Fortrend Taiwan Scientific Corp. has developed its unique OGS technique, material and equipment ahead of others in the same business and obtained the affirmation from international manufacturers, striving for licensing and technology transfer.Fortrend shipped Turn Key to China first licensing partner. The equipment includes:- 2D coaxial optical CCD five-axis image auto registration system screen printing machine- Programmable, automatic nano and optical level, precision spray line- In line, programmable, nano and optical level, high temperature, continuous automatical sputtering machine- Computer controlled, Anti Splinter Film Lamination machine- Purse, high temperature Flexible Printed Circuit bonding machine- Programmable, high speed Automatic-Optical-Inspection(AOI) detection line- Programmable, self-propelled conveyor IR curing line- Programmable, self-propelled conveyor UV curing line- Metallurgical Microscope...etc.The cost of OGS production equipment, which is designed and developed by Fortrend, is one hundred and fifty million US dollars (approximately one seventh cost of a five-generation production line). The investment of factory equipment set-up expense is low yet the annual value of production can reach seven hundred and fifty million. Fortrend also provides prompt service, licenses its patent design and technology of equipment. The investors can substantially reduce the time for development and own the latest technology of touch with extremely short time. Moreover, the selling price of touch panel is the cost of other manufacturers, acceptance of market is high and the investors can reach the break-even point rapidly.What can Fortrend do for collaborative partners?1. The planning and set-up for the whole production line, from glass to TP finished products, as well as the hardware and software technology has been integrated.2. To transfer the technology, share key manufacture technology and material and patent licensing.3. Staff training, technique development, sales support and assisting collaborative partners to connect with international manufacturers.4. To establish R&D team and develop new products.Welcome to be the collaborative partners of Fortrend (http://www.touchpanelpro.com/)Fortrend shipped Turn Key to China first licensing partner

2013 Secutech, International Security Expo held from Apr. 24 -26, attracted over 520 manufacturers and professional visitors from 19 countries to Taiwan. EverFocus - an a&s 2012 Security Top 50 manufacturer - received 2013 Secutech Camera Excellence Awards with their EAN3300 - a 3 Megapixel IP Camera. With this award, the well-known CCTV manufacturer made a clear announcement to the world that they are ready for the IP battle, and once again proved their continuous hard work in IP producing is paid-off.Earlier this year, the EverFocus EPN4220 IP speed dome received this year's Taiwan Excellence Award. Winning another IP camera Excellence Award at Secutech shows that the expansion of their product line is continuing successfully. The award proved their R&D engineers have also developed an extensive expertise in IP products.During the contest, organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd., cameras of various brands were set up to monitor the color saturation and restoration, effective frame rate, camera shutter speed, and resolution performance. The contest also had an on-site live demo component, that not only served as a clear buyer's guide for IP Cameras but also a big encouragement for EverFocus and its business partners.The EverFocus EAN3300 is a box-type IP camera delivering 3 Megapixel image resolution. It features WDR functionality, which can provide clear images even under back light circumstances where intensity of illumination can vary excessively. H.264/M-JPEG multi-stream output is available for simultaneous live monitoring and high-resolution recording. The EAN3300 is designed for simple installation and supports all types of indoor mounting applications.The HD-SDI Demonstration was also a highlight of the Secutech. HD-SDI cameras and DVRs were installed to monitor banking activities in a simulated environment. EverFocus showed off their EPHD04 DVR and EQH5202, providing a total banking solution and achieved resounding success in this demonstration.The EverFocus EPHD04 DVR supports 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 resolution HDcctv cameras and offers real time HD recording and playback for all cameras at 1080p resolution. At the same time, all cameras are available for remote live display with reduced bandwidth. The built-in HDcctv DVR web server enables live display and playback of video footage without the use of specific software - a PC with web browser is all you require. Users can search video by date, time and event or filter by type of recording quickly and efficiently.EverFocus EQH 5202 is a 2.0 Megapixel full HDcctv day/night camera with progressive scan and WDR, automatic IR cut filter which has enhanced exposure control with WDR, BLC, HSBL, and DSS.EverFocus EAN3300 wins 2013 Secutech Camera Excellence Awards

