VR-Zone Technology News | Stuff for the Geeks! Issue #8

March 2nd, 2011 Published by: VR-Zone

VR-Zone.com | Stuff for the Geeks!
March 2nd, 2011
VR-Zone | Stuff for the Geeks is a bi-weekly publication
covering the latest gadgets and stuff for the geeks.

Apple slash first-generation
iPad prices So what will Apple be surpising us in this special media
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/apple-slash-first-generation-ipad-
event? Well, we have took the liberty of summerising what has
prices/11433.html
happened at Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco for your
March 2nd, 2011
reading pleasure.

Apple has slash their prices of their previous generation tablet
since the introduction of iPad 2 and prices of iPad have
dropped by more than S$200 for some models.

The event kicked off at 10am Pacific Time (2am Singapore
Time) and the first major surprise we got was the arrival of
Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, on stage for the presentation. Many
didn't expect him to turn up due to his deteriorating health, but
he did. “We’ve been working on this product for a while and
I didn’t want to miss today,” said Jobs, garnering a standing
ovation from the audience.
iBooks & milestones
Once the Apple Online Store came back, we noticed that Apple
has dropped their prices for the original iPad by a substancial
ammount. This is not surprising since the new iPad 2 will hold
the same prices as the original iPad's launch price.

Apple's March 2nd media
event Roundup
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/apple-s-march-2nd-media-event-
roundup/11431.html

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Besides having over 2500 publishers in iBookstore, Random Apple has announced its iPad 2 and overall it's upgrades
House will joining the iBookstore today, bringing another all around with a new dual core A5 processors, much faster
17,000 books to the iBookstore catalog. 100,000,000 books graphics, lower weight, slimmer profile and of course the
have been downloaded so far from Apple's iBookstore. much wanted cameras. That's pretty much what everyone was
hoping for and Apple has left out surprisingly little for an iPad
3 upgrade, but we're sure they'll figure something out to attract
people's attention next year.

Apple has announced its iPad 2 and overall it's upgrades
all around with a new dual core A5 processors, much faster
graphics, lower weight, slimmer profile and of course the
much wanted cameras. That's pretty much what everyone was
hoping for and Apple has left out surprisingly little for an iPad
3 upgrade, but we're sure they'll figure something out to attract
people's attention next year.
The A5 processor is still ticking away at 1GHz, but it now has
two cores and the graphics core is said to offer up to nine
According to Jobs, Apple should have the "most accounts with
times the performance compared to the original iPad. The rear
credit cards anywhere on the internet".
camera will shoot 720p video at 30fps, while the front camera
is stuck at VGA quality at 30fps. To go with the cameras Apple
is adding FaceTime to its next release of iOS and we'll also see
a new app called Photo Booth alongside a US$4.99 version of
iMovie for the iPad 2.

Apple has also reportedly paid out US$2 billion to app Amazingly Apple has managed to slim down the iPad 2 to a
developers on their App Store. mere 8.8mm which is 0.5mm thinner than the iPhone 4 and
the Wi-Fi model weighs in at 601g while the 3G model adds
another 12g. Even so, we're looking at the same 10h battery life
for the Wi-Fi models, or in the case of the 3G models, 9h. The
screen remains the same as on the old model, in other words
we're still looking at a 9.7-inch unit with 1024x768 resolution.
Some features that have been carried over includes 802.11a/
b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and in the case of the 3G
model, support for HSDPA/HSUPA on the 900, 1900 and
2100MHz bands, although Apple has also made a CDMA EV-
DO version for Verizon in the US which is another first.

Apple has also recently shipped out their 100 millionth iPhone.

Apple launches the iPad 2
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/apple-launches-the-ipad-2/11432.html
March 2nd, 2011

One other new feature is the optional US$39 HDMI out dongle
which connects to the docking port and adds an HDMI port
as well as a docking port so the iPad 2 can be charged at the
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same time as it's connected to an HDMI screen or projector. According to leaked NVIDIA slides, the reference GeForce
It supports 1080p video mirroring, but oddly enough Apple GTX 550 Ti will be clocked at 900MHz and 1025MHz for the
states that it'll only play back H.264 video with resolutions of core and memory respectively.
up to 720p at 30fps. The dongle doesn't look like the most A kind reader has dropped us some scores which do look in
solid piece of equipment to ever come out of Apple and it's line with all the current GTX 550 Ti specifications bits pieced
really quite an awkward way to connect the iPad to an HDMI together.
equipped display device.
Apple also designed a new “Smart Cover” for the iPad 2 which
attaches by magnets and features a hinge. The cover folds up in 3DMark 11
three and can be used as a stand. Apple offers the cover in two GeForce GTS 450 GeForce Radeon HD 5770
different materials, polyurethane and leather, each available GTX 550 Ti
in five colours for a price of US$39 and US$69.
P2100 P2400 P2600

Lost Planet 2
GeForce GTS 450 GeForce Radeon HD 5770
GTX 550 Ti
~22 ~27 ~22

It appears that the new card isn't as fast as expected, with a
performance gain of about 25% over AMD's offering in just
certain games. Things look pretty ugly in 3DMark 11 though.

Most of the rumours about the iPad 2 didn't come true, as we
didn't get a higher resolution screen, no built in SD card reader Overclockability-wise, the GeForce GTX 550 Ti will continue
and most definitely no Thunderbolt support, but even so, it the legacy of the GeForce GTS 450 by offering excellent
looks like Apple has managed to a pretty good job in updating headroom. Clock speeds in excess of 1050MHz are said to be
its tablet. attainable and that will send the 3DMark 11 score past P3000
on a well-overclocked 'Sandy Bridge' system.
As far as pricing goes, the Wi-Fi models cost US$499 for 16GB,
US$599 for the 32GB model and finally US$699 for the 64GB If the performance figures are true, then perhaps the GF116
model. Apple will be offering them in both white and black should be branded as a GTS, and not a GTX?
from day one, which is another first for the iPad 2. In the
US the 16GB 3G model is priced at US$629 with the 32GB
model at US$729 and finally the 64GB model at US$829, but
so far pricing for other countries haven't been announced.
Availability in the US is March 11th followed by Europe, Japan, ASUS unveils new ROG gaming
Mexico, Australia and New Zealand on the 25 of March. th
products at CeBIT 2011
Apple didn't announce availability dates for other markets. Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/asus-unveils-new-rog-gaming-
products-at-cebit-2011/11422.html

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti March 2nd, 2011

benchmark leak?
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/nvidia-geforce-gtx-550-ti-benchmark-
leak-/11420.html
March 2nd, 2011

ASUS has unveiled a number of new ROG gaming products
at CeBIT 2011. These include the G74Sx gaming laptop, the
Rampage III Black Edition motherboard and MATRIX GTX
580 graphics cards for enthusiasts, VG278H 3D monitor, RT-
N66U high performance dual-band wireless router, and the
We've gotten some rough performance numbers of the Vulcan-ANC gaming headset.
upcoming GeForce GTX 550 Ti in Futuremark's 3DMark 11 ASUS has unveiled a number of new gaming products at CeBIT
and Lost Planet 2. Is it as fast as it is rumored to be? in March this year, including Republic of Gamers (ROG)
notebook PCs, high-performance motherboards, graphics
cards, 3D monitors, a router and a headset. With an expanded

3


product portfolio, ASUS hopes to fulfill its promise of enthusiasts to monitor and optimize clock speed, voltage and
providing choices for everyone. fan speed to achieve extreme levels of performance.

