Consumer Electronics Daily News

Avegant Introduces Glyph Head Mounted Virtual Retinal Display Technology

After years of development and research, Avegant is releasing the beta consumer concept of the Virtual Retinal Display now called Glyph™.

The Glyph™ headset integrates a brilliant, vivid video display and premium audio experience in a unique flip-down form factor. Prototypes of the Glyph™ Beta are currently assembled and tested and will be featured at the International CES in Las Vegas from January 7-10, 2014. Consumer units will be available by Kickstarter on January 22 for $499 and will ship later in the year.

Key to the innovative nature of Glyph™ is its optical engine called a Virtual Retinal Display. Using a low powered LED, a series of custom optics and a micromirror array, the visuals produced by the headset are crisper and brighter than those from conventional display technologies. This creates an environment perfect for media consumption from 3D movies to desktop environments to streamed television shows. Integrated head tracking allows for immersive, responsive gaming that is compatible with all of the latest consoles and games.

"We've created a premium media experience that people can use with music, movies and games on any device they already own, including their smart phone. Integrating high-end audio with the Glyph™ and packaging it into a forward-thinking design is critical to a great experience "said Allan Evans, CTO of Avegant.

"Avegant has made some great progress improving core technology that will make generalized virtual worlds possible," added Phillip Rosedale, creator of Second Life.

Avegant plans to unveil Glyph™ Beta headsets to the public and media at CES on January 6. The headset will make its first public appearance at NBCUniversal cable network Syfy's CES 2014 event "Who Will Take Your Brand Into the Future?", part of VivaKi/Publicis Groupe's "Bright Lights, Big Ideas" CES initiative.

Said Michael Engleman, EVP Marketing, Digital and Global Brand Strategy, Syfy, "We're excited about featuring Avegant to debut the Glyph™ at our CES event.  It's an extremely innovative product that perfectly demonstrates the next wave of how consumers, and more specifically our audience of Igniters, experience immersive entertainment."

Media and public interested in demoing the Glyph™ at CES can register their interest at avegant.com/ces.

A Kickstarter campaign around Glyph™ will commence on January 22, 2014. The shipped version will have one HDMI/MHL cable, onboard battery power and a thinner, narrower display band than the Glyph™ Beta shown at CES. The presale price for Glyph™ will be set at $499 with ancillary incentives via the campaign.

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TI Innovation Shapes the Future of Consumer Electronics at CES

Texas Instruments plans to demonstrate several of its new products that are shaping the future of personal electronics in action at the 2014 International CES, Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas. From wearables to automotive infotainment systems to intelligent display to advancements in health technology, TI's advanced analog semiconductors and embedded processors power nearly every type of electronic device a person touches. Follow all the news and TI's CES highlights at www.ti.com/ces2014-pr.   

Consumer electronics are becoming more sophisticated and feature-rich. As a result, the need for technology advancements that enable longer battery life, real-time connectivity, and smaller, smarter, more efficient electronics will continue to increase. TI will showcase dozens of product demonstrations in its TI Village (#N115-N118) that will help meet these needs, including: 

• Automotive: From curved screen, free-form infotainment display, and advanced driver assistance systems, to wireless connectivity, power management and solutions for hybrid/electric powertrains, TI is changing the way the industry thinks of automotive innovation.
• DLP® display: TI's DLP Pico™ technology enables a big screen viewing experience from the smallest devices. Broad ranging intelligent display applications incorporating DLP Pico will be demonstrated, including near eye display, augmented reality, handheld mobile products, ultimate big picture entertainment products, and interactive surface computing.
• Across the board:
  • The Internet of Things (IoT): From smart watches, fitness gadgets and entertainment devices to connected lighting, home automation applications and more, TI is helping manufacturers connect more for the growing Internet of Things.
  • HealthTech: Showcasing the latest advancements in health, fitness and medical imaging technology, TI's components help enable live-saving devices and wearable health monitors that allow individuals to take charge of their wellness.
  • Wireless power/energy harvesting: Advancements in wireless power and energy harvesting technologies are helping to power the IoT, as well as relieve dead battery anxiety that consumers often experience with portable electronics.
• Audio: TI products help bring sound to life by enhancing quality and clarity for all types of audio systems. TI will show advancements in streaming audio, sound enhancement and system integration. 

