BitFenix, a Taiwan-based startup which aims to develop hardware and peripherals specifically targeting PC gamers, has launched its first product, a full tower E-ATX PC chassis dubbed the Colossus."With Colossus, we focused on how gamers and PC enthusiasts were interacting with their computers on a daily basis, and crafted a PC chassis that actually helps to enhance their computing experience," said David Jarlestedt, BitFenix Product Manager. "What we've been able to do is create a case that not only looks striking, but delivers novel features that truly benefit the user in terms of security, control, and performance."Colossus is available in Monolith Black or Glacier White and combines an aggressive futuristic design with clean modern lines, according to the company. Its top and front surfaces are coated with proprietary BitFenix SofTouch coating, which not only provides aesthetic appeal, but protects the surface from stains. The LED lighting system adorning the front door and side panels provide even lighting, and can be switched between red or blue with the touch of a button. The lighting also has three selectable modes: on, pulse, and off, giving users control over the ambiance of their computing environment.Located at the very top of the chassis is the BitFenix S3TM, a combination storage and security system in one. With S3, users can place their mobile phone, hard disk, USB drives, or other valuables inside and easily lock them away for safe keeping. Inside S3, users will find two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports ready to connect to an ever-growing ecosystem of USB 3.0 devices.Colossus also features a PWM fan controller that grants users more precise control over their fan speeds without the need for proprietary fans, and is the first chassis to feature both internal and external cable management, BitFenix claimed. Users can keep cables from cluttering the inside of the chassis with Colossus' strategically-placed cable holes, and prevent cables from getting caught in ejecting optical drives with the unique cable-routing front bezel. Colossus' front door can be easily switched to open to the left or to the right, depending on user preference.Colossus is designed to accommodate the latest gaming hardware offering eight PCI slots and enough room to fit up to seven 2.5-inch SSDs or seven 3.5-inch hard disks. To keep all of this hardware cool, Colossus can be outfitted with up to two 230mm fans, three 140mm fans, or three 120mm fans. All air intakes are equipped with dust filters to make clean up quick and easy, and with friendly features like a motherboard CPU cooler cutout on the motherboard tray, specially-designed motherboard standoffs, and an almost completely tool-free design, Colossus is easy to set up, the company highlighted.Bundled with Colossus is the BitFenix Lockdown, a hardware stabilizer that helps prevent accidental damage to graphics cards due to excessive vibrations during system transport.BitFenix Colossus will be available on retail shelves mid-September 2010 with an estimated retail price of 159 euro or US$169.BitFenix ColossusPhoto: Company

Altek has unveiled the T8680 HD, an own-brand handset equipped with 12.2-megapixel camera, which will launch in the Taiwan market at a retail price of NT$10,900 (US$341) through retail chain Senao International on September 1, 2010, according to the company.T8680 is an upgrade to the T8680 debuted in the China market in July 2009, with the new model adding 720p video recording functionality, Altek pointed out.In addition, Altek is developing a 3G Android-platform smartphone with plans to launch it initially in Taiwan and China in the fourth quarter, the company indicated. T8680 HD specifications Item Detail Image sensor 12.2-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD Zoom 3x optical Screen 3-inch WQVGA TFT-LCD touch Communication Frequency band GSM900/1800/1900MHz Data GPRS/EDGE Class 12, WAP 2.0 Dimensions (W × H × D, mm) 52 × 113.5 × 16.5 Weight (net) 135g Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2010Altek T8680 HD cameraphone Photo: Company

