D-Link's New Routers Go All Out With the Antennas

D-Link isn't kidding when it says its new line of 11AC Wi-Fi routers have a "bold new look." Our sister site, Geek.com, compared them to equipment used by the Imperial Guard in Star Wars (which is actually a compliment).

The company's latest routers include the AC3200 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-890L/R) with six antennas, plus the AC5300 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-895L/R) with eight antennas, and AC3100 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-885L/R) with four antennas. The AC3200 is US$309 and exclusive to Newegg at the moment; the latter two have prices to be determined—they'll be out before June.

D-Link claims they'll achieve wireless speeds up to 5.3 Gigabits per second (Gbps) across the 5GHz and 2.4GH bands, and have great household coverage. A new Smart Connect load-balancing feature of the router software will also make sure clients on the network are all getting the bandwidth they need—so your smart TV streaming won't suffer when the kids are upstairs video chatting on tablets, for example. Inside are dual-core processors clocked at 1.4GHz (1GHz in the AC3200).

Here's a noisy video with a CG-rendered look at the new routers.

Naturally, there's also a matching Wi-Fi adapter, the AC1900, that plugs into a computer USB port to match your PC up with the new chips in these routers. It's also got a price and availability to be determined.

D-Link's got other devices at CES this year, too. They include a baby monitor camera with 720p HD view and pan and tilt controls, with mobile viewing via an app. The camera will play up to five MP3s of your choice or five pre-programmed classic lullabies for the little one, and can store snapshots and video on a microSD card. It's for sale now for US$229.99; a standard VGA version is US$139.99.

Not to be outdone by Netgear, which is also releasing 1.2 Gbps HomePlug-based Powerline networking adapters today, D-Link's new PowerLine Kits claim full 2 Gbps speed over your existing home power cabling. That kit, the PowerLine AV2 2000 Gigabit Starter Kit (DHP-701AV), is US$129.99, and pure plug-and-play to connect two rooms. There's also a slower 1 Gbps version (DHP-601AV) that sells for US$79.99.

Don't not forget that home networking gives way to home automation, and D-Link wants its piece of that pie. Today it's launched two home security suites, including a camera, sensor, and smart plug.

Called the D.I.Y. Security Kits, one has an HD camera and goes for US$189.99; the other with a pan and tilt-capable cam goes for US$229.99 (you can buy the HD cam along for US$119.99). All feature myLink cloud video recording (or will later in 2015), local storage to D-Link Network Video Recorder, and can be monitored via apps for iOS and Android.

A Connected Home Hub rounds out the CES offerings—it's a US$79.99 device that can be bundled with sensors for opened/closed doors, motion, water, and a Wi-Fi Siren, all for better monitoring your home. Look for the Connected Home line products to become available in the second quarter of the year.

Secret codes for Android

Most interesting hacks require root and other tweaks, but here is a simple way of getting info on your device and changing some settings not possible in the normal menus. Simply open the dialer on your phone and enter some numbers!

1. 
   

   Basic phone info

   In the dialer enter *#*#4636#*#* You will then see a testing page, which gives you info on the phone, as well as battery stats and app usage stats. In the Wifi menu you can get info on the network you are connected to and more.
2. 
   

   Change the power button action

   Entering  *#*#7594#*#* will bring up the menu to adjust the power button action. Dependent on your ROM you usually see a list of actions such as ‘Reboot – Airplane Mode’ etc, this allows you to remove these.
3. 
   

   HTC Update checking

   *#*# 2432546#*#* If you use an HTC device, you can force a check for updates using this code. This will bring up a notification telling you whether or not it has been successful. Be careful if you are using a custom ROM , as some updates may not be compatible with it.

Get Better Acoustics In Awkwardly Shaped Rooms

As an audiophile, the quality of your favourite music – be it Led Zeppelin or Mozart – is paramount. With a little care, you can turn the living room in your semi-detached house into an acoustical paradise that makes every note and every beat sound as though you were listening live.It all comes down to good speaker placement. Hide expensive speakers behind furniture and they’ll sound muffled; put a set of budget speakers in just the right place and they’ll sound like they are worth twice the price. The average home though, is not a concert hall, so how do you overcome odd-shaped walls and furniture to guarantee yourself the best sound?

