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NetComm Introduces VDSL/ADSL Wireless AC1600 Gigabit Gateway

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NetComm Wireless has introduced its VDSL/ADSL Wireless AC1600 Gigabit Gateway (NF17ACV), designed to deliver “a fast and powerful wireless experience” as households move to the NBN.The NF17ACV provides access to VDSL2 or ADSL2+, along with FTTN/FTTB/FTTH services when available, is equipped with 802.11AC Wi-Fi and features 3 x 3 MIMO internal antennas.

“Congestion is reduced with multi-device access on 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously, and the ultra-fast 1,600 Mbps network optimises the communications link to set-top boxes, smartphones, laptops and gaming consoles,” NetComm states.

The NF17ACV is designed to provide triple play services covering high-speed data transmission, multi HD/4K IPTV and over-the-top video streaming, as well as high-quality VoIP phone calls.

Functioning as a media hub, it connects two USB devices for accessing and sharing of media, and uses the

UPnP standard to enhance wireless home networking.

“Home networks now have the capacity to handle extreme media use across all connected devices with access to Gigabit Ethernet and support for the fastest available Wi-Fi,” David Stewart, NetComm CEO and managing director, commented.

“The NF17ACV is the fastest gateway in our VDSL range, and delivers the ultimate triple play experience, with the capacity to support changing connectivity needs into the future.”

NF17ACV features:

– Fully featured VDSL2/ADSL2+ gateway
– 4 x Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 LAN ports
– NBN and UFB ready – 1 x 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet WAN port
– VoIP feature for HD-quality voice calls
– Next-generation Wi-Fi 802.11 AC1600, dual-band concurrent
– 2 x WPS push buttons for the quick and easy connection of wireless devices on both 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz bands
– Access and share media and file content across the wireless home network

The NF17ACV will be available late May, priced at $248.60 RRP.

Sharp’s New 80″ Big Pad Creates Collaborative Experiences

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Sharp has brought its 80″ Big Pad PN-80TC3 capacitive touchscreen LCD monitor, designed for both business and education use, to the Australian market.The use of capacitive touch technology is a first for the Sharp interactive whiteboard range, with Sharp stating a unique metal mesh has been employed to augment the detection process, increasing sensitivity and precision, creating “a 10-point touchscreen that has no lag time and feels natural to use”.

“Create interactive presentations, start lively discussions, and conduct paperless meetings in both business and educational settings thanks to the 10-point feather light touchscreen and connectivity options that allow up to 50 simultaneous connections to mobile devices,” Sharp states of the PN-80TC3.

The Touch Display Link 2.0 meeting support application, available for iOS, Android and Windows devices, allows up to 50 simultaneous participants connecting to the PN-80TC3 to see a real-time duplication of what is being displayed, along with any handwritten notes as they are being created.

Files can also be sent from connected devices to the main screen, while

content written on-screen can be saved and sent to all connected devices.

In an education environment, Sharp states the PN-80TC3 can share curriculum materials across connected devices, while the panel can also be written on using wireless digitiser pens by four students at the same time. Teachers can use the panel like a regular whiteboard and send a copy of all notes written on the board to each student in PDF form.

The PN-80TC3 includes three HDMI, two D-sub and one DisplayPort, grouped in two banks, each bank with its own USB output. It also has an additional DisplayPort connector for output, as well as a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a USB connector in the pen tray.

It has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080, a contrast ratio of 4000:1, is rated at 200 cd/m2 brightness, with a 4 ms grey-to-grey refresh response time, is capable of reproducing 1064 million colours, and has a viewing angle of 176 degrees/176 degrees (horizontal/vertical).

“Enabling innovative collaboration opportunities is the primary focus for the new Big Pad PN-80TC3,” Halim Saliman, Sharp Corporation of Australia senior product manager, commented.

“Connecting 50 users at once makes it a perfect learning tool in the classroom, with teachers and students sharing and creating like never before. When used in an office, it can transform presentations and streamline communications initiatives.”

The PN-80TC3 carries a price tag of $19,995 RRP.

