Kensington, a worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business, and home office professionals, is greatly enhancing the visual productivity of MacBook users with today's launch of the SD5900T EQ Thunderbolt 4 Quad 4K 40 Gbps Dock with DisplayLink Technology.

Ideal for busy professionals juggling multiple tasks and projects, the powerful and stylish dock unlocks the full potential of the MacBook by providing support for up to four external displays, 40 Gbps data transfer speeds, up to 100 W (96 W certified) charging for the MacBook and connected accessories, and a 16-in-1 design. Optimized to support MacBook running macOS 11 or above, the SD5900T leverages the power of Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayLink technology to expand the user's visual workspace, boost productivity, and provide a future-proof solution for the MacBook workstation.

With PC motherboard manufacturers implementing 40 Gbps USB4, one wonders what's next for the [mostly] universal connectivity standard. Turns out, it is USB4 2.0, which yields the connector 80 Gbps of data bandwidth per direction, and 60 W of power-delivery (PD). Power delivery for USB4 2.0 can be as high as 240 W (48 V, 5 A). Japanese PC peripherals maker Elecom is the first with certified cables for both 80 Gbps + 60 W PD and 80 Gbps + 240 W PD. Besides power and data, both cables support DisplayPort passthrough for up to 8K @ 60 Hz (7680 x 4320 pixels). USB-IF, the governing body of the USB standard, is expected to formally launch USB4 2.0 in December 2024. A typical USB4 2.0 host controller will require at least a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 system bus connection to reach the standard's maximum bandwidth.

Sony has today added to its INZONE gaming gear range with the INZONE M10S - a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor that is changing the game with super high 480 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms response time and QHD resolution. Co-developed with leading esports team Fnatic, the INZONE M10S is designed to be tournament ready thanks to a 24.5-inch playing mode and new FPS Pro modes.

Sony is also introducing the INZONE M9 II - an update to its 4K HDR gaming monitor with backlight scanning added to improve motion clarity.

LG Electronics (LG) announces that its webOS Hub platform is now available for third-party gaming monitors. This expansion follows the company's previous rollout of the webOS Hub platform to third-party smart TVs and smart monitors, addressing the increasing trend of gaming monitors and smart monitors being equipped with OTT streaming services.

The new platform features, customized for gaming monitors, include VRR 180 Hz, providing gamers with an optimal environment free from stuttering or tearing. The platform also maximizes user convenience with various connectivity options, including wired and wireless keyboards and mouse, DisplayPort and USB-C type. Additionally, the Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer allow users to easily configure the optimal settings for each game. The Game card app provides easy access to content, including cloud games.

Acer today announced the expansion of its Predator gaming monitor line with two new 27-inch models that promise to deliver exceptional speed and stunning visuals for enjoying the latest titles in their full glory. Both monitors bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the forefront, catering to the needs of gamers who demand only the best performance.

Equipped with a WQHD, 360 Hz panel, and the new NVIDIA G-SYNC Pulsar technology, the Predator XB273U F5 is a gaming powerhouse and is certain to awe even the most demanding players with smooth and dynamic frames. The Predator XB273K V5 comes with a 4K UHD resolution display with 160 Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology to showcase crisp details and motion for enjoying games in stunning clarity. With Dynamic Frequency and Resolution (DFR) technology, users can opt to switch to FHD resolution at 320 Hz to tailor the gaming experience based on their preference.

Silkland, a tech brand specializing in cables and accessories, has released the first-ever 16K VESA-certified USB C to DisplayPort 2.1 cable to support the future of visual display technology, now available on Amazon. With support for 16K resolution, users can expect an unparalleled level of detail and realism, making the cable ideal for high-end computing, gaming, and professional applications. It is also backward compatible with 8K and 4K resolutions, ensuring a versatile and future-proof solution for all display needs.

One of the standout features of this cable is its bi-directional support, allowing it to connect USB C devices like laptops, phones, and tablets to DisplayPort monitors or connect DisplayPort devices like PC to USB C monitors. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. Additionally, it is compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3, offering a plug-and-play experience with no drivers needed.

ASMedia announced that its USB4 host controller chip, ASM4242, has received Thunderbolt 4 certification, following its USB-IF certification earlier this year. This marks a significant milestone for the ASM4242, toward providing a comprehensive high-speed transmission solution and an outstanding user experience. The Thunderbolt 4 certification signifies that ASM4242 meets Thunderbolt's stringent standards in signal quality, compatibility, and reliability, ensuring exceptional connection stability and compatibility.

