Tuesday, February 27, 2018

D-Link Announces AC1750 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router for HD Streaming, Gaming and Multiple Device Usage


D-Link Announces AC1750 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router for
HD Streaming, Gaming and Multiple Device Usage

New Router Delivers Exceptional Performance and Advanced Features for Everyday Streaming and Gaming Wi-Fi Needs

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – Feb. 26, 2018 – D-Link today announced the immediate availability of its newest router, the AC1750 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router (DIR-867). The DIR-867 delivers powerful and reliable performance for users who demand faster Wi-Fi speeds for HD streaming and online gaming on multiple devices. This feature-packed router makes it easier for users to enjoy strong Wi-Fi speeds no matter where they are in the home.

The DIR-867 offers blazing fast dual-band speeds of up to 1,750 Mbpsand AC SmartBeam technology, which tracks connected devices for enhanced Wi-Fi speed and range. This router also comes with intelligent Quality of Service (QoS) with traffic prioritization, four high-performance external antennas for maximum range, parental controls, and an intuitive interface that allows users to setup their device and experience these features right out of the box. The DIR-867 also features the latest MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology, which allows multiple devices to get high-bandwidth Wi-Fi signal at the same time.

“The DIR-867 is ideal for users who are looking for optimal performance and Wi-Fi speeds throughout their home,” said Oscar Reyes, vice president of marketing, D-Link Systems. “This router offers users the ability to maintain the strongest Wi-Fi signal on multiple devices at one time – with less buffering and lag for the best user experience.”

The D-Link AC1750 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router supports up to three data streams with MU-MIMO Technology, which allows multiple devices to receive high bandwidth Wi-Fi signals at the same time. With AC SmartBeam and MU-MIMO technologies, the DIR-867 is able to distribute data more efficiently to devices, allowing for the fastest Wi-Fi speeds in all areas of the home. The router also uses four high-performance external antennas to provide great coverage throughout the whole home. Users can also stream HD media faster and play lag-free online video games without having to sacrifice Wi-Fi speeds on any device, making the DIR-867 the perfect combination of performance and ease of use.

More about the AC1750 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router (DIR-867):
·       Dual Band Wi-Fi Performance  Delivers faster Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1750 Mbps
·       Powerful Dual-Core Processor – Boosts wireless and wired performance
·       MU-MIMO Ready – Delivers maximum speed to multiple devices
·       3 x 3 Data Streams – Supports 3 data streams for increased throughput
·       80/160 MHz Support  Doubles bandwidth for intensive data transfer
·       High Power Antenna – Provides wider coverage throughout the home
·       QoS  Prioritizes network traffic for seamless streaming and gaming
·       Advanced AC SmartBeam  Tracks connected devices for enhanced Wi-Fi speed and range
·       Gigabit WAN and LAN Ports – Maximizes performance of wired devices like gaming consoles and desktop computers for the ultimate gaming multi-media experience

Availability and Pricing
The AC1750 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router (DIR-867) is available now for $89.99 through D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail partners. Detailed specifications are available online at D-Link’s website.
  
About D-Link
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit us.dlink.com, or connect with D-Link on FacebookTwitter and D-Link’s Blog.
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D-Link and the D-Link logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other third-party marks mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2018 D-Link. All Rights Reserved


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Thursday, February 22, 2018

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping the iLX-F309 Alpine Halo9 In-Dash System

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping the iLX-F309 Alpine Halo9 In-Dash System
The “hovering” design of the 9-inch screen allows it to be added to many vehicles

Torrance, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the new iLX-F309 Alpine Halo9, an in-dash system with a 9-inch touch screen that “hovers” over the vehicle’s dashboard.

“The iLX-F309 uses a new design that’s quite different from traditional screen-based systems,” said Mike Anderson, vice president and general manager, brand business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “We’re excited to offer this 9-inch screen solution for a wide variety of vehicles without the need for custom installation.”

The iLX-F309 is an AM/FM/Digital Media Receiver with a 9-inch WVGA touch screen and mech-less design (no CD/DVD slot). It uses a 1-DIN chassis for installation but the screen “hovers” over the vehicle’s dashboard, allowing the oversize screen to be added to a variety of vehicles without the need for custom installation.

Installation Fitment
The iLX-F309’s 9-inch screen is attached to an adjustable mount that is connected to a traditional 1-DIN chassis. The screen hovers over the dashboard and its rear housing tapers at the edges for a thin profile. The screen can be tilted at four pre-set angle points (45 degrees, 20 degrees, 0 degrees, -20 degrees) for better viewing depending on the tilt and height of the dashboard. The screen can also be positioned 20 millimeters (mm) deeper than the default position or lowered 30 mm from the default position to adjust for the distance and height of the dash and to avoid any buttons or other components that may be close by. Once the positions are determined, the screen and mount are fixed to the chassis before installation.  

