Sun Processor Plans

Sun showed a version of the UltraSparc IV+, code-named Pantherthat will include new high-speed cache memory the current UltraSparc IV lacks.Sun expects the UltraSparc IV+ to double performance over UltraSparc IV. Sunfirst incorporated of on-chip cache in its UltraSparc IIIi "Jalapeno" processorfor mid-range computers that debuted in 2003. The UltraSparc IIIi+ will havequadruple the on-chip cache, or 4MB. UltraSparc IIIi+ and IV+ will be built with90-nanometer features. Sun's UltraSparc IV combines two UltraSparc IIIprocessors on a single slice of silicon, a so-called dual-core design techniqueIBM and HP already adopted and that Intel and AMD will.

Sun also discussed its longer-range chip plans that are betterable to juggle multiple instruction sequences, called threads. Sun's dual-coreUltraSparc IV can handle two simultaneous threads. Another chip, code-namedNiagara, will be able to handle 32 simultaneous threads using eight cores thatcan each handle four threads, but it won't be able to execute a single thread atmaximum speed. For maximum single-thread performance, Sun will rely on the"Rock" family of processors, which also will be able to execute multiplethreads. In addition the new generation of chip multithreading will provideextra optimization for Java code processing.

TwinMOS 1GB SecureDigital Card

TwinMOS today announced the 1GB SecureDigital card offering a highly securedata storage solution for users of today’s high-speed, high-capacity electronicdevices.

The small-sized Flash card is the newest addition to a wide array of productsfound in today’s market. Yet, various product reviews have ranked theSecureDigital card as one of the leading solutions that will drive the Flashcard sector, where users of portable, wireless and broadband devices are on therise. An earlier edition of the card was one of the hottest items on sale in2003, with a worldwide market share of 26 percent. This year the device isexpected to remain popular, with market share expected to increase to 36percent, and the product is slated to achieve a compound annual growth rate of27 percent between 2000 and 2007.

What attracts users to the SecureDigital card is its lightweight, small size andthe CPRM system preventing data from being illegally duplicated. It provides theconsumers with maximum security and privacy as they store and retrievemultimedia content. The 1GB SecureDigital card leads its counterparts with aminimum reading speed of 6MB per second and a minimum writing speed of 4.8MB persecond in a technology that represents the TwinMOS R&D team’s continued effortto meet the demand of customers for small-size, large-capacity storage devices.

The product has been certified by 3C and 4C associations, which have given theirapproval for the card’s manufacturing, security, key functions, compatibilityand low battery consumption. “Our goal is to provide the users with ahigh-speed, high-capacity and high-quality storage solution with maximumsecurity to allow them to enjoy their Net surfing experiences in the new digitalera,” TwinMOS said.

The Daily VR-Zone News Summary - 10 June 2011

Hardware news

G.Skill Ripjaws-X Series PC3-14900 8GB Kit Review
Description: We have a look at a lot of RAM, but so often we see them sit at one end of the scale or the other. What I mean by that is, we see these really high end kits or these more budget orientated ones. Speaking to G.Skill the other day, we wanted to organise something that was in between them; a kit for people who were happy to spend a bit more than a more budget 1600MHz DDR kit, but didnt want to go too crazy moving to something like 2133MHz DDR. What we ended up with was the F3-14900CL9D-8GBXL kit. It looks to have everything for someone who is after a great mid-range kit for their Z68 or P67 platform. Being part of the Ripjaws X kit, we have that great looking cooler that G.Skill has been using.

HIS Radeon HD6950 IceQ-X Turbo-X @ Benchmark Reviews
Description: HIS first introduced its IceQ coolers in 2003 to its Radeon 9800PRO series of video cards, eight years later HIS return with the IceQ X cooler, which thankfully performs much better than it looks. In this review the IceQ X cooler is strapped onto a HIS HD6950 Turbo X video card which comes factory overclocked at 880MHz GPU and 1300MHz Memory. Pushing clocks this far on a factory overclocked video card takes some guts, but HIS know that they have nothing to worry about, their IceQ cooler is up to the job. Benchmark Reviews aims to provide you with an unbiased review of the HIS HD6950 IceQ X Turbo X model H695QNX2G2M and report back our findings, keeping you informed on the latest technologies available on the market today.

