Razer Forge TV hands-on: Android living room gaming levels up

Razer revealed earlier at CES 2015 its own take as Android gaming in the living room with the Forge TV, but its take isn't simply a box or controller that you hook up to a TV and press Play. Razer's idea is more of a whole ecosystem that includes the Forge TV itself, a couple of surprisingly good controllers, and even the software that runs inside. We got to test all of these ourselves to see just how much promise this latest attempt really holds.

Forge TV

Of course at the heart of the whole system is Forge TV itself, the Android gaming microconsole that is as nondescript as its accessories are flamboyant. Inside you will see a 2.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805, sadly not yet the 64-bit Snapdragon 810, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of memory, and a cornucopia of connectivity options. That includes, naturally, HDMI for TV output, WiFi for networking, a lone USB 3.0 port for added storage, and a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired networks. The box itself is so unassuming that it almost feels like Razer wants you to just plug it in and forget about it, leaving the other parts to take center stage.

Android TV is, of course, what runs the whole show, making the Forge TV the second commercial box to offer it, next to the Nexus Player. But while Android TV on the Forge TV was a smooth experience itself, Razer has more to offer with its own software stack. In particular, Cortex: Stream, which will run on a Windows PC, promises the ability to stream almost any game from PC to Forge TV, no matter where your PC is hidden. That said, we will reserve our judgment once the feature actually rolls out the door. The Android TV functionality can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet app, complete with Voice Search. though it's uncertain if you can use those same devices as game controllers. For that, Razer offers its own.

Razer Serval

The Razer Serval is your tried and true Bluetooth game controller, though it also offers options for wired connections. The layout out of the buttons and joysticks should be familiar to gamers from other consoles, particularly the Xbox ones. In fact, you might say that the amount of buttons on the gamepad might be superfluous for most Android games, with shoulder buttons and triggers and all. But that's because Razer also intends the Serval to be usable even for PCs, making it a multi-functional game controller. That said, it does have dedicated buttons for Android functionality, so there is no room for ambiguity.

The Serval, however, doesn't serve the Forge TV only. It can also function as an independent Bluetooth controller for your smartphone. In fact, it comes with an adjustable clip that can hold your smartphone, not tablet, in place while you mash those buttons. The clip holds your smartphone securely with spring-loaded clamps but also holds on to it carefully with rubber padded edges.

Razer Turret

This wireless keyboard and mouse combo comes somewhat as a surprise. When you think of living room gaming, you mostly think about controllers. But the Forge TV seems to be quite designed to accommodate all types of use cases, both gaming and productivity, and so the Turret makes sense. But make no mistake, this keyboard is designed to really be used on your lap while you sit comfortably on the couch.

They keyboard itself feels solid, heavy, and robust, which makes it suitable for the wear and tear of a living room warzone. The chiclet-type keys ala Macbook deliver a comfortable typing experience and the green backlight gives sufficient illumination for even the darkest of living rooms. The mouse is similarly illuminated with Razer's iconic green color scheme. That mouse is strangely ambidextrous in shape, but the keyboard which it is used on seems to be designed for right-handed users because the "mousepad" flap only folds on the right.

That flap is magic. Sort of. The mouse itself has magnetic bits that cling to the mousepad just a bit. It's not too strong to hamper smooth gaming, but it's strong enough to keep the mouse from sliding off. This is, beyond a doubt, designed with the unsteady couch in mind.

Wrap-up

On paper, Razer has a winner here when it comes to Android gaming, and our first brush with it definitely shows some promise, but there are still a lot of variables that can make or break this contender. Final build quality will definitely set it apart from others, particularly Kickstarter-backed products, who have attempted the same. Game selection, both from Android TV as well as exclusive ones Razer might have, will also be a dealbreaker. And time to market will also determine how warm or cool the public's reception of the Forge TV et al will be.

One thing that isn't unknown, at least for now, is the price. The Forget TV alone costs $99.99 but one can get it bundled with the Serval Controller for $149.99. The Serval can also be purchased independently for $80 while the Turret keyboard and mouse pair will cost you $130.

Story Timeline

• Razer Cortex game launcher will stream games from PC to living room


• Play Android games on your TV with Razer Forge TV mini-console


• Razer introduces affordable smartband for notifications

Stream music and calls with the Panorama Bluetooth Speaker

If you are like most, you have all of your music stored in or streaming from your smartphone or tablet. That means the only way you can listen to your tunes is through headphones or with the subpar external speakers that come equipped with most devices. In some situations, like when a party breaks out, those options just won’t cut it. For times when you need to listen to your music loud and proud, you should have the Panorama Bluetooth Speaker at your disposal.

