ZOTAC unveiled two new GeForce GTX 680-based graphics card products, the first is a custom-design AMP! Edition 2 GB (part#: ZTGTX680-2GD5AMPR001), and the other is one that sticks to NVIDIA reference design cooler and PCB, but packs double the memory amount (part#: ZTGTX680-4GD5R001). The ZOTAC GTX 680 AMP! Edition uses a swanky-looking triple-slot cooling solution which packs a large aluminum fin stack to which heat is conveyed by four copper heat pipes. The heatsink is ventilated by two 90 mm PWM-controlled fans. The AMP! Edition comes with clock speeds of 1,110 MHz (core base), 1,176 MHz (core boost), and 6008 MHz memory, against NVIDIA reference speeds of 1,006/1,058/6008 MHz.

The GeForce GTX 680 OC 4 GB Edition, on the other hand, retains NVIDIA reference board design augmented by ZOTAC's swanky orange stickers. The card packs double the memory amount (4 GB vs. 2 GB reference), which could come handy with 3D Vision Surround setups. This card sticks to NVIDIA reference clock speeds, with 1,006 MHz (core base), 1,058 MHz (core boost), and 6008 MHz (memory). Both cards feature the same display output layout, of two dual-link DVI, and one each of HDMI and DisplayPort, and 2x 6-pin PCIe power inputs. Both cards include Assassin's Creed 3-game packs. In Japan, both cards are priced the same, at 60,000 JPY (US $750).

Intel released its first HD Graphics drivers for Windows 8 Consumer Preview. The drivers are Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 1.2 compliant, supports HD 4000 graphics, found in 3rd Generation Core processors, HD 3000 and HD 2000 graphics of 2nd Generation Core processors; complete with stereoscopic 3D, DirectX 11 (on compatible models), and flicker-free display rotation.DOWNLOAD: Intel HD Graphics Driver for Windows 8 Consumer Preview 64-bit, 32-bit

DisplayLink, a leading provider of technology for virtual graphics and USB-connected computing, today announced the availability of AOC's new 22-inch High Definition USB Powered Display (model e2251Fwu). This ultra-slim yet affordable LED monitor receives both power and signal solely through USB connection and offers simple plug-and-play connectivity, making the productivity benefits of dual- and multi-monitor computing available to the masses. The e2251Fwu is equally suitable for business, gaming and entertainment use with its large high definition screen and excellent image quality.

Embedded with DisplayLink's USB 2.0 graphics and connectivity technology for real-time video compression/decompression, AOC's High Definition Powered Display is a mere 10.6 mm thick and is an energy saving "green" monitor running entirely on power delivered via a USB 2.0 cable.

ASUS is working on an AMD-powered notebook under the K53TK line. The K53TK-SX0A8 from ASUS is a 15.6-inch notebook that incorporates AMD A8-3520M "Llano", which is a quad-core APU clocked at 1.60 GHz, with Radeon HD 6620G graphics. The APU's integrated graphics works in tandem with a discrete Radeon HD 7670M GPU, that has 2 GB of dedicated memory. Other vital components include 8 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333 MHz memory, and AMD A70M FCH chipset.

The 15.6-inch display packs 1366x768 pixels resolution. Display outputs include D-sub and HDMI. Storage is care of a 750 GB HDD and DVD SuperMulti drive. Connectivity includes 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, gigabit Ethernet, SD/SDHC/MMC card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, 1.3 MP webcam, and FireWire. The battery powering the beast can run it for 4 hours before needing a recharge. Measuring 391 x 266 x 30.5 ~ 40.5 mm (WxDxH), the notebook weighs 2.7 kg. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system comes pre-loaded. It will be priced around 79,800 JPY (US $970).

Canon Inc. today announced that the Company is developing a 30-inch, 4K resolution industrial video display, a prototype of which will be exhibited from April 16 to 19 at the NAB Show 2012, the world's largest international digital event for audio, video, film, broadcast and communications, held in Las Vegas.

The prototype to be displayed will provide support for cinema and other video editing processes while also responding to film production needs for consistency and reliability through proprietary Canon high image-quality technology. While detailed specifications and pricing have yet to be finalized, Canon aims to commercialize the display before the end of 2012.

Come 2013, and PC consumers could finally break the shackles of regressive PC resolution "standards" such as 1366x768 and 1920x1080, if Intel has its way. At a presentation at IDF Beijing, Intel expressed its desire to see much higher resolution displays for all computing devices, not just PCs, which could in true terms be "retina-matched" display resolutions. At an optimal (comfortable) viewing distance, the resolution of a computing device's screen should match that of your eyes.

