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HTC's Vive Wireless Adapter will cost $300
14 months after HTC and Intel first showed off their wireless VR prototype, the two are finally ready to ship the product. According to HTC's announcement today, the Intel WiGig-based Vive Wireless Adapter is priced at $300 and works with both Vive and Vive Pro, though the latter requires an additional $60 for a "compatibility pack" -- it includes a connection cable, foam padding and an attachment device. For those who have been longing for this upgrade, they can pre-order it at Amazon, Best Buy, Microsoft, NewEgg and HTC's very own Vive.com starting from September 5th. This will be followed by the official launch on the 24th.
ASUS ZenScreen is the slickest USB monitor I've ever seen
ASUS is known for its design chops, so much so that it could turn even a router into an eye candy. The same goes for its latest USB monitor, the ZenScreen (MB16AC), which turned up on the show floor here at Computex in Taipei. This 15.6-inch, 1080p IPS device is the slickest of its kind I've ever seen, which is largely thanks to its slim 6.5mm bezel, as well as the addition of a metallic chin on the front and the usual spun-metal back. It also helps that the buttons have been moved to said chin -- "Confirm" and "Menu" on the left, "Power" on the right -- in order to keep the edges clean, leaving just a USB-C port on the bottom left side.
Here's the world's first monitor running on just USB Type-C
Single-cable USB monitors have been around for a while, so it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a USB Type-C update. As it turns out, ASUS is the first to announce such a product. Following the MB168B+ from about two years ago, this new MB169C+ portable display features the same 15.6-inch screen size and 1080p resolution, but the old TN panel has finally been upgraded to IPS for much improved colors and viewing angles. ASUS' iconic spin metal design is here to stay, and likewise with the mere 800-gram weight plus 8.5mm thickness -- just a tad more than its predecessor's 8mm.
Mavericks is breaking multi-display setups for some
OS X Mavericks sports a number of bullet points meant to improve usability for multi-display setups, but it seems that while adding a menu bar to every screen has worked swimmingly, users with monitors that rely on DisplayLink technology have been swimming in nothing but frustration. DisplayLink monitors -- which connect to the host computer using USB or wireless means -- are experiencing a laundry list of issues. Here's the full tally of problems, straight from DisplayLink's official post on the matter: Some applications can show severe flickering on DisplayLink screens. Examples of applications that show this issue are Safari, QuickTime and the App Store. Some applications can show corruption and/or missing contents while updating windows contents. Examples are Maps, iBooks and the Dock. Display arrangement is not kept when using 2 or more DisplayLink displays. All screens black and unusable after unplugging a DisplayLink screen. This is caused by Apple's Window server crashing. This can be recovered by replugging the DisplayLink device. On the Retina MacBook Pro, changing the layout to mirror logs the user out. Again this is caused by Apple's Window server crashing. The company insists there's nothing it can do to remedy the situation and is instead asking Mac developers to report the bugs to Apple in the interest of getting a fix pushed out as quickly as possible. [via Ars Technica]
DisplayLink's adaptor streams 4K content over USB 2.0 and 3.0 (eyes-on)
DisplayLink's been wringing all kinds of connectivity out of our computer's USB ports for years, turning one connection into many. It should come as no surprise, then, that the company's using its considerable compression expertise to send high-resolution 4K video through that very same pipe. Ideally, the system shoots video over USB 3.0, while still giving users the full connectivity options of any compatible DisplayLink device -- but it can also function using USB 2.0, though the dynamically compensating data compression at work may cause some frames to drop. We chatted with Displaylink's Director of Marketing, Andy Davis, about the feature and he informed us that the new 4K capability comes courtesy of a chip design first revealed back at CES that, while upping the max resolution of transmitted video, has no trouble driving multiple displays. In theory,the number of 4K screens the chip can drive is only limited by the graphics drivers and video decoding capabilities of the computer it's connected to. And, the new architecture also enables wireless streaming of 4K video using 802.11ad and can stream 1080p video over 802.11ac (4K over 802.11ac is in the works). We got to see a brief demo of the technology in action, and the video played back flawlessly over USB 3.0 for the few minutes we saw it work. Using 2.0, we noticed a slight flicker once or twice during playback, but the feed was still quite watchable. All in all, its a nice addition to the DisplayLink feature set. Now if they'd just let us know when we'll actually see it implemented in something we can buy.
DisplayLink finally releases USB 3.0 drivers for 2012-era Macs
Though DisplayLink has been Mac-friendly for a number of years now, the company has finally made good on their promise of speedier USB 3.0 drivers for the latest Macs (except for the barely-updated Mac Pro). If you don't recall, DisplayLink technology essentially turns a single USB port into an array of connections with the help of a compatible docking station -- so your new MacBook Air can now connect to a four monitor setup at home without using up all your ports, for example. The new driver is available as a software update and is also completely backward compatible, so those limping along with USB 2.0 should still benefit from the multiplied connections that DisplayLink enables.
