Kogan Launches World-First Laptop Powered by Google's Chromium OS

London, United Kingdom, 3 June 2011 - Kogan today released the world's first laptop powered by Google's Chromium OS, available for sale and ready to be dispatched. The Kogan Agora Laptop powered by Chromium OS goes on sale today for £269 in the United Kingdom and $349 in Australia and ships direct to customers next week. Kogan's Chromium OS Laptop is based on the popular Agora hardware, adds a Solid State Drive, lets users operate entirely in the cloud, and boots in 4.5 seconds. Ruslan Kogan said the world-first product was testament to Kogan's efficiency and agility. "We've been able to beat the rest of the world to bring the first commercially available laptop running Google's Chromium OS. "Google's Chromium OS is an open source project, making it a constant work in progress. This means the system will improve over time and new features and improvements will keep getting introduced by the open source community. "While Chromium is still in its early stages, we know the operating system is innovative technology which represents the future of computing. It may take some getting used to for some to operate entirely in the cloud, but the massive benefits for the end user are driving acceptance of entirely web-based services. "What we've found from talking to our customers is that many of them are already using cloud services without even realising it. They're uploading photos to services like Flickr, storing all their contacts in Gmail, and even hosting files on DropBox. "Loading up a laptop with Google's open source software can be strange at first. However it's clear that everyone from casual users to pros are embracing cloud services with all their personal computing needs. "The real beauty is that no matter which Chromium powered computer you're on anywhere in the world, it will appear exactly as you expect, tailored to your needs. Google is also working hard to ensure that Chrome integrates seamlessly with all Android based devices. "Samsung and Acer announced Chromebooks based on Chromium OS last month, but we've beaten them to market. Kogan is the most agile consumer electronics manufacturer in the world. We react faster to market trends than anyone else. "The first Kogan Agora Laptops powered by Google's Chromium OS will be in customer's hands next week and we're very excited. Our business has already been operating entirely in the cloud for years!" Kogan said. For more information on Google's open source Chromium OS project, which powers the Kogan Agora Chromium OS Laptop: http://www.chromium.org/chromium-os The full specifications of the Kogan Agora Laptop - Powered by Chromium OS are available here: Kogan Agora Chromium Laptop - United Kingdom Kogan Agora Chromium Laptop - Australia

About Kogan Kogan is a designer, manufacturer and retailer of consumer electronics. Kogan's streamlined business model allows us to bring the latest and best consumer electronics and home appliances direct to the door of smart shoppers through kogan.com.au and kogan.co.uk. We engage our customers through our blog, Facebook and Twitter, and release new products based on the feedback we receive. We believe there is always a better way to create and deliver the technology people want. Kogan has received many awards for success in Australian and International markets including: BRW 2010 Fast 100 BRW 2010 Young Rich List BRW 2010 Fast Starters list Australian Retail Association 2010 Retail Innovator of the Year T3 magazine most influential people in technology The Age Top 100 most influential people in Melbourne BRW 2009 Young Rich List BRW 2009 Fast Starters list Anthill Top 30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs My Business 2010 Best Young Gun in Business Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Category, Southern Region

High Definition Entertainment the Lite Way

Lite-On have announced the launch of their first external slim-design Blu-ray Combo drive, the eSEU206.

 

"With the eSEU206, Lite-On is launching its first slim and portable Blu-ray solution to the market", says Maarten Souren, Marketing Manager at Lite-On. "Finally there is an elegant Lite-On Blu-ray solution to connect to your laptop, notebook, or netbook to experience Blu-ray movies wherever you travel." adds Souren.

 

The eSEU206 drive offers 6x speed Blu-ray playback alongside DVD and CD writing. With a slim and lightweight design, and conveniently powered by USB, it is perfectly sized to pack into your bag to stay productive and entertained away from home.

Key Features: 

* 6x Blu-Ray playback

* 8X DVD- and 24x CD Writing

* USB Powered

* Only 21mm thick and 350g

* Full Cyberlink PowerDVD Suite

* Lightscribe disc labelling

 

The eSEU206 Blu-ray COMBO drive can read high definition Blu-Ray discs at 6x speed, and bundled with the full CyberLink PowerDVD software suite with 3D playback, it is optimised for smooth, flawless Blu-ray enjoyment.

