Windows 8 Chinese Preview build 8400 leak

A preview version of Windows 8 has been leaked onto the internet. The Chinese Windows 8 preview version, tagged as the “8400 build”, have been making its way around forums and torrent sites. If you have tried out the consumer review version that Microsoft released a while back, then you may notice the app layout of the desktop. Build 8400 reveals relatively small changes to the previous consumer review build.

The 8400 build is reported to have updated Windows Metro 8 apps, boot screen, cursors, wallpapers, and some features that provide for a better experience for multiple monitor users. Currently, there hasn’t been any report of an English Preview version leak yet. Microsoft announced that it will release an official Windows 8 Preview version the first week of June, and they are due to give a keynote at Computex on June 6th—hence, we might find out more about an official release.

Reference: neowin.net, theverge.com

SAPPHIRE ships DisplayPort to Single Link DVI adapter for ATI Eyefinity

SAPPHIRE Press Release

Recognising the demand for a lower cost solution to using the DisplayPort output for a third monitor in ATI Eyefinity mode on its HD 5000 series cards, SAPPHIRE Technology has just introduced a DisplayPort to Single Link DVI adapter.

Eyefinity mode requires the third monitor to be either a DisplayPort (DP) monitor or a monitor connected with an active adapter to synchronise the signals for a DVI or HDMI monitor*. Earlier active DP to Dual Link DVI adapters were considered to be too expensive by many users who did not need ultra high resolution.

SAPPHIRE's new DP to Single Link DVI adapter is an active solution in a short pigtail format with DP plug to DVI female connector that allows users to connect DVI monitors with resolutions of up to 1920 x 1200. Used with a DP equipped SAPPHIRE HD 5000 series graphics card, this enables landscape Eyefinity modes of up to 5760 x 1200, including 5760 x 1080 with widescreen monitors, as well as portrait modes of up to 3600 x 1920.

SAPPHIRE is offering this solution to make Eyefinity more affordable for users with existing DVI monitors, or wishing to match up existing monitor styles.

For more information about Eyefinity, please visit http://www.sapphiretech.com/.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Note: * Except if using SAPPHIRE FleX Edition that directly supports three DVI monitors

ViewSonic announces the ViewPad 10e

Its not easy to stay competitive in the world of tablets and were a little bit perplexed about ViewSonics latest model, the ViewPad 10e. Unlike its previous 10-inch models, the 10e has a 9.7-inch IPS panel with 1024x768 resolution, yes, thats the same as the iPad. The overall specification puts the ViewPad 10e in the affordable section which is at least something.

As you might already have guessed, the ViewPad 10e runs Android and in this case version 2.3/Gingerbread. It has a fairly old 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 based SoC at its core, so its not going to be a performance monster. To this ViewSonic has added 512MB of DDR3 memory and 4GB of internal flash storage. Theres of course also a microSD memory card slot for further storage expansion.

Connectivity options consists of 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, a micro USB port, a mini HDMI port and a 3.5mm headset jack. The HDMI port is limited to 720p output due to the older SoC which lacks the graphics capabilities of more modern ARM based solutions. Theres also a front mounted 1.3Megapixel camera and the tablet has a G-sensor as well as a pair of stereo speakers and a microphone built in. The tablet weighs in at 620g and meastures 242x189x9mm. ViewSonic states that it sports a 5,400mAh battery but there was no mention of battery life in the press release beyond standby time which ViewSonic rates at 200h.

We should mention the fact that it doesnt appear to support the Android Market and instead ViewSonic has added support for the 1Mobile Market. It also comes pre-loaded with the Amazon Kindle app and ViewSonics 3D UI. The ViewPad 10e should launch next month in the UK with other regions set to follow. No word on pricing as yet, but were expecting it to be one of the most affordable devices in its size thats from a brand name manufacturer.