Thunderbolt 4 is fully compatible with USB4, integrating power, data transmission, and video display into a single interface, offering up to 40 Gbps bandwidth to meet the demands of high-speed file transfer, 100 W fast charging, and multi-display setups. A single cable can daisy-chain up to 5 devices, driving high-bandwidth data, power, and video transmission. Gamers, creators, and professionals can connect multiple displays and accessories through this powerful connection standard. They can also enjoy a clean and convenient workspace.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces its latest XG36 Series gaming monitors. Designed for gamers aspiring to reach professional heights, the ViewSonic GAMING XG2736-2K and XG2536 stand out for their ultra-fast refresh rates, exceptionally low response times, and true-to-life visuals. These monitors deliver smooth, lifelike gaming experiences, empowering gamers to unleash their full potential.

"We believe the XG36 Series will be the ideal gaming partner," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "The new XG36 Series is perfect for gamers looking to excel in competitive gaming, helping them unlock their full potential—whether they're training in a personal space, competing in a school esports club, or strategizing in a team gaming room. The XG36 Series empowers gamers to evolve from challengers to champions."

Display specialist AOC proudly presents the AOC 16T3EA, a versatile portable monitor that combines a bold design with stunning visuals, elevating the mobile computing experience to new heights. With thin bezels and a sleek design, the 15.6" (39.5 cm) AOC 16T3EA is designed to cater to the needs of professional consumers, digital nomads, and hybrid workers seeking a dynamic and reliable tool to enhance productivity and adaptability on the go.

Finding the perfect blend of style and technology, the AOC 16T3EA features a 15.6" IPS panel with Full HD resolution, and is thus the ultimate portable companion for laptops of similar size and enables a matching mobile multi-monitor setup in just a few seconds. The ease of connectivity and the portability empowers users to extend their screens seamlessly, making the 16T3EA ideal for a wide range of use cases.

EIZO presents the FlexScan EV4340X, a particularly powerful monitor that has been specifically developed for workplaces where maximum overview is required. With its large screen diagonal of 42.5 inches, the EIZO FlexScan EV4340X is predestined for use in control rooms, control stations, trading centers or similar work environments: Thanks to its high 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), it displays four times as much information as a Full HD monitor and more than twice as much as a WQHD display. With a fine pixel density of 104 ppi, every detail remains recognizable.

The EIZO FlexScan EV4340X fits perfectly into the intended installation with modern connectivity. In addition to two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort connection, the monitor offers full USB-C docking functionality including DisplayPort Alt Mode, transmission of video, audio and USB data signals and a power supply of up to 94 watts. The FlexScan EV4340X is therefore an ideal match for notebooks, which always come with fewer connections from the factory and even have a stable Ethernet connection thanks to the monitor's integrated LAN port.

Chinese tech company GMKtec is preparing to unveil a new Mini-PC powered by an AMD Ryzen processor, featuring an enhanced cooling system. The company's product lineup already includes a variety of AMD and Intel-based compact computers, with their K-series representing their most powerful offerings. Now, GMKtec teased a new addition to their lineup on Weibo, China's popular social media platform. The upcoming model will support a 70 W TDP and is likely to feature the Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, based on the "R9" mentioned in the post title. This distinction is important as the next-generation processors (Strix Point) use "Ryzen AI 9" branding.

A standout feature of this upcoming model is its vapor chamber cooling system, which is uncommon in the Mini-PC market. However, GMKtec hasn't mentioned the use of a secondary fan or other cooling features, which some competitors employ. The new Mini-PC will include an OCuLink connector for external device compatibility, including graphics cards. Other features include dual 2.5GbE networking, USB ports, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 outputs. While full specifications are yet to be disclosed, more details are expected to be revealed in the near future. GMKtec has not announced a specific release date or price for this new Mini-PC.

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), today announced the launch of the new MultiSync DD-EA272U 27" desktop display. This fully featured high resolution LCD display is ideal for users in corporate, finance, healthcare and education.

High-Quality Image Performance
The DD-EA272U features an IPS LCD panel with great viewing angles and an immersive 4K UHD native resolution. With a 3-sided ultra-narrow bezel, the DD-EA272U is designed to eliminate distractions when used in multi-monitor configurations.

The city of Las Vegas late last year added another attraction to its town: the Sphere. The Sphere is a 1.2 million pixel outdoor display venue famous for its massive size and inner 18,600-seat auditorium. The auditorium space is a feat of its own with features like a 16x16 resolution wraparound interior LED screen, speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects. However, we have recently found out that NVIDIA GPUs power the Sphere. And not only a handful of them, as 150 NVIDIA RTX A6000 power the Sphere and its 1.2 million outside pixels spread on 54,000 m², as well as 16 of 16K inner displays with a total output of 2.1 billion pixels. Interestingly, the 150 NVIDIA RTX A6000 have a combined output cable number of 600 DisplayPort 1.4a ports.

