Panasonic has trotted out all sorts of audio gear since reviving the iconic Technics brand in 2014. Recently, that list includes a smattering of true wireless earbuds and headphones, and at CES 2022, the company has yet another portable device ready to debut. With the EAH-A800, Technics has built a pair of hi-fi-ready wireless headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) and claims of a whopping 50 hours of use on a charge. 

The over-ear EAH-A800 packs in 40mm drivers that Technics says are the result of its experience building hi-fi audio gear. In addition to a new design and materials for that component, an Acoustic Control Chamber manages air flow to assist with driver performance and bass response. The company has also leveraged capacitor tech from its high-end amplifiers to limit distortion and maintain sound quality. The EAH-A800 supports LDAC for higher quality audio over Bluetooth, in addition to the typical AAC standard. 

Technics/Panasonic

Technics promises "industry-leading noise cancelling" via a dual hybrid setup. An analog filter equipped feed back mic and a digital filter outfitted feed forward mic monitor unwanted clamor inside and out. The EAH-A800 also has Natural Ambient and Attention modes. The difference is that the latter makes it easier to hear voices while the former is a more universal transparency setting. Technics also provides multi-point pairing here, which will allow you to connect to two devices simultaneously over Bluetooth and easily switch between them. 

The company is also making big promises when it comes to call clarity. Using a total of eight microphones, the EAH-A800 employs four to pick up your voice and four more to combat any environmental noise. Additionally, Technics says the feed forward mics are designed and positioned to reduce wind noise. 

Perhaps the most impressive claim on the EAH-A800 is the stated 50 hours of battery life. Technics says you can achieve this figure with ANC on listening to AAC audio. If you are listening via LDAC, the company says you can expect up to 40 hours of play time. Disable noise cancelling on either sound codec and listening time increases by 10 hours. So if you're willing to go without ANC or higher quality audio, you can get 60 hours of use out of these according to Technics. What's more, a 15-minute charge will give you 10 hours of use (ANC on, AAC quality streaming). 

The EAH-A800 will be available in black and white color options in February for $350 (£299/€349). 

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Intel is seriously planning to crank things up with its 12th-generation KS-series desktop CPUs. On stage at the company's CES press event today, Intel's Client Computing head Gregory Bryant revealed that the KS chips will reach a whopping 5.5GHz on a single core. Of course, that's while the chip is being stressed to reach a Max Turbo speed, so don't expect that to be sustained for long. 

Even better, Bryant said that the KS chips will also be able to go beyond 5GHz across multiple cores when they arrive this spring. That'll be particularly useful for rendering and other demanding work, but both milestones should deliver some impressive gaming performance too.

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Acer’s flagship line of Swift X notebooks is going to be one of the first to tote around Intel’s new Arc graphics. The 16-inch model, at least, will be Acer’s first with Intel’s attempt at toppling NVIDIA’s leadership position in the mobile graphics space. That comes with a handful of other quality-of-life improvements, including a 400-nit (up from 300 nits last year), 100 percent sRGB, 16:10 display. You can choose either a WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) or WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution screen to cram inside, too.

Build-to-order options include a new 12th-generation Intel Core processor paired with the new Arc graphics. That will be paired with up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 2TB SSD storage, as well as WiFi 6e. In person, it’s a little lighter than its immediate predecessor although if you were walking past it in a hurry you’d barely know the difference. The webcam is now FHD, too.

I wasn’t able to take any benchmarks on the pre-release hardware I was able to see in the flesh, but Acer is feeling bullish about the performance here. It says that its new dual fan design, bigger air vents (and they are beefy) and bigger inlets on the keyboard should expel up to 10 percent more heat than previous versions. You’ll also be able to switch to silent running should the need arise, albeit at the cost of much of your performance.

Acer also made it clear that the existing Swift X, which is currently shipping with the option of an RTX 3050 / 3050 Ti, will remain on shelves for the foreseeable. That way, should you find Intel’s new silicon not to your taste, you can still get the upgrade you crave.

The 14-inch model, meanwhile, gets all of the other hardware bumps, including the better display options, the 12th generation Intel Chip, up to 16GB RAM and Windows 11. But graphics-wise, you’re left with the RTX 3050 / 3050 Ti, which is probably enough for most users who aren’t yet ready to jump feet-first into Intel’s new ocean.

