IT-Code-News: IT News Head Lines (TweakTown) 9/30/2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

IT News Head Lines (TweakTown) 9/30/2013

TweakTown

XFX's Radeon R9 280X Double Dissipation GPU is a hot mess
We're not far away from the retail launch of AMD's next-gen Radeon GPUs, but ahead of that we have a look at XFX's Radeon R9 280X Double Dissipation GPU which looks unbelievably hot.

xfx_s_radeon_r9_280x_double_dissipation_gpu_is_a_hot_mess

XFX has donned the new GPU in a completely new cooling design, which just looks beautiful. The color scheme is black and red with silver trims, with dual 100mm fans and copper heat pipes and an aluminum heatsink underneath keeping everything nice and cool, and quiet. Underneath the exotic-looking cooling setup, we have the Tahiti XTL GPU.

xfx_s_radeon_r9_280x_double_dissipation_gpu_is_a_hot_mess

xfx_s_radeon_r9_280x_double_dissipation_gpu_is_a_hot_mess

The Tahiti XTL GPU features 2048 Graphics CoreNext stream processors, 128 TMUs, 32 ROPs, and a 384-bit memory bus that supports up to 3GB of RAM. We should expect the pricing on this GPU to sit somewhere between $299 and $329.

Apple secures one of Nike's designers, will help out with the iWatch
Apple seems far behind the wearable devices game, with a bunch of its competitors unveiling wearable devices, mainly Samsung's Galaxy Gear and heck, even the Galaxy Gear 2 is being teased already. This isn't even considering the awesome Omate TrueSmart, either and all before Apple has its first-gen device on our wrists.

apple_secures_one_of_nike_s_designers_will_help_out_with_the_iwatch

Now we have a report that states Apple has scooped up one of Nike's top design directors, who will work on wearable devices for the company. Ben Shaffer was Nike's Studio Director of Innovation Kitchen, which might sound weird, but it's actually Nike's R&D arm that is responsible for products like the Nike FuelBand, which is a favorite of Apple's executives.
Shaffer will most likely begin working on the rumored iWatch, but the latest rumors peg it to be released late next year after some engineering problems.

Sony to improve digital downloads on the PS4 after GTA V problems
Grand Theft Auto V was a massive 18GB download on the PlayStation Store and while this might not mean much to us PC gamers using Steam, it bought the Japanese company's network to its knees with thousands upon thousands of people downloading it all at once.

sony_to_improve_digital_downloads_on_the_ps4_after_gta_v_problems

Sony does not want a repeat of this, and has said it is fixing its digital download network before the PlayStation 4 launches. PlayStation UK boss, Fergal Gara, told Eurogamer: "There are big innovations in the PS4 to make it more attractive. We've done a lot of work on pre-delivering files. It's not perfect. It's not seamless."
Gara added that digital distribution is a "major area of focus" and investment for the company, which should calm most gamers' nerves.

Before it was shutdown, LucasArts were working on Day of the Tentacle
One of my favorite games of all time, Day of the Tentacle, was nearly released as a remake by LucasArts before the studio was shut down. According to a Kotaku source, the remake was "80% done."

before_it_was_shutdown_lucasarts_were_working_on_day_of_the_tentacle

The source that was "close to the project" said that the Day of the Tentackle remake was to include updated art and cutscenes. The source also said that the DoTT remaster was a "dream project" for most employees, but it was never technically greenlit. So, unfortunately, even if it were finished, it might never have seen the light of day.
Now, Internet world, I request that a petition be made and it get thrown onto Kickstarter for crowdfunding to get it finished. Maybe LucasArts and Disney would reconsider, and release it to the world - as Day of the Tentacle has countless fans.

iPad loses its lead in the tablet market to Android-based slates
The iPad came out years ago now and has been enjoying being the leader of the tablet market share game from Android-based slates, but that ends now. New numbers are in from ABI Research, which reports that during Q2 2013, Android-based tablets overtook Apple iPads in terms of volume.

ipad_loses_its_lead_in_the_tablet_market_to_android_based_slates

The total amount of money spent on the two tablets, iPads and Android-based slates, was reportedly split nearly down the center. This is a big difference, because normally Apple has enjoyed throwing its arms in and raking in all of that glorious cash. The benefit Android has over iPad is that there are plenty of manufacturers making Android-based slates, versus only Apple making the iPad.
This ends up with no one being the true leader against Apple, so it's not Samsung, ASUS or any other manufacturer. ABI Research's numbers indicate that 60% of iPads sold in Q2 2013 were iPad minis, and not the full-sized iPad.

