Hoping to stream high-quality games to our living rooms, Nvidia has unveiled the Grid. Boasting some powerful hardware and impressive cross-device sync capabilities, the Grid could be the long-awaited answer to cloud gaming.

Nvidia wants to succeed at cloud-based gaming in a way that OnLive never could. Think Netflix, but with video games instead of B movies and cancelled television shows. Clearly a star player, the Grid took a lead spot in the presentation, enjoying some precious time in the limelight.

Nvidia treated viewers to a demo of Trine 2 on LG’s 4K TV. Giving kudos to Nvidia, the game looked incredible and carried over seamlessly between a few different devices using the Nvidia Grid app. Wherever the player saved a game on one device, it was picked up from the exact same spot on another, much like how you can resume a Netflix video where you left off from any device. The software seems to work much the same as Netflix’s progress syncing. The hardware is no slouch either, Nvidia says the GPU tower basically combines the power of “700 Xbox 360s” into a single unit.

Nvidia plans to license the Grid software to various companies based both in the U.S. and abroad. In theory, the Grid sounds like the best thing since sliced bread. However, streaming video games isn’t exactly easy for the majority of the world still running on metered data connections. It will be interesting to see how that specific issue will be addressed, if at all.   

With competitors like OnLive and Gaikai already in the game, Nvidia definitely has some catching up to do. During demonstrations, the Grid seems groundbreaking, but who knows if its exciting first impression will translate into any real-world success. We will definitely be investigating further as CES continues.

Nvidia's Project Shield will play both native Android games and PC games streamed from GeForce-equipped computers, displaying them on its 5-inch screen or on big-screen TVs via HDMI.

After spending the majority of its CES 2013 press conference talking about how its Tegra 4 processor would make mobile devices more universal, Nvidia surprised the crowd by revealing a product with a very specific focus: mobile gaming. Project Shield, or “Thor” as Nvidia president Jen-Hsun Huang mistakenly called it, attempts to get a handle on Android gaming with a game controller and attached 5-inch screen.

Powered by the aforementioned Tegra 4, Project Shield is intended to play console-quality games. Shield runs entirely on Android and will be capable of running apps from the Google Play Store. The 5-inch display is a multitouch screen, displaying games in 720p. If you’d rather not play on that attached screen because you’ve got a bigger screen available (a 4k television was used during the press conference), Shield can push video to external displays over HDMI. The 38-Watt-hour battery should deliver 5 to 10 hours of gaming, or stream high-definition video for up to 24 hours.

Besides playing Android games, Project Shield will also stream game from GeForce-equipped PCs to the controller, like a personal version of OnLive. The streaming feature will give gamers access to all of their PC games, including those housed in their Steam libraries, making it possible to game on the go. Owning this device will essentially guarantee that you won’t ever get anything done while traveling ever again.

The device also includes a sound-processing system Nvidia promises will rival the quality of laptops using Beats Audio, and a microSD card expansion slot. The controller, which bares a striking resemblance to an Xbox 360 controller, features a D-Pad and dual control sticks for movement, action buttons, and bumpers laid out on a clamshell design. Nvidia has not yet discussed pricing or availability for Project Shield.

Originally known as a TV giant, Vizio has already earned praise for its PCs' crapware-free operating systems and affordability, but can its Windows 8 models succeed with suboptimal touchpads?

In just its second year as a PC manufacturer, Vizio seems primed to dive right into the fray when it comes to Windows 8 – but only if it can overcome lingering concerns about the industrial design of its models. In 2012, Vizio boasted relatively reasonable prices and gorgeous, high-resolution screens, but faced criticism over the tactile experience of their computers. Now,  the company’s 2013 lineup of PCs all come standard with 10-point touchscreens and quad-core processors – an optimal setup for Windows 8 – yet they fail to show much in the way of design innovation.

Newly on offer are two “Thin + Light” ultrabooks, a 14” and a 15.6”, as well as two “All-in-One Touch” desktops, a 24” and a 27”. The Thin + Lights showcase a sleek, brushed-aluminum unibody chassis that’s a clear nod to the Macbook Air, while the All-in-Ones pair a floating, rounded-edge monitor with a silvery, cube-sized computer barely larger than a fist.

