Saturday, March 24, 2012

GeForce Next-Generation Kepler Graphics Architecture Most Efficient GPU Ever Built Review

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Nvidia is launching the first graphics chips based on the company’s new Kepler architecture, the next-generation offering after the company’s successful Fermi, which hit the market two years ago, GeForce GTX 680 for PC Gamers is Fastest, Most Efficient GPU Ever Built; GeForce GT 640M for Notebooks Puts the Ultra in Ultrabooks. NVIDIA has been working with OEMs to design the most thermally efficient laptop chassis designs possible to best take advantage of Kepler's GPU boost capabilities and Nvidia’s GeForce 600M family includes the vendor’s Optimus technology, which offers longer battery life by powering the GPU only when it’s needed, and Verde notebook drivers to improve performance and stability.



NVIDIA launched the first GPUs based on its next-generation Kepler graphics architecture, which deliver dramatic gaming performance and exceptional levels of power efficiency. The result of some 1.8 million man-hours of work over five years, the Kepler architecture's first offerings bring unprecedented technical capabilities to both gaming desktops and Ultrabooks. For desktop gaming, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 GPU provides a faster, smoother and richer experience. For notebooks, the new lineup of GeForce 600M GPUs puts the ultra in Ultrabooks, enabling smaller, more powerful designs than were previously possible. Both are available immediately. "The Kepler architecture stands as NVIDIA's greatest technical achievement to date," said Brian Kelleher, senior vice president of GPU engineering at NVIDIA. "It brings enormous performance and exceptional efficiency. Gamers will love the GTX 680's performance, as well as the fact that it doesn't require loud fans or exotic power supplies. Ultrabook users will love the GT 600M family for its performance and power efficiency." Kepler is based on 28-nanometer (nm) process technology and succeeds the 40-nm NVIDIA Fermi architecture, which was first introduced into the market in March 2010. A Marriage of Speed and Extreme Efficiency The GeForce GTX 680 GPU brings impressive performance and extreme efficiency to the desktop gaming market, delivering a quiet, smooth, extremely fast experience.



Compared with the closest competitive product, the GeForce GTX 680 GPU is more than 300 percent faster in DirectX 11 tessellation performance and up to 43 percent faster in cutting-edge games such as Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, yet consumes 28 percent less power. It also provides twice the performance per watt of the GeForce GTX 580, the flagship Fermi-based processor that it replaces. Setting the standard for future enthusiast-class GPUs, the GeForce GTX 680 is built on an array of new technologies, including:
  • A new streaming multiprocessor block, known as SMX, that delivers twice the performance per watt of previous-generation products
  • Special board components, including acoustic dampeners, high-efficiency heat pipes and custom fins, that create a quiet gaming experience
  • NVIDIA GPU Boost technology, which dynamically adjusts GPU speeds to maximize gaming performance
  • New FXAA and TXAA antialiasing and Adaptive VSync technologies to enrich visual quality without compromising gaming performance
  • Support for up to four separate displays three of them in 3D off a single card for a massive 3D gaming experience
  • Manufactured on TSMC's new 28-nm process, with support for PCI-E Gen 3 and DX11.1



Kelt Reeves, president of Falcon Northwest, a leading producer of high-end gaming systems, said: "The GTX 680 lays down what should be whiplash-inducing speed at the sound of a whisper. Even at full throttle, it doesn't heat up. In the immortal words of Obi-Wan describing a lightsaber, it's 'an elegant weapon for a more civilized age." Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, creators of the award-winning Unreal Engine and billion-dollar Gears of War franchise, said: "The GTX 680 is amazing and completely redefines what an enthusiast-class GPU is. We have already shown outstanding success with the GTX 680, recently presenting our real-time Samaritan demonstration running on it along with a special preview of Unreal Engine 4 for select developers." GeForce 600M GPU Family: Putting the Ultra In Ultrabooks The NVIDIA GeForce 600M family of GPUs, when paired with the latest processor technology from Intel, enables Ultrabook and notebook PC designs that are thin, light and fast. Technological advances that set them apart from the competition include:
  • NVIDIA Optimus technology enables extra-long battery life by automatically switching the GPU on and off so it runs only when needed
  • NVIDIA Verde notebook drivers provide frequent performance improvements and rock-solid stability
  • NVIDIA PhysX engine support brings games to life with realistic physics
  • Optional NVIDIA 3D Vision technology automatically converts more than 650 titles into immersive 3D
  • Optional NVIDIA 3DTV Play software connects 3D Vision-based notebooks to 3D TVs
  • NVIDIA SLI technology links two NVIDIA GTX GPUs up to double gaming performance



"The Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3 brings a superior level of performance to the Ultrabook category," said Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product marketing at Acer America. "With a GeForce GPU onboard, our thin and light Ultrabook does everything our customers want it to do, with no compromises." Rene Haas, general manager of notebook products at NVIDIA, said: "Customers are about to see notebook manufacturers unveil a host of Ultrabooks that are truly worthy of the 'ultra' moniker. The more efficient and powerful GeForce 600M GPUs will raise performance from the Ultrabook segment all the way up to gaming notebooks. And they will be the most popular discrete GPUs used with Intel's upcoming Ivy Bridge processor." Availability The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 GPU is available now from the world's leading add-in card suppliers, including ASUS, Colorful, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Innovision 3D, MSI, Palit, Point of View, PNY and Zotac. Expected pricing is $499. The following manufacturers will be shipping Ultrabooks and notebooks based on the GeForce 600M family of GPUs: Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. For more information about the new GeForce GTX 680, please visit http://www.geforce.com/News/articles/introducing-the-geforce-gtx-680-gpu . For more information about GeForce 600M-Series GPUs, please visit: http://www.geforce.com/News/articles/geforce-600m-notebooks-efficient-and-powerful .

Video Overview:
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Friday, March 23, 2012

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich To HTC Vivid For AT&T Users Review

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AT&T announced on Thursday that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has begun to roll out to the HTC Vivid, which includes Sense 3.6 and it brings the company’s Beats Audio technology to the 4G LTE handset as well. The Ice Cream Sandwich update will deliver advanced voice and text input to the device, along with Face Unlock, UI improvements and improved email and HTC Vivid is equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, microSDHC support to add an additional 32GB of storage and a 1,620 mAh battery. AT&T also announced plans to bring Android 4.0 to ten additional devices in the coming months and the update for the HTC Vivid is currently available to download via Wi-Fi.



