Acer Chromebook 14 for Work with spill-resistant keyboard announced

April 22, 2016

Acer has unveiled its Chromebook 14 for Work, a flagship notebook which sports amazing features along with a water resistant keyboard.

The device also sets the record in two different areas. First of all, it is Acer’s first Chromebook that will be compliant with Google’s Chrome for Work.

Acer Chromebook 14 for Work is also the first laptop to sport Vibrant Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides a durable glass finish that can be customized with various images.

The selling point of the laptop is its spill-resistant keyboard which meets the rugged MIL-STD 810G military standard to protect against drops, dust, temperature and humidity.

The keyboard can survive spills of up to 11 ounces (330ml) of fluids. Its unique gutter system under the keyboard and touchpad drains liquid through two drain holes to route water away from internal components and out the bottom of the chassis.

The Acer Chromebook 14 sports a compact design- it measures 330.9 x 227 x 22.4 mm and weighs only 1.45kg.

It has been tested to be able to withstand up to 132 pounds (60kg) of downward force and won’t be damaged if it falls from heights of up to 48 inches (122cm).

Acer really took its time producing the device as each of its specs will be available in various configurations.

Its 14-inch screen will come in either a 1366×768 HD or a 1920×1080 Full HD resolution depending on what the user wants.

There’s also the option for 32GB or 16GB eMMC storage and either 8GB, 4GB or 2GB of dual channel LPDDR3 SDRAM.

The Acer Chromebook 14 for Work also has a dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which is 2 to 3 times faster than older wireless technology.

In addition is a pair of standard USB 3.0 ports, SD card slot and HDMI output. It also features a USB 3.0 Type-C connection, which creates a full desktop solution thanks to the optional docking port with a single cable for additional displays, speakers and up to five more USB devices.

Acer Chromebook 14 for Work has a starting price of $349 (that’s about 70,000 Naira) and will be available in May. Acer added that its pricing and availability will vary from one region to another.

ASUS launches 4 ROG series Gaming Notebooks in India

Emmanuel

April 21, 2016

Computer tech firm, ASUS, has launched a refreshed lineup of its Republic of Gamers (ROG) series gaming notebooks, introducing the ASUS ROG G752VY, ROG GL552VW, ROG G551VW and ROG G501VW, in India.

The new gaming laptops are adequately equipped for gamers. They all sport Skylake Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series graphics system.

In addition, these machines come with an improved cooling system that counters quick heating problems.

The ASUS ROG G501VW is really slim, being 20.6mm thick, and weighs just 2.06kg, all in a metallic body design.

It is powered by an NVidia GTX960M Graphics system equipped with ROG DNA, and up to 4K/UHD visuals.

ASUS ROG G501VW has a 4K IPS panel with 178-degree viewing angles and features ASUS SonicMaster and ROG AudioWizard enhanced audio.

Under the hood are highly-powered NVidia GTX 960M graphics with blazing fast 4GB GDDR5 graphics memory.

These are coupled with a 16GB ultrafast DDR4 system memory and a next gen 512GB PCIe Gen 3×4 SSD which give speeds up to 2Gbits/s.

The ASUS ROG G551VW has the same display and audio qualities as the G501VW. In addition, it sports a thermal management system and is powered by NVidia GTX 960M graphics with 4GB GDDR5 graphics memory.

It also has 16GB of ultrafast system memory and a 1TB of storage along with 128 GB SSD.

The ROG GL552VW on its own rocks a stylish metallic design and combines power with high performance.

This ASUS Laptop is powered by a Quad core 6th Gen intel core i7(Skylake) processor coupled with NVidia GTX 960M graphics under the hood.

These are further aided with the presence of a blazing fast 4GB GDDR5 graphics memory and 16GB ultrafast system memory. For storage, there’s a TB of storage along with 128 GB SSD.

The ASUS ROG G752VY just like its siblings has a 6th-generation Intel Skylake Core i7 processor. It sports up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, and the latest NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 980m graphics processor.

In addition to this is an ROG-exclusive mobile 3D Vapor Chamber for increased cooling performance.

These are complemented with a backlit anti-ghosting gaming keyboard with 30-key rollover for precise command and control in battle. It also runs on Windows 10 out of the box.

The gaming laptops will be made available based on requests of prospective buyers. The ROG G501VW has its price starting at Rs. 95,490 (about 290,000 naira).

The ASUS ROG G551VW will cost as much as Rs. 1,00,490 (that’s about 302,000 Naira), while the ROG G752VY and ROG GL552VW have their starting prices pegged at Rs. 179,990 (around 540,000 naira) and Rs. 82,490 (about 250,000 naira) respectively.