While the mainstream business model for manufacturing and distributing mobile handsets remains leveraging the OBM/ODM/OEM/EMS model, a whole new paradigm has developed within China's domestic market, according to a new report from Digitimes Research.The local China-based industry called "Shanzhai," but translated as "white box," is based on small-scale or underground factories whose products are seldom sold through regular sales channels, but the scale of the market now rivals that of global top-10 brands or major Chinese brands in the domestic China market, Digitimes Research pointed out. The "white-box" industry currently accounts for more than 100 million handset shipments, and some players in the market, such as K-Touch (Beijing Tianyu Communication Equipment) and Gionee have made the leap to become recognized brands.While accounting for about one-third of domestic handset shipments, the white-box industry in China has been working under the acquiescence, and even active encouragement in some cases, of the government and is proclaimed by its proponents as representing the success of China's homegrown innovation and enterprise. The Digitimes Research special report examines the difference between the traditional ODM supply chain and the virtual organization used by white-box players, and highlights the advantages of the white-box business model.Link: China's white-box handset market

Asustek Computer has announced the launch of the Eee PC 1001PQ, a netbook designed to make it easy for pre-adolescents to learn and have fun, according to the company. The Intel Atom N450-powered 1001PQ comes with full PC functionality, and features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, Wi-Fi, and a built-in 0.3-megapixel camera.The 1001PQ runs on Microsoft Windows 7 and features the preteen-friendly Inspirus Desktop. The latter is an icon-based interface designed to make it easy for pre-adolescents to have fun, learn, and communicate with friends and family, said Asustek.On top of granting pre-adolescents net access, other widgets let users view photo albums, create presentations or draw pictures.The Inspirus Desktop comes across as a simplified operating system with applications that have been designed to keep impressionable young minds away from objectionable material on the net, said Asustek.The 1001PQ also features built-in parental controls that allow parents to choose the websites their children can visit, check their email contacts, and control the programs they can access.Asustek Eee PC 1001PQ netbookPhoto: Company

CORNING, NY, July 29, 2010 - Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) announced today that Peter F. Volanakis, president and chief operating officer, will retire on or before Dec. 31, 2010 following 28 years of distinguished service with the company."On behalf of Corning's Board of Directors and Management Committee, I thank Pete for his outstanding leadership and service to the company over his nearly 30-year career," said Wendell P Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer. "Over the past eight years, Pete has been my strategic partner and operations leader. He led the growth of the LCD glass business, the globalization of all of Corning's businesses, and drove a culture of operational and cost excellence throughout the company. He also played a key role in revitalizing Corning's innovation and growth initiatives. Corning would not be in the strong financial and strategic position it is today without him.""I announce my retirement plans with both regret and anticipation," said Volanakis, 55. "While it is difficult to leave Corning, I am fortunate to be able to retire at an age which affords me a unique and exciting window for an entirely new set of professional and personal pursuits. The company's financial position is stronger than ever, and Corning is well-positioned for growth with outstanding opportunities in Display Technologies, and in Specialty Materials with Gorilla glass. My retirement also provides an opportunity for Corning's talented pool of division managers to develop into the next generation of company leaders."With this announcement, the company will begin a leadership transition. Effective September 1, Corning's division managers will report directly to Weeks. Volanakis will move into a transition role serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO. He will continue as a member of Corning's Management Committee and engage on high-priority corporate issues and decisions. Volanakis will step down as a director of Dow Corning Corporation in the fourth quarter and as a director of Corning Incorporated in December. "Pete's announcement and retirement timing will allow us to plan and execute an orderly leadership transition," said Weeks."Corning is truly a unique company with outstanding people, in a special community. I may be retiring from the company, but I will always be a member of the Corning family," said Volanakis.

Micro-Star International (MSI) has announced two new notebooks, the GX660 and GX660R, the latest G series notebooks for the gaming market.Both models are equipped with AMD's latest ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 discrete graphics card with 1GB GDDR5 VRAM and a sound engine from Dynaudio. The GX660R will also feature RAID hard drive configurations.In addition to graphics, sound and storage, the notebooks also boast Intel's latest Core i7 processor with MSI's exclusive TDE technology to throttle up system performance with the press of a button, Cooler Boost technology to boost fan RPM for better heat dissipation, and ECO technology to provide a powerful, silent, and extended computing experience. MSI GX660 notebook specifications Item Detail OS Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit CPU Intel Core i7 processor Chipset Intel PM55 Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 with 1G GDDR5 VRAM HDD Two 500GB SATA Memory DDR3 1066/1333 MHz with three SODIMM slots LCD 15.6-inch HD / Full HD LED backlight display Dimension (LxWxH) 396mm x 269 mm x 55 mm Weight 3.5kg Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2010MSI GX660 notebookPhoto: Company

