mercredi 3 juillet 2013
Intel packs performance and reliability into its latest SSD 520 series
mardi 18 juin 2013
iPads become child's play
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(AP) -- Make room in the toy box for the iPad.
Crayola allows tots to doodle on the iPad using its iMarker just as they would a crayon on a coloring book. Tweens are able to belt out their favorite Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez tunes on a Disney microphone that turns the tablet into a karaoke machine. And technology accessories company Griffin enables teens to fly its toy helicopter by using the
That the iPad and iPhone have infiltrated the $22 billion toy market this season is no surprise. Smartphones and tablets - particularly Apple products - are more popular than ever with people of all ages. This year, Apple is expected to double the number of iPhones sold to 90.6 million worldwide, according to research firm Gartner, while the number of iPads sold is expected to triple to 46.7 million.
And Apple products have a certain "cool factor" with kids that toy companies, which can make up to half of their revenue during the holidays, are hoping to tap into. In fact, the iPad and iPhone are among the most coveted electronics this holiday season among kids. About 44 percent of 6- to 12-year-olds want the iPad this year, according to a survey by research firm Nielsen. The iPod touch came in the No. 2 spot with 30 percent, followed by the iPhone at 27 percent.
Not to mention, anyone who's a parent knows all too well that babies and older kids alike love to fiddle with or drool all over mommy's iPad. Nearly 40 percent of 2-to 4-year-olds have used a smartphone, iPad or video iPod, according to a survey by nonprofit group Common Sense Media. That number rises to 52 percent for 5- to- 8 year olds. And even 10 percent of infants have used one of the devices before their first birthday.
"It's mostly something for kids to use in the car or at the doctor's office," says Chris Baynes, a toy analyst. "It's a way to get the kid to be quiet."
With that in mind, Crayola teamed up with Nashville, Tenn.-based Griffin Technology, which is mostly known for selling iPhone and iPad cases and car chargers, to make the iMarker and the ColorStudio HD app for kids. The iMarker, which is like a stylus that resembles a Crayola marker, is targeted at children ages three and up.
"Regardless of who they buy it for, once it is in the household, we know that kids use it," says Vicky Lozano, vice president of marketing at Crayola, which makes the iMarker.
Other toy makers also have gotten into the game:
- Griffin's $49.99 remote-controlled toy helicopter is aimed at teens over 14. Called the "HELO TC," it flies using a device that plugs into an iPhone, iPad or iPod. A free app turns the touchscreen of the devices into a cockpit that controls the helicopter.
- Mattel Inc.'s Fisher-Price unit is selling "The Laugh and Learn Apptivity Case" aimed at babies for $15. The case locks the iPhone into a colorful, easy to grab case that looks like a big round rattle. The case stops babies from making unwanted calls and protects the iPhone from something else: drool. Parents can open up three free apps that play music, read words aloud and count numbers. The company plans to release an iPad version of the case this spring.
- Disney has three offerings. The "Disney Spotlight" microphone, which is $69.99 or $99.99 for a wireless version, plugs into the iPad and allows kids to sing along to Disney songs from shows such as "Hannah Montana" - or to their own music - and record their own music video. Disney's $79.99 AppClix digital camera enables kids to upload their pictures to an iPad and a free app allows them add Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck into the photos. And Disney teamed up with Canadian toy maker Spin Master to create "Appmates," a toy car based on the characters from the company's "Car's 2" animated movie. One car sells for $12.99 while a two-pack goes for $19.99. Using a free app, kids can "drive" on different courses by moving the car across the iPad screen.
- Spin Master, which makes toys such as Air Hogs and Bakugan, started a new line this year of toys for the iPad and iPhone called "AppFininity." Its first toy in the line is the $19.99 AppBlaster, a plastic gun for kids over age eight. After slipping an iPhone or
lundi 6 mai 2013
Motorola phone talks a tough game
With the Motorola Tundra, you get a "rugged" phone that not only does a very nice job with the basics, but also absorbs the stresses of everyday living. It comes with the extras (such as a decent 2 megapixel camera), if you want them.
"It isn't a sexy phone, but it's proving to be popular," said Kristie Lundgren, a product manager for Schaumburg, Ill.-based Motorola Inc. She likes to say it's a phone "as tough as your kids, made to sit on the bottom of backpack or a diaper bag."
The Tundra has one drawback: its steep price. It costs $199 with a two-year contract and is available only at AT&T Wireless.
Price aside, here's why I like this phone:
• The keys are big and firm. "It was designed for people wearing gloves," Lundgren said. They also are slightly raised, making it easier to dial without looking at the keypad.
