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• IDT's power-saving Panel Self Refresh tech coming to laptops, Ultrabooks and tablets (video)
• AMD Fusion tablets running Windows 8 at Build 2011: hands-on with video
• Intel: Thunderbolt coming to PCs, prototype shown at IDF 2011 (update: video!)
• Windows 8 BSoD ditches confusing error codes for uninformative frowny face
• Windows Server 8 and Azure platform introduced, Metro-style app building starts today
• Nyko's $30 Zoom for Kinect now shipping to tiny-roomed gamers worldwide
• LG Marquee steps out in leaked press shot, coming this October? (updated: it's official)
• HP goes display crazy, unveils eight new models, four IPS panels (hands-on)
• Western Digital launches WD 2go, WD 2go Pro cloud apps, cures PC separation anxiety
• Poll: Did you download Windows 8?
• Sony's Dash gets a new lease on life, we stop to wonder why
• Cedar Trail-based Classmate PC hands-on at IDF (video)
• Novero's Solana is a Cedar-Trail Inspiron Duo from the future (video)
• Gomite Tiltpod magnetic tripod: snapping awkward family photos just got easier
• SanDisk's Memory Vault will store your photos longer than anyone cares
• SanDisk outs Extreme Pro SDXC, Mobile Ultra microSDXC, new Cruzer USB sticks
• Bell begins rolling out LTE network today to trial markets
• VMware Fusion 4 brings full Lion support, wants to make Windows act less like Windows
• Netgear unveils NeoTV Streaming Player, takes another shot at the smart TV market
• Netgear's N900 dual-band router hits 900Mbps top speed, pats itself on the back
• Panasonic G-series lenses get firmware update, performance boosts aplenty
• ZiiLabs unleashes Jaguar3 super slim slate reference design
• HTC Sensation XE gets official, packing 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and Beats Audio
• Audi's electric Urban Concept says that less is more, really means it
• Google outbid itself by 33 percent in Motorola Mobility acquisition, SEC filing reveals
• Logitech unveils Wireless Headset, Boombox for tablets, smartphones and Radio Raheem
• Sony shows off PlayStation Vita's initial setup process and user interface (video)
• Ultrabooks invade IDF 2011, Toshiba Portege Z830 makes cameo (video)
• Sony announces bucketload of PlayStation Vita launch games, teases PSP downloads for UMD lovers
• Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated)
• Kensington trots out universal tablet case, BunjeeAir Power for finding your misplaced iPhone
• Kensington's SecureBack case is like The Club for iPads (video)
• Asus UX31 vs. UX21... fight! (video)
• DisplayLink announces USB 3.0-to-HDMI adapter, 2560 x 1600 resolution panels get supported
• AT&T announces $25 monthly GoPhone plan beginning September 18th
• Windows Phone Apollo to feature speech-to-text for email, low-end Tango gets split in two
• Engadget HD Podcast 265 - 09.13.2011
• Google planning opt-out option for WiFi data gathering
• Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets
• BlackBerry Bold 9790 Bellagio photographed in the wild, poses for family portrait

IDT's power-saving Panel Self Refresh tech coming to laptops, Ultrabooks and tablets (video) Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:51 AM PDT We aren't talking Pixel Qi-style savings or anything, but then again, IDT's not asking you to ditch the conventional LCD your retinas refuse to step away from. The company's Panel Self Refresh technology just got a major shot in the arm here at IDF, with the introduction of the world's first Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) 1.3-compliant Timing Controller with integrated PSR technology. A lot of technobabble, sure, but here's the lowdown: with this stuff in the mix, most users will see upwards of 45 minutes of battery gain, as the panels don't require constant refreshing. Granted, power savings are only seen with static images on-screen, and you'll need a PSR-enabled graphics processor to take advantage. The good news, however, is that Intel seems to be into the idea of using this stuff to boost the overall battery life of Chipzilla-based machines, so it shouldn't be too long before it starts popping up in laptops and Ultrabooks. As to how the magic actually works? IDT's PSR technology "identifies a static image and stores it local to the TCON in an integrated frame buffer; then, it seamlessly displays the image from the local frame buffer allowing the eDP main link and a majority of the GPU functions to be powered-down, resulting in significant power savings." Have a look at the unveiling video just after the break. IDT's power-saving Panel Self Refresh tech shown at IDF 2011 Show full PR text IDT's Panel Self Refresh (PSR) Implementation Switches Seamlessly Between Modes And Extends Battery Life In Mobile Devices Such As Notebooks, Ultrabooks And Tablets. Integrated Device Technology, Inc. ( IDT ®) (NASDAQ:IDTI), the Analog and Digital Company™ delivering essential mixed-signal semiconductor solutions, today announced that it has developed and demonstrated the world's first Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) 1.3-compliant Timing Controller (TCON) with integrated Panel Self Refresh (PSR) technology for significant system-level power savings and extended battery life in portable applications. IDT's new eDP timing controllers with PSR technology can save significant power when a static image is displayed on the screen of a system with a PSR-enabled graphics processor. Unlike traditional timing controllers that receive and process the display data continuously, IDT's PSR technology identifies a static image and stores it local to the TCON in an integrated frame buffer. It then seamlessly displays the image from the local frame buffer allowing the eDP main link and a majority of the GPU functions to be powered-down, resulting in significant power savings. "IDT continues to demonstrate its leadership in delivering next generation mixed-signal technology," said Ji Park, vice president and general manager of the Video and Display Operation at IDT. "Today's mobile devices require more processing power and functionality than ever before, but consumers expect longer battery life at the same time. Our newest PSR-ready eDP timing controller helps our customers meet these requirements, making IDT's solution the ultimate high-performance, low-power interface for use in next generation notebooks, Ultrabooks, and tablets." IDT's latest solution incorporates novel design techniques and strategic process selection for the most efficient operation and seamless transition between modes. It is fully compliant with the VESA eDP v1.3 standard. eDP solutions offer the lowest system cost and longest battery life versus the LVDS solutions currently being used in portable embedded display applications. The large reduction in power consumption is key to accelerating the adoption of eDP in portable displays and the new IDT solution extends this power advantage. _______________________ IDT Demonstrates World's First Embedded DisplayPort™ 1.3 Timing Controller With Panel Self Refresh Technology Enabling Longer Battery Life IDT's Panel Self Refresh (PSR) Implementation Switches Seamlessly Between Modes and Extends Battery Life in Mobile Devices such as Notebooks, Ultrabooks and Tablets SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (IDT®) (NASDAQ:IDTI), the Analog and Digital Company™ delivering essential mixed-signal semiconductor solutions, today announced that it has developed and demonstrated the world's first Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) 1.3-compliant Timing Controller (TCON) with integrated Panel Self Refresh (PSR) technology for significant system-level power savings and extended battery life in portable applications. "IDT continues to demonstrate its leadership in delivering next generation mixed-signal technology" IDT's new eDP timing controllers with PSR technology can save significant power when a static image is displayed on the screen of a system with a PSR-enabled graphics processor. Unlike traditional timing controllers that receive and process the display data continuously, IDT's PSR technology identifies a static image and stores it local to the TCON in an integrated frame buffer. It then seamlessly displays the image from the local frame buffer allowing the eDP main link and a majority of the GPU functions to be powered-down, resulting in significant power savings. "IDT continues to demonstrate its leadership in delivering next generation mixed-signal technology," said Ji Park, vice president and general manager of the Video and Display Operation at IDT. "Today's mobile devices require more processing power and functionality than ever before, but consumers expect longer battery life at the same time. Our newest PSR-ready eDP timing controller helps our customers meet these requirements, making IDT's solution the ultimate high-performance, low-power interface for use in next generation notebooks, Ultrabooks, and tablets." IDT's latest solution incorporates novel design techniques and strategic process selection for the most efficient operation and seamless transition between modes. It is fully compliant with the VESA eDP v1.3 standard. eDP solutions offer the lowest system cost and longest battery life versus the LVDS solutions currently being used in portable embedded display applications. The large reduction in power consumption is key to accelerating the adoption of eDP in portable displays and the new IDT solution extends this power advantage. Pricing and Availability This new eDP technology is being demonstrated to qualified customers only. For more information, please contact your local IDT sales representative. To learn more about IDT's broad portfolio of display products, visit www.idt.com/go/display.

AMD Fusion tablets running Windows 8 at Build 2011: hands-on with video Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:24 AM PDT You've already seen our in-depth hands-on with Samsung's Series 7 Slate, boasting an Intel processor and running Windows 8, and now it's time to give the other guys a little love. We got a chance to sit down with the folks at AMD, masters of the Fusion APU, before the Expo doors opened here at Build, and it would be an understatement to say that they're excited about getting their x86 chipsets running on Windows 8 machines. As with Samsung's Slate, AMD was showing off a pair of slates we've seen before, specifically the Acer Iconia Tab W500, running on the company's C-50 APU, and MSI's WinPad 110W, sporting the Z-01 APU. This is the first the company's seen of the Metro UI running on its chipsets, and like them, we're impressed with its performance. You'll get the same speedy boot-up here, as well as fast and fluid touch navigation. Unfortunately, they aren't giving up details on future devices, but we should see Brazos powering Windows 8 tablets, desktops , and notebooks in due time. For a look at AMD powering Windows 8, check out our video after break. AMD Fusion tablets running Windows 8 at Build 2011: hands-on

Intel: Thunderbolt coming to PCs, prototype shown at IDF 2011 (update: video!) Posted: 14 Sep 2011 10:03 AM PDT Guess what, Wintel loyalists? "Apple's" Thunderbolt I/O port is coming your way. If you'll recall, Thunderbolt was actually built with Intel's collaboration (Light Peak, anyone?), and sensibly, the chip giant is now making it possible for the port to appear on non-Mac machines. The news was just broken here at IDF, where a Haswell-based machine was briefly teased with a heretofore unpossible T-bolt port. Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager of the PC Client Group, was on-stage to showcase six pre-production Ultrabook designs (all based on 3rd generation Intel Core processors), but stopped short of telling us exactly when the Thunderbolt I/O port would make its debut on commercially available rigs. Naturally, we're hoping it's sooner (tomorrow) rather than later (the 2013 launch of Haswell). Update: Video of the unveiling is now embedded after the break! Intel: Thunderbolt coming to PCs, prototype shown at IDF 2011 Show full PR text Personal Computing Transformed: Ultrabook™ Ushers In the Most Complete Computing Experience NEWS HIGHLIGHTS * Intel is leading the industry to re-invent personal computing once again with the introduction of Ultrabook™ devices that will deliver the most complete and satisfying computing experiences. * Offering more than 20x reduction in connected standby power, Intel's "Haswell" processor is running in-house and on track to power devices in 2013. * The 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor is the fastest-shipping processor in Intel's history with over 75 million units shipped to date. * The 22nm 3rd generation Intel Core processors will deliver significant performance, power savings, graphics and media enhancements for Ultrabook devices and PCs in 2012. * Built-in security features will help offer peace of mind for users and Intel and McAfee* are collaborating to deliver an anti-theft solution for Ultrabook devices in 2012. INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, Sept. 14, 2011 – Speaking today at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager of the PC Client Group, said the personal computing experience is undergoing another fundamental transformation as the company leads the creation of Ultrabook™, a new category of mobile devices. To define the Ultrabook category, Intel began with what people want most out of their personal computing devices, both from an emotional and a rational perspective. Ultrabooks are designed to give people the power to create and consume in a sleek, light, secure and elegant device that offers an immersive and responsive experience without compromising performance, all at mainstream price points. "Not since the introduction of Intel® Centrino® technology more than 8 years ago have we witnessed such a fundamental transformation of personal computing," said Eden. "Today's devices powered by our 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors are giving people a personal computing experience that they've never had before and we won't stop there. We know people desire and demand more from their computers -- to create, consume and share -- which is why we have challenged ourselves and the industry to make Ultrabook the most adaptable, complete and satisfying device." PC Transformation Underway The first Ultrabook devices, scheduled to be available during this year's holiday shopping season, are based on 2nd generation Intel Core processors. They will come in range of sleek form factors and will wake up almost instantly from even the deepest sleep using Intel® Rapid Start technology. The 2nd generation Intel Core processor family introduced earlier this year delivers an entirely new visual computing experience as a result of improved performance and processor graphics. Eden said that to-date, Intel has shipped 75 million 2nd generation Intel Core processors, making it the fastest-shipping processor in the company's history. It also underscores the continued strong demand for personal computing worldwide, as approximately 1 million computers are sold each day, led by growth in emerging markets. Eden shared the stage with Microsoft* to show off the Windows 8* operating system working and running several applications on Intel-based Ultrabook devices. They highlighted the broad collaboration between the two companies and pointed to the future opportunities that Windows 8* will present across multiple compute devices such as tablets, hybrids and new form factors like Ultrabook. Eden also turned the spotlight on Thunderbolt technology, a new, high-speed, dual-protocol I/O technology designed for performance, simplicity and flexibility. Thunderbolt enables high-speed storage, media capture devices and displays to all connect via a single, thin cable. He gave attendees an early look at a prototype with Thunderbolt technology running the Microsoft Windows 7* operating system. Powering the Next Wave of Ultrabook Devices in 2012 Eden gave the IDF audience a preview of the processor that will power 2012 Ultrabook devices -- the 3rd generation Intel Core processor (codenamed "Ivy Bridge"). Expected to be available in systems in the first half of 2012, it will deliver greater performance and energy efficiency. Intel also redesigned the processor graphics to provide better video and gaming experiences. Eden previewed six pre-production Ultrabook designs that are based on 3rd generation Intel Core processors and said he expects a large selection of devices for people worldwide in 2012. To provide the peace of mind that people desire, security features will be built into Ultrabook devices with processor-based Intel® Identity Protection technology and Intel Anti-Theft. Building on the capabilities offered today, next-generation Ultrabooks, notebooks and desktop computers can benefit from the collaborative effort between Intel and McAfee* to jointly develop a McAfee anti-theft service for Ultrabooks. Available in 2012, the McAfee solution will be the first to take advantage of unique, Intel chip-level technologies and will provide device and data protection for consumers such as device lock, data wipe and location tracking. Challenging the entire personal computing industry to work together to deliver the thin, light and most complete computing devices, Eden touched on the component technologies including panels, keyboards, battery technology and chassis that require further innovation to meet the Ultrabook vision. Leading the innovation charge, Intel demonstrated a new laptop power savings technology that limits screen refreshes when the Ultrabook screen is static, thereby saving energy. LG Display, a leading panel vendor, will be one of the first to bring a power-optimized panel self refresh display to market for Ultrabooks using its Shuriken Technology* that features edge to edge design, smaller footprint and low power. The Vision of Ultrabook Realized The Ultrabook vision is a multi-year, industry-wide effort that will roll out in three phases. Eden said phase one is in process and will be realized this holiday season with the introduction of the first Ultrabook devices, while phase two will begin with the launch of Intel's 3rd generation Core processors in the first half of 2012. In 2013, Intel will introduce its next-generation, 22nm "Haswell" processor, signaling phase three of the transition to Ultrabook devices. Eden demonstrated "Haswell" running multiple applications at one time on stage at IDF. Devices powered by the future chip will ultimately transform the personal computing experience as a result of the new levels of power savings in the processor that will help provide more than 10 days of connected standby battery life, as well as give people the most complete and satisfying computing experience.

Windows 8 BSoD ditches confusing error codes for uninformative frowny face Posted: 14 Sep 2011 09:59 AM PDT As with any version of Windows, the Metro-slathered Win 8 has one of those oh so familiar Blue Screen of Death thingies. But, this time around, there's a change. Gone are the confusing and uninformative error codes, and in its place you get an equally uninformative sad emoticon. OK, there's also some text informing you that your PC is about to reboot, but it still doesn't get you any closer to tracking down the root of the problem. Well, at least it's little less cutesy than the Sad Mac (though, no less infuriating).