AVG Delivers Shopping Privacy for the Holiday Season With New Wi-Fi Do Not Track feature for Smartphone Users

- AVG Technologies N.V. today announced the release of a new Wi-Fi® Do Not Track (DNT) feature available in its flagship AVG PrivacyFix^TM for Android^TM application, aimed at giving consumers the choice to block tracking of their location enabled by Wi-Fi networks in retail stores and other public venues. By using AVG PrivacyFix to choose the adjustments they wish to make their smartphone settings, shoppers can now trust that their retail experience will be more private than ever before.

The new Wi-Fi DNT feature within AVG PrivacyFix for Android enables users to have the Wi-Fi on their smartphones automatically suspended when they are out and about, only reconnecting in the vicinity of pre-set trusted Wi-Fi locations, such as their home, office or regular coffee shop, for example. This prevents the device from transmitting a unique code (MAC address) which retailers and marketers have begun using to track the movement of shoppers based on physical location. Retailers are using this information to count visitors, optimize store layouts or measure the effectiveness of mobile advertising.

"Using Wi-Fi technology to capture our location data in stores provides retailers with analytics. The problem is that consumers have limited notice of these activities, often no opportunity to opt-out, and many may not realize they are even being observed in this way," said Gary Kovacs, Chief Executive Officer, AVG Technologies. "My view is that trust is at the heart of all successful transactions. Take that away, and you devalue technology's significant potential. AVG was the first security company to provide active Do Not Track in our desktop products and, with consumers increasingly using mobile devices to get online, we have maintained our leadership by extending this choice to the physical world."

"The commercialization of Wi-Fi tracking of shoppers appears to be on the rise with companies offering such services to retailers. Yet often these services lack any opt-out mechanism for consumers and fail to provide assurance of basic encryption protection of your device identifier. AVG PrivacyFix offers individuals the choice and control over their privacy that the industry has yet to provide," said Jim Brock, VP Privacy Products, AVG Technologies. "Until we see broadly accepted and protective industry standards in place to regulate smartphone tracking in the real-world, consumers need to fend for themselves. We're here to make that easier."

AVG PrivacyFix featuring the new Wi-Fi DNT feature has been developed as an additional element to the existing AVG PrivacyFix application, which allows people to manage their privacy settings across popular online sites, such as Facebook and Google+ and is available now to download for Android smartphones here. 

New VINCI MV Tablet For Families Is Available In Time For The Holidays

 Rullingnet Corporation, home of VINCI Blended Learning Curriculum for early childhood, announced today the launch of VINCI MV Family Tablet 7-inch Android 4.1 tablet designed specifically for families with young children up to nine years old. VINCI MV comes pre-loaded with five VINCI Curriculum apps, Kids Library app samples and 12 VINCI music video titles. Additional Curriculum apps are available for purchase through VINCI Kids Library atwww.vincigenius.com.

Parents can use VINCI MV as a regular Android tablet and feel safe sharing it with their children as the content has no commercials, no in-app purchases, no violence and no adult content. The wireless 3G tablet is voice enabled and provides direct access to pre-qualified children's educational content, including VINCI Curriculum (sold separately) and VINCI Kids Library featuring more than 800 story books, games and videos for download.

VINCI MV is powered by a MTK 6577 system-on-the-chip processor with integrated GPU. The tablet features a dual-lens camera, 8GB of storage and dual, unlocked, quad-band SIM slots for voice activation where service plans are available. The tablet is lightweight and has been vigorously drop-tested for durability.

