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OWC Jupiter Mini-SAS™ Scalable Storage Solution Announced at CES

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 10, 2012

Other World Computing (OWC) announced a new min-SAS scalable storage solution at CES today. Read on for details!

OWC announced a really interesting series of storage devices at CES today. Here is the detailed press release:

New OWC Jupiter mini-SAS Redefines Shared SAN Storage by Harnessing the Simplicity and Performance of mini-SAS Direct Attached Storage

8/16 Bay Racks and 4/8 Bay Towers Use Proven mini-SAS Interface for Speeds Up to 24Gb/s:

Up to 3x Faster and Up to 5x Lower Infrastructure Cost than Fibre Channel

Storage that Grows with Company Needs:

Up to 3.6 Petabytes (3600TB) Capacity with Enterprise-Class Drives and Expander Units

January 9, 2012, Las Vegas, NV — Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading zero emissions Mac® and PC technology company, announced today its new OWC Jupiter mini-SAS™ scalable storage solution for small businesses and enterprises utilizing mission-critical and creative applications. Built upon the proven mini-SAS interface for speeds up to 24Gb/s using just a single cable connection, the Jupiter family of racks, towers, and hubs combine the highest levels of data sharing performance with the simplicity of direct attached storage

(DAS) at up to 5x lower cost of fibre channel infrastructures. The OWC Jupiter mini-SAS will be available by the end of March in a variety of configurations with solution pricing starting at $3,995.00. During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which begins tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada, OWC will demonstrate the high performance of the Jupiter mini-SAS in its booth #5231 in the LVCC North Hall.

Centralized Storage = Higher Productivity Jupiter mini-SAS is a centralized storage solution, which means data is stored in a single location and can be accessed by multiple workstations simultaneously.

Sharing content streamlines workflows, eliminates bottlenecks, and the need to duplicate files. By eliminating the need to copy data to multiple users on DAS solutions or searching for files in multiple locations, Jupiter mini-SAS can dramatically increase productivity. Additionally, Jupiter mini-SAS can be configured to provide zoned/allocated drive access privileges so specific workstations and/or servers have exclusive access to specific drives or sets of drives.

Easy Configuration Options

Jupiter mini-SAS makes sharing data far easier compared to traditional SAN solutions.

At the heart of the Jupiter mini-SAS is the Jupiter Hub, which provides a super-fast connection to workstations, Jupiter expanders or RAID boxes and connects to each device via a single 24Gb/s cable. For increased user access and configuration options, the Jupiter Hub can then connect to an LSI® SAS6160 Switch.

Unsurpassed Speed for Even HD Video Editing Jupiter mini-SAS incorporates mini-SAS technology for up to an unsurpassed 24Gb/s data rate—3x faster than 8Gb/s fibre channel. Files accessed over mini-SAS open and save as if saved locally, which increases productivity and cuts time cost associated with copying files to each workstation. This ultra-fast interface is ideal for professional video environments that depend on constant and consistent data access performance to prevent dropped frames. For example, uncompressed 1080p HD video my need an average constant speed of 165MB/s. If that speed can’t be reached, frames may be dropped as the bandwidth drops in order to keep up.

With the data rate speed of Jupiter mini-SAS, dropped frames are nearly eliminated.

Multiple RAID Levels Supported

Beyond implementing Jupiter mini-SAS as a standard storage solution, it is also available as a RAID storage subsystem offering multiple RAID configurations to provide speed, performance fault tolerance, or a combination of both. For maximum flexibility, Jupiter mini-SAS supports RAID configurations 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50,

60 and JBOD, all managed from a user-friendly application that allows for straightforward configuration of all pooled storage as well as connected workstations.

Storage that Grows with Company Needs

Jupiter mini-SAS easily provides a shared storage environment by using a centralized pooled storage model. Small companies with as few as two employees can start with a single tower used as direct attached storage with 4TB of space. Then, as the company grows, users simply add storage to the pool with Jupiter expander units, hubs and switches to accommodate up to 3600TB (3.6 Petabytes). Adding to a Jupiter mini-SAS data storage pool is easier and more efficient than deploying additional DAS solutions for individual users. Plus, the high speeds of mini-SAS and the collaborative nature of Jupiter makes it fast and easy for connected users to share and access files without waiting.

Efficient Collaboration for Creative Industries Creative professionals require shared data access to streamline workflow and processes such as editing, compositing, and audio mastering. Jupiter mini-SAS allows open collaboration to take place simultaneously and efficiently without hindering creativity, while at the same time reducing post-production time.

Grows Your Business, Not Your Budget

Integrating Jupiter mini-SAS into a business offers up to 5x lower cost, compared to the cost of implementing a fibre channel infrastructure. A four-workstation, 24Gb/s Jupiter mini-SAS setup consisting of the Jupiter nine port hub, four PCIe cards, and 10 meter active cabling has infrastructure costs starting around $5,000 vs. $25,000 for 8Gb/s fibre channel.

Flexible and Adaptable for Any Infrastructure The Jupiter mini-SAS is easy to install, and flexible enough to integrate into an existing IT infrastructure, or lay the foundation upon which to build a new infrastructure. And because Jupiter works on a pooled storage model, allocating storage to specific workstations is simple and can be done on the fly. This not only ensures power users have all the space they need, it also means less wasted storage space on those who don’t need it. An included, user-friendly management and monitoring application keeps tabs on Jupiter’s overall system health, performance, maintenance and diagnostics. Plus, it can be configured to alert the system administrator via email or text message should any issues or warnings arise.

CES 2012 – Lenovo Announce IdeaCenter A720 All-in-One PC

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Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 10, 2012

1

CES 2012 – Lenovo Announce IdeaCenter A720 All-in-One PC

Lenovo also announced today its new IdeaCentre A720, the slimmest 27-inch all-in-one (AIO) PC in the industry.

