VR-Zone Technology News | Stuff for the Geeks! Issue #17

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneVR-Zone.com | Stuff for the Geeks! Description: Although the Sniper series is designed for Intel VR-Zone | Stuff for the Geeks is a bi-weekly publication platforms, it is also compatible with AMD platforms too. G. covering the latest gadgets and stuff for the geeks. Skill have done extensive testing to ensure full compatibility for both parties covering a wide range of chipsets from AM3 right through to X58. The Sniper series is available in 2 colourThe Daily VR-Zone News options, pitch-black and metallic arm green.Summary - 31 Mar 2011 Description: While there may be some missing images andSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-summary--31- feature run downs, here’s our review of the GTX 570 frommar-2011/11458.html Zotac. How will it compare to our previously tested HIS HDMarch 31st, 2011 6970? Consumer Electronics and Software news Description: Google played down the significance of an antitrust complaint filed by one of its main rivals, Microsoft, on Thursday and said its discussions were continuing with European Union regulators.In todays news roundup: How video games killed desktop PC Description: A security experts claims that Samsung installscomputing; Preview of SuperFlower SF-700P14XE Modular keylogger spyware on its laptops are incorrect, according toPSU; Samsung keylogger accusations prove false ; Microsoft both Samsung and independent sources.exec ignores sales figures, says tablets a fad; Mega Man Description: Facebook is the target as the company builds aUniverse cancelled, and Hideo Kojima gets promoted to social network around search results that lets people shareKonami Vice President. recommendations for websites and online advertisers.Hardware news Description: Microsofts global chief research and strategyDescription: For those of you who arent in constant contact officer Craig Mundie has made statements that he is unsure ifwith the marketing arm of AMD and NVIDIA, you might not tablets are here to stay or if they are just a passing fad.know that very few video game titles are made exclusively Description: Now that watching online content through yourfor the PC platform. Nearly all video games developed over TV is all the rage, Rokus set-top box is now big enough for thethe past four years have been designed for consoles first and #1 electronics retailer in the country.foremost, and then later released for PC. Description: Acer president and CEO Gianfranco Lanci hasDescription: It is a Mini-ITX motherboard built around the resigned from the company, effective immediately, AcerAMD 890GX chipset, complete with four SATA 3.0 ports, two announced Thursday. Chairman JT Wang will step in asUSB 3.0 and three network interfaces. There is an n-spec interim president and CEO.wireless card and two GBe LAN ports. This pint sized productalso is capable of supporting up to a 95 Watt AMD CPU. Gaming newsDescription: The chipset design error wasnt catastrophic by Description: Capcom has cancelled development of Mega Manany means and likely wouldnt cause any issues for years to Universe. The announcement was made tonight through thecome, but it certainly needed to be corrected regardless. Board games official website. Capcom did not provide a specificmanufacturers worked with Intel to replace "bad" boards with reason behind its cancellation.those featuring the revised B3 chipset and business is pretty Description: Konami Digital Entertainment announced thatmuch back to normal at this point. Hideo Kojima, famed creator of the Metal Gear franchise, hasDescription: The Super Flower SF-700P14XE comes in a been appointed the role of vice president within the company.rather stylish box, sporting a golden theme (to match with the Description: You know what else isnt a let-down? This“golden green” range name). We can clearly see the benefit of preview video of Gears of War 3s multiplayer component. Newthis particular PSU on the front; 90+ % efficiency at 80% load. 1

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zoneexecutions, new melee tactics, new weapons, new gadgets. Its the calamity, the COMPUTEX Exhibitors Index (CEI) is ratedbasically a total winner, and you should watch it ASAP. at 1.64, which is the lowest in the last three quarters of survey results but still within the Good rating. At the same time, a survey also conducted on international buyers that showedCOMPUTEX : Tablet PCs similar result.and e-Book Readers Comparing the results of first two quarters showed that CEIMakers Unshaken by Japan on Q1 was 1.81 while CEI on Q2 is 1.64. The percentage of enterprises saw Good to Above Average view dropped to 43%Earthquake on Q2, from 53% on Q1. The percentage of enterprises gaveSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/computex--tablet-pcs-and-e-book- Bad view and Below Average view increase dramatically to 25%readers-makers-unshaken-by-japan-earthquake/11779.html on Q2 from 16% on Q1. One percent increased on Good viewMarch 31st, 2011 by the enterprises to 32%. The period survey took place was from March 15~24 with 332 effective samples out of total 1,224 respondents from the Taiwanese exhibitors. A recent survey conducted by The Taipei ComputerAssociation (TCA) shows that the recent Japan earthquake Samsung investigating ondid affected the exhibitors confidence slightly. A surveyconducted on international buyers shows similar result. spyware installed on itsOverall, the COMPUTEX Exhibitors Index (CEI) is still good laptopsstanding. There is one sector remains unshaken, which is the Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/samsung-investigating-on-spyware-PC system and photo-electronics where most of the exhibitors installed-on-its-laptops/11766.htmlof that segment are the manufacturers of Tablet PCs and e- March 31st, 2011Book readers. However, manufacturers in the componentsand storage sectors are pretty much shaken as the earthquakecasted doubts over the buying power of the Japanese market. Usually, your PC may get infected with spyware when you visit dangerous websites, install unknown applications or open questionable attachments in your email inbox. Well, of course, another way would be the manufacturer preloads the spywareA recent survey conducted by The Taipei Computer in the PC. Apparently, on a guest posting on NetworkWorld,Association (TCA) shows that the recent Japan earthquake keylogging software was found on a newly bought Samsungdid affected the exhibitors confidence slightly. A survey laptop. Update: Samsung Korea issued a statement saying thatconducted on international buyers shows similar result. that the company preinstalls keylogger on R525 and R540Overall, the COMPUTEX Exhibitors Index (CEI) is still good laptop computers are false.standing. There is one sector remains unshaken, which is thePC system and photo-electronics where most of the exhibitors Update: Samsung Korea has issued an official statement thatof that segment are the manufacturers of Tablet PCs and e- the claims of its laptops being preloaded with spyware areBook readers. However, manufacturers in the components false. The findings showed that the person mentioned in theand storage sectors are pretty much shaken as the earthquake article used a security program called VIPRE that mistook acasted doubts over the buying power of the Japanese market. folder created by Microsoft’s Live Application for a key logging software, during a virus scan.Other results of the survey showed that 43 percent of theenterprises felt Good view and Average Above view on Q2,32% of them felt Good view, while 25% of the enterprisesdeeply bothered and gave Bad rating. Although influenced by 2

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone today, and you can bet that all of them come bundled with the latest Sand(-y Bridge) courtesy of Intel. This might not necessarily apply to Singapore, but in other areas where countries are fortunate enough to experienceIs Korean manufacturer Samsung spying on its customers with the seven seasons, it is usually understood that spring anda keylogger software preinstalled on their laptop products? summer are the two seasons where frolicking in the sandyAccording to news sources, beaches is a top priority. After all, those are the only twoAccording to Toronto security researcher Mohammed Hassan, seasons that offer favourable weather conditions to make suchon a posting on NetworkWorld, keylogging software was found an activity possible.on a brand-new Samsung laptop he bought last month. The Of course, with Singapore being on the other end of themanufacturer has admitted that the software was intended to scale in having to deal with the weather control system being"monitor the performance of the machine and to find out how jammed at Summer permanently, frolicking in the sandyit is being used." beaches is not exactly the first thing that comes to mindHassan deleted the software and continued to use the laptop, for most of us. However, that has not stopped Fujitsu fromuntil it developed other problems. He then went to return to attempting to bring in some sand into its consumers life;the retailer and came home with a slightly better Samsung the Japanese company has officially unveiled its new Springmodel - which is also installed with the keylogging software. collection of Lifebooks for this year that feature...yes, you guessed it, Intels Sandy Bridge platform, along with a fewThe software was a commercial product called StarLogger, Fujitsu-centric touches.which the company says is "completely undetectable and startsup whenever your computer starts up." In her opening address, Catherine Chew, senior business development manager for Fujitsus PC portfolio in Singapore,Samsung is investigating into this matter at press time. spoke about how the Japanese OEMs Spring collection ofMeantime, if you do buy a new laptop in future, you may want Sandy Bridge-powered notebooks for 2011 are capable ofto do a thorough check to see if there exists any malicious "delivering a computing experience like no other".software.Fujitsu announces new SandyBridge notebooks for Spring2011Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/fujitsu-announces-new-sandy-bridge-notebooks-for-spring-2011/11776.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 "We will be introducing to customers new Fujitsu-specific technology that we have incorporated into our latest products. These technologies will further demonstrateFor technology enthusiasts who demand nothing but the latest Fujitsus commitment in delivering quality products toin hardware for their PCs, having a system that boasts Intels consumers," she said, while adding that Fujitsus new Springcurrent Sandy Bridge platform is no longer a luxury, but a collection of notebooks will allow the company to cater to aminimum requirement. And Fujitsu has seen to it that the local wider range of user profiles.market will not be left high and dry without their dose of sandin the first half of 2011: the Japanese OEM has just unveiled its The spotlight was then handed over to Edmund Lim,latest Spring collection of notebooks for the year in an event Fujitsus product marketing manager for Southeast Asia,held at the Hosted By The Patio cafe located in Alexandra Road who proceeded to describe some of the technologies that Chew spoke about earlier. 3

