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CES2014: NETGEAR And Facebook Announce Facebook Wi-Fi for Small Businesses

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2014

At CES2014 today, NETGEAR announced that they have teamed up with Facebook to offer a new service aimed at small business called Facebook Wi-Fi. Read on for details!

At CES2014 today, NETGEAR announced that they have teamed up with Facebook to offer a new service aimed at small business called Facebook Wi-Fi. NETGEAR routers will offer this app, and when configured, it enables the small business to allow customers to access the internet while putting their Facebook page front and center, driving customer involvement with the business’ Facebook page. Here is the press release:

NETGEAR TEAMS WITH FACEBOOK TO PROMOTE CLOSER ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN SMALL BUSINESSES AND CUSTOMERS

Merchants use new Facebook Wi-Fi login on premium NETGEAR 802.11ac wireless routers to give free Internet access to customers who check into a business Facebook Page

LAS VEGAS — January 6, 2014 — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) (www.netgear.com), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, is teaming with Facebook® to provide Facebook Wi-Fi to small businesses. Facebook Wi-Fi (www.netgear.com/facebookwifi) is an application that enables merchants to provide free Internet access to their customers when they “check in” at the business’ Facebook Page. NETGEAR is making the Facebook Wi-Fi login available on its premium line of next-generation wireless routers supporting dual-band 802.11ac wireless, the world’s fastest WiFi.

Small business owners can turn their NETGEAR 802.11ac router into a wireless hotspot where customers and other visitors are automatically requested to check into the business’ Facebook Page before surfing the web. From here they have the option to “like” the Facebook Page, and engage with content the business has posted. This capability enables merchants to build closer relationships with customers by sharing offers and announcements directly from their Facebook page. Businesses also benefit from aggregate Facebook Page Insights about their customer base.

“Cafes, book stores, barber shops and other small businesses have been providing WiFi to their clientele for several years,” said David Henry, vice president of product management for NETGEAR Retail Business. “We’re adding the Facebook Wi-Fi login to our newest line of premium dual-band 802.11ac routers to encourage merchants to take better advantage of this benefit they’re already offering. They develop a stronger bond with customers and extend brand visibility with each check-in that appears in Facebook News Feed.”

It’s easy for a business to configure the NETGEAR 802.11ac router for Facebook Wi-Fi. Upon first connecting to the router’s wireless signal, customers, guests and visitors will land directly on the company’s Facebook Page, where they will be asked to check in and have the option to like the Page before they begin using the Internet. No special codes are needed, and the customer has the option to automatically check in for free WiFi on return visits. This means businesses can continue to reach their customers with future posts, announcements, coupons and other news. Businesses can also share special promotions on their Facebook Page so the offers are the first things customers see when they check in.

“We’re very happy with our NETGEAR router as it was amazingly easy to set up, and since it offers 802.11ac wireless, it’s powerful enough to support our customers’ demands for Gigabit WiFi speeds for faster downloads,” said Jean Paul Coupal, co-founder at Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto (www.coupacafe.com). “Having the Facebook Wi-Fi login capability is really the icing on the cake. Since we began using Facebook Wi-Fi, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of check-ins to our Facebook Page, and are seeing much more online engagement with our customers.”

If customers wish to skip Facebook Wi-Fi check-in, the business owner still has the option to “gate” the Internet connection with a business-provided code, or even to offer free WiFi without a passcode.

Availability

NETGEAR will roll out Facebook Wi-Fi capability on four of its next-generation dual-band 802.11ac wireless routers over the coming months. NETGEAR routers are sold through major retailers and online. Below is the expected availability schedule for small businesses to download the free firmware update from the NETGEAR support site at http://support.netgear.com.

The new, blazing-fast Nighthawk™ AC1900 Smart WiFi Router (R7000) supports approximate combined Gigabit WiFi speeds up to 1900 Mbps* (600 Mbps @2.4GHz with 256 QAM support + 1300 Mbps @5Ghz 802.11ac); MSRP $199.99; firmware with Facebook Wi-Fi available in Q1.

The R6300 Smart WiFi Router supports approximate combined Gigabit WiFi speeds up to 1750 Mbps* (450 Mbps @ 2.4 Ghz 802.11n + 1300 Mbps @ 5 Ghz 802.11ac); MSRP $179.99; firmware with Facebook Wi-Fi available now for the R6300v2.

The R6250 Smart WiFi Router supports approximate combined Gigabit WiFi speeds up to 1600 Mbps* Mbps (300 Mbps @ 2.4 Ghz 802.11n + 1300 Mbps @ 5 Ghz 802.11ac); MSRP $149.99; firmware with Facebook Wi-Fi available in Q1.

The R6200 WiFi Router supports approximate combined WiFi speeds up to 1200 Mbps* (300 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz 802.11n + 867 Mbps @ 5 GHz 802.11ac); MSRP $149.99; firmware with Facebook Wi-Fi available in Q1 for the R6200v2.

The new 802.11ac wireless standard is the world’s fastest WiFi, providing Gigabit WiFi speeds so you can download web content faster and synchronize large video or music files more quickly. The increased speed of 802.11ac technology is ideal for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets by providing up to three times the performance for a similar amount of battery consumption of devices using the current 802.11n WiFi standard. Dual-band mobile devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S^®4, HTC One®, and Apple® devices such as MacBook Air®, iPad®, and iPhone® deliver outstanding performance with NETGEAR 802.11ac routers. Moreover, the industry-leading NETGEAR family of next-generation dual-band 802.11ac wireless products is compatible with legacy 802.11a/b/g/n standards to provide optimum performance and compatibility with all WiFi devices.

