Kogeto unveils Dot panoramic video capture prototypes for Android, GoPro (video)

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Amar Toor

Earlier this week, Kogeto announced plans to bring its Dot panoramic video recording accessory to Android handsets. Having already launched an iPhone version of the device back in May, Kogeto has a prototype of its Android counterpart on display here at CES, along with a second prototype, for the GoPro HD Hero 2. The idea behind the device is pretty simple: just download Kogeto's app, attach the holster to your smartphone, and begin recording. The accessory will then automatically capture 360-degree panoramic video, which can then be uploaded to the web, via the company's dedicated web platform. While you're there, you can also use Kogeto's online editing tool to cut and splice your video, jumping from angle to angle with the company's intuitive user interface. The quality of the video we captured during our hands-on with an iPhone 4 version wasn't exactly top-notch, but we're told that there are notable improvements for 4S users. All told, it's definitely a cool little attachment, and one that seems rife with creative potential. The iPhone 4 version, as we mentioned earlier this year, retails for $79. The Android rendition, meanwhile, is slated to hit the market this fall, likely for a similar price. No word yet on when we can expect to see the Dot arrive for GoPro, but be sure to check out our full gallery and video, after the break.

Gallery: Kogeto Dot panoramic video capture prototypes for Android, GoPro at CES 2012

Mat Smith contributed to this report.

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Kogeto unveils Dot panoramic video capture prototypes for Android, GoPro (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hanvon C-18 Mirasol e-reader hands-on (video)

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Amar Toor

Qualcomm unveiled its new C-18 Mirasol e-reader yesterday, and today, we managed to get our hands on it here at CES. Manufactured by Hanvon, this device is officially labeled as an e-reader, though to be honest, it felt more like a tablet to us. Unlike the lightweight Kindle, the C-18 felt a tad heavy in our hands, with backlighting more typical of a slate than reader. It also runs its own Android skin, which raises some interesting questions of how many Android apps it would support. The color Mirasol display certainly piqued our interests, though we'll have to wait a little bit longer before we get a closer look at it, as the C-18 won't hit the Chinese market until February, with no set date for a US launch yet (price remains equally opaque). For more details, check out our gallery below, along with the hands-on video, after the break.

Gallery: Hanvon C-18 Mirasol e-reader hands-on

Mat Smith contributed to this report.

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Hanvon C-18 Mirasol e-reader hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Viera touchpad controller prototype hands-on (video)

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Billy Steele

Looking for a more comfortable web browsing and app using experience on your Panasonic Viera Smart TV? The company is looking to lend a hand with upcoming peripherals like the Viera touchpad prototype that we took for a spin here in Vegas. Compatible with the 2012 line of televisions that share the same moniker, the controller enables you to peruse the web on your wall-mounted display via Panasonic's Webkit browser. We spent a few minutes browsing the Engadget site, so read on for our impressions.

Using HTML5, the browser scrolled pages at a decent clip. Don't get your hopes up about Flash though, as in its absence you'll certainly be disappointed. Text wasn't as crisp as we'd like and a lack of font support made rendered pages look off. In terms of the prototype, we were able to navigate the web with ease despite the occasional hiccup with the touchpad's responsiveness -- a quirk you'd expect with a device still in beta. Some basic TV remote functions like volume and channel controls were also on the mouse-sized peripheral which can be paired with wired or wireless keyboards for some text-heavy couch surfing. We're hearing that it'll be included with a few models this spring and also offered as a solo option for those who may have already purchased a compatible HDTV. If you're itching for a look at the action, a short preview video awaits after the break.

Gallery: Panasonic Viera touchpad controller prototype hands-on

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Panasonic Viera touchpad controller prototype hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba FlashAir wireless LAN SD card hands-on (video)

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Dante Cesa

The first card using the SD association's Wireless LAN standard is Toshiba's FlashAir and we've just spent some time with it here at CES. It's much like existing Eye-Fis insofar that it also crams WiFi into a diminutive SD card, but instead of merely being able to join a network, the FlashAir creates its own outright. The 8GB class six card broadcasts an 802.11b/g/n hotspot, replete with its own web server onboard, which means its contents -- like say pictures you've previously snapped in your camera -- can be accessed in a browser by any connected device.

Despite some false starts (CES is where WiFi networks go to die...) pictures from a point and shoot appeared as quickly as we could refresh http://flashair/ -- the address from where one accesses its contents. Once there, you can browse individual folders, splaying pics (and we'll assume other contents) for your perusal. As previously planned, it'll start shipping in February at around $70 and we were told more capacious units will follow at a later date. Video demo of the tech awaits in the video after the break.

Gallery: Toshiba FlashAir wireless LAN SD card hands-on (video)

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Toshiba FlashAir wireless LAN SD card hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aha Radio in the Subaru BRZ hands-on (video)

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Billy Steele

Aha Radio announced this week that it'll be an optional extra in 2013 Subaru and Honda autos. Vehicles so equipped will have the ability to listen to thousands of web radio stations and apps -- like Slacker and MOG -- alongside the regular AM / FM and satellite radio rotation. A short jaunt from our trailer at CES, we grabbed a quick demo with a Subaru representative aboard the 2013 BRZ.

Just like using Aha without the car, you'll need an iOS or Android device outfitted with the app, which uses that device's data connection to stream those audial bits. Once connected over USB or Bluetooth, however, the updated app now allows all of that content -- including stations you've previously pre-selected as favorites -- to be accessible via vehicle's built-in infotainment system. Setup was a breeze, but the only caveat is that data connection, which par for the course for CES, wouldn't play ball. Still, for the brief time we were able to connect, we streamed NPR and found the UI certainly workable. And before you ponder the ramifications of futzing with a touchscreen while driving, know that it's accessible via controls mounted on the steering wheel. This makes for a somewhat safer media selection-option as you cruise up and down the Vegas strip. A couple shots of it in action await below, followed by a video after the break.

Gallery: Hands-on with Aha Radio in a Subaru BRZ