2013

LAS VEGAS--Panasonic takes to CES 2013 to announce an array of updates to its line of micro stereo systems, this year with an emphasis on streaming, though several of the products include a Lightning dock for fifth-generation iOS music players.

As users grow more comfortable with wireless audio standards like Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay, Panasonic banks on a new generation of devices that rely on a wireless connection to transmit music.

The company gives a full refresh to its HC home audio systems with the introduction of the SC-HC58, SC-HC38, and SC-HC28. The SC-HC28 relies on a Lightning dock and … Read more

LAS VEGAS--AT&T said today that it plans to launch its home security service in March in eight markets, representing a new business for the telecommunications giant.

The Dallas company said it will make its "Digital Life" home service available in 50 markets by the end of the year as the company slowly expands its rollout.

Why is a phone company getting into home security? AT&T believes it's a market that's ripe for "a face-lift," one that's fragmented and based on antiquated technology.

"We hope to completely change the … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Music can serve as a great motivator in a long workout at the gym, but it's a universally bad idea to use headphones during outdoor exercises, especially if you live in a big city with traffic and obstructions coming at you from all angles.

For cyclists and runners who still want to jam to a soundtrack, Panasonic introduces the RP-BTGS10 wireless headphones at CES with a unique take on sound transmission, using your cheekbones to deliver audio straight to your head. (Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Calling this device an "earphone" is a misnomer, since they actually … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Despite LG launching a number of top-tier smartphones in the past few months (the Nexus 4 and the Optimus G were released in November, and the Intuition was available in September), the Korean phone company has remained pretty quiet about launching new handsets during CES this week.

We were told by LG representatives numerous times before CES that there would be no mobile devices unveiling anyway, but that didn't stop us from holding out for any surprises. Especially since rumors about an Optimus G successor, the Optimus G2, have been circulating.

But after LG's press conference today, … Read more

Nikon photography pros will be happy to know there's a major new supplier of XQD flash-memory cards: Lexar.

They might not be so happy about the price for the new high-end format: a 1100X 64GB model costs $580, and a 32GB model costs $300. At CES today, the Micron subsidiary also announced a $45 USB 3.0 card reader for the new format.

Nikon's flagship D4 SLR uses the XQD cards, which before were available only from Sony. Lexar's 1100X models guarantee a 168MB/sec read speed, though write speeds are somewhat lower.

XQD is one of … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Sharp brought a "go big or go home" attitude to the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show as it unveiled a bevy of new LED TV in the 60-, 70- and 80-inch screen classes.

Sitting below the 90-inch AQUOS display (touted by the manufacturer as "the world's largest LED TV") that Sharp debuted last year, all of the new Sharp TVs rolling out this week are promised to be "smarter" too.

All three screen classes feature some common traits, including (but not limited to) AQUOS 1080p LED displays, dual-core processors, built-in Wi-Fi, ultra-slim frames, … Read more

LAS VEGAS--AT&T today unveiled a new video-on-demand service for its U-Verse TV offering amid the rising threat of companies such as Netflix.

As more consumers consider dropping their cable TV in lieu of Web-based alternatives, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, AT&T said today that it is offering the U-Verse Screen Pack for $5 a month, available only to its U-Verse customers. It will allow users to access a library of 1,500 movies from their TV, computer, or wireless devices.

Existing U-Verse TV customers will get a free preview of Screen Pack between January 7 … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Sharp has announced its 6 series televisions for 2013, which, while they include a mix of 3D and non-3D models, will all have Smart TV features.

The TVs will include a Smart TV suite and will be powered by a dual-core processor. A new SmartCentral feature enables users to watch video in a picture-by-picture mode with the TV's onboard Web browser.

The LE657 will feature 3D and ship with two new Bluetooth 3D glasses, which don't require line of sight to work. The models are the 60-inch LC-60LE657 and 70-inch LC-70LE657 due in March.

The non-3D LE650 … Read more

LAS VEGAS--It seems like every audio company is putting out some sort of compact Bluetooth speaker system these days. Monster is, too, but it says its new $699 ClarityHD Katana speaker system, which is due to ship later this month in black and white versions, is a major cut above the rest.

It touts the Katana as a true "breakthrough" in wireless digital music systems. What makes it so groundbreaking? Well, according Monster, thanks to its advanced Bluetooth wireless capability featuring AAC and apt-X, "users experience a new level wireless audio performance, with the option to stream … Read more