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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Acer shows off new desktops with latest AMD APUs

Aspire XC105 and TC100Related storiesAcer teases arm-packing notebook in non sequitur Star Trek spotAcer's next PC shuns Windows in favour of AndroidWindows 8.1 is Microsoft's return to Earth, says Acer CEO

The PC industry may be in dire straights as users opt for smartphones or Ultrabooks, but that doesn't stop manufacturers from pumping out new models in a bid to steer you away from the latest skinny contender.

That includes Taiwanese box maker Acer, which has revamped its Aspire XC and TC multimedia desktop lines to include the latest AMD APUs.

First up is the new Aspire XC105, which Acer is touting as a compact desktop solution. The PC features a traditional tower form factor and combines discrete graphics with one of several CPUs on offer.

The company told us that models in the range will provide a choice of an AMD E1-1200, Intel Celeron G1610, or Intel PDC G2010. That's in addition to an Intel Core i3-2130, Intel Core i3-3220, Intel Core i5-3300, or an Intel Core i5-3330.

Acer is aiming to break away from the usual black matte textures by adding a brushed metallic finish to the case that combines glossy black, silver chrome and brushed silver.

Smaller sibling

Acer's TC100/105 is comparatively smaller, taking the shape of a micro-tower format that places ports at the front of the base for accessibility. The TC series models allow users to boost graphics by opting for a dedicated card, though there is no word yet on which makes, or CPUs, are available.

Both models in the XC and TC series are capable of housing up to 16GB RAM, leaving them open to a sizable performance boost. They also feature USB 3.0 ports to allow faster file transfers while remaining more energy efficient, in addition to HDMI 1.4 ports that let users hook up to a 3D display.

They also include Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi, which gets a helping hand from Acer's Always Connect Technology that automatically detects and registers most visited access points. Acer claims the feature allows users to access the internet in 2.5 seconds, four times faster than models without the tech. Why that's a big deal for desktop users, however, is anybody's guess.

The XC is set to go on sale in July at a cost ranging from £279.99 and £499.99. The TC starts at £399.99, ranging to £599, and will be available from the same time.

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By: Unknown On 9:04 PM

Friday, April 19, 2013

Netflix's latest original series 'Hemlock Grove' is available for streaming

Netflix's latest original series 'Hemlock Grove' now available for streaming

Netflix's original content assault continues today with the debut of Hemlock Grove, a "supernatural" series directed by Eli Roth. This series takes place in a small Pennsylvania town which has suddenly come down with a bad case of werewolf attacks. Previous releases Lilyhammer and House of Cards chased viewers interested in quirky foreign humor and political drama, respectively, so this series represents a bit of a shift. Later this year, the streaming service will debut Orange is the New Black from Weeds creator Jenji Kohan and the second season of Lilyhammer. Cards is also due for a second season, and sci-fi fans have Sense8 to look forward to in 2014.

We'll see if its data-based approach to picking series has found another quality option in Hemlock Grove, however early reviews suggest that may not be the case for all viewers. Hitfix's Alan Sepinwall referred to it as a "streakbuster" between Cards and the upcoming season of Arrested Development, and a New York Times evaluation of the first few eps notes "it barely gets around to telling its story." Of course, it may just be targeted to viewers with different priorities, who will appreciate its style more than they did, and the company's algorithms are just waiting to dig those people out of the crowd. Whatever the case, with Netflix's characteristic all-episodes-at-once release schedule you can power through all 13 episodes and find out for yourself right now.

Source: Netflix

More Coverage: Hitfix, New York Times

Friday, April 12, 2013

Touch Bionics' latest 'i-limb' offers a powered rotating thumb, smartphone controls

Touch Bionics Unveils Next Generation Prosthetic Hand with Powered Thumb Rotation
Company announces global availability of i-limb(TM) ultra revolution and latest biosim(TM) mobile application

LIVINGSTON, United Kingdom & MANSFIELD, Mass., Apr 11, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Touch Bionics, a provider of world-leading prosthetic technologies, today announced a significant advance to the company's groundbreaking i-limb(TM) technology. The i-limb ultra revolution, featuring a powered rotating thumb, 24 grip options and extra sensitive electrodes, is the first upper limb prosthesis that can be controlled via a mobile application.