Microsoft increases app-roaming limits, from 5 to 81 devices
A few weeks from the launch of its next iteration of its flagship OS, Microsoft has increased the number of Windows 8 and 8.1 devices that users can install Windows Store apps from 5 to 81 devices.

microsoft_increases_app_roaming_limits_from_5_to_81_devices

Microsoft's new app-roaming limit begins on October 9, and will involve all Windows Store/Metro Style apps that are associated with a single Microsoft account. The news comes directly from a new Microsoft "Windows App Builder" blog which was posted on September 27. The blog post reads: "Developers that decide to have the app enforce a constraint around the number of devices must disclose that constraint to Windows Store customers and set expectations appropriately."
Increasing it to 81 is a nice touch with Windows 8.1 coming in just a few weeks time.

Xi3 to unveil its PISTON console on Monday, the first Steam Machine?
This week has been quite packed with Valve-related news, with SteamOS, Steam Box, Steam Machines and the new Steam Controller. Now we have a company that was tied to Valve for the Steam Box, unveiling its new PISTON gaming console on Monday.

xi3_to_unveil_its_piston_console_on_monday_the_first_steam_machine

Xi3 has teased that "the wait is over" with the date 9/30/13 below it. We should expect the PISTON console to be a variation of the usual PISTON PCs, but in console form. We don't know exactly what to expect, but maybe this will be the first Steam Machine? Especially considering that Xi3 was who Valve reportedly chose to show off prototypes of the Steam Box in its early form.

Netflix opens up Super HD streams to all ISPs
Up until just recently, Netflix required ISPs to join its Open Connect Content Delivery Network if they wanted to offer their customers "Super HD" and 3D video streams, but not anymore!

netflix_opens_up_super_hd_streams_to_all_isps

Netflix has announced back in January that it would begin offering Super HD and 3D streams, but if customers wanted to access it, it would only be if their ISP used Netflix's CDN. The content streaming giant is now untethering the Super HD option from its CDN, opening it up to all ISPs. Netflix's Joris Evers says: "Based on the performance data we've seen, and in response to member requests, we are now expanding availability to give all our members the ability to enjoy Netflix in the best possible quality."

iOS 7 is making people physically sick, iPuke maybe?
iOS 7 may be doing well in terms of adoption rates and selling iPhone 5S and 5C units, but the latest mobile OS from Apple is making people physically ill. Yes, as in throwing up and being sick.

ios_7_is_making_people_physically_sick_ipuke_maybe

The source of this is actually iOS 7's many zoom animations, mixed with the slight parallax effect that iOS 7 uses in order to create the illusion of 3D display layers such as home screen backgrounds. A poster on an Apple forum said: "The zoom animations everywhere on the new iOS 7 are literally making me nauseous and giving me a headache. It's exactly how I used to get car sick if I tried to read in the car. Any way to turn off iOS 7 navigation animations?"
There were more than a handful of users who were complaining of plenty of problems, such as "nausea", "headache", "motion sickness", "dizzyness", "eye strain", "vomit", "vertigo", "blurred vision", and "seizure" all over the thread. So, as you can see, it's not an isolated issue.

RumorTT: Pre-orders of Destiny might allow beta access
Destiny is inching closer to release, and now we have a huge tease: according to the official Destiny website, players can "pre-order Destiny at select retailers and receive admission to the Destiny Beta."

rumortt_pre_orders_of_destiny_might_allow_beta_access

A Reddit user noticed the text, which has now been erased from the Destiny website, but still appears in Google's cache. Another post on Reddit pointed to the pre-order message appearing only on the UK and Canadian versions of the site. No official retailers are listing Destiny anywhere, even the big boys like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target and Walmart in the U.S. don't mention Destiny pre-orders just yet.