Description: The Toledo 301 is Azzas answer to budget combined with a bit of performance. The Azza Toledo 301 uses a semi tool free design. Installing any components into the 5.25" bays or any 3.5" HDDs will be completely tool free. Expansion bays and 2.5" HDDs will still need screws. The Toledo 301 comes with a 120mm intake and exhaust fan. There is also a giant 250mm fan on the side panel for overall system cooling. The 301 supports water cooling radiators up to 240mm and VGA cards up to 340mm. Front connectivity includes two USB 2.0 connection and HD audio 3.5mm inputs.

Corsair Obsidian 650D Mid-tower Chassis Review @ OCIA.net
Description: Corsair has since released two follow-up cases in the Obsidian line, the 700D and the 650D. The 700D is essentially identical to the 800D, but removes the hot-swap drive bays and windowed side panel. The 650D, on the other hand, is a mid-tower offering that heavily resembles the 800D in fit and function. There are some changes that had to be made given the smaller footprint, but its largely a shrunken 800D. Today we will be going over the smaller 650D to see if it truly lives up to the stellar reputation the 800D holds.

Lian Li PC-U6 Cowry Review @ Vortez
Description: We first got a glimpse of today’s product review at CeBIT 2011 earlier in the year. Being one of the biggest head turners on the Lian Li booth, the PC-U6 Cowry Edition will divide enthusiasts into different camps – the lovers and the haters. Unique looks certainly separate the PC-U6 from anything else but it also demonstrates that Lian Li have the skill and prowess to diversify with eye-catching chassis. Lian Li have launched Cowry to celebrate the company’s 4 year anniversary – featuring USB3.0 functionality, 2.5” drive support, fan control and a host of other elements the PC-U6 Cowry Edition is one of the most interesting case reviews I have come to publish.

AMD Radeon 6950/6970 Water Cooler Roundup 05/2011 (German)
Description: (Machine translation) Modern high-end graphics cards offer tremendous performance, including the latest AMD flagship of the 6900er series. But although the efficiency, ie, has increased the performance per power consumed continues to produce these power packs a lot of waste heat that has to be removed, usually by using the reference cooler - and not just inaudible. For many, the not insignificant decibels are unacceptable to the performance you want, but not without. Remedy here, just a cooler of a third party. This water cooling systems are by their performance as the undisputed ago still unrivaled. We test three current cooler full of well-known manufacturers.

AMD vs Intel: Phenom II X4 980 and X6 1100T Take on Core i5
Description: AMD is getting ready to launch a full replacement of their high end desktop lineup soon, but that didn’t stop them from releasing one final quad-core Phenom II X4. And that’s what we’re going to look at today – the Phenom II X4 980.

Consumer Electronics and Software news

Logitechs new Lapdesk N600 features retractable touchpad
Description: Anyone who regularly works on a laptop will testify to that its name is somewhat misleading. These mobile computing power-houses can generate an awful lot of heat and make it very uncomfortable - and even painful - to lay one across your legs. What you need is something thats placed between your thighs and your laptop to help keep the heat away. Logitech has unveiled a new addition to its Lapdesk range that features a retractable multi-touch surface for those who like to swipe or scroll their way around the screen.

Ricoh introduces rugged PX compact digital camera
Description: Ricoh has announced the first in a new PX Series of compact digital cameras. Benefiting from some rugged, go-anywhere qualities, the new camera also features technology capable of doubling the available optical zoom, is quick to start up, and has a good selection of scene-based setting optimization options. If youre not happy with the choice of three colors, Ricoh has also created some brightly colored protective jackets to slip over the top.

