MSI G41 series motherboards launched

MSI has integrated Intel’s current multimedia platform - the Intel G41 chipset - into its new series of mainboards to meet this growing demand.

The Intel G41 chipset sets a new standard for visual enhancement technology with DirectX 10 support, playback-enhancing decoders, integrated HDMI and DVI, cutting-edge multimedia equipment, and Intel’s own Clear Video technology.

The Intel G41 chipset’s integrated Intel GMA X4500 GPU, compared to its G31 predecessor, not only improves 3D performance, but also supports Direct X 10, OpenGL 2.0 and other graphical standards for total gaming support.

Additionally, the G41 chipset also supports faster hardware decoding, which decreases the loading on the CPU, and can run all current forms of HD movies.

The Intel G41 also equips Intel Clear Video technology which improves the playback quality and level of detail for a better home theater experience.

Another key feature of the G41 chipset is its total DirectX 10 support. All one needs is to install Windows Vista or Windows 7 OS to enjoy the most life-like gaming visuals around - a must for today’s HTPC.

Aside from the above benefits, MSI’s G41 series of motherboards also build upon years of research and development MSI put in to ensure its products are a cut above the rest.

APS intelligent power management, USB safeguard protection and M-Flash BIOS recovery are just some of the ways this series ensures a new level of convenience for customers.

NVIDIA rolls out world’s smallest and lowest power computer-on-a-chip

TAIPEI: NVIDIA has unveiled 12 new high-definition mobile Internet devices (MIDs) all powered by the NVIDIA Tegra processor, the world’s smallest and lowest power computer-on-a-chip.

These new Tegra-based devices, which include netbooks and tablets, deliver desktop-class Internet browsing with Flash video and animation acceleration, and up to 1080p video playback.

NVIDIA Tegra processors feature always-on operation for instant access to the Internet, which compares to that of cell phone-class power management, and up to 5x the battery life of current netbooks—making days of HD mobile Internet experiences a reality.

“The mobile computing revolution has arrived,” stated Michael Rayfield, general manager of mobile business at NVIDIA.

“These new Tegra-based products combine excellent Internet and media capabilities, always-on operation, and wireless connectivity for the un-tethered Internet experience consumers have been craving.”

“We’ve seen a groundswell of demand from consumers and telcos around the globe for a highly capable, low power, low cost netbook,” stated Mike Holland, vice president of business development, Mobinnova.

NVIDIA Tegra-based MIDs will support 3G, WiFi, and WiMax solutions from Motorola, Sierra Wireless modules based on Qualcomm, Icera, Via telesystems, and ST Ericsson to meet the needs of every carrier in every geography.

“Devices based on NVIDIA Tegra will allow us to offer a mobile Internet device that delivers an amazing level of functionality at minimal cost or even free through subsidies,” stated Antonio Domit, Executive Technology Advisor to America Movil, Grupo Carso, and Inbursa.

The NVIDIA Tegra processor is a heterogeneous multiprocessor architecture.

Each processor unit is architected for a specific class of tasks—a CPU for running html and Java, an HD video processor that makes streaming HD video playback possible on a netbook for the first time, and an ultra-low power NVIDIA GPU for a compelling user interface and for Flash acceleration.

Intex rolls out IN 4488, IN 3080 Dual SIM GSM Mobile phone

New Delhi: Intex Technologies has announced to roll out its two new dual SIM mobile phones, the Intex IN 4488 and IN 3080 in the Indian market at a price tag of Rs. 4600 and Rs. 4200 respectively.

Intex IN 4488 comes with Bluetooth, camera, FM radio, audio player, expandable memory up to 4 GB and ample phonebook memory with storage capacity up to 800 contacts.

At the same time, Intex IN 3080 is a ’slider’ phone available in three colors - red, orange and black, and is one of the most compact models available in the dual-SIM segment.

It features USB connectivity for transferring data from PC to phone and vice versa.

The Intex IN 3080 is also loaded with features like Bluetooth, camera, audio player, FM radio.

“Seeing the excellent response to the various models of single SIM phones launched earlier, we decided to move up the technology value chain. With the inclusion of the IN 4488 and IN 3080, Intex’s dual SIM phones portfolio has 10 variants to offer,” said Sanjay Kumar, DGM - Telecom, Intex Technologies in a statement.

