GeForce 196.78 Beta Driver Runs GeForce GTX 470

March 10th, 2010 admin No comments

Czech technology website PCTuning confirmed a few details about NVIDIA’s upcoming performance graphics accelerator, the GeForce GTX 470. It was found out that a beta driver by NVIDIA, GeForce 196.78 supports GeForce 400 series accelerators, and was able run a qualification sample of GeForce GTX 470. The card was using A3 revision GF100 silicon. The driver’s System Information dialog revealed that the card indeed has 448 CUDA cores (SIMD units). Further, it has 1280 MB of memory, and a 320-bit wide memory interface. NVIDIA also changed the way it represents memory clock speeds. Since it is using GDDR5 memory, while the memory has an actual clock speed of 1000 MHz, the data rate (DDR speed) is represented first, as 2000 MHz, and “effective speed” next, which is 4000 MHz. Given these speeds, at 1000 MHz GDDR5, the GPU has a memory bandwidth of 160 GB/s. Without compromise on looks and quality, NVIDIA kept the cooler design basic. It has a matte finish. Display outputs include two DVI-D, and one mini HDMI. It supports NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround (a technology competitive to ATI Eyefinity, to span a display head across multiple physical displays), just that NVIDIA requires at least two accelerators in SLI to use it. NVIDIA’s GeForce 400 series graphics accelerators will be launched on the 26th of this month. Source: PCTuning

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GeForce 196.78 Beta Driver Runs GeForce GTX 470

(PR) ASUS Unveils Cine5 Compact 5.1 Channel Sound Bar

March 10th, 2010 Morpheus No comments

ASUS announced the launch of the ASUS Cine5 PC speaker which provides accurate 5-channel surround sound in personalized spaces such as study rooms. With its all-in-one design, the Cine5 delivers realistic and dynamic surround sound to satisfy consummate gamers and personal entertainment users. To deliver exceptionally full sound from a compact form factor, ASUS drew on its expertise in high-performance audio cards during the development. The Cine5 is the first PC speaker in the world to offer leading surround sound presence with the new “Embracing Sound Theatre HD” technology. This patented technology leverages on a discrete 5-channel output to deliver full audio surround, which users can experience whenever they are directly in front of the speaker. In a First Player Shooter game, the Cine5 provides precise sound location that improves shooting accuracy and heightens gaming thrills. The Cine5 also revives 5-channel audio from any down-mixed 2-channel source-for a high-fidelity, multi-channel sound during PC gaming or movie sessions.

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(PR) ASUS Unveils Cine5 Compact 5.1 Channel Sound Bar

(PR) OWC Announces Mercury Elite-AL Pro – 2.5 inch 1.0TB External Storage Solutions

March 10th, 2010 Meg25 No comments

Other World Computing, a leading zero emissions Mac and PC technology company, announced today its OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro mini is the first 2.5″ 1TB “Quad Interface” bus powered portable storage solution on the market and available for immediate ordering with 10 models priced from $119.99. Featuring a “Quad Interface” of FireWire 800/400, USB 2.0, and eSATA interface connectivity for data transfer speeds up to 300MB/s, the fanless Mercury Elite-AL Pro mini delivers high performance storage/backup to Mac or PC users in a portable, brushed aluminum, no AC adapter required Plug and Play footprint. In addition to the new 1TB model, the Mercury Elite-AL Pro mini is available in nine other “Quad Interface” models offering a variety of speed, capacity, and drive type options:

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(PR) OWC Announces Mercury Elite-AL Pro – 2.5 inch 1.0TB External Storage Solutions

Buffalo Intros HD-PVRU2 Portable HDDs with Turbo USB Technology

March 10th, 2010 MikeyJ No comments

Buffalo Technology released its newest line of portable hard drives, the HD-PVRU2 series. While the drive looks like almost any other portable hard drive from Buffalo, for a change it has a rugged matte finish. The HD-PVRU2 comes in capacities of 320 GB and 500 GB. It measures 81 (W) x 16 (H) x 130 (D) mm, and weighs 190 g. It draws power from, and connects to the system using USB 2.0 interface. A proprietary Turbo USB technology aims to squeeze the most out of USB 2.0, with some higher transfer speeds. The bundled ecoManager software spins down the drive when idle. The 320GB and 500GB models will be priced at $100 and $150, respectively, in Japan. Source: TechConnect Magazine

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Buffalo Intros HD-PVRU2 Portable HDDs with Turbo USB Technology

AMD Foundation to Sponsor Video Game Design Award

March 10th, 2010 admin No comments

AMD today announced the AMD Foundation and has awarded a grant to the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in support of AMD Changing the Game Campaign. The $65,000 grant…

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AMD Foundation to Sponsor Video Game Design Award

OWC Announces Mercury Elite-AL Pro 2.5" 1.0TB Drive

March 10th, 2010 MikeyJ No comments

OWC has announces their Mercury Elite-AL Pro mini, a 2.5-inch, 1.0TB FireWire/USB-bus powered portable storage device. Compatable with both Windows and Apple OS, the…

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OWC Announces Mercury Elite-AL Pro 2.5" 1.0TB Drive

