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N-trig Fourth Generation DuoSense Single-Chip Solution With Pen And Multi-Touch Computing Review

N-trig has been producing and selling chipsets called DuoSense for a while now, which allow tablets and other touchscreen devices to support both pen-based input and multi-touch computing. The new 4000 series condenses both pen input and multi-touch finger gestures into a combination of one chip and one sensor, letting any entrepreneurial device maker stuff the two control methods into a handheld device with as little as a 5-inch display and the chip line scales all the way to 15.6-inch panels for creatives poking at the screens of laptops and larger Ultrabooks. The new fourth-generation DuoSense chipset family has now been extended to include single-chip solutions and N-trig claims that it is the first company to offer both pen and multitouch capability on a single chip and a single sensor providing a compact and low-power solution for handheld market. N-trig's new chips also support what’s called a chip-on-flex configuration so the chip can be directly mounted and electronically connected to a flexible circuit eliminating the need for controller.

N-trig, providers of the DuoSense pen and multi-touch user interface announced that the fourth generation DuoSense chipset family has been extended to include single-chip solutions. While competing solutions require either two sensors or multiple chips to support pen and multi-touch, N-trig is the first company to offer both on a single chip and a single sensor, providing device manufacturers with a compact, low-power solution and paving the way for N-trig to enter the handheld market. The newest DuoSense chipset is optimized for a variety of screen sizes, ranging from 5-inch handhelds to 11-inch tablets and offers an Analog-IC that allows for support of up to 15.6-inch portable PCs. The DuoSense single-chip solution is the first single-chip on the market to support both pen and multi-touch input for mobile computing, allowing for easier integration and flexibility in thinner and slimmer computing designs. It also offers the ability to support a chip-on-flex configuration, in which the chip is directly mounted and electronically connected to a flexible circuit, eliminating the need for a controller. "Our innovative single-chip solution allows OEMs to offer industry-leading pen and multi-touch input while meeting market demand for lighter, thinner and smaller devices," said Ronen Heldman, VP Marketing, N-trig. "We especially look forward to introducing our unmatched pen and multi-touch capabilities to the handheld market." Chipset engineering samples are already available for customers, and the DuoSense solution will be integrated in a number of Android and Windows/Windows 8-based tablets scheduled for release later this year.The chipset family includes:

• DS-P4048 - Optimized for handheld solutions with screen sizes of 5"-6"
• DS-P4080 - Optimized for mini-tablets with screen sizes of 6"-8"
• DS-P4096 - Optimized for tablets with screen sizes of 9"-11"
• DS-A4016 - An analog-IC that can be used in conjunction with the DS-P4096 to support Ultrabooks and mobile computing devices with screen sizes of up to 15.6"
• DS-D4000 - A Digital-IC together with multiple DS-A4016, is optimized for meeting the increasing demand for narrow designs in the Ultrabook and mobile computing device markets

DuoSense is a dual-mode interface, powered by a single sensor, that uses pen and projected capacitive multi-touch to create on-screen digital input for mobile computers and other products, for a true Hands-on computing experience. DuoSense supports multiple operating systems, including all Windows platforms (Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows XP), Android and Linux. The DuoSense digitizer can be implemented across a variety of screen sizes from 5’’-15.6’’ and from a wide range of form factors including tablets, netbooks, convertibles and desktop replacements and supports a variety of target markets, including education, business, gaming, entertainment, and multimedia. The DuoSense digitizer also features palm rejection capabilities and a rapid stylus refresh rate, resulting in enhanced levels of performance and productivity. Supporting a fully customizable industrial design, with sensor options including black print (for example, a company logo), rounded corners, cutouts, cover and strengthened glass, DuoSense is easily integrated into existing technologies, supports any type of LCD, and keeps devices slim, light and bright. The DuoSense solution provides an integrated pen and multi-touch platform that:

• Tracks both pen and multi-touch input on a single digitizer.
• Differentiates between intentional and inadvertent contact, and allows the user to switch easily and seamlessly between pen and multi-touch.
• Is based on capacitive touch technology, bringing an end to the compromises to pen performance and reliability of traditional resistive touch solutions, eliminating accidental drops or skips, and featuring sub-pixel touch accuracy.
• Offers accurate input, with touch and pen accuracy of 0.4mm.
• Offers fast response time and consistent performance for writing, drag-and-drop, scrolling, and selecting - without degrading stylus input.