We don’t have US pricing or availability for the Swifts just yet, but in the UK we’re expecting them to arrive by the end of February or the start of March for around £1,000 (around $1,350).

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Often, the laptops that are announced at CES aren’t as exciting as the silicon that’ll be nestled inside them. Acer’s Nitro 5 is one such example, where less attention will be paid to the more refined design, since everyone will be talking about its new brains. Like the fact that it’ll be able to use both AMD’s Ryzen 6000 and Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. That will be paired with anything up to NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, 32GB DDR4 3200 RAM and, depending on chip options, either a FHD 144Hz or QHD 165Hz panel.

Naturally, Acer has made a big effort to refine the chassis, despite it being a tiny bit thicker than its immediate predecessor. Rather than lots of chunky accents, the system goes for a more refined striped design, dialing down the more aggressive elements of its design. In addition, several ports are now sat on the back of the chassis since Acer knows that lots of people will use the Nitro 5 as a desktop replacement.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to do much beyond touch the new Nitro 5 and certainly there’s nothing too dramatic about the exterior changes. Acer was in no mood to allow me to run benchmarks, so all we can say for now is that we’re hopeful that it’ll do what AMD's other 6000 systems have been doing for a while.

In terms of when you can expect to be able to get your hands on one of these things, Acer says that the Intel edition will drop at some point in March, with the base model priced at $1,050. The AMD-toting version, meanwhile, will drop in April, with prices running from $1,099 up to whatever your budget and heart will allow.

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Acer is often quick to embrace the latest chips in its gaming laptops, and that's particularly true this year. The brand has updated its Predator Helios and Triton portables to use both Intel's 12th-generation Core processors and NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 30 Ti graphics. The Helios 300 (above) is the star of the show with synced RGB light bar on the deck, up to the latest Core i7 chip, as much as 32GB of DDR5 memory and ether RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 graphics. You can also expect a "cleaner" chassis, improved cooling (such as liquid metal thermal grease) and a 1440p screen with a speedy 165Hz panel.

You can also expect a raft of modern connections that include 2.5Gbps Ethernet, WiFi 6e, an HDMI 2.1 port, Thunderbolt and regular USB-C and -A connectors. The new Helios arrives in May starting at $1,650 for a 15.6-inch system and $1,750 for its 17-inch counterpart.

Acer

The Triton 500 SE (middle) is billed as a 'thin' gaming rig, but it might just offer some advantages in the performance realm. You'll have options for a Core i9, RTX 3080 Ti video and the same 32GB DDR5 memory ceiling. Acer is promising aggressive cooling that includes liquid metal, heat pipes and the latest "3D" fans. Only a 16-inch display is available, although the 240Hz 1600p panel isn't hurting for resolution or speed.

You won't have to wait so long for the Triton with its March release, although you'll have to pay a premium with a starting $2,300 price. You'll have to spring for the new Nitro 5 (also unveiled today) to pick up a more affordable Acer gaming laptop — these are for enthusiasts willing to splurge.

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At CES, HP unveiled its latest lineup of gaming systems, including a tower with a new kind of cooling system. The Omen 45L Desktop (which leaked a couple of months ago) has a Cryo Chamber that's positioned above the main case.

The unit contains up to a 360mm AiO liquid cooler and it can pull in colder ambient air from outside the system to cool the radiator instead of using air from the main interior (which is heated up by the processor, graphics card and other components). HP says this can reduce CPU temperatures by a further six degrees Celsius compared with identical models that don't have the Cryo Chamber.

HP

The 45L is a souped-up version of the 40L desktop, which has one fewer 120mm fan and doesn't have the Cryo Chamber, though it's not quite as tall. The newer model is 21.85 inches (55.5 centimeters) high and HP notes that the Cryo Chamber can be used as a Gamecube-style handle.

HP made upgrading components a cinch, as the 45L has front and side panels that can be removed without tools. There are locks to keep the panels in place. The 45L Desktop will be available through HP's website on January 5th (and later at Best Buy). It starts at $1,900. Those who prefer to build their own rigs will be able to buy an Omen 45L ATX case, which includes the Cryo Chamber, in the coming weeks.

