Razer over the weekend introduced the Ripsaw X, a device the company describes as a low-latency USB capture device for cameras. Intended for those who use DSLRs, GoPros, or professional video cameras that stream live video over HDMI. The device acts like a convenient USB dongle, if you don't want to use internal PCIe capture cards. It supports resolutions of up to 4K UHD at 60 frames per second, or Full HD (1080p) at up to 120 frames per second. It requires a USB 3.x port (5 Gbps), with a single connection handling both power and connectivity. The device is compatible with most popular camera brands, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, GoPro, Panasonic, and FujiFilm. It is largely plug-and-play, with the device fetching its own drivers and software over the Internet once plugged in. It supports most popular software, including OBS. Available now, the Razer Ripsaw X is priced at USD $140.

Creative Technology today announced the release of Creative Live! Mic M3, a plug-and-play USB microphone that allows users to record and sound like professionals while streaming, gaming, or even conferencing. It sports Cardioid and Omni microphone polar patterns, studio-grade recording resolution and real-time mic monitoring, making it the perfect all-round audio input solution for content creation and better communications with any PC or Mac.

Creative Live! Mic M3 offers users greater versatility across different use cases as it is designed with two 14 mm condenser capsules for dual polar pattern types, Cardioid and Omni, which can be easily switched via the control knob. With the Cardioid pattern, it is most suitable for single-person recordings, like streaming a gameplay, as it is a front-focused mode and is best used to capture sounds made directly in front of the mic. On the other hand, the Omni pattern is an all-angle mode that works better to capture sounds equally from all directions and is great for use with groups, like a podcast recording with two or three hosts.

If you've been on the lookout for a truly durable keyboard, Filco might have what you've been waiting for in the shape of the Majestouch 2S Metal SUS, a keyboard housed inside a 1.6 to 2 mm thick SUS304HL (HL for hairline finish) stainless steel chassis. The keyboard weighs in at almost 4.4 kg, although this does include the integrated wrist rest.

Besides its sturdy chassis, the Majestouch 2S Metal SUS features screw-in height-adjustable legs and if these aren't tall enough, an optional kit for even more height is available. Filco offers four different Cherry MX switch options for the US ANSI models, brown, blue, red and silver (speed), whereas the Japanese version has to make do without the blue switches.

Not everyone likes using a mouse and a trackball can be a viable option, depending on your preference. However, most trackballs aren't suitable for gaming and a company called Blue Sun Innovations (BSI) set out to design a trackball to meet the demands of gamers. The product is simply called the GameBall and has been five years in the making. The company launched a limited edition back in June, but now BSI has launched what it refers to as the Standard Edition.

The GameBall features a PixArt sensor that supports resolutions from 400 to 3,00 DPI/CPI and it features button switches from Omron. As it's a trackball and won't be moved around the desk, BSI went for a wired design using a standard USB interface with a supported polling rate of up to 1,000 Hz. Other niceties include ceramic bearings, an "innovative touch scroll pad", six buttons and an ambidextrous design. As this is a gaming mouse, it does of course also feature some RGB lighting. The GameBall is compatible with all recent operating systems and can be ordered directly from GameBall's website for US$148.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced an all-new gaming peripherals lineup that channels the minimalist feel of monochrome through a striking Moonlight White color scheme. The ROG Strix Scope NX TKL 80%, tenkeyless mechanical RGB gaming keyboard, ROG Strix Impact II ambidextrous gaming mouse, ROG Strix Go Core gaming headset and ROG Cetra II Core in-ear gaming headphones are all now available in North America in this stunning colorway.

ROG has a long history of weaving Aura Sync into a huge ecosystem of devices to let gamers shine a light on their personalities through their gear - but many players also seek a minimalist look. That's why the ROG color palette is expanding to include the Moonlight White series, providing a commanding counterpart to the signature red-and-black color scheme.

The Genesis Krypton 290 is the model from the 200 series. In its ergonomic case you will find a 6400 DPI sensor, in-built memory for storing settings, as well as switches which provide effortless work for a long time. The set is complete with LED illumination with the signature PRISMO effect.

The Genesis Krypton 290 gaming mouse is a light (99 g) design with a symmetrical shape. The model is equipped with seven programmable buttons which can be configured with the use of the manufacturer's software. It also allows for recording of macros as well as changing the illumination settings and saving those options in the in-built memory. There are 16 million colors to choose from. The roller, logo on the top, as well as a LEDs running along the base are illuminated.

