Saturday, June 27, 2009

IT News HeadLines (TechConnect Magazine) 27/06/2009


TechConnect Magazine
Patriot intros the AMD Black Edition G series DDR3 memory kits
Patriot Memory has now announced a new addition to its memory offer, the AMD Black Edition-oriented Gamer series DDR3 dual channel kits. Available in 2 x 2GB configurations, the memory kits target overclockers and enthusiasts that use and abuse systems powered by a Black Edition AM3 Phenom processor.

"We are thrilled to launch our new AMD Black Edition Ready G Series for use with AMD OverDriveأ¢آ„آ¢ software," says Mai Kosla, Patriot's VP of Sales. "Receiving the AMD Black Edition Ready approval is a testimony for Patriot's high standards in engineering and quality manufacturing."

Backed by a lifetime warranty, the first G series Black Edition-loving are:

- PGS34G1333LLKA - 4GB | 1333 MHz (frequency) | 7-7-7-20 (timings) | 1.7V (voltage)
- PGS34G1333ELKA - 4GB | 1333 MHz | 9-9-9-24 | 1.5V
- PGS34G1600LLKA - 4GB | 1600 MHz | 7-7-7-20 | 1.9V
- PGS34G1600ELKA - 4GB | 1600 MHz | 9-9-9-24 | 1.8V


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EVGA rolls out new SLI Enhancement Patch
EVGA has now introduced a fresh SLI patch for users running GeForce-based multi-GPU setups. This thirteen release is based on the GeForce 186.18 driver, it has all the SLI profiles that have been included in it, and adds SLI support for the full and demo version of ArmA 2 and Merchants of Brooklyn

To download the patch for the 32 and 64bit versions of Windows XP and Vista, simply visit this page (EVGA membership required).


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Facebook technical operations VP sends message to server CPU makers
Facebook turned heads and raised eyebrows at the late Structure 2009 cloud computing bonanza, when the company's vice president of technical operations expressed his"dissatisfaction" with the latest processors slated for server placements that are coming off the factory floors from the top silicon handlers- Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel.

"The biggest thing I think that surprised us was...less than anticipated performance gains from new... CPUs from guys like Intel and AMD," said Jonathan Heiliger. "The performance gains they're touting in the press are not what we're seeing in our applications and we're...trying to figure out why. Otherwise we're left with current generation technology."

As well as this he talked about power saving, and how companies like Facebook have that in their minds as one of the top ranking concerns for infrastructure expenses.

Heiliger saved his best broadside for the OEMs and server makers in the audience. "You guys don't get it," he denounced boldly. He says that the power supply isn't everything, and that power consumption needs to be refined from outlet to core processor.

A big eye opener for the server R&D departments out there - and whilst this info isn't new by any stretch, it is a pleasant surprise to hear it out in the open once and for all.

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TeamViewer version 4.1.6320 software update
TeamViewer is a simple and fast solution for remote control, desktop sharing and file transfer that works behind any firewall and NAT proxy. To connect to another computer just run TeamViewer on both machines without the need of an installation procedure. With the first start automatic partner IDs are generated on both computers. Enter your partner's ID into TeamViewer and the connection is established immediately. With over 15 million users TeamViewer is a standard tool to give support and assistance to people in remote locations.

The software can also be used for presentations, where you can show your own desktop to a partner.

Changes include:
- TeamViewer Host for 24/7 access to unattended systems
- Integrated update function that can also be activated remotely
- QuickSupport removes all temporary files on program shutdown
- Some popups could not be closed remotely
- As well as additional minor fixes and changes

TeamViewer is completely free for private use.

Website: TeamViewer
Download: TeamViewer 4.1.6320

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Philips releases Powersensor LCD monitor
There are many energy-saving monitors in the market right now, so, Philips decided to take things a little further by introducing the new 22 inch Brilliance LCD a monitor. What makes this monitor different is that it comes with a feature named "PowerSensor", that senses whether you are in front of your computer or not. When the monitor detects that you left it alone, then automatically it dials down the brightness and lowers power consumption by 50%. This function works independently from the PC.

Other features on this eco-friendly monitor are; a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a 5ms response time, and also VGA and DVI inputs.

It will be availably from July and it will retail at $280.

Link:Philips


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Netsuite vamp up services with Google Checkout support
NetSuite software developers have announced that their Ecommerce platform has now undergone a major upgrade and is now fully integrated with the Google Checkout service; giving merchants that use the service one more payment option to bank on.