DisplayLink shows off adapters and docks from HP, Lenovo, EVGA and Targus at IDF 2012
With the proliferation of Ultrabooks, laptops are shipping with fewer ports and smaller screens. One of the benficiaries of the streamlined designs is DisplayLink, whose technology can turn a single USB port into a bevy of connections. At IDF 2012, the company showed off new gear from several vendors, including EVGA, HP, Lenovo and Targus. First, there's a handsome little puck from EVGA, called the UV Plus+39, that plugs into your laptop's USB 2 or 3.0 socket to grant you HDMI and DVI output at up to 2048 x 1152 resolution for $85. Next up, Lenovo's self-explanatory USB 3.0 to DVI adapter that supports the same max resolution as the Plus+39 for $80. Lastly, a pair of docks from Targus and HP. HP's 3005pr USB 3.0 Port Replicator turns your laptop's USB 3.0 port into four USB 2.0, two USB 3.0, one HDMI, DisplayPort, and RJ-45 jacks, plus audio in and out connections for a mere $150. Targus' $250 USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Video Docking Station has similar connectivity to HP's solution, but swaps DisplayPort for DVI and adds the ability to charge 90W laptops using its included array of power adapters. Having trouble deciding which one's for you? Perhaps our photos in the gallery below will help you decide.%Gallery-165490% Myriam Joire contributed to this report.
Kensington updates DisplayLink universal laptop docks with USB 3.0
Having somewhere to dock your laptop is insanely convenient. Of course, each manufacturer tends to have their own proprietary solution. And usually a different dock is needed for each model. Fun, right? Well, Kensington has their own universal solution that makes the most of the ubiquitous USB port and the unfortunately less ubiquitous DisplayLink. The company unleashed an update to its line of universal laptop docks today that takes advantage of the bonus bandwidth provided by USB 3.0. The Office Dock (sd3500v) and Home Dock (sd3000v) both offer USB 2.0 and 3.0 expansion slots, a gigabit Ethernet port, audio out as well as DVI and VGA ports for plugging in an external monitor. The Office dock ups the ante by supporting 5.1 surround sound via HDMI which, obviously, also gives you an additional video port option. Both are available now world wide, with the Home Dock retailing for $170, while its slightly more premium brother commands a $200 price tag. Check out the PR after the break.
OLPC delivers big OS update with text-to-speech, DisplayLink and WebKit
While most of its energy is focused on the XO-4 Touch, the One Laptop Per Child project is swinging into full gear for software, too. The project team has just posted an OS 12.1.0 update that sweetens the Sugar for at least present-day XO units. As of this latest revamp, text-to-speech is woven into the interface and vocalizes any selectable text -- a big help for students that are more comfortable speaking their language than reading it. USB video output has been given its own lift through support for more ubiquitous DisplayLink adapters. If you're looking for the majority of changes, however, they're under-the-hood tweaks to bring the OLPC architecture up to snuff. Upgrades to GTK3+ and GNOME 3.4 help, but we're primarily noticing a shift from Mozilla's web engine to WebKit for browsing: although the OLPC crew may have been forced to swap code because of Mozilla's policies on third-party apps, it's promising a much faster and more Sugar-tinged web experience as part of the switch. While they're not the same as getting an XO-3 tablet, the upgrades found at the source link are big enough that classrooms (and the occasional individual) will be glad they held on to that early XO model.
Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 dock lends its ports to your deprived laptop via DisplayLink, available May 15th for $180
We've all been there. When you run into a scenario where your kit is one USB port short of an ideal workflow. Fret not, the ThinkPad USB 3.0 dock from Lenovo will provide help with said issue when it arrives later this month. Powered by DisplayLink's DL-3900 graphics chip, the peripheral adds five of the aforementioned USB ports, dual DVI jacks for implementing multiple displays and both gigabit Ethernet and audio connections. Not too shabby for an expansion set that connects to your chosen workhorse over a single USB 3.0 cable. Looking to take the leap? You'll have to wait a few days, but you can snag one from retailers around the globe for $179.99 beginning May 15th.
DisplayLink powers SIIG USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter with audio, now shipping in the US for $130
Looking to use a USB 3.0 port to connect to that fancy new HD monitor or television? You're in luck. SIIG has just announced its USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter complete with audio -- making multi-tasking during that Justified marathon a breeze. The tech makes use of DisplayLink's DL-3500 USB virtual graphics chip to employ the speed of your PC's 5 Gb/s USB connection. Don't fret, though, the kit is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0, should you need it. You'll find standard and widescreen aspect ratios with resolutions up to 2,048 x 1,536 without the need for extra audio cables. And if that's not enough, you can connect up to six of these bad boys at the same time thanks to the latest DisplayLink software. The adapter is available now in the US for $129.99 with UK shipping expected in the next few weeks. Still on the fence? Hit the full PR below before jumping on the source link to snag one (or six) of your own.