ROG Rampage III Black Edition motherboard delivers
extreme gaming performance
The ROG Rampage III Black Edition motherboard is an
evolution of the award-winning Rampage III Extreme, which
set new world records in overclocking. Everything that made
the Rampage III Extreme so great is back, but with a stylish
black-themed design, plus many hardware and software
improvements.

The ROG MATRIX GTX 580 also runs cool, thanks to the
exclusive DirectCU II design that places copper heatpipes in
direct contact with the GPU for improved thermal efficiency.
Twin custom-made fans circulate up to 600% more air for
a 20% cooler operation too, while the 16-phase Super Alloy
Power components ensure greater operational stability and a
longer product lifespan.

Apple Online Store down
Most notable is the supplied ROG ThunderBolt expansion
ahead of iPad media event
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/apple-online-store-down-ahead-of-
card that enhances both LAN and audio performance. This ipad-media-event/11429.html
incorporates an award-winning Bigfoot Networks Killer™ March 2nd, 2011
E2100 networking platform that automatically classifies and
accelerates online game traffic for maximum networking
performance. Class-leading XONAR™ audio technology also
provides increased sound quality and a built-in headphone
With just a few hours to go to Apple's media event, the
amplifier with adjustable impedance settings - perfect for
Cupertino-based tech giant has taken its online stores around
getting the drop on the competition when gaming.
the world offline, including here in Singapore.
Combined, these two technologies provide gamers with a
superior online gaming experience that will overwhelm the
competition. Better yet, the ROG Rampage III Black Edition
also comes with the ASUS GPU TweakIt utility that is
upgraded feature combined in ROG Connect and allows
gamers to modify the graphics card settings for greatest visual
impact.
It is a standard operating procedure for the iPhone and iPad
makers to bring their online stores down ahead of major events
and new product releases. So we can safely say that this is
Apple's way of telling us that they are going to introduce
ROG MATRIX GTX 580 graphics card makes overclocking something new to their online store.
easier than ever
The next-generation iPad is expected to announce within
The new ROG MATRIX GTX 580 graphics card ships with a the next few hours. Stay with us as we bring you the latest
number of proprietary ASUS iROG technologies for superior developement from Apple's special media event.
gaming performance, including TweakIt for real-time GPU
voltage adjustment, ProbeIt for instant voltage readings and
a Safe Mode reboot button for a foolproof overclocking
experience. The all-new ASUS GPU Tweak utility also allows

4


Asus and MSI displays mini-
ITX H61 boards at CeBIT
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/asus-and-msi-displays-mini-itx-h61-
boards-at-cebit/11428.html
March 2nd, 2011

We should soon be seeing some much more affordable mini-
ITX boards for Intel's second generation of Core i processors
and both Asus and MSI has shown off new models based on
the new H61 budget chipset for the platform. The two boards ASRock also shows off Z68
board at CeBIT
are quite different in terms of what they offer though and we're
pretty sure that these are only two of the first boards of many
to come. Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/asrock-also-shows-off-z68-board-at-
cebit/11427.html
March 2nd, 2011
We should soon be seeing some much more affordable mini-
ITX boards for Intel's second generation of Core i processors
and both Asus and MSI has shown off new models based on
the new H61 budget chipset for the platform. The two boards
are quite different in terms of what they offer though and we're
pretty sure that these are only two of the first boards of many
ASRock decided to show off its Z68 board as CeBIT too and
to come.
it actually looks like one of the better boards that have been
Asus has gone for a full-on HTPC design for its P8H61-I with a shown so far. We're not entirely sold on the colour scheme, but
x16 PCI Express slot, four SATA 3Gbps ports and two headers that's really a minor issue considering that ASRock appears
for an additional four USB 2.0 ports. Around the back the to have loaded up the Z68 Extreme4 with pretty much every
board has a PS/2 port, four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a feature you could need or want.
Gigabit Ethernet port, a D-sub, DVI and HDMI port and three
audio jacks for 5.1-channel audio. Bear in mind that this is a
budget board and it won't compete with the H67 boards in ASRock decided to show off its Z68 board as CeBIT too and
terms of features. it actually looks like one of the better boards that have been
shown so far. We're not entirely sold on the colour scheme, but
that's really a minor issue considering that ASRock appears
to have loaded up the Z68 Extreme4 with pretty much every
feature you could need or want.
Slot wise the board has three x16 PCI Express slots, of which
of course the second one is of the switchable x8 type while the
third slot only has four lanes worth of bandwidth. The board
also has two x1 PCI Express slots and two PCI slots. ASRock
has also fitted a pair of additional SATA 6Gbps ports for a
total of four, as well as four SATA 3Gbps ports. There are also
headers for two USB 3.0 ports (using an Etron controller), four
USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port and even a parallel port.

MSI on the other hand decided to go really basic with its H61I-
E35 and only included a x1 PCI Express slot, although you still
get four SATA 3Gbps ports and two headers for four USB 2.0
ports. Around the back the MSI board appears to have a PS/2
port, six USB 2.0 ports, a D-sub and HDMI port and three
audio jacks for 5.1-channel audio. This board should be very
affordable and a great match with the upcoming Sandy Bridge
Pentium and Celeron processors expected later this year.

