PR: COMMODORE USA RELEASES FIRST NEW COMMODORE AMIGA IN 20 YEARS, FINALLY REUNITING TWO ICONIC COMPUTER BRANDS.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. March 21, 2012 – Commodore USA, LLC announced today 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″ 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.”

IRVINE, Calif. – Mar. 20, 2012 – Western Digital® (NYSE: WDC) today announced the next generation of its top-selling My Passport® line of portable hard drives, offering consumers a fresh new enclosure design and the first-ever 2 TB capacity in a portable drive. Now available in five popular colors: white, black, silver, blue, and red, with a range of capacities beginning from 500 GB, the new sleeker My Passport portable drives offer digital consumers an appealing array of storage options that reflect their personal style. Additionally, the new My Passport drives offer

WD SmartWareâ„¢ automatic backup software and WD Securityâ„¢ for password protection and hardware encryption.
With the addition of premium finishes, specially-engineered to make the outer shell more resistant to scratches and fingerprints, the new My Passport external drives feature ultra-fast USB 3.0 connectivity; USB 2.0 compatibility; continuous, automatic backup software; and password protection with hardware encryption. The included software offers the flexibility to customize the drive to a user’s storage preferences: installing all features, just the components needed, or using the drive without the software. The new 2 TB model offers massive capacity in an amazing pocket-sized enclosure, affording plenty of secure storage for all of one’s photos, video, music and other important files.

Given the small form factor and easy portability of My Passport drives, the built-in security features of password protection and hardware encryption help protect files from unauthorized use, making the drives safe data repositories for data while offering peace of mind to busy consumers on the go.
“More than money, jewelry and other valuables, the item most missed if ever lost or stolen is one’s computer – and everything on it – so our goal in launching the next-generation of the popular My Passport drives is to encourage more consumers to protect their data before something happens,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. “The new My Passport makes backing up and preserving one’s digital life easier, reliable and more secure than ever – it’s the perfect blend of monstrous capacity, reliability and user-friendly technology in a sleek form factor, now in five colors.”

Pricing and Availability
My Passport drives come with a 2-year limited warranty are available online at the WD store at www.wdstore.com and at select retailers and distributors. MSRP is $129.99 USD for 500 GB, $149.99 USD for 750 GB, $179.99 USD for 1 TB, $199.99 for 1.5 TB and $249.99 USD for the new 2 TB edition

This is fascinating considering the benchmark wars that raged between Nvidia and AMD for so numerous years in the graphics card business. Both sides of that war have a history of handpicking benchmarks to manufacture their video cards see better than the competition. I presume some of that is going on here with Apple as well.

Nvidia’s Ken Brown is calling for Apple to offer up data to back up their claims of four times the performance. I seriously doubt Apple ever offer that kind of detail. However, with the hornet’s nest kicked, we will right on be running some comparative benchmarks when we acquaint our own narrate of the unused iPad.

Ken Brown, a spokesman for Nvidia, said that it was “certainly flattering” to be called out by Apple, but the performance claims are sketchy without more data. “We don’t have the benchmark information,” said Brown. “We have to understand what the application was that was used. Was it one or a variety of applications? What drivers were used? There are so many issues to get into with benchmark.”

Of course, delegating all of your text chatter to your smartphone means you’ll be tapping up your responses on its itty-bitty touchscreen keyboard — at least until ROCCAT finishes its friend keyboard, Project Phobo. The modular PC keyboard not only provides a dock for your Power-Grid equipped mobile, but also lets you rejoinder to texts, chats and tweets using its comprehensive array of keys. Pairing your phone with the Phobo will even route declare calls to your PC’s gaming headset, leaving you free to continue to rack up kills without lacking principal business calls. The German peripheral outfit will be rolling out the beta to iOS devices after CeBIT, and says an Android version is scheduled for free at Gamescom 2012. Hit the break for the official press free and a see at the Phobo keyboard.

A First for PC Gaming: Command Using a Smartphone with ROCCAT Power-Grid

Exclusive technology represents a breakthrough in PC gaming control, makes expensive touch-display gaming devices obsolete, works with every PC, and is free to get started

Hamburg, 6 March 2012 – German gaming peripherals manufacturer, ROCCAT Studios, has introduced a groundbreaking technology called the ROCCAT™ Power-Grid that – for the first time in the history of PC gaming – lets players control their games and computer with their smartphone. And, in what is surely music to the ears of many players, the Power-Grid is completely free to get started.

Gaming evolved

“Some gaming companies claim PC gaming is sick and needs help,” says René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and CEO. “We at ROCCAT have never thought that. We know PC gaming is alive and well. It just needs to keep evolving. Power-Grid represents that natural evolution. Why? Because it makes possible the dream of millions of gamers: to stay fully absorbed in the game no matter what happens in the real world. It works with every PC, makes expensive touch-display gaming devices obsolete, and is completely free to get started. Is PC gaming sick? Hardly. Is it dead? Of course not. It’s evolving and getting a hell of a lot better.”
Connect, monitor and control – all from a smartphone

The free-to-download Power-Grid is a tool that lets gamers connect, monitor and control their game and PC in real time while staying completely absorbed in the action. The app comes standard with four control displays – or “grids”. Three grids have been preloaded with a wide range of essential gaming tools – and the fourth is completely customizable.

The first of Power-Grid’s three pre-installed control grids is called the “Incoming Center”. It routes all outside voice and text communication – from Skypeâ„¢, Facebook®, TeamSpeak, Twitter, etc. – to an at-a-glance display on the gamer’s smartphone. This means players can get messages from friends and teammates while staying in the game.

