The worldwide smart connected device market, comprised of PCs, tablets, and smartphones, is forecast to grow 27.8% year over year in 2013, slightly lower than the 30.3% growth in 2012. The growth will be driven by tablet and smartphone shipments, while the PC outlook has been lowered by 10% in 2013. As a result, the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker expects tablet shipments to surpass total PC shipments (desktop plus portable PCs) in the fourth quarter of 2013 (4Q13).

PCs shipments are still expected to be greater than tablet shipments for the full year, but IDC forecasts tablet shipments will surpass total PC shipments on an annual basis by the end of 2015. Smartphones will continue to ship in high volumes, surpassing 1.4 billion units in 2015 and accounting for 69% of all smart connected device shipments worldwide.

Alienware, the pioneer in high-performance gaming systems, announced today that its flagship gaming desktop, the Alienware Aurora, has been reinvigorated with the latest performance processors and graphics to provide gamers with the ultimate gaming experience. Consistent with the Alienware heritage of always pushing the boundaries with technology and performance, the new Aurora desktop will inspire hardcore gamers around the world to push their own limits and achieve higher scores with its compelling features, innovative and bold design, and extreme performance.

The Aurora is now available with the latest Intel Core i7 processors including an Extreme Edition option, processors with as many as 6 cores and 15 MB of cache, and overclock speeds up to 4.3 GHz with Turbo Boost technology. These new options are part of Intel's new Ivy Bridge-E 4000-series family of processors announced at the Intel Developer Forum 2013 in San Francisco.

Staying competitive, and staying at the cutting edge are two important factors when you want to not only run the latest games, but shed through the competition. That is why iBUYPOWER is excited to announce availability of Intel's new line of Core i7 Extreme Edition processors - previously codenamed Ivy Bridge E.

Boasting up to a staggering 6 CPU cores and 15 MB of L3 cache, the new Core i7 Extreme Editions will tear through the latest games, apps, and data crunching tasks that you might throw at your computer. iBUYPOWER is proud to always be at the leading edge of technology, and making our custom build systems available with the latest Core i7 processors from Intel is something we know our fans will love.

HP today announced the expansion of its Z portfolio of professional workstation and display products, including the world's first workstation Ultrabook -- the HP ZBook 14 -- and the industry's first line of workstations to offer Intel's Thunderbolt technology for high-speed data transfer.

The new portfolio includes three new HP ZBook Mobile Workstations, processor and graphics enhancements to the award-winning line of HP Z Desktop Workstations, and two new HP Z Displays.

Velocity Micro, the premier builder of award winning enthusiast desktops, laptops, gaming PCs, and peripherals announces the immediate availability of expertly crafted systems powered by unlocked 4th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors and the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition. Formerly code-named "Ivy Bridge-E," these LGA 2011 socket processors provide extreme power for increased performance, better security, and more responsiveness especially in high demand, multi-threaded tasks, making them a perfect fit for content creation, encoding, and multi-display, multi-GPU gaming. Custom built, made in the USA systems from Velocity Micro powered by these new processors start at $2,399.

"When creating our ultra-performance PCs, it's critically important for us to have the very latest hardware at hand to combine with our meticulous build process," said Randy Copeland, President and CEO of Velocity Micro. "Intel has been the leader in processor technology for years now and we're honored to be able to offer these new CPUs to our customers on launch day to continue making some of the fastest PCs on the market."

MAINGEAR, an award-winning custom PC builder offering custom desktops, custom built laptops, and PC workstations updates their desktop lineup with the latest Intel six-core processors that offer unlocked performance and gives PC gamers and creative professionals more of what they crave.

The Intel Core i7-4960X processor Extreme Edition, Core i7-4930K, and Core i7-4820K processors will be offered on the MAINGEAR SHIFT, F131, Force and Rush desktops. This update allows PC enthusiasts and gamers to choose from performance to extreme levels of processing power that fits their budget. Performance on these processors offer a combination of smart features including Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, while the Intel Core i7 processor Extreme Edition delivers unparalleled performance.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, is proud to announce the next generation GIGABYTE BRIX compact PC kit with new models featuring the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors. The new GIGABYTE BRIX is available in four models, each powered by the latest 'Haswell' architecture CPUs, offering improved CPU and graphics performance plus native 4K display support. The new GIGABYTE BRIX also features a front SPDIF jack and expanded USB 3.0 connectivity.

