When Intel first introduced its Xeon Scalable processor family back in 2017, the data center industry welcomed it excitement. This was the company’s “biggest data center advancement in a decade,” which promised to lay “the new foundation for secure, agile, multi-cloud data centers.”

Two years later, Intel rolled out 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processor platform that provides even greater performance efficiencies, built-in AI acceleration, and lower TCO. 

2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors in Brief

The greatest data-centric innovation by Intel aims to address the accelerated demand for compute, storage, network, and memory. The 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processor Platform includes more core and memory capacities than any previous generation, and for the first time includes Intel Optane Persistent Memory and Intel Deep Learning Boost. 

Its key capabilities enable data center providers to deliver high-performance, workload-optimized services without increasing energy or hardware consumption. In addition to this, the platform provides foundation for unique deployments such as FlexServers by phoenixNAP. 

Innovating upon Intel Speed Select Technology (Intel SST), FlexServers are the world’s first deployment that allows for vertical CPU scaling across multiple performance configurations with a simple server reboot. This translates into a whole new level of flexibility and scalability that enables modern organizations to optimize their IT resource consumption. 

Let’s dig deeper into what this unprecedented agility can enable data center users to achieve. 

Vertical CPU Scaling with a Reboot

The key innovation that FlexServers brought to the data center market is the ability to switch among seven different CPU core-count and frequency configurations without having to change any hardware components. This is made possible by Intel SST, the technology that allows for multiple configurations to be made on a single server. That way data center providers can better meet fluctuating workloads, while users benefit from optimized performance. 

The seven different CPU settings can support varying performance demands and each include built-in AI acceleration fueled by Intel DL Boost, enabling users to quickly scale processing power and seize opportunities whenever they arise. No additional hardware or software installations are needed, which eliminates provisioning bottlenecks. 

Users can request a reboot at any point and the server is reset the same day, while the charges are applied accordingly. 

This model is ideal for organizations handling highly dynamic workloads or projects with high performance demands. They can use more powerful CPUs at peak times or for projects that grow quickly and shift to a less powerful one when their performance demand changes. 

The available configurations include: 

• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(20 cores ×2.2GHz), Comparable to 2x  Xeon Silver 4210 Processors
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(32 cores ×2.3GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 5218 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(24 cores ×2.7GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6226 Processors
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(40 cores ×2.1GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6230 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(32 core ×2.7GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6242 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(40 cores ×2.5GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6248 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(48 cores ×2.4GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Platinum 8260 Processors 

The servers were released in late 2019 and have generated a great interest among users with high performance demands. They are available on phoenixNAP’s multiple global locations and can be bought at competitive prices that scale with the performance supplied. 

By allowing for easy performance optimization, FlexServers also allow for significant cost-savings. Without having to upgrade the server every time their demand for performance changes, organizations can more efficiently allocate their IT budgets. 

Intel Optane Persistent Memory 

Besides the vertical CPU scaling capability, the 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable platform supports Intel Optane Persistent Memory . 

With unprecedented capacity of 512 GB/per module , this solution provides a whole lot of opportunities. It has high read/write speeds and is non-volatile, combining the efficiencies of DRAM and persistent data storage of SSD. With high data density and low latency, it is just the type of hardware component that today’s organizations need in order to process big data, AI workloads, and streaming services. 

Custom Options with phoenixNAP

The vertical CPU scaling and support for Intel Optane Persistent Memory are the two major aspects that differentiate FlexServers from many cloud servers out there.  

Working with phoenixNAP, Intel demonstrated how innovations on  its latest processor platform can enable more flexibility and value for customers. As Jason Grebe, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Cloud Platforms and Technology Group at Intel, said in the associated launch announcement: 

“Intel strives to introduce capabilities in our platforms that increase value for cloud service end-users and simplify their IT operations. phoenixNAP is now offering our new, unique software-configurable 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors that enable users to precisely dial in the optimal performance level for their workloads and budget on the same server.”

More info and pricing available on the FlexServers page.

phoenixNAP is a global Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider with 16 data centers and network PoPs in the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Its portfolio of services includes dedicated servers, public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions, colocation and hardware-as-a-service, as well as backup and disaster recovery services.

phoenixNAP’s and Intel have collaborated for years and have successfully deployed multiple innovative solutions.

Intel, the Intel logo, Optane and Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

When Intel first introduced its Xeon Scalable processor family back in 2017, the data center industry welcomed it excitement. This was the company’s “biggest data center advancement in a decade,” which promised to lay “the new foundation for secure, agile, multi-cloud data centers.”

Two years later, Intel rolled out 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processor platform that provides even greater performance efficiencies, built-in AI acceleration, and lower TCO. 

2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors in Brief

The greatest data-centric innovation by Intel aims to address the accelerated demand for compute, storage, network, and memory. The 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processor Platform includes more core and memory capacities than any previous generation, and for the first time includes Intel Optane Persistent Memory and Intel Deep Learning Boost. 

Its key capabilities enable data center providers to deliver high-performance, workload-optimized services without increasing energy or hardware consumption. In addition to this, the platform provides foundation for unique deployments such as FlexServers by phoenixNAP. 