First, the good: Vizio deserves props for outfitting all new PCs with Microsoft Signature, a lean, bloatware-free OS that Microsoft itself calls “the cleanest Windows 8 experience with no junkware installed.” For the first time, Vizio is also offering customers a choice between AMD and Intel quad-core processors (except the 27” All-in-One, which is Intel-only). Finally, almost all models come with a crisp 1080p screen, except for the 14” Thin + Light, which shaves off a few centimeters by opting instead for a 1600×900 screen – still not at all shabby for an ultrabook.

Now, the bad: Vizio’s initial computing offering suffered from keyboard and trackpad design that left a lot to be desired. According to Engadget, the new products appear to suffer from the same issues. As the 2013 lineup is slated for release around mid-February, we’ll have to wait until then to see if there have been notable improvements. Meanwhile, Vizio has also announced their first foray into Windows 8 tablets with an 11.6” device priced at approximately $800, considerably cheaper than competing models. Hopefully their ultrabooks and desktops will remain similarly competitively priced.

The first Windows 8 tablet made by Vizio has made its debut. The Vizio Tablet PC will pack a punch with an AMD processor and a 1080p display that will make the most of the sizable 11.6-inch screen.

Vizio is probably best known in the tech world for it’s televisions. Quality high definition displays are a top priority for Vizio when producing TVs, so it should come as no surprise that the California-based company is bringing that expertise to the tablet market with it’s Vizio Tablet PC.

Featuring a 1080p display that will be stretched across a spacious 11.6-inch screen, the Vizio Tablet PC continues the trend of pushing the bounds of portability by increasing size, a trend that will eventually end in us dropping the “t” from the end of “tablet” because they’ll be as big as the top of a table. Running Windows 8, no RT involved, the device will be the first of the Windows tablet family to be powered by an AMD processor. This particular model will be packed with a 1GHz AMD z60 chip, which will run alongside 2GB of RAM. Apps and files will live on the 64GB solid-state drive for storage. Microsoft Signature software will come installed on said hard drive, but it won’t be accompanied by any bloatware. 

Other notable features on the Vizio Tablet PC includes a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Micro HDMI and Micro USB ports have a home on the device as well. While no hint of price point or release date has been made available, you should probably be looking forward to getting hands on this device – however hard that may be do to given its size. hands-on coverage coming soon from the show floor. 

Boasting a slim, low-profile body and beefed-up Gorilla Glass screen, Lenovo unveils its LT1423p Touch Mobile Monitor with 10-point multitouch capacity

Today at CES, Lenovo announced its new Lenovo ThinkVision LT1423p Touch Mobile Monitor, a 13.3-inch 1600 x 900 mobile touchscreen that comes either wired or wireless. Thanks to 10-point multi-touch capacity, tough Gorilla Glass, and an impressive wireless range, the Lenovo LT1423 touch monitor carries the potential to wear many hats.

Wired via a USB 3.0 connection and used as a dual-screen monitor, the Lenovo LT1423p ups productivity and provides touch sensitivity – an especially useful bonus for providing the full Windows 8 experience on an otherwise non-touch computer. Shifted beside the mousepad, it can also serve as an oversized, highly sensitive drawing tablet. The LT1423p comes with a pressure-sensitive digital pen with 256 pressure levels that enable precision writing and drawing.

The wireless version allows the Lenovo LT1423p to be used anywhere in the same room as the original PC. Transmitting data via WiFi, the wireless monitor enables more imaginative applications. With a broad viewing angle, a slim profile (1.6 pounds. and 0.3­ to 0.6 inches thick), and an anti-reflective LED surface, the touch monitor lends itself easily to collaborative use. It can transform into a fully visualized control pad for a multi-media presentation, or enable business partners to work on the same spreadsheet, even if they are not sitting side-by-side (on a WiFi-enabled plane, for instance). The Lenovo LT1423p boasts up to four hours of battery life and starts at $349.

Stay tuned for a hands-on review.

