Asus releases new Wireless router

by Nigel Yap

Asus has introduced the WL-500gP V2 multi-functional wireless router. This router is Vista ready, and includes innovative features like AiDisk for easy file sharing, EZQos bandwidth management, and UPnP media streaming. The WL-500gP V2 has passed the “Works with Vista” certificate, and ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity suitable for the demands of high-quality VoIP, video and online gaming functions.

The WL-500gP V2 supports the UPnP protocol and automatically searches and recognizes all digital media players in the network. This makes it easy to share music and video files stored through the WL-500gP V2 to any WiFi device via smooth streaming from the external hard drive to the digital media players.

The most unique function for WL-500gP V2 is AiDisk. AiDisk combines simple FTP settings with the ASUS DDNS service to share files with friends easily no matter when and where the user is. By simply utilizing the WL-500gP V2 with a USB hard disk, users will be able to create a mini FTP server at home and only requires them to setup an account and password and select the file they want to share.

Stay tuned for local availability and pricing. Read on for more.

The AiDisk has various functions that can help users save time and effort. Firstly, they can use the WL-500gP V2 as a way to transfer files stored on the external HDD to their notebooks / PCs. With this feature, users can be at a cafe, in a hotel or any other hotspot, and still access files stored at home. By utilizing AiDisk, they can download files to their notebooks by typing in their FTP address and access their files stored in that FTP. They can even log into AiDisk via PDA or smart phones when connecting to Internet.

Conversely, backing up important files to the home disk can be done instantly. Simply use AiDisk, and data like photos and music files can be easily backed up from the notebook, mobile phone, or another desktop to the WL-500gP V2 HDD.

Last but not least, with AiDisk, sharing files with friends can be done at home with very low power consumption, a small infrastructure cost, and persistently run 24/7. Friends and family members can download and upload files from the user’s home disk no matter where or when the are at.

The WL-500gP V2 is also able to prioritize your needs for Internet bandwidth. With Bandwidth-on-Demand, users can easily allocate bandwidth according to their individual needs by simply clicking on the buttons, such as voice or gaming, and assign more or less bandwidth to streamline streamlines multiple network activities (FTP, Games, P2P) to work smoothly at the same time.

Specifications

Hardware
Network standards	IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11d, IEEE802.3, 802.3u, 802.1X (security authentication), 802.11i – Ready (security WPA2), 802.11e – Ready (wireless QoS), IPv4, IPv6 – Ready
Operating Frequency	2.4 - 2.5 GHz
Data Rate	802.11g: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54Mbps 802.11b: 1, 2, 5.5, 11Mbps
Range	Indoor 130 ft (40 m), outdoor (LOS, Light-Of-Sight) 2000 ft (600 m) at 11Mbps* Indoor 80 ft (25 m), outdoor (LOS, Light-Of-Sight) 500 ft (150 m) at 54Mbps* *The range may vary by different environment
Output Power	802.11g: 15~19 dBm* 802.11b: 17~21 dBm* *At normal temp range
Sensitivity	-72~-74dBm @54Mbps* -85~-87dBm @11Mbps* -94~-96dBm @ 1Mbps* *At normal temp range
USB port	2 x USB 2.0
EZSetup button	Push for 5 seconds to setup SSID and WEP or WPA configuration with WSC compliant automatically
Reset button	Push for above 5 seconds to restore factory settings
DC Power Adapter	AC Input: 100V~240V(50~60HZ); DC Output: +5V with max. 2.5A current
Certification	CE / FCC / Telec / SRRC / DGT / MIC / C-tick / IDA / SIRIM / IC
Software
Wireless	802.11g / 802.11b Compliant
	Wi-Fi Security: Open System, Shared Key, 64/128-bit WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA-Auto-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, WPA2-Enterprise, Radius with 802.1x
	Wireless Bridge Mode: AP Only WDS Hybrid
	MAC Access Control: Control the access by the MAC address
	RADIUS Setting: Required in Radius with 802.1x, WPA, WPA2 mode
	Afterburner: With “Afterburner” technology, the WL-500gP V2 boosts wireless transfer speeds by 35% compared with those of standard device of 802.11g 54Mbps speed over the 2.4 GHz frequency band
	SSID Isolation: Support SSID hiding
	WMM: WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) support
	Wireless Separation: Prevent wireless clients from communicating with each other
	BroadRange: WL-500gP V2 adopts BroadRange technology to broaden coverage to 300% of 11g. The Extend Range WL-500gP V2 can connect to any wireless LAN cards with longer distance
USB Application	USB port support: USB storage FTP Server / Samba Server / DMS USB printer. LPRng
Bandwidth Management	Allow multiple network activities (FTP, Game, P2P…) to work smoothly at the same time
Network Management	Internet connection type: Automatic IP, Static IP, PPPoE (MPPE supported), PPTP, Bigpond Service
	Support UPnP IGD
	DHCP Server: Supports up to 253 IP addresses Changeable DHCP lease time, IP pool, domain name
	Support DNS Proxy
	Support NTP Client
	Support DDNS
	Smart Wizard browser-based administration: Managed from LAN and Internet Password Setting
	System Event Log
	Upgrade via Web Interface
	Save/Restore Configuration File

