Razer unleashes ultra-smooth Ironclad gaming mousepad

Razer, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, today announced the Razer Ironclad elite hard gaming mouse mat - the only metal mat in Razer’s product range built to enhance and optimize the gliding capabilities of your mouse for unparalleled mousing comfort and control.

Equipped with a finely sandblasted surface, the Razer Ironclad minimizes hand discomfort and feels smooth to the touch, allowing for effortless and natural mouse movement over its sleek top. It features just the right amount of friction to deliver the precise targeting you need to eradicate all competition with sharpshooting accuracy without abrasive results.

"The Razer Ironclad stands apart from the pack because it delivers the highest form of comfort and long-lasting performance with its ultra-smooth surface and sturdy metal body," said Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, President, Razer USA. "We understand the diversity of gamers out there, from ones who demand a large surface area to those who want superior tracking precision. We produced the Razer Ironclad to make winning feel easy, and give every type of gamer the feel, traction and durability that they need to do so."

Made from anodized aluminium, the Razer Ironclad features a robust unibody construction for reinforced strength and extreme durability to withstand the test of time in any gaming environment. Its extra-large surface area catersfor low-sensitivity settings and wide sweeping movements. Gamers can now have a premium combination of both precision and reliability for those kill-or-be-killedmoments in gameplay.

About The Razer Ironclad

The Razer Ironclad combines premium comfort, well-built resilience, and high precision tracking with its ultra-smooth sandblasted surface and extra-wide anodized aluminum body,providing gamers with the ultimate long-lasting hard gaming mouse mat. The non-slip rubber base ensures the mat stays put during the most intense of gaming sessions, and it comes with a carrying case for added mat protection and portability.

Price

US$59.99

Availability

Razerzone - October 2010, Worldwide - November 2010

Product Features

Ultra-smooth sandblasted surface for the best mouse glide comfort and controlAnodized aluminum body for reinforced strength and extended durabilityExtra-large to cater to low-sensitivity gamersCompatible with all miceNon-slip rubber base that stays putProtective carrying case for greater portabilityApproximate size: 320 mm (length) x 270mm (width) x 2.5mm (height)

ViewSonic announces availability of 24-inch, 3D-capable V3D245 monitor in the US

ViewSonic has announced the availability of the new LED-backlit V3D245 monitor which boasts a 24-inch display, along with support for 3D display via the use of NVIDIAs 3D Vision technology.

According to the official press release issued by the company, the new V3D243 3D-capable monitor makes use of a combination of "world-leading LED technology with extraordinary power-saving performance" and is capable of offering a refresh rate of 120Hz, along with an "ultra-fast 2ms video response time", thus "making it ideal for delivering a truly immersive 2D and 3D entertainment and gaming experience". In addition, ViewSonic claims that video-input is achieved via a HDMI port which supports version 1.4 of the HDMI standard, while the 1920x1080 full HD display panel used in the assembly of the V3D243 is capable of achieveing a 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and up to 300 nits of brightness for "great color accuracy and picture detail for unsurpassed 3D image quality".

To top off the package, ViewSonic has also claimed that the V3D243s built-un support for NVIDIA 3D Vision technology allows users "to play more than 550 3D games in full 1080p, 60 fps resolution, view 3D videos and photos, and stream 3D web content" when the monitor is hooked up to a PC which utilizes a supported GeForce graphics card. Alternatively, users can also make use of the built-in HDMI-in port to connect various media devices such as the "latest Blu-ray 3D players" or video game consoles. Last but definitely not least, the company has confirmed that the monitor will also feature an "integrated two-watt SRS Premium Sound audio speakers provides consumers the ultimate multimedia entertainment display".

No information about global availability has been announced at this point of time, although ViewSonic has confirmed that the V3D245 3D monitor, along with the bundled pair of NVIDIA 3D Vision active stereo 3D glasses, will be available for sale in North America come mid-to-late August at the estimated retail price of US$499.

Source: Engadget

Toshiba Cell Chipset Board

Toshiba Corporation today took major steps toward creating a comprehensivedevelopment environment for applications based on the Cell microprocessor withthe announcement of a Cell Chip Set consisting of the new microprocessor and keyperipheral chips, and a Cell Reference Set development platform. The chip setand the reference set will support development of digital consumer products andcommunication equipment that draw on the powerful broadband capabilities of theCell microprocessor.