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone on the fingerprint sensor. Because the hardware and its accompanying software do not always initialize at the same time, Fujitsu has built an LED indicator right into the sensor itself. This will provide visual feedback to the user as to whether the sensor is read for use or not," he explained. NVIDIA To Unlock SLI For AMD 990 Series Chipsets Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-to-unlock-sli-for-amd-990- series-chipsets/11778.html March 31st, 2011Lim described the companys aims of going green as one ofthe key focuses for the year of 2011, and how it has taken stepsto ensure that its notebooks are now capable of significantlyreduce their carbon footprint by eliminating what its known asvampire current."When your devices are turned off or left on standbywithout removing the power cable, they will still continue For so long, AMD enthusiasts have to resort to unofficialto draw current from the power outlet. That is known as patches to make SLI work on their boards but notvampire current, and the approximately 7-8% of the average anymore. NVIDIA has finally agreed to make their SLIAsians electrical bill is wasted on this current...to address technology available for AMD 9-series chipsets boardsthis problem, Fujitsu is introducing a new zero-watt AC supporting the Zambezi processors based on Bulldozeradaptor which will come standard in our premium range of architecture.notebooks," he said. For so long, AMD enthusiasts have to resort to unofficial patches to make SLI work on their boards but notLim also spoke about how Fujitsu has managed to improve anymore. NVIDIA has finally agreed to make their SLIthe security and privacy of the biometric sensors used in its technology available for AMD 9-series chipsets boardsnotebooks by utilizing ultrasonic technology. supporting the Zambezi processors based on Bulldozer architecture. Only 990FX and 990X will be supported though so no luck for 7 and 8 series boards owners. AMD 990FX is able to support 2 PCIe x16 slots or 4 PCIe x8 slots so it can run 2-way (2 x16) or 3-way (3 x8) while AMD 990X is able to support only 2-way SLI (2 x8). There is no indication whether AMD 970 can support SLI at this point of time. The AMD 9- series launch is expected to be sometime in May so look out for it. Second wave of motherboard price hikes expected Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/second-wave-of-motherboard-price- hikes-expected/11777.html"For 2011, we have improved on the biometric sensorstechnology: it is more sensitive when reading a usersfingerprints. In addition, we have also added a new feature 4

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneMarch 31st, 2011 Today, HTC has announced the launch of the Desire S Android smartphone in Singapore. The successor to the HTC Desire is made from a single block of aluminum and features dual front and rear cameras.More bad news were afraid, motherboards are expected to getanother price hike, this time around due to the earthquake inJapan that managed to damage many of the factories wherecrucial motherboard components are being made. In the wakeof the earthquake and nuclear disaster, Japan is now sufferingfrom rolling brownouts that are causing production delays forthe companies that make the components which in turn hasled to an increase in components prices.More bad news were afraid, motherboards are expected to getanother price hike, this time around due to the earthquake in Today, HTC announced the launch of their new HTC Desire SJapan that managed to damage many of the factories where in Singapore. The successor to the popular HTC Desire, thiscrucial motherboard components are being made. In the wake one sports a stunning design with power and speed. Inspiredof the earthquake and nuclear disaster, Japan is now suffering by the HTC Legends aluminium design, the HTC Desire S isfrom rolling brownouts that are causing production delays for made out of a single block of aluminum that is solid, yet feelsthe companies that make the components which in turn has natural in your hand.led to an increase in components prices. The HTC Desire S sports a sleek new design with aNormally the components market is fairly stable in terms subtle curve at the bottom with HTC’s trademark aluminumof pricing unless theres a higher than expected demand unibody. Internally, it is equipped with Qualcomm’s new 1GHzfor something, but in this case were looking at standard Snapdragon MSM8255 processor that claims to offer superbcomponents running low due to stocks at the manufacturers performance and power. With dual front and back cameras,being depleted. The problem of course being that the high-definition video recording and a 3.7-inch WVGA display,manufacturers cant produce enough parts to replenish their the HTC Desire S presents multimedia content brilliantly,stocks due to the current situation in Japan and this will have hitting the sweet spot for people who want a premiuman onwards effect on much of the electronics and computer smartphone experience that is personal, fun and does it all.component market space which is likely to at least in the longterm lead to a shortage of certain products if the shortages Pricing and Availabilitycontinue. The HTC Desire S will be available through mobile operatorsThe components makers are of course the first ones to be and authorized retailers at a suggested retail price of S$688affected, although some of this will depend on the type of from April 2011 onwards.contracts they have with the components makers. As suchmotherboard prices are expected to go up by between threeand eight percent sometime in May to reflect the price Rumour: NVIDIA preparingincreases for the components that are in short supply. This will GeForce GTX 560be the second time in only a few months that the motherboard Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/rumour-nvidia-preparing-geforce-makers will have increased their prices, although this time the gtx-560/11773.htmloverall price increase is lower than it was earlier this year. March 31st, 2011HTC launches Desire SAndroid smartphone in Reports from Germany point towards a GeForce GTX 560 (minus Ti) being in development. The GTX 560 will replaceSingapore the GTX 460, as a competition to the Radeon HD 6800 series.Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/htc-launches-desire-s-android- The GTX 560 is expected have one SM disabled - much likesmartphone-in-singapore/11774.html the GTX 460 - for a total of 336 SP, 56 TMU, with 32 ROP andMarch 31st, 2011 a 256-bit memory bus like the GTX 560 Ti. The GTX 560 will clocked much higher than the GTX 460, in the range of 800 MHz. In essence, the GTX 560 is very much like a tweaked version of the slew of heavily overclocked GTX 460 variants - offering better thermals and maybe slightly better performance . Depending on the final clock speed, the GTX 560 will offer 5

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zonesimilar performance to the Radeon HD 6870 and the outgoing monochrome version and a full-colour version. Both panelsGTX 470. will only be available in a 22-inch form factor, will sport 16:10 aspect ratios and are capable of WSXGA resolutions (1680 xThe reference design, not surprisingly, will most likely mimic 1050) at a contrast ratio of 500 : 1.the GTX 560 Ti. The GTX 560 is expected to release sometimebetween mid-April and early-May. If priced right, the GTX 560 Samsung plans to market the displays as being suitable forwill be a formidable challenger to the HD 6870 in the popular use in areas and environments where two-way communication$200 market. is highly desired. This includes shop windows, billboards, schools and offices, although the company claims that it may consider utilizing these panels in common electronic devicesSamsung announces new line such as mobile devices, GPS navigation systems and tabletof transparent LCD panels PCs.Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/samsung-announces-new-line-of-transparent-lcd-panels/11772.htmlMarch 31st, 2011Will it not be nice to be able to enjoy your digital content on anLCD panel that is so clear, it actually allows a user to see rightthrough it? Apparently, Samsung seems to think so. Barely acouple of weeks after the Korean electronics giant showed offa notebook with an transparent AMOLED screen, Samsung is Last but definitely not least, the Korean electronics giantback to tease consumers with news about its new transparent claims that its transparent LCD panels are also capable ofLCD panel product line. So when will we start seeing monitors consuming almost 90% lesser energy than conventional LCDfitted with these drool-worthy panels? panels due to its lack of a light source for backlighting purposes. Instead, it will take advantage of solar energy and ambient light sources to provide the illumination needed for easy reading of on-screen content. No information about the transparent LCD panels mass- market availability has been released yet, so do check back for updates.Do you fancy owning an LCD monitor, notebook or television Microsoft launches Expressset that comes with a transparent display? Well, if you areinterested in doing so, if only just to see how cool such a device Mouse and Comfort Mousewill look like, you are in luck. This is because the idea of having Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/microsoft-launches-express-mouse-such displays is no longer just a product of science fiction, and-comfort-mouse/11771.htmlas Samsung has just announced in a press release that it March 31st, 2011has already began full-scale production of the aforementionedpanels; this makes the Korean electronics giant the industrysfirst supplier of such products. Microsoft has announced the new Express mouse (which comes in five trendy colors) and Comfort mouse 3000 and 6000 in Singapore. The mice will be available in April next month.According to the press release, production of the transparentLCD panels begin in early March. To date, the company hasmanaged to produce two variants of its transparent panels: a 6