IdeaCentre A720 All-in-One: Taking Touch Experience in the Home to the Next Level

As the industry’s slimmest 27” all-in-one and sporting a sleek metal exterior, the IdeaCentre A720 measures less than an inch (24.5mm)2 and combines a frameless display supporting 10-point multi-touch. The A720 continues Lenovo’s heritage of svelte designs for the AIO by smartly positioning the PC at the base on the unit. Improving AIO design even further, the A720 is engineered to optimize the touch experience in the ‘digital’ home. The A720’s widely adjustable hinge allows the screen to be pulled towards the user at an angle of -5o and folded back to an angle of up to 90o, making touch applications more comfortable over longer periods in any position.

To optimize the touch experience on the AIO, the A720’s 10-point multi-touch display supports multi-user scenarios with greater accuracy. Powered by the Intel Core Processor family and NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics with up to 1TB HDD and 64 GB SSD storage, the A720 delivers an impressive home multimedia experience on a frameless high definition 16:9 wide-screen. With integrated entertainment features, such as room-shaking Dolby Home Theatre V4 audio, Lenovo High-Sense (720p HD) Webcam, and Lenovo IdeaTouch (a suite of touch-optimized applications and games), the A720 is an ultra stylish and fun addition for the modern home entertainment center.

The IdeaCentre A720 all-in-one will be available in the first half of 2012 with an estimated starting retail price of $1,299.

CES 2012 – Lenovo Announce the IdeaPad YOGA Windows 8 Notebook

Andrew Edney

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Jan 10, 2012

0

CES 2012 – Lenovo Announce the IdeaPad YOGA Windows 8 Notebook

Here at CES at the Lenovo Press Conference, Lenovo just announced the IdeaPad YOGA Notebook running Windows 8.

It’s the industry’s first multi-mode notebook with a 360 degree flip-and-fold design. Combining the tablet’s ease-of-use with the ultrabook’s functionality, IdeaPad YOGA gives consumers four-in-one personal computing, with four separate usage modes in one PC.

IdeaPad YOGA Notebook: Four Experience Modes to Create and Consume

Created for the convergence of professional and personal lifestyles, the IdeaPad YOGA multi-mode notebook introduces an intuitive design that optimizes the user experience of both an ultrabook and tablet across four different usage modes – notebook, tablet, stand and tent.

Compared with conventional convertible form factors, YOGA’s patented 360 degree dual- hinge flip design is more stable and durable,1 and enables an overall thinner and lighter hardware design. YOGA is the industry’s thinnest convertible ultrabook measuring 0.67” (16.9mm) thin at 3.1 lbs (1.47kg). Powered by the Intel Core Processor family with a Windows 8 operating system, YOGA supports eight hours of battery life with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. As a full-size notebook, YOGA’s svelte design includes small but meaningful details such as soft touch rubber paint on the exterior for strong grip, a leather cover on the palm rest, and side buttons designed for easier access for all usage modes.

As a multi-mode notebook, IdeaPad YOGA delivers a comfortable and natural user interaction when using it in any position. To enjoy multi-player touch-based gaming and social media on-the-go, the user simply folds back YOGA’s screen for a portable 13.1“ HD+ (1600 x 900) tablet with 10-point capacitive touch. For entertainment, reading, and web browsing, users can flip the YOGA’s screen panel into a convenient stand or tent mode that saves space and brings the screen closer to the user. YOGA’s versatile multi-mode form factor strikes an ideal balance between creating and consuming content, while at the same time, offering consumers an optimal experience of a notebook and tablet in a single device.

The IdeaPad YOGA multimode notebook will be available in the second half of 2012 with an estimated starting retail price of $1,199.

I just got a chance to see one up close in action – expect more on this soon.

DISH Network AND ViaSat Announce Bundled Internet Service

Tech

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 10, 2012

0

DISH Network and ViaSat today announced the availability of next-generation satellite broadband service bundled with DISH’s popular satellite television service. Read on for details!

Here is what DISH had to say:

DISH Network and ViaSat today announced the availability of next-generation satellite broadband service bundled with DISH’s popular satellite television service. ViaSat, which will provide the high-speed broadband services, is making satellite broadband competitive for the first time with wireless home broadband service as well as legacy DSL and many cable services.

The service – with a baseline offer of 12 Mbps for $50 per month – will ride on ViaSat-1, the highest capacity satellite in the world that was launched in October.

ViaSat will also be conducting demos of their new satellite service this week at CES.

And the press release with more details:

DISH Bundles TV Service with ViaSat’s Next-Generation High-Speed Satellite Broadband

LAS VEGAS, NV – Jan 9, 2012 – DISH Network L.L.C. and ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) today announced the availability of next-generation satellite broadband service bundled with DISH’s popular satellite television service. In February, DISH will launch its advanced satellite broadband packages with up to 12 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds bundled with a variety of DISH TV programming packages.

The DISH broadband bundle includes:

· Bundles starting at $79.98 per month

· Up to12 Mbps download speeds

· 24/7 telephone tech support at no additional charge

· Installation starting at $99

DISH’s bundled video and broadband products offer consumers speed, value and excellent customer service with a single bill and one installation. The new bundled offer is a great alternative for the millions of American consumers, mostly rural, with limited broadband options.

“This is one more example of DISH meeting the needs of consumers,” said DISH CEO Joe Clayton. “The market potential for this new Internet service is substantial given the nearly eight million to 10 million mostly rural American households that are unserved and millions more left with slower broadband alternatives.”

ViaSat will provide the satellite delivery services enhanced by DISH billing, installation, customer service and merchandising.

For more information, visit www.dishnetwork.com/internet.

CES 2012 – HP Announce Omni27 All-in-One PC

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Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 10, 2012

1

CES 2012 – HP Announce Omni27 All-in-One PC

HP today announced the HP Omni27 PC – the company’s first 68.6 cm (27”) all-in-one PC and the first non-touch HP PC to feature HP’s exclusive Magic Canvas software for a truly engaging experience.

Standout style, performance and simplicity

The HP Omni27 All-in-One PC is designed specifically for consumers who demand meticulous design, simplicity and performance and an expanding viewing experience. Its elegant flat panel display features edge-to-edge glass and tilts up to 25 degrees, allowing users to adjust the 68.6 cm (27”) diagonal high-definition (HD) screen to their comfort level.