If Intel has its way, a 21" all-in-one desktop PC, and a 15" notebook PC screen will have a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels; a 13" Ultrabook PC could have a resolution of 2800x1800 pixels, a 11" Ultrabook and 10" tablet with 2560x1440, and 5" handheld/smartphone with 1280x800. Compare these to the $500+ 27" 1920x1080 monitors that are still sold in the market! A very bold proposal, but one only a company with the industry prominence of Intel can pull off.

EIZO's 4K posterboy, DuraVision FDH3601 will be up for display on the 14th of April at the NABShow 2012, in Las Vegas USA, a convention of creative professionals and production houses. What makes this 36.4" PC monitor an eyeball magnet (literally), is that it sports a 4K resolution (4096 x 2160 pixels), and has a bleeding-edge featureset for content-creators. So high is its resolution, that it requires two dual-link DVI connections (or two DisplayPort connections, provided they transport two TMDS links each). It can deliver 100% coverage of the RGB palette, with the ability to reproduce 278 trillion colors. Other vital stats include 700 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 176° and 176° (H and V) viewing angles, and 8 ms response time. The DuraVision FDH3601 was first announced in 2011. It costs a little over $35,000.

Samsung Display is almost ready with high-resolution AMOLED panels for use in computing devices of all shapes and sizes, its family is named "Youm". Shown first to the worl at last year's CES, Youm is ready to be mass-produced, and Samsung Display could open up to orders. It is also possible that Samsung Electronics could work on flagship products that demonstrate the capabilities of Youm. At last year's CES, a 4.5-inch variant of Youm was shown to the public, with 800x480 (WVGA) resolution. The pixel densities have since gone up significantly. Practical applications of Youm are numerous, including high-end ebook readers, augmented reality (AR) devices, and 3D-capable tablet PCs.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the latest addition to its next-generation MultiSync EA Series, the 22-inch EA223WM for high-performance enterprise users.

Improving upon its predecessor, the EA223WM is mercury-free and more energy efficient as a result of LED backlighting technology. This reduces power consumption, allows a new slim and light weight chassis and creates more desktop space. Its integrated touch-sensitive controls enable simple display adjustments through the On Screen Display (OSD). Its smart sensing technology includes ambient light and human sensors to automatically detect work conditions and determine the proper display brightness. The advanced ControlSync is a truly unique feature, which allows users to control up to six next-generation MultiSync EA Series displays and adjusts up to 26 settings of each monitor simultaneously via the master monitor. This is most beneficial for multi-monitor setups.

LG Display, a leading manufacturer of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display, announced today that it has started mass production of the world's first plastic electronic paper display (EPD) for use in E-Books. The 6" XGA (1024 x 768), e-ink, plastic EPD is expected to revolutionize the E-Book market with its advancements in functionality and design.

"With the world's first plastic EPD, LG Display has once again proven its reputation for leadership and innovation with a product we believe will help greatly popularize the E-Book market," said Mr. Sang Duck Yeo, Head of Operations for LG Display's Mobile/OLED division. "Based on our success in mass-producing plastic EPD, we are excited as we look toward applying concepts from this experience to future developments like plastic OLED and flexible displays."

According to a fresh report, in Q2 Dell will be releasing a new XPS 15 laptop, one that makes use of Intel's 3rd generation Core processors (codename Ivy Bridge), has a chassis just 24.2 mm thick (down from 38 mm of the current XPS 15), and packs a 15.6-inch WLED-backlit Full HD (1920 x 1080) display protected by Gorilla Glass.

The upgraded XPS 15 is said to feature a Core i5-3210M or Core i7-3612M CPU, up to 16 GB of RAM, a 1 TB HDD or a 512 GB SSD, a GeForce GT 630M or GT 640M graphics card, a glass trackpad, a 3-in-1 card reader, USB 3.0 connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, and both HDMI and mini DisplayPort outputs. The laptop's release date and pricing scheme have yet to leak.

Philips has now introduced the 24-inch Brilliance 241P4LRY, its very first monitor to feature the ErgoSensor technology which not only saves power but also helps the user have a healthier experience. To cut power draw (by up to 80%), the ErgoSensor will turn off the monitor when no one is in front of it, while to ensure better ergonomics it will advise the user on neck posture, optimal viewing distance and will suggest breaks at regular intervals.

The 241P4LRY features WLED backlighting, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 5 ms response time, 250 cd/m2 maximum brightness, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 (20,000,000:1 SmartContrast), D-Sub, DVI and DisplayPort connectivity, four USB 2.0 ports, two 1.5 W speakers, and a stand enabling height, swivel, tilt and rotation adjustment.