Google's popular service has grown and become quite competitive in recent years, and NetSuite are making an attempt to protect themselves from those that may leave the service in order to migrate to pure Google Checkout transactions.

It sounds like a safe bet but one thing is for sure - you will be surprised to hear that the firm has already launched figures showing that customers who have added Google Checkout to their site pages have already seen double-digit growths in online sales.

"We are excited to work together with Google to deliver on our shared commitment to e-commerce businesses," said Mini Peiris, vice president of product marketing at NetSuite. "With Google Checkout, NetSuite provides online merchants with another payment solution that addresses the needs of their consumers and contributes to their businessأ¢آ€آ™ bottom line.

The NetSuite Google Checkout Integration online payment option has no setup or monthly fees. Merchants pay a per-transaction fee to Google of 1.9 per cent to 2.9 per cent, plus 30 cents (18p) per transaction, depending on monthly sales volume. Said new capabilities will be available to customers in the UK by the end of this month, so keep an eye on it if you are a NetSuite user.

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Garmin introduces two easy to use handheld GPS units
Garmin, a company that specialises in satellite navigation, announced the launch of two new handheld GPS navigators, the Dakota 10 and the Dakota 20. These models are waterproof, feature a glove-friendly, colour 2.6-inch touchscreen, and can maintain satellite reception even in heavy tree cover or deep canyons. Both devices offer an 850 MB of internal memory which means you can store up to, 1000 waypoints, 50 routes, 2,000 geocaches and an active tracklog of up to 10,000 points and 200 saved tracks.

The Dakota 20 is more advanced as it also boasts a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, a microSD card slot for increased memory storage, and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity.

"As families and friends explore the outdoors, from an exotic locale to the local park, Dakota helps keep their adventures affordable and enjoyable," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales.

They will be available this fall and you will have to spend $299.99 for the Dakota 10 and $349.99 for the 20.

Link:Garmin




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One more Opera 10 beta build up for grabs
The Opera Software Desktop Team is keeping itself and us busy by releasing the second Opera 10 beta snapshot this week, just in time for the weekend. According to the changelog provided, the update includes the following:

User Interface

- Changed name of "Transfers" to "Downloads"
- Tweaks to the windows native skin
- Added Turbo warning icon
- Added Open Folder button to file browse control
- Partial fix for Bug DSK-247823 (Menu item 'Edit > Check spelling' must be updated) The desktop part of the new rewrite on how to turn on and off spellcheker
- Fixed Bug DSK-254466 ("Add contact" mail button - inconsistent capitilization)
- Fixed Bug DSK-255284 (Translated strings in Romanian do not fit Crash and Appearance dialog)
- Fixed Bug DSK-256214 (Unite status button: More space needed for translation)
- Fixed Bug DSK-256583 (Double click on note to insert into mail doesn't work when replying)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257018 (Some buttons get bigger when focused)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257029 ("Open Service" should be disabled if the service is in the trash can) plus: consistently disable "properties" for trashed Unite services
- Fixed Bug DSK-257076 (New "synch opera" button in Speed Dial is too small)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257089 (Windows native: Text in Speed Dial search field impossible to read with dark background image)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257143 (Tiled background in Speed Dial isn't remembered)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257190 (Unable to edit file/folder chooser boxes by hand)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257195 (Panel header text becomes unbolded when customised)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257223 (Update dialog, new version download size value does not fit)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257233 (Automatic Turbo mode not reflected in status field)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257256 (Crash when performing mouse gesture while gesture dialog is open)

Core

- Fixed Bug CORE-2227 (Onload script not executed in frameset where one frame's src is set to "#")
- Fixed Bug CORE-22239 (Make sure MultiEdit fields will be spellchecked if the spelling checker is turned on when it doesn't have focus)
- Fixed Bug CORE-22240 (Make sure there is no active sessions and spellcheckers when a user turns off the spellchecker)
- Fixed Bug DSK-251746 (Aborting print from VG.no crashes Opera)
- Fixed Bug DSK-256927 (File with spaces not opened after download)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257213 (WMP not painting when going back/forward (and sometimes not on first load))

Mail

- Fixed Bug DSK-253679 (When you reply to a message the cursor is invisible)

Opera Unite

- Experimental UPnP changes
- Fix for a bug that prevented every device but the first to notify the correct opened port to the proxy
- Fixed Bug CORE-22068 (WebServerResponse.closeAndRedispatch sends a 405 under a POST request)
- Fixed Bug DSK-253872 (Cannot start root service)
- Fixed Bug DSK-255768 (Wait until the webserver and the services are initialized before restoring unite: URLs from sessions)
- Fixed Bug DSK-257145 (Opera crashes on startup when Unite is disabled)
- Fixed Bug DSK-256640 (Crash when starting Unite)

