According to news from Chinese media, AMD is slated to announce the new generation AMD GPUs code name Southern Islands. It will start retailing in Nov 2010.

With the upcoming series, AMD will be revising the prices of Radeon HD 5000 series graphics card.

It is unsure if the new series “Southern Islands” will be named as Radeon HD 6000 series.

It is also rumoured that AMD planned to have Northern Islands using 32nm technology. As TSMC goes for 28nm, AMD switched plans and will continue to use 40nm process and change it’s code name to Southern Islands.

According to the news media, AMD did not comment on the report.

ECS Introduces the Latest Black Series P55H-AK Motherboard Delivering Full Gaming Power for Hardcore Gamers with Elegant Appearance.

Taipei, Taiwan, Aug, 2010 – With innovative products that span multiple target markets, Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the world’s leading motherboard, graphics card, barebone system, and notebook manufacturer, announces the latest tremendous product – ECS Black Series P55H-AK motherboard features lots of powerful specification and classic color scheme of black and white.

Upgrade Your Force by Overclocking
Lots of insane overclocking events at ComputeX 2010 showed, ECS successfully built a brand new overclocking standard – 5GHz for Intel latest core i series K-sku unlocked edition processor with a normal air cooler.
That means every users can boost their gaming systems up easily by tweaking ECS M.I.B. X – the special edition overclocking interface consolidates all information about overclocking for users, without awful cooling equipments, it is much easier to get the bonus system performance in gaming.

Conquer Your Games with Full Power
ECS P55H-AK is the very motherboard for hardcore gamers. It includes Nvidia NF200 chipset which supports 3-way SLI/CrossFireX and DDR3-2600+ amazing memory overclocking capabilities to provide more powerful gaming performance in the latest real-time 3D games.
More over, SATA 6G and eSATA 6G ports powered by Marvell chipset provide double transfer speed than ever in accessing bunch of gaming data like high-quality 3D models, textures and visual effects; two of four USB 3.0 ports powered by NEC USB 3.0 controller chip on the front panel is the first user friendly design to provide 10 times speed in sharing large files.
ECS Qooltech III technology is a dual-heatpipe with huge heatsink designed passive cooler to ensure the stability of system when overclocking and working for a long time.

Maintain Your Weapon in a Easy Way
Also, ECS exclusive applications like eOC, eJIFFY, eBLU, eDLU deliver the convenience for users like to extract more performance under system level with safety, the alternative choice for Internet surfing and keep BIOS and Drivers up to date with ease for free.

Get It Now or Regret It Tomorrow.
ECS Black Series P55H-AK motherboard limited edition is available now, please contact your local sales window or visit www.ecs.com.tw to get more information.

Apple’s just released iOS 4.0.2 for the iPhone and 3.2.2 for the iPad, both of which close the PDF exploit used by JailbreakMe.

M1 launches Singapore’s first remote technical
support service for computers and smartphones

SINGAPORE, 11 August 2010 – M1 will offer Singapore’s first remote technical support service for personal computers and smart phones via a new service called mFix from tomorrow.
With mFix, M1 customers will be able to optimise the performance of their PCs and smart phones in the comfort of their homes and offices just by dialing the M1 customer service hotline at 1663. Software installation, set-up and various support services including malware and virus removal will be available through mFix.
Once the customer calls the hotline, an agent will connect remotely to the customer’s computer or smartphone via an Internet connection. The customer can then leave his computer or smartphone unattended while it is being remotely serviced.
M1 will offer customers a suite of five services, offered individually or as part of a subscription plan :

o PC optimisation, such as cleaning up disk, rearranging data or removing temp files, to enable the PC to run faster and more efficiently;
o PC diagnostics, which include a full assessment of hardware and software;
o Malware and virus removal;
o Software installation; and
o Remote smartphone support, which includes e-mail configuration, Internet tethering, and data backup.

Privacy and data security will not be compromised as files and documents kept in the computers and smartphones will not be affected or accessed during the remote service. Connection between the customer’s device and M1’s remote agent throughout the session is protected with a 256-bits SSL encryption.
“mFix offers convenience and saves precious time for busy Singaporeans who no longer have to wait in queues to service their PCs and other devices. Most of the common services required can be done within the comfort of their homes and offices,” said P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer of M1. “We expect that our new remote support services will increase customer satisfaction and differentiate M1 in the marketplace.”
Customers can enjoy mFix services on a subscription basis (with one-year contract) or pay a one-time charge per service.
Details of the mFix plans and one-time charges are set out in the tables below :
mFix Basic Plan mFix Plus Plan
$44.94 / half-yearly* $60.99 / half-yearly*
Any two services annually
except Malware / Virus Removal service One Malware / Virus Removal service and one other service annually
Ad-Hoc Services
mFix services Fee per service
(Non-mFix subscriber) Fee per service
(mFix subscriber)
PC Optimisation $74.90 $67.41
Malware/ Virus Removal $107 $96.30
Software Installation $42.80 $38.52
PC Diagnostics $53.50 $48.15
Smartphone Support $37.45 $33.71
* On one-year contract

M1, Singapore’s most exciting and innovative integrated communications service provider, was launched in April 1997. It provides a full range of voice and data as well as fixed and mobile broadband services. M1 aims to be the leader in the communications business, focusing on value, quality and customer service. More information on M1 is available at www.m1.com.sg

Local distributor CDL Trading and Gigabyte Technology of Taiwan held a gathering of power users at a Thai restaurant in town. Rockson Chiang was here in town to give us a view of the technologies available on the Gigabyte mainboards.