"This new and updated GIGABYTE BRIX builds on the incredible success and popularity of our original compact PC design," commented Henry Kao, Vice President of GIGABYTE Motherboard Business Unit. "We're confident end users will enjoy the improved overall performance that the latest Intel Core processors offer, as well as additional upgrades we have made regarding audio and USB connectivity."

x86 heavyweight Intel Corp. has just updated its desktop processor offer with a bunch of new Haswell and Ivy Bridge models. Detailed below, this latest release wave includes the 3.5 GHz Core i7-4771, four Core i5 chips priced at $182 (two Haswell and two Ivy Bridge CPUs), Core i3s going from 2.9 GHz to 3.6 GHz, five Pentiums, plus a couple of Ivy Bridge-based Celerons. The processors cover a price range that starts at $42 (for the low-power Celeron G1620T) and tops $314 (for the Core i7-4771).

Digital Storm today unveiled HydroLux, a complete desktop cooling solution that combines liquid and airflow cooling with fully customizable control software. Available exclusively on Digital Storm desktops, HydroLux monitors and automatically
adjusts to temperature fluctuations in in real-time, marking a giant leap in the evolution of PC cooling.

"We work hard to differentiate the Digital Storm brand by engineering powerful systems that meet our customer's high-performance demands," said Rajeev Kuruppu, Digital Storm's Director of Product Development. "HydroLux delivers on that promise by providing an industry leading cooling solution that can be fully customized to meet each user's unique needs."

Lenovo today announced new all-in-one (AIO) desktops with a simpler ergonomic design featuring optional multi-touch screens, improved cable management and new mounting options with the ThinkCentre UltraFlex Stand allowing for vertical, rotate and tilt movements including a fully flat position optimized for touch. Also announcing today, the ThinkCentre E73 and M73 desktops power businesses looking for traditional tower, small form factor and Tiny systems. Productivity and performance is enhanced by the latest Intel 4th generation Core processors, optional discrete graphics and new solid state hybrid drives (SSHD). WiFi allows easy connection to an enabled large display or notebook. All new models are Energy Star 5.2 compliant, use recycled materials and less packaging to save energy.

Despite the ongoing challenges in the PC market, according to NPD DisplaySearch, demand for all-in-one (AIO) PCs is at an all-time high. In Q1 2013, DisplaySearch reported record AIO shipments of 4.3 million units worldwide for a year-to-year growth of 25 percent. Lenovo continues to lead the AIO segment with 30.6 percent market share and continues to innovate with new all-in-one products, such as the ThinkCentre E93z, E73z and M73z announced today.

Lenovo Group today reported results for its first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013, with quarterly revenue of US$8.8 billion, a ten percent increase year-over-year. At the same time, Lenovo's first quarter pre-tax income increased 16 percent year-over-year to US$215 million, while earnings grew 23 percent year-over-year to US$174 million, highlighting the Company's continued focus on leading in the PC Plus era, while growing its business profitably across all geographies, customer segments, and product lines.

For the first time ever, Lenovo was named the world's largest PC vendor, and in so doing, recorded its highest-ever quarterly market share of 16.7 percent up 1.7 points year-over-year. Lenovo's PC shipments for the first fiscal quarter were 12.6 million units, the 17th quarter in a row that Lenovo outperformed the industry as a whole, which was down 11 percent year-over-year.

ASUS today announced the ET2301, an all-in-one desktop PC that's perfect for the varied needs of today's home users, thanks to a 23-inch Full HD display that can be positioned at almost any angle for comfortable 10-point multi-touch control. Powered by a 4th generation Intel Core desktop processor, the ET2301 AiO PC features IPS display technology for brilliant colors and wide viewing angles, ASUS SonicMaster Premium technology with a powerful array speaker and desktop Intel Thunderbolt connectivity.

ASUS announced the PB298Q, a 29-inch widescreen monitor with an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio and 2560 x 1080 resolution. The PB298Q features an AH-IPS (Advanced High Performance In-Plane Switching) display for rich, vibrant color and wide 178-degree viewing angles. It has a narrow 0.8mm bezel design which helps create the illusion of a frameless, edge-to-edge display. It also has rich connectivity options, ASUS-exclusive technologies, and an ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments allow for enhanced productivity.

All ASUSTOR NAS devices will be upgraded to ASUSTOR's ADM 2.0 NAS operating system, fully optimized user interface is easy to use with zero learning curve, newly added features include original technology such as Searchlight search engine, Mission Mode backup, FTP Explorer and more; App Central also receives updates in App Central V2, along with the launch of two new mobile apps AiMaster and AiData, effectively combining cloud storage with multimedia applications.

ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, has announced that all of its NAS devices will be upgrading to the ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM) 2.0 operating system. ADM was the first NAS operating system in the world to be designed around the use of Apps and features an intuitive graphical interface that provides users with a familiar experience closely resembling the simplicity enjoyed on mobile and tablet devices. ADM also features the App Central App repository which contains over 100 unique NAS Apps. Users with needs ranging from business to SOHO to home and personal will all find Apps that they can use to create a customized NAS device for themselves.