Nokia N86 8MP Smartphone

The award winning Nokia N86 8MP, the most advanced Nokia imaging device, is coming to the United States. The smartphone is a 2-way slide dual-mode mobile computer supporting WCDMA/HSDPA, EGSM, and WLAN.

Enjoy videos, music, and graphics on the 2.6” Active Matrix OLED display and orientation sensor.

The smartphone is a 2-way slide dual-mode mobile computer supporting WCDMA/HSDPA, EGSM, and WLAN. Enjoy videos, music, and graphics on the 2.6” Active Matrix OLED display and orientation sensor.

One can find directions and locations with the integrated A-GPS and included maps. At the same time it can take photos with a 8-megapixel autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics, Tessar lens and dual LED flash.

N86 8MP comes with additional features include Flash lite 3.1, USB charging with simultaneous data transfer, UPnP and TV out. Supported WCDMA frequencies depend on the region where the device is available.

With its eight megapixel camera, dual LED flash and Carl Zeiss Optics, the Nokia N86 8MP will allow US consumers to carry a true replacement for single purpose point-and-shoot camera.

Sharing images and video with your social network couldn’t be easier with the Share Online client that is preinstalled on the Nokia N86 8MP and its one-click upload.

With over-the-air uploads, media can be seen within seconds from Ovi Share and other media sharing sites. The Nokia N86 8MP also comes preloaded with Ovi services including Ovi Maps, N-Gage and Ovi Files.

With exceptional build quality and loaded with features, the Nokia N86 8MP continues the reputation that people expect from the Nokia Nseries.

The Nokia N86 8MP will be available for $558.00 through Nokia Flagship Stores.

Sony Ericsson W995 - An 8MP shooter with the qualities of a Walkman

To compete in the raging megapixel war Sony Ericsson unleashed the C905, an 8MP CyberShot phone. I must say it is a good phone except for its pricing and a few dull features on the multimedia front. The Walkman was Sony Ericsson's answer to the poor multimedia on the C905, and now we have a combination of the Walkman and the C905 in the W995.

The Sony Ericsson W995 boasts of 8MP optics, but how does it compare to its CyberShot counterpart, and does it fill in the void created by the C905?

Let's find out.

Bundle

• Sony Ericsson W995
• Stereo Headset
• 8GB M2 Memory Card
• USB Cable
• Portable Speaker
• Charger
• Software CD & Manual
  

A good package, especially with the addition of the 8GB card and portable speaker.

World's First 256GB Flash Drive - Kingston DataTraveler 300

After boasting over the 128GB Data Traveler 200 Flash Drive marvel, Kingston has now announced whopping 256GB DataTraveler 300 USB Flash Drive. This high capacity USB flash drive comes with new Password Traveler software that allows creating and access password protected area on the drive called 'Privacy Zone'. At this moment, Kingston Europe is selling Kingston DataTraveler 300 256GB flash drive at an astonishing price of 657 Euros (Rs. 45, 100) which is more than even 256GB SSDs.

Likely to be a proud possession of select few, the new 256GB DataTraveler 300 has the usual retractable pin interface. This 256GB Flash drive allows storing data of up to 10 Blu-ray Discs or 54 single layer DVDs or 365 CDs. Kingston claims that this USB drive offers read speed of 20MB/sec and write speed of 10MB/sec without any stutter in data access.

For Windows Vista and Windows 7 based systems, DT 300 is already ReadyBoost enable and thus will allow Vista users to use this flash drive as memory. Ideal for netbook users who are looking for extended, portable storage which can be easily carried in pocket. However, it's a fact that this pocket toy will literally burn a hole in the pocket.

Super Talent Pico USB Flash Drive – Small in Size Yet Big in Capacity

It’s a fair statement that USB flash drives are an unexciting matter. Sure some offer rugged casings, others add a capacity meter to the exterior, but for all practical purposes, they’re still flash drives. The fundamental facts remain the same – you put or store data on them, you carry it with you and you take that data off elsewhere.

So while USB flash drives with rubberized cases and built-in card readers are great, what many of us want is just a simple, easy-to-use, portable flash drive but with a decent amount of storage. Kudos, then, to Super Talent and its recently announced Pico Series of USB flash drives, which manage just that.

Pico Series USB flash drives are incredibly small and stylish offering up to 16GB data storage. Store up to eight full length ripped movies, ten days worth of music, or over 8,000 5-megapixel pictures. Pico drives feature up to 30MB/second transfer speeds and they are Mac, Windows, and Linux compatible.

