GIGABYTE, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, announced support for 4k display resolutions using multiple standard 1080p displays with Intel Collage display technology. The new collage feature is available from an Intel graphics driver update that needs to be individually implemented by motherboard companies before it is available to the user.Using only the Intel HD4000 Graphics of any 3rd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, GIGABYTE dual Thunderbolt motherboards with the new 4K Collage Graphics driver can power an Ultra HD 4k resolution video stream across four regular displays. Intel Collage display technology is simple to setup, using dual Thunderbolt ports that can be split into a total of four digital streams giving an incredible combined Ultra HD resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels."Our implementation of Intel's new Collage display technology means that GIGABYTE's exclusive dual Thunderbolt motherboards are first to power the very latest Ultra HD resolutions across four of today's standard displays", commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "Offering a wealth of possibilities in commercial markets that include digital signage, surveillance, medical and more, we're also excited to offer PC DIY customers the opportunity to enjoy 4K resolution support with a simple driver update on their existing hardware, and without a VGA card!""We are excited about our collage display feature in our Intel platforms with 3rd generation Core i5 and Core i7 processors using Intel HD Graphics", said Zane Ball, Intel's General Manager for Desktop platform. "GIGABYTE's implementation of two Thunderbolt ports enable consumers to connect four monitors via splitters to a single system and experience UltraHD resolution and is a great example of the innovation enabled on these GIGABYTE Z77 motherboards with Thunderbolt."Intel Collage technology*Vertical Collage Mode Setup using a total resolution of 3840*2400Two DisplayPort to Dual-DisplayPort adaptors were used in GIGABYTE's testing and implementation of the Intel Collage Display feature.The new graphics driver is expected to be available for download from the GIGABYTE website by the end of January, 2013. You can find more detailed information including a setup guide and component compatibility list on the GIGABYTE website here: http://www.gigabyte.com/MicroSite/323/4k.html.GIGABYTE motherboard's dual Thunderbolt portsAs the first motherboards to be certified by Intel featuring dual Thunderbolt ports, GIGABYTE's 'TH' models offer up to 10Gbps data transfer speeds from each port; this means you can transfer industry-leading HD graphics and data simultaneously. Each Thunderbolt port complies with the Display Port 1.1 standard (with support for 2K resolutions from each port), and therefore provide a combined throughput of up to 4K for the ultimate in display future-proofing.For more information about GIGABYTE Thunderbolt motherboards please visit the GIGABYTE Thunderbolt website:http://www.gigabyte.com/microsite/312/images/thunderbolt.html.GIGABYTE Dual Thunderbolt modelsDual Thunderbolt Ports are featured on the following GIGABYTE motherboard models:*GIGABYTE Z77X-UP5 TH*GIGABYTE Z77X-UP4 TH*GIGABYTE Z77MX-D3H THGIGABYTE at CES 2013As well as a 4K resolution demo using Intel Collage display technology, GIGABYTE will also be showcasing the latest Thin Mini-ITX motherboards that are driving the development of a new and vibrant All-in-One system eco-system, including compatible companion chassis from partners Mitac and IN WIN. The latest GIGABYTE HD series motherboards will also be on display, highlighting GIGABYTE's new range of value segment motherboards that feature dual digital displays and our exclusive Ultra Durable 4 technologies.GIGABYTE Z77X-UP5 TH

MSI Computer Corp, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is showcasing a selection of award-winning computing solutions, including CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honorees, GTX 680 Lightning video card and limited edition GT70 Dragon Edition.The prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Honorees are judged by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and media members to honor outstanding design and engineering in innovative consumer electronic products. In addition to the Innovations Honorees, also available on display are the heralded GT70 and G60 gaming laptops, Ultrabook convertible Slidebook S20, NVIDIA Quadro Workstation Notebook, as well as award-winning mainboard and graphics card solutions.For more information or to schedule a visit to MSI suites in the Aria Resort & Casino from January 7th to 11th, contact PR representative Pedro Chen at pedrochen@maxborgesagency.comGTX680 Lightning, GT70 Dragon Edition and Slider S20, on display at Aria Resort & Casino from January 7th to 11th