ASUS today announced the Tytan G70 Gaming Desktop PC with the latest 4th generation Intel Core processor and one-click, no-reboot-required, all-core processor overclocking. The Tytan G70 also features NVIDIA GeForce GTX780 graphics that supports four displays for fully immersive gaming, a sophisticated multi-vented case design for efficient cooling, built-in wireless battery recharging for mobile devices, and SonicMaster audio.

ASUS Tytan G70 features one-click Turbo Gear overclocking that allows users to make the most of the 4th generation Intel Core i7-4770K processor without having to reboot. ASUS Turbo Gear technology provides simultaneous four-core CPU overclocking to push the Tytan G70's clock speed from the standard 3.7GHz to two stable levels - Level 1 at 3.9GHz and Level 2 at 4.1GHz. The latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX780 graphics card has the capacity to deliver smooth gameplay at the highest in-game graphics settings and can support up to four displays, as well as the option to game in 3D with NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround.

Cooler Master, a leading creator, innovator and manufacturer of desktop components and more, today announced the CM 690 III. CM 690 III arrives as the spiritual successor to the CM 690 line of cases that is adored by many around the world.

Seeking to retain the iconic sleek curved mesh styling on the front façade, CM 690 III designers gave the exterior a feel that harkens back to its foundations. With the CM 690 III, Cooler Master sought to look within the chassis for its many design improvements. Chief among these changes is a completely redesigned interior. Included, is a new HDD/SSD combo cage that allows for 3.5" or 2.5" HDD or SSD deployment in every slot based on user needs. This amounts to up to 10 SSDs being supported through the HDD/SSD cages and one available SSD mount behind the motherboard tray. Should the cage not be needed, the HDD/SSD combo cage can be completely removed to open up space for other hardware. Long graphics cards up to 423mm long and tall CPU coolers up to 171mm are fully supported. Further improving upon tool-less implementations, a new EZ-tray ODD system has been implemented for quick installation.

ASUS today announced the P1801-T Portable AiO, a new kind of portable that combines the easy flexibility of an Android tablet with the broader productivity and entertainment options offered by an 18.4-inch multi-touch display with Full HD resolution.

With a sleek, self-contained design, Portable AiO slips easily into the smallest of rooms and a built-in kickstand positions the screen at a comfortable angle for tabletop use. At just 2.4kg, Portable AiO can be carried easily around the home using the integral handle and is light enough to use on the lap when relaxing. The built-in battery removes the need for a nearby mains socket, too, and Portable AiO lasts for up to five hours with 1080p Full HD video playback.

NVIDIA followed up on Monday's OpenGL 4.4 API launch with its first preview driver that includes GL 4.4 ICD (installable client driver). Unlike Direct3D, which comes included with Windows, OpenGL is distributed by GPU driver vendors. The OpenGL 4.4 Preview driver from NVIDIA bears the canonical version numbering "GeForce 326.29," is dated 18/07/2013, and supports GeForce GPUs from GeForce GTX 400 series onwards; and Quadro K600 onwards. NVIDIA's OpenGL 4.4 Preview driver adds an increasing number of GL extensions and features, with increase in GL version number hardware support.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA OpenGL 4.4 Preview driver (desktop v326.29) for Windows 8/7/Vista 64-bit | Windows 8/7/Vista 32-bit | Windows XP 32-bit | Windows XP 64-bit | Linux 64-bit | Linux 32-bit

Details follow.

Velocity Micro, the premier builder of award winning enthusiast desktops, laptops, and peripherals announces the immediate availability of the Vision M35 desktop powered by AMD FX-9000 series processors. Specifically designed for gaming, enthusiast, and workstation applications, the Vision M35 boasts 8 unlocked cores of processing power at up to an amazing 5.0 GHz thanks to the AMD FX-9590 and FX-9370 processor options. Configurations start at $2,799.

"AMD FX Processors have allowed us to reach that 5.0 GHz milestone that seemed so far away just a few years ago," said Randy Copeland, President and CEO of Velocity Micro. "With up to 5.0 GHz Max Turbo frequency, the Vision M35 is an absolute monster and a great representation of the Velocity Micro brand. We're thrilled to have been a part of AMD's launch of these amazing processors."

Acer America today announced the U.S. availability of the Acer Predator AG3-605 Series of desktops offering power, performance and superb audio for games, movies and more. Targeted at those wanting a mainstream gaming or multimedia machine at an attractive price, the Predator AG3-605 Series desktops are available in a range of configurations with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $999.99.