NZXT, a leading designer of computer hardware, software, and services for the PC gaming community, announces the NZXT Capsule, a high-quality USB Microphone designed for streamers and gamers to sound their best with ease.

The NZXT Capsule is a cardioid microphone that focuses on giving you high-quality audio while minimizing background noise. Cleanly designed to sit on your desk with one polar pattern to give you the best sound right out of the box and with no software needed. Allowing you to clearly communicate with your friends during intense gaming sessions or while you stream to your adoring fans all while sounding your best.

Immerse in the action like never before, without wires to get in the way. Meet the JBL Quantum 350 wireless gaming headset, the latest addition to the JBL Quantum Series. Designed to bring together the most accurate audio experience with gamer-grade lossless connectivity and comfort for epic gaming sessions, this headset is a must-have for gamers looking for an upgraded set-up.

When every sound matters and split-second timing is key, never miss a moment with lossless 2.4G wireless connectivity. Optimized for PC or PlayStation gamers via a wireless USB dongle, the JBL Quantum 350 delivers the ultimate competitive advantage during gameplay. From the quietest footsteps to the loudest laser blasts, JBL's QuantumSOUND Signature provides cinematic-quality audio from 40 mm drivers, and the immersive JBL QuantumSURROUND puts the player in the center of the game. The headset is also compatible with the JBL QuantumENGINE PC software, letting gamers customize the EQ, sidetone, mic and more.

ROCCAT, Turtle Beach's award-winning, Hamburg, Germany-based PC peripheral brand, today revealed the Torch, its first studio-grade USB microphone. Designed for gamers, streamers, and aspiring content creators, the Torch is packed full of professional-grade features, including 24-bit audio quality, a dual condenser design, latency-free Mic Monitoring, and a built-in pop filter. ROCCAT's Torch will ensure creators always sound flawless, and its stylish and intelligent design is compatible with a wide range of shock mounts, boom arms, and other accessories. The Torch microphone features ROCCAT's intelligent AIMO RGB lighting, and special lighting zones change color depending on the mic's settings. Additionally, driver-free setup makes the Torch simple to use right out of the box. ROCCAT's Torch launches August 15, 2021 for a MSRP of $99.99, and is available for pre-order today.

"The Torch's distinct look, pro-level performance, and attractive price make it perfect to grow with you as you chase your streaming and content creation passions," said René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and General Manager for PC peripherals at Turtle Beach. "Gamers watch their favorite streamers and are inspired to create content themselves, and a studio-grade microphone is no longer a luxury, it's a must-have accessory. We're excited to enter a new PC peripheral category with the Torch, and to deliver another high-performance accessory that adds to our desktop ecosystem."

A lightweight M.2 SSD is a great way to add significant performance gains to any laptop or PC workstation. Silicon Power (SP) is releasing a new enclosure that will give your SSD the ability to not only achieve these gains but also take it wherever you go. The PD60 turns your M.2 M-key NVMe or SATA SSD into a portable hard drive for whenever and wherever you need it. Transfer data rapidly up to 10 Gbps via its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface with the included Type-C to Type-C cable. It's also backwards-compatible with USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 at their respective speed limits.

The aluminium body is durable enough to protect your SSD, yet light enough to toss in your bag and hardly notice it, making it the perfect travel companion. It also provides superior heat dissipation, which is further enhanced by its slide design, allowing excess heat to escape when the cover is removed.

When Intel launched its Tiger Lake processors for laptops, the company has foreseen a smooth integration by OEMs and plenty of design wins. While that has turned out to be true, there seems to be a big problem lurking in the OEM component supply chain. In the new Tiger Lake systems, the CPU carries support for Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 technologies. However, these protocols can not work on their own, as they require external power delivery controllers (PDC) to function. These PDCs are used to regulate and control all of the power circulating in the USB specification, and they come in a form of a separate chip. This chip is later integrated into PCBs of various systems implementing these technologies.

Today, we have a report coming from Igor's LAB, in which we are told that the availability of these chips could be very bad. Intel's OEMs are using Texas Instruments (TI) 994AD PDC, however, as the supply of these chips becomes scarce, OEMs are turning to TI 993AC/994AC chips. Intel advises OEMs, carrying these chips in their systems, to only communicate benefits of Thunderbolt 4 and exclude USB 4 mentions, or to communicate benefits of Thunderbolt 4 and reference USB 4 "compatibility." This means that every OEM using the alternative chips will get Intel's Thunderbolt 4 certifications, as the company plans to temporarily issue certifications with these chips included, while the supply chain regulates. TI's 993AC/994AC are assumed to not have the power and regulation capability of the USB 4 as the 994AD PDC can.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, and storage solutions innovator, today released the easy-to-use unmanaged switch QSW-2104 series, including the QSW-2104-2S (with 2-port 10 GbE SFP+ and 4-port 2.5 GbE RJ45) and the QSW-2104-2T (with 2-port 10 GbE RJ45 and 4-port 2.5 GbE RJ45). Featuring plug-and-play set up, near-silent fanless design, IEEE 802.3az compliance, and automatic loop detection and blocking, the QSW-2104 series provides the ideal choice for creating affordable high-speed network environments in homes and workplaces.