CAYIN Technology rolls out a new compact, lightweight digital signage player, SMP-200. It can be managed remotely via network or update content offline with a USB flash drive or an SD card. The player is also an energy saver, consuming less than 6W of energy.SMP-200 is a compact but powerful digital signage player that can playback videos, images, music, and tickers in a maximum of seven zones and creates highly customized presentations. The small media player weights only 655g for users to facilitate installation in different venues.Energy saving is also one of the key features of SMP-200. Equipped with an ARM processor, the player consumes less than 6W of power, which is approximately 50-100 times less than a desktop PC consumes."When it comes to long-term operation of digital signage networks, SMP-200 can greatly help users lower monthly electricity costs," emphasized Ravel Chi, vice president of CAYIN Technology.SMP-200 has powerful remote management and maintenance functions. Users can manage each player remotely by a web-based user interface via wired or wireless network. The player can even control RS232 devices and turn on and off remote screens."Remote control over a network is convenient and most welcomed," said Ravel Chi. "However, we understand offline content update is also necessary especially in case of environments without any network access."SMP-200 provides both online and offline methods for content update. Multimedia content can be updated by USB flash drive, SD card, FTP, Network Neighborhood or CAYIN CMS server. Multiple choices are available to suit different applications and environments.SMP-200 is compact and lightweight for easy installation. The whole package even includes a complimentary 3-in-1 bracket, supporting VESA 50, VESA 100, and the wall-mount capability. All users need to do is to attach the player to the back of a screen, plug in the power cord, and the player will turn on, completing the installation.Like all other CAYIN SMP family players, SMP-200 can incorporate any CAYIN's CMS servers and other SMP player models under the same digital signage network. This brand-new model provides users with a new choice for broader combinations fitting various application requirements and budgets.For detailed product introduction, please visit: http://www.cayintech.com/digital_signage_products/digital_signage_player_smp200.htmlAbout CAYIN TechnologyCAYIN Technology offers a complete portfolio of appliance-based digital signage solutions, including media players, servers, and software, for various commercial applications, such as education, transportation, retail, hospitality, corporate use, and financial and public institutions. CAYIN is dedicated to being a reliable partner to its clients worldwide, and has successfully set up various application references globally. In order to best facilitate the deployment of CAYIN products, the company also provides tailored services to satisfy the ascending market demand for almost limitless applications.SMP-200 is a compact but powerful digital signage player that can playback videos, images, music, and tickers in a maximum of seven zones and creates highly customized presentations.

Intel executives held a press conference at CES 2013 to outline plans to accelerate new mobile device experiences across the company's growing portfolio of smartphone, tablet and ultrabook offerings.The announcements included a new smartphone platform for emerging markets, details on a forthcoming 22nm quad-core SoC for tablets, and more personal and intuitive ultrabook devices in convertible designs were outlined by Mike Bell, vice president and general manager of the Mobile and Communications Group, and Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of the PC Client Group at Intel.Intel Inside smartphonesIntel unveiled a new low-power Atom processor-based platform (Lexington) and smartphone reference design, targeted at the value smartphone market segment, which industry sources predict could reach 500 million units by 2015. Customers announcing support for the platform include Acer, Lava International and Safaricom.The new platform brings Intel's product strengths to this fast-growing smartphone market segment, including performance for quick Web browsing, and a great multimedia and Android applications experience, said Intel.The new value offering includes features including the Intel Atom processor Z2420 with Intel Hyper-Threading technology that can achieve speeds of 1.2GHz, 1080p hardware-accelerated encode/decode, and support for up to two cameras capable of burst mode that allows people to capture seven pictures in less than a second in 5-megapixel quality. The platform also includes the Intel XMM 6265 HSPA+ modem that offers dual-Sim/dual-Standby capability for cost-conscious consumers.Bell also highlighted the forthcoming Intel Atom Z2580 processor platform (Clover Trail+) targeted at performance and mainstream smartphones. The platform includes a dual-core Atom processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, and also features a dual-core graphics engine. He said the new platform will deliver up to two times the performance benefits over Intel's current-generation solution (Intel Atom processor Z2460 platform), while also offering competitive power and battery life.Tablet roadmap expanded with upcoming quad-core Intel Atom processorBell reinforced the wide range of tablet designs based on the Atom Processor Z2760 running Windows 8 now on shelves and online from OEMs such as Acer, Asustek Computer, Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Lenovo, LG and Samsung. More tablet designs