5 Cool Technologies You Shouldn’t Miss at CES 2016

Parrot DISCO Drone

The CES brings some of the most important companies and professionals of the electronics industry to present their latest innovations at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show isn’t open to the public and this year it will take place between 6 and 9 January with over 3,600 companies invited.

The show is a great tool to predict the trends of the consumer technology for the year that just began and even further, so this will give us a glimpse into what to expect. With so many companies involved and so many fields brought together it’s difficult to name the most interesting ones, so we tried to look at those that seem to be the most revolutionary or the ones we expect to see much more of in the coming year.

Samsung SUHD TV

The last years promoted the 4K technology for the TV as the main reason for which you should upgrade and you also have HDR or Dolby Vision as options. Over the last decade Samsung led the TV manufacturing industry throughout the globe and now they dazzle us with the SUHD TV which offers the most true-to-life picture quality, is cadmium free and has a 10-bit Quantum dot display. The design is curved and was described by the creators as a 360 design that can impress from all angles. Now TVs are trying to become the center of your home’s entertainment once more and these come with Internet of Things hub technology that permits the device to connect with many other SmartThings compatible devices, acting as the controller of the entire smart home.

The Smart Shower from Hydrao

We are getting one step closer to the concept of a smart home with the technology presented this year and one part of the home is the shower. A smart home means one that adapts to your needs and saves all the energy it can, so this shower head does just that. You can control the water through a system of colored lights that tells you how much water is flowing. You start with green lights, then blue, orange and red when the water flow goes over 50 liters. The Hydrao is controlled via Bluetooth and they want to implement Wifi control as well. To assemble the shower head you do the same thing as with any standard one, – you simply attach it to the shower hose and it will work. Another great feature that goes with the eco-friendly philosophy is the autonomous power system which takes the energy it needs from the water flow itself, so you won’t need any batteries to make it work.

Parrot DISCO Drone

The Parrot DISCO isn’t actually a parrot, but more of a prototype drone that anyone can pilot with ease. It is really fast and smart with a light weight and a flight time of around 45 minutes. You just have to mount the wings and the body together and then throw in in the air to fly, making it really easy to use. When it comes to landing or taking off, the drone knows what to do by itself without any outside help.

Once it is in the air you can control it via a Parrot ecosystem that communicates to the drone via Wi-Fi and the Flight Plan app will give it GPS coordinates as waypoints. The Bebop drone camera has a 3-axis digital stabilization system and the wings were designed through collaboration with senseFly which are the leaders in commercial fixed wing drones, to ensure ideal control.

The drone will probably be available for purchase later this year and it stands out through the ease with which it can be controlled. It even has an autopilot mode and the computer will take care of most of the commands anyway, so you don’t risk taking any bad maneuvers. It comes with a FullHD 1080P camera that allows live video stream and Parrot Skycontroller ensures an extended Wi-Fi range.

Withings Thermo

This might seem like an odd topic, but Withings managed to innovate in this area with their new sensors and mobile apps. Thermometers usually aim for accuracy and not much more, but this one comes with a HotSpot Sensor Technology that is simple to use, hygienic and will make sure you don’t forget to check your temperature while at the same time giving you a quick and efficient way of communicating the results to your doctor.

It received the CES Innovation Awards for Fitness & Biotech and Tech for a better world categories. The technology it uses will give you the most precise temperature and it is automatically synced with the Wi-Fi Thermo app to permit the tracking of the temperature readings and to receive reminders as well as suggestions for related symptoms or medication.

The device has 16 infrared sensors and this permits the reading of the temperature in just two seconds. The temperature feedback is colored to give you quick reads and the codes are adapted to the age profile of the user. The way in which you read the temperature is through skin contact, so you don’t get any earwax or saliva on it, thus making it a lot more hygienic than the typical thermometers and also much easier to use.