Optimistic about Taiwan's display and IT industries, Merck has unveiled its New Business R&D and Application Lab in Taoyuan, Taiwan. The Lab will provide key materials and first-rate services for the development of OLED panels, LED lighting, 3D technology and flexible displays.Merck KGaA Executive Board member Bernd Reckmann noted that the company chose to build the lab in Taiwan because of Taiwan's leading position in the production of notebook computers, smartphones, LCD TVs, semiconductors, and touch panels, as well as its sound investment climate, outstanding human talent, and comprehensive industrial supply chains.Taoyuan County Magistrate Wu Chih-Yang, speaking at an event where the lab was unveiled, remarked that his county provides an excellent investment environment because of its various infrastructure and economic developments, such as the opening of the Wugu-Yangmei Overpass, the establishment of the free trade port and free trade demonstration zone, and the Taoyuan Aviation City project.Merck established an ITO sputtering line in Taiwan back in 1993 and the Liquid Crystal research center in 2005. Lin Chiun-Neng, director general of DoIT under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), noted that the new lab is expected to add further momentum to implement Taiwan's industrial development policies, helping industries turn their operations from "efficiency-driven" to "innovations-driven" ones.Providing real-time services and accelerating products' time to marketThe New Business R&D and Application Lab will enable Merck Display Technologies to offer timely, professional and innovative technology services to customers, said Merck's Taiwan Managing Director Dick Hsieh. The lab will provide immediate interaction with clients to understand their needs, resolve their problems, and directly engage in supplying needs for materials, Hsieh said. He stressed that speed is a very important factor behind the birth of new applications, and the new lab could help Merck's customersto shorten their new product development lead-time by as much as one to one and a half years.Merck showcased many products using its materials and technologies at the event. There was a 55-inch OLED TV with a thickness of only 0.4cm and priced NT$300,000 (US$10,000). When asked about OLED and Ultra HD TV (4K2K) pricing differences, Hsieh said that when ink-jet printing technology can be used to mass produce OLED panels, OLED will start to thrive in the market.Merck has already begun developing ink-jet printing for mass producing OLED TV panels in cooperation with Taiwan-based panel makers by providing materials. No timetable has been set yet for mass production to begin, depending on market trends. Hsieh pointed out that compared to vacuum evaporation, ink-jet printing has lower costs and is able to perform production more quickly, which would greatly cut costs for producing OLED panels. Merck is among the few companies that can supply OLED material for both vacuum evaporation and ink-jet printing processes to fulfill Taiwan-based panel makers' requirements.OLED enables a diversity of applicationsMeanwhile, Director of Marketing & Sales for Merck Liquid Crystals Business Unit John Lee said combining 4K2K and OLED technology will give OLED TVs an advantage in the market, and if the price lowers in the future, a wide penetration in the market will be possible. Lee also said OLED panels are ultra-thin, bendable, and have high color saturation and contrast, allowing them to enter market segments that LCD cannot enter.OLED is also being used in lighting applications due to its even light spread, high CRI, adjustable colors, and double-side lighting capabilities. OLED can be used for interior design purposes, such as ceiling lights, interactive mirrors and even digital wallpaper applications.According to research by Prof. Jou Jwo-Huei at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at National Tsing Hua University, when exposure to LED lighting reaches 13 minutes, people's melatonin secretion begins to reduce by approximately 50%. Jou added that if people use low-color-temperature lighting similar to candlelight, they would be able to ensure their secretion of melatonin would reach at least 80%. OLED is able to provide lighting environment that is most suitable for human to take a deep rest in the evening.New materials to realize Displaying Futures conceptWith 3D optical films and polarizer form a smart application of easy to clean window blinds that will become an alternative to conventional curtains.Merck also provides solid state lighting materials and high-efficiency phosphorus mixtures for LED products that provide customized color temperature and CRI solutions. These solutions enable high-quality light sources that opens up to a vast LED lighting application.To enable the development of future displays, Merck offers organic semiconductor materials that can be used for flexible plastic substrates when undergoing low-temperature production. They also provide low-cost printing solutions to realize large-size panels, and will allow electronics products to become thinner, lighter, flexible or even transparent in the future.Merck, as a material supplier, held its Displaying Futures symposium in Taiwan late last year, discussing with industry players, government officials as well as architects and designers to visualize future life style and how the technology industry can move ahead and prepare to meet user needs.Reckmann also said it is best to consider future demand before thinking of future panel applications. Using this concept, Merck aims to engage in discussions with industry players from various segments to push the uses and depth of technological applications, which will not only allow panel makers to find a new Blue Ocean, but also let people improve their quality of living.Merck New Business R&D and Application Lab inaugurates in Kuanyin, Taoyuan County.Managing Director of Merck in Taiwan Dick Hsieh (left) shows some of Merck's material applied in the latest technology to Taoyuan County Magistrate Wu Chih-Yang (right).Merck's new lab provides real-time services to assist customers in shorten their R&D process.