"We are pleased to introduce the i-limb ultra revolution and the latest biosim mobile control app," said Ian Stevens, CEO of Touch Bionics. "We believe that the i-limb ultra revolution, with powered thumb rotation and the ability to quickly access multiple grip patterns, offers unparalleled dexterity and control, enabling wearers to more easily perform activities of daily living and thus increase their quality of life."

The powered rotation of the thumb can be either controlled directly by the wearer's muscle signals, or can move automatically into position as part of a pre-set grip pattern or gesture. The new Quick Grips(TM) option from the biosim mobile control app allows the user to automatically activate 24 different grip patterns and gestures on their prosthesis with a single tap of the screen.

"The i-limb ultra revolution is the most advanced, and easy to use prosthesis that I have ever worn," said Bertolt Meyer, i-limb wearer. "Powered thumb rotation, combined with the mobile app and quick access to all these new grips, gives me natural hand function that I never imagined would be possible."

i-limb ultra revolution features:

-- Powered rotating thumb and individually articulating fingers offering unparalleled dexterity and reliable access to precision grip patterns.

-- New biosim mobile control application compatible with latest Apple(R) products gives the wearer greatly expanded control capability via 24 Quick Grips each from a single screen tap.

-- New remote electrodes offer a higher level of sensitivity giving the wearer enhanced control.

-- A variety of flexible wrist options enabling more natural positioning of hand when gripping or picking up objects.

-- Aesthetic covering options available via the livingskin product line, including i-limb skin natural and i-limb skin match covers customized to match skin tone and appearance.

biosim mobile control app features:

-- 24 Quick Grips - Instant access to grip patterns with a single screen tap greatly expands prosthesis control.

-- Favorites - Editable collections of grips customized for daily needs. For example, wearers can select the 'work' favorite, which triggers the i-limb into preferred grips such as typing, holding papers, or using a mouse.

-- Hand Health Check - Activates prosthesis diagnostic to ensure the i-limb is functioning properly.

-- Training - Access training modes to help the wearer learn how to access all of the functionality available.

-- Compatibility - Available for download on Apple App Store and compatible with several Apple devices.

Support for Clinicians

All new i-limb products are supported by the Touch Care(TM) service and support package, Touch Link(TM) Academy certification program, on-site occupational therapy training, and reimbursement support services.

About Touch Bionics

Touch Bionics is a provider of world-leading prosthetic technologies designed to achieve positive outcomes for people with upper limb deficiencies. Touch Bionics was the first company to develop an electrically powered prosthetic hand with five independently powered fingers and the company continues to be a pioneer in upper limb prosthetic solutions. The company's products include electronic prosthetic hand and prosthetic finger solutions, as well as passive silicone prostheses that closely match the natural appearance of the wearer.

A spin-out from the UK's National Health Service, Touch Bionics was founded by inventor David Gow and is funded and supported by Archangel Informal Investment and Scottish Enterprise.

To learn more, visit www.touchbionics.com.

Note to editors: Images relating to this story are available at http://www.touchbionics.com/downloads/images/.

A brief preview video is also available at: http://www.touchbionics.com/downloads/general-videos/

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20130411005341r1&sid=cmtx4&distro=nx

SOURCE: Touch Bionics

Source

By: Unknown On 9:47 AM

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Latest Hulu rumors suggest it could be up for sale, again

While viewers enjoy promotions like free Star Trek and Kurosawa, Hulu's owners are once again considering selling the video streaming site. The last bit of news was that News Corp and Disney were considering buying one another out, but according to Reuters, anonymous sources confirm that the board is reaching out to several potential buyers while it considers its options. Another possibility from Variety suggests that the two would remain as part owners, and welcome another party to join, perhaps CBS. This wouldn't be the first time Hulu's owners tried to sell the site however, as it went through the whole process -- without changing hands -- back in 2011. Perhaps this time, with a new CEO in place, all the companies involved can figure out what they want Hulu to be going forward.

Source: Reuters, Variety

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Apple's latest 21.5-inch iMac hits the refurb store for $1,099

It's a rite of passage of sorts -- Apple's "skinny" iMac has now spent enough time on Earth to be deemed an appropriate addition to the company's refurb ranks. The base late-2012 configuration, which sports a 21.5-inch 1080p IPS screen, a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8 gigs of RAM, a 1TB hard drive and that new super-svelte housing can now be had at a $200 discount, priced at $1,099. As with many Apple refurbished products, you likely won't be the device's very first owner, but it will arrive in tip-top condition, with a one-year warranty to boot. As always, "supplies are limited," so if you don't mind having a second-hand system on your desk, in exchange for a slightly thicker wallet, you best make your way over to the source link to snag your very own discounted machine today.

