The dual-core CPU inside the new Mini-PC will be offered in two versions with one running at 1.2GHz and another that runs at a faster 1.6GHz speed. Both of the processors offer native 64-bit support and are pin-to-pin compatible with VIA Nano, C7, C7-M, and Eden processors for future upgrades. The little machine is very compact measuring in at 12 x 12 x 4cm. That compact size will make the machine very easy to fit into a cramped entertainment center.

“The ZOTAC ZBOX is a great example of the kinds of innovations in form factor design that are possible on our low power VIA Nano X2 dual-core processor platform,” said Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “It provides an excellent solution for home and office users seeking a premium computing experience in an ultra compact size.” There is no word on pricing or availability on the VIA powered machines right now.

[via Akihabaranews]

The Asus PadFone went official at Computex. This tablet is powered by a smartphone that slips into the tablet’s dock. The tablet portion has a 10.1-inch screen. A new HTC smartphone was spied running wild this week packing in Windows Phone Os. The phone is most notable for hits high-resolution 12MP camera sensor.

LG unveiled a new iMac-style AIO computer at Computex that has a passive 3D screen. That means no bulky and expensive active 3D glasses are needed. A rumor surfaced that claims the iPhone 4S will have an integrated SIM card and the iPhone 5 will land in the spring of 2012. There have also been claims that the iPhone 4S has been seeded to developers.

The Intel Ultrabook debuted during Computex. The machine uses second-generation Core processors and will sell for under $1000. The Sony PSN is back online as of Friday, which was good news for many gamers. The bad part is that Japan and other countries are still down.

A hack surfaced for the Galaxy S II smartphone that adds 1080p 24 Mbit/s video recording. The smartphone records 16 Mbit/s 1080p HD video by default. Apple WWDC 2011 is coming soon and one of the things that will be at the show is iCloud, OS X Lion and iOS 5. Steve Jobs will also be on hand at the show for the keynote.

HP has issued a recall on laptop batteries – again. This recall covers 162K more batteries and is spawned by the discovery that two notebook models were skipped in that previous recall. A cool concept product called the Cornobi surfaced. The Cornobi is a corncob holder that looks like the handle from a lightsaber.

A rumor is floating around that Microsoft might buy Nokia’s mobile phone division. The rumored price for the purchase is a whopping $19 billion. Nokia’s CEO has teased a prototype handset that might run Windows Phone or MeeGo. The only official word on the device from Nokia is its not running Windows Phone, which may simply mean the device lacked an OS when handled on stage.

The TI OMAP4470 1.8GHz dual-core processor is coming in the first half of 2012. This processor is based on an ARM A9 core and is designed for Android, Linux, and to run Windows on the ARM platform. The Nook Color Android eReader has been hacked to run the MeeGo OS. This little reader has turned out to be one of the more impressively hackable Android devices on the market.

A very cool case for the iPad 2 called the Crux landed late in the week. The case turns the iPad 2 into a laptop with keyboard. A crazy little Android mascot picture was found in the Samsung Galaxy S II ROM this week. The mascot is dressed up like Ironman with a Flash logo on his chest.

An awesome LEGO construct turned up and looks like the Sandcrawler the little desert dwelling robot thieves used in the old movies. The thing has remote control action and used 10,000 bricks. We put up our review of the T-Mobile Sensation 4G this week. We figure the Sensation 4G is a very nice phone and will hit all the right buttons with casual and hardcore Android users. Thanks for reading, see you next time!

The OMAP4470 follows in the footsteps of the existing OMAP4430, the 1GHz dual-core found in the BlackBerry PlayBook, and the dual-core 1.5GHz OMAP4460 currently with developers and expected to show up in commercial products in the second half of 2011. It brings with it the POWERVR SGX544 GFX graphics core running at 384MHz with support for DirectX 9, OpenGL ES 2.0, OpenVG 1.1 and OpenCL 1.1, good for driving a display of up to QXGA 2048 x 1536 resolution or three simultaneous HD screens.

With chips like NVIDIA’s quad-core Kal-El in the pipeline, we asked Granger why TI has stuck with its dual-core strategy. Turns out, the OMAP4470 is a quad-core in a way: the two A9 cores are paired with two ARM Cortex M3 cores, used with TI’s Hardware Composition engine and dual-channel LPDDR2 memory with 7.5Gbps of bandwidth. That unique engine can offset processing – for things like multi-layer UIs – between the M3 cores and the POWERVR GPU and away from the A9 cores: Granger says that means the OMAP4470 isn’t just fast but power frugal, too, as well as offering performance where users particularly want it, in the browser and for graphically-complex games.

That power management, TI claims, means a smartphone or tablet with average batteries using the OMAP4470 is good for up to 10hrs of 1080p HD playback on a single charge, or up to 4hrs of 1080p HD recording. “OMAP4470 delivers the compute horsepower and system bandwidth to drive the best user experience” Granger says, for the “quintessential user experience” of a fluid UI and “class leading” performance.

Pin-for-pin, the new OMAP 4 chip is compatible with its predecessors, which means that manufacturers using the older versions face little work to swap over to the OMAP4470. However, it’s not just QNX and Android hardware which TI has in mind: as a member of the Windows on ARM Initiative, the chipset has been purposefully designed with Microsoft’s upcoming version of Windows 8 for ARM processors in mind. DirectX is one example of that, but generally TI is keen to take on Intel’s x86 chips when it comes to performance and battery life.

“We believe OMAP4470 is a great fit for an ultrathin laptop” Granger explained, highlighting that ARM processors generally add up to stronger battery life than x86 chips and that the latest models are now more than capable of competing on performance, too. Unfortunately he had no comment as to the rumors that TI would be the lead chip partner on Android Ice Cream Sandwich.

The TI OMAP4470 will begin sampling in the second half 0f 2011, with devices using the chipset expected to go on sale in the first half of 2012. As for what comes after that, well, TI’s OMAP 5 platform – led by the OMAP5430 and OMAP5432 – with two 28nm ARM Cortex-A15 MPCores running at up to 2GHz is expected to hit retail in the second half of 2012.

Press Release:

TI’s OMAP4470 apps processor: It’s all about the user experience

Latest OMAPTM 4 platform processor sets new standard for mobile computing, bringing up to QXGA display resolution, HD UIs and 2x Web browsing performance

COMPUTEX, June 2, 2011—Building on the OMAPTM 4 platform family’s technological achievements , Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) introduced today the power-efficient OMAP4470 applications processor, designed to deliver the perfect balance between processing power, graphics, display subsystem functionality and multilayered user interface (UI) composition. The multicore OMAP4470 processor surpasses current market solutions with clock speeds up to 1.8 GHz, an 80 percent increase in Web browsing performance, increased memory bandwidth, a 2.5x boost in graphics functionality—via the POWERVR SGX544 core from Imagination Technologies—and a unique hardware composition engine. Mobile computing and gaming applications running on operating systems such as Android, Linux and the next version of Microsoft Windows will benefit from the OMAP4470 processor’s enhanced capabilities. Customers designing ultrathin laptops, tablets or smartphones around previously released OMAP 4 processors gain the added benefit of pin-to-pin hardware and software compatibility for maximum re-use and faster time-to-market.

―Superior mobile computing relies on a user experience that dwarfs all others. Fast and crisp Web browsing, HD and liquid UIs, support for the latest applications—these are the elements consumers judge and buy their devices on. The OMAP4470 processor delivers the maximum experience possible with an unmatched, power-efficient architecture,‖ said Remi El-Ouazzane, vice president, OMAP platform business unit, TI.

Making HD UIs a reality

Courtesy of its advanced graphics architecture, OMAP4470 enables customers to leverage tomorrow’s leading-edge display technology by supporting resolution up to QXGA (2048×1536). The new applications processor drives still more unparalleled HD UIs with simultaneous support for up to three HD screens and up to 2x more layered imaging and video composition than competitive solutions—a capability required by the sophisticated UIs of next generation operating systems. This feature is enabled by the combination of a hardware composition engine with a dedicated 2D graphics core, a highly sophisticated display subsystem, and dual-channel LPDDR2 memory enabling up to 7.5 Gbps of throughput to composite the graphics and/or video data output. This frees the GPU to perform graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming or widget creation while the compositing process is assigned to more power-efficient hardware subsystems.

Powerful enough for desktop applications yet highly power-efficient for mobile applications, Imagination Technologies’ POWERVR SGX544 GPU complements the OMAP 4 platform’s promise of high performance, low power. The OMAP4470 processor is the first OMAP offering to leverage the POWERVR SGX544. Combining the SGX544’s features with the sophisticated OMAP architecture enables TI customers to deliver a new set of applications to end-users, including DirectX-driven games and videos.

―Graphics processing is now at the very heart of the mobile computing experience, providing the gateway to an enriched experience of user interface, gaming, location services, web and media,‖ said Hossein Yassaie, CEO, Imagination Technologies.

―Combining the OMAP 4 platform’s low-power, high- performance architecture with the extensive acceleration capabilities and API support of Imagination’s POWERVR SGX544 will enable experiences that will really make people sit up and take notice.

Availability
The 45nm OMAP4470 processor is expected to sample in the second half of 2011, with devices expected to hit the market in first half 2012. These products are intended for high-volume mobile OEMs and ODMs, and are not available through distributors.

The configuration involved linking together up to five LaCie Little Big Disks to a high-end display. Multiple full uncompressed HD 1080p content was able to be streamed at speeds up to 835MB/s, which according to LaCie is the fastest performance achieved by any mobile storage solution.

The company claims it is the perfect solution for video professionals and other video content demanding users. It allows you to handle projects that used to require professional server rooms, but now can be done in the palm of your hands. The LaCie Little Big Disks make high-end studio editing possible on the go.

If you’re not familiar with the Thunderbolt technology, make sure to check out our closer look.

Press Release:

LaCie Demonstrates the Ultimate Thunderbolt™ Configuration for Video Professionals

PARIS, FRANCE – Today LaCie announced the unveiling of a significant Thunderbolt technology demonstration at the Intel® booth (#M0410) during Computex 2011, from June 1-4, in Taipei, Taiwan. The demonstration will showcase multiple LaCie Little Big Disks Thunderbolt Series in a daisy chain, delivering speeds up to 835MB/s – the fastest performance achieved by any mobile storage solution.

A perfect configuration for video professionals and demanding users, the LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series is the first peripheral to showcase daisy chain capability between a high-end display and multiple storage devices, with no compromise in performance. For example, a professional display such as LaCie’s 324i, together with up to five additional hard drives can deliver enough bandwidth to support several 1080p uncompressed streams of HD video in Final Cut Pro. Even better, professionals can connect to the entire configuration with a single Thunderbolt cable.

This kind of speed development is unheard of in mobile storage devices. Now, with the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series, professionals can handle projects that were previously tied to server rooms, in the palm of their hands. With the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series, high-end studio editing is now possible on the go.

“We are thrilled to meet this significant speed milestone, not just for mobile storage, but for the entire industry,” said Erwan Girard, Professional Business Unit Manager, LaCie. “The availability of LaCie’s Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series will dramatically change the storage footprint of our professional customers that are using the latest MacBook® Pro or iMac®. And it’s not only achieved with solid-state drives. LaCie’s Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series pushes the performance limitations of hard drive technology, resulting in a high-capacity, fast-performing solution that’s also extremely cost effective.”

LaCie showcased the remarkable performance of LaCie’s Little Big Disks Thunderbolt Series hard drive model, at the recent NAB conference, in Las Vegas, April 2010.

The Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series will be available this summer. LaCie’s 324i high-end display is fully compatible with Thunderbolt Technology and can be purchased at www.lacie.com.