Virtual Reality devices – HTC Vive

We knew that 2016 will be the year when the virtual reality technology goes further than ever before through the release of Sony’s PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE. The VR movies and video games are now starting to get developed and they will certainly change the way we look at entertainment systems. The manufacturers of PC hardware are focusing on making sure their new products are “VR-ready” and even if many of these devices aren’t even out yet you can already find accessories for them.

The CES 2016 event was the place where HTC revealed their new version of Vive that was built in partnership with Valve and it comes with new features such as a front camera that permits an overlap between the VR and the real world. The controllers are brought to higher standards and a dual stage trigger permits smoother interactions.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories at CES 2016: Everything LG Introduced At Las Vegas and Tiertime to Unveil UP Mini 2 3D Printer at CES 2016

Smoking-Stopper Wants to Help You Kick the Habit

Quitting smoking can be one of the hardest things you will ever do. Fortunately, French company RegulSmoke has unveiled a new smart device at CES 2016 called Smoking-Stopper. This connected device and mobile app tracks smoking behavior and controls consumption in real-time, which is said to help you ultimately kick the habit.

smoking_stopper_1zoom in


They claim that Smoking-Stopper increases the likelihood of a smoker’s chances of completely kicking the habit by focusing on their smoking behavior. The device and app were designed by engineers and tobacco treatment specialists. All you do is place a standard size pack of cigarettes in the connected case which then synchronizes with the mobile app, which creates a customized smoking cessation program for each user to help them reach their daily goals.

smoking_stopper_2zoom in

Once the process has started, the connected device will only open and close based on the user’s profile and goals. So it basically locks you out from your cigarettes, except when you’re permitted to take a puff. The app will set goals accordingly to reduce daily consumption and will also offer advice based on four key factors, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological. It seems like a good idea, but if someone wants a smoke bad enough, they are just going to get their smokes elsewhere. Still, it might help some people quit.

[via Ubergizmo]

CES 2016: Samsung Introduced TVs, Smart Gadgets and Home Appliances

Samsung-CES-2016-2

Samsung had their CES 2016 keynote in Las Vegas in order to show what they’ve been working on and what they’ll offer customers throughout the year.

Las Vegas, Nevada is the main stage for CES 2016, the world’s greatest technology, electronics and consumer products show on the planet, where several industry giants reunite to show their projects for the year that has just started. Among all of these companies was Korean giant Samsung, particularly well known for their products when it comes to smartphones, TVs and several other devices and gadgets acclaimed worldwide. Among what they introduced at their keynote were tablets, virtual reality features and even Internet of Things solutions and gadgets for health.

Samsung TVs at CES 2016

Samsung started out their keynote talking about their new SUHD TVs with curved designed and improved image quality thanks to their new technology, quantum dot display. These new TVs are special for being the first to not have any cadmium among their components, making it truly an eco TV, but on top of this it features better contrast and a wider variety of colors than any screen before it – all of which can be appreciated from any point in the room without any kind of glare thanks to its curved screens. These TVs run on Tizen OS, through which users can access tons of movies, streaming services and games, but they also intantly recognize devices (video game consoles, blu-ray players, home theaters, or whatever) so they can adjust to these automatically, without users having to meddle with the settings.

After this segment, they discussed the future of their VR headset, the Gear VR, and their plan to produce cameras capable of recording in 360 degrees in order to create immersive experiences aimed to bring virtual reality to the masses, outside of the niche of enthusiasts and gamers.

The Internet of Things according to Samsung

Samsung introduced a new and spectacular fridge (seriously, this fridge stole the show) called the Family Hub Refrigerator, which helps families connect offering new ways to organize, shop, and buy food giving and receiving instructions through its 21.5 inches screen in Full HD LCD with a touchscreen. Among the things the Family Hub can do are included:

  • Food Handling: with three cameras located inside the fridge, anyone can check out the food inside from anywhere in the world through a smartphone app. What’s more, thanks to their association with MasterCard, Samsung will offer an online shopping service where you can order food from many different chains and retailers through the fridge’s interface (this service will only be available in the USA and South Korea as of now).
  • Family communication center: This fridge allow the family to write notes, take pictures and share a calendar or art from its touchscreen, so everyone can communicate without having to depend on paper and pens.