Measuring 31.3mm x 12.4mm x 3.4mm only and comes in a polished chrome finish, and being shock and water-resistant, Pico drives are not only ideal for transporting data, digital images, and presentation, they are also the perfect accessory to adorn key chains, mobile phones, and the like.

A Glance at Some of the World’s Smallest Gadgets

For certain fields of consumer gadgets, technological advancement seems to be synonymous with making gadgets smaller. Smarter, smaller electronics along with consumers’ thirst for lighter, more portable gadgets is the major driving force behind the trend for tinier technologies. We have collected a selection of the world’s smallest gadgets – for the time being. Let’s start with the smallest DV camera in the world – the Muvi Micro DV Cam.

The Muvi Micro DV Cam is just 16mm thick and not much longer than a matchbox. Its 2-megapixel lens records in 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second and it has a built-in microphone allowing you to record sound and use voice activated record – all can be saved to the included 2GB microSD card [can be upgraded to 8GB]. Powered by rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery [included], this tiny gadget requires a USB socket for charging [cable also included]. The Muvi Micro DV Cam isavailable here.

Next is Xun Chi 138 – the world’s smallest phone. It’s a GSM with bar form factor that’s a bit longer than the AA battery. The Xun Chi 138 is said to come with built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, a touch screen with handwriting recognition, a stylus that neatly fits at the back of the phone, an MP3 player and support for GPRS connections. Of course it’s impossible to squeeze all the bells and whistles into a device that only weighs 55 grams and measures 2.64-inches in length. So it doesn’t come with a keypad, Bluetooth, or any expansion slot. And don’t expect the phone to hit the West anytime soon because for now, it only supports Chinese character.

Now, let’s talk about the world’s smallest music player that also happens to be the world’s first talking one – the 3rd gen iPod shuffle. It’s just 1.8” tall and 0.3” thin but with 4GB of storage. Moving all buttons to the right earbud cord shrinks down the size of this new iPod shuffle. And musically speaking, the new iPod shuffle is brilliant – thanks to an exciting new feature called VoiceOver that speaks 20 different languages so it can tell you song titles and artists in the correct languages. So little and yet so much!

And this is TEC’s Lingo mouse that could possibly be the smallest wireless mouse in the world, or at least that’s what TEC claims it to be. I’m pretty sure you won’t be using this for a long period of time considering the 27.5mm x 60mm x 19mm form factor won’t be easy on your hand, but, you surely can’t argue with the 0.8 ounces weight if you’re a frequent traveller. This tiny pointer features 800 dpi, 2.4GHz with a range of up to 32.8 feet, and about 15 hours battery life with automatic shut off if left inactive for five minutes. Sadly, there’s no word on its Stateside release.

Recently also, CompuLab has released the smallest techie computer system in the world – the Fit-PC2 that’s based on Intel’s Atom Z530 processor and US15W chipset. It has 1GB RAM, a 2.5 SATA hard drive, a miniSD card slot, and it offers a HDMI output port. With its 4” x 4.5” x 1.05” size, it has managed to include six USB ports, Ethernet LAN port and built-in WiFi 802.11g connectivity.

Archos 10 Netbook

When will the similar spec’d netbook wave gonna end? Another is released onto the crowded netbook market – the Archos 10.

The Archos 10 is the latest addition to Archos’ line of computing devices. The 10 is like the chunkier brother of the 10S because of the design difference. The 10 has a regular body that weighs 1.3kg similar to the MSI Wind while the 10s is the slimmer and lighter version at 1.06kg which is like the MSI x320. Aside from that, the 10 has all the bells and whistles that the 10s has.

As the name implies, this netbook has a WXGA 10.2′ inch LED backlit screen which has a 1024×600 resolution. It is powered by an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor and has a 1GB of DDR2 memory. The hard disk space is 160GB and is loaded with Windows XP Home and other software such as BitDefender for your computer’s safety, Skype for VoIP, Lotus Symphony for documents, spreadsheets and presentations, vTuner to access more than 11,000 radio and TV stations broadcasting over the internet. a 1.3 megapixel camera, WiFi, integrated speakers and microphone is also present.

The thing to be noted here is the lack of upgrade option for the memory since it has only one slot and can only accommodate 1GB. This is a disadvantage for people who wants to give their notebook more processing muscle since other netbooks can do up to 2GB. Moreover, the battery included is just a 3 cell unlike others who already offer 6 cell batteries.