The rumor points to the TI OMAP 4 chip as being the chip that Google favors for Ice Cream Sandwich. The reason according to the source of the rumor is that NVIDIA is lacking in engineering depth and innovation. There is also a strong indication that NVIDIA delays are part of the reason for a change. The source reportedly said that TI would deliver when it promised.

The source said, “Nvidia seems to have run out of steam, lacks engineers and has come up against a bit of an innovation wall.” Another rumor claims that Google may be looking at Qualcomm to provide chips for tablets running Android Jello, said to be the version of Android coming after Ice Cream Sandwich. The source says Google is simply going for the processors that seem to be the best at any given time.

[via Android Community]

The version Pocket-lint played with is an actual production version of the tablet that will be offered in Japan. The tablet has a 10.1-inch screen that is touch capable. The keyboard on the version that you see here apparently has some extra keys around the space bar for Japanese users and the version for other areas will not have those making it more useful. I hope that means a larger space bar, that thing looks tiny.

The table weighs 1.1kg and has a HDMI port, dual USB 2.0 ports, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. The TH40/D also has a hardware volume control. The processor inside is the Atom Z670 running at 1.5GHz. The tablet has 1GB of RAM, which isn’t very good considering the OS is Windows 7. The build quality is first rate according to Pocket-lint. For basic computing users wanting the most portability they can get, the TH40/D is worth your consideration.

[via Pocket-lint]

The TouchPad looks nice and is very polished looking. The pages rotate in a wheel style. Touching the app you want from that wheel will bring it to the full page. All the windows that are part of the app are also easy to close and modify. It looks polished and has some nice features. If the TouchPad will be able to compete with the iPad and Android tablets remains to be seen.

It is impressive on the video how fast the TouchPad transitions between orientations and how fast apps launch and close. It drives me crazy to have to wait for the orientation to change when I move form portrait to landscape on my iPhone. One of the more interesting things in the demo was the contacts page that aggregates all of the methods of getting your contacts in one place. That means things like email and Facebook along with others for a contact are all in one place. Check out the video to see the tablet in action.

[via Gadgets Magazine]

With the new focus on thin netbooks thanks to rigs like the MacBook Air and others, the Canoe Lake design is finally going to be built and sold to consumers. Malta will sell the design, though when it will sell the rig is unknown. The little spec card that sits along with the thin and sexy netbook gives up the details on the machine. It has a 10.1-inch screen and if I am reading the blurry print correctly the processor inside is a Cedar View processor. The machine will have either 1GB or 2GB of RAM as well.

It has dual USB 2.0 ports, a SD card slot, VGA out, and a headphone and mic out port. The machine has integrated WiFi and Bluetooth is optional. The netbook will use Windows 7 and will measure 15-18mm thick. The weight of the machine is unknown as is the selling price and availability. Check out the video below to see for yourself.

[via JKKMobile]

Hardware specifications are unknown at the moment, as is release date and pricing, though of course Intel has said that Ultrabooks will come in at under the $1,000 mark. We’re guessing a roughly 12.5-inch display, in keeping with the U260, and probably a Core i3 processor.

Beyond that there’ll be the usual Sandy Bridge integrated graphics, wireless options and, given Lenovo’s track record, probably a few integrated WWAN options too. No sign of the U300s on the company’s site yet, but we’ll update when we know more.

Intel said earlier this week that it had managed to get its Z670 chip into ten shipping slates and was expecting plenty more – in a variety of form-factors, including sliders and convertibles – before Medfield arrives to replace the processor in the first half of 2012. The version of MeeGo shown looks welcomely different to the underwhelming UI we played with back in February, with better use of the screen size and resolution and various widgets on offer.

No word on pricing or availability at this stage. We’re waiting to hear back from Acer with more details, and will update when that takes place.

[Image via Twitter]

That integration will allow cars from the German marques to intelligently take advantage of off-peak or low-rate energy supplies, negotiate for charging slots so as not to overload the system, and give feedback on performance and other data. Since it will use the same charging ports as the cars rely on for power, it will make getting connected – using regular IP standards – more straightforward too.

We’re guessing manufacturers will also be able to collect more up-to-date feedback on the car’s status, such as whether it requires servicing and the health of the batteries, rather than rely on systems checks when the vehicle is brought in (or using some sort of embedded cellular connection, which adds cost). No word on when the first 911 with a Powerline plug will pull off the forecourt.

Press Release:

HomePlug® Powerline Alliance Announces Support from Global German Auto Manufacturers for HomePlug GP Specification

Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen Line Up Behind HomePlug Green PHY for Electric Vehicle Charging Technology Standard

Taipei, Taiwan – June 1, 2011 – At its event at COMPUTEX Taipei today, the HomePlug® Powerline Alliance (www.homeplug.org) announced support from Germany’s major car manufacturers – Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen – for its HomePlug Technology.

After intense case studies and tests, the five German car manufacturers – working together as the Coordination Office Charging Interface – chose to support HomePlug’s IEEE 1901 Profile Green PHY (GP) as the technology for the charging interface of electric vehicles. Additionally, HomePlug has invited the participation of these auto manufacturers in developing the HomePlug Green PHY certification program. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance serves as a compliance and certification body for IEEE 1901 and manages the largest compliance and interoperability certification program for powerline networking products.

“For electric vehicles to be widely accepted, they must integrate into existing and emerging charging infrastructures, connected to the smart grid,” noted Dr. Heiko Doerr, Manager of Coordination Office Charging Interface. “For charging electric vehicles, the communication interface is established via the charging connector, and the HomePlug Green PHY provides a common communications standard to support all modes of AC and DC charging.”

The HomePlug GP specification, finalized in June 2010, is a low power, highly reliable and cost-optimized powerline networking specification which targets “Smart Grid” applications such as appliances, smart meters, climate control, and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. Utility companies and manufacturers are looking to adopt communications and networking technologies, such as HomePlug GP, to help consumers and businesses monitor and reduce their energy consumption. More details about HomePlug GP can be found at http://www.homeplug.org/tech/homeplug_gp. HomePlug GP is a key component of the HomePlug technology portfolio, along with HomePlug AV broadband powerline technology and the upcoming HomePlug AV2 specification. HomePlug AV is the baseline technology for the IEEE 1901 powerline standard. All three specifications are fully interoperable with each other and with IEEE’s 1901 powerline standard, and they are designed to make it easier for multiple chip suppliers and manufacturers to deliver products to support IP networking.

“The endorsement and support of these world class manufacturers is a significant step in establishing robust technology standards to deliver on the smart grid promise,” commented Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. “We are delighted with their decision and look forward to working with them to develop the product certification process.”

The announcement comes on the heels of recent research reports from In-Stat, Infonetics and Pike Research pointing to the continued leadership of the HomePlug technology standard around the world. Pike Research analyst Bob Gohn commented, “The adoption of standards is a key driver to widespread smart appliance adoption, and our research indicates that HomePlug Green PHY is likely to be the power line standard that gives manufacturers the confidence to rollout products in increasingly greater numbers.”

COMPUTEX Taipei Event – June 1, 9 AM – 12 Noon
COMPUTEX is Asia’s largest IT exhibition and conference, and second largest in the world to CeBit in Germany. Today, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance will host an industry “Meet and Greet” event during the show at the Taipei International Convention Center. It will be held at 2F, Room 201 (A+B) and is open to all interested parties attending the exhibition.

During this informal seminar, HomePlug President Rob Ranck and several Board of Directors representatives will provide updates on the Alliance’s current initiatives: HomePlug AV (IEEE P1901), HomePlug Green PHY and the new HomePlug AV2 standard.

About the HomePlug® Powerline Alliance
With HomePlug technology, the electrical wires in the home can now distribute broadband Internet, HD video, digital music and smart energy applications. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. (www.homeplug.org) is an industry-led initiative with 65 member companies that creates specifications, marketing and certification programs to accelerate worldwide adoption of powerline networking with HomePlug technology.

Sponsor members include Broadcom Corporation (BRCM); Cisco (CSCO); Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK); GE Energy, an affiliate of General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE); Qualcomm Atheros (QCOM); Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723); SPiDCOM Technologies; and STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM).

The chip company hasn’t detailed what makes those three levels different, though clock speed and cache seem likely factors. Meanwhile, the Z-Series for tablets – codenamed Desna – will target Windows based slates and have a sub-6W TDP, as per the leaked slides we saw last week. The first model to use the platform will be MSI’s WindPad 110W, launched earlier this week,

We won’t have to wait until 2012 and Trinity for the first Bulldozer products, however; AMD confirmed that the first mainstream chips – including Zambezi for desktops and Orochi for servers - will arrive in Q3 2011. The new 9-Series chipset that will support them is already available, the company said, and will be showing up in products from next month.

AMD also brought BlueStacks on stage for a demonstration of the company’s Android virtualization software for Windows-based devices. That will allow Z-Series based slates to run Android apps alongside Windows software.

ECS is more known for manufacturing motherboards, but they took the opportunity at Computex to show off a tablet and phone hybrid device of their own. Their tablet features a dock that’s similar to the TransPhone in that a smartphone slides into the dock, but is also similar to the Padfone in that the dock encloses the smartphone. But what’s unique about their prototype is that it’s designed to work with the iPhone.

The model on display was shown to cradle an iPhone 4, but the company says that it should eventually have modular support for Android and Windows Phone as well as other iOS devices. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a working prototype and it wasn’t clear if the tablet works independently or relied on interaction with the smartphone. The tablet did have its own front camera, SD card slot, HDM out, and two USB ports.

Despite not having a working prototype, the company estimates that they are relatively close to having the tablet ready by next summer. They also plan on a price tag of under $200.

Ultrabooks aren’t all that Intel is looking at. The company had tablets, smartphones and netbooks to discuss, with Medfield in the first two and Cedar Trail in the latter. The new Atom processors are picking up pace, too, with Intel saying there’ll be production process shrinking on a yearly basis until it hits 12nm within three successive years. As you’d expect, there are various little flourishes like MBA-style fast-resumes to whet your notebook appetite.

Elsewhere, ASUS turned its attention from tablets like the Padfone to more potent gaming hardware, outing a full range of Republic of Gamers motherboards, video cards and accessories. More interesting, perhaps, is the new ROG notebook and desktop PC line-up, including the G53SX Naked Eye 3D laptop which, as the name suggests, has a 3D panel that can not only show 2D and 3D content simultaneously, but not demand you wear special specs.

MSI had saved most of its hardware for the official first day of the show, with a mass of new laptops along with some fresh Wind Box nettops using Intel’s Core range along with AMD’s Fusion APUs. There’s also a potent graphics card which MSI reckons is enough to take the “world’s fastest” title.

Then there were tablet prototypes: one from Quanta to show of Qualcomm’s dual-core Snapdragon, and a number from Pixel Qi to demonstrate their new 7-inch and 10-inch displays. You can find our Computex 2011 Day Zero wrap-up here, and find all of our ongoing show coverage with the Computex 2011 tag

The Wind Box DC100 packs AMD’s super-frugal E-350 dual-core APU processor, demanding 70-percent less juice than rival chips, paired with Radeon HD 6310 graphics. It’s just 1-liter in size, too, despite packing a 250GB HDD, 2GB of RAM and an HDMI output.

The 4.7-liter DC540 gets Intel’s Cedar Trail-D processor, meanwhile, . Finally, the 10-liter MSI Hetis H61 uses one of Intel’s Sandy Bridge second-gen Core processors complete with integrated graphics. No word on pricing for any of the three compact desktops.