More Information

For more information on Facebook Wi-Fi, visit www.netgear.com/facebookwifi or Facebook at www.facebook.com/help/126760650808045. Learn more about NETGEAR 802.11ac routers and other 802.11ac products at www.netgear.com/fastestwifi.

NETGEAR is demonstrating its dual-band 802.11ac wireless routers this week at the 2014 International CES® trade show in Las Vegas, where the company is introducing new products to press, customers and channel partners. See all CES-related news from NETGEAR at www.netgear.com/ces.

This is an interesting way for NETGEAR to stand out for small businesses, as other routers won’t have this capability. I plan to test this app once it becomes available as I have a R7000 Nighthawk router in for testing (expect a full review shortly after CES), so I’ll give it a spin and see what I think!

Fuji Welcomes the FinePix S1 at CES 2014

Chris Hare

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Jan 6, 2014

1

Fuji Welcomes the FinePix S1 at CES 2014

Fujifilm has unveiled its FinePix S1 point-and-shoot camera at the CES 2014. The superzoom snapper features a 50x (24-1,200mm) f/2.8-5.6 lens, and is resistant to both dust and water. The lens’s maximum aperture starts at f/2.8 at the wide-angle and dips to f/5.6 at the full 1200mm equivalent – that puts it slightly ahead of the maximum from similar superzoom models such as the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS and Panasonic Lumix FZ72 models. With a maximum autofocus speed of just 0.14 sec at the widest angle setting, and a continuous shooting speed up to 10 frames per second, this is one speedy snapper.

The camera also sports a 16-megapixel sensor, WiFi image sharing, a 10fps burst shooting mode, 1080p video recording, a 920,000-pixel electronic viewfinder, and a tilting 3-inch LCD display.

Fujifilm unveiled four other point-and-shoot cameras at CES, with the S9200 and WiFi-ready S9400W omitting the weather-resistant design and 920,000-pixel viewfinder to come at a more economical price.

The AA battery-powered S8600 serves as an entry-level model, offering a 36x (25-900mm) lens and 720p video recording, while the XP70 is a extra-durable device that is fully waterproof.

All five cameras will be released in March, with prices starting at $230 (£140) for the S8600, running up to $500 (£305) for the FinePix S1.

CES2014: NETGEAR Announces Two New AC Wireless Range Extenders

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2014

2

CES2014: NETGEAR Announces Two New AC Wireless Range Extenders

At CES2014 today, NETGEAR announced two new AC-based wireless range extender products. Read on for details!

At CES2014 today, NETGEAR announced two new AC-based wireless range extender products. The AC750 product, the EX6100, is a wall-plug form factor with dual external antennas, AC750 support, backward compatibility with older B/G/N devices and a gigabit ethernet port for connecting a device. The AC1200 product, the EX6200, is a high-performance range extender with 5 gigabit ethernet ports. Here is the press release:

NETGEAR BOOSTS YOUR HOME NETWORK TO THE MAX WITH TWO AWARD-WINNING AC WIFI RANGE EXTENDERS

Get more out of your existing home network with new WiFi Range Extenders, CES Innovations honorees that leverage 802.11ac technology to fight WiFi dead zones and improve signal strength for the ultimate experience in connectivity

LAS VEGAS — January 6, 2014 — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) (www.netgear.com), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today announced the availability of two new WiFi range extenders that are also 2014 CES® Innovations Award honorees. NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender (EX6100) (www.netgear.com/ex6100) and AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender (EX6200) (www.netgear.com/ex6200) are ideal for delivering next-generation WiFi performance for the new mobile devices demanding WiFi throughout the home. Both extenders support older a/b/g/n WiFi devices while providing additional performance to the latest 802.11ac WiFi devices.

The NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender and AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender have been recognized by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA^®) for outstanding design and exceptional engineering in the home networking category. Both extenders will be highlighted in the Innovations Showcase of the 2014 International CES® event in Las Vegas this week.

The NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender is an industry-first extender providing up to 750 Mbps* 802.11ac WiFi performance in a convenient wall-plug form factor. The NETGEAR AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender is designed with ultimate performance in mind, supporting latest generation 802.11ac WiFi technology with up to 1200 Mbps* speed, 700mW high power amplifiers, high gain 5dBi external antennas, and a dual core processor (CPU) to enable ultimate range extension at groundbreaking next-generation WiFi speeds.

Both extenders are ideal for improving the range of a home network and eliminating frustrating WiFi dead zones while enabling lag-free gaming and uninterrupted video streaming with the ultimate in 802.11ac speed and performance. Like other dual band NETGEAR WiFi range extenders, both support the NETGEAR FastLane™ technology that uses both WiFi bands simultaneously to establish one super-fast wireless connection that is ideal for HD video streaming and gaming. Additionally, consumers can use the free NETGEAR WiFi Analytics app for Android™ tablets and smartphones to optimize their home network with information about their network status, signal strength, and channel interference.

“We provide our customers with the latest WiFi extender technology, so we’re thrilled that industry experts have recognized the innovative design and features supported by our new WiFi Range Extenders,” said Damir Skripic, senior product line manager at NETGEAR. “Not only are our new AC750 and AC1200 WiFi Range Extenders the fastest for providing whole home coverage, but we have even redesigned Smart LED indicator lights for the AC750 Extender that help you place it properly in your home. Improper placement of a WiFi range extender is one of the biggest frustrations we see with our customers, and an important one that we wanted to help solve.”