Innovating upon Intel Speed Select Technology (Intel SST), FlexServers are the world’s first deployment that allows for vertical CPU scaling across multiple performance configurations with a simple server reboot. This translates into a whole new level of flexibility and scalability that enables modern organizations to optimize their IT resource consumption. 

Let’s dig deeper into what this unprecedented agility can enable data center users to achieve. 

Vertical CPU Scaling with a Reboot

The key innovation that FlexServers brought to the data center market is the ability to switch among seven different CPU core-count and frequency configurations without having to change any hardware components. This is made possible by Intel SST, the technology that allows for multiple configurations to be made on a single server. That way data center providers can better meet fluctuating workloads, while users benefit from optimized performance. 

The seven different CPU settings can support varying performance demands and each include built-in AI acceleration fueled by Intel DL Boost, enabling users to quickly scale processing power and seize opportunities whenever they arise. No additional hardware or software installations are needed, which eliminates provisioning bottlenecks. 

Users can request a reboot at any point and the server is reset the same day, while the charges are applied accordingly. 

This model is ideal for organizations handling highly dynamic workloads or projects with high performance demands. They can use more powerful CPUs at peak times or for projects that grow quickly and shift to a less powerful one when their performance demand changes. 

The available configurations include: 

• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(20 cores ×2.2GHz), Comparable to 2x  Xeon Silver 4210 Processors
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(32 cores ×2.3GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 5218 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(24 cores ×2.7GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6226 Processors
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(40 cores ×2.1GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6230 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(32 core ×2.7GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6242 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(40 cores ×2.5GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Gold 6248 Processors 
• 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8260Y(48 cores ×2.4GHz), Comparable to 2x Xeon Platinum 8260 Processors 

The servers were released in late 2019 and have generated a great interest among users with high performance demands. They are available on phoenixNAP’s multiple global locations and can be bought at competitive prices that scale with the performance supplied. 

By allowing for easy performance optimization, FlexServers also allow for significant cost-savings. Without having to upgrade the server every time their demand for performance changes, organizations can more efficiently allocate their IT budgets. 

Intel Optane Persistent Memory 

Besides the vertical CPU scaling capability, the 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable platform supports Intel Optane Persistent Memory . 

With unprecedented capacity of 512 GB/per module , this solution provides a whole lot of opportunities. It has high read/write speeds and is non-volatile, combining the efficiencies of DRAM and persistent data storage of SSD. With high data density and low latency, it is just the type of hardware component that today’s organizations need in order to process big data, AI workloads, and streaming services. 

Custom Options with phoenixNAP

The vertical CPU scaling and support for Intel Optane Persistent Memory are the two major aspects that differentiate FlexServers from many cloud servers out there.  

Working with phoenixNAP, Intel demonstrated how innovations on  its latest processor platform can enable more flexibility and value for customers. As Jason Grebe, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Cloud Platforms and Technology Group at Intel, said in the associated launch announcement: 

“Intel strives to introduce capabilities in our platforms that increase value for cloud service end-users and simplify their IT operations. phoenixNAP is now offering our new, unique software-configurable 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors that enable users to precisely dial in the optimal performance level for their workloads and budget on the same server.”

More info and pricing available on the FlexServers page.

phoenixNAP is a global Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider with 16 data centers and network PoPs in the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Its portfolio of services includes dedicated servers, public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions, colocation and hardware-as-a-service, as well as backup and disaster recovery services.

phoenixNAP’s and Intel have collaborated for years and have successfully deployed multiple innovative solutions.

Intel, the Intel logo, Optane and Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

If you're socially distancing and working from home, you're probably using more data across more devices than ever before. If you find yourself struggling to get decent speeds or you're bursting through your bandwidth caps, Three UK has everything you need.

If you're like us, you probably chose your mobile broadband based on normal usage: podcasts or the odd TV programme on the commute, a bit of social media on the bus and so on. But now we're doing daytime video meetings with the office, having virtual meet-ups with friends and family and dealing with the extra demands of our children and their many devices.

Three can help with that. Its network was designed specifically for data, and it has created a range of services that'll keep you connected through the current crisis and beyond.

5G broadband: super-fast and super-convenient

If you're in London, you'll be blown away by Three's incredible 5G service. It's incredibly, thrillingly fast and makes video meetings feel like you're in a movie, albeit a movie about meetings: 5G banishes the stutters and the lag to deliver silky-smooth video, super-fast uploads and downloads and the convenience of having the speed you need wherever you are. 

There's no need for a landline, to connect a cable or to wait weeks for an engineer: you can be online the next working day.

4G Broadband: get internet anywhere

If you're not currently in a 5G area, don't worry: Three's speedy 4G Broadband is just as convenient – once again there's no need for a landline, a cable or a visit from an engineer – and it's available to 99.8% of the UK population. 

All you need is a plug socket and you can bring fast 4G broadband anywhere you need it: the kitchen, the garage, even the garden shed.

4G MiFi: keep the kids (and the grown-ups) happy

Three's MiFi is brilliant for devices like Nintendo Switches, iPod touches, tablets and laptops that can connect to Wi-Fi but that don't have their own mobile data connections. 

It's a portable Wi-Fi provider that connects to Three's fast 4G network and delivers Wi-Fi to as many as ten devices simultaneously. It's as small as a credit card but its battery lasts up to four hours, and with a 300 hour stand-by it's ideal for trips into the great outdoors when you're fed up staring at the same four walls. And at just £22 per month for unlimited data, it’s a broadband bargain.