Press Release:

ALL NEEDS ARE MET
An impressive debut for MSI’s new generation of Wind Box

COMPUTEX, TAIPEI –MSI, the global leading brand in All-in-One PC, is constantly developing innovative new technology and leveraging its impressive R&D capabilities. At Computex Taipei 2011, besides showcasing its new All-in-One PC models, which emphasize vivid color reproduction, environmentally-friendly business functionality and smart digital lifestyles, MSI will also be displaying three new desktop PC models: the 1-liter Wind Box DC100, MSI’s latest ultra-mini PC; the 4.7-liter Wind Box DC540 desktop; and the large, 10-liter Hetis H61 desktop. These new models add improved panel design to the slim, lightweight and visually attractive characteristics of earlier MSI desktop PCs. The WindBox DC100 has a fashionable new external appearance, together with the energy-saving, high-performance AMD E-350 APU processor capable of supporting 1080-pixel high-definition video output and 3D online gaming. The Wind Box DC540 is equipped with the latest Cedar Trail-D platform processor, while the Hetis H61 uses an Intel® second-generation CoreTM i processor, which provides significantly enhanced performance. All of MSI’s desktop PCs come with Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium version); combined with their high-performance processors, this ensures that they are able to meet all normal home computing and work computing needs. MSI has given these new desktop PCs a fashionable, aesthetically appealing external appearance that will suit the varying home décor preferences of individual users. With these new desktop models, users can enjoy outstanding performance at reasonable prices.

Specialist Software to Meet All Needs
MSI’s new-generation desktop PCs – including the Wind Box DC100, Wind Box DC540 and Hetis H61 – use Microsoft’s new Windows 7 64-bit operating system and the Microsoft Office 2010 productivity suite. Combined with anti-virus software, this makes each PC a high-performance, secure work platform, and enables users to enjoy true peace of mind while using the PCs. Windows 7 is simple, fast, and appealing, and provides a wide range of search and file management methods, including jump lists and improved taskbar thumbnails, making it possible for users to undertake everyday search activity more rapidly. Windows 7 is designed to provide faster, more reliable performance, so that users can really get the most out of their PCs. When using the Internet, there is always the risk of computer viruses and data security issues; the anti-virus software with which MSI desktop PCs are equipped as standard ensures that users can put worries of this kind to the back of their minds.

Ultra-High Performance; Environmentally-Friendly Design
MSI’s new-generation Wind Box DC100 1-liter desktop PC is equipped with the latest AMD E-350 dual-core processor and APU. Regardless of whether you want to use the PC for 3D online gaming or viewing movies, there is no need to spend money on an add-on graphics card, because MSI desktops’ DirectX® 11 technology ensures ultra-realistic game images, while AMD’s AVIVOTM technology ensures crisp detail in every image. With these new desktop PCs, MSI has given gamers a whole new visual experience for a very reasonable price. In addition, at a time when the idea of “green,” environmentally-friendly PCs is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, the Wind Box DC100 uses AMD’s latest Brazos platform APU, which has almost unbelievably low, 18-watt energy consumption. The Wind Box DC100 thus provides energy savings of nearly 70% compared to conventional desktop PCs, making it possible to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by over 810 kilos and save 180 trees. MSI’s environmentally-friendly, energy-saving design allows PC users to enjoy high performance while still being green; MSI has created a new generation of desktop PCs that respond in a meaningful way to contemporary environmental concerns. MSI’s latest 1-liter ultra-mini desktop PC, the Wind Box DC100, uses a fashionable design concept with soft, smooth lines while maintaining the slim, lightweight appearance of earlier MSI desktop PCs. It looks good in any type of home environment, constituting the ultimate home furnishing accessory. The Wind Box DC540 is equipped with the latest Cedar Trail-D processor, while the Hetis H61 uses the 2nd generation Intel® CoreTM processor, with the graphics processing unit (GPU) and CPU integrated onto the same chip in a revolutionary new design which ensures outstanding image quality when watching video content or viewing photos. The Sandy Bridge processor used in the Hetis H61 provides high performance while also maintaining efficient energy usage. The built-in GPU facilitates the sharing of resources, which can be automatically transferred between the CPU and GPU as needed to enhance processing speed and improve individual work performance.

The new smartphone will sport a 3.5-inch WVGA capacitive screen with a resolution of 480 x 800. The rear camera is a 5MP unit with autofocus. The smartphone will operate on the HSPA 850/1900 or 900/2100 frequencies. It will also support GSM quad band 850/900/1800/1900Mhz. The processor under the hood is the Qualcomm MSN8255 at 1GHz.

Other features include WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, DLNA support, and 8GB of storage. The phone looks nice enough, what do you think? Is Mango appealing to you at all? You can get better hardware in Android offerings on the market already that what I am seeing here.

[via WMPoweruser]

The iSSD measures 16mm x 20mm x 1.85mm for the 128GB version and has very impressive performance despite the small size of the storage device. The iSSD is good for up to 450MB/s sequential read speed and up to 160GB/s sequential write speeds. The iSSD is available in other capacities as well. We talked about the 64GB version of the iSSD back in August of 2010. The iSSD also comes in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities as well.

The U100 drive is the successor to the SanDisk P4 modular SSDs with a 2.5-inch form factor and multiple capacities. The drives can be had in 8GB up to 256GB versions. The U100 is good for sequential read speeds up to 450MB/s and sequential writes up to 340MB/s. The U100 line comes in several form factors with Half-Slim SATA SSD, mSATA, mSATA mini, 2.5” cased, and custom models.

[via SanDisk]

The chip uses InConcert tech from Broadcom to allow Bluetooth and WiFi to coexist on multiple platforms. The chip will work with both Windows and Android platforms. The WiFi side of the chip will support normal WiFi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity. Wi-Fi Direct allows WiFi devices to connect to each other without needing a wireless network for data sharing.

Broadcom is offering a BCM43142 software development kit with APIs for Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth high speed, and 802.11n Wi-Fi Direct functionality. Broadcom is demonstrating the new chip and the software that goes with it at Computex this week. Samples are being offered now for early engagement customers according to Broadcom. There is no indication when we will see products on the market using the new chip.

MSI claims that the card is the most powerful on the planet and it packs in 3GB of graphics memory and has Propeller Blade fans that use Smart Temp Sensor and Dust Removal technology along with the Twin Frozr III cooling tech. The card is made for the overclocker that wants the most performance with Triple Temp monitoring capability and Power4 Architecture. All that tech adds up to the king of the single GPU cards.

The fans use special coating that turns from blue to white when the temperatures inside the machine exceed 45-degrees. The color change warns the user that the system might be too hot. The dust removal tech spins the fans backwards for 30 seconds to remove dust form the heatsink fins for better cooling. The exact clock speeds of the card are not known at this time. Pricing and availability are also a mystery.

The GT780 has a 17.3-inch screen and the GT683 has a 15.6-inch screen. The notebooks also have USB 3.0, 720p webcams and more. MSI has also unveiled the C Series notebooks with the 15.6-inch CX670 and CX640 along with the 14-inch CX480. The 480 and 640 both use Intel Core processors and GT 520M GPUs. The 670 uses the new generation AMD platform. The machines all have SRS PC Sound and powerful multimedia capability.

The X Series includes the 13.4-inch X370 weighing in at 1.4kg and the 14-inch X460 that weighs 1.9kg. Both are under an inch thick and the 370 uses the AMD dual-core E-350 CPU while the X460 uses Intel Core i7 processors. The F Series has the 15.6-inch FX620DX and the FX420 with a 14-inch screen. Both use the Intel Core line of processors and have some sort of MSI raised totem seal coating. They are aimed at the mobile user on the go.

There’s also a 7-inch Pixel Qi panel being shown in a new tablet reference design, running at 1024 x 600. Unlike the initial panels, the thickness is slimmed right down: 4mm in these early units, but with the possibility of a 2mm panel in the future. Mass production is expected at the end of Q3 2011

As for the 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 panel, that’s currently 3mm though Pixel Qi founder Mary Lou Jepsen says it could go slimmer by shaving a little more off the various layers of the glass and substrate. It will begin mass production in Q4 2011.

Jepsen claims Pixel Qi is the fastest growing display company around right now, and is also looking for new staff; she expects Pixel Qi’s systems to be the dominant display technology in five years time. Next up could be 4.3-inch panels suitable for smartphones or larger panels for mainstream laptops; there’s also a 9.7-inch panel with “very high contrast, very wide viewing angle” planned for either late this year or early in 2012, something we reckon is particularly interesting because that’s of course the same size as the iPad’s display.

Meanwhile, Pixel Qi is looking at the possibility of bistable displays – panels which can maintain their picture even when the power supply is removed, something more commonly associated with e-paper displays such as those from E Ink – though that depends on whether there’s OEM demand.

Once the Android 3.1 update is applied, the Transformer will support gaming controllers from the PS3 and Xbox 360. The photo attached here is from Asus UK and the guy in the photo is playing a game on the Transformer using what appears to be a PS3 controller. The controller has a wire running from it to the Transformer so if you were hoping for wireless you are out of luck. I think most won’t mind the wire since gaming with the controller is likely to be a home thing for most users anyway.

The thing that is most interesting to me is that by combing your Transformer with the game controller you probably already have and the HDMI out of the tablet you can make yourself a very nice little Android game console for your living room TV. Android gaming on a big screen with a real gaming controller is something that I bet more than one Android gamer has wished for.

[via Android Community]

So far the bulk of the Honeycomb tablets we’ve seen have been running NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 chipset; Qualcomm’s dual-core MSM8660 has reached the market, but in the HTC Sensation smartphone rather than in a tablet. The Quanta slate is only a reference design right now – though we imagine the OEM wouldn’t be adverse to a company picking it up and slapping their brand on it – but it packs mini HDMI, microUSB and a microSD card slot, along with integrated 3G and an audio jack.

NetbookNews reckon the screen is as good quality as a Super AMOLED, which bodes well for future 10-inchers, and there are twin cameras along with a slickly minimalist design. It’s not completely clear whether it’s powered by the MSM8960 which Qualcomm says is on track to sample in June, or the MSM8660. [Update: It's confirmed as the new MSM9860.] To tide us over there’ll be more than 40 new tablets using existing Snapdragon chips.

We’re guessing we’ll hear more details at Uplinq later on; SlashGear will be there, bringing back all the news that matters.

Press Release:

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Family Gains Momentum with Leading OEMs across Multiple Operating Systems

Generation of Snapdragon MSM8960 Processors on Track to Sample in June

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – May 29, 2011 – Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) will be demonstrating the latest Snapdragon®-powered mobile computing devices, including tablets running Android 3.0, at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2011, May 31 – June 4. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon family of smart mobile processors has steadily gained traction across a diverse array of mobile operating systems, including Android, BlackBerry, Chrome, HP webOS, Windows Phone and the next version of Windows. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon mobile processors currently power 125 announced smartphones and tablets, with another 250 designs in development, more than 40 of which are tablets.

“We are very pleased with the tremendous Snapdragon traction we have been getting with a variety of companies,” said Luis Pineda, senior vice president of product management, computing and consumer products at Qualcomm. “We are showcasing some truly innovative products from HTC, HP, ASUS and many more OEMs that are leading the mobile computing industry.”

“Qualcomm and HTC agree that a great mobile device starts with a great foundation,” said Kouji Kodera, chief product officer of HTC. “We are proud of our Snapdragon devices, including our HTC Sensation and HTC EVO 3D powered by the MSM8660, which is coming soon, and our HTC Flyer powered by MSM8655, which is now available. We look forward to continuing with the next generation of Snapdragon when the MSM8960 samples in June.”

“We are pleased to be showing our latest ASUS tablet designs running Android 3.0, also known as Honeycomb, here at COMPUTEX,” said HC Hung, vice president of ASUS. “We chose Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile processors to power our tablets because of their ability to provide the optimal combination of processing performance, efficient power usage and wireless connectivity on a single platform.”