5


question will be does it perform? Read on to find out if the
performance matches the looks!
New, more effective optical fibers have semiconductive core
Description: Fiber optic cables can transmit over a terabyte
of information per second – but that doesn't mean there
still isn't room for improvement. One of those improvements,
which was officially announced today, involves replacing the
silica glass core of fiber optic strands with semiconductive
zinc selenide. This new class of fiber optics, invented and
created at Penn State University, is said to "allow for a more
effective and liberal manipulation of light." The technology
could have applications in the fields of medicine, defense, and
environmental monitoring.
Around the back the board has a PS/2 port, four USB 2.0 ports,
Sunbeamtech Rheosmart 6 Fan Controller Review @
two USB 3.0 ports, a FireWire port, an eSATA port, a Gigabit
XtremeComputing
Ethernet port, a DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and D-sub connector
Description: Sunbeamtech have been around for as long as I
and finally 7.1-channel audio with optical S/PDFI out. There's
can remember, however due to their limited product range,
also a CMOS reset button around the back and the board also
they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. This latest
appears to have power and reset buttons and a POST80 debug
fan controller will hopefully continue their high-quality, high-
LED display. We also noted a PLX bridge chip on the board
value reputation. Personally I own a Scythe Kaze Master, so I
that we're not quite certain what the purpose of it is.
know what a quality fan-controller should do.
Overall the Z68 Extreme4 is what we'd expect from a high-end
Coolit Vantage A.L.C. CPU Cooler @ Benchmark Reviews
Z68 board, but this might not be the top of the range model
Description: Sealed, all-in-one water coolers seem to be the
from ASRock, as the company offers higher-end P67 models,
fastest-growing segment of the CPU cooler market today. Air
so we might get to see something even more feature packed by
coolers are reaching their physical limits: given the room
the time the platform launches.
inside existing cases, and the (frequently ignored) weight
limits defined for CPU coolers, something like a Prolimatech
The Daily VR-Zone News Megahalems is about as big as you can get without running into
problems. Water cooling systems work around these problems
Summary - 02 Mar 2011 by moving the heat exchanger off of the CPU socket, and using
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-summary--02- a fluid to transfer heat from the CPU to the heat exchanger.
mar-2011/11425.html Coolit Systems has been making retail and bespoke liquid
March 2nd, 2011 cooling systems for some years now, and the Coolit Vantage
A.L.C. cooler brings new features and performance to the fray.
Benchmark Reviews pits this new entry against existing air
and water coolers in a performance showdown.
Be Quiet Silent Wings USC 12cm Review @ XSReviews
Description: It can't always be about the graphics cards,
the gaming mice, the motherboards and the high powered
In today's daily news roundup: Bigfoot Networks announces speakers, right? Well no indeed, sometimes us reviewers have
its new high-performance Killer WiFi cards for notebooks; to look at something a little less exciting. Ladies and gents, may
Intel releases a new dual-core Atom processor for netbooks; I present to you the BeQuiet Silent Wings USB 12cm fan. Let's
TP-Link showcases new energy-efficient powerline adapters at check it out. Hurray!
CeBIT; Razer's Naga Epic MMO gaming mouse gets reviewed;
Sony is reportedly thinking of exploiting a loophole to get Chip Shot: Intel Delivers New Dual-Core Intel® Atom™
around the import ban on PlayStation 3 consoles in the EU, Processor for Netbooks
and Dawn of War 2 : Retribution gets a new launch trailer. Description: Today, Intel announced the dual-core Intel®
Atom™ processor N570, providing netbook users Internet
Hardware News: access on the go and a more responsive experience in the
GIGABYTE P67A-UD4 Motherboard Performance Review @ same compact form factor and great battery life as single-core
Legit Reviews Intel Atom processors. Running at 1.66 GHz, these processors
Description: GIGABYTE Motherboards have always employed support four threads, with 1 MB of L2 cache, 8.5W TDP and
a wide variety of colors on them. At least until now. The DDR3 667, helping spur further innovation around netbooks
GIGABYTE P67A-UD4 motherboard features the all new and other devices requiring the low power goodness of Intel
blacked out color scheme! First impressions, they look great! Atom architecture.
Unfortunately, looks won't do anything for performance. NAND flash contract prices stable
Today we are going to take the newly designed GIGABYTE Description: Contract prices for 16Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb MLC
P67A-UD4 out for a test drive. While it looks great, the NAND flash chips dropped slightly in the second half of
February, while 8Gb parts went flat, according to latest data

6


posted by DRAMeXchange. Meanwhile, the price of 32Gb 3- in the iTunes App Store, now supports multiple attachments
bit per cell MLC products was similar to the level in the first and up to 90 minutes of audio recording per note. A new
half of the month. resources button helps to find information based on context,
and users can find notes on a map, based on the location where
Killer NICs Comes to Laptops for Latency Freaks
the data was entered, or browse by images or attachments.
Description: Bigfoot Networks, the technology company
behind the Killer line of networking products for online games, Android Users Get An Official Taste Of Foodspotting Just In
today introduced its new Killer Wireless-N family of high- Time For SXSW
performance Wi-Fi adapters for laptops. Description: Back in December of last year, I noted the
existence of the first Foodspotting build for Android just
Consumer Electronics and Software News:
in time for the holidays. Turns out, the app was a little
Smartfish Whirl Laser Mouse w/ Anti-Gravity Comfort Pivot undercooked — still in beta — and the team didn’t really want
Review @ TestFreak me giving out the link to download it. Whoops.
Description: The mouse is the one thing that most of use take
Gaming News:
for granted, not for how it’s used but for what can happen to
you with long terms usage. For those of us that use a mouse Sony can get around LG patent shipment ban
everyday for hours on end we can be susceptible to RSI or Description: Sony could still get around the PS3 shipment ban
repetitive stress injury. Sure there are companies out there thanks to a loop in the patent enforcement code...
that have come out with ergonomic mice, but only one claims Dawn of War 2: Retribution Gets Launch Trailer
to be the world’s first truly ergonomic mouse and that’s the Description: Retribution is setting in at Dawn of War 2 as the
Whirl from Smartfish. The mouse is wireless and it sits on 2nd expansion of the original game goes on retail today. The
top of pivoting platform so you hand moves more naturally
game offers various campaigns from different races’ viewpoint
when you’re using thus possibly reducing the risk of RSI to the in the sub-sector of Aurelia, new map for The Last Stand and
user. The Whirl has been designed in collaboration with the of course, new units in multi-player.
#1 orthopedic hospital in the states, so they might know what
they’re talking about. Japanese developers comment on NGP
Description: With the introduction of the Sony NGP, it's
Google’s Schmidt States Mobile Growing Faster than All inevitable that the people who will be working on the system's
Predictions software, the game developers and publishers, will be putting
Description: Google representatives, especially those high in their two cents on the handheld device.
up on the ladder, are no stranger to major events. This is
especially true for Eric Schmidt who, over the years, has given
keynote addresses at almost every top technology and business How to turn your iPhone 4
event even slightly related to his industry. It’s no surprise,
then, that he would be selected for the opening keynote at the transparent
IAB Leadership Conference... Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/how-to-turn-your-iphone-4-
transparent/11412.html
An Exciting Keynote for Skype at Enterprise Connect and
March 2nd, 2011
News with Citrix
Description: Skype today announced a partnership with Citrix
Systems that will expand Skype’s web and audio conferencing
capabilities. Based on Citrix’s successful GoToMeeting
product, Skype’s new Web conferencing and audio features are
expected to become available towards the end of the year.
TP-LINK showcases new energy-saving powerline adapters at Still remember a while back we ran an article on how a guy
CeBIT 2011 in Hong Kong managed to strip his iPhone 4's front and
Description: TP-LINK, a global provider of SOHO and SMB back panel and made them transparent? Well, there's now a
networking products, today announced a new range of simpler (yet somewhat complicated) way of achieving that jaw-
powerline adapters which will be on display at CeBIT 2011. dropping transparent panel.
The adapters, which offer energy savings of up to 75%, feature
a range of benefits from AC pass-through to speeds of up to
500Mbps, making them ideal for high demand usage.
Razer Naga Epic gaming mouse review at Examiner
Description: The Razer Naga Epic MMO gaming mouse is
more than just a wireless version of the Razer Naga—it also
sports some design enhancements to ‘level up’ the Naga even
more.
Too Much Data? New Evernote Should Help
Description: Evernote launched a redesigned version of its
iPhone software Tuesday, adding new views and features that
further help organize thoughts on the go. Evernote 4, available

