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High-definition videos sneaking onto YouTube
"YouTube is a great place to go and watch streams of people's home Broadway recordings and cats riding Roombas, but no one really thinks of it as a site where you can go to see high-definition videos. That's changing, however, as YouTube is in the process of testing high-quality videos across the site, and we're not just talking 480x360—we're talking full 720p." ~arstechnica.com
Example of one of Rodney's Video Reviews in HD:
"YouTube is a great place to go and watch streams of people's home Broadway recordings and cats riding Roombas, but no one really thinks of it as a site where you can go to see high-definition videos. That's changing, however, as YouTube is in the process of testing high-quality videos across the site, and we're not just talking 480x360—we're talking full 720p." ~arstechnica.com
Example of one of Rodney's Video Reviews in HD:
Gmail Now Has Themes
"Google has added a choice of 31 different themes to its Gmail GUI. All themes retain the basic layout of the email service, but sprinkle color over the surface. There is one slightly more sophisticated theme called “Tree” that changes depending on the weather in your area. In my case, it is freezing cold (Chicago) and Gmail showed a snow theme." ~tgdaily.com
"Google has added a choice of 31 different themes to its Gmail GUI. All themes retain the basic layout of the email service, but sprinkle color over the surface. There is one slightly more sophisticated theme called “Tree” that changes depending on the weather in your area. In my case, it is freezing cold (Chicago) and Gmail showed a snow theme." ~tgdaily.com
Intel Larrabee Graphics Processors in 2009
"Intel Corp. on Thursday released a statement that shows confidence of the giant in its standalone graphics processing unit (GPU) Larrabee architecture, but which also demonstrates the lack of assuredness of an actual product launch date. But maybe Intel does not want to open its cards just yet?
“Aligning to Intel’s ‘Terascale’ performance vision, Intel described features and capabilities of its first-ever forthcoming ‘many-core’ blueprint or architecture codenamed ‘Larrabee’. The first product based on Larrabee targets the PC’s graphics market and is expected in 2009 or 2010,” a statement by Intel released on its web-site reads." ~xbitlabs.com
"Intel Corp. on Thursday released a statement that shows confidence of the giant in its standalone graphics processing unit (GPU) Larrabee architecture, but which also demonstrates the lack of assuredness of an actual product launch date. But maybe Intel does not want to open its cards just yet?
“Aligning to Intel’s ‘Terascale’ performance vision, Intel described features and capabilities of its first-ever forthcoming ‘many-core’ blueprint or architecture codenamed ‘Larrabee’. The first product based on Larrabee targets the PC’s graphics market and is expected in 2009 or 2010,” a statement by Intel released on its web-site reads." ~xbitlabs.com
NVIDIA Fall Driver Update (rel 180)
"A long time ago, NVIDIA used to get us excited about new driver launches. Back in the GF2 days, we would see features and performance improvements to cheer about coming out all the time. Even in the GeForce 6 series time frame when NVIDIA was playing with dynamic compilers and shader replacement we could at least expect the occasional surprise. But lately we just haven't seen anything to jump up and down about in the average driver drop." ~anandtech.com
"A long time ago, NVIDIA used to get us excited about new driver launches. Back in the GF2 days, we would see features and performance improvements to cheer about coming out all the time. Even in the GeForce 6 series time frame when NVIDIA was playing with dynamic compilers and shader replacement we could at least expect the occasional surprise. But lately we just haven't seen anything to jump up and down about in the average driver drop." ~anandtech.com
It’s official: No IE 8 until 2009
"Until yesterday, Microsoft’s only official pronouncement of when the final IE 8 release was due was before the end of “this year.” I had heard from insiders that Microsoft was aiming to release the final IE 8 build in November, 2008 — a plan which seemed quite ambitious given how often I “report a Webpage problem” to Microsoft when I’m surfing the Web using IE 8 Beta 2." ~blogs.zdnet.com
"Until yesterday, Microsoft’s only official pronouncement of when the final IE 8 release was due was before the end of “this year.” I had heard from insiders that Microsoft was aiming to release the final IE 8 build in November, 2008 — a plan which seemed quite ambitious given how often I “report a Webpage problem” to Microsoft when I’m surfing the Web using IE 8 Beta 2." ~blogs.zdnet.com
The SpursEngine gets tested
"Japanese website Impress has run a range of different video encoding tests on the Leadtek PxVC1100 card and in many scenarios the SpursEngine is creaming a quad core QX9770 CPU. However, it doesn't always process more frames per second than the CPU, although since the SpursEngine offloads the CPU, you could potentially be doing other things at the same time as you're processing the video.