  • Internet of Things: Samsung are aiming to strengthen their ecosystem of interconnected products, and this fridge is a part of that. Users can control lights, unlock doors and more straight from the Family Hub, as long as the other products are compatible.
  • Connected entertainment: The Family Hub Refrigerator features a fantastic screen and set of speakers where users can stream their favorite TV shows, music, or any kind of media, which makes the kitchen feel more homely and bridge the gap between it and the livingroom.

Mobile productivity and premium wearables

In order to close their CES 2016 keynote, the Korean giant introduced the new Galaxy TabPro S, a new premium tablet with the best features from the Galaxy family as well as all of the perks of a Windows computer. It is designed to last and respond, and comes with a full keyboard and touchpad so users can pick how to control it. Despite this, the most interesting thing about it was its terrific 12″ inches Super AMOLED Display capable of Full HD Plus.

 

This tablet wasn’t the only thing they introduced on the last segment. There was also quite a bit on the Gear S2, a smartwatch that comes in platinum and rose gold variants with designs by Alessandro Mendini and Colombo. This new smartwatch by Samsung is the first one to offer Samsung Pay functionality, an alternative for your shopping which is making its debut in South Korea and the USA this 2016, and will receive expanded compatibility to many other devices.

Thanks to its innovative gadgets and interconection features, Samsung have proven why they are among the industry leaders, and why it’s more important looking towards the future than having nostalgia for the past.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories at The Samsung Galaxy S7 Will Come In Two Sizes and CES 2016: Everything LG Introduced At Las Vegas.

 

CES 2016: Samsung Introduced TVs, Smart Gadgets and Home Appliances

Samsung-CES-2016-2

Samsung had their CES 2016 keynote in Las Vegas in order to show what they’ve been working on and what they’ll offer customers throughout the year.

Las Vegas, Nevada is the main stage for CES 2016, the world’s greatest technology, electronics and consumer products show on the planet, where several industry giants reunite to show their projects for the year that has just started. Among all of these companies was Korean giant Samsung, particularly well known for their products when it comes to smartphones, TVs and several other devices and gadgets acclaimed worldwide. Among what they introduced at their keynote were tablets, virtual reality features and even Internet of Things solutions and gadgets for health.

Samsung TVs at CES 2016

Samsung started out their keynote talking about their new SUHD TVs with curved designed and improved image quality thanks to their new technology, quantum dot display. These new TVs are special for being the first to not have any cadmium among their components, making it truly an eco TV, but on top of this it features better contrast and a wider variety of colors than any screen before it – all of which can be appreciated from any point in the room without any kind of glare thanks to its curved screens. These TVs run on Tizen OS, through which users can access tons of movies, streaming services and games, but they also intantly recognize devices (video game consoles, blu-ray players, home theaters, or whatever) so they can adjust to these automatically, without users having to meddle with the settings.

After this segment, they discussed the future of their VR headset, the Gear VR, and their plan to produce cameras capable of recording in 360 degrees in order to create immersive experiences aimed to bring virtual reality to the masses, outside of the niche of enthusiasts and gamers.

The Internet of Things according to Samsung

Samsung introduced a new and spectacular fridge (seriously, this fridge stole the show) called the Family Hub Refrigerator, which helps families connect offering new ways to organize, shop, and buy food giving and receiving instructions through its 21.5 inches screen in Full HD LCD with a touchscreen. Among the things the Family Hub can do are included:

  • Food Handling: with three cameras located inside the fridge, anyone can check out the food inside from anywhere in the world through a smartphone app. What’s more, thanks to their association with MasterCard, Samsung will offer an online shopping service where you can order food from many different chains and retailers through the fridge’s interface (this service will only be available in the USA and South Korea as of now).
  • Family communication center: This fridge allow the family to write notes, take pictures and share a calendar or art from its touchscreen, so everyone can communicate without having to depend on paper and pens.

