Today’s topics include the unveiling of HP’s latest Pavilion notebooks, convertibles and desktops, news of a cheaper Azure Cool Blob Storage from Microsoft, the launch of IBM’s new secure blockchain database services and why preorder customers are angry about the start of retail sales for the Oculus Rift VR headsets at Best Buy stores.
HP has introduced a new generation of notebook and convertible portable computers that are thinner and lighter than its previous models, as well as a new all-in-one computer and a Pavilion desktop machine.
The latest machines are aimed at a wide range of customers with colorful designs and myriad features and options. The new lineup was announced by HP on May 3 and features the HP Pavilion x360, which comes in 11.6 inches, 13.3 inches and a new 15.6-inch version, and the HP Pavilion laptop, which is available in 14-inch and 15.6-inch versions.
The latest HP Pavilion all-in-one will be available with a standard 23.8-inch Full HD display or with optional 23.8-inch quad HD or 27-inch Full HD touch-screen or non-touch-screen displays. The latest Pavilion desktop computer is available with a wide range of processor, memory and storage drive options.
To help manage storage costs, enterprises often turn to storage tiering practices that moves older, seldom used archival data to storage systems and media that are less expensive to operate.
Now Microsoft is offering its Azure Blob Storage customers a similar option for their cloud-based object data, called Cool Blob Storage. Example use cases for cool storage include backups, media content, scientific data, compliance and archival data.
“In general, any data which lives for a longer period of time and is accessed less than once a month is a perfect candidate for cool storage,” Sriprasad Bhat, a Microsoft Azure Storage senior program manager, explained.
Recently, IBM optimized its blockchain distributed ledger technology. Big Blue has been able to tap into emerging technologies and quickly adapt them to serve IBM customers.
A blockchain is essentially a distributed database that enables users to design a digital ledger of transactions and share it on a distributed network of computers.
Blockchain is the technical foundation of Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies, largely because it provides a transparent, secure and simple way to transact business.
However, because blockchain is an emerging technology, no standards have been established on the requirements to securely operate blockchain networks in the cloud, IBM said.
To help speed the adoption of blockchain for business, IBM announced a new framework for securely operating blockchain networks, as well as new services on the IBM Cloud that meet existing regulatory and security requirements.
Oculus began shipping its long-awaited $599 Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets to early buyers on March 28. But the company’s decision to sell some Rift devices in Best Buy stores starting May 7 is making preorder buyers who are still waiting for their devices angry.
“Today we’re excited to share more details about our retail plans for Rift, which launches at 48 Best Buy stores on May 7 as part of The Intel Experience,” the company wrote in a May 2 post on the Oculus Blog.
As of May 3, 18 early preorder buyers had responded to the post with angry and bitter comments about having to wait perhaps months more to receive their headsets while random shoppers can walk into a Best Buy store to pick one up.