In some scenarios the SpursEngine is over four times as fast, such as converting an AVCHD stream to H.264 HD, while when it comes to SD quality video, you might actually end up with slightly better performance using the CPU." ~fudzilla.com
"Japanese website Impress has run a range of different video encoding tests on the Leadtek PxVC1100 card and in many scenarios the SpursEngine is creaming a quad core QX9770 CPU. However, it doesn't always process more frames per second than the CPU, although since the SpursEngine offloads the CPU, you could potentially be doing other things at the same time as you're processing the video.
In some scenarios the SpursEngine is over four times as fast, such as converting an AVCHD stream to H.264 HD, while when it comes to SD quality video, you might actually end up with slightly better performance using the CPU." ~fudzilla.com
5 GHZ+ Phenom II Overclock on Dry Ice
"As we all know, the Phenom II will be AMD's second 45 nm part (the first is officially the Shanghai server part) that is scheduled to hit Q1 09. This heavily redesigned processor based on the Phenom architecture has already showed some significant per clock performance gains over the older Barcelona product, and AMD considers this to be their best design ever in terms of performance, functionality, and eventual clockspeed. The first desktop products are expected to hit 3 GHz at the top end, but AMD has been hinting that the Phenom IIs can do a lot more in the hands of an enthusiast." ~pcper.com
"As we all know, the Phenom II will be AMD's second 45 nm part (the first is officially the Shanghai server part) that is scheduled to hit Q1 09. This heavily redesigned processor based on the Phenom architecture has already showed some significant per clock performance gains over the older Barcelona product, and AMD considers this to be their best design ever in terms of performance, functionality, and eventual clockspeed. The first desktop products are expected to hit 3 GHz at the top end, but AMD has been hinting that the Phenom IIs can do a lot more in the hands of an enthusiast." ~pcper.com
Security in Windows 7: UAC and You
"Some people just love Vista; others hate it with a passion. Most of the haters fall into two main groups. The first group upgraded to Vista from XP, possibly without running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to make sure their hardware and software would be compatible. They spent hours trying to get printers to print, accounts receivable programs to account, fax modems to fax, and so on, and they heartily blame Vista for their woes. Many of those in the second group think Vista is the cat's pajamas...except for those blasted User Account Control pop-ups." ~pcmag.com
"Some people just love Vista; others hate it with a passion. Most of the haters fall into two main groups. The first group upgraded to Vista from XP, possibly without running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to make sure their hardware and software would be compatible. They spent hours trying to get printers to print, accounts receivable programs to account, fax modems to fax, and so on, and they heartily blame Vista for their woes. Many of those in the second group think Vista is the cat's pajamas...except for those blasted User Account Control pop-ups." ~pcmag.com
Online time 'is good for teens'
"Surfing the internet, playing games and hanging out on social networks are important for teen development, a large study of online use has revealed. The report counters the stereotypical view held by many parents and teachers that such activity is a waste of time. More than 800 teenagers and parents took part in the three-year US project. "They are learning the technological skills and literacy needed for the contemporary world," said the report's author, Dr Mimi Ito." ~news.bbc.co.uk
"Surfing the internet, playing games and hanging out on social networks are important for teen development, a large study of online use has revealed. The report counters the stereotypical view held by many parents and teachers that such activity is a waste of time. More than 800 teenagers and parents took part in the three-year US project. "They are learning the technological skills and literacy needed for the contemporary world," said the report's author, Dr Mimi Ito." ~news.bbc.co.uk
Google unveils customised search
"Google has unveiled a new tool to allow users to customise their search queries. The company's SearchWiki lets users re-order, remove or add specific web search results. This means the next time they perform the same search, the personalised version will pop up." ~news.bbc.co.uk
"Google has unveiled a new tool to allow users to customise their search queries. The company's SearchWiki lets users re-order, remove or add specific web search results. This means the next time they perform the same search, the personalised version will pop up." ~news.bbc.co.uk
New Xbox Experience out!