Qualcomm has built Snapdragon mobile processors from the ground up to deliver the best mobile processing, graphics and connectivity, intelligently integrated to deliver the highest performance with the least power consumption. The Snapdragon MSM8x60 family of mobile processors is a leading solution for the latest multitasking tablets and smartphones, offering two asynchronous processor cores; an integrated Adreno 220 GPU with twice the processing power of its predecessor; and support for up to a 16 megapixel camera. The Snapdragon MSM8x55 family of processors substantially improves overall user experience, increases system performance and further extends battery life.

At COMPUTEX 2011, Qualcomm will showcase a broad array of smart mobile devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon single- and dual-core processors, including tablets and smartphones from Acer, Anydata, Asus, Compal Communications Inc., Compal Electronics, Foxconn, Foxlink, HTC, Lenovo, QISDA, Quanta and ZTE. Qualcomm will also demonstrate the Snapdragon MSM8660 MDP, which features asynchronous dual-core CPU performance and power savings; console-quality 3D gaming and UIs; and stereoscopic 3D and 1080P video capture, preview and playback.

The ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z use the Intel Z68 chipset and ASUS’ overclocking system, but the GENE-Z shrinks things down to the microATX form factor. Both support both NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX, but can also intelligently switch between discrete and integrated graphics using the Lucid Virtu virtualization engine. Finally, there’s SupremeFX X-Fi 2 audio and Intel Ethernet with GameFirst for prioritizing online gaming network traffic.

Both new graphics cards use NVIDIA’s GTX 580 GPU, with the ROG MATRIX GTX 580 getting one of them and the ROG MARS II getting a pair. Each packs GPU Tweak for easier overclocking, as well as 19-Phase Super Alloy Power. Dual fans keep things cool, with ASUS claiming the MATRIX pulls through 600-percent more air and makes for 20-percent cooler operation than the NVIDIA reference design.

Finally, ASUS throws in some accessories, including the ROG Vulcan ANC Headset with an active-noise-cancellation system, and the VG278 3D 27-inch display, which has HDMI 1.4 and a built-in infrared emitter. No pricing or availability for any of the new ROG range.

Press Release:

Experience a New Era of ROG with a Range of High-Performance Products for Demanding PC Gamers

Experience a New Era of ROG with a Range of High-Performance Products for Demanding PC Gamers

New Republic of Gamers products announced for 2011 include motherboards, graphics cards, high-end gaming notebooks, a headset, a powerful desktop and a stunning 27-inch 3D desktop display

Taipei, Taiwan, (Computex, 31st May, 2011) — ASUS, a global leader in the new digital era, today announced a number of exciting new products for high-performance gaming PCs to further expand its Republic of Gamers (ROG) range. Established five years ago, ROG is committed to developing the ultimate high-performance hardware.

“The ROG philosophy is based on the core ideals of class-leading performance, innovative user controls and gamer-focused design,” said ASUS Vice President and GM of Worldwide Sales, Jackie Hsu. The products announced today not only hold true to these ideals, but also introduce a host of new innovations that push high-end PC performance to even greater extremes.

Designed for hardcore gamers who want to be able to play anywhere, the G74Sx gaming notebook uses a second generation Intel® Core™ processor and NVIDIA® GTX 560M graphics for outstanding performance. The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D makes lifelike 3D without the need for glasses a reality on a sleek and powerful portable PC. Gamers looking for similar instant action in desktop form are well-served by the new CG8565 Gaming System with a Z68 chipset-based motherboard, stealth fighter-inspired case design and a host of easy-to-use overclocking features.

Also unveiled today are three new ROG motherboards based on the latest Intel® and AMD chipsets that bring new levels of performance for PC builders. The Maximus IV GENE-Z and Maximus IV Extreme-Z both use the new Intel® Z68 chipset to deliver unparalleled gaming and overclocking features, while the Crosshair V Formula is the first AMD 990FX-based motherboard supporting both 3-Way SLI™ and CrossFireX™, and with a graphical UEFI BIOS. Two new NVIDIA® GTX 580-based graphics cards, the MATRIX GTX580 and MARS II, further expand the ROG range.

Recognizing that a successful gaming experience depends on more than just what is inside a PC, ROG now also includes new PC peripherals. The first peripheral in the ROG family is the Vulcan ANC gaming headset with active noise-cancelling technology, which ensures an immersive audio experience, whatever the gaming environment. Combine all the great ROG hardware and attach it to an ASUS VG278H 3D 27-inch display that is designed for gaming, and gamers can become immersed in the latest titles.

Zane Ball, General Manager for Desktops at Intel, said: “We’ve had great success in the gaming market and we appreciate that a vendor like ASUS is devoted to this field. Brands such as ROG demonstrate the best practice for gaming and overclocking PC hardware, and the two new motherboards and one desktop with Intel Z68-based chipsets announced today offer exciting new performance-turning opportunities.”

Over the past five years, ROG products have been recognized by a number of renowned industrial design awards bodies such as iF Design, Red Dot and Good Design and have been well received by power PC users worldwide. Over 1,200 awards from the media are testament to the quality and innovation delivered by ROG and its commitment to delivering total domination in the high-performance PC field. Rest assured that ROG will continue to annihilate records and crush the competition for years to come.

“We are keen to provide the most innovative and powerful solutions for our users, which is why ROG has a team dedicated to researching and developing ideas that go well beyond what you might expect,” said Jackie Hsu.

Visit ASUS at Computex 2011

Please refer to the attached appendices for further details of these new ROG products, or visit the ASUS ROG Computex 2011 Booth at the Nangang Exhibition Hall. Please stop by to see the latest innovations ROG has in store or visit our Computex 2011 website for more information: http://press.asus.com/computex2011/rog/

APPENDICES

1. ROG G74Sx 3D gaming notebook

The G74Sx 3D is a high-performance notebook for gamers who don’t want to drag a full PC around to gaming events, or do not have room at home for a full desktop set up. The G74Sw 3D has the clean, angular lines of a stealth fighter and the power to match, thanks to the latest second generation Intel® Core™ quad-core i5 and i7 processors. NVIDIA® GTX 560M graphics ensure blistering frame rates at native resolutions and high detail settings on the 17-inch Full HD screen, while NVIDIA® 3D Vision offers players a new dimension to games and movies.

Powerful it may be, but the G74Sx 3D always keeps its cool with an innovative thermal design that uses twin fans to draw cool air from the front of the case and twin rear exhausts to expel warm air out the back. The gamer-friendly keyboard brings an extra edge to the playing field, too. The metallic base is does not flex, the backlit keys ensure frags in dimly lit environments and a large cursor key cluster sits away from the main keyboard to minimize mistyped keys in the midst of the action.

* More details will be revealed in early June.

World’s first glasses-free 3D gaming notebook
The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D makes lifelike 3D without the need for glasses a reality on a sleek and powerful portable PC. The unique technology works with a whole catalogue of games and multimedia content, even instantly converting existing 2D visuals into glasses-free 3D. Advanced research has also resulted in mixed mode, where one window can display in 2D while another shows in 3D, both on-screen at once. This is achieved without compromising brightness, contract or color fidelity, exceeding the output of older 3D technology that relies on glasses.

These figures are driven by a 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 CPU and discrete, DirectX® 11-compatible NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 560M graphics with a massive 2GB GDDR5 video memory, specs that allow titles such as StarCraft II to run in high resolution with anti-aliasing turned all the way up. Performance is also driven by the inclusion of a solid state hybrid drive that runs at approximate 10,000rpm speeds, cutting down boot time by as much as 52%.

The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D ships with a full suite of 3D content creation and editing software, giving users access to advanced authoring tools, including 3DTV Play connectivity. Sound is rendered in THX and EAX 5.0 3D for pristine spatial sound in gaming and other applications, with up to 128 additional sound effects at once compared to traditional gaming notebooks.

In terms of design, the G53SX shares the same ergonomic and stylish look of its stable mates. The 5-degree inclined keyboard promotes comfort during long gaming sessions, aided by rubber-coated palm rests that prevent sweating and wrist fatigue. Oversized twin rear exhausts push heat to keep the machine cool even under load while remaining quiet at all times. Users get a cool and silent environment that makes gaming much more enjoyable.

2. ROG Crosshair V Formula series motherboard

The Crosshair V Formula with AMD 990FX chipset-based is not only the first ROG motherboard with AM3+ CPU support, but it is also the first ever AMD motherboard to support both 3-Way NVDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ as well as offer UEFI BIOS. The usual selection of advanced ROG overclocking tools are on hand too, while onboard SupremeFX X-Fi 2 delivers the most intense and immersive gaming audio experience. Better still, high-performance Intel® Ethernet with GameFirst technology creates a LAN connection that is fast enough to keep up with the pace of modern multiplayer gaming over an internet connection that is also used being used for other online tasks.

To really make it the ultimate gaming motherboard, the Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt also comes with the ThunderBolt audio/LAN combo expansion card. The class-leading XONAR™ audio technology provides dramatically better sound quality than any standard audio card, while its built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable impedance settings make it perfect for getting the drop on the gaming competition. The Crosshair V Formula/Thunderbolt also incorporates the award-winning Bigfoot Networks™ Killer™ E2100 networking platform with exclusive Advanced Stream Detect™ technology that automatically classifies and prioritizes traffic for online games, HD video and audio streams for optimum performance, even when performing these tasks simultaneously.

The Crosshair V Formula motherboard is available now; the Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt will be available for purchase in the end of July,

3. ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z motherboards

Although both are based on the new Intel® Z68 chipset, the ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z offer two different takes on the high-performance motherboard.

The Maximus IV Extreme-Z is the latest model in a long line of ROG motherboards designed from the ground up to be an overclocking enthusiast’s dream come true. The Maximus IV GENE-Z takes the successful ROG motherboard recipe and shrinks it to a microATX form factor that will appeal to speed freaks and case modders alike. Support for both NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ offers the ultimate in flexibility for 3D graphics, but that does not mean the integrated GPU features of the Intel® Z68 chipset are wasted. Full support for the Lucid® Virtu™ graphics virtualization engine means the Maximus IV GENE-Z can seamlessly switch between discrete and integrated graphics on-the-fly as the application demands, while SupremeFX X-Fi 2 audio and Intel® Ethernet with GameFirst ensure a first-class gaming experience.

4. ROG MATRIX GTX 580 graphics card

The ROG MATRIX GTX 580 is a high-performance graphics card for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the very best with NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 580 GPU. Enhanced TweakIt, ProbeIt and Safe Mode overclocking utilities offer unparalleled hardware adjustment, while GPU Tweak provides instant settings adjustment and monitoring. The 19-Phase Super Alloy Power technology provides greater overclocking headroom with enhanced power efficiency and component durability.

ASUS DirectCU II technology also provides extremely effective cooling by combining copper heatpipes that fix in direct contact with the GPU core with two huge sound-dampened fans that suck through 600% more air and achieving 20% cooler operation than the reference design.

5. ROG MARS II graphics card

The ROG MARS II/2DIS/3GD5 elevates extreme high-performance gaming to greater heights. The dual NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 580 design ensures phenomenally high frame rates in the latest games at maxed-out detail settings, while the all-new GPU Tweak overclocking utility with real-time clock and fan speed adjustment offers unparalleled tweaking opportunities. 19-Phase Super Alloy Power technology and Direct CU dual-fan cooling makes for cool, rock-solid operation too.

6. ROG CG8565 Gaming System

With its stealth fighter-inspired design, the angular, matte black exterior of the ROG CG8565 Gaming System belies the power that lurks within. Built for gamers who want a ready-made high-end gaming experience, this stunning desktop PC delivers awe-inspiring amounts of power, thanks to the second generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor with Z68 chipset and NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 590 GPU.

