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ROCCAT Power-Grid App combine with Phobo gaming keyboard

pcnz_admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:58:20 +0000

Razer’s switchblade idea may not have made it out of CES 2011, but its dynamic, adaptive keys lived on, both in the outfit’s Star Wars: The Old Republic keyboard and Blade laptop. The hardware is slick, to be sure, but what if you could snag similar functionality for free from your local app marketplace? That’s what ROCCAT hopes to deliver with its newly announced Power-Grid application. In addition to providing quick-key hungry gamers with a programmable touchscreen grid of applications and in-game macros, the handheld suite will let iOS and Android users monitor their gaming PC’s imperative statistics (such as CPU status, RAM usage, hard leave space, etc), manage Facebook, TeamSpeak, Skype and Twitter traffic, and even good-looking tune their audio settings — all without the want to minimize their game.

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 â€“ German gaming peripherals manufacturer, ROCCAT Studios, has introduced a groundbreaking technology called the ROCCATâ„¢ Power-Grid that â€“ for the first time in the history of PC gaming â€“ 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 RenÃ© 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 â€“ 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 â€“ or “grids”. Three grids have been preloaded with a wide range of essential gaming tools â€“ 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 â€“ from Skypeâ„¢, FacebookÂ®, TeamSpeak, Twitter, etc. â€“ 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 â€“ 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 â€“ 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” â€“ like individually-designed macro buttons from their favorite games, or specialty buttons like a pizza timer â€“ 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 â€“ new gaming hardware that delivers the ultimate smart gaming experience.
First on the horizon is Project Phobo â€“ 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 â€“ via FacebookÂ®, Skypeâ„¢, TeamSpeak, you name it â€“ 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 â€“ a ROCCAT Smart Gear gaming assistant that acts as a stylish stand for a gamer’s Power-Grid-enabled smartphone â€“ 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.

Researchers use wireless network to observe breathing, can save lives

PC News Zone — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:21:00 +0000

When Neal Patwari and his team of researchers developed a wireless network capable of seeing through walls, we assumed they were simply looking to domesticate their Alastor Moody-like superpowers. Turns out, they had far more essential matters on their minds. Patwari and his colleagues at the University of Utah have now penned a unused peruse in which they demonstrate how their motion detecting technology could be used to monitor breathing patterns, as well, potentially enabling doctors to maintain closer track of patients with sleep apnea or babies vulnerable to sudden baby demise syndrome (SIDS). To perform this, Patwari reclined on a hospital bed and surrounded himself with 20 wireless transceivers operating at a frequency of 2.4GHz, as pictured above. He then timed his breathing at approximately 15 breaths per small (the average rate for a resting adult), which he measured with his array of nodes and a carbon dioxide monitor. The engineer ultimately build that his system's algorithm could accurately degree respiration within 0.4 to 0.2 breaths per small -- a relatively low mistake rate, since most monitors round off to the nearest widespread breath. Patwari says this development could offer a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to the devices used in most hospitals, and hopes to implement his technology into at-home baby monitors, as well. He acknowledges, however, that it will likely conclude at least five years before any of that happens -- so don't retain your breath. Full PR after the break.

23-Inch NEC MultiSync EX231Wp makes desktop displays a little bit greener

pcnz_admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:53:58 +0000

If you remember last year’s EX231W (note the lack of “p”) then you pretty much know all you need to about the company’s latest business-class 23-incher, the EX231Wp. It’s got the same 14.6mm bezel, 250-nit brightness, 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and 1920 x 1080 resolution. It even kept the pair of sensors for measuring ambient light and detecting meatbags sitting in front of it, which allow the screen to adjust its brightness and conserve energy. Really, the only big difference is that NEC has managed to trim the power consumption from an already respectable 31W to just 27W under normal use. The display will start shipping in July for $319 and you’ll find more spec fun in the PR after the break.

NEC DISPLAY SOLUTIONS ADDS THIN, LIGHTWEIGHT DESKTOP MODEL TO ULTRA-SLIM MULTISYNC EX SERIES
CHICAGO – June 13, 2011
EX231Wp Offers PVA Model with Stunning Contrast Ratio, Incredible Viewing Angles, Slim Depth with LED Backlighting

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of the 23-inch PVA panel MultiSyncÂ® EX231Wp, which joins the 23-inch, TN panel MultiSync EX231W. This sleek desktop monitor offers a premium-grade, performance-driven PVA panel that allows for increased viewing angle, sharp contrast ratio and ease in transporting between different locations. Ideal for multiple monitor setups, the MultiSync EX231Wp is designed for financial and corporate environments, business users on-the-go, small-scale digital signage, small-to-medium-sized business client meetings and presentations.

The MultiSync EX231Wp will be on display in NEC Display Solutions Booth No. 1901 at InfoComm 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL on June 15-17.

