Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), is expanding its MultiSync EA Series with the new DD-EA272Q desktop display. This 27-inch business-class monitor is designed to fit any workspace and includes essential features to help run corporate, small or medium-sized businesses efficiently.

Following the launch of the DD-EA272U desktop monitor this past summer, the MultiSync DD-EA272Q is a high resolution IPS display (2560x1440) with three-sided narrow bezels and a multi-functional stand with key ergonomic features such as tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustability. It includes all the essential connectivity businesses require, including HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort and ethernet.

Microsoft is introducing Windows 365 Link, a compact cloud PC for business users. The device costs $349 and measures just 120 x 120 x 30 mm, making it smaller than Apple's Mac mini. The compact size comes from the fanless cooling design and the fact that the device doesn't have local storage capabilities. This small computer has quite a variety of connectivity options, including one USB-C, three USB-A ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet connections, supports two 4K monitors, and has Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E wireless capabilities. The specific hardware details are not yet revealed by Microsoft.

It requires Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Entra ID, and it works with 365 Frontline, Enterprise, and Business editions. As with other cloud-based solutions, Microsoft will lock some of the security options, "features like Secure Boot, the dedicated Trusted Platform Module, Hypervisor Code Integrity, BitLocker encryption, and the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint detection and response sensor can't be turned off, further helping to secure the device". Microsoft plans to launch the device in April 2025, with early previews in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Businesses interested in testing the device can contact their Microsoft account team before December 15, 2024, to join the preview program.

AGON by AOC - one of the world's leading gaming monitor and IT accessories brands - expands its professional gaming arsenal with the AGON PRO AG276FK, a 27-inch (68.6 cm) Full HD gaming monitor with a Fast IPS panel, featuring an impressive 520 Hz refresh rate. This latest addition to AGON PRO's ultra-high refresh rate family complements the high-performance esports models AG246FK (540 Hz) and AG256FS (390 Hz), providing competitive gamers with another powerful tool in their quest for victory.

Engineered for tournament excellence
The AGON PRO AG276FK showcases a state-of-the-art Fast IPS panel, delivering Full HD resolution (1920x1080). With its remarkable 520 Hz refresh rate and swift response times of up to 0.5 ms GtG and 0.3 ms MPRT, the AG276FK ensures crystal-clear motion clarity and minimal input lag - essential features for professional esports players who compete at the highest levels. The Full HD resolution is strategically chosen to enable competitive players to achieve and maintain the ultra-high frame rates needed to fully leverage the 520 Hz refresh rate with current-gen GPUs.

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced the general availability launch of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub - opening a new world of workflow possibilities and performance. By turning a single cable connection into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port, the new OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub breaks the connectivity handcuffs of host machines not offering enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. With up to 80 Gb/s of bidirectional data speed - up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 - and up to 120 Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub redefines productivity. Connect portable SSDs exceeding 6000 MB/s, up to three 8K displays @60 Hz with DSC, today's USB-C connector compatible devices, and yesterday's USB-A desktop accessories - all while keeping modern notebooks and tablets powered and charged up for mobile use with 140 watts.

"The bidirectional bandwidth design of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub enables users to send and receive data simultaneously - making it ideal for connecting high-res displays, SSDs, and more without compromising speed," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC). "With three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports, users gain the flexibility to power multiple displays or create complex daisy chains with ease. The hub's 140 W power delivery guarantees notebooks and tablets remain charged, no matter how demanding the workload."

ASUS today announced ZenScreen Smart MS27UC, the brand's first Google TV smart monitor. Google TV brings together movies, shows, and more from a variety of streaming services and offers users a personalized entertainment experience. ZenScreen Smart MS27UC boasts a 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel with wide 178° viewing angles, a 99% sRGB gamut, VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, and dual front-facing 5 W Harman Kardon-certified speakers. Plus, a source control feature enables viewers to easily switch between Productivity or Play modes.

With ZenScreen Smart MS27UC, there's no need for a dedicated PC. Users can conduct online meetings and browse content via the web browser, and logging in to a Google Account allows them to create and sync work and documents on Google Workspace. The monitor also offers seamless connections to multiple devices, including PCs and smartphones through Miracast or Google Cast, with the multi-control feature enabling seamless navigation via a single Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.