Voice over LTE is the next generation in wireless calling, and it may even have more perks than first thought.

The CDMA and GSM standard have both been around for a number of years as the standard in wireless communication. If you’ve made a phone call on a cell phone in the last twenty years or so, then GSM or CDMA were the technology that made it possible. However, new tech known as VoLTE – or Voice over LTE – wants to change that, and it may do so while improving your battery life, and giving higher audio quality.

VoLTE is in many ways a lot like VoIP, except that it utilizes a data connection through LTE spectrum to accomplish the task, rather than the IP protocol. It’s already being implemented international markets, but has yet to be injected into the U.S. despite the huge growth of LTE in the last two years. Slowly but surely though the technology is being tested by infrastructure firms as they prepare to bring VoLTE to the United States, as it really is the long term goal for voice communication. VoLTE offers CD-quality audio to customers by utilizing LTE bandwidth to communicate, much like how Skype has higher quality audio than your average telephone. The service, in testing by Metrico Wireless on MetroPCS, could greatly improve battery performance as well as give all the other benefits promised so far.

Not everyone is convinced though. MobileBurn reports that the testing may be over-exaggerated given the lack of scale. It cites incidents in LTE performance like the HTC Thunderbolt, which while it could argue itself as the first LTE phone, was brutal in battery life. Despite this, Verizon Wireless is already jumping on board and promising a launch by the end of the year and into 2014. The cost, for carriers, however, is significant. While simultaneously adding bandwidth load to their LTE networks, VoLTE will also do away with counting minutes, and instead utilize everything over data. Cell phone plans will essentially become 100 percent data-oriented.

It’ll be at least a year until we see VoLTE begin to roll out across the country with Verizon, Metro PCS, or one of several potential carriers. Between its offer of higher audio quality, reduced energy usage, and the end of counting minutes, it certainly is a no-brainer for customers to take advantage of, so long as the price is rig’ht.

Lenovo jumps wholeheartedly into the Windows 8 fray with newly-unveiled multitouch laptops, including a sleek Ultrabook and a rethought ThinkPad.

Lenovo’s latest big reveal at CES includes three new laptop lines, all clearly designed with one objective in mind: to optimize Windows 8 compatibility. All of the models below boast multitouch screens (optional on the ThinkPad), as well as high-end hardware, including up to a 3rd generation Intel Core i7 processor and up to a 1TB hard drive. All IdeaPad models below include 10-point touch and intelligent touchpads for an ideal Windows 8 experience.

IdeaPad U310 and U410

First among the offerings are the IdeaPad U310 and U410 (13.3-inch and 14-inch, respectively). The attractive Ultrabooks feature an ultra-slim, ultra-portable profile, and a rounded-edge unibody aluminum case amps up the chic factor. It comes in six colors, including pink and dark blue. With a battery life up to 8 hours (U410) and the ability to resume from sleep in just over a second, this model clearly yearns for a life on the go. The U410 adds up to 8GB memory and advanced NVIDIA GeForce graphics for respectable entertainment options.

IdeaPad Z400 and Z500

Meanwhile, the IdeaPad Z400 and Z500 touch notebooks (14-inch and 15.6-inch, respectively) represent a touchscreen upgrade of an earlier notebook model. Clearly, the sleek and elegant metallic case and frameless bezel screen were already a winning combination. Although neither as slender nor as light as the U310/U410, these models still clock in at around 1-inch thick and under 6 pounds. They also feature larger screens and up to 16GB of memory.

ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531

Finally, the ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 (14-inch and 15.6-inch, respectively) put a new, modernized spin on the previously notoriously boxy ThinkPad line. Thinner and lighter than earlier models and offering improved discrete graphics, they are also the first ThinkPads to include Lenovo’s OneLink Connecter, a charger with a plethora of ports (including Ethernet, USB, and HDMI) for cable-free connectivity and lag-free 1080p video output. Additionally, the new ThinkPads up the cool factor by adding red and silver options as well as the traditional black, with OneLink Connectors provided in matching colors. 

We’re hoping to get our hands on these new machines soon, so stay tuned. 