Virage Logic has announced the expansion of its semiconductor IP product portfolio with the introduction of SiANA, an offering of analog IP components for building multimedia consumer electronics devices, and Integra, a portfolio of SoC infrastructure IP.Integra is based on the proven technology that Virage Logic acquired from NXP in November 2009, according to Virage Logic. The new portfolio of SoC infrastructure solutions includes multi-layer and control networks, embedded quality of service (QoS) functionality, and memory controllers for embedded SRAMs/ROMs.The SiANA IP offering is designed for low power in TSMC's 40nm, 65nm and 90nm process nodes, Virage Logic said. The portfolio provides building blocks for general purpose SoC implementations, as well as precision subsystems for multimedia and communications.Initially developed by R&D teams at NXP and Philips Electronics, the entire SiANA analog IP portfolio has been proven in silicon through test qualification programs and/or in volume production in Philips' or NXP's products, Virage Logic noted.The new SiANA analog IP portfolio is optimized for consumer electronics applications such as digital TV and set-top boxes (STBs), as well as computer and telecom applications such as TV tuner cards, application engines and baseband interfaces for 2.5G, 3G, GPS, BT, DECT, TVoM, WiMAX and WLAN."Virage Logic's customers benefit from the convenience of working with a single broadline supplier of silicon-proven IP to help accelerate their SoC development. This now extends beyond the previous Virage Logic portfolio of memory-related IP to embrace analog functionality," said Rich Wawrzyniak, senior analyst for ASIC and SoC at Semico Research Corporation. "From a design point of view, the ability to obtain more highly-differentiated IP from a single source can reduce the time spent in finding and qualifying other IP vendors for the other functions every SoC needs. This also extends to the needs of the design team for obtaining support functions from the IP vendor after the initial licensing phase is over. Obtaining more varied, high-performance IP from a single source increases the efficiency of SoC design teams because they can concentrate their time on doing designs instead of hunting for the right IP to fit their needs."Virage Logic in November 2009 completed its buyout of ARC and later the month, it acquired NXP's CMOS IP rights and certain engineering talent and equipment.

Chicago-(Business Wire)-NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of two new models to its E series, the 46-inch E461 and 55-inch E551. This raises NEC's affordable professional display product lineup to include a broad range of sizes, from 32-inch to 55-inch displays. These entry-level LCD displays provide users with a cost-effective solution for retail stores, waiting rooms and conference rooms.The new models offer full high-definition 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate setting, increasing the clarity of movement and reducing image blur. Additionally, the E461 and E551 include built-in features, such as an ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner, 12 watt stereo speakers and detachable swivel stand. With power consumption as low as 210 watt and full connectivity, including 4 HDMI inputs, analog RGB, composite video and S-Video, these new E series models provide professional performance and a sleek appearance to digital signage users in both corporate and specialty environments."Customers receive abundant features with the E series products at a low cost, bringing increased value to their digital signage application," said Keith Yanke, director of product marketing for large-size displays and projectors at NEC Display Solutions. "The addition of both the E461 and E551 allow for flexibility in a variety of deployments and crisp, life-like content with a 120Hz refresh rate."The E461 and E551 include the following features:Full high-definition 1080p resolution of 1920 x 1080Up to 5000:1 typical contrast ratioLow power consumption of 210W (E461) and 240W (E551)120Hz refresh rate for optimal video contentFull connectivity with 4 HDMI inputs, Analog RGB, S-Video, Composite VideoBuilt-in closed captioning, which enables users to display text information for the hearing impairedBuilt-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM analog/digital tunerBuilt-in low profile 12W stereo speakersBuilt-in swivel stand, which is detachable for wall mount applicationsIntegrated CONEQ Sound technology, which allows users to set and correct acoustical sound output to compensate for different settingsMultiple picture modes, which adjust the picture appearance for optimum viewing experienceAdvanced video settings, which ensure source material is displayed properly and accuratelyJPEG Viewer, which allows users to view images and set slide shows through a USB deviceBacklight adjust, which allows users to customize the backlight strength, enabling longer display life and lower power consumptionParental control (V-Chip Function), which allows users to block programs based on their rating categoryInput labeling, which allows users to assign labels to various inputs within the onscreen display (OSD)The E461 and E551 will be available for August 2010 shipment at an estimated street price of US$999 and US$1,499, respectively. Both displays are backed with NEC's professional-level 1-year parts and labor warranty, including the backlight.NEC E461 46-inch LCD displayPhoto: Company