The Panorama Bluetooth Speaker is a listening solution for today’s on-the-go music enthusiast. It delivers portable sound at pretty crazy price (just $24.99 from AC Deals), while offering a relatively small and convenient package. It measures at only 8.5” long, so it’s super easy to take with you anywhere you need your music. Plus, it offers a lengthy 6 hours of playback on a single charge and boasts a crystal clear signal range of up to 30 feet. That means it’s the perfect device to keep the tunes rocking through the length of your party, and you can move it around your house to a place that’s convenient to you.

The Panorama Bluetooth Speaker also functions as a speakerphone, allowing you to remain hands free throughout the duration of your call. Just pair the Panorama to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

When you have your music stored in a personal listening device, you can still play it loud and proud for all to hear. Get high quality sound with the Panorama Bluetooth Speaker, $24.99 with free US shipping (international shipping option also available), at Android Community Deals.

Android Community Deals is brought to you in cooperation with StackSocial. Generated revenue helps fund this site. Deals are curated by StackSocial and are not representative of the opinions of the Android Community staff.

Altec Lansing improves on Bluetooth speakers with BoomJacket

If you're a fan of Altec Lansing's Life Jacket, a portable Bluetooth speaker released last year, then you'll be happy with their latest announcement. They've announced a new and even better all-weather indoor/outdoor speakers called BoomJacket. It brings you the same durability features but with better sound experience, and even longer continuous playback battery life.

You wouldn't think that speakers are required to have heavy-duty features but users who tend to be more mobile expect their portable, digital accessories to be more durable. BoomJacket is IP67-rated and is waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant and together with its washable, rubberized skin, it is a perfect auditory companion for those who love to travel to the beach, areas with extreme weather conditions, and the not-so-typical travel destinations. You can stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled devices that are up to 50 feet away from the speakers. The pairing system is pretty easy and can remember up to eight devices, so you can pair it with any Android, Apple, or Blackberry smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Sound-wise, of course you can expect the best from Altec Lansing. BoomJacket has dual 2.0" neodymium drivers and runs on their DSP audio enhancement technology, with a passive radiator design, aptX® CD-quality wireless audio, and a much bigger and more powerful amp. Its design has also been improved, with an elliptical-shaped but compact look. In fact, it's no bigger than a normal-sized wallet and weighs just one pound. Its battery life is also something to boast about, with its 40-hour battery life.

The BoomJacket speakers will be available by spring this year and will have a retail price of $199. That already includes power supply cables, auxiliary wires (for when you want wired connection), USB charging, and a carrying pouch. There are also mounting options available but it will be sold separately.

SOURCE: Altec Lansing

Monster new products: slimmest earbuds and floatable speakers

During CES 2015, personal audio device company Monster unveiled a whole slew of new products that caters to audiophiles with certain requirements for their headsets or speakers. The iSport Headphone family welcomes new "members" to its family including the world's slimmest wireless earbuds. Another new product is a portable speaker that you can take with you even when you're in the water.

The iSport Bluetooth Wireless Super Slim uses a new kind of flat battery and folded circuit design, which makes it the thinnest wireless earbuds currently in the market. You can even wear it under a helmet for mountain bikers or even under a swimming cap while lounging in the pool. The other version of this product, the iSport Bluetooth Wireless is not the thinnest but it gives you a tangle free audio listening experience with the same sound quality that Monster brings to its devices. They also have other in-ear devices, both the regular and the Bluetooth capable.

Meanwhile, if you're the type who loves to have pool or beach parties and you want the music in the midst of all the action, then the SuperStar Black Float is for you. The floatable portable speaker has the trademark Pure Monster Sound plus best-in-class Bluetooth stereo sound and optimized for any connected device, whether it is a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. And if you're floating around in your pool but you need to be on a call, it also has built-in mics so you can use it as a speakerphone.

The products are already available on their website although some are already out of stock. The iSport Bluetooth Wireless Super Slim will retail at $149.95 while the iSport Bluetooth Wireless will just be at $129.95. The SuperStar Black Float meanwhile is priced at $169.

SOURCE: Monster (1,2)

BOSS phone promises super security, privacy

There are hundreds probably thousands of smartphone models available all over the world today. It's so hard to choose now especially since smartphones are growing as everyone's primary device. Compared to tablet growth and laptop sales, smartphones are more in demand than ever. The challenge is for manufacturers to make their phones stand out in a market that is so well-saturated now.

Smartphones need to be smarter. That is why companies are working on new gimmicks to respond to the sometimes unreasonable demands of the market. Smartphones also need to be more secure, what with all the security hacks and information leaks we've been hearing a lot lately. People want innovation and looks like the BOSS phone could be the latest answer.

