Tag: the-end

Linux to drop i386 support in the 3.8 kernel, make us upgrade our Doom rig

Linux has developed a reputation for running on just about anything . If proposed changes to the 3.8 kernel take effect, we’ll have to add an “almost” disclaimer. The OS’ maintainers expect to drop support for Intel’s i386 architecture with the new release, noting that there’s “quite a bit of complexity” that could be lifted by swinging the focus to (much) newer chips. Don’t expect Torvalds to have much nostalgia for i386 despite basing much of his early work on it, either, as he’s bidding “good riddance” to the legacy code. We can’t blame the Linux collective for wanting to drop support for 27-year-old silicon that’s well out of fashion, even in embedded components; you’ll just have to forgive us if we shed a tear for that retro gaming PC which finally fell off the update bandwagon. [Image credit: Konstantin Lanzet, Wikipedia ] Filed under: Software Comments Via: ZDNet , Extremetech Source: Kernel.org , Gmane.org

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Linux to drop i386 support in the 3.8 kernel, make us upgrade our Doom rig

Google shuts down features and services for ‘winter cleaning’

Seasons change and web services shut down — such in life. Google today announced some “difficult decisions” regarding a number of properties, particularly Calendar, which will see the end of several “less popular” features on the 4th of next month. On the list of blacked out capabilities are the ability to make reservable times through the service’s Appointment slots. Smart Rescheduler and Add Gadget by URL are also set to go black on that date, while the ability to check one’s calendar and create events via SMS are coming to an end today. On January 30th, meanwhile, it will no longer be possible to set up new devices with Google Sync. That date also marks the end of Google Sync for Nokia S60 and SyncML — and today, the company’s discontinuing Google Calendar Sync. Also on the chopping block are Google’s Issue Tracker API and Punchd. More info on all the shutdowns can be found in the source link. Filed under: Internet , Software , Google Comments Via: The Next Web Source: The Official Google Blog

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Google shuts down features and services for ‘winter cleaning’

Acer Iconia W700 review: a Core i5 Windows 8 slate that doesn’t skimp on battery life

Until PC makers figure out what consumers want in their Windows 8 PCs, they’ll be throwing different designs at the proverbial wall to see what sticks. One thing’s for sure, though: laptop / tablet hybrids have already made it. So far, we’ve seen a mix of models, some with low-power Atom processors, and others with laptop-grade Core i5 CPUs inside. Basically, a choice between amazing horsepower and long battery life. In Acer’s lineup, specifically, we’ve already had a chance to play with the Iconia W510 , an Atom-powered device with a keyboard dock. Now we’re taking a look at the Iconia W700 ($800 and up), an 11-inch tablet that’s essentially an Ultrabook with no keyboard attached. Based on that brief summary you’d think it had the same form factor as the smaller W510, but you’d be wrong. Whereas the W510 has a keyboard dock with a built-in battery, the W700 has a cradle with a modular kickstand you can use you to prop up the tablet in landscape or portrait mode. There’s no battery inside the dock, and the keyboard is a standalone product; you’ll have to pack it separately if you decide you need it on a trip. So is there any advantage to having a design with so many different pieces? And how does that Core i5 processor fare, anyway? Let’s see. Gallery: Acer Iconia W700 review Continue reading Acer Iconia W700 review: a Core i5 Windows 8 slate that doesn’t skimp on battery life Filed under: Laptops , Tablets , Acer Comments

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Acer Iconia W700 review: a Core i5 Windows 8 slate that doesn’t skimp on battery life

Apple debuts new, more detailed status page for iCloud and other services

As those affected by recent iMessage outages no doubt noticed, Apple’s status page for its various services hasn’t exactly been the most detailed around. That’s changed a bit today, however, with the company rolling out a new page that promise to offer a better look at what’s working and what’s not across iCloud, iTunes and Apple’s other services. As you can see above, that includes a grid that provides a quick look at any outages currently occurring, below which is a more detailed timeline that lets you look back at any past outages and how long they lasted. Filed under: Internet , Apple Comments Via: The Next Web Source: Apple

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Apple debuts new, more detailed status page for iCloud and other services

Drobo’s new 5N is a speedy $600 NAS for when you need files, stat

Tragically, we only learned about Drobo’s new 5N after we’d hired a warehouse the size of an aircraft hanger to store our latest, 12 million page novel. If you want to avoid our mistake, then the company’s latest NAS might end your own storage woes. The new hardware is part of the same family as the 5D and Drobo Mini , except this one ditches the Thunderbolt connection in favor of a single gigabit-ethernet port. Inside, there’s space for five 3.5-inch drives, giving you a maximum capacity of 20TB. An mSATA slot for an SSD drive will let you make use of Drobo’s “data-aware tiering” feature, which gives applications like Adobe Lightroom and iTunes faster access to your NAS-stored files. The base model will set you back $600 and will be available in “mid December,” which we impatiently hope is a euphemism for “tomorrow.” Continue reading Drobo’s new 5N is a speedy $600 NAS for when you need files, stat Filed under: Storage Comments Source: Drobo

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Drobo’s new 5N is a speedy $600 NAS for when you need files, stat