Also on the Omen front, HP has refreshed the 25L Desktop with an additional 120mm front fan, as well as an optional glass side panel. There's now a ceramic white color option, which is a first for Omen desktops. The revamped 25L should be available this spring. Pricing will be revealed later.

HP

Meanwhile, HP has revealed the first desktop for its mid-tier Victus brand. The 15L has a compact design and it's available in two colors: mica silver and ceramic white. The case (which has post-consumer recycled plastic in the bezel and water-based paint) features a customizable RGB “infinity mirror” logo.

The 15L can house up to a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT GPU. It's compatible with 12th-gen Intel Core i7 processors and AMD Ryzen7 5000 Series CPUs, and you can pack in up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. The Victus 15L Desktop PC should be available by February, with pricing to be revealed in the coming weeks.

HP

In addition, HP announced the first Omen gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 support. As well as PC gaming, the Omen 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is designed with the latest consoles in mind. The 120 Hz display has a 1ms refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR 400 450 nits of brightness and true 8-bit color. 

HP notes it's the first Omen monitor with a four-sided micro-bezel design, which should place more emphasis on the screen. The monitor will start at $700 and it should be available in the spring.

For the longest time, console gamers were second-class citizens when it came to gaming accessories. Keyboards and mice are, of course, mainly PC gaming peripherals, and the vast majority of customization software is made for desktop machines. Even most headsets were built with PC gaming in mind, though that’s changed in recent years. But for most folks a gamepad is the iconic console gaming accessory, and the options outside of first-party controllers have been lacking until recently. Now gamers have their option of high-end accessories from companies like Scuf, Razer and today, HyperX.

HyperX

This week HyperX introduces its first gamepad, the Clutch Wireless Gaming Controller. It’s an Xbox-style peripheral, with two thumbsticks, a D-pad on the left, dual shoulder buttons and triggers, and the standard four lettered buttons on the right. The name “clutch” comes from the included clip, which makes it possible to mount an Android phone to the controller, or prop up a phone on a surface for tabletop play. 

HyperX

The $50 Clutch is mainly intended for use with Android devices, and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.2 or a USB-C wireless receiver. (A USB-C to USB-A cord is included for wired gameplay with the PC or console of your choice.) However, those wireless options should also make it compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Given that your gamepad selection for the Switch is mostly limited to the official Pro Controller and the various offerings from 8BitDo and PowerA, this is a welcome addition to the market, one which we’ll have to test once it ships in March.

HyperX

Follow all of the latest news from CES 2022 right here!

At CES, HP unveiled its latest lineup of gaming systems, including a tower with a new kind of cooling system. The Omen 45L Desktop (which leaked a couple of months ago) has a Cryo Chamber that's positioned above the main case.

The unit contains up to a 360mm AiO liquid cooler and it can pull in colder ambient air from outside the system to cool the radiator instead of using air from the main interior (which is heated up by the processor, graphics card and other components). HP says this can reduce CPU temperatures by a further six degrees Celsius compared with identical models that don't have the Cryo Chamber.

HP

The 45L is a souped-up version of the 40L desktop, which has one fewer 120mm fan and doesn't have the Cryo Chamber, though it's not quite as tall. The newer model is 21.85 inches (55.5 centimeters) high and HP notes that the Cryo Chamber can be used as a Gamecube-style handle.

HP made upgrading components a cinch, as the 45L has front and side panels that can be removed without tools. There are locks to keep the panels in place. The 45L Desktop will be available through HP's website on January 5th (and later at Best Buy). It starts at $1,900. Those who prefer to build their own rigs will be able to buy an Omen 45L ATX case, which includes the Cryo Chamber, in the coming weeks.

Also on the Omen front, HP has refreshed the 25L Desktop with an additional 120mm front fan, as well as an optional glass side panel. There's now a ceramic white color option, which is a first for Omen desktops. The revamped 25L should be available this spring. Pricing will be revealed later.

HP

Meanwhile, HP has revealed the first desktop for its mid-tier Victus brand. The 15L has a compact design and it's available in two colors: mica silver and ceramic white. The case (which has post-consumer recycled plastic in the bezel and water-based paint) features a customizable RGB “infinity mirror” logo.