"Software developers and other customers will be eager to make full use ofCell's unsurpassed multitasking and real-time processing functions," saidTomotaka Saito, General Manager of Broadband System LSI Division, ToshibaCorporation Semiconductor Company. "The Cell Chip Set and Reference Set willsupport them in developing products and applications that reach new levels ofperformance and excitement."

The Cell Chip Set is composed of the Cell processor, a Super Companion Chip—theinterface between Cell and external audio/visual input/output equipment—and apower supply system chip optimized to drive the Cell microprocessor.

The Cell Reference Set development platform consists of a Cell microprocessor,peripheral chips mounted on a printed circuit board with a general-useinterface, peripheral equipment, such as DVD and HDD drives, and coolingequipment required for stable operation, all housed in case. The availablesoftware includes operating systems and middleware and software developmenttools. This combination of hardware and software reduces development costs, cutsturnaround time and simplifies testing.

Toshiba expects to start marketing the chips set and reference set in April 2006or later, once it has assured supply of the component chips and all relateddocumentation.

Toshiba Corporation will showcase the Cell Chip Set and Cell Reference Set, anddemonstrate digital media applications on the Cell Reference Set at the Toshibabooth of CEATEC JAPAN 2005, from October 4 to October 8 at Makuhari Messe.

Outlines of Cell Chip Set and Cell Reference Set:

Cell Chip Set:

Cell microprocessor: Next generation microprocessor jointly developed by IBM,Sony Group and Toshiba. Adopts a multi-core architecture and offers superhigh-speed data transfer capability. The processor is expected to findapplication in equipment handling data-rich media applications.

Super Companion Chip: Cell's peripheral LSI, which houses audio and imageinterfaces supporting Cell's super high-speed data transfer capability. The chipalso supports a group of interfaces for various systems (video, audioinput/output, digital AV interface, IEEE1394, digital tuner interface) and agroup of interfaces that make it easier to connect standard input/output devices(standard bus interface, high speed network interface and storage deviceinterface.)

Highly efficient power supply system: The supply system is optimized to drivethe Cell processor. Includes controller LSI, TB6814FLG, which makes it possibleto offer high-speed response and high-accuracy required by Cell. Includesmulti-chip module, TB7003FL, which embeds power device in a small 8mm x 8mmpackage. Realizes small, high-power and high-efficient power supply system whichhas 4 phases of 1MHz high-speed switches.

Cell Reference Set:

Development platform for Cell-based, next generation digital consumer products,
High-speed multi-bit wiring technology and wide variety of interfaces thatsupports broadband system architecture
Linux and ITRON are both provided on the hypervisor OS that manages hardwareresources. This approach facilitates the reuse of application property.
A comprehensive development environment including the Eclipse framework basededitor, compiler, debugger, and performance monitor.
An audio-visual application model includes simultaneous multiple digital andanalog broadcast television reception, recording and playback.

DFI LP UT X58-T3 Board Quick Test

VR-zone got hold of some early tests on the DFI LANPARTY UT X58-T3 using the 2.93GHz Core i7 processor. DFI is currently revising the board so that 3-way SLI can perform optimally. The current revision runs in x16/x16/x4 configuration while the new revision will run in x16/x8/x8 configuration.

8 phase power

Debug LED

Reset & Power On/Off Buttons

Easy Replaceable BIOS Chip

Core i7 Stability Test

Panasonic Announces 85 inch Full HD Plasma Display

The size wars is picking up again, this time by Panasonic Japan with its recent announcment on a 85 inch Full HD (1920x1080 resolution) Plasma display.

Intriguing? Perhaps not as it was Panasonic who have developed the world's largest 103-inch plasma display to the market in 2006. So what's so special with this 85 inch display ?

With a thickness of 99mm, Panasonic's 85 inch Full HD plasma display incoporates Panasonic's NeoPDP energy-efficient, double luminance technology.The display will sport a contrast ratio of 40,000:1, max. 2,000,000:15.An overall improvement as compared to the bigger display

The display has a viewing area of 1,889 mm (W) x 1,062 mm (H), weighs about 130kg and boasts a long life of 100,000 hours. Retail price and launch date is not confirmed yet.

Piracy is Good For Business Who Said That Angry Birds, That's Who!