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone Want to tell a friend about a certain search result which you like but dont have the time to fire off an email detailing the exact URL of the aforementioned resource? No problem: Google has got just the solution for such situations, and it involves an experimental feature known simply as... +1. Yes, you read that right. Are you ready to start +1-ing your favourite links?The Express Mouse is designed with style and ergonomics andhas an off-center cable and futuristic dash of gloss and mattecolors. It is comfortable to use and incorporating BlueTracktechnology, it can be used on almost any surface. The mouseconnects via USB, which means you dont need to worry Do you have a Facebook account? If you do, you should be veryabout changing batteries. It comes in five trendy colors -.Flint familiar with the all-too-famous Like button, which allows aGrey and Hibiscus Red, which will be available in April; Turf user to share content which they like so with other like-mindedGreen, Dahlia Pink and Coast Blue in July 2011. The Express Facebook users on a users Friend list. After all, that is whatMouse will retail at S$26 (suggested retail price). friends are for, right? Well, as it turns out, Google does not appear to be very content with letting Facebook dominate the online social networking scene, and has rolled out its own version of what appears to the Facebooks Like feature. The difference? Well, it has a better sounding name to it: +1.The Comfort Mouse 3000 and Comfort Mouse 6000 claimto offer comfortable, reliable wired navigation at affordableprice. The Comfort Mouse 3000 is a great choice for theproductive ambidextrous mouse user, and – for the righties– the Comfort Mouse 6000 will offer more control as youmouse. The 6000 also offers dual side buttons for accelerated No, we are not making this up. Apparently, +1 is anproductivity. experimental feature on Google Labs. Like its FacebookBoth the 3000 and 6000 are equipped with BlueTrack counterpart, it allows users to flag various Google searchTechnology that can track on most surfaces. The Comfort results so that your friends can receive recommendations onMouse 3000 and 6000 will be available in April for S$25 and content which might be of interest to them. To use the feature,S$39 respectively. all users need to do is to sign in to their Google account, create a public profile, enable the +1 feature on Google Labs and they are good to start +1-ing their various Google search results.Google wants you to +1 yourfavourite search resultsSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/google-wants-you-to-1-your-favourite-search-results/11769.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 So now that we have a +1 feature from Google, what could be next? Perhaps Google could create a Before Lock and Ban feature to complement +1, so that administrators could have easy access to a +1 Before Lock and Ban option. 7

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone Since launching WeFeedback (www.wefeedback.org) earlier this month, enough funds have been raised to feed around 90,000 children through WFP’s school meals programmes.LG and WFP announceinitiative to fight against Acer launches Iconiahunger around the world Touchbook in AustraliaSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/lg-and-wfp-announce-initiative-to- Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/acer-launches-iconia-touchbook-in-fight-against-hunger-around-the-world/11768.html australia/11767.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 March 31st, 2011You may be wondering how technology can help end hunger Will you spend good money to purchase a keyboard-lessin this world. LG and United Nations World Food Programme notebook? Well, Acer apparently thinks that there exists(WFP) are announcing a initiative to fight against hunger people out there who are willing to do so, if only just to showaround the world. Read on for the details. the world that they are way ahead of the times where computer technology is concerned. And if tapping away on a touchscreen is definitely something that only the trendy do, Acers recently launched Iconia Touchbook will probably be the ideal solution for those who just cannot get enough satisfaction from taping on their single-display tablets touchscreen. Even though they serve completely different target markets,The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and LG one would be hard pressed to deny that both the notebook andElectronics have announced a bold new initiative to fight desktop PCs have had more than their fair share of naysayersagainst hunger around the world with the very latest in digital claiming that the both their form factors will eventually betechnology. replaced by smaller, more portable machines that feature lesser processing power. After all, the desktop PC has been facing competition from mobile notebooks as the computer ofOwners of LG’s latest line of Smart TVs will be able to choice for the longest time, while typical laptops are alreadydownload a new app that allows them to engage directly with having to deal with the huge popularity of netbooks, along withglobal efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goal 1 – the the recently-introduced smartphone and tablets.eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. However, both form factors have also successfully defendedThe LG smart television app features WeFeedback, their place in the computing ecosystem, and it appears thatWFP’s social media tool that encourages people to engage Acer has realized that one does not have to break the mouldin a “solidarity platform” to transform their favourite food in order to deliver a completely new computing experience tointo hope for hungry school children in countries where WFP the masses. After all, that is exactly what it has seemingly doneworks. with its recently-launched Iconia tablet PC, which appears to resemble a notebook more than a tablet.The integration of television and Internet technology in theSmart TV will provide a powerful new tool through whichpeople and companies can “feedback” their foods – from pizzato sushi to apple pie – to make a difference in children’s lives. 8

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone 3.5-inch SATA Aluminum Hard Drive Mobile Rack; Dell says Apples iPad is bad for enterprise customers; Today’s Facebook forecast: Cloudy with a chance of girlfriends; Child of Eden gives you glowing hands , and Microsoft needs testers for new Xbox 360 disc format . Hardware news Description: Recently, I wrote an op-ed piece here titled "The Fast Enough Computer". I argued that for gamers, low- to mid- range components provided the most bang for the buck and could readily play most modern games. The metric I used was "30 frames per second at 1680x1050". Description: Cubitek is a very young contender on the build your one case market. With the Tattoo Fire they show anAccording to Acer, the bottom touchscreen panel serves a wide enclosure which should convice customers with a good lookingvariety of purposes, although most users will probably find design, some well thought features, as well as an attractivethat getting used to handling a full-sized keyboard without price.any form of tactile feedback is going to be the top priority in Description: The Icy Dock MB877SK-B is compatible withlearning how to fully utilize the Iconia. That being said, Acer SATA I & II HDDs, but the latest updated version now includesclaims that users will not have to jump through any hoops support for SATA III 6Gb/s HDDs. Heat is not an issue forin order to activate the touchscreen keyboard: rather all they the Icy Dock MB877SK-B, with an aluminum body dissipatinghave to do is to merely rest both hands on the screen and heat and a 40mm exhaust fan at the rear pulling out the hot air.the virtual keyboard will magically appear. Additionally, thebottom screen also supports gesture control: this allows users Description: The Patriot G2 Series, Division 2 Edition DDR3to call up certain applications or start up specific tasks with memory kits are specifically designed for the 2nd Generationlittle more than just a few flicks of their fingers. Intel Core processors; Intels 6 Series platform. The G2 Series delivers the high-performance PC gamers demand at price tagsFurthuremore, Acer claims that the Iconias lower screen can that are easy on the wallet.be used as an extension of the main display: this allows fordual-screen multitasking, or the viewing of digital content in a Description: This review we are going to be looking at todaysingle large extended display. is of the Shagon ARC-118 CPU cooler. This is a 92mm fan tower cooler that holds a unique look and color, while buildingLast but definitely not least, the Iconia uses Intels Core-i5 coolers in the most eco friendly processes possibleprocessor (no information about its model number), featuresa HDMI-out port and a 1.3 megapixel web camera. Backing up Description: The HIS IceQ X HD 6850 Turbo was nothing lessits multi-tasking capabilties are 4GB of memory and 64-GB of than outright surprise. Not only did it look good, but it had thehard disk storage, although road warriors might find its paltry performance and overclocking to match.three hour a turn off. Ufortunately, this trade off is inevitable, Consumer Electronics and Software newsas two displays are definitely going to put a huge strain on theIconias battery. Description: A look into the unboxing of Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, powered by Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread .Having said that, has the aforementioned information got youall envious about the Iconia? If so, you will probably have Description: Apple may have a secure hold on both theto have quite the long wait: the device is only available in consumer and enterprise tablet markets, for now. ButAustralia right now, and even then, it comes with a rather large according to Dells Andy Lark, Cupertinos gold-plated grippricetag of A$2,499. And with the US slated to receive its first will inevitably let loose.shipments of the tablet in April, it goes without saying that Asia Description: Expedia, the online site for booking hotels andwill probably get its stocks much later. other travel accommodations, will release an app for the iPhone, iPad, and Android that allows users to book a hotelThe Daily VR-Zone News within four steps by utilizing GPS tracking. Description: The new complaint involves seven patents thatSummary - 30 Mar 2011 Nokia said Apple is using “to create key features in itsSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-summary--30- products in the areas of multi-tasking operating systems,mar-2011/11459.html data synchronization, positioning, call quality and the useMarch 31st, 2011 of Bluetooth accessories,” the Espoo, Finland-based handset maker said today. Description: These days you can pull practically anything from the electronic ether -- music, movies, email, documents, and now, a fake Facebook hottie to call your own. That is, if youIn todays news roundup: The fast-enough budget computer sign up for Cloud Girlfriend.built and tested; Review of Icy Dock MB877SK-B Tray-less 9

