Gregarius » BetaNews.Com » septembre 1, 2014

BetaNews.Com (16 non lus)

Microsoft raises Azure availability, lowers prices

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 11:24pm CEST par Barclay Ballard

Microsoft has announced service enhancements and a reduced price scheme for its Azure SQL database, as a result of customer feedback.

Microsoft has now promised to deliver a service-level agreement (SLA) of 99.99 percent availability, equivalent to a downtime of just 53 minutes per year.

This will come as a welcome increase from the 99.95 percent previously delivered, particularly given the number of Azure outages that have occurred in recent weeks.

The company has also confirmed price cuts of up to 50 percent compared with existing charges, in order to "help more customers benefit from higher performance and greater business continuity".

Alongside this, the firm has introduced a new low cost performance level called S0, enabling more customers to benefit from features in the Standard Tier. The monthly cost of S0 will be $15 (£9) and will be available from November, when the new price scheme launches.

Eron Kelly, general manager of product marketing for Microsoft SQL Server, said in a blog post that the company would be altering how it charges for the service.

"Azure SQL Database will move to hourly billing for the new service tiers. This will provide customers with greater flexibility to shift between service tiers and performance levels, based on demand patterns, to gain cost-effective, reliable performance", he said.

Kelly also added that his team were working on enabling independent software vendors (ISVs) to manage resources across databases rather than individually.

"For example, some SaaS ISVs may have a separate SQL database for each customer and as the activity of each database varies, they want to manage a pool of resources with a defined budget across these customer databases", he said.

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

Photo Credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock
Goodbye Windows, I'm sticking with Chrome OS

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 10:07pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

Earlier this summer I wrote about moving to a Chromebook -- I'm working from my porch and I want something easily portable. I stated at the time that I was not sure where things would lead when the weather took a turn for the cooler. In previous years I've used a Windows 8.x (or 7) computer, as my office contains two desktops and a laptop running the Microsoft operating system as well.

Don't get me wrong -- I still see a need for the platform, but I simply don't see it for myself. I write in Word, which has a Chrome app. I edit images, which Pixlr handles quite well. Beyond that, I do little else outside of checking email and scouring the web for news.

I certainly understand that not everyone is the same. Some likely need the OS to get by in daily life, and have occasional need for Photoshop, which is the one thing that sends me scampering off to my office. But the need these days is greatly reduced. It's become a specialized use-case scenario, and some of those uses can be carried out with other platforms.

It's unlikely Windows will leave many enterprise environments anytime soon -- that's to be expected. These things change slowly and some necessary software is dedicated to the platform.

I don't code. I don't edit video. I have few real needs, and I'm likely the same as many users. Most purchase more computer than they need, and more headache than they care to deal with. I simply do not need hassles in my life.

Windows 8.1 is a very good operating system (yes, I actually like it). Windows 9, which is now known as Threshold, is exciting and intriguing. I'll try it when it debuts and I'll see what I think, and perhaps it will sway me, though I have severe doubts about that prospect, at least for now.

When the weather makes a turn for the worse, then I shall head back inside, though it won't be back to Windows. We simply aren't compatible anymore -- it's not Microsoft, it's me. Sorry, but we must break up, though I'll see you again for that rare use-case scenario that crops up from time to time.
BBC aims to make programming sexy with new coding TV shows for kids

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 9:01pm CEST par Mark Wilson

The BBC is looking to create a new generation of code monkeys with a programming push in schools throughout England. Of all the subjects available to study at school, computer science, IT, computing (call it what you will) isn’t exactly, you know, sexy and exciting, but the Beeb is hoping to change that. Back in the 1980s the BBC -- the UK's license free subsidized public service broadcaster -- spearheaded a drive to popularize computing in general, but particularly programming. Three decades later, the new initiative includes plans for not just one, but several programming-themed TV shows aimed at children.

The BBC has already held talks with Microsoft, BT, Google and Samsung, and has managed to sign agreements with between 10 and 20 partners to help with the new endeavor. In addition to the TV shows, there will also be a range of study guides and other material made available at BBC Bitesize, the broadcaster's online education resource. Jessica Cecil, controller of the BBC's coding and digital creative initiative, said: "It's about giving the next generation a chance to shape their world, not just be consumers in it."

While the TV shows will start broadcasting in the fall, the full study program won’t roll out until early next year. The initiative has been designed to be as inclusive as possible, with some components having been designed for children of primary school age -- the full curriculum will follow school kids through their education up to the age of 16. While older children have "algorithms, data representation and binary" to look forward to, the younger ones get started with "debugging programs, writing animation code and explaining how the internet works".

