BenQ launches Flicker-free monitors, helps save your eyes

Eye health is one of the major concerns for a lot of people, especially those who are always working in front of the computer. In today’s digital world, almost everyone uses computers heavily. 

One of the most common problem is the Computer Vision Syndrome that is a result of long periods of exposure to computer monitors that causes headaches, blurred vision, redness and dryness of the eyes, eye fatigue and even myopia.

Last November 5, 2013, BenQ launched the Flicker-free line of monitors that reduce the risks of eyestrain while enhancing work productivity. Flickering, or the flashing effect of the monitor is the effect of the LED backlight controller adjusting to the changes in the brightness level. This strains the human eye as the ciliary muscle adjusts to the invisible flickering resulting to the abovementioned eye problems.

For more info: Pinoytechblog

Introducing the new NVIDIA GeForce GT 630 with 384 CUDA cores

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 630 is a well-rounded, main stream graphics card capable of delivering 

greatperformance for its price. The New NVIDIA GeForce GT 630 now comes with 384 CUDA Cores, is built on the award winning NVIDIA Kepler Architecture, the same architecture found on the more expensive GeForce GTX 700 series.

The Kepler-based GK208 GPU is baked into the new NVIDIA GeForce GT series cards which mean the NVIDIA GeForce GT 630 now features 384 CUDA cores, up from the previous model and its 96 cores. The new NVIDIA GeForce GT 630 also features a clock speed of 902 MHz. It also supports UltraHD 4K resolutions. Build on the 28nm Kepler GPU architecture, it is up to 40% more power efficient than the previous model, while boosting performance and runs up to 38% faster.

The New NVIDIA GeForce GT 630 takes the gaming to a new level thanks to the cutting edge Microsoft DirectX and NVIDIA PhysX® technology. These two features responsible for realistic effect with tessellation and help create more detailed characters and terrain in games, providing a crisper, lifelike images. With the Adaptive V-Sync and Kepler GPU architecture coupled with the FXAA Anti-Aliasing polishes the rough edges and produces beautiful smooth lines with minimal impact on the performance and allows the players to experience enjoyment without hindrances.

For more info: Pinoytechblog

Beats By Dr. Dre Executive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Along with the Beats Pill, Beats Electronics also introduces the Beats By Dr. Dre Executive, its first set of headphones after ending the partnership with Monster Cable. The new headphones is built with premium materials such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel and leather and delivers signature Beats by Dr. Dre sound.


The Beats Executive features Active Noise Cancellation, which the company said is powerful enough to reduce a ket engine to a whisper, to deliver music without outside noise and interruption. Its soft leather headband and comfortable ear cups are designed for long wear, and the folding design makes it easy to carry. It comes with a standard 3.5mm audio cable and an iOS-compatible cable with in-line microphone and remote for phone functionality and music control. Also inclded are an airline adapter, a hard shell carrying case, a cleaning cloth and two AAA batteries to power Active Noise Cancellation.

Beats By Dr. Dre Beats Pill Portable Wireless Speaker

Beats Electronics introduces the new Beats By Dr. Dre Beats Pill portable wireless speaker with NFC and apt-X technology. Specifically designed to optimize sound quality, the Pill integrates Beats Audio algorithm, apt-X technology and a four-speaker system to provide the “highest quality portable listening experience.” The speaker is also the first product developed by Beats Electronics, after breaking up with Monster Cable.

The Beats Pill uses Bluetooth for wireless streaming and supports NFC for one-tap pairing. It is also a speakerphone featuring built-in microphone for hands-free calling, and echo cancellation for call clarity and feedback controo. The speaker also has 3.5mm line-in jack for connecting directly with audio source, and a 3.5mm line-out jack for connection to an external speaker system. Its rechargeable li-ion battery provides 7 hours of continuous play, and can be charged via micro USB. The auto-shut-off feature will turn the Pill off after 30 minutes of no signal detection so as to save power.