Highlights of the AC750 WiFi Range Extender

The compact NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender is the first wall-plug extender delivering dual-band 802.11ac performance to maximize network speed for older a/b/g/n WiFi devices, while providing up to 750 Mbps to the latest 802.11ac WiFi devices. It is outfitted with dual external antennas boosting range and improving WiFi speeds. With its uniquely stylish, compact wall-plug design that is effortless to install, you can discreetly plug it into any electrical outlet. Smart LED indicator lights on the front of the extender guide you to an optimal location for best WiFi coverage.

In addition to extending a home network, you can also use the extender as an access point by creating a new WiFi hotspot when you plug in a wired Internet connection. The available Gigabit port on the NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender can be used as a WiFi bridge, ideal for connecting a device like a Blu-ray® player, game console, or smart TV to the latest 802.11ac WiFi standard, at a fraction of the cost of proprietary WiFi adapters.

Highlights of the AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender

The NETGEAR AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender delivers next generation 802.11ac WiFi with speeds up to 1200 Mbps. It’s the first WiFi range extender to use a dual core processor that’s up to twice as fast as other processors, to improve efficiency and maximize 802.11ac Gigabit WiFi performance. It is equipped with dual high gain 5dBi external antennas and 10 amplifiers that boost output power to a staggering 700mW. This combination provides ultimate wireless whole-home coverage, increasing WiFi range and easily penetrating walls to eliminate WiFi dead spots throughout large homes and even back yards. The Extender also offers Beamforming+ for more reliable connections.

The NETGEAR AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender offers five Gigabit ports that act as a WiFi bridge, ideal for connecting up to five devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs and streaming players to the WiFi network, eliminating the need to buy proprietary WiFi adapters. Additionally, you can access and share all your stored media with the USB 3.0 port. The AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender has a stylish design with glossy black enclosure and red accents.

Pricing and Availability

NETGEAR AC750 and AC1200 WiFi Range Extenders are available worldwide from major retailers in stores and online. The AC750 WiFi Range Extender is available at an MSRP of $89.99 in the U.S. The AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender is available at an MSRP of $129.99 in the U.S.

More Information

NETGEAR AC750 WiFi Range Extender (EX6100): www.netgear.com/ex6100

NETGEAR AC1200 High Power WiFi Range Extender (EX6200): www.netgear.com/ex6200

WiFi Analytics app for Android™ tablets and smartphones available on Google Play™: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netgear.WiFiAnalytics&hl=en

See all CES-related news from NETGEAR at www.netgear.com/ces.

You can read all announcements from NETGEAR at netgear.com/about/press-releases/.

Here are some product pictures for you:

I am currently using a wireless range extender similar to the EX6200 from Linksys and have been impressed with what’s possible with AC extenders, so I am interested in seeing how these products perform.

CES 2014: NETGEAR Announces Two New Cable Modem/ Router Combos

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2014

0

CES 2014: NETGEAR Announces Two New Cable Modem/ Router Combos

NETGEAR has announced two new cable modems with built-in AC or N routing capabilities at CES 2014. Read on for details.

NETGEAR has announced two new cable modems with built-in AC or N routing capabilities at CES 2014. These devices are intended to unify your cable modem and router to streamline your network, are DOCSIS 3.0 devices and are certified to work with the major US cable internet providers. Here is the press release:

NETGEAR INTRODUCES TWO NEW CABLE GATEWAYS TO PROVIDE COMPLETE CABLE PRODUCT LINEUP FOR THE RETAIL MARKET

Eliminate monthly equipment rental fees from your cable bill with new gateways that offer the fastest DOCSIS 3.0 cable download speeds and blazing-fast WiFi for an improved home entertainment experience

LAS VEGAS — January 6, 2014 — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) (www.netgear.com), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, is expanding its portfolio of cable products for the retail market. This week, the company is launching two new industry-leading Cable Gateways at the 2014 International CES® trade show in Las Vegas, where the company is demonstrating a number of new products to press, customers and channel partners.

The new gateways (www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/cable-modems-routers) offer you faster Internet and blazing-fast WiFi in one space-saving device so you can simplify and supercharge your cable Internet connection. With these gateways, you’ll make modem rental fees on your monthly cable bill a thing of the past.

NETGEAR now has a full line-up of DOCSIS® 3.0 cable modem and gateway products to offer for the retail market:

The new AC1750 WiFi Cable Modem Router, a best-in-class gateway combining the fastest cable modem speeds of up to 680 Mbps** with Gigabit WiFi speeds of up to 1750 Mbps*

The new N450 WiFi Cable Modem Router, a gateway offering cable modem speeds up to 340 Mbps** with the fastest 2.4GHz WiFi speed and performance up to 450 Mbps*

The existing CMD31T DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, for connecting directly to your high-speed cable Internet provider

“We know our customers have come to expect best-in-class products from NETGEAR to improve home entertainment experiences. To that end, we’ve rounded out our cable product portfolio with the introduction of these two new Cable Gateways that incorporate industry-leading technology in both cable modem and wireless technologies to supercharge your home network,” said David Henry, NETGEAR’s vice president of product management for retail business. “You’ll get the newest and the fastest technology while being able to eliminate your monthly equipment rental fee.”

The NETGEAR AC1750 WiFi Cable Modem Router Gigabit Ethernet (C6300) (www.netgear.com/c6300) is a powerhouse device combining the fastest Internet cable download speeds available today with the world’s fastest WiFi. It is designed for today’s connected homes with an increasing number of devices to provide superfast HD coverage throughout your home. The C6300 combines a high performance Intel® Puma™ 6 processor to provide the best wired and wireless performance combined with best-in-class 802.11ac WiFi speeds. Its 16×4 CableLabs-certified® DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem supports the fastest Internet cable download speeds available today with download speeds up to 680 Mbps** — up to 16 times faster than previous-generation DOCSIS 2.0 cable modems — with support for 16 download and 4 upload channels simultaneously. NETGEAR combines the powerful DOCSIS 3.0 capabilities of the C6300 with next-generation dual-band AC1750 WiFi (450+1300 Mbps*), which delivers data throughput up to three times faster than 802.11n WiFi. With the C6300, you’ll experience smoother streaming of HD videos, movies and music, more responsive online gaming, and faster file downloads, with the best wireless coverage possible today. The C6300 supports the NETGEAR genie® application, a personal dashboard that makes it easy to install, monitor, control and repair your home network from PCs, Mac®s, and iOS and Android™ smartphones and tablets.