• The sound quality is excellent, thanks to a noise-suppression technology Motorola calls CrystalTalk Plus. In test calls with friends and family from busy, traffic-filled streets and chatty coffee shops, I was heard clearly. The people I called were impressed.
• The Tundra is comfortable to hold, thanks to its rubberized exterior. That tough hide means you don't need a case, either.
The primary market for the Tundra is businesses that work mainly outdoors, such as construction or landscaping. It has push-to-talk features and it can be programmed to prevent employees from using certain applications (such as the Web browser) or to call only numbers from an approved phone book - no phoning home on company time.
I think consumers, too, will like the benefits of using a rugged phone.
You can make a call in the rain (but don't purposely submerge it underwater) and not worry when a toddler tosses the phone across the kitchen.
It's a tough phone that works well. Sometimes, that's all one needs.
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(Eric Benderoff writes about technology for the Chicago Tribune. Contact him at ebenderoff(at)tribune.com or at the Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611.)
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(c) 2009, Chicago Tribune.
Visit the Chicago Tribune on the Internet at www.chicagotribune.com/
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
mercredi 1 mai 2013
Intel Unveils New Chip Designs
In his Intel Developer Forum keynote today, Pat Gelsinger detailed the roadmap for Intel's continued march toward pervasive, higher performance and power efficient computing. The senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group discussed new features of the company's next-generation processor family including a new turbo mode that shifts the processor into a higher gear for mind-blowing performance without a heat penalty.
The company's first desktop PC chips branded Intel Core i7 processors and initial energy-efficient, high-performance server products (codenamed "Nehalem-EP") will be first to production. Intel is also planning to manufacture a second server derivative designed for the expandable sever market ("Nehalem-EX"), and desktop ("Havendale" and "Lynnfield") and mobile ("Auburndale" and "Clarksfield") client versions in the second half of 2009.
"Our engineers have put together an incredible processing family here that will include a tremendous amount of new processor features all centered on delivering faster computer performance and terrific energy efficiency," Gelsinger said.
The next-generation Core microarchitecture also features Intel Hyper-Threading Technology delivering up to 8-threaded performance capability on 4 cores in the initial versions and best-in-class memory bandwidth thanks to the new QuickPath Interconnect. QuickPath is a technology that connects processors, chipsets and memory together, and delivers up to three times the memory bandwidth of previous generation Core microarchitecture solutions.
The new Intel Xeon processor X7460 with 6 cores and 16MB L3 cache for expandable servers launching in September has already broken multiple performance world records. An 8-socket IBM System x 3950 M2 server became the first platform to break the 1 million tpmC barrier on the TPC-C benchmark. New 4-Socket performance records include TPC-C on HP Proliant DL580 G5, TPC-E on Dell PowerEdge R900, SPECjbb 2005 on Sun Fire X4450 and SPECint_rate2006 on Fujitsu-Siemens PRIMERGY RX600 S4.
Gelsinger also discussed the industry's first many-core Intel Architecture (IA) based design, codenamed "Larrabee." Expected in 2009 or 2010, the first product based on Larrabee will target the personal computer graphics market, support DirectX and OpenGL, and run today's games and programs. Larrabee is expected to kick start an industry-wide effort to create and optimize software for the dozens, hundreds and thousands of cores expected to power future computers.
The Intel executive also outlined Intel's vision for the next wave of the Internet, called the Embedded Internet. Emerging markets in the embedded computing space such as IP networking and security, video intelligence, medical, in-vehicle infotainment and home automation can greatly benefit from the always-on Internet connectivity. Gelsinger said that this area is another growth opportunity for Intel and the high-tech industry, and predicted that there will be 15 billion devices connected to the Internet as a result of the rapid rise of the embedded internet.
Where Will Mobile Computing's "On-the-Go, Go?"
Showing the breadth and health of Intel's next-generation processors, David (Dadi) Perlmutter, executive vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobility Group today demonstrated the first working laptop platform codenamed "Calpella."
"Calpella will redefine how we compute on-the-go by giving users a stunning new computing visual experience, better manageability and security, enhanced turbo mode features and evolutionary power management for notebooks," said Perlmutter. "It is all about dramatic mobile performance without compromise."
New Mobile Processors Unveiled
Building on the recent Intel Centrino 2 launch for notebook PCs in July, Perlmutter unveiled Intel's first-ever mobile-focused quad-core laptop workstation – the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor. While the products include four cores, they only use 45 watts of power.
Perlmutter also introduced the company's second-generation dual-core mobile processors for increasingly popular ultra thin and light notebook PCs.
