It's been a long time coming, sensing market resistance to the Start menu-devoid Windows 8, Lenovo became the first major PC OEM to bundle a third-party Start menu emulation software with its PCs. The company is bundling SweetLabs Pokki custom UI suite, which adds a Start menu to the Windows 8 taskbar, and lets you boot the operating system straight to desktop, pole-vaulting the Start screen. Pokki may come pre-installed, or the bloatware disc might have its installers. Lenovo plans to give away Pokki with most of its ThinkPad, IdeaPad, and IdeaCenter products. As the single largest PC OEM, Lenovo's move to bundle such software could force Microsoft to sit up and take notice of what the market wants.

Lenovo today announced the ThinkStation E32, an entry-level workstation ideal for professionals working in computer-aided design, product development and architecture. The ThinkStation E32 is available with Intel Xeon E3 and 4th generation Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors so applications run fast and reliably, as well as enhanced memory and graphics capabilities to provide users more choices for superior performance and productivity. On select models, the E32 also comes with a 60-day free trial1 of AutodeskAutoCAD LT2014drafting software, which helps design professionals create precise 2D CAD drawings that can be easily edited and shared.

"The ThinkStation E32 is built for the design and engineering community and is an ideal workstation for running AutoCAD LT," said Sheila Parker Tolle, senior director of ecommerce and small business marketing at Autodesk. "Having a trial of AutoCAD LT factory installed and ready to go for 60 days on the Lenovo ThinkStation E32 makes it easy for customers to start their AutoCAD LT evaluation, and gives them the powerful, responsive computing power they need to create complex designs quickly and effectively."

HWBot.org blanket-banning benchmark submissions from Windows 8 machines sent ripples across the PC enthusiast community. Overclocker Christian Ney from OCaholic.ch spent some time trying out different combinations of hardware and operating system to check if Windows 8 RTC (realtime-clock) bug affects benchmarks consistently, on all hardware platforms. His findings are interesting, and one can draw the inference that only Intel processor-based machines could be affected by the bug, not AMD-based ones.

Ney observed the Windows 8 RTC bug to affect benchmark results only on Windows 8 machines running Intel LGA1150 "Haswell," LGA1155 "Ivy Bridge," and LGA1155 "Sandy Bridge," and not AMD AM3 and FM2 platforms. The issue didn't surface on any system running the older Windows 7 operating system. With it, it's clear that it's not just Microsoft that has to do some troubleshooting, Intel has to, as well. HWBot.org may have just saved itself time and pointless "bias" debates by blanket-banning Windows 8.

HWBot announced that it no longer accepts benchmark record submissions from PCs running Windows 8. It discovered that the way Windows 8 handles real-time clock (RTC), compromises the veracity of benchmark results. HWBot announced that is looking into possible solutions for the problem, and till such a time, it won't accept benchmark result submissions from Windows 8 PCs. This decision could affect leaderboards and records set using Windows 8 benches, and could greatly stunt adoption of the operating system among the professional overclocking community. A statement by HWBot reads;

As the result of weekend-time research, the HWBOT staff has decided to invalidate all benchmark records established with the Windows8 operating system. Due to severe validity problems with the Windows8 real time clock ("RTC"), benchmarks results achieved with Windows8 cannot be trusted. The main problem lies with the RTC being affected when over- or underclocking under the operating system. The operating system uses the RTC as reference clock, and benchmarks use it to reference (benchmark) time.

ASUS plans to expand its VivoBook series with a new AMD-powered member, the X102BA. This 10.2-inch ultra-portable should bring Windows 8 experience to the masses, with its cost-effective innards, including an AMD A4-1200 dual-core APU with Radeon HD 8180 graphics, 2 GB of RAM, and 320 GB of HDD storage. Its software bundle includes not just Windows 8, but also Office Home and Student 2013. ASUS reportedly plans to price the X102BA at 330 Euros, when the notebook hits stores some time next month.