Gigabyte has quietly added the first Thunderbolt 5 add-in card to its website under the rather unimaginative name of Thunderbolts 5. The card itself is nothing remarkable when compared to Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards, although it sports a third mini DisplayPort input for unclear reasons, as well as two USB Type-C outputs. This time around Gigabyte has added support for more power though, as the card features a pair of what appears to be 6-pin PCIe power connectors and the card supports up to 100 W USB PD charging. Courtesy of the new JHL9580, or Barlow Ridge controller, the card offers support for DP 2.1 with resolutions of up to 8K at 60 Hz, as well as data speeds of up to 80 Gbps, or 120/40 Gbps in asymmetric mode.

Intel's JHL9580 controller has a PCIe 4.0 x4 host interface, the same as ASMedia's ASM4242 USB4 host controller and it's a big step up from Intel's previous Thunderbolt 4 controllers that were stuck with PCIe 3.0. Note that the JHL9580 is also offered in a Thunderbolt 4 version known as the JHL9540 which also uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and offers DP 2.1 support, but slower speeds. Both of the new Barlow Ridge controllers also support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), something previous Thunderbolt controllers didn't. Intel has a list price for the JHL9580 of US$19, which is just over US$8 more than the JHL8540 Maple Ridge controller which launched in 2020, as such, expect Thunderbolt 5 add-in cards to come at an even higher price point than previous Thunderbolt 4 add-in cards. Gigabyte might be first out of the gate, but we expect most motherboard makers to follow suit with products of their own before the end of the year.

Kensington, a worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business, and home office professionals, is greatly enhancing the visual productivity of MacBook users with today's launch of the SD5900T EQ Thunderbolt 4 Quad 4K 40 Gbps Dock with DisplayLink Technology.

Ideal for busy professionals juggling multiple tasks and projects, the powerful and stylish dock unlocks the full potential of the MacBook by providing support for up to four external displays, 40 Gbps data transfer speeds, up to 100 W (96 W certified) charging for the MacBook and connected accessories, and a 16-in-1 design. Optimized to support MacBook running macOS 11 or above, the SD5900T leverages the power of Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayLink technology to expand the user's visual workspace, boost productivity, and provide a future-proof solution for the MacBook workstation.

With PC motherboard manufacturers implementing 40 Gbps USB4, one wonders what's next for the [mostly] universal connectivity standard. Turns out, it is USB4 2.0, which yields the connector 80 Gbps of data bandwidth per direction, and 60 W of power-delivery (PD). Power delivery for USB4 2.0 can be as high as 240 W (48 V, 5 A). Japanese PC peripherals maker Elecom is the first with certified cables for both 80 Gbps + 60 W PD and 80 Gbps + 240 W PD. Besides power and data, both cables support DisplayPort passthrough for up to 8K @ 60 Hz (7680 x 4320 pixels). USB-IF, the governing body of the USB standard, is expected to formally launch USB4 2.0 in December 2024. A typical USB4 2.0 host controller will require at least a PCI-Express 5.0 x4 system bus connection to reach the standard's maximum bandwidth.

Sony has today added to its INZONE gaming gear range with the INZONE M10S - a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor that is changing the game with super high 480 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms response time and QHD resolution. Co-developed with leading esports team Fnatic, the INZONE M10S is designed to be tournament ready thanks to a 24.5-inch playing mode and new FPS Pro modes.

Sony is also introducing the INZONE M9 II - an update to its 4K HDR gaming monitor with backlight scanning added to improve motion clarity.

LG Electronics (LG) announces that its webOS Hub platform is now available for third-party gaming monitors. This expansion follows the company's previous rollout of the webOS Hub platform to third-party smart TVs and smart monitors, addressing the increasing trend of gaming monitors and smart monitors being equipped with OTT streaming services.

The new platform features, customized for gaming monitors, include VRR 180 Hz, providing gamers with an optimal environment free from stuttering or tearing. The platform also maximizes user convenience with various connectivity options, including wired and wireless keyboards and mouse, DisplayPort and USB-C type. Additionally, the Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer allow users to easily configure the optimal settings for each game. The Game card app provides easy access to content, including cloud games.

Acer today announced the expansion of its Predator gaming monitor line with two new 27-inch models that promise to deliver exceptional speed and stunning visuals for enjoying the latest titles in their full glory. Both monitors bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the forefront, catering to the needs of gamers who demand only the best performance.