"VINCI MV is the ideal family tablet because it offers parents all the features of an adult Android tablet, including email, Skype and Google Play, but it can be safely shared with children," said Dr. Dan Yang, Creator of VINCI. "The VINCI family tablet is affordable, rugged and provides children access to award-winning content that is fun, educational, age-appropriate, safe and commercial free." 

Also included with the VINCI MV are a leather case, travel charger, USB cable and earphone with microphone.

VINCI MV retails for $199.99 and is available now at www.vincigenius.com and at national retailers including Best Buy.

Vuzix New Video Eyewear Product Wrap 1200DX Released for Pre-Order

Vuzix Corporation, which supplies video eyeware and smart glasses products in the consumer, commercial and entertainment markets, announced today that it has released a new product - the Wrap 1200DX - an all-digital video eyewear solution utilizing a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connection, projecting high-quality 2D and 3D crystal clear video for users. 

The Wrap 1200DX technology enables a plug 'n play connection to the broadest range of audio/video, multimedia, mobile and computer devices, and projects images on a relative 75" virtual widescreen display, as seen from 10 ft. (~3m). The Wrap 1200DX is designed for consumers who use video eyewear in settings such as airplanes or for enhanced gaming and virtual reality. The device is now available for Pre-Order on the Vuzix website for $499.99, continuing an important product line and source of revenue for the company in video eyewear. Volume shipments to channel customers will take place before US Thanksgiving.

"We are excited to begin shipping the Wrap 1200DX video eyewear, offering a huge 2D and 3D 75-inch screen, as seen from 10 feet. Vuzix offers what we believe is the most complete, broadest product line in the wearable technology video eyewear category, and this digital input solution for the wrap line rounds it out nicely for those looking for connectivity to the latest devices," said Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix.

The Wrap 1200DX model connects to virtually any device providing a HDMI compliant port such as mobile phones, tablets, Blu-ray players, game consoles and personal computers. For those looking for something beyond simply watching video, the Wrap 1200DX can be transformed into a virtualrReality gaming experience with an optional Wrap Tracker to add head tracking capabilities to supporting games and simulations for a see-where-you-look virtual reality gaming experience. Users can also clip on an optional Wrap Lightshield for a truly immersive home theatre experience.

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OmniVision's New Image Sensor Delivers Ultra-High Resolution 4K2K Video with Best-In-Class High- and Low-Light Performance

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. today announced the OV10822, a new 10.5-megapixel CameraChip™ sensor that brings DSC-level performance to smartphones and tablets. The OV10822 is a native 16:9 high definition (HD) image sensor capable of recording ultra-high resolution 4K2K video and transitioning seamlessly between recording still images and HD video. The sensor leverages OmniVision's most advanced 1.4-micron OmniBSI-2™ pixel to provide dramatically increased sensitivity and improved high- and low-light performance, delivering excellent image and video quality even in difficult lighting conditions.

"It is no secret that the next generation smartphones and tablets will be moving to higher resolution cameras, but higher resolution does not guarantee better performance," said Harish Iyer, product marketing manager at OmniVision. "The OV10822's new pixel has thus been crafted to provide not only higher resolution, but enhanced performance at higher resolutions as well.  This key feature combination is designed to addresses the OEM's drive to achieve balance between industrial design, box specification and the desire to truly deliver DSC-quality images and video on mobile devices."

As a native 16:9 sensor, the OV10822 offers instant transition between video and image capture modes on mobile devices, and enables the user to capture still images while simultaneously recording HD video without any change in field of view (FOV). The 1/2.6-inch OV10822 utilizes an optimized 1.4-micron OmniBSI-2 pixel to deliver improved high- and low-light performance, as well as alternate row high dynamic range (HDR) functionality. With these features, the OV10822 can offer excellent scene reproduction even in difficult lighting conditions. It records full-resolution 10.5-megapixel (4320 x 2432 pixels) video at 30 frames per second (FPS), as well as 4K2K (3840 x 2160 pixels) at 30 FPS with full horizontal FOV. Additionally, the OV10822 can support 1080p FHD video at 60 FPS while maintaining FOV with binning functionality for RAW output.

