Archive - 2016

SteelSeries Announces Rival 700 Smart Gaming Mouse With OLED Display

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CHICAGO – January 5, 2016 – SteelSeries, the leading global manufacturer of gaming peripherals, introduces the Rival 700, equipped with gaming’s first fully customizable onboard OLED display, tactile alerts and swappable physical components. Altogether, this makes the Rival 700 the most powerful gaming mouse in the world, giving gamers real-time information and notifications while they play.

“We’re thrilled to deliver the world’s first smart gaming mouse,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. “By listening to gamers and eSports athletes, we’ve perfected professional gaming mice for more than a decade. The Rival 700 takes that expertise and meets gamers needs today, and grows to help them win in the future.”

OLED Display & Tactile Alerts

The Rival 700 connects players to the game like never before. Powered by SteelSeries GameSense, players can personalize the OLED display to track their stats, change profiles, see their CPI settings as well as set custom logos and animations using SteelSeries Engine. With tactile alerts, the mouse is no longer merely an input device; gamers can now feel in-game events, aiding them in critical decision-making. The Rival 700 generates tactile alerts that notify the gamer of in-game events without affecting precision or accuracy. Gamers can customize every aspect of the alerts for in-game events such as cooldown timers, health status and more through SteelSeries Engine.

Enhanced Precision & Performance

The high-performance optical sensor of the Rival 700 delivers exceptional performance, built for professional gaming. This optical sensor delivers many advantages for gamers, such as:

  • Like all SteelSeries Rival mice, the Rival 700 has zero hardware acceleration and an optical sensor that offers gamers true 1:1 tracking accuracy.
  • Gamers can configure resolution settings up to 16,000 counts per inch (CPI) and down to one millisecond of customizable response time, equaling zero lag time.
  • The sensor has the ability to accurately track movement speeds of up to 300 inches per second at 50g of acceleration.
  • The Rival 700 has a removable sensor module, allowing gamers to swap to a laser sensor or other future options.

On The Outside

The ergonomic shape and 7-button, right-handed layout were designed to work comfortably with all grip styles. The mouse features a soft-touch surface with sculpted side grips that provide a raised texture for maximum comfort along with durable, double-shot injected left and right buttons, so gamers never lose control in the heat of battle.

Maximum Personalization

SteelSeries built the Rival 700 to be the best gaming mouse available today, and with enough customization options to ensure a long future of elite gaming, like:

  • GameSense and Prism RGB illumination give gamers the power to choose millions of color options and customizable lighting effects powered by in-game events.
  • The mouse cover is swappable to ones with different designs and surfaces.
  • The Rival 700 is packaged with a 3ft rubber cable and a 6ft braided cable for gamers who choose to game on their laptop or desktop.
  • Swappable sensors provide gamers the option to change to the latest sensors on the market without purchasing a brand new mouse.
  • OLED display allows gamers to personalize the Rival 700 with logos and custom in-game settings.

The Rival 700 Elite Performance Gaming Mouse will be available on http://SteelSeries.com in Spring 2016 for $99.99 / €109.99 MSRP. Optional sensor and mouse covers will also be available in Spring 2016. For more information on the mouse specifications, please visit http://steelseries.com/rival700.

Phiaton Debuts 2016 Lineup at CES

LAS VEGAS (January 5, 2016) – Phiaton Corporation introduces a fresh new design to its line of premium audio solutions with the BT 460 wireless headphones and MS 300 BA earphones. Designed with a stylish, minimalistic exterior and innovative features that improve the listening experience, the new product introductions cater to young audio enthusiasts who appreciate style and performance. The new headphone and earphone products will be available to consumers late January.