AT&T announced the availability of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) for HTC Vivid customers. After installing the software update, customers can now enjoy the optimized audio experience of Beats by Dr. Dre Audio and new and improved HTC Sense experience. Information about these features and more can be found at http://www.att.com/vividupdate. HTC Vivid will be the first U.S. smartphone to receive Ice Cream Sandwich as an update and the first to be issued by a wireless carrier. Focused on bringing the power of Android to the surface, Android 4.0 makes common actions more visible and lets you navigate with simple, intuitive gestures. Refined animations and feedback throughout the system make interactions engaging and interesting. An entirely new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens improves readability and brings a polished, modern feel to the user interface. Beginning today, customers can download the update via Wi-Fi by visiting http://www.att.com/vividupdate. If Wi-Fi is not available, you can download the software upgrade to a PC and install it via sideload. On March 23, HTC Vivid customers who have not downloaded the upgrade will begin receiving an SMS notification of upgrade availability. It will be followed by several other AT&T devices in the coming months:
  • LG Nitro
  • Motorola ATRIX 2
  • Motorola ATRIX 4G
  • Pantech Burst
  • Pantech Element
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
  • Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

  • Beats By Dr. Dre Audio: Enhance your music and video experience with Beats By Dr. Dre Audio. Whenever a media file is played using the media players or most third party applications, customers will experience richer, more authentic sound. AT&T recently debuted the Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox Portable high performance wireless audio system. The superior portable system and Beats accessories are available at AT&T company-owned stores or online.
  • Face Unlock: Android 4.0 introduces a completely new approach to securing a device, making each person's device even more personal, Face Unlock is a new screen-lock option that lets you unlock your device using facial recognition. It takes advantage of the device’s front-facing camera and state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to register a face during setup and then to recognize it again when unlocking the device. Just hold your device in front of your face to unlock, or use a backup PIN or pattern.


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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Commodore Amiga Mini PC With 3.5GHz Core i7-2700k CPU Review

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Commodore’s a household name a few decades ago when it comes to computers and plenty of things have changed since then, the company unveiled the Commodore Amiga mini PC as well as a new C64X Supreme, a new VIC mini, and an upgraded VIC-Slim keyboard computer now with HDMI output. The Commodore Amiga mini takes on minimalist styling with a square aluminum housing with rounded corners and it packs a powerful Intel Core i7 3.5GHz (3.9GHz with Turbo Boost) quad-core processor, 16GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 GPU with its own 1GB of RAM, and a 1TB SATA hard drive. It also sports two WiFi antennae, Bluetooth, a slot-loading Blu-ray drive, and a slew of ports, including four USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort, the C64x continues the retro styling that Commodore fans celebrate, but now features Intel’s D2700 dual-core 2.13GHz CPU, 4GB of RAM, NVIDIA’s GeForce GT520 GPU and comes with a 1 or 3TB hard drive, among other upgraded specs.



Commodore USA, LLC announced the historic re-unification of the legendary Commodore and AMIGA brands with the launch of the new Commodore AMIGA mini, as well as other new models such as the new C64x Supreme, the new VIC mini and a more powerful VIC-Slim keyboard computer (now with HDMI output). These new products are now in production and available for purchase at www.CommodoreUSA.net. The new Commodore AMIGA mini is a trail blazing power-house featuring Intel's i7-2700k 3.5 Ghz Quad-Core (3.9Ghz Turboboost) processor, 16Gb RAM DDR3 1333MHz and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 GPU with 1GB DDR3. This machine is fully loaded with a 1 TB SATA drive (optional 300 GB or 600 GB SSD), two WiFi antennae and bluetooth. The new Commodore AMIGA mini case is ultra small and features a solid, all aluminum seamless housing, micro-sandblasted with an anodic oxidation finish. It also includes a slot load Blu-Ray drive and internal space for two 2.5-inch hard drives. It measures 7.5 inches square with a height of only 3 inches. The AMIGA mini's appearance is enhanced with the inclusion of the classic embedded AMIGA logo engraved in the front. The C64x, highly regarded by Commodore fans for its retro styling, now features Intel's new D2700 dual core 2.13 Ghz CPU and nVidia GeForce GT 520 (512Mb) graphics for enhanced gaming capability over previous models. It also features 4Gb Memory (DDR3 1066), a 1 or 3 GB SATA drive (300 or 600 Gb SSD optional), a mechanical keyboard, a built in multi-card reader, WiFI, Bluetooth, VGA, DVI and HDMI output, 7.1 channel high definition sound, 2 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports for exceptional external data access, a slot loading Blu-ray drive that can also write DVDs and 2 WiFi antennae for outstanding signal reception.




The VIC mini has specifications identical to the C64x Supreme, wrapped in the elegant aluminum enclosure of the AMIGA mini. The VIC-Slim is an upgraded unit replacing the previous 1.8 Ghz dual core Atom with the new Intel 2.13Ghz Dual Core D2700 processor and includes 2Gb RAM (DDR3 1066MHz), a 1Tb SATA Hard Disk Drive and HDMI output. Mr. Barry Altman, CEO, states "This is an historic day. The team here has been working around the clock to fulfill the vision of a reunited Commodore and AMIGA branded computer with the launch of our new Commodore AMIGA mini." Mr. Leo Nigro, CTO, states "We built Commodore USA to take advantage of the rapid rate of technological change in the computer hardware market. The introduction of Intel's new Atom processor for compact devices such as the C64x Supreme, VIC-Slim and VIC mini proves that Commodore USA is setting the pace for the computer industry. The Commodore AMIGA mini with its 16 GB of RAM, powerful i7-2700k 3.5 Ghz Quad-Core processor and built-in nVidia graphics chipset is truly worthy of the AMIGA name. Also, with the inclusion of Commodore OS Vision, our own Linux distribution showcasing our product's advanced hardware features, we can also provide a unique and compelling experience for customers seeking an alternative to Apple and Microsoft products. First and foremost I'm a Commodore and AMIGA fan, and like millions of other fans around the world, I am excited by the return of the famous Commodore and AMIGA brands we grew up with and loved." Barry Altman adds, "Leo and I and the entire team, started on this journey to prove that we could take these historic computer brands and produce products that are relevant to both the historical consumer base and new customers. These computers are breathtaking in appearance, incredibly powerful and exciting to use."





Features:

  • A massive 16 Gigs of fast DD3 memory.
  • Integrated nVidia Geforce GT 430 Graphics with 1 Gig of DD3 memory.
  • The ability to drive 3 monitors displays.
  • HDMI, 2-Dual DVI and DisplayPort output. (includes VGA adaptor).
  • 7.1 channel high definition sound.
  • 6 Gb/s SATA for incredibly fast HD reads.
  • 4 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports for exceptional external data access.
  • A slot loading Blu-ray drive that can also write DVDs.
  • 2 WiFi antennae for outstanding signal reception.
  • A 1 Tb Hard Disk to store video and personal data.
  • Optional 300 or 600 Gb SSD drive for lightning quick load times.