Developed by Nick Spriggs and David Briggs, the BOSS phone is an unlocked, dual-SIM, Android-powered phone that bring a huge 7-inch display screen, long-lasting battery, and a very secure cellular data privacy. This also uses Tor (The Onion Router) for an improved Internet privacy and security.

The BOSS phone is built on the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop OS so no need to update from KitKat. Its 7-inch screen display makes it more of a phablet (not quite a tablet although it's big as one) so it's ideal to use for reading emails, web browsing, social media, and watching videos. It also features Dual SIM capability which means you can use two phone numbers from different carriers and with different plans at the same time.

What makes the BOSS phone the boss of all smartphones today? Its Super HD (1200x1920) resolution on a 7-inch display, cutting edge Android 5.0 Lollipop, Mediatek Octacore Cortex A7 chip, 3G/4G LTE connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, and full compatibility with Apple TV and Apple music even if it's Android. Its cameras are 8MP and 2MP at front for taking selfies. The 3000mAh battery offers a 20-hour battery life.

The makers of the BOSS phone only want to answer to the demands of the consumers of a more secure and private phone that is also robust, durable, and versatile. It's powerful enough to replace your current smartphone, tablet, and even laptop.

Briggs & Spriggs,the company behind this BOSS phone, turned to Indiegogo for funding. Goal is to raise $150,000 to bring the concept into production. Deadline is March 2, 2015 so you have more time send your donation. Pay $3,000 if you have lots of money and if you want to receive ten(10) units of the BOSS phone, $1,200 for a family of four, $975 for three units, $650 if you want two, and $355 for a unit. Estimated delivery is on October this year. That's a long way to go from today, nine months to be exact. The phone maker should better hope that no company would ever try to rival this yet-to-arrive smartphone. Developments within the mobile industry happen so fast that companies have to keep up with one another and respond to the trends as quickly as possible.

And oh, don't mistake this for the BOSS brand by Roland, the electronic music instruments manufacturer. This is from a different company but because of that we should probably expect some lawsuit complaints. We'll see.

SOURCE: INDIEGOGO

Story Timeline

• Panono Panoramic Ball Camera finds Indiegogo success


• Tintag rechargeable item tracker hits Indiegogo


• Crowdfunding site IndieGogo now has an Android app

Audi smartwatch hands-on: Android Wear, WebOS in play

Audi showed off a lot of smart automotive plans at CES 2015, but the subset of Audi fans and Android users were probably more enchanted by the car maker's smartwatch venture. Unfortunately, there has been some confusion on whether the company is planning to bank on Android Wear as initially presumed or on LG's webOS smartwatch venture, which was rumored a few months back. The slightly good news is that Audi is actually banking on both, and hinted that the Apple Watch might be joining too. But the rest of the story isn't as simple as that.

The bad news, at least for Android lovers: the attention-grabbing, premium-looking that Audi initially showed off is the one that ran on Open webOS, which probably explains the three buttons that would be considered superfluous for an Android Wear smartwatch. Even so, those buttons are quite gorgeous, reflecting the premium design of the watch itself as well as Audi's attention to quality. webOS is also quite a different beast, utilizing swiping movements around the perimeter of the circular watch face for navigation, in addition to taps on the screen and clicking on the physical buttons. Of course, the user interface presentation is quite different from Android Wear, making smarter use of LG's round smartwatch than Android Wear's more generic approach.

Going deeper inside, this LG-made smartwatch boasts of NFC connectivity, which isn't just a fancy gimmick for quick unlocking. Compared to WiFi or LTE, NFC offers more secure identification that industry standards require, making sure that it is really the owner, or at least the wearer, that is accessing the car's features. The central arm rest provides both NFC identification and wireless charging, though Audi says it is still trying to work out the ergonomic design of the features. It is also looking into Bluetooth secure identification to make the system more open to other devices, particularly smartwatches that don't have NFC inside.

The good news for Android lovers is that the Android Wear version is more generic, usable on any Android Wear smartwatch of choice, which already exists in the market compared to LG's webOS prototype. The bad news (again!) is that, given how Android Wear works, it will need to work with a smartphone, unlike the LG smartwatch that has its own cellular connection and can run independently of any mobile device. But the good news (yet again) is that the core functionality you will find in the webOS version is also in here, just with less fanciness.

Setting up authorized devices is done through a web-based management tool and would-be owners can pair up smartwatches, smartphones, and tablets for Audi's Secure Key system. As to when that will happen, Audi is keeping mum aside from a vague 2015 launch. Another good news for Android Wear users is that the app will be a free download when the time comes, while Audi still isn't sure when the webOS smartwatch will be available, which all depends on LG's manufacturing schedule.