Simon Walsh

With theater subscription services from MoviePass coming along to get people in theaters, large entities like AMC have been pressured to step up to the plate with competing options. While competition is likely to get the theater on people’s minds, the heat dished by the latest home theater gear works to negate that by giving customers a plethora of ways to have top-notch experiences without the need to leave their house. To make home theater hardware even better, Denon and Marantz have both announced updates for some A/V receivers to provide support for IMAX Enhanced, a technology that was unveiled earlier today.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Ever since Hisense announced its $10,000 laser TV, the company has been working to expand its lineup to offer additional options to its customers. Just a few months back, Hisense released its $3,000 L5 laser TV, but we have not heard if that model will be making its way to the United States. Today’s announcement of two more laser TVs from the company gives us hope that we will start seeing laser TVs on display at stores and in homes willing to pay a premium to have the latest-and-greatest tech.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Japan-based company, JVC has announced 3 new projectors to be released in the near future. While two of its new projectors offer native 4K resolution, the one that takes the cake is what the company is calling the “world’s first” 8K e-shift home theater projector. There are a lot of 4K projectors from brands like ViewSonic, Optoma, Epson, and Sony available on Amazon, but you will be a hard-pressed to find similar options from JVC. While JVC is a brand that is fairly well-known by consumers, most of its products are no-where near as popular as the previously-mentioned competitors’ offerings in the US. With the unveiling of its new high-end consumer-focused projectors, the company may be able to pique the interest of folks looking to improve their home theater setup.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Bang & Olufsen has used IFA Berlin (similar to CES in the United States) as a platform to announce some of its upcoming products. Just yesterday we covered the company’s new $3,500 Beosound Edge speaker that was also unveiled at this event. B&O’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection brings colors inspired by the old city of Marrakesh to four of its products. The three colors found in the AW2018 collection are referenced by the company as Dark Plum, Terracotta, and Limestone. While the Beoplay E6, H9i, and Earset will be available in select shades of the new colors, the Beosound P6 is the only speaker that made the cut to receive a makeover.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Bang & Olufsen is well-known for its high-end, tastefully designed products. From its BeoVision Eclipse 4K HDR television to the BeoSound 1 and Beoplay H9i over-ear headphones, it is clear that the company strives to make products that stand out from the crowd. Not only do they typically pack a punch in terms of performance, they also make a statement with finely crafted aesthetics. The company’s latest speaker, the BeoSound Edge, looks to fit right in line with the rest of its products. With features like a 10-inch woofer and a design based on the old English pound coin, this is yet another high-end option from B&O to consider if you are in the market for a standout speaker to add to your home or office.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Just over a week ago we covered Amazon’s plans to halt its discounted video game pre-order pricing. The now-defunct offering gave gamers 20% off pre-orders, saving them in most cases about $12 per game since the majority of triple-A titles cost $60 at launch. The news is not all-bad though, Amazon will still offer a $10 credit for pre-orders of select titles, but customers will need to wait 35 days to get their money back and even at that point, it is an Amazon promotional credit.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Financing the latest technology is more popular than ever before. For over a couple of years now, mobile carriers have been pushing customers to pay monthly for smartphones instead of signing contracts. Most of these companies have phased out contracts entirely, forcing consumers to either pay for their phone upfront or pay for it over the course of several years. Today, Microsoft is taking a page out of these companies’ playbooks with the launch of Xbox All Access. Announced as a limited-time offer, this service is an option that bundles a new Xbox One S or X with Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass for a monthly fee.
Expand
Expanding
Close