Acer Predator 15 and Predator 17 Gaming Notebooks launched

Emmanuel

April 20, 2016

Taiwanese electronics firm, Acer, has launched two new Predator-branded gaming hardware notebooks in India. They are the Acer Predator 15 and Acer Predator 17 laptops.

The Predator 15 (pictured below) sports a 15.6 4K display while the Predator 17 has a 17.3-inch full high-definition (FHD) display.

Both notebooks run on 6th Generation Intel Core i7 processors with high-performance Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M for graphics rendering.

Acer Predator 15 and 17 also sport 128GB PCIe Solid State Drives (SSDs) with optional second 1TB 2.5-inch HDDs at 5400 RPM and audio capabilities to deliver ultimate gaming experience.

Heating, which is a major problem for gaming laptops was addressed in the laptops with an advanced cooling system- they both feature a triple fan design that’s meant to keep them cool and protects them from dust.

They also support a Cooler Master fan module that can be inserted to notebook’s optical drive bay. Acer says this fan module will stay exclusive to its products.

The Acer notebooks feature Killer DoubleShot Pro technology that allows users to utilise Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections together for high-speed online gaming experience.

Acer also fitted SoundPound technology in the laptops with four speakers and two woofers in Predator 17 and two speakers and one woofer in Predator 15.

The Acer Predator 15 and Predator 17 (pictured below) run Windows 10 Home out of the box and are available starting from Rs. 1,79,000 (that’s about 540,000 naira). They come with gaming mouse and headphones.

The Acer Predator series notebooks also come with USB Type-C port for charging and up to 4 USB3.0 ports. In addition to this, they feature backlit keyboard with four different lighting zones.

Chandrahas Panigrahi, Senior Director at Consumer Business, Acer India said the notebooks will provide the best gaming experience to prospective users.

“With Predator series notebooks, Acer is reinventing productivity with the help of technology. Our aim is to deliver cutting edge mobile gaming experience,” he said.

Apple MacBook and MacBook Air Laptops Refresh

Jia Khan

April 20, 2016

Apple has upgraded its 12-inch MacBook with the latest chipsets. The America based technology giant has also made slight changes to its MacBook Air range.

American multinational technology company brought in the MacBook in 2015. Now, after one year or so, the company is refreshing its slimmest 13.11 mm and lightest 2-pound laptop.

The new revamped MacBooks, just like their precursors, begin at $1299. The renewed edition of the laptop packs in the sixth generation Intel Core M SoC clocked at either 1.1GHz or 1.3GHz.

The latest Apple device also features advance Intel graphics and a speedier flash storage.

The battery backup has also been enhanced. However, the revamped version of the laptop still features 12-inch Retina displays

Apple MacBook, released in 2015, was an ultimate stunner and the latest model follows in the footsteps of the original edition.

A new color has also been introduced to the existing range of MacBooks. Thus, the new MacBook will be available in Gold, Silver and Space Gray options along with a new Rose Gold variant.

The company has three major lines of its laptops, including the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. However, Apple still has to face an aggressive competition from the regular bunch of contenders.

The most serious competitor of Apple is HP which recently launched an exclusive notebook dubbed ‘Spectre 13’ featuring a 13.3-inch display. The HP device is even slimmer than the Apple MacBook.

Speculations suggest that Apple might employ Force Touch technology in the keyboard. The patent filed by Apple has also disclosed that the company is testing a layout for a pressure-aware technology.

The latest patent also hints at the end to the days of physical keys, enabling the device to be even more slim.

The new Apple MacBook laptops will hit the retail today. The $1299 variant features 8GB of memory along with 256GB of flash storage.

DJI M600 High Powered Drone for Professional Aerial Photography

Jia Khan

April 19, 2016

DJI recently launched its most high-powered drone to date. Christened DJI M600, the latest drone is the flagship device of the Chinese technology manufacturer.

The latest M600 has specifically been designed for professional aerial photographers, photography enthusiasts, film producers, and amateurs. In addition, the image capturing drone can also be employed for industrial applications.

The highlight of the drone is its Payload feature. DJI has claimed that the latest M600 can haul a 6KG Payload for around 16 minutes and a 5.5KG snapper for 18 minutes.

This feature will come in handy for the film producers if they have to shoot with their own huge professional standard cameras.

DJI M600 comes with an A3 flight controller. The A3 controller is a GPS-equipped device which can calculate various specifications required for flying with different payloads.

It can precisely readjust and can also be updated to A3 Pro mechanism, which flaunts progressive diagnostics algorithms.

DJI M600 is also compatible with Zenmuse gimbals including the Zenmuse X series snappers and Z15 range.

According to Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager of DJI proudly praised the latest M600 drone.

“The M600 is the most –powerful and easiest-to-use professional platform DJI has ever produced. We’ve pre-programmed all M600 platform data and information into the A3 flight controller, remote and transmission system to minimize setup and get you flying as quickly as possible.”