As a public service broadcaster, the BBC is obliged to be impartial, so care has to be taken that any partnerships that may be forged do not become "too close". But the latest venture has been welcomed by Eben Upton, from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. "I think it's a fantastic initiative -- the BBC is getting back to its roots and advocating for computing education in the same way it did in the 1980s, but with all the advantages of doing it with a modern, internet-enabled platform. The bits and pieces I've seen so far look very promising".

Photo credit: Ross Petukhov / Shutterstock
Microsoft lifts 2GB file size limit for some OneDrive users

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 7:11pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Cloud storage continues to increase in popularity, and as more and more demands are made of the various services that are available, limitations are easy to spot. One limitation that has irked OneDrive users for some time is the fact that it is only possible to synchronize files up to 2GB in size. Over on the OneDrive uservoice page, there have been numerous complaints from users as well as queries about when the limitation might be lifted. A couple of weeks ago Group Program Manager, Omar Shahine explained that: "It’s simply an old limit that we’ve been working on removing for far too long now. The good news is that we are actively working on this".

And work on it they did. Reddit user megaman821 noticed that larger than normal files had started to sync in his account: "I had some 2-3 GB files sitting in my OneDrive and today when I looked they were all synced. I don't know if this is a global rollout or only a few have it. Anyone else have their large files syncing?" The comment thread includes posts from users who find themselves in a similar situation, as well as those who still have the 2GB limit on their account. A quick poll in the BetaNews offices showed that it was certainly not a universal file size limit increase, so we reached out to Microsoft. A spokesperson said:

"As we mentioned on our uservoice, we have started the work to increase the file size limit for all OneDrive accounts. We have started the process with a small number of customers and will continue to roll it out to our full customer base. We will have more to share on this update in the new future, stay tuned to the OneDrive blog".

While only a small number of accounts seem to have been bumped up at the moment, the increase is already being well received. The @biggerthan2gb Twitter account has been tracking the story and noticed the ability to sync larger files just the other day. So, in answer to your question @biggerthen2gb, it's not quite "official", but it will be soon hopefully:

Hey @OneDrive it looks like you removed the 2GB size limit? Is this official now, you should tell people if so :) pic.twitter.com/nWjcRXKjoz

— Bigger Than 2GB (@biggerthan2gb) August 29, 2014

Photo credit: pics4sale / Shutterstock
Instantly generate sketched characters with DrawWiz

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 7:00pm CEST par Mike Williams

DrawWiz is an easy-to-use app, Windows and Mac program which instantly generates professional sketches of female cartoon characters.

There's no artistic ability required, fortunately. The app provides hundreds of pre-drawn elements -- situations, face shapes, hair styles, eyes, nose, mouth -- and all you have to do is pick the ones you need.

You begin with a template sketch of a character. There are more than 120 available, some in specific situation -- shopping, cooking, eating, studying, dancing, more -- while others are just figures.

If this starting point isn't what you need, then you can just click another, maybe have her walking the dog, or riding a bicycle.

It's much the same story when you start to customize other details, replacing her hairstyle, adding some sunglasses, whatever it might be. And although this mix-and-match approach sounds very basic, the wide range of options did hold our interest for a while.

Choosing a mouth, for example, doesn't just define the shape of the lips. It also conveys various expressions: happy, sad, surprised, angry. Eyes can be sleepy, tired, maybe flirty. Or you might tweak the sketch further with tears, scars, a plaster, earrings and more, all helping to give your character some real personality.

There are also options to tweak basic elements like ink color and background, and, once you're happy, the sketch can be saved as an image for re-use wherever you like.

DrawWiz is a very basic app, then, but saved by the range and quality of its artwork. If you can use this type of sketch, go take a look.
Your personal porn is public

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 6:59pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

The Internet is buzzing about celebrity nude photos pilfered from iCloud. The problem is bigger than Apple's security, if breached, which I doubt. Behavior is the larger concern, and how people adapt during the contextual cloud computing era. If your phone automatically syncs pictures or videos to any cloud service -- Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive, or another -- you must assume that nothing is private.

That personal nude video you shoot on the HandyCam is very different from the one taken on Galaxy S5, iPhone 5s, or another device. I should be stating the obvious, but given pervasive attitudes about the Internet -- where people feel safe browsing in the sanctity of their domicile or WiFi coffee shop -- carelessness must be the presumption. These leaked celeb nudes, if real rather than Photoshopped, are good example. Simple rule: Don't shoot any photos or videos on a cloud-connected device you don't want everyone to see.