China finally lifting ban on game consoles, just in time for next-gen
After a massive 13-year ban on gaming consoles, it looks like China is about to open the flood gates to all consoles. Rewinding the clock back to 2000, we saw the country put a ban on gaming consoles because of the influence violent and mature games could have on the youth of China.

china_finally_lifting_ban_on_game_consoles_just_in_time_for_next_gen

We heard about the Shanghai free-trade zone, which the console ban being lifted is all a part of. In order for gaming consoles to be sold in China, game developers and console retailers will need to set up shop in the free-trade zone in Shanghai, pending official approval they can sell their products to the mainland market.
Microsoft has already sprinted to the market, striking a deal with Chinese company BesTV in order to develop games in the free-trade zone. The free-trade zone is opening up in Shanghai on September 29, which should see billions upon billions of dollars being pumped into the industry.

NSA: we used our tech to spy on our love interests
It looks like some NSA agents would be hanging their heads in shame, if they weren't already over the PRISM scandal, after it has been outed that some of them used their powers to spy on love interests.

nsa_we_used_our_tech_to_spy_on_our_love_interests

The Hill reports that the US spy agency admitted in a letter to Sensor Chuck Grassley (R - Iowa) that it's "identified 12 incidents since 2003 in which analysts intentionally misused their intelligence gathering powers" to spy on love interests. The NSA also admitted that it has opened two investigations into similar abuses of intelligence, and a third is being reviewed as another possible investigation.
This all reminds me of Men in Black, the movie, when K used the technology he had at his disposal to use a satellite to spy on his ex-wife. I can see it now, the NSA is using its vast technology - of which the US tax payer funded - to spy on love interests, the next-generation of Facebook stalking.

Microsoft's Xbox One tour begins on October 1
Microsoft has announced that its Xbox team will take the Xbox One on a tour around the world, starting on October 1. If you're near one of these tour cities, you'll be able to see the Xbox One "through a series of experiential events."

microsoft_s_xbox_one_tour_begins_on_october_1

You'll be able to get some hands-on time with Microsoft's next-gen console, as the Redmond-based giant will be bringing along seven (and possibly more) of its launch titles: Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome, Killer Instinct, Dead Rising 3, Crimson Dragon, Max: Curse of the Brotherhood, and LocoCycle.
The company has called this tour the "Area One" tour, with the following cities and dates below:

Philadelphia: 10.3-10.6
Paris: 10.10-10.13
Toronto: 10.10-10.13
Chicago: 10.17-10.20
Vienna: 10.17-10.20
Atlanta: 10.24-10.27
Dallas: 10.31-11.3
Berlin: 10.31-11.3
Phoenix: 11.7-11.10
San Francisco: 11.14-11.17
Dublin: 11.14-11.17
Los Angeles: 11.21
London: 11.21-11.24

Delta will provide all pilots with a Surface 2 within two years
After Delta Airlines looked to be providing all of its pilots with iPads in 2011 through its Electronic Flight Bag program, the airline has gone in a totally new direction.

delta_will_provide_all_pilots_with_a_surface_2_within_two_years

WindowsITPro is reporting that the airline was going to adopt Nokia's unreleased and rumored Sirius tablet, but has since changed its mind and will now see pilots using Microsoft's Windows 8.1 RT-based tablet, the Surface 2. Flight attendants will also use Nokia Lumia 820 smartphones, which will be used for processing payments and tracking passenger information.

BlackBerry's failed Z10 cost the company almost $1 billion in losses
We are finding out why BlackBerry decided to cancel its investors call this afternoon. The company has released its financial report that suggests that it lost almost $1 billion due to its flagship Z10 failing to excite customers. Last quarter, the Z10 accounted for more than $934 million in losses with an overall loss of $965 million.

blackberry_s_failed_z10_cost_the_company_almost_1_billion_in_losses

The BlackBerry Z10 is not solely responsible for the company's downfall, however. Years of stagnant progress and lack of innovation led up to the once king of smartphones being rendered a beggar peasant among kings. The company reported only $1.6 billion for the quarter, which was off by almost 50 percent from last year. It did manage to ship 3.7 million smartphones, which pales in comparison to Apple who claimed 15 million iPhones last weekend alone.

