ConsumerIT - For Europe's High Volume PC Retailers, Distributors & Builders

Genius unveils a different take on the remote mouse at CeBIT 2011-- the Ring Mouse, ideal for users controlling their PCs in the living room.

As its name suggests, the device comes in the form of a ring users slip their finger into (thanks to a one size fits all rubber design), using their thumb to control the cursor via OpotoWheel touchpad (with a 1000 dpi optical sensor). IoMedia software provides fast settings for x6 web browising, presentation and media control functions (volume, zoom, pause/play, fast forward/rewind page scrolling and forward/back).

ViewSonic Europe announces a "Try for Free" campaign for potential ViewPad 7 customers, to run throughout April 2011.

Consumers will be able to try the tablet for 30 days free of charge. If not satisfied within that period, customers can send the device back to a full refund, with the company paying for return postage and package.

The ViewPad 7 is an Android 2.2 tablet, with wifi, Bluetooth and 3G support and 2x front/rear facing cameras. It has a 7" touchscreen, stereo speakers, thin profile and lightweight construction, making it ideal for users wanting entertainment on the go.

Go ViewPad 7

Devolo AG shows off its powerline-based offerings at CeBIT 2011-- including its new dLAN 500 series, the dLAN 200 AV USB extender and the dLAN Cockpit home network management software.

The dLAN 500 range has a transmission rate of 500 Mbps, fast enough to carry services such as broadband, 3D IPTV and VoIP. It is IEEE 1901-based, and thus compatible with all corresponding standardised powerline adapters (including the company's earlier dLAN 200 products) and carries TR069 support for remote management.

Products include the AVmini (coming in a compact paackaging) and the AVplus (with integrated power outlet and mains filter).

Meanwhile the dLAN 200 AV USB extender allows sharing of USB HDDs and printers over a powerline network. For powerline network management, Devolo offers Cockpit-- not simply a status monitor, it allows users to all their network's adapters' connection speeds.

Go Devolo

Metro mentions its results for 2010, with EBIT before special items growing by 19.3% (€ 2.4B) since the company's restructuring program.

The retailer's sales see overall growth of 2.6% (€67.3B, up from 2009's €65.5B). W. Europe sees 2.8% growth, while E. Europe shows 7.1% increase. Things are not so positive in Metro's home Germany, with 2010 revenues falling by 1.4%.

Metro expects sales to grow by over 4% in 2011, as it continues its growth-- 2010 saw it entering Egypt, Shanghai and Russia. It also plans to open more than 110 news stores this year, with the group focusing on China, India and Russia.

However the economic climate remains unstable-- political instability rages on in North Africa, Japan still buckles in earthquake aftershocks and individual European countries' economies still face uncertainties. Thus, there's talk of Metro's expansion plans failing to impress investors.

Go Metro Group Achieves Record Earnings