Unlimited SIMs: never miss the end of anything

Some mobile SIMs come with pretty severe data caps, and Murphy's Law says they'll always kick in at the worst possible moment: just before you find out whodunnit in your true-crime podcast, or before the final reveal in your favourite drama. 

With Three's unlimited SIMs you can be sure you'll never miss the end of anything: there's no data cap, and there are no speed limits either. Unlimited SIMs are available in 1-month, 12-month and 24-month flavours, and they're incredibly affordable: right now you can get unlimited data, minutes and texts on a 12-month plan for just £18 per month.

They're 5G ready too, so if your device is 5G-compatible you can connect to 5G in London at no extra cost.

Three is the magic number

Three can get you up and running with speedy 4G or 5G broadband in just 24 hours, and with plug and play there's no complicated installation, no cabling and no need for an engineer visit - which is handy, as many companies aren't sending out engineers at this time.

Just use the coverage checker to confirm availability, choose your device and/or plan and you'll be online the next day.

That's not all. If your phone or SIM Plan is 12GB or more you can use Go Binge to make your money go even further: Go Binge gives you unlimited streaming from your subscriptions to Netflix, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Deezer and more without using any of your data allowance. 

And when things get back to normal, Go Roam enables you to use your call, data and text allowance in 71 different countries without extra charges – so you can sit back, relax and stay connected without worrying about roaming fees.

To find out how Three can deliver the speed you need to cope with everything from Skyping to streaming, visit the Three UK website.

LG recently released the 27-inch UltraGear monitor (model 27GL850) and it ticks all the right boxes for casual as well as professional gamers such as a non-IPS panel and high refresh rates that support G-Sync technology. If you are looking for a new gaming monitor, here are the reasons why the LG UltraGear 27GL850 should be on top of your list.

1) Size and resolution 

The LG UltraGear monitor hits the sweet spot of size and resolution. The monitor’s tight pixel density and the 1440p resolution, allows the 27” display to produce crisp images for both gaming and desktop use. The 1440p is also easier on the graphics card as it doesn’t have to work extra hard at rendering images, so you will have sharp and colorful images at high frame rates even at the maximum quality settings.

2) 144Hz refresh rate with G-Sync support

The UltraGear monitor not only supports a 144hz refresh rate panel, but also compatibility with AMD FreeSync as well as NVIDIA G-Sync. What this means is that the display will be able to generate buttery smooth images at a high refresh rate, while eliminating any signs of screen tearing. This not only makes single player games more immersive, but also gives a competitive advantage in online multiplayer games. The fast display will give you precise control over your shots, without being bogged down by any trailing or ghosting issues.

3) Nano-IPS technology

Nano IPS is LG’s own innovation which aims to provide a better color gamut than other display technologies like IPS and VA. Nano IPS is where nanoparticles are applied to a LED backlight of an IPS display, which helps absorb excessive light wavelengths to increase the color gamut. 

While most standard IPS displays have a 100% sRGB color space, Nano IPS displays have an extended range of 130%. This allows the display to produce more vibrant colors without over-saturating the image, which is efficient considering the monitor supports HDR. Nano IPS also retains all of the benefits of an IPS panel, over the VA, including better colors, a faster response time, and superior viewing angles. 

4) Response time and input lag

Fast response time and low input lag means that you have absolute control over your shots. The 27GL850 model has some of the quickest response time on an IPS-based display, even beating out other TN-based monitors featuring higher refresh rates. With its excellent motion handling and blur-free images, you’ll always a clear sight of your enemies in games. Combined with the imperceptible input lag of ~4ms, the game performance is smooth and responsive, making it a perfect fit for professional gaming.

5) Value for money

With everything this monitor supports, you would expect it to be priced on the higher side but LG has priced the UltraGear 27GL850 affordably at AED 2,299 and it will be available in April. It’s difficult to find a product that matches the features and specifications of this UltraGear model. 

With this monitor, not only are you getting flagship level performance but at a price that’s less than what you’d pay for competing brands.

There has never been a better time to try out music streaming service Tidal. Sign up today and you get four months of unlimited streaming for just $4, or £4. 

You don't need a math diploma to work that out. It's a dollar (or a pound) per month. 

That dollar opens the door to one of the very best music streaming services in the world. Tidal has more than 60 million songs. You get unlimited, ad-free access to them with a subscription. But the real appeal of Tidal is in what it does differently. 

More than music

It doesn't just care about music. Tidal also offers over 250,000 HD quality videos. There are official music vids, and much more besides. 

Behind-the-scenes reveals, intimidate interviews with stars and documentary series on some all-time legends, including Prince, are all on there. Tidal X also offers live concerts and festival footage. 

Tidal is not just a music streamer. It lets you get that bit closer to the artists you love, and check out original content you won’t find anywhere else. 

There are great ways to discover new music too. Tidal is packed with curated playlists, not ones put together by a faceless algorithm. And the Tidal team produces its own stack of podcasts, including Rap Radar with Elliott Wilson and B Dot, and Jazz Club.

