This Week in Gear: Dell Reveals New HDR Monitor, DTS Play-Fi Adds Alexa Cast Support, and More

We've compiled the latest gear news, including details on Dell's new HDR monitor, the arrival of Alexa Cast support for select DTS Play-Fi products, and more.

From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed.

For this edition, we're covering Dell's new 27-inch HDR monitor, the launch of Alexa Cast support for "Works with Alexa" certified DTS Play-Fi enabled products, and pre-orders for the upcoming PDP Cloud Remote for PS4.

So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news:

Dell Details New 27-inch HDR Monitor

To coincide with this week's IFA 2018 tradeshow in Berlin, Dell has announced the latest addition to its display lineup. The 27-inch USB-C Ultrathin S2719DC features HDR support and is set to launch on September 20 for an MSRP of $550.

"One challenge for the PC industry has been creating a product that marries innovation with quality form factors, materials and features at a price point for every audience. To thrive in a competitive PC landscape, a company needs to deliver premium design as well as innovation for a mainstream audience," said Maribel Lopez, founder and principal analyst at Maribel Research. "Dell's expanding consumer portfolio revealed at IFA this year highlights how the company continues to support a vision of developing devices that fit the needs of every user."

The S2719DC uses a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 1,000:1 typical contrast ratio, and an InfinityEdge design. In addition, the display is VESA-certified DisplayHDR 600 for high dynamic range support at a peak of 600 nits. Likewise, the monitor offers sRGB coverage of  about 99% and DCI-P3 coverage of about 90%. A USB Type-C connector is integrated as well, providing video, data, and power transmission from one source. 

Meanwhile, Dell also announced a new collection of SE Monitors. The lineup includes the 21.5-inch SE2219H ($170), 23.8-inch SE2419H ($200), and 27-inch SE2719H ($250) FHD monitors with IPS panels and thin bezels. All three models are set to launch on September 25.

Source: Dell

DTS Play-Fi Adds Alexa Cast Support

DTS has announced the launch of Alexa Cast support for DTS Play-Fi enabled "Works with Amazon Alexa" audio products. The feature is now compatible with select devices from Aerix, Definitive Technology, Klipsch, McIntosh, Onkyo, Phorus, Pioneer, Polk, and Soundcast. In addition, support will also be available on some upcoming products from SVS Sound.

With Alexa Cast support, users can now send and control music directly from the native Amazon Music app to "Works with Alexa" certified DTS Play-Fi speakers. 

"DTS is excited to add support for the latest feature from Amazon Alexa, which enables us to offer consumers the most flexibility in an open wireless multi-room audio platform," said Dannie Lau, general manager, DTS Play-Fi. "Now with integrated Alexa Voice Services, Works with Alexa certification, and Alexa Cast support, DTS Play-Fi users have a seamless entertainment experience with the choice to control Amazon Music through voice commands or through their mobile device."

Here's a full rundown of DTS Play-Fi products with Works with Alexa support per DTS:

• Aerix Duet music system
• ARCAM rPlay music streamer
• Definitive Technology W Studio Micro sound bar
• Klipsch Gate music streamer, PowerGate amplifier, RW-1 speaker, "The Capital Three" speaker, "The Three" speaker, and RSB-8 and RSB-14 sound bars
• McIntosh MB50 streaming audio player and RS100 speaker
• Onkyo P3 Smart Speaker
• Phorus PS10 Smart Speaker
• Pioneer F4 Smart Speaker
• Polk Omni SB1+ sound bar
• Soundcast VG10 outdoor portable speaker

DTS Play-Fit tech enables customers to wirelessly play high quality lossless music from smartphones and tablets over an existing Wi-Fi network throughout the home. The tech can synchronize playback of a single source to multiple speakers; can stream different sources to different speakers simultaneously from the same mobile device; and can support individual music streams to separate speakers from different devices at the same time. Likewise, Play-Fi is not brand exclusive. This means that Play-Fi audio products from different manufacturers can actually work together seamlessly. 

Works with Alexa support is also set to be added to even more DTS Play-Fi products throughout the year, including select sound bars and receivers.

Source: DTS

Sony Launches Pre-Orders for New PS4 Cloud Remote

Sony has announced the upcoming launch of a new Cloud Remote for the PS4 from PDP. The remote is now available for pre-order from Amazon for $30. Units are expected to start shipping by September 18. 

The PDP Cloud Remote for PS4 features a compact design and can automatically program itself using the downloadable PDP Cloud Remote App. Through advanced Cloud technology, the app is able to auto-detect devices connected to the PS4, enabling simple programming for a variety of products.

Here's a full rundown of key features per Sony and PDP:

• Includes controls for power, input, and volume for TVs
• Hassle-free Cloud-assisted technology for programming remote
• Connects via Bluetooth to control your PS4 system
• Access all essential controls under one thumb with a sleek and compact design
• Features the most important buttons for navigating system menus and apps

In addition, buyers can also receive a special 30-day free trial of the PlayStation Vue Core plan with the purchase of the Cloud Remote at Amazon or GameStop -- while supplies last. The streaming TV service offers access to 65 live TV channels, including ESPN, FX, AMC, Cartoon Network, NFL Network, MLB Network, and more.

Source: PlayStation Blog