Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Visualized: ThreadWatch tracks daily workflow on a Mac, turns the data into eye candy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/visualized-threadwatch/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/visualized-threadwatch/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/visualized-threadwatch/#comments Visualized: ThreadWatch tracks daily workflow on a Mac, turns the data into eye candy

Sure, time tracking comes in handy when trying to make your workflow as efficient as possible. Perhaps you're looking for a more visual indication of how your time is spent on that MacBook Pro. That's where ThreadWatch comes in handy. Thanks to developer Alex Milde, you can visually analyze your daily task habits on a Mac. After a rather quick and painless app download, the tech monitors software being used on the desktop, taking notes on their individual memory and CPU consumption. The collected info is placed in a text file that you'll then upload to ThreadWatch to create the graphical splendor you see above. Each color indicates a different application and you won't have to worry about having your tracked data catalogued. To take the kit for a spin, hit the source link below to start monitoring your procrastination... er, work sessions.

Visualized: ThreadWatch tracks daily workflow on a Mac, turns the data into eye candy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisapplicationCPUdatadevinfographicinfographicsinternetmacmemorysoftwareThreadWatchtrackingvisual analysisVisualAnalysisvisualizedThu, 24 May 2012 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Quad-channel DDR3 memory corralled in round-up, Corsair, G.Skill and Patriot take home the trophies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/quad-channel-ddr3-memory-corralled-in-a-round-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/quad-channel-ddr3-memory-corralled-in-a-round-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/quad-channel-ddr3-memory-corralled-in-a-round-up/#comments Image

If you've wanted to build an X79-based gaming PC but were fretting over getting the most out of the quad-channel DDR3 memory you'll want to pair with that Ivy Bridge processor, don't fret: HotHardware has gathered together some of the most common high-speed RAM options and put them to the test. The results aren't clear cut and depend heavily on what you're looking for. Corsair's 1,866MHz Vengeance kit and a similarly clocked G.Skill RipJaws Z set are recommended for striking good balances between low lag and raw speed, while Patriot's Viper X Division 4 is lauded for having the best value and the best stock cooling. That's not to say that Kingston's HyperX line isn't worth it for some speed demons, but the testers suggest hitting the middle of the road to get a good trade-off between speed and the cash outlay you'll need to get there.

Quad-channel DDR3 memory corralled in round-up, Corsair, G.Skill and Patriot take home the trophies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corsairCorsair VengeanceCorsairVengeanceddr3desktopsg skill ripjawsg.skillg.skill ripjawsg.skill ripjaws zG.skillRipjawsG.skillRipjawsZgaminggskillgskill ripjaws zGSkillRipjawsGskillRipjawsZhyper xHyperXintelintel ivy bridgeintel x79IntelIvyBridgeIntelX79ivy bridgeIvyBridgekingstonkingston hyper xKingstonHyperXmemorypatriotpatriot viper xPatriotViperXpcpcsperipheralsquad channelquad-channelQuadChannelRAMripjawsripjaws zRipjawsZround-uproundupvengeanceviper xViperXx79Thu, 24 May 2012 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE to require 64-bit OS for some 2013 games, that Windows ME box in the den isn't cutting it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dice-to-require-64-bit-os-for-some-2013-games/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dice-to-require-64-bit-os-for-some-2013-games/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dice-to-require-64-bit-os-for-some-2013-games/#comments DICE to require 64-bit OS for some 2013 games, that Windows ME box in the den isn't cutting it

We're entering a world of mainstream 64-bit computing -- whether we like it or not. Just weeks after Adobe started requiring 64-bit Macs for CS6, DICE's Rendering Architect Johan Andersson has warned that some of his company's 2013 games using the Frostbite engine will need the extra bits as a matter of course. In other words, it won't matter if you have a quad Core i7 gaming PC of death should the software be inadequate; if you're still running a 32-bit copy of Windows 7 come the new year, you won't be playing. The developer points to memory as the main culprit, as going 64-bit guarantees full access to 4GB or more of RAM as well as better virtual addressing. Andersson sees it as a prime opportunity to upgrade to Windows 8, although 64-bit Vista and 7 (and presumably OS X, if and when Mac versions exist) will be dandy. Just be prepared to upgrade that Windows XP PC a lot sooner than Microsoft's 2014 support cutoff if you're planning to run the next Battlefield or Mirror's Edge.

DICE to require 64-bit OS for some 2013 games, that Windows ME box in the den isn't cutting it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32 bit32-bit32Bit64 bit64-bit64Bitbattlefieldcomputerscomputingdiceenginefrostbitefrostbite 2Frostbite2gamegame engineGameEnginegamesgamingmac os xMacOsXmemorymemory addressingMemoryAddressingmirrors edgeMirrorsEdgeos xOsXramsoftwarevirtual addressingVirtualAddressingvistawindows 7windows 8windows vistawindows xpWindows7Windows8WindowsVistaWindowsXpTue, 22 May 2012 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers develop silicon ReRAM chip, send warning shot to Flash memory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/researchers-develop-silicon-reram-chip/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/researchers-develop-silicon-reram-chip/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/researchers-develop-silicon-reram-chip/#comments Researchers develop silicon ReRAM chip, send warning shot to Flash memory

Does the word ReRAM ring a bell? No? Well, the key point is that it's much faster than NAND memory, and it's making its way into chips from Elpida, Sharp and Panasonic. Further proof that ReRAM is on the up and up? Researchers at University College London have used this technology to make a chip that operates at 100 times the speed of standard Flash memory. The device is composed completely of silicon oxide, which improves the chip's resistance, and it doesn't require a vacuum to work (which makes it cheaper to produce). But this new chip is more than just a faster alternative to Flash; its ability to move between different states of conductivity means it can be configured as a memristor, or a device that handles both data-processing and storage tasks. In the long term, researchers hope this technology can pave the way for silicon oxide CPUs -- and UCL is already using this design to help develop transparent memory chips for mobile devices. Need to know more? Feast your heart on the gritty details via the link below.

Researchers develop silicon ReRAM chip, send warning shot to Flash memory originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chipchipsflash memoryFlash memory chipFlashMemoryFlashMemoryChipmemorymemristormemristorsNANDNAND flash memoryNandFlashMemoryReRamresearchresearchersSun, 20 May 2012 06:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung mass-produces 4-gigabit LPDDR2 memory, aims to make 2GB a common sight in smartphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/samsung-mass-produces-4-gigabit-lpddr2-memory/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/samsung-mass-produces-4-gigabit-lpddr2-memory/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/samsung-mass-produces-4-gigabit-lpddr2-memory/#comments Image

Samsung started making 2GB low-power mobile memory last year, but as the 1GB-equipped phone you likely have in your hand shows, the chips weren't built on a wide-enough scale to get much use. The Korean company is hoping to fix that now that it's mass-producing 20-nanometer, 4-gigabit LPDDR2 RAM. Going to a smaller process than the 30-nanometer chips of old will not just slim the memory down by a fifth, helping your smartphone stay skinny: it should help 2GB of RAM become the "mainstream product" by the end of 2013, if Samsung gets its way. New chips should run at 1,066Mbps without chewing up any more power than the earlier parts, too, so there's no penalty for using the denser parts. It's hard to say whether or not the 20nm design is what's leading to the 2GB of RAM in the Japanese Galaxy S III; we just know that the upgraded NTT DoCoMo phone is now just the start of a rapidly approaching trend for smartphones and tablets.

