Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the 2015 nüvi Essential Series, the company’s first entry-level lineup of navigation devices with backup camera support. Every year, thousands of drivers get into accidents when reversing because they can’t see what’s behind their vehicle1. By adding a backup camera option to its value-priced navigators, Garmin makes this important technology accessible to more drivers. The BC 30TM backup camera2 is sold separately and provides a live camera feed from the rear of the vehicle to eliminate the blind spot. The new Essential Series also boasts several navigation features previously only available on higher-priced models, such as Garmin Real DirectionsTM, Direct Access and Foursquare® data. The 2015 nüvi Essential Series is being showcased in the Garmin booth (South Hall 4 #35811) at this year’s CES.

“Starting at only $129.99, the nüvi Essential Series has long been our best-selling automotive product line,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “These standalone navigators have always offered a best-in-class navigation experience and new features make it even easier to get around. Millions of drivers are now also able to upgrade their vehicle with backup camera technology that helps avoid collisions when reversing.”

Mounted on the rear of the vehicle, the optional BC 30 wireless backup camera is rugged enough to withstand even the harshest of weather (professional installation recommended). If the camera is wired to the reverse lights for power, the navigator can automatically display the live camera feed every time the vehicle is shifted into reverse (and back to navigation mode when shifted into a forward gear). A simple button press will toggle between camera and navigation modes if the camera is plugged into constant power.

The 2015 Essential Series boasts several features that are new to the entry-level lineup and make it easier than ever for drivers to find their way. Only available from Garmin, Real Directions guide drivers in a natural and intuitive way. The feature uses recognizable landmarks, buildings, traffic lights and stop signs to give directions. For example, it tells drivers to “turn right after the Starbucks®” or “turn left at the traffic light.” Additionally, the new navigators feature millions of preloaded places from Foursquare to find and explore new and popular businesses, stores, restaurants or other destinations. Users can easily search for Foursquare places using Garmin’s signature “Where to?” menu to get directions.

Direct Access is a new feature to the Essential Series that helps users navigate to complex destinations, like malls and airports. Users can easily search for restaurants and stores inside a mall; or terminals, parking, and auto rentals inside an airport. The new navigators automatically guide drivers to the entrance that’s closest to their final destination and indicate where it is located. The nüvi will, for example, say: “American Eagle Outfitters® is inside, on the upper level.”

Additional navigation features include lane assist with junction view to help drivers navigate interchanges with ease; school zone warnings that appear as both an audible and on-screen alert; and Up Ahead, which appears alongside the driving map to constantly inform of nearby services, including restaurants, fuel stations and rest areas. The new Essential models also display current street, speed, speed limit and arrival time.

The 2015 Essential Series features large 5 and 6-inch dual-orientation displays that allow users to view more driving-related information at a glance. All devices come preloaded with HERE Maps and points of interest that don’t rely on cellular signals and are unaffected by cellular dead zones. Select models include lifetime map updates3 and free lifetime traffic avoidance4 without any ads or subscriptions.

The 2015 nüvi Essential Series is available now and suggested retail prices range from $129.99 to $209.99. The optional BC 30 backup camera has a suggested retail price of $169.99.

The 2015 nüvi Essential Series is the latest from Garmin’s consumer automotive segment, the leading worldwide provider of portable navigation devices for automobiles, motorcycles and trucks. Garmin’s user-friendly navigation solutions have innovative features that provide time- and fuel-saving benefits to meet the demands of everyday driving.

For 25 years, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation.

ION Audio, a leader in lifestyle consumer electronics, unveils Sound Shine, a pair of wireless LED light bulb speakers with app control, at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Booth #11640.

Sound Shine turns any two standard light bulb sockets into a stereo pair of powerful wireless speakers, streaming music wirelessly from any Bluetooth music player or smartphone. Each Sound Shine speaker can be used independently to deliver rich, room-filling sound with your favorite tunes, or they can be wirelessly linked together (up to 30 feet apart) to provide a true stereo experience. Sound Shine is perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, dens—anywhere you want convenient, wireless music and soft, effective lighting.

Sound Shine uses LED lighting technology, giving it an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours—more than 20 years in normal use! They’re ideal for any lighting application that use standard light bulb threads, Each Sound Shine is highly efficient, providing soft, white illumination equivalent to a 60-watt light bulb.

The real fun comes from the accompanying free mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets that allows you to control the dimming, sound volume, trigger on and off for lighting and music and gives you total control of your media playback. All this makes Sound Shine a fun and practical DIY solution—simple and affordable—for lighting and music in any room.