Kingston's new DT110 thumbdrives

by Nigel Yap

Kingston announced it is expanding its line of USB Flash drives with the introduction of the DataTraveler 110 (DT110) model. Designed for ultra-fast read/write speeds and lower price points, the DT110 drive is available in capacities up to 8GB. “The DT110 provides an economic way to transfer and transport data whenever and wherever you travel.” Dave Lee, Flash Memory Product Manager, APAC Region, Kingston.

The DT110 serves the needs of budget-conscious users as well as consumers looking for significant storage capacity in a lightweight, compact design. The DT110 features a capless, retractable USB connector for ease-of-use and safe housing and is available in different colors according to capacity: purple (1GB), blue (2GB), red (4GB) and green (8GB).

The Kingston DT110 is now available and are priced as follows;1GB at RM29.00, 2GB at RM46.00, 4GB at RM72.00, and 8GB at RM159.00. Read on for specifications.

Kingston DataTraveler 110 USB Drive Features and Specifications:

• Capacities1: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB

• Compliant: Designed to Hi-speed USB 2.0 specifications

• Practical: No cap to lose, USB connector protected within case

• Compatible Operating Systems: Windows Vista*, Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP (SP1 and SP2), Mac OS 10.2x and higher, Linux (2.6 and higher)

• Operating Temperature: 32º F to 140 º F (0 º C to 60 º C)

• Storage Temperature: -4º F to 185º F (-20º C to 85º C)

• Easy: Plug and play • Guaranteed: Five-year warranty

Bling Bluetooth headset from Motorola

by Nigel Yap

Feeling rich? Well, Motorola has teamed up with luxury custom mobile phone creator Alexander Amosu, to produce the world’s first real gold and diamond Bluetooth headset - the Diamond MOTOPURE H12. This extremely limited edition headset is the ultimate statement in luxury, made from 18K gold and featuring over 180 brilliant cut diamonds, a total of 3.47 carats. The headset is only available to custom order and comes with the choice between white or yellow 18k gold and with the added option to customise with white, pink or even black diamonds. The headset will come in a half loaded and fully loaded version priced at £4,000 (approximately RM27, 145) and £6,250 (approximately RM42, 414) respectively and will be initially available exclusively in Selfridges (London/Manchester) and Harvey Nicholls (London).

Google search on Nokias

Nokia has announced that Google's popular search engine will be integrated with the Nokia Search application. The integration will begin in select markets with the Nokia N96, Nokia N78, Nokia 6210 Navigator and Nokia 6220 classic. Google search will be extended to additional Nokia handset models in the future. Ultimately, Nokia will make Google search available to its customers in over 100 countries around the world, serving mobile owners speaking more than 40 languages.

Nokia Search, now with Google, offers fast and easy access to web information from the handset. In addition, Nokia Search also makes it possible for users to search content on their device and use local search engines for a complete search experience. Nokia Search is available on many devices and provides direct access with one click from the active standby screen, saving users time and steps in their searching. Once users have found the information they are seeking, Nokia Search enables users to act on that information by engaging device assets such as maps, messaging or the browser with just one click.

"Adding Google to Nokia Search provides mobile users with fast, relevant and comprehensive search experience that will be familiar to the people who use Google to search the web from their desktop," said Google's VP of Engineering and Products for Mobile Vic Gundotra. "Google search combined with the high quality applications on Nokia devices help make information available to Nokia device users wherever they are and provide an excellent overall experience."