The BT 460 headphones are equipped with brand new state-of-the-art technology including touch-interface controls, audio sharing and smart play/pause features. A full list of features is included below:

  • Touch Interface: Allows you to control your music, calls and volume with a swipe of your finger on the outer ear cup.
  • Smart Play Pause Function: Automatically detects whether a headphone is being worn or not and will play and pause automatically.
  • Phiaton ShareMe™ Connection: Allows two people to listen to the same music or watch the same movie at the same time.
  • Vibration Notification: Signals when a call is being received or you have stepped outside the communication range.
  • Bluetooth 4.0: Experience improved sound quality and extended battery life
  • Everplay-X: : Allows you to continue calling or listening to your music, even if the battery runs out or your audio device is not Bluetooth compatible
  • aptX Technology: Increases digital streaming efficiency and improves overall dynamic range.
  • Bass Optimizer: Phiaton’s new technology “Acoustic Pressure Balancer” helps to reduce the reverberation and deliver well-balanced and accurate sound with powerful bass.
  • Clear Voice Capture: The BT 460 cVc ® technology makes phone calls crystal clear for the person on the other end of the line.

The MS 300 BA earphones combine a balanced armature driver and a dynamic driver into one high-performance pair of earphones. A full list of features is included below:

  • Hybrid Dual Driver: Combines both a balanced armature driver and dynamic driver in one
  • Balanced Armature Driver
  • Experience high frequency tones like never before in an earphone. The balanced armature driver technology makes each vibrant note come alive, letting you hear all the textured nuances and precise details of your favorite classical, guitar, and string music.
  • Low Frequency Pass Filter: This specialized filtering process optimizes acoustics by filtering out high frequency sound waves from the Dynamic Driver, allowing the driver to hone in on low frequency precision and improved bass. This enables the Hybrid Dual Driver to enhance sound quality along the entire frequency spectrum.
  • Music & Calls: Features a remote and microphone so that you can easily answer calls or control your music
  • Tangle-Free Oval Shaped Cable: Textured cable helps to minimize cable tangling and minimize cable touch noise

The BT 460 headphones are available in white or black for $249 and the MS 300 BA earphones are available in white or red for $99 on Amazon.com and other partner retailers.

Creative Labs and HEADS Innovation Unveil Creative iRoar Portable Bluetooth Speaker

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – January 5, 2016 – Sim Wong Hoo, CEO of Creative Technology Ltd., today announced Creative has embarked on the creation of a partnership with HEADS Innovation. Discussions are ongoing for a strategic union which will see a new line of advanced audio products that elevate standards of quality, innovation and design. The first product to be launched is a custom version of the Creative iRoar Portable Bluetooth® Speaker specially tuned by Triple-Grammy® Award winning artist and producer Wyclef Jean, newly appointed President of HEADS Innovation.

“When I met Sim I felt so happy that someone finally understood what I’ve been talking about –  I wasn’t speaking some alien language,” said Wyclef Jean. “The technology of the future is now in our hands in the present… We can make music lovers listen and actually feel as if the artist is right next to them in real time.  Now that’s what I call Super stereo!”

“With Wyclef I have found a fellow traveler on this journey to the audio of tomorrow. Whatever Wyclef has dreamt, we have all the core technologies to make his alien dreams come true. Together we can bring the audio of tomorrow to the world, now,” said Sim Wong Hoo, Creator of the Sound Blaster, and CEO of Creative Technology Ltd.

“Wyclef will be specially tuning a customized version of the Creative iRoar, and you can be sure that you will be getting an audio signature that is defined by one of the major tastemakers in music today.”

“This partnership brings together a visionary in audio technology with a visionary in the music industry, each having sold hundreds of millions of products and albums in their respective spheres,” said Madeline Nelson, founder and CEO of HEADS Innovation.

The newly launched Creative iRoar will be demonstrated at CES, at the Creative Booth in LVCC, South Hall 3, Level 2, Booth #30201.
Wyclef Jean will be appearing live at the Creative booth on Thursday, January 7 and Friday January 8, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tobii and MSI Show Off Eye Track Controlled Gaming at CES

STOCKHOLM & LAS VEGAS – Tobii, the global leader in eye tracking, will showcase innovations that will shape how consumers redefine their computing experience during the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Through a partnership with Ubisoft®, entirely new gaming experiences will be added to Assassin’s Creed® Syndicate, letting gamers aim, shoot and zipline with their eyes. MSI will also start shipments of the world’s first consumer notebook with integrated eye tracking in early 2016. Attendees can go hands–on with Tobii’s award winning experiences, including Assassin’s Creed® Syndicate and the MSI GT72 Dominator Pro Tobii, by visiting its booth at Tech West #71939 in the Sands Expo Center, Jan. 6–9.