are scheduled to ship over the coming weeks, Intel said.He also unveiled details about the company's next-generation 22nm Atom SoC, codenamed Bay Trail, which is already booting and scheduled to be available for holiday 2013. The first quad-core Atom SoC will be the most powerful Atom processor to date, delivering more than two times the computing performance of Intel's current generation tablet offering, the company claimed. It will also include new improved integrated security offerings which will enable new experiences for business and personal use in devices as thin as 8mm that have all-day battery life and weeks of standby, all at lower prices.Low power fuels ultrabook innovationSkaugen announced that the company is bringing the low-power line of processors into its existing third-generation Intel Core processor family. Available now, these chips will operate as low as 7W, allowing manufacturers to have greater flexibility in thinner, lighter convertible designs. Currently there are more than a dozen designs in development based on this new low-power offering in mobile form factors including tablets and ultrabook convertibles. The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S ultrabook and a future ultrabook detachable from Acer will be among the first to market in spring 2013 based on the new Intel processors and were demonstrated by Skaugen on stage.Skaugen disclosed that new systems based on the fourth-generation Intel Core processor family are expected to deliver up to nine hours of continuous battery life.To demonstrate the impact of the fourth-generation Intel Core processor family, Skaugen showed a new form factor ultrabook detachable reference design (North Cape) that converts into a 10mm tablet and can run on battery for up to 13 hours while docked.Advancements made in the way consumers will interact with their computing devices were also demonstrated, including natural and more immersive interaction experiences using a 3D depth camera. Intel showed applications running on an ultrabook in which objects can be manipulated naturally with movements of the hands, fingers, face and voice. One application that was demonstrated can be used for enabling new and immersive video collaboration and blogging experiences. These were all enabled using the Intel Perceptual Computing SDK Beta. In 2013, Intel expects more ultrabooks and all-in-one (AIO) systems to offer applications for voice control (Dragon Assistant) and facial recognition (Fast Access) for convenience and freedom from passwords.During the event, Skaugen also demonstrated new adaptive AIO systems that have a battery built into the screen and can be picked up and easily moved around the home or office as needed. Adaptive AIOs are high-performance computers with large touch-enabled screens that can be used as a multi-user touch gaming system, or as an interactive art creation device, as well as for many other shared, in-person experiences.Intel also discussed its ongoing work with video service providers around the globe such as Comcast and Bouygues Telecom to create television experiences that will allow customers to view live and on-demand pay TV content. Intel is collaborating with Comcast to bring the Xfinity TV experience to multiple screens in the home including ultrabook devices, and Intel-based AIO PCs and tablets.This is made possible by the Intel Puma 6MG-based XG5 multi-screen video gateway developed by Arris. This new category of devices allows any screen in the home to access live and on-demand entertainment premium content. Intel is also working with Bouygues Telecom to bring customers in France the Bbox TV experience to these same Intel-based devices. Consumers will experience both live TV and video on demand anywhere on the Bouygues Telecom network.Intel executive Mike Bell details the latest roadmap at CES 2013Photo: CompanyIntel introduces new Atom Z2420 processorPhoto: Company

With today's cyber-attacks becoming more targeted and sophisticated, businesses and individuals need the best possible visibility into the rapidly-changing threat landscape to stay protected. The newly launched Dell Security Portal has been designed to deliver to this need.It can be accessed by anyone, and includes:•Threat Center - provides real-time insight into threat information gathered from over one million sensors around the globe. Visitors can cut and dice data in a multitude of ways such as by trending threats, sources of threats, threats by region and country specific threats. This broad insight allows individuals and businesses to be aware of and take action against vulnerabilities specific to their need and location. •Security Education - a single source which provides access to industry best practices, white papers, and web seminars. Visitors can try and share games to test and improve their security knowledge, access a security blog which some of the best technical minds from around the world contribute to, and participate in webinars to learn about the latest security challenges and solutionsWhile other sources of cyber threats are available, Dell SonicWALL claims none have the depth and breadth of materials and real-time data as the Dell SonicWALL Security Portal. http://www.sonicwall.com/securityportal.