Via: MacRumors

Source: Apple Store

Friday, February 15, 2013

WhatsApp for Android gets Holo-themed makeover in latest beta

Despite being one of the most successful software entities on Android, WhatsApp's been a little late to adopt certain design guidelines preferred by Google's mobile platform. Thankfully, the renowned messaging application appears to be ready to take on a more elegant UI, with the most recent beta bundling in Mountain View's praised Holo theme and, as noticed by some Android Police readers, expandable notifications for all. However, folks attracted by the idea of going Holo in WhatsApp will have to snag the goods straight from the source, as the changes have yet to make their way onto Google Play.

Via: Android Police

Source: WhatsApp, Jose Luis de la Torre (Google+)

Friday, February 1, 2013

VESA outs latest DisplayPort Dual-Mode 1.1 standard with 4K HDMI support

VESA Introduces Updated Dual-Mode Standard for Higher Resolution Interoperability with HDMI Displays

Standard Enables Creation of New DisplayPort-to-HDMI Adaptors to Support Latest Generation of HDMI 1.4 Displays

Newark, Calif., January 31, 2013 – The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA®) today announced the latest release of the DisplayPort Dual-Mode Standard. This release supports the next generation of Dual-Mode DisplayPort enabled personal computers and Dual-Mode DisplayPort cable adaptors, expected to be available to consumers later this year. Among several refinements to improve interoperability, the updated standard enables a higher data rate for DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable adaptors, providing support for HDMI 1.4 display resolutions such as 1080p 3D at 60Hz, and Ultra HD (4K x 2K) up to 30Hz frame rate, as well as 1080p with deep color.

"The first Ultra HD displays were introduced in 2012, but today's Dual-Mode DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable adaptors limit display resolution to 1080p," said Craig Wiley, senior director of marketing at Parade Technologies, and VESA Board of Directors chairman. "For a personal computer to fully support HDMI 1.4 or deep color, today a separate HDMI output is needed. This updated DisplayPort Dual-Mode Standard version 1.1 enables full support of HDMI 1.4 video modes, and 1080p deep color, using a simple cable adaptor plugged into the system's DisplayPort output. This helps to reduce the number of interface ports needed on a Personal Computer, which is desirable as form factors shrink."

Developed by VESA's nearly 200 leading industry member companies, the DisplayPort Dual Mode Standard defines the requirements for Dual-Mode DisplayPort source devices and Dual-Mode DisplayPort cable adaptors. DisplayPort was developed to provide a single video interface that both provides advanced features as well as interoperability with legacy displays including VGA and DVI, and HDMI. The new Dual-Mode Standard is in line with this objective by enabling the support of the latest HDMI standard, HDMI 1.4. In addition to releasing the DisplayPort Dual-Mode Standard Version 1.1, VESA is also releasing an updated DisplayPort Dual-Mode Cable Adaptor Compliance Test Specification, version 1.1. Conformance to the updated Compliance Test Specification, or CTS, is required for using the DisplayPort logo with a Dual-Mode Cable Adaptor.

A Dual-Mode DisplayPort source is a device, such as personal computer, that can logically output either DisplayPort or TMDS (Transitional-Minimized Differential Signaling) from the DisplayPort output connector, enabling the support of DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI monitors. An additional device, specifically a Dual-Mode DisplayPort cable adaptor, is required to convert the mechanical connector, as well as the electrical aspects of the signal, to output that is compatible with a DVI or HDMI cable and display. A Dual-Mode DisplayPort source automatically detects the presence of a plugged-in Dual-Mode DisplayPort cable adaptor and provides the DVI or HDMI signal, as required, to support the connected DVI or HDMI monitor.

Prior to the updated Dual-Mode Standard release, Dual-Mode cable adaptors were limited to a TMDS clock rate of 165MHz providing support for display resolutions up to 1080p with 60Hz and 24 bits color. In this latest specification, a new Dual-Mode cable adaptor configuration is defined that enables a TMDS clock rate of up to 300MHz. While the DVI standard limits TMDS clock rates up to 165MHz, the HDMI 1.4 specification allows TMDS clock rates up to 297MHz, enabling the support of 1080p 3D at 60Hz, or Ultra HD (4K x 2K) up to 30Hz frame rate.