He also outlined upcoming mobile platform enhancements including the Intel High-Performance SATA Solid-State Drive product line for faster system responsiveness, lower power consumption and rugged, reliable operation and available later this year, Intel Anti-Theft Technology, which features intelligent hardware-based detection and response mechanisms that enable IT managers or service providers to disable the platform and/or access to data in case of loss or theft.
WiMAX Connecting Soon
Emerging WiMAX 4G networks around the world will be connecting the plethora of mobile platforms and devices, and specifically within the United States where Sprint XOHM plans to turn on its first citywide network in Baltimore in September. Globally, more than 400 WiMAX trials and networks2 extend the richness of the mobility experience. Perlmutter also announced that Dell has now joined other computer-makers such as Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Panasonic, and Toshiba as publicly committing to include the Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5050 Series module to future laptop product lines.
Source: Intel
dimanche 14 avril 2013
Intel's new X79 chipset details leaked
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Today's technology rumor has to do with Intel. A Chinese site, it.com.cn, has supposedly gotten its hand's on a slide from Intel, a slide that outlines their next platform chipset. The slide even has a handy little road map on it.
If the data on the slide, which has yet to be verified, turns out to be true, the X79, will be the successor to the popular X58 platform, which was launched about three years ago. The X79 is expected to seat four-core and six-core Sandy Bridge-E processors , and have significant upgrades to system memory. There will also be some changes in connectivity, but the details on this point are a bit sketchy.
The X79 is also expected to feature an LGA 2011 socket. The PCI-E hub has been moved from the northbridge to the processor die, which would be similar to another
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Some other features of note include an integrated Lewisville gigabit Ethernet PHY chip and an audio codec with support for dual stream HDMI and DP audio. The chip is also designed to be overclocked, which means that this is meant to be a machine for serious enthusiasts.
If the slide turns out to be genuine, the X79 will be arriving on the shelves of stores in the final quarter of 2011. Though again, one must remember that this is all conjecture based on a single slide. Do not plan your next upgrade based on this information. At least not until it is confirmed by the company.
So, fact or fiction, you decide.
mardi 19 mars 2013
Fez won't receive patch on XBLA
Fez, one of the more popular indie on the Xbox, will not be getting the re-release of the dreaded patch that deletes players’ saved games. According to Polytron, Fez’s developer, Microsoft will charge too much for the patch to be released, and therefore, the developer has decided to not release the patch for the Xbox.
Polytron claims that the patch fixes various issues with the game including, but not limited to, frame rate problems, loading issues, game-killing bugs.
Microsoft has denied that the fee was the reason behind Polytron’s decision to not re-release the patch. In a statement released recently, Microsoft claims that it supports Polytron’s decision to re-release the patch, and that it will remain a “huge fan of Fez,” even though Polytron and Microsoft couldnt hammer out a solution.
“Polytron and their investor, Trapdoor, made the decision not to work on an additional title update for FEZ. Microsoft Studios chose to support this decision based on the belief that Polytron/Trapdoor were in the best position to determine what the acceptable quality level is for their game.
While we do not disclose the cost of Title Updates, we did offer to work with Trapdoor to make sure that wasn’t a blocking issue.
We remain huge fans of Fez.”
Polytron has openly stated that if Fez had been released on Steam instead of XBLA “the game would have been fixed… at no cost to [them].
vendredi 15 mars 2013
DRAM prices drop yet again
According to market research firm iSuppli, a stick of 2GB DDR3 ram now costs US$21 compared to US$44 in June 2010. Similarly, a stick of DDR2 ram has dropped from US$39 to US$21 in the same time period. DDR3 prices are expected to drop at a faster rate as it accounts for 60% of the market leading to an increased supply of DDR3 rams.
PC manufacturers and consumers would also be expected to upgrade the capacity and number of rams, taking advantage of the low ram prices. iSuppli said that DRAM per PC grew by 24% in 2010 and is expected to grow by more than 33% in this year.
Source: Tomshardware.com
mardi 12 mars 2013
Droid 4 carries latest specs in QWERTY flavour
The impending arrival of Motorolas Droid 4 becomes more and more apparent as new images surface along with a tip that it may be released on 8 December by Verizon. While the fast release cycle surprises many people, given that the Motorola Razr was just unleashed, it still makes delighting news for people who must have a physical keyboard on a smartphone.
The D4 will be powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4-inch touch screen, a full five row illuminated QWERTY keyboard, front camera, a 8-megapixel shooter at the rear side, and topped off with support for 4G Long Term Evolution Network. It looks very similar to the newly released Razr, sans the well-marketed Kevlar rear cover, which is not surprising at all. Unlike the Razr, however, there seems to be a tool that accomodates to the removal of the back piece, suggesting that batteries may be replaceble.