July 20, 2010 (Plano, TX and Sunnyvale, CA) - Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc (TAOS) and QuickLogic Corporation (NASDAQ: QUIK) announced today that QuickLogic has verified and approved the TAOS TSL25711FN digital ambient light sensor (ALS) for use with QuickLogic's Visual Enhancement Engine (VEE) and Display Power Optimizer (DPO) Proven System Blocks (PSBs). When used in conjunction with the TSL25711FN, the VEE and DPO provide mobile device users with an exceptional viewing experience in all ambient lighting conditions, while simultaneously extending battery life.QuickLogic's proprietary VEE and DPO PSBs enhance both the image and video quality of mobile devices by optimizing the dynamic range, contrast and color saturation on a pixel-by-pixel basis to provide a natural viewing experience to the user under varying lighting conditions. VEE is based on a model of human perception, resulting in a displayed image that retains excellent detail, color and vitality to the eye even under challenging viewing conditions. QuickLogic's DPO technology dynamically adjusts display power or brightness to conserve battery life.TAOS, Inc digital ambient light sensors are used to provide detailed information on the ambient light conditions that users face as they interact with their Smartphones, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), Smartbooks, Netbooks, notebooks/laptops, digital cameras, camcorders, portable MP3/DVD players, video games and HDTVs. The TSL25711FN is part of the TAOS TSL2x71 product family which includes ambient light sensing, proximity detection and integrated ambient light sensing/proximity detection devices. The high sensitivity of the TAOS TSL25711FN enables use behind dark glass or spectrally distorted materials for improved display aesthetics and sleeker designs versus other solutions that require transparent openings in order for light to reach the sensor. Used in conjunction with QuickLogic's DPO PSB, the TAOS ambient light sensor is a key component in reducing system power consumption."The combination of the TAOS digital ambient light sensing technology with QuickLogic's VEE and DPO-enabled Customer Specific Standard Products (CSSPs) provides a significantly improved viewing experience along with a dramatically increased battery life for the mobile device user," said Paul Karazuba, QuickLogic's Senior Product Marketing Manager."TAOS is pleased to be part of the QuickLogic ecosystem by bringing our respective 'green' display technologies together around the VEE and DPO PSBs," said Jerry Koontz, TAOS, Inc. Director of Marketing. "Consumers will immediately appreciate the significant benefits that the combined technologies from QuickLogic and TAOS bring to future mobile devices."TAOS TSL25711FN integrated into QuickLogic VEE/DPO platformPhoto: Company