The event started at 7.20pm with crowds streaming in from all parts of Singapore. To my surprise, some of the attendees are probably Secondary school kids. Of course, the older ones would be close to 50 yrs old. It simply shows that Gigabyte boards are well accepted by all age groups.

Much of the presentation was on the current technologies like USB 3.0 super charge of iPhone, iPad and stability design using ferrite chokes etc. The most interesting demonstration was the demonstration of Cloud OC where he uses a iPad (or any phone with wifi). The wifi device is connected to the AP. With the device (ipad or phone), you can access the IP address of your machine and overclock the system remotely over the WiFi network.

The video presentations are on the 2nd page.

Apple reveals New Stylish Smart Bike Apple Smart Bike

Apple has patented the concept of Smart Bicycle System, which is being developed now. This concept is almost the same as Nike and Apple iPod combination system for riders, but now this concept apply to bicycles.

This system is designed for individuals or teams. So they can communicate with a bike with one another electronically. Smart Bike system can monitor speed, distance, time, slope, slope, heart rate, wind speed, temperature, weather conditions and others related to the current situation, we do cycling events. This system has been built with many sensors in the iPhone with an additional sensor mounted on the motorcycle.

Bike Smart System, is a bicycle, sensors and iPod or iPhone sensors and electronic equipment that can communicate over the GPRS network, CDMA, EV-DO, EDGE, 3GSM, DECT, IS-136/TDMA, identity, LTE, and others.

Smart bike is any bike can be adjusted, such as cycling, BMX bikes, mountain bikes, electric bicycles, among others. Apple hopes that the development of smart bike is capable of making people re-cycling. Health and environment and is free of contamination.

Apple reveals New Stylish Smart Bike Apple Smart Bike

Apple has patented the concept of Smart Bicycle System, which is being developed now. This concept is almost the same as Nike and Apple iPod combination system for riders, but now this concept apply to bicycles.

This system is designed for individuals or teams. So they can communicate with a bike with one another electronically. Smart Bike system can monitor speed, distance, time, slope, slope, heart rate, wind speed, temperature, weather conditions and others related to the current situation, we do cycling events. This system has been built with many sensors in the iPhone with an additional sensor mounted on the motorcycle.

Bike Smart System, is a bicycle, sensors and iPod or iPhone sensors and electronic equipment that can communicate over the GPRS network, CDMA, EV-DO, EDGE, 3GSM, DECT, IS-136/TDMA, identity, LTE, and others.

Smart bike is any bike can be adjusted, such as cycling, BMX bikes, mountain bikes, electric bicycles, among others. Apple hopes that the development of smart bike is capable of making people re-cycling. Health and environment and is free of contamination.

Source

If you have been using an Intel X58 system running Windows 7 x32/x64, you might have experience this strange problem. The SiSoft Sandra 2010 Lite edition benchmark will fail when run after Catalyst 10.7 is installed onto the system. The problem can be replicated on X64 Win 7 too.

Uninstall the ATi Catalyst driver and use the system supplied ATi WDDM driver solved the problem. Post your experience in the forums.

GIGABYTE Extends Super Overclock Series with GTX 470 SOC Graphics Card

– Gauntlet™ sorted GPU with the latest in-house cooling design WINDFORCE™ –

Taipei, Taiwan, August 6^th, 2010 – GIGABYTE, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, introduces a powerful new addition to its Super Overclock Series: GTX 470 SOC (GV-N470SO-13I). To qualify for Super Overclock Series, a GPU must go through GIGABYTE’s innovative GPU Gauntlet™ Sorting process and it must be equipped with Ultra Durable VGA or VGA⁺ boards. Designed specifically for overclocking competition and gaming battle, GIGABYTE’s secret weapon GTX 470 Super Overclock Edition is built with NVDIA GeForce GTX 470 GPU. Based on 40nm processor and advanced GDDR5 memory technology, the powerful new GPU consists of ground-breaking features including Microsoft DirectX® 11 and NVIDIA PhysX™ which leads to incredibly immersive HD gaming experience and unrivaled performance. GV-N470SO-13I also features WINDFORCE™ 3X, 14 phase PWM design, OC Guru graphic card smart tuner and voltage read point.

