ADATA introduces 64 GB capacity XPG™ Xupreme 200X flash drive compatible with Windows® 7

A-DATA® Technology Co., Ltd., a worldwide leading manufacturer in high-performance DRAM modules and Flash application products, today introduced its new 64 GB capacity XPG™ Xupreme 200X flash drive, which is the first flash drive compatible with Windows® 7 (32-bit and 64-bit). Coated with an elegant dark grey aluminum color, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive presents the high-performance USB flash drive in a simple yet stylish design of XPG product line. It offers capacity from 8GB to incredible 64GB, and supports up to 30MB/s (200X) read speed.

The XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive also certified for Windows Vista™ and Windows® ReadyBoost™, offering the high performance advantages to this operation system. Moreover, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive also comes with a practical leather strap and provides true “Plug and Play” function to make your storage utilization more convenient.

With the capacity up to 64GB, the XPG Xupreme 200X flash drive is the perfect blend of high performance and simple flash drive to improve your digital lifestyle, and maximize your storage.

Features:
• High Performance up to 30 MB/sec read speed
• Compatible with Microsoft® Windows® 7
• Certified for Microsoft® Windows Vista™
• Support Windows® ReadyBoost™
• Support USB 2.0, backward compatible with USB 1.1
• Dashing, durable, lightweight Aluminum casing
• Hot Plug and Play
• Color: Dark metallic grey

Specification:
• Capacity: 8GB/16GB/32GB/64GB
• Dimension: 66.0*19.0*10.0 mm (LxWxH)
• Weight: 15g

LG announces MEA launch of XF1, the thinnest multimedia hard drive in the market

LG Electronics, a global leader and technological innovator in consumer electronics, today announces the July MEA launch of a new multimedia external hard drive, the LG XF1 Portable Home Theatre. Equipped with an advanced USB interface and at just 2cm in thickness, the LG XF1 transfers raw data at rapid speed in a sleek and sophisticated ultraslim package.

“The LG Portable Home Theatre, allows our customers to view high resolution images and videos in a protable sleek external hard drive that can be viewed on PCs, notebooks and TVs” said “Mr. H.S. Paik, President LG Electronics Gulf FZE. “ We want our customers to have the flexibility and convenience of storing large files without feeling restricted. Which is why we call it the multi dream theatre.”

In today’s market, there is a greater demand for notebooks as opposed to the desktop PC, which as a result is increasing the adoption of external hard drives as extra storage. The LG XF1 Portable Home Theatre is capable of reproducing any file format, even in high definition thanks to its HDMI connection. With a storage capacity of 500GB and USB 2.0 connection you will be able to keep thousands of photos and hundreds of hours of music and video, allowing you to have your collection of music, photos or all your favorite movies in one single device.

Its thickness of just 20.8 mm makes the new multimedia hard disk LG XF1 one of the thinnest in the market. Loyal to the company’s motto “Advanced Technology, Beautifully Hidden,” the LG XF1 Portable Home Theatre’s innovative seashell design transmits a sensation of harmony through its smooth curves and sophisticated mirror finish. The quality of its finished elegant blue lighting and pleasant touch contributes to an entirely unique experience.

LG has integrated an easy and intuitive interface to utilize all its functions, which can be controlled with the simple and easy to use remote control. In addition, the LG XF1 Mobile Theatre compliments the M1994A, M2294A,W2261V LG TV’s to fully enjoy a complete multimedia experience.

The hard disk LG XF1 will be available across the UAE from Thursday 23rd July retailing at AED 899.

Samsung Debuts Retro-Styled WB1000 Digital Camera with AMOLED in the Middle East

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the global leader in consumer electronics and advanced technology solutions, today launched the new 12 mega-pixel WB1000, a compact and stylish point-and-shoot digital camera featuring an ultra wide angle 24mm Schneider lens and 5x optical zoom. In addition to the camera’s impressive lens, the WB1000 also raises the bar for innovation in digital imaging as it offers high definition video recording and incorporates a three inch AMOLED screen, the largest AMOLED screen on a digital camera to date.