Technology:

MODELCommodore AMIGA mini
CPU SUPPORTIntel i7-2700k 3.5 Ghz Quad-Core (3.9Ghz Turboboost).
MOTHERBOARD CORE LOGICIntel Z68 Express.
MEMORY16Gb RAM DDR3 1333MHz.
HDD SUPPORT1 Tb SATA Hard Disk Drive. (or optional 300 or 600 Gig SSD).
VIDEO & GRAPHICSNVIDIA GeForce GT 430 GPU with 1GB DDR3.
NETWORKING10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet port.
WIRELESS802.11n (300 Mb/s) WiFi. 2 Antennae.

Specifications:

MODELCommodore AMIGA mini
FORM FACTORDesktop
MOTHERBOARD
FORM FACTOR
Mini-ITX
EXPANSION SLOTS1 x PCI Express x4 (open-end) 1 x Mini PCI Express (occupied by WiFi module)
COOLING2 x 40x40x10mm fans
EXTERNAL
DRIVE BAYS
Slim slot-loading optical drive
INTERNAL
DRIVE BAYS
Two 2.5″ standard hard drive mounts.
DISPLAY2 x Dual-link DVI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI
REMOTE CONTROLIR and remote kit (optional), 100% Windows MCE compatible
DIMENSIONS197mm×197mm×75mm (L× W× H) [7.75"x7.75"x3"]
PSU SUPPORT120W PSU board and external AC/DC adapter.
AUDIO INPUTYES
AUDIO OUTPUTYES
COLORSilver or Black
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Monday, March 19, 2012

NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband Review

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NetZero that's been famous for offering free dial-up Internet access has just taken a big leap by offering up to one year of free mobile Internet and a free data plan, announced two mobile wireless data solutions including a mobile hot-spot router and a USB modem, called NetZero 4G Hotspot and NetZero 4G Stick, respectively. Both of these devices are 4G-only and will access the Internet via Clear's 4G wireless coverage, which actually a rebranded version of the Clear Spot Apollo 4G and offers exactly the same feature set. Customers can chose between two levels of service Lightspeed (up to 1Mbps down / 384Kbps up) to conserve data and Warpspeed (up to 10Mbps down / 1.5Mbps up) for maximum performance and can switch back and forth by simply logging into NetZero's website, the NetZero 4G Stick ($49.95 + shipping) is a Windows and OS X-compatible USB modem and the NetZero 4G Hotspot ($99.95 + shipping) is an eight device-capable WiFi hotspot with an LCD and a 2,200mAh battery.The sweet spot of NetZero's offerings is the free data plan that includes 200MB per month and you can actually burn through 200MB in just less than 20 seconds.



NetZero Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of United Online Inc. announced the launch of NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, a fast, affordable and protected Internet service for laptops, iPads and other tablets, and netbooks. This new service, which launches today in over 80 cities nationwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Miami, lets consumers create their own personal Internet connections without being tied to unsecure public hotspots at places like coffee shops, airports and hotels. And unlike public Wi-Fi networks, where credit card numbers and other personal information may be exposed to hackers and data thieves, the NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband service delivers a protected, private Internet connection anytime, anywhere within its coverage area. NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband data plans start at just $9.95 per month. Customers are not required to sign a contract, and can upgrade their data plan at any time. Each plan delivers 4G service with download speeds of up to 10Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.5Mbps. "NetZero is bridging the digital divide by letting consumers purchase a secure, quality, mobile broadband service at very affordable prices with plans designed to meet the consumers' data needs," said Mark R. Goldston, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Online. "Our service gives customers the freedom to take the Internet anywhere in our coverage area, without being tied to public Wi-Fi service or having to purchase higher-cost, sometimes multi-year plans offered by other mobile broadband providers. With NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, there are no contracts or commitments, and our customers can even try our service for up to one year for free."



All data plans, including the free plan, require the purchase of one of two affordable access devices: the NetZero 4G HotSpot and the NetZero 4G Stick. The NetZero 4G HotSpot simultaneously supports up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including iPads and other tablets, within a 150-foot range. The NetZero 4G Stick supports a single laptop or netbook via a USB port. The NetZero 4G HotSpot costs $99.95 and the NetZero 4G Stick costs $49.95, much less than the cost of most comparable contract-free devices available. NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband includes an innovative feature that lets customers switch the speed of their service to meet their data needs. NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband subscribers can set their service at either LightSpeed, which delivers download speeds of up to 1Mbps, or WarpSpeed, which provides download speeds of up to 10Mbps. Customers in any of the service plans can toggle their speed setting to LightSpeed (to conserve data) or WarpSpeed (to maximize speed) at any time, allowing them to match the speed of their service to their current activity and maximize their data consumption. With NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, there are no overage charges. Customers cannot accidently exceed monthly data allotments. An alert lets customers know when they reach their monthly data limit, at which point, they have three options:
  • Option 1: If customers are on a pay plan, they can buy extra data Top Ups that they can use through the end of their current billing cycle.
  • Option 2: Customers can upgrade to a higher capacity data plan.
  • Option 3: Customers can wait until the next month to utilize the service with a fresh allotment of data according to their existing plan.


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Saturday, March 17, 2012

iHome iW2 AirPlay Speaker System, Whole Home Audio Solution Using Wi-Fi Instead Of Wires Review

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iHome will begin shipping its iW2 Wireless Speaker System with AirPlay starting April 1, a follow up to the iW1 speaker, which was the company’s first to support Apple’s proprietary AirPlay wireless streaming technology and this allows you to easily stream your iTunes music library to the speaker from anywhere in your home. With a simple connection to the network, the speaker can connect to and control your entire iTunes library, to provide music anywhere in the house, it comes equipped with a USB port for charging and the system allows you to use your iPad, iPod Touch, iPod, or iPhone to play music with any USB sync cable and dock.




Making it a snap to have music in every room of the house without tearing through walls to run wire, iHome announced that on April 1, 2012 their AirPlay speaker line will expand with the release of the iW2 Wireless Speaker System with AirPlay. When placed within a Wi-Fi network, iHome's latest Wi-Fi enabled speaker system seamlessly connects to offer an affordable option for achieving premium whole home audio with simple turn-key set up. "Many whole home audio systems require a significant investment from consumers and, until recently, a certain level of technical skill as well," said Evan Stein, Director of Marketing, iHome. "Easy to set up, the iW2 offers a cost-effective entry into the world of wireless home entertainment without sacrificing quality or functionality." The iW2 is an app-enhanced AirPlay wireless speaker system that uses your Wi-Fi network to connect and control your iTunes library, and provide wireless audio anywhere in the home. The iW2 has a USB port for charging and music playback from your iPad, iPod and iPhone with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. SRS Trubass sound processing custom tuned to two full-range speaker drivers delivers exceptional audio. Music fans can embrace a wireless music system today as the iW2 will be available for purchase April 1 at Best Buy, Crutchfield and select Target stores, and at iHomeAudio.com for $199.99. For detailed product information, please visit http://www.ihomeaudio.com/iW2BC/.



