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Acer Intros CloudProfessor IoT Starter Kit in EMEA

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Acer has announced the availability of its CloudProcessor IoT starter  kit in EMEA at the 2017 BETT show in London. For the company this new kind of educational product is a natural development for the “Hour of Code” – the global movement which encourages students to organize coding tutorials. “This easy to use set of programmable components with customized Acer software in conjunction with cloud connectivity is the perfect way to introduce connected hardware to anyone beginning their technological education,” said the company.

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“Basic IT skills and an understanding of the technology underpinning the modern world will be essential to daily life in the next few years. Acer CloudProfessor is part of Acer’s contribution to ensuring today’s students are prepared for the world they graduate into” said Maverick Shih, President of the BYOC Smart Products Business at Acer. “Educational technology solutions like this provides students with a great onramp to computer coding. Presenting computing concepts in fun and simple ways is the key to getting kids excited about the next big thing. With the CloudProfessor, we aim to build that excitement about IoT and the possibilities of the cloud.”

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Acer was at the BETT show from January 25th to the 28th at booth B109 with demo units of the Acer CloudProfessor and experts on hand to talk through this device and the rest of the range suited for educational institutions.

Acer CloudProfessor is the world’s first IoT starter kit, combining hardware, software and the Cloud. It is the easiest way for all people who are new to the IoT to learn what the Cloud is and how to bring their own unique creations into the world. Alongside the CloudProfessor module, the kit contains an Arduino Leonardo Development Board, an LED101 Development Board, Seeed Arduino Shield, two LEDs, two Sensors (light and temperature) and a small motor to enable movement with robotics projects.

Straight out of the box, this kit comes with access to Acer´s Build Your Own Cloud (BYOC), an ecosystem with partners from multiple layers of the industry from chipset, sensor, operating system, middleware, to application vendors. This pre-programmed connectivity means users can plug and play with their devices and creations. Importantly, it lets them connect and explore without having to worry about the complexities of security, API access and other technological issues that could distract from the main aim – learning in a fun and engaging way.

Keeping the kit as easy and intuitive as possible to use – CloudProfessor has been designed to run on smartphone and tablet apps. Active on Android, Chrome OS and iOS devices, students learn through tutorials how to work in programming languages such as JavaScript, Blockly and LiveCode to complete simple scenarios and get inspired to create their own projects. By removing the need for a laptop or computer screen, the modules become very portable allowing for coding projects wherever the user feels like – in the classroom or while on a trip, for example.

Together with companies such as Gigo, Acer isproviding learners with the easiest ways to get into the Internet of Things (IoT). Using CloudProfessor and the hardware provided as a starting point, the kit begins with eight application packages for users to try out. For every extension added after that, Acer delivers a sample code which utilises each to get the project started.

The actual Acer CloudProfessor unit itself is a sleek black box (108mm x 44mm x 13mm and weighing less than 100g). It connects through 802.11 a/b/g/n Wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.0 + HS. Storage internally comes through 16GB inbuild flash and the unit can take a MicroSD card for up to 128GB worth of capacity. The whole device is powered through an Intel Atom x5 Z8300 CherryTrail chipset, a powerful driver for this device, opening up a wide range of possibilities for IoT exploration.

The Acer CloudProfessor IoT development kit will be available in the UK and EMEA regions in the first half of  2017. Specific availability and pricing details will be announced soon.

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TEAMGROUP Launches X2 MAX SSD and S5 Flash Drive

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TEAMGROUP, a leading global memory and storage provider, has strengthened its product portfolio with two new portable storage solutions: the X2 MAX USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Portable SSD and the S5 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drive. Both devices combine compact designs with versatile capacity options to meet diverse user needs.

The X2 MAX Portable SSD delivers blazing-fast transfer speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 interface, making it ideal for handling large files, 4K videos, and high-resolution photos. Its dual Type-A and Type-C connectors ensure broad compatibility with PCs, laptops, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, eliminating the need for extra adapters. Weighing just 12g and available in capacities up to 2TB, it’s a powerful yet ultra-portable storage solution.