I've thought to write about this topic often, and yesterday's nude celebrity frenzy is good reason to do so now. Smartphones are very personal devices. We use them to connect to others, to collect memories, and to share things that matter with those with whom we feel closest. All of that can become public. That's the downside of cloud computing. Your stuff is only as safe as the security protecting it.

Given the number of security breaches, the disastrous OpenSSL exploit, and the means by which anyone can sniff your stuff -- like the open WiFi at Starbucks -- you can't assume anything on your personal device won't be made public.

For us peons there's not much to worry about. But celebs are a different matter. That paparazzi could be you snapping selfies or capturing that earth-shaking screw with your new lover.

The Guardian is likely correct asserting that Apple's iCloud likely wasn't hacked. The most-likely point of vulnerability is you. I see Millennials passing around their phones -- and access to stuff -- all the time. Your friend whom you let access Facebook or iCloud account becomes a point of vulnerability, even if not deliberately. What if they're hacked or phished, for example, and your credentials are pilfered? What if they see your nude and quickly email a copy to themselves? Hell, what if you email, where it remains synced to your Sent folder?

There are lots of scenarios by which what's personal becomes public, when stored on a cloud-connected device or when what's private syncs to an online service. "Don't share your device" is a good rule, particularly if a celeb. Go through the hassle of using two-step verification, which I have on all my important accounts. Use a passcode on your device, and for iPhone 5s Apple provides a fingerprint reader. For a reason.

But most importantly, don't shoot nudes on your phone or other cloud-syncing device unless you want to risk them becoming public. You don't need to be a celeb to have enemies or angry exes, who see spreading your naked ass all over the Internet to be worth any reprisals. The elephant never forgets, and the Internet's memory is longer once people start sharing something. Be smart.

Photo Credit: Arman Zhenikeyev/Shutterstock
Lumsing Prophet Bluetooth Speaker: a powerful wireless audio solution [Review]

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 5:00pm CEST par Mark Wilson

We seem to have had something of a run on Lumsing products recently, but the focus has been on power -- both in-car and portable. Now it's time for something a little different from the same company: a wireless Bluetooth speaker. It can be used with phones, tablets, laptops and anything else that chucks out a Bluetooth signal; actually, there's a 3.5mm jack, so there is a wired option too. As this is, primarily, a wireless speaker, it should come as no surprise that it features a built in rechargeable battery. Charging comes via a USB port which you can connect to either a computer or a phone charger.

Let's skirt over the fact that the instruction manual provided with the speaker has a spelling mistake ("Propeht" rather than Prophet) and look at what the Prophet has to offer. This is a budget speaker, but its looks don’t give this away. The disc shape hides two speaker cones, surrounded by a silver trim. Smack in the middle of the speaker grill is a play/pause button which allows for music playback control, and also doubles up as a pick up/hang up button for your phone -- as well as play music from your phone, the Prophet can also be used to make (very loud) hands-free phone calls thanks to the built in microphone.

And the output is quite impressive. The two 5W speakers kick out a pleasing, deep, bassy sound; we're not talking high-end audio, but for a cheapy portable Bluetooth speaker, it does make one's ears prick up. If you're using the Prophet in conjunction with a phone or Bluetooth-enabled MP3 player, there's a little swing out drawer to sit your handset on. It's not ideal as it's a little unstable, but it's a nice touch. You’re not restricted to Bluetooth pairing -- which is very quick and simple -- in addition to the aforementioned 3.5mm jack, you also have the option to use NFC. At around 250g and measuring 120mm in diameter and 32mm in height, the Prophet manages to fall into the portable category.

The volume control at the back of the speaker can be awkward to reach, but there's one rather irritating oversight. While Luming claims 15 hours of battery life between charges, you should expect rather less (unless you listen to music at very, very low volumes); but you won't know when you're going to lose sound as there's no way to check the battery level.

In all, it's something of a confusing piece of hardware. It's clearly cheap (just look at the price tag), but you do get better quality than you might expect when parting with this amount of money. The build quality is more than acceptable, but the plasticky feel does detract from things slightly. The design is not perfect, but the price is hard to argue with… which brings us onto a final point. Just as BetaNews has been rather taken by Lumsing products of late, it seems that shoppers have been too. Usually available for $20 in the US and £20 in the UK, the speaker is currently out of stock on Amazon. Stock is currently available in Japan (￥2,799), but if you want one outside of the land of the rising sun, you'll have to keep an eye open for when shelves are restocked.
Quickly retouch your portraits with Free Photo Blemish Remover

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 5:00pm CEST par Mike Williams

High resolution digital photos are great for most purposes, but can be a little cruel for portrait shots, where every skin imperfection is suddenly blown up in extreme detail.