Cutting Corners: 

So you had to be awkward and choose an abode where the rooms are odd shapes. All those little nooks and crannies suddenly become unappealing when you’re after the best sound. Avoid corners by arranging your audio/visual equipment and your seating in a rectangle. Although this will obviously mean that you have to arrange the rest of your furniture around them in the space left. But the sound is worth it!

Sound in an L-shaped room: 

The trick here is first to not think about the room as one L-shaped room, but as two rectangular rooms. Ensure your sofa is positioned close to the TV/speakers and not on the other side of the room from them. Inevitably part of the room is going to suffer from poor sound, so make sure it is not the part you predominantly listen to music in. Position your sofa against one long wall and the TV and main speakers opposite it. One surround speaker will be set off from one side wall, but the other will be in the middle of the room. You may have to move it back against the wall to avoid kicking it every time you walk past, although putting it against the wall will minimise its sound quality.

The surprisingly awkward square-shaped room:

Square rooms are bad for getting great sound from your speakers. The walls are all equidistant, so waves of sound reflect from the walls and end up favouring one frequency over others, affecting the tonal quality of the sound. If you put your TV/stereo speakers into a corner at a 45-degree angle, away from reflective walls with the speakers at least 30-inches in front of the TV, that can help. Speakers are best placed in an equilateral triangle arrangement with the listener at the tip of the triangle.

Why reflective surfaces are bad:

All rooms are reflective, with sound waves reverberating from flat surfaces such as walls, tables and counters. These reflections work against the sound quality of your music or the television to varying degrees, depending upon the shape of the room and the presence of other factors, such as furniture and carpets, which can absorb sound (known as damping). While damping can nullify standing waves, which cancel certain frequencies when they reflect off a wall, damping can also significantly lower the volume of your music. Although this may be to the delight of your neighbours, it isn’t ideal for music lovers who enjoy listening to their tracks with audio clarity.

MediaTek Doubles Down on Android at CES

MediaTek on Tuesday introduced several new hardware platforms supporting Google-developed software for wearables and smart TV applications.

The Taiwan-based semiconductor firm, known primarily for its chipsets powering smartphones and other mobile devices, kicked off 2015 with an Android-heavy lineup of new processor platforms at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Leading off, MediaTek's new MT2601 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) for wearables is optimized for devices running Android Wear software. It sports a dual-core, 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A7 application processor with ARM Mali-400 MP-based graphics and supports qHD display resolution for wearables in a compact package measuring 480 mm2. A "whole host" external sensors are supported by the SoC, which interfaces with MediaTek's MT6630 for Bluetooth connectivity.

The MT2601, now in production and sampling to MediaTek partners, has "41.5 percent fewer components" and a lower power draw relative to similar SoCs for wearables on the market, according to the company.

"The MT2601 has an incredibly small die size and is highly optimized for cost and power performance. The platform solution, comprised of MT2601 integrated with Android Wear software, will fuel the maker revolution and empower the application developer community worldwide to create a broad range of innovative applications and services," J.C. Hsu, MediaTek's general manager of new business development, said in a statement.

MediaTek also unveiled a pair of SoCs designed in collaboration with Google for Android TV.

The MT5595 is a quad-core SoC incorporating ARM's big.LITTLE chip design architecture with two ARM Cortex-A17 processor cores matched with a pair of ARM Cortex-A7 cores. The MT5595 delivers current HDTV-quality visual computing and supports 4k/Ultra HD video playback at 60 frames-per-second via the Google VP9 and HEVC codecs.

"MediaTek has a strong heritage and a leading position in the TV SoC business. By introducing the world's first Android TV devices, we are demonstrating a fast pace of innovation and strong commitment to the home entertainment business," said Mohit Bhushan, MediaTek's head of U.S. business development. "MediaTek is proud to integrate Android 5.0 Lollipop software in its chipset portfolio and significantly improve the consumers' engagement model with their TVs."

Meanwhile, MediaTek also has audio covered in its burgeoning Google partnership with its new MT8507 audio SoC. The chip is designed for the Internet giant's new Google Cast for audio software and "will power a delightful home audio experience that allows consumers to easily connect with Google Cast Ready speakers and sound bars from their personal devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones and tablets, Macbooks and Windows PCs, using Google Cast ready applications," MediaTek said.

MediaTek's MT5595 and MT8507 SoCs are also currently in production and should start appearing in consumer devices in early 2015.

