Turtle Beach, the leader in games audio, is announcing a new two-year partnership agreement with Activision Publishing, Inc. involving the blockbuster Call of Duty video game franchise. As part of the agreement, Turtle Beach is unveiling a new line of limited edition headsets optimized for the highly-anticipated Call of Duty: Ghosts, the all-new title in development by famed studio, Infinity Ward.

The ultimate accessory for franchise fans, the new headsets will feature Call of Duty: Ghosts branding, premium finishes and bonus content developed in collaboration with the game's developers, including voice prompts and audio presets. As part of the agreement, Turtle Beach will also create Call of Duty co-branded headsets and related accessories. The new line will be previewed at Turtle Beach's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) booth --Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall #2023 -- from June 11- 13, 2013.

Addonics Technologies today announced the Addonics Cipher RAID Rack and the Cipher RAID Tower, two RAID Storage solutions with AES 256-bit hardware encryption for high capacity storage. Both products are ideal for securing large volumes of sensitive information, data archiving or video recording. The Addonics 1U Cipher RAID Rack is designed to accommodate up to four 3.5" SATA hard drives in a 1U Rack mount chassis. The Cipher RAID Tower accommodates up to five 3.5" SATA hard drives in a 4-bay lightweight sturdy aluminum chassis for easy transportation.

Both units, which are operating system independent, connect to systems via a single eSATA or USB cable to a USB 3.0 or 2.0 port. Both Cipher RAID storage solutions come integrated with bullet proof, highly secure AES 256-bit full disk hardware encryption that is simple to use. There is no software to install or special training required. The encryption and description are activated by a simple insertion of a cipher key, similar to opening a door with a key. The FIPS certified hardware crypto engine integrated inside the Cipher RAID Tower ensures maximum performance of the hard drive. Data is encrypted and decrypted on all drives simultaneously on the fly, totally transparent to the user.

Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. AMD won Best Merchandising Campaign for its unique "Never Settle" graphics marketing program, and John Torres, Sales Account Manager at AMD, was awarded an EggXellence Award for outstanding individual contribution to the business.

"This award underscores our commitment to delivering the best experience for our customers through highly acclaimed merchandising programs," said Roy Taylor, corporate vice president, AMD Channel Sales. "The 'Never Settle' campaign is the natural outcome of a company committed to technical excellence."

Genius today announces the Gila professional gaming mouse, a 2013 CES Innovations Award Honoree, to the North American market. Offering unparalleled precision and comfort, the Genius GX Gaming Series Gila is the ultimate configurable gaming mouse. With the 12-button Gila almost every aspect can be tweaked according to gamers' preferences: on-the-fly dpi changes, weight, LED brightness, pulsation and color as well as macros for a personalized playing style.

Precision Control with Sniper Mode and On-The-Fly Adjustable Dpi: 200 to 8200
The Gila packs features for gamers that need to excel. For situations that require pixel perfect precision "Sniper Mode" slows down mouse movements to a dpi of your choice by simply holding down the assigned button.

Big tradeshows such as the International CES are often used as a benchmark to gauge which areas of consumer-technology are faring better than the other. Industry analyst DigiTimes observed that PC is riding the CES bus on an uncomfortable backseat, which is an indication that the year could be difficult for the PC industry in general.

According to the analyst, although PC makers are aggressively promoting their Windows 8 creations - notebooks, desktops, and dockable tablets, - TV, living-room web-enablement, is attracting the most attention. Why this spells a bad news to PC makers is that with web-browsing being the most popular PC usage activity, no longer needing a PC, and doing so on web-enabled TVs could pose a disruptive innovation for the PC. Also, the theme for 2013, with PC makers appears to be more of cutting prices, instead of new innovations.Source: DigiTimes

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) today announced the rapid growth of certified DisplayPort products during 2012. Over the last twelve months, the number of certified DisplayPort products increased by 80 percent, further establishing the DisplayPort ecosystem as planned by the personal computer industry to increase display and system performance.

During 2012, DisplayPort certifications have increased across all device categories and have expanded into new categories. Certification in computer monitors has grown 95 percent, projectors 100 percent, and graphics cards 18 percent, and there was a 20 percent increase in cable products. New categories experiencing certification growth include handheld devices, notebooks and adaptors. With the introduction of MyDP (Mobility DisplayPort) the DisplayPort ecosystem has been further extended into the tablet and smartphone market.