HP TouchPad launches July 1, but when do apps arrive?
Description: Hewlett-Packard’s TouchPad tablet launches July 1 using the same pricing scheme as Apple’s iPad. HP announced availability of the two Wi-Fi slates Thursday, priced at $499 for a 16 GB version and $599 for 32 GB of storage. The tablets will launch first in the U.S., followed by the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany and Canada in the first half of July. Pre-orders for HP’s TouchPad begin June 19 in North America and Europe.

Samsung Galaxy SII: The King is Dead, Long Live the King! @ InsideHW
Description: In the IT world, seeing an absolutely top-notch product from a company trying to show itself in the best possible way and prove itself to the market isn’t such a rare occasion. However, experience has shown us that the heir to such a product rarely matches up to the original one. The reasons for this are many, ranging from high expectations from the end users to the manufacturer losing focus. With all the hype surrounding the announcement of Galaxy S II, we’ve been very interested in whether Samsung will be able to break this rule and make a phone that would surpass the best-sold Android device ever…

Samsungs Galaxy Tab 8.9 troubled by screen issues, chubbier version the result?
Description: Everyone round here knows that Samsung has a lusty 10.1- and premature 7-inch version of its Galaxy Tab tablet. But weve heard nary a peep from Samsung about that $469 8.9-incher announced alongside its bigger, just-as-thin sibling back in March. We might know why. According to Korean news site Etnews, Samsung is having trouble getting it to market due to low yields of the 8.9s G1F touch-panel which uses one less film layer than conventional GFF (glass fiber filter) panels. This G1F architecture is behind Samsungs Super Clear LCD which youll find on Sammys own Galaxy Player, (Russian) Nexus S, and Wave II handsets. Etnews claims that Samsung will offset the G1F shortfall with GFF-type touch panels that are 30 - 40 percent thicker and dimmer, thanks to the extra layer. If true then we have one question: which regions will get the chunkier Galaxy Tab 8.9 when if finally does launch this summer?

SteelSeries puts out Diablo III-themed headset, mouse
Description: Steelseries has announced two new game-themed accessories, the Diablo III mouse and Diablo III headset. Game-specific design features include Diablo III artwork and "demon red" LEDs that can be set to pulse at different rates. On the practical side of things, they use double-braided nylon cord to reduce tangling and gold-plated connectors. The headset has 50mm drivers and a retractable boom mic. The ambidextrous mouse has seven programmable buttons and a CION laser sensor that can be set up to 5,000 CPI.

Gaming news

Future First-Party Games Will Support Kinect
Description: Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer expects that Kinect will be incorporated into all first-party Microsoft titles going forward. Spencer said that while "its not a mandate that everything we do in first-party has to support Kinect right now [...] I would guess the answer will be yes in the end, that youll see all first-party games using some form of Kinect functionality."

All Sonic Generations 3DS levels to be platform-exclusive (save for Green Hill Zone)
Description: After showing E3 attendees a new level in Sonic Generations, game producer Takashi Iizuka highlighted some of the extra content that can only be found in the 3DS version. "One important thing to say about the Nintendo 3DS version is that besides Green Hill Zone, which is the starting zone on all versions, all the stages on the Nintendo 3DS version will be different from the stages that are seen in the PS3 and 360," Iizuka said.

Samsung doesn't want you to use their smartphones... sort of

The manual is a link between a company and its customers. It is where all the product use and warranty information is found. Although lots of paper manuals are disappearing, companies are beginning provide electronic versions. They also usually have legal teams to go through and include warnings in an effort to prevent anything that could harm customers or the companies.

