partners Gamestop, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Walmart.

• Nexus 7 with 32GB and mobile data: $299 and unlocked, on sale 11/13 in the Google Play store in the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain and  Canada.

• Nexus 10: 16GB for $399; 32GB for $499; available on 11/13 in the Google Play Store in the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan.

Livestream Launches Free Android App Enabling Anyone to Broadcast Live Video Directly From Their Phone

Today Livestream  has released live video broadcasting capabilities to its Livestream for Producers Android App to help reach its goal of providing everyone with the tools needed to democratize live video. Features of the Android App include live video broadcasting and live blogging through posting real time text, photos and video clip. An iPhone app is already available for download.

The Android app allows anyone to share live video, photos and text updates of significant events in their work and lives. Debuting at the same time as "super storm" Hurricane Sandy, the Livestream android app offers a new way for users to share their experience of a once in a lifetime event in real time with their social networks.  The free Livestream for Producers Android and iPhone App (available today) make it all possible at the highest quality performance on every network available - 3G, 4G, and Wifi. 

"We're changing the industry's standards for live broadcasting from mobile devices by focusing on what matters most, video quality in cellular networks," said Max Haot, CEO and Co-Founder of Livestream. "Thanks to our innovative engineering approach, we believe our app is an unprecedented breakthrough in both video quality and reliability when streaming live over 3G and 4G networks making it the perfect tool for coverage under trying conditions."

Livestream for Producers app users can send their first-hand accounts of Hurricane Sandy to [email protected] to be featured on Livestream.com's Sandycam 
(http://new.livestream.com/breakinglivenowdirect/sandycam)

Get Livestream for Producers for Android (Free in Android Marketplace)
http://livestream.com/android

Get Livestream for Producers for iPhone (Free in App Store)
http://livestream.com/iphone

Trimble Introduces Next Generation Rugged Tablet Computer

Trimble introduced today the Yuma® 2 rugged tablet computer—a powerful mobile computing solution that provides full office capabilities in the field for construction, transportation, public safety, field service, forestry, utilities, mapping, insurance and any other outdoor or service-related industry.

The Yuma 2 offers a 7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen in an easy-to-hold form factor that measures 6.3 inches x 9.6 inches, and weighs less than three pounds. Featuring new display technology for even clearer readability in direct sunlight, the Yuma 2 can be used by mobile workers in the brightest outdoor conditions. The 3.75G dual-mode cellular data capability enables connectivity anywhere GSM or CDMA cellular networks are available.

Featuring the Microsoft® Windows 7 Professional operating system, the Yuma 2 is a fully-functional field computer with a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom dual-core processor, 4 GB of DDR3 DRAM, a 64 GB solid state drive (SSD) and a dual battery with eight hours of typical run-time. Optional features include a 128 GB SSD, 3.75G cellular data connectivity and an Extended Battery Set that provides up to 16 hours of operation.

With the multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, users can type with fingers, stylus or capacitive gloves and can control the size of the keyboard on the display for ease-of-use. Controlled zoom can optimize the user experience with maps and detailed information. The display supports use in landscape or portrait mode and is configurable to hold the orientation or to alter it in response to the accelerometer. The 5-megapixel camera provides video and photo capture with geo-tagging. The GPS receiver provides 2 to 4 meter accuracy, making it ideal for data collection in applications such as distributed asset management, work order management, fleet logistics and more.

"Ruggedness and connectivity in the field are vital for mobile workers—and Trimble has a history of providing innovative computing solutions to the market," said Jim Sheldon, general manager of Trimble's Mobile Computing Solutions Division. "Today, users demand solutions that are even tougher, faster, more reliable and easier to use, so they can be more efficient and productive. With new features and functionality, the Yuma two is an ideal solution that provides even more computing power to mobile professionals—more memory, computing speed, drive capacity, connectivity options and better display readability."

As with other Trimble rugged mobile computers, the Yuma 2 meets stringent MIL-STD-810G military standards for drops, vibration and humidity; and with an IP65 rating, it is protected against dust and water.