 

With Lightscribe functionality, the eSEU206 drive adds a  creative touch to discs, without the need for extra hardware or fussy marker pens. The easy-to-use and smudge-free disc-labelling system 'etches' greyscale designs onto Lightscribe media; simply write the data, flip the disc then burn the label for a colourful and consistent finish.

 

The eSEU206 will be approximately £110 SRP and is available this month from a selection of retailers.

 

For full specifications and information please visit:

 

www.liteonit.eu

www.twitter.com/LiteOnEurope

www.facebook.com/liteoneurope

 

About PLDS:

 

PLDS (Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions) is a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics and Lite-On IT Corporation, established in 2007 and active in the market of Optical Disc Drives (ODD). The combination of a strong R&D-focus and access to enormous production capacity makes PLDS an industry leading company. PLDS has the brands Lite-On, HP (under exclusive license) in its portfolio.

 

UK Trade Authorized Distributors:

 

CCI Distribution

Tel: +44 (0) 1423 704700     

www.ccidistribution.co.uk

 

Ingram Micro

Tel: +44 (0) 870 1660160 

www.ingrammicro.co.uk

 

Avnet (former Bell Micro)

Tel: +44(0) 1344 662000 www.ts.avnet.com/uk

 

Enta

www.entaonline.com

Sales Enquiries:

 

Maarten Souren

PLDS

Tel: +00 31 40 250 8000

maarten.souren@pldsnet.com 

(c)2011 by PLDS Netherlands B.V, Hoevenweg 13,  5652 AW Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Tel: +31-40-250 8000, Fax: +31-40 -250 8091.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. PLDS cannot be held responsible for any technical errors or omissions contained herein.

Is 3D TV worth it? Kogan lets customers decide with a new crowdsourcing project

Kogan, UK consumer electronics vendor and retailer, today began a 3D TV crowdsourcing project.

There has been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of 3D TV. Kogan is the first in the world to let the customer decide.

Based on reactions from the UK public, Kogan will decide whether or not to create a 3D TV in 46" - 55" sizes.

Kogan is the first company to openly and transparently discuss the cost of 3D technology, and the first to offer customers choice when it comes to 3D, rather than forcing the technology on everyone.

For more on this, see Kogan's official statement here: http://www.kogan.co.uk/blog/2011/may/26/do-you-want-kogan-make-3d-tv/.

Newly Invented 'GadgIT-Mat' Launches, Price £20

              

 

PRESS RELEASE

May 26th 2011

For Immediate Release

 

Newly Invented 'GadgIT-Mat' Allows you to use your Mouse with a Laptop Anywhere you Like

Using a laptop without a mouse when out and about or away from your desk can be a tricky affair. Whilst some people are happy to cope with a track-pad there are millions more who prefer the ease, speed and accuracy of the trusty mouse.

Now, thanks to a simple and inspired invention called GadgIT-Mat (www.gadgit-mat.com) we can all use our mouse wherever and whenever we need.

GadgIT-Mat is quite simply a well-designed laptop mouse platform that's lightweight but sturdy and can be securely fitted quickly to most makes and models of laptops, and even some Netbooks. You need only set up the device once and then simply attach to your laptop when required and it's ready to use in a matter of seconds.

Up until now when a flat surface was not available the only option would be to use the track-pad or find something like a book to rest your mouse on. The arrival of GadgIT-Mat is now set to change the way we use our laptops. You could be relaxing at home on your sofa or bed, commuting on a train, travelling on an airplane or catching up on some work in a coffee shop or hotel lobby.

GadgIT-Mat has been designed to be used by both right-handed and left-handed people and benefits from a gel wrist support to provide added comfort while also helping to alleviate the common problem of repetitive wrist strain. The product has been specially designed to leave the laptop's ports and utilities free and fits onto most laptops which are between 13mm and 26mm thick. 

The new GadgIT-Mat is the first product to market from the new UK based inventions outfit Healey & Brown Innovations Ltd, and will be followed by a number of other products and accessories. Already scheduled is a range of great looking mouse mat and gel wrist rest sets which will be available in 5 vibrant colours followed soon after by a protective case.