Overclocking features form an integral part of this competition-destroying desktop, with a one-touch ‘Level Up’ button built directly into the chassis for an instant real-time speed boost. Exclusive ASUS DIGI+ VRM technology and innovative thermal management ensures that the ROG CG8565 stays cool even when it is pushed to the limit, while the ASUS Xonar sound card provides immersive gaming audio.

7. ROG Vulcan ANC Headset

The ROG Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset completes the new range of Republic of Gamers accessories. It is perfect for gaming in noisy environments, or just those times when external speakers are not appropriate. The Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset uses active noise cancelling technology specially designed to filter external noise from both its high-quality speakers and boom microphone. The result is crystal-clear sound quality for music, movies, games and even VoIP calls.

8. ASUS VG278 3D 27” desktop monitor

Recognizing that a successful gaming experience depends on more than just what is inside a PC; ASUS has also introduced a new range of PC peripherals to enhance that experience with the VG278H 3D display. Designed for gamers who want complete immersion in the latest titles, this 27-inch LED backlit screen has full support for 3D graphics cards via HDMI 1.4 and a built-in infrared emitter for a wire-free desktop.

The G53SX can convert 2D content into 3D, and even show 2D and 3D windows on-screen side-by-side, “without compromising brightness, contract or color fidelity” ASUS claims. We’re not sure what that would do to our eyes, but it’s exciting nonetheless. There’s also 2GB of dedicated video memory, a 10,000rpm hybrid hard-drive with SSD partition for reduced boot times, 3DTV Play connectivity, THX and EAX 5.0 3D sound and a stealth-bomber style design.

That styling is shared by other new ASUS gaming notebooks, like the ROG G74Sx 3D, which has the a choice of Core i5 or i7 processors along with GTX 560M GPU, but a regular NVIDIA 3D Vision display demanding active shutter glasses. It has a 17-inch HD display, backlit keyboard and a new thermal design which uses twin fans pulling cool air from the front of the case and twin rear exhausts to expel warm air out the back.

The desktop ROG CG8565 Gaming System, finally, comes with a second-gen Core i7 processor with Z68 chipset and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590 GPU. It has a dedicated “Level Up” overclock button on its fascia, automatically boosting performance using ASUS’ DIGI+ VRM technology.

Eventually ASUS will have a video demonstrating the new kit, but at the moment it’s still set to private. No word on pricing or availability of any of the three systems.

Press Release:

Experience a New Era of ROG with a Range of High-Performance Products for Demanding PC Gamers

Experience a New Era of ROG with a Range of High-Performance Products for Demanding PC Gamers

New Republic of Gamers products announced for 2011 include motherboards, graphics cards, high-end gaming notebooks, a headset, a powerful desktop and a stunning 27-inch 3D desktop display

Taipei, Taiwan, (Computex, 31st May, 2011) — ASUS, a global leader in the new digital era, today announced a number of exciting new products for high-performance gaming PCs to further expand its Republic of Gamers (ROG) range. Established five years ago, ROG is committed to developing the ultimate high-performance hardware.

“The ROG philosophy is based on the core ideals of class-leading performance, innovative user controls and gamer-focused design,” said ASUS Vice President and GM of Worldwide Sales, Jackie Hsu. The products announced today not only hold true to these ideals, but also introduce a host of new innovations that push high-end PC performance to even greater extremes.

Designed for hardcore gamers who want to be able to play anywhere, the G74Sx gaming notebook uses a second generation Intel® Core™ processor and NVIDIA® GTX 560M graphics for outstanding performance. The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D makes lifelike 3D without the need for glasses a reality on a sleek and powerful portable PC. Gamers looking for similar instant action in desktop form are well-served by the new CG8565 Gaming System with a Z68 chipset-based motherboard, stealth fighter-inspired case design and a host of easy-to-use overclocking features.

Also unveiled today are three new ROG motherboards based on the latest Intel® and AMD chipsets that bring new levels of performance for PC builders. The Maximus IV GENE-Z and Maximus IV Extreme-Z both use the new Intel® Z68 chipset to deliver unparalleled gaming and overclocking features, while the Crosshair V Formula is the first AMD 990FX-based motherboard supporting both 3-Way SLI™ and CrossFireX™, and with a graphical UEFI BIOS. Two new NVIDIA® GTX 580-based graphics cards, the MATRIX GTX580 and MARS II, further expand the ROG range.

Recognizing that a successful gaming experience depends on more than just what is inside a PC, ROG now also includes new PC peripherals. The first peripheral in the ROG family is the Vulcan ANC gaming headset with active noise-cancelling technology, which ensures an immersive audio experience, whatever the gaming environment. Combine all the great ROG hardware and attach it to an ASUS VG278H 3D 27-inch display that is designed for gaming, and gamers can become immersed in the latest titles.

Zane Ball, General Manager for Desktops at Intel, said: “We’ve had great success in the gaming market and we appreciate that a vendor like ASUS is devoted to this field. Brands such as ROG demonstrate the best practice for gaming and overclocking PC hardware, and the two new motherboards and one desktop with Intel Z68-based chipsets announced today offer exciting new performance-turning opportunities.”

Over the past five years, ROG products have been recognized by a number of renowned industrial design awards bodies such as iF Design, Red Dot and Good Design and have been well received by power PC users worldwide. Over 1,200 awards from the media are testament to the quality and innovation delivered by ROG and its commitment to delivering total domination in the high-performance PC field. Rest assured that ROG will continue to annihilate records and crush the competition for years to come.

“We are keen to provide the most innovative and powerful solutions for our users, which is why ROG has a team dedicated to researching and developing ideas that go well beyond what you might expect,” said Jackie Hsu.

Visit ASUS at Computex 2011

Please refer to the attached appendices for further details of these new ROG products, or visit the ASUS ROG Computex 2011 Booth at the Nangang Exhibition Hall. Please stop by to see the latest innovations ROG has in store or visit our Computex 2011 website for more information: http://press.asus.com/computex2011/rog/

APPENDICES

1. ROG G74Sx 3D gaming notebook

The G74Sx 3D is a high-performance notebook for gamers who don’t want to drag a full PC around to gaming events, or do not have room at home for a full desktop set up. The G74Sw 3D has the clean, angular lines of a stealth fighter and the power to match, thanks to the latest second generation Intel® Core™ quad-core i5 and i7 processors. NVIDIA® GTX 560M graphics ensure blistering frame rates at native resolutions and high detail settings on the 17-inch Full HD screen, while NVIDIA® 3D Vision offers players a new dimension to games and movies.

Powerful it may be, but the G74Sx 3D always keeps its cool with an innovative thermal design that uses twin fans to draw cool air from the front of the case and twin rear exhausts to expel warm air out the back. The gamer-friendly keyboard brings an extra edge to the playing field, too. The metallic base is does not flex, the backlit keys ensure frags in dimly lit environments and a large cursor key cluster sits away from the main keyboard to minimize mistyped keys in the midst of the action.

* More details will be revealed in early June.

World’s first glasses-free 3D gaming notebook
The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D makes lifelike 3D without the need for glasses a reality on a sleek and powerful portable PC. The unique technology works with a whole catalogue of games and multimedia content, even instantly converting existing 2D visuals into glasses-free 3D. Advanced research has also resulted in mixed mode, where one window can display in 2D while another shows in 3D, both on-screen at once. This is achieved without compromising brightness, contract or color fidelity, exceeding the output of older 3D technology that relies on glasses.

These figures are driven by a 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 CPU and discrete, DirectX® 11-compatible NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 560M graphics with a massive 2GB GDDR5 video memory, specs that allow titles such as StarCraft II to run in high resolution with anti-aliasing turned all the way up. Performance is also driven by the inclusion of a solid state hybrid drive that runs at approximate 10,000rpm speeds, cutting down boot time by as much as 52%.

The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D ships with a full suite of 3D content creation and editing software, giving users access to advanced authoring tools, including 3DTV Play connectivity. Sound is rendered in THX and EAX 5.0 3D for pristine spatial sound in gaming and other applications, with up to 128 additional sound effects at once compared to traditional gaming notebooks.

In terms of design, the G53SX shares the same ergonomic and stylish look of its stable mates. The 5-degree inclined keyboard promotes comfort during long gaming sessions, aided by rubber-coated palm rests that prevent sweating and wrist fatigue. Oversized twin rear exhausts push heat to keep the machine cool even under load while remaining quiet at all times. Users get a cool and silent environment that makes gaming much more enjoyable.

2. ROG Crosshair V Formula series motherboard

The Crosshair V Formula with AMD 990FX chipset-based is not only the first ROG motherboard with AM3+ CPU support, but it is also the first ever AMD motherboard to support both 3-Way NVDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ as well as offer UEFI BIOS. The usual selection of advanced ROG overclocking tools are on hand too, while onboard SupremeFX X-Fi 2 delivers the most intense and immersive gaming audio experience. Better still, high-performance Intel® Ethernet with GameFirst technology creates a LAN connection that is fast enough to keep up with the pace of modern multiplayer gaming over an internet connection that is also used being used for other online tasks.

To really make it the ultimate gaming motherboard, the Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt also comes with the ThunderBolt audio/LAN combo expansion card. The class-leading XONAR™ audio technology provides dramatically better sound quality than any standard audio card, while its built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable impedance settings make it perfect for getting the drop on the gaming competition. The Crosshair V Formula/Thunderbolt also incorporates the award-winning Bigfoot Networks™ Killer™ E2100 networking platform with exclusive Advanced Stream Detect™ technology that automatically classifies and prioritizes traffic for online games, HD video and audio streams for optimum performance, even when performing these tasks simultaneously.

The Crosshair V Formula motherboard is available now; the Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt will be available for purchase in the end of July,

3. ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z motherboards

Although both are based on the new Intel® Z68 chipset, the ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z offer two different takes on the high-performance motherboard.

The Maximus IV Extreme-Z is the latest model in a long line of ROG motherboards designed from the ground up to be an overclocking enthusiast’s dream come true. The Maximus IV GENE-Z takes the successful ROG motherboard recipe and shrinks it to a microATX form factor that will appeal to speed freaks and case modders alike. Support for both NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ offers the ultimate in flexibility for 3D graphics, but that does not mean the integrated GPU features of the Intel® Z68 chipset are wasted. Full support for the Lucid® Virtu™ graphics virtualization engine means the Maximus IV GENE-Z can seamlessly switch between discrete and integrated graphics on-the-fly as the application demands, while SupremeFX X-Fi 2 audio and Intel® Ethernet with GameFirst ensure a first-class gaming experience.

4. ROG MATRIX GTX 580 graphics card

The ROG MATRIX GTX 580 is a high-performance graphics card for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the very best with NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 580 GPU. Enhanced TweakIt, ProbeIt and Safe Mode overclocking utilities offer unparalleled hardware adjustment, while GPU Tweak provides instant settings adjustment and monitoring. The 19-Phase Super Alloy Power technology provides greater overclocking headroom with enhanced power efficiency and component durability.

ASUS DirectCU II technology also provides extremely effective cooling by combining copper heatpipes that fix in direct contact with the GPU core with two huge sound-dampened fans that suck through 600% more air and achieving 20% cooler operation than the reference design.

5. ROG MARS II graphics card

The ROG MARS II/2DIS/3GD5 elevates extreme high-performance gaming to greater heights. The dual NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 580 design ensures phenomenally high frame rates in the latest games at maxed-out detail settings, while the all-new GPU Tweak overclocking utility with real-time clock and fan speed adjustment offers unparalleled tweaking opportunities. 19-Phase Super Alloy Power technology and Direct CU dual-fan cooling makes for cool, rock-solid operation too.