Entertainment Features and System Expansion
The iLX-F309 is suited for smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto with the Google Assistant. The iLX-F309 has Bluetooth® wireless technology with audio streaming and a built-in HD Radio™ tuner. It can control Pandora® music from a compatible smartphone and is SiriusXM Ready™ (requires a SiriusXM tuner and subscription, both sold separately). There is a USB port for video or audio, an AUX input, and an HDMI input. A second HDMI input can be added via the KCX-630HD HDMI Selector (sold separately). Select factory features are retained and vehicle information is displayed when used with the iDatalink® Maestro® module (sold separately, retained features and vehicle information vary by vehicle).

The iLX-F309 comes with one universal rear camera input, or it can be used with multiple cameras through the KCX-C2600B Multi-Camera Selector (cameras and selector sold separately). Electrical accessories like a light bar or motorized tonneau cover can be controlled by the iLX-F309’s touch screen when connected to the KAC-001 External Accessory Controller (sold separately).

The iLX-F309 is available at authorized Alpine retailers for $1,100 SRI. Visit www.alpine-usa.com for a store locator.

CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android Auto and Google Assistant are trademarks of Google LLC. PANDORA, the PANDORA logo, and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc., used with permission. Sirius, XM, SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. “HD Radio” is a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation. TheBluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Alpine Electronics, Inc. is under license. iDatalink is a registered trademark of Automotive Data Solutions, Inc. Othertrademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that provides consumers and leading automakers with audio, video, navigation and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies. Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing safe, comfortable and eco-friendly automotive electronics products.

For information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com and these social media channels:


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Sunday, February 18, 2018

JBL Boombox Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review


I enjoy spending time outdoors. Including music makes it even better. But since weather plays a factor, being waterproof helps. Up for review today is the JBL Boombox. As with the old school boombox, the JBL Boombox is portable to take your tunes on the go. Unlike the boomboxes of old, it’s also waterproof, so no worries regardless of the weather.

Features and specs:
General Specifications
Frequency response:  (50Hz-20kHz)
Signal-to-noise ratio:  80dB
Music playing time:  up to 24 hours (Varies by volume level and music content)
Weight:  5.25kg
Support:  A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6, HFP 1.6
Power supply:  20V/4A
Dimensions
Dimensions:  (H x W x D)254.5 x 495 x 195.5mm
Transducers:  4-inch woofer x 2, 20mm Tweeter x 2
Control and Connection Specifications
Bluetooth version:  4.2
Bluetooth transmitter power:  0-9dBm
Bluetooth transmitter frequency range:  2.402GHz-2.480GHz
Bluetooth transmitter modulation:  GFSK, 8DPSK, π/4DQPSK
Battery
Battery charge time:  <6 .5="" hours="" o:p="">
Battery type:  Lithium-ion Ploymer (74Wh)



The JBL Boombox came in a nice looking color printed box, with photos and features of the boombox. Opening the box revealed the product well protected in custom molded Styrofoam. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic, with some rubber, cloth and metal. Quality of materials used was excellent, as was the fit and finish. The JBL Boombox is a premium product, and it shows! It is extremely well made, and feels very solid! The JBL Boombox should give years of use.

I love the design of the JBL Boombox, with its smooth lines and cloth wrap. On top are just a few buttons for controls. On the back under a panel that provides a tight water seal, are the connections for charging cord, as well as a micro USB service port, 2 USB ports and an analog 3.5 mm audio port. So it’s ready for any weather it may encounter. The IPX7 rating is good for rain, or small dips up to 3 feet.  So just don’t drop it in the pool.

The JBL Boombox is good for music, and more. Up in the mountains, but realized that you forgot to charge your phone? No worries, as long as you have a charger cord. The JBL Boombox has a built-in 20,000 mAh battery, which is huge! So it’s good for 24 hours worth of playing time, or a combination of play time and charging. Which brings us to the use of the USB ports – charging your cell phone or tablet. For music, the JBL Boombox has you covered via Bluetooth, or an analog 3.5 mm port. So for your older music devices, just make sure you have a 3.5 mm analog cable.