For the folks that love riding their motorcycles, but do not enjoy summer heat, Feher has unveiled its new ACH-1 helmet to keep riders more comfortable in warm weather. With a self-contained air conditioning unit, this helmet distributes cool air along the top of riders’ heads, providing up to a 10-15º Fahrenheit decrease.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Incase is one of those brands that typically hits the nail right on the head with each of its product releases. While this is likely due to having a great team running the company, it can also be partly attributed to the large amount of new products it cranks out. The ICON Sling Pack is Incase’s latest and it provides a form-factor that comfortably accommodates a MacBook, iPad, and many other accessories.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Although it was originally announced back in May of this year, details for HP’s new OMEN Mindframe gaming headset didn’t include a release date, pricing and more. It only took HP a couple of months to hammer out this information and it decided that Gamerscom was the right place to share the details needed for gamers to decide if this will be their next headset. It may sound funny when you hear that Mindframe’s standout feature is active cooling to prevent ear sweat, but considering that this is something that a lot of gamers experience, it is likely to be appreciated alongside many of its other high-end features.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Gamescom, a trade fair for video games, has been held in Cologne, Germany annually since 2009. At this year’s event, ASUS has certainly made a splash with lots of new products including two new TUF Gaming notebooks. With FX505 and FX705, ASUS is offering two size options for gamers that appreciate rugged design. The FX505 has the smaller display of the two, coming in at 15.6-inches, while the larger FX705 packs a 17.3-inch screen.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Earlier today, Dell announced two new gaming monitors that will soon join its line-up that will be referred to as 2419HGF and 2719DGF. Its new offerings are sized at 24- and 27-inches, providing consumers two sizes to consider for their next display. If you were expecting size to be the only differentiator, you would be wrong. The 27-inch monitor packs a higher resolution in addition to faster refresh rates. Each display packs connectivity options that include HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB, but the number and specifications of ports vary between models.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Sony has introduced an updated model of its existing XAV-AX200 head unit. The new model name changes slightly to XAV-AX210, and its differentiating feature is iDatalink Maestro support which provides a more seamless experience when interacting with controls that are already built-in to your car. Prior to this unit, steering wheel controls, vehicle settings, and more were not plug-and-play like most customers would have hoped.
Expand
Expanding
Close

While most people enjoy the plug-and-play conveniences offered by consoles like Playstation 4 Pro, Xbox One X, or Nintendo Switch, many prefer the customization and higher-end graphics options that come with PC gaming. While the more tech-minded gamers typically prefer to build a desktop, many others are looking for something that they can take with them while on-the-go. When choosing the second route, gamers are left looking for a laptop that is both portable and powerful. These are features that ASUS is cramming into its new ROG Zephyrus S, which it claims to be the ‘world’s thinnest’ gaming laptop.
Expand
Expanding
Close

If you enjoy all types of cycling, then German-based company Convert, may just have the bike of your dreams. The company has been working on its FF1 model for quite some time with the goal of making an all-in-one unit that can be quickly transformed into the type of bicycle a rider needs at any given time. Convert touts that the FF1 can be changed into a mountain, road, or commuter bike in less than 5 minutes with just one tool that comes included with your purchase.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Just a couple of years ago, truly wireless headphones seemed futuristic and many years away from being a reality. Once Apple released its AirPods, that changed everything. Many criticized the design, saying that AirPods looked a lot like earrings. Over time, the market started filling with alternate options from Samsung, Anker, Bragi, and more, that didn’t mimic Apple’s design. Adding to that list of options are Crazybaby’s latest earbuds dubbed, “Air 1S”. The Crazybaby Air 1S are the company’s follow-up to its Air truly wireless earbuds that reached 5514% funding on Indiegogo back in December 2016.
Expand
Expanding
Close

With Apple’s latest MacBook Pros garnering lots of attention for their recent high-end spec bumps and the controversies that ensued, Lenovo has announced two new laptops with features that seem to best its macOS competitor. While Apple’s recent updates allowed its 15-inch MacBook Pros to pack six-core Intel i9 processors, 32GB of DDR4 memory, and 4TB storage capacities, Lenovo’s 17.3-inch P72 laptop is configurable with Intel Xeon processors, 128GB of DDR4 memory, and 6TB of storage. Lenovo’s new P1 laptop, which is more similarly sized to Apple’s 15-inch portables, can pack a Xeon processor, 64GB of DDR4, and 4TB of storage. Not too shabby.
Expand
Expanding
Close

If you find yourself preferring mechanical keyboards and are a fan of the Resident Evil franchise, Capcom may have just the product for you. The company has announced an official Resident Evil 2 mechanical keyboard based on the game’s Lexington typewriter. In addition to its standout-design, the keyboard packs Bluetooth and works on both Windows and macOS.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Expand
Expanding
Close

Numskull, a company well-known for its gaming gear, announced earlier today that, thanks to a recent partnership with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, it will make a PAC-MAN themed design for its first quarter-sized arcade cabinet. The company has plans for an entire series of these small arcades and each will be fully playable. With their compact size, they will fit on nicely on desks and are likely to distract many from getting their work done on time.
Expand
Expanding
Close