Gaming PC specialist CyberPowerPC launched its first entry-level notebook that leverages Intel's Iris Pro 5200 integrated graphics, the Zeus Hercules. Tucking in an Intel Core i7-4750HQ processor, which is a variant of the Intel Core "Haswell" processor with a larger integrated GPU featuring 40 execution units, and L4 eDRAM cache, the notebook features a 14-inch full-HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) screen. The notebook is also one of the first to integrate Intel's Hyperbaric cooling technology, which works to minimize hot-spots.

In addition to the Core i7-4750HQ processor, it features 8 GB of RAM (expandable to 16 GB), SSD and HDD-based storage options, and connectivity that includes Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, gigabit Ethernet, three USB 3.0 "SuperSpeed" ports, and a multi-format card reader. Windows 8 Pro comes pre-installed. Backed by a 1-year warranty, Zeus Hercules notebooks from CyberPowerPC start at US $1,039.

Microsoft Windows 8 introduced the innovative Windows To Go (WTG) feature, which enables people to enjoy their own applications and access their personal data via any smart display that supports the Windows operating system, as long as they have a thumb-sized flash disk with them. Etron Technology, Inc. today announces that its EV266W Flash Driver Controller has received Windows To Go certification from Microsoft. EV266W employs a dual-channel design and advanced 72-bit Error Check and Correction (ECC) functionality. It supports 8 CE (Channel Enable) pins per channel, with up to a total of 16 CE pins, in a 64-QFN (9x9 mm) package or an 88-QFN (10x10 mm) package. The EV266W Flash Driver Controller and platform enables system manufacturers of USB3.0 flash drives to develop a new generation of USB3.0 device end products and accelerate their technologies to market.

To end customers, Microsoft's WTG delivers the convenience of smart living with Plug In, Boot and Go capabilities. This allows users to travel light anywhere with their familiar Windows operating system, applications and personal data on a thumb-sized flash drive; turn any display that supports the Windows operating system into a dedicated PC; achieve hassle-free Windows usage without the need to sync programs and personal data across multiple devices; stay fully productive despite computer hardware failure since people can connect to any PC of their choice; and prevent data loss and compute securely and with privacy.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced the U.S. launch of the ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Tab 3. These two additions to Samsung's PC lineup represent the company's continued commitment to offering consumers choice and easy convergence between PC and smartphone devices.

In keeping with the iconic design legacy of the award-winning Book 9, the Book 9 Plus delivers an unparalleled and superbly vivid display, a 10-point touch-screen and enhanced performance in a beautiful and sleek form factor. The ATIV Tab 3 takes design cues from the popular Samsung GALAXY series and is the world's thinnest Windows 8 tablet. The Book 9 will be available for pre-sale in the U.S. on August 18 and the Tab 3 will be in stores beginning on September 1. Samsung also plans to introduce versions of both products specialized for business use in fall 2013.

Sony is raising the status of its VAIO Duo, Pro and Fit models by releasing a limited number in a lustrous, rich, glossy red. The VAIO | red edition is distinctly Sony featuring exquisite details, extreme portability and speedy performance. The signature red finish is achieved by a variety of painting techniques on different materials, including carbon fiber and aluminum. Multiple paint layers are individually applied and hand-polished, building layer upon layer of rich, lustrous color. To give it that extra glossy finish, a durable protective UV coating creates an extra vibrant sheen with gorgeous depth and richness.

In addition to premium luxury design, the new VAIO | red edition is fused with the power of Sony's display technologies, exceptional camera quality and audio technology. "Sony has a tradition of designing products built on passion and innovation," said Pedro LaFarga, SVP, Sony VAIO & Networked Products Division. "The new VAIO | red edition is the ultimate in superior PC technology and ensures VAIO users truly experience a level of quality that exceeds expectations. Nothing matches the inspiring look and sheer presence of Sony VAIO Red."

CyberPower Inc. www.cyberpowerpc.com, a global manufacturer of custom gaming PCs, does not believe in cookie-cutter laptop PCs that leave you with few options for customization. The company today unveiled its Fang Taipan M2, a gaming laptop that comes one way: your way.

The Fang Taipan M2 is the ultimate gaming laptop that can be customized for every buyer with the latest in gaming tech. The "poison" you load in the Taipan M2 to kill your competition is your choice.