"Featuring 10 GbE and 2.5 GbE connectivity in one device, the QSW-2104 series can connect various bandwidth-demanding devices and helps users create a hybrid high-speed network in homes and workplaces. This is especially useful for accelerating file transfer, virtual machine applications, video streaming/sharing, and everyday tasks," said Frank Liao, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "for users looking to fully upgrade their network infrastructure, QNAP offers a range of 2.5 GbE/10 GbE-ready QNAP NAS and PCIe/USB adapters for desktops, servers, and laptops to take advantage of the game-changing bandwidth provided by next-generation networks."

USB Implementers Forum, the organization behind the development of the USB standard and its iterations, has today announced the latest revision to the USB-C standard. In the latest 2.1 version of the USB-C specification, we are in for a surprise when it comes to power delivery. With the previous 2.0 standard, USB-C was rated to deliver a minimum of 3 Amps at 20 Volts or carry a high-power 5 A current that is capable of delivering 100 Watts at 20 Volts. However, in the latest specification, the USB-IF has decided to bump up the power delivery target to a whopping 240 Watts.

This means that with the 2.1 specifications, the USB-C standard will be able to output as much as 48 Volts with a 5-Amp current. While this is a somewhat big change, that doesn't mean that you have to throw away your old USB-C cables. In the mode called Extended Power Range (EPR), the USB-C 2.1 will still work with all of the existing plugs. The plug is physically the same, however, for EPR to work it has changed the connector configuration a bit where pins for power delivery and USB 2.0 support can no longer short to ground, to prevent arcing when the cable is unplugged. The EPR cables will carry an electronic mark with them, so all of the devices will ask them how much power they can carry before transferring it over those cables. The 240 Watt bump will enable us to see more mobile devices, like laptops, with the ability to charge over a USB-C cable.

ROCCAT, Turtle Beach's (Nasdaq: HEAR) Hamburg, Germany-based PC gaming accessories brand, today launched a new color option for itsElo 7.1 Air wireless PC gaming headset. The Elo 7.1 Air is now available in a stand-out white color that is visually stunning with the headset's alluring AIMO RGB lighting. The black Elo 7.1 Air that originally debuted with the wired Elo 7.1 USB and Elo X Stereo, are also still available. The Elo Series headsets perfectly blend ROCCAT's award-winning design and innovation with Turtle Beach's unrivaled gaming audio expertise and exclusive audio technologies. Elo 7.1 Air is the premium wireless model in the series and has been lauded by reviewers and fans alike for its premium offering at $99.99 MSRP. In April 2021, RTINGS.com named ROCCAT's Elo 7.1 Air the Best Wireless Gaming Headset Under $100. The all-new Elo 7.1 Air white is available now at participating retailers worldwide and from www.roccat.com.

Phison Electronics Corp., a global leader in NAND flash controllers and a complete line of storage solutions, and Cigent Technology, Inc., the leader in embedded cybersecurity technology, today unveiled design details behind the partnership that has delivered the industry's first and only line of self-defending storage devices with cybersecurity built into the firmware itself to protect against ransomware, data theft and malicious insider theft.

Phison's innovative and robust NAND flash solutions support a broad range of applications including embedded, consumer, enterprise and automotive. The Phison Crypto-SSD is a line of TCG enabled Self-Encrypting Drives that are designed to pass FIPS 140-3 Level 2 certification. Phison is committed to data security which helps to protect business and government users against loss or theft. Phison's collaboration with Cigent expands the E12DC Crypto-SSD security architecture to add additional compute capabilities, attack detectors and sensors directly on the drive. Together with Cigent, Phison has created a product that raises the bar of data security to a whole new level.