The HP Omni27 features HP’s Magic Canvas software allowing the desktop to expand horizontally and accommodate all the photos, videos and applications consumers need. Windows desktop shortcuts, task bar and start menu can all be accessed through the Magic Canvas allowing users to work without ever leaving the interface. Convenient features like HP LinkUp let users access and edit content from a notebook PC on the Omni27’s large display with virtually no file transfer hassles.

The HP Omni27 offers multi-core processors, advanced HD graphics and up to 2TB of storage.(2) Additionally, standard features such as Beats Audio, and optional ones such as the Blu-Ray disc drive and TV tuner make it the ultimate multimedia machine.

Pricing and availability

The HP Omni27 All-in-One PCs are expected to be available on March 5th in EMEA at a starting price of € 999.

We got hands-on with the Omnia27, so expect our write-up shortly.

CES 2012 – HP Announce the HP ENVY 14 Spectre Ultrabook

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Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 10, 2012

2

CES 2012 – HP Announce the HP ENVY 14 Spectre Ultrabook

HP today announced a new Ultrabook – the HP ENVY 14 Spectre.

This January, design aficionados should prepare to be haunted by the beauty of the HP ENVY 14 Spectre Ultrabook experience – with new jaw-dropping unparalleled use of glass and stunning performance.

Designed for those that expect the extraordinary, this statement in quality blends together materials on an Ultrabook and captures today’s emerging spirit of entrepreneurship, collaboration and strong visual identity.

“Sleek, midnight black glass on the outside and stark contrast silver on the inside make Spectre extraordinary, defying conventional notebook design,” said Louis Perrin, director, consumer products, Personal Systems Group, HP EMEA. “We chose the name for our first ENVY Ultrabook to evoke mystery and to satisfy those who expect the unexpected.”
Breathtaking engineering and design

One of HP’s most advanced notebooks, the HP ENVY 14 Spectre is 20 millimeters thin and weighs in at just 1.8kg(1). Beautiful yet tough it features lightweight, scratch resistant glass on the lid, display, palmrest and HP ImagePad, a material largely recognised for its use on the screens of smartphones, portable media players and LCD displays.

Featuring the latest advances in display engineering and chassis design, the HP Spectre fits a full 35.56 cm (14”) screen inside a 33.78cm (13.3”) body. It sounds impossible, but looks incredible, allowing to stretch content across a phenomenal high-definition (HD) (2) HP Radiance display producing higher resolution, richer colour, better brightness and wider viewing angles than traditional notebook displays.

An intelligent HP Radiance Backlit keyboard, using individual LEDs dedicated to each keycap, senses a person’s presence, lighting up when they’re near and dimming down when they’re not – a bright and brilliant idea only from HP that adds greatly to the aesthetic experience.

Astonishing Sound

The HP ENVY 14 Spectre creates a sound heaven thanks to the matching audio-grade speaker mesh and Beats Audio™, an exclusive, high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre. Its front-positioned speaker system provides pure, unrestrained sound. Whilst the Ultrabook boasts an aluminum analog volume dial, giving the Spectre an interesting retro twist, and external sound on/off button, providing precise volume control, even with the lid closed.

Built-in HP Wireless Audio turns any home into a stage by streaming music to multiple speakers. Uncompressed audio can be streamed to up to four external devices or directly to any KleerNet-compatible device.

Uncompromising performance

Blazingly fast, the HP ENVY 14 Spectre is powered by the latest Intel® Core™ processors(3) featuring Intel Rapid Start Technology, 128 gigabyte (GB) of Solid State Drive (SSD) (4) storage and 9 hours of battery life.(5) Eliminating the need for external dongles, the HP Spectre features an array of input and output options, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI and Mini Displayport. In addition, the HP ImagePad provides precise multifinger touch navigation and the HP TrueVision HD(1) Webcam provides brighter, cleaner HD images.

It offers a performance-tuned software image, full versions of Adobe Photoshop® and Premiere Element and two years of preinstalled Norton™ Internet Security. A world-class design also deserves world-class service, so the notebook comes with a premium phone line for technical support that is dedicated exclusively to HP ENVY users.

Pricing and availability

The HP ENVY 14 Spectre notebook PC is expected to be available end of March with a starting price of €1,299.-(6) thru limited distribution in UK, Germany, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.

We got hands-on with the Spectre earlier today, so expect our review shortly.

Nokia Announces Lumia 900 LTE Phone for AT&T

Microsoft

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 10, 2012

2

Nokia Announces Lumia 900 LTE Phone for AT&T

At CES today, Nokia announced the new LTE phone for AT&T called the Lumia 900. Read on for details!

The Nokia Lumia 900 will be the first Windows Phone 4G LTE handsets for AT&T and looks fantastic. Here is what Nokia had to say:

Nokia and AT&T introduce the new Nokia Lumia 900 on AT&T’s 4G LTE network

First Nokia smartphone designed specifically for the US features LTE, large display and exclusive applications

LAS VEGAS – Today at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Nokia and AT&T announced the Nokia Lumia 900, the first of Nokia’s Windows® Phone-based range to feature high-speed LTE* connectivity. With Nokia’s largest display, the Nokia Lumia 900 delivers a rich content experience from a phone that still fits easily in your hand.

Launching exclusively with AT&T in cyan and matte black in coming months, the Nokia Lumia 900 has a 4.3-inch AMOLED ClearBlack Display for rich, bright images both indoors and out, faster connection speeds based on cutting-edge 4G LTE technology, and a long-lasting 1830 mAH battery for enjoying content all day.

The primary camera includes Nokia’s exclusive Carl Zeiss optics, with large aperture (F2.2) and wide angle focal length (28mm) for high-quality, uncropped 16:9 images even in low-light conditions. In addition, the Nokia Lumia 900 includes a front-facing camera boasting a large aperture and a wide angle lens that ensures sharp, bright images for high-quality video calling, right out of the box.

Nokia’s third Lumia smartphone, the Nokia Lumia 900 builds on Lumia’s head-turning design on the outside and a rich social and Internet experience on the inside. People Hub is the quickest way to connect with friends with Live Tiles for real-time updates and a fast Web browsing experience with Internet Explorer Mobile.

