Hardware Post: 02/11/11

Friday, February 11, 2011

Windows Phone on Nokia phones: a new era

During today Nokia and Microsoft have entered into an agreement whereby the Finnish manufacturer will go to the Microsoft Windows phone as the main operating system for its mobile phones, gradually moving away from Symbian. The smartphone will use not only Windows Mobile Phone in the future but also Office, Xbox Live, and Bing, the latter as a primary search engine, and Microsoft adCenter for ad management.

Test: Strategy game for PC: Dungeon: The new jailer in the test

Why are you the Dungeon Lord become such a nasty type - sad childhood, a domineering older brother, a lengthy illness - no one knows for sure. Fact is: You are a common representative of evil that does nothing better than to unsuspecting hero in his dungeon: lure (English Group), it there with great finds (like treasures and old books) to make the first happy and then caught for .

take In the catacombs you deprive the poor guys their soul energy. The force you use as currency to expand prison and move up the hierarchy of hell. In "Dungeons" You are not the shining hero who saves the virgin, but he who brings the Virgin into trouble - but the family safe. As great as it sounds, life is not the villain: The development of Dungeons and capture the hero requires coordination and hard work.

Racing game for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360: Need for Speed - Shift 2 Unleashed: new images

2009 venture with Electronic Arts' Need for Speed "series, the step towards racing simulation - and" shift "was well received by the fans. The title has sold over five million copies around the world that a successor will be, for some time: On 24 March 2011 is "Need for Speed - Shift 2 Unleashed" appear.

Now there is new insight into the racing action - burning tires, sparks and bred inklusive.24 duels. March 2011 | | | |

Need for Speed: Shift (homepage) Need for Speed: Shift (wikipedia) Xbox (crunchbase) Xbox (wikipedia) Personal computer (wikipedia)

Dada.net, Barberis leaves. C 'Hello horizon?

According to a press release reveals, Paolo Barberis joined Dada. net, following some differences with the company, in connection with future strategies of the same. Currently, the Board is exploring opportunities to sell, as directed that the Chief Executive to take forward an exclusive agreement for a period of 45 days with Buongiorno, so they can be evaluated any agreement leading to the sale of the company.

Nokia cuts jobs and the stock market plunges

At the Helsinki Stock Exchange Nokia has scored a resounding thud, has lost 13 percentage points after the 7 already lost yesterday. Financial markets so do not believe in a company's recovery, even after the announcement of the strategic partnership with Microsoft for Windows Phone 7. Meanwhile, the Finnish giant's CEO Stephen Elop has added other details of the operation.

The purpose of Nokia is to recover positions in the American market, with products more competitive. To do so, however, it will also "significant staff reductions in the world, including Finland. Elop then decided to pull the oars to revive the fortunes of the company, which ultimately suffers condcorrenza iPhone but most of Android.

Mass Effect 2, Starcraft 2 & Co.: Game Oscars: Red Dead Redemption scoops

With the awards is such a thing: your results are at best as good as the members of the jury and sometimes make for dubious political influences. The Interactive Achievement Awards is free of such problems: the body of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences is filled with many insiders from the video game industry.

High-level representatives from Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Capcom, Epic Games and many other large companies from the scene to decide where credit is due. The winners of the 14th Issue:

Red Dead Redemption (homepage) Red Dead Redemption Original Soundtrack (musicbrainz) Red Dead Redemption (wikipedia) Behind the Scenes of the Red Dead Redemption Soundtrack (youtube) Red Dead Redemption 2005 Teaser (youtube) Mass Effect 2 (homepage) Mass Effect 2 (wikipedia) StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (wikipedia) BlizzCon 2009 - StarCraft 2 Battle.net Panel - Part 1/14 (youtube) Starcraft 2 release date and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (youtube) Academy Award (homepage) Academy Award (wikipedia)

ARM - who does what: Rockchip (5)

Continue with the ARM chip for smartphones with a company unknown to the general public, but very present in the entry-level devices: Rockchip. The ARM SoC society have in fact two "advantages": they are inexpensive and attractive frequencies. In practice, there are mainly ARM SoC Rockchip in entry-level devices like the Archos 7 Home Tablet, or in (bad) copies iPad, sold under the names IPED ePad or on eBay.

Q & A: Intel 6 series chipset (Gigabyte)

Gigabyte has released a list of questions and answers in reference to the problem identified in the 6-series chipsets for Intel (Sandy Bridge). Q: What is the problem of the 6 series chipset? A: As explained Intel, SATA 2 ports of motherboards based on Intel chipset series 6 (revision B2), after a period of use, may experience decreased performance.