GadgIT-Mat will be available to buy from 10^th June 2011 and will cost just £20 and can be ordered directly from their website www.gadgit-mat.com or for further information Email: info@gadgit-mat.com

Solar charge mobile gadgets including the Apple iPad with the new FreeLoader Classic

Note: The following news release is provided without any guarantee of any of the claims made. A full evaluation is planned in due course. Reader comments are welcome.

Solar charge mobile gadgets including the Apple iPad with the new FreeLoader Classic

Gloucestershire, UK. 2nd March 2011. The new FreeLoader Classic from Solar Technology International is a solar charger with new super powerful solar panels collecting 25% more power and the ability to provide charge for the Apple iPad.

The FreeLoader Classic is capable of powering the world’s most popular mobile devices. It can deliver power to an iPod / iPhone for 18 hours, a smart phone for 44 hours, a PSP or DS for 2.5 hours and an iPad for 2 hours. Ready for action direct from the box, 9 connector tips are supplied as standard including the new ‘standard’ micro USB, and a USB socket provides a direct input for the standard USB cable supplied with many gadgets, such as the white cable supplied with all Apple devices.

The new FreeLoader Classic is small and light, will easily slip into a pocket or backpack, and is housed in a hard-wearing and stylish silver aluminium skin. When the sun hasn’t got its hat on, the FreeLoader Classic can be charged via USB in just 3 hours.

The FreeLoader Classic also features a built-in LCD data panel which provides useful information about battery level, power input and connectivity. The data gives a clear and concise overview of the FreeLoader Classic’s status at all times, so there are no idle times and users can be more intuitive with the charging process to ensure that there is always charge stored up for a rainy day.

The Freeloader Classic has a number of accessories, notably for hard-core requirements, the Supercharger, which is designed to freeload more of the sun’s power and consequently powers up the FreeLoader Classic in super quick time. The Supercharger is tough, weather resistant and can be fitted to the outside of a rucksack or on bike panniers. The Supercharger can be purchased individually or can be bought bundled with the FreeLoader Classic as the Globe Trotter package.

The Freeloader Classic is available now from www.solartechnology.co.uk and various retailers (such as Firebox) for £39.99 inc. VAT. You can follow Solar Technology on Twitter @SolarTechInt

Additional Info:

*Existing FreeLoader owners with end of life batteries can upgrade to the FreeLoader Classic for a small charge. Contact Solar Technology for further details.

Technical Description:

• 150mA premium quality crystalline solar cells
• 1200mAh environmentally friendly Li-ion battery.
• Charge Freeloader Classic using its solar panels in 8 hours or via a PC in 3 hours
• Supplied with a master cable and nine adaptors to fit the following:
• Mini USB – Motorola, Blackberry, Smartphone, iMate etc
• Micro USB – Motorola, Blackberry, Nokia etc – the new “standard phone adaptor”
• 4mm straight jack – PSP, TomTom, EBook etc
• Nokia 3.5mm straight jack
• Nokia 2mm straight jack
• Sony Ericsson – wide adaptor
• Samsung – G600 series adaptor
• LG – Chocolate, Prada etc
• DS – DS Lite
• USB socket in built to allow connection from devices with their own USB charge cable – e.g. Apple products.
• Aluminium body
• Supplied with detailed user manual

Size – 123x62x17mm
Weight – 124g

Bring Multitouch Gestures to your Windows 7 PC with the new Touch Mouse

Bring Multitouch Gestures to your Windows 7 PC with the new Touch Mouse

Acer unveils big-screen smartphone • reghardware

Acer unveils Android-powered big-screen smartphone • reghardware:

The Iconia Smart's screen is a big 4.8in, 1024 x 480 resolution.

The Smart runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread on a 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 processor, packs in tri-band HSPA 3G, 2.4GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS and an FM radio.

It has a 2Mp video call camera, and a second, 8Mp job on the back for stills and 720p video. It'll play 720p content out through its HDMI port, but not higher resolution footage.

No price yet, but May delivery is promised.