WINDFORCE^{TM –} GIGABYTE’s Latest Cooling Solution

GIGABYTE introduces WINDFORCE™, the latest cooling technology that differentiates the brand’s graphics cards from the rest. GIGABYTE understands that a fan is crucial to the graphics card, so only the fan with the most efficiency is selected for WINDFORCE™. To qualify for WINDFORCE™, the cooling solution must be equipped with anti-turbulence inclined-fin, ultra quiet PWM fan and pure copper heat pipe. Inclined-fins redirect airflow and help to reduce excessive heat and turbulence. Depending on its orientation, there are 3 types of inclined-fin designs: parallel-inclined, mirroring-inclined and 3D-inclined. Each type contributes to generating excellent exterior airflow for efficient heat dissipation from the interior GPU core.

WINDFORCE^TM 3X: Anti-turbulence Cooling

GV-N470SO-13I is equipped with WINDFORCE™ 3X cooling solution. WINDFORCE™ 3X features 3 ultra quiet PWM fans. The special inclined triple-fan design effectively minimizes the flow of turbulence between three fans. With a unique vapor chamber, WINDFORCE™ 3X is able to transfer heat from the hot spot to the cool spot as thermal energy becomes evaporated to the surrounding air. By capillary action, the condensed liquid droplets circulate back to the base of chamber. The cycles of evaporation and condensation enhance heat dissipation for greater cooling efficiency. Moreover, WINDFORCE™ 3X is equipped with three copper heat pipes to strengthen the speed of heat dissipation.

Pure Power Architecture

GV-N470SO-13I has incredibly pure power. It is compatible with ATX standard length PCB. 14 phase PWM design includes 12 for GPU, 2 for memory. Standard GTX 470 graphics card has five power phases whereas GIGABYTE’s GTX 470 SOC has 12, two times the reference card. Not only does GV-N470SO-13I have three times power phases than reference card, the 12 power phase status LED indicators indicate graphics card’s current power phase, helping users monitor power consumption. This feature ensures a more stable system and better overclocking capability.

GPU Gauntlet™ Sorting

GIGABYTE’s very own GPU Gauntlet™ Sorting process is the key to the best GPUs for Super Overclock Series. A GPU must pass a sequence of tests to be selected. This unique process offers three major advantages. First, full-throttle performance tuning improves overclocking ability by at least 10% to 30%. Second, optimized thermal efficiency lowers extra temperatures by 5% to 10%. Fan speed is guaranteed at standard rpm in high-rated 3D and physics-accelerated games to reduce noise for an absolutely quiet environment. Lastly, expert power switching lowers power switching loss by 10% to 30%. With GPU Gauntlet™ Sorting, GIGABYTE SOC graphics card guarantees higher overclocking ability.

Ultra Durable VGA⁺

Thanks to Ultra Durable VGA⁺ that features 5+1 quality components, the Super Overclock Series supports top performance in graphics benchmarking. GIGABYTE Ultra Durable VGA⁺’s 5 proadlizers on graphics cards are able to provide 1.6 times purer power supply compared to traditional power design (zero proadlizers).

Proadlizer® Quintuple

One of the quality components of Ultra Durable VGA⁺ is GIGABYTE’s exclusive use of proadlizers. Unlike other leading brands that only use one proadlizer on their graphic cards, GIGABYTE generously uses five units of NEC Proadlizer®, also known as film capacitor, to provide amazing current capacity up to 5000uF and extremely low ESL/ESR for super overclocking ability. Five times the regular capacitance indicates the amount of electric energy stored is fivefold. By placing five proadlizers around GPU, electric currents are able to be charged and discharged rapidly to support super overclocking activity. The quintupled proadlizers transmit more stable power even during heavy loading.

OC Guru – Graphic Card Smart Tuner

GIGABYTE proudly improves its graphics card smart tuner OC Guru. This graphics card tweaking utility puts together the best combination of software/hardware overclocking. It now features 3 profiles: OC (for overclocking mode), Gaming (for gaming mode), and Green (for power saving mode). The different modes cater to users’ different needs. GIGABYTE’s distinctive adjustable software offers gamers to adjust tuners for memory, voltage, and fan speed. OC Guru, the user-friendly software, gives hardcore gamers liberty when overcloking.

Voltage Read Point

GIGABYTE’s specific voltage read point supplies hardcore gamers an ultimate benching experience at overclocking competition. Heavy users can change the voltage simply through software instead of manually adjusting any components on PCB. It is easy for overclockers to master the platform and monitor GPU workload at any time just through voltage read point.

