HTC's Wind, a breath of fresh air, sports dual SIMs, Android 4.0
HTC's Wind is a magical thing, a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale single-SIM card world. HTC Wind sports dual-SIMs, and is only available in China. The T328w Wind is powered by a Qualcomm 1GHz single-core processor, a 4-inch 800x480-pixel screen, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
HTC's Wind will come in a bunch of colors: black, white, pink and blue. HTC has priced the phone competitively, at 2,000 yuan ($317 USD) and HTC have not yet announced dates on when the dual SIM-rocking Wind will land in China, or other countries for that matter.
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Black SMS, lets you send undercover SMS message with your iPhone
The latest iPhone app to hit is 'Black SMS'. What does it do? Well, it can keep your text messages covered in a black shroud, until you're ready to read them. Everyone has secrets. Think of it, I know you do. I do. I'm secretly a lady. What? You can't see what I typed there, it has a black shroud over it.
Even if your iPhone is stolen, Black SMS requires a password to decode the black shroud-laden message. HAHA, pranksters. The app makes a person questionable, though, as if the situation arose that you had secret SMS messages, one would ask what is so secret? But, what if you just didn't want people knowing what you're talking about?
You can get Black SMS directly from the App Store on your iPhone, or, here
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HTCSense.com will be reset, wipes all current data after April 30
HTC have warned users that HTCSense.com was undergoing some pretty big changes, and part of these changes is a major upgrade, which will put all precious services in shut down mode. This means all calendars, call histories, contacts, Footprints travel info, as well as messages, will all be wiped.
Those who want phone finding and cloud-based backup apps have been told to try third-party apps, as HTC don't have any time frame on when the HTCSense site would boast its new services. Why the sudden change and removal of a website they pushed as competition to Google's cloud services for Android, or Apple's MobileMe service?
Well, HTC are launching Sense 4.0-powered devices in the coming months, with the One X, One S and One V being released into the wild. These handsets have been considerably stripped back and polished, removing clutter and should improve the overall experience of these handsets. This speed increase and spring cleaning does come at a price though, HTCSense being dropped for a while.
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Digital Storm announces their Aventum PC, redefining the definition of custom high-performance PCs
Last week, I had the pleasure of being involved in a conference call with Digital Storm, and their chief marketing officer Harjit Chana where I found out some delicious news on their new custom high-performance PC, the Aventum.
Digital Storm have spent considerable amounts of time ensuring this machine is enthusiast-ready, where they even used thermal imaging cameras to make 3D models of the machine, making sure that heat dissipation was perfect. The Aventum sports something quite unique: the Cryo-TEC cooling system.
I mentioned before that the Aventum had been built from the ground up, but the team at Digital Storm went a step further. Every compartment, every bay, every single fan, cooling system right down to the circuit board for the control module, has been specifically built for this machine. This in itself is an amazing achievement, and shows Digital Storm's eye for detail, and perfection.
There are five thermal zones, with temperature probes in those areas: GPU, CPU, HDDs, radiator (in-take), and exhaust vents. The fans in these various areas can be controlled by Digital Storm's exclusive Aventum software, that can control the insane amount of fans: 13 of them to be precise. At first, I was thinking "yeah, so what? you can control the fans..." but then it was explained to me.
Aventum is capable of monitoring these fans through its exclusive software, where you can monitor, and regulate the fans, completely personalizing the system yourself. It doesn't stop there though, you can also personalize the chassis fan color! Whaaaat! So cool. It's the little things, you know?
On top of the personlization of the chassis fan speed, color, you can also sit pretty knowing there's an integrated display module. This little LCD displays itself on the side of your machine in a rectangular slot, where it shows off system information, and personalized system specs. It doesn't get any cooler than this, folks!
The only thing that I hate? Is that I don't have one. I really need a new gaming machine and I've never had a pre-built machine. But this new Aventum system kicks some serious ass, and I think I'll take a Level 3, please.
Also, I'd like to take a minute from this to say how enthusiastic and "real" Harjit felt. It didn't feel like I was just being involved in some pre-spin marketing BS, you can tell Digital Storm have love for not only the products they're creating, but their customers. They listen, they learn, they adapt.
The Digital Storm Aventum system is available... NOW, and starts at $3859.