The new MultiSync EX231Wp stands out with its true minimalist design. It features an ultra-thin bezel width (14.6mm), depth (14.2mm) and weight (9.3 pounds with stand). The LED backlighting technology allows the MultiSync EX231Wp to consume as little as 27W, making it one of the most power-efficient desktops in its size category. Additionally, the quick-release button enables stand removal and allows simple setup with the photo-frame stand (optional accessory), making the MultiSync EX231Wp an ideal business travel companion. The PVA panel provides customers with greater image quality with full high-definition resolution, high contrast ratio (3000:1 typical, 25,000:1 dynamic), excellent viewing angles (178Â° vertical, 178Â° horizontal) and minimized color shift for crisp text, bright colors and pure imagery.

Integrated features of the MultiSync EX231Wp include the human sensor, which detects user activity in front of the monitor and reduces its power up to 94% with inactivity. Users have the ability to adjust the inactivity length and sensor settings. Similarly, the monitor’s built-in ambient light sensor detects external light sources, white display area and adjusts the display’s brightness accordingly. The USB port on top of the display enables the quick connection of a webcam or speaker for video conferencing, as well as easy thumb drive access.

“The ultra-slim MultiSync EX231Wp was created to give business users more functionality with the ability to easily implement web conferencing, small-scale digital signage, portability in between meetings and simple multi-screen setup,” said Lynn Gu, Product Manager for NEC Display Solutions. “We anticipate our customers traveling with their MultiSync EX231Wp to client meetings or using a mount solution to tile multiple monitors together. The unique capabilities this product presents are unlike anything else in our IT desktop lineup.”

The MultiSync EX231Wp includes the following features:

23-inch, 16:9, PVA panel with LED backlighting
1920 x 1080 full HD resolution
250 cd/mÂ² brightness
3,000:1 typical contrast ratio (25,000:1 dynamic)
27-watt power consumption
Advanced connectivity with DisplayPort and DVI-I inputs
USB port
Fully adjustable stand with 110mm height-adjust, tilt, swivel and pivot
Quick-release stand
Touch-sensitive On Screen Display (OSDÂ®) controls
Ambient light sensor
Human sensor
ECO Modeâ„¢, carbon footprint meter and cost meter
Intelligent Power Management (IPM) system and off timer
Dynamic Video Mode enhances video and images with real-time optimization of brightness, color and contrast (standard, text, movie, game and photo)
External power supply via mini AC adaptor
ENERGY STAR 5.0 and TCO 5.2 compliance
EPEAT Gold compliance
Windows 7 and Windows Vistaâ„¢ certified
Optional accessories include photo frame stand and carrying bag (July availability)

The MultiSync EX231Wp ships with a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty and will be available in July 2011 at an estimated street price of $319.

About NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.
Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., is a leading designer and provider of innovative desktop LCD monitors, commercial- and professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of multimedia and digital cinema projectors, and integrated display solutions. NEC Display Solutions develops leading-edge visual technology and customer-focused solutions for a wide variety of markets, including enterprise, healthcare, education and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America monitors, consumers can call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the website at www.necdisplay.com. For digital images, please visit http://www.necdisplay.com/products/digitalmedialibrary/.

About VUKUNET
VUKUNET, from NEC Display Solutions of America, is the engine that powers the digital out-of-home advertising business. VUKUNET is the only universal ad serving platform that drives ads to any digital out-of-home network, regardless of content management system. VUKUNET makes the buying, flighting and reporting of digital out-of-home ad campaigns easy. For additional information about VUKUNET, visit www.vukunet.com or call (877) 805-VUKU. For VUKUNET logos and digital images, please visit http://www.vukunet.com/pressresources.aspx.

Hannspree debuts new AIO PC SN22A1

pcnz_admin — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:11:55 +0000

Hannspree has a line of interesting products that it peddles in the UK for fans of computers. I always get a kick out of digital photo frames and computer displays that are inside stuffed animals or look like sports balls. The latest product to land for Hannspree is a new AIO computer called the SN22A1. This computer is a 21.5-inch screen unit that crams all the hardware inside the monitor for style and to take up less space.

The screen uses LED backlighting for power efficiency and it supports multitouch capability. The machine comes loaded with some interesting multitouch apps. The processor under the hood is a dual-core Intel D510 at 1.66GHz. The computer has 3GB of DDRII RAM and a 320GB HDD. An integrated optical drive is included along with a memory card reader, four USB ports, and the OS is Windows Home Premium Standard.

The machine also has WiFi and Bluetooth for connectivity and an integrated 1.3MP webcam. The stand the screen has is very slim and can be tilted for comfort from 10-degrees to 55-degrees. The AIO supports full 1080p resolution and has both HDMI and VGA inputs. The email Hanspree sent around shows the price of the machine to be Â£349.99 with VAT, but the Hanspree website lists the machine at Â£399.99 including VAT.

