- Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
- AMD Launches Ryzen PRO 7000 Series Mobile & Desktop Platform
- Intel Launches Sleek Single-Slot Arc Pro A60 Workstation Graphics Card
- NVIDIA Announces Latest Ada Lovelace Additions: GeForce RTX 4060 Ti & RTX 4060
- Maxon Redshift With AMD Radeon GPU Rendering Support Now Available
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Windows Vista EULA: Is It That Bad?
There have been a number of reports on the internet about all sorts of terrible things you agree to when accepting the Vista EULA, but it isn’t really that bad. There are however a couple of things that you might want to know. It’s true that Vista Home and Home Premium can not be installed in virtual machines. Microsoft claims that the majority of users wanting to run Vista under virtualization software are businesses and enthusiast who would be better served by the Business and Ultimate versions respectively.
The article goes on to explain that nobody who buys Vista actually "owns" it. Instead, it’s licensed to the user. That’s quite something. Handing over $200 – $400 for brand new software and you still technically do not "own" it.
Source: Wired
AMD Quad-core Opteron Models Unveiled
Quad-core AMD Opteron 8000-series and 2000-series will initially use the Barcelona core. AMD will ship quad-core Opteron processors in SE, vanilla and HE models. All Opteron 8000 and 2000-series processors include SE, vanilla and HE models share similar attributes. Each processor core will have access to its own 512KB of L2 cache for a combined total of 2MB. L3 cache is new to the Barcelona-core Opteron models — a shared pool of 2MB of L3 cache is available to all four cores.
It looks as though AMD really wants to give the consumer a lot of fine tuning over their CPUs. How so? In their 8000 series, they have four different CPUs which are identical except for the clock speed. They begin at 2.1GHz and sequentially rise to 2.4GHz. Seems strange, but I guess it’s a matter of how far your wallet will stretch. Note that these are not meant to be enthusiast chips either. Their stock DDR2 speed of 667 proves that. Either way, I wouldn’t complain about having one of these in my server.
Source: Daily Tech
New N-Gage This Fall
According to the Nokia sponsored semi-official blog Future Watch, by the middle of this year, “the N-Gage experience will evolve into the next generation of mobile gaming.” The blog suggests that the new N-Gage will make its debut this September and that two major publishers, EA Mobile and Gameloft, are already backing Nokia’s latest effort.
Although the original N-Gage was somewhat simple, it still wasn’t too bad to play while on the go. I look forward to seeing what Nokia has up their sleeves. Competition is good!
Source: Game Daily
Interview with Epics Mark Rein
WN: It’s also tough to ignore the success of the Wii at this point. Do you guys have any plans to be in that space?
MR: Hey, we’re in that space! Red Steel, Splinter Cell — those use our previous engine technology. There’s a Brothers in Arms game as well. there will be quite a few games on the Wii that we get a little involvement from us. But it’s not in our plans to bring Unreal Engine 3 to the Wii.
There you have it! Absolutely no UE3 on the Wii, but that’s not much of a surprise given the fact that the console doesn’t have next-gen graphics. There are many other interesting points discussed in the interview, mostly dealing with their presence on consoles.
Source: Wired Blog
Is BitLocker a Waste of Time?
For one thing, in two of its three modes of operation BitLocker requires a cryptographic hardware chip called a Trusted Platform Module and a compatible BIOS. These chips are yet to become widely available much less deployed. The third mode requires a user to insert a USB device that contains a startup key in order to boot the protected OS.
I don’t think anyone would find it much of a surprise to know that BitLocker won’t protect you from the Government or those who understand what they need to get at your data. Either way, this is still likely a decent technology to protect your data from your loved ones or friends. But… is that even worth the price of admission?
Source: The Register
Preview of Beryl 0.2.0
The Beryl project originally forked from the Compiz 3d desktop group around September of 2006. At the time I had a hard time understanding why we needed another 3d desktop project, but now that I have had a chance to watch Beryl develop, their decision makes a whole lot of sense.
If you think Vistas Aero GUI is amazing, you obviously haven’t used Beryl. This is one project that just keeps getting better, as this article proves.
Source: Lunapark6
Apple Core Agreement
Apple Inc. and The Beatles’ company Apple Corps Ltd. are pleased to announce the parties have entered into a new agreement concerning the use of the name “Apple” and apple logos which replaces their 1991 Agreement. Under this new agreement, Apple Inc. will own all of the trademarks related to “Apple” and will license certain of those trademarks back to Apple Corps for their continued use.
I think they only thing that can be said he is, “About freaking time.”
Source: Apple.com
OCZ Unveils High-Speed PC2-6400 4GB Dual Channel Kits
Sunnyvale, CA—February 5, 2007—OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, today announced the PC2-6400 Gold Edition 4GB (2x2048MB) dual channel kit. These new modules are optimized for perfect compatibility for extreme gamers transitioning their high-performance systems from Microsoft Windows XP to Vista. These new 800MHz modules are the ultimate upgrade for gamers taking advantage of the feature-rich, yet demanding operating system.
You can read the full press release here.