SPC Gear, the gaming label of the European manufacturer SilentiumPC, announces a fresh, bright colour variant of the popular SM950 streaming microphone kit. The new edition is inspired by the rare mineral white onyx, known for its exceptional durability and unique appearance. SPC Gear designed the Onyx White variants with this qualities in mind while offering directional (cardioid) characteristics, ensuring good dampening of unwanted ambient noise. High-quality components on the other hand, allow for a warm, radio-like sound. Being a Plug&Play microphone, the SM950 does not require installing any additional software and is ready to be used straight out of the box. The physical mute button is conveniently located on top of the microphone and provides visual cues when mutes. With the SM950 series, SPC Gear offers a prefect kit for every streamer, YouTuber and musician, seeking an affordable full-fledged recording setup for streaming of games on Twitch or YouTube or recording of podcasts and voiceovers.

The world's leading memory brand, TEAMGOUP, has spared no effort in researching the latest technology in computer hardware storage. In Q1 of this year, we not only demonstrated our outstanding ability to lead the industry in DDR5 memory generation, but today we also announce a major technological breakthrough in storage products, including a UFD flash drive with read/write speed almost comparable to SATA III SSD, and the T-FORCE USB 3.2 external SSD with 8 TB capacity and a read/write sped of 2000 MB/s.

The most common USB flash drives in the past used the USB 2.0 specification, and the read/write speed is about 25/10 MB/s. TEAMGROUP's USB drive has the latest technology and adopts USB 3.2 Gen2 high-speed interface, and the actual transfer speed can reach about 600/500 MB/s, which is almost equal to the performance level of SATA III SSD, and the capacity is topped to 1 TB. TEAMGOUP will accompany consumers to the new generation with our strength in technology. With TEAMGROUP's compact USB drive, you can have the same performance as an external SSD that is the size of a sliced toast.

IBASE Technology Inc. (TPEx: 8050), IBASE, a leading provider of industrial motherboards and embedded systems, launches its latest 3.5" SBC IB953 powered by 11th Gen Intel Core processors (codenamed Tiger Lake). Measuring 146 x 102 mm in a compact footprint, the single board computer offers impressive I/O and computing performance, making it an ideal platform for a broad range of demanding applications in factory automation, machine vision, healthcare, as well as retail environments.

The IB953 features a 5G compatible M.2 3052 socket and the latest 11th Gen. Intel Core and Celeron processors built on 10 nm SuperFin process, delivering up to 25% faster performance and greater AI acceleration. With the Intel Core i7-1185G7 (IBASE model IB953AF-I7) comes the new Iris Xe (Xe-LP) graphics architecture supporting 96 EUs (Execution Units) which equals 768 cores and runs at 1.35 GHz, an increase of 250 MHz over the previous 11-gen graphics to provide up to twice the performance and improved power efficiency. The graphics engine's hardware acceleration can drive up to four simultaneous 4K HDR displays (via 2x DisplayPort + eDP and LVDS).

BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, announces the latest B560MX-E PRO and B560MH-E PRO motherboards. Designed to support Intel's 10th/11th Generation Intel Core Processors and professional graphics cards, the new B560 series motherboards are highly versatile. Powered by Intel's B560 chipset, these two new motherboards are efficient and robust in any use case.

PCI-e 4.0 and PCIe M.2 4.0 & M.2 Cooling, among other cutting-edge technology, adds up to a great platform, tailor-made for business or even casual use. The two new motherboards support up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory across 4 DIMM with an overclocking capability of up to 4000+(OC)MHz. Backed by BIOSTAR's proprietary Digital PWM technology, the new B560MX-E PRO, and B560MH-E PRO motherboards are safe and long-lasting, capable of supporting the best hardware with ease. Both motherboards pack all the essentials in their rear I/O panel with almost identical layouts on a Micro-ATX form factor.

Akasa has added two new aluminium enclosures for M.2 drives to the current range of products. These are compatible with both SATA and NVMe drives and features USB 3.1 Generation 2 connectivity and UASP support, meaning you'll be making the most out of the super-fast data transfer speeds from your M.2 drive of up to 10 Gb/s.

The body on both enclosures are machined out of high-quality aluminium, ensuring a tight, safe fit for the closing mechanism. A tool-free design allows the installation of an M.2 SSD to be quick and easy, whilst also functioning as a heatsink to draw away excess heat from the drive. The sleek and simple Akasa logo finishes off the design perfectly, making the enclosure stand out from the crowd.

Seagate Technology, a world leader in data storage solutions, today announced two new additions to the company's line of PC gaming storage, the FireCuda Gaming Hard Drive and FireCuda Gaming Hub. Both new external HDD (Hard Disk Drive) solutions were designed for gamers who are looking to level up their battle stations with high—performing, mass capacity upgrades in a sleek enclosure.