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Friday, March 16, 2012

NeoGeo X Handheld Games Console Review

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The Neo Geo is making a comeback in Q2, the device will be distributed by game wholesaler Tommo in the U.S. and will come with 20 Neo Geo classics, including Metal Slug and Fatal Fury. Blaze say the device will arrive in time for the Neo Geo’s 20th anniversary and will be priced in a more affordable manner. The Neo Geo X will feature a 3.5-inch LCD display of unknown resolution, an A/V output if you want to throw some classics up on the big screen and have an SD card slot too, you’ll be able to load more games in the future using SD cards. If you do decide to pick one up, you’ll find 20 games preloaded on the device, including titles like Metal Slug, Fatal Fury, and The King of Fighters ‘94 and there were also 158 games released in total for the Neo Geo, so it still remains to be seem how Blaze plan to handle offering more than the initial 20 in the future.



Tommo Inc and BLAZE set to release Limited Edition NEOGEO Handheld for Worldwide sale Q2 2O12 and the NEOGEO X will be released in Q2 2012 following the 20th anniversary of the ground breaking NEOGEO AES console. This Limited Edition handheld console will feature 20 officially licensed NEOGEO games including retro classics such METALSLUG, THE KING OF FIGHTERS and FATAL FURY. Along with these 20 built in NEOGEO classic titles, the NEOGEO X will also feature, SD card expansion, a 3.5-inch LCD screen, A/V output, internal stereo speakers and a headphone socket. Jonathan Wan of Tommo commented: "I am very proud to be working with SNK PLAYMORE, as NEOGEO is a strong brand with an excellent gaming pedigree". Jason Cooper of BLAZE commented: "The NEOGEO console has always been a personal favorite of mine and I am delighted to be involved with the development of this new handheld console. We hope to re-ignite the excitement many of us felt twenty one years ago, in a more affordable manner, to a much wider audience." The Limited Edition NEOGEO X will be distributed by Tommo Inc in the United States and retro gaming specialists BLAZE throughout Europe, Middle East and Australia. A distributor for Japan and the Far East will be confirmed shortly. The full game list is as follows:
  • ART OF FIGHTING
  • BASEBALL STARS
  • CYBER LIP
  • FATAL FURY
  • FATAL FURY SPECIAL
  • FOOTBALL FRENZY
  • KING OF THE MONSTERS
  • LAST RESORT
  • LEAGUE BOWLING
  • MAGICIAN LORD
  • METAL SLUG
  • MUTATION NATION
  • NAM 1975
  • SAMURAI SHODOWN
  • SENGOKU
  • SUPER SIDEKICKS
  • THE KING OF FIGHTERS'94
  • THE ULTIMATE 11
  • TOP PLAYERS GOLF
  • WORLD HEROES

You can register your NeoGeo X by clicking given link : Here

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Western Digital MyBook Thunderbolt Duo Dual-Drive Storage System Review

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Western Digital announces that it's now shipping its first Thunderbolt storage device, the My Book Thunderbolt dual-drive storage system, available in 4TB and 6TB for $600 and $700, like other Thunderbolt desktop drives, the My Book Thunderbolt Duo comes with two Thunderbolt ports on the back so you can daisy chain them together. There are dual Thunderbolt ports on the drive so you can daisy-chain multiple My Book Thunderbolt Duo devices or other peripherals and the My Book Thunderbolt Duo is a two-drive external array capable of 250MBps (actual) transfer rates using the Thunderbolt interface built into newer Macintosh desktops and laptops.



Western Digital,the world's leader in external storage solutions is now shipping its first external hard drive with Thunderbolt technology, the My Book Thunderbolt Duo dual-drive storage system. The new My Book Thunderbolt Duo provides professionals and Mac rates for greater work efficiency; a 4 TB/6 TB large-capacity; customized dual-drive storage system with RAID 0, 1 and JBOD options; customer serviceable drives; and dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining multiple My Book Thunderbolt Duo devices or other peripherals. Thunderbolt technology brings a new way to connect high-speed storage devices to any desktop or notebook computer with a Thunderbolt port while delivering unmatched speed for multitasking activities such as, editing video/music, 3D rendering, and completing other high definition graphics-intensive projects. "Offering lightning-fast throughput in both directions, the new WD Thunderbolt Duo storage systems are just what I need for organizing, editing, and archiving complex High Definition video projects," said Bruce Dorn, DGA (Director's Guild of America). "Configurable as either RAID 0 or RAID 1 and offered in both 4 TB and 6 TB capacities - these new WD Thunderbolt Duo systems are the perfect solution for video filmmakers who are desperate for an uber-fast time sensitive project management solution."



"The My Book Thunderbolt Duo offers large storage capacities for creative professionals and enthusiasts who produce, edit, or need quick access to large files, including HD video," said Jody Bradshaw, general manager of WD consumer storage solutions. "Its dual Thunderbolt ports provide amazing creative flexibility while allowing daisy-chaining of up to six My Book Thunderbolt Duo drives or other high performance peripherals for fast and efficient workflow. The combination of storage, backup, security, flexibility and speed makes the My Book Thunderbolt Duo the ideal choice for creative professionals who need to write, store, protect and edit high-definition and graphic intensive projects." My Book Thunderbolt Duo is an ideal, all-in-one external drive for creative professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers who own vast amounts of digital content including videos, music, and photos. The drive serves as a safe and reliable way to backup content stored on your computer while providing the fastest way to get information to and from the WD drive. In addition, its RAID 1 support allows users to create a second copy of their digital content on the drive for double-safe protection, and peace of mind. The drive also supports a JBOD mode (allocate each disk individually to a specific task) excellent option for users running Windows OS on a Mac. Additional features found on the My Book Thunderbolt Duo include out-of-the-box compatibility with Mac OS Time Machine and formatting for HFS + Journaled for Mac; capability for multi-stream workflows; and a 3-year limited warranty. The My Book Thunderbolt Duo is available now at select U.S. retailers and online at www.wdstore.com starting at $599.99 USD MSRP (4 TB) and $699.99 (6 TB).
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1 Controller With Traktor 2.5 And Remix Decks Review

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Native Instruments released details of its forthcoming Traktor Kontrol F1 DJ controller and version 2.5 of Traktor Pro, designed to entice those of you who might otherwise be lured away by Ableton Live and it does this by giving you the ability to fire off tracks, loops or one-shot samples from the hardware's sixteen touch-sensitive, multi-colored trigger pads. New Remix Decks in the accompanying Traktor 2.5 software cater to a more granular perspective on mixing and the F1 is the tool that brings the new layers to your fingertips and also the Remix Set includes beat grids, BPM, and key information for each. Look for the hardware on May 30th for an MSRP $279 and owners of Traktor Pro, Traktor Sratch Pro, Traktor Kontrol S2 and Traktor Kontrol S4 will be able to receive the Traktor Pro 2.5 update for free at that time as well.



