ASUS and AMD Launch half-a-million Naira Gaming Device!

ASUS has introduced the industry’s first gaming laptop powered by AMD’s eight-core Ryzen 7 1700 processor. The ASUS ROG Strix GL702ZC-WB74 is a 17.3” desktop replacement machine that uses the desktop-class CPU and a powerful GPU to offer peak gaming performance to its users.

Since the system relies on numerous desktop-class components and an inexpensive FHD display panel, the final pricetag not too high for a gaming notebook, with the laptop launching for $1499. Meanwhile, ASUS will also offer an even more affordable version powered by AMD’s six-core Ryzen 5 1600, as well as a more advanced model with a 120 Hz display panel.

To a large degree, the ASUS ROG Strix GL702ZC can be considered to be AMD’s flagship mobile gaming platform, as it supports all of the company’s latest technologies and can scale in terms of performance and pricing to satisfy different requirements and customers. In fact, the ROG Strix GL702ZC is the first all-AMD gaming laptop in years as makers of mobile PCs avoided AMD’s FX-series CPUs due to power consumption and did not use AMD's APUs due for gaming computers because of performance concerns.

The notebook relies on a a couple different AMD 65W desktop processors — the six-core Ryzen 5 1600 or the eight-core Ryzen 7 1700 — as well as AMD’s Radeon RX 580 GPU with 4 GB of memory (the manufacturer does not disclose specs of the part, but we are investigating). The graphics processor supports AMD’s FreeSync dynamic refresh rate technology for both internal and external displays. Speaking of displays, ASUS will offer GL702ZC with either 60 Hz or 120 Hz FHD IPS panels, so FreeSync support will be especially handy in the second case. To cool down the two key chips of the notebooks, ASUS uses its Hyper Cool Duo-Copper cooling system featuring heat pipes and two fans that are said to cool down the CPU and GPU independently.

Moving on to other internal parts of the ROG Strix GL702ZC. The GL702ZC-WB74 model that ASUS is formally introducing today comes with 16 GB of DDR4 memory, a 256 GB SATA SSD, and a 1 TB hard drive. Meanwhile, more advanced configurations may expand DRAM to 32 GB, upgrade the SSD to 512 GB, and install a 1 TB SSHD or a fast 7200 RPM HDD. By contrast, entry-level configs are going to feature 128 GB SATA SSDs.

As for I/O capabilities, the ROG Strix GL702ZC looks like a fairly standard model here. The notebook comes with a GbE port, an 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 module, three USB 3.0 Type-A connectors, a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C header, an SD card reader, an mDP 1.4 port, an HDMI output, an HD webcam, a TRRS jack and so on. The machine features a Chiclet keyboard with marked WASD keys, 30-key rollover support as well as an isolated numeric pad.

With two display outputs, the ROG Strix GL702ZC can handle a couple of external monitors (with FreeSync support), which is okay for a relatively inexpensive gaming machine. In addition, the HDMI port and three USB-A connectors allow users to plug VR headsets to the laptop to play virtual reality games.

The machine is not as bulky as flagship offerings featuring more advanced GPUs and storage sub-systems But since the ROG Strix GL702ZC is still a desktop replacement laptop, it is rather thick (34 mm) and heavy (3 – 3.2 kilograms). ASUS does not disclose specific battery runtime figures, but a 76 Wh battery should provide enough time do an urgent work while on the go.

The ASUS ROG Strix GL702ZC-WB74 is not yet available in Nigeria but already available in the U.S. from the ASUS Store, Amazon, and other retailers at an MSRP of N550,000 ($1499). In the meantime, it will be very interesting to see how much ASUS will charge for the lower-end SKU with the Ryzen 5 1600 as well as the higher-end model with a 120 Hz display and a 512 GB SSD.

Microsoft is now selling a Verizon compatible HP Elite x3

Even though HP's Elite x3 Windows phone launched well over a year ago, rumors of a Verizon-compatible flavor started floating about over the summer. Those rumors seemed to be confirmed when Microsoft announced which phones would get the Windows 10 Mobile Fall Creators Update, and the Verizon Elite x3 was on it, even though it's never been formally announced.

Today though, the handset actually showed up on the Microsoft Store, priced at $599. Interestingly, the unlocked GSM model is back up to $799, after being priced at $599 for months.

