Posted Fri May 11, 2018 at 05:00 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
We've compiled the latest gear news, including the release of new VR headsets, additions to Focal's speaker lineup, and more.
From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed.
For this edition, we're covering the release of the Oculus Go VR headset, the launch of Lenovo's Mirage Solo VR headset, Focal's newest Utopia III Evo speakers, and Key Digital's latest HDMI HDBasedT Extender Kit.
So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news:
Oculus has announced the launch of its first standalone virtual reality headset, the Oculus Go. Unlike most other VR headset models, the Oculus Go does not require an additional smartphone, PC, or game console to work. Instead, the device has its own integrated display and CPU.
The Oculus Go features a fast-switch LCD screen with a WQHD resolution of 2560X1440. In addition, the headset offers a super lightweight form factor that uses adjustable straps and a new soft, breathable fabric for the facial interface. Optimized 3D graphics and spatial audio support are integrated as well, along with built-in speakers. Likewise, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. A motion controller similar to the Gear VR model is also be included. And though the headset is designed to be worn comfortably with or without glasses, customers can also purchase VirtuClear prescription lens inserts.
Apps designed for the Gear VR are compatible with the Oculus Go as well, along with the best of the company's mobile VR content library -- offering access to over 1,000 VR games, social apps, and 360° experiences.
The Oculus Go is now available in 32GB ($199) and 64 GB ($249) models.
Source: Oculus
Lenovo has announced the release of the Mirage Solo. Like the Oculus Go, the Mirage Solo is also a standalone VR headset that does not require an additional smartphone, PC, or game console to work. But unlike the Oculus, the Mirage Solo uses Google's Daydream VR platform.
The headset features a 5.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) LCD display with a 110° FOV. Under the hood, the device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 VR processor with 4GB of RAM and a 4,000 mAh battery running Daydream 2.0. In addition, the device uses new WorldSense technology with 6 degrees of freedom to enable PC-quality positional tracking without any external sensors thanks to two inside-out tracking cameras and built-in proximity sensors to detect the position of nearby objects and measure depth.
Lenovo's Mirage Solo Standalone Daydream VR Headset is now available for $400.
Source: Lenovo
Focal has revealed the latest additions to its Utopia III Evo Line of speakers. The new Grande Utopia EM Evo and Stella Utopia EM Evo were officially unveiled earlier this week at the 2018 High-End Trade Fair in Munich.
The Grande Utopia EM Evo and Stella Utopia EM Evo both feature several exclusive Focal audio technologies, including TMD (Tuned Mass Damping) suspension and the NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit). Likewise, the structure of the loudspeaker has also been strengthened compared to previous models thanks to the new MRR (Machined Reinforcement Rings) system around the drivers. In addition, the speakers use a redesigned crossover and other modified components to provide a more accurate sound.
Stella Utopia EM Evo Specs
Type: 3-way, floorstanding bass-reflex loudspeaker
Drivers: Electro-Magnetic 13" (33cm) 'W' woofer, 2 Power Flower 6 1/2" (16.5cm) 'W' midrange drivers with TMD suspension and NIC magnet, IAL2 pure Beryllium inverted dome 1" (27mm) tweeter
Frequency response: (+/- 3dB) 22Hz - 40kHz
Response at - 6dB: 18Hz
Sensitivity: (2.83V / 1m) 94dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
Minimal impedance: 2.8 Ω
Filtering frequencies: 230Hz / 2,200Hz
Recommended amp power: 100 - 1,000W
Grande Utopia EM Evo Specs
Type: 4-way, floorstanding bass-reflex loudspeaker
Drivers: Electro-Magnetic 16" (40cm) 'W' woofer, Multiferrite 11" (27cm) 'W' midbass, 2 Power Flower 6 1/2" (16.5cm) 'W' midrange drivers with TMD suspension and NIC magnet, IAL2 pure Beryllium inverted dome 1" (27mm) tweeter
Frequency response: (+/- 3dB) 18Hz - 40kHz
Response at - 6dB: 14Hz
Sensitivity: (2.83V / 1m) 94dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
Minimal impedance: 3 Ω
Filtering frequencies: 80Hz / 220Hz / 2,300Hz
Recommended amp power: 150 - 1,500W
Both models will be available this September in Metallic Blue, Ash Grey, British Racing Green, Black Lacquer, and Carrara White finishes. Grande Utopia EM Evo is set to retail for $120,000, and the Stella Utopia EM Evo is set to retail for $65,000.
Other previously released models in the lineup include the Maestro Utopia Evo ($32,500) and Scala Utopia Evo ($20,000).
Source: Focal
Key Digital has detailed its newest product, the D-X444L HDMI HDBasedT Extender Kit. The KD-X444L is designed for professional system installations that require long range 18 Gbps video signal extension.
The kit is the company's first with full bandwidth support for the HDMI 2.0a video spec, and is capable of extending UHD/4K (4096x2160 or 3840x2160 24/25/30/60hz at 4:4:4) 18 Gbps digital video with Dolby/DTS HD audio and IR/RS-232 control signals up to 70 meters. Likewise, 1080p video can be extended up to 100 meters (328 ft) with CAT6 cabling. In addition, the KD-X444L offers HDBaseT via Single CAT5e/6 UTP/STP extension, and the set offers HDCP 2.2 compliancy with support for HDR10 High Dynamic Range.
For more information, check out Key Digital's KD-X444L product page.
Source: Key Digital
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