This problem extends to all motherboards with Intel chipsets Series 6 of each manufacturer. However, this problem does not affect systems that are connected only with SATA 3. Intel said in the statement following the ruling has been officially reported and reaffirmed its commitment to quality and monitoring of their products: "Notice to Users of Express Chipset and Intel 6 Series Chipsets Intel Xeon C200" notified the market directly by Intel to 31 January 2011.

RAM always cheaper. Soon the end?

While the price of memory kept going down since the summer of 2010, it began a sharp rise in the Taiwanese markets on the eve of Chinese New Year. This increase is she managed to France? Not yet! Since our last survey in mid-January, the selling price of 2 x 2 GB kits are still down 10% on average. Concretely, we can afford today, 4 GB of DDR3 1600 for about 45 €.

There is no reason to deny or even not to go to 8 GB can even look at the RAM as an investment, its price being called back by the summer according to observers.

Random-access memory (wikipedia)

Elop (Nokia), the restructuring involves cuts

After the announcement of the strategic partnership with Nokia Phone with Microsoft Windows 7, the Finnish giant's CEO Stephen Elop has added other details of the operation. The purpose of Nokia is to recover positions in the American market, with products more competitive. To do so, however, it will also "significant staff reductions in the world, including Finland.

Elop then decided to pull the oars to revive the fortunes of the company, which ultimately suffers condcorrenza iPhone but most of Android. These statements come after the Elop conference held with Steve Ballmer of Microsoft in the event the two companies have put an end to rumors that circulated a few weeks on them.

Mobile World Congress 2011: Samsung Galaxy Tab: Wireless version available from March

The "Galaxy Tab WiFi to surf the internet only via WLAN, the phone function is disabled. Otherwise, the device offers all the features of the UMTS model: the tablet computer has a seven-inch touch screen with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels. The operating system "Android 2.2 pre-installed. Download apps from the Android Market.

Position sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor and compass are also built like a GPS module and Bluetooth. The Galaxy Tab Samsung to have WiFi in March for 499 €. Samsung also reduces the price of the Galaxy Tab with UMTS from 799 € to 599 €, what the street price will again significantly corrected downward.

Without Intel chipset error: New Sandy Bridge Notebook: Schenker XMG A521

First things first: Schenker assured that the new XMG A521 is not affected by the current. Reason: The manufacturer uses only the SATA-0/1-Ports. The 15.6-inch display shows 1366x768 and is non-reflective - working in direct sunlight is so possible. Depending on your budget Schenker built up to eight memory.

The internal memory records up to 750 (HDD) or 256 gigabytes (SSD) for data. On board are three USB ports, card reader and HDMI. The XMG supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Thanks to the Nvidia Optimus Technology, the graphics chip (GeForce GT 540M and Intel integrated graphics) dynamically. This means that charged at a higher load graphical (game, HD video), the Nvidia chip is idle or under "Office" takes over the Intel graphics unit.

Windows 7 and 2.2 for Android ViewPad 10Pro

The manufacturer ViewSonic should benefit the Mobile World Congress 2011 which will be held next week to present the ViewPad 10Pro. This tablet has a capacitive touch screen of 10 inches capable of displaying a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels and uses a LED backlight. Based on an Intel platform Oak Trail, the controller has ViewPad 10Pro WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G.

It has a dual-boot Windows 7/Android 2.2 and comes with a battery giving them a range of up to 6 hours. It will unfortunately have to wait a little longer to know the other features of this tablet ...

Android (homepage) Android (blog) Android (crunchbase) Android (operating system) (wikipedia) Android Demo (youtube) Androidology - Part 1 of 3 - Architecture Overview (youtube)

Jobs at work despite illness

Steve Jobs is officially on sick leave, however, the energetic CEO, Apple never ceases to make its voice heard in the company. According to the latest rumors from Wall Street Journal, in fact, Jobs is working actively on the latest strategic plans of Apple, exploitive methods "alternative". The CEO communicate with his employees via phone or with the special meetings at his home.

Ultimately, then, it seems that Jobs was also spotted at the Campus of Cupertino. In short, Mr. Apple is also ill, but innovation and the work of the company do not stop, indeed, continue in full sail. Besides the temporary replacement of Jobs, Tim Cook, has already demonstrated the ability to lead the company in an excellent manner.