7


In the original story of the transparent iPhone 4, what the
Hong Kong enthusiast did was to disassemble and remove the
front and back panel of the phone. He then used paint thinner
and carefully remove the paint from the panels and assemble
the iPhone back again once the panels are clear.
While that sounds painstakingly risky and requires some time,
there's now a somewhat easier way of achieving the same
effect. And this method is reversible.
The folks over at M.I.C gadgets has brought in a transparent
back panel iPhone 4 DIY kit. It comes with a clear back panel
and the required set of screw drivers so you can start pimping Not much is known about the device, although its OEM
your iPhone 4 right away. As I've mentioned, since you are TazTag, has claimed that the TazPad will feature a seven-
accuiring an additional back panel, you can keep your own inch color display capable of recognizing multitouch input.
original back panel and do a swap if you fancy. In addition, the tablet will also come standard with common
hardware such as a built-in camera, GPS module and an
Available in 3 frame colours, you can get yours from their accelerometer.
website for a measily US$23.90.
However, the real draw of the TazPad stems from the fact that
the TazPad is touted by TazTag to be the world's first device
which fully supports the NFC communication stack. Not to
TazTag to unveil new Android mention that TazTag has apparently come up with a rather
novel way of utilizing the TazPad's NFC's capabilities: by using
tablet at CeBIT? it as a means of delivering HD content via HDMI-out. Now that
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/taztag-to-unveil-new-android-tablet-at- is not something you often get to see in a tablet.
cebit-/11421.html Last but definitely not least, the TazPad will also feature
March 2nd, 2011 support for other wireless communication protocols such as
WiFi, Bluetooth and ZigBee, as well as an option for biometric
authentication.
No pricing or release date has been announced for the TazPad
though, although various sources claim that the tablet is due
With the whole world going 'goo-goo-ga-ga' over tablets, to ship sometime in Q2 this year. And while there is no denying
smartphones and the operating systems used to power them, that the TazPad might have the potential to change the way we
it should probably not be surprising to see unheard-of OEMs all look at our tablets, the key question remains: will the NFC
attempting to capitalize on the mobile bandwagon by offering infrastructure be ready by the time the tablet starts shipping?
a product which runs off the ever-popular Android OS. And We shall see.
it seems that there is one such OEM right there at CeBIT as
we speak: TazTag is reportedly announcing a new Android-
powered tablet that will boast certain connectivity features not ASUS unveils new Blu-ray
found in today's devices.
Near-field communications or NFC is definitely one of the
player and voice-cancelling
neater features to exist in the market, and it is understandable headphones at CeBIT
as to why technologists are keen on integrating this technology Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/asus-unveils-new-blu-ray-player-and-
into the highly advanced smartphones and tablets of today. voice-cancelling-headphones-at-cebit/11419.html
After all, the idea that one could simply a tablet at a reader March 2nd, 2011
to perform certain tasks such as electronic transactions and
scanning mobile RFID tags sounds like something that has
the potential to be a both a major time-saver and source of
convenience.
Today might be only the second day of CeBIT, but it seems that
Unfortunately, it would seem that the adoption of NFC has ASUS is not about to sit down and take it easy in this particular
been rather slow, despite the fact that it was introduced to the exhibition. Unveiled today at ASUS's booth in the exhibit are
market way back in 2003. However, the first major break for three new consumer electronics device, and they come in the
NFC might just come in the form of an Android-powered tablet form of a new Blu-ray player, a Blu-ray writer and an active
that will supposedly be unveiled in CeBIT this year. Ladies and noise-cancelling headphones.
gentlemen, we present to you...the TazPad.
ASUS may be a well-known brand when it comes to PCs,
notebooks, hardware components and media players, but it
would seem that the company is now attempting to diversify
its portfolio by attempting to compete in other areas that do
not necessarily make up part of the PC ecosystem. And that
cannot have been more clearly demonstrated at this year's

8


CeBIT exhibition held in Germany, where the Taiwanese OEM though it was recently launched, the device has purportedly
has rolled out what appears to be its first foray into the home been cracked to run copied DS games easily.
theatre market with three new offerings: a Blu-ray player, an
external Blu-ray writer for PCs and a pair of active noise-
cancelling headphones.
ASUS O!Play BDS-700

The new ASUS O!Play BDS-700 Blu-ray player uses Qdeo
video post-processing to deliver clear, vivid images in native
high definition and upscaling of 480p DVD content. On top
of that, ASUS claims that the O!Play BDS-700 also supports
Blu-ray 3D playback on compatible screens, and is capable Nintendo's latest generation of handheld consoles were
of delivering 7.1-channel surround sound mastered in Dolby recently launched in Japan to a great start, with the console
TrueHD and DTS-HD. maker reporting an initial shipment numbering 400,000
units. Due to be released in the West on 27 March, the
In addition, the O!Play BDS-700 comes with built-in support
company expects worldwide sales to hit four million by the end
for a wide range of video, audio, image and subtitle formats
of this fiscal year.
to ensure maximum compatibility with most existing media
formats today, while content can also be played directly Estimates by Enterbrain (a Japanese magazine publisher)
from external storage devices via the included USB port, or indicates that only 371,326 units were sold. Reuters has also
streamed through a network via Ethernet or WiFi. Last but reported a slump in Nintendo's stock over the sales figures,
definitely not least, ASUS claims that the O!Plau BDS-700 will which may indicate investors feeling unimpressed by the
feature support for remote control via any existing iPhone, launch.
Android, Windows Phone 7, Blackberry and Symbian device. And yet despite the huge popularity of the 3DS, complaints
S pecifications are arising from significant numbers of users about eyestrain
within five minutes of usage. This is despite the company's own
O!Play BDS-700 3D Blu-ray official health advisory of a ten to fifteen minute break every
player hour for non-3D usage, and for the touted 3D mode, thirty
Blu-ray 3D Supported minutes is necessary to warrant a break.
Video noise reduction Supported
Needless to say, Nintendo supporters are hoping that these
Separated A/V HDMI output Supported users are only the vocal minority. Otherwise, it could suggest a
Wi-Fi 802.11n wireless Built-in intrinsic fatal flaw to the 3DS, which would have Sony
Dimensions 430mm x 50mm x 252mm supporters celebrating.
Weight 3kg Whether or not the 3DS faces a bleak future in sales, despite
being merely available for days, the device has purportedly
been cracked to run copied DS games without fuss, with video
Nintendo 3DS launched in evidence embedded below. (Note : The 3DS is backwards
compatible with legit DS game cards.)
Japan, with user complaints 3DS with Ninjapass, a device that enables users to play stored
and purportedly already DS games.3DS with Codefreak, a device that enables cheats,
running a GBA game.3DS with Codefreak, this time running
cracked a DS game.
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/nintendo-3ds-launched-in-japan-with-

Olympus unveils TG-810,
user-complaints-and-purportedly-already-cracked/10971.html
March 2nd, 2011

SZ-30MR and SZ-20 digital
Nintendo's latest generation of handheld consoles were cameras
recently launched in Japan to a great start, with the company Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/olympus-unveils-tg-810-sz-30mr-and-
reporting an initial shipment of 400,000 and Enterbrain sz-20-digital-cameras/11418.html
annoucing an estimate of 371,326 sold. Despite the popularity
of the 3DS, complaints are arising with regards to eyestrain
in just five minutes of usage in 3D mode. Additionally, even
9


March 2nd, 2011 Comes in black or silver, there's no news as to when the
Olympus SZ-30MR will be available, or its pricing.