Acer Adds 3D Camera to Aspire V 17 Nitro

At CES in Las Vegas today, Acer revealed the new Aspire V 17 Nitro notebook, which includes support for Kinect-like gestures.

The PC is equipped with Intel's RealSense technology, an evolution of the webcam that can sense depth and dimension, allowing neat tricks like 3D scanning of objects, gesture controls in mid-air, and more. As a result, Acer said, those with the new Aspire V Nitro will be able to play games, open Web pages, or use apps without touching the notebook's keyboard or mouse.

The PC also supports 3D scanning, 3D model generating, and printing.

"Acer believes three dimensional computing offers unlimited potential for both professional and consumer uses," Jerry Kao, president of Acer Notebook Business Group, said in a statement. "Business applications include 3D modeling, mapping and architectural design, while the most popular consumer uses will likely include augmented reality gaming, and simple PC navigation and control."

Acer Aspire V 17 NitroIntel's RealSense 3D camera has a conventional camera, an infrared camera, and an infrared laser projector. Other PCs to take advantage of the technology include the odd but intriguing HP Sprout.

Acer pointed to two apps that will support the hands-free action, including the Greek-themed Warrior Wave game, which lets you control characters with your hands. The 3DMe app, meanwhile, will enable 3D scanning right from the notebook. Scan your profile and preview it on different 3D characters. The idea is that you can insert yourself into virtual settings or 3D print a mini-me figurine.

"Whether it is controlling a game with your gestures or easily scanning your face or an object for 3D printing, the Acer Aspire V Nitro featuring Intel Core processors and Intel RealSense is an exciting step forward for consumers looking for a high-performance notebook," Kirk Skaugen, SVP for Intel and General Manager of the Client Computing Group, said in a statement.

Acer Aspire V 17 NitroAs for the specs, the Acer V 17 Nitro sports a 17.3-inch Full HD display with IPS technology and runs a fourth-generation Intel Core i7-4710HQ quad-core processor and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 860M graphics, up to 4GB DDR5 VRAM, and up to 16GB of memory. Select a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive and up to 1TB of hard disk storage. It also supports 802.11ac and 2.4GHz and 5GH frequencies via its dual wireless antennas.

The Acer Aspire V 17 Nitro will be available in January; price and exact launch dates have not yet been announced. (The Aspire V17 Nitro Black, which arrived in November, retailed for US$1,499.99.)

Also at CES, Acer said it will give its Aspire R 13 convertible notebooks and Aspire S7 ultrabooks an upgrade to fifth-generation Intel Core processors.

The Aspire R 13 made its debut at IFA in the fall and can transition between various notebook and tablet styles of operation. The R 13 series comes in either ultra-sharp 2,560-by-1,440 or 1,920-by-1,080 resolutions, and features a hinge that allows the display to rotate into six different positions.

Acer Chromebook 15Meanwhile, Acer also revealed a larger, 15.6-inch Chromebook. Buyers can select a fifth-gen Intel Core i3 or Celeron processor, 16GB or 32GB SSD drive, and either 2GB or 4GB or RAM. In the U.S., pricing will start at US$249.99; an exact launch data was not announced.

For the gamers, Acer also has two new 27-inch, 2,560-by-1,440 resolution monitors. The Acer XB270HU is the first Nvidia G-SYNC 1 gaming monitor with IPS technology, while the Acer XG270HU is the first gaming monitor with an edge-to-edge frameless display, Acer said.

Samsung Shows Off Curved Monitors, Portable SSD

In advance of CES, Samsung last week unveiled a new all-in-one desktop with a curved display and a new ATIV Book 9. But it's back for more with some new display and storage products.

Samsung Portable SSD T1

Samsung is leveraging its storage components for a new consumer product, the Samsung Portable SSD T1. This compact external drive offers capacities of 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB, all in a compact design that's smaller than most smartphones, measuring just 2 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches (HWD) and weighing less than an ounce.

This pocket-friendly design is possible thanks to the drive inside, one of Samsung's 850 Evo line of laptop drives, which uses 3D V-NAND flash memory to offer a smaller overall size with stacked memory cells, offering higher storage density. This has been shrunk down further by removing the 2.5-inch drive housing used on the commercially available drive, leaving just the smaller circuit board to fit into the small enclosure of the Portable SSD T1.

