Antec Reverse can be used upside down, supports HPTX

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Antec shows off its Reverse prototype at Computex. Reverse is a temporary name for a case design that can sit on its top or on its bottom. It's designed for high-end users and is roomy enough for HPTX motherboards. Antec plans to ship this case by September.

The Reverse is a case that gets its name for the fact that it can sit on its top or on its bottom. Depending how you are feeling on a certain day, you can just change it around to how you like. Not only that though, but this case supports motherboards up to HPTX. So if you want to run a high-end enterprise level dual socket motherboard in your system, Antec has you covered well here.


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Windows 8 shaping up to be unmitigated disaster

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

WSJ writer John Dvorak wrote a skeptical article about Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system. Echoing criticism from journalists around the web, Dvorak notes the new operating system is based on the pipe dream that the unsuccesful Windows Phone user interface will turn into a success on the tablet, to such an extreme that people will demand it on desktops. Dvorak goes as far as to say that Windows 8 could be an unrecoverable disaster for the company:

He reiterates the idea that the Metro desktop is more useful, and wanted, on a smartphone or tablet rather than a PC. He points the issues with trying to use one GUI across every platform and the issues that not everyone will want that unification. Am I the only one that finds fingerprints on my screen to be rather annoying?

The potential for this OS to be an unrecoverable disaster for the company is at the highest possible level I've ever seen. It ranks up there with the potential for disaster that the Itanium chip presented for Intel Corp. It's that bad. I have no idea why Microsoft would take such an enormous gamble on its cash cow like this. Incremental changes were a theme at Redmond, Wash.; this is a radical departure.

What is this departure based on? It's based on the pipe dream that the unsuccessful user interface used by Windows Phone will turn into a success on the tablet - to such an extreme that people will also demand it on the desktop, so all the platforms can have the same look and feel.


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Acer Aspire 7600U Windows 8 All-in-one PC

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Acer today unveiled the new Aspire 7600U Windows 8 all-in-one PC at Computex 2012 in Taipei. The computer provides a 64-point capacitive multitouch Full HD display and Dolby Home Theater surround sound. Too bad, there is no further info about this new all-in-one computer. The Acer Aspire 7600U is priced at between $1,599 to $2,199.


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Lian Li PC-A55 Mid-Tower PC Case

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Lian Li launches another mid-tower chassis, the PC-A55. This aluminum case supports for ATX motherboard and features a top-placed I/O panel with 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 and 2x audio ports, a removable front panel, one 5.25-inch external drive bay, an HDD cage that supports for two 3.5-inch HDDs and two 2.5-inch HDDs, seven expansion slots and has two 140mm fans (1x top, 1x bottom).

The PC-A55 is available now for $119 (VAT not included) in black and silver color options. [Lian Li]


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Android ICS 4.0 installbase still very small

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Android 4.0 hasn\'t captured a lot of marketshare since it was launched six months ago reports neowin. Just 7.1 percent of all Android devices run the latest versions of the platform, while roughly 70 percent of Android smartphones and tablets still run Android 2.3.x. :

According to information on the Android Developers page, Android 4.0 is installed in just 7.1 percent of all Android devices that have the Google Play download store installed. That compares to a whopping 70 percent of smartphones and tablets that have some version of Android 2.3 (also known as Gingerbread) inside. Even the older Android 2.2 (Froyo) still holds on to a 19.1 percent market share of all Android devices.

To be fair, Android 4.0 is doing better than the tablet-only Android 3.0, which is only installed in 2.7 percent of all Android devices. Also, Android 4.0\'s percentage has doubled since April as more and more older devices get upgrades.


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Windows 8 Release Preview Available

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Microsoft has uploaded the Windows 8 Release Preview, you can download it here.

Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview, the next milestone of the highly anticipated Windows 8 operating system. Available for download today in 14 languages at http://preview.windows.com, the Windows 8 Release Preview delivers a fast and fluid experience, along with a new user interface that responds equally well to touch as it does to keyboard and mouse. Since the February release of Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which was downloaded more than 1 million times in the first 24 hours, Windows 8 has become the most tested Microsoft operating system of all time, and with today's release, it enters its final phase of development before it releases to manufacturing.