The GIGABYTE Super Overclock Series includes HD 5870, HD 5770, GTX470, and upcoming GTX460. For more details about the Super Overclock Series, please visit the GIGABYTE VGA website at: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/main.aspx?s=43

GIGABYTE SOC: http://www.gigabyte.com/MicroSite/72/index.html

Are you looking for a mATX intel X58 powerhouse ? The ASUS Rampage Gene III might suit your needs. Below are some pictures of the package and box. Watch out for our review soon on OCWORKBENCH.

More pictures

August. 4, 2010, Taipei, Taiwan – ASRock Inc., the global leading motherboard manufacturer, is pleased to announce the latest AMD 890GX motherboard – 890GX Extreme4. ASRock Extreme4 series motherboards target to serve the high-end market and offer more than enough USB 3.0 and SATA3 connectors. The well-featured 890GX Extreme4 motherboard comes with 4 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports (2 on free-bundled Front USB 3.0 Panel, 2 on back panel) and 5 SATA3 ports; it is also the first AMD 890GX motherboard supporting ASRock unique Front USB 3.0 technology in the world.

Based on the AMD 890GX and SB850 chipsets, ASRock 890GX Extreme4 delivers the versatile HD visual performance and OC value to users! The ASRock 890GX Extreme4’s four DIMM slots support up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM at up to 1866MHz, and three PCI-E 2.0 X16 slots are capable of running multi-GPU setups (ATI^TM Quad CrossFireX^TM, 3-Way CrossFireX^TM, CrossFireX^TM and Hybrid CrossFireX^TM). The real I/O has two USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA3, one HDMI, one D-Sub, one DVI-D, Gigabit Ethernet, 7.1 CH HD Audio with THX TruStudio PRO support and one Clear CMOS switch with LED. You also get onboard power and reset buttons and a two-digit LED POST display (Dr. Debug). In addition, ASRock 890GX Extreme4 was built with 100% Japan-made high quality capacitors. The all solid capacitor design enhances the board’s stability and reliability. With its new AMD 890GX chipset, the ASRock 890GX Extreme4 also includes an integrated ATI Radeon HD 4290 graphics core capable of decoding Full HD 1080p video. All important components can be found here, 890GX Extreme4 mainboard is clearly the one for enthusiasts!

Moreover, this board is equipped with one Front USB 3.0 Panel that supports two additional USB 3.0 ports besides the rear I/O panel. Just simply connect the Front USB 3.0 Panel between the front USB 3.0 header on the motherboard and chassis, users can enjoy a much more convenient computing environment!

For software tool, 890GX Extreme4 supports all ASRock unique software, such as OC DNA, OC Tuner, Instant Flash… and so on. Special introduce here is the Turbo UCC function. Turbo UCC technology, exclusive from ASRock, helps you to unlock the hidden CPU cores in the CPU, boost up the system performance automatically and save energy all together.  It is an all-in-one solution that provides user an energy-saving overclocking and CPU upgrading process. With the innovative Turbo UCC, ASRock 890GX Extreme4 can easily upgrade the system performance higher than its normal standard!

Despite all this, ASRock 890GX Extreme4 provides true studio audio experience with THX TruStudio PRO solution. THX TruStudio PRO is specially designed to bring the same great audio experience found in live performances, films, and recording studios – to the PC. THX TruStudio PRO ensures you the unparalleled audio quality, effects and features for PC systems equipped with onboard audio. With THX TruStudio PRO, ASRock 890GX Extreme4 can provide you the high-quality audio experience.

ASRock 890GX Extreme4 offers interesting functions too. The ASRock AIWI utility enables you to play the games by holding your iPhone or iPod touch. ASRock AIWI redefines the PC gaming operation. It turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a game joystick. All you have to do is just to install the ASRock AIWI utility either from ASRock official website or ASRock software support CD to your motherboard, and also download the free AIWI Free from App store to your iPhone/iPod touch. Connecting your PC and apple devices via Bluetooth or WiFi networks, then you can start experiencing the exciting motion controlled games!

For more product info, visit us on http://www.asrock.com.

Motorola Launches the Sleek, Featherweight QUENCH™XT3 in Singapore, Exclusively with M1
 
- Trackball allows you to browse menus and web pages without obstructing your screen
- Expanded search function helps you keep track of all data on the phone, including bookmarks, browsing history and contacts
 
Singapore – 5 August, 2010 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a global leader in mobile communications, today announced the launch of the QUENCH™ XT3 in Singapore, exclusively with leading integrated communications service provider, M1. With a winning combination of power, usability and style, the QUENCH™ XT3 is designed to bring to you the power of Android™ and an easy and fun touch screen mobile Internet experience at a price you can’t resist.
 
“Many people in Singapore are interested in smartphones but haven’t yet made the leap to invest in one,” said Andrew Morley, Vice President of Marketing across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia and Asia at Motorola. “We launched the Motorola QUENCH™ XT3 to entice those people to take the plunge and experience the power and fun of Android-powered phones. It’s elegant, intuitive and accessible even to people who have never used a smartphone before.”
 