Logitech Broadcaster WiFi Webcam for Mac ,iPhone and iPad

Logitech introduces the Broadcaster WiFi webcam made for video professionals, bloggers and hobbyists. Designed for users to share their passions and interests with the world, the webcam is able to instantly stream live video to UStream with a simple press of a button. Users can also use the Broadcaster app on Mac, iPad or iPhone to control and preview the video, manage the broadcast, post announcements on Facebook and Twitter, and interact with viewers in real time.




Logitech’s Broadcaster WiFi Webcam is capable of HD 720p video capture and includes Fluid Crystal Technology for enhanced image quality and WiFi 802.11n high-speed internet connection for smooth video streaming. It also features 3x digital zoom, digital pan/tilt and built-in illumination lamp, and uses H.264 video compression. You can also use the Broadcaster as a second camera by pairing it with your Mac’s built-in camera using the Broadcaster app for recording two different views at the same time. You can then use iMovie or Final Cut Pro to edit and stitch together the two recordings. The WiFi webcam can also add a second point of view to Skype video calls. It also works with QuickTime, PhotoBooth, FaceTime and iChat.

Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 for Windows, iOS and Android

Logitech announced its new Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 that is compatible with Windows, iOS and Android devices, and comes with a layout designed for Windows 8 featuring specific keys to help navigate the new Windows 8 system. The keyboard uses Bluetooth connectivity to pair with up to three devices, such as smartphone, tablet and notebook, at the same time, and features Easy-Switch function for switching between Bluetooth devices quickly with a simple push of a button.

Logitech’s K810 features laser-etched backlit keys for easy typing in low light, and is able to adjust illumination automatically to suit the light conditions. There is a motion sensor to detect your hands as they approach the keyboard and turns the backlight on/off to help you save power when you are not typing. The keyboard’s Incurve keys with concave key surface also makes typing comfortable, and the PerfectStoke key system further improves the typing experience.

SMS Audio STREET by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance Headphones

SMS Audio, you may know, is a brand from Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The company is launching the STREET by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance headphones, its first DJ-style product. The STREET by 50 DJ is the first foldable and DJ headphones in the SMS Audio collection and features the same high-end styling and durability as the original SYNC by 50 wireless over-ear and STREET by 50 wired over-ear headphones.


The STREET by 50 DJ sports professionally-tuned, studio-quality 40mm drivers to deliver clear, professional studio sound with enhanced bass, and feature passive noise cancellation. It has soft memory foam cushions for maximum comfort. The DJ headphones get two removable cables, a coiled DJ cable with 1/4-inch adapter and a cable with in-line three-click microphone. Also included are a hard-shell carrying case and soft cleaning cloth.

STREET by 50 wired DJ headphones come in Shadow Black and City Grey. SMS Audio will also release the limited edition DJ Pauly D-branded STREET by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance headphones with DJ Pauly D imprinted onto the band of the headphone.

Coming on 2 October, the STREET by 50 wired DJ Pro Performance headphones and the DJ Pauly D limited edition are available for pre-order now for $299.95.



Source: itechnews

Apple to hire experienced TI employees to work on its A line of processors

Always on the look out for new opportunities, Apple is now said to be actively courting some experienced Texas Instruments employees, in a move to secure the bright future of its own A line of processors.

Texas Instruments recently announced that it will be withdrawing most of its forces from the application processors front, and will be deploying them on the embedded systems front. TI is facing the harsh reality of increasingly tough competition from companies like Apple and Samsung, who are designing their own chips, as well as the other strong players on the chipset market like Qualcomm and Nvidia. Plus, all the phone and tablet models that manage to achieve significant sales seem to use non-TI chips. All of this has forced TI to consider transitioning to the embedded systems market in order to stabilize its business and start making some real dough.

Apple, on the other hand, is currently growing its mobile processor division and is looking for talented and experienced people with fresh ideas. And, as you might guess, there are probably a good number of people at Texas Instruments right now who fit that description. It's really important for Apple to constantly improve its A line of mobile processors, which are currently powering its whole range of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad and iPod. Well, at least its good to know that those employees will have a new job position waiting for them once TI initiates its transition.