Equipped with a WQHD, 360 Hz panel, and the new NVIDIA G-SYNC Pulsar technology, the Predator XB273U F5 is a gaming powerhouse and is certain to awe even the most demanding players with smooth and dynamic frames. The Predator XB273K V5 comes with a 4K UHD resolution display with 160 Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology to showcase crisp details and motion for enjoying games in stunning clarity. With Dynamic Frequency and Resolution (DFR) technology, users can opt to switch to FHD resolution at 320 Hz to tailor the gaming experience based on their preference.

Silkland, a tech brand specializing in cables and accessories, has released the first-ever 16K VESA-certified USB C to DisplayPort 2.1 cable to support the future of visual display technology, now available on Amazon. With support for 16K resolution, users can expect an unparalleled level of detail and realism, making the cable ideal for high-end computing, gaming, and professional applications. It is also backward compatible with 8K and 4K resolutions, ensuring a versatile and future-proof solution for all display needs.

One of the standout features of this cable is its bi-directional support, allowing it to connect USB C devices like laptops, phones, and tablets to DisplayPort monitors or connect DisplayPort devices like PC to USB C monitors. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. Additionally, it is compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3, offering a plug-and-play experience with no drivers needed.

ASMedia announced that its USB4 host controller chip, ASM4242, has received Thunderbolt 4 certification, following its USB-IF certification earlier this year. This marks a significant milestone for the ASM4242, toward providing a comprehensive high-speed transmission solution and an outstanding user experience. The Thunderbolt 4 certification signifies that ASM4242 meets Thunderbolt's stringent standards in signal quality, compatibility, and reliability, ensuring exceptional connection stability and compatibility.

Thunderbolt 4 is fully compatible with USB4, integrating power, data transmission, and video display into a single interface, offering up to 40 Gbps bandwidth to meet the demands of high-speed file transfer, 100 W fast charging, and multi-display setups. A single cable can daisy-chain up to 5 devices, driving high-bandwidth data, power, and video transmission. Gamers, creators, and professionals can connect multiple displays and accessories through this powerful connection standard. They can also enjoy a clean and convenient workspace.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces its latest XG36 Series gaming monitors. Designed for gamers aspiring to reach professional heights, the ViewSonic GAMING XG2736-2K and XG2536 stand out for their ultra-fast refresh rates, exceptionally low response times, and true-to-life visuals. These monitors deliver smooth, lifelike gaming experiences, empowering gamers to unleash their full potential.

"We believe the XG36 Series will be the ideal gaming partner," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "The new XG36 Series is perfect for gamers looking to excel in competitive gaming, helping them unlock their full potential—whether they're training in a personal space, competing in a school esports club, or strategizing in a team gaming room. The XG36 Series empowers gamers to evolve from challengers to champions."

Display specialist AOC proudly presents the AOC 16T3EA, a versatile portable monitor that combines a bold design with stunning visuals, elevating the mobile computing experience to new heights. With thin bezels and a sleek design, the 15.6" (39.5 cm) AOC 16T3EA is designed to cater to the needs of professional consumers, digital nomads, and hybrid workers seeking a dynamic and reliable tool to enhance productivity and adaptability on the go.

Finding the perfect blend of style and technology, the AOC 16T3EA features a 15.6" IPS panel with Full HD resolution, and is thus the ultimate portable companion for laptops of similar size and enables a matching mobile multi-monitor setup in just a few seconds. The ease of connectivity and the portability empowers users to extend their screens seamlessly, making the 16T3EA ideal for a wide range of use cases.

EIZO presents the FlexScan EV4340X, a particularly powerful monitor that has been specifically developed for workplaces where maximum overview is required. With its large screen diagonal of 42.5 inches, the EIZO FlexScan EV4340X is predestined for use in control rooms, control stations, trading centers or similar work environments: Thanks to its high 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), it displays four times as much information as a Full HD monitor and more than twice as much as a WQHD display. With a fine pixel density of 104 ppi, every detail remains recognizable.

The EIZO FlexScan EV4340X fits perfectly into the intended installation with modern connectivity. In addition to two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort connection, the monitor offers full USB-C docking functionality including DisplayPort Alt Mode, transmission of video, audio and USB data signals and a power supply of up to 94 watts. The FlexScan EV4340X is therefore an ideal match for notebooks, which always come with fewer connections from the factory and even have a stable Ethernet connection thanks to the monitor's integrated LAN port.