New Samsung Phones Launched in WMC 2008

by Nigel Yap

Samsung has launched multiple lifestyle-focused handsets at World Mobile Congress 2008, led by the new Ultra Edition handset, “Soul”. The other phones launched include, the Samsung P960, Samsung G810, Samsung F400, Samsung F480 and the Samsung i780. Geesung Choi, President of Samsung’s Telecommunication Business, says: “Samsung has developed its mobile brand to offer consumers the best in design and quality. Now, we are ready to add wider choices of mobile phones to match every individual consumer’s need." Adds Choi: “Samsung will continue to offer consumers exciting mobile experiences through innovative technology and design. The product range at this year’s Mobile World Congress shows that we truly understand our customers and what they desire from their mobile handsets, both now and in the future. Read on for more. Meaning ‘the Sprit of Ultra', Soul is the completion of the Ultra Edition, which represents the pursuit of the perfect balance between looks and features. Slim and lightweight yet still boasting HSDPA connectivity and a 5-mega pixel camera, Soul demonstrates Samsung's leadership in both technology and design. Despite being only 12.9mm thin, it has professional photographic functions including a 5 mega-pixel camera with power LED, face detection, image stabilizer, and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) for advanced photography. 7.2 Mbps High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is supported for fast browsing and downloading. Enhanced music functions include music library navigation, and ICEpower® digital power amplifier technology by Bang & Olufsen. Magic Touch by DaCPTM enables simple and intuitive navigation of menus by changing the keypad functions depending on each user's needs. Besides Soul, Samsung G810 is the perfect device for those who want to have fully packed multimedia services without compromising mobility and portability. P960 is Samsung's latest DVB-H mobile TV phone, expected to launch around April For multimedia fans who enjoy a professional level of music and camera functionality, Samsung has following choices. F400 is the music-specialized mobile offering the best sound quality with ICEpower® digital power amplifier technology by Bang & Olufsen and a specially designed music navigation key. Beneath its unique dual-slider, there are also impressive hi-fi loud speakers. F480 is a 5 megapixel camera phone with full touch screen. Its sleek and trend-setting design is sure to give ultimate satisfaction to its users. For those who want stylish yet efficient products at work, i780 and many other smartphones based on open operating systems such as MS Windows Mobile, Linux and Symbian are ready to launch.

New Nokia phones unveiled

by Nigel Yap

Nokia has unveiled a new line up of converged devices and services that promote collaboration and sharing. The Nokia N96, Nokia N78, Nokia 6220 classic and Nokia 6210 Navigator all exhibit different location based and multimedia experiences from pedestrian navigation to geotagging and movie viewing to video and photo sharing. Nokia N96 is a multimedia computer truly optimized for video and TV. It comes with a large 2.8” screen, 16 gigabytes of internal memory and support for high-quality videos in a wide range of formats. Nokia N78 is a multimedia computer that combines music, navigation and photography with the benefits of mobility. The Nokia 6220 classic is a full-featured device that combines a 5 megapixel camera with A-GPS functionality to give new meaning to the phrase “to share”. Finally the Nokia 6210 Navigator is the company’s first GPS-enabled mobile device with an integrated compass for pedestrian guidance. The Nokia 6210 Navigator comes with Nokia Maps 2.0, also announced today, and includes full voice and visual turn by turn guidance at no extra cost. The N96, 6220 Classic and 6220 Navigator are expected to ship during the 3rd quarter of this year while the N78 is expected to ship sometime in the 2nd quarter. Stay tuned for pricing and availability once they come out.

Nvidia releases APX 2500

Nvidia has released the NVIDIA APX 2500, an applications processor that enables intuitive 3D user interfaces and engaging high-definition video on connected Windows Mobile phones. The APX 2500 applications processor delivers 10 hours of 720p HD playback—an industry first for video quality and power consumption on a mobile device, as well as stunning HD camcorder and ultra-high-resolution photo imaging capabilities.

"This is the dawn of the second personal computer revolution," said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA. "Technologies are converging in amazing mobile devices, that have all of the rich, visual capabilities of a modern PC—from watching movies and making video calls to surfing the web and playing 3D games. The APX 2500 combined with Microsoft Windows Mobile, will make the next generation of smartphones our most personal computer."

NVIDIA has worked closely with Microsoft on the development of APX 2500, marking a significant milestone in a long-term relationship that has seen the companies share a passion for making interaction with technology more visual and instinctive across multiple platforms. The combined engineering efforts of the two companies will ensure that next generation versions of the Windows Mobile operating system will harness the capabilities of the APX 2500 applications processor across challenging multimedia use cases.

Read on for more info.

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor, which is the culmination of 800 man years of engineering, delivers:

• The industry's first HD (720p) playback and capture capability for handheld devices.
• A new ultra-low-power (ULP) GeForce® core that is fully OpenGL ES 2.0 and Microsoft Direct3D® Mobile compliant and the lowest power 3D hardware solution available for acceleration of intuitive 3D user interfaces.
• NVIDIA nPower^TM technology, enabling over 10 hours of high-definition video playback and up to 100 hours of audio-more than four times the audio playback of the latest touch-screen phones.
• The connectivity and media acceleration technologies required to enable the latest Web 2.0 applications, from effortless web browsing and social networking to GPS and mapping applications.

The NVIDIA APX 2500 applications processor is sampling today with key customers and will enter into full production by the end of Q2 2008.