Continue reading Samsung mass-produces 4-gigabit LPDDR2 memory, aims to make 2GB a common sight in smartphones

Samsung mass-produces 4-gigabit LPDDR2 memory, aims to make 2GB a common sight in smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 nanometer20-nanometer20Nanometer20nm20nm-classcellphonecellphonesgalaxy s 3galaxy s iiiGalaxyS3GalaxySIiilow powerlow power ddr2low-powerlow-power ddr2Low-powerDdr2LowPowerLowPowerDdr2LPDDR2memorymobilepostcrossntt docomoNttDocomoramsamsungsamsung galaxy s 3samsung galaxy s iiiSamsungGalaxyS3SamsungGalaxySIiitablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletsThu, 17 May 2012 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic preps samples of next-gen ReRAM devices, NAND preps for early retirement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/panasonic-low-power-reram/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/panasonic-low-power-reram/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/panasonic-low-power-reram/#comments Image

The Galaxy S III may rock an impressive battery life, but if Panasonic has its way, even greater benchmarks could be on the horizon. The company is ready to start making samples of a new ReRAM microcontroller, and -- like Sharp and Elpida -- it could start mass production as soon as next year. Here's a little refresher: ReRAM is a new kind of memory with re-write speeds far superior to NAND because it doesn't need power to hold onto information. Panny's chip will initially be used in simple devices like fire alarms, but the tech could eventually find its way into our TVs and even smartphones and tablets. But seriously, are we even capable of living in a NAND-free world?

Panasonic preps samples of next-gen ReRAM devices, NAND preps for early retirement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phonecell phonescellphonecellphonesjapanjapaneselow powerlow-powerLowPowermemorymicrocontrollermicrocontrollersmobilemobile techmobile technologymobilepostcrossMobileTechMobileTechnologynon-volatile memoryNon-volatileMemorynonvolatile memoryNonvolatileMemorypanasonicramreramslatessocstoragetabletsTue, 15 May 2012 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft joins Hybrid Memory Cube Consortium to develop new DRAM standard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-joins-hybrid-memory-cube-consortium/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-joins-hybrid-memory-cube-consortium/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-joins-hybrid-memory-cube-consortium/#comments Microsoft joins Hybrid Memory Cube Consortium to develop new DRAM standard

Intel unveiled its Hybrid Memory Cube at IDF late last year, and there's already an alliance dedicated to standardizing and implementing the technology. Now Microsoft wants in on the action: the outfit just announced that it will lend its clout to the Hybrid Memory Cube Consortium. To jog your memory, HMC technology promises seven times the efficiency of current DRR3 memory modules and is being vaunted by Intel et al. as the solution for monster systems requiring lower power usage and higher bandwidth. Redmond's joining a well-attended party; IBM, Micron, Samsung and many others are already members of the consortium.

Continue reading Microsoft joins Hybrid Memory Cube Consortium to develop new DRAM standard

Microsoft joins Hybrid Memory Cube Consortium to develop new DRAM standard originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consortiumhmcHMCChybridHybrid Memory CubeHybrid Memory Cube ConsortiumHybridMemoryCubeHybridMemoryCubeConsortiumIntelIntel Hybrid Memory CubeIntelHybridMemoryCubememoryMicrosoftWed, 09 May 2012 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft details memory reclaiming process within Metro-style apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/microsoft-windows-8-memory-reclaiming-process-detailed/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/microsoft-windows-8-memory-reclaiming-process-detailed/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/microsoft-windows-8-memory-reclaiming-process-detailed/#comments windows 8 metro apps

Microsoft has made clear that Metro-style apps will be "suspended" when they aren't the foremost app that's running, enabling the associated CPU to divert its power to more... shall we say, pressing matters. But for those wondering about memory in the aforesaid scenario, there's an entire post now dedicated to explaining precisely that. Microsoft's own Bill Karagounis -- group program manager on the Fundamentals team -- has penned a behind-the-scenes look at how memory will be reclaimed within Windows 8, even when Metro-style apps are suspended. The long and short of it is this: starting with Windows 8 Consumer Preview, "whenever Windows detects memory pressure on the system, it will repurpose nearly all the memory that suspended Metro style apps would otherwise hold onto; [the OS] can reclaim this memory without having to terminate an app." For those seeking an even deeper understanding, the source link has your name written all over it.

Microsoft details memory reclaiming process within Metro-style apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiarmmemorymetromicrosoftoperating systemOperatingSystemOSperformanceRAMresource utilizationResourceUtilizationsoftwaretask managerTaskManagerwindowswindows 8Windows 8 Consumer Previewwindows rtWindows8Windows8ConsumerPreviewWindowsRtwinrtTue, 17 Apr 2012 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[SanDisk makes 128-gigabit flash chip, crams three bits per cell, takes afternoon off]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/sandisk-makes-128-gigabit-flash-chip-crams-three-bits-per-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/sandisk-makes-128-gigabit-flash-chip-crams-three-bits-per-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/sandisk-makes-128-gigabit-flash-chip-crams-three-bits-per-cell/#comments SanDisk has developed a chip that earns it membership in the exclusive 128-gigabit club. Not content with simply matching the Micron / Intel effort, SanDisk and its partner Toshiba claim their new memory uses 19- rather than 20-nanometer cells in the production process. Shrinking the size is one thing, but SanDisk's new chips also use its X3 / three-bit technology. Most memory stores just two bits per cell; cramming in another means fewer cells, less silicon, more savings, cheaper memory, happier geeks. Analyst Jim Handy estimates that the price per gigabyte for the tri-bit breed of flash could be as low as 28 cents, compared to 35 for the Micron / Intel equivalent. Full details in the not-so-compact press release after the break.

Continue reading SanDisk makes 128-gigabit flash chip, crams three bits per cell, takes afternoon off

SanDisk makes 128-gigabit flash chip, crams three bits per cell, takes afternoon off originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>128 gigabit128 gigabit memory128Gigabit128GigabitMemory19nm3 bit3Bitfingertipflashflash driveflash memoryFlashDriveFlashMemoryIntelmemoryMicronpen drivePenDrivesandisksandisk memorySandiskMemorythree-bitthree-bit-per-cellX3 technologyx360X3TechnologyWed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's new SD cards look too good to hide inside a DSLR]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/samsung-extreme-speed-sd/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/samsung-extreme-speed-sd/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/samsung-extreme-speed-sd/#comments
We've never been too fussed with how our storage looks -- it's rare that our SD cards linger too long outside the camera anyway. However, for you genius-level aesthetes who demand your internals are as beautiful as your externals, Samsung's got your back. It's releasing a line of SD and microSD cards with a stylish brushed metal body in silver or black that, frankly, looks shinier than whatever they'll be nestled inside. Just like Ryan Gosling, the cards are both pretty and pretty tough -- able to withstand 24 hours in water, 3,200 pounds of pressure or being left in an MRI machine with a power of 10,000 gauss, which we're always doing. After the interval, we've got pricing and stats for each unit (speed improves greatly if you plump for a 4GB card or higher) plus a little PR paperwork.