DICE releases list of maps and modes for Battlefield 4 release
DICE has just unveiled what multiplayer maps and game modes will be playable on day one for Battlefield 4. The list of maps is quite impressive and includes the impressive looking Zavod 311 map that is set inside a Cold War era Soviet tank factory. The factory has been abandoned for decades and is now being reclaimed by nature.

dice_releases_list_of_maps_and_modes_for_battlefield_4_release

Returning gameplay modes include: Conquest, Team Deathmatch, Rush, Squad Deathmatch, and Domination. Two additional modes will be launched on day one as well, which includes Obliteration and Defuse. The first will involve planting a bomb to blow up key targets within the map, while defuse is only a ten person game. Each team of five players will be tasked with eliminating the other team. Each player has a single life and no respawns.
A list of all the available day 1 maps is below.

Siege of Shanghai
Paracel Storm
Zavod 311
Lancang Dam
Flood Zone
Rogue Transmission
Hainan Resort
Dawnbreaker
Operation Locker
Golmud Railway

Flooding once again threatens Thai industrial park
Some of you may remember the flooding in Thailand back in 2011 that caused the prices of hard drives to skyrocket. A similar situation could arise again, if rainfall continues. A recent report says that flooding is already "encircling" the Thai industrial park, but the Government promises a repeat of 2011 will not happen.

flooding_once_again_threatens_thai_industrial_park

During the flooding in 2011, more than 800 people lost their lives across Thailand, and enough damage was done to the tech industry to cause hard drive prices to skyrocket to levels not seen in years. It took more than a year for tech prices to level off, but more importantly, Thailand has yet to recover fully from the damage. We will be keeping a close eye on flooding reports and our storage gurus Paul Alcorn and Chris Ramseyer will alert us of any breaking news.

Beats buys back final half of HTC partnership, cost $265 million
The partnership between headphone manufacturer Beats and handset giant HTC has finally came to an end. This morning, Beats announced that it has bought back the remaining stake held by HTC for $265 million. The two companies partnered up back in 2011, when HTC picked up a 50.1 percent controlling interest for $300 million.

beats_buys_back_final_half_of_htc_partnership_cost_265_million

Just a year later, Beats bought back half of that stake for $150 million. With today's buyback, HTC has profited over $115 million from the deal, not including any royalties and unseen payments that have taken place. No reason was given for the split, but with HTC in financial trouble, we are sure that the sudden influx of cash is a welcomed one.

LeakedTT: Images of a gold iPad mini with fingerprint scanner surface
New images have surfaced of what appears to be a new Apple iPad Mini that features the new anodized color that has is featured on the iPhone 5S. The new iPad mini also features the same Touch ID fingerprint scanner we saw on the recently released iPhone 5S.

leakedtt_images_of_a_gold_ipad_mini_with_fingerprint_scanner_surface

leakedtt_images_of_a_gold_ipad_mini_with_fingerprint_scanner_surface

Other than the color change and new fingerprint scanner, the pictured iPad Mini appears to be of the same form-factor and trim of its predecessor. With Apple's recent trend of rehashing existing products with minimal changes, this is no surprise. Apple will be hosting an event on October 15 during which it is expected to launch a new iPad and iPad mini, so all will be revealed then!.

Half-Life 3 not announced, Valve introduces Steam Controller instead
Well it has happened folks, Valve has made its third and final announcements of the week and unfortunately no mention of Half-Life 3 was made. We did, however, get a thorough rundown of the final piece of the puzzle to a unified Steam gaming experience for the living room.

half_life_3_not_announces_valve_introduces_steam_controller_instead

The final announcement was centered around the all new Steam Controller, a very funky looking peripheral that features not one but two touch sensitive trackpads, an LCD-based touchscreen that doubles as a button, and multiple triggers / buttons. The new Steam Controller is said to work with every game in the Steam library, even the ones that were never designed to support a game pad. Valve says that they achieved this by tricking the game into thinking the controller is actually a mouse and keyboard.