Presented in a bold and refined design, the new FireCuda Hard Drive features RGB LED lighting that gamers can customize through Seagate's Toolkit software for an epic gaming atmosphere. It also features Razer Chroma RGB compatibility to synchronize users' Chroma-enabled gaming peripherals. The lightweight FireCuda Hard Drive is designed with USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection for universal compatibility and quick transfer speeds and is USB bus-powered, making it the winning choice for laptop and PC gamers on the go.

Skullcandy, the #1 selling brand in Stereo Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds under $100, announced today its all-new Dime True Wireless Earbuds. Priced at $24.99 MSRP, the latest solution outperforms other earbuds at the same price point, offering an affordable way to get into the true wireless game. Dime grants users the freedom to live without wires, combining expertly tuned audio with a noise-isolating fit and must-have features, like a microphone in each bud. Available now at Skullcandy.com and major retailers nationwide, Dime delivers a pocket-friendly, stylish form factor in a variety of colors that won't break the bank.

Dime is an ideal, everyday audio companion that boasts up to 12 hours of battery life, freeing users from the hassle of snagging, yanking and tangling wires. When earbuds are removed from the charging case secured with a snap lid, the buds automatically turn on. Easy connection offers a simplified listening experience that's perfect for those new to true wireless. Intuitive, touch-enabled media controls on the compact stick-style buds enable Dime users to effortlessly take calls, change tracks, adjust volume and activate native voice assistants like Google and Siri, all without ever reaching for their devices.

ASUS today announced Mini PC PB62, a durable computer that delivers powerful performance to provide flexibility, expandability and performance to suit a range of business applications, including digital signage, point-of-sales (POS) system, kiosks and intelligent vending machines. Mini PC PB62 is powered by the latest desktop-grade up to 11th Generation Intel Core processor and fast DDR4 3200 MHz memory.

Engineered for performance: 11th Gen Intel Core, DDR4 3200 MHz memory and Intel Optane
With the latest up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, Mini PC PB62 is caters for with support for either a 35- or 65-watt CPU - so it's ready to be specified for supreme efficiency or maximum performance. PB62 also has built-in support for Intel Optane H20 memory, the technology that greatly improves storage speeds, enables frequently-used documents, pictures, videos and applications to be accessed more quickly while improving overall system performance to maximize productivity and efficiency.

AMD has four weeks ago acknowledged that there was a problem with 500 series motherboard chipsets. The problem has occurred with a few chipset functions like USB connectivity, USB 2.0 audio crackling (e.g. DAC/AMP combos), and USB/PCIe Gen 4 exclusion. To fix these problems, consumers were forced to either put up with problems or lower the PCIe standard from Gen 4 to Gen 3 and switch USB protocol revision from 3.0 to 2.0. This of course wasn't the ideal solution, especially for bandwidth-heavy applications. Users have submitted many reports to AMD, and the company appears to have found a root cause of these issues. AMD has published a Reddit thread, that reports that the company found a solution to the problem and that we are going to see a fix for it in a form in AGESA BIOS update.

AMD RedditAMD has prepared AGESA 1.2.0.2 to deploy this update, and we plan to distribute 1.2.0.2 to our motherboard partners for integration in about a week. Customers can expect downloadable BIOSes containing AGESA 1.2.0.2 to begin with beta updates in early April. The exact update schedule for your system will depend on the test and implementation schedule for your vendor and specific motherboard model. If you continue to experience intermittent USB connectivity issues after updating your system to AGESA 1.2.0.2, we encourage you to download the standalone AMD Bug Report Tool and open a ticket with AMD Customer Support.

Users have recently been reporting various intermittent USB connectivity errors on AMD 500 series motherboards. AMD has acknowledged these issues in a recent Reddit post where they have asked affected users for more information to help them resolve the issues. The issues appear to be most commonly found when using VR headsets on X570 motherboards where intermittent connectivity issues are most noticeable. Some of the affected users report that the issues are most common when using a PCIe 4.0 GPU and that switching to PCIe 3.0 can sometimes resolve the issue. AMD is asking affected users to submit reports through their Online Service Request platform and will also contact users directly on Reddit to request detailed information.

Update Mar 9th:

AMD has provided some official guidance for affected users asking them to follow the solutions provided by Reddit such as disabling global C-States and switching to PCIe 3.0 mode if general troubleshooting has failed. AMD has reaffirmed that they were aware of the issue and that their engineers are actively working on a fix.