Infinet Technology recently announced its exclusive cooperation with Wilder Technologies for selling and servicing their high-speed digital test fixture products in Greater China (Taiwan and China).Effective from May 2013, Infinet Technology begins providing complete pre- and post-sales services for high-speed digital test fixtures from Wilder Technologies (LLC) in the greater China region. Wilder Technologies products are widely used and accepted by numerous top tier international companies involved in various applications: SAS, SATA, Thunderbolt, DiiVA, DisplayPort, HDMI, MHL, SFP, QSFP, Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE).With the rise of cloud-computing and high-speed mobile transmission in the market, there is a tremendous demand for high-speed data, voice and video transmission product testing.CEO of Infinet Group, Paul Yang stated: "To catch this rapid growth trend, Infinet Group has heavily invested in high-speed digital test solutions in 2012. Our business cooperation with Wilder Technologies will greatly help fulfill our customers' demands for high-speed digital test fixtures in the greater China region. Wilder Technologies solutions are certified by the top global organizations and are accepted by customers throughout the world. We are confident that customers will achieve the best performance level of signal simulation design world-class electronic products through Infinet's quality products and services."VP Sales of Wilder Technologies, Joe O'Brien commented: "Having an exclusive partnership with the Infinet Group in the greater China market has fulfilled a need that Wilder has been requiring. We are confident in the technical abilities of the Infinet technical sales team to assist customers in the region on behalf of the Wilder products. By combining Wilder Technologies high-speed digital test fixtures with Infinet's solid portfolio of Test & Measurement equipment and local sales and service capability, we are confident that this will help deliver the best overall solutions to customers in the region."About Infinet:Infinet Technology Ltd. (http://www.infinet.com.tw/) is a professional sales channel delivering leading test and measurement solutions in Greater China (Taiwan and China). Infinet delivers global advanced precision measurement instruments, industrial environment test tools, RF cable, adapter, connector, and high-speed digital test fixture product and services. Established in early 2000, Infinet has built a well-established organization in the region with strong sales, engineering, operation management, customer services, logistics, and marketing functions. Infinet Group builds up one Digital Laboratory in Taipei and one Microwave Test Application Laboratory in HsinChu with test capacity and technical consultation service of USB3.0, DDR, HDMI, 10GBaseT, DisplayPort, SATA, PCI Express, MIPI, LCR and Impedance, RF component test, Wireless application test.About Wilder:Wilder Technologies (http://www.wilder-tech.com/) was formed for the purpose of utilizing the combined talents of highly trained and experienced engineers and scientists to design, create and characterize the most uniquely enabling technologies for high speed signal data transmission. Wilder Technologies uses a systemic approach to solving signal integrity challenges using time and frequency domain analysis, measurement techniques, state of the art tools and design methodologies to develop metrological solutions such as high-speed, high-performance test adapters.Visit Infinet official website to learn more Infinet latest news and Wilder Technologies product information: http://www.infinet.com.tw/

Super Micro Computer, Inc., a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server, storage technology and green computing, exhibited its latest embedded Building Block Solutions at Design West 2013. The showcase focused on motherboards and solutions that support low power Intel Atom, Intel Core i7/i5/i3 and high performance Intel Xeon processor E3-1200 and E5-2600 product families.Supermicro also displayed next generation motherboards based on the future Intel Xeon processor E3-1200v3 product family and the future 4th generation Intel Core processors for greater performance with lower power consumption. Complete embedded servers are featured in a variety of 1U-4U SuperChassis and new BOX PC Mini-ITX chassis offering compact form factors to short-depth, embedded server solutions."Supermicro is expanding our embedded product line with new motherboards, chassis and a new compact BOX PC all-in-one server, as well as support for future lower power, high performance processors," said Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro. "With a wide range of motherboards added to our server building blocks and new Intel Atom and Core processor based Mini-ITX servers, Supermicro's customers have greater options and flexibility available for designing highly energy efficient, application optimized embedded solutions."To know Supermicro's total line of high performance, high-efficiency Embedded server solutions, please visit: http://www.supermicro.com/Embedded