In addition, the new DJI M600 also features a latest video downlink module called the Lightbridge 2. The module which is capable of streaming 1080p content at 60fps and can continually remain connected up to as far as 3 miles.

DJI M600 comes in two battery choices and it can reach as high as 2.5km. The price for the device begins at $4,599 (about 920,000 Naira) which is approximately Rs. 3,06,052. The specifications and features of M600 promise a superior photography experience.

Amazon Kindle Oasis looks shockingly different

Jia Khan

April 15, 2016

The popular American e-commerce and cloud computing company Amazon has recently launched its latest Kindle e-reader. Kindle Oasis is the company’s eighth device. Oasis Reader is also distinguished to be the thinnest Kindle in the order.

The device also houses a charger inside its cover. Kindle Oasis is also being released for the Indian consumers at a cost of Rs. 23,999. The company is likely to begin shipping of Kindle Oasis in the forthcoming weeks.

Kindle has established itself as the most powerful e-reader in the market. Amazon is expecting to attract more readers with the slim layout and enhanced battery life of the latest e-reader.

According to Amazon, the latest Kindle features a dual battery mechanism. The dual battery layout implies that the device will automatically start recharging once it is put in the cover. Kindle Oasis weighs 4.6 ounces and measures 3.4mm.

The CEO and founder, Amazon, Jeff Bezos, said in a statement:

“It’s the most advanced Kindle we’ve ever built – thin and ultra lightweight, it gets out of the ways so you can lose yourself in the author’s world.”

In terms of design, Kindle Oasis flaunts a lightweight polymer chassis coated with metal. The device comes with a high-resolution Paperwhite display with 300ppi pixel density

In a press release event for Kindle Oasis, Amazon stated,

“A redesigned built-in front light features 60% more LEDs for our brightest Kindle display ever and leverages new cylindrical diffractive patterns to increase the consistency and range of screen brightness for improved reading in all types of lighting.”

The company has also claimed that with its latest kindle, it is now convenient to turn the page by using either the touch display or physical buttons.

The latest e-reader comes with all the features that have established the Kindle range as one of the best e-readers like World Wise and Whispersync.

NASA Probe detects Interstellar Dust for the first time

Emmanuel

April 15, 2016

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft for the first time ever, has detected, and analysed interstellar dust coming from beyond our solar system.

Cassini has been in orbit around Saturn since 2004, studying the giant planet, its rings and its moons. It has also sampled millions of ice-rich dust grains with its cosmic dust analyser instrument.

The spacecraft detected 36 tiny grains among millions streaming through space – but the discovery is exciting NASA researchers, as the particles are of a uniform composition that has never been seen before.

The grains all had a surprisingly similar chemical make-up, containing major rock-forming elements like magnesium, silicon, iron and calcium in average cosmic proportions. However, they contained less sulfur and carbon than is found elsewhere.

The uniformity of the composition of each grain surprised scientists and they concluded that the specks of material came from interstellar space, i.e. the space between the stars.

“Cosmic dust is produced when stars die, but with the vast range of types of stars in the Universe, we naturally expected to encounter a huge range of dust types over the long period of our study,”

Frank Postberg of the University of Heidelberg said.

The scientists speculate that the dust captured by Cassini had been made uniform through some repetitive processing in the interstellar medium, perhaps through shockwaves from dying stars.

“We’re thrilled Cassini could make this detection, given that our instrument was designed primarily to measure dust from within the Saturn system, as well as all the other demands on the spacecraft,”

Marcia Burton, Cassini fields and particles scientist at Nasa said.

“We always hoped we would be able to detect these interstellar interlopers at Saturn with Cassini,”

Nicolas Altobelli, Cassini project scientist at the European Space Agency and lead author of the study that detailed the find added.

This isn’t the first time particles of this type have been detected. In the 1990s, the ESA/NASA Ulysses mission made the first observations of this material which were later confirmed by NASA’s Galileo spacecraft.

Tesla Model 3 pre-orders hits 325,000

Emmanuel

April 8, 2016

Pre-orders for Tesla’s Model 3 Electric sedan has risen above 325,000 a week after it was announced by the American automotive and energy firm.

In a blog post, Tesla announced that more than 325,000 people have put down the $1,000 reservation to get in line to buy the Model 3 Electric Sedan at some point in the future.

This means over 325,000 people have laid down their money in expectation to buy the car, which is yet to be fully revealed.

If everything goes according to plan, Tesla won’t start making the car until the latter part of year 2017. It’s however expected that more details of the Model 3 Electric Sedan would be revealed before then.

According to the blog post, the preoders corresponds to about $14 billion in implied future sales, making this the single biggest one-week launch of any product ever.