"We're thrilled to be at this milestone with the Windows 8 Release Preview," said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft.

New Apps Provide an Even Richer Experience
Windows 8 Release Preview delivers new apps from Microsoft and partners. Highlights include Bing Travel, News and Sports apps, as well as Gaming and Music Xbox apps that integrate with your Zune pass. The Windows 8 Release Preview also features notable improvements to the Mail, Photos and People apps that initially debuted with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. In addition, Microsoft has worked closely with its partners to deliver apps from around the world through the Windows Store.

Beyond the new apps from Microsoft and partners, customers testing the Windows 8 Release Preview will also experience tens of thousands of refinements across the product, such as increased personalization options for the Start screen, improved multimonitor support, refinements to the way people find and download apps through the Windows Store, and new Family Safety features. The new Internet Explorer 10 redefines browsing, particularly for touch-enabled devices. The Web is as fast and fluid as any app, and with new capabilities in the Windows 8 Release Preview such as "flip ahead," it is just as intuitive. A touch-friendly and power-optimized Adobe Flash Player is now integrated into Internet Explorer 10, and it is also the first browser to feature Do Not Track "on" by default, giving customers more choice and control over their privacy.

The Path to Windows 8
Beginning June 2, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Upgrade Offer in 131 markets, including the U.S. and Canada. Consumers who buy eligible Windows 7-based PCs through Jan. 31, 2013, can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion. More information about the Windows Upgrade Offer will be available June 1. In addition to the Windows Upgrade Offer designed for consumers buying new Windows 7-based PCs, Microsoft will also announce other offers in the coming months that will help consumers with existing Windows 7-based PCs upgrade to Windows 8 when it is generally available.

In the next month, Microsoft will further detail the value Windows 8 brings to businesses at TechEd North America. More information about Windows 8 and how to download the Windows 8 Release Preview is available at http://preview.windows.com.

Download


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Lian Li Announces Two New Aluminum Cases

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Lian-Li Industrial Co., Ltd. today announces two new brushed aluminum chassis - PC-V355 and PC-A55.

The micro-ATX supported PC-V355 and the slim PC-A55 ATX chassis both have the features that are to be expected from Lian Li, including: brushed aluminum frames, pop-off panels, and many tool-less features.

PC-V355 - HTPC/Mini-Tower with Slide-Out Motherboard Tray
Designed to be either a larger HTPC or mini-tower with the dimensions of (WxHxD) 283 x 263 x 386 mm (11.14" x 10.35" x 15.19"), the PC-V355, supporting a micro-ATX motherboard, has many features to make installations, upgrades and upkeep easier. The slide-out motherboard tray lets users setup their system outside of the chassis. The HDD cage supports up to three 3.5" HDDs which are secured using thumb screws with rubber suspensions for reduced vibration. A 2.5" hard drive can also be installed in the HDD bay.


    


Two 120 mm intake fans at the front of the PC-V355, which blow cool air directly on the HDD bay and VGA card, are easily removable, and have washable twist-off air filters. The cooling capabilities can be easily adjusted thanks to the 3-speed fan controller.

The front I/O panel has two USB 3.0 slots and HD audio support. However, the 5.25" ODD is located on the side panel.

The PC-V355 has four expansions slots for future upgradeability, and can take VGA cards up to 310 mm cards in length. The PC-V355 supports a PSU up to 210 mm that is to be rear mounted, and a CPU cooler up to 100 mm.

The PC-V355 is available in black or silver for the suggested retail price of US$139 (VAT not included).

PC-A55 - ATX Chassis with Front-Mounted PSU and Unique Cooling Design
With a standard ATX PSU up to 160 mm in length able to be mounted vertically in the front on the chassis, the PC-A55 is shorter and smaller than average ATX chassis with the dimensions of (WxHxD) 188 x 375 x 455 mm (7.40" x 14.76" x 17.91") while still having enough space for easy installations.