“The introduction of the Nokia Lumia 900 with AT&T is another significant milestone in the ongoing rollout of Nokia’s global smartphone strategy,” said Chris Weber, president of Nokia Americas. “The Nokia Lumia 900 is designed specifically with the US in mind and the announcement of this collaboration with AT&T, in addition to other recent announcements, signifies a new dawn for Nokia in the US.”

The Nokia Lumia 900 benefits from a range of leading content experiences:

The AT&T U-verse Mobile** app lets U-verse TV subscribers browse the U-verse TV program guide, schedule and manage their DVR recordings, and watch hit TV shows while on the go. The U-verse Mobile library includes more than 100 TV series and more than 700 TV shows from a variety of genres.

Nokia Drive, available to download from Windows Phone Marketplace, provides free voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation with a dedicated in-car user interface that turns the Nokia Lumia 900 into a GPS navigation device.

The exclusive ESPN sports hub is pre-loaded on Nokia Lumia smartphones, and provides a one-stop sports application for news, videos and scores.

The CNN App for Windows Phones provides the latest news and video from CNN’s reporting around the globe and direct access to iReport, CNN’s participatory news community. Launching globally for free in the next month, the CNN App will be exclusive to Nokia users for 90 days.

The Univision App will be exclusive to Nokia Lumia users in the U.S. and Puerto Rico for 18 months, delivering unique and exclusive Spanish-language content experiences, including Univision entertainment, sports and soccer coverage, plus news, cooking and local content for different U.S. markets – all in one App.

A partnership with EA to bring over 20 of the world’s most popular games to the Windows Phone marketplace, coming first to Nokia Lumia devices.

“Nokia and AT&T worked hand in hand to bring the Nokia Lumia 900 to market. Our powerful 4G network really amplifies the benefits of the Nokia Lumia 900. Sharing high quality images and videos with its integrated social networking functions is faster than ever; content from U-verse Mobile is more enjoyable on the crisp 4.3-inch screen, and with its huge battery people can do more without worrying about recharging,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president of devices for AT&T. “Together, we are working to supercharge the ecosystem around the Nokia Lumia 900 and the Windows Phone platform.”

*Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by LTE or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available. Deployment ongoing. Compatible data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.

**U-Verse Mobile: Access to select content requires qualifying U-verse TV plan or monthly subscription fee, and WiFi connection and/or cellular data connection. Available content may vary by device and/or U-verse TV subscription and is subject to change. Data charges may apply.

Technical specs are:

Tech Specs

Networks: GSM/EGSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/1900/2100, LTE Band 4 (1700/2100) & 17 (700)

OS: Windows Phone Release 7.5 – Mango Commercial Release 2 (Mango + LTE)

Memory: 512MB RAM

Storage: 16 GB internal memory (14.5GB user memory) + SkyDrive cloud storage

Volume: 90cc

Weight: 160g (5.6 ounces)

Dimensions: (max): 127.8 x 68.5 x 11.5 mm (5 x 2.7 x .45 inches)

A-GPS

Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)

USB 2.0 high-speed

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

3mm headset connector

Here’s a few good photos:

So what do you think? I love this and hope that Verizon picks up something like this!

Nokia Blog Post

CES 2012 – Ford Updates SYNC Destinations App

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Andrew Edney

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Jan 9, 2012

0

CES 2012 – Ford Updates SYNC Destinations App

Updated SYNC Destinations App Connects Drivers to SYNC On the Go, Simplifies Navigation on the Road.

· SYNC® Destinations now leverages the power and speed of the latest 3G and 4G mobile broadband networks to provide fast access to turn-by-turn directions, destination downloads* and traffic information

· SYNC Destinations is now compatible with SYNC AppLink™, enabling drivers to get quick, on-the-go access to the latest traffic reports, turn-by-turn directions and destination downloads* with simple voice commands

· SYNC Destinations is one of five new apps Ford plans to announce and demonstrate at the upcoming 2012 International CES

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 – Ford Motor Company is launching the next version of SYNC® Destinations, its free mobile app for SYNC Services users, giving Ford vehicle owners the ability to easily send destinations to their vehicle using their smartphone.

With the addition of Ford SYNC AppLink™ support, the app enables drivers to use simple voice commands to get on-the-go traffic reports to any of their favorite destination points. Users can report traffic incidents to share with the entire SYNC Destinations community, get to-the-minute incident reports, and leverage their smartphone’s data network to download turn-by-turn directions and destinations directly to their vehicle.

“SYNC Destinations is an indispensible tool that cuts travel times and helps Ford owners save money by using less fuel,” said Doug VanDagens, global director of Connected Services, Ford Motor Company. “The app not only makes the SYNC experience better, it makes it easier than ever to navigate with SYNC Services.”

Simplified voice-controlled access via AppLink

With the first version of SYNC Destinations, Ford owners had the capability to get on-the-go access to their cloud-based SYNC Services account. Drivers could add, save and manage destinations or Saved Points like they do using http://www.syncmyride.com. Locations added using SYNC Destinations were easily accessible through SYNC Services in the vehicle.

The new version of SYNC Destinations takes the experience to the next level. Now the SYNC Destinations app combines with SYNC AppLink to leverage the power of the smartphone’s data connection to download directions into the vehicle using simple voice commands. Users can also access traffic/incident reports while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Users simply speak the commands “Mobile Apps,” “SYNC Destinations,” followed by “Traffic to” and the name of a saved destination to instantly get the fastest route to their destination. The command, “Directions,” followed by the name of a saved destination enables users to download voice-guided turn-by-turn directions into the vehicle.

Need to know traffic incidents around your location? Simply say, “Incidents around me” to get a report of all known incidents and events around your current location.

Drivers also can use the SYNC Destinations app’s community reporting feature to “Report an accident” to other fellow SYNC Services drivers to forewarn them of potential traffic delays.