Giada i53 Book-Sized Mini PC With Powerful Performance Review

Giada has unveiled a new book sized mini PC the packs in an Ivy Bridge CPU and high-performance GPU in a small package and it  has 4 GB of RAM and 500 GB of storage, it will support 1080p video streaming and can run Windows or Linux operating systems. The integrated HD 4000 GPU will handle high-definition video with ease via the HDMI output and ports for the PC include 4x USB 2.0, and a single USB 3.0 jack. The Giada i53 starts at $520 and is designed to be easy to place inside a crowded entertainment system.

Giada, a brand of Shenzhen Jiehe Technology Development Co. Ltd announces the i53 Mini PC. With full HD 1080P video, high connectivity, support, and an attractive design, Giada's new book-sized i53 Mini PC is an ideal choice for home entertainment, web browsing, and document writing. The i53 is based around Intel's Mobile HM76 Express chipset and Ivy Bridge technology platform. Even while offering great performance, this environmentally friendly PC only uses 35W. The Giada i53 comes standard with an Ivy Bridge Core i5 processor and 4GB of RAM which can provide plenty of computing performance for today's applications. The i53 is also available in Ivy Bridge i3 and i7 options. It's an ideal home theater PC (HTPC) thanks to the included infra red remote control that allows for remote boot-up; its support for full HD 1080P video and Intel HD Audio with 5.1 channel surround sound. The i53 comes with a 500GB HDD standard allowing you to store movies and music to be played at your pleasure. This system is compliant with Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Linux.

The low power consuming Giada i53 runs cool and quiet, thanks to its advanced heat control technology, including a smart temperature-controlled fan. This Mini PC makes a perfect household download station - leave it downloading all night without being troubled by noise, heat or energy costs. Its slim design lets it fit neatly into even the tiniest space. Tiny in size, the i53 is very big on features, with many connectivity options. There are five USB connectors, including a super fast USB 3.0 socket. The i53 also provides a gigabit network socket, high speed 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, as well as HDMI and VGA video outputs. Rounding out the list of features, there's a multi-format memory card reader slot so you can easily transfer your video, photos and music to and from your camera, mobile phone, or media player. The book-sized Giada i53 Mini PC is so small that it could easily fit into the space taken up by a single desktop PC. It weighs less than 1kg: even smaller and more portable than a laptop. This mini PC is easy to carry anywhere and plug in and set up in seconds. The i53 blends unobtrusively into the background, but it's always ready to provide computing power and performance when you need it. The standard model of the i53 coming with an Ivy Bridge Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 500GB HDD is available for the suggested retail price of $520.

Verizon GameTanium Game Subscription App For Android Devices With Offering Unlimited Game Play Review

Verizon has launched a new subscription-based gaming service for its network, he subscription service comes from digital-entertainment company Exent and the GameTanium lets Verizon customers pay $5.99 per month per device, and access over 100 Android smartphone games, and more than 50 tablet titles. The games included in the GameTanium listing are hand-picked by Exent's editorial board and each title comes with parental ratings and reviews, and Verizon was quick to point out that the fee will safeguard users from annoying ads. The GameTanium apps can be downloaded from Verizon’s own Apps on a wide range of Android devices and the company is offering a free trial for the service which will give you unlimited access for free days, after that, you’ll have to cough up the $5.99 a month to continue using the service and also the subscription is automatically billed to your Verizon monthly statement, but any downloaded apps will still count towards your monthly data limit.

