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.

Samsung U28D590D Budget 4K

The Samsung U28D590D 28-inch Ultra brings 4K to the table (or your desk) at an affordable price. As screen technology goes, you do not get an IPS display for this money, but you do get a very colour accurate TN panel with a 60Hz refresh rate (when using the mDP connection). Older generation 4K displays only offered 30Hz which was fine for movie watching, but not that great for business/work use and abysmal for gaming. 

You can pick up the Samsung U28D590D here in the UK, or here in the USA (pre-order in the UK with a 1st May 2014 release date, in stock in the USA).

Sharp Bringing OS X-Compatibility to New 32" 4K Touchscreen Monitor

Sharp has announced that its 32" 4K touchscreen monitor will eventually have drivers for full OS X touchscreen support, reports Japanese site Mac Otakara. The display, which is aimed at the retail/commercial applications (PDF), sports a 3840x2160 IGZO LCD panel and includes a capacitative touch interface and pen support. Sharp demonstrated the display running off a Apple notebook at the CEATEC Japan trade show earlier this month...

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

Sony unveils 30-and 56-inch professional 4K OLED monitor prototypes

The 56-inch OLED TV Sony trotted out at CES may not be headed to the consumer market, but it is becoming a reality, at least in the professional sector. The company showcased a pair of 4K OLED prototypes at NAB 2013, outing a 4,096 x 2,160 30-inch model as well as a 3,840 x 2160 56-inch display. Both panels boast of wide viewing angles and low color shift, promising accurate signal reproduction for industry professionals working with 4K content. No word yet on pricing, but professionals can look forward to upgrading sometime in next year. Sony also announced a refresh for its existing line of professional OLED displays. The A series will replace seven older skus, again promising better viewing angles and color shift than the previous generation. Hit the break for the official press release, item skus, and a quick break down of what products the A series will be replacing.

Update: The 30-inch 4K OLED prototype is looking at a 2014 release date, while the A series monitors will be available in May.

[Source: Engadget]

Apple Thunderbolt Display Supplies Begin Running Short at Third-Party Resellers

One of the most significant changes likely to make an appearance in a redesigned Apple Thunderbolt Display is the adoption of the thinner profile and new display assembly process seen in the company's latest iMac. The current Apple Thunderbolt Display borrows heavily from the previous generations of the 27-inch iMac, and thus it seems reasonable to assume that some of the iMac design changes such as new lamination procedures to make the display thinner and more vibrant will make their way to the standalone display. 

But with that lamination process leading to shortages of the 27-inch displays used in the iMacs, an issue expected to persist until next month, Apple may hold off on introducing a new standalone display for the time being in order to prioritize the iMac. 

Other changes likely to appear in an updated display are a move to USB 3.0 ports, which have become standard on Mac products, and the inclusion of a MagSafe 2 port for charging Mac notebooks. The current Apple Thunderbolt Display still uses the original MagSafe design for power passthrough, with Apple bundling a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter to provide compatibility for owners of newer Mac notebooks.

[Source: MacRumors]

HP's Envy 27-inch IPS monitor with Beats Audio features high-quality sound, extremely long name

LAS VEGAS--A monitor's picture quality is its most important attribute, and sound quality (if it actually does sport speakers) rarely factors into the overall rating. That however may change once I get my hands on the HP Envy 27-inch IPS monitor with Beats Audio.

With the Envy 27-inch IPS monitor with Beats Audio, HP not only breaks the record for longest monitor name ever (to be honest, I didn't confirm that), but according to HP, it also marks the first time a standalone monitor has used Beats Audio.

The monitor's built-in speakers are angled upward and according to HP, deliver high-quality midrange and high frequencies as well as rich bass. Monitors with built-in sound don't usually deliver the highest quality sound, so I'm curious as to how this monitor's sound will be any different.

[Source: CNET - Click here to read the full story]

AOC's 23-inch IPS monitor almost skips the bezel, ships soon for $199

Close on the heels of its "virtually borderless" (when it's turned off) 27-inch IPS monitor, display maker AOC has come up with a smaller sibling to add to the family. The 23-incher, tagged the i2367fh, totes similar styling and specs -- IPS technology, a claimed 2mm bezel, 1920 x 1080 resolution with 50,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5ms response time and two HDMI ports. The off timer function its predecessor sported also remains. However the new model, which is part of a different series, can't boast of the same height-adjustable stand and 4-watt speakers, integrating a 2-watt pair instead. The monitor carries a $199 sticker, but you can snag it for 10 bucks lower on backorder from B&H Photo and Amazon -- stock is expected later this month.

[Source: Engadget]

10 Amazing Pet Gadgets that will Blow you Away

Here is a list of the top 10 gadgets for pet owners.
1. Global pet monitor
This device is a small collar-mounted piece of technology that utilises GPS software that not only keeps track of your pet’s whereabouts from your mobile phone, but also helps to deliver information such as health monitoring, activity level and external temperature.
2. Cat DJ scratching deck
Yes, you read correctly. This hilarious cat ‘scratching pad’ designed by Suck UK is a novelty item DJ turntable deck that comes with a carpet textured record that spins as your cat paws at it – ingenious.
3. Frobo pet bowl
Another great gadget, this bowl is specially designed to give your pet access to chilled water for up to eight hours. This product is great for long car journeys or if you’re used to preparing ice cubes to melt in your dog’s water bowl whilst you’re at work.
4. Electronic Nail file
Few dogs enjoy their nails being trimmed. This gadget is a lightweight, hand-held battery operated nail file for pets with long claws. It works by removing the thinner layers of your pet’s nails to leave a smooth and nicely finished result. Be careful with Frodo’s nails or you may need to consider some cheap RSPCA pet insurance as well.
5. Pawz dog boots
Reusable, waterproof and disposable, this range of dog boots are every dog owner’s must have item. Think of all the times you’ve walked your dog after it’s rained and the mud gets right into your dog’s paws and pads? These dog boots are your answer.
6. Video camera for pets
It’s a simple small camera device that attaches to your dog or cat’s neck so that as they wander around the house while you’re at work, you’re able to log online and see what they’re up to (or what they’re seeing).
7. Frolicat Bolt
This amusing gadget is an interactive toy for your cat or small dog. It’s a small tower device that shines a laser that moves randomly in many different directions, so that your cat or dog can chase it for hours and exercise while it plays.
8. A dog treadmill
Treadmills are proving very popular in the world of dog exercise. Think of all the time you’ll save being able to exercise your dog at home (but you’d better join a gym yourself to compensate). A treadmill will be easier on your dog’s joints instead of the hard tread of the streets.  It’s a known fact that well exercised dogs have less behaviour problems.
9. Glofish
Glofish are a novelty themselves. Bred originally to help scientists detect environmental pollutants, these little fish are fluorescent and retain their glow all times of the day. Imagine how cool they’d look in a tank with a black backdrop?
10. A laminating dog leash
While retractable dog leashes are great for allowing your dog a controlled amount of freedom to roam as they’re walked, imagine a retractable lead with a built-in torch for those long walks at night? At least you can see where Rover’s wandered off to.
[Sponsored Article]