Who says that a top-of-the-line gaming notebook has to weigh a ton? Not MSI. Marvel at our newest feather-light GS70 Stealth gaming notebook. Measuring less than 2.18 centimeters thick, the GS70 is the industry's thinnest 17" gaming notebook powerhouse. At just 2.65 kilograms, the GS70 is even lighter than most 15.6" models, so you can conveniently take the action anywhere. With a big 17.3" Full HD monitor packed into a sleek 21.8 millimeters, this gaming platform is equipped with a long-lasting, high-capacity battery that can power nearly four hours of video.

We also beat the heat with our two channel cooling system design. Take your game on the road without worrying about your battery life or overheating. Now with that attention to detail, how could we possibly neglect the excitement of in-game video? The MSI GS70 Stealth, exclusively equipped with the newest Steelseries backlit keyboard, also features 2.1 channel surround sound that rivals most home entertainment systems. Even when wearing headphones, you can enjoy awesome 5.1 channel audio. Gamers are bound to appreciate the bright colorful visuals and booming audio experience exclusively available on the GS70 Stealth.

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today expanded its portfolio of ultrathin laptops with the new 14-inch Satellite E45t and 15.6-inch Satellite E55t/E55Dt models. Built with the latest technologies and intuitive touchscreen and voice controls, these ultrathin PCs offer versatility for both productivity and entertainment in a distinctively thin design.

"Thin is in," said Carl Pinto, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Our expanding line of ultrathins is designed to be more accessible to consumer looking for a thinner, more stylish PC that delivers the same class of performance and features as a traditional laptop - at a price point that is competitive with a traditional laptop."

EA-DICE' upcoming online shooter Battlefield 4 will take advantage of DirectX 11.1 API, on PCs running Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. Running the game with DirectX 11.1 will have a positive performance impact compared to running it on DirectX 11.0, or on older operating systems like Windows 7 (which doesn't support DirectX 11.1). In the words of the technical director behind Frostbite, the underlying engine for Battlefield 4, "We use DX11.1, there are some optimizations in it (constant buffer offsets, dynamic buffers as SRVs) that we got in to the the API that improves CPU performance in our rendering when one runs with DX11.1." This could give Radeon HD 7000 series GPUs an edge over their GeForce competitors. GPUs based on NVIDIA's "Kepler" micro-architecture don't fully support DirectX 11.1. Incidentally, Battlefield 4 was just bagged and tagged by AMD for its future "Never Settle" bundle. Join the dots.

Intel is going in for the kill. The company has lowered the lowest SDP (Scenario Design Point, different from TDP) rating of Haswell based microprocessors from 6W to just 4.5W. The difference might not look like it's much (just 1.5W), but it is quite significant. While 6W wouldn't allow OEMs to use the processor in compact form factors like tablets, 4.5W will allow the same OEMs to go for fanless, passive-cooled Haswell powered tablets. Intel will ship very limited quantities of 4.5W SDP Haswell SKUs.

Of course, this opens up the possibility of these new Haswell chips to end up being used in Microsoft's next-generation Surface Windows 8 Pro tablet. If Intel manages to squeeze in an underclocked HD5000 GPU, there'll be nothing like it. Intel hasn't released any information regarding the exact specifications of the SKUs, pricing, or shipping dates.

MSI, the leading international motherboard, graphics card and All-in-One (AIO) manufacturer has launched an all new, ultra-slim AIO series. The Adora24 is the first AIO PC in the world to use flickerfree display technology. The casing has a thickness of just 21 mm at its thinnest point and the visual golden ratio achieved through the use of staggered lines make the Adora24 look even slimmer. The flowing lines down the sides enhance the feeling of crisp speed as well.

The Adora24 is equipped with the Intel 3rd Gen Mobile Core i3 / i5 multi-core processor and a high-end NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M discrete graphics card. In addition to the flicker-free display technology, the anti-glare display allows the user to use the computer for extended periods without experiencing eyestrain. Furthermore, the Adora24 comes with an SSD (optional) and Creative Sound Blaster Cinema speakers. The MSI Adora24 will become available in Europe by the first week of August.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solution products, is expanding its TD40 10-point Windows 8 certified display series by announcing the availability of its brand new 27" TD2740 for consumer and commercial markets, and its 32" TD3240 designed for interactive digital signage applications. "ViewSonic's 10-point multi-touch displays offer excellent interactivity, along with superior front-of-screen performance, pulling from our 25 years of display heritage and expertise," said Erik Willey, LCD monitor and PC product marketing director at ViewSonic. "With the addition of our TD2740 and TD3240, ViewSonic has a strong product portfolio in a range of sizes from 22" to 32", in 10-point projected capacitive and 2-point optical touch technology to meet most every consumer or commercial demand."