Source: AppleInsider

ZAGG ZAGGsparq 3100 and ZAGGsparq 6000 Portable Batteries

Following the ZAGGsparq 1220, ZAGG introduces two new models of portable batteries, the ZAGGsparq 3100 and ZAGGsparq 6000. These ZAGGsparq portable batteries are equipped with Lithium Polymer and have durable polycarbonate shell to maintain a glossy outer finish without gathering fingerprints or scratches.

ZAGG ZAGGsparq 6000

The ZAGGsparq 3100 packs 3100mAh battery which is enough for two recharges for mobile devices, while the ZAGGsparq 6000 has a large capacity of 6000mAh that can recharger your mobile devices for four time. The latter provides two USB ports for charging two devices at the same time. Both models feature ZAGG’s Hypercharge Technology to provide 2.1A output for ultra-fast charging, up to four times faster than a standard USB charger.

The ZAGGsparq portable batteries have built-in prongs for convenient charging and they also serve as a wall charger when they are plugged into an outlet. They work with most mobile devices, including iOS and Android tablets and smartphones, except the Nexus 7 tablet.

PNY XLR8 and XLR8 PRO Solid State Drives

PNY launches the XLR8 and XLR8 PRO series of solid state drives. Based on MLC NAND flash, PNY’s new SSDs are powered by SandForce’s 2281 controller. These 2.5-inch SSDs use SATA III 6Gbps interface and support 128-bit AES encryption.

The XLR8 models offers up to 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write speeds, while the XLR8 PRO models are even faster at 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write. They support S.M.A.R.T drive monitoring and TRIM command. Both lines are available in 120GB, 240GB and 480GB capacities.
Pricing:

• XLR8 PRO 120GB – $169.99
• XLR8 PRO 240GB – $329.99
• XLR8 PRO 480GB – $679.99
• XLR8 SSD 120GB – $99.99
• XLR8 SSD 240GB – $189.99
• XLR8 SSD 480GB – $579.99

XtremeMac BT Connect and BT Home Connect Bluetooth Audio Receivers

XtremeMac, a brand of Imation, launches the new BT Connect and BT Home Connect portable Bluetooth audio receivers. Both of them are designed to turn non-Bluetooth home or portable speakers into wireless speakers with Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) quality sound. With them, you can now stream music wirelessly from iPhone, iPod or other Bluetooth-enabled Apple devices to your non-wireless audio devices.

Both receivers support AAC codec to deliver quality sound. They can remember your mobile device’s Bluetooth connection for easy access. The BT Connect has a compact design and is intended for on-the-go use with portable speakers. It provides 10 hours of playback on a fresh pack of AAA batteries.

XtremeMac BT Home Connect

The BT Home Connect, designed for home or office, comes with 3.5mm-to-RCA converter for use with a variety of powered speaker systems and audio receivers. It features a plug-mounted design and cable management system for a clean and simple solution.

Both BT Connect and BT Home Connect both are priced at $59.95.

Logitech UE 900 Noise-isolating Earphones

Logitech launches its new UE 900 is a high-end noise-isolating earphones designed to deliver studio-grade sound. The new earphones pack four precision balanced armature speakers – two for the low end, one for the mid-range, and one for high frequencies, and a three-way crossover to provide “soundstage with soul-satisfying bass, heavenly highs and a crisp, piano-like timbre.”


For maximum comfort and noise-isolation, the UE 900 comes with five sizes of silicon cushions and three sizes of Comply foam cushions, each designed with a large-bore opening to ensure the sound is delivered cleanly. The detachable, braided cables are included, one with in-line microphone and control for answering calls and controlling music when use with iPhone or iPod, and the other is a standard cable.

The Logitech UE 900 is priced at $399.99.



Source: itechnews

Palit GeForce GTX 660Ti Review

After a month of grueling benchmarking and putting the Palit GeForce GTX 660Ti under the stressful environment of the latest games, here’s what PTB has to say about NVIDIA’s latest weapon of choice for gamers.

After launching the flagship graphics card, GTX 680, five months ago, NVIDIA released the latest Kepler-based GPU dubbed the GeForce GTX660 Ti. It is based on the GK104 architecture which is used in the GTX 690/680/670 lines and the GTX 660Ti even packs the same number of CUDA cores as the 670 for maximum eye candy for your… err eyes.