Putting users in the middle of the action, these new multimedia powerhouses are outfitted with EAX, a collection of powerful technologies that provide sophisticated sound effects. Designed by Creative Technology's world-class team of audio professionals, EAX creates a more dynamic gaming experience that includes audio cues, which give gamers a competitive advantage in multiplayer games. In addition, Sound Blaster Cinema, which is powered by a suite of audio playback technologies, delivers dynamic sound similar to what's experienced in films and recording studios. The systems also feature embedded HD audio with 5.1-channel surround sound. Another practical feature is an exclusive headset cradle that enables gamers, movie and music lovers users to hang their headset directly on the machine, freeing up space elsewhere.

According to CPU World staff, who, by appealing to an unnamed secondary source, managed to confirm the validity of an earlier leak, we are now looking at Intel's desktop roadmap for the following twelve months. The slides reveal the Q3 launch of Intel's Ivy Bridge-E chips, the Core i7-4820K, i7-4930K and i7-4960X comprising the lineup. The new Extreme chips will make use of the existing X79 platform. Also in Q3 the Premium line will receive a new product, the Core i7-4771, which we do not know in what way differs from the currently available Core i7-4770, but a judicious appeal to wild speculation could point out an upgraded IGP.

The mid segments will get a platform upgrade in the form of a new H81 chipset, and six new processors, the Core i3-4130, i3-4330, i3-4340, as well as three new Ivy Bridge based Pentium chips, the G3220, G3420 and G3430. Celeron processors are in the pipelines for Q1 2014, while Q2 will follow with the Haswell refresh and the accompanying new platform based on the Z97 and H97 chipsets.

Alienware, the pioneer in specialty high-performance PC gaming systems, introduced its latest and most powerful gaming laptops with the unveiling of the Alienware 14, Alienware 17 and Alienware 18 at E3 in Los Angeles. The systems feature a bold new design and extraordinary performance, uniquely engineered to deliver the ultimate gaming experience.

The new laptops include the Alienware 14 for the enthusiast gamer who requires a laptop that provides enough performance for any task, yet is mobile enough to fit into a backpack; the Alienware 17 for an immersive, graphics-intensive experience with the latest technologies for desktop-grade performance; and the Alienware 18, the ultimate gaming laptop that commands respect among top gamers for its unparalleled performance and construction.

At the international exhibition of computer and consumer electronics Computex 2013, Taipei, Huntkey Enterprise Group presents a wide range of innovative products that reflect the company's leading position and current trends in contemporary performance, economy and environmental security of computer components and systems. The booth number of Huntkey is J1009a, Nangang Exhibition Hall.

During the exhibition, Huntkey has presented a full range of modern productive power supplies for desktop PCs, including the flagship FX500SE, 80Plus Platinum certified, the FX750GM with 80Plus Gold, and the 80Plus Bronze model FX620M with modular system cables. Furthermore, the model FX500SE supports intelligent cooling mode, in which the fan is completely disconnected when the load is below 250 Watt and the PSU is completely silent.

EVGA is planning a lineup of pre-built mini-ITX gaming desktops, which take advantage of its Z87 Stinger socket LGA1150 motherboard, various choices of 4th generation Core "Haswell" processors, and of course, EVGA-branded graphics cards. These desktops are built into a case custom designed by EVGA called miniBOX, featuring a windowed side-panel, a glossy black front, and a 1U SFF power-supply bearing FSP-Fortron markings. One of the two desktops was fully assembled, running a Z87 Stinger motherboard with Core i7-4770K CPU, a GeForce GTX TITAN, and an SSD. Interestingly, these systems completely lack optical drives, so EVGA will target only those markets in which digital downloads of games (over Steam, Origin, UPlay, etc.,) are prevalent. UPDATE: Actually this units bundle with an 550W FSP PSU and a slimline optical drive which ejects to the side of the case. Currently a DVD-RW is planned, but EVGA is looking to do a BluRay version as well.

Today Acer introduced the Aspire Z3 Series all-in-one PC, a stylish desktop PC with a 23" 10-point touch display designed for modern homes. Featuring an adjustable HD webcam and optimized audio, this machine frees users to enjoy and share their favorite moments and memories in high definition.

The Z3 features a 1080p Full HD LED-backlit LCD with a high contrast ratio to deliver lifelike images. Its 178° wide-viewing-angle IPS display ensures stunning visuals from all angles, making it an ideal shared-entertainment platform for family members. It is also equipped with an adjustable HD webcam that can be moved by up to 20°, allowing both adults and children to comfortably fit in the picture for video calls. The Z3 is Acer's first all-in-one PC to use world-class Harman Kardon speakers. Coupled with Dolby Home Theater v4 technology, the Z3 delivers refined acoustic details and beautiful sound.