The OV10822 features a high-speed 4-lane MIPI output interface to support the required high data transfer rate, and fits into a camera module form factor of 10 x 10 x 6.5 mm. With advancements in lens designs and autofocus actuator technology, the OV10822 will soon be fitting into camera modules that are under 6 mm in height.

The OV10822 is currently available for sampling and is expected to enter volume production in the first quarter of 2014.

Casino Gaming App Brings Las Vegas Rewards to Smartphones

PLAYSTUDIOS today announced the global release of myVEGAS Slots for iOS and Android – the first mobile game offering real-world rewards to players. This move brings the proven success of PLAYSTUDIOS’ social casino gaming model from the web to mobile devices. More than 100,000 players have already redeemed over $10 million worth of real-world rewards as part of the program offering on the web. PLAYSTUDIOS expects to increase its market reach by 200 percent with the launch of myVEGAS Slots for mobile devices. myVEGAS also added four new rewards program partners to the roster, including Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Sugar Factory and the Las Vegas Monorail Company.

“We’re excited to bring our unique blend of compelling games and real-world rewards to mobile players everywhere. Nothing in the Apple or Android marketplaces captures the fun and value of Las Vegas as faithfully as myVEGAS. Now mobile players everywhere can enjoy the aspiration, entertainment, status, and comps that make Las Vegas so great,” said Andrew Pascal, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of PLAYSTUDIOS. “Launching our new app is a huge step forward for us as we connect with a rapidly expanding, increasingly global, mobile audience.”

Tom Mikulich, Senior Vice President of Business Development for MGM Resorts International, said, “MGM Resorts International is focused on providing memorable customer experiences through our world-class resorts, restaurants, and shows. The mobile launch of myVEGAS Slots represents a significant opportunity for our rewards partners within M life. It allows us to provide a unique and accessible way for our customers to engage with brands they already love – and to discover new ones that will equally delight.”

myVEGAS Slots is a free-to-play mobile casino gaming destination, developed by PLAYSTUDIOS. Players can earn points by playing a wide variety of slot games, including Mirage, Excalibur, New York New York, Frontier Fortune, Pirates Cove, Luxor and more. In each game, audiences play for the chance to accrue chips, loyalty points, status and real-world rewards. In addition, players can earn special bonuses by advancing through their own virtual Vegas by completing fun challenges, puzzles and battle rounds.

PLAYSTUDIOS has captured the essence of Las Vegas by offering an expansive collection of real-world rewards from a variety of resort, entertainment, and leisure companies. myVEGAS is the only casino game destination where players can redeem points for free Las Vegas rooms, meals, show tickets and more from some of the hottest resorts in town, including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus.

PLAYSTUDIOS carefully curates the collection of partners and rewards that are offered to its players, ensuring that each reward fits the vision and market positioning of the game. For this reason, the company is thrilled to welcome Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Sugar Factory, and Las Vegas Monorail to its portfolio.

For additional myVEGAS Rewards Program information, visit: http://www.myvegas.com.

To learn more and download the mobile apps, visit:

• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playstudios.myvegas&hl=en
• iTunes App Store:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myvegas/id714508224?mt=8

ClickN KIDS Announces Tablet's #1 Best Seller Position On Walmart.com

ClickN KIDS today announced that it has topped the list for best seller in the "Kids and Teen Electronics" and "Learning and Development Toys for Kids" categories based on recent category updates on Walmart.com. The first ever ClickN KIDS Tablet debuted on Walmart.com a few short weeks ago and can also be found in the "Tablets Under $100" and "Tablets for Kids" categories. 

"We are thrilled to work with Walmart to deliver our first ClickN KIDS tablet, focusing on children's education that is both fun and affordable," said Armie Carabet, CEO of ClickN KIDS. "The top rankings across multiple categories on Walmart.com is a testament of our commitment to provide high quality products and a sign of more things to come from ClickN KIDS in the near future."