“Sound Shine makes it easy for anyone to install a sophisticated, automated sound and lighting system in minutes, without getting involved with an expensive, elaborate custom project. Simplicity is what customers want, above all,” said Wendy Fortin, Product Manager for ION Audio. “We’re giving people control of multiple functions with one app and integrating powerful stereo sound with a truly value-packed speaker/lighting combination.”

Sound Shine is powered by simply screwing it into a standard light bulb socket, making it a snap to install.

Sound Shine will begin shipping in March 2015 with MSRP of $129.99 for the pair. It will be showcased for the first time at CES 2015.

Belkin®, the leader in tablet and smartphone accessories, announced its new product lineup for the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show. The new lineup of Belkin products consists of a range of charging solutions including Qi™ Wireless Charging Pad, Power Pack 2000, MIXIT↑ Power Pack 4000; as well as new metallic colorways for the MIXIT↑ collection which includes auxiliary and charging cables, and home and car chargers.

“Belkin’s mobile solutions meet the highest standards in the industry, and are certified to safely charge a variety of devices”

“Belkin’s mobile solutions meet the highest standards in the industry, and are certified to safely charge a variety of devices,” said Melody Tescon, Director of Product Management. “Whether you are at home or on-the-go, our solutions are designed to aesthetically fit your personal style.”

Belkin’s new solutions include the following:

Qi™ Wireless Charging Pad (F8M741)

Using Qi-certified transmitting coils, the Wireless Charging Pad for the home seamlessly charges Samsung, Nokia, Qi-enabled smartphones, and other devices with a Qi-receiving battery shell or case without sacrificing charging speed. Simply place the phone on the charging pad and wait until the LED indicator lights up. The device will begin to charge by induction. Users will be able to cut the cord without having to worry about looking for a charging cable.

• Qi-certified charger delivers charge to your phone wirelessly
• 1-amp output for fast charging
• Stylish and portable design
• Soft charging pad prevents scratching and slipping
• Compatible with any Qi-enabled smartphone
• Includes wall adapter and micro-USB-to-USB cable

Power Pack 2000 (F8M980btBLK)

• Portable backup charging solution for your mobile device
• Provides a boost of charge with 2,000 mAh
• Compatible with any USB-enabled device
• One USB port (1A ouput)

MIXIT↑ Power Pack 4000 (F8M979btBLK)

The portable charging solution, MIXIT↑ Power Pack 4000, enables users to charge two devices simultaneously via USB cable. This handy charger serves as a reliable backup for charging tablets, e-readers, and other USB-enabled devices, when there is no access to a power outlet or a computer for charging.

• Portable backup charging solution for your mobile devices
• Two USB ports (2.4A shared output)
• Rated at 4,000 mAh for hours of charge
• Compatible with any USB-enabled device
• Available in black, blue, green, pink

MIXIT↑ Metallic Car Charger (F8M730)

• Car charger plugs directly into your car’s DC connector
• Charges your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device up to 40 percent faster than ordinary 5-watt chargers
• Compatible with any USB charging cable (sold separately)
• Low-profile design blends with car interior
• Smart circuitry protects your device from power spikes
• Available in gold, silver, grey, metallic black and pearl white

MIXIT↑ Metallic Home Charger (F8M731)

• Convenient charger plugs into AC outlets
• Charges your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device up to 40 percent faster than ordinary 5-watt chargers
• Sleek design with metallic finish
• Compatible with any USB charging cable (sold separately)
• Smart circuitry protects your device from power spikes
• Available in gold, silver, grey, metallic black and pearl white

MIXIT↑™ Metallic Lightning to USB Cable (F8J144)

• 4′ length
• Premium aluminum finish in colors that match your iPhone 5s
• Ultra-compact
• Plugs into any USB 2.0 port to charge
• Syncs music and pictures to/from your laptop in seconds
• Available in gold, silver, grey, metallic black and pearl white

MIXIT↑ Metallic Micro-USB to USB Cable (F2CU021)

• Micro-USB-to-USB cable rapidly charges and syncs Android devices
• Sleek cable with metallic finish
• Designed to withstand heavy use
• 4-foot length ideal for use everywhere
• Available in gold, silver, grey, metallic black and pearl white

MIXIT↑ Metallic AUX Cable (AV10164)

• Auxiliary cable connects any two devices with 3.5mm port
• Sleek cable with metallic finish
• Designed to withstand heavy use
• 4-foot length ideal for use everywhere
• Available in gold, silver, grey, metallic black and pearl white

In addition, Belkin will be demonstrating the award winning screen protector applicator system, TrueClear Pro Advanced Screen Care, a one-of-a-kind service that entails professional application of TrueClear screen protectors to a variety of smartphones.