Android, iOS, and Windows Phone are the big names in mobile operating system software, but this may be about to change, as there are five interesting challengers all vying for a piece of that valuable market share - and they're all coming very soon.

For the first time in several years, 2013 looks set to play host to the launch of numerous compelling new mobile operating systems, at least one of which could have a chance of stealing some market share from the reigning champions Android and iOS. Of course, neither of these will be sweating just yet, but we expect some droplets to be forming on a few foreheads at Microsoft.

By our reckoning, there are five interesting challengers expected to appear over the next 12-months, so ahead of CES 2013 – where several will be demonstrated to developers and the public – here’s a rundown of the software that could be vying for your attention on a flashy new smartphone come CES 2014.

BlackBerry 10

By far the biggest name on our list, BlackBerry 10 is also backed by the company with the most to lose. Like Nokia last year, Research in Motion badly needs a winner, otherwise its future looks very uncertain indeed. Worse still, even if BlackBerry 10 does meet with a decent response, things will remain shaky for RIM for a while, just like they have for Nokia.

Thanks to some strategic leaks and a few informative presentations, we know quite a lot about BlackBerry 10 and the phones on which it will launch. We even have an exact date when it will arrive, January 30, plus the knowledge it’ll be available about a month afterward on two phones, one with a touchscreen and the other with a QWERTY keyboard.

As for the software, it has a new web browser and an improved touchscreen keyboard, plus an innovative camera feature named Time Shift, where a burst mode lets to manually change individual expressions to make the perfect photo.

There’s a lot of goodwill toward RIM, and BlackBerry phones have a solid following around the world, but any level of reinvention is always a risk – the specter of Palm and WebOS probably roams the hallways of RIM’s headquarters, as an ever present reminder that even an innovative product isn’t always enough to succeed.

Ubuntu for Mobile

Ubuntu may be a familiar name in Linux-loving desktop software circles, but it’s an unknown in the mobile world. This hasn’t stopped Canonical from giving it a go anyway. Later this year or early next, we’ll be able to buy a smartphone running Ubuntu for Mobile.

Ubuntu is based on Linux like Android, uses the same drivers, and will operate on devices using ARM or Intel processors. Unfortunately, it doesn’t use Oracle’s Java Virtual Machine and won’t run any Android applications. This clean slate, plus a consistent framework hidden under a customizable skin, is supposed to avoid the fragmentation issues from which Android suffers. It’s a good idea, and no doubt Canonical sees Android’s success as a driver for its own mobile endeavors, but to start afresh is a huge undertaking – as is convincing non-techy users it’s a viable alternative at all. Ubuntu for Mobile does have a secret weapon though: it can be installed on existing Android hardware. The already strong Ubuntu community will also rush to embrace it, particularly because it offers a true desktop experience when docked with a keyboard and monitor.

From what we’ve seen of the user interface, it’s based around gestures and doesn’t require any hardware buttons. Swipes reveal menus and open apps. It’s difficult to judge it at the moment, as the early build displays some lag; however, a version suitable for the Galaxy Nexus will be released later this year, which should help speed development along. Canonical will be showing off Ubuntu for Mobile during CES, where an early version of the OS will be seen running on test devices.

Firefox OS

Research in Motion has Android, Windows Phone, and iOS firmly in its sights, but Mozilla is targeting the budget sector with its Firefox OS, therefore gunning almost exclusively for cheap Android phones. Previously known as Boot to Gecko, Firefox OS is ready to launch in several countries in early 2013, plus Mozilla has signed up hardware manufacturers such as ZTE and Alcatel as partners. Telefonica, the Spanish mobile giant which has an extensive presence around the world, is onboard, and in the U.S., Sprint will apparently support the software.

Telefonica’s backing is key, as the first Firefox OS phone is set to make its debut in Brazil and other Latin American countries, where the company owns many fixed and mobile communication networks. Hardware running the software will be low spec and probably cost less than $100, so strong promotion though companies like Telefonica in new and developing markets will be crucial to its success.

