Events

ZOTAC Releases GeForce GTX 670 Series graphics cards

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

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May 11, 2012

ZOTAC Releases GeForce GTX 670 Series graphics cards

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and channel manufacturer of graphics cards, mainboards and mini-PCs, today releases the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670 and GeForce GTX 670 AMP! Edition graphics cards – an elevated upgrade for demanding gamers.

The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670 series graphics cards deliver exceptional price/performance with magnificent visuals and stellar cooling in a single-GPU graphics card. Powered by the latest NVIDIA GeForce 600-series architecture, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670 series are the first graphics cards to introduce the latest new features such as quad-display output, NVIDIA 3D Vision™ Surround, NVIDIA GPU Boost and NVIDIA Adaptive Vertical Sync technologies to its competitive price point.

“NVIDIA’s latest GeForce architecture enables us to take gaming performance and visual details to unexplored levels. Our new ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670 series graphics cards embrace all the new architectural upgrades and features at more attractive price points,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670 AMP! Edition is designed for demanding gamers that desire an extra edge in frame rates with its amplified graphics processor and memory. The amplified ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670 AMP! Edition also receives a cooling system upgrade to a 2.5-slot dual-fan cooler that delivers superior cooling performance for lower operating temperatures.

A 3-Day Game Pass for TrackMania 2 Canyon is bundled with the ZOTAC GeForce GTX670 series to let gamers hop in the drivers seat of the latest online stunt-racing phenomena and compete against other drivers or in the ZOTAC TrackMania 2 Cup for a chance to win a prize.

· NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 GPU

· 1344 SMX unified shaders

· ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670 AMP! Edition

o Engine clock: 1098 MHz (base), 1176 MHz (boost)

o 2GB GDDR5 memory

o Memory clock: 6608 MHz

o Custom Dual-Fan Cooler

· ZOTAC GeForce GTX 670

o Engine clock: 915 MHz (base), 980 MHz (boost)

o 2GB GDDR5 memory

o Memory clock: 6008 MHz

· 256-bit memory interface

· DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI & DisplayPort outputs

· PCI Express 3.0 interface

· NVIDIA GPU Boost technology

· NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround capable

· NVIDIA FXAA technology

· NVIDIA TXAA technology

· NVIDIA SLI ready

· NVIDIA Adaptive Vertical Sync

· DirectX 11 technology & Shader Model 5.0

· OpenGL 4.2 compatible

· Hardware-accelerated Full HD video playback

· Blu-ray 3D ready

· Loss-less audio bitstream capable

· TrackMania 2 Canyon 3-Day Game Pass included

Check out the ZOTAC website

NVIDIA launches GeForce GTX 670 graphic cards

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

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May 11, 2012

0

NVIDIA launches GeForce GTX 670 graphic cards

NVIDIA yesterday launched the third GPU based on its next-generation Kepler graphics architecture, the GeForce GTX 670, which brings dramatically improved levels of price-performance, power efficiency and whisper-quiet operation for PC gamers, starting at £329 including VAT / EUR 329 excluding VAT.

Engineered from the same DNA as the recently announced GTX 680—NVIDIA’s top-of-the-line, single-GPU—the GTX 670 packs a mean punch in its lithe 9.5-inch-long frame. It outpaces the closest competitive product in gaming performance by upwards of 45 percent, while consuming approximately 18 percent less power.

Plus, the GeForce GTX 670 ties the competition’s much higher-priced flagship product on 25 of the world’s most popular games and benchmarks, a testament to the overall performance efficiency of the Kepler architecture.

The GTX 670 is built using NVIDIA’s 28-nanometer Kepler architecture, as are the GTX 680 and dual-GPU GTX 690, which were introduced in March and April, respectively.

Availability

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 GPU is available now from the world’s leading add-in card suppliers, including ASUS, EVGA, Gainward, Gigabyte, Inno3D, KFA2, MSI, Palit, Point of View, PNY, and Zotac.