While there is no indication of which Android version it will run, the supposed launch from Verizon alongside the Galaxy Nexus may imply that it will come with the new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. But, right now, its anybodys guess.
Source: Cnet, Droid Life
jeudi 7 mars 2013
FBI arrests another hacker associated with LulzSec
Another person which the FBI says is associated with LulzSec has been indicted for conspiracy and unauthorized impairment of protected computers. Ronaldo Rivera (20), from Tempe, Arizona, faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted.
Rivera’s indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, stated that he and Cody Kretsinger (24) worked with each other to hack Sony Pictures’ computers to obtain private user information, and then publishing it online in 2011.
According to Forbes, LulzSec claimed that their organization was behind the attack, and publicly announced it on Pastebin by saying:
“We recently broke into SonyPictures.com and compromised over 1,000,000 users’ personal information, including passwords, email addresses, home addresses, dates of birth, and all Sony opt-in data associated with their accounts...What’s worse is that every bit of data we took wasn’t encrypted. Sony stored over 1,000,000 passwords of its customers in plaintext.”
LulzSec also claimed that the attack, involving Rivera, on Sony Pictures had cost the hacktivist group around USD $600,000. There were no official numbers as to how much the attack on Sony Picture would cost the firm, but in a separate attack on Sony’s PlayStation Network, the Japanese firm claimed that it would cost about $170 million to patch things up.
lundi 4 mars 2013
ASUS Launched Bamboo Series Notebooks
ASUS, recognized as a highly environmental friendly company in the Computersand Peripherals Industry by oekom in 2007*, today launched the ASUS BambooSeries notebook, a groundbreaking bamboo-clad product that is truly greenthroughout every phase of its life – from its conception, production and use toits eventual recycling and disposal. In developing the ASUS Bamboo Seriesnotebook, ASUS staff at all levels leveraged the full spectrum of environmentalexpertise that the company has accumulated since 2002 when it initiated itsGreen ASUS drive – before the RoHS and WEEE directives were enforced – andutilized the comprehensive green product design and management toolsspecifically created to encourage the disciplined adherence to green principlesat a systemic level.
The ASUS Bamboo Series is a major milestone for ASUS and the IT industry atlarge, as it signals the coming of age of green technologies that are no longerconfined to the conceptual realm, and that are implementable on a massproduction scale. It also serves as a tangible manifestation of ASUS’ commitmentto continually bolstering its green capabilities. Finally, it is proof positivethat meeting the demands of modern computing can be reconciled with the need topreserve the Earth, especially when a green mentality has become deeplyingrained in the solution provider’s culture – just as it has at ASUS.
The ASUS Bamboo Series notebook: A Seamless Marriage of Art and Engineering
The first thing about the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook that commands immediateand unfailing attention is its artisan-grade Moso bamboo paneling, which iscrafted with the precision and care typically associated with bamboo instrumentsand arts and crafts. The organic tactility, refreshing scent and minimalistaesthetics of bamboo lend the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook an arresting aura ofspirituality, warmth and old world charm that synthetic materials and cold,impersonal metals will struggle to replicate. With every touch, users will beable to feel the difference – the bamboo gives an instant sense of familiarity,just like the sensation one would get from running one’s fingertips acrossfurniture. The sensation of being close to nature is even conveyed when usersuse the touch pad. The genuine bamboo fiber patterns on the touch pad create thesensation of touching live bamboo. Furthermore – like any piece of original art– every ASUS Bamboo Series notebook is unique, each with its own naturalpatterning that is brought out beautifully by ASUS’ proprietary manufacturingprocess. The air of individuality of each piece can be further enhanced byseveral treatments that yield different colors, or by laser etching distinctivedesigns onto the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook’s bamboo-clad cover.
The ultra slim ASUS Bamboo Series notebook is currently available in twoversions: a 12.1” model that weighs 1.57kg and an 11.1” model that weighs a mere1.25kg. Both house Intel® Core™2 Duo processors and are fitted with DDRII RAM.
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine: A Next Generation Breakthrough in Power Efficiency
All of the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook’s power does not come at the expense ofthe environment. On the contrary, the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook – as with thenew generation of ASUS notebooks released to market from the second half of 2008– is remarkably energy-efficient, thanks to the implementation of ASUS’exclusive Super Hybrid Engine technology, which is the product of acomprehensive redesigning of the hardware, software and BIOS on the part ofASUS’ engineers.