The slim and sleek QUENCH™ XT3 is just 12.6mm thin, a featherweight 114 grams, and fits naturally and easily into the palm of your hand with a comfortable soft-touch finish. You can navigate the phone with either the bright, high-resolution 3.2 inch capacitive touch screen, or with just one hand using a convenient trackball that keeps the screen finger-free for easy viewing.
 
Pinch-and-zoom features, 3.5G speed and WiFi connectivity help you surf the web effortlessly and ensure that you’re always connected with friends and colleagues1. A 3MP camera with digital zoom and LED flash ensures great pictures and videos that can easily be uploaded to your favorite social network or photo sharing site.
 
The Motorola QUENCH™ XT3 supports the Android platform, a vast range of Google services1, and access to more than 65,000 apps and widgets via Android Market1. An expanded search function helps you to keep track of all your data on the phone, such as bookmarks, browsing history, contacts and more. It even helps you find data in applications, a useful feature in a phone with support for up to 32GB of storage and space for thousands of songs and dozens of hours of video2.
 
“We are excited about the exclusive launch of the Motorola QUENCH XT3 in Singapore,” said P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer of M1. “It is a trendy device that supports excellent mobile Internet capabilities. Together with the attractive data bundle on our smartphone plans, it will offer our customers hours of fun staying connected on-the go. What’s more, we will be introducing more exclusive deals in the coming months to meet the lifestyle needs of different customer segments. ”
 
Motorola’s winning design and M1’s extensive voice and data communications services give the QUENCH™ XT3 a premium feel at a price that’s right for everyone. There’s never been a better time to make the leap to a sleek, trendy, full-featured, Android-powered smartphone.
 
Key Features Include:
 
•       The Trackball allows you to browse through menus and web pages without obstructing your screen
•       A 3 megapixel camera with LED flash
•       Expanded search function makes you easier to find information online or within the device of keeping track of all your data on the phone, such as bookmarks, browsing history, contacts and more, and serve up Google web search results based on location1, or launch applications.
•       Android Market™ has more than 65,000 apps and widgets, and there are opportunities for limitless customizations and enhancements to QUENCH™ XT3.
•       Extras1 such as 3.5G and Wi-Fi® access, aGPS and stereo Bluetooth®3 make QUENCH™ XT3 a solid Android-powered device.
•       Size : 116 x 56.8 x 12.6mm
•       Android™ platform
•       3.2” HVGA screen, 320 x 480
•       Capacitive pinch and zoom display
•       Video : Capture / Playback/Streaming, H.263, H.264, Mpeg-4
•       Stereo Bluetooth
•       MP3 Player
•       Internal Memory : 512 MB flash, 256MB RAM
•       Memory card : In-box 2GB microSD card (max. up to 32GB)
•       Support Chinese menu and input
 
Availability
The Android™-powered QUENCH™ XT3 will be available for sale in Singapore on 7 August 2010 at a recommended retail price of S$468 or $148 with a two-year contract at all M1 Shop outlets and its authorized dealers. For more information on MOTOROLA QUENCH™ XT3, please visit http://www.motorola.com/sg

Kingston Technology Adds Water-Cooled Modules to HyperX Family

HyperX Lineup Grows with New ‘H2O’ High-Performance Memory Kits 

Hsinchu, Taiwan – August 3, 2010 – Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of HyperX ‘H2O’ water-cooled DDR3 dual- and triple-channel memory kits. With frequencies up to 2133 MHz and capacities up to 6GB, H2O is the newest addition to the HyperX product family and supports the needs of enthusiasts building with water-cooled systems. 

“Water cooling is desirable for its quiet operation and long-term reliability. We are bringing HyperX H2O to market as a solution for PC enthusiasts who want to build water-cooled systems using high quality Kingston products,” said Ann Bai, DRAM Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “HyperX H2O is a natural extension of Kingston’s offerings for performance users. Our goal is for users of all levels and interests to have a Kingston product that meets their needs.”  

Kingston is debuting three HyperX DDR3 products in the new H2O line: two 4GB dual-channel kits (2000MHz, 2133MHz) and a 6GB triple-channel kit running at 2000MHz. H20 is available through Kingston’s channel of authorized distributors, resellers, e-tailers and retailers.

Kingston is also proud to announce that the original HyperX module is now called Genesis. The core of the HyperX family is the blu, Genesis and T1 series as they offer solutions in a range of densities and frequencies for enthusiasts of all levels. For system builders with specific requirements, H2O adds high performance in a water-cooling environment while LoVo is the perfect choice for an energy-efficient build. 

Kingston HyperX memory is backed by a lifetime warranty and free technical support. For detailed information please visit the Kingston Web site at www.kingston.com/asia. 

