The Consumer Electronics Association (which is responsible for CES, the gargantuan yearly tech show in January) put on a summertime "consumer electronics showcase" here in NYC yesterday, called Digital Downtown. I was pleasantly surprised to see some really new products--even prototypes--not just stuff that's already been around a while. After the jump, take a look at some devices that you can expect to see in the future.
Lenovo Ideapad: This thing looks like the lovechild of the Sony mylo and an Apple iPhone. Features packed into this handheld are a 2MP camera, a USB interface, 1GB of internal memory (500MB minimum, the model I saw was 1GB), an audio recorder, games, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, email access, a video player (YouTube videos run very well on it) and it uses only 800 MHz. It has a Linux OS, PDF reader and an Intel Atom Processor.
Compal (no product name yet): This looks a lot like Compal's current UMPC, and it may be the next version to come. According to the rep, it's similar to the Ideapad mentioned above, except that this has a keypad and MSN messenger. It also does not have GPS or an audio recorder.
Gigabyte (no product name yet): This product is also similar to the one mentioned above and Gigabyte's M528. It has an Intel Centrino Atom Processor, Linux OS, Bluetooth, a USB interface, MSN Messenger, and email access.
Fujitsu Lifebook: This latest version makes Fujitsu's older models look like dinosaurs (including in size.) This UMPC has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Vista Basic, an Intel Atom Processor, a touch screen plus keypad, a docking station (with more ports and inputs), a 20GB HDD, a microphone port, a Mini PCI Express slot, and a screen of around 7 inches which also swivels.
BenQ (no product name yet): I haven't seen anything like this on the company's products page, but it seems like BenQ will be getting into the Ultra Mobile PC category too. This seems similar to the devices from Compal and the Gigabyte, but it also has an RSS reader built into its interface. The rep didn't have much info on this one, but he stated that it targets college students and business people. He also said it's great for social networking.
3DV Systems ZCam: This new product is a real-time depth-sensing camera that works with PC games. In the picture above, the child is boxing with the AI player. The camera picks up his movement and translates it into the game. Think of it as the Wii, but without anything in your hands. The rep said that this should cost around $100.
Wireless Electricity from eCoupled: This product looks amazing, and not just because of the cool colored balls. When you bring the balls close to the top ring, they glow, and electricity is produced. The electricity is transferred to the pads (not shown here) and electronic products can be placed on the pads for charging or to be used. If a device or object is not recognized immediately, the primary coil will not turn on and supply power to it, which means that this can be used around your kids safely.
Emotiv EPOC Headset: This is a lazy gamer's dream. Put the headset on and load up your game, and it will read your brainwaves and translate whatever you want to do into the game. It connects to your PC through a wireless USB interface. I recommend telling your Star Wars friends that you're using your Jedi mind tricks to control your game. The rep said it will probably be released late this year.
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June 16, 2008 3:51 PM
Very swank! But...is it just me, or do the Compal and the Gigabyte UMPC-lookin devices look eerily similar?
I mean, I know a lot of people want to get on the smartphone/UMPC bandwagon (which is correct by the way? I can't tell scale - they look UMPC-ish, but maybe it's just a good closeup shot), but is there really a market for these devices? Or maybe they're finally good enough that they'll carve out their own niche?