Mushkin's Scorpion line of PCI-Express SSDs, which made for good show at last year's CES, made a comeback with this year's, albeit with a design overhaul. To begin with, while last year's Scorpion featured a PCI-Express 2.0 x4 host interface, this year's Scorpion uses a newer controller, with double the host interface bandwidth, at PCI-Express 2.0 x8. Also, this year's Scorpion shows traces that are designed to hold capacitors that can keep the SSD running for a few seconds, just enough to "gracefully" shut it down in case of a power-failure, and safeguard data. The new Scorpion also appears to use an auxiliary SATA power input. Aside from these, the new Scorpion appears to use the same SandForce SF-2281 based SSD subunits as last year's drive (which is pictured at the far-right, below).

Mushkin, Inc., an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance and mission-critical computer products, announced today at CES 2013 that its new line of memory modules, code named Stealth, are scheduled for worldwide release mid-February. The new family of modules includes high-performance specifications for professional s and tech enthusiasts who want the best possible computing experience.

"Along with this latest product line announcement, we're excited to announce that Mushkin has partnered with Meteor Entertainment's highly-anticipated video game HAWKEN to celebrate this launch," said Nicolas Villalobos, Head of Global Marketing at Mushkin Inc. "Starting in January 2013, gaming fans who purchase select Mushkin products through authorized partners will receive a twenty-five dollar game code -- free.*"

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solution products, today unveiled its innovative smart display product family, adding the 24" VSD240 to the recently launched 22" (21.5" Vis.) VSD220.

Aimed at changing the way people compute, the VSD240 integrates a 24" (23.6" Vis.) 1920x1080 Full HD LED screen with the quad-core, 1.7Ghz processer from nVIDIA and an Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean" operating system, delivering a lightning fast and silky smooth computing experience.

Toshiba Corporation announced it will launch the industry's first microUSB adaptor module compliant with the TransferJet close proximity wireless transfer technology standard. Mass production of this microUSB adaptor module, TJM35420MU, is scheduled to begin in March 2013 for sales to smartphone and tablet manufacturers and to PC peripheral equipment manufacturers.

The TJM35420MU is the industry's first TransferJet microUSB adaptor module integrating a TransferJet transceiver IC, a coupler, an RF filter, peripheral passive parts, and a USB connection circuit. TransferJet communications can be implemented in Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets, that have a microUSB port by inserting this module in the port and installing application software for Android.

What better way of beginning a new year than riding the avalanche of new hardware and gadgets? We at TechPowerUp and NextPowerUp, are the 2013 International CES, and the ice looks lovely! As has been our tradition for the past few years, before "smart" cameras even made it to drawing boards, our cameras are jerry-rigged to instantly upload pictures from the CES as they're clicked, making us a really fast source of news, unveils, and opinions, from the show-floor.Take a peek at the pictures, and chat with us directly by visiting: TPU Live CES 2013

Advanced gesture recognition and sensing technology is coming to the 2013 CES! Etron Technology, Inc. launches its innovative Cougar Platform, a hardware-based USB3.0 Depth-Map Controller Platform with two cameras that enables gesture/skeleton control and 3D-video/image capture and works with various middleware and application software. Since the data size of captured images is too large to be managed by motherboard CPUs, Etron developed this platform for intensive data computation immediately post-sensing with a hardware-based depth-map engine.

As a result, Etron's Cougar Platform works smoothly with X86-based systems and ARM-based systems. It also provides synchronized dual HD (High Definition) video/image capture through a USB3.0 (uncompressed) or USB2.0 (compressed) interface. Etron will demonstrate its Cougar Platform at Booth No. 35114 in South Hall 4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) from January 8th to 11th.