HONG KONG, CHINA, July 27 2010: Huawei, a leader in providing next-generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, will make it even easier for Hong Kong consumers to enjoy high-speed Internet surfing anytime, anywhere with the Huawei- branded E583C, its next-generation mobile Wi-Fi device. Huawei has been providing innovative telecom infrastructure equipment and terminal devices such as smartphones and USB mobile broadband modems to major Hong Kong operators for many years. Huawei?s first-generation mobile Wi-Fi device, the E5, set the trend in Asia for mobile Wi-Fi hot spots, and had achieved unprecedented successes around the world, including the UK, Hong Kong, and Japan. Based on the solid foundation of E5, Huawei has made further improvements in E583C?s performance and stability. With an E583C in their pockets or bags, users will be able to enjoy immediate access to mobile broadband network anytime, anywhere, without the encumbrance of cable connections. The E583C converts 3.5G HSPA mobile signal into an umbrella of powerful Wi-Fi coverage, automatically creating safe group Internet access and individual Wi-Fi hot points for up to five Wi- Fi-enabled digital devices. The E583C can also provide simultaneous internet access to a sixth device when it is connected to a laptop computer via a USB cable. Its design is fashionable and handy (with net weight of 90 grams), and comes with a 1-inch color OLED display which can clearly show information such as operator-network details, signal strength, Wi-Fi connection status, and battery level. The E583C enables easy wireless data transmission or online gaming on a wide range of Wi-Fi-enabled digital devices, including iPads, iPod Touchs, netbooks, laptop computers, portable multimedia centers, game consoles, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets and digital cameras. Like all Huawei mobile broadband products, the E583C is a plug-and-play device, eliminating the hassle of installing any drivers to their laptops. Windows, Mac or Linux laptop users can enjoy high speed data transmission speeds of up to 5.76Mbps (uplink) and 7.2Mbps (downlink) through the networks of major Hong Kong 3.5G HSPA mobile broadband Internet service providers. This allows users to instantaneously upload or download music and video files. The E583C also has a built-in microSD memory card slot (maximum 32GB) that can serve as a USB memory stick. Business executives, particularly when working away from the office, as well as gadget lovers can now experience the excitement of on-the-go wireless internet. HUAWEI E173u USB Mobile Broadband Modem Huawei’s USB mobile broadband modems have always been highly regarded in the marketplace. According to ABI Research1, Huawei mobile broadband terminal products ranked number one in terms of global market share in 2009., and as of May 2010, Huawei has shipped more than one billion units of related products. About the size of a small key chain, the E173u USB mobile broadband modem is handy and convenient to carry around. Similar to the E583C, the E173u is a plug-and-play device which allows Windows, Mac and Linux users to enjoy immediate access to high-speed HSPA networks. The USB modem also has a built-in microSD memory card slot (maximum 32GB) which can serve as a memory stick. “Our unmatched R&D capabilities has enabled us to continually bring innovative, top quality mobile devices to Hong Kong,” said Tiger Lu, Chief Representative, Hong Kong Representative Office of Huawei. “We are confident that Synergy Technologies (Asia) Limited, through its strong distribution network and solid market experience, will allow more consumers to be able to enjoy and learn about the unprecedented user experience with Huawei?s products.” 1 ABI Research report: Cellular and Mobile Broadband PC Modem Market Data, April 2010 Francis Fong, General Manager of Synergy Technologies (Asia) Limited , said: “Wireless Internet connectivity has become a part of everyday life, and the trend is to simultaneously get online with more than one device, wherever a user may be. We are happy and excited to work with Huawei and introduce the E583C and E173u to the Hong Kong market. We believe that users will definitely like these two high-functionality devices.”

Availability and suggested retail prices The E583C and E173u will be available from August, and sold through digital equipment retail stores and retail outlets at major computer shopping malls in Hong Kong. The suggested retail prices of the two devices are HK$1,380 and HK$498 respectively.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini Pro Review
Bluetooth 3 Aug 2010 

Android android everywhere. From 3.2″ to 3.8″ and 4.0″ capactive screens. Although this is the norm for most handsets, there isn’t something that is compact in the hands. The Xperia X10 mini pro , just like the Xperia X10 mini seems to fit into this special class for users with small hands and do not require the full screen functionality. Measuring only 2.55″, it comes with a 16,777,216 colour TFT,  240 x 320 pixels (QVGA) scratch resistant screen. 

Designed along the lines of the Xperia X10 mini, the Xperia X10 mini pro comes with Android 1.6 preloaded and is upgradable to 2.1 later this year. The thickness is compromised because of the small compact keypad which slides out. 

Although it is small, it has some good stuff built into it. Firstly is the customised User interface which hides you from the usual android screen. With the smaller screen, Sony Ericsson chose to use a 4 cornered UI to instantly access the applications available.  The TimeScape application also allows you to view Facebook™ status updates, friend’s photo,   inbox messages and friend requests, tweets, replies and direct messages from   people you follow on Twitter™. Incoming text and picture messages and missed calls can be seen within one screen based on timeline. 