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneDescription: Chinese Internet portal operator Sina Corp. has Vision and 3D Crosshair performance has been improved asdropped Google Inc.s search service from its website and well. Lastly, Forceware 270.51 comes bundled with a hugeis now using its own search technology, ending another of range of new 3D Vision profiles, enabling 3D Vision supportGoogles deals in China after the U.S. company said earlier it in games such as Homefront, Richard Burns Rally and Testwould phase out its censored search contracts in the country. Drive Unlimited 2, and in titles yet to be released, such as Duke Nukem Forever, Portal 2, and Section 8: Prejudice.Gaming news Download here :Description: Nintendo has recently made its glasses-less 3Dgame console Nintendo 3DS available in US. The companys 64-bit : http://www.nvidia.com/object/win7-fifth home game console Wii is more than four years old and winvista-64bit-270.51-beta-driver.htmleveryone seeks a worthy refresh. 32-bit : http://www.nvidia.com/object/win7-Description: Microsoft is currently performing a series of tests winvista-32bit-270.51-beta-driver.htmlon its new Xbox 360 disc format and is seeking multiple Release Notes : http://us.download.nvidia.com/thousands of testers for the project. Windows/270.51/270.51_Win7_WinVista_Desktop_Release_NotesDescription: Kinect owners havent had a lot to play of late, butthat will change in a few months with the release of TetsuyaMizuguchis Child of Eden. Mizuguchi is the man behind such New in Release 270.51fan-fave rhythm games as Rez and Space Channel 5. GPU SupportNVIDIA GeForce R270 DriversAvailable For Download Adds support for the newly released GeForce GTX 590,Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-geforce-r270-drivers-available- GeForce GTX 560 Ti and GeForce GTX 550 Ti GPUs.for-download/11765.html PerformanceMarch 31st, 2011 Increases performance for GeForce 400 Series and 500 Series GPUs in several PC games vs. v266.58 WHQL drivers. The following are examples of some of the most significantNVIDIA today has finally released the first set of drivers from improvements measured on Windows 7. Results will varyR270 branch which is version 270.51. It boasts numerous, depending on your GPU and system configuration:notable performance gains in standard gaming modes, SLIgaming modes, and 3D Vision gaming modes. Games such asDragon Age II is notably faster in GTX 580 SLI config while GeForce GTX 580:others have a few percent of performance improvements. 3DVision and 3D Crosshair performance has been improved aswell. Lastly, Forceware 270.51 comes bundled with a hugerange of new 3D Vision profiles, enabling 3D Vision supportin games such as Homefront, Richard Burns Rally and TestDrive Unlimited 2, and in titles yet to be released, such as DukeNukem Forever, Portal 2, and Section 8: Prejudice. • Up to 516% in Dragon Age 2 (SLI 2560x1600 8xAA/16xAF Very High, SSAO on) • Up to 326% in Dragon Age 2 (1920x1200 8xAA/16xAF Very High, SSAO on)NVIDIA today has finally released the first set of drivers fromR270 branch which is version 270.5. It boasts numerous, • Up to 11% in Just Cause 2 (1920x1200 8xAA/16xAF,notable performance gains in standard gaming modes, SLI Concrete Jungle)gaming modes, and 3D Vision gaming modes. Games such as • Up to 11% in Just Cause 2 (SLI 2560x1600 8xAA/16xAF,Dragon Age II is notably faster in GTX 580 SLI config while Concrete Jungle)others have a few percent of performance improvements. 3D 10

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone • Up to 7% in Civilization V (1920x1200 4xAA/16xAF, Max settings) NVIDIA Update • Up to 6% in Far Cry 2 (SLI 2560x1600 8xAA/16xAF, Max settings) This is a new feature in Release 270 and later drivers. • Up to 5% in Civilization V (SLI 1920x1200 8xAA/16xAF, NVIDIA Update keeps your PC up-to-date with the latest Max settings) NVIDIA drivers by notifying you when a new driver is • Up to 5% in Left 4 Dead 2 (1920x1200 noAA/AF, available and directing you to the driver on www.nvidia.com. Outdoor) When you install a Release 270 or later GeForce driver from www.nvidia.com, you will be presented with the option to • Up to 5% in Left 4 Dead 2 (SLI 2560x1600 4xAA/16xAF, install NVIDIA Update. Outdoor) • Up to 4% in H.A.W.X. 2 (SLI 1920x1200 8xAA/16xAF, Max settings) NVIDIA 3D Vision • Up to 4% in Mafia 2 (SLI 2560x1600 AA on/16xAF, PhysX = High) With Release 270 drivers, the 3D Vision Controller driver is now included with all GPU driver installations. ThisGeForce GTX 560 Ti: driver package includes v270.47 3D Vision Controller driver. Users are no longer required to install a separate 3D Vision Controller driver or CD driver. • New features added to 3D Vision window mode o Adds support for HDMI 1.4 3D TVs when using 3DTV Play software, including DirectX 9 games, Google Earth, and 3DVisionLive.com. o 3D Vision window mode now works with Windows Aero enabled o New NVIDIA Control Panel option to toggle 3D Vision window mode on or off. • Performance improvements o DirectX 9 applications when using NVIDIA SLI • Up to 461% in Dragon Age 2 (SLI 1920x1200 o Better performance using the in-game crosshair for 8xAA/16xAF, Very High) Half-life 2, Left4Dead, and Left4Dead2 • Up to 241% in Dragon Age 2 (1920x1200 4xAA/16xAF, • Adds support for new 3D Vision Desktop LCD monitors: Very High) Tongfang LM2230W • Up to 19% in Just Cause 2 (SLI 2560x1600 8xAA/16xAF, • Adds support for new 3D Vision projectors: Acer X1261P, Concrete Jungle) Acer X1261-3D, DepthQ HDs3D-1, NEC NP-V300X, • Up to 13% in Just Cause 2 (1920x1200 4xAA/16xAF, Sanyo PDG-DXL2000 Concrete Jungle) • Fixed problem with DLP HDTVs and SLI which caused • Up to 6% in Far Cry 2 (SLI 2560x1600 8xAA/16xAF, Max problems with eye synchronization settings) • Add support for new 3D Vision All In One PCs: Acer • Up to 5% in Call of Duty: Black Ops (1920x1200 noAA/ Aspire Z5673, Lenovo B520 AF, Jungle Map) • Added the following 3D Vision game profiles: • Up to 5% in H.A.W.X. 2 (SLI 1920x1200 4xAA/16xAF, o Alice Madness Returns Max settings) o Crysis 2 (including multi-player demo) • Up to 4% in Call of Duty: Black Ops (SLI 2560x1600 4xAA/16xAF, Jungle Map) o Dead Space 2 • Up to 4% in Civilization V (1920x1200 noAA/AF, Max o DeathSpank settings) o Dragon Age II • Up to 4% in Left 4 Dead 2 (SLI 1920x1200 4xAA/16xAF, o Duke Nukem Forever Outdoor) o Dungeon Defenders • Up to 4% in Metro 2033 (SLI 1920x1200 4xAA/16xAF, o Dungeon Siege III PhysX on) o Fable III 11