Philips claims the 241P4LRY will hit stores early next month, bearing a price tag of 339 Euro.

MSI released details about its upcoming value socket LGA1155 motherboard, the B75MA-P45. MSI finds the B75 PCH a worthy option over the current-generation H61 PCH, and could hence price its B75-based motherboards competitively, to capture the entry-level LGA1155 market. The B75MA-P45 comes with out of the box support for 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" Core processors, apart from current-generation "Sandy Bridge" ones. The B75MA-P45 packs a simple 5-phase VRM to power the LGA1155 CPU. The CPU is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory.

Expansion slots include one PCI-Express 3.0 x16, one PCI-Express 2.0 x1, and a legacy PCI. The legacy PCI logic is reintegrated with the PCH, and so the board doesn't use any bridge chips, further, since USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s are integrated with the PCH, MSI didn't add third-party controllers handling the two. SATA connectivity includes one SATA 6 Gb/s, and five SATA 3 Gb/s. The PCH gives out four USB 3.0 ports, two of which are found on the rear panel, two via internal header. Display connectivity includes DVI and D-Sub. 6-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet, and legacy PS/2 connectors complete the package. The board is driven by UEFI firmware (5 MB ME 8.0), with a graphical setup program. The B75MA-P45 is said to capture a price-point under US $100.

MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips Monitors, today unveiled the Philips Blade 2 monitor that incorporates a stylish ultra-slim design with the latest IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology to deliver an exceptional desktop experience for consumers.

With a depth of just 12.5 mm, the Philips Blade 2 239C4QHSB monitor is one of the slimmest desktop displays on the market and comes in two colors, classy black or elegant white. Combining sophisticated design with leading-edge display technology, the Blade 2 is equipped with a 24" IPS display that delivers color accurate images that are vivid and life-like, making it an ideal choice for both work and play.

Acer America today announced five new ultra slim LED-backlight displays. Available in 20-, 23- or 27-inches and with adjustable tilt bases, their slim profile and sleek contemporary designs are also packed with top-of-the line features and technologies. They're ideal for viewing family photos and videos, watching the latest DVDs/movies or for business applications that require excellent resolution, contrast ratios and graphics performance.

With a 100,000,000:1 contrast ratio, Acer's new ultra-slim monitors radiate the brightest whites and deepest blacks. This advanced technology enables a dramatic improvement of gradation and detail, especially in very dim or very bright scenes, for stunning picture quality. Their quick 5 ms response time reduces deviations in transition time, delivering stutter-free moving images.

GIGABYTE introduces its latest whitebox All-in-One PC based on the Thin Mini-ITX standard and addressed to channel resellers, VARs and system integrators. Being the biggest screen size (24") in GIGABYTE's All-in-One PC offering, the GB-AEGT aims at establishing its supremacy as the ultimate entertainment All-in-One PC. To do so, it offers the worldwide exclusive ability to receive off-the-shelf double slot desktop graphic cards up to 400W.

Gaming on an All-in-One PC won't be a dream anymore, and to complete this dream the GB-AEGT has a full load of multimedia features detailed below. In addition to these features, the GB-AEGT naturally keeps GIGABYTE homemade modular design and is fully upgradable thanks to an easy access to all the internal components.

The computing industry is obsessed with trying to make everything smaller but when it comes to your monitor bigger is better! Introducing the new 27" whopper from display experts HannsG. The new HL272 Widescreen LED monitor features a Full HD resolution, built-in speakers and HDMI connectivity, all for only £199.00.

The newest addition to the HannsG series of affordable HL monitors, the HL272 combines long life, energy efficient performance with super sleek, modern design. Thanks to the latest LED backlight technology the environmentally friendly HL272 has been awarded an energy star rating of 5.2 helping to curb rising energy bills, and boasts a super slim, glossy black design with a profile measuring only 40 mm for a high quality minimalist look.

Thought the 1920x1200 pixel 10.1-inch Super IPS+ display with ASUS Transformer Infinity tablet carried shock-value? Wait till you hear what Samsung's innovators have been up to. They've managed to develop a market-ready 4.8-inch display for the upcoming Galaxy S III smartphone that packs a whopping 1920x1080 pixels resolution, which smokes Apple's Retina display the iPhone 4S comes with (960x640 pixels in a 3.5-inch screen), or the 1280x800 pixels AMOLED screen Samsung's own Galaxy Note phone-tablet-thingy comes with. Then there are PC monitor vendors with the audacity of selling 27-inch monitors with the same 1920x1080 pixels resolution for upwards of $500. Multi-billion Dollar price-fixing scam much?