Ford vehicle owners who do not have AppLink can still download the new version of SYNC Destinations and enjoy the following new features:

·         Access real-time traffic information and incident reports covering every major interstate, highway, arterial and city street in North America
·         Gather reliable traffic forecasts that cut travel times and save money by consuming less fuel
·         Get comparative traffic reports delivering fast insight into which roads are better or worse than normal for that time of day
·         View previously unsaved destinations and convert them into a Saved Point
·         Access alternate route options to any Saved Points
·         Leverage international language support for Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hungarian and Dutch
·         Send a destination to the vehicle using the “Send to SYNC” feature via a smartphone. Directions for this destination can then be downloaded by using SYNC Services. Previously, users could only utilize Send to SYNC from their computer or laptop using Mapquest and Google

SYNC Destinations and SYNC Services navigation are powered by INRIX’s traffic intelligence platform and the world’s largest community of drivers. INRIX uniquely analyzes real-time data from 50 million vehicles and hundreds of public and private sources to provide SYNC owners with voice-controlled access to the latest traffic reports and best routes based on current and expected conditions. INRIX Traffic Forecasts leverages unique analysis of real-time, historical data with analyses of traffic-impacting local events like holidays, weather, concerts and sporting events to deliver insight into what drivers can expect on the roads hours, days and months in advance.

“We continue to collaborate closely with other companies to make sure SYNC and the app ecosystem built around it remains fresh and exciting for our customers,” said Srini Racha, product manager, SYNC Services, Ford Connected Services. “SYNC Destinations gives busy, on-the-go SYNC users the convenience of using their smartphone to find, save and send destinations to their vehicle. Then, when in the vehicle, to leverage the smartphone’s power and speed and SYNC AppLink to download directions to that destination using simple voice commands.”

This new version of SYNC Destinations continues to be a free download for SYNC Services users and will be available for iPhone owners via the iTunes App Store. Owners with active SYNC Services accounts can download and use this app. This version of SYNC Destinations will also be made available for BlackBerry and Android users in the first quarter of 2012.

SYNC Destinations now joins the growing SYNC AppLink ecosystem of mobile apps including Pandora, Stitcher, Slacker Radio and OpenBeak. SYNC AppLink is available on 10 vehicles for 2012.

CES 2012 – Samsung Announce New Smart LED and Plasma TVs

Andrew Edney

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Jan 9, 2012

0

CES 2012 – Samsung Announce New Smart LED and Plasma TVs

Today at CES, Samsung announced some new Smart LED and Plasma TVs.

Today at CES, Samsung, the UK’s number one TV brand with the most awarded TV range unveiled new innovations in its latest LED and Plasma Smart TV series that will redefine the way consumers manage their home entertainment experience, interact with their Smart TVs and other devices and access the industry’s broadest range of content. The new Smart TVs include:

•    Smart Interaction – Launch and use apps more easily through Motion Control, Voice Control and Face Recognition
•    Smart Content – Share photos, memories and memos with family from the TV to the cloud to smart devices, manage your own health directly from the TV, and access educational content for kids. The industry’s broadest offering of movies, TV shows and streaming videos can be enjoyed via Samsung Apps, the industry’s preferred TV apps platform
•    Smart Evolution – Select Samsung TVs in 2012 will allow consumers to enjoy new experiences as their TV is reborn each year with the newest smart technology via installing kits

Samsung’s flagship LED ES8000 and Plasma E8000 series Smart TVs, along with the ES7500 and ES6800 series of Smart LED TVs, received CES 2012 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards. Samsung will showcase its new TVs at the 2012 International CES, booth #12004, which will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre (LVCC), from January 10-13, 2012.

Robert King, Head of Consumer Electronics, Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “In this era of smart entertainment, consumers are changing the way they want to be entertained and how they choose to access this content. Our research shows that consumer interest in Smart TV is at 81% so Samsung is redefining what a TV can do so people can use more intuitive ways to control their entertainment experiences, maintain closer contact to people that are important to them, and easily manage and share content across multiple screens.”

Intuitive controls for the most easy-to-enjoy content experience
Samsung’s premium 2012 Smart TVs will feature Samsung’s Smart Interaction technology – an intuitive platform that uses Motion Control, Voice Control and Face Recognition commands for the TV. Smart Interaction complements the remote and seeks to offer users greater choice and convenience in how they control their home entertainment experience.

For example, users can turn the TV on or off, activate selected apps, or search for content in the web browser simply by speaking in any of the 20 to 30 languages that are supported by the technology. With a wave of their hand, they can browse and choose a link or content via the web browser. The built-in camera recognises movement in the foreground, and two unidirectional array microphones recognise voice at an incredibly accurate rate. Noise cancellation technology helps separate any background noise from the users’ commands.

Samsung’s 2012 range of Smart LED and Plasma TVs also support connectivity with select wireless keyboards and mice, making it more convenient than ever to access and navigate content.

Samsung Smart TVs get even smarter and closer to the family
Samsung Smart TV now brings the family back to the living room. The new TVs embrace the promise of a multi-screen world by allowing users to do more with their TV through Samsung’s new suite of exclusive services, the first of its kind in the industry:
•    Family Story’s album lets users organise photos and enjoy slide shows on the big screen. Family members can also share memos and reminders anywhere they are via the phone, tablet, PC or TV
•    Fitness allows users to connect their Samsung TV to a Samsung smartphone via a mobile Fitness app. They can also connect to a WiFi-enabled scale to manage their weight goals and use the TV’s built-in camera to create a virtual mirror to monitor their exercise routines
•    Kids offers a wealth of infotainment and games in a kid-friendly interface that parents and control and monitor

Samsung’s premium Smart TVs, including the ES8000 LED TV and E8000 Plasma TV, are powered by a new dual-core processor to enable multi-tasking, so apps no longer need to be exited and relaunched.

Searching for movies, browsing the Internet, downloading apps via Samsung Apps, accessing Video on Demand content or chatting with friends has never been more convenient. Samsung’s Smart Hub user interface has also been redesigned for faster performance and improved convenience with a cleaner, more intuitive interface in Full HD. With a tabbed web browser, users can open multiple pages at a time, while the new Content Bar remembers recent activities for easy access to content.

Video fans will have even more reason to celebrate in 2012. With over 1,400 apps globally, Samsung Apps has established itself as the industry’s leading TV apps platform, with the broadest range of video content from leading brands.