Some photo editors have "beautifying" modules to help clean such problems, or you can often fix them yourself with a little painting or clone work. Free Photo Blemish Remover is another option, a specialist tool which can remove image imperfections with a click.

The program opens with a simple thumbnail browser at the base of the screen. Initially this points at your Pictures folder, but it's easy enough to browse to some other location, then find and double-click on your target image to load it.

After that, it's all very straightforward. Move your mouse cursor over the image and it turns into a small circle, representing the Blemish Remover. Position this over whatever you'd like to lose, optionally resize it with the mouse wheel to more precisely fit the area, click, and that's it: Free Photo Blemish Remover instantly replaces the chosen area with a sample from a neighboring part of the photo.

While this is essentially just a custom clone tool, it's a reasonably flexible one. If you're not happy with the results, for instance, you can click and drag either the selection or the sample areas to reposition them.

A separate Opacity slider applies a little transparency, perhaps helping to blend the sampled area into your image.

There are exposure, contrast and saturation tweaks available if you need them, along with simple Rotate and Flip tools, and the adjusted image can be saved when you're done.

Free Photo Blemish Remover has a few annoying limitations. It doesn't have a one-step undo (you can't reverse your steps one at a time, only reset all of them to start again), and is only able to save images as JPEGs.

The program is extremely easy to use, though. Despite the name, it can be used to remove small unwanted objects or imperfections from almost any photo, and if you can’t do anything similar with your current image editor then it’s worth a try.
Turn your Surface Pro 3 into a desktop with the Docking Station [Review]

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 4:00pm CEST par Brian Fagioli
Earlier this year, Microsoft successfully blurred the lines between laptop and tablet with the Surface Pro 3. Yes, the company had attempted it twice before, but the small screens on the previous models made it a less-than-ideal laptop replacement. On the Surface Pro 3, stretching the screen to 12-inches and making it lighter finally achieved the portable productivity nirvana of which many of us dreamed.

While this was great for many, others like me had a dilemma; we do much of our computing at home. Sure, I need a portable machine for travel and working in, let's say, Starbucks; however, at home in my office, I want to use a big 27-inch screen, keyboard and mouse. This was achievable by using Bluetooth peripherals and connecting my monitor directly to the Surface. Sadly, this proved clunky and I needed a better way. Supposedly, that better way is now available with the official Docking Station, so I bought it. The question is, how is it?

The answer is, awesome. It expands the functionality and upgradeability of the Surface Pro 3. Here is what I have connected:
- AOC 27-inch display
- Logitech G402 mouse
- Feenix Autore Mechanical Keyboard
- Anker 2-port USB 3.0 hub
- 4TB Seagate Hard Drive in Archgon MH-3507HUB-U3A dock / hub
- LG USB DVD-/+RW Drive
- UE Boom Speaker (Bluetooth)
Unboxing

Ports
- Power supply input
- 3 USB 3.0 Ports
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- 3.5mm audio input/output connection
- Mini DisplayPort video output
- Kensington security lock slot
Connecting

Impressions

With all of my hardware connected to the dock, the Surface Pro 3 essentially becomes a desktop. Without going the Bluetooth route, you could accomplish the same goal by connecting a bunch of accessories (USB Ethernet, keyboard, mouse, etc.) to a USB hub, and connecting that hub to the Surface Pro 3 directly. However, this would be a mess of wires, and you would then have to plug and unplug three things into the computer -- the hub, the power cable and the mini DisplayPort cable. In other words, the $200 you are spending on the docking station is mostly for convenience.

For some, including myself, the convenience is worth the money. A clean desk is not only more attractive, but can be more conducive to being productive. There is something very satisfying about putting the tablet into the dock and instantly having a very powerful desktop. Of course, the concept is not new; laptop docking stations have been around for years. The genius of the dock, however, is the elegance and simplicity in which it behaves.

Upon docking the Surface Pro 3 for the first time, everything worked flawlessly. There was no configuration required; it is truly plug-and-play. However, by default, the screen is mirrored, which for me, is not ideal. By extending your desktop instead, you can take advantage of working with two monitors. The problem, however, is that the Surface Pro 3 screen is small in comparison to my 27-inch display. For doing work, I will obviously use the bigger monitor, but there are good uses for the smaller one too.