The NETGEAR N450 WiFi Cable Modem Router (www.netgear.com/N450) is a low-cost alternative to the C6300. It has a built-in high-speed 8×4 CableLabs-certified® DOCSIS® 3.0 cable modem that supports download speeds up to 340 Mbps** — up to 8 times faster than DOCSIS® 2.0 — for streaming HD videos, faster downloads, and high-speed online gaming. It supports 8 download and 4 upload channels simultaneously. It also enables 802.11n WiFi networking speeds up to 450 Mbps* (@ 2.4GHz). Like the C6300, it is compatible with current and next-generation WiFi devices and offers advanced Quality of Service (QoS), IPv6 support, and the highest level of wireless security.

The two cable gateways are each equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports so you can benefit from the fastest wired speeds to connect your desktop computer and other devices such as network storage, while still enjoying the freedom of wireless connections for mobile devices such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones.

Both gateways are simple to install and you can easily set up functions such as parental controls and guest access. Furthermore, you can attach a USB hard drive to the NETGEAR ReadySHARE®-enabled USB port on the gateways and you will have wireless access of the storage drive from any device in your home network.

The products are compatible with major U.S. cable Internet providers such as Cablevision, Charter, Cox, Time Warner Cable ®, XFINITY®/Comcast and more. You can choose the modem router that best fits your lifestyle and experience easier and faster home networking.

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR N450 WiFi Cable Modem Router is available now from major retailers in stores and online, at an MSRP of $119.99 in the U.S. The AC1750 WiFi Cable Modem Router Gigabit Ethernet (C6300) will become available in the second quarter of 2014, at an MSRP in the U.S. of $219.99.

More Information

NETGEAR Cable Family: www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/cable-modems-routers

NETGEAR N450 WiFi Cable Modem Router Gigabit Ethernet: www.netgear.com/N450

NETGEAR AC1750 WiFi Cable Modem Router Gigabit Ethernet (C6300): www.netgear.com/c6300

See all CES-related news from NETGEAR at www.netgear.com/ces.

You can read all announcements from NETGEAR at netgear.com/about/press-releases/.

* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE standard 802.11 specifications. AC1750 equals 450 Mbps @2.4GHz + 1300 Mbps @5GHz 802.11ac. Up to 1750 Mbps wireless speeds achievable when connecting to other 802.11ac 1750 Mbps devices. Actual data throughput and wireless coverage will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate and wireless coverage. NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product’s compatibility with any future standards.

** Maximum cable rate is derived from DOCSIS® 3.0 specifications and actual throughput will vary depending on the MSO provisioning and speed tier subscription.

Here are some product pictures for you:

If you are in the market to replace your router and cable modem, these look like really strong alternatives.

Steam Machine hardware partners revealed at CES 2014

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jan 6, 2014

0

Steam Machine hardware partners revealed at CES 2014

Today Value has apparently revealed the first manufacturing partners for its Steam Machine hardware have apparently been revealed ahead of the firm’s CES 2014 press conference.

Engadget reports that Alienware, CyberPowerPC, Falcon Northwest, iBuyPower, Origin PC, Gigabyte and Materiel.net have all signed up to develop the PC gaming devices.

Picture from Engadget

Also the report claims that Webhallen, Alternate, Next, Zotac and Scan Computers round off the list of 12 initial third-party PC makers on board for the venture.

Powered by Valve’s SteamOS, the company’s Steam Machines aim to bring cutting-edge PC gaming to the living room.

Lenovo Announces the ThinkVision Pro2840m 4K Displays at CES 2014

Chris Hare

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Jan 6, 2014

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Lenovo Announces the ThinkVision Pro2840m 4K Displays at CES 2014

Also Lenovo announced today, at the CES 2014 the ThinkVision Pro2840m, one of the best value 28 inch feature packed 4K professional displays and the ThinkVision 28, a smarter display that is not only a ultra-high definition monitor but also is an Android enabled entertainment centre.

“Lenovo is set to establish itself as a leading provider of premium display products with two new world class monitors that set the bar for UltraHD performance and great value,” said Victor Rios, vice president and general manager, Think Desktop, Workstation and Visuals, Lenovo. “The ThinkVision Pro2840m is a must have display for professionals looking for ultra-high resolutions and the ThinkVision 28 defines an emerging category of premium monitors with a smart element for ultimate flexibility for tech savvy customers.”

World Class 4K Display Performance
Designed with CAD/CAM, data analysis or purely for high definition entertainment, the ThinkVision Pro2840m is a feature packed 28 inch UltraHD premium display for the discerning professional who requires an uncompromised visual experience. With a 3840×2160 panel, the latest premium ThinkVision monitor reproduces a stunning image that is vibrant, sharp and detailed and colour reproduction is second to none.

Users will enjoy the clean and ergonomic infinity glass design featuring touch sensitive buttons and dual speakers and the monitor is mounted on a full function stand that allows tilt, swivel and rotate for maximum productivity. An array of ports complete the picture for connection to multiple external devices.
ThinkVision Pro2840m is a must have display for professionals wanting the latest 4K technology at an incredibly affordable price backed by a three year warranty.