"Boot up your Xbox 360 and you should be prompted to download the update, which as long as Microsoft's server room doesn't burst into flames (we're betting money) should download onto your console fairly swiftly - ours took two minutes." ~computerandvideogames.com
"Boot up your Xbox 360 and you should be prompted to download the update, which as long as Microsoft's server room doesn't burst into flames (we're betting money) should download onto your console fairly swiftly - ours took two minutes." ~computerandvideogames.com
Thanks, Google: Mozilla revenue hits $75-Mill
"The Mozilla Foundation pulled in $75 million in revenue in 2007, the "vast majority" of it from a search partnership with Google, the Firefox backer plans to announce Wednesday..." ~news.cnet.com
"The Mozilla Foundation pulled in $75 million in revenue in 2007, the "vast majority" of it from a search partnership with Google, the Firefox backer plans to announce Wednesday..." ~news.cnet.com
Download RivaTuner v2.20
"Rivatuner has been updated towards version 2.11 In this release we have included a huge number of new stuff to keep you busy, obviously GeForce 9x00 support has been added as well as ForceWare GeForce drivers up-to 180.48 and AMD ATI Catalyst 8.11 support." ~guru3d.com
"Rivatuner has been updated towards version 2.11 In this release we have included a huge number of new stuff to keep you busy, obviously GeForce 9x00 support has been added as well as ForceWare GeForce drivers up-to 180.48 and AMD ATI Catalyst 8.11 support." ~guru3d.com
NorthQ 3590 Siberian Tiger II CPU Cooler
"The NorthQ 3590 Siberian Tiger II CPU Water Cooler is completely closed and sealed, so there is no maintenance required. This means no refills are required and no risk of leaks. Since it's completely configured there's no need for any extra installation like many other liquid cooling kits. By combining the waterblock, pump, reservoir, and radiator together, it reduces the traditional four-component loop into just one-component. This substantially decreases the space required for installation and it really simplifies the installation process over traditional water cooling kits. The only downside to this product is you need a case that has provision for a 240x120m radiator. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to get into water cooling but don't want to do it with the traditional water cooling components. Watch the video to find out more..." ~http://www.3dGameMan.com
Win7: Combined with Direct X11 is unlikely
"PCGH: Will Windows 7 be delivered with DirectX 11? Ben Basaric: That is to be determined yet. I could speculate, but that wouldn't help you. But I can give a tendency: unlikely." ~pcgameshardware.com
"PCGH: Will Windows 7 be delivered with DirectX 11? Ben Basaric: That is to be determined yet. I could speculate, but that wouldn't help you. But I can give a tendency: unlikely." ~pcgameshardware.com
Google gives life to Life
"Google has opened an online photo gallery with millions of images from Life magazine's archives that have never been seen by the public. The new service which can be found here , opened with about 2 million photos. Google wants to scan all 10 million photos from Life's library so they can be viewed on any computer with an Internet connection." ~fudzilla.com
"Google has opened an online photo gallery with millions of images from Life magazine's archives that have never been seen by the public. The new service which can be found here , opened with about 2 million photos. Google wants to scan all 10 million photos from Life's library so they can be viewed on any computer with an Internet connection." ~fudzilla.com
Does Your Boss Pay You While Booting?
"Lawyers are noting a new type of lawsuit, in which employees are suing over time spent booting [up] their computers. ... During the past year, several companies, including AT&T Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Cigna Corp., have been hit with lawsuits in which employees claimed that they were not paid for the 15- to 30-minute task of booting their computers at the start of each day and logging out at the end. Add those minutes up over a week, and hourly employees are losing some serious pay, argues plaintiffs' lawyer Mark Thierman, a Las Vegas solo practitioner who has filed a handful of computer-booting lawsuits in recent years..." ~taxprof.typepad.com
"Lawyers are noting a new type of lawsuit, in which employees are suing over time spent booting [up] their computers. ... During the past year, several companies, including AT&T Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Cigna Corp., have been hit with lawsuits in which employees claimed that they were not paid for the 15- to 30-minute task of booting their computers at the start of each day and logging out at the end. Add those minutes up over a week, and hourly employees are losing some serious pay, argues plaintiffs' lawyer Mark Thierman, a Las Vegas solo practitioner who has filed a handful of computer-booting lawsuits in recent years..." ~taxprof.typepad.com
Microsoft Co-Prez Warned Colleagues
"Former Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) co-president Jim Allchin called the company's decision to allow PC manufacturers to label machines not capable of running all of Windows Vista's features as Vista Capable "terrible" and "misleading," according to new e-mails unearthed Monday as part of a consumer fraud suit against the company..." ~informationweek.com
"Former Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) co-president Jim Allchin called the company's decision to allow PC manufacturers to label machines not capable of running all of Windows Vista's features as Vista Capable "terrible" and "misleading," according to new e-mails unearthed Monday as part of a consumer fraud suit against the company..." ~informationweek.com
Firefox gets custom add-on kit
"Mozilla is introducing a new way for Firefox users to pick add-ons for the browser. The company has released "Fashion Your Firefox," a tool which is designed to provide each user with a custom set of plug-ins best suited for their tastes and needs." ~vnunet.com