With the release of this new VESA specification, existing adaptors will now be referred to as "Type 1" adaptors, and the new adaptors as "Type 2." A Type 2 adaptor will be backward compatible with an existing Dual-Mode DisplayPort source device, but it will only support up to a 165MHz TMDS clock rate unless it is used with a "Type 2 enabled" Dual-Mode DisplayPort source device. Some existing systems will be software updatable to support Type 2 adaptors. A Type-2 enabled Dual-Mode DisplayPort Source devices, together with a Type 2 Dual-Mode DisplayPort-to-HDMI adaptor, will enable support for HDMI 1.4 display modes such 1080p 3D at 60Hz, or Ultra HD (4K x 2K) up to 30Hz frame rate, as well as 1080p with deep color. Type 2 adaptor prototypes are currently available from multiple suppliers.

For more information about the DisplayPort Dual-Mode Standard, please visit http://www.displayport.org. For more information about VESA, please visit http://www.vesa.org/ or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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By: Dilusha On 8:47 PM

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Did Google make its latest Android statue out of chrome for a reason?

When Google staffer Paul Wilcox started throwing pebbles at his girlfriend's office window, he never expected to be confronted by an angry giant Android made out of chrome. But crazy things happen at Mountain View all the time and Wilcox was quick to recover his composure.

"What have you done with my girlfriend?" he cried. And then, "why, of all things, are you made out of chrome?!"

Eventually Wilcox realized it was just a statue, recently put up in the mostly-green robot's honor, and that his girlfriend was safe and well. (Honestly, we just invented the whole girlfriend thing for dramatic effect, and we don't know where she works.) Anyways, the question remains: why this particular metallic finish? Is it to mark the constant updates to the Chrome browser on Android devices? Possibly. Or could it be, as MobileGeeks suggests, some oblique reference to Android apps running in a Chrome browser on some other OS? We don't know, but imagine this: an Android app running in a Chrome browser running as an Android app running in a Chrome browser... Freaky, right?

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Google tests new notification center in latest version of Chrome, bringing Google Now reminders... soon

Google's web browser might be creeping even closer to its mobile OS, with François Beaufort noting that the latest build of open-source Chromium for Windows has folded in some new "rich notifications". These are easily enabled by dabbling with the chrome://flags component, and you'll even get a look at the decidedly Chrome-ish pop-up box, seen above. The code elaborates on how devs can work their own notifications into the service, with the Clear All button presumably signposting that several notes can be stacked. We're still dealing with the test iteration at the moment, but after those Google Now cards made their appearance, it makes sense to see more functions permeate Chrome -- especially if you own one of their Books.

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Sunday, December 23, 2012

It's Apple v Google in the latest thermonuclear issue of tech.

The battle, the war

The latest issue of tech. has hit the newsstand and this week the focus is on the 'thermonuclear' war between Google and Apple.

It was two years ago that the now sadly-departed Steve Jobs publicly stated his desire to take on Android because it was a 'stolen' product - but has the battle since become a minor skirmish?

Tech. Associate Editor James Stables explains: "We look at how the battle has changed, with Android's unprecedented success and the Apple Maps debacle.

tech. issue 4

"Plus, there's all the reaction from Instagram's terms and conditions gaffe and round up the best tech articles of the week," he adds.

"We also look at Yahoo's last attempt to turn around its fortunes and feature the biggest and best tech reviews."

Of course, for anyone that has checked out the mag you will also be getting all the interactive and regular awesomeness that you are accustomed to, and there's still the option of getting five issues free when you sign up for a subscription.

So what are you waiting for? Download the new issue of tech. from iTunes now.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

LG's latest smart TV Magic Remote can control other devices, understand natural language

We've seen several iterations of LG's Magic remote since it was first introduced in 2010 with gesture control, as it added a click wheel and a mic for voice control (QWERTY for the Google TV), and LG has announced it's returning with a new model at CES in a few days. The new Magic remote keeps all of those features and adds on with universal remote capabilities that let it control other hardware in your home theater, and improved software with Natural Language support. That means you can just say the name of a program or a channel, and see it automatically pop up on the screen. The design of the hardware itself has also been tweaked, with repositioned buttons and, on the premium version that ships with higher end TVs, a smaller model with backlit keys. We'll surely give it another hand waving, command shouting demo once we're in Las Vegas, until then you can just check out another pic and a press release after the break.