half_life_3_not_announces_valve_introduces_steam_controller_instead

We set out with a singular goal: bring the Steam experience, in its entirety, into the living-room. We knew how to build the user interface, we knew how to build a machine, and even an operating system. But that still left input - our biggest missing link. We realized early on that our goals required a new kind of input technology - one that could bridge the gap from the desk to the living room without compromises. So we spent a year experimenting with new approaches to input and we now believe we've arrived at something worth sharing and testing with you.

half_life_3_not_announces_valve_introduces_steam_controller_instead

The dual trackpads are said to be very high-resolution and double as a physically clickable button, which gives the controller an even more in-depth feature set. Steam says that the trackpads are almost as sensitive as a high-end gaming mouse and this will be something traditional PC gamers appreciate. Valve has built haptic feedback into the controller as well, but has taken the technology past the traditional motor and counterweight.

half_life_3_not_announces_valve_introduces_steam_controller_instead

The Steam Controller is built around a new generation of super-precise haptic feedback, employing dual linear resonant actuators. These small, strong, weighted electro-magnets are attached to each of the dual trackpads. They are capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing precise control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement.

half_life_3_not_announces_valve_introduces_steam_controller_instead

A touchscreen is front and center on the Steam Controller, and Valve says that this feature allows an infinite number of discrete actions to be made available to the player without an infinite number of buttons. Like the touchpads, the touchscreen also serves as a physically clickable button, lending even more usefulness to an already amazing controller. Steam says that the controller was designed from the ground up to be hackable, and APIs and other files will be made openly available upon launch.

Micro-transactions confirmed by Rockstar for GTA Online
Rockstar Games has announced that those who wish to fast track their progress in GTA Online will have the option to purchase GTA$ via the in-game store. Rockstar says that the game and its economy were designed and balanced for those who will never buy extra GTA$.

micro_transactions_confirmed_by_rockstar_for_gta_online

Rockstar says that online players will earn in-game money much faster than in GTA V and that there will not be a shortage of cash to go around. The developer also warned of growing pains when the game launches. There may be bugs, performance decreases, and other issues as the servers are stress tested for the first time. Rockstar says that they will address these issues as they arise.

Star Citizen's $22 million goal: adding in facial capture system
The last time I remember this technology being talked about was all the way back in the 90s with Quake III, but now we're here again thanks to Robert Space Industries' Star Citizen.

star_citizen_s_22_million_goal_adding_in_facial_capture_system

The game has passed $20 million in total crowdfunding, with the developer asking what the next stretch goal would be when it reaches $21 million. 87% of the voters asked for the counter to keep going, so RSI has been forced to add more stretch goals for its early backers, to enhance the game "in ways we had not originally deemed possible."
The new stretch goal is for $22 million, which would add a Facial Capture System, which RSI explains as "We've researched a technology that uses a series of cameras to capture real heads and import them into the game. This will let the team more easily create a variety of realistic characters. In addition, the technology is mobile enough to allow us to take it on the road and capture select fans during special events! You can learn more about this technology at Infinite-Realities."

Evernote and 3M are pushing note-taking to a new level
It looks like 3M, the company behind the Post-It note (you know, the one from Romy & Michele's High School Reunion) has been working with Evernote, the note-taking provider, to make sure that sticky notes continue to be used in this digital age we live in.

evernote_and_3m_are_pushing_note_taking_to_a_new_level

As of today, any photo taken with the new Post-it Note camera feature in Evernote for iOS 7 will digitize any Post-It Note in real life, and create a file that can be shared with anyone, anywhere. Captured Post-Its can also be categorized by color. So, for example, a green Post-It Note could be used as a homework reminder, while a yellow note could be a shopping list.
Captured notes are searched through the cloud-based platform, making it easier to keep track of your various notes.