Native Instruments announced TRAKTOR KONTROL F1, a pad-based, USB-powered hardware controller built to control the advanced Remix Decks in the included TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 software. TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 provides 16 multi-colored, touch-sensitive LED pads, an advanced global control section as well as an ergonomic mixer section including four volume faders and dedicated filter knobs. Designed specifically for DJing, the KONTROL F1 offers a DJ-centric workflow for launching clips in an intuitive way, allowing users to switch between up to 64 tracks, loops and one-shot samples on each deck. TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 includes the full version of the TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 software, also available as a free update to all users of the TRAKTOR 2 generation. Version 2.5 introduces the innovative Remix Decks, giving access to a powerful loop suite made up of 64 slots, each able to hold loops, one-shot samples or even tracks. DJs can control up to four Remix Decks at once and save their work as an entire Remix Set with its respective beat grids, BPM and key information in a new file format that can be comfortably imported into a track deck via TRAKTOR's browser. TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 was designed specifically to control the Remix Decks and provides full and tactile control over the new feature, benefiting from seamless bi-directional software-hardware integration and offering full visual feedback through the multi-colored LED pads.



Advanced parameters such as Punch mode and FX assignment can also be comfortably changed from the KONTROL F1 and four smaller pads at the bottom of the matrix stop or mute a group of samples. Controlling Sync, Quantize, Sample Size, Reverse and other functionality, the comprehensive global section also features a push encoder to switch through the four pages of the 16 pads and offers a 'Capture' button, which allows DJs to grab samples from running tracks of each track deck within the TRAKTOR software, both before and during the actual DJ performance. Each regular track deck within TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 can be switched to a Remix Deck, thus offering dedicated transport, sync and tempo master controls. This allows DJs to control an entire Remix Deck via Native Scratch timecode control with vinyl or CDs, or using the jog wheels of the KONTROL S4 and KONTROL S2 hardware. TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 was designed to integrate perfectly into any TRAKTOR DJ setup. With the same form-factor as TRAKTOR KONTROL X1, KONTROL F1 fits neatly alongside standard DJ mixers and the all-in-one DJ systems TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 and S2. The TRAKTOR Bag provides reliable protection for the KONTROL F1 during transport, and also doubles as a solid stand, elevating the KONTROL F1 to standard mixer and turntable height. TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 will be available on May 30th for a suggested retail price of $279 / 249 EUR at authorized retailers and at the NI Online Shop It will ship with a full version of TRAKTOR PRO 2.5. All owners of TRAKTOR PRO 2, TRAKTOR SCRATCH PRO, TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 and TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 will receive TRAKTOR PRO 2.5 as a free update from May 30th.

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Monday, March 12, 2012

C Spire Wireless 4G LTE Review

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C Spire restarts LTE rollout, aims for September launch in Mississippi and this particular flavor of 4G is more akin to the brisk, though not blistering performance achieved by HSPA+, given average downlink speeds should range between 4Mbps to 12Mbps and uplink at 1Mbps to 5Mbps. The network will cover 2,700 square miles, 1.2 million people, and more than 360 cell sites and the new service is said to provide 4 out of every 10 consumers and businesses in the Mississippi market with wireless data speeds 10 times faster than 3G.



C Spire Wireless, the only U.S. provider that offers a suite of personalized wireless services released details on its plans to introduce 4G LTE (Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution) high-speed mobile broadband services this fall. The company plans to invest $60 million to begin the roll out 4G LTE mobile broadband services in September in 20 Mississippi markets covering 2,700 square miles, a population of 1.2 million and more than 360 cell sites. The new service will provide 4 out of every 10 consumers and businesses in Mississippi with wireless data speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G, allowing C Spire to be the first provider to make these services widely available in the state. "Wireless networks are all about coverage, quality and speed, and the C Spire Wireless personalized network cannot be beat," said Hu Meena, president and CEO for C Spire Wireless. "We will continue to lead the way with our aggressive 4G LTE network upgrades so that our customers have the wireless services that allow them to do what they want to do when they need to do it in more places that matter to them." Today's announcement only involves the first phase of our 4G LTE deployment. More phases and more coverage will soon follow." Meena said the company plans to begin the roll out of its 4G LTE mobile broadband services in September in the following markets, most of which will be the first time consumers have access to the high-speed technology:
  • Jackson metropolitan area
  • Mississippi Gulf Coast
  • In South Mississippi: the cities of Brookhaven, Columbia, Natchez, Petal, Hattiesburg, McComb and Lucedale;
  • In North Mississippi: the cities of Oxford, Tupelo, Corinth, New Albany, Pontotoc, Booneville, Starkville, Columbus and West Point;
  • In the Mississippi Delta, the cities of Yazoo City, Cleveland, Greenville, Greenwood and Clarksdale
  • In East Mississippi: the city of Meridian and parts of Lauderdale County


Mississippi business and government leaders praised C Spire for its technology investment in Mississippi. "Private sector investments like these by C Spire Wireless will help in our continued efforts to attract high-technology industries and jobs to the Magnolia state," said Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. "Expanding wireless broadband access through the latest and fastest technologies is critical to our state's economic development, education, small business and health care sectors." Tony Jeff, president and CEO of the Mississippi Technology Alliance, said the deployment of 4G LTE services in the state will help both consumers and small businesses. "A more robust mobile broadband experience drives economic growth, stimulates jobs and equips Mississippi consumers and businesses with the latest and fastest technologies to meet their growing wireless voice and data communications needs," Jeff said. "C Spire Wireless has significantly ramped up its wireless investments to enable an experience that offers Mississippi consumers and businesses better speed, better reliability and better availability of high-speed data communications." C Spire is the first provider to make the next generation of high-speed mobile broadband data services widely available to Mississippians. "We're moving aggressively to offer 4G LTE services to customers who want to experience the freedom and benefits this dramatic increase in data speeds provides," Meena said. "Also, we'll be the first provider to make the next generation of high-speed mobile broadband data services widely available in many parts of our service area. For consumers, this paves the way for a future of tightly integrated voice and data services." Customers can expect to experience average data speeds from 4 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) when downloading content and speeds from 1 to 5 Mbps when uploading content on the company's 4G LTE network, according to David Smith, vice president of Network Engineering for C Spire Wireless. "Our network teams and technicians are working hard to prepare for the rollout of our 4G LTE network later this year," Smith said. "We've been aggressively deploying fiber optic cable, installing enhanced backhaul connections and microwave rings and adding network capacity to hundreds of cell sites in anticipation of the launch."