Samsung’s new AllShare Play marks an evolution of its AllShare feature. AllShare Play allows users to upload and share multimedia content with AllShare Play compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras and computers.

Future proofing your TV with Smart Evolution

Select 2012 Samsung Smart TV will be “future proof” for years to come. Thanks to its proprietary system-on-chip technology, Samsung is the only company that can deliver an evolving TV, which allows you to easily enjoy the benefits of the latest TV technology year after year without purchasing a brand new set. With a simple slot-in to the back of TV, Samsung’s Evolution Kit will bring the latest and greatest TV technology to life.

Samsung LED TVs deliver crystal clear picture quality with innovation design
Samsung’s 2012 range of Smart Full HD LED TVs continue to raise the bar in picture quality. Whether users are viewing a detailed shot from a camera or seeing incredible 3D depth, images are breathtakingly real with detailed contrast.

Both the Samsung ES8000 Smart LED TV and ES7500 Smart LED TV series offer cutting-edge technologies that deliver clear images in both 2D and 3D. The ES8000’s Micro Dimming Ultimate analyses the picture in hundreds of pieces to optimise the LED backlight and video signal for each piece in real time, by increasing peak whites in areas of lower gradation. This leads to an overall 20 percent increase in brightness and allows home entertainment enthusiasts to enjoy richer colours, brighter pictures and higher contrast ratios. The technology also eliminates the halo effect and image distortion associated with diffused light.

Samsung is taking its minimalist and luxurious design identity further with this year’s Smart LED line. The 0.2 inch ultra-slim bezel design, first introduced in 2011, returns for premium models while the rest of Samsung’s entire LED line will feature a slim 0.5 inch slim bezel. In all cases, consumers enjoy a larger screen size without increasing the overall size of the TV when compared to conventional models.

The ES8000 also sports a new metallic U-shape stand that adds to the sophistication this TV brings to any room. The stand’s unique, minimalistic design belies its sturdiness and stability. Together, the TV and stand form a harmonious composition of straight lines and curves, appearing as a timeless objet d’art.

Samsung also offers an optional ultra slim wall-mount so that users can show off the TV’s slim form factor by hanging it like a picture frame on the wall.

Samsung’s best Plasma yet – form meets function without compromise
Samsung’s E80000 Smart Plasma TV combines a new black bezel design with enhanced display technologies for the most exceptional Plasma TV Samsung has ever created.

The E8000 sports a slim 1.5-inch profile and Samsung’s Plasma +1 ultra-slim bezel design, which reduces the gap between the bezel and screen content, yielding more screen real estate without increasing the size of the TV. The bezel is a new titan black metal colour with a transparent crystal-like border, resulting in a more immersive entertainment experience than ever before.

Users will experience some of the deepest black levels ever achieved on a Samsung TV, thanks to the E8000’s innovative Real Black Pro Panel. The new panel combines advancements in the structure of the plasma panel with software improvements, yielding blacker blacks, bolder colours, higher contrast, and exceptional picture quality. This technological improvement improves black levels by 10%, creating an incredible cinematic viewing experience.

As with the ES8000 Smart LED TV, the E8000 includes Smart Plasma TV features 3D, Smart Interaction and a dual-core processor for multitasking.

All Samsung 2012 TVs are compliant with the Energy Star® 5.1 guidelines.

CES 2012 – Samsung Apps Milestones

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Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 9, 2012

0

Today at CES Samsung, the UK’s number one TV brand with the most awarded TV range, announces new milestones for its Smart TV platform, Samsung Apps, as well as new apps and services that deliver even richer entertainment options for the largest screen in the home.

With more than 1,400 apps available and average daily downloads of 50,000 worldwide, Samsung Apps has become the Smart TV platform of choice for application developers and premium content brands.

Consumers have increasingly turned to their TVs for streaming video content, as well as for apps that offer interactive and customised content that cater for their passion for music, sports, fitness, social networking or news.

Globally Samsung expects to hit 15 million app downloads by January 2012, a 50 per cent increase from its previous milestone of 10 million, set in October 2011.

Robert King, Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung UK, said, “With over 80% of consumers interested in Smart TV, there is a growing need to extend the availability of content and apps to other screens in the home. Samsung’s connected ecosystem, including Smart TV’s, Smartphones, Smart Cameras and even Smart Appliances can meet this need, while our platform has evolved dramatically in 2012 to further enhance the experience.”

Simple, Intuitive Interface for Samsung Smart Hub
Samsung has redesigned its Smart Hub user interface to offer a much more intuitive experience. The new Smart Hub is in full HD and is streamlined to offer users a more intuitive way to search and discover content via Smart Interactions. Consumers can navigate the interface using Voice Control, Motion Control and Face Recognition for a seamless experience never before available on a TV.
The new Smart Hub also offers true multi-tasking capabilities – users can switch between web pages thanks to a new tabbed web browser, toggle between apps and download multiple apps simultaneously.

In addition, Samsung’s new AllShare Play allows content to be shared across DLNA-certified devices. AllShare Play offers web storage so users can upload and share multimedia content between devices such as TVs, cameras, smartphones, laptops and PCs, regardless of where they are in the world.

Rich Content and Signature Services that Push the Boundaries of HomeEntertainment
To help bring the family back together in the living room, Samsung is launching several first-of-its-kind signature services that redefine what the TV can do for consumers.

Samsung’s Family Story allows families to share content through cloud-based storage. Family members can share photos, create slide shows, post memos and schedule events. They can access this content in and outside the home through their smartphones, tablets, PCs and Samsung Smart TVs. Device compatibility will also be expanded to include LCD refrigerators and digital cameras in the future. Family members can also share photos in real-time by pushing photos to each member’s TV screen through a ‘live chat’ feature, so keeping in touch with families has become much easier no matter where loved ones are.

Fitness helps users track their fitness progress through indoor and outdoor activities in a more organised way. In addition to a diverse range of fitness content, users can connect their Samsung smartphone to their Smart TV using a mobile fitness app. They can also connect a Withings WiFi scale to their Samsung Smart TVs to help them track and monitor their weight progress. With selected apps, the TV’s built-in camera will create a virtual mirror so users they can check their exercise poses against the instructor.