“This interest has spread completely organically. Unlike other major product launches, we haven’t advertised or paid for any endorsements. Instead, this has been a true grassroots effort driven by the passion of the Tesla team that’s worked so hard to get to this point and our current and future customers who believe so strongly in what we are trying to achieve. Most importantly, we are all taking a huge step towards a better future by accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation,” the post added.

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk however said the car wasn’t talked about as much as one would believe.

“Over 325k cars or ~$14B in preorders in first week. Only 5% ordered max of two, suggesting low levels of speculation,” he said on social media.

Nevertheless, the number is massive. The news leaves the company simultaneously celebrating and facing the daunting task of building not only far more cars than it’s ever built, but also the expanded network of superchargers that will be needed to support this new fleet of electric cars.

Tesla’s Model 3 has been a long time coming. As the company’s fourth production car, it is aimed squarely at the mass market in an overt attempt to drive mainstream adoption of electric vehicles.

Radioactive Supernovae Debris found on Earth

Emmanuel

April 8, 2016

A team of scientists has found evidence that the earth was hit by debris from a series of massive supernovae near it millions of years ago.

Supernovae are explosions that occur when a star runs out of energy and explodes. It leads to the creation of many heavy elements, one of which is radioactive iron-60.

This particular radioactive debris, iron-60, which is aged between 3.2 and 1.7 million years old have been found in sediments and crust samples from the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans on the earth.

“The iron-60 was concentrated in a period between 3.2 and 1.7 million years ago, which is relatively recent in astronomical terms,” the team’s lead researcher, Anton Wallner, said.

Wallner is a nuclear physicist at the Australian National University (ANU) in Australia.

Evidence of iron-60 from an older supernova around eight million years ago was also found. This coincided with global faunal changes in the late Miocene period, which was 11.6 million to 5.3 million years ago.

“We were very surprised that there was debris clearly spread across 1.5 million years,” Wallner commented, adding that it “suggests there were a series of supernovae, one after another.”

The team believe that the supernovae were less than 300 light years away and were close enough to be visible during the day and comparable to the brightness of the Moon.

Although Earth would have been exposed to an increased cosmic ray bombardment, the radiation would have been too weak to cause direct biological damage or trigger mass extinctions.

The team was awed by first hints of iron-60 in samples from the Pacific Ocean floor, found a decade ago.

They then decided to search for interstellar dust from 120 ocean-floor samples spanning the past 11 million years.

After the extraction of all the iron from the ocean cores, they separated the tiny traces of interstellar iron-60 from the other terrestrial isotopes and found it occurred all over the globe.

They then inferred that the Earth was hit by a series of radioactive debris millions of years ago. Who knows, maybe the earth was formed from one of those supernovae.

HP unveils EliteBook Folio, Elite X2 hybrid laptop

Emmanuel

April 7, 2016

American firm, Hewlett Packard, has unveiled two new business laptops following the announcement of its new line of business printers.

The two laptops launched are the new EliteBook Folio which starts at Rs. 1,30,000 (about 390,000 Naira) and the Elite x2 1012 2-in-1 laptop which debuts for Rs. 84,599 (approximately 253,000 Naira). Both notebooks are already available for order in India.

The new EliteBook Folio is HP’s thinnest and lightest business-class laptop at the moment, being 12.4mm thick.

It has an aluminium body and a backlit keyboard which is quite comfortable to type on and can easily be used in the dark.

It weighs less than 1kg and has military grade protection which enables it to remain undamaged if it drops accidentally.

The HP EliteBook Folio has a 12.5-inch full-HD display with an option for a UHD (4K) variant. The screen can also be tilted all the way back up to 180 degrees.

The laptop is powered by Intel’s 6th generation Core M vPro processors and boasts of a battery which HP says can power the laptop for up to 10 hours on a single charge. It runs on Windows 10 Pro Operating system.

Connectivity includes two USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt and is compatible with HP’s Travel Dock for additional ports.

HP EliteBook Folio also bears Bang & Olufsen speakers, HP’s Noise Reduction software, and HP Clear Amp for better audio.

The HP Elite x2 1012 on the other hand is built using milled CNC aluminium. It sports a 12-inch anti-glare display which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4. It also comes with a built-in kickstand, making it a hybrid device.

The 2-in-1 laptop comes with the HP Active Pen which features over 2048 point of pressure sensitivity.

One can also pair the hybrid with HP’s optional Advanced Keyboard which integrates a smart card reader inside or the Travel Keyboard.

Under the hood the new HP Elite x2 runs on Intel’s 6th generation Core M vPro platform and is the first device to ship with Thunderbolt 3.

HP will also offer Elite USB-C Docking Station for powering dual-2K displays; the Elite Thunderbolt 65W Dock for dual-4K displays and Advanced Wireless Docking Station which works on WiGig wireless technology.

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