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Angry Birds Space Review

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Rovio disclosed more details about its upcoming expansion, "Angry Birds: Space", which provided a surprisingly fascinating look at players should expect when playing the game, due out on the PC, Mac, iOS, and Android on March 22 and Samsung has announced that the game will be available for Galaxy Note users only. It will include Danger Zone, which will be a pack of 30 levels, users can have hours of fun and entertainment in overcoming the 30 challenging levels of Angry Birds Space.The users can grab the game from Android Market or Samsung Apps and Samsung has introduced a new bird called Lazer Bird which resembles the character of Galaxy Note, is equipped with the special powers that allow it to fight against the green pigs.



Samsung and Rovio will showcase Angry Birds Space for the first time on Samsung GALAXY Note at Samsung Blogger Lounge on the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences & Festivals (Austin Convention Center, Room 19AB at 4:15 pm). As an official launch partner, Samsung will provide the first ever hands-on Angry Birds Space game play opportunities on the GALAXY Note before the official game launch. Angry Birds Space will be showcased on the Samsung GALAXY Note, which provides the ultimate on-the-go entertainment experiences. Samsung GALAXY Note is a perfect gaming device as it comes with a vivid and expansive 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED screen and a dual-core processor, which ensures incredibly fast and smooth game play. In celebration of the successful worldwide launch of Samsung GALAXY Note, a new category of mobile device all Samsung GALAXY device users will receive Samsung special offers in the new game. For all Samsung GALAXY users, an exclusive Samsung GALAXY Note level will be provided in the Angry Birds Space game. In addition, Danger Zone, a special package of 30 challenging levels normally available as an in-app purchase, will be made available for free to all Samsung GALAXY users from Samsung Apps and the Android Market (level pack compatible above Android 2.1) for 3 months. This exclusive offer will be available from March 22nd with the launch of Angry Birds Space. Also, all game players will find extra fun playing the game with new Angry Birds Space characters. One of these special birds – the Lazer Bird – is introduced by Samsung, and reflects the personality of Samsung GALAXY Note. The bird's lazer vision resembles the best viewing experience on the crisp and expansive screen and its lazer strike super power the high performance. New characters, including the Lazer Bird in Angry Birds Space have unique superhero powers to help in their fight against the space pigs and bring their eggs safely back home.

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Neato Robotics XV-21 Autonomous Vacuum Cleaning Robot Review

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Neato Robotics introducing the retro-futuristic XV-21 Pet and Allergy Vacuum for those of us wanting rid our domains of sniffle-inducing dust particles and the latest Neato XV-21 automatic vacuum cleaner features improved ability to pick up pet hair and dirt and reduce allergens on all floor types for cleaner, healthier homes. It is touted to work on all floor types and has a special bristled brush to improve the pick-up of pet hair, dander and fibers, and runs quieter than previous models – especially on hardwood floors, it also packs a new filter, which is cleanable and designed for long-term use and gives the Neato XV-21 increased airflow and suction power to pick up and retain more than three times the fine dust particles of the company’s standard filter.This device will be available for purchase for $429 MSRP at the end of April and you'll be able to pick up the new pet and allergy filter for $29.99 MSRP and the Pet and Allergy Upgrade Kit with new bristled brush for $59.99.



Neato Robotics, a Silicon Valley company that pioneers new technologies and products to free people from household chores announced a new automatic vacuum cleaner that's designed especially for pet owners and allergy sufferers. The Neato XV-21, which works on all floor types, includes a new bristled brush to improve the pick-up of pet hair, dander and fibers and allows the vacuum cleaner to run more quietly than previous models, especially on hardwood floors. A new filter, which is cleanable and designed for long-term use, provides increased airflow and suction power that allows the Neato XV-21 to pick up and retain more than three times the fine dust particles of the company's standard filter. The new brush and filter will work with all other existing Neato Robotics models on the market today, making it easy for current owners to upgrade their automatic vacuum cleaners. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends vacuuming frequently and reducing the amount of pet dander, fur and feathers in the home as two simple steps to help prevent allergy outbreaks. A 2011 study by Quest Diagnostics found that allergies are on the rise in the mites, pet dander, ragweed and other allergens now account for more than 17 million visits to the doctor per year, according to the report. With the Neato XV-21's ability to automatically clean homes on its own with no human assistance, allergy sufferers can avoid allergens in the air caused by cleaning that can sometimes trigger reactions.



Customers clean every day, keeping homes neat and healthy and carpets well-groomed. It vacuums close to walls and corners, avoids bumping into furniture and returns automatically to its base to re-charge itself. "Our customers have increasingly asked us for a better way to pick up even more pet hair, dander and fine dust in their homes," says Warren Flick, CEO of Neato Robotics, Inc. "The Neato XV-21 delivers on that market need with a combination of increased suction power and airflow and more than three times the fine dust pick-up of our standard filters. We continue to focus on delivering new, innovative products that save customers time and keep homes neat, clean and healthy." The Neato XV-21 is available in Misty White with purple highlights and is designed to automatically and intelligently clean homes on a daily basis, ensuring clean floors and more free time for its owners. Using smart path planning and a methodical back-and-forth cleaning pattern, it thoroughly cleans all types of floors and creates that neat, just cleaned look on carpets. The Neato XV-21 will be available for purchase for $429 M.S.R.P. at the end of April through the Neato Robotics website and an expanding list of retail partners. The new pet and allergy filter ($29.99M.S.R.P.) and Pet and Allergy Upgrade Kit that includes the new bristled brush ($59.99 M.S.R.P.) will work with all other existing. Neato Robotics automatic vacuum cleaners and simply requires customers to download a free version of the 2.6 firmware upgrade using the USB port on the back of unit.
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Friday, March 9, 2012

NCAA March Madness Live App For iOS and Android Review

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NCAA March Madness Live is available in the apple app store and android market for the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship and you'll now have to part ways with a one-time $3.99 charge in order to catch your favorite college team in action. Kicking off on the 13th of this month, that one off fee will give you access to watch all the games throughout the tournament along with being able to customise your viewing of channels, receive Game Center views, and live tournament trivia and features will be live across the entire NCAA March Madness suite and for the first time, users will be able to share key game moments with family and fiends via a computer. The 2012 NCAA March Madness app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple iPad is available right now to purchase and download from iTunes and also the Android app will become available via Google Play by tournament tip-off.



