2010 CES

Intel gives in-depth demo of future smartphone

LAS VEGAS--An Intel executive gave a surprisingly in-depth demonstration of a future LG GW990 smartphone from LG Electronics here at CES.

Pankaj Kedia, director of Intel's Global Ecosystems Program for Mobile Internet Devices and Smart Phones, walked me through the phone's interface (see above video) on Friday. It runs on Intel's Moblin operating system and was surprisingly functional for a phone that is due, most likely, in the second half of the year. Intel CEO Paul Otellini brandished the LG GW990 during a CES keynote on Thursday but he demonstrated nothing approaching what Kedia showed me.

To … Read more

The Real Deal 192: All about the MP3 (podcast)

We talk with Professor Karlheinz Brandenburg, co-inventor of the MP3, about how the popular audio format came about, how best to use it, and what's next in digital audio technology.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video)… Read more

The 404 Podcast 494: Where you have to invert the image to see us nude

LAS VEGAS--Don't close the window yet; that show title is a joke. Don't worry, the video you're about to watch features three fully clothed nerds talking about the best of CES 2010 for The 404 Podcast's last show LIVE from the CNET stage here.

We've rounded up the funniest stories from this year's show for this wrap-up episode, starting with Jeff eating his hateful words about 3D PS3 and Xbox 360 Game Room. Turns out the gameplay in 3D actually impressed our former cynic, but we can all agree that those ridiculous 3D glasses are truly the only detractor from 3D games, and especially movies. After this story, we promise never to speak of 3D again...until 4D comes out.

Next, we have a lineup of stories that allow us to do what we do best: make fun of the more outrageous aspects of the show. For example, did anyone walk by the Samsung booth? Someone needs to notify these folks that we are, in fact, struggling to pull ourselves out of a recession--jeez is that booth consuming ridiculous amounts of energy. Other hilarious stories from CES 2010 include IoSafe's virtually indestructible hard-drive demolition, and a Taser demo that you have to see to believe.

We've also got a story about a controversial iPhone app that claims to see through clothing and we see if anyone can guess the most pirated e-book of 2009. Finally, be sure to check out our Best of CES 2010 nominees that represent the top products in nine categories as recommended by our techspert CNET editors.

If it's your first time listening to The 404, be sure to catch us our live show every morning at 11 a.m. EST on CNET Live. You can find all past episodes archived at The 404 Blog, and be sure to follow us on Twitter or add us on Facebook!

EPISODE 494 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

FaceVsion announces first Skype-certified HD Webcam

LAS VEGAS--Skype users, I have some good news.

There are currently quite a few high-definition Webcams on the market, but what faceVsion announced at CES 2010 is something rather unique, especially for video calling using Skype.

It's a new HD Webcam called the FV TouchCam N1 that's the result of a partnership between faceVsion and Skype. It's the first HD Webcam that's certified by Skype.

According to faceVsion, most existing HD Webcams suffer from the same barriers when it comes to HD video communication, especially when using Skype. These include the fact that CPU power is … Read more

EconoDriver, SafeDriver records driving performance from key fob

The EconoDriver and SafeDriver by Lemur are wireless vehicle monitors that record driving performance to a key fob display to help drivers be more efficient and safe.

The key fob displays are battery powered and can be mounted on the dashboard for continuous monitoring of reports. Both units ship with a sensor that plugs into your vehicle's OBD-II port to wirelessly transmit information from your vehicle's sensors to the key fob.

The SafeDriver displays the maximum speed, distance traveled, and sudden braking incidents to help parents keep tabs on new drivers. The device locks with a PIN to … Read more

Promise releases fuss-free NAS server

LAS VEGAS--Network-attached storage servers have always been among the harder products to install and use. Most of them require at least some know-how of computers and networking setup. This might change, however, with what Promise has to offer.

The company released at CES the new SmartStor ZERO NS2600, which it claims is the first no-muss, no-fuss NAS server. According to Promise, all you need to do is plug the server in, power it on, and install the included software and the rest is taken care of. The software will map an open network share, allowing instant access for data backup … Read more

Future Kias to get TV, Web services

LAS VEGAS--At CES, Kia announced its new Microsoft-powered UVO technology, which will be included in the 2011 Sorrento. But the company has much more tech on deck, as it showed in its display area.

Kia showed a steering wheel-mounted thumbwheel controller for accessing vehicle infotainment. With haptic feedback, the controller delivers a different feel depending on user settings, from smoothly turning to detents to a spring stop.

Digital TV would be displayed in rear seat monitors.

A new telematics service uses a paired Bluetooth phone to get local search information or automatically call 911 in the event of a crash. … Read more

Vivienne Tam, geek designer

It's official: the tech world has its very own designer. Vivienne Tam, who has designed not one but two special edition designer Netbooks for HP, plus accessories, is now teaming up with Monster (yeah, the cables people) to make designer limited-edition headphones.

Monster CEO Noel Lee announced the pairing at the company's CES press conference this week, and said the headphones would be unveiled at New York Fashion Week this year. The 'phones will sport Tam's "butterfly" design, which is part of her spring collection, and is featured on the forthcoming HP Netbook.

Previous fashion/… Read more

Buffalo refreshes its LinkStation Duo NAS server

LAS VEGAS--Buffalo Technology announced Friday at CES a refresh of its popular LinkStation Duo NAS server, which is designed for the home or small business environments.

The new NAS server has a new, sleek look with two front access bays that allow for user to change and swap out hard drives. Buffalo makes it very easy for users, as the hard drives can be installed without any tools and don't require trays. Instead, all you have to do is just insert the drive into the bay and close the latch that's designed to hold it firmly in place. … Read more