The PC-A55 has a unique cooling design to push cool air through the case in high volumes at low RPMs. The 140 mm intake is located in the bottom of the chassis blows air directly over the VGA card and across the motherboard. The 140 mm fan on the top panel is directly over the motherboard so that excess heat is removed quickly and effectively.

The front panel can be removed tool-lessly for easy access, and the I/O panel and power button is located on the top panel.

The PC-A55 supports two 3.5" HDDs, two 2.5" HDDs, and one 5.25" optical disk drive. There are seven expansion slots for future upgradeability, and VGA cards up to 310 mm in length and CPU coolers up to 150 mm fit in the PC-A55.

The PC-A55 is available in black or silver for the suggested retail price of US$119 (VAT not included).

Product Features of PC-V355

  • Micro-ATX chassis
  • Slide-out motherboard tray
  • Holds three 3.5" and one 2.5" HDDs
  • Supports one 5.25" optical drive
  • Two 120 mm fans blowing directly on the HDD bay
  • Three levels of cooling with fan controller
  • Two color options: black/silver
  • MSRP: US$139 (VAT not included)
  • Available in the US in the beginning of June

Product Features of PC-A55

  • ATX chassis
  • Front mounted PSU for a shorter and smaller footprint
  • Hold two 3.5" and two 2.5" HDDs
  • Supports one 5.25" optical drive
  • Innovative thermal design
  • Removable front panel
  • Two color options: black/silver
  • MSRP: US$119 (VAT not included)
  • Available in the US in the beginning of June


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be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 PSUs

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

be quiet! introduces the Dark Power Pro 10, a new line of power supplies available in 550W, 650W, 750W, 850W, 1000W and 1200W editions. These units offers 80Plus Platinum efficiency and promise an efficiency of up to 94 percent. Pricing ranges from 135EUR to 279EUR.

be quiet!, market leader for power supplies in Germany for six years in a row*, announced today the release of its new high end line of PC power supply units (PSUs) called Dark Power Pro 10. The flagship series now uses state-of-the-art power conversion and cooling technologies along with other design enhancements to be the quietest and most energy efficient models in the company


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Cubitek ICE aluminium cases

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Cubitek presents their latest cases series by the name ICE, which are full Aluminum enclosures in various sizes from Mini-ITX to the massive HPTX format. These offer modern features like USB 3.0, dust filters, space for long graphic cards and large CPU coolers, thus offering the perfect choice for every scenario.

The fairly young brand Cubitek managed to turn heads right from their debut in 2011, as the designer cases impressed with incredible engineering, usually reserved for the big players in the market. The modular chassis design of the Magic Cube pushed the boundaries of case concept, offering separate enclosures and allowing unheard of customization.

With the new ICE series of cases, Cubitek is aiming to deliver immaculate enclosures constructed with light weight Aluminum, offering plenty of space and functionality at competitive price points. The ICE series is available in three different sizes and named accordingly. the Mini-ICE is intended for Mini-ITX motherboards, the ATX-ICE utilizes full size ATX variants, while the HPTX-ICE has enough space for even the largest multi-socket boards like the EVGA SR-X.

Even though these three cases are of different sizes, Cubitek has ensured, that all of them utilize the same design elements, with black anodized and brushed Aluminum on the exterior with a whooping 2.5 millimeters thickness. Such a choice of the light material make the Cubitek ICE cases extremely sturdy, also thanks to the fact that the panels are made of two solid pieces, which is bent into shape.

This manufacturing process results in cases with very few exterior parts. The Cubitek ICE series bodies are made of just four parts. These are not simply hooked into each other to form the beautiful shape, but held together with rubber mounted screws, further underlining the overall quality of these enclosures.

Thanks to the use of Aluminum, the Cubitek ICE cases are extremely light, while offering exceptional cooling capabilities. With numerous air vent and pre-installed fans, every of enclosure of this series offers more than enough air flow - regardless of size.

Not only the overall design spans the entire series of ICE cases, but also various functional elements. Each of the enclosures offers two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0 and a pair of audio connectors, dedicated use of thumb screws, rubberized feet and blue LED equipped fans right out of the box. On top of that each of the ICE cases - including the Mini-ICE - offer exceptional cable management possibilities.