6. ROG CG8565 Gaming System

With its stealth fighter-inspired design, the angular, matte black exterior of the ROG CG8565 Gaming System belies the power that lurks within. Built for gamers who want a ready-made high-end gaming experience, this stunning desktop PC delivers awe-inspiring amounts of power, thanks to the second generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor with Z68 chipset and NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 590 GPU.

Overclocking features form an integral part of this competition-destroying desktop, with a one-touch ‘Level Up’ button built directly into the chassis for an instant real-time speed boost. Exclusive ASUS DIGI+ VRM technology and innovative thermal management ensures that the ROG CG8565 stays cool even when it is pushed to the limit, while the ASUS Xonar sound card provides immersive gaming audio.

7. ROG Vulcan ANC Headset

The ROG Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset completes the new range of Republic of Gamers accessories. It is perfect for gaming in noisy environments, or just those times when external speakers are not appropriate. The Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset uses active noise cancelling technology specially designed to filter external noise from both its high-quality speakers and boom microphone. The result is crystal-clear sound quality for music, movies, games and even VoIP calls.

8. ASUS VG278 3D 27” desktop monitor

Recognizing that a successful gaming experience depends on more than just what is inside a PC; ASUS has also introduced a new range of PC peripherals to enhance that experience with the VG278H 3D display. Designed for gamers who want complete immersion in the latest titles, this 27-inch LED backlit screen has full support for 3D graphics cards via HDMI 1.4 and a built-in infrared emitter for a wire-free desktop.

There are the usual overblown dynamic contrast ratio claims – a hefty 20,000,000:1 no less – along with a 2ms response time for the 16:9 widescreen panel. There’s also integrated SRS Premium Sound.

Unfortunately, bar a Q3 2011 release window, there’s no sign of pricing or specific availability for the V3D245wm-LED. We’re guessing the cost will be completive - there are increasing numbers of 3D-equipped displays on the market, after all – but will have to wait to find out.

Rapid Start – which we first heard about earlier this month – basically uses SSD storage to save the hibernation file. That speedy memory means you get the same quick resumes as if you’d gone to standby in RAM, but the power frugality of hibernating to HDD.

Intel Smart Connect, meanwhile, works a little like Street Pass on the Nintendo 3DS, keeping the notebook’s WiFi connection active and downloading email and social networking updates even while it’s in standby. That means, when you do open up the lid to check your messages, they’re all ready and waiting for you. It remains to be seen what impact this may have on battery life.

Finally, there’s Intel Smart Response, which “dynamically reorganizes” your commonly-accessed files from your HDD to a chunk of SSD storage. That means apps and data loads more quickly.

Smart Connect and Rapid Start will begin showing up on Sandy Bridge based notebooks in the second half of this year.

Cedar Trail devices will be fanless and have even thinner chassis than we’ve seen to-date. They’ll support Intel’s latest sleep technologies, like Rapid Start for MacBook Air-style flash standby and instant resume, along with Intel Smart Connect to allow for software updates even while the netbook is in standby.

There’s also Intel WiDi for wireless displays, and synchronization technologies across multiple platforms. As well as Windows support there’ll be Chrome OS and MeeGo options, while Intel is promising battery life in the 10hr+ bracket and “weeks” of standby time. NetbookNews already grabbed some hands-on time with ASUS’ Eee PC 1025c Cedar Trail netbook, and you can see their video below.

As for smartphones and tablets, Medfield will arrive to replace the currently available Atom Z670 – which has already found its way into more than 10 slates, and will show up in convertibles, sliders and other form-factors before Medfield debuts in the first half of 2012 – bringing Android 3.0 Honeycomb support among other things. Set to go into production later in 2011, Medfield will, Intel reckons, allow for sub-9mm tablets at under 1.5 pounds, despite also having sufficient grunt to do some gaming.

Press Release:

Intel’s Maloney Talks Mobile Growth, Industry Opportunities at Computex

New Roadmaps Across Intel® Core™ and Atom™ Processor Families to Usher in Next Wave of Laptops and Connected Mobile Devices

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Intel defines new category of mainstream thin and light mobile computers, called Ultrabook™.
Intel aims to shift 40 percent of consumer laptops to the Ultrabook™ by end of 2012.
Separately, Intel is accelerating the Atom™ processor roadmap to a one-process-generation per year cadence to enable a wider range of optimized solutions for multiple market segments.
Intel highlighted its next-generation, fanless netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail,” a range of new Atom processor-based tablets available today, and a “Medfield” tablet reference design for sub-9mm designs, weighing less than 1.5 pounds and supporting a choice of operating systems.

COMPUTEX, Taipei, May 31, 2011 – Intel Corporation Executive Vice President Sean Maloney today said that by the end of 2012, 40 percent of the consumer laptop market segment will encompass an emerging new breed of no-compromise computers, called “Ultrabook™,” which will increasingly combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and security in thin, elegant form factors.

During the opening keynote speech at Computex, one of the world’s largest technology trade shows, Maloney provided further details on the significant changes Intel is making to the Intel® Core™ processor roadmap to enable this new category. He also reiterated Intel’s push to accelerate the pace of innovation for Intel® Atom™ processor-based system-on-chips (SoCs) for netbooks, smartphones, tablets, and other companion devices.

“Computing is taking many forms,” said Maloney. “Technology innovation is a catalyst, and we believe the changes Intel is making to its roadmaps, together with strong industry collaboration, will bring about an exciting change in personal computing over the next few years.”

The “Ultrabook™”

Intel’s vision is to enable a new user experience by accelerating a new class of mobile computers. These computers will marry the performance and capabilities of today’s laptops with tablet-like features and deliver a highly responsive and secure experience, in a thin, light and elegant design. The Ultrabook™ will be shaped by Moore’s Law and silicon technology in the same way they have shaped the traditional PC for the past 40 years.

Maloney described three key phases in the company’s strategy to accelerate this vision, which begins to unfold today with the company’s latest 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ processors. This family of products will enable thin, light and beautiful designs that are less than 20mm (0.8 inch) thick, and mainstream price points under US$1,000. Systems based on these chips will be available for the 2011 winter holiday shopping season and include the UX21, ASUS* Ultrabook™. ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih joined Maloney on stage to showcase the company’s new ultra-thin laptop based on the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core processor.

“At ASUS, we are very much aligned with Intel’s vision of Ultrabook™,” said Shih. “Our customers are demanding an uncompromised computing experience in a lightweight, highly portable design that responds to their needs quickly. Transforming the PC into an ultra thin, ultra responsive device will change the way people interact with their PC.”

Building on the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core technology, Maloney outlined the next generation Intel processor family codenamed “Ivy Bridge,” which is scheduled for availability in systems in the first half of 2012. Laptops based on “Ivy Bridge” will bring improved power efficiency, smart visual performance, increased responsiveness and enhanced security. “Ivy Bridge” is the first high-volume chip based on Intel’s 22 nanometer (nm) manufacturing technology that uses a revolutionary 3-D transistor design called Tri-Gate announced in May. Maloney also highlighted complementary USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt™ technologies which are part of Intel’s ongoing work to drive the PC platform forward.

Following “Ivy Bridge,” planned 2013 products codenamed “Haswell” are the third step toward achieving the Ultrabook™ and reinventing the capabilities of the laptop in ultra thin and light, responsive and more secure designs. With “Haswell,” Intel will change the mainstream laptop thermal design point by reducing the microprocessor power to half of today’s design point.

Accelerating the Intel® Atom™ Processor Roadmap

Maloney highlighted key milestones and additional details on upcoming generations of Intel Atom processor-based platforms for tablets, netbooks and smartphones. The Atom processor will outpace Moore’s Law, accelerating from 32nm through 22nm to 14nm within 3 successive years. Having a cadence of a new-process-generation every year will result in significant reduction in transistor leakage, lower active power and an increase of transistor density to enable more powerful smartphones, tablets, and netbooks with more features and longer battery life.

Reaching its 100 million-unit milestone this month, Intel is preparing its next-generation netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail.” “Cedar Trail” is the first netbook platform based on Intel’s 32nm technology, and will enable ultra-thin, fanless designs with new capabilities such as Intel® Rapid Start technology which provides fast resume, Intel® Smart Connect Technology which enables an always updated experience even during standby, Intel® Wireless Display and PC Synch, which let users wirelessly update and synchronize documents, content and media across multiple devices. In addition, the new platform is expected to enable more than 10 hours of battery life and weeks of standby. “Cedar Trail” will support leading operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows*, Google Chrome* and MeeGo*.

In addition, Maloney showcased more than 10 tablets, running on three different operating systems, that are available today based on the Intel Atom processor Z670. The platform already has more than 35 design wins since its launch in April, with several convertibles, sliders and other innovative designs on shelves now and more coming through the rest of the year.

Maloney also discussed “Medfield,” Intel’s first purpose-built 32nm platform for smartphones and tablets. “Medfield” has been optimized for both low power and high performance and will deliver long use-time, rich media and gaming, and advanced imaging capabilities. To illustrate this point in tablets, Intel showcased a “Medfield” design running Google Android* 3.0 (“Honeycomb”) for the first time. In production later this year, the platform will enable sub-9mm designs that weigh less than 1.5 pounds for tablet designs in market the first half of 2012. It will support a range of operating systems including Android and MeeGo.

According to Maloney, “The work Intel is doing with the Intel® Atom™ processor roadmap, coupled with the significant changes we are making to our Intel® Core™ processor roadmaps, will continue to enhance Intel’s ability to deliver complete hardware solutions with a choice of software platforms across a full spectrum of computing — from back-end servers that power the cloud to the billions of devices that access the cloud.”

The Cloud’s Rapid Expansion

More people and devices connecting to the Internet will lead to unprecedented growth in cloud-based services for storage, synchronization and entertainment, according to Maloney, and Intel is poised to grow with it. He said that one new Intel-based server is needed for roughly every additional 600 new smartphones or 122 new tablets connecting to the Internet. He also reiterated the company’s “Cloud 2015” vision of a world of interoperable “federated” clouds that allow enterprises to share data securely across public and private clouds; “automated” networks that allow the movement of workloads between servers in the data center for better utilization and energy efficiency, and “device-aware” clouds that know what types of applications, commands and processing.

In closing, Maloney stressed the critical role of the Taiwan IT industry in the next transformation of computing. He called for collective innovations that will lead the industry into the next era as computing takes many new forms and becomes ever more pervasive and affordable. “The Taiwan IT industry will be instrumental in realizing this vision,” said Maloney.

More information about today’s announcements is available at www.intel.com/newsroom/computex

The first Ultrabook itself is a notebook we’ve already seen: ASUS’ UX21 which broke cover yesterday. The UX21 has a 0.66-inch casing, comfortably slotting inside Intel’s depth guidelines despite using current Sandy Bridge processors rather than Ivy Bridge, along with a 7hr battery and SSD storage for instant-resume.

Ivy Bridge, meanwhile, builds on the Sandy Bridge architecture with 3D Tri-Gate architecture, offering up to 37-percent more performance despite also being more frugal. There’ll also be USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt support.

Beyond Ivy Bridge comes Haswell, in 2013, Ultrabooks based on which will supposedly use over 50-percent less power than previous ultraportables. Intel is yet to detail Haswell much more than that at this stage.

Press Release:

Intel’s Maloney Talks Mobile Growth, Industry Opportunities at Computex

New Roadmaps Across Intel® Core™ and Atom™ Processor Families to Usher in Next Wave of Laptops and Connected Mobile Devices

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Intel defines new category of mainstream thin and light mobile computers, called Ultrabook™.
Intel aims to shift 40 percent of consumer laptops to the Ultrabook™ by end of 2012.
Separately, Intel is accelerating the Atom™ processor roadmap to a one-process-generation per year cadence to enable a wider range of optimized solutions for multiple market segments.
Intel highlighted its next-generation, fanless netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail,” a range of new Atom processor-based tablets available today, and a “Medfield” tablet reference design for sub-9mm designs, weighing less than 1.5 pounds and supporting a choice of operating systems.

