ASRock Unveils the Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3 Motherboard

TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 28, 2011 – PCI Express 3.0 season is coming. The new PCIe 3.0 configuration offers more bandwidth to enable faster communication between components inside a system. The world of gaming moves fast. Can your motherboard offer a viable way to play the heavy-loading games? Designed for gamers and advanced users, the Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3 brings the best package for smooth gameplay. It is the world’s first motherboard that supports PCIe 3.0 and goes on sale now. Plus, it comes with plenty of options for gaming excitements and upgrading components.

“ASRock-Fatal1ty Co-Brand motherboards represent the quality. The vision of Fatal1ty board is to create the fastest and most stable computer equipment on the face of the planet.” commented James Lee, V.P of ASRock Sales and Marketing. Keep this in mind; ASRock is keen on delivering the most powerful motherboard products to satisfy the serious gamers. “Not only focusing on performance boosts, the newly launched Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3 also pays special emphasis on the latest hardware enhancements that include the newest PCIe 3.0 support” said James Lee 

Gaming Giant : Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3
Gaming is a way of life. A high-spec system is a must for playing the latest games. For unbelievably powerful gaming without being tied to a desktop, the serious gamers should look no further than the Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3: the world’s most powerful Z68 motherboard.

Patriot Memory Ships New Sandforce® Powered Wildfire Series SSDs

FREMONT, CALIF., USA – June 28, 2011 - Patriot Memory, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash, storage and enthusiast computer products, today announced it is now shipping their new Wildfire series solid-state drives powered by a new SandForce® SSD processor. The Patriot Wildfire series obliterates expectations of storage devices and delivers enterprise-like performance to consumer desktops and notebooks.

The Wildfire series utilizes the new SandForce® SF-2200 processor enabling it to shatter previous SSD performance records with up to a blazingly-fast 555MB/s sequential read and up to 520MB/s sequential write speeds all backed by a SATA 6.0 Gb/s interface.

ASRock Launches AMD A75 Chipset-Based Motherboard Stunners

TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 27, 2011 – Hybrid chip architecture is a huge revolution. Say hello to the new-gen of AMD APU. Today, ASRock is confident to release their A75 Motherboard Stunners featuring the perfect integrated graphics performance to mainstream DIY market. Based on the latest AMD A75 chipset and FM1 socket, the ASRock A75 Motherboard Series support AMD’s new Llano APUs. Coupled with the outstanding ASRock A75 mainboard and the exciting APU processor, ASRock is ready to rock the world with the best graphics performance ever seen on an integrated processor.

“The motherboard is the beating heart of every PC, as ASRock’s motherboards can be trusted to unlock the maximum potential from your PC.” commented James Lee, V.P of ASRock Sales and Marketing. “ASRock always live up to our promise! The latest A75 motherboards bring the best kits for the users who demand astonishing gaming and media-focused performance on a budget platform. The A75 boards also offer several advanced functions that include Dual Graphics technology.”

Featuring AMD A75 Hudson-D3 chipset, ASRock A75 boards are wonderfully suited to the latest 32 nanometer AMD APUs and can natively support USB 3.0 and SATA3 technologies. The APU is the architecture to feature a GPU on the same silicon die as the CPU and is a perfect combination of DirexX11 technology and high performance graphics, offering powerful visual experiences similar to a discrete graphics configuration.

ECS launches AMD A75 Chipset Series Motherboards

ECS has launched A75 series motherboards which include Black Deluxe A75F-A, A75F-M and A75F-M2. ECS A75 series motherboards based on the latest AMD A75 chipset supporting AMD Vision APU are ready for high-performance graphics computing. For example, ECS A75 series motherboards with the latest A8 APU which contains 8 cores and ATI HD 6650D graphics power could all achieve the A level Performance of Street Fight IV and averagely over 9900 points.

Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), the whole new concept of combining CPU and GPU together presents strong power on graphics computing with multi-tasking computing ability. ECS has amazed the market with ECS HDC series with AMD dual-core processors E-350 or single-core processor E-240 APU on board. Now, ECS continually presents A75 series motherboards to greet the new era of APU.

ECS A75 series motherboards equip with USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gb/s and eSATA 6 Gb/s natively supported by A75 chipset. Of course, all A75 series motherboards have multi-output for its famous graphics power. All ECS A75 series motherboards are ready for DirectX® 11 and UVD 3. ECS Black Deluxe A75F-A even passes the super burn test with 50℃ to make sure the quality and steady. With extreme data transmission speed equipments, powerful graphics performance, and elegant layout design, ECS A75 series motherboards are ready to sweep across the market as the best APU platforms.