The most remarkable breakthrough of Super Hybrid Engine is that it accords usersthe control they need to obtain their desired level of performance – eitherimproving power efficiency or boosting performance by the same technology core.In terms of power efficiency improvement, Super Hybrid Engine can extend batterylife between 35% and 70% as compared to notebooks with the same specificationsbut without the technology, and yet enable users to boost their systems’performance by up to 23%. It achieves this by intelligently monitoring the powerrequirements of the notebook’s components and automatically adjusting the powerlevels in real-time to match the current consumption needs, thus optimizing bothsystem performance and power efficiency. Users are also given the option ofselecting from a number of presets manually to ensure that the notebook conformsto the owner’s usage demands.
With the accrued power savings, Super Hybrid Engine reduces yearly CO2 emissionby 12.3kg per notebook. Given that ASUS ships approximately 6 million notebooksper year, this works out to a massive 73.8 million kilograms of CO2 emissionreduced per year, which equates to saving 36 million trees annually.
Bamboo as an Alternative Material: The Natural Choice
ASUS has achieved international renown for its research into, and inspired useof, biodegradable materials such as leather in its products, but its decision toembrace bamboo is nothing short of ingenious. Through the use of bamboo whichhas an immense tensile strength that rivals that of many metal alloys, the ASUSBamboo Series notebook is highly resilient – an attribute proven conclusively bythe fact that it is the first notebook to have survived the unforgivingconditions of snow-capped Qomolangma Peak, which stands at a staggering heightof 8,848 meters (29,028 feet). Bamboo also has a renewal rate that no otherplant can match. It has been known to grow 60cm in just 24 hours, reaching itsmaximum height in several years. Bamboo is also capable of regenerating itselfupon harvesting without necessitating replanting, making it possibly the perfectrenewable resource.
It’s Easy Being Green
The crux of the message borne by the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook is that “it’seasy being green”. This message resonates at both the consumer and solutionprovider strata. For consumers, being green is a simple matter of making smart,environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions. Choosing the ASUS Bamboo Seriesnotebook – or any of ASUS’ notebooks, all of which were designed andmanufactured in strict adherence to the same rigorous green policies andstandards that governed the development of the ASUS Bamboo Series notebook –over less green alternatives, will help to preserve the Earth in no smallmeasure.
For solution providers, the key to going green entails looking beyond mere legalcompliance and proactively inculcating green values among staff. ASUS is thebeacon of success for this approach. In relation to the ASUS Bamboo Seriesnotebook for instance, staff spanning the research and development, strategydevelopment, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, sales and marketingand even administrative departments rallied behind a common raft of greenprinciples set by a steering committee headed by the Chairman of ASUSTekComputer Inc., Jonney Shih. This was only made possible by the company-widegreen design, manufacturing and procurement systems that ASUS has in place, aswell as its considerable investment into green-oriented e-learning platforms andstaff education programs.
jeudi 28 février 2013
AMD To Ship 1.5-2M K8 CPUs In Q4
lundi 25 février 2013
Apple Tablet, iLife 2010 and new iPhone OS confirmed
Fox News posted an article Monday claiming that not only will next week's now-confirmed Apple event play host to the long-rumored tablet unveiling, but it will also see the next iteration of Apple's iLife software on show. Fox's report also claims that Apple will discuss the next iPhone OS update.
The article by Fox News' Clayton Morris is boldly titled "Apple Tablet, iPhone 4 Launch Confirmed for January 27th" (never mind the fact that it's always iffy to "confirm" any new Apple product until Steve Jobs stands onstage with it), and goes on to detail a conversation Morris allegedly had with an Apple source early Monday morning.
According to his conversation with the unnamed individual, next week's San Francisco event will concentrate on three specific projects: Apple's long-rumored tablet, the next iteration of iLife, and an updated iPhone OS. However, iPhone owners have no reason to get too excited just yet, as the report specified that any discussion regarding the next iPhone will strictly be on a software-only level.
Source: PC World
mercredi 20 février 2013
The Elder Scrolls Online Premières informations et premières images
Sans surprise, le scénario de The Elder Scrolls Online prendra place 1000 ans avant les évènements de Skyrim. Le continent de Tamirel est alors menacé d'être envahit par une immense force démoniaque. A cela s'ajoute également le fait que des milliers de héros se découvrent une soudaine envie de devenir Empereur, rajoutant encore au bordel ambiant. L'immense continent de Tamriel sera d'ailleurs découpé en trois grandes parties, qui correspondront aux trois factions du jeu. Au Nord-Est on trouvera donc les Nordiques, les Dunmer (les Elfes Noirs de Morrowind) et les Argoniens réunis dans une alliance forcée baptisée Pacte Ebonheart. Le Sud-Est sera quant à lui le territoire des Altmer, des Bosmer et des Khajiit au sein de la Domination Aldmeri. Enfin les Bretons, les Rougegardes et les Orcs se retrouveront dans une sorte de république égalitaire appelée Daggerfall Covenant. Et naturellement ces trois factions se taperont les unes sur les autres sur la province de Cyrodiil pour prendre le contrôle du trône de l'Empereur.
