OQO Exposes Handheld Computer Based on Atom
OQO, a huge manufacturer of handheld computers exposed its new Atom-based device during the Intel Development Forum in San Francisco.
The Atom-based OQO handheld computer appears like the company’s e2 computer. The device was still marked with a piece of white tape with the words “OQO MID” which clearly means that it is a mobile Internet device.
To keep the suspense up, the company refuses to give details of the product. Nevertheless, experts agree that the new gadget should very well be more advanced than its predecessor Model e2.
The present Model e2 of OQO is powered by Via Technologies processors. These units earned praises from critics and analysts worldwide for their clean and polished designs that go very well with revolutionary features such as high-speed mobile networks and the use of SSDs.
The new handheld computer is designed to use little power. Although we do not know yet as to which Atom processor version was used in the device, it is safe to assume according to analysts that it uses the Centrino Atom. Centrino Atom uses a single-chip chipset. That type of the processor, the Z series, is available at different clock speeds, ranging from 800Mhz to 1.86GHz.
Source: PC World
Sony Makes iPod Dock a Multi-Room Audio System
Sony recently released the S-Airplay AIR-SA20PK, a new wireless audio system for iPod that promises to change your simple iPod listening habit.
The S-Airplay AIR-SA20PK works on iPhone, Touch, Nano, Mini, and all versions of Classic.
The new system allows your iPod docking station to receive superb audio even if it is 164 feet away (that is way above many home’s farthest wall to wall distance). All users have to do is to plug S-Airplay’s wireless speakers into the power outlets.
The device works silently. So seeing S-Airplay in conflict with other wireless device in our homes may be unlikely. S-Airplay is sold with one docking station and two wireless speakers, but if this setup is not enough, you can purchase additional speakers as the system supports up to 10 audio boosters simultaneously.
The S-Airplay also carries an AM/FM radio tuner that allows you to listen to a radio station while you play an old classic on a Sunday afternoon. And because of its wireless capability, you can very well have two different music moods in different rooms.
The new docking system also boasts a remote control option of the iPod player’s music tracks. There is also a sleep and alarm clock modes. Users can also connect the station into their home theater for extended functions.
The S-Airplay is tagged at $400. Additional wireless speakers will be priced at $130 each. All of these will be available by September.
Source: CNET
ATI Catalyst 8.8 Drivers Now Online
ATI recently released its ATI Catalyst 8.8 driver update. While many may be excited about the rumored big Crossfire improvements, the release notes from the ATI revealed none.
The 8.8 update is a bug fix for preinstalled device drivers as well as glitch fix for popular gaming titles.
ATI Catalyst is a special support software drive package for many ATI products. First distributed after the release of Radeon 8500, the driver package is updated on a regular basis every month.
The Catalyst 8.8 sports new features like the Control Center, a new Avivo video feature that allows dynamic gamma and contrast correction. It basically improves video image quality by capitalizing on more vivid colors of images with high defined brightness of the environment. The new catalyst driver also offers the Hybrid Graphics Support for the favorite Windows XP OS. This boosts the performance of many AMD integrated graphics mobo and ATI graphics accelerator.
The drivers also contain fixes in game performance as well as glitches and small compatibility issues with recently released games. Gamers and hardcore users will now have a chance to have fully functioning software experience with fewer bugs.
Source: TweakDown