Visit www.ecsusa.com for more information.

Enermax Launches Latest Fan Series: U.R.VEGAS

Enermax is proud to lead the cooling fans to a new era by its latest fan series: U.R.VEGAS, USB RUBBER VEGAS FAN

City of Industry, CA – June 27th, 2011: Think outside the case. Cooling fan is no longer stationary and hidden inside the case. U.R.VEGAS breaks the rule by special designed magnetic skin pad and USB power. U.R.VEGAS provides mobility and flexibility with its magnetic skin pad. It can be attached onto case and moved easily to anywhere that needs extra cooling. With 18 LEDs, the U.R.VEGAS not only shines 4 times brighter than other fans, but also has 7 switchable lighting effects for users to enjoy the fabulous light show.

Just like all other ENERMAX’ products, U.R.VEGAS features patented Twister Bearing, a magnetic bearing type, which does not suffer from abrasion like mechanical bearings such as Sleeve or Ball-Bearings and has a long MTBF of 100k hours and low noise. For the safety purpose, a stylish fan guard will be also enclosed within the package.

See the Enermax Product page for more information.

AOC Launches Touch Monitor for Desktop PCs and Laptops

Fremont, Calif. – June 23, 2011 – AOC, the world’s largest manufacturer of LCD/LED Monitors and HDTVs, announces the launch of the Touch Monitor (e2239FwT), a Full High Definition LED monitor that adds multi-touch functionality to desktop computers and notebooks, and puts control at your fingertips. The sleek Touch Monitor features a unique dual-stand design with metal die-casting feet, a piano black bezel and a white high gloss back. The 22-inch widescreen monitor is ideal for PC users who want to add multi-touch input, particularly notebook computer owners who want a larger screen for entertainment and work purposes. The AOC Touch Monitor is now available for $299 at national retailers including TigerDirect, CompUSA, Amazon.com, among others.

“The multi-touch feature of the new Touch Monitor is ideal for software applications that benefit from control via simple hand gestures, like gaming, education, entertainment and photo management,” said Robert Velez, AOC Marketing Manager. “The Touch Monitor also creates a ‘big-screen’ experience for netbook owners who want to watch movies and view photos in Full High Definition.”

The AOC Touch Monitor features a glare-minimizing panel with 16:9 widescreen Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 10,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, and a 5ms response time. The monitor presents high definition content at its native resolution while higher DPI boosts image sharpness of even the finest details, allowing users to view Full Screen HD Video without distortion or black bars. In addition to impressive image quality, the monitor also provides enhanced sound through its built-in SRS speaker bar.

Smartfish Announces the Mouse Pad Travel Pouch

Englewood, NJ – June 27, 2011 – Smartfish Technologies is proud to announce the Mouse Pad Travel Pouch for notebook users. First, it is a mouse pad that provides a smooth 9” diameter surface work area for you to mouse around on a plane, train, in a hotel. It then zips up to become a protective pouch you can pack up to tote your notebook mouse and any other computer accessories. The padded neoprene safeguards your accessories while packed away in your briefcase or laptop case. If you don’t want to tuck it away in your bag, use the snap handle to hang from your backpack or suitcase for easy accessibility.

“It’s tough to find useful work surfaces for your mouse when you travel.” said Dr. Jack Atzmon, President and CEO of Smartfish Technologies. “The Mouse Pad Travel Pouch provides an immediate solution that can then be packed up for easy portability and protection. It’s a simple, yet highly useful complement for our award-winning Whirl Mini Notebook Mouse.”

The Smartfish Mouse Pad Travel Pouch will be available in early July in blue and black for $14.95 from www.getsmartfish.com

OCZ Technology Introduces Deneva 2 SSDs for the Enterprise

SAN JOSE, CA—June 21, 2011—OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCZ), a leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today launched the Deneva 2 SSD line for enterprise clients. Taking full advantage of the cutting-edge SATA 6Gb/s interface, Deneva 2 SSDs are designed for a wide range of enterprise applications including servers, cloud computing, and data centers. The Deneva 2 series delivers maximum performance while meeting the stringent reliability, security, performance and economical needs of enterprise storage environments.

