Thursday, April 21, 2011

IT News Head Lines (TweakTown) 21/04/2011

TweakTown



G.Skill up the ante with 2300MHz DDR RipJaws-X
G.Skill has today announced that we'll be seeing a PC3-18400 RipJaws-X kit that carries a whopping default clock speed of 2300MHz DDR. This is achieved with a 9-11-9-28-2T @ 1.65v setup. Below, though, we can see in the screen shot G.Skill have actually managed to achieve 2303MHz DDR at 9-11-9-28-1T using the same voltage.

G.Skill up the ante with 2300MHz DDR RipJaws-X
What makes the kit really stand out is the fact that it's an 8GB one versus 4GB, which is what we tend to see from these really high-end kits. Coming as no surprise the kit will be a limited edition and that's no doubt due to the fact it's such a high speed. Unlike the 2133MHz DDR kit, overclocking will be slightly more involved due to 2300MHz DDR not being a natively supported speed on the Intel P67 platform.

To achieve the default clock G.Skill tell us you'll need an ASUS Maximum IV Extreme or P8P67 Deluxe along with a CPU that's capable of achieving a 107.9 BCLK. While the first requirement won't be an issue for high-end users, a high BCLK achieving CPU comes down to luck of the draw.

G.Skill up the ante with 2300MHz DDR RipJaws-X
Currently there's no pricing slated for the kit and the current ETA is "Coming Soon" but we should see the RipJaws-X PC3-18400 kit in the coming weeks with the G.Skill Turbulence II that you can see above.

In the meantime if this is a little too hardcore for you, check out the 2133MHz kit we previously looked at here. Otherwise keep an eye out for a review of this new kit when samples become available.


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Portal 2 is an undeniable hit, scores near perfect with all reviews
Valve's Portal 2 is a smash hit, scoring virtually 100-percent in all reviews. There's not much to say about the game unless you haven't heard of it - if you're one of these people, there are some steps you require right now. Stop what you're doing, open Steam (and if you don't have it, GET IT), find Portal 2, purchase. This is all you need to do to enjoy happiness.

Portal 2 is an undeniable hit, scores near perfect with all reviews
As for reviews, I've provided a bunch of links below:

Techland - 10/10
Guardian.co.uk - 5/5
Giant Bomb - 5/5
Telegraph.co.uk - 10/10
VideoGamer - 10/10
GamePro - 5/5
Strategy Informer 10/10
OXM - 10/10
Eurogamer 10/10
GameInformer - 9.5/10
The Escapist - 4/5
GameSpot - 9/10
GameTrailers - 9/10
CVG - 9.3/10
IGN - 9/10
PC Gamer - 94%



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Capcom Makes A Beeline For Android...?
Capcom Makes A Beeline For Android...?
Capcom announced today that they're rebranding Capcom Mobile as Beeline, which they evidently intend to be more of a social and/or causal gaming platform. Capcom mentioned that everyone's favorite, classic, extremely well-known Capcom games will continue to be released under the auspices of the Capcom brand, but something tells me that this announcement has more to do with non-Apple mobile platforms than Capcom is letting on. "Beeline"? Can anybody else think of any other apian-themed mobile platforms? Or I don't know- operating systems?

These days, everyone is trying to capitalize on social gaming in the wake of giants like Zynga, and I doubt Capcom is exempt from that temptation. I still see the rebranding as a harbinger of a future arrangement- but hey, who knows? It could all be a strange comical coincidence.

What do you think?


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GPS Augmented Reality Startup GoldRun Raises $1.1 Million
GPS Augmented Reality Startup GoldRun Raises $1.1 Million
Earlier this week, NYC-based GPS interactive augmented reality game startup GoldRun raised $1.1 Million this week in angel funding. GoldRun was fortunate enough (literally) to have participants like Ed Mathias of The Carlyle Group, financier Jon Ledecky, Founding Partner of United Talent Agency Jeremy Zimmer, Former Chairman and CEO of Sunglass Hut Jim Hauslein, and CEO of Venturehouse Group Mark Ein (Mathias and Zimmer will join the board of directors). GoldRun is looking to use the funding to develop new features for both users and clients to offer more AR interactions within their application. They will also invest in supporting sales and deployment activities in both the US and other, international markets. Even more exciting, we'll see GoldRun hosted gaming sometime in the near future.