Au niveau du gameplay en lui-même, il faut bien admettre que ce Elder Scrolls Online s'annonce pour l'instant tristement classique. Tout d'abord la vue à la première personne disparaîtra pour laisser place à une traditionnelle vue à la troisième personne. De nombreux éléments de gameplay des anciens épisodes de la série seront conservés. On pourra ainsi toujours rejoindre les trois guildes principales du jeu (Guerriers, Mages et Voleurs), l'exploration sera toujours primordiale et le système de montée de niveaux sera identique à celui vu dans les précédents titres de la série (les signes astrologiques devraient d'ailleurs être de retour). Enfin, contrairement à ce que nous disions hier, les donjons ne devraient pas être instanciés, mais public. Comprenez par là que tous les joueurs pourront rentrer en même temps dans un donjon. Dernière information notable, Bethesda précise qu'il faudra au minimum 120 heures pour atteindre le niveau maximal. Pourquoi pas.
Les premières images issues de l'article se trouvent en dessous de cette actualité. Bethesda a d'ailleurs précisé que le continent de Tamriel ne sera pas entièrement modélisé, notamment pour laisser de l'espace aux inévitables extensions à venir. On sait toutefois que Elsyweyr, le territoire des hommes-chats et Summerser seront de la partie au lancement du jeu. Un lancement prévu, rappelons-le, pour l'année prochaine à la fois sur PC et sur Mac.
Mise à jour : Le premier teaser français est désormais disponible ci-dessous :
· Forum The Elder Scrolls Online
dimanche 17 février 2013
Asus EeeKeyboard Specs Announced Officially
We have heard of Asus's EeeKeyboard back last year and then news of itbeing delayed. Now, Asus announces it officially on their site with thespecifications and the necessary you need to know
The EeeKeyboard is a complete versatile platform that allows mobile computing, it comes with a shock-proof solid state drive to ensure allstored data is kept safe during transit.Ultra-wideband (UWB) Wireless Display Connectivity allows you to stream HD 720p visuals to a designated display device within a 5 meterrange.
5" Multi-touch Panel that allows quick launch of applications, promising a smooth and lovely user experience. An additional note, those buttons are LED-backlit while the keyboard is aluminium covered.Source: Asus
Specifications Model Name EK1542 Operating SystemWindows® XP Home Display5", 800x480 Multi-touch PanelCPUIntel® Atom™ N270Chipset945GSE / ICH7-MDefault MemoryDDR2 1GB on-board memoryHybrid Storage16GB/32GB SSDWireless Video TransferUltra-wideband TechnologyWireless Data Network802.11b/g/n @2.4GHzLAN10/100/1000 MbpsBluetoothV2.1Battery LifeInternal battery (up to 4 hr)**Multi-mediaVideo decoderBroadcom 70010/70012 SolutionSpeakerSpeaker x2Built-in MicSingle MicInterface (Rear IO Port)USB 2.0 x3
HDMI out x 1
VGA x 1
? Antenna (WAN +Ultra-wideband) x 1
Giga Lan RJ-45 x 1
Headphone-out jack x 1
MIC x 1Receiver InterfaceHDMI out x 1Power Supply12Vdc, 3A, 36W EeeKeyboard PC Power Adaptor
5Vdc, 2.4A, 12WUltra-wideband Power AdaptorPhysicalDimension(mm)145mm(L) x 425mm(H) x (10mm front ~ 24.4mm back)(H)Weight1.1 kg (2.4 lb)ColorSliverAccessoriesUltra-wideband Receiver (with Adapter)
Quick Start Guide
UserManual
Warranty Card
dimanche 3 février 2013
ASUS M4A89 Xtreme Design Motherboards Garner Global Accolades
Core Unlocker was developed by ASUS to easily activate latent AMD CPU cores. Without requiring any additional upgrades, ASUS motherboards with Core Unlocker deliver more performance by unlocking extra CPU cores-providing more value. To experience an instant processing boost, users simply turn on a switch on the new M4A89 Series or intuitively press the number "4" key during the power-on self test in existing M4 series motherboards.