AMD launched a pair of new E-series low-power APUs, the E2-2000, and the E1-1500. The two dual-core chips are based on the same (albeit refined) "Bobcat" micro-architecture as other E-series parts. The E2-2000 CPU cores are clocked at 1.75 GHz, with its Radeon iGPU clocked at 700 MHz; while the E1-1500 features 1.50 GHz CPU core frequency, and 529 MHz iGPU. TDP of both chips are rated at 18W, both feature 1 MB of L2 cache, 80 VLIW5 stream processors, DirectX 11 support, and UVD3 support. In addition to the higher clock speeds, the single-channel memory controller on the E2-2000 supports faster DDR3-1333 MHz, while the E1-1500 makes do with DDR3-1066 MHz. Various new devices launched at the 2013 International CES are based around the two.Source: Expreview

The leading hardware solution provider, Rosewill, will be show casing their latest innovations and premiere line of products at CES 2013. Rosewill will debut a world first, Rosewill Helios RK-9200 Dual LED Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Cherry MX Switches in Blue, Red, Brown, and Black. It supports Red or Green Backlit LEDs and allows independent color control of the vital WASD and 4 directional arrow gaming keys while allowing you to choose between 5 global brightness modes. It will stand side by side with the RK-9000 and RK-9100 series Mechanical Keyboards that have already cemented their positions.

Rosewill will also be show casing their line of Computer Cases, Power Supplies, Networking products, Server products, Gaming Peripherals, Surveillance Products, and Computer Accessories that compliment your PC build.

ROCCAT will be showing its new product developments in gaming peripherals and software at CES in Las Vegas on January 8 - 11, 2013. Some of the ROCCAT highlights at this year's show will include the brand's first-ever mechanical keyboard and the first software project for the company from Hamburg, Germany – the Power-Grid app, which has now passed Beta testing. In addition, several ROCCAT products at CES are newly available to US gamers, including the gaming mice Kone XTD and Kone Pure along with the multicolor gaming keyboard Isku FX.

ROCCAT founder and CEO, René Korte, on the significance of CES for the company: "We announced ROCCAT's entrance to the American market here exactly 12 months ago. The feedback from gamers and media worldwide has been overwhelmingly positive and we're here again to prove that ROCCAT sets the rules when it comes to gaming peripherals."

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) will be showcasing its new line products at the 2013 International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas at the Mirage Hotel from January 8 to January 11. ECS invites all interested parties to get hands-on experience with its latest product offerings, including two next generation All-in-one (AIO) touch based PCs, notebooks, a tablet, and the latest in ATX and Thin Mini-ITX motherboards.

With 10-finger touch capability, the G24 and G18 Series are a new line of AIO PCs using ECS' own Thin Mini-ITX motherboards. The G24 series in particular fully supports the touch interface of Windows 8. These two edge-to-edge 23.6"/18.5" AIOs featuring full HDMI capability, a TV tuner card and a remote not only act as your personal computer but also your 2nd TV.

It looks like Intel's Core "Haswell" processor family will miss its anticipated March-May launch window, with the company choosing Computex 2013 as its next launch-pad. According to a leaked document intended for distributors and large retailers, desktop Core "Haswell" processors will launch only after May 27, before June 7, and retailers are told to hold off advertising the launch till June 2nd.

Among the products featuring in the new May 27 - June 7 launch window are the Core i7-4770K flagship product, i7-4770, i7-4770S, i7-4770T, i7-4765T, i5-4670K, i5-4670, i5-4670S, i5-4670T, i5-4570, i5-4570S, i5-4570T, i5-4430, and i5-4430S, all of which are quad-core parts. In addition, socket LGA1150 motherboards based on Intel Z87 (flagship, OC-ready), H87, Q87, Q85, and B85 chipsets, will be launched. In all likelihood, one piece of decoration the CES venue could miss, is the wall of LGA1150 motherboards, which is usually put up by Intel.

TechPowerUp wishes you an awesome New Year's. 2012, the purported "Ides of March" for some, has come to pass without incident. For the tech world, it's been another eventful year. We look forward to 2013 with even more zeal, especially the kick in the butt that every new year brings to us: International CES, second week of January, and our on-ground coverage from 'Vegas.

So how was your 2012, and what do you most look forward to in 2013?

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today announced that the 2013 International CES will feature a record amount of exhibit space, with the show floor totaling more than 1.87 million net square feet. The previous record was 1.862 million net square feet at the 2012 CES. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2013 CES, the world's largest innovation event, is scheduled Tuesday, January 8-Friday, January 11, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"With the largest show floor in history, more innovative technologies and services will launch at the 2013 CES than anywhere else in the world," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "From cloud-based services, advancements in digital health, connected vehicle technologies, the latest apps, flexible devices and beyond, the innovations unveiled at the 2013 CES will create new jobs and further economic growth around the world."