An expanded suite of products, available across online and mobile platforms, includes live video, game scoring and stats, personal channel lineup features and social media integration. Turner Sports, CBS Sports and the NCAA announced the availability of NCAA March Madness Live in the Apple App store and Android market [now Google Play]. NCAA March Madness Live, formerly March Madness on Demand, is a suite of live products presented across multiple platforms, including online, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch and select Android smartphones over Wi-fi and 3G/4G for $3.99. Fans can download NCAA March Madness Live from the Apple App store today, while the Android app will be available by tournament tip-off. Fans will be able to enjoy live streaming video of every game of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship as they are televised by TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV, starting with the NCAA Basketball Selection Show on Sunday, March 11 and continuing through the Men's Final Four semifinals games and the national championship game from New Orleans on March 31 and April 2. NCAA March Madness Live will offer higher quality live video streams across platforms; video highlights for every game of the tournament on Android smartphones, including the LG Nitro HD and iPhones; live game alerts on Android smartphones, iPhones and iPads and live radio broadcasts courtesy of Westwood One/Dial Global Radio Network for all 67 games. In addition to the new offerings, NCAA March Madness Live will again provide the same fan-favorite features from last year, including: schedules and live game scoring, live tournament brackets, the official NCAA Bracket Challenge game, My Channels personal channel lineup, live stats, and live social companion views.



Presenting app sponsors of NCAA March Madness Live on iOS are Buick, Capital One and Coke Zero, while AT&T, Infiniti and LG Electronics are the presenting sponsors for the Android app. NCAA March Madness Live features include:
  • My Channels: Using this personalized channel finder, fans can easily find games by plugging in their zip code and selecting their TV provider in order to see their channel lineup for every game on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV.
  • Game Center View: The Game Center view provides fans with a control center at their fingertips for live in-game stats such as player stats, team leaders, scoring streaks, biggest lead and foul trouble, depending on which device they use - along with a graphic lead tracker – live social features, and access to live game radio and video.
  • Coke Zero NCAA March Madness Social Arena: Extending the conversation beyond the broadcast, Coke Zero NCAA March Madness Social Arena will return as the social water cooler for March Madness conversation.

New this year, features will be live across the entire NCAA March Madness suite of products and, for the first time, let fans grab key game moments and share them with friends and family from a computer. Additional social features include:
  • Social commentary from other fans
  • Live tournament trivia
  • Chant and cheer features for their favorite teams
Coke Zero NCAA March Madness Social Arena will extend onto Facebook - offering a complete video gallery of all fan-grabbed moments, complete access to special-aggregated Twitter feeds of all 68 teams, a uniquely-visualized bracket view of the loudest fans, and more. Fans will also have multiple ways via social media to be heard, stay informed and engage with rivals or other team enthusiasts:
  • On Twitter, fans can follow:@marchmadnessTV which serves as the official home of March Madness TV providing game updates, tip-off times, breaking news alerts and channel details from all the game action on TBS, TNT, truTV and CBS. ; @marchmadness which serves as the official NCAA account offering behind-the-scenes access at tournament games and events.
  • On Facebook, fans can like: NCAA Men's Basketball March Madness By liking this account, fans can unlock special video content, behind-the-scenes photos and much more.

NCAA March Madness Live is available to purchase from NCAA.com/marchmadness, the Apple App store at www.apple.com/itunes and the Android Market at www.android.com/market.
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Monday, March 5, 2012

Samsung's First Dual-Core Galaxy Player 70 Plus Review

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Samsung has announced an upgraded version of Galaxy Player 70 in South Korea, which brings dual core processor and a large 2500 mAh battery to this five inch PMP. Scheduled to go on sale soon in South Korea, 16GB version of 70 Plus will be priced at 399,000 won while the 32GB variant will go for 469,000 won and the other features of the PMP include 5 MP camera, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM Radio, T-DMB, gyro sensor, microSD card slot and Gingerbread.



Samsung Electronics launched in March last year, Galaxy player 70 smart player that improves the performance of the new Galaxy Player 70 Plus will be released on the 5th. Galaxy player 70 plus with a 1GHz dual-core performance, upgrade the AP mount and you can use two kinds of frequency bands supporting a dual-band Wi-Fi wireless internet access more convenient can. In addition, students applying 5.0-inch large screen when viewing Internet lectures to clearly see the words on the blackboard and Megastudy, Gangnam-gu · EBS lectures are also supported a variety of educational services. Gibontapjaedoen diohdik dictionary and Samsung apps available for download at off the Smart Edu there is an advantage. Wi-Fi in the region chaeton,kakaohtok etc. You can enjoy messaging services, including the gyro sensor tapjaedwae racing game you can enjoy more fine-grained operation. n addition to the large 2500mAh battery, 5.0 megapixel camera, terrestrial DMB, external memory slot and the various support functions, 16GB/32B product's selling price 399,000 won, respectively, is 469,000 won. Samsung Electronics official said, enhanced 70 Plus Galaxy players emphasis on learning and messaging services to consumers that 10 is expected to gain popularity. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Player 70 Plus Backpack giveaway to celebrate the launch, product marketing will conduct a variety of cheheomdan is a popular idol group Infinite Spiral TV commercials as a model will be unveiled later this month.

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Friday, March 2, 2012

Option 4G Chipset Compatible With Windows 8 And the USB-IF Mobile Broadband Interface (MBIM) Review

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Option announced a new 4G LTE module, the GTM801 which is footprint compatible with the 3G LGA module, the GTM601, which is a embedded solutions for provide flexible alternatives: manufacturers can design tablets or ultra-portable notebooks using the same layout to offer either 3G with the GTM601 or 4G LTE with the GTM801 to meet diverse market needs. Both modules are designed to support Windows 8 and the USB-IF Mobile Broadband Interface (MBIM) specification and the GTM801 is designed around Qualcomm's Gobi 4G LTE chipset, the MDM9215TM.