The following phrase or one like it is always included in a mobile phone product manual: Be cautious using cell phone while walking or moving. However, it is rather contradictory to warn against using cell phone while moving because cell phone is basically a mobile phone (phone thats been designed for mobility!) The reason why this warning has been appearing in manuals is that more and more customers who have been injured in accidents while using a mobile phone have begun suing the mobile phone manufacturers. Similar to the infamous Mcdonalds hot coffee warning, the reason behind ruling when customers win these lawsuits is usually the lack of clarity or information in manuals. Companies have been forced to include even the most obvious warnings in their product manuals to avoid costly judgments against them. The warning about recently popular burn-in problem is included in the manual because of that reason as well. The AMOLED display is what Samsung has been employing since Galaxy S. Ordinary users do not typically experience screen burn-in because they occur when a user leaves a paused screen turned on for a long time or lets a screen display the same images repeatedly. For any burn-in to occur because of the reasons mentioned above, a user would have to turn on the screen for a long time on purpose. But even before any screen burn-in happens, a phone would likely be out of power.In the past year, however, customers requesting product exchanges due to broken displays drastically increased. After noticing this increase Samsung began to include the warning about improper usage causing screen burn-in. Similar warnings in the product manual include Do not put a cell phone near or inside a heater, a microwave or any cooking equipment, or a high pressure container and Do not let children or pets lick or bite a cell phone or its battery. The latest reported blow-up of Galaxy S3 was because a customer heated the phone near a microwave.An insider source explained that "warnings in manuals are to suggest or advise rules and insights that users should observe in ordinary environments rather than companies trying to evade any responsibilities," and also added that "unless one purposely and unreasonably messes up a product, any user will receive proper warranty services."Reference: DDaily

Skype launches Skype for Mac (Mac 5 Gold)

Mac users rejoice. Skype for Mac is no longer a beta and that the window is made more compactwhile stillallowing you to see more of your contacts. You can even resize it further to the minimum windows size so that you can park it to the side of your display if you want. Messages are also tweaked to allow you to see more of the conversation without the need to scroll.

The group video calling feature is part ofthe Premium packageand includes live chat customer support.It is freefor newusers to tryseven days, andafter that, purchase starts at US$4.99 (€3.49/£2.99) fora day passor US$8.99 (€5.99/£4.99) a month formonthly subscription.

For more information, check out the video:-

Source: Skype

Plextor Announces USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer

Key Features:

• Exceptionally fast 12x Blu-ray Writing Speed
• Portable and Stylish External Design
• USB 3.0 for faster data transfers
• Advanced Software including PlexUtilities
• LightScribe disc labelling technology
• 2 year on-site warranty

High speed and high capacity for the most convenient archiving solution:

With an incredibly fast recording speed of 12x, the PX-LB950UE writer makes use of super-speedy USB 3.0 and eSATA connections to optimise the transfer times when writing and playing-back data - and maintains compatibility with older USB 2.0 systems for full versatility.

The PX-LB950UE is a perfect solution for home and business users who want to back-up large quantities of data without the hassle of waiting around. Double-Layer Blu-Ray media allows up to 50GB of storage per disc - thats the equivalent of 10 DVDs, 72 CDs or over 9 hours of HD video.

Thoughtful external design offers portability, accuracy and reliability:

The PX-LB950UE is usefully packed inside a portable and stylish external casing. Its design not only looks the part in a high-gloss piano black, but has been constructed to ensure maximum reliability and accuracy whilst using the drive.

The external chassis channels airflow to keep the drive cooler and extending its lifetime and reliability. A low vibration system and high 8MB buffer ensures greater accuracy at higher writing speeds, whilst the low noise output leads to smooth Blu-ray playback for uninterrupted movie enjoyment.

These top features combine to bring users a full movie experience on any suitable PC, including superb surround sound, mind-blowing HD quality and fluid visuals.

High performance software for effortless back-ups:

The PX-LB950UE is bundled with the advanced CyberLink Blu-Ray and DVD Playback software and recording applications, including 3D compatibility.

PlexUtilities software is also included with the drive, which offers a comprehensive and user-friendly selection of tools to assist users to test, tune and view information about the drive and writing performance.

LightScribe adds a professional finishing touch:

Lightscribe is an innovative technology that uses the laser in compatible drives todraw high quality images on the top of specially produced discs. It provides the ultimate professional finish and makes creased labels and smudged pen a thing of
the past.