EverFocus, the leading business-to-business security manufacturer, received positive feedback for their award-winning IP products and innovative brand image at Secutech 2013 held at Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall.This year at Secutech, EverFocus Electronics Corporation featured three of its major product ranges - IP, HDCCTV/Analog, and Mobile solutions. One of Everfocus' main goals at Secutech was to bring industry perception forward to the fact that EverFocus is serious about IP. This was achieved with demonstrations of its award-winning speed-dome and highlighting of its successful integration with multiple video management platforms. Visitors remarked "it's a dynamic booth this year and receptionists at the booth were kind and helpful. I think EverFocus is doing something different and innovative that no other manufactures are doing."On the first day of the exhibition, EverFocus's chairman John Lee gave an inspiring speech at EverFocus booth, highlighting past and present achievements - "EverFocus is listed in a&s 2012 Security Top 50 manufacturers, and after 18 years continuous hard-working, we remain competitive and strong in the surveillance industry" - while laying the ground for a bright future which includes the creation of a whole new brand value that connects IP with EverFocus.Nine seminars held at the EverFocus booth, where the public were invited to interact with EverFocus employees for various custom corporate gifts, were also highlights of the three-day exhibition. Senior project managers addressed on topics such as "IP Solution" and "HDcctv & Mobile Solution" and explained various applications of EverFocus cameras in different vertical markets. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of supplying the right products that correspond to the actual needs of the customers, according to different applications, budgets, and infrastructure environments. This has always been a core value at EverFocus, which provides a wide range of solutions, from quality analog, HD-SDI, and full IP products to its clients in vertical markets such as casinos, banks, and retail stores.With the rapid growth and the increasing penetration of internet technology, intelligent and high performing solutions are quickly becoming the mainstream of the industry. EverFocus demonstrated its resolve to stay at the forefront of this move with the showcase of their renewed brand image and expanded product line-up, consisting bestselling analog products, along with their latest IP cameras and mobile solutions at Secutech 2013.EverFocus receives a great deal of attention at Secutech 2013

At a press event held in New York, Acer has unveiled its latest mobile products including the Aspire R7, a 15.6-inch notebook; Aspire P3 ultrabook; Iconia A1 7.9-inch tablet; and updated Aspire V5 series notebooks and new Aspire V7 ultrabooks.The Aspire R7 features a Full HD 1920 by 1080 touch panel with a repositioned keyboard and an Ezel hinge that moves the display forward and into different positions.With four modes of operation, the R7 can be used as a traditional notebook, a desktop pad, a display, or switched into Ezel mode, allowing the screen to float over the keyboard at various angles.The Aspire R7 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, an Intel Core i5 processor, up to 12GB of memory, up to 1TB hard drive, or up to 256GB SSD and a full-size backlit keyboard. It also includes a volume control button, HDMI port, SD card reader, audio jacks, three USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a converter port supporting VGA, Ethernet and USB.The Aspire R7 will start shipping in June.Weighing 3.06lb and measuring 0.77-inch, the Aspire P3 delivers performance and long battery life in a highly portable form factor with an 11.6-inch IPS HD display, Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor, built-in Acer Crystal Eye HD webcam, 5-megapixel back camera and 60GB or 120GB SSD for data storage, according to Acer.The Acer Aspire P3 comes with an optional stylus that fits in the case for users who want the convenience of pen-based input. It also comes with a full-sized USB 3.0 port so users can connect a mouse, printer, and other accessories. The Aspire P3 will start shipping in May.Acer also unveiled