Razer has announced its latest audio product, the Razer Kraken 7.1 Surround Sound USB gaming headset.The Razer Kraken 7.1 comes equipped with a virtual surround sound engine capable of ultra-low latency audio processing that simulates a 360-degree surround sound experience that is usually achievable only by incorporating more than one positional speaker driver in each ear cup, said Razer.Driven through Razer's Synapse 2.0 unified configuration software, the engine is capable of a high degree of customization, allowing gamers to tweak and specifically position for each surround sound channel, boost bass levels and balance incoming voice audio.The omni-directional digital microphone on the Razer Kraken 7.1 comes equipped with an optimized algorithm, promising crystal-clear voice chat that offers better frequency response, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio than a standard analog microphone. It also has a mic mute button and an LED indicator.The headset is priced at US$99.99.Razer Kraken 7.1 Surround Sound USB gaming headsetPhoto: Company

Micro-Star International (MSI) has introduced a 27-inch, all-in-one gaming PC: AG2712A, featuring the Intel Core i7 3630QM quad-core processor, AMD's Radeon HD 8970M discrete graphics card, and up to 2GB GDDR5 graphics memory.MSI incorporated the latest AMD Radeon HD 8970M discrete graphics card into the AG2712A with support for DirectX 11.1.MSI also adopts its Flicker-Free technology into the new all-in-one PC's anti-glare display. The technology supports both touchscreen and non-touchscreen models. Flicker-Free technology stabilizes electrical currents and stops most flickering, which is generally invisible, regardless of computer settings, to protect eyes and prevent tiring which results from viewing screens for long periods of time, MSI claimed. In addition, the AG2712A supports MSI's Blue Light Control technology to effectively reduce blue light emitted from the screen.MSI has also integrated its Military Class 4 materials and components, including high-quality SFC, Hi-c CAP, and Dark CAP, into the AG2712A. The AG2712A has passed third party MIL-STD-810G laboratory testing to ensure that materials and components remain stable after long-term use.In cooperation with Plextor, MSI developed two SSD drives optimized for the AG2712A with a reading speed approaching 1000MB/s. The AG2712A also supports Plextor True Speed technology which resolves common SSD issues, including bogging down as a result of long-term use or nearly filled storage space.MSI AG2712A gaming all-in-one PCPhoto: Company

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has announced its new thin client solution, the HP t820 Flexible series thin client, and also announced support for new Nvidia GRID graphics processing units (GPUs) for the HP WS460c Generation 8 (Gen8) graphics server blade.Aimed at reducing price per user and boosting performance for graphics in virtualized environments, the HP WS460c, combined with the HP Multi-GPU Carrier, a graphics adapter card enabling up to eight users per blade, delivers a comprehensive blade server graphics portfolio, said HP.The HP t820 Flexible series thin client offers users performance and graphics combined with enterprise-level security, ensuring an organization's sensitive data is secured on the server even if its devices are compromised, lost or stolen, HP highlighted.HP said the t820 benefits organizations in industries, such as financial trading, architecture, engineering, and military or government agencies, that require high-performance computing to run specialty programs.The HP t820 supports up to three monitors natively and with an AMD Radeon HD 7650A MXM graphics card and with one or more optional multistream DisplayPort hubs, it can expand to seven high-definition (HD) monitors.The thin client also features HP Velocity network performance management software to automatically adapt to changing network conditions and improves network utilization so users experience fewer disruptions when using real-time communication applications.The HP t820 is VMware Horizon View certified and RFX certified for Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard (WES) 7 E operating systems.HP updated the HP WS460c Gen8 Graphics Server Blade with new Nvidia GRID GPUs optimized for virtualized environments. The HP WS460c Gen8 server with Nvidia GRID or Multi-GPU Carrier lowers the cost per user while delivering levels of graphics performance previously unavailable for desktop virtualization users. The Nvidia GRID K1 and K2 GPU adapters also enable multiple media-rich PC or high-end graphics users per blade by providing graphics capability to each virtual machine.The HP t820 is planned to be available worldwide in November. Pricing is available upon request. The HP WS460c Gen8 Graphics Server Blade with Nvidia GRID GPUs is planned to be available worldwide this fall. Pricing starts at just under US$9,000.HP t820 Flexible series thin clientPhoto: Company