DisplayLink adds DVI to its USB display adapter repertoire, in Japan
Tired of all those USB to HDMI adapters? Got yourself a monitor sporting only an old-school DVI port? Well, don't worry, DisplayLink has your back... as long as you live in Japan. The cumbersomely named I-O DATA USB-RGB3/D USB 3.0 to DVI display adapter just hit shelves in the Land of the Rising Sun for the equivalent of $137. By hooking up to a computer's USB 3.0 port the adapter is able to push video at resolutions up to 2048 x 1152 over a standard DVI cable. It's a great way to salvage that aging, but still high-quality display if you've got a newer notebook that's gone the HDMI-only route. Hopefully some adapters powered by DisplayLink's tech will start making their way stateside soon. If not, there's always imports. Check out the complete PR after the break.
DisplayLink announces USB 3.0-to-HDMI adapter, 2560 x 1600 resolution panels get supported
IDF's certainly delivered a few bombshells thus far, but sometimes it's the simpler things that can brighten up your day, like DisplayLink's announcement of its snappily-titled Winstars USB 3.0-to-HDMI adapter. Making use of all that extra bandwidth means using TVs as monitors no longer results in battling with a bad case of the jaggies. Running on its DL-3500 chip, the plug-in device will deliver resolutions up to 2560 x 1600, promising ultra-low latency and less of the jittery window and cursor movement which has troubled older products. Gamers will be pleased to hear that there is support for full-screen 3D, as well as both 2.1 and 5.1 channel audio. No word on a release date as of yet, but we're guessing that the estimate of "soon" means that Yanks will see it by Christmastime. Full PR after the break.
IOGEAR's USB-to-HDMI adapter brings a soundtrack to the DisplayLink party
DisplayLink adapters are a-dime-a-dozen these days, dutifully displaying our desktop environments on other displays not connected via traditional monitor interfaces. Pumping out video content to the big screen has been simplified, sure, but audio has always been the Achilles heel of the diminutive dongles. Enter IOGEAR, whose GUC2025H USB External HD A/V Adapter solves this exact problem -- without taking up any additional ports to boot. The 4.2- x .63- x 2.8-inch box supports a max resolution of 1920 x 1080, and will output via HDMI when connected via standard USB. At a nickel under $100, the price seems to be about right, though we wouldn't have complained if the company had thrown in an HDMI to DVI converter for good measure. Full PR after the break.
Toshiba outs 14-inch, DisplayLink-powered USB mobile monitor for $200
It's been a hot minute since we've seen a new DisplayLink-equipped secondary monitor, but it looks as if the drought is ending today. Toshiba has quietly pushed out a new 14-inch mobile USB display, weighing just 2.8 pounds and retailing for a freakishly affordable $199.99. That sum gets you 1366 x 768 pixels, 220 nits of brightness -- if you plug in an optional AC adapter -- a 400:1 contrast ratio, 16 millisecond response time and native support for Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. As these things go, a simple USB connection is all that's required to provide basic power to the unit and send the signal, and it seems to be shipping now for those who've outgrown their 7-inch Mimo.