Four different configurations are available to provide the tablet that meets the right need at the right price. Options include a larger SSD and 3.75G GSM and CDMA cellular data capability, as well as three different color schemes.

The Trimble Yuma 2 tablet computer is expected to be available early in the fourth quarter of 2012. For more information about the Trimble Yuma 2 and other outdoor rugged handheld computers, visit www.trimble.com/rugged.

FreedomPop Launches Market-Disruptive 4G iPod touch Sleeve, Transforming the touch into an iPhone

FreedomPop, the disruptive free wireless Internet company, today announced it is now shipping its highly anticipated iPod touch 4G Sleeve, which until today has been limited to pre-orders only. The FreedomPop iPod touch 4G Sleeve snaps onto any fourth generation iPod touch, enabling a seamless connection to FreedomPop's free high-speed 4G network and allowing the iPod to function like an iPhone. With FreedomPop's iPod touch 4G Sleeve, users will be able to use their iPod touch anywhere there is FreedomPop coverage – not just on Wi-Fi at home or in public venues.

"Until today, the iPod touch has been a Wi-Fi only device. As of today, consumers can now receive fast and free Internet for their iPod on-the-go," said Mauricio Sastre, Vice President Product, FreedomPop. "By leveraging a VoIP app such as Skype, the iPod touch essentially becomes a carrier-free option that allows consumers to enjoy an iPhone-like experience without signing contracts or paying monthly fees." 

With the Sleeve, the iPod touch can stream videos, make VOIP calls, serve a hotspot for up to eight devices, and be connected to Wi-Fi anywhere FreedomPop's 4G network exists. The iPod touch 4G Sleeve delivers speeds of up to 10x 3G speeds currently available on the iPhone 4/4S. It also turns the iPod touch into a wireless hotspot, allowing up to eight other devices to connect to it.

The availability of the FreedomPop iPod touch 4G Sleeve comes on the heels of the company's public Beta launch earlier this month, which has shaken up the wireless market with it's game-changing offering: a guaranteed minimum of 500MB of free 4G wireless Internet service every month.  No contracts, no ads, no gimmicks.  An overview of markets served nationwide can be found at www.FreedomPop.com.

The iPod touch 4G Sleeve is available now for purchase at www.FreedomPop.com, retailing for $99.

Handwriting Goes Mobile With the Introduction of the Sky wifi smartpen From Livescribe

Livescribe Inc. announced today the launch of the Sky wifi smartpen, the first digital pen to integrate WiFi technology and cloud services. Sky digitizes everything consumers write and hear and automatically sends it to their personal Evernote accounts, where it is securely stored and readily available to search, play back, organize and share.

With the Sky wifi smartpen people don’t have to choose between writing on paper and writing on a tablet – they can have the best of both worlds. Sky is an ideal companion to an iPad or Android tablet. Together they offer the ease, flexibility and precision of writing on paper with the benefits of saving, searching, replaying and sharing on a tablet.

Once in Evernote, customers can easily play back their synchronized notes and audio, called pencasts, with the new web-based Livescribe Player, which requires no installation. The Livescribe Player not only allows them to start at the beginning of an audio recording, but it also allows them to jump directly to a specific point in time just by tapping or clicking on a handwritten word or drawing.

In addition to reviewing pencasts on their computers and mobile devices, consumers can also:

• Search – Notes are searchable by tags, titles, keywords and even for words within handwritten notes
• Share – Individual notes, including pencasts, can be shared publically or privately with colleagues and peers via link, email, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Entire notebooks can also be shared for easy collaboration
• Organize – Pencasts can be organized alongside other related content including documents, presentations, photos, videos and web pages

The Sky wifi smartpen works with both Evernote (free) and Evernote Premium and can be linked to new or existing Evernote accounts. Sky includes an additional 500MB of monthly upload capacity (up to 70 hours of recording time) for content created with the smartpen.

In addition to launching the Sky wifi smartpen, Livescribe also announced today the pre-release of the Livescribe Mobile SDK (0.9), with limited availability starting in December. The Mobile SDK will enable the Sky wifi smartpen to connect directly to tablets and smartphones through a WiFi connection. Developers will be able to easily integrate a real-time, pen-and-paper experience into their applications.