MSI MEGA Player 522

MSI, an emerging innovator in digital entertainment, today unveils its newMEGA Player Series multi-functional portable audio device. As the latestaddition to MSI's successful MSI Stick series, the new MEGA Player Series wasdesigned to give users the best digital entertainment experience. It is a smallplayer that packs a BIG punch! MEGA Player 522 not only has built-in flashmemory, but also provides SD/MMC card slot to be able to upgrade the storagecapacity. Besides, it provides Bluetooth communication module to enable you touse mobile phone with hands-free function. You can upgrade your MEGA Player 522with the latest firmware and enjoy additional up-to-date functions as needed -firmware upgrade files are available on MSIs web site and can be downloadedthrough the included USB cable. MEGA Player 522 is now available in the market.

MEGA PLAYER 522 is highly functional and fashionable MP3 player. The GlossRed Painting makes MEGA PLAYER 522 more elegant and more expensive looking likea luxury good.

Major Features of MEGA Player 522:

l USB Storage Disk
l 256 / 512 MB and 1GB flash memory on board
l MP3 / WMA music playback
l Voice Recorder ( .WAV format)
l Language Learning ( AàB buttons)
l FM Radio / Recording Function ( .WAV format )
l Support 15 FM channel memory
l Re-chargeable LiVion Battery (18 hr for w/o Bluetooth model; 12 hr for w/Bluetooth model)
l Stylish OLED display ( 128 x 64 pixels)
l Built in SD / MMC card socket
l Bluetooth Hands-Free Function
l Dual Earphone Jack
l Changeable Color Case

MP3 Player:

The most simple to use, high-fidelity MP3 and WMA player, the MEGA Player 522provides customized sound with 5 EQ modes (Normal, Rock, Jazz, Classic, Pop) andgives the user up to 15-hour of non-stop playing time just using a rechargeablebattery.

Use MEGA Player 522 as a portable USB Mass Storage:

With the flash memory, it can be used as a portable USB Mass Storage and you caneasily share your music, photos and documents with anyone.

FM Radio and FM Recorder:

Records directly from the built-in FM radio, so you will not miss any of yourfavorite programs.

Voice Recording Function:

The built-in microphone allows you to record all the sounds around you. Thisfeature is extremely suitable for recording a meeting, a seminar or a shortnote. It simply acts like your personal secretary.

OLED Module:

Despite its small size, it shows you all the information you will need such asEQ setting, battery status, track duration, and more. The blue DLED Backlight isuseful in dark environment. The screen can display text many different languagesincluding English, Chinese, Spanish, and French.

Language Learning Function (Select the replay section):

You may choose to replay the content of the recorded course, and select asection for continuous replay and learning V it functions like a mini languagelearning device.

Built-in SD/MMC Card Slot

With SD/MMC card slot, you can easily expand the storage capacity of your MP3player via external SD/MMC card. It is an easy and convenient way of upgradingyour storage capacity.

Bluetooth hands-free function (MEGA Player 522BT)

The MEGA PLAYER 522BT is a revolutionary product. It includes a Bluetooth moduleto enable the Bluetooth functions. The Bluetooth functions can be utilized withyour Bluetooth cellular phone after pairing up, such as Voice Call Function &Record the Conversation.

Dual Earphone Jack

The Dual Earphone Jack of MEGA PLAYER 522BT enables you to share music with yoursignificant other or best friend. Enjoy private listening time with someone.

Changeable Color Case

MEGA PLAYER 522BT comes with different funky colored covers. You can easilychange the MEGA PLAYER 522BT into a different color to match your mood oroutfit.

Nikon Unveiled D3000 and D300S digital SLR camera

Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the newest addition to its family of quality DX-format digital SLRs, the D3000. Combining in-camera assistance and supreme ease-of-use with Nikon's renowned technology, the D3000 is the ideal choice for people looking to upgrade from their point-and-shoot camera to a digital SLR.