Windows Server 8 and Azure platform introduced, Metro-style app building starts today Posted: 14 Sep 2011 09:28 AM PDT Server and Tools Business President Satya Nadella, amongst others, took the stage at Build today in order to showcase something a bit less consumer-facing: Windows Server 8 and the revised Windows Azure platform. Fret not, though -- this all plays a vital role in how you'll be enjoying Windows 8 in the months to come. A Visual Studio 11 Developer Preview will be made available to coders starting today, enabling devs to concoct Metro-style applications with HTML 5, JavaScript, C#, Visual Basic and C++. We're told that the Visual Studio 11 Developer Preview is available today for Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscribers and will be made available to the public on Friday. Microsoft also announced that Server 8 would provide multi-tenant infrastructure for cloud services, while the Azure Marketplace would expand to 25 new nations in early October. Those hoping to dig deeper can head on past the break (and visit the source links below). Microsoft reveals Windows Server 8 and Azure platform Show full PR text Microsoft Showcases the Developer Opportunity With Continuous Services At BUILD, Microsoft delivers developer platforms and tools to enable cloud-based experiences across devices. LOS ANGELES - Sept. 14, 2011 - Speaking today at Microsoft Corp.'s BUILD conference, Server and Tools Business President Satya Nadella outlined a changing world of application development. He discussed the new application patterns across connected devices and continuous services and the opportunity this creates for developers. Nadella articulated why Microsoft's investments will enable developers to drive greater innovation and creativity with these new application patterns. Nadella announced advancements in several Microsoft technologies, including developer previews of Visual Studio 11, Team Foundation Service (TFS) delivered on the Windows Azure platform and code-named "Windows Server 8," as well as new capabilities on the Windows Azure platform. With these technologies, developers can build the next generation of continuous services that are dynamic, scalable and optimized to connect with the multi-device world. "Developers have long been the cornerstone of Microsoft's success, and that relationship is now more important than ever," Nadella said. "In today's world of connected devices and continuous services, we are focused on helping developers build the next generation of client applications that are tethered to a back-end cloud." Complete Set of Developer Tools for Visual Studio Building on yesterday's keynote demonstrations of Metro style applications for code-named "Windows 8," Microsoft delivered a Visual Studio 11 Developer Preview. The product provides an integrated development experience spanning architecture, code, test and deployment. This release adds support for Windows 8 Metro style applications built with HTML 5, JavaScript, C#, Visual Basic and C++, as well as numerous productivity enhancements for project compatibility, extension management, game development, code analysis, code review and agile testing. The Visual Studio 11 Developer Preview is available today for Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscribers and available to the public on Friday. In addition, Microsoft showcased a number of enhancements to its developer tools and technologies, including the following: • A preview of TFS running on the Windows Azure platform, which provides a collaborative Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) environment delivered as a Microsoft-hosted Windows Azure cloud service, making it easier to deploy, scale, operate and access collaborative development projects. • A Microsoft .NET 4.5 Developer Preview, which has focused on top developer requests across key technologies and includes new features for asynchronous programming in C# and Visual Basic, support for state machines in Windows Workflow, and increased investments in HTML5 and CSS3 in ASP.NET. • ASP.NET MVC 4 Preview, which provides new Web tooling capabilities for developers to better manage Web application rendering, and its impacts on business application logic, in different browsers. Windows Server 8: The Cloud-Optimized Server Operating System In the context of today's hybrid world of on-premise servers, cloud services and connected devices, Microsoft released a developer preview of the next version of its server operating system, Windows Server 8. Windows Server 8 applies Microsoft's experience building and operating the Windows Azure public cloud to provide a cloud-optimized operating system focused on delivery of applications, interoperability within today's diverse IT environments, high-performance virtualization and strong links to public clouds. Windows Server 8 provides multi-tenant infrastructure for cloud services with significant enhancements to help reduce the costs of high availability and to automate service management. As an open application and Web platform that shares common management, identity and development tools with Windows Azure, Windows Server 8 empowers developers and IT professionals to deliver services across their choice of private and public cloud environments, or a combination of both. The Windows Server 8 Developer Preview is available to MSDN subscribers. More insights about Windows Server 8 can be found on the Microsoft Server and Cloud blog. A Comprehensive Service Platform for Modern Developers A cornerstone to building next-generation applications is Microsoft's Windows Azure platform, which developers can tap into to power immersive experiences across a range of devices, synthesize massive data sets and cost-effectively scale to reach millions of users. At BUILD, Microsoft showcased new capabilities of the Windows Azure platform, including the following: • Windows Azure Georeplication. Now available, this enhancement replicates Windows Azure Blobs and Tables between two datacenters hundreds of miles apart from each other on the same continent, at no additional cost, to provide additional data durability in the case of a major disaster. • Windows Azure Marketplace expansion. Available in 25 new countries in early October, the Windows Azure Marketplace offers developers a comprehensive market for datasets and finished applications; register on Windows Azure Marketplace today. • Microsoft Translator API. Available today on the Windows Azure Marketplace, the Microsoft Translator API provides machine language translations to developers looking to customize their applications to satisfy the language needs of a global audience. • Windows Azure SDK version 1.5. Advancements to the Windows Azure SDK include better capabilities for developers to build Windows Azure applications, including improved emulator performance, service certificate support, package and configuration management and remote desktop encryption. • Windows Azure Service Bus September Release. Enhancements to the Service Bus improve pub/sub messaging, enable asynchronous eventing to better link applications to occasionally connected devices such as phones and kiosks, and provide improved support for loosely coupled application architectures and advanced intra-app messaging. • Windows Azure Toolkit for Windows 8: Currently available for Windows Phone, Android and iOS, Microsoft is extending its popular toolkits for cloud applications to Windows 8. The Windows Azure Toolkit for Windows 8 provides developers with code samples, documentation and components for building Metro style applications that use Windows Azure for connectivity and notifications. More information is available at the BUILD online newsroom. Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Nyko's $30 Zoom for Kinect now shipping to tiny-roomed gamers worldwide Posted: 14 Sep 2011 09:21 AM PDT Kinect ownership means you've got to keep a good ten square feet of space totally free to play in, and that's nearly impossible for many inner-city, bedroom and dorm-room gamers. Fortunately for them, Nyko has developed a solution so simple it's positively genius -- clip-on lenses that reduce the distance the Kinect can see, bringing players closer to the TV. After the break you'll find a video and press release -- but more importantly, the Nyko Zoom is available right now for $29.99 in all good retailers, and some of the bad ones too, probably. Nyko Zoom for Kinect Show full PR text Nyko Zoom for Kinect Available Today: Play Kinect in 40 Percent Less Space Online and in stores for $29.99, perfect for apartments and dorms LOS ANGELES - September 13, 2011 Leading gaming peripherals manufacturer Nyko Technologies® today announced the Zoom for Kinect is now available nationwide in stores and online for an MSRP of $29.99. With a series of proprietary lenses and a simple clip-on design, the Zoom lets players enjoy Microsoft Kinect games in 40% less space, and requires no additional power or batteries. Perfect for apartments, dorms and small living rooms, Zoom lets two people play Kinect in a space that would otherwise only accommodate one person, and is compatible with any Kinect game. A breakout hit at E3 2011, the Zoom was nominated for Best Hardware in Show by IGN, GameSpot, Machinima and G4 X-Play. "Kinect gaming will continue to grow, and with Zoom, we are able to help expand that user base by providing a solution for those looking to enjoy Kinect in a smaller environment," said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing at Nyko Technologies. "The Zoom is incredibly simple to install, and most importantly, it works. Starting today, even more people can enjoy the thrills of being the controller." The Zoom is now available at the following retailers: U.S. - Amazon, Best Buy, BJ's, Fred Meyer, Fry's, GameStop, Hastings, Kmart, Micro Center, Newegg.com, P.C. RICHARD & SON, RadioShack, Sears, Toys R Us, Transworld Music, Walmart.com, most Walmart stores and Nyko.com Canada – Amazon.ca, Best Buy, Costco, Costco.ca, Electronics Boutique, Loblaw, Sears, Staples, Toys R Us, Videotron, Zellers To keep up with the latest from Nyko, follow them on Twitter and Facebook. About Nyko Technologies, Inc. Nyko Technologies® develops, manufactures and markets innovative peripherals to enhance the digital lifestyle. The company's mission is to deliver products that solve problems and improve user experience for work and play. Nyko specializes in interactive entertainment, computing, consumer electronics, portable audio, as well as online and wireless technologies. The company has distribution through major U.S. and Canadian retailers, along with distributors worldwide. Founded in 1995, Nyko is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Please visit www.nyko.com or call 1-888-444-6956 for more information.

LG Marquee steps out in leaked press shot, coming this October? (updated: it's official) Posted: 14 Sep 2011 08:51 AM PDT It looks like the LG Marquee's gearing up for its coming out party. We first caught wind of the Optimus Black clone when it surfaced in blurrycam form at a Radio Shack briefing, running what appeared to be vanilla Android, and branded for the Now Network. Well, thanks to a leaked press shot over on PocketNow, we can clearly see that the device is, indeed, sporting a lightly-skinned version of the pure Gingerbread experience, with Sprint ID replacing the browser in the phone's launcher. Cosmetically, you'll also notice the new grey-colored chassis has a striped band sweeping down the battery cover, although the camera placement remains similar to its European cousin. Aside from that, the only other notable difference is in the design and arrangement of the capacitive buttons. The specs seem to fall line with its elder LG stablemate, as the handset packs a single-core 1GHz processor, 2 megapixel front-facing / 5 megapixel rear cameras and 4-inch NOVA display. The only question that remains is whether you're willing to forgo impending beastliness for elegance this October when it's rumored to launch. Update: Sprint's made it official. The LG Marquee'll be available for pre-order online on September 20th, and will go on sale October 2nd for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year contract. Show full PR text 14 September 2011 LG Marquee from Sprint Celebrates the Perfect Combination of Signature Style and Cutting-Edge Technology During New York Fashion Week As Sprint's first device available for advance pre-sale, customers can buy LG Marquee beginning on Sept. 20 at www.sprint.com/marquee for $99.99 TLC's Stacy London and up-and-coming designers team up to invite consumers to make "The Bright Choice" with a MADE Fashion Week Campaign promoting the thin, light and bright LG Marquee New York City – Sept. 14, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and LG Mobile today announced the upcoming arrival of an Android device that perfectly pairs fashion with technology – LG Marquee Android™, exclusively from Sprint. The device will be launched in partnership with non-profit design collective MADE, formally known as M·A·C & Milk, at this year's MADE FASHION WEEK in New York City. Keeping with the smartphone's innovative convergence of technology and fashion, LG enlisted Stacy London of TLC's "What Not To Wear" to act as resident style mentor to five up-and-coming MADE designers as they craft chic carrying cases for LG Marquee. LG Marquee arrives on the Sprint Network on Sunday, Oct. 2 for just $99.99 (excludes taxes) with eligible upgrade or new two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1 (pricing excludes taxes). It will be the first Sprint device to be sold in advance online. Pre-sale orders begin on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and end on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at www.sprint.com/marquee. Customers who pre-order LG Marquee will begin receiving their devices on Thursday, Sept. 29 – three days before the device goes on sale. "These days, a wireless phone is much more than just a communication device – it also echoes one's personal style and taste," said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. "Design has become a key factor in the purchase decision and the LG Marquee is sure to turn heads." "LG believes fashion and technology go hand-in-hand among today's growing contingent of style-conscious and tech-savvy consumers," said Tim O'Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. "By partnering with Sprint, MADE and Stacy London, LG effectively showcases three prominent phone features important to consumers: a sleek, thin profile, ultra light weight design and bright display." LG Marquee is an ideal mobile device for anyone who wants superior performance without sacrificing personal style. The sleek, ultra-thin smartphone features a 4-inch NOVA display and a virtual QWERTY keyboard. Encouraging consumers to make "the bright choice," LG Marquee boasts a remarkably vivid and visible screen, even in direct sunlight. LG Marquee ships with Android 2.3 and Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously. It also offers a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera for maximum versatility in creating and sharing media and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera making your face-to-face video chatting experience even more memorable. Equipped with a 1GHz processor and Adobe Flash technology, LG Marquee makes downloading, posting, commenting, watching and playing faster and easier than ever. The device features Sprint ID, allowing users to customize up to five screens on the device with a couple simple clicks. Sprint ID allows users to cut through the clutter of Android Market's more than 250,000 apps by simply selecting from a variety of mobile ID packs featuring apps, ringers, wallpapers, widgets and more. Available Sprint ID packs include: Fashion and Beauty, E!, MTV Music, Green, and NASCAR Sprint Cup. LG Marquee requires activation on a Sprint Everything Data plan for smartphones2. Sprint's Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously3 (pricing excludes taxes and surcharges). Celebrating Technology and Fashion The LG Fashion Week campaign pairs Stacy London's impeccable style with the innovative, futuristic eye of MADE. London brings years of fashion-industry experience to her LG style mentor role and will provide each of the MADE designers with creative consulting sessions as they design fashion-forward carrying cases to showcase the clean, modern, minimalist styling of LG Marquee. Participating MADE designers include Kevork Kiledjian, Katie Gallagher, The Lake and Stars, Erickson Beamon and Christian Cota. "Being able to give our designers yet another platform for growth and exposure is part of the DNA of MADE; and allowing our designers to interact with major brands like LG is a great learning tool for future partnerships," said Jenne Lombardo, Co-Director of MADE. Celebrating a partnership of Sprint and LG's rich style heritage, the campaign highlights the increasing influence of technology on today's design community and includes a Fashion Week panel discussion and product launch reception hosted by London at Milk Studios on Thursday, Sept. 15. The MADE panel discussion, entitled "How Fashion Communicates," will be moderated by Simon Collins, dean of fashion at Parsons The New School for Design, and will take an in-depth look at five key areas where technology has altered fashion design. As part of the esteemed panel, London will provide industry insights to discussion categories including designer communication, the rise of the blogger, public access to real-time happenings, retail and the shift from print to digital media. The chic and functional LG Marquee carrying cases created by the participating designers will debut on Sept. 15 during LG's launch event at MADE FASHION WEEK. The event will feature individual designer stations that will display the inspiration behind each case. In addition, at the end of the evening, London will announce her top designer pick for the overall campaign.

HP goes display crazy, unveils eight new models, four IPS panels (hands-on) Posted: 14 Sep 2011 08:30 AM PDT HP may not have much going on when it comes to cellphones and tablets at the moment, but the company is hardly resting on its laurels. As if to prove it's still got a bit of fire in its corporate belly, it unleashed a total of eight new displays today (nine, if you count the updated HP rp5800 Retail System). The trio of digital signage models, including the 47-inch multitouch LD4720tm, probably aren't of much interest to you, but the four new ZR series Performance Displays and the more budget friendly LE2202x Essential display are worth at least a quick glance. The LE model is an LED backlit, 1,920 x 1,080 monitor with 21.5-inches of real estate and a 5ms response time. The ZR line are all IPS displays, ranging in size from 20 to 27-inches, with a resolution of 1,600 x 900 at the low end and up to 2,560 x 1,440 for the ZR2740w. The 2740 also sports the ability to display over one billion colors, while the three other models make do with just 16.7 million. The ZR2040w, ZR2240w and ZR2440w ZR2740w are available now for $189, $289 and $425 $729 respectively, while the ZR2740w ZR2440w is expected to follow in October for $729 $425. Those with less demanding eyes and occupations will be able to grab the LE2202x on September 19th for $179. Check out the galleries below, as well as the PR after the break. Update: Our apologies, it's the ZR2440w that won't be shipping till october. Dante Cesa contributed to this report. HP LE2202x, ZR2740w, ZR2440w, ZR2240w and ZR2040w monitors HP performance displays hands-on Show full PR text HP Expands Award-winning Display Portfolio PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 – HP today added powerful and affordable displays for creative professionals and retail businesses to its portfolio, including the company's first 27-inch diagonal performance display with more than 1 billion colors, the industry's first sub-$200 display with in-plane switching (IPS) technology and HP's first 47-inch diagonal multitouch Digital Signage Display. Among the new products: - The HP ZR2740w, ZR2440w, ZR2240w and ZR2040w Performance Displays feature LED backlit IPS panels and deliver ultimate performance for professionals that value exceptional image accuracy. - The HP Compaq LE2202x Essential Display is for businesses that need affordable display technology in a thin profile with a small footprint. - The HP LD4220tm and HP LD4720tm Digital Signage Displays allow customers to interact with business messages in a simple yet powerful way. - The HP SignagePlayer mp8200 provides smooth and reliable operation in demanding digital signage applications. In addition, the popular HP rp5800 Retail System is now offered in a Digital Signage Edition specifically configured for reliable playback of digital signage and interactive media. "Design, animation and gaming professionals push the limits of display technology every day simply to do their jobs – and HP has met their needs with a wider range of solutions than ever before," said Jun Kim, vice president and general manager, Display Business Unit, HP. "HP offers customers robust displays and innovative, interactive digital signage products that are the new face of retail and hospitality." New ZR-series displays offer IPS performance in a thinner profile The four new HP ZR-series Performance Displays are aimed at professionals in animation, game development, broadcast, computer- aided design, design and graphic arts, where performance and visual quality are imperative. The HP ZR2740w, ZR2440w, ZR2240w and ZR2040w displays come with light-emitting diode (LED) backlights for a slim industrial design, more robust colors and the elimination of mercury. They represent the broadest LED performance display lineup in the industry. All of HP's ZR series displays employ IPS technology for ultrawide viewing angles. They offer up to 10 times higher contrast ratios when viewed from an angle as compared to mainstream monitors that use twisted nematic (TN) technology.(1) The HP ZR2740w generates more than 1 billion onscreen colors for smooth color transitions that virtually eliminate banding artifacts. The HP ZR2440w, ZR2240w and ZR2040w show up to 16.7 million displayable colors. Customers can choose from a range of sizes – 20-, 21.5-, 24- and 27-inch diagonal screens – and resolutions ranging from 1,600 x 900 to 2,560 x 1,440, with the HP ZR2240w and ZR2440w providing 2- million-to-1 dynamic contrast ratios.(2) All four displays have sRGB-class color gamuts. The sRGB color space is the industry standard for web browsers, digital cameras and printers and also matches the Rec. 709 color space used for HDTVs and video editing. To give creative professionals a complete experience, HP Performance Displays undergo extensive testing to ensure compatibility with HP Z Workstations and feature coordinated brushed-aluminum accents. HP Performance Displays easily connect to a variety of devices, with the HP ZR2240w in particular providing a full range of DisplayPort, DVI-D, HDMI and VGA inputs. The HP ZR2740w also features the HP Direct Drive Architecture that transmits the color value from the workstation graphics card directly to the billion-color panel with no alteration in the display. The HP ZR2440w, ZR2240w and ZR2040w are rated ENERGY STAR® 5. Additionally, the 21.5-, 24- and 27-inch diagonal models feature an eight-way comfort adjust stand and new HP Quick Release 2, which is mounted flush on the back of the display for easy VESA mounting. All HP Performance Displays come with a three-year standard limited warranty. Essential display balances sleek design with responsible features The new HP Compaq LE2202x, with its small footprint, helps customers free up limited space and adds a modern touch to the workplace. Solid- state LED technology allows for enhanced color performance and a thinner profile than previous HP Essential Displays. The LE2202x provides full HD(3) 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution and fast 5ms response times offer crisp and detailed views.(2) The 21.5-inch diagonal panel is BFR/PVC-,(4) mercury- and arsenic-free,(5) and the display's flat packaging reduces waste and shipping cost. Latest HP digital signage solutions The two new HP Digital Signage Displays – the HP LD4220tm and LD4720tm – help retailers meet the needs of shoppers in multichannel retailing environments. The 42- and 47-inch diagonal LCD displays deploy a multitouch screen that uses unique scanning infrared technology, including embedded sensors to provide more accurate touch recognition. This technology also enhances the retail experience by enabling customers to use their fingertips to scroll through screens or perform many common multitouch gestures. The full 1080p widescreen displays feature enhanced digital connectivity including HDMI or DVI, VGA and DisplayPort. The monitors provide plug- and-play convenience from a simple USB key and can be set in either a horizontal or vertical position for more flexible placement options. The displays are engineered for demanding 24/7 usage and come with a standard three-year limited warranty vs. typical one-year warranties available for TVs. The HP SignagePlayer mp8200 is optimized to work with the latest digital signage software to provide smooth and reliable operation in demanding retail environments.(6) The mp8200 features Intel® Core™ technology(7) and is preinstalled with the Windows® Embedded Standard 7 operating system. The new HP rp5800 Retail System, Digital Signage Edition drives two discrete channels of content with a powerful graphics subsystem and comes with retail-hardened features including the ability to operate in a 40 degree C (105 degree F) environment. It features an extra-long manufacturing life cycle to support extended deployment schedules and provide a consistent platform across enterprise digital signage networks. HP offers professional installation services to help businesses quickly and affordably deploy digital signage solutions. HP Integrated Solution Bundles include project management, site surveys and standard digital signage installation. Pricing and availability(8) - The HP ZR2040w, ZR2240w, ZR2440w and ZR2740w start at $189, $289, $425 and $729, respectively. They all can be ordered today on hp.com. The ZR2040w, ZR2240w and ZR2740w are available immediately, and the ZR2440w will be available in October. - The HP Compaq LE2202x starts at $179 and is planned to be available Sept. 19 on hp.com. - The HP LD4220tm and HP LD4720tm Digital Signage Displays are planned to be available in early October in all regions. - The HP rp5800 Retail System, Digital Signage Edition and HP SignagePlayer mp8200 configurations are planned to be available in September. About HP HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure at the convergence of the cloud and connectivity, creating seamless, secure, context-aware experiences for a connected world. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com. (1) As compared to mainstream monitors with TN panels when viewed at 60 degrees. (2) All specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP's component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower. (3) HD content required to view HD images. (4) Meets the evolving definition of ―BFR/PVC-free‖ as set forth in the ―iNEMI Position Statement on the ‗Definition of Low-Halogen' Electronics (BFR/CFR/PVC-Free).'‖ Plastic parts contain < 1,000 ppm (0.1%) of bromine [if the Br source is from BFRs] and < 1,000 ppm (0.1%) of chlorine [if the Cl source is from CFRs or PVC or PVC copolymers]. All printed circuit board (PCB) and substrate laminates contain bromine/chlorine total < 1,500 ppm (.15%) with a maximum chlorine of 900 ppm (.09%) and maximum bromine being 900 ppm (.09%). External cables (power, video and USB) are not BFR/PVC-free. Service parts after purchase may not be BFR/PVC-free. (5) Arsenic and its compounds were not detected using U.S. EPA test methods 3052/6010b by ICP-AES. (6) HP Digital Signage Display sold separately. (7) 64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on hardware and software configurations. See www.intel.com/info/em64t for more information. (8) Availability and pricing will vary by region. Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark owned by the U.S. government. Intel and Core are registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel Corp. in the United States and other countries. Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by HP's businesses; the development and transition of new products and services (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the achievement of expected operational and financial results; and other risks that are described in HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2011 and HP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. © 2011 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein

Western Digital launches WD 2go, WD 2go Pro cloud apps, cures PC separation anxiety Posted: 14 Sep 2011 08:07 AM PDT Western Digital is no stranger to connected storage, which is why it launched two new mobile apps for maximum My Book Live mobile manageability: the WD 2go and the WD 2go Pro. Both are compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android phones, giving users the power to pull files from any PC or Mac remotely -- without monthly fees. For $2.99, there's a pro version with added functionality to save files locally and share them -- so you can be assured access to all your old Alf episodes wherever you go. Show full PR text WD Delivers the Personal Cloud With WD My Book Live(TM) Network Drives and WD2go(TM) Apps Consumers Can Easily Access and Share All Files From PCs, Macs, Tablets and Smartphones Without Monthly Fees or Security Concerns IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Western Digital (NYSE: WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions, today introduced its WD 2go(TM) and WD 2go Pro mobile apps for its My Book Live(TM) personal cloud storage solution. WD's My Book Live drive connects to the home network creating shared storage that users can access within and outside the home. Secure remote access to the My Book Live is available on any computer through www.WD2go.com, while the WD 2go apps provide mobile access to files stored on the drive using an iPad , iPhone , iPod touch or Android(TM) compatible mobile device. Combining the benefits of both public and private cloud solutions, My Book Live personal cloud storage allows users to keep media and files safe at home on their own physical drive and yet access them over the Internet with any PC or Mac computer or on tablets and smartphones through WD's mobile apps. Using My Book Live, users can share files, stream media, and access content anywhere with no monthly fees and secure in the knowledge that their data resides in their own home under their exclusive control. In addition, the WD 2go Pro app enables private sharing of files with friends, family and colleagues. Almost any file can be shared, from pictures and personal videos to work documents and presentations. WD 2go web access marks WD's second generation of remote access technologies that leverage a peer-to-peer connection between the My Book Live and remote PCs or mobile devices to maximize the speed and throughput. "Consumers demand the anywhere, any device access they can get from 'the cloud,' but don't want to pay monthly fees or lose control of their personal data. They want access to all their files without worrying about what files are synched to what device," said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager for WD's branded products and consumer electronics groups. "With the new WD 2go mobile apps and WD's My Book Live personal cloud storage, consumers now have a simple and fast way to securely store, share, and access all their digital content from their mobile devices wherever they are." The WD 2go apps add to WD's vision of providing secure storage and access to digital content on any screen, on-the-go or at home. The app supports a variety of media file formats for streaming movies and music or accessing files such as Microsoft Office documents. In addition to all of the features currently available in the free WD 2go app, the WD 2go Pro app includes several advanced features, including: Clipping: Users can clip files, photos, songs, videos or folders to download a copy from the My Book Live drive to a mobile device, enabling subsequent access even without an Internet connection. Automatic sync: New or modified files added to the My Book Live automatically sync to mobile devices. Content sharing: The WD 2go Pro app allows users to email files, share files as a link, print and open files with third party apps. Additional security: Users can leverage an additional layer of security by locking mobile access to the My Book Live drive with a 4-digit pass code. In addition to remote and mobile access to the personal cloud, WD's My Book Live features a built-in media server that streams music, photos and movies to any DLNA-certified multimedia device such as a WD TV Live(TM) network media player, Blu-ray Disc(TM) player, Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3, and connected TV. Capacity and Compatibility My Book Live personal cloud storage is available in capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB and 3 TB and is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista , Windows 7, Mac OS X Leopard , Snow Leopard , or Lion(TM), as well as DLNA/UPnP enabled devices. Price and Availability WD 2go (free download) and WD 2go Pro ($2.99 USD) are currently available for download from the iTunes Store and Android Market. My Book Live personal cloud storage is available at select U.S. retailers and online at the wdstore.com. MSRP is $159.99 USD for 1 TB, $199.99 USD for the 2 TB, and $249.99 USD for 3 TB.

Poll: Did you download Windows 8? Posted: 14 Sep 2011 07:42 AM PDT Downloads have barely been active for half a day, but for the night-owls who burned the midnight oil in order to take the developer preview of Windows 8 for a spin, this is for you. If you're claiming to be one of the earliest of adopters of Windows 8, how have things gone? Are you waiting a few days to see the obvious issues crop up? Are you taking your remaining vacation days to have yourself slapped silly with "Metro-style" goodness? Let us know how the installation process went in comments below, and if you've got a newfound mancrush (or womancrush!) on Microsoft, here's your opportunity to shamelessly gloat. Did you download Windows 8? I did! And things are going swimmingly!I did, but couldn't get it working on my Wintel box.I did, but it's a no-go on Boot Camp / Parallels.Nah, I'm waiting to see what issues crop up.Nah, I've got no interest in the future of awesomeness.I would, but I don't have a computer with the requisite oomph.I fell asleep last night at 6PM, but I swear I'll get on it tonight!I've got it running, but I'm having [insert issue here].Wait, a new Microsoft operating system is available to download? (read: other)

Sony's Dash gets a new lease on life, we stop to wonder why Posted: 14 Sep 2011 07:22 AM PDT Remember Sony's Dash? That little pseudo tablet powered by Chumby OS that started making the rounds at last year's CES? No, well we almost forgot about it too. But, just as it was finally fading from memory, Sony hit us with an update to the Internet Viewer. Not much has changed, save a rearrangement of the ports and buttons. It's still got the same pile of widgets and channels, but now sports a (very) basic web browser for those with a bit of a masochistic streak. The ability to register your Dash without having to first hook up to a PC is also a welcome addition. The black-only HID-B7 will ship for $130, while the HID-B70 comes in brown, blue and orange while adding a battery to the mix for $170. Both will hit shelves in October. Check out the gallery below and the full, if brief, PR after the break. Sony Dash 2011 Show full PR text MEDIA ALERT: Sony Enhances Real-Time Information Delivery with New Dash™ Models WHAT: Sony® DASH Information Alarm Clock Two new models - HID-B7 and HID-B70, featuring: Enhanced real-time, customizable, information delivery to any room in the home Portability in HID-B70 model On-device registration for easy, PC-free set up and activation in minutes Basic Internet browser WHY: Both new models offer convenient access to news, alarms, weather, Internet radio, photos and more. For portability, the HID-B70 Dash model now features a built-in lithium ion battery, so the device can be easily transported from room to room. It is also available in three colors: Brown, slate blue and orange. Both models feature a seven-inch LCD measured diagonally color touch screen, and utilize a wireless Internet connection to deliver real-time information. With full alarm functionality and access to more than 1,000 free apps, including Facebook™, news, sports, webcams and more, Sony Dash device provides any room with a robust information alarm clock. Users can also easily play back Internet radio, such as Pandora® and SHOUTcast®, via the built-in speaker or the headphone/audio output. Popular photo sharing services like Flickr®, Photobucket™ and Sony's Personal Space™ application are also quickly accessible. The HID-B7 Dash model is available in black for $129.95. The HID-B70 Dash model is available in brown, slate blue and orange for $169.95. WHEN: Both models will be available in October at sony.com/dash, Sony Stores and authorized retail stores nationwide. Pre-orders are available now.

Cedar Trail-based Classmate PC hands-on at IDF (video) Posted: 14 Sep 2011 06:57 AM PDT Looking for a Cedar Trail-powered update to the long running Classmate PC line of netvertibles? Intel's got you covered here at IDF 2011, with a refreshed edition of the very familiar hardware on display. All the usual elements are here, with a handle, touchscreen and stylus combined with a tough rugged casing ready to take the worst a 3rd grader can dish out. It felt a little lighter in our hands, and while this was just a demo unit as usual we're told OEMs should have production versions available soon. If you need to see it in motion to believe all that next generation Atom power could be packed inside, just watch the video after the break. Myriam Joire contributed to this report Intel's Classmate PC at IDF 2011

Novero's Solana is a Cedar-Trail Inspiron Duo from the future (video) Posted: 14 Sep 2011 06:39 AM PDT Have a look at what we found lurking deep within IDF's technical showcase: the Novero Solana. Contrary to what its name might imply, it's not a fancy European shaver, but actually a thinner, more rectangular Inspiron Duo lookalike. Seeing as it's imprisoned behind glass -- just like that other tablet -- the only specs we can confirm are that it's Cedar Trail-based and Windows 7 powered. Want to get a little more acquainted with it? Check out the gallery below, and peek after the break for our eyes-on video. Myriam Joire contributed to this report. Novero Solana hands-on at IDF 2011

Gomite Tiltpod magnetic tripod: snapping awkward family photos just got easier Posted: 14 Sep 2011 06:20 AM PDT Nothing ruins a Kodak moment faster than taking a timeout to set up a tripod, which is why the folks at Gomite went magnetic when developing its tiny new Tiltpod. Designed for compact cameras or video recorders, magnets enable users to sidestep the whole "screw-in" process that typically eats away precious pre-shot moments. The underside is made of an elusive "grippy material," enabling it to perch easily on rocks, car hoods, bathroom sinks or any other odd place you may want to recall vividly. Kind of like a cheaper version of this guy, the Tiltpod is available online now for a cool $17.95. For those still struggling to grok the purpose, there's a gallery's worth of explanation just below. Gomite Tiltpod magnetic tripod Show full PR text Gomite introduces the tiltpod, the worlds first magnetic quick connect micro tripod for compact cameras and video recorders. San Francisco, CA – Amazingly small and versatile, the tiltpod's high-strength magnetic base is designed to remain attached to the camera's wrist strap. Perfect for taking sharp low-light shots, self-timer group photos, and stable video. The included pivot point attaches to the camera and can be quickly connected and removed from the base. The underside of the tiltpod's base is made of a grippy material, so it holds on inclined surfaces, wood, rocks, you name it. Since the base is magnetic, it also helps it stick to inclined metal surfaces like car hoods, metal fence posts, or even refrigerator doors! "The inspiration for the design came after countless group photos and night shots precariously stabilizing the camera by stuffing the wrist strap, rocks, twigs or whatever we could find underneath it to hold the camera at the right angle to properly frame the shot." shares Mike Strasser, co-inventor of the tiltpod. "We wanted it to be always ready, a snap to use, and not interfere with the convenience of having a camera that fits in your pocket." The tiltpod can be ordered online at www.tiltpod.com. It comes with a camera wrist strap, a magnetic base, and two pivot points; one that screws into the tripod socket and a second that adhesively sticks to the camera for when the tripod socket is located off-center. The tiltpod retails for $17.95. Bullets: * Amazingly small and versatile, stays attached to the camera's wrist strap (included). * Perfect for taking sharp low-light shots, self-timer group photos, and stable video. * High-strength magnetic base can be quickly attached and removed from the camera. * Grippy base holds on inclined surfaces, wood, rocks, you name it! * Perfect for most all compact cameras and Flipcam video recorders * Comes with a camera wrist strap, a magnetic tiltpod base, a screw mounted pivot, and an optional stick-on adhesive pivot for cameras with off-center tripod sockets.

SanDisk's Memory Vault will store your photos longer than anyone cares Posted: 14 Sep 2011 06:00 AM PDT According to a survey commissioned by SanDisk, family photos are the first thing people would save in a house fire, after relatives and pets. Personally, we'd rush for our laptop and let the dog take care of itself, but hey let's get to the point: SanDisk wants to sell you its new Memory Vault. This ruggedized flash drive contains proprietary Chronolock memory management technology that has been subjected to "accelerated temperature cycling tests" to prove it can preserve data uncorrupted for up to 100 years. Maybe the product is a boon to future generations, or maybe it's just a way of convincing people to spend $90 on 16GB of storage instead of picking up a Corsair Flash Survivor for $35. Decide for yourself once you've seen the further info and weird survey tidbits in the PR after the break. Show full PR text SANDISK MEMORY VAULT PRESERVES PHOTOS FOR UP TO 100 YEARS MILPITAS, Calif., September 14, 2011-SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today introduced the SanDisk® Memory Vault, the first product in a new category of devices that are designed for long-term data preservation. SanDisk announced the device today as part of a comprehensive new suite of retail products. The SanDisk Memory Vault is a photo album for the digital age that allows consumers to preserve images in one reliable location. The device connects to a computer's USB port for easy drag-and-drop functionality and features a sleek, ruggedized, metallic design that looks great on any desktop and fits into any drawer. "SanDisk already offers great image-capture products, and we've built upon that expertise to create a new category of image-preservation products," said Tim Sutton, senior product marketing manager, SanDisk. "The Memory Vault allows parents to preserve photos of their daughter's first steps alongside videos from her wedding and then pass those images down for generations to come." Most Consumers Would Not Destroy Their Family Photos for One Million Dollars SanDisk also issued results from an online survey conducted on its behalf by Harris Interactive from July 28-August 1, 2011 among 2,294 U.S. adults aged 18 and older2. The survey found that 79 percent of U.S. adults with digital photos plan on passing them down to future generations. Photos are so precious that 64 percent of U.S. adults would not consider destroying their family photo collection for any amount of money, not even for one million dollars. Hard drives contain moving parts and CDs can scratch; the SanDisk Memory Vault delivers the long-term reliability that valuable photos deserve. The device utilizes SanDisk's ChronolockTM technology, which incorporates the key elements of advanced solid-state storage to create a proprietary memory management solution. SanDisk conducted accelerated temperature cycling tests that simulated the effects of data retention over long periods of time. This allows the device to provide consumers with peace of mind that their precious photos and videos will be preserved for up to 100 years. Family Photos Rank First Among Items to Save From a House Fire Aside from a family member or pet, family photos rank first among the items U.S. adults would save from a house fire. However, more than half of U.S. adults say that they could not gather all of their important family photos within one minute. The SanDisk Memory Vault lets consumers consolidate family photos in one reliable location and quickly access their important images when they need them. Availability and Pricing The SanDisk Memory Vault is available in 8 gigabyte (GB)3 and 16GB capacities and can store thousands of images and hours of HD video4. The device carries MSRPs of $49.99 and $89.99 and includes a lifetime limited5 warranty.