Exceptional warranty terms offer complete peace of mind:

Unlike many others of its kind, the PX-LB950UE offers an added level of reassurance with the Plextor Fast Warranty Service - a 2 year on-site warranty across the EU, Norway and Switzerland (1 year elsewhere) - so users can feel secure in the knowledge that their must-have device is covered for longer.The PX-LB950UE is available across the UK and Europe from February at an RRP of approximately £179.

Team Group announces Aegis C101 USB flash drive

Team Group Inc. was established in Taipei in 1994. It manufactures and distributes high performance products such as memory modules, memory cards, USB drives and solid state drives.

25 June 2010 - Team Technology Inc. has once again leveraged its powerful R&D capability to launch a new high-speed USB 2.0 flash disk – the C101. The shield shape, carbon fiber pattern and mirror finish combined with fashionable urban colors fusion classic style with modern technology.

The C101 is provided with the USB 2.0 interface with a bandwidth up to 480 Mbps. With actual read and write speeds of 20MB and 10MB per second, the C101 is available in five different capacities between 2GB and 32GB to meet the needs of different user. The sliding extendable design means the C101 has no need for a cumbersome cap. C101 is also made from environmentally friendly materials, it's the perfect addition to a LOHAS 3C digital lifestyle.

The C101 also comes with a battery saving mode in line with Team's insistence on energy-efficiency. It reduces the laptop battery load and computer endurance, making the USB disk that tailor to mobile users. The C101 supports a variety of operating systems and comes with a lifetime original factory warranty.

Vijay Sharma, Key Executive of AMD ATI Resigned

VR-Zone came to know that one of the key AMD executive, Vijay Sharma, theDirector of Product Marketing Graphics Products Group has left. The reason citedis that he wishes to purse other opportunities not related to graphics business.His decision is kind of sudden as he had just attended a AMD graphics partner conference inThailand last week. Definitely, this will deal a blow to the AMD/ATi graphicsbusiness since he is . He is among other key executives like Henri Richard, DaveOrton, Rick Hegberg who have left recently.

Nokia Adopting Android Is Like Finnish Boys Peeing In Pants For Warmth

Nokia is on a roll these days, with the launch of their new mobile phones. When asked ifthe companywould consider putting Android on their phones, Anssi Vanjoki, executive vice president and general manager of mobile solutions, says that adopting Android is like Finnish boys peeing in their pants for warmth; the relief is onlytemporary. (On a side note, it isa littledisturbing to hear this, but hey, we dont know about the Finnish culture over here, perhaps it is a common practice for all we know).

According to a Gartner report on worldwide marketsharefor smartphonesin August,Symbian leads at 41.2%, followed by RIM at 18.2 and Android overtook Apple at 17.2% marketshare; Android is definitely growing stronger.

But to the company whose CEO was recently replaced,it will not consider Android to be put into their phones. Maybe the maker is confident that its Symbian and Meego platform will do well in the market.

Source: Financial Times

VR-Zone Giveaway #8 - ASUS RT-N56U Wireless-N Gigabit Router

Followfoureasy steps and stand a chance to win different prizes every week. This week..we are giving away:

1 xASUS RT-N56U Wireless-N Gigabit Router

Check outhttp://launch.vr-zone.comand find out how you can win these prizes

Samsung unveils Omnia i-900 in Singapore a day before CommunicAsia '08

A day prior to CommunicAsia 08, Samsung held its Omnia press launch at Theater works situated at Mohd Sultan. The Omnia is a definitive competitor to the Apple iPhone 3G but packs a heavier punch than its competitor, with features like HSDPA 7.2mbps, a 5MP AF camera with smile detection and multi-video codec support such as DivX, XviD, H.264 & WMV. Other significant features includes an intuitive touch UI that allows users to drag and drop items just like how widgets work on our computer desktops,, FM Radio, A-GPS functionality and a micro-SDHC expansion up to 16GB.

The Omnia will be released in the Singapore market right after CommunicAsia, and prices has yet to be finalized pending carrier-subsidy negotiations. Europe will be getting the Omnia next in July, and the rest of the world thereafter in August.