4K Smart Display for Serious Work and All-out Fun
Lenovo’s commitment to PC plus innovation is unrelenting and the introduction of a new smart display is no exception. Ideal for home office use with its stunning infinity glass design, the new ThinkVision 28 is a game changing 28 inch ultra- high resolution monitor featuring a 3840×2160 panel that offers a wide range of connectivity options delivering maximum productivity for tech savvies.

The ThinkVision 28 is more than just for work. At the touch of a button, the ThinkVision 28 transforms into a true entertainment hub. On demand content is streamed seamlessly through the familiar Android interface thanks to NVIDIA Tegra-powered technology and ten point multi-touch ensures a fully interactive experience for all the family.

With its ground breaking design and full entertainment features, the ThinkVision 28 not only offers a stunning viewing experience, but revolutionizes the concept of visuals technology by combining an ultra-high resolution display with powerful system on a chip (SOC) technology.

Panel Size 28-inch 4Kx2K monitor
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Viewable Area 620.93mm(H) X 341.28mm(V)
Resolution 3840×2160 (157 PPI)
Colour Gamut 72%
Tilt Angle Forward 5 degree /Backward 25 degree
Swivel Angle 45 degree/45 degree
Lift 110mm
Integrated Connectivity DP+mDP+HDMI+MHL, USB BC 1.2, 3x USB 3.0 and 2x USB 2.0, MHL
Sound 3.5mm stereo audio, Integrated 2×3 watt speakers
Green Features Energy Star 6.0, TCO Display 6.0, TCO Certified Edge 1.2, TUV Green Mark, EPEAT Gold, ULEnvironment Gold, China Energy Label Tier 1, Carbon Foot Print, 85% Recycled Plastic
Screen Dimensions 648.9 mm(H) X 369.3mm (V)

Pricing and Availability
The ThinkVision Pro2840m will be available from April 2014 and is expected to start at $799.
The ThinkVision 28 smart display will be available in selected markets from July 2014 and is expected to start at approximately $1199.

Lenovo Shows off Thinkpad X1 Carbon at CES 2014

Chris Hare

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Jan 6, 2014

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Lenovo Shows off Thinkpad X1 Carbon at CES 2014

Today at the CES 2014 Lenovo, announced the third generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon, the world’s lightest 14 inch ultrabook and the ThinkPad 8 tablet. Lenovo also introduces the new ThinkPad OneLink Dock Pro, an enhanced docking solution through a single cable connector.

“Lenovo continues to push the boundaries of design and technology as we aspire to create the best products in the market. Our obsession in the pursuit of perfection is evident with these smarter devices designed to enhance the way people interact at home and at work,” said Peter Hortensius, SVP and president, Think Business Group, Lenovo. “The ThinkPad X1 Carbon delivers a stunning user experience with the best professional display and new interactive methods and represents another step in our PC plus journey.”

Professional Redefined
The New X1 Carbon is a beautiful contradiction. Uncompromisingly light, weighing only 2.8 pounds, it is virtually indestructible. The lightest 14” Ultrabook in the world has all the power and durability that the modern professional requires. Born from the same stock as aircrafts and racing cars, the X1 Carbon is forged from Carbon Fiber, which weighs less than magnesium and aluminum but is stronger than both.

The X1 products have a reputation for pushing boundaries, both in design and usability, and the new X1 Carbon is no exception. It actually adapts to the way users work thanks to technology which is a whole generation ahead. The New X1 Carbon features the Adaptive Keyboard, which dynamically adjusts based on the software or application being used to highlight the most relevant keys. The new ultrabook also integrates voice and gesture control, allowing users to interact with their PC in modern and familiar ways.

The New X1 Carbon also improves the viewing and touch experiences for users. The new ColorBurst Display provides sharper, brighter images at higher resolutions with better viewing angles for a superior visual experience, whether users watch a movie or create presentations. And for customers who are on the move, the new X1 Carbon utilizes Rapid Charge technology, providing an 80% charge in under an hour. Coupled with an up to 9 hour battery life (over 70% improvement from the last generation) and optional built-in 4G capability, the new X1 Carbon has all the mobility and connectivity customers need wherever they go.

Lenovo has improved docking experience on a thin and light device, the new X1 Carbon utilizes the OneLink connector that eliminates cable clutter. This allows users to get power, Gigabit Ethernet, and dual display support through a single cable via ThinkPad OneLink docking solutions.

High Performance Docking Through a Single Cable
The new ThinkPad OneLink Pro Dock combines all necessary docking features and functions, including power, through a single cable connection to Lenovo notebooks equipped with an OneLink connector. The ThinkPad OneLink Pro Dock includes multiple USB ports, audio and Ethernet connections and driver-free dual video support through DisplayPort and DVI on selected models. The integrated 90W AC adapter also provides power for the notebook, supports rapid charge and can also charge other devices such as a smartphone.

ThinkPad 8 – Professional-Ready Tablet with Three Modes
A premium 8 inch tablet constructed of machine-cut aluminum, the compact ThinkPad 8 comes equipped with the technologies professionals need to be successful. It caters to those who want a more portable device without sacrificing the ability to connect to a keyboard and display for a full PC experience. Use it in Tablet Mode on the go. Connect it to the optional keyboard base, dock or monitor for Desktop Mode. Or flip its optional Quickshot Cover over the tablet to convert into Tent Mode.