Acer Introduces New Windows 10 Aspire R 14 Notebook

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Acer has added to its notebook line-up with the latest evolution of its Windows 10 Aspire R 14 convertible notebook.Measuring in at 18.5 mm thin and weighing 1.9 kg, the new Aspire R 14 incorporates 6th gen Intel Core processors and up to 8 GB DDR3L system memory, along with SSD storage, with a 360-degree, dual-torque hinge design allowing users to switch between its four modes.

Users can use the Aspire R 14 as a classic laptop with keyboard input, in display mode by hiding the keyboard at the back or laying it 180 degrees flat, as a tent for use in a confined space, while a magnet design allows the device to be swapped into gap-free tablet mode.

Acer states the Aspire R 14’s “exterior diamond-cut edge design was created with industry-leading, soft-touch NIL (Nanoimprint Lithography) technology for a unique hairline-brush metallic finish and soft tactile feel”, while an anti-fingerprint coating prevents marks sticking to the touchscreen.

“This new device is thin, light, fast and perfectly suited for work and entertainment, at home or on the go,” Acer Australia and New Zealand general manager, product management, Gaba Cheng commented.

“The Aspire R 14 joins our comprehensive Windows 10-based product portfolio that is empowering users to get greater pleasure from their technology-enabled connections with their world and the people who are important to them.”

The Aspire R 14 is available at JB Hi-Fi, Bing Lee and Radio Rentals from $1,119.

Aspire R 14 features:

Graphics – FHD display
Size –  18.5 mm and 1.9 kg
Connectivity – Intel 802.11ac + MU-MIMO
Ports – USB 2.0 x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, power-off charging, USB 3.1 Type C
Audio – Acer TrueHarmony, Dolby Audio

Galaxy S7 Pre-orders Commence Today

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Samsung’s next-gen Galaxy S7 and S7 edge smartphones have gone on pre-order from telcos today, with consumers having the added incentive of receiving a bonus Samsung Gear VR headset.Telcos Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile are offering Samsung’s next-gen flagships on respective plans, with each telco offering the Gear VR headset for consumers who pre-order.

The 5.1″ S7 and 5.5″ S7 edge were recently unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, with telcos now building up to the release of the next-gen smartphones.

Among the deals on offer, Telstra is offering the S7 and S7 edge on a range of plans, with further information available here.

Optus customers who pre-order the S7 or the S7 edge on a $100 My Plan Plus over 24 months will receive a

bonus 2 GB of data each month, taking their total monthly allowance to 12 GB. Further information on Optus’ plans can be found here.

Vodafone, meanwhile, is introducing a new plan built for the S7, advising that for a limited time its new $70 plan includes unlimited standard national calls and unlimited standard national and international texts, 6 GB of data to use in Australia and $5 Roaming. Further information on Vodafone’s plans can be found here.

Among Virgin Mobile’s plans, the S7 edge will be available for $91 per month, with 6 GB included data, plus 2 GB bonus data, plus 6 GB extra data for the first three months when customers switch to the Optus network. Further information on Virgin Mobile’s plans can be found here.

New iPhone, iPad To Be Unveiled March 21?

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March 21 will be the date for Apple’s rumoured upcoming media event, BuzzFeed News has reported.It had previously been reported that the event – at which a 4″ iPhone, the iPhone 5se, and a new iPad could be unveiled – could take place on March 15.

However, BuzzFeed has reported sources in position to know as stating Apple will hold the event on March 21.

9to5Mac has previously reported that the iPhone 5se will be an upgrade of Apple’s iPhone 5s, with Apple employees describing the “se” as a “special edition” of the 4″ iPhone screen size and as an “enhanced” version of the iPhone 5s.

The iPhone 5se’s body will be nearly identical to the iPhone 5s, with the upcoming release said to include A9 and M9 processors, along with an NFC chip for Apple Pay, support for always-on Siri activation and the iPhone 6’s camera system, 9to5Mac has also reported.