Shazam app for iOS updated to version 5.0.2; brings minor bug fixes

Andrew Edney

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May 11, 2012

0

The very cool music identification app Shazam has been updated to version 5.0.2 and it brings with it some minor bug fixes!

Having tried some different music, I cant honestly say it find’s the song in a matter of seconds, in some cases, only two or three words had been sung. I was very impressed!

This is how Shazam is described:

Lightning fast tagging. Now discover, explore and share more music, TV shows and brands you love in as little as one second.

With unlimited tagging use Shazam as much as you want, and experience more of what you like, faster.

You can also:
○ Save & listen again (30 sec preview)
○ Buy tracks easily on iTunes & find more by tagged artists
○ View extra content as you watch TV
○ Watch music videos & concerts from YouTube
○ Share on Facebook, Twitter & email
○ See streaming lyrics in time to the music
○ Discover new music in Shazam Friends & Charts
○ See when an artist is touring
○ Use it when you don’t have a signal

What’s New in Version 5.0.2

Minor Bug Fixes

Download now from the Apple App Store

Apple TV Updated to version 5.0.1

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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May 11, 2012

0

Apple has updated the Apple TV’s to version 5.0.1.

This update includes:

iTunes previews
Previews for movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store can now be viewed in HD.

AirPlay
Fixes an issue that caused some iOS apps to have trouble connecting via AirPlay.

Home Sharing
Improves the reliability of Home Sharing connections.

Netflix
Addresses an issue affecting Netflix login and navigation.

Stability and performance
Includes fixes for issues affecting stability and performance.

And Firecore are advising you to steer clear of the update if you want to jailbreak.

The Home Server Show Episode 182 Out Now

Andrew Edney

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May 10, 2012

0

Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 182.

Here’s what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

We can’t stop talking about Windows 8 and Media Center. It all comes back to storage though. Plenty of server conversation as well as some follow up on cloud options and HD Home Run streaming.

Listen to the show from here.

ROCCAT Will Announce New Gaming Peripherals at E3 & Computex

Gadgets
Tech

Jim McCarthy

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May 10, 2012

0

ROCCAT Will Announce New Gaming Peripherals at E3 & Computex

ROCCAT, the Germany-based designer and manufacturer of gaming peripherals, plans to announce new gaming products at E3 and Computex. Read on for details.

ROCCAT is going to announce two new gaming mice and an interesting new gaming controller called Power Grid, which allows you to control a PC with a smartphone, at E3 in Los Angeles and at Computex in Taipei. Here are some details on ROCCAT:

About ROCCAT™ Studios
Founded in 2007 in Hamburg, Germany, ROCCAT™ Studios produces innovative, high-quality products for today’s ambitious computer gamer. Always operating in close collaboration with the gaming community, the company’s advanced input devices, headsets and accessories offer extreme precision, first-class ease-of-use and unique, eye-catching design. ROCCAT™ entered the scene with its Kone Gaming Mouse – a high-performance device that still ranks as one of the world’s premier gaming peripherals. A long list of international awards attests to the ingenious design and world-class quality of ROCCAT™ products.

ROCCAT started out in Europe, expanded to Asia and now is coming to the US with their products. Here are the details on the new products:

ROCCAT™ to Unveil Groundbreaking Gear at E3 & Computex – Including Power-Grid Hands-On

Hamburg, 10 May 2012 – ROCCAT Studios, the German manufacturer of professional gaming equipment, is ready to roll out an impressive line-up of new products at E3 in Los Angeles on June 7 and at Computex in Taipei on June 5.

High on the list is the ROCCAT™ Kone XTD – Max Customization Gaming Mouse – the new incarnation of the legendary ROCCAT™ Kone[+]. Equipped with the latest technological gaming innovations and an 8200 DPI Pro Aim R3 laser sensor – as well as being loaded with the full power of ROCCAT™ software – the Kone XTD is expected to surpass its famous predecessor and claim supremacy in the field of laser gaming mice. The “Next Gen” Kone is expected to hit shelves internationally early October 2012.