A peek into the backroom

We are also big fans of the tech behind Tidal. It was the first major streaming service to launch with a real focus on audio quality. Choose the Premium membership and you can stream at 320kbps AAC, which most ears cannot separate from CD quality. Honestly, it’s really good. 

Will only the best do? Tidal also lets you go much further. 

A Tidal HiFi sub raises the quality ceiling for all tracks to lossless 44.1Hz, the same as a CD, using the audiophile favourite FLAC format. There’s also a growing collection of 24-bit Tidal Masters albums, delivered using the Hi-Res MQA format. Music streaming simply does not get any better than this.

A Tidal HiFi sub is perfect if you have a nice pair of headphones or one of the top wireless speakers that support the service, like the brilliant Naim Mu-So.

New ways to experience music

You can also try two of the most exciting developments in digital music through Tidal. Sony Reality 360 uses clever spatial technology to turn a stereo soundstage into a truly three-dimensional one. You’ll hear audio elements behind and above your head, not just around its sides.

Dolby Atmos Music tracks, on the other hand, are specially mastered. The aim is to expand the soundstage so you feel like you’re surrounded by the music you love, not just dipping a toe in it. 

Sony Reality 360 and Dolby Atmos Music are part of the Tidal HiFi subscription. Above that, all you need are an Android phone and a pair of headphones. 

Tidal works with more hardware than you’d likely guess too. It’s not just for your phone, or a Bluetooth speaker connected to it. It works with Sonos gear and with Bluesound’s multi-room speakers. You can get the Tidal app for your Roku or Amazon Fire TV sticks. Check out the Tidal website for the full list of supported devices. 

Access to all that for just $4/£4 for four months? That sounds like an unmissable deal. 

A few weeks ago we reported on the winner of a competition held by IGG, maker of the brilliant multiplayer game Lords Mobile for mobile and PC.

Contestants were asked to design a castle, one that would eventually feature in the game itself. You can check out the winner's story in our previous post.

And above you can see the design as it will appear in Lords Mobile. Cute, right?

It brings to mind memories of carefree childhood days spent burying your head in the toy box.

IGG and Make-A-Wish

IGG might bring a few tears to a few eyes with its follow-up, a $100,000 donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Make-A-Wish's good work spans five continents, and it tries to make the dreams of critically ill children come true. 

You can read about some of these wishes-made-real on the Make-A-Wish website. One of them is Shakeel. After being diagnosed with renal disease, he sought solace in online games. An avid gamer now, his wish was to be a gamer to raise funds through a live stream for charity.

This is just one of several remarkable charitable projects IGG has made happen. In 2019 it teamed-up with philanthropist Mr Beast, of YouTube fame, who delivered thousands of presents to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, California.

You can watch a video of that day, and see the hospital room stuffed with presents, on the Lords Mobile Facebook page.

IGG is also doing its best to help the global effort to stop the spread of Covid-19, coronavirus.

It setup a donation fund to bring important medical supplies to the most affected areas in Asia. And, more recently, IGG purchased 1.8 million face masks to be distributed to the areas hit hardest by the virus. 

It's also donated N95 masks to US hospitals and organizations including the City of Fremont (Police Dept), Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Stanford Hospital and more.

Play Lords Mobile today

You might want to try Lords Mobile, or another game of its kind, if you're currently feeling anxious, or are in self-isolation.

It's a massively multiplayer online game for Android, iOS and Windows, and is a good way to get your head away the news while connecting with others across the world.

More than 300 million people play Lords Mobile. And as well as fighting them on the battlefield, you can create alliances and chat within the game.

You build an empire, raise an army, and have to use clever tactics to succeed. Train Heroes, join a guild and take part in epic battles in the guild-vs-guild Dragon Arena.

Lords Mobile is free to download and play on Steam, Google Play and the Apple App Store.

If you're looking for a great deal on your next phone, look no further than the multi-award winning Mobile Phones Direct. The online retailer has a huge range of handsets available, with deals across  the major mobile networks, ensuring you'll find the perfect device for you.

One particular deal will immediately appeal to the gamers out there. Buy a Samsung Galaxy A51 with an O2 contract through Mobile Phones Direct and you'll get a console, for free.

A red-hot freebie

You can choose between a 1TB Sony PS4 or a Nintendo Switch Neon. If you're looking for ways to stave off self-isolation blues right now, you can't do much better.

Can't decide? We recommend a Switch for families and lovers of Mario and Zelda, but you can't overlook the immense array of amazing games available for PS4.

Your Samsung Galaxy A51 contract costs £33 a month, and with that you get a video-stream-friendly 30GB of data a month. And unlimited calls and texts. There's nothing to pay up-front either.

And the phone itself?

"If you're after a smartphone with a big screen, big battery and plenty of photography features, but don't want to break the bank, the Samsung Galaxy A51 could well be the phone for you," says TechRadar’s own John McCann.

The best of Android

But the Galaxy A51 is one of Samsung's tasty mid-range phones. Will only an iPhone or top-end Android satisfy? Mobile Phones Direct has deals for those too.

In the Android corner we have the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, a brand new flagship phone with the latest camera and mobile internet tech.

Mobile Phones Direct offers the phone with an O2 contract for just £45 a month, and a £19.99 up-front fee. This includes a massive 60GB of data a month, an allowance so chunky you can let rip and really see what 5G mobile internet can really do.