“In 2015, we made eye tracking available to consumers for the first time. No matter their first interaction, the response was the same: this feels like the future,” said Oscar Werner, president of Tobii Tech. “A year later, our technology can be found in a world-class gaming notebook, two more AAA game titles and is part of an industry-wide shift in biometric security through validation from Microsoft to support Windows Hello – all solid testimonies to the power of eye tracking.”

CES 2016 attendees will be among the first to experience the following:

MSI GT72 Dominator Pro Tobii – Already a ‘Best of Computex’ award winner, this notebook will officially start shipping to consumers in January 2016 and will be bundled with Tom Clancy’s The Division, Ubisoft’s online open-world RPG shooter and one of 2016’s most anticipated titles, releasing on March 8. As the world’s first consumer notebook with integrated eye-tracking, this extension of MSI’s flagship GT72 line provides gamers with the most realistic and immersive experiences possible. More information, including when and where consumers can first try Tobii eye-tracking features with Tom Clancy’s The Division to follow in early 2016.

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Syndicate with Tobii Eye-tracking – Building on the excitement and success of Ubisoft’s ‘Infinite Screen’ implementation in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, the newest installment in the blockbuster franchise expands eye-tracking implementation to let gamers aim weapons and throw Jacob and Evie Frye’s signature rope launcher with their eyes. Additionally, light adaption has been built into the experience, where the scene becomes overexposed when looking into a dark room with a bright window, as if the character’s vision adjusts. Attendees will be among the first to try these implementations at their exclusive unveiling during CES. All Tobii eye-tracking features will be available on PC in late Q1 2016.

Windows Hello and Tobii EyeX Software – Recently validated by Microsoft, Tobii platforms are the only devices in the world that use the same singular sensor to provide both eye-tracking and facial recognition support for Windows Hello, empowering device manufacturers with both Windows 10-ready biometric authentication and eye-tracking functionality for notebooks, Ultrabooks, desktops, and peripherals. Continuing its commitment to bring consumers a more natural and intuitive Windows experience with eye-tracking, Tobii will also showcase its EyeX software, enhancing the computing experience with features that change how consumers interact with media and their computers.

Tobii IS4 Eye Tracking Platform and Tobii EyeChip – Unveiled in October and built on over 15 years of Tobii eye-tracking innovation, the Tobii IS4 is the world’s most cost-efficient, lightweight eye-tracking platform and the first to meet integration requirements for consumer devices. Powering the IS4 Platform is the Tobii EyeChip, the world’s first application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) developed specifically for eye tracking. A compact, powerful processor, the EyeChip provides exceptional performance while reducing power consumption, CPU and bus load, a unique combination that makes it particularly beneficial in VR. Both the Tobii IS4 Platform and Tobii EyeChip are 2016 CES Innovation Awards Honorees in the ‘Computer Hardware and Components’ and ‘Embedded Technologies’ categories, respectively.

Members of the media can preview these products during Unveiled, the official media event of CES, Jan. 4 from 4-7 p.m.

Tobii will also participate in the Promoting Independence for People with Disabilities through Technology panel on Jan. 7 from 10:15 – 11:15AM at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall, Room N259.

Tobii discloses this information pursuant to the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on January 4, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. CET.

Griffin Announces New Survivor Slim for Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4

Las Vegas – January 4, 2016 – Griffin Technology, creator of award-winning and thoughtfully designed mobile accessories, introduces the latest addition to its popular Survivor case range, Survivor Slim for Surface Pro 4. Offering the perfect blend of slim, multi-layer design and military standard rugged protection, Survivor Slim is the ideal companion for the powerful Surface Pro 4.

“The new Surface is designed to fit into every aspect of your life, so we’ve created a case that complements it, whether you’re working on the go or enjoying an outdoor adventure,” said Aaron Jones, Survivor Category Manager at Griffin Technology. “The slim profile fits easily in any backpack or briefcase, and its tough build offers ultimate drop protection.”