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone o Faxion Online • Up to 267% in Call of Duty Black Ops (5760x1080 2xAA / 16xAF) o F.3.A.R. • Up to 177% in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 o Final Fantasy XIV (5760x1080 2xAA / 16xAF) o Homefront (DirectX 9 and DirectX 10) • Up to 15% in Far Cry 2 DirectX 9 (5760x1080 2xAA / o Lego Universe 16xAF) o Need for Speed World • Up to 250% in Left4Dead2 (5760x1080 2xAA / 16xAF) o Portal 2 • Up to 159% in Need for Speed Shift 2 (5760x1080 2xAA / o Richard Burns Rally 16xAF) o Rift CUDA o Section 8: Prejudice o Shift 2 Unleashed Adds support for applications using CUDA 4.0 features such o Shogun 2: Total War as Unified Virtual Addressing (UVA) and GPUDirect™ v2.0. o Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures o Test Drive Unlimited 2 Other o The Sims Medieval • Installs HD Audio driver version 1.2.22.1 • Updated the following 3D Vision game profiles • Installs PhysX System Software to version 9.10.0514 o MX vs. ATV Reflex • Supports playing back Blu-ray 3D discs when connecting o Monster Hunter Frontier Benchmark your GPU to an HDMI 1.4 3D TV. Playback requires compatible software application from CyberLink,NVIDIA Surround ArcSoft, Roxio, or Corel. For GPU and system requirements, visit the NVIDIA Blu-ray 3D website. • Adds 3D Vision Surround support when using 3D Vision • Supports the new GPU-accelerated features in Adobe monitors with built-in IR emitters CS5. • Increase performance for GeForce 200 series, 400 Series • Supports GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD and 500 Series GPUs in several DirectX 9 PC games videos with Adobe Flash 10.1. Learn more here. vs. the latest Release 265 drivers. The following are examples of some of the most significant improvements • Supports the new version of MotionDSPs video measured on Windows 7 64-bit. Results will vary enhancement software, vReveal, which adds support for depending on your GPU and system configuration. HD output. NVIDIA customers can download a free version of vReveal that supports up to SD output here. • Supports DirectCompute with Windows 7 and GeForceGeForce GTX 480 SLI in 3D Vision Surround: 8-series and later GPUs. • Supports OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language) for all GeForce 8-series and later GPUs. • Supports OpenGL 3.3 for GeForce 8-series and later GPUs. • Supports OpenGL 4.1 on GeForce 400 series and later GPUs. • Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI- certified Intel X58-based motherboards. • Supports GPU overclocking and temperature monitoring by installing NVIDIA System Tools software. • Users without US English operating systems can select • Up to 109% in Aliens vs. Predator (5760x1080 1xAA / their language and download the International driver 16xAF) here. • Up to 107% in Burnout Paradise (5760x1080 2xAA / 16xAF) 12

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneSamsung unveils new rangeof Smart TVs, claims torevolutionise the TV viewingexperienceSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/samsung-unveils-new-range-of-smart-tvs-claims-to-revolutionise-the-tv-viewing-experience/11759.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 "The Smart TV will open a whole new world of entertainment options. However, it is not about bringing the Internet intoHow smart do you think the humble television set that we take the TV; we want people to experience a lean-back experience,for granted today can be, if given the right mix of hardware and which is one where you can sit in your living room and enjoyservices? Well, Samsung thinks that it can be smart enough the various entertainment options a Smart TV has to offer,"to completely change the way average consumer looks at she said, while adding that users do not need to worry abouttheir television sets. In a media event held at the companys their TVs turning into PCs any time soon, thanks to Samsungsshowroom at VivoCity today, the Korean electronics giant partnership with SingTel and Starhub.unveiled its latest lineup of Smart TVs, which are reportedly "SingTel and StarHub have jointly collaborated with Samsungcapable of offering users just that. VR-Zone brings you the and created apps for the TV. These apps open up a wholecoverage. world of entertainment options without needing to connect to any set-top boxes. This is going to be the future of TV and revolutionize the way we watch TV. Its no longer just a box; its now a gateway to online media consumption," she added. Lionel Ong, Samsungs Product Manager for television sets, spoke about the companys plans and strategies for 2011.With most of our digital lives getting more and more entwinedwith the technological marvel that we call the Internet, itshould be of little surprise that the average consumer isstarting to demand full Internet connectivity in just aboutevery single consumer electronic device that he or she makesuse of on a regular basis. After all, if smartphones could do it,there should be no reason why other devices cant, right? "The plan is to give consumers a more immersive viewingOf course, merely attaching a smart moniker to existing experience using our Smart TVs, which centre around threeconsumer electronic devices is not going to be enough to key pillars: design experience, 3D experience and Smartconvince consumers that an OEMs products are capable of experience. And if you will recall, we had only three 3D-delivering a decent media consumption experience. Rather, capable TVs in our lineup last year. However, it will be aconsumers also want to be treated to a large ecosystem of different case this year, for we plan to have only three TVsservices that are expected to come standard with the smart which are not 3D-capable. This means that more than 60% oflabel. And this is precisely what Samsung has done for its new our lineup consists of 3D-capable TVs this year," he said.range of Smart TVs.Speaking at the events opening address was Irene Ng,president of sales and marketing for Samsung Asia, whodescribed how Smart TVs will change the way users consumemedia content in the post-PC era. 13

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone use on most existing 3D television sets. This feature will be exclusive to the BD-D8500 and BD-D7500 series, as shown in the presentation slide below.Ong also added that Samsung will release 3D-capable SmartTVs which utilize both LCD and plasma technology in order toensure consumers with a preference for either technology willnot miss out on the companys Smart TV services."This allows us to provide consumers with a product lineupwhich delivers both the 3D and Smart experience," he said. Intel X79 Roadmap leaked Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/intel-x79-roadmap-leaked/11762.htmlLastly, Samsungs Product Manager for Audio-Visual March 31st, 2011products, Irene Chia, unveiled the companys new line of home Chinese site it.com.cn has got their hands on newest roadmaptheatre systems and Smart Blu-ray players, with the latter of the Intel X79 platform. According to the site and roadmap,capable of most of the interactive features available in the X79 will be the successor to the three year old then X58aforementioned Smart TVs. platform in Q4 2011. As many have already known, the new processors will be called the "Sandy Bridge E" series and will be seen with 2011 land grids, therefore compatible with X79 motherboards of socket LGA2011."We have extended our 3D lineup to even more models. In2010: we had only three A/V products which featured 3Dcapabilities; in 2011, we will have seven models. Samsung isputting 3D into two times more A/V models than it did lastyear," she said. Major improvements were to be seen in X79. Rumours were certain that the new platform and CPUs will beat the current flagship Intel Core i7-990X hands down. Revealing even more information from Intels roadmap were some features to be seen in X79 as shown below.Lastly, Irene also revealed that that selected models ofSamsungs upcoming Smart Blu-ray players will be capable ofconverting existing 2D movies into a 3D signal suitable for 14

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone March 31st, 2011 COMPUTEX TAIPEI is expected to further expand upon the latest ICT trends displayed at CES and CeBIT by offering a real marketing platform for such products as Tablet PCs, e-books, Smart Phones, 3D Tech and Cloud Computing. Meanwhile ICT giants such as Intel and Microsoft are ready to announce their leading-edge technologies withThe new processors will only be available in four cores or six manufacturers like Acer, ASUSTeK, GIGABYTE, MSI andcores and expected to have a larger cache memory than current ViewSonic who are also getting set to launch their latestprocessors. X79 will support quad channel DDR3 memory breakthroughs. AMD, Broadcom, Intel, Microsoft and manyand native support of memory speeds up to 2666MHz. These other leading international companies are presenting theirinformation are hard to believe but possible. cutting edge knowledge – including the latest technology, total solutions, branding & marketing and strategy in executiveThose currently on the P67 platform will know that a internal speeches on June 2.clock generator will largely limit BCLK overclocking. Sad tosay, based on the source, the clock generator of Sandy BridgeE series will again be within the CPU. However, these are justrumours and should not be taken to heart.PCI interface will totally be removed from the X79 chipsetwhile on the other hand, up to 10 native SATA 6Gbps interfacewill be available with a total number of possible SATA ports at14. In order to have more bandwidth for the DMI Interface(orwhatever name Intel wants to name it in the new platform),an additional PCI-E 2.0 x4 can directed to it making a totalbandwidth of 8GB/s. On a side note, USB3.0 will not be thereand only enabled via an external controller such as one fromNEC. SAS capabilities with 8 of the SATA ports is a good thingto be seen on the new platform as well.A high end platform cant be complete without sufficientgraphics bandwidth and on the X79, there will be at least 32PCI-Express 2.0 lanes. So similar to X58, graphics can run atdual x16 or quad x8.With all the advantages in X79, many who were lookingforward to technology such as PCI-E 3.0 as well as Intel Taipei, Taiwan March 30, 2011 - Today’s pre-showThunderBolt were saddened with the fact that they will not be press conference not only marks the 31st anniversary offeatured. COMPUTEX TAIPEI, it also briefs the press on the latestThe only thing skeptical about X79 is its overclocking developments at the show and cues journalists on one of thecapabilities. The overclocking community would not want to greatest ICT events of our age.know that X79 cannot scale well with sub zero temperatures.With disappointing P67 on this aspect, we can only wait until As the clock clicks down to COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2011 (May 31the actual release date arrives and try it out ourselves. to June 4), vendors and exhibitors are adding the final touches on their creations to grab your attention.COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2011 Key Meanwhile TAITRA, the show organizer, is readying its entireHighlights fleet of show halls from NANGANG through to the four Xinyi District venues.Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/computex-taipei-2011-key-highlights/11763.html Links Tightened with Global ICT Trade Shows As the 2nd largest ICT tradeshow in the world, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has always kept close relations with other global ICT trade shows. Following the signing of a MOU with IFA 15

