Corsair launches high performance Gaming Audio Series HS1 USB headset for gamers

Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance multimedia and gaming hardware components to the PC market, reportedly announced the launch of their inaugural audio product today, the Gaming Audio Series™ HS1 USB gaming headset. This noise-isolating headset is rated to offer long-term playing comfort and immersive multi-channel audio, with massive 50mm drivers and a carefully tuned acoustical design optimized not only for gaming, but for movies and music as well.

The HS1 is purportedly loaded with features designed to optimize your gaming experience. The 50mm drivers are claimed to provide more accurate sound reproduction and far lower distortion than is experienced by smaller, regular drivers. The circumaural, closed-back design is meant to reject ambient noise and keep you immersed in the game, even in high-distraction environments like LAN parties. Replaceable memory foam ear pads are expected to provide a reliable, comfortable fit into the ears without binding or pinching. The unidirectional noise-cancelling microphone on an adjustable boom is said to enable clear, low-noise voice chat. Thus the headset is projected to deliver a superior gaming experience.

To view the detailed specifications of the product, you can check ou the company's site.

Redesigned iPhone 4 Due out September 30?

A Mexican exec has claimed that a new iPhone without the antennae issues is due out on September 30, the same day the free bumper initiative ends.

It has been a few weeks since the Apple’s antennae-gate issues were last discussed, so we were due. A new rumor based on a somewhat unconfirmed report on a Mexican website is reporting that the iPhone 4 will no longer face the antennae problems as of September 30.

Marco Quatorze, Director of Value Added Services Telcel said that as of September 30 Telcel will be available in new devices that do not have the malfunction of the reception, and explained that the company will have several options to make changes from one phone to another.

Below is a translation courtesy of Google. It is somewhat imprecise in the wording, but the important part is in bold:

“If the previous plan is over, you will need to hire a new change for iPhone 4. If, for example, already has one and take three months for payment, change the cell with a re-employment and takes into account the previous time, so instead of paying 24 months, only done in 21.”

Business Insider is also covering the story, but still, take the quote with a grain of salt. There could be more to his meaning, or the quote could be incorrect, but it does coincide with the end of the Apple plan to send out free bumpers to iPhone owners. When the bumper plan was announced, Steve Jobs gave an end date of September 30. It makes sense that since Apple first announced the bumper plan on July 16, the Apple designers would have had time to fix the issue. After all, despite Apple’s initial stubborn refusal to acknowledge the issue, it is highly unlikely that Apple would knowingly choose not to correct an issue that has already been exposed, especially one that has a fix as simple as insulating the casing.

The real issue is how will current iPhone 4 users respond, and will Apple offer them any potential exchanges? It seems unlikely following the bumpers. Will iPhone 4 owners even care? What say you? Are you an iPhone 4 owner, and do you care that a slightly redesigned iPhone 4 is on the way?

Sony Refreshes its E-Readers With Improved Touch Screen

At the mention of an “e-reader,” most people think Kindle or Nook, but if you just want the device, sans the deal with the content provider, Sony has a nice little trio of e-readers on offer, and they’ve all just been upgraded with several important improvements.

Sony’s 5-inch Pocket Edition e-reader is now called PRS-350 and the 6-inch Touch Edition is called PRS-650; both are available now for $179.99 and $229.99 respectively. The 7-inch Daily Edition is now called PRS-950 and it will be available this fall for $299.99.

The smallest device in the bunch has 2GB of memory, a USB connection, and supports EPUB/ACS4, PDF, Microsoft Word, and other text file formats. Its 6-inch brother has similar specifications, with the addition of SD and Memory Stick Duo Expansion slots for adding additional memory, as well as a headphone jack and support for MP3 and AAC audio files.

Both, however, lack wireless; this is where the Daily Edition steps in, with 4GB of memory, wireless connectivity, and increased battery life (27 days with the wireless turned off, Sony claims).

What distinguishes Sony’s e-readers from the competition is their E-Ink Pearl touch screen display. Previous models have also had touch screen capabilities, but the added touch sensitive layer over the e-ink screen added just a tad too much glare for our liking. Sony claims the new models are all significantly improved with this regard; additionally, the touch screen is now more responsive and page turns are much snappier.

Sony also said it will release a Reader Mobile Edition application for iPhone and Android-based smartphones later this year.

ASUS unveils TUF Series: Sabertooth X58 heavy duty motherboard at Rs. 17,250

The new Asus Sabertooth X58 motherboard reportedly incorporates the latest Intel chipset and support for the fastest processors in the market, including the Intel Core i7-980X, as part of the TUF Series motherboards. It is claimed to be built for rugged use, provide uncompromising durability and the utmost reliability to users who demand round the clock usage without compromising on performance.

The TUF series motherboards are reportedly designed to offer durability and reliability under stressed conditions and hence find their applications in server and mainframes. The new Sabertooth X58 is to endure stressful working conditions, with due credits to its meticulous thermal design incorporating CeraMIX Heatsink Coating Technology. This technology is said to adopt revolutionary ceramic application to ensure unsurpassed heat resistance and dissipation on the motherboard surfaces and components.