With 10-point projected capacitive touch technology, these full HD 1920×1080 displays deliver a smooth, fast and accurate touch experience for all Windows 8 touch needs. Paired with SuperClear IPS technology with ultra-wide viewing angles, The TD40 series brings greater definition and clarity to multimedia content, while giving users the ability to interact with PC systems in a brand new way.

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.

Gateway today announces its back-to-school line of notebooks, desktops and displays delivering popular features, proven technologies and solid performance at an affordable price. "To fulfill study and hobby requirements, Gateway's newest line-up offers both families and students a wide range of options featuring the latest technology," said Chris White, senior director of product marketing for Gateway. "Shoppers can choose from lightweight laptops for taking to class and study groups, powerful desktops with room for expansion as well as ergonomic displays for comfortable viewing at home. Our solutions are designed to provide quality technology at a price that won't break the bank."

Acer America today announced that its new 20-inch class Veriton Z2640G all-in-one (AIO) commercial desktop is now available for users in business, education and government. The new all-in-one desktops feature a screw-less chassis design and modular components for easy maintenance and upgrades. Removable feet and VESA wall-mount support enable these systems to be hung on the wall to save space, while a flexible frame that tilts from 6 to 60 degrees can be adjusted for maximum viewing comfort. These systems also come with an integrated 2.0 MP Full HD webcam that can be adjusted up to 180 degrees, which is particularly useful when collaborating via web chats with others in the same room.

The Veriton Z2640G series includes two models offering a choice of either Windows 8 Pro or Windows 7 Professional. The Acer Veriton Z2640G-UC1007X comes with an Intel Celeron processor 1007U (2M cache, 1.50 GHz, Dual Core) and 2GB SDRAM DDR3 (expandable to 16GB) and is available for an estimated selling price (ESP) of $539. The Veriton Z2640G-UP2117X with an Intel Pentium Processor 2117U (2M cache, 1.80 GHz, Dual Core) and 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (expandable to 16GB) is available for an ESP for $599.

Acer America today announced that its Acer Aspire Z3-605 Series all-in-one (AIO) desktops delivering crisp sound and a clean design are now available for consumers in the United States. The new series includes two 3W front-facing Harman Kardon speakers that leverage thorough and precise scientific methods to accurately produce crystal-clear audio that's as close to the original recording as possible. In addition, Dolby Home Theater v4 audio features optimized digital output technologies for delivering music, movies and games in dynamic surround sound.

"Integrating Harman Kardon speakers is an important milestone and showcases Acer innovation and technology leadership," said Frank Chang, director of desktop product management for Acer America. "Acer is the first in the market to bring Harman Kardon premium sound to a mainstream all-in-one desktop, setting a new standard. The Aspire Z3-605 delivers a dynamic, high-quality audio experience for music and movie lovers and furthers convenience and comfort with an ergonomic and adjustable frame and webcam."

Despite its $900-ish retail presence, AMD's 5 GHz eight-core processor, the FX-9590, was designed to be an OEM part, where OEMs could deploy the right motherboard and cooling solution for the 220W TDP chip. One of the first OEMs to [dare to] come out with one such contraption is Japan's Mouse Computer. The company's G-Tune Masterpiece a1500BA1 desktop includes an AMD FX-9590 processor, and Radeon HD 8990 (re-branded HD 7990 "Malta") graphics card as standard equipment.