The Archos 10 netbook can be purchased from Amazon.

16GB Waterproof SD Card!

Kingmax, a manufacturer and supplier of DRAM and flash products, has announced the waterproof SD card with 16GB storage.

Based on Kingmax patent PIP technology, the new SD card is waterproof, dustproof and can perform in extreme weather conditions. The PIP technology has passed the waterproof test and receives IPX7 (equivalent to JIS waterproof grade 7) certificate from SGS. In addition, the unique packing technology safeguards the new SD card from piracy, claims the company.

Moreover, the card has built-in ECC (Error Correcting Code) to detect and correct transfer errors and supports CPRM (Contents Protection for Recordable Media) mechanism to ensure the licensed contents could be duplicated safely.

The new SD card also complies with RoHS, halogen free and PFOS/PFOA directives. Available in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities, the card carries the global lifetime warranty. The 2GB card is priced at Rs. 1,370.

DataWind unleashes PocketSurfer3 mobile internet device

DataWind has unveiled PocketSurfer3 and PocketSurfer3 Lite, the latest enhanced versions of its popular web browsing devices.

The PocketSurfer3 is apparently the world’s fastest handheld mobile internet device.

These two devices encompass a Linux operating system, which offers all the functionalities of a simple computer like word processing, spreadsheets and scheduling. They feature a 640 x 240 resolution, active matrix color, 5-inch TFT screen that presents lively and vibrant colors.

Suneet S. Tuli CEO, DataWind remarks, “There is a still strong consumer demand for a device that is truly portable, delivers the real web into the palm of your hand, is free for the average user and doesn’t tie consumers into monthly contracts or fees.”

Samsung 250GB 1.8″ Spinpoint N3U HDD

Samsung has announced the 1.8-inch Spinpoint N3U hard disk drive.

This 250GB drive incorporates a native USB controller on its printed circuit board. The Spinpoint N3U stores approximately 125GB of data on each platter.

This HDD has been designed to offer a smaller footprint, consume minimum energy and provide efficient performance. This drive eliminates the need for a bridge board that converts a PATA interface into a USB interface as the drive itself incorporates a native USB interface.

“The new high-capacity 1.8” 250GB drive enhances Samsung’s product offerings and is ideal for consumers who require a small form factor, high capacity data storage. It is easy to carry around and it is designed to withstand a free fall drop of up to 50 centimeters and be resistant to a maximum shock incident of up to 1500G,” said Choel-Hee Lee, vice president of marketing Storage System Division, Samsung Electronics.

The native USB interface of this hard drive virtually eliminates failure caused due to loose cable connections. The drive claims to consume approximately 40 percent less power than the standard 2.5-inch hard drives. It also improves the performance by eliminating the time required to convert PATA signals to USB signals. The Spinpoint N3U is available in 120GB, 160GB, 200GB and 250GB capacities. The disc rotation speed of these drives is approximately 3600 rpm and it supports USB 2.0 interface. The drives also incorporate an 8MB cache memory.

The Samsung Spinpoint N3U hard disk drive will start shipping from mid July and is expected to be priced at $199 (approx. Rs.9,700).

LG launches Network Monitors in India

LG has recently announced the release of its innovative Network monitors in India.

These days with the introduction of multi core processors, majority of the applications hardly utilize the computer’s capability to the fullest. These network monitors offer multi-user computing solution by means of one standard PC.

These unique monitors present a blend of smart technology and elegant design. It appears that the company believes in offering customers, the most innovative and futuristic technologies with this network monitor, that enables up to 31 users to compute simultaneously. These monitors have been designed to meet the need for an economical solution to the PC replacement cycle.

In the B2B market, under 10 percent of the computing power of a PC is normally consumed at any given time. These LG monitors are capable of reallocating the remaining 90 percent of the PC’s resources to a number of users, concurrently. Thus, helps reduce the TCO up to 60 percent. The network monitor requires power consumption of just 1 Watt per user. It also saves up to 70 percent of the maintenance cost.

LG monitor will permit around 11 users to share a single PC for an overall cost of Rs. 10,400 to Rs. 11,800.

Watch Your Favorite TV Shows Online

Star India has launched Star Player - an online video service

If you are a TV serial buff but do not get enough time to watch them at home on your TV, here is an easy alternative. You can now view TV channels and shows online!

Star India has launched Star Player, an online video service, that offers full length content of Star's best TV shows and other original content for free, only on www.startv.in.