For those of you unfamiliar with the application, GoldRun uses geo-data to run augmented reality experiences on the iPhone , and they recently launched a campaign with a sentimentally confused billboard near the Holland Tunnel in New York City, which we reported earlier this week. Founder and CEO Vivian Rosenthal commented:

GoldRun allows for a new form of communication where our digital and physical lives meet. We've already evolved beyond check-ins, making them visually-driven and image-based. With the integration of location and context, along with photo taking and sharing, we've set ourselves apart by creating a new virtual goods economy mapped onto the real world.
This is very good news for mobile augmented reality, and even better news for you- the user. Press release to follow.


NEW YORK NY April 11- GoldRun, a leading mobile augmented reality platform, has raised $1.1 million in angel funding. Participants in the round include Ed Mathias (The Carlyle Group), financier Jon Ledecky, Jeremy Zimmer (Founding Partner of United Talent Agency), Jim Hauslein (Former Chairman and CEO of Sunglass Hut), and Mark Ein (CEO of Venturehouse Group).
New York-based GoldRun will use the funding to develop a series of new user and client side feature sets that will greatly expand the range of programming and AR interactions on their platform. The funds will also support increased sales activities and accelerate the deployment of services across the U.S. and international markets. 2011 will see the introduction of GoldRun-hosted gaming, v-commerce and user generated content.
Comprised of a mobile app coupled with a dynamic content delivery system, GoldRun uses augmented reality to bring the visually-driven, content rich experiences of the web into the offline world. By GPS-linking 2D and 3D virtual goods to physical locations such as retail stores, airports and events, GoldRun enables users to locate, interact with and take pictures alongside virtual objects, and earn immediate, relevant real world rewards for every one of these interactions.
GoldRun launched November 1st, 2010 and has since worked with H&M, Airwalk, Young & Rubicam, Esquire, Barnes & Noble, Marc Ecko, Universal Pictures, A&E Network, Sorel, Interscope Records and Oklahoma University among others.
"GoldRun allows for a new form of communication where our digital and physical lives meet," says founder/CEO Vivian Rosenthal. "We've already evolved beyond check-ins, making them visually-driven and image-based. With the integration of location and context, along with photo taking and sharing, we've set ourselves apart by creating a new virtual goods economy mapped onto the real world."
As part of the financing, Ed Mathias and Jeremy Zimmer will join GoldRun's board of directors; Greg Golkin and Evan Morgan will serve as board observers.


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Google updates Google Tasker, version 7 is cleaner, fresher, faster
Google have today released the latest version of Google Taskbar for Internet Explorer. It includes a fresh, clean look that "personalizes Toolbar with the tools you use most". Another addition is Toolbar instant, if you've used Instant on google.com or in Google Chrome - you'll find yourself loving Toolbar Instant. Just start typing in the search box and search predictions and results will appear instantly as you type, getting the results you want, faster.




If you want to access the Toolbar quicker, press Alt+G. To enable Toolbar Instant, visit Toolbar Options and click "Enable Instant for faster searching and browsing." Toolbar Instant works on both IE8 and IE9, if you're using an older browser you can either upgrade to a newer version of Internet Explorer or try Google Chrome.


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MSI Announces the WindTop AE2410 All-in-One PC
Micro-Star International Co., the world's leading All-in-One PC brands release the latest AIO PC featuring the Intel Sandy Bridge platform: Wind Top AE2410. A 1080p Full HD 24" LCD monitor coupled with the newest 2nd generation Intel Core i processor brings obvious improvements in both CPU and integrated graphics performance. The fantastic 1080p display brings real colors in every image. The AE2410 is also equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, allowing users to transfer data ten times faster than before. One of the USB 3.0 ports combines MSI's exclusive Super Charger technology to speed up USB charging time by 40% and recharge iPhone, iPad or MP3 players while the computer is turned off. These useful features provide more convenience and freedom to enjoy life.