The guys in our labs seems pretty excited about this phone, mainly because of the many features available on the phone. Unlike the HTC Diamond that was rolled out a couple of weeks ago, the Omnia allows one to add a storage expansion of up to 16GB into the phone, bringing the total up to a maximum of 32GB. Coupled with its multi-codec support, you can be sure that movies on the go is no longer something that will set you fuming because of the lack of codecs.

The specifications

More Pictures.

Two suns not enough Have four! Planet discovered with a view of four suns

An international team of amateur and professional astronomers has discovered a planet whose skies are lit up by four suns - the first known case of such a phenomenon.

The planet, located about 5000 light years from Earth, has been dubbed PH1 in honour of Planet Hunters, a program led by Yale University in the United States, which enlists volunteers to look for signs of new planets.The discovery of these systems is forcing us to go back to the drawing board to understand how such planets can assemble and evolve in these dynamically challenging environments.An artists impression of PH1. Photo: Haven Giguere / YalePH1 is orbiting two suns, and in turn is orbited by a second distant pair of stars. Only six planets are known to orbit two stars, researchers say, and none of those are orbited by other distant stars.Deep space discovery ... an artists impression of PH1 orbiting its two parent suns, with its other two suns in the distance. Photo: Haven Giguere/YaleThe planet, which is slightly larger than Neptune, has being likened to Tatooine, the fictional two-sun planet and childhood home of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films."Circumbinary planets are the extremes of planet formation," said Yales Meg Schwamb, lead author of a paper presented on Monday at the annual meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society in Nevada."The discovery of these systems is forcing us to go back to the drawing board to understand how such planets can assemble and evolve in these dynamically challenging environments."US citizen scientists and Planet Hunters participants Kian Jek and Robert Gagliano were the first to identify PH1. Their observations were then confirmed by a team of US and British researchers working in Hawaii.PH1 is a gas giant with a radius about 6.2 times that of Earth. It orbits a pair of eclipsing stars that are 1.5 and 0.41 times the mass of the sun roughly every 138 days.The two other stars are orbiting the planetary system at a distance that is roughly 1000 times the distance between Earth and the sun.The Planethunters.org website was created in 2010 to encourage amateur astronomers to identify planets outside our solar system, using data from the US space agency NASAs Kepler space telescope.Artists impression. Photo: Haven Giguere / YaleKepler, launched in March 2009, is NASAs first mission in search of Earth-like planets orbiting stars similar to our sun.The discovery of PH1 was made available online on Monday at arxiv.org and has been submitted to the Astrophysical Journal for publication."It still continues to astonish me how we can detect, let alone glean so much information, about another planet thousands of light-years away just by studying the light from its parent star," Jek said.Last week scientists reported the discovery of a "diamond planet" twice the size of earth and orbiting a sun-like star.Up to one-third of the planets mass and much of its surface is believed to consist of diamonds, implying that distant rocky planets can no longer be assumed to have the same features as Earth.Source: AFP

Sony VPL-HW30ES home theatre 3D projector lands in Singapore

Sony hasannounced theVPL-HW30ES 3D home theatre projector that incorporates Sony’s latest lamp technology, Dynamic Lamp Control system. Movie fans can nowenjoy an unrivalled 3D cinematic experience with stunning 3D images that are three times brighter than Sony’s first 3D home theatre projector, the VPL-VW90ES which was launched in Asia Pacific last year.

Sony’s latest Dynamic Lamp Control Technology significantly boosts the brightness levels entering the shutters of the 3D glasses, maximising the picture’s impact and the lamp’s efficiency. The opening and closing of the shutters on the 3D glasses are intelligently synchronised to ensure that each eye receives the accurate image, thus reducing crosstalk to a minimum. In order to achieve an optimal viewing experience that feels natural on the eye, the Fullhigh definition3D VPL-HW30ES home theatre projector is equipped with Sony’s High Frame Rate SXRD Panel (1920x1080), for exceptionally sharper, dot-free images.

