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deviantART Hosts the Darksiders: These Are Your Last Days Contest

Sierra Monica B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Are you a talented artwork creator with an account at deviantART? In this case you are invited to participate in a new contest opened for deviantART community members to get the chance to win lots of prizes, including a PS3, an Xbox 360, American Express gift cards of up to $1,000, or the upcoming Darksiders video game.

The online community with more than 80 million artwork pieces and 30 million unique users monthly hosts the contest about your unique interpretation of the apocalypse. Called Darksiders: These Are Your Last Days Contest, it is inspired from the upcoming video game called Darksiders, developed by THQ, which will be released in stores on January 5, next year. The game was created for the Xbox 360 from Microsoft and Sony PlayStation 3 gaming systems.

The online contest on deviantART is hosted by Joe Madureira, who will select the winners. Joe Madureira is a well known comic book writer and Creative Director at Vigil Games.
Darksiders is an action-adventure game placing the action in a world destructed by the apocalypse.

“We are really excited to partner with THQ to bring this contest to the deviantART community,” said Heather Wetzler, deviantART’s vice-president of Advertising Sales. “It’s a great opportunity to engage with both artists and gamers, and a privilege to be working with Joe Madureira.”

ASUS G51J 3D Details

Sierra Monica B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:35:33 +0000

Yesterday I was telling you a few things about the Nvidia 3D Vision technology that enables stereoscopic 3D view in desktop and notebook computers and that the first portable computer enabled with this capability is Asus’ G51J 3D. Well, Asus published a press release detailing all the features of this high-end laptop computer.
We learned that in addition to Nvidia 3D Vision, the 15.6-inch gaming notebook is powered by an Intel Core i7-720QM processor clocked at 1.6 GHz which features the Turbo Boost enhancement for up to 2.8 GHz. It comes with Windows 7 Ultimate or Home Premium 64-bit edition operating system pre-installed, 4 GB of DDR3 system memory, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M with DDR3 1GB graphics memory, 3D surround sound, dual SATA HDD, up to 500 GB hard disk space at 7200 rpm or 5400 rpm, a DVD Super-Multi or Blu-ray combo optical drive, built-in 2 MP web camera, and a 6-cell battery.

The display features LED backlit and a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels at 120 Hz, while the entire system measures 375 x 265 x 34.3 mm at a weight of 3.3 Kg with the battery.

Optional accessories include the Nvidia 3D Vision Kit with 3D glasses and RF transmitter, a 15-inch gaming backpack and a high-end Razer gaming mouse.
ASUS G51J 3D enables 2D and 3D visuals for games, movies and other content.

Asus Launched the Highest-Performance Netbook

Sierra Monica B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:35:42 +0000

A new mini laptop powered by Intel Atom was launched by Asus featuring the Nvidia Ion graphics technology. The model was named Eee PC 1201N and makes a great multimedia netbook for those wanting a reliable mobile computer solution for web browsing, communication, listening to the music, watching videos and playing fun games on the go.

The latest Eee PC has a 12.1-inch LED backlit display with a high resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, while running on the Windows 7 operating system. It is powered by the low-power consuming Intel Atom 330 Dual Core processor and features Nvidia Ion graphics acceleration, up to 3 GB of DDR2 SO-DIMM memory, up to 320 GB of internal storage, 500 GB online storage at Asus WebStorage, wireless draft N connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate, built-in 0.3 MP web camera with zoom function, microphone, High-Definition Audio CODEC, and integrated stereo speakers.

It uses a 6-cell Li-Ion battery that keeps it operating for up to five hours. The netbook also has ports and slots for VGA, HDMI, USB 2.0, LAN and headphones, as well as a card reader. It measures 296 x 208 x 33.3 mm at 1.46 Kg and comes in black, blue, red and silver.
Asus says that thanks to the Nvidia Ion technology and the Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor, the netbook offers the highest performance ever enabled in a mini laptop.

ASUS Home Server TS mini With Windows 7 Announced

Sierra Monica B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:17:58 +0000

To provide home users with an easy way of storing their digital media securely which can be accessible from anywhere in the home, Asus launched the ASUS Home Server TS mini with the Windows 7 operating system. It works as a central place from where users can access their digital content for sharing within the home network or remotely through the Internet.