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), HomePlug Alliance, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) and Wi-Fi Alliance will together promote and demonstrate the connected home during 2013 International CES, January 8 – 11. Demonstrations in South Hall 1, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 20300 will showcase how these technology standards from the four alliances create the ultimate connected home experience.

The market is experiencing exponential growth in the demand for connected home devices and applications. Trends toward ultra-high-speed broadband access, pay TV, and OTT services and device-to-device connectivity are changing the way consumers play, watch and listen to media. This evolution, combined with an influx of digital devices in every room, is expanding the scope and requirements of the connected home. As the connected home environment continues to evolve and expand, DLNA, HomePlug, MoCA and Wi-Fi Alliance, combined with their more than 650 member companies, play a crucial role in delivering a seamless and rich experience.

MultiTouch Ltd has announced the launch of 42" and 55" MultiTaction Cell multitouch displays, fully integrated with Windows 8. The new MultiTaction Cell 42" (MT420W8) and 55" (MT550W8) with Embedded Windows 8 on Intel Core i7 are the first large-format displays available with a built-in touch user interface –and the first to support simultaneous use of unlimited touch with hands, the new Windows 8 native pen tracking and real life object interaction.

The addition of Windows 8 makes MultiTaction an even better proposition for clients seeking large integrated Windows 8 devices particularly suitable for use in public spaces. The new MultiTaction Cell displays allow clients to use applications from the Windows 8 store, with both 42" and 55" models running applications compatible across smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs.

Kingston announced that it will enter Vegas next year all guns blazing, at the 2013 CES, held in January. The company plans to showcase new lines of SSDNow- and HyperX-branded SSDs, and PC memory, in addition to new "wireless storage expansion gadgets." In all likelihood, these are additions to Wi-Drive line of wireless SSDs. At its booth, Kingston will also be exhibiting StarCraft II finals, running live product demos, and let visitors meet its design team. CES 2012 starts in the week of 6th January.

Thermalright is working on a massive new CPU heatsink, so massive, that it won't leave much room to strap a fan on. Pictured below, the new HR-22 is [intended to be] a passive CPU cooler with a large aluminum fin heat dissipation area, to which heat from the base is conveyed by eight 6 mm-thick nickel-plated copper heat pipes. Should you decide to use fans, with a rectangle fin profile, the cooler appears to allow you to strap 140~120 mm fans on its longer sides, and 80 mm fans on its shorter ones.

Thermalright is calling the HR-22 its next masterpiece. Said the company in its Facebook post, "Thermalright's signature model the HR-02, has turn the impossible to possible and shown the world the power of passive cooling. Now we introduce to you our next masterpiece, the HR-22." The new cooler is slated for 2013, we expect the company to use CES (early-January) as its launchpad.Source: FanlessTech

Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it will host a free online StarCraft II tournament in honor of the 10-year anniversary of the HyperX product line. Since 2002, Kingston HyperX products have been the memory of choice for gamers, computer enthusiasts, overclockers and system builders. The tournament is a chance for Kingston to say thank you and host an event that gives back to its customers and fans.

Gamers from around the world will compete online with the goal of qualifying for the live finals in Las Vegas, NV. during International CES 2013 in January. In addition, eight invited pro gamers will be seeded into the top sixteen, and will battle it out to win one of four cash prizes totaling $15,000 and become the first-ever HyperX Champion.

Lenovo may have scored a lot of attention with its $1,400 X1 Carbon Ultrabook, but it's the ThinkPad T430u Ultrabook, which featured at CES 2012 (January) that has consumers looking forward to, due to its US $779 price-point. The T430u borrows several design elements from its more expensive sibling. The Ultrabook is said to be available later this month. The 14-inch Ultrabook comes equipped with a 1366 x 768 pixels screen, Intel Core "Ivy Bridge" processor, 8 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory, HDD or optional 128 GB SSD, and optional GeForce GT 620M graphics.Source: Engadget