Families can also access a variety of educational video-on-demand content through Kids, which includes a feature where parents can reward their children with stickers and monitor their TV time.

CES 2012 – Samsung Announces Notebook Series 5 Ultrabook

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Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 9, 2012

4

CES 2012 – Samsung Announces Notebook Series 5 Ultrabook

Today at CES, Samsung, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced the new Samsung Notebook Series 5 Ultrabook which delivers performance beyond all expectations for a thin and light notebook.

The Series 5 Ultrabook™ is powered by a 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor; combined with an ExpressCache™ system by Diskeeper and a powerful AMD Radeon™ HD graphics card, to ensure it delivers incredible experiences from its thin and light form factor.

Neil Sawyer, Head of IT Marketing for Samsung UK & Ireland, said, “Based on in-depth market research and consumer surveys, we propose a new type of Ultrabook™ which will change the perception of Ultrabooks™ among consumers. Our findings indicate that consumers demand much more than just a thin and light notebook; they want better performance and user storage on a daily basis, as digital files are becoming larger. The Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook™ will be the first to answer these needs. The heavily competitive and fast changing media environment demands for a device that will meet these requirements and that is why we present the Series 5 Ultrabook™.”

Unleash Ultra Features

Available in 13” and 14”, the Series 5 Ultrabook™ reveals its performance through an Intel® Core™ i5-2467M processor, up to 8GB memory, ExpressCache™ system by Diskeeper and AMD Radeon™ HD graphics card. As a result, the Series 5 Ultrabook™ is able to fast boot in just 20 seconds, wake up in 2 seconds, whilst web browsing is twice as fast as the previous generation notebook PCs.

Performance is nothing without space to store data and due to the development of digital image devices and various media platforms, files are getting larger, increasing the need for bigger user storage. Despite the recent trend of cloud storage, local storage is still preferred among users. To meet these needs the Series 5 Ultrabook™ 14” offers up to 1TB storage capacity ensuring that users never need to carry a peripheral storage device with them.

The performance has been further enhanced by the extended battery life. The Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook™ delivers up to 6.4 hours of battery life on a single charge. The Samsung Battery Life Plus is a true anti-aging battery technology, which keeps 80% of the cell’s original capacity in a life cycle lasting up to 1,500 charging cycles or three years.

Ultrabook of your choice

To meet the concept of being the true companion of consumers, the Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook™ will be offered in 13” and 14”. To ensure ease-of-use while on the move, the Series 5 Ultra 13” is just 14-17.6mm thin and 1.38kg light. The Intel® Core™ i5 processor, up to 8GB memory, up to 500GB storage and 16GB iSSD with ExpressCache™ ensures that performance on-the-go is not compromised. Consumers can also choose from a 128GB SSD or 258GB SSD as their preferred storage. To offer maximum connection to other devices, the 13” model also carries a full-size HDMI port along with one USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, a 4-in-1 multi SD card slot, an Ethernet connection and built-in webcam.

The 14” model equipped with Intel® Core™ i5 processor, up to 8GB memory and 16GB iSSD with ExpressCache™ system offers exceptional performance. For larger storage and heightened visual experience, the Series 5 Ultrabook™ k 14” embraces up to 1TB storage as well as an AMD Radeon™ HD7550M 1GB graphics card. An integrated Optical Disc Drive is also installed for maximum convenience. In terms of connectivity, the 14” model offers full-size HDMI, VGA, two USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, a 4-in-1 multi SD card slot, Ethernet and built-in webcam. All the above features are packed into a 20.9mm thin and 1.84kg light chassis.

Both models carry Samsung’s superior LCD technology with 300nit HD LED SuperBright screen, Image Enhancer technology and anti-reflective screen, enabling consumers an ultra viewing experience no matter where they are.

CES 2012 : Samsung Announce 2nd Generation Notebook Series 9

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Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 9, 2012

2

CES 2012 : Samsung Announce 2nd Generation Notebook Series 9

Today at CES Samsung announced the second generation of the Samsung Notebook Series 9. Following the former model’s premiere at the CES 2011, the new Series 9 represents Samsung’s advanced innovative craftsmanship in the premium notebook sector.

Customised for consumers looking for premium quality with great design, the new Series 9 boasts the world’s thinnest and most compact chassis. Its unique design and innovative engineering breaks all common perceptions of premium notebook PCs. Super-slim components are tailor-made for the Series 9 and precision-fitted into the device’s innovative single shell body.

Neil Sawyer, Head of IT Marketing for Samsung UK, said, “The new Samsung Notebook Series 9 represents the ultimate in Samsung craftsmanship towards precision engineering and premium design. The new Series 9 embodies the originality and heritage of its predecessor, but refines the aerodynamic design to increase performance and functionality.”

Craftsmanship meets design

To achieve its premium design aspects without compromising performance or functionality, key components such as the LCD panel, keyboard, motherboard, cables, fans and battery have been customised with precision, to fit into the Series 9’s extra flat single shell body.

With Samsung’s MaxScreen technology, the screen has been implemented with a narrow bezel, which has increased the screen size by up to an inch. The Samsung Series 9 is the world’s thinnest and most compact 15” premium notebook, featuring a vivid 15” display fitted into a stylish 14” chassis. The flat 14.9mm (0.58”) thin design weighs just 1.59kg (3.5 lbs), making the Series 9 ultra-portable. Power and performance are assured with a second generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor and up to 8GB memory and 128GB SSD. The 13” model measures only 12.9mm (0.5”) and weighs just 1.16kg (2.6 lbs). A true revolution in the thin and light sector.

The new Series 9 has a mineral ash finish with contrasting natural matte aluminium sides and the model has also been sand-blasted, to offer a fingerprint resistant surface.