The Cubitek ICE series, consisting of the Mini-ICE for Mini-ITX, the ATX-ICE for full size ATX and the HPTX-ICE for HPTX boards are available shortly from http://www.overclockers.co.uk/ and cost


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Tt eSPORTS KNUCKER Pro-Gaming Keyboard

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Gaming keyboards are hot an snazzy stuff to release and use these days. Tt eSPORTS is announcing the latest keyboard creation KNUCKER. Collaborated and co-designed by Tt eSPORTS Team Tt Apollos pro-player Hermes, KNUCKER pro-gaming keyboard is unique in its unprecedented key-switch design. Installing Tt-Plunger switch technology, developed by Tt eSPORTS' Key-switch Product Development workshop, KNUCKER is bringing the ultimate key response experience simulating to mechanical switch, but with extreme ease and comfort.

The design concept came from Team Tt Apollos' Hermes and his specific demands in easing the key-press strength during the competition. KNUCKER was co-created and went through phases of testing and evaluation by the members of Team Tt Apollos, and the KNUCKER demonstrated the obvious differences when Hermes delivered an All-Star performance in game Kart Rider since the beginning of 2012.

KNUCKER pro-gaming keyboard is installed with the plunger-switch that simulates mechanical switch feedback, but with extra elasticity and comfort.

The KNUCKER is also designed with the S4Key-Function to accelerate gamer's need in rotating the command repeat rate in 4 modes: 1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x. This feature derives from the common gaming behavior also known as the Repeat-Rate Rotating Movement, or R3M in short. This behavior motivates the initial creation of KNUCKER, and to apply in gaming environment, the keyboard acts as a gaming solution to allow gamers such as Team Tt Apollos' Hermes to switch the mode rapidly.

Each key cap of KNUCKER is meticulously designed by Tt eSPORTS' Industial Painting Workshop crews to select the most durable yet visually vibrant Electric Cyan silk-print technique, applying on the KNUCKER and the silk-printed keys immediately attracts attention.

8 replaceable red caps are provided for gamers' visual convenience, spotting the most-used keys: W, A, S, D, and the direction keys. Battle Dragon logo has been well-recognized as a representation of Tt eSPORTS by the e-Sports community. KNUCKER gaming keyboard designs F12 key as the Battle Dragon key, locating at the center of keyboard's palm rest, seemingly floating between you and KNUCKER.

 


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ThermalTake Toughpower XT 1275W Platinum Snow Edition

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

ThermalTake has launched its Toughpower XT 1275W Platinum Snow Edition power supply.

Thermaltake, an award winning state of art PC power supplies, the leader and pioneer in PC thermal solutions, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, with


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NVIDIA: 30 Tegra 3 smartphones coming

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

NVIDIA released information that there are 30 Tegra 3 based smartphones on the way in 2012, double as much as the Tegra 2's design wins. NVIDIA GM Mike Rayfield also added that many of these phones will be less expensive, 13 of them will have a "transfer price" of under $300.

The graphics firm also announced that the company's next-gen "Grey" Tegra will integrate the Icera 500 LTE chip:
While he didn't provide many details, he told investors that the i500 will have next-gen LTE speeds beyond what we've seen thus far, and it will be the modem paired with the company's next-gen Tegra processor for "Grey," the company's first integrated LTE silicon. We won't see Grey until next year, but Nvidia promises that its standalone Icera LTE technology will arrive later in 2012 with the aforementioned Icera 410.


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VIA APC is a $49 Android PC

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient computing platforms, today unveiled the $49 APC Android PC system.

Powered by a WonderMedia ARM processor, APC integrates memory, storage, and a full set of consumer I/O features in a small footprint Neo-ITX motherboard that can be connected to a TV or monitor. The system also features a custom build of Android that has been optimized for keyboard and mouse input, and comes with a browser and a selection of preinstalled apps.

