Greenpeace releases latest "Green" Results at CES 2009
At their Press Conference at CES on Friday, January 10th, 2009, Greenpeace released the latest results of their "Green Electronics: the search continues" survey.
While "the electronics industry has taken encouraging strides towards increasing the green features on some gadgets over the past year but none stand out in all environmental categories. The race for the green winner is still on," according to Casey Harrell, Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner. This year's scores were higher, but no products exceeded a score of 7 out of 10.
Criteria questions focused on but are not limited to the following areas: toxic chemical phase out, energy efficiency, product lifespan and energy used in production, with additional points given for unique innovation.
The Lenovo L2440x wide computer monitor scored highest with 6.9 points (on a 10 point scale) and is far ahead of the competition in the monitor category. Other product category leaders include the Sharp LC‐52GX5 television (5.92), the Samsung F268 mobile phone (5.45), the Nokia 6210 Smart phone (5.2) the HP Elitebook 2530P laptop (5.48) and the Lenovo ThinkCentre M58 Desktop (5.88).
Companies who refused to participate are Apple, Asus, Microsoft, Nintendo, Palm, Philips. Only Sony submitted game consoles for review. A representative for Greenpeace said they were most upset that Apple had declined to participate, as they claim to be committed to being green, but have a history of not having a great track record despite their claims.
Harrel concludes the press release by stating "The electronics industry is heading in the right direction. To stay in the race, each company needs to put its foot on the accelerator, applying any progress it has made across all of its product lines and adopting each others best practices. We're confident that, as part of the most innovative industry on the planet, these companies can step up to this green challenge."
Previous Greenpeace surveys for comparison can be found here.... Read on »
CES Impression - Ready for 3D at home?
From Intel to Sony, Samsung to Panasonic, Nvidia to countless other large and small companies alike, the idea of 3D making it's way into your living room television or PC is apparently something the tech and gaming world believes we all need.
In a recent thread on the forums, I had heard of Sony's possible plans of enabling 3D on the PS3. I actually thought it was just them and perhaps one or two other companies who would be pushing 3D, just as there are a few companies year in and year out who do so. However being at CES this past week, it is crystal clear that many companies believe we all should have 3D in our living rooms and/or our computers, and have it soon.
I do admit, up until this past week, I was definitely of the belief that 3D in the home was just an after thought that would never actually pick up. However, getting to see some of the tech in all it's glory these past few days, I have to say I am at least starting to believe it may not only be such a bad thing after-all, but it very well may wind up being something worth checking out, for those of us who can at least.
The largest issue by far I am hearing about 3D in the home is little to none of the current TV's or other components that we all already own can support it. Many of the previously mentioned companies are actually quite vague about just exactly how their vision of 3D will be delivered, with Sony being the extreme example, using TV's built just for the show on previously non existing tech, meaning none of their previous television models can do 3D, or say they say. I was told during my demonstration that their 3D is actually just a proof of concept, and they are not even sure if they will release it, they just wanted to show that it could be done if they wanted. Seems like a lot of work for something they do not plan to release, so I would say it is safe to say they will release it, and their 3D was actually one of if not the most impressive ones I have viewed. Wipeout HD in 3D was absolutely stellar in action, and the depth of the 3D was indeed incredibly impressive.
In fact, most of the 3D I was fortunate enough to check out in action all looked incredibly good. Some more-so than others, but overall I do admit it was all better than I expected.
After the initial impression fades, reality then sets in. First off, if these companies are indeed telling the truth, and current TV's cannot support their 3D solution, how many casual watchers of Television are going to be willing to fork over thousands of dollars on a new TV just for 3D itself. Then there is the question of can you really see yourself and your entire family all sitting around the TV on movie or game night all with the never cool looking glasses that are required to see the 3D? Some of the glasses actually seemed like they were going to also have a hefty price tag just for the glasses themselves, so even if an entire family is willing to all sit around with the glasses on, in this touch economy can or would they be willing to fork over the cash needed for glasses for the entire family in addition to whatever new TV or components they need to purchase?
