Goodyear unveils next-gen blimp, first in 45 years

The tire company will ply the skies with an all-new zeppelin that will go faster and be more efficient than its current blimps -- and you could name it.

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Google Unveils Smart Contact Lens That Lets Diabetics Measure Their Glucose Levels

This isn’t Google Glass in a contact lens, but it may just be Google’s first step in this direction. The company’s Google X lab just teased a smart contact lens on its blog that is meant to help diabetics measure their glucose levels.

The company says it is currently testing prototypes of this contact lens that use a tiny wireless chip and a miniaturized glucose sensor. These chips are embedded in between two soft layers of lens material.

In its announcement, Google notes that scientists have long looked into how certain body fluids can help them track glucose levels. Tears, it turns out, work very well, but given that most people aren’t Hollywood actors and can cry on demand, using tears was never really an option.

According to Google, the sensor can take about one reading per second, and it is working on adding tiny LED lights to the lens to warn users when their glucose levels cross certain thresholds. The sensors are so small that they ”look like bits of glitter.”

Google says it is working with the FDA to turn these prototypes into real products and that it is working with experts to bring this technology to market. These partners, the company says, “will use our technology for a smart contact lens and develop apps that would make the measurements available to the wearer and their doctor.”

It’s worth noting that other companies, including Microsoft, have previously shown similar lenses. Until now, though, it doesn’t look like there are any smart lenses available in the U.S. yet. Given Google’s reach, however, it may just be able to find the right partners to bring this technology to market.

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Sony unveils Core, a FitBit-like health tracker

Kuni Suzuk, Sony' head of mobile, shows off the company's new wearable tech, Core, at CES 2014.

(Credit:Sarah Tew/CNET)

Sony introduced a health-tracking device Monday, bringing yet another competitor into the popular fitness band category.

The Japanese electronics giant unveiled its new wearable device, Core, at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, all while running through a long list of gadgets. Core is a tiny, waterproof device that works with an app to track your daily activity, according to Sony's President of Mobile Kuni Suzuki. He said it will be available this Spring.

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The Core can be slipped into a SmartBand, available in a range of colors and worn around the wrist, but it it looks like it can also be clipped to clothing or shoelaces, similar to a FitBit tracker. It works with Sony's LifeLong app.

Suzuki showcased Core and the SmartBand and the app along with a bunch of recreational technology, including a waterproof media player that sets your laps to music; a GoPro-like mountable camera; the HMZ-T3Q, a 3D head-mounted viewer that lets the wearer watch a virtual screen; and the Sony tennis sensor, which attaches to your racket to record data and sends it to your smartphone.

See the full CNET live blog of the Sony event here.

Tags: SmartBand, LifeLong app, Sony, Core, health tracker, CES 2014, wearable tech

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LG unveils twelve 4K televisions for 2014

The mammoth 105-inch 105UC9 will feature 4K compatibility and an unusual 21:9 aspect ratio

(Credit:LG)

LG has announced its full line-up of 4K televisions for 2014 with twelve models including a monster 105-inch LCD and two curved OLED series.

The lineup includes the two OLEDs--the EC9700 and EC9800--and three series of LCD--the UB9800, UB9500 and UB8500--making it one of the largest offerings of Ultra HD displays yet.

LG says the TVs will include the latest standards for connectivity (though it isn't yet explicit we hope this means HDMI 2.0) and the company's advancements with Smart TV.

Related stories:LG unveils 2014 OLED TVsWhat is 4k? The next-generation resolution explainedWhy Ultra HD 4K TVs are still stupid

The 105-inch 105UC9 is a 21:9 television along the lines of the Vizio CinemaWide XVT3D580CM from 2012. Like that TV it appears that the UC9 will enable side-by-side viewing on 16:9 content--effectively replacing the vertical black bars. Though it is officially a 4K product its resolution is actually higher due to the unusual 21:9 ratio with 5120 pixels x 2160 pixels.

The three OLEDs in the lineup will likely resemble the 77-inch model we saw earlier at CEA's Ultra HD conference in November. The three models are the 77-inch 77EC9800, and the 55-inch 55EC9700 and 65-inch 65EC9700. The models will include LG proprietary technologies like Color Refiner and an HDR (High Dynamic Range) algorithm for enhanced contrast.