The D3000 features a new Guide mode — a hassle-free way for less-experienced picture-takers to master the capabilities of digital SLR cameras. Through its intuitive user-friendly interface, Guide mode assists users in choosing shooting modes for a variety of situations and, if they choose, in exploring advanced photographic techniques. From close-ups and landscapes to portraits with soft backgrounds and picture-taking opportunities of fast-moving action, Guide mode eases users into the world of digital SLR photography.

Despite its simple interface, the D3000 delivers exceptional picture quality. Thanks to 10.2 effective megapixels, Nikon's DX-format CCD sensor, exclusive EXPEED image processing system, and compatibility with an extensive selection of legendary NIKKOR lenses, the D3000 produces finely detailed images that can be freely cropped and enlarged while retaining sharpness.

Extending the D3000's excellent performance is Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting, continuous shooting up to 3fps, advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II, and 11-point selectable autofocus. For comfortable viewing when playing back images and retouching photos, the D3000 features a bright 3-inch230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor also improves readability of menus thanks to a font size that is 20% larger than that of the D60.

Extensive in-camera image control is available using Nikon's Picture Control System, which allows users to customize key digital image characteristics to suit personal preferences. For additional creative control, the D3000 includes comprehensive in-camera editing functions via its Retouch Menu that enhance photos with a variety of effects — without the need for a computer. Whether it's grabbing point-and-shoot snapshots or exploiting techniques commonly used by more advanced photographers, the D3000 offers an easy, inviting way to experience the world of digital SLR photography and obtain beautiful pictures.

New Guide mode
In-camera guidance is provided by new Guide mode, which employs an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for first-time users to select shooting modes. Additionally, after selecting an item in Guide mode, camera settings can be further adjusted in order to obtain optimal results.

Nikon DX-format CCD sensor; 10.2 effective megapixels
At 10.2 effective megapixels, the D3000 produces high-resolution images that enable beautiful enlargements without loss of sharpness. Normal ISO sensitivity is ISO 100 to 1600. For added shooting versatility, a Hi 1 setting increases sensitivity to ISO 3200.

EXPEED image processing system
The D3000 is equipped with Nikon's EXPEED image processing system. EXPEED realizes excellent resolution, long tonal scale, and superb color while also making possible fast processing of the D3000's advanced imaging functions such as Scene Recognition and Active D-Lighting.

Scene Recognition System
This feature improves accuracy for exposure, white balance, and autofocus by analyzing color and illumination over the entire scene milliseconds prior to shooting. It then adjusts the D3000 accordingly for optimal picture quality.

Active D-Lighting
The D3000 incorporates Nikon's Active D-Lighting function to vastly improve details in the shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes. Like the Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting utilizes the 420-pixel RGB sensor to analyze a scene then adjust exposure to achieve images that closely resemble what the human eye sees. During processing, this function also restores details in the highlight and shadow areas of the image that may have been lost.

11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module
Employing 11-point autofocus driven by Nikon's Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module, the D3000 delivers fast, precise focus over a wide area of the frame. Four versatile AF modes are available: single-point AF for stationary subjects, especially ones that are off-center; dynamic-area AF for moving subjects; auto-area AF when you want the D3000 to automatically determine the proper focus method; and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for maintaining focus on subjects even if the composition changes.

3-inch LCD monitor
Image playback and viewing menus is now easier than ever thanks to the 3-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor also results in text size that is 20% larger than on previous Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Picture Control System
The Picture Control System of the D3000 gives users the ability to customize key digital image capture characteristics to suit personal preferences. Six settings are available: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape.

In-camera photo editing
After shooting, the D3000's photo editing functions allow for in-camera retouching, lessening the need for a computer to enhance or modify images. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect under its Retouch Menu that modifies images to look like pictures of miniature models. Each editing function is applied to a copy of the image, with the original left unmodified.

Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System
Dust reduction is handled by the Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System. This is a comprehensive solution that reduces generation and accumulation of dust and also provides measures to remove dust. A key element of the solution is the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the image sensor. The system also includes an image sensor cleaning function that activates automatically when the D3000 is powered on or off. This vibrates the low-pass filter (located in front of the sensor) to free it from dust.

Superb NIKKOR lenses
The D3000 opens up a wide range of possibilities for dramatic expression thanks to full compatibility with the extensive lineup of NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses. From ultra wide-angle and micro to super telephoto, NIKKOR lenses give users the means to explore their creativity to the fullest.

Source: Nikon

K8 Mobos To Benefit From Cheap Athlon 64 2800+

AMD Athlon™ 64 ProcessorsPrice3400+$ 4173200+$ 2783000+$ 2182800+$ 178

AMD kept up the pressure on Intel by adding the Athlon 64 2800+processor to its 64-bit lineup on March 30. The new chip, available at US$ 178 inquantities of 1,000 units, will help boost demand for K8 motherboards built tosupport AMD’s Athlon 64 processors. Shipments of K8 motherboards now account forless than 5% of all AMD-based boards. The launch of the Athlon 64 2800+ chipwill also help AMD penetrate the mainstream market below US$ 200.

Intel Shipped Out High Performance SSD Drives

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 15, 2008 - Intel Corporation has begun shipping its highest- performing solid-state drive (SSD), the Intel® X-25E Extreme SATA Solid-State Drive, aimed at server, workstation and storage systems. Unlike mechanical drives, the SSDs contain no moving parts and instead feature 50nm single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash memory technology. Systems equipped with these drives will not suffer from the performance bottlenecks associated with conventional drives. By reducing the total infrastructure, cooling and energy costs, SSDs can lower total cost of ownership for enterprise applications by more than five times.

"Hard disk drive performance has not kept pace with Moore's Law," said Kirk Skaugen, general manager, Intel Server Platforms group. "Intel's high-performance SSDs unleash the full performance of the latest Intel Xeon processor-based systems while increasing reliability and lowering the total cost of ownership for a broad range of server and storage workloads."

The Intel X25-E increases server, workstation and storage system performance by 100 times* over hard disk drives as measured in Input/Output Per Second (IOPS), today's key storage performance metric. A storage model which includes SSDs can also lower energy costs by up to five times, an added benefit for businesses focused on electricity savings. "Solid-state drive technology will change the economics of enterprise data centers," said John Fowler, executive vice president, Systems Group, Sun Microsystems. "SSDs, along with our systems and Solaris ZFS with hybrid storage pools, are important components of the Open Storage initiative. Sun expects to offer enterprise storage solutions that will exploit the breakthrough performance of Intel's High Performance Solid-State Drives and deliver significant performance gains while consuming a fraction of the energy of traditional spinning disk arrays."

The product was designed for intense computing workloads which benefit primarily from high random read and write performance, as measured in IOPS. Key technical performance specifications of the 32 GB Intel X-25E SATA SSD include 35,000 IOPS (4KB Random Read), 3,300 IOPS (4KB Random Write) and 75 microsecond read latency. This performance, combined with low active power of 2.4 watts, delivers up to 14,000 IOPS per watt for optimal performance/power output. The product also achieves up to 250 megabytes per second (MB/s) sequential read speeds and up to 170 MB/s sequential write speeds, all in a compact 2.5-inch form factor.

Intel achieves this breakthrough performance through innovations such as 10-channel NAND architecture with Native Command Queuing, proprietary controller and firmware efficient in advanced wear-leveling and low write amplification. The 32GB X25-E is capable of writing up to 4 petabytes (PB) of data over three-year period (3.7 TB/day), and double that for the 64GB version - delivering outstanding data reliability.

The 32GB capacity drive is in production and priced at $695 for quantities up to 1,000. The 64GB version is expected to sample in the fourth quarter with production estimated for the first quarter of 2009. For more information go to www.intel.com/go/ssd.