Archive for February, 2019

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ASUS Announces The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 28, 2019 by itnerd

ASUS today announced the next-generation ASUS Chromebook Flip C434, a slim and powerful 14-inch laptop that takes convertible Chromebook design to the next level. Its stylish contemporary looks, compact portability and powerful specifications are all designed to let users get things done with no fuss, all day and every day.

ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is powered the latest Intel Core processors and up to 8GB of RAM, and features up to 128GB of storage with 2TB microSD expansion capabilities. Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) ensures a reliable and stable connection everywhere, with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for accessories. Stereo speakers deliver powerful immersive sound, and there are two USB Type-C (USB-C) ports, as well as a standard USB Type-A port for peripherals. The USB-C ports support data transfer, external displays and power delivery. The long-lasting 48Wh battery runs for up to 10 hours on a charge, reducing the need to search for power outlets.

The versatile and lightweight all-metal design — featuring a new four-sided NanoEdge display with ultraslim bezels and an incredible 87% screen-to-body ratio — makes it ideal for anyone who works on-the-go or at a variety of different locations, and the unique 360° ErgoLift hinge automatically tilts the keyboard to allow users to work in supreme comfort.

 

The Best Just Got Better

The new ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 builds on the strengths of its predecessor to offer superb functionality combined with rock-solid security. The Chrome OS operating system provides the speed, simplicity and security that’s paramount for multitasking work, education or entertainment, with support for millions of Android applications in every imaginable genre available on the Google Play Store. ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 features up to a powerful Intel Core i7-8500Y processor and up to 8GB RAM keep things running smoothly at all times.

Chrome OS leverages the power of the cloud, but also has full offline capabilities that make it easy to work on long flights or in locations without Wi-Fi. With up to 128GB of storage, ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 has plenty of room for all the user’s favorite apps, documents and media files, and up to 2TB of expansion can be instantly added via the microSD slot.

 

Ultra-compact, ultra-stylish

ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is styled for today, with a precision-crafted all-aluminum chassis finished with elegant diamond-cut anodized edges. Its refined looks are the perfect match for those who appreciate on-the-go versatility combined with peerless design.

Designed to deliver the most screen area in the least physical space, the new four-sided NanoEdge 14-inch display makes any visuals more immersive, with less distraction. The ultraslim bezels are just 5mm thin at the sides for a near-borderless experience, and the crisp, clear, high-resolution screen creates a beautiful creative workplace.

 

Precision-engineered versatility

The best ultraportable laptop deserves an exceptional keyboard. ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 has a full-size backlit keyboard with an impressive 1.4mm key travel, making typing more comfortable and more accurate. The large touchpad is cleverly engineered for maximum comfort, accuracy and smooth control.

Featuring a precision-engineered mechanism, the versatile 360° ErgoLift hinge on ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 has a silky-smooth action that holds the display securely at any angle, allowing it to be instantly flipped for work in laptop mode, presenting slides in stand mode, sharing content in tent mode, watching a movie in tablet mode — or anything in between.

The innovative hinge also has a dual action that lifts and tilts the keyboard into the perfect typing position when the display is rotated into laptop mode. It also helps enhance the powerful audio, by creating extra resonant space underneath the laptop.

 

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 will be available in Canada in April. Please contact your local ASUS representative for more information.

Wi-Fi 5is the new official designation for 802.11ac, as defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance. For more information, see https://www.wi-fi.org/news-events/newsroom/wi-fi-alliance-introduces-wi-fi-6

 

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ASUS Republic Of Gamers Announces First-Ever Global Partnership For All ESL One Powered By Intel Events In 2019

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 28, 2019 by itnerd

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that it has been named the Official PC and Monitor Partner for all ESL One powered by Intel events through 2019. This marks the first time that ROG has joined forces with ESL for a global partnership as the official sponsor of large-scale international esports tournaments. ESL One is one of ESL’s global flagship circuits that features esports competitions in some of the most popular game titles, including Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Dota 2. ESL One events take place in venues all over the world, with ESL One Katowice 2019 kicking off the year-long partnership this week in Katowice, Poland, from February 22-24. There will be five additional events in various countries across the globe throughout the course of the partnership.

ESL will thoroughly integrate ROG technology into its high-profile international esports competitions. Throughout the partnership, gameplay will be powered by ROG products during competition, and in addition, the analyst desks will be equipped with the latest ROG Strix Hero II and SCAR II laptops. ROG will also supply products for the ESL back office to ensure a seamless production experience for fans, while also having an active on-site presence at each ESL One venue. Products will be updated as new products are released.

The flagship global circuit, ESL One, returns to the legendary Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, for the second consecutive year. Throughout the event, 12 of the world’s best Dota 2 teams will battle it out for the coveted ESL One trophy, as well as a lion’s share of the US$300,000 prize pool.

