Just IT Hardware Blog

In recent news, Microsoft has launched a new security MCU (microcontrollers) unit for IoT products. IoT stands for internet of things, which are used for interrelated computer devices and hardware that are connected via internet, wifi, or bluetooth. IoT products allow you to stay connected to devices and gadgets while physically separated from the device. There are many IoT products on the market that is gaining popularity such as; smart thermostat, home security systems, smart pet feeder, smart washer and dryer and the like. IoT products allow the user to control the device while being away.

On October 10^th 2016, there was an article posted by Jef Cozza on CIO Today which talks a about how Avaya is rolling out a new cloud networking platform, along with new Networking and Communications Hardware. It is said that this cloud network is focused on simplifying and accelerating the deployment and management networks. This was announced last week during the IP Expo in London. This platform includes a new type of network lifecycle management solution for both midsize business clients and enterprises.

Microsoft Corporation is partnering up with IBM in to push Surface devices to enterprises. Microsoft whose Surface devices quarterly revenue total more than $1 billion USD, hopes to further increase that figure by putting said devices on more corporate desktop. Microsoft has sought out IBM who is one of the world’s largest software makers specifically in order to write the applications for the Surface devices with the explicit goal of tailoring the Surface devices to meet the everyday needs of consumer goods, financial and retail organizations. Microsoft wants to make Surface devices more appealing to enterprises with the IDC forecasting that enterprise PC upgrades will pick up more in the second of the year. Microsoft is hoping that by preemptively tailoring their Surface devices with software that caters to enterprises they will be able to increase their stranglehold on the Surface device market share.

HP Inc. officially rolled out its “Device as a Service” for all enterprises which is aimed exclusively to consolidate all of the device acquisition and management. This covers the entire sequence from when a customer purchases the devices throughout the entire lifecycle until the moment it is time to recycle them. Otherwise known as DaaS, this package will also include optimization and analytics services which will free up IT resources as well. This newest offering by Hewlett Packard Inc. allows more customized offerings in the form of packaged products and services which ensures that HP Inc.’s customers are guaranteed to get the most out of all of their equipment.

On May 25^th 2016, Natalie Gagliordi wrote an article for ZD Net that talks about how well Hewlett Packard is doing. Hewlett Packard Inc announced their second quarter financial results however the results show that the company is not doing so well in terms of the PC and printer hardware market. By looking at the second quarter results from the balance sheet, segment revenues are considered down around the board.

This year’s annual Computex trade show featured the newest and most innovative technology to date. The Computer Hardware Parts industry manages to surpass even the highest expectations set each year. This year was no exception- showcasing the wildest and most exciting computer hardware from the world’s leading manufacturers.

On May 17th 2016, Lucas Mearian wrote an article for Computer World that talks about how digital manufacturing could possibly eliminate warehouses with the potential on demand production capabilities.

On April 29^th 2016, Agam Shah released an article on Computer World that talks about how Intel could potentially be leaving the smartphone and tablet hardware business. It seems as if billions of dollars are being wasted.

On April 14^th 2016. Agam Shah wrote an article that was published on Infoworld that described about the new Pentium and Celeron chips from Intel that will be hitting the markets very soon. The Intel Core chips are dominating the PC market currently however that doesn’t mean that Intel is not working on the Pentium and Celeron brands. Intel is planning to release a new type of chip called the Apollo Bay sometime during the latter half of 2016.

Jared Newman of Tech Hive, released an article on PC World that talks about how he uses a $25 Bluetooth tracker in order to find his Apple TV remote. The fourth generation Apple TV remote has a light weight aluminum finish and a little bit of smooth glass. At retail, they cost $19.00 and use a CR 2032 battery. Although very sleek, the remote can be easily lost.

Sparton Company subsidiary Stealth Computer has recently announced that they will move forward with plans to release a brand new fanless PC.  Dubbed as the LPC-720F, this fanless mini Personal Computer System will feature two separate expansion slots capable of supporting a wide variety of aviation, transportation, and marine requirements.  Each expansion slot in the LPC-720F can be used to add additional features including specialized graphics, improved data acquisition, and increased memory.

At the 2016 Game Developers Conference, Sony announced that their new Playstation VR headset will finally be available for purchase this coming October.  The headset will replace the viewers’ vision with a digital world, and it can also pick up head movements via internal sensors.  Additionally, users will be able to play regular PS4 games on a virtual big screen tv displayed inside the headset.

Apple recently revealed that their next generation MacBook laptops could potentially receive Intel’s new lightning fast Optane memory drives. Justin Pot of online tech website Digital Trends had the following to say about the Optane chips

Intel Corporation is getting ready to change the way they have made their chips, with a redesign focusing more on energy saving than speed.

Nokia has released a price and availability date for their new Ozo camera, designed for recording 3D movies and games that can be seen through a virtual-reality headset. Nokia has been itching to get back into the game of being a technological leader ever since they stepped away from producing cell phones.

Microsoft’s never-ending battle with Apple added a new chapter this week, as the company announced the arrival of the Surface Book.

Samsung’s watches are taking a new shape, as they recently revealed their new watch will be the first one to be round.

As a large investor in Qualcomm Incorporated, the activist hedge fund Jana Partners is looking to persuade the company to sell or split its CDMA chipset business. With a $2 billion stake in the company, Jana Partners is one of Qualcomm’s largest shareholders. Jana Partners hopes that Qualcomm will commit to the strategic plan and looks to accelerate its recently announced $15 billion stock repurchase. This repurchase would raise the quarterly dividend to 48 cents per share from 42 cents.

Revealed by an anonymous source speaking to BuzzFeed, Apple Inc. is working on a hardware update for its Apple TV, which hasn’t been upgraded since 2012. The update will reportedly include a boosted processor with a custom A8 (which can support ultra-high definition video of up to 4K-resolution), as well as increased memory storage beyond the current capacity of 8 GB.In addition, the company will release the upgraded Apple TV with a new App Store and software development kit, including Siri voice control and integration with HomeKit home automation devices.