  • Internet of Things: Samsung are aiming to strengthen their ecosystem of interconnected products, and this fridge is a part of that. Users can control lights, unlock doors and more straight from the Family Hub, as long as the other products are compatible.
  • Connected entertainment: The Family Hub Refrigerator features a fantastic screen and set of speakers where users can stream their favorite TV shows, music, or any kind of media, which makes the kitchen feel more homely and bridge the gap between it and the livingroom.

Mobile productivity and premium wearables

In order to close their CES 2016 keynote, the Korean giant introduced the new Galaxy TabPro S, a new premium tablet with the best features from the Galaxy family as well as all of the perks of a Windows computer. It is designed to last and respond, and comes with a full keyboard and touchpad so users can pick how to control it. Despite this, the most interesting thing about it was its terrific 12″ inches Super AMOLED Display capable of Full HD Plus.

 

This tablet wasn’t the only thing they introduced on the last segment. There was also quite a bit on the Gear S2, a smartwatch that comes in platinum and rose gold variants with designs by Alessandro Mendini and Colombo. This new smartwatch by Samsung is the first one to offer Samsung Pay functionality, an alternative for your shopping which is making its debut in South Korea and the USA this 2016, and will receive expanded compatibility to many other devices.

Thanks to its innovative gadgets and interconection features, Samsung have proven why they are among the industry leaders, and why it’s more important looking towards the future than having nostalgia for the past.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories at The Samsung Galaxy S7 Will Come In Two Sizes and CES 2016: Everything LG Introduced At Las Vegas.

 

CES 2016: Everything LG Introduced At Las Vegas

LG-Signature-CES-2016

Korean giant LG had their press conference at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, the world’s greatest technology show with new products. Read all the news here!

LG had a great showing at CES 2016 where they introduced the three pillars they would be focusing on throughout the year: cars, internet of things and home appliances. The presentation started with cars, or to be more precise, the gadgets you can add to them. LG are working on many new gadgets to make travelling safer and more fun. When it comes to security, they have external sensors that allow the detection of other vehicles in the short and long range in real time. On the other hand, they also designed an information center, a monitor that allows to see in 360° along with a GPS. What’s more, LG have confirmed to be working on engines and compressors too.

From cars they moved to the Internet of Things. LG are working with several companies to generate a continuous integration. An example of this is their collaboration with Google, and the promise of future devices they will produce together moving forward.

To end their presentation, LG introduced their new “Signature” home appliances. Through this line of products, LG wants to redefine what premium has come to mean, putting emphasis on products that evoke the senses. Among the new products, the big star is the OLED TV 4k by the name LG Signature G6. This is a minimalist TV with all the essentials, from integrated speakers, HDR, UHD, and Dolby Vision. This is the TV with the greatest color gamma ever created, using the same technology from The Martian and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The new OLED models come in 55”, 65” and 75”, and new LCDs.

When it comes to washing machines, LG took matters very seriously. The new Signature washing machines can be programmed with the controls placed on the glass door, they’re opened when the door is pushed, and have a better system to reduce vibration and noise. Furthermore, you can connect it to an app to read the different states in which the cycle is at.

LG also introduced an air purifier with a semi-permanent filter that lasts 10 year, but users can take out clean every once in a while, all with very intuitive controls. There was also a new fridge with a really cool feature: when the user taps the door, it displays the contents. It even has sensors so the door will open for us once we have to load it with the supermarket bags. Basically by putting the foot next to the sensor the door opens by itself, and it’s only activated by humans.

LG had a great beginning of the year with many new smartphones and new products that were introduced at CES. Let us know which ones are your favorites in the comments section!

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories at LG prepares a second high-end smartphone for 2015 and LG create a paper-thin TV that can be hung anywhere.

 

DJI Announces 2016 DJI Developer Challenge, New Mobile SDK 3.0

DJI 2016 Developer Challenge

The world leader in aerial technology couldn’t have skipped CES 2016, as this is a great opportunity for any tech company to announce its latest developments. Not only did DJI kick off their annual developer challenge, but it also launched a new version of the mobile SDK, thus enabling people to increase the number of applications for drones.