Other than the cellular radios, the Verizon Elite x3 is exactly like the unlocked one. It includes a 5.96-inch 1440p AMOLED display, a 16MP rear camera, 64GB of internal storage, a fingerprint reader, and iris recognition. The device also comes with the Desk Dock, HP's docking solution for connecting the phone to an external display and peripherals for a desktop experience, which Microsoft calls Continuum.

According to the fine print on the listing, the promotional price tag of $599 will only last until November 20.

Even though Elite x3 is more than a year old, it still has some pretty impressive specs. The phone packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM. Although the 820 processor isn’t as fast as current flagship phones like the Pixel 2 XL or Samsung Galaxy S8, it should still zip along for most business tasks.

The Elite x3 also features 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded to 1TB through the MicroSD card slot. A 5.96-inch AMOLED display accompanies Bang & Olfuson stereo speakers and and an 8MP camera. The back of the phone features a 16-megapixel camera. HP also included a fingerprint sensor and support for Windows Hello, which allows you to unlock the phone with an iris scan.

What sells the Elite x3 however, is its ability to transform into a makeshift computer. The bundled Desk Dock lets you to connect your phone to an external monitor and peripherals, while the Lap Dock transforms the phone into a 12.5-inch laptop. Windows Continuum and HP Workspace allows you to run a limited number of Windows apps through the phone.

The HP Elite x3 will probably be the last Window 10 mobile phone on the market. Last month Microsoft executive Joe Belfiore tweeted that the company was no longer focused on Windows Mobile and that he was currently using a Samsung Galaxy S8 with a suite of Microsoft apps installed. The Microsoft Store is currently selling the Samsung Galaxy S8 alongside the Elite x3.

Via: Phone Arena

Lenovo buys stake in Fujitsu PCs as Revenue Tops Estimates

Lenovo and the Development Bank of Japan have coordinated to acquire stake in Fujitsu's computing branch, with Lenovo purchasing a majority share at 51% and DBJ receiving 5% in the deal. Fujitsu will net about $245.45 million (28 billion yen) as part of the purchase contract, of which Lenovo will pay about $156.7 million in cash.   "The joint venture will focus on the research, development, design, manufacturing and sales of Client Computing Devices (CCD) for the global PC market," reads the press release announcement. 

"Through this strategic collaboration, Fujitsu and Lenovo aim to drive further growth, scale and competitiveness in the PC businesses both in Japan and worldwide," the joint statement said. "The joint venture will leverage Fujitsu's capabilities in global sales, customer support, R&D, highly-automated and efficient manufacturing and systems integration that meet customers' demand. Furthermore, it will benefit from Lenovo's global scale and presence." This is coming after posting its strongest revenue growth in two years amid signs the PC market is stabilizing.

China’s largest PC maker reported a 5 percent jump in revenue to $11.8 billion in the quarter ended September, surpassing projections for $11.3 billion and marking the biggest rise since the same period of 2015. Net income fell 11 percent to $139 million, which was bolstered by accounting gains. Lenovo rose as much as 5 percent in the afternoon, erasing year-to-date losses.

Lenovo is struggling to find growth in its key divisions of personal computers, smartphones and servers. While it lost top spot in PCs to HP Inc., the market shrinkage of the past few years is easing and Chief Executive Yang Yuanqing is taking costs out of a mobile business that’s made little progress since buying Motorola for $2.9 billion. On Thursday, the company announced it will buy Fujitsu’s client computing division for at least 17.85 billion yen ($157 million), adding the Japanese name to its portfolio.

“A healthier PC market may finally aid Lenovo’s platform almost as much as it has HP or Dell,” Anand Srinivasan and Wei Mok, analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence, said before the release. “The server and mobile platforms need structural fixes.”

PC shipments climbed 17 percent from the previous quarter, allowing Lenovo to arrest market share losses. The company’s struggling smartphone division also made headway into Latin America and Western Europe.

“Lenovo’s business lines remain weak in the past quarter and now it has cash flow difficulties,” said Qian Kai, an analyst with CICC. He noted that Lenovo gained more than $100 million in net income from tax rebates. “I don’t foresee Lenovo turning around its smartphone business. It lags far behind market leaders in China and in the markets like India where they did well, the challenge is growing thanks to companies such as Xiaomi.”