Sans Digital Introduces TowerRAID+ SAS Storage

6G SAS / SATA JBOD / RAID 5 Tower w/ Over 750MB/s – TowerRAID+ TR4X+(B) / TR8X+(B) Series

City of Industry, CA – Sans Digital, a leading provider of high performance storage subsystems, is proud to announce the new additions to the new TowerRAID+ series tower storage units: The Sans Digital TowerRAID TR4X+(B) and TR8X+(B). The TR4X+(B) is a four bay SAS storage tower offered in both silver or black finish while the TR8X+(B) is an eight bay SAS tower storage tower also available in both colors. Both models support ultra fast SAS hard drives natively and are also compatible with SATA HDDs via single or dual SFF-8088 Mini-SAS interface(s).

Spire is Celebrating 12.5 consecutive years of.....Spire!

Celebrating 12½ consecutive years of Spire’s existence they’re giving out free products to anyone who signs up as their Facebook fan. Like it, and receive a free PowerFuse, part# SP162 VGA card fuse with LED connectors for starters.

What you need to do? Simple!
1. Visit: http://www.facebook.com/spire.corp
2. Become their fan by clicking the “like” button.
3. Send an email to marketing @ spire-corp.com with your contact and address details so that we can send you the PowerFuse, SP162

GIGABYTE First to Bring AM3+ CPU Support to Entry Level Motherboards

Taipei, Taiwan, June 17th 2011 – GIGABYTE TECHNOLGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the new revision 3.1 GA-M52LT-D3P, GA-M68MT-D3P and GA-M68MT-S2P motherboards now offer AMD AM3+ CPU support, providing users with an entry level solution that will still be able to take advantage of upcoming AMD FX series processors.

"GIGABYTE continues to provide its customers with options for theirmotherboards, including high-end CPU compatibility with entry level motherboards, because in our experience there are customers out there who need this combination," commented Henry Kao, VP of Worldwide Service and Marketing at GIGABYTE. "In addition to bringing our signature GIGABYTE features such as Ultra Durable 2 Classic, 4+1 phase VRM support, On/Off Charge and 3X USB Power to mainstream and entry level segments, now users can also be assured that their motherboard is able to take full advantage of all the performance enhancements that AMD's upcoming AM3+ CPUs have to offer."

Griffin Technology to Unveil DJ Cable for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

Nashville, Tenn. and Munich, Germany – June 16, 2011 – Griffin Technology Inc., makers of innovations for everyday life, and algoriddim, makers of the line of djay products for Mac and iOS devices, are excited to announce DJ Cable for iOS devices is now available. Designed specifically to work with algoriddim’s for djay for iPad, winner of a 2011 Apple Design Award, and djay for iPhone and iPod touch, the DJ Cable allows users to have the ultimate mobile DJ experience in the palm of their hands.

Users can take full advantage of the Split Output mode, which cues upcoming songs through headphones, independently of the live mix that is sent through the speakers. This is the perfect solution for DJs on-the-go using headphones to preview and prepare the next song to ensure the audience can groove seamlessly to the playlist. The DJ Cable offers a unique experience for beginners and professionals alike turning any social event into the ultimate dance party.

Kingston Technology HyperX 2133MHz SO-DIMMs Achieve Intel XMP Certification

Fountain Valley, CA -- (June 16, 2011)-- Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced that its 2133MHz HyperX® 4GB SO-DIMM memory kits (Kingston® part #: KHX2133C9S3K2/4GX) have achieved Intel® XMP certification. The notebook memory modules are the first and fastest to be validated.

Kingston tested the 2133MHz kit using CL9-11-9-27 timings at 1.5 volts on the ASRock HD65-MXM motherboard using Intel’s latest second-generation Core™ i7-2920XM processor. Intel’s results are posted here.

The 2133MHz HyperX 4GB SO-DIMM memory kits push the current frequency boundaries of notebooks. As future notebooks are built to handle higher speeds, Kingston
SO-DIMMs will be at the ready. Kingston HyperX memory is backed by a lifetime warranty and free 24/7 technical support. For more detailed information, visit www.kingston.com.

ASRock Unveils New Motherboards Based On AMD 9 Series Chipset

TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 16, 2011 – AMD’s latest AM3+ processors are a shot in the arm for PCs, delivering start of the art processing at unmatched performance. ASRock superior AMD 9 series motherboards have been designed to support the new-gen AM3+ processors, while still retaining backward compatible with AM3 processors and unprecedentedly implementing support for SLI technology. To bring the best kit to users, ASRock has thrown everything you could want from the new-gen AMD 9 series motherboards. The innovative features include the ASRock signature XFast USB, On/Off Play Technology, Graphical UEFI, All-in-one AXTU program, and so on.