The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical School of Zhejiang University in China (Zhejiang Provincial First Hospital) was established in 1947 and ranks among the nation's top 100 hospitals. It sits on an area of 9.9 hectares with a total floor space of 215,000 square meters and employs more than 3,000 people. It has 2,200 beds, 41 clinical departments, and 23 technical departments. Annually, it takes care of approximately two million outpatients, treats 45,000 inpatients, and performs 22,000 operations. It serves as the center for medical care, teaching, research and health consultation and guidance in Zhejiang Province. For the past several decades, it has received many honors as a model provincial and municipal hospital. The hospital recently moved to a new Hospital Information System (HIS), with the hope of enhancing safety and the quality of healthcare throughout the facility. This system provided more functionality and was designed to deliver critical, real-time data to hospital staff. But the hospital's existing remote devices were PDAs, and had neither the screen size nor the expansion capability to handle the workload. The hospital was looking for a solution to replace their existing PDAs with a more powerful, lightweight system that had large enough displays to handle the new functionality. They wanted a touchscreen with stylus input option, and a system that was medically-certified. Lastly, they wanted a Windows XP-based platform, which would standardize platform development across all their systems. Advantech worked with local partner Ewell, an e-Healthcare service provider who had helped Zhejiang Provincial with the implementation of their new hospital information system. The new system provided specialized applications to deliver real-time data to physicians and nurses while they were out on rounds. Advantech's MICA-101 mobile clinical assistant was chosen for use with the new system. The MICA-101 has a 10.4" screen with dual touchscreen and stylus input. It is powered by an Intel Atom processor and based on the Intel MCA architecture, and it runs Windows XP Professional. The new system is medically-certified, weighs only 1.5 kg and assists physicians and nurses by giving them timely access to critical care information. With a 10.4" screen, Advantech's MICA-101 is ideal for the hospital. It outpaces the PDA in every way: it displays more data; it supports images and charts; and it can present all the information in a single screen view. MICA-101 provides the mobile link to Ewell's HIS implementation, augmenting medical staff and helpingreach the hospital's goal of developing a truly "patient-centric" healthcare environment. Equipped with MICA-101 Zhejiang Provincial First Hospital improves the standard of medical care and patient safety. MICA-101 can access medical data via a WLAN connection. WiFi access allows retrieval of records from the nursing information system, as well as positive patient identification and medication tracking. Onboard the unit, a camera and I/O port linked barcode scanner send images and scanned data captured in real-time back to the HIS database. The hospital is happy with its choice saying, "the system significantly improved our quality of nursing management and made it easy to get administrative work done more efficiently." MICA-101 has opened the door to mobile access of the hospital's newest software systems and provided a convenient device for staff. They now have critical data at hand to assist in making the most informed decisions possible. As a result, patient service and safety levels have increased in the hospital. Zhejiang Provincial First Hospital cited the following benefits from the MICA-101 Mobile Clinical Assistant:- Meets strict regulations of medical, clinical and healthcare environments (UL60601-1, IEC/EN60601-1, CB60601-1, TUV, and IP54 ratings)- Portable and lightweight system with a 10.4" touchscreen interface, easy to use- Built-in camera, and other peripherals extend capabilities- Supports Windows XP Professional creating a uniform development platform- Trusted support form Advantech's sales and technology team with product stability and reliability is assured With a 10.4" screen, Advantech's MICA-101 is ideal for the hospital Finding more case study articles

The Hospitalier de Luxembourg, opened in 1976, is one of the largest hospitals in Luxembourg. It employs about 2000 medical professionals, admitting and caring for about 25,000 patients a year and seeing around 400,000 patients on an outpatient basis. Services of the Hospitalier de Luxemboug include hospital, diagnosis, care, treatment, research, and education. Administrative overhead at a facility of this size is significant. Management personnel are constantly trying to operate more efficiently and speed up clinical processes. After careful consideration, the Hospitalier de Luxembourg chose Advantech's POC-S196/S176 Slim Point-of-Care Terminals, with LCD panels capable of displaying high contrast images in 16.7 million colors. Advantech slim point-of-care terminals are available