Continue reading Samsung's new SD cards look too good to hide inside a DSLR

Samsung's new SD cards look too good to hide inside a DSLR originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>000 gauss000Gauss10200 pounds200Pounds3MB-MP8GAMB-MPAGAMB-MS2GAMB-MS4GAMB-MS8GAMB-MSAGAMB-MSBGAMB-SP8GAMB-SPAGAMB-SS2GAMB-SS4GAMB-SS8GAMB-SSAGAMB-SSBGAMemoryMemory CardsMemoryCardsmicroSDmicroSD CardMicrosdCardPlus Extreme Speed SeriesPlusExtremeSpeedSeriesRyan GoslingRyanGoslingSamsungSamsung MemorySamsung StorageSamsungMemorySamsungStorageSDSD CardSdCardFri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[US government rules three Barth patents invalid, sends Rambus scrambling]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-government-rambus-barth-patents-invalid-ruling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-government-rambus-barth-patents-invalid-ruling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-government-rambus-barth-patents-invalid-ruling/#comments Suing's easy. It's the "winning" that trips folks up. Such is the case with Rambus, who has been relying oh-so-heavily on the so-called trio of Barth patents to actively pursue just about every technology company on the planet. For those unaware, Rambus has christened itself as a "technology licensing company," but with the last of three patents used to win infringement suits against NVIDIA and HP being declared invalid, it's probably scrambling for new tactics. According to a Reuters report, an appeals board at the US Patent and Trademark Office declared the patent invalid a few days back, with the previous two being knocked back in September. A couple of months back, Rambus' stock lost 60 percent of its value after a court decision led to the loss of a $4 billion antitrust lawsuit against Micron and Hynix, and we're guessing things won't be any happier when the markets open back up on Monday. The company's next move? "We're evaluating our options," said spokeswoman Linda Ashmore.

US government rules three Barth patents invalid, sends Rambus scrambling originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barth patentsBarthPatentsdramgovernmenthpinfringementinvalidmemorynandnvidiapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentsramrambusstorageususaMon, 30 Jan 2012 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Brookstone's WiFi cufflinks let you discreetly share data, internet connections]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/brookstones-wifi-cufflinks-let-you-discreetly-share-data-inter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/brookstones-wifi-cufflinks-let-you-discreetly-share-data-inter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/brookstones-wifi-cufflinks-let-you-discreetly-share-data-inter/#comments If you somehow aren't satisfied with your growing collection of Nintendo, PlayStation, Game Boy Color and steampunk styled cufflinks, Brookstone just might be the Q to your Bond. In addition to rocking the USB-storage trick we've seen in other technological shirt links, this sleeve fastener also promises to act as a WiFi hotspot when paired with a hard-wired PC. Rounding out your technologically augmented wedding attire with these 'cuffs will set you back $250 -- unless you're working with Her Majesty's Secret Service, of course, then they're probably just standard issue.

Brookstone's WiFi cufflinks let you discreetly share data, internet connections originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brookstoneclothingcuffcufflinkscustomexpensivefashionflashflash driveflash keyFlashDriveFlashKeygeek chicGeekChicluxuriousluxurymemoryrichstorageuniqueusbusb driveUsbDrivewearableFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung aggressively aggregating acronyms as eMCP assembly activated]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/samsung-aggressively-aggregating-acronyms-as-emcp-assembly-activ/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/samsung-aggressively-aggregating-acronyms-as-emcp-assembly-activ/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/samsung-aggressively-aggregating-acronyms-as-emcp-assembly-activ/#comments
Samsung's started foundries rolling for its new embedded multi-chip package memory for budget smartphones -- after the success of the high-end modules that were released in October. eMCP jams together 30-nanometer low-power DDR2 DRAM and 20-nanometer NAND flash memory into a single slice of silicon. In real terms, this means that there's a 4GB e-MMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) flash chip with a 256MB, 512MB or 768MB DDR2 DRAM module bolted on the side. According to the company, it'll consume 25 percent less power with 30 percent better performance, cost less to jam into your telephone and probably make you smell better, too. If you're starting your own phone company, or just curious about embedded systems, head past the break for the PR.

Continue reading Samsung aggressively aggregating acronyms as eMCP assembly activated

Samsung aggressively aggregating acronyms as eMCP assembly activated originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DDR2 DRAMDdr2Drame-MMCembedded multi-chip packageembedded multi-chip package memoryEmbedded MultimediacardEmbeddedMulti-chipPackageEmbeddedMulti-chipPackageMemoryEmbeddedMultimediacardeMCPFlash MemoryFlashMemoryHybrid ChipHybridChipMemoryMobile ChipMobileChipmobilepostcrossMultimediaCardRAMSamsungSamsung DRAMSamsung eMCPSamsung eMMCSamsung MemorySamsungDramSamsungEmcpSamsungEmmcSamsungMemoryThu, 19 Jan 2012 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony flashes new XQD memory cards, your pre-ordered Nikon D4 smiles coyly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sony-xqd-memory-card-official/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sony-xqd-memory-card-official/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sony-xqd-memory-card-official/#comments We've been eagerly awaiting some of that next-gen XQD memory since it was announced right around a month ago, and now that we have something worthy to pop it in, we're doubly buzzed. Sony's the first to step forward, kicking off with QDH16 ($129) and QDH32 ($229) cards where the number represents the capacity. When the specs first came out of the darkroom there was talk of 5Gb/s write speeds; these might not be quite that rapid, but at 1Gb/s (125 MB/s), we're still not complaining. Sony thinks the cards will be good for up to 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode, based on its tests. There'll also be a card reader and adapter for easy portability, both setting you back a further $45 when the whole lot hits the shelves in February. Click the PR after the jump for more info.

Continue reading Sony flashes new XQD memory cards, your pre-ordered Nikon D4 smiles coyly

Sony flashes new XQD memory cards, your pre-ordered Nikon D4 smiles coyly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camera memoryCameraMemoryflash memoryFlashMemoryhigh speed memoryHighSpeedMemorymemorymemory cardMemoryCardnew formatNewFormatnikonrawsonysony xqdSonyXqdxqdxqd memoryXqdMemoryFri, 06 Jan 2012 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexar launches its first 1000x CF memory cards]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/lexar-launches-its-first-1000x-cf-memory-cards/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/lexar-launches-its-first-1000x-cf-memory-cards/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/lexar-launches-its-first-1000x-cf-memory-cards/#comments You can never get enough speed when it comes to flash storage. Lexar appears to think the same way, because it's introduced a new series of CF cards that pack a whole load of impressive numbers. Boasting 150MB per second read speeds and tested to capture streams at up to 20MB per second, it's sounding like a portable videographer's dream. The cards will be out in February, arriving in sizes 16GB ($170), 32GB ($300), 64GB ($530) and 128GB ($890).

Continue reading Lexar launches its first 1000x CF memory cards

Lexar launches its first 1000x CF memory cards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000xcesces2012compact flashCompactFlashflash storageFlashStoragelexarlexar 1000x CR cardLexar1000xCrCardmemoryUDMA 7Udma7Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Elpida starts shipments of next-gen Wide IO Mobile RAM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/30/elpida-starts-shipments-of-next-gen-wide-io-mobile-ram/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/30/elpida-starts-shipments-of-next-gen-wide-io-mobile-ram/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/30/elpida-starts-shipments-of-next-gen-wide-io-mobile-ram/#comments Tablets might be all sexy curves and Gorilla Glass, but it's what's on the inside that counts, right? Efficient DRAM mightn't set your heart alight, but Elpida Memory did just start shipping its next generation 30nm "Wide IO Mobile RAM." The firm claims it uses 50 percent less power compared with equivalent DDR2 sticks, letting you caress your beloved device for longer. This economy is thanks to it purring along at just 200MHz, which is even more impressive when you consider it brags a 12.8 GB/s data rate per chip. This pumped, yet frugal, performance comes courtesy of using x512-bit data width -- some ten times larger than that of existing DRAMs. The party doesn't stop there, with the Elpida also debuting its LPDDR3 chip, brushing aside LPDDR2 with twice the data rates at 6.4GB/s a slice, and a 25 percent smaller power-drain in tow. Mass production should commence in 2012, check the source link for the full break-down.