MSI Announces the WindTop AE2410 All-in-One PC
MSI Announces the WindTop AE2410 All-in-One PC
MSI Announces the WindTop AE2410 All-in-One PC
Visual Revolution for Enjoyment

The Wind Top AE2410 comes with a 24" widescreen cinema-grade display in the 16:9 aspect ratio. The 1080p Full HD high-resolution display panel advanced image quality to bring out the details in YouTube videos, online games or photos. The next-generation color performance shines whether dealing with anti-aliasing in computer games or recreating the original colors of nature without any color bias. The Wind Top AE2410 is equipped with the latest 2nd generation Intel Core i processor in Sandy Bridge platform, making a discrete graphics card unnecessary for gaming or seeing a movie at home on the weekend. The Quick Sync Video technology in particular ensures smooth video playback and Clear Video HD enhances the AIO screen's rich, clear picture.

Life without Waiting

Wind Top AE2410 incorporates the latest USB 3.0 device and provides a high-speed transfer rate to significantly reduce data transmission times. The USB 3.0 supports data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps, an amazing ten times faster than the traditional USB 2.0, making it one of the fastest data transfer standards on the market today. USB 3.0 is also fully compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, eliminating any compatibility issues. The USB 3.0 is so fast that a 4.8G HD video takes just 14 seconds* to transfer. The staggeringly swift transfer rate means people's lifestyle will be even more convenient in the future. Moreover, one of the USB 3.0 ports is also equipped with MSI's Super Charger technology so it not only supply power for charging while the computer is switched off, but also reduces charging times by up to 40%. No matter whether your preferred mobile device is iPhone, iPad, MP3 player, Tablet PC or smart phone, they are all suitable for use with Super Charger technology.

Simple, Intuitive and Friendly in Multi-Touch UI

The Wind Top AE2410 uses the Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system and supports multi-touch control. The intuitive interface offers consumers a smoother and more flexible user experience. The AE2410 also preloaded with intuitive, multi-touch software exclusive to MSI, including Wind Touch 4 which checks the weather, times and dates of the world's major cities, and offers photo browsing, and video messages at your finger tips. The user-friendly interface is very interactive and fun to use. With ArtRage 3 Studio professional drawing software, you can use any type of art tool and the sensitive multi-touch controls to simulate the painting experience. The colors appear on screen as faithful recreations of real paints so everyone can create great paintings like Picasso's. The YouCam 4 uses touch control to manipulate all kinds of fun video effects. Not only can it be used with all kinds of instant messaging software, but the video files can also be shared with friends on social networking sites such as YouTube or Facebook at a touch. New features include even more convenient online file sharing, and for extra peace of mind, real-time monitoring, where the computer will begin recording when movement is detected.

Aesthetic Design with Fashion Style

The design of the Wind Top AE2410 emphasises softness and style. The transparent bezel eliminates large, bulky displays to create a translucent visual effect. The pattern below the screen matches the ripples on the back support to inspire new ideas. Regardless of where you wish to place the AE2410, it will always give the surrounding atmosphere a smart and stylish touch. When turned on, it brings powerful computing performance to bear; turned off, it is a perfect addition to the home décor.

MSI Announces the WindTop AE2410 All-in-One PC


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Transcend Launches 1TB USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drives
Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today introduced two new high-capacity portable hard drives: the SuperSpeed USB 3.0-powered StoreJet 25H3P and the standard USB 2.0-powered StoreJet 25H2P. Both models boast 1TB of storage capacity, and come bundled with Transcend's advanced new Transcend Elite data management software, which allows modern users to keep their rich digital content organized, protected and up-to-date.