Pricing and Availability

• Available starting April, the Qi™ Wireless Charging Pad will be available for an MSRP $39.99.
• The Power Pack 2000 will be available for an MSRP $19.99 in June.
• The Power Pack 4000 will be available in June for an MSRP $29.99.
• The new MIXIT↑ collection of home chargers, car chargers and cables will be available in May from an MSRP $19.99 to $29.99.
• TrueClear Pro Advanced Care System currently supports the iPhone 4/4s, 5/5s and 6, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5. The service is available now at select retail locations.

Incipio®, the leading designer and manufacturer of award-winning mobile device accessories and technology, based in Southern California, today announces the immediate availability of the offGRID™ EXPRESS Backup Battery Case for iPhone 6 online at http:/incipio.com.

Power does not have to come at the cost of convenience with Incipio’s offGRID™ EXPRESS Backup Battery Case for iPhone 6. Packed with 3000mAh of power, iPhone 6 users can freely and actively enjoy additional hours of talk, text, stream, and surf time without the worry of a dead battery. The offGRID™ Express Backup Battery Case for iPhone 6 more than doubles the iPhone 6 battery capacity making it a must have case for on-the-go individuals.

“The tremendous capabilities of the iPhone 6 enable ongoing use, yet the battery life can’t always keep up with our lifestyles,” said Andy Fathollahi, Chief Executive. “The offGRID EXPRESS delivers the added power to allow you to use your iPhone 6 around the clock, wherever you are. The offGRID™ EXPRESS Backup Battery Case for iPhone 6 is the first of Incipio’s complete power offering available for iPhone 6.”

Available now for $79.99 at incipio.com, additional features of the offGRID™ EXPRESS Backup Battery Case for iPhone 6 include:

• MFI Approved
• Slim and lightweight design
• Simple and quick snap-on assembly
• Rechargeable 3000mAh battery
• Includes micro-USB charge/sync cable and headphone extender

For the latest product news and announcements connect with Incipio on Facebook, Twitter @myincipio, and Instagram @incipio.

LaCie, the premium brand from Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), announced Rugged RAID, the latest product to join its line of iconic Rugged mobile hard drives. LaCie™ Rugged RAID features twice the speed and capacity of a standard mobile hard drive* – all with the same Rugged portability and durability that enthusiasts have come to expect. It is also the only product in its class to feature hardware RAID 0 and 1, which lets professionals optimize the product for speed or data security according to their workflow – and use it on any Mac® or PC.

When on a deadline, every second counts. The LaCie Rugged features Thunderbolt™ and USB 3.0 along with two internal hard drives that are preconfigured in hardware RAID 0 for sustained performance of up to 240 MB/s**. With this speed, users can transfer 64 GB of content in less than five minutes, and even start to edit photos in the field with Adobe® Lightroom®. This time savings is key for field-based professionals who collect and move tons of data onto external storage.

Professionals, especially photographers, face the challenge of keeping up with ever-increasing resolutions and file sizes. The LaCie Rugged addresses this challenge by featuring 4 TB in a compact footprint. With this capacity, the LaCie Rugged can store the equivalent of sixty 64 GB memory cards. This allows professionals to carry fewer drives while acquiring more photos, footage, and other types of content in the field.

The LaCie Rugged features RAID 1 (mirrored mode), which is where the data is duplicated across the two drives. So, even if a single drive fails in the field, the data remains accessible from the other drive. This is especially helpful to on-the-go professionals with limited laptop capacity. The LaCie Rugged can serve as the primary safe storage during travel. Even in the case of a single drive failure, data is protected.

For added data protection, the LaCie Rugged is resistant to shock, dust and water. It is tested to withstand drops*** of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) and 1 ton of pressure. With its cap in place, the LaCie Rugged is IP 54-rated for superior resistance to dust and water splashing – even during operation. So whether the LaCie Rugged RAID takes a jarring jeep ride, is buried under stacks of suitcases in the airplane cargo hold, or gets splashed during a tropical downpour, the data remains safe and accessible.

