CES 2014: Wearable Health Gadgets, 4K & Ultra HD Technologies Dominate Showcase
CES 2014, a showcase which is typically dominated by the usual smartphone trends, saw a strong showing from wearable health gadgets and the more exciting 4K and Ultra HD technologies. Consumer electronics manufacturers, chip makers and content providers were out in full force to show off the latest high-resolution format.
CES wouldn't be CES without some new innovative gadgets in the lineup as well. Fans of science fiction or video games will find this device interesting: Avegant is a new tech start-up with some clever people behind a new 3D product that allows the user to experience a personal and engulfing video experience. Their product is called the Glyph and is reported to be very comfortable and high quality including a great sound system and a movie-like viewing screen.
Because the screen is so close to your eyes, Glyph is able to display the most vivid images possible by directing them right into the retina. Another cool feature is that the item is compatible with many smartphones including the iPhone.
Over three thousand Kickstarters have provided funding for the company at around $1.3 million, which was way past their original goal. Of course, for all of this hype there is a draw-back: each pair of personalized 3D glasses costs $499. It's not the first product of its kind but it provides a high quality experience compared to competitors because of the size of the visual screen.
CNET recently did a review with CEO Ed Tang: "Once properly aligned, the resulting image is compelling. The device offers a separate WXGA (1,280x768-pixel resolution) image for each eye, basically twice the effective resolution of current Oculus Rift developer kits. This means a crisp, clear image and, because of the nature of the projection's micromirror array, there's no screen door effect. Pixels seem to blend together seamlessly, creating an incredibly bright and vibrant image."