The company continues to face rising costs for components such as memory chips. Chief Operating Officer Gianfranco Lanci previously said he expects costs for essential components such as memory chips to keep rising throughout the rest of the year, albeit at a slower pace.

“Our mobile business turnaround is still in progress,” Yang said in a statement.

While the 2005 acquisition of International Business Machines Corp.’s PC division paid off by lifting Lenovo closer to the top of the market, deals in 2014 for IBM’s low-end server unit and Motorola haven’t gone as smoothly. It’s now re-enlisted the executive who steered the Motorola acquisition to run its Chinese PC arm to breathe new life into the business.

Via: Tweaktown.com

itel Mobile launches 4G-ready S21in India...celebrates 10yrs with product launch in Lagos

One of the fastest growing Asian brands, itel Mobile has launched a new smartphone — S21 into the market. The latest entrant comes with a dual front camera function, fingerprint sensor and dual social media accounts.

The smartphone sports a 5-inch FWVGA IPS display and is powered by a 1.1 GHz quad-core processor paired with 1GB of RAM and Mali-T860 MP1 GPU. It has 16GB of internal storage which is expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD card.

The device runs on Android 7.0 Nougat with multi-window view, quick switching between apps, and a direct reply feature. The smartphone also enables users to access dual social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The device is equipped with an 8MP rear camera with autofocus, while there is a dual camera setup (2MP + 5MP) up front. Connectivity options include, 4G VoLTE and  ViLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS. The device draws power from a 2700mAh battery. The itel S21 is available across India in three colours: Moonlight Silver, Champagne Gold, and Elegant Black.

Itel Mobile, one of the world’s fastest growing mobile brands, has always provided a variety of reliable and trendy communication devices for people in emerging markets. This time, it celebrates its 10th anniversary, unveiling its latest mobile devices, itel S12 and S32 at Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

Year on year, the mobile phone giant rolled out affordable and reliable mobile phones without compromising on quality hence the reason for its mobile success in Africa as it understands the major need for the African consumer.

Speaking at the event, the Marketing Communications Manager of itel mobile, Oke Umurhohwo said the newly launched itel Selfie centric phones are affordable, sleek and of high quality with one selling for N24, 000 and the other N32, 000 respectively.

“At itel Mobile, we understand the demand of our customers, hence the reason we are introducing the most affordable dual selfie camera phones in Africa. These new itel phones come with an innovative front camera that can accommodate more people in a single selfie.”

“Compared to the previous S31, the latest S32 boasts of 63° portrait lens for solo selfie and an ultra-wide 86° angle lens which makes it easy for users to take group selfie.”

Adding he said, “Judging by the itel mobile trajectory, it is hard not to be excitement for what the brand intend to achieve in the future. This can be seen today with launch of three new models S32, S32 LTE and S12; a clear upgrade on previous products. The three new models all come with Dual selfie cameras as well as fingerprint, with the S32 LTE version having 4G network ability.”

Commenting on the success of itel mobile, Umurhohwo said itel have always put the customers at the forefront of their business.

“We believe that by providing customers with affordable, reliable and trendy mobile devices, we can allow more people to get connected with the rest of the world in an efficient way.”

“With such belief in mind, itel is continually making efforts to get close to customers and understand their needs and expectations in various ways, so as to continue to meet their expectations.”

Over the past decade, the brand has become a household name in the industry spreading its presence to over 50 countries across the globe. Last year, itel sold a landmark of 50 million devices, to become the top mobile brand in Africa.

itel mobile positioned itself in Africa inspired by a mission to empower everyone with seamless mobile communication through reliable, trendy and affordable mobile devices.

Giving back to the community is also at the core of itel Mobile’s philosophy. This has made the brand develop a robust CSR policy on education via the “Love Always On” initiative. Through the Love Always On campaign, various life-touching projects geared towards empowering pupils and students in different schools were carried out. Some of such projects include provision of education materials to school children, scholarships to brilliant students, as well as sponsorship of different student events across different tertiary institutions. As at October, 2017; over 1,300 students have benefited directly from itel mobile education support initiative.

Speaking on service care issue, Oke said, the company has provided trained engineers, as well as made spare parts available for free software repairs.

“It’s been 10 years of a fantastic journey. It is a milestone, we have grown over the years and this means beyond just selling our phones, we take service delivery more seriously and follow our users all the way as we are a people friendly phone.




Via: http://thenationonlineng.net