CES 2019: Sennheiser introduces 3D audio tech into first soundbar

Sennheiser is hardly a stranger in the audio space but the company hasn’t released a soundbar, until now. Introducing its Ambeo 3D audio technology into one massive soundbar (we've seen the tech before in the Sennheiser Ambeo Smart headset). The aptly named Ambeo Soundbar comes with 13 speakers: six four-inch woofers, five one-inch tweeters, and two 3.5-inch top-firing speakers. Sennheiser designed it to deliver virtual surround sound in a 5.1.4 configuration, which is five speakers and a subwoofer from a normal 5.1 surround sound system, plus four more speakers in each room. According to Sennheiser, the soundbar transforms stereo and 5.1 content, so that it takes advantage of the additional virtual speakers. The sound is being bounced off the walls to create that surround sound effect. It’s compatible with Dolby Atmos and supports audio streaming over Google Chromecast and Bluetooth. It also has HDMI eARC/CEC, three other HDMI inputs, optical audio port, and AUX input. It’s going on sale for US$2,499 (approx. CA$3,300) in May.

Source: The Verge

CES 2019: OtterBox and PopSockets partner for this handy case

Seems like a partnership that should’ve existed a long time ago, but we welcome it, nonetheless. OtterBox and PopSockets address a clunky problem with the latter’s product with the new Otter + Pop case. The OtterBox case comes with a built-in PopGrip, which can handle swappable PopTops. The case itself comes in black, blue, or mauve, and it comes with PopTop that matches the case. But, as mentioned, you can put any PopTop you want. What’s great is the PopTop lays flush against the case when you aren’t using it, letting you lay the phone flat on a surface. It’s available for the iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus (sorry iPhone XR users, no case for you). Prices start at US$59.95 (approx. CA$80).

Source: The Verge

CES 2019: Miku Baby Monitor helps keep your child safe and secure

This new baby monitor doesn’t just help you check in with your baby to see if he or she slept through the night, it also gives you a better look at your child’s health. Co-founder and CEO Eric White relied on his experience that helped him develop things like counter-remote controlled improvised explosive devices (Counter-RCIED) or others related to electronic warfare to create one of the most advanced baby monitors yet. The Miku Baby Monitor tracks breathing, motion, sounds, and sleeping patterns of your baby. It can even monitor temperature and humidity levels in your baby’s room to make sure it’s comfortable for them. The MikuMind app for iOS and Android gives you everything from sleep reports, health tips from pediatric experts, and archive of photos and videos taken from the high-definition 1080p cameras (it has nigh vision mode, in case you were wondering).

This smart baby monitor also has two-way talk system using the dual Ole Wolff speakers, which you can use to play sleep sounds and music via the MikuMind app. With the data collected by the monitor, you will be able to get check-up reminders or get alerts when the baby’s vitals—like heart rate or breathing—change. We don’t know yet what the cloud service or app subscription rates will be, but the monitor comes with a 30-day MikuMind subscription. It costs US$399 and for now the company is running a special which includes a year of MikuMind (valued at $120) and free shipping.

Source: Digital Trends

‘Game of Thrones’ to come back for its final season on April 14th

The beginning of the end is here… at least three months from now. Game of Thrones final season will be coming on April 14, 2019. It’s going to be a six-episode season that HBO chief Richard Plepler has previous described as “six movies.” Rumour has it that each episode is 90 minutes long, which is the length of some feature films. This might be the end for Game of Thrones but we’ll still be hearing more tales from George R.R. Martin’s massive world. HBO has several spinoffs in the works. The Long Night, a prequel series set “thousands of years” before the current show, has already been ordered to shoot a pilot.