TechRadar calls the Galaxy S20 an "outstanding handset", for its versatile triple lens rear camera array, the smooth 120Hz screen, and that you don't need clown trousers just to fit the phone in your pocket. 

Apple deal of the day

Those who would rather use an iPhone should also consider Mobile Phones Direct's latest iPhone XR deal. At just £30 a month, you end up paying a lot less than you usually would to join the Apple elite.

This O2 contract has a small £29.99 up-front fee, and includes 30GB a data a month as well as unlimited calls and texts.

The iPhone XR is not Apple's latest, most expensive iPhone. But it is similar to the iPhone 11, with a 6.1-inch screen, 12-megapixel primary camera and much better battery life than the iPhones that came before it.

These are just a taster selection of some of the deals you'll find at Mobile Phones Direct. And there are other reasons to shop there too.

Mobile Phones Direct has a price match promise, and will go head-to-head with any Pay Monthly or SIM Only offer from O2, Vodafone or Carphone Warehouse. You get two months of free insurance, delivery is free and Mobile Phones Direct's support lines are open seven days a week.

Lenovo recently introduced its new line-up of business laptops ThinkBook in India. It begins with the ThinkBook 14 and ThinkBook 15, which will focus on portability and performance. 

These laptops are designed and packed in an anodized aluminum finish to appeal to the new workforce. Lenovo says that modern laptops are well-packed with hardware that suits the needs of the ever-evolving digital workforce.

The Thinkbook series is powered by up to 10th Gen Intel Core™ i7 6-core processor. While there are a total of five options to choose from, the ThinkBook 14 and 15 offer strong performance enabling them to reach a maximum turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz, and this should ideally let users process large amounts of data without much struggle.

To make it more suitable for business use, it comes with some dedicated features like Skype Hot Keys, dual-array, Skype for Business certified microphones, and stereo speakers with Dolby Audio enhance audio for web-conferences. 

Note that you need a Skype for Business account to use these services, which isn’t pre-installed by Lenovo. Additionally, the company also offers business-specific services, including international warranty and support for up to 5 years, which Lenovo believes will help SMB decision-makers to prevent productivity barriers.

Additionally, the two laptops come with AMD Radeon 625 and 620 graphic cards, which enables a better gaming experience, and also watching movies, fast webpage loading time, smoother video streaming, and more. To top it up, you can choose for a 14-inch FHD display with thin bezels combined with a dual-stereo with Dolby certified audio experience.

Security

One of the significant elements worth considering in a business laptop is its security features. The ThinkBook laptops come with Smart Power On feature where the Power On button is integrated with a fingerprint reader (FPR) for biometric authentication. While this is a standard feature, it’s an essential first step security feature that deserves mention. 

Also, the ThinkBook 14 and 15 come with features that keep you secure when connecting to public networks, which is a common situation for those working on the go. Protected by Lenovo Vantage, the built-in WiFi security feature detects and notifies users of malicious networks in real-time. 

Moreover, the laptops come equipped with ThinkShutter, a physical slider that allows you to keeps the webcam covered when not in use.

Battery and connectivity

Further, the new laptops come with RapidCharge technology that is claimed to charge up to 80 percent of the battery in an hour. Depending on the variants, customers can choose between 45W battery that supports rapid charge offering up to 9 hours of backup or a 57W battery that can last you up to 12 hours. 

It also supports 95W charging via Type-C adapter that is sold separately. Note that the real-life battery backup may differ from the claims as battery life fluctuates depending on the settings, usage pattern, and other similar factors.

It offers all the basic connectivity options like multiple USB 3.1, USB 2.0, HDMI, 4-in-1 card slot, RJ5, and 3.5mm port. For wireless, the new laptops offer up to WiFi 62x2AX and Bluetooth 5.

You can check the model and price details of all the Lenovo ThinkBook laptops here.

Lenovo recently introduced its new line-up of business laptops ThinkBook in India. It begins with the ThinkBook 14 and ThinkBook 15, which will focus on portability and performance. These laptops are designed and packed in an anodized aluminum finish to appeal to the new workforce. Lenovo says that modern laptops are well-packed with hardware that suits the needs of the ever-evolving digital workforce.

The Thinkbook series is powered by up to 10th Gen Intel Core™ i7 6-core processor. While there are a total of five options to choose from, the ThinkBook 14 and 15 offer strong performance enabling them to reach a maximum turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz, and this should ideally let users process large amounts of data without much struggle.

To make it more suitable for business use, it comes with some dedicated features like Skype Hot Keys, dual-array, Skype for Business certified microphones, and stereo speakers with Dolby Audio enhance audio for web-conferences. Note that you need a Skype for Business account to use these services, which isn’t pre-installed by Lenovo. Additionally, the company also offers business-specific services, including international warranty and support for up to 5 years, which Lenovo believes will help SMB decision-makers to prevent productivity barriers.

Additionally, the two laptops come with AMD Radeon 625 and 620 graphic cards, which enables a better gaming experience, and also watching movies, fast webpage loading time, smoother video streaming, and more. To top it up, you can choose for a 14-inch FHD display with thin bezels combined with a dual-stereo with Dolby certified audio experience.