The 15L can house up to a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT GPU. It's compatible with 12th-gen Intel Core i7 processors and AMD Ryzen7 5000 Series CPUs, and you can pack in up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. The Victus 15L Desktop PC should be available by February, with pricing to be revealed in the coming weeks.

HP

In addition, HP announced the first Omen gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 support. As well as PC gaming, the Omen 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is designed with the latest consoles in mind. The 120 Hz display has a 1ms refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR 400 450 nits of brightness and true 8-bit color. 

HP notes it's the first Omen monitor with a four-sided micro-bezel design, which should place more emphasis on the screen. The monitor will start at $700 and it should be available in the spring.

Follow all of the latest news from CES 2022 right here!

Intel hasn't forgotten about Evo, its premium branding for PCs that meet its array of performance benchmarks. Now in its third iteration (remember it was originally called Project Athena), the company says it's also adding a foldable specification for Evo PCs this year, along with new requirements around "intelligent collaboration" and support for faster H-series 12th-gen chips. So, in addition to guaranteeing long battery life and instant wake, new Evo PCs will also need to include WiFi 6E support, tap into the company's AI noise cancellation capabilities as well as Intel's Connectivity Performance Suite. The goal, as always, is to make sure consumers get the best experience possible when they're buying an "Intel Evo" branded PC.

Intel

Intel also offered more details around its plans for Screenovate, a recent acquisition that gained notoriety for integrating iPhones and Android devices with Windows PCs. (It also powers Dell's Mobile Connect tool, which allows you to send files to your phone and control its screen remotely.) According to Josh Newman, Intel's VP of Mobile Innovation, the company plans to bring Screenovate's technology to Evo PCs in the 2022 holiday season. The goal, naturally, is to offer it to more PCs eventually, but Newman says Intel wants to ensure that it's a high quality experience before that. The company plans to work with partners, including Apple, to make that happen.

While Intel's specialized Project Athena/Evo PC branding seemed more like a marketing stunt at first, it's actually pushing PC makers to build better hardware. Newman says that partners are building off of Intel's foldable PC design, while also adding their own twists. The specification also gives Intel a bit more leverage: for example, it's requiring partners to design keyboard accessories for their foldables. While Intel can't force them to include keyboards in the box, company representatives tells us they're being "encouraged" to do so. 

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HP has unveiled its latest Envy desktop PC. Instead of an all-in-one like many of the company’s past Envy-branded workstations, it adopts a traditional form factor. The design and brushed aluminum exterior make the case reminiscent of boutique ITX enclosures like the Dan C4. On the top, you’ll find three USB-A ports, a USB-C connection, an SD card slot and a headphone jack. The Envy Desktop PC features a one-touch tool-less design HP says makes it easy to upgrade the internal components.

You can configure it with the latest 12th-generation processors from Intel, including the 125-watt Core i9-12900K. HP will offer both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, with the RTX 3080 Ti and RX 6700 XT as the top-end options from each company. As for RAM and storage, the choices you have there are to add up to 128GB of DDR4 memory and a combination of NVMe SSDs and mechanical drives.

HP

HP announced two ultrawide monitors alongside its new PC. The first of those is the 40-inch Z40c G3. It features a factory-calibrated ISP panel with a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution, 98 percent DCI-P3 wide color gamut coverage and a 1000:1 static contrast ratio. In what’s been a trend at CES 2022, the Z40c G3 features a built-in 4K web camera that supports Windows Hello authentication. On the back of the monitor, you’ll find two Thunderbolt 3 ports that can provide up to 100W of power delivery to your devices. It also comes with four USB-A ports, an ethernet jack and HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 connections.

For those looking for a slightly smaller ultrawide monitor, HP will also offer the Z34c G3. It’s a 34-inch display with a 3,440 x 1,440 IPS panel that features 85 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, a 1000:1 contrast ratio and a peak brightness of 350 nits. It too comes with a built-in web camera. In this case, it’s a 5-megapixel one, though it still supports Windows Hello. As for ports, the Z34c G3 comes with a similar selection of connections as its more expensive stablemate, the only difference being that it features a single Thunderbolt 3 port.

HP

The Z40c G3 and Z34c G3 will cost $1,500 and $949 respectively when they become available sometime later this month. HP will release the Envy Desktop sometime in the spring, at which point it will be sold through the company’s website, as well as Amazon and Costco.

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