With each card having 48 GB of memory, that equals to 7.2 TB of GDDR6 ECC memory in the total system. With the Sphere being a $2.3 billion project, it is expected to have an infotainment system capable of driving the massive venue. And it certainly delivers on that. Only a handful of cards powers most massive media projects, but this scale is something we see for the first time in non-AI processing systems. The only scale we are used to today is massive thousand-GPU clusters used for AI processing, so seeing a different and interesting application is refreshing.

n July, the Philips Monitors E1 series product line is expanding to include four new models within its multipurpose offering for today's dynamic professionals. Featuring a variety of productivity-enhancing innovations, these beautifully designed monitors ensure that professionals and home users alike have all they need to get the most out of every workday.

Easy on the eyes
The Philips 27E1N1800A, 27E1N1800AE, 27E1N1900AE and 32E1N1800LA are equipped with a 27"/68.6 cm or 32"/80 cm 4K UHD display with a sleek, elegant design, three-sided frameless standard design to facilitate multi-monitor set-ups, and innovative features to enhance both visual performance and physical comfort.

ViewSonic has launched a new OLED gaming monitor in the Chinese market that not only is a dual-mode 4K 240 Hz / 1080p 480 Hz display, but it also brings DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity as part of the package. The XG323-4K-OLED2 is said to sport a 31.5-inch LG OLED panel with an anti glare coating, that delivers up to 450 nits brightness, but it can reach as high as 1300 nits in HDR mode. The 10-bit OLED panel delivers 0.03 ms Grey to Grey response time, 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and it's also VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified. There's also support for VRR via some form of AMD FreeSync version.

However, what stands out here is the paired back design, especially considering that the XG323-4K-OLED2 is being sold as a gaming monitor. We get a more traditional square stand and a much thicker display back compared to most other gaming OLED displays. That said, we're not quite sure what ViewSonic was thinking when the base of the stand was designed, as it's not flat. Connectivity, besides two DisplayPort 2.1 port with full 80 Gbps UHBR20 support, also consists of a USB Type-C port with DP Alt-mode and 140 W USB PD support—a first as far as we're aware—as well as more mundane options like two HDMI 2.1 inputs, one USB 3.2 Type-B input, three USB 2.0 outputs and an audio jack. The stand supports the standard tilt, swivel and height adjustments, as well as rotation. Finally the XG323-4K-OLED2 sports a pair of 5 W speakers and a remote control. JD.com is listing the display of RMB 10,999 which is just north of US$1,500. It's unclear which, if any other markets ViewSonic will offer the XG323-4K-OLED2 in.

VAIO Corporation has introduced the "world's lightest" mobile display, the VAIO Vision+ 14", available for personal and corporate use. Weighing just 325 g, this device is designed for those who travel a lot, however, it can be a tempting companion at home and at the office. The VAIO Vision+ features a 14.0-inch wide LCD panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution. Despite its large screen, it's thin at just 3.9 mm at its slimmest point. The display offers high brightness (400cd/m², 1200:1 contrast ratio), wide viewing angles (178° up/down/left/right), and a broad color gamut (sRGB 100%), with anti-glare treatment to reduce eye strain during extended use.

The VAIO Vision+ portable monitor can be connected and powered using a single USB Type-C cable, supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode and bus power operation (2x USB Type-C ports are included on the side). It can be positioned horizontally or vertically using the included cover stand, which protects the unit during transport. VAIO is also offering an optional privacy filter to prevent visual hacking in public spaces. The VAIO Vision+ is available at around $340.

Cable Matters, a leader in providing top-tier connectivity solutions, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Thunderbolt 5 cable manufactured by Lintes Technology Co., Ltd. The cable is available in 3 different lengths: 1 foot, 1.6 feet and 3.3 feet. This latest innovation delivers unparalleled performance, supporting up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional data transfer and up to 120 Gbps of video bandwidth, a substantial leap from the previous Thunderbolt 4 technology.

The new Thunderbolt 5 cable by Cable Matters represents a significant advancement in connectivity technology, offering increased bandwidth and power delivery capabilities. The Bandwidth Boost technology enables the cable to transmit up to 120 Gbps for the best display experience, providing up to 3 times increase over Thunderbolt 4's maximum bandwidth. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for demanding applications such as high-resolution video streaming, extensive data transfer, and high-speed gaming.