The home server was equipped with the Intel Atom low-power consuming processing technology, the Microsoft Windows Home Server 7 platform, 2 GB of DDR2 system memory, Gigabit Ethernet, 4 TB storage capacity, 500 GB online storage, two eSata ports and six USB ports.
It can automatically backup data stored on up to ten computers every day and consumes only 24.5 Watts of power in idle mode, or 27.9 Watts while operating tasks.

Specifications include the Intel Atom Processor N280 1.66GHz, LED indicator for the system, HDD1, HDD2 and network status, dedicated recovery button, and a size of 245 x 96 x 204 mm at a weight of 3.9 Kg.
Still, there is no word on price yet.

Pantech Impact Arrives at AT&T

Sierra Monica B. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:39:00 +0000

AT&T customers in the United States can get their hands on a new handset released by Pantech. The Impact was prepared for launch this holiday season in soft pink and bright blue, as a mobile messaging solution for people who like to stay in touch with friends and family while on the go.

The handset opens to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard that allows you to compose emails and write text messages while checking them on the widescreen. On the front of the cell phone you have a haptic touchpad that responds to your finger touch with a subtle buzz and allows you to access music, calls, text messages and others without opening the phone.
Several shortcut keys provide direct access to instant messaging, email, text and applications, while the second color screen can be used to check friends’ profiles, watch videos and browse photos.

Other features of Pantech Impact include GPS-based voice directions, the AT&T new HTML mobile browser, 3G speeds, A-GPS, and video recording.
It is available for $99.99 with a mail-in rebate and a 2-year agreement.

“Our customers expect the very latest in trendsetting mobile phones from Pantech, and Impact really delivers,” said Jim Berridge, Director of Sales and Marketing, Pantech Wireless. “By combing everyone’s favorite social and multimedia options, along with a new form factor which features an interactive touchpad, Impact is a first for both Pantech and AT&T.”

Asus G51J3D – First Laptop With Nvidia 3D Vision

Sierra Monica B. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:32:19 +0000

Nvidia 3D Vision is an innovative technology that powers 3D enhancements in desktop computers for gaming, movies and photos, allowing users watch everything in stereoscopic 3D mode. Now Nvidia’s technology is enabled in notebook computers and the first model coming with Nvidia 3D Vision is the G51J3D from Asus.
The condition that notebooks to support this advanced capability is to have an 120Hz 3D Vision-capable display.

The technology is based on wireless glasses, an infrared emitter and advanced software, each contributing in delivering the 3D experience.
The 3D feature is not available only in select movies, but also in some of the newest games, such as Resident Evil 5, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, Borderlands, Batman: Arkham Asylum and Star Trek D-A-C. These come with 3D cut scenes and 3D visual effects.
“Resident Evil 5 garnered some of the best reviews we have ever seen, many of which extolled the virtues of NVIDIA 3D Vision technology,” said Jun Takeuchi, General Manager of R&D Strategic Planning Department at Capcom. “Resident Evil 5 in true 3D presents an amazingly immersive gaming experience. We look forward to further collaboration with NVIDIA to bring PC gaming to the next 3D level.”

Asus G51J 3D will come out in December.

“NVIDIA 3D Vision is by far the most immersive, highest quality, full-resolution stereoscopic 3D technology available today,“ said Ryan Chung, Chief Director of Notebook Business Unit of CPT. “This is an exciting time for users, who will finally be able to see their games, movies and pictures with true 3D depth.”

Microsoft Announces the Beta Release of Microsoft Office 2010

Sierra Monica B. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:33:22 +0000

If earlier this year, the Microsoft team introduced Microsoft Office 2010, yesterday, Kurt DelBene, senior vice president of the Office Business Productivity Group at Microsoft, announced the public beta release of the popular productivity suite for personal computers, cell phones and web browsers, through which people work with text, images and videos.

Not only Microsoft Office 2010 reached the beta stage, but also the SharePoint Server 2010, Visio 2010, Project 2010, Office Web Apps and Office Mobile 2010. You can download and test the beta versions from the official web site of Microsoft in English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese and Simplified Chinese.

Office Mobile 2010 beta comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and the SharePoint Workspace Mobile 2010, and is available for smartphones running on Windows Mobile 6.5. You can get it from Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

The Office 2010 suite comes with several new features including the Outlook Social Connector with communication history, social network feeds and collaboration at the business level, the improved picture formatting tools, the possibility to work with people in different locations on the same file simultaneously, the Sparklines feature in Excel, support for videos in PowerPoint presentations, the Quick Steps feature for a simpler management of emails, Broadcast Slide Show feature for sharing presentations online, and the Microsoft Office Backstage view that enables a central place for file management.