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone(Berlin) two years ago that spurred trade and investment in with suppliers at private meetings to lay down their most2009, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has now signed another MOU of demanding specs and orders.cooperation with CeBIT earlier this month in Hanover. • Breaking Records of 30 Years– This event promises to chalk up a full state of records. Its 1,800+ exhibitors willThis new win-win link between COMPUTEX TAIPEI and use 5,200+ booths to showcase their hottest products to 36,000+ international buyers breaking records inCeBIT helps to progress the ICT industry and boost mutual scale, attendance and number of buyers.And with this,business. The latest MOU serves as a significant milestonefor the Taiwan exhibition industry and the world’s two best COMPUTEX TAIPEI will link up the global best in partners, prices, concepts and components to generateICT events by promoting international trade, exchange and an estimated US$23bn in business.friendship between these two giants. • Full Menu of Buyer Services – NEW & FREE value- stored Taipei EasyCards let buyers use the metro to zipNew Trends lead the Future between the shows via MRT or buses. This is the firstSince its founding over 30 years ago, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has time that COMPUTEX TAIPEI combines a buyer passbecome one of the largest ICT shows in the world. It’s now and EasyCard to provide quick and easy travel and showalso the top procurement platform for both foreign and local entry.buyers. Most significantly, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has just kept • In addition, a new smart exhibition guiding device,growing and glowing year after year. “ORBI”, will be a great pal for buyers. We’re providing foreign buyers with an ORBI so they can navigate the show and the city. The ORBI helps buyers to cross indexCOMPUTEX TAIPEI is expected to further expand upon the products and vendors, and after the show, to find outlatest ICT trends displayed at CES and CeBIT by offering a real where to eat, what to see and how to get there. Anothermarketing platform for such products as Tablet PCs, e-books, advantage of ORBI is that it will brief the buyers on theirSmart Phones, 3D Tech and Cloud Computing. location, track down target exhibitors at the show, and locate shuttle buses and the MRT.Meanwhile ICT giants such as Intel and Microsoft are ready to Also, check out the displays of d&i and Best Choice Awardedannounce their leading-edge technologies with manufacturers Products, New Product Launch Previews and an exclusive golflike Acer, ASUSTeK, GIGABYTE, MSI and ViewSonic who are tournament held in Ta Shee Golf & Country Club, and a lotalso getting set to launch their latest breakthroughs. more!Breakthrough Moment for the Show Position 1.Largest ICT show in Asia, world’s leading ICT event, • MRT Connection – The newly connected MRT Nangang- 31st year Banqiao Lineand Wenshan-Neihu Line is set to let 36,000+ buyers directly reach NANGANG Hall. 2.Taiwan’s largest export exhibition, using 5 venues • Expanded Venue– First time use of all 5 venues at TWTC 1, 2 & 3, the Taipei Int’l Convention Center directly 3.Exhibition with largest connected (by MRT) to NANGANG Exhibition Hall to number of international open 106,450 sq. meters of show space. buyers ( over 36,000) • 2 New Theme Areas – Two new theme areas will be added Scale of Show Over 1,800 exhibitors and namely EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGY and INTERNET 5,000 booths OF THINGS, opening a deeper, broader vision for Exhibition May 31st – June 3rd , 2011 visitors. 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Dates & Hours • Executive Speech & COMPUTEX TAIPEI FORUM June 4th , 2011 9:30 AM.– – AMD, Broadcom, Intel, Microsoft and many 4:00 PM other leading international companies are presenting Estimated Visitors Over 120,000 visitors, their cutting edge knowledge – including the latest including over 36,000 technology, total solutions, branding & marketing and overseas visitors strategy in executive speeches on June 2. Hundreds Exhibition Venues Taipei World Trade Center of sessions at the COMPUTEX TAIPEI FORUM cover NANGANG Exhibition Hall the hottest news on Tablet PCs, Smart Phones, Cloud (1, JingMao 2nd Rd.Taipei) Computing and IOT(Internet Of Things). Taipei World Trade Center • Free One-on-One Procurement Meetings – More than Exhibition Hall 1 (5, Hsin-yi 2,000 free global one-on-one procurement meetings Rd., Sec. 5, Taipei) provide VIP buyers and exhibitors more business opportunities. That’s where thousands of buyers face off 16

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone Taipei World Trade Center NETWORKS,QUALCOMM Exhibition Hall 2 (3, U.K. HUTCHISON 3 SungLian Rd., Taipei) UK LIMITED, MICRO Taipei World Trade Center PERIPHERALS LTD. Exhibition Hall 3 (6, Germany ALCATEL- SungShou Rd., Taipei) LUCENT DEUTSCHLAND TaipeiInternationalConvention GMBH, ARLT COMPUTER Center (1, XinYi Rd., Sec. 5, PRODUKTE GMBH, Taipei) MEDION AG, SIEMENS AGShow Product NANGANG: Components Ireland DCC SERCOM & Parts Area, Data StorageCategories Canada BEST BUY Products Area, Software Area, CANADA LTD,FUTURE Computer SHOP LTD., INGRAM Systems Area, Embedded MICRO Products Area, National Pavilions, China: LENOVO Overseas Exhibition Area, d&i Japan:NTT DOCOMO awards Display, Best Choice Events 1.Pre-show International Award Press Conference Display, Taiwan Excellence 2.International Press Pavilion Reception & New Product Previews Hall 1: (1F&2F) WiMAX & Communication Products, 3.Opening Ceremony Peripherals & Accessories, 4.COMPUTEX TAIPEI COMPUTREND, Media Keynote Speech Hall 2: Internet of Things 5.Banquet of the Best Hall 3: Optoelectronic Display 6.Buyers’ Night & Digital Entertainment 7.COMPUTEX TAIPEI Products FORUM TICC: Stellar Exhibitors 8.COMPUTEX TAIPEIOrganizers Taiwan External Trade Invitational Golf Tournament Development Council 9.Procurement Match- (TAITRA) making Meetings Taipei Computer Association 10.d & I Awards (TCA)Key Exhibitors Taiwan: Acer, A-Data, Apacer, 11.Final Day Press Conference Asus, Clevo, CMC,COMPAL, 12.Press Industry Tour Delta, Elitegroup, Services for Visitors 1.Airport services: shuttle Giga-byte, HONHAI, buses, buyer badge pick-up KYE,Lian Li, MiTAC, MSI, 2.FREE shuttle buses Realtek, Ritek,Shuttle between show venues, MRT Thermaltake, Transcend,VIA stations and hotelsInternational:AMD, ARCTIC 3.TAITRA VVIP LoungeCOOLING, Hanwang,Hisense, HUIKE, Intel, 4.TAITRA LoungeKingston 5.Business CenterTechnology,Microsoft, 6.Free internet connectionsSanyo Denki, SanDisk, 7.Muslim Prayer Rooms (menTP-Link, WANLIDA, & women)ZOTAC,HITACHI,NVIDIA2010 Top Importers with annual sales 8.Biz Tours: TAIPEI 101, over 1 billion: National Palace Museum,International Visitors Lungshan Temple, etc. U.S. AMD, ARM, GOOGLE, Intel, MICROCENTER, REAL 17

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone 9. Food & Beverage during Happy Hour in TAITRA Lounges 10.Information Centers 11.Meeting Rooms 12.Legal Consultation Service Center 13.Buyer Self-Registration AreasFeatured Exhibition Areas 1.Taiwan Excellence Pavilion (NANGANG 1st Floor, Area I) 2.COMPUTEX TAIPEI d &i awards Exhibition Area (NANGANG 1st Floor, Area I) 3.Best Choice Award Exhibition Area (NANGANG 1st Floor, Area I) 4.Design & innovation awards Pavilion (NANGANG 1st Floor, Area I) 5.China Pavilion (NANGANG 4th Floor, Area N) 6.ISRAEL Pavilion (NANGANG 4th Floor, Area N) 7.Hong Kong Pavilion (NANGANG 4 th Floor, Area N)COMPUTEX 2011 Floor PlansSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/computex-2011-floor-plans/11764.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 Iomega announces SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/iomega-announces-superhero-backup-VR-Zone has compiled a list of COMPUTEX 2011 floor plans and-charger-for-iphone/11760.htmland exhibitors list in case you get lost over there. The March 31st, 2011interactive version is available over here. If you are looking for a device that not only backup your data, but also charges your iPhone, then this Iomega docking station is all you need. The company has recently announced the new Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone in Singapore, and is now available islandwide. 18