SanDisk outs Extreme Pro SDXC, Mobile Ultra microSDXC, new Cruzer USB sticks Posted: 14 Sep 2011 06:00 AM PDT Okay, they're not depicted to scale -- but don't they look sweet? In addition to the Memory Vault, SanDisk also chose today to freshen up its SDXC and USB flash products, which should start appearing in candy stores from October. Top billing goes to the Extreme Pro SDXC with 95MB/s reads and purportedly world-beating 90MB/s writes, starting at $110 for 8GB and topping out at 64GB for untold dollars. The Mobile Ultra range for microSDXC-equipped phones and tablets also goes up to 64GB, with 30MB/s transfer rates and a starting price of $25 for 4GB. Then there's the tiny Cruzer Fit and pocket-friendly Cruzer Switch USB sticks starting at the $20 mark, plus a dime for good luck. Click the PR after the break for more sugary details. Show full PR text SANDISK ANNOUNCES SUITE OF RETAIL PRODUCTS THAT CAPTURE, SHARE AND PRESERVE DIGITAL CONTENT Introduces professional-grade imaging card with fastest write performance of any SDTM card to date Ships 64GB microSDXCTM card-can double phone and tablet storage Creates new SanDisk product category of devices that are designed for long-term data preservation MILPITAS, Calif., September 14, 2011-SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today unveiled a broad lineup of new retail products and introduced a new preservation solutions category. SanDisk's product portfolio addresses all market segments-from mobile phones and cameras to notebooks and tablets-and use cases ranging from entry level to professional. "Our flash storage solutions help consumers capture more photos, load their mobile apps faster, share exciting moments with friends and preserve their memories for generations to come," said Bob O'Keefe, vice president, retail marketing, SanDisk. Preserve the Memories SanDisk® Memory Vault: SanDisk introduced a new product that is tested to preserve images in their original quality for up to 100 years1. The SanDisk Memory Vault provides consumers with a convenient, reliable way to pass down their images for generations to come-a photo album for the digital age. SanDisk released the results from an online survey conducted on its behalf by Harris Interactive from July 28-August 1, 2011 among 2,294 U.S. adults aged 18 and older2. The survey found that 79 percent of U.S. adults who have digital photos plan on passing them down to future generations. Photos are so precious that 64 percent of U.S. adults would not consider destroying their family photo collection for any amount of money, not even for one million dollars. Valuable photos deserve reliable storage solutions. SanDisk developed the SanDisk Memory Vault using ChronolockTM technology, which incorporates the key elements of advanced solid-state storage to create a proprietary memory management solution.This allows the device to provide consumers with peace of mind that their precious photos and videos will be preserved for up to 100 years. The SanDisk Memory Vault comes in 8 gigabyte3 (GB) and 16GB capacities carrying MSRPs of $49.99 and $89.99. To learn more about the online survey and the SanDisk Memory Vault, click here. Capture the Moments 64GB SanDisk Extreme® ProTM SDXCTM UHS-I Card: SanDisk doubled the performance and capacity of its professional-grade imaging lineup to create a new SD card based on the latest SD 3.0 specification's Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus architecture. The card offers the fastest write performance of any SD card in the world to date and is ideal for imaging enthusiasts using UHS-enabled cameras. The card's up to 90 megabyte per second (MB/sec)4 write speeds let photographers capture a series of RAW images using burst mode, and its UHS Speed Class 1 rating can record Full HD videos5. The card features up to 95MB/sec read speeds capable of supporting transfer of photos to a computer in half the time. SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHCTM and SDXCTM UHS-I cards come in 8GB to 64GB capacities with MSRPs starting at $109.99. 64GB SanDisk® Mobile UltraTM microSDXCTM Card: SanDisk's new 64GB microSDXC card can double the capacity of even the most advanced smartphones and tablets. The UHS-based, high-capacity card features up to 30MB/sec4 transfer speeds and offers the Class 6 performance needed to capture Full HD videos. The card is compatible with any tablet or smartphone equipped with a microSDXC card slot. Mobile phone sales are expected to reach 1.7 billion in 2014, and the majority of these handsets will include microSDXC card slots, according to Strategy Analytics, Slotted Phone Shipments Forecast, 12/10. Mobile phones allow consumers to create and enjoy an increasing amount of digital content, ranging from user-generated Full HD videos to full-length feature films and videogames. High-capacity mobile memory cards provide the storage expansion consumers need to keep up with the explosion of digital content. SanDisk Mobile Ultra cards come in capacities ranging from 4GB to 64GB to meet a variety of needs, with MSRPs starting at $24.99. Share the Experiences Cruzer® FitTM and Cruzer® SwitchTM USB Flash Drives: SanDisk's new Cruzer Fit USB flash drive is about the size of a dime, fitting easily into USB-compatible tablets and notebooks for convenient storage expansion. The drive comes in 4GB to 16GB capacities with MSRPs starting at $24.99. SanDisk's new Cruzer Switch USB flash drive features a cap-less, slider-less, flip-top design for easy portability and comes in 2GB to 32GB capacities with MSRPs starting at $19.99. SanDisk® SecureAccessTM Software: SanDisk offers encryption and online backup features (up to 2GB optionally available*) on almost all of its retail USB drives. The software creates a password-protected** private vault on the drive that lets consumers share the files they want while protecting sensitive data. ImageMate® All-in-One USB 3.0 Reader/Writer: Based on USB 3.0 interface transfer performance of up to 500MB/s***, this card reader/writer reduces transfer time when downloading data from a card to a computer. Outfitted with four card slots, this compact solution supports all major card formats and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0-enabled devices. Its sleek vertical design and small footprint makes this a great choice for stylish and fast photo and video transfer. The reader/write carries an MSRP of $49.99. Availability The new products are available now at www.sandisk.com and will reach retailers next month.

Bell begins rolling out LTE network today to trial markets Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:41 AM PDT When we reported that Bell's LTE network would be deploying "soon," the company happily obliged by launching it less than two weeks later. Beginning today, the Canadian carrier will have its next-gen services available to a limited number of markets, including Toronto, Waterloo, Hamilton, Guelph and Mississauga. The deployment will spread over the course of the next year, though no specific plans were mentioned aside from the obvious expansion to urban areas first, followed by rural and remote coverage as determined by the outcome of the country's upcoming 700MHz spectrum auction. Sadly, the only device available at launch -- contrary to our original report -- will be the Sierra Wireless U313 Turbo Stick, available online today for $80, though "smartphones and tablets" should be expected to arrive later this year. Head to the presser for more details. [Thanks, gjac0m] Show full PR text Bell to launch 4G LTE network in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph tomorrow Bell first to offer next generation LTE data speeds to country's largest wireless market and leading Canadian innovation centres MONTREAL, Sept., 13, 2011 2011 -- Bell Mobility today announced the launch of its next generation 4G LTE wireless network service in areas of Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph tomorrow. This state-of the-art network will offer the fastest mobile Internet speeds available to some of Canada's most populous urban areas, including the Waterloo region innovation hub and the country's largest wireless market in the Toronto area. "LTE is the next step in ensuring Bell continues to deliver the best networks in the world to Canadian consumers and businesses, backed up by the newest data devices and the leading mobile services and content available. LTE will deliver amazing data access speeds - at least three times faster than the Bell HSPA+ network originally launched less than three years ago," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility. With super-fast Internet and data access speeds for both business users and consumers, 4G LTE from Bell offers HD quality online TV and video; wireless video conferencing and chat with quality previously available only on wireline or high-speed Wi-Fi connections; unprecedented mobile download times for apps, large attachments, presentations and apps (with VPN compatibility for secure file access); and mobile gaming on a whole new level, with stand-out graphics and video quality. Bell's 4G LTE roll-out will bring coverage to additional Canadian markets this year and through 2012. Bell is focused on an urban rollout first, with the timing of broader rural and remote coverage deployments contingent on the outcome of Industry Canada's 700 MHz spectrum auction. Bringing next generation 4G LTE first to Canada's top wireless markets and technology innovation centres also underscores Bell's commitment to the continued growth of the country's national wireless ecosystem. "We partner with mobile technology start-ups, developer communities and established innovators across Waterloo and the GTA - they're a big part of the more than $800 million in R&D spending that Bell invests in Canada each year," said Stephen Howe, Bell's Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). "We're happy to help accelerate innovation with the fastest wireless network technology commercially available." Customers can buy next generation Bell LTE/HSPA+ Turbo Sticks now, which allow users to connect their laptops to the 4G LTE network, and will be able to purchase LTE/HSPA+-capable smartphones and tablets later this year. LTE offers fastest mobile Internet access LTE (short for the 4th Generation "Long Term Evolution" mobile standard) offers data speeds as fast as 75 megabits per second (Mbps) and typical speeds ranging between 12 and 25 Mbps. As the standard and products evolve, speeds are expected to increase to as fast as 150 Mbps. Bell's 4G LTE network is also the first and only Canadian 4G network to switch to the next fastest speed available when outside LTE areas, either Bell's Dual Carrier HSPA+ providing peak speeds up to 42 Mbps (typical between 7 and 14 Mbps) or HSPA+ offering speeds up to 21 Mbps (typical between 3.5 and 8 Mbps). Bell introduced Dual Carrier HSPA+ to North America and now offers the high-speed service to approximately 70% of the Canadian population. Bell offers total HSPA+ coverage to more than 96% of Canadians. Bell network innovation and investment Developed in partnership with leading network infrastructure suppliers Cisco, Huawei and Nokia Siemens Networks, Bell's 4G LTE network provides a world-class wireless platform that will stimulate innovation and foster strong economic growth in Canada's mobile hubs and centres of wireless excellence. Bell is committed to investing in Canada's network infrastructure, driving more new capital investment - $3 billion per year - than any other communications company in the country. Bell's total Research & Development investments increased in 2010 (the latest period for which figures are available), surpassing $800 million. Bell has rolled out internationally renowned wireless networks, supporting the rapid growth of smartphone usage and mobile Internet, Mobile TV and other data services, and new fibre network services such as Bell Fibe TV and Fibe Internet. Bell is also launching a new Fibre to the Home network across the Québec City region - Canada's largest urban FTTH build - and to new condominium buildings, apartments and housing developments across Québec and Ontario. LTE products and pricing The 4G LTE Sierra Wireless U313 Turbo Stick is available in select Bell stores tomorrow, September 14; for online purchase for $79.95 on a three-year term ($219.95 with no term contract); and in Bell stores across LTE service areas on September 15. In coming weeks, Bell will add the 4G LTE Novatel Wireless U679 Turbo Stick. 4G LTE flex-rate data plans start at $45 a month for 1.5 gigabytes (GB) which automatically adjusts based on data usage. For more details, please visit Bell.ca/LTE.

VMware Fusion 4 brings full Lion support, wants to make Windows act less like Windows Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:00 AM PDT Leave it to VMware to put the spotlight back on Lion when this is, without a doubt, Windows 8's week. The company just announced Fusion 4, the latest version of its virtualization software, and, as you'd expect, it pledges to play nice with Apple's newly minted OS. In addition to fully supporting Lion features like Spotlight, though, it makes Windows look more like, well, a Mac. The software includes improved support for Expose and Spaces on the Windows side, and adds the ability to use Mission Control and launch Windows apps from Launchpad. Additionally, you can run Lion as a virtual machine within Snow Leopard and VMware makes vague claims about improved performance, 3D graphics and resource-hogging. It'll cost $50 through the end of the year, with the price jumping up to $80 in January. Fittingly enough, VMware picked up on the fact that Apple's moving away from optical drives, and instead chose to ship the software with a USB drive (you can also download it and do the whole drag-and-drop installation thing). Oh, and if you bought the last-gen version of the software on July 20th or later, you'll get the new version gratis. Lots of screen shots below, and full PR after the break. VMWare Fusion 4 Show full PR text VMware launches VMware Fusion® 4 – The Best Way to Run Windows on a Mac Just Got Better PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 - VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW), the global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, today announced VMware Fusion® 4 – the best way to run Windows on a Mac. Available now at VMware.com for a promotional price of $49.99, VMware Fusion 4 makes it easier than ever for users to run Windows applications with Mac simplicity. "Enhancements to VMware Fusion® 4 make it a breeze to run Windows and Mac Applications side by side on a Mac," said Pat Lee, director, client product management, VMware. "Offering full integration into Apple OS X Lion, VMware Fusion 4 builds on our proven, award winning platform to provide an easy, fast and reliable way to run Windows applications on a Mac." With more than 90 new features and now optimized for today's multi-core Macs and OS X Lion, key features in VMware Fusion 4 include: - Built for OS X Lion – VMware Fusion 4 is designed to provide the best Windows experience on OS X Lion. Add Windows programs to Launchpad, experience them in Mission Control, view them in full screen or switch between them using Mac gestures. · Better Performance and Faster Graphics – VMware Fusion 4 has been engineered to run Windows and Mac applications side-by-side with incredible speed and reliability. As a 64-bit Cocoa application, it is optimized for today's multi-core Macs and delivers 3D graphics up to 2.5-times faster. - Even More "Mac-like" Experience – VMware Fusion 4 enhances the way Windows programs run on a Mac. From the brand new settings menu to the redesigned virtual machine library and snapshot menu, users have even more Mac-like experiences when running Windows programs. - Lion Squared – VMware Fusion 4 now supports OS X Lion in a virtual machine, allowing users to get more from their Mac by running OS X Lion, OS X Lion Server, Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server and Mac OS X Leopard Server in virtual machines. Switching Made Easy VMware Fusion's migration assistant for Windows makes it easier than ever for users to transfer their entire PC to a Mac, allowing them to make the most of their existing Windows software investment. With VMware Fusion 4 users can get the best of both worlds and have access to Windows programs and files from their PC directly on their Mac, whenever they need them. Availability and Pricing VMware Fusion® 4 is available until the end of the year for a promotional price of only $49.99. The suggested retail price for VMware Fusion 4 is $79.99. Customers who have purchased VMware Fusion 3 on or after the July 20, 2011 are eligible for an electronic upgrade to VMware Fusion 4 at no additional cost. Volume pricing for corporate users is available from select resellers and www.vmware.com/fusion. VMware Fusion 4 is available immediately for download and purchase from vmware.com. VMware Fusion box products will be available at key resellers including Apple, Apple.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics and many other stores in the coming days. VMware Fusion is available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Japanese. Additional Resources Learn more about VMware Fusion on the VMware Fusion Blog

Netgear unveils NeoTV Streaming Player, takes another shot at the smart TV market Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:00 AM PDT Looks like Netgear is taking what it learned from licensing Roku's tech last year and streamlining its connected TV offerings. With the NeoTV Streaming Player the company is striking out on its own once again and delivering the usual lineup of streaming media (Netflix, YouTube, Vudu, Revision3, Pandora, etc...). On the hardware side you're looking at a glossy black box with a 300Mbps WiFi radio, Ethernet, optical audio out and, of course, HDMI. The NeoTV is available for pre-order now and will start shipping towards the end of the month for $80. And once you get tired of rewatching every episode of Next Generation, you can play a few hands of Blackjack or check out this little thing you may have heard of called The Engadget Show. Full PR is after the break. Show full PR text Upgrade Your TV to a Smart TV Without Replacing It – Just Add NETGEAR NeoTV For just $79.99, the new NeoTV Streaming Player opens up a world of Internet entertainment with streaming movies, TV shows, music, videos, news clips and games from Netflix, Vudu, YouTube and many other sources SAN JOSE, Calif. – Sept. 14, 2011- NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today introduced the NETGEAR NeoTV™ Streaming Player (NTV200), which instantly turns any television with an HDMI port into a smart TV connected to a world of streaming movies, TV shows, music, videos, news and games from Netflix, Vudu, YouTube and many other sources, with more planned after launch. Available later this month for just $79.99, the NeoTV Player offers the best combination of content and features among streaming players priced under $100. It couldn't be easier – use the free NeoTV Remote app to turn your iPhone or Android smartphone into a remote control for the NeoTV Player to get fast access to thousands of movies and TV shows from Netflix, hundreds of 1080p HD new movie releases from Vudu and millions of short videos from YouTube. Additional NeoTV Player channels include Pandora, Napster, Picasa, blip.tv, Crunchyroll, Revision3 and many more. The NeoTV Player brings you a wide choice of news and information through channels such as The Economist, Engadget, Make Magazine, TED and TMZ; and connects you to friends through Facebook and Twitter channels. Vudu Apps, a companion to Vudu HD movies, offers a wide selection of free channels with videos, music, photo browsing, news, weather and social networking. When it's time to play, there's a collection of free casual games including Blackjack Royale, Rockswap Adventures and Texas Hold'em. As the leader in home networking, NETGEAR provides two easy ways to connect the NeoTV Player to the Internet – through built-in high-speed 300Mbps WiFi, perfect for delivering 1080p HD streaming, or through an Ethernet cable. The player also has optical audio out (S/PDIF) for high-quality surround sound. For those without a smart phone, the NeoTV Player comes with a regular remote control. ―There's no longer any reason to miss out on all the new entertainment choices streaming to homes through the Internet,‖ said Damir Skripic, Product Line Manager for Connected Entertainment at NETGEAR. ―The NETGEAR NeoTV Streaming Player is an easy, affordable way to transform the television you already own into a smart TV. Pricing and Availability The NETGEAR NeoTV Streaming Player (NTV200) will be available later in September in the United States at $79.99 and can be pre-ordered now from major retailers and online stores. More information To learn more about the NETGEAR NeoTV Streaming Player and where it can be purchased, please visit www.netgear.com/ntv. About NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high performance, dependable and easy to use home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of Big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail proven, whole home solutions for their customers. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in approximately 28,000 retail locations around the globe, and through more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at http://www.NETGEAR.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/NETGEAR. © 2011 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo and NeoTV are registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. NETGEAR shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. All rights reserved. Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary from maximum signal rates stipulated. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Some channels listed above require subscription or pay-per-view fees.