Chinese tech company GMKtec is preparing to unveil a new Mini-PC powered by an AMD Ryzen processor, featuring an enhanced cooling system. The company's product lineup already includes a variety of AMD and Intel-based compact computers, with their K-series representing their most powerful offerings. Now, GMKtec teased a new addition to their lineup on Weibo, China's popular social media platform. The upcoming model will support a 70 W TDP and is likely to feature the Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, based on the "R9" mentioned in the post title. This distinction is important as the next-generation processors (Strix Point) use "Ryzen AI 9" branding.

A standout feature of this upcoming model is its vapor chamber cooling system, which is uncommon in the Mini-PC market. However, GMKtec hasn't mentioned the use of a secondary fan or other cooling features, which some competitors employ. The new Mini-PC will include an OCuLink connector for external device compatibility, including graphics cards. Other features include dual 2.5GbE networking, USB ports, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 outputs. While full specifications are yet to be disclosed, more details are expected to be revealed in the near future. GMKtec has not announced a specific release date or price for this new Mini-PC.

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), today announced the launch of the new MultiSync DD-EA272U 27" desktop display. This fully featured high resolution LCD display is ideal for users in corporate, finance, healthcare and education.

High-Quality Image Performance
The DD-EA272U features an IPS LCD panel with great viewing angles and an immersive 4K UHD native resolution. With a 3-sided ultra-narrow bezel, the DD-EA272U is designed to eliminate distractions when used in multi-monitor configurations.

The city of Las Vegas late last year added another attraction to its town: the Sphere. The Sphere is a 1.2 million pixel outdoor display venue famous for its massive size and inner 18,600-seat auditorium. The auditorium space is a feat of its own with features like a 16x16 resolution wraparound interior LED screen, speakers with beamforming and wave field synthesis technologies, and 4D physical effects. However, we have recently found out that NVIDIA GPUs power the Sphere. And not only a handful of them, as 150 NVIDIA RTX A6000 power the Sphere and its 1.2 million outside pixels spread on 54,000 m², as well as 16 of 16K inner displays with a total output of 2.1 billion pixels. Interestingly, the 150 NVIDIA RTX A6000 have a combined output cable number of 600 DisplayPort 1.4a ports.

With each card having 48 GB of memory, that equals to 7.2 TB of GDDR6 ECC memory in the total system. With the Sphere being a $2.3 billion project, it is expected to have an infotainment system capable of driving the massive venue. And it certainly delivers on that. Only a handful of cards powers most massive media projects, but this scale is something we see for the first time in non-AI processing systems. The only scale we are used to today is massive thousand-GPU clusters used for AI processing, so seeing a different and interesting application is refreshing.

n July, the Philips Monitors E1 series product line is expanding to include four new models within its multipurpose offering for today's dynamic professionals. Featuring a variety of productivity-enhancing innovations, these beautifully designed monitors ensure that professionals and home users alike have all they need to get the most out of every workday.

Easy on the eyes
The Philips 27E1N1800A, 27E1N1800AE, 27E1N1900AE and 32E1N1800LA are equipped with a 27"/68.6 cm or 32"/80 cm 4K UHD display with a sleek, elegant design, three-sided frameless standard design to facilitate multi-monitor set-ups, and innovative features to enhance both visual performance and physical comfort.

ViewSonic has launched a new OLED gaming monitor in the Chinese market that not only is a dual-mode 4K 240 Hz / 1080p 480 Hz display, but it also brings DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity as part of the package. The XG323-4K-OLED2 is said to sport a 31.5-inch LG OLED panel with an anti glare coating, that delivers up to 450 nits brightness, but it can reach as high as 1300 nits in HDR mode. The 10-bit OLED panel delivers 0.03 ms Grey to Grey response time, 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and it's also VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified. There's also support for VRR via some form of AMD FreeSync version.