Corsair Launches Mac Memory DDR2-667 SODIMM Product Family for Apple PCs
Fremont, CA (February 5, 2007) – Corsair, a worldwide leader in high performance computer products, today launched Mac Memory, their first memory DDR2-667 SODIMM products to support Apple PCs. Three products were announced today, the 1GB upgrade module, the 2GB upgrade kit (two 1GB modules) and the 3GB upgrade kit (one 1GB module and one 2GB module). The 1GB upgrade module and 2GB upgrade kit are compatible with the MacBook family, MacBook Pro family, and Intel-based versions of the iMac. The 3GB upgrade kit is compatible only with the MacBook Pro family and those models of iMac’s supporting up to 3GB of system memory.
You can read the full press release here.
AMD Appoints Douglas Grose to Lead Worldwide…
SUNNYVALE, CALIF. – Feb. 5, 2007 – AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that Douglas Grose has been appointed to the role of senior vice president of technology development, manufacturing and supply chain at AMD. In this role, Grose will have global responsibility for AMD’s global manufacturing and process technology operations as well as overall supply chain management. Manufacturing responsibilities include AMD-owned facilities as well as all current foundry relationships.
You can read the full press release here.
Top Super Bowl XLI Adspots
Yeah, we know, the commercials were better than the game again this year, even though it was a pretty good Super Bowl for Colts fans at least. There were a lot more HD spots in this year’s game compared to last year’s, too. Here are the Gizmodo Super Bowl Spot Awards, where we picked our favorites, giving each one its own special designation.
Included in this list is FedEX’s office on the moon, Snickers kiss, Sprints connectile dysfunction, Taco Bell lions, Emerald Nuts: Robert Goulet and oh so much more. Grats to the Colts and Manning for being awarded MVP.
Source: Gizmodo
The Making Of a Camera Lens
This was a cool link passed to me by my good friend Mark and will be of interest to anyone who loves to see how certain products are made. One thing is for sure… DSLR lenses are not devised of simple manufacturing. That’s what this "tour" proves.
Source: Canon Japan
YAMZD (Yet Another Microsoft Zero-Day)
In an advisory, Microsoft confirmed a new wave of limited “zero-day” attacks was underway, using a code execution flaw in its Microsoft Office desktop productivity suite. Although .xls files are currently being used to launch the spear phishing attacks, Microsoft said users of other Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, etc.) are potentially at risk.
Users of Office 2007 are deemed safe, but users of all previous versions back to Office 2000 should use caution when receiving Excel files. Mac users should use caution also, since Office 2004 X is not exempt from the attack either.
Source: ZD Net
Warning: Don’t Do The Electric Slide… Badly
The inventor of the “Electric Slide,” an iconic dance created in 1976, is fighting back against what he believes are copyright violations and, more importantly, examples of bad dancing. Kyle Machulis, an engineer at San Francisco’s Linden Lab, said he received a Digital Millennium Copyright Act takedown notice about a video he had shot at a recent convention showing three people doing the Electric Slide.
The guy who copy-wrote the move should be happy as is that people are foolish enough to perform such a ridiculous dance move. Regardless, in the words of our elite coder Ben, “Why couldn’t somebody have done that for the Macarena?” Agreed.
Source: News.com
10 Years Since Steve Returned To Apple
The year 2007 is already shaping up to be “revolutionary” for our favorite fruit-flavored computer electronics company, with the introduction of its newest pet projects, the Apple TV and the iPhone. However, 2007 marks something else very important, both to us as dedicated followers of Apple and to Apple as a company. No, it’s not Apple’s 31st anniversary on April Fool’s Day. February 7, 2007 will mark the 10-year anniversary of Steve Jobs’ return to Apple. And what a ten years it’s been.
Like Apple or not, there is no denying that they’ve had an incredible last 10 years. You can read the small retrospective to get a recap.. call it a stroll down memory lane.
Source: Ars Technica
Jack Thompson Faces Florida Supreme Court Disciplinary Hearing
GamePolitics has learned that controversial Miami attorney Jack Thompson faces a disciplinary hearing before a referee appointed by the Florida Supreme Court. The pending judicial review follows a recent recommendation by the Florida Bar that five counts of professional misconduct against Thompson should proceed to the state’s high court for action.
Jack Thompson going overboard? Crazy talk! I am sure this kind of thing happens with lawyers all of the time, but when it happens to Jack, it makes huge news. So is this even really -that- big of a deal? Either way, maybe he should chill out in front of Bully or GTA for a few hours. Couple that with some Heineken and we have one great evening.
Source: GamePolitics
Linux 2.6.20 Released
Before downloading the actual new kernel, most avid kernel hackers have been involved in a 2-hour pre-kernel-compilation count-down, with some even spending the preceding week doing typing exercises and reciting PI to a thousand decimal places.
I am not sure if I was just in a good mood when I was reading this, but I almost had tears from laughing so hard. But aside from that, this kernel has a lot of new additions and bugfixes. This is now the official kernel designed to work seamlessly with the PlayStation 3, thanks to Sony’s donated code.