Microsoft working on a single app store for its platforms
One thing that could make Microsoft's life much easier would be to have one, single apps tore. Well, according to unnamed sources of The Verge, the Redmond-based giant has been working on a single app store for both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 apps.

microsoft_could_have_just_a_single_app_store_for_its_platforms

This new app store would create a common platform for developers to sell their software. The company is hoping to launch the store with the release of Windows 8.1 on October 22 next month, and would have a special update to Windows 8.1 in the first half of next year. The Verge has said that "it's possible that Microsoft may take an approach that's similar to Apple's App Store, where tablet specific apps don't run on the phone, but phone apps scale to run on a tablet."

iOS 7 adoption rate continues to impress, passes 60% since launch
It looks like lots of people are updating to Apple's iOS 7 platform, hopefully they don't think by updating their iPhones that they will become waterproof, but that's another story.

ios_7_adoption_rate_continues_to_impress_passes_60_since_launch

Mixpanel has been tracking the iOS 7 adoption rate since the mobile OS went live last week, where it has reported that it quickly saw itself being installed onto 29% of iPhones out there. Over the weekend, iOS 7 had been downloaded to more than 50% of iPhone owners, but yesterday, that number passed 60%.

Buffalo LinkStation 420 8TB "Cloud" Storage Review

Introduction

buffalo_linkstation_420_8tb_cloud_storage_review

Recently, Buffalo announced the launch of the LinkStation 400 series. Delivering 2TB - 8TB of storage capacity, the LinkStation is a plug-n-play solution for those that want easy to setup network storage. The features don't end there though, Buffalo offers a DLNA certified device with the LinkStation 420, making it a streaming solution as well. Additional features include Nova Backup professional for Windows and the inclusion of a Time Machine backup solution for Apple users.
In addition to the tremendous capacity options, the LinkStation also serves as your basic NAS appliance offering data redundancy through RAID 1 and increased performance through RAID 0. A personal cloud service is also offered with each LinkStation with apps available for iOS and Android platforms.
Let's dive in now and take a close look at the 8TB model.

Hardware Specifications and Pricing

Modern NAS servers have moved beyond data storage through a wire network. In order to get the most out of a NAS, you need to look at the extra I/O hardware and the mountain of potential software features.

buffalo_linkstation_420_8tb_cloud_storage_review

The LinkStation 420 is offered as a two bay NAS appliance, while there is a diskless option, most models come with drives installed. Here we have between 2TB and 8TB of capacity ready to go to serve your needs. Included on the back of the unit is a single Gigabit LAN port with an additional USB 2.0 port for connecting printers or USB based storage. Protocol support includes file sharing options such as CIFS/SMB, AFP, HTTP and http://FTP.
Pricing of the 8TB Buffalo LinkStation at this time is set at $599.99. Additional capacities are available with the 2TB, 4TB and 6TB models coming in at $249.99, $349.99 and $469.99 respectively. The LinkStation 420 is warrantied for a period of one year.
... Read the rest in your browser!

TerraMaster F2 NAS 2 NAS Appliance Review

Introduction & Hardware Specifications and Pricing

terramaster_f2_nas_2_nas_appliance_review

Every once in a while, we get the opportunity to review new products from vendors that are in the process of gauging the market. TerraMaster is a professional storage company based in China, which has garnered success in over 40 countries worldwide. They offer a wide range of products including two to eight bay network storage solutions, along with your typical Firewire and eSATA/USB DAS storage.
Building off what the company learned with the first release of the F2 NAS, TerraMaster went back to the drawing board, adding in a much cleaner and refined firmware, along with removing the DAS feature through USB 3.0. This allowed TerraMaster to focus on the NAS implementation rather than having a multi-functional device that caused so many issues in the original design.
Today we spend some time looking closely at the new F2 NAS 2 from TerraMaster.

Hardware Specifications and Pricing

Modern NAS servers have moved beyond data storage through a wire network. In order to get the most out of a NAS, you need to look at the extra I/O hardware and the mountain of potential software features.

terramaster_f2_nas_2_nas_appliance_review

The foundation of the F2 NAS 2 lies in the Marvell 6282 SoC that is clocked to a nice 1.6GHz. 512MB of DDR3 memory complements the NAS, with an additional 512MB of NAND flash holding the OS. This unit accepts two 3.5" HDDs, offering 8TB of capacity in today's market.
On the back of the unit, you will find a single Gigabit Ethernet port, along with a USB 2.0 and eSATA port for connecting printers or external hard drives.
Pricing of the F2 NAS 2 comes in with a MSRP of $199. TerraMaster offers a one year warranty on the F2 NAS 2.
... Read the rest in your browser!