The ClickN KIDS Tablet comes with more than 30 premium pre-loaded applications including Talking Tom 2 and Talking Ginger, Diversion, Team Awesome plus the multi-award winning Looney Tunes™ Phonics program. Featuring 100 interactive-reading lessons (a $50 value) Looney Tunes Phonics engages and educates kids with the zany antics of the iconic kid favorites Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Tasmanian Devil,Tweety Bird and more.

With a unique dual interface that allows you to select "Kids" or "Grown Ups" features, the ClickN KIDS Tablet is complete with the latest parental control features that limits the amount of time kids spend on the device and allows parents to protect their child's identity and restrict access to the Internet. Since the tablet is full featured, "Grown Ups" are able to access the internet, use Skype, check email and more with their personal secure login ID.

In addition to these standout features, the ClickN KIDS curriculum is based on recommendations from the National Reading Panel and was developed by nationally recognized early education research professor J. Ron Nelson, Ph.D. Dr. Nelson is also Director of Curriculum Development for ClickN KIDS.

For more information on the ClickN KIDS tablet, visit www.ClickNKidstablet.com.

Delta First to Submit Plan for Gate to Gate Use of Devices

Delta Air Lines is ready to allow its customers to be the first to use their portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet as early as Nov. 1, 2013 pending Federal Aviation Administration approval. All Delta aircraft have completed carrier-defined PED tolerance testing to ensure the safe operation of passenger portable electronic devices during all phases of flight and Delta's plan has been submitted to the FAA for approval.

In support of the FAA's call for expanded PED usage in flight, more than 570 mainline domestic aircraft stand ready to allow customer use of e-readers, tablets, and smartphones, all in airplane mode, during taxi, takeoff and landing on domestic flights. Delta Connection's more than 550 regional aircraft will be ready by the end of the year. In-flight Wi-Fi will continue to be available for customers above 10,000 feet.

Kingsoft Office for Android Shows Continuing Growth Exceeding 100 Million Users

Kingsoft Office Software, Inc. today announced that its Kingsoft Office for Android app recently surpassed 100 million registered users.

Kingsoft attributes the app's mass adoption to the increased popularity of large-screen smartphones and mobile tablets. According to a recent survey conducted by the company, 91 percent of US consumers are open to editing an office document on a mobile device. Fifty-five percent cite having a larger screen as a major factor toward the likelihood they will work on files such as Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or Excel Spreadsheets from a smartphone or tablet.

In addition to screen size, experience is a major factor in consumer willingness to use mobile devices for office productivity. The survey showed that 9 out of 10 US consumers simply wish editing on a mobile device was easier. The most desired attributes from survey participants included formatting options similar to those they have on their PCs; access to spell check; ability to print directly from their mobile device; ability to use an external keyboard; ability to save to different formats auto-save and recovery functions; and the ability track document edits.

"Opening office documents on a mobile device has, until very recently, been mainly a viewing exercise," said Ke Ge, CEO of Kingsoft Office Software. "With the growing popularity of smartphones and tablets, consumers want better tools for editing office documents while away from their PCs. To date, most of the default mobile office software and third-party solutions lack the experience consumers are looking for. This makes the success we've had and the incredible user reviews we've received for our Android office suite that much more exciting. People not only use our product, but they actually favor the experience."

Kingsoft Office for Android is the most feature rich mobile office suite available to Android users. Key capabilities include:

• View, edit, save and share Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents from any Android device
• Edit more easily through advanced touch and gesture controls
• Save documents as multiple file types, including PDF
• Access rich formatting features
• Add and edit images in documents
• Track, accept and reject changes
• Encrypt documents
• Sync with popular cloud services including Google Docs, Dropbox and Box.net
• Use with Bluetooth and USB keyboards
• Transfer documents to other Kingsoft users over WiFi
• And much more

Kingsoft Office is also the most popular, free mobile office suite available on Google Play and has received over 100,000 consumer reviews, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars. It's available as a free download on Google Play at http://tinyurl.com/cpj3d8d.