InWin Diva MITX Case

March 10th, 2010 Meg25 No comments

Introduction The field of computing in general is generally dominated by males and so the cases are generally made with the male gender in mind. In Win, however, decided to take into account the minority and create a case that will be marketed towards the female side of the market. The Diva is the case that was designed with mostly women in mind. In fact, the female concept is woven event into the name of the case. The word Diva, means a distinguished female singer, a prima donna. Specifications There are a couple of important things to note here. First of is the power supply. This case, despite being a Mini-ITX does provided a 160 W power supply. One of the important things to know about the power supply, though is that provides limited number of connections for the peripherals that the user might be interested in such as SATA power ports (a total of 2) and a MOLEX plug (1). Case Size: S.F.F Slim Chassis (Ultra Small Form Factor) Dimension(HxWxD): 276 x 133 x 257 mm(10.9”x 5.2”x10.1”) I/O Expansion Slots: Low Profile Expansion Slot x 2 External Drive Bay: 1. Standard 5.25” x 1 2. Slim ODD x 1 & 3.5” Drive Bay x 1 Front I/O(Ports): 1. USB 2.0 x 2 2. HD/AC’97 Audio Power Supply: 160W Internal Power Supply Thermal Solution: System Fan:80 x 80 x 20mm M/B Form Factor: 1. Mini-ITX 2. Mini-DTX Safety: 1. Meets RoHS 2. CE and FCC Class B Requirements Security: Padlook Loop / Kensington Slot Internal Drive Bay: 3.5” x 1 & 2.5” x 1

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InWin Diva MITX Case

Black Swan Google Voice "Weblication" Launches

March 10th, 2010 admin No comments

VoiceCentral announced Black Swan, a Google Voice iPhone web app in December of 2009, but it was somewhat upstaged by Google itself, which released an official Google Voice iPhone web app in late January. Now Black Swan is out, so how does it compare with Google’s web app? The need for web apps for Google Voice on the iPhone arises because Apple has purged the App Store of Google Voice apps in mid-2009, and has refused to accept Google’s native iPhone app. Web apps, which use the Safari’s capabilities instead of a native app, are subject to the App Store approval process, and thus can’t be blocked by Apple. To install the Black Swan web app, you simply navigate to http://voicecentral.riverturn.com/install from your iPhone’s browser. You’ll then see a message says the app is installed, and it will then prompt you to add a bookmark to your Home Screen. After that, you just add your account information (you do have a Google Voice account, still only invitation only, right?). The app is free, but VoiceCentral also offers a premium version, for $10 a year (currently on sale for $6). The premium version adds the ability to import contact photos, see billing transactions, Do Not Disturb, Favorites, and Inbox Search. You also get real customer support, as opposed to forums only. Just remember, as a weblication, or a web app, Black Swan does have limitations imposed on it. Currently, weblications cannot access the iPhone’s contacts. However, Black Swan can import your Google contacts to provide similar functionality. The earpiece cannot be accessed by the app, so voicemails play through the speaker or the headphone jack. The lack of an ability to link to your iPhone’s native contacts is annoying, but understandable. There are also no push notifications. If, for example, there is a voicemail left on your Google Voice number, there isn’t a way for Black Swan to send you a push notification. Well, there is a way, but not without “help,” at any rate. Additionally, unlike the official Google Voice web app, when you want to make a call Black Swan has Google Voice call you and then connects you to the actual number. The official web app uses an intermediate number and doesn’t require you to answer the “callback.” That’s a big convenience. So, does the world really need another Google Voice web app? Not really, not in addition to the official web app. What it really needs is a more open App Store. Watch a Black Swan video:

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Black Swan Google Voice "Weblication" Launches

Sans Content, Here Come the 3D TVs

March 10th, 2010 admin No comments

There’s still no content available, but manufacturers have started a 3DTV launch blitz that will make your head spin. They are counting on the popularity of 3D movies like “Avatar” to make a 3DTV the next must-have hardware for the home. Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic are the top four TV manufacturers. Samsung on Tuesday introduced its line of 3DTVs at an event in New York. Samsung will offer 3D in LED, conventional fluorescent-backlit LCD, and plasma TV sets. The least expensive Samsung 3D TV is a 46-inch LCD, due out in May for about $1,700. Samsung’s plasma line includes six 3D sets starting with a 50-inch set at about $1,800, up to a 63-inch set at $3,800, all available in May. Meanwhile, Samsung’s LED line includes 46-inch and 55-inch 3D versions due this month at $2,600 and $3,200, respectively. There is also a 40-inch priced at about $2,000 due out in May. At the top is a new higher-end line with a 55-inch model for nearly $7,000. Sony, on the other hand, expects to sell 2.5 million 3DTVs this fiscal year (ending March 2011). Sony anticipates selling 25 million TV sets, with 10 percent of them 3D. That is pretty optimistic when there is still a dearth of 3D content. Panasonic said it’s planning to introduce 3D TVs at Best Buy, starting Wednesday of this week for only $2,500, about half the price they’re available for in Japan. Why the favoritism? It’s part of a strategy so that Panasonic can hit its target of 1 million 3DTVs (worldwide) sold in 2010. Manufacturers have better hope the recession is truly over. There are many obstacles to adoption, including the glasses that must be worn to view 3D content. Many simply feel the glasses are too much of a pain. There’s also the fact that this is the first “round” of 3DTVs. There is an old adage that you should never buy the first revision of any product. Additionally, quite a few consumers just moved up to HDTVs, and would be hard-pressed to justify another purchase for a brand-new technology. Finally, there is the lack of content. Until June, when ESPN launches ESPN 3-D, there won’t be much on TV. That network will showcase at least 85 live sporting events during its first year. That still seems a rather sparse mix, content-wise, if one doesn’t need to upgrade their set. ESPN 3-D’s first broadcast scheduled to be the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match on June 11th, between South Africa and Mexico.

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Sans Content, Here Come the 3D TVs

U.S. considers some free wireless broadband service

March 10th, 2010 admin No comments

U.S. regulators may dedicate spectrum to free wireless Internet service for some Americans to increase affordable broadband service nationwide, the Federal Communications…

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U.S. considers some free wireless broadband service