However, what stands out here is the paired back design, especially considering that the XG323-4K-OLED2 is being sold as a gaming monitor. We get a more traditional square stand and a much thicker display back compared to most other gaming OLED displays. That said, we're not quite sure what ViewSonic was thinking when the base of the stand was designed, as it's not flat. Connectivity, besides two DisplayPort 2.1 port with full 80 Gbps UHBR20 support, also consists of a USB Type-C port with DP Alt-mode and 140 W USB PD support—a first as far as we're aware—as well as more mundane options like two HDMI 2.1 inputs, one USB 3.2 Type-B input, three USB 2.0 outputs and an audio jack. The stand supports the standard tilt, swivel and height adjustments, as well as rotation. Finally the XG323-4K-OLED2 sports a pair of 5 W speakers and a remote control. JD.com is listing the display of RMB 10,999 which is just north of US$1,500. It's unclear which, if any other markets ViewSonic will offer the XG323-4K-OLED2 in.

VAIO Corporation has introduced the "world's lightest" mobile display, the VAIO Vision+ 14", available for personal and corporate use. Weighing just 325 g, this device is designed for those who travel a lot, however, it can be a tempting companion at home and at the office. The VAIO Vision+ features a 14.0-inch wide LCD panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution. Despite its large screen, it's thin at just 3.9 mm at its slimmest point. The display offers high brightness (400cd/m², 1200:1 contrast ratio), wide viewing angles (178° up/down/left/right), and a broad color gamut (sRGB 100%), with anti-glare treatment to reduce eye strain during extended use.

The VAIO Vision+ portable monitor can be connected and powered using a single USB Type-C cable, supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode and bus power operation (2x USB Type-C ports are included on the side). It can be positioned horizontally or vertically using the included cover stand, which protects the unit during transport. VAIO is also offering an optional privacy filter to prevent visual hacking in public spaces. The VAIO Vision+ is available at around $340.

Cable Matters, a leader in providing top-tier connectivity solutions, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Thunderbolt 5 cable manufactured by Lintes Technology Co., Ltd. The cable is available in 3 different lengths: 1 foot, 1.6 feet and 3.3 feet. This latest innovation delivers unparalleled performance, supporting up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional data transfer and up to 120 Gbps of video bandwidth, a substantial leap from the previous Thunderbolt 4 technology.

The new Thunderbolt 5 cable by Cable Matters represents a significant advancement in connectivity technology, offering increased bandwidth and power delivery capabilities. The Bandwidth Boost technology enables the cable to transmit up to 120 Gbps for the best display experience, providing up to 3 times increase over Thunderbolt 4's maximum bandwidth. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for demanding applications such as high-resolution video streaming, extensive data transfer, and high-speed gaming.

ASUS today announced the unveiling of a groundbreaking lineup of displays at Computex 2024. These all-new monitors include the stunning ProArt Display 5K and 8K professional range, flexible ZenScreen displays and wellness-focused ASUS VU displays. These cutting-edge screens are designed to boost professional content creation, hybrid work, entertainment and well-being - ready to provide unrivalled windows of clarity on the exciting new era of AI-powered computing.

ASUS ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV: Redefining your 5K dream
The all-new ASUS ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV is a 27-inch 5K high-PPI professional monitor, featuring a stunning 5120 x 2880 resolution and 218 high-PPI display for unparalleled clarity and color accuracy. With 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB wide color gamut, it ensures true-to-life color reproduction. It features ASUS LuxPixel technology that includes an anti-glare and low reflection (AGLR) coating for a paper-like screen effect. Unlike a traditional matte finish, which can soften images, this special formulation provides exceptional pixel color fidelity and sharp details for extended creative session. Calman Verified and factory calibrated for Delta E < 2 color accuracy, it's trusted for precise color grading.

Acer today announced three new gaming monitors in its Predator lineup, designed to appeal to professional gamers and gaming enthusiasts who want reliable machines for everyday use. The new models include the Predator X27U F3, Predator X34 X5, and Predator X32 X3 featuring brilliant OLED displays, high refresh rates, and ultra-smooth performance.

These powerhouse monitors are NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible to eliminate stuttering, flicker, and visual artifacts for a smooth and tear-free experience. The monitors also seamlessly integrate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to eliminate ghosting, provide fluidity and ensure that every frame is rendered flawlessly. With true 10-bit color depth, they deliver cinematic visuals with stunning contrast and vibrant colors further enhanced by DCI-P3 99% color gamut and Delta E<1 color accuracy. In addition, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 ensures deep blacks and incredible brightness for lifelike visuals.