Vantec 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub w/ Gigabit Ethernet Review

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

For those of you that have recently purchased or are looking to purchase a netbook, notebook or ultrabook, one thing is certain, not all models are created equal and even the higher-end products don't always come with every feature you want. One situation I can think of is when I purchased a netbook without researching, and found out on the day of delivery it had no wired Ethernet connection at all.
To fix this situation, I scoured the internet for USB to Ethernet adapters, and came across quite a few. The downside to all of these is they would take the only USB 3.0 port I had leaving me with slower USB 2.0 for my personal use. Vantec has recently announced an exciting new product to combat my woes offering both a three port USB 3.0 hub with an additional Gigabit Ethernet port, making this a solid all-in-one solution.
Furthermore, this hub is externally powered if need be, to charge USB devices quicker and more efficiently, without going over the power limits of your on-board controller. On the networking side, the Gbit Ethernet port supports all modern standards with 802.3x flow control and auto-negotiation, even jumbo frames. Compatibility extends from modern Windows operating systems to Mac OS X 10.6+. Warranty period for this product stands at one year.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

The scope of delivery for the Vantec USB 3.0 Hub includes the user manual, driver CD, USB 3.0 cable, power adapter and of course the hub itself.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

Looking at the hub, you will find the three USB 3.0 ports placed horizontally across the front of the device.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

The backside houses the power connection, mini USB 3.0 port and Gigabit Ethernet port.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

The material chosen for the USB 3.0 Hub are mostly plastic with a bit of added shine to them.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

Here we stacked three of our favourite and very quick USB 3.0 flash drives into the hub to check for any spacing issues between the ports. It is safe to say, with standard sized flash drive, you shouldn't run into issues. Drives like the Supersonic Magnum from Patriot, which tend to be a bit oversized, could present issues in this layout.
To accurately test the USB 3.0 Hub, I first ran our results with our Lexar P10 connected to our native USB 3.0 ports. After which I placed the Vantec USB 3.0 Hub into our native port connecting the P10 to it to measure for any speed loss that could be attributed to the hub. For testing the networking aspect, I ran the Vantec through our multi-stream throughput test that simulates heavy network traffic.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

First, our native tests where we have the Lexar P10 reaching sequential speeds of 232 MB/s read and 224 MB/s write.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

Now running our Lexar P10 through the Vantec USB 3.0 Hub, we find no performance loss at all with the same numbers coming through in the end.

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

In our multi-stream throughput test, the Vantec held its own against our on-board Intel Gbit and the PCIe Intel Pro 1000 PT.
The Vantec USB 3.0 Hub w/Gbit is one of those devices I call a 'problem solver'. While there are many devices that offer Gbit Ethernet over USB 3.0, many don't offer the additional support of three USB 3.0 ports. In fact, many take your only available USB 3.0 port, especially on compact devices like netbooks.
Performance in all categories was great. We saw no noticeable decrease in performance when using the USB 3.0 hub with our Lexar P10, and the Gbit networking side was just as efficient as our PCIe and on-board network adapters.
List price of the Vantec USB 3.0 Hub w/ Gigabit (UGT-MH330GNA) is set at $55.99, but I was able to find it a several online retailers for around $46. So, if you're in need of a SuperSpeed USB hub, but want the additional functionality of Gigabit Ethernet, the Vantec UGT-MH330GNA is one to look for indeed.

What do TweakTown awards and ratings mean? Click for details!

vantec_3_port_usb_3_0_hub_w_gigabit_ethernet_review

... Read the rest in your browser!

Available Tags:Radeon , GPU , Apple , Sony , PS4 , iPad , tablet , Microsoft , Steam , iOS , Xbox , HTC , Valve , Rockstar , USB 3.0 , USB ,

No comments:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)