The DJI Developer Challenge is already at its third edition this year, and the UAV developer must’ve seen this as a good occasion to upgrade its mobile software development kit to version 3.0.

“Various industries are starting to realize how capable and powerful unmanned aerial vehicles can be,” stated Robert Schlub, Vice President of Research and Development at DJI. “As usage cases arise, there will be a growing need for applications. With our developer challenge and new SDK, DJI is doing its utmost to foster an environment that’s conducive to development and creation of those applications.”

For the 2016 DJI Developer Challenge, the company teamed up with Ford Motor Company and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and announced that the theme would be the use of drones by emergency response units. The participants will have to perform a mock search-and-rescue mission, and depending on the way their solution is implemented, they can get a change at winning the prize. The winning team, comprised of students and developers from all over the world, will get to take home $100,000.

There are some requirements regarding the application. First of all, the drone needs to be able to autonomously take off from a vehicle in motion. It goes without saying that this would be tremendously helpful for emergency response units, as they wouldn’t need to stop the vehicle for the drone to take off. Secondly, the drone should be capable to perform vision guided flight, and thirdly, it needs to be able to recognize objects and identify the location of survivors, in order to relay it to the computing device in the vehicle.

As for the mobile SDK, the new version is meant to provide users more control over the UAV’s camera, gimbal, flight status system, flight control data and intelligent flight missions, or in fewer words, most of the drone’s onboard systems. Some of the new features include the removal of developer levels, Mission Manager and Custom Missions, and Bridge App and Remote Logger functionalities for iOS.

“DJI’s support for the startup and developer communities has not only meant creation of new UAV applications, but also new business opportunities for different industries, such as ground inspection, 3D mapping and inventory-tracking,” commented Schlub. “The new mobile SDK will remove many pain points for developers. The new architecture will enable developers to identify problems quicker and create better applications for their customers.”

To download the Mobile SDK 3.0, head over to https://developer.dji.com startin on January 9.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about the DJI Phantom 3 drone with a 2.7K camera, or the DJI Inspire 1 drone that records videos and takes pictures from up above.

Brydge’s Newest iPad Pro and iPad mini 4 Keyboards Show Up at CES 2016

BrydgePro iPad Pro Keyboard

Brydge, one of the most reputable manufacturers of keyboards for Apple’s iPad tablets, has just unveiled two new products at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Brydge keyboards excel in functionality, and they literally have the power of turning iPads into Macbooks, at least as far as productivity is concerned. The previous models have earned Brydge several awards, and the newly introduced ones only build up from there. Since both of them pack patented 180-degree hinge systems and U-shaped silicon clamping mechanisms, high-grade 100% aluminum build, backlit keys and superb haptic key feel, the two new models are meant to impress iPad Pro or mini 4 owners by being not only extremely durable, but also very good-looking. In short, BrydgePro and BrydgeMini combine sophistication with minimalistic design, to complement Apple’s iPad tablets perfectly.

“The iPad Pro is a game-changing device, and as with previous iPad models, is further revolutionizing the way we work, learn and play. The BrydgePro aims to unlock the full potential of the iPad Pro and deliver the perfect blend between iPad and MacBook.” commented Nicholas Smith, CEO of Brydge. “The combination of the larger format iPad and BrydgePro has numerous applications, whether it is in the smallest classroom or the largest enterprise. Brydge is dedicated to being the market leader in innovative devices that deliver the ultimate experience in mobility and productivity when working with the iPad.”

Pictured above is BrydgePro, which as its name suggests, was designed for the iPad Pro. According to the manufacturer, it has the following specs:

  • Thickness: 0.27-inches thick (same as the iPad Pro)
  • Weight: 1.60 lbs
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity
  • Colorways: Available in Gold, Silver and Space Gray
  • 180-degree viewing angles
  • Backlit, tactile keys with varying brightness levels
  • Rechargeable three month battery

The BrydgeMini, on the other hand, weighs less, something you’d come to expect from an accessory for a smaller tablet, but it is slightly thicker than its bigger brother. Here are the technical specifications.