In addition, it allows users to capture photos and videos intuitively and easily with the Quickshot cover. Users just peel back the tablet’s cover to expose the 8 MP high definition camera, triggering the camera app to open. Once captured, users can view and edit their photos and videos on the super bright 8.3 inch 1920×1200 display and transfer them wirelessly using Miracast technology or view them via a cable using its microHDMI port. Supporting a full PC experience, ThinkPad 8 is armed with the latest Intel Bay Trail Quad Core processor, up to 128GB of storage, a microUSB 3.0 port, LTE² connectivity and a full Windows8 Pro experience for professional needs.

Businesses can also opt for a variety of service and support solutions to fit their needs. Lenovo’s new Advanced Exchange warranty upgrade option in the U.S. and Canada raises the bar on the tablet support experience. This upgrade provides a replacement tablet the next business day after determining that a customer’s tablet has failed. The customer simply ships back the original tablet in a pre-paid shipping box and keeps the replacement. With the same serial number as the original tablet, the replacement makes it easy for businesses to track and manage leased products.

Lenovo Services offers Integrated Solutions
Lenovo’s comprehensive portfolio of Services provides relevant and integral value to businesses. With a committed focus on customer, quality and responsiveness, Lenovo Services offers innovative and integrated solutions to ensure maximum productivity. Warranty Extensions, Upgrades, Accidental Damage Protection, Keep Your Drive, Priority Technical Support and a complete set of factory and automated deployment services help organizations effectively bridge the gap between consumer and business.

Pricing and Availability
Models of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon start at $1299 and availability will begin late January. The OneLink Dock Pro is available now at $179.
ThinkPad 8 convertible tablet configure to order models start at $399 and Topseller models start at $429 and will be available late January.

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013 Day 12 The Rolling Stones Sweet Summer Sun Live

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Jan 6, 2014

2

Apple is continuing it’s annual 12 Days of Christmas, and for day 12 its The Rolling Stones Sweet Summer Sun Live.

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get the special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go.

To access these gifts, the Region Format setting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to match your iTunes Store account.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 12 The Rolling Stones Sweet Summer Sun Live

That’s it for this year! What has been your favourite?

CES2014: Linksys Announces Retro-Inspired WRT Line of Networking Products

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2014

1

CES2014: Linksys Announces Retro-Inspired WRT Line of Networking Products

Linksys today announced that they are re-introducing the retro-inspired WRT line of high-performance wireless networking products. Read on for details!

Linksys today announced that they are re-introducing the retro-inspired WRT line of high-performance wireless networking products. Remember the won’t-die WRT54G router from 2002? You know, the Linksys router that was built like a tank and was the best-performing router in its class? I still have one and it still works, even after a lightning strike took out a LAN port! Well, Linksys is trying to tap into the continuing goodwill associated with that product in its new AC1900 flagship high-performance router line with the introduction of the new WRT1900AC router and related product line. Here are some product shots of the router:

The WRT1900AC sports four antennas, which should deliver these benefits:

Project large, overlapping Wi-Fi patterns for maximum signal strength and coverage;
Engineered to enhance dual band communication;
Adjustable to customize your wireless signal for single or multi-story buildings;
Removable to accommodate antenna upgrades; and,
4 antennas provide antenna diversity for a more robust connection with wireless clients.

Here are the specifications:

Interfaces

1x Gigabit WAN port
4x Gigabit LAN ports
1x USB 3.0 port
1x eSATA/USB 2.0 port

Processor

1.2GHz dual-core ARM-based

Memory

128MB Flash
256MB DDR3 RAM

LED

Power, Internet, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, LAN 1-4 (10/100Mbps or
1Gbps), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, eSATA, WPS

Operating Frequency

2.4GHz and 5GHz (concurrent) – you could also say “simultaneous”

Data Rates – Maximum speeds:

2.4GHz:

600Mbps (802.11n)
54Mbps (802.11g)
11Mbps (802.11b)

5GHz:

1.3Gbps (802.11ac)
450Mbps (802.11n)
8 54Mbps (802.11a)

Antennas

4 External Antennas, adjustable and removable

Storage File System Support

FAT, NTFS, and HFS+

Management

Parental Controls
Media Prioritization (QoS)
Network Map
Remote Management (Linksys Smart Wi-Fi)
Wireless MAC Filtering
Backup/Restore Router Configuration

This should be a high-performance router with a 1.2 GHz dual core processor and Smart Wi-Fi onboard. Speaking of which, Smart Wi-Fi will add an additional network mapping feature called Network Map, which should give you a better idea of what devices are connected, how they are connected and what they are doing. Here is a quick infographic that shows the new feature:

In addition, Linksys will be selling WRT accessories during 2014, including high-gain antennas, a NAS unit, and bridge and extender products.

Last but not least, OpenWRT will be fully supported from day one on the WRT1900AC, and Tomato and DD-WRT support is also planned. If you like to use open-source firmware with your router, the WRT1900AC will give you that opportunity in a high-performance AC1900 router.

I’ll leave you with a trip down Router Memory Lane with this fun infographic that shows the history of Linksys WRT routers. I look forward to testing the WRT1900AC. In the meantime, enjoy this.

CES2014: LaCie Introduces Silver-Plated Luxury Sphere Hard Drive

Storage & NAS

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2014

0

LaCie today announced a silver-plated luxury external hard drive called the Sphere. Read on for details!

LaCie today announced a silver-plated luxury external hard drive called the Sphere. Intended as a luxury gift item, this 1TB hard drive system is encased in a silver-plated steel case and connects to your computer with USB 3.0. The price is $490 and availability is expected soon. Here is the press release:

Old World Luxury Meets Modern Technology with LaCie Sphère, Design by Christofle

PARIS, FRANCE – Today, two brands known for elegant design announce a silver-plated hard drive: LaCie™ Sphère™, design by Christofle. Whether gracing the table of a 19^th Century prince or the desk of a modern-day CEO, a piece by Christofle makes an impression. Building on LaCie’s initial partnership with Christofle that produced the Galet™ USB key, the Sphère integrates Christofle’s luxurious heritage with the industry’s latest technology.