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In addition to compact size and minimal weight, the drive also offers speedy data transfer with USB 3.0 and transfer rates of up to 450MBps, as well as optional AES 256-bit encryption for securing all of your data. Pricing starts at US$179.99 for the 250GB model, with the larger 500GB model selling for US$299.99, and 1TB for US$599.99, with a standard three-year warranty. Samsung expects the Portable SSD T1 to be available in late January.

Samsung Curved Monitors

We also got a look at Samsung's new line of monitors, a full range of full HD and WQHD+ models. For our briefing we got to see the new Samsung SE790C, a 34-inch monitor with 3,440-by-1,440 resolution and a wicked curved display. The display has an extra-wide 21:9 ratio panel, 3000R curvature, and 3000:1 contrast ratio.

The display comes with a removable stand that offers height and angle adjustment. The stand can be removed, with a VESA mount for attaching the monitor to a wall or other mount. The monitor has a built-in USB hub, letting you run up to four USB devices through the monitor, and DisplayPort input and two HDMI inputs, for connection to your PC and a second HDMI source, like a cable box or gaming console. The extra-wide display is meant to take the place of two or even three monitors in a current multi-monitor setup, and offers extra features to that end, such as Picture-by-Picture mode, which lets you use two inputs simultaneously, sharing the display like two side-by-side monitors.

The 37-inch SE790C (the C is for "Curved") will sell for US$1,199, and will be available to order starting Jan. 6. Though we only had the chance to see the 37-inch model, Samsung will be launching a total of nine curved monitors, with accompanying 29- and 34-inch models featuring WQHD+ resolution, and several full HD models, too, with prices starting at under $400.

Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus Refresh

Not everything we were shown by Samsung was completely new. The Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus, the 2015 update to the Editors' Choice Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus keeps the same look and design of the previous model, but updates the system to Intel's new fifth-generation Broadwell processors.

Note that this is not a switch to the Core M processors that are cropping up in many thin and light systems, but an upgrade to the newer Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs coming from Intel. Other aspects of the Book 9 Plus remain the same, such as the 3,200-by-1,800 Quad HD+ touch screen, the slim aluminum chassis, and an identical port selection. The ultraportable will also see a price drop, with the starting price dropping from US$1,399 to US$1,299. The updated ATIV Book 9 Plus will be available in January.

Last week, Samsung tipped a fully redesigned ATIV Book 9. The new ultrabook has some of the same visual elements of past ATIV Book 9 models, but opts for a flatter, "blade-thin" profile and a smaller overall size thanks to a 12.2-inch display. The company also revealed the Samsung ATIV One 7, a 27-inch all-in-one PC with a curved display.

Apple's HomeKit Requires Apple TV to Use Siri Remotely

Well, that's one way to push adoption of the Apple TV. If you've been reading all sorts of interesting things about Apple's HomeKit platform, and have caught yourself dreaming about having your little not-quite-an-A.I. friend Siri control the various devices around your home on your behalf, you might want to set aside a little extra money for an Apple TV. Yes, an Apple TV. It's not going to be a required element for you to access your HomeKit devices most of the time, but it will be required if you want to be able to tell Siri what to do when you're away from your home.

We realize that's a pretty specific use case, so it might be a bit overkill to condemn early versions of HomeKit just yet for the requirement. However, numerous reports from those who spoke with HomeKit partners and device manufacturers at this year's Consumer Electronics Show all said the same thing: If you want to use Siri to control your home devices when you aren't at home, you'll need an Apple TV (of all things) to do it.

However, that's the only instance right now where you'll need extra Apple hardware to do things with your HomeKit-enabled devices. Otherwise, if you're at the airport, you can still access your HomeKit devices using a related app. And you can use Siri to control your HomeKit devices when you're inside your home. So long as you're on your home's Wi-Fi network, which your various other smart devices are likely also connected to in some capacity, Siri will work just fine sans Apple TV.

And, no, you can't run an oldschool Apple TV, either. The device has to be at least Apple's most recent, third-generation Apple TV in order for the remote-Siri bit to work out. And, of course, the Apple TV has to be running at least version 7.0 of its software—the update that officially added support for HomeKit to the device.

As you might expect, Apple hasn't offered up any comment regarding the HomeKit, Siri, and Apple TV connection. And few Homekit partners or manufacturers seemed willing to talk about it either, when asked. Expect to see the first HomeKit devices launch during the first quarter of this year—perhaps Apple will figure out a new way to tackle remote Siri commands if enough users complain about the extra Apple TV add-on.