  • Sizing Dimensions: 0.29-inches thick
  • Weight: 0.66lbs
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0 Connectivity
  • Colorways: Available in Gold, Silver and Space Gray
  • 180-degree viewing angles
  • Backlit, tactile keys
  • Rechargeable three month battery

As you have probably noticed, the BrydgePro isn’t only lighter and thicker, but it also lacks the varying brightness levels of the BrydgePro. That makes sense from the price standpoint, as lesser models of a line are typically accompanied by poorer accessories, in terms of features.

Brydge is taking pre-orders for both BrydgePro and BrydgeMini on its website, and the latter even benefits from a special pre-order price, as it carries a $99 price tag. Shipping will commence in January 2016 for the BrydgeMini, and in April 2016 for the BrydgePro, which has a MSRP of $189.99

If you happen to be in Las Vegas today, you can pay Brydge a visit at CES Unveiled, at table #120, to check out their newly launched products. In addition to that, you can find them at booth #36433 in the South Hall 4, between January 6 and 9.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about the Logitech K480 Bluetooth multi-device keyboard, or Microsoft’s Universal Mobile Keyboard.

LG Betting Big on OLED TV for 2016

CES 2016 starts this coming week, and it looks like LG will be doubling down on OLED as the next big display technology for the living room. In preparation for the upcoming electronics show, I like to do some preliminary research, and came across numerous LG OLED display models which recently were granted Wi-Fi certification.

lg_oled_4k_2016_1zoom in

OLED displays offer significant advantages in terms of contrast, color range and thickness compared to LCD screens, though they’ve not been cost effective for most consumers to date. LG appears to have new 65″ and 77″ displays in the works, based on LG’s typical naming conventions. Here’s the full list of models that I found:

  • 65″ models: OLED65G6K, OLED65G6P, OLED65G6T, OLED65G6V, OLED65G6Y
  • 77″ models: OLED77G6K, OLED77G6P, OLED77G6T, OLED77G6V, OLED77G6Y

Chances are that at least some of the displays will be part of LG’s new premium Signature line of electronics, which will be revealed on January 5.

lg_oled_cert_2016_1zoom in

The expansion of the OLED lineup only makes sense, given LG’s recent investment of nearly $9 million USD in the development of a new OLED plant.

Tiertime to Unveil UP Mini 2 3D Printer at CES 2016

Tiertime UP Mini 2 3D Printer CES 2016

Beijing-based Tiertime may not be most famous 3D printer manufacturer out there, but in China it is the leading innovator in this industry. At CES 2016, the company will launch its latest desktop 3D printer, the UP Mini 2.

Tiertime has made a goal out of creating affordable 3D printers, so that those devices are no longer destined exclusively to wealthy gadget enthusiasts. Its desktop products are neatly organized in three categories, depending on their application, but it should be mentioned that Tiertime also manufactures industrial 3D printers known as Inspire A, Inspire D and Inspire S series. The desktop ones are Home 3D printers, along with models meant for Education, and lastly, for Work. All of them are actually called UP, with various denominations added to that for an intuitive differentiation. The UP mini, for example, whose second generation will be unveiled at CES 2016 next week, makes an excellent first 3D printer for home users.

“As a world leading 3D printer manufacturer, Tiertime’s greatest motivation is to meet the increasing demand for consumer 3D printers on the global market. We believe that UP mini 2 will become the best entry level 3D printing gadget for students at schools, kids at home and 3D printing fans everywhere,” says Tiertime’s CEO, Mr. Allen Guo.

Tiertime has picked quite a target audience for the UP mini 2. Students, kids, and people who are taking their first steps into 3D printing are the ideal consumers for a device that focuses on usability, portability and connectivity. In fact, these three are the exact areas to see new improvements over the previous generations. All the upgrades and changes are meanto turn 3D printing into an even more consumer-friendly experience.