As a consumer electronics manufacturer, synergies exist among Samsung’s various business units which present the company with a host of unique competitive advantages in the digital imaging industry. Leveraging those advantages, especially in display technologies, Samsung incorporates a large, three-inch AMOLED screen in the WB1000. Utilising the same advanced technologies found in Samsung’s revolutionary AMOLED televisions, the WB1000’s AMOLED screen helps enhance the overall digital imaging experience for the end user.

“The WB1000 clearly represents the competitive advantages afforded by the related business units at Samsung,” said Ram Modak, General Manager of AV Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics. “Samsung fully leveraged these strengths in the manufacture of the new WWB1000, especially in the design of the camera’s three inch AMOLED screen and high-definition video recording mode. When combined with the camera’s impressive lens and automatic features, the WB1000 is easily one of the most advanced compact digital cameras in Samsung’s lineup of digital imaging solutions.”

Compared to a traditional TFT-LCD screen, the WB1000’s AMOLED consumes less power and offers a higher contrast ratio of 10,000:1, producing darker black levels, more vibrant colours and a brighter display which can easily be viewed outdoors, and even in direct sunlight. Additionally, unlike a TFT-LCD, the WB1000’s AMOLED screen has the ability to display images that can be reviewed at any angle, while fully maintaining the same colour gamut.

Samsung’s WB1000 also offers advanced high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity through the use of a cradle to viewone’s video and photos in HD clarity on an HDTV. The camera’s 5x optical zoom can be used while recording, and because the camera utilises H.264 compression (a codec for high-definition video that yields three to five times the recording length than that of MJPEG video) users can record HD video for longer periods of time with the WB1000.

The WB1000 also puts an end to inadvertently lost images with a new feature called the Recycle Bin – a unique function that allows consumers to retrieve images which were deleted by mistake. When the Recycle Bin function is in use, the WB1000 automatically creates a “trash” folder on the internal memory card which stores any image deleted from the camera. This special feature allows users to shoot, delete and restore images without the fear that they will be lost forever.

Featuring a brushed stainless steel finish, the WB1000 is as stylish as it is advanced. The camera offers a compact form factor highlighted by two analog dials found on top of the WB1000’s body. The two dials give the WB1000 a retro look and provide users with the ability to quickly glance down at the camera for an approximate readout of remaining battery life and memory capacity.

OCZ Unveils the Vertex Turbo

OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory and computer components, today released the latest addition to their premium Vertex solid state drive series, the Vertex Turbo Edition. The tried-and-true architecture and performance of the original Vertex has been upgraded to meet the demands of enthusiasts and other performance-seeking users who benefit from SSD technology. The Vertex Turbo Series maximizes the potential for ultimate productivity and state-of-the-art computing experience, by increasing both the host clock-speed and the SDR DRAM Cache to 180MHz versus 166MHz on the original series.

“OCZ is constantly looking for ways to advance our solutions, and based on feedback from our enthusiast consumers and top system integrators we looked for ways to further push the performance envelope in our popular Vertex Series of SSD’s,” commented Ryan Edwards, Director of Product Management for the OCZ Technology Group. “The new Vertex Turbo makes use of the fastest SDR DRAM cache available and a proprietary FTL level firmware that provides an even faster solid state drive for enthusiasts looking for the ultimate desktop or laptop storage upgrade.”

OCZ Vertex Turbo Series provides a cutting-edge design for enthusiasts looking to transform their desktops or laptops. Enabled by a proprietary firmware and 64MB of 180MHz DRAM cache, the Vertex Turbo Edition ramps up performance levels to new heights, while providing the snappy computing, longer battery life, and shorter boot-ups users have enjoyed from the original. The Vertex Turbo delivers best-in-class read and write speeds clocking in at up to 270MB/s read and 210MB/s write along with the lower power consumption and superior durability compared to conventional hard drives.