The Hamburg-based gaming peripherals manufacturer will also show off its ROCCAT™ Lua – Tri-Button Gaming Mouse at both E3 and Computex. Packing a fully- adjustable 2000 DPI Pro Optic sensor in a sleek, ambidextrous V-shape, the Lua delivers straightforward control, comfort and style for both left- and right-handed gamers. The Lua will be in shops around the globe August 2012.

And finally, in what is sure to be exciting news for many gamers, ROCCAT™ has announced that the first beta version of the much-anticipated ROCCAT™ Power-Grid app will be available for hands-on use at both E3 and Computex. Power-Grid – which allows PC gamers to control their games and computer with their smartphone – sent a seismic jolt through the gaming world when first announced. And the buzz continues.

“I’m thrilled about our global fan base,” says René Korte, ROCCAT Studios Founder and CEO. “We’re still young, but we’re going full steam ahead internationally. ROCCAT started in Europe in 2007. In 2010 we opened our Asian office, and this year we launched our US business. We are, and will continue to be, dedicated to helping players worldwide enjoy the best possible PC gaming experience. And the future looks awesome.”Come visit ROCCAT™ at Computex 2012 in Taipei in TWTC Hall 3, Booth G0536.Come visit ROCCAT™at E3 in Los Angeles in the West Exhibit Hall, Booth 5654.

The mice certainly look interesting, but that Power Grid device is also very intriguing. We’ll keep an eye on these products and bring you any updates.

ROCCAT Website–Learn More!

Cyberlink PowerDVD Mobile App Updated for iOS

Andrew Edney

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May 10, 2012

0

Cyberlink PowerDVD Mobile App Updated for iOS

We recently told you about PowerDVD 12, and now the PowerDVD Mobile App has been updated for iOS devices.

Extend your entertainment experience from your PC’s PowerDVD 12 to your iPhone and iPad, Android phone and Tablet. PowerDVD Mobile v.4 is designed for your iOS devices, you can easily use PowerDVD Mobile to browse and playback content store on your Windows PC’s PowerDVD 12, including movies, photos and music. Moreover, you can also push the videos & photos you take to your PC’s PowerDVD without the hassle to copy the files.

PowerDVD Mobile v.4 paid version supports PowerDVD 12 Pro version users, if you are using PowerDVD 12 Ultra, you can download the free PowerDVD Mobile v.4 for Ultra

Key Features of PowerDVD Mobile v.4

– Wirelessly stream media from PowerDVD 12 on the PC to your iPhone and iPad, Android phone and tablet
– Wirelessly download MOV (H.264/AAC) videos, photos and music from PowerDVD 12 on the PC to PowerDVD Mobile
– Watch videos in stunning quality
– Play your favourite tunes in a feature filled music player
– Apply one-click photo enhancements to touch up photos
– Create and watch cool slideshows of your photos
– Create playlists or choose from a variety of different options to sort your media librar

What’s New in Version 4.0.6288

– Stability improvement and issue fixing

Buy PowerDVD Mobile from the Apple App Store

My Movies for Mac OS X Updated to version 1.20

Andrew Edney

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May 10, 2012

0

My Movies for Mac OS X Updated to version 1.20

As you may know, I am a huge fan of My Movies, and now Brian has released an update to My Movies for Mac OS X – taking it to version 1.20.

Introduction

My Movies for Mac OS X allows you to catalog your entire movie collection from our high quality online data service containing data for more than 475,000 DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD titles from various countries. The application supports Mac OS X 10.6 and higher.

Notice! The application is currently in Pre Release, and is freely available to everyone during this Pre Release period. The Pre Release distributions contains a time bomb functionality, allowing to function typically for one month from the release date.

My Movies for Mac OS X requires you to create a user account, or log on to an existing My Movies account to be able to use the program. Your collection will follow your user account through our online servers, allowing you to switch between different clients without ever loosing your data. If you log in to an existing My Movies account, your current collection will automatically be synchronized to My Movies for Mac OS X. Users of My Movies for iPhone, iPad or Android will automatically have their collection synchronized between My Movies for Mac OS X and your movie devices.