Worldwide Recognition by Top Media ProfessionalsThe M4A89GTD Pro/USB3 has been quoted as delivering impeccable performance by various global media organizations, garnering an impressive cache of awards and accolades. Joe Hsieh, general manager of ASUS Motherboard Business Unit, said, "Whether users are looking for extreme performance, exceptional value, or an affordable platform, the M4A89 Series will be able to meet all their needs."
Superb Performance with Next-generation Features: M4A89 SeriesBased on the latest AMD 890 chipset and Socket AM3, the M4A89 Series will support upcoming 6-core Phenom II(tm) processors to provide more performance and multi-tasking capabilities. It also accommodates ATI CrossFireX(tm) and NVIDIA Hybrid CrossFireX(tm) technology for stunning graphics rendering. In addition, the M4A89 Series includes the latest USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps transmission technology for accelerated data transfers and rapid reading and writing of data from the hard disk drive.
M4A89GTD PRO/USB3SpecificationsModel:M4A89GTD PRO/USB3CPU Socket:AMD Socket AM3 ; Phenom(tm)II/Athlon(tm)II/Sempron(tm) 100 Series ProcessorsChipset:AMD 890GX/SB850Memory:4x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR3 2000 (O.C.)/1333/1066 ECCPower Phase:8+2 phasePCIe x16 Slots:2(@dual x8 speed)Multi-GPU:Hybrid CrossFireX(tm) support,ATI CrossFireX(tm) supportGbit LAN:1xAudio:8-ch HDStorage:1x Ultra DMA 100/66/33,6x Serial ATA 6Gb/s,1x Power eSATA 3Gb/s portUSB:2x USB 3.0,14 x USB 2.0
jeudi 31 janvier 2013
AMD Trinity A10-5800K vs Intel Ivy Bridge i5-3470 - Discrete GPU Gaming Performance
Battlefield 3
Betafield 3 is the much hyped 2011 multiplayer shooter from EA DICE that gullible fans like yours truly will be bombarded by bog standard DLCs for some time to come until the franchise refresh next year. Powered by the fairly optimized Frostbite 2 DX11 engine which scales more with GPU than CPU, we see almost no experiential difference between the two different CPU architectures here.
Crysis 2
Pretty much the same story with Cryteks CryEngine 3 powered Crysis 2, which was supposed to be the standard bearer for graphics but not living up to its namesake until later patches enabled DX11 and high resolution textures.
Nexuiz
The Nexuiz 2012 remake is a fast paced Quake-ish shooter, also powered by the mod friendly CryEngine 3. Both processors are neck and neck here.
Sniper Elite V2
Sniper Elite V2 takes place in 1945 Berlin where you fantasize being an undercoverAmericanOffice of Strategic Services(OSS) spy with the objective of taking out the members of the V-2 rocket programme. The game utilizes Rebellions Asura engine.
Alien vs Predator
I think youd rather have a chestbuster implanted inside you now than for me to tell you that both sides performed equally well.
Hard Reset
There starts to be a tangible difference here...
lundi 28 janvier 2013
Army looks to using EMP grenades
Today, the biggest threat against Americas troops in Afghanistan is the IED, or Improvised Explosive Device. Combating this threat is difficult and dangerous. Jamming vehicles, robots and Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams have to be called in whenever an IED is discovered in order to neutralize it. Its an expensive and time consuming procedure, and unfortunately, though the US military has become better at detecting IEDs, some of them are still only discovered as they go off.
In order to simplify the procedure, bringing IED disposal down to an individual level, the US Army is looking into developing an EMP Grenade. The grenade would be portable and light weight enough to be carried by individual soldiers, and could be tossed near an IED to neutralize it. Indeed, it could even be tossed into a room where an unknown IED may exist, and neutralize the threat before its even detected.
"When the pin is pulled, mr. Grenade is not our friend"
EMP, or Electro Magnetic Pulse, is a technology in which a strong wave of electromagnetic energy is used to overwhelm the circuitry of electronic devices. This is useful in IED disposal as many of them have electronic components. IEDs frequently have remote triggers, and in this case, EMP technology would shut down the devices circuit boards and make detonation (or indeed communication with the trigger) impossible.
For the companies participating in the development of the device, the US Army has put a few restrictions on the design. For instance, it has to be small enough to be portable, in the same size range as “hand or robot delivered munitions, 40 mm grenades, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), and Stinger, Hydra, and Javelin missiles."