Internally, Firefox OS is similar to Android, but it won’t be able to run Android apps and will instead rely on Web apps available through Mozilla’s own app store. Firefox itself is high web app-centric, designed and built using HTML5. You can read our hands-on report here, or even try out Firefox OS yourself using this browser extension.

Jolla

Jolla is the Finnish firm hoping to bring back MeeGo, the mobile OS abandoned by Nokia when it adopted Windows Phone, and is the true dark horse in our line-up. The Sailfish UI was unveiled at an event in November, and although our introduction was brief it did show promise. MeeGo’s spirit lives on in the shape of gesture controls and a smart, simple interface, plus there’s no denying the energy and enthusiasm the Jolla team has for the project.

What’s more, a little like BlackBerry 10, Jolla already has an established fan base thanks to the international support for MeeGo and its single phone, the Nokia N9. Jolla is counting on each and everyone of them, plus those unable to purchase an N9, to flock to the first Sailfish phone. If Jolla and Saifish where a movie, it would have “cult hit” written all over it. It would also be an indie flick; it’s the only OS on our list which doesn’t have a few large companies behind it, which could mean financial concerns further down the road.

Jolla will initially look outside of Europe and the U.S., concentrating first on China for business, where it will also base its servers. It has said the first Jolla smartphone will be announced before the end of March and released before summer. While it doesn’t have an official presence at CES 2013, according to the company’s Twitter account, some representatives – amusingly referred to as Sailors – will be there to promote the intriguing OS.

Tizen

Here’s were things get a little incestuous, as Tizen is a joint project between Intel and Samsung and it came to life after the cancellation of MeeGo, from which, as we’ve just learned, Jolla was formed. Additionally, Samsung has merged Tizen with its own standalone mobile OS Bada, which is helpfully based on Linux and is compatible with Tizen. It’s linked to Firefox OS too, as its apps will be built using HTML5 and will be compatible with Mozilla’s operating system, and vice versa.

Although there was plenty of big talk from Samsung at the beginning of 2012 regarding an impending smartphone release, nothing more was said until last week, when Samsung piped up again, saying that Tizen phones would be out this year instead.

Tizen’s trump card may appear to be Samsung’s support, but in reality it could be Intel, as its desperation to gain a foothold in the mobile processor market should see plenty of money and effort put into Tizen’s success. (Although the software is compatible with ARM-based devices, you can bet Intel will be pushing Samsung to choose its Atom processors.)

Samsung’s plan is rumored to be equally selfish, as it’s said to be looking for an alternative to Android should Google and Motorola suddenly start churning out exciting phones together. Bada is surprisingly successful, with Gartner putting it fourth in its worldwide device sales chart for Q3 2012 and ahead of Windows Phone, meaning Tizen could have quite a head start over the others listed above. Version 2.0 of Tizen is expected to launch soon and it could be on display at CES, heralding the arrival of the first Tizen phones.

Can any of these succeed?

When talking about fledgling mobile operating systems, the question, “do we really need another smartphone OS?” is often asked. It’s a fair question, as the three we currently use are well-designed, relatively bug-free, regularly updated, and have ever-growing app eco-systems behind them. Therefore, given this huge head start and the financial might behind Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, perhaps a more pertinent question is, “how can any of these succeed?” They will need perseverance, support from developers and networks, dedicated fanbases, and some stellar and/or keenly priced and widely available hardware. Not all of them will make it, but one or two may do some damage. What OS would you put your money on?

Deck out your new phone or tablet with apps to use while you're un-decking the halls and recovering from the holidays. Facebook Messenger and Skype get updates, get a new app to manage your tasks or replace your keyboard, and relive classic games like Final Fantasy and Metal Slug on new platforms.

With the holidays over and the malaise that comes with it slowly shaking off as we all return to our normal routines, there are no doubt plenty of new mobiles devices that found new homes this holidays. Going from being used almost obsessively out of the box to being left behind or in pockets and purses during the daily grind can get lonely for a phone or tablet. But fear not! There’s no better way to keep your new mobile device company than with a few new apps on its internal storage. Start the new year out right with all the best apps and updates to make their way to market since the start of 2013.

