Razer sent two big announcements our way and we’re going to cram them into this one release, so here were go. First off Razer has announced a licensing program to allow for the third-party production and sale of Razer-designed and Razer-branded PC cases. This new licensing program is only open to a select few manufacturers, and Razer is involved every step of the way. This is to make sure their name isn’t attached to a product that is below the design and engineering expectations and standards held by both Razer and it’s customers. I would say that it isn’t a surprise that their first partner is our good friends over at NZXT.

The first case born from this program is the NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer mid-tower. This case has a little bit of both parents in it, with the signature green lighting and logo of Razer and some design cues we’ve seen in previous NZXT cases. Both companies have a storied product history, and this looks like it may combine the two. If you like what you see, you can pick it up for $149.99 USD in July.

The second part of Razer’s announcement is the release of the developer version of their Nabu “smart band”. First announced at CES 2014 in January, the Nabu combines the notification capabilities of a smartwatch with the sensors of an advanced fitness band. The device is also built to be “open” and will allow developers the opportunity to build integrations with existing and new mobile applications.

Now as I noted this is the release of Razer’s developer version of the Nabu; the device isn’t publicly available yet. However Razer is launching a beta program for 500 “hardcore Razer fans”. You can sign up to receive a beta device, which you only need to purchase for $1 USD. Links and information on how to sign up can be found in the press release below.

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RAZER ANNOUNCES PC CASE DESIGN LICENSING PROGRAM

NZXT is the Launch Partner of the “Designed by Razer” PC Case Initiative

June 10, 2014 – LOS ANGELES (E3 2014) – Razer™, the world leader in entertainment devices and software, today announced a licensing program that provides for third-party production and sale of Razer-designed and -branded PC cases.

NZXT™, a recognized leader in PC cases, was selected as a launch partner for the “Designed by Razer” licensing program based on a shared dedication to innovation. Next month, NZXT will kick-off this new Razer initiative with the “H440 – Designed by Razer”. Under the terms of its agreement with Razer, NZXT will manufacture and distribute the H440—Designed by Razer case through its retail channels.

The Designed by Razer licensing program is open to selected case manufacturers, and it is subject to a rigorous vetting process by the award-winning Razer design and engineering team prior to approval. The new enterprise aims to take advantage of Razer’s design expertise and product engineering sensibilities. Every design feature of a licensed case will be directed by Razer in collaboration with any selected partner. Interested case manufacturers can go to http://www.razerzone.com/designedbyrazer to find out more.

“We have some of the world’s best designers and engineers working at Razer and we fully believe in advancing the industry no matter the cost, so it makes sense for us to share this knowledge with other manufacturers in our industry,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “It’s our goal to service the needs of the hundreds of millions of gamers worldwide and a custom Razer PC case has been sought after for some time. The NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer is the first success with this program and we expect there to be many more.”

The NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer features signature Razer green USB ports and green lighting that illuminates the rear ports. The distinct design contains a tinted window that shows off the illuminated Razer logo and the interior hardware. Custom green lighting also creates an underglow from the bottom of the case.

The NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer is the first licensed desktop case for Razer, but the latest in a storied line of products. The award-winning Razer Blade and Razer Blade Pro set new benchmarks for power and portability in the laptop space. The Razer Edge tablet won an unprecedented three Best of CES awards at the 2013 Consumer Electronics show, including overall “Best of Show.” Things culminated at CES again this year with the fully modular Project Christine concept winning the official “Best PC” Best of CES award.

For more information about the NZXT H440 – Designed by Razer PC case, please visit
http://razerzone.com/gaming-systems/h440.

Price: $149.99

Availability: NZXT.com – July

Product features:

Drive Bays: External 5.25 in. : 0 Internal 3.5 in. / 2.5 in. : 6+2
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX
7x Expansion Slots
I/O Panel LED On/Off
Radiator Support
Front Side, Bottom Front, Bottom Rear Filters Included
(2x) USB 3.0 port (SuperSpeed)
(2x) USB 2.0 port
(1x) Microphone port, (1x) Headphone port
8.66 in. / 22 cm Width x 20.08 in. / 51 cm Height x 18.71 in. / 47.5 cm Depth
21.5 lbs. / 9.75 kg

About Razer:

Razer™ is the world leader in devices and software platforms that enable, connect and entertain a worldwide community of electronic entertainment enthusiasts, 24/7.