Elpida starts shipments of next-gen Wide IO Mobile RAM originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200mhz30nm30nm dram30nmDramddr3ddr3 dramDdr3DramdramelpidaElpida MemoryElpidaMemoryLPDDR2LPDDR3memorymobilemobile ramMobileRamramwide io mobile ramWideIoMobileRamFri, 30 Dec 2011 19:09:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT researchers locate genes that help underlie memory formation, zap some mice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/24/mit-researchers-locate-genes-that-help-underlie-memory-formation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/24/mit-researchers-locate-genes-that-help-underlie-memory-formation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/24/mit-researchers-locate-genes-that-help-underlie-memory-formation/#commentsOver time, the neurons in your brain are going to change. And that's only natural. When you experience a new event, your brain encodes the memory by altering the connections between neurons, which is caused by turning on several genes within these neurons. Recenty, a team of neuroscientists at MIT published their findings in the Dec. 23rd issue of Science in which the group was able to pinpoint some of the exact locations of memory formation within the brain. The team, led by Yingxi Lin, found that the Npas4 gene is especially active in the hippocampus, a brain structure known to be critical in forming long-term memories. Once engaged, the Npas4 gene turns on a series of other genes that modify the brain's internal wiring by adjusting the strength of synapses, or connections between neurons. The findings were obtained by studying the neural activity of mice which underwent mild electric shocks when they entered a specific chamber. Upon receiving the shock, researchers noted that Npas4 is turned on very early during this conditioning. The research is still in its early stages and while the researchers have identified only a few of the genes regulated by Npas4, they suspect there could be hundreds more that help with the memory formation process. The lesson learned: stick to it and if you have any questions, mildly shock some mice.

MIT researchers locate genes that help underlie memory formation, zap some mice originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainelectric shockelectric shocksElectricShockElectricShocksformationgenehippocampusmemorymemory formationMemoryFormationmiceMITneuronneuroscienceneuroscientistsNPas4Yingxi LinYingxiLinSat, 24 Dec 2011 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple buys flash storage maker Anobit for $500 million, aims to establish R&D lab in Israel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/apple-buys-flash-storage-maker-anobit-for-500-million-aims-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/apple-buys-flash-storage-maker-anobit-for-500-million-aims-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/apple-buys-flash-storage-maker-anobit-for-500-million-aims-to/#comments
The rumor mill has been churning on this one for the last few days, but it's now as official as it's ever apt to get: Apple has decided to splash out the $500 million to buy Israeli flash-chip outfit Anobit. The fabless designer of MLC NAND flash chips should be a good fit, given Cupertino's reliance on solid state storage technology for its iPad, iPod, iPhone and Macbook Air lines. With $84 billion in the bank, the purchase has cost the company just over half a percent of its war chest, and we're guessing it'll just barely feel the pinch when said funds are transferred over. The story was originally reported in the Calcalist financial daily newspaper, with the verified Twitter account of the Prime Minister of Israel chiming in with the following:
"Welcome to Israel, Apple Inc. on your [first] acquisition here. I'm certain that you'll benefit from the fruit of the Israeli knowledge."
Moreover, Apple's expected to open up a research and development center in the nation, marking its first outside of the USA. If history has anything to say about it, we highly doubt Apple will ever open its mouth one way or the other on this, but it'll be interesting to see what related nuggets are uncovered in the company's next quarterly filing with the SEC.

Apple buys flash storage maker Anobit for $500 million, aims to establish R&D lab in Israel originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionanobitapplebusinessflashflash memoryflash storageFlashMemoryFlashStorageindustryisraelmemorynandstorageTue, 20 Dec 2011 20:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Optical computing could benefit from new 'whispering gallery' fiber]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/optical-computing-could-benefit-from-new-whispering-gallery-fi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/optical-computing-could-benefit-from-new-whispering-gallery-fi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/optical-computing-could-benefit-from-new-whispering-gallery-fi/#comments It's a spooky feature of Grand Central Station that if you whisper something against the wall, your voice can resonate around the perimeter of the building and sneak up on you from behind. The same 'whispering gallery' principle is crucial to next-gen optical computing: light signals have to be sent on extremely circuitous journeys through 'microresonators', which temporarily bottle up the beams and thereby serve as memory.

So far, microresonators have generally been made from silicon wafers etched with the a long series of loops. However, even the most precise etching leaves imperfections, which quickly cause the signal to lose its strength and fade away. Now, researchers at OFS Laboratories in Somerset, N. J., have come up with a different type of microresonator that could potentially hold onto light 100 times longer.

The new technology diverts light onto a stretch of optic fiber that has been specially manufactured with tiny step-changes in its diameter. When the signal hits this abrupt change, it reverses and goes back the opposite way -- and, if it hits another diameter change, it will effectively enter a whispering gallery inside the fiber, bouncing up and down with only minor attenuation. The OFS scientists claim their microresonator could appear in "specialized devices" in just two or three years, which is good to hear, because electronics is starting to get old.

Optical computing could benefit from new 'whispering gallery' fiber originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiberfibreGrand Central StationGrandCentralStationlightlight waveLightWavememoryOFS LaboratoriesOfsLaboratoriesopticaloptical computingoptical fiberoptical fibreOpticalComputingOpticalFiberOpticalFibrephotonwhispering galleryWhisperingGalleryThu, 15 Dec 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell unveils Alienware Aurora gaming rig, will serenade you for $2,200]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/dell-unveils-alienware-aurora-gaming-rig-will-serenade-you-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/dell-unveils-alienware-aurora-gaming-rig-will-serenade-you-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/13/dell-unveils-alienware-aurora-gaming-rig-will-serenade-you-for/#comments Dell has just taken the wraps off a brand new addition to the Alienware family, hailing it, rather poetically, as "a serenade to raw gaming power." It's called the Alienware Aurora, and it's staring at you with a Cylon-like grin in the image above. Beneath its menacing veneer lurks Intel's six-core, 3000 series Core i7 CPU, an X79 Express chipset and quad-channel DDR3 memory, all of which are kept in check by Dell's liquid cooling and active venting technologies. The gaming rig also supports both multi-display and 3D configurations, with GDDR5 memory-laced graphics cards. In case you're not satisfied, you can always get under the hood and tinker with it yourself, without even busting out your tool belt. The Alienware Aurora is available now for prices starting at $2,200, so hit up the source link for more details.