Lenovo has announced the ThinkStation E32, an entry-level workstation for professionals working in computer-aided design, product development and architecture. The ThinkStation E32 is available with Intel Xeon E3 or fourth-generation Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors. It also features enhanced memory and graphics capabilities to provide users choices over performance and productivity. On select models, the E32 also comes with a 60-day free trial of Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2014 drafting software.Available as a tower or small form factor (SFF), the ThinkStation E32 features Intel's Xeon E3 1200 v3 product family. The performance and value also make the E32 a great option for the medical-imaging, media and entertainment and financial service industries, where users work with basic models and streaming data sets, according to Lenovo. Users also benefit from the workstation's Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory to reduce the possibility of memory-related errors and critical data loss.Both ThinkStation E32 models offer professional graphics capabilities with the option of Nvidia's latest Quadro graphics cards (up to K4000 in the tower and K600 in the SFF) as well as Intel P4600 HD graphics. In addition, the E32 supports users' large memory needs with up to 32GB in both models and sports two USB 3.0 ports in the front of the chassis, or six total USB 3.0 ports.The Lenovo ThinkStation E32 tower model and the Lenovo ThinkStation E32 SFF will be available starting September 6. Pricing starts at approximately US$729.

APLEX Technology Inc., a global industrial computer product solution provider, today announces the availability of its newest stainless steel panel PC - APC-3X97B series that comes with IP65 certificated and is powered by Intel Atom D2550 to provide low power consumption. The stainless steel chassis design makes it exceptionally suitable for strict hygiene regulations for food/chemical industry, medical, restaurant/kitchen applications, storage management and outdoor/information segment and so on. Aplex APC-3X97B series has LCD size in 15", 17" and 19" for selections.Total IP65 RatingThe IP rating is crucial for industrial-grade applications. The APC-3X97B series is equipped with complete IP65 certificated that guarantees dustproof and waterproof protection, ensuring the reliability and stability operation in the broaden environment applications. With total IP65 rating, namely 6 sides protection including all I/O ports, APC-3X97B series supports M12 connector that is rugged, compact, sealed and waterproof idea used for harsh-industrial applications, and ensures superior quality and reliable connections. Moreover, the APC-3X97B series features stainless steel enclosure and fanless design regard as a great workmanship which allows customers to accommodate outlook and functionalities.Optional IP65 AccessoriesTo guarantee full IP compliance, APC-3X97B has IP65 power adapter which supports universal AC power input/full range up to 305VAC, short circuit protections, as well wide working temperature at -20 degrees C to 60 degrees C. The IP65 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both available for option to make communications easier and more reliable.The Flexible & High CapacityThe APC-3X97B series has advanced computing performance and lower power consumption thanks to well-equipped Intel Atom D2550 solution with 2G DDR3 on board. APC-3X97B supports 5 wires resistive touch. However, GFG type and capacitive touch screen are available for orders as well. Regarding the storage capability, APC-3X97B series provides 1 x 2.5" SATA HDD, 1 x internal SD Slot and 1x internal mini-PCIe allowing customers to easily access/backup the data.APC-3X97B series supports OS such as Windows Embedded Standard 8, Windows Embedded Enterprise 8, Windows Embedded Standard 7, Windows 7 Pro for Embedded and so on.APC-3X97B