Prestige features and performance

Power and performance are assured with a 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5/i7 processor, 4GB*/8GB memory and 128GB/256GB SSD. Thanks to Samsung Fast Solutions, the new Series 9 boots in just 9.8 seconds, web browsing is 2 times faster and the Fast Start feature ensures that the notebook can achieve a 1.4-second wake-up. The new 15” Series 9 also boasts battery life up to 10 hours.
The 180% brighter HD+ SuperBright Plus screen with anti-reflective display ensures clear vision even outdoors. In addition, the MaxScreen (+1 inch) and wide 160º viewing angle ensures a comfortable viewing experience. The screen and keyboard are auto sensitive meaning they self adjust to match the surrounding light conditions, even in particularly dark or bright environments.

Crafted for ease-of-use

Consumers can enjoy better control of movement by using the Series 9’s large multi-touch clickpad. With a glass coating and image sensor, the clickpad provides a stylish, accurate and convenient way to use the notebook. In addition, the Series 9 has optimised wireless performance that allows consumers to easily connect to the internet, wherever they are.

Setting-up the Series 9 has never been easier. Bypass the Control Panel and optimise its performance with Samsung’s Easy Settings, which provide one-click execution using keyboard shortcuts and minimal steps to adjust simple functions. It also unifies Samsung’s utility software, so the Series 9 will start-up and run faster.

Luxury brand collaboration

Samsung has also teamed up with the Italian luxury brand Valextra to create a customised leather notebook briefcase for the new Series 9, to be shown at CES 2012.

Emanuele Carminati Molina, President of Valextra, said, “As one of the top global brands, we are delighted to collaborate with Samsung to create this luxury notebook briefcase, and we feel it is the perfect finishing touch to embody the sophistication of the Samsung Series 9. The Premium briefcase represents timeless elegance and effortless luxury matching the craftsmanship of the new Series 9.”

CES 2012 : NETGEAR’s N900 Wireless Dual Band USB Adaptor

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Andrew Edney

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Jan 9, 2012

0

CES 2012 : NETGEAR’s N900 Wireless Dual Band USB Adaptor

NETGEAR N900 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter connects your notebook or desktop computer to a wireless network with ultra high speeds and is perfect for demanding applications like streaming HD video, downloading and multi-player gaming.

The WNDA4100 offers outstanding speed and performance demanded by online gamers as well as users who enjoy streaming HD video. Easy setup with the NETGEAR Genie® CD gets you up and running fast, while Push ‘N’ Connect gives you a secured connection at the push of a button.

• Maximum performance—450 + 450 Mbps of Wireless-N speed for HD video streaming, multiple downloads, and online gaming, all at the same time
• Video streaming—Perfect for multiple HD video streams
• Dual band—Twice the bandwidth for better connection and less interference
• Easy setup—NETGEAR Genie® CD with graphical installation guide
• Secured connection—Push ‘N’ Connect offers a secured wireless Internet connection at the push of a button
• Desktop Stand—Provides option for better desktop placement

CES 2012 : NETGEAR’s Powerline 500 Nano and N900 Adapters

Andrew Edney

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Jan 9, 2012

0

CES 2012 : NETGEAR’s Powerline 500 Nano and N900 Adapters

The Powerline 500 Nano and N900 Video and Gaming WiFi Adapter Deliver Ultra-Fast Network Performance for Home Theater Components and Game Consoles.

LAS VEGAS – January 9, 2012 — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today unveiled two products that make it easier than ever to connect Ethernet-enabled gaming and home theater devices to your home network. For consumers who want simple plug-and-play networking for a single device, such as a TV or a game console,

NETGEAR’s new Powerline Nano 500 (XAVB5101) instantly converts a standard electrical wall outlet into a high-speed network connection that easily accommodates the most demanding multimedia tasks. For consumers who want to connect multiple devices in a room – including TVs, a network disk, media players, game consoles, PCs and other Ethernet-enabled devices – NETGEAR’s new N900 Video and Gaming 4-Port WiFi Adapter (WNCE4004) is the perfect device that can simultaneously connect up to four wired devices to your WiFi router at top speed.

Powerline 500 Nano

With best-in-class performance and reliability, NETGEAR’s Powerline 500 Nano converts any electrical outlet in your house into a high speed network connection, instantly. It offers easy, plug-and-play setup and top speeds, all in the smallest form factor available today. The Powerline 500 Nano is perfect for connecting a single device such as game console, Blu-ray™ player, Smart TV, HD set-top box, network DVR, PC, and other devices to the home network router and the Internet. Gamers particularly benefit from Powerline technology because of its exceptionally low latency.

NETGEAR’s Powerline 500 Nano delivers speeds up to 500 Mbps, which easily accommodates HD and 3D HD video streaming, multimedia, multiplayer gaming and other bandwidth intensive tasks. With NETGEAR’s unique “Pick-a-Plug” function, the Powerline 500 Nano automatically tests the connection at any electrical outlet and displays the results in the form of color coded LED lights to ensure that users can pick a specific electrical outlet in order to ensure the highest possible performance.

N900 Video and Gaming 4-port WiFi Adapter

Streaming HD content to Ethernet-enabled devices in your living room can be difficult or even impossible because a wired connection is often unavailable or impractical to install. NETGEAR’s N900 Video and Gaming 4-port WiFi Adapter enables consumers to connect up to four Ethernet-enabled devices at the fastest WiFi speeds available today. The adapter utilizes multiple wireless streams and dual-band technology to support multiple, simultaneous HD video streams in 1080p resolution and fast, low-latency multiplayer gaming. With the N900 WiFi Adapter it is easier than ever to wirelessly stream high resolution entertainment from Internet services like Netflix, Vudu, YouTube and Hulu to virtually any Ethernet-enabled entertainment device in your home.

“Consumers today are connecting a broader array of devices to their networks than ever before –often simultaneously. All of these devices together can hog a lot of bandwidth, thus making a huge demand on the home network,” said David Henry, Vice President of Product Management at NETGEAR. “NETGEAR’s new N900 Video and Gaming WiFi Adapter and Powerline 500 Nano change everything by delivering the bandwidth required to accommodate virtually any task, no matter how many devices are on the network.”

Pricing and Availability NETGEAR Powerline 500 Nano will be available in Q1 2012 for $119.99. The NETGEAR N900 Video and Gaming 4-Port WiFi Adapter will be available in the summer of 2012 for $79.99. Both products will also be available worldwide from major retailers in stores and online.