In my case, I let the Twitter app Tweetium run in full-screen. This allows me to glance at Twitter from time to time without leaving the work I am doing. Another great usage is listening to music. I am a huge proponent of Google Play Music All Access for streaming my tunes. I will leave a browser-window maximized on the Surface screen and use it to see what artist is playing or what song is coming up in the playlist. How you utilize the small screen is totally optional, but the potential is limitless.

While the internal 256GB SSD is rather roomy, it is not large enough for all of my storage needs. I have close to 300GB of just family photos and videos that I would like to access when I am at home. I am using a special dock to connect a 4TB desktop hard drive (exFAT formatted) to the Surface Pro 3. What is cool about this solution, is that if the computer is lost or stolen when travelling, my photos are safe at home and not being accessed by some creep. Of course, my precious family memories are regularly backed up to the cloud too, for both safety and mobile access.

Linux

Even though I love Windows 8.1 and the Surface Pro 3, I love Linux too. For this to truly replace my desktop, it has to run Linux distributions flawlessly. As a test, I grabbed Beta 1 of Ubuntu Gnome 14.10, since it has a very modern 3.16 kernel. I ran a live environment off of a flash drive to test the hardware compatibility. Shockingly, everything worked out of the box. Although, I shouldn't be too surprised I suppose, as the Surface Pro 3 runs on an Intel platform, and that company is a big Linux supporter. Dare I say that Microsoft has created one of the best Linux workstations ever? Gasp!

Conclusion

Overall, my testing proved uneventful; there are no cons to speak of. Everything works as expected and I am extremely impressed and satisfied with the purchase. I have logged many hours sitting in front of my large display as powered by the Surface Pro 3 Docking Station. Never once has there been a hiccup or oddity.

If you are a road-warrior doing most of your work while traveling or in coffee shops, you can probably pass and save the $200. However, if you are like me and prefer to work from home at a desk whenever possible, the Surface Pro 3 and Docking Station is a dream combination. Hell, there is even a magnet on the side to hold the pen! Can you get by without it? Sure, you can...but why would you want to? Extremely recommended.

Photo Credit: Brian Fagioli
Windows 8.x gains usage share at the expense of Windows XP

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 2:23pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

New data which was just posted by web analytics company NetMarketShare shows us that, in August, Windows 8.x managed to gain precious usage share in the desktop operating system market. This happened mainly at the expense of the 13 year-old Windows XP, which is seeing its usage share slowly decrease as new devices, toting newer OSs, are brought into the fold.

The good news, however, comes from the rise in usage share of Windows 8.1, which is now at 7.09 percent, up from the 6.56 percent from July. Windows 8 also grew, to 6.28 percent from 5.92 percent, but this is of a lesser importance, as its successor's fate is far more important. Meanwhile, Windows XP decreased to 23.89 percent from 24.82 percent. Still, it is obvious that the oldest of the three still has a terribly long way to go before it reaches similar usage share levels (we're looking at a couple of years, at least) as Windows 8.1 touts now.

In two years, Windows XP's usage share dropped just a little over 17 percentage points, from 41.23 percent in September 2012. Meanwhile, Windows 8's progress has been slow, gaining only 5.98 percentage points, from 0.30 percent; Windows 7's usage share increased by slightly more, 7.17 percentage points, to 51.21 percent, from 44.04 percent. OS X, Linux distributions, and other OSs ceded usage share to the Windows fold, but this decline is modest, of 2.9 percentage points, to 11.53 percent, from 14.43 percent.

What's interesting is that OS X 10.9 Mavericks is also representative enough for NetMarketShare to continue to show alongside Windows iterations, in its "Desktop Top Operating System Share Trend" data. Apple's latest Mac OS is at 4.29 percent usage share; it's making slower progress, however, compared to Windows 8.1, since launching in late-October of last year.

So, what's the takeaway? It is clear that Microsoft is struggling to convince Windows XP users to embrace a newer version, even if it is the five year-old Windows 7. That was bound to happen, as all their needs are still covered well apparently, undoubtedly aided by developers who are still supporting the OS. Perhaps they don't even need Windows for what they're doing, but that's a different matter altogether.

This, however, suggests that the upcoming major Windows release -- referred to as Windows 9 and Threshold -- will face a similar fate as Windows 8.x, as it is unlikely that it will introduce some revolutionary new features that Windows users will see as must-haves, or that Microsoft will suddenly figure out how to get its customers to upgrade to it en-masse.

We've long gotten to the point when Windows users are fine with sticking to a certain release, and only move on to something newer when buying a new PC. That's not a bad thing, really (well, except for Microsoft, which sees lower revenues from Windows sales); it only means that we finally have to temper our expectations regarding how much progress Windows 9 will be able to make, against the current Windows tide.