Olympus has unveiled the new additions to their line of digital
cameras, namely TG-810, SZ-30MR and SZ-20. The TG-810
will be available this month, though no availability dates
confirmed for the SZ-30MR and SZ-20.

The 16-megapixel OLYMPUS SZ-20 sports a stylish body,
supports high-sensitivity shooting and features super-wide
12.5x optical zoom from its 24mm wide-angle lens, DUAL IS,
and full high definition movie recording. Like the TG-810 and
SZ-30MR, this one also offers eight Magic Filters for various
effects, 3D photo shooting and is Eye-Fi card compatible. The
SZ-20 will be available in black and silver. No word as to when
it will be on retail shelf, or its pricing.

The OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810 digital camera claims to
be waterproof to a depth of 10 meters, shockproof against falls England attempts to hit the
from as high as two meters, freezeproof at temperatures as low
as -10°C and crushproof loads up to 100kgf. Available in black,
'Del' button on Facebook
blue, red and silver, the 14-megapixel compact camera is also cyberbullying
equipped with GPS functions and an electronic compass that Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/england-attempts-to-hit-the-del-
record location data. Other features include high definition button-on-facebook-cyberbullying/11416.html
movie (1280x720) recording, eight Magic Filters for various March 2nd, 2011
effects, 3D photo shooting and Eye-Fi card compatible.
The TG-810 is scheduled to go on sale in Singapore in March,
2011. Pricing to be announced.
Think that you are well protected by a veil of anonymity when
you post messages online to various message boards and social
networking sites? Well, think again: law enforcement agencies
are hard at work in ensuring that users who frequently
intimidate other web users online face the consequences of
their actions under the legal system. And what better way to
ensure a more civil Web by hitting users where it hurts the
most: at the popular online social networking service known
as Facebook?

Designed for travel, sports, athletic meet or other events,
the Olympus SZ-30MR is an easy-to-use "all-in-one" camera
that lets users enjoy advanced photography and movies.
It features a 16-megapixel Backlit CMOS sensor and dual
image processing engines for multi-recording, simultaneous
This should be a common scenario for certain Facebook users:
recording of photo and movie, and full HD movies. With its
someone who just has a bone to pick with you will not stop
24x optical zoom lens, you can go up-close to the subject and
harrassing you and your virtual account for days, or even
capture almost every details conveniently. On top of that, the
weeks on end. And more often than not, the victim is often
DUAL IS uses a CMOS-shift image stabilization mechanism
helpless in such situations, as the veil of anonymity offered
and high-sensitivity image capturing to reduce picture blur.
by humankind's invention known as the Internet all that is

10


needed to bring out some of the more undesirable facets of
human behaviour.
Still, it does not mean that other more sensible humans have
not been hard at work in attempting to make sure that such
situations cease to be common occurrences. And the good
news is that law enforcement agencies are starting to clamp
down on acts of online bullying, with the latest action being
centred around the popular online social networking service
known as Facebook.
Details are somewhat sparse, but according to a report posted
by The Telegraph, detectives now have the authority to send
warning messages to cyber bullies informing them that their
actions are running afoul of the law and could face prosecution
if they do not desist. In addition, to strike the fear of
having that very veil of anonymity stripped away into the It seems like the numbers for browser market share are filly
aforementioned bullies, the offenders' parents will also be out for public viewing, and that is always good news for most
notified by law enforcement agencies via a letter describing browser fans and pundits. After all, there is no better proof
the offences committed by the child and what are the possible than a bunch of statistics to justify one's claim of 'which
consequences of not ceasing such activities. browser is the next thing to look out for', especially when the
browser market is chock full of competitors today from the
This scheme is the brainchild of a police constable in England likes of heavyweight software vendors such as Apple, Google,
known as Dave Thomas, who described it as a move designed Microsoft and Mozilla.
to "nip the problem in the bud".
So, the question most of you will probably be having right
"By alerting their parents to the problem, we are aiming to nip now will probably go along the lines of 'How much market
the problem in the bud and prevent it becoming something share did Microsoft lose in February' or 'How much did
more serious.," he said, adding that Internet users typically do Firefox/Chrome/Safari gain'. However, it would seem that
not think twice about what they write online. the numbers for February seem to buck the trend we have
"If we have to investigate Facebook messages as harassment all been accustomed to: instead of continuing to lose market
or public order offences and the young person gets charged, share like it had always been, Internet Explorer actually saw
it could seriously affect their future. While we want them to a gain of 0.77% in browser share for the month of February.
realise how serious the matter is, we also want to avoid that On the other hand, Firefox was the unexpected casualty time,
and keep young people out of the criminal justice system if dropping 0.99% from its January results, as shown in the
possible," he explained. charts below.

Internet Explorer sees modest
gains in market share for
February
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/internet-explorer-sees-modest-gains-
in-market-share-for-february/11415.html
March 2nd, 2011

It seems like February may have been a very good month
for Microsoft and its Internet Explorer team in particular.
According to the latest statistics released by Netmarketshare,
Microsoft's web browser gained more than 0.5% in market
share, all at Firefox's expense. Does this mean that Microsoft
has finally gotten things right with Internet Explorer?

11


However, fans of Microsoft and Internet Explorer might want single message and folder in their Gmail account has been
to hold their horses instead of celebrating their newfound gain cleaned off without their knowledge? We're sure you did: after
in browser market share. This is due to the fact that the analyst all, email conversations are serious business, and having all
firm responsible for churning out the results have claimed in your messages wiped out in an instant without warning is
an announcement that the spike in IE's share was the cause of definitely the best way to ruin anyone's day.
switching to a new counting algorithm released by the C.I.A. Well, the good news about this little issue is that Google has
Unfortunately, the lack of further details from Netmarketshare confirmed what most people were probably anxiously waiting
means that it is not possible to determine whether Internet for. According to a message posted on Google's official Gmail
Explorer's sudden spike in popularity is truly caused by more blog, the loss of emails was caused by a botched storage
users moving back to Internet Explorer (especially when IE9's software update: this update apparently contained a bug
Release Candidate was only released recently), or whether it is severe enough to affect several copies of backup content stored
merely the result of a simple adjustment to the way browser across multiple data centres.
market share is calculated. However, uses can rest assured that their data is still safe from
complete erasure. This is because the search giant claims that
it has kept additional backups on tape drives which are not
hooked up to online-capable machines, and has thus survivied
the failed update. The only issue is that it will take time for
the search giant to restore said data from the tape drives, as
the recovery process appears to be much more complex than
simply sending a request to another data centre.
Still, users can take consolation in the fact that Google has
Still, it does not change the fact that the numbers reflect been working hard to ensure that all recovered content is being
positively on Microsoft and Internet Explorer for the month processed and sent out to affected users as soon as possible.
of February. After all, a gain is still a gain, and with Microsoft According to the latest update from the search giant, all backup
having demonstrated that it can produce a standards- content has already been successfully processed and are now
compliant browser with IE9, it may not be that surprising to currently on their way back to their respective users' mail
find out if the Redmond giant is really starting to win more folders, where they rightfully belong.
Internet users back to its fold.
With any luck, affected users should have their Gmail
messages fully restored by the end of today.
Google fixes Gmail issues,
provides explanation for the IT Show 2011 Promotions:
freak incident Sony
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/google-fixes-gmail-issues-provides- Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/it-show-2011-promotions-
explanation-for-the-freak-incident/11414.html sony/11400.html
March 2nd, 2011 March 2nd, 2011