the Iconia A1, featuring a quad-core 1.2GHz processor from MediaTek, LED-backlit display with IPS technology and 170-degree viewing angle. The Iconia A1 also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 as well as a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and a front-facing camera with enhanced microphone. The micro USB 2.0 and microHDMI port enable quick transfer or sharing of customer's photos, music, videos and other digital content. The Iconia A1 is available in either 8GB or 16GB versions and has an option to add an additional 32GB storage via microSD memory card. The Iconia A1 will start shipping in June.Based on lifestyle and performance needs, users can choose models from the company's V series product lines with specifications including 15.6-inch, 14-inch or 11.6-inch displays. All models are available with a choice of touch or non-touch panel. Models are also available with next-generation AMD dual-core or quad-core processors, or the latest Intel CPUs. Select configurations also include Nvidia GeForce GT700M series or AMD Radeon HD8750 discrete graphics.The new V7 series ultrabooks include a variety of the latest Intel processors, solid state drives, Acer Theft Shield, the new Acer converter port and WiDi, Intel's Wireless Display technology. The Aspire V Series will start shipping in May.Acer Aspire R7 notebookPhoto: CompanyAcer Aspire P3 ultrabookPhoto: CompanyAcer Iconia A1 tabletPhoto: CompanyAcer Aspire V series notebookPhoto: Company

Leading international graphics card maker MSI has always been a key player in the competitive graphics card market. Thanks to its strong R&D capabilities and outstanding product performance, MSI's products have always received high acclaim by the media and consumers throughout the world. On the heels of having just announced the release of the HD 7790 graphics card, MSI recently launched the Radeon HD 7990 (MKT Name: R7990-6GD5), the most powerful graphics card on the planet. In addition to utilizing two of the latest 28 nm 7900 series GPUs based on the GCN architecture, the new card also comes equipped with 6GB of high-speed memory.The card's extreme specifications are guaranteed to meet the needs of extreme gamers and power users everywhere! MSI's popular Afterburner utility also fully supports the new HD 7990 with GPU Overvoltage. Apart from adjusting the core frequency and voltage as well as monitoring the graphics card's voltage, temperature, and memory utilization, Afterburner can also be used with MSI's powerful Kombustor benchmarking utility to easily test overclocking stability. AMD's exclusive Eyefinity 2.0 technology supports multiple display outputs to offer players a more immersive gaming experience. Support for the latest DirectX 11.1 next-generation rendering standard means the new graphics card delivers both ultimate performance and a wide range of powerful functions.Dual 28 nm HD 7900 GPUs for extreme performanceAMD's 28 nm process offers the dual advantages of high performance and low power consumption, delivering total performance that far exceeds previous products. The MSI HD 7990 is equipped with two 28 nm HD 7900 GPUs for unbelievable performance. In addition, the MSI HD 7990's massive 6GB of memory allows high-resolution graphics to be rendered more smoothly and large numbers of rendering tasks to be handled with ease, satisfying the needs of both gamers and professional workers alike.Exclusive MSI Afterburner: Overclocking with GPU frequency and voltage adjustmentsMSI's Afterburner overclocking utility has always been popular with the media, gamers and overclockers. Complete graphics card support and continuous updates makes Afterburner the ultimate graphics software option that competitors cannot outdo. Afterburner enables the card's core frequency and voltage to be adjusted and offers advanced fan speed controls, monitoring of various values, and multiple configuration settings. Right now, gamers can use the popular Predator video capture software to record in-game movies to share with friends and post them on Youtube. Also, the powerful and totally free Kombustor graphics card benchmarking utility allows for quick stability tests that clearly show the performance of the graphics card.AMD Eyefinity 2.0 multiple display technologyThe MSI HD 7990 supports AMD's exclusive Eyefinity 2.0 multiple display output technology. With four mini DisplayPort 1.2 output ports, a single card can be connected to up to five displays simultaneously with full support for 4K ultra-high definition video. A wider view not only improves productivity for professionals, but also provides gamers with even better, more immersive visuals during gaming. DisplayPort 1.2 also supports 