Mar/100
XpanD compatible 3D glasses for 3DTVs
During CES 2010. RealD managed to slide its 3D glasses in with most of the new televisions coming our way this year, but XpanD is continuing its promise to work with any IR-enabled set from any manufacturer (Samsung has already stated its glasses will only work with its TVs, Panasonic couldn’t confirm cross compatibility with other brands when we asked) with the X103 series. XpanD is claiming compatibility with “virtually any monitor capable of displaying 3D content”. Even with plans for 12 different colors and sizes for kids or adults it’s more likely you’ll end up in a caption contest than a look book rocking these, but as long as they get the job done they seem like a natural go to for additional pairs when they launch in June. The main problem? Pricing isn’t final but Chief Strategy Officer Ami Dror told PC Mag he expects them to run $125 – $150 — even if the local cinema uses active shutter technology, that’s a lot of 3D flicks before you recoup the cost and makes it nearly out of the question to grab a few spares for friends to watch.
Mar/100
Nokia’s Wireless Loopset LPS-5 Connects to Hearing Aids
You know, I always like it when manufacturers unveil products that aid people better come around their disabilities, and this time, it is Nokia, with its Wireless Loopset LPS-5. The thing you see to your left connects to users’ T-coil-equipped hearing aid to provide a better audio quality for any handsfree conversation.
The LPS-5 embeds an adjustable sidetone and optimized frequency response and volume range, for ensuring a better compatibility and audio quality. As for the design, this was definitely built for everyday use, given the compact and lightweight design, as well as the durable materials used in the fabrication process. User friendliness is served right on the plate, with a vibrating alert for not missing a call, while the comfy send/receive key allows customers to be in control.
Getting to the physical properties, the LPS-5 has a weight of only 60 grams, and sports a 62cm long cable. Operation keys include the multifunction key for call handling and the volume controls. With a maximum operating range of about 10 meters, the Loopset will provide an operating time of approximately six hours, a stand-by time of up to 110 hours, while the charging time takes just 1 hour for the built-in 3.7V 180mAh lithium-ion polymer battery. Mind only that this has a (probably) proprietary charging interface, 2mm in size.
Connectivity is ensured by Bluetooth 2.1, with HFP 1.5, HSP 1.1 and A2DP 1.0 compliance, while supporting a maximum of eight devices paired, one at a time. Compatible with virtually any device that supports the aforementioned specifications, the Nokia Wireless Loopset LPS-5 has quite a spicy price of $270.60, an amount, which I don’t see many willing to pay for such a device.