As a multimdeia device, it has a 5 megapixel AF camera with geo tagging. There is also video recording, photo video light, FM radio etc. You can also add more applications from the Android market. 

Below is an unboxing video of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro package. 

Specifications
Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro  

Camera 

• 5 megapixel camera
• Auto focus
• Geo tagging
• Photo and video light
• Sony Ericsson Album application
• Video recording

Music 

• Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
• Music player
• PlayNow™
• TrackID™

Web 

• Bookmarks
• Pan and zoom
• WebKit web browser

Communication 

• Sony Ericsson Timescape™ with…
• Facebook™ status updates, friend’s photo,   inbox messages and friend requests
• tweets, replies and direct messages from   people you follow on Twitter™
• incoming text and picture messages
• missed calls

Messaging 

• Email
• Instant messaging
• Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®
• Picture messaging (MMS)
• Predictive text input
• Text messaging (SMS)

Design 

• Auto rotate
• Full slide out keyboard (X10 mini pro only)
• Picture wallpaper
• Touchscreen

Entertainment 

• Infinite button
• Quadrapop game
• Sony Ericsson FM radio
• Video player
• Video streaming

Organiser 

• Calendar
• Flight mode
• Phone book with dialer
• Sony Ericsson Home with widget
• Tasks

Location-based services 

• A-GPS
• Google Maps™
• Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation* (free trial version)

Connectivity 

• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Bluetooth™ technology
• Micro USB connector
• NeoReader® barcode scanning app
• Sony Ericsson Sync
• USB mass storage support
• USB support
• Wi-Fi™

Google™ Services 

• Android Market™
• Gmail™
• Google Maps™ with Street View
• Google Search Widget
• Google Talk™
• Google Voice Search™**
• YouTube™
• ** The Google Voice Search service is not available in all markets

Screen 

• 16,777,216 colour TFT touchscreen
• 2.55 inches
• 240 x 320 pixels (QVGA)
• Scratch-resistant

Accessories 

• In-Box:
• Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini/ Xperia™ X10 mini pro with battery
• Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
• Stereo portable handsfree
• 2GB microSD™ memory card
• User documentation

• Optional:
• Portable Stereo Speakers MS450
• Hi-Fi Headset with Remote MH810

• Xperia™ X10 mini:

• Size: 83 x 50 x 16 mm
• Weight: 88 grams

• Phone memory: Up to 128MB

• Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™, up to 16 GB
• Memory card included: 2GB

• Operating system: Google™ Android 1.6
• Processor: 600 MHz Qualcomm MSM7227

• Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 4 hours
• Standby time: GSM/GPRS: Up to 285hrs

• Talk time UMTS: Up to 3.5 hours
• Standby time: UMTS: Up to 360 hrs

• Xperia™ X10 mini pro:

• Size: 90 x 52 x 17 mm
• Weight: 120 grams

• Phone memory: Up to 128MB

• Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™, up to 16 GB
• Memory card included: 2GB

• Operating system: Google™ Android 1.6
• Processor: 600 MHz Qualcomm MSM7227

• Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 4 hours
• Standby time: GSM/GPRS: Up to 285hrs

• Talk time UMTS: Up to 3.5 hours
• Standby time: UMTS: Up to 360 hrs

Availability and versions  

• Networks

• UMTS HSPA 900/2100
• GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

• UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100
• GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

• Available in selected markets in Q2 2010

Colour 

• Xperia™ X10 mini:
• Black
• Pearl White
• Lime
• Pink
• Red
• Silver
• Xperia™ X10 mini pro:
• Black
• Red

Taipei, Taiwan, August 2, 2010 – GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and computing hardware solutions today proudly announced that the GA-X58A-UD9 motherboard has again achieved the world’s fastest 3DMark Vantage score at P67148 marks using Corsair Dominator GTX2 memory and Corsair Professional Series Gold AX1200 power supply, proving that systems designed utilizing top-notch hardware can deliver truly impressive performance results.

“We’ve designed and engineered every aspect of the GA-X58A-UD9 to be the top in its class not only in terms of features, but also in terms of raw performance potential,” commented Richard Chen Vice President of R&D, Motherboard Business Unit, GIGABYTE Technology Co. Ltd. “We look forward to seeing more performance records being broken using the GA-X58A-UD9 and high-end Corsair memory, and we hope overclockers and power users have as much fun pushing the UD9’s limits as we had making it.”

“It takes patience, extraordinary skill, and superbly engineered components to set the world record for a popular, highly respected benchmark like 3DMark Vantage,” stated John Beekley, VP of Technical Marketing at Corsair. “We congratulate GIGABYTE on this impressive achievement, and are thrilled that Corsair DRAM and PSU components played a significant part in making this happen.”