So far, I’ve been really impressed with the JBL Boombox. Having reviewed many JBL products in the past, I know what to expect from JBL and their quality. And the JBL Boombox holds true to their storied tradition. I was also pleased to see stereo tweeters and woofers, and I love the look of the two large passive radiators on each end. Add to that the ability to connect to another JBL wireless speakers through JBL Boombox is spades. The next question is how well does it sound?

To test the sound quality of the JBL Boombox, I threw a wide gambit of songs from different genre. From Pavarotti, to Foreigner, to ZZ Top, to Michael Jackson, New Order, Katy Perry, Christina Perri, and Mannheim Steamroller. The JBL Boombox got a serious workout, with the wide gambit of music I threw at it. In the spirit of the winter Olympics that we are currently in the middle of, I’ll put it this way. It would be like a figure skater landing double quads, or a snowboarder landing a 1620 on the half pipe. The highs, mids, and bass all performed amazingly.

With the music selection, I wanted to test vocals, instruments, and bass response. Vocals were silky smooth, very transparent to the source from my HTC One M9 Smartphone, and had nice texture and harmonics. Percussion was crisp and clean with good resolution, and dynamics. Flute was smooth with good air. Piano sounded very natural. The bass was tight and clean with punchy fast beats. And when the bass got deep, it still played clean and with authority. There was also good channel separation, providing a nice stereo aural imaging. The JBL Boombox had plenty of power, and only showed slight strain when it was played at max volume.

When it came to the Bluetooth performance, the JBL Boombox continued to impress.  Having a 2 story home with a basement, I really tested it's range.  I had it on the main floor, and walked around downstairs, and also walked all around upstairs, and never a hiccup.  So I decided to push it a little further and set it in the basement, and played it full blast.  Walking upstairs to the main floor...no problem.  And then walking all around on the 2nd floor...still not a single hiccup!  Now I was really curious.  Setting it outside at the end of my driveway, I started to walk down the street.  155 feet later, I lost the signal.  Amazing!


To sum things up, the JBL Boombox JBL nailed it! The JBL Boombox is built like a tank, is waterproof, easy to carry, and has enough power to play your tunes and charge your smartphone or tablet. And when it comes to playing your tunes, your music will come out loud and clear like you are used to it sounding, with excellent Bluetooth performance. And boy can it play loud! It has enough power to fill either your room, backyard, or campsite with clean sound. Based on its design, features, quality and performance, the JBL Boombox has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. If you like music, and the outdoors, you need to check out the JBL Boombox. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.JBL.com.




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Thursday, February 15, 2018

ASUS Republic of Gamers Launches ROG Gladius II Origin

ASUS Republic of Gamers Launches ROG Gladius II Origin 

-- The new ROG Gladius II Origin is built to deliver top performance and comfort with ultra-accurate cursor movement and responsiveness --
Fremont, CA (February 15, 2018) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that the ROG Gladius II Origin optical gaming mouse is now available in North America. Gladius II Origin is the third model in the Gladius Series and provides gamers with an ergonomic design to suit various grip styles. It features the highly regarded Pixart PMW3360 sensor with 12,000 dpi to ensure that all mouse movements are accurately translated into precise cursor actions. Uniquely designed rubber side panels on both sides of the mouse offer enhanced control during glide and lift actions.
Gladius 
Adjustable Design with Excellent Performance

ROG Gladius II Origin features an exclusive push-fit switch socket design that allows gamers to easily change switches in order to suit preferred click resistance and feedback. This feature also extends the lifespan of the mouse because worn or broken switches can simply be replaced. With pre-installed Omron switches rated up to 50 million clicks, and with an extra pair Omron switches for different click resistance, ROG Gladius II Origin offers customization options to suit the needs of any gamer.
ROG Gladius II Origin also features left and right mouse buttons that are separate from the body chassis, reducing the force required to initiate each click while delivering a more tactile feedback. Additionally, a DPI switch allows for on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments, and an Alps scroll wheel encoder provides crisp scrolling action.
ROG Gladius II Origin arrives with a detachable-cable design and includes two cable types, as well as a padded ROG pouch for protection and convenience. The additional cable eliminates the need to unplug the main cable from the computer, so gamers can simply put their mouse in the pouch and go.
ASUS Aura Sync and ROG Armoury Software

With three lighting zones, ROG Gladius II Origin lets gamers customize color and lighting effects, and also synchronize the lighting of the mouse with other Aura Sync-enabled devices for a coordinated gaming setup. Additionally, gamers can use the intuitive ROG Armoury software to customize lighting effects, adjust performance and surface calibration settings, program and map buttons, create profiles and more.
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AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ROG Gladius II Origin is available now at Amazon and other leading resellers at an MSRP of $99.99. Please contact your local ASUS representative for more information or visit us at ASUS ROG for additional product details.
SPECIFICATIONS¹