Our review won’t consist of synthetic benchmarks as it really won’t be that much significant for me. I don’t buy GPUs just to see how high it can go on 3DMark or whatever synthetic benchmarking tool you use. I buy GPUs so I can play the latest games on the highest setting without turning my PC into a kinetoscope.

Source: pinoytechblog

Logitech UE Boombox and UE Mobile Boombox Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Logitech launches the UE Boombox and UE Mobile Boombox portable Bluetooth speakers. Both models use Bluetooth technology, offering a wireless range of 50 feet. They can pair up to 8 Bluetooth devices and connect up to two at the same time.

The UE Boombox sports two 0.5-inch tweeters, two 3-inch woofers and four 2 5/8″ passive radiators to deliver rich, clear and balanced sound. It has an integrated sculptured aluminum handle for easy carrying. The built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 6 hours of play time.

Logitech UE Mobile Boombox

The UE Mobile Boombox, on the other hand, is an ultraportable mobile speaker replacing Logitech’s Mini Boombox. It has a grip-action rubber casing that feel great in hand and withstand litle rough and tumble, and comes in metal finishes with vibrant accents. Other than two 1-inch full range drivers for audio playback, the Mobile Boombox is also equipped with built-in microphone for use as a speakerphone for voice calls. It comes with a 10 hour rechargeable battery.



Source: itechnews

LG TONE+ HBS-730 Bluetooth Headset supports VoLTE

LG announced its new TONE+ HBS-730 Bluetooth stereo headset with upgraded feature to deliver richer and clearer audio experience. It includes support for VoLTE (Voice over LTE) calls, allows users to hold conversations in High Definition (HD) sound between VoLTE-capable devices. The sleek headset has a behind-the-neck design.

LG’s TONE+ features aptX, a ‘professional grade audio codec’ to enhance audio performance and deliver CD-quality sound, and extended bass register to increase the available sound range. It supports multi connection for pairing to two devices at the same time. It also includes Audible Pairing Assistance to reveal the connection status when another device is connected, Vibrating Call Alert to notifie the user of incoming calls, Audible Battery Status Alert and Mic Mute. It can be used with the BT Reader Android application to monitor and read incoming SMS.

The LG TONE+ offers 15 hours of talk time and up to 500 hours of standby time. It will be released by the end of this month in blue black and white pearl colors.

Sony CycleEnergy CP-F1LSVP, CP-F1LSAVP and CP-F2LSAVP Slim Portable Batteries

Sony introduces in Japan its new CycleEnergy portable batteries, the CP-F1LSVP, CP-F1LSAVP and CP-F2LSAVP. With a slim and lightweight, they are ideal for use to rejuice your smartphones or tablets on the go. Measuring just 9.4mm thick, the CP-F1LSAVP and CP-F1LSVP pack 3500mAh battery and has one USB port with 1.5A output. The CP-F2LSAVP, slightly thicker at 12.9mm, sports 7000mAh capacity and provides two output USB charging ports with maximum output of 2.1A for charging two devices at the same time.


Put it simple, the CP-F1LSVP, CP-F1LSAVP 3500mAh battery can fully charge the iPhone 4S (1432mA battery) and the iPhone 5 (1440mAh) as well as Galaxy S II for two times, and at least once for Galaxy S III. According to Sony, the 3500mAh models can be reused around 500 times and it takes 8 hours to recharge using USB or 4 hours by wall outlet. Both CP-F1LSAVP and CP-F2LSAVP come with AC adapter for charging, and will be priced at about 5000 Yen and 7000 Yen, respectively. The CP-F1LSVP has no AC adapter and is cheaper at 4500 Yen.



Source: itechnews

mLogic mDock Docking Station and Backup Drive for MacBook Pro

A company called mLogic introduces the mDock, a docking station and backup solution for Apple’s MacBook Pro. The device replicates the ports located on the side of unibody 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops, and the idea is that users can attach peripheral such as monitors, speakers, printers, USB hard drive to the mDock and thus eliminate the repetitive hassle of plugging and unplugging of these devices to and from your MacBook Pro.