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone You probably know that Google has two smartphone products under its name - Nexus One and the Nexus S. But it seems that the search engine giant is coming up with a Nexus tablet device and it is rumored that it could be manufactured by LG.Iomega, an EMC company, has launched the first ever Backupand Charger for iPhone. It is designed for the Apple iPhoneusers who have experienced the panic and despair of losingtheir contacts and photos on their iPhone, Google has had two smartphones under its wings, namely the Nexus One, and the newer Nexus S that comes with AndroidIomegas new SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone is 2.3 Gingerbread. And both products in the Nexus series havea compact docking station device that plugs directly into a gotten a lot of attention. It seems that Google is preparing towall outlet. Also ideal for travel, the SuperHero Backup and come up with a Nexus tablet too. According to Mobile-Review,Charger comes complete with a 4GB SD card that provides the Google is collaborating with LG to produce the Google Nexusstorage in the docking station for iPhone contacts and camera tablet, scheduled to retail in Q2 or Q3 this year.roll pictures. (The SD card is upgradeable .) Users simplydownload free of charge the SuperHero iPhone app from the The Nexus tablet will be preloaded with Android 3.0Apple Store and their iPhone is ready for charging and backing Honeycomb operating system. Even though the specific nameup with the Super Hero Backup and Charger. has yet to be finalized, it looks like it would be known as the "Google Nexus Tablet".When an iPhone loaded with the SuperHero app is placed inthe SuperHero dock, the app launches automatically, giving Theres no details as to the specifications or features ofthe option of backing up the contacts and photos while it the Google Nexus Tablet yet. But in August last year, therecharges the phone. Users can name their iPhones with the had been discussions in Taiwan about a Nexus Tablet; thisSuperHero app so that multiple iPhones can be charged and probably means that Google may have approached HTCtheir contacts and photos backed up with the same SuperHero to manufacture the Nexus Tablet, but due to unforeseenBackup and Charger. A progress bar lets you know when your circumstances and reasons, the company turned to LG instead.backup is complete. After the initial backup of an iPhones VR-Zone Giveaway #8 - ASUScontacts and photos, future backups only include incrementalcontacts and photos. If a user loses or damages their iPhone,they can restore their contacts and photos to a new iPhone by RT-N56U Wireless-N Gigabitdocking the new iPhone in the SuperHero dock and selectingthe "restore" button. Router Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/vr-zone-giveaway-8--asus-rt-n56u-Iomegas new SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone is wireless-n-gigabit-router/11756.htmlfully compatible with the iPhone 4, 3GS and 3G, as well as the March 31st, 2011iPod Touch (third and fourth generation).Availability and WarrantyThe new Iomega SuperHero Backup and Charger for iPhone isnow in Singapore for S$99 with an additional three years localwarranty (with registration). Follow four easy steps and stand a chance to win different prizes every week. This week..we are giving away: 1 x ASUS RT-N56U Wireless-N Gigabit Router Check out http://Google Nexus Android tablet launch.vr-zone.com and find out how you can win these prizesrumored to be made by LGSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/google-nexus-android-tablet-rumored-to-be-made-by-lg/11757.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 19

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneFollow four easy steps and stand a chance to win differentprizes every week. This week..we are giving away:1 x ASUS RT-N56U Wireless-N Gigabit Router Although the Patriot LX PRO Series are classified as Class 10 SDHC cards, the professional-grade SDHC deliver 20MB/Check out http://launch.vr-zone.com and find out how you s transfer speeds - twice that of typical Class 10 SDHC cards.can win these prizes The high-speed transfer speeds ensure photographs and video are written to the memory card instantly to the Patriot LX PRO Series.Patriot Announces LX PRO "Image and video quality constantly improve with eachSeries SDHC Memory Cards generation of digital camera and camcorder. The latestSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/patriot-announces-lx-pro-series-sdhc- generation of professional-grade digital cameras andmemory-cards/11755.html camcorders push quality to unprecedented levels of detailMarch 31st, 2011 and video bitrates," says Les Henry, Patriot Memorys Vice President of Engineering. "With the new Patriot LX PRO Series SDHC cards, photographers and videographers can capture images in continuous shot mode or shoot films at maximum video bitrates without worrying about memory card write errors due to insufficient performance."Patriot Memory, manufacturer of multiple high performancememory modules and flash devices, has launched its LX PROseries SDHC cards. Available in 16Gb and 32Gb variants, these The Patriot LX PRO Series will be available in large 16GB andprofessional-grade Class 10 SDHC cards support data transfer 32GB capacities to store plenty of images and video footagespeeds up to 20Mb/s, outperforming all SDHC Class 10 cards before running out of space. Expect the Patriot LX PRO Seriesin the market today. They are expected to hit store shelves SDHC cards to ship in April.come end April. General detailsPATRIOT PRESS RELEASE • New Patriot LX PRO Series SDHC cardsFREMONT, CALIF., USA - March 28, 2011 - Patriot Memory, • Obliterates current SDHC Class 10 performancea global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash, classificationstorage and enthusiast computer products, today givesprofessional and hobbyist photographers and videographers • Up to 20MB/s transfer speedsan extra performance boost with the professional-grade LXPRO Series SDHC cards. The Patriot LX PRO Series SDHC • 16GB and 32GB capacitiescards surpass existing SDHC speed classifications and delivertwice the performance of standard Class 10 SDHC memory • Ships in Aprilcards. About Patriot Memory: Patriot Memory designs, manufactures and markets high performance, enthusiast memory modules, flash products, and computing technologies. Patriot products have become world renown for their extreme performance, reliability and innovation. Patriot Memory sells its products through original equipment manufacturers, retailers, e-tailers and distributors. 20

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneIt has operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Patriot March 31st, 2011Memory LLC was founded in 1985 and is headquartered inFremont, California, USA.Hama Unveils Gaming MiceSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/hama-unveils-gaming-mice/11754.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 Tokyo-based Green House has announced the 64Gb PicoDrive N, adding on to its PicoDrive N family of flash drives. Measuring 54.1 x 18 x 8.1mm and weighing 7.5g, the ultra- portable flash device sports a USB 2.0 interface and comes bundled with a trial version of Kaspersky Internet Security 2011. It is available now from authorised resellers and e-tailers in Japan at a MSRP of US$206.uRage News via [Softpedia]German-based Hama GmbHa has announced the uRage anduRage evo gaming mice, targeting gamers. Sony Ericsson: legally unlockable bootloader possible for certain Xperia models Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/sony-ericsson-legally-unlockable- bootloader-possible-for-certain-xperia-models/11750.html March 31st, 2011uRage evo Want to have your cake and eat it at the same time when it comes to smartphones sold with the Android operatingThey feature an ergonomic design, five programmable system? Well, it seems Sony Ericsson might be doing justbuttons, on-the-fly DPI switch, a 500 Hz polling rate, laser that with its Xperia smartphones: the company is reportedlysensors (2,400 DPI for uRage & 3,200 DPI for uRage evo), planning to allow developers the option of legally unlockingnon-slip coating, Teflon feet, and LED lights. The uRage and certain Xperia phones bootloader without voiding the devicesuRage evo can be found in stores at MSRPs of €19.99 and warranty.€29.99 respectively.News via [Hama]Green House Unveils 64GbPicoDrive N Flash DriveSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/green-house-unveils-64gb-picodrive-n-flash-drive/11753.html Do you own a smartphone that happens to be pre-loaded with the Android operating system? If you do, chances are you would have heard about the word known as rooting and the kind of potential one can unlock from a handset that has been rooted. such as unlocking the bootloader to facilitate the installation of custom ROMs which are supposedly capable 21