This new record places the GIGABTYE GA-X58A-UD9 motherboard in the No. 1 position on the Futuremark ORB website as the highly sought after ‘Fastest System – 3DMark Vantage’ configuration:

Futuremark Fastest System

GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 takes 3DMark Vantage Fastest System crown with P67148 Marks (7/27/2010)

GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 takes 3DMark Vantage Fastest System crown with P67148 Marks (7/27/2010)

About the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 Motherboard

GIGABYTE Unlocked Power

Power is the key to unlocking “True” performance, and nowhere is this more evident than with the unique power delivery system specially designed and engineered for the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9. Proprietary GIGABYTE Unlocked Power technology incorporates an all new 24 phase design with industry leading Intel spec. driver MOSFETs that allow the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 to provide maximum power delivery for Intel LGA 1366 CPUs such as the Intel® Core™ i7-980X Extreme Edition (6 core). GIGABYTE Unlocked Power technology ensures utmost system stability and overclockability by providing clean, reliable power to the CPU.

A video demonstrating how GIGABYTE Unlocked Power technology can provide up to 1500W of power to the CPU is available at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MoboTV2010#p/a/u/0/YsFG0Pv-7bM.

Innovative Dual Power Switching Design

GIGABYTE Unlocked Power also delivers better durability and longer component lifespan due to the industry’s first Dual Power Switching design. When Dual Power Switching is activated, 2 sets of 12 power phases operate in tandem, automatically turning on one set of 12 phases and powering down the other 12, allowing the non active set to rest. By sharing the power workload between 2 sets of power phases, GIGABYTE Dual Power Switching effectively doubles the lifespan of the power phases. Additionally, GIGABYTE Unlocked Power features built-in Auto Failure Protection, so if one power phase is damaged or fails, the motherboard will automatically disable its group of 12 phases, allowing it to still operate using the other set of twelve, unlike a traditional motherboard which would be unable to boot.

Maximum CPU Power Delivery

When CPU loading on the X58A-UD9 motherboard requires more than 12 phases to be active, GIGABYTE Dual Power Switching temporarily suspends, and the full 24 power phases are automatically unlocked, allowing for maximum power delivery. For overclockers and power users, this means the full 24 power phases can be activated to deliver the highest amount of CPU power currently available on any desktop motherboard.

4-Way Graphics Support and GIGABYTE 333 Onboard Acceleration

Based on Intel’s highest end X58 chipset, the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 offers a wide range of premium features tailor-made for PC enthusiasts who believe more is never enough. For those wanting to build the ultimate graphics monster machine, the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 delivers with support for 4-way PCI Express 2.0 graphics (x16) for both ATI CrossFireX™ and Nvidia SLI™ technologies. The GA-X58A-UD9 also provides the latest in data transfer and storage capabilities with support for GIGABYTE 333 Onboard Acceleration technologies including SuperSpeed USB 3.0, 6Gbps SATA support, including RAID 0 support for up to 4 times faster data transfer than the previous generation SATA II and GIGABYTE 3X USB power.

Unique GIGABYTE Technologies

GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 motherboards also leverage the success of GIGABYTE’s uniquely developed technologies including the GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ 3 design, which features 2x the amount of copper of a traditional PCB design, as well as the innovative Smart 6™ PC management tools, ON/OFF Charge for quick anytime iphone and iPad charging, Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2 power saving utilities, and DualBIOS™ technologies. Of course overclocking is where the GA-X58A-UD9 truly shines, with features designed for and by world-class overclockers including overvoltage controller ICs, real-time onboard Debug and System Alert LEDs and enough overclocking BIOS settings to push your hardware to its limits.

GIGABYTE VIP Service

GIGABYTE has extended an invitation to owners of GA-X58A-UD9 motherboards to sign up for GIGABYTE’s VIP Service, allowing members to receive customized VIP service support directly from the engineers who have designed the motherboard. In addition, members who sign up before September 30, 2010 will be automatically entered to win an Apple iPad (Wi-Fi 64GB). To sign up as a GIGABYTE VIP, please visit: http://ud9.gigabyte.com.tw/register/

To learn more about the GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD9 motherboard, please visit the GIGABYTE website at: http://ud9.gigabyte.com.tw and http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3434.

Comex has pulled it off again with a great jailbreak. Spirit v2.0 is now released and all devices can once again be jailbroken. This one is very easy to use. You don’t even need a guide. Here are the steps:
1) Load safari on your iphone2) Type in http://jailbreakme.com3) Slide to jailbreak4) Wait and soon you have Cydia.
Just like spirit 1, this is a user-mode jailbreak which requires you to be able to load safari on the device.
I strongly urge you all to visit comex’s site and donate to him to help motivate him to find further jailbreaks in the future.

Note: there is an indication that on 4.0, you lose mms and facetime if you’re on an iphone 4. I recommend you update to 4.0.1 before jailbreaking. The facetime issue is being looked at now.