"Mozilla is introducing a new way for Firefox users to pick add-ons for the browser. The company has released "Fashion Your Firefox," a tool which is designed to provide each user with a custom set of plug-ins best suited for their tastes and needs." ~vnunet.com
Microsoft Plans Free Software To Shield PCs
"Microsoft Corp. said it will offer free software to protect PCs from viruses, in a move that could pose new challenges for independent makers of security software. The Redmond, Wash., company said it plans to introduce its security software, code-named Morro, during the second half of next year in an effort to persuade more users to secure their PCs against spyware, viruses and other forms of "malware." Use of antimalware software is far from universal, especially in emerging markets." ~online.wsj.com
"Microsoft Corp. said it will offer free software to protect PCs from viruses, in a move that could pose new challenges for independent makers of security software. The Redmond, Wash., company said it plans to introduce its security software, code-named Morro, during the second half of next year in an effort to persuade more users to secure their PCs against spyware, viruses and other forms of "malware." Use of antimalware software is far from universal, especially in emerging markets." ~online.wsj.com
Heat Wheel Could Cut Data Center Bills
"A relatively new approach to data center cooling known as a “heat wheel” is gaining momentum, and likely to gain a higher profile from an upcoming demonstration of the technology. The heat wheel - also known as a rotary heat exchanger or Kyoto Cooling - is a refinement of existing approaches that take advantage of outside air to improve cooling efficiency and reduce data center power bills." ~datacenterknowledge.com
"A relatively new approach to data center cooling known as a “heat wheel” is gaining momentum, and likely to gain a higher profile from an upcoming demonstration of the technology. The heat wheel - also known as a rotary heat exchanger or Kyoto Cooling - is a refinement of existing approaches that take advantage of outside air to improve cooling efficiency and reduce data center power bills." ~datacenterknowledge.com
Left 4 Dead Available on Steam
"Valve has announced that the PC version of Left 4 Dead, the latest game developed by Turtle Rock Studios, has been released via Steam. Set in a modern day survival-horror universe, the co-operative gameplay of L4D casts four "Survivors" in an epic struggle against hordes of swarming zombies and terrifying "Boss Infected" mutants. Valve's next generation AI technology, allows for games of 1 to 8 players. Players can play as a Survivor or as one of four types of "Boss Infected", each of whom possess a unique mutant ability such as a 50-foot tongue lasso or a giant belly full of explosive methane gas. The gameplay takes place across four massive campaigns. The "zombie" population of each mission is choreographed by an "AI Director" that monitors the human players’ actions and creates a unique and dramatic experience for them on the fly." ~gamershell.com
"Valve has announced that the PC version of Left 4 Dead, the latest game developed by Turtle Rock Studios, has been released via Steam. Set in a modern day survival-horror universe, the co-operative gameplay of L4D casts four "Survivors" in an epic struggle against hordes of swarming zombies and terrifying "Boss Infected" mutants. Valve's next generation AI technology, allows for games of 1 to 8 players. Players can play as a Survivor or as one of four types of "Boss Infected", each of whom possess a unique mutant ability such as a 50-foot tongue lasso or a giant belly full of explosive methane gas. The gameplay takes place across four massive campaigns. The "zombie" population of each mission is choreographed by an "AI Director" that monitors the human players’ actions and creates a unique and dramatic experience for them on the fly." ~gamershell.com
Microsoft Moves Closer to Cloud Computing
"The announcement by Microsoft Monday that it would sell online versions of its Exchange and SharePoint products to all its customers underscores the IT industry's shift towards cloud computing, where technology vendors host data on their own servers..." ~pcworld.com
"The announcement by Microsoft Monday that it would sell online versions of its Exchange and SharePoint products to all its customers underscores the IT industry's shift towards cloud computing, where technology vendors host data on their own servers..." ~pcworld.com
Pirates Prey on Blu-Ray DVD Format
"Pirates are taking advantage of the fact that many viewers can't tell the difference between Hollywood's new high-definition, higher-priced Blu-ray movie format and a bootleg format -- called AVCHD -- that's a grade lower: AVCHD uses 720 horizontal lines of resolution instead of Blu-ray's 1,080, but still offers a sharper picture than an ordinary DVD on high-definition television sets." ~online.wsj.com
"Pirates are taking advantage of the fact that many viewers can't tell the difference between Hollywood's new high-definition, higher-priced Blu-ray movie format and a bootleg format -- called AVCHD -- that's a grade lower: AVCHD uses 720 horizontal lines of resolution instead of Blu-ray's 1,080, but still offers a sharper picture than an ordinary DVD on high-definition television sets." ~online.wsj.com
Nearly half of adults need a hand
"Still can't figure out how to work your computer or your cell phone? You're not alone. A survey released Sunday by the nonprofit Pew Research Center found that 48 percent of adults who use the Internet or have a cell phone or computer say they usually need someone else to set them up or show them how to use them." ~startribune.com
"Still can't figure out how to work your computer or your cell phone? You're not alone. A survey released Sunday by the nonprofit Pew Research Center found that 48 percent of adults who use the Internet or have a cell phone or computer say they usually need someone else to set them up or show them how to use them." ~startribune.com