in 17" and 19" models, and are very easy to integrate into an existing ICU environment. The touchscreen provides a friendly and easy-to-use interface for medical personnel, and the all-in-one design offers a perfect solution for areas with limited space. The hospital divided the project into four phases with a plan to install wall-mounted 19" POC systems in the ICU, and 17" units elsewhere, either wall-mounted, or on anesthesia devices or mobile carts. The primary deciding factors for the hospital were an outstanding cost/performance ratio, and the inclusion of a variety of I/O connectors as standard features. Advantech's POC-S196 Point-of-Care Terminal has a slim 19" TFT LCD display and Intel Core Duo processor. With an IPX1 rating, it is designed to resist spills and water damage, and the sealed IP65-certified front panel is dust tight. The POC-S196 has a variety of I/O connectors: 1 x RS-232/422/485 (isolated, and set by jumper) serial port; 4 x USB ports; and 1 x DVI-I port. The system supports up to 4 GB SDRAM and has a wireless option. The quiet, fanless design is perfect in the quiet environment of the hospital, as well as making it suitable for audio measurement applications. Additionally, the POC-S196 meets UL60601/EN60601regulations. Benefits The management at Hospitalier de Luxembourg is very happy with their new system. They have already completed two phases of their planned installation, which when complete will encompass 16 operating theaters and several ICUs.- Improved efficiency reducing overhead- Easy monitoring and access to patient information- Enhanced medical treatment and easy to use- Space saving- Fanless for quiet operation- Isolated design reduces electrical leakage- Easy to integrate within existing hospital- Best cost/performance ratio on the market Finding more case study articles

The inductor market has been long dominated by Japanese players. Aside from the Japanese players, Chilisin has been one of the fastest-growing companies worldwide. In contrast to many inductor manufacturers, Chilisin is one of the few companies with expertise in the four inductor processing technologies: wire-wound, molding, multilayer, and thin-film. Chilisin's comprehensive production technology is an advantage that allows it to meet various client demands and quickly adapt to market changes. Another defining feather that sets Chilisin apart from its competitors is its in-house powder-forming technology. Having control of the powder-forming process allows Chilisin to flexibly and quickly meet customized orders and gives Chilisin a cost competitive advantage. Given that powder is the fundamental material of inductors, having 40 years of experience in the powder-forming technology gives Chilisin a leading edge in future product development.Chilisin has launched several new products in the second half of 2012, such as the High-current Molding Power Inductor (AME/MHCD Series) and Thin-film inductor (TFL Series). The new AME/MHCD Series is constructed from advanced powder material and flat wire using the molding technology. Its high current and miniature profilemakes the AME/MHCD Series ideal for hand-held devices. The new TFL Series are produced using photolithography, a process used in the microfabrication of semiconductors. At 10 um in circuit, it is able to achieve 1/5 the dimensions of multilayer inductors. Due to less energy required for sintering, thin-film inductors are also a greener alternative to multilayer inductors. Due to the capital-intensive nature of photolithography technology, Chilisin is currently among only two players capable of a full photolithography production line dedicated to thin-film inductors. Chilisin's position as one of the market leaders in this product space highlights Chilisin's growing competitiveness that comes from its wide range of technological expertise. Chilisin aims to launch two new products in 2013: Multilayer Common Mode Choke and Thin-film Common Mode Choke.Mobile and handheld devices continue to dominate and lead the consumer electronics market. Chilisin currently has three main product lines from three types of technology to support the miniaturization trend of power solutions: The MP-Series multilayer power inductor, the LVS-Series wire-wound power inductor, and the newly developed AME/MHCD-Series molding-type power inductor. As power solution for devices becomes more important, inductor focus has been increasingly put on size and weight. Given that wire-wound inductor cores utilize more space than coil-formed inductors, having all three types of coil-forming technology puts Chilisin in a favorable position to support the miniaturization trend. Chilisin aims to unify all 3 types of coil-forming technology (molding, multilayer, and thin-film) where special manufacturing skills and processes will be taken from each technology and combined to create a next generation product that is competitive in both size and capability. With a wide range of technological expertise and its flexibility to meet market demand, Chilisin is set to become a leading player worldwide.