It seems that no matter how much storage we attain, we are always left wanting more. In the early days of computing, storage capacities were measured in megabytes and kilobytes. Over time we have not only adapted to most laptops and desktops packing gigabytes and terabytes of storage, we now live in a world where smartphones with half a terabyte of storage actually exist. Each time larger capacity drives come out, early adopters pay high prices to get their hands on them. Within a year or so after release, pricing begins to drop as manufacturers discover ways to cut costs. While Samsung has had highly priced 4TB solid state drives available for over 2 years, the company’s latest advancements will make these storage capacities more affordable.
Expand
Expanding
Close

If you enjoy showing off your love for character’s from your favorite movies, TV shows, and video games, then you have probably come across some Funko-branded gear. From its iconic large-headed, small-bodied Pop figures to shirts, Funko has the gear needed to prove just how big of a fan you truly are. If you found yourself enjoying Avengers: Infinity War in theaters since its release, then you’ll be happy to hear that five new Pop figures will be released later this year based solely on the popular film.
Expand
Expanding
Close

In a somewhat surprising move, Comcast, one of the nation’s largest cable TV providers, has announced that it will be partnering with Amazon later this year to bring Prime Video to its X1 cable boxes. Comcast has offered its own streaming service, Xfinity On-Demand, for many years and while there is quite a bit of content available for free, access is limited based on your subscription tier. Also, many of the most popular shows and movies are locked behind a rental paywall. Amazon’s Prime Video will give Comcast subscribers another catalog to access with additional Prime Original content like Goliath, Sneaky Pete, and more, all without the need to switch their TV input. Users will have to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to take advantage of the new feature.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Expand
Expanding
Close

Just when you think you have the TV situation figured out in your home, Sony has announced four new UHDTVs that all pack quite a punch. The company wasn’t shy about this release, touting that the new sets were developed with the focus of bringing its ‘long history and expertise developing professional cameras and monitors’ to televisions. Aside from brand, these sets stand out from the competition with features like a Netflix Calibrated Mode, compatibility with CalMAN’s professional-grade display calibration software, a built-in 3.2 channel sound system, and more. With the name MASTER Series, Sony paints a very clear picture that it plans for this tech to lead the charge in its TV product line-up.

Expand
Expanding
Close

HyperX has added a Pro version of the well-rated Pulsefire FPS gaming mouse to its product line-up. As you would expect, the Pulsefire FPS Pro gets some upgrades from the standard model. Some major differences are an upgraded Pixart 3389 sensor, which provides up to 16,000 DPI tracking and onboard memory for storing custom profiles directly on the mouse, making it easy to switch things up while on-the-go.
Expand
Expanding
Close

With lots of smart security cameras flooding the market, it’s hard to know which one is the best. In many instances you need to buy multiple cameras so you can see from more than one angle. With the release of its 360-Degree Outdoor/Indoor All-in-One HD Camera that was originally announced at CES 2018, Guardzilla has provided a simple security camera solution that allows you to see from all angles with just one device.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Amazon has launched yet another feature for its ever-growing virtual assistant. With the arrival of Alexa Cast, Amazon has created a foundation to compete with Apple’s AirPlay and Google’s Cast. The new feature allows users to ‘cast’ what they are listening to on their smartphone to nearby Alexa devices. While functionality is quite limited at launch, its capabilities will likely grow over time.
Expand
Expanding
Close

If you ever take photos at night, you know how much of a negative impact the darkness can have on the quality of your photos. The end result produces a lot of noise, less of the environment is visible, and to top it all off, in many cases the camera flash turns on and ends up making photos look even more unrealistic. A new company called SiOnyx aims to change all of that with its new Aurora Night Vision Camera.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Kensington has announced a new product aimed squarely at making your computing experience more comfortable. Its new CoolView Wellness Monitor Stand sports a built-in fan that can be replaced with its upcoming heater or air purifier releases. Swapping the fan out is made possible thanks to the stand’s modular design. This is a feature that is sure to help it stick out in an already-crowded market, stuffed with alternatives from beloved companies like Twelve South.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Do you enjoy trying different kinds of drinks but don’t like making them yourself? If so, then a new product called Barsys, may be just the thing for you. Barsys is an automated cocktail maker controlled via your smartphone. It comes pre-loaded with over 2,000 recipes, giving you and your guests an immense variety of drinks to choose from.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Nintendo has been getting a lot of love ever since the debut of its overwhelmingly-successful Switch console. With official partnerships being struck with lots of companies, including Anker, it is clear that Nintendo has the marketshare to be remain relevant for quite some time. Although it’s latest partnership with stationary and bag manufacturer, Moleskine, is one that I do not think many were predicting, I do anticipate that the new Mario-inspired notebooks, backpack, and phone case will be quite successful.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Fujifilm has announced its latest compact camera today, the XF10. The new camera serves as a replacement to the Fujifilm X70 and it does not disappoint when comparing specifications between the two. The Fujifilm XF10 boasts 24.2 megapixels thanks to fitting a large APS-C sensor into a slender form-factor.
Expand
Expanding
Close