Dell unveils Alienware Aurora gaming rig, will serenade you for $2,200 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dalienwarealienware auroraAlienwareAurorachipsetCPUDDR3dellDell Alienware AuroraDellAlienwareAuroradesktopgamegamergaminggaming rigGamingRiggraphicsgraphics cardGraphicsCardintel core i7IntelCoreI7memorymulti displayMultiDisplayseries 3000Series3000six coreSixCorex79 expressX79ExpressTue, 13 Dec 2011 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel, Micron unveil first 128-gigabit flash chip, provide double the data density]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/intel-micron-unveil-first-128-gigabit-flash-chip-provide-doubl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/intel-micron-unveil-first-128-gigabit-flash-chip-provide-doubl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/intel-micron-unveil-first-128-gigabit-flash-chip-provide-doubl/#comments Realign the data and the previous 32- and 64-gigabit roadblocks to flash storage disappear. Today, Intel and Micron announced the first 128-gigabit NAND flash chip. The chip, which was created through the companies' joint IM Flash Technologies venture, is smaller than a fingertip, created through a 20 nanometer manufacturing process and is capable of 333 megatransfers per second with the option of stacking as many as eight chips on top of each other. What makes the new NAND unique is its planar structure that allows individual memory cells to scale much smaller than before. When combined with a Hi-K/metal gate combo to keep the power leaks to a minimum, presto, you've got flash memory denser than your mother-in-law's fruitcake. Mass production of the 128Gb chips isn't due until the first half of 2012, but you can get a more in-depth intro to the future of flash right now in the PR below.

Continue reading Intel, Micron unveil first 128-gigabit flash chip, provide double the data density

Intel, Micron unveil first 128-gigabit flash chip, provide double the data density originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>128 gigabit128 gigabit memory128Gigabit128GigabitMemory20nmfingertipflashflash memoryFlashMemoryHi-KIM Flash TechnologiesImFlashTechnologiesIntelmegatransfermegatransfersmemorymetal gateMetalGateMicronNANDnand flashNandFlashsmart phoneSmartPhonesmartphonesstackingtablettabletsWed, 07 Dec 2011 05:03:00 EST<![CDATA[The big memory cube gamble: IBM and Micron stack their chips]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/the-big-memory-cube-gamble-ibm-and-micron-stack-their-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/the-big-memory-cube-gamble-ibm-and-micron-stack-their-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/the-big-memory-cube-gamble-ibm-and-micron-stack-their-chips/#comments Manufacturers have been murmuring about 3D memory chips for years, but an escalation in recent radio chatter suggests the technology is on the cusp of becoming commercial. Intel unveiled a Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) at IDF, which promises seven times the energy efficiency of today's DDR3, and now IBM and Micron have shown their hand too. The pair just struck up a partnership to produce cubes using layers of DRAM connected by vertical conduits known as through-silicon vias (TSVs). These pillars allow a 90 percent reduction in a memory chip's physical footprint, a 70 percent cut in its appetite for energy, and -- best of all -- a radical increase in bandwidth: HMC prototypes have already scored 128Gb/s 128GB/s, which makes 6Gb/s SATA III look like a bottleneck. It certainly sounds like a game-changer, unless of course some rival technology like ferroelectric memory gets there first.

Update: Doh, sorry for the wrong caps, which were shrunken by a factor of eight. For comparison, current high-level DRAM delivers around 12.8GB/s.

[Thanks, Maximilian]

The big memory cube gamble: IBM and Micron stack their chips originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>128Gbs3d chip3d memory3dChip3dMemorybandwidthDRAMefficiencyferamferroelectricFeTRAMHMChybrid memory cubeHybridMemoryCubeIBMmemoryMicronspeedthrough silicon viaThroughSiliconViaTSVTue, 06 Dec 2011 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD shaves 800 million transistors from Bulldozer chip, swears nothing's wrong]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/amd-shaves-800-million-transistors-from-bulldozer-chip-swears-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/amd-shaves-800-million-transistors-from-bulldozer-chip-swears-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/amd-shaves-800-million-transistors-from-bulldozer-chip-swears-n/#commentsWhen a company cuts 40 percent of its transistors from an upcoming processor, one question comes to mind: why? According to ExtremeTech, AMD issued an update stating that its Bulldozer eight core / four module CPU would feature 1.2 billion transistors, as opposed to the previously stated two billion transistors. The reduction occurred despite the fact that the die size remains unchanged at 315 square millimeters -- putting it on par with AMD's lesser Llano chip -- and depriving the chip of valuable horsepower before I/O, an integrated memory controller or HyperTransport are added. When approached for comment, company representatives stated they were simply correcting a mistake regarding the chip's actual specifications. Before you bemoan the fate of the Bulldozer chip, remember that the drummer from Def Leppard has had a terrific musical career with only one arm, so what's the loss of several hundred million transistors to AMD's latest?

AMD shaves 800 million transistors from Bulldozer chip, swears nothing's wrong originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDarmBulldozercontrollercoreCPUDef LeppardDefLepparddieHyperTransportIntelIOllanomemoryocta coreocta-coreOctaCoreprocessortransistortransistorsTue, 06 Dec 2011 01:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind Amazon's Silk browser lurks a really fast supercomputer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/behind-amazons-silk-browser-lurks-a-really-fast-supercomputer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/behind-amazons-silk-browser-lurks-a-really-fast-supercomputer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/behind-amazons-silk-browser-lurks-a-really-fast-supercomputer/#comments We were hardly shocked to see Fujitsu atop the most recent list of the world's fastest supercomputers, but perhaps more surprising is the fact that Amazon cracked the top 50, as well. Turns out, the company's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) servers are powered by a Linux-based, 240-teraflop beast that boasts 17,024 cores, 66,000 GB of memory, and a ten gigabit Ethernet interconnect. That's good for 42nd place on Top 500's global rankings, and it's also good enough to power Silk, the browser you'll find on the Kindle Fire. But Amazon has a long way to go before catching up with the Fujitsu K, which recently cracked that vaunted ten petaflop barrier.

Behind Amazon's Silk browser lurks a really fast supercomputer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon silkAmazonSilkbrowsercloudcomputingcoreEC2elastic compute cloudElasticComputeCloudethernetkindle fireKindleFirelinuxmemoryminipostprocessorrankingsserversilksupercomputertabletterafloptop 500top 500 supercomputer listTop500Top500SupercomputerListFri, 18 Nov 2011 07:19:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT unveils computer chip that thinks like the human brain, Skynet just around the corner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/mit-unveils-computer-chip-that-thinks-like-the-human-brain-skyn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/mit-unveils-computer-chip-that-thinks-like-the-human-brain-skyn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/mit-unveils-computer-chip-that-thinks-like-the-human-brain-skyn/#commentsIt may be a bit on the Uncanny Valley side of things to have a computer chip that can mimic the human brain's activity, but it's still undeniably cool. Over at MIT, researchers have unveiled a chip that mimics how the brain's neurons adapt to new information (a process known as plasticity) which could help in understanding assorted brain functions, including learning and memory. The silicon chip contains about 400 transistors and can simulate the activity of a single brain synapse -- the space between two neurons that allows information to flow from one to the other. Researchers anticipate this chip will help neuroscientists learn much more about how the brain works, and could also be used in neural prosthetic devices such as artificial retinas. Moving into the realm of "super cool things we could do with the chip," MIT's researchers have outlined plans to model specific neural functions, such as the visual processing system. Such systems could be much faster than digital computers and where it might take hours or days to simulate a simple brain circuit, the chip -- which functions on an analog method -- could be even faster than the biological system itself. In other news, the chip will gladly handle next week's grocery run, since it knows which foods are better for you than you ever could.