Updates

 

Rdio (Windows Phone)

Music knows no bounds – and that goes for operating system as well. Rdio knows this, and has updated its popular app to include support for Windows Phone 8. Aside from making its appearance on Microsoft’s latest mobile OS, Rdio also features some new improvements that improve the search features and makes online playback better. Rdio explains a new look in the Metro style that Microsoft has been working to wipe out of the vocabulary of its users. While Microsoft likely doesn’t care for the description, it and its users will be sure to enjoy the actual interface.

Skype (Windows Phone)

Windows 8 users are getting all kinds of new treats to start 2013. When they’re done listening to music, they can now chat with their friends about their favorite tracks, or anything else, on the newly updated Skype. Following through on Microsoft’s plan to retire MSN Messenger and switch over to Skype, the newest version of Skype for Windows Phone 8 allows users to chat with people from their Messenger buddy list. It’s worth taking note, however, that the update also kills functionality with People Hub. It’s planned to return in a later update, but don’t be shocked when it disappears in the meantime. 

Facebook Messenger (iOS)

The latest version of Facebook Messenger includes the ability to send voice messages and complete VoIP calls. You’ll be able to share the voice messages in the same way you can with media or text messages, sending it over the chat service built into the social network. The VoIP calls is in beta for Canadian users only at the moment, likely because Canadians never have anything negative to say and are most likely to provide positive feedback. We hope we’ll all have a chance to try out the free call feature soon.

New Apps

 

Cycloramic (iOS)

Take a step closer to making your phone sentient with this app. It turns your iPhone 5 into a hands-free panoramic video recorder. To make this possible, the app uses the phone’s internal sensors and vibration mode to turn the device around 360 degrees and record video from every angle. We’re not sure what exactly sure what you’d do with this app, aside from enjoy the novelty of it while watching your phone spin around on its own, but it’s definitely something worth playing with.

Sing! Karaoke (Android, iOS)

Sing! Karaoke turns your phone or tablet into a portable karaoke machine. Scroll through a wide variety of tunes that you will inevitably butcher, pick your favorites, and pass the phone around so you don’t have to experience the embarrassment alone. Turn any bar into a karaoke bar, and then get yourself kicked out for singing too loud for everyone’s comfort.

Zime (Android)

Your daily regimen has a flow to it, so why shouldn’t your schedule and task list? Zime gives your entire calendar a clever and unique 3D view that puts your plans on an easily manageable scroll. Sync your calendars and to-do lists and turn them into one continuous stream that will catch you in its waves and carry you through your daily routine. You can set priorities and manage all of your tasks in an easy way that will make your tasks come and go with ease.

Kii Keyboard (Android)

Ok, there’s no shortage of alternative keyboard options for Android, but that doesn’t mean the best method has been discovered yet. After all, the first typewriter design had keys all in one row like a piano. Perhaps Kii Keyboard will be the next big breakthrough. Taking cues from gesture-style keyboards like Swype and prediction-style keyboards like SwiftKey, Kii Keyboard is trying to put the best of both worlds together for one great offering.

New Games

Wordament (iOS)

Too many word games limit the way you play. It’s either you against one other player or competing against time. Wordament makes the experience more universal. Take two minutes to try to find every word you can on a game board – the exact same game board that every other player in the world is looking at as well. Play with certain stipulations and rules or just try to find as many words as you can and then see how you rank, in both score and percentile, against the rest of the world.

Final Fantasy II (Android)

The classic RPG from Square Enix has made its way onto Android devices. Telling the story of the second installment of the classic series,  Final Fantasy II gives the old game a new home without costing it any of its charm or replay ability. You’ll get even more adventure than you got in the original versions, with new dungeons that extend the length of the game experience. Not that you’ll need it, really. This is a Final Fantasy game, after all. 

Metal Slug (Android)

Even more classics are finding mobile devices to be comfortable homes to relive their glory days. Metal Slug, the shooter/platformer that will have players fighting through various terrain and blasting away baddies with a variety of weapons, brings back the challenge that is too often lost in modern homages to the genre. This game returns to show its successors how things were done back in the old school, and it holds up just fine.