CES 2016: VW's Budd-e concept is a futuristic EV minivan

Volkswagen just unveiled its BUDD-e concept vehicle which holds the promise of many future technologies including a hypothetical 373 miles of range and ability to charge to 80 percent of battery capacity in about 15 minutes, this doesn't represent any technology currently available to VW but is more a marker for what's to come in the future.

With a fully reconfigurable interior reminiscent of older camper microbuses, the Budd-e concept also features 12.3-inch curved screen in front of the driver that blends into a 13.3-inch display in the center console. It's good to see VW aspiring for an all-electric future in a vehicle that, while purely conceptual, could generate interest in pursuing and developing more widespread technology, safety and energy efficient solutions.

Source: VW

CES 2016: Fitbit looks to pick a fight with smartwatches with new Blaze wearable

Fitbit has all but dominated the wearable health tracking game and has largely stayed away from going full smartwatch with devices that could co-exist with smartwatches or even analog timepieces. The new Fitbit Blaze revealed at CES 2016 is a departure from the companys original ethos. This looks like a smartwatch and could quickly be mistaken for a Samsung Gear device.

Priced at CAD $249.00, the Fitbit Blaze has a large colour touchscreen, a pulse monitor, all day activity and sleep tracking, music control capabilities, plus basic call, text and calendar alerts. Fitbit Blaze also has a fashion angle with various materials and coloured straps. With companion apps available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone, Fitbit Blaze is as cross platform as they come, it is supposedly compatible with over 200 devices.

Source: Fitbit

CES 2016: Panasonic brings back the iconic Technics direct-drive SL-1200 turntable

Widely considered the best turntable ever made and the choice of pro DJ's everywhere for at least three decades, the Technics SL-1200 is being brought back by parent company Panasonic. News is that two versions of a direct-drive model, namely the limited edition 50th Anniversary Grand Class SL-1200GAE (limited to 1,200 units) and a non-limited Grand Class SL-1200G will come to market late this year. Pricing was not revealed but with the resurgence of vynyl, these are really the wheels of steel worth considering. 

Source: Engadget

Two exclusive Apple Watch Sport models being prepped for Chinese New Year

Apple is apparently readying two special edition models fo the Apple Watch Sport for markets that celebrate Chinese New Year. The limited edition Apple Watch Sport models have silver aluminum or yellow gold bodies with special dark red Sport Bands. They will be made available to China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan until February 22.

Source: 9To5Mac