Following ESL One Katowice, the next tournament will take place in Mumbai, and will be one of the first major esports events in India. At ESL One Mumbai 2019, 12 teams will compete through Dota 2 competition for a piece of the US$300,000 prize pool. The event will be held at the NSCI Dome, from April 19 to 21, 2019.

For more information about ESL One powered by Intel, visit the official tournament website and follow ESL on Twitter and Facebook.

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ASUS Announces ROG Strix, ASUS Dual & Phoenix GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Gaming Graphics Cards

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 28, 2019 by itnerd

ASUS today announced four new flavours of the GeForceGTX 1660 Ti graphics card, spanning the ROG Strix, ASUS Dual and Phoenix product lines. This new chipset leverages the unbridled essence of the Turing architecture, making it ideal for gamers seeking an uptick in performance on a budget. The proposition pairs perfectly with the slew of recent monitor offerings that are pushing high refresh rates and low response times at 1080p and 1440p. It’s a great time to be a competitive gamer.

 

Peak Performance

Designed for competitive gamers that want peak performance for a given chipset, the ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 has a powerful cooling setup that keeps temperatures under tight control no matter how hard you play. The Strix heat spreader is manufactured with MaxContact technology, creating a super-smooth contact surface that efficiently transfers thermal energy from the GPU die. Heat is then wicked into a large sink topped by new fans that feature the new Axial-tech design, which delivers improved static pressure and lower noise.  The card also benefits from Auto-Extreme Technology and a reinforced frame that both enhance durability, one via an automated manufacturing process and the other through physical strength. With the speed and reliability of the Strix 1660 Ti on your side, you’re sure to grace the top of leaderboards in no time.

 

Never Stop Gaming

The Dual and Phoenix GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics cards are both designed for nonstop gaming performance, each with different features to bring more choice to customers. The Dual 1660 Ti rocks two fans with IP5X dust resistance for powerful cooling and consistent performance. The Phoenix 1660 Ti is smaller, with a single fan, perfect for chassis with limited space. It leverages our patented Wing-blade fan design to produce ample performance despite its diminutive size. Both cards are manufactured using Auto-Extreme technology, which ensures industry-leading reliability for those epic gaming sessions.

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Mission Workshop Reinvents The Waist Pack With New Axis VX

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 28, 2019 by itnerd

The Axis: VX improves upon Mission Workshop’s weatherproof waist pack with a new main body constructed from Dimension Polyant VX-21 fabric and an upgraded one-handed magnetic buckle.

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Introduced in 2018, the Axis has proven to be a popular platform for cyclist and travelers. The Axis VX carries over the compact size and ultra-thin wait belt, along with the Arkiv-compatible construction, allowing the Axis to be attached to larger packs with the waist belt stowed for travel.

Equally at home on the dirt or in the streets, the minimal silhouette is free from adornments to snag on clothing or trailside obstacles, while the 2.5L volume is optimal for carrying everyday essentials. The Axis VX stands out amongst waist packs with Arkiv compatibility allowing it to piggyback on larger Mission Workshop packs with Arkiv Rails, making it an ideal travel companion for adventures on two wheels or afoot.

The upgrade to rugged, weatherproof VX-21 fabric removes weight from the pack while simultaneously adding durability. Additionally, the Axis VX features a Fidlock magnetic buckle, which allows for easy one-handed removal.

Made by hand in small batches in the USA. Built to endure. Guaranteed Forever

Specs:

  • Dimension Polyant VX-21 Main Body Fabric
  • Fidlock magnetic buckle
  • Laser cut Arkiv compatible back panel with adjustable hideaway waist strap
  • Coated YKK zipper with kissing flap construction for added weather resistance
  • Floating internal lining for weather resistance.
  • Hidden U-lock carry loop
  • Internal zippered organization pocket for keys, phone, and wallet
  • Dimensions: 5”x10.25”x3.4”
  • Internal volume: 2.5L
  • MSRP $140

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Guest Post: Flipsy Discusses The 5 Things To Do Before You Buy A Galaxy S10

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2019 by itnerd

Flipsy.com has some tips about what people should do before they buy the new Galaxy S10.

  1. Compare wireless plans. It’s easy to get excited about Galaxy S10 discounts, but it’s important to understand exactly what the terms are before you commit to a wireless carrier. Ask questions like:
  • How much data does the plan offer? What are the penalties for going over?
  • How long am I locked in to this contract? Can I pay it off early? Are there early termination fees?
  • Is it better to buy on a monthly installment plan or pay for the phone upfront?
  • Will I get coverage everywhere I need it? At home, work and school, and everywhere in between?
  • Can I get a better deal somewhere else? Should I explore MVNOs, which use major carrier towers but might offer reduced rates? What about a service like Google Fi?