Continue reading LG's latest smart TV Magic Remote can control other devices, understand natural language

Filed under: HD, LG

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By: Dilusha On 12:58 AM

Monday, November 26, 2012

Updated: Latest mobile phones 2012: hottest handsets reviewed

In the ever-changing mobile market, it can be hard to keep pace with the latest mobile phones. That's why we've put together this hub for our latest mobile phone reviews and hands on: to give you the ideal jumping-on point for choosing the best handset for you out of the most current models around.

We cover a plethora of brands, including Apple, HTC, Nokia, Samsung and Blackberry, and operating systems, such as Android, iOS and Windows Phone 8, so you should find something that piques your interest here.

In short, if you're seeking a new mobile phone, this is a great place to start.

These phones are so new we've not even received a unit to put through our full review process yet.

Luckily TechRadar travels the world to get hands on with all the latest handsets as soon as they're announced, so we can give you our initial reaction right here, right now.

Huawei Ascend G330

After the success of the wallet-friendly Ascend G300 the Chinese manufacturer has decided to reboot the handset with the Huawei Ascend G330.

Expected to sport the same £100 price tag, the Ascend G330 features a 4-inch display, beefed up 1GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 5MP rear camera and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The handset itself is pretty uninspiring, but you're not going to get iPhone-esque styling on a device which is one fifth of the price so we can forgive Huawei here, but at 130g it's got a weight to it.

Unlike Samsung and HTC, Huawei doesn't go overboard with its Android overlay, with just a light sprinkling occurring on the ICS interface on the G330 – although icons have been changed, and look a little childish.

With its impressive spec sheet for the cash you'll pay out, the Ascend G330 could well be the new star of the budget smartphone market. Keep an eye out for our full review, when we'll reveal if it's really worth it.

Read our hands on: Huawei Ascend G300 review

HTC 8S

The HTC 8S in second in line to the Windows Phone 8 crown at the Taiwanese firm, with the flagship 8X still the show at the top of the tree.

However that's not to say the 8S should be ignored, it's still a perfectly capable and well designed handset which won't cost you a huge amount of money.

The 8S will go head to head with the mid-range Lumia 820, with its fancy array of colour options, 4-inch HD display, 1GHz dual-core processor and the welcome addition of a microSD card slot – something which is missing from both Nokias and the 8X.

An advantage HTC has over its rivals is its partnership with Dr Dre and his Beats Audio technology – enhancing your music with added bass to really get the party started.

Design wise we reckon the Taiwanese firm is on to a winner with the HTC Windows Phone 8S, but we'll reserve proper judgement until we've fully reviewed it.

Read our hands on: HTC 8S review

Samsung Ativ S

Not wanting to miss out on the Windows Phone 8 party, mobile giant Samsung has its own handset on the way, in the form of the Ativ S.

Taking design cues from the extremely popular Samsung Galaxy S3, the Ativ S offers up a solid Windows Phone experience and is ready to challenge the likes of the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X.

The Ativ S is an intriguing proposition packing a huge 4.8-inch display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, huge 2,300mAh battery and an 8MP rear camera.

Although slower to market than its rivals the Samsung Ativ S could well be the best of the initial flurry of Windows Phone 8 devices.

Read our hands on: Samsung Ativ S review

View the original article here

By: Dilusha On 3:52 PM

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Titan supercomputer leads latest Top 500 list, newly-available Xeon Phi chip cracks top ten

By Donald Melanson

posted Nov 12th 2012 7:44PM

The supercomputer formerly known as Jaguar recently got an upgrade that was significant enough to earn it a new moniker, and it turns out that was also enough for it to claim the top stop on the latest Top 500 list of the world's most powerful supercomputers. Now known as Titan, the Cray-developed supercomputer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory edged out the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Sequoia supercomputer for the number one position, reaching 17.59 Petaflops per second with the aid of 18,688 NVIDIA K20 GPUs and an equal number of AMD Opteron processors. As EE Times notes, however, the other big story with this list is the strong showing for Intel's new Xeon Phi co-processors, which have just starting shipping to customers and have already found their way into seven of the supercomputers on the list, including one in the top ten (the Stampede at the Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas). You can see how your favorite supercomputer did at the link below.

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By: Dilusha On 4:41 PM