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Assassin's Creed III Special Editions unveiled
Sure to be a big hit when it drops, Assassin's Creed III will have a few flavors to choose from, with all three bursting at the seams with content, and goodies. First up we have:
- Assassin's Creed III retail game
- A 24-cm high-quality figurine of Connor
- A steel book case art drawn by awards-winning comic artist Alex Ross
- George Washington's notebook revealing all the truth & secrets about the Assassins and the Templars during the American Revolution
- One exclusive Lithograph
- Two in-game Single Player Missions: - Lost Mayan Ruins: Connor's mission leads him in an old Mayan pyramid, full of mysteries and revelations. Players will be able to unlock Captain Kidd's fabled cutlass, a deadly, brutal and beautiful piece of steel. - Ghost of War: The tide of the Revolution turns into the Templars favour. Defeat your enemies and unlock The Pontiac's War Club, a powerful Native American weapon.
- One in-game Multiplayer Package: - The Sharpshooter package: Unleash the Sharpshooter fury in multiplayer with 1 new character, the Sharpshooter, 1 Relic, 1 Emblem, 1 special Picture and the Title of "The Jester".
- Assassin's Creed III retail game
- The medallion of the Assassins with its high-quality curd ladle
- George Washington's notebook revealing all the truth & secrets about the Assassins and the Templars during the American Revolution
- One in-game Single Player Mission: - Ghost of War: The tide of the Revolution turns into the Templars favour. Defeat your enemies and unlock The Pontiac's War Club, a powerful Native American weapon.
- One in-game Multiplayer Package: - The Sharpshooter package: Unleash the Sharpshooter fury in multiplayer with 1 new character, the Sharpshooter, 1 Relic, 1 Emblem, 1 special Picture and the Title of "The Jester".
- Special packaging
- Assassin's Creed III retail game
- One in-game Single Player Missions: - A Dangerous Secret: Fight against a secret that could jeopardise the funding of the revolution. In case of success, you'll be rewarded with an exclusive weapon: a Flintlock Musket.
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HIS Radeon HD 7870 IceQ Turbo Overclocked Video Card Review
Introduction
The latest card to get the IceQ treatment from the team over at HIS comes in the form of the HD 7870 IceQ Turbo. When it comes to HIS cards, this is a model that carries our two favorite words. "IceQ" that lets us know we're dealing with a new cooler and "Turbo" which lets us know we're dealing with a pre-overclocked card.
While we'll get into more details on the overclock soon, because the Turbo clock on offer from the HIS card was similar to that of the PowerColor PCS+ HD 7870 we've just looked at, we figured we'd fire up some overclocking software and see how the new HD 7870 goes in the overclocking department; an area we haven't looked in yet.
Of course before we cover all that we need to do a few things first. We'll start by checking out the package HIS are offering us today before we move on to the card itself. Once we've done that we'll take a look at the default clocks and then also what we overclocked the card to.
From there it's time to look at our testbed, check out some of the other cards we'll be including in our graphs today and finally get into the performance side of things to see just what we can get out of this card from HIS. The main question we want to answer today, though, is how does this mid $300 card go against its big brothers sitting in the HD 7900 area.
Package
What we're not seeing, though, is any MiniDP convertors or even a HDMI one. A lot of people might not have any use for these and if HIS are able to come in at a slightly more aggressive price point, then we don't mind. In the end we're sure they're going to let the card do the talking more than the bundle.
... Read the rest in your browser!
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Logitech Introduces the All-in-One Audio and Video ConferenceCam
Logitech today introduced a new product category for unified communications (UC) and Web conferencing: the all-in-one audio and video ConferenceCam. The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam is the first communications tool to combine a full HD webcam with a high-quality, omni-directional full-duplex speakerphone in one USB device, enabling small groups to collaborate in conference rooms, closed offices or shared work spaces.
Optimized for Microsoft Lync and Skype Certified, the BCC950 ConferenceCam works with most UC and video platforms. With a wide 78-degree field of view and 180-degree video pan, support for 1080p, 30fps HD through plug-and-play UVC H.264 video technology, and a speakerphone that allows everyone in a meeting to hear and be heard clearly from up to eight feet away, the ConferenceCam helps remove the pain point of groups clustering around a computer to be seen and understood during UC calls. Weighing only 20 ounces, the ConferenceCam can be carried easily around an office, allowing for spontaneous meetings anywhere users can place a computer.
"The power of unified communications is driving collaboration across multiple locations and multiple devices, giving people the flexibility to work together wherever they are," said Giovanni Mezgec, general manager for Lync at Microsoft Corp. "The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam expands the benefits of UC in the enterprise by providing a simple-to-install, high-quality solution for small-group meetings."