It is a key issue for OEMs and ODMs to create unique products of their own out of standardized components. However, how can one create a truly unique product that not just looks different? The launch of Phoenix SecureCore Technology (SCT) 3.0 has shown a clear direction for true product differentiation. The event that Phoenix Technologies hosted on November 27 to introduce the new product attracted a full house, prompting meaningful discussions and exchanges between R&D engineers over the possibilities and opportunities of the next-generation UEFI BIOS.For general users and R&D engineers alike, having to work in a text-only environment while configuring BIOS settings could give them a headache. Switching frequently back and forth between an image-based and touch-enabled operating system and keyboard control is very inconvenient. It may be an even bigger hassle if one works from a mobile device, such as a tablet.Right at the beginning of the event, Kelly Wu, vice president and general manager of Phoenix Greater China, pointed out that Phoenix SCT 3.0 is a BIOS system that truly supports the latest user interface trend. In addition to native support for touchscreen control, it features a complete graphical user interface (GUI) in the Windows 8 style to enhance control, maintaining a consistent user experience from the BIOS to the operating system. And R&D engineers only need Phoenix's software development kit (SDK) to design their own GUI and innovative BIOS applications, creating IT products that are not only price-competitive and feature-rich, but also unique.Intel revolutionizes user experienceIntel Taiwan manager Jason LS Chen pointed out that user habits have been changing along with market trends. Hardware performance is becoming faster and faster, and touchscreens have become the mainstream mode of control.On the hardware side, handsets have become an essential part of life, while tablets are gaining popularity fast. On the software side, cloud computing is an unstoppable trend, while demand for cross-platform applications is growing. Chen noted that Intel and Microsoft have already crystallized their cooperation in the form of the sensational Windows 8, and currently many of the Windows 8 enterprise applications are only supported by Intel, which shows the importance of hardware-software integration.The Intel-Phoenix cooperation in developing UEFI technology is also an exemplary case demonstrating tight integration between hardware and software. Under the standardized UEFI structure and EDK II environment, developers can design UEFI BIOS systems, firmware modules and hardware drivers that support various hardware-software combinations. They can also help system developers achieve seamless transition to the latest UEFI structure.Phoenix SCT 3.0 supports the past and eyes the futureThe UEFI structure has already been around for many years, and Phoenix Technologies, as an early advocate of UEFI, has been keen to advance the platform and develop related applications. From the UEFI feature-ready Phoenix SCT 2.1, Windows 8-supporting Phoenix SCT 2.2, to the Phoenix SCT 3.0 with EDK II support, they have clearly demonstrated the important role standardized UEFI architectures have played in the development of BIOS systems, firmware and applications.Phoenix's Product Marketing Director Juliet Chen noted that Phoenix SCT 3.0 is based on the latest UEFI specifications. It supports Windows 8, enhances UEFI funtionality, and meets the latest Security requirement of NIST 800-147 and NIST 800-155. It offers multiple support for touchscreen control, and with the GUI menu, new BIOS systems can be developed effortlessly to enable system boot for a host of products ranging from tablets to servers.Under the standardized specifications and modularized structure, OEMs/ODMs do not need to make repeat investments on firmware development, as they only need to modify existing modules, and through UEFI Shell - which is supported by Phoenix Desktop Manager (PDM) - and third-party software packaging, the OEMs/ODMs will be able to add new features that differentiate their products from others.Juliet Chen added that silicon vendors Intel and AMD both look forward to further developments deriving from the EDK II specifications in the next few years. Phoenix SCT 3.0 can sufficiently support each firmware foundation plans, making sure next-generation processors can run compatible systems easily without trading off performance.Phoenix's Senior Development Manager Jack Wang pointed out that Phoenix's standardized development environment allows any R&D engineers to enlist their previous experience seamlessly, saving them time and effort that would have been wasted on learning a new tool. The company's customizable GUI engine - Phoenix Desktop Manager (PDM) - is a plus for OEMs/ODMs adjusting settings and creating their own GUI BIOS setups.The exciting Phoenix SCT 3.0One of the most anticipated talks at the event came from Phoenix's vice president for Development Engineering, Terry Chen, who spoke about the latest technology trends and gave an in-depth analysis of Phoenix SCT 3.0.The biggest advantage of Phoenix SCT 3.0 is, according to Chen, its cross-platform and cross-code support. The EDK II source code is backward compatible with EDK 1117 and