The handcrafted hard drive is enclosed in a spherical case of silver-plated steel. Due to its round shape, the LaCie Sphère requires a careful manual plating process. It is stamped, silver-plated and finally polished for a perfect brightness in Christofle’s silversmith workshop in Yainville (Normandy), France. The highly reflective finish makes the hard drive a decorative piece to accompany any upscale home or office workstation.

“The shape of the globe inspired the design concept for the LaCie Sphère. The sensual and strong silhouette naturally led us to the product name,” said Thierry Oriez, president and CEO, Christofle. “We combined our obsession with the reflection of silver with LaCie’s technical expertise to create a hard drive that exudes elegance and sophistication like no other.”

“With the Sphère, LaCie and Christofle have once again thought outside the box. In an industry where square thinking is the rule, this product reflects LaCie’s innovative edge,” Philippe Spruch, executive vice president, Seagate branded, CEO and chairman of the board, LaCie.

LaCie technology

The LaCie Sphère gracefully connects to a computer with a single USB 3.0 cable that also powers the hard drive. The USB 3.0 connection delivers fast performance to quickly back up business documents or a media library. A blue LED illuminates the front of the LaCie Sphère to indicate hard drive status. Additionally, the 1TB hard drive comes equipped with LaCie’s software suite: Backup Assistant for easy and automatic backup, Private-Public for password protection, and Eco Mode for energy savings.

Availability

The LaCie Sphère will be available this quarter in a 1TB capacity through the LaCie Online Store, select concept stores, and Christofle retail stores and corners. The LaCie Sphère comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

Here are some product pictures:

CES 2014: LaCie Announces Thunderbolt 2 Storage Solution

Storage & NAS

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2014

0

CES 2014: LaCie Announces Thunderbolt 2 Storage Solution

LaCie today announced a new Thunderbolt 2 storage solution, the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2, which they claim as the fastest Thunderbolt 2 equipped storage product on the market. Read on for details!

LaCie today announced a new Thunderbolt 2 storage solution, the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2, which they claim as the fastest Thunderbolt 2 equipped storage product on the market. Pricing is TBD and this device is expected to be available in Q1 2014. Here is the press release:

LaCie Debuts World’s Fastest Portable Storage at CES 2014

Paris, France – Today, LaCie announced the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 at the 2014 International CES Show. The new LaCie Little Big Disk, one of the first storage solutions enabled by Thunderbolt 2, is the fastest portable storage solution on the market. It delivers speeds up to 1375Mb/s, which is several times faster than any mobile USB 3.0 hard drive. In addition to its industry-leading performance, LaCie worked with designer Neil Poulton to bring a cutting edge look to the product. For the first time, the Little Big Disk features a sleek, black finish to its fully aluminium enclosure.

Perfect for no-compromise video professionals, the new LaCie Little Big Disk permits streaming and editing of 4K or 3D video while in the field – a giant leap forward for mobile post-production workflows. The LaCie Little Big Disk is powered by a set of 500GB PCIe Gen 2 SSDs in RAID 0 that deliver a perfect blend of performance and capacity that accelerates in the most demanding workflow.

With the fastest SSDs on the market, LaCie had to optimize the Little Big Disk’s interior design to improve the cooling efficiency, while keeping it as silent as possible. By incorporating a thermo-regulated fan, it only turns on when necessary and produces nearly zero noise. As a result, the LaCie Little Big Disk delivers the best possible performance without disrupting the creative professional workflow.

“Thunderbolt 2 creates an entirely new way of thinking about 4K workflows, specifically the ability to support raw 4K video transfer and data delivery concurrently,” said Jason Ziller, Marketing Director for Thunderbolt at Intel. “LaCie’s Little Big Disk brings this advanced capability to a small, sleek and very portable storage solution that works with 4K streams in the field in ways previously not possible.”

“It’s no small feat, incorporating the most advanced storage technologies into a portable product,” said Erwan Girard, Business Unit Manager, LaCie. “With the Little Big Disk, LaCie engineered a remarkably powerful product to fit in the palm of your hand. Something no one else in the industry can claim.”

At CES, LaCie demonstrates how the Little Big Disk lets videographers work directly from RAW files, getting full quality from footage and seeing the edits in real time. LaCie will show how professionals can capture 250 gigabytes of 4k footage on a Little Big Disk in the field, and then transfer the content to the post-production team in under 10 minutes.

This announcement follows the unprecedented success of LaCie’s Thunderbolt Series and further asserts the company’s commitment to deliver high-quality products featuring the latest Thunderbolt technology.

Availability

The LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt 2 will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2014 through LaCie’s resellers and LaCie.com. Thunderbolt cable included. The LaCie Little Big Disk is protected by a 3-year limited warranty.

Here are some product pictures:

CES 2014: LaCie Introduces 1TB Fuel to Expand Mobile Device Storage

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 6, 2014

0

CES 2014: LaCie Introduces 1TB Fuel to Expand Mobile Device Storage

At CES 2014, LaCie has announced a new portable hard drive with wi-fi capabilities, intended to expand the storage on your mobile devices. Read on for details!