Availability

My Movies for Mac OS X is available in two different versions; an unlimited “Pro” application, available for purchase through the Mac App Store, and a “Free” application which is identical to the “Pro” version, but limited to 50 titles, a limitation that can be lifted either through contribution points or purchased points.

The Pro application can be purchased by clicking here.

The free application is at this time not available through the App Store, but instead available as a direct download on this page. This is due to Apple not allowing for trial software on the App Store.

The Free application can be downloaded by clicking here.

My Movies for Mac OS X and My Movies for Windows

My Movies for Mac OS X is a standalone software, synchronizing with the My Movies WebService.

The application is not a client for My Movies for Windows servers, such as My Movies for Windows Home Server and My Movies Collection Management functioning as server. This means that you cannot connect it to the My Movies Windows based solutions.

It is not planned that for the software to function as a client to the My Movies Windows software package at any point. The internal structure and functionality of the application differs in many ways to how the Windows software packages function. Depending on user feedback, it may be that this at some point will change, and while we would like the requests as feedback, it is not something users should expect.

Interface Overview

Below is an overview of the interface of My Movies for Mac OS X, allowing you to see the functionality of buttons and interface areas. You can click the image to view it in a larger version.

What’s New in Version 1.20

– Option to rate movies directly from the preview page added.
– Added button for quickly adding a watched event.
– Added button for quickly lenting and returning a title.
– Preview button when typing in description letting you view back cover at the same time.

Many minor bug fixes and adjustments.

Microsoft talks about Redesigning chkdsk and the new NTFS health model in Windows 8

Andrew Edney

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May 10, 2012

1

Microsoft talks about Redesigning chkdsk and the new NTFS health model in Windows 8

In the next of their building Windows 8 articles, Microsoft talks about the new NTFS health model and redesigning the chkdsk utility.

This is how Microsoft starts the article:

While exceedingly rare, there are a variety of unique causes for disk corruption today. Whether they are caused by media errors from the hard disk or transient memory errors, corruptions can happen in file system metadata (the information used to map physical blocks to that vacation photo you took last year). To maintain access to your data, Windows must isolate and correct these errors, and the way to do this is by running the chkdsk utility.

In past versions, NTFS implemented a simpler health model, where the file system volume was either healthy or not. In that model, the volume was taken offline for as long as necessary to fix the file system corruptions and bring the volume back to a healthy state. Downtime was directly proportional to the number of files in the volume.

Reliable telemetry data from systems all over the world have shown us that, although corruptions are quite rare, when chkdsk is needed, it can take between a few seconds to a few hours to run, depending on the number of files in the drive–and even longer for larger storage servers.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, we made significant optimizations to the speed of chkdsk but, as hard disk capacities have continued to double every 18 months and the number of files per volume is increasing at an equal rate, chkdsk has taken longer and longer to complete (even with speed improvements) .

So in Windows 8, we’ve changed the way we approach the health model of NTFS and changed the way we fix corruptions so as to minimize the downtime due to chkdsk. We’ve also introduced a new file system for the future, ReFS, which does not require an offline chkdsk to repair corruptions.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

We should be getting the release candidate of Windows 8 at the start of June.

Apple releases Safari version 5.1.7

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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May 10, 2012

0

Along with the OX Lion 10.7.4 update, Apple has also released version 5.1.7 of it’s Safari web browser.

Safari 5.1.7 contains improvements to performance, stability, compatibility, and security, including changes that:
•    Improve the browser’s responsiveness when the system is low on memory
•    Fix an issue that could prevent webpages from responding after using a pinch to zoom gesture
•    Fix an issue that could affect websites using forms to authenticate users
Disable versions of Adobe Flash Player that do not include the latest security updates and provide the option to get the current version from Adobe’s website.

For more information, please visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5271.