The Sabertooth X58 from Asus reportedly uses heavy duty materials and parts to ensure greater stability, reliability, endurance, and value. The chokes, solid state capacitors and MOSFETs have apparently been tested under the most stringent conditions and harsh environments based on military standards, providing users with a proven heavy duty solution. It is also said that the motherboard is designed to endure humidity and heat even at peak operation.

UF Series SABERTOOTH X58Motherboard Specifications
CPU	LGA1366 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition/ Core™ i7 processors
Chipset	Intel® X58/ICH10R
System Bus	Up to 6.4 GT/s, Intel® QuickPath Interconnect
Memory	6 x DIMM, triple channel, max 24GB
	DDR3 1866/1800/1600/1333/1066 MHz
Expansion Slots	2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (dual at x16/x16 mode)
	1 x PCIe x16 slot (at x4 mode)
	2 x PCIe x1 slots
	1 x PCI slot
Multi-GPU support	Supports NVIDIA® 2-way SLI™ & ATI® quad-GPU CrossFireX™technology
Storage	2 x SATA 6Gb/s with EZ Backup and SuperSpeed functions
	6 x SATA 3Gb/s with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10
	1 x Power eSATA 3Gb/s
	1 x eSATA 3Gb/s
LAN	Gigabit LAN
Audio	8-channel high definition audio
IEEE 1394	2 x IEEE 1394a
USB	2 x USB 3.0
	12 x USB 2.0
Exclusive TUF Features	TUF ENGINEpower design
	- E.S.P. : Efficient Switching Power
	- TUF components: choke, capacitors and MOSFETs certified tomilitarystandards
	Ultimate COOLthermal solutions
	- CeraM!X Heatsink Coating Technology
	- ASUS Fan Xpert
	Safe & Stable Guardian Angel
	- MemOK!
Form Factor	ATX, 12 x 9.6 inches (30.5 x 24.4 centimeters)

Contact and price details:

Price: Rs.17,250/- (excluding taxes)

Contact: Mr. Vinay Shetty (ASUS India)

Phone: 022 – 67668800 / 18002090365

E-mail: reachus@asus.com

Website: www.asus.in

Warranty Period: 3 years

Transcend unveils 16GB USB flash drive with Swarovski Sapphire crystal at Rs. 3,650

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a global leader in storage and multimedia products, reportedly launched a new 16 GB version of its JetFlash V95C USB flash drives today. It is said to incorporate an interesting feature - a retractable USB connector. Also, it is coated with an attractive deep-gloss finish and decorated with the elegance of a genuine Swarovksi Sapphire crystal. This new model claims to represent a symbol of luxury, backed by cutting-edge technology.

Speaking on this auspicious occasion, Mr. Gordon Wu, Regional Head - South Asia, Transcend, has reportedly stated, “Although the 16GB JetFlash V95C is ultra compact, the USB flash drive is capable of storing up to 6552 still images (based on 5MP JPEG compression format) or 240 minutes of high-definition 1080p video. Each JetFlash V95C comes with a refined leather strap, making it a convenient yet fashionable way to backup, store and carry digital files.”

The JetFlash Elite management tools are available for free download from the Transcend's website to enhance the user's mobile productivity and allow him to get the most out of the JetFlash drive. Like its predecessors, the 16GB JetFlash V95C USB flash drive is said to be backed by Transcend's industry standard lifetime warranty. The JetFlash V95C is rated to offer up to 15MB/s transfer speeds and available in four storage avatars namely: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB.

Price and contact details:

Contact:

Supertron: 91-33-2213-1221/23;

Warranty: 3 years

Price: Rs. 3,650 (16GB)

Kodak PlaySport Jx3 [Review]

The PlaySport Zx3 brings a fresh look to the market of compact camcorders with its features like full HD capability, face detection and electronic face detection. If you are looking for a camcorder have a look at the PlaySport at some mall or shop before you buy any other brand.

The Kodak PlaySport Jx3 is a compact camcorder capable of recording HD videos at 1080p. The stylish looking PlaySport comes with a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor for video quality better than point and shoot cameras. It is simple to use and does not have many features, so it can be used to record videos without many settings and share with family and friends.



Package Contents:

• Kodak PlaySport camcorder


• Kodak Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery


• Adapter and cable for charging


• HDMI and AV cables


• Wrist strap


• User Guide


• Arcsoft Media Impression Software (on-camera)

The quality of cables and adapter is good.

Look and Feel:

The name PlaySport suits the camcorder as it looks stylish but at the same time is very sturdy. The front panel is clean white and the back panel comes in purple/blue/gray. Weighing at 128g (without battery) the PlaySport feels like a cell phone. It seems the PlaySport can take a few shocks due to accidental falls. It is comfortable to hold for those having medium sized hands as well as large hands.



The on/off switch located on the side is pretty smooth.There are buttons on the front panel for video shooting mode, playback, settings, and delete. There is also a 4 way navigation key with a center button. The buttons are hard but good. However, it is not easy to use the navigation keys as they need to be pressed really hard.