Samsung Electronics has today launched its 24-inch and 27-inch TB750 Series 7 HDTV monitors announced at CES 2012 in January. These two displays feature a sleek asymmetric design, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 5 ms response time, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, 300 cd/m2 brightness, stereo speakers, a HDMI input, and both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.

The TB750 duo also comes with Intel WiDi (Wireless Display) and MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) support, and provides access to the Samsung Smart Hub for easy access to apps and web-based entertainment.

The 24-inch and 27-inch Series 7 TV monitors are selling in South Korea for $434 and $612, respectively.

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the 24-inch AS241W to its AccuSync Series of value-driven desktop monitors. This series is ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses, schools and government offices.

The LED-backlit AS241W, which joins the AS171, AS192, AS191WM and AS221WM displays, offers a full range of environmental compliance, including EPEAT Silver, ENERGY STAR 5.1 and TCO 5.2 ratings. This full HD display boasts a quick 5ms Rapid Response time that delivers virtually uninterrupted, undistorted viewing of high-speed, full-motion video. Energy-saving ECO Mode enables users to toggle between pre-configured brightness settings that reduce power consumption, heat generation and extend the life of the AS241W.

Ideum has announced the release of its new MT65 Presenter multitouch wall display. The MT65 Presenter is a huge 65" interactive display with a 3D LCD, robust multitouch sensor, ultra‐clear tempered glass, a powerful integrated computer, built‐in audio, and webcam housed inside a hardened aluminum case.

The MT65 Presenter features a 65" 3D LCD display with full 1920x1080 HD resolution and flicker‐free FPR 3D imaging that uses an LED backlight rated for 50,000 hours. The integrated touch sensor supports up to 32 simultaneous touch points. The 4" thin Presenter is protected by hardened 3mm tempered glass and a vandal‐proof metal housing.

BenQ America Corp. today announced the North American launch of the XL2420T and XL2420TX, the company's latest gaming monitors for professional and competitive FPS (first-person shooter) games.

Engineered in conjunction with ZOWIE GEAR - a manufacturer of high-end professional gaming gear and R&D partner to BenQ - the new XL Series models reflect BenQ's commitment to delivering cutting-edge pro gaming monitors equipped with innovative features to help gamers take their performance to the next level.

AOC, the worldwide leader in HD television and monitor display technology, announces the Aire Monitor with Docking Station, the ultimate monitor for iPod and iPhone owners. The 23-inch Full High Definition monitor features a built-in universal docking station for iPhone and iPod that allows immediate video, audio and photo playback from the mobile device through AOC's patented plug-and-play technology.

Along with the integrated dock, the base of the monitor also includes built-in speakers with high quality SRS Premium Sound. The 23-inch AOC Aire Monitor with Docking Station (e2343Fi) will be available for $279.99 at national retailers in March 2012. The e2343Fi will also be showcased at the Bellagio, Monet 3 Ballroom, at the International CES 2012, January 10-13, 2012.

No, you're not dreaming. The flickery 360-degree 3D displays envisaged in the Star Wars movies now exists as a prototype project from Microsoft. Called the Vermeer Interactive Display, the research project combines Microsoft's Kinect motion sensing technology to allow you to directly 'touch' and interact with the virtual image being projected, which Microsoft describes as a '3D volumetric/light field display'. In essence, it works by creating an image between two facing parabolic mirrors, which then creates the optical illusion of a colour 3D image floating above them, which can be viewed all the way round. So, could this technology eventually be applied to PC gaming giving an immersive interactive experience not seen before? What kind of graphics power would be needed to drive it? The video below gives a fascinating demonstration of this new technology.

There has been excitement recently, that the much-anticipated next generation OLED display technology for consumer TVs and computer monitors will finally make an entrance in the market in 2012. Fuelling this, was the announcement last week that LG is to showcase their OLED TV at CES this month. Sony was also due to introduce OLED TVs to consumers. However, this plan has now been shelved, according to The Daily Yomiuri, with Sony only continuing to sell this technology to corporate customers such as broadcasting companies, along with the associated research and development into better displays. The reason for dropping the consumer market is partly due to poor business performance in this area, so Sony cut back on capital investment, which in turn reduced its price competitiveness with its Korean rivals such as LG and Samsung.

This is a shame, because for a healthy and good value OLED TV and monitor market, there need to be many players competing with each other, which will drive down prices and increase product quality over time. However, if OLED takes off in the consumer space, it seems very unlikely that Sony wouldn't return to it eventually.Sony XEL-1 OLED TV.Picture credit: engadget