ASUS today announced the unveiling of a groundbreaking lineup of displays at Computex 2024. These all-new monitors include the stunning ProArt Display 5K and 8K professional range, flexible ZenScreen displays and wellness-focused ASUS VU displays. These cutting-edge screens are designed to boost professional content creation, hybrid work, entertainment and well-being - ready to provide unrivalled windows of clarity on the exciting new era of AI-powered computing.

ASUS ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV: Redefining your 5K dream
The all-new ASUS ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV is a 27-inch 5K high-PPI professional monitor, featuring a stunning 5120 x 2880 resolution and 218 high-PPI display for unparalleled clarity and color accuracy. With 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB wide color gamut, it ensures true-to-life color reproduction. It features ASUS LuxPixel technology that includes an anti-glare and low reflection (AGLR) coating for a paper-like screen effect. Unlike a traditional matte finish, which can soften images, this special formulation provides exceptional pixel color fidelity and sharp details for extended creative session. Calman Verified and factory calibrated for Delta E < 2 color accuracy, it's trusted for precise color grading.

Acer today announced three new gaming monitors in its Predator lineup, designed to appeal to professional gamers and gaming enthusiasts who want reliable machines for everyday use. The new models include the Predator X27U F3, Predator X34 X5, and Predator X32 X3 featuring brilliant OLED displays, high refresh rates, and ultra-smooth performance.

These powerhouse monitors are NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible to eliminate stuttering, flicker, and visual artifacts for a smooth and tear-free experience. The monitors also seamlessly integrate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to eliminate ghosting, provide fluidity and ensure that every frame is rendered flawlessly. With true 10-bit color depth, they deliver cinematic visuals with stunning contrast and vibrant colors further enhanced by DCI-P3 99% color gamut and Delta E<1 color accuracy. In addition, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 ensures deep blacks and incredible brightness for lifelike visuals.

VIA Labs, Inc. (VLI), a leading supplier of USB4, SuperSpeed USB, USB Power Delivery Controllers, and now Display Controllers, today announced the start of mass production and immediate availability for the VIA Labs VL605 USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Protocol Converter. The VL605 Protocol Converter achieved USB-IF certification for USB Power Delivery 3.1 with support for Extended Power Range (EPR) and HDMI 2.1 FRL certification and is now listed on the USB-IF Integrator's List under TID: 10462.

VIA Lab VL605 is an innovative single-chip USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Protocol Converter supporting modern display features and a highly integrated, low-power design. It's optimized for USB-C video dongles and multifunction docks and integrates a two-port USB PD 3.1 controller that supports pass-through charging at up to 240W when EPR is enabled. A single VL605 can convert a DisplayPort input to HDMI 2.1 at up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz while simultaneously charging the connected host. VL605 supports HDR and is compatible with Adaptive Sync from the DisplayPort standard and AMD's FreeSync technology, seamlessly converting these into HDMI 2.1's VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Products incorporating VL605 can enhance gaming experiences with higher quality and smoother visuals while expanding peripheral connectivity and enjoying faster charging.

ASUS today introduced the NUC 14 Performance, which as its name suggests, is geared for performance. This is essentially a twin of the ROG NUC, but without the flashy ROG styling, and a broader range of hardware options. The top-spec NUC 14 Performance combines an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H "Meteor Lake" processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 desktop GPU, however other processor and graphics options include the Core Ultra 7 155H processor, and RTX 4060 desktop GPU. You can't opt out of a discrete GPU, for that you'll need to opt for the NUC 14 Pro+, which only packs a Core Ultra 185H, and presents its Arc iGPU, but the I/O of that NUC will be significantly different.

Back to the ASUS NUC 14 Performance, and the box measures 270 mm X 180 mm X 50 mm (WxDxH), weighing just 800 g. You're supposed to add your own memory and storage, the NUC features two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory; and an M.2-2280 slot with PCIe Gen 4 x4 wiring. Network connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3; 2.5 GbE wired LAN. The main high-bandwidth I/O connection is Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps), which doubles up as USB4 40 Gbps, with a USB-C port that also supports DisplayPort 1.4 passthrough from the discrete GPU; a couple of 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, USB 2.0 ports for input devices, additional DP 1.4 ports from the GPU, and an HDMI 2.1. The NUC 14 Performance comes with a 330 W power brick. The company didn't reveal pricing, but pricing is expected in the USD $2,200 to $2,500 range.