Regardless of the industry you work in, counterfeiting or unauthorized distribution is something youll have to learn to live with. The biggest difference is how you treat the end customer - are you going to punish or educate the customer. While MPAA and RIAA are hell bent on punishing the customer, even when that customer is U.S. Congress, or the actual offices of MPAA and RIAA themselves, there are companies that strive on educating the customer and expanding their own ecosystem to cover counterfeited products as well.

One such example is Rovio Mobile and their Angry Birds franchise. At Midem 2012 conference in Cannes, France, CEO of Rovio Mobile Mikael Hed stepped forward and made a daring statement: "We have some issues with piracy, not only in apps, but also especially in the consumer products. There are tons and tons of merchandise out there, especially in Asia, which are not officially licensed products," continuing with "we could learn a lot from the music industry, and the rather terrible ways the music industry has tried to combat piracy."

Seeing multi-billion dollar companies like Valve, Blizzard as well as music artists actually thriving on changing their business models to protect their own content and yet protect the consumer at the same time is the right way forward. Digital distribution channels created tens of billions of dollars in revenue which did not exist before.
"Already our apps are becoming channels, and we can use that channel to cross-promote - to sell further content," Mikael said. "The content itself has transformed into the channel, and the traditional distribution channels are no longer the kingmakers."

The conclusion of his speech was "Piracy may not be a bad thing: it can get us more business at the end of the day."

The problem with RIAA and MPAA model is ultimately, it is more about the control of the user than the control of who owns the content - given the number of artists who have their own parallel channels of their own content distribution. But the companies like Rovio Mobile can challenge the counterfeiting and piracy, educate the consumer and earn ton of money in the process. Will it account for lost sales - they certainly would. But they will be too busy counting the money earned by customer education.

Powermat aims to expand its reach this year

Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain (February 15, 2010) – Powermat will expand its reach at an ambitious rate of one global market per month through the end of 2010. The bold announcement was made today in support of the unyielding appetite of partners around the world, who have called upon the wireless charging pioneer to access every market that can benefit from wireless energy.

Just four months ago, Powermat launched its premiere product line in the US to great success as consumers flocked to stores with over 750,000 units shipped and widespread sell outs in just the first two months of availability. Having solidified a stronghold on the consumer market, Powermat will now introduce new supportive technology aimed at the OEM. The company will pioneer its new Adaptive ASIC (A²) chip; a breakthrough achieved by miniaturizing Powermat technology to a level that allows for seamless integration into virtually any device. Adaptive ASIC draws on infrastructure already in place by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) as a basis for adapting Powermat wireless capability to fit the need of the OEM rather than the other way around.

The company will also introduce an entirely new line of products in 2010, which offer consumers additional options in both the number of devices they can wirelessly charge as well as the number of ways they can charge them.

Powermat 2010 Product Introductions

Powermat Receivers
The Powermat Powerpak receiver provides seamless integration into virtually any phone by allowing consumers to upgrade to wireless charging with no change to the phone’s ergonomics and design. More than a dozen models from HTC, Blackberry, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson will debut by June 2010. Powermat also expands its support of the iPhone 3G/3GS by introducing 2 new models; a silicone case receiver and an extended battery case receiver, which combines the dual benefits of extended battery life and wireless charging.

Powermat Home & Office Mats
Powermat will launch a sleek new line of single, double and triple position mats for home and office use – Powermat 1X, Powermat 2X & Powermat 3X. These new models offer a wider range of price points to a broader audience. Powermat will also offer Prepack Bundles, whereby a charging mat is bundled together with a receiver; such as the Powermat 1X single position mat with iPhone Receiver Case, or Powermat 2X double position mat with Powercube.

Powermat Portable Mat
Embedded into a double position portable mat – Powermat Portable 2X - is a high capacity battery, which allows users to charge their devices without the need to plug into an outlet. The mat also folds into a sleek carrying case for easy portability and comes complete with a set of international plugs.

Powermat Netbook Mat
The Powermat 3X Netbook is a complete charging solution that simultaneously charges both a netbook and 2 additional low power devices such as phones, music players, Bluetooth headsets, eBooks and more. Since Netbooks are also coveted for their easy portability, the Powermat Netbook mat folds into a carrying case to maintain that convenience.

Powermat Car Charger
Powermat extends its reach to motorists by introducing the Powermat Car Charger, which eliminates the constant need to plug and unplug when entering and exiting a car. The Powermat Car Charger wirelessly charges hundreds of devices while travelling on the road with a simple Drop & Charge.