OCZ continues to pioneer the flash-based storage initiative, by offering a variety of performance options and expanding its reach to all areas of computing interests and system preferences. OCZ Vertex Turbo is the result of the latest breakthroughs in SSD technology that translates to enthusiast-class data storage enthusiasts have come to expect from OCZ. Available in capacities of 30GB (32), 60GB (64), 120GB (128), and 250GB (256), Vertex Turbo SSDs offers ample room for all your data and comes backed with an industry leading 3 Year Warranty and OCZ’s exemplary service and support.

ASUS Crosshair III Formula

The Crosshair III Formula is the third addition to Asus’ Crosshair line and packs new ROG technology. How did it fare? Lets start off by looking at some of main features of this board

• AMD AM3 CPU support

• AMD 790FX/SB750

• DDR3 1600(O.C.)

• MemOK!

• CPU Level Up

• SupremeFX X-Fi

A full list of specifications can be found on the ASUS website.

Packaging

The Crosshair III’s box isn’t quite in your face despite its red finish but it’s still easy to identify as a ROG product.

Inside the box we found 6x SATA cables, an IDE Cable, the Asus LCD poster, ROG case badge, a user manual, a DVD driver disc, an I/O Back Panel shield, the Asus Q-Connecter and a PCI bracket that holds two USB and Firewire ports.

Huawei Pledges Support to Improve the Mobile Internet Experience in the Middle East

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. (“Huawei”), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, has completed its week long Core Network Roadshow held at the Kempinski Hotel, Dubai, June 29 – July 2. During the event Huawei pledged to support telecommunications operators in the region as they continued to improve mobile broadband services.

“The demand for broadband connectivity on the mobile is really driving the telecommunications industry in the Middle East this year. The growing uptake of smartphones has changed everything, consumers now want to mobilise their internet experience” said Mr. Wang Jiading, Vice President, Middle East & North Africa Region, Huawei Technologies. “Informa Telecoms & Media predicts mobile broadband subscribers will represent nearly one third of total mobile subscribers worldwide by 2013. Already mobile broadband subscribers jumped 84 percent to 186 million at the end of 2008 compared with 101 million at the end of 2007.”

Rather than continue investments in the current generation of systems, many operators are taking a hard look at aggressively deploying the next-generation of mobile technology that can easily provide the flexibility and efficiency that consumers are now expecting from their service provider.

“The increasing demand for advanced features in smartphones means users are spending more money on data services. This exploding traffic is a challenge for service providers and that is where Huawei comes in. Through our Core Network Solutions Huawei can work as a consultant, not just an equipment provider, to make sure that telecommunications vendors can support today’s digital life on the go,” said Jiading.

Huawei’s Core Network Solutions are the key to operational excellence, the foundation for increasing revenues from new services and the lynchpin of service differentiation. The four day customer roadshow focused on demonstrating to local service providers how Huawei’s latest core network solutions can increase bandwidth for mobile broadband and reduce total cost of ownership all whilst providing opportunities to create value added services for customers.

“We’re giving service providers the opportunity to look at the traffic going through the network, see exactly what that traffic is doing and then manage that into new business opportunities. Telecommunication vendors will be able to offer new, more tailored services for its mobile broadband customers in the Middle East,” added Jiading.

Philips Sets Up Regional Office at Dubai Silicon Oasis

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), world leaders in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, today announced it has set up regional headquarters for Consumer Lifestyle at the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the region’s premier integrated innovation hub for high-tech industries.

Philips has also established the global headquarters for the sales organisation of Philips Consumer Lifestyle International Cluster at DSO. This office will act as a coordination hub for commercial activities within International Cluster, an organization employing over 800 staff members in 39 locations.

The announcement marks the entry of another technology giant to the rapidly expanding integrated technology park, which already hosts several global majors including Wacker Chemie AG, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, and Porsche, one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, amongst many others.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: “Philips has been a major driver of technological change in several markets, and has impacted the lives of communities all over the world. We are delighted to welcome Philips to DSO and will extend our support to ensure they are able to achieve their business objectives in the region, through our high-technology park.”