Remember the little freak accident caused by Google by some
users woke up on Monday only to find their Gmail accounts
Sony will be at the IT Show 2011, which is happening from
emptied of all their messages? Well, it seems that Google
10 to 13 March at the Suntec City Convention Centre. Here are
has managed to identify the culprit responsible for the little
some of their promotions at the Show.
incident, and has issued a statement describing what actually
happened that day. On the plus side, the search giant has also
assured users that no data was permanently wiped off the face
of the virtual world. Read on to find out more.

Do you remember the article we posted two days back about
some users logging into Gmail, only to find out that every

12


*Varies depending on each
application

Intel Solid State Drive 320
Series to launch mid-April
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/intel-solid-state-drive-320-series-to-
launch-mid-april/11407.html
March 2nd, 2011

Sony Electronics Asia Pacific has announced their latest USB
charger, which boasts 4,000 mAh capacity. Sporting two
USB ports, it allows users to power up two mobile devices
simultaneously and was designed to for mobile professionals. The Intel Solid State Drive 320 Series, codenamed 'Postville
The Sony USB Charger is also equipped with USB Refresh', is the long-awaited successor to the present
Authentication software, allowing instant charging with most mainstream X25-M. The new SSDs are set to launch in mid-
USB powered devices such as smart phones, mobile phones, April.
Walkman, iPod, iPad, portable game consoles as well as
upcoming models of Cybershot and Handycam with USB
power supply function.
It features a conventional AC input for fast charging and
comes with a detachable USB output module with embedded
Li-ion rechargeable battery for portable power supply. Uses
can detach and carry just the USB output module when they
need extra power on-the-go for their mobile devices.
The USB Portable Power Supply CP-A2L will be launched
during IT Show 2011 at a suggested retail price of S$49.90
inclusive of GST.

Input Source AC 100-240 V
Input Module Dimension 58 x 56 x 21.5
(WxHxD mm)
Weight 45g
No. of USB output ports 2 The 320 Series will be pushed as 'the fast hard drive
alternative' with performance and data reliability as two key
Output Source Standard USB 5V 0.5A per
focus areas.
port for 2 ports
or USB 5V 1.0A for high Final performance figures and drive lifespan are not available
power output for 1 port only yet, but we do expect them to be pretty much the same as
Output Module Li-ion rechargeable battery rumored specifications so far:
with USB Standard Output
Output Module Dimension
(WxHxD mm)
58 x 84.5 x 26.4
Apple iPad 2 Rumour Roundup
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/apple-ipad-2-rumour-
Weight 145g roundup/11413.html
USB Authentication Yes March 2nd, 2011
Detachable Yes
(Input/Output)
Batteries Capacity Li-ion 4,000 mAh
Charging Source AC
Charging Time Approx. 5 hours
Cycle Time 500 The moment we have been waiting for; in less than 24 hours
to Apple's announcement of the highly-anticipated iPad, let's
Output Time (5V/1.0A 120 min
take a moment and look at what are some of the things we may
constant)
expect of the upcoming iPad 2.

13


Storage
It is sort of Apple's tradition to bump up their products'
internal storage. But judging from the sizes of current iPad
and flash RAM prices, it would be unlikely. We go with the
guess that Apple would stick to their offering of 16GB, 32GB
and 64GB. Internal storage size will be somewhat irrevelant if
Apple really launch their cloud-based iTunes and MobileMe.
Holes
With closer analysis of the holes of the leaked iPad 2 cases,
it can be said that Apple will still retain its 30-pin iPod
connector. Some might argue that Apple is scrapping that due
to recent EU rulings. But we expect Apple to just go around
Literally months and months of rumours have come about that issue with a 30-pin to micro-USB adaptor.
when it comes to the upcoming iPad 2. While there are many The large hole at the bottom left of the iPad is expected to
claims, only a few of them we feel that are plausible and we be a much superior speaker. But the hole that raises more
have taken the liberty to feature them here. questions is the "new" hole on the top of the iPad 2 cases. Some
iPad 2 body: thinner and lighter? say it is a mini DisplayPort, for easier connectivity to HDTV
screens. But it might be a hybrid port featuring the recently
Through many leaked cases made for the upcoming iPad 2, as
released Thunderbolt. It is unlikely to be a USB port.
well as mockups seen at Macworld, we can conclude that the
successor will feature a thinner shell than the first born. On top In a nutshell...
of shedding weight in that slimmer shell, it should feature a flat There are other rumours that circles around the next iPad, but
back with sides tappering in. While the general consensus is these are the ones which we feel might actually come true for
that it will be made of aluminium, there is a rumour out there iPad 2. To find out the truth, remember to stay tuned to our
that the device will be covered in carbon fiber to reduce the coverage of Apple's media event tomorrow.
weight and offers scratch resistant.
One of the most recent rumour is that the tablet may feature a
white face as seen in the leaked front bezel found in China. If The Daily VR-Zone News
Apple do drop the whitey on us, it would not be surpising for Summary - 01 Mar 2011
Apple to launch it alongside a black version. Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/the-daily-vr-zone-news-summary--01-
No Retina but better screen? mar-2011/11408.html
March 2nd, 2011
Since the introduction of the Retina screen on the iPhone
4, many have expected Apple to incorporate that into the
next iPad. But this myth was debunked by analysts and
manufacturers as it would require more juice and raw power
to drive the tablet. Instead, we believe that screen will have
the same size and resolution, but thinner design (which gives
the iPad 2 a thinner shell too). Quality of the screen could be In today's news roundup: Intel's unlocked i7-2600K processor
improved too. gets reviewed; AMD claims that Intel's Thunderbolt is
'just another proprietary interface', Samsung is reportedly
The insides planning a Galaxy Tab 2 launch on March 22; Images of
What's the point of including the same power graphics, CPU Apple's iPad 2 appears to have been leaked out before its
and RAM in the newer version? That's why many speculated official launch; Our sister site SGCafe has a quick hands on
that Apple will be using a faster ARM Cortex A9-based unit with the new Crysis 2 demo, and Thousands of PlayStation
with dual cores. Some have called that A5, and some A8. Guess 3 consoles have been seized in the EU, ostensibly due to an
we will only find out when it is officially out. ongoing dispute between LG and Sony over Blu-ray copyright
infringement claims
Cameras
Hardware News:
Many other tablet makers have included cameras in their
own versions and Apple has been criticised for not including Arctic Cooling Freezer 13 Pro CPU Cooler Review @ Legit
any. With reference to FaceTime in the iOS 4.3 betas for Reviews
iPad, and leaked iPad 2 cases with camera holes on the back, Description: The sound level rating that Arctic Cooling used
we are extremely certain that Apple will include a front and for the Freezer 13 Pro is the Sone. The Sone is a perceived
rear camera for video-taking, photography and FaceTime (for level of sound; it is not like dB ratings. Since there is no
video conferencing). The front camera is said to be of the same direct conversion, in a roundabout way, 0.4 Sone is roughly
resolution to those found on the iPhone 4 (VGA-resolution). equivalent to 24 dBA. Now the Scythe fans I use in the test
The back, on the other hand, should feature a 3.2-megapixel bench for top exhaust are rated 1200RPM and push 68.5 CFM
camera that is capable of recording HD videos. at 24dBA. In my testing I found the Freezer 13 Pro’s fans to