Windows

- Fixed Bug DSK-254084 (Two entries in Add/Remove Programs after upgrading with MSI installer (as admin on Vista, or limited user on XP and Vista))
- Fixed Bug DSK-254083 (Error dialog when selecting current limited user in the Run As dialog when autoupdating using limited account on XP)

Unix

- Fixed Bug CORE-21872 (Crash when starting Unite)
- Possible fix for Bug DSK-224080 (Flash content makes opera crash on Sparc Solaris), add workaround for Sun X bug
- Fixed Bug DSK-240834 (Qt4-shared build uses Qt3 settings)
- Fixed Bug DSK-253944 (Plugin wrapper crash)
- Fixed Bug DSK-255517 (Move ttf fonts from Suggests to Recommends in Debian packages); modernized the list of font packages

Mac

- Fixed Bug DSK-203698 (Aqua skin progressbar display issues)
- Partial Fix of Bug DSK-255214 (White artifact cover entire page when reloading using Reload button)
- Fixed Bug DSK-256977 (Missing background styling for dropdown menus at play.com)
- Fixed Bug DSK-256991 (Opacity related crash)

This Opera 10 beta build can be downloaded for Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

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Techconnect Review Round-up 26/6/09
CPU & Motherboard

- ASUS M4N82 Deluxe Motherboard @ Neoseeker
- ASRock M3A780GXH/128M @ Phoronix
- ASUS P6T7 WS Supercomputer Motherboard @ motherboards.org
- ASUS Crosshair III Formula (AMD 790FX) @ FiringSquad
- ECS X58B-A @ Overclockers Club

Memory

- Kingston HyperX T1 PC3-16000 3GB Memory Kit @ HardwareLogic

Storage

- LG XD4 500GB desktop external hard drive @ RegHardware
- Seagate Replica PC Backup System @ Digital Trends
- Verbatim BD-R and BD-RE BluRay Media @ OCModShop
- Highpoint RocketRAID 3510 SATA II RAID Controller @ OC Online
- 2 TB Hard Disk Drive Battle: Seagate Barracuda LP vs. Western Digital Caviar Green @ Hardware Secrets
- Kingston SSDNow V-Series @ PureOC
- Kingston DataTraveler 200 128GB @ ITreviewed

Graphics cards

- Sapphire Radeon HD 4650 512MB @ TheTechLounge

Enclosures & PSUs

- New Power Supply Units from Antec, Enermax and Seasonic @ X-bit labs
- Coolermaster Sileo 500 Chassis Series Case @ HiTech Legion
- NZXT Panzerbox PC Case @ I4U News
- ICY DOCK MB877SK-B HDD dock @ Bjorn3d

Cooling and modding

- Five Premium CPU Coolers In Tests @ iXBT Labs
- NZXT Cryo S 15 inch Notebook Cooler @ Legit Reviews
- Spire TherMax II CPU cooler @ techPowerUp

Peripherals

- Thrustmaster T.16000M Joystick @ ThinkComputers

PCs

- CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Si @ Techware Labs
- System76 Bonobo Professional @ Phoronix
- Toshiba NB200-10Z - 10.1in Netbook @ TrustedReviews

Photo and video cameras

- Pentax Optio W60, Ricoh G600, Canon PowerShot D10, Panasonic Lumix FT1 and Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP @ TechRadar

Sound

- Monster Turbine Headphones @ Techware Labs

Other

- Bigfoot Xeno @ Boot Daily
- Palm Pre @ Digital Trends
- LG Arena LG-KM900 @ VR-Zone
- Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB Smartphone @ TweakTown
- Dell 2145cn - Laser MFP and Alcatel OT-S319 @ TrustedReviews
- LG Viewty Smart (GC900) @ TechRadar

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Apple increases its stake in Imagination to 9.5%
Countering the moves made by Intel this past week, shiny tech thingies designer Apple has bought more Imagination Technologies stock to increase its stake in the UK-based company from 3.6% to 9.5%. With these new buys Apple is still behind Intel, which now owns about 16% of Imagination, but the Cupertino company may continue to acquire shares to reduce the gap between it and Intel.

Imagination Technologies is the company behind the PowerVR series of graphics cores which have been licenses by both Intel and Apple, as well as Samsung and other IT companies.

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