Netgear's N900 dual-band router hits 900Mbps top speed, pats itself on the back Posted: 14 Sep 2011 05:00 AM PDT Stopping just short of bundling its announcement with an "Eye of the Tiger" MP3, Netgear's rolling out the hyperbole carpet for its now available N900. Heralding it as "the most advanced wireless home router," the sleekly-designed $180 box packs six antennas for an extended WiFi range, and is capable of speeds up to 900Mbps -- that's with both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands delivering data at a full 450Mbps. Sure, TRENDnet's already called First! with its own 450Mbps concurrent dual-band device, but the real focus here is on the added extras. In addition to the two USB ports -- capable of 30% faster transfer rates -- Netgear's thrown in a suite of goodies, like its Genie network monitoring application, Live Parental Controls, printer sharing, video stream optimization, DLNA, gigabit wired ethernet, guest access, WPA and WPA2 security protocols, usage meter and, lastly, a shutoff timer. Clearly, this isn't your ordinary wireless router, and that's exactly the company's point. Click on past the break for the official presser. Show full PR text NETGEAR Sets the New Benchmark for Home WiFi Router Performance, Range and Functionality The new NETGEAR N900 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router delivers the fastest WiFi speed, at up to 900 megabits per second combined, along with maximum wireless range and premium features SAN JOSE, Calif. – September 14, 2011 - NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, is setting a new benchmark for speed, range and premium features in home wireless routers with the N900 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (model number: WNDR4500). The NETGEAR N900 router, available now, leaps ahead with up to 900 megabits per second of combined WiFi speed and greater WiFi range for maximum performance with even the most demanding tasks, such as wireless 3D and HD video streaming, multiplayer gaming and backing up big files. With up to 50 percent more speed in the 2.4 GHz band than the current generation of 750 Mbps routers, the NETGEAR N900 can support a full 450 Mbps in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The NETGEAR N900's six highly sensitive internal antennas, boosted by ultra-high-power radio amplifiers, provide more WiFi range – and more wireless speed at any given distance – than any other competing home router available today. Beyond speed and range, the NETGEAR N900 offers a long list of advanced features that make home networks more useful and easier to manage. There are two USB ports, for example, to simultaneously share a printer and a USB hard drive or flash drive across the home network. Saving and retrieving files through the network from a USB drive is up to 30 percent faster with the NETGEAR N900 than any router now on the market, thanks to a more powerful processor. Setting up the NETGEAR N900 is quick and easy. There's no CD required for installation, and the router can be configured through a browser on PCs, Macs, smartphones, the iPad and other tablets. Also bundled with the NETGEAR N900 WiFi router is the NETGEAR GenieTM, a free utility for PCs and Macs, that presents a simple dashboard for monitoring, controlling and repairing home networks; viewing devices connected to the router through a network map; and accessing many router features. NETGEAR Live Parental Controls on the NETGEAR N900 give parents a centralized, flexible and reliable way to establish what web sites their children visit and what times of day they can go online for all devices on the network, including Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets. Children and teenagers no longer need Mom and Dad looking over their shoulders, parents have peace of mind and – best of all – it comes absolutely free, with no subscription fee. Among the additional premium features of the NETGEAR N900 are: ReadySHARE® Printer – USB printers plugged into the NETGEAR N900 can be accessed by any computer linked to the home network. There's no need to buy a new printer with built-in WiFi to print wirelessly. Guest network access. Through the browser interface or the NETGEAR Genie utility, it's simple to set up a guest network, so visitors can go online without having to be given the home network password and without gaining access to computers, printers, storage drives and other home-network devices. DLNA. A USB hard drive plugged into the router becomes a powerful DLNA media server for sharing entertainment content stored on the drive – such as video, music and photos – to DLNA-certified, Internet-ready consumer electronic devices including televisions, Blu-rayTM players and game consoles. Advanced Quality of Service. By prioritizing video streams over other home network traffic, advanced Quality of Service (QoS) provides the best possible viewing experience for online video. Gigabit wired Ethernet. There are four high-speed gigabit Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connections. Security. The router supports WPA and WPA2 protocols for WiFi, has double firewall (SPI and NAT) protection against Internet threats, and provides Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention. Scheduled WiFi off. To conserve power, the WiFi radios inside the N900 can be turned off on a custom schedule. In an office setting, for example, WiFi could be turned off automatically during weekends. Access Point mode. Through the browser interface, the N900 can be set to function as a WiFi access point, which can be connected to any router. This allows the N900 to connect to a gateway from an Internet service provider, for example, to expand household WiFi coverage and significantly increase home network speed among networked devices. Usage meter. Monitors Internet data consumption and can send customized alerts when usage is close to monthly bandwidth limits, avoiding costly overage fees for those with metered service plans. "NETGEAR is very proud to introduce the world's most advanced wireless home router," said Sandeep Harpalani, Senior Product Line Manager for Wireless Networking at NETGEAR. "The NETGEAR N900 stands alone in delivering ultimate wireless speed, range and premium features, while the router's easy-to-use browser-based installation and NETGEAR Genie will help even the most non-technical users explore and enjoy all the possibilities of a modern home network." Pricing and Availability The NETGEAR N900 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (WNDR4500) is available now in the United States at $179.99 and will be available worldwide this winter. More information To learn more about the NETGEAR N900 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router, please visit http://www.netgear.com/ultimatewifi.

Panasonic G-series lenses get firmware update, performance boosts aplenty Posted: 14 Sep 2011 04:34 AM PDT Jonesin' to shoot some radder-than-usual HD video with that Lumix G-series lens? You're in luck. Panasonic released a firmware update for the family of lenses that gives them a needed level-up -- bringing 'em to version 1.1 -- to shoot higher quality video. Added features include enhanced tracking focus for videos, silent auto focus, improved stability for the optical image stabilizer and exposure control. The update applies to seven slabs of metal and glass, and every single unit in the 2011 line is also covered. Hit the source if you're ready to update, but don't expect that 720p ceiling to magically raise to 1080p -- it's just a poor attempt at marketing genius. Show full PR text Panasonic expands HD lens line-up with firmware update for LUMIX G series interchangeable lenses SECAUCUS, NJ (September 13, 2011) – Today, Panasonic announces the availability of a new firmware that enables seven of its LUMIX G Series interchangeable lenses to be HD lenses, meaning they can shoot exceptional HD video. Specifically these HD lenses excel in tracking focus in video recording while offering silent auto focus and exposure control. In addition, there is enhanced stability of O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) in video recording. Panasonic's LUMIX G Series of lenses are compatible with the company's line of Compact System Cameras, including the 2011 line-up of the LUMIX GF3, LUMIX GF2, LUMIX GH2 and LUMIX G3. The new 1.1 firmware, available at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/, enhances the following seven LUMIX G Series lenses: (1) LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. (H-H014) (2) LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) (3) LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 (H-F008) (4) LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) (5) LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm / F4.0 ASPH. (H-F007014) (6) LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014045) (7) LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS045200) The lens (1)-(4) offers more comfortable HD video recording by improving the video recording performance with the firmware update. Firmware Update Program Version 1.1 -Enhanced stability of O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabiliser) in video recording. -Reduced sound of auto focusing in video recording The firmware programs is available at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

ZiiLabs unleashes Jaguar3 super slim slate reference design Posted: 14 Sep 2011 03:46 AM PDT ZiiLabs' first foray into the tablet market, the ZiiO series, didn't exactly get our gadget senses tingling, but that hasn't stopped the company from churning out reference designs for OEMs looking to cash in on the tablet craze. The latest in its line of Jaguar designs is the Jaguar3, a 10.1-inch tablet packing the company's 1.5GHz dual-core ZMS-20 or quad-core ZMS-40 SoC and both front (of unknown resolution) and rear facing cameras (up to 12 megapixels). Sporting a magnesium case with a svelte 8.1mm or 7.4mm-thin profile depending on your preference and pocketbook, it packs a 1200 x 800 capacitive multitouch display running Android 3.2. In addition to the menu of hardware options, ZiiLabs is offering audio upgrades courtesy of Creative's Sound Blaster technology, plus custom software for HDR support and panoramic picture-taking. That's quite an impressive menu of options for you OEMs to choose from, now let's get some of these things to market, shall we? PR's after the break. Show full PR text ZIILABS UNVEILS THE MOST POWERFUL, 3RD GENERATION JAGUAR3 ANDROID TABLET REFERENCE DESIGNS Ultra-slim and Ultra-lightweight Android 3.2 10" Reference Tablets Powered by ZiiLABS StemCell ZMS Processors and Designed by Creative SINGAPORE - 13 September 2011 - ZiiLABS, a pioneering media processor and platforms company (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd), today introduced its JAGUAR3, the most powerful 3rd Generation Android 3.2 tablet series. JAGUAR3 is a series of ultra-slim, ultra-lightweight and stylish 10.1" tablet reference designs targeted at the OEM markets. With over a decade of designing experience in portable mobile devices, Creative provided the ergonomic and sexy design of this series of JAGUAR3 tablets. JAGUAR3's superior performance, low power consumption and rich feature set comes from the dual-core 1.5GHz ARM Cortex-A9 based ZMS-20 StemCell Processors. ZMS-20 has another 48 StemCell Processing cores within, which effectively make it into a 50-core processor. These advanced GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) features easily make ZMS-20 the most powerful SoC (system-on-chip) available for tablets today. When OEM customers are ready to ship their JAGUAR3 tablets, they have the option to easily upgrade it to the next generation ZMS-40 SoC chip which sports a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 and 96 StemCell Processors. This 100-core 4th Generation tablet solution will be available to OEMs in the next quarter. The JAGUAR3 tablets can be made so slim and lightweight due to the massive integration of I/O devices and processors within the ZMS-20 and ZMS-40 chips and also the patent-pending power management technologies invented by ZiiLABS. This allows all the components to be compacted into a "granddaughter-board" - a micro-size motherboard measuring only 2.44" x 4.64", with performances that can rival most laptops and yet consuming only about 1 watt of power. ZiiLABS has amassed over 25 years of experience in 3D graphics, GPU and SoC designs. Under its previous name of 3DLABS, ZiiLABS was the first to introduce the highly advanced and highly prized 3D graphics chip technologies to the PC market in the early '90s. Leveraging on these extensive chip design skills, methodologies, patents and technologies, ZiiLABS is now able to bring these phenomenal technologies with outstanding performance to the tablet market at a miniscule fraction of what they used to cost. The JAGUAR3 tablet reference designs are far more than the "Reference Design Kits" used in the chip industry. They are a set of comprehensive and complete ready-to-go, quick-to-market Reference Design Kits - from chip, hardware, OS, firmware, software, to IDs (industrial designs) and mechanical designs. They come in different "flavors" to allow OEM customers a variety of choices - from ID, price, performance, weight, thickness and all the way to outright sexiness. All these choices are offered without the OEM having to bear huge R&D costs, exorbitant NRE charges and agonizing design cycle delays. "The explosive tablet market is pure ruthless in every sense. Even a slight delay in a fast-track 6-month design cycle can be lethal. This is a whole new ballgame where only the fastest can survive," said Sim Wong Hoo, Chairman and CEO of Creative Technology Ltd. "JAGUAR3 allows OEMs to enter this huge explosive market instantly and economically while reducing the risk significantly. It breaks new ground as the most powerful, the lightest, the slimmest, the most complete and lowest cost Android 3.2 tablet reference designs on the market, enabling OEMs to easily ride the wave of the next generation of Android computing." "If you look into the future of computing through our JAGUAR3 'granddaughter-board', you will realize that the PCs today will look more and more like mainframe computers of yesteryear. With the performance provided by JAGUAR3, tablets will be the mainstream computing devices of tomorrow. "With the great low cost of our JAGUAR3 reference designs, our partners can manufacture tablets for as low as $100, opening up a world of possibilities in areas such as China's educational market, where resources can be limited and demand for sophisticated learning tools is high. The low cost tablet for China's education market is almost captive as it was the Chinese government's goal since 2007 to provide free textbooks to all school kids in China. Over the past two decades, we have made a huge investment in technology and content in China, where an example can be set for the rest of the world on how a low-cost, high-performance tablet can represent an awe-inspiring learning platform that saves money, saves the environment and enriches the lives of future generations," added Sim. Dr. Li Hui Qin, President of Creative Knowledge China, who was one of the handful of early pioneers in Chinese computing research said, "Leveraging on our 20 years of experience in Chinese platforms for PCs, we are developing a Chinese platform for Android 3.x and above. This platform will include application suites like eSchoolBag (电子书包) and Digital Briefcase (数字公文包), designed uniquely for China's education and business markets respectively." "Over the years, Creative Knowledge has developed many highly acclaimed Chinese software and content. Currently, we are actively working with the Chinese educational authorities, textbook publishers and schools in developing their Digital Textbooks and Digital Interactive Classrooms. We are targeting over 200 million kids that will rush to embrace this exciting new medium. As all textbooks are becoming free under China's compulsory education system, the authorities will be very motivated to replace them with lower cost tablets. If Creative and ZiiLABS can help to deliver great tablets at low cost, it will profoundly change the fundamentals of the Chinese education system for generations to come," added Dr Li. "The JAGUAR3 continues our strategy to deliver groundbreaking platforms that enable our partners to differentiate and win market share in the exciting tablet space," said Hock Leow, President of ZiiLABS. "We are experiencing phenomenal take-up of the platform across a wide range of markets from traditional consumer segments to high-volume verticals in business and education. The educational market in China is just one vertical market that has significant volume potential, and we are excited to unveil the JAGUAR3 as a feature-rich, ready-to-market solution that can be quickly and easily implemented in other markets as well." With a stylish magnesium case, weighing less than 480g and an ultra-thin 8.1 mm design, the higher end JAGUAR3 solution delivers a vibrant 10.1 inch tablet of 1280 by 800 pixel resolution at 176 pixels per inch, 16.7 million colors, a full viewing angle and a capacitive multi-touch screen experience. At a slightly higher mechanical cost, JAGUAR3 can easily support a super sexy "razor-slim" design of only 7.4 mm. Depending on the battery used, over 10 hours of video playback and web browsing is still possible with such slim designs. The higher end JAGUAR3 also supports: A dual camera system of up to 12 Megapixel for rear facing image capture and HD for front facing Complementing the standard Android offering, a rich suite of software is added to exploit the massive computing power of the ZMS processor, including: Support for High Dynamic Range images Easy-to-use 40 Megapixel panoramic photography ZiiPhoto with intelligent photo browsing and real-time 3D photo effects Advanced video playback with trick modes (such as rewind play, frame-by-frame advance and reverse) Dual microphone array for noise-free recording and video conferencing, and Creative Sound Blaster's famed X-Fi audio effects The ZMS-20 array of 48 StemCell Processors delivers an unprecedented 1080p High-Profile H.264 and VP8 video playback, immersive OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics, HDMI 1.4 output with mirroring and a fully independent dual-screen display (one for the tablet LCD and a different one for the large external HDMI display), Adobe Flash 10.x acceleration and OpenCL programmability. The ZMS-40 with its 96 StemCell Processors can easily double all these benchmarks and provide flexibility to power and accelerate future Android iterations. Availability and Specifications The ZiiLABS JAGUAR3 Reference Design Kits are expected to sample to select customers in October 2011. Full specifications are available at www.ziilabs.com

HTC Sensation XE gets official, packing 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and Beats Audio Posted: 14 Sep 2011 02:55 AM PDT The rumors can be laid to rest, because HTC has officially announced its Sensation XE handset, replete with some upgraded specs and Beats Audio. Powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, this Android device features a 4.3-inch touchscreen with qHD (540 X 960) resolution and boasts a larger 1730mAh battery that promises prolonged run times. As the first smartphone produced under HTC's partnership with Beats Audio, this special edition Sensation also ships with a special pair of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, along with an 8GB or 16GB microSD card and remote control that allows users to flip through tracks of take calls without ever reaching inside their pockets. Once these headphones are plugged in, the phone will automatically activate a Beats-optimized sound profile that, according to HTC, will deliver fuller bass, sharper vocals and broader range. The Sensation XE is slated to launch in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East sometime this month, though price and a possible North America launch date remain unclear. Scurry past the break for more details in the full press release, along with an extra shot of Dre's in-ear headphones. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Show full PR text HTC AND BEATS INTRODUCE NEW HTC SENSATION XE™, THE FIRST PHONE WITH INTEGRATED BEATS AUDIO™ New 1.5 GHz dual core processor and longer battery life extend the HTC Sensation XE's sophistication and overall experience. TAOYUAN, TAIWAN – September 14, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile devices, today unveiled the new HTC Sensation XE – the first in a new line of HTC smartphones to feature Beats Audio technology to deliver studio quality audio. Taking HTC's flagship handset to a new level of high fidelity audio, the HTC Sensation XE offers consumers the ultimate multimedia experience, setting a new standard for audio quality in the mobile market. In addition, the HTC Sensation XE boosts performance and battery life even further with the addition of a blazing fast 1.5GHz dual core processor and an extended battery that enables you to listen, watch, speak and browse for even longer. "Audio is a crucial part of any consumer's mobile experience and we are continually pushing the audio boundaries to encompass not only improved voice but music, movies and games," said Jason Mackenzie, president of global sales and marketing, HTC Corporation. "The HTC Sensation XE offers a truly incredible experience that demonstrates our commitment to place consumers at the center of their mobile worlds." The ultimate audio experience The HTC Sensation XE is the first handset to offer a Beats Audio experience - a combination of software & hardware that allows you to hear music the way the artist intended. When used with the exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones, the handset automatically switches to the bespoke Beats by Dr. Dre sound profile, delivering audio tracks tuned specifically for the headphones. Whether you are using any of the many music services available in the Android market you will notice fuller bass and crisper vocals and a new level of clarity and range offering audio the way the artist intended it to be heard. Beats Headphones The HTC Sensation XE also ships with a microSD card (8GB/16GB) allowing you to carry thousands of songs. The exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones feature a remote control, allowing you to pause, play or skip through tracks and answer/end calls while the phone is in your pocket. Availability HTC Sensation XE will be available across EMEA and Asia Pacific from late September