Digital Agenda, the Minister Brunetta opens in comparison

Minister Brunetta said the intention and desire to engage in a confrontation with all the signatories of the Digital, a project set up to try to bridge the digital divide that hinders innovation in Italy. Specifically, the Minister has addressed, especially in view of e-Government Plan 2012, an appeal to all categories of workers concerned to take advantage of new technologies, such as PEC, medical certificates online, ilportale Vivifacile and all the tools available to available in recent years.

Intel chipsets 6 Series 'B3' on Monday

Is via a PCN (Product Change Notification) indicate that Intel has a new chipset revision P67/H67 (and derived models H61, Q65, QM67, HM67, HM65, B65, UM67, QS67 and C200) would begin to be delivered to the foundry partners, from February 14 next. Replacing the current revision B2, B3 stepping fixes the bug now famous SATA Express Chipset Intel 6.

This new stepping is accompanied by new numbers S-Spec MM #, the Revision ID from his side of 04h to 05h. We note in passing that according to the same NCP, the Z68 chipset also benefits from this new revision, which makes official what chipset high-end ...

BMW 6 Series (thecarconnection) BMW 6 Series (wikipedia)

Microsoft, arrives Feb. 22 Service Pack 1 for Windows 7

Microsoft has announced that starting next February 22 will be available on Service Pack 1 of Windows 7 and Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2008 R2. Only for Volume Licensing customers, and MSDN subscriptions the same update will be distributed one week in advance, Feb. 16. Updates will be downloadable through Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center.

The Service Pack 1 of Windows 7 will improve the operating system installed on a PC, introducing innovations that include some minor updates already previously released through Windows Update, as well as further refinements made to the Windows 7 platform based on feedback from customers and partners.

Exynos: the dual core ARM Samsung

Samsung announced its new ARM SoC, designed for smartphones, the Exynos 4210. Formerly known as the Orion ARM SoC that has two cores and operates (only) 1 GHz. The company gives no information on the technical side, but you can bet on a CPU type Cortex A9 and a PowerVR GPU, surely a type SGX54xMP 5XT Series.

The name of the chip, Exynos is derived from two Greek words: exypnos (skill, intelligence) and prasinos (green) to show that the chip is efficient and consumes little. The chip goes into production next month and should get off quickly in smartphones and tablets.

Samsung Group (homepage) Samsung Group (wikipedia) ARM architecture (wikipedia) Multi-core processor (wikipedia)

Available homes Thermaltake Level 10 GT

A month ago, at CES in Las Vegas, Thermaltake case showed how evolution of the original GT Level 10 Level 10 developed in collaboration with BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Today, the Taiwanese manufacturer announced the availability of this particular chassis: first for the North American market, and we will activate in March.

The Tt Level 10 GT revolutionizes the concept of focusing on a classic holiday location "in compartments" consisting of four separate blocks allowing easier access to the various components: 1) HDDs, 2) Optical Drives, 3) CPU + cooling, 4) Mobo + GPUs. All connecting cables are hidden in a second rear compartment so as not to interfere (Clear Cable System).

Asus HD 6970 Direct-2, the heatsink takes up three slots

Asus has unveiled a new video card belonging to the family of Direct-series II: the solution is the HD 6970 card, which joins the HD 6950 and GTX 580 models already available. The new card is based on Cayman XT GPU, 1536 Stream Processors with integrated in-house. The GPU clock frequency of 890 MHz and 2GB of GDDR5 video memory - connected to a 256bit wide bus - at the operating frequency of 5500MHz effective.

Exclusive interview with some members of Anonymous

Some members of the group Anoymous told their story, the technologies used and their reasons for the exclusive MegaLab. en making particular reference to the "Operation Italy. In the interview, it makes several references to the fact that the movement will hit government bodies and institutions that undermine freedom of expression and information.

Be ethically correct means to defend freedom of expression of the common people and this is decided and execute attacks. MLI: Can you tell us whether there will be other attacks, even without going into detail? Phre: There will certainly be. We can also reveal the date: it is right that people know.

Scythe Launches alims Gouriki 3

The manufacturer Scythe has announced the launch of a new range of power supplies, called Gouriki 3. 80Plus Certified Bronze, the alims this range show a maximum efficiency of 89%. Complying with the standard ATX 12V v2.3, the PSUs Gouriki 3 are available in modular and non-modular, in powers of 500W, 600W and 700W.