ROG Gladius II Origin
Connectivity Technology Wired (USB 2.0)
Tracking Optical
Tracking Resolution 12000 dpi
Tracking Speed 250 ips
Tracking Acceleration 50 g
Switches Omron D2FC-F-K (50M)
Additional Omron D2F-01F switches included
OS Support Windows® 10
Windows® 8
Windows® 7
Dimensions 126 x 67 x 45mm (L x W x H)
Weight 110 g without cable
Contents 1 x ROG Gladius II Origin
1 x 2-meter braided USB cable
1 x 1-meter regular rubber USB cable
2 x Omron switches
1 x ROG pouch
1 x ROG logo sticker
1 x User documentation
Note Compatible switch list for ROG switch socket:
  • Omron D2F Series switches: D2F, D2F-F, D2F-01, D2F-01F
  • Omron D2FC Series switches: D2FC-3M, D2FC-F-7N, D2FC-F-7N (10M), D2FC-F-7N (20M), D2FC-F-K (50M)
¹ Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com


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Wednesday, February 7, 2018

TRENDnet launches Powerline adapters delivering fast and stable PoE+ connectivity

TRENDnet launches Powerline adapters delivering fast and stable PoE+ connectivity
Powerline and Power over Ethernet make a powerful networking combination
TORRANCE, Calif. – Feb. 6, 2018 -- TRENDnet® (www.TRENDnet.com), a global leader in reliable SMB and consumer networking and surveillance solutions, has announced the launch of its Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapters, models TPL-331EP and TPL-331EP2K. These Powerline adapters allow you to easily add PoE+ support to your existing Powerline network.
If your home is not already prewired with Ethernet cabling, adding it may be very timely and costly. With TRENDnet’s new Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapters, a PoE connection can be made through your existing electrical power outlets. The TPL-331EP and TPL-331EP2K deliver Powerline 200 networking and PoE+ support to connected devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP handsets.
"Powerline is convenient because it provides a wired connection through your home’s existing electrical system, eliminating the need to run Cat-5e cables that can be both time consuming and come with a heavy cost," said Evan Davis, senior manager of solutions engineering at TRENDnet. "With PoE readily available through Powerline network adapters, users can easily plug a camera or other PoE device in without worrying about PoE injectors, or wires for power and network connectivity."
TRENDnet’s Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapters have a range of up to 300m (984 ft.) over existing electrical lines, and adapters are pre-encrypted for your convenience. Unlike other TRENDnet Powerline adapters, the Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapters have no power save mode, ideal for camera applications and other systems that would otherwise go into hibernation or standby mode.
TRENDnet’s Powerline 200 AV PoE Adapter, model TPL-331EP, and the Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter (2 Pack), model TPL-331EP2K are now available online on the TRENDnet Store, and nationwide via our distribution and retail partners.
Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter, TPL-331EP
  • Powerline 200 networking over existing electrical lines
  • PoE+ output port for connecting PoE devices over a Powerline network
  • Encrypted adapters auto-connect out of the box
  • Cross compatible with Powerline 1200, 600, and 500 adapters
  • Two Powerline adapters are required to start a network
  • Product page: www.trendnet.com/products/TPL-331EP
  • MSRP: USD $34.99
Powerline 200 AV PoE+ Adapter, 2 Pack, TPL-331EP2K
  • Includes two TPL-331EP adapters – each adapter supports a single PoE+ connection
  • Powerline 200 networking over existing electrical lines
  • PoE+ output port for connecting a PoE device over a Powerline network
  • Encrypted adapters auto-connect out of the box
  • Cross compatible with Powerline 1200, 600, and 500 adapters
  • An existing Powerline network is recommended
  • Product page: www.trendnet.com/products/TPL-331EP2K
  • MSRP: USD $64.99

About TRENDnet
TRENDnet is a global provider of award-winning networking and surveillance solutions to small and medium-sized business and home users. Building networking solutions since 1990, TRENDnet enables users to share broadband access, multimedia content and networked peripherals for true anywhere connectivity. TRENDnet's diverse product portfolio includes Wireless, Internet Cameras (IP Cameras), Switches, Power over Ethernet (PoE), Fiber, Gigabit, Home Automation, Network Video Recorders (NVR), Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM), Print Servers, Powerline, NAS Media Servers, Multimedia Accessories, and more. To learn more about TRENDnet, please visit www.trendnet.com


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