MIT unveils computer chip that thinks like the human brain, Skynet just around the corner originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainchipcircuitlearningmemoryMITneuroscienceprostheticresearchretinassiliconsynapsetransistorsUncanny ValleyUncannyValleyTue, 15 Nov 2011 14:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Maingear brings Intel i7-3960X Extreme Edition chip, Epic Audio Engine to desktops, extreme gamers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/maingear-brings-intel-i7-3960x-extreme-edition-chip-epic-audio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/maingear-brings-intel-i7-3960x-extreme-edition-chip-epic-audio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/maingear-brings-intel-i7-3960x-extreme-edition-chip-epic-audio/#comments
Looking to add a dash of extremity to your gaming existence? Maingear's got you covered, now that it's added a second generation Intel Core i7 CPU to a handful of its desktop offerings. Today, the company announced yet another upgrade to its SHIFT, Quantum SHIFT and F131 desktops, with the addition of the Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition processor. According to Maingear, this extra horsepower will provide gamers with a 34 percent improvement in performance at normal speeds, while offering similar enhancements in video editing and 3D rendering capabilities. That's all thanks to the fact that the i7-3960X can be overclocked at a handsome 5.2GHz, with a quad-channel memory structure that brings even more bandwidth to the table. On top of that, the company has also added its own EPIC Audio Engine to this troika of rigs, using Aphex's processing technology to offer audio that, according to Maingear, is "more balanced, more articulated, and simply put, better sounding." The revamped desktops are on sale now, so hit up the source link for more information, or check out the full PR, after the break.

Continue reading Maingear brings Intel i7-3960X Extreme Edition chip, Epic Audio Engine to desktops, extreme gamers

Maingear brings Intel i7-3960X Extreme Edition chip, Epic Audio Engine to desktops, extreme gamers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d rendering3dRendering5.2ghzaphexaudiochipCPUdesktopepic audio engineEpicAudioEngineF131gaminggaming rigGamingRigintelIntel Core i7Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme EditionIntelCoreI7IntelCoreI7-3960xExtremeEditionmaingearmemoryoverclockprocessorquad channel memoryQuadChannelMemoryQuantum ShiftQuantumShiftrigSHIFTvideo editingVideoEditingMon, 14 Nov 2011 03:24:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita gets a content management app, plays nice with PS3 and PC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/13/playstation-vita-gets-a-content-management-app-plays-nice-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/13/playstation-vita-gets-a-content-management-app-plays-nice-with/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/13/playstation-vita-gets-a-content-management-app-plays-nice-with/#comments Worried your PlayStation Vita is going to be so full of repurchased PSP content that you won't be be able to store it all? Yeah, neither are we -- but if you want another place to keep your Vita's picture, video, music and game content, Sony says your PC and PS3 will do nicely. An application page on the Japanese PlayStation website details a Vita app that lets users transfer data between the three platforms, noting that content can be purchased on the PC or PS3, and then transferred to the Vita for use later. Gamers looking to save scratch on that not-so-optional memory card will be able to use this content sharing feature to get the most out of whatever size storage they can afford. Sure, 4GB of storage the cheapest Vita memory card offers isn't ideal, but at least Sony is throwing you a bone to make it work.

PlayStation Vita gets a content management app, plays nice with PS3 and PC originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>content managementContentManagementdata transferDataTransfermemorymemory cardMemoryCardminipostngpPlayStationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitaps3psp 2Psp2psvpsv appsPsvAppsPsVitaremovable storageRemovableStoragesd cardSdCardsonySony PlayStationSonyPlaystationstoragevitavita appsVita Content ManagementVitaAppsVitaContentManagementSun, 13 Nov 2011 00:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony limits PS Vita game save options, memory card definitely not optional]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/sony-limits-ps-vita-game-save-options-memory-card-definitely-no/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/sony-limits-ps-vita-game-save-options-memory-card-definitely-no/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/sony-limits-ps-vita-game-save-options-memory-card-definitely-no/#comments We say proprietary and you think, Sony. Isn't that how it usually goes? For the electronic giant's latest reVitalized foray into portable gaming, the same old custom solution is in tow -- now, with limited storage options. According to a report on Kotaku Japan, games made for the handheld will either save your progress to its SD card-like external storage or to the cartridge itself, as SCEI's not offering users any option for overlap or preference. Thinking you might save a few bucks and skip out on the external memory altogether? Well, my frugal gaming friends, think again. Unlike the PSP, titles for the system requiring an external save, in addition to some downloadable content, simply won't play without a memory card on board. Sure, this tidbit of news could prove frustrating to those not indoctrinated to the company's obstinate ways. But, we're willing to bet this device's dazzling innards are enough to help you overlook these minor niggles come next February.

Sony limits PS Vita game save options, memory card definitely not optional originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>external memoryExternalMemorygame savesgames gameGameSavesGamesGamememorymemory cardmemory cardsMemoryCardMemoryCardsminipostPS VitaPsVitaSonySony PS VitaSonyPsVitavideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesVitaWed, 26 Oct 2011 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferroelectric transistor memory could run on 99 percent less power than flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/ferroelectric-transistor-memory-could-run-on-99-less-power-than/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/ferroelectric-transistor-memory-could-run-on-99-less-power-than/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/ferroelectric-transistor-memory-could-run-on-99-less-power-than/#comments We've been keeping an optimistic eye on the progress of Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FeRAM) for a few years now, not least because it offers the tantalizing promise of 1.6GB/s read and write speeds and crazy data densities. But researchers at Purdue University reckon we've been looking in the wrong place this whole time: the real action is with their development of FeTRAM, which adds an all-important 'T' for 'Transistor'. Made by combining silicon nanowires with a ferroelectric polymer, Purdue's material holds onto its 0 or 1 polarity even after being read, whereas readouts from capacitor-based FeRAM are destructive. Although still at the experimental stage, this new type of memory could boost speeds while also reducing power consumption by 99 percent. Quick, somebody file a patent. Oh, they already did.

Ferroelectric transistor memory could run on 99 percent less power than flash originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitorFeRAMferroelectricFeTRAMmemorynanowirePurduePurdue UniversityPurdueUniversityRAMsiliconsilicon nanowireSiliconNanowiretransistorWed, 28 Sep 2011 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung opens 'most advanced' 20nm-class flash memory production line]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/samsung-opens-most-advanced-20nm-class-flash-memory-production/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/samsung-opens-most-advanced-20nm-class-flash-memory-production/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/samsung-opens-most-advanced-20nm-class-flash-memory-production/#comments Samsung's "20nm-class" designations for flash memory production are frustratingly nonspecific, but smallest processes or not it's ready to crank out more chips than ever. Reuters reports the electronics giant just flipped the switch on its first new production line in five years, one that it's calling "the industry's largest and most advanced memory fabrication facility." It could take up to nine months to get fully up to speed, but the increased production and reduced costs should keep the competition coming Samsung's way for storage no matter what their current legal situation.

Samsung opens 'most advanced' 20nm-class flash memory production line originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20nm20nm-classflashflash memoryFlashMemorymemoryminipostsamsungFri, 23 Sep 2011 08:49:00 EST<![CDATA[SanDisk outs Extreme Pro SDXC, Mobile Ultra microSDXC, new Cruzer USB sticks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sandisk-outs-extreme-pro-64gb-sdxc-mobile-ultra-microsdxc-new/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sandisk-outs-extreme-pro-64gb-sdxc-mobile-ultra-microsdxc-new/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sandisk-outs-extreme-pro-64gb-sdxc-mobile-ultra-microsdxc-new/#comments Okay, they're not depicted to scale -- but don't they look sweet? In addition to the Memory Vault, SanDisk also chose today to freshen up its SDXC and USB flash products, which should start appearing in candy stores from October. Top billing goes to the Extreme Pro SDXC with 95MB/s reads and purportedly world-beating 90MB/s writes, starting at $110 for 8GB and topping out at 64GB for untold dollars. The Mobile Ultra range for microSDXC-equipped phones and tablets also goes up to 64GB, with 30MB/s transfer rates and a starting price of $25 for 4GB. Then there's the tiny Cruzer Fit and pocket-friendly Cruzer Switch USB sticks starting at the $20 mark, plus a dime for good luck. Click the PR after the break for more sugary details.

