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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