Verizon Wireless is giving mobile gaming a boost today with the launch of Exent's GameTanium, a new mobile game subscription service for Android smartphones and tablets available now, exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers. Powered by Verizon Wireless' network, GameTanium provides unlimited access to more than 100 of the best Android smartphone games and more than 50 tablet games, including hits like Doodle God, Fruit Ninja and World of Goo for the low monthly fee of $5.99 per device. GameTanium takes the guesswork out of finding the best games while offering consumers the convenience of a one-stop gaming destination at a great value. The easy-to-use interface lets customers explore and discover high-quality games picked by Exent's editorial board. Enhanced editorial features such as parental ratings, rich game imagery and reviews immerse customers in the game before downloading. Plus, fast download speeds and no advertisements give customers uninterrupted game play. "GameTanium provides our Android customers with unlimited access to more than 100 games at a great value," said Kristi Crum, executive director of marketing, Verizon Wireless. "Working with Exent has enabled us to immerse customers into the mobile gaming frontier and ultimately bring high-quality gaming options powered by 4G LTE." "We are excited to bring the launch of the GameTanium smartphone and tablet service to Verizon Wireless' customer base," says Zvi Levgoren, founder and chief executive officer, Exent. "The speed and power of Verizon Wireless' network allows for a rich mobile gaming experience for Verizon Wireless customers to enjoy." The GameTanium smartphone and tablet apps can be downloaded from Verizon Apps on more than 30 Android smartphones and two Android tablets, including DROID RAZR by Motorola, DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC and DROID XYBOARD 8.2 by Motorola. Customers are encouraged to try out the service with a free trial, providing unlimited access for three days. After the three-day trial, the service is $5.99 per month and will appear on customers' monthly bill. A Verizon Wireless data plan is required and usage may count towards a customer's data allowance.

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Virgin Galactic LauncherOne Satellite Vehicle Review

LauncherOne is a rocket that is launched from Virgin Galactic's White Knight Two carrier aircraft and the technology that goes into manufacturing satellites has come a long way since the days of Sputnik and Explorer I. LauncherOne is much like the Pegasus system, operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation, which launches a rocket from an aircraft, as was done with NASA’s NuSTAR X-ray observatory and LauncherOne will be attached to the WhiteKnight plane, the mothership for SpaceShipTwo, Virgin’s commercial suborbital passenger ship. LauncherOne could be used for smaller Earth observation and communications satellites and Virgin Galactic has hinted previously that they were working on a rocket to put spacecraft into orbit, but they have been focusing on SpaceShipTwo.

Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline, announced "LauncherOne", a new air-launched rocket specifically designed to deliver small satellites into orbit. With substantial funding already raised from Virgin Galactic's partner aabar Investments PJS, and with commercial flights of this new orbital launch vehicle expected to begin by 2016, Virgin Galactic aims to offer frequent and dedicated launches at the world's lowest prices. Virgin Galactic also announced that four private companies have already put down deposits as future LauncherOne customers, expressing their intent to purchase a total of several dozen launches, which would exceed the level of early commitment of any previous new launch vehicle. Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson revealed that the company has now accepted deposits for suborbital flights on SpaceShipTwo from 529 future astronauts, a number greater than the total count of people who have been to space throughout human history. This news comes following a flurry of recent test activity and confirmation that all major components of SpaceShipTwo's rocket system have been qualified for powered flight, on track to begin before the year's end. "Virgin Galactic's goal is to revolutionize the way we get to space," Branson said. "I'm immensely proud of what we have already achieved as we draw near to regular suborbital flights on SpaceShipTwo. Now, LauncherOne is bringing the price of satellite launch into the realm of affordability for innovators everywhere, from start-ups and schools to established companies and national space agencies. It will be a critical new tool for the global research community, enabling us all to learn about our home planet more quickly and affordably." LauncherOne will be a two-stage vehicle capable of carrying up to 500 pounds (225 kilograms) to orbit for prices below $10 million. The rocket will be launched from Virgin Galactic's proven WhiteKnightTwo, the uniquely capable aircraft also designed to carry SpaceShipTwo aloft to begin her suborbital missions. Thanks to the extreme flexibility of air launch, Virgin Galactic's customers will enjoy reduced infrastructure costs in addition to the wide range of possible launch locations tailored to individual mission requirements and weather conditions. Branson and other senior executives announced that work has already begun on the vehicle.

