DisplayLink’s adaptor streams 4K content over USB 2.0 and 3.0 (eyes-on)

DisplayLink's streams 4K content over USB 20 and 30 eyeson

DisplayLink's been wringing all kinds of connectivity out of our computer's USB ports for years, turning one connection into many. It should come as no surprise, then, that the company's using its considerable compression expertise to send high-resolution 4K video through that very same pipe. Ideally, the system shoots video over USB 3.0, while still giving users the full connectivity options of any compatible DisplayLink device -- but it can also function using USB 2.0, though the dynamically compensating data compression at work may cause some frames to drop.

We chatted with Displaylink's Director of Marketing, Andy Davis, about the feature and he informed us that the new 4K capability comes courtesy of a chip design first revealed back at CES that, while upping the max resolution of transmitted video, has no trouble driving multiple displays. In theory,the number of 4K screens the chip can drive is only limited by the graphics drivers and video decoding capabilities of the computer it's connected to. And, the new architecture also enables wireless streaming of 4K video using 802.11ad and can stream 1080p video over 802.11ac (4K over 802.11ac is in the works). We got to see a brief demo of the technology in action, and the video played back flawlessly over USB 3.0 for the few minutes we saw it work. Using 2.0, we noticed a slight flicker once or twice during playback, but the feed was still quite watchable. All in all, its a nice addition to the DisplayLink feature set. Now if they'd just let us know when we'll actually see it implemented in something we can buy.

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Dell unveils Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks with Haswell inside

Dell slips out Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks with Haswell inside

Dell's Haswell-based Latitude laptops have been a tad on the chunky side so far, but the company is making amends by quietly launching its new Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks. Both the 12.5-inch E7240 and 14-inch E7440 fit Intel's new low-voltage, 1.7GHz Core i3 CPU into an aluminum shell that's about 0.8 inch thick, yet meets military standards for resistance to dust, water and shock. They also support Dell's WiGig Wireless Dock and WiDi. Neither will come close to the Precision M3800 in features, however. The two Latitudes both start with 4GB of RAM and a 1,366 x 768 display, and there's no way to upgrade the performance or screen quality. They're also expensive -- the E7240 is launching at a $1,169 sale price with a 128GB SSD inside, while the E7440 with a 320GB hard drive isn't much cheaper at $1,049. Still, we wouldn't complain (much) if an IT manager plunked either of these Ultrabooks on our desks.

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Via: Liliputing

Source: Dell (E7240), (E7440)

Apple tries for a patent on removable laptop touchscreens with wireless charging

Apple tries for a patent on detachable displays with wireless charging, and other unlikely feats

We're all in favor of advancing the state of the art, but there are times when we suspect that research is more about "what if" explorations than anything else. Exhibit A: Apple's new patent application for a wireless display. The concept would let a touchscreen detach from its laptop base through a 60GHz ultrawideband format (such as WiGig) and keep its battery powered up through at least some form of wireless charging located in the laptop's hinge. It sounds viable when others have experimented with wireless displays before, but we'd note that both technical realities and corporate philosophies might stand in its way. Along with the usual challenges of battery life and wireless range, Apple has so far argued that touchscreen laptops are unwieldy and isn't exactly in a rush to supplement booming iPad sales -- even if granted, the patent may just be a matter of covering the bases rather than any kind of roadmap for a two-piece MacBook Pro. Still, we won't completely rule it out when many also thought Apple wouldn't make a phone.

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Source: USPTO

WiFi Alliance absorbs WiGig, reinforces commitment to 60GHz wireless

Just a little over two months since the WiFi Alliance and the Wireless Gigabit Alliance made their engagement plans known, the two groups are finally in marital bliss. They've long worked together on developing and building the 60GHz wireless standard, but decided it was best to make the partnership official in order to get the most out of their collaboration. Long-term plans include expanding WiGig's capabilities and implementing a baseline interoperability certification program by early 2014. This united effort could point to quite a growth spurt; ABI Research forecasts that there'll be annual shipments of 1.8 billion devices with both WiFi and WiGig support by 2016. Though there are no new product announcements at the moment, it looks like the newly unified WiFi Alliance will have plenty to work on over the coming years.

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Source: WiFi Alliance

Dell ships its WiGig-based Wireless Dock, gives your Latitude a home base for $249 (video)

Dell ships its WiGigbased Wireless Dock, gives your Latitude a home base for $249

Dell has been teasing plans for a true wireless dock that would let Latitude 6430u Ultrabook owners get all the expansion they need without proprietary technologies -- or the usual cable spaghetti. It's at last here in the (rather plainly titled) Dell Wireless Dock. The station relies on a bandwidth-rich WiGig connection to give the Latitude supplementary audio, DisplayPort, HDMI, Ethernet and three USB 3.0 ports without skipping a beat. Few would call the Wireless Dock cheap at $249, but it could be a time-saver for any worker who just wants to grab their laptop and go at the end of a long day. Eager buyers should see the dock at the source link very shortly.

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Source: Dell

Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with WiGig’s Ali Sadri

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WiGig has some big news to share last week, when it announced that it would be merging with the WiFi Alliance. We'll be discussing the marriage with the organization's President and Chairman, Ali Sadri, and what it means for the future of both organizations.

January 10, 2013 7:00 PM EST

Check out our full CES 2013 stage schedule here!

Continue reading Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with WiGig's Ali Sadri

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WiFi and WiGig Alliances become one, work to promote 60GHz wireless

WiFi and WiGig Alliances become one, work to promote 60GHz wireless

The WiFi Alliance and Wireless Gigabit Alliance have a pretty long history of working together. The two are ringing in the new year by removing the last barrier to their cooperation and officially becoming one organization. By the end of the year the group hopes to have an interoperability program launched for 60GHz wireless under the banner of the new unified WiFi Alliance. The hope is that joining forces will lead to broader compatibility and quicker adoption of of the high speed wireless standard. For now there's no new products to announce, but expect a year full exciting wireless developments. For a few more details and some salient quotes from the involved parties, hit up the PR after the break.

Continue reading WiFi and WiGig Alliances become one, work to promote 60GHz wireless

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Gigabit Wireless to Be on Display at CES 2013


A new superfast wireless standard will be on display at CES 2013 called WiGig. This wireless standard promises gigabit speeds without any wires. The people behind the wireless connection standard say...