Unleash The Maximum PC Power : 990FX Extreme4
ASRock 990FX Extreme4 motherboard is ASRock’s top-of-the-range model. Powered by AMD 990FX and SB950 chipsets, this board features Premium Gold Caps, advanced V8 + 2 Power Phase Design and multi-GPU options. ASRock AMD 9 series mainboards also allow users to easily unleash their system's hidden USB performance with ASRock’s innovative XFast USB Technology. Designed for the next generation computing, this board still supports AM3+ socket and is compatible of 8-Core series processors.

Do you desire to make SLI technology running on AMD motherboard? Well, ASRock 990FX Extreme4 allows users to take advantages of both CrossFireX and SLI technologies. We always give you more than you expected!

Performance Gear - 970 Extreme4
Meanwhile, ASRock also introduces another great motherboard: 970 Extreme4. Based on 970 chipset, this board is marked by its versatile solutions. To name a few, 3 PCI Express slots cater for multi-GPU settings, manageable smart switches and Dr. Debug, offering flexible options which will appeal to DIY users. Beside its onboard equipments, this board also features superior software tools such as mouse-controllable Graphical UEFI, XFast USB that optimizes USB transfer speed performance and On/Off Play technology.

What makes this board becomes more distinctive; however, it’s the SLI technology. The ASRock 970 Extreme4 is the first AMD 970 motherboard supporting Nvidia SLI technology in the world! With a wide range of prominent functions, advanced DIY users should not miss 970 Extreme4!

Griffin's Beacon for iOS Available Now for $79.99

Nashville, Tenn. – June 15, 2011 – Griffin Technology Inc., one of the world’s foremost creators of innovations for everyday life, and Dijit Media, a San Francisco-based software company whose Personal Media Assistant App software integrates consumers’ media viewing experience with their smart devices, have partnered to create Beacon™ Universal Remote Control System – a wireless AV controller that when paired with an iOS device enables complete control over the entire home entertainment system.

• Transforms iPhones and other iOS devices into an easy-to-use, never-lost remote for home entertainment systems
• Converts Bluetooth signals from iOS device into infrared signals required to control AV components
• Beacon connects compatible iOS device via Bluetooth with Dijit’s free Universal Remote App
• iOS device’s MultiTouch screen display becomes the remote with Dijit’s Intuitive Program Guide, allowing users to change channels, volume, input, program DVR and much more
• Dijit App uses a constantly updated device code library to make setting up controls for TV, set-top box, sound system, media player and more, simple and intuitive
• For components not yet included in Dijit’s library, the App also includes an integrated learning feature
• Beacon’s low-profile design blends unobtrusively with any coffee table décor
• Powered by 4 AA batteries, eliminating messy wires and power cables

Beacon, $79.99, is now shipping and available at The Apple Store and on www.griffintechnology.com. Dijit’s Universal Remote App, a free download, can be found on The iTunes App Store.

I Am Awake....

I am a die-hard PS3 fan and have been for a few years now, but I always envied the exclusive titles for other consoles so my wife finally broke down and got me an early Father's Day present; a 4GB XBOX 360. She also surprised me with an XBOX 360 exclusive game I've been wanting for about a year now; Alan Wake!

I got completely engulfed in the story and gameplay of Alan Wake and played it for hours each session. I eventually beat the game in just 4 days, including both expansion downloadable episodes! Yes, they're episodes, not levels. The episodic format of the game was so refreshing and really gave the game a new level of enjoyment and sense of completion. It was just one of those games you couldn't put down and rarely I did. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Steve Jobs Pitches New Apple Mega-Campus to Cupertino

Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs presents his proposal for a new Apple Campus to the Cupertino City Council. This presentation was recorded Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Cupertino Community Hall.

It's hard not to buy into Jobs` pitch here as everything he says in this video as it just seems like a no-brainer to let him rejuvenate the area with all new state of the art architecture and more importantly lots of greenscape. A building like this will be the new DisneyWorld for Apple fanatics!

WWDC 2011 in 120 Seconds - Mac OS X Lion, iOS 5, iCloud

A YouTube user by the name of BorsukTV made this video which compresses the roughly 2 hour long WWDC 2011 keynote down to 120 seconds. If you're in a hurry and don't want to download the entire keynote from Apple's website then give this quickie a view for most of the important notes.

I prefer to download the entire keynote through iTunes myself and watch it through my Apple TV on the HDTV. That way I feel like I was there! I'm still disappointed there wasn't a single mention of a new iPhone 4S or 5, but what was announced will be making a large impact in the market when it's fully released. Just not needing to connect to a PC or MAC will literally sell them millions more iDevices I believe.