AU Optronics (AUO) (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today presents its CSR achievements in 2009 with the theme of "A World to Share, A Planet to Care," illustrating the fruits and efforts from continuous interaction with all the stakeholders. For the first time, feedbacks from scholars are incorporated to display AUO's green efforts more objectively and professionally, and to provide balanced reporting. AUO CSR Report 2009 has been independently verified by a third party, winning GRI/G3 Level A+ (1) recognition for three consecutive years. Meanwhile, AUO also again met AA1000AS (2) standards.AUO has been devoting an all-out effort to the implementation of corporate social responsibility, maintaining high transparency and credibility in the information disclosure of sustainability indexes including economic, environmental and social aspects. Valuable inputs are gathered from the well-informed stakeholders for the development of more innovative and sustainable measures to meet the needs and expectation of all sides. "As a global leader of TFT-LCD panels, AUO has demanded highly of itself for sustainable CSR practices to head the green trends," said L.J. Chen, president and CEO of AUO. "Following the official announcement of Green Solutions Initiative in 2008, earlier this year AUO made a declaration of carbon footprint reduction, aiming at a 30% decrease in carbon footprint level in 2009 by 2012. This is to demonstrate AUO's commitment for sustainable development to ensure maximum benefits for clients and consumers," he added.Highlights in this year's report include:32" LCD TV certified as the first LCD TV set to have gained Carbon Footprint VerificationIn September 2009, an AUO-made 32" LCD TV was certified by SGS as the first LCD TV set worldwide to have gained PAS 2050:2008 Carbon Footprint Verification. It set a milestone for carbon footprint management of consumer electronics. Among all the recognized products around the globe, the making of this LCD TV was viewed as the most delicate and complicated. Its supply chain was comprised of more than 500 vendors.Effective GHG (Greenhouse Gas) ReductionIn order to examine the relationship between production capacity and environmental impacts, AUO defined a set of EEIs (Eco-Efficiency Indexes) as a reference for long-term management. GHG EEI, one of the indicators tracking greenhouse gas emissions, has been showing a downward trend over recent years. According to the Green-2010 Goal, AUO aims to reduce GHG EEI by 70% compared with the 2004 level. The goal has already been achieved in 2009, one year ahead of the schedule.Reuse of raw materials and packaging materials increasedAUO has been actively recycling and reusing raw materials such as strippers and liquid crystal. The recycle and reuse rate for stripper reached 100% in 2009. In terms of the packaging materials from suppliers for backlight modules and polarizers, AUO has also monitored their recycling each month to avoid unnecessary waste. The recycling rate of packaging materials per month exceeded 90% in 2009.Taiwan 88 Flood Relief ProjectIn 2009, Typhoon Morakot resulted in heavy damage to Taiwan. BenQ Group was among the first to have pooled its group resources and donated NT$100 million. Taiwan 88 Flood Relief Project was then initiated, with the education of children in the flooded areas being top priority. Taiwu Elementary School in Pingtong and Jialan Elementary School in Taitung were adopted and the campuses were rebuilt with disaster-proof solar systems installed. In case of natural disasters, the solar systems could still generate electricity in blackout situation.Global deployment for best servicesTo provide even more satisfactory services, AUO stepped up expansions in Europe in 2009, as evidenced by approximately 60% yoy increase of European employees (including employees in Czech Republic and Slovakia). The number of employees in China also went up by 20% last year. All these figures indicate the globalization of AUO. To meet the vigorous demands for growth, AUO has led by valuing human resources. Elites from worldwide are welcome to join AUO in quest of a wealth of global opportunities.PV, the vibrant new businessAUO entered the energy market in 2008. In June, 2009, AUO subscribed to new shares issued by M.Setek, a leader of polysilicon and monocrystalline wafers, to secure key materials. In the same month, the shipment of solar modules began. In October, the Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit was established. AUO has worked proactively with its partners from up- to downstream to build a complete solar industry value chain. In December, a 3MWp project in Hungen, Germany connected to the grid, supplying 800 households.Named to 2009 Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific IndexAUO was first selected as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index (DJSI Asia/Pacific) in 2009, making it the only pure TFT-LCD manufacturer worldwide to have joined the Index. It recognized AUO's constant dedication and performance in CSR and sustainable operations. Among the sectors of DJSI, AUO was categorized under the Computer Hardware & Electronic Office Equipment (THQ) sector, the only pure B2B company on the Index in that category.AUO will continue to enhance our performances in CSR initiatives with constant efforts and self-monitoring. For more information, please refer to our CSR Report 2009 at: http://auo.com/auoDEV/extras.php?sec=downloadcentercsr2009&ls=en.