When the average unlimited wireless plan costs $80 per month, it pays to compare your options.

  1. Compare trade-in offers. Wireless carriers will trade in old phones, but you can get an average of 30% more by selling to an online buyback store. Benefits include:
  • Cash payouts that can be spent anywhere and even help offset some of the cost of a new phone (versus carrier credit)
  • Fast payouts submitted within 3 business days (versus carrier payouts applied as bill credit over several months)
  • Convenient and guaranteed sales (versus waiting indefinitely for a buyer on eBay or Swappa)
  • Free shipping

Flipsy instantly compares buyback offers from more than a dozen Trust Verified Stores so you can see at-a-glance who is currently paying more for any phone. You can see how it works here: https://flipsy.com/sell/Samsung-Galaxy-S9-Plus?carrier=Verizon

  1. Lock in a high price. If you’re selling your old phone, take advantage of price locks to beat the inevitable price drops that will occur once the Galaxy S10 is available (15 to 40%). Price locks:
  • Let you lock in a high price now
  • Sell up to 30 days later at that price no matter how much values drop in the interim
  • Do not obligate you to sell
  • Let you keep your phone until you get the new Galaxy S10 – without losing any money

Flipsy shows which companies offer price locks, and for how long.

  1. Protect your data. Make a backup of your data so it can be transferred to your new Galaxy S10. Then, completely erase data from your old phone to:
  • Protect against identity theft and access to financial accounts
  • Keep prying eyes away from personal photos, videos and social media accounts
  • Make it easy to sell your old phone when you’re ready

You should also turn off any phone tracking services and reset your phone to factory settings.

  1. Protect your new phone. You can do this at the same time you buy your Galaxy S10. Get a good screen protector and case to keep your Galaxy S10 scratch-free and protect it from drops and other damage. It’s the best way to keep your phone in good condition so you can later maximize its trade-in value, which will help offset the cost of your next phone.

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HP’s 2019 Megatrends Report Is Out

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 26, 2019 by itnerd

HP today launched its 2019 Megatrends Report which explores global, technological, economic and social currents that are influencing how people will live and work around the world. The report delves into a wide array of topics including income trends, urbanization’s impact on these trends, the resulting rise of new metro-based economic powerhouses, and the role of automation and education in meeting labor market challenges driving changing demographics and growing economies.

Additional research explores how increasing incomes are putting a strain on our energy resources and what role technologies such as 3D printing, Software 2.0 and Edge Computing could play in helping to drive to greater efficiencies benefiting customers, industries, and the planet. Below, you’ll find some of the topline themes and disruptive technologies that are addressed in the findings.

Disruptive Technologies

  • Ultra-Efficient Compute Architectures
  • Software 2.0
  • Virtual Machines

Themes:

  • Growing Incomes and Rising Inequality
  • Rise of Asia
  • Jobs and Labor
  • Education and Reskilling
  • Energy and Sustainability
  • Cloud to the Edge

For further information on the 2019 Megatrends Report, visit HP’s blog post.

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Teksavvy TV Launching In Ottawa

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 26, 2019 by itnerd

TekSavvy and its affiliate cable company Hastings Cable Vision announced today the launch of its IPTV service, TekSavvy TV, in the Ottawa region of Ontario. TekSavvy TV will offer customers access to over 100 HD channels of sports, movies, series and kids programming including video-on-demand content from selected TV channels.

TSTV-for-web-media

Customers in Ottawa who wish to order can sign-up through TekSavvy’s MyAccount portal at myaccount.teksavvy.com. TekSavvy TV is currently available as an app for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire Stick. Customers can start with TekSavvy TV Basic at $20.00 per month and then add additional theme packages ranging in price from $6.00 to $20.00 per month to get more channels of live sports, premium series, and blockbuster movies. TekSavvy TV requires a TekSavvy residential Internet subscription with a minimum download speed of 15 Mbps.

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Review: ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE

Posted in Products with tags on February 25, 2019 by itnerd

I am reviewing a very unique laptop. Before I show you the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 UX580GE, let me talk about what’s under the hood first. 

Those are some stout specs that allow you to do anything from serious game play to video editing. But that’s not the star of the show here. This is:

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This trackpad doubles as a second screen. Dubbed the ScreenPad, it’s a trackpad that doubles as a second screen that does HD resolution. You can create shortcuts and add compatible apps that are tailored for the ScreenPad to increase your productivity. ScreenPad apps are easy to find as all you have to do is to enter the term “ScreenPad” into the Microsoft Store search bar to find them. And you can switch between the second screen mode and the ScreenPad app mode by pressing the Fn-F6 key combination.