Meanwhile, the S5 Flash Drive leverages COB (Chip On Board) technology for enhanced durability and data protection. With read speeds up to 140MB/s (USB 3.2 Gen 1) and capacities from 32GB to 512GB, it balances performance and portability. Its 2g weight and built-in keyhole design make it both a practical storage tool and a convenient everyday accessory.

TEAMGROUP backs the X2 MAX SSD with a five-year warranty and the S5 Flash Drive with a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.

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ZOTAC Unveils RTX 5060 Series With NVIDIA Blackwell

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ZOTAC Technology has unveiled its latest GeForce RTX 5060 Series graphics cards, powered by NVIDIA’s next-generation Blackwell architecture. The lineup includes the RTX 5060 Ti in 16GB and 8GB variants, along with the standard RTX 5060, all featuring ultra-fast GDDR7 memory, advanced cooling solutions, and compact designs for broad system compatibility.

Designed for both gamers and creators, the new GPUs leverage AI acceleration through DLSS 4, delivering smoother frame rates and enhanced ray tracing. NVIDIA’s Studio tools and NIM microservices further expand creative possibilities, enabling AI-assisted workflows and faster content creation.

ZOTAC’s focus on small-form-factor (SFF) compatibility ensures these cards fit seamlessly into tight PC cases. The AMP model stands out with a factory overclock, dual BladeLink fans, and IceStorm 2.0 cooling for peak performance. Meanwhile, the Twin Edge (OC) offers a balanced blend of power and efficiency in a 2-slot design, and the SOLO variant caters to ultra-compact builds with its single-fan configuration.

Efficiency is a key highlight, with the entire series requiring only a single 8-pin PCIe power connector, reducing the need for PSU upgrades. The IceStorm 2.0 cooling system—featuring extended heat sinks, composite heat pipes, and optimized airflow—ensures stable thermals even under heavy loads. Additional refinements include FREEZE fan stop for silent operation during low-intensity tasks and a metal backplate for added durability.

For enthusiasts who prefer manual tuning, ZOTAC’s updated FireStorm utility provides intuitive control over clock speeds, voltage, and fan curves.

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Drop and Bethesda Debut Starfield Keyboard Collection

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Drop has announced its latest collaboration with Bethesda Softworks, bringing the immersive universe of Starfield to players’ desktop setups. This exclusive Drop + Starfield collection features a custom keyboard, an artisan keycap, a coiled USB cable, and a desk mat—all meticulously designed to capture the essence of interstellar exploration.

At the heart of this collection is the Drop + Starfield Constellation Keyboard, a mechanical keyboard inspired by the cockpit controls of Starfield’s futuristic Starships. The keycaps, designed with precise detailing, mirror the interfaces and control panels seen in-game, giving users the feel of a pilot experience with every keystroke. Combined with Drop’s renowned mechanical keyboard craftsmanship, this keyboard delivers not only immersive aesthetics but also top-tier performance.

To complete the setup, the Drop + Starfield Constellation Deskmat offers a sleek, high-quality surface. The coiled quick-disconnect USB cable, featuring durable sleeving and a premium metal connector, ensures a seamless connection while adding a touch of industrial sci-fi aesthetics to any setup. The Drop + Starfield Constellation Artisan Keycap, crafted with intricate detail, serves as a collectible tribute to the game’s rich universe.

“At Drop, we are passionate about bringing beloved franchises to life through premium mechanical keyboard products,” said Lukas Mondoux, Director of Drop Studio. “With the Drop + Starfield collection, we wanted to create an experience that allows fans to feel like they’re sitting in the cockpit of their own spacecraft, charting their journey across the galaxy. The combination of game-accurate design and our high-performance hardware makes this collection a must-have for Starfield and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.”

Drop + Starfield Collection Features:

  1. Drop + Starfield Constellation Keyboard – Custom keycaps inspired by Starfield’s cockpit controls for an immersive spacefaring experience.
  2. Drop + Starfield Constellation Deskmat – High-quality desk mat featuring official Starfield artwork.
  3. Drop + Starfield Constellation Coiled USB Cable – Premium cable with a durable metal connector for a seamless and stylish connection.
  4. Drop + Starfield Constellation Artisan Keycap – A meticulously crafted artisan keycap designed for collectors and fans of the game, featuring the Starfield Constellation logo
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