features support for x86 and possibly ARM (both 32-bit and 64-bit) architectures. The advantage shortens time to market for multiple-platform products, and enhances customization as well.Chen also explained several new features developed by Phoenix's R&D team, such as fast boot, Sure Boot, Safe Recovery BIOS2, and enhanced touchscreen control. Firmware developers can easily upgrade EDK 1117-based functions to the EDK II environment through the Universal Build System, extending the use of BIOS and reducing maintenance cost.Phoenix SCT 3.0 also sees a major change in its way to access and upgrade firmware. In the past, firmware upgrading had to be completed by going through the S3 Sleep state, but for SCT 3.0, the whole process can be done through a standard system re-boot, saving all upgrade patches in the hard disc drive (HDD) rather than RAM. This avoids RAM's storage limitations and protects firmware data's integrity.Windows 8 features such as touchscreen control, enhanced security, UEFI Firmware Update, mobility, and new architecture, have higher requirements for BIOS. As Windows 8 requires BIOS to boot up the system in less than two seconds, according to Chen, BIOS needs not only a modularized design to accelerate boot-up, but also even more configurations on demand with the operating system.Such a requirement has set higher bar for firmware developer, especially in system stability. Say, what should the user do when a firmware upgrade fails? Phoenix SCT 3.0's Sure Boot is the answer - like Win8 fail over, a feature that will automatically load the default image to restore the last functional version or BIOS settings, allowing the system run normally.Chen pointed out that the feature is a smart function designed to maintain normal operations when there are repeated errors or instability. Its runtime service stack saves users from the trouble of having to manually intervene with the boot-up process.For integration with the Windows 8, Phoenix SCT 3.0's features, such as Secure BIOS, SecureFlash Tools, Connected Standby, and Windows UEFI Firmware Update (WUFU), have received Microsoft's verification. The service allows any device running on Phoenix SCT 3.0 to easily update its firmware and drivers. Chen also noted that when necessary, OEMs/ODMs may also integrate their validated update patches with WUFU to facilitate their own services.DemonstrationPhoenix Software Architect Abner Chang and two other company engineers gave a demonstration to the audience on how to customize a GUI with Phoenix SCT 3.0. They showed how to adjust the BIOS settings through touchscreen control, and how to control different interface types with the cross-platform support and Phoenix SCT 3.0's unique GUI modules.Kelly Wu, vice president and general manager of Phoenix Greater China, noted that Phoenix SCT 3.0 is a brand new UEFI BIOS product and is Phoenix Technologies' answer to the market's demand for cross-platform and cross-device support, as well as to the touchscreen trend.Kelly Wu, Vice President & General Manager of Phoenix Greater ChinaJason LS Chen, Intel Taiwan ManagerAbner Chang, Phoenix Software Architect

Global electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry's largest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, announced the signing of a global distribution agreement with Cicoil, an industry leader in the manufacture of flexible flat cable used in numerous commercial and military applications."Cicoil is very excited about becoming a supplier and partner with Digi-Key," said Howard Lind, president and CEO of Cicoil. "Due to Digi-Key's worldwide reach and exposure, Cicoil's flexible cables will now be readily available to purchase online, for immediate shipment anywhere in the world. Everyone at Cicoil is very excited about the new partnership, and we look forward to a long, successful future with Digi-Key."Cicoil's hyper-flexible cable/wire products can withstand harsh environmental factors such as extreme cold and extreme heat (-65 degrees C to +260 degrees C) and remain soft to the touch. Cicoil cables can also withstand medical or industrial chemicals and meet NASA or ESA outgassing requirements. This will give design engineer's a new choice when needing a cable for harsh environments that will retain its flexibility. Cicoil cables can also be custom configured to include tubing, power, signal, and video in one jacketed cable."The commercial and military aerospace industries are an expanding market, and Cicoil is ideally placed to serve this area of growth," said Tom Busher, vice president, global interconnect, passives, and electromechanical product at Digi-Key. "Cicoil's rugged product provides a unique dimension to our line card and we are pleased to enter into this partnership."Cicoil has extensive engineering experience in specifying and designing cable assemblies. The company's engineers have custom designed thousands of custom cable assemblies, for a wide variety of environments and applications. Cicoil cables are also used in medical equipment, and in automated robotic process equipment, specifically where cables needed to survive tens of millions of flexing, repetitive cycles.The full line of Cicoil products is currently available for purchase on Digi-Key's global websites: http://www.digikey.com/