Audi's electric Urban Concept says that less is more, really means it Posted: 14 Sep 2011 02:31 AM PDT You don't have to by an exotic, race-bred sportscar to get something made of carbon fiber with exposed suspension and racy looks. Thanks to Audi, you can actually go quite far to the opposite end of the spectrum. Meet the Urban Concept, a little guy with a big heart and just two seats -- offset slightly to give both driver and passenger maximum shoulder space in a decidedly slender chassis. With just 20 horsepower on tap it will hardly light your world afire, but weighing only 480kg (just over 1,000 pounds) and featuring a racy pushrod suspension, it should be quite the corner-carver. Power comes from a 7.1kWh battery pack that's inductively charged, meaning no need to plug in at the end of the day. A 45 mile radius means you won't be getting far out of town, but Audi did call this the Urban Concept, after all. (Presumably a future "Suburban Concept" would ship with bigger batteries.) Audi crafted both Sportback (with roof) and Spyder (without) versions but didn't say when -- or more importantly if -- either version will ever see production. Audi Urban Concept Show full PR text Radical pair of all-electric technology studies offer a glimpse into the potential future of urban mobility Audi urban concept study – in both Sportback and Spyder forms – unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show Sleek 1+1 seat cockpit made from CFRP, free-standing wheels with protective plates Elaborate suspension design, compact electric drive system for sporty performance The Spyder version has one low, continuous window and doors that open diagonally upwards Ingolstadt, September 13, 2011 – Audi is breaking new ground with its urban concept technology study, a 1+1 vehicle for city driving. The electric-powered show car has four wheels, but does not fit into any current automobile category. Weighing just 480 kilograms, the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racecar, a roadster, a fun car and a city car into a radical new concept. It has the potential to set the trend for a new form of mobility. Concept The question "How much car is necessary to deliver driving pleasure and urban mobility in an entirely new way?" was the starting point for the Audi urban concept. A model of a glider was kept in the studio during the development process as an example of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction – of the principle of 'less is more.' The result is a vehicle that defies pigeonholing; a vehicle that redefines the term 'driving pleasure' and is completely free from the baggage of conventional concepts. The design of the Audi urban concept concentrates on the pure essence and freedom of driving in a premium form. At the same time, it offers the comfort and safety of a closed automobile, an important advantage over a motorised scooter. With its sleek body and free-standing wheels, the technology study is progressive and dramatic while being extremely agile and comfortable. The cabin of the Audi urban concept offers slightly offset seating for two. The roof slides back to allow the driver and passenger in. This innovative solution makes the Audi urban concept even more fun to drive because the canopy can be left open in good weather. It also allows the cabin to be aired out very quickly. The fit and finish of the show car is characterised by the usual Audi attention to detail, while its technology is indicative of the brand's wide-ranging expertise, particularly in ultra-lightweight construction. The brand with the four rings has created an entirely new class of premium vehicle with the Audi urban concept, which now marks a new entry point to its future array of electric vehicles, which includes the range-topping R8 e-tron high-performance sports car. The technology study is targeted at people who are interested in technology and are enthusiastic about new approaches to mobility, irrespective of their age and status. In particular, it appeals to urban drivers whose lifestyles embrace the car's modern concept and the driving pleasure associated with it. The urban concept is also a good fit for a possible innovative leasing system. Exterior design The Audi urban concept features an all-new design that evokes design parallels with the Auto Union racecars of the 1930s. They were well ahead of their time conceptually: they were extremely lightweight and their engines were mounted in the rear. Their large, open wheels also stood out from the chassis – another parallel with the modern show car. Painted in Electric White, pearl effect paint, today's technology study – 3,219 millimetres (126.73 in) long, 1,678 millimetres (66.06 in) wide, but just 1,189 millimetres (46.81 in) high – has a body on which all the lines surge forward. The greenhouse is extremely flat, and the roofline drops down like a wedge while the side window rises upward. The typical Audi tornado line gives the urban concept a strong shoulder. An upright, forward-leaning blade in front of the rear wheel accentuates the side view. The Speed Red contour line gives the appearance of a roll bar and evokes the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. The flanks of the body flare outward toward the bottom to enlarge the floor. This serves two purposes: It generates downforce at higher speeds and it can be used to charge the battery via induction – a particularly convenient way of recharging the battery. The characteristic Audi single-frame grille, which sports the four rings, appears as a closed surface on the Audi urban concept. It tilts forward to provide access to the charging socket. The narrow LED headlights project three-dimensionally from the body. The indicator signals are LED strips running along the wings. These closely encircle the free-standing wheels, and the front wings turn with the wheels when steering. The three-dimensional rear lights with the tail light and brake light are integrated into the vehicle body and wrap around the top of the rear window. At the back of the car is a small luggage compartment that pulls out like a drawer. The front segment of the greenhouse is movable – another innovative idea that is unique to the Audi urban concept. Mounted on rails, it can be slid back by hand over the fixed rear segment. The driver can decide whether to close the canopy or leave it open. The technology study is a roadster-on-demand that has neither roll-down windows nor a heavy air conditioning system. When closed, the canopy provides protection against inclement weather. Audi has also developed a second body variant as an alternative to the urban concept: a Spyder with a flat window strip wrapping around the cockpit and doors that open upward at an angle. Interior Entry to the Audi urban concept is possible when the canopy has been slid backwards. The driver and passenger step over the edge of the vehicle as if they were stepping into the bathtub – there are no doors. This does not require any great flexibility; a handle on the windshield frame and special cutouts on the seats make entry simple. The show car offers room for two. The driver and passenger sit next to one another, with the right seat offset to the rear by 30 centimetres (11.81 in) to provide more shoulder and elbow room. The seats are fixed, integral components of the monocoque, which results in significant weight savings. The seats are upholstered with materials that have been made to the measurements of the driver, just like in a racecar. The seat belts run through cut-outs in the seat backs. Sitting in the Audi urban concept is like sitting in the cockpit of an aeroplane. The seating position is very sporty. The driver can precisely adjust the positions of the aluminium pedals and the steering column. The pedals can be moved a total of 22 centimetres (8.66 in), while the steering column can be moved 14 centimetres (5.51 in) for easier entry and an additional six centimetres (2.36 in) for a custom driving position. The steering column is exposed – a thick, elegantly designed section, open in the centre and mounted almost horizontally. At the far end of the steering column is a display of the most important driving information. The small, hexagonal steering wheel includes buttons and roller switches for controlling various systems, including the Audi drive select modes for the electric drive system. The entire interior of the technology study is designed to meet the strict dictates of ultra-lightweight construction. Running below the windscreen across the entire cabin is a wing-shaped section that is open in the middle. This new style of dashboard includes satellite controls for the heater and two large air vents. Rather than carpeting, an innovative mat covers parts of the floor. This is made from a material originally developed for athletic shoes that is water repellent and very durable. The seats are covered with cloth, with the edges framed in kangaroo leather. Aluminium applications accentuate elements on the dashboard. Technology The outer skin of the show car is made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP); the occupant cell is a mix of CFRP monocoque and an aluminium structure. This ultra-lightweight construction is the foundation for the technology study's extremely low kerb weight of just 480 kilograms. The sophisticated chassis underscores the distinctively sporty personality of the Audi urban concept. Wishbones made from a combination of aluminium and CFRP locate the free-standing, 21-inch wheels. Manufactured using cladding technology, the wheels are very light and feature a variant of the blade design from the Audi e-tron models. The tyre sizes are as unusual as the car – 125/60 at the front and 145/50 at the rear. The Audi urban concept uses pushrod technology borrowed from motorsport. As in a racecar, the struts mounted in the interior of the monocoque are nearly horizontal. Four disc brakes provide the stopping power. The turning circle measures less than nine metres – ideal for a city car. Thanks to the vehicle's low weight, the rack-and-pinion steering does not require any power assistance. Crumple zones in the front and rear plus two airbags offer for a high degree of passive safety. An innovative assistance system helps the driver to avoid collisions with pedestrians. The battery is mounted transversely behind the seats. The lithium-ion battery, which weighs around 90 kilograms, stores 7.1 kWh of usable energy. The study's two electric motors together produce 15 kW (20 PS) of continuous power and 47 Nm (34.67 lb-ft) of torque. The motors are mounted between the rear wheels, which they drive via a single-speed transmission. The Audi urban concept accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 16.9 seconds. It reaches 37mph in around six seconds. The show car steps off from traffic lights smartly thanks to the torque of the electric motors, which is fully available from standstill. Top speed is governed at 62mph. The action radius in the European driving cycle is just over 45 miles. The battery recharges completely in about 20 minutes with 400-volt, three-phase current, and in approximately one hour with 230-volt household current. Audi Wireless Charging Audi is developing an alternative to charging at a power outlet – Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) is contactless induction charging. The infrastructure side, comprising a coil and an inverter (AC/AC converter), could be built into the normal parking space of the Audi urban concept and connected to the power grid. The 3.6 kW primary coil set into the plate generates a high-frequency alternating field. The charging process begins automatically when the urban concept is driven onto the plate. The alternating magnetic field of the infrastructure side induces an alternating current across the air gap in the secondary coil, which is integrated into the vehicle. This current is rectified and fed into the vehicle's electrical system, where it charges the battery or powers systems such as the heater. The alternating field is only generated if the vehicle is parked over the plate and so poses no danger to people or animals. Charging stops automatically when the battery is fully-charged, and can be interrupted by the driver at any time. The efficiency of AWC is comparable to that of other charging technologies. It is not affected by rain, snow or ice. The new technology makes charging electric vehicles easy and extremely convenient. A future version of the technology will be suitable for integration into the transportation infrastructure as a retrofit for car parks or residential streets, for example.

Google outbid itself by 33 percent in Motorola Mobility acquisition, SEC filing reveals Posted: 14 Sep 2011 01:45 AM PDT Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility is already starting to lose that new car smell, but a fresh batch of financial details has now emerged, providing deeper insight into how the deal actually went down. According to an SEC filing that Motorola Mobility released yesterday, Google made an initial offer of $30 per share on August 1st, but soon raised that bid to $37 per share on August 9th, after Moto and its advisers asked for $43.50. On that same day, Google again raised its offer to $40 per share, even though Motorola wasn't accepting bids from other firms, for fear that a public auction would jeopardize its sale. This 33 percent increase ultimately added some $3 billion to the pot, bringing the final price tag to $12.5 billion. A Mountain View spokeswoman declined to comment on the negotiations, though its aggressive bidding suggests that the search giant desperately wanted the deal to go through. The documents also reveal that patent-related issues were at the forefront of discussions from the very beginning, when Google's Senior Vice President Andy Rubin met with Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha to talk about their mutual concerns, way back in July. According to the Wall Street Journal, these talks eventually convinced Jha that his company would be better off under Google's stewardship, amid fears that Moto could get swallowed by the stormy seas of patent litigation -- anxieties that the exec made all too apparent just four days before the merger was announced. You can dig through the full SEC filing at the source link below.

Logitech unveils Wireless Headset, Boombox for tablets, smartphones and Radio Raheem Posted: 14 Sep 2011 01:00 AM PDT Logitech's family of iDevice-friendly accessories got a little larger today, with the addition of the new Wireless Headset and Wireless Boombox. The former (pictured above) allows users to roam up to 33 feet away from their iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch or Bluetooth devices, features a noise-canceling microphone and offers up to six hours of battery life. The boombox, meanwhile, seems to share much of its DNA with that S715i portable audio dock we got our hands on last year. Aside from its similar design (image after the break), Logitech's Bluetooth-enabled system also features eight custom designed drivers (including, like its cousin, a pair of neodymium 3-inchers), boasts a rechargeable battery with six hours of endurance and can function at up to 33 feet away from any iDevice. The headset will be available sometime this month for $70, with the boombox hitting the market in October for $180. For more details, check out the full PR after the break. Show full PR text Logitech Expands Lineup of Accessories for Smartphones and Tablets New Products Help You Get the Most Out of Your Entertainment Experience FREMONT, Calif. - Sept. 14, 2011 - Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today unveiled two new accessories that enhance your tablet or smartphone entertainment experience: the Logitech® Wireless Headset and the Logitech® Wireless Boombox. These latest additions to Logitech's lineup of tablet-focused accessories let you extend the entertainment experience you love on your tablet, throughout your home and on the go. "Consumers are at the heart of all the tablet and mobile accessories we're creating," said Azmat Ali, Logitech vice president of mobile and tablet products. "We know people love their iPads and Android tablets. One of the things they do most is use them to enjoy entertainment content – whether that's watching a movie on Netflix, sharing music, or listening to an audio book on the go. Our lineup of accessories has an option for everyone that can make entertainment even more enjoyable." Highlights of these new accessories include: Logitech Wireless Headset The Logitech Wireless Headset for iPad®, iPhone®, iPod® Touch and other Bluetooth® devices lets you roam freely without the hassle of cords so you can immerse yourself in music, videos, games and calls. The headset's laser-tuned drivers produce rich stereo sound while minimizing distortion. Whether you're all about FaceTime® or phone calls are more your speed, you'll be heard clearly thanks to the noise-canceling microphone that reduces background noise. A six-hour rechargeable battery (depending on conditions and usage) lets you listen and chat longer – whether you're hanging at home or you're on the move. Logitech Wireless Boombox Use your smartphone or tablet as a touch screen player and remote control to wirelessly stream stereo audio. Built for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, the Logitech Wireless Boombox lets you place your speaker wherever you want – up to 33 feet (10 meters) away from your device, depending on use, settings and environmental conditions. Listen for up to six hours straight (depending on conditions and usage) on the rechargeable battery. Eight custom-designed drivers separate sound frequencies, so you hear crisp, clear high notes, a rich, full mid range and deep powerful bass. Pricing and Availability The Logitech Wireless Headset is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in September, for a suggested retail price of $69.99. The Logitech Wireless Boombox is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in September, for a suggested retail price of $179.99. Visit our blog or website for more information.

Sony shows off PlayStation Vita's initial setup process and user interface (video) Posted: 14 Sep 2011 12:11 AM PDT While we're still months away from seeing the PlayStation Vita show up in the stores, Sony continues to tease us with more live demonstrations here at the SCEJ press conference -- what we saw just now was a quick walkthrough of the initial setup procedure, and our first look at the interface in action. Setup is simple and predictable: select your region, create or log into your PSN account, enter your birthday -- pretty standard for today's handheld gaming devices. The UI itself looks primed to make smartphone users feel right at home, spreading a cloud of large, friendly app icons across the Vita's five-inch touchscreen. Our hosts skipped through a few media applications, showing off a pair of movie trailers and concurrently running the device's music player and photo viewer. We didn't see it live today, but Sony suggested that cross-app multitasking is compatible with games as well, stating that a player could hop out of a game session, pop-into a Twitter app, and then jump right back into the game. We'll give you a more detailed account once we've hit the TGS show-floor. Can't wait? Peek our gallery below, or see Sony's live demo above. PlayStation Vita user interface

Ultrabooks invade IDF 2011, Toshiba Portege Z830 makes cameo (video) Posted: 13 Sep 2011 11:50 PM PDT While we've already seen Ultrabooks from a bevy of brand name manufacturers -- Toshiba (which we caught on video below), Lenovo, ASUS and Acer -- ODMs are now joining the thin and light party here at IDF. There's one catch, however: this row of Ultrabooks from the likes of Pegatron, LG, Invetec and Foxconn aren't nearly as svelte as their branded counterparts, leading us to believe that Intel's specs aren't quite as rigorous as we'd originally thought. Video proof after the break. Myriam Joire contributed to this report. Ultrabook row at IDF 2011

Sony announces bucketload of PlayStation Vita launch games, teases PSP downloads for UMD lovers Posted: 13 Sep 2011 11:12 PM PDT Wondering how many games the PlayStation Vita will be launched with on December 17th? 26 is the answer, with 100 games in total to be released. Launch titles include Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, Power Smash 4, Fish On, Project N.O.E.L.S and more in the photo above. These will be followed by Metal Gear Solid HD Edition, Rayman Origins, FIFA, etc. If new titles aren't enough to whet your appetite, Sony announced that as many as 500 to 600 PSP titles will be available for download via the PlayStation Network, given that you're willing to re-purchase your last-gen favorites. Don't toss out your UMDs just yet though -- Sony said they are working on a solution to bring your old games to your new handheld, mentioning "special download plans" that they will discuss at a future point. We wouldn't hold our breath, but hit the break for a splash image featuring the full list of launch games you will be able to get -- good luck with the Japanese.