14


sound the same or quieter as the Scythe fans; I know I could Consumer Electronics and Software News:
not hear the Freezer 13 Pro over the Scythe fans... Samsung To Launch 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab on March 22?
Increasing processor efficiency by matching power with Description: Samsung has announced a special March 22
demand event where it’s very likely to unveil a new, 8.9-inch version of
Description: As more and more devices go mobile and these its Galaxy Tab tablet.
devices become more and more powerful, chipmakers must Fujitsu shows off wireless PC display at CeBIT
also take the energy efficiency into account. Harvard graduate Description: Many of us can now wirelessly stream images
student Wonyoung Kim has developed and demonstrated an from a computer to a screen over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi without
on-chip, multi-core voltage regulator (MCVR) that he says too much trouble, but the display is still inevitably powered
could allow the creation of "smarter" smartphones, slimmer by cables. At CeBIT 2011, Fujitsu is showing off a working
laptops and more energy efficient data centers by more closely prototype of a 22-inch computer display that receives both
matching the power supply to the demand of the chip. images and power wirelessly. The power transfer is made
Intel I7-2600K Sandybridge Processor Review @ Tweaknews possible by magnetic induction technology – similar to
Description: After several weeks testing and trying out Intel's Powermat chargers – that's concentrated into hotspots built
Core i7-2600k Sandybridge processor, there isn't a whole lot into office furniture or conference tables.
to say other than it's relatively cheap, it's fast and it's extremely OKI Adds a Flair of Colour to its Dot Matrix Printer Range
overclockable. When a processor comes in just over US$300 Description: Blisteringly fast, printing up to 700cps
and is this fast, NO ONE can complain (characters per second) the ML5700eco Series is a range of
Apevia X-Fit-100 Mini-ITX Case Review @Hi Tech Legion reliable, high performance desktop dot matrix printers all with
Description: One lucky case in the Mini-ITX market is the truly versatile paper handling and low energy consumption. A
Apevia X-Fit-100 Mini-ITX Case. The X-Fit-100 offers a slim first for OKI, the ML5700eco Series incorporates a convenient
profile and sleek look that will work with any mini-ITX front paper feed to complement rear, bottom and top paper
application. There is enough space to fit a 2.5" hard drive, inputs for maximum flexibility. Included as standard is a
slim optical drive, and a low profile PCI card. The X-Fit-100 multi-position tractor feed unit to make feeding continuous
comes equipped with a Apevia Flex ATX 250W power supply, paper, single or multi-part, easy and straightforward.
which is more than enough for a mini-ITX system. There are Tobii unveils the world’s first eye-controlled laptop
vents on the top and sides that help expel heat and keep the Description: Tobii Technology today unveiled the world’s first
case quiet. The X-Fit-100 also has a sturdy build, constructed laptop with integrated eye control. The prototype laptop has
from 0.7mm metal SECC. The style and finish is black, which been developed in collaboration with computer manufacturer
matches perfect with most people's decor. Lenovo and will be shown publicly for the first time at CeBIT
ARM strikes microcontroller licensing deals in Hannover, March 1-5.
Description: ARM has announced two strategic partnerships Antec SoundScience Rockus 3D Speaker System @
in the microcontroller (MCU) market with an aim to Benchmark Reviews
strengthening ties and developing on the technologies. Description: Antec has dominated the computer chassis
Enermax ErPRO 80+ -350W PSU Review on Technic3D market for more than a decade, and with many of their
(German) customers slowly converting to portable platforms it makes
Description: (Machine Translation) The Enermax ErPRO 80+ good business sense to diversify the product portfolio. Enter
-350W PSU arrived Technic3D. See you in the following soundscience, a subsidiary of Antec, that is dedicated to
Review from Technic3D the next PSU with two +12V rails audiophile-level products for use on multiple platforms.
(17A), 120mm Twister Fan, 6x SATA hard disk connectors and The soundscience rockus 2.1 speaker system features 3Dsst
1x PCI-e 6+2-Pin. sound technology, which makes use of 3D-audio optimized
solid aluminum satellite drivers and an active subwoofer
Seventeam V-Force 650w Preview - XSReviews
with passive radiator to create an extended low frequency
Description: While we may have reviewed this unit before and
response. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Antec
we may not be doing full PSU reviews unless we have access
SoundScience Rockus 3D speaker system against the Logitech
to the proper equipment, that doesn't stop us doing a quick
Speaker System Z623 and see how well it works for gaming
unboxing and feature analysis preview right? So here we have
consoles.
the Seventeam V-Force 650w ST-650Z-AF. Let's, you know,
open the box and look at it; and stuff. " Did The iPad 2 Just Leak Out?
Description: Is this the iPad 2? Nearly everything lines up with
AMD Does Not Believe in Intel's Thunderbolt.
the leaked info: flat back with tapered edges, speaker in the
Description: Advanced Micro Devices, the second largest
bottom corner, camera up top. It even matches-up with most
supplier of x86 microprocessors on the globe and the designer
of the leaked cases. If it’s not the real thing, it’s a damn good
of half of the world's discrete graphics adapters, said that
render. I’m sold.
Intel Corp.'s recently introduced Thunderbolt input/output
technology will become just another proprietary standard Gaming News:
with not a lot of chances to be adopted widely. The chip PS3 shipments halted in Europe as Sony, LG fight over Blu-
designer also doubted that the TB actually brings any tangible ray patent
improvements.