So I do believe that although we very well may not see it anytime soon, 3D in the home is something that will indeed become a reality sooner than later. If it is successful and practical is literally the million dollar question for these companies that remains to be answered. My guess is we may find out by the end of this upcoming year if it even has the potential to take off, and I do believe it will still be a good few years before it becomes common place if it indeed does.
So what do you think Neowin? Ready for 3D in your Home? Do you want it? Do you even care? Discuss and dissect.... Read on »
Gaming reality TV show to premiere in March
12 Strangers. 1 House. They battle to see who stays. If that sounds oh to familiar, that's because it is. It is the formula that has fueled Reality TV shows since their inception. However a new twist is being applied to this tried and true formula. This time around, the occupants of the house are Top Gamers from all over the United States. Presenting WGC Ultimate Gamer, a new reality TV Show featuring gamers.
Premiering this March on the Sci-Fi Network, the World Cyber Gamers begins its search for the "Best All-Around Gamer" in the United States. According to the marketing material at their booth at this year's CES, 12 top gamers will live together and battle one another in a series of competitions that will take them beyond the game. The gamers will take part in real-life challenges inspired by top selling games to elimination matches before hundreds of screaming spectators. The gamer that remains at the end of the competition after eight grueling weeks will have "survived the ultimate test."
The winning gamers will win $100,000 in cash, and what is being labeled an "ultimate Samsung electronics package." Winners will have the chance to become the WGC VIP, where they'll represent the world's largest video game organization at events all over the world, including the 2009 Grand Final being held in China.
Although I am sure they are known in the gaming world, I have to be honest and and admit that while I watched the trailer playing in their booth, I cannot say I actually recognized many of the gamers, if any at all. Actually the only one I did recognize was some girl who is known to be a good Guitar Hero player. So truth be told, while I am extremely skeptical that this show can actually do anything for the true gaming community, if Sci-Fi's previous reality shows are any indication, at the very least it should have at least a few moments of not so typical entertainment.
Currently no information on the show can be found online, but for more information in the near future, check out the Sci-Fi Network's website.... Read on »
Microsoft Talks Kodu
At their CES Keynote, Microsoft is currently discussing Kodu, which was formerly known as Boku. Kodu is their application/game on the Xbox 360 that allows users to create their own game. It is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone, introducing a new visual programming language made specifically for creating games.
I have to be honest, the demo left me absolutely underwhelmed, and although it is geared towards children, I had originally thought that perhaps the hardcore gaming community would embrace it as well. Now, I definitely have my doubts and I am leaning towards believing Kodu is going to be nothing more than a good idea that was poorly executed.
Perhaps I am wrong, and Kodu is going to be a huge hit. Discuss your thoughts and impressions if you happened to see that part of the Keynote.
More information on Kodu can be found here.... Read on »
Halo Wars Demo Hits February 5th
Just as the title states, MS just announced at their CES keynote that a demo will be available for Halo Wars on February 5th, 2009.
A highly anticipated title in without a doubt MS's flagship series, this new RTS take on the Halo Universe, is very safe to say on the radar of a large number of the now 17 million subscribers on Live.
In less than a month, those looking forward to Halo Wars will finally be able to get a taste of what the full title has in store with the demo.... Read on »
Sony Announces Webbie HD Camera
At their CES Press Conference, Sony Introduced the Webbie HD Camera. With it's bright color schemes and playful marketing, Sony are definitely marketing the camera towards a younger demographic, urging them to "Upload your life."
Although they did not mention resolution at the conference, I checked their website for the product and it lists it's resolution at 1440 x 1080. It includes PMB Portable Software for quick content upload to popular video and photo sharing websites. The camera has MPEG-4 support, s 2.5 " LCD screen with a 270 degree swivel, 5x Zoom, and is capable of taking 5 Megapixel still images. No surprise, it will use Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media cards for storage.
The Webbie will be available tonight at www.sonystyle.com for $200. Come Spring a lower-end model will be available for $169.99 and is available for pre-order on the Sony Style website.
More info about The Webbie can be found at www.sonystyle.com... Read on »