In a world that has become packed with smart home products like thermostats, lightbulbs, power outlets, and more, it is only natural for the trend to hit new product categories and for more companies to join in and capitalize on the ever-growing interest in home automation. GE’s new microwave oven is the company’s latest addition to its smart home platform, referred to as WiFi Connect. Noteworthy features include Alexa integration and scan-to-cook technology, offering users the ability to scan barcodes on food products and have cooking instructions sent directly to the microwave.

Expand
Expanding
Close

Hurom, a company based in South Korea, has released its latest juicer. The new H-AI Slow Juicer is the first of its kind to be released in the United States with a self-feeding feature that chops and pushes ingredients down on its own. The company claims that its newest juicer mimics the motion of hand squeezing due to a slow speed of just 60 revolutions per minute, allowing you to enjoy fresher juice with a more authentic taste.

Expand
Expanding
Close

In a world inundated with smartwatches, a new company called iBeat has stepped up to the plate. Instead of trying to compete on every level with showstoppers like Apple Watch or Samsung Gear, iBeat’s Heart Watch is marketed as a health device with a large focus on saving lives through continuous monitoring of heart rate and blood flow. In the event that Heart Watch detects what the iBeat’s algorithms consider to be unsafe, it will automatically notify you, selected emergency contacts, and the iBeat’s response team.

Expand
Expanding
Close

If you love technology and riding motorcycles, you may want to start saving your cash for the upcoming Jarvish X-AR motorcycle helmet. While Jarvish is not a well-known company, it has garnered quite a bit of attention since the announcement of its X-AR helmet earlier in the year. This can be attributed to features like front- and rear-facing cameras, integrated navigation, weather alerts, and more. With the addition of Alexa, users will also have access to 15,000 skills while on-the-go.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Nikon has announced a follow-up to its COOLPIX P900 super-telephoto camera that offered a jaw-dropping 24-2000mm focal range. The new camera is predictably named the COOLPIX P1000 and increases its range to a mind-boggling 3000mm. In the company’s press release, Nikon touted that the P1000 offers the world’s highest optical zoom among cameras in its class.
Expand
Expanding
Close

If your curiosity has been piqued by small form-factor computers like Intel’s NUC or Raspberry Pi, Shuttle’s new mini computer may be the right fit for your needs. The DL10J supports 4K resolution and can even get LTE if you opt to buy the required accessory and pay for cell service.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Bicycle accessory company, CatEye, has announced its new CatEyeSYNC system today. The goal of the new system is to make multiple bike lights easier to manage, in an attempt to make a safer experience for cyclists during both the day and night. CatEyeSYNC allows users to keep multiple bicycle lights in sync by simply touching a single button.
Expand
Expanding
Close

Nintendo will soon release three new designs for its popular 2DS XL. The new variants are themed around Minecraft, Mario Kart, and Animal Crossing. As you would expect, each device comes with the matching game pre-installed and ready to play out of the box.
Expand
Expanding
Close

The SD Association recently published a white paper describing new technologies that boost the potential of SD cards in terms of speed and storage capacity. With the announcement of SD Ultra Capacity and SD Express, the ceiling for storage capacity has been lifted from 2TB to a jaw-dropping 128TB and speeds can now reach nearly 1GB/s clocking in at a maximum of 985MB/s.
Expand
Expanding
Close

With the re-release of the Nintendo’s NES Classic, 8Bitdo, a company well-known for its retro game controllers is releasing an updated version of its wireless NES Classic controller called N30 2.4G. The new controller gives you the modern conveniences of wireless gameplay with the nostalgic look and feel that we all crave when diving into classic games.
Expand
Expanding
Close