On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

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.

Connected security product maker Wyze announces a take on the smart lock-- the Wyze Lock, a wifi- and Bluetooth-connected lock customers can use with existing cylinder deadbolts, making it easier to install.

Compatible with most, if not all, cylinder deadbolt locks, the Wyze Lock requires connection with the included Wyze Lock Gateway wifi bridge for remote door locking and unlocking via companion Wyze app. In case the wifi is dead, Bluetooth connectivity allows customers to open the door via smartphone and Bluetooth, and in any case the door retains the regular key.

Global wearable device shipments total 84.5 million units in Q3 2019, IDC reports-- a 94.6% Y-o-Y increase and a record for shipments in a single quarter, brought about by hearable device shipments.

In fact, the analyst says, hearables account for almost 50% of the Q3 2019, with wristbands and smartwatches following.

"Hearables have become the new go-to product for the wearables market," IDC says. "This began with multiple vendors removing the headphone jack from their smartphones, driving the move toward wireless headphones. It continued with hearables incorporating additional features that either augment or expand the audio experience. Next, hearables have taken on multiple form factors-- ranging from truly wireless to over-the-ear headphones-- appealing to a broad base of earwear user preferences. Finally, prices have come down significantly, with some reaching below $20."

Acer announces a rugged Chromebook aimed primarily at the education and corporate markets-- the Chromebook Spin 311, a 2-in-1 notebook featuring an AMD processor and long battery life in a more compact and durable chassis.

The Spin 311 has an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 resolution LCD touchscreen complete with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. It runs on the entry-level AMD A4-9120C processor consisting of a dual-core Excavator module running at 1.8GHz and a Radeon R4 integrated GPU. Also included are 4GB DDR4 RAM and 32GB of NAND flash storage.