"We have a number of remote workers who value face-to-face time with their colleagues in the office, but we haven't had an appropriate tool for small-group video meetings," said Jim Hayes, IT operations manager for 24HourFlex, an employee benefits solutions provider in Aurora, Colo. "We've been testing pre-production units of the Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam for more than a month and it's proved to be an ideal solution for this bottleneck. We can now quickly and easily add audio and video conferencing to any room with an affordable device that doesn't compromise on call quality."
The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam is ideal for meetings of one to four or more people, whether in conference rooms or individual offices. A high-quality webcam sensor and Logitech RightLight 2 technology improve visual quality in low light and backlit situations, while a razor-sharp Carl Zeiss lens and the camera's autofocus feature allow sharing of detailed documents and other visuals up close, without losing image quality.
"The workplace is rapidly evolving toward smaller and more virtual teams, yet communication tools have not kept pace," said Eric Kintz, vice president and general manager of Logitech for Business. "In looking at the needs of our customers, we saw a gap in solutions that bring audio and videoconferencing to small groups. The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam fills that gap by combining a webcam and speakerphone into a single affordable device - transforming PCs and Macs into communications platforms, so businesses can set up more locations for small-group meetings."
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam is expected to be available worldwide beginning in May 2012, for a price of $249.99, from resellers who specialize in the business-to-business market. The product will not be offered by consumer electronics retailers. For more information on the Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam and other Logitech products for business, please visit http://www.logitech.com/business or our blog.
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Microsoft and Nokia Investing in Mobile App Development Program at Aalto University
To drive innovation and business opportunities in Finland's mobile ecosystem and beyond, Microsoft Corp. and Nokia will each invest up to 9 million Euros into a newly established mobile application development program at Aalto University during the next three years. The AppCampus program has been set up to foster the creation of innovative mobile applications for the Windows Phone ecosystem, and in addition Nokia platforms, including Symbian and Series 40, to create a new generation of self-sustaining mobile startups.
Kicking off in May 2012, the Finland-based program will be led and managed by Aalto University, which has a growing reputation as a hotbed of new startup companies. AppCampus is intended to attract thousands of application proposals from students and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Aalto University will make a significant contribution to the project by providing premises, coaching services, and access to both academic and business networks for budding app developers.
Within the AppCampus program, mobile entrepreneurs can benefit from comprehensive support, training in mobile technology, design and usability, and funding to create innovative new mobile apps and services. Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store offer local and global business opportunities to program participants via distribution to consumers around the world.
Mentored by veterans in the mobile industry, program participants will be given insights and business coaching to help them commercialize their ideas while retaining the full intellectual property rights for their innovations.
"The ICT industry and knowledge base in Finland is one of the most competitive in the world, particularly in the mobile technology field," said Jyrki Katainen, Finnish prime minister, at the launch event for the AppCampus program in Helsinki. "Finland is an early-adopter market, and the significance of national education and technology innovation is deeply rooted in our culture. As a result, there is a growing appetite for entrepreneurship among the younger generation at Aalto University and beyond. The partnership between Microsoft and Nokia is a critical investment in this growing ecosystem and represents an exciting opportunity and access to global markets for our local startup community."
"AppCampus offers an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs to put their ideas into practice and create world-class mobile products," said Klaus Holse, president, Microsoft Western Europe. "We want to turn a new leaf in the mobile industry and foster Finland's role as a center of excellence for mobile technology. Such investment into early-stage concepts has rarely been seen in this sector, and this demonstrates how highly both Nokia and Microsoft value Finnish mobile expertise."
"We are proud to announce this new program, which will enable new and existing developers to create next-generation mobile apps and unique user experiences," said Kai Oistamo, executive vice president, Nokia Corp. "The partnership will allow developers to ideate and monetize business opportunities globally, via both Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store."
"An essential part of Aalto University's mission is to strengthen Finland's competitiveness," said Tuula Teeri, president of Aalto University. "We are pleased to host this initiative, which concretely boosts utilization of new knowledge and skills in creation of new entrepreneurial ventures."
"Through our technology transfer and Aalto Venture Garage activities, the Aalto University community has been able to help catalyze the creation and growth of more than 30 companies during the past two years, with a number of them having mobile applications," said Will Cardwell, head of the Aalto University Center for Entrepreneurship, which will be charged with managing the program. "The people and ideas we work with hail from all corners of the world, and our partnership with Microsoft and Nokia will further strengthen our global network. This program will provide a unique opportunity to turn application ideas into real business with the support of world-class partners and coaches."
"Within our student community, we have a strong mission to boost entrepreneurship and to create more startups," said Teemu Tapanila, a board member of the Aalto Entrepreneurship Society and leader of the Windows Phone Aalto community. "We warmly welcome the opportunities and networks brought by this cooperation."