Additionally, the designers have to choose how to implement the EMP technology, as the grenade could either be explosive or non explosive. An non-explosive EMP device emits a series of compressed electromagnetic pulses at an ever increasing frequency, which should fry the circuitry of the targeted electronics. Unfortunately, non-explosive devices tend to be large and expensive. An explosive EMP device on the other hand, is much more powerful, and smaller, but uses superconducting materials to store the electromagnetic energy inside, and those materials have to be cooled. In addition, an explosive EMP grenade would most likely destroy itself during detonation, making it a one-shot device. Of course, the same goes for a fragmentation grenade, so perhaps self-destruction isnt a major concern.
Its going to be very interesting to see how the development of the EMP grenade continues and seeing it used in the field one day may really turn the tide of the war. However, they do have to get there first, and they seem to have a lot of work left. Even if the grenade works perfectly for example, theres still the issue of protecting the armys own equipment from being disabled by the grenades.
mercredi 23 janvier 2013
ATi amp; NVIDIA GPUs Codenames
H1 2005H2 2005H1 2006ATiHigh EndR480 (X850 Series)
R430 (X800 Series)R520R580MainstreamR410 (X700 Series)R530?ValueRV370 (X300 Series)RV515?NVIDIAHigh EndNV40/41/42 (6800)
NV40/45 (6800GT/Ultra)G70/G71 (7800 Series)G80?MainstreamNV43 (6600/6200)
NV43-V (6600LE)G73(7600 Series?)?ValueNV44 (6200TC)G72 (7200 Series?)?
There are quite a bit of confusion over the codenames of NVIDIA G7x seriesespecially when NVIDIA decided to drop the NV4x codenames. If you remember forGeForce 6800, there are already 3 codenames tagged to it; NV40, NV41 and NV42.NV40 is the one where all the GeForce 6800 series started from but it isAGP-based interface. NV41 is the stripped down version of NV40 with 12 pipes and5 vertex shaders but PCI-E based interface and NV42 is the 0.11 version of NV41.For the case of G70, it is 0.11 based and PCIe interface and G71 is the shrunkdown version (90nm) of G70. From our sources, there is a G73 for mainstreamsegment to replace the current 6600 series while G72 is meant for value segmentto replace 6200 series. Information is scarce at this point of time so take thislightly.
lundi 21 janvier 2013
ARM gives us a glimpse of what to come
dimanche 20 janvier 2013
ASUS S-presso SFF System
ASUS today introduced the S-presso, an all-new desktop barebone system thatoffers multimedia entertainment in a compact small form factor (SFF) casing. Itprovides excellent support for high-quality graphics, powerful computing, TVviewing, video recording, FM radio, and comes in a stylish design that makes itperfect for home environments.
Easy multimedia access
With the LED Easy Touch Panel, the S-presso allows users to surf TV channels,adjust volume, skip CD and DVD tracks etc. Access and control multimediafunctions without touching the keyboard or mouse. When users are resting on thecouch, the S-presso also offers a remote controller, so sit back, relax andenjoy all the multimedia features.
3.4GHz+ Pentium 4 and powerful graphics
Powerful computing performance is a prerequisite for multimedia entertainment.The S-presso is Prescott ready, delivering 3.4GHz+ Pentium 4 processing formulti-task operation. The S-presso is also the only PC of its size with theability to accommodate all AGP 8x graphics cards. It eliminates graphics cardcompatibility issues and provides high-quality visual performance support.
Instant-On – OS-free audio and video
Don’t waste time waiting for the system to boot. Enjoy TV, DVD, CD, MP3 and FMradio right away without entering the operating system.
ASUS Home Theater
This user-friendly interface for multimedia functions is found uniquely in ASUSdesktop solutions. Users can easily switch between different applicationswhether it’s watching TV, listening to CDs, playing DVDs or enjoying FM radioshows.
Convenient assembling
The chassis of the S-presso takes on a simple tool-less design that permitsusers to quickly access the interior of the PC system for system upgrade andmaintenance.
The S-presso offers two models – S1-P111 and S1-P112. Multimedia featuressuch as Touch Sensor LED panel, remote control, TV tuner, ASUS Home Theater andASUS Instant-On are only available in the S1-P111 version. The S1-P112 is agaming system tailored for those who enjoy playing the latest 3D titles.
Specification summary
-CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.4GHz (Northwood and Prescott)
-Chipsets: Intel 865G + ICH5
- 800/533MHz FSB
-Memory: Dual-channel DDR 400/333/266. Max. 2GB
-Serial ATA
-1 x AGP 8x
-S/PDIF
-7-in1 card reader (CFI/CFII, Smart Media, SD/MMC, MS/MS Pro)
-TV tuner card
Coming in blue and white, the S-presso looks good in all settings.