Source: LKML
Solitaire Not So Bad For Productivity
The simple fact is that you cannot expect workers to be productive every second of every minute all day long. It actually hurts productivity by not giving them the chance to have important breaks. The good news, though, is that it appears more and more companies are starting to recognize that all slacking isn’t a bad thing.
As long as work is getting done, I don’t see a problem with quick breaks to relax the brain. However, once companies fully realize that Solitaire is not such a bad diversion, FPS games should be next on the list. I mean… it’s easier to get more work done with you frag a few peeps.
Source: Tech Dirt
Goodbye, Vienna. Hello Windows 7
First off, it’s time to stop with the “Vienna” stuff. Those in the know need to start using “Windows 7” to refer to the next full-fledged version of Windows client. (Why 7? I guess because it follows NT 6.0?). Not so coincidentally, numbers are back in vogue — like they are on the Office side of the house, which, as Microsoft watchers have known for a while, is working on “Office 14” (not “13” — bad luck), the next version of Office.
This is a somewhat comical look at how things should play out, now that Steven Sinofsky has replaced Allchin at the wheel. Here’s one quote I particularly like, “Cease sharing any information about delivery milestones or dates. Never talking about ship targets means never having to say you’re sorry.”
Source: ZDNet
Material Stiffer Than Diamond?
A material that is stiffer than diamond has been created by mixing particles of the mineral barium titanate and molten tin. Diamond was previously the stiffest material known. The new material was made by a team from Washington State University and Wisconsin-Madison University, both in the US, and from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany.
This is quite cool, as diamond has long been known as being one of the more “hardcore” materials. I wonder how long it will take before jewelry stores begin selling molten tin earrings?
Source: New Scientist
Microsoft to Remedy ‘Family Discount’ Tragedy
Anyone who took advantage of the Windows Vista Family Discount should be on the lookout. Microsoft will be emailing those customers new product keys for Windows Vista Home Premium within the next 3-5 days. The new product keys should work without a hitch.
I wouldn’t go as far as to call this a tragedy, but it’s good to see a fix is en route. I still have to wonder why it takes 3 – 5 days to get these out? Maybe the computer handling all of these transactions is running Vista, hence the slowness.
Source: Neowin
Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Spotted in the Wild
XtremeSystems forum member VictorWang has come across early engineering samples of Intel’s upcoming Core 2 Duo E6850. The Core 2 Duo E6850 engineering samples are stepping 9 revision E0. Stock voltage on the Core 2 Duo E6850 engineer samples vary between 1.22-1.24-volts.
One thing I found odd is that despite this chip having better specs over the X6800, it’s not considered an Extreme Edition. The 1333FSB is also a nice boost though, but it appears these chips don’t enjoy high voltages like some current Cores. Of course, this is -one- sample we are dealing with. Is this something that you should be excited about? Not if you have a current Core 2 Duo chip… there’s no need to consider an upgrade.
Source: Daily Tech
Dell Faces Lawsuit Alleging Secret Kickbacks From Intel
Dell has received a class action lawsuit from investors accusing the company of improper accounting in its longtime partnership with chipmaker Intel Corp., reports the Wall Street Journal. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that Dell’s profits were inflated by hundreds of millions of dollars in “secret and likely illegal” kickbacks by Intel to ensure the exclusive use of its chips inside Dell computers. The lawsuit also accuses Dell of misleading investors about “serious accounting, quality and customer-service problems.”
It’s impossible at this point to come up with our own conclusions until more facts are known, but this could spell trouble for both Dell and Intel if it proves true. A spokesman for Intel rejected the allegations however, stating that they seem to have “been completely made up”. I think the real question is regards to whether or not there is even a table large enough to hand a Billion dollars under?
Source: Daily Tech
Lycos Deletes Emails and Says Too Bad!
Lycos email customer Whitney did not access her account for 30 days. This resulted in Lycos deleting over two years worth of email. It isn’t so much Lycos’ policy that’s the problem (though that requires some scrutiny), but the response of the ‘manager of all of Customer Service,’ Mike Jandreau. Apparently he’s not too service oriented, as his exchange with Whitney shows.
This is by far one of the most blatant acts of poor customer service that I’ve ever seen. How would you feel if a customer service rep told you this: “You violated our policy, which is, despite what you say, completely clear. No one is holding anything hostage. Your e-mails have been completely deleted, and no amount of money can now restore them.”
Wow…
Source: Slashdot
Potential Class Action Lawsuit for NVIDIA
Now, users miffed at Nvidia – possibly “vacationed” – and gagging for somehere to vent their spleen have set up a site entitled www.nvidiaclassaction.org. The site’s stated aim is to collect information that may lead to a class action suit against the graphics firm for flogging kit as Vista ready when it isn’t. As the site notes, “Please be very careful about what you post – this isn’t a place to rant – we’ve done that enough. This is a place to provide useful, constructive information conducive to supporting a legal action.”
I can’t help but laugh… class action lawsuit because a video driver is not up to par on an operating system that’s been out let than a week? It’s been well known for a while, you cannot jump on the Vista bandwagon and expect everything to be silky smooth. I’ve even publicly stated many times over that the RTM still has a good share of issues. It is going to be very interesting to see if this goes anywhere.
Source: The Inquirer