On the AppCampus Program
Mobile entrepreneurs can apply for grants within the AppCampus program beginning in May 2012. More information can be found at http://appcampus.aalto.fi/.
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Digital Storm Redefines the "Custom" High-Performance PC with Aventum
Digital Storm, the predominant name in computer system integration and engineering, unveils Aventum, the first system to feature its patent pending chassis and CES Innovations Award-winning Cryo-TEC cooling system. Designed by Digital Storm engineers from the inside out, Aventum's chassis boasts a proprietary thermal exhaust chamber, intelligent 5 thermal zone regulation and exclusive Aventum software that controls 13 customizable fans to effectively dissipate performance inhibiting heat. Together with the Cryo-TEC liquid cooling system that chills liquid below 0ºC, Digital Storm has designed the industry's first truly custom high-performance PC.
Every aspect of Aventum's chassis has been scrutinized during months of R&D by Digital Storm engineers who utilized thermal imaging cameras to perfect the Aventum's air flow design. Starting with the patent pending thermal exhaust chamber, Digital Storm has ensured that performance diminishing heat is contained and dispersed so it doesn't recirculate through the system. The Cryo-TEC liquid cooling system utilizes direct contact heat dissipation to remove heat from the CPU and then processes that liquid through 3 massive 420 mm heat exchange radiators.
System Monitoring & Control
Enthusiasts and creative professionals will delight in the extraordinary level of automated and self-initiated system control. Digital Storm has integrated automated regulation of five thermal zones and their corresponding fans, all of which are monitored by individual temperature probes. With Digital Storm's exclusive Aventum software, users can fine-tune 13 chassis fans, monitor and regulate thermal zones, and personalize chassis LED colors all within Microsoft Windows via exclusive Digital Storm software. Aventum's critical system performance information and personalized systems specs can be displayed on an LCD screen located on the side panel.
"Unlike any other chassis, Aventum's intelligent design enables it to exceed the demands of the most power hungry enthusiasts, gamers and creative professionals," remarked Rajeev Kuruppu, Digital Storm's Director of Product Development. "We've spent months analyzing every conceivable way to effectively eliminate heat from Aventum and as a result, our engineers devised new systems that have never been attempted. Every integral component and every zone is constantly being monitored so our customers can ensure their dream machine is always delivering optimal performance."
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VIA and Wishtel Crack the India Tablet Code with World's First Indian Language Tablets
Taipei, Taiwan, 23rd March, 2012 - VIA Technologies, Inc. today announced that the WonderMedia PRIZM WM8650 ARM SoC has been adopted by Wishtel in the world's first tablet computer to feature support for native Indian languages.
"With the introduction of the IRA and IRA Thing, Wishtel is leading the way in driving tablet innovation in India," commented Richard Brown, VP International Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "The potential for these devices is breathtaking, particularly in areas such as education."
Milind Shah, CEO, Wishtel, said, "This launch is the first step in our long term vision of bringing people closer to technology by creating gadgets that truly touch their lives. By enabling support for Indian languages, we are providing the opportunity for hundreds of millions of Indians to join the tablet revolution that is sweeping the globe today. We also hope to reach out to those brilliant minds in India that are inhibited for the lack of proper resources."
The tablets also come with a rich set of personal productivity, social media, communications, and entertainment apps, making them ideal solutions for a wide variety of home, educational, and corporate uses. These include an innovative eBook reader app that will allow users to enjoy eBooks in Hindi and other Indian languages on their device, as well as a growing range of course content for ICSE, CBSE and state boards plus engineering, medical, and other higher education offerings.
Availability & Pricing
Powered by the VIA WonderMedia PRIZM WM8650 SoC, the tablets are available nation-wide at prices between INR 4,000 (US$80 approx) to INR 5,500 (US$110 approx) through over 350 distribution and support centers throughout India.
The main features include the following:
High-resolution 7" capacitive and resistive touch screens
WonderMedia PRIZM WM8650 ARM SoC
720p HD video support
802.11b/g WiFi
3G WCDMA EVDO USB dongle support
UBS 2.0 port
External microphone, 3.5mm earphone, internal stereo speakers
Built-in camera
Up to four hours battery life
Google Android 2.3 and Linux (native Indian Language)
Besides the above, a rich array of productivity, communications, social media, and entertainment apps, including Internet browser, email, word processor, photo album, music album, video player, Facebook, Twitter, and eBook reader will also be provided.
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Available Tags:Android , iPhone , HIS , Radeon , Logitech , Microsoft , Nokia , VIA , India , Tablet ,
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