COMPUTEX, Taipei, May 31, 2011 – Intel Corporation Executive Vice President Sean Maloney today said that by the end of 2012, 40 percent of the consumer laptop market segment will encompass an emerging new breed of no-compromise computers, called “Ultrabook™,” which will increasingly combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and security in thin, elegant form factors.

During the opening keynote speech at Computex, one of the world’s largest technology trade shows, Maloney provided further details on the significant changes Intel is making to the Intel® Core™ processor roadmap to enable this new category. He also reiterated Intel’s push to accelerate the pace of innovation for Intel® Atom™ processor-based system-on-chips (SoCs) for netbooks, smartphones, tablets, and other companion devices.

“Computing is taking many forms,” said Maloney. “Technology innovation is a catalyst, and we believe the changes Intel is making to its roadmaps, together with strong industry collaboration, will bring about an exciting change in personal computing over the next few years.”

The “Ultrabook™”

Intel’s vision is to enable a new user experience by accelerating a new class of mobile computers. These computers will marry the performance and capabilities of today’s laptops with tablet-like features and deliver a highly responsive and secure experience, in a thin, light and elegant design. The Ultrabook™ will be shaped by Moore’s Law and silicon technology in the same way they have shaped the traditional PC for the past 40 years.

Maloney described three key phases in the company’s strategy to accelerate this vision, which begins to unfold today with the company’s latest 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ processors. This family of products will enable thin, light and beautiful designs that are less than 20mm (0.8 inch) thick, and mainstream price points under US$1,000. Systems based on these chips will be available for the 2011 winter holiday shopping season and include the UX21, ASUS* Ultrabook™. ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih joined Maloney on stage to showcase the company’s new ultra-thin laptop based on the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core processor.

“At ASUS, we are very much aligned with Intel’s vision of Ultrabook™,” said Shih. “Our customers are demanding an uncompromised computing experience in a lightweight, highly portable design that responds to their needs quickly. Transforming the PC into an ultra thin, ultra responsive device will change the way people interact with their PC.”

Building on the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core technology, Maloney outlined the next generation Intel processor family codenamed “Ivy Bridge,” which is scheduled for availability in systems in the first half of 2012. Laptops based on “Ivy Bridge” will bring improved power efficiency, smart visual performance, increased responsiveness and enhanced security. “Ivy Bridge” is the first high-volume chip based on Intel’s 22 nanometer (nm) manufacturing technology that uses a revolutionary 3-D transistor design called Tri-Gate announced in May. Maloney also highlighted complementary USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt™ technologies which are part of Intel’s ongoing work to drive the PC platform forward.

Following “Ivy Bridge,” planned 2013 products codenamed “Haswell” are the third step toward achieving the Ultrabook™ and reinventing the capabilities of the laptop in ultra thin and light, responsive and more secure designs. With “Haswell,” Intel will change the mainstream laptop thermal design point by reducing the microprocessor power to half of today’s design point.

Accelerating the Intel® Atom™ Processor Roadmap

Maloney highlighted key milestones and additional details on upcoming generations of Intel Atom processor-based platforms for tablets, netbooks and smartphones. The Atom processor will outpace Moore’s Law, accelerating from 32nm through 22nm to 14nm within 3 successive years. Having a cadence of a new-process-generation every year will result in significant reduction in transistor leakage, lower active power and an increase of transistor density to enable more powerful smartphones, tablets, and netbooks with more features and longer battery life.

Reaching its 100 million-unit milestone this month, Intel is preparing its next-generation netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail.” “Cedar Trail” is the first netbook platform based on Intel’s 32nm technology, and will enable ultra-thin, fanless designs with new capabilities such as Intel® Rapid Start technology which provides fast resume, Intel® Smart Connect Technology which enables an always updated experience even during standby, Intel® Wireless Display and PC Synch, which let users wirelessly update and synchronize documents, content and media across multiple devices. In addition, the new platform is expected to enable more than 10 hours of battery life and weeks of standby. “Cedar Trail” will support leading operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows*, Google Chrome* and MeeGo*.

In addition, Maloney showcased more than 10 tablets, running on three different operating systems, that are available today based on the Intel Atom processor Z670. The platform already has more than 35 design wins since its launch in April, with several convertibles, sliders and other innovative designs on shelves now and more coming through the rest of the year.

Maloney also discussed “Medfield,” Intel’s first purpose-built 32nm platform for smartphones and tablets. “Medfield” has been optimized for both low power and high performance and will deliver long use-time, rich media and gaming, and advanced imaging capabilities. To illustrate this point in tablets, Intel showcased a “Medfield” design running Google Android* 3.0 (“Honeycomb”) for the first time. In production later this year, the platform will enable sub-9mm designs that weigh less than 1.5 pounds for tablet designs in market the first half of 2012. It will support a range of operating systems including Android and MeeGo.

According to Maloney, “The work Intel is doing with the Intel® Atom™ processor roadmap, coupled with the significant changes we are making to our Intel® Core™ processor roadmaps, will continue to enhance Intel’s ability to deliver complete hardware solutions with a choice of software platforms across a full spectrum of computing — from back-end servers that power the cloud to the billions of devices that access the cloud.”

The Cloud’s Rapid Expansion

More people and devices connecting to the Internet will lead to unprecedented growth in cloud-based services for storage, synchronization and entertainment, according to Maloney, and Intel is poised to grow with it. He said that one new Intel-based server is needed for roughly every additional 600 new smartphones or 122 new tablets connecting to the Internet. He also reiterated the company’s “Cloud 2015” vision of a world of interoperable “federated” clouds that allow enterprises to share data securely across public and private clouds; “automated” networks that allow the movement of workloads between servers in the data center for better utilization and energy efficiency, and “device-aware” clouds that know what types of applications, commands and processing.

In closing, Maloney stressed the critical role of the Taiwan IT industry in the next transformation of computing. He called for collective innovations that will lead the industry into the next era as computing takes many new forms and becomes ever more pervasive and affordable. “The Taiwan IT industry will be instrumental in realizing this vision,” said Maloney.

More information about today’s announcements is available at www.intel.com/newsroom/computex

It also offers both NVIDIA and AMD’s multi-card graphics support, onboard SupremeFX X-Fi 2 audio, Bigfoot Networks Killer E2100 networking with game traffic prioritizing and the option of 4-way NVIDIA SLI with a ROG XPANDER add-on board. There’s the usual overclocking support too, along with USB 3.0 connectivity and more.

The ASUS M5A99/97 Series, meanwhile, uses DIGI+ VRM to allow owners to tinker individual power settings, including DRAM power control, with the ASUS UEFI BIOS for GUI based overclocking. Finally, the ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX uses CeraM!X, a nifty cooling material that not only looks good but helps reduce heat more efficiently, just like on the SABERTOOTH P67.

That’s paired with ten heat sensors embedded in the ‘board itself – ASUS calls it “Thermal Radar” – which can be used for fan speed fine-tuning. No word on pricing or availability at this stage.

Press Release:

ASUS Launches New AMD 9 Series Motherboards offering Superior Performance, Reliability and Features

– New AM3+ based motherboards offer a class leading DIGI+ VRM digital power design and innovative UEFI BIOS that is a first for the AMD platform –
Fremont, California (May 30th, 2011) ― Continuing its leadership in innovation, design and performance, ASUS the number #1 and most awarded motherboard brand is excited to announce a new lineup of innovative AMD based motherboards that support the 990FX/990X/970 chipsets and AM3+ CPUs. The models available are the M5A99/97 Series, the TUF SABERTOOTH 990FX and the ROG Crosshair V Formula. Featured models offer ASUS’s award winning UEFI BIOS and the second generation of Dual Intelligent Processors (DIP2), comprised of the award winning TurboV Processor Unit (TPU) and Energy Processor Unit (EPU) for superior performance and energy management. The new motherboards will be the first on the AMD chipset based platform to support DIGI+ VRM (Digital power design) and both multi-GPU technologies, AMD’s CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA’s® SLI™.

ASUS M5A99/97 Series feature Dual Intelligent Processor 2 with DIGI+ VRM
The ASUS M5A99/97 Series motherboards offer unsurpassed compatibility with new AMD AM3+ socket CPUs, while also being backwards compatible with the previous generation AM3 processors. The M5A99/97 core series is equipped with DIP2, which features DIGI+ VRM technology in addition to the TPU and EPU processors that offer enhanced performance and power management. DIGI+ VRM power delivery allows a user to precisely adjust and control power settings digitally for precise power control and flexible tuning of their system.

Unlike older analog designs, DIGI+ VRM is perfectly suited for the AM3+ CPU specification’s new power demand requirements that benefit from precise power flow adjustment, enhanced power efficiency and extra DRAM power control for stability. Also included on the M5A99/97 Series motherboards is the intuitive and feature laden ASUS UEFI BIOS menu interface. UEFI BIOS allows a user to control and adjust their motherboard settings through the use of a mouse-enabled interface for a superior user-friendly experience that BIOS and Hybrid-EFI solutions do not offer.

SABERTOOTH 990FX has CeraM!X aerospace-grade cooling technology
The newest addition to the TUF Series motherboards is the SABERTOOTH 990FX. Known for their unrivaled quality and reliability in extreme conditions, the SABERTOOTH 990FX features the use of CeraM!X, an exclusive aerospace-grade cooling material that is extremely effective in conducting heat away from vital system components. Also onboard is ASUS’ Thermal Radar technology that consists of ten sensors located on vital motherboard components, which provides users the ability to actively monitor each one individually and automatically adjust fan speeds to ensure a high level of system stability without overheating.

The SABERTOOTH 990FX features TUF components, which are comprised of military-certified alloy chokes, solid state capacitors and MOSFETs built to withstand the most extreme usage conditions possible for greater system stability and longevity. A TUF motherboard built with high-end components ensures quality and tested server-grade reliability and are certified TUF only after a series of extreme stress tests including maximum temperature and humidity tolerance, so users are ensured of owning the best and most reliable motherboard on the market.

ROG Crosshair V Formula redefines AMD Performance
The Crosshair V Formula with AMD 990FX chipset-based is not only the first ROG motherboard with AM3+ CPU support, but it is also the first AMD motherboard to support both 3-Way NVDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ as well as offering an advanced UEFI BIOS and DIGI+ VRM design not available on competing solutions. A wide array of advanced ROG overclocking tools are on hand too, while onboard SupremeFX X-Fi 2 delivers the most intense and immersive gaming audio experience. Better still, high-performance Intel® Ethernet with GameFirst technology creates a LAN connection that is fast enough to keep up with the pace of modern multiplayer gaming over an internet connection that is also used being used for other online tasks.

To really make it the ultimate gaming motherboard, the Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt also comes with the ThunderBolt audio/LAN combo expansion card. The class-leading XONAR™ audio technology provides dramatically better sound quality than any standard audio card, while its built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable impedance settings makes it perfect for competitive gaming or enjoying the latest media titles. The Crosshair V Formula/Thunderbolt* also incorporates the award-winning Bigfoot Networks™ Killer™ E2100 networking platform with exclusive Advanced Stream Detect™ technology that automatically classifies and prioritizes traffic for online games, HD video and audio streams for optimum performance, even when performing these tasks simultaneously. ASUS’ innovative design and performance trend continues as the Crosshair V Formula features advanced support for 4-way NVIDIA SLI via the use of the exclusive ROG XPANDER add-on board.