9to5Mac has separately reported that the new 9.7″ iPad will become a part of Apple’s iPad Pro line, according to sources, with the smaller model to be decked out with the A9X processor and RAM upgrades from the 12.9″ iPad Pro.

Apple has yet to confirm the rumoured event.

Microsoft Sydney Flagship Store To Open Nov 12

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Microsoft has locked in a date for the opening of its first flagship international store in Sydney, with doors to officially open on November 12.The store, located at Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street Mall, sees Microsoft joining the likes of fellow tech heavy-hitters Samsung and Apple, which both maintain a retail presence in the Sydney CBD.

Located on Level 2 (street level) and Level 3, the store will cover more than 500 square meters spanning the two floors, and will include a retail sales floor as well as an interactive space to serve local customers and business. Microsoft states it will employ staff originating from more than 11 countries and speaking more than 21 languages.

Microsoft’s first flagship store outside North America will also feature an Answer Desk – for technical questions, troubleshooting and repairs – along with a Community Theatre, where customers can learn how to use Microsoft products in their everyday work and lives, as well as immersive video walls throughout.

As part of its opening day celebrations, Microsoft states it will donate more than $5 million in software and technology grants to select local organisations in Sydney and New York (Microsoft’s New York flagship opens on October 26), as part of its mission to help people achieve more in their lives.

Microsoft states the opening festivities in each city will recognise the great work done by these organisations, with more details on community celebrations to be shared soon. Additional details for the events will be available at the Microsoft Store Facebook page here.

Microsoft Australia managing director Pip Marlow announced opening of the store earlier in the year, labelling it a “significant development” for Microsoft’s business “locally as well as globally”.

“It will provide an opportunity to experience the best of Microsoft products, like Windows PCs, Surface devices, Windows Phones, Xbox One, Office and more in an innovative and vibrant setting,” Marlow wrote in announcing the store.

New BenQ Monitor Is Decked Out With Eye-Protecting Tech

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BenQ has launched its 27″ EW2775ZH LCD monitor, decked out with Brightness Intelligence Technology, in the Australian market.BenQ states that Brightness Intelligence Technology “optimises display performance for video and movies by automatically adjusting to ambient light and on-screen content to protect your eyes while delivering premium image quality”.

Sporting an edge-to-edge design with a 27″ VA panel, the full-HD (1920 x 1080) EW2775ZH is additionally equipped with Low Blue Light Plus tech, filtering out only the hazardous blue light emissions while ensuring true-to-life display colour performance.

“BenQ’s newest Low Blue Light Plus advanced eye-care technology brings together the most powerful combination of advanced panel innovations for a comfortable viewing experience,” BenQ states of the tech.

“This exclusive eye-care solution fully leverages VA high-contrast panel capabilities with AMVA+ panel strength and 3000:1 native contrast ratio, enhancing image clarity, which makes viewing the monitor screen

much easier on the eyes.”

Four user scenario modes offered through Low Blue Light Plus comprise: Standard, Entertainment, Office and Dark Room, with there being no colour shift when the Low Blue Light Plus hot key is set to Standard mode.

BenQ states that Flicker-free tech “eliminates flickering at all brightness levels and effectively reduces computer eye-strain due to screen flickering”.

“Inspired by the geometry of modern architecture, the ultra-slim bezel EW2775ZH is richly layered to achieve a sophisticated and refined look,” BenQ states of the monitor’s design.

“Accentuating the simplicity of the monitor is the extraordinary curved line of its neck, which extends to the back where the sleek I/O hubs are elegantly and functionally placed.”

Available now, the EW2775ZH is priced at $329 RRP, with the 24″ EW2445ZH priced at $249 RRP.

HTC One X9 Set To Launch In Oz

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HTC is bringing its HTC One X9 to the Australian market, today announcing the local launch of the mid-range smartphone.Sporting a 5.5″ full-HD display, the One X9 is equipped with a 13 MP main camera, with optical image stabilisation, featuring an anti-shake lens that reduces blur from hand movements.

Meanwhile, a front-facing 5 MP camera is decked out for selfies, including integrated Auto Selfie, Voice Selfie and Live Make Up capabilities.