Housed in a robust shockproof case, the newly released StoreJet 25H3P and StoreJet 25H2P drives offer extra capacity for more downloads and files and provide the highest level of protection against accidental drops. Besides incorporating a brilliant purple anti-slip rubber enclosure, the new models include a reinforced hard casing that evenly distributes the force of an impact, and an internal hard drive suspension damper as a last line of defense. Both two drives have passed the rigorous U.S. military drop-test tests, making them one of the most robust portable hard drives in the market today.

Transcend Launches 1TB USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drives
The StoreJet 25H3P portable hard drive is the latest addition to Transcend's USB 3.0 portfolio. It is a powerful storage device that combines superior performance of USB 3.0, a whopping 1TB of storage space that can store about 200 DVD movies, and a three-stage shock protection system. With transfer speeds up to 90MB/s, the StoreJet 25H3P is an ideal option for speed lovers. Even transferring an entire DVD movie takes less than a minute to complete! Thanks to its full backwards compatibility, the StoreJet 25H3P allows users to access their files from nearly any computer.

For users who need a rugged, high-capacity yet cost-effective storage solution, the USB 2.0-powered StoreJet 25H2P is a perfect choice. The StoreJet 25H2P shares the same shock-resistant features as the StoreJet 25H3P USB 3.0 model, and offers 1TB of storage space for users to move and store as much data as possible. Both the StoreJet 25H3P and StoreJet 25H2P are backed by Transcend's extra-long 3-year warranty, and are equipped with an extremely convenient One Touch auto-backup button, which lets users instantly synchronize data with their computer.

The StoreJet 25H3P is now available for a suggested price of US$205, while the StoreJet 25H2P is available for US$185.



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Hitachi GST Extends Your Personal Cloud
Delivering solutions that better fit your increasing mobile and connected lifestyles, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) is expanding its family of external storage and backup solutions with its new line of Hitachi Touro Pro desktop and mobile external hard drives. Delivering two levels of protection--local backup and cloud storage, the Touro Pro line is an all-in-one solution to help protect, transport and store your photos, music, videos and documents for easy access from anywhere.

Coupling online storage and local personal storage is vital in today's mobile world. Your personal content and the public cloud are converging. Right in the middle of this is you. Your content. Your personal cloud - the stuff you want access to, from anywhere - online and from your tablet, smartphone, laptop or external drive.

Hitachi GST Extends Your Personal Cloud
Back it up, then beam it up

In addition to providing simple local backup, the Touro Pro family's online storage option ensures your data is always protected and accessible in the cloud. With Hitachi's intelligent storage solutions, you can access and share files from any web browser, tablet or smartphone - even from an iPhone and iPad using our apps. When using the cloud service, all content is stored in its natural format (no proprietary formatting), so files are easy to view, download and share from any web browser, anywhere. You can even share your online content with others by sending a web link.

Every customer receives 3GB of online storage for free and for more storage there is an option to upgrade to a quarter of a terabyte (250GB) for only $49 per year, which includes multiple computer protection. Upgrade to a paid account and receive the Apple® iPhone® or iPad mobile digital device apps for free.

The Hitachi Touro Pro local backup software was developed in-house by our team of engineers. With a few clicks, the drive's default setting will backup your photos, favorite music, videos, and documents from your computer directly to the drive. Once installed, backups run quietly and automatically every 30 minutes. And, it's flexible enough to schedule custom backups on a time or day that's convenient for you.

"Unbound by convention, Hitachi GST was the first to blend personal storage with cloud backup. We're liberating our customers from the limitations of today's technology and giving them free reign about where they store and how they access their digital content," said Mike Williams, general manager of Hitachi GST Branded Business Group. "Our new intelligent storage products and services continue to redefine how we connect to our content - while providing data protection, simplicity and ease of use for just about anyone."

Pricing and Availability

Featured in a sleek piano black design, Hitachi Touro Pro drives are easy-to-use with desktop and mobile solutions that cover virtually every Mac or PC users' storage and backup needs. For simple add-on storage expansion only, Hitachi is offering a family of Hitachi Touro mobile and desktop solutions. The Hitachi Touro Mobile Pro and Touro Mobile drives are now available. The Hitachi Touro Desk Pro and Touro Desk versions will ship in June.