3D video output and 7.1 channel lossless TrueHD and DTS-HD sound. The MSI HD 7990 offers full support for DirectX 11.1 and OpenGL 4.2 next-gen rendering standards so gamers can experience the most impressive and realistic gaming effects to date.Improved durability with solid state capacitorsThe MSI HD 7990 graphics card utilizes solid-state capacitors to ensure that the Tantalum core remains highly stable even after extended use under high load conditions. With a 10-year lifespan, users can rest easy knowing that their MSI card won't cause crashes or delays from overheating, and will instead continue to deliver the best computing experience possible for many years to come.For more information about MSI Radeon HD 7990, please visit: http://www.msi.com/product/vga/R7990-6GD5.htmlMSI Radeon HD 7990

Global shipments of smartphones, tablets and notebooks are expected to top 1.3 billion units in 2013, with smartphones and tablets accounting for more than 85% of total shipments and the ratio of notebooks continuing to scale down, according to Digitimes Research. However, price competition in the smartphone and tablet sectors will become increasingly fierce as the focuses of the two segments are trending toward production of models for mass market instead of the high-end sector.Since the global industry ecosystem has changed profoundly due to the overlapping functionalities and market boundaries of mobile devices, Taiwan-based ODMs should also pay close attention to the competition triggered by the rise of China-based white-box makers, particularly by their efforts to build up their brand names, said Joanne Chien, senior analyst and director at Digitimes Research.Traditionally, tablets and notebooks are categorized into the mobile computing market, but tablets and e-book readers are categorized as mobile reading devices. Furthermore, tablets, notebooks and smartphones are all included in the mobile connected device sector, noted Chien, adding that the three categories of products have continued to maintain sustainable growth in today's ICT industry.For the global mobile connected device market in 2013, shipments of smartphones are expected to reach 882 million units of total shipments for the segment, while shipments of tablets will exceed 250 million units and notebook shipments are likely to decline 5-10% to less than 190 million units, Chien estimated.Prior to the rise of the tablet in 2009, it is worthy to note that notebooks and smartphones accounted for 48% and 52%, respectively, of the global mobile connected device market.Although it is generally perceived that the growth of notebooks has reached its peak - making notebooks mature products, the rise of the Android OS may reignite the notebook industry, Chien commented.Chien believes that there is room for further development of Android-based smartphones and tablets, although Android smartphones and tablets are likely to account for 70% and 60% of global shipments of smartphones and tablets, respectively, in 2013.Taking the shipments of iPads and iPhones for example, the shipment ratio of the two product lines stood at 30:70 in 2011, and the ratio changed to 33:67 in 2012. However, the shipment ratio of Android tablets and smartphones is estimated to reach 19:81 in 2013, indicating that Android tablets have potential for further development, Chien added.However, dominating the smartphone and tablet markets seems still not enough for Google since the Internet search engine giant has not yet taken over the helm of the PC computing segment. While Google Chrome has become a popular search engine, the operations of Chrome still lack flexibility as the search engine is mostly set on operation systems run by rival companies. Additionally, Google is also facing increasing competition in its core business, as Microsoft and Apple have also stepped up efforts to develop their own search engines and other Internet related services.Given that Google's core business is centered on back-end cloud computing basic infrastructure and applications, the company is believed to be planning to have a strong presence in the notebook industry as application-centric notebooks are expected to contribute more in terms of revenues and profits for Google compared to tablets and smartphones, Chien said.Google has adopted two tactics to penetrate into the computing industry - firstly, with the launch of Chromebook, said Chien. "Since the launch of Chromebook in 2010, Google has stepped up its efforts, and various Chromebook iterations have begun to proliferate in 2013."Although Android has yet to enter the notebook market officially, a number of design-in projects have begun since 2012, said Chien. "However, some situations