Continue reading SanDisk outs Extreme Pro SDXC, Mobile Ultra microSDXC, new Cruzer USB sticks

SanDisk outs Extreme Pro SDXC, Mobile Ultra microSDXC, new Cruzer USB sticks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>64GBclass 6Class6CruzerCruzer FitCruzer SwitchCruzerFitCruzerSwitchExtreme ProExtremeProfastfastestflashflash driveflash memoryFlashDriveFlashMemorymemorymemory cardmemory stickMemoryCardMemoryStickmicrosdxcMobile UltraMobileUltrasandiskSandisk CruzerSandisk Cruzer FitSandisk Cruzer SwitchSandisk Extreme ProSandisk Mobile UltraSandiskCruzerSandiskCruzerFitSandiskCruzerSwitchSandiskExtremeProSandiskMobileUltraSDSD cardSdCardsdxcsdxc 64gbSdxc64gbWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Single-chip DIMM stacks integrated circuits like shingles for greater DRAM efficiency]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/single-chip-dimm-stacks-integrated-circuits-like-shingles-for-gr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/single-chip-dimm-stacks-integrated-circuits-like-shingles-for-gr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/single-chip-dimm-stacks-integrated-circuits-like-shingles-for-gr/#comments Cellphone screens may be getting bigger, but the push to shrink all other computing components continues unabated. Invensas is well aware of this, and has come up with new, multi-die memory that promises to be both smaller in size and more capacious than existing DRAM. Called xFD, it mounts integrated circuits in a "shingle-like configuration" on top of one another to accomplish the trick. Such stacking increases speed while reducing power consumption due to much shorter connections between RAM dies than what's found in multi-chip DIMM. Of course, the memory won't be popping up in PCs anytime soon, but the company will be showing off its new tech at IDF next week. While you wait, there's more RAM reading in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Single-chip DIMM stacks integrated circuits like shingles for greater DRAM efficiency

Single-chip DIMM stacks integrated circuits like shingles for greater DRAM efficiency originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dimmdramefficiencyidfidf 2011Idf2011intel developers conferenceIntelDevelopersConferenceinvensasmemoryramTesseraTessera TechnologiesTesseraTechnologiesThu, 08 Sep 2011 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers wed quantum processor with quantum memory, quaziness ensues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/researchers-wed-quantum-processor-with-quantum-memory-quaziness/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/researchers-wed-quantum-processor-with-quantum-memory-quaziness/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/researchers-wed-quantum-processor-with-quantum-memory-quaziness/#commentsQuantum computing has a long way to go before becoming truly mainstream, but that certainly hasn't stopped us from indulging in dreams of a qubit-based existence. The latest bit of fantasy fodder comes from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where researchers have become the first to combine a quantum processor with memory mechanisms on a single chip. To do this, Matteo Mariantoni and his team of scientists connected two qubits with a quantum bus and linked each of them to a memory element, capable of storing their current values in the same way that RAM stores data on conventional computers. These qubit-memory links also contained arrays of resonators -- jagged, yet easily controlled circuits that can store values for shorter periods of time. The qubits, meanwhile, were constructed using superconducting circuits, allowing the UCSB team to nestle their qubits even closer together, in accordance with the von Neumann architecture that governs most commercial computers. Once everything was in place, the researchers used their system to run complex algorithms and operations that could be eventually used to decode data encryption. The next step, of course, is to scale up the design, though Mariantoni says that shouldn't be too much of a problem, thanks to his system's resonators -- which, according to him, "represent the future of quantum computing with integrated circuits."

Researchers wed quantum processor with quantum memory, quaziness ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturecircuitrycircuitscomputingdataMatteo MariantoniMatteoMariantonimemoryprocessorquantumquantum computerquantum computingQuantumComputerQuantumComputingqubitRAMresearchresonatorstoragesuperconductingukUniversity of California Santa BarbaraUniversityOfCaliforniaSantaBarbaravon neumannvon neumann architectureVonNeumannVonNeumannArchitectureFri, 02 Sep 2011 22:57:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM's cognitive computing chip functions like a human brain, heralds our demise (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/ibms-cognitive-computing-chip-functions-like-a-human-brain-her/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/ibms-cognitive-computing-chip-functions-like-a-human-brain-her/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/18/ibms-cognitive-computing-chip-functions-like-a-human-brain-her/#comments
After having created a supercomputer capable of hanging with Jeopardy's finest, IBM has now taken another step toward human-like artificial intelligence, with an experimental chip designed to function like a real brain. Developed as part of a DARPA project called SyNAPSE (Systems of Neuromorphic Adaptive Plastic Scalable Electronics), IBM's so-called "neurosynaptic computing chip" features a silicon core capable of digitally replicating the brain's neurons, synapses and axons. To achieve this, researchers took a dramatic departure from the conventional von Neumann computer architecture, which links internal memory and a processor with a single data channel. This structure allows for data to be transmitted at high, but limited rates, and isn't especially power efficient -- especially for more sophisticated, scaled-up systems. Instead, IBM integrated memory directly within its processors, wedding hardware with software in a design that more closely resembles the brain's cognitive structure. This severely limits data transfer speeds, but allows the system to execute multiple processes in parallel (much like humans do), while minimizing power usage. IBM's two prototypes have already demonstrated the ability to navigate, recognize patterns and classify objects, though the long-term goal is to create a smaller, low-power chip that can analyze more complex data and, yes, learn. Scurry past the break for some videos from IBM's researchers, along with the full press release.

Continue reading IBM's cognitive computing chip functions like a human brain, heralds our demise (video)

IBM's cognitive computing chip functions like a human brain, heralds our demise (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectureaxonbrainchipcognitivecognitive computing chipCognitiveComputingChipcomputingCPUDARPAdesignibmibm researchIbmResearchlearningmemoryneuronneuroscienceneurosynaptic computing chipNeurosynapticComputingChipparallelpowerprocessorprototyperesearchsupercomputersynapsesynapsesthinkingvideovon neumannVonNeumannwatsonThu, 18 Aug 2011 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[SandForce demos 24nm flash from Toshiba, cheaper SSDs on the horizon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/sandforce-demos-24nm-flash-from-toshiba-cheaper-ssds-on-the-hor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/sandforce-demos-24nm-flash-from-toshiba-cheaper-ssds-on-the-hor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/sandforce-demos-24nm-flash-from-toshiba-cheaper-ssds-on-the-hor/#comments Toshiba and SandForce SandForce, the company behind the companies that make some of the best SSDs on the market, is at it again -- this time demoing 24nm NAND flash from Toshiba at the Flash Memory Summit in Santa Clara, CA. An SF-2000 processor was matched with the new shrunk-down storage, a 6Gb/sec SATA connection, and jammed inside a 2.5-inch enclosure to deliver 500MB/sec read and write speeds. It's not the fastest we've seen, but the big news here isn't the data rates -- it's the potential for cheaper SSDs. The smaller manufacturing process means Toshiba will be able to squeeze more storage out of the same wafer of silicon and, hopefully, shrink those still somewhat bloated prices. Check out the full PR after the break.