At 4.1 pounds, the ZenBook Pro is comfortably light for a 15-inch laptop and feels like a quality product. Plus it is very thin. The weight is even more impressive when you consider that Asus managed to cram in two cooling fans and three heat pipes to deal with all the heat that the powerful CPU and GPU generate. I was impressed with that when I ran the Zwift virtual cycling platform at 4K resolution with just over 65 FPS. While the ZenBook did get on the loud side due the fans spinning up, I never suffered any performance issues while riding on Zwift.

The display is gorgeous. Its 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) resolution and glossy finish results in brilliant colors, made even more brilliant by Pantone color calibration and a blue-light reduction feature. As a result of the blue-light reduction, the default color temperature is much warmer than other 4K displays I’ve used recently.

The keyboard on the ZenBook Pro is comfortable. It’s backlit, too, and it sports a convenient vertical row of Home, Page Up, Page Down, and End keys. Even better, Asus arranged the directional arrow keys in an inverted-T shape, which is more intuitive than a row. A fingerprint reader is at the keyboard’s bottom right edge. Sound from the downward-firing, Harman Kardon-tuned speakers is adequate and room-filling. It’s not the best that I’ve heard, but I doubt it make you complain.

Downsides? There were two in my testing:

  • The camera’s VGA quality leaves a lot to be desired. Images and video are quite grainy, even in a well-lit room, and the laptop features no IR sensors to allow you to log in to Windows using face recognition.
  • They way that ASUS implements Bluetooth also leaves a lot to be desired. I ran into problems with three or more Bluetooth sensors staying connected to the laptop when I tested it with Zwift. It was the same experience that I ran into when I reviewed this ASUS laptop not too long ago. While I will admit that this is an edge case as most who buy one of these laptops will not be using it for Zwift and connecting that many Bluetooth devices, there are other laptops that I have tested that have no problem with this use case. Thus ASUS should really look into this.

But here’s the bottom line. At just under $3000 at Amazon, it undercuts the MacBook Pro released last summer with a similar processor. That alone makes this ZenBook Pro a winner. The ScreenPad is a bonus that may make it a priority test drive at your local ASUS dealer.

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Huawei Joins The Foldable Phone Party With The Mate X

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 24, 2019 by itnerd

Huawei clearly had time to come up with new products rather than deal with their spying issues as today they unveiled their own foldable smartphone at Mobile World Congress, the Huawei Mate X. It’s a straight shot at Samsung’s Galaxy Fold and early reports say that it is better than the Galaxy Fold and way more expensive. The Mate X uses what Huawei calls a “Falcon Wing” design with a stretchable hinge that allows the smartphone to transform from a 6.6-inch OLED smartphone to an 8-inch OLED tablet. Also the display is visible on both the front and back of the device when collapsed down to smartphone view. So compared to the Galaxy Fold it has more screen real estate. The camera system includes a 40-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 16-megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and an 8 megapixel telephoto lens. There’s also a fourth camera that will be activated later. Whatever that means.

One key feature is that it comes with a 5G modem which is a big jump over the foldable phone from Samsung. A fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power switch for biometric authentication purposes, it has a 55W SuperCharge feature that lets the included 4,500mAh battery charge to 85 percent within 30 minutes.

You can score one in April for a mere $2600 USD. Affordable this is not. Check out this video from Engadget of the phone:

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Facebook Shelves Data Slurping VPN….. Not That It Means Much

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 22, 2019 by itnerd

Remember that data slurping VPN that Facebook engineered? The one that got kicked off the iOS platform? The one that Facebook decided to use some underhanded tactics to keep it alive and in use on iOS before Apple took them down again? Well, Facebook has decided to shelve it:

Facebook will end its unpaid market research programs and proactively take its Onavo VPN app off the Google Play store in the wake of backlash following TechCrunch’s investigation about Onavo code being used in a Facebook Research app the sucked up data about teens. The Onavo Protect app will eventually shut down, and will immediately cease pulling in data from users for market research though it will continue operating as a Virtual Private Network in the short-term to allow users to find a replacement. Facebook has also ceased to recruit new users for the Facebook Research app that still runs on Android but was forced off of iOS by Apple after we reported on how it violated Apple’s Enterprise Certificate program for employee-only apps. Existing Facebook Research app studies will continue to run, though.

This really doesn’t mean anything as this is simply damage control by Facebook. What really needs to happen is that Facebook needs to be severely punished for this sort of bad behavior. For example, governments worldwide need to severely restrict their activities. They need to be fined heavily, as in into the billions of dollars. Or, if I were Tim Cook, I would simply send out an iOS update that would stop Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and whatever else that Facebook has out there from working simply to send a message that Facebook’s behavior is unacceptable. Those are the sorts of things that will force Facebook to behave.

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