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Hands-on with Logitech's G19 Keyboard and G35 Headset

Norman Chan — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0600

We've already spent some hands-on time with the G13 gamepad announced last month, but now Logitech has finally unveiled its full CES peripheral lineup with the rest of the new G-series family members. The popular G15 gaming keyboard has been completely revamped in a new G19 model, not only boasting more macro keys (the count is now up to 12 physical keys with 3 modes each) and customization options, but also a full color 320x240 GamePanel LCD display. Logitech also announced a brand new USB gaming headset, the G35. Dolby 7.1 surround-sound technology, noise-cancelling mic, convenient button locations, and voice-morphing software make this the first Logitech headset that we’re actually excited about. The $200 keyboard and $130 headset will be available in March, but we have some hands-on impressions and photos for you right now!

The first thing we noticed was the bright 320x240 LCD screen. In addition to displaying the time, CPU/RAM load, and Voip communication data (features of the G15), this screen can showcase photo slideshows and full-color video streamed from your desktop. And just like the G15, Logitech plans on releasing an SDK for the community to program their own apps for the panel. One proprietary app they showed streamed Youtube clips from various feeds, with on-screen options to navigate through the video site (you control the LCD options with designated buttons on the top left of the keyboard). Video playback was smooth for these relatively low-resolution clips, and Logitech promises that even large video files (like DVD rips) will play without a hitch -- perfect for the workplace, right?

Other features we've come to expect from high end keyboards are also present: adjustable backlit keys, two powered USB ports, 36 total macro shortcuts, a gaming mode to disable the Windows key, and multi-key input functionality (up to five keys depressed at once). $200 is a high price to pay for a keyboard, so thankfully Logitech isn't discontinuing the G15.

Next up, the new G35 Headset

We've never been impressed with Logitech's previous headset solutions. The sound processors built into older USB 'sets were subpar at best, so we were very surprised to find that the G35 produced amazing audiophile-worthy results with the sound samples we tried. Maybe it's because this time, they've partnered with Dolby Labs to utilize second generation Dolby headphone technology -- the same special sauce that's in the new Astro Gaming and Plantronics headsets. Portable 7.1 surround sound may give the G35 an edge against the competition (provided your audio source outputs that many channels), but we were more wowed by the level of comfort provided by the smart design.

The fold-down microphone, for example, is wrapped in bendable rubber and reduces background noise on the fly to record crisp and clear voice commands. The closed-ear design felt extremely comfortable and blocked out any external noise from the room. Placing three macro command keys (ie. for swapping chat rooms in Ventrilo), volume scroll wheel, and mute buttons on the side of the left phone was also a stroke of genius. No more fumbling around with volume controls on a remote along the USB cable!

Like the G19 keyboard, this headset is geared toward the high-end gaming market, with a price to match. Check back for our full review when these products ship in March.

Researchers Working on Mouse Alternatives

Pulkit Chandna — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:38:10 -0500

There are numerous companies that are currently working on technologies they hope would revolutionize the computer navigation landscape. Amongst the audacious researchers pioneering the touchless revolution is John Underkoffler, who owns a gesture tech start-up called Oblong Industries that recently raised $8.8 million in funding. Underkoffler has to his credit the honor of counseling the Minority Report crew regarding the depiction of futuristic technology in the movie.

Forbes reports that he is spearheading an utterly secretive project that deals with a touchless, gesture-based computer interface. All applications would be controlled merely by gestures.

But Oblong is not alone as alternative navigational interface industry leader Gesture Tek and gaming hardware manufacturers like OCZ Technologies, Neurosky, and Emotiv are also in the reckoning. Some of the researchers are really pushing the envelope with technologies that allow users to control applications and games using their gaze and even thought.

Image Credit: MakeZine

Jawbone Takes Advantage of Hands-Free Phone Law to Hawk Headsets

Norman Chan — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:11:34 -0500

If you happen to live in California, Connecticut, Washington DC, New York, New Jersey, or Washington, we hope you’re aware of a recently enacted law making it illegal to make cell phone calls while driving unless you’re using a hands-free headset. Fines in California start at $20 and rise with repeat violations. But if you happen to be a daring super commuter who’s already been caught using a cell phone while driving, you may be in luck. Bluetooth headset maker Jawbone just announced a new promotion to give ticket holders $20 off their new headset (which we really liked in our Bluetooth headset roundup) when you place an order from the official Jawbone website. The offer ends on August 31st, and will require you to give Jawbone your ticket number. You’re not really saving any money (since the minimum ticket fine is $20), so we don’t recommend breaking the law and getting caught just to make yourself eligible for the discount.

Headplay Personal Cinema

Michael Brown — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:17:41 -0500

If you’re just dying to strap a display to your head, the Headplay Personal Cinema is your best choice. It’s comfortable, even for people who wear glasses, supports a wide range of input devices, and delivers relatively high resolution, and the only virtual-reality feature it lacks is head tracking.

The Headplay’s liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display, which sports an 800x600 resolution, is a step above the Vuzix iWear VR920’s LCD, which is limited to 640x480. And while the Headplay’s simple padded visor might look cheap, it’s much more comfortable than the Vuzix’s eyeglass frames. The inclusion of focus sliders enables even folks who need prescription bifocals to use the Headplay without their cheaters. (There’s an interpupillary adjustment, too.)

Flexibility is the Headplay’s other strong suit. Rather than plug straight into your PC, the visor connects to a powered brick (battery power is also an option) with a host of inputs, including VGA, S-video, mini USB 2.0, and two USB 2.0 ports (acting as either host or client); there’s even a Compact Flash slot. The earbuds aren’t integrated into the visor, which makes it easy to replace them with your own.

The Headplay supports Nvidia’s stereoscopic drivers, but we consider this to be a checklist item rather than a crucial feature: Nvidia is notorious for leaving stereoscopic support out of its most recent drivers, and AMD doesn’t support stereoscopic viewing at all.

The primary advantage that manufacturers such as Headplay and Vuzix always boast of is that playing a game or watching a movie on their headsets is equivalent to sitting in front of a 50- or 60-inch conventional display. While that may be true, it doesn’t change the fact that the displays these headsets provide are extended definition at best, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. For the price of the Headplay Personal Cinema, you could buy a 24-inch monitor capable of a 1920x1200 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. You won’t be able to watch porn in secret, but you will get a compelling visual experience.