Apple Unveils Mac OS X Lion, iOS 5 and iCloud at WWDC 2011

   So like many other technology enthusiasts, I spent most of yesterday afternoon reading up on what was unveiled at WWDC this year from Steve Jobs and Co. I watched the live stream of the keynote and watched some videos from Apple's website on the new features. I've also bounced around the web listening to the mixture of praise and rants. Some are excited while some are just saying it's about damn time. I'll go ahead and jump into the fire and give my impressions of the new stuff that was shown.

 iOS 5: Being an avid iPhone user I would have to say that my favorite new feature was the revamped notification system. I think it looks gorgeous and appears to perfectly consolidate all those pesky popups and bubbles into a singular,easy to manage system. Excellent!

Next thing that caught my eye on iOS 5 was the new ability to access the camera function from the lock screen. YES! As a parent of three children, I'm constantly firing up the iPhone to grab impromptu pictures of the family and the current way to get to the camera is definitely a bit clunky.

Apple also updated the camera app with more features like pinch to zoom (YES!), exposure control, and probably my favorite; the ability to use the [volume up] button on the side of the phone to snap the picture!

 iCloud: Next feature I was quite impressed with Apple's announcement of its new iCloud service. Best part is that its FREE! Yes, amazing considering the retired MobileMe service previously was $99/year! I think Apple learned its lesson with that fiasco and seems to have gotten its act together with the new iCloud service.

This new service will basically backup your important information on Apples servers so you are always protected from losing it, even if your phone, laptop, desktop, or all three burst into flames. All you have to do is login to to Apple iCloud with your Apple ID/password and all your information will be restored. Important stuff like contacts, mail and calenders, account settings and phone settings. 

Apple is taking it to the next level however and allowing free backup (and real-times syncing) of documents, photos (limited), apps, iBooks and best of all; iTunes music! What they means is that you can buy a new song directly from your iPhone and it'll be ready on your desktop or iPad when you get home. Automatically. Simply. You can also jump from iOS device to iOS device and continue reading books from where you left off. So every song you buy from iTunes syncs to all your devices at no charge (up to 10 devices) and automatically. Pretty awesome stuff and it's all FREE!

Apple's only paid cloud service (coming this fall) will be called "iTunes Match" and will scale the free service up to a $24.99/yr service by allowing complete and total backup to all your iTunes music, whether you bought it on iTunes or not. It will try to match ALL your current iTunes music with high quality versions from iTunes and make them yours...officially. This goes for ripped CD's and music you've acquired "other ways". Very cool and much cheaper than competitors right now.

Overall, I was pretty impressed with the keynote. I don't own a Mac so I won't comment on the new Mac OS X Lion features other than to say; looked awesome! I definitely feel that when I finally get my first Mac, I'll know exactly how to use it because of the iOS similarities. Very cool and I see easy to install "apps' as being the next evolution of the desktop and laptop operating systems.

Well, that's my quick thoughts on what went down at WWDC 2011. There was way too many new additions for me to comment on them all right now. Feel free to let us know what your favorite (or least favorite) features were in the comments.

Sony Unveils Playstation Vita, Uncharted 3 and more at E3 2011

Los Angeles, California, June 6, 2011 -Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) today announced at its annual press conference at the E3 Media & Business Summit in Los Angeles, Calif., a stunning line-up of PlayStation® products, services and exclusive content that will change the way consumers experience their favorite games and entertainment at home and on-the-go.

Xbox 360 Premieres Blockbuster Games and Entertainment @ E3

LOS ANGELES — June 6, 2011 — Today, on the eve of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. premiered a spectacular lineup of new games, demonstrating that Xbox 360 continues to deliver the biggest hits and blockbuster experiences — bar none. This year, Microsoft showcased a host of new groundbreaking exclusive titles on Xbox 360, including “Gears of War 3,” “Forza Motorsport 4” and the world premiere trailer for “Halo 4.” In addition, Microsoft debuted the next installment of the famed “Fable” franchise with “Fable: The Journey,” a game imagined from the ground up for Kinect on Xbox 360 by famed developer Peter Molyneux. Fans were also treated to a preview of the Kinect-powered historical epic, “Ryse,” created by acclaimed developer Crytek GmbH. Finally, Microsoft revealed that this winter, “Minecraft,” the independent PC game phenomenon, is making its console debut exclusively on Xbox 360.