The latest Logitech gaming keyboard fails to look like its overdesigned brethren-- the G413 is a mid-range option with an understated aluminium case.

The G413 still features the LED backlighting seemingly required by gaming keyboards, in a choice of red or white colours. The keys are mechanical, armed with Logitech's own Romer-G switches (which are equivalent to Cherry MX Brown switches in terms of force), while the F1-F12 keys provide programmable macro access.

Belkin announces an addition to the Mixit DuraTek durable cable line-- a USB-C cable featuring Kevlar-reinforced conductors and double-braided nylon shielding on the outside.

The USB-C cable is certified by both the USB Implementers Forum, and includes a 5-year limited warranty. The length is 1.2m, and it comes in pink, gold, silver and black colours. The Kevlar used in the conductors is the same used in a broad range of industrial and consumer products, while longer, flexible strain-relief absorbs stress from bending, avoiding breakage.

The Logitech Rugged Combo is a combination of case and keyboard allowing 9.7-inch tablets such as the iPad to withstand the knocks and drops faced by devices used by children in the classroom.

The Rugged Combo protects tablets from drops up to 1.8m, and includes a kickstand with mechanical hinges promising to hold the device sturdily at any angle. Meanwhile the keyboard is physically connected via secure proprietary connector, and provides "laptop-like typing" as well as a secure data entry point in case teachers want to submit tests on the tablet.

A transparent window on the back of the case allows authorities to scan and mark tablets before and after students use school property.

Scientists at ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich build what they call a tiny "redox flow" battery-- a battery able to simultaneously power and cool chips, especially those stacked on top of each other, pancake-style.

A flow battery creates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of two liquid electrolytes. A closed electrolyte loop pumps the two liquids into the battery cell from outside, and the liquids also serve as a cooling medium, dissipating excess heat from the chip stack via the same circuit.

Customers worried about BadUSB, the malware able to maliciously reprogram USB chips? Developer Robert Fisk has a hardware solution with the USG, a "firewall for your USB ports."

BadUSB is a sinister piece of malware able to bypass the OS, antivirus software and other security measures. It can attack by hopping into PCs through the USB port, for example via USB sticks supplied by customers or colleagues. This lead to Fisk working on a hardware solution for access to untrusted USB devices, without need for a USB condom or disabling USB ports.

The USG is plug and play, and is compatible with many devices with a USB port, be it modern Windows, Mac OS and Linux machines or legacy and embedded systems. It supports mass storage (flash drives), keyboards and mice, but cannot handle hubs and only uses 12Mbps USB hardware.

Logitech presents a gaming keyboard "designed for eSports professionals"-- the G Pro, a mechanical number the company claims is engineered for "extreme performance."

The minimalist black keyboard promises "everything you need, and nothing you don't," with Logitech-designed Romer-G keyswitches offering quiet action with a 1.5mm actuation point. It is tenkeyless for more mouse room, and has 26-key rollover together with function key macros. A Game Mode (activated via LGS software) disables all keys other than those required by the game in question.

Case and accessory maker Pen & Quill announces the Leather Apple Pencil Grip-- a self-descriptive means for users to get a better hold of the Apple stylus while working on the iPad Pro.

The grip comes in 2 pieces. One is put on the bottom to provide the actual holding grip, while the other is put towards the top to provide a clip and Lightning cap holder. Construction is in full-grade American leather, and is designed to age and break with age, making each grip unique.

Kanex announces the availability of the MultiSync Foldable Travel Keyboard-- a universal accessory able to switch between up to 4 devices.

The keyboard features an ergonomic V-shape layout with a foldable and compact design, making it ideal for traveling customers. It uses Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows devices and carries a lithium-ion battery promising "hours" of typing on a single charge.