The new VPL-HW30ES delivers contrast ratio of 70,000:1 andbrightness of 1,300 lumens. In addition, “3D crosstalk” is further reduced to a minimal thanks to the 240Hz SXRD panel drive system and the unique Dynamic Lamp Control Technology. The automatic Advanced Iris Control feature enhances the contrast levels in accordance with the scene by maximising black and white levels without diminishing peak brightness. Sony’s new Motionflow technology allows the VPL-HW30ES to display twice as many images per second. This algorithm, unique to Sony, reproduces dramatically sharper and smoother movements and reduces the image motion blur for a crisper image.

The VPL-HW30ES is capable of taking 2D and simulating 3D images, bringing new life to classic movies from the past and allowing a wide variety of content, such as live sports, to be enjoyed.Sony’s innovative Independent 2D/3D Picture Mode on the VPL-HW30ES allows you to select separate parameters for 2D and 3D content and to change each setting individually to optimise each picture image settings whether watching in 2D or 3D.

The VPL-HW30ES also runs very quietly with an advanced air discharge system for a highly efficient cooling system, suppressing noise level to a mere 22dB without interrupting the viewer’s immersion during the movie-going experience.

The VPL-HW30ES is compatible with Sony’s new active shutter glasses, the TDG-PJ1, which are 18 grams lighter than the previous model (59g compared to 77g). The TDG-PJ1, charged in 30 minutes provides 30 hours of continuous watching. In conjunction with the new glasses, Sony has announced a new transmitter, the TMR-PJ1, which synchronises 3D content effortlessly to generate a high-quality natural 3D effect.

The VPL-HW30ES will be available across Asia Pacific in July 2011 at the SRP of USD$$3,999 (without 3D glasses and transmitter). The TDG-PJ1 and TMR-PJ1 are sold separately.

Key features highlight:

- Dynamic Lamp Control Technology significantly boosts brightness levels
- Full high definition 3D
- High Frame Rate SXRD Panel (1920x1080) for exceptionally sharper, dot-free images
- 240Hz SXRD panel drive for minimised cross talk
- High Contrast ratio of 70,000:1
- Dazzling brightness of 1,300 lumens
- Motionflow technology for sharper and smoother images for less motion blur
- Independent 2D/3D Picture Mode
- Automatic Advanced Iris Control feature enhances the contrast levels

Mushkin Unveils Volta and Joule Series PSUs

Mushkin Joule PSU

Mushkin, best known for its high performance memory modules, has unveiled the Volta and Joule series PSUs.


Mushkin Volta PSU

The Volta series (500W and 600W, single 12V rail), is aimed at mid-endusers whilst the Joule line-up (1kW and 1.2kW, six 12V rails) targetshigh-end users. Both Volta and Joule PSUs are modular, 80Plus certified(up to 85% efficiency) and feature active PFC and thermally-controlled120mm fans that glow in three (Red, Blue & Green) user-selectedcolors. They can be purchased from major retailers and e-tailers at aMSRP of USD 80 (500W), USD 90 (600W), USD 225 (1000W) and USD 250(1200W).


"Our new PSUs provide value and enthusiast power solutions. The valueconscious builders will be pleased with the output levels and connectoroptions of the Volta series," said Brian Flood, director of productdevelopment. "The Joule units will fuel overclocked components withclean power; allowing the most hardcore enthusiasts to reach new speedsand levels of stability. Both units distribute their power responsibly,with up to 85% efficiency."


News via [Techpowerup]

Windows Phone 8 switches to RTM, and phones expected in early November

Multiple sources have confirmed that Microsoft has finished putting in the final touches for Windows Phone 8, and a RTM build is now officially available for OEMs.

Nokia, Samsung, and HTC are some of the major OEMs that will be launching a WP8 phone later this November and on. Nokia has been treading swampy waters, and many analysts are suggesting that the Finnish phone maker will have to do something amazing with WP8 or else it will be hard for the once phone-making-giant to survive.

The Lumia 920 is Nokia’s next flagship, and although it boasts relatively good hardware, it’s hard to tell how consumers will respond. Android smartphone buzz took up much of the news in the first half of 2012, but in the second half, it has been the iPhone 5 and Windows Phone 8.