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zoneof prolonging battery life, or offering superior performancecompared to that found on the stock OS built into the phone.Unfortunately, most OEMs have made explicit warnings thatrooting their device and locking its bootloader immediatelyvoids its warranty; this leaves the Nexus series as the Androidsmartphones that are sold to end-users with an unlockedbootloader. However, it seems that Sony Ericssons Xperia lineof smartphones might be next in line to offer Android-basedphones with unlocked bootloaders to the market. Microsoft is seeking thousands of Xbox 360 Live members to test a new Xbox 360 disc format. And in return, the company will give a free copy of Halo: Reach and other freebies. Unfortunately, the offer is only for US-based members, well, specifically continental United States, and that they must own an Xbox 360 game console. Simply register at the Microsoft Connect site with your Windows Live ID conected to your Xbox Live Gamertag and wait for notification. Ironically, if the software giant has chosen to adopt HD DVD as part of its high definition game disc format in 2005, MicrosoftAccording to a report published by Japanese technology may not even have to come up with a new disc format today,news website ITmedia, certain models of its Xperia line of nor would HD DVD have died.smartphones will now feature a bootloader which allowsdevelopers to easily unlock it, thus opening the doors toa variety of aftermarket upgrades in the form of custom Cooler Master Expands GXfirmware. To do so, developers will have to connect thesmartphone to the Android SDK via the Fastboot tool, and that Seriesthe boot loader can only be unlocked safely if the device is able Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/cooler-master-expands-gx-to successfully release the connection. series/11751.html March 31st, 2011However, the company has also confirmed that it will nothonour the smartphones warranty if the device suffersfrom unexpected problems resulting from a failed unlockingprocess. Last but not least, only the Xperia Play, Xperiaarc, Xperia Neo and Xperia Pro can be unlocked by theaforementioned process: earlier Xperia models will fail theunlocking process due to technical limitations. Cooler Master is further expanding its GX series of PSUs with the addition of a 450W model. The 80Plus certified PSU boastsMicrosoft looking for Xbox 360 a single +12V rail, a MTBF of 100,000 hours, double layer EMI filter, various protection designs (OVP/ UVP/ OPP/ OTP/testers for new disc format SCP), and is cooled by a 120mm fan. The GX 450W is backedSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/microsoft-looking-for-xbox-360- by a five year warranty and available through major retailerstesters-for-new-disc-format/11749.html and e-tailers at a MSRP of US$49.99 come end March.March 31st, 2011 COOLER MASTER PRESS RELEASEDo you live in US and own an Xbox 360? Well, Microsoft islooking for thousands of testers to try their new disc formatand you could be one of them. Read on for the details. 22

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneIn a continuous effort to provide a wide array of power supplies world can you find a dual-SIM card tablet-phone device that isthat integrate high-grade features into a value-aware package, actually affordable enough for the average Joe?Cooler Master’s GX Series unveils its GX450W power supply. Would you ever purchase a tablet that is capable of functioningCasual users and budget gamers alike will enjoy the quality like a smartphone? Well, OEMs seem to think so: after all,construction and extensive features that make the GX Power there can be no other explanation for tablet-phone hybridsSupply Series reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. such as the Dell Streak and the first generation Samsung Galaxy Tab, both of which attempt to bridge the gap between tablets and smartphones by offering screen sizes of seven inches and below, along with standard telephony features. That being said, it appears that the demand for hybrid tablet- phone devices is healthy enough in China for factories to churn out such products, and this mystery device is probably the best proof of that conjuncture.Uncompromising QualityThe hallmark of the GX Series of power supplies isthat they feature a single, highly robust 12V rail thatefficiently and consistently delivers clean power to all of yourcritical components such as your processor, drives, RAM,motherboard, and graphics cards. At first glance, the device appears to be little more than anAn included double-layer EMI filter, intelligent 120mm oversized smartphone that bears some passing similaritiescontrollable fan, and an active PFCPWM combo controller all with the first generation Dell Streak. As is the trend with mostcontribute to the overall efficiency of the power supply. All tablets and some high-end smartphones, the tablet comesof the many features found within the GX Series contribute with two cameras: the rear-facing camera boasts a maximumto its 80 Plus Certification. This efficiency allows the power resolution of five megapixels, while the front-facing camera issupply to utilize most of the power it takes in with minimal capable of 0.3 megapixels, making it more suitable for use inwaste, saving your electric bill. It makes the GX450W a perfect video calls only.addition to a home theater PC or mid-range computer setup. However, the real selling point of this tablet comes in the form of two discreet SIM card slots, which are conveniently located below the devices touchscreen keys. Also located here are theThe GX Series carries a MSRP of $49.99 and will be available DC-in jack, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm audio-out jack andon March 29th. a miniUSB port for data transfer.For more information, visit the product page.Mysterious dual-SIM, tablet-phone device shows up inChinaSource: http://vr-zone.com/articles/mysterious-dual-sim-tablet-phone-device-shows-up-in-china/11748.htmlMarch 31st, 2011 According to Chinese gadget website M.I.C Digi, the tablets dual SIM card slots can only accept specific mobile networkOnce again, China appears to have gotten the worlds attention networks. The first slot will reportedly accept only SIM cardswith its never-ending supply of tablets from its factories that that work with the EVDO network, while the second slot isalways seem to be well ahead of the curve, especially when supposedly compatible with both WCDMA and GSM SIMplaced side by side with similar tablets produced by reputable cards.OEMs. Likewise, this tablet is no exception: where else in the 23

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-ZoneIn addition, the tablet does not appear to be lacking onthe hardware side: M.I.C Digi claims that a dual-coreQualcomm MSM7627 processor clocked at 800MHz suppliesthe devices processing power, along with 256MB of memoryand 512MB of Flash storage. Additional features includeBluetooh connectivity (Bluetooth 2.1), a built-in GPS unit andmost importantly, a capacitive touchscreen.Last but not least, the tablet comes bundled with version 2.2of the Android operating system (aka Froyo), although we are Gigabyte broadens Aiviasure that enterprising hackers will eventually find a way tosqueeze in Gingerbread (v2.3) or even Honeycomb (v.30) into product range with wirelessthe device. gaming mouse Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/gigabyte-broadens-aivia-product- range-with-wireless-gaming-mouse/11747.html March 31st, 2011 Were still not sure about the Aivia branding on Gigabytes gaming peripherals, but its latest mouse addition, the M8600 wireless macro gaming mouse looks pretty interesting despite a very long and somewhat awkward name. Its Gigabytes first wireless gaming mouse and one of only a handful wirelessNo pricing details or release date has been released for the gaming mice on the market.mystery tablet yet. Interestingly, the ROM identifies the deviceas an MD70, and a quick search reveals that there existsan IVIO Twilight 7 tablet smartphone device, which appears Were still not sure about the Aivia branding on Gigabytesto feature near identical design aspects and specifications to gaming peripherals, but its latest mouse addition, the M8600this particular tablet. Is this merely coincidence, or did IVIO wireless macro gaming mouse looks pretty interesting despitemerely purchase the rights to sell such tablets under its brand a very long and somewhat awkward name. Its Gigabytes firstname from the ODMs? You decide. wireless gaming mouse and one of only a handful wireless gaming mice on the market. Its hard not to draw parallels between the M8600 and Logitechs old G7 mouse, especially as the two are using a cartridge based rechargeable battery system. Rather unusually for a wireless mouse, Gigabyte has based its batteries on Li-Ion technology, but even so the battery life in only rated at 50h per battery pack. That said, Gigabyte claims that it takes a mere two seconds to change the battery pack, or “as fast as reloading a gun” according to the product website. 24

March 31st, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone how much difference this really makes. The tire treaded scroll wheel sports side way tilting, a feature many gaming mice lack. Theres of course also an option to change the colour of the built in LED lights and Gigabyte even provides a free spare set of replacement mouse feet.However, unlike the old G7 the M8600 also sports a frontUSB port, although it appears to only be compatible with thesupplied cable judging by its somewhat odd shape. When thecable is connected the mouse switches over to wired modeand works just like any old wired mouse. The upside of this is Were not sure what the mouse will retail for outside of Taiwan,that you dont have to worry about your batteries running out, but we tracked down a retail price of NT$3,490 (S$149) inwireless interference or any potential lag that there might be Taiwan which seems a little bit on the steep side, especially asin the wireless connection. the Logitech G700 retails for the same price locally. Despite all the features, its going to be hard for Gigabyte to compete against the more established brands, especially at this price point.Gigabyte has also implemented its “Ghost macro engine”which means you get a whopping 32KB of onboard memory,although this is apparently enough to store no less than fiveuser profiles and 70 macros. The battery charger will not onlycharge the secondary battery pack, but you can also place themouse on it when youre not using it and the battery packinside the mouse will charge. The charger also doubles as thewireless receiver.The M8600 has a 5600dpi laser sensor that can be adjustedfrom 100dpi and up. For what its worth the sensor alsosupports interpolation up to 6500dpi, although were not sure 25

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