Security

One of the significant elements worth considering in a business laptop is its security features. The ThinkBook laptops come with Smart Power On feature where the Power On button is integrated with a fingerprint reader (FPR) for biometric authentication. While this is a standard feature, it’s an essential first step security feature that deserves mention. Also, the ThinkBook 14 and 15 come with features that keep you secure when connecting to public networks, which is a common situation for those working on the go. Protected by Lenovo Vantage, the built-in WiFi security feature detects and notifies users of malicious networks in real-time. Moreover, the laptops come equipped with ThinkShutter, a physical slider that allows you to keeps the webcam covered when not in use.

Battery and connectivity

Further, the new laptops come with RapidCharge technology that is claimed to charge up to 80 percent of the battery in an hour. Depending on the variants, customers can choose between 45W battery that supports rapid charge offering up to 9 hours of backup or a 57W battery that can last you up to 12 hours. It also supports 95W charging via Type-C adapter that is sold separately. Note that the real-life battery backup may differ from the claims as battery life fluctuates depending on the settings, usage pattern, and other similar factors.

It offers all the basic connectivity options like multiple USB 3.1, USB 2.0, HDMI, 4-in-1 card slot, RJ5, and 3.5mm port. For wireless, the new laptops offer up to WiFi 62x2AX and Bluetooth 5.

OPPO’s latest generation of the best-selling Reno series is here, and it’s all about the cameras. The Reno3 Pro’s versatile camera setup is geared towards content creators, giving them all the tools they need to capture clear shots under any condition and make professional photos and videos on the go.  

These days, vlogs feature a distinct style, relying on tight editing and precision shots to make videos look as effortless as possible. When in reality, they’re anything but often, establishing signature shots and other staples of the vlogging genre require expensive equipment like tripods or gimbals and a great deal of planning. The OPPO Reno3 Pro closes that gap.  

One of the highlight features of the camera is built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) that ensures your footage appears smooth and professional regardless of minor shakes and violent vibrations. This allows you to record complex movement without the need for additional equipment to aid stabilization.  

Dive into Reno3 Pro’s Rear Camera System

The centrepiece of the Reno3 Pro is its 64MP Quad-lens array on the back which consists of a 64MP Ultra-clear lens with an 8MP Ultra-wide lens, a 13MP Telephoto lens and a 2MP Mono lens for styling up your images. 

A unique feature of the Reno3 Pro’s snappers is the Ultra Clear 108MP image. The cameras capture multiple images of the same scene and use the information from the best frames to form a composite image. Sometimes pixels shits between frames and data gets lost.   

But Reno3 Pro’s Optical-flow sub-pixel registration calibrates pixels across frames to add more detail to the image. Then uses sub-pixel interpolation so that the composite image becomes a high-resolution image with more pixels and information.  

Clear photos have not always been possible at night-time or in dark areas. But you can forget low-lit and dark photos with Reno3 Pro’s Ultra Dark Mode. When enabled, it captures multiple frames of the same scenes and discards over or underexposed frames. Once frame selection is completed, the Reno3 Pro fuses frames AI brightening and AI-based noise reduction techniques. 

The rear camera setup is also perfectly poised to capture subjects that are far away with perfect clarity thanks to its 5X Hybrid Zoom and 20X Digital Zoom capabilities. While many smartphones tout zoom features, few manage to execute it well, with results ranging from dark blobs to grainy images. 

On the Reno3 Pro, “Clear in Every Shot” zoom is possible through Hybrid Zoom that uses a combination of three camera lenses - the wide-angle camera, primary camera and telephoto lens.  

The phone then uses a mix of automatic lens switching and a Fusion algorithm to deliver the best photo ranging from the wide-angle starting point of 0.6x and going all the way up to 20x.  

Telescope-like capabilities like these are seldom seen on smartphone cameras and make the Reno3 Pro an ideal device to capture moments at a football match, close-up of the sky or a scenic sunset.  

Dive into Reno3 Pro’s Front Camera System

OPPO has suped-up the front camera this time; to give users the complete smartphone camera package. With a dual setup consisting of a 44MP lens and a 2MP depth of field lens selfies on a smartphone have never looked better.  

Through a combination of excellent hardware and AI smarts, the Reno3 Pro elevates your photos, ensuring the best photo with every click. First, there’s AI Beauty Mode that can intelligently detect 377 facial landmark points and apply a variety of beautification effects, including make-up resulting in photos that always capture your best self.  

There’s also bokeh effects to play around with the 2MP depth of field lens can detect the distances between subjects and background items and make different degrees of Bokeh effect depending on that distance. The closer the object is to the character, the lower the degree of Bokeh effect, and the farther the background is from the figure, the higher the degree of Bokeh effect. 

Worrying about night-time selfies is a thing of the past with the Reno 3 Pro. Ultra Night Selfie Mode on the phone does most of the work for you much the Ultra Dark mode on rear cameras. 

The content possibilities are endless with the Reno3 Pro’s versatile setup. Whether you’re setting out on a trek, an off-road adventure or chasing dunes in the desert, the Reno3 Pro is all you need to take with you to capture your favourite moments. Once you’re done, you can edit your video and share it on your ideal platform with a few simple taps right on your Reno3 Pro. A real all-in-one vlogging setup. 