//

Photo Credit: rangizzz/Shutterstock
Microsoft defies court order and refuses to hand over emails to US government

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 2:10pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Back in July, a New York court ruled that Microsoft should provide access to emails stored at a datacenter in Ireland. The company has been quite vocal in opposing requests to hand over this information, and continues to stand its ground. Although a court order requires the emails to be handed over, Microsoft remains defiant. In a blog post entitled "Your email belongs to you, not us" (forget "all your base are belong to us"), Microsoft's Chief Privacy Officer, Brendon Lynch, reiterates the company's position.

"Microsoft is committed to delivering meaningful privacy protections that build trust with our customers, and we know how much you value the contents of your email. We believe your email belongs to you, not us, and that it should receive the same privacy protection as paper letters sent by mail -- no matter where it is stored. This is the crux of our legal challenge to a U.S. government criminal search warrant for a customer's email stored in our datacenter in Dublin, Ireland".

When the court order was made, there were concerns that the US government was over-reaching the mark by attempting to gain access to data stored in a foreign country. But the recent law passed by the British government that would give the UK just those rights has muddied the water slightly. Microsoft decided to appeal, but prosecutors have now managed to argue that the case is unappealable. In spite of this, Microsoft says that it "will not be turning over the email and plans to appeal. Everyone agrees this case can and will proceed to the appeals court. This is simply about finding the appropriate procedure for that to happen". The company is now effectively defying the court order.

In recent months, Microsoft has been increasingly keen to be seen listening to its customers -- this is the reason cited for the changes that have been seen in Windows Phone and will be seen in Windows 9. With the climate of concern about privacy and surveillance that prevails post-Snowden, Microsoft's stance is understandable and is likely to enjoy continued, firm backing from customers and the tech industry alike. But it is an easy battle to gain followers for. Whatever the outcome, the danger is that it turns into an exercise in vainglory for Microsoft, ever-keen to be seen as the people's champion.

Photo credit: Pavel Ignatov / Shutterstock
Intel reveals its first 8-core desktop CPU

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 12:36pm CEST par Ian Barker

Despite continuing reports of its death, the desktop computer still has a place in the world, particularly amongst power users and gamers. It's these people that Intel has squarely in its sights with the new Core i7-5960X processor Extreme Edition.

Intel’s first 8-core desktop CPU features 16 computing threads which, along with support for the latest DDR4 memory, will enable some of the fastest desktop systems yet seen. Combine this with the new enhanced Intel X99 Chipset and you also have robust overclocking capabilities which will allow enthusiasts to tune their systems to extract maximum performance.

"We're thrilled to unveil the next phase in our 'reinvention of the desktop' we outlined earlier this year", says Lisa Graff, vice president and general manager of Intel's Desktop Client Platform Group. "This product family is aimed squarely at those enthusiasts who push their systems further than anyone, and we're offering the speed, cores, overclocking and platform capabilities they have asked us for".

Launched at the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, Intel used the event to demonstrate the new processor's ability with various gaming titles. It has been working with a number of OEMs, memory and motherboard makers and graphics partners to unlock maximum potential from the product.

Companies involved in the gaming industry are particularly excited by the new processor. Alienware's general manager, Frank Azor says, "It was an easy decision to work with Intel to bring its new eight-core extreme processor to our new flagship gaming desktop, the Alienware Area-51. Using new overclocking and monitoring features in Alienware Command Center 4.0, we've been able to really push the processors to the fullest extent and are seeing impressive overclocking headroom. This new Intel processor lineup is the perfect choice for gamers who demand the absolute best performance from their systems".

For those with slightly less need for speed, Intel has also announced a range of 6-core, unlocked enthusiast CPUs. All the new processors will be available from this week with prices ranging from $389 to $999. You can find out more about the line up on the Intel website.
Lenovo introduces the EMC-based VNX5150 Storage Array

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 11:19am CEST par Jamie Hinks

Lenovo hopes to put a smile on the face of penny-pinching small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) through a new storage area network (SAN) solution based on EMC's VNX unified storage family.

The Lenovo|EMC VNX5150 Storage Array is a dual-processor SAN that offers full redundancy for all major components as well as dual paths of connectivity throughout for a price that SMBs will be able to afford.

"The Lenovo|EMC VNX5150 is a key solution element for enterprises, enabling Lenovo to provide server and storage solutions to our customers. The VNX5150 platform is a unique offering, based on EMC's industry-leading midrange storage capabilities, tailored to the needs of Lenovo’s customers", stated Vincent Fauquenot, VP Products and Channels, Lenovo EMEA.