You can see where ASUS’ argument in favor of the Padfone is coming from. Just like the ATRIX, it asks why we should bother carrying – and paying for – a separate processor and 3G modem in both our phone and our bigger-screen device, whether that be a Laptop Dock as with the Motorola Phone or the tablet shell of the ASUS. Instead, let the phone bring the brain and the connectivity and dock it into a dumb companion: presumably cheaper to buy, cheaper to run since you only need one data plan, and more streamlined since you have one data store not files and media spread across two gadgets.

That’s great, but there’s short- and long-term compatibility to think about. Of course, the tablet husk will only work with ASUS’ specific smartphone – the microUSB and microHDMI ports are standard, but we’re guessing there’s some sort of proprietary data protocol to make everything work together – which means that when the Padfone launches it’ll only be of interest to those who like both halves of the equation. If you’d rather stick with your Galaxy S II, for instance, or even have a preference for another OS like Windows Phone or iOS, you’re out of luck.

That’s in the short-term, but the longer-term support for the Padfone still isn’t decided yet. ASUS has apparently said it’s considering whether its future smartphones will be compatible with the same tablet hardware, but nothing is decided yet; without such a reassurance, you could be left having to replace both your phone and tablet simultaneously rather than piecemeal as each gets superseded.

No, the more I think about it, my real excitement today is around the processor milestone. Although we’ve seen concept hybrid devices before – slotting a phone into a tablet or laptop shell – it’s only recently that the performance/battery balance of modern chipsets has got to the stage where they make sense. I’m not saying the Padfone design is necessarily a winner, but simply that – functional and usability quibbles aside – the concept isn’t let down by underwhelming performance.

NVIDIA’s video demo of Kal-El only adds to that enthusiasm. Quad-cores, the sort of dynamic lighting processing – courtesy of a twelve-core GPU, no less – you’d previously associate with a gaming desktop and the promise of sufficient power frugality to make tablet or other mobile device applications realistic. We’ve come to expect demonstrations like that to be accompanied by a years-long roadmap, but NVIDIA is saying Kal-El based products could be here as soon as August.

The success of the Padfone – at least in the state ASUS has shown it today – will likely depend on price. The company has demonstrated it can compete in that arena, with the Eee Pad Transformer, but phones are arguably more complex when it comes to retail. Will the two Padfone parts be sold SIM-free and unlocked, and if so can ASUS match the competitive Transformer so that its two-part product doesn’t come at a price disadvantage? If it’s subsidized, can ASUS persuade the carriers – and build the Padfone to a suitably affordable starting point – to offer it at a figure that’s in line with other high-end smartphones? Will it demand a tethering plan, like the Motorola ATRIX and its Laptop Dock?

There are plenty of questions left, and ASUS has given itself a whole lot of wriggle room between now and the tentative Q4 2011 release date. Specs aren’t decided, final design hasn’t been signed off, and there’s still time to cancel the whole project altogether if the reception is less glowing than expected. The Padfone is definitely shaping up to be a niche product, but then again that’s what ASUS thought about the Transformer, and then promptly sold out. I don’t think ASUS has quite nailed the “best of both devices” premise, but I’m glad to see companies thinking outside the norm and taking advantage of the possibilities the new breed of chips allow.

Disagree with me? Reckon the ASUS Padfone is the best thing since modular sliced-bread? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

That’s because BlueStacks wraps up regular Android apps and allows them to run in a virtualized Froyo build within Windows. Users can multitask between software for either platform, and BlueStacks allows Android apps to take advantage of the hardware connectivity and other functionality present on the Windows device.

No Android Market support, but we weren’t expecting that on the 10Pro anyway; instead you can always use one of the third-party app stores, like Amazon’s. ViewSonic hasn’t confirmed a release date for the ViewPad 10Pro, but BlueStacks says it’ll hit retail “soon” and has previously tipped a Q3 launch for products using the system.

[Thanks Toby!]

Biggest news today is likely the ASUS Padfone, the company’s teased and leaked hybrid tablet/smartphone consisting of a 4.3-inch Android handset that can dock into a special 10.1-inch tablet shell. ASUS is talking up the Padfone’s seamless transition between the two, with your currently-open app automatically rescaling to suit the change in display. There’s also plenty of crossover of the hardware: the phone’s 5-megapixel main camera is used as the tablet’s main camera when docked, and memory and 3G connectivity are shared too. Check out all the official details and our hands-on video roundup for more.

The Padfone isn’t the only ASUS slate today. We’ve seen the Eee Pad MeMO before, all the way back at CES 2011 in fact, but today it’s relaunched with a 3D makeover. The ASUS Eee Pad MeMO 3D has a 7-inch glasses-free 3D display along with a Flyer-like active stylus and a companion MeMIC Bluetooth headset and remote. ViewSonic too has opted for 7-inches, with the new ViewPad 7x promising to be at the affordable end of the Honeycomb scale, while its 10Pro sibling muddies the waters somewhat with a less convincing Windows 7/Android 2.2 Froyo dual-boot on Intel Oak Trail silicon.

Gigabyte has perhaps sensibly stuck with a single OS with its new S1080 tablet, though whether that OS being Windows 7 will win it many favors remains to be seen. MSI, too, has split things down the middle, with the new WindPad 110W opting for Windows and the WindPad 100A picking an unspecified version of Android instead.

It’s not all tablets, mind. ASUS has an alluring ultraportable, the Eee PC X101, with a 10.1-inch display and a choice of Windows 7 or MeeGo. With pricing expected to kick off at $199, it may not match the MacBook Air for style, build quality or specs, but you could outfit the whole family for the same price as a single Apple machine.

If you want something a little different, Gigabyte has its new Booktop M2432 notebook complete with a useful desktop docking station, while the LG P220 does away with fancy docks and instead focuses on being angularly gorgeous. The ASUS UX21 can’t quite match it on looks – though of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but certainly isn’t lacking in functionality.

Computex isn’t just about finished systems, there’s plenty of chipset, GPU and component news to be had too. NVIDIA got the ball rolling overnight with a drool-worthy demo of its quad-core Kal-El sequel to Tegra 2, followed by the new GeForce GTX 560M, but there are more esoteric offerings like the CUPP Computing PunkThis, which packs an entire ARM-based computer into your laptop’s HDD bay. Samsung is also offering its Exynios processor – as found inside such luminaries as the Galaxy S II – to developers as part of the Linaro Origen board.

You can track all of our show coverage this week by using the Computex 2011 tag.

The new GPU supports 3D Vision technology, PhysX, and CUDA. The GPU is also able to support SLI so more than one of the GPUs can be used inside the notebook for even more performance. NVIDIA is also offering another GPU in the GTX 500 family with the GT 520MX. This GPU is aimed at the thin and light market. Both Asus and Toshiba will be offering notebooks that use the GTX 560M GPU with Optimus. Asus, Clevo, MSI and others will be offering GTX 560M machines apparently without Optimus tech inside.

The lack of Optimus tech would apparently point to the machines not having an integrated GPU. Asus, Samsung, and other makers will be offering notebooks with the GT 520MX GPU. “The GeForce GTX 560M and NVIDIA Optimus mean gamers get 50 frames per second in Duke Nukem Forever and five hours of battery life in Microsoft Office,” said Rene Haas, general manager of notebook products at NVIDIA. “That’s real power and real portability.”

[via NVIDIA]

Along with that CPU the Origen board also has a Mali400 GPU and the DDR3 RAM is 1GB capacity. The board will cost devs under $200 and has a wealth of connectivity options. Those connectivity options include interfaces for HDMI, SD cards, WiFi, Bluetooth, stereo sound, LCD, JTAG debug, and a camera. Software for the system will be offered from Linaro.

Linaro will provide its Linaro Evaluation Builds of Android and Ubuntu directly to devs from its website. The goal of the new Origen board is to help developers speed the time to market for new smartphones, tablets, and connected screens. The Exynos processor and DDR3 RAM are both on a small daughter board that will allow for future upgrades to the Origen board.

[via Android Community]

The machine looks really cool and he have basically no information on it. It doesn’t take a trained Mac loving eye to see that the P220 has a lot of the square industrial style that helps make the MacBook Pro line so popular. The feature about the notebook that jumps out at me is the super thin bezel on the machine. It also appears that the webcam is on the bottom left corner of the screen rather than the top since the bezel is so thin.

We don’t even know for sure what size the screen on the P220 is. Netbooklive thinks the rig is a 13.3-inch offering and it may be. That thin bezel would probably allow the screen to be put into as smaller chassis than you usually find a 13.3-inch screen in. The keyboard is the popular chiclet design and all the keys appear to be where they should be. The machine is certainly interesting and perhaps we will get more details as the show goes on.

[via Netbooklive]

NetbookNews and jkkmobile got up close to the stickered ASUS lady (who doesn’t appear to have pulled off the backing plastic from her temporary tattoos) as well as producing the two videos below. Engadget got their eyes near to the slate too, though it seems opportunities to actually play with the prototype were in short supply. It’s worth bearing in mind that ASUS has said the final specs of both sections are not yet finalized, so everything from chipset to screen size and aesthetics could be tweaked prior to launch.

In the photo above, by jkk, you can see the two side-mounted ports for microUSB and microHDMI, that the PadFone tablet section hooks up to for power, display, internet access and data. There are two official ASUS videos to go with the PadFone launch, including one with an accidental IE8 gaffe. Seen any other hands-on reports? Let us know in the comments below.

ASUS PadFone announcement:

ASUS PadFone: Make the Switch:

ASUS PadFone: Behind the Scenes:

jkkmobile Hands-On:

The hinges on the lid are reinforced and the notebook is only 17mm thick. The UX notebooks will use second generation Intel Core processors up the Core i7 line and the machines will also use SATA 6Gb/s SSDs inside with the Instant on Feature to resume the notebook in seconds. Exactly what processors and how much storage will be offered in the UX line is unknown at this point.

The UX series will have batteries inside that are good for up to seven hours per charge. The keyboards used on the notebooks are oversized and the touchpad used is described as smartphone-like. I would assume that to mean the touchpad supports gestures. I would expect that as Computex rolls on this week we would hear more details on the UX notebooks and other new gear from ASUS.

The AE2211G, AE2211, and AE2230 AIO computers all have full HD resolution screens that are brighter and provide better details to their images. The reds and yellows are more striking and blues are more translucent. The LED backlighting allows for better colors and reduces power needs compared to traditional screen backlighting. The screens on the three machines are 22-inch units and they all have HDMI outputs and inputs. Both the AE2211G and AE2211 use Intel Core i3/i5 processors and the AE 2230 uses the new AMD Sabine processor.

MSI’s AP2011 gets a 20-inch matte finish screen for less glare, this machine is aimed at the business user. The screen is LED backlit, and the AIO has com ports for use in stores and restaurants where a scanner or other peripheral is needed. The home AIO computers can all be used to control content throughout the user’s home using the Smart Media Link and Smart Sync tech inside. This tech allows the user to control the display of photo and video content on the TV, wireless speakers, game consoles, and other computers.

The processor has Turbo Boost 2.0 for extra power when needed and the 14-inch screen is LED backlit and has a resolution of 1366 x 768. The graphics inside the machine is an integrated HD 3000 GPU supporting HD video. The machine also has USB 3.0 port, THX TruStudio Pro and a lot of other features. The notebook is 27.6mm thick and weighs 1.81kg. The keyboard is a chiclet design and the machine has a multi-touch trackpad.

One of the coolest features of this notebook is the included docking station. Inside the docking station is an NVIDIA GT 440 GPU with 1GB of DDR5 RAM. It can connected to up to two external monitors. The docking station also has six USB ports, HDMI out, D-Sub, DVI, and other ports that you find on a desktop computer. The M2432 notebook has a slim optical drive inside a FlexiBay that can be swapped for an extended battery when run time is more important than the optical drive. Pricing and availability are unknown.