GIGABYTE, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, announced the launch of its latest overclocking contest at HWBOT.org, 'Pi is Returned'. From August 16th until September 16th 2013, all HWBOT members are invited to pit their overclocking skills against each other competing for $5,000 in cash prizes on SuperPi, the original and classic CPU and memory benchmark.The 'Pi is Returned' contest consists of both AMD FM2 and AM3+ platform groups, each with stages centered around SuperPi 1M and SuperPi 32M benchmarks. $5,000 US Dollars in cash is offered as prize money to both 1st and 2nd place finishers, with GIGABYTE F2A85XN-WIFI and GIGABYTE 990FXA-UD3 motherboards plus CPUs and APUs offered for 3rd place. An additional cash prize is also offered for the highest world records achieved at each stage.'Pi is Returned' - groups and stagesGroup A - FM1/2 (Llano/Trinity/Richland)*Stage1: Super Pi 1M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place F2A85XN-WIFI & AMD A10-6800K - World Record - $500*Stage2: Super Pi 32M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place F2A85XN-WIFI & AMD A10-6800K- World Record - $500Group B – AM3+ (Bulldozer/Piledriver)*Stage1: Super Pi 1M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place 990FXA-UD3 & AMD FX-8350- World Record - $500*Stage2: Super Pi 32M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place 990FXA-UD3 & AMD FX-8350- World Record - $500Limitations:Entrants must use the official competition background. Verification screenshots are required and must include; SuperPI 1M or 32M scores, plus CPU-Z CPU/MEM/Mainboard tab. Entrants must include a picture of the rig used. Usual HWBOT submission and verification rules apply.The GIGABYTE Pi is Returned contest is open to all HWBOT members until September 16th, 2013. For more details, competition rules and standings, please visit the Pi is Returned competition page on HWBOT.org: http://hwbot.org/competition/gbt_pi_returnedGIGABYTE 'Pi is Returned' overclocking contest

AMD has announced new CPU offerings for the AMD Embedded R-series high-performance computing platform, along with the introduction of a discrete GPU promotional program.The new options include quad-core and dual-core CPUs scaling from 2.2GHz to 3.2GHz with TDP ranging from 17-35W for applications that require high performance x86 compute such as network attached storage (NAS). To address high-end visual needs for applications like digital gaming and signage that require high-performance x86 compute coupled with discrete graphics, AMD is introducing a new discrete GPU promotional program that provides customers with both a CPU and discrete GPU for savings of up to 20%.The new AMD R-series CPUs offer up to 2.5X greater performance-per-dollar compared to Intel i3 processors, AMD claimed. The discrete graphics promotional program combines new AMD R-series CPUs with discrete AMD Radeon E6460 or E6760 graphics for driving up to six independent displays. These new options are designed to provide cost-effective solutions for maximum compute and graphics capabilities.The new AMD Embedded R-series CPU options are currently available, with products from Advantech, Advantech-Innocore, Aewin, DFI, MSC Embedded, Quixant and other ODMs. AMD Embedded R-series CPU specifications CPU Core TDP Frequency Max boost frequency RE464X Quad-core 35W 2.3GHz 3.2GHz RE272X Dual-core 35W 2.7GHz 3.2GHz RE264X Dual-core 17W 2.2GHz 2.8GHz Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2013AMD Embedded R-series CPUPhoto: Company