The solution is powered by Intel and designed to handle mixed workloads that are both physical and virtual, and it includes 6Gbps SAS drives and either 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive bays.

It supports the EMC FAST (fully automated storage tiering) suite that handles data using its cache and virtual pools (VP). The FAST Cache can absorb unpredictable spikes in system workloads whereas the FAST VP are in place to automatically tier data from high-performance to high-capacity drives that will eventually result in high performance and lower costs.

SMBs that lack extensive IT support can benefit from the EMC Unisphere management system that brings an integrated user interface for remote control. The customizable front end aggregates systems information into an easy-on-the-eye solution that shows capacity, CPU utilization, health and alerts to enable administrators to gain instant and actionable knowledge about performance.

Lenovo|EMC VNX5150 is already available in the UK, Ireland and a range of other European countries with prices start at €8,500 (£6,755).

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.
Here's what you can expect to see at IFA 2014

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 10:19am CEST par Tom Phelan

The rejuvenation of the tech scene at this time of year is heralded by one of the oldest and largest trade shows on the circuit, with Germany taking centre stage for Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin -- known simply as IFA.

At IFA 2013, ITProPortal witnessed the unveiling of the Sony Xperia Z1, realized that convertible laptops are here to stay, and learned that no-one is impressed by Samsung's Galaxy Gear. This year we're looking forward to seeing the year's developments in wearable tech. And I'm not just talking smart watches. This year we're talking infrared thermometers, Bluetooth home cinema speakers and something called the "D30 Smart Skin".

Wearable, Dareable Tech

And it's the latter that's piqued our interest. D30 is a smart, rate sensitive material, meaning that the harder the impact on the garment, the greater the resistance to the force. The company aired one of its first creations to the world back in 2006 at the Winter Olympics, when the US and Canadian ski teams wore D30's soft armor. The product range now extends to the motorcycle, sport, footwear, electronics, military and workwear sectors.

According to the D30 website, the smart materials in their raw state flow freely when moved slowly, but on shock, lock together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to their flexible state.

D30 is exhibiting its Smart Skin at IFA, so I'm looking forward to seeing it in action and potentially wearing it if I'm allowed.

Samsung Takes Note

Forgive me for not getting to this sooner, but probably the biggest launch at IFA 2014 is the debut of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, a phablet that we'll be eager to catch a glimpse of. Will the screen reach the 6-inch mark? The original Note, the Note 2, and the Note 3, were 5.3-inches, 5.5-inches and 5.7-inches, respectively, so it'd make sense to push the phablet's display size even further.

Rumour has it that Samsung's new tablet may have a curved, wraparound screen. We'll be expecting a version of Android 4.4 as the OS, with Samsung's custom TouchWiz UI running on top.

There's also the Galaxy Mega 2. This big size/mid spec phone could also have a 6-inch screen, if you believe the rumor mill, and it could be a great option for phablet lovers who can't afford the Galaxy Note 4. It'll be great to compare the two side-by-side at IFA, if the Samsung team does indeed bring the Mega 2 with them.

The Xperia Z3, Plus a Little Brother?

We can also look forward to the unveiling of the Sony Xperia Z3 -- the follow up to the Z1 and Z2. With speedy performance, a good camera and some decent Sony extras, we were impressed with the Z2 at ITProPortal, and leaks suggest a small rise in spec for the Z3.

As if all this wasn't riveting enough though, Sony will apparently launch a 4.5-inch little brother for the Z3 called the Z3 Compact. The idea harks back to the Z1 Compact, which was launched alongside the Z1 and packed a punch for a device of its size. Word on the grapevine is that the little guy will have a 2.5GHz processor, 2GB RAM and a 20-megapixel camera. See a leaked image of the Z3 below.

Panasonic's white goods

Finally, I'm intrigued to see what Panasonic comes up with for its "smart kitchen appliances" and "connected home entertainment" -- both mentioned in a press conference invite. Reports also claim that new cameras could be unveiled with wireless connectivity or interoperability with other smart devices.

So what will impress? What will fall flat?

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.
The Fappening is more than just nude celebrity pics -- Can we trust Apple's iCloud?

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 9:26am CEST par Brian Fagioli

Sometimes I wish the internet could just be a place to exchange wholesome information, such as cooking recipes and tips on Linux, but sadly, there is a dark side. There are deviant people lurking on the web doing all sorts of horrible things. Yesterday, a hacker leaked the private pictures and videos (nude and semi-nude) of many celebrities, and they have spread across the net. For these celebrities, who are real people, I am sure it has been a very trying time; their privacy has been destroyed and I offer my sympathies. For the many people (if they can be called that) viewing and spreading the pictures, the occasion has been dubbed "The Fappening"; a way to proclaim their...enjoyment...of the photos. At least once celebrity has confirmed that the photos of her are legit and not fakes.