One can view all channels under the Star umbrella -- Star Plus, Star World, Channel V, Star News (Hindi) and Star One. All popular shows on these channels can be accessed online now, on one single platform. One can also select shows you want to view based on catergories -- Soaps, Reality, Lifestyle, News and Films. You can filter channels by title, choose-to-see clips, full-length episodes or movies, or look at what's new or most popular on the site.

Star Player is easy to use and share and doesn't require any software downloads. You can dim the lights to watch any video and resize the screen to watch the videos in normal or stretch mode. Videos played out on Star Player have superior video quality and are supported by an intelligent search mechanism and a whole host of social networking options. Star claims that almost five to six hours of programming are added every day to keep the content fresh and attractive.

You can enjoy Star Player's videos on www.startv.in or at other popular web site through the Star Player's widget network. Web sites, blogs, or fan sites can also choose to embed the Star Player widget.

Satnav SatGuide PND Moov 300 GPS Navigator - Price,Features

Satnav Tecchnologies has launched a new personal navigator GPS device - the Satnav SatGuide PND Moov 300 GPS Navigator.It will help in a hassle free road navigation with features like voice prompted directions and a large 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD display.
SatGuide MOOV 300 has a 4.3” inch wide touch screen. This trendy device with bold and stylish looks is capable of providing turn by turn navigation and playing videos too. This enables easy handling of the map data and is loaded with the latest SatGuide maps which include various city maps with more number of roads and POIs in the country. With sophisticated navigation features like high resolution maps, turn-by-turn navigation and voice direction, SatGuide MOOV 300 is something that commuters will enjoy having. The device is installed with the latest WinCE 5.0 version and sports a 64 MB Flash with 512 MB RAM. When compared with the other PNDs in the market, MOOV 300 has faster GPS fix times with SiRFInstantFixII™ Technology and 20 channel receivers.

Cell Phone Towers Can Predict Floods!

Researchers say towers can be used to predict the intensity of floods

Telecom service subscribers haven't really ever cared about those ugly cell phone
towers. After all, what do they do besides connecting people? However, researchers at the Tel Aviv University in Israel
have found it useful enough to generate some critical weather data.

The researchers at the university say that cell phone towers could be used as a reliable method to predict the intensity of the next big flood. They've developed a model which analyses cell phone signals, adding a critical component to weather forecasting.Cell phone towers emit radio waves that are diminished by moisture in the air, a factor that can be used to improve model warnings on flood levels.
"By monitoring the specific and fluctuating atmospheric moisture around cell phone towers throughout America, we can cheaply, effectively, and reliably provide a more accurate 'critical moisture distribution' level for fine-tuning model predictions of big floods," says Prof. Pinhas Alpert, a geophysicist and head of the Porter School for Environmental Education at Tel Aviv University.
Furthermore, TAU researchers measured the rainfall distributions and were able to accurately estimate the size of impending floods before they struck. This was demonstrated in post-analysis of two case studies of floods in the Judean Desert in Israel, where cell phone towers and flash floods are abundant.
Using real data measurements collected from the towers, researchers demonstrated how microwave links in a cellular network correlated with surface station humidity measurements. The data provided by cell phone towers is the missing link weather forecasters need to improve the accuracy of flood forecasting.

Seagate's 640GB FreeAgent Go HDD(Weighs just 0.16 kg.)

Seagate Technology has passed the 500 GB mark and introduced a 640 GB version of the FreeAgent Go series of portable hard drives. Already available in capacities of 250 GB, 320 GB, and 500 GB, the FreeAgent Go portable hard drive is an ideal storage companion for media files and documents for those who are constantly on the move.

Due to its diminutive size, users can easily pocket 640 GB of data and carry it along anywhere. The hard drive is also available in two colours -- silver and black. The FreeAgent Go comes with backup software, software encryption to protect all your confidential data and is energy efficient because the hard drive powers down when not in use. The FreeAgent Go is also covered by a five year limited warranty.

Users also have the option to avail of accessories like a docking station and a carry case.

Basic Specifications:
Dimensions: 80 x 130 x 12.5 mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 0.16 kg
Interface: USB 2.0
Theoretical Transfer Rate: 480 Mbps
Software: Pre-loaded FreeAgent software on the drive

System Requirements:
The FreeAgent Go supports Windows XP/Media Center SP2/Vista SP1. It does not support the Mac OS or Linux.