ViewSonic equips 24-inch V3D245wm-LED monitor with built-in 3D emitter

pcnz_admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 07:16:37 +0000

Press Release: ViewSonic promises to shine at Computex
Experience the latest innovation in tablets, smartphones, monitors and projectors

Computex, Taipei, 31 May 2011 – ViewSonic, a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, is set to surprise at Computex Taipei 2011 with its strongest-ever audio and visual solutions. It will be showcasing a wide range of high-definition entertainment offerings and the latest innovations. Products released last year have won rave reviews in the industry; this year promises more of the same. Products span from tablet PCs, high-performance smartphones, latest 3D Full HD LED monitors, to projectors, digital photo frames and digital camcorders.

ViewSonic will be located at Booth L0832, 4th floor, Nangang Exhibition Hall from 31 May to 4 June and is inviting everyone to ‘See the difference’.

The ViewPad 7x will be making its first official appearance. The ViewPad 7x is a seven-inch HoneyComb tablet that utilises a NVIDIA dual-core processor and promises users HSPA+ for greater Internet browsing and a enhanced multimedia experience.

The ViewPad 10Pro is the world’s first dual-OS tablet that has both Windows 7 Professional and Android at your service. It is also one of the first tablets to use the latest Intel Oak Trail processor. The new Intel processor is powerful, yet offers amazing power savings which delivers the perfect combination of Windows technology in a mobile touch screen device.

In addition to tablet PCs, ViewSonic is also announcing advanced AV solutions that include the V3D245wm-LED, a 24-inch 3D Full HD LED monitor; the W200, an ultra-thin and lightweight WXGA pico projector; the WFM851, a slim and sleek digital photo frame; as well as a range of HD digital camcorders.

Alan Chang, ViewSonic Managing Director of Europe and Asia-Pacific, said: “ViewSonic is the industry leader in launching a comprehensive range of tablet models. With cloud computing, social networking and streaming multimedia driving demand more than ever, ViewSonic is well positioned as a ‘display solution provider’ that integrates all its products and services into the best possible user experience. We have continued to invest in our strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Google. At Computex, you will see that ViewSonic is not content with standing still and are continuing to innovate with ‘display solutions’, ranging from small as three inch ultra mobile devices to large 300 inch professional display solutions, all brought to the user with the ViewSonic attention to quality and service.”

ViewPad 7x â€“ the 7-inch HoneyComb tablet: Uses a dual-core NVIDIA processor and offers the fastest-ever HSPA+ for a greater Internet browsing experience compared to rivalling products in the same category. Weighing only 380g, with front and back cameras this powerful device provides video conferencing on the go that has to be seen to be believed. The high quality LED display is capacitive 10-point multi-touch, offering far more possibilities than standard screen offerings. Incorporating a HDMI port , DLNA support and SRW TruMedia the ViewPad 7x is a flexible multimedia device that delivers quality in a high quality package.

ViewPad 10Pro â€“ the world’s first dual-OS tablet that uses Windows 7 Professional and Android, and the first to use the latest Intel Oak Trail processor: This tablet, powerful in both hardware and software, is ideal for users who wish to have a combination of entertainment and professional needs. It allows for an instantaneous switch between the two OSes without turning off the tablet â€“ Android for simple tasks such as Web browsing and Windows 7 for business applications.

The V3D245wm-LED â€“ An industry first, a 24″ smart monitor with a built-in 3D emitter: Presenting 20,000,000:1 maximum contrast ratio for great colour accuracy and high level of picture details the monitor features an ultrafast 2ms response time, 16:9 widescreen, Full HD 1080P, and scanning rate at 120Hz. The V3D245 supports the latest HDMI 1.4 input for future proofing realistic 3D content and fully supports current mainstream 3D devices. With the built-in SRS Premium Sound, the V3D245 is the ultimate 3D monitor.

The PLED-W200 â€“ the world’s first WXGA pico projector: pocket-sized projector ideal for slipping into a laptop bag or purse for taking presentations and entertainment on the go. At 200 lumens, with a 2000:1 contrast ratio and display resolution of 1200×800 WXGA, the PLED-W200 packs the world’s highest lumen and resolution counts into a CD player-sized device. It weighs only 420g and boasts long-lasting LED light technology of up to 20,000 hours. Teamed with integrated 10w speakers and a SD/USB card reader, users can present and enjoy everything from image slideshows to presentations in a PC-free environment.

The VFM851 â€“ ultra-thin digital photo frame: amazing design combined with high picture quality. Able to be battery powered offering a cordless experience it has 800×600 screen resolution, supports formats such as MJPEG, MPEG2, MPEG-4 and comes with USB ports (for SD/SDHC/MMC).

The ViewSonic HD camcorder series: The new ViewSonic Camcorder HD series provide a lot of advanced features normally found in professional camcorders but at a fraction of the price. With a 10MP image sensor and 12X optical zoom, these HD camcorders capture great detail even at 200 feet away. And with a 60fps high-definition video available, the ViewCam HD series is perfect for sports and other action shots. The camcorder’s innovative advanced Manual Focus System lets you select what subject to focus on by simply tapping on the touch screen, ensuring what you want to be focused on is captured in detail.