Apple has almost assured itself a big payday in the latter half of 2012, but don’t count out WP8. The IDC expects Windows Phone devices to have continued growth through 2016, meanwhile, Android smartphone shares are expected to decrease.

Microsoft intends to make WP8 in an integral part of the Windows 8 ecosystem, thus, many adopters of the Windows 8 desktop/tablet platform may also become attracted to WP8.

The Windows 8 RT Surface tablet will launch alongside Windows 8 (October 26), with WP8 devices expected to hit retail shelves later in November.

VIA Nano-ITX Boards In H2

VIA plans to launch its Nano-ITX motherboard form factor, sized 50% smaller than its current Mini-ITX models, in the second half of this year. The new embedded motherboards will target digital home entertainment solutions that feature system-on-chip (SoC) architecture, Chen noted. Nano-ITX motherboards will have dimensions of 12×12cm.

More Details On ASUS Blitz Extreme amp; Blitz Formula

One of the highlights at ASUS booth is certainly Blitz Extreme and BlitzFormula boards, part of their successful R.O.G line-up. The Blitz Extreme boardfeatures a Fusion Block System that allows a combination of watercooling withheatpipes to cool down the VRM, NB and SB. There is an interesting CrosslinxTechnology that allows x8/x8 equal PCIe lanes on P35 chipset to remove x16/x4bottlenecks for better graphics performance. We heard that it is prettychallenging to implement this technology as circuitry needs to be re-routed andadditional components have to be added to ensure signal integrity. ASUS has alsostep up to 2-phase power for memory which suppose to enhance memoryoverclockability. The boards come with free STALKER and 3DMark2006 AdvancedEdition too.

NVIDIA Next Gen. PCIe 2.0 GPU amp; MCP In Nov

NVIDIA is also going to launch their next generation PCI Express 2.0 SLIchipsets for both Intel and AMD processors together with the next generationenthusiast GPUs known as G92 in November. There are C73 and C72 chipsets forIntel supporting 45nm Yorkfield and Wolfdale processors and MCP72 for AMDsupporting AM2+ Phenom processors. The main difference between C73 and C72 isthe support of higher FSB and memory type where C73 supports 1600FSB andDDR3-1600 and C72 supports 1333FSB and DDR2-1066/800.

There are 2 variants to each series of SLI chipset; XE and P where XEsupports 3 x16 SLI priced at US$ 150+ and P supports 2 x8 SLI priced atUS$ 100-120. Only MCP72 series can support Hybrid SLI. C72 early samples will beavailable to customers by end of July where mass production slated for October.MCP72 early samples will be available by August with MP targeted for November.C73 will arrive later where early samples targeted for November and massproduction in December. So we can expect MCP72 and C72 to be on target forlaunch together with G92 in November.

New search engine Blekko to take on Google, Yahoo and Bing

Blekko is the latest search enginethatclaims to be the better way to search the web. It makes use of "slash search" wherebya user justneeds to sign up with Blekko, make slashtags and add them totheir search. You can also find your friend's slashtag and use the info to your search too. Although this probably gives a more "social" feel to searching, it is still too early to tell if users will find it more efficient and easier to use than thepopular ones of Google, Yahoo! and Bing. Not to mention, it is currently still in Beta, so expect improvementsas it progresses.

So how do you actually do a slash search?

How to 'slash the web'

make 'em: proceed to login sign up with blekko Make a slashtag that includes just your favorite sites. make it as narrow (/scuba) or as broad (/favorites) as you like. Add that slashtag to any search and you're only searching those sites.

use 'em: find a friend's slashtag and get in their head for your searches. For example, try searching Rich's home brewing slashtag for quality info on brewing your own beer (ex. wheat beer /homebrew).

make 'em better: We've already created hundreds of topic slashtags that you can search now. everything from /conservative, to /humor to /vc is there. Drop us a tweet (@blekko) and tell us if you think any are missing sites or if you have ideas for other topics.

Source: Blekko