Sony PlayStation Vita debuts in Japan on December 17th, partnering with NTT DoCoMo for 3G (updated) Posted: 13 Sep 2011 09:25 PM PDT Sony's just announced in Tokyo that the PlayStation Vita will debut in Japan on December 17th, and it'll partner with NTT DoCoMo for the console's prepaid 3G service. Customers will have two choices of connection here: 980 yen ($13) for 20 hours, and 4,980 yen ($65) for 100 hours -- see press release after the break. Alas, the rest of the world will still have to wait until 2012, but you'll know more concrete dates as soon as we do. For now, head over to our sister site Joystiq for the SCEJ press conference liveblog. Update: Capcom's Yoshinori Ono came on stage to mention that Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 would launch simultaneously with the console. Square Enix also announced that the PS2's Final Fantasy X will be remastered for the PS Vita, and it'll be in PS3-like quality; sadly, there was no date nor demonstration. Update 2: The first 500 units sold will come with 100 hours of prepaid 3G connectivity. Want in? Pre-orders open on October 15th. Update 3: We now have a video demonstration of the Vita's interface. Enjoy! Sony PlayStation Vita Show full PR text DOCOMO to Introduce Two Prepaid Data Billing Plans TOKYO, JAPAN, September 14, 2011 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. today announced it will introduce two prepaid billing plans, "Prepaid Data Plan 20h" and "Prepaid Data Plan 100h," for 3G data communication in Japan this coming December. The plans will first be implemented for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s next generation portable entertainment system, "PlayStation®Vita (3G/Wi-Fi model)," which will be launched in Japan, on December 17. Prepaid Data Plan 20h will cost 980 yen (incl. tax) for 20 hours of access to the DOCOMO 3G network (max. 128 Kbps downlink / 64 Kbps uplink) over a 30-day period. Prepaid Data Plan 100h will cost 4,980 yen (incl. tax) for 103 hours of network access (max. 128 Kbps downlink / 64 Kbps uplink) over a 180-day period, which includes three hours of access at max. speeds of 14 Mbps downlink and 5.7 Mbps uplink in FOMA™ HIGH-SPEED areas of the DOCOMO 3G network. To begin using either plan, or to resume using prepaid billing after allowing either plan to expire, a fee of 2,100 yen will be charged for issuing a new DOCOMO UIM card. In the case of PlayStation®Vita (3G/Wi-Fi model), however, this fee will be waived for first-time users and a DOCOMO UIM card will be preinstalled in the system, as a special campaign from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Renewal must be carried out within 44 days (30 days of service use, plus 14 additional days) for Prepaid Data Plan 20h, or 194 days (180 days of service use, plus 14 additional days) for Prepaid Data Plan 100h. If the user's plan is not renewed within this period and is allowed to expire, resumption of prepaid service at a later date will require the issuance of a new UIM card for a fee of 2,100 yen. DOCOMO will launch a special website where users can subscribe to, renew or change their plans, as well as check their remaining access time and days.

Kensington trots out universal tablet case, BunjeeAir Power for finding your misplaced iPhone Posted: 13 Sep 2011 09:01 PM PDT In addition to that three-piece armor case that chains your iPad to a hotel desk, Kensington quietly added three other products to its lineup -- a motley collection running the gamut from a universal tablet case to a doo-dad that vibrates when you're about to leave your iPhone at home. Starting with the doo-dad, BunjeeAir Power is a $100 accessory small enough to fit on a keychain, and pairs with a free iOS app and a special case (included in the bundle). If that sounds like a clumsy setup, keep in mind that Apple doesn't allow third-party accessories to lock the phone via Bluetooth, so Kensington worked around that by developing an accessory that plugs into the iPhone's 30-pin connector and communicates over a 2.4GHz wireless connection instead. So, once you've put the case on, the keychain will vibrate and beep once you get roughly 30 feet away from the phone, and it'll eventually lock the device remotely, too. As an added touch, the case packs a 1,500mAh battery and a slot 'round back of the case into which you can insert a credit card or hotel room key to fashion a makeshift kickstand. Too bad none of this will help you the next time you abandon your iPhone in the backseat of a cab. Moving along, the company announced the KeyFolio Pro, a case with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard and removable velcro corners that'll fit any 10-inch tablet. The case, which costs $100, also has a stylus holder and seven notches, allowing you to prop the tablet up at a 22- to 72-degree angle. Wrapping it up, there's Absolute Power, a $120, 100-watt brick with USB and micro-USB sockets that's meant to replace the adapter that came with your laptop. Finally, there's that pen you'll see in those hands-on shots -- an $18 stylus that doubles as a real, honest-to-goodness pen, topped off with a removable cap. Peek our hands-on shots below, along with the vid after the break -- you know, if watching befuddled actors discovering they've forgotten their iPhone is your idea of a rip-roaring time. Kensington BunjeeAir Power, Absolute Power and KeyFolio Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth Keyboard for 10" Tablets BunjeeAir Power, Absolute Power and KeyFolio Pro hands-on Show full PR text Kensington® Introduces AbsolutePower, the First Compact Charger of its Kind with Simultaneous Triple Charging Ability for Laptops, Smartphones and Tablets Unique All-in-One Design Offers Ultimate Power and Performance for Three Devices at Once, Including Top Selling Windows-Based Laptops, iPad, iPhone, and Many Other Mobile Devices Redwood Shores, Calif. September 14, 2011 - Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering smart. safe. simple.™ computing accessories for the mobile consumer, today announced the AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger, the first compact charger of its kind with simultaneous triple charging ability. The industrial strength charger offers 100W of power and is compatible with top selling Windows-based laptops, smartphones like the iPhone, BlackBerry Torch, Sony Experia, and more, as well as iPad and iPad 2, BlackBerry Playbook and Samsung Galaxy tablets. Mobile professionals can leave multiple chargers behind and no longer need to worry about making room for additional bulky batteries with AbsolutePower. It intelligently charges up to three devices at the same time and its light weight and small size make it easy to carry. Sitting on a desk, AbsolutePower only takes up 12% more space than an iPhone that it charges. Designed for convenience and nearly all mobile power needs, the product features a compact form factor with a scratch resistant exterior and aids in thermal cooling. AbsolutePower is not only a superior power supply; it's environmentally friendly as well. As the premium offering in the award winning Kensington Smart Power family of laptop adapters, it is physically packaged in recycled materials and built to help reduce a user's carbon footprint by providing energy efficiently. In addition, AbsolutePower is competitively priced, similar in cost to less capable mobile power adapters on the market today. Mobile professionals are relying on multiple computing devices for work and play more than ever. Global forecasts from Gartner indicate that year over year tablet growth for 2010 through 2011 is as much as 309%. An estimated 387 million laptop and 64 million tablet sales are expected in the year 2011 alone. AbsolutePower meets the rapidly increasing demand for superior accessories that are as easy to use and effective in performance as the laptops, smartphones, and tablets it works to empower. "AbsolutePower is a truly unique product that offers mobile professionals a huge convenience. It's powerful enough to charge three of the most often used mobile platforms today, all at the same time," said Peter Zan, Senior Global Product Manager at Kensington. "And because it's compact and light enough to easily fit in a briefcase or purse, it's the ideal companion to today's laptops, smartphones and tablets, so they always operate at peak performance-AbsolutePower's affordability and green design just add to its ingenuity." Introducing the Kensington AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger (K38080US; SRP $119.99) The Kensington AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger provides 100 watts of power to charge your laptop and two USB devices simultaneously--triple charging guaranteed*. A perfect secondary or replacement charger is the smallest, lightest, most powerful charger in its class**. It is compatible with top-selling laptops and the two built-in USB ports offer 2.1 Amp capability for charging tablets and smartphones***. Additional Features and Benefits - Smart power technology senses and delivers the amount of power needed to charge your laptop--no more, no less. - Smart tips are compatible with laptops from HP®, Compaq®, Dell®, Acer®, Toshiba®, Lenovo™, Samsung®, Sony®, Gateway® and ASUS® - Two built-in USB power ports offer the capability for charging iPad 1 or 2, BlackBerry Playbook, and Samsung Galaxy tablets and iPhone, HTC Nexus One or HD2, Samsung Wave, Nokia N8, Sony Experia, Motorola Milestone 2, LG Quantum or eXpo, and Blackberry Torch phones - Scratch resistant finish looks great under heavy use - Detachable cord saves space and makes it convenient for travel *Adapter can power a 100-watt laptop, or a 90-watt laptop and 10-watt mobile device. Guaranteed charging or your money back within 90 days of purchase. Visit warranty.kensington.com for more details. **Compared with similar in-class power adapters ***Includes micro USB to USB adapter Product Availability The Kensington AbsolutePower™ Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger will be available in October at Amazon.com, Kensington.com, and other etailers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com. Kensington Launches New KeyFolio™ Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth® Keyboard for 10" Tablets September 14, 2011 Kensington, a worldwide leader in delivering smart. safe. simple. ™ accessories is pleased to introduce a new edition to its celebrated family of KeyFolio keyboard cases, the Kensington KeyFolio™ Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth® Keyboard for 10" Tablets. The keyboard and case is compatible with 10" tablet computers manufactured by Acer®, Motorola®, Samsung® and more. The KeyFolio™ Pro Universal features a removable Bluetooth keyboard designed for tablet users to easily set up an ergonomic workstation on the go. Included StrongFit™ custom corners ensure that no matter what type of 10" tablet you use, you stay connected to the applications you need to get work done. Kensington also expands its popular collection of Virtuoso Styluses with the new Virtuoso™ Metro Stylus and Pen for Tablets. Capturing ideas on the go is easy with the Virtuoso Metro- it takes content creation to the next level and makes a perfect complement to apps for tablet users. Kensington KeyFolio™ Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth® Keyboard for 10" Tablets (K39383US ;SRP $99.99) Designed with Android tablets in mind the Kensington KeyFolio™ Pro Universal, with removable Bluetooth® keyboard is easy to setup and use with any 10" tablet. The removable touch-typist friendly keyboard provides optimal flexibility for ergonomic set-up on any flat surface. The seven position stand offers viewing angles from 70˚ to 22°. A professional black dual-textured case protects against damage, folds flat and secures with an elasticized band. And the simple to use StrongFit™ corners secure your tablet in place. Features include: - Adjustable stand with seven individual notched positions for 70˚ to 22˚ angles of viewing - High performance removable Bluetooth performance keyboard for personalized ergonomic set-up - Optimized for use with Android based tablets (such as: Samsung Galaxy, Motorola Xoom, Asus Eepad, and more) - Elasticized band secures case and holds flat when stored - Professional black dual textured case protects against damage and wear - Two sets of simple to use StrongFit™ corners provides secure and custom fit for large and small tablets See full specs at: http://www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/p/1615/K39383US Kensington Virtuoso™ Metro Stylus and Pen for Tablets (K39393US; SRP $17.99) Bring the creativity and accuracy of freehand to your tablet with the Virtuoso™ Metro Stylus and Pen. A convenient loop fits a Lanyard cord while the pen cap fits securely over the touch tip. The Virtuoso Metro allows you to create, annotate and capture your ideas with a smooth touch tip. And the built-in, spring action ballpoint pen offers a comfortable grip. Features include: - Cap fits securely over touch tip - Convenient loop for Lanyard cord - Create, annotate and capture your ideas with a smooth touch tip - Functions as both a tablet stylus and a spring action ballpoint pen - Full-size pen with a soft and comfortable grip - Soft tip glides smoothly across the tablet screen - Navigate with far greater accuracy - Refillable ink cartridge See full specs at: http://www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/p/1696/K39393US The Kensington KeyFolio™ Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth® Keyboard for 10" Tablets and Virtuoso™ Metro Stylus and Pen for Tablets will be available for pre-order at Kensington.com. Kensington® Extends its Leadership in Security to Smartphones; Innovative BungeeAir Keeps Phones and Content Secure 70 million Phones are Lost Annually; New BungeeAir™ Cases Protect Against Theft or Loss Redwood Shores, Calif. – September 14, 2011 - Kensington today introduced a groundbreaking new approach to mobile security, the BungeeAir™ wireless tether and case for iPhone. After evaluating the significant problem of phone theft or loss (reported at 30% or 70 million lost annually in the US alone ), Kensington extended its leadership in physical security -fusing hardware and software together to protect an iPhone. BungeeAir helps avoid the risk of losing the phone and its contents by protecting and securing it in a manner that is easy, portable, and stylish. Whether inadvertently left behind in a taxi or if fast hands attempt to take it away in a restaurant or office, BungeeAir quickly alerts the owner when a phone is at risk to provide a first line of defense against loss of the device or data. It takes only moments to forget or lose a mobile phone, but research shows that critical minutes can pass before an owner will notice. Startling statistics from a recent YouGov study show: - Men are more likely than women to notice their mobile phone missing in less than 15 minutes (40% men vs. 29% women) - 28% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 would notice their mobile phone missing within five minutes - Only 13% of respondents ages 55 or older would realize their mobile phone was missing within five minutes The first of what will be a family of products, the two new Kensington BungeeAir™ cases combine software and hardware to physically and digitally secure an iPhone. BungeeAir™ is a wireless tether for the iPhone comprised of a downloadable software application and a small remote fob, which can be attached to a key chain or carried in a pocket. The two components maintain an active wireless connection. Stretching the connection to its limit triggers an audible alert from the fob, and instantly activates password protection to secure the iPhone and prevent access to data or content. The BungeeAir fob, powered by two coin size batteries, has a battery life of up to six months-making the solution simple, effective and low maintenance. BungeeAir's digital tether can be adjusted by the user to sound the alert and trigger password protection at a short or long distance (an average of 50 feet depending on the environment) to be effective in a variety of environments. With the power of two-way communications between fob and installed software, the BungeeAir can also be used to locate a missing iPhone using the fob with a convenient "find me" feature. The BungeeAir™ Wireless Tether & Battery Case includes a 1500mAh battery built-into a slim protective case to provide hours of extended talk time, web surfing, FaceTime, video watching and more. Kensington's BungeeAir™ Wireless Tether Adapter & Case includes a 30-pin compatible adapter for the iPhone, the wireless tether fob, and a soft rubberized protective case for the iPhone 4. "BungeeAir represents what we mean by smart, safe, simple products," said Dan Torres, Senior Director of Global Product Management at Kensington. "The smart way to keep your iPhone safe is to simply keep it with you. With so much at stake if you lose your phone, Kensington wants to focus on preventing the loss from happening in the first place. BungeeAir is a muli-layered platform for iPhone, and is only the beginning of our plans to extend our leadership in digital security. Kensington pioneered the 'first line of defense' for physical laptop security and eventually we want to bring our customers that value for a variety of different mobile devices." Introducing the Kensington BungeeAir™ Wireless Security Tether & Cases Kensington BungeeAir™ Power Wireless Security Tether™ & Battery for iPhone (K39291US; SRP $99.99): BungeeAir™ is the essential 3-in-1 accessory for iPhone-wireless tether, case and battery. Just place the iPhone into the battery case and attach the BungeeAir Fob to your keys or purse and never lose or forget your iPhone again. When you and your phone are separated, the battery case sends a command the iPhone, instantly password locks the screen, and sends an alert to the BungeeAir Fob. A convenient app lets you customize security settings. Finding a misplaced iPhone is now easier than ever-one press of a button on the BungeeAir Fob rings the battery case on the iPhone. - Pocketable BungeeAir fob attaches to your keys or handbag - Free BungeeAir app gives you control of the wireless tether functionality and settings - Integrated battery case provides 4 additional hours of power to your iPhone 4 - Case has a built-in innovative stand slot to hold your iPhone 4 in landscape mode with any credit card - Charge and sync with battery case - Battery Capacity: 1500mAh - Wireless technology: 2.4 GHz Kensington BungeeAir™ Protect Wireless Security Tether for iPhone (K39386US; SRP $79.99): BungeeAir™ is the essential accessory for your iPhone with a wireless tether and case. Simply attach the BungeeAir adapter to your iPhone 30-pin connector to enable two-way communication and attach the BungeeAir fob to your keys or purse. When you and your phone are separated, the adapter sends a command the iPhone, instantly password locks the screen, and sends an alert to the BungeeAir fob. A convenient app lets you customize security settings and also find your misplaced keys and fob. The sleek, slim case protects the back and sides while allowing full access to all iPhone controls and headphone jack. - Pocketable BungeeAir fob attaches to your keys or handbag - Adapter attaches to iPhone 30-pin connector to enable two-way communication - Free BungeeAir app gives you control of the wireless tether functionality and settings - Sleek, slim case protects the back and sides of your iPhone - Charge and sync with adapter connected - Wireless technology: 2.4 GHz Product Availability The Kensington BungeeAir™ Power cases for iPhone is currently available exclusively at Amazon.com until October 5, 2011. BungeeAir Protect will be available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Kensington.com and other major resellers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com.

