PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
As CES 2016 starts winding down, here’s PCR’s pick of the most interesting announcements from the biggest tech show in the world.
Nvidia
Nvidia’s CEO Jen-Hsun Huang presented the first keynote of CES 2016. As well as unveiling details about the new Drive PX2 supercomputer for smart cars, the firm also detailed its new VR-ready program. It has partnered with PC and notebook makers and add-in card providers to deliver GeForce GTX VR-ready systems and graphics cards.
Nvidia says the program minimises confusion regarding which equipment is necessary to play the range of VR games and applications increasingly coming to market.
HP and HTC
HP and HTC continued the VR theme and announced a collaboration to deliver a virtual reality-ready desktop PC – the HP ENVY Phoenix.
The PC powers Vive, the new VR system from HTC, to deliver a uniquely immersive VR experience with room scale tracking capabilities, combined with photosensors on the headset and controllers, to track a user’s movement within a 3D space.
The HP ENVY Phoenix is expected to be available in the UK in February.
Razer
Razer launched the Razer Stargazer desktop webcam. The firm says its the world’s first webcam designed for streamers with industry-leading frame rate capture, Dynamic Background Removal, 3D scanning, and facial and gesture recognition.
Razer also introduced a digital watch with smart funtions called the Razer Nabu Watch. It will have two designs and be available form January 6th with a $149.99 price tag.
There was also a new Razer gaming notebook called the Razer Blade Steath. Specs include Intel Core i7, 4K display, Thunderbolt 3 and a 12.5-inch touch display. The Razer Blade Stealth base model will start at $999, while the highest-end version will sell for $1,599.
Acer
Acer revealed its new Aspire notebooks, the Chromebook 11, Liquid Jade Primo smartphones, the Iconia One 8 tablet, the Chromebase 24 All-in-one, and a range of monitors.
Dell
Dell had a host of new product announcements throughout CES. Some of the bigger ones included new Latitude business-class laptops and 2-in-1s, its first Ultrasharp OLED monitor, the world’s first Ultrasharp InfinityEdge displays, and the new Inspiron 11 3000 series of ultraportable laptops.
HP
HP has a number of laptops at CES 2016, including the Spectre x360 models. The 15.6-inch version comes with a 4K display, OLED and Bang & Olufsen audio. The 13.3-inch model has an OLED Quad HD display. The 15.6-inch Spectre x360 will start at £1,000 and is available in January. The 13.3-inch will be available in the spring.
HP has also announced the EliteBook Folio, which it claims is the world’s thinnest and lightest business class notebook. It is 12.4mm thin and weighs less than a kilo. It will be available from March with a starting price of $999.
Cooler Master
Cooler Master announced a selection of new keyboards for gamers. This was the firm’s first RGB mechanical keyboard series with Cherry MX switches. The MasterKeys Pro L is the full-size version, and those seeking a compact version can go with the MasterKeys Pro S – a tenkeyless design. For a more affordable option, the Devastator II is an LED gaming keyboard that comes with a mouse.
Letv
On display at the show was Letv’s line of Le Superphones featuring the noteworthy Le Max Pro, which is the world’s first smartphone to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 and Sense ID – Qualcomm’s ultrasonic fingerprint technology.
…And let’s not forget the weirdest tech products of CES 2016
Ombra
Omsignal showcased what it claims to be the world’s first smart bra. The OMbra measure your biometrics and help you keep track of your heart rate and steps while working out.
Parrot POT
As well as more drones models, Parrot showcased some new connected objects, one of which was the Parrot POT – a smart plant pot that measures the parameters critical to a plant’s growth.
PitPat
UK firm PitPat launched at CES and showcased its wearable tech for pets. It is essentially a fitbit for dogs, allowing owners to continually track all aspects of their dog’s lifestyle.
