The Ataribox, a games console based on the Atari machines of old, gets renamed as the "Atari VCS" at the Game Developer Conference 2018, together with the reveal of joystick and controller prototypes.
Described as an "all-new video computer system inspired by more than 40 years of history," the Atari VCS was first announced back at E3 2017. The device was originally set for launch on December 2017 via the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform, but the campaign was canceled following unspecified development delays.
The VCS retains the same design from the previously revealed Ataribox, one clearly inspired by the original Atari 2600 Video Computer System. The Classic Joystick shares the same retro look, while gamers wanting a more modern input device get a Modern Controller options. Atari is still to detail the software side of things, but insists it will "serve up lots of classic content" while being a "connected device designed for today's living room."
Being aimed for use with iPhones means the PowerWave chargers at the Apple-specified 7.5W for faster wireless charging. However the chargers also handle the 10W specification for use with phones featuring faster wireless charging support, such as the Samsung Galaxy S9.
First seen back at CES 2018, the XF90 range offers 14-bit signal processing capable of breaking up solid bands of colour to smooth out the gradation between shades. The result, the company claims, is colour levels 64x better than standard conventional display. Another technology found in the TVs is X-tended dynamic Range PRO 6x, which brings out detail in dark scenes while making bright scenes brighter.
The LightCam is a combination of security camera and smart light bulb. It should fit in any standard light socket, with a 1080p camera complete with IR sensors pushing images (as triggered by motion sensors) to companion smartphone app. Built-in storage records around 7 days of footage, and users can add more storage space through backups to smartphone, PC or cloud storage. Built-in speakers and microphone provide 2-way communications.
The Model B+ runs on a Broadcom BCM2837B0 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU-- the same processor as the regular Model B, only clocked at a faster 1.4GHz. It also promises "power integrity optimisations and a heat spreader" allowing customers to either overclock the little machine or run it at lower voltages to reduce power consumption. Interestingly the maker says the B+ consumes "substantially more power than its predecessor," and recommends the use of a high-quality 2.5A power supply.