The One X9 features BoomSound with Dolby Surround, “delivering clearer vocals, better base and fine detail for music, movies and games”.

“The integrated and dedicated amplifiers deliver a dynamic range of sound, while HTC’s proprietary membrane excursion direct control optimises volume and bass to make your music thump,” HTC states.

The One X9 runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, is powered by an octa-core 2.0 GHz CPU, and comes with 32 GB on-board memory and 3 GB RAM, with expandable storage up to 2 TB.

“The handset has been carefully crafted to achieve the perfect balance between an elegant and rich design that will satisfy the style needs of our consumers, providing top-of-the-range performance at a mid-range price-point,” Ben Hodgson, HTC Australia and New Zealand country manager, commented.

“The technology encompasses some of the best features of our range, completing the premium smartphone experience for our users.”

Vodafone customers will be able to purchase the One X9 from April 13 for $5 per month on a Vodafone $40 plan over 24 months, with the One X9 to also be available from JB Hi-Fi stores in May. The One X9 is priced at $699 RRP.

HTC Locks In April 12 For Expected HTC 10 Debut

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HTC is set to hold an event on April 12 at which it is expected to unveil its HTC 10 flagship smartphone.In the wake of a number of smartphone announcements in recent times, HTC appears set to unveil its latest offering next month.

Confirming the event, HTC has tweeted:

“See what we’re obsessed about on April 12 on http://HTC.com. #powerof10.”

An accompanying image carries the tag line: “we admit it. we’re obsessed … but in a good way.”

While it is widely expected that HTC will take the wraps off the HTC 10, HTC has given little away about the event.

As reported by Trusted Reviews, the HTC 10 has been tipped to be decked out with a Snapdragon 820 chip, a fingerprint scanner, a 12 MP UltraPixel camera and a 3,000 mAh battery, with it also rumoured to sport a QHD resolution screen.

iPad Pro Goes On Sale Tomorrow Starting At $1,249

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Apple’s large-screen iPad Pro is set to go on sale tomorrow, with Apple announcing the 12.9″ Retina display addition to its iPad line-up will be available to order online.The rollout is taking place in 40 countries, including Australia, with Apple’s latest tablet offering representing new tablet territory for the tech giant, with the 12.9″ 5.6 million pixel (the most ever in an iOS device) display a big step up in size from its current 9.7″ iPad Air and Air 2 offerings.

With the tablet market in decline, Apple will be looking to the iPad Pro to deliver momentum heading into the latter part of the year.

Apple remains the world number one tablet vendor, however the International Data Corporation (IDC) recently found that the tech giant’s third quarter shipments were down 19.7 per cent year-on-year, noting that “the days of deifying the iPad as the ultimate tablet may have come to an end”.

“Apple’s self-cannibalisation and increasing competition from PC vendors with detachable tablets have both contributed to a decline in iPad shipments,” the IDC stated. “However, the impending launch of the iPad Pro may serve as a silver lining as the market shifts towards productivity-enabling devices.”

Apple may well stake out new territory in this portion of the market, stating the iPad Pro, which is powered by a 64-bit A9X chip, delivers a performance “rivalling most portable PCs”. The Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard further extend the utility of the iPad Pro, which Apple states can deliver up to 10-hours battery life.

“The early response to iPad Pro from app developers and our customers has been incredible, and we’re excited to get iPad Pro into the hands of customers around the world this week,” Philip Schiller, Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing, commented.

“iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad we’ve ever made, giving users the ability to be even more creative and more productive with the epic 12.9″ Retina display, powerful 64-bit A9X chip and groundbreaking Apple Pencil and new Smart Keyboard.”

The iPad Pro starts at $1,249 RRP for the 32 GB with Wi-Fi model and $1,699 RRP for the Wi-Fi plus cellular 128 GB model, and is available in three metallic finishes, silver, gold and space grey. The Apple Pencil will be available for $165 RRP and the Smart Keyboard, available in charcoal grey, for $269.