At CES 2014, LaCie has announced a new portable hard drive with wi-fi capabilities, intended to expand the storage on your mobile devices. Called Fuel, it is aimed at people who travel with mobile devices and want to bring more content than their device has internal room to store. Used in conjunction with an iPad or Android tablet, the Fuel allows you to store large amounts of content and to use a dedicated app to enjoy it on your device. With wi-fi pass-through capabilities built in, you can also stay connected to the internet while enjoying your content. This is similar to the Seagate Wireless Plus that we told you about at CES 2013; pricing is expected to be $199. Here is the press release:

LaCie Fuel Expands iPad Capacity to 1TB

PARIS, FRANCE – Today, LaCie announced Fuel: a go-anywhere wireless hard drive for iPad®, iPhone® and Mac®. Without requiring Internet access, the LaCie Fuel™ adds 1TB of external storage capacity to compatible mobile devices. Users can store up to 500 movies, 160,000 songs or 190,000 photos, and share them with up to five devices at a time. What’s more, AirPlay® compatibility means users can easily stream movies onto the big screen via Apple TV® or music to compatible speakers.

Wirelessly expand your ipad

The LaCie Fuel lets users access enormous media libraries right from their iPad. With 1TB of storage at their fingertips, they don’t need to pick and choose what they load onto their mobile device. Not only does the LaCie Fuel let them access all their media files while they’re on the go, it also has plenty of extra space to accommodate future needs.

“The mobile industry is ubiquitous. Consumers rely on their mobile devices more than any other personal technology,” Philippe Spruch, executive vice president, Seagate branded, CEO and chairman of the board, LaCie. “The LaCie Fuel enriches mobile entertainment by providing consumers with ample storage and untethered accessibility. By name, form, and function, the LaCie Fuel lets users sustain their digital life.”

Access and share content

The LaCie Fuel lets users go off-the-grid and still have access to their files. With up to a 10-hour battery life*, the LaCie Fuel lets users enjoy their media all day without needing Internet or cables. The product creates its own Wi-Fi network, much like a router, so other devices can connect directly to it without the need for Internet access. In addition, the LaCie Fuel acts as a hotspot when connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. This feature lets the LaCie Fuel share Internet access with other connected devices.

With AirPlay compatibility, the LaCie Fuel lets users mirror content playing on a mobile device to a TV with a single tap. This allows users to view everything from vacation photos to home videos stored on the LaCie Fuel on the largest screen in the house. They can also take advantage of Airplay-enabled speakers to listen to their favorite playlist on the LaCie Fuel.

Sync and transer files

The LaCie Fuel appears as an external drive on a computer, so users can wirelessly upload or download files without draining battery power from their laptop. And with Dropbox integration, they can sync files between a computer and the LaCie Fuel automatically. This means that every time they add music, movies, or photos to the Dropbox folder on their Mac, the change is reflected on the LaCie Fuel – or vice versa. If users want to speed up the transfer process, the LaCie Fuel offers a universally compatible USB 3.0 port to transfer media libraries up to ten times faster.

App for easy media access

LaCie Fuel marks the first product collaboration between Seagate and LaCie. The wireless hard drive features streamlined file access, thanks to the free Seagate Media app – available for iOS®, Android®, and Amazon Kindle®. It automatically organizes files by type, making them easy to browse. Users can stream videos or music, open office documents, and enjoy full-screen navigation. The app makes browsing a media library a visual experience with support for photo and video thumbnails, plus cover art for music. For more information about the Seagate Media app, visit http://www.seagate.com/services-software/apps/seagate-media-app/.

Watch this video for a close-up look at the LaCie Fuel, and to see how it lets users go further and play longer.

Meet LaCie Fuel

Availability

The 1TB LaCie Fuel will be available soon through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Resellers for $199.00 (MSRP). The Seagate Media app is available for iOS®, Android®, and Amazon Kindle®. For more product information, visit www.lacie.com.

Here are some product pictures:

I’ve had a review unit since just before Christmas so stay tuned for a review article soon!

Win a LeapFrog LeapReader Junior

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

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Jan 5, 2014

0

We just took a closer look at the LeapFrog LeapReader Junior and now we are giving you the chance to win it.

A love of books starts long before children can read, and its benefits can last a lifetime. Using the same touch technology as the LeapReader Reading System, the LeapReader Junior book pal is designed to encourage toddlers’ natural desire to explore.

Parents can download audio for up to five books for the book pal, and each LeapReader Junior board book introduces reading basics or different preschool skills—such as letters, numbers and early vocabulary—through 24 playful activities and more than 150 audio responses.

Open-ended questions and fun sound effects encourage children to take charge, as they touch any part of any page to bring words, pictures or activities to life. And the book pal can learn a child’s name to make getting ready to read a personal experience!

So all you have to do to win the LeapFrog LeapReader Junior is to click on the Contact Us link here or at the top of the page and tell us what your child’s favourite story is – simple!

Usual contest rules apply, and the winner will be selected at random. This contest is open only to those in the UK – sorry! You can enter as many times you as you like, but only one entry per day will be counted.

The contest closes Sunday 12th January, so good luck.

Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII Exclusive Interview with Motomu Toriyama and Yuji Abe

Andrew Edney

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Jan 5, 2014

0

LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII will be released in March and I recently had the chance to sit down with Motomu Toriyama and Yuji Abe to talk all things Lightning.

The world of Nova Chrysalia has only 13 days until total annihilation, with the citizens of four distinct regions each experiencing the end of the world in unique ways. In Yusnaan, the setting for this sequence, the inhabitants have a hedonistic frame of mind: if the world is going to be destroyed soon then why not go out in style?

Against this background strides Lightning, a legendary warrior on a god-given mission to save the souls of mankind…

Motomu Toriyama is the Director of LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII and Yuji Abe is the Game Designer Director, so over to them:

Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII will be released in March 2014 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

So what do you think of Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII? Let us know by leaving a comment below.