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Valve Unveils Lineup Of 13 Steam Machines From Partners Including Alienware

Valve Software’s Steam Machine seems to be moving towards becoming a real consumer product — today at the Consumer Electronics Show, the company officially announced the first 13 partners building Steam Machines, and it shared the pricing and basic specs.

The Steam Machine initiative was announced last fall. Valve co-founder Gabe Newell reiterated today that it’s meant to bring the openness of the PC into the living room, particularly for gaming. At the time, the company only created 300 prototypes for beta testers, so it seemed like it would be relying on third-party hardware manufacturers to bring Steam Machines into the homes of consumers.

The initial lineup of partners includes Alienware, Digital Storm, Gigabyte, Materiel.net, Origin PC, Webhallen, Zotac, Alternate, CyberPowerPC, Falcon Northwest, iBuyPower, Next, and Scan Computers. (Engadget actually got ahold of the list before it was officially announced.)

Asked whether Valve is going to make any more devices of its own, Newell said, “We’re going to continue to make that decision as we go along.” He said that the company is happy with the results so far, although it’s been prodding testers for more negative feedback.

Anyway, here’s the Valve brochure with the details. Release dates were not announced.

Steam Machines Brochure by TechCrunch

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Sony Unveils Massive 4K Smart TVs and Netflix Partnership

384SharesShareTweetShareWhat's This?By Adario Strange2014-01-07 01:00:38 UTC

Following what appears to be a bit of a trend in terms of high definition TVs at this year’s International CES, Sony has just unveiled a new line of 4K televisions in several new sizes and configurations.

Termed as “Ultra HD TV” the lineup of smart televisions includes the XBR X950B Series (pictured above), which comes in a whopping 85-inch frame or a 65-inch version. In addition to its massive screen real estate, the television also has HDMI 2.0, built-in Wi-Fi (a convenient feature for streaming video content) and screen mirroring that can be initialized via NFC touch.

See also: CES 2014: 5 Tech Trends to Watch

Sony has also announced the X900B Series and X850B Series 4K televisions, which will be offered in screen sizes ranging from 79-inches/65-inches/55-inches and 70-inches/65-inches/55-inches/49-inches respectively.

And while the trend toward 4K has put a spotlight on the general lack of interest in 3D televisions unveiled at CES events in the last few years, all the new Sony 4K televisions will include a 3D viewing component. Each model is 3D capable and comes with two pairs of 3D glasses.

Along with the new hardware, Sony also announced a partnership with Netflix designed to focus on 4K content. Streaming at 60 frames per second over the Internet, the Sony televisions have been specifically optimized to support Netflix 4K content due to debut in the first half of 2014.

Prices for Sony’s new 4K televisions have yet to be announced, but all three models will be available this spring.

CES 2014Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle

Unveiled today at CES, Toyota debuted it's latest Fuel Cell Vehicle concept car. Fuel cell vehicles combine pure hydrogen with air to create water, a reaction that also produces electricity. The fuel cell channels the electricity to a drive motor, powering the car.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenSamsung Curved Televisions

Samsung's U9000 UHD TVs feature a wider field of view and a balanced and uniform viewing distance across all areas of the screen. The company claims that a curved TV offers up to two times the enhanced contrast ratio of a flat TV in a normal viewing environment.

EyeLock Myris

The Eyelock Myris takes biometric security to the next level. Plug this device into your device's USB port, and it will scan your eye to grant access.

Image: Mashable, Kenny SuleimanagichLG G Flex

LG G Flex, the first curved phone with a "flexible" display, is moving out of the lab and into U.S. markets in the first quarter of 2014.

Image: Mashable, Will FenstermakerPanasonic Facial-Recognition TV

Panasonic has dropped the production of plasma TVs, instead focus efforts on increased levels of interaction. The Life+ will come in both 4K and 1080p, but the real feature of note is facial recognition.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenPebble Steel Debut

For CES 2014, Pebble is showing off its new Pebble 2.0 software, the Pebble app store and Pebble Steel, its premium smart watch. Like the original Pebble, the Pebble Steel is waterproof and has a battery life of 5 to 7 days. The e-paper display is the same, too — only now it's covered with Corning Gorilla Glass.