Olive Releases High-End Music Server in the United States

Sierra Monica B. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:45:47 +0000

Olive 4HD is a new music server for home stereo systems that was launched today by Olive Media, a company specialized in developing music servers. The advanced system is a High Definition Hi-Fi model matching the 24-bit sound standard and the 192 kHz sample rate, which enables 250 times the CD resolution.

Olive says in its latest press release that the music server is easy to set up and navigate, allowing you to use it as control server for accessing your digital music library. It features 2 TB storage capacity to be capable of storing 20,000 high-resolution 24-bit songs, or 6,000 CDs. The music can be brought from a personal computer, or Mac system, via the wired or wireless connectivity.
The sound enhancements are powered by the system’s high-resolution Digital-Analog Converter with the 192khz/24-bit Burr-Brown PCM1792A from Texas Instruments.

Included in Olive 4HD are twelve songs from artists at Chesky Records, and you have the possibility to connect the system to a stereo receiver. To easily navigate through the menus you have the touchscreen display, while it also features HDMI interface for HDTV connectivity.
Also included is an iPod/iPhone application for controlling the server from anywhere in the network.

The music server sells for $1,999 in the United States.

“To achieve the highest quality audio means recording at 24-bit,” said Chesky Records founder David Chesky. “CDs cannot reproduce what we capture from musicians during a recording session, and MP3 files degrade the quality even further. But with the Olive 4HD it is now possible to replicate the experience of that golden master recording at home, in full 24-bit.”

Gyromancer Available for Xbox Gaming Systems

Sierra Monica B. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:59:08 +0000

Gyromancer is a new hybrid puzzle role playing game released worldwide for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, as well as the Xbox 360 gaming console and Steam. The game was developed by Square Etnix and PopCap and published by Square Etnix.
Gyromancer features a match-3 puzzle gameplay with role-playing elements, which allows players use monsters to fight against enemies.

In the role of Rivel, the leader of Temperance, you’ll have to solve puzzles and battle against beasts, while earning rewards. There are ten game stages, a battle system similar to the one used in Bejeweled Twist, 50 different beasts to control, and an online ranking system.
The Teen-rated game is available for the gaming consoles for a price of $14.99, or 100 Microsoft Points.

“We couldn’t be more excited by the launch of GYROMANCER – a collaborative project that brings together an incredible storyline, compelling puzzle-RPG elements and the highest production values,” stated Jason Kapalka, co-founder and chief creative officer at PopCap. “In developing the game, we did some early prototypes of the puzzle engine at PopCap, then Square Enix took over on the bulk of development, fleshing out the RPG components, and of course, adding all the incredible artwork and music. From my point of view, it’s been truly fascinating to watch Square Enix work, and equally gratifying to see the concept of ‘FINAL FANTASY plus Bejeweled’ actually come to life.”

Dell’s new 6 Printers for Businesses and Home Users

Sierra Monica B. — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:33:03 +0000

Dell launched six new all-in-one inkjet printers destined to home users and small business environments focused on obtaining high performance at affordable costs.

Dell P713w and Dell V715w are wireless all-in-one printers destined to small businesses. They are capable to print between 5,000 and 10,000 pages per month, featuring 1200 x 4800 dots per inch optical resolution, 150-page input tray capacity, support for two-side prints, 50-page Automatic Document Feeder, while the Dell P713w also has a 4.3-inch touchscreen display. You can get them for $199 and $189 respectively.
Dell V515w and Dell P513w are wireless printers with copying and scanning functionalities, built-in fax, 35-page Automatic Document Feeder, as well as two-sided printing. Both sell for a starting price of $149.
The last two models announced by Dell are Dell V313 and Dell V313w. These enable professional printing and direct printing on photos using memory cards. Dell V313w comes in blue-white and pink-white color combinations. They are available for $99 and $119 respectively.

All these new printers share features like 33 mono pages per minute printing speed, 30 color pages per minute speed, 25 mono pages per minute copy speed, 21 color pages per minute speed, an Eco-Mode that switches to the Power Saver if the printer is inactive for ten minutes, and optional Bluetooth dongle.