AOC goes ultra-sharp with 28ʺ Ultra HD monitor

Amsterdam, 27 May 2014 – The trends in the monitor market go to larger screen sizes and higher resolutions. AOC now combines both of these trends: With the u2868Pqu, the display specialist launches a 28ʺ (71.1 cm) monitor with the stunningly high Ultra HD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels at a 60 Hz refresh rate. Equipped with DisplayPort, HDMI (MHL) and USB 3.0 connectors, the sophisticated display also comes with full ergonomics to meet the high standards of professionals and demanding home users alike – at a surprisingly low price.

Ultra HD: See every detail
CAD/CAM professionals, architects, engineers and power users at home – all will benefit from the finely detailed pictures delivered by the u2868Pqu’s latest TN panel technology. Thanks to the Real 8-bit +FRC arrangement, more than a billion colours can be produced. With the Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160), over 8.29 million pixels are displayed in a 16:9 aspect, equalling four times the pixel amount of Full HD panels. The 28ʺ model delivers UHD resolution with a refresh rate of full 60 Hz. With a pixel response time of 1 ms only, the u2868Pqu is even perfect for working on or watching fast-paced action video clips or enjoying games. Delivering a luminosity of 300 cd/m², the UHD model is well-suited for desks with bright ambient light. The picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture functions allow watching images simultaneously from different signal sources, such as (4K) Blu-ray players or PCs.

Ultra convenient
The u2868Pqu boasts a classic design with a finely texturised surface in black. For full ergonomic flexibility, the bezel offers an intelligent cable management, tilt, swivel and pivot (90° rotation) functions as well as height adjustability of 130 mm – adjusting the monitor to individual users results in reduced eye and posture fatigue. The monitor is capable of receiving signals via its DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and D-Sub connectors. For Android enthusiasts, the HDMI connector also offers MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) connectivity to directly mirror smartphone and tablet screens onto the big screen. In addition, AOC equips the display with four USB ports, two each of the 2.0 and 3.0 standard, as well as a set of integrated 3 W speakers. The monitor can be fixed on VESA compliant wall mounts and racks.

AOC offers a 3 year warranty with on-site exchange service for the u2868Pqu. The Ultra HD monitor is available as of now at an MSRP of £ 499.

Apple's 'iWatch' Said to Arrive in October 2014 with Wireless Charging

According to Chinese site C Technology, Apple is planning to release its long-rumored iWatch alongside the next iPhone in October 2014, with the company having tested two iWatch prototypes. However, the report also states that Apple has not decided on the final screen size of the device, with the prototype units being powered by a 100 mAh battery. The iWatch is also said to include wireless charging capabilities which will allow the device to charge from up to a meter away...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

Pebble Smart Watch Adds Support for All iOS 7 Notifications, New Developer SDK and APIs

Pebble today announced a significant update to its smart watch that allows any Notification Center alert to be pushed directly to the watch, a big improvement from the prior version which only allowed some notifications like calls and text messages to be sent.

Now, any iOS 7 notification -- whether from Facebook, Google Maps, Calendar or any other app -- will appear directly on the Pebble Smart Watch. The company also announced the next major version of the Pebble SDK for developers, including new APIs for Javascript, the accelerometer, data logging and persistent storage...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

Possible iPhone 5C casing endures damage tests

The rear plastic backing that may or may not belong to Apple's next iPhone is already being tested for durability, weeks before the device is expected to debut.

Taiwan-based news site Apple Daily (via MacRumors) posted on Wednesday a brief video showing a blue plastic version -- which looks much like others that have made the rounds in recent days -- undergoing damage from metal objects. That includes being thrown into a plastic bag and shaken with keys and pocket change, as well as being aggressively scratched with a car key...

Read the full story here... Source: CNET

Sony SmartWatch 2 apparently shipping starting with the week of July 15 in the UK

Sony’s recently announced SmartWatch 2 is apparently going to arrive in stock with Clove starting with July 15, according to the UK retailer.

The device is already available for pre-order with Clove, which basically said in a blog post that it will ship the first units as soon as they arrive.

Furthermore, Clove’s pre-order page now lists the new smartwatch for £120 (VAT included) or around $181, and has shipping pegged down to the “week commencing 15th July.”

That’s certainly surprising considering that Sony said in the official SmartWatch 2 press release that the device will ship at some point in September.

Not long after it was made official, the device was confirmed to arrive in France also in September, where it would cost €199, or around $258. From the looks of it, UK buyers interested in smartwatches are definitely getting a better deal, and an earlier ship date.

The Sony SmartWatch 2 sold by Clove will come with a black leather wristband in the box. As for the other features of the device, here’s what you can expect:

  • Splash proof (Not suitable for showering, bathing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, water related work or fishing)
  • Easy calling
  • NFC capabilities
  • Versatile accessory ideal for the active person
  • Connects via Bluetooth to your compatible device
  • Transmits key information from the mobile device to the SmartWatch without the need to touch the phone itself
  • Can be clipped to clothing, bags or worn on the wrist
  • More applications being developed at all times to give greater personalization and functionality

Source: Android Authority

Apple Has Also Filed for an 'iWatch' Trademark in Japan

Bloomberg reports that Apple has filed for a trademark for the term 'iWatch' in Japan:

 The maker of iPhones is seeking protection for the name which is categorized as being for products including a handheld computer or watch device, according to a June 3 filing with the Japan Patent Office that was made public last week.

'iWatch' is one of the possible names for the long-rumored Apple wristwatch that has generated increasing buzz over the past year. 

The filing actually represents the second 'iWatch' trademark filing discovered from Apple. The first report of the 'iWatch' trademark came from Russia, also on June 3rd. 

Bloomberg repeats its February claim that Apple has a team of about 100 product designers working on a wristwatch computer. The most recent reports have suggested we won't see the Apple watch until late 2014 and that the watch will feature biometrics as a key feature, allowing for increased security and opening the door to broader health-related applications.

Source: Mac Rumours

 

B&O Play H3, H6 headphones debut stateside: danish design, premium prices

It was just last month that Bang & Olufsen unveiled the H3 and H6 headphones under its cheaper-to-enter B&0 Play brand for the EU. Today, B&O introduced these two dapper additions stateside, announcing them at its SoHo NY shop.

If you'll recall, the aluminum-clad H3 in-ears pack 10.3mm drivers aided by mini bass ports, while the H6 over-ears feature 40mm drivers and a healthy heaping of leather-wrapped memory foam padding. Both have an iOS-friendly inline remote and a straight 3.5mm ended cabling.

We spent some time with the H6 and we're surprised at how light it is -- which also made for an extremely comfortable first impression when it was placed around this editor's ears.

The sound from the H6's drivers is crispy and light with a fairly flat voicing that's free of any noticeable sibilance. A 3.5mm input resides on each of its earcups, which allows for daisy-chaining so you can listen with a buddy. Expect to pay $250 for the H3 and $400 for the H6 come July, which is a bit pricier than the likes of B&W's P3 and P5 headphones.

Source: Engadget