Continue reading SandForce demos 24nm flash from Toshiba, cheaper SSDs on the horizon

SandForce demos 24nm flash from Toshiba, cheaper SSDs on the horizon originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24nm24nm nand flash24nmNandFlashflashflash memoryflash memory summitFlashMemoryFlashMemorySummitmemorynandnand flashNandFlashsandforcesandforce sf-2000SandforceSf-2000sf-2000solid state driveSolidStateDrivessdstoragetoshibaWed, 10 Aug 2011 06:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Delkin's CF cards handle all weathers, so quit yo' jibber jabber]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/delkins-cf-cards-handle-all-weathers-so-quit-yo-jibber-jabber/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/delkins-cf-cards-handle-all-weathers-so-quit-yo-jibber-jabber/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/delkins-cf-cards-handle-all-weathers-so-quit-yo-jibber-jabber/#comments Delkin sneers at wimps who sit around all day debating whether it's worse to be too hot or too cold. Its new 32GB and 64GB rugged CompactFlash cards relish both extremes, with a claimed operating temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. They achieve this by eschewing the cheaper multi-level cell design of namby-pamby mainstream cards in favor of single-level cells that last for up to two million cycles and max out at 105MB/s reads and 95MB/s writes. We wouldn't stick anything else in our SnoMote. Full details in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Delkin's CF cards handle all weathers, so quit yo' jibber jabber

Delkin's CF cards handle all weathers, so quit yo' jibber jabber originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcticclimatecoldCompactFlashdelkinextremeflashflash memoryFlashMemoryheathotmemoryNANDruggedtemperaturetoughTue, 09 Aug 2011 09:47:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD intros Radeon-branded RAM, gives gamers that coordinated component look]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/amd-intros-radeon-branded-ram-gives-gamers-that-coordinated-com/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/amd-intros-radeon-branded-ram-gives-gamers-that-coordinated-com/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/amd-intros-radeon-branded-ram-gives-gamers-that-coordinated-com/#comments Have an inexplicable lust for all things AMD? Better sit down for this one folks, as your favorite chip company is back, this time peddling Radeon-branded RAM in exchange for your hard earned dough. Tested to the "highest industry" standards, the DDR3 modules will be available in three SKUs: the entry-level "Entertainment" sticks (clocked at 1333MHz), followed by speedier "Ultra Pro Gaming" (1600MHz) and an "Enterprise" RAM of an unknown speed. Akiba PC Online! spotted 2GB modules of the lowest tier chilling in Japan for a cool ¥1570 (around $20 stateside), as-well as a US product page (which we've kindly linked below). Small price to pay for memory to match your graphics card -- brand loyalty's a beautiful thing, right guys?

AMD intros Radeon-branded RAM, gives gamers that coordinated component look originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDAMD RadeonAmdRadeonDDR3DDR3 RAMDdr3RammemoryRadeonRAMrandom access memoryRandomAccessMemoryTue, 09 Aug 2011 06:50:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM rig doesn't look like much, scans 10 billion files in 43 minutes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/ibm-rig-doesnt-look-like-much-scans-10-billion-files-in-43-min/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/ibm-rig-doesnt-look-like-much-scans-10-billion-files-in-43-min/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/ibm-rig-doesnt-look-like-much-scans-10-billion-files-in-43-min/#comments Someone ought to gift these IBM researchers a better camera, because their latest General Parallel File System is a back-slapping 37 times faster than their last effort back in 2007. The rig combines ten IBM System xSeries servers with Violin Memory SSDs that hold 6.5 terabytes of metadata relating to 10 billion separate files. Every single one of those files can be analyzed and managed using policy-guided rules in under three quarters of an hour. That kind of performance might seem like overkill, but it's only just barely in step with what IBM's Doug Balog describes as a "rapidly growing, multi-zettabyte world." No prizes for guessing who their top customer is likely to be. Full details in the PR after the break.

Continue reading IBM rig doesn't look like much, scans 10 billion files in 43 minutes

IBM rig doesn't look like much, scans 10 billion files in 43 minutes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>file systemFileSystemgeneral parallel file systemGeneralParallelFileSystemIBMIBM researchIBM research storage systemsIbmResearchIbmResearchStorageSystemsmemoryparallel computingparallel processingParallelComputingParallelProcessingresearchresearcherscanscanningspeed performanceSpeedPerformancestoragestorage systemsStorageSystemsFri, 22 Jul 2011 03:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NC State University researchers create soft memory machine, just add water]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/nc-state-university-researchers-create-soft-memory-machine-just/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/nc-state-university-researchers-create-soft-memory-machine-just/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/nc-state-university-researchers-create-soft-memory-machine-just/#comments We're not big fans of the word moist, nor the objects it usually describes. But if you call it mushy, slap some storage capabilities into it and develop it in a North Carolina State University lab -- well, then we're all smiles. Which is exactly what researchers at the school have accomplished with their "similar to the human brain" memory device (mmmm... brains). Known as memristors, these biocompatible electronics are ideal for harsh, wet environments that other wussier tech dare not tread. Ripe with the wobbly "properties of Jell-O," the squishy water-based gel houses gallium and iridium alloys that fluctuate between on / off electrically conductive and resistive states -- that's 1 and 0, respectively. Capacity for the gelatinous invention isn't yet optimized for significant real-world use, but you can bet this thing'll be making its way into Krang's exo-suit anyday now. Bill Cosby approved PR after the break.

Continue reading NC State University researchers create soft memory machine, just add water

NC State University researchers create soft memory machine, just add water originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>memorymemory gelMemoryGelmemristorNC State UniversityNcStateUniversityNorth Carolina State UniversityNorthCarolinaStateUniversityresearchsoft memory deviceSoftMemoryDevicestorageThu, 14 Jul 2011 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM develops 'instantaneous' memory, 100x faster than flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/embargo-ibm-develops-instantaneous-memory-100x-faster-than-fl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/embargo-ibm-develops-instantaneous-memory-100x-faster-than-fl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/embargo-ibm-develops-instantaneous-memory-100x-faster-than-fl/#comments You've got to hand it to IBM's engineers. They drag themselves into work after their company's 100th birthday party, pop a few Alka-Seltzers and then promptly announce yet another seismic invention. This time it's a new kind of phase change memory (PCM) that reads and writes 100 times faster than flash, stays reliable for millions of write-cycles (as opposed to just thousands with flash), and is cheap enough to be used in anything from enterprise-level servers all the way down to mobile phones. PCM is based on a special alloy that can be nudged into different physical states, or phases, by controlled bursts of electricity. In the past, the technology suffered from the tendency of one of the states to relax and increase its electrical resistance over time, leading to read errors. Another limitation was that each alloy cell could only store a single bit of data. But IBM employees burn through problems like these on their cigarette breaks: not only is their latest variant more reliable, it can also store four data bits per cell, which means we can expect a data storage "paradigm shift" within the next five years. Combine this with Intel's promised 50Gbps interconnect, which has a similar ETA, and data will start flowing faster than booze from an open bar on the boss's tab. There's more detailed science in the PR after the break, if you have a clear head.

Continue reading IBM develops 'instantaneous' memory, 100x faster than flash

IBM develops 'instantaneous' memory, 100x faster than flash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alloycelldatadiscoverydurabilityelectricityflashIBMinventionmemoryparadigm shiftParadigmShiftPCMphasephase changephase change memoryPhaseChangePhaseChangeMemoryspeedvoltageThu, 30 Jun 2011 00:01:00 EST