For those looking for something a bit out of the ordinary when it comes to monitors, HP might have your next productivity monitor in the shape of the Series 7 Pro Monitor 738pu. It sports a 3840 x 1600 resolution which gives the 37.5-inch panel a rather unusual aspect ratio of 24:10 or 12:5 if you prefer. The monitor is built around an 8-bit + FRC IPS Black panel with a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and a 400 nits peak brightness. The panel supports a colour gamut of 98 percent of the DCI-P3 colour space and sports a 5 ms grey to grey response time. However, it also has a max refresh rate of 60 Hz and is edge lit, which means it'll be terrible for HDR, although it's only certified for DisplayHDR 400, which means pretty poor HDR support to start with.

On the connectivity side, HP has loaded out the 738pu with a wide range of ports, starting with a HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort input, as well as daisy chain output, one Thunderbolt 4 port that also supports 100 W USB PD and DP 1.4, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port that also supports 65 W USB PD and DP 1.4 Alt Mode, one Thunderbolt 4 output for daisy changing (limited to 15 W), one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port (no video, also limited to 15 W) and five USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, of which one is a 7.5 W capable charging port. It also has a Gigabit Ethernet port, four integrated speakers with DTS Virtual:X and KVM support, but no headset jack, microphone or built-in camera. It also supports Picture-by-Picture or Picture-in-Picture when multiple sources are connected. The stand supports height, tilt and swivel adjustments. The power supply is integrated and the 738pu has a maximum power draw of 318 W fully loaded. HP is asking for US$1,249 for the Series 7 Pro Monitor 738pu.

Xencelabs, the global provider of digital drawing solutions and new choice for creative professionals, announces the Xencelabs Pen Display 16, its new pen-on-screen solution for creative content professionals, educators, and students. Flexibility is one of the hallmarks of the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 and the number of ways you can use the device is a testament to Xencelabs' product design philosophy. At just 0.47 inches (12 mm) and very light, 2.67 lbs (1.21 kg), the display can go wherever creativity takes you - to your favorite café, a client presentation or from classroom to home. The Xencelabs Pen Display 16 will connect to any compatible PC, Mac, or Linux laptop via a single USB-C to USB-C cable. A 10-bit hub is included for those needing to connect through HDMI or DisplayPort. The included light and easy to carry Xencelabs Mobile Easel stand offers two drawing angles.

A 4K OLED pen display answers the call from creative users wanting the colors from their drawings and paintings to be more vivid and realistic. The OLED display also provides an absence of visual artifacts such as backlight bleeding and blooming pixels. Furthermore, artists delight in the device's ability to create lifelike colors against a true black background.

If you have been searching for a quality, do-everything USB-C dock, we have the perfect solution. The Sabrent USB-C Universal Docking Station (DS-UICA) has near-limitless potential with a wide variety of ports and capabilities to enhance your computing experience. Enjoy and get the most out of your laptop, ultrabook, Chromebook, Android phone or tablet, MacBook, Apple iPhone or iPad, and more with this incredibly compact and featureful docking station. Everything is connected through a 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) USB-C upstream host port designed for modern machines. Downstream it has two 10 Gbps USB-C ports, two 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) USB-A ports, and two 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) USB-A ports. The first four can deliver 5 V/1.5 A; the latter two are great for keyboards and mice.

This dock has it all, including dual video output via two pairs of HDMI 2.0 and DP ports with the optional use of a single USB-C port for display. Simultaneous output up to 4K@60 Hz is possible with DSC. Forget unreliable Wi-Fi. Connect to your network and Internet at up to 1000 Mbps with wired Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE). You can also easily access your content with the built-in dual microSD/SD card reader with UHS-I (104MBps) support. On top of that, there are three 3.5 mm ports for audio out, a microphone, and one for audio in/out. We've included a USB-C to USB-C cable and an external power adapter to power everything with the device charging up to 80 W. The docking station has a cradle for your device of choice with front-facing LEDs for extra clarity.

Targus, the number one third-party docking station and laptop bag brand in the US1 and a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, today announced the availability of its new USB4 Triple Video Docking Station with 100 W Power (DOCK460). With full USB4 (and Thunderbolt) speeds in a triple video enterprise-grade dock, this Alternate Mode dock packs all of the ports and power necessary to support and power a wide variety of laptop brands and various platforms.

"Our new DOCK460 is an outstanding docking solution for enterprise users who want more power, speed, and performance than previously available, while offering ultra-compatibility with a wide variety of laptop brands and platforms," explains David Dorantes, Director, Product Marketing, Targus. "With this powerful dock, users can enjoy a native triple-video workstation that stays charged and ready with 100 W power delivery, plus the addition of a USB4 connection and 2.5G Ethernet."