Now playing: Watch this: New directions in 3D printing 19:42 In a short amount of time, the options in consumer 3D printers have exploded. Makers now have a vast amount of choices when it comes to print size and print quality, but are still restricted to one medium: plastic. Anyone who has used a 3D …

These “Star Wars” headphones from SMS Audio look incredible. Anthony Domanico/CNET If you’re a geek in the market for a pair of full-size headphones, you may want to hold out for Star Wars Day May 4. That’s when SMS Audio will launch its second-edition “Star Wars”-branded headphones, which bring four new character options to the “Star Wars” Street by 50 …

Realistic as they might look, these are 3D-printed facsimiles made using MakerBot’s special PLA filaments. Dong Ngo/CNET LAS VEGAS — You’ll soon be able to print your own refrigerator magnets and more. MakerBot announced Tuesday here at the 2015 International CES that it’s using new PLA Composite Filaments made with composites of real metal, stone and wood. Basically, these materials, …

For its second generation, the Cintiq Companion gets more configuration options with some much cheaper entry points. Wacom LAS VEGAS — Upping the resolution to Quad HD (2,560×1,440 pixels) is only one of the enhancements that Wacom has made to its next generation of Cintiq pressure-sensitive pen display products. The Cintiq Companion 2, which can operate either as a standalone …

People who tried to drum up money to develop products and projects last year collectively raised $529 million via Kickstarter. This cooler — with a Bluetooth speaker, USB charger and built-in ice crusher — was one of the most-backed projects on Kickstarter last year. Coolest The site, where people can request pledges from the public to get an idea off …

If you’re here at CES in Las Vegas, you’ll quickly find out just how overwhelming the show floor can be — especially now that there are two locations. 4K TVs, curved screens, and smart home solutions continue to dominate, but don’t miss growing trends like robotics, medical tech, and 3D printing. There’s a lot to see, so we’ve made it …

Fitbit’s Surge smartwatch, which costs $250 in the US, acts like fitness tracker. Sarah Tew LAS VEGAS — Have you been holding out for a wearable that tracks your heart rate on top of your activities? Fitbit has begun shipping two wrist wearables that could fit your needs. The two devices, called the Fitbit Charge HR and Fitbit Surge, provide …

The Proto-X added some affordable fun to the quadcopter category. Sarah Tew / CNET LAS VEGAS — Proto-X made waves with its matchbox-sized nano quadcopter when it first launched in 2014, a clever little package at an easy to swallow price of $30 (around AU$40; £20). Since then Hobbico, the company behind Proto-X, has added two new models to the …

LAS VEGAS — The Palm name, once a leader in the smartphone world, gets another chance at life thanks to Chinese consumer-electronics company TCL. The old Palm logo. TCL said on Tuesday that it had acquired the rights to the Palm name and would “re-create” a new company based in Silicon Valley. The company added that it would use input …

LAS VEGAS — Panasonic has announced the first disc player that is expected to support the 4K Blu-ray standard when it becomes available later in 2015. The prototype player supports additional standards such as the HEVC codec and High Dynamic Range which Panasonic expects to see in the next Blu-ray Disc standards. High Dynamic Range is expected to debut soon …

Dell Looking to outfit the ultimate PC gaming rig? Need a second monitor to boost your desktop productivity? Or maybe you just want a larger screen to complement your smallish laptop or Chromebook. Whatever the case, today is your lucky deal-day. For a limited time, Dell is offering the E2314H 23-inch desktop monitor for $161.99 shipped (plus tax in some …

Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus buyers in the US can now buy an unlocked and SIM-free model to use on any carrier here or abroad. As listed on Apple’s iPhone 6 page, the SIM-free version sells for the full retail price, which means the 4.7-inch, 16GB iPhone 6 costs $649, while the larger 5.5-inch, 16GB iPhone 6 Plus runs …

Apple/USPTO Apple could one day cook up a fully flexible iPhone, at least based on a newly granted patent. Awarded on Tuesday by the US Patent and Trademark Office, a patent dubbed “flexible electronic devices” describes a mobile device that consists of flexible components both inside and out. As such, users would be able to bend, fold and squeeze the …

Josh Miller/CNET LAS VEGAS — Finsix claims that the Dart is the world smallest laptop charger. And weighing in a just 60 grams, it’s hard to argue. It’s currently available for pre-order, and while $89 seems a bit steep for a replacement power cord, it just might be convenient enough to be worth it. The Dart can serve up to …

Google limits you to four device deactivations per year. Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET As a tech writer and gadget lover, it goes without saying I juggle a lot of gizmos. And recently I ran into an unusual hiccup. I use Google’s Play Music service as an online repository for my music library, and it’s great because I can stream tunes …