Not just a docking station, the mDock is also a backup drive for your Mac. Available in 500GB and 1TB capacities, the unit backs up the Macbook Pro via Time Machine.

It has a sleek, fanless design and aluminum enclosure to complement the MBP. The mDock has onvenient front-facing USB and headphone jacks  and a front-facing 10W charge port to charge iOS devices quickly. You can also add the optional mDock Amigo that offers an iPhone/iPod dock for syncing and charging, and a MagSafe Power Adapter holder.

The mDock is priced at $279 for 500GB and $339 for 1TB.

Onkyo DS-A5 iPhone/iPad Dock adds AirPlay to your AV System

Onkyo introduces its new DS-A5 iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station with AirPlay capabilities that allows owners of Onkyo receivers to enjoy benefits of wireless music streaming. Other than WiFi, the AirPlay dock also has Ethernet port for connection to a home network. With AirPlay, you can stream music wirelessly from iOS devices, including iPod touch, iPhone and iPad, as well as iTunes-equipped computers.


You may also dock your iOS devices to the DS-A5 for charging, and use optical and analog audio outputs to deliver audio signals directly to a receiver for clear sound. Composite video output is also provided for users to view photos and videos on a big screen. Thanks to (Remote Interactive), you can power up your AV system by simply starting AirPlay streaming from iOS devices. You can also control the DS-A5 using Onkyo’s remote control.

Onkyo’s DS-A5 AirPlay dock also works with AV systems, DAC, receivers from other brands. As the dock still uses the 30-pin dock connector and the 30-pin to Lightning adapter doesn’t support audio, Lightning-equipped iPhone 5, iPod touch 5th gen and iPod nano 7th gen may not compatible with the DS-A5.
It will be released in October for $199.

Jabra TALK Review

Introduction:

Not everyone requires a fancy-schmancy or feature rich Bluetooth headset to get by, but rather, some would simply prefer a more humble offering to chit-chat with another person – while still being relatively easy on the wallet. Well people, the Jabra TALK is aiming to be just that device, as it’s sporting an easy to swallow price tag of only $29.99. Certainly, it doesn’t have an extensive features list, but let’s cross our fingers in hopes that it can get us to do what we all do naturally – talk!

Design:

Giving it a good look up and down, there’s no hiding the fact that it’s pretty much ordinary looking with its design. For the price and all, we can’t expect a whole lot in this segment, but at least it’s sporting a sleek profile design to remain somewhat favorable in our books. Donning an all-plastic body, combined with some chrome elements, it flaunts a mostly clean looking appearance – though, the chrome accents tend to exhibit smudges more. Lightweight by nature thanks primarily to its choice of materials, we don’t notice it much as we’re wearing it on our ear. Additionally, the ear loop aids in keeping it snug on our ear, while the earpiece can tend to feel a bit irritating during prolong usage.

Source: phonearena

Satechi BT Lite Headphones

Introduction:

Oh Satechi! We’ve checked out quite a few Bluetooth offerings from them already this year, so there’s no arguing that this latest one is sure to catch a few eyes with its inexpensive price point. However, this is the first time we’re scoping out something geared for those who prefer a more personal music experience. Strutting an enticing $44.99 price point online, the Satechi BT Lite Headphones also catches our attention thanks to its retro design, but let’s hope that its audio performance can equally churn out something enjoyable.

Design:

Rather than sporting any one of the many modern designs we’ve been seeing with other Bluetooth headphones, the Satechi BT Lite takes the retro approach of using yesterday’s over the head style. So yeah, it’s definitely eye-catching! With its horseshoe-like appearance, its glossy plastic body has some leeway in bending and flexing in order to fit over our head – albeit, it seems as though it’s more on the small side as a whole. Extending the earpiece to their maximum length, we’re not that confident that it’ll accommodate people with larger sized heads. Despite that, the headphones themselves are padded perfectly and flex to provide one comfortable feel.

Source: phonearena