Portability is key, and professionals need their equipment to go and work anywhere. Powered through the Thunderbolt cable, the LaCie Rugged offers access to the data anywhere – no power outlet required. The integrated Thunderbolt cable ensures that the cable cannot be lost. Plus, with Thunderbolt and USB 3.0, it works with any standard computer.

The LaCie Rugged includes everything professionals need for secure backup in the field: a backup software suite and compatibility with Time Machine™ and Windows Backup. It also includes LaCie Private-Public software, which lets users password-protect the entire drive or only certain volumes with AES 256-bit encryption.

See the LaCie Rugged hit the North Shore with Zak Noyle, world-class surf photographer:

WARRANTY

The LaCie Rugged features a three-year limited warranty that can also be extended and upgraded. The included limited warranty provides comprehensive, complimentary web-based resources, expert in-house technical support, and worldwide repair and/or replacement coverage.

AVAILABILITY

The LaCie Rugged RAID, design by Neil Poulton, will be available in a 4 TB capacity (MSRP $449.99) this quarter through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Resellers.

Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ:STX), a world leader in storage solutions, today unveiled a high-design ultra-slim external drive that evokes the legacy form factor of 2.5-inch internal hard drives. The new Seagate Seven™ drive is the slimmest way to carry 500GB of data, with the name representing the 7mm depth of the 500GB drive. The simplicity of the industrial design of the Seagate Seven pays tribute to the roots of computer storage while simultaneously celebrating the latest advancements in storage innovation. The premium all-metal enclosure highlights the essence of a bare hard drive, Seagate’s core competency for over 35 years.

“Seagate has been providing the world with storage since the modern origins of computing history,” said Mark Whitby, senior vice president of Seagate Branded Group. “Seagate Seven is designed to speak to this history, while looking forward to the future of where storage technology is headed. We believe that Seagate Seven will resonate with those who want the latest trend in mechanical design while inspiring the user to create great experiences and memories.”

The stunning Seagate Seven portable drive celebrates over 35 years of storage expertise and innovation. This statement product combines advanced storage research and development with world-class industrial design to create the slimmest way to carry 500GB of data. The Seagate Seven enclosure is made entirely of steel, not only to achieve the thinnest external drive, but also for a premium appearance inspired by a bare drive, the very essence of storage.

Seagate leveraged the latest of the company’s drive technologies and manufacturing processes to create the world’s thinnest external hard drive. The deep draw process allows for the all steel enclosure to be shaped in a method that the material could not be any thinner and still hold the structural integrity needed to perform as an external portable storage device. The steel encasing also provides a rigidity, which allows for the incredibly thin design to be functional. The low profile motor technologies used in the bare drive are designed to include extreme Gyro handling capabilities with tablets and thin computing in mind. This is a true benefit when considering that Seagate Seven is a storage device that people will carry with them in their bags or pockets.

Pricing and Availability:

Seagate Seven is a 500GB portable hard drive that will be widely available in mid to late January for a suggested retail price of $99.99. As of launch, pre-orders can be made on Seagate.com and Amazon.com.

Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a world leader in storage solutions, today unveiled two new storage products for the home, Seagate® Personal Cloud and Seagate® Personal Cloud 2-Bay. Seagate Personal Cloud provides the accessibility of cloud storage with the peace of mind that content is stored safely at home. What differentiates these two Personal Cloud drives apart is how easily they can stream content to smartphones, set-top boxes, tablets, PCs or televisions via the Seagate Media application. Additionally, when used in conjunction with the acclaimed Seagate Mobile Backup app and Dashboard software, Seagate Personal Cloud also serves as a central backup device for PCs, Mac computers, USB drives, iOS and Android mobile devices.

Seagate Personal Cloud demystifies the often frustrating process of finding, accessing and enjoying photos, videos and music on the device of your choice. Once connected to a wireless router and after a free download of the Seagate Media app, users will be treated to an intuitive, media-rich browsing experience that makes playback of content an effortless and enjoyable experience. Unmatched in the number of compatible platforms and ease-of-use, the Seagate Media apps support the following devices:

• TVs and Blu-ray players: LG Smart TVs (2012 or later) and Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players (2012 models or later with SmartHub)
• Streaming media players: Roku, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV (via Apple AirPlay)
• Smartphones: iPhone, Android
• Tablets: iPad, Android™, Kindle, Windows 8/RT

Seagate Personal Cloud can also stream directly to DLNA-based devices, including the Sony PlayStation 3 or later, and Microsoft Xbox 360 or later.

