What’s new: Foldable tablet, tiny mouse, sleep tracker
Other fun products: Fire case, 50 Cent headphones
LAS VEGAS — Ultrabooks are hot at the International Consumer Electronics Show, but so are tablet computers.
The Sony Tablet P is a foldable device that features dual 5.5-inch touch-screens, weighs less than a pound and is just over an inch thick when closed.
When folded, it is easy to pop it into a jacket pocket and carry it around. Sony says the dual screens offer advantages. For example, you can read e-mail on the top screen while typing on a virtual keyboard on the bottom.
The 4G tablet runs on Google’s Android operating system and features a suite of Sony services such as Video Unlimited and Reader Store. It’s also Playstation Certified, so users will have access to a broad range of classic games.
Sony says price and launch details are yet to be determined.
A mouse for your pocket
The computer mouse continues to get smaller, but Logitech takes the trend to another level. Its Logitech Cube, on display here, is only 2 inches long and features an input at the top for left-clicking and a button in the middle for right-clicking. Users can scroll by swiping the top of the mouse with a finger. The Cube connects to a computer using a Unifying receiver, allowing users to keep it in their pocket and quickly use it on any Windows or Apple device.
A bonus function of the Cube is the ability to make presentations by picking up the mouse and pointing and clicking to advance slides. To go back, turn the device over and left-click.
The Cube is tiny compared with most computer mice, so using it takes some getting used to. But it’s surprisingly comfortable.
The device ships later month for $69.99.
Nyko loves up Fire, PS Vita
Famous for its work creating video game accessories, Nyko is jumping into the tablet business.
The tech company unveiled its first accessories for tablets, specifically Amazon’s Kindle Fire.
The Power Case includes a built-in rechargeable battery, with a power button on the front and an indicator along the bottom to gauge battery levels. It launches this spring for $59.99.
Also coming: a $39.99 Fire speaker stand and a $24.99 power kit for charging the tablet at home or in the car.
Nyko also showed plenty of love for Sony’s upcoming Playstation Vita, including a $29.99 speaker stand, $19.99 power kit and $4.99 case for games and memory cards. All will launch with the Vita next month.
Sleepclock tracks sleeping patterns
Gear4 is touting its Renew Sleepclock, a device that tracks your sleep patterns using your iphone,
ipad or ipod Touch. The clock — a combo docking and charging station — does not require you to wear any special gear. Instead, the device features a sensor on the front that monitors periods of light and deep sleep based on breathing and body movements. The device keeps a record of sleep patterns, organizing them by days, weeks or months. Users can view how many hours they spent in light sleep or deep sleep to determine how well they’re snoozing.
Also, it will rouse users during a preset wake-up range to ensure they awaken from a light sleep.
The Sleepclock launches in March for $199.95.
50 Cent’s headphones
Rapper 50 Cent showed off his new SMS Audio headphones Wednesday. The first models, the wireless Sync By 50 headphones ($399.95) and wired Street By 50 headphones ($299.95), are hitting stores now. “This whole project is an extension of my passion for music,” says the 36-year-old New York native, born Curtis Jackson. He wants people to have headphones that make his music sound “like it does to me.”
50 Cent credits longtime producer Dr. Dre and his Beats By Dr. Dre headphones as an inspiration.
50 Cent added some special touches to the product. The Sync By 50 headset does not use Bluetooth yet delivers full-range music wirelessly. The noise-cancellation headphones also have an on-board bass boost and volume control and are made of polymer. “Durability was a big concern for me. I wanted to make sure it was made out of something that was tough enough to be banged around. I’ve had headsets from other companies that have broken.”
Some proceeds from the headphone sales go to the charity Feeding America. “It’s not a Third World issue. We have the issue here,” he says. “I decided to be more vocal about it.”
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