Option, a global leader in wireless connectivity, security and experience announces its new 4G LTE module, the GTM801 which is footprint compatible with the 3G LGA module, the GTM601. Option's embedded solutions provide flexible alternatives: manufacturers can design tablets or ultra-portable notebooks using the same layout to offer either 3G with the GTM601 or 4G LTE with the GTM801 to meet diverse market needs. Both modules are designed to support Windows 8 and the USB-IF Mobile Broadband Interface (MBIM) specification. The GTM801 is designed around Qualcomm's Gobi 4G LTE chipset, the MDM9215TM. Option has a long-standing relationship with Qualcomm and uses Gobi chipsets across its entire module portfolio. "Option continues to provide leadership by delivering a connectivity portfolio that is flexible, scalable and footprint compatible," said Bernard Schaballie, General Manager Embedded Solutions at Option. "Option connectivity solutions are able to support next generation operating systems and networks by using cutting edge chipset technology from Qualcomm." "We are enthusiastic to see Option providing innovative, thin solutions for mobile devices ," said Fram Akiki, senior director, product management at Qualcomm. "Our Qualcomm Gobi 3G and 4G LTE chipsets enable connectivity for a broad range of devices." Option is showcasing its embedded solutions at Embedded World in Nuremberg on stand 4A512.
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Archos 7-inch Child Pad ICS Kid-Friendly Tablet Review

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The Archos Child Pad is a 7-inch, $129 tablet running Android 4.0 and the Child Pad looks very similar to the $199 70b Honeycomb tablet, but the specs are a bit different — you'll get a 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. It's not clear how much storage or what kind of screen it includes, but we wouldn't be surprised if it had the same 1024 x 600 capacitive display as the 70b and Archos says it's also made some tweaks to Ice Cream Sandwich for the Child Pad, adding a custom skin, some pre-loaded games like Angry Birds and also stronger parental controls. Archos is pairing up the $129 machine with access to the AppLibs Kids App Store, which offers a portfolio of over 10,000 games, books and apps and the tablet will start shipping at the end of March.



ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics announced today a themed 7-inch Android tablet for children, called the Child Pad. The 7-inch Child Pad features a compact light weight design, the latest Android version, 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich", a 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. The Child Pad will be available at the end of March for $129 SRP. "As a pioneer in the portable audio and Android™ tablet market we realize the importance of providing a tablet that can offer hours of entertainment for all ages, especially kids", says Henri Crohas, Founder and CEO. "ARCHOS strives to offer great tablets with only the best of features at affordable prices and we expect this tablet to bring a smile to the faces of kids and parents' everywhere." Kid friendly features of the Child Pad include access to the Kids App Store powered by AppsLib which is filtered down to 14-friendly categories and 10,000 apps including games, entertainment, communication, multimedia, books, comics, sports and more. In addition, ARCHOS has created a kid-friendly user interface with colored icons, home screen folders with direct access to games, entertainment, learning and puzzles and the top 28 kids' apps pre-loaded including Angry Birds, Pig Rush and Flight Frenzy. ARCHOS has also designed the Child Pad to comply with both CIPA and COPPA regulations, ensuring a safe tablet environment for kids and peace of mind for parents. The parental controls and safe web browsing is powered by Editions Profil, whose "Mobile Parental Filter" is ranked as the most efficient parental control software in worldwide benchmarks. The Child Pad will be available in stores starting the end of March with the recommended retail price of $129.
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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Roccat Savu Hybrid Gaming Mouse Review

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ROCCAT has announced the launch of a new gaming mouse designed to “dominate its class of optical gaming mice, called the Savu Mid-Size Hybrid Gaming Mouse, it features a true 4000 dpi optical sensor, Easy-Shift[+] technology for advanced button configuration and a 16.8 million color lighting system to customize your mouse. The Savu is also the world’s first mouse to feature a stats and trophy system called the ROCCAT Achievements Display (RAD) and the ROCCAT Achievements should keep even the most experienced gamers busy with new trophies to unlock. Although this won't affect or enhance your gameplay performance in any way, Roccat is hoping the new feature will attract gamers who like to rack up achievements, if only for bragging rights and there's no word on pricing or availability yet but the company is expected to share more details on March 6 at CeBIT 2012.



ROCCAT Studios announced the upcoming availability of the Savu Mid-Size Hybrid Gaming Mouse – a competition device that "fusion welds" an ideal blend of performance and customizable features into a robust, perfectly-balanced, medium-size design. The Savu offers a combination of unprecedented, true 4000 dpi optical sensor power, world famous Easy-Shift[+] technology allowing for advanced button configuration, and a lighting system delivering 16.8 million colors. What's more, it's the world's first mouse to feature a stats and trophy system – called the ROCCAT Achievements Display, or R.A.D. - something previously known in similar form only in online gaming. Designed specifically for fans of mid-size gaming mice, the Savu also pampers the hands with an ergonomic right-hand thumb rest and soft-touch surface. Hamburg-based ROCCAT Studios says the Savu severely outperforms every gaming mouse in its class and is sure to set a new standard in the mid-size field. "The Savu raises the bar for optical mid-size gaming mice significantly," says RenĂ© Korte, ROCCAT Founder and CEO. "It really is a dream piece of machinery for gamers who love medium-size gear and a welcome addition to our powerful mouse line-up." With its advanced Pro Optic sensor, the Savu delivers true 400, 800, 1600 and 4000 dpi – placing it at the pinnacle of optical gaming mice. The latest R3 sensor also delivers lag-free gaming without any interpolation, and provides ultra-precise feedback during even the fastest movements – all so players can command with the utmost accuracy.

The Savu comes standard with exclusive Easy-Shift[+] technology, which lets gamers set two functions for each mouse button and the scroll wheel, essentially transforming a seven-button mouse into a 12-button one without the clutter of unnecessary additional buttons. Easy-Shift[+] also lets gamers take advantage of Easy-Aim, which automatically reduces the dpi setting when in sniper mode – delivering pinpoint accuracy at the touch of a button. And thanks to advanced Omron switches, the Savu's two main buttons feature consistent and precise pressure points – as well as high durability for a long life. The Savu features a large, customizable rear light bar, which users can set in their choice of 16.8 million colors – to add to the atmosphere of gaming sessions. Players can also activate a color cycling feature, as well as a "breathing" function, which instructs the mouse to pulse in a choice of color. The Savu also marks the debut of the ROCCAT Achievements Display – or R.A.D. – a fun and useful application that tracks and rewards a wide range of gaming feats, such as mouse movement, button clicks, scroll steps, etc. The driver-based software compiles user data, provides a range of statistics for analysis, and hands out trophies when exceptional milestones have been reached. It's an entertaining way for gamers to keep track of their mouse skills and it even lets players share their accomplishments with others via social network sites, like Facebook.
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