gadget review: September 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

The Latest from GadgetLite

Posted: 30 Sep 2013 07:52 AM PDT

Valve is working hard to bring Steam to our TVs, and we already saw Steam OS and Steam Machines, and now, Valve has announced its controller so let's check it out.

Steam Controller is designed to work with Steam Machines, and unlike regular controllers, this one doesn't have analog sticks or directional pad. Instead, Steam Controller comes with two clickable trackpads that use resolution similar to the resolution of computer mouse, so they will be quite accurate. Great thing about Steam Controller is that it will be compatible with all past, present and future Steam games, and if a certain game is isn't designed to work with a controller, the game will recognize Steam Controller as regular computer mouse and keyboard. This controller comes with touchscreen in the middle, and the touchscreen's functionality can be changed via API. Steam Controller comes with haptic sensors that provide you with super-precise haptic feedback, but at the same time, these sensors can play audio waveforms and work as speakers. As for the number of available buttons, this controller comes with has 16 buttons, and developers can change their functionality using the API.

Steam Controller looks interesting, and if you want to get your hands on it, you just have to apply for the beta testing.

[via Ubergizmo]

Sunday, September 29, 2013

The Latest from GadgetLite

Steam Machines: Home consoles from Valve announced
SteamOS: Valve’s operating system for gamers
Babolat Play Pure Drive: Tennis racket that works with your smartphone

Steam Machines: Home consoles from Valve announced

Posted: 29 Sep 2013 07:34 AM PDT

You probably know that Valve has announced SteamOS for gaming, and in addition to this gaming operating system, Valve has announced devices that will run on SteamOS.

Steam Machines are modified PCs, and they will let you play your favorite games on your TV. As you can see, Steam Machines are competitors to PlayStation and Xbox consoles. According to Valve, they expect to see several Steam Machine models, all with different hardware and different prices. As for Steam Machines, there will be beta test this year, and Valve will ship 300 machines to all who have been selected to participate in the beta test. Regarding the available games, there will be hundreds of games available during the beta test.

Valve's Steam Machines sound great, but we still have to wait and see how will they compare to next-gen consoles. You can sign in for beta participation on Valve's Steam Machines website, and as for availability or pricing, no information is available.

[via Ubergizmo]

SteamOS: Valve’s operating system for gamers

Posted: 29 Sep 2013 07:07 AM PDT

If you're not a console gamer, then you're probably playing on Windows or Mac computer, and speaking of which, it seems that there's a new operating system coming designed for gamers and gaming.

SteamOS is created by Valve, and it's a free operating system that will allow you to play your favorite games on your TV. This operating system is based on Linux, so users will be able to change it as they will. We have to mention that with SteamOS you'll be able to stream any Windows/Mac games from your PC to your SteamOS machine. As for additional features, this gaming operating system supports In-Home Streaming, Music, TV, Movies ,Family Sharing, and Family Options. We also have to mention that SteamOS will bring significant performance increase in graphics processing, according to Valve.

SteamOS sounds interesting, but how will it compare next to Windows and Mac? Valve seems confident in SteamOS, so we can just sit and wait for the release.

[via Ubergizmo]

Babolat Play Pure Drive: Tennis racket that works with your smartphone

Posted: 28 Sep 2013 10:00 PM PDT

There are many devices that can work with our smartphones, but if you're an athlete, and interested in tennis, today we have something special for you.

Babolat Play Pure Drive is a tennis racket, but unlike other tennis rackets, this one connects to your smartphone, and it can collect data on your playstyle. This can be useful if you're a professional tennis player, and you wish to improve your technique. Collected information includes shot power and ball impact location (sweet spot), the number of strokes (forehand, backhand, serve, smash), spin level, total and effective play time, endurance, technique, consistency, energy and rallies. In addition, you can also share this information with other Babolat Play users.

Babolat Play Pure Drive will be useful for professional tennis players, and we should see it available for sale in the United States this December. As for the worldwide availability, it should be available worldwide in 2014. Regarding the price, this racket costs $399.

[via Ubergizmo]

Saturday, September 28, 2013

The Latest from GadgetLite

TokyoFlash Kisai Blade uses LEDs to tell time

Posted: 27 Sep 2013 10:02 PM PDT

If you prefer using wristwatch over your smartphone to check the time, you might be interested in this unusual wristwatch that comes from TokyoFlash.

It seems that TokyoFlash Kisai Blade is inspired by aviation industry since it comes with custom-made turbine-line lens, but unlike regular wristwatches, this one uses LEDs to tell time. Interesting thing about this watch is that its LEDs rotate similar to the propeller on a airplane. There are three modes available, there's "Turning" mode in which LEDs rotate in constant cycle in order to light up hours and minutes. On the other hand, "Animation" mode will make the diodes constantly rotate. As for the charging, TokyoFlash Kisai Blade recharges via USB, and the built-in battery can last up to a month on a single charge.

TokyoFlash Kisai Blade looks amazing, and it's one unusual timepiece. Regarding the price, this unique wristwatch is priced at $139, but that's just the promotional price, and after the promotion has expired, the price will go up to $159.

[via Ubergizmo]

LG Optimus L9 II gets announced

Posted: 27 Sep 2013 10:00 PM PDT

In the past we saw all sorts of devices coming from LG, and speaking of which, LG has officially launched a new smartphone in Netherlands, so let's see what this new phone have to offer.

LG Optimus L9 was launched in 2012, and now we have its successor, LG Optimus L9 II. This smartphone comes with 4.7-inch True HD IPS display, unknown dual-core 1.4GHz processor and 2,150mAh battery. Additional specs include 8MP rear-facing camera, a 1.3MP front-facing camera for video calls. Regarding the software, LG Optimus L9 II runs on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. As for the RAM, we have no information regarding it. LG Optimus L9 II might not be the most powerful Android smartphone, but it will be great for users on a tight budget.

LG Optimus L9 II sounds interesting, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of money on a new smartphone. As for availability, we should see this smartphone available this October, but there's no information regarding availability in United States.

[via Ubergizmo]