The Masterpiece a1500BA1 uses a Cooler Master Seidon 120XL to tame the 220W AMD FX-9590, and an unannounced MSI 990FXA-GD80 V2 motherboard to seat it. Other components include Kingston HyperX DDR3-1866 MHz 16 GB dual-channel memory, Samsung 840 Pro 256 GB SSD, an additional 3 TB HDD, a Blu-ray writer, and an unknown 1200W 80 Plus Gold-certified PSU. Windows 8 64-bit comes pre-installed. Based on the 32 nm "Vishera" silicon, AMD FX-9590 is an eight-core processor in the AM3+ package, with 4.80 GHz nominal and 5.00 GHz TurboCore frequency. The 5.00 GHz Turbo state spools up for all eight cores. Backed by a 1-year warranty (besides individual component warranties), the Masterpiece a1500BA1 is priced at a staggering 449,800 JPY (US $4,500).

Realtek Semiconductor Corp., one of the world's leading network and multimedia IC providers, announced today its USB 3.0-to-Gigabit Ethernet controller. The RTL8153 will target Ultrabook, Tablet, IPC, and Motherboard applications, and support the latest system platforms and features. Alongside ultra low power consumption and package size, the RTL8153 also offers simplified design-in with very low RBOM. It is pin-to-pin compatible with the current USB2.0-to-10/100M RTL8152B.

Realtek also provides an industrial version of the USB3.0 GbE Controller (RTL8153I) that meets heavier demands required for industrial use and features increased operating temperature range (-40 to 85°C) and support for IEEE 1588. The feature rich RTL8152B/RTL8153 USB-to-Ethernet controllers support the latest power saving scheme 'LPM/LTM', which is ideal for the Intel Shark Bay platform and for AOAC for Windows 8 from Microsoft.

HighPoint, an industry leading Storage HBA and solutions manufacturer, has launched the industry's fastest 4-Port USB 3.0 HBA - the RocketU 1144C. Powered by four dedicated 5 Gb/s USB 3.0 ports, a PCI-E 2.0 x4 host interface, plus UASP (USB-attached SCSI protocol) performance-enhancement boost, HighPoint's RocketU 1144C is the industry's fastest USB 3.0 storage controller. The RocketU 1144C is optimized for today's fastest USB 3.0 devices, and is well suited for a wide-range of applications including portable/removable storage, storage expansion, personal media libraries, and backup solutions.

RocketU HBA's can deliver even higher levels of performance when paired with UAS capable storage devices, such as RocketStor USB 3.0 Storage Docks. UASP (USB-attached SCSI protocol) enables USB 3.0 devices to store and process multiple commands in parallel; significantly reducing wait time and streamlining data transfers. The RocketU 1144C's UAS capabilities allow it to fully utilize the PCI-E 2.0 x4 host bus interface and deliver uncompromised transfer bandwidth for UAS capable devices such as USB 3.0 SSD's, hard drives, and enclosures. The speed and efficiency advantages provided by UAS capable devices are ideal for multi-tasking and performance-hungry applications.

LaCie today announced an update to its NAS OS 3 software, increasing RAID 5 write speeds by 25 percent, expanding hybrid cloud capabilities, and adding more professional features. NAS OS 3 powers the LaCie 5big NAS Pro and 2big NAS professional storage solutions. These improvements advance LaCie's commitment to providing its customers with innovative and user-friendly NAS.

With this update, the LaCie 5big NAS Pro now features RAID 5 write speeds up to 100MB/s on a single LAN, a 25 percent increase from the previous NAS OS version. This speed boost enables admins to easily back up several computers at the same time. Alternatively, content creators can edit 1080p content directly from the NAS.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 75.6 million units in the second quarter of 2013 (2Q13), down -11.4% compared to the same quarter in 2012 but slightly better than expected, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. Total shipments were effectively right on forecasts of 75.4 million and growth of -11.7%, although Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)(APeJ) were a few points below expectations with the difference made up in the United States.

The numbers reflect a market that is still struggling with the transition to touch-based systems running Windows 8 as well as justifying ultrabook prices in the face of economic pressures and competition from tablets and other devices. A silver lining is that a number of vendors and regions seemed to be focused on inventory reduction during the second quarter, which could reflect planned launches of new models as well as lower inventory going into the second half of the year. However, it also reflects some caution among vendors and the channels in the face of remaining challenges for PCs and more than a year of declining shipments.