15


Description: Sony's court troubles currently involve more than instantly". You probably noticed the above screenshot stating
just tracking down hackers. According to a report from the "The Next Generation in Game Advertising". Well, that is also
Guardian, shipments of PlayStation 3s are being confiscated part of what Gaikai do since it provides a new video game
by European customs officers as Sony fights a patent battle advertising network for publishers, developers, retailers and
with LG over Blu-ray. affiliates via online game demos and software apps. Well, there
is no free lunch in this world - the company will need to
Quick Look: Crysis 2 Multiplayer Demo
sustain itself while providing users like us with great gaming
Description: It is time to put on your nanosuit and have a feel
experiences.
of Crysis 2 PC demo. The PC multiplayer download is now
available on the official site, that offers 2 maps available for At the moment, Gaikai is currently in closed beta though you
online play. Pier 17 and Skyline. can sign up for a beta invite and hopefully be chosen to try out
Gaikai.
Valve is Bringing Steam to the Living Room with Big Picture
Mode
Description: PC gamers that prefer playing video games on the
big screen will soon be able to take Steam from their monitors
Gigabyte shows off early Z68
to their televisions. Valve announced its "big picture" plan for board at CeBIT
Steam today, responding to consumer requests to make the Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/gigabyte-shows-off-early-z68-board-at-
online gaming platform available in more places. Read More » cebit/11411.html
March 2nd, 2011

Cloud-based gaming
technology Gaikai goes live
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/cloud-based-gaming-technology-
gaikai-goes-live/11410.html
March 2nd, 2011
Not to be out done by its competitors, Gigabyte was also
showing off an early Z68 board prototype at CeBIT, although
in this case it appears to be a much earlier sample than its
competitors were displaying, at least judging by the blue PCB,
black slots and grey heatsinks. Also on display was Gigabyte's
P67X-UD4 board which is part of what appears to be a new
Gaikai has gone live. For those who don't know what Gaikai sub family of boards from Gigabyte, as the P67A-UD4 is still
is, it is a cloud-based gaming technology that is similar (and around and was just re-launched with the B3 stepping chipset.
probably a competitor) to Onlive. Yes, you don't need to
download or install any software to play games like Call of Duty
or Mass Effect 2; simply play the game via your web browser. Not to be out done by its competitors, Gigabyte was also
showing off an early Z68 board prototype at CeBIT, although
in this case it appears to be a much earlier sample than its
competitors were displaying, at least judging by the blue PCB,
black slots and grey heatsinks. Also on display was Gigabyte's
P67X-UD4 board which is part of what appears to be a new
sub family of boards from Gigabyte, as the P67A-UD4 is still
around and was just re-launched with the B3 stepping chipset.
The Z68X-UD4H as the Z68 chipset based board is called
doesn't look overly impressive, at least not compared to other
UD4 models in Gigabyte's line-up. For starters, the power
regulation on the model on display only appears to consist
is a 6+1 phase design, although it's clear that it uses driver
MOSFETs. In terms of slot configuration we're looking at a
fairly standard setup with two x16 PCI Express slots where the
Cloud-computing applications are not only limited to second slot is activated by switching to dual x8 in the BIOS.
Facebook, email, Microsoft Office Live Workspace, Google The board also sports three x1 PCI Express slots and two PCI
Docs or Dropbox; it has also extended to the gaming space. slots.
Imagine playing your favorite first-person shooter game like
Crysis using your web browser, without the need of high-end
graphics card, CPU, or even download and install software.
Yes, that could be possible in the near future.
Gaikai is the latest cloud-based gaming technology that has
gone live recently, which allows users "to play major PC
and console games like Call Of Duty or World Of Warcraft

16


Other onboard features include four SATA 6Gbps ports (two You also get pin headers for two USB 3.0 ports (again using
via an external controller), three SATA 3Gbps ports, pin an Etron controller) six USB 2.0 ports and a single FireWire
headers for eight USB 2.0 ports and a single FireWire port port. Around the back things are looking like a rainbow
as well as a pin header for two USB 3.0 ports via an Etron exploded, although presumably this won't be the case on the
controller, a first for Gigabyte. Around the back we find a PS/2 final production boards. Here we have a PS/2 port, seven
port, four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports – again via an USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one powered eSATA/USB
Etron controller – a FireWire port, an eSATA 3Gbps port, 2.0 combo port, one eSATA port, one FireWire port, Gigabit
DisplayPort (full size), HDMI, DVI and D-sub connectors, Ethernet and 7.1-channel audio with optical and coaxial S/
Gigabit Ethernet and 7.1-channel audio with optical S/PDIF PDIF out. Overall an interesting board and what looks set to
out. That's a pretty loaded layout, although by now we wouldn't be a good successor of the P67A-UD4 if that's the plan, as we
miss the D-sub connector or even to a degree the DVI can't see anyone not picking this over the old model, or even
connector terribly. the P67A-UD5.

HTC Incredible S lands in
Singapore
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/htc-incredible-s-lands-in-
singapore/11409.html
March 2nd, 2011

As for the P67X-UD4, well it actually looks like the better HTC has announced the Incredible S smartphone in
choice over Gigabyte's own P67A-UD5 model, as it offers some Singapore, which will be available this coming weekend.
additional advantages of the pricier model. For starters, it has The Android phone features the company's HTC Sense
a crazily stretched out PWM design which appears to be a 16+2 user interface and 8-megapixel camera with dual flash. More
design which is as long as the rear I/O, a rather unusual design details inside.
if nothing else. The board has a pair of x16 PCI Express slots,
again with the second slot only operating in x8 mode when
enabled and there are also two x1 PCI Express slots and two
PCI slots. It's good to see that Gigabyte has added an additional
pair of SATA 6Gbps ports to this board for a total of four,
alongside four SATA 3Gbps ports.

HTC has unveiled their latest Incredible S Android
smartphone that offers distinct design, great performance and

17


value. It also incorporates the company's unique HTC Sense Busy professionals have it good when it comes to carting that
user interface that makes usability more simple and natural. all-important notebook of theirs from one place to another,
right? After all, most of the aforementioned professionals
The Incredible S smartphone features a contoured body and
tend to use small suitcases as their apparel of choice for
lets you capture and view video in crystal clear high-definition
storing various documents, and most are easily large enough
on its 4-inch WVGA Super LCD display. With the stereo
to accommodate a laptop if the situation calls for it.
surround sound, it brings cinematic experience to the palm of
your hand. You can take high quality pictures with the build- However, there are times where a typical suitcase might lack
in 8-megapixel camera with dual flash, and shares videos, the real estate needed to shove a laptop into them for storage
photos and music from the handset direct to a TV using DLNA purposes, especially when most of the available space in one
technology. has already be occupied by all manner of documents and
whatnot. And it would seem that this is the very kind of
Availability
problem that a Chinese OEM has attempted to solve with its
The HTC Incredible S will be available in Singapore through
new, one-of-a-kind business suitcase. After all, why struggle
mobile operators and authorized resellers from this weekend
over putting the PC into a suitcase, when one can put the
onwards at a suggested retail price of S$758.
suitcase right into the computer?
It starts off a a very innocent-looking suitcase...
VR-Zone Giveaway #4 -
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headsets
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/vr-zone-giveaway-4--
steelseries-4xb-5xb-and-4h-headsets/11406.html
March 2nd, 2011

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...that has a mini briefcase built into it.

Now this is we would call a
real 'suitcase PC'
Source: http://vr-zone.com/articles/now-this-is-we-would-call-a-real-
suitcase-pc-/11405.html
March 2nd, 2011

Have you ever experienced a need to pack your notebook into
a suitcase, only to find out that it will not fit because of the lack
of real estate needed to do so? Well, leave it to the Chinese to
solve the little problem in what has got to be the most novel of
ways. Now this is certainly a good example of thinking within
the box, no?

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VR-Zone Technology News | Stuff for the Geeks! Issue #8

VR-Zone Technology News | Stuff for the Geeks! Issue #8

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VR-Zone Technology News | Stuff for the Geeks! Issue #8