have changed since Google announced plans to integrate its Chrome and Android teams, and it is believed that Google has delayed plans for the development of Android notebooks. But Google definitely will bring out alternative projects," she added.Google has also shifted away from the low-price approach it adopted initially to promote the Chromebook. It rolled out a touch-enabled Chromebook with a price of US$1,449 in February 2013 targeting the high-end segment. The launch of US$1,299-1,449 models indicates that Google is expanding its notebook portfolios with different sizes and prices.Currently, Google is cooperating with Hewlett-Packard (HP), Samsung Electronics, Lenovo and Acer for the production of Chromebooks. Among those hardware partners, HP has already launched a 14-inch model and is likely to roll out another 13-inch model priced at less than US$350 in the second half of 2013.Samsung focuses on the production of 12-inch Chromebooks currently, and is expected to launch models in the 13- to 14-inch segments in the second half of 2013.The low-price tactics adopted by Google previously has nevertheless accelerated the downward adjustment of the price of mobile devices. With the exception of notebooks, prices of other mobile devices have been declining at a rate faster than traditional PC systems. Taking smartphones for example, the maturing of the supply chain in white-box industry, the rise of emerging markets combined with the fact that smartphones have accounted for over 50% of the total handset market, have made smartphones a mass-market device. Consequently, prices of iPhones are also facing downward pressure.Price cutting in the tablet sector will become more apparent in 2013 due to factors including a continued drop of price setting at Apple, Microsoft and Amazon, the availability of US$99 models from some brands, the increasing popularity of 7- to 8-inch models, and the maturing of white-box products.Meanwhile, the failure of Microsoft Windows 8 to stir up replenishment demand for notebooks has also driven notebook prices downward, Chien said, adding that prices of touch-enabled Windows 8-based ultrabooks are also too high to attract consumers. However, a low-priced touch-enabled model launched by Asustek Computer in the fourth quarter of 2012 has been well received by the market. Other vendors are expected to follow suit in 2013.Notebook vendors will also see the replacement effect of tablets for notebooks further expand if the prices of tablets continue to drift lower. Additionally, a possible price cut for models below 12-inch by Microsoft will also add more price pressure on notebook brands.According to a survey conducted by Digitimes Research, the BOM (bill of materials) of the lowest-priced smartphones stood at US$30 in the first quarter of 2013, with the BOM likely to drop at a rate of US$5 quarter on quarter during the rest of the year. "The price of smartphones has dropped to the lowest possible levels in the white-box market, but the price war will continue in 2013 due to the ever-changing ecosystem," Chien stated.On the other hand, the entrance of newcomers into the processor market for tablets is also expected to trigger price-cutting competition in the tablet sector in 2013. For example, MediaTek has begun shipping application processors for tablets to Lenovo and Acer and may also add other branded vendors such as Amazon and HP into its client list soon. The adoption of application processors from suppliers such as MediaTek by branded and white-box tablet vendors will heat up competition.In the smartphone sector, the impact of the fledging smartphone industry in China on the global market will continue to expand. The ratio of smartphones shipped by China makers to total global smartphone shipments will rise to 35% in 2013 from 32% in 2012, while the entire smartphone industry is expected to grow 27.8% for the year.Among the top-10 brand vendors, Sony Mobile Communications, LG Electronics, Huawei and Lenovo boast the highest growth potential, followed by ZTE, Samsung, Apple and HTC, while Nokia or BlackBerry might be expelled from the top-10 ranking group in 2013, leaving the position to China-based Coolpad. The inclusion of Coolpad as one of the top-10 vendors will further enhance the influence of China-based smartphone makers, Chien stressed.Competition among Apple, Google and Microsoft will also intensify in 2013 as each of them will try to take market share from the others' territories, but the three platform operators will also stress solidification of their core businesses and play less prominent roles in the integration of software and hardware products.The entrance of Amazon, Google and Microsoft into the tablet