MMT's DisplayLink-equipped 15.4-inch Monitor2Go hands-on at CES 2011 (video)
We just happened upon MMT's Monitor2Go at CES's ShowStoppers event here in Vegas, and... well, it's a Mimo monitor, but huge. The new version -- which is expected to ship in a few months here in the US for $279 -- lacks the number pad that was on last year's model. That one was aimed primarily at accountants on the run, whereas this DisplayLink-equipped version is aimed at everyone else. You can catch up on all of the specifications and such here, but the actual display felt satisfactorily light, the swiveling hinge was rock solid and the screen itself was acceptable for a secondary solution. The low resolution won't dazzle anyone, and it's certainly no replacement for a legitimate monitor, but it's definitely easier to lug around than a new ST2220T. Head on past the break for a quick video demonstration. %Gallery-113149%
MMT's DisplayLink-equipped 15.4-inch USB Monitor2Go given a $279 price
Both DisplayLink and MMT seem pretty darn proud to be revealing the 15.4-inch Monitor2Go here at CES, but in reality, this unit has already been around the block. If you'll recall, the Field Monitor Pro was first spotted a few weeks back, and now MMT is introducing a rebadged version in Vegas. The good news, however, is that we finally have a price to pore over: $279, and it'll ship to consumers later this quarter. For those that missed last month's slip, this fold-up monitor can be used alongside any machine (PCs are green-lit, Mac support is in beta) with a USB port, offering a 1280 x 800 screen resolution and a number pad to boot. Of course, since DisplayLink is behind the pixels, up to six screens can be daisy-chained off of a host computer's single USB port to create a massive video wall -- something we strongly encourage, of course. %Gallery-112226%
Field Monitor Pro: 'portable' 15.4-inch USB monitor packs number pad, DisplayLink
This, friends, is the ThinkPad W700's worst nightmare. Rather than forcing consumers into buying a gargantuan lappie with an inbuilt secondary display (or settling for one of Mimo's diminutive alternatives), Mobile Monitor Technologies has an even better solution: this thing. The four-pound Field Monitor Pro is sure to be a hot seller over at Accountemps, with a fold-flat design and a spacious 15.4-inch LCD underneath. Essentially, this is a 15-inch laptop sans the guts, boasting just a 1280x800 LED-backlit display, a rear kickstand, two Kensington lock slots, a pair of USB 2.0 sockets, DisplayLink technology and a full-on number pad. It's designed to be used in both lay-flat or stood-up modes, and if you're looking for a more permanent solution, it can also be mounted on a nearby wall. Unfortunately, you'll still need a separate AC line running to a wall outlet, and the relatively low resolution isn't apt to drop any jaws. Head on past the break for a peek at what exactly this beast can offer, and then wait patiently for a price as "busy season 2011" swings in. Ah, the sweet smell of taxes coming due. [Thanks, Ian]
DisplayLink aims for 'any device, any display connectivity' with USB 3.0
We'd heard back at Christmastime 2009 that USB 3.0-infused DisplayLink kit would be hitting shelves in 2010, and lo and behold, it looks as if someone is dead-set on keeping a promise. Here at IDF 2010, DisplayLink has come forward with public plans to gravitate towards "any device, any display connectivity" with its new USB 3.0 chip platform. The DL-3000 and DL-1000 single chip series are being introduced in San Francisco, with each offering integrated display and networking connectivity, HD video support and "third generation DisplayLink adaptive real-time compression technology that dynamically manages bandwidth, taking full advantage bi-directional throughput of SuperSpeed USB." The gist of all that? Thanks to SuperSpeed bandwidth increases, multiple full HD videos, high resolution graphics and networking data can be processed simultaneously, and there's even the potential to enable graphics delivery over gigabit Ethernet. Essentially, USB 3.0 has opened up an entirely new playing field for DisplayLink, and we're hoping that 2011 is the year that we finally put those resolution caps behind us on USB-enabled docking stations. We'll let you know if we hear more from the show floor -- much to our dismay, hardly anything is said about actual product implementation dates in the PR.
MEDL Technology's 'The Panel' hands-on
MEDL Technology's portable LCD display "The Panel" sounded like the perfect laptop sidekick, but would you really want to slip the 13.3-inch screen into your messenger bag? We invited company co-founder Eric Liao -- and his prototype Panel -- to a local Starbucks to find out. The verdict? Lightweight and incredibly easy to use, but at this point most features (including those all-important analog video inputs) aren't quite ready for primetime. Housed in a silvery frame that perfectly matched the brushed aluminum finish of our Mac and Dell laptops, the screen was equally easy to hook up to either one. Using a DisplayLink USB graphics chip, we only had to plug in an USB cable to instantly connect the external screen, once the driver was installed. The Panel was nice and bright, even eclipsing our LED-backlit XPS M1330 on maximum settings -- though the screen looked washed out, viewed from off-angles -- and featured smooth action and no perceptible audio sync issues when playing a DVD-quality movie. Basic functionality's all we got to test, sadly, but Liao made a number of intriguing promises for The Panel's future. At 80 percent brightness, Liao says the device's 4200mAh rechargeable battery gives it 4 to 5 hours of spreadsheet slinging bliss, and those buttons on the right side might be used to control more than brightness and contrast -- should the company adopt wireless USB as originally planned, Liao intends to have them double as arrow controls, allowing you to cut the cables and still have basic e-reader functionality. A headphone jack is still in the works, which should allow audio passthrough from HDMI and possibly USB. Last but not least, there's a reason The Panel looks so good lying prone next to that Macbook: should cost decrease, future revisions may include a tablet-style touchscreen. Shame most of these ideas are still on the drawing board, but even the primary product is shaping up nicely. Hit up our gallery for the visual scoop. P.S. Those blotches on the LCD screen? Liao says that's a manufacturing defect, and that MEDL is testing LCD panels from a variety of manufacturers to avoid such mishaps in the final product. %Gallery-89198%