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Sony Working on PSVR Headset Sequel?

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Sony Working on PSVR Headset Sequel?

According to Bloomberg, Sony is working on a sequel to the PlayStation VR headset, set for release after the launch of the PlayStation 5-- meaning it will probably hit the market sometime on 2021.

A followup to the PSVR headset makes sense. After all, the PS5 promises to be backwards compatible with PS4 games, providing it with a ready library or VR-enabled software. One also has to keep in mind the original PSVR headset was a success, with sales reaching over 5 million units, meaning consumers should be ready for a more powerful version. That said, no details are available regarding the capabilities of such a sequel, but the 2017 "CUH-ZVR2" model hints at features such as better cable management, a slimmer connection cable and an updated processor box with HDR passthrough support.

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Nintendo: No New Switch for 2020

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Nintendo: No New Switch for 2020

Nintendo skips the traditional console refresh cycle and cuts down any number of rumours as president and CEO Shuntaro Furukawa tells investors the company has "no plans" for a 2020 update of the hybrid machine.

Instead, the venerable gaming company plans to focus on "communicat[ing] the appeal" of the Switch, in both regular and portable-only Lite flavours, as well expanding the current userbase. After all, Switch sales are not too shabby at the moment, with overall sales managing to overtake lifetimes sales of the much loved classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) at 52.48 million units.

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Panasonic Goes Steampunk With VR Eyeglasses

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Panasonic Goes Steampunk With VR Eyeglasses

One of the main issues with virtual reality headsets is the fact they remain, well, headsets. Panasonic sidesteps such concerns at CES 2020 as it presents a take on the technology looking more like a pair of chunky steampunk goggles.

The device is yet unnamed, but Panasonic says the VR eyeglasses are the first to be HDR-capable while offering UHD resolution visuals. Co-developed with microdisplay maker Kopin, the eyeglasses feature micro OLED panels pushing smooth visuals with little of the "screen-door effect" found in most VR hardware. Panasonic also makes use of own technology, with Technics drivers powering the earbuds and optical designs come from the Lumix camera division.

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Friendly Lovot Robot Visits CES

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Friendly Lovot Robot Visits CES

Japanese robot maker Groove X returns to CES to show off Lovot-- a lovable pint-sized robot designed to be a friend for the friendless, or simply an adorable companion, complete with soft and warm body.

Recently launched in Japan, the Lovot rolls around on wheels and has two flipper-like arms. At first glance it looks less sophisticated than more famous robot pets, such as the Sony Aibo, but Groove X says the Lovot is actually more advanced. According to the company, the Lovot carries no less than 50 on-board sensors and multiple CPUs, including one on-board the charging dock. The result is a robot able to learn room layouts and recognise faces, allowing it greet its owners when they come back home.

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Retro Games Ships THEC64

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Retro Games Ships THEC64

Retro Games starts shipping an alternative take on the retro console revival-- THEC64, a near-perfect clone of the classic Commodore 64 complete with actual working keyboard.

As a faithful replica of the Commodore 64, THEC64 is closer to a computer than a gaming console. Like the original, it has the hardware built into the console, and even tries to recreate the audio experience by scaling it to the same level as the original. It is compatible with modern TVs through HDMI, with 720p resolution visuals running at either 60 or 50Hz. The package also includes a classic-style joystick with updated microswitches.

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Keep Track of Office Supplies With Amazon Dash Smart Shelf

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Keep Track of Office Supplies With Amazon Dash Smart Shelf

Small businesses wanting to easily keep track of office supplies get an Amazon option with the Dash Smart Shelf, a connected smart scale able to automatically order supplies when they are running low.

Designed to be placed in the supply room, the Dash Smart Shelf senses the weight of objects such as pens or printer paper placed on top. Should said objects start running low, the shelf can either automatically reorder the items in question or send a notification to whoever takes care of supplies in order to place an order. Amazon also promises the Dash Smart Shelf also avoids automatic reorders, should items be simply temporarily removed.

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Logitech Buttons for Xbox Adaptive Controller

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Logitech Buttons for Xbox Adaptive Controller

The Logitech G division of Logitech announces the Adaptive Gaming Kit-- a collection of buttons and triggers designed for use with the Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Gaming Controller.

Developed in conjunction with the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab and accessibility groups, the Logitech G Adaptive Gaming Kit consists of three small buttons and three large buttons, all featuring mechanical switches, four light touch buttons, two variable triggers, configurable game mats with a hook and loop system, and customisable labels and ties velcro ties. Microsoft already offers a similar selection of buttons to add to the Xbox Adaptive Gaming Controller, but the Logitech option is more affordable, allowing it to reach a wider audience.

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A Smart Device... to Pray the Rosary

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A Smart Device... to Pray the Rosary

It sounds like a headline from a satirical publication-- "Vatican launches Click to Pray eRosary." But no, the eRosary is a very real device, an "interactive, smart and app-driven wearable device" developed by Acer in collaboration with, yes, the Vatican.

Launched on October, the Catholic month of the rosary, the eRosary is described as "a tool for learning how to pray the rosary for peace in the world." It is a wrist-worn device consisting of ten consecutive black agate and hematite beads, with a cross containing all the actual tech. Users pair it with a companion smartphone app for access to an audio guide, "exclusive" images and personalised content, all about praying the rosary.

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Sony Further Teases PlayStation 5

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Sony Further Teases PlayStation 5

Sony continues to slowly but surely ramp up the hype for the fifth PlayStation console as it announces the next-generation console, sensibly named the PlayStation 5, is set to launch in time for the 2020 holiday season.

The announcement comes as the company gives Wired a sneak peak of the machine. As previously confirmed, the PS5 is based on AMD technology, with a Ryzen-based CPU and Navi GPU. Details on the capabilities of the hardware are scant, but system architect Mark Cerny does confirm it features ray-tracing acceleration, allowing it to push some truly sophisticated lighting simulation.

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