Hitachi GST Extends Your Personal Cloud


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G.Skill Releases DDR3-2300MHz 8GB Memory for the Intel P67 Platform
G.Skill International Co. Ltd., manufacturer of extreme performance memory and solid-state storage with solid quality, today announces the world's fastest 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3 memory, rated at 2300MHz CL9 with only 1.65V voltage. This ultimate memory kit will join G.Skill award winning Ripjaws-X family and will be available soon via G.Skill global authorized distribution partners.

Since the demand of big capacity memory has grown dramatically, G.Skill R&D team has been dedicated to develop the fastest and best performing products based on 4GB memory sticks continuously. Following the marvelous achievement of DDR3 1900MHz 48GB and DDR3 2200MHz 16GB kits, G.Skill once again pushed the memory speed further and developed the industry leading memory kit. The DDR3 2300MHz CL9 kit has passed a series of rigorous tests and guarantees the best stability and performance.

G.Skill Releases DDR3-2300MHz 8GB Memory for the Intel P67 Platform
"The 2300MHz RipjawsX 8GB gives you extreme speed and you can also enjoy the big capacity simutanously. It not only delivers record breaking overclocking performance, but also broaden your choices for building up an extreme performance workstation and a gaming machine" said Michael Chao, senior R&D manager at G.Skill.

G.Skill Releases DDR3-2300MHz 8GB Memory for the Intel P67 Platform


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MSI's Extends Partnership with LucidLogix Lucid Virtu Support on MSI Z68 Mainboards
MSI, the leading Mainboard and Graphics Card manufacturer announces an extension of its lasting partnership with Lucid through the inclusion of the Virtu GPU virtualization technology with the upcoming MSI Z68 Mainboards. Lucid and MSI have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration ever since work started on MSI's Big Bang Fuzion mainboard, world's first mainboard featuring Lucid's HydraLogix chip for true vendor independent multi-GPU technology. Today's announcement is a firm indication of MSI's continuation as a leader in computer graphics products and technologies.

Through the integration of Lucid's Virtu technology. MSI's Z68 based mainboards are able to combine the best features of Intel's HD 2000 and HD 3000 integrated graphics such as Lightning quick video decoding and the power of discrete graphics cards such as MSI's Lightning or Hawk series Graphics cards. Utilizing Lucid's Virtu technology allows MSI's Z68 mainboards to have low power consumption during light graphical workloads, like playing web games or viewing videos and give the graphical horsepower you need when playing 3D games.

MSI's Extends Partnership with LucidLogix Lucid Virtu Support on MSI Z68 Mainboards
MSI's Industry-leading Graphics Technologies

Over the years MSI has quickly established itself as the most innovative player on the computer graphics market. MSI was the first mainboard manufacturer to support Lucid's HydraLogix technology the true vendor independent Multi-GPU graphics technology. MSI's graphics cards are known as the fastest in the world, with MSI's Lightning series being crowned multiple World Record holders thanks to its extensive engineering and maximum use of technology to give end users the most stable and fastest graphics card available. Combining the Award winning discrete graphics solutions from MSI with the nimble Graphics virtualization technology from Lucid.

MSI Z68 lineup

MSI will have a complete lineup of Z68 based mainboards with Virtu technology. All based on MSI's renowned Military Class II components, like Z68A-GD80(B3), MSI's mainboard with three way graphics supporting AMD CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI technology. All MSI Z68 mainboards are equipped with MSI's one click overclocking technology OC Genie II boosting not only the Processor speed, but also the Intel HD2000/3000 graphics and memory speeds, of course also available on Z68A-GD65(B3). For HTPC users, MSI offers the Z68MA-ED55(B3) in a microATX form factor and has the same high quality components and dual graphics capabilities.



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Available Tags:Portal , Google , Google , MSI , USB 3.0 , USB , USB , Intel ,

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