Survivor Slim’s multi-layered design protects Surface pro 4 from 6′ drops and impacts. The exterior layer is constructed of co-molded TPE and rigid polycarbonate, which creates a comfortable grip and absorbs impact while the interior silicone layer cushions the device to protect from drops. For life’s messy accidents, the touch-through screen shield protects the touchscreen while in use. Survivor Slim also features a cover that easily snaps onto Surface Pro 4’s kickstand without interfering with the viewing angle for watching videos, surfing the web or typing.

Survivor Slim is also available for Surface Pro 3, offering the same reliable protection users have come to love and expect from Griffin. Designed and tested to meet military standards for drop protection, the co-molded TPE and rigid polycarbonate exterior provides comfortable grip and absorbs impacts while the interior silicone layer cushions the device to protect from drops.  Survivor Slim for Surface Pro 4 ($89.99) will be available January 2016 at https://griffintechnology.com/us/survivor-slim-for-microsoft-surface-pro-4. Survivor Slim for Surface Pro 3 (89.99) is now available at https://griffintechnology.com/us/survivor-slim-for-microsoft-surface-pro-3.

All Hallows’ Eve 2 DVD and VoD Release Date

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 04, 2016) – RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) brings you the new sequel to the Halloween-themed horror movie ALL HALLOWS’ EVE 2. Directed by Bryan Norton (Seven Hells), Antonio Padovan (Once Upon a Time, Inc.), Marc Roussel (The Last Halloween), Ryan Patch (If I Give My Soul), Jay Holben (Hunger), The Kondelik Brothers (Airplane VS Volcano), Elias Benavidez (A Boy’s Life), Mike Kochansky (Mr. Tricker’s Treat), and Andres Borghi (Alexia), the film stars Andrea Monier (The Black Water Vampire) and Damien Monier (Grim). ALL HALLOWS’ EVE 2 is available on Digital Video and on DVD for an SRP of $27.97 on Feb. 2, 2016.

Alone on Halloween, a young woman finds a mysterious VHS tape on her doorstep—a tape that shows a series of gruesome and ghastly tales that appear to be all too real. But these terrifying glimpses of damned souls are not the only horrors that stalk her. A sinister, pumpkin-faced killer is using the videotape as a portal into our reality; and if he makes it through, this twisted trickster seeks only one “treat”: Blood.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.us.rljentertainment.com/product/all-hallows-eve-2/c1fdbdeb-201c-e511-a652-b8ac6f114281

SyFy Unveils First Ever Innovation Lab for CES 2016

December 4, 2016 – Syfy unveils its first-ever innovation lab, Syfy Labs, with an interactive booth at CES 2016. Syfy Labs is a new initiative from the network that creates content and experiences for existing and emerging platforms — from virtual reality to 3D printing, second screen experiences and Internet of Things integrations — by seamlessly merging the latest technologies into the storytelling experience of the channel’s original programs.

The Syfy Labs booth will feature:

  • MakerBot’s Replicator and the new MakerBot Smart Extruder+, giving attendees access to printable files from their favorite Syfy programs via MakerBot’s Thingiverse.
  • The Expanse VR app for Samsung Gear VR enabling attendees to explore spacecraft and settings from the heralded drama series in high-quality 3D VR.
  • The Syfy Sync app working with Philips Hue to enable attendees to experience an immersive lighting experience with custom built “lighting tracks” that showcase Syfy’s original programs.

Attendees and press can test out all of these immersive experiences and speak with Syfy Labs executives, including Matthew Chiavelli, Senior Vice President, Syfy Digital, who heads up Syfy Labs.

WHEN: January 5-9, 2016

WHERE: Booth GL-4 in the Grand Lobby at CES in Las Vegas

*Please note that the above image is from a previous SyFy experience, NOT the upcoming Innovation Lab*

MAINGEAR Unveils AIO Enabled ALPHA 34 Workstation

Kenilworth, New Jersey – January 4, 2016MAINGEAR, an award-winning PC system integrator of custom gaming solutions, unveils ALPHA 34, the world’s most powerful All-in-One PC and the first AIO armed with up to an 8 core Intel Extreme Edition, or an 18 core Intel Xeon processors.