Just to give you an idea about how easy to use this company’s 3D printers really are, in 2013 MAKE magazine gave Tiertime’s UP Plus 3D printer the Best in Class: Just Hit Print for such innovatory features as auto-leveling and auto height detection. At that time, the UP Plus was going against 23 other desktop 3D printers, so that says a lot about Tiertime’s desire to revolutionize the industry.

The following video showcases the 1st-gen UP mini, but in terms of design, there shouldn’t be that many differences between it and the new one.

As for the price, the UP mini 2 shouldn’t cost more than the first generation, which is currently sold by various retailer at around $600. Sure, there are cheaper 3D printers out there, but I highly doubt that those are capable of producing even close to similar results. It remains to be seen what precise features and improvements UP mini 2 will bring, and whether it will provide as much bang for your back as its predecessor.

If you happen to be in Las Vegas between January 6 and 9, you can go to CES 2016 and pay Tiertime a visit at booth #72910 in the 3D Printing Marketplace, Sands Expo Hall.

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Nextbook Ares and Flexx 2-in-1 Tablets to Launch at CES 2016

The Nextbook Ares 11A 2-in-1 Android tablet will debut at CES 2016 (PRNewsFoto/E FUN)

It doesn’t matter if you prefer Android Lollipop or Windows 10, as long as 2-in-1 tablets are your thing, E FUN has you covered with two of its upcoming products from the Nextbook line, Ares and Flexx, both scheduled to launch at CES 2016.

CES 2016 will surely be a launching ramp for a lot of revolutionary gadgets, but that doesn’t mean that the tradeshow is a forbidden area for more common devices, such as 2-in-1 tablets. Acting as a buffer between regular tablets and notebooks, these products seem to be the best of two worlds. While E FUN’s Nextbook detachables don’t have dual-boot abilities, there is still

The first in line is the Ares 11A, an Android 5.1 2-in-1 tablet that, as its name suggests, packs a 11-inch display with a 1366×768 resolution. Under the hood, the device sports a quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8300 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 64 of on-board storage and an microSD port that allows you to further expand the storage by up to 64GB. In terms of connectivity, the Ares 11A features miniHDMI, microUSB, 2 USB ports in the keyboard dock, Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi b/g/n. When it comes to taking photos and doing video calls, the Ares can handle both with its 2.0 MP front and rear cameras.

“We are excited to expand our Nextbook Ares tablet line in 2016 with upgraded features,” stated Jason Liszewski, managing director and VP of sales for E FUN. “The new Ares 11A was built with consumers in mind to be the right combination of features and price.”

Liszewski is definitely right about that sweet spot, as the Ares 11A will launch in Q2 2016 for $219.99, a price that will be hard to match by other manufacturers.

The Windows version of the 2-in-1 will be available in three versions named Flexx 9A, Flexx 10A and Flexx 11A. All of them run Windows 10 and are powered by the same Intel Atom CPU as the Ares. Besides that, they also feature 2GB of RAM, but only come with 32GB of internal storage that can be furthermore expanded by up to 64GB using a microSD card.

“Coming off a strong holiday season where we exceeded our sales targets, we are extremely excited to introduce new detachables powered by Windows 10, at affordable prices in 2016. Working with great technology partners, these new Nextbooks are sure to be popular as consumer interest in tablets powered by Windows 10 continues to grow,” added Liszewski.

Besides the OS and the amount of internal memory, Flexx and Ares differ in the size and resolution of their screens. Flexx 9A was built with an 8.9″ capacitative multi-touch IPS display that has a resolution of 1280×800, while the 10A packs a 10.1″ IPS panel with the same resolution. Only the 11A matches Ares’ resolution, but at 11.6-inch, it has a slightly larger diagonal.

These three 2-in-1 tablets will be equally affordable, as E FUN has announced that the 9A would cost $149.99, the 10A $199.99, and the Flexx 11A $249. As with the Ares 11A, we’ll have to wait till Q2 of 2016 to get our hands on these devices.

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