Leaked chart appears to spill beans on Intel’s Haswell desktop CPU range

The folks over at VR-Zone have snagged a chart which purports to represent Intel’s plans for the Haswell architecture in 2013. If genuine, then we can expect at least 14 new desktop CPUs to arrive next year, including a range-topping 3.5GHz Core i7 with 400MHz of headroom in boost mode and a TDP of just 84W — i.e. midway between Sandy and Ivy Bridge in terms of power consumption, but not bad when you consider this’ll be a higher performance architecture with no transistor shrinkage . Integrated graphics have also apparently been tweaked, with a reference to HD 4600. Since we can’t expect Intel to confirm the leak, we’ll just have to file this one in the “plausible” cabinet. (What, you didn’t know we had filing cabinets?) Comments Via: Ubergizmo Source: VR-Zone (Translated)

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Leaked chart appears to spill beans on Intel’s Haswell desktop CPU range

GE uses dual piezo jets to keep a Core i7 laptop cool, play a merry tune (hands-on video)

Cooling fans are the bane of many a laptop user’s existence. The tiny things are often over-taxed right out of the box and, after a year or two worth of dust and detritus gets in them, they complain more and more loudly. As much as we hate them, engineers hate them more, as they take up precious space beneath the keyboard and draw precious juice from the battery. GE has a better solution, so-called dual piezo cooling jets. They’re just 1mm thick, could consume a fraction of the power of a fan and contain no moving parts — at least, not in the traditional sense. As a demo of their potential, GE created a prototype Core i7-powered laptop, cooled only by these jets. Click on through for our impressions. Gallery: GE Global Research dual piezo cooling jet prototype Continue reading GE uses dual piezo jets to keep a Core i7 laptop cool, play a merry tune (hands-on video) Filed under: Laptops , Science Comments

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GE uses dual piezo jets to keep a Core i7 laptop cool, play a merry tune (hands-on video)

Brain pacemakers show promise in Alzheimer’s trials, might open new treatment possibilities

Deep-brain electrical stimulation has been around for awhile — rousing folks from comas and helping researchers find new ways to treat OCD, depression and maybe even obesity. Now doctors are testing the so-called “brain pacemakers,” on Alzheimer’s patients and the results are promising, but not conclusive. After a year of treatment, six patients showed higher glucose consumption in PET scans of the learning and memory areas of the brain — a change that is associated with increased neuron activity. Glucose metabolism typically decrease as a result of the disease. Researchers are seeking more patients for the trial, and are optimistic that the technique could one day be used to stave off some of Alzheimer’s debilitating symptoms. Filed under: Science , Alt Comments Source: Technology Review , Functional Neuro Modulation

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Brain pacemakers show promise in Alzheimer’s trials, might open new treatment possibilities

Netflix 1080p streams no longer called X-High, company credits improved encodes

While Netflix Watch Instantly movie streams are mostly useful for casual viewing, if you’re interested in the actual quality of the video provided you may have noticed a few changes recently. Chronicled in a thread on AVS Forum and reported to us by several tipsters, more than a few users have noticed their streams on 1080p-capable hardware ( PlayStation 3 , WDTV Live) no longer rock the “X-High” notification (on PS3, hit select to view more information bout your streaming details) that had previously let them know they were getting the highest quality possible. We checked with Netflix, and according to the company, it’s rolling out better encoding that improves picture quality despite using a lower bitrate. That means 1080p works even for people with slower connections, and increases detail on “textures, shadows, skies, and particularly faces.” As a result, what was previously called “X-High HD” is now being labeled a tier lower. While it wasn’t mentioned specifically, some are theorizing the move is tied into Netflix’s use of eyeIO’s video encoding tech , which it announced earlier this year, to shrink the size of streams. eyeIO claims it can chop bandwidth by more than half for a 720p stream, something we’re sure a company that’s pushing as much data as Netflix would appreciate. Still, some viewers in the thread are claiming a noticeably softer picture as a result. Check after the break for the statement from Netflix, then take some time for “research” and let us know if you’re noticing any changes in picture quality lately. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Continue reading Netflix 1080p streams no longer called X-High, company credits improved encodes Filed under: Home Entertainment , HD Comments Source: AVS Forum , Tech of the Hub

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Netflix 1080p streams no longer called X-High, company credits improved encodes

Google Apps discontinues basic package, asks new customers to pony up $50 per user for premium

Looking towards Mountain View to provide a suite of digital tools for your new business? Make sure to pen per-user costs into your ledger — Google Apps isn’t free anymore. According to Google’s enterprise blog, the basic Google Apps package is being abandoned to streamline the service, offering businesses a single, $50 per user option that promises 24/7 phone support, 25GB inboxes and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Pre-existing free customers can still hum along unmolested, of course, and the standard pricing doesn’t apply to schools or universities, either. Personal Google accounts are still free too, doling out gratis Gmail and Drive access to anyone with a unique user name. The team hopes that streamlining the Apps will allow it to provide better service, possibly offering enterprise users new features on a faster timetable. Filed under: Internet , Google Comments Source: Google

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Google Apps discontinues basic package, asks new customers to pony up $50 per user for premium