Intel and Nokia Expand Partnership to Develop Future Mobile Standard

Psst... guess what? Did you realize that mobile computing is ultra-popular? Of course you do. In fact, it might be  impossible to not realize the fact. Ten years ago, cell phones were beginning to catch on, but they were far from being so popular that everyone owned one. That's exactly how things are today, and between cell phones, smart phones, PDAs and other MIDs, many people own more than one product at a given time, so we're definitely in the midst of a mobile revelation, which seems to be lasting a while.

To help continue delivering amazing mobile devices, Intel and Nokia have today announced an expanded relationship and cooperation that promises to help "shape the next era of mobile computing innovation". To do this, the resulting partnership plans to create a completely new standard, which will of course involve Intel Architecture and select Nokia technologies. The release states that Intel is acquiring a license to Nokia's HSPA/3G modem, although whether that's supposed to become a part of the standard or not, I'm unsure.

The release also furthers the companies' emphasis on open source software, and such operating systems as Moblin and Maemo, both Linux-based, are likely to become the base of these future devices. This is a good thing, and it might even enable developers to alter the OS to their own liking. After all, that's the point of open source. As long as Windows compatibility is top-rate, I can't see anyone being upset at having one of these at the base of their next MID or cell phone.

It might take a while before the fruits of these companies' labor are made known, but with Intel's developer forum taking place in just under three months, we may very well be hearing from Anand Chandrasekher, Intel's Senior VP and GM of the Ultra Mobility Group, on all that's being worked on between the two companies.

"This Intel and Nokia collaboration unites and focuses many of the brightest computing and communications minds in the world, and will ultimately deliver open and standards-based technologies, which history shows drive rapid innovation, adoption and consumer choice," said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel Corporation senior vice president and general manager, Ultra Mobility Group. "With the convergence of the Internet and mobility as the team's only barrier, I can only imagine the innovation that will come out of our unique relationship with Nokia. The possibilities are endless."

OCZ Launches Sabre OLED Gaming Keyboard

Back at CES, OCZ showed off a rather unique gaming peripheral... the Sabre OLED keyboard. The concept of putting OLED on a keyboard isn't new, and it was pretty much the Optimus Maximus that put the technology on the map, but with OCZ's Sabre, the board is designed in such a way that it's actually going to be affordable by gamers (as opposed to the ~$1,500 USD Maximus).

The Sabre hasn't been drowned in OLED, but rather only nine large buttons feature the crisp (amber) displays. These are situated on the left side of the board, and can be used for a variety of tasks, including program launching and also macros. Scared of a limit to such macros? Don't be. According to the product page, each of the keys "holds the power to store limitless lays of shortcuts and macros". Sounds good to me. Now if I can only get a macro to write out content for me...

Other features include a full 103-key layout, and as you'd expect, each are back-lit with blue LEDs - perfect for night time gaming. Each one of the sides also emits a blue glow, which might make the Sabre one of the blingiest keyboards around. As for price? I'm awaiting hearing back about that, but according to the press release the company sent just yesterday, the keyboards are "immediately available", so hopefully we'll begin seeing it creep up on some popular e-tailers soon.

Update: The official pricing is $199 USD.

The nine dynamic OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) user-programmable hotkeys help manage time and efficiency while surfing the web, gaming, emailing, and CAD applications or any avenue the user sees fit. The unique OLED keys can convert any digital image or text into distinctive icons, reminding the user of the personalized shortcut. Additionally, the remaining keys are backlit with glowing amber LEDs and blue side lighting, perfect for users that prefer darkened rooms or gamers frequenting LAN parties.

Tech Roundup - June 23, 2009

Motherboards & Processors
• ASRock M3A780GXH/128M - Legit Reviews
• EVGA X58 3X SLI Classified - Motherboards.org
• Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 - HotHardware

Displays & Video Cards
• HIS Radeon HD 4770 - Digital Trends
• Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 Toxic - Neoseeker

Peripherals & Gadgets
• ASUS Xonar DS PCI Audio Card - Elite Bastards
• I-Rocks KR-6820E Backlit Gaming Keyboard - Tweaknews
• Mvix Nubbin MS-811N Wireless N USB Adapter - TweakTown
• VTech IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio - Digital Trends

Cooling
• GlacialTech X-Wing Notebook Cooling Pad - Think Computers
• Thermalright HR-07 Trio Heatpipe Memory Cooler - Overclock3D

Chassis & Power Supplies
• Antec Easy Swap Hard Drive Caddy Enclosure - Hi Tech Legion
• NZXT Panzerbox Chassis - techPowerUp
• OCZ Fatal1ty Champion Series 700W Power Supply - PC Perspective

Competitions, Complete Systems & Et cetera
• How to Run Linux in a Virtual Desktop - Bjorn3D