A. Yenal Gokyildirim, Senior Vice-President, Philips Consumer Lifestyle, International Cluster, said: “We are primarily looking at marketing Philips Consumer Lifestyle technologies from our DSO operations. Lifestyle addresses consumer health and well-being through products and related activities that help consumers lead healthier lives. The Consumer Lifestyle sector was formed on 1 January, 2008 through the integration of Philips’ former Consumer Electronics and Domestic Appliances and Personal Care divisions.

“The sector is focused on making a difference to consumer’s lifestyles in particular, addressing their health and well-being through strong leadership positions in categories such as oral healthcare, mother and child care, small domestic appliances, portable electronic entertainment and flat-screen television.”

Apple- the Perfect Diva

Apple used to make all their computers based on the PowerPC Processors about a decade ago. While doing that, they publicly made fun of Intel’s supposedly inferior CPUs and used to laugh about the integrated graphics performance of Intel based notebooks. Read more

Dell Adamo 1.2GHz

I recently reviewed the MacBook Pro 13″ which I bought a couple of weeks back and found it to be an excellent notebook. Today, I received the Dell Adamo and my heart skipped a beat when I opened the box. It looked stunning and I wondered if I had rushed into buying the MacBook Pro.

Right from the packaging, which is like a see-thru tube with the laptop floating inside to the black base of that tube featuring the cables, the Adamo has style that could put the MacBook Pro to shame. Even the Power Charger bundled with the Adamo looks like a peice of art.

The Adamo comes in two colors- Pearl and Onyx and we recieved the Pearl version for review. The beautiful white/grey/silver combination on the exterior makes the Adamo one of the best looking notebooks ever. The base of the unit is just 0.65mm thick and through some clever engineering, Dell puts all the expansion ports on the back. The design reminded me of Motorola’s original RAZR phone where the connections were on the thicker chin of the unit yet giving it an overall sleek look.

The specifications on the Adamo are good but not great. You have an option between a 1.2Ghz or a 1.4GHz CPU which is a bit lowly compared to the even thinner MacBook Air’s 1.83GHz or 2.13GHz CPU. You can get the Adamo with 2GB or 4GB RAM along with a 128GB Samsung Solid State Drive. I’m glad Dell chose the SSD as standard otherwise the Adamo would’ve felt very slow. The integrated graphics are based on the Intel 4 series which is good enough for 2D performance- just dont expect to play Crysis on it.

For connectivity, Dell equips the Adamo with 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 along with a Gigabit Ethernet Port. Next to the Ethernet port, you have two USB ports and one eSATA port on the back as well as a mini-DVI connector (adapter included in the package) and the power port. Putting the ports on the back makes them a bit inconvenient and hard to reach, especially when you’re working on the Adamo, however, these ports wouldnt have fit anywhere else on the unit.

The display is probably one of the best things about the Adamo. It’s 13.4″ and has a 16:9 resolution of 1366×768 which gives it more horizontal but less vertical space than your traditional 1280×800 notebook screen. The Glossy display with a black border certainly seems like a page borrowed out of the Macbook’s design, however, compared to the 13″ MacBook Pro, the screen is a bit less Glossy and definitely better looking which, I know, is a matter of personal opinion.

While the screen is gorgeous, I didnt like the keyboard very much. The keys, while decent in size and backlit, have this floating kind of feeling and when you’re typing, you feel that the entire area around that key gets pressed making it appear a bit loose or fragile. I also do not like the row of keys position on the far right side after Backspace and Enter keys. I’m so used to having the return and the backspace key on the far right and more often than not, I pressed the wrong key on the Adamo. Above the keyboard you have a few touch buttons for media and volume controls which work like they should. The trackpad is a bit small in size but reasonably responsive- it provides scrolling features as well as gestures for zooming in and out.

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