The official 1.0 version of the Mobile SDK for iOS is planned for Q1 2013, and an Android version is planned for Q2 2012.

In the U.S. market, the Sky wifi smartpen from Livescribe is available at Best Buy, Fry’s, Apple stores and many college campus bookstores, as well as online at Livescribe.com, BestBuy.com and Amazon.com. The 2GB Sky wifi smartpen records around 200 hours of audio and is $169.95. The 4GB Sky wifi smartpen records around 400 hours of audio and is $199.95. The 8GB Sky wifi smartpen propack is offered exclusively through Best Buy and Livescribe.com. It records around 800 hours of audio and includes Livescribe’s smartpen portfolio and a one-year subscription to Evernote Premium for $249.95.

For more information about the Sky wifi smartpen, visit www.livescribe.com/sky.

Make Your Move to Windows 8 with Seagate

With the consumer availability of Microsoft Windows 8 operating system, Seagate Technology plc is helping to make the move as seamless as possible for those making the upgrade. Seagate^® Backup Plus family of drives is the essential upgrade tool to ensure that all your important files make the move with you. All of Seagate’s external storage devices are compatible with current Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP, and will also work with the new Windows 8 OS.

According to Gartner’s Forecast Analysis: PC OS Market, Worldwide, 2008-2015, 2011 Update, July 2011; “By the end of 2012 it is expected that 9.6 million of the installed base of personal computers will run Windows 8 and by 2013, it is predicted that 193.2 million personal computers in use will be running Windows 8.”

Before you upgrade, it is critical that you perform a back up, or, to put it more succinctly, pack up all your photos, music, movies, financial records and other important documents. Sometimes things get lost in a move and a Seagate Backup Plus hard drive can be your protection plan. An external hard drive from Seagate makes the task of backup and migrating of important data and content simple.

Seagate Backup Plus hard drives featuring the Seagate Dashboard backup software removes the barriers to performing back up and content preservation by making it as easy as possible. With just a click of an icon, computer files are replicated onto a Backup Plus drive. Once you’ve performed the upgrade to Windows 8 or purchased a new computer, Backup Plus is ready to be put to work on your new system with all of your files. Additionally, after migrating your files, Seagate Backup Plus drives can also be set up using the new Windows 8 backup feature, File History.

Available immediately from Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers including Seagate.com, Seagate Backup Plus drives are available in capacities of 500GB, 750GB and 1TB capacities for portable drives and 1TB to 4TB for Backup Plus Desktop drives.

This family of external storage is available in red, blue, silver and black for the portable 2.5-inch form factor with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices by capacity: 500GB, $109.99; 750GB, $119.99 and 1TB, $129.99. The Backup Plus Desktop 3.5-inch drive: 1TB, $129.99; 2TB, $159.99; 3TB, $179.99 and 4TB, $239.99 MSRP.

ClamCase Announces iPad Mini Keyboard Case

ClamCase® introduces the ClamCase iPad mini keyboard case, the most portable and compact ClamCase yet. The thinnest and lightest model in the ClamCase product line was designed to keep big things in a small package. The ClamCase iPad mini keyboard case offers a fresh new look with an affordable price tag suitable for just about everyone.   The ClamCase iPad mini keyboard case offers all of the same incredible features of the PC Mag Editors' Choice Award winning original ClamCase.  The patent-pending 360-degree hinge makes the transition from a laptop to a gorgeous reader a simple one, and allows for infinite viewing angles. The hard polycarbonate plastic shell completely encloses the iPad offering unmatched protection. The on-screen keyboard occupies nearly half the iPad's display and the new mini version makes on-screen real estate more important than ever. The ClamCase iPad mini keyboard case helps take that space back.

The ClamCase replaces the awkward and small on-screen keyboard interface with the tactile and responsive island-style keyboard. The ClamCase iPad mini keyboard case will be available early 2013.

Information on the ClamCase iPad mini keyboard case is available at the ClamCase online store at ClamCase.com For more information on the latest releases, or to view the entire lineup of ClamCase products please visit ClamCase.com.