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

The WyzeCam v2, a low-cost, compact camera designed for streaming security, gets a firmware update allowing use as a webcam, making it ideal for customers forced to work from home by the coronavirus pandemic.

As the company puts it, the Wyze Cam v2 is not designed for webcam use, but the combination of video, speaker and microphone allow it act as one in a pinch. The firmware update turns off all security camera capabilities, including connection to the Wyza app, and is compatible with Windows 7/10 and Mac OS 10.13 using Zoom, GoToMeeting, Blue Jeans, Google Hangouts, Skype and Cisco.

The "market turmoil" brought about by the current coronavirus (aka Covid-19) pandemic brings about an environment "not conductive" for Xerox to acquire HP, the printer maker claims as it withdraws its $35 billion offer for the larger rival.

"While it is disappointing to take this step, we are prioritizing the health, safety and well-being of our employees, customers, partners and other stakeholders, and our broader response to the pandemic, over and above all other considerations," the Xerox statement continues. The company adds the continued HP refusal of the offer was nothing less than a "great disservice" for stockholders, and thanks the banks willing to provide financing even as the pandemic wrecks havoc on the markets.

According to Context, PC sales through the largest W. European distributors are up by 38% Yo-Y on the first 3 weeks of March, as the spread of the coronavirus (aka Covid-19) drives demand for remote-working hardware.

The demand for home-office equipment has lead to 51% Y-o-Y sales growth of notebooks, and a 9% rise in desktops. The increase is greater for business-targeted products, since commercial notebook sales are up by 56% Y-o-Y compared to 44% for consumer-targeted products. The difference is more stark in desktops, with a 16% Y-o-Y increase in just the business-targeted segment.

Asus presents a pair of 27-inch curved monitors under the ROG Strix and TUF gaming ranges-- the ROG Strix XG27WQ and the TUF Gaming VG27VH1B, both featuring VA panels with 1500R panel curvature and maximum refresh reaching 165Hz.

The ROG Strix XG27WQ is the higher end model, since it offers 2560 x 1440 resolution and higher brightness at 450cd/m2. It also features VESA DisplayHDR 400 compliance, covers 92% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and includes a USB hub with x1 USB-B and x2 USB-A ports. Like other pieces of ROG Strix hardware, the monitor includes Aura Sync lighting, with LEDs around the back, and the included stand is height adjustable.