Image: PebbleThinkPad 8

The Lenovo ThinkPad 8 is sized to compete with the iPad Mini, but the comparison is only skin deep. Lance Ulanoff wonders if Windows 8.1 can compete with Android and iOS.

Image: MashableSharp's New Aquos Quattron+ TVs

Sharp's Aquos Quattron technology is capable of creating a picture that comes close to 4K, but from a 1080p set. The new TV's start at a decent price point – the SQ Q+ TVs start a $2,299.99 and the UQ models start at $2,999.99.

Image: MashablePhilips PicoPix PPX3610

Philips' new PicoPix PPX3610

Image: Mashable, Christina AscaniSchwinn CycleNav Smart Bike Navigator

Schwinn unveiled the CycleNav Smart Bike Navigator. Schwinn CycleNav is a free mobile application paired with a handlebar-mounted smart-bike navigation unit designed to give riders turn-by-turn audio and visual navigation from their handlebars.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenSOL Republic Relays

The SOL Republic Relays are designed to fill two niches: everyday wear and fitness wear. Mashable reporter Pete Pachal says they're some of the most comfortable he's worn.

Image: Mashable, Christina AscaniToshiba Chromebook

Toshiba joins the list of Chromebook manufacturers with a 13.3-inch netbook. While it isn't the largest-resolution Chromebook on the market, Toshiba's Chromebook has an impressive $279 price tag.

Image: Mashable, Christina AscaniSkulpt Aim

The Skulpt Aim, smaller than an iPhone, collects data when pressed against your muscles. Use it to track body-fat or set and share goals.

Image: SkulptJune bracelet

This smart bracelet, from Neatatmo, measures sun exposure and connects to iOS devices to let users know if they've had too much (or too little) sun.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenTao exercise device

The Tao coaches you through 50 exercises related to isometrics — the science of applying pressure, which is the basis of many popular workouts such as pilates and plank exercising — and adds a gaming element.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenWithings Aura Sleep System

Withings sleep system works with a pressure-sensitive pad and a light system that measures the appropriate time to wake you and the appropriate hues for falling asleep and waking up.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenSphero 2B

At CES Unveiled, Sphero introduced the 2B model, the second model of the popular Orbotix toy.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenKolibree Smart Toothbrush

Kolibree introduced a smart toothbrush that monitors user's brushing habits and let's them keep track of their routines on an app.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenDrones, everywhere

Any CES wouldn't be complete without a fleet of drones. Parrot introduced a minidrone model at CES Unveiled.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenChevy Brings 4G LTE to Cars

Chevrolet announced it is bringing 4G LTE to its OnStar infotainment system.

The 2015 Corvette Stingray has a performance data recorder which allows drivers to record hi-definition video and share with friends.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-Hansen

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Image: Sony

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CES 2014: MakerBot's Bre Pettis unveils three new Replicator 3D printers

MakerBot's Bre Pettis unveils three new Replicator 3D printers | News | TechRadar --> Mobile version2014-01-07T10:40:00ZMagsNewsletterRSS FeedsFollow @TechradarA Future Site ▼ TechRadarTechnology, testedSearch the siteSearch term:Log inJoinLog outHomeReviewsVideosPhonesTabletsCamerasComponentsComputingCar TechNewsDealsBundlesSave on broadband TrendingCES 2014PlayStation 4iPad AiriPad mini 2Nexus 5Windows 8.1Xbox OneThe Tip OffHomeNews by technologyMakerBot's Bre Pettis unveils three new Replicator 3D printersMakerBot's Bre Pettis unveils three new Replicator 3D printersCES 2014 A 3D printer for everyoneBy klee 7th Jan 2014 | 01:31Comments TweetThree very different addtionsRelated storiesWhy 2014 is poised to be a breakout year for 3D printingSony takes fitness technology to scary new levels with CoreAsus Transformer Book Duet is a hybrid laptop in more ways than one

3D printing is making it's first big CES splash this year and MakerBot led the charge with an announcement of three new 3D printers in it's replicator line.

Introducing its smallest printer in years, MakerBot lead off with a completely new addition, the MakerBot Mini. Bre Pettis, MakerBot CEO likened the mini 3D printer to the company's very first Cupcake CNC machine as both share the same 100 x 100 x 130mm build volume.