market has resulted in profound changes in the sector, as all three vendors have been following the steps of Apple to operate by offering hardware with a platform service. While Google takes a great portion of its revenues from search advertising, Apple has completed the integration of hardware and software through iTunes, and Microsoft is pushing sales of its Surface tablets optimizing its strong OS and software products such as Office.However, the four platform vendors – Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon – have revamped their strategies since 2012 and are therefore leaving more space for hardware vendors to develop, Chien said.The four platform vendors are expected to head in different development directions in 2013, while shifting their efforts to focus on maintaining the competiveness of their core businesses and profit sources as well – a move which is expected to ramp up competition among the four main platform vendors, Chien concluded.Note: Data include white-box productsSource: Digitimes Research, March 2013Source: Digitimes Research, March 2013Note: Data include white-box productsSource: Digitimes Research, March 2013Digitimes Research senior analyst & director Joanne Chien

Leading motherboard, graphics card and computer peripherals maker MSI has expanded its Gaming catalogue with its first Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Built on the popular Cherry MX Red linear switches, the MSI GK-601 provides superb feedback and sensitive key responsiveness. In order to deliver the highest quality standards in keyboards, each key on the MSI GK-601 is created with precision laser etching for extra resistance to wear and uses 18K gold plating to increase the stability while N-key rollover makes sure that every key-press registers. A rare yellow LED backlights the each individual key even after 50 Million key presses (per key) making them excellent for use at during day and night. With a massive 128KB of memory, 50 different macros can be stored to help you out in any gaming situation and high speed USB ports and Audio and Microphone jacks making this THE keyboard every gamer needs. Otherwise, MSI also releases Classic series Keyboard with Cherry MX Red linear switches and ergonomic design which brings the best experience for office or general users. Professional software, macro configuration and advanced key press technology A gamer's response time is faster than average and a pro-gamers hand-eye coordination exceeds that that of fighter pilots, but not everyone is blessed with concert pianists' key-press speed. That's why the MSI GK-601 comes with dedicated software that records 50 macros that allow you to perform in-game tasks at lightning speed, perform monotonous tasks with the press of a button or have pre-defined taunts ready to show your opponents why you've just beat them! The GK-601 comes with 128KB of internal memory for macros and hot-keys. This is twice the amount of memory of other brand's high-end gaming keyboards and stored macros can easily be exchanged between different systems Smart hotkeys and premium wiring All keys and connectors are 18K gold plated and use military-grade close-woven wiring. This drastically increases the durability and lifetime of the keys and ensures there is no signal corruption thus improving latencies leading to faster controls. A very important detail, the Windows button can be disabled to prevent in-game interruptions due to accidental key presses. This prevents tons of frustration or difficult system hacks to disable this Windows function. The use of high-end USB N-key Rollover technology ensures immunity to key ghosting and blocking. Finally, a set of Multimedia hotkeys allow for quick volume adjustments and playback control. Independent LED backlighting and laser etched key caps The MSI GK-601 uses a relatively rare backlight technique consisting of yellow LED with four levels of brightness. This helps gamers see every key in the dark and make their moves with ease. The breathing lights function adds a layer of mystery and tension. Precision laser etching and rigorous testing ensures that every key cap can withstand the relentless pounding of gamers without becoming worn or faded. e-Sports ergonomics The MSI GK-601 is laid out with the world standard 104-key layout. The ergonomic and rugged key press structure prevents player discomfort even after extended use. The MSI GK-601 also features highlighted WASD keys, two high-speed USB ports, audio out and microphone jacks and anti-skid feet. The high quality, convenience and expandability is your final destination in the quest for the best possible gaming keyboard! MSI CK series MSI GK-601 mechanical gaming keyboard