Kensington's SecureBack case is like The Club for iPads (video) Posted: 13 Sep 2011 09:01 PM PDT Kensington already came out and admitted that employees don't actually use the locks handed to them on their first day of work. And yet, it's betting folks will want to swaddle their iPads in a thick layer of plastic and chain them to their desks. That, in a nutshell, is the idea behind the SecureBack, an iPad 2 case that allows you to lock down the tablet, armor and all, just as you would a laptop. That beaut you see up there is a three-part affair, with two pieces of plastic that come together to cover the back and are held together by a sliding slat. That's just the case, mind, you -- to lock it down you'll also need one of Kensington's ClickSafe locks, which the company already makes for laptops. It's up for pre-order now, with a standard version fetching $50 and a souped-up one with a kickstand going for $70. If you don't already have a compatible lock, you can also buy one bundled with the case, with that extra hardware adding thirty bucks to the cost. Full PR and a demo video after the break because really, what's more hypnotic than watching a set of hands dissemble a case? Kensington SecureBack cases Kensington SecureBack cases (hands-on) Show full PR text Kensington Delivers the Next Level of Physical Security for iPad 2 Extends the ClickSafe™ Family of Security Products to Protect iPads™ In Public Environments Redwood Shores, Calif. – September 14, 2011 - Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide computing accessories provider for the mobile professional, today introduced a new line of ClickSafe® enabled security cases for the iPad 2. The new SecureBack™ Case uses Kensington's smart. safe. simple.™ ClickSafe® technology to secure the iPad and prevent device and data theft. The loss or theft of an iPad can result in severe consequences for users who rely on them-from lost productivity to replacement costs. The most serious compromise is the loss of sensitive personal and business data residing on iPad devices. Gartner projects that 80% of businesses will support a workforce using tablets by 2013 and Kensington's smart. safe. simple.™ approach to iPad 2 security ensures a smart first line of defense for tablet users wherever they go. Kensington's family of SecureBack cases features a unique three-piece design with a patent- pending rail system that quickly and easily secures the iPad to prevent theft. The case includes the world-class ClickSafe Security Anchor that enables iPad users to easily lock their tablet, in just one click. Designed to complement the iPad in every way, SecureBack preserves the tablet's celebrated, slim form factor. SecureBack offers full access to the iPad 2's ports, speaker, and cameras. The integrated security bar on each case can tilt the iPad for an ideal on-screen typing angle. Kensington has introduced two versions of the SecureBack case. The first features one-click security in a sleek form factor ideal for handheld use. A second case adds a 2-way extendable stand with 20-degree typing angle and 60-degree landscape viewing angle. Both versions are available bundled with a ClickSafe lock and cable. "We are excited to offer our customers the superior protection, ease and simplicity of our ClickSafe security system for a tablet computer," said Brian Baltezore, Senior Global Product Manager at Kensington. "Tablet users need security that will complement, not hinder, their use of the iPad. SecureBack is a design that truly pays respect to the tablet's style and functionality, so that when an iPad user inevitably does have to walk away from their device, they can do so with confidence." New Kensington SecureBack Security Cases for iPad 2 Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case (K39308; SRP $49.99): This version of SecureBack is ClickSafe "ready" via the built-in security anchor. Strength, security and elegant design come together in the SecureBack Security Case for iPad 2. A thin, yet strong three-piece construction protects the iPad with durable plastic while maintaining its sleek look and feel. The form-fitting design of the case resists prying to protect the iPad from being stolen and an adjustable slider bar allows quick access to ClickSafe® Security Anchor. SecureBack provides full access to all iPad 2 controls, buttons, ports and cameras. Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way Stand (K39310; SRP $59.99): This version of the SecureBack case is ClickSafe "ready" via the built-in security anchor. In addition, the thin three-piece construction of the SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way stand protects your iPad 2. The durable plastic case maintains its sleek look and feel, while a 2-way extendable stand accommodates flexible iPad orientation. Use the stand in landscape mode for typing or portrait mode for viewing movies or surfing the web. Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case with ClickSafe Lock (K39309; SRP $79.99): Securing the iPad 2 on the go is easy with the SecureBack™ Security Case with ClickSafe Lock. The thin, yet strong three-piece construction combines into a durable plastic case for iPad, while preserving access to all controls, buttons, ports, and cameras. An adjustable slider bar allows quick access to ClickSafe® Security Anchor or covers it when not in use. The included ClickSafe Keyed Lock provides unparalleled ease of use to lock down the iPad 2 with just one click. ClickSafe's advanced cable construction of 7x7 configuration is specifically used to combat thievery attempts, assuring that the tablet, and all of the data on it, are always secure. Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way Stand & ClickSafe Lock (K39311; SRP $89.99): Achieve maximum productivity and superior security for your iPad 2 with the SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way stand & ClickSafe Lock. The thin, yet strong three-piece construction combines into a durable plastic case for iPad, while a 2-way extendable stand accommodates flexible iPad orientation for landscape or portrait viewing. An adjustable slider bar allows quick access to ClickSafe® Security Anchor and an included ClickSafe Keyed Lock provides unparalleled ease of use to safeguard the tablet at all times, with just one click. Product Availability The Kensington SecureBack Security Case line of products is currently available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Kensington.com and other major retailers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com. Follow Kensington on Twitter @KensingtonZone Visit the Kensington SafeZone blog: http://blog.kensington.com/security/

Asus UX31 vs. UX21... fight! (video) Posted: 13 Sep 2011 08:52 PM PDT We'd handled ASUS' UX21 back at Computex, but we'd never gotten up close and personal with its larger brother, the UX31 -- until now. We spotted the 13.3-inch aluminum beaut just chilling at the Ultrabook pavilion at Intel Developer Forum. With the same 0.67-inch profile as its smaller sibling, that larger footprint means it's naturally a bit heavier (2.9 pounds), yet it's available with the same Core i5 (or optional i7) innards. Expect more when the duo goes on sale later this month, but for now take a peek at our hand-on video after the break. Myriam Joire contributed to this report. ASUS UX31 & UX21 hands-on at IDF 2011

DisplayLink announces USB 3.0-to-HDMI adapter, 2560 x 1600 resolution panels get supported Posted: 13 Sep 2011 08:26 PM PDT IDF's certainly delivered a few bombshells thus far, but sometimes it's the simpler things that can brighten up your day, like DisplayLink's announcement of its snappily-titled Winstars USB 3.0-to-HDMI adapter. Making use of all that extra bandwidth means using TVs as monitors no longer results in battling with a bad case of the jaggies. Running on its DL-3500 chip, the plug-in device will deliver resolutions up to 2560 x 1600, promising ultra-low latency and less of the jittery window and cursor movement which has troubled older products. Gamers will be pleased to hear that there is support for full-screen 3D, as well as both 2.1 and 5.1 channel audio. No word on a release date as of yet, but we're guessing that the estimate of "soon" means that Yanks will see it by Christmastime. Full PR after the break. Show full PR text DisplayLink Debuts First USB 3.0 Graphics Adapter at IDF IDF 2011 San Francisco PALO ALTO, Calif. & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DisplayLink, the leading provider of technology for graphics over USB, today at IDF (Intel Developer Forum) demonstrated the Winstars SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter, to easily interface HD displays to PCs. "Winstars is set to deliver a very well-timed connectivity solution that builds on the inherent performance benefits of SuperSpeed USB 3.0" Ready for the next generation of Intel® CPUs and USB 3.0-ready systems, Winstars USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter incorporates the capabilities of DisplayLink's DL-3500 chip for high-performance SuperSpeed USB virtual graphics. "Winstars is set to deliver a very well-timed connectivity solution that builds on the inherent performance benefits of SuperSpeed USB 3.0," said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink executive vice president of marketing and business development. "DisplayLink adds on the ability to stream high resolution video and enriched audio over the common connection and with the Winstars USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter, consumers will be able to enjoy a quality PC to HDTV entertainment experience." The DisplayLink DL-3500 chip gives the Winstars USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter the ability to use an HDTV monitor in either mirror mode or extended mode, at resolutions up to 2560 x 1600, with ultra-low latency, smooth window and cursor movement, and full support for full-screen 3D games and video playback. It also features 2.1/5.1 channel audio and auto-sensing hot plug support. The Winstars USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter will soon be available in the United States. For more information visit www.win-star.com/eshop/ or www.displaylink.com/shop. About DisplayLink DisplayLink Corp develops hardware and software solutions to enable easy connectivity between computers and displays over standard interfaces such as USB, Ethernet and wireless networks. DisplayLink technology is used in dozens of globally branded PC accessories including monitors, universal docking stations, display adapters, projectors, and zero client systems that make expansion of the desktop visual workspace possible, at significantly lower cost and energy usage than traditional solutions. DisplayLink is ranked the fourth fastest-growing EMEA Company by Deloitte, and was awarded the CES 2011 Best of Innovation Award Honoree in the Enabling Technologies category for its Interactive Networked Graphics for SuperSpeed USB. For more information and product details, visit the DisplayLink Shop and follow DisplayLink on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter. TradeMarks The Winstars logo is a registered trademarks of Winstars Technology Ltd. DisplayLink and the DisplayLink logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of DisplayLink Corporation in the US or other countries. All rights reserved.

AT&amp;T announces $25 monthly GoPhone plan beginning September 18th Posted: 13 Sep 2011 07:40 PM PDT With all of the unlimited everything plans dominating the world of prepaid currently, it's easy to forget about the smaller offerings ideally suited for those looking for appetizers instead of the all-you-can-eat buffet. AT&T's announced a new monthly package that may fare well with the nibblers, doling out 250 anytime minutes and unlimited messaging for $25 beginning on September 18th. Two other prepaid services are launching the same day: a $10 international long distance package that includes 250 minutes within a period of 30 days, and per-use roaming in Canada which can be had for $.39 per minute and $.25 per message sent ($.20 per message received). It's nice to see the company, notorious for its recent history of streamlining plans, adding another selection onto the tray of prepaid hors d'oeuvres. Full presser can be found after the break. Show full PR text Prepaid Calling Never Looked So Good: New $25 Monthly GoPhone Plan AT&T Customers Can Also Choose New $10 International Long Distance Package GoPhone Roaming Now Available in Canada Dallas, Texas, September 12, 2011 Key Facts: Starting September 18, GoPhone customers can choose a $25 monthly plan which includes 250 nationwide voice minutes and unlimited, nationwide messaging every 30 days. Also starting September 18, AT&T* will begin offering a $10 International Long Distance package for prepaid customers which includes 250 minutes to over 50 countries for 30 days. GoPhone roaming now available in Canada. Customer Benefits GoPhone options are better than ever. AT&T's prepaid customers can enjoy unlimited nationwide messaging and 250 minutes of domestic calling for $25 per month starting September 18. Earlier this year, AT&T launched an unlimited talk, text, and web plan for $50 per month with no long-term commitment (data not included on smartphones). Also on September 18, customers can purchase a new international long distance feature-250 minutes of international calls to over 50 countries-for only $10 a month. With the new $10 international long distance feature, minutes can be used to call international landline numbers to all countries on AT&T's designated list. Calls to mobile numbers are included in Canada and a number of additional countries. For more information, please visit att.com/gophoneintLD starting September 13. GoPhone Roaming in Canada GoPhone customers can now enjoy service as they travel to popular areas in Canada such as Montreal, Niagara Falls and Vancouver. Pricing includes: Voice – $.39 per minute (no surcharges) Text – $.25 per message sent, $.20 per message received

Windows Phone Apollo to feature speech-to-text for email, low-end Tango gets split in two Posted: 13 Sep 2011 07:12 PM PDT If this hodgepodge of sorta, kinda official confirmation is to be believed, Windows Phone users can look forward to deeper integration of voice command functionality built-in to the Apollo update. Nokia US' CEO, Chris Weber, first spilled the speech recognition beans in an interview with VentureBeat back in early August, referring to the tech as a killer WP feature. Now, a report over on ZDNet backs up that leaked info with resume tidbits from former MS Windows Phone / Mobile Communications team members that had a hand in creating the so-called "Voice-Compose" and "Read-Aloud" features for native email clients-- even tipping us off to a possible Windows 8 and WP 8 convergence. There's also mention (gleaned from a company job listing) of MS' lower-end mobile OS splitting into two separate versions -- Tango1 and Tango2. We know what you're thinking. It's hard to get excited about far-off OS updates when we're still waiting on Mango's release. Still, it's good to know Ballmer and co. aren't just resting on their Windows laurels.

Engadget HD Podcast 265 - 09.13.2011 Posted: 13 Sep 2011 06:49 PM PDT Throwback podcast time! We've got lots of DVR news after our FiOS review, Microsoft Mediaroom / Media Center updates and a new box from TiVo. Of course, we also visited CEDIA last week so there's plenty to talk about there too, including 4K, ultrawidescreen and more. There's also plenty to talk about when it comes to smart TVs and exactly why they're struggling in the market so far, and what a new deal between ESPN and the NFL could mean for 3D. Last but not least, it's Star Wars Blu-ray week, so we've got to include them among our options of what to watch on TV. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes. [RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace [MP3] Download the show (MP3). Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Trent Wolbe 00:04:17 - Verizon FiOS HD DVR review (1.9) 00:11:17 - New Mediaroom clients to bring Microsoft's TV platform everywhere this year 00:14:08 - TiVo Premiere Elite will bring quad tuners, 2TB storage to retail this year 00:18:45 - Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul 00:27:00 - Sony announces a 4K projector for the home, prices HMZ-T1 3D head mounted display in the US 00:33:53 - Sony brings new media streaming box and updated Google TV hardware to CEDIA 00:36:50 - JVC shows off projectors with 4K precision, but not quite 4K pixels 00:40:03 - Kaleidescape adds iPad control, ultrawidescreen support to its media servers 00:42:42 - LG's 55-inch LW9800 3D HDTV earns THX certification, our home theater respect 00:44:49 - ESPN's new Monday Night Football deal includes 3D broadcasts, WatchESPN app 00:51:10 - Did Netflix just start limiting users to one movie stream at a time? No 00:53:12 - LG, Sharp and Philips to build developer's kit, create Smart TV app standard 00:55:15 - Viewsonic abandons plans for Boxee-powered TV 01:02:41 - Opera promises cross-platform apps for Smart TVs, gives us little to complain about 01:05:45 - Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray due September 30th, 3D version later 01:08:28 - THX Media Director coming to Star Wars Blu-ray discs 01:14:15 - Must See HDTV (September 12th - 18th) Hear the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Google planning opt-out option for WiFi data gathering Posted: 13 Sep 2011 06:09 PM PDT Privacy concerns have caused Google to back down a bit on its information collection amongst residential wireless networks. Beginning in the fall, the company will allow owners of the WiFi networks to opt-out of the data gathering. Google has assured concerned parties that it doesn't collect personal details when nabbing the information for its databases, but such comments haven't done much to calm the nerves of privacy advocates.

Nissan downsizes EV quick charger, slashes price while eying US, EU and Japanese markets Posted: 13 Sep 2011 06:09 PM PDT Like a hamburger Happy Meal, Nissan's brand new quick-charge station is fast, cheap and easy, thanks to its tasty new electric circuit technology. Nissan claims the 49kW charger takes up less space, is easier to install and a heckuva lot cheaper than former models, leaving only a ¥1 million yen (or around $10,000) dent in your pocket compared to the former ¥1.47 million (or $19,088) crater. Hoping to sell around 5,000 units and set up charging stations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun by March 2016, Nissan sees the technology rolling out in the US and Europe sometime in the near future -- no toy included. Pull over for the full PR after the break. Show full PR text Nissan Develops New Quick Charger for Electric Vehicles YOKOHAMA, Japan - September 12, 2011 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed its new quick charger to the public and announced plans for this proprietary technology to go on sale in November 2011 at Nissan parts companies throughout Japan. New quick charger unit (standard specification) The newly-developed quick charging unit retains the high performance of the current quick charger manufactured by Nissan, which is now on sale with a suggested retail price of 1.47 million yen (including tax), but is nearly half the size (by volume). The new charger unit's smaller size will take up less space and enable easier installation. When it goes on sale, the new standard specification quick charger unit will be highly competitive and great value to customers because it will cost significantly less than one million yen, while the base specification unit will cost only below one half the price of the current unit. Nissan aims to sell 5,000 of the new quick chargers by the end of fiscal year 2015 (March 2016) to contribute to the ongoing development of the EV quick charging infrastructure in Japan. The company plans to install the new charging units at an increasing number of its dealerships nationwide and introduce the new units at local government facilities and in locations that draw large numbers of customers in regions throughout Japan. Nissan is also proactively seeking partner companies for sales as part of its efforts to assure customers of a comfortable and convenient electric vehicle driving experience. Preparations are also underway for future sales of the new quick charger in the US and in European markets. Product Outline Four features of the new quick charger Safety The new unit can be used even in rainy weather, and offers many safety features, such as monitoring against a potential short circuit when the charging unit is interfacing with the EV, for safe charging. Universal compatibility It complies with CHAdeMO*1 protocol and is compatible with Nissan EVs as well as EVs manufactured by other companies. Responsive to various charging environments To meet a variety of customer needs, Nissan has developed three specifications: base, standard and cold weather specifications. Competitive pricing Thanks to the adoption of new electric circuit technology*2 and by harnessing technology used in Nissan manufacturing and R&D, the new unit features a simple and efficient design that enables a low price. Specifications Base specification Standard specification Cold weather specification Rated input 49kW 3- AC200V Output voltage Maximum DC500V Output current Maximum DC125A Connector to feed power to the EV JEVS G 105-1993-compliant*3 Height/width/depth (mm) 1,840x380x665 Countermeasures taken Heater Cold-resistant cable Main specifications Indoor specification No LCD display External charger connector hook 2m cable Antirust paint Outdoor specification Monochrome LCD display (color LCD display is an option) Built-in connector holder 4m cable Final paint coating (white) Outdoor specification Monochrome LCD display (color LCD display is an option) Built-in connector holder 4m cable Final paint coating (white) Heater Cold-resistant cable

BlackBerry Bold 9790 Bellagio photographed in the wild, poses for family portrait Posted: 13 Sep 2011 05:41 PM PDT If you haven't yet snagged one of RIM's two newly refreshed Bold devices, you might want to hold off for the runt of the litter. Originally leaked back in May, the Bellagio 9790 borrows the bumped-up specs of its recently unveiled cousins, while staying true to the slimmed-down form factor of its 9700 predecessor. The leaked shots over at BGR show the diminutive portrait QWERTY next to the 9900, clearly showcasing the former's likely 2.4-inch touchscreen, optical trackpad and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera. We already know this phone's destined to ship with BlackBerry 7 OS, but as for the rest of the feature list, expect it to pack 8GB of storage, NFC-capability and a 1.2GHz processor. Of course, rumors being what they are, this could all very well change before the handset's purported end of year launch. Curious to see more? Then hit up the source link below for additional in-the-wild shots.

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