The Mini home printer is here

Pettis position the new printer as their consumer level product with an easy "one touch 3d printing" to let users go from plugging in and start fabricating faster. The printer extrudes heated PLA plastic out of a smart filament head that automatically pauses the printing process when it's out of building material.

MakerBot also put in a new upgrade in the form of a internal camera to allow 3D printers to easily take and share images of their creations from within the printer itself. Pettis said MakerBot will begin shipping the Replicator Mini stating this spring for $1,375 (about £837/AU$1,535).

Build it to heaven

The prosumer model

Pettis posited if the MakerBot Replicator Mini is his consumer printer then the fifth generation MakerBot is its prosumer printer. The printer is not only more serious, it also creates larger 8 x 10 x 16-inch creations. Pettis imagines the printer will be used by Lockheed Martin and other more serious builds.

The new MakerBot Replicator includes all the improvements made on the Mini printer plus a new 3.5-inch LCD interface. The new control panel includes a large metal knob fashioned after high-end audio equipment to help users neaturally navigate through the 3D printer's menus.

Prints bigger than your head

In an even bigger 3D printer addition, Pettis took the wraps off of its tallest printer yet the MakerBot Replicator Z18. Sporting a tall build volume of 12x12x16in, the Z18 is meant for "industrial strength 3D printing."

The new MakerBot Replicator will be available starting at $2,899 (about £1,766/AU$3,236) in February and the Replicator Z18 will arrive this spring for $6,499 (about £3,959/AU$7,255)

Building a 3D printing world

MakerBot's 3D printing design marketplace

Putting numbers to the rampant popularity of 3D printing Pettis said MakerBot alone has shipped 40,000 plus 3D printers around the world. Meanwhile, Makerbot's online thingiverse has spawned more than 218,000 designs with 48,000 downloads.

To help 3D print creators make money with their digital creation it launched the MakerBot digital store where users can sell "original, fun, and collectable digital content." Digital designs on the MakerBot Digital Store will begin at $0.99 (about £0.64/AUS $1.11) a pop and $9.99 (about £6.09/AUS $11.19) for collections.

Looking further towards the future, Pettis also announced MakerBot entered a partnership with SoftKinectic, a maker of depth-sensing clothing, to create 3D scanners. MakerBot is also working on a project to bring 3D printers to over 100,000 schools in the United States in the hopes of educating more than 106,268 students around the country.

Sony announces a funny little 11-inch phone version of the Sony Vaio Fit

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0 commentsAdd comment AdvertisementPopular in world-of-tech right nowLatestMost discussedThe future is here! Toyota's hydrogen-powered cars are go for 2015Audi shows off self-driving and laser-equipped cars at CES keynoteSony takes fitness technology to scary new levels with CoreMakerBot's Bre Pettis unveils three new Replicator 3D printersAMD steps up to Nvidia and Intel with new Kaveri APUSamsung all-in-one gets the Galaxy treatment in 2014 editionAtiv Book 9 2014 outed with improved screen, keyboard and battery lifeThe future is here! Toyota's hydrogen-powered cars are go for 2015Audi shows off self-driving and laser-equipped cars at CES keynoteSony takes fitness technology to scary new levels with CoreMakerBot's Bre Pettis unveils three new Replicator 3D printersAMD steps up to Nvidia and Intel with new Kaveri APUSamsung all-in-one gets the Galaxy treatment in 2014 editionAtiv Book 9 2014 outed with improved screen, keyboard and battery lifeMonster serves up massive slew of announcements, with a touch of zaninessNew Dolby imaging tech officially dubbed 'Dolby Vision,' arriving late 2014Razer Nabu hopes to take on Galaxy Gear and Nike FuelbandThe games that defined XboxHP cutting 5,000 more jobsLG promises innovation as it pushes a flood of new electronicsWe're here at CES 2014!Tobii and SteelSeries team up to make eye-tracking game peripheralsAT&T dangles up to $450 in incentives for T-Mobile customers who switchAcer's Android-powered AIO offers pick-up-and-go portablilityFireEye acquires Mandiant in red hot $1 billion dealAlicia Keys can wipe her hands of BlackBerry on January 30ZX Spectrum is coming back as a Bluetooth keyboardNew reviewsRSSLatestTop ratedMost readPreviewed Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 review Unrated TabletsHands on: AMD Project Discovery Tablet review

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