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

Lumigon reveals the T2 at Mobile World Congress 2012-- a stylish-looking Android smartphone with an integrated IR remote control and built-in learn functions, making it a universal remote replacement.

Programming the T2's remote control function is apparently as simple as pointing an IR remote at the top of the phone and pressing a button. Lumigon says it even allows gesture-based controls.

The phone carries a 1.4GHz processor, 8MP camera and Bang & Olufsen ICEpower sound. Above the 3.8" display is an "activity button," which Lumigon says users can program to handle shortcuts (such as turning a TV on/off, control the LED flashlight or speed-dial) without unlocking the phone. Android 4.0 powers the device.

The Lumigon T2 should hit select European markets sometime during H2 2012.

Go Lumigon T2

Sony has its first "solo" Mobile World Conference appearance this year, with new Sony branded smartphones-- the Xperia NXT series S, P and U.

Previously seen at CES 2012, the Xperia S is the higher end model. It has a 4.3" 720p display using "WhiteMagic" technology (supposedly making the display more power efficient and readable in sunlight), together with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. It runs on Sony-themed Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), and has a sleek form factor reminiscent of the Bravia TV line.

The Xperia P is the "middle" model, packing a 4" WhiteMagic display inside an aluminium unibody. It also has an 8MP camera and a dual-core processor, and runs on the same Sony-themed Android version as the Xperia S.

On the other hand the Xperia U appears ideal for media use, with xLoud and Sony 3D surround sound and DLNA-powered wireless music streaming.

All 3 models integrate with Sony Entertainment Network and carry NFC and HDMI connectivity. A separate SmartDock accessory allows display mirroring on HDTVs, as well as the connection of either mouse or keyboard.

The Xperia S ships now, while the P and U should be available by Q2 2012.

Go Sony Xperia

As seen in films like Robocop and The Terminator, science fiction predicts an era of augmented reality (AR) lenses streaming data directly into our eyeballs. Now Google is working to turn such fiction into reality, at least according to the New York Times.

The report quotes unnamed Google sources saying the company will start selling glasses with a form of heads-up display by the end of this year. Expected to cost "around the price of current smartphones" (anywhere from $250 to $600) the glasses will supposedly be Android-powered, with a separate mini-display sitting "a few inches" from the wearer's eye.

The glasses should also have 3G or 4G internet connections, motion sensors and GPS, while a low-resolution built-in camera monitors the world and overlays the display with information on the area in real-time.

Interestingly, the NY Times says some top people are working on the project, deep inside the secretive Google X offices-- including co-founder Sergei Brin as "key leader" and Latitude creator Steve Lee. One NY Times source says the glasses will use modified versions of current Google products, such as Google Maps.

Onkyo goes for the first-time customer in 2012-- announcing x4 entry-level AV receivers and x2 all-in-one home theatre packages, all to start shipping from March.

All models in the new receiver range carry InstaPreview (on-screen HDMI source thumbnail previews with fast switching) and Mobile HD Link (MHL) capability, while x3 models carry networking features via ethernet port.

One model (TX-NR616) is also THX Select2Plus certified, using 3-stage inverted Darlington circuitry. Meanwhile the TX-NR515 has Qdeo video processor capable to upscale video to up to 4K resolution, with 7.2 channel audio output.

The home theatre range includes the 7.1 HT-S5500 and 5.1 HT-S3500, both using "Wide Range Amplifier Technology" Onkyo claims reduces signal noise and "provides large amounts of controlled power instantaneously" through discrete output-stage components.

Both systems also include an Audyssey 2EQ room acoustic correction system (with microphone), as well as Audyssey Dynamic EQ sound correction and Dynamic Volume.

Go Onkyo Entry Level AVRs

Go Onkyo Home Theatre Packages