The “Stats Control” grid also comes preloaded with Power-Grid, letting gamers quickly and easily monitor their computer’s vital data via their smartphone – info such as CPU status, hard drive space and network traffic.
The third preloaded display is the “Sound Control” grid, which allows gamers to set and fine tune every aspect of their gaming audio using just their smartphone. Gamers can even change audio settings in, for example, Skypeâ„¢, with in-game music, or with their media player together or independently – for custom-tailored audio control made simple.

Create, build and share

In addition to the free Power-Grid app, gamers will need to download the free ROCCAT Power-Grid Launcher from www.roccat.org. This program not only connects smartphone and PC, it also features a powerful editor that lets players create their own custom control icons, or “blocks” – like individually-designed macro buttons from their favorite games, or specialty buttons like a pizza timer – for the ultimate in command customization.
Plus, users can easily share their self-styled blocks and grids with teammates, colleagues and friends.

Combine

At the end of the year gamers will be able to connect their Power-Grid-loaded smartphone to ROCCAT Smart Gear – new gaming hardware that delivers the ultimate smart gaming experience.
First on the horizon is Project Phobo – the “Phone Board”. The Phobo is not only one of the world’s most advanced gaming keyboards, it’s also the perfect home for a smartphone using Power-Grid. And once gamers have connected their Power-Grid-enabled smartphone to the Phobo, they’ll never need to separate the two. That’s because players can write any kind of text message using the Phobo’s keyboard – via Facebook®, Skypeâ„¢, TeamSpeak, you name it – and because the Phobo also lets gamers take voice calls with a connected headset. And while connected, the Phobo will naturally charge a user’s smartphone in case they do need to unplug it.

And following in the footsteps of the world famous ROCCAT Apuri Active USB Hub with Mouse Bungee, ROCCAT plans on introducing the Apuri 2.0 – a ROCCAT Smart Gear gaming assistant that acts as a stylish stand for a gamer’s Power-Grid-enabled smartphone – and is the perfect way to keep it charged for when a player needs to step away from the game.

When will it be available?

Select attendees will be able to see the Power-Grid in action for the first time at CeBIT 2012. And everyone can apply to be a beta tester at power-grid.roccat.org.
Initial versions of Power-Grid work with all Apple iPhones using the latest version of iOS, as well as with the iPod touch. In addition to a compatible smartphone, Power-Grid requires a PC with Wi-Fi capability. ROCCAT will launch Power-Grid for Android smartphones at gamescom 2012.

Press Release: Fully loaded with the highest-quality components, the tough new Savu gaming tool is designed to dominate its class of optical gaming mice – and introduces an achievements display to the world of gaming peripherals

Hamburg, 28 February 2012 – ROCCAT Studios today 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. CeBIT 2012 visitors can catch the Savu debut at stands from Acer (Hall 22, Booth 24) and XMG by Schenker Notebooks (Hall 23, Booth A01-3.1). The Savu is expected to hit shelves internationally early May.

“The Savu raises the bar for optical mid-size gaming mice significantly,” says René 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[+]â„¢ 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[+]â„¢ 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.

See the Savu in action for the first time at CeBIT 2012 at the Acer Stand, Hall 22, Booth 24, and at the XMG by Schenker Notebooks Stand, Hall 23, Booth A01-3.1.

Broadcom executives at MWC confirmed nowadays that the chipmaker is “beyond the sampling phase and even in a preproduction phase,” according to Michael Hurlston, the company’s senior vice president for wireless LAN, for its two-stream and three-stream 11ac chips. 11ac like 11n uses multiple data streams paired with multiple sending and receiving antennas to accomplish lofty data throughput.

Hurlston said he expects all-embracing OEM products, nearly absolutely access points, routers and the like, to be on sale from Broadcom’s customers by mid-2012. Although the chipmaker hasn’t announced method wins, Hurlston pointed out that the 11ac roadmap announced last month at CES was publicly endorsed by 14 equipment vendors and network providers.

In the booth, Broadcom was running one-, two- and three-stream 11ac radios. The single-stream radio, the type that would be integrated into a smartphone, was delivering usable throughput ranging between 300Mbps and 370Mbps (compared to the underlying PHY rate of 450Mbps), orders of magnitude greater than the 30Mbps-50Mbps, or slightly more, that single-stream 11n can deliver for phones today.

There is a widespread expectation that the additional premium that equipment makers and ultimately end users will have to pay for this improvement is comparatively low. Hurlston estimated that the premium for its 11ac products will be stray from 1.2 to 1.5 times initially. “We exceeded our expectations for that [i.e., for keeping it low],” he said. If the takeup is as fast as many expect, that will rapidly decline.

The three-stream products from Broadcom and rivals like Qualcomm and Atheros will hold throughput of just above 1 gigabit initially.

Qualcomm, with the Wi-Fi expertise and technology from its Atheros acquisition, confirmed it will kick off sampling its 11ac product family sometime in 2012 Q2, according to David Favreau, vice president of product management.

A lot of Qualcomm’s development effort has also involved creating integrated communications processors, marrying Wi-Fi with Bluetooth and other radios, and then tying the effect closely to its Snapdragon applications processor, which powers a wide stray of smartphones today.

Qualcomm’s booth here showed its single-stream 11ac radio, mounted in smartphone prototypes, running in the 220Mbps range, peaking at one point to 247Mbps, in a surrounding Wi-Fi environment, interior MWC’s cavernous Hall 8, that Favreau described as “challenging.”