Innodisk, a designer and manufacturer of SSDs for commercial and industrial applications, announces that Innodisk's nanoSSD was selected by CRN, the market leader in channel news for the North America IT channel, in a feature entitled "The 10 Coolest Flash Storage Products Of 2013 (So Far)."Other companies selected for their innovative products were Astute Networks, Dell, HP, Intel, Kaminario, Qlogic, Samsung, sTec and Whiptail. The nanoSSD is the industrial-embedded industry's first SATA device in accordance to SATA μSSD standards.Through the integration of a control chip, flash memory and peripheral power components into a single ball grid array (BGA) package, Innodisk has managed to reduce the size of the nanoSSD to approximately 1% the size of a 2.5" SSD. With dimensions of only 16 x 20 x 2 mm (WxLxH), a weight of only 1.5g, SATA III support, capacities ranging from 2 to 32 GB and both x86 and ARM compatibility, nanoSSD can be incorporated into a wide variety of applications where a small form-factor and high transfer rates are important, including industrial mobile devices, embedded systems, tablets, high-end smart phones and Ultrabooks.Innodisk's nanoSSD not only offers the advantage of an incredibly small form factor, as a result of the integration of DRAM into a BGA, this product also features high read/write speeds of 480/175 MB/s, respectively. Whether for purposes of system booting, data storage, or data cache backup, nanoSSD can significantly improve overall system performance.According to TrendForce predictions for 2013, demand for embedded memory technologies eMMC and SSD will heat up, with a forecast of overall NAND Flash demand growth to reach up to 47.6% with eMMC and SSD contributing to 15% of the NAND flash output growth. Embedded memory technology designed for smart phones, eMMC, has been one of the main choices of ultra-thin hand-held devices, however, being subject to performance limitations, they are usually only implemented in low-end models. For high-end applications such as high performance ultra-thin Ultrabooks, the SATA interface remains the optimal choice.Designed according to MO-276 standards, the JEDEC standard for SATA microSSDs, nanoSSD is a single-chip SATA implementation which allows for easy design-in. With many applications in the industrial-embedded field, Innodisk's nanoSSD can be applied in embedded storage devices of various sizes, in particular, SATADOM, Innodisk's own world's smallest form factor disk on module series. With Innodisk's expertise in creating mini form factor modules, an even smaller DOM can be created.This product is fully compliant with the industrial-embedded industry's standards, including: thermal sensor implementation, -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C wide operation range, shock-resistance and ATA security and military (MIL-STD-810F/G) compliant quick erase standards.For more information on Innodisk's nanoSSD: http://bit.ly/1061kPGInnodisk nanoSSD

Toshiba has announced that it will expand its family of small form factor 2.5-inch hard disc drives (HDDs) with a new series that packs up to 500GB of data storage into a unit with a height of just 7mm. The new MQ01ACF series will start shipping on August 30.The MQ01ACF series is Toshiba's first 7,278rpm, 2.5-inch product with a 7mm height. The series offers two models: the MQ01ACF050 with a recording capacity of 500GB and the 320GB MQ01ACF032. A maximum internal transfer rate of 1,850Mbit/s is realized by improvement to linear recording density and the 7,278rpm rotational speed. Implementation of the 6Gbit/s SATA interface also boosts data transfer rates over those of current models.The slim MQ01ACF series is suitable for notebooks and ultra-thin notebooks, especially for high-end PCs that offer high speed data processing.Toshiba MQ01ACF series HDDPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer has announced six new entry-level motherboards based on the Intel H81 chipset in ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX form factors. Designed for fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the Asustek H81 series features Asus 5X Protection technology for reliability and is available in a range of specifications that cater for a variety of PC needs.The H81 series comprises the H81-Plus ATX motherboard; the H81M-Plus, H81M-A, H81M-C and H81M-E Micro-ATX motherboards; and the H81I-Plus Mini-ITX motherboard. All models feature two DDR3 (1600MHz) DIMM slots for up to 16GB RAM, one PCI-Express x16 slot and two SATA 6Gbit/s ports. All models also include the latest Asustek UEFI BIOS, Realtek 7.1 audio and USB 3.0 with USB 3.0 Boost technology for data transfer rates up to 1.7 times faster than ordinary USB 3.0 with industry-standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) devices.The Asus H81-Plus, H81M-Plus, H81M-A and H81M-E motherboards feature Asus 5X Protection technology for reliable, long-term computing, the vendor said. DIGI+ VRM digital voltage regulation enhances system stability, while resettable fuses protect I/O ports and DIMM slots from short circuits and voltage spikes. Electrostatic-discharge (ESD) guards also protect sensitive components from electromagnetic interference. 5X Protection is capped by chromium-plated stainless steel I/O ports that resist corrosion and last up to three times longer than standard ports, the vendor added.Asustek H81 series motherboardPhoto: Company