With a rich history in gaming, music and design, Razer’s award-winning technology includes voice-over IP and other social applications and devices; programs for music production, performance and enjoyment; cloud-based solutions for customizing and enhancing computer systems and related product performance; and a wide array of groundbreaking laptops, tablets, audio products, hardware and accessories, and apparel.

Razer applies its design and engineering resources to develop products that support the on-the-go lifestyle inherent to its contemporary, global, technophile community, fulfilling their immediate wants and needs wherever they are. At Razer, everything it does resonates with the company credo: For Gamers. By Gamers.™

For more information, please visit http://www.razerzone.com/.

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RAZER NABU DEVELOPER UNITS NOW SHIPPING TO QUALIFIED APPLICANTS

Razer Nabu Beta Program announced for 500 hardcore Razer fans; beta testers can purchase a Razer Nabu at US$1.

June 10, 2014 – LOS ANGELES (E3 2014) – Razer™, the world leader in entertainment devices and software, is now shipping limited units of the Nabu Developer Edition to developers who have qualified for the Nabu Developer Program.

In addition to the Nabu Developer Program, Razer has announced a new Nabu Beta Program which is open to dedicated Razer fans only.

The Razer Nabu is a “smart band” that combines the notification capabilities of a smartwatch with the sensors of an advanced fitness band. It is also designed as an open device, giving developers the opportunity to build integrations with existing and new mobile applications. The Nabu was first announced in January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014 in Las Vegas, where it was voted the Best of CES “People’s Choice” winner.

Developer Program:

The Nabu Developer Program puts the power of the Nabu and its open Software Development Kit (SDK) in the hands of developers. The SDK is completely free and open to use via a newly launched portal at http://developer.razerzone.com/nabu. This SDK will only work in conjunction with a Nabu device.

Interested applicants can sign-up now to qualify as a Nabu developer on the Developer Portal, which guarantees them the opportunity to purchase a Nabu Developer Edition, shipping now at US$49.99 each.

The Nabu Developer Program already has over 30,000 developers signed-up to date.

Beta Program:

The Nabu Beta Program is a one-off event giving hardcore Razer fans the chance to stress test and provide final feedback to the Razer Nabu. 500 beta testers will be selected from a pool of applicants, and provided with a code to purchase a Nabu Beta unit for just $1USD.

Selected Nabu Beta testers will be required to provide hardware and software feedback directly to Razer’s engineering team.

Interested applicants can enroll in the Nabu Beta Program at www.razerzone.com/nabu. Nabu Beta Editions will be shipping on July 10^th.

“We’ve had an array of Nabu Alpha units out to early testers and partners for the past few months, collected extensive feedback, and we’ve finally nailed-down the design of the Nabu Beta,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “We’d like to open-up the Beta Program to the wider public and our most hardcore fans, to garner more feedback towards the product’s final release later this year. Meanwhile, we already have developers hard at work building app integrations with the Nabu. We’re excited to see what fun stuff they come up with.”

New Design:

The beta design of the Nabu, showcased at E3 this year, features a single OLED private message screen that sits on the underside of the user’s wrist and is programmed to activate only when the wrist is turned. This actuation feature helps preserve battery between charges. This private message screen is able to deliver any notification received from a smartphone including calls, texts, social media alerts and more.

More about the Razer Nabu:

The Razer Nabu is an innovative wearable technology that delivers notifications from a smartphone right to one’s wrist and logs activity data. More impressively, it is also an open platform that third-party applications can exploit to create novel experiences for users.

The Razer Nabu Beta Edition is an early-exclusive look at Razer’s wearable platform, and as such, software and hardware engineering tests and development are still in progress internally. With feedback from testers, Razer aims to create a device that encompasses most of what users seek in next-gen wearables.

Availability: Razerzone.com – July 10, 2014

Product features:

Compatible with: iOS devices – iPhone 5, 5S, 5C; Android 4.3-and-up devices
Lithium-polymer battery with 5 – 7 days battery life
IP54 water resistant
Currently only available in one size (large): 81.04 mm (l) x 63.44 mm (h) x 13.60 mm (w)

Displays and sensors:

Private message screen: 128×32 pixels
Accelerometer
Altimeter
Cylindrical vibration motor

Software:

Pairing via Bluetooth® Low Energy
Utility for Nabu app for notifications, data, and other settings
Fitness for Nabu app for activity logging demo

For more information on the Razer Nabu and to sign up to the Beta program, please visit
www.razerzone.com/nabu.

About Razer:

Razer™ is the world leader in devices and software platforms that enable, connect and entertain a worldwide community of electronic entertainment enthusiasts, 24/7.

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