MAINGEAR’s ALPHA 34 demolishes benchmarks and delivers a breathtaking experience out of the box with a combination of Intel 5960X processors; NVIDIA 980Ti, Titan X or AMD Radeon R9 390X; 32GB of premium Kingston DDR4 RAM; and Samsung 950 Pro M.2 NVME SSD hard drives.  The ALPHA 34 also features a gorgeous 34-inch curved display capable of pumping out eye-opening graphics with a magnificent 3840×1440 resolution.

“The superb combination of Intel’s blazing fast processors with state of the art graphic cards and an astounding screen, gives ALPHA 34 the muscle to handle any task while being the centerpiece in every room,” says Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR.  “ALPHA 34 is a super stocked modern dream car with old fashioned muscle under the hood that is perfect for gaming, movie watching or even designing in Adobe’s Creative Suite.”

ALPHA 34 is completely customizable and fully upgradable, assembled with standard desktop components, and can push performance limits with full-sized desktop gaming and workstation graphics cards.  MAINGEAR’s ALPHA 34 also features maintenance-free closed looped liquid cooling to ensure quiet and cool operation under the most stressful situations, along with Intel’s future-proof and upgradable webcam.

“We are confident that the ALPHA 34 will blow away traditional conceptions about AIOs and will be the new standard for years to come,” adds Santos.

Gamers craving even more performance can get the most out of their system with MAINGEAR’s REDLINE, a factory tested overclocking service that safely pushes the system to its maximum potential.  MAINGEARS’s ALPHA 34 with up to Intel’s 8-core Extreme edition and 18-core Xeon processors is now available for customizing starting at $1999.

For more information about the ALPHA 34 or MAINGEAR’s entire selection of cutting-edge gaming solutions, please visit www.maingear.com/alpha

Kensington Launches Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball at CES 2016

Las Vegas, NV, January 4, 2016 – Kensington®, a worldwide leader in delivering smart. safe. simple. desktop and mobile computing accessories, today announced the availability of its new Expert Mouse® Wireless Trackball. Designed to give users more flexibility from their trackball, the new mouse joins the company’s family of trackballs that deliver exceptional comfort and ease-of-use, setting the industry standard for more than 20 years. Kensington will showcase the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball at CES Unveiled 2016 in Las Vegas on January 4.

The use of trackballs in both home and office-based computing environments is growing in popularity. Many users find the repetitive clicking and dragging motions required to use a traditional mouse to be ergonomically problematic. A recent Kensington survey revealed that users switch from a traditional mouse to a trackball primarily because trackballs deliver greater speed and accuracy, offer better ergonomics, and are more efficient in small or tight workspaces. When asked which new features users would like to see in Kensington trackballs specifically, the survey showed that wireless connectivity was the most requested feature.

Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball — Black (SKU K72359WW; SRP: $99.99)

The Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball gives users more freedom of placement while working because they aren’t limited by wires. The trackball can be connected either through Bluetooth® 4.0 LE or through a widely compatible USB receiver. With Kensington’s free TrackballWorks software, users can customize the trackball to suit their personal needs for greater productivity. DiamondEye Optical tracking offers smooth, precise cursor control while the award-winning Scroll Ring allows for quick scanning up and down pages.

“With the new Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball, we’ve addressed several user requirements, primarily the need to minimize desktop clutter and increase flexibility,” said Anita Chang, global product manager, Kensington. “It is the only wireless expert-grade trackball available and, coupled with TrackballWorks software, allows users to customize its functionality for greater efficiency, speed and productivity. Kensington trackballs are well-suited for users across industries and environments such as graphic design, music, architecture, gaming, healthcare and many more.”