These alims have two +12 V rails and a 140 mm PWM fan thermo-regulated. 3 year warranty, power Gouriki 3 are displayed at rates ranging from 65 euros for non-modular 500W at 92 euros for the 700W modular model.

Lance (wikipedia)

Service Pack 1 for Windows 7, arriving February 22

TDJ: Mouse Speedlink Ferret

Our fellow Cowcotland just put online a test of the Ferret Speedlink, a mouse rather simple and classic design. With an optical sensor with a resolution of 3200 DPI, this mouse is pretty light, with only 78 grams on the scale. But this mouse is really worth 19 euros?

With Cubomusica, Telecom Italy challenge Apple iTunes

Telecom Italy lands in the music industry with Cubomusica, a new platform for digital streaming and downloads of the ADSL service offered to customers of the operator. A Telecom to push this decision was the desire to expand the supply of content for broadband connectivity, along with earning potential that the sector offers music downloads in Italy.

The latter, in fact, showed a decided upward trend, with a turnover of 23 million euros in 2010 and a +10% year on year in legal downloads. To offer 4 million songs already on Cubomusica, Direct Telecom has partnered with leading Italian labels. Have in fact acceded to the product labels as Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Italy, Italy EMI Music, Warner Music Italy, Sugar Music, Carousel Records, SMEs and Made in etaly Kiver.

AMD deploys first and only platform for embedded systems APU

AMD has announced the immediate release of its AMD Embedded G-Series, the first and only world's APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) for embedded systems. Based on AMD Fusion technology provides a complete integrated platform and features new low power x86 CPU "Bobcat" along with a DirectX 11 compatible GPU with a parallel processing engine on a single piece of silicon.

- This new class of APU provides more computing power in one piece than any other processor in history. - There is no solution on the market that offers this level of processing. - You are ready for distribution to numerous embedded systems G-Series platform of AMD. Some companies will start to use it in the coming weeks are Advansus, Compulab, Congatec, Fujitsu, Haier, IEI, Kontron, Mitec, Quixant, Sintron, Starnet, WebDT, Wyse, and many others.

Nokia Phone 7 passes to Windows, but keep MeegGo and Symbian

Admission of failure of Nokia, the company announced that its next major operating system for smartphones will not be MeeGo or Symbian but Windows Phone 7. The rumor would run for several days as Symbian, the Finnish giant's system, is criticized for several years and sales of smartphones it felt. First, high-end brand will therefore be offered in Windows 7 Phone, a preferred system for its interface, original and effective.

Cubomusica, songs streaming Telecom Italy

ARM - who does what: IT / OMAP3 (6)

Today, a chip maker ARM has a (very) large scale. Let's start with the most used, found in a lot of smartphones, the range OMAP3 Texas Instruments. OMAP3 range is widely used and very broad. Versions without GPU models very fast chips in 65 nm and 45 nm chips live under the same name. Texas Instruments actually uses a segmentation on the frequency but also on the presence of a DSP and video decoder IVA2 and its variant IVA2 + faster.

Canon Pixma MX Series, Multifunction inkjet printers for home and small office

Canon unveils new PIXMA MX420, Pixma MX410 Pixma MX360 and combining print, scan, copy and fax with intelligent software, ensuring superior print quality for documents and photographs, while improving productivity. Instead of Pixma MX350, Pixma MX340 Pixma MX320 and the new efficient models offer new and practical features for business, including a fully integrated paper feed (ADF) and a high-speed Super G3 Fax with rescue mode memory (in this mode Pixma MX360 model) to ensure a back-up copy of the fax.

You thought your PC was dirty?

When the PC components are becoming unrecognizable, stripped of all these users prefer limit to add more. All these packages are in the running for this great contest, thank you to scroll the images slowly to avoid raising dust.

Enermax Luxuray

Enermax Luxuray is an elegant, well built, designed for users who want to stand out and for those who want to build a station playing modern and powerful. Luxuray is not only an original homes, but provides a sound basis for the assembly of worsktation and powerful PC for gaming. This is a middle tower chassis, measuring 445x220 mm and a depth of 470 mm.

Although it is not too bulky, space abounds inside, with a rational arrangement and use of solutions tool less. Aesthetically, Enermax has chosen to adopt plastic transparencies for the front, very elegant and pleasing to see, even if easily subject to scratching and dirtying. The front section includes five bay 5.25-inch display, useful for installing optical drives, as a reader and CD / DVD and Blu-ray.