On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

The Humanscale Compact M/Connect 2 Dock

January 15, 2018 | Frederick Douglas | Accessories

Humanscale presents a sequel to the compact M/Connect workplace dock at CES 2018-- the M/Connect 2, featuring the same split docking station design while adding USB-C charging and support for 4K and 5K resolution monitors.

The M/Connect 2 splits connectivity in two, with one part sitting on the desktop offering essential connections, while the other fits below the desk to hide some cables from view. The dock can act as a support for the Humanscale monitor arm range, and looks like the foot of the arm assembly when used as such, since the clamped dock can carry the weight of the display.

The dock offers seven USB 3.0 ports, two of which with 2.4Amp Quick Charge capability. One of the Quick Charge ports is power-only, meaning it does not pass data to connected PCs. Also included are two USB-C ports (une full-feature USB 3.1 type-C with up to 64W power, the other power-only) and two DisplayPort 1.2 outputs able to handle either two 4K monitors or one 5K display.

No "Major" MacBook Pro Upgrade for 2018?

January 15, 2018 | Alice Marshall | Laptops & Tablets

DigiTimes reports Apple has no plans to release any "major" MacBook Pro upgrades in 2018-- the result of a shift in manufacturer from Quanta Computer to Foxconn (aka Hon Hai Precision Industry).

As the news story puts it, "Foxconn had been aggressively working to land more MacBook orders from Apple during the past few years by offering attractive quotes. Since Apple has not had a major upgrade to its MacBook product line since the releases of its new MacBook Pro devices at the end of 2016 and has no plan for one in 2018, the US-based vendor is planning to shift orders for models that are already in mass production to Foxconn to save costs and reduce risks."

Tractica: Rapid Growth for Smart Headphones

January 09, 2018 | Alice Marshall | Audio

Smart headphones are a "new direction" for headphones and personal audio devices, Tractica reports-- one forecast to see rapid growth over the next several future, with 2017 sales reaching 5.6 million.

Tractica headphone

Such sales are a massive increase from the 833000 units sold in 2016. Furthermore, 2022 smart headphone sales are expected to rise to 13.7m, while revenues are set to reach $2.2 billion. However, despite such numbers, the analyst still points out the issues which might hamper the device category in the long term.

Sony Intros LSPX-A1 Ultra Short Throw Projector

January 09, 2018 | Marco Attard | TV - Display - Projectors

CES 2018 has Sony show off a high-end 4K ultra short throw projector-- the LSPX-A1, a projector the company claims provides nothing less than a "truly transformative cinematic experience."

Sony projector The LSPX-A1 is designed to sit close to the walls, and is able to project a 120-inch image from a distance of 24cm. Projected images are at native 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) and come complete with HDR and 2500 lumens peak brightness. It should be compatible with any 4K content source, be it a connected device or 4K Blu-ray players.

Power the PowerWatch X With Body Heat

January 09, 2018 | Frederick Douglas | Wearable Electronics

Matrix suggests an interesting means to charge wearable devices at CES 2018-- the PowerWatch X uses excess body heat as a power source, thanks to a proprietary thermoelectric energy converter.

The PowerWatch X is a sequel to the PowerWatch, a device launched via Indiegogo back in 2016. The first generation PowerWatch also charged using body heat, but it was a limited device, being little more than a watch with a basic fitness tracker. The second generation wearable ups the functionality, with smartphone notification support turning into an actual smartwatch.