1) Analogix Slim Port Allows Video Out From Your Smartphone to the TV (via microUSB!!)
Thank you, o’ great mini device!! The Analogix Slim Port uses technology that allows mirroring the image on any smartphone and/or tablet screen onto a television via MicroUSB (negating the need for mircoHDMI or MHL ports on a device). What Analogix uses is a DisplayPort based-chip embedded in the jack part of the cable, allowing it to connect with HDMI, VGA, or even DVI. You can purchase one of these via Belkin and BizLink (since Analogix is selling this on an OEM basis) this summer between $20 and $30. This is a definite BUY for me!
2) Vizio’s 2012 HDTV lineup features 3D, Google TV and ultra-widescreen (Say Whaaat?!?)
Ultra-widescreen is ultra-loooooooonnnnnnnnggg. Has Vizio shown up on my list again (you guys **hands on waist**) Well, Vizio has introduced the new M3D series of 3D HDTVs in a 47- and 55-inch model, with both models featuring “VIA Plus,” which is Vizio’s own skin of Google TV (kind of like TouchWiz on Samsung Android phones). Vizio has also introduced up three 21:9 “CinemaWide” ridiculously ultra-widescreen WFHD (2560×1080) models, in sizes of 50-, 58- and 71-inches, all models including 3D and Yahoo! Widgets (with HDTVs without Google TV will still include Yahoo TV widgets). Currently, prices and ship dates for all the new TVs are still unknown.
3) Engadget’s Live Demo of Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2
Do you want to watch someone try to break some glass?  Well, I do apologize you lil’ ne’er-do-wells, but that won’t be happening.  Corning’s newest iteration of its Gorilla Glass series is about 20% stronger than its prior version. In fact, when the crew of Engadget attempted to break (or at least crack) it utilizing 120 lbs. of pressure, the glass wouldn’t even crack.
4) Introducing The Rocstor Amphibious Secure (and I Mean Secure) Hard Drive
Do you like having your portable external hard drive around, with all of your files, pictures, music and videos?  Don’t like having that device just sitting on your desk all willy-nilly while someone else may attempt to access your files.  Well, worry no more.  Rocstor’s new Amphibious Secure hard drive offers real-time encryption with BOTH a Smart Card AND a keypad. The device uses a SATA HDD (up to 1TB) or SSD, connects via USB 2.0 or Firewire 800, and protects all stored data with AES-256 bit key strength with a FIPS 140-2 validated crypto module. For safety in the aspect of durability, the Amphibious is encased in aircraft grade aluminum alloy casing.  Oooo, fancy!!
5) Gaikai & LG Partner Up to Make Smart TV Gaming Service
If you’ve never heard of OnLive, they are a subscription-based cloud gaming platform at allows members to play video games via its Microconsole, PC client software, and tablets (from many, MANY servers), without the need of physical media or even downloading the game. Â Now Gaikai, essentially a rival to OnLive (despite that it’s on-demand and without subscription fees), is attempting to get a jump into providing their own platform into as many living rooms as possible before OnLive does. Â To do so, they are teaming up with LG to create a line of Smart TVs that will integrate the Gaikai gaming service sometime this year.
[Thanks Engadget]
The PractitioNERD 