When away from home, users will have the ability to securely retrieve and share content stored on the Seagate Personal Cloud drive. By way of the Seagate Media app, users can browse and enjoy content directly from their Personal Cloud drive in the same manner they would do when at home.

For those who are comfortable with storing their data in public cloud services, Seagate Personal Cloud drives can be configured to complement a public cloud service with two types of applications, backup and synchronization. Personal Cloud drives can be set up to automatically back up to popular providers including: Amazon S3, Box, Baidu, DropBox, Google Drive, HiDrive and Yandex.Disk, while delivering an additional level of offsite protection. Alternatively, a synchronization option is available for Baidu, DropBox and Google Drive for those who simply need a secondary copy of their most current data from their service.

“Given the abundance of handheld computing devices there has been a trend of accessing content and content via cloud storage,” said Stephen Baker, vice president of Industry Analysis for The NPD Group. “A product like the Seagate Personal Cloud offers a new approach at cloud storage allowing consumers to take advantage of low-cost cloud opportunities while still remaining in control of their content and access it from anywhere.”

Recognizing that storage needs will continue to evolve, Seagate designed Personal Cloud devices with a built-in app manager that enables the ability to install additional features after purchase. An app-store like experience delivers a variety of apps including WordPress, BitTorrent Sync and ElephantDrive. Seagate has also created a software development kit (SDK) for its app manager to enable 3rd party developers to create new and exciting use cases for Personal Cloud drives.

Seagate Personal Cloud is also designed to automatically and continuously back up every computer in the home. For Windows-based PCs and Mac computers, the Seagate Dashboard software provides a best-in-class way to protect your content. Personal Cloud devices also work seamlessly with Apple Time Machine software.

Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay

The Personal Cloud 2-bay device is for users that want more than one backup of their most important content in the unlikely event of a drive failure. The Personal Cloud 2-bay—designed with two internal drives—is configured out-of-the-box to automatically duplicate all content stored on one drive to a secondary drive for double protection and greater peace of mind. Alternatively, for users that are seeking maximum capacity, the Personal Cloud 2-bay product can be re-configured by the user into a single volume of storage.

Availability

Seagate Personal Cloud will be shipping to retailers later this month in 3TB, 4TB, and 5TB capacities. Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay will be available in 4TB, 6TB and 8TB capacities. Both configurations of Seagate Personal Cloud can be found at Amazon, Seagate.com and BestBuy.

Seagate Technology plc, the pioneer in wireless storage, continues to grow its family of wireless storage solutions with the debut of Seagate® Wireless, a 500GB portable wireless drive designed for streaming and offloading of media from mobile devices. The new Seagate Wireless offers more space to carry everything consumers want on their mobile devices and alleviates the challenge of running out of storage space on smartphones and tablets. Seagate Wireless provides a solution to stream your favorite HD video on your Android Tablet or Smartphone, iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 computers and Windows RT tablets.

The new Seagate Wireless drive comes in a range of vibrant colors. There is a color to coordinate with one’s wardrobe, mood, or mobile accessories. Available Seagate Wireless color options include lime green, cool blue, slate grey, fire-engine red and white.

With space for up to 200 HD movies, people will never be without entertainment, even when on the road without Internet access. By freeing up precious space on people’s tablets and smart phones, the Seagate Wireless drive will become a mobile devices’ favorite companion. Enjoying saved content is now a social activity when using Seagate Wireless, which provides the capability to share the contents of the drive with streams for up to three connected devices simultaneously.

“Seagate pioneered the product category of wireless storage devices and is pleased at how the category has grown over the years,” said Patrick Connolly, vice president of Seagate branded innovations. “The latest generation of Seagate Wireless extends that legacy and makes the wireless streaming experience broadly available to far more consumers.”

Seagate Wireless storage is accessed through the free mobile Seagate Media app for Apple iOS, Android, Kindle Fire HD, Windows 8 tablets. Mobile devices connect to Seagate Wireless over a Wi-Fi connection, which the battery-powered drive emits once powered on. Simply connect to the drive by searching for Seagate Wireless in available Wi-Fi networks from any device. The drive emits its own Wi-Fi signal, eliminating the need to be within range of an existing network connection.

Additionally, Seagate Wireless can be used to enjoy video, photos, music and even documents on the big screen via Apple Airplay, Google Chromecast, or an app designed specifically for Samsung and LG Smart TVs and Roku players.

Pricing and Availability:

Seagate Wireless will be available from Amazon, Best Buy and Seagate.com by early February for a MSRP of $129.99. Seagate Media app is currently available for free from popular app stores.