GoDaddy Websites + Marketing integrates everything the modern entrepreneur needs to build a successful business. 

GoDaddy has all of the tools needed to put together a beautiful, on-brand website. With easy-to-use tools and a wide range of templates, you can get your site set up in minutes. 

A full suite of e-commerce features ensures you can easily manage inventory, keep tabs on incoming orders, and process payments painlessly. Getting your products onto Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are just a few clicks away with GoDaddy; once your products are listed, you can manage your inventory across all of those platforms from your GoDaddy dashboard with their Marketplaces feature. 

InSight is a new tool that provides a running score of how you’re managing your online business and offering actionable, industry-specific guidance on what to do next. To dig even deeper, a full video series of Guides helps you tackle specific problems head-on.  

Promoting your business with GoDaddy is a breeze. For example, you can prepare e-mail newsletters to keep your customers up-to-date. GoDaddy also plugs into Facebook, Yelp, and Google My Business so your most important information is readily accessible to customers wherever they might see your brand online.

GoDaddy provides top-of-the-line SEO tools to ensure you rank on the first page of relevant search terms. GoDaddy can also help you gain visibility on social channels thanks to Instagram integration to manage your posts.

Visit godaddy.com/websites-marketing to learn how to take your business to the next level.

Once upon a time, you may have had a work landline on your desk to take phone calls at the office -- but these days, more and more businesses-people are expected to keep tabs on communications when they’re not at the office. VoIP services can help a lot with that, by giving users a second phone number without having to carry around a second phone. Only one problem -- those services can be a little pricey.

That’s exactly where Zadarma steps in. 

The service is aimed at businesses and business-people who want access to multiple phone numbers without paying an arm and a leg. In fact, depending on your team size and the services you’re looking for, it may be absolutely free.

From local to international

There are a ton of advantages to using Zadarma’s VoIP services, and some of them you might not have thought of before. 

For starters, the service offers phone numbers from different countries. The result of that is that you won’t be making international calls to reach clients overseas -- and clients who get calls from you will be more likely to answer when they see a local phone number. 

Zadarma supports over 100 countries. In other words, you can transform your smaller local business into an international one at almost no cost.

PBX without the hassle

Zadarma also makes it easier for workers at a business to communicate with each other, thanks to its cloud PBX system. Traditionally, implementing a PBX at a workplace can be expensive and require a ton of work, but Zadarma’s Cloud PBX service keeps all of that infrastructure in the cloud. 

In other words, as long as you have internet access, you’ll have a full internal telephone system. Zadarma’s PBX supports features like voice menus, call recording, call transfers, text auto responses, and more. 

There’s another advantage to Zadarma’s Cloud PBX services too -- the fact that it integrates with other customer relationship management (CRM) services too. Notable integrations include the likes of Slack, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, ZenDesk, Viber, Salesforce, Zoho, and more. Zadarma is adding more integrations too -- like with an upcoming integration with Hubspot. Through these integrations, you can manage all your interactions with clients and customers in one, unified system -- without having to always keep dozens of tabs open. These integrations include things like system notifications, SMS messages delivered into the messenger, and more -- and they’re extremely easy to use.

As with Zadarma’s other services, the Cloud PBX system is relatively inexpensive. In fact, according to Zadarma, businesses can save up to 90% compared to other offerings. There’s even a free Cloud PBX service that supports up to 30 users. That’s perfect for small businesses who don’t need all that many lines.

Something for everyone

Zadarma wants to be the go-to service for businesses of all sizes, which is why it offers a number of different packages for all of its different services. 

Whether you’re a small business with only a few employees, or a large corporation, you’ll almost certainly save some cash with one of Zadarma’s packages. Services can be accessed on a computer or smartphone, making it easy to always have access to your business communications, and ensuring that you can easily separate your business life from your personal life.

Want to save your business some cash? Learn more about Zadarma’s services straight from the Zadarma website.

As you may know many offices are switching to the remote work, and that is why Zadarma introducing a special offer: 50% discount on Office EU and Office USA/Canada bundles. These bundles are intended for implementing an extensive business phone system, which includes calls, numbers, cloud PBX, CRM, and more. To receive a discount you will need to top up your account, then click on the “promo code” icon and enter the RemoteOfficeUS code for the USA/Canada or RemoteOfficeEU for Europe. We are ready to help you make your remote work as convenient and profitable as possible, despite the viruses and crises.

When Samsung decided to name the successor of the Galaxy S10 as the Galaxy S20, it was obvious that this wasn’t a small generation-over-generation upgrade. The Samsung Galaxy S20 series that is made up of the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S20+ and the Galaxy S20 Ultra takes a huge leap with mobile photography setting itself up as the phone camera to beat for 2020.

All the models in the Galaxy S20 Series feature wide, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses allowing the user all kinds of creativity when it comes to framing their shots. Samsung has paired its flagship series with its best sensors with the Galaxy S20 Ultra going up to a whopping 108 megapixels on the primary camera and 40MP on the selfie camera. Here are some of the exceptional camera qualities on the S20 series.

Record videos in 8K

The Galaxy S20 series is the first phone we’ve seen that is capable of recording 8K video that can easily be streamed to your Samsung QLED 8K TV. The resolution of 8K is four times higher than 4K and 16 times higher that FullHD which allows you to pull 33 megapixel still shots from the video.

