Ebuyer HQ

Motion sensing computing

Since its November 2010 launch, Microsoft’s Kinect has proven a highly sought-after gadget among Xbox 360 gamers, setting a Guinness World Record for being the fastest-selling consumer electronic product of all time.

With the motion-control device allowing people to play simply by moving their body – as opposed to the traditional console controller – the technology giant reveals that people will now be able to purchase a version of the system that is compatible with PCs.

a review of CES

For many people Las Vegas is all about gambling and big stage shows, but in a four-day period this month it became the hub of the technological universe as it hosted the 2012 International CES event.

Do you have butter fingers?

There’s probably nothing more distressing for gadget users than dropping an electronic device on the floor and breaking the screen.

Unfortunately, with products becoming increasingly lighter and thinner – not to mention advancements in technology seeing more items feature touchscreens – the danger of damaging the likes of smartphones and tablet PCs seems to be on the rise.

Hottest Gadget of 2011?

Some would say that Motorola has never produced anything to match the quality of its Razr, which wowed tech fans when it was first released in 2004.

Its clamshell design was a game changer back in the day but since then, Motorola’s fortunes have declined, with its rivals producing phones that were technologically superior and much better looking.

But has Motorola’s phoenix risen once again in the shape of the new Atrix?

Have you HTC'd?

Business folk are fond of their BlackBerrys – despite the recent three-day meltdown that saw them without messenger, emails and other applications – while entertainment junkies prefer their iPhones.

But can we have the best of both worlds?

the excitement builds!

There is always a lot of hype when Sony gets ready to release a new product and quite rightly so.

What do you think?

Last week the news hit that Intel have dropped Smart TVs to focus their attention on Tablets and Smartphones instead.

What does this say about the market for Smart TVs? We’ve discussed televisions in the digital age before, and it is interesting to see the differing opinions on how popular they are proving to be. A bold move for Intel to disregard the category completely then; what did the tech community make of it?

AnandTech said Intel’s shift of focus ‘could also be a sign of things to come. Intel sees synergy between the tablet and the TV.’

Does that mean that the Smart TV will evolve and become the Smart Tablet?
‘Perhaps Intel sees the future of Boxee Box/Google TV offerings as being driven by a tablet rather than a stationary set-top box?‘

So AnandTech are thinking that there are arguments for the tablet driving the smart offerings, as they conclude with:
‘But if you’ve already got a cable box, maybe a tablet is a better way to extend its functionality rather than adding another box to the stack.’

We think there are still arguments for the traditional telly format developed as a Smart TV, but what do you think?

Some have said that there is a lack of demand for the Smart TV and this could have contributed to Intel’s decision. Is this really the case though? We think there are many pros to the Smart TV, one of the main ones the interactive nature of being entertained and being involved in the entertainment itself. Being able to watch TV and connect with apps and socialise via the same medium adds a new dimension to the practice of watching the telly!

Engadget have pointed out that:
‘Obviously, that leaves the door wide open for ARM to sweep in. We already know that Google TV will be making the move to ARM-based hardware soon and the Boxee Box started life on Tegra before making the move to an Atom CE4100‘ but admit to being ‘surprised to see Intel abandon the market just as it seems to be picking up steam.’ This is more in line with how we see the Smart TV market developing- picking up steam gradually rather than becoming an overnight sensation.

Intel themselves described it as a tough descision, especially as they were the leaders in the creation of the product area, but stated that it freed them up to focus on top business priorities. These are ‘Ultrabook (thin laptops) devices, smartphones and tablets.’ according to Venturebeat.com

Should it be an either/or situation though? Will you be able to get everything you would have wanted from a Smart TV from a tablet or a Smartphone instead? We’ll be watching Intel’s progress with interest to answer those questions, and it will be intriguing to see how ARM rise to the challenge.