If you choose to search for, and view, these leaked photos, I am not going to judge you for eating the forbidden fruit. However, I won't even mention the victims' names to help you look. Quite frankly, my concern is not just for the celebrities, but more for the public as a whole. Allegedly, the hacker was able to obtain this treasure-trove of private photos by hacking into iCloud. For those who were considered paranoid about distrusting the cloud, this justifies their concerns. While I don't think it is time for people to run away from the cloud overall, I do think people should be wary of using cloud storage services for intimate photos.

Apple is a very private company that is also seemingly selective regarding with which members of the press they choose to communicate. So I am not surprised that since the news of the hacking broke, which was many hours ago, there is no statement on the situation. I have emailed the company, but am not hopeful for a response.

Right now, Apple is surely putting a lot of effort into its big September 9th iPhone unveiling, but I would imagine that many users would prefer the focus be aimed at security instead.

Keep in mind, that while the media focuses on the fact that the photos are of the nude variety, it is much more than that. Even if the leaked photos were of people fully clothed, that doesn't change the fact that their privacy was violated. Even if you use the cloud to only store tame family photos, lets say, your family eating turkey on Thanksgiving, those are still private. You wouldn't want some creep looking at your family moments without your permission.

Long term, consumers need to be aware of the potential dangers of storing information in the cloud -- regardless of which service they embrace. However, short term, the focus is rightfully on Apple, as its service is the alleged source of the leak. In other words, if you get food-poisoning at a restaurant, you look for answers from that restaurant, and not the restaurant industry.

So, until Apple gives an explanation, can we trust iCloud? Tell me in the comments.

Image Credit: iLight foto / Shutterstock
The Fappening is more than just nude celebrity pics

Publié: septembre 1, 2014, 9:26am CEST par Brian Fagioli

Sometimes I wish the internet could just be a place to exchange wholesome information, such as cooking recipes and tips on Linux, but sadly, there is a dark side. There are deviant people lurking on the web doing all sorts of horrible things. Yesterday, a hacker leaked the private pictures and videos (nude and semi-nude) of many celebrities, and they have spread across the net. For these celebrities, who are real people, I am sure it has been a very trying time; their privacy has been destroyed and I offer my sympathies. For the many people (if they can be called that) viewing and spreading the pictures, the occasion has been dubbed "The Fappening"; a way to proclaim their...enjoyment...of the photos. At least once a celebrity has confirmed that the photos of her are legit and not fakes.

If you choose to search for, and view, these leaked photos, I am not going to judge you for eating the forbidden fruit. However, I won't even mention the victims' names to help you look. Quite frankly, my concern is not just for the celebrities, but more for the public as a whole. For those who were considered paranoid about distrusting the cloud, this justifies their concerns. While I don't think it is time for people to run away from the cloud overall, I do think people should be wary of using cloud storage services for intimate photos.

Apple's iCloud is rumored to have played a role in this. Apple is a very private company that is also seemingly selective regarding which members of the press they choose to communicate. So I am not surprised that since the news of the hacking broke, which was many hours ago, there is no statement on the situation. I have emailed the company, but am not hopeful for a response.

Keep in mind, that while the media focuses on the fact that the photos are of the nude variety, it is much more than that. Even if the leaked photos were of people fully clothed, that doesn't change the fact that their privacy was violated. Even if you use the cloud to only store tame family photos, lets say, your family eating turkey on Thanksgiving, those are still private. You wouldn't want some creep looking at your family moments without your permission.

Consumers need to be aware of the potential dangers of storing information in the cloud -- regardless of which service they embrace.

Update 1: Security researcher Graham Cluley has chimed in, saying "There have been claims that iCloud may be involved, but it's tricky to confirm even if all of the celebrities affected use Apple devices. [...] Even if they were all using iCloud, it’s possible that there isn’t a security hole in iCloud itself but rather that celebrities had not properly secured their accounts with -- for instance -- hard-to-guess passwords". The story was updated to reflect that iCloud may not have been hacked, or that it is the only cloud service involved in the photo theft.

Update 2: According to the Associated Press, with rumors swirling that iCloud-hacking may be the source of the leak, Apple is now investigating the leaked photos and videos. Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris is quoted as saying, "we take user privacy very seriously and are actively investigating this report".

Image Credit: iLight foto / Shutterstock