CES 2012

08.22.12

Rapper LL Cool J has been playing a law enforcement official in the hit CBS TV series “NCIS: Los Angeles” long enough to know what to do when he’s in trouble. This morning at 2 a.m. a burglar tripped the alarm in his LA mansion. Instead of waiting for the cops, LL decided to take on the intruder. The buff actor took down the burglar, who was booked by the police and suffered bruises from his encounter. The rapper takes his hit song, “Mama Said Knock You Out” quite literally. LL Cool J talks tech and games in the video below.

07.25.12

Things are looking up for consumer electronics, thanks to the success of new tablets like the Samsung Nexus and new Smart TVs from Vizio and others. The consumer electronics (CE) industry will see stronger than anticipated growth in 2012, according to the semi-annual industry forecast released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The overall CE industry will grow an estimated 5.9 percent in the U.S. this year, two points higher than previously projected in January.

07.21.12

Smart TV manufacturers are hoping that the popularity of apps with smartphone and tablet users makes its way to the living room. Manufacturers and retailers are selling more and more televisions preloaded with Internet-connected functionality, frequently referred to as Smart TVs. This provides an environment where consumers can use apps to do anything from surfing the Internet using a fully functional web browser, to streaming their favorite movies, TV shows and music right on their TV sets. Vizio shows off a new Smart TV in the video below.

06.23.12

Tesla Motors officially began shipments of its long awaited and hyped Model S electric sedan starting yesterday to great fanfare at the company's Fremont, California headquarters. Yet the car is not only amazing for its electric engine but also its brains or rather the NVIDIA (Nasdaq: NVDA) Tegra Visual Computing Module (VCM) processor that is built inside to power the digital dashboard of the all electric car. Based on the same powerful Tegra processor used in smartphones and tablets, the Tegra VCM will power the vehicle's 17-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, which is the largest screen ever built into a passenger car, as well as its all-digital instrument cluster. We got a sneak peek inside at all the Model S and its gadgetry in this exclusive video tour of the Tesla Model S which you can check out after the break.

06.16.12

VIZIO has launched its new line of personal computers designed to work hard and play hard.  By combining its entertainment know-how with the unmatched power of the latest Intel Core processors, VIZIO intends to set a new standard for the Windows experience.  The premium line, which consists of the VIZIO Thin + Light, Notebook and All-in-One PC, was created to break through the clutter present in the mainstream market and prove that power, design and entertainment can flawlessly co-exist in a PC.  

 

03.16.12

Jennifer Hale is a long time voice actress, who has appeared on more mediums than you probably thought. From voicing big roles like Commander Shepard in the “Mass Effect” series to voicing Naomi Hunter in the “Metal Gear” Solid franchise. Her voice has made multiple jumps to TV and movies playing such roles like Disney’s "Cinderella" and Cartoon Network's "Powerpuff Girls". I recently got the chance to ask her a few questions about her time with the “Mass Effect” series and what the future lies ahead for voice acting.

03.05.12

It’s been nearly five years since fans last saw Master Chief helm the "Halo" saga, but things have sure changed since then. Bungie, the original creators of the franchise, are no longer working on the game. 343 Industries is now helming the project and is shaping the next generation of "Halo" saga with all the games shifting from the Forerunner saga to the Reclaimer saga.

01.25.12

LAS VEGAS -- At CES 2012, Parrot debuted the AR.Drone 2.0, the new generation of its high-tech quadricopter that can be controlled by Wi-Fi using a smartphone or tablet. With a new high-definition camera, video recording, flight data sharing, new piloting mode, increased stability and brand-new look, the AR.Drone 2.0 will be available for purchase at selected retailers in Q2 2012 in the United States for $299. Check out this cool new toy, which comes with an assortment of videogames, in the exclusive video below.

01.21.12

LAS VEGAS -- Intel brought its director of creative innovation will.i.am on stage during Paul Otellini’s keynote at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Will.i.am is gearing up for another world tour. This time, however, he will be traveling around the globe as part of the Intel Ultrabook Project. Mirroring the musician’s vision of a richer, more participatory music experience for his fans, the Ultrabook Project will put music at the epicenter of social content to create the ultimate musical expedition. Fans will be able to see what will.i.am sees and experiences, and showcases the inspiration for and creation process behind each of the pieces of music.

01.20.12

Mention the word "journey" to your friends and right away they'll probably break out into an embarrassing round of "Don't Stop Believin'"...and won't shut up until you smack them in the head.  However, that name recognition may change this year, as thatgamecompany, the developer behind such outstanding efforts as flOW and Flower, are putting together an exquisite new downloadable experience for PlayStation Network.  Say hello to Journey.

01.19.12

Sony’s MLB 12 The Show franchise has been and continues to be the market leading and most realistic baseball title of this console generation and the number-one rated sports video game over the past four years. Sony had both the PS Vita and PlayStation 3 versions of the new game on display at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. Now the game maker has unveiled the new cover featuring Adrian Gonzalez. The first overall pick by the Florida Marlins in the 2000 MLB Draft, Gonzalez has ascended to the top of his sport, both on the field and at the plate. He is a four-time All-Star (2008-2011), three-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner (2008, 2009, 2011), and 2011 Silver Slugger Award winner. Check out both versions of the new game in the exclusive videos below.

01.18.12

Mention “Kinect integration” to a gamer for an upcoming AAA title and you’ll either get one of two things.  Either you’ll have someone who complains that the device will be used to perform poorly captured motions, possibly ruining the way the product is supposed to be played; or you’ll have someone who feels like it’s just a cheap tack-on to an otherwise overwhelming game experience.  Well, Bioware is brushing both of these possible complaints aside, as it showed us how it intends to use Kinect integration for its upcoming space epic, Mass Effect 3.  And it really is a beautiful thing.

01.18.12

You don’t mess with Agent 47.  You may not even know he’s there, but if you’re in his sights, you might as well draw up your will and say goodbye to everything, because chances are you won’t survive.  The master CIA assassin has been doing his damage for the past few years, and this fall, he continues on his suave yet destructive journey of perfect kills with Hitman: Absolution.  Square Enix recently invited us down to its suite during the Consumer Electronics Show to get a better look at the game.

01.17.12

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2012) in Las Vegas, Smart TVs were everywhere. TVs from companies like Vizio, which can be seen in the video below, feature Google TV and OnLive, opening up new opportunities for gaming without the need of a console, or even a tablet.