Key features of the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball include:

  • Dual Wireless Technology – The ultimate in wireless freedom, the trackball connects via Bluetooth 4.0 LE, saving a valuable USB port, or through a highly reliable 2.4GHz nano USB receiver.
  • TrackballWorks Customization – Free downloadable software provides an even more personalized experience, offering the ability to assign a wide variety of program functions to each of the four buttons on the trackball. It also allows for customized control over cursor and scrolling speeds.
  • DiamondEye Optical Tracking – Movement detection technology provides smooth, precise cursor control so users can navigate on the screen quickly with less hand movement, improving productivity and efficiency.
  • Scroll Ring and Large Ball – Spinning the Scroll Ring enables scrolling up and down web pages or documents with complete ease, while the red 55mm ball has been specially designed with an absolute spherical, hard surface for precise tracking and control.
  • Ambidextrous Design – The trackball works equally well for both right-handed and left-handed users.
  • Detachable Wrist Rest — Soft cushioning cradles the hand and wrist in ergonomic comfort for pain-free productivity during extended periods of activity on the computer.
  • Device Compatibility – The trackball is compatible with devices running Windows® 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and Mac OS X 10.8 and later when using the 2.4 GHz USB receiver. The trackball is compatible with devices running Windows® 10 and 8.1 and Mac OS X 10.8 and later when using Bluetooth 4.0 LE.
  • TrackballWorks Compatibility — Mac systems must use 2.4GHz USB receiver connection when using the software.

Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is available at Kensington.com today.

Kensington will showcase the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball at CES Unveiled 2016 in Las Vegas on January 4.

 

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E FUN Announces First Nextbook Laptops with Windows 10 at CES

WEST COVINA, CA – January 4, 2016 E FUN, a leading supplier of tablets and detachables, is launching its first consumer laptops at CES 2016. The new 11.6” Nextbook convertible touch screen laptop and 14” Nextbook laptop feature Windows 10 and are powered by a quad-core Intel® AtomTMx5-Z8300 processor with 2GB system memory.

Nextbook 11.6” Convertible Touch Screen Laptop
The first convertible-style touch laptop from Nextbook is designed to give users the versatility and portability they need. Its 360-degree hinge allows it to be used in laptop, tablet, tent or stand modes. The Nextbook convertible laptop features an 11.6” 1366×768 IPS touch screen and 64GB of onboard storage memory with microSD card expansion. With a built-in webcam for video chatting, Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi connectivity, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, and a microHDMI port, the Nextbook 11.6” laptop delivers the essential features you need for entertainment and work. It will be available in Q2 2016 with an MSRP of $269.99.

Nextbook 14” Laptop
This Nextbook 14” laptop is your everyday laptop for basic tasks, debuting for under $200. Perfect for students of any age and those looking to be more productive, the Nextbook laptop powered by Windows 10 features a large 14” 1366×768 screen and 32GB of onboard storage memory with microSD card expansion. Its built-in webcam is great for video chatting, Bluetooth 4.0 allows for connectivity with other devices, and a microHDMI port lets you mirror your screen onto an HDTV. With 1 USB 2.0 and 1 USB 3.0 port, and a full laptop keyboard with touch pad, the Nextbook laptop gives you everything you need in a portable design. It will be available in Q2 2016 with an MSRP of $199.99.

Quotes:

•    “Building off the success of our Nextbook tablet and detachable lines, we are thrilled to enter the consumer laptop category in 2016,” stated Jason Liszewski, managing director and VP of sales for E FUN. “This introduction is the next step for E FUN to continue bringing innovative new products to market at a price point that resonates with consumers.”

•    “E FUN’s new Windows 10 Nextbook devices are further proof that you can do great things on any budget,” said Jordan Chrysafidis, vice president of US OEM, Microsoft Corp. “These value-priced devices are great for education or entertainment, and with Windows 10 features, customers can have fun and get more done.”

About E FUN
E FUN, a designer and marketer of mobile lifestyle products, entered the North American market in late 2010. Since then, E FUN has grown to be one of the leading tablet brands at retail, achieving top five market share by volume. Its ongoing product innovation and partnerships set E FUN apart from competitors and provide customers with unique out of the box experiences. Its product offerings include the Ares line of Android tablets and Flexx line of tablets powered by Windows. E FUN is headquartered in West Covina, California.

For additional information regarding E FUN’s Nextbook tablets, visit www.nextbookusa.com.