"Virgin Galactic continues to innovate space access, and LauncherOne is a key step in its successful commercialization," said Mohamed Badawy Al-Husseiny, CEO of aabar Investments PJS. "This development promises to redefine the small satellite market and to promote new research and education opportunities. aabar is proud to be partnering in this exciting journey by continuing to support Virgin Galactic and its initiatives." Several LauncherOne customers were recognized at the event, representing a broad range of commercial satellite applications. Those named were Skybox Imaging (Skybox), a Silicon Valley-based firm that recently announced it has raised $91 million for a high resolution imaging constellation; GeoOptics Inc., a U.S.-based company developing a constellation of non-imaging remote sensing satellites; Spaceflight, Inc., the aggregator and integrator of small satellites; and Planetary Resources, Inc., the newly-announced, billionaire-backed asteroid mining venture. Speaking at the event, Skybox CEO Tom Ingersoll said, "Skybox's objective is to provide world-class, affordable access to space imagery and information, and in order to do so, we need world-class, affordable access to space. Virgin Galactic is unique in having the right mix of ingredients to support our vision, as well as that of the growing small satellite community. We plan to make full use of LauncherOne." Surrey Satellite Technology and Sierra Nevada Space Systems, announced that they would create optimized satellite designs to match LauncherOne's performance specifications. These optimized designs will allow customers to maximize the capability and minimize the time to market for their satellites. Sir Martin Sweeting, the founder of Surrey Satellite, spoke at the event about the growing potential of the small satellite industry. "Small satellite launch is an area ripe for disruption," said Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides. "Miniaturized satellite components and constrained budgets are driving commercial clients, academic users and government agencies all to clamor for an affordable, dedicated launch vehicle. Now, thanks to aabar's investment, our existing capabilities, and the expert team we've already assembled, we're prepared to fill that void by bringing LauncherOne to market."

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Foxconn Fanless Nano MiniPCs Review

After a slight delay Foxconn's range of fanless Nano PCs will be available worldwide this september and the  AT-5600 is still based on AMD’s E450 APU, but the AT-5250 now sports an Atom D2550 at 1.86 Ghz. Both are more expensive than initially announced ($280 and $260 respectively) and the nettops will sport the same I/O, but one image courtesy of FanlessTech hints that DVI might be thrown into the mix despite lacking a mention in the official press release.

The company Foxconn, a leading manufacturer of electronics and computer components announces the release of the quietest nettop line NanoPC. Two new models of AT-5250 and AT-5600 is based on the Intel Atom platform, and AMD Brazos, respectively. New items consume only 15 watts in standby mode and about 24 watts under load, is absolutely silent thanks to passive cooling. Minicomputers in the past have attracted much attention because of the compactness (size of new products - only 190 x 135 x 38 mm), low power consumption and low cost. Foxconn engineers reworked the design nettop to use the new cooling system, and now they got one more advantage - no noise, because inside there is no fan. The choice of memory and hard drive (supports 2.5 "hard drives, and 1,8" / 2,5 "SSD) is still the user, both models come with free slots. To communicate with the outside world, each computer is equipped with two Foxconn Nano-port USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI and VGA for display graphics, card reader 5-in-1, Wi-Fi adapter, 802.11n, interfaces for headphone, microphone, and linear output. The package includes a standard mounting VESA, through which the nettop can be mounted on the back of the monitor or TV. Inside the Foxconn AT-5600 is a processor AMD Brazos E450 (1,65 GHz) and a graphics chip Radeon HD 6320 - this model is suitable for home media center and keep silence in the room. Foxconn AT-5250 uses an Intel Cedar View D2550 (1,86 GHz) with integrated graphics Intel GMA 3650 - a good choice for server, network hard drive or office computer. Foxconn AT-5600 AT-5250 will be available in the CIS in September with an estimated retail price of AT-5600 will be only $ 280, AT-5250 - $ 260.

Features:

• Atom D2550 / AMD E450
   
• 1 x SO-DIMM socket (DDR3 memory up to 4GB)
   
• 2 x USB 3.0 ports
   
• 4 x USB 2.0 ports
   
• 1 x 2.5" bay
   
• 1 x SD/SDHC/MS/MS Pro/MMC card reader
   
• 1 x Gigabit LAN port
   
• 1 x HDMI
   
• 1 x VGA (looks awfully like a DVI port to us)
   
• 802.11n Wi-Fi
   
• 19 cm x 13.5 cm x 3.8 cm
   
• VESA mountable
   
• 600 g