One shot to rule them all

The incredibly powerful camera module in the Galaxy S20 Series is matched with equally powerful software and AI to get you the best shots. Samsung has introduced a “Single Take” mode on the camera app that can basically be described as the next generation of the burst-mode. It takes one shot and turns it into multiple formats of up to 14 photos and videos instantly.

With Single Take mode, you will no longer need to shoot multiple photos or videos to get that perfect shot. Samsung’s intelligent software creates all shots for you such as Best Moment, Ultra-wide, Photo Bokeh, Beauty, AI Filter and  Smart Crop. And it’s not just restricted to photos- you will also get all sorts of videos automatically created for you such as Original, Reverse – Backwards, Bounce – Boomerang and Fast Forward, with just one click.

Turn night into day

The Galaxy S20 Series comes with a large sensor and an anti-rolling stabilizer which is great for two things. First, your videos will come out super-smooth- almost at the level of action cams. And second, you’ll get superb low-light shots using the Bright Night mode. The extremely large sensor allows for 3x3 pixel binning that will let the camera take in a lot of light empowering you to capture the best night scenes that's blur-free with less noise. 

5G power

Other than the camera, the Galaxy S20 Series also features leading industry specs. The Galaxy S20+ and the Galaxy S20 Ultra support 5G so you can transfer files in an instant or even live-stream videos or your gaming sessions without any buffering. The batteries on these phones are also some of the highest in the industry reaching up to 5,000mAh capacities while storage capacities go up to 1.5TB which is more than what most laptops are equipped with.

Your last chance to be the first to own

There’s no question that the Galaxy S20 Series are the hottest new phones. If you’re looking for premium, top of the line phones with a mind-blowing camera, you should definitely pre-order one right now on Samsung.com to get exclusive extras worth AED 828. You’ll get the all-new Galaxy Buds+, 1-year Samsung Care+ accidental damage coverage with the Galaxy S20+ or Galaxy S20 Ultra. Offer ends 5th March, so be the first to own and don’t miss out.

When Motorola debuted the Razr v3 in 2004, it quickly rose in popularity amongst users. Here was a clamshell phone that not only sported a super thin profile for mobile phones at the time, but oozed a style and sophistication that made everyone lining up to grab their very own. It was a design built using cutting edge technology.

Fast forward to today Motorola is bringing its iconic phone back and it is once again built using cutting edge technology- a foldable screen. But it’s not just the tech that makes the Razr one of the most loved smartphones in history- it connected with its users. There was something vey satisfying about snapping your phone shut to hang up on a person – or even flip it open to answer a call.

Clamshell phones had been around long before the Razr but the style in which Razr handled this has been unmatched. And while we’ve forgotten clamshells- opting for a slab design, the new Razr will not only reignite that nostalgic feeling amongst those that have used it previously, it will also excite the younger generation through attitude and exclusivity.

While using the new Razr is easy, the technology behind it is far from that. Motorola has been working on foldable display technology for years and wanted to make sure it comes up with a product that not only looks good but it reliable and can sustain daily usage. The screen closes perfectly to create a zero-gap design while the hinge is capable of opening or closing hundreds of thousands of times.

Besides the foldable screen, Motorola has also added an external screen to display the time, notifications as well as shortcuts to let you use the phone or take selfies. This being a Motorola product, all sorts of gestures are also supported for quickly launching the camera or flashlight etc.

There’s no denying that phones have gotten smarter and more powerful, but we’ve sadly lost the charm of being able to – quite literally – fold our phone in half and drop it into our pocket. Which is why it’s the perfect time for the iconic Razr to make a comeback in 2020. This time around you get all the features you’ve come to expect and enjoy in an Android phone, all housed in that truly unforgettable phone design.

Acer Predator Gaming is returning to PAX East for the fifth year of its epic, tech- and gaming-filled After Party. On Friday, February 28th, PAXers will leave the Boston Convention Center en masse to continue the fun at Royale Boston. After the doors open at 9 pm, guests will have a chance to try out (and possibly win) the latest and greatest of Acer tech!

At the gaming demo zones, you’ll have the chance to try a variety of gaming rigs and accessories: the Orion 9000 desktop, Triton 500 and Helios 700 laptops, Galea 500 headsets, Cestus 510 mice, and the infamous Predator Thronos Air—all playing the latest and greatest of PC games and demos.

Gaming lovers can try hopping on stage for 5v5 CS:GO matches with esports group Team Envy, for the chance to win Predator Gaming-branded swag and make amazing memories of having your gaming skills hyped by a shoutcaster in front of a roaring crowd. Or enjoy the catered food, drinks and music with fellow gaming fanatics as you wait for the headliner set from the Grammy-winning DJ Audien at midnight.

Plus, lucky giveaway winners can walk away with a Predator Gaming laptop, Acer X32 display, or other gadgets and swag. Don’t wait to RSVP!

Date: Friday, February 28th, 2020

Time: 9:00 pm

Location: Royale Boston, 279 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Register Now! 

Register by February 26th, 2020

*This event is 21+ only. You will be emailed additional details the week of the event. No Dress Code, cosplay welcome. This is a first come, first served event, your RSVP does not guarantee admission. We suggest arriving as early as possible.