There is a flap with a snap lock for battery and memory card on one side and one for HDMI port and mini USB port on the other side. The flap is pretty sturdy with good hinges. The snap lock is easy to open but closing it might be annoying because of the snap lock system. The package contains a strap which can be attached at the lower end of the camcorder. It is good as you won't have to worry about your camcorder falling from your hands.



The 2-inch screen is small. A lot of space is wasted around the button area which could have been used for a larger screen. The lens at the back is on top left corner and does not have any external cover except a thin glass sheet.

Features:

The PlaySport is waterproof upto 3 metres which lets you shoot underwater. Also you don't have to worry about your camcorder getting wet in the rain or water splashing on it.



The Playsport has a 5 megapixel lens for still photos as well as video recording. The PlaySport records videos at 1080p at 30fps. There is an option to choose lower resolution. In one of the modes it can record 720p videos at 60fps. It also features a monoaural microphone for audio recording.



The PlaySport features 4x digital zoom. It also offers electronic image stabilization and face detection. The brightness of screen can be adjusted. It has a HDMI out to connect to a TV. Also there is a mini USB port for data transfer.



The internal memory is 128MB expandable upto 32GB using a SD/SDHC card. There are 3 modes to help recording in various light conditions.

Performance:

The PlaySport captures still photos at 5 megapixel with an aspect ratio of 16:9, which is good for a camcorder. The quality of photos is decent with good lighting. In poor light conditions the image quality is dissapointing. Also in poor light the screen seems to show a bright picture but when captured the photos are darker. Also there is no option to change the resolution. Camcorders like the Playsport are not meant for still photographs so we can't really complain about it. 

The Playsport lets you select yhe resolution at which you want to record videos. At 720p you can record at 30/60fps and at 1080p at 30fps. It supports recording at WVGA (848 x 480) at 30fps.The video performance was tested in 3 different conditions as follows: 

Bright lighting (Outdoor): 

The PlaySport is ideal for shooting outdoors. The quality of video in bright light is very good. The colours are crisp. One thing to keep in mind while using the PlaySport is to move it slowly. If moved fast an evident blur is seen. Also since it has a digital zoom it is advisable to avoid using it as it lowers the picture quality. 

Medium lighting (Indoor): 

The video quality indoors is not good. Noise is visible in the entire frame. Even at highest resolution the detail is not good. Playsport is not ideal for indoor use. 

Low lighting (Indoor with lights off): 

We did not expect much from this test but performed it just as an exercise. As expected the video quality is pathetic with noise all over. 

Underwater: 

Yes we tried using the PlaySport underwater, and it works really well. The sharpness is lost while shooting underwater but you cant expect it to perform like the professional cameras. Video quality is decent and water does not seep into any of the openings so no need to be worried about using it underwater or in moist conditions.

The audio quality is very good. The microphone is sensitive and picks up even low sounds while recording videos. 

The compression technique used is not very efficient , a one minute video recorded at 1080p takes up 90MB. Since a SD card is not supplied you will need to buy a 16GB card if you want to record HD video for around 3 hours. 

The Playsport is provided with 3 modes for shooting. These modes do not affect the quality of video. It actually affects the screen enabling you to see what you are shooting in various lighting conditions so that you dont have to worry about the glare while shooting outdoors.



The PlaySport has a settings button. The settings menu has icons for various settings and no description as to what it will do. This is very misleading as you do not know what you are doing. A description or at least the name of the icon would have been good.

Conclusion:

The MRP of PlaySport is Rs. 8,999. Kodak currently has an offer on, which retails the PlaySport for Rs 7,999. Also assuming a 16GB card costs aroung Rs. 2,500, the cost of owning the PlaySport shoots up to Rs 10,499. It is good to carry on picnics and treks as it is waterproof and easy to use. The PlaySport Zx3 brings a fresh look to the market of compact camcorders with its features like full HD capability, image stabilization and electronic face detection. If you are looking for a camcorder, have a look at the Kodak PlaySport before you buy any other brand.

Ratings

Features: 7

Performance: 7.5

Build Quality: 8

Value for Money: 6.5

Overall: 7

LePhone brings triple-SIM mobiles in India - multimedia smartphone for Rs. 4,990

The Indian cell-phone market is flooding with new dual SIM mobiles everyday. But LePhoneseems to believe in the mantra that 3 is better than 2. Which is why they have come up with a new cell phone which boasts three SIM card slots (2GSM + 1CDMA).



Named A10, the phone has a 2.2 inch display screen and is packed with sufficient features to be a decent smartphone. The device is equipped with features like an MP3 player, FM radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, GPRS, WAP, email and a 3.2MP camera with autoFocus, flash and video capture. The phone also boasts a 3D sound stereo speaker. Its battery rated at 850mAh and claims to be capable of providing 300 minutes (5 hours) of talk time and 150 hours of standby time. The triple SIM mobile phone has dual 900/1800 GSM connectivity on GSM and CDMA 1X with CDMA SIM.



The handset is currently available for Rs. 4,990 and can even be bought online from IndiaTimes.