"APC brings the familiarity and convenience of Android to the PC at a US$49 price point that will open up exciting new markets and applications," said Richard Brown, VP of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Like a bicycle for your mind, APC will enable more people than ever before to explore the vast online universe."

APC is based on the new Neo-ITX form factor measuring just 17 cm x 8.5 cm and can be housed in any standard Mini-ITX or microATX chassis, providing enthusiasts with unrivaled flexibility to create new mods and DIY projects as well as ensuring rapid time to market for system integrators and OEMs utilizing the platform.

APC consumes only 4 watts when operating at idle power and 13.5 watts at maximum load. This is ten times less than a standard PC system and ensures significant power savings in large scale deployments.

APC Features
APC combines an optimized version of Android with a rich hardware package to deliver the best of the internet to users. With the inclusion of hardware acceleration for the most demanding video formats, the APC delivers stunning HD quality multimedia, either streamed from sites such as YouTube or stored locally and delivers a great gaming experience on a large screen monitor or TV.

Key Features:

  • Optimized Android OS
  • HD TV support
  • Hardware acceleration of the most demanding video formats
  • VGA and HDMI display ports
  • Four USB 2.0 ports
  • One microSD slot
  • One 10/100 Ethernet port
  • Audio-out/ Mic-in 
  • VIA WonderMedia ARM 11 SoC
  • 2 GB NAND Flash
  • 512 DDR3 SDRAM
  • 15W power adaptor

For more information about APC please visit: http://apc.io/



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Mad Scientist Creates Real Life Tesla Gun (video)

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Inspired by the Tesla Gun in The Five Fists of Science graphic novel, this real life Tesla gun is a handheld spark gap Tesla coil powered by a drill battery. It's about the size of a small rifle and it is able to send out those crazy Tesla sparks at anything within about two feet of its business end. Naturally, it gets pretty hot and heavy pretty quickly, so all the components had to be up for the job.

There is definitely some MacGyver-ing going on with the 18V drill battery, plus the ferrite core of a flyback transformer that came by way of an old television set. The primary coil is made fom high voltage wire and high-density polyethylene insulation, while the secondary coil is made from 2.5-inch ABS pipe wrapped in 20-gauge enameled wire. You get the aluminum toroid out the business end.


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Corsair GS Series Power Supplies

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Corsair announced upgrades to the GS Series line of high-performance power supply units (PSUs). A new improved design boosts energy efficiency, enabling the new GS Series PSUs to achieve 80 PLUS Bronze certification while also providing quieter, fanless operation at low power loads. The newly enhanced models are available in three wattage models: the GS600, GS700, and GS800.

GS Series power supplies are designed for PC builders who want an affordable, reliable, and efficient power supply that offers visually stunning, customizable looks to match their PC. The power supplies feature user-switchable red, white or blue LED lights that can also be turned off if desired. Further customization is possible with swappable color insert rings which are available for purchase from the Corsair website.

The 80 PLUS certification program was created by utility and computer companies to drive the creation and adoption of more energy-efficient power supplies for desktop computers and servers. Corsair GS Series power supplies now have an upgraded architecture that achieves 80 PLUS Bronze certification to provide up to 85% energy-efficiency under typical usage conditions, resulting in lower energy bills and less heat.

As with all Corsair power supplies, GS Series PSUs offer class-leading voltage stability and ultra-low ripple and noise specifications, for long component life. The 140 mm temperature-controlled fan also ensures that GS Series power supplies remain quiet as well as cool. Plus, by operating fanless at load levels below 20% of the model's wattage rating, each GS Series PSU significantly reduces noise levels.

"The GS Series line has been popular with PC enthusiasts who demand quiet, good-looking, and affordable power supplies they can count on," said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager for Components at Corsair. "Now we are proud to deliver the next evolution in the GS Series PSU line, with higher-levels of energy efficiency and a new striking, customizable industrial design."

Availability
Corsair GS Series power supplies are available now from Corsair's worldwide network of authorized distributors and resellers. They are supplied with a 3-year warranty and are backed up by Corsair's highly regarded customer service and technical support.


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AMD Launches the Second-Generation A-Series APUs

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

AMD today announced the widely anticipated launch of its 2nd-Generation AMD A-Series Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) for mainstream and ultrathin notebooks, All-in-One and traditional desktops, home theater PCs and embedded designs.

The 2nd-Generation A-Series APU, codenamed "Trinity", is a grounds-up improved design over the previous generation, enabling a best-in-class PC mobility, entertainment, and gaming experience. New features of the product design include:

  • Double the performance per watt of the previous generation;
  • The AMD HD Media Accelerator with a unique set of technologies designed to optimize video quality available with premium and Internet video content, and accelerate video file conversion;
  • An increase in CPU performance of up to 29 percent with higher processor speeds thanks to the next-generation AMD "Piledriver" CPU core with 3rd-Generation AMD Turbo Core technology, where power is dynamically shifted between the CPU and GPU depending on application needs, effectively providing a more responsive experience that can boost CPU frequencies to up to 3.2 GHz;
  • AMD Radeon HD 7000 Series graphics for an increase of graphics performance up to 56% over the previous generation. Combined, the CPU and GPU cores deliver more than 700 gigaflops of computing performance - several times more than the fastest x86 CPUs - to boost performance of hundreds of applications;
  • Up to 12 hours of battery life through CPU and GPU power enhancements, with clear battery life leadership in notebook form factors.

"The latest OEM notebooks, ultrathins, All-in-Ones and desktops based on the new AMD A-Series APU enable the best video and gaming experiences, highly responsive performance with AMD Turbo CORE, and accelerate an ever-increasing range of productivity and multimedia applications -- in sleek, stylish designs at price points that make sense," said Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and General Manager, AMD Client Business Unit. "Our 2nd-Generation AMD A-Series APU is a major step forward in every performance and power dimension, allowing users to enjoy a stunning experience without having to give up the things that matter to them most. This experience doesn't stop at mainstream notebooks. It carries over into affordable ultrathin form factors featuring the latest in AMD Radeon graphics."

  

The Growing AMD Accelerated Application Ecosystem
The developer ecosystem continues to gravitate to the unmatched level of compute and unique processing capabilities of the APU as more than 100 applications and games are now accelerated by AMD APUs. The 2nd-Generation AMD A-Series APU gives users superior Web-based video experience thanks to plug-ins for Google Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer 9 that make it easy for consumers to turn on AMD Steady Video technology. Recent applications that have been optimized for use on AMD A-Series APUs include Adobe Photoshop CS6, WinZip 16.5 and VLC Media Player. AMD A-Series APUs are also well-positioned to take advantage of the upcoming transition to the Windows 8 operating system.

"We are excited for the introduction of the 2nd-Generation AMD A-Series APU and are confident it will continue the great work Microsoft and AMD have done together on the A-Series APU," said Aidan Marcuss, senior director, Windows Business Planning, Microsoft Corp. "We look forward to seeing the A-Series APU in action with Windows 8 to deliver a great user experience across a variety of hardware."

For developers who want to engage in the industry's move toward heterogeneous computing, the upcoming AMD Fusion Developer Summit will offer them a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge base. More information on AFDS can be found here.

Unmatched Mobility
With more than 12 hours of 'resting' battery life, AMD is now an industry leader in notebook battery-life performance. The 2nd-Generation AMD A-Series APU delivers increased levels of performance, while consuming half the power as its predecessor.

These gains can be attributed to the new power-optimized "Piledriver" CPU core, as well as to AMD Start Now technology, which is designed to maximize system responsiveness by quickly entering and exiting low power states. With AMD Start Now, the computer resumes from sleep mode in as few as two seconds and boots to the desktop in as few as 10 seconds.

In ultrathin form factors, AMD enables an uncompromised visual experience thanks to a power-efficient and premium AMD Radeon graphics engine. Consumers can expect to see ultrathin notebooks based on dual-core 17-watt and quad-core 25-watt AMD A-Series APUs. These products will be easily identifiable by aluminum-styled VISION Technology stickers at a range of competitive price points.

Best-in-class Entertainment
As more and more people turn to their computers as the hub for their entertainment, the visual aspect of computing becomes ever more important. To enhance these capabilities, AMD created the AMD HD Media Accelerator - a unique set of technologies that enable the best video quality on a PC. Key features of the HD Media Accelerator include:

  • AMD Perfect Picture HD - An image, video processing and display technology that automatically makes images and video better with color vibrancy adjustments, edge enhancement, noise reduction and dynamic contrast fixes;
  • AMD Steady Video Technology - A technology that enables smooth playback of jittery video content with a single button click thanks to plug-ins for popular Web browsers and multimedia applications;
  • AMD Quick Stream Technology - A new technology that prioritizes video streaming on PC systems for a smooth, virtually uninterrupted video stream;
  • True HD video chat with up to four people at once;
  • AMD Video Converter - A video compression engine for fast conversion and sharing of media files across multiple formats and devices;
  • Full decode support for H.264, MPEG-2, VC-1, MVC, DivX and WMV.

Gaming Leadership
The 2nd-Generation AMD A-Series APU builds on AMD's legacy of gaming leadership with an increase in graphics performance of up to 56% over the previous generation and support for:

  • AMD Eyefinity Technology - For the first time, this immersive technology is available from an APU without the need for a discrete graphics card;
  • Performance-leading DirectX 11 graphics architecture and 1080p gaming a life-like level of detail;
  • AMD Radeon dual graphics support that delivers a performance boost of up to 75 percent when adding a discrete graphics card to the APU. The AMD Radeon dual graphics option also offers support for DirectX 9 for older game titles, and uses new AMD CrossFire Technology Profiles for easier updates.

Availability and Technical Details
AMD has a record number of design wins with companies like Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba based on our 2nd-Generation AMD A-Series APUs and VISION Technology from AMD, with mainstream and ultrathin notebooks as well as embedded solutions, available beginning today.

 


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ZeroN - Levitated Interaction Element

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Basically, this MIT Media Lab project uses a small plastic-coated spherical magnet, called ZeroN, that can move around and be placed anywhere within its 3D block of anti-gravity space. This means that ball can be placed in any spot in the air and just stay there. This is pretty cool and is accomplished using a three-axis motor controller, while tracking motion using none other than two stock PS3 Eyecam devices, alongside a video projector. It's amazing just how many high-tech projects seem to get started using parts that are meant for gaming systems, actually.


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Laser Popping 100 Balloon Dominoes

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Why ? Well, just because it's fun :)

Here is a world record submission video of 100 balloons falling like dominoes in a single file line.
Using a 750mW - 1000mW (1W) Spyder III Krypton Laser the record for single file balloon popping was set: 100 six inch (15.2 cm) balloons! This video has been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records for officiation.

The balloons are held in place by being weighted down with specially modified cups filled with water. This prevents balloons that are popping from jostling other balloons out of position.
The focusing lens used is from a soldering kit's "helping hands" alligator clips holder.


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ASUS ROG TYTAN CG8580, CG8270 And CM6870 Desktop PCs

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

ASUS has rolled out the CG8580, CG8270 and CM6870 desktop PCs, which are part of the Republic of Gamers TYTAN series. The higher-end ASUS ROG TYTAN CG8580 is powered by an Intel Core i7-3770K quad-core processor, which is overclocked to 4.60 GHz, a twin 128GB SSD.

An nVidia GeForce GTX680 graphics card and the ROG Turbo Gear function that handles on-the-fly overclocking. The ASUS ROG TYTAN CG8270 and CM6870 feature a choice of an Intel third-gen Core i5 or an Intel third-gen Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM and a DVD-RW burner/ Blu-ray drive. Too bad, there is no info on pricing or availability.


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Volkswagen hovering egg car promises a better future

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

What we have here is a two seater hover pod looking like a Yoyo, it stays around 2 feet in the air and uses electromagnetic road networks to move around. The onboard